CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team rider, Aaron Tanti, finished the 2023 ProMX championship in fourth place after a frustrating final round which has typified his title defence season.
Tanti finished the last round at Coolum in sixth place with 4 – 7 results. Just five points separated Tanti and the third placed rider, Kirk Gibbs, coming into the weekend so a strong performance at the final round could have seen on the championship podium.
Things were on track after race one when Tanti battled hard for a fourth-place finish, one ahead of Gibbs and narrowed the gap to just three points heading into the final moto. He then positioned himself well in moto two and was ahead of Gibbs when he fell and lost several positions. He fell again a few laps later and with it, any hope of a championship podium went out the window.
The 2022 champ just couldn’t get momentum on his side during the series despite he and his CDR Yamaha team working hard to keep the championship in their position.
“Today was a disappointing finish to the year and not the kind of season myself or the team expected. Last year, I was able to get on a roll and reel of some race and round wins but this year I could never string enough races together to really make an impact. Dean was winning a lot of races while Jed was so consistent while I was having up and down weekends.”
“There were still a lot of positives I can take away from the year and I proved that I can run the pace. Appin was good for me, I was solid at Gilman but the rest of them were a bit hit and miss and that’s not what’s needed to win a championship at this level. I fell at Maitland and Toowoomba, two rounds that I’m good at and I feel I could have notched some round wins, then the crash last week at QMP took me out of the hunt. But I will keep working hard as we have supercross to come and its my chance to redeem myself and get back up front again. Thank you to everyone that supports me as well as my mechanic, Allister, and the entire CDR Yamaha Team for working tirelessly throughout the season,” Tanti comments.
CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team rider, Aaron Tanti, finished the 2023 ProMX championship in fourth place after a frustrating final round which has typified his title defence season.
Despite not racing the final two rounds, Luke Clout rounded out the season in eighth place. Clout attended Coolum to support Tanti and his team with his wrist injury progressing well. He will be back on the bike prior to the start of the Australian Supercross Championship kick off on October 7.
“It’s been a while since CDR haven’t been in the championship hunt at the final round in Coolum, so it was a different feeling for the team this weekend. Both riders seemed to take two steps forward and then one step back during the year and we just couldn’t get the points on the board when it mattered.”
“We will lick our wounds, dust ourselves off and comeback in 2024 armed and ready for another championship tilt,” explains CDR owner, Craig Dack.
“Luke was finding form when he injured himself prior to the Toowoomba round, then he had that practice crash that took him out of the championship while Aaron did a lot of the hard work to put himself in good positions only for a small fall or tip over to cost him valuable points and when racing against seasoned competitors like Ferris and Beaton, they prove very costly. We will lick our wounds, dust ourselves off and comeback in 2024 armed and ready for another championship tilt,” explains CDR owner, Craig Dack.
The JGR Yamaha Ballard’s Off-Road team of Jess Gardiner, Danielle McDonald and Jeremy Carpentier reeled off a stunning weekend of results at rounds seven and eight of the Australian Off Road Championship (AORC), held over the weekend.
Conditions were dry and dusty all weekend as the AORC competitors faced the Cross-Country format on Saturday with three hours of continuous racing and then backed up on Sunday with the Sprint format on already dry and rough ground.
Jess Gardiner continued her sensational 2023 form with another double class win over the weekend that sees her extend her lead in the Women’s AORC Championship. Despite a couple of falls throughout the weekend, Gardiner was able to regain her composure and continue to dominate the Women’s division.
Jess Gardiner continued her sensational 2023 form with another double class win over the weekend that sees her extend her lead in the Women’s AORC Championship.
“The weekend went well, and the team were able to achieve some great results in some challenging conditions,”Gardiner explains. “I’m not sure how much skin I have left on my elbows after racing each day, I don’t think it’s a lot, but I was able to put each crash behind me and keep going at a good pace to take the win on both rounds.”
“The dry conditions made it tough, especially if you started towards the back as vision be come an issue when the field was all together. But once I was able to get some clear track and see what was happening, I felt much more comfortable and didn’t make as many mistakes. Thank you to everyone at the club for putting on the event, and everyone that supports the JGR Yamaha team. We are all in a good place in the championship and will continue to work hard at the remaining rounds,” Gardiner ends.
Matching the results of her team boss, was junior sensation, Danielle McDonald. McDonald also finished with 1-1 results over the weekend but also took it to the boys in the junior divisions finishing third outright.
Matching the results of her team boss, was junior sensation, Danielle McDonald. McDonald also finished with 1-1 results over the weekend but also took it to the boys in the junior divisions finishing third outright on both days. McDonald is a step above her rivals and continues to improve at each round.
“I’m pretty happy with how I went on the weekend, and it was good to get up near the front against the boys. I try to use them as a guide to how I’m riding and want to be closer to the front at every round we do. My bike was perfect all weekend and its good to have Jess and Jeremy on hand to guide me through any issues I face.”
After an injury interrupted start to the 2023 season, Jeremy Carpentier is finally back to full fitness and again contesting for top 10 out right results.
After an injury interrupted start to the 2023 season, Jeremy Carpentier is finally back to full fitness and again contesting for top 10 out right results. On board the team WR450F, Carpentier finished the Cross Country fifth in class and just outside the top 10 Outright and was sixth in class on Sunday, again just missing the top 10 Outright.
“It was the first time in a while I have been able to race pain free at a national event,” Carpentier begins. “I have had wrist and hand injuries mar the start of my season but hopefully, I’m over them now and can get some continuity in my training and racing with an aim to get some good results before the season is over,” he ends.
The Aprilia RS 660’s positive streak continues in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup category. The riders of the Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering team took both victories in the two races held in Pittsburgh. They are now respectively in first and third place in the overall standings of a championship.
The Aprilia RS 660’s positive streak continues in MotoAmerica’s Twins Cup category. The riders of the Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering team took both victories in the two races held in Pittsburgh.
In Race 1 it was Rocco Landers who climbed onto the top step of the podium after starting from pole position, passing under the chequered flag with a lead of over three seconds over his closest pursuer. Third place in a sprint (42 thousandths gap) for Gus Rodio. Race 2 instead celebrated yet another one-two of the season, with Rodio ahead of Landers in a grid that saw no less than 16 Aprilia RS 660s out of 41 starters. The general classification therefore sees Rodio leading with 200 points while Landers is third at 14 points.
Gus Rodio:“This weekend we struggled a bit with the set-up of the bike in the second sector, the ‘esses’ and the straight. On Sunday we made some progress, but we took a risk with the tyres. We took a step in the right direction with the set-up, but the tyre was a bit slippery. I am satisfied with the results this weekend and we have extended our points lead a little ahead of my home race. At the next round there will be a lot of friends and family there and we will see what happens.”
Landers.
Rodio.
Rocco Landers:“This is a good track for me and the team set up the bike very well. On Sunday morning I made a mistake and we took the precaution of changing the engine. Unfortunately, this change resulted in a loss of power. I did my best in the race and it was nice to get another one-two.”
Editor’s Note: If you are reading this article on any website other than BikeReview.com.au, please report it to BikeReview via our contact page, as it has been stolen or re-published without authority.
Our homegrown talent has been battling it out on track and making us proud! Check out our monthly column that follows all things Aussies racing internationally on and off-road, from MotoGP to AMA Motocross. See what our future and current champions are up to… Words: Ed Stratmann
Jack Miller – MotoGP
With MotoGP roaring back into action in August, Aussie star Jack Miller had mixed results in the first two outings since the resumption of the racing. Immediately looking good at Silverstone, the Red Bull KTM maestro began his weekend briskly on his way to claiming second in the sprint.
All the signs were positive that Miller was in for a great race when he shot off the line to lead the early exchanges, but he subsequently dropped back as he struggled with grip. His case wasn’t helped when a collision with Maverick Vinales caused him to have an off-track excursion. Miller crucially regrouped and recalibrated his focus to claim a solid eighth.
“All the signs were positive that Miller was in for a great race when he shot off the line to lead the early exchanges”…
Next on the cards was the team’s home race in Austria, and things were positive on the Saturday again for the #43, who showed notable speed to power himself to fifth in the Sprint. Unfortunately, though, he couldn’t transfer his speed into the race, where he made a customarily fast start only to suffer rear traction issues, which caused him to fall all the way back to fifteenth.
“I started the race good and tried not to kill the tire in the first laps. I wanted to build up the temperature as smoothly as possible. It wasn’t to be. I noticed that I didn’t have the drive grip that I needed, so then I was just trying to manage the best I could with riding style and everything like that. I think the biggest thing for us is taking a step back, going back to our old setting and maybe finding a little bit of a different direction that works for myself,” he recalled.
Joel Kelso – Moto3
Returning to the track following the break, Joel Kelso didn’t find things easy at Silverstone and in Austria even though some encouragement could be extracted from his fifth and ninth in qualifying. Encountering issues in the dry conditions for the British GP and then getting his Spielberg scuppered by a long lap penalty when he was pushed wide by another rider to claim a pair of frustrating 16th places finishes, all eyes will turn to Catalunya, where improvement will be on the cards for the Darwinian.
“At one point I had a track limits warning and then when I was passed by someone I was pushed onto the green zone.”
“A tricky one. We got off to a good start and then I was happy with my pace, but I was missing just a little bit extra. At one point I had a track limits warning and then when I was passed by someone I was pushed onto the green zone. I wasn’t expecting a penalty because of the circumstances, but for some reason they gave me a long lap. That was disappointing because I could have stayed in the group ahead for the top ten. I felt strong on the bike, but lost four seconds for that lap. I didn’t deserve it, but we’ll keep working,” he mused after the Austrian Grand Prix.
Jacob Roulstone – Red Bull Rookies Cup & JuniorGP Moto3
Excited to get back to racing in the Red Bull Rookies Cup in Austria, young sensation Jacob Roulstone eased into the weekend while he adjusted to the bike and the conditions.
While banking sixth in qualifying was a fine reward for his methodical approach, sadly his opening race was ruined by a high side on the first lap. But, to his credit, he regathered himself for the second stanza to secure an admirable seventh to end the round on a bright note.
“But there are always positives to take away from not the best of weekends. Another good qualifying and continuing to improve my race craft.”
“Pretty difficult Sunday for me in race two of the Red Bull Rookies Cup. I got a poor start then that gave the main group a chance to get away, and I wasn’t quite able to match the pace in the early laps. Was able to finish ahead of the second group to finish in seventh,” he expressed.
“But there are always positives to take away from not the best of weekends. Another good qualifying and continuing to improve my race craft. Thanks to Santi Aparicio and all the Red Bull Rookies Cup crew as always for the amazing job. With only one round left in three weeks’ time in Misano, Italy, I’m going to be giving it all and try to secure third in the championship.”
Josh Brookes – British Superbike
Moving into the Thruxton round of BSB and keen for an excellent result, it disappointingly wasn’t to be for the Aussie, with grip problems plaguing him all weekend. Although he and his team pushed hard to find solutions to improve the situation, nothing they tried appeared to work for Brookes, who could only muster uncharacteristically poor finishes of 15th, 17th and 22nd.
“There’s no way that would be a result we could even imagine expecting to have”
“I can’t really explain what’s happened this weekend as I don’t really know. Obviously we would expect far better than the results this weekend, there’s no way that would be a result we could even imagine expecting to have. From the very first session of the weekend the BMW wasn’t performing to the level that it needs to in order to be competitive and I could feel that straight away. These things happen sometimes, and we work through processes and adjust the bike accordingly and make it work again, but it really didn’t improve at all. We made some small steps, but nothing that would have put us in a position to be competitive,” he lamented.
Jason O’Halloran – British Superbike
Jason O’Halloran showed what an exceptional operator he is at Thruxton by enjoying a sublime day at the office, as he recorded victory in all three races. Having banked pole position, the experienced veteran then put on a masterclass on the Saturday, with him rarely troubled, as he coasted to the win.
The second race saw him put in an outstanding showing, for he carved through the field with precision and intelligence to reign triumphant.
“We’ve clawed a lot of points back this weekend with pole position and three race wins, which is incredible.”
The Aussie then saved the best for last by flexing his muscles emphatically. In scintillating form from the off, he put on a spectacular effort to come all the way from tenth to grab the win on the final lap to cap off his magical weekend perfectly. “That’s the best weekend of my career, coming off the back of a couple of average rounds to bounce back like this is exactly what we needed,” gleamed O’Halloran.
“We’ve clawed a lot of points back this weekend with pole position and three race wins, which is incredible. I’m now Yamaha’s most successful rider in terms of race wins and have 26 BSB wins, which is just incredible. And I’ve won eight of the last nine races at Thruxton which is another amazing stat! This is exactly what the team needed and I think we can carry this momentum forward now to Cadwell Park, which is my favourite race of the year.”
Jett Lawrence – AMA Pro Motocross
The mastery of the Aussie wonderkid continues, as the 20-year-old has not only wrapped up the 450 AMA Pro Motocross title in his rookie term in the class, but also maintained his remarkable unbeaten streak. With just one round remaining to complete the perfect season, all eyes will be on Ironman to see if Jett Lawrence can get the job done to round out a blistering crusade.
The inordinately gifted Aussie phenom keeps on flexing his muscles Stateside, as he looks set to add another 250 title to his list of honours before moving up to the 450 when AMA Pro Motocross begins in May. Photo: HRC Global.
Rising to the top whenever challenged and typically getting his starts spot on, he’s hardly given his adversaries a sniff. The way he’s controlled races and keeps riding with a maturity and discipline that belies his tender years has also offered further reason for praise.
Pushing when he needs to and riding within himself to manage races, the moto world will be watching with anticipation to see if he can seal the deal and get through the campaign without dropping a single moto to etch his name in the history books.
Hunter Lawrence – AMA Pro Motocross
Stepping up when he needed to, Hunter Lawrence has overcome his recent adversity and the uprising from the hard-charging Haiden Deegan to be in the box seat to be crowned 250 MX champion. Boasting a 22 point lead over Justin Cooper heading into Ironman, there’s every reason to suggest he’ll stroll to victory if he can just keep it on two wheels.
Grabbing the overall victory in three of the last four rounds, it’d take a brave man to bet against the elder Lawrence brother, who’s fully focused and a mentality monster, getting it done in the finale.
“Going into the last race of the season, we know where we stand, and we know we won’t be changing anything drastic. We have a gameplan, and we’ll focus on running that out to the end. I’m looking forward to finishing this series strong and focusing on SuperMotocross,” he insisted.
Mitch Evans – MXGP
Despite not making the progress he desires in August by bagging a pair of 12th overalls, Mitch Evans deserves credit for sticking at it and keeping on striving for more. To start off with Sweden, and things actually began solidly in the opening moto, where he got a good jump out of the gate to find himself sixth, only for arm-pump to ensure ninth was the best he could muster.
The final moto was then annoyingly hindered by the wet conditions that forced him to come in for new goggles on two separate occasions. Venturing to the brutal sands of Arnhem was next on the agenda for the Kawasaki speedster, but this latest stop on the calendar was a tough one due to sickness for Evans. The technically proficient pilot still warrants applause for valiantly toiling on to achieve a respectable 12th overall courtesy of his 10-15 moto scores in a round where he also registered an impressive second in the warm-up.
“Today started with a good feeling in warm-up and I got two decent starts, but just didn’t have the flow. That was okay for P10 in moto one, but the sickness I’ve been dealing with all week kicked in halfway through race two; I just didn’t have anything left in the tank and was riding round with my tongue in the chain. I showed good speed considering I was laid up all week so now it’s time to recover and carry the momentum into the last three rounds,” Evans said.
Have we missed anyone? Leave a comment letting us know who you’d like to see us keep you up to date with their international two wheeled successes!
Australia’s long-standing association with the Trial des Nations (TdN) will continue in 2023 with full-strength men’s and women’s teams to compete in the annual showpiece, which will be held in France from September 8-10.
Australia’s long-standing association with the Trial des Nations (TdN) will continue in 2023 with full-strength men’s and women’s teams to compete in the annual showpiece.
Australia will take an unchanged line-up into the 18-country International Trophy men’s division, with reigning Aussie champion Kyle Middleton (TRRS) to be joined by Connor Hogan (TRRS) and South Australian Chris Bayles (GasGas) – the trio now seasoned TdN campaigners. In the women’s division, Lillie Yiatrou (Vertigo) returns for her second TdN appearance and the first since 2019, where she will join forces with incumbent Kaitlyn Cummins (TRRS) who first made her Aussie debut in 2015.
Middleton, Hogan and Bayles already share a special TdN bond after winning the 2017 International Trophy – which was Australia’s first victory in the category after six previous podium finishes. And it’s that unity and an acute understanding of each other’s strengths that Newcastle-based Middelton believes helps to galvanise the Aussie team.
“Over the past five TdNs we’ve learnt so much together,” said Middleton, the multiple Aussie champion. “There are lots of intricacies and considerations in how we prepare and compete. For example, I’m usually the first rider out as managing time is one of my strengths, followed by Chris who is the glue that holds the team together, and then Connor who is an excellent rider under pressure. I just love everything about the TdN – it’s an event I always look forward to with immense pride as it has a higher purpose: representing your country and riding alongside great mates who are normally your opposition.”
Kyle Middleton is no stranger to the FIM Trial des Nations, with this year marking his 13th TdN…
The TdN will be held in a ski resort in Auron, about 90km from Nice, and Middleton expects the terrain to be quite hard, sharp and slippery.
“It will be quite technical, but the key to getting the job done at the TdN is damage limitation on sections that may not be quite in your absolute comfort zone, and then maximising opportunities in other sections. It’s always a great challenge, as it should be in such an iconic event.”
At the TdN, the best two scores in each section count towards the team total – so a pressure-cooker for the Aussie women in particular with only two participants and minimal ‘wriggle’ room. Australia’s main opposition in the International Trophy will come from defending champion the Czech Republic, as well as Germany, Austria, Sweden and the United States. A total of 18 teams will compete in the International Trophy, where Australia finished fifth in 2022.
Australia will take an unchanged line-up into the 18-country International Trophy men’s division.
In the Women’s, Australia is grouped with all the powerhouse trials nations, including Spain, Italy and Great Britain.
The Aussie men will collect their TdN machinery in Europe early next week before heading to a training camp in Andorra and then onto the final round of the FIM Trial World Championship (for both men and women) in France from September 1-3. At the shakedown, Middleton, Hogan and Bayles will compete in the Trial2 class – while for Yiatrou and Cummins it’s the culmination of a 2023 European campaign in the Trial2 Women class. Hogan has also been dabbling in international competition in 2023, including a solid rookie result in the famed Scottish Six Day Trial and Trial2 appearances.
Yiatrou is sixth in the Trial2 Women standings after riding both the Andorran and Italian rounds, while Cummins is 13th overall after her only outing in Italy.
The Australian team will also include three minders – Jarad Boniface, Jono Chellas and Michael Zutelija – who are all skilled trials practitioners and will be available to offer wise ‘in-section’ and general counsel.
Sunshine is scheduled this weekend for Rounds 7 and 8 of the 2023 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented by MXstore (AORC). Nestled in rolling green plains in Keyneton, South Australia, this weekend’s racing features Cross Country on Saturday, followed by Sprints on Sunday.
Sunshine is scheduled this weekend for Rounds 7 and 8 of the 2023 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented by MXstore (AORC).
Set for high speeds and even higher heart rates, AORC will feature more than 250 riders set to tear up picturesque green fields. Featuring dusty tracks, we’re expecting low visibility and hot competition all weekend long. Before go-time this morning, here’s everything you need to know about Keyneton.
This weekend AORC are welcoming more than 250 riders into Keyneton for Cross Country and Sprints. Your favourites are ready to go, including the return of Yamaha’s Kyron Bacon, GASGAS’s Korey McMahon, Beta’s Fraser Higlett and Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team’s Jess Gardiner.
This weekend we’re welcoming more than 250 riders into Keyneton for Cross Country and Sprints.
The Women’s Development Program session was hosted by Jess Gardiner and Emelie Karlsson. Female competitors received an insight into different aspects of Cross County and Sprints, from nutrition, mindset, as well as track conditions and racing styles. Juniors joined Josh Green at the Yamaha truck for another YORTT session. This is a hassle-free opportunity available at every weekend of the 2023 season where you can learn from a world-class athlete, on all Off-Road tech and tips.
Keyneton is famously home to Henschke Wines and the gateway to the Barossa Valley. A beautiful township with massive gum trees and sweeping landscapes, this stunning location is 82 kilometres from Adelaide. Founded in 1842, Keyneton is part of the Mid Murray region. To found out more about this area.
Yamaha Racing has retained the prestigious ProMX MX1 (450cc) and WMX (Women’s) Championships after the final round of the series was completed at the Coolum Pines Circuit, on the Sunshine Coast.
Dean Ferris claimed his fourth ProMX championship with a polished performance at the final round where he finished second for the day but that was more than enough to secure the championship and makes it three in a row for Yamaha after Luke Clout and Aaron Tanti were winners in 2021 and 2022 respective.
Charli Cannon took her second WMX championship after a final round domination on her home track at Coolum. It was also the first time she had stood on the podium since turning 18 so she was finally allowed to spray some champaign in celebration of another number 1 plate.
Ferris and his YZ450F had been the inform combination all year and entering the final round at Coolum, he enjoyed a 15 point buffer over second place but given the hostilities that Coolum often throws up, this was a long way from over and two, thirty minute motos in the black sand is always easier said that done.
And his weekend didn’t start off great. He crashed heavily in the Saturday qualifying session that left his bike a little twisted and himself a little rattled. With some shoulder and neck soreness, he got some running repairs over night as did the bike and things were back on track for Sunday morning and he locked down fourth spot in Superpole.
Dean Ferris claimed his fourth ProMX championship with a polished performance at the final round where he finished second for the day but that was more than enough to secure the championship.
The maths for Sunday was simply. Keep Jed Beaton in sight and the championship was his. Beaton had barely set a foot wrong all year and had proven to be ultra consistent and he also showed good pace in qualifying.
Both motos were also carbon copies of each other. Ferris was conservative on the opening laps, doing what ever he could do stay out of the usual chaos 40 hyped up motocross riders create. Once the field settled down, so did Ferris and each time he climbed his way from fourth into second and held it there to the end. It was a very mature performance from a rider who continues to grow on and off the track. He did exactly what he needed to do and executed with perfect.
“2023 has been a massive year of change for me and I’m so happy that I came back to racing and found my love of it again,” said Ferris.
“2023 has been a massive year of change for me and I’m so happy that I came back to racing and found my love of it again,” Ferris begins. “It was only a small crew of people, but everyone was dedicated and determined to do well and gave me what I needed to get the job done.
“This time last year I was burnt out and done but now I think I’m more invigorated than ever and the thrill of winning never gets old. It’s been five years since I won a championship and there were times when it seemed so far away, but I hung in there, kept fighting and made the changes I needed to and I’m so proud to have win it in 2023 against a high-quality field of riders and over such a challenging year as far as tracks and conditions go. A big thank you to Yamaha for stepping up and making this happen. I came to them late with this idea of what I wanted to do, and they were able to put a platform in place that worked for me and the YZ450F just feels so natural to me,” Ferris ends.
Charli Cannon took her second WMX championship after a final round domination on her home track at Coolum.
Charli Cannon was tied on points with her nearest rival as the women lined up for their final round at Coolum. While Cannon had been the dominate rider in the series, a fall in moto 2 at QMP that saw her unable to finish the race, tightened the points back up and it was all on the line, winner take all at the final round in the WMX division.
And we should never have doubted her. Cannon rounded the first turn inside the top four each team, passed into the lead within the opening laps and then continued to stretch out her lead all the way until the checkered flag. She won both races by approximately 30 seconds to stamp her authority in WMX and make it back-to-back championships.
“Thank you Yamaha and the entire Yamalube Yamaha Team. Its great the support they have given me, and I think it’s been a big part in why there are more girls being supported in motocross.” said Cannon.
“I was pretty nervous coming into the final round. I had to reset from last weekend at QMP and just trying and focus on riding well this weekend because there was no room for error in the points after that DNF. I also had to learn from last week and not make that same mistake again. I tried to rush a pass when I shouldn’t have, and I went down and damaged the bike so there was a lot going on in my head before the races started.”
“But thankfully when the gates dropped, I was just able to race. I was able to get to the lead quickly without taking any risks and the track was super tough, especially in that second race so I was so focused on my lines and what was happening on the track, I didn’t really think about the championship. But I was pretty relieved when I came onto the final straight knowing that I had it won. Thank you Yamaha and the entire Yamalube Yamaha Team. Its great the support they have given me, and I think it’s been a big part in why there are more girls being supported in motocross. Also, to ProMX for giving us a platform to race. There are now more than 20 riders at each round and hopefully that continues to grow, and the women enjoy the experience of racing at these events,” Cannon signs off.
Lorenzo Savadori will continue in his role as Aprilia Racing test rider in 2024. The Italian rider will carry on with his development work on the RS-GP both following the test programme and taking advantage of the three races allowed by the regulations.
The Italian rider will continue his development work on the RS-GP both following the test programme and taking advantage of the three races allowed by the regulations.
A relationship, the one between Aprilia and Lorenzo Savadori, which began in 2015 with victory in the FIM Superstock 1000 riding the RSV4 and then continued in World Superbike. Since 2019 Lorenzo has been an integral part of the MotoGP project, contributing to the steady growth of the RS-GP which has now become a stable protagonist among the prototypes. Testing and wild-card races, during which Savadori and the Aprilia Racing Test Team have often brought innovative solutions to the track, play a fundamental role in modern MotoGP, which is increasingly competitive and demanding.
Lorenzo Savadori: “Aprilia Racing is now a second family for me: we have been together since 2015 and I am very happy to continue this wonderful collaboration. The work I’m doing together with all the guys in the Test Team makes me happy and it’s a source of pride for me to contribute to taking Aprilias to the top of MotoGP, as happened at Silverstone, where there were three RS-GP bikes fighting for the win. Today’s MotoGP is hyper-competitive and you have to try to go further in the development of every little detail and that is also why the job of the Test Rider has become more and more crucial. I am grateful to Aprilia for the trust they put in me for such a delicate role, although clearly every rider’s dream is still to return to full-time racing, to be able to show their potential”.
Ducati Australia have announced another adrenaline-charged experience for Ducatisti, with the return of its Ducati Track Days program, powered by Australian Superbike team, DesmoSport Ducati. The track days offer Ducati riders from all walks of life the chance to experience their Ducati as it was intended.
Offering a full day of track time, the Ducati Track Days are among the most popular events in the Ducatisti calendar.
Ducati Australia Managing Director, Sergi Canovas, was excited to welcome Ducatisti from around the country back to the track.
“Racing and motorsport is embedded in the Ducati DNA, and whether our clients and fans are using their Ducatis at the track or purely on the road, the heart of a champion, proven with countless podiums, is beating within each one of our motorcycles. Partnering with DesmoSport Ducati to offer our 2023 Track Day program means that Ducatisti can experience the true performance of their own bikes, while learning from some of Australian motorcycling racing’s household names,” said Canovas
Formed in 2016 by the 2001/2006/2008 World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss and former Australian Superbike racer, Ben Henry, DesmoSport Ducati currently competes in the Australian Superbike Championship.
Formed in 2016 by the 2001/2006/2008 World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss and former Australian Superbike racer, Ben Henry, DesmoSport Ducati currently competes in the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) against Australia’s, and some of the world’s, best Superbike racers; with rider Broc Pearson in the saddle for the team.
Designed to offer guests a selection of riding options, spots on the Ducati Track Days can be purchased for either one day, or both days at a cost of $450 or $800 respectively. Guests can also purchase optional additional riding tips, or an optional suspension set-up, from the DesmoSport Ducati team, for $200 each.
Experience Details:
Ducati Track Experience Powered By DesmoSport Ducati October 5th and 6th at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Victoria
SMSP have recently opened a new Motorsport Innovation Precinct to boost Australian technology development across motorcycle and car racing. Situated next to the track, the new precinct will help the future of racing in this country. We headed out to the launch of phase one for a sneak peek.
SMSP have opened a new Motorsport Innovation Precinct to boost Australian technology development.
The launch event provided an opportunity for the Australian press to explore the first phase of the building along with hearing from Minster for Sport Steve Kamper, Minister for Music and the Night – time Economy and Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, ARDC President Natalie Turmine and ARDC CEO Glenn Mathews.
Minster for Sport Steve Kamper, Minister for Music and the Night – time Economy and Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, ARDC President Natalie Turmine and ARDC CEO Glenn Mathews.
All four signed the Innovation F4 car.
All four signed the Innovation F4 car.
Motorsport Innovation Precinct.
The first phase of the Innovation Precinct see’s two Australian innovators move into the building. AGI and Forcite. AGI, who are renowned for their roll-cages, have set up shop with more than a dozen Formula Four machines. The aim is to provide an opportunity to find the next Australian F1 driver and putting emphasis on using the Innovation Precinct as an international base to find the next female talent and provide them with the highest level of coaching and training.
AGI, who are renowned for their roll-cages, have set up shop with more than a dozen Formula Four machines.
“Our aim is to establish the number one elite race academy in Australasia at Australia’s number one race circuit. The on – track location is a real drawcard for the sport’s rising stars as we nurture Australia’s next F1 driver. The shared passion and support from the ARDC is the fuel injector to make this vision become a reality,” said Adam Gotch, principal of AGI Sport.
AGI Sport.
AGI Sport.
AGI Sport.
AGI Sport.
AGI’s neighbour is Forcite, the Australian smart-helmet manufacturer have been developing their next generation of lid with MotoSchool. Entering a next phase in their development, they offer out their smart-helmets for punters at the MotoSchool to test out their lids, give their an incite to their riding and be able to see a first person view of what their trainers are doing differently.
Forcite will be heading down the path of creating a race-only lid, this will be including MotoGP technology like live-flag update through lighting in the helmet and live broadcasting of a first-person view. Having their HQ next to a track such as SMSP allows for access to a world-class facility to further develop their product and make racing better.
Forcite Helmets.
Forcite Helmets.
“Forcite has motorsports in its DNA, so being in a precinct on track is an exciting opportunity for our company. Forcite Engineers will now be able to collaborate with the industry’s best and test our technology on a world – class track day and night. I have no doubt this will help us speed up innovation.“ Said Alfred Boyadgis, Forcite co-founder.
“Forcite has motorsports in its DNA, so being in a smart precinct on track is an exciting opportunity for our company.” Said Alfred Boyadgis, Forcite co-founder (on the left).
Speaking with Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC) Spokesperson, Kurt McGuiness, we got some insight into what the precinct means for motorcycle racing.
SMSP Innovation Precinct.
SMSP Innovation Precinct.
SMSP Innovation Precinct.
SMSP Innovation Precinct.
“Effectively what it means is that we have a dedicated racetrack laboratory for research and development of motorsport technology. This tech will then find its way into road going cars and motorcycles. The benefit for brands here is that they can use the motorsport park to test and develop new technology and put them on the track that same day.” said McGuiness.
SMSP Innovation Precinct.
SMSP Innovation Precinct.
SMSP Innovation Precinct.
SMSP Innovation Precinct.
Many mentions were made to the fact that this is the answer to Silverstone circuit in the UK. The ARDC and NSW Government have spent $10 million on the trackside precinct and this is only phase one. More buildings will be constructed over the next few years, hopefully bringing more brands and innovation to Australian circuits.
SMSP Innovation Precinct Gallery
All four signed the Innovation F4 car.
All four signed the Innovation F4 car.
Minster for Sport Steve Kamper, Minister for Music and the Night – time Economy and Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, ARDC President Natalie Turmine and ARDC CEO Glenn Mathews.
SMSP have opened a new Motorsport Innovation Precinct to boost Australian technology development.
SMSP Innovation Precinct.
SMSP Innovation Precinct.
SMSP Innovation Precinct.
AGI Sport.
AGI Sport.
SMSP Innovation Precinct.
SMSP Innovation Precinct.
“Forcite has motorsports in its DNA, so being in a smart precinct on track is an exciting opportunity for our company.” Said Alfred Boyadgis, Forcite co-founder (on the left).
SMSP Innovation Precinct.
SMSP Innovation Precinct.
AGI Sport.
AGI, who are renowned for their roll-cages, have set up shop with more than a dozen Formula Four machines.
