WorldSBK: Rea Ready To “Get The Title Back” (Includes Video)

David Swarts

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March 24, 2022

WorldSBK: Rea Ready To “Get The Title Back” (Includes Video)

KRT Ready To Unveil 2022 Worldsbk Title Attack

Kawasaki’s official WorldSBK team, KRT, will hosted its 2022 launch event at 20.00 CET on Wednesday 23 March at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, located just a few hundred metres from the team’s home base in Granollers.

The circuit is also the venue for KRT’s final private winter tests before the season gets underway at Motorland Aragon in early April.

After running their now traditional winter test liveries on track the team will made a first high impact ‘reveal’ of the new colours that will grace the Ninja ZX-10RR in 2022, plus the updated colours of Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes’ helmets and leathers.

The much-anticipated event gave the media its first chance to see the 2022 KRT racing project in its entirety. Key personnel – including the Riders, Crew Chiefs and Team Management – were available for interview after the formal presentation concluded.

The team also confirmed its existing key sponsors, plus some exciting new partners, for what is expected to be another dramatic and unmissable WorldSBK campaign.
Kawasaki riders have started more races than any other manufacturer in the 34 year history of the WorldSBK championship. The current official KRT effort, managed by Provec Racing, is entering its 11th year in partnership with Kawasaki.

STATEMENTS:

Guim Roda (KRT Team Manager): “After over a decade being so closely connected with this Kawasaki WorldSBK project, and with eight titles in that time, our primary goals are another riders’ championship, plus teams’ and manufacturers’ titles in 2022. Launching the new team livery so close to our base in Granollers allows everyone connected with the team to be involved and it’s a great launch pad for our mission to succeed. Both Johnny and Alex have the potential to win races and chase for championship honours, and we have many dedicated staff who have worked with us for several years. For sure the challenge is big but we have come up with good plans and now our ‘big unveil’ becomes a major public display of our commitment to succeed.”

Jonathan Rea: “For me the team launch is always a big step in the process of starting a new season. After six Winter tests we are now ready to put the black and white bikes away. Just like Spring arriving we reveal our new colours telling the world that KRT is fully prepared for 2022. Let’s get the title back.”

Alex Lowes: “It is my third year inside KRT and I truly feel part of the family so it’s a proud moment to help launch the new team colours confirming our partners and sponsors for 2022. I am fully fit for the start of the season and super motivated. Bring it on.”

Two days after the launch the team will make their final on-track tests at Montmelo, between 25-26 March. The official WorldSBK championship organisers’ pre-season tests will take place at Motorland Aragon on 4-5 April, with the same circuit hosting the opening round of the season from 8-10 April.

MotoGP: Sepang Confirmed On Calendar Through 2024

David Swarts

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March 24, 2022

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MotoGP: Sepang Confirmed On Calendar Through 2024

Grand Prix of Malaysia confirmed on the calendar until 2024, PETRONAS set to energise event as Title Sponsor

MotoGP™ will race at the iconic Sepang International Circuit for at least another three Grands Prix

Dorna Sports is delighted to confirm that Sepang International Circuit will remain on the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship calendar until at least 2024, with all parties already in discussion to extend the agreement until 2026.

Dorna Sports is also proud to announce a new partnership with PETRONAS that will see the progressive Malaysian energy company become the title sponsor. Starting from 2022, the event will be officially named the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia, ensuring the brand will have a key presence in the world championship. For PETRONAS, whose Fluid Technology Solutions™ is proven within the global motorsports arena, the title sponsorship is a scale up from its existing partnership with Dorna Sports as the Official Fuel Supplier to the Moto2™ and Moto3™ grid.

On the calendar since 1999, Sepang is a fan and rider favourite just outside Malaysian metropolis Kuala Lumpur, set against the backdrop of one of the most spectacular cities in Asia. Sepang International Circuit is spectacular too, with two long straights, a combination of contrasting corners and a stunning main grandstand complex, the silhouette of which has become iconic over the more than 20 motorcycle Grands Prix staged at the venue.

This new agreement between Sepang International Circuit and Dorna Sports confirms the future of a Grand Prix in one of the sport’s biggest and most passionate markets, and at one of its most-loved venues.

Azhan Shafriman Hanif, CEO of Sepang International Circuit: “I am pleased to inform that we have concluded my first negotiation on the contract extension with Dorna Sports as the Chief Executive Officer of Sepang International Circuit and I would like to extend my gratitude to those who have made this possible. With record breaking crowds year on year, we look forward to welcoming the fans back to Sepang after a two-year break due to the pandemic. In line with our #WelcomeHome theme, this year is about the revival of international motorsports with more unique offerings to the fans.”

Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz, Senior General Manager Group Strategic Communications PETRONAS: “PETRONAS is extremely honoured to be the title sponsor of the Grand Prix of Malaysia, largely considered a key sporting event in Malaysia and Asia. The title sponsorship offers a unique opportunity for PETRONAS to connect with the sport’s massive fanbase and showcase our brand and products. More importantly, through this strategic partnership with Dorna Sports, we hope to help re-energise Malaysia’s sports tourism for the benefit of Malaysians and visitors as the world collectively rebounds from the pandemic.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “We’re very happy to confirm that the Grand Prix of Malaysia will remain on the calendar until at least 2024. Malaysia is a vital market for MotoGP™ and it is a pleasure to race at Sepang and witness the incredible passion of the fans who fill the grandstands. After proving able to return to Malaysia for pre-season testing this year, we couldn’t be more eager to come back and race. We all look forward to the Grand Prix of Malaysia and seeing our Malaysian fans for many more seasons.

“We’re also very proud to enter into this partnership with PETRONAS, a brand that is synonymous with excellence and success, and a fantastic ambassador for Malaysia on the world stage. There can be no better headline act as a title sponsor for the Grand Prix of Malaysia than one of the most emblematic names in motorsports. We look forward to seeing this iconic brand take top billing at the event.”

WorldSBK: GRT Yamaha Unveiling 2022 Livery Ahead Of Catalunya Test

David Swarts

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March 23, 2022

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WorldSBK: GRT Yamaha Unveiling 2022 Livery Ahead Of Catalunya Test

GRT YAMAHA WORLDSBK TEAM READY FOR BARCELONA TEST AND BIKE UNVEILING

The next steps in the 2022 pre-season campaign for the GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team will be another two days of testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in preparation of the 2022 FIM World Superbike Championship and the official bike unveiling for the upcoming season, which will take place just one day before action starts in Barcelona.

Following a successful test session held at Misano World Circuit on 16th-17th March, Kohta Nozane and Garrett Gerloff are ready for one penultimate test session in Barcelona on 25th-26th March before moving to Aragòn for the official test with all teams on 4th-5th April ahead of the first round of the season.

Previously in Italy, Nozane was able to make a lot of laps (140 in total) testing many things gaining good data for the future. Gerloff enjoyed the two days at Misano as well, completing 164 laps working on electronics over than trying new parts as his Japanese teammate did.

Before going on track, the GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team will finally unveil their new Yamaha R1 for the 2022 FIM World Superbike Championship campaign. On 24th March at 17:00 CET, Garrett Gerloff and Kohta Nozane will show their new colors they will bring on the circuits for the whole season.

Make sure you will not miss that on our social channels and on our website. Therefore, both Nozane and Gerloff will use 2022 graphics on track from the Barcelona test.

Once having completed the two days at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the GRT Yamaha WorldSBK will head to Aragòn on 4th-5th for the official test session as said before. That will take place just a few days before the 2022 FIM World Superbike Championship season gets underway with Round 1 at the Teruel venue.

Garrett Gerloff: “It’s awesome to be able to get back on my Yamaha R1 after such a short time for another two days of testing in Barcelona. The sessions we had at Misano World Circuit were good and we worked really well getting information for the future and we will keep the same line at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as well. I’m also more than thrilled to unveil our new colors for the 2022 campaign. Both the bike and leathers are unbelievably cool and I cannot wait to show them to everyone tomorrow at 17:00 (CET)!”

Kohta Nozane: “Having another session of test just one week later the one we had at Misano World Circuit is really good to keep working on what we learned during the previous tests. In Spain we’ll try to make one more step forward to improve our performance and we’re confident we can do it. Moreover, it’s time to show you our new graphics for the 2022 season. Believe me, they’re really cool and I’m so excited you all guys can see what we will bring on track this year”

Filippo Conti: “After having had two good days at Misano where we made step forward in preparation of the 2022 FIM World Superbike Championship, we hope to make the same thing at the Montmeló in our penultimate test session before the beginning of the season. In Barcelona we will unveil our new Yamaha R1 as well: we are so thrilled for this and cannot wait for you to see our new colors. We are sure you will like it and you will be positively surprised. You just have to be patient and wait until 24th March at 17:00 (CET)!”

Bierma Appointed General Secretary Of MSMA

David Swarts

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March 23, 2022

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Bierma Appointed General Secretary Of MSMA

MSMA CHAIRMAN STEFAN PIERER EXTENDS WELCOME TO NEW GENERAL SECRETARY

Mr. Stefan Pierer, KTM AG CEO and the current Motorcycle Sport Manufacturers’ Association (MSMA) chairman for a period including 2021-2022, met with Mr. Biense Bierma as the new General Secretary begins his rounds of MSMA participants in what is a new era for the association.

KTM opened doors to Mr Bierma in Austria as the union of the principal manufacturers for sanctioned world championship racing continues to flourish. The MSMA features the management committees of a number of companies and brands at the top level of motorcycle competition including all six of the leading firms in MotoGP™: Aprilia, Ducati, Honda, KTM, Suzuki and Yamaha.

The MSMA was created 30 years ago as a representative body for the constructors taking part in Grand Prix. Its objectives are to foster the development of motorcycle sports and enhance their worldwide image and reputation together with the FIM and series’ promoters.

It not only helps in deciding sporting and technical rules but also pushes for other short and long-term concerns such as safety protocols, costs and sustainability in a range of series’. The MSMA is one of four entities in the MotoGP Grand Prix Commission (together with the FIM, Dorna and IRTA) but is also implicit in the management process of championships both onroad and offroad.

Stefan Pierer, CEO KTM AG & current MSMA Chairman: “The last two years have been challenging in a number of ways for the motorcycle industry and there has been strong solidarity between the manufacturers through the MSMA. The new appointment of the General Secretary, Biense Bierma, should allow us to continue in this positive direction both for wider subjects as well as sporting ones in highly visual and important championships such as MotoGP. We are thinking about safety, we are thinking about sustainability and we want to work on the long-term future of racing whether it is with slick tires or off-road treads. It was a pleasure to talk with Biense in his first trip to KTM and as he starts the process of visiting all the manufacturers. We are sure that we will be able to work efficiently and smoothly for the benefit of the brands as well as the sport in the years to come.”

Biense Bierma, General Secretary MSMA: “It was a great honor to meet Mr. Stefan Pierer as the MSMA Chairman and the CEO of KTM AG and to have an open talk about racing in general and the long-term future of racing for both onroad and off-road. To be able to visit the KTM facilities, meeting and knowing other people for me is of highly added value and I’m really looking forward visiting other manufacturers soon. I want to thank Stefan for his trust and the trust of all the other manufacturers to represent them collectively in all their motorsport activities for now and the future.”

R.I.P. MotoAmerica Medical Director Dr. Raymond Rossi (Updated)

David Swarts

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March 23, 2022

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R.I.P. MotoAmerica Medical Director Dr. Raymond Rossi (Updated)

Dr. Raymond F. Rossi, MD, the Medical Director for MotoAmerica since its start, died from hypovolemic shock related to Lupus March 22 in Englewood, Colorado. He was 67.

He is survived by wife Lori Smith, and daughter Shelby Ray Rossi.

Rossi worked as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for nearly 13 years while he attended the University of Colorado – Denver, where he obtained a degree in Biology, and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, from where he graduated in 1990.

Rossi operated a medical practice in the Denver area with a specialty of General Internal Medicine, but he also used his medical expertise to support competitive sports.

He provided medical care for the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo for 19 years, he served as FIM Chief Medical Officer for several World Superbike and MotoGP rounds held in America, he was at times the Medical Director for Pikes Peak International Raceway and Miller Motorsports Park, and he started working with MotoAmerica in 2015.

In his role with MotoAmerica, Dr. Rossi provided specialized training, like proper helmet removal, to local first responders and instituted a concussion protocol and testing to deal with rider’s who suffered head injuries, among many other regular duties.

Rossi also enjoyed competing in several different disciplines of motorcycle racing, including road racing, when he was younger.

We will post information about any memorial services when it becomes available.

More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:

MotoAmerica Medical Director Dr. Raymond Rossi Passes

Popular Paddock Figure Passes At The Age Of 67

IRVINE, CA (March 23, 2022) – MotoAmerica’s Medical Director since the series inception in 2015, Dr. Raymond Rossi, passed away on Tuesday, March 22 in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Rossi was 67 years old.

A longtime fixture in the paddock, Rossi was a familiar face when MotoAmerica riders were injured or needed basic medical care while at the racetrack. In addition to helping MotoAmerica’s racers, Rossi was also an FIM accredited medical officer and served as FIM Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for FIM World Superbike and MotoGP events when those series came to the U.S.

Rossi earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and did his sports medicine rotations at another racer’s practice, Gem City Bone and Joint, which was owned and operated by the late Dr. David Kieffer.

Prior to working in what was his first love, motorcycle racing, Rossi had his own practice in Colorado. He also served as medical director at Pikes Peak International Raceway and Miller Motorsports Park and worked as a physician for the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo, where he cared for rodeo athletes.

“I have been committed to motorcycle medical care for over 20 years,” said Rossi in a MotoAmerica press release introducing him as its medical director. “It is a privilege to be given an opportunity to serve this very noble group of athletes. It will be my goal to bring the highest level of medical care to the MotoAmerica riders, both trackside and in the paddock. I am grateful to be a part of a new direction for American road racing led by KRAVE, and I applaud their vision.”

“It was essential for us to have a medical director when we started MotoAmerica and Dr. Rossi was the perfect choice,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “He served our series well, giving our racers a doctor they knew and trusted. His passing saddens us, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

Rossi is survived by his wife, Loris Smith, of Greenwood Village, Colorado; and daughter, Shelby Ray Rossi, of Laguna Beach, California.

N2 Track Days Partners With KYT Helmets Americas

David Swarts

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March 23, 2022

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N2 Track Days Partners With KYT Helmets Americas

N2 Partners with KYT Helmets Americas.

Media, PA – March 2022 – N2 Track Days is proud to announce a multi-year partnership with KYT Helmets Americas. KYT was founded in 1998 as the racing brand of PT TARA, one of the largest helmet manufacturers in the world with more than 100,000 helmets produced per year. Founded, designed, and developed at the state-of-the-art research and development facility in Italy, KYT use extensive experience developed in the World Championship with riders Aleix Espargaro, Dennis Foggia, Augusto Fernandez, and 2022 Qatar MotoGP winner Enea Bastianini.

“We are extremely excited about working with KYT for 2022 and 2023,” said N2 CEO Jim Curtis. “This relationship will provide special discounts to track day members and control riders as well as monthly giveaways. KYT will also be supporting our N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop with championship bonuses and contingency programs. In addition to the support of members and racing, we will also have KYT Helmets available as part of our rental program to get new riders on track. This is a fantastic relationship with one of the best helmet manufacturers in the world and we are proud to help introduce them to the North American market.”

KYT Helmets will be available for purchase at most N2 events through track side vendors like Pit Lane Moto, as well as online through KYT Hemets Americas directly (www.kytamericas.com). Exclusive member and control rider discounts will be available through direct communications from N2. KYT Helmets will be available at most N2 events for demo and rental as well.

Brandon Cretu of Rise Moto, the national distributor of KYT helmets in America, commented on the partnership between N2 and KYT Americas: “While developing KYT’s entry into the US market, we were very interested in a partnership with N2. Jim and the team at N2 are leaders in the sport. Between their track day/instruction events and their national race teams, N2 is a fantastic ambassador for KYT—both partners have racing DNA. I’m looking forward to providing an awesome, premium helmet, with style comfort and all the goodies for all of N2’s customers.”

About 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.

About Rise Moto: Rise Moto LLC is a racer owner and operated company based out of Pennsylvania. It was founded by two friends and motorcycle enthusiasts, Brandon Cretu and Brian D’Apice. Both Brandon and Brian bring a wealth of marketing and business experience into Rise Moto and are invested in seeing the growth of the sport within the USA by supporting youth development in racing as well as supporting the sport and racers at all levels. For more information on Rise Moto please visit www.risemoto.com.

N2 is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, KYT Helmets USA, Armour Bodies, Chicken Hawk Racing, Impact SafeT Armor, Renthal, Woodcraft, WERA Road Racing, Innovative Motorsports, R.E.B Graphics, Rise Moto, Ghetto Customs, JE Pistons, Wiseco Pistons, Yamaha Power Products, Boxo USA, BobbleHeadMoto, Trading Paint, GB Racing, Westby Racing, Attack Performance, Robem Engineering, Puig, Eazi Grip, ProBolt and Yamaha Champions Riding School.

For more information – www.n2td.org

WERA West: Landers, Zaragoza Star At Auto Club Speedway

David Swarts

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March 23, 2022

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WERA West: Landers, Zaragoza Star At Auto Club Speedway

Landers Takes WERA West Formula One win at Auto Club Speedway

by Michael Gougis

Rocco Landers spent the weekend training with four-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion Josh Hayes, then took his Yamaha YZF-R6 to the Lucas Oil WERA West Formula One win at Auto Club Speedway.

On his Dunlop-shod middleweight, Landers cleared off to take the win in the headlining six-lap race by more than 14 seconds over Terry Heard and Manny Segura. Landers was in the 1:28 range all three times he was out, with a fastest lap of 1:28.501 in the A Superstock race, where he came from deep in the field to finish second to Edgar Zaragoza on a ZX-10R by 0.772 seconds. Landers also took the win in C Superstock.

Zaragoza would go on to win the C Superbike, B Superbike and B Superstock races on his Yamaha YZF-R6.

Heard came back from a crash in the A Superstock race to not only finish second in Formula One but to take third in A Superbike, which was won by Jack Bakken, closely chased by Sahar Zvik. Heard had the consolation prize of the fastest lap in the A Superbike race.

RESULTS:

A SUPERSTOCK EXPERT:

Edgar Zaragoza (Kaw ZX-10R)
Rocco Landers (Yam YZF-R6)
Jack Bakken (BMW 1000)
Sahar Zvik (BMW 1000)
Manny Sagura (Kaw ZX-10R)
Brian Evans (Duc 999)

A SUPERSTOCK NOVICE:

David Barbario (BMW 1000)
Cliff Coglietti (BMW 1000)

HEAVYWEIGHT TWINS SUPERBIKE EXPERT:

Demond Wilson (Duc 848)
Ed Guzman (KTM 1190)

HEAVYWEIGHT TWINS SUPERBIKE NOVICE:

Steve “Wheels” Bucaro (Duc 1198)
Mike Nelson (KTM 890)

C SUPERSTOCK EXPERT:

Rocco Landers (Yam YZF-R6)
Edgar Zaragoza (Yam YZF-R6)
Harm Jansen (Yam YZF-R6)
Orel Madar (Kaw ZX-6R)
Robert Pierce (Yam YZF-R6)
Bo Bin (Yam YZF-R6)

C SUPERSTOCK NOVICE:

Damiano Dall’Anese (Yam YZF-R6)
Christopher Morris (Yam YZF-R6)
Tyler Shaw (Yam YZF-R6)
Jai Dicipulo (Kaw ZX-6R)
Blake Gentry (Suz GSX-R600)
Eric Gallarza (Suz GSX-R600)

FORMULA TWO EXPERT:

Ed Sorbo (Suz 650)
JC Gibbs (Yam 700)
Anthony Morrison (Suz 650)
Cody Burton (Suz 650)

F SUPERSTOCK NOVICE:

Mercedes Cook (Yam YZF-R3)

SENIOR SUPERBIKE HEAVYWEIGHT EXPERT:

Fabrice Vilder (Yam YZF-R1)
Don McClary (BMW 1000)
Brian Evans (Duc 999)
David Price (Yam YZF-R1)
Ruben Soto (Yam YZF-R1)
Alex White (Yam YZF-R1)

SENIOR SUPERBIKE HEAVYWEIGHT NOVICE:

Thomas Babcock (BMW 1000)
David Barberio (BMW 1000)
Cliff Coglietti (BMW 1000)
Ryan Soliman (Kaw ZX-10R)

SENIOR SUPERBIKE EXPERTS MEDIUMWEIGHT:

Moises Castaneda (Yam YZF-R6)
Gerardo Flores (Kaw ZX-6R)
Jeff Solberg (Yam YZF-R6)

B SUPERSTOCK EXPERT:

Edgar Zaragoza (Yam YZF-R6)
Orel Madar (Kaw ZX-6R)
Robert Pierce (Yam YZF-R6)
Michael Gougis (Hon CBR600RR)

B SUPERSTOCK NOVICE:

Damiano Dall’Anese (Yam YZF-R6)
Christopher Morris (Yam YZF-R6)
Jai Dicipulo (Kaw ZX-6R)
Joe Caudillo (Hon CBR600RR)
Mike Nelson (KTM 890)

LIGHTWEIGHT TWINS SUPERSTOCK EXPERT:

JC Gibbs (Yam 700)
Ed Sorbo (Suz 650)

E SUPERSTOCK NOVICE:

Mercedes Cook (Yam YZF-R3)

C SUPERBIKE EXPERT:

Edgar Zaragoza (Yam YZF-R6)
Harm Jansen (Yam YZF-R6)
Robert Pierce (Yam YZF-R6)
Orel Madar (Kaw ZX-6R)
Bo Bin (Yam YZF-R6)
Gerardo Flores (Kaw ZX-6R)

C SUPERBIKE NOVICE:

Damiano Dall’Anese (Yam YZF-R6)
Christopher Morris (Yam YZF-R6)
Tyler Shaw (Yam YZF-R6)
Blake Gentry (Suz GSX-R600)
Eric Gallarza (Suz GSX-R600)

FORMULA ONE EXPERT:

Rocco Landers (Yam YZF-R6)
Terry Heard (BMW 1000)
Manny Segura (Kaw ZX-10R)
Sahar Zvik (Kaw ZX-10R)
Ben Gary (Apr RSV4)
Thomas Asseo (Yam YZF-R1)

FORMULA ONE NOVICE:

Thomas Babcock (BMW 1000)

V8 HEAVYWEIGHT:

John James (Tri 675)
Wayne Gann (Suz GSX-R1000)
Nick Zaan (Suz GSX-R600)

B SUPERBIKE EXPERT:

Edgar Zaragoza (Yam YZF-R6)
Orel Madar (Kaw ZX-6R)
Gerardo Flores (Kaw ZX-6R)

B SUPERBIKE NOVICE:

Damiano Dall’Anese (Yam YZF-R6)
Mike Nelson (KTM 890)

V8 MEDIUMWEIGHT:

John James (Hon CBR600RR)
Nick Zaan (Suz GSX-R600)
Demond Wilson (Duc 848)
Jeff Solberg (Yam YZF-R6)
Edward B. Hearn (Yam YZF-R6)
Wayne Gann (Yam YZF-R6)

LIGHTWEIGHT TWINS SUPERBIKE EXPERT:

JC Gibbs (Yam 700)
Ed Sorbo (Suz 650)
Anthony Morrison (Suz 650)
Cody Burton (Suz 650)

D SUPERSTOCK NOVICE:

Mercedes Cook (Yam YZF-R3)

A SUPERBIKE EXPERT:

Jack Bakken (BMW 1000)
Sahar Zvik (Kaw ZX-10R)
Terry Heard (BMW 1000)
Manny Segura (Kaw ZX-10R)
Ben Gary (Apr RSV4)

A SUPERBIKE NOVICE:

Thomas Babcock (BMW 1000)
Ryan Soliman (Kaw ZX-10R)

MotoGP: Team MotoUP Holding VIP Experience Fundraiser At COTA

David Swarts

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March 22, 2022

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MotoGP: Team MotoUP Holding VIP Experience Fundraiser At COTA

San Antonio, TX – MotoUP, Inc. is a non-profit charity incubator that fundraises on behalf of veteran organizations in need. Team MotoUP hosts a VIP Experience Charity Event once a year during the MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas. The all-volunteer team is in its third year of giving back to the veteran community.

“We are a team of passionate folks who are doing something unique by marrying our love of motorsports with the chance to pay it forward for those who have and continue to sacrifice so much for our freedoms,” explained Juan Toves, President of MotoUP. Within that construct, MotoUP has also partnered with the Roadracing World Action Fund to bring awareness to the importance of enhancing rider safety at United States circuits through educational programs and by buying and deploying soft barriers.

MotoUP is committed to curating an elevated experience with a purpose. Each beneficiary goes through a rigorous due diligence and background check before they are chosen. For example, Team MotoUP looks at how a nonprofit is assisting combat wounded veterans through motorsports therapy and their good standing in the community. In 2019, the team hosted a 40-person suite and raised $13,000. Last year, they were able to host a 120-person suite and raised $40,000. All MotoUP volunteers and members of the MotoUP Board of Directors pay for their entry into the suite because they all know how important it is to get help to our veterans, and 100% of all proceeds go to our beneficiary organizations.

The primary 2022 beneficiary is Motorcycle Missions, an Austin-based nonprofit with a national reach. Motorcycle Missions focuses on the post-traumatic stress disorder paradigm and encourages participants to develop a life-long passion for riding and building motorcycles that will help them enjoy a happy, healthy, and balanced lifestyle after trauma. Motorcycle Missions allows the veterans to build and ride motorcycles, giving them the camaraderie that veterans outside of the military often miss when they leave the service.

The weekend is jam-packed with in-suite demos, special guests, panel discussions and a whole lot of racing action. MotoUP is also pleased to work with the Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF) again this year. With MotoAmerica back in the paddock at Circuit of The Americas, we are excited to learn more about Airfence and Alpina-brand inflated soft barriers paid for by the RWAF and to see them in action. “Improving rider safety is what we do,” said John Ulrich, RWAF founder and President.

To learn more about MotoUP, Inc. check out our website www.motoup.org

To follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/MotoupUSA

To follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/motoupusa/

R.I.P. Motorcycle Industry Executive Mel Harris (Updated)

David Swarts

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March 22, 2022

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R.I.P. Motorcycle Industry Executive Mel Harris (Updated)

Mel Harris, a longtime motorcycle industry executive, died of cancer on March 20. He was 76.

Harris worked for what was then known as American Suzuki Motor Corporation (American Suzuki) from 1981 to 2008, holding positions as Regional Manager, National Sales Manager, and Vice President in its Motorcycle & ATV Division.

After leaving American Suzuki, Harris worked for Quantya Electric Motorcycles, ATK, and most recently for SSR Motorsports as Vice President of Operations.

He is survived by wife Gale, sons Scott and Shawn, daughters Kim and Amy, and his brother Ray.

We will post more information as it becomes available.

Update: A Celebration of Life has been scheduled 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on April 24 at Pole Position Raceway, 1594 E. Bentley Dr., Corona, CA 92883.

A more recent photo of Mel Harris, R.I.P. Photo courtesy SSR Motorsports.

More, from a press release issued by Suzuki Motor USA:

Suzuki Remembers Mel Harris

March 22, 2022 – Suzuki joins the rest of the powersports industry in remembering former executive Mel Harris who passed away Sunday after a long battle with cancer. Mel was a long time Suzuki employee, first joining the company in June, 1981 and remaining with Suzuki through December, 2008.

During his long tenure with Suzuki, Mel held many sales positions ranging from Regional Sales Manager to his last position as VP, Sales and Marketing. Mel was also Suzuki’s representative on the AMA Board of Directors.

Perhaps Mel’s greatest strength was his relationship with Suzuki dealers. He knew many on a personal level and took pride in being a strong advocate for their businesses. Mel was also a passionate supporter of racing and was involved in many Suzuki championships in the past.

Many will remember the Suzuki dealer meetings that Mel oversaw. Determined to entertain
dealers at all costs, Mel loved to try and top himself year after year. Whether he came on stage astride an elephant, by jetpack, or suited up as “Melvis” (Elvis Presley) Mel loved to put a smile on dealers’ faces while delivering important product and sales information.

Mel was truly one of a kind and will be sadly missed. Please join Suzuki in offering our thoughts and prayers to Mel’s wife Gail and the rest of his family.

A celebration of life has been announced by Mel’s son-in-law Ken Faught and will be held April 24 from 10a to 2p at Pole Position Raceway, 1594 E. Bentley Dr., Corona CA, 92883. The celebration is an open invitation and flowers can also be sent in tribute.

Rider Training Fundraiser For Ukraine Relief Scheduled May 28

David Swarts

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March 22, 2022

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Rider Training Fundraiser For Ukraine Relief Scheduled May 28

The Women’s Moto Project and M1GP

The Women’s Moto Project and M1GP launches a GoFundMe Moto Fund Raiser for Ukrainian Relief

Long Beach, California. The Women’s Moto Project (TWMP) and M1GP launches a GoFundMe to raise money to benefit the humanitarian non-profit Americares.

TRAIN FOR UKRAINE GoFundMe link: https://gofund.me/5fe6fbda

A special feature of TRAIN FOR UKRAINE is the offer of limited training to riders who donate $300 or more. All donation amounts are appreciated and encouraged. 100% of proceeds will go to Americares

Proceeds go to Americares, a top-rated non-profit by Charity Navigator providing aid to the crisis in Ukraine.

The fundraiser comes as the war continues and innocent people are being killed.

The event is the first that TWMP and M1GP has put on with a charitable cause.

“TWMP is a proud sponsor of this event and look forward to volunteering at the Train for Ukraine and hope to inspire new riders with the freedom that comes with it.” – Amanda Hazzah, TWMP

“In every human breast, God has implanted a principle, which we call love of Freedom; it is impatient of Oppression and pants for deliverance.” – Phillis Wheatley, African-American poet

“We’re hoping this event will unite the motorcycle community and provide a unique outlet to help the situation in Ukraine.” – Young Lee, M1GP.

Some details on the training:

TWMP will be hosting an “Introduction to Motorcycling.” No M1 required, No experience necessary, just an ability to ride a bicycle. Please wear sturdy over-the-ankle boots, jeans and a long sleeve shirt.

M1GP will be holding its famous drills training. No M1 license required, no experience required. Good bicycle skills. Full-face helmet, gloves, boots and 1 or 2 pc leathers with knee sliders are required.

Both training activities will be held Saturday, May 28th, 2022 at the Long Beach Scottish Rite Cultural Center, at 855 Elm Avenue, Long Beach, California, 90813.

A full day’s schedule will be announced on the GoFundMe page as we get closer to the event date.

About The Women’s Moto Project

The Women’s Moto Project are a group of women who are highly experienced, licensed instructors who believe riding is empowering as much as it is exciting, and wish to instill strength and knowledge in every rider who takes part in TWMP. They teach the skills necessary to become a safe, lifelong rider and they want to see their students succeed, gain confidence and connect to others who share the same passion.

About M1GP

M1GP is both a motorcycle racing association and riding school that provides riders racing events and proven training techniques with the lowest amount of time and risk, with maximum learning and fun!

We invite companies and individuals who would like to be a part of this event as a sponsor to get involved and offer their own unique packages with the TRAIN FOR UKRAINE event to help this effort. Please contact us ASAP to get involved!

WorldSBK: Rea Ready To “Get The Title Back” (Includes Video)

March 24, 2022

Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea (left), his teammate Alex Lowes (right), and their factory Kawasaki ZX-10RR Superbikes in their 2022 liveries. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.

KRT Ready To Unveil 2022 Worldsbk Title Attack

Kawasaki’s official WorldSBK team, KRT, will hosted its 2022 launch event at 20.00 CET on Wednesday 23 March at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, located just a few hundred metres from the team’s home base in Granollers.

The circuit is also the venue for KRT’s final private winter tests before the season gets underway at Motorland Aragon in early April.

After running their now traditional winter test liveries on track the team will made a first high impact ‘reveal’ of the new colours that will grace the Ninja ZX-10RR in 2022, plus the updated colours of Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes’ helmets and leathers.

The much-anticipated event gave the media its first chance to see the 2022 KRT racing project in its entirety. Key personnel – including the Riders, Crew Chiefs and Team Management – were available for interview after the formal presentation concluded.

The team also confirmed its existing key sponsors, plus some exciting new partners, for what is expected to be another dramatic and unmissable WorldSBK campaign.
Kawasaki riders have started more races than any other manufacturer in the 34 year history of the WorldSBK championship. The current official KRT effort, managed by Provec Racing, is entering its 11th year in partnership with Kawasaki.

STATEMENTS:

Guim Roda (KRT Team Manager): “After over a decade being so closely connected with this Kawasaki WorldSBK project, and with eight titles in that time, our primary goals are another riders’ championship, plus teams’ and manufacturers’ titles in 2022. Launching the new team livery so close to our base in Granollers allows everyone connected with the team to be involved and it’s a great launch pad for our mission to succeed. Both Johnny and Alex have the potential to win races and chase for championship honours, and we have many dedicated staff who have worked with us for several years. For sure the challenge is big but we have come up with good plans and now our ‘big unveil’ becomes a major public display of our commitment to succeed.”

Jonathan Rea: “For me the team launch is always a big step in the process of starting a new season. After six Winter tests we are now ready to put the black and white bikes away. Just like Spring arriving we reveal our new colours telling the world that KRT is fully prepared for 2022. Let’s get the title back.”

Alex Lowes: “It is my third year inside KRT and I truly feel part of the family so it’s a proud moment to help launch the new team colours confirming our partners and sponsors for 2022. I am fully fit for the start of the season and super motivated. Bring it on.”

Two days after the launch the team will make their final on-track tests at Montmelo, between 25-26 March. The official WorldSBK championship organisers’ pre-season tests will take place at Motorland Aragon on 4-5 April, with the same circuit hosting the opening round of the season from 8-10 April.

MotoGP: Sepang Confirmed On Calendar Through 2024

March 24, 2022

Sepang International Circuit. Photo courtesy of Michelin.