Oliveira wins as Bagnaia slashes Quartararo’s points lead

There is everything to play for in the World Championship after a thrilling Thai GP at a wet Buriram

Miguel Oliveira has mastered the rain again! Just as he did in Round 2 in Indonesia, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing pilot took victory in ultra-challenging conditions in the OR Thailand Grand Prix. The Ducati Lenovo Team claimed second and third at the Chang International Circuit, with Jack Miller giving it his all in a bid to make it two MotoGP™ race wins in a row but coming up just 0.730 seconds short, and Francesco Bagnaia taking a precious podium. Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) clinched fourth when he held off Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) at the chequered flag after 25 unbelievable laps.

But for Bagnaia, the good news continues. He is now just two points behind World Championship leader Fabio Quartararo with three races to go after the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ rider finished 17th and scored a ‘zero’. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) also regained ground, although he is still 20 points in arrears of Quartararo after serving a Long Lap Penalty and finishing 11th.

A race worth waiting for

After so much talk about weather on Friday and Saturday, the ran finally arrived on Sunday afternoon – in a big way. The torrential falls led to a delay of almost an hour before the premier class race finally got underway, and it was still very wet when riders eventually took the start. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) launched well from pole position but he and fellow front qualifier Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) went well wide as the field ran into Turn 1, and there was almost contact between the Ducati riders.

Bezzecchi still emerged with the lead, from Bagnaia and Miller, with Martin fourth and Marc Marquez fifth, but Quartararo had been shuffled back from fourth on the grid to 11th in the traffic. It got even worse for the Frenchman when he had a big moment on the paint exiting Turn 4 and dropped another six spots. Not only had Aleix Espargaro got ahead of him having inherited 11th, Bagnaia had assumed the live Championship lead.

Bezzecchi has to give up the lead

Bezzecchi was almost a second up at the end of Lap 2 but had been issued a position drop penalty for the manner in which he went off and rejoined at speed at the opening corner. That put him in an awkward situation considering how close the factory Ducatis were to each other behind him, especially when Miller overtook Bagnaia on Lap 3, but he managed to serve the penalty – and no more – a lap later at Turn 3. Meanwhile, Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) crashed at Turn 9 having not long moved up to fifth position, while Oliveira had hauled his way to fourth.

The Portuguese rider overtook Bagnaia for third at Turn 9 on Lap 5 and then went under Bezzecchi for second at Turn 3 on Lap 6, a move which Bagnaia capitalised on by passing the VR46 pilot for third as they sped towards Turn 4. Marquez soon relegated Bezzecchi another position, despite the rookie’s best attempts to hit back immediately, while Aleix Espargaro had just moved into the top 10 when he was issued a Long Lap Penalty for early contact with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).

A. Espargaro also penalised as Oliveira makes his move

As #88 closed the gap to #43 at the front of the field, Aleix Espargaro took his medicine on Lap 10 and rejoined in 14th – but was still five positions ahead of Quartararo, who was going in the wrong direction on the timing screen but at least back in the live Championship lead thanks to Oliveira. Speaking of whom, he had already made one attempt to pass Miller which did not stick, but when he had a look at the Australian at Turn 12 at the end of Lap 14, he pulled off a textbook move and was into the lead.

The KTM pilot needed just a handful of laps to build a margin of one second over Miller, who had about the same gap back to teammate Bagnaia, but Marquez was starting to stalk the #63 Ducati. Then there was the man on the #5 Ducati, Zarco, who was on a big charge as he lapped at least half a second quicker than anyone on a drying race track.

Battles everywhere!

In search of his 100th premier class podium, Marc Marquez sent his Honda RC213V down the inside of Bagnaia’s Desmosedici at Turn 12 at the end of Lap 20, but Pecco got him back on the cutback. Instead, the eight-time World Champion would lose fourth position to Zarco a lap later at Turn 8, and then the Frenchman was all over Bagnaia. Try as he might, he could not find a way through, and started to fade in the final laps, perhaps having asked too much of his wet tyres as the track surface continued to dry out.

On the final lap, two serious battles emerged. Miller had brought Oliveira’s advantage back down to just tenths of a second and was poised to capitalise on any error, but the Portuguese rider stayed strong to seal victory number five in MotoGP™. Just over a second further back, Bagnaia had shaken off Zarco, who found Marc Marquez back right behind him, but he would hang on to fourth. A full 10 seconds away from the top five finished Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), with Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) seventh from Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) and Martin.

How the rest finished

After taking his penalty, Aleix Espargaro spent the latter half of the race involved in a battle with none other than Brad Binder, and it was the South African who beat him to 10th position at the finish. Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) got home not far behind in 12th, ahead of Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team), and Raul Fernandez (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing). From pole position, Bezzecchi slipped all the way to 16th and it was also an afternoon of frustration for Quartararo, who missed out on points for the second time in three Grands Prix. Remarkably, with Marini remounting, just one rider failed to make the finish, Remy Gardner (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) crashing out on Lap 12.

Two points, three more races – MotoGP™ is set for one of its most thrilling conclusions to a season ever! Make sure you do not miss the Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, from Phillip Island, October 14-16.

MotoGP™ Race Top 10

1. Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
2. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) + 0.730
3. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) + 1.968
4. Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) + 2.490
5. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) + 2.958
6. Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) + 13.257
7. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) + 14.566
8. Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) + 14.861
9. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) + 15.365
10. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) + 18.097

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2023 Suzuki SV650 First Look Preview

The 2023 Suzuki SV650 ABS in Metallic Reflective Blue will price at $7,849.

The 2023 Suzuki SV650 ABS in Metallic Reflective Blue will price at $7,849. (Suzuki/)

Suzuki’s SV650 will carry forward into 2023 unchanged, though there will be some new color options for riders in ABS and non-ABS trims. Those in the market for ABS will get a Metallic Reflective Blue color scheme with dark gold frame and wheels for $7,849. The non-ABS SV650 will be dressed in Glass Sparkle Black and Solid Iron Gray, with a dark gray frame and red wheels for $7,399. Both bikes are $100 more, respectively, than their 2022 predecessors.

Suzuki hit the nail on the head when it finally trimmed down the Gladius to revive the SV underneath in 2017 and since then not much has happened. We saw a cafe racer edition come and go in the States, but it’s essentially the same machine that first came to market six years ago.

That machine includes a spritely 90-degree 645cc V-twin with enjoyable power output, particularly in the low- and midrange. The svelte, simple design aesthetic remains eye-catching and the nimble machine will still provide a memorable ride in the twisties. It held its own against the FZ-07 (now MT-07) not long after its debut and would likely do as well today, even though it’s overdue for an update.

The bottom line is the SV650 has been and remains a compelling choice for riders on a budget who want a really easy-handling bike that’s fun to ride, nice to look at, relatively simple to maintain, and capable of performing well in a variety of different ride situations.

2023 Suzuki SV650 Technical Specifications and Price

Price: $7,399 ($7,849 ABS)
Engine: 645cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled V-twin
Bore x Stroke: 81.0 x 62.6mm
Compression Ratio: 11.2:1
Fuel Delivery: Fuel injection w/ SDTV, 39mm throttle bodies
Clutch: Wet, multiplate
Transmission/Final Drive: 6-speed/chain
Frame: Steel trellis
Front Suspension: 41mm fork; 4.9 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Link-type shock, spring preload adjustable; 5.1 in. travel
Front Brake: 4-piston Tokico calipers, dual floating 290mm discs
Rear Brake: 1-piston Nissin caliper, 240mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear: Five-spoke aluminum; 17 in.
Tires, Front/Rear: Dunlop Roadsmart III; 120/70-17 / 160/60-17
Rake/Trail: 25.0°/4.2 in.
Wheelbase: 56.9 in.
Seat Height: 30.9 in.
Fuel Capacity: 3.8 gal.
Claimed Curb Weight: 432 lb.
Available: 2023
Contact: suzukicycles.com

2023 Suzuki SV650 in Glass Sparkle Black and Solid Iron Gray.

2023 Suzuki SV650 in Glass Sparkle Black and Solid Iron Gray. (Suzuki/)

The 2023 Suzuki SV650 without ABS will start at $7,399.

The 2023 Suzuki SV650 without ABS will start at $7,399. (Suzuki/)

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Arbolino wins after the heavens open in Thailand

Half points awarded after the rain pours and pours and pours down

Torrential rain caused high drama at the OR Thailand Grand Prix and it was Tony Arbolino who was eventually classified the winner of a shortened Moto2™ race. The Elf Marc VDS Racing Team rider had just passed Filip Salac (Gresini Racing Moto2™) for the lead at the end of Lap 8 around the Chang International Circuit when the contest was red-flagged. After two attempts to re-start, Race Direction ultimately decided to award half points. Nevertheless, Arbolino, Salac, and Aron Canet (Flexbox HP40) can count themselves as Thai GP podium finishers, while Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) gained half a point on World Championship leader Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) when they were locked into sixth and seventh in the final results.

Bucketing down in Buriram

A downpour just minutes before the scheduled start time saw the race declared wet, and crews swapped slick tyres for wets on the grid as the scheduled distance was cut from 22 to 16 laps. Conditions were ultra-challenging when riders did eventually get lights out and pole-sitter Chantra emerged with the lead as they exited Turn 1, ahead of Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools Speed Up) and Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia).

Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) overtook Ogura for third at Turn 3 and was second when he went past Lopez through Turn 4 but, no sooner had he done so, he touched the ever so slippery paint on exit and crashed. Aron Canet (Flexbox HP40) was charging through the field, coming all the way from 18th on the grid to pass Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) for fourth at Turn 8. When Filip Salac (Gresini Racing Moto2™) went wide at Turn 12 at the end of the opening lap, Canet inherited third position and Dixon fourth.

Chantra crashes out

Chantra had sent his home crowd crazy with his pole on Saturday afternoon but there was heartbreak all-round on Lap 2 when he lost the rear through Turn 4 and crashed out of the lead. Lopez was the new front-runner, from Canet, Dixon, Salac, Ogura, Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team), Arbolino, and Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo). On the following lap, Canet tried a move on Lopez at Turn 8 and while he could not get it done there, the Boscoscuro pilot handed over the lead when he ran wide at Turn 5 on Lap 4.

Salac passed Dixon into Turn 12 at the end of that lap and made it a two-for-one deal when he accelerated ahead of Lopez and into second place on exit. Then on Lap 5, the Czech rider got a brilliant run off Turn 11 and cleared Canet by the time they arrived at Turn 12, at the other end of the chute, to move into the lead. However, there was another man to watch and that was Arbolino. ‘Tiger Tony’ had overtaken Ogura for fifth on Lap 3 and prised fourth off Lopez on Lap 5 after a couple of attempts, before eventually picking off Dixon for third on Lap 6.

Arbolino takes the lead in the nick of time

Next time through, Arbolino went under Canet and into second place at Turn 4, at which point he was more than a second in arrears of Salac. The Italian made light work of that margin and then did not need to work at all for the pass when Salac outbraked himself at Turn 12 on Lap 8. They had barely started the following lap when Race Direction decided the conditions were too dangerous to continue and put out the red flags, signalling what was supposed to be a pause in proceedings. Canet held third at the time, ahead of Dixon, Lopez, and Ogura. Fernandez was just one position further back, given the Championship leader had not long passed Roberts for seventh.

One new start time came and went when the conditions did not sufficiently improve, before riders were sent for a quick re-start after a delay of over half an hour. However, just as they circulated around the Buriram track on their way back to the grid, it became obvious that the rain was simply too heavy to continue, and the red flags were thrown again. Word soon came through that the race would not re-start and, with less than two thirds of the distance completed, half points were awarded.

How the rest finished

Behind the aforementioned eight, Keminth Kubo (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team) was classified ninth, ahead of Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Sean Dylan Kelly (American Racing), Barry Baltus (RW Racing GP), Taiga Hada (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team), Albert Arenas (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team), and Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP).

In the World Championship, Fernandez still leads, with his margin over Ogura cut to 1.5 points ahead of the final three rounds of the season. It means that every goes on the line when the Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix takes place at Phillip Island on October 14-16!

Moto2™ Race Top 10

1. Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team)
2. Filip Salac (Gresini Racing Moto2) + 0.251
3. Aron Canet (Flexbox HP40) + 3.112
4. Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) + 3.268
5. Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools Speed Up) + 4.137
6. Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) + 5.715
7. Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) + 9.862
8. Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) + 1 lap
9. Keminth Kubo (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team) + 1 lap
10. Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) + 1 lap

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Phenomenal Foggia in Thailand

‘The Rocket’ puts himself back into Moto3™ title contention but Guevara has his first match point now

Dennis Foggia has given himself a glimmer of hope in the Moto3™ title race with an impressive ride to victory at the OR Thailand Grand Prix. The Leopard Racing rider qualified on pole position and led for all but one of the 22 laps around the Chang International Circuit, taking the chequered flag ahead of Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) and Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse). Foggia is now up to second in the World Championship, 49 points behind Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team), who worked hard for the 11 points which he earned by finishing fifth. His teammate Sergio Garcia, however, scored a dreaded ‘zero’ after he was collected on the opening lap and is now 56 points behind in the standings.

Early misfortune for Garcia

Foggia converted pole into the initial lead, while Sasaki had clawed his way back to second position by the end of the opening lap after being as low as fifth. Further back, Garcia’s rotten weekend got even worse. After qualifying only 20th, he was caught up in high drama at Turn 12, going down when he was hit by a highsiding Adrian Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Tech3). Fernandez himself also struck Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), who managed to stay upright, in an incident which will be reviewed post-race.

Up the front, Foggia continued to lead as a battle pack emerged just behind. Sasaki was getting plenty of attention from the likes of Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team), David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), and Rossi, but every time he lost a position or two, he quickly reclaimed second place. Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing) was also part of the lead bunch until he pulled off with an apparent technical problem on while running seventh on Lap 8.

An almost perfect race for Foggia

That left a group of six headed by Foggia, from Sasaki, Muñoz, Nepa, Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI), and Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo), while Guevara had worked his way up from 11th on the grid to be at the head of the second bunch of riders in seventh position, although he had a fight on his hands to stay there. Foggia ceded the lead for the first time when he ran well wide through Turn 12 at the end of Lap 13, but got it back almost immediately when he overtook Sasaki on the long, open run to Turn 3.

Then, on Lap 14, it was Moreira’s turn to run wide at Turn 12 and he lost touch with the top four of Foggia, Sasaki, Rossi, and Muñoz. Rossi made a move on Sasaki on Lap 15 at Turn 3 and actually held second place for several laps, before the ‘Crazy Boy’ went back down his inside at Turn 12 at the end of Lap 19 in what had become a three-rider breakaway. Foggia, however, looked comfortable, and Sasaki nearly lost second spot again when he ran wide at Turn 3 on the penultimate lap. Then, at the very last corner, Rossi fired it down the inside of the Japanese rider but was in too hot and he too took the long route. At the chequered flag, it was Foggia the victor by a margin of 1.524 seconds over Sasaki, with Rossi 1.280 seconds further back.

Guevara lives dangerously

Meanwhile, Muñoz, Moreira, and Masia had all dropped back into the second group, in which the key man was Guevara. In fact, the Championship leader very nearly saw his race come to an end on Lap 16 when Masia folded the front just ahead of him at Turn 3, but he KTM Ajo rider caught it and saved a crash. Guevara dropped from fifth to seventh when he made an error and ran well wide on Lap 20 at Turn 3, but had climbed all the way to fourth, seven seconds back from the podium places, at the start of the final lap.

Three corners later, it was almost disaster again for Guevara! He ran wide once more at Turn 3 and opened the door for Nepa to pinch fourth, then made contact with Muñoz on exit and saw Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) also go past as a result. Muñoz was therefore fifth as he approached the final corner of the race but he became the latest rider to outbrake himself. After all of that, Nepa claimed fourth position, Guevara a valuable fifth, and Migno was sixth until he was handed a position drop penalty which promoted Moreira ahead of him. Masia finished eighth, ahead of Muñoz and Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) in 10th.

The rest of the points finishers were Holgado, Joel Kelso (CIP Green Power), Carlos Tatay (CFMoto Racing PruestelGP), Xavier Artigas (CFMoto Racing PruestelGP), and Scott Ogden (VisionTrack Racing Team). Garcia eventually retired after trying to continue, while John McPhee (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) and Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power) crashed out in separate incidents, joining Suzuki and Fernandez as DNFs.

Now, Guevara has his first match point. Find out if he can clinch the Moto3™ World Championship at Phillip island when the Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix takes place on October 14-16!

Moto3™ Race Top 10

1. Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing)
2. Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) + 1.524
3. Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse) + 2.804
4. Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team) + 9.414
5. Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) + 9.527
6. Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) + 9.971
7. Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) + 9.610
8. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) + 10.033
9. David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) + 10.046
10. Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) + 10.088

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Max Racing Team announces changes to pit crew

Max Biaggi, Team Owner: “I personally followed and coordinated the procedure of formal noticing to the two members of my team, responsible for the events against the rider Adrian Fernandez and Tech3 KTM. After officially asking the interested parties for clarifications and justifications for what happened, in compliance with the contractual prescriptions, we arrived at the unpleasant, but necessary epilogue. As a team, we believe we must completely separate our road from those guilty of unsportsmanlike behaviour, as well as being against rules and regulations. Such an action cannot and must not remain unpunished, nor unnoticed. The damage to our name is immeasurable.”

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Bagnaia fires a warning shot in Thailand Warm Up

Quartararo was sixth and first-time pole-sitter Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) 12th, while Japanese GP winner Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) finished the session in 15th after a fairly harmless excursion through the gravel at Turn 3, the biggest incident of note. Also notable, though, was that a handful of riders were called to the pits to swap bikes during the session. The Warm Up was dry, but some teams were clearly preparing for the possibility of a flag-to-flag race this afternoon. Most ran on Michelin’s medium front tyre, while the field was split on whether to use a soft or medium on the rear.

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The Stoner-Pedrosa record which Bezzecchi has matched

MotoGP™ has made its return to Buriram after a three-year absence, and Saturday qualifying threw up a few surprises. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) will lead the grid at lights out, becoming the second rookie to do so this year while he also secured a first-ever pole position for VR46 Racing in the premier class. It’s set to be a thrilling spectacle, so why not warm up for the Thai GP by sinking your teeth into the 10 juicy facts below!

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Handstands at 100 MPH—Celebrating Desert Motorcycle Racing, History, and Legacy

The second-annual Handstands at 100 MPH celebrated the history of Baja and desert racers. Each one of these gentlemen xd overalled the SCORE Baja 1000. (Bottom row, left to right: Mark Samuels, Justin Morgan, Jack Johnson, Chuck Miller, Derrick Paiement. Top row, left to right: Scot Harden, Jimmy Lewis, Johnny Campbell, Justin Jones.)

The second-annual Handstands at 100 MPH celebrated the history of Baja and desert racers. Each one of these gentlemen xd overalled the SCORE Baja 1000. (Bottom row, left to right: Mark Samuels, Justin Morgan, Jack Johnson, Chuck Miller, Derrick Paiement. Top row, left to right: Scot Harden, Jimmy Lewis, Johnny Campbell, Justin Jones.) (Jean Turner/)

You click into sixth gear with the throttle still pinned. The shrubbery whizzing by blurs into a haze; the terrain is sucked under your front wheel nearly as fast as your mind can process the information. A hidden bump in the road sends a jolt through the handlebars and flings your rear wheel skyward. You’re bucked off the seat in a panic-revving pucker moment of feet in the air, hoping and praying that it will somehow all work out if you just hold on.

This moment is all too familiar to desert racers everywhere, whether they’re from Southern California, the wilds of Nevada, or the iconic Baja peninsula. Hence the event’s name: Handstands at 100 MPH.

Spearheaded by legendary desert racers Scot Harden and Johnny Campbell, the 2021 Handstands at 100 MPH event assembled the Baja and desert racing community together for a celebration of heritage and legacy in the largest gathering of desert racing motorcycle champions to date. That is, until last weekend, where the second annual Handstands at 100 MPH, held at the famous Blackmore Ranch in Murrieta, California, challenged the size and attendance of the inaugural event at Doffo Winery.

The sprawling Blackmore estate opened its doors and its accompanying motorcycle museum to more than 350 attendees, who came out to mingle, eat, drink, and benchrace with the greats. On hand were a host of motorcycle clubs and organizations, including AMA District 37 and its youth series, SCORE International, and Best in the Desert. Southern California clubs, including Hilltoppers, Invaders, Four Aces, Desert MC, SoCal MC, Jackrabbits, and Huntington Beach MC were in attendance, hosting displays that showcased the historic legacy of the clubs and the sport. Also making the trek for the 2022 Handstands at 100 MPH event were the Groundshakers from Nevada and Mexican representatives Los Ancianos, of Tecate, Baja California.

The clubs, along with the race organizations, displayed memorabilia, from finisher pins and race flyers of the ‘60s and ‘70s to vintage desert racing bikes, trophies, and historic photos. Desert racing champions from ages 9 to 92 shared stories and laughs, proving that no matter the age, this elite breed of off-road motorcycle racers have its own language and unique passion.

A new feature of the Handstands at 100 MPH was the introduction of certified legends, and a handful of special guests were honored with this first-of-its-kind commemoration.

“A Handstands at 100 MPH–certified legend is somebody who has considerable attributes to the sport of desert racing and the resume to back it up,” said Johnny Campbell, himself an 11-time Baja 1000 champion. “This year we had Jimmy Lewis. We’ve had Jack Johnson, we had Lori Conway, Dick Vick, and Chuck Miller. It was our honor to have them here to talk about their accomplishments in desert racing and chat with each of them.”

“Last year’s event was a huge success, one that exceeded every expectation,” said Scot Harden, a multitime desert champion and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer. “This year’s event came together better than we anticipated, with so much enthusiasm and support from the Baja/desert racing community.”

If you missed out on the fun, no need to worry; there’s a second half to the event, the Handstands at 100 MPH Baja Borrego dual sport ride, that will be held on December 10 in Ocotillo, California.

“The Handstands at 100 MPH Baja Borrego Dual Sport ride will be 130-plus miles long and a true off-road/desert experience,” Harden said. “In addition to the actual ride, Johnny and I will be doing a riding seminar the night before for everyone who attends. The ride will be an epic one that will challenge every rider.”

For more information on the upcoming Handstands at 100 MPH Baja Borrego Dual Sport ride on December 10 at Ocotillo RV Resort, visit harden-offroad.com.

Certified Legend Chuck Miller is all smiles as he accepts his award from Harden and Campbell.

Certified Legend Chuck Miller is all smiles as he accepts his award from Harden and Campbell. (Jean Turner/)

“Our goal was to bring in the clubs and associations that are the backbone of the sport,” said Johnny Campbell, here with AMA District 37 club Hilltoppers MC. “We wanted to see as many clubs as possible join us.”

“Our goal was to bring in the clubs and associations that are the backbone of the sport,” said Johnny Campbell, here with AMA District 37 club Hilltoppers MC. “We wanted to see as many clubs as possible join us.” (Jean Turner/)

The Blackmore Motorcycle Museum opened its doors for the Handstands at 100 MPH event.

The Blackmore Motorcycle Museum opened its doors for the Handstands at 100 MPH event. (Jean Turner/)

The Desert MC was all class—pinkies out—at Blackmore Ranch.

The Desert MC was all class—pinkies out—at Blackmore Ranch. (Jean Turner/)

Thanks to Stacyc, the next generation of rippers were happy to join in the festivities.

Thanks to Stacyc, the next generation of rippers were happy to join in the festivities. (Jean Turner/)

At 92 years young, Dick Vick, a childhood hero of Johnny Campbell’s, came out to accept his award as a Certified Legend of desert racing.

At 92 years young, Dick Vick, a childhood hero of Johnny Campbell’s, came out to accept his award as a Certified Legend of desert racing. (Jean Turner/)

Darryl Folks (right) of Best in the Desert made the trek out from Nevada to celebrate desert racing history alongside one of his heroes, Certified Legend Jack Johnson.

Darryl Folks (right) of Best in the Desert made the trek out from Nevada to celebrate desert racing history alongside one of his heroes, Certified Legend Jack Johnson. (Jean Turner/)

Harden along with desert racing heroes of today, Mark Samuels, Justin Morgan, and Justin Jones.

Harden along with desert racing heroes of today, Mark Samuels, Justin Morgan, and Justin Jones. (Jean Turner/)

Because it just wouldn’t be a Blackmore event without a helicopter and a GoPro-sponsored stunt.

Because it just wouldn’t be a Blackmore event without a helicopter and a GoPro-sponsored stunt. (Jean Turner/)

Desert racing memorabilia, such as this race poster from 1977, were on display from a number of clubs and organizations in attendance.

Desert racing memorabilia, such as this race poster from 1977, were on display from a number of clubs and organizations in attendance. (Jean Turner/)

Lori Conway’s award was a total surprise to her.

Lori Conway’s award was a total surprise to her. (Jean Turner/)

Every national champion and No. 1 plate holder from the past, present, and future of desert racing.

Every national champion and No. 1 plate holder from the past, present, and future of desert racing. (Jean Turner/)

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Chase the dream with the Northern Talent Cup!

In the fourth season of the NTC in 2023, the grid will be limited to 26 entrants. Riders must be born between January 1st, 2004, and February 28th, 2009, to be a minimum age of 14 before the first round. Riders from different racing backgrounds can apply, with no road racing experience necessary as other disciplines can also translate into road racing success.

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Bezzecchi brilliance in Thai GP qualifying

A first ever premier class pole and an All Time Lap Record for the VR46 rider

VR46 is on top in MotoGP™ again! Rookie Marco Bezzecchi, one of Valentino Rossi’s proteges, has broken the All Time Lap Record around the Chang International Circuit to grab pole position for the OR Thailand Grand Prix. The Mooney VR46 Racing Team rider set a 1:29.671 with the chequered flag out to edge Prima Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martin by just 0.021 seconds in Q2, while Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) gave his title hopes a boost by also getting himself onto the front row. World Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) qualified fourth, but fellow title contender Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) could not escape Q1.

The Bologna bullets fire again

Martin had been fastest through Free Practice and he went even quicker again on his first run in Q2 in setting a 1:29.893. Prima Pramac Racing teammate Johann Zarco held second on a 1:29.963 as the track went quiet and Quartararo was third on a 1:30.009. Bagnaia, however, was all the way back in ninth at 0.835 seconds off the pace.

‘Pecco’ went early for his second run and climbed to fourth on a 1:30.098 before jumping all the way into provisional pole when he laid down a 1:29.775 on the following lap. Martin’s hopes of snatching P1 back from his Ducati stablemate were nearly dashed when he lost the rear of his Desmosedici through Turn 5 but the Spaniard caught it just in the nick of time and stayed ‘sunny side up’. Next time through, ‘The Martinator’ was indeed back on top as he set a 1:29.692.

That was already a new All Time Lap Record and then the chequered flag came out, but Bezzecchi had not given up on pole. The 23-year-old stormed to a 1:29.671, although that was still not the end of matters! Martin was flying around the Buriram circuit again and went red in Sector 3, meaning he was on track to snatch pole position straight back. However, he could not go on with it, checking in at ‘just’ 1:29.782 – still a faster lap than all but Bezzecchi’s and Bagnaia’s best – and would have to settle for P2.

Quartararo versus the Ducatis – again

Once again, Quartararo is the lone ranger amid a flock of Ducatis. He dug deep to claim fourth with a final-lap 1:29.909, Zarco qualified fifth despite being unable to improve on his first run, while Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) managed to also get onto Row 2 with a late 1:29.988 as he seeks to keep his title hopes alive. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) slipped from fourth at the end of the first runs to seventh all-told after an apparent issue of some sort with his motorcycle.

Marc Marquez came from Q1 to take eighth with the only new soft Michelin rear tyre he had left. However, it might have been even better, the eight-time World Champion on-track to go as high as the front row before a moment through the final corner on his last lap, which turned out to be a 1:30.133. Luca Marini made it both Mooney VR46 Racing Team entries on the first three rows, ahead of Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).

A. Espargaro’s valiant effort falls short

Earlier, in Q1, Marc Marquez was quickest at the end of the first runs on a 1:30.343, with Cal Crutchlow (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) second on a 1:30.542, one position and 0.067 seconds up on Aleix Espargaro. The Aprilias had been struggling for grip all weekend but when Aleix Espargaro emerged from the pits again with a fresh soft Michelin rear slick, he grabbed his RS-GP by the scruff of the neck and somehow extracted a 1:30.202 from it to move into a provisional Q2 place.

In the final minute of the session, Marc Marquez reclaimed the ascendancy with a 1:30.038 while practically latched on to the exhaust pipe of Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) as he crossed the line, and Oliveira jumped from seventh to second with a 1:30.099. Aleix Espargaro had already returned to the pits by then and he was therefore pushed out of Q2, the Spaniard now firmly on the back foot in the title race given he will start 13th on Sunday afternoon.

Morbidelli qualified 14th, ahead of Crutchlow, and Raul Fernandez, who was back on his Tech3 KTM Factory Racing entry after a stomach ache saw him watch FP3 from the sidelines. Maverick Viñales suffered similar struggles to Aleix Espargaro as he put his Aprilia Racing machine just 17th on the grid, from Remy Gardner (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing), Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team), Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol), Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), Tetsuta Nagashima (LCR Honda Idemitsu), Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team), and Danilo Petrucci (Team Suzuki Ecstar).

So, we have a first-time pole-sitter, and Bagnaia has an opportunity to claw back ground on Quartararo. After the Sunday morning Warm Up at 10:40, the battle for the Thailand GP takes place over what are sure to be 26 thrilling laps from 15:00 (GMT +7)!

MotoGP™ Q2 Top 10

1. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – 1:29.671
2. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) + 0.021
3. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) + 0.104
4. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) + 0.238
5. Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) + 0.292
6. Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) + 0.317
7. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) + 0.435
8. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) + 0.462
9. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) + 0.543
10. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) + 0.666

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