APRILIA RACING CONFIRMS THEIR FACTORY RIDERS FOR THE 2023/2024 TWO-YEAR PERIOD
ALEIX ESPARGARÓ AND MAVERICK VIÑALES WILL BE ON THE FACTORY RS-GP MACHINES FOR THE NEXT TWO-YEAR PERIOD
ALEIX: “WE ARE GOING THROUGH A GREAT TIME, WE ARE A CONCRETE REALITY AND NOW I WANT TO KEEP GROWING WITH APRILIA”
MAVERICK: “CONFIRMATION FOR THE NEXT TWO-YEAR PERIOD, BEING PART OF THE PROJECT, GIVES ME THE PEACE OF MIND TO SET GREAT GOALS FOR MYSELF”
MASSIMO RIVOLA: “WE ARE PROVIDING CONTINUITY TO A PROJECT THAT HAS JUST BEGUN TO REVEAL ITS POTENTIAL”
Under the sign of continuity, Aprilia Racing confirms their riders. Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales will be astride the factory RS-GP machines in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
With more than one-third of the races in the current season already done and dusted, Aleix Espargaró and his Aprilia are two top protagonists in the championship. With one win and three consecutive podiums, Aleix is reaping the fruits of a combination which is also based on the reciprocal and profound harmony with his team. In this situation, the synergy between bike and rider is one of the key factors for success.
Confirmation is based on this line of thinking for both the winner of the Argentinian GP and Maverick, who now has the same goals of increasingly closer integration with the Factory bike from Veneto.
Aleix Espargaró
“This confirmation was just what the doctor ordered. We’ve worked hard together and grown together. We were a hope, now we are reality. In 2021 we had already seen clear signs of our steps forward and now we are able to battle consistently with the best in the world. Continuing to do so with Aprilia is a source of pride for me. We can grow even more and we want to demonstrate that on the track.”
Maverick Viñales
“I’m extremely happy to continue my work with Aprilia Racing. Now our horizons are expanding and we’ll be able to work with continuity to achieve ambitious goals. I believe in this project and I’m happy to be part of it. I’ve found a fantastic environment in Aprilia and this confirmation gives me the peace of mind to grow the way this team and I deserve to.”
Massimo Rivola
“All the good we are doing this season is the fruit of many components, certainly the value of our designers and our technicians led by Romano Albesiano, the overall growth of our racing department and, in large part, the synergy that our Captain Aleix has skilfully built with the bike and with the team. So, we set the goal of continuing along these lines, both with Aleix and with Maverick, and I am pleased with these confirmations today. We still need to grow a lot and now we have the peace of mind to do so.”
Shortly after Danilo Petrucci crashed at the end of MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Race Two May 22 at VIRginia International Raceway, he posted on his social media feed about his experience and his displeasure with how MotoAmerica handled the situation.
Journalists from Europe, who were not at the track and some who clearly didn’t even watch a video replay of the incident, took Petrucci’s account as absolute fact and without getting information from any other sources wrote articles that painted MotoAmerica’s safety standards and the series as a whole in a negative light.
Danilo Petrucci at VIRginia International Raceway. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Unfortunately, Petrucci’s account of events is not exactly accurate and could arguably be called exaggerated.
Petrucci claimed he “hit three sponsor signs with my body,” when in fact he slid through one sponsor sign made of lightweight material because it is intended to be placed near the track without being a hazard to riders.
Petrucci claimed he was a lying down for “over two minutes with no assistance,” but video from the live race broadcast filmed him walking around and not showing any signs of distress 56 seconds after he took the checkered flag. MotoAmerica officials said they saw Petrucci with direct line of sight sitting up within 30 seconds of him crossing the finish line.
Danilo Petrucci (far left), 67 seconds after he crossed the finish line, standing and looking to cross the racetrack while other riders begin their cool-down lap. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Within three minutes of crashing Petrucci was in the medical center at VIR receiving care from a well-staffed and trauma-trained medical team, and afterward Petrucci’s injuries did not even warrant him being transported to a hospital in an ambulance. Instead, he flew home to Italy to see doctors there.
But after spending the last 10 years racing in the MotoGP World Championship, where the tracks are staffed by hundreds of cornerworkers; several physicians, nurses, and physical therapists; with medi-vac helicopters always on standby, Petrucci was apparently angry about the level of care he received. And instead of talking about it with officials, the Italian decided to vent on social media, which led to MotoAmerica being portrayed poorly in the International media and the eyes of fans.
Petrucci has yet to respond to requests from Roadracingworld.com seeking to speak to him, but other MotoAmerica racers, past and present, with International racing experience say they are comfortable with the level of safety at MotoAmerica events and that they take exception to Petrucci’s comments before and after VIR.
“I think it’s [safety in MotoAmerica] been awesome,” said defending MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne, who raced in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, the Moto2 World Championship, the British Supersport Championship, and in a full season of the FIM Superbike World Championship. “I don’t know exactly what happened in the incident on Sunday. I guess [Petrucci] was upset that nobody was there to care for him right away. They didn’t really show it on TV, so I don’t really know what happened. But in all of my years in MotoAmerica and after my year in World Superbike, MotoAmerica has really been on it in terms of safety.
Jake Gagne (1). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“That’s a really weird place to crash. At VIR, there’s no wall out there with cornerworkers and paramedics waiting to jump over the wall. I’m not really sure what he’s complaining about. When they showed him on camera he was walking away and getting ready to walk across the track. Is he mad that they didn’t come pick him up or something?”
Asked about the negative coverage MotoAmerica has received following Petrucci’s comments, Gagne said, “That’s the unfortunate part. I haven’t talked to him since COTA, but all I’ve heard from him since then is him bagging on everyone at MotoAmerica for different reasons, not just this weekend.”
“It’s a really difficult situation,” said Josh Hayes, who in addition to winning Supersport Race One at VIR this past weekend has won 83 other MotoAmerica/AMA Pro races, four AMA Superbike Championships, and has raced in the FIM MotoGP, Supersport, and Endurance World Championships. “I’ve been such a fan of Petrucci and I’m really disappointed for him to come here and just be sh*tting on us in the first three races.
Josh Hayes (4) on the Squid Hunter Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 at Daytona earlier this year. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“He doubles at the first one and MotoAmerica’s great. He does good at the next one, but it doesn’t go entirely the way he wants [and] we’re sh*t. He gets to the next track (VIR), he rides good, it doesn’t go the way he wants, and we’re sh*t again. Who isn’t bummed by all of that?
“The racetrack situation isn’t a very easy one to answer. I remember watching Neil Hodgson run off at the checkered flag at that spot, him riding it out, and how far he went out there in the grass. And not being able to turn a road bike in the grass, if you put a corner station out there you just might kill somebody.
“The fact is the cornerworkers have to be on the inside of the track. It’s the only safe place for them to go. So, no matter what, there were still motorcycles [on] the racetrack in front of the cornerworkers. It’s not easy for them to get there. When the last person takes the checkered flag and clears they can get to him as fast as they can run to him. It’s just the location and the way the track is laid out.
“So, I understand coming from the speed he was and the time dilation. And he’s Italian, so he’s dramatic. I do think it’s a bit hot-headed and unfair in one way, but I’m understanding of his plight in the same breath.
“I don’t know if he’s ever raced outside of GP, so I’m not sure he understands the [different] standards. I would imagine there are a few places in BSB and the French Championship and every domestic Championship in this world where you would have similar issues.”
“For me I think MotoGP is a very different Championship,” said Hector Barbera, who spent 17 seasons racing in the World Championship and also raced in the British Superbike Championship. “It’s impossible to compare to the Spanish Championships or the British or to MotoAmerica because [MotoGP] is racing at the most safe tracks around the world. And every year they are working to make the tracks more safe. This is different.
Hector Barbera (80) at VIR. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“If I rate the Championships from one to 10, MotoGP is maybe 10 and [MotoAmerica] is about seven. It’s not bad. Sure, in some place can you move some bad place in the corners and make it less dangerous. But even in the Spanish Championships the tracks are not only Barcelona and Jerez and Valencia. We also have Albacete. Albacete is more dangerous. We have Almeria, is more dangerous. Monte Blanco is more dangerous.
“In British Superbike it is dangerous. You ride Superbikes with no electronics and many times with wet conditions. The bikes and the tires are similar, but that Championship is hard. The tracks are small tracks and sometimes the bikes fly (laughs).
“For me, I know when I come ride here the tracks are special tracks. Some tracks are bigger and have more safety, and some tracks are small ones and you need to ride with more attention. But this is a Championship that is nice.”
“Obviously, safety has gotten a lot better since MotoAmerica’s taken over in a lot of different aspects,” said Roger Hayden, a former MotoAmerica Superbike race winner and AMA Pro Supersport Champion who has raced in the MotoGP and Superbike World Championships. Hayden currently works for MotoAmerica as a commentator on the MotoAmericaLive+ streaming service. “If you remember back to the way it used to be, one time it was pouring rain in a Superbike race at Road America and we were on slicks. There’s no way in the world MotoAmerica would let that happen. They’ve actually held up races because rain was coming in.
Josh Hayes (4) and Roger Hayden (95) battling during a MotoAmerica Superbike race at VIR in 2016. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“One thing is we don’t have a ton of tracks built for [motorcycle] racing, and I think that is the difference from the European tracks. They are built with motorcycles in mind. Most of the tracks we go to are built for cars. So, either we race there or we don’t have a series.
“I’m not saying they’re all dangerous either, and there’s been plenty of guys who came over from other International series and they didn’t complain. The tracks in America are definitely different. They’re a little bit smaller and tighter, and it makes it look a little bit worse than it is the first time you go out there. Could some things improve? I’m sure it could, but it improves every year.
“I don’t think MotoAmerica ever said they were perfect. They try to improve every year, and they listen. And that’s another big difference from MotoAmerica and who ran it before. When you had concerns before there was nobody to go talk to. You couldn’t talk to nobody. Now, when you have a problem, even when I was racing, I could go find Wayne [Rainey, MotoAmerica President] or Chuck [Aksland, MotoAmerica COO] or Richard [Varner, MotoAmerica CFO] and they would listen, and you would get an answer. And that’s all you can ask for.
“It’s come a long way, not only in track safety but now we have a medical team that comes to all the races. We have a series doctor who knows the riders’ histories. And I think that’s something we’ve never had before, and it’s really big.
“I see a lot of people talking bad about MotoAmerica right now and I wish I could just take them back and have them live through 2013 and 2014. You think it’s bad now? You should have raced then when you didn’t even know if there would be a series the next year. One year we only had six races. So, it’s come a long, long way in a short amount of time.”
The American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM) held its third round of the 2022 season in rather blustery conditions May 21-22 at Thunderhill Raceway Park. With winds gusting up to 20mph it was a challenge for riders to find constant brake markers, which made for some exciting and close racing.
In 450 Superbike for example, the second-place battle between Jay Kinberger and Jesse Sims came down to just 0.073 second, with Sims coming out on top behind Daniel Lanuza who ran away with first place.
Open Superbike offered a preview into what was to come in the AFM’s Premier Formula Pacific class. Open Superbike had Bryce Prince besting former AFM #1 plate holder Andrew Lee by 0.0763 second, with Deion Campbell rounding out the podium in third.
The Oculus Financial Group sponsored Formula Pacific race again found Prince and Lee battling for the top step of the podium. Prince led eight out of the 12 laps, but in the end it was Lee finding his way past at the line winning by only 0.01 second. Brenden Ketelsen rounded out the podium fighting his way through a field of 1000’s aboard his Kawasaki 636.
The AFM season continues June 11-12 at Thunderhill Raceway Park.
We are happy to say May 27-28-29, 2022, will see the Riders of WERA Motorcycle Roadracing back at our “Home” track for Cycle Jam.
Friday will host a WERA Practice Day and Saturday, and Sunday will be a double-header Pirelli/WERA National and WERA Sportsman Sprints. Both days will see sprint racing in over 12 classes featuring the Michelin/WERA Superbike Class. Vintage racing will also be included in this event and there is a Rider’s School offered through WERA on Saturday. Come on out and join us at one of the premier circuits in this country and see some great non-stop action. Credentials available at the gate and camping is allowed. Racing begins at noon both days!
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was founded in 1973 and remains the foremost place to develop talent in the sport of motorcycle road racing. The legacy of Pro Riders on a National and World level is legendary. All events are run by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing with a co-sanction by the AMA and they go coast to coast offering entry level racing with the WERA Sportsman Series as well as a Pro-Am Series which is the Pirelli/WERA National Challenge Series. WERA also offers Vintage Racing and hosts the Concours de ’Competition and Concours d’ Elegance in July at Barber Motorsports Park. Endurance Racing is also on the menu with our partner N2 and runs a 4-5 events a year with a Big Bike Endurance and an Ultralightweight Endurance. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was voted the 2017 AMA Track Organizer of the year.
For more information on WERA Motorcycle Roadracing please check out our web site at wera.com.
MotoAmerica: Results from VIR for the Altus Motorsports WPS FLY Racing Team
(Alton, VA) Hot and humid temperatures greeted the MotoAmerica racers when they arrived at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia. The weather made for greasy track conditions with everyone struggling for grip. The Altus team was no exception.
“The team had some challenges this weekend but we continue to see improvements from both Brandon and Jaret. It was great to see Justin and Kayla come back from big crashes and ride well,” said team owner George Nassaney.
Superbike Cup & Stock 1000
Brandon Paasch (96). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Brandon Paasch continues to learn on the Altus Motorsports GSX-R1000. He qualified in 9th for the Stock1000 races and finished the first race in 8th and the second race in 6th. In the Superbike races, he started both in 19th place. In the Saturday race, he crossed the finish line in 14th and was the top Superbike Cup competitor. On Sunday, he finished 16th and 3rd in the Superbike Cup.
“Not thrilled with the results or the lap times but I learned a lot. This weekend was the first time I’ve had a chance to put in a lot of laps on the 1000. I missed CoTA with injury and was still recovering and had the flu in Atlanta. You can’t tell from the results but this was a really good building weekend. I had a big step forward on Sunday. As a result, I am very positive about the rest of the season and I am looking forward to Road America,” said Brandon Paasch.
Supersport
Jaret Nassaney made the move to the GSX-R750 for the VIR Round. He qualified for both Supersport races in 12th. In Race 1, the bike felt good. He spent the race moving through the pack. At the end of Lap 1, he was in 10th. By Lap 6 he was in 8th. On the 10th lap, he slotted into 6th place and ultimately finished in 5th—his best finish in the class. For Sunday, the team made some suspension changes, and, unfortunately, they were in the wrong direction. Nassaney struggled with the bike for the entire race until he suffered a crash on Lap 11 resulting in a DNF.
“VIR had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Raced my tail off to my personal best finish of a P5 in race one. Which I’m beyond stoked about. For race two we made a few changes to hopefully go faster but unfortunately, it didn’t work out. We went down in race two and weren’t able to rejoin. We live and we learn. Big thanks to my team for putting an awesome bike under me this weekend!! We are ready for battle again at Road America in just two weeks!” said Jaret Nassaney
Justin Jones (75). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Justin Jones struggled for grip in the hot, greasy conditions. In spite of a massive crash on Friday during the Q1 session, he qualified 17th. In the first Supersport race, he finished 19th. On Sunday, he improved and crossed the stripe in 10th place.
“It was a pretty frustrating weekend. I came to VIR confident. It’s a track I’ve gone fast at in the past and expected to be solidly in the top 10. Friday and Saturday we could not find a setup that worked. For the race on Sunday, we made some changes. It wasn’t where I wanted it but it was race-able. I managed to salvage a 10th place in the race,” said Justin Jones.
Junior Cup
Kayla Yaakov continues to impress. Kayla started the two Junior cup races from 9th. In the Saturday race, she went with the first group and had the pace to compete for the podium until a tank slapper caused her calipers to spread and she went into a corner with no brakes. She shot off the track and into the air fence. MotoAmerica deemed her ‘fit to ride’ for Sunday and she picked up where she left off. For the entire race, she fought in the top group and led the race several times. She crossed the line in 5th but was elevated to 4th when the winner was disqualified.
Kayla Yaakov (31). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“This weekend is why I love to be at the track. Our team rocks! To watch my son Jaret get his first top 5 finish was so awesome. When two of our riders had big crashes, our team pulled together to get the bikes fixed and back on the grid. Lastly, it’s fantastic to see Brandon continually improve every time he got on the track. That motivates our team to come back with more fire!” said team owner George Nassaney.
The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, FLY Racing WPS, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Barnett, Maxima Racing Oils, SBS Brakes, Galfer USA, Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.
More, from a press release issued by Geoff May Racing and Team Vision Wheel/Discount Tire/Amsoil/KWS/Honda:
Virginia International Raceway, Round 3
Geoff May (99) in action at VIR. Photo courtesy Geoff May Racing.
After Road Atlanta, the Stock 1000 bike needed to be completely rebuilt from the ground up. Mike Godin was able to successfully put the CBR1000RR-SP back together, with support from American Honda. Going into the weekend the team had high hopes of a strong performance on familiar territory. Geoff was fast right out of the gate showing no ill effects from the Road Atlanta crash. The team set out to gain as much data and set up knowledge as possible with the time given. Qualifying second for the stock 1000 double header, the team knew this was a valuable opportunity to get back in the hunt for the championship. With High hopes and great racing, the team was able to come away with 2, second place finishes. Thus, putting Geoff in second in the Stock 1000 championship running.
Geoff commented “The competition has really stepped up this year. It is really tight at the front, with only tenths separating the top 5. I am extremely happy with the performance of the CBR1000RRR. I am happy to come here and finish on the podium in both races. I cannot wait for the next race! I cannot thank Vision Wheel, Discount Tire, KWS Motorsports, Amsoil, and Honda North America enough for this opportunity.
Geoff May Racing would also like to thank all our supporting and technical sponsors for their contributions and long-standing relationships as well. The Team is currently sponsored by SBS Brakes, Arata Exhaust, Evol Technologies, Ktech Suspension, Orient Express, Thermosman, Arai Helmets, Dainese, BikeSports Oldsmar, Flex Racing, T13, and Rob Pippins Design.
We are always looking for supporting and technical sponsors to partner with. Please send sponsorship inquiries to [email protected]
More, from a press release issued by Hayden Bicknese Racing:
Hayden Bicknese races to another top six finish in MotoAmerica Junior Cup
Hayden Bicknese added another double top ten finish to his 2022 MotoAmerica Junior Cup results sheet in the latest round of the series at Virginia International Raceway this past weekend.
Bicknese, who has been a front runner since this year’s championship got underway a few weeks ago, was once again in the mix throughout the event at the 2.25-mile circuit affectionately known as VIR.
Third in Free Practice on Friday, the talented teen qualified fifth before finishing a respectable ninth on Saturday, a mere second from the win. He crossed the line sixth Sunday.
The results mean Hayden heads to Road America in less than a fortnight tenth overall in the standings.
Hayden Bicknese: “I felt confident after finishing P3 in opening practice and I was excited for qualifying. I struggled in Q1 but a crazy lap at the end saved me. I ended up fifth after final qualifying and was looking forward to the races. Both races were rough and for some reason I couldn’t seem to find any pace compared to Friday. We were chasing set-up and I was a little frustrated as I couldn’t hold on to the group as I had hoped. VIR is not my favourite track so to come away with two solid results at the flag gives me confidence for Road America – a track I was pretty fast at last year.”
More, from a press release issued by 3D Motorsports:
3D Motorsports’ Power, Mariniello amass more top-10 finishes May 21-22 at MotoAmerica round at VIR
Australian duo now eighth, 12th in MotoAmerica Supersport, Junior Cup standings ALTON, Va. — 3D Motorsports LLC riders Luke Power and Joe Mariniello had their work cut out for them this past weekend at the MotoAmerica Superbikes at Virginia round, but the Australian duo put in another good performance in their first time racing at VIRginia International Raceway.
Though the tight, twisty 2.25-mile North Course at VIR can be a challenge to learn, both riders scored at least one top-10 finish at the May 20-22 event. Despite a downer end to his weekend, Power is now eighth in the Supersport points standings. And Mariniello recovered from struggling during qualifying to finishing in the top 10 in both Junior Cup races.
Power and Mariniello had positive starts to the VIR round. Power finished Friday practice ninth-fastest and was 10th in the first of two qualifying sessions. Qualifying wrapped up Saturday morning with Power having secured ninth on the grid for the round’s two Supersport races. Mariniello struggled a little in Friday practice, finishing that session in 13th. He also was 13th when Qualifying 1 ended on Friday afternoon and had shaved about four seconds off his best lap time from practice. Mariniello was unable to set a better lap time in Saturday morning’s Qualifying 2 and had to settle for 14th on the Junior Cup starting grid.
Boyce struggled from the start of the weekend, though Shakespeare came close to qualifying for the event’s two Stock 1000 contests. Shakespeare and Boyce finished Friday practice 30th and 40th, respectively. Later Friday, Shakespeare wrapped up Qualifying 1 in 33rd and Boyce in 36th. Neither of the pair took part in Saturday morning’s Qualifying 2 session and were unable to take part in the round’s racing action.
Power had an excellent outing in Saturday’s Supersport race despite almost not being allowed to start. As the 22-rider Supersport field was lining up for the start of the race, a technical problem with Power’s motorcycle delayed the start and the team was able to correct the issue in time for Power to take part in the second warm-up lap. When the lights went out, Power got off the line well and finished the first lap in eighth place. He spent most of the race in a battle with another rider for eighth , though he was able to move up to seventh in the running order with four laps to go. A late race crash by one of the frontrunners promoted Power to sixth place, which is where he finished the race.
Mariniello struggled a little at the start of the Junior Cup contest, but he made the most of a race stoppage. The Australian got a good start but was shuffled back to 15th place on the opening lap of the race, which is where he was running when the red flag came out. He took the restart from 12th on the grid and had advanced to 10th place by the end of Lap 1. Though he fell back to 11th on Lap 3 of the shortened five-lap race, Mariniello ground out a 10th-place finish – his second top-10 result of the season.
Sunday proved to be a challenge for Power but another bright spot for Mariniello. In the Sunday Supersport race, Power got an OK start but had lost one position by the end of the first lap. He ran as high in the running order as seventh on Laps 6-8 before an on-track incident forced him to retire from the race. Mariniello didn’t get the best start in the Sunday Junior Cup race and was running as low as 16th during the first few laps. As the contest went on, Mariniello gradually found his rhythm, and attrition farther up the running order helped him clinch a ninth-place finish.
The 3D Motorsports team now has a weekend off before the next MotoAmerica round, which is slated for June 3-5 at the historic Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wis.
Luke Power (68). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy 3D Motorsports.
Luke Power / No. 68
“It was a tough start to the weekend, as I was delayed in arriving from London until midnight on Friday. Saying I was tired would be a severe understatement. We made some improvements to our setup for Qualifying 2, but the field is really close this year and I ended up qualifying ninth. The bike felt really good in Race 1, and actually started feeling better as the tires started to fade. I was super happy to finish in sixth that race. For Race 2, we made another adjustment to the bike that felt brilliant during the race. I was feeling really comfortable and confident and was running in seventh when I had an off in Turn 1. All in all, I’m super happy with how the weekend went. Despite the DNF, we showed we have a lot of potential and I’m very excited to be racing at Road America next!”
Joe Mariniello (88). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy 3D Motorsports.
Joe Mariniello / No. 88
“Overall, the weekend at VIR was an improvement from Atlanta. I’m starting to come to grips with American tracks and the Dunlop tires as I get more seat time. The 3D Motorsports team worked super hard all weekend to give me the best bike possible. We had some unlucky moments at crucial times, but that’s racing. I think we’re heading in the right direction, and I can’t thank the team enough for their efforts at VIR. Hopefully I’ll be able to repay them with some stronger results at Road America.”
3D Motorsports’ sponsors for the 2022 MotoAmerica season include Orient Express, K-Tech, BTEC Turbines, 4SR USA, Blud Lubricants, CG Law, Evol Technologies, AF1 Racing, Southern Adrenaline, M4 Exhaust, Valor Farms, Second Hand Motorsports, LS2, Motorcycle Dealer Services and DrippinWet.
Aruba.it renews its agreement with Ducati for the WorldSBK championship and lands in MotoGP
The two factory Ducati Panigale V4 R bikes will wear the colours of Aruba.it in the World Superbike Championship for another two years: a collaboration that began in 2015, when the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team became the official team of the Borgo Panigale-based manufacturer in the World Championship for production-derived motorbikes, and which will surely continue until it celebrates its tenth anniversary in the 2024 WorldSBK season.
Moreover, from 2022 on, the partnership between Aruba.it and Ducati will be further strengthened. Aruba.it will in fact be the title sponsor of the Desmosedici GP that will see Michele Pirro, Ducati test rider, as a wild card competing in three rounds of the MotoGP World Championship: the Gran Premio d’Italia at Mugello (27-29 May), the Gran Premi de Catalunya at Montmeló (3-5 June) and the Gran Premio di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini at Misano (2-4 September).
Stefano Cecconi (CEO Aruba S.p.A. and Team Principal Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“The relationship with Ducati is a strong bond in the Superbike World Championship and a fruitful collaboration between the two companies. We are proud to represent Ducati on circuits around the world and to have renewed the agreement that will allow us to continue this adventure at least until the end of the 2024 season. From this season, participating as a wild card in three events of the MotoGP World Championship is for us a source of further satisfaction and it underlines the strong connection with the Borgo Panigale company. Not only it will be a new showcase for Aruba.it, but it will give us the chance to undertake a new fascinating challenge with the same commitment and professionalism that has distinguished us so far in World Superbike”.
Claudio Domenicali (Chief Executive Officer Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.)
“We are truly satisfied with the long-term partnership that has bound us to Aruba.it for eight years. It is a company that, like Ducati, represents Italian excellence driven by innovation. The agreement extension until 2024 confirms the quality of a partnership which has gone from strength to strength year after year from a business and sporting point of view. In addition to the extensive commitment to World Superbike, this season includes the new challenge in the Supersport World Championship and the satisfaction of seeing a Ducati racing in MotoGP with the Aruba.it Racing team colours that, for all the fans, are the natural colours of the official Panigale V4 R competing in the Superbike World Championship”.
The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports are obliged to announce changes to the 2022 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship calendar.
Homologation works at the KymiRing, together with the risks caused by the ongoing geopolitical situation in the region, have sadly obliged the cancellation of the Finnish Grand Prix in 2022. The current circumstances have created delays and put the ongoing work at the new circuit at risk. All parties have therefore agreed that the track’s debut must be postponed to 2023, when MotoGP™ looks forward to returning to Finland for the first time in four decades.
The final 2022 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship calendar is therefore expected to comprise 20 rounds.
There’s an old Mark Twain saying that says “If you don’t like the
weather, just wait a few minutes”. This certainly applies to New
England, and sweltering forecast for NEMRR round two at New Hampshire
Motor Speedway could not have been more different from the frigid season
opener just a few short weeks ago. With sweatshirts, tires wrapped in
moving blankets and hot chocolate replaced with shorts, fans and coolers
full of water the event got underway under near perfect conditions. The
sunny forecast and the growth of the NEMRR Super Street Class (designed
to give track day riders an easy “half step” into racing) resulted in a
strong number of pre entries and some great competition on the grids.
Saturday led off with the GT races and showcased NEMRR veterans at the
front. In the GTL division, Brett Guyer started well in the back of the
field and used a string of consistent 1:15 laps to power his Seacoast
Sport Cycle Ducati up to the back tire of Eli Block and his Manchester
KTM sponsored 450cc motard bike. Guyer, a 30 year road race veteran,
overtook the teenage Block on lap 12 and maintained a narrow 1 second
gap all the way to the finish. As the weekend progressed, Guyer
continued to dominate the popular lightweight classes by scoring wins in
4 more classes with a nearly 15 second margin of victory in the Freedom
Cycles Lightweight Superbike class. Guyer is in a great position to win
several 2022 championships and will have to fend off the challenges of
Moto America stars Ben Gloddy and Teagg Hobbs when then return home to
compete against Guyer on their Robem Engineering Aprilia RS660’s.
In the combined Dunlop Tires GTU and Adrenaline Cycle GTO race, 2021
champion Scott Greenwood was the clear man to beat from the drop of the
green flag. His Dunlop-shod Argo Cycles Yamaha R6 was 1.5 seconds clear
of second place Pirelli rider Paul Duval at the end of lap one, and in
typical fashion Greenwood put his head down and never looked back.
Greenwood went a perfect 6 for 6 over the course of the weekend, with
his signature victory coming in the Michelin Motorace $1500 Dash for
Cash over NEMRR #1 plate holder Rick Doucette on his Plaistow
Powersports Yamaha R6. Greenwood will face his toughest challenge at
the June 18-19 running of the 99th annual Loudon Classic, where he and
annual rival Shane Narbonne have traded wins over the past few seasons.
Next up was the PTC Racing Super Singles Class, where long time NEMRR
Sergio Dimoffetta continued his breakout season on his NEMM KTM SMR450.
Dimoffetta not only is an avid road racer and instructor at the Penguin
Racing School, but in 2022 he also has started a supermoto series (New
England Mini Moto) designed to develop young racing talent. Dimoffetta
has been on the podium for all of his races in 2022 and is definitely
looking to secure a NEMRR Expert championship in 2022.
The top performing Amateur rider of the event was young talent Asher
Rubright, who scored a series of victories in the premier middleweight
classes on his Yamaha R6. After dipping into the 1:16 range in the
Antham Racing Heavyweight Supersport class, Rubright won a hotly
contested battle with Michael Lee. The pair of 600 riders swapped back
and forth several times over the course of the event, with Rubright
pulling clear as Lee made some mistakes in the closing laps as the
nearly 90 degree heat took its toll.
NEMRR will be back in action again on Jun 18-29 for the 99th running of
the historic Loudon Classic. In addition to the feature road race
events, there will be a full vendor area in the front of New Hampshire
Motor Speedway complete with manufacturer demo rides. There will also
be Supermoto and flat track racing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
during the bike week festivities, as well as a host of attractions in
the area. Pit passes for the event can be purchased at the gate at a
rate of $25/weekend or $15 for Sunday only. For more information,
please visit www.NEMRR.com.
MotoAmerica’s Statement On Petrucci Incident From VIR
IRVINE, CA (May 24, 2022) – MotoAmerica has issued the following statement regarding the single-bike incident at the completion of the MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike race on Sunday, May 22, at VIRginia International Raceway, round three of the MotoAmerica Championship.
On Sunday afternoon at VIR, there was an accident at the end of the Medallia Superbike race in which Danilo Petrucci crashed after crossing the finish line in third place. Unfortunately, the crash itself occurred off camera. Race Direction witnessed the end of the crash and immediately acted. As appropriate, a yellow caution flag was deployed. By this time, eighth-place finisher Ashton Yates had crossed the finish line, 27 seconds behind Petrucci. Roughly 17 seconds later, race direction could see that Petrucci was on his feet and appeared to be not seriously injured. Although Petrucci’s crash occurred in a fast section of the racetrack, it’s also an area with the most run-off of any track at which MotoAmerica rounds are held. A sliding Petrucci also struck a single lightweight sponsor sign that consequently gave way as it is designed to do. Petrucci was up and continued walking and stood trackside until he deemed it was safe to walk across the track. He was then met by MotoAmerica staff and escorted in a vehicle to the trackside Medical Center, which was some 200 yards from the site of the incident. At that point, roughly three minutes had passed, and Petrucci was treated for his injuries.
“Attention to detail is paramount when it comes to safety and the safety of our riders is our number-one priority,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “That’s where we start, and our process goes forward from there. In MotoAmerica’s eight years of racing, we have never neglected a rider who was injured. I have nothing but respect for Danilo (Petrucci) and his safety and the safety of all our riders is of the utmost importance. We will never minimize a rider’s injury nor their views of the incident that took place. We needed to get to Danilo more quickly and we will study the incident and will make changes where necessary. The situation was made even more difficult in that, although the crash was after the checkered flag, the track was still hot with riders still at speed and thus mobilizing workers becomes more difficult. Additionally, Race Direction places a lot of emphasis on what they witness of a rider’s actions following an incident. Petrucci was standing and walking under his own power and that quickly lessens the severity of the response. We hope Danilo’s injuries are healing and he’s feeling better. And we look forward to seeing him at Road America.”
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is the new North American road racing series created in 2014. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner. For more information on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Suzuki Celebrates 20 Years of ATV Manufacturing in the United States
Rome, GA – Suzuki Motor USA, LLC is proud to celebrate 20 years of manufacturing KingQuad ATVs at the Suzuki Manufacturing of America Corporation (SMAC) facility. KingQuad ATVs rolled off the assembly line in Rome, Georgia in May of 2002, and have continued to be built exclusively in the United States ever since.
Suzuki, the inventor of the 4-wheel ATV, has been building the award-winning KingQuad ATVs in this multi-million dollar, 35-acre manufacturing facility since 2002. The SMAC facility is located in the center of the biggest ATV market in the world, allowing access to real-world rider feedback for product refinement and timely delivery of KingQuad ATVs to Suzuki dealers worldwide.
First on Four Wheels – Suzuki has been an innovator in engineering since the company’s founding in 1909. This commitment to engineering excellence in the early 1980s saw Suzuki lead the industry with the creation of the first ever four-wheel ATV in 1983. Always committed to innovation, and attentive to the needs and desires of riders, Suzuki was literally First on Four Wheels.
“This is an extremely important milestone for Suzuki,” said Kerry Graeber, Vice President, Division Manager MC/ATV Sales and Marketing. “Suzuki is very proud to have built KingQuad ATVs in America for the past 20 years. The performance, toughness, and durability of Suzuki ATVs represent the commitment, hard work, and dedication of the people who build them in our Rome, Georgia facility.”
The SMAC facility is one key to the continued success of Suzuki’s global ATV business and Suzuki KingQuad ATVs built there are shipped to U.S. Suzuki dealers and nearly 30 countries worldwide.
Learn more about the complete line of Suzuki KingQuad ATVs at SuzukiCycles.com.
Aleix Espargaro (41), Maverick Vinales (12), and the Aprilia MotoGP team. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
APRILIA RACING CONFIRMS THEIR FACTORY RIDERS FOR THE 2023/2024 TWO-YEAR PERIOD
ALEIX ESPARGARÓ AND MAVERICK VIÑALES WILL BE ON THE FACTORY RS-GP MACHINES FOR THE NEXT TWO-YEAR PERIOD
ALEIX: “WE ARE GOING THROUGH A GREAT TIME, WE ARE A CONCRETE REALITY AND NOW I WANT TO KEEP GROWING WITH APRILIA”
MAVERICK: “CONFIRMATION FOR THE NEXT TWO-YEAR PERIOD, BEING PART OF THE PROJECT, GIVES ME THE PEACE OF MIND TO SET GREAT GOALS FOR MYSELF”
MASSIMO RIVOLA: “WE ARE PROVIDING CONTINUITY TO A PROJECT THAT HAS JUST BEGUN TO REVEAL ITS POTENTIAL”
Under the sign of continuity, Aprilia Racing confirms their riders. Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales will be astride the factory RS-GP machines in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
With more than one-third of the races in the current season already done and dusted, Aleix Espargaró and his Aprilia are two top protagonists in the championship. With one win and three consecutive podiums, Aleix is reaping the fruits of a combination which is also based on the reciprocal and profound harmony with his team. In this situation, the synergy between bike and rider is one of the key factors for success.
Confirmation is based on this line of thinking for both the winner of the Argentinian GP and Maverick, who now has the same goals of increasingly closer integration with the Factory bike from Veneto.
Aleix Espargaró
“This confirmation was just what the doctor ordered. We’ve worked hard together and grown together. We were a hope, now we are reality. In 2021 we had already seen clear signs of our steps forward and now we are able to battle consistently with the best in the world. Continuing to do so with Aprilia is a source of pride for me. We can grow even more and we want to demonstrate that on the track.”
Maverick Viñales
“I’m extremely happy to continue my work with Aprilia Racing. Now our horizons are expanding and we’ll be able to work with continuity to achieve ambitious goals. I believe in this project and I’m happy to be part of it. I’ve found a fantastic environment in Aprilia and this confirmation gives me the peace of mind to grow the way this team and I deserve to.”
Massimo Rivola
“All the good we are doing this season is the fruit of many components, certainly the value of our designers and our technicians led by Romano Albesiano, the overall growth of our racing department and, in large part, the synergy that our Captain Aleix has skilfully built with the bike and with the team. So, we set the goal of continuing along these lines, both with Aleix and with Maverick, and I am pleased with these confirmations today. We still need to grow a lot and now we have the peace of mind to do so.”
Mathew Scholtz (11) and Danilo Petrucci (9) on the kinked front straightaway at VIRginia International Raceway. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Shortly after Danilo Petrucci crashed at the end of MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Race Two May 22 at VIRginia International Raceway, he posted on his social media feed about his experience and his displeasure with how MotoAmerica handled the situation.
Journalists from Europe, who were not at the track and some who clearly didn’t even watch a video replay of the incident, took Petrucci’s account as absolute fact and without getting information from any other sources wrote articles that painted MotoAmerica’s safety standards and the series as a whole in a negative light.
Danilo Petrucci at VIRginia International Raceway. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Unfortunately, Petrucci’s account of events is not exactly accurate and could arguably be called exaggerated.
Petrucci claimed he “hit three sponsor signs with my body,” when in fact he slid through one sponsor sign made of lightweight material because it is intended to be placed near the track without being a hazard to riders.
Petrucci claimed he was a lying down for “over two minutes with no assistance,” but video from the live race broadcast filmed him walking around and not showing any signs of distress 56 seconds after he took the checkered flag. MotoAmerica officials said they saw Petrucci with direct line of sight sitting up within 30 seconds of him crossing the finish line.
Danilo Petrucci (far left), 67 seconds after he crossed the finish line, standing and looking to cross the racetrack while other riders begin their cool-down lap. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Within three minutes of crashing Petrucci was in the medical center at VIR receiving care from a well-staffed and trauma-trained medical team, and afterward Petrucci’s injuries did not even warrant him being transported to a hospital in an ambulance. Instead, he flew home to Italy to see doctors there.
But after spending the last 10 years racing in the MotoGP World Championship, where the tracks are staffed by hundreds of cornerworkers; several physicians, nurses, and physical therapists; with medi-vac helicopters always on standby, Petrucci was apparently angry about the level of care he received. And instead of talking about it with officials, the Italian decided to vent on social media, which led to MotoAmerica being portrayed poorly in the International media and the eyes of fans.
Petrucci has yet to respond to requests from Roadracingworld.com seeking to speak to him, but other MotoAmerica racers, past and present, with International racing experience say they are comfortable with the level of safety at MotoAmerica events and that they take exception to Petrucci’s comments before and after VIR.
“I think it’s [safety in MotoAmerica] been awesome,” said defending MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne, who raced in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, the Moto2 World Championship, the British Supersport Championship, and in a full season of the FIM Superbike World Championship. “I don’t know exactly what happened in the incident on Sunday. I guess [Petrucci] was upset that nobody was there to care for him right away. They didn’t really show it on TV, so I don’t really know what happened. But in all of my years in MotoAmerica and after my year in World Superbike, MotoAmerica has really been on it in terms of safety.
Jake Gagne (1). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“That’s a really weird place to crash. At VIR, there’s no wall out there with cornerworkers and paramedics waiting to jump over the wall. I’m not really sure what he’s complaining about. When they showed him on camera he was walking away and getting ready to walk across the track. Is he mad that they didn’t come pick him up or something?”
Asked about the negative coverage MotoAmerica has received following Petrucci’s comments, Gagne said, “That’s the unfortunate part. I haven’t talked to him since COTA, but all I’ve heard from him since then is him bagging on everyone at MotoAmerica for different reasons, not just this weekend.”
“It’s a really difficult situation,” said Josh Hayes, who in addition to winning Supersport Race One at VIR this past weekend has won 83 other MotoAmerica/AMA Pro races, four AMA Superbike Championships, and has raced in the FIM MotoGP, Supersport, and Endurance World Championships. “I’ve been such a fan of Petrucci and I’m really disappointed for him to come here and just be sh*tting on us in the first three races.
Josh Hayes (4) on the Squid Hunter Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 at Daytona earlier this year. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“He doubles at the first one and MotoAmerica’s great. He does good at the next one, but it doesn’t go entirely the way he wants [and] we’re sh*t. He gets to the next track (VIR), he rides good, it doesn’t go the way he wants, and we’re sh*t again. Who isn’t bummed by all of that?
“The racetrack situation isn’t a very easy one to answer. I remember watching Neil Hodgson run off at the checkered flag at that spot, him riding it out, and how far he went out there in the grass. And not being able to turn a road bike in the grass, if you put a corner station out there you just might kill somebody.
“The fact is the cornerworkers have to be on the inside of the track. It’s the only safe place for them to go. So, no matter what, there were still motorcycles [on] the racetrack in front of the cornerworkers. It’s not easy for them to get there. When the last person takes the checkered flag and clears they can get to him as fast as they can run to him. It’s just the location and the way the track is laid out.
“So, I understand coming from the speed he was and the time dilation. And he’s Italian, so he’s dramatic. I do think it’s a bit hot-headed and unfair in one way, but I’m understanding of his plight in the same breath.
“I don’t know if he’s ever raced outside of GP, so I’m not sure he understands the [different] standards. I would imagine there are a few places in BSB and the French Championship and every domestic Championship in this world where you would have similar issues.”
“For me I think MotoGP is a very different Championship,” said Hector Barbera, who spent 17 seasons racing in the World Championship and also raced in the British Superbike Championship. “It’s impossible to compare to the Spanish Championships or the British or to MotoAmerica because [MotoGP] is racing at the most safe tracks around the world. And every year they are working to make the tracks more safe. This is different.
Hector Barbera (80) at VIR. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“If I rate the Championships from one to 10, MotoGP is maybe 10 and [MotoAmerica] is about seven. It’s not bad. Sure, in some place can you move some bad place in the corners and make it less dangerous. But even in the Spanish Championships the tracks are not only Barcelona and Jerez and Valencia. We also have Albacete. Albacete is more dangerous. We have Almeria, is more dangerous. Monte Blanco is more dangerous.
“In British Superbike it is dangerous. You ride Superbikes with no electronics and many times with wet conditions. The bikes and the tires are similar, but that Championship is hard. The tracks are small tracks and sometimes the bikes fly (laughs).
“For me, I know when I come ride here the tracks are special tracks. Some tracks are bigger and have more safety, and some tracks are small ones and you need to ride with more attention. But this is a Championship that is nice.”
“Obviously, safety has gotten a lot better since MotoAmerica’s taken over in a lot of different aspects,” said Roger Hayden, a former MotoAmerica Superbike race winner and AMA Pro Supersport Champion who has raced in the MotoGP and Superbike World Championships. Hayden currently works for MotoAmerica as a commentator on the MotoAmericaLive+ streaming service. “If you remember back to the way it used to be, one time it was pouring rain in a Superbike race at Road America and we were on slicks. There’s no way in the world MotoAmerica would let that happen. They’ve actually held up races because rain was coming in.
Josh Hayes (4) and Roger Hayden (95) battling during a MotoAmerica Superbike race at VIR in 2016. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“One thing is we don’t have a ton of tracks built for [motorcycle] racing, and I think that is the difference from the European tracks. They are built with motorcycles in mind. Most of the tracks we go to are built for cars. So, either we race there or we don’t have a series.
“I’m not saying they’re all dangerous either, and there’s been plenty of guys who came over from other International series and they didn’t complain. The tracks in America are definitely different. They’re a little bit smaller and tighter, and it makes it look a little bit worse than it is the first time you go out there. Could some things improve? I’m sure it could, but it improves every year.
“I don’t think MotoAmerica ever said they were perfect. They try to improve every year, and they listen. And that’s another big difference from MotoAmerica and who ran it before. When you had concerns before there was nobody to go talk to. You couldn’t talk to nobody. Now, when you have a problem, even when I was racing, I could go find Wayne [Rainey, MotoAmerica President] or Chuck [Aksland, MotoAmerica COO] or Richard [Varner, MotoAmerica CFO] and they would listen, and you would get an answer. And that’s all you can ask for.
“It’s come a long way, not only in track safety but now we have a medical team that comes to all the races. We have a series doctor who knows the riders’ histories. And I think that’s something we’ve never had before, and it’s really big.
“I see a lot of people talking bad about MotoAmerica right now and I wish I could just take them back and have them live through 2013 and 2014. You think it’s bad now? You should have raced then when you didn’t even know if there would be a series the next year. One year we only had six races. So, it’s come a long, long way in a short amount of time.”
Andrew Lee (14) and Bryce Prince (74) racing at the AFM event at Thunderhill Raceway Park. Photo by James Carson-Oxymoron Photography, courtesy AFM.
The American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM) held its third round of the 2022 season in rather blustery conditions May 21-22 at Thunderhill Raceway Park. With winds gusting up to 20mph it was a challenge for riders to find constant brake markers, which made for some exciting and close racing.
In 450 Superbike for example, the second-place battle between Jay Kinberger and Jesse Sims came down to just 0.073 second, with Sims coming out on top behind Daniel Lanuza who ran away with first place.
Open Superbike offered a preview into what was to come in the AFM’s Premier Formula Pacific class. Open Superbike had Bryce Prince besting former AFM #1 plate holder Andrew Lee by 0.0763 second, with Deion Campbell rounding out the podium in third.
The Oculus Financial Group sponsored Formula Pacific race again found Prince and Lee battling for the top step of the podium. Prince led eight out of the 12 laps, but in the end it was Lee finding his way past at the line winning by only 0.01 second. Brenden Ketelsen rounded out the podium fighting his way through a field of 1000’s aboard his Kawasaki 636.
The AFM season continues June 11-12 at Thunderhill Raceway Park.
We are happy to say May 27-28-29, 2022, will see the Riders of WERA Motorcycle Roadracing back at our “Home” track for Cycle Jam.
Friday will host a WERA Practice Day and Saturday, and Sunday will be a double-header Pirelli/WERA National and WERA Sportsman Sprints. Both days will see sprint racing in over 12 classes featuring the Michelin/WERA Superbike Class. Vintage racing will also be included in this event and there is a Rider’s School offered through WERA on Saturday. Come on out and join us at one of the premier circuits in this country and see some great non-stop action. Credentials available at the gate and camping is allowed. Racing begins at noon both days!
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was founded in 1973 and remains the foremost place to develop talent in the sport of motorcycle road racing. The legacy of Pro Riders on a National and World level is legendary. All events are run by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing with a co-sanction by the AMA and they go coast to coast offering entry level racing with the WERA Sportsman Series as well as a Pro-Am Series which is the Pirelli/WERA National Challenge Series. WERA also offers Vintage Racing and hosts the Concours de ’Competition and Concours d’ Elegance in July at Barber Motorsports Park. Endurance Racing is also on the menu with our partner N2 and runs a 4-5 events a year with a Big Bike Endurance and an Ultralightweight Endurance. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was voted the 2017 AMA Track Organizer of the year.
For more information on WERA Motorcycle Roadracing please check out our web site at wera.com.
Jaret Nassaney (59). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
MotoAmerica: Results from VIR for the Altus Motorsports WPS FLY Racing Team
(Alton, VA) Hot and humid temperatures greeted the MotoAmerica racers when they arrived at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia. The weather made for greasy track conditions with everyone struggling for grip. The Altus team was no exception.
“The team had some challenges this weekend but we continue to see improvements from both Brandon and Jaret. It was great to see Justin and Kayla come back from big crashes and ride well,” said team owner George Nassaney.
Superbike Cup & Stock 1000
Brandon Paasch (96). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Brandon Paasch continues to learn on the Altus Motorsports GSX-R1000. He qualified in 9th for the Stock1000 races and finished the first race in 8th and the second race in 6th. In the Superbike races, he started both in 19th place. In the Saturday race, he crossed the finish line in 14th and was the top Superbike Cup competitor. On Sunday, he finished 16th and 3rd in the Superbike Cup.
“Not thrilled with the results or the lap times but I learned a lot. This weekend was the first time I’ve had a chance to put in a lot of laps on the 1000. I missed CoTA with injury and was still recovering and had the flu in Atlanta. You can’t tell from the results but this was a really good building weekend. I had a big step forward on Sunday. As a result, I am very positive about the rest of the season and I am looking forward to Road America,” said Brandon Paasch.
Supersport
Jaret Nassaney made the move to the GSX-R750 for the VIR Round. He qualified for both Supersport races in 12th. In Race 1, the bike felt good. He spent the race moving through the pack. At the end of Lap 1, he was in 10th. By Lap 6 he was in 8th. On the 10th lap, he slotted into 6th place and ultimately finished in 5th—his best finish in the class. For Sunday, the team made some suspension changes, and, unfortunately, they were in the wrong direction. Nassaney struggled with the bike for the entire race until he suffered a crash on Lap 11 resulting in a DNF.
“VIR had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Raced my tail off to my personal best finish of a P5 in race one. Which I’m beyond stoked about. For race two we made a few changes to hopefully go faster but unfortunately, it didn’t work out. We went down in race two and weren’t able to rejoin. We live and we learn. Big thanks to my team for putting an awesome bike under me this weekend!! We are ready for battle again at Road America in just two weeks!” said Jaret Nassaney
Justin Jones (75). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Justin Jones struggled for grip in the hot, greasy conditions. In spite of a massive crash on Friday during the Q1 session, he qualified 17th. In the first Supersport race, he finished 19th. On Sunday, he improved and crossed the stripe in 10th place.
“It was a pretty frustrating weekend. I came to VIR confident. It’s a track I’ve gone fast at in the past and expected to be solidly in the top 10. Friday and Saturday we could not find a setup that worked. For the race on Sunday, we made some changes. It wasn’t where I wanted it but it was race-able. I managed to salvage a 10th place in the race,” said Justin Jones.
Junior Cup
Kayla Yaakov continues to impress. Kayla started the two Junior cup races from 9th. In the Saturday race, she went with the first group and had the pace to compete for the podium until a tank slapper caused her calipers to spread and she went into a corner with no brakes. She shot off the track and into the air fence. MotoAmerica deemed her ‘fit to ride’ for Sunday and she picked up where she left off. For the entire race, she fought in the top group and led the race several times. She crossed the line in 5th but was elevated to 4th when the winner was disqualified.
Kayla Yaakov (31). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“This weekend is why I love to be at the track. Our team rocks! To watch my son Jaret get his first top 5 finish was so awesome. When two of our riders had big crashes, our team pulled together to get the bikes fixed and back on the grid. Lastly, it’s fantastic to see Brandon continually improve every time he got on the track. That motivates our team to come back with more fire!” said team owner George Nassaney.
The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, FLY Racing WPS, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Barnett, Maxima Racing Oils, SBS Brakes, Galfer USA, Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.
More, from a press release issued by Geoff May Racing and Team Vision Wheel/Discount Tire/Amsoil/KWS/Honda:
Virginia International Raceway, Round 3
Geoff May (99) in action at VIR. Photo courtesy Geoff May Racing.
After Road Atlanta, the Stock 1000 bike needed to be completely rebuilt from the ground up. Mike Godin was able to successfully put the CBR1000RR-SP back together, with support from American Honda. Going into the weekend the team had high hopes of a strong performance on familiar territory. Geoff was fast right out of the gate showing no ill effects from the Road Atlanta crash. The team set out to gain as much data and set up knowledge as possible with the time given. Qualifying second for the stock 1000 double header, the team knew this was a valuable opportunity to get back in the hunt for the championship. With High hopes and great racing, the team was able to come away with 2, second place finishes. Thus, putting Geoff in second in the Stock 1000 championship running.
Geoff commented “The competition has really stepped up this year. It is really tight at the front, with only tenths separating the top 5. I am extremely happy with the performance of the CBR1000RRR. I am happy to come here and finish on the podium in both races. I cannot wait for the next race! I cannot thank Vision Wheel, Discount Tire, KWS Motorsports, Amsoil, and Honda North America enough for this opportunity.
Geoff May Racing would also like to thank all our supporting and technical sponsors for their contributions and long-standing relationships as well. The Team is currently sponsored by SBS Brakes, Arata Exhaust, Evol Technologies, Ktech Suspension, Orient Express, Thermosman, Arai Helmets, Dainese, BikeSports Oldsmar, Flex Racing, T13, and Rob Pippins Design.
We are always looking for supporting and technical sponsors to partner with. Please send sponsorship inquiries to [email protected]
More, from a press release issued by Hayden Bicknese Racing:
Hayden Bicknese races to another top six finish in MotoAmerica Junior Cup
Hayden Bicknese added another double top ten finish to his 2022 MotoAmerica Junior Cup results sheet in the latest round of the series at Virginia International Raceway this past weekend.
Bicknese, who has been a front runner since this year’s championship got underway a few weeks ago, was once again in the mix throughout the event at the 2.25-mile circuit affectionately known as VIR.
Third in Free Practice on Friday, the talented teen qualified fifth before finishing a respectable ninth on Saturday, a mere second from the win. He crossed the line sixth Sunday.
The results mean Hayden heads to Road America in less than a fortnight tenth overall in the standings.
Hayden Bicknese: “I felt confident after finishing P3 in opening practice and I was excited for qualifying. I struggled in Q1 but a crazy lap at the end saved me. I ended up fifth after final qualifying and was looking forward to the races. Both races were rough and for some reason I couldn’t seem to find any pace compared to Friday. We were chasing set-up and I was a little frustrated as I couldn’t hold on to the group as I had hoped. VIR is not my favourite track so to come away with two solid results at the flag gives me confidence for Road America – a track I was pretty fast at last year.”
More, from a press release issued by 3D Motorsports:
3D Motorsports’ Power, Mariniello amass more top-10 finishes May 21-22 at MotoAmerica round at VIR
Australian duo now eighth, 12th in MotoAmerica Supersport, Junior Cup standings ALTON, Va. — 3D Motorsports LLC riders Luke Power and Joe Mariniello had their work cut out for them this past weekend at the MotoAmerica Superbikes at Virginia round, but the Australian duo put in another good performance in their first time racing at VIRginia International Raceway.
Though the tight, twisty 2.25-mile North Course at VIR can be a challenge to learn, both riders scored at least one top-10 finish at the May 20-22 event. Despite a downer end to his weekend, Power is now eighth in the Supersport points standings. And Mariniello recovered from struggling during qualifying to finishing in the top 10 in both Junior Cup races.
Power and Mariniello had positive starts to the VIR round. Power finished Friday practice ninth-fastest and was 10th in the first of two qualifying sessions. Qualifying wrapped up Saturday morning with Power having secured ninth on the grid for the round’s two Supersport races. Mariniello struggled a little in Friday practice, finishing that session in 13th. He also was 13th when Qualifying 1 ended on Friday afternoon and had shaved about four seconds off his best lap time from practice. Mariniello was unable to set a better lap time in Saturday morning’s Qualifying 2 and had to settle for 14th on the Junior Cup starting grid.
Boyce struggled from the start of the weekend, though Shakespeare came close to qualifying for the event’s two Stock 1000 contests. Shakespeare and Boyce finished Friday practice 30th and 40th, respectively. Later Friday, Shakespeare wrapped up Qualifying 1 in 33rd and Boyce in 36th. Neither of the pair took part in Saturday morning’s Qualifying 2 session and were unable to take part in the round’s racing action.
Power had an excellent outing in Saturday’s Supersport race despite almost not being allowed to start. As the 22-rider Supersport field was lining up for the start of the race, a technical problem with Power’s motorcycle delayed the start and the team was able to correct the issue in time for Power to take part in the second warm-up lap. When the lights went out, Power got off the line well and finished the first lap in eighth place. He spent most of the race in a battle with another rider for eighth , though he was able to move up to seventh in the running order with four laps to go. A late race crash by one of the frontrunners promoted Power to sixth place, which is where he finished the race.
Mariniello struggled a little at the start of the Junior Cup contest, but he made the most of a race stoppage. The Australian got a good start but was shuffled back to 15th place on the opening lap of the race, which is where he was running when the red flag came out. He took the restart from 12th on the grid and had advanced to 10th place by the end of Lap 1. Though he fell back to 11th on Lap 3 of the shortened five-lap race, Mariniello ground out a 10th-place finish – his second top-10 result of the season.
Sunday proved to be a challenge for Power but another bright spot for Mariniello. In the Sunday Supersport race, Power got an OK start but had lost one position by the end of the first lap. He ran as high in the running order as seventh on Laps 6-8 before an on-track incident forced him to retire from the race. Mariniello didn’t get the best start in the Sunday Junior Cup race and was running as low as 16th during the first few laps. As the contest went on, Mariniello gradually found his rhythm, and attrition farther up the running order helped him clinch a ninth-place finish.
The 3D Motorsports team now has a weekend off before the next MotoAmerica round, which is slated for June 3-5 at the historic Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wis.
Luke Power (68). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy 3D Motorsports.
Luke Power / No. 68
“It was a tough start to the weekend, as I was delayed in arriving from London until midnight on Friday. Saying I was tired would be a severe understatement. We made some improvements to our setup for Qualifying 2, but the field is really close this year and I ended up qualifying ninth. The bike felt really good in Race 1, and actually started feeling better as the tires started to fade. I was super happy to finish in sixth that race. For Race 2, we made another adjustment to the bike that felt brilliant during the race. I was feeling really comfortable and confident and was running in seventh when I had an off in Turn 1. All in all, I’m super happy with how the weekend went. Despite the DNF, we showed we have a lot of potential and I’m very excited to be racing at Road America next!”
Joe Mariniello (88). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy 3D Motorsports.
Joe Mariniello / No. 88
“Overall, the weekend at VIR was an improvement from Atlanta. I’m starting to come to grips with American tracks and the Dunlop tires as I get more seat time. The 3D Motorsports team worked super hard all weekend to give me the best bike possible. We had some unlucky moments at crucial times, but that’s racing. I think we’re heading in the right direction, and I can’t thank the team enough for their efforts at VIR. Hopefully I’ll be able to repay them with some stronger results at Road America.”
3D Motorsports’ sponsors for the 2022 MotoAmerica season include Orient Express, K-Tech, BTEC Turbines, 4SR USA, Blud Lubricants, CG Law, Evol Technologies, AF1 Racing, Southern Adrenaline, M4 Exhaust, Valor Farms, Second Hand Motorsports, LS2, Motorcycle Dealer Services and DrippinWet.
Michele Pirro and his Aruba.it-branded Ducati Desmosedici. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Aruba.it renews its agreement with Ducati for the WorldSBK championship and lands in MotoGP
The two factory Ducati Panigale V4 R bikes will wear the colours of Aruba.it in the World Superbike Championship for another two years: a collaboration that began in 2015, when the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team became the official team of the Borgo Panigale-based manufacturer in the World Championship for production-derived motorbikes, and which will surely continue until it celebrates its tenth anniversary in the 2024 WorldSBK season.
Moreover, from 2022 on, the partnership between Aruba.it and Ducati will be further strengthened. Aruba.it will in fact be the title sponsor of the Desmosedici GP that will see Michele Pirro, Ducati test rider, as a wild card competing in three rounds of the MotoGP World Championship: the Gran Premio d’Italia at Mugello (27-29 May), the Gran Premi de Catalunya at Montmeló (3-5 June) and the Gran Premio di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini at Misano (2-4 September).
Stefano Cecconi (CEO Aruba S.p.A. and Team Principal Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“The relationship with Ducati is a strong bond in the Superbike World Championship and a fruitful collaboration between the two companies. We are proud to represent Ducati on circuits around the world and to have renewed the agreement that will allow us to continue this adventure at least until the end of the 2024 season. From this season, participating as a wild card in three events of the MotoGP World Championship is for us a source of further satisfaction and it underlines the strong connection with the Borgo Panigale company. Not only it will be a new showcase for Aruba.it, but it will give us the chance to undertake a new fascinating challenge with the same commitment and professionalism that has distinguished us so far in World Superbike”.
Claudio Domenicali (Chief Executive Officer Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.)
“We are truly satisfied with the long-term partnership that has bound us to Aruba.it for eight years. It is a company that, like Ducati, represents Italian excellence driven by innovation. The agreement extension until 2024 confirms the quality of a partnership which has gone from strength to strength year after year from a business and sporting point of view. In addition to the extensive commitment to World Superbike, this season includes the new challenge in the Supersport World Championship and the satisfaction of seeing a Ducati racing in MotoGP with the Aruba.it Racing team colours that, for all the fans, are the natural colours of the official Panigale V4 R competing in the Superbike World Championship”.
MotoGP officials during an inspection of Finland's KymiRing in 2019. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Finland postponed to 2023
Wednesday, 25 May 2022
The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports are obliged to announce changes to the 2022 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship calendar.
Homologation works at the KymiRing, together with the risks caused by the ongoing geopolitical situation in the region, have sadly obliged the cancellation of the Finnish Grand Prix in 2022. The current circumstances have created delays and put the ongoing work at the new circuit at risk. All parties have therefore agreed that the track’s debut must be postponed to 2023, when MotoGP™ looks forward to returning to Finland for the first time in four decades.
The final 2022 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship calendar is therefore expected to comprise 20 rounds.
Brett Guyer (11). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.
Guyer, Greenwood dominate NEMRR Round Two at NHMS
There’s an old Mark Twain saying that says “If you don’t like the
weather, just wait a few minutes”. This certainly applies to New
England, and sweltering forecast for NEMRR round two at New Hampshire
Motor Speedway could not have been more different from the frigid season
opener just a few short weeks ago. With sweatshirts, tires wrapped in
moving blankets and hot chocolate replaced with shorts, fans and coolers
full of water the event got underway under near perfect conditions. The
sunny forecast and the growth of the NEMRR Super Street Class (designed
to give track day riders an easy “half step” into racing) resulted in a
strong number of pre entries and some great competition on the grids.
Saturday led off with the GT races and showcased NEMRR veterans at the
front. In the GTL division, Brett Guyer started well in the back of the
field and used a string of consistent 1:15 laps to power his Seacoast
Sport Cycle Ducati up to the back tire of Eli Block and his Manchester
KTM sponsored 450cc motard bike. Guyer, a 30 year road race veteran,
overtook the teenage Block on lap 12 and maintained a narrow 1 second
gap all the way to the finish. As the weekend progressed, Guyer
continued to dominate the popular lightweight classes by scoring wins in
4 more classes with a nearly 15 second margin of victory in the Freedom
Cycles Lightweight Superbike class. Guyer is in a great position to win
several 2022 championships and will have to fend off the challenges of
Moto America stars Ben Gloddy and Teagg Hobbs when then return home to
compete against Guyer on their Robem Engineering Aprilia RS660’s.
In the combined Dunlop Tires GTU and Adrenaline Cycle GTO race, 2021
champion Scott Greenwood was the clear man to beat from the drop of the
green flag. His Dunlop-shod Argo Cycles Yamaha R6 was 1.5 seconds clear
of second place Pirelli rider Paul Duval at the end of lap one, and in
typical fashion Greenwood put his head down and never looked back.
Greenwood went a perfect 6 for 6 over the course of the weekend, with
his signature victory coming in the Michelin Motorace $1500 Dash for
Cash over NEMRR #1 plate holder Rick Doucette on his Plaistow
Powersports Yamaha R6. Greenwood will face his toughest challenge at
the June 18-19 running of the 99th annual Loudon Classic, where he and
annual rival Shane Narbonne have traded wins over the past few seasons.
Next up was the PTC Racing Super Singles Class, where long time NEMRR
Sergio Dimoffetta continued his breakout season on his NEMM KTM SMR450.
Dimoffetta not only is an avid road racer and instructor at the Penguin
Racing School, but in 2022 he also has started a supermoto series (New
England Mini Moto) designed to develop young racing talent. Dimoffetta
has been on the podium for all of his races in 2022 and is definitely
looking to secure a NEMRR Expert championship in 2022.
The top performing Amateur rider of the event was young talent Asher
Rubright, who scored a series of victories in the premier middleweight
classes on his Yamaha R6. After dipping into the 1:16 range in the
Antham Racing Heavyweight Supersport class, Rubright won a hotly
contested battle with Michael Lee. The pair of 600 riders swapped back
and forth several times over the course of the event, with Rubright
pulling clear as Lee made some mistakes in the closing laps as the
nearly 90 degree heat took its toll.
NEMRR will be back in action again on Jun 18-29 for the 99th running of
the historic Loudon Classic. In addition to the feature road race
events, there will be a full vendor area in the front of New Hampshire
Motor Speedway complete with manufacturer demo rides. There will also
be Supermoto and flat track racing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
during the bike week festivities, as well as a host of attractions in
the area. Pit passes for the event can be purchased at the gate at a
rate of $25/weekend or $15 for Sunday only. For more information,
please visit www.NEMRR.com.
Danilo Petrucci standing and walking under his own power less than 56 seconds after he crashed at the end of MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Race Two at VIR. Video still image courtesy MotoAmerica Live+.
MotoAmerica’s Statement On Petrucci Incident From VIR
IRVINE, CA (May 24, 2022) – MotoAmerica has issued the following statement regarding the single-bike incident at the completion of the MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike race on Sunday, May 22, at VIRginia International Raceway, round three of the MotoAmerica Championship.
On Sunday afternoon at VIR, there was an accident at the end of the Medallia Superbike race in which Danilo Petrucci crashed after crossing the finish line in third place. Unfortunately, the crash itself occurred off camera. Race Direction witnessed the end of the crash and immediately acted. As appropriate, a yellow caution flag was deployed. By this time, eighth-place finisher Ashton Yates had crossed the finish line, 27 seconds behind Petrucci. Roughly 17 seconds later, race direction could see that Petrucci was on his feet and appeared to be not seriously injured. Although Petrucci’s crash occurred in a fast section of the racetrack, it’s also an area with the most run-off of any track at which MotoAmerica rounds are held. A sliding Petrucci also struck a single lightweight sponsor sign that consequently gave way as it is designed to do. Petrucci was up and continued walking and stood trackside until he deemed it was safe to walk across the track. He was then met by MotoAmerica staff and escorted in a vehicle to the trackside Medical Center, which was some 200 yards from the site of the incident. At that point, roughly three minutes had passed, and Petrucci was treated for his injuries.
“Attention to detail is paramount when it comes to safety and the safety of our riders is our number-one priority,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “That’s where we start, and our process goes forward from there. In MotoAmerica’s eight years of racing, we have never neglected a rider who was injured. I have nothing but respect for Danilo (Petrucci) and his safety and the safety of all our riders is of the utmost importance. We will never minimize a rider’s injury nor their views of the incident that took place. We needed to get to Danilo more quickly and we will study the incident and will make changes where necessary. The situation was made even more difficult in that, although the crash was after the checkered flag, the track was still hot with riders still at speed and thus mobilizing workers becomes more difficult. Additionally, Race Direction places a lot of emphasis on what they witness of a rider’s actions following an incident. Petrucci was standing and walking under his own power and that quickly lessens the severity of the response. We hope Danilo’s injuries are healing and he’s feeling better. And we look forward to seeing him at Road America.”
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is the new North American road racing series created in 2014. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner. For more information on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Suzuki Motor USA headquarters in Brea, California. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Suzuki Celebrates 20 Years of ATV Manufacturing in the United States
Rome, GA – Suzuki Motor USA, LLC is proud to celebrate 20 years of manufacturing KingQuad ATVs at the Suzuki Manufacturing of America Corporation (SMAC) facility. KingQuad ATVs rolled off the assembly line in Rome, Georgia in May of 2002, and have continued to be built exclusively in the United States ever since.
Suzuki, the inventor of the 4-wheel ATV, has been building the award-winning KingQuad ATVs in this multi-million dollar, 35-acre manufacturing facility since 2002. The SMAC facility is located in the center of the biggest ATV market in the world, allowing access to real-world rider feedback for product refinement and timely delivery of KingQuad ATVs to Suzuki dealers worldwide.
First on Four Wheels – Suzuki has been an innovator in engineering since the company’s founding in 1909. This commitment to engineering excellence in the early 1980s saw Suzuki lead the industry with the creation of the first ever four-wheel ATV in 1983. Always committed to innovation, and attentive to the needs and desires of riders, Suzuki was literally First on Four Wheels.
“This is an extremely important milestone for Suzuki,” said Kerry Graeber, Vice President, Division Manager MC/ATV Sales and Marketing. “Suzuki is very proud to have built KingQuad ATVs in America for the past 20 years. The performance, toughness, and durability of Suzuki ATVs represent the commitment, hard work, and dedication of the people who build them in our Rome, Georgia facility.”
The SMAC facility is one key to the continued success of Suzuki’s global ATV business and Suzuki KingQuad ATVs built there are shipped to U.S. Suzuki dealers and nearly 30 countries worldwide.
Learn more about the complete line of Suzuki KingQuad ATVs at SuzukiCycles.com.
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