All SBK Rounds include Superbike and 600cc Superstock except USA is Superbike only.
European rounds also Include 1000cc Superstock.
2016 MotoGP Season Preview
DATE/REPORT TRACK LINK Mar 20 - Qatar,Doha Losail
Apr 03 - Argentina, Rio Hondo
Apr 10 - Americas, Austin TX
Apr 24 - Spain, Jerez Frontera
May 08 - France, Le Mans
May 22 - Italy, Mugello
June 05 - Catalunya,Catalunya
June 26 - Netherlands,AssenTT
July 10 - Germany, Sach Ring
July 17 - Britain, Silverstone
Aug 14 - Austria, Red Bull
Aug 21 - Czech Rep, Brno
Sept 11 - San Marino, Misano
Sept 25 - Aragon Motorland
Oct 09 - Malaysia, Sepang
Oct 16 - Japan, Motegi
Oct 23 - Australia, Phillip Is
Nov 06 - Valencia, Ricardo
2015 MotoGP Season Preview
DATE/REPORT TRACK LINK Mar 29 - Qatar – Doha Losail Apr 12 - Americas, Austin TX Apr 19 - Argentina May 03 - Spain, Jerez Frontera May 17 - France, Le Mans May 31- Italy, Mugello June 14 - Catalunya,Catalunya June 27 - Netherlands,AssenTT July 12 - Germany, Sach Ring Aug 9 - USA, Indianapolis Aug 16 - Czech Rep, Brno Aug 30 - GB, Donnington Sept 13 - San Marino, Misano Sept 27 - Aragon Motorland Oct 11 - Japan, Motegi Oct 18 - Australia, Phillip Is Oct 25 - Malaysia, Sepang
Nov 08 - Valencia, Ricardo
2015British Superbike Click Date for Race Report DATE/REPORT TRACK LINK
April 4-6 Donnington Park
April 17-19 Brands Hatch Indy
May 2-4 Olton Park
June19-21 Snetterton July 3-5 Knockhill
July 17-19 Brands Hatch GP
Aug 1-2 Thruxton
Aug 21-23 Cadwell Park
Sept 4-6 Oulton Park
Sept 18-20 Assen
Oct 2-4 Silverstone GP
Oct 16-18 Brands Hatch GP
2015 AMA Superbike DATE/REPORT TRACK LINK April 10-12 Circuit Am TX April18-19 Road Atalnta GA
May 15-17 VIR VA
May 29-31 Road America WI
June 12-14 Barber, AL
June 26-27 Miller UT
July 17-18 Laguna Seca CA
Aug 7-9 Indianapolis IN Sept 11-13 New Jersey NJ
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Honda Announces 2016 World Superbike
riders Nicky Hayden and Michael van der Mark
October 8th, 2015 -
Honda has today confirmed the team that will spearhead its campaign in the 2016 World Superbike championship on the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP. Current rider Michael van der Mark will be joined in the team by former MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden.
Hayden has been riding in MotoGP since 2003 when he joined the Repsol Honda team and the 34-year-old American has since gone on to start more than 200 Grands Prix, scoring 28 podiums and taking three wins. He won the MotoGP title with Honda in 2006.
His strong flat-track racing pedigree, which began at the age of three, eventually led him into road-racing and the young Hayden turned professional on his 16th birthday, halfway through the 1997 season. He won the AMA Supersport series with Honda two years later before turning to AMA Superbike in 2000. He became the youngest ever AMA Superbike champion, taking Honda’s VTR1000SP (RC51) to victory in 2002 at the age of 21.
Hayden is relishing a return to his superbike roots in 2016 and to continuing his racing career with Honda in the production-based World Superbike championship. Ultimate success in the series would make him the first rider to win both MotoGP and WSBK titles.
He will team up for 2016 with Michael van der Mark, one of the most exciting and talented young riders in the series. The 22-year-old Dutch flyer has followed Honda’s rider development programme in winning both the 2012 European Superstock 600 series and last year’s World Supersport championship on Honda’s CBR600RR.
Van der Mark won back-to-back Suzuka 8 Hours races in Japan in 2013 and 2014 and has scored three podiums to date in his rookie World Superbike season on the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP with the final round coming up in Qatar on 18 October.
The team will begin testing for the 2016 World Superbike championship season in November with two scheduled tests in Spain which will be Hayden’s first opportunity to familiarise himself with his new Honda CBR Fireblade.
Nicky Hayden - Well, my next stop is Superbike with Honda! I’m very excited, obviously, to stick with Honda; it’s where I’ve had the most success in my career. World Superbikes is a championship that I followed closely as a kid when a lot of American riders were fighting at the front. It just seems like the right time and the right team to go with. I know I’ve got a lot to learn and it’s going to be a big challenge, but also I’m very motivated to start and learn what I can. I’d like to say thanks to everyone who has supported me through my MotoGP career. We had a good run but now it’s time to move on and try something different.
Michael van der Mark - ’m really looking forward to 2016 already! This season we have made a lot of progress with the CBR and I think that taking my experience on the bike from every track will be a very good base to start from. We’ve really improved the bike even more over the last couple of rounds and that has put us close to the front, which is what we’ve been aiming for throughout the year. The next target of course is a victory but I think that in my second season on the CBR I can be confident that we can make some more podiums and fight for wins. I’m happy to hear that Nicky will be my team-mate next year and I think we’ll be able to learn a lot from each other during the season.
Marco Chini ,WSBK Operations Manager, Honda -We are of course delighted to announce that Nicky Hayden will be Michael’s team-mate on Honda’s CBR Fireblade machine in the 2016 World Superbike championship. The team has worked really hard this season, continuing the development of the bike together with Cosworth’s electronics and we are really happy that this endeavor has translated into strong performances from both riders, particularly in the last few races. These results have demonstrated the great potential that remains in the CBR and I’m happy that they may have influenced Nicky’s decision to join our programme. We are confident that the wide experience he has gained at the highest level of our sport can help the squad to continue the development, the momentum and the team-work that has been established this season and translate that into further positive results.
Ronald ten Kate, team manager - t’s well known that, at Ten Kate, we always have been and always will be Honda. There is only be one person in the world who could possibly be more Honda than us, and that’s Nicky Hayden! That’s why I’m absolutely delighted that he’ll be joining us for next season. He was AMA Superbike champion with Honda and we’re really looking forward to bringing him back to his superbike roots. By working together and using all our combined resources, I hope that in the future we can make him the first world champion in MotoGP and World Superbike. We are also looking forward to combining Nicky’s experience with young Michael, who has shown really good pace and huge potential on the CBR in his first season. I think you can safely say that I’m more than happy with the line-up we have for 2016!
2016 MotoGP Schedule Annouced 9/11/2015
The one major change is the the loss of the long standing Red Bull sponsored MotoGP at Indianapolia, now replaced in August by the Red Bull MotoGP in Austria at the Red Bull owned track.. Circuit of the Amerias on April 10th in Austin, Texas, now remains the sole MotoGP in America.
This change was certainly expected with dwindling World Championship road racing attendance numbers in America. Plus Red Bull would certainly wanted to use that Indy MotoGP sponsorship money to host their own MotoGP at their own Red Bull track in Austria.
Hopefully with the loss of the Indy MotoGP, more fans and sponsors will support the lone Austin Texas MotoGP and Laguna Seca California World Supertbike rounds, helping them survive and be profitable.
American Motorcyclist Association Road Race Grand Championship Set For July 1-3 at Road America
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The country's top amateur road racers will compete to clinch American Motorcyclist Association National No. 1 plates at the 2016 AMA Road Race Grand Championship at Road America in Plymouth, Wis., on July 1-3.
"The AMA Road Race Grand Championship draws top amateur- and expert-licensed road racers throughout the nation every year," said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. "Competitors of various ages will face off in several classes, competing aboard machines from 125cc up to the Superbike level. Road America certainly will offer a unique challenge for all of our racers."
The AMA Road Race Grand Championship will run in combination with the American Sportbike Racing Association Team Challenge, ASRA Sprints, United States Grand Prix Riders' Union and Championship Cup Series regional races. Licensed amateur and expert road racers from various clubs and organizations are encouraged to compete. AMA pro-licensed road racers are not eligible.
"We feel incredibly honored to be hosting the AMA Road Race Grand Championship for the fifth year in a row," said ASRA President Kevin Elliott. "After successful events at Daytona, New Jersey Motorsports Park and twice at Virginia International Raceway, we are excited to bring this event to one of America's premier race tracks. This 4-mile road course has long been one of the finest facilities in any series, and it's only fitting that racers have the chance to earn AMA National Championships at Road America."
The country's top amateur racers will compete not only for AMA No. 1 plates, but also for the AMA Road Race Horizon Award, which is awarded to the rider showing the most promise for success in the professional ranks. Past winners of the AMA Road Race Horizon Award have included Xavier Zayat, Anthony Mazziotto III, Jason DiSalvo, Hayden Gillim, Jake Lewis, Ben Spies, Miles Thornton and Blake Young.
Other awards presented at the event include the AMA Road Race Youth Award, the AMA Road Race Top Novice Award and the AMA Road Race Vet/Senior Award.
"This event is a phenomenal showcase for any sportsman road racer," Elliott said. "To race at a great track against top notch competitors and have the chance to win an AMA National Championship, it just doesn't get any better than this."
For more information about this event and to sign up to race, see www.ASRAracing.com and www.CCSracing.us.
Calendar of the World Superbike Championship Home of the Official SBK Fast Dates Calendar Kittens February 2016 Page 2 World Superbike New 2-Day Race Format
International Motorcycle Show - Long Beach
Jonthan Rea 2015 SBK World Champion Interview
Jorge Lorenzo 2015 World Champion Biography
New 2016 Suzuki, Ducati Kawasaki Triumph
2015 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show
Fast Dates SBK Podium Kittens at 2015 Laguna Seca
World Premier new 2016 FastDates.com Calendars!
NEW! FAST 2016, 2015, 2014 ... Digital Calendar Magazine Yearbooks
the Bikes, the Builders, the Riders, the Kittens,
the Calendar Bike Show, the World Superbike races
all the 2015 Calendar Pictures, and Special Features...
we take you around the world for the making of the
2015 FastDates.com Calendars Now in Members Corner
This Month in the Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar ....
Beautiful SBK Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar Kittens Jitka and Petra
get ready to take a ride on Sylvain Barrier's BMW Italia factroy BMW 1000RR World Superbike. Order the Fast Dates Calendars HERE.
All three Editions of this new 2016 FastDates.com Calendars feature our official SBK Fast Dates World Superbike
Calendar Kittens
Jitka Pralinka and Petra Ruzickova from the Czech Republic, who spent the summer in America with Calendar photographer Jim Gianatsis to shoot and work at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca USA World and AMA Superbike, and the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show.
FAST 2016, 2015, 2014 Digital Calendar Magazines
Go Behind the Scenes for the Making of the FastDates.com Calendars! Each year's FastDates.com Calendar Digital Yearbook features 120 pages of exciting hi-resolution digital photography that takes you with us behind the scenes to our photo shoots at SBK World and AMA Superbike, the LA Calendar Motorcyle Show, and in our photo studio. You'll meet the beautiful Calendar Kitttens in sexy biography pictorials, the top Factory Racers and Custom Bike Builders,and see detailed photo features on the top calendar and race bikes. Take a track day with World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss at Misano, take an Edelsweiss Ducati World Superbike tour of the Ducati Factory & Museum and across Italy, ride a Vespa scooter around Paris and party at the Crazy Horse and the Moulon Rouge. Hang with beautiful teen rock star Taylor Momsen of the Pretty Reckless. Did we forget anything? Oh yes, and you'll see every page in the new Fast Dates, Garage Girls, Iron & Lace Calendars!
Now in the FastDates.com Calendar Bike Garage!
David Beckham's Amazon Triumph Scrambler build by legenday Calendar Bike Builder Rickard Pollock / Mule Motorcycles, photographed with Calendar Kitten and Penthouse Pet Aleska in BIG full screen saver size photos.
David Beckham stars in OUTLAWS - a Belstaff Triumph Movie Short
Barracuda 2016 Motorcycle PinUp Calendar Shoot
WorldSBK Changes to New 2-Day Race Format Beginning in 2016 World Superbike Championship, Wednesday, 16 December 2015 - For 2016, the FIM and Dorna WorldSBK Organization (DWO) are proud to unveil a new era for the well-awaited Motul FIM World Superbike Championship Race Schedule, marking a turning point in WorldSBK history.
After positive feedback and input from the WorldSBK Series Promotors, Circuits, Manufacturers, Sponsors, and TV Broadcasters, DWO has worked tirelessly to bring forward a new, revamped WorldSBK race weekend schedule. Traditionally held on Sunday morning, Race 1 will now take place on Saturday afternoons, with definitive timetable changes aimed at creating a flexible time schedule for fan experiences to enjoy a more complete and exciting WorldSBK experience from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon
In this new format, Saturday is aimed at offering increased fan attendance and especially the chance to feel the adrenaline of WorldSBK racing during the 3 day event. In addition, Organisers and Sponsors will be able to offer an even bigger selection of special events and shows, allowing fans to enjoy both on and off track action, in a way never previously possible. These fundamental timetable changes will prove pivotal in getting WorldSBK fans closer to the action, both those in the grandstands and the millions watching live TV around the world. With more flexibility afforded to the schedule, the new time slots will ensure that each and every fan is able to enjoy the best of the WorldSBK paddock, either at the track or at home. Athletes and Teams will be more available with less timing constraints, whilst the new time slots will give more flexibility to Organizers to actively design and dedicate activities within each and every event, ensuring the proximity and engagement of Fans attending.
Free practice sessions and those timed for qualifying will now take place on Friday, an addition for 2016 will see also the FIM Supersport World Championship adopting the Superpole sessions format as like WorldSBK, which will take place on Saturday mornings, before the lights go out for the first WorldSBK Race 1 in the afternoon. Sunday morning will be dedicated to Warm Up sessions before WorldSSP and WorldSBK kick off the racing action for the second time over the weekend giving fans a further opportunity to experience one of the most exciting and exhilarating motorcycle racing championships in the world.
2015 / 2016 Progressive International Motorcycle Show at Long Beach, CA
Photos and Report by Jim Gianatsis - Click on any Picture to Enlarge Return to Pit Lane News • Pit Board Features
Long Beach, CA - Nov 19-21st 2015 -The annual Advanstar produced (IMS) International Motorcycle Show sponsored by Progressive Insurance makes its way across America every winter, with 3-day weekend stops in every major city. It's the perfect time for motorcycle enthusiasts to come in from the cold and see the latest new 2015 bike offerings from all the major motorcycle manufacturers and fill out your Christmas wish list. CLICK FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE & PHOTOS
Suzuki has yet to reveal pricing, availability dates and if there are different models of the all new GSXR1000 modieled after their new MotoGP bike.This bike shown above features conventional non-resevoir front forks, bhile the bike describe in the press relases and shown in the studio pictures, has a Gold-anosized frok tubes with gas remote resevoirs.
Suzuki Next Generation 2016 GSX-R1000 -World-Beating Performance. Again.
Nov. 17, 2015 – It has been three decades, with more than a million editions sold, since the GSX-R line was born. And a decade and a half has elapsed since the first GSX-R1000 changed the open sportbike class forever. Now, the concept of the 6th-generation GSX-R1000 is redefining what it means to be The Top Performer. It embodies the life work and professional ambition of Suzuki engineers who are passionate about the GSX-R1000 and its place in motorcycle history. Men who love riding and racing, enthusiasts determined to restore the GSX-R1000 to its proper title of The King of Sportbikes. Know this: It is the most powerful, hardest-accelerating, cleanest-running GSX-R ever built.
It is also the lightest, the most compact, the most aerodynamic and the best-handling GSX-R1000 ever, with smoother throttle response and better combustion efficiency. It’s fitted with a supremely effective electronic engine management system that doesn’t require a degree in engineering to understand--and doesn’t need constant adjustment by a squad of computer technicians to work.
Above all, it is a GSX-R. By definition, it is built to run right and be reliable, and designed to help make each person fortunate enough to pilot the bike a better rider. By plan, it is engineered using experience gained during 30 Years of Domination in production-based Superbike, Superstock and Endurance races worldwide, combined with new proprietary technology developed in the MotoGP World Championship. CONTINUED HERE
MV AGUSTA 1000CC F4 RC HOMOLOGATION SUPERBIKE
The new F4 RC is the sharp end of a project that began with the first incredible F4. The model that put MV Agusta back in the spotlight, changing the sports bike concept forever. Acclaimed, coveted and loved by motorcyclists the world over. A flawless blend of style and substance, this bike has gone from strength to strength while remaining ever-faithful to the panache and technology that make it so unique. The culmination of that development is the F4 RC. Produced in a limited edition of just 250 bikes, each F4 RC comes complete with a certificate of authenticity and a comprehensive special components kit that provides an awesome power peak of 212 hp at 13,600 rpm.
ENGINE
The 4-cylinder Corsa Corta engine with central timing chain and radial valves has undergone a series of modifications aimed at reducing the already-low overall weight and boosting performance. This compact power unit is characterised by a 79 mm bore and a 50.9 mm stroke. Hand-assembled to ensure optimisation of all components and maximum uniformity among the
250 F4 RC bikes that will be coming off the production line, each motorcycle features radial valves, a technical tradition that began with the very first F4 engine. Those same valves, both intake and exhaust, are each moved by a spring to reduce total moving masses and make it easier to achieve the extremely high RC-standard engine revs. Already redesigned for the most recent F4 version, the lubrication circuit ensures outstanding reliability whatever the riding conditions, even in the most demanding situations so typical of racing. In order to further reduce weight, MV Agusta hasemployed a series of components in magnesium alloy, a material used, most importantly, for the cylinder head cover yet also on the clutch, chain, removable gearboxselector, labyrinth blow-by, alternator, ABS pick up sump and lubricating filter and oil duct support flange covers.
All-titanium bolts and screws, which have saved 1.1 kg, sharpen the personality of the F4 RC further, giving the technical content a decidedly racing flavour. And, as you'd expect from a real Superbike, the quest to lighten the machine has gone much further: pistons, rods, and crankshaft have all been designed to be as light as possible. Meticulous work has been carried out on all internal steel parts, including numerous gear components and, of course, the camshafts, all of which have been given a thorough overhaul using sophisticated machining tools to remove, quite literally, every redundant gram. The head features new intake and exhaust ducts that, together with all the other changes, have increased maximum power further to 205 hp at 13,450 rpm (212 hp on the kit version with exhaust system and dedicated control unit) against a torque of 115 Nm at 9300 rpm. As stated, the intake has been modified by designing new ducts. The 50 mm throttle bodies have been integrated in the TSS variable-length intake system. The injectors are arranged on two banks: the upper one uses specific Magneti Marelli components that offer high performance in terms of fuel delivery; the lower bank instead features 4 Mikuni injectors. To maximise efficiency, silicone 03 cooling circuit hoses have been employed.
ELECTRONICS
Electronic support is both complete and effective thanks to MVICS 2.0 (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) technology, specifically developed by MV Agusta for all its models. The ELDOR electronic control unit manages the complete Ride-By-Wire system (with redundant circuits) and the 4 engine maps. There is also plenty of scope for parameter adjustment.
- throttle sensitivity
- maximum torque
- engine braking
- engine response
- rev limiter
The inertial platform with lean angle sensor uses three gyroscopes and three accelerometers, plus the ABS pick up ring, to gather all the data, which is then algorithm-processed to determine required traction control (which has an 8-level setting range and can also be disabled). The EAS 2.0 (Electronically Assisted Shift) system allows clutchless gear changes, speeding up shifts significantly and resulting in shorter lap times.
FRAME & SUSPENSION
Throughout the history of the F4, the frame has played a vital role: devised to combine the advantages of different design solutions, its success gradually saw it extended to the entire MV Agusta range. On the F4 RC the CrMo tubular steel trellis frame is TIG-welded by hand; the lower part is finished off with aluminium alloy plates on which a seat has been machined to insert the singleside swingarm pin, the fulcrum of which can be height-adjusted. Compared to the F4 RR, basic measurements remain unaltered: 1,430 mm wheelbase, steering head angle (23.5°) and single-sided swingarm length (565 mm).
The choice of suspension set-up shows the extent to which the F4 RC has been inspired by racing - and built to race. Fork, rear shock and steering damper are, in fact, mechanical instead of electronic : more detail is , the front fork is a TiN-coated Ohlins USD NIX 30 with separate hydraulic adjustment of compression (left stanchion) and rebound (right stanchion), plus spring pre-loadadjustment.
At the rear there is an Ohlins TTX 36 shock absorber with piggyback reservoir: manual compression/rebound adjustment is effected via the anodised aluminium knobs. Similarly, the steering damper, also made by Ohlins, can be mechanically adjusted too. Thanks to the absence of the control unit and actuators needed on electronically controlled suspension, the weight of the F4 RC has been reduced even further.
The unique components of this version are further highlighted by widespread adoption of carbon fibre on the side panels, lower fairing, rear mudguard and front mudguard spoiler, upper and lower chain guard, the upper airbox section and the left and right intake covers. Made of forged aluminium alloy, the wheels have been designed and built exclusively for this model. Even the battery - a light lithium (Li-Po) 12.8 V 4 Ah unit - is model-specific. Foot controls are also new: peg positions are adjustable and the shift lever features a sensor for fast gear changes.
WEIGHT & KIT
To see just how exclusive the new F4 RC is, just take a look at the figures: to start with, it weighs a full 7 kg less than the F4 RR. And that's not all: the price includes a complete track riding kit which cuts weight by another 6 kg, pushing total weight savings up to an impressive 13 kg. With the assembly of specific components, such as the titanium Termignoni exhaust system with dedicated control unit, the bike reaches an exceptionally high maximum power of 212 hp at 13600 rpm.
The kit includes:
• Termignoni exhaust system in titanium, with carbon fibre heat guard;
• dedicated control unit;
• carbon fibre rear seat cowl for single-seater use;
• quick-release tank cap;
• red anodized Ergal plugs to be applied after removal of rear view mirrors;
• certification demonstrating that each motorcycle belongs to a limited
edition of just 250 units;
• personalised motorcycle cover.
SUGEST RETAIL PRICE: APPROC $36,000 USD
Ducati Attends Motor Bike Expo of Verona
with the new 2016 XDiavel and All-New draXter Concept Bike Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 22 January 2016 - At the coming Motor Bike Expo of Verona January 22-24 Ducati will be exhibiting a further addition to its new for 2016 XDiavel cruiser world, the all-new draXter. This “concept bike” interprets the XDiavel world from a sports viewpoint. The project was developed by the Ducati Design Center's Advanced Design area, a section dedicated to exploring the future style and design concepts of Ducati motorcycles. This wild dragster inspired sports interpretation of the XDiavel world has been named the draXter
Their ideas and sketches have allowed the Ducati prototype department to come up with the draXter, starting from a standard production XDiavel. The beating heart of the draXter is that of an extreme dragster with premium racing componentry. This is particularly evident, for example, in the suspension and brakes, taken directly from the Panigale Superbike. This styling exercise has accentuated the lines and proportions of the XDiavel making them more extreme than ever and turning the draXter into a unique, breath-taking "racer".
The number 90 on the side of the Ducati draXter recalls the racing world, yet also pays homage to Ducati's 90th anniversary, being celebrated this year.
2015 FIM SBK World Superbike Championship
Interview with Jonthan Rae, 2015 Wordl Superbike Champion December 2015 - After finishing fourth in the first WorldSBK race at Jerez de la Frontera in Spain Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) became the FIM Superbike World Champion for the first time in his career.
Born in Northern Ireland in 1987, Jonathan only joined the Kawasaki Racing Team for the 2015 season, after taking part in his first full WSB season in 2009.
He made an immediate impact on the Ninja ZX-10R in winter testing and won the first race of the year for Kawasaki, at Phillip Island on February 22nd. He won 12 of the first 20 races, and has not finished off the podium in any of them, before arriving in Spain to lift his crown.
A Q&A with Jonathan follows, below, plus some of his remarkable facts and statistics and comments from Kawasaki and his KRT team.
Q: What does it feel like, personally, to have a year like this, especially after having been in the championship for such a long time?
JR: Personally, it feels like a little bit of a weight off my shoulders. I have always believed that we were capable of winning a world championship right after I had stepped off a World Supersport bike onto a Superbike. Now, in this moment, it just feels like my time to be honest. It feels a bit like everything has gone my way a bit, even when a couple of things could have gone wrong. Like when the rain came in Portimao and I had a slide with the front in the wet, and caught it on my knee. When I had a big moment at Donington in lap one, and I landed straight back on the seat again, and was able to pick up a second place…
It has just panned out for me so smoothly. I have never had that happen before. I have been in Superbike quite a while and I have had two seasons that were dogged with injury, with my wrist and a femur issues in 2011 and 2013.
Q: How special has this season been after all that earlier frustration?
JR: The most special thing, really, is not just right now where we are, and in the position we are now in. It was joining Kawasaki and a team that had been so successful over the past few seasons, sharing a garage with one of the strongest riders in World Superbike. To come out and win the first race at Phillip Island… that is a feeling and memory that I will take with me for a long time. That felt amazing so from that point on every weekend - where even if we couldn’t qualify on the front row, or even the second row – because we have qualified in seventh or eighth position, we still won quite a few races. It is a testament to all the hard work that not just Pere Riba my crew chief, or Paolo Marchetti my electronics guy, but all the mechanics put into making sure we have a package on Sunday that works. It is proof that the Ninja ZX-10R is, if not the best one, then certainly one of the best packages right now on the grid.
Q: When you are riding at race-winning pace it looks like it is smooth and easy – although, of course it is never easy. What is it about that bike that helps with that, to make it look so smooth?
JR: I also felt that my previous bike fitted me quite well but the development from the KHI side, that our electronic guys Paolo and Danilo do, from the ECU side and engine management, there is no doubt we have the best electronics on the grid. And the two best electronic engineers – not just in our paddock but in the world – inside our box. Those are two massive factors to make the bike good. Then from a chassis point of view the bike just turns so well. I think the positive thing of developing and using Showa suspension is that we have got 100% of their attention. Now the Showa suspension and the way we are working with us has given us an incredible platform. They have shown that they are really behind it. By them solely working for us we have made massive gains.
Q: Coming from a racing background, and knowing that a lot of good riders will not get the chance to be world champion, does that make this year even sweeter to your?
JR: Anybody that has won a championship has not just arrived in that one championship. Everyone has faced adversity and hard times, and come a long way. But since I have been five years old I have been competing in schoolboy Motocross. So I feel like I have been riding competitively for such a long time. I came into the world championships at 20, quite young, but I feel like I have been racing bikes competitively for years and years, so I feel like it has taken me a little longer to achieve that goal. The good thing about it is that as a kid with a dream, I never gave up on my dream. I just kept believing in myself. It has been all nice and ‘limelighty’ at times, but there have been countless hours and days and weeks spent in hospital rooms or physio rooms or with trainers. I feel like I have faced enough injuries already so it also feels nice to have a season like this because it certainly makes up for the hard times that nobody really sees.”
Kawasaki Comments About Rea’s Championship Win
Steve Guttridge: Kawasaki Race Planning Manager: “Bringing Johnny into our Kawasaki Racing Team this year was like a dream come true. He's delivered everything we expected on the track and much more as part of the team. Racing alongside Tom, it is a dream team and we really have to thank them both for their efforts to deliver these good times with Kawasaki.”
Guim Roda: KRT Team Manager: “I’m so happy for Rea and of course for all the Kawasaki family and all our sponsors, especially Motocard, Elf and Monster. What Johnny completed today is really great and we all have to be proud. Rea has worked all the year close to excellence and this is very difficult to achieve. He proved he is not only a fast rider but also a solid and consistent one. We are happy he found in his Ninja ZX-10R the tool he needs to show his potential. What he found in combination of his mechanics and his crew chief Pere Riba has been great, all done within not even a full year. I cannot wait to see him on the 2016 bike. We cannot forget the great job Tom Sykes did, and is still doing too. He did not start the season so well but now he is getting really strong too. We really wish he can take second place in the championship and that would be something for us all to be proud of too.”
Selected ‘JR’ WorldSBK Statistics
Date of Birth: 2 February 1987
WorldSBK Career: 2008 – present day
WorldSBK Race Starts: 161 At Race 1 Jerez
Pole positions: 6
Race wins: 27 At Race 1 Jerez
Podiums: 62 At Race 1 Jerez
Fastest laps: 19 at race one Jerez
First race: Portimao, 2008
First pole: Assen, 2010
First podium: Kyalami Race 2, 2009
First win: Misano Race 2, 2009
2015 FIM MotoGP World Championship, Grand Prix of Valencia, Spain Round 18 of 18
Lorenzo Clinches MotoGP World Title with a Faultless Win in Valencia Valencia, Spain, November 4th-8th 2015 - Movistar Yamaha MotoGP‘s Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi raised their games at the season-ending Gran Premio de la Comunitat Valenciana this afternoon to unknown heights as they battled for the Championship Title. Lorenzo was unflappable as he defended first place from his pursuers from start to finish to secure a brilliant 40th MotoGP Grand Prix victory of his career and take the Championship Title by five points. Team-mate Valentino Rossi also had a phenomenal ride, cutting though the field like a knife through butter, to take a hard-fought fourth place and the runner-up spot for the 2015 season.
Biography- Lorenzo Triumphs with FIM 2015 MotoGP World Championship Title
In 2015 Jorge Lorenzo returns as king of road racing, clinching the FIM 2015 MotoGP? World Championship Title at Valencia. This milestone not only underlines him as one of the greats of Grand Prix racing, having secured his fifth title and his third in the premier class, but it also marks Yamaha's impressive racing heritage. The Japanese manufacturer takes its fifth Premier Class Triple Crown at the final round of the 2015 MotoGP? Championship in Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.'s 60th anniversary, since the team category was added in 2002.
The 2015 MotoGP? Championship was the most exhilarating as of yet and marked with countless rises and falls. The year was predominantly ruled by Yamaha as highlighted by Jorge Lorenzo's seventh Grand Prix wins this season, including his victory that was celebrated at the Movistar Gran Premio de Aragón, the Grand Prix that shared its title sponsor with the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team. The team also took the 2015 MotoGP? Team Title that same race weekend.
Other achievements of the Majorcan this season include; his first ever four-race winning-streak from the fourth round in Jerez to the seventh round at Catalunya, his new record for most consecutive laps led by a rider, his strong result at Phillip Island that gave Yamaha the 2015 MotoGP? Constructors' Title, his 40th MotoGP Grand Prix victory of his career, and his brilliant race at Valencia where he secured the 2015 MotoGP Rider Title.
With so many memorable racing moments achieved, Yamaha invites you to look back with them to the progression of the 2015 season. Take in the statistics and facts below to see how successful a year Lorenzo, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP and Yamaha have had and read all about how the now five-time World Champion's season progressed to new heights throughout his Grand Prix racing career.
Triumph Annouches an All-New 2016 Watercooled Retro Motorcyel Linuep
Highlighted by the New 120cc Thruxton and Thruxton R Click any Picture to Enlarge
November 1, 2015 - The Thruxton and Thruxton R are two of the five exciting motorcycles in the new 2016 Bonneville family - all with 100% authentic Bonneville character, truly modern capability and performance. Named after the legendary 500 mile Thruxton endurance race series and the Triumphs that dominated it, and which broke the first 100mph lap at the Isle of man TT, the Bonneville ‘Thruxton’ racers inspired a generation of teenage café racers and custom special builders.
The New Bonneville Model Line Up
Five all new Bonneville models - all with 100% authentic character, beautifully enhanced styling and truly modern performance. The Street Twin is our most contemporary, fun and accessible new Bonneville, powered by an all-new high torque 900cc engine. With its unique character, distinctive sound, stripped-back styling and dynamic riding experience, the new Street Twin is the perfect Bonneville for today’s rider and the perfect starting point for personalisation.
The timeless style and iconic character of the original 1959 model is reborn in the classy and authentic Bonneville T120 and effortless cool Bonneville T120 Black. Both crafted to the highest standard of detailing, quality and finish, and matched by the capability and performance of a truly modern classic. Powered by the all-new Bonneville 1200cc high torque engine, fed by beautiful, authentically styled, twin throttle bodies.
The new 1200cc Thruxton and Thruxton R are the real deal. With genuine poise, power and performance, they are the ultimate modern classic café racers. Both with beautifully imposing and authentic styling, they have the power, braking, performance and handling to live up to their legendary name. Continued Here
2015 6-Way Production Superbike Shootout
Motorcyclist Magazine tested the top Litre Class Superbikes for 2015
and the results are a little suprising as to which bikes they rated as their favorite. Not included in the test was the outdated Suzuki GSXR1000 which is being replaced by an all-new generationmodel in 2016. While doing poorly was the current model Kawasaki ZX10R - the reigning 2-time World Superbike Champion in race form, which is also being replace by an all new model for 2016. Sit back and enjoy their review.
2015 LA Calendar Best of Show winner Hiroyuki Hirata with Calendar Kittens Sara, Apple, Helena and Alena.
Builder Hiroyuki Hirata returns from Japan to take his 2nd Best of Show with "Zero Fighter"
2015 LA Calendar Motorcycle & Calendar Girl Music Show
The Sagebrush Cantina, Calabasas, CA, Saturday July 25th 2015 - The 2015 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show continued its now 24- year tradition as the premier outdoor streetbike event in America as it rocked the legendary Los Angeles biker hangout and party zone, the Sagebrush Cantina in beautiful downtown Calabasas, California. Featured were top Celebrity Custom Bike Builders from across the globe competitiing in the Calendar Bike Building Championship, selected Vendors and Exhibitors, Calendar Girl Music live performances, and an incredibly delicious Sagebrush Cantina Taco Lunch Buffet included with admission. The Calendar Motorcycle Show again benefited the American Cancer Society with a portion of each Admission Ticket being donated to help find a cure.
2016 LA Calendar Motorcyel Show returns to the Sagebrush Cantina on Saturday July 23rd
Mark your Caledar now to join us
- More Information Here
Cafe Racers!
Any old bike that you'ld least expect, can be turned into a really cool retro cafe racer. Above is an '80s era Yamaha Virago XV750
V-twin with shaft rear drive. The donor bike could probaly found on Ebay for around $1,000.
Below is a Cafe Racer based on a '70s Ducati Desmo 450 Scramber single
cylinder. A good donor Deso Srambler might be worth anywhere between $10-20,000 so you better be commited to building a really nice cafe racer to justify taking apart what is alredy a valuable collector's bike. The bike shown here could be improved even more with higher spec Ohins race forks and rear shock, and Bremo GPfront brake calipers.
Now in the Calendar Bike Garage... The World's Coolest Naked Ducati!
Beauitful FastDates.com Calendar Kitten Sara takes us for a ride on the world's most exotic and expensive Ducati streetbike
ever - a $110,000 Vyrus NCR 983 Superleggera in the Calendar Bike Garage and in Members Corner.
Now in the Calendar Bike Garage... Sam Kao's LA Calendar Show Winner
Beauitful FastDates.com SBK World Superbike Calendar Kitten Petra looks fantastic with Samuel Kao's JSK Desgn Sportster
featured in the Calendar Bike Garage / Members Corner and in the new 2016 Iron & Lace Calendar
Now in the Calendar Bike Garage...
Samuel Kao's Calendar Bike Show class winning BMW R 90T Bar Hopper with beauitful FastDates.com SBK World Superbike Calendar Kitten Sara featured in the Calendar Bike Garage / Members Corner and in the new 2016 Iron & Lace Calendar
New Edelweiss Motorcycle Tour - From Paris to Omaha, France Dec 1st 2015 - Experience the ultimate tour cocktail: rich culture, great landscapes, picturesque villages and superb riding from Paris, the city of love, to the beaches of Brittany and Normandy. You can also join FastDates.com Editor Jim Gianatsis on the August 10-20th 205 Tour.
Is there a more exciting city than Paris in which to start a tour? You will have the opportunity to visit all of the important sites this city is justly famous for. Backcountry roads will take you to great cultural locations, such as the renowned Châteaux of the Loire Valley. “End of Earth“ – that’s what the Romans called the western tip of the peninsula of Brittany. We will ride all the way to the end, exploring amazing coastal roads, small villages and beautiful beaches all along the way.
It is certainly one of the most diverse landscapes in France, offering rock cliffs and dunes on the seaside, and moors further inland. Beaches in the area are less populated than elsewhere and are counted amongst the most beautiful in France. History in the region can be traced back to 700,000 years ago and includes the ancient megalithic cultures and the Celtic tribal territories that existed before Roman rule. Today, numerous standing stones and monoliths testify to the rich and lengthy history of the region. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont Saint-Michel is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular sites in France (and all of Europe, for that matter). A monastery and surrounding ancient village are nestled on a small rock off the mainland.
You will see beaches renowned for the military operations that occurred there, one of which is Omaha beach, and the vast war cemeteries, last resting places for thousands of soldiers. More beautiful coastal rides and interesting cities, such as Honfleur and Rouen, will complete our amazing tour, with Paris as our final destination. For complete Pricing, Bikes, and Booking Information visit the Edelweiss Website Here -
New "Hitting The Apex" MotoGP Movie Trailer Exciting new MotoGP Documentary Movie by Mark Neale and narrated by Brad Pit. Watch the trailer for Hitting the Apex, Mark Neale’s documentary that follows the battle for MotoGP supremacy between drivers Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Marco Simoncelli and Marc Marquez. The film is narrated by Brad Pitt and features exclusive footage and interviews. Hitting the Apex is in cinemas from September 2 and available on DVD and Blu-Ray from September 7th, 2015.
X-Art Starlets Including Alex Grey Shoots for FastDates.com Los Angeles, December 1st, 2015 - It may be winter time where you are at, but weve been heating it up this past month in our studio with really hot photo shoots for the next FastDates.com Calendars with some of the sexiest and most beautiful adult movie stars in the world, as featured on our Affiliate Partner's X-Art.com website. Beautiful Alex Grey (above on our Ducati 1199R15), Bree Daniels and Jessica have been rockin's our world and will soon be rockin yours as well. But if you just can't wait for the next Fastdates.comCalendars and their photo features in member's Corner, you can check out Alex, Bree and Jessica right now in their sexy photo shoots and video movies in X-Art.com
MotoAmerica Needs You!
Road Racing Series Looking For Volunteers For New Season
COSTA MESA, CA, JAN. 19 - MotoAmerica is looking for a few good men. And women. With the new season rapidly approaching, MotoAmerica is seeking volunteers who want to assist the series and be a part of the action that is the 2016 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Series.
So would you like to help organize and run the 2016 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship? MotoAmerica will provide training, camping options, guest and parking passes, plus lunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at each event.
"Last year we had a great turnout of volunteers who helped us with our events in our debut season," said MotoAmerica race operations manager Niccole Cox. "Like MotoGP and World Superbike, we use volunteers to help our staff and it's a system that works well. We really attracted some quality people last year and we're hoping for more of the same this coming season. It's a lot of fun to work with the new people and see how much they enjoy working the races from the inside."
Positions are available at all nine events for track, tire, and grid marshals, technical control, and registration staff. Here is a brief description of those positions:
* Track Marshal: Provides support with motorcycle recovery in the event of a crash or mechanical failure. The race director relies heavily on having a team of well disciplined and competent marshals.
* Tire Marshal: Assists Tire Control Coordinator in paddock, hot pit, and grid to ensure competitors follow tire-allocation regulations. Volunteer will check tire tags on motorcycles as they leave pit out, log tire tags and report any infractions to Tire Control.
* Technical Control: Supports Technical Director to certify racing motorcycles conform to rulebook. Volunteer will help organize paperwork and oversee bikes in Parc Ferme.
* Registration Staff: Helps Registration Manager verify competitors, crew, media, and VIPs have appropriate credentials and parking passes. Volunteer helps with making copies and other clerical duties needed.
* Grid Marshal: Assists Chief Steward help riders follow practice and qualifying procedures and make sure their motorcycles are positioned correctly on the grid for race starts as well as monitors for potential safety risks on the race start.
To apply for one or more of these positions, click on the following link to got to the appropriate page on their website www.MotoAmerica.com
Althea BMW Racing TeamAlthea Racing announces its cooperation with BMW Motorrad Motorsport in the World Superbike Championship and the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup 2016.
December 1st, 2015 - The Spanish rider Jordi Torres will compete alongside the German Markus Reiterberger in the World Superbike Championship 2016 on the Althea BMW Racing Team’sBMW S 1000 RRSBK.
The Althea BMW Racing Team will participate in the World Superbike Championship 2016 with support from BMW Motorrad Motorsport. The Italian team signed a two years contract to receive technical support from BMW Motorrad Motorsport. The German experts will support the Italian team with their know! ledge and technical know-how and will work alongside the team throughout the whole season.
BMW Motorrad Motorsport will provide the team with engines and electronics. The team will be responsible for the development of the bike during the season and manage the sporting and logistical aspects of its participation in the series.
“I’m delighted to cooperate with BMW Motorrad Motorsport” said Genesio Bevilacqua, Team General Manager. “Each team member is fully committed to this new challenge and, now, we’re ready for the first day of the 2016 season. Next week, the team will be in Jerez for the shake down of the ! new bikes, the first small steps on what will be a long journey. I’m very looking forward to repaying the trust that BMW Motorrad Motorsport has put in my team in the form of good performance on the racetrack during the 2016 season.”
On next 23rd and 24th of November Althea BMW Racing Team will take part to the test days for the shakedown of the new 2016 BMW S 1000 RR SBK and STK. The first session will take place in Jerez (SP) where the Althea BMW Racing Team engineers and the technicians from BMW Motorrad Motorsport will be together on track for the first outing of the WSBK 2016 season.
“Our two riders, Jordi Torres and Markus Reiterberger, already showed to be fast and consistent” continued Bevilacqua. “Jordi has been named rookie of the year in the WSBK Championship 2015, despite he already won two times the CEV Championship before entering the WSBK Championship last year. Reiti also won two titles in the German SBK championship IDM, he’s young and talented rider and is, finally, the return of a German rider in the World Superbike Championship. I strongly believe they both will be, very soon, fast and consistent.”
Jan Witteveen will be Althea BMW Racing Team’s Technical Director. The Dutch engineer will be responsible for the development of the bike. He will coordinate the Team's engineers and will liaise with the experts from BMW Motorrad Motorsport on the technical topics. Witteveen has been working in the motorsport field since ages and in his long career won several championships in different classes.
In 2016 the Althea BMW Racing Team will also compete in the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup 2016 with the BMW S 1000 RR STK. Raffaele De Rosa, who finished third in the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup 2015, will compete with the Italian team for the second season.
World Supersport on the Verge of Change for 2016
The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), FIM Europe and DWO are pleased to announce that a new exciting format will be introduced for the upcoming season.
The 2016 edition of the FIM Superbike World Championship will witness a historical change for the important and renowned World Supersport class.
After successfully introducing technical and sporting rule changes in the World Superbike class for 2015, it is time now on focusing efforts on the middleweight series.
In what is its third year as promoter and organiser of the series, Dorna is constantly working side by side with the FIM, teams and manufacturers to ensure the series maintains and improves its level in line with the changes in the motorcycle industry and worldwide economy.
In 2016, the FIM Supersport World Championship will feature new technical rules that will result in major cost saving for the teams involved. The WSS machines’ preparation will be similar in all ways to the ones used in the most important national championships, easing the way for local teams to take part in selected races with wildcard rides and increasing the competition between participants.
Furthermore, a new series within the major Championship – following the same technical regulations as the main tier of World Supersport - will be created, which will be dedicated to teams aiming to take part in the European rounds only to promote young talents at much reduced cost. This will provide a chance for a selected number of smaller further teams to increase their visibility on the world stage – with a massive boost in terms of TV presence and appeal – while the riders will have a chance to compete head to head with some of the established stars of World Supersport. The name of the complementary series is yet to be revealed.
As a consequence of this fundamental revamping of World Supersport, the Superstock 600 class will cease to exist.
Ignacio Verneda, FIM CEO: "The modification of the technical regulations in Supersport to reduce costs and increase the participation of riders was logical after the success achieved in World Superbike following similar changes. We are convinced that this step is important for the future of the Supersport class.
Dr. Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President: “The promotion of young and hopeful riders has always been high on our agenda. We believe in series that pave - at affordable costs - the way from National via European Championships to the pinnacle of every sport: the World Championship. I am happy that Dorna shares the view of the “pyramid model” and offers with the new Supersport class an attractive European Road Racing series for talented riders. However, I like to underline the fact that the series will be open for riders from all continents. A strong and close competition is paramount for success.”
Javier Alonso, WorldSBK Executive Director: “We are happy to announce these major changes to the sporting and technical sides of the FIM Supersport World Championship. We are confident that the new format will bring further and fresh excitement to the series as well as a whole new set of opportunities for teams and young riders with the talent and desire to build a path upwards in motorcycle racing.”
The new Technical Rules for the FIM Supersport World Championship will be available soon on the FIM Website.
Motul announced as new WorldSBK Title Sponsor
Solid agreement signed for the next five seasons, from 2016 to 2020.
Marc Saurina, WSBK Commercial and Marketing Director with Roman Grabowski, Motul Motorsport Manager
Details of the agreement between Dorna Group and Motul were revealed at Magny-Cours last Friday during the penultimate round of the 2015 WorldSBK season. Representatives Romain Grabowski of Motul and Marc Saurina of Dorna formally announced to the gathered media and fans the new-look, long-term partnership which will see the Championship invigorated from the start of next year.
Motul, the French company producing high-performance motor oils and industrial lubricants, has a long history in motorsports. It is a key partner for both the FIM and Dorna Group and will make its debut in WorldSBK in 2016, as Title Sponsor of the Championship.
Starting from the forthcoming new season, the series will feature a dedicated combined championship logo in all of its adaptations, as well as a brand-new Motul-SBK product range. This will be launched during the first quarter of next season and is aimed at customers who expect the very best.
In the meantime, racing oils and lubricants will be available for the teams competing in WorldSBK, putting a perfect combination of racing knowledge and skills at the end users’ disposal.
Motul has embraced the essence of the SBK Experience and it is now going to offer its guests the closest motorcycle racing experience ever with proximity and accessibility being the key words.
Motul products will be on display within the Paddock for all the Superbike fans attending the races, making this a full partnership which involves fans, teams and Motul guests.
Romain Grabowski, Motul Motorsport Manager said: “We are really delighted to add WorldSBK to the list of motorcycling disciplines we support on a worldwide basis. As with the FIM EWC, WorldSBK teams will be able to use the Motul Factory Line range which is dedicated to racing and which benefits from knowledge gained from the major manufacturers’ use of experimental products in MotoGP. This 360° partnership includes the launch of a WorldSBK by Motul product which will be destined for fans of the championship, and we’ve also got a brand-new ‘Motul SBK Experience’ concept which from 2016 will allow us to offer our customers a unique experience at each of the season’s races. We can’t wait for this 2016 campaign to begin!”.
Marc Saurina, WSBK Commercial and Marketing Director says: “It is a great pleasure for us to see such an important brand in the history of motorsports joining with WorldSBK’s core values. Motul is the perfect partner with whom to develop our concept of brand experience, having a close proximity to the very DNA of production-based motorcycling.”
Ducati Corse
World Superbikes
by Alan Cathcart
& Jim Gianatsis
The Official SBK
World Superbikes
1987-2012
25 Year History Book
The Official SBK
2015-2016 Yearbook These SBK Yearbooks are the Best Books Ever about World Superbike. They feature wesome color photography of the riders, bike and racing action. The feature a deailed revue of the past season in pictures and stactics, awith 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!
2014-2015 Yearbook
SBK World Superbike Video Game
Official Print Media Partner
Nicky Hayden was inducted into the MotoGP™ World Championship Hall of Fame at the Valencia GP.
The 2006 MotoGP™ World Champion Nicky Hayden was inducted into the World Championship Hall of Fame as the 22nd MotoGP™ Legend by Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta in a ceremony held at the final round of the 2015 season in Valencia.
The American announced earlier in the season that he would leave the premier class at the end of the year in order to compete in WorldSBK in 2016.
A three-time Grand Prix winner, Nicky Hayden clinched the 2006 title with Repsol Honda, ending Valentino Rossi's streak of 5 consecutive titles from 2001 to 2005. The popular American will leave the category after 216 Grand Prix appearances, and throughout his illustrious career the ‘Kentucky Kid’ has been on the podium 28 times, posted 7 race fastest laps and taken 5 pole positions.
Hayden joins a long list of greats that have been made MotoGP™ Legends that includes Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan, Geoff Duke, Wayne Gardner, Mike Hailwood, Daijiro Kato, Eddie Lawson, Anton Mang, Angel Nieto, Wayne Rainey, Phil Read, Jim Redman, Kenny Roberts, Jarno Saarinen, Kevin Schwantz, Barry Sheene, Marco Simoncelli, Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, John Surtees and Carlo Ubbiali.
Nicky Hayden: “It is really is a great honour to receive this. I do not take it lightly, I know there are people in this club with more illustrious careers and who have obviously won more than me, but regardless I got in there! I am very happy. I mean for 13 years it was eat, breathe and sleep MotoGP. It's been an amazing ride. Of course these last two years have been tough, but I've enjoyed every minute of it, worked with some great teams and rode some great bikes.
I'd just like to thank everybody who has supported me through it all, my teams and my family, I appreciate it all. Thanks also to Carmelo; I think MotoGP - as much as the last weeks have been a little negative - is in a great place. The sport is bigger and better than ever, the tracks are safer and the young talent keeps getting younger and faster. So the future is very bright.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta – CEO of Dorna Sports: “For all of us, it's a great pleasure to give Nicky this award - this is not just because you've been Champion and you're one of the riders with most starts in the premier class, but also for your behaviour over all those years, your sportsmanship and your friendship. It's a great pleasure to consider you one of our legends. Thank you for all you've done for the sport in all those years.”
MV Agusta F3 800cc
The Devil Made Us Do It!
Testing the Ducati Diavel in Italy
New BMW HP4 Superbike
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.
Order the Official
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Friday 16th October 2015
For immediate release
PRESS RELEASE
Friday 16th October 2015
PBM Announce Be Wiser, Ducati And Irwin For 2016
Further to the announcement two weeks ago that defending MCE BSB champion Shane 'Shakey' Byrne will remain with the Paul Bird Motorsport team for the 2016 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship, the Penrith-based team wishes to announce their further plans.
Joining Byrne in the team will be Ulsterman Glenn Irwin whereby the 25-year-old from Carrickfergus will make the step up from the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship. Irwin is a triple Irish champion and former British Supersport Cup champion and currently occupies third place in this year's British Supersport title race.
Both Byrne and Irwin will race under the Be Wiser banner following the recent association between the leading insurance brand and Paul Bird's team. The deal sees a multi-year association with the nine-times British and National champions who have also sampled victories at World Superbike and MotoGP level.
The machinery that the team will use is the fully factory-supported Ducati Panigale R which will see a return to the marque whereby Steve Hislop and Shane Byrne both claimed British Superbike Championships for the Italian company under the MonsterMob Ducati branding in the early 2000s.
The team will waste no time in getting up to speed as they test in Valencia immediately after Brands Hatch with a heavy winter testing schedule thereafter in preparation for the 2016 MCE Insurance British Championship season which gets underway at Silverstone on April 10th 2016.
Andrew Dunkerley, Marketing Director, Be Wiser Insurance: "We are delighted to become the title sponsor of PBM, a team that is always professionally managed and which has a proud history in the BSB series. I am pleased and excited to see Ducati's commitment to the BSB series and I am sure that the highly experienced and successful 'Shakey' will be a great mentor for Glenn Irwin in his first season in BSB. I expect to see the Be Wiser Ducati team being competitive for the 2016 championship and it will be great to see our Be Wiser Owl logo on the new Ducati."
Tim Maccabee, Managing Director, Ducati UK: "We are delighted to be associated with Paul Bird and his team and very excited about the 2016 MCE BSB season. Ducati has an unparalleled history in Superbike racing and this next chapter is one we are looking forward to given the success PBM have had in the sport. We have received very positive support from Ducati Corse about this project and look forward to a successful season with Shakey, Glenn and the rest of the PBM team."
Paul Bird, Team Owner: "2016 will be our 21st consecutive year in racing and we are the first team to confirm our line-up for next season, which demonstrates our intention of challenging for the MCE BSB championship. In Shakey we have the most successful rider in the history of the series and we know he'll be very competitive. Glenn is a rider I've had my eye on for a while and is a huge talent so now is the time to step up to a Superbike and I've every confidence in his ability. It's fantastic to have a reputable company like Be Wiser Insurance as our title sponsor as the brand fits perfectly with our team and it's a long-term association like most of our sponsors in the past. It's also great to be back working with the Ducati factory which will see us reunited with the brand which gave us most of our early successes. It's an honour to be entrusted to deliver the results as a factory-backed team, which we aim to do. We are pleased to also welcome Hager back as sponsors for 2016 too."
Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM) are winners of over 160 races in British Superbike Championship, MotoGP CRT, World Superbike Championship, 125cc, 250cc, Supersport British Championships, Superstock National Championships, Isle of Man TT, North West 200, Daytona, Macau GP, and British domestic races. Points scorers in 125cc, 250cc and 500cc GPs, Points scorers in World Supersport, podium finishers in WSB, Superpole winners in World Superbike. They are based at Langwathby near Penrith in Cumbria.
Byrne To Remain
At PBM For 2016 October 4th 2015- Defending MCE BSB champion Shane 'Shakey' Byrne will remain with the Paul Bird Motorsport team for 2016 whereby they will once again contest the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship.
Byrne is the most successful rider in MCE BSB history and took his fourth title last year and this year is aiming for an unprecedented fifth MCE British Superbike title along with the Cumbrian-based team.
The deal continues the successful relationship into a fifth successive year which has seen 37-year-old Byrne, originally from London but now living in Kent, claim two titles in 2012 and 2014 as well as finishing second on the Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki in 2013. He currently occupies second place in this year's title race going into the final two rounds.
Shane Byrne: "The beauty of riding for PBM, and Paul and I having the kind of relationship we have, means there is no need to hold lengthy negotiations and after a five minute chat in the garage, we sorted the deal out. We both know we give each other 100% and I'm very happy with the people around me. We are about to enter a very exciting new chapter in PBM and I'm really excited to be a part of it."
Paul Bird, Team Owner: "Shakey wanted us and we wanted him so there was nothing much to discuss. We've known each other for long enough now and these things look after themselves. We are happy to remain in BSB as we had some options elsewhere and are delighted that Shakey will be on our bikes next season."
