Canadian Superbike Champion Brett McCormick struggled in the first session of Superstock 1000 aboard the Garnier Alpha Racing BMW S1000R at the World Superbike event in Magny-Cours, France on September 30.
McCormick is currently qualified 19th out of twenty-eight riders with a 1'44.533, more than three seconds behind current top qualifier Davide Giugliano aboard the Althea Racing Ducatio 1098R.
"(Brett) looks to be on the pace in all the split time sections except section 4, the fastest part of the track," noted Chris Duff, Marketing and Race Team Manager for BMW Motorrad Canada. "His bike looks to be down on power compared to some of the others."
Check out www.worldsbk.com for the latest news including detailed timing results from the event.
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MotoGP heads to Motegi, Japan
Photo courtesy of MotoGP.com
The MotoGP world championship heads into the final stretch this weekend as riders and crew arrive in Motegi, Japan for Round #15 of the eighteen-round series. Following plenty of controversy leading up to the event, the Grand Prix of Japan takes place this coming weekend and all series regulars, with the exception of those injured, are expected to compete.
Repsol Honda rider Casey Stoner leads the series ahead of defending World Champion Jorge Lorenzo. Despite being 44 points down, Lorenzo will not give up, "Casey has won so many races and finished on the podium more than any other rider, so it's normal he has so many points. Maybe it's too late to fight with him for the Championship, but anyway there are still 4 races to go, 100 points to be taken, so you never know. You have to give everything and anything is possible. We must fight for the win in every race." explained the Yamaha rider.
San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Hiroshi Aoyama is excited for the series to return to his home track. According to the Japanese rider, "I want to say thanks to those who came here to race because it was, I think, a hard decision and it means a lot for Japanese motorcycle fans. Personally this is my home race and for sure it’s very important."
In an effort to bring a fantastic line-up to Japan, HRC test riders Shinishi Ito and Kousuki Akiyoshi will also race in Motegi. Ito will be a wild card entry in an HRC Team while Akiyoshi will ride alongside Elias for LCR Honda.
Damian Cudlin will replace Pramac rider Loris Capirossi, who is not able to race Motegi due to an injured shoulder.
Free practice sessions have already gotten underway in Japan, and Casey Stoner shows no signs of slowing as he leads the first free practice session with a time of 1:47:289, three tenths of a second quicker than his teammate, Andrea Dovizioso. Nicky Hayden rode to an impressive third place in Friday morning practice with a time of 1:47:732. Respol Honda's Dani Pedrosa was fourth, with a time was just over a half second off the leading time posted by Stoner, while Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jorge Lorenzo completed the top five with a time of 1’47.912.
Canadian Teenager Charly Vu to Tryout for Red Bull Rookies
Thirteen-year old Canadian road racer Charly Vu will have a chance to show off his skills at the upcoming Red Bull Rookies tryouts which take place at Motorland Aragon, Spain from October 10-12. The teenager was selected among a large pool of applicants to tryout for the prestigious development series. "I still can't believe that this is happening to me," states an ecstatic Vu, "This has been my goal since I first started racing and I will give it everything I've got to show them that I want and deserve to compete in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup."Racing since the age of eight, Vu got his start on mini-motos. Following a three-year stint with the Ontario Mini-Moto Racing Association, Charly graduated to his first full-sized motorcycle, a 2004 Honda NSR50R, which he used to compete in the Ohio Mini Roadracing League where he was crowned Novice Formula 3 Class Champion, Runner-up in the Novice Formula 4 class, and Runner-up with Overall Points for Novices. Vu was also awarded with the 2010 Novice of the Year Award. In 2011, he competed in Ontario's SOAR and RACE series, aboard a Honda RS125 GP bike.
Charly will travel to Motorland Aragon in Spain in October to tryout for the Red Bull Rookies Cup, where he will be showcasing his talent aboard specially prepared Metrakit 125cc motorcycles in front of some of the biggest names in motorcycle road racing.
The Red Bull Rookies Cup is a series designed to develop talent amongst the best riders from around the world, preparing them for top level international racing series such as MotoGP. Selected riders compete against each other aboard identical 125cc Grand Prix bikes, the KTM RC125. The series visits some of the most prestigious racetracks around the world in front of thousands of race fans, as races are held on MotoGP race weekends.
Hopkins to Rizla Suzuki for Malaysian GP
John Hopkins will re-join the Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team as a wild-card rider in Sepang for the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday 23rd October.
Hopkins will make a welcome return to the Rizla Suzuki squad for his second wild-card event of the season. His first event was at Brno where he unfortunately crashed and injured his right hand in a practice session. He had shown huge potential during the first day and had finished in 10th place on the time-sheets, but his injury on day two stopped the Anglo-American from showing what he might have achieved after a full weekend on-board the Suzuki GSV-R. Hopkins has already completed a MotoGP race this season, after he deputised for Álvaro Bautista at Jerez and scored a creditable 10th place at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Hopkins is currently leading the British Superbike championship onboard his Suzuki GSX-R1000 with the Samsung Crescent Racing team. The final event of the season will see him compete in a triple-header race weekend at Brands Hatch in England on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th October, as he attempts to secure the championship during his debut season.
According to Hopkins, “I am really pumped to get this chance to ride in a MotoGP race with the Rizla Suzuki team. I thought after Brno that I wouldn’t get the opportunity again and was really disappointed that I missed out there due to a silly mistake, so to be heading to Sepang is fantastic. It is one of my favourite tracks and I know it well because we used to test there a lot. My main focus is on the British Championship at the moment, but as soon as that is over I will be in MotoGP mode and putting all my efforts into getting a good result at Sepang and showing that I can perform at the highest level. I really want to get back into MotoGP and this is a great chance to show what I can do. “Again I need to thank everyone at Rizla Suzuki for giving me this opportunity and my Samsung Crescent team – I hope that by the time I get back on the MotoGP bike we will have been celebrating something really big at Brands Hatch!”
Team manager Paul Denning states, “We’d intended to give John at least one outing on the Rizla Suzuki Grand Prix bike this year and we’re delighted that he’ll join us in Malaysia to form a two–man team with Álvaro. Sepang is one of John’s favourite tracks and also one that the GSV-R has performed well at in the past. What happened in Brno – with John’s injury – and the way he has worked so hard to come back from it, and challenge for the British Superbike Championship, has only reaffirmed his commitment to success and getting back to the top level. Let’s hope at Sepang we manage to line up at the start of the race with two Rizla Suzukis and that Álvaro and John can show what they and the team are all capable of producing.”
The Malaysian Grand Prix takes place October 21-23 at the Sepang Circuit, Malaysia. The series heads to Motegi, Japan this weekend for Round #15 of the World Championship series.
Ducati welcome the 2012 "Panigale" 1199 Superbike
Ducati officially announces the naming of its new generation 2012 Superbike as the "Ducati 1199 Panigale" and confirms that the unveiling and first public display will be at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan, Italy, November 10-13, 2011.
Having attracted massive, world-wide interest during the machine's many test phases, the exciting new model is also now officially named in an emotional video released on the Italian manufacturer's website, www.ducatiusa.com, and Ducati Motor Holding's official Youtube channel.
The wait to discover the incredible performance, innovative design and ground-breaking technologies of the new 1199 Panigale will continue for just a few more weeks.
Pronounced "Pan-ee-gah-lee", the new model breaks with Ducati's
Superbike tradition by adding a name to its 1199cc engine capacity (referred to as eleven-nine-nine), making a significant and warm association to its historic roots in the Borgo Panigale area of Bologna.
In an Italian territory known as "Motor Valley" and where high
performance and racing runs through the veins of its passionate people, Ducati now underline their pride in being world ambassadors for the "Made in Italy" title by immortalizing their home town in the name of the new Superbike.
Developed as a true sport bike with competition in its DNA, the Ducati 1199 Panigale will first see racing action in the 2012 FIM Superstock Championship and, in accordance with the factory's development program, make its debut in World Superbike in 2013.
The two-stage introduction enables Ducati additional development for the Superbike version of the 1199 Panigale, appropriate to the more open regulations of the World Superbike category, and in addition help control costs for World Superbike teams who can continue to compete with a 2012 version of the 1198 with technical support from Ducati Engineers.
No slowing down for CSBK in 2012
The Canadian Superbike Championship presented by Parts Canada is alive and well and will return in full force in 2012.
After a meeting with series partners that took place today, Frontline CSBK President Kevin Graham spoke with Inside Motorcycles about the organization’s future plans. “Our main partners remain fully engaged and committed to the success of the series,” Graham stated after the meeting that included Parts Canada, BMW Motorrad Canada, Deeley Harley-Davidson and Honda Canada. Each of these partners as well as Chrysler Canada has pledged strong support of the series in 2012.
On the heels of last week’s announcement that Canadian Kawasaki Motors would not be supporting the Canadian series next year, the green manufacturer has agreed to homologate next year, and discussions are underway with Suzuki and Yamaha to do the same (as was the case in 2011).
CSBK will include seven rounds in 2012, Graham indicated. The Mosport double-header season finale will return, as will stops at Autodrome St-Eustache, Shannonville Motorsports Park and Atlantic Motorsports Park, while Circuit ICAR has been dropped from the schedule.
Most notably, the series is in talks with Circuit Mont Tremblant about hosting a potential double-header event next season, although nothing is set in stone at this time. “(The series) wants to run at Mont Tremblant, and (the track) wants us there too,” admitted Graham. “But it all boils down to costs. It has to make sense.”
After a meeting with series partners that took place today, Frontline CSBK President Kevin Graham spoke with Inside Motorcycles about the organization’s future plans. “Our main partners remain fully engaged and committed to the success of the series,” Graham stated after the meeting that included Parts Canada, BMW Motorrad Canada, Deeley Harley-Davidson and Honda Canada. Each of these partners as well as Chrysler Canada has pledged strong support of the series in 2012.
On the heels of last week’s announcement that Canadian Kawasaki Motors would not be supporting the Canadian series next year, the green manufacturer has agreed to homologate next year, and discussions are underway with Suzuki and Yamaha to do the same (as was the case in 2011).
CSBK will include seven rounds in 2012, Graham indicated. The Mosport double-header season finale will return, as will stops at Autodrome St-Eustache, Shannonville Motorsports Park and Atlantic Motorsports Park, while Circuit ICAR has been dropped from the schedule.
Most notably, the series is in talks with Circuit Mont Tremblant about hosting a potential double-header event next season, although nothing is set in stone at this time. “(The series) wants to run at Mont Tremblant, and (the track) wants us there too,” admitted Graham. “But it all boils down to costs. It has to make sense.”
Pirelli Wins 24 Hour of Le Mans
from Pirelli
Le Mans, (France), September 26, 2011 – Pirelli and the KAWASAKI-SRC racing teams’ Diablo Superbike SC equipped #11 bike won the 34th edition of the 24 hours of Le Mans this past weekend in a fast and very spectacular race.
Qualifying third on the grid, Julien Da Costa made an exceptional running start and was in first position after the first curve. It was the beginning of a memorable 24 hour fight for the victory between the Kawasaki and the Suzuki-SERT #1 bike ridden by Delhalle, Sakai and Guittet. Sunday morning at 10:40 am, the dueling motorcycles were still lapping within the same minute but the Suzuki was forced to pit once more for a technical problem and lost one lap. This was the turning point of the race and from then on the Pirelli-shod machine remained in the lead through the checkered flag.
After incredible suspense, the KAWASAKI-SRC won this historical 34th edition, taking home with them a new record for this endurance race, covering 834 laps (or 3490.29 km) in the 24-hour period.
Additionally, it is the first time history that the same team has won the 24 hours of Le Mans twice in a row with the same riders and the same tire manufacturer.
24 hours of Le Mans 2011
1. Da Costa/Leblanc/Four (Kawasaki-SRC) 834 laps or 3490.29km
2. Delhalle/Sakai/Guittet (Suzuki-SERT) 833 laps
3. Jerman/Martin/Baz (Yamaha-Monster-Yart) 826 laps
4. Saiger/Stamm/Tangre (Kawasaki-Bolliger Team Switzerland) 823 laps
5. Mc Guinness/Amor/Donald (Honda-Honda TT Legends) 819 laps
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World Superbike heads to Russia in 2012
The FIM released a provisional calendar for the 2012 World Superbike Championship yesterday, adding a stop at Moscow International Raceway in Russia. The Moscow stop solidifies the strength of the World Superbike series as a World Championship, with races in Australia, USA and now Russia, outside the balance of western European venues. The 2012 provisional World Superbike Championship also highlights an estimated 15 race venues, up from 13 in 2011. The series comes to North America on May 28, to Miller Motorsports Park, Utah.
Provisional 2012 FIM World Superbike calendar:
26 February Australia Phillip Island
4 March t.b.a. t.b.a
1 April Europe t.b.a
22 April Netherlands Assen
6 May Italy Monza
13 May Europe Donington
28 May USA Miller Motorsports Park
10 June San Marino Misano Adriatico
1 July Spain Motorland Aragon
22 July Czech Republic Brno
5 August U.K. Silverstone
26 August Russia Moscow Int'l Raceway
9 Sept. Germany Nurburgring
7 October France Magny-Cours
21 October Portugal Portimao
Rea and McGuinness Unveil 20th Anniversary Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
From Castrol Honda World Superbike Team
In carefully-coordinated presentations this evening, Honda riders Jonathan Rea and John McGuinness took the covers off the 2012 version of Honda’s CBR1000RR Fireblade.
Rea is racing for the Castrol Honda team at Imola in Italy in round eleven of the World Superbike championship this weekend, while McGuinness is competing for the Honda TT Legends World Endurance championship team at the iconic 24-hour race at Le Mans in France.
Both riders will contest the weekend’s races on the current version of the Fireblade but officially revealed next year’s model, which will also be on public display at the forthcoming EICMA show in Milan (8-13 November), for the first time this evening.
The iconic Fireblade will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2012 and the new model maintains the original’s ethos of ‘total control’, a philosophy that has been continually refined and evolved during the past 20 years.
The 2012 Fireblade features a number of innovative features including new wheels and front and rear suspension enhancements to improve handling, traction and braking performance. The advanced Balance Free Rear Cushion rear suspension is a world-first for a production motorcycle.
The design team has also created a new, even more aggressive styling to better communicate the dynamism and sheer speed of the new CBR1000RR. In addition, the already comprehensive instrument panel has additional functionality making the bike more user-friendly, helping riders get the most from Honda’s most exciting and advanced supersport machine yet.
“This is a stunning-looking new Fireblade,” said Jonathan Rea, after revealing the bike in Imola. “But it’s not just cosmetic changes on this model – there’s some clever new technology on the bike, too. I’m looking forward to these final three rounds of this year’s World Superbike championship, but I can’t wait to begin testing for next year on the new machine.”
2012 AMA Rulebook Released
The 2012 AMA Pro Road Racing Rules Package has been released and is now available at the Competitor Information section of AMAProRacing.com. All changes from the 2011 rules package are noted in red. A direct link to the new rules can be found online at: 2012 AMA Pro Road Racing Rulebook.
Szoke Confident About Future
Seven-time Canadian Superbike Champion Jordan Szoke has every intention of moving forward with his future racing plans, despite recent news that one of his primary sponsors, Canadian Kawasaki Motors, announced yesterday their withdrawal from the Canadian Superbike Series.
Grateful for the long history the accomplished rider has had with Canadian Kawasaki (he has won 5 of his 7 Superbike championships and 4 of his 5 Sportbike titles aboard Kawasaki livery), Szoke has every intention to keep his job as a motorcycle racer in 2012. According to Szoke, "I am still young, fit and successful. This is my job. It's what I do."
Szoke intends to continue racing in Canada or abroad and has reportedly been in talks with his 2011 sponsor, Competition Systems, about continuing to ride their ZX10R's or possibly another brand of motorcycle. Szoke made it clear that he wishes to continue racing and continue to work with his current sponsors, "We want to assure our existing sponsors that we will be continuing to represent them for 2012," explained Szoke, "Right now we are open to any and all potential manufacturers and sponsors for 2012 to continue our program."
Times remain tough for professional motorcycle racers who have been all too familiar with the industry's economic decline, but Szoke brings with him years of talent and experience, as well as a handful of Number One plates; even in these tough times, that's still got to count for something.
Kawasaki Out of Canadian Superbike Series
Photo courtesy of Richard Coburn
With a long history of supporting road racing in Canada, the manufacturer who holds a number of Canadian Superbike titles sites the severe economic downturn that continues to affect the industry as the reason for their withdrawal. According to their press release "without the full support of all manufacturers, Canadian Kawasaki Motors was forced to re-evaluate its future racing investment and direction."
Canadian Kawasaki Motors will ensure that all Kawasaki riders are able to participate with the homologation of current Kawasaki models, and assures us that "we eagerly await the opportunity to officially re-enter the sport as market conditions improve."
Frontline CSBK Inc., organizer of the Canadian Superbike Series, responded to the news today thanking Canadian Kawasaki for their long-time support. "Kawasaki has always been a cornerstone of our series here in Canada," explained Frontline principal Kevin Graham, "they not only won on a regular basis but they have helped form and build our series."
The news comes at a time when the road racing series in Canada is already struggling and brings into question the future of the Canadian Superbike Series. Here's hoping the folks at Frontline CSBK can drum up some support over the long winter months ahead.
Take an Adventure with Ducati Multristrada
Now, through November 30, 2011, receive a set of Panniers or a Top Case for free with the purchase of your new Ducati Multistrada 1200!*
Coming off of an incredible record setting victory at Pikes Peak and just voted “Best Open Streetbike” by Cycle World Magazine for the second year in a row, the Multistrada 1200 has proven to be the most versatile Ducati ever made. With outstanding inventory selection in Canada, now is the time start your next adventure with a Ducati Multistrada 1200.
For a limited time, Ducati will be including a set of Ducati Performance Panniers with the purchase of any new 2010 Multistrada 1200 and 1200 S Sport model or a Ducati Performance Rear Top Case with the purchase of any new 2010 Multistrada 1200 S Touring model – the perfect accessories for your next touring adventure!
For additional information on this amazing opportunity, please visit www.ducatiusa.com, or
your local Ducati dealer.
*Offer valid in Canada only. All new 2010 Multistrada 1200, Multistrada 1200 S Touring and Multistrada 1200 S Sport models are eligible for this promotion.
Support Rally for Vita & Kahuna Powersports this Sunday
Looking for somewhere to ride this weekend? How about attending the Motorcycle "Rally for Vita"? This Sunday 25 September, Kahuna Powersports, Toronto’s largest motorcycle and powersport dealership will kick off the “Rally for Vita” fundraiser motorcycle ride - an event designed to raise funds for Vita, a Community Living Services charitable organization that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or serious mental illness.
The purpose of the “Rally for Vita” is to create further awareness of the “Vita Community Living Services” foundation and to raise funds to purchase a MV1 wheelchair accessible vehicle, a key component to Vita’s abilities to service individuals in and among local communities. “Kahuna Powersports is extremely excited to be part of this first motorcycle ride and fundraiser for Vita. In the Powersports business we understand the importance of mobility and access. Raising funds to assist Vita with the purchase of the new MV1- Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle seemed a goal we just had to part of”, states Joe Linardi, President of Kahuna Powersports.
“Rally for Vita” will start off with a welcome breakfast from 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. at Kahuna Powersports. At 9:45 a.m. registered riders, along with police motorcycle escort, depart on a three hour scenic ride ending at Mercedes Benz in Barrie, Ontario. Lunch will then be served featuring “Hero Burgers”. After lunch and from 1.45 p.m. onward the first annual “Rally for Vita” motorcycle “Show ‘N’ Shine” competition takes place to recognize the participating riders. By registering for the “Rally for Vita” riders automatically get their motorcycle entered for the Show ‘N’ Shine competition. There will be winners announced in four categories which are: Street Bike; Stock/Modified; Vintage and Custom.
The “Rally for Vita” mission is to be an annual signature fundraising event that combines the popularity of motorcycle riding to a great cause. “We’ve always hosted ‘bike nights’ or in-store events at Kahuna Powersports which often incorporate a good cause. Joining forces with Vita’s goals allows us to ‘give back’ yearly and support our local community further”, adds Joe Linardi.
For Further Information: To register for the ride go to the Rally for Vita website: https://rallyforvita.com/index.html or visit www.kahunapowersports.com
MODIF HONDA VARIO CBS TECHNO LOW RIDER 2010
Honda Vario CBS techno low rider, this is the most frequent modifications in the scooter-lovers to do the modifier of Indonesia, with big tires, big body and of course flat. That is the main attraction of the modified low rider. and this time the victim is a modification of vario hodan new techno CBS launched a few months ago. already in the brush Manjadi low rider tough.
Reviews of new honda vario cbs techno
Security features are also present added comfort, the feel skutiknya safe, certainly more comfortable and calm while driving. Vario Techno CBS continue the legacy of security features in pairs in the Vario, such as the side stand switch, parking in a secure key lock and auto shutter.
Well in this Techno CBS Vario added one more feature that is Combi Brake System (CBS). In this technology the rear brake lever, when pressed to distribute the braking force is not just to the rear wheels but also to the front wheels.
"Combi Brake system is expected to help motorists get used to only use the rear brake. With these features the risk of locking the rear wheels when braking suddenly can be reduced, "the U.S. sure Tedjo Siswojo, Senior General Manager of Technical Services, PT AHM. Not only safer but more comfortable, especially for beginner riders.
In addition, now under the handlebar rack equipped with a capacity quite relieved. Utility box under the seat also comes with a lid. Letters of information in a secure key auto shutter phosphor-coated in order to remain visible in the darkness. And the most pampering eye is an indicator panel which is far more exciting than the previous Vario.
Reviews of new honda vario cbs techno
Security features are also present added comfort, the feel skutiknya safe, certainly more comfortable and calm while driving. Vario Techno CBS continue the legacy of security features in pairs in the Vario, such as the side stand switch, parking in a secure key lock and auto shutter.
Well in this Techno CBS Vario added one more feature that is Combi Brake System (CBS). In this technology the rear brake lever, when pressed to distribute the braking force is not just to the rear wheels but also to the front wheels.
"Combi Brake system is expected to help motorists get used to only use the rear brake. With these features the risk of locking the rear wheels when braking suddenly can be reduced, "the U.S. sure Tedjo Siswojo, Senior General Manager of Technical Services, PT AHM. Not only safer but more comfortable, especially for beginner riders.
In addition, now under the handlebar rack equipped with a capacity quite relieved. Utility box under the seat also comes with a lid. Letters of information in a secure key auto shutter phosphor-coated in order to remain visible in the darkness. And the most pampering eye is an indicator panel which is far more exciting than the previous Vario.
Harley-Davidson Could Move out of Wisconsin
In a story by the AP, it's suggested by Harley-Davidson that the company might have to move manufacturing out of Wisconsin to help contain rising costs. Here's an excerpt by Dinesh Ramde:
Read the complete story.
- "Motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson Inc. warned its employees Thursday it could move its Wisconsin manufacturing operations to another U.S. state if it can't cut millions of dollars in costs. A recent analysis found a number of significant 'cost gaps' that must be filled for the company to remain competitive, Harley spokesman Bob Klein said. The largest gaps involved labor costs and scheduling flexibility, Klein said. 'We'll be talking with the unions about how to close those competitive gaps,' he said." -- Dinesh Ramde (AP)
Read the complete story.
Stoner Widens Points Lead at Aragon
Casey Stoner claimed another valuable 25 points in the MotoGP championship at Motorland Aragon this past weekend, running a flawless race, giving the Australian rider his 8th victory of the season and increasing his lead in the championship by 44 points over defending champion Jorge Lorenzo.
Starting from pole position, Stoner did not get the start he wanted as he and fellow Repsol Honda team mate Dani Pedrosa got tangled up, allowing Yamaha's Ben Spies to take the early lead. Stoner made quick work of the Yamaha, however, and was soon out front followed only by Pedrosa who finished in second place, over 8 seconds behind Stoner.
The battle for third place stretched its way out over the course of several laps, with Ben Spies taking the early position for third but being studied carefully by Marco Simoncelli. Defending champion Jorge Lorenzo was also able to close the gap and challenge for the third and final spot on the podium. While Spies and Simoncelli battled for third, it was eventually Jorge Lorenzo whose consistently quick ride brought him to finish in third position. Marco Simoncelli finished in 4th place while Ben Spies settled for 5th.
Spain's Alvaro Bautista put in yet another impressive performance finishing 6th aboard his Rizla Suzuki, ahead of American Nicky Hayden, who finished in 7th position on his Ducati. Hector Barbera, Cal Crutchlow and Valentino Rossi, who started from pit lane due to an engine penalty, rounded out the top ten.
Rookie rider Karel Abraham crashed out of the race on the first lap, as did Honda's Andrea Dovizioso. Loris Capirossi and Toni Elias also did not finish as the two collided in the latter half of the race.
With four races remaining, Casey Stoner seems well on track to win the world championship title with a total of 284 points, 44 points ahead of defending champion Jorge Lorenzo. Andrea Doviziosi remains third in the championship, but with only 185 points, it seems only Lorenzo will be able to challenge the Australian Honda rider for the championship.
Current MotoGP championship standings:
1. Casey Stoner, Honda, 284 points
2. Jorge Lorenzo, Yamaha, 240 points
3. Andrea Dovizioso, Honda, 185 points
4. Dani Pedrosa, Honda, 170 points
5. Ben Spies, Yamaha, 146 points
6. Valentino Rossi, Ducati, 139 points
7. Nicky Hayden, Ducati, 114 points
8. Marco Simoncelli, Honda, 106 points
9. Colin Edwards, Yamaha, 90 points
10. Hiroshi Aoyama, Honda, 87 points
11. Hector Barbera, Ducati, 77 points
12. Alvero Bautista, Suzuki, 67 points
13. Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha, 52 points
14. Karel Abraham, Ducati, 50 points
15. Tony Elias, Honda, 47 points
16. Randy de Puniet, Ducati, 33 points
17. Loris Capirossi, Ducati, 29 points
Allen Clinches Western and National Championships
Story and Photos Courtesy Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada
EDMONTON, Alberta (September 14, 2011) – Castrol Raceway - The silence at Castrol Raceway broke with the thunder of two V-Rod® Destroyer motorcycles, ridden by the two men who lined up for the prestigious title of Canadian Champion of the Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada-sponsored V-Rod® Destroyer Series. The Eastern Champion, Rocky’s Harley-Davidson®-sponsored Pete Thomson, once again faced off against the Western Champion, Redline Harley-Davidson® rider, Nick Allen, for the final CMDRA drag racing event of 2011.
A feeling of déjà vu fell over the Castrol Raceway when Saturday’s torrid temperatures gave way to bone-chilling cold and light rains that threatened to, once again, leave the championship undecided.
Both riders ran almost identical times all weekend. It would take one final run up the drag strip, and one of the most exciting finishes in V-Rod® motorcycle racing history, to answer the pending question of who would reign.
Our collective breath was held for the 9.521 seconds it would take to see in which lane the white finish lights would flash and decide the hard fought championship. Allen was first out of the box with a solid reaction time of .098 and gained a slight advantage at the 60 foot mark; it was enough for him to slide through the traps first and into his fifth consecutive Canadian Championship. Thomson gave it his all, but his slower reaction time would be his undoing; he crossed the line with a very good time of 9.544, only .023 of a second behind Allen. Both riders crossed the finish line at over 137 mph, the best top speeds of the day.
A disappointed Thomson commented after the race, “that was a really tough time for the sun to come out like that. I had trouble seeing the tree and I didn’t even see Nick’s lights at all. It was a good race though, and we did all we could do.”
Allen shared feelings of joy and relief, and clearly showed the strain of a hard fought battle after the race, saying, “this is the coolest thing ever. You know, we set out five years ago to go for five wins and we did it. We had a really tough year; we lost some races and we had to work really hard, so I’d say this victory is the one that will stand out.”
In the final Western event of the season, Saturday’s qualification turned out to be completely unpredictable with many of the top riders struggling and others rising to the occasion to show their mettle.
First round qualifications saw Allen’s protégé, Chris Perkins, also racing for Redline Harley-Davidson®/Volution Tune, slide to the top of the order with Allen close behind. Pete Thomson slid just ahead of Edge Harley-Davidson® rider, Rick Adams, while Rocky’s Harley-Davidson® rider, Dan Thomson, held a strong fifth, despite coming in under weight. Edge Harley-Davidson® rider, Jamie Moench, sat in a disappointing sixth overall. However, by the third round things began to shake up with Allen atop the leader board, just ahead of Perkins and the Heritage Harley-Davidson® rider, Shaun Rude, who made a dramatic rise into third. Moench improved his times enough to move up to fourth, while Pete Thomson slid backwards to fifth.
With the dramatic change of weather for Sunday’s elimination rounds, coupled with some long delays in the racing action, it was anyone’s guess as to the outcome of the finals.
First up was Nick Allen, who would eliminate Harley-Davidson®/Buell of Prince George rider, Kelly McCuaig, for the day’s action. Allen had a good run with an ET of 9.572 and a top speed of 136.77 mph. Next up was youngster, Chris Perkins, who dispatched the first of the Eastern riders when he sent Thunder Road Harley‑Davidson® rider, Paul Guerrieri, to the sidelines. Shaun Rude had a close battle with Mike Evanyshan and narrowly edged out the Sylvan Lake, Alberta, rider. Edge Harley-Davidson®-sponsored Rick Adams sent the second of the Eastern riders to the sidelines when he beat out MotoSport Plus of Kingston-sponsored Mitch McCallum. Jamie Moench then relegated Eastern import, Dan Thomson, to spectator status. Pete Thomson became the only rider from the Eastern contingent to move into round two when he displaced Pido Productions and Harley’s Hardrock Saloon racer, Jeff Pitre.
In the second round of eliminations, Allen beat out Rick Adams, who fouled out at the light, while Pete Thomson advanced ahead of Chris Perkins. Shaun Rude backed up his first round run with an ET of 9.693 and a top speed of 134.89 mph with a holeshot win to narrowly beat out brilliant young rookie, Jamie Moench.
Round three of eliminations saw Nick Allen with a bye run of 9.600 even and a top speed of 135.99 mph. Shaun Rude continued his torrid pace and sent the final Eastern rider, Pete Thomson, to the sidelines with another good run of 9.620 and a top speed of 135.99 mph, earning himself a well-deserved chance in the final.
As the day drew to a close, Allen and Rude lined up for the final race of the Western V-Rod® Destroyer Series. Once again, Allen showed his poise and charged to victory with an ET of 9.56 and a top speed of 136.67 mph to Rude’s run of 9.65 and top speed of 135.66 mph. Despite the loss, Rude was excited and proud of his run into the final saying, “I had a great weekend and I left nothing on the table. A great way to end the season.” The newly retired Allen has now won the Western V-Rod® Destroyer Series Championship for five consecutive seasons and looks ready to do so for many years to come.
Varsity Speed Park stays alive
With the closure of Race City Motorsport Park this coming fall, it looked like racers were also going to lose the adjacent Varsity Speed Park as well. But Jay Fox, President of the Alberta Mini Roadracing Association (AMRA) happily announed that "we will have a separate lease with the City of Calgary and our great track will live on, supporting strong Mini Roadracing, Kart and Supermotard clubs. Thanks to all that never gave up and supported us all along."
Cownden Wins 2nd Straight Championship
Damian Cownden and the DCR Top Fuel team arrived at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton, Alberta on September 10th with hopes of securing a second consecutive Drag Specialties/Parts Canada CMDRA Screamin' Eagle Top Fuel Championship. The team rolled their Nitro Harley-Davidson out of the hauler with a slim point lead over season long arch rival Nate Gagnon on the Big Kids Racing Nitro Harley.
After breaking the input shaft in the transmission during the first round of qualifying, the team replace the part in time to make one qualifying pass, and they made it a good one as Cownden qualified on the pole with a 6.54-second run at 217 mph. Nate Gagnon was just a tick behind at 6.58 but with a booming 224 mph speed.
Sunday morning the DCR team once again had issues this one traced to the electrical system. The crew was once again able to make repairs and get Damian to the starting line for the first round of eliminations against Jeff Knowles. Damian took the win and moved on to the semi-finals with a low 7-second run at 204mph over Knowles.
The team continued to battle electrical issues but were able to get past Kevin Boyer to earn a berth in the final round.
The final round could not have been scripted better. Cownden had a 25-point lead over Gagnon going into the final round, and a round win is worth 20 points. However if Gagnon could win and back up his 224mph run for a new record, he could take the championship from Cownden's hands. This left the entire Damian Cownden Racing team on edge; after all, they were still uncertain as to what the issue with their bike was. When the lights came down, Nate Gagnon took the lead and was ahead until the 1000-foot mark when his rear tire began to spin and he slowed enough to allow Cownden to slip by for the win.
“This was a difficult season," confessed Cownden after the race. "It didn’t start like we wanted, but we caught some breaks and were able to turn our season around. I have to give Nate Gagnon and his team credit - they brought out a brand new bike and were able to bring home the win in the first two events of the season, which is virtually unheard of. From then on they have been a contender for the win at every event.”
Cownden went on to discuss the importance of winning his second Top Fuel championship. "When I first started drag racing I never thought I would be racing in the Top Fuel class, let alone be fortunate enough to win two championships," he said. "I never could have done it without my dedicated team and sponsors. Having such a strong competitor like Nate only pushes us all to bring 110% to every event.”
Along with his second consecutive championship and three event wins in 2011, Damian Cownden was also awarded the CMDRA's coveted and humbling Rick Davie Memorial Award for Sportsmanship. The team now has three weeks to prepare for the final event of the AHDRA series in Rockingham North Carolina on October 8th and 9th.
Photo by Laura Millsip
New 2011 Honda Supra X Helm In
Motor manufacturer Honda has finally officially introduced their latest bike. This motor is called the Supra X 125 Helmets In with offers advantages of a super large trunk. PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM) formally introduced the New Supra X 125 Helmets In. These motors have a super huge trunk that can accommodate a full face helmet.President Director of AHM, Yusuke Hori explained that the concept of
Sachsenring Out; Argentina In for Future of MotoGP
by Vicki Schouten
In a press conference held at Sachsenring this afternoon, organizers of the German MotoGP round announced that they will no longer be hosting MotoGP events as of 2012. ADAC, the organizer for Sachsenring's GP, sited financial losses as the reason for no longer hosting the prestigious world championship event. Losses from the 2011 race alone amounted to 600,000 Euros, meanwhile increases in Dorna's fees to host the event have also doubled, from 2 million Euros to 4 million Euros. Despite efforts to increase ticket prices, ADAC was still coming up short and is no longer able to host the MotoGP events. Sachsenring has played host to MotoGP events since 1998. It is expected that the Sachrenring event will be replaced by Lausitzring or Nurburgring.
Hot on the heals of the Sachsenring announcement, news also surfaced that MotoGP would return to Argentina in 2013. According to MotoGP.com, an agreement was signed in Paris today between the Argentian government, the Governor of Santiago del Estero province, OSD and Dorna Sports which secured a round of the MotoGP World Championship in Argentina for 2013. The Grand Prix of Argentina will be held at the Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo in the Santiago del Estero province, as part of a three year deal. The agreement is subject to the necessary renovations being carried out to bring the circuit within the required MotoGP safety standards, according to MotoGP.com.
All of this news comes as riders and teams travel to Spain's Motorland Aragon for Round#14 of the MotoGP World Championship this weekend.
Toseland Announces Sudden Retirement
from worldsbk.com
Double World Superbike Champion, James Toseland is retiring from professional motorcycle racing with immediate effect following a visit to Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mike Hayton, yesterday. The visit confirmed Toseland's worst fears that the damage sustained to his right wrist during a testing crash at Aragon earlier this year is irreparable and no amount of physiotherapy can repair the injury.
The crash which has turned out to be career-ending took place at the Spanish circuit in March this year and the 31-year-old's resulting battle to return to full fitness has been well publicised. However, having struggled with the injury during recent races and following a further crash at the last race at Nurburgring in Germany, the Yorkshireman has been told that it is no longer safe for him to continue his career in professional motorcycle racing.
Consultant Mike Hayton said: "JT has shown dedication and determination in our aim to recover the best possible function in his right wrist. We acted quickly to repair the damage with surgery and rehabilitation and, initially, believed that this had gone well, but we had also been clear from the outset that this was a potentially career-threatening and devastating injury.
"While his approach to recovery has been admirable and he has continued to make good progress, he has not recovered enough range of movement in the right wrist to continue as an elite motorcyclist. We had a difficult discussion on his future career, in which he showed a true sense of professionalism and an unselfish approach to making way for young, talented riders. To work with athletes like JT is a privilege and makes us do what we do."
James added: "2011 has been a tough year for me and this week has been one of the most difficult of my life, but advice from professionals has made it clear that my crash at Aragon has left me with a permanent disability, which means that I will never again be able to ride competently at this level. While that's hard to hear, I have to place the emphasis on the safety of other riders in the paddock as well as myself and I realise that it's not fair to occupy a World Superbike seat with a team as professional as BMW Motorrad Italia when there are fit and talented riders available who are desperate for this type of opportunity.
"I've been extremely fortunate to have enjoyed a long and successful career doing something I love and I'm really grateful for that. I've been lucky enough to bounce back from serious injuries in the past and I've had the support of a great family, brilliant friends and a fantastic fanbase to see me through the highs and lows. I'd like to thank the BMW Motorrad Italia team for their support and understanding and all of the personal sponsors who have remained loyal to me, including MMCG, Henderson and Bennetts.
"I hope that the team can find a replacement who is able to do justice to the bike and the people working on it. I hadn't expected my retirement to come at this time or in this way and I'm extremely sad to be leaving racing behind, but I still have the memories of the amazing opportunities and success that this career has provided me with."
Andrea Buzzoni, Project Director of the BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team and Director of BMW Motorrad Italia, declared: "On a personal level I am very sorry about James' retirement. This year I have had the opportunity to meet and work with James and I have been able to appreciate not only his professionalism, in such a difficulot year, but in particular his qualities as a person."
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