February 2022

Magazine Issue

Trudy Ulrich

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January 31, 2022

On the Front Cover: Josh Herrin rails through the infield at Daytona International Speedway during an AHRMA event in January, riding the 955cc Ducati Panigale V2 he’ll race against 600cc-750cc four-cylinder and 675cc-798cc three-cylinder bikes in the new-look, March 2022 Daytona 200. Herrin won the Daytona 200 on a Yamaha YZF-R6. Photo by etechphoto.com.

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In This Issue:

FEATURES

Inside Info: Damon Electric Hyperbike, Ducati V4 S, LiveWire IPO, New-Look Daytona 200

Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1973 Seeley Suzuki TR500

Product Review: Stay Frosty Race-Ready Coolant

Intro: 2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak

Quick Look: 2022 KTM 890 Duke Is A Bigger Scapel

MotoGP Analysis: MotoGP’s Latest Technical Battle: Stop, Turn, Go!

MotoGP Analysis: Danilo Petrucci: From Grand Prix To Dakar Rally

Hanging With: MotoAmerica Racer David “Aussie Dave” Anthony

PRO RACING

Army of Darkness Endurance 2021 Part One: “Never Swim Against The Tide”

COLUMNS

Letters To The Editor: Looking Back To RW’s Start

10 Years Ago, February 2012: On the cover, Chris Ulrich wheelies the 2012 CBR1000RR at Infineon Raceway (now Sonoma Raceway)

Number & Trivia: Danilo Petrucci’s Road Racing Career

The Kids’ Page: Reese Frankenfield

The Crash Page: Danilo Petrucci and Alex Marquez plow gravel in Germany, and Pol Espargaro flies in France

New Products: Yamaha Generators, Michelin Road 6 Tires

Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride

ASRA/CCS Newsletter

High-Performance Parts & Services

Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: Test Bikes of 2021 Review

MotoGP: Fernandez Quickest On Day One Of Shakedown Test At Sepang (Updated)

David Swarts

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January 31, 2022

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MotoGP: Fernandez Quickest On Day One Of Shakedown Test At Sepang (Updated)

Five rookies and seven test riders were in action Monday, the first day of the MotoGP “shakedown test” preceding the official pre-season test later this week, at Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia.

Michele Pirro (51) at speed on his Ducati Desmosedici prototype. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Rookies Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team), Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP), Raul Fernandez (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing), and Remy Gardner (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) shared the track with test riders Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki), Mika Kallio (KTM), Katsuyuki Nakasuga (Yamaha), Kohta Nozane (Yamaha), Dani Pedrosa (KTM), Michele Pirro (Ducati), and Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia).

KTM test rider Mika Kallio (82). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Cal Crutchlow did not ride although he has renewed his contract as a Yamaha test rider, and Honda tester Stefan Bradl was not on track Monday. Pedrosa rode for KTM on Monday, but his name did not appear on timing and scoring monitors.

Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori (32). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Unofficially, Fernandez was quickest on Monday with a lap time of 2:00.898, which fell short of Fabio Quartararo’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:58.303 and Valentino Rossi’s Race Lap Record of 1:59.661, but was impressive for a rookie.

Rookie Remy Gardner (87) rode in spite of still recovering from a broken wrist. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Both records were set in 2019, the last time MotoGP raced at Sepang.

Rookie Marco Bezzecchi (72) on his Mooney VR46 Racing Team Ducati. Photo courtesy Dorna.

FIM MotoGP World Championship

Shakedown Test

January 31, 2022

Unofficial Day One Lap Times (all on Michelin tires):

Raul Fernandez, Spain (KTM), 2:00.898
Michele Pirro, Italy (Ducati), 2:01.042*
Mika Kallio, Finland (KTM), 2:01.250*
Lorenzo Savadori, Italy (Aprilia), 2:01.676*
Remy Gardner, Australia (KTM), 2:01.852
Marco Bezzecchi, Italy (Ducati), 2:02.012
Darryn Binder, South Africa (Yamaha), 2:02.146
Sylvain Guintoli, France (Suzuki), 2:02.181*
Fabio Di Giannantonio, Italy (Ducati), 2:02.596
Katsuyuki Nakasuga, Japan (Yamaha), 2:03.442*
Kohta Nozane, Japan (Yamaha), 2:03.616*
Dani Pedrosa, Spain (KTM), no time recorded

*=test rider

Rookie Darryn Binder (40). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Rookie Fabio Di Giannantonio (49). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Yamaha test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga (T2). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Yamaha test rider Kohta Nozane (T1). Photo courtesy Dorna.

KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa (26). Photo courtesy Dorna.

More, from a press release issued by Mooney VR46 Racing Team:

THE 2022 PRE SEASON BEGINS FOR MARCO BEZZECCHI AT SEPANG

Riding the Ducati Desmosedici GP, the rookie of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team completes the Day1 of the MotoGP Shakedown test with 38 laps

Sepang (Malaysia), January 31st 2022 – Day1 of the shakedown test reserved to the MotoGP rookies at the end at Sepang International circuit for Marco Bezzecchi on the Ducati Desmosedici GP of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team.

Among the very first guys on the track with the special pre season helmet with a big P on the top as in Italy we use for indicated the beginners in driving (L as learner in the most of the countries), Marco inaugurates the 2022 by completing 38 laps to continue to become familiar with the power of the new bike and being ready for the first official MotoGP test. At work in the morning and in the second half of the afternoon to make the most of the more favorable temperatures on the track, he sets a best lap time of 02.02.012 and is in P6 in the combined standings.

As scheduled, Marco and the Mooney VR46 Racing Team will return at work to complete the other two days of shakedown testing session tomorrow and Wednesday.

Marco Bezzecchi

An exciting first day: it was strange arrive at the garage and found two bikes there. Irony aside, a good Day1: we started gradually, also to keep energies for the official testing session and test my condition well. I have continued to try the material we used at Jerez and I felt comfortable. At the moment, it is difficult to compare my performance with the other guys, I will continue to follow my plan with the Team in the upcoming days. They are helping me a lot and doing an amazing job.

Pablo Nieto

Team Manager

The wait is over and I am very happy to have finished the first day of testing here in Sepang. Marco and the whole Team are ready, they did a great job today and in recent days. This is the first real test for us, we spent the entire winter preparing for the new season and for the first time we are on track at 100%. A good Day1, Marco trained a lot, he is physically fit and today he started to find the feeling with the bike, the power of the Ducati and all the automatisms of the new category. I’m satisfied.

AFT: Tickets On Sale For Red Mile Doubleheader

David Swarts

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January 31, 2022

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AFT: Tickets On Sale For Red Mile Doubleheader

Ticket Sales Launched for Progressive AFT Memorial Day Weekend Red Mile Doubleheader

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 31, 2022) – Tickets for Progressive American Flat Track’s Memorial Day Weekend doubleheader at the Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky, on May 28-29 are now available for purchase.

The Mission Foods® Red Mile I & II presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington marks Progressive AFT’s first stop at the historic venue since 2019. Primarily known as a horse racing facility since it opened in 1875, the beautiful Red Mile has shown itself to be equally suited to races featuring a hundred times the horsepower ever since Progressive AFT made its first visit in 2017.

Widely praised for lush accommodations, incredible views from the grandstands, and availability of its track-side food and entertainment, the Red Mile stands out even among a schedule loaded with destination events.

A range of ticket options are available for purchase. General Admission – Standing Room Only, which provides ticket holders an excellent view of the track right along the front stretch, are available for just $25, with kids 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult. Other options include Reserved Grandstand tickets that provide outstanding views of the entire racetrack, a limited number of Mid-Level Box Seats, and the exclusive Turn 1 Hospitality Suite – VIP Experience.

Paddock Access Upgrades are available for purchase, which provide all-day access to the paddock where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.

Reserve your seats for the Mission Foods Red Mile I & II presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington today by visiting Progressive American Flat Track’s website at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3722/.

For more information, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com. To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.

About Progressive American Flat Track

Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.

Ana Carrasco Leaving World Supersport 300 For Moto3

David Swarts

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January 31, 2022

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Ana Carrasco Leaving World Supersport 300 For Moto3

Kawasaki Says Goodbye To Champion Ana Carrasco

After five glorious years with Kawasaki, during which she won the 2018 WSSP300 Championship, Ana Carrasco is moving from the environment of WorldSBK to the MotoGP paddock to ride in the Moto3 Championship. Thank you for everything, Ana!

Not only a highly successful racer in her own right, Carrasco has also been a role model for women globally combining her racing with law studies at home in Murcia, Spain and a gruelling public relations programme promoting the role of woman in sport.

The 2018 WSSP300 Champion guided her Ninja 400 to success in a year that saw her become the first FIM sanctioned female to win a road race Championship. The Murcian rider achieved seven race wins on Kawasaki machinery climbing the podium no less than 12 times equaling that with 12 fastest laps and three pole positions in what is generally recognised as one of the most competitive and hard-fought racing classes in the WorldSBK paddock.

Amassing a total of 420 points in over 50 race starts, the rider who was guided in every one of her Kawasaki race seasons by former Superbike rider, David Salom, came under the wing of the Provec racing enterprise in 2019.

Team Manager of KRT WorldSBK and co-owner of Provec, Guim Roda, is sad to see Ana move on but understands that the opportunity is too good to pass up. Commenting on Ana’s time at Kawasaki he said:

“Ana’s move to Moto3 is a fitting end to a journey we started together in 2018.
We are so proud to be part of the history now, and a Kawasaki Ninja will forever be recognised as the first ever bike that powered a woman to an FIM Motorcycle Open Championship.

In 2018 she won the Championship which was magical year, but I think 2019 and 2020 were when she performed the best. In 2019 she fought every race just losing second position in Championship on the last lap of the last race. In 2020 she pushed for the title again before her big crash in Estoril that was very nearly life changing – but Ana fought back to health as only she can. Across all this time David Salom was at her side as Team Manager guiding and advising her and he should be singled out for special praise. In 2021 she came back with no time to make winter testing properly due to her recovery process and was able to win in Misano showing she had lost none of her speed.

Moto 3 opens the door to new challenges and motivations. We are sure she will recover the winning edge she showed many times. On behalf of in all in the Kawasaki family we wish Ana all the best and hope she can continue making history motivating women and demonstrating that they deserve the same opportunities in life as men.”

Echoing Guim Roda’s comments, Steve Guttridge (Race Planning Manager, Kawasaki Motors Europe) said:

“Ana has flown-the-flag not just for Kawasaki in the tough, male dominated World Superport 300 racing arena but also for the positive perception of women in motorcycle sport in general. Ana has set the highest standards and is a model athlete for all other riders to aspire to. We wish her well in her new endeavours, even if this is tinged with sadness at her leaving the Kawasaki family. Good luck Ana and thank you for all you have achieved in your career with us racing on our Ninja400.”

Finally, from Ana herself:

“Racing is tough, not just on track where people see but also at times like this when you have to make tough decisions. My ambition is always to grow as a rider, to set myself new goals that other’s see as impossible and to achieve them.

When my parents bought me my first minibike and then I started racing of course my dream was like any rider “one day I want to be a World Champion”. This I achieved in 2018 and even today that feeling is magical; but anyone that understands racing will know that every racer needs to push, to be ambitious and to test themselves again and again.

This opportunity to ride in Moto3 is a logical step in my mind even if the emotional step is hard. I would like to thank everyone at Kawasaki who truly made me feel part of a racing family, of course to my pit crews and team staffs across these years who gave me the best machinery to compete on plus Provec who created a professional environment that was just incredible.

Finally, I must say a special thanks to Eliseo Escámez, Alvar Garriga, the Roda Brothers and all Provec team members, who were always there for me with friendly help and advice and truly believed in me and, of course, my parents who started this amazing journey. I thank all of you and hope you understand you all played a part in making me the rider and person I am. I hope I can repay your kindness with a second World Championship. Thank you.”

Moto2: Gresini Racing Introduces Moto2 Team

David Swarts

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January 30, 2022

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Moto2: Gresini Racing Introduces Moto2 Team

THE GRESINI RACING Moto2 TEAM BACK ON THE GRID ALSO IN 2022

Faenza. After the unforgettable presentation of the new MotoGP team, it is now time to unveil Gresini Racing’s Moto2 liveries. The “middleweight” category, so sought after by Fausto Gresini to give young riders the opportunity to showcase their talent – a springboard to their future. For 2022, Nadia Padovani Gresini wanted to reconfirm this project, which is be led by her son Luca.

A new livery, a new identifying color for the Gresini Family and two new riders: Alessandro Zaccone and Filip Salač. The former had a great season in MotoE last year, leading the standings until the final round of the season; he is not new to the Moto2 class as he raced previously in the same category albeit in the CEV championship. Filip moves up from Moto3, where he proved to be rider but his growth in terms of height ended up preventing him to fully express his talent.

The #12 (Filip) and #61 (Alessandro) bikes will be back on track for the first time this year in February for the Jerez test, which will allow the boys to familiarize with their Kalex machine and get to know better the team they will tackle the season with.

FILIP SALAČ #12

Everything will be new for me after a difficult year in Moto3, I was too tall for that bike. This winter I trained with a bike more similar to Moto2 and I can say that I feel much more comfortable. It will be a new adventure for me and I will have to gain a lot of experience, I will do everything possible to learn quickly and I will always give my best. I really miss the action on track, but I will have to hold on a little longer for the February tests, I can’t wait to work with the team again, I had a lot of fun with them in the first test! While waiting, I’m concentrating on training at the gym, I need to strengthen my muscles and adapt them to the Moto2 which has a different structure. But to be honest, I like this kind of training even more!

ALESSANDRO ZACCONE #61

It will be my first year in the Moto2 World Championship so the most important thing will be to try to learn the new tracks as quickly as possible: the first four ones are going to be a little bit tough for me, but I can’t wait to try! The winter break has always been a long suffering, but this year it really seemed never ending, perhaps because it was difficult to find a Moto2. It’s like a dream that is about to come true, we just have to wait for the tests. In the meantime, I’m training at the gym as well as doing some motocross and Supermoto riding, trying to get back to full fitness after last year’s injury. We are almost there, so I am confident!

LUCA GRESINI – TEAM MANAGER

I am really happy with the Moto2 2022 team, a young project in the hands of young riders. In fact, we chose two rookies in the world category, Zaccone had already competed in the same category but in the CEV with the Honda 600, where he showed he can go really fast and he confirmed his talent also in 2021 with the excellent results achieved in MotoE. Filip is also a very promising guy, he has grown a lot in the last years in Moto3, despite being hampered by his height. He did some good races proving he can compete with the leading group. With this light-blue bike on the track they will see us for sure, it is a strange color that over the season everyone will like more and more

Moto2: American Racing Team Building Training Facility In Texas

David Swarts

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January 29, 2022

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Moto2: American Racing Team Building Training Facility In Texas

The now all-American Racing Team unveils last week the 2022 livery during the presentation at the team estate in Hidden Hills, California, along with the start of an exciting new project.

In an event hosted by TV personality Barry Weiss, riders Cameron Beaubier and Sean Dylan Kelly revealed the brand-new graphics on their red, white and blue 2022 machines to a host of special guests, including family and friends of the team as well as sponsors and journalists.

To round off the week, Cameron, Sean, and the rest of the team took part in several days of filming across various famous locations in the ‘Sunshine State,’ including the Mulholland Highway and the Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, for promotional purposes as well as a new special feature – soon to be revealed.

Cameron Beaubier (6) and Sean Dylan Kelly (4) riding their Kalex Moto2 racebikes at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway while being chased by a drone (upper left). Photo courtesy American Racing Team.

The team is also proud to announce the beginning of a brand-new venture: a dedicated home & training facility of the American Racing Academy.

The American Racing Academy Farm is a 10-acre property located next to the iconic Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. Once constructed, it will include oval and TT flat track circuits, a motocross track, as well as accommodation facilities.

This ambitious project will serve the Academy Riders in their training and be capable of hosting a number of Pro riders from across the globe for special training camps. Updates on its progress to follow.

Eitan Butbul – Team Owner

“After only three years, we have achieved our mission. In 2018, we started something special, sometimes I say sometime ‘by mistake’ because I didn’t plan to be in the position I am today as a team owner!

We didn’t call the team ‘American Racing’ just because we’re from the US. The purpose was to eventually have a team for American riders and build a platform that allows American talent to come into the World Championship, and this year, after many years, it’s finally happened – we have two American riders directly from MotoAmerica.

That’s why we decided to have an ‘unconventional and special’ team launch, let’s say, to celebrate properly, for the first time here in Los Angeles. This is our home and our life and it’s nice to combine what we are doing in our day-to-day life with racing.

Also, we are very exciting for our new project of building the home of the American Racing Academy in Austin, Texas. This is something we’ve been thinking to do since we start with the Academy and was a long shot but the opportunity came and we decided to move forward with the project.

The Farm will allow us to have a proper training facility, to have training camps for the Academy riders and the option to invite Pro racers to special events.”

Cameron Beaubier – Rider #6

“I’m definitely looking forward to the year. Last season, we had some really good moments but it was also really tough. We had a lot of crashes but a couple of top fives as well and a handful of top-10s. I’m pumped to have Sean on the team too and it to be two Americans, but I must admit that it feels a little weird because coming up in racing, I was always the young gun that had older teammates. But now, it’s reversed on me! I’d been teammates with Josh Hayes in the past and I had a chance to learn a lot from him, but now the roles are reversed. I’m so excited about the next year, and I hope to make everyone proud.”

Sean Dylan Kelly – Rider #4

“It’s a dream come true for me. This is something that felt really far away only a year ago. Right now, it still feels unreal for me to be looking at this beautiful bike with my new number four on it – even though I always raced with #40. We know how life and careers go up and down, and it felt like something hard to reach, but last year was unbelievable and I achieved one of my goals to be national champion. Then, shortly after, I signed with the team for Moto2™! My family and I, we dreamed of this since I was a kid starting out racing at five years old! I want to say a huge thanks to team owners, Eitan & Avner, and John Hopkins of course for everything, and I’m really excited to get going!”

World Endurance: ERC Endurance Ducati Bolsters Rider Lineup

David Swarts

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January 28, 2022

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World Endurance: ERC Endurance Ducati Bolsters Rider Lineup

Spanish gain: ERC Endurance Ducati adds Checa and Fores for EWC 2022

January 28 2022

*Ace Spaniards join Gines and Zanetti for Ducati-powered FIM EWC attack

*New recruits further increase experience and pedigree of rider line-up

*Team Manager Hoffmann: “We have four endurance specialists as quick as hell”

Spaniards David Checa and Xavi Fores will add further international flavour – and even more pace – to the ERC Endurance Ducati squad contesting the upcoming FIM Endurance World Championship season.

Joining Frenchman Mathieu Gines and Italian Lorenzo Zanetti, Checa and Fores will help to create a formidable line-up on the German team’s Ducati Panigale V4R.

Checa is one of the most successful and experienced riders in the history of endurance racing and is transferring from the factory Kawasaki outfit to the team from Karlsruhe. Winner of the EWC in 2004, 2014, 2016/17 and 2018/19, Checa also has experience in MotoGP and the World Superbike Championship. In addition, the 41-year-old has won the Bol d’Or twice and the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans on three occasions.

“Since first entering the EWC competition at Malaysia two years ago I was able to watch the Ducati very closely on track and from beside and from the beginning it was clear to see the potential of the Panigale V4R-EWC,” Checa said. “The team has had a strong first season, showing the Ducati can mix it up front. They also learned a lot already and I am happy to now be part of this project. I will use all my experience on every single point to help bringing it further ahead.”

Fores, 36, joins ERC Endurance Ducati from the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, which he helped to finish runner-up in the 2021 FIM EWC Teams’ ranking. With experience and pedigree in GP125, Moto2, MotoGP, World Superbike and World Supersport, Fores is also a title winner in the German IDM Superbike series.

He said: “I had some great success with Ducati already and I think the ERC Endurance Panigale V4R-EWC can not only win podiums and races, but also fight for championships. I am looking forward to the new season and I think we can build on the great potential the team showed last year already.”

Gines and Zanetti, meanwhile, helped EWC Endurance Ducati to ninth place in the battle to win the 2021 FIM EWC Teams’ title. A decision on which member of the team’s quartet will take the fourth rider role will be made a later date, along with the decision on the tyre partner.

EWC Endurance Ducati Team Manager Frank Hoffmann said: “With Mathieu Gines, Lorenzo Zanetti, David Checa and Xavi Fores we have four absolute endurance specialists that are quick as hell. For ERC Endurance it is a big honour to have four such high profile riders joining us after just one year as it shows we gained a lot of respect in our first season in the FIM Endurance World Championship. We were quick and our Panigale V4R was more than reliable with our mechanics doing a great job in the pits. Of course we had to learn a lot and we have to take the learned things to 2022 to even get better. But it is a fact that with this bike and those four riders we have all the tools to fight for podiums, wins and the sharp end in the overall standing of the 2022 FIM Endurance World Championship.”

ERC carries Ducati EWC hopes

EWC Endurance has signed a new two-year agreement with Ducati Corse, which brings engineering support, among several other benefits to its attack. The team is planning pre-season testing in Portimão in Portugal and Misano in Italy.

MotoAmerica: Schultz Returning To Twins Cup

David Swarts

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January 28, 2022

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MotoAmerica: Schultz Returning To Twins Cup

Cycle Tech to Contest 2022 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship with Hayden Schultz on Yamaha YZF-R7

After a successful 2020 and 2021 partnership between Hayden Schultz and Gene Burcham, the pair is continuing in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship as the Cycle Tech Speed Weaponry team. With support from Yamaha, the team will contest the season on the new Yamaha YZF-R7 platform.

The team has high aspirations for the upcoming season having already proven to be a championship contender in seasons past. Schultz has finished 3rd and 2nd in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship in 2020 and 2021 with Burcham built motorcycles. Team members Gary Jeffries and Ron “Dink” Glidden will also be continuing with the team for 2022. Both rider and crew are excited to continue where they left off after taking the maiden podiums for the new Yamaha platform at the Pittsburgh and Barber rounds last season.

This will be Hayden’s third season in the Twins Cup class where he has accumulated 11 podiums. “I’m ready to get the 2022 season going with the Cycle Tech team,” said Schultz. “I know I have a great team and we have shown that our Yamaha package is competitive. After a winter of hard work from myself, Gene, and the rest of our team, our program will give us a great shot at winning races and contending for the championship.”

Cycle Tech’s 2022 efforts will be supported by Yamaha, Vance and Hines, 1833- CJKnows Accident and Injury Law, Blud Lubricants, Glidden Racing, Spiegler Performance Parts, Sunstar, Ohlins, Dreyer Motorsports, Dymag wheels, Attack Performance, Full Spectrum Power, aRacer USA, Robem Engineering, Spears Racing, Just1 Helmets, RS Taichi USA.

Season long and single round sponsorship opportunities with the team are available for
2022. If interested, contact: Hayden Schultz: [email protected] or Gene Burcham: [email protected]

MotoAmerica: Motul Sponsoring Two Classes In 2022

David Swarts

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January 27, 2022

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MotoAmerica: Motul Sponsoring Two Classes In 2022

MOTUL RETURNS AS PRESENTING SPONSOR OF THE MOTOAMERICA MINI CUP AND BECOMES THE OFFICIAL LUBRICANT FOR KING OF THE BAGGERS

Motul expands motorsports partnership with MotoAmerica, adding King Of The Baggers lubricant sponsorship for the 2022 season

Cypress, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2022) – Motul, the world-class oil and lubricants company founded in 1853, announces its return as the presenting sponsor of the MotoAmerica Mini Cup youth road racing series for the 2022 season. In addition, the company has signed on as the official lubricant sponsor of the popular V-Twin-powered MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers series.

Slated to run alongside MotoAmerica’s premier Medallia Superbike class, the Mini Cup by Motul is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series for youths aged 6 to 14. Now in its third year, MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul supports and encourages emerging talent in the motorcycle racing community. The championship will once again feature three spec classes centered around the Ohvale GP-0 mini road racer with 110cc, 160cc or 190cc engines.

“It’s great news that Motul is continuing as the sponsor of the MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul as they have been from the beginning of the class in 2020,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “Our King of the Baggers class is a huge attraction for the motorcycling community as a whole and having Motul supporting both our Mini Cup racers and our V-Twin competitors shows its commitment to everything on two wheels.”

Normally seen as wide-fairing cruisers, the Mission King Of The Baggers Championship emerged as a novel concept in 2021, pitting touring motorcycles from Harley-Davidson and Indian against North America’s most premier road racing destinations. The high-octane series was met with great fanfare and extends to six rounds for the 2022 season.

The Mission King Of The Baggers series kicks off March 10-12, with a doubleheader held in tandem with the Daytona 200 during Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Mini Cup by Motul series is set to begin at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, June 3-5.

“We’re truly thrilled to return as the presenting sponsor of the MotoAmerica Mini Cup and announce our partnership as the official lubricant sponsor of MotoAmerica’s Mission King Of The Baggers series,” said Motul USA Brand Manager Nolan Browning. “Motorsport is instrumental in the development of every Motul product, and the MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul and King Of The Baggers championships are excellent ways to connect with new audiences, for products like our Motul Twin Line of lubricants, and welcome a new generation of racing talent into the motorsport fold.”

ABOUT MOTUL

Founded in 1853, Motul is a world-class French company specializing in the formulation, production and distribution of high-tech engine lubricants. In 1989, Motul entered the U.S. market as Motul USA, where it has become well-known for its motorsports-derived automotive and powersports products. Motul also serves heavy-duty industries through its MotulTech division.

Recognized as an innovator of lubrication technologies for more than 150 years, Motul is regarded for its quality, competition-proven products. With the release of 300V in 1971, Motul became the first lubricant manufacturer to formulate a 100% synthetic engine lubricant using esters technology.

Motul is a partner to numerous manufacturers and racing teams with the goal of furthering its technological developments in motorsports. It has invested in international competitions, serving as an official supplier for teams in road racing, trials, enduro, endurance, Superbike, Supercross, Rallycross, World GT1, 24 Hours of Le Mans (cars and motorcycles), 24 Hours of Spa, Le Mans Series, Andros Trophy, Paris-Dakar, 8 Hours of Suzuka, Bol d’Or and the Daytona 200-mile motorcycle race.

ABOUT MOTOAMERICA

MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner. For more information on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also, make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

World Superbike: Rea Quickest At Jerez Test

David Swarts

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January 27, 2022

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World Superbike: Rea Quickest At Jerez Test

Strong Jerez Test For KRT

Kawasaki Racing Team riders Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes have completed their latest winter test at Jerez in successful fashion. Rea left the 4.423km long circuit with the fastest time of all and Lowes took another big step toward finalising his base settings for the 2022 season.

Lowes rode in the afternoons of both available days of the tests. He set the fastest pace on the opening day as he worked mostly on the front end set-up of his Ninja ZX-10RR.

Lowes put in 41 laps on day one and 59 on day two. He would end up second quickest of all, with just Rea ahead of him.

Jonathan did not ride on day one of the tests, nor the second morning, but used the final afternoon to reconfirm some set-up items. He also tried out some new Pirelli tyres and completed a confidence-boosting long run.

Despite his busy schedule Rea still set a blistering time of 1’38.851 on the 57th lap of the 61 he set in just four hours of track action.

Dry weather conditions helped the KRT staff in their testing work; with just periods of wind to contend with under sunny skies in the extreme south west of Spain.

Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) rode both days on his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR, and placed fifth fastest after setting 127 laps in all.

The next KRT pre-season test will take place at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal, between 8 – 9 February.

Jonathan Rea in action Thursday at Jerez. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.

Jonathan Rea, stated: “Times and positions don’t really matter at this time of the year but it was really nice to get back on the bike. I had felt OK on the bike, and very fast, in the December test. But physically I was not so good after a lot of holiday time at home in the off-season. But after starting my winter training programme with my coach before Christmas I felt much better with the bike. Already we did a race simulation. Because we have some new items on the bike we need to test them with a long run. I was reluctant to do that but when we concluded I felt quite positive. We tested some chassis items here and Pirelli brought a new variation of tyre to try. We had some new electronic items as well. Now we need to re-test again at another track. We will be back in Portimao at the beginning of February. I am excited to go there and see how the 2022 version of our Ninja ZX-10RR works there.”

Alex Lowes testing Thursday at Jerez. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.

Alex Lowes, stated: “The final day was busy. We had a lot of things to try to get through today, but in an afternoon it was not easy. Some things were better and some things need more attention, but on the electronics side the idea was to go back a few steps to go forward with some of the things I have been struggling with. It was good to get all that information to the guys. Now they will have to work hard before the next test to make a step forward, but it was good test. On the front of the bike we made some modification, with the Showa forks and chassis settings. It felt better, especially entering the corners. In the next test we will focus a bit more on the rear. I enjoyed being back on my bike, and working with the team again was good. I am more happy today than I was yesterday.”

Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Jonathan Rea, stated: “The test was short, because we only did half a day today and did not ride on day one. We did four hours in all. We focused mainly on the chassis side, because we are reconfirming things we did in December and comparing them with new items we built since the previous test. Johnny feels very positive, he is working very well, and the lap times were very strong. We did a long run and the result was positive. Johnny did a great, great job. We tested a new tyre for Pirelli and took some first information about the new electronics strategy. We are pleased with the result and now all the guys are looking forward to go to Portimao for the next test.”

Marcel Duinker, Crew Chief for Alex Lowes, stated: “We had quite a few items on our test programme, most of which had been at the December test. But if you renew your machine’s character you have to do more than one test. We were not looking for a perfect set-up to race right now but once we achieved an acceptable pace we started to follow on our test programme. I would say that around 90% of our test items were positive, so it was a very efficient test. Johnny was incredibly fast but we were not looking for the perfect race set-up we just needed to test all our items. We can go to Portimao with quite a lot of confidence. We still have quite a lot of testing days in front of us, but already we can define our race bike specification for around 95% for the start of the season.”

February 2022

January 31, 2022

On the Front Cover: Josh Herrin rails through the infield at Daytona International Speedway during an AHRMA event in January, riding the 955cc Ducati Panigale V2 he’ll race against 600cc-750cc four-cylinder and 675cc-798cc three-cylinder bikes in the new-look, March 2022 Daytona 200. Herrin won the Daytona 200 on a Yamaha YZF-R6. Photo by etechphoto.com.

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In This Issue:

FEATURES

Inside Info: Damon Electric Hyperbike, Ducati V4 S, LiveWire IPO, New-Look Daytona 200

Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1973 Seeley Suzuki TR500

Product Review: Stay Frosty Race-Ready Coolant

Intro: 2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak

Quick Look: 2022 KTM 890 Duke Is A Bigger Scapel

MotoGP Analysis: MotoGP’s Latest Technical Battle: Stop, Turn, Go!

MotoGP Analysis: Danilo Petrucci: From Grand Prix To Dakar Rally

Hanging With: MotoAmerica Racer David “Aussie Dave” Anthony

PRO RACING

Army of Darkness Endurance 2021 Part One: “Never Swim Against The Tide”

COLUMNS

Letters To The Editor: Looking Back To RW’s Start

10 Years Ago, February 2012: On the cover, Chris Ulrich wheelies the 2012 CBR1000RR at Infineon Raceway (now Sonoma Raceway)

Number & Trivia: Danilo Petrucci’s Road Racing Career

The Kids’ Page: Reese Frankenfield

The Crash Page: Danilo Petrucci and Alex Marquez plow gravel in Germany, and Pol Espargaro flies in France

New Products: Yamaha Generators, Michelin Road 6 Tires

Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride

ASRA/CCS Newsletter

High-Performance Parts & Services

Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: Test Bikes of 2021 Review

MotoGP: Fernandez Quickest On Day One Of Shakedown Test At Sepang (Updated)

January 31, 2022

Raul Fernandez (25) was one of five rookies and several test riders on track Monday at Sepang International Circuit for the MotoGP shakedown test. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Five rookies and seven test riders were in action Monday, the first day of the MotoGP “shakedown test” preceding the official pre-season test later this week, at Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia.

Rookies Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team), Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP), Raul Fernandez (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing), and Remy Gardner (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) shared the track with test riders Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki), Mika Kallio (KTM), Katsuyuki Nakasuga (Yamaha), Kohta Nozane (Yamaha), Dani Pedrosa (KTM), Michele Pirro (Ducati), and Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia).

Cal Crutchlow did not ride although he has renewed his contract as a Yamaha test rider, and Honda tester Stefan Bradl was not on track Monday. Pedrosa rode for KTM on Monday, but his name did not appear on timing and scoring monitors.

Unofficially, Fernandez was quickest on Monday with a lap time of 2:00.898, which fell short of Fabio Quartararo’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:58.303 and Valentino Rossi’s Race Lap Record of 1:59.661, but was impressive for a rookie.

Both records were set in 2019, the last time MotoGP raced at Sepang.

FIM MotoGP World Championship

Shakedown Test

January 31, 2022

Unofficial Day One Lap Times (all on Michelin tires):

Raul Fernandez, Spain (KTM), 2:00.898
Michele Pirro, Italy (Ducati), 2:01.042*
Mika Kallio, Finland (KTM), 2:01.250*
Lorenzo Savadori, Italy (Aprilia), 2:01.676*
Remy Gardner, Australia (KTM), 2:01.852
Marco Bezzecchi, Italy (Ducati), 2:02.012
Darryn Binder, South Africa (Yamaha), 2:02.146
Sylvain Guintoli, France (Suzuki), 2:02.181*
Fabio Di Giannantonio, Italy (Ducati), 2:02.596
Katsuyuki Nakasuga, Japan (Yamaha), 2:03.442*
Kohta Nozane, Japan (Yamaha), 2:03.616*
Dani Pedrosa, Spain (KTM), no time recorded

*=test rider

More, from a press release issued by Mooney VR46 Racing Team:

THE 2022 PRE SEASON BEGINS FOR MARCO BEZZECCHI AT SEPANG

Riding the Ducati Desmosedici GP, the rookie of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team completes the Day1 of the MotoGP Shakedown test with 38 laps

Sepang (Malaysia), January 31st 2022 – Day1 of the shakedown test reserved to the MotoGP rookies at the end at Sepang International circuit for Marco Bezzecchi on the Ducati Desmosedici GP of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team.

Among the very first guys on the track with the special pre season helmet with a big P on the top as in Italy we use for indicated the beginners in driving (L as learner in the most of the countries), Marco inaugurates the 2022 by completing 38 laps to continue to become familiar with the power of the new bike and being ready for the first official MotoGP test. At work in the morning and in the second half of the afternoon to make the most of the more favorable temperatures on the track, he sets a best lap time of 02.02.012 and is in P6 in the combined standings.

As scheduled, Marco and the Mooney VR46 Racing Team will return at work to complete the other two days of shakedown testing session tomorrow and Wednesday.

Marco Bezzecchi

An exciting first day: it was strange arrive at the garage and found two bikes there. Irony aside, a good Day1: we started gradually, also to keep energies for the official testing session and test my condition well. I have continued to try the material we used at Jerez and I felt comfortable. At the moment, it is difficult to compare my performance with the other guys, I will continue to follow my plan with the Team in the upcoming days. They are helping me a lot and doing an amazing job.

Pablo Nieto

Team Manager

The wait is over and I am very happy to have finished the first day of testing here in Sepang. Marco and the whole Team are ready, they did a great job today and in recent days. This is the first real test for us, we spent the entire winter preparing for the new season and for the first time we are on track at 100%. A good Day1, Marco trained a lot, he is physically fit and today he started to find the feeling with the bike, the power of the Ducati and all the automatisms of the new category. I’m satisfied.

AFT: Tickets On Sale For Red Mile Doubleheader

January 31, 2022

Jared Mees (1) takes the checkered flag at the Red Mile in 2019. Photo courtesy AFT.

Ticket Sales Launched for Progressive AFT Memorial Day Weekend Red Mile Doubleheader

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 31, 2022) – Tickets for Progressive American Flat Track’s Memorial Day Weekend doubleheader at the Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky, on May 28-29 are now available for purchase.

The Mission Foods® Red Mile I & II presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington marks Progressive AFT’s first stop at the historic venue since 2019. Primarily known as a horse racing facility since it opened in 1875, the beautiful Red Mile has shown itself to be equally suited to races featuring a hundred times the horsepower ever since Progressive AFT made its first visit in 2017.

Widely praised for lush accommodations, incredible views from the grandstands, and availability of its track-side food and entertainment, the Red Mile stands out even among a schedule loaded with destination events.

A range of ticket options are available for purchase. General Admission – Standing Room Only, which provides ticket holders an excellent view of the track right along the front stretch, are available for just $25, with kids 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult. Other options include Reserved Grandstand tickets that provide outstanding views of the entire racetrack, a limited number of Mid-Level Box Seats, and the exclusive Turn 1 Hospitality Suite – VIP Experience.

Paddock Access Upgrades are available for purchase, which provide all-day access to the paddock where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.

Reserve your seats for the Mission Foods Red Mile I & II presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington today by visiting Progressive American Flat Track’s website at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3722/.

For more information, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com. To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.

About Progressive American Flat Track

Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.

Ana Carrasco Leaving World Supersport 300 For Moto3

January 31, 2022

Ana Carrasco (11). Photo courtesy Kawasaki. — Ana Carrasco (11) became the first woman to win a solo motorcycle road racing World Championship when she won the 2018 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.