AMA/FIM North America Congratulates 2022 Racing Champions

David Swarts

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October 6, 2022

AMA/FIM North America Congratulates 2022 Racing Champions

FIM North America Congratulates 2022 Champions

Multiple FIM North America Championships wrapped up in September

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme North America (FIM NA) congratulates the FIM NA-sanctioned class champions crowned at the final two rounds of this year’s MotoAmerica Series.

“The 2022 season has been a great success,” said FIM NA President Rob Dingman, “and the champions at its conclusion are worthy of the honors they worked hard to earn.”

Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne won the Medallia AMA Superbike Championship for a second consecutive year, clinching the title with a second-place finish Sunday.

Earlier in the month, Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC’s Josh Herrin secured the 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship at New Jersey Motorsports Park on Sept. 10. The title marked Herrin’s third overall and first in the class.

Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing’s Corey Alexander also wrapped up his title — the Yuasa Stock 1000 Championship — in New Jersey earlier in September.

In the 2022 Mini Cup by Motul Championship, the 160cc class was won by Nathan Gouker. By winning the 160cc class, Gouker, along with second place finisher Ryder Davis, will represent FIM NA in the FIM MiniGP World Series Final in Valencia, Spain, on Nov. 1.

About the FIM North America

FIM North America is one of six Continental Unions (CONUs) recognized as geographical subdivisions and accountable to the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). It was founded in 1998. The national federations who are members of FIM North America are, by virtue of their geographical area and their membership in the FIM, the American Motorcyclist Association and the Canadian Motorcycle Association. FIM North America establishes an annual calendar of Continental Championship events and other activities and declares champions in designated disciplines and classes. Its member federations issue CONU licenses to riders participating in FIM NA events as well as those who are participating in Continental Championship events organized in other CONUs. For more information, visit fim-northamerica.com.

More, from another press release issued by FIM North America:

North America Talent Cup Completes Inaugural Season with Worthy Champion

Alessandro Di Mario becomes first title-winner

Alessandro Di Mario. Photo by Fast Glass Media, courtesy NATC.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme North America (FIM NA) congratulates Alessandro Di Mario on being crowned the 2022 North America Talent Cup Champion.

“The inaugural season of the North America Talent Cup was a huge success and a great standard was set,” said FIM NA President Rob Dingman. “The competition was exciting to the very end and Alessandro Di Mario proved to be a deserving champion.”

Di Mario edged out runner-up Jesse Shedden by a single point in the final standings to become the first North America Talent Cup (NATC) champion.

The inaugural season of the NATC concluded alongside the final round of the MotoAmerica Series at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.

The NATC — a collaborative effort between MotoAmerica and Dorna with Rise Moto providing coordination and sanctioned by FIM North America and the AMA — is designed to be a stepping stone between the FIM North America Mini Cup Series and the FIM European Talent Cup or Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. The inaugural season spanned seven rounds and included riders between the ages of 13 and 16.

About the FIM North America

FIM North America is one of six Continental Unions (CONUs) recognized as geographical subdivisions and accountable to the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). It was founded in 1998. The national federations who are members of FIM North America are, by virtue of their geographical area and their membership in the FIM, the American Motorcyclist Association and the Canadian Motorcycle Association. FIM North America establishes an annual calendar of Continental Championship events and other activities and declares champions in designated disciplines and classes. Its member federations issue CONU licenses to riders participating in FIM NA events as well as those who are participating in Continental Championship events organized in other CONUs. For more information, visit fim-northamerica.com.

More, from a press release issued by AMA:

Champions Crowned at MotoAmerica Finale

Gagne takes AMA Superbike title, others win support classes

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association congratulates the champions crowned at the MotoAmerica Series finale at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.

The 2022 season’s final event, which ran Sept. 23-25, wrapped up the Medallia AMA Superbike Championship and five support-class titles. Two of the three Mini Cup by Motul classes were also decided on the track in the season finale.

“The 2022 season finale was action packed and full of excitement,” said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. “After a year full of hard work and spectacular performances, it is great to see a group of winners who embody what it means to be a champion.”

Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne won the Medallia AMA Superbike Championship for a second consecutive year as he clinched the title with a second-place finish Sept. 25.

Alpha Omega Kawasaki’s Cody Wyman and Rodio Racing Kawasaki’s Gus Rodio finished the SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup season tied at 285 points, but Wyman took the championship because of the tiebreaker that is determined by total season wins.

The REV’IT! Twins Cup was claimed by N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto’s Blake Davis, who rode his late-season momentum to the title. The 16-year-old rider entered the finale ahead by 15 points and his fourth-place finish Sept. 25 was good enough to hold on for the championship.

Earlier in the month, Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC’s Josh Herrin secured the 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship at New Jersey Motorsports Park on Sept. 10. The title marked Herrin’s third overall and first in the class.

Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing’s Corey Alexander also wrapped up his title — the Yuasa Stock 1000 Championship — in New Jersey earlier in September.

Mission Foods/S&S Cycle/Indian Challenger Team’s Tyler O’Hara ended his season by winning both the 2022 MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers Championship and the Super Hooligans Championship.

In the 2022 Mini Cup by Motul Championship, the 110cc and 160cc classes were won by Nathan Gouker. The 190cc title was claimed by Kensei Matsudaira.

By winning the 160cc class, Gouker, along with second place finisher Ryder Davis, will represent FIM NA in the FIM MiniGP World Series Final in Valencia, Spain, on Nov. 1.

The conclusion of the inaugural North America Talent Cup (NATC) happened alongside the final round of the MotoAmerica Series at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala., and Alessandro Di Mario edged out runner-up Jesse Shedden by a single point in the final standings to become the first NATC champion.

The NATC — which is a collaborative effort between MotoAmerica and Dorna with Rise Moto providing coordination and sanctioned by FIM North America and the AMA — is designed to be a stepping stone between the FIM North America Mini Cup Series and the FIM European Talent Cup or Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. The inaugural season spanned seven rounds and included riders between the ages of 13 and 16.

2022 MotoAmerica Series results:

Medallia AMA Superbike

1. Jake Gagne

2. Danilo Petrucci

3. Cameron Petersen

Supersport

1. Josh Herrin

2. Rocco Landers

3. Tyler Scott

SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup

1. Cody Wyman

2. Gus Rodio

3. Kayla Yaakov

Yuasa Stock 1000

1. Corey Alexander

2. Hayden Gillim

3. Travis Wyman

REV’IT! Twins Cup

1. Blake Davis

2. Jody Barry

3. Anthony Mazziotto

Mission King of the Baggers

1. Tyler O’Hara

2. Travis Wyman

3. Kyle Wyman

RSD Super Hooligan

1. Tyler O’Hara

2. Cory West

3. Andy DiBrino

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

British Superbike: Rouse Dies From Injuries Sustained Oct. 2 At Donington Park

David Swarts

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October 6, 2022

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British Superbike: Rouse Dies From Injuries Sustained Oct. 2 At Donington Park

Following an accident during Bennetts British Superbike Championship race three at Donington Park (on Sunday 2 October 2022), competitor Chrissy Rouse crashed heavily on the opening lap of the race and was unavoidably struck by an immediately following rider. He sustained a significant head injury.

The race was stopped and he was treated immediately trackside by the BSB Medical Team before being transferred to the circuit medical centre.

He was stabilised and put in a medically induced coma at the medical centre before being transferred to Queens Medical Centre/University Hospital, Nottingham for further assessment and treatment. He underwent an emergency neurosurgical procedure shortly after admission.

It is with great regret that we have to announce that Chrissy Rouse aged 26, from Newcastle upon Tyne, has succumbed to his injuries, and passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family in hospital earlier this afternoon.

On behalf of Chrissy’s family they wish to convey their deep appreciation for the support and well wishes that they have received in recent days. As well they wish to thank all the attending marshals and medical services who provided such skill and care attending to Chrissy. The family also ask for privacy at this difficult time as they attempt to deal with their devastating loss.

MSVR is now working with the Coroner, Police and the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board in order to investigate the full circumstances of this tragic accident.

Our deepest condolences are extended to Chrissy’s family, friends and team members.

More, from a press release issued by BMW Motorrad Motorsport:

The BMW Motorrad Motorsport family mourns Chrissy Rouse.

Munich. The BMW Motorrad Motorsport family is mourning the death of Chrissy Rouse (GBR). The 26-year-old Briton passed away on Thursday, succumbing to the serious injuries suffered last weekend in an accident in the British Superbike Championship at Donington Park (GBR). It was with great dismay and sadness that BMW Motorrad Motorsport received the news of Rouse’s death.

Rouse was a valued member of the BMW Motorrad Motorsport family for several years. In 2020, he won the title in the British National Superstock 1000 Championship with the Crowe Performance BMW Team. This season, Rouse had been riding for the Crowe Performance BMW Team in the British Superbike Championship.

The whole BMW Motorrad Motorsport community wishes to express its heartfelt condolences to Rouse’s family, friends and team. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

R.I.P. Phil Read MBE (Updated)

David Swarts

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October 6, 2022

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From a statement issued by the Read family:

It is with incredible sadness that the Read family reports the passing of Phil Read MBE while peacefully asleep on the morning of October 6th, 2022, at his home in Canterbury, England.

Phil is best known for winning Yamaha’s first world championship title in 1964 with four more Yamaha-mounted titles including one fought as a privateer, plus two premier class 500cc world championships in 1973 and 1974 for the Italian MV Agusta marque.

Often a controversial and outspoken figure, his prolific racing career included 52 FIM Grand Prix wins and eight wins at the iconic Isle of Man TT Races. In 2002 he was granted the status of “MotoGP Legend” by Dorna.

Phil is survived by his sons Michael, Graham, Phil Jr, Roki and daughter Esme’. Further details on any public celebrations of life will be shared.

Editorial Note: Phil Read, a seven-time Grand Prix World Champion, was 83.

More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:

Phil Read MBE: 1939-2022 | Yamaha’s First Ever Road Racing World Champion

The Yamaha Racing family are incredibly saddened by the news that Phil Read MBE, Yamaha’s first-ever road racing World Champion, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Canterbury, England this morning.

Read, 83, was truly one of motorcycle racing’s greats, winning seven Grand Prix Road Racing titles during the 1960s and 70s. The British ace was also the first rider to claim world championship victories in all three of the 125cc, 250cc and 500cc classes.

His illustrious career began with the first of eight Isle of Man TT victories in 1961, and in 1964 he gave Yamaha its first world title, winning the 250cc class on the RD56. In 1968, Read dominated both the 125cc and 250cc championships, standing on the top step of the podium in 12 of the 15 races he contested. He followed that up with another 250cc title in 1971, his final for Yamaha, before claiming the 500cc world championship crown in 1973 and 1974.

With 52 Grand Prix victories to his name, Read retired from the world championship in 1976, while his final race came at the 1982 Isle of Man TT. In 1979 he was awarded the MBE for services to motorcycle racing and his career was further recognised in 2002 when he was inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame.

Everyone at Yamaha offers their sincere condolences to Phil’s family and friends.

WorldSBK: Rea Says He’s Excited By What He’s Been Testing

David Swarts

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October 6, 2022

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WorldSBK: Rea Says He’s Excited By What He’s Been Testing

Algarve Offers Possibilities To KRT

The Barcelona-based KRT WorldSBK squad will move all the way across the Iberian peninsula after their recent home race weekend in Catalunya to take part in the ninth round at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal. Alex Lowes and Jonathan Rea will take to the 4.592km long track in earnest between 7-9 October.

In a busy period for WorldSBK in general ‘Portimao’ – as the Algarve circuit is more familiarly known inside the paddock – is a welcome venue to visit. Both KRT riders cite it as one of their favourite race destinations of this or any other year. It will also be the final European-based venue in 2022, with the last three rounds all being flyaway events in the Southern Hemisphere.

Since the previous round in Barcelona-Catalunya Rea and Lowes took part in a short test at that same circuit on the Monday after race weekend, and yet another test on Wednesday 28 September, at the Motorland Aragon circuit. As this evidence suggests, no stone has been left unturned in pursuit of KRT success in the final few rounds.

Six-times WorldSBK Champion Rea has a remarkable record in most statistical measures within this category of racing but Portimao is actually his second best circuit in terms of race wins. Rea has 13 Portimao victories already in his WorldSBK locker. Assen is his absolute best venue to date, with 17 victories already claimed.

Portimao was actually the first track that Rea raced in WorldSBK, when he swapped his regular WorldSSP ride for an early Superbike opportunity at the very end of the 2008 season.

Some recent changes to his Ninja ZX-10RR’s base set-up have seen Lowes back to the kind of form he is looking for in WorldSBK. Alex has been on the Portimao podium once before but this coming weekend he is out to add to his top three tally this season, having already taken third places at the Donington and Catalunya rounds.

As we enter the ninth round of the season Rea is sitting third in the championship rankings, 67 points from the lead and just eight points from second place. Lowes is seventh, just nine points behind the top six.

After Portimao completes the European phase of the 12-round WorldSBK calendar the first of three ‘long-haul’ events will take place at the Circuito San Juan Villicum in Argentina, between 21-23 October 2022.

Jonathan Rea, stated: “Portimao is a great circuit, and one which has a lot of special memories for me. I had my first ever WorldSBK Race there in 2008. The circuit itself is very challenging. It has a lot of different characteristics, from slow corners to fast ones, blind entries and apexes, so there is a lot of rider input required. We have enjoyed some success there. After Barcelona, where we were able to extract the full potential from our Ninja ZX-10RR, I expect to go to Portugal and keep working with my team to create a good race package. The race in Portugal is also cool because I have a lot of travelling support from Northern Ireland there. It is a great circuit for viewing as well. The target is to have a really good weekend. I really want to get back to winning ways after this mid part of the season, where I have had a bit of a win drought. Our team has had two good days of testing recently; one on Barcelona following the race and one in Motorland. We have a lot more information now and I am excited to put that to good use in Portugal.”

Alex Lowes, stated: “Portimao is one of my favourite tracks – and events in general. It’s going to end the European season for us and normally it’s a good track for me and the Ninja ZX-10RR. I’m aiming to continue my strong form and be fighting for the podium places again. We’ve made some improvements with our base set up lately, especially with the rear of the bike, which has given me even greater confidence. I can’t wait to try out the set-up changes next weekend at Portimao.”

Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) heads to Portugal looking to score top ten finishes with his Italian-based team. Oliver König (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) will continue his rookie season in search of championship points. After some strong displays from new rider Oscar Gutierrez (Team Pedercini Racing Kawasaki) BSB regular Leon Haslam is preparing to return for the Portimao round. Leon has four Portimao WorldSBK podiums to his credit.

MotoGP: Savadori Continuing As Aprilia Test Rider In 2023

David Swarts

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October 6, 2022

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MotoGP: Savadori Continuing As Aprilia Test Rider In 2023

LORENZO SAVADORI WITH APRILIA IN 2023

THE ITALIAN TESTER’S JOB BECOMES INCREASINGLY MORE CENTRAL TO THE APRILIA RACING PROJECT

Lorenzo Savadori will be an Aprilia test rider once again in the 2023 season. The Cesena native is an integral part of the Aprilia Racing project in MotoGP and will continue his development work on the RS-GP which includes the entire official and private testing programme, as well as a series of wild-card races in the World Championship.

The role of Lorenzo Savadori, FIM STK 1000 Cup champion and Italian Superbike Champion, will become even more demanding next year, given the outstanding results of the current season which will lead to the elimination of the regulatory concessions for Aprilia so that they will not be able to conduct private tests with factory riders Espargaró and Viñales.

As an official Aprilia Racing tester, Lorenzo will also be following the development of all the “track-ready” products from the Italian racing department, such as the RSV4 Xtrenta, created by the Veneto based factory in order to make not only the performance, but also the feeling and technology of true racing bikes, available to all enthusiasts.

LORENZO SAVADORI

“I am very happy about the renewal with Aprilia, with whom I have been collaborating since 2015. I’m particularly pleased with the level the RS-GP has reached and to have also provided my contribution to this growth, bringing the brand back into the battle for the championship title. Besides my work as a tester, I am always anxious to participate in as many races as possible, with the hopes of being able to once again race for an entire season as a rider.”

MotoGP: Mir Returning To Action At Phillip Island

David Swarts

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October 6, 2022

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MotoGP: Mir Returning To Action At Phillip Island

MIR MAKES HIS WAY BACK TO MOTOGP FOR PHILLIP ISLAND ROUND

Suzuki’s Joan Mir is planning to make his return to action at the forthcoming Australian GP following a long recovery from the ankle injury he suffered in August.

The Mallorcan rider has been carrying out an extensive programme of recovery, which includes physiotherapy and rest. He tried to make a comeback at the Aragon GP last month, but the discomfort didn’t allow him to ride safely, and he withdrew from the subsequent three races. On Wednesday October 5th he underwent an electromyography to check the condition of the nerves and muscles around his damaged right ankle. These latest tests showed encouraging signs of recovery, and he will therefore attempt to ride in Australia. He is eager to return to the team, and Phillip Island circuit is one of his absolute favourites on the calendar.

Mir will attend medical checks with the circuit doctors next week ahead of his hopeful return to track action on Friday October 14th.

Joan Mir:

“It looks like everything is getting better, and I was very happy to hear the latest news from the doctors following my checks. The injury appears to be healing well and the recovery work I’ve been doing has paid off. I’m still not at 100%, but I feel it’s time to come back because the situation is a lot better than it has been in previous weeks. I want to spend these last three races of the season with my team, so I hope that I will feel OK on the bike and be able to ride well.”

Livio Suppo:

“I am very happy that Joan can return in Phillip Island and be back with all of us. Even though we’ve been helped out by some nice stand-in riders, we’ve felt his absence, and it will be great to see him back on his bike! We will do everything to put him at ease and allow him to enjoy one of his favourite circuits.”

Moto2: Nozane Joins Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team

David Swarts

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October 6, 2022

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Moto2: Nozane Joins Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team

KOHTA NOZANE TO JOIN YAMAHA VR46 MASTER CAMP TEAM’S 2023 MOTO2 LINE-UP

Kohta Nozane, who currently competes in the FIM Superbike World Championship, is confirmed to join the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team Moto2 rider line-up for 2023.

Kohta Nozane, who currently competes in the FIM Superbike World Championship, will contest the Moto2 World Championship in 2023 with the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team.

Yamaha have supported Nozane throughout his time in the All Japan Road Race championships and are currently backing him in WorldSBK. They will continue to support him in Moto2 as a role model for young riders aiming for the global stage.

The Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team was established in 2017 in conjunction with VR46 Junior Team Srl. Until 2018, the team competed in the FIM CEV Moto3 Junior World Championship, and from 2019 to 2021 they participated in the FIM CEV Moto2 European Championship.

In 2022, the team became part of Yamaha‘s bLU cRU rider development programme. The project serves as a platform for young Yamaha talent to develop their skills at world championship level and accelerate the achievement of their goal of riding in MotoGP, the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.

Nozane won his first title in the All Japan Road Race Championship‘s premier JSB1000 class in 2020. In 2021, he moved to Europe to compete in the world’s leading production racing series, WorldSBK. In his first season he finished 14th overall, and in 2022 after eight rounds he is currently ranked 19th. Nozane has previous Moto2 experience, having ridden in the class once in 2012 and three times in 2013.

TETSU ONO

GENERAL MANAGER – YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.‘S MOTORSPORTS STRATEGY DIVISION

We are excited to announce that we will welcome Kohta Nozane to our Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team for the 2023 season. He is one of the best riders in Asia who has Yamaha bLU cRU experience. We will start a new chapter with him with the goal of showing everyone motorsports excitement. We will also continue to promote talented riders from Asia. We hope everyone will follow our challenge in Moto2.

GELETE NIETO

SPORTS DIRECTOR

I’m pleased to welcome Japanese rider Kohta Nozane to the team for 2023. With this signing, we will strengthen our team even more in our second year of participation in the Moto2 category. I want to thank Yamaha for all the effort and support they are putting into this project. I am sure that together we will achieve great results.

KOHTA NOZANE

2023 YAMAHA VR46 MASTER CAMP TEAM RIDER

I was able to win the JSB1000 title in 2020, and since then I‘ve spent two years in WorldSBK. It‘s been a big challenge trying to get results, and I‘ve had a lot of difficult races so far, but I‘ve also learned a lot and gained a lot of experience. For 2023, I‘ll make a fresh start and compete in Moto2. I realize this will also be a big undertaking, but I‘ll do my best to produce some great races for my fans and for Yamaha.

American Yaakov Competing In Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European SuperFinale

David Swarts

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October 6, 2022

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American Yaakov Competing In Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European SuperFinale

25 Riders, One Winner: The Inaugural Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European SuperFinale is Set for Portugal

Joining the FIM Superbike World Championship paddock this weekend is the first edition of the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European SuperFinale, which is set to offer 25 young riders the unique opportunity to earn a spot on next year’s Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup grid.

Featuring at the Portimao WorldSBK round this weekend and open to riders aged 14-20, the R3 SuperFinale will consist of two races each offering 25 points to the winner. By the end of the event, the overall winner will then earn a place in the 2023 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup, with support from Yamaha.

Action from a previous Yamaha bLU cRU R3 Cup race. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

From there, they then have the chance to follow in the footsteps of the European Cup’s two winners, Iker Garcia Abella and Enzo Valentim, by competing for a supported ride in the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship.

The inaugural R3 SuperFinale welcomes 25 riders from seven countries within Europe, as well as Brazil, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and the United States, making for a truly global event. Alongside this, four female youngsters will also line-up this weekend: 2021 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup racer Kayla Yaakov of the USA, Magny-Cours wildcard Justine Pedemonte (France), Misano wildcard Josephine Bruno (Italy), and Spanish talent Natalia Rivera Resel.

Several of the R3 SuperFinale contenders this weekend have also already tasted racing in the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup this year, including Mohammed Abdalaziz Binladin from Saudi Arabia, and five of the six youngsters from the Italian R3 Cup: Emanuele Cazzaniga, Emiliano Ercolani, Emilano Rapanotti, Federico Iacoi, and Bruno.

Elsewhere, Kaywan Alves Freire Da Costa looks to become the latest of a host of Brazilian stars to take on the R3 Cup, while Teppei Kugawa aims to become Japan’s first representative in the European Championship. David Da Costa will be the ‘home favourite’ heading to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, with Thurakij Buapa travelling more than 10,000 km from Thailand to take his shot at victory.

While Italy is represented by the most riders, Spain is represented by five, including Barcelona FIM Supersport 300 World Championship wildcard star Unai Calatayud Pascual. Four riders come from France, two from the Netherlands, and one from Germany and the United Kingdom.

Like the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup, the R3 SuperFinale riders will first get to grips with the Portuguese venue with a 30-minute Free Practice session on Friday, before qualifying gets underway later that day. The 25 riders will then have the opportunity to show their talents in front of the WorldSBK paddock with two races on Saturday.

Paolo Pavesio

Yamaha Motor Europe Marketing and Motorsport Director

“We are very pleased to see the fantastic amount of interest the first-ever Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European SuperFinale has generated. From a primarily European event, the concept has quickly evolved during the season thanks to the strong interest from many Yamaha entities around the world. We are now amazed to also welcome riders from countries like Brazil, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Thailand, including four young female riders planning to join us in Portimao for a truly diverse and global event. This will be a great experience for all of them, and the winner will have the very special opportunity to race in next year’s Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup with our support. It fits perfectly into Yamaha’s rider step-up program, as it gives a unique opportunity to riders to showcase their talents inside the WorldSBK paddock. We are sure that everyone will enjoy being a part of this inaugural R3 SuperFinale, and I wish the best of luck to everyone involved. A big thanks to our European and overseas distributors for their commitment to the bLU cRU program, as well as to all the people working behind the scenes to make this event possible.”

2022entrylistR3bLUcRUEUSuperFinale

Video: Escalante Recaps Second Half Of His Rookie Superbike Season

David Swarts

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October 6, 2022

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Video: Escalante Recaps Second Half Of His Rookie Superbike Season

American Matsudaira On The Podium Once Again In Spain

David Swarts

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October 5, 2022

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American Matsudaira On The Podium Once Again In Spain

American Kensei Matsudaira on Podium in Jerez at Final Moto5 Spanish Championship Race

On Sunday, 11-year old Japanese-American Kensei Matsudaira scored another podium in the final round of the Cuna de Campeones Moto5 championship held October 1-2 at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto in Andalusia, Spain.

Kensei traveled to Spain directly from the final MotoAmerica round at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama and despite struggling with allergy-related illness and getting limited time to ride during free practice, was able to qualify 3rd on Saturday morning.

The first race of the weekend on Saturday afternoon saw Kensei quickly lose touch with the top 3 riders on the opening laps and drop to P6 at one point during the race, but Kensei make a charge in the second half of the race to make a pass in the final corner for 3rd position. Ultimately Kensei was just barely beaten to the finish line by 0.03 seconds, and he took 4th in the race.

In race two on Sunday, Kensei made a great start and immediately latched onto the top 2 riders and fought for the lead. The riders in the top group swapped positions throughout the race, with Kensei taking the lead several times and setting the fastest lap of the category for the weekend, with a laptime of 2:05.9. Kensei finally crossed the finish line in 3rd, just 0.2 seconds adrift of the race winner.

“After missing out on the podium at the last round in Valencia because of bike issues, I really wanted to come here and prove that I can fight for the top again,” Kensei said after the races. “But I got really sick after traveling and I knew I had to get better fast because even in perfect conditions, it’s always a challenge fighting with these guys. Saturday was a big struggle, I didn’t even know if I would be able to run the race distance but I was almost able to get on the podium which was my goal. On Sunday I felt better and I pushed hard from the start and was able to fight for the top again. I’m sad because I didn’t win, but I’m also happy because I was right there. In the end I’m really happy to be able to finish the season with a podium and being right there fighting for wins.”

The race concluded the highly competitive 7-round Cuna de Campeones Moto5 championship, with Kensei finishing 5th in the championship despite missing one round due to a schedule conflict with MotoAmerica, where just last week Kensei was crowned champion in the 2022 Mini Cup by Motul 190cc Ohvale GP-2 category.

Kensei would like to thank all of his sponsors for their support to help him race both at home and abroad: American Racing Team & Academy, Fresh N Lean, Evike.com, Shoei Helmets, Dave Designs, AGV Sport, VNM Sport, D.I.D Chain, Galfer USA, Yoshimura R&D, Suspension Matters, TechSpec, The Starting Grid, Moto Tecnica, Mad Labs Minimoto, 73 Moto Parts, Bickle Racing, Vortex Racing, Landers Racing, Boyko Racing, Apex Racing Center, Live 100 Moto, DRT Racing, Karen E. Ott Photography, Hans King, Moto Survival School, California Superbike School, and Toni Elias School USA.

Results - Jerez (Moto5 Races)

AMA/FIM North America Congratulates 2022 Racing Champions

October 6, 2022

Some of the 2022 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championships (from left): Blake Davis (Twins Cup), Josh Herrin (Supersport), Jake Gagne (Superbike), Corey Alexander (Stock 1000), and Cody Wyman (Junior Cup). Photo by Brian J. Nelson. — Some of the 2022 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Champions (from left): Blake Davis (Twins Cup), Josh Herrin (Supersport), Jake Gagne (Superbike), Corey Alexander (Stock 1000), and Cody Wyman (Junior Cup). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.