Josh Waters (McMartin Racing) has claimed his fourth Superbike Championship aboard the McMartin Racing Ducati V4R at The Bend Motorsport Park, becoming the first rider to win the title four times in the category, while also securing the round win at Tailem Bend, South Australia. Press: Link Int
On Friday, competitors were met with damp conditions. By the time the Superbikes took to the track for their first free practice, the winds had already dried out the track. Josh Waters was the standout for most of the day’s three practice sessions; however, Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) made his presence felt, securing the top spot in the closing moments.
Qualifying kicked off on Saturday, with Jones claiming the all-important one-point pole position after setting a lap time of 1:50.487s. Waters took second place with a time of 1:50.691s, while Troy Herfoss (DesmoSport Ducati) completed the front row with a lap time of 1:50.846s. Jones was now 25 points behind Josh Waters in the championship standings and with three races scheduled for the weekend, it was set to come down to the final race. Pirelli riders opting to run either the SC1 or SC2 front tyre, paired with the SCX or SC0 rear, to set their qualifying times.
Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) took pole position with an impressive 1:50:487s.
In SuperSport qualifying, it was Olly Simpson (YRD) who secured pole with a time of 1:54.609s, ahead of Archie McDonald (Stop & Seal) with 1:54.683s and Jonathan Nahlous (Complete AV) with 1:55.482s. The Pirelli riders chose to run a mixture of the SC1 or SC2 front tyre, paired with the A1128 or SCX rear.
Cameron Swain (Yamaha) secured pole position for the SuperSport 300 races ahead of the weekend. Riders opted for the Pirelli SC1 tyre for the front and rear.
Race one got underway in the afternoon, and Jones made a strong start, only for Josh Waters to lead into turn one, and Arthur Sissis (Stop & Seal) in third. Waters began to pull a couple of bike lengths ahead of Jones, but it didn’t take long for Jones to close in on Waters’ tail. By lap three, Herfoss had moved into third ahead of Sissis. At one point, Herfoss set the fastest lap of the race, but then crashed out, ending his day prematurely. Meanwhile, with all the action unfolding, Waters and Jones were locked in a fierce battle, with Jones looking set to make a move on Waters. On the final lap, at the second last turn, Jones up the inside of Waters to take the lead and secure the race one win. All Pirelli riders chose to use either the SC1 or SC2 front tyre, paired with either the SCX or SC0 rear.
Josh Waters (McMartin Racing) claimed a magnificent victory In race two.
Once again Josh Waters got a great start with the hole shot for race two. Herfoss in to second and Jones in third. Jones was hot on Herfoss’ tail looking to make the pass early on. Unfortunately, Tom Toparis (Stop & Seal) came off his bike triggering a red flag due to fluids possibly being on the track. Once racing was ready to resume it was announced that the race would be reduced to seven laps, a sprint style like race. On the restart it was Waters who got another magnificent start and lead the pack into turn one. Sissis in second and Herfoss in third, with Jones battling him for that position.
Jones made it clear he wasn’t interested in sitting behind Herfoss and started making inside passing attempts but couldn’t quite make any of them stick. Herfoss was able to get past Sissis to slide in to second. Jones then made a move on Sissis and went ahead in to third. It was now time for Jones to chase down the two Ducati’s ahead of him. On the final turn of the last lap, Jones was able to get up the inside of Herfoss and cross the finish line in second place while Waters secured the win bringing him closer to that champions trophy. All podium riders selected the Pirelli SC1 or SC2 front tyre and either the SCX or SC0 rear.
It all came down to this: race three. Who would be crowned the first 4x Superbike Champion? Waters appeared set to claim the title, but the race wasn’t over until the final chequered flag flew. The answer would come in just 11 laps. The red lights went out, and we were racing for the final time in 2024. As in the previous two races, Waters made a lightning-fast start and led the pack into the first turn. Jones was right on his tail, with Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati) getting a strong run to move into third. The worst-case scenario played out as Jones went down at turn 13. Waters felt his rear wheel being tapped, looked back over his shoulder, and saw what had just unfolded. The championship was his; regardless of how the race played out, he was going to be crowned the first 4x Superbike Champion.
The two DesmoSport Ducati riders were closing in on Waters’ tail. Pearson had taken the lead, with Herfoss in second and Waters now back in third. There was no doubt Waters was determined to finish the race on the podium. On lap four, Herfoss took the lead from his teammate with an inside pass. He, too, wanted to end his weekend with a race win, as he was currently holding the number one plate. Once out in front, he broke away from the pack and settled into a rhythm. Waters had now passed Pearson, and so had Sissis. Waters and Sissis had started to make up some ground on Herfoss. As they entered turn one for the final time, Waters was right on Herfoss’ tail. Herfoss crossed the line victorious, winning the last race of the season while sporting the number 1 plate for the final time, as it would now be handed over to Waters, who finished second, and Sissis in third. All Pirelli riders chose to use either the SC1 or SC2 front tyre, with either the SCX or SC0 rear.
Josh Waters was crowned 2024 Australian Superbike Champion.
In the opening race for the Supersport, Simpson on pole led the pack into the first turn, ahead of McDonald and Jack Mahaffy (Stop & Seal). While Simpson led out front, McDonald and Mahaffy were closing in. On lap three, McDonald was in the lead, with Mahaffy moving into second and Simpson back to third. By lap six, Simpson had clawed his way back into second and looked set to stay there. On the final lap, McDonald took the win ahead of Simpson, with Mahaffy in third. The Pirelli riders opting to run either SC1 or SC2 front and A1128 and SCX rear tyres.
In race 2, Simpson led McDonald and Mahaffy, with the top three runners separated by mere inches. Mahaffy and Simpson traded positions several times throughout the race, but each time, Simpson would regain the lead at the next corner. It all came down to the last lap, and the battle between Simpson, McDonald, and Mahaffy continued. Simpson was pushed back to third, and then selected the wrong gear, allowing Tom Bramich (Carl Cox Motorsport) to slip into third. Teammates McDonald and Mahaffy continued to battle up front for the win, and the victory went to McDonald, with Mahaffy in second and Bramich in third. Unfortunately, Simpson had to settle for fourth. Nahlous secured the Championship in race two. The Pirelli riders chosing to run either SC1 or SC2 front and A1128 and SCX rear tyres.
Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha) secured the top step of the 2024 Australian SuperSport Championship.
The third and final race of the weekend was underway, and there was no doubt many battles lay ahead. Simpson led McDonald and Mahaffy on lap one. On lap two, there was jostling for positions among the three front runners. Simpson was pushed back to third. The red flags were out after Jack Favelle (Favelle Enterprises) crashed at Turn 12. The race restart was underway, and this time McDonald led Simpson and Mahaffy into turn one. Simpson and McDonald battled it out, allowing Mahaffy to take the lead. Mahaffy put his head down and extended his lead to almost two seconds. While McDonald and Simpson continued to battle for second place, Mahaffy now had a comfortable three-second lead and would go on to take the win. Simpson managed to pass McDonald on the final turn, diving up the inside to claim second. Pirelli riders opting to run SC1 or SC2 front and A1128 or SCX rear in the warmer race conditions.
The 2024 Australian SuperSport 300 Champion – Josh Newman!
In the Supersport 300 Cameron Swain won all three races for the weekend along with pole. Josh Newman (Addicted to Track) secured the 2024 Championship in race two. Pirelli riders opting to run the SC1 tyre on the front and rear.
Valentino Knezovic took the win for the Australian R3 Cup.
Indian Motorcycle recently announced a limited edition 300-off 2024 version of its FTR 1200 model, inspired by its success in winning MotoAmerica’s Super Hooligan racing series in both 2022 and 2023, via the lead rider in its factory race team, Tyler O’Hara. We ride the racebike.
“This is the bike from which the new Super Hooligan streetbike is directly derived, making this an exclusive look at the background to its creation.” Alan rode Tyler O’Hara’s #1 plate bike at Chuckwalla Raceway, Southern California.
Tyler’s teammate Jeremy McWilliams finished second in the championship both years for a 1-2 Indian blitz of the points table. The new streetbike was created in collaboration with Indian’s longtime partner Roland Sands, who indeed created the Super Hooligans series, first on the dirt ovals, then from 2021 onwards in road racing. I was fortunate to be the only non-American in a small group of seven journalists invited to test ride O’Hara’s title-winning FTR racebike at a sunny but chilly Chuckwalla Raceway in Southern California. This is the bike from which the new Super Hooligan streetbike is directly derived, making this an exclusive look at the background to its creation.
The ongoing expansion of Super Hooligan racing makes this a series on the way up, with Harley’s Pan American ADV bike now in contention for the podium (it already finished third in one race last year) as well as the only category in which electric bikes compete on even terms with ICE motorcycles, with Energica’s Stefano Mesa fourth overall in the 2023 championship after finishing second in one of the rounds. Moreover, this year will see three-cylinder bikes up to 900cc in capacity from Yamaha, Triumph and MV Agusta join BMW, KTM, Indian, Energica, Zero and Harley in the class hosting more different brands on the grid than any other in US road racing.
Tyler O’Hara ripping a burnout on the racebike inspired Indian FTR x RSD Super Hooligan limited edition model…
Road racing in the USA at National level is currently enjoying a purple patch, with MotoAmerica’s stacked grids for a wide variety of contrasting classes delivering nail-bitingly close, handlebar-clashing, all-action competition – even between rival teammates! The result has been a sharp spike in racetrack attendance by paying spectators, as well as in logins by online race fans – and especially so now that the century-old warfare between Indian and Harley on dirt ovals has finally been transposed to what in America is still termed by many such followers as ‘pavement racing’.
Three-time Australian Superbike champion Troy Herfoss, 37, joining the same-aged O’Hara in the factory Indian team for both classes…
For this two-wheeled equivalent of NASCAR has sold heaps of seats at MotoAmerica events, something that would never have happened without the presence on the race card of the KOTB/King Of The Baggers class and its junior sidekick – well, in engine displacement terms, at least – SHNC/Super Hooligan National Championship racing. Between them, the two categories are generating hundreds of millions of online impressions every year, and on YouTube, together they’re fourth in terms of engagement behind Formula 1, MotoGP and NASCAR – they’re even ahead of Supercross!
Roland Sands with the Indian, ““I like the idea of racing things that were never meant to be raced,” says Roland, 49.”
Both categories were essentially the creation of the fusion king of Custom cool, former AMA 250GP road racing champion turned trend-setting designer Roland Sands. He’s justly acclaimed as the leading exponent of the crossover culture between choppers and racebikes which so many other designers have since picked up on, moving the two-wheeled Custom scene from a backstreet art form to a mainstream element of modern-day motorcycle culture, with bikes that steer and go and stop and handle better than OK in real world riding, besides being a blank canvas for designers to express themselves on.
Our ex staffer Rennie Scaysbrook (L) enjoying the podium with McWilliams, O’Hara and Andy DiBrino (KTM).
“I like the idea of racing things that were never meant to be raced,” says Roland, 49. “Baggers and Hooligans came at MotoAmerica from different directions, but I guess RSD [Roland Sands Design] was involved in making them both happen, from building early days Bagger racers back in 2020 as a kind of Covid peace dividend, to getting the Super Hooligans up and running. In fact, the whole Super Hooligan thing came long before that out of dirt track, when we’d put a 21-inch front tyre on a Harley Softtail, and go ride the s**t out of it at Costa Mesa Speedway’s dirt oval. This was the most fun that I have personally ever had on two wheels, still to this day! So since 2017 we’ve had a Super Hooligan National Championship dirt series, but then we took what was originally this kind of low brow flat track theme, and with Indian’s support we turned it into a road racing category for bikes that would never normally see the inside of a race track.”
So starting in 2022 with a four-round Super Hooligan National Championship that led to an eight-race series in 2023, the Mission Foods-sponsored series expands this coming season to 10 rounds of SHNC road racing at five events staged across the USA. The season kicks off in March on Daytona Speedway’s high bankings, before heading on to The Ridge in Washington State, Laguna Seca in California, then Mid-Ohio, ending with a grand finale in September at COTT/Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.
2024’s defending champion, Indian factory rider Tyler O’Hara, has won both the MotoAmerica Super Hooligan road race series run so far in 2022-23 on his S&S-tuned FTR, with former teammate and ex-GP great Jeremy McWilliams runner-up last year after the duo took lumps out of each other in the final turn at the COTA decider last September. Jezza has now decided that with his 60th birthday coming up on April 6th maybe it’s time to step back from full-time factory road racing.
Aussie Troy Herfoss (R) is making his debut with the team this week at Daytona! As we went to press, he was fastest.
But there’ll still be a major international element in both SHNC and KOTB racing this year, with reigning three-time Australian Superbike champion Troy Herfoss, 37, joining the same-aged O’Hara in the factory Indian team for both classes, and after winning the 2008 AMA Supermoto Championship, this particular Aussie is well versed in racing in the USA.
“The so-called FTR x RSD Super Hooligan just unveiled for 2024 is built on the Indian FTR R Carbon platform, and will be limited to only 300 units for global sale”. The FTR x RSD pictured at Bike Shed, where we recently hung out with AC!
Indian Motorcycle’s involvement as the SHNC series’ title sponsor has extended to not only winning two championship crowns with race developed versions of its FTR1200 60° V-twin hotrod, but to marking those victories by teaming up with RSD/Roland Sands Design to make a limited-edition Super Hooligan streetbike inspired by the run-what-ya-brung race series. The so-called FTR x RSD Super Hooligan just unveiled for 2024 is built on the Indian FTR R Carbon platform, and will be limited to only 300 units for global sale, 150 of them in the USA with prices starting at $28,995 AUD, and each bike bearing an individually numbered commemorative tank console.
It features fully adjustable Ohlins suspension with an upside-down 43mm fork and rear cantilever shock. Also included are twin 320mm Brembo front brakes, a four-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, and an Akrapovič silencer and heat shield, plus Gilles Tooling adjustable rear sets, oil cap, radiator cap, and bar-end weights. The bike features Black Metallic bodywork with Super Hooligan race graphics, a red frame with matching wheels with gold accents, and Indian Motorcycle Racing’s No.1 Championship logo on the front and side number plates. There are more logos from team sponsors on the rear seat cowl, and additional graphics for the radiator shroud, front fender, and front forks are available as options.
Check out the Indian FTR x RSD Super Hooligan Video
“Super Hooligan has always been about more than just racing,” says Roland Sands “It’s about pushing boundaries and having a blast riding motorcycles with your friends. Far from the full-fairing machines you normally see on the racetrack, a Super Hooligan bike has effortless attitude and a custom aesthetic, with an exposed powertrain. So when Indian Motorcycle approached us to co-design an Indian FTR for consumers, it was a natural fit and something we’re very excited to be a part of.”
Prices starting at $28,995 AUD, and each bike bearing an individually numbered commemorative tank console.
SHNC rules are deliberately kept vague, so as to open the class up to as wide a variety as possible of motorcycles that were never really meant to be raced, albeit may have sporty pretensions. They must use stock frames, have no bodywork and last season liquid-cooled bikes couldn’t weigh less than 397lb/180kg in the state they finished a race or qualifying, including all remaining liquids (350lb/159kg for air-cooled V-twins, which are also permitted to modify the frames). That’s now been lowered to 377lb/171kg for waterpumpers in 2023.
Minimum displacement is 750cc, there’s no upper limit, but maximum horsepower is 125bhp, and for added spice, electric motorcycles are also eligible with the same minimum weight limits as the liquid-cooled twins. Good luck in getting an e-bike to scale anywhere near that figure with sufficient battery capacity to be competitive at the end of even a seven-lap Laguna Seca race, let alone a six-lapper on the Daytona bankings! Now for 2024 to broaden the lineup even further, three-cylinder bikes with a maximum displacement of 900cc are also included. Welcome to Super Hooligan racing, Yamaha, MV Agusta and Triumph!
In fact, 2023 saw the lineup of bikes comprising the grid considerably more variegated than in 2022, with the so-far dominant Indian FTR’s supremacy now seriously threatened by the KTM 890, joined by the BMW RnineT, and various Ducati V-twin models. But a key player was the more competitive of the two electric motorcycles on the grid (a Zero was the other) – Stefano Mesa’s Italian Energica, which scored the first-ever e-podium in Open class racing against ICE rivals with second place in Race 1 at COTA, after McWilliams bit the dust in a last-corner confrontation with teammate O’Hara.
Mesa finished fourth in the final points table, while third overall with five rostrum finishes putting him just four points behind McWilliams at season’s end was Andy DiBrino on a self-sponsored KTM 890, with one of those a rare non-Indian race victory at The Ridge, when both O’Hara and McWilliams were disqualified for an illegal handlebar shape/height. Yes, really – Super Hooligan Technical Regulations state that “No clip-ons that have been converted to top-mounted handlebars are permitted. The end of the handlebar must sit above the top plane of the upper triple-clamp.”
Tyler O’Hara leads teammate Jeremy McWilliams flat-out on the FTRs. These things have some serious speed…
That protest was filed by H-D rider Cory West’s Team Saddlemen, entrant of the only Harley-Davidson on the grid, an eight-valve liquid-cooled Revolution Max-powered Pan America ADV which must adopt two velocity stacks and the more restrictive airbox of the Sportster S to keep a lid on its stock 150bhp output. “If there was one brand we wanted to add to the mix, it was Harley,” says series godfather Roland Sands. “Obviously, they bring a massive audience, and it’s also the one place where they can improve the Pan America platform in a serious way.
The only way to really expand what your platform is capable of is if you go racing, and we’re seeing that with Indian and the FTR, and on the Bagger side with Harley and the Road Glide, and Indian and the Challenger, and now Harley is trying to achieve than in Super Hooligan with the Pan America. Harley versus Indian, air-cooled versus water-cooled, electric versus ICE – I want to see all different styles of bikes racing together.” And that’s indeed what’s happening…..
Alan Cathcart on the FTR at Southern California’s 17-turn 2.68mi/4.31km Chuckwalla Raceway on the edge of the Mojave Desert in the middle of winter…
THE RIDE
For an idea of what Troy Herfoss can likely expect to find awaiting him in contesting a catch-all category that doesn’t exist outside America, I was given the keys of Tyler O’Hara’s title-winning Indian FTR for what was supposed to be just five laps of Southern California’s 17-turn 2.68mi/4.31km Chuckwalla Raceway on the edge of the Mojave Desert, where on a bitterly cold but sunny February day I was invited to be the only non-Yank in a small group of journos invited to sample the bike. But I guess the flagman must have got distracted, since he forgot to wave me off until I’d done seven laps on the factory racer. Look, every little bit helps!
“This was the first time I’d ever ridden one of these dirt track-derived Indian V-twins on a tarmac racetrack”…
That came after 10 laps on a stock Indian FTR Sport, equipped with a flyscreen, a chin fairing, and a seat cowl, as well as 17-inch wheels front and rear rather than the 19/18-inch combo the FTR debuted with five years ago in 2019. This was the first time I’d ever ridden one of these dirt track-derived Indian V-twins on a tarmac racetrack, and besides providing ideal training wheels to learn Chuckwalla’s fast but featureless twists and turns, it also reminded me how much fun these Indians are to ride in something approaching anger, even if the lower-set pegs will readily drag in turns thanks to the good grip from the Dunlop tyres. But the sportier steering geometry provided by the smaller wheels helps provide added agility, helped by the high, wide handlebar, while the stock FTR’s relatively long 60in/1524mm wheelbase delivers good stability
“As a 20-year veteran of ProTwins competition, this is my kind of motorcycle”…
The footrests will touch down because the FTR’s riding position is relatively spacious as befits an all-statures streetbike, but switching swiftly to the RSD-built S&S-tuned factory race version of the same bike revealed that the already shorter Tyler O’Hara likes a super close-coupled riding position which was quite cramped for me in measuring 180cm/5’10” tall. Plus the super-flat Pro Taper handlebar stipulated by O’Hara for his bike meant I had to reach forward to grasp it, thus lowering my torso for a more aerodynamic stance which nevertheless felt pretty uncomfortable.
Ironically, the one thing I’d have liked to help me stay in place under acceleration would have been a bum pad at the rear of the long, flat, raised Saddlemen seat that could have stopped me having to hold on so tight to that low, flat handlebar under the pretty vivid acceleration delivered by the tuned 1203cc 60° V-twin motor.
For swapping the stock FTR Sport for the SH racer had meant going from a sporty streetlegal café racer hotrod to a full race Battle of the Twins bike which, despite its nominal 125bhp power ceiling, would surely give a good account of itself locked in battle with many more potent twin-cylinder racers. As a 20-year veteran of ProTwins competition, this is my kind of motorcycle. The blueprinted engine is otherwise stock, apart from race camshafts and a less restrictive airbox for better breathing.
But there’s a freer-flowing under-engine race exhaust concocted by RSD and S&S Cycle that’s seemingly devoid of any silencing properties other than those that deliver increased performance, resulting in a stirring cacophony of the sound of thunder, interspersed with relatively frequent pistol-cracking backfires on the overrun under braking into a turn. Some other Indian Super Hooligans were fitted with a much quieter Italian-made SC-Project pipe with a large titanium silencer, but not the test bike, which appears to be even skinnier and minimalist when you ride it without the bulk of a silencer.
Despite its tendency to run on into turns after you’ve closed the throttle, you soon come to terms with the backfiring, which is presumably caused by unburnt fuel in the combustion chamber on a motor too rich for ambient desert conditions. But on the other side of a given turn the motor’s huge eagerness to rev made it seem unlikely that the crank hasn’t been lightened compared to the stock FTR Sport I’d just been riding.
“Compared to its street-legal cousin, the Hooligan racer had a much more vivid pickup from a closed throttle”…
Which it hadn’t – but the free-breathing motor with a single injector per cylinder and twin 60mm Mikuni throttle-bodies makes the most of the extra hit of top end power seemingly delivered via the race cams to broaden the strongest part of the powerband, and the way Lloydz Garage has reflashed the stock Polaris ECU has surely also helped with this. It was all sufficient to propel Jeremy McWilliams on an identical bike through the Daytona speed trap at 166 mph/267km/h last year – some going for an unfaired 1203cc V-twin, and a strictly subversive turn of speed for a bike that was never conceived as being a road racer.
“It was all sufficient to propel Jeremy McWilliams on an identical bike through the Daytona speed trap at 166 mph/267km/h last year”.
Yet that hasn’t been achieved at the cost of sacrificing the Indian motor’s wide spread of torque, which made it a forgiving ride as I completed my Chuckwalla learning cycle. It pulled well from as low as 3,000 revs before coming on strong at 7,000rpm in a punchy way which the standard FTR Sport hadn’t done nearly as emphatically, before hitting the soft-action rev-limiter at 9,500rpm.
Keeping it revving that high was easily done via the stock six-speed gearbox whose ratios suit the bike well – although the two-way IRC race-pattern powershifter was a disappointment, with a harsh change that needed refinement, plus the actual lever itself had a sort of kink in it which prevented me getting at the pedal, so I had to shift gear on the kink. Easily fixed if it were my bike, I’m sure. But compared to its street-legal cousin, the Hooligan racer had a much more vivid pickup from a closed throttle, sending the front wheel in the air exiting Chuckwalla’s slower turns in second gear – all accompanied by the raucous racket from that under-motor exhaust.
“That nimble yet stable steering was aided by the reduced rotational inertia and unsprung mass of the twin lightweight Dymag UP7X forged aluminium wheels”.
In compliance with SHNC rules, Indian has retained the stock FTR’s main frame and swingarm plates, but has fitted a 75mm shorter RSD-designed Trac Dynamics chrome-moly swingarm to reduce the wheelbase to 1450mm in pursuit of more agile handling. Coupled with the unchanged stock 25.7-degree head angle with a special set of triple-clamps delivering what bike-builder Roland Sands confirmed was 121mm of trail, that nimble yet stable steering was aided by the reduced rotational inertia and unsprung mass of the twin lightweight Dymag UP7X forged aluminium wheels which the Super Hooligan racer carries.
The rear wheel is a relatively narrow 5.50in item bearing a 180/60-17 Dunlop KR441 slick, so it’s not over-tyred at the rear, a common fault among those who think bigger is best, but don’t consider the reduced drag a fatter rear tyre brings in its wake, reducing top speed and also making it harder to shift the bike from side to side. That absolutely wasn’t a problem with the Indian Hooligan, which made nifty work of Chuckwalla’s tighter turns, thanks partly to the handlebar which even in fully legal form delivered a welcome degree of leverage in changing direction. It’s even sweeter-steering and sharper-handling than the FTR Sport streetbike.
The Trac Dynamics chrome-moly swingarm to reduce the wheelbase to 1450mm in pursuit of more agile handling.
Having moved weight rearwards via the shorter swingarm and the larger RSD aluminium fuel cell extending rearwards under the seat after Tyler O’Hara ran out of gas at Daytona in 2022, Indian had made every effort to increase front-end weight bias, from lengthening the cantilever Ohlins rear shock by 20mm to lifting the rider further up via the raised Saddlemen seat. This also provided extra clearance when cornering at extreme lean angles.
Weighing 429lb/196kg with oil/water, no fuel and bereft of street equipment, the Indian racer is about 90lb/40kg lighter than the FTR Sport.
But even with fully adjustable Ohlins front suspension that’s supposedly sourced from the FTR R Carbon version of the model – though I’m sure the fork legs had heavily modified full-race internals – there was pronounced front-end chatter from the Indian racer at full lean in a couple of Chuckwalla’s faster turns. Unfortunately, with just seven laps allocated to me I couldn’t begin to try to resolve that, but for sure Messrs. O’Hara and McWilliams didn’t race the bike like that – though I’m sure they didn’t have to cope with the backfire, either. It would have been nice to have more time to spend getting the fuelling and suspension set up ideally on a bike that by winning seven of the eight 2023 Super Hooligan championship rounds was amply demonstrated to be the class paragon.
“Indian has delivered a contradiction in terms – a well-behaved Hooligan of a motorcycle, that’s a thrilling real world ride”.
No complaints about the Indian’s braking, though, and there was much less weight transfer than on the stock FTR Sport under the super stopping power provided by the Brembo brake package, via twin 320mm steel discs with four-piston Stylema M4 Monoblock radial calipers, a Corsa Corta 17mm master cylinder and custom Spiegler metal brake lines. Braking hard for the tight second-gear hillside chicane while leaned over to the left saw the Indian hold a tight line leading into the crest-top entry, and it was forgiving, too, without insisting on sitting up and heading for Mexico if I miscalculated my entry speed when cranked over for a fast sweeper, and touched the front brake lever to lose a little momentum.
“The 300 owners of the streetlegal replicas of this racer have a treat in store”…
Weighing 429lb/196kg with oil/water, no fuel and bereft of street equipment, the Indian racer is about 90lb/40kg lighter than the FTR Sport, so there’s that much less to stop. But the way the Brembo package delivers such ferocious but usable stopping power is totally addictive – and effective. As indeed is the whole motorcycle. Indian has delivered a contradiction in terms – a well-behaved Hooligan of a motorcycle, that’s a thrilling real world ride. The 300 owners of the streetlegal replicas of this racer have a treat in store.
INDIAN FTR SUPER HOOLIGAN SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Liquid-cooled 60º four-stroke liquid-cooled DOHC, four-valve per cylinder V-Twin, gear driven counterbalaner, 102 x 73.6mm bore x stroke, 12.5:1 compression, 1203cc (73ci), closed loop EFI with stock Polaris ECU reflashed by Lloydz Garage, single injector per cylinder, 2 x 60mm Mikuni throttle-bodies, six-speed gearbox with gear primary drive, wet multiplate slipper clutch.
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We spent Friday last week at Sydney Motorsport Park with Steve Brouggy and his team at MEGA helping celebrate 30 years in business, which we will publish a feature on ASAP. One of the highlights of the day was testing the BMW M 1000 RR. Check out our on board lap…
With further development of the M RR, BMW Motorrad has set a new milestone in the field of superbikes homologated for racing. The new M RR is powered by the familiar water-cooled inline 4-cylinder engine designed for racing purposes, especially the Superbike World Championship.
All-new aerodynamic package with newly designed fairing made of exposed visible carbon fibre and revised winglets.
As before, its peak output is 156kW@14,500rpm. The chassis of the new M RR also relies on the aluminium bridge frame as its centrepiece, supplemented by an upside-down fork and central suspension strut with Full Floater Pro kinematics.
The new M 1000 RR is offered in two versions: the M RR basic variant in the basic paint finish Lightwhite non-metallic and the M RR M Competition in the basic paint finish Blackstorm metallic.
The increased potential of the new M RR results above all from the colossal advancement in the critical area of aerodynamics. In particular, a newly designed fairing made of exposed visible carbon fibre with a higher windscreen increases the top speed significantly in conjunction with optimised airflow around the rider. For the first time, this fairing also comes with a particularly light yet rigid front fairing support made of carbon fibre.
The top speed of the new M RR has increased from 306 to 314km/h compared with the previous model. In the course of aerodynamic development, the M winglets were also completely revised. They now generate significantly more aerodynamic downforce, both in an upright riding position and when banking. The rider gains even more confidence with regard to the front wheel to achieve even greater lean angles or higher cornering speeds while also benefiting from a reduced wheelie tendency.
All-new aerodynamic package with newly designed fairing made of exposed visible carbon fibre and revised winglets.
All-new aerodynamic package with newly designed fairing made of exposed visible carbon fibre and revised winglets.
Another central point in optimising the entire aerodynamics was the area of the front wheel. Here, for the first time in the history of BMW Motorrad, brake cooling air ducts made of visible carbon fibre are used. They are integrated into the new front mudguard, which has been optimised for improved airflow around the fork legs and brake callipers.
The M Aero Wheel Covers – also made of visible carbon fibre – lower air resistance even further, especially at speeds above 250km/h. The M Aero Wheel Covers are reserved for the M RR M Competition variant.
New M Carbon wheels stand out on the new M RR thanks to their new clear lacquer coat. New tapes in M design on the wheel rims underline the high-grade technical character and the racing claim of the new M RR. As an alternative to the M Carbon wheels, the new M RR can now also be ordered with forged wheels ex works.
A newly designed rear section makes the current M RR look even lighter, sportier and more dynamic. The short number plate holder and the ergonomically designed M Endurance seat also represent new features. Thanks to a modified wiring harness with LWS connector, the now shorter number plate holder with light units can be dismantled even faster and more easily.
All-new aerodynamic package with newly designed fairing made of exposed visible carbon fibre and revised winglets.
Highlights of the new BMW M RR and M RR M Competition
M RR 4-cylinder developed for racing purposes
Output of 156kW (212hp) at 14,500rpm and maximum torque of 113Nm at 11,000 rpm
2-ring forged pistons
Fully CNC machined intake ports and BMW ShiftCam technology to vary valve timing and lift
Titanium valves, optimised camshafts and narrow and lightweight cam followers
Longer and 85g lighter Pankl titanium connecting rods for reduced friction and weight compared with S 1000 RR
Anti-hopping clutch without self-boosting (optimised for race starts)
Enhanced intake system with shorter intake funnels compared with the S 1000 RR for optimised charge exchange at high engine speeds
Lightweight exhaust system with titanium manifold, front silencer and rear silencer
NEW: Drastically optimised aerodynamics with more downforce even at lean angles, while at the same time increasing top speed from 306 to 314km/h
NEW: New fairing in visible carbon fibre with new fairing front carrier made of carbon fibre and new visible carbon fibre M winglets
NEW: New visible carbon fibre front mudguard with integrated brake ducts
NEW: M Aero Wheel Covers made from visible carbon fibre
NEW: M Carbon wheels with new surface and M Design Tapes
NEW: Forged wheels optionally available ex works
NEW: Redesigned rear section
NEW: Ergonomic M Endurance seat
NEW: Short number plate holder
NEW: Modified wiring harness with LWS connector for even easier removal of number plate holder with light units
Riding modes “Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic”, “Race” and “Race Pro1-3” as well as the latest generation of Dynamic Traction Control DTC and DTC wheelie function with 6-axis sensor box
Two adjustable throttle characteristics available for optimum response
“Engine Brake” with triple adjustability of engine drag torque in “Race Pro” mode
Shift Assistant Pro for fast upshifts and downshifts without using the clutch
Launch Control for perfect race starts and Pit Lane Limiter for keeping to the given speed precisely in the pit lane
Hill Start Control Pro for comfortably starting off on inclines
M Brakes: Maximum braking performance on the racetrack
Instrument cluster with large, perfectly readable 6.5-inch TFT display, start-up animation with M logo and OBD interface for M GPS Datalogger and M GPS Laptrigger
Lightweight M battery, rear USB charging socket, powerful LED light units, electronic cruise control and heated grips
M Competition package with M GPS Laptrigger and activation code, M milled parts package, M Carbon package, natural anodised swinging arm 220g lighter than the basic variant or that of the S 1000 RR, DLC-coated M Endurance chain and pillion package including hump cover
Aussies Racing Abroad | With our Aussies showcasing their skills overseas on-track and off-road, this column focuses on how they’re faring battling it out with the best in their chosen classes. Aussies racing from MotoGP to AMA Motocross and more… By Ed Stratmann
On-Track
Jack Miller – MotoGP
There have been many positives to be extracted from Jack Miller’s October. To start with the Japanese Grand Prix, and his eighth in the Sprint gave him a nice boost for the race, where, despite starting from 14th, he quickly powered into the top five. While he eventually dropped back to claim 10th, there was no doubting he made some steps in the right direction in terms of the bike especially, which gave him some vital momentum ahead of his home round.
While his Phillip Island didn’t get off to an ideal start, with a high-speed crash on Friday and a seagull getting stuck in his bike during the Sprint scuppering him, he turned things around admirably on Sunday. Having shown good pace in spite of the aforementioned setbacks, the popular Aussie got a flying start before tangling with Alex Marquez, which dropped him to the back of the field. To his credit, however, he fought his way back to valiantly finish 11th.
“I got a mega jump on the inside, I would have nearly been top six into Turn, 1 but Alex Marquez turned in on me and then we were hooked and went to last position. I fought my way back, but with three to go the front went and then you had to start relying on the rear to bring her round. I was doing what I could to battle with those boys, but couldn’t do much more. The pace was decent, but it would have been nice to have built on that start,” he reflected.
Senna Agius – Moto2
Senna Agius produced a statement performance on home soil to secure a sensational first Moto2 podium at Phillip Island. Although the best he could muster was 13th in qualifying, he didn’t let this worry him, for the LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP speedster quickly blasted into the top 10 in the main bout. Not content with that, Agius kept pushing, quickly surging into fourth. Immediately setting his sights on Alonso Lopez in third, a touch of fortune then came his way courtesy of the Spaniard crashing two laps from the end to hand Agius a memorable third.
“I’m still searching for words, it’s still unbelievable what happened today. The race was so long. I was hoping the last five laps would be gone quickly because I wanted to make it. And we did. I’m so happy and proud. All the efforts the team has put in over the last few races has paid off,”he explained.
“We are rookies this year and my first podium in a home race is obviously something I will never forget. I’m really grateful for everything because I had a fantastic bike today. After yesterday, when we finished P13 in qualifying, but could have done a lot better, I went to bed with a bit of a sour taste. But I knew that a lot was possible today with a good start, which was really good. I was able to fight and find my rhythm, and now I’m standing here. I can’t wait to see my family, celebrate and just enjoy the rest of this great day. Thanks to the team for the hard work they put in every time.”
Jacob Roulstone – Moto3
Jacob Roulstone earned a solid 13th at Phillip Island to mark his first home GP. Qualifying 13th in the challenging conditions at the Island, the youngster was satisfied with this ahead of the big dance on Sunday. Launching off the line to scorch into 11th, he swiftly found his rhythm and clicked off the laps with consistency. Engaging in plenty of fierce tussles throughout and making it as high as 10th, a slight drop off in the closing stages saw him settle for 13th.
“It was very special to race for the first time at home! I loved all of it, and it was nice seeing some flags with my logo around the track! I felt very good today in the race, although we struggled a bit at the start to pass some riders, but then we settled with the leading group, and we managed to stay with them, which I am happy with. We finally scored some points after some difficult rounds. Well done to my grandmother for holding the umbrella for me, it was very special to have her near me on the grid for my first home GP,”he insisted.
Joel Kelso – Moto3
Another of the Aussies leading the charge at the Island was Moto3 hotshot Joel Kelso, who was looking for an improved outing following his crash at Motegi. Banking seventh on the grid, he put himself in a strong position for a quality result on Sunday. But a frustrating early incident meant he slipped back to 17th. Kelso quickly put his head down, though, mounting an eye-catching fightback to ultimately bag 11th, in a race where he was left to ponder what could have been if circumstances hadn’t conspired against him.
“Bittersweet home GP. Well, what a rollercoaster of emotions this weekend. We started off the race so well, but just got hung out to dry at the wrong time. I tried to fight my way back from 17th, but just ran out of time. 11th isn’t what I dreamed of when I went to sleep last night, but it will only light the fire in my belly even more. Thank you to every single fan who supported me today. It was truly amazing seeing you all throughout the weekend,”he remarked.
Remy Gardner – World Superbike
Even though Remy Gardner’s season ended in Estoril with him fracturing his wrist after a crash, there was one positive to close out his term, as it was announced he’s re-signed with GYTR GRT Yamaha for 2025.
“I am happy to be staying for another year with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK team. 2024 has been a bit mixed, but overall, there are a lot of positives including my first podium in WorldSBK at Assen,”Gardner stated. “I’m still hungry for more and hopefully we can build on some of the steps we’ve made this year to be fighting at the front more consistently with another year under our belt in WorldSBK with the R1.”
Ready to build on the highlights from his 2024 and with the full faith of his team, watching what the former Moto2 champion can achieve in 2025 will be fascinating.
Oli Bayliss and Tom Edwards – World Supersport
It was a difficult close to the season for Australian D34G Racing riders Oli Bayliss and Tom Edwards, with untimely crashes in the races ensuring both were unable to finish on a high note. Some encouragement could, however, be gained from how Bayliss was fourth in Saturday warm up and had top 10 speed at various points in the weekend and from Edwards’ pace early in the round.
Team manager, Davide Giugliano, spoke insightfully on the pair’s displays, stating: “It was a strange weekend. Oli showed excellent speed and growth across Friday and Saturday, setting the fourth quickest lap time in the warm up on Saturday morning. We couldn’t capitalise in the race and I believe Oli is more affected than other riders when it comes to changes in track and climate conditions. In any case, it’s pleasant to see the progress in terms of pure performance, which are the result of the incredible work done once again by the team. I’m happy that we keep building in the right direction and this obviously gives us great confidence for the future.
“About Tom, his confidence was affected by the recent crashes and I understand him. He didn’t manage to end the racing year on a high and obviously there’s a little bit of regret about it, as we led the WorldSSP Challenge up until two races ago, but we ended up missing out on the opportunity. He battled with a very experienced rider and he did well, showing his and the team’s value. We got to the end of the season and the expectations of leaving Jerez with a smile were there, but it turned out to be only a half-smile even though we’re aware of our speed. I’d like to thank the team for their work this year and for their professionalism, our sponsors for helping us in this wonderful season and the fans.”
Jason O’Halloran – British Superbike
Experienced BSB maestro Jason O’Halloran opted to end his campaign one round early, with him deciding to undergo surgery on his shoulder that was damaged following his spill at Donington. The completion of the 2024 term also signalled the end of his full-time BSB racing career, with the “O Show” set to announce some exciting future plans.
“That’s a wrap on my 2024 season. I will undergo surgery to my right shoulder on Wednesday, after injuries sustained when I was unfortunately caught up in a crash at Donington. That’s not the way I wanted to end my season or my full-time career in BSB. I want to thank you all for the huge amount of support I have had over the years. I fell in love with British Superbikes a long time ago and I’m glad I got to share a huge part of my life with you all. I have some exciting plans for 2025, which I will be able to share with you soon,”he announced.
Having competed for over a decade in the series, featured in 278 races, bagged 28 race wins and logged 75 podiums, he’s been a real star of the championship over the years.
Josh Brookes – British Superbike
Josh Brookes signed off on his 2024 crusade by registering some classy results at Brands Hatch. In a campaign where he and the team have mixed the highs and lows, Brookes set the tone for a superb weekend by grabbing a front row grid spot. He then embarked on a consistent three races, where he claimed seventh, fifth and sixth place finishes aboard his FHO Racing BMW to see him clinch eighth in the standings.
“We finished the weekend a bit more positive than the rest of the year. I took my best result of the season, and we’ve again been a lot closer to the front group, so we’ve really continued making progress from previous rounds,”he commented.
“We found a setting for the bike, meaning I can ride it in the rain, which is something we’ve not been able to do for the last two years. When it was raining before it was very uncomfortable and I wasn’t fast, but this weekend we were in the top five, so I’m feeling comfortable again. We made a step forward this season, sadly it was a little late as we’re now at the end of the year, but the guys worked so hard to make improvements, which started to show as the season progressed. It’s been a super tough year, at times, but now we look forward to seeing what the winter brings and of course the Macau Grand Prix, which is our main focus now.”
Troy Herfoss – King of the Baggers
Troy Herfoss claimed the King of the Baggers title with a clutch victory at the finale in New Jersey. Getting the job done in fine style to claim his seventh win of the season, this ensured he reigned supreme by 11 points.
“This win is a testament to the hard work and dedication from the entire Indian Motorcycle and S&S Cycle factory team,” said Herfoss, who enjoyed a tremendous rookie term in the championship.
“The Indian Challenger is a phenomenal machine, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this team and have the opportunity to learn from my teammate, Tyler O’Hara, who’s been an incredible supporter helping this team reach its goal of reclaiming the King of the Baggers crown. Stepping into this series has been a remarkable journey. Every race has been a learning experience, and the level of competition was incredibly high. I’ve had to adapt quickly, but it’s been exhilarating to compete against such talented riders. Standing on that podium and celebrating this championship with my team is a testament to our commitment and nothing short of a dream come true.”
Having proven his class throughout, adjusted to the bike masterfully and settled in brilliantly within the team’s framework, the 37-year-old yet again underlined what a talented, multifaceted operator he is.
Off-Road
Australia – Winning the 2024 Motocross of Nations – Jett Lawrence – Hunter Lawrence – Kyle Webster. Hunter Lawrence, Jett Lawrence and Kyle Webster rose to the occasion emphatically, as they propelled Australia to their first-ever MXoN victory. Flexing their muscles on the grand stage against the best in the world at the iconic Matterley Basin track, it was a magical day for the talented trio and all associated with Team Australia, as all three riders did their nation proud to cement their names in the history books. “What an incredible race, and what an incredible result,” said Honda HRC Progressive Manager Lars Lindstrom, who was a key figure in Team Australia’s setup.
“The Lawrence family continues to put together a long list of remarkable accomplishments, and this one puts an exclamation point on what was already an unbelievable year. I also want to recognise Kyle Webster, with whom we worked closely over the past month or so. We also collaborated very well with Motorcycling Australia, as well as Honda Australia and Honda Europe, and I think those relationships were a big part of our success. Now it’s time for a short, well-deserved break before we start ramping up for the 2025 season.”
Beating the USA and the Netherlands following a thrilling final moto, all eyes will now turn to Ironman in 2025, where the Aussies will be eager to defend their hard-earned title.
MotoGP Round 19 | Bagnaia defeats Martin in an all-timer classic. The greatest battle ever? The title fight rolls on as Francesco Bagnaia defeated Jorge Martin in an all-timer at Sepang, while Joel Kelso edges closer to a win. It was a wild ride, and a hot one for Honda in Moto3! Report: Ed Stratmann/MotoGP
Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying MotoGP
0.050s split Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) after Day 1 of the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia. That did nicely for the neutrals in the stands ahead of what would be a sensational weekend. The rematch rivals went head-to-head on Friday afternoon and it was the reigning World Champion who bagged the perfect day on paper, as the points leader suffered a small crash late in the day. Meanwhile, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) completed the top three as the Italian lapped just under two tenths slower than teammate Bagnaia. And remember, he said he wouldn’t help.
The greatest Q2 ever? It has to be in the mix. The rematch was turned up to full power on Saturday morning at Sepang as Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) treated us to a qualifying battle for the ages – and it was the reigning World Champion who came out on top.
Pecco’s phenomenal 1:56.337 in the closing stages saw the #1 beat Martin’s magnificent 1:56.553 to clinch a crucial PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia pole position, as the title-chasing duo were primed to launch from P1 and P2 for the Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix race this weekend. Last year’s Sprint winner and Sunday podium finisher, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), joined Bagnaia and Martin on the front row for Chapter 19 of 2024.
Moto2
Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2™) headed into Saturday’s Sepang Moto2™ running as the benchmark after the Spaniard slotted home a 2:05.576 to finish a healthy 0.333s clear of second place Filip Salač (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team). 0.035s further back in third was rookie Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) who set an impressive pace on his first outing in the class in Malaysia.
Free Practice pacesetter, Jake Dixon (CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team), ended Friday in P4 but the Briton’s day was hampered by a huge final corner highside in the afternoon session. Newly crowned World Champion, Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI), rounded out Friday’s top five in Malaysia.
A replacement rider pinching pole position doesn’t happen very often – but it did at Sepang! A brilliant all-time lap record in Sepang from Jorge Navarro (OnlyFans American Racing Team) saw the Spaniard claim a Saturday afternoon P1, as OnlyFans American Racing Team celebrated a Q2 1-2 as Marcos Ramirez secured a P2 start. A late flying lap from Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) saw the Italian grab a front row start for Sunday’s encounter.
Moto3
David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), once again, was the Moto3™ rider to beat in Sepang after the 2024 World Champion set a late PB time to top Practice 1. The Colombian’s 2:11.241 was 0.216s quicker than second place Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), with Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) just under half a second adrift of Alonso in P3.
Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) made it two Japanese riders in the top four, with silver medal-chasing Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) completing the fastest five on Day 1. The Dutch star was 0.560s down on Alonso’s best lap.
Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) stole the Q2 show in Sepang after the Spaniard left it late to land a sensational all-time lap record – a 2:09.542 – and a debut Grand Prix pole. That time saw pole position snatched from Ivan Ortola’s (MT Helmets – MSI) grasp as the #48 settled for P2, while World Champion David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) lined up on the outside of the front row in third.
Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) spearheaded the second row of the grid, with the Japanese rider joined on Row 2 by Q1 graduate Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) and SIC58 Squadra Corse’s Luca Lunetta.
Full Friday practice results and Sat Qualifying results here…
Saturday Tissot Sprint
The Tissot Sprint at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia was always going to be pivotal. How pivotal was to be decided over 10 laps of technical racetrack shared by 22 riders in the searing heat, two of whom were fighting it out to be crowned 2024 Champion.
In the dance of risk and reward, points leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) took off at the front to lay down the gauntlet. And as he so rarely has when under pressure, reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) took just that tiny bit too much risk as he slid out from second. Behind that drama, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) came home second after keeping Martin honest following Bagnaia’s crash, with Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) completing the podium.
The tension rose even more following a brief spattering of raindrops, but as the grid roared off, the track was dry and Martin got the jump from second on the grid, nabbing the inside as Bagnaia hung it round the outside. But the #1 had to concede into Turn 2 and they shot off at the front together as the shuffle settled, with Marc Marquez for close company.
Just behind, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) had dropped back from the front row and was squabbling with Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) for fifth, with Bastianini having leapfrogged them into fourth. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) was soon up into that mix too, off the mark quick and with the speed to go with it.
Meanwhile, at the front, the leading trio pounded on. Martin was setting some serious space, with the #1 and #93 in hot pursuit. And then it happened – the moment that may have decided the 2024 MotoGP™ World Championship. Or certainly one of them. As Martin pushed on, Bagnaia had no choice but to push just as hard – with a 17-point deficit on the way into the Sprint. That then suddenly became a potential 29 as the reigning Champion slid out in one of the lowest speed, highest stakes crashes in recent memory. Rider ok, but Bagnaia was forced to watch on as Martin kept Marquez at bay at the front, likely cheering for the #93 for the first time in his life.
Martin did keep him at bay, however, never letting the Gresini machine really home in over the seven laps between him and that 29-point advantage. The #89 kept it calm to cross the line with just under a second in hand, setting up his first ever outright Championship point in MotoGP™. Marc Marquez took second, keeping some pressure on but not able to really cut that lead.
Bastianini’s quick start and good pace rewarded him with third after he proved able to pull away from Alex Marquez, with the #73 taking P4. Just behind him came Quartararo after a stunning Saturday afternoon for El Diablo, taking his and Yamaha’s best result of the season in a Sprint or GP, equalling the P5 from Jerez on Saturday.
“As soon as I saw Pecco crash, I just controlled the gap. Marc was catching so I had to be really precise, it was easy to make a mistake today, Tomorrow will be super similar, so head down. Nothing to celebrate today, tomorrow is an important day,”Martin reflected.
On Sunday, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) headed out to keep his World Championship hopes alive with a win at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia, and he did just that. It was a sensational ride from the #1, who put the hammer down after a breathtaking battle with Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) in the opening laps that will go down in history as one of the best duels the sport has ever seen. From there it was a cat and mouse to the finish, with Bagnaia finding enough to keep Martin at bay and reduce the gap to 24 points by the flag. And remember, the maximum score per weekend is now 37.
Behind them, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) was able to grab the final spot on the podium in a crucial day for “The Beast”, who moved a step closer as he continues his fight for third position in the Championship against the very same Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) who crashed out from third after getting a box office seat for the duel at the front.
Once the lights went out, it was a good launch from Bagnaia but he was near side-by-side with Martin on the charge into Turn 1. However, a crash at Turn 2 involving Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) would bring out the red flag and reset the tense showdown once again before a lap was complete. Miller was taken for checks and deemed fit, Quartararo and Binder walked away, but the South African pulled in before the restart.
After that shot of adrenaline, the lights went out again, with Bagnaia making an incredible launch on take two, catapulting into the lead on the run to Turn 1. Martin was forced to slot into second, with Marc Marquez battling into the podium places on Lap 1. As soon as was possible at the head of the field though, it was gloves off. Martin made his first move on the opening lap, with Bagnaia instantly responding as the title fight kicked into another gear. Game on.
Bagnaia and Martin continued to lock horns, trading places and trading blows in the opening stages of a spectacular Malaysian GP. The tension was high as the lead continued to swap hands at every opportunity, with just inches separating them on the circuit. Paint was exchanged between the title rivals in the opening stages including one near bash on the straight, and with Marc Marquez watching on from behind in third place.
It was a true spectacle, with the two title contenders absolutely going at it… and still able to somehow pull a gap on those behind. By Lap 5 though, Bagnaia had made it stick and a small mistake from Martin saw a sliver of breathing space become the fastest lap from the #1 as he got the hammer down. Now it became a battle of a different kind.
Some more drama then hit near the front, as the eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez slid out, rejoining down the order. That left Bastianini in third as he’d pulled away from the group on the chase but not homed in on the front battle. Behind, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was fending off Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) for P4, and Quartararo wasn’t far off them either.
And then. After it could have seemed a foregone conclusion at the front, the gap suddenly started to come down. From over two seconds it disappeared in a tenth here and a tenth there, with Bagnaia either struggling or teasing. Just as it got below 1.5s, however, the #89 made a crucial mistake at Turn 9 – dropping a further eight-tenths behind. The possibility had proven strong but Martin didn’t falter with the temptation as much as Bagnaia may have been hoping, forced to settle for second but seemingly content to do so as his points advantage remains sizeable.
At the front, Bagnaia didn’t falter either, crossing the line to win by 3.141s on a critical day in the 2024 MotoGP™ World Championship. The Italian’s victory sees the rematch to roll on after defeating Martin in Malaysia, and after the duo served up a true, true all-time great duel.
Bastianini made one error to halt what seemed like it could be a possible charge, wide at the final corner, but kept it on the road thereafter to take that third place. Behind, Alex Marquez claimed fourth, with the #73 continuing to defend from Acosta in the closing stages of the Grand Prix. 1.469s separated the duo at the line as Quartararo heroically finished inside the top six after a stunning ride from the Frenchman on the restart, taking his and Yamaha’s best GP result of the season so far. After Bagnaia was able to keep his title hopes in reach this weekend, it leaves everything to be decided at the finale!
“Managing the heat was the easiest part today,”said Bagnaia. “Jorge was very aggressive and he knew he had to let me behind, but our pace was too good. Like always in the race on Sunday I can attack, I can be more and more aggressive. We just need to understand why on Saturdays I’m struggling to do the same. It’s the 10th victory of the season and we are doing an incredible job. I just have to improve a bit on Saturdays.”
Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) emerged victorious at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia, with the Italian securing an incredible win after looking unstoppable on Sunday. Vietti took glory by 1.486s, crossing the line in P1 ahead of Jorge Navarro (OnlyFans American Racing Team), who capped off a wonderful weekend as he continued to impress while substituting for the injured Joe Roberts. Navarro took second ahead of Izan Guevara, who took a late podium for the CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team as he capitalised on an error from teammate Jake Dixon heading into the final lap.
As the lights went out, Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) made an incredible start, marauding into P1 on the run to Turn 1. However, Vietti then made a key move, snatching the lead at Turn 1, with OnlyFans American Racing Team’s Ramirez and Navarro in pursuit. Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) also began to work hard at the start, charging into P2 and demoting Ramirez to third.
Ramirez would not wait long to respond, beginning to duel with Ogura before making the move stick at the end of Lap 1. Meanwhile, Vietti put down the hammer, stretching his gap to over one second in a stunning display. It was an unbelievable pace from Vietti, a rhythm which pushed the Italian to the limit as he made a mistake at Turn 1.
Vietti’s lead was now diminished, with Ramirez glued to his rear tyre as Ogura and Navarro began to duel. Navarro made the move stick on Lap 7, demoting Ogura to third as he aimed to claim his first podium since 2022. The #9’s charge did not stop there as he slid past Ramirez on Lap 9. Then, he soon turned his focus to leader Vietti.
The battle for the final spot on the podium continued, with Ogura responding on Lap 10 and snatching third position. However, the #79 was stopped in his tracks on Lap 11 as a bike issue caused the World Champion to end his race early. Once Dixon entered P3, the #96 began to extend his margin to half a second over Ramirez. Meanwhile, Navarro lost ground to Vietti at the front, as the #13 regained composure and extended his lead to one second.
Further back, Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) continued his recovery ride from P13 on the grid, carving his way to ninth. Canet soon found his way through on Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2™) as he took eighth and set his sights on Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in P7. On the final lap, nobody could match Vietti’s relentless pace, allowing the Italian to clinch his third victory of the season after defeating Navarro. It was a stunning ride for the #9 to bag second place while Guevara took the final spot on the podium after Dixon briefly slowed down at the start of the final lap. Dixon held onto fourth across the line, fending off Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) as the Italian rounded out the top five spots on Sunday.
Jorge Navarro OnlyFans American Racing Team (+1.486s)
Izan Guevara CFMoto RCB Aspar Team (+3.265s)
Jake Dixon CFMoto RCB Aspar Team (+4.502s)
Tony Arbolino Elf Marc VDS Racing (+4.833s)
Moto2 Championship Points
Ai Ogura MT Helmets – MSI – 261
Aron Canet Fantic Racing – 209
Sergio Garcia MT Helmets – MSI – 181
Fermin Aldeguer Beta Tools Speed Up – 175
Manuel Gonzalez QJMOTOR Gresini – 175
Moto3
David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) made history at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia after racing to an unbelievable 13th victory of the season. It was Alonso’s sixth consecutive win, but he was made to work hard by second place Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) after the #72 missed out by a mere 0.088s at the line. Comeback King Furusato produced a fine ride to beat the hard-charging third place finisher Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), as the Spaniard stood on the box for the first time since Aragon.
Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) claimed the holeshot on the run to Turn 1, snatching P1 after an incredible launch. The #48 was chased by David Almansa (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team) on the opening lap, with the #22 charging from ninth to second. P2 hunting Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) suffered some early drama as the #96 crashed, which also saw Alonso drop to outside the top 10. Meanwhile, Leopard Racing’s Adrian Fernandez and Angel Piqueras also had a disappointing end to their weekends as both retired due to mechanical issues.
Furusato had his opportunity in P1, with the recovering Alonso in pursuit. The gloves were off, with Alonso and Ortola pouncing on Furusato’s mistake at Turn 14. The #72 responded, finding a gap in the #48’s armour as he returned to second place. Tension was high at the front, with Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) entering the podium fight as the Dutchman began to duel for P3. However, the #95 had Rueda on his tailpipes, with the #99 showing blistering late-race pace to get into the podium frame.
On the final lap, Alonso was under pressure from Furusato, with the #80 aiming to create further history at Sepang. Alonso held onto P1, crossing the line to claim a stunning 13th victory of the season. The Colombian crossed the line ahead of Furusato as Rueda was able to fend off Ortola, increasing his margin to 0.996s at the chequered flag. Ortola took fourth, finishing less than one second adrift from victory and crossing the line in front of Veijer. The Dutchman rounded out the top five and is now tied on points with Holgado for P3 in the Championship. Meanwhile, Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) was sixth, bagging solid points and placing ahead of Ryusei Yamanaka.
WorldSBK Round 12 Report | Razgatlioglu, Huertas and Carrasco reign supreme. The 2024 season drew to a close with Toprak Razgatlioglu, Adrian Huertas and Ana Carrasco winning their respective titles. What a fantastic year of WorldSBK racing! Report: Ed Stratmann/WorldSBK
Friday practice
WorldSBK
It had been a long wait for Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) but the #21 could finally say he led a MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship session again after topping Free Practice 2, and Friday’s running, at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. The Italian used the SCQ tyre to set his best lap time as he finished 0.150s clear of Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in second while Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was third.
WorldSSP
The FIM Supersport World Championship was back in action on Friday afternoon at The Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, for the Superpole session and the Spanish spectators were treated to an exciting final five minutes as the riders battled for the top grid positions ahead of Saturday’s Race 1. Current title leader, Adrián Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) notched a lap time of 1’42.115s to secure the leading grid position for the eighth time this season.
Fellow Ducati rider, Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) set his best lap time, coming in 0.219s behind the #99 despite a disrupted session following a crash. An impressive session from Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) meant the German started Race 1 from third position.
Saturday
WorldSK WorldSBK Race 1
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship took to the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto on Saturday afternoon for Race 1 of the Spanish round, and the 20-lap race resulted in Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) securing the 2024 WorldSBK Championship title as he rode a calculated race to bag second, whilst his closest rival Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) dominated the field, winning the first race of the weekend. Italian rider Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) claimed the final spot on the rostrum in third place.
Dry and sunny conditions set the stage for a memorable Race 1 at the Spanish circuit. Bulega had the holeshot at lights out, with Razgatlioglu hunting the Ducati rider down in second. Locatelli was strong off the start line, running in third ahead of Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) and BMW’s Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team).
The opening laps saw numerous riders unable to achieve positive starts to their race weekends, with both British riders Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) and Thomas Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) crashing out of contention at turn 6 on lap 1. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) also retired after a crash on lap one, whilst 2023 World Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was another victim to fall to the gravel. He managed to recover however and rejoin the back of the field, before crashing once again with just three laps of race distance remaining.
Back at the front, it was clear Razgatlioglu could not match the strong race pace demonstrated by Bulega, as Locatelli was unable to hunt down a consistent #54 in second. Kawasaki’s Lowes was closely matched with Lecuona just outside of the rostrum rankings, with Toprak’s stablemate, van Der Mark riding in sixth. The positions stayed much the same throughout Race 1, and dismissing any rider mistakes, it was clear the Spanish spectators were going to witness the 2024 World Champion claiming his crown on Saturday afternoon.
As the riders entered into the final lap of the race, the BMW garage prepared for what would be a historic day for them, as their #54 rode across the line in second place to seal the World Championship title in the first race of the Spanish round. The 28-year-old Turkish ace builds on his success in 2021, adding another World Superbike Championship to his name and achieving BMW’s first ever Championship win in the class. He marked his 25th podium of the season in style as he stood alongside Bulega and Locatelli on the Spanish podium to celebrate a special day in Jerez.
“I feel like a World Champion! I’m not feeling any stress. For me, the season’s finished now; we have two more races tomorrow, but I’ll just be enjoying it. It’s been a long season. Nobody believed in me or the BMW, but finally they understand we’re World Champions. This is incredible, especially with BMW; they’ve never won the title. Finally, I got my second title and BMW got their first,”Razgatlioglu gleamed.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +6.067s
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +9.361s
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +11.249s
Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) +13.597s
WorldSSP Race 1
The FIM Supersport World Championship was back for the first WorldSSP race of the weekend. The Spanish spectators witnessed their hero riding to glory as Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) sealed the title, claiming the 2024 crown on home soil. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) was keen to take the Championship decider to Sunday, and despite an outstanding ride where he dominated the field in first position throughout, he was unable to hold off the consistent Huertas. The Italian rider was strong from lights out, as he led Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Triumph’s Thomas Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph) in the first lap.
Chasing down a rostrum finish was Ducati’s Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing VerdNatura), who was ahead of the Championship leader #99 in fifth, with 14 laps remaining. His race was cut short however, as he was taken out of contention at Turn 13 by Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing), with the #61 given a double Long Lap Penalty for the crash. Huertas moved up to fourth as a result, closely followed by Germany’s Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse). With the laps clicking by, the 2020 WorldSSP300 Champion found some late race pace, moving into third and attempting to chase down Montella.
As the race progressed, Huertas opted to sit behind Montella and even dropped a couple of seconds behind as he brought home a podium finish to take the 2024 crown to become the first rider to win both the WorldSSP and WorldSSP300 titles. Marcel Schroetter led Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) over the line as they finished fourth and fifth, whilst Booth-Amos and Dutchman Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta F3 800 RR MV Agusta Reparto Corse) claimed sixth and seventh.
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship returned for the final Tissot Superpole Race of the 2024 season. Ten laps of the Spanish circuit resulted in the newly crowned World Champion, Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) settling for second place behind another impressive ride from Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) who achieved his second win of the race weekend, as Britain’s Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) took the final step on the podium.
All eyes were on Razgatlioglu and Bulega for the morning Superpole Race, and with nothing to lose after claiming the title on Saturday, the #54 was looking to take the win. Both riders were strong from the outset, riding level into the first corner, but it was Bulega who led the field out of the exit of turn one, with Lowes right there in the battle. The 28-year-old Turkish rider soon took control however, as he overtook to move into first with nine laps remaining. At half race distance, Bulega found some increased pace, managing to overtake Razgatlioglu into first position, and soon gapped the BMW rider who was unable to respond. Bulega recorded his eleventh fastest lap in the Superpole Race, putting in a 1’38.528s around the Jerez circuit. The order stayed much the same for the remainder, with Bulega, Razgatlioglu and Lowes completing the rostrum at the chequered flag.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +2.375s
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +4.182s
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +5.511s
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +6.202s
WorldSBK Race 2
The final race of The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship took to the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto on Sunday afternoon for Race 2, and it was newly crowned Champion, Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) who sealed his remarkable season with a victory. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was aiming for a triple win but was denied it by the #54, as Dutchman Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) claimed the final spot on the Spanish podium.
The second race of the day got going under clear blue skies at Jerez, and it was Bulega who got the jump off the line, closely followed by Razgatlioglu and Yamaha’s Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) in third. Eager to achieve his first win of the Spanish weekend, the #54 overtook Bulega on lap three into Turn 1, whilst the battle for third spot saw three riders abreast as they battled for a podium result. Van der Mark came out on top as Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) hunted him down.
Andrea Locatelli rode a strong opening race, catching the podium group, however a block pass from Lowes whilst they battled for fourth saw the Italian run out wide onto the track, losing positions, and ending up in sixth on lap four of the race. 2023 World Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) ran wide when fighting within the top six, falling to tenth. He managed to recover as a few laps passed, however then crashed out of contention on lap 10. A near crash for Iannone also at the halfway point saw him demoted to sixth as he clipped the rear tyre of van der Mark whilst attempting to take third position, but both remained upright.
Back at the front and with seven laps of race distance remaining, Bulega found some late race speed and closed the gap on Razgatlioglu, but the #54 proved too strong, with the #11 Ducati rider unable to find a way of getting through to take first. Iannone managed to recover from his earlier mistake, overtaking into fourth position ahead of Lowes, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) and BMW’s Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW).
The 20-lap race was to be unexpectedly cut short with four laps remaining as Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) suffered a technical issue when his bike poured smoke and potential fluid on the track, with the race red-flagged and declared as a full result as more than two-thirds distance had been completed. As a result, Razgatlioglu took the win, with Bulega in second as the #54’s teammate, van der Mark, completed the rostrum. Andrea Iannone led Lowes and Petrucci across the chequered flag to complete the top six, whilst Gerloff and Locatelli claimed seventh and eighth.
Razgatlioglu banked his 57th career win after he was crowned the 2024 title winner on Saturday, and duly added to the BMW celebrations in Jerez.
“It’s been an amazing weekend. We’re World Champions with BMW. I got my second title and I’m really happy. The first one was very special for me because it was for my dad. This one’s for me. It’s been a long season, a very successful year. We had 13 wins in a row, an amazing season but finally it’s done,”Razgatlioglu reflected.
WorldSBK Race 2 Results
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.545s
Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +10.938s
Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) +12.399s
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +13.522s
Championship Points
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 527 points
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 484
Álvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 357
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 316
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) 307
WorldSSP Race 2
The FIM Supersport World Championship delivered the final racing of the Prometeon Spanish Round as the riders attacked the 17-lap race at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. The Spanish spectators witnessed another dominant performance from Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) as he led Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) to secure a Yamaha 1-2 result, whilst Dutchman Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) clinched third position in Race 2.
It was Turkish rider Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) who demonstrated a rapid launch from lights out as he led the field into the opening sectors of the Spanish circuit. His ascendancy was to be short lived however as he crashed at Turn 9 as the #61 suffered a low side into the entry of the corner, making way for Manzi to take first position, with Debise and Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) hunting him down.
With 12 laps of race distance remaining, just a second covered the leading trio, whilst further back it was Bendsneyder and Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) battling it out for a top four ranking. Just a few laps later however, the #64 Italian rider crashed out of contention at turn six, with Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) taking advantage of his mistake and moving up to sixth ahead of Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing VerdNatura).
As the final laps approached, Bendsneyder found some speed, closing the gap on Huertas and overtaking him to move into a rostrum position, leaving the #99 unable to respond. As the chequered flag came out, it was Manzi who stormed across the line to end his perfect weekend with two out of two race wins, followed by Debise and Bendsneyder who claimed his maiden podium result. Newly crowned World Champion, Huertas maintained a solid fourth position as he led Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) and Navarro over the line to round off the top six finishers.
The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship provided the first racing of the day at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, as the paddock took to the track on Saturday morning.
Despite a dominant ride from Championship leader Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team), she was unable to hold off her closest rival Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) from taking P1 in Race 1. The #22 managed to achieve P2 on the line from Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) who completed the Jerez rostrum. Race 2 would then decide who became the first ever FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship winner.
Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) +14.322s
Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) +19.733s
WorldWCR Race 2
It was a historic day at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto for Race 2 of the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship as the first ever Champion was crowned in the final race of the 2024 season. Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) rode an outstanding race to seal the Championship, but it went down to the last corner of the race for it to be decided, as her closest rival Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) crashed out of contention before the final straight.
Ana Carrasco, the 27-year-old Spanish rider therefore made history as she became the first ever FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Champion, adding this title to her name along with the 2018 Supersport 300 World Championship title. Herrera achieved second in the 2024 Championship standings ahead of Race 2 winner Sanchez who took third.
MotoGP Round 18 | Bagnaia brilliance in Thailand. The #1 stayed calm under pressure to escape his title rival and take his first wet weather win in MotoGP as Marc Marquez and Enea Bastianini crashed at Buriram. Report: Ed Stratmann/MotoGP
Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying MotoGP
For a second Friday on the spin, Australian GP winner Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) headed into Saturday at the summit of the timesheets as the eight-time World Champion set a brilliant new Buriram all-time lap record in Practice. Marquez’s 1:29.165 was enough to see him beat Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) by 0.110s, with the World Championship leader a further 0.052s clear of third place Enea Bastianini. His Ducati Lenovo teammate, title-hunting Francesco Bagnaia, ended Friday at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand in P4 with the top four in the title fight just 0.195s apart heading into a vital Saturday.
Last weekend it was Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) who stole the qualifying show. Seven days later, it was the turn of title rival Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) to do some Q2 record-breaking as the #1 fired in a belting 1:28.700 to bag a crucial pole position in a drama-filled Buriram battle. It also secured him a little history as the Ducati rider with most poles (22), surpassing MotoGP™ Legend Casey Stoner’s count with the Bologna factory.
Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) would launch from P2, “The Beast” a couple of tenths shy of teammate Pecco, as Martin was forced to settle for P3 after the Championship leader crashed at Turn 5 in the closing stages of Q2. Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was another big name to crash in Q2. The Australian GP winner’s qualifying stint ended at Turn 3 while the #93 was shadowing Martin. The Practice pacesetter eyed a victory challenge from fifth on the grid at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand.
Moto2
A two-tenth advantage heading into Saturday would do just nicely for Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) as the Spaniard enjoyed a fruitful day at the office in Thailand. Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) – despite a nasty incident in Free Practice involving Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP) that saw both handed penalties for Sunday’s race – acted as Canet’s closest challenger at the end of play, while third place went the way of Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing).
Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) rounded out the top five on Day 1 in Buriram, 0.4s adrift of Canet’s pace. Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) ended Friday in P6, but it wasn’t a straightforward day for the World Championship leader after he suffered a bike issue at the end of Practice 1.
Pressure? There was no sign of it on Saturday as title race leader Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) collected a crucial pole position at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand to hand himself the best possible starting slot for match point Sunday. The Japanese star set a 1:34.728 to beat Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) by 0.051s as rookie star Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) completed a front row that was split by just 0.074s.
Moto3
David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) was the Moto3™ rider to beat in Buriram after the 2024 World Champion was the only rider to dip into the 1:40s in Practice 1, despite a crash coming at Turn 12 in the afternoon. A 1:40.703 saw the Colombian beat second place Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) by 0.385s, with the Australian less than a tenth ahead of third place Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing).
Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) and Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) – two of the three riders chasing the overall runners-up spot – claimed P4 and P5, with both over half a second down on Alonso. It’s been a long time coming but finally, following a fantastic final lap in Q2, Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) became a Grand Prix polesitter for the first time as the Australian’s 1:40.603 saw him beat Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) by 0.073s in Buriram.
After being in the group that didn’t get out of pitlane in time to complete a final flying lap, Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) settled for an outside-of-the-front-row start in P3. World Champion David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) started from the middle of the second row in P5 as he aimed to claim a record-breaking 12th win of the season.
Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) charged to victory in the Tissot Sprint at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand, taking glory by 1.357s after a sublime performance to escape at the front to lay down the gauntlet. Behind, the top two in the title fight went toe-to-toe, with Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) just able to hold off Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) on the final two laps to increase his Championship lead to 22 points.
Once the lights went out, Bagnaia made a phenomenal launch from pole, taking a slight advantage on the run to Turn 1. However, Martin was on the attack, launching a move down the inside and sending both himself and his main title rival wide enough to allow Bastianini and Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) through. The #89 was now left with work to do, dropping even further to fifth as Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) also picked his way past and defended when Martin tried to move straight back through.
On Lap 2, Martin was back in fourth though, past the rookie before Acosta overcooked it and slid out. The next target for the Championship leader was Marc Marquez. Martin made a textbook move at the final corner to overtake the #93, and it got close on the exit but the #89 kept it, digging in to now chase down the next target: Bagnaia in second. Martin began to edge closer to the reigning World Champion as Bagnaia, Martin and Marc Marquez were all glued close together on track. Once Martin was right on the tailpipes of the #1 though, he pounced at Turn 7. And there came some controversy as he ran slightly wide on the exit, that proving the next strike to award the Spaniard a track limits warning. But he kept the position.
It was building to be a tense finale, with Bastianini checked out at the front but the title rivals separated by a mere 0.350s on the chase. Bagnaia continued to pile on the pressure at every corner in an enthralling end to Saturday’s action, looking like he was going to be able to set up a move. By the final lap though, Martin had reeled in Bastianini more than Bagnaia had managed to make ground on the #89, and in a tense final few kms the three sliced round Buriram. Ultimately, the “Beast” kept it tidy to take a second Sprint win of the year in style, Martin held on under intense pressure to take second, and Bagnaia was forced to cede two more points in that Championship battle as he came home third.
Marc Marquez crossed the line in fourth, grabbing some strong points after the #93 was unable to match the pace of the top three in the latter stages. The eight-time World Champion finished ahead of teammate Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), who rounded out the top five positions after a sensational ride.
“It was more than my expectation the race today. The qualifying has been (good), but, checking my pace, I wasn’t ready to win today. But, at the end, I don’t know, all the race I give my 100 percent from the first lap,”Bastianini explained. “Also, to be alone probably, in that track, can be an advantage, because you can brake much harder and also for the temperature of the tyre, we know that.”
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) reigned supreme with a stunning wet weather win under pressure at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand. The #1 battled Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) for the lead before the #93 crashed out of contention, leaving Bagnaia to steel his nerves and get the hammer down at the front to escape Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) by nearly three seconds. With that statement made, the gap at the top came back down to just 17 points with two race weekends remaining, and it’s now officially two contenders for the crown. The Rematch is on! Behind that battle there was another, with Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) claiming the final spot on the podium after a stunning showdown against Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jack Miller.
There was drama before the Grand Prix began, with the wet conditions catching out Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) on the sighting lap. He made the start though, and as the skies above Buriram continued to brood, the lights went out to decide the winner of the 2024 Thai Grand Prix. Martin made a rocket start, snatching the advantage on the run to Turn 1 as a shuffle through there saw Bagnaia emerge in second, Marquez move up to third and Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) lose out as Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) went on the attack.
The Championship rivals began to duel – locking horns on the opening laps as Martin went wide, thus leaving Bagnaia to take over. But the #89 responded swiftly as he sliced past the Italian at Turn 4. Martin began to extend his lead to almost half a second, shadowed by Bagnaia, with Marquez on their tail as Acosta duelled Quartararo in their wake. The rookie then sailed well wide, giving himself work to do as Quartararo suffered a worse fate following contact from Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing). The Italian was given a Long Lap, and the Frenchman was forced to rejoin at the back.
Back at the front, the first drama came on Lap 5 as Martin made a crucial error, running wide at Turn 3 and dropping down to third position – behind Marc Marquez. That gave Bagnaia the lead and made it a different tone of Jaws music for the reigning Champion as the #93 continued to shadow him. More drama hit in the meantime, as Morbidelli’s day soon went from bad to worse, crashing out at Turn 8, moments before Bastianini’s Grand Prix also came to a halt at Turn 8, with the #23 losing the front and ending any hopes of scoring strong points on Lap 9.
Meanwhile, Marc Marquez began his charge for victory, sending a move down the inside at the final corner. It was repelled. The #93 began to pile on the pressure though, with Martin lurking and waiting for an opportunity to pounce in P3. Marc Marquez sent his next attack on Lap 13, unable to make the move stick, with Bagnaia fighting back. Marc Marquez continued to push to the limit, but then he pushed over it. The #93 made a crucial mistake at Turn 8 – skitting across the track on his knee and almost, almost saving it, but it wasn’t to be. The eight-time World Champion was on the floor on Lap 14, promoting Martin into P2. The rematch was all but guaranteed, and the top two were now leading the race – in reverse order.
Bagnaia pounded on at the front, with Martin not able to home in but this now a battle of nerves. It was a nail-biting finale to the Grand Prix at the front as the laps ticked down for what must have seemed like hours for Bagnaia, but behind the fans were treated to an incredible show of a different kind. After his earlier dramas, Acosta was back on terms with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and managed to slice past the South African, then next up was Miller. The Australian put up a stunning fight as the two went toe-to-toe, sideways and all which ways in a high-speed game of chicken, but in the end the rookie was able to make it stick.
At the head of the field, Bagnaia sealed the deal. Nearly three seconds clear and taking his first wet weather MotoGP™ win when he needed one most as the reigning Champion cut it back down to 17 points ahead of the final two races. With plenty on the line too, Martin’s composure in second ensured it’s still some gap at least – to falter would have been to cede the title lead. And he didn’t. Acosta completed the podium after his late charge, in the end finishing ahead of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) as the Italian put in his own final bout of glory. Miller was forced to settle for fifth, ahead of teammate Binder, with Aprilia Racing rider Maverick Viñales next up.
“It was a day to make the difference and luckily we did it,” Bagnaia said.“I want to dedicate this victory to my team, because after the morning we just sat down and spoke about what to do to improve the situation because I was struggling a lot on braking. And we did it, again. I’m so happy. It wasn’t an easy race because it was very long and stressful, but as soon as I started I saw my feeling was very good and I saw Jorge pushing a lot. But I just decided to wait two more laps to make sure the rear was more ready, and as soon as it was I just tried to catch him back.”
MotoGP Race Results
Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo
Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati (+2.905s
Pedro Acosta Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 (+3.800s
Fabio Di Giannantonio VR46 Ducati (+4.636s
Jack Miller Red Bull KTM (+5.532s
Check out the full MotoGP race results here…
MotoGP Championship Points
Jorge Martin Pramac Ducati – 453
Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo – 436
Marc Marquez Gresini Ducati – 356
Enea Bastianini Ducati Lenovo – 345
Brad Binder Red Bull KTM – 203
Moto2
Ai came, Ai saw, Ai conquered. Having claimed a P2 finish in a red-flagged Moto2™ PT Grand Prix of Thailand race, Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) was crowned the 2024 Moto2™ World Champion! The Japanese star became the first from his country to win the World Championship since Hiroshi Aoyama in 2009, and also the first former IDEMITSU Asia Talent Cup rider to win a Grand Prix title.
Race winner Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) did all he could to try to put the celebrations on ice in Thailand, as the Spaniard strengthened his grip on the silver medal with win number three of 2024. Meanwhile, Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) finished P3 to bag his first rostrum of the season. Ogura got away well from pole position to slot into the lead ahead of Canet at Turn 1 before Canet pounced at Turn 3. Ogura was back in the lead at Turn 4 though as Turn 5 saw two key contenders go down. Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) crashed and took out the luckless Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), as the fast-starting Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) sent it up the inside of Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) and Ogura as the Championship leader was shuffled down to P7.
On Lap 3, Canet led from Ramirez and Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team), with Lopez back down to P12 having run wide at Turn 5 a lap earlier. Ogura was now P6 behind Darryn Binder (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Moreira. After a hectic start, the race settled down. The top six – Canet to Ogura – were covered by 1.7s with 16 laps to go, as Ogura then began to make moves. His first one was to set the fastest lap of the race, and his second was to aggressively pass Binder down at Turn 3. Contact was made, Binder was forced to run wide, as Ogura then set his sights on Dixon and Moreira.
With 16 laps to go, Dixon was picked off for P4 as Ogura stood in a Championship clinching position. Moreira was then demoted to P4 on Lap 9 of 22 as Ogura climbed to P3 and set another fastest lap of the race. The gap to Ramirez and Canet? 1.6s. After a couple of laps, Ogura was right on the coattails of Ramirez. And with nine laps to go, at Turn 3, the #79 used the cutback to great effect to overtake Ramirez. That was now P2 for Ogura, who had 0.9s to make up if he wanted to attack race leader Canet. That was soon 1.6s though as light rain began to fall in Buriram! Understandably, Ogura was cautious but with six laps to go, the rain wasn’t heavy enough for any kind of stoppage to come into play. Canet, meanwhile, slammed in his personal best lap of the race to edge his advantage up to two seconds.
With two to go, Canet was 3.6s clear of Ogura who in turn was a second ahead of Ramirez and then, the red flags were shown. Due to weather conditions and with 20 of 22 laps completed (over 2/3rds), Ai Ogura was crowned 2024 Moto2™ World Champion. The red flags came out at the right time for Ramirez as home hero Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) was on course to get himself into the podium picture, but the returning Thai rider had to settle for P4. Nonetheless, that was some effort from Chantra.
Moreira rounded out the top five in a brilliant battle that included sixth place Izan Guevara (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team), seventh place Dixon, eighth place Albert Arenas (Gresini Moto2™) and ninth place Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2™).
Marcos Ramirez OnlyFans American Racing Team (+4.683s)
Somkiat Chantra IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia (+5.799s)
Diogo Moreira Italtrans Racing Team (+6.172s)
Moto2 Championship Points
Ai Ogura MT Helmets – MSI – 261
Aron Canet Fantic Racing – 201
Sergio Garcia MT Helmets – MSI – 179
Fermin Aldeguer Beta Tools Speed Up – 175
Manuel Gonzalez QJMOTOR Gresini – 170
Moto3
David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) continued to etch his name into the record books at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand, securing a 12th victory of the season and creating history as the rider to win the most races in a single season in the lightweight class… now beating, not equalling, Valentino Rossi’s 1997 record. The Colombian took the win by a few tenths ahead of rookie Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), with Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) grabbing the final spot on the podium after a dramatic run to the line and contact with Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia).
It was declared a wet race start, meaning a reduced distance of 12 laps and an opportunity for the Moto3™ field to complete multiple sighting laps given every session throughout the weekend was dry. By the time it was lights out though, everyone in the field opted for slicks barring Eddie O’Shea (Fleetsafe Honda – MLav Racing). From pole, Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) claimed the holeshot and stormed into the lead at Turn 1, but it was a dramatic start, with Veijer not waiting long to pounce – stealing the lead from the Australian. The #66 responded though, bunching up the lead group as Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) created opportunities after carving his way inside the top five. The #48 attacked Kelso early after the polesitter was demoted to P5 after a tough Lap 3.
Meanwhile, it was soon Alonso’s time to shine as spots of rain fell onto the circuit. The Colombian snatched the lead on Lap 4, setting sights on a 12th win of the season and the opportunity to create history in Thailand. Alonso had steep competition on his hands as Furusato took over in front, who began to put the hammer down. Lunetta then began to make inroads, catching the back of the lead group after stunning pace. The Italian soon began to duel with Veijer as he set sights on the podium. There was then drama at the front for the Leopard Racing squad that interrupted the group too, with Angel Piqueras and Adrian Fernandez colliding on Lap 11.
It was a grandstand finish, with Ortola and Alonso going head-to-head on the 12th and final lap. Alonso made the move stick, marauding to glory in Thailand as Lunetta and Veijer were able to pinch the podium from Ortola, who ran wide at the final corner. There was high drama in that fight as Furusato and Veijer made contact, the Japanese rider crashing just before the line. Rider ok and classified, but not a podium finish as he tookP5 behind Ortola. David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) battled his way from P17 on the grid to P6, and he pipped teammate Kelso to the line as Scott Ogden (FleetSafe Honda – MLav Racing) took the flag in a strong eighth.
Over 500 motorcyclists got to ride together with Mick Doohan, Jack Miller, Joan Mir, Joel Kelso, Jacob Roulstone and Senna Agius today for the 2024 Homecoming Ride presented by TAC. The ride went across the San Remo bridge to the circuit, where they did a lap and a half… Press: AGP Corp.
A Q&A session with the riders provided the gathered crowd with insight into the mindsets and motivations of those at the pinnacle of the sport. After the Q&A, the riders led fans for the scenic trip across the San Remo bridge to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, where they made their way around one and a half laps of the oceanside track.
PHILLIP ISLAND, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 17: during the 2024 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on October 17, 2024 in Phillip Island, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
PHILLIP ISLAND, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 17: during the 2024 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on October 17, 2024 in Phillip Island, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
PHILLIP ISLAND, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 17: during the 2024 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on October 17, 2024 in Phillip Island, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
PHILLIP ISLAND, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 17: during the 2024 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on October 17, 2024 in Phillip Island, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
One of the most successful Australians in the sport’s history, Doohan is celebrating 30 years since his first championship victory. On Sunday, he will ride a celebratory lap of the circuit in front of the race day crowds. The current Australian riders across all three international categories were given plenty of encouragement from Homecoming Ride participants.
PHILLIP ISLAND, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 17: during the 2024 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on October 17, 2024 in Phillip Island, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Local residents and school students lined the roads to cheer for the procession as they made their way across the San Remo Bridge and onto the Circuit. The Qatar Airways Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2024 begins on Friday, with the three-day track schedule including a MotoGP™ sprint race on Saturday.
DesmoSport Ducati’s Broc Pearson claimed the overall honours in a challenging ASBK round six of the 2024 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at One Raceway. Report: Ed Stratmann Pics: ASBK Media RbMotoLens & Russell Colvin
mi-bike insurance Australian Superbike
With a strong crosswind blowing through the new motorsport hub in Goulburn, the Quenslander’s 1-3 finishes across the two Pirelli Superbike races were the standout, and also ensured he remains in the championship hunt at The Bend grand finale from November 8-10.
After his first overall win in the Superbike class, Pearson is now on 219.5pts, behind Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati, 256.5) and Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team, 229.5). Jones won race two at One Raceway, but Pearson’s sheer consistency was the calling card in a day of attrition that saw a number of leading lights fail to greet the chequered flag.
“It’s been a really exciting and fun weekend for the team,”said Pearson.“We’ve been at the pointy end of the field and scored a round win. It ticks another box by leading from start to finish in race one and then wrapped it up with a third in race two. I’m really grateful for the team, and we’re becoming contenders week in and week out.”
Jones was second overall at round six with his 8-1 scorecard, followed by Waters (5-2) and Arthur Sissis (Stop and Seal Yamaha, 6-4).
Race One
Race one was eventually decided as a nine-lap flyer after the first attempt was red-flagged when Bryan Staring (MotoGo Yamaha) crashed at turn 10 and required medical attention – a wretched result for the veteran who had only announced his impending retirement. The restart didn’t foil the determination of Pearson, though, who led from start to finish to win his second Superbike race in a row, breaking the back of the field with some rapid opening few laps.
Pearson finished ahead of a fast Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha), as rookie teenager Cameron Dunker (Penrite Racing Yamaha) banked his first Superbike podium with a brilliant last-lap pass on teammate Max Stauffer. Waters was fifth, followed by Sissis, John Lytras (Yamaha) and a lacklustre Jones who had started from pole position.
Meanwhile, Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team) didn’t take to the track after his massive highside in Thursday practice – despite gritting his teeth through official practice and qualifying.
Race One Results
Broc Pearson
Anthony West (+0.726)
Cameron Dunker (+1.840)
Max Stauffer (+2.291)
Josh Waters (+3.642)
Race Two
The second stanza was a carbon copy of race one, with the race red-flagged on lap five after a nasty highside by Stauffer at turn two that also caught out West and Dunker, who were running line astern. Stauffer – still not back to 100 percent fitness after breaking six ribs and puncturing his lung in a crash at Phillip Island – was precluded from taking part in the restart for causing the red flag, while Dunker was also a scratching without a spare Yamaha to fall back on. West didn’t return either, but all riders escaped without major injuries.
That left a depleted 12-bike field to go into battle, with Jones wasting no time in going into attack mode as he scored the holeshot and then led from start to finish to win by nearly 2.5 seconds from Waters, with Pearson in third from Sissis, Lytras and Ty Lynch (Yamaha).
“That was far better than race one,”said Jones, who brought up his fifth win for the year, one more than Waters. “We worked on the bike between races and turned it around.”
Jones’ dominance also extended to a new lap record, as well as ensuring the Pirelli Superbike battle continues to The Bend. Ryan Yanko (Yamaha) and Glenn Allerton (GT Racing) were seventh and eighth, with the latter on his spare BMW after a heavy spill in race one.
Race Two Results
Mike Jones
Josh Waters (+2.406)
Broc Pearson (+5.610)
Arthur Sissis (+9.270)
John Lytras (+12.485)
Championship Points
Josh Waters – 256.5 Points
Mike Jones – 229.5 Points
Broc Pearson – 219.5 Points
Cru Halliday – 173 Points
Max Stauffer – 161 Points
Michelin Supersport
Stop and Seal Yamaha rider Jack Mahaffy seized the moment at One Raceway, with his 1-2 scorecard easily securing the overall spoils ahead of Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha, 2-4) and Hayden Nelson (Kawasaki, 3-3). Mahaffy’s victory in race one was his first in Michelin Supersport, and he added some cream on his breakout performance with the inaugural lap record (1:00.859) on the circuit.
Mahaffy’s teammate and polesitter Archie McDonald was seemingly on track to claim victory in the opener before he went down just before the halfway mark after losing the front at turn seven. Mahaffy then filled the void, while Nahlous finished a fighting second after circulating in sixth early on. Nelson was third from Olly Simpson (Yamaha), Tom Bramich (Yamaha) and Sean Condon (Yamaha).
McDonald would not repeat the same crashing faux pas twice, and in race two he passed long-time leader Mahaffy on lap 11 and won his third race of the year – the Albury ace also setting a new lap record of 1:00.588. Mahaffy was second, with Nelson bringing up a brace of third positions.
In terms of the championship, race two was significant, with Nahlous’ closest challenger Simpson crashing out of third position. As a result, Nahlous now leads by 40pts (238 to 198) heading into the final round at The Bend from November 8-10. If the teenager keeps his powder dry in South Australia, he will be crowned the Aussie champion. Simpson is now seriously feeling the heat in the battle for second from Bramich (195), Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha, 193) and McDonald (190). Mahaffy (152pts) has catapulted into sixth position.
Meanwhile, Condon was fifth in race two after a tight stoush with Farnsworth and Glenn Nelson (Yamaha), while Bramich was eighth. The Michelin Supersport riders also continued their battle for honours in the FIM Oceania Circuit Racing Championship at One Raceway, which Hayden Nelson leads on 65pts from Mahaffy, Nahlous and Bramich all on 62.
Race One Results
Jack Mahaffy
Jonathan Nahlous (+3.021)
Hayden Nelson (+4.737)
Olly Simpson (9.035)
Tom Bramich (+9.398)
Race Two Results
Archie Mcdonald
Jack Mahaffy (0.073)
Hayden Nelson (+11.409)
Jonathan Nahlous (+13.634)
Sean Condon (+19.135)
Championship Points
Jonathan Nahlous – 238 Points
Olly Simpson – 198 Points
Tom Bramich – 195 Points
Jake Farnsworth – 193 Points
Archie Mcdonald – 190 Points
Race and Road Supersport 300
The Race and Road Supersport round saw three different winners – Kawasaki duo Josh Newman and Casey Middleton, and Yamaha pilot Will Nassif – but it was Middleton who was the overall winner thanks to a trio of podium visits that no other rider could match. The first and third races followed the normal pattern of going to the wire, but Middleton’s winning margin in race two was a comparative walk in the park as he crossed the finish line with over two seconds to spare – light years in Supersport 300 terms.
Other riders to finish on the podium at One Raceway were Jordan Simpson (Yamaha), Calvin Moylan (Yamaha) and polesitter Valentino Knezovic (Yamaha). Knezovic’s championship aspirations received a huge dent in race one when he crashed, although he did remount and snare some points in 14th position. Kiwi hard-charger Jesse Stroud fared even worse, crashing out of the opening two races.
Newman extended his lead to 32pts (334 to 302) over Knezovic, while Harrison Watts (Kawasaki, 297) remains in third.
Championship Points
Joshua Newman – 334 Points
Valentino Knezovic – 302 Points
Harrison Watts – 297 Points
Jordan Simpson – 261 Points
Will Nassif – 259 Points
ShopYamaha R3 Cup
A trio of trifectas in round two of the ShopYamaha R3 Cup! Will Nassif, Jordan Simpson and Valentino Knezovic filled positions 1-3 in the three races, which typically all went down to the wire with wafer-thin margins deciding the outcomes. Polesitter Jesse Stroud was the only other rider who could circulate with the same pace as the leaders, but after finishing fourth in race one, the New Zealander didn’t start the balance of the program as his weekend turned sour.
William Hunt, Hudson Air and John Pelgrave also scored top-five R3 Cup finishes. Knezovic (124pts) leads with one round remaining over Nassif (111) and Simpson (111), who are deadlocked in equal second.
Championship Points
Valentino Knezovic – 124 Points
Will Nassif – 111 Points
Jordan Simpson – 111 Points
William Hunt – 91 Points
Jesse Stroud – 82 Points
Oceania Junior Cup
Hunter Corney now has one hand on the 2024 bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup trophy following a flawless outing for the 13-year-old at One Raceway from October 4-6 as part of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul.
Corney’s clean sweep came with winning margins of between one and three seconds as he prevailed in race one ahead of Ethan Johnson and Phoenix O’Brien before Connor Lewis and Johnson completed the podiums in the balance of the fixture. As is so often the case, the tempo increased across the weekend, with Corney finally dropping the lap record to 1m05.1145s in race three on his #40 Yamaha YZF-R15.
Two rounds remain in the championship, including a high-profile support act at the 2024 Qatar Airways Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island from October 18-20, where the junior academy stars will compete in front of thousands of spectators and meet their Yamaha MotoGP heroes, including flying Frenchman Fabio Quartararo. Corney will take a 61pt (280 to 219) lead over Johnson into Phillip Island, where another sizzling display could see him build an unassailable lead with one round to spare. Nikolas Lazos is third on 183pts from Hunter Charlett (172) and Elijah Andrew (160).
Championship Points
Hunter Corney – 280 Points
Ethan Johnson – 219 Points
Nikolas Lazos – 183 Points
Hunter Charlett – 172 Points
Elijah Andrew – 160 Points
All detailed ASBK Championship class results are here…
The 2024 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul will continue at Round 7: The Bend, SA, November 8-10.
