MotoGP™ enjoys a Presidential welcome with parade in Jakarta
20 riders head a parade through the capital in an unforgettable start to the inaugural Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia
Wednesday, 16 March 2022
The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia got off to an awe-inspiring start in the capital city of Jakarta on Wednesday, with a parade of 20 riders meeting up with the President, Joko Widodo, and riding through the city – joined by Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta.
The event began with a special breakfast reception, before the riders then entered the Merdeka palace for their meeting with President Jokowi. With the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship returning to Indonesia for the first time since 1997, it’s a huge weekend for the country and the sport – and the reception proved it, from the President and dignitaries to the fans lining the streets to get a glimpse of their heroes.
After the meeting, the group moved outside to look at the President’s bike and to line up on a grid at the palace for the start of the parade. With 20 riders all suited and booted, as well as Carmelo and Carlos Ezpeleta, it was a formidable spectacle as the train of bikes got ready to set off – and the President set the parade in motion waving a chequered flag.
MotoGP riders and others with Indonesian President Joko Widodo (seated on motorcycle) at his palace in Jakarta. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Riders from local Honda, Suzuki, Ducati and Yamaha fan clubs also joined the train of bikes, creating an incredible sight as the convoy headed out into central Jakarta. It was around 4km from the palace starting point to the finish line at the Kempinski Hotel, with fans lining every inch of the street along the route.
Once arrived, the riders parked their machinery and greeted the fans, with a crowd gathering for another glimpse of the superstars before they head for Pertamina Mandalika Circuit. Once interviews were done, and a few knee sliders thrown to the crowd, it was then time to head back inside, cool off and gear up for the journey to Lombok, with track action set to begin on Friday morning.
QUOTES
Marc Marquez: “Many years ago we came here to Indonesia for Honda events, Honda Astra, and it’s something really nice, from my first year I’ve felt like people follow MotoGP a lot and it’s something amazing. They deserve a GP and they’ll have a GP! We’ll race this weekend for the first time for a long time in Indonesia, it will be a big event for the country and for MotoGP.
“Qatar was a good start. You always want more, to be on the podium and try to win, but Qatar is a circuit where we struggle, it wasn’t a bad start. But here and in the next races, we will see and understand more our situation. We need to start to understand better, to show our speed if we can, but I feel better and better and that’s the most important thing.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta: “It’s been an incredible event, with all the riders helping us a lot with this promotion, Indonesia is one of the biggest countries in the world for MotoGP. We’re very proud to be received in the palace by the President, it’s something amazing and we appreciate it so much. We’re so happy to do that, the effort made by the race organisers to make this parade happen with all the riders has been something really impressive.
“We knew from many years ago when we were here that MotoGP in Indonesia is very popular. We think it will be a very nice event and something really important for the sport. We hope it will be the first of many; we have a long term agreement to race in Indonesia. It’s a new organisation and a new circuit but everyone has worked together to make it a success.”
Pol Espargaro and Marc Marquez ready to put on a spectacle for Indonesia’s MotoGP fans as they prepare for Grand Prix racing’s return after 25 years.
Indonesia holds fond memories for the Repsol Honda Team, Mick Doohan and Tadayuki Okada won the two previous races held in Sentul in 1996 and 1997. The 1997 edition, the last race in Indonesia, saw the Repsol Honda Team lock out the podium with Okada winning ahead of teammates Doohan and Alex Criville. It’s a welcome return to Indonesia, especially with the incredible support always shown by the country’s fans.
The Repsol Honda Team arrive with boosted confidence after a strong start to the year under Qatar’s floodlights. Pol Espargaro led the team home in third with Marc Marquez rounding out the night with a productive fifth place, the combined results putting the Repsol Honda Team at the top of the Teams’ Championship. More consistent results are the aim for this weekend in Lombok as both Espargaro and Marquez start putting together their respective seasons.
Espargaro enjoyed his best start to a MotoGP season of his career, leading the opening race for 17 laps on his way to third place. Having topped the final MotoGP pre-season test at the Mandalika Circuit, the #44 arrives with a good base. Resurfacing work after the test will present Espargaro and the rest of the grid with a new aspect of the track to master and assessing these changes will be first and foremost in the weekend’s plan.
Marquez’s results during the Mandalika Test also offer early positive indications for him and his side of the Repsol Honda Team garage. Showing the potential of the new Honda RC213V with an impressive front-row performance in Qatar, Marquez is eager to keep the improvements coming as his feeling with the new machine grows. Brand new MotoGP circuits have been somewhat of a speciality for the #93 in the past, winning his first premier class Grand Prix in Austin when the US tack debuted on the calendar. He also won the inaugural Thai GP in 2018 and the first Argentinian round held at Termas in 2014.
Weather will no doubt be a major factor over the weekend as showers have been occurring daily in the lead up to the race. The MotoGP race will begin at 15:00 Local Time on Sunday, March 20.
Pol Espargaro
“I am really looking forward to Mandalika, the fans were already incredible there during the test and I can only imagine what it will be like for the race. We’re coming in a good moment, a strong race in Qatar and we had a good test before in Mandalika, but a lot has changed since then. They’ve resurfaced the track which should be a big help, but we have to see what it’s like when we arrive. The plan is to continue working how we did during Qatar and in the test and to keeping unlocking our full potential.”
Marc Marquez
“We made improvements over the weekend in Qatar and it’s clear to see there is a lot of potential there. I’m really happy to return to Mandalika, it is great to be able to see all our Indonesian fans and to finally put on a great show for them after so many years. I hope our fans enjoy it and we can put together a good weekend for them to celebrate. Another weekend presents another chance to understand the bike more and get closer again to fighting at the front, it’s early days and we keep on pushing.”
ROYAL ENFIELD REVEALS ALL-NEW SCRAM 411 ADV CROSSOVER
Ready. Set. Scram!
Milwaukee, WI (Tuesday, March 15, 2022) – Royal Enfield, the global leader in the midsize (250cc – 750cc) motorcycling segment, today unveiled the Scram 411 – the brand’s first ADV crossover. The new Scram 411 is an engaging, accessible and capable street scrambler, with the heart of an adventure motorcycle. Built on Royal Enfield’s proven 411cc single-cylinder engine platform and the Harris Performance chassis, the Scram 411 combines spirited agility on urban streets, with competent rough-roading capabilities. Focused and purposeful changes in the riding geometry and ergonomics make it ideal for in-city riding, as well as unpredictable, challenging trails off the urban grid.
Unveiled for global audiences today, the new Scram 411 is already available in India, and will be available in Europe, Asia Pacific, North America and Latin America later this year. The Scram 411 is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. late summer/early fall. Pricing and colorways will be announced in the coming months.
The Scram 411 is a continuation of Royal Enfield’s constant pursuit of exploration, and building motorcycles to enable every adventure. One such motorcycle is the Himalayan—Royal Enfield’s flagship adventure tourer. Launched in 2016, the Himalayan has fostered a subculture of adventure touring around the world, most recently, even Antarctica’s South Pole. Its unique design and well-rounded capability make it among Royal Enfield’s best-selling motorcycles, and it is upon this stalwart platform that the style evolution continues with the more urban-focused ADV-crossover motorcycle—the Scram 411.
The all-new Scram 411 is a new subspecies that has the authentic vibes of a scrambler and adventure touring in its DNA. With long-travel suspension and class-leading ground clearance paired with a 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear, the Scram 411 is playfully agile on city streets, yet is highly capable of tackling more rugged terrain, so the exploration doesn’t end when the pavement stops.
Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director, Eicher Motors Ltd., simply loves the fluidity and the multipurpose ability of the Scram 411. Speaking about this in the context of modern existence, he said, “Whether it’s London, New Delhi or Tokyo, the contours of modern urban existence are ever-changing. With our world increasingly becoming more fast-paced, life in the urban context has become about the weekday hustle and the weekend getaway, and everything in between. We wanted to build a motorcycle that could effortlessly navigate this entire gamut, and be the perfect ally for the young, modern-day rider. The Scram 411 is truly a motorcycle made for now, and is always ready to tackle whatever surprise is in store.”
Speaking about the inspiration behind the Scram 411, and about the new motorcycle, Executive Director, Royal Enfield, B Govindarajan, said, “The globally lauded versatility and competence of the Himalayan inspired us to reimagine the motorcycle in a more young, modern-day, urban context. The Scram 411 is the perfect crossover for young city-dwellers, who prefer a motorcycle that is fun and engaging to ride around the city, yet has a rugged appeal. By shifting the riding geometry to make the motorcycle more at home on busy city streets, and retaining its strong ability to take on rough roads and take on the weekend dirt trail, we’ve brought a unique subcategory for consumers. Like all our motorcycles, the Scram 411 is built for the global rider, and manufactured with world-class engineering. We also have an array of genuine motorcycle accessories and a vibrant apparel range inspired by the Scram lifestyle. This is a very exciting and spirited new motorcycle, and we are confident that young riders from across the world will love the new Scram 411.”
Mark Wells, Chief of Design at Royal Enfield, enjoys riding the Scram 411, and loves how easily it can navigate a wide spectrum of terrain and challenges. Speaking about creating a new subspecies of motorcycles, he said, “Most scrambler motorcycles focus only on aesthetics and looks. When we began work on the Scram 411, we were determined to create a motorcycle that would be distinct in design and purpose, and bring the best of rough-road capability to urban riding. With its distinctive look and design, playful colorways, accessible riding proposition, the Scram 411 is an ultimate ADV crossover for the urban environment.”
ROYAL ENFIELD SCRAM 411 – DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS
The Scram 411 is powered by the globally appreciated 411cc, fuel-injected, 4-stroke, SOHC, air-cooled single-cylinder engine. The counterbalanced engine ensures smooth power delivery and strong bottom-end torque that elevates the overall performance. The wide spread of useable power makes it easy to manage over long urban commutes with minimum gear shifts, and the confidence-inspiring low-revving torque allows it to tackle bad road, and off-road sections easily.
Long-travel suspension and monoshock design, together with class-leading 7.8 inches (200mm) of ground clearance, the Scram 411 delivers a smooth and comfortable ride. The telescopic front suspension with 41mm forks and 7.4 inches (190mm) travel, pairs with 7.0 inches (180mm) travel on the rear, where the link-mounted monoshock enables stable and confident riding over rough roads. Front and rear disc brakes combined with dual-channel ABS, ensures confident braking.
The change in the riding geometry is brought about by the 19-inch front wheel and dual-purpose tire. This, combined with the 17-inch rear wheel, are key to the Scram 411 motorcycle’s nimble handling. The dual-purpose tires ensure a confident grip over tarmac and loose gravel for the ideal combination of on-road grip and rough-road tractability.
The seat on the new Scram 411 is designed for comfort over long saddle time. The single seat that reflects the urban styling of the motorcycle, offers great comfort for both rider and passenger. The accessible 31.2-inch (795mm) seat height enables and easy reach to the ground, making it easy to maneuver in stop-and-go traffic.
The Scram 411 features a new digital-analog instrument cluster that provides easy access to essential information. Circumvented by a traditional analog speedometer, the Scram retains this classic style element, also making for easy viewing.
More details, information and specifications on the North America-spec Royal Enfield Scram 411 ADV crossover motorcycle, including colorways, options, genuine accessories and pricing, will be released in the coming months. U.S. arrival is anticipated in late summer/early spring.
#readysetscram #scram411 #royalenfieldscram
About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.
Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 140 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the all-new Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT 650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.
For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.
Progressive AFT Stars Prepare to Shine at Mission Texas Half-Mile presented by Roof Systems
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 15, 2022) – The 2022 Progressive American Flat Track season will pick right back up following its highly entertaining opener with the Mission Texas Half-Mile presented by Roof Systems at the Dirt Track at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 19 in Fort Worth, Texas.
The stop in Dallas-Fort Worth carries increased significance on multiple fronts. For spectators, it presents the rare opportunity of witnessing two of the world’s most historic motorsports series at the same venue on a single weekend, as the NTT IndyCar Series will compete in the XPEL 375 the following day at Texas Motor Speedway.
And for the paddock, the event represents the home round for some of the sport’s most actively engaged partners, including Mission Foods, Roof Systems of Dallas, TX, and Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda.
The results of the season-opening Volusia Half-Mile certainly set an interesting stage heading into Round 2. Oftentimes, it’s only the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Main Event victor who leaves a given round satisfied.
It’s hard to imagine any of the opener’s top four – winner Briar Bauman (No. 3 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750), second-placed Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R), third-placed JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), and fourth-placed rookie Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) – being anything less than genuinely enthused with how they kicked off their respective ‘22 campaigns.
That leaves some key players looking to strike back at Texas Motor Speedway, most notably reigning Mission SuperTwins champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750), who finished fifth at Volusia Speedway Park. Mees is a proven master of the Dirt Track at Texas Motor Speedway, having won the series’ most recent two stops at the venue.
Other established powers looking for redemption are Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), who finished sixth and ninth, respectively, this past weekend. Both riders are more than capable of finishing Saturday’s race atop the podium, and they have a bit of extra motivation performing at their team’s home race.
Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines
Nick Armstrong (No. 60 Competitive Racing Frames/Lessley Brothers Yamaha MT-07) served up the opener’s biggest surprise with an impressive victory in the Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines Main Event. Armstrong, who’s demonstrated plenty of ability on multiple occasions in the past, will have the opportunity to establish himself a legitimate contender with a similar effort in Fort Worth.
Dan Bromley (No. 62 Vinson Construction/Viper Air Yamaha MT-07) and Jesse Janisch (No. 33 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R) are already at that level and proved themselves to be frontrunners once again as the new season got underway. The two also showed the potential of the Mission Production Twins Challenge as they mixed it up with some big names in the premier-class Main as well.
And, as in the premier class, the Mission Foods/Roof Systems-backed pilots will be looking to their sponsors’ home round to get their title campaigns rolling. Ben Lowe (No. 25 Helipower Racing/Mission Foods Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07) finished the opener in sixth and seventh, respectively, will be aiming for more this upcoming Saturday night.
It’s also worth remembering that the last time the series’ raced at Texas Motor Speedway, Texter made history alongside his sister, Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750), when the two became the first siblings to win Progressive AFT Main Events on the same evening.
Among the other riders worth monitoring are Chad Cose (No. 49 DPC Racing/Voodoo Ranger Harley-Davidson XG750R), Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), Ryan Varnes (No. 68 Schaeffer’s Motorsports/Rausch Fuel & Oil KTM 890 Duke) and Kolby Carlile (No. 36 KC36 Las Vegas Harley-Davidson XG750R).
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Kody Kopp (No. 12 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE), Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE), and Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) came into the season as popular picks to claim the 2022 Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER title, and they did nothing to dispel their early status as championship favorites with a 1-2-3 performance at the opener.
The three figure to spend a lot of time up front this season, and it will be up to the remainder of the field to prevent them from dominating the podium. As always, there’s no lack of talent with the capacity to do exactly that in the always loaded class.
Trent Lowe (No. 48 Mission Foods/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda CRF450R), who finished just off the podium in Volusia, falls into that camp of riders looking to impress in front of his sponsors. Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) and Aiden RoosEvans (No. 26 Southern Illinois Motorsports Honda CRF450R) also got off to strong starts while leaving some room for improvement.
A couple of rookies made their spoiler potential obvious with eye-catching debuts. Chase Saathoff (No. 106 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) and Tyler Scott (No. 170 Briggsauto.com/Martin Trucking KTM 450 SX-F) showcased race-winning speed in their maiden professional rides and only expect to get stronger with additional experience and opportunity.
Along with the on-track action, there will be an abundance of additional attractions on Saturday night at Texas Motor Speedway, including live music, vendors, and a Kids Zone.
Fans are also invited to attend the Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Pre-Party on Friday night where they can meet their favorite teams and riders at the dealership from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time.
Visit https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3691 to purchase your tickets for the Mission Texas Half-Mile presented by Roof Systems today. General Admission Grandstand tickets are $40 and kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Fans who would like to be centrally located nearest to the start/finish line can select seats in the Premium General Admission Grandstand for just $10 more. There’s also the option to host a group of up to 20 people in one of the private, climate-controlled Indoor Suites, which are available to rent for $1,500. Paddock Access Upgrades are also available for purchase, providing all-day access to the pits where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.
Gates will open for fans at 3:30 p.m. local time with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT ahead the evening’s Main Event program. You can catch the livestream of all the weekend’s racing activities free via Facebook up until Opening Ceremonies. Fans can then purchase access to watch Opening Ceremonies, Semis, Main Events, and podium celebrations via Facebook Paid Online Events for $3.99 if purchased 24 hours or more in advance, or $4.99 if purchased on the day of the event.
The Mission Texas Half-Mile will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, March 27, at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT., including exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and expert commentary.
FOX Sports and Facebook are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2022 season, all 18 races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. Viewers can watch livestream coverage of every round in the Facebook mobile app, Facebook desktop site or on the Facebook Watch mobile app. To watch the livestream on TV, fans can download the Facebook Watch TV app, or cast to a TV from the Facebook mobile app. Facebook Watch is available through Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and Xbox One.
The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team presents the new liveries of the Ducati Panigale V4R for the 2022 WorldSBK season
The traditional bike unveiling and the official photo shoot marked the start of 2022 World SBK season for the Aruba.it Racing-Ducati Team at the World Misano Circuit, where Alvaro Bautista and Michael Ruben Rinaldi are getting ready for a two-day test.
The return of the Spanish rider – a standout in the 2019 season with his 16 victories, 11 in a row at the start of the season – represents the most important novelty, as do the liveries of the Ducati Panigale V4R: compared to the ones seen in action over the past three years, 2022 liveries show a renewed design.
Alongside Alvaro Bautista, the confirmation of Michael Ruben Rinaldi, outstanding protagonist of 2021 Misano Round, ready to make the final leap in quality in the next WorldSBK campaign.
The 2022 season of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team will kick off at Aragon (Spain) on the second weekend of April and will be presented through the “Season Launch” video, to be released on Thursday 7 April.
And the news doesn’t end there. Nicolò Bulega will make his debut at Aragon in the World Supersport Championship, riding the Ducati Panigale V2 of the Aruba.it Racing WSSP team. An engaging challenge that will see Ducati partecipating with several teams in a championship that is getting growing interest and that promises to offer new emotions to fans all over the world in 2022 season.
Stefano Cecconi (CEO Aruba S.p.A. and Team Principal Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“We look at the 2022 WorldSBK season with high ambition and strong determination. The goal of our team is to always take a step forward, year after year, in terms of performance and results. This is the reason why we are proud to represent Ducati in the World Superbike Championship, feeling the presence and passion of the Ducatista people on every circuit. We have bet on Alvaro Bautista’s return and we want to fight with him a more exciting season than the 2019, which gave us great satisfactions after all. We firmly believe in Michael Rinaldi and we reckon he is ready to take that significant step forward after the steady growth he has shown so far. Moreover, as Aruba.it Racing, we will be protagonists of a new adventure with Nicolò Bulega and the Ducati Panigale V2 in the SuperSport World Championship. Another fascinating challenge that underlines our growing commitment. I would like to wish the best of luck to the riders and to all the members of our teams, whose sense of belonging makes us proud and pushes us to give more and more every year”.
Claudio Domenicali (Chief Executive Officer Ducati Motor Holding)
“We share values, skills, goals, targets with Aruba.it. Plus, we both believe in the importance of innovation and technology. Aruba.it is a strategic partner, on and off the track, and we are happy to start another season together in the WorldSBK Championship, the most important production-based racing Championship. The bikes our fans can buy are as close as possible to the bikes that race track like the Panigale V4 and, from this year, the Panigale V2 that will make its debut in the World Supersport Championship. This is our philosophy of putting racing technology at the service of our passionate and sporty customers. The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team is a perfect mix of experience and enthusiasm thanks to the return of Alvaro Bautista and the confirmation of Michael Ruben Rinaldi. I wish them and the whole team the best of luck for the 2022 season.”
Luigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Corse General Manager)
“The level of WorldSBK is growing every year, as well as the competition. Obviously, this doesn’t scare us, and on the contrary, it pushes us to give more and more, work more carefully and focus on every single detail. In the 2021 World Championship, our team was the only one to have won at least one race with both riders, and this confirms the potential of the Panigale V4R. To achieve our most important goal, we rely on Alvaro Bautista’s return – who needs no introduction – and Michael Rinaldi’s desire to impress. In addition, in the 2022 season, we will also be competing in the World Supersport Championship with the Panigale V2. It’s a fascinating challenge that underlines Ducati’s deep commitment to the world of production-based racing.”
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #19)
“I am very happy to be back in this fantastic team, with Aruba.it and Ducati. It feels like a real family to me and finding basically the team I worked with in 2019 has been of paramount importance. My feelings with the Panigale V4R were immediately very positive: I think the bike is even more balanced than the one I left. With such a competitive team and machine, obviously the goal is to aim for the title. I have more experience, I know the tyres and the format of the competition better, but it will still be crucial to learn from the mistakes of three years ago. Winter tests got me very excited and I can’t wait to get on track at Aragon”.
Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #21)
“The 2022 championship is about to start: it will be my second season with the official team even though I have been part of the Aruba.it family for many years now. This is why the time has come to reap the benefits we have sown so far. It will not be easy because the competition is huge but I believe that these years together can be a solid base to create something good. It will be a very important championship both for me and for the team and my future career could also depend on this season. I will certainly give my best and with the help of the team I am sure we can achieve important results. I’m very happy and I want to thank Aruba.it, Ducati and all the sponsors who have allowed me to take on this fascinating challenge”.
Nicolò Bulega and his Ducati Panigale V2 World Supersport racebike. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WSSP Team #11)
“I’m very motivated for this new adventure. It’s a great opportunity for me and I feel I have all the requirements to do well. The tests have been very positive, I felt comfortable both with the Panigale V2 and with the team, which is very important to me. It’s going to be a tough season for sure and for this reason we need to put our heads together and try to get the most out of every single race”.
The Roadracing World 2022 Reader Survey, Part 5, was brought to you by Bridgestone.
Paul Dunning, of Cave Creek, Arizona, is the winner of this survey’s prize – a set of Bridgestone motorcycle tires, one front and one rear, of the his choosing.
Bridgestone tires for all types of motorcycles are available at authorized Bridgestone dealers around the United States. Find your nearest dealer here.
Survey results are used to improve content for readers and marketing for our advertisers. Name and address required for prize drawing. Entrants will automatically receive a free three-issue trial subscription to Roadracing World magazine with no obligation. No mailing list or confidential individual information is shared with third parties. Roadracing World’s privacy policy can be viewed here. To sign up to receive upcoming, short installments of future Roadracing World reader surveys and other promotional e-mails from Roadracing World, CLICK HERE.
For more information on how your product can be the presenting sponsor of an upcoming portion of the Roadracing World 2022 Reader Survey, email Anne Roberts, [email protected].
About Roadracing World
Established in 1990, Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW. Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE DOMINATES DAYTONA, KICKING OFF 2022 RACE SEASON IN DRAMATIC FASHION WITH WINS AT KING OF THE BAGGERS & AMERICAN FLAT TRACK SEASON OPENERS
Indian Challengers Go Un-Challenged at Round 2 of King of the Baggers with Podium Sweep Led by Jeremy McWilliams, While Tyler O’Hara Goes Last to First for Dramatic Win in Round 1 –
Finishes Weekend with Early Points Lead for the Series
Indian Motorcycle Flat Track Wrecking Crew Rider Briar Bauman Secures 20th Career Win at Volusia Half-Mile
Minneapolis, MN. – Indian Motorcycle Racing dominated Bike Week in Daytona Beach and kicked off its 2022 race season in dramatic fashion. With factory teams competing in flat track and bagger racing, Indian Motorcycle captured two wins and four of six podium spots at the King of the Baggers opening double-header at Daytona International Speedway, along with a victory at the 2022 American Flat Track season opener at the Volusia Half Mile.
Jeremy McWilliams (99). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Intent on reclaiming the title of King of the Baggers for its Indian Challenger, Round 2 saw an all-Challenger podium sweep led by new factory rider, Jeremy McWilliams, with Tyler O’Hara and Bobby Fong taking 2nd and 3rd respectively. In Round 1, it was all about inaugural King of the Baggers Champion O’Hara who put the Indian Challenger on top of the box with a dramatic last-to-first victory. O’Hara finished 1st and 2nd in the opening rounds to take an early lead in the 2022 series points race. Meanwhile, the opening round of the 2022 American Flat Track season saw Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew rider Briar Bauman deliver a masterful performance on his Indian Motorcycle FTR750 to take the win at the Volusia Half-Mile.
Bobby Fong (50). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
“This weekend was a dramatic display of the incredible level of preparation, determination and skill that powers our teams and riders every time we line up on the grid,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology for Indian Motorcycle. “Considering the stiff competition and unique challenges we’re facing in both flat track and bagger racing this season, we’re certainly happy to get off to such a positive start, but we know full well that this is merely the beginning. There’s a lot more racing ahead of us, and we expect every race weekend to be a dogfight to the finish.”
KING OF THE BAGGERS
Opening weekend of MotoAmerica’s King of the Baggers was nothing short of exhilarating.
In his third year piloting the Mission® Foods S&S® Indian Challenger, O’Hare overcame considerable obstacles in Round 1 to capture his third bagger racing victory. Thanks to a penalty imposed during post-qualifying inspections, O’Hara was forced to start the race at the back of the grid in 13th position. Seemingly unphased by the misfortune, O’Hara literally catapulted off the start, launching his way past more than half the field before entering turn one. From there, he smoothly made his way into third, where he ran for the majority of the race until perfectly timing an incredible move in the final lap, drafting out of the chicane to slingshot his Indian Challenger into first place and take the checkered flag.
“We took a lot of motivation from the disappointing outcome in 2021 and poured it into intensive off-season testing and preparation with the S&S team to ensure we came back strong in 2022, and this weekend was a testament to the dedication, expertise and commitment of our entire team,” said O’Hara. “We’re confident we have the best bike in the paddock, and we intend to prove that again in 2022. We’re off to a good start; but our competition is fierce, and our work has only just begun.”
Powered by its Round 1 victory, Indian Motorcycle Racing took its success to an even higher level in Round 2 with an all-out Indian Challenger podium sweep. After just missing the podium in his Round 1 bagger racing debut, veteran road racer and newest Indian Motorcycle factory rider Jeremy McWilliams battled head-to-head with fellow Mission® Foods S&S® Indian Challenger teammate, O’Hara, ultimately edging him out by mere .025 seconds to capture his first King of the Baggers win and first career win at Daytona.
Tyler O’Hara (2) on his Indian FTR1200 Super Hooligan racebike. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
But O’Hara wasn’t the only threat in this race, while leading into the final lap, McWilliams went high, leaving the door open for Indian Motorcycle privateer Bobby Fong, piloting Steve Delorenzi’s S&S-built RSD Indian Challenger. Fong took full advantage and led most of the final lap, and it wasn’t until the final sprint when McWilliams, along with O’Hara, drafted Fong and made a last-minute pass. While both McWilliams and O’Hara were able to slingshot past Fong, it was McWilliams who was able hold off O’Hara and cross the finish line by slightly less than a bike length.
Sponsors for Indian Motorcycle Racing’s King of the Bagger efforts include Mission® Foods, S&S®, Medallia, Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited.
AMERICAN FLAT TRACK
After weather postponed, and ultimately cancelled, round one of the 2022 American Flat Track season, riders took to the track and kicked off the season at the Volusia Half-Mile II. In spite of significant off-season rule changes that impose restrictions specifically on the Indian FTR750, flat track Wrecking Crew rider Briar Bauman put on a technical clinic to capture the win, making a bold statement regarding his intention to claim his second Grand National Championship in 2022.
Having placed second in Semi 2 and earning a spot on the front row for the Main, Bauman jumped out to an early lead and never looked back – capturing his first win of the season and his 20th of his career. Bauman’s factory teammates, including reigning champion Jared Mees and the Wrecking Crew’s newest rider Shayna Texter-Bauman finished fifth and 13th respectively.
Sponsors for Indian Motorcycle Racing’s American Flat Track efforts include Progressive Insurance, S&S®, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Bell Helmets, Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited.
The 2022 King of the Baggers season continues April 22-24, in the Braselton, GA, at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. American Flat Track continues March 19 for the Texas Half-Mile at Texas Motor Speedway in Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX.
For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
More, from a press release issued by Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing:
Rodio Warhorse HSBK Racing Debuts at Daytona
Coming out of the gate strong on their Aprilia RS 660 machines in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup round at Daytona International Speedway, Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing led the way with first and third fastest times in the first practice session. Anthony Mazziotto recorded a best time of 1:59.830 with teammate Gus Rodio dropping a 2:00.199 best on a drying track that was green from sustained rain. More rain on Thursday resulted in the first qualifying session being scratched, however, track activity resumed on Friday morning with the second qualifying session where Mazziotto managed eleventh position followed by Rodio in fifteenth.
In race one, intense close racing among the top seven riders saw Mazziotto run as high as second position, ultimately finishing third by only 0.124 seconds. Rodio was able to advance from the fifth row of the grid to finish seventh.
Race two on Saturday was reduced to six laps, and then to a five lap restart but produced even more extremely close racing with the top eight riders ultimately separated by only 0.634 seconds. Mazziotto ran as high as third but came across the finish line in fifth, missing the podium by 0.021 seconds.
Anthony Mazziotto (516). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing.
Anthony Mazziotto – Coming into Daytona was very exciting, I’ve never ridden on any banking before and riding half of the track wide open creates some really intense racing. Things went fairly well despite making contact with the wall on the banking in the first race. I managed to recover myself and bring home a third place result as well as a fifth place in Saturday’s race two. I have solid third place championship points going into round two and I’m happy with my position, especially because I have experience at the rest of the tracks we will visit. Thanks to the whole Rodio family and crew for the help throughout the weekend and Bobby at Warhorse HSBK for building a solid motorcycle to ride this season. See you all at the next one!
Gus Rodio (96). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing.
Gus Rodio – It was definitely a tough weekend all around for us, but I’ll be taking away the positives and moving forward. We got two top-ten finishes and are leaving Daytona eighth in the championship. I’m going to do my work at home and be ready for Atlanta.
Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing will continue at the next round at Road Atlanta April 22-24 in Braselton, Georgia.
More, from a press release issued by N2 Racing:
Blake Davis Wins Debut Twins Cup at Daytona!
Media, PA – March 2022 – Blake Davis takes his first MotoAmerica win on his debut performance in Twins Cup Race 1 on a Dunlop equipped N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha YZF-R7 with the support of Westby Racing. The weekend was filled with difficult weather conditions, a constantly changing schedule, and first race weekend technical difficulties, but the N2 Racing team persevered to achieve some excellent results.
The N2/Bobblehead team worked closely with Westby Racing to build the Yamaha YZF-R7 for fifteen-year-old Blake Davis. Though the team had worked closely to develop the Yamaha R3 in previous seasons, they collectively pulled out all stops to build Blake’s Yamaha YZF-R7 to compete in the very strong Twins Cup rider lineup.
Going into the weekend, Blake had little time on either the Yamaha R7 or Daytona and he had to work extra hard to learn the two quickly. According to Blake, “In the beginning, I didn’t have the pace and worked to find the best race line and I tended to run a little deep in some corners. About halfway through the race, I started putting it all together and worked hard to stay with the top 4 or 5 riders.”
Blake Davis (22). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.
The race had a few big moments, one of which was rider Anthony Mazziotto making contact with the wall and bouncing back into the lead pack. Blake adds, “When Anthony had his big moment, it disrupted the group and I took advantage of that moment. I had to work very hard to stay upfront with a few exchanges for lead before those final laps.”
In the off-season, Blake spent time training with Yamaha Champions Riding School’s Chris Peris and Kyle Wyman at the Inde Motorsports Ranch in Willcox, AZ. Blake adds, “I really worked on carrying my brakes longer into the corner, tactics I learned from Chris and Kyle during my training with them.”
N2/Bobblehead Crew Chief, Shiloh Salopek comments, “We had our share of technical issues dealing with tuning and data before the race, but Blake showed all of us what he and the Yamaha R7 are capable of.”
The win for Blake was a very emotional win for both the N2/Bobblehead and Westby teams. After the victory circle celebration and the dust had settled, Shiloh states, “This was one of the best days of my life.”
Chris Peris (101). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.
Chris Peris competed in the Daytona 200 aboard the N2 Racing/Bobblehead Moto Yamaha YZF-R6. Peris is no stranger to endurance racing and is a multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance champion. The team executed near-flawless pit stops with Chris showing some of his fastest laps towards the end of the race. Despite some gearing issues, Chris achieved a solid 11th place finish for the Daytona 200 race.
Kevin Olmedo (16). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.
Kevin Olmedo, the N2/Bobblehead rider for the MotoAmerica Supersport class started running top 5 lap times but suffered a few mechanical issues that resulted in 2 additional pit stops costing Olmedo and the team precious time. Despite the extra stops, Kevin was able to finish in 18th position after the 200-mile race.
N2 – Ride, Race, Learn:
Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing. N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.
N2 Racing is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, BobbleHeadMoto, Karnes Performance, Trading Paint, GB Racing, Westby Racing, Attack Performance, Robem Engineering, SBS Brakes, Puig, Eazi Grip, ProBolt, and Yamaha Champions Riding School.
More, from a press release issued by Hayden Schultz Racing:
Hayden Schultz and Cycle Tech Kick Off MotoAmerica Twins Cup Campaign with Daytona Victory
The Cycle Tech team came to Daytona with high hopes after a promising winter developing their Yamaha YZF-R7 machines. Their hard work would be rewarded with the teams first MotoAmerica victory after Hayden Schultz crossed the line first in Race 2.
Hayden Schultz would show promising pace from the opening practice session as the 2022 MotoAmerica season kicked off on the high banks of Daytona. The team would only get two shortened sessions to set up the bike before gridding up for race 1. After qualifying 5th on the grid, Hayden would go on to lead laps in race 1. While a potential podium or victory looked to be possible, a crash on lap 6 would derail hopes for a maiden victory on Friday
Heavy rains on Saturday morning would result in a rescheduled race 2 to start at nearly 6:00pm. The long wait would prove worth it. Schultz would utilize his experience and a strong Yamaha power plant to take the lead coming off of the banking and lead to the checkered flag. The victory at Daytona would be the first for Hayden and the Cycle Tech team.
Hayden Schultz:
“I’m so happy to get redemption after the incident in race 1. I knew from practice 1 that we had a strong bike and had a great shot at coming away with a win. My team is incredible and Gene Burcham, Ron “Dink” Glidden, and Gary Jeffries have spent countless hours preparing for the season. They did such a great job preparing our Yamaha R7 and making sure we had the power to be competitive. I made a mistake that cost us a shot at the win in race 1. When race 2 came around I knew I needed to just make it to the final lap so I could use the draft and power of the Cycle Tech Yamaha R7. My plan was to come out of the final chicane in 4th and it worked out perfectly. I’m thrilled to get my first MotoAmerica win and I’m determined to keep this momentum going further into the season.”
The Cycle Tech Yamaha team is supported by: Yamaha, Vance & Hines, Glidden Racing, 1833-CJ-KNOWS Accident and Injury Law, aRacer USA, Ohlins USA, Blud Lubricants, Dreyer Motorsports, Full Spectrum Power, Sunstar, DP Brakes, Speigler Performance Parts, Magura, Dymag Wheels, Just 1 Helmets, RS Taichi, Robem Engineering, Dogwood Residential, Attack Performance.
More, from a press release issued by KTM North America:
RED BULL KTM’S KODY KOPP RACES TO A CAREER-FIRST VICTORY IN AFT SINGLES CLASS TEAMMATE MAX WHALE FINISHES RUNNER-UP AT VOLUSIA HALF-MILE SEASON OPENER
Round 1 – American Flat Track Championship
BARBERVILLE, Fla. – Seventeen-year-old Kody Kopp made a statement debut with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team on Friday as he delivered a career-first AFT Singles victory at Round 1 of the 2022 American Flat Track Championship. As his closest competitor in the Main Event, teammate Max Whale put up a hard fight to finish only 2.6 seconds behind, giving Red Bull KTM an impressive 1-2 podium sweep at the highly-anticipated Volusia Half-Mile.
With rainstorms blowing through the area all week, Thursday and Friday’s season-opening double-header was eventually condensed into one round, taking place later on Friday evening. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team was able to put in two solid sessions on-track during Wednesday’s test day but track conditions were wildly different at the start of Friday’s racing. For Kopp, the conditions didn’t seem to make a difference as he topped the final qualifying session and carried great momentum into Semi 2. Charging his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION into the lead early on, the young rider never looked back as he raced his way to a 3.5 second victory in the semi.
In the Main Event, it was once again Kopp who commanded the early lead and he fought off early pressure from his teammate, Whale, through the first five laps. The Red Bull KTM duo worked their way to a sizeable gap over the rest of the field until a red flag came out, causing a pause in the action. Kopp and Whale returned to battle for a few laps after the re-start but Kopp wedged another gap late in the race to come away with an impressive flag-to-flag victory at Round 1.
Kody Kopp: “What an amazing start to the season! I just want to thank the whole Red Bull KTM Team for allowing me to get my first professional win. They’ve been working their butts off this entire off-season and it really showed at this first round. I feel really comfortable on the bike lately, these conditions really suited my style and I was able to get some decent starts, work my way to the front and put in my laps. I just want to thank everyone – my family, every sponsor and all that people who go unnoticed, it wouldn’t happen without you guys!”
Entering his sophomore season with the team, Max Whale posted a great Main Event result at Round 1. With track conditions changing immensely throughout the day, the Australian rider struggled earlier in the day but he quickly adapted himself and the bike, making big strides from the start of qualifying.
Finishing third in Semi 1, Whale placed his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION on the second row for the Main Event and he quickly charged into second behind his teammate. Whale pressured Kopp early on as they created a battle of their own out front and the multi-time championship contender used the re-start as an opportunity to reset his charge on the leader. In a fighting attempt at the win, Whale maintained a solid pace to finish only 2.6 seconds behind Kopp for second-place.
Max Whale: “It was a good start to the season. I’m super pumped from where we started the day – 16th in the first qualifying – and we didn’t stop working all day. We made improvements to the bike and then I made improvements to my riding style and that made a big difference for me. Hats off to my teammate Kody, he rode awesome. I’m super happy with how myself and the team worked all night and I’m ready for Round 2 in Texas!”
Next Race: Texas Half-Mile – Fort Worth, Texas – March 19, 2021
Round 1 Results – Volusia Half-Mile AFT Singles Main Event
1. Kody Kopp, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
2. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
3. Dalton Gauthier, Honda
OTHER
10. Tanner Dean, KTM
13. James Ott, KTM
14. Ryan Wells, KTM
AFT Singles Point Standings (After Round 1)
1. Kody Kopp, 25 points
2. Max Whale, 20
3. Dalton Gauthier, 17
OTHER
10. Tanner Dean, 9
13. James Ott, 6
14. Ryan Wells, 5
More, from a press release issued by Royal Enfield North America:
JOHNNY LEWIS KICKS OFF FULL-SEASON ASSAULT ON AFT PRODUCTION TWINS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Top-five for Lewis while Build. Train. Race. action begins with BTR Select at Volusia Half Mile
Milwaukee, WI – Inclement Florida weather during Daytona Bike Week delayed the start of the 2022 American Flat Track National Championship, but it didn’t stop the season from commencing for Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. program and the Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield crew. Johnny Lewis, aiming for a full-season assault on the AFT Production Twins championship, carded a solid fifth-place finish at the Volusia Half-Mile while the BTR women gave a preview of the 2022 action to come.
After a landmark year in 2021, where Johnny Lewis and the Moto Anatomy X team took on selected rounds of the American Flat Track Championship aboard the Royal Enfield Twins FT motorcycle, even celebrating a historic win at Lima Half Mile, the crew is ready to take on the full Production Twins class season in 2022.
“With the progress made on the Twins FT, and with the dedicated team behind the Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield program, we’re ready to go all in,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing and Communications Lead – Royal Enfield Americas. “We’ll continue to learn and progress as we go and we’re all looking forward to another great season.”
Despite some setbacks during the 10-lap Mission Production Twins Main Event at Volusia Speedway Park, Lewis utilized his experience on the track to manage his way to a solid finish. What looked like a possible podium eventually gave way to a fifth-place on the night, a respectable start to the new season.
“That was a rough main event to manage,” Lewis said. “But we have our eye on the long game and we’re happy to be starting the championship with some points. We’re really looking forward to the next round, the Texas Half Mile this weekend. Everything is bigger in Texas, and I want the biggest trophy I can get.”
The official BTR Flat Track season has yet to commence, as many of the newcomers to the program are still in the Build and Train portions of the program. The Volusia Half-Mile served as a “BTR Select” prequel to the season, offering the ladies of BTR Flat Track returning from the previous season, and any racers ready to compete ahead of schedule, the opportunity to get on the track.
Return riders Jillian Deschenes, Jaycee Jones, Lanakila MacNaughton, Malary Lee, Erin Ferris, Nean Kiskela and Gabrielle Hughes were joined by newcomer Alex Bumpus McDonald for BTR Select at the Volusia Half Mile.
The 2022 season appears to have picked up right where it left off, with Jillian Deschenes and Jaycee Jones dueling for the win. Jones managed to turn the quickest lap time in the main event, but it was Deschenes who led when it mattered—at the checkered flag. The race also saw a surprise performance from Lanakila MacNaughton, who kept the lead duo in sight en route to a strong podium finish.
“It’s great to see the BTR women on the track again,” Poland commented. “It’s going to be even more exciting when we see the full field out there for the first official round, which will take place at the I-70 Half Mile in Missouri, April 23. We can’t wait to see what happens when we throw all this new talent in the mix; it’s going to be an amazing season for Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race.”
About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.
Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 140 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the all-new Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT 650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.
For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.
Destination: Indonesia as MotoGP™ gets ready for lights out in Lombok
The road to Pertamina Mandalika Circuit is paved with headlines, and we’re likely about to make some more
Tuesday, 15 March 2022
At the end of the Jerez Test, the world seemed to be at Ducati’s feet. And in some ways after the Grand Prix of Qatar and the start of 2022, it remains so, but it’s a more complex equation than it appeared. It was ultimately the GP21 of Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) that took a stunning victory under the floodlights in Qatar as the Italian sophomore secured his first MotoGP™ win and the first for his team since 2006 – as well as making it look impressively achievable. With Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) taking a convincing second and an equally convincing debut for Honda’s new RC213V in third in the hands of Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) too – who led more MotoGP™ laps in one race that he had on all his previous starts combined – there’s a lot to unpack on the road to Lombok. So let’s go!
First, Ducati. For Francesco Bagnaia and teammate Jack Miller it was a pretty difficult first race of the season. Still looking for that sweet spot with the GP22 before crashing out and, in Miller’s case, suffering an electrical issue, it made for a damp squib for the Ducati Lenovo Team and one they’ll be wanting to right as soon as possible. Finding the sweet spot may be aided by experience gained in the Mandalika Test though, and reliability has seldom been an issue for the Bologna bullets, so there are two reasons to expect more red in the fight for the podium at Mandalika. Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) fell victim to Bagnaia’s mistake too, so the could-have-beens create a mystery there, and his teammate Johann Zarco seemed to go a little under the radar in P8. Have they got more in the locker?
Looking at Bastianini’s incredible race, they’ll need to find it soon if they’re to take on… themselves. Ducati lead the constructors’ Championship, just with the same bike that they won it with last season as the number 23 put in a near-perfect race on his GP21: out the box and on top straight away to make 1 the number of the Beast as we head for Round 2.
And now, KTM. It was a coy preseason for the Austrian factory – as much as that can apply when the top 21 on Day 3 of the Mandalika Test were covered by eight and a half tenths – but Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) broke cover with some serious form at Lusail. The number 33 was at the front from the off and remained there, homing in to within a few tenths of Bastianini by the flag, too. And that’s at a track that traditionally sees the orange machinery struggle a little more than others, so there are now likely a few whispers up and down pitlane, accompanied by a sliver of apprehension, about what exactly KTM will have in the locker going forward. Mandalika may well suit man or machine, and Binder suits the top step so much his two previous MotoGP™ podiums had been wins. Can the South African go one better in Indonesia? And can teammate Miguel Oliveira bounce back?
Another interesting talking point from Qatar most definitely originates with Honda. Pol Espargaro not only led more laps in one race than he ever had done before combined, and took the new RC213V to the podium, he also beat returning eight-time Champion Marc Marquez, becoming the first Honda to finish ahead of the number 93 when both saw the flag at Lusail. Given the more turbulent time non-Marc Marquez riders have had at times with the Honda, it speaks to the factory having accomplished a key goal for 2022: rideability – as well as serious speed. Pol Espargaro also topped the timesheets on Day 3 at Mandalika, which is an extra spring for his step on the flight to Indonesia.
Marquez will no doubt be up in the mix as his experience on the bike and physical condition both increase, however, and after such a difficult couple of seasons, a top five at Lusail is a patient warning for the rest: the number 93 very much races on. Can he take on the podium at Mandalika and hit back against his teammate?
For Aprilia, meanwhile, it was their best ever MotoGP™ race according to timesheets alone. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) may have finished fourth but it was the closest the Noale factory have ever been to the winner, so that’s a very good start for an RS-GP that looked lean and mean in pre-season. It was a more difficult opener for Maverick Viñales, however, and he’ll be looking for more at Mandalika. On Day 3 of the test the number 41 was third and the number 12 was seventh, split by less than a tenth, so Aprilia will be keen to see both bikes attack the bigger points hauls – and try and keep that fourth place in the Constructors’ rolling.
And then there’s Suzuki. There was many an eyebrow raise after Friday in Qatar saw a GSX-RR draft a Ducati, and straight line speed gains have certainly been made. Qualifying was fairly solid, and the start of the race so too. But as the laps ticked down the Team Suzuki Ecstar machines couldn’t quite get up into the podium fight, ultimately coming home in P6 – 2020 MotoGP™ Champion Joan Mir – and P7, Friday’s fastest Alex Rins. They’ll want a lot more at Mandalika and pitlane reporter Simon Crafar said in pre-season testing he expected the 17-corner layout to suit the inline four machinery, so it could be an interesting shuffle in Lombok. Mir did lose some track time at the test due to illness, so there may be more in the locker once we get down to racing business…
For Yamaha it was a tough Qatar GP. With reigning Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) in ninth, it was the worst position for the top Yamaha in the season opener since 2006 – and it didn’t result from any one-off drama. The Iwata marque will be all hands on deck to convert Mandalika into a much better round, for both Quartararo and teammate Franco Morbidelli, who ended up in P11. Andrea Dovizioso (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) was 14th too, with a whole lot of experience struggling to crack into the podium fight. Quartararo was just 0.014 off the top on Day 3 at Mandalika in testing though, so the track may prove a happier hunting ground – with a potentially better layout for the YZR-M1.
And finally, rookie watch. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) was the breakaway star of the first half of the race as the Italian shot clear of his fellow debutants and made a few waves before crashing out, rider ok. That left Remy Gardner (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) vs Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) as the battle for top rookie and, in the end, the battle for a first GP point. The reigning Moto2™ Champion took it by hundredths at the line, but Binder did likewise impress as he moves from Moto3™ – although Gardner felt he’d been pretty held up by some late lunges from the South African. Can Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) move forward at Mandalika and can Raul Fernandez (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing), after an impressive start, take back to the rookie top? The Spaniard missed some track time at Mandalika after a crash in testing, so he’ll be eager to get down to work.
One race down, 20 to go – and already a thousand talking points. Get ready to enjoy some more as MotoGP™ returns to race in Indonesia for the first time since 1997 in the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, with the roar of the grandstands set to rival the engines. The lights go out for the MotoGP™ race at 15:00 (GMT +8) on Sunday, so make sure to tune in for another stunner!
MotoGP™ CHAMPIONSHIP: TOP 5
1 Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) – Ducati – 25
The intermediate class prepare for touchdown at Pertamina Mandalika Circuit
There were headlines aplenty in the Qatar GP, but one was most definitely the demolition job Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) put together for his maiden Moto2™ win. The Italian was untouchable and as the intermediate class arrive at a whole new track, it begs the question: will he do it again?
His six second gap over the line, as well as the fact that he started from pole and seemed to not expect either, made it seem all the more effortless, and that could be a serious warning sign for the field. Effortless pace brings points. The field, however, is deep, and taking on a whole new track will be an interesting watch as we look for signs of the title fight we’re to enjoy in 2022.
Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) was another standout lone ranger in Qatar, taking his first Moto2™ podium on a Kalex and likewise looking pretty sharp. He’s still sporting the bow tie he says he’ll take off once he has his maiden intermediate class win, so could Mandalika be the place? A podium on first asking on his new machine is a good sign, and the Spaniard is evidently settled in.
Behind Vietti and Canet, however, there was an almighty battle to complete the podium. Eventually it was Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) who took it, after a last gasp lunge from Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) on Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) saw both head wide but, somehow, stay on. Tony Arbolino, new in at Elf Marc VDS Racing Team, was just about in that battle too and profited to take fifth, taking a step forward so far as he and Ogura both become sophomores in the class. It would take some bravery to bet against the quartet featuring very near the front come lights out in Lombok…
Speaking of which, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) will be looking for a lot more, as will Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team). Both had more form in testing and then suffered early skirmishes in the Qatar GP, and they’ll want to avoid any dramas and get back at that sharp end from the off in Indonesia. That said, Acosta was nevertheless still the top rookie in what would have been an impressive debut had he not already been breaking lap records at Portimão and been, well, Pedro Acosta. The field can likely expect the number 51 to reset, reload and gun for a lot more glory this time around – and at a track where no one has experience on a Moto2™ machine. Will that catapult some more debutants into the limelight?
We’ll find out soon enough as the lights go out for Moto2™ on Sunday at 13:20 (GMT+8). Can Vietti keep the early Championship lead?
Moto2™ CHAMPIONSHIP: TOP 5
1 Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – Kalex – 25
2 Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) – Kalex – 20
3 Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) – Kalex – 16
5 Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) – Kalex – 11
Migno leads Moto3™ to Indonesia
It’s a new track but the same interesting mix of veterans and rookies gearing up… so who will leave Lombok on top?
Five years after his first Moto3™ win, Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) was back on top at Lusail, taking the first Championship lead of the season. The Italian was in good company on the podium too as fellow veterans Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) and Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power) locked out the rostrum, and we learned plenty from the first race of 2022.
First, Migno remains fast and a serious threat – as does Garcia, who took his second consecutive second place and that despite a Long Lap penalty this time around. The Spaniard also, as he always does, went for it when required… and only missed out by thousandths. Toba had another good start but often goes well in Qatar, having also taken his win there, and will want to back it up with more at Mandalika. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3) came fourth and was back up at the sharp end he’s not featured in quite as much in the latter stages of 2021, and John McPhee (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) also made experience count. The Scotsman will, however, miss Indonesia due to injury – so that’s one less frontrunner to expect.
Speaking of frontrunners in the literal sense at Lusail, Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) was absolutely gone at the front before that near-highside and incredible save saw him damage his machine and forced to retire. He’ll be trying to focus on the pace not the points that evaporated, and the Japanese rider had some very impressive pace. So too did Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) and Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team), with both given a back of the grid penalty but still moving through to some good points hauls – Foggia in P7 and Guevara in P8, the former having also taken two Long Laps and the latter one. On take 2 in 2022, they’ll want to make sure their Saturday work – in Guevara’s case, pole – counts for a little more in Lombok. Both looked like serious threats in pre-season, and race day in Qatar definitely didn’t put a dent in that.
Just ahead of Foggia was another performance of note: Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI). The Brazilian took an impressive sixth place and was top rookie by a good number of positions in Qatar, as well as 4.5 seconds of the second debutant. What can he do at Mandalika? With the venue truly brand new for the lightweight class after no pre-season test in Lombok, it could be a leveller and the rookies could be ones to watch – with no one else enjoying any experience at the track at all. Moreira will be hoping so, as will the likes of second rookie in Qatar, Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team), and Joel Kelso (CIP Green Power), who already scored points. Dani Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo), meanwhile, arrives as reigning JuniorGP™ Champion but suffered injury struggles in pre-season, so he’ll be keen to move forward and avoid the late race “drop 1 position” penalty that saw him forfeit the final point to Kelso in Qatar.
There’s another rookie who, as he settles in, will likely be the star of the show, however: Mario Aji (Honda Team Asia). The Indonesian will be flying the flag on home turf and looking to move forward, but is pretty much guaranteed superstar status at Mandalika. What can he do as Indonesia celebrates a home GP for the first time in 25 years?
It was a tale of two races at Lusail in some ways, and now we’re ready for another chapter of Moto3™ history at Mandalika as the lightweight class of Grand Prix racing celebrates its 900th race. Tune in for more as the lightweight class go racing from 12:00 (GMT +8) on Sunday!
Moto3™ CHAMPIONSHIP: TOP 5
1 Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) – Honda – 25
After two years of collaboration as an official Dainese-AGV Rider, Rossi Moor’s contract was renewed today for another two years. So Dainese and AGV will be Rossi Moor’s official technical partners for the 2022-2023 seasons.
Rossi Moor is proud to represent, despite his very young age, Officially Dainese and AGV which are the best known and safest brands in the world of motorcycle racing.
Marco Pastore (Dainese Racing Director):
Dainese Group strongly believe in the technical qualities and talent of Rossi Moor. Moreover I must also say that he is a good, educated and very humble guy. I really hope we will build a long story together, supporting and protecting Rossi for many years.
Featured In the March 2022 issue of Roadracing World:
Excerpt:
A bagger and a racetrack are not two things that really seem to go together with a positive outcome. Or at least not until 2020, when MotoAmerica hosted the King Of The Baggers invitational exhibition race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Purists scoffed at the concept and MotoAmerica took a lot of heat, but they pulled it off, gaining a massive amount of exposure and, more importantly, attracting a new audience to the sport of road racing. Even Superbike mechanics came out to the pit wall to watch the race, and none of the bikes oiled the track…
“Racebike Test: When Hogs Fly,” by Chris Ulrich
Like them or loathe them, racing baggers are a hit with U.S. racing fans. Kyle Wyman took a Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special to the 2021 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Championship, and Racing Editor Chris Ulrich pushed one to its limits at Inde Motorsports Ranch. Read Ulrich’s impressions of what it takes to make a 631-pound hog fly, all in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW . Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Read the March 2022 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technologywith your online subscription. Log in HERE
Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.
Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld
Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world
MotoGP riders, including (front row from left) Jorge Martin, Alex Rins, Pol Espargaro, Francesco Bagnaia, Joan Mir, and Jack Miller, lead a parade through the streets of the Indonesian capital city of Jakarta. Photo courtesy Dorna.
MotoGP™ enjoys a Presidential welcome with parade in Jakarta
20 riders head a parade through the capital in an unforgettable start to the inaugural Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia
Wednesday, 16 March 2022
The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia got off to an awe-inspiring start in the capital city of Jakarta on Wednesday, with a parade of 20 riders meeting up with the President, Joko Widodo, and riding through the city – joined by Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta.
The event began with a special breakfast reception, before the riders then entered the Merdeka palace for their meeting with President Jokowi. With the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship returning to Indonesia for the first time since 1997, it’s a huge weekend for the country and the sport – and the reception proved it, from the President and dignitaries to the fans lining the streets to get a glimpse of their heroes.
After the meeting, the group moved outside to look at the President’s bike and to line up on a grid at the palace for the start of the parade. With 20 riders all suited and booted, as well as Carmelo and Carlos Ezpeleta, it was a formidable spectacle as the train of bikes got ready to set off – and the President set the parade in motion waving a chequered flag.
MotoGP riders and others with Indonesian President Joko Widodo (seated on motorcycle) at his palace in Jakarta. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Riders from local Honda, Suzuki, Ducati and Yamaha fan clubs also joined the train of bikes, creating an incredible sight as the convoy headed out into central Jakarta. It was around 4km from the palace starting point to the finish line at the Kempinski Hotel, with fans lining every inch of the street along the route.
Once arrived, the riders parked their machinery and greeted the fans, with a crowd gathering for another glimpse of the superstars before they head for Pertamina Mandalika Circuit. Once interviews were done, and a few knee sliders thrown to the crowd, it was then time to head back inside, cool off and gear up for the journey to Lombok, with track action set to begin on Friday morning.
QUOTES
Marc Marquez: “Many years ago we came here to Indonesia for Honda events, Honda Astra, and it’s something really nice, from my first year I’ve felt like people follow MotoGP a lot and it’s something amazing. They deserve a GP and they’ll have a GP! We’ll race this weekend for the first time for a long time in Indonesia, it will be a big event for the country and for MotoGP.
“Qatar was a good start. You always want more, to be on the podium and try to win, but Qatar is a circuit where we struggle, it wasn’t a bad start. But here and in the next races, we will see and understand more our situation. We need to start to understand better, to show our speed if we can, but I feel better and better and that’s the most important thing.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta: “It’s been an incredible event, with all the riders helping us a lot with this promotion, Indonesia is one of the biggest countries in the world for MotoGP. We’re very proud to be received in the palace by the President, it’s something amazing and we appreciate it so much. We’re so happy to do that, the effort made by the race organisers to make this parade happen with all the riders has been something really impressive.
“We knew from many years ago when we were here that MotoGP in Indonesia is very popular. We think it will be a very nice event and something really important for the sport. We hope it will be the first of many; we have a long term agreement to race in Indonesia. It’s a new organisation and a new circuit but everyone has worked together to make it a success.”
Marc Marquez (93) in action at the Qatar GP, where he finished fifth. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Repsol Honda Team and MotoGP returns to Indonesia
Pol Espargaro and Marc Marquez ready to put on a spectacle for Indonesia’s MotoGP fans as they prepare for Grand Prix racing’s return after 25 years.
Indonesia holds fond memories for the Repsol Honda Team, Mick Doohan and Tadayuki Okada won the two previous races held in Sentul in 1996 and 1997. The 1997 edition, the last race in Indonesia, saw the Repsol Honda Team lock out the podium with Okada winning ahead of teammates Doohan and Alex Criville. It’s a welcome return to Indonesia, especially with the incredible support always shown by the country’s fans.
The Repsol Honda Team arrive with boosted confidence after a strong start to the year under Qatar’s floodlights. Pol Espargaro led the team home in third with Marc Marquez rounding out the night with a productive fifth place, the combined results putting the Repsol Honda Team at the top of the Teams’ Championship. More consistent results are the aim for this weekend in Lombok as both Espargaro and Marquez start putting together their respective seasons.
Espargaro enjoyed his best start to a MotoGP season of his career, leading the opening race for 17 laps on his way to third place. Having topped the final MotoGP pre-season test at the Mandalika Circuit, the #44 arrives with a good base. Resurfacing work after the test will present Espargaro and the rest of the grid with a new aspect of the track to master and assessing these changes will be first and foremost in the weekend’s plan.
Marquez’s results during the Mandalika Test also offer early positive indications for him and his side of the Repsol Honda Team garage. Showing the potential of the new Honda RC213V with an impressive front-row performance in Qatar, Marquez is eager to keep the improvements coming as his feeling with the new machine grows. Brand new MotoGP circuits have been somewhat of a speciality for the #93 in the past, winning his first premier class Grand Prix in Austin when the US tack debuted on the calendar. He also won the inaugural Thai GP in 2018 and the first Argentinian round held at Termas in 2014.
Weather will no doubt be a major factor over the weekend as showers have been occurring daily in the lead up to the race. The MotoGP race will begin at 15:00 Local Time on Sunday, March 20.
Pol Espargaro
“I am really looking forward to Mandalika, the fans were already incredible there during the test and I can only imagine what it will be like for the race. We’re coming in a good moment, a strong race in Qatar and we had a good test before in Mandalika, but a lot has changed since then. They’ve resurfaced the track which should be a big help, but we have to see what it’s like when we arrive. The plan is to continue working how we did during Qatar and in the test and to keeping unlocking our full potential.”
Marc Marquez
“We made improvements over the weekend in Qatar and it’s clear to see there is a lot of potential there. I’m really happy to return to Mandalika, it is great to be able to see all our Indonesian fans and to finally put on a great show for them after so many years. I hope our fans enjoy it and we can put together a good weekend for them to celebrate. Another weekend presents another chance to understand the bike more and get closer again to fighting at the front, it’s early days and we keep on pushing.”
Royal Enfield's new 2022 SCRAM 411 adventure bike. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield.
ROYAL ENFIELD REVEALS ALL-NEW SCRAM 411 ADV CROSSOVER
Ready. Set. Scram!
Milwaukee, WI (Tuesday, March 15, 2022) – Royal Enfield, the global leader in the midsize (250cc – 750cc) motorcycling segment, today unveiled the Scram 411 – the brand’s first ADV crossover. The new Scram 411 is an engaging, accessible and capable street scrambler, with the heart of an adventure motorcycle. Built on Royal Enfield’s proven 411cc single-cylinder engine platform and the Harris Performance chassis, the Scram 411 combines spirited agility on urban streets, with competent rough-roading capabilities. Focused and purposeful changes in the riding geometry and ergonomics make it ideal for in-city riding, as well as unpredictable, challenging trails off the urban grid.
Unveiled for global audiences today, the new Scram 411 is already available in India, and will be available in Europe, Asia Pacific, North America and Latin America later this year. The Scram 411 is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. late summer/early fall. Pricing and colorways will be announced in the coming months.
The Scram 411 is a continuation of Royal Enfield’s constant pursuit of exploration, and building motorcycles to enable every adventure. One such motorcycle is the Himalayan—Royal Enfield’s flagship adventure tourer. Launched in 2016, the Himalayan has fostered a subculture of adventure touring around the world, most recently, even Antarctica’s South Pole. Its unique design and well-rounded capability make it among Royal Enfield’s best-selling motorcycles, and it is upon this stalwart platform that the style evolution continues with the more urban-focused ADV-crossover motorcycle—the Scram 411.
The all-new Scram 411 is a new subspecies that has the authentic vibes of a scrambler and adventure touring in its DNA. With long-travel suspension and class-leading ground clearance paired with a 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear, the Scram 411 is playfully agile on city streets, yet is highly capable of tackling more rugged terrain, so the exploration doesn’t end when the pavement stops.
Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director, Eicher Motors Ltd., simply loves the fluidity and the multipurpose ability of the Scram 411. Speaking about this in the context of modern existence, he said, “Whether it’s London, New Delhi or Tokyo, the contours of modern urban existence are ever-changing. With our world increasingly becoming more fast-paced, life in the urban context has become about the weekday hustle and the weekend getaway, and everything in between. We wanted to build a motorcycle that could effortlessly navigate this entire gamut, and be the perfect ally for the young, modern-day rider. The Scram 411 is truly a motorcycle made for now, and is always ready to tackle whatever surprise is in store.”
Speaking about the inspiration behind the Scram 411, and about the new motorcycle, Executive Director, Royal Enfield, B Govindarajan, said, “The globally lauded versatility and competence of the Himalayan inspired us to reimagine the motorcycle in a more young, modern-day, urban context. The Scram 411 is the perfect crossover for young city-dwellers, who prefer a motorcycle that is fun and engaging to ride around the city, yet has a rugged appeal. By shifting the riding geometry to make the motorcycle more at home on busy city streets, and retaining its strong ability to take on rough roads and take on the weekend dirt trail, we’ve brought a unique subcategory for consumers. Like all our motorcycles, the Scram 411 is built for the global rider, and manufactured with world-class engineering. We also have an array of genuine motorcycle accessories and a vibrant apparel range inspired by the Scram lifestyle. This is a very exciting and spirited new motorcycle, and we are confident that young riders from across the world will love the new Scram 411.”
Mark Wells, Chief of Design at Royal Enfield, enjoys riding the Scram 411, and loves how easily it can navigate a wide spectrum of terrain and challenges. Speaking about creating a new subspecies of motorcycles, he said, “Most scrambler motorcycles focus only on aesthetics and looks. When we began work on the Scram 411, we were determined to create a motorcycle that would be distinct in design and purpose, and bring the best of rough-road capability to urban riding. With its distinctive look and design, playful colorways, accessible riding proposition, the Scram 411 is an ultimate ADV crossover for the urban environment.”
ROYAL ENFIELD SCRAM 411 – DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS
The Scram 411 is powered by the globally appreciated 411cc, fuel-injected, 4-stroke, SOHC, air-cooled single-cylinder engine. The counterbalanced engine ensures smooth power delivery and strong bottom-end torque that elevates the overall performance. The wide spread of useable power makes it easy to manage over long urban commutes with minimum gear shifts, and the confidence-inspiring low-revving torque allows it to tackle bad road, and off-road sections easily.
Long-travel suspension and monoshock design, together with class-leading 7.8 inches (200mm) of ground clearance, the Scram 411 delivers a smooth and comfortable ride. The telescopic front suspension with 41mm forks and 7.4 inches (190mm) travel, pairs with 7.0 inches (180mm) travel on the rear, where the link-mounted monoshock enables stable and confident riding over rough roads. Front and rear disc brakes combined with dual-channel ABS, ensures confident braking.
The change in the riding geometry is brought about by the 19-inch front wheel and dual-purpose tire. This, combined with the 17-inch rear wheel, are key to the Scram 411 motorcycle’s nimble handling. The dual-purpose tires ensure a confident grip over tarmac and loose gravel for the ideal combination of on-road grip and rough-road tractability.
The seat on the new Scram 411 is designed for comfort over long saddle time. The single seat that reflects the urban styling of the motorcycle, offers great comfort for both rider and passenger. The accessible 31.2-inch (795mm) seat height enables and easy reach to the ground, making it easy to maneuver in stop-and-go traffic.
The Scram 411 features a new digital-analog instrument cluster that provides easy access to essential information. Circumvented by a traditional analog speedometer, the Scram retains this classic style element, also making for easy viewing.
More details, information and specifications on the North America-spec Royal Enfield Scram 411 ADV crossover motorcycle, including colorways, options, genuine accessories and pricing, will be released in the coming months. U.S. arrival is anticipated in late summer/early spring.
#readysetscram #scram411 #royalenfieldscram
About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.
Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 140 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the all-new Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT 650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.
For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.
Texas Motor Speedway, as seen in 2022. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
Progressive AFT Stars Prepare to Shine at Mission Texas Half-Mile presented by Roof Systems
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 15, 2022) – The 2022 Progressive American Flat Track season will pick right back up following its highly entertaining opener with the Mission Texas Half-Mile presented by Roof Systems at the Dirt Track at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 19 in Fort Worth, Texas.
The stop in Dallas-Fort Worth carries increased significance on multiple fronts. For spectators, it presents the rare opportunity of witnessing two of the world’s most historic motorsports series at the same venue on a single weekend, as the NTT IndyCar Series will compete in the XPEL 375 the following day at Texas Motor Speedway.
And for the paddock, the event represents the home round for some of the sport’s most actively engaged partners, including Mission Foods, Roof Systems of Dallas, TX, and Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda.
The results of the season-opening Volusia Half-Mile certainly set an interesting stage heading into Round 2. Oftentimes, it’s only the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Main Event victor who leaves a given round satisfied.
It’s hard to imagine any of the opener’s top four – winner Briar Bauman (No. 3 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750), second-placed Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R), third-placed JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), and fourth-placed rookie Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) – being anything less than genuinely enthused with how they kicked off their respective ‘22 campaigns.
That leaves some key players looking to strike back at Texas Motor Speedway, most notably reigning Mission SuperTwins champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750), who finished fifth at Volusia Speedway Park. Mees is a proven master of the Dirt Track at Texas Motor Speedway, having won the series’ most recent two stops at the venue.
Other established powers looking for redemption are Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), who finished sixth and ninth, respectively, this past weekend. Both riders are more than capable of finishing Saturday’s race atop the podium, and they have a bit of extra motivation performing at their team’s home race.
Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines
Nick Armstrong (No. 60 Competitive Racing Frames/Lessley Brothers Yamaha MT-07) served up the opener’s biggest surprise with an impressive victory in the Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines Main Event. Armstrong, who’s demonstrated plenty of ability on multiple occasions in the past, will have the opportunity to establish himself a legitimate contender with a similar effort in Fort Worth.
Dan Bromley (No. 62 Vinson Construction/Viper Air Yamaha MT-07) and Jesse Janisch (No. 33 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R) are already at that level and proved themselves to be frontrunners once again as the new season got underway. The two also showed the potential of the Mission Production Twins Challenge as they mixed it up with some big names in the premier-class Main as well.
And, as in the premier class, the Mission Foods/Roof Systems-backed pilots will be looking to their sponsors’ home round to get their title campaigns rolling. Ben Lowe (No. 25 Helipower Racing/Mission Foods Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07) finished the opener in sixth and seventh, respectively, will be aiming for more this upcoming Saturday night.
It’s also worth remembering that the last time the series’ raced at Texas Motor Speedway, Texter made history alongside his sister, Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750), when the two became the first siblings to win Progressive AFT Main Events on the same evening.
Among the other riders worth monitoring are Chad Cose (No. 49 DPC Racing/Voodoo Ranger Harley-Davidson XG750R), Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), Ryan Varnes (No. 68 Schaeffer’s Motorsports/Rausch Fuel & Oil KTM 890 Duke) and Kolby Carlile (No. 36 KC36 Las Vegas Harley-Davidson XG750R).
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Kody Kopp (No. 12 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE), Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE), and Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) came into the season as popular picks to claim the 2022 Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER title, and they did nothing to dispel their early status as championship favorites with a 1-2-3 performance at the opener.
The three figure to spend a lot of time up front this season, and it will be up to the remainder of the field to prevent them from dominating the podium. As always, there’s no lack of talent with the capacity to do exactly that in the always loaded class.
Trent Lowe (No. 48 Mission Foods/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda CRF450R), who finished just off the podium in Volusia, falls into that camp of riders looking to impress in front of his sponsors. Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) and Aiden RoosEvans (No. 26 Southern Illinois Motorsports Honda CRF450R) also got off to strong starts while leaving some room for improvement.
A couple of rookies made their spoiler potential obvious with eye-catching debuts. Chase Saathoff (No. 106 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) and Tyler Scott (No. 170 Briggsauto.com/Martin Trucking KTM 450 SX-F) showcased race-winning speed in their maiden professional rides and only expect to get stronger with additional experience and opportunity.
Along with the on-track action, there will be an abundance of additional attractions on Saturday night at Texas Motor Speedway, including live music, vendors, and a Kids Zone.
Fans are also invited to attend the Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Pre-Party on Friday night where they can meet their favorite teams and riders at the dealership from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time.
Visit https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3691 to purchase your tickets for the Mission Texas Half-Mile presented by Roof Systems today. General Admission Grandstand tickets are $40 and kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Fans who would like to be centrally located nearest to the start/finish line can select seats in the Premium General Admission Grandstand for just $10 more. There’s also the option to host a group of up to 20 people in one of the private, climate-controlled Indoor Suites, which are available to rent for $1,500. Paddock Access Upgrades are also available for purchase, providing all-day access to the pits where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.
Gates will open for fans at 3:30 p.m. local time with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT ahead the evening’s Main Event program. You can catch the livestream of all the weekend’s racing activities free via Facebook up until Opening Ceremonies. Fans can then purchase access to watch Opening Ceremonies, Semis, Main Events, and podium celebrations via Facebook Paid Online Events for $3.99 if purchased 24 hours or more in advance, or $4.99 if purchased on the day of the event.
The Mission Texas Half-Mile will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, March 27, at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT., including exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and expert commentary.
FOX Sports and Facebook are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2022 season, all 18 races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. Viewers can watch livestream coverage of every round in the Facebook mobile app, Facebook desktop site or on the Facebook Watch mobile app. To watch the livestream on TV, fans can download the Facebook Watch TV app, or cast to a TV from the Facebook mobile app. Facebook Watch is available through Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and Xbox One.
Aruba.it Racing Ducati's Alvaro Bautista (left) and Michael Ruben Rinaldi (right). Photo courtesy Ducati.
The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team presents the new liveries of the Ducati Panigale V4R for the 2022 WorldSBK season
The traditional bike unveiling and the official photo shoot marked the start of 2022 World SBK season for the Aruba.it Racing-Ducati Team at the World Misano Circuit, where Alvaro Bautista and Michael Ruben Rinaldi are getting ready for a two-day test.
The return of the Spanish rider – a standout in the 2019 season with his 16 victories, 11 in a row at the start of the season – represents the most important novelty, as do the liveries of the Ducati Panigale V4R: compared to the ones seen in action over the past three years, 2022 liveries show a renewed design.
Alongside Alvaro Bautista, the confirmation of Michael Ruben Rinaldi, outstanding protagonist of 2021 Misano Round, ready to make the final leap in quality in the next WorldSBK campaign.
The 2022 season of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team will kick off at Aragon (Spain) on the second weekend of April and will be presented through the “Season Launch” video, to be released on Thursday 7 April.
And the news doesn’t end there. Nicolò Bulega will make his debut at Aragon in the World Supersport Championship, riding the Ducati Panigale V2 of the Aruba.it Racing WSSP team. An engaging challenge that will see Ducati partecipating with several teams in a championship that is getting growing interest and that promises to offer new emotions to fans all over the world in 2022 season.
Stefano Cecconi (CEO Aruba S.p.A. and Team Principal Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“We look at the 2022 WorldSBK season with high ambition and strong determination. The goal of our team is to always take a step forward, year after year, in terms of performance and results. This is the reason why we are proud to represent Ducati in the World Superbike Championship, feeling the presence and passion of the Ducatista people on every circuit. We have bet on Alvaro Bautista’s return and we want to fight with him a more exciting season than the 2019, which gave us great satisfactions after all. We firmly believe in Michael Rinaldi and we reckon he is ready to take that significant step forward after the steady growth he has shown so far. Moreover, as Aruba.it Racing, we will be protagonists of a new adventure with Nicolò Bulega and the Ducati Panigale V2 in the SuperSport World Championship. Another fascinating challenge that underlines our growing commitment. I would like to wish the best of luck to the riders and to all the members of our teams, whose sense of belonging makes us proud and pushes us to give more and more every year”.
Claudio Domenicali (Chief Executive Officer Ducati Motor Holding)
“We share values, skills, goals, targets with Aruba.it. Plus, we both believe in the importance of innovation and technology. Aruba.it is a strategic partner, on and off the track, and we are happy to start another season together in the WorldSBK Championship, the most important production-based racing Championship. The bikes our fans can buy are as close as possible to the bikes that race track like the Panigale V4 and, from this year, the Panigale V2 that will make its debut in the World Supersport Championship. This is our philosophy of putting racing technology at the service of our passionate and sporty customers. The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team is a perfect mix of experience and enthusiasm thanks to the return of Alvaro Bautista and the confirmation of Michael Ruben Rinaldi. I wish them and the whole team the best of luck for the 2022 season.”
Luigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Corse General Manager)
“The level of WorldSBK is growing every year, as well as the competition. Obviously, this doesn’t scare us, and on the contrary, it pushes us to give more and more, work more carefully and focus on every single detail. In the 2021 World Championship, our team was the only one to have won at least one race with both riders, and this confirms the potential of the Panigale V4R. To achieve our most important goal, we rely on Alvaro Bautista’s return – who needs no introduction – and Michael Rinaldi’s desire to impress. In addition, in the 2022 season, we will also be competing in the World Supersport Championship with the Panigale V2. It’s a fascinating challenge that underlines Ducati’s deep commitment to the world of production-based racing.”
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #19)
“I am very happy to be back in this fantastic team, with Aruba.it and Ducati. It feels like a real family to me and finding basically the team I worked with in 2019 has been of paramount importance. My feelings with the Panigale V4R were immediately very positive: I think the bike is even more balanced than the one I left. With such a competitive team and machine, obviously the goal is to aim for the title. I have more experience, I know the tyres and the format of the competition better, but it will still be crucial to learn from the mistakes of three years ago. Winter tests got me very excited and I can’t wait to get on track at Aragon”.
Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #21)
“The 2022 championship is about to start: it will be my second season with the official team even though I have been part of the Aruba.it family for many years now. This is why the time has come to reap the benefits we have sown so far. It will not be easy because the competition is huge but I believe that these years together can be a solid base to create something good. It will be a very important championship both for me and for the team and my future career could also depend on this season. I will certainly give my best and with the help of the team I am sure we can achieve important results. I’m very happy and I want to thank Aruba.it, Ducati and all the sponsors who have allowed me to take on this fascinating challenge”.
Nicolò Bulega and his Ducati Panigale V2 World Supersport racebike. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WSSP Team #11)
“I’m very motivated for this new adventure. It’s a great opportunity for me and I feel I have all the requirements to do well. The tests have been very positive, I felt comfortable both with the Panigale V2 and with the team, which is very important to me. It’s going to be a tough season for sure and for this reason we need to put our heads together and try to get the most out of every single race”.
The Roadracing World 2022 Reader Survey, Part 5, was brought to you by Bridgestone.
Paul Dunning, of Cave Creek, Arizona, is the winner of this survey’s prize – a set of Bridgestone motorcycle tires, one front and one rear, of the his choosing.
Bridgestone tires for all types of motorcycles are available at authorized Bridgestone dealers around the United States. Find your nearest dealer here.
Survey results are used to improve content for readers and marketing for our advertisers. Name and address required for prize drawing. Entrants will automatically receive a free three-issue trial subscription to Roadracing World magazine with no obligation. No mailing list or confidential individual information is shared with third parties. Roadracing World’s privacy policy can be viewed here. To sign up to receive upcoming, short installments of future Roadracing World reader surveys and other promotional e-mails from Roadracing World, CLICK HERE.
For more information on how your product can be the presenting sponsor of an upcoming portion of the Roadracing World 2022 Reader Survey, email Anne Roberts, [email protected].
About Roadracing World
Established in 1990, Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW. Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
Jeremy McWilliams (99) leads James Rispoli (43), Tyler O'Hara (29) and Bobby Fong (50) in King Of The Baggers Race Two at Daytona. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE DOMINATES DAYTONA, KICKING OFF 2022 RACE SEASON IN DRAMATIC FASHION WITH WINS AT KING OF THE BAGGERS & AMERICAN FLAT TRACK SEASON OPENERS
Indian Challengers Go Un-Challenged at Round 2 of King of the Baggers with Podium Sweep Led by Jeremy McWilliams, While Tyler O’Hara Goes Last to First for Dramatic Win in Round 1 –
Finishes Weekend with Early Points Lead for the Series
Indian Motorcycle Flat Track Wrecking Crew Rider Briar Bauman Secures 20th Career Win at Volusia Half-Mile
Minneapolis, MN. – Indian Motorcycle Racing dominated Bike Week in Daytona Beach and kicked off its 2022 race season in dramatic fashion. With factory teams competing in flat track and bagger racing, Indian Motorcycle captured two wins and four of six podium spots at the King of the Baggers opening double-header at Daytona International Speedway, along with a victory at the 2022 American Flat Track season opener at the Volusia Half Mile.
Jeremy McWilliams (99). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Intent on reclaiming the title of King of the Baggers for its Indian Challenger, Round 2 saw an all-Challenger podium sweep led by new factory rider, Jeremy McWilliams, with Tyler O’Hara and Bobby Fong taking 2nd and 3rd respectively. In Round 1, it was all about inaugural King of the Baggers Champion O’Hara who put the Indian Challenger on top of the box with a dramatic last-to-first victory. O’Hara finished 1st and 2nd in the opening rounds to take an early lead in the 2022 series points race. Meanwhile, the opening round of the 2022 American Flat Track season saw Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew rider Briar Bauman deliver a masterful performance on his Indian Motorcycle FTR750 to take the win at the Volusia Half-Mile.
Bobby Fong (50). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
“This weekend was a dramatic display of the incredible level of preparation, determination and skill that powers our teams and riders every time we line up on the grid,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology for Indian Motorcycle. “Considering the stiff competition and unique challenges we’re facing in both flat track and bagger racing this season, we’re certainly happy to get off to such a positive start, but we know full well that this is merely the beginning. There’s a lot more racing ahead of us, and we expect every race weekend to be a dogfight to the finish.”
KING OF THE BAGGERS
Opening weekend of MotoAmerica’s King of the Baggers was nothing short of exhilarating.
In his third year piloting the Mission® Foods S&S® Indian Challenger, O’Hare overcame considerable obstacles in Round 1 to capture his third bagger racing victory. Thanks to a penalty imposed during post-qualifying inspections, O’Hara was forced to start the race at the back of the grid in 13th position. Seemingly unphased by the misfortune, O’Hara literally catapulted off the start, launching his way past more than half the field before entering turn one. From there, he smoothly made his way into third, where he ran for the majority of the race until perfectly timing an incredible move in the final lap, drafting out of the chicane to slingshot his Indian Challenger into first place and take the checkered flag.
“We took a lot of motivation from the disappointing outcome in 2021 and poured it into intensive off-season testing and preparation with the S&S team to ensure we came back strong in 2022, and this weekend was a testament to the dedication, expertise and commitment of our entire team,” said O’Hara. “We’re confident we have the best bike in the paddock, and we intend to prove that again in 2022. We’re off to a good start; but our competition is fierce, and our work has only just begun.”
Powered by its Round 1 victory, Indian Motorcycle Racing took its success to an even higher level in Round 2 with an all-out Indian Challenger podium sweep. After just missing the podium in his Round 1 bagger racing debut, veteran road racer and newest Indian Motorcycle factory rider Jeremy McWilliams battled head-to-head with fellow Mission® Foods S&S® Indian Challenger teammate, O’Hara, ultimately edging him out by mere .025 seconds to capture his first King of the Baggers win and first career win at Daytona.
Tyler O’Hara (2) on his Indian FTR1200 Super Hooligan racebike. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
But O’Hara wasn’t the only threat in this race, while leading into the final lap, McWilliams went high, leaving the door open for Indian Motorcycle privateer Bobby Fong, piloting Steve Delorenzi’s S&S-built RSD Indian Challenger. Fong took full advantage and led most of the final lap, and it wasn’t until the final sprint when McWilliams, along with O’Hara, drafted Fong and made a last-minute pass. While both McWilliams and O’Hara were able to slingshot past Fong, it was McWilliams who was able hold off O’Hara and cross the finish line by slightly less than a bike length.
Sponsors for Indian Motorcycle Racing’s King of the Bagger efforts include Mission® Foods, S&S®, Medallia, Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited.
AMERICAN FLAT TRACK
After weather postponed, and ultimately cancelled, round one of the 2022 American Flat Track season, riders took to the track and kicked off the season at the Volusia Half-Mile II. In spite of significant off-season rule changes that impose restrictions specifically on the Indian FTR750, flat track Wrecking Crew rider Briar Bauman put on a technical clinic to capture the win, making a bold statement regarding his intention to claim his second Grand National Championship in 2022.
Having placed second in Semi 2 and earning a spot on the front row for the Main, Bauman jumped out to an early lead and never looked back – capturing his first win of the season and his 20th of his career. Bauman’s factory teammates, including reigning champion Jared Mees and the Wrecking Crew’s newest rider Shayna Texter-Bauman finished fifth and 13th respectively.
Sponsors for Indian Motorcycle Racing’s American Flat Track efforts include Progressive Insurance, S&S®, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Bell Helmets, Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited.
The 2022 King of the Baggers season continues April 22-24, in the Braselton, GA, at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. American Flat Track continues March 19 for the Texas Half-Mile at Texas Motor Speedway in Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX.
For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
More, from a press release issued by Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing:
Rodio Warhorse HSBK Racing Debuts at Daytona
Coming out of the gate strong on their Aprilia RS 660 machines in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup round at Daytona International Speedway, Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing led the way with first and third fastest times in the first practice session. Anthony Mazziotto recorded a best time of 1:59.830 with teammate Gus Rodio dropping a 2:00.199 best on a drying track that was green from sustained rain. More rain on Thursday resulted in the first qualifying session being scratched, however, track activity resumed on Friday morning with the second qualifying session where Mazziotto managed eleventh position followed by Rodio in fifteenth.
In race one, intense close racing among the top seven riders saw Mazziotto run as high as second position, ultimately finishing third by only 0.124 seconds. Rodio was able to advance from the fifth row of the grid to finish seventh.
Race two on Saturday was reduced to six laps, and then to a five lap restart but produced even more extremely close racing with the top eight riders ultimately separated by only 0.634 seconds. Mazziotto ran as high as third but came across the finish line in fifth, missing the podium by 0.021 seconds.
Anthony Mazziotto (516). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing.
Anthony Mazziotto – Coming into Daytona was very exciting, I’ve never ridden on any banking before and riding half of the track wide open creates some really intense racing. Things went fairly well despite making contact with the wall on the banking in the first race. I managed to recover myself and bring home a third place result as well as a fifth place in Saturday’s race two. I have solid third place championship points going into round two and I’m happy with my position, especially because I have experience at the rest of the tracks we will visit. Thanks to the whole Rodio family and crew for the help throughout the weekend and Bobby at Warhorse HSBK for building a solid motorcycle to ride this season. See you all at the next one!
Gus Rodio (96). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing.
Gus Rodio – It was definitely a tough weekend all around for us, but I’ll be taking away the positives and moving forward. We got two top-ten finishes and are leaving Daytona eighth in the championship. I’m going to do my work at home and be ready for Atlanta.
Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing will continue at the next round at Road Atlanta April 22-24 in Braselton, Georgia.
More, from a press release issued by N2 Racing:
Blake Davis Wins Debut Twins Cup at Daytona!
Media, PA – March 2022 – Blake Davis takes his first MotoAmerica win on his debut performance in Twins Cup Race 1 on a Dunlop equipped N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha YZF-R7 with the support of Westby Racing. The weekend was filled with difficult weather conditions, a constantly changing schedule, and first race weekend technical difficulties, but the N2 Racing team persevered to achieve some excellent results.
The N2/Bobblehead team worked closely with Westby Racing to build the Yamaha YZF-R7 for fifteen-year-old Blake Davis. Though the team had worked closely to develop the Yamaha R3 in previous seasons, they collectively pulled out all stops to build Blake’s Yamaha YZF-R7 to compete in the very strong Twins Cup rider lineup.
Going into the weekend, Blake had little time on either the Yamaha R7 or Daytona and he had to work extra hard to learn the two quickly. According to Blake, “In the beginning, I didn’t have the pace and worked to find the best race line and I tended to run a little deep in some corners. About halfway through the race, I started putting it all together and worked hard to stay with the top 4 or 5 riders.”
Blake Davis (22). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.
The race had a few big moments, one of which was rider Anthony Mazziotto making contact with the wall and bouncing back into the lead pack. Blake adds, “When Anthony had his big moment, it disrupted the group and I took advantage of that moment. I had to work very hard to stay upfront with a few exchanges for lead before those final laps.”
In the off-season, Blake spent time training with Yamaha Champions Riding School’s Chris Peris and Kyle Wyman at the Inde Motorsports Ranch in Willcox, AZ. Blake adds, “I really worked on carrying my brakes longer into the corner, tactics I learned from Chris and Kyle during my training with them.”
N2/Bobblehead Crew Chief, Shiloh Salopek comments, “We had our share of technical issues dealing with tuning and data before the race, but Blake showed all of us what he and the Yamaha R7 are capable of.”
The win for Blake was a very emotional win for both the N2/Bobblehead and Westby teams. After the victory circle celebration and the dust had settled, Shiloh states, “This was one of the best days of my life.”
Chris Peris (101). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.
Chris Peris competed in the Daytona 200 aboard the N2 Racing/Bobblehead Moto Yamaha YZF-R6. Peris is no stranger to endurance racing and is a multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance champion. The team executed near-flawless pit stops with Chris showing some of his fastest laps towards the end of the race. Despite some gearing issues, Chris achieved a solid 11th place finish for the Daytona 200 race.
Kevin Olmedo (16). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.
Kevin Olmedo, the N2/Bobblehead rider for the MotoAmerica Supersport class started running top 5 lap times but suffered a few mechanical issues that resulted in 2 additional pit stops costing Olmedo and the team precious time. Despite the extra stops, Kevin was able to finish in 18th position after the 200-mile race.
N2 – Ride, Race, Learn:
Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing. N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.
N2 Racing is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, BobbleHeadMoto, Karnes Performance, Trading Paint, GB Racing, Westby Racing, Attack Performance, Robem Engineering, SBS Brakes, Puig, Eazi Grip, ProBolt, and Yamaha Champions Riding School.
More, from a press release issued by Hayden Schultz Racing:
Hayden Schultz and Cycle Tech Kick Off MotoAmerica Twins Cup Campaign with Daytona Victory
The Cycle Tech team came to Daytona with high hopes after a promising winter developing their Yamaha YZF-R7 machines. Their hard work would be rewarded with the teams first MotoAmerica victory after Hayden Schultz crossed the line first in Race 2.
Hayden Schultz would show promising pace from the opening practice session as the 2022 MotoAmerica season kicked off on the high banks of Daytona. The team would only get two shortened sessions to set up the bike before gridding up for race 1. After qualifying 5th on the grid, Hayden would go on to lead laps in race 1. While a potential podium or victory looked to be possible, a crash on lap 6 would derail hopes for a maiden victory on Friday
Heavy rains on Saturday morning would result in a rescheduled race 2 to start at nearly 6:00pm. The long wait would prove worth it. Schultz would utilize his experience and a strong Yamaha power plant to take the lead coming off of the banking and lead to the checkered flag. The victory at Daytona would be the first for Hayden and the Cycle Tech team.
Hayden Schultz:
“I’m so happy to get redemption after the incident in race 1. I knew from practice 1 that we had a strong bike and had a great shot at coming away with a win. My team is incredible and Gene Burcham, Ron “Dink” Glidden, and Gary Jeffries have spent countless hours preparing for the season. They did such a great job preparing our Yamaha R7 and making sure we had the power to be competitive. I made a mistake that cost us a shot at the win in race 1. When race 2 came around I knew I needed to just make it to the final lap so I could use the draft and power of the Cycle Tech Yamaha R7. My plan was to come out of the final chicane in 4th and it worked out perfectly. I’m thrilled to get my first MotoAmerica win and I’m determined to keep this momentum going further into the season.”
The Cycle Tech Yamaha team is supported by: Yamaha, Vance & Hines, Glidden Racing, 1833-CJ-KNOWS Accident and Injury Law, aRacer USA, Ohlins USA, Blud Lubricants, Dreyer Motorsports, Full Spectrum Power, Sunstar, DP Brakes, Speigler Performance Parts, Magura, Dymag Wheels, Just 1 Helmets, RS Taichi, Robem Engineering, Dogwood Residential, Attack Performance.
More, from a press release issued by KTM North America:
RED BULL KTM’S KODY KOPP RACES TO A CAREER-FIRST VICTORY IN AFT SINGLES CLASS TEAMMATE MAX WHALE FINISHES RUNNER-UP AT VOLUSIA HALF-MILE SEASON OPENER
Round 1 – American Flat Track Championship
BARBERVILLE, Fla. – Seventeen-year-old Kody Kopp made a statement debut with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team on Friday as he delivered a career-first AFT Singles victory at Round 1 of the 2022 American Flat Track Championship. As his closest competitor in the Main Event, teammate Max Whale put up a hard fight to finish only 2.6 seconds behind, giving Red Bull KTM an impressive 1-2 podium sweep at the highly-anticipated Volusia Half-Mile.
With rainstorms blowing through the area all week, Thursday and Friday’s season-opening double-header was eventually condensed into one round, taking place later on Friday evening. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team was able to put in two solid sessions on-track during Wednesday’s test day but track conditions were wildly different at the start of Friday’s racing. For Kopp, the conditions didn’t seem to make a difference as he topped the final qualifying session and carried great momentum into Semi 2. Charging his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION into the lead early on, the young rider never looked back as he raced his way to a 3.5 second victory in the semi.
In the Main Event, it was once again Kopp who commanded the early lead and he fought off early pressure from his teammate, Whale, through the first five laps. The Red Bull KTM duo worked their way to a sizeable gap over the rest of the field until a red flag came out, causing a pause in the action. Kopp and Whale returned to battle for a few laps after the re-start but Kopp wedged another gap late in the race to come away with an impressive flag-to-flag victory at Round 1.
Kody Kopp: “What an amazing start to the season! I just want to thank the whole Red Bull KTM Team for allowing me to get my first professional win. They’ve been working their butts off this entire off-season and it really showed at this first round. I feel really comfortable on the bike lately, these conditions really suited my style and I was able to get some decent starts, work my way to the front and put in my laps. I just want to thank everyone – my family, every sponsor and all that people who go unnoticed, it wouldn’t happen without you guys!”
Entering his sophomore season with the team, Max Whale posted a great Main Event result at Round 1. With track conditions changing immensely throughout the day, the Australian rider struggled earlier in the day but he quickly adapted himself and the bike, making big strides from the start of qualifying.
Finishing third in Semi 1, Whale placed his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION on the second row for the Main Event and he quickly charged into second behind his teammate. Whale pressured Kopp early on as they created a battle of their own out front and the multi-time championship contender used the re-start as an opportunity to reset his charge on the leader. In a fighting attempt at the win, Whale maintained a solid pace to finish only 2.6 seconds behind Kopp for second-place.
Max Whale: “It was a good start to the season. I’m super pumped from where we started the day – 16th in the first qualifying – and we didn’t stop working all day. We made improvements to the bike and then I made improvements to my riding style and that made a big difference for me. Hats off to my teammate Kody, he rode awesome. I’m super happy with how myself and the team worked all night and I’m ready for Round 2 in Texas!”
Next Race: Texas Half-Mile – Fort Worth, Texas – March 19, 2021
Round 1 Results – Volusia Half-Mile AFT Singles Main Event
1. Kody Kopp, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
2. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
3. Dalton Gauthier, Honda
OTHER
10. Tanner Dean, KTM
13. James Ott, KTM
14. Ryan Wells, KTM
AFT Singles Point Standings (After Round 1)
1. Kody Kopp, 25 points
2. Max Whale, 20
3. Dalton Gauthier, 17
OTHER
10. Tanner Dean, 9
13. James Ott, 6
14. Ryan Wells, 5
More, from a press release issued by Royal Enfield North America:
JOHNNY LEWIS KICKS OFF FULL-SEASON ASSAULT ON AFT PRODUCTION TWINS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Top-five for Lewis while Build. Train. Race. action begins with BTR Select at Volusia Half Mile
Milwaukee, WI – Inclement Florida weather during Daytona Bike Week delayed the start of the 2022 American Flat Track National Championship, but it didn’t stop the season from commencing for Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. program and the Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield crew. Johnny Lewis, aiming for a full-season assault on the AFT Production Twins championship, carded a solid fifth-place finish at the Volusia Half-Mile while the BTR women gave a preview of the 2022 action to come.
After a landmark year in 2021, where Johnny Lewis and the Moto Anatomy X team took on selected rounds of the American Flat Track Championship aboard the Royal Enfield Twins FT motorcycle, even celebrating a historic win at Lima Half Mile, the crew is ready to take on the full Production Twins class season in 2022.
“With the progress made on the Twins FT, and with the dedicated team behind the Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield program, we’re ready to go all in,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing and Communications Lead – Royal Enfield Americas. “We’ll continue to learn and progress as we go and we’re all looking forward to another great season.”
Despite some setbacks during the 10-lap Mission Production Twins Main Event at Volusia Speedway Park, Lewis utilized his experience on the track to manage his way to a solid finish. What looked like a possible podium eventually gave way to a fifth-place on the night, a respectable start to the new season.
“That was a rough main event to manage,” Lewis said. “But we have our eye on the long game and we’re happy to be starting the championship with some points. We’re really looking forward to the next round, the Texas Half Mile this weekend. Everything is bigger in Texas, and I want the biggest trophy I can get.”
The official BTR Flat Track season has yet to commence, as many of the newcomers to the program are still in the Build and Train portions of the program. The Volusia Half-Mile served as a “BTR Select” prequel to the season, offering the ladies of BTR Flat Track returning from the previous season, and any racers ready to compete ahead of schedule, the opportunity to get on the track.
Return riders Jillian Deschenes, Jaycee Jones, Lanakila MacNaughton, Malary Lee, Erin Ferris, Nean Kiskela and Gabrielle Hughes were joined by newcomer Alex Bumpus McDonald for BTR Select at the Volusia Half Mile.
The 2022 season appears to have picked up right where it left off, with Jillian Deschenes and Jaycee Jones dueling for the win. Jones managed to turn the quickest lap time in the main event, but it was Deschenes who led when it mattered—at the checkered flag. The race also saw a surprise performance from Lanakila MacNaughton, who kept the lead duo in sight en route to a strong podium finish.
“It’s great to see the BTR women on the track again,” Poland commented. “It’s going to be even more exciting when we see the full field out there for the first official round, which will take place at the I-70 Half Mile in Missouri, April 23. We can’t wait to see what happens when we throw all this new talent in the mix; it’s going to be an amazing season for Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race.”
About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.
Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 140 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the all-new Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT 650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.
For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.
Mandalika International Street Circuit, in Lombok, Indonesia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Destination: Indonesia as MotoGP™ gets ready for lights out in Lombok
The road to Pertamina Mandalika Circuit is paved with headlines, and we’re likely about to make some more
Tuesday, 15 March 2022
At the end of the Jerez Test, the world seemed to be at Ducati’s feet. And in some ways after the Grand Prix of Qatar and the start of 2022, it remains so, but it’s a more complex equation than it appeared. It was ultimately the GP21 of Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) that took a stunning victory under the floodlights in Qatar as the Italian sophomore secured his first MotoGP™ win and the first for his team since 2006 – as well as making it look impressively achievable. With Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) taking a convincing second and an equally convincing debut for Honda’s new RC213V in third in the hands of Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) too – who led more MotoGP™ laps in one race that he had on all his previous starts combined – there’s a lot to unpack on the road to Lombok. So let’s go!
First, Ducati. For Francesco Bagnaia and teammate Jack Miller it was a pretty difficult first race of the season. Still looking for that sweet spot with the GP22 before crashing out and, in Miller’s case, suffering an electrical issue, it made for a damp squib for the Ducati Lenovo Team and one they’ll be wanting to right as soon as possible. Finding the sweet spot may be aided by experience gained in the Mandalika Test though, and reliability has seldom been an issue for the Bologna bullets, so there are two reasons to expect more red in the fight for the podium at Mandalika. Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) fell victim to Bagnaia’s mistake too, so the could-have-beens create a mystery there, and his teammate Johann Zarco seemed to go a little under the radar in P8. Have they got more in the locker?
Looking at Bastianini’s incredible race, they’ll need to find it soon if they’re to take on… themselves. Ducati lead the constructors’ Championship, just with the same bike that they won it with last season as the number 23 put in a near-perfect race on his GP21: out the box and on top straight away to make 1 the number of the Beast as we head for Round 2.
And now, KTM. It was a coy preseason for the Austrian factory – as much as that can apply when the top 21 on Day 3 of the Mandalika Test were covered by eight and a half tenths – but Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) broke cover with some serious form at Lusail. The number 33 was at the front from the off and remained there, homing in to within a few tenths of Bastianini by the flag, too. And that’s at a track that traditionally sees the orange machinery struggle a little more than others, so there are now likely a few whispers up and down pitlane, accompanied by a sliver of apprehension, about what exactly KTM will have in the locker going forward. Mandalika may well suit man or machine, and Binder suits the top step so much his two previous MotoGP™ podiums had been wins. Can the South African go one better in Indonesia? And can teammate Miguel Oliveira bounce back?
Another interesting talking point from Qatar most definitely originates with Honda. Pol Espargaro not only led more laps in one race than he ever had done before combined, and took the new RC213V to the podium, he also beat returning eight-time Champion Marc Marquez, becoming the first Honda to finish ahead of the number 93 when both saw the flag at Lusail. Given the more turbulent time non-Marc Marquez riders have had at times with the Honda, it speaks to the factory having accomplished a key goal for 2022: rideability – as well as serious speed. Pol Espargaro also topped the timesheets on Day 3 at Mandalika, which is an extra spring for his step on the flight to Indonesia.
Marquez will no doubt be up in the mix as his experience on the bike and physical condition both increase, however, and after such a difficult couple of seasons, a top five at Lusail is a patient warning for the rest: the number 93 very much races on. Can he take on the podium at Mandalika and hit back against his teammate?
For Aprilia, meanwhile, it was their best ever MotoGP™ race according to timesheets alone. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) may have finished fourth but it was the closest the Noale factory have ever been to the winner, so that’s a very good start for an RS-GP that looked lean and mean in pre-season. It was a more difficult opener for Maverick Viñales, however, and he’ll be looking for more at Mandalika. On Day 3 of the test the number 41 was third and the number 12 was seventh, split by less than a tenth, so Aprilia will be keen to see both bikes attack the bigger points hauls – and try and keep that fourth place in the Constructors’ rolling.
And then there’s Suzuki. There was many an eyebrow raise after Friday in Qatar saw a GSX-RR draft a Ducati, and straight line speed gains have certainly been made. Qualifying was fairly solid, and the start of the race so too. But as the laps ticked down the Team Suzuki Ecstar machines couldn’t quite get up into the podium fight, ultimately coming home in P6 – 2020 MotoGP™ Champion Joan Mir – and P7, Friday’s fastest Alex Rins. They’ll want a lot more at Mandalika and pitlane reporter Simon Crafar said in pre-season testing he expected the 17-corner layout to suit the inline four machinery, so it could be an interesting shuffle in Lombok. Mir did lose some track time at the test due to illness, so there may be more in the locker once we get down to racing business…
For Yamaha it was a tough Qatar GP. With reigning Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) in ninth, it was the worst position for the top Yamaha in the season opener since 2006 – and it didn’t result from any one-off drama. The Iwata marque will be all hands on deck to convert Mandalika into a much better round, for both Quartararo and teammate Franco Morbidelli, who ended up in P11. Andrea Dovizioso (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) was 14th too, with a whole lot of experience struggling to crack into the podium fight. Quartararo was just 0.014 off the top on Day 3 at Mandalika in testing though, so the track may prove a happier hunting ground – with a potentially better layout for the YZR-M1.
And finally, rookie watch. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) was the breakaway star of the first half of the race as the Italian shot clear of his fellow debutants and made a few waves before crashing out, rider ok. That left Remy Gardner (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) vs Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) as the battle for top rookie and, in the end, the battle for a first GP point. The reigning Moto2™ Champion took it by hundredths at the line, but Binder did likewise impress as he moves from Moto3™ – although Gardner felt he’d been pretty held up by some late lunges from the South African. Can Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) move forward at Mandalika and can Raul Fernandez (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing), after an impressive start, take back to the rookie top? The Spaniard missed some track time at Mandalika after a crash in testing, so he’ll be eager to get down to work.
One race down, 20 to go – and already a thousand talking points. Get ready to enjoy some more as MotoGP™ returns to race in Indonesia for the first time since 1997 in the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, with the roar of the grandstands set to rival the engines. The lights go out for the MotoGP™ race at 15:00 (GMT +8) on Sunday, so make sure to tune in for another stunner!
MotoGP™ CHAMPIONSHIP: TOP 5
1 Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) – Ducati – 25
The intermediate class prepare for touchdown at Pertamina Mandalika Circuit
There were headlines aplenty in the Qatar GP, but one was most definitely the demolition job Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) put together for his maiden Moto2™ win. The Italian was untouchable and as the intermediate class arrive at a whole new track, it begs the question: will he do it again?
His six second gap over the line, as well as the fact that he started from pole and seemed to not expect either, made it seem all the more effortless, and that could be a serious warning sign for the field. Effortless pace brings points. The field, however, is deep, and taking on a whole new track will be an interesting watch as we look for signs of the title fight we’re to enjoy in 2022.
Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) was another standout lone ranger in Qatar, taking his first Moto2™ podium on a Kalex and likewise looking pretty sharp. He’s still sporting the bow tie he says he’ll take off once he has his maiden intermediate class win, so could Mandalika be the place? A podium on first asking on his new machine is a good sign, and the Spaniard is evidently settled in.
Behind Vietti and Canet, however, there was an almighty battle to complete the podium. Eventually it was Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) who took it, after a last gasp lunge from Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) on Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) saw both head wide but, somehow, stay on. Tony Arbolino, new in at Elf Marc VDS Racing Team, was just about in that battle too and profited to take fifth, taking a step forward so far as he and Ogura both become sophomores in the class. It would take some bravery to bet against the quartet featuring very near the front come lights out in Lombok…
Speaking of which, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) will be looking for a lot more, as will Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team). Both had more form in testing and then suffered early skirmishes in the Qatar GP, and they’ll want to avoid any dramas and get back at that sharp end from the off in Indonesia. That said, Acosta was nevertheless still the top rookie in what would have been an impressive debut had he not already been breaking lap records at Portimão and been, well, Pedro Acosta. The field can likely expect the number 51 to reset, reload and gun for a lot more glory this time around – and at a track where no one has experience on a Moto2™ machine. Will that catapult some more debutants into the limelight?
We’ll find out soon enough as the lights go out for Moto2™ on Sunday at 13:20 (GMT+8). Can Vietti keep the early Championship lead?
Moto2™ CHAMPIONSHIP: TOP 5
1 Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – Kalex – 25
2 Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) – Kalex – 20
3 Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) – Kalex – 16
5 Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) – Kalex – 11
Migno leads Moto3™ to Indonesia
It’s a new track but the same interesting mix of veterans and rookies gearing up… so who will leave Lombok on top?
Five years after his first Moto3™ win, Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) was back on top at Lusail, taking the first Championship lead of the season. The Italian was in good company on the podium too as fellow veterans Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) and Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power) locked out the rostrum, and we learned plenty from the first race of 2022.
First, Migno remains fast and a serious threat – as does Garcia, who took his second consecutive second place and that despite a Long Lap penalty this time around. The Spaniard also, as he always does, went for it when required… and only missed out by thousandths. Toba had another good start but often goes well in Qatar, having also taken his win there, and will want to back it up with more at Mandalika. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3) came fourth and was back up at the sharp end he’s not featured in quite as much in the latter stages of 2021, and John McPhee (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) also made experience count. The Scotsman will, however, miss Indonesia due to injury – so that’s one less frontrunner to expect.
Speaking of frontrunners in the literal sense at Lusail, Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) was absolutely gone at the front before that near-highside and incredible save saw him damage his machine and forced to retire. He’ll be trying to focus on the pace not the points that evaporated, and the Japanese rider had some very impressive pace. So too did Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) and Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team), with both given a back of the grid penalty but still moving through to some good points hauls – Foggia in P7 and Guevara in P8, the former having also taken two Long Laps and the latter one. On take 2 in 2022, they’ll want to make sure their Saturday work – in Guevara’s case, pole – counts for a little more in Lombok. Both looked like serious threats in pre-season, and race day in Qatar definitely didn’t put a dent in that.
Just ahead of Foggia was another performance of note: Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI). The Brazilian took an impressive sixth place and was top rookie by a good number of positions in Qatar, as well as 4.5 seconds of the second debutant. What can he do at Mandalika? With the venue truly brand new for the lightweight class after no pre-season test in Lombok, it could be a leveller and the rookies could be ones to watch – with no one else enjoying any experience at the track at all. Moreira will be hoping so, as will the likes of second rookie in Qatar, Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team), and Joel Kelso (CIP Green Power), who already scored points. Dani Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo), meanwhile, arrives as reigning JuniorGP™ Champion but suffered injury struggles in pre-season, so he’ll be keen to move forward and avoid the late race “drop 1 position” penalty that saw him forfeit the final point to Kelso in Qatar.
There’s another rookie who, as he settles in, will likely be the star of the show, however: Mario Aji (Honda Team Asia). The Indonesian will be flying the flag on home turf and looking to move forward, but is pretty much guaranteed superstar status at Mandalika. What can he do as Indonesia celebrates a home GP for the first time in 25 years?
It was a tale of two races at Lusail in some ways, and now we’re ready for another chapter of Moto3™ history at Mandalika as the lightweight class of Grand Prix racing celebrates its 900th race. Tune in for more as the lightweight class go racing from 12:00 (GMT +8) on Sunday!
Moto3™ CHAMPIONSHIP: TOP 5
1 Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) – Honda – 25
American-Hungarian Rossi Moor, who races in the Northern Talent Cup. Photo courtesy Rossi Moor's publicist.
After two years of collaboration as an official Dainese-AGV Rider, Rossi Moor’s contract was renewed today for another two years. So Dainese and AGV will be Rossi Moor’s official technical partners for the 2022-2023 seasons.
Rossi Moor is proud to represent, despite his very young age, Officially Dainese and AGV which are the best known and safest brands in the world of motorcycle racing.
Marco Pastore (Dainese Racing Director):
Dainese Group strongly believe in the technical qualities and talent of Rossi Moor. Moreover I must also say that he is a good, educated and very humble guy. I really hope we will build a long story together, supporting and protecting Rossi for many years.
Chris Ulrich riding Kyle Wyman's MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Championship-winning Harley-Davidson at Inde Motorsport Ranch near Tucson. Based on a production Road Glide Special, the bagger weighs 631 pounds in race trim and is set up very high to get cornering clearance out of a very wide motorcycle. Seat height is a tall 36.6-inches. Photo by Kevin Wing.
Featured In the March 2022 issue of Roadracing World:
Excerpt:
A bagger and a racetrack are not two things that really seem to go together with a positive outcome. Or at least not until 2020, when MotoAmerica hosted the King Of The Baggers invitational exhibition race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Purists scoffed at the concept and MotoAmerica took a lot of heat, but they pulled it off, gaining a massive amount of exposure and, more importantly, attracting a new audience to the sport of road racing. Even Superbike mechanics came out to the pit wall to watch the race, and none of the bikes oiled the track…
“Racebike Test: When Hogs Fly,” by Chris Ulrich
Like them or loathe them, racing baggers are a hit with U.S. racing fans. Kyle Wyman took a Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special to the 2021 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Championship, and Racing Editor Chris Ulrich pushed one to its limits at Inde Motorsports Ranch. Read Ulrich’s impressions of what it takes to make a 631-pound hog fly, all in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW . Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Read the March 2022 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technologywith your online subscription. Log in HERE
Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.
Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld
Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world
A “press release” is promotional text issued by a rider, team, company or organization to inform
the public about an event, product, or service from the issuer’s own point of view, and if deemed
to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers.
A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. When a post is labeled with the words “press release”, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Not all press releases are posted and Roadracingworld.com may reject press releases if the content is too heavy on commercial promotion with little or no news value or if the press release contains obvious errors.
Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
April 7, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
