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Home of the Official SBK Fast Dates Calendar Kittens August 2013 Page 4
Calendar Kittens at Laguna Seca World Superbike!
2013 LA Calednar Motorcycle Show
2014 FastDates.com Calendar World Premier
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the Bikes, the Builders, the Riders, the Kittens,
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all the 2014 Calendar Pictures, and Special Features...
we take you around the world for the making of the 2014 FastDates.com Calendars Now in Members Corner
World Superbike - The First 25 Years a Tribute and Thanks to its Producers Maurizio and Paolo Flammini And how they were uncerimoniously
kicked out the back door by DORNA
without a kiss good bye.... Read the Full Story Here
This Month in the Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar ....
Beautiful Calendar Kitten Camilla Chiniquy heats up the pit garage next to Bax Biaggi's factory Aprilia RSV4 World Superbike.
You'll find bikes like this with beautiful Kittens featured in the Calendar Bike Garage with full specifications and screensaver size pictures.
Supermodel, actress, and singer songwriter and Fast Dates Calendar Kitten Sara Horvath.
FastDates.com Calendar Kittens to headline the
2013 SBK World Superbike Laguna Seca USA Starting Grid on Sept 26-28th
Los Angeles, CA, August 1, 2014 - The FastDates.com Calendars & Website, in association with Umbrella Girls USA, is excited to announce that SBK World Superbike has selected three beautiful Fast Dates Calendar Kittens to grace the front of the starting grid when the World Superbike Championship returns to the Monterey Peninsula at Laguna Seca Raceway the weekend of September 26-28th 2013. The models include supermodel, actress, singer songwriter Sara Horvath who hails from Livingston, Montana, and popular Umbrella Girls USA spokesmodel Jessica Harbour out of San Diego, CA.
World Superbike in America makes its return to Laguna Seca this September after an 8 year hiatus from the west coast's most popular roadrace facility. Together with the premier SBK World Superbike Class, the AMA Pro Roadracing Championship will also be joining the 3-day race weekend with its top classes including Pro Superbike. The first World Superbike Championship race in America took place at Laguna Seca Raceway back in 1995 with four FastDates.com Calendar models serving as the official SBK grid and podium girls on race day that year, and in many subsequent years since.
As he does every year at one of the SBK World Superbike rounds around the world, FastDates.com Calendar publisher and photographer Jim Gianatsis will use the 2013 SBK Laguna Seca September 26-28th race weekend to shoot with the Calendar Kittens for the next edition of the Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar.
"This year's Calendar shoot will be for the 25th Anniversary of the Fast Dates Calendar, the first edition of which featured Pamela Anderson on the cover with Miguel DuHamels' "Big Papa" Yoshimura Suzuki Superbike," explains Jim. "Every year I've been privileged to have exclusive track access to photograph the Calendar with all the top factory race teams in AMA and World Superbike, MotoGP, together with many of the world's most beautiful models and celebrities."
In the photo: Sara Horvath at left
and Jessica Harbour on the right.
"This year will be no exception with the addition of beautiful models Sara and Jessica. I've been shooting with both of them for the Calendars over the past year and don't take a bad shot, plus they are fun and easy to work. I look forward to travel with them up the beautiful Pacific Coast on Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Monterey for the return of World Superbike at Laguna Seca, and show them the fan party atmosphere on Monterey's Cannery Row on Saturday night. It's going to be an incredible race weekend experience in one of the most beautiful locations on earth that no motorcycle racing fan will want to miss!"
Sara and Jessica recently worked togther in July, hosting the 22 annual LA Calendar Motorcyle Show at the Queen Mary, in Long Beach, CA. The premier custom streetbike event in America, the girls hosted the world premier of the new 2014 FastDates.com Calendars. And as a talented singer songwriter, Sara also performed on stage entertaining the spectators during the day
To find our more about the FastDates.com Calendars and Calendar Kittens, and to order Calendars and Books go to FastDates.com.
Gianatsis Design Associates specializes in advertsing and marketing for the motorsports and sports fasion markets and can be found at FastDates.com/JGDESIGN.HTM. UmbrellaGirls USA.com spealizes in providing spokesmodels for motorsports events and shows.
Sara at Room 5 in Hollywood, Saturday August 3rd!
Fast Dates Calendar Kitten and singer songwriter Sara Horvath will be perfoming on Saturday August 3rd 2013, 9pm at Room 5 in Hollywood, one of Los Angeles's premier music venues. Room 5, 143 North La Brea Avenue, Hollywood, CA. http://www.room5lounge.com
New Fast Dates.com Calendar Shoot!
Go behind the scenes at the glamorous Gianatsis Design Studios with beautiful new Calendar Kittens Jessica and Kelsey as they shoot for the FastDates.com Motorcycle PinUp Calendars with photographer Jim Gianatsis. And look for the new 2014 Calendars available right here on July 1st. Order the Calendars!
Videographer: Eric Lundmark; Video Editing and Still photography: Jim Gianatsis; Models: Jessica Harbour, Kelsey Silwinski; Make Up: Victoria Rubell, Music: Special thanks to Neil Sedaka for our theme song Calendar Girl; Modeling Agent: Umbrella Girls USA.
2013 SBK Eni World Superbike Championship, Silverstone Round 9 of 15
Loris Baz and Jonthan Rea on Top at Silverstone World Superbike Silverstone, Great Britain, Sunday 4 August 2013 - A typical British mixed weather welcomed the eni FIM Superbike Championship for Round 9 race day at Silverstone. A busy schedule gave fans plenty of spectacular action to watch and delivered unpredictable results, along with some of the most thrilling battles witnessed so far this year.Amid dry and wet conditions throught the race weekend, Race day on Sunday would see Pata Honda's Jonthan Rea and Kawasaki's Loris Baz come out on top, while Aprilia's Sylvain Guintoli increase his points lead in the World Championship standings ahead of Kawsaki's Tom Sykes.
World Superbike Returns to Silverstone for Round 9 - a come back for Tom Sykes? Silverstone England, August 2-4th, 2013 - The eni FIM Superbike World Championship will be back in action this week for Round 9 at Silverstone, still mourning the loss of Italian rider Andrea Antonelli. The Northamptonshire circuit made his WSBK return in 2010 with a completely new layout and, as it used to be back then, the series will be using the “old pits” and the start/finish straight between “Woodcote” and “Copse” curve.
Two technical problems, one during the Tissot-Superpole and the other on lap 4 of the only one WSBK race performed this year at Moscow Raceway, have left Tom Sykes empty-handed in the weekend when the one-year contract extension - between the Brit and the Akashi manufacturer- was made official. Sykes lies now 2nd in the standings, just 4 points behind Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team), who rode through the pain barrier to secure a sixth place under ever changing weather conditions – unlike the other works Aprilia rider Eugene Laverty, who fell off his RSV4 on the sixteenth lap and had to withdraw from the race.
Frenchman won race 2 at Silverstone one year ago - in the wet - after leader (and Race 1 winner) Loris Baz (Kawasaki Racing Team) crashed out, moments before the race was red flagged - and then ended. After winning at Moscow Raceway the 13th World Superbike race of his career, Marco Melandri (BMW Motorrad GoldBet) has narrowed the gap with the front down to 32 points. The Italian – as well as his team mate Chaz Davies - will try and keep the concentration up on the final goal, despite the fresh announcement by BMW regarding the future sporting plans of the German manufacturer.
Following the disappointing result of the 8 Hours race – despite a brilliant effort – Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda World Superbike) is looking forward to a good performance on the track that saw him finishing twice second in 2010 (behind Cal Crutchlow), while winner at Suzuka Leon Haslam hopes to bring some good momentum to his difficult season.
Ayrton Badovini (Team Ducati Alstare) scored his 2012 only podium place at Silverstone, by sliding along the finish straight - and over the line - in Race 1, after losing control of his BMW. The Italian targets another great result on the British venue after bringing the 1199 Panigale R to a long awaited maiden WSBK rostrum finish at Moscow Raceway. Carlos Checa won both races the year before, onboard the Ducati 1198.
The FIXI Crescent Suzuki Team – still looking for its first top-3 race finish in the season – aims to turn the page on a difficult first part of the season and to shine, in front of the home crowd, with its riders Leon Camier and Jules Cluzel.
Tom Sykes dominates Day 1 on home asphalt Silverstone Practice , Friday 2 Aug 2013 - Blazing sunshine welcomed the eni FIM Superbike World Championship riders in today's Qualifying 1 at Silverstone. Despite a late crash at Turn 1, Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) stole the show courtesy of an impressive 2'05.355 seconds lap-time, to lead the way until the chequered flag was waved on the finish line. Apart from the leader... (read more)
Tribute to Antonelli and first Tissot-Superpole for Laverty Superpole, Saturday 3rd - An emotional and moving tribute to Andrea Antonelli gathered the entire WSBK paddock on the starting line at Silverstone, together with his Team, Goeleven Kawasaki, Andrea's bike #8 and the Moscow Raceway Supersport race winner trophy, which was given in his memory. Following this special moment, the eni FIM Superbike World Championship riders went on track for the ninth Tissot-Superpole of the season.
After two dry sessions, the third one was red flagged as the rain started to fall on the Norhamptonshire track. The action resumed with a final wet 20-minute Superpole, which saw Eugene Laverty (Aprilia Racing Team) getting the best out of a last minute attempt, on an almost dry track surface, and clocking in 2'04.730 seconds to secure his first ever Tissot-Superpole win. The 27 year old from Toomebridge, Northern Ireland, was able to edge Spaniard Carlos Checa (Team Ducati Alstare), back on the front row of the grid after the pole position scored in the Season Opener at Phillip Island, and Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda World Superbike).
Laverty, Checa and Rea share the champaign in the Paddock Show after securing the front row in Superbpole for Sunday's races.
Row 2 will be headed by Loris Baz (Kawasaki Racing Team), who was leading the last session before the rain stopped – allowing riders for a final quick lap – followed by team mate Tom Sykes. The Brit got the worse of today's Superpole, as just before the red flag came out he set what would have been the new best lap of the circuit.
Works BMW rider Chaz Davies ended up sixth, while his team mate Marco Melandri got out of contention early on as he suffered a technical problem on his BMW S1000RR during Superpole 1.
Leon Camier (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) and Championship leader Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team) ended up 7th and 8th, with Frenchman stopped by his RSV4 after a technical fault. Ninth place Davide Giugliano had to sit out the final session due to a crash he sustained before the red flag was waved.
Jonthan Rea leds an all British rider podium in Race One Sunday August 4th, Race One - – Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda World Superbike) won Race 1 of the eni FIM Superbike Championship at Silverstone in spectacular fashion. The Brit got back on the top step of the podium after more than a year, as his previous win dated back to 2012 (Donington Park Race 1). Rea pulled away from the chasing pack on lap 7, as the rain started to fall heavier on the track.
The race was reduced by one lap due to the delayed start and was characterised by intermittent conditions, that played a key factor and brought to constant and unpredictable position changes throughout the 17 laps. Eugene Laverty (Aprilia Racing Team) managed to get back in contention for the podium in the closing stages, to edge Leon Camier from second place during the final lap. Camier delivered his and FIXI Crescent Suzuki Team's first podium of the season on his 27th birthday.
Rea was peerless in race one after the tricky conditions forced many of his rivals to slow and even his fellow competitors were full of praise for the way he could encounter changes in track conditions and yet still push hard at the front on his own. Jonathan won by over three seconds from Eugene Laverty (Aprilia) and Leon Camier (Suzuki). In race two Jonathan’s fourth place and the 13 points he scored for it kept him in an overall seventh place, but he is now within four points of fifth place in the championship, with Chaz Davies (BMW) and race two winner Loris Baz (Kawasaki) tied on points just ahead of him.
Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team), 4th at the flag, managed to extend his leadership in the points up to twelve points, as his main rival for the title Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) ended up 11th behind BMW Motorrad GoldBet duo of Marco Melandri and Chaz Davies. Guintoli was able to defend his position from fellow Frenchmen Loris Baz (Kawasaki Racing Team) and Jules Cluzel (FIXI Crescent Suzuki), both able to stay with the front runners and to battle for the podium.
Jonathan Rea: " Race one was probably one of the sweetest victories of my career. I had to be smart and, as I saw the gap heading into the last few laps, I didn’t want to be throwing away that kind of lead. We made a good change for race two and got up to fourth after I got stuck behind Tom Sykes for a few laps. The race two result was OK but we can go into the summer break happy enough that we’ve got an overall package that can challenge for podiums."
Tom Sykes (66) ran well the start of both races, but then dropped way back both races when it began to rain, not wanting to risk crashing and his Championship points.
Loris Baz was a top contender both racs, winning Race Two by almost 1-second.
Baz takes epic Race 2 win at Silverstone Sunday August 4th, Race Two - Loris Baz (Kawasaki Racing Team) won an epic World Superbike Race 2 at Silverstone. The Frenchman was leading during the final lap when the red flag was waved, as the rain suddenly increased and two riders fell off at Stowe corner. One of the two involved was Jules Cluzel: the FIXI Crescent Suzuki rider managed to rejoin and make it back to the pits, sealing a fantastic maiden podium finish as the results reverted back to the previous lap, when he was running second. Baz, on the other hand, was able to shine again on the English track, that saw him getting his first ever WSBK win one year ago (Race 1).
Eugene Laverty (Aprilia Racing Team) ended in third place, ahead of Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda World Superbike) and Leon Camier (FIXI Crescent Suzuki), who had his shot at the lead before losing several positions, during the incredible 7-way battle that characterised the second part of the race.
Sixth place Sylvain Guintoli (Apriila Racing Team), thanks to a sixth place finish ahead of Championship contender Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) keeps the lead in the standings with a 13 point gap over the Brit. Potential podium finisher Chaz Davies (BMW Motorrad GoldBet) had to retire from the race due to a technical problem on Lap 15, when he was in the mix up front.
Leon Haslam (Pata Honda World Superbike Team) came back from a winning run at the Suzuka 8 Hour race last weekend to take seventh place in race one and then a DNF in race two. With single bike rules and flag-to-flag races in place in SBK racing in 2013, none of the top riders elected to come in for tyres in either race, although race two was red flagged before the end as rain began to fall hard and two riders went down, and the race called after 16 of the planned 18 laps had been completed. Crashed riders Jonthan Rea and Jules Cluzel had their top 5 placings restored when the riders' finishing order reverted back one lap before their crashes and the reulting red flg.
Haslam endured a heavy highside crash as the damp conditions took their toll, but despite hitting his right leg heavily on the track, he did not re-injure his existing left leg fracture. Leon is now 15th in the championship rankings.
Loris Baz beat Kawasaki team mate Tom Sykes both races on Tom's home turf at Silverstone.
Loris Baz: "In the first part of the race, even in the dry, I had good pace and I pushed at the front. I tried to control the pace from the front but there were some fast people behind me and it was difficult to go away. Every time somebody tried to pass me I passed them back and at the end the conditions were really wet and I nearly fell. I want to say thanks my team because they are making a really good job with this bike. Now I feel really comfortable. I also want to dedicate this victory to Andrea Antonelli’s family.”
Supersport - Sofuoglu wins over Lowes after thrilling finale
Kenan Sofuoglu (Mahi Racing Team India Kawasaki) took the victory in today's World Supersport race at Silverstone, following what was a classic battle with Championship leader Sam Lowes (Yakhnich Motorsport Yamaha). Both pulled away from the rest of the field in the first part of the race, but it wasn't until the last lap that the real fight for the win took place, as they swapped positions several (read more)
Superstock 1000 – Saturday Race 1
Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad GoldBet) scored his fourth race win of the season after the first Superstock 1000 race of the day was red flagged on the final lap, following the crash by Jaroslav Cerny (SK Energy - Fany Gastro Ducati), substitute rider for Tomas Svitok. As the final results reverted back to the previous lap, Jeremy Guarnoni (MRS Kawasaki) finished... (read more)
Race (1 of 2 for this Round) results: 1. Barrier (BMW) 8 Laps/47.216 km in 17'16.103 average 164.055 kph; 2. Guarnoni (Kawasaki) 0.056; 3. La Marra (Ducati) 0.561; 4. Canepa (Ducati) 1.728; 5. Savadori (Kawasaki) 2.190; 6. Mercado (Kawasaki) 2.327; 7. Andreozzi (Kawasaki) 3.068; 8. Lussiana (Kawasaki) 3.591; 9. Jezek (Ducati) 4.104; 10. Backlund (Kawasaki) 7.461; etc.
Superstock 1000 – Sunday Race 2
Reigning Champion Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad GoldBet) has taken the best out of the Silverstone doubleheader, after finishing as lonely winner in late afternoon's FIM Superstock 1000 Cup race 2. The Frenchman started increasing his margin over the following riders halfway through the race, crossing the line with almost four seconds over Leandro Mercado (Team Pedercini Kawasaki) and… (read more)
Ron Boldonado and his Classic American Class winning replica Board Track race with girls from the band Nylon Pink
and Calendar Kittens Sara Horvath and Jessic Harbour who will be accompanying us this September 26-28th to Laguna Seca World Superbike to shoot the next edition of the Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar and will serve as official SBK grid girls on race day.
2013 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show & Calendar Girl Music Festival Los Angeles, July 14th, 2013 - The 22nd edition of the annual LA Calendar Motorcycle Show marked its return to the Queen Mary Seawalk Village in Long Beach, CA with Southern California's Sam Baldi continuing his domination of 2013 season West Coast bike event by taking the Calendar Bike Building Championship's Best of Show and one of the coveted Mikuni Carburetor Trophies with his latest Jimmy Todorovith / Profile Cycles built Big Twin custom named "Lost Angel".
This year's Calendar Motorcycle Show continued it's long standing tradition of showcasing top Celebrity Builders in the Calendar Bike Building Championship, selected Vendors and Exhibitors, together with Calendar Girl Music live performances. And as always, this year's Show celebrated the world premier of the new 2014 FastDates.com Motorcycle PinUp Calendars photographed by Show producer Jim Gianatsis featuring the world's top SBK World Superbikes, sport and cafe bikes, and custom motorcycles with the beautiful Calendar Kittens. On hand throughout the day to meet with fans and pose for pictures were Calendar Kittens Apple Price, together with official SBK World Superbike grid girls, Jessica Harbour and singer songwriter Sarah Horvath.
Steve Storz premiered his new Storz SP1200RR Cafe Racer which retails for $28,000 or you can buy the parts individually to modify your own Sportster donor bike.
Click to GO BIG
2013 MotoGP World Championship, Sachsenring, Germany, Round 8 of 18
Stefan Bradl takes Pole and finishes in 2nd Place
Marquez Continues to Win at Laguna Seca MotoGP Laguna Seca, California, USA July 18-20th - Marc Marquez has won Sunday’s Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, becoming the youngest ever back-to-back race winner in MotoGP™. The Repsol Honda Team rider extended his championship lead while LCR Honda MotoGP’s Stefan Bradl celebrated a first premier-class podium finish from pole position. Valentino Rossi held off Alvaro Bautista for the final rostrum spot. Complete Coverage HERE
The 2014 FastDates.com Calendars and the FAST 2014 Calendar Magazine Yearbook feature
the official SBK World Superbike grid girls Jitunka & Petra from the Czech Republic!
NEW! FAST 2014 Digital Calendar Magazine Yearbook
The Bikes, the Builders, the Riders, the Kittens,the Calendar Bike Show, the World Superbike races all the 2014 Calendar Pictures, and Special Features... For the first time every we take you around the world in 120 exclusive pages for the making of the 2014 FastDates.com Calendars! Now in Members Corner
MV Agusta Premiers Sexy New 2014 Brutale Corsa July 8th, 2013 - a talk about sexy eye candy! Adrenaline, power, performance, all hand-built in small numbers, the exclusive Brutale Corsa pushes back the boundaries even further to venture into previously unexplored territory. With 158 HP of power and 100 Nm of torque, the Brutale Corsa is instantly recognizable at first sight for the outstanding quality of its components, extreme attention to detail and spectacular bespoke livery. MORE
Edelweiss Alps Ride and News Adventure Bike Guide
Ride with Edelweis Tours and Motorcyclist magazne as they test all the hot new Adventure Motorcycles through the Alps -
the Triumph Explorer XC, Ducati Multistrada S Touring, KTM 1190 Adventure & Adventure R, BMW 2013 Watercooled R1200GS and 2012 Aircooled R1200GS, Yamaha Super Tenere, Honda Cross Tour.
To find our more abour Edelweis Bike Tours click here:
Ducati Corse
World Superbikes
by Alan Cathcart
& Jim Gianatsis
The Official SBK
World Superbikes
1987-2012
25 Year History Book
The Official SBK
2012-2013 Yearbook These SBK Yearbooks are the Best Books Ever about World Superbike. They feature awesome color photography of the riders, bike and racing action. The feature a detailed revue of the past season in pictures and statistics, with a detailed look at the bikes and riders.
Plus a technical look data all the bikes, a preview of the upcoming season's Championship!
We buy this every year ourselves and highly recommend it!
SBK World Superbike Video Game
Official Print Media Partner
Jonathan Rea to Honda MotoGP Team in 2014,
Nickey Hayden to Honda World Superbike
Aug 3rd - World Superbike TV commentator Jonathan Green revealed during Sunday's SBK Silverstone race broadcast that Ten Kate Pata Honda rider Jonathan Rea was expected to leave the Superbike Paddock the end of this season to take a seat on a factory Honda bike in MotoGP. Even more interesting was Jonathan's reveal that Rea's vacant seat on the Ten kate Honda Superbike team would be non other than American Nicky Hayden, who had received notice from the Ducati MotoGP team a week earlier, that his contract with them in MotoGP would not be renewed for next year. Word was that Ducati's Paolo Ciabatti had offered Nicky a ride for next season on the Ducati Corse World Superbike Team, but with the new 1199RS Panigale being so restricted by the FIM rules at present as to not be competitive, Hayden is wise to make the move to the Ten kate Honda team instead, which is expected to be racing the all now Honda V-4 Superbike, which is a production based copy of the dominate Honda RC211 MotoGP machine.
Cal Crutchlow with Ducati in MotoGP beginning next season. Hayden to go Packing.
August 2nd, Bologna, Italy - Ducati has reached an agreement with Cal Crutchlow that will have the Briton campaigning the 2014 and 2015 MotoGP race seasons with the Ducati Team. Crutchlow will race alongside Andrea Dovizioso. The British rider and the Italian, who were team-mates in 2012, will work on developing the Desmosedici and growing Ducati’s MotoGP project.
The 2009 World Supersport champion and 2011 MotoGP Rookie of the Year, Crutchlow is presently enjoying his strongest GP season to date, sitting fifth in the championship points standings. He has posted four podium finishes in the first nine races, and he earned his first MotoGP pole position at the Dutch TT.
The end of the 2013 season will also mark the completion of Nicky Hayden’s five-year professional relationship with the Ducati Team. Ducati would like to thank Nicky for his contributions during that time, and everyone on the team and at Ducati Corse looks forward to giving him and Andrea their full support over the second half of the 2013 season.
Word had it that Ducati did offer Hayden a ride on the Ducati factory World Superbike team for 2014, and that he declined the offer. That refusal might not have been a good idea, because there may not be any vacant factory team rides in MotoGP next year for the likes of Hayden.
This announcement of Crutchlow signing with Ducati comes on the same day of Yamaha's annuncemt that they are signing young Moto2 GP rider Pol Espargaro, which reduced Crutchlow's future chances of moving up to the Yamaha factory Team spots currently held by Loreno and Rossi.
Yamaha Announces
2-Year MotoGP Contract with Pol Esparggaró
Milan, Italy, Aug 2nd, 2013 - Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd is delighted to be able to announce that it has concluded a two-year agreement with current Spanish Moto2 rider Pol Espargaró. As a result of this contract the 22-year-old will make his MotoGP debut in 2014 with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team and will ride the Yamaha YZR-M1.
Pol Espargaró is enjoying his third season as a key protagonist in the Moto2 Class and is currently lying second in the Championship standings.
Ducati and Nicky Hayden
to part ways at the end of the Season July 18th - Coming into Laguna Seca, American Nicky Hayden was told by Ducati Corse MotoGP team manager Paolo Ciabatti that after 5 years of no podium results his MotoGP contract with them would not be renewed for 2015.
We are surprised that Ducati held onto him this long, but their reasoning has always been he was a good spokesman for Ducati for their biggest motorcycle market, America. But it now had come to the point that his association with the brand had become a determent as he continues to not deliver results, consistently finish around last place among the factory team riders in this season's MotoGP Championship, despite the team's ongoing development problems with their GP bikes.
You only have to look back at Hayden's AMA National Championship and MotoGP titles he garnered with Honda. In AMA Superbike American Honda had the best Superbike and team that season. And in MotoGP, Nicky was handed the excellent RC211 fully developed by retiring Champion Mick Doohan, while all the other factory teams were struggling with bike development. Nicky has never been known as a good development and test rider, which has only hindered Ducati even more since Casey Stoner left the team 3 years ago.
Who will take Hayden's place at Ducati? Word has it they are in discussions with Cal Crutchlow who is looking for a front line factory ride, since there is no immediate future for him to move up from the Monster Yamaha support team where he currently is, as long as Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi remain on the full factory squad.
Meet 2013 Calendar Kitten
Jitunka & Petra!
MV Agusta F3 800cc
The Devil Made Us Do It! Testing the Ducati Diavel in Italy
New BMW HP4 Superbike
Sudco High Performance & OEM Replacement Parts
High Speed - the Movie The best motorcycle racing movie ever made! Filmed on location at the World Superbike races , this an exciting romantic drama staring beautiful British actress Sienna Miller.
Shocker! BMW to Withdraw from World Superbike at the end of 2013 With effect from the end of the 2013 season, "BMW Motorrad will terminate its commitment in the FIM Superbike World Championship in order to strengthen the customer sports programme."
Munich, 24th July 2013 -BMW Motorrad is continuing its long-term strategic realignment of the brand. This strategy also affects BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s activities, which as a next step will also be restructured. At the end of the 2013 season, BMW Motorrad Motorsport will terminate its factory involvement in the FIM Superbike World Championship. The main focus and some of the resources of BMW Motorrad’s commitment to sport will switch to other motorsport activities like the successful international customer sports programme from 2014 on.
“BMW Motorrad Motorsport will end its involvement in the World Superbike Championship after this season”, explained Stephan Schaller, General Director BMW Motorrad. “This is consistent with the strategic realignment of our brand. BMW Motorrad will now focus on the further expansion of the very successful product portfolio over 500 cc, the expansion of product segments under 500 cc, e-mobility and the development of market potential in emerging economies like Brazil and Asia. Only those who act consistently today are well prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. BMW Motorrad will remain involved in motorsport and in doing so we will focus on the international customer sport in all its facets. I want to thank everybody who has supported us on this long and successful journey.”
“The team is a very professional and motivated group of people and I am sure they will continue to do everything to end the season on a high note”, commented Andrea Buzzoni, General Manager BMW Motorrad WSBK. “Twenty thirteen is a good year, the atmosphere within the team is great and also our riders, Marco Melandri and Chaz Davies, are doing an excellent job. We are satisfied with the current results and, of course, we will keep working hard. Therefore I am convinced we can celebrate more successes with Marco and Chaz as the season goes on. I am sorry about the decision, but I understand the strategic decision making of the company. I want to thank all the people who are involved in this project.”
BMW Motorrad Motorsport has run a successful worldwide customer sport programme for several years. From the beginning, customer teams and riders have celebrated numerous victories and titles in international and national championships with the BMW S 1000 RR. From the start of this season, some of them have also fielded the brand new DDC equipped BMW HP4, and celebrated several race wins. Details of the increased future commitment in customer sport will be announced in due course.
BMW Motorrad Motorsport entered the FIM Superbike World Championship in 2009. After a learning phase, it has established itself of a winning team in this highly contested series. To date, the German manufacturer has celebrated 11 race wins and a total of 33 podium finishes with the race version of the BMW S 1000 RR. The most successful season so far was 2012, when BMW finished runner-up in the manufacturers’ classification and fought for both the manufacturers’ and the riders’ titles until the very last race.
EDELWEISS OFFERS NEW and AFFORDABLE MOTORCYCLE TOUR ALONG THE DOLOMITES WITH CHALLENGING ROADS, OVERWHELMING MOUNTAIN SCENERY AND ITALIAN CUISINE AT ITS FINEST.
The Dolomites are a must for a passionate biker – come with us on an unforgettable motorcycle tour. The countryside is dominated by mountains, rivers, and gorge-like valleys, which have just space enough for a road and railroad tracks; but there are also bigger towns like Bolzano, where our base hotel is located.
Thinking about Italian culture you will notice quite a big difference from what you may expect; building style, cultures, languages, bilingual road signs and special foods show that varied peoples and ideas peacefully co-exist here. The Sella Ronda is a very good warm-up for the following days and our rides to Penserjoch, Jaufenpass and Timmelsjoch.
Eight more passes are on our schedule for the next day and we will have the opportunity to stop in the nice little town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, well known from the Olympics in 1956. Now it’s time to make a decision: go to Venice for sightseeing or collect 10 more passes? Tough call! The last riding day leads us south to the wonderful Lake Garda, with swimming and riding at its best.
Find Out More
THROUGH THE ALPINE WONDERLAND OF AUSTRIA AND SOUTHERN GERMANY – THE ALPS AND LAKES MOTORCYCLE TOUR!
The Alps and Lakes motorcycle tour takes you through a beautiful part of European motorcycle paradise; the Alps. The contrast between the beautiful lakes in southern Germany and Austria and the towering mountains that reach up to more than 10,000 ft is nothing less than breathtaking.
This area is the famous background for the movie „Sound of Music“. This vacation offers a little bit of everything: beautiful and relaxing rides through the valleys; some mountain roads and passes; and great vistas and sights, including King Ludwig‘s castle, Herrenchiemsee, and the historic city of Salzburg. The tour consists of five riding days, one of them is a rest day – which means that you stay two nights at the same hotel.
This is a great opportunity to explore a little bit more, ride around the countryside, walk through town, meet the locals and sample some of the local food. The tour will take you through Germany and Austria, and on the rest day you can even add Italy to your list if you are so inclined.
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Sykes Re-Signs With Kawasaki Racing
Team For 2014
20 July 2013 -Tom Sykes will campaign the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R in the 2014 SBK season for the official Kawasaki Racing Team after signing a contract to continue what has already been a fruitful relationship.
Sykes was runner-up in the championship in 2012 with KRT and currently leads the FIM Superbike World Championship after seven rounds of the season have been completed. Kawasaki is keen to continue this great form and build on it for the future so retaining Sykes was an important part in the winning equation of rider, machine and team. In 2014 Tom will start his fifth straight year with Kawasaki in the Superbike World Championship.
With new initiatives coming into place from SBK rights holders Dorna the 2014 SBK Championship is sure to be followed with keen interest by fans and media alike, making the choice of riders a key element of Kawasaki’s strategy.
Re-signing Tom is also a recognition of the strong part he has played in the development of the on-track capabilities of the Ninja ZX-10R and his continued presence on the official team maintains his contribution to a very positive era in the history of Kawasaki’s overall racing activities.
Tom Sykes: “For me this is an awesome place to be. I have made my feelings quite clear to Kawasaki and all the individual team members and sponsors. I am really happy in my working environment and very relaxed. I am probably at my best in this kind of scenario so the natural thing is to continue for at least another year in SBK. It is a great championship and when you have all the ingredients in place to be fighting at the front every weekend, even at different circuits, it is what you aim for. We have proved that we can do it and had a couple of double wins already. I have a great feeling riding with Kawasaki, so why change that? I am over the moon to stay in the team and the continuity is great. I could not be happier with the people around me. The deal has been done so early in the season, which is an absolute first.
Suzuki Celebrating 50 Years in the USA at Indianapolis MotoGP
BREA, Calif. – On August 16, 1963, Suzuki officially entered the American motorcycle market. Fifty years later, at the Red Bull Indianapolis MotoGP August 16-18, the company will commemorate this notable anniversary and celebrate the customers, dealers and vehicles that make Suzuki a major influence on the powersports market.
Suzuki’s 50th Anniversary event will take place in the Suzuki Fan Paddock at Turn 2, a prominent position trackside, and the largest customer display by any manufacturer at this year’s Indianapolis MotoGP race weekend.
“Our entire display will focus on honoring our customers from the past 50 years,” said Steve Bortolamedi, Communications Manager for Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. “We’re inviting all Suzuki customers to join the festivities; it’s going to be a great weekend celebration of Suzuki’s 50 Years in America, with a look forward, too.”
Suzuki owners can enjoy a variety of exclusive benefits at the Suzuki Fan Paddock at Turn 2 during the Indy MotoGP weekend:
• Hospitality Area: Owners (& one guest) can watch the races from Turn 2 or on video monitors in the display area.
• Free Gear Check: Owners will be able to check in their motorcycle gear and have it secured for the day.
• Free Tech Inspection by qualified Suzuki technicians
• Professional Photo of owners and their bike
Along with Suzuki owners, all fans attending the race weekend are welcome to the following activities at its Fan Paddock:
• Interactive Suzuki History, told by Cycle World and Motorcyclist Magazines.
• PowerSport Institute (PSI) School: Tech training and giveaways
• Genuine Suzuki Parts, Accessories and Apparel Store
• Music and Prizes
• Suzuki Motorcycle, ATV and Scooter Product Display
• Bike Unveiling
• Ultimate Hayabusa Contest Winner Announcement
• Kids Fan Pack
• GSX-R Knee Dragging Photo Booth Experience
• Suzuki Race Teams: Yoshimura Suzuki, National Guard / Michael Jordan, and more!
Suzuki owners can purchase their Indianapolis MotoGP tickets here: http://bit.ly/Suzuki-IndyGP. Owners who purchase these tickets will be able to park at our Fan Paddock, take advantage of the track lap for half the cost, have a reserved seat at the grandstand, and receive IMS souvenirs. Visit the ticketing website for more info.
Supportive Suzuki Ad photo here: http://bit.ly/13eBwkO/
About Suzuki:
Suzuki Motor Corporation founded The Motorcycle/ATV Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., in 1963. ASMC markets motorcycles, ATVs and scooters via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. ASMC’s parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, automobiles and marine engines. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 147 distributors in 201 countries. For more information, visit www.suzukicycles.com
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All Rounds include Superbike and 600cc Superstock except USA is Superbike only.
European rounds also Include 1000cc Superstock.
2013 MotoGP DATE/REPORT TRACK LINK Apr 7 - Qatar – Doha Losail Apr 21 - Americas, Austin TX May 5 - Spain, Jerez Frontera May 19 - France, Le Mans June 2 - Italy, Mugello June 16 - Catalunya,Catalunya June 29 - Netherlands,AssenTT July 14 - Germany,Sachsenring July 21 - USA, Laguna Seca (Only MotoGP class)
Aug 18 - USA, Indianapolis
Aug 25 - Czech Rep, Brno
Sept 1 - GB, Silverstone
Sept 15 - SanMarino Misano
Sept 29 - Aragon Motorland
Oct 13 - Malaysia, Sepang
Oct 20 - Australia, Phillip Is
Oct 27 - Japan, Motegi
Nov 10- Valencia, Ricardo
2013 AMA Superbike DATE/REPORT TRACK LINK Mar 14-16 Daytona FL
May 31-Jun 2 Road America WI June 21-23 Barber, AL
July 12-14 Mid-Ohios July 19-20 Laguna Seca CA
Aug 2-4 Miller MSports, UT
Aug 16-18 Indianapolis IN
Sept 13-15 New Jersey
Sepr 27-29 Laguna Seca CA
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MotoGP Performance Riding New 2nd Edition! Official MotoGP book, the second edition of this practical guide to motorcycle racing technique, aimed at racing and track day enthusiasts at all levels, has been expanded to include extra information as well as many new photographs and up-to-date quotes from MotoGP stars
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Report:
State of the Motorcycle Market in America
April 2013: Since the hey-day of 2006-2007, the industry has lost 5,000 dealers and retailers, vehicle sales have been slashed in half, and about 20,000 people have left the industry to find employment elsewhere.
2007 was the industry's last up year. Sales of motorcycles, ATVs and scooters reached about 1.5 million units. And according to MIC ststics there were in 2008, 13,300 retail outlets in the US split between authorized new vehicle dealers, and independent service and accessory outlet.
According to the most recent MIC static, 2012 retail sales of motorcycles, ATVs and scooter were at 677,630 - a drop of about 54% from peak. At the same time the US dealer base dropped from an increased of 14,127 dealers in 2008 (still riding the crest of the wave) to 8,985 in 2012 - a decrease of 36% percent.
The Medin Age of a new motorcycle buyers in America is now around 52 years old, and continues to grow about 1 year older per year, signifying no new riders are coming into the sport and the Amerian motorcycle market will end as the Baby Boomers die out.
From where it is today, the sport of motorcycling in America will continue to decline about 3-4% per year to the poin the sport will be gone in 20 years.
And unlike Europe and Asia where mototcycling is surviving and growing because of traditionally high fuel prices and crowded cities, in America we have become to attahed to our automobiles, so much so that motorcyles will never become a replacement for them. You'll always be able to buy and run and insure a cheap used car at a price lower than a nice used motorcycle.
This is not to say Motorccyle Racing will not continue as a spectator sport, as evidenced by the popularity of Supercross at sold-out stadium events across America. But how many people actually buy and ride/race dirt/mx bikes any more? This middle class sport is disappearing with the American middle class as fewer people can afford a truck to haul their expensive dirt bike to a riding area or track, or own a house with a garage to store and work on them. To a lessor extent, the streetbike market is affected similarly. These days kids in high school have little interestor the money in own or drive a cool car, let alone a street bike.
- Editor
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