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!
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.
DRE 2016: The Ducati riding academy returns with Carlos Checa
• Registration for track riding courses opens from 15 February at dre.ducati.com
• The most beautiful Ducati bikes and most exclusive Italian tracks for Ducati Riding Experience 2016
• A new “Champs Academy” on board the Ducati Panigale R
• Another new feature, the DRE Enduro: off-road riding courses with the Multistrada 1200 Enduro
Borgo Panigale, Bologna (Italy), 16 February 2016 – A true riding academy to suit every need and level, on board the most beautiful, exclusive and high performance Ducati bikes of course. Strengthened by the success and approval obtained in the last thirteen years of activity, the Ducati Riding Experience returns for 2016. Courses at the prestigious school can be booked via the website dre.ducati.com.
As DRE 2016 registration opens, Ducati offers another new feature, enriching the range of courses with the DRE Enduro, an authentic off-road riding school featuring the new Multistrada 1200 Enduro. A course designed for motorcyclists who want to perfect their technique to be able to take on any type of terrain. The Technical Director of this new DRE course is “dakarian” Beppe Gualini, who has vast off-road experience. The DRE Enduro school will be held at the Castello Nipozzano, the famous and historic estate owned by the Marquis Frescobaldi, a location that adds further appeal to this new Ducati initiative. Course dates, information and booking methods will be available from March at www.ducati.com.
The Ducati Riding Experience 2016 offers structured courses on track for every experience level, from the Intro and Precision courses, for those who want to perfect their road riding in absolute safety to the four track levels. Track Evo, Track Warm Up, Track Master and Champs Academy are the courses that take place on track, led by professional riders on board the most high performance Ducatis of all time.
For DRE 2016 Ducati has selected two of Italy’s most prestigious racetracks, such as the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli and the Mugello Circuit. Tracks that host such spectacular shows as the MotoGP and SBK races, where support and passion unite fans who come from all over the world to cheer on their heroes. Together the dream becomes a reality and participants in the 2016 Ducati Riding Experience can improve their riding style and technique at these iconic racetracks.
For the 2016 edition, Ducati has further improved the format of the track course to offer an even more exciting and educational experience by increasing the number of track sessions for the Track Master and Champs Academy courses. This, with the added value of World Champion Carlos Checa, who will guide Academy pupils on track.
In addition, during DRE 2016 days, those taking part in the Master and Academy courses will also be able to benefit from a data acquisition service, thanks to the DDA (Ducati Data Analyzer) mounted on all bikes used for courses. A specialist technician will be available to support participants.
On top of all this is a truly significant bike pool. The new Ducati bikes available to customers include the Panigale R, the supersport par excellence with its 205 hp for the Champs Academy. Synonymous with performance, style and technology, the 1299 Panigale S is the star of the Track Master course, while the 959 Panigale is the bike of choice for those on the Track Warm Up and Track Evo. For those who love to perfect their riding experience, both in terms of daily bike use and when embarking on short and long-range journeys, the DRE bike park for Precision courses includes the new Hypermotard 939 and Hyperstrada 939, as well as the ultimate naked, the Monster 1200 and 1200 R, another new feature for DRE 2016. On the Intro course, participants will ride the Monster 821, ideal for those who want to learn more about the world of biking or refine their riding style.
All participants in DRE 2016 can hire technical clothing to suit the particular course. Available for hire during the 2016 edition (subject to availability), and with a special design, is the D|air® Racing Ducati Corse leather suit with its sophisticated D|air® system, intelligent protection based on the airbag to ensure motorcyclists’ safety on track.
The DRE has always benefitted from a team of instructors madeup of expert riders who boast World, European and National titles. Confirmed for 2016 are: Carlos Checa (Superbike World Champion in 2011 with the Ducati 1198), Dario Marchetti (technical director and chief instructor, a very experienced rider), Michele Pirro (official Ducati Corse test rider for MotoGP since 2013 and Italian champion Superbike in 2015) and Argentinian Leandro Tati Mercado (2014 Superstock World Champion). Completing this prestigious list of highly-qualified instructors are Alessandro Valia (official Ducati test rider for production bikes since 2007), Michele Pirro (official Ducati Corse test rider for MotoGP since 2013, he takes part in various MotoGP races as a wildcard), Matteo Baiocco (official Ducati Corse test rider for the Panigale Superbike), Manuel Poggiali (125 World Champion in 2001 and 250 World Champion in 2003), Paolo Casoli (Supersport World Champion in 1997) and Andrew Pitt (Superbike World Championships in 2001 and 2003). These names to which we add other instructors of undeniable talent, will ensure that the DRE 2016 courses are exciting and educational for all the participants.
DRE 2016 Calendar
04, 05, 06 May - Mugello
06, 07, 08 June - Misano
05, 06, 07 September - Mugello Circuit
To register and receive more information about the courses and calendar: dre.ducati.com
World Ducati Week 2016: Set For July 1-3rd
• From 1 to 3 July at the Marco Simoncelli Misano World Circuit
• Time to celebrate Ducati's 90th anniversary at the ninth edition of the WDW
• The WDW has always stood for motorcycles, riders, a racetrack and tons of passion
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 14 December 2015 – The event which Ducatisti from all around the world most look forward to is already on the agenda. From 1 to 3 July 2016 the international Ducati community in its entirety will be celebrating their shared passion for the Bologna-made bikes at the World Ducati Week to be held at the Marco Simoncelli Misano World Circuit.
The ninth edition of the WDW will provide the perfect opportunity to celebrate Ducati's 90th anniversary with fans and Ducatisti from all over the world. The Ducati story began on 4 July 1926 when the three brothers, Adriano, Bruno and Marcello Cavalieri Ducati, assisted by their father Antonio, founded the Società Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati company. Since then the Bologna-based firm, driven by its unique engineering talent, has created motorcycles of inimitable design and a strong sporting character.
In 2014 there was a record-breaking turn-out at the global Ducati gathering with over 65,000 attendees coming from five continents and as many as 56 countries from all over the world. Ducatisti joined the event from the USA, Europe, Australia, Russia and India as well as Brazil, China, Malaysia and even Gabon, Iceland and Nepal, all united by their passion for Ducati bikes. Only an event like this brings out the best of Desmodromic passion.
The multitude of participants expected at this edition will be able to see and try out the new models presented at EICMA including the XDiavel and the Multistrada 1200 Enduro. They will have a chance to chill out in the relaxed atmosphere of the Land of Joy within the Ducati Scrambler area and of course they'll also be able to have fun on the track with test rides and the Ducati Riding Experience. The Ducati MotoGP and Superbike riders will be present too, as will be the great passion and enjoyment which have characterised the WDW ever since the first edition held in 1998.
The countdown has already begun and over the next few months the programme will be available, together with detailed information on how to take part in World Ducati Week 2016, on the official website wdw.ducati.com.
Calendar of the World Superbike Championship Home of the Official SBK Fast Dates Calendar Kittens March 2016 Page 2 World Superbike 2016 at Phillip Island
International Motorcycle Show - Long Beach
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2015 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show
Fast Dates SBK Podium Kittens at 2015 Laguna Seca
World Premier new 2016 FastDates.com Calendars!
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the Bikes, the Builders, the Riders, the Kittens,
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This Month in the Fast Dates Calendar ... Beautiful Fast Dates SBK World Superbike Calendar Kittens Petra and Jitka heat things up on Pit Lane at Laguna Seca World Superbike with Marco Melandri's factory Aprilia RSV4 race bike.
All three Editions of this new 2016 FastDates.com Calendars feature our official SBK Fast Dates World Superbike
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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!
Kawasakis two World Champions Tom Sykes (66) and Jonthan Rae on the new the new ZX-10R lead the way into Turn One.
2015 FIM SBK Motul World Superbike Championship, Round 1 of 15 Phillip Island
Heart Stopping 6-Way Battle for Lead with Chaz Davies playing Runner Up
Jonny Rae On Top in Both Races at Phillip Island SBK Season Opener
Phillip Island, Austrailia , February 26th-28th 2016 - Kawasaki's Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes were well in the leading mix at the FIM Superbike World Championship round in Phillip Island. On the new Ninja ZX-10R Rea doubled down with both race winsto kick off the start of the new season - and the championship lead of 14 points. From their front row starting positions both KRT riders made good starts Sykes lead led both races off the starts, but two incidents pushed him back to sixth place, for sixth overall ranking in the championship.
Rea took over the lead from his team mate in both races which saw exciting 8-way battles for the front position. But it was Rea confirmed his pace in the final laps, winning both races over Ducati's Chaz Davies who was just a bike length behing in Race One, then fell in Race Two on the final lap while trying to pass Jonathan on turn four. Rea made his escape count as Davies restarted to finish tenth, and the Kawasaki rider scored a second win of the opening weekend.
Sykes pushed away up front in race two today but was unable to make a clean break, meaning Rea was right back with him by the end of the fifth lap, followed by a pack of riders. On lap 11 Sykes dropped three positions to fourth in one corner, running wide after missing a gear, with Rea taking the lead for the first time.
After a tangle with eventual third place rider Davide Giugliano Sykes was dropped back again, regrouping and pushing on to a final sixth place, 3.320 seconds from the win. The second round of the new season will take place in Buriram, Thailand, between the 11th and 13th of March.
Tom Sykes on Pole for the Season Opener
SUPERPOLE: Saturday Morning, February 27th - THE 2013 SBK Champion Tom Sykes kicks off his 2016 challenge from pole ahead of Giugliano and Rea.Sykes will start his title campaign this year from pole position after breaking the lap record to take the top spot. The Yorkshireman has topped much of pre-season testing and carries that pace through to the first Superpole session of 2016, deposing Yamaha at the top of the timesheet.
Above: Davide Giugliano, Pole Winner Toy Syles and Jonthan Rea
After seeing teammate Sylvain Guintoli take the top spot yesterday, Yamaha’s Alex Lowes contested the Superpole 1 session in style, registering the fastest time and ensuring he joined his teammate in Superpole 2 to fight for the top grid positions. The YZF R1 came out the blocks quickly yesterday, ending their first day back in WorldSBK fastest with 2014 WorldSBK Champion Sylvain Guintoli, who saw off stiff competition from Honda’s Michael Van Der Mark and reigning World Champion Jonathan Rea on his Kawasaki ZX-10R. Althea BMW’s Jordi Torres also saw his teammate gain entry straight into Superpole 2, with Reiterberger proving the fastest German bike on track, and took second spot in Superpole 1 to join him in the fight for the top 12 positions. Torres has been suffering with an elbow injury since a crash in the final official preseason tests.
Davide Giugliano was fastest for most of the first half of the Superpole 2 session, with the key challenge coming from Yamaha’s Guintoli once again. With 5 minutes remaining, Markus Reiterberger and Chaz Davies were the first riders to show their hand and leave the pits for the final showdown, with Davies taking the top spot on his first flier. The fast laps then came quick and fast, with Sykes and Rea bringing a later challenge for Kawasaki and the Yorkshireman breaking the lap record. His lap for pole, a 1’30.020, topped the session by 0.078 seconds above Aruba.it Ducati rider Giugliano and gave reigning Champions Kawasaki their first taste of glory in 2016. After a Friday that saw Ducati slower out the blocks than expected, the first row position for Giugliano and small margin of difference makes for fantastic reading for fans of the Italian marque, showing they pose a real threat to the title once again.
The new Pata Yamaha R1s of Guintoli (shown) and Lowes were on pace from the start of the weekend.
Reigning Champion Jonathan Rea will begin his title defence from the front row of the grid, ending the session only a tenth and a half down on the pole position time of teammate Sykes and ending the session just ahead of both the Yamaha riders. The Japanese manufacturer’s first qualifying session on their return to WorldSBK with the YZF R1 saw them qualify in 4th and 5th, with Lowes closing the gap significantly to his teammate Guintoli. Completing the second row was Friday Superstar Flying Dutchman Michael Van Der Mark, who pipped teammate and MotoGP Legend Nicky Hayden to 6th. Hayden will consequently begin his first WorldSBK races from 7th, ahead of reigning STK1000 Champion Lorenzo Savadori who proved the fastest Aprilia in 8th.
Chaz Davies, who was at times frustrated yesterday with his pace, will begin the first Round of 2016 from 9th position, with the Welshman looking to move up the field after challenging spectacularly for the victory last year at Phillip Island and coming home second in the title fight in 2015.
Fastest BMWs Markus Reiterberger and Jordi Torres were the final names in Superpole 2, with impressive rookie Reiterberger beginning his first race from 11th and Jordi Torres closing in on his teammate, riding through the injury sustained in pre-season testing to assure himself a top 12 starting position for the weekend of racing ahead. The lights will go out for the first WorldSBK race of the new era later today as the flag drops… and the talking stops!
Jonthan Rae pulled off the track after winning Race One to thank the fansfor their support and pose for a Selfie!
This is war! Rea reigns in Race One as another battle breaks out on the Island
RACE ONE: Saturday Afternoon, February 27th - Jonathan Rea has kicked off his title defence with an incredible last lap victory over Ducati rider Chaz Davies, the Kawasaki rider pulling a move around the outside to beat Davies over the line by 0.063 seconds.
After a great getaway for both ZX-10Rs, Sykes and Rea went almost side-by-side into the Southern Loop as the first racing lap of the 2016 season got underway. The lead group off the line was led by the Kawasaki Racing Team pair, with Ducati’s Chaz Davies getting an amazing launch from ninth on the grid to join his teammate Giugliano and Honda rider Michael Van Der Mark in the battle at the front.
Rookie Aprilia rider Lorenzo Savadori was initially the last of the lead group of ten, before Yamaha duo Sylvain Guintoli and Alex Lowes joined Honda rider Nicky Hayden in the push through to join the battle and an eight rider train set off for the line. Sykes lead the group as the Ducatis dueled behind him and Rea, with Flying Dutchman Van Der Mark joining the fight. Sykes, after losing the lead to Rea, then dropped back along with Hayden and the Yamahas of Lowes and Guintoli, leaving the two Aruba.it Ducati riders to tousle with Van Der Mark in the lead group of four, headed by Jonathan Rea.
The fight for the lead would be this close and heated in both races of the weekend. Here Jonthan rae leads Honda's Van der Mark, Chaz Davies, Tom Sykes and Davide Guigliano.
Rea led the way as the war raged behind him, with the lead group becoming a trio as Davies and Van Der Mark proved the only two able to keep the pace of the reigning Champion. Holding the lead but with two riders breathing down his neck, Rea stayed calm and kept his race rhythm going as those behind continued to play cat and mouse with each other. As the laps ticked down, Davies got closer and started to seriously pressure the Kawasaki rider, seeming to be attempting to test any possible passes he had in mind for the last lap.
On that last lap, Davies pounced down the hill from Lukey Heights, taking the lead just before the final corner, before Rea took the outside line and blasted around the Ducati through the final turn, the two bikes straightening up on the Gardner Straight with almost nothing between them. It was the flash of green that finished first, however, as Rea’s bravery around the outside proved to give him the pace necessary to nudge the nose of the Kawasaki over the line in front, separated by only 0.063 seconds.
Van Der Mark came home third behind the two of them, recording his fourth career podium in only his second season,and local hero Josh Brookes made up for a difficult qualifying session to come home tenth. 2014 WorldSBK Champion Sylvain Guintoli was the first Yamaha home in sixth, showing great potential for the YZF R1 in its first WorldSBK outing, and Leon Camier carried through his form from practice to end the race seventh on his MV Agusta. Jordi Torres on his Althea BMW in eighth ensured there were six manufacturers classified in the top ten.
Yamaha Finance Australian Round - Race 1-Click Here for Full Results-
1 - Jonathan Rea (GBR) Kawasaki
2 - Chaz Davies (GBR) Ducati +0.063
3 - Michael Van Der Mark (NED) Honda +0.487
Click Here for Full Results
American Nicky Hayden (69) ran with the lead pack in both races, here fighting with Ducati's Davide Giuglianao (34) who would beat Nicky out for 3rd place on the podium step in race two.
Rea Wins Race Two as Chaz Pushes too hard
RACE TWO: Sunday Afternoon, February 28th - Reigning Champion Jonathan Rea took the first double win at Phillip Island since Carlos Checa in 2011 today as key title rival and last year’s runner up Chaz Davies fought hard on the final lap, in the end losing the front into Turn 4.
It was Tom Sykes on his ZX-10R got the best launch off the line from pole, with teammate Jonny Rea taking Ducati’s Davide Giugliano by the time the WorldSBK field first launched through the Southern Loop. After briefly challenging for the lead, Rea then settled into second as Michael Van Der Mark made a move to take P3 from Giugliano. The Flying Dutchman then had a look down the inside of Rea into T2 before thinking better of it and holding position, the two Ducatis then lead by Chaz Davies close behind and ready to pounce. The race itself was similar to the one held on Saturday, with a tight group fight in which both Giugliano and Davies showed their grit. Due to a fortuitous contact between Giugliano and Sykes with six laps to go, Davies and Rea were able to create a small gap.
Nicky Hayden, initially staring down a gap to the front group, then clawed back the time to the Ducati in front of him and tagged onto the front group. After a few laps staying with those in front, the Kentucky Kid then made a move into T1, Giugliano initially pushed back into P6 until the Italian fought back later in the lap. Hayden took him back once again, before the Ducati rider managed to cut back inside again and claim P5.
Sykes ties to hold off a hard faught battle for the lead, here ahead ofRae, Davies Van de Mark and Hayden.
With 12 laps to go, Sykes ran wide into T4, opening the door for teammate Rea to go through for the lead. Michael Van Der Mark and Chaz Davies needed no invitation to follow the reigning Champion through, and into Turn 1, Michael Van Der Mark took the lead from Rea into T1, the young Honda rider keeping the position and leading the group of seven riders then joined by Yamaha’s Sylvain Guintoli.
Althea BMW rider Jordi Torres, starting from P12 after an injury in testing, was the rider leading the charge to catch up by the time Giugliano attempted a pass on Sykes and clipped the Yorkshireman’s back wheel. Pushing both the Kawasaki in front and his own Ducati wide, the move from the Italian saw Nicky Hayden and Sylvain Guintoli given the green light to take them both, the Frenchman’s opportunism to grab the position pushing the new Yamaha YZF R1 into the top 5. The battle in the final laps seemed the decisive factor in which of yesterday’s podium sitters in Race 1 would be on the top step today.
Davies then took Rea into T4, before Rea fought back into T1 and blocked the line for his rival in any attempt to repass him into the Southern Loop. Turn 4 looked set to be the scene of another attack on the final lap after that first successful rehearsal, and sure enough Ducati rider Davies tried the move again, unwilling to settle for another P2 after being beaten by big title rival Rea in Race 1. Davies, determined to at least try, found himself sliding off the track into the gravel as the ambition of the move outweighed his stopping distance, sadly seeing the chance of victory slip away.
After yesterday’s second-place finish with Chaz Davies, the Aruba.it Racing - Ducati team stepped on the podium once again in Phillip Island with Davide Giugliano. The Italian rider took third place thanks to a late push, while his teammate Chaz Davies crashed out with a few corners left to go while fighting against Jonathan Rea, who eventually took the victory.
Chaz lost the Ducati's front end from his tighterline as he tred and pass Rae on the inside of Turn Four. He remounted quickly to still finish 8th for some valuable points..
The move left Rea out in front of Van Der Mark and the Dutchman’s American teammate Nicky Hayden hanging onto third, the Kentucky rookie having improved his management of the Pirelli tyres significantly since his first race and setting very competitive lap times. Stalked by Ducati rider Giugliano throughout the next few corners, it seemed the MotoGP Legend was set for his first podium on his first race weekend in WorldSBK, until Giugliano somehow found space to go past with a spectacular move to just pip the American to the podium.
Buriram is now the next stop for WorldSBK as the paddock heads north to Thailand, the scene of Rea’s first double of 2015, and those chasing the reigning Champion will be sure to fight hard once again as they try and stop the Northern Irishman in his bid to be the first back to back Champion of the new Millenium.
Yamaha Finance Australian Round - Race 2-Click Here for Full Results-
1 - Jonathan Rea (GBR) Kawasaki
2 - Michael Van Der Mark (NED) Honda +0.831
3 - Davide Giugliano (ITA) Ducati +1.472
Jonathan Rea stated: “It is incredible. We had two really composed races this weekend. I just did my thing and was very patient in both races at the beginning. Today I knew that Chaz would make a move again, a copybook story from yesterday, but he came through when there was no space, went completely wide and, unfortunate for him, he made a mistake. The set-up changes we made between yesterday and today means the team gave me a bike that was quite easy to ride and I was more ready for attacks. Not just in T4 but in many areas. I thank my team for that. We played the strategy game here in Phillip Island and it really paid off. I feel that we are working at around 85-90% of the potential of the machine and I am really proud to give Kawasaki these two wins on the new bike.”
Tom Sykes stated: “We are definitely knocking on the door in terms of our showings at Phillip Island. I felt really comfortable in race two up until lap ten. Going into the hairpin I struggled on the downshift. I missed gear and ran off the track. Unfortunately, on that lap I lost 1.6 seconds. A couple of laps later Giugliano and I came together and I lost another 1.6 seconds. Overall, we made a couple of small changes to the bike for today and I felt much, much more comfortable. Unfortunately I was not in the correct track position in the last five laps of the race. I am happy for the progress we have made and it something we can take forward. I have never been great here, for some reason, because I love the place.”
World SSP: The Rookie Wins As The Champion Falls
Randy Krummenacher takes top honours first time out as teammate Sofuoglu crashes
Swiss rookie Randy Krummenacher has taken victory in the WorldSSP race at Phillip Island, beating STK600 graduate Federico Caricasulo and wildcard Anthony West to the top step of the podium.
Honda’s PJ Jacobsen got the best start from P2 on the front row of the grid and MV Agusta rider Jules Cluzel, who has suffered a difficult weekend on his return to the WorldSSP grid after being ruled out of the end of 2015 due to injury, got an incredible start from P8. The Frenchman hit the front only a couple of laps later as the real battle began and the breakaway group started to pull away.
Wildcard Anthony West was another rider who gained a lot off the start, joining the lead group after just missing out on entry to the first ever Tissot-Superpole 2 yesterday. The Australian managed to keep the lead pace of the front group, battling for podium positions, before taking the lead of the race just after being informed that he had to drop two positions for an earlier infringement. Luckily seeing the sign and obeying the ruling, the Aussie rider dropped back from the lead and back into the battle behind.
On lap 9, Jules Cluzel ran into the gravel and opened the door for a duel between reigning Champion Sofuoglu and wildcard West. Not wanting to let the Turkish rider escape, West fought hard before eventually having to concede the pace advantage of the Puccetti rider, who began to pull away and create a gap to the group behind.
Rain began to fall lightly in the first two sectors, but Sofuoglu continued to make a gap to those behind, the Turkish rider dropping his times even as conditions worsened. Krummenacher then began to respond, until reigning Champion Sofuoglu suffered a tyre problem on Lap 15, lowsiding into the gravel at Turn 6. That left teammate Krummenacher to inherit a well-deserved lead after managing the conditions perfectly and still staying ahead of the chasing pack.
Wildcard Anthony West, who has previously won in races in both WorldSSP and Moto2, was left in a battle over the last few laps with Caricasulo, positions switching and both riders fighting hard over what had become a chance at P2 in the race. On the final lap, as Krummenacher crossed the line more than two seconds clear of the rest of the field, the Australian and the Italian went head to head, with West riding as defensively as possible and maintaining his grip on P2 for the majority of the lap. West, with track position as they straightened up for the final push to the finish, tucked in for the dash to the line as Caricasulo took the slipstream. Almost side-by-side down the first part of the straight, it was the Italian rookie who made it over the line in front, his bike crossing the line only 0.014seconds ahead of that of his wildcard rival.
Krummenacher now leads the Championship after his first race in WorldSSP, but teammate and reigning Champion Sofuoglu is sure to hit back soon, looking to turn his incredible pace in practice into a win next time out in Thailand.
Yamaha Finance Australian Round - WorldSSP Race -Click Here for Full Results-
1 - Randy Krummenacher (SUI) Kawasaki
2 - Federico Caricasulo (ITA) Honda +2.747
3 - Anthony West (AUS) Yamaha +2.761
New Ownership for Cycle News
Powersport Media Forms to Acquire Iconic Title
When the MAG group closed the doors at its www.Motorcycle-USA.com website last week which was no longer needed / or profitable to support its retail sales at MotorcycleSuperstore.com - I was left wondering if the other shoe would drop at Cycle News, the reborn online digital edition which is also owned by MAG which and supported the advertsing of the MAG group's motorcyle product companies including Vance & Hines, Performance Machine, distributor Tucker Rocky, etc. Well the other shoe has dropped and Cycle News has beenlet go / turned over to / or acquired by Powerposts Media which was forced by a team of former motorcycle print magazine advertising sales reps who were left out of work when the industry downsized 5-6 years ago. I wish PowersportsMedia owners Bryan Robb, Sean Finley and Jesse Ziegler best wishes in keeping Cylce News alive and profitable in the changing motorcycle industry and digital world - Jim Gianatsis, FastDates.com Editor, and former Cycle News Editor 1969-1982
IRVINE, Cal. March 3rd 2016 – Powersport Media is proud to announce the acquisition of Cycle News, America’s Motorcycle News SourceTM, in a purchase agreement with Motorcycle Aftermarket Group (MAG) in which all staff, properties, editorial and sales efforts remain intact and ongoing.
Powersport Media LLC was founded by Sean Finley, Bryan Robb and Jesse Ziegler to take over ownership of Cycle News. These three industry professionals have vast experience in publishing, digital media and editorial content and look forward to working with the Cycle News team to expand on the potential for the iconic brand. Digital Throttle, which has been contracted by MAG to manage the advertising sales operations for Cycle News for the last five years will continue to serve that role. So it will be business as usual for the advertisers.
The Cycle News website and weekly digital magazine content will continue to be managed by Editor, Kit Palmer, Road Test Editor, Rennie Scaysbrook, and Art Director, Sunny Kwon, who also have the support of a talented pool of contributors. The website was re-launched in November with a new mobile responsive design and the digital magazine continues to provide timely content to a loyal readership. Readers spend an average of 15 minutes per session reading the magazine, consuming the extensive bike test, news and event coverage in a unique, multi-media format.
“Like many motorcycle enthusiast, I grew up reading Cycle News and it has been exciting to work with the team over the past five years,” said Sean Finley, co-founder of Powersport Media. “Cycle News serves a unique niche in the market with the timeliest bike and product reviews available and most in-depth racing and industry news coverage. The all-digital delivery aligns with media consumption trends and we have some exciting ideas to expand delivery options and readership.”
“On behalf of the Cycle News staff I thank MAG for their partnership over the last five years,” said Kit Palmer, Editor. “They kick-started the all-digital magazine format and have been a supportive partner of our efforts. Cycle News was founded and thrived for many years as a small, independent company and now is a great time to return to that environment. We look forward to being more nimble and embracing new ideas to serve and grow our readership.”
“Cycle News is an industry leader, and has been for over five decades, bringing motorcycle news and information to all those seeking it,” Kevin Strawbridge, President, MAG Media Group, said. “MAG was honored to be a custodian of this publication since 2010 and are equally excited to be turning over the reins to Powersport Media, LLC. The staff, including Kit Palmer, Rennie Scaysbrook and Sunny Kwon, and the long-time contributors, has been instrumental in creating the content that makes Cycle News a top ‘go to’ resource. We are looking forward to seeing how this grows in the years ahead.”
Cycle News:
Cycle News is the most respected news source in the motorcycle industry. For nearly 50 years, Cycle News has been delivering the most timely motorcycle news every week. In February 2011, Cycle News re-launched as an innovative and interactive digital magazine, combining the highest editorial and photography standards with the interactivity and engagement of a digital format. Cycle News continues to grow and evolve, reaching enthusiasts around the globe on tablets, smartphones and computer screens. Cycle News is committed to delivering timely content in a high-quality, compelling format that encourages advertisers and readers to share their favorite motorcycle stories.
Powersport Media:
Industry professionals Bryan Robb, Sean Finley and Jesse Ziegler founded Powersport Media in February 2016. Their combined experience in digital advertising, publishing and editorial, as well as their passion for powersports, ensures the highest quality experience for readers and most valuable insight for partners in the industry is their top priority.
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.
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
2016 LA Calendar Motorcyel Show returns to the Sagebrush Cantina on Saturday July 23rd
Mark your Caledar now to join us
- More Information Here
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.
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 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
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.
Pata Yamaha's Guintoli takes Sixth in WorldSBK Season Opener
Phillip Island, Feb 28th - An exciting and closely-fought first MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship race of the season at the Australian Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit saw Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK rider Sylvain Guintoli cross the line in sixth place, as he narrowly missed out in the determined fight for fifth with a photo-finish at the chequered flag. Alex Lowes was running an equally strong race, matching his teammate in pace and position, before a turn two crash put paid to his debut on the YZF-R1.
A new schedule for the WorldSBK Championship saw Guintoli and Lowes arrive at Phillip Island for their opening race day of 2016 without knowing where they would be starting the contest. The morning began with 15 minutes of free practice, allowing the riders to warm up their Yamaha YZF-R1s, before the important action of Superpole qualifying took to the 4,445m Australian circuit. His 11th place classification from Friday's track-time saw Lowes take his place in Superpole 1, easily securing his promotion to Superpole 2 with a spectacular 1'30.9 lap set on race rubber in the early stages of the 15 minute session.
Joined by his teammate Guintoli for Superpole 2, both Pata Yamaha riders set about the task of competing in the top-12 shootout and with five minutes gone, they sat in second and third positions with times matching those of their previous, weekend's best. As the field returned to the track on qualifying tyres the times began to tumble, a 1'30.281 and 1'30.354 respectively granting the French and British rider fourth and fifth on the grid.
Heading up the second row for the debut race of 2016, the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team started the 22-lap battle strongly with Lowes firmly in the front group for the initial laps.
Mid-race saw both Yamaha riders prevented from utilising their pace as effectively as they would have liked. Taking the opportunity to pass one rider with eight laps to go, first Guintoli then Lowes looked to exploit the free air but unfortunately for the latter it was short lived - an issue at turn two resulting in a trip through the gravel.
Guintoli's sixth place finish leaves the 33-year-old with 10 Championship points and sitting sixth in the table heading into the second day of competition, with Lowes looking to secure a strong points-scoring finish from Sunday's race.
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.”
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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.”
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Ducati Motor Holding sets record sales in 2016
with strong growth for the Bologna-based bike manufacturer
February 1st, 2016 -
• 54,800 Ducati bikes delivered to customers in 2015
• CEO Claudio Domenicali: “Ducati closes 2015 with record volumes plus a significant 22% growth over 2014”
• Andrea Buzzoni, Director Sales & Marketing: “For the first time ever a Ducati bike has made it into the list of the world’s ‘Top 10’ best-selling bikes”
Borgo Panigale, Bologna (Italy), 14 January 2016 – Ducati closes 2015 with its best-ever results, confirming the positive trend of the last five years that has seen a constant increase in sales and production.
With 54,800 bikes sold during 2015, Ducati set a new record by delivering 9,683 more bikes to customers than in 2014, an increase of 22%.
“The record sales of 2015 are the result of our company’s courage and skill”, stated Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding. “Ducati closes 2015 with record volumes and also a substantial growth of 22% over 2014. During the year Ducati not only launched successful new motorcycles, but also a new brand, Ducati Scrambler, which immediately won global acclaim with over 16,000 sales worldwide.”
“This impressive performance, a landmark one for Ducati, confirms the soundness of the strategy of expansion and consolidation in global markets and highlights the energy and professionalism of the over 700 dealers who cover no less than 90 countries”, commented Andrea Buzzoni, Global Sales and Marketing Director of Ducati Motor Holding. “Such growth confirms, in the vast majority of countries, the validity of both our products and our strategy: indeed, for the first time in Ducati’s history, one of our bikes, the Ducati Scrambler, made it into the ‘Top 10’ list of the world’s best-selling bikes”.
The year 2015 also saw a marked increase in Ducati sales in Europe where, again compared to 2014, the biggest gains were made on the Italian market with +53%, in the UK with +37%, in Germany with +24% and in France with +22%.
2015 was also a year of expansion in the USA, which confirmed its status as the number one market: Ducati North America achieved a 14% increase in sales over 2014.
In terms of quantity of sales, 2015 ended with Italy in second place, accounting for 12% of the total. Ducati’s third biggest market remains Germany, followed by France and the UK.
Asian Pacific markets also experienced growth, with sales up by 14% on the 2014 figure: the results in China - which closed 2015 with a staggering 46% increase – were particularly noteworthy.
Summing up, results in 2015 were extremely positive. Success also stemmed from the introduction of the new bikes that characterised the Ducati 2015 range, such as the Ducati Scrambler, 1299 Panigale, Monster and the new Multistrada 1200. Thanks to their innovative styling and performance, they won the immediate acclaim of both Ducatisti and new customers all over the planet.
The best-selling Ducati in 2015 was the Ducati Scrambler, with 16,000 bikes sold during the 12-month period. In its wake comes the new Multistrada 1200, with over 8,000 bikes sold and the new Monster 821, with some 6,500 bike sold worldwide. It was also a good year, in order of sales performance, for the 1299 Panigale, the 899 Panigale and the Diavel.
The new Ducati models presented for 2016 mean we can look to the future with confidence.
PBM Announce Be Wiser, Ducati And Irwin For 2016Further 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."
Above: Davide Giugliano, Pole Winner Toy Syles and Jonthan Rea
The new Pata Yamaha R1s of Guintoli (shown) and Lowes were on pace from the start of the weekend.
Sykes ties to hold off a hard faught battle for the lead, here ahead ofRae, Davies Van de Mark and Hayden.
Chaz lost the Ducati's front end from his tighterline as he tred and pass Rae on the inside of Turn Four. He remounted quickly to still finish 8th for some valuable points..
