Motorcycle industry veteran and American Flat Track Racing CEO Michael Lock talks shop in this episode of the <em>Motorcyclist</em> Podcast. (American Flat Track Racing/)
The 2021 American Flat Track racing season is in full swing. After a successful double-header round in Daytona Beach, Florida, the series moves to Atlanta for Round 3. Deemed a Super TT, the race will take place at Atlanta Motor Speedway—site of the 2021 Supercross Atlanta round. A special TT-style track will feature asphalt, dirt, and a tabletop-style jump. In anticipation of this event, we speak with our old pal and motorcycle industry veteran and AFT CEO Michael Lock. Our conversation begins with an update on flat track racing before segueing into Lock’s career at Ducati North America. Tune in and get up to speed on what’s happening in the motorcycle world.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Remy Gardner left it late to jump to the top of the timesheets in the opening Moto2™ session at the Red Bull Grand Prix of Spain, eventually ending up over a tenth clear of SKY Racing Team VR46’s Marco Bezzecchi. The intermediate class World Championship leader posted a 1:41.675 with his final flying lap of FP1 to move to within just half a second of the all-time Jerez lap record.
After a difficult start to life in 2021, the Austrian factory is back at favourable circuits and making the most of it with both factory men, Binder and Miguel Oliveira, on course for top spot on their final flying laps. Binder held on in the final sector to jump to the top of the timesheets with Portugal’s Oliveira settling into seventh.
Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia Esponsorama Racing Moto3) kicked off his weekend as the fastest man in Moto3™ FP1 at the Red Bull Grand Prix of Spain. A 1:46.319 on his final lap was enough for the Italian to top the timesheets on a cool morning at Circuito de Jerez- Angel Nieto, with well over a tenth to spare on nearest challenger Gabriel Rodrigo (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3), and two-tenths on Jason Dupasquier (CarXpert Pruestel GP).
Enel X, the Official Smart Charging Partner of the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup, has launched the JuiceRoll Race Edition, the new charging infrastructure specifically designed and developed for MotoE™, that will be used starting from the first race of the third season of the Cup, which is set to take place at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto on the 2nd of May. The JuiceRoll Race Edition is a highly innovative racing charger with internal storage and two interconnectable units, namely a Semi-Mobile Unit (SMU) and a Mobile Unit (MU); this device can charge an electric motorbike in about 40 minutes.
The SMU, located in the charging area of the ePaddock, is a semi-mobile unit with a 50 kW DC output, an AC input from the grid of up to 22 kW and a 51 kWh embedded storage system. Additional energy can be secured through sixty 3Sun bifacial solar panels, for a total installed capacity of 21 kWp, mounted in the charging area. Thanks to this overall system, encompassing storage alongside photovoltaics, the power input requested from the grid during charging is limited to 4-5 kW under normal operating conditions. The MU is a moveable 10 kW DC charger, powered by the SMU and equipped with a 6 kWh embedded storage system that enables the unit to top up the bikes while in the pit lane and starting grid. Specifically, the MU enables a seven-minute final charge on the starting grid, allowing the bikes to cover a greater distance than in previous seasons.
During the charging session in the ePaddock, the JuiceRoll Race Edition can supply the bikes with up to as much as 1 MW spread across 20 chargers, requesting only 100 kW from the solar panels and the grid under normal operating conditions, thanks to the chargers’ embedded storage system. If needed, the batteries allow the chargers to work without grid connection, as they are able to compensate any power drops or blackouts from the grid and still safely charge the bikes.
Other new, distinctive features of the JuiceRoll Race Edition include:
• The MU can power electric tyre warmers while in the ePaddock, pit lane and starting grid as well as during transfers between these areas, as keeping tyres warm is key for optimal bike performance
• The overall system is remotely monitored and controlled, managing power loads in order to optimise electricity supply from the grid
The JuiceRoll Race Edition replaces the JuicePump 50 used in the first and second seasons of the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup.
Francesco Venturini, CEO of Enel X: “We are proud to launch a new smart charger for the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup, underscoring our commitment to developing innovative technologies for eMotorsports. This state-of-the-art device requires less power from the grid thanks to its embedded storage system while ensuring more energy for the race through a mobile charging unit that can top up the bikes also in the starting grid. Overall, we consider eMotorsports as a laboratory for smart charging technologies, with the aim to bring innovation from the racetrack to the street. We develop solutions to make motorsports more sustainable, while maintaining the same level of performance and competitiveness.”
Tanti confirmed for factory GasGas debut in Canberra
Section: CompetitionPost: Alex Gobert
This weekend to mark debut of GasGas Racing Team in Australia.
Image: Foremost Media.
The anticipated factory GasGas Racing Team debut will finally go ahead at Canberra’s second round of Penrite ProMX after the highly-rated MX1 rookie was forced to watch from the sidelines at Wonthaggi.
Tanti has now recovered enough from his broken wrist to return at round two, which will also mark the first time that GasGas has fielded a factory team in the Australian Motocross Championship under KTM Group ownership.
Despite spending little time on the bike in the lead-up, the 24-year-old is expected to make his presence felt on Sunday where he will also wear the number nine for the first time at a national level. He has also had to recently overcome an untimely finger injury in the lead-up to his return.
“I’ve got about four or five rides in now, so not a lot of time, but I got cleared to ride and have been managing coming back,” Tanti told MotoOnline. “All in all, I feel good enough to race, so am going to give it a crack. I want to get out there, have a feel for racing my first national on a 450, see how it goes.
“Sitting at round one watching was definitely hard. You see the competition and kind of picture where you’re going to sit and I think I would have been in a pretty good position around Wonthaggi. So that was hard to watch, but it’s good to be back.
“I’m not carrying any real expectations into this weekend, I haven’t been on the bike a lot and had my fingernail removed after an incident this week, which isn’t a problem at all. I just want to get a good start and I do see myself in the top 10, no worries in the world, but that’s where we will leave it at for now.”
The addition of Tanti completes the KTM Group’s expansive inclusion in the premier class, joining defending MX1 champion Todd Waters (Husqvarna Racing Team) and fellow newcomer Regan Duffy (KTM Racing Team) – winner of the opener – as part of the single-rider programs for each brand.
Final decision to be made whether Dobson will be fit to race
Section: CompetitionPost: Alex Gobert
Injured Serco Yamaha rider to attempt riding again in practice.
Image: Foremost Media.
Lap one of MX2 practice at Sunday’s second round of Penrite ProMX will be telling for Serco Yamaha’s Jesse Dobson as he attempts to ride less than two weeks after having a broken collarbone plated.
The Queenslander finished fourth at the opening round of the season and is determined to score more points in Canberra, despite being injured at Coolum following Wonthaggi’s season-opener earlier this month.
It would be a remarkable effort if Dobson is to overcome the injury, which he says he has been doing everything that he can to speed-up the healing process between rounds. The real test will come at the beginning of the 8:00am practice, however.
“First lap of practice will be the real test,” Dobson told MotoOnline. “I have been just trying to give it as long as possible to heal before I try go racing. I’ve been doing everything I can all week with my trainer/physio to help promote healing and each day has been better than the last. We won’t know how it will hold up until the day of the race.”
Dobson is regarded as a chance of challenging for the MX2 championship this season, his first at a national level with Serco Yamaha after joining the organisation last year. He narrowly missed out on a podium at round one after lodging 4-3 finishes that weekend.
Round 2 of the Penrite ProMX Championship, presented by AMX Superstores (ProMX) will roll into Canberra this weekend at the ACT Motocross Track, Majura, with all four classes competing.
2021 Australian ProMX Championship heads for Canberra for Round 2 – Image by RBMotoLens
The ProMX season opener, held at Wonthaggi, Victoria, re-launched national motocross racing in style; and Round 2 this Sunday (May 2) is expected to kick it up a notch with maximum entries across all classes.
Expect handle-bar to handle-bar action in Canberra, across the Thor MX1, Pirelli MX2, Maxxis MX3 classes, as well as the bLU cRU YZ65 Cup which makes its 2021 debut this weekend.
2021 Australian ProMX Championship heads for Canberra for Round 2 – Image by RBMotoLens
The bLU cRU YZ65 Cup pits out of the Blu Cru truck and with unparalleled access to Yamaha Motor Australia’s professional MX race teams, each Blu Cru YZ65 Cup participant is is sure to build memories that last a lifetime.
The ethos of Yamaha’s YZ65 Cup is to make every rider and his or her family feel like they are part of the Yamaha factory race team, courtesy of the unique bLU cRU offering a wide range of benefits.
Matthew Ferry – YMA Sales and Marketing Manager
“The YZ65 Cup aims to boost grassroots entry level dirt bike riding by offering a unique and fun experience. Participants come away feeling like factory racers with huge grins on their faces and lifetime memories. That’s what makes the YZ65 Cup the most eagerly anticipated dates on the calendar.”
With such tight and close competition in all three major classes, and with Australia’s best going head-to-head, Canberrans are in for a real treat this weekend.
2021 Australian ProMX Championship heads for Canberra for Round 2 – Image by RBMotoLens
Round 2 will see 37 entries for the Thor MX1 class, and both the Pirelli MX2 and Maxis MX3 classes are fully subscribed prior to qualifying, and there is a capacity field of 20 entries for the bLU cRU YZ65 Cup.
Racing action kicks-off this Sunday, May 2, from 8am with practice, before the AMX Superstores MX1 Pole Shootout before six hours of high-flying MX1, MX2, MX3 and YZ65 Cup action gets under way at 10am. Fans are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets online at www.auspromx.com.au in advance.
2021 Australian ProMX Championship heads for Canberra for Round 2 – Image by RBMotoLens
The ACT Motocross Track is located at Pialligo Avenue, Oaks Estate Road and Sutton Road, Majura.
Many riders attended the South Australian titles last week in Gilman, where round three of the Australian Pro MX Championship will take place at the end of may, offering some additional training before Round 2, as well as an opportunity to refamiliarise themselves with the course for Round 3.
2021 Australian ProMX Championship heads for Canberra for Round 2 – Image by RBMotoLens
From Round 3, we’ll also see two-time All Japan National MX2 Champion Haruki Yokoyama join the Empire Kawasaki outfit for the Australia ProMX series onboard a 2021 KX250.
Haruki Yokoyama
“I am looking forward to competing with the fastest MX riders in Australia. One of the main reasons I came to Australia was to learn more and improve my skills on and off the MX track.”
Haruki Yokoyama to join Empire Kawasaki for 2021 Australian ProMX
2021 Australian Penrite ProMX calendar
Rnd
Date
Location
1
Apr-11
Wonthaggi, Victoria Classes: MX1, MX2, MX3, 125 CUP
2
May-02
Canberra, ACT Classes: MX1, MX2, MX3
3
May-30
Gilman, South Australia Classes: MX1, MX2, MX3, 125 CUP
2021 British Superbike Championship Silverstone Test
Images by David Yeomans Photography
Honda Racing’s Glenn Irwin has completed the Silverstone BSB test on top of the time-sheets, setting the fastest ever BSB lap by 0.090s, in a strong start to the 2021 Bennetts British Superbike Championship. Day two saw a reshuffle of the fastest riders, as Australia’s Jason O’Halloran was pushed down the sheets, with Josh Brookes suffering a nasty crash that ended his day.
A crash for Josh Brookes ended his day early
The top 17 riders were covered by just 0.988s on combined times after the two days on circuit, with four different manufacturers represented in the top four positions ahead of next week’s second test at Snetterton.
Jason O’Halloran was fastest Aussie
Glenn Irwin’s lap record-breaking time came in the penultimate session of the test, with the Honda Racing rider putting himself firmly at the head of the times, although McAMS Yamaha rider Tarran Mackenzie was also under the existing record and just 0.016s adrift of his rival.
Glenn Irwin – P1
“It has been a really productive test and one of two halves; yesterday the pace was slower than last year and you put it down to conditions, but it was also similar conditions today. I think we all know how to ride, but I think you forget all the niche things that make you compete at this level and I feel we did that better today. I improved today and we had a lot that we needed to get through here. We tried some new things that we thought might not even work, but the lap time in the third session was really good and I was happy. In the final session I was on another faster lap so I was buzzing, but I came across another rider in the last sector so didn’t get to complete it, but it has been a good day and the team have worked amazing. We can’t be complacent as we don’t know what everyone else is working on, but I feel strong and we can now look forward to the next test at Snetterton.”
Glenn Irwin
Tarran Mackenzie – P2
“The first day of the test was a bit of a nightmare for a few reasons out of our control, but things went a lot better on Thursday! It was nice to have a full day of trying things and getting a better feeling for the bike. The setting is very similar to what we ran last year so it’s just a case of fine tuning that. I had a good first session and then built on from that. We called it a day in the last session as it was a bit too cold and we’d done everything we needed to do. We are going to Snetterton with a good feeling on the bike and feeling confident, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Tarran Mackenzie
Silverstone again proved to be a strong circuit for the Buildbase Suzuki team and after setting the pace at lunchtime, Danny Kent’s time in that session put him third overall on the combined times as he proved to put his track knowledge to use as he prepares for his new campaign.
Danny Kent – P3
“I’ve got to be happy with that at the end of the day. This, really, was my first proper go on a Superbike with a good team around me that know the bike and have the experience, so to come away in the top three; it feels good. I was a bit worried; you have thoughts about if you’ll be fast enough when it comes to it and people have asked that question of me – and understandably maybe – but I think today’s answered those questions, and confidence is pretty high at the moment. The objective at this test was to just get comfortable, and I wanted to come away feeling like the bike was mine, and we definitely achieved that. The bike felt great and the team have done a really good job. They’ve got so much experience at this level I just rode the bike and let them make any changes they wanted to make. The result was it made doing the lap times so easy and I think with a more experienced rider than me onboard it could easily have topped the times. I just kept making the odd mistake when pushing hard and I’d over ride and do the wrong things to go fast. So I’ve got a bit of learning to do still but I think I could have gone faster. Plus we lost nearly two sessions with a crash on Wednesday morning. Being at Silverstone made it easier as I know that track, and I know it’ll be harder at Snetterton. But I also know the bike can go fast there. It’s just going to be a case of putting the laps in, learning the circuit, the bike, and keep building that connection. For the first day back it feels pretty good.”
Danny Kent
Kyle Ryde showed impressive pace with the new BMW M 1000 RR to post the fourth fastest time for the Rich Energy OMG Racing BMW team, he had topped the timesheets in the final session of the test, despite conditions meaning the pace couldn’t match what was set earlier in the day.
Jason O’Halloran
Jason O’Halloran had set the pace on the opening day of testing action and the McAMS Yamaha rider ended the test fifth fastest overall, holding off the second Buildbase Suzuki of Gino Rea and the SYNETIQ BMW pairing of Danny Buchan and Andrew Irwin.
Jason O’Halloran – P5
“The first day couldn’t have gone any better for us. We focused on trying the new engine on day one and turned our focus to the chassis on the second day. I was a bit nervous about changing the chassis as we didn’t change a lot last year, I’d ridden the same bike all year and we had a good year so it took me a bit of time to adjust to it. Once I started to use the benefits of the new settings, it started to come to me and I started to feel really good. We just worked through our programme, got through everything we needed to get through. In the third session I did a long run and set my best lap on the last lap of the run. We came in, made a few changes and went back out and bettered that time again and by that point the tyre had done 31 laps. To be doing 53’3 with 31 laps on a tyre is exactly where we need to be for race day here. The final session was just a bit too sketchy for me, as nice as it would have been to have stuck some fresh rubber in and gone for a time!”
Jason O’Halloran
Christian Iddon held ninth place on combined times for VisionTrack Ducati, his teammate and reigning champion Josh Brookes suffered a high-speed crash in the final session, which ended his day prematurely leaving him in P12 overall. The Australian was able to walk away from the crash but sustained a finger injury.
Josh Brookes
“I’ve taken a lot of skin off the little finger and there is a risk of infection as it’s down to the bone but apart from that I’m OK and my finger is fine. There are no other injuries so it’s just a case of getting it cleaned up. I’m still working out what happened in the crash, but the track was cooling down and I perhaps carried a bit too much brake so maybe that’s what happened. The test was good to a point, but we did a lot of experimenting and didn’t really find a lot that improved our existing package. It’s now a case of working on what we know best and finding the consistency we need.”
Josh Brookes
Christian Iddon – P9
“I’m really happy with the way the test has gone, everything is good. Silverstone is unique as Christian Iddoneveryone ends up with very similar lap times, it’s just one of those tracks. My aim over the two days was to experiment with a few ideas and to try some stuff we didn’t get round to trying last year, mainly to do with tyre life and some other settings. We achieved what we needed and in the last session, I just did a race run rather than chasing a lap time. It was unfortunate for Josh to crash and hope his finger injury is not too serious.”
Christian Iddon
Ryan Vickers completed the top ten for the RAF Regular & Reserve Kawasaki team, edging out FHO Racing BMW’s Xavi Forés by just 0.038s.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the FIM, the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and DWO have agreed there will be no 2021 edition of the Australian Round. Organisers are working towards a return to the iconic venue in 2022 as the first event of the 2022 Championship.
David Bennett, Phillip Island General Manager
“Phillip Island has hosted more World Superbike events than any other circuit in the world. We agree that now is the time to focus our efforts on the Official Test and season opening Round in 2022. The decision not to run a round in 2021 will not adversely impact the continuation of the event. The event is secured for the Phillip Island Circuit until 2027.”
The Czech Republic’s Autodrom Most will now make its debut on the WorldSBK Calendar in 2021 after signing a five-year agreement, while the Australian Round is set to return in 2022.
With the 2021 season set to begin in only a few weeks, the FIM and Dorna WSBK Organization are constantly working with Government Officials and Circuits in order to continue putting everyone’s safety first. Any further updates to the 2021 WorldSBK calendar will be communicated accordingly.
Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director
“We are thrilled to welcome the Autodrom Most to our calendar for the next five seasons. Today’s announcement that WorldSBK is set to return to the Czech Republic for the first time since 2018 reflects the continuing popularity of the Championship among the Czech fans. With Czech teams and riders within the paddock, this is a great opportunity to showcase the Czech Republic on a world stage and I trust the Autodrom Most will be hosting exciting events in the future. Regarding Australia, all parties involved decided that analysing the latest changes in all major motorsport events and with the current uncertainty related to the pandemic, the best solution was to move the event to our usual start-of- the-season date in 2022. We look forward to returning there next year with the Australian Round a key event of the Championship.”
