This Month in the Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar ....
Calendar Kitten Shannon Baucomb rocks our world with Chris Redpath's MotoGPwerks Suzuki GSXR1000 replica Rizla MotoGP bike which took First Place Sportbike at the 2011 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show. You'll find bikes like this with beautiful Kittens featured in the Calendar Bike Garage with full specifications and screensaver size pictures.

Plus revealing pictorials of the Calendar Kittens in Members Corner
Order the Fast Dates Calendars • Calendar Screensavers in Members Corner

FastDates.com Webite cover model Halle wants to remind you to order your new 2013 Calendars.
Weekdays 8am - 5pm Pacific Coast Time phone Van Leuween Distributing at 1-800-461-1226 or ORDER ONLINE HERE.

Exclusive New USA Model -
Aprilia’s 2013 RSV4 Factory APRC ABS SBK World Superbike Champion Special Edition
January 25th -In honor of the 2012 World Superbike Champion Aprilia RSV4, Aprilia USA has developed a limited edition 2013 RSV4 Factory exclusively for the North American market. Nowhere else in the world will the 2013 RSV4 Factory APRC ABS SBK Special Edition be available for sale. The bike will be available at U.S. and Canadian dealers in April. Pricing will be announced on February 1st.

2013 RSV4 Factory APRC ABS SBK Special Edition Features:
INCREASED PERFORMANCE
State-of-the-art Bosch 3 level ABS
New Brembo M430 front calipers and front brake master cylinder.
Refined Aprilia Traction Control and map 1 Aprilia Wheelie Control for racing use.
Revised engine positioning inside the chassis to ensure ideal weight distribution.
Increased performance exhaust system.
Optimized engine: Friction reduction, Improved crankcase ventilation.
New 200/55-17 rear tire, now also available on the 2013 RSV4 R APRC ABS

VEHICLE OPTIMIZATION
Redesigned fuel tank taken directly from the SBK RSV4 race machines Improved feeling during braking and in the corners
Increased fuel capacity (4.8 gal. / 18.5 l)
Improved ergonomics with Lower rider seat height (-0.19 inch / -5 mm)
New satin headlight finish

For more information and full pictures of the new 2013 Special Edition 2013 RSV4 Factory, please visit www.Facebook.com/ApriliaAmericas.

Aprilia slashes retail prices $2,000 - $4,000 on 2012 V4 models
Jan 31st N.Y. - Aprilia USA has launched a V4ALL campaign promoting much lower pricing for all 2012 V4 models.“Aprilia is the World Superbike champion,” said Miguel Martinez, president and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas. “It is our V4ALL goal to provide more sportbike riders the opportunity to own and experience a world-championship-derived motorcycle.”

Consumers can now own a 2012 Tuono V4 R for $12,999 (down from $14,999), a 2012 RSV4 R APRC for $13,999 (down from $16,999), and a 2012 RSV4 Factory APRC for $18,999 (down from $22,999). Lower prices also are available on earlier RSV4 R and Factory models. Aprilia is advising riders to check with their nearest Aprilia USA dealer.

Each member of the V4 family comes standard with the Aprilia Performance Ride Control system, the brand’s World Superbike traction control system. The system also provides wheelie control, launch control and quick shift.

Jonthan Rea on the new Pata Snacks sponsored factory Honda with the team still run by Ten Kate, together with new team mate Leon Haslam, look to be two of the top contenders for the 2013 season.

World Superbike Teams heading for first 2013 Testing in Spain
Jan 23-24th - The 2013 eni FIM Superbike World Championship got underway this past week at Jerez, Spain for many of the factory race tams. It was the first opportunity for the new teams and riders to try out the new bikes they will be racing for the coming season. Many of the bikes appeared in Black carbon fiber bodywork, which looked really cool, as many are still finalizing their sponsors and team colors. Tom Sykes

Kawasaki's Sykes the Fastest Rider At Jerez Test
Tom Sykes and Loris Baz experienced one wet day and one dry day in testing at Jerez, but also found improvements on their official Ninja ZX-10R machines in each of the contrasting track conditions. Sykes was up to his expected fast pace very early in the test and set a 1’40.5 second lap on a qualifying tyre today, then did a 1’41.6 second lap on a race tyre. There were many riders from different classes at this test, including most of Tom’s main rivals, and Sykes continued his strong pace from previous tests to head the field again.

Young French rider Baz made great improvements once more and although the team opted not to use timing transponders like their main rivals at this test, Baz set a best laps time that would place him in the top six of all the many riders on show. This was a pleasing result as he lost a lot of time in the pit box after he had a crash at turn two midway through the second day and his bike had to be rebuilt.

The first day at the tests was held in changeable and never fully dry conditions. Some heavy spells of rain made sure that the track would stay wet all day, not helped by the lack of sunshine. The track conditions rapidly improved on the second day, held in cold but sunny conditions throughout.

This was the final European test before the Superbike and Supersport riders head to Australia for more tests at Phillip Island, and then round one of the championship at that same circuit on 24 February.

Tom Sykes: “We have to be very happy after this test. Yesterday we had some wet track time and for some people it was maybe not very good but for us it was very valuable. We learned some things yesterday and also today in dry track conditions. Eventually we had decent track conditions and we got up to speed. We were able to test very constructively. Both days have been very valuable and I would like to thank the team and Kawasaki because our test schedule has been very good and all the time we have been moving forward. For this I am happy. This circuit is quite special and for sure it is not our strong point but looking at what is on paper we are not in a bad situation. On a race tyre we did a long run and was able to set a 1’41.7 time after 14 laps with this tyre option. Overall I am happy to have achieved what we have achieved and am looking forward to the next test at Phillip Island.”

How cool is it to be Loris Baz and have a custom 1-time worn set of "Winter Testting 2013" Alpine Star leathers worth about $5,000?

Loris Baz: “It was a good test even if we missed two or three hours today after a fall. It was a shame because we had some more things to try but we still made a big step forward and I am happy with what we found. I had a good feeling with the race tyre and also the qualifying tyre. I could not do a good time with a soft race tyres at the end because I did three laps on it and each time I found some other rider in front of me. I am sure I could have made a good time and I am not so far from Tom. Also, using a qualifying tyre it was the first time I was able to make a big improvement so I am happy with that because with only three riders on each starting row in 2013, Superpole qualifying is going to be very important. The front end feeling we have now gives me a better way to use the good grip from the rear tyre. I am happy to go to Phillip Island now.” Crew Chief Sykes, Marcel Duinker: “We made some changes in the suspension of the bike yesterday in the wet and it was not so bad, because last year in similar conditions we struggled in full wet conditions. That is why we were out on track all day on day one, and we managed to find something that was quite simple but it improved our performance. We made some big changes on the bike during this test, some quite fundamental things just to find the direction. This is something you do not do on a race weekend because it is too risky but it worked out here and we found a good direction. We also found some befits from the changes in dry conditions, in both pace and tyre life. We found another step here, like in Jerez and Aragon last year. We only had one dry day but we are on schedule for Australia as we have understood the main points and have improved our bike.”

Marco Melandri

BMW's Championship Contenders Back on Track
The BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team continued its preparation for the 2013 FIM Superbike World Championship with two days of testing with the new 2013 race version of the BMW S 1000 RR in Jerez (ESP). On Tuesday, rain affected the testing programme on the Andalusian track but today it was sunny and the team was able to work in good weather conditions. In total, works rider Marco Melandri (ITA) completed 153 laps (677 km). His team-mate Chaz Davies (GBR) did 124 laps (549 km) on his RR.
 
Marco Melandri: “I am happy with this test. Today was a very good day and we could work a lot. As over the winter break I was struggling with a shoulder injury, it was not too bad that we had wet conditions yesterday because I could do some laps and train the shoulder without too much pressure. Today was very positive and I think we are well prepared for Phillip Island. We tested a lot of things, for example regarding electronics and got a clear understanding which direction we have to take. Of course, there is still work to do but especially with the chassis and the electronics we made a good step. Overall, I will head to Australia in a very confident and happy mood.”

Chaz Davies

Chaz Davies: “I am very happy. Since the last test back in November we made really good progress. I am starting to get a really good feeling for the bike. I did not go to the limit today so it is good to see that the lap times were not too bad. I am very happy about that. The guys did a great job over winter and have made many improvements to the bike. Also within in the crew we get not know each other better and better. So everything is going in the right direction. For sure, I still need more time and laps on the bike but we will do more testing in Australia and continue the progression.”
 
Andrea Dosoli (Technical Director BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team): “Overall, it was a good test. It was nice to be back on track after the winter break. For sure, it was a very busy winter and everyone was working really hard to prepare the 2013 race version of the RR. It was good to see that at its first outing, the new machine was working well and that we improved in many areas, especially in terms of chassis and engine. This is the result of the great job everybody in the newly structured team did over the last weeks and we are very happy about that. We believe that the bike has a lot of potential and that we are well prepared for Phillip Island.
 
We have been working mainly on the chassis, comparing the 2013 bike to the 2012 version and evaluating some new parts and the feedback from both riders was positive. Both riders are happy with the new bike and have a good feeling with it. Marco was consistently faster than at the November test, even if the track was slower now. We are also happy that his physical condition is fine now after his shoulder injury. At this test, we could confirm that his shoulder is working well and that everything will be okay for the first race. Chaz improved his feeling with the bike a lot and is feeling comfortable on the RR. In terms of lap times, he reduced the gap to the competitors significantly. In addition, he and his crew gel together more and more.”

Leon Camier

FIXI Cresent Suzuki Finishes Tests on a High Note
FIXI Crescent Suzuki has made a very positive start to the new 2013 eni FIM Superbike World Championship season following two successful Spanish tests. The final day of the test at Jerez today gave both Leon Camier and Jules Cluzel a full day of fine weather to assess their respective Suzuki GSX-Rs and complete their pre-season testing schedule. Camier looked extremely impressive as he recorded the fourth-fastest time of the day, with his quickest lap coming on the final one of his 77 circulations. Camier's best time of 1'41.184 was less than half-of-a-second off the top-time set by Marco Melandri on a BMW. The Englishman was able to evaluate the new-spec engine, as well a try out the 17'' wheels that WSBK will be using this season and test new electronic software and mapping during the final day.

Cluzel continued to make an impact on his Yoshimura-powered Suzuki GSX-R and finished the day in an impressive ninth place. He completed 52 laps of the Jerez circuit and clocked a best time of 1'42.635. He was hindered slightly by a small crash and some technical issues that cost him valuable track time, but was pleased with his efforts and is looking forward to the next test. FIXI Crescent Suzuki will now examine all the data garnered from the two Spanish tests and use it to make improvements for the next outing at Phillip Island, when the team will have four days of testing in readiness for the first race of the 2013 season, which is scheduled for Sunday February 24th at the Australian circuit.

Leon Camier: "To be honest I am quite happy with the way everything has gone at the test. We had both a wet and dry day, so we were able to try lots of different things. The one thing I would say though is that I was riding a bit useless at times and that did have an effect on the overall lap-times. I know that its achievable to be up there with front guys and due to the fact that we have only had half-of-a-day dry time here at Jerez and some of the riders in-front of me were here for three days late last year, then I am very positive about the performance. It will be good to get to Australia and push the bike a bit harder, as it's a much quicker track and we'll be able to see what it can do there."

Jules Cluzel

Jules Cluzel: "It has been a really good test in both the wet and dry conditions. At the end of today I was able to push on a bit and understand more how the FIXI Crescent Suzuki behaves. I really enjoyed myself and I know that I can go faster. I did a 10-lap run today, which is my longest so far on a Superbike. I have learned a lot of things, but know there is more to come and I look forward to Phillip Island and doing some more long runs."

Paul Denning - Team Manager: "It has been a bit frustrating overall with the weather, as the track didn't really dry out properly until this afternoon. All things considered though we have had a good test and are only just behind our competitors despite them having more track time from the test last year - so to be so close in such a short time has got to be a good signal for the season ahead. Leon rode really well and as far as I can see he didn't make any mistakes at all. He did seem to ride inside himself, but he was very smooth and seemed to keep perfect lines all through the test. The FIXI Crescent Suzuki GSX-R is certainly going in the right direction, but it is difficult to really analyse its performance here as the riders have to control wheelies and keep the bike calm, rather than being able to use full gas, which is something we will be able to do at the next test.

"Jules looked really good in the rain yesterday, but he was frustrated by a small crash today that cost him time as the bike was repaired and then he had a little technical issue that kept him in the garage. His attitude has been first class though, he is positive and upbeat and his lap-times are pretty good considering he's had little experience on a Superbike. Once he's got a few more laps under his belt, I'm sure he'll find it a bit easier and he'll become more competitive and be up there with the fast guys."

A great start for team Althea and Davide Giugliano with the Aprilia RSV4Jerez
Team Althea Racing Aprilia has carried out a two-day test session at the Jerez circuit in preparation for the imminent opening round of the World Superbike championship. Genesio Bevilacqua’s technicians and rider Davide Giugliano got their first opportunity to work with the
RSV4 Aprilia and things could not have gotten off to a better start, with Davide recording the fastest time on day one while today, having been at the top of the timesheets from the start, he closed in second place. These results pleased the entire team and are validated by the fact that almost all of the top Superbike teams were present at the tests, and that Althea had not taken to the tracks since the last race of the 2012 season, in October at Magny-Cours. Unfortunately the weather did not help matters, as the track was wet all day yesterday with the sun only
drying the track later this morning, giving Davide the chance to build confidence with his new bike in dry conditions. A satisfied team Althea now prepares for the trip to Australia where practice sessions on February 14th and 15th and official testing on 18th and 19th will precede
the opening round of the 2013 Superbike championship.

Davide Giugliano, Rider: “I’m pleased with how testing has gone here in Jerez. I hadn’t been on a bike in months and couldn’t wait to get on track with my RSV4. I immediately found good feeling, both yesterday in the wet and today in the dry. I’m happy that I was able to record some fast lap times but more importantly I have quickly understood the character of this bike. We still have a lot of work to do of course and it will take time to ride the RSV4 to its full potential but I don’t think we could have made a better start, and for that I thank the entire team for all of their hard work.”

Genesio Bevilacqua, Team Owner: “We are very pleased as we leave Jerez, the results here have exceeded our expectations. I particularly appreciated the enthusiasm that Davide and the team have shown here. We were all anxious about returning to the track after a long break and being faced with a bike that impressed us so much last year in terms of its performance. Davide immediately found the right feeling with the RSV4, so much so that he registered the fastest time yesterday and the second fastest today. The entire team worked well and we’re also happy with the work we are doing with Aprilia’s engineers. I think that we have refound that spirit and desire to stand out that allowed us to achieve great results in the past.”

Today best lap times : Melandri 1’40”758 – Giugliano 1’40”861 – Laverty 1’41”044 – Camier 1’41”184 – Rea 1’41”641 – Guintoli 1’41”683 – Davies 1’41”726 – Haslam 1’42”411 – Cluzel 1’42”635

Haslam and Rea in the Pata Honda garage.

Rea and Haslam's First Test on the new Pata sponsored factory Hondas
Jonathan Rea and Leon Haslam have completed a two-day test at Jerez in Spain, their first track outing in the new Pata Honda World Superbike livery and the final European winter test for the Ten Kate run team. The team used its second test at Jerez – new to the World Superbike championship calendar for the 2013 season – to concentrate on the new electronics package that is being developed from Honda’s MotoGP project. Rea and Haslam also tested a heavily-revised swingarm for their Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade machines, together with an all-new exhaust system from Termignoni.
 
The Pata Honda World Superbike team will now make the long return journey to its base in The Netherlands to make final preparations to the race bikes before they are crated up next week for transportation to Australia. The team will take part in two further tests at the Phillip Island circuit there, ahead of the first round of the 2013 World Superbike season on 24 February.
 
Jonathan Rea, Rider: We’re not really where we want to be right now because we couldn’t get as much out of these two days as we would have liked. Some things just can’t be fixed on site and the electronics problem we had was one of those. The system was taking too much power away so we really needed more track time to sort that out. However, I felt some good things, like it’s catching slides a lot more safely now, so that’s encouraging. It’s been a frustrating test and shown us that we need more track time before the first round, but that’s coming in Australia, so we’ll hope for better luck there.

Leon Haslam, Rider: It’s been a long, tough couple of days and frustrating in a lot of ways. We had some electronics issues and what we thought were engine braking problems. They turned out to be a problem with the brakes themselves. In the end, we changed the pads and threw in a random electronics package and I got maybe four or five laps towards the end of the day. It’s been one problem after another but those last laps showed that the bike is going to be good. It was a much needed test but ended up as a frustrating one, so I can’t wait to get back on it in Australia. 
 
Pieter Breddels - technical co-ordinator: We had some big problems on the first day with some glitches in the new electronics, so we had to wait to get a new software patch written and downloaded. The track conditions were not great either, so in reality we could only work in the last two hours or so of the test. In that little time, I think the guys did a great job and Jonathan was able to do a lap of 1m41.6s. Leon had some brake issues today, which set him back a little, and he was using Jonathan’s electronics settings which didn’t really work for him. The bike is working well though and the new components are performing as we want. We have some more parts to test, so we could do with more than the four testing days we have remaining before the start of the season, but we’re in quite good shape for now.

Guintoli tackles the wet track with determination showing in his eyes. He should be a strong Championship contender this year.

Laverty and new teammate Guintoli aboard the factory Aprilias
Aprilia Racing Team concluded the tests today at the Spanish circuit of Jerez de la Frontera, the last ones before leaving for Australia where, on 24 February at Phillip Island, the 2013 World Superbike Championship will get underway.Eugene Laverty and newcomer Sylvain Guintoli had to deal with poor weather which had a significant impact on the test sessions yesterday. The sun that came out today on the other hand allowed the two riders to complete the scheduled work, getting in a fair amount of laps at some interesting times.
 
Both riders fell victim to sliding crashes with no serious consequences, but it wasn't enough to compromise progress or the physical condition of Sylvain and Eugene. At the end of the day the Aprilia Racing standard bearers were in the top six times, a result that demonstrates the competitiveness of the Italian team in view of the 2013 season. In a few days the Aprilia Racing Team will leave for Phillip Island, Australia, where two test sessions are scheduled before the race which will mark the beginning of the 2013 WSBK Championship.

Laverty won't be playing 2nd fiddle to Max Biaggi this season with the new World Champ's surprise retirement in November.

Northern Irishman Eugene Laverty, who put the third best time on the boards, looks forward confidently toward the impending season: "Despite the less than perfect conditions of the track, we were able to do some good work. Our progress compared to the tests in November on this same track confirm my feelings. The crash was due to a loss of grip when I tried pushing beyond the track grip limit, but it didn't compromise our testing sessions. Now I'm ready to fly to Australia where we'll finally be able to put these values to work for us on the track".
 
"These were two very interesting days - commented Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli, after only his second time out astride the official RSV4 - yesterday we had the opportunity to lap on the wet track, gathering important information and getting an idea of my feeling with the RSV4 even in these conditions. Today, with the track drying out, lap by lap I was able to find the good pace I had in the last tests. Maybe that led me to push a little too hard and I crashed. Fortunately I came away with just a few scratches! Before leaving for Australia we'll decide on the definitive technical choices, but I think our prospects are good".

Carlos Checa

Team Ducati Alstare at Jerez
Team SBK Ducati Alstare and its riders Carlos Checa and Ayrton Badovini have completed the first test session of the 2013 season, having collated some useful data despite the three day session having been reduced to little more than three hours of track time due to bad weather at the Jerez circuit in Spain. Under the supervision of team manager Francis Batta ’ and Ducati SBK project manager Ernesto Marinelli, the newly formed team were unable to complete much work on Saturday and Sunday due to the persistent rain and strong winds but made the most of Monday, in improved conditions, completing as much as possible in the half day available to them and collecting important information.

It was of course not possible to respect the original planned programme of work but the limited track time did allow the riders to build their confidence with the bike and provide some good feedback which will prove to be an extremely important starting point when it comes to the next tests in Australia. The 1199 Panigale R bikes will now go back to Alstare’s racing department where work will continue in coming weeks.

Many of the SBK teams are scheduled to return to the tracks on 14-15 February at Phillip Island, for more private testing.before the final official tests take place at the same circuit.

Ayrton Badovini

MegaFactory! - National Geographic takes us inside the MV Agusta Factory
The story of modern day MV Agusta and the design and development of the new F3 675 Superbike.

Paddock Garage features Fast Dates Ducati 1199 Panigale Performance Upgrades - from "S" to "RS"
Our 1199RS project bike has had the finishing touches put to it and we're really excited. Actually it's my personal 2012 year 1199S model which I've upgraded with Ducati Performance and Ducati Corse RS race parts. With the addition of the DP Termignoni Full Race Exhaust System we've got esentially the new 2013 model 1199R sans the Titanium Rods which let the R-model rev 500 rpm higher. The additional RPM will only be an advantage on a factory race bike where hotter cam changes and higher compression pistons can take advantage of the higher RPM to find more peak power. But then, it's almost a moot point a present in World Superbike as the Ducati 1199 Superquadro engines still must run a 52mm intake restrictor on their 58mm throttle bodies to keep the horsepower down to 195hp as on the stock 1199 street bike. More in Paddock Garage

LA Calendar Show Winner AFT featured in new iKustom TV Series
Watch the build of AFT Metric Custom's LA Calendar Bike Show winner and Calendar Bike "Kimosabe" and join the AFT Spokesmodels
as they take it to Bonneville to race on the Salt Flats. This video is One of Twelve iKustoms show Bike Builder TV Series

January, 2013, Los Angeles – RogueFlix, the new young-male driven Action Lifestyle Network will release the iKuztom TV series on January 7, 2013 featuring the world of custom motorcycles written, directed, and produced by award winning producer, Erik Lundmark and his partner Timothy G. Ledford, an innovator in the custom motorcycle industry.    

“CINE Golden Eagle Award Winner, iKuztom takes you up close and personal through smoke, fire, and steel as elite custom motorcycle artisans ply their trade behind the scenes to design and create one-of-a-kind bikes for the ultimate discerning bike enthusiasts,” stated Erik Lundmark, CEO of Leomark Studios which created the series together with Grip Ace Industries.  “The 13 half-hour episodes also feature a bevy of bikini models and comedy sketches, in a fun, fast paced thrill ride.”    

“We are very excited about teaming up with Erik and his team at Leomark Studios to bring our RogueFlix audience a truly amazing motorcycle TV series,” stated Bryan Duran, co-founder, CEO and General Counsel of RogueFlix.  “I was very impressed with the quality of the award winning iKuztom TV series and I knew right away that I wanted it on RogueFlix.  Erik and I met poolside at the Loews Hotel during the American Film Market and quickly realized we wanted to work together and are collaborating on more productions.”  

You can view the entire 12 episode Kustom TV Series Online at: http://www.rogueflix.com/iKuztom

The Ducati Corse MotoGP13 team from left: Nicky Hayden rider, Gabriele Del Torchio - Ducati CEO, Bernhard Gobmeier - General Manager Ducati Corse, Andrea Dovizioso rider, Paolo Ciabatti - MotoGP Team Director, Vittoriano Guareschi - Team Manager.

Ducati Introduces its 4 riders / 2 MotoGP Teams at Wroom 2013
Borgo Panigale, Italy, January 11-14th 2013 – The Ducati MotoGP Team again used the start of Wrooom 2013, the traditional Press Ski Meeting now in its 23rd edition this year, taking place at Madonna di Campiglio ski resort in the Trentino region of northern Italy, the 'heart' of the Dolomites, and will host the MotoGP riders, bikes and Ducati management, along with those of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 team.
 
Additional Wrooom coverge HERE

Order Now from Amazon.com USA: USD $69.95 • Amazon.com UK/Europe: UK £55.00 / EUR $55

Exclusive Autographed Collector's Package!
The all new Ducati Corse World Superbikes 224-pg book and the 2013 Fast Date World Superbike Calendar - World Release July 1st 2012
Personally autographed to you (or the name you request on the PayPal.com Order Form) by Jim Gianatsis and shipped direct to you.
For more information or to order the Book or the Calendar individually, unsigned, go to the Sportbike Books and Fast Dates Calendar order pages. $100 Collector's Package, plus $20 USPS Priority Mail Shipping & Handing in the USA.

Autographed Book & Calendar Collector's Package with Shipping & Handling

Collector's Package $100, USA S&H $20 = $120.00 USD Collector's Package $100, Canada S&H $35 = $135.00 USD Collector's Package $100, International S&H $50 = $150.00 USD

Collector's Package Buyers Comments:
• Hi Jim, I just got the book and calendar and I would like to say thanks for the great service. I have had a quick look through it and the photography is amazing. I look forward to many an evening reading about those beatiful bikes. From one Ducatisti to another MILLE GRAZIE!
- Tim Scanlon, Waterford, Queensland, Australia. Dec 4th 2012.  

Troy Bayliss Race Academy School Misano & Paris 2012!
Join us again as Editor Jim Gianatsis takes the Troy Bayliss Academy DRE Race School aboard a Superstock 1199S Ducati Panigale Superbike at the Misano MotoGP Circuit in Italy, then caps it off with a sexy and romantic Vespa scooter trip to the City of Lights, Paris France! From the world's fastest Superbike, the world's biggest airliner to a 50cc Vespa - it was a non-stop thrill ride. CLICK HERE

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2012/13 RACE CALENDAR & EVENT REPORT INDEX

2013 World Superbike
Season Preview
DATE/REPORT   TRACK LINK
Feb 24      Phillip Island AUS
April 14     Spain, Aragon
April 28     Netherlands, Assen
May 12     Italy, Monza
May 26     GB, Donnington
June 9      Portugal Portimao
June 23    TBA
June 30    Italy, Imola
July 21     Russia, Moscow
Aug 4       GB, Silverstone
Sept 1      Germany, Nurburgring
Sept 29    USA, Laguna Seca
Oct 6        France, Magny Cours
Oct 20      Spain, Jerez
Nov 17     India, Buddh

2012 World Superbike
Season Preview
DATE/REPORT   TRACK LINK
Feb 26      Phillip Island AUS
April 1       Italy Imola
April 22     Assen Netherlands
May 6       Italy Monza
May 13     Donnington, GB
May 28     Miller USA
June 10   Misano San Marino
July 1       Motorland Aragon SP
July 22     Brno Czech Republic
Aug 5       Silverstone GB
Aug 26     Moscow Raceway RF
Sept 9      Nurburgring Germany
Sept 23    Portimao Portugal
Oct 7        Magny Cours France

All Rounds include Superbike    and 600cc Superstock except    Miller USA is Superbike only
European rounds also Include    1000cc Superstock
    exception Donnington

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 7 -     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

2012 MotoGP
DATE/REPORT   TRACK LINK
Apr 8   -    Qatar – Doha Losail
April 29 -   Spain, Jerez Frontera
May 6 -     Portugal, Estoril
May 20 -   France, Le Mans
June 3 -   Catalunya, Catalunya
June 17 - UK, Silverstone
June 30 - Netherlands, Assen                (Saturday Race)
July 8 -    Germany,Sachsenring
July 15 -   Italy, Mugello
July 29 -   USA, Laguna Seca                (Only MotoGP class)
Aug 19 -  USA, Indianapolis
Aug 26 -  Czech Rep, Brno
Sept 16 - SanMarino Misano
Sept 30 - Aragon Motorland
Oct 14 -   Japan, Motegi
Oct 21 -   Malaysia, Sepang
Oct 28 -   Australia, Phillip Is
Nov 11-   Valencia, Ricardo

2012 AMA Superbike
DATE/REPORT   TRACK LINK
Mar 15-17     Daytona FL
Apr 20-22     Road Atlanta, GA
May 4-6        Infineon CA
May 25-28    Miller Mtrsports UT
June 1-2      Road America WI
June 22-24  Bartber, AL
July 13-15    Mid-Ohios
July 27-29    Laguna Seca CA
Sept 7-9      New Jersey MSports
Sept 21-23  Homestead-Miami
Oct 5 - 7      NOLA Motorsports                     Park, New Orleans

2012 British Superbike
Click Date for Race Report
DATE/REPORT   TRACK LINK
April 6-9        Brands Hatch Indy
Apr 13-15     Thruxton
May 5-7         Oulton Park
May 25-27     Snetterton
June 22-24    Knockhill
July 01-03     Snetterton
July 6-8         Oulton Park
July 20-22     Brands Hatch GP
Aug 25-27     Cadwell Park
Sept 7-9        Donnington Park
Sept 21-23    Assen
Sept 28-30    Silverstone GP
Oct 12-14      Brands Hatch GP

Pit Board Past Season News & Race Coverage

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Editorial, Bike Tests
News Features

• Troy Bayliss Race Academy   School Misano & Paris 2012!
• Ducati 1199 and Multistrada  1200 Performance Modifications
• EICMA 2012 International   Motorcycle Show Milan
• BMW HP4 S1000RR Superbike   Track Day Weapon
• 2012 LA Calendar Bike Show   Japanese Builder Best of Show
• World Superbike Changes to   Pirelli 17-Inch Wheels for 2013
• World Ducati Week 2012
  65,000 of the faithful at Misano
• Ducati 1199RS 2013 World   Superbike Part One & Part Two
• 2012 Honda CBR1000RR
• Editorial: World Championship   Roadracing in USA - Will it   Survive?
• Fast Dates Calendar Shoot at   Miller 2012 World Superbike
• Quail Motorcycle Gathering   2012
• Pirelli Diablo SuperCorsa -   Superbike Tires for the Street!
• Ducati 1199S Panigale Track   Ride
• 2012 World Superbike Preview
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• Ducati's Monocoque Design   Dilemma - To Frame or Not?
• Manuela Raffaeta
  Marco   Melandri's Girlfriend!
• Ducati 1199 Panigale Feature
• EICMA 2011 Motorccycle Show
• Elena Myers - Teen Roadracer
• Ducati 1199 Panigale
  Most Advaced Superbike Ever
• Marco Simoncelli Tribute -   
  Death of a rising MotoGP Star
• New Ducati Superquadro 1199   Engine - 195 hp for the Street!
• Elena Myers - Teenage Dream   Girl Roadracer
• 2011 LA Calendar
  Motorcyle Show
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• Ducati Diavel Test in Italy!   Superbike meets Custom
• DRE Troy Bayliss Academy  Exclusive First Test at 180mph!
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  Ducati Racing Bikes and Parts
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  The choice of Champions
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  Electron Powered racer!
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• EICMA 2010 International   Motorcycle Show - Bikes Girls
• Taylor Momsen / The Pretty   Reckless Chicks Kick ASS!
• Ducati Edelweiss Imola
  World Superbike Tour to
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• Yosh Suzuki GS750E 1983
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• John Britten A Video Tribute
   to Motorcycling's Innovator
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   Silk Purse from a Sow's Ear
• Troy Bayliss Interview  
  3-Time World SBK Champ
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• 2009 Fast Dates Shoot
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  Ducati and Bayliss Too Fast?
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• The Game A Racer's Tale
• Interview Paolo Ciabatti
  Ducati's Superbike Future
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   Interview & Profile
• 2008 Fast Dates Calendar
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  Decline of US Roadracing
• Pirelli PinUp Calendar
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  Exclusive Visit!
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   with our Jaime Presley
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  Biography of a Champ.
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  Well Worth the Trip

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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

.

The Making of the
Fast Dates Calendar
& World Championships
on DVD!

Registration opens for Ducati Riding Experience * Troy Bayliss Academy 2013
December 2012 - Ducati prepares for tenth edition of prestigious riding school with Twelve dates at four different venues confirmed for 2013

• Troy Bayliss to continue “Academy” with race kit 1199 Panigale S Superbikes
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy) 18 December, 2012 – Ten years after its initial introduction, Ducati’s prestigious Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) is again preparing its motorcycles and riding school staff to teach riders of all levels in 2013, from absolute beginners to experienced race track specialists.  
 
Subscription for the tenth edition of DRE is now online at Ducati.com, offering a highly successful, tried-and-tested format with a number of new features for 2013, including the 1199 Panigale for all track courses and the introduction of the brand new Multistrada 1200 and new generation Hypermotard for the Intermediate levels. Internationally famous race circuits, highly qualified instructors and an enviable line-up of Ducati motorcycles will now combine to enhance the riding skills of participants while delivering a unique and unforgettable experience.
 
After two years of sell-out success, Ducati is delighted to welcome back the legendary Troy Bayliss for 2013. The three-times World Superbike Champion is set to continue the 'Troy Bayliss Academy', an exclusive and advanced course that focuses on extreme riding techniques. On each of the Academy’s four dates, participants will get the unique opportunity to ride with the Australian and learn specialised track craft on the World Championship circuits of Misano and Mugello. The once-in-a-lifetime experience will use Ducati 1199 Panigale S Superbikes equipped with racing kit components, including complete Termignoni exhaust system, Ducati Performance aero kit and additional carbon fibre parts.
 
DRE 2013 also sees the introduction of the award-winning Ducati 1199 Panigale to both Racing 1 and Racing 2 courses. The outstanding usability of the 1199, with its Riding Mode technology, makes it an ideal choice for both expert riders and those new to track riding, while the more sophisticated “S” version will be used for the Master Racing and Troy Bayliss Academy courses. The Racing 1 course, intended for riders with little or no track experience, will take place on dedicated circuits, separating participants from the faster Racing 2, Master Racing and Troy Bayliss Academy.
 
Completing the DRE 2013 offer with road-oriented activities are the very popular Intermediate and Basic courses. The Intermediate course is specially designed to improve participants existing road-riding skills and techniques, while enhancing overall motorcycle safety awareness. The course uses Ducati’s Monster 1100 EVO, the new Multistrada 1200 with semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension and the new generation Ducati Hypermotard, all three models equipped with the Ducati Safety Pack of ABS and Ducati Traction Control. Intended for those riders who are completely new to motorcycling, the Basic course provides one-on-one tuition in the paddock area of each event venue using Ducati’s Monster 796, an 'iconic naked' motorcycle ideally suited to those on two wheels for the very first time.

Chief DRE Instructor and highly successful racer, Dario Marchetti, co-ordinates an impressive line-up of teachers, including Troy Bayliss (three-times World Superbike Champion), Marco Lucchinelli (500 World Champion), Manuel Poggiali (125 and 250 World Champion), Paolo Casoli (World Supersport Champion), Andrew Pitt (two-times World Supersport Champion) and Niccolò Canepa (2013 FIM Superstock Championship competitor). While one of Ducati’s very own development riders, Alessandro Valia, presents the Master Racing courses, the formidable track team combines with highly qualified road-oriented instructors to provide a totally professional Ducati Riding Experience.
 
Ensuring constant development and control of teaching protocols and standards of excellence within all DRE activities during 2013, the courses will continue the valuable collaboration created between Ducati and the Federazione Motociclistica Italiana.
 
Course participants are provided with a Ducati motorcycle, instructor, lunch and a welcome kit and those without suitable technical riding gear can simply hire it during the online subscription process.
 
DRE 2013 Courses
• Basic (Monster 796)
• Intermediate (Monster 1100 ABS, Multistrada 1200, Hypermotard)
• Racing 1 (1199 Panigale)
• Racing 2 (1199 Panigale)
• Master Racing (1199 Panigale S)
• Troy Bayliss Academy (1199 Panigale S + racing kit)
DRE 2013 Calendar*
• Apr 17-18 -  San Martino del Lago Circuit
• May 16-17 - Mugello International Circuit
• Jun 5-6 - Adria International Raceway
• Jun 25-26 - Misano World Circuit
• Jul 16-17 - Mugello International Circuit
• Sep 10-11 - Adria International Raceway
* Dates and venues are subject to change. Changes will be posted on Ducati.com.
 
Further DRE information
• Online: Ducati.com
• Email: dre@ducati.com
• Telephone +39 0542 655 141 (Mon-Fri 09.30 - 12.30 and 14.30 - 17.30)

Team Althea Racing with APRILIA FOR THE 2013 SBK SEASON.
Davide Giugliano will race with an Aprilia RSV4
 Noale,Italy, 3 December  2012 – Genesio Bevilacqua's Althea Racing, one of the top teams in World Superbike, has chosen Aprilia as their partner for the 2013 season.
 
The Aprilia RSV4 Factory, extraordinary winner of the Rider and Manufacturer titles in the season which just ended as well as in 2010, will be ridden in the next WSBK season races under the team Althea colours by Roman rider Davide Giugliano.
 
Born in 1989, Davide Giugliano had an excellent WSBK rookie season in 2012 with one second and one third place, and in 2011 he won the Superstock 1000 title with team Althea.
 
With the contract between Aprilia and Althea Racing, there will now be 4 Aprilia RSV4 bikes starting in the 2013 World Superbike season. In fact, Giugliano's Aprilia will be riding alongside the two official Aprilia Racing Team RSV4s ridden by Northern Irishman Eugene Laverty and Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli, as well as the Red Devils Roma team bike ridden by Michel Fabrizio.
 
Gigi Dall'Igna, technical and sport director of Aprilia Racing had this to say: “We are truly pleased to announce the cooperation with Althea Racing, unquestionably one of the top teams in World SBK. This is a structure with great technical skills that has our complete confidence. With the bike provided to Althea, and after the agreement reached with the Red Devils Roma team, we now have four RSV4 bikes lined up for the next World SBK season. This is a great challenge for Aprilia Racing and, at the same time, a reason for us to be proud since even in the season which just ended the RSV4 has shown itself to be a winning project”.
 
Aprilia is the reigning brand champion in WSBK and boasts a collection of 51 world titles: 4 in Superbike, won in 2010 and 2012, 9 championships in off-road disciplines and an incredible 38 championship titles in MotoGP where it is the most victorious Italian and European brand of those active in racing.

and from Althea...
Team Althea Racing together with Aprilia in 2013 World Superbike Championship
Dec 3rd - Althea Racing partners with Aprilia and prepares to compete at the top level in the 2013 World Superbike Championship. Davide Giugliano will be tasked with riding the RSV4 Factory machine, the bike that won theRider’s and Manufacturer’s titles in both the recently concluded 2012 championship and the
2010 season.

The two winning companies have decided to work together to consolidate their position as
frontrunners and give Davide Giugliano the chance to prove himself as a top rider in the
category. The young Italian rider can count on the tried and tested structure of the Civita
Castellana-based team and on the expertise of technicians who have clearly demonstrated their
ability in recent years.

Genesio Bevilacqua: “I am very pleased to have reached such an important agreement with
Aprilia. We will race with the championship winning bike next year and this will only encourage
us to push even harder and live up to the potential of the bike that we are entrusted with. As
everybody knows, Althea Racing is used to facing important challenges and counts on a
structure that works in perfect harmony to achieve great goals.

Our strength is our team and
its components; our team members, who have worked together for many years with no secrets between them, remain the same. We believe that we have sufficient experience with which to confront the challenge of the 2013 championship. Davide Giugliano is our secret weapon. He is a young and aggressive rider who has amazing talent and together with him we will fight for
success in the 2013 SBK championship standings. I would like to thank the entire Aprilia staff and particularly Engineer Dall’Igna for their willingness and professionalism.”

MV Agusta to Compete in World Supersport Beginning 2013 ßwith Team Park & Go
Varese, Italy, Nov 22nd 2012 - The Italian motorcycle manufacturer who is currently the sales leader of the middle weight supersport class has decided to return to racing on the world stage and is convinced that they have joined forces with the ideal partner: ParkinGO.

The two companies will be joined together in a three year contract.

The program will debut the MV Agusta F3 675 in the 2013 world Supersport class together with additional racing activity development.

The project will place the three cylinder bike from Varese in the able hands of the race technicians whom have already won the World Supersport Championship in 2011 and were contenders in the 2012 World Superbike Championship.

The ParkinGO Team have helped bring about this dream project building a long term link to the historic Italian motorcycle manufacturer whom have in the past accumulated 37 world championship titles, a number of which together with Giacomo Agostini.

The signature of the contract arrived on the day of Claudio Castiglioni's birthday, whom would be 65 years old today. This is clearly a sign that goes beyond mere coincidence and continues to convey the passion for racing that has always been synonymous with the motorcycle icon.

Giovanni Castiglioni - Presidente MV Agusta: "To be able to reach this agreement with ParkinGO is personally very satisfying. Taking into account the passion for racing that I have inherited from my father, this is a very emotional decision and I am looking forward to the challenges that will inevitably need to be overcome. Together with Engineer Bordi's experience, who personally plays a very important role in this project, I am convinced that there are all the elements needed to achieve our goals."

Giuliano Rovelli - Presidente ParkinGO: " Together with my brother Paolo we recognize the importance of MV Agusta's return to World Championship Racing and are extremely satisfied to be able to join forces and conclude this accord. From our very first encounter with MV there has been a tremendous feeling and understanding between our management teams, our common vision with regards to this project has been an important element that allowed us to join together in this partnership."