If you’re a fan of Rider’s touring stories, you’ve likely noticed that we have been using REVER maps to accompany the stories. The REVER app, available for free on iOS and Android, works in conjunction with the REVER website to help riders discover the world’s best roads, create custom routes, track epic rides, compete for bragging rights, and share riding experiences across social platforms. Recently, the company has upped its game with the ability to import georeferenced PDF maps into the app. These maps have embedded GPS boundaries that overlay on any existing map style and display your current location. For more information, read the press release below.
EAGLE, Colo. — REVER, the world’s largest motorcycle ride-planning, tracking, and sharing app, has introduced new capabilities to import and view georeferenced PDF maps in their Android and iOS apps. Georeferenced PDF Maps have embedded GPS boundaries that, when viewed in REVER, overlay on any existing map style and accurately display your current location. This allows access to detailed government maps and maps from other trusted sources – including trail details, topographical lines, and geographic features not found in traditional map styles. In addition, PDF Map Layers are stored on your phone and are available anywhere in the world without cell service. Yet another way to never get lost!
App users can browse a curated list of PDF maps sourced from the United States Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and United States Geological Survey (USGS) to import and view offline in the REVER mobile apps.
How it works:
Access the PDF Map Library and importer through the map settings on the main map tab in the REVER app.
Imported maps are stored, saved and organized in the REVER PDF Map Library which can be accessed offline.
Choose a PDF map to display as a layer on the main REVER map to assist with navigation and exploration.
PDF maps can be overlaid on any dynamic map currently available in the REVER app including topographic maps and satellite.
Once imported and overlaid on the map, any georeferenced PDF map can be rendered in 3D.
“We know REVER Riders push the limits of exploration every day. The REVER team is stoked on the daily challenge of improving how our users find new places to ride, plan trips and stay on course,” says Mark Roebke, co-founder of REVER. “PDF Map overlays are an exceptional way to add new detailed map content to REVER from trusted sources like the Bureau of Land Management and United States National Forest Service. We can’t wait to see how REVER Riders take advantage of this new opportunity in the mobile apps.”
REVER users with a Pro subscription can import unlimited PDF maps into their app. Free users are limited to one PDF map.
Faster lap times, new names rising and the established guard holding their own, the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has been sent into February – the month racing commences (AT LAST) – in some style. Once again, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was fast but even faster was Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), who – for the first time since joining BMW – topped the timesheets.
BMW CONTINUE TO FLEX MUSCLES: Razgatlioglu turns heads to top final European test
Going into lunch time, Toprak Razgatlioglu was on top of the pile, courtesy of a quick stint on the SCX tyre which saw him set a 1’39.255, four tenths under the official lap record but still a couple of tenths shy of Alvaro Bautista’s time from last year’s preseason test. Toprak was testing with the updated swingarm on day one with “continued work” seeming to carry on across to day two. During the first half of the second day, ‘El Turco’ did a long run with the SC0 tyre, where he seemed to lap strongly with all laps in the 1’40s and the first ones being close to the 1’39 barrier. In his final run, he fired in a 1’39.189 to seal the deal; he’s topped a test for the first time with BMW with a full grid in action. The lap was also set with teammate Michael van der Mark behind him. van der Mark was working more on the setup of the bike which has “changed quite a lot”, meaning that he can “play more with the setup”, although they’ve already found a good base.
BULEGA LEADS DUCATI’S CHARGE: is the #11 the real deal?
Once more, Nicolo Bulega was in mighty form; whilst many may have thought that ‘Bulegas’ wouldn’t have been a threat to teammate Alvaro Bautista in 2024, he may already being giving the #1 a headache. Electrically fast all through testing, the reigning WorldSSP Champion was once again one of the benchmark riders on day two. Despite Marco Zambenedetti, Ducati Corse WorldSBK Technical Director, stating that Bulega is only “learning and understanding” the bike and being “positively impressed” with a “very good surprise”, he maintained that “races will be a different story” once the season gets properly underway. When asked about whether or not he will be a contender throughout the season, Zambenedetti said “for sure.” For Bautista, Ducati continued to work with the ballast configuration, although at lunch time, he was only P11 and the fourth Ducati before finishing a lowly 15th. Both Ducati riders were double checking items previously tried at Jerez.
RISE OF LOWES: Alex finds pace with Kawasaki to go P3, Bassani improves on day two
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) continued his work with the ZX-10RR, confirming items from Jerez, with the key focus on maintaining good race pace in the second half of the race. Electronics and chassis work were vital for Lowes, who also had Showa material to try on his way to P3 overall. As for teammate Axel Bassani, the #47 continued to try and adapt from V4 to inline four engine configuration, as well improve his feeling on corner entry. Anti-wheelie work was also carried out, as well as refining the engine braking setting. Whilst Lowes spent most of the day inside the top ten, Bassani struggled and was down in 17th heading into the second half of the day. Come the chequered flag, ‘El Bocia’ was 11th.
OUTSIDERS: Gardner, Petrucci, Redding and Gerloff strong
2024 is shaping up to be the year of revelations, as a variety of contenders were in the mix behind the main factory stars. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was up inside the top three going into the final hour as he worked on a variety of parts, whilst Danilo Petrucci went 1.5s quicker than he did as a rookie at Portimao last winter, up into the top ten at a circuit he’s historically struggled at; he’s been trying a new seat to improve his position on the bike. Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) and teammate Garrett Gerloff tried a variety of settings and finished the test both inside the top ten, meaning all four full-time BMW riders were strong, the only manufacturer with four bikes in that top ten, whereas Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) was still learning a Superbike and how it handles around the rollercoaster of Portimao.
YAMAHA: day of two halves for Rea and Locatelli
Third at lunch time and the first rider in the 1’39s during the day, Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon) has really found his feet in WorldSBK and was rapid across both days. Teammate Jonathan Rea was less fortunate, with a technical issue in the morning halting his track time and indeed the session. He returned to the track 40 minutes later but was only ninth at lunch. Having spent day one back-to-backing items previously tested at Jerez and understanding the bike on SC0, Rea stated he was still missing a one-lap attack going into day two. Come the conclusion of track action, ‘Loka’ was sixth, one place ahead of Rea.
IMPROVEMENTS FOR HONDA: encouraging signs but work to do
After doing more laps on day one than both days combined at Jerez, Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) was an early faller on day two at Portimao. He tumbled out at Turn 7, with the bike needing repairing before it could go back out. Portimao was a track where the #7 was fast at in 2023, so whilst signs are more positive than at Jerez (a track Honda struggled at), it’s difficult to determine how competitive they are. The Spaniard moved up the order a little bit with a late lap to improve his time in the final 15 minutes. Both he and teammate Xavi Vierge spent time adjusting electronics, given that most of Honda’s are new for 2024. Vierge commented that they’re still missing traction, so day two was spent trying to resolve that so that they can use one of the bike’s strengths.
ROUNDING OUT: the rest of the stars
Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Motocorsa Racing) was working on long runs and found steps on used tyres but much like Petrucci, struggled with fresh rubber. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) spent day two working on electronics and engine setup and the team even began working within the new fuel rules that come into force from 2025 and finished just behind the #21, whilst Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was next up, who worked on new triple clamps and swingarms on day one and tried to confirm his feelings on day two. Brad Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) took 20th, ahead of Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) and the two BMW Test Team riders of Sylvain Guintoli and Bradley Smith. Top WorldSSP rider was Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team), ahead of Niccolo Antonelli (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team).
Top 10 after day two, full results here (laps are combined across two bikes):
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’39.189s – 74 laps 2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.086s – 61 laps 3. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.332s – 90 laps 4. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +0.377s – 79 laps 5. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.428s – 76 laps 6. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon) +0.489s– 80 laps 7. Jonathan Rea (Pata Yamaha Prometeon) +0.496s – 64 laps 8. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.767s – 53 laps 9. Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) +0.946s – 76 laps 10. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) +0.947s – 59 laps
2024 IS HERE: WorldSBK’s new era is unmissable; enjoy it all, wherever you are, with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
Preseason testing in Europe is done; the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is another step closer to bursting into action at Phillip Island, meaning Jonathan Rea (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) is a bit closer to his debut for the Japanese manufacturer. Two days of testing at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve is over and whilst Rea was only seventh overall on day two, he’ll be happy to have had good mileage under his belt.
138 LAPS IN TOTAL: productive Portimao testing for #65
In the official blue colours for the first time instead of the black testing livery, Rea had an eventful day when he suffered a technical issue, bringing out the red flag. The six-time World Champion returned to the circuit, with 64 laps completed, he can be proud of a solid days work and getting acclimatised at a different track. Previously, Rea had only tested at Jerez but now with a total of 138 laps in Portugal, he has experience aplenty across the rollercoaster circuit.
“OUR OUTRIGHT SPEED, WE NEED TO IMPROVE” – race pace gains but one-lap lacks
Speaking after the second day, Rea stated: “The guys need to check exactly what happened but I just came to a halt at Turn 1; we parked that bike for the day, so lost a little bit of time with what happened and then obviously, we only had one bike for the rest of the test. We focussed on our workload again, confirming the bike and I’m not completely satisfied with the feeling out there. I did a longer run to understand the tyre drop but I got faster and faster during that, so there’s some positives.
“I think our outright speed, we need to improve a little bit. I wasn’t completely comfortable so we’re still working to find that optimum setup for that style; it’s our first time here at Portimao together and the bike was behaving a little bit differently to what I was used to do. There’s work to do for everybody but I am happy, confident and relieved that testing has finished.
“WE’RE IN THE BALLPARK” – optimism for Rea ahead of Australia
Talking about what was tested, the six-time World Champion explained: “We tested some suspension ideas, some chassis parts and normal, test items. We experimented with geometry and setup, just running through the ideas we had to improve our feeling. I haven’t done a full weekend at Portimao on the Yamaha so I was starting from a Jerez-based setup and we ended up somewhere similar to that. We’re in the ballpark but I think we can fix that right now and continue working on that in Phillip Island.
“The items were positive, step-by-step we are trying to understand how the tyre behaves, an area we are trying to focus right now, to give me some traction as I pick up the bike. Some ideas and parts were better, some were the same and not too different. We’ll keep working with that and see what we can do in Australia.”
2024 IS HERE: WorldSBK’s new era is unmissable; enjoy it all, wherever you are, with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is readying for what could be one of the most enthralling seasons of racing yet; with a myriad of changes in the rider line-up, there’s no shortage of stories. After two days of testing at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, that’s exactly the case for Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), who goes to Australia – somewhat incredibly – as the rider to beat after testing.
It was a busy day for the Turkish star, who set 74 laps and a best of a 1’39.189, closing right in on the 1’38s but unable to be the first Superbike to get into that bracket. However, besides the sub-lap record pace, it was Toprak’s consistency over race pace that impressed many: 15 laps on the SC0 tyre, a tyre of favour at Portimao, saw him in the 1’39s, astonishing considering this is only his second fully-dry test with the BMW M 1000 RR.
“WE ARE 99% READY TO RACE” – Toprak talks tough
“It was a fantastic day as we did a very good job,” began an elated 2021 World Champion. “I wasn’t focussed on the lap time but also on the race pace. After this test, we go to race and we need a good setup for the race. We are 99% ready to race. The feeling is good and every day, we are getting better as we keep improving the bike. Today, I did a 1’39.8 with the SC0 and did it three or four times. With the SCX, I did a 1’39.2 which is an unbelievable lap time and I am really surprised. At the end of today, thanks to Bonovo, who we asked for a Q tyre from, we got one but only improved by 0.1s. We used a different swingarm for a short bike and put the SCQ but the bike was jumping around and there was a lot of wheelie. I couldn’t make a 1’38 but do next time we can!
“I did a race simulation of 15 laps and did two lap times with the SC0 in the 1’39s. It looks like we’re ready to race but we’re still learning and we need time. Every day, we improve but in general, I am happy. We’ll see at Phillip Island because it’s completely different, as is the grip. After Jerez, we still improved the bike and tried different parts, finally finding the setup. Finally, I feel like the bike is my bike. It’s my style, sliding and with the grip improving too. The turning is not 100% but we are close. The team is very happy and the motivation is very high now; I’m happy with Michael, who did a very good job today. In the season, we’ll work together and make a very good race result. We need some time to adapt the bike.”
BONGERS ON TOPRAK AND BMW PAIRING: “The bike seems to give him confidence”
Adding to Toprak Razgatlioglu’s comments, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers said: “Australia and Barcelona are, in terms of results and grip and position, the odd ones out but as we carried our Jerez setup from there to Portimao and it immediately worked, we’re convinced that we have a good base package. I go there with a lot of optimism. The bike seems to give him confidence and Portimao is a track where the rider needs confidence on the bike, there’s a lot of rider dependency here. We’ve been able to give him the confidence to get him close to the lap record, so it’s pleasing. I think the main steps we’ve made have been on engine braking, especially for Toprak’s extreme style and for us to adapt to that. The chassis has been the normal tweaking.”
2024 IS HERE: WorldSBK’s new era is unmissable; enjoy it all on the go with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
It was nearly a clean sweep in January testing but in the end, he was toppled; Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) had to settle for second as the WorldSBK rookie finished two hard days of testing at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal. The #11, a revelation in testing, was once again top Ducati for the third test in a row, whilst teammate Alvaro Bautista could only manage P15 as he struggled to make an impact for the second consecutive test.
Bulega was the only rider in the 1’39s on the opening day and was the first rider to dip under the lap record with a 1’39.275 on lap 24 of 61 completed. The time was reported to be done with an SCQ tyre, which did ultimately leave him 0.086s adrift of top rider Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team). However, despite not topping the final timesheets before the Official Test in Australia, Bulega was happy with the days work as he and Ducati continue to learn more about each other and where to go from here.
BULEGA SUMS UP PRESEASON: “I think it’s been very good”
Talking at the end of the day, ‘Bulegas’ was pleased with the job done: “It was a very good day; my feeling with the bike is nice. Obviously, I need to adapt as I’m not at 100% but it’s normal. We’re working very well all together. I’ll go to Australia with good positivity. The lap was with the SCQ but with the SCX, I was very fast so apart from lap times – which are important but not a lot – I am happy because my race pace was good.”
Evaluating his preseason testing, Bulega continued: “I think it has been very good; we started at Jerez with a normal feeling but every day, my feeling was getting better, so this is very important and I think we have some margin. We’ll try to be more ready in Australia. It’s a little bit better than expected. I don’t have a lot of things to do; more time on the bike, do more laps and understand the bike better with worn tyres and low fuel. I am excited and looking forward to Australia with this amazing bike, as Phillip Island is my favourite circuit.”
ZAMBENEDETTI ON BULEGA: “Races will be a different story”, title contender “for sure”
Speaking during the middle of the day, Marco Zambenedetti – Ducati Corse’s WorldSBK Technical Director – praised the Italian youngster, saying: “Nicolo is only understanding and learning the bike with his crew. We’re happy about his performance but for sure races will be different story. However, we have the pace.” When asked whether Bulega was a contender or not, a wry smile with a stern look was followed by: “For sure.”
2024 IS HERE: WorldSBK’s new era is unmissable; enjoy it all, wherever you are, with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
Kawasaki now offers a new option for mid-displacement sportbike riders in the Ninja 500, the latest in a platform evolution that began with the Ninja 250 and progressed through the 300 and 400. The 500 is available in several configurations, which are listed below along with MSRPs.
Kawasaki offers midsize sportbike riders a new option in 2024 with the Ninja 500. (Kawasaki/)
Ninja 500: $5,299
Ninja 500 KRT Edition: $5,499
Ninja 500 ABS: $5,699–$5,899
Ninja 500 SE ABS: $6,399
Ninja 500 KRT Edition SE ABS: $6,399
Ninja 500 SE 40th Anniversary Edition ABS: $6,599
If you’re familiar and amenable with the Ninja 400, you’ll be pleased to know that the 500 is essentially the same machine packaged with a new 451cc parallel-twin engine. That 52cc bump comes by way of a 6.8mm-longer stroke and updated compression ratio. It has a new crankshaft, con-rods, pistons, and updated hard alumite piston treatment. Kawasaki is touting 51 hp at 10,000 rpm for the new mill and 31.7 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,500 rpm.
Kawasaki increased stroke and updated several components to create the new 451cc parallel-twin engine. (Kawasaki/)
Apart from the increase in engine capacity and the accompanying modifications required to dial the powerplant, the 500 is a near carbon copy of the 400 mechanically. It has the same 41mm fork with 4.7 inches travel and horizontal back-link shock. Braking specs are the same, as are seat height, fuel capacity, rake and trail, frame design, fueling, and the six-speed gearbox.
The new Ninja 500 gets an updated LCD dash and more comfortable seat. (Kawasaki/)
In terms of creature comforts, the 500 does have some amenities that the 400 lacks. These include a new LCD instrument panel with Bluetooth connectivity. When connected and utilizing the Rideology app, riders can access riding logs, bike info, call notices, the maintenance log, and communication sharing settings. The seat is a slightly different shape as well, made to improve rider comfort in the relaxed, yet sporty ride position of the bike. It has updated LED headlights and taillights as well.
Available colors vary depending on trim you select, so check with your local Kawasaki dealer to see what’s available.
The 40th Anniversary trim looks sharp on the new Ninja 500. (Kawasaki/)
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500. (Kawasaki/)
Mechanically, the Ninja 500 is strikingly similar to its sibling, the Ninja 400. (Kawasaki/)
More power and torque while retaining its rider-friendly appeal. (Kawasaki/)
New con-rods, crankshaft, pistons, and piston treatments are highlights of the changes made to the mill. (Kawasaki/)
The 2024 Ninja 500, undressed. (Kawasaki/)
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 Technical Specifications and Price
Price:
$5,299–$6,599
Engine:
451cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled twin
Bore x Stroke:
70.0 x 58.6mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Fuel Delivery:
DFI w/ dual 32mm throttle bodies
Clutch:
Wet, multiplate
Transmission/Final Drive:
6-speed/chain
Frame:
High-tensile steel trellis
Front Suspension:
41mm hydraulic telescopic fork, 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension:
Horizontal back-link shock, spring preload adjustable; 5.1 in. travel
Front Brake:
2-piston caliper, 310mm semi-floating disc, ABS available
MOTUL Summer Night Series hosted by St. George MCC
Sydney Motorsport Park – Gardner GP Circuit
Round Three – Pirelli Unlimited F1 and F2
Words by Nick Edards, Images by Half Light & RbMotoLens
Round Three of the MOTUL St George Summer Nights Series 23/24 (aka SNS04) ran over two nights, Friday January 26 and Saturday the 27th. This differs from Rounds One and Two which were both one-night events. Reports for Rounds One and Two can be found here:
The established format was used for both nights which meant three classes each having a short qualifying session followed by three nine-minute-plus-one-lap races.
Races may be shortened or worst-case scenario cancelled, to ensure track action completes by 2230. With sunset at around 2000, there’s plenty of action under Sydney Motorsport Park’s excellent floodlight system.
2024 St George Night Series – Round Three
Qualifying on both nights meant that racers who couldn’t attend on Friday, still had a chance of claiming a good grid position on Saturday.
A progressive grid format was in effect both evenings so qualifying determined grid position in Race One, Race Two grid position was determined by finishing position in Race One, Race Three grid was based on Race Two finish.
Josh Brookes – 2024 St George Night Series – Round Three
The majority of racers elected to race both nights. Points from all six scheduled races would be tallied up at the end of Saturday’s racing to determine points for the round.
The AGV 400 cc/Formula St George classes also made their first appearance at a St George Night event, displacing the AGV Unlimited F3 class which didn’t run at Round Three.
Australia Day fireworks – 2024 St George Night Series – Round Three
The AGV 400cc class sees Yamaha R3s and Kawasaki Ninja 400s fighting for points.
The Formula St George class meanwhile is a wonderfully eclectic mix of two-stroke jewels like Honda NSR250R Moto3 bikes going up against the likes of the Yamaha MT07/R7, Aprilia RS660 and Keo Watson’s magnificent Saint ST650RR which is an SV650 motor in a CBR400R. frame This class saw some of the most intense racing of the weekend.
Pirelli Unlimited (Superbikes) and AMA Warehouse 600 (Supersport) were back again and as usual, both of these split into F1 (international/national riders) and F2 (clubbies).
Max Stauffer on the grid – 2024 St George Night Series – Round Three
Pirelli Unlimited F1 always springs some surprises as rider’s schedules and availability mean that whilst there are some, like Josh Brookes (#25B Livson Racing, FHO Racing, Pirelli, Aria Helmets BMW M1000RR) and Max Stauffer (#27 Dr Mak, RS&C, GTR Motostars, YRD, KYT Helmets, Racers Edge, Ricondi Leathers Yamaha R1), who can make the whole series, there are others who only attend one or two rounds.
Round Three saw the first and very welcome appearances of Ant West (#13 Addicted to Track Yamaha R1) and Bryan Staring (#67 MotoGO Yamaha R1) on track to further mix things up a little more.
Ant West’s #13 Addicted to Track Yamaha R1
Cam Dunker (#3 Doctor Mak, KYT Helmets, Yamaha Motor Australia R1) was also on deck for his first appearance on a Superbike ahead of his ASBK season in the big bike class, adding further excitement. More on Dunker’s ASBK plans here (link).
Glen Richards and Wayne Maxwell talk with Cam Dunker
Absent from Round Three was Harrison Voight who had held the series lead going into Round Three.
Sydney put on a scorching day ahead of the race evening with temps above 37° C, threatening to make the evening a very wearing exercise for everyone. Storms later in the evening were an outside possibility.
The Pirelli Unlimited class in pitlane – 2024 St George Night Series – Round Three
Once again though, the weather Gods played nice, a cool change came through around 1700 which took a lot of heat out of the air and the rain stayed away until half an hour or so after racing completed.
So the whole evening enjoyed nearly perfect weather, racers just having to be careful to make note of some residual damp spots on the track from earlier rain. These, for the most part, dried out as the evening progressed.
So points totals coming into Round Three: In F1, Harrison Voight (absent from this round) had a 48-point lead over Jake Farnsworth (#49 Worth Race Developments, Kingsdene Automotive, YRD, Pirelli, Forcite, Motul, RK Chains, AT1 Race Suits Yamaha R1) with Brookes, Stauffer and John Lytras (also absent) in third through fifth.
Harrison Voight pictured at Round Two was a notable absence
In F2, Timothy Griffith (#18 BCPerformance, Leafylooks Landscapes, TAG Avionics, Kenma Australia Kawasaki ZX10R) held top spot on 131-points, a 23-point lead over Carlos Rendon (#36 Pest Killer Sydney Ducati V4).
Leanne Nelson (#52 West Sliders, True Protein, MotoCity Wollongong Kawasaki ZX10R, Chris Dunne (#202 Damarc Civil, Evo Suspenion Ducati V4) and Ryan Masri (absent from Round Three) held third through fifth.
Pirelli Unlimited F1 and F2 Qualifying 1 (Friday)
Qualifying sessions started right on schedule at 1730. In F1, Lachlan Epis took pole with a 1m30.737 and he was one of only three riders – along with Josh Brookes and Glen Allerton (#14 Spectra Oils, BMW, GT Racing BMW M1000RR) – to break the 1m31 sec mark.
Josh Brookes and Lachlan Epis
Stauffer and Farnsworth took fourth and fifth with a little over three-tenths of a second separating the top five.
In F2, Leanne Nelson’s 1:34.751 was good enough for top spot with Tim Griffith just one-tenth off Nelson’s pace.
Leanne Nelson topped F2 qualifying
Dominic De Leon (#63, AT1 Pro Race Suits, Motoschool, Airoh Helmets, BCPerformance Kawasaki ZX10R), Ryan Jowett (#57 JC Landscaping Ducati V4S) and Eddie Leeson (#11E GNH Engineering, AWX, Marjason & Marjason, Ricondi Race & Road Yamaha R1) rounded out the top five.
Summer Nights events are very much quickfire so there was little hanging around after the end of qualifying before the racing started.
Once the track was clear, Race One was re-run from scratch with the short red-flagged race attempt not contributing to points or grid positions.
Glenn Allerton’s bike earlier in the day
Epis wasn’t able to capitalise on his pole position, Brookes ran hard from the start and took the win from Stauffer with a three-second gap.
Max Stauffer and Josh Brookes
Stauffer had pulled a healthy lead over West by the end of the seven laps, Epis in fourth and Staring fifth.
Dunker’s first race outing on the R1 scored him a very credible sixth position. Fastest lap went to Brookes with a 1m31.023.
Cam Dunker
In F2, Nelson converted pole into a race win, seven-tenths ahead of Rendon, who had Griffith and De Leon right on his tail.
Leanne Nelson
Ashley Woolford (#11W Royal Precision Lubricants, Servalloy, Ascari Works Yamaha R1) hadn’t been able to stay with the lead group but bought the R1 home to fifth place.
Race One Results
Pos
Rider
Bike
Cl.
Time
1
JOSH BROOKES
BMW M1000RR
F1
10:45.4450
2
MAX STAUFFER
YAMAHA R1
F1
10:48.6010
3
ANTHONY WEST
YAMAHA YZF-R1
F1
10:53.1040
4
LACHLAN EPIS
BMW M1000RR
F1
10:54.0310
5
BRYAN STARING
YAMAHA R1
F1
10:54.5740
6
CAMERON DUNKER
YAMAHA R1
F1
11:03.8300
7
JOSHUA SODERLAND
DUCATI V4R
F1
11:08.3920
8
PARIS HARDWICK
KAWASAKI ZX10RR
F1
11:08.6800
9
LEANNE NELSON
YAMAHA R1
F2
11:14.3720
10
CARLOS RENDON
DUCATI V4
F2
11:15.0440
11
TIMOTHY GRIFFITH
KAWASAKI ZX10R
F2
11:15.5820
12
DOMINIC DE LEON
KAWASAKI ZX10R
F2
11:15.6080
13
ASHLEY WOOLFORD
YAMAHA R1
F2
11:23.7000
14
PAUL LINKENBAGH
YAMAHA R1
F2
11:24.3770
15
EDDIE LEESON
YAMAHA YZF-R1
F2
11:26.8000
16
RYAN JOWETT
DUCATI V4S
F2
11:26.8930
17
MARC BALESTRO
DUCATI V4
F2
11:28.9420
18
NICHOLAS MARSH
YAMAHA R1M
F2
11:32.8490
19
GARETH REES
BMW S1000RR
F2
11:35.6940
20
CHRISTOPHER DUNNE
DUCATI V4
F2
11:38.4970
21
ASH EDWARDS
YAMAHA YZFR1
F2
11:46.7270
22
WAYNE HEPBURN
BMW S1000RR
F2
12:13.0750
DNF
JAMES BERKLEY
BMW S1000RR
F2
Race Two
Race Two saw another early red flag as Josh Soderland highsided leaving Tim Griffith nowhere to go, hitting Soderland’s bike and bringing him down as well.
Josh Soderland crashed out, collecting Tim Griffith
Both riders were OK and a mammoth effort by Griffith and his crew saw him back on track Saturday, Soderland however had to sit the rest of the weekend out.
Josh Brookes was the man to beat
Once again, the restart was from scratch and Josh Brookes was in charge from the start not giving Stauffer the opportunity to attack for the lead.
Max Stauffer
At the flag, Brookes had a half-second lead over Stauffer. West took third less than five-hundredths of second from Staring, while Dunker, rapidly adapting to the R1, finished fifth.
Ant West
Griffith’s absence robbed us of one of the key players in F2. De Leon and Nelson looked in great form and it was De Leon who took Race Two by four seconds from Woolford.
Dom De Leon
Paul Linkenbagh (#60 Smash Media Planning and Buying Agency Yamaha R1) and Dunne in fourth and fifth.
Paul Linkenbagh
Rendon was hampered by mechanical issues in both Races Two and Three which put a dent in his points chase.
Race Two Results
Pos
Rider
Bike
Cl.
Time
1
JOSH BROOKES
BMW M1000RR
F1
9:12.4330
2
MAX STAUFFER
YAMAHA R1
F1
9:13.9520
3
ANTHONY WEST
YAMAHA YZF-R1
F1
9:14.7680
4
BRYAN STARING
YAMAHA R1
F1
9:14.8170
5
CAMERON DUNKER
YAMAHA R1
F1
9:21.1350
6
PARIS HARDWICK
KAWASAKI ZX10RR
F1
9:29.1100
7
LACHLAN EPIS
BMW M1000RR
F1
9:32.0570
8
DOMINIC DE LEON
KAWASAKI ZX10R
F2
9:34.7490
9
LEANNE NELSON
YAMAHA R1
F2
9:42.7970
10
ASHLEY WOOLFORD
YAMAHA R1
F2
9:44.5550
11
PAUL LINKENBAGH
YAMAHA R1
F2
9:46.7000
12
CHRISTOPHER DUNNE
DUCATI V4
F2
9:50.3280
13
RYAN JOWETT
DUCATI V4S
F2
9:50.5730
14
MICHAEL EDWARDS
YAMAHA YZF-R1M
F1
9:51.8330
15
EDDIE LEESON
YAMAHA YZF-R1
F2
9:52.5580
16
MARC BALESTRO
DUCATI V4
F2
9:54.8290
17
GARETH REES
BMW S1000RR
F2
9:58.0060
18
ASH EDWARDS
YAMAHA YZFR1
F2
10:01.5960
19
CARLOS RENDON
DUCATI V4
F2
10:17.8160
20
NICHOLAS MARSH
YAMAHA R1M
F2
10:18.5500
Race Three
In the final race for Friday evening, Stauffer was able to take the lead early and keep Brookes behind him for a two-tenths of a second win.
Max Stauffer in the lead
West, Staring and Epis (who scored fastest lap of the race) all crossing the line in very close company.
Lachlan Epis
In F2, De Leon took his second win of the night, three-seconds ahead of Nelson, who had put some air between her and Woolford in third. Linkenbagh and Dunne held fourth and fifth.
Chris Dunne
That wrapped up Friday’s races, ahead of three more races to be run on Saturday.
Josh Brookes held the lead in the F1 table by five-points from Max Stauffer. Bryan Staring in third, Lachlan Epis in fifth and, impressively, rookie Cam Dunker in sixth.
Bryan Staring and Hardwick
In F2, Dominic De Leon held a slim two-point lead over Leanne Nelson with Ashley Woolford, Paul Linkenbaugh and Eddie Leeson all within striking distance with 70-points up for grabs from Saturday’s races.
Eddie Leeson
Race Three Results
Pos
Rider
Bike
Cl.
Time
1
MAX STAUFFER
YAMAHA R1
F1
4:38.6680
2
JOSH BROOKES
BMW M1000RR
F1
4:38.7070
3
ANTHONY WEST
YAMAHA YZF-R1
F1
4:39.1740
4
BRYAN STARING
YAMAHA R1
F1
4:39.2930
5
LACHLAN EPIS
BMW M1000RR
F1
4:39.9920
6
CAMERON DUNKER
YAMAHA R1
F1
4:41.1730
7
PARIS HARDWICK
KAWASAKI ZX10RR
F1
4:48.7430
8
DOMINIC DE LEON
KAWASAKI ZX10R
F2
4:48.9560
9
LEANNE NELSON
YAMAHA R1
F2
4:52.2950
10
ASHLEY WOOLFORD
YAMAHA R1
F2
4:53.2900
11
PAUL LINKENBAGH
YAMAHA R1
F2
4:54.8110
12
CHRISTOPHER DUNNE
DUCATI V4
F2
4:55.2830
13
MICHAEL EDWARDS
YAMAHA YZF-R1M
F1
5:01.7810
14
EDDIE LEESON
YAMAHA YZF-R1
F2
5:02.1590
15
NICHOLAS MARSH
YAMAHA R1M
F2
5:03.1880
16
GARETH REES
BMW S1000RR
F2
5:03.4170
17
ASH EDWARDS
YAMAHA YZFR1
F2
5:05.4660
18
MARC BALESTRO
DUCATI V4
F2
5:06.3710
19
CARLOS RENDON
DUCATI V4
F2
3:48.3100
DNF
RYAN JOWETT
DUCATI V4S
F2
3:21.5610
Saturday Pirelli Unlimited F1 and F2 Qualifying 2
Back at the track on Saturday, conditions were cooler than Friday with no threat of rain, just perfect for some more action.
Lachlan Epis
In qualifying, it was Lachlan Epis, running on a bike carrying Wayne Hepburn’s #41 plate, who did it again, taking out pole with a 1:30.405.
Cam Dunker
Dunker, Stauffer and Brookes were all able to get into the 1:30s and Dunker’s second-place on the grid was apt demonstration that he was learning the R1 very quickly. Bryan Staring was fifth fastest.
Tim Griffith
In F2, Griffith, on his spare bike, put down a 1m34.728 giving him eighth on the grid overall and fastest of the F2 runners.
Leanne Nelson
De Leon and Nelson were within two-tenths off Griffith’s mark. Leeson and Woolford, always a threat, took fourth and fifth fastest F2, which gave them 11th and 12th on the grid.
Qualifying 2 Results
Pos
Rider
Cl.
Time/Gap
1
LACHLAN EPIS
F1
1:30.4050*
2
CAMERON DUNKER
F1
+0.115
3
MAX STAUFFER
F1
+0.156
4
JOSH BROOKES
F1
+0.336
5
BRYAN STARING
F1
+0.933
6
ANTHONY WEST
F1
+1.838
7
PARIS HARDWICK
F1
+3.601
8
TIMOTHY GRIFFITH
F2
+4.323
9
DOMINIC DE LEON
F2
+4.455
10
LEANNE NELSON
F2
+4.482
11
EDDIE LEESON
F2
+5.098
12
ASHLEY WOOLFORD
F2
+5.185
13
PAUL LINKENBAGH
F2
+5.887
14
CARLOS RENDON
F2
+6.315
15
CHRISTOPHER DUNNE
F2
+6.417
16
HARLEY BORKOWSKI
F2
+6.736
17
MARC BALESTRO
F2
+7.955
18
NICHOLAS MARSH
F2
+8.026
19
WAYNE HEPBURN
F2
+14.654
Saturday Race One
Epis would stick with the #41 plated bike for the rest of the night’s events and that machine was clearly to his liking as, in Race One, he took out second place, behind Josh Brookes.
Farnsworth, Epis, Brookes, Allerton, Stauffer and West
Epis kept Max Stauffer two-tenths behind him at the finish, Staring and West having not been able to maintain the same pace back in fourth and fifth. Dunker DNF’d after an off in Turn 5.
Max Stauffer & Josh Brookes
De Leon took another win in F2 from Nelson, this time with a near-eight-second gap.
Dom De Leon
Just one second covered second through fifth with Leeson, Rendon and Woolford coming in behind Nelson.
Carlos Rendon
Race One Results
Pos
Rider
Bike
Cl.
Time
1
JOSH BROOKES
BMW M1000RR
F1
10:38.9270
2
LACHLAN EPIS
BMW M1000RR
F1
10:40.2570
3
MAX STAUFFER
YAMAHA R1
F1
10:40.4940
4
BRYAN STARING
YAMAHA R1
F1
10:44.2940
5
ANTHONY WEST
YAMAHA YZF-R1
F1
10:54.4500
6
PARIS HARDWICK
KAWASAKI ZX10RR
F1
11:03.5950
7
DOMINIC DE LEON
KAWASAKI ZX10R
F2
11:06.8270
8
LEANNE NELSON
YAMAHA R1
F2
11:14.3200
9
EDDIE LEESON
YAMAHA YZF-R1
F2
11:14.5560
10
CARLOS RENDON
DUCATI V4
F2
11:15.0330
11
ASHLEY WOOLFORD
YAMAHA R1
F2
11:15.3260
12
PAUL LINKENBAGH
YAMAHA R1
F2
11:17.7500
13
TIMOTHY GRIFFITH
KAWASAKI ZX10R
F2
11:21.7570
14
MARC BALESTRO
DUCATI V4
F2
11:23.0650
15
NICHOLAS MARSH
YAMAHA R1M
F2
11:34.4460
16
HARLEY BORKOWSKI
YAMAHA YZF R1
F2
11:34.6860
17
WAYNE HEPBURN
BMW S1000RR
F2
12:03.8640
18
CHRISTOPHER DUNNE
DUCATI V4
F2
10:54.1720
DNF
CAMERON DUNKER
YAMAHA R1
F1
Saturday Race Two
Race two and Stauffer took an early lead but Brookes was on top form, carding fastest lap of the race, a 1m30.745 ,and took the win by seven-tenths of a second.
Josh Brookes & Max Stauffer
Stauffer and Epis were nearly inseparable, Stauffer crossing the line just four-hundredths of a second ahead.
Lachlan Epis
Dunker wasn’t quite in touch at the finish but with barely two seconds between himself and Epis, and having a fastest lap less than two-tenths off Brookes’ mark, he would have been well satisfied with the result.
Cam Dunker
West took fifth but was 14-seconds back from Dunker.
Ant West
De Leon was unstoppable in F2. Another win, this time by nearly five seconds from Griffith, who was clearly still feeling beaten up from the previous evening’s accident but putting in a strong effort.
De Leon leads Rendon, Griffith, Nelson
Griffith had Leeson right on his tail across the line. Rendon and Linkenbagh took out fourth and fifth.
Race Two Results
Pos
Rider
Bike
Cl.
Time
1
JOSH BROOKES
BMW M1000RR
F1
10:41.4760
2
MAX STAUFFER
YAMAHA R1
F1
10:42.2230
3
LACHLAN EPIS
BMW M1000RR
F1
10:42.2680
4
CAMERON DUNKER
YAMAHA R1
F1
10:44.9150
5
ANTHONY WEST
YAMAHA YZF-R1
F1
10:58.8060
6
BRYAN STARING
YAMAHA R1
F1
11:00.8190
7
PARIS HARDWICK
KAWASAKI ZX10RR
F1
11:02.4330
8
DOMINIC DE LEON
KAWASAKI ZX10R
F2
11:08.8090
9
TIMOTHY GRIFFITH
KAWASAKI ZX10R
F2
11:13.1370
10
EDDIE LEESON
YAMAHA YZF-R1
F2
11:13.1440
11
CARLOS RENDON
DUCATI V4
F2
11:15.6300
12
PAUL LINKENBAGH
YAMAHA R1
F2
11:16.2530
13
LEANNE NELSON
YAMAHA R1
F2
11:16.2810
14
CHRISTOPHER DUNNE
DUCATI V4
F2
11:19.9840
15
MARC BALESTRO
DUCATI V4
F2
11:32.6810
16
NICHOLAS MARSH
YAMAHA R1M
F2
11:39.1330
17
WAYNE HEPBURN
BMW S1000RR
F2
12:05.5200
DNF
ASHLEY WOOLFORD
YAMAHA R1
F2
3:56.7990
Saturday Race Three
Saturday’s Race 3 was the last race for the weekend and Stauffer took an early lead but Brookes and Epis were able to reel him in.
Brookes chases down Stauffer
Brookes went on for the win, Epis two-hundredths of a second back and Stauffer in third hassling them right up until the end.
Lachlan Epis
Dunker wrapped up his debut Superbike race weekend with a fourth, Staring took fifth.
Cam Dunker
De Leon made F2 all his by taking out Race Three from Eddie Leeson by over twenty-five seconds.
Dom De Leon
Leeson had Griffith just seventh-tenths back. Nelson and Rendon crossed in fourth and fifth.
Tim Griffith
Race Three Results
Pos
Rider
Bike
Cl.
Time
1
JOSH BROOKES
BMW M1000RR
F1
10:42.5620
2
LACHLAN EPIS
BMW M1000RR
F1
10:43.5450
3
MAX STAUFFER
YAMAHA R1
F1
10:44.2030
4
CAMERON DUNKER
YAMAHA R1
F1
10:45.9020
5
BRYAN STARING
YAMAHA R1
F1
10:46.5160
6
DOMINIC DE LEON
KAWASAKI ZX10R
F2
11:13.2720
7
EDDIE LEESON
YAMAHA YZF-R1
F2
11:13.3410
8
TIMOTHY GRIFFITH
KAWASAKI ZX10R
F2
11:14.0010
9
LEANNE NELSON
YAMAHA R1
F2
11:18.0760
10
CARLOS RENDON
DUCATI V4
F2
11:18.3480
11
PAUL LINKENBAGH
YAMAHA R1
F2
11:25.2370
12
CHRISTOPHER DUNNE
DUCATI V4
F2
11:25.2470
13
MARC BALESTRO
DUCATI V4
F2
11:31.8550
14
ASHLEY WOOLFORD
YAMAHA R1
F2
11:32.0200
15
NICHOLAS MARSH
YAMAHA R1M
F2
11:41.7130
Overall Round
What a weekend. Both nights ran to schedule with all classes completing their three races.
Even a red flag couldn’t slow proceedings
Josh Brookes took the F1 overall on 145-points, Max Stauffer the round runner-up on 121-points and Lachlan Epis rounding out the top three on 108-points. Bryan Staring (102), Cameron Dunker (83), Paris Hardwick (76), Michael Edwards (28) and Josh Soderland (15) rounded out the class for round three.
Josh Brookes
With round three added to the overall standings, we see Brookes leading on 240-points, Stauffer second on 205 and Lachlan Epis is third, a point ahead of Paris Hardwick, who is a point ahead of Harrison Voight.
Max Stauffer, Jamie Stauffer and Paul Free
In F2 Dominic de Leon took the overall on 142-points, Leanne Nelson second on 117-points, and Eddie Leeson rounded out the podium on 99-points.
Dominic de Leon
Leanne Nelson now holds the F2 lead on 214-points, 13-points ahead of Tim Griffith, Dominic de Leon and Carlos Rendon tied on 198-points in third.
Leanne Nelson
The report on AMA Warehouse 600 F1/F2 and AGV 400c/Formula St George will follow later in the week, so stay tuned for the supports.
On a last upbeat note, Andrew Burley, who we reported took a bad tumble in Turn 1 at Round Two and needed surgery on arm injuries, was back at the track, smiling, in fine form and helping out the orange army where he could.
Safe to say we were all seriously happy to see Burls back in the circus off-track and expect to see him back in the circus on the track in due course.
Three rounds down, one to go, the MOTUL St George Summer Nights Series 23/24 wraps up with another double-header in less than two weeks on Friday 9th/Saturday 10th of February.
Quotes
Josh Brookes #25
“The double-header was something that I was looking forward to. We didn’t have the Ducati competition this weekend but everyone else has stepped up anyway so I had my work cut out for me in every race with an attack coming from a number of riders. The first night each race was affected by red flags but the second night went without any stoppages and I was able to win all three. With five wins from six starts I’m happy with that and I feel like I’m keeping my reaction sharp with the high intensity of the Summer Night Series.”
Josh Brookes
Max Stauffer #27
“It was great to get to the back-to-back rounds, I spent a lot of time behind Josh and he taught me a lot. I’m still struggling with the same issues and I’ve got to try work out a way to fix them. I’ll keep working and pushing forward, massive thanks to the club for everything they have done.”
Max Stauffer
Lachlan Epis #82
“As usual the night racing was excellent and it was nice to be competitive and feature in said night racing. Always good to be rubbing bars with the boys and while hard we kept in clean. Hoping for a speedy recovery for GA, one of those ones where you just get the shit end of the stick. One more round and then off to Asia for me, looking forward to it!”
Lachlan Epis
Dominic De Leon #63
“After my performance in Round Two I needed to prove to myself that I’ve not lost my mojo. Round Three, I felt positive leading up to this event and just knew I had a lot more to give. Well, the performance last weekend has certainly proven to me that anything is possible, especially when you are hungry. It just all fell into place. Going to be pressing the repeat at Round Four. Plan is to go even harder.”
Dominic De Leon
Leanne Nelson #52
“Wow! Another spectacular round by St George MCC. The Night Series just keep getting better and better and so does the racing. I had my best round yet. I’m very happy with the bike set up we’ve achieved in the short time I’ve had my new Yamaha R1. I’ve definitely taken a leap forward on this bike and over the two nights I hit a number of PBs. I can’t wait for the final round in a couple of weeks.”
Leanne Nelson
Eddie Leeson #11
“I’d been keeping an eye on the first few rounds while away at work and seen that over the past few years the series has been getting bigger and better to the point it is one of the premiere national events outside of ASBK. A lot of mates and a fellow racer spoke very highly of it and when the opportunity came up to make it down and have a go it did not disappoint! A fantastic event run extremely well and clearly very popular with local, interstate and national racers alike. I couldn’t ask for a better first experience to ride and race Eastern Creek and would encourage others to come down and give it a go.”
The PIERER Mobility Group increased consolidated sales by around 9 per cent, to a new record of EUR 2,661 million in the 2023 financial year (previous year: EUR 2,437 million) despite difficult economic conditions and upheaval in the bicycle industry.
The preliminary operating result (EBIT) fell by around 32 per cent to EUR 160 million (previous year: EUR 235 million), which corresponds to an EBIT margin of 6.0 per cent.
In the motorcycle segment, the EBIT margin is around 9 per cent, which is within the originally planned range of 8-10 per cent.
On the other hand, the reorganisation of the bicycle segment had a significant negative impact on earnings. At EUR 324 million, the operating result before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) is around 15 per cent below the previous year’s figure, which corresponds to an EBITDA margin of 12.2 per cent.
In the motorcycle segment, the cost of dealer inventories rose sharply due to significantly higher interest rates despite good demand. As a result, extended payment terms and higher discounts had to be granted to dealers in order to strengthen the dealer structure.
Due to the sufficient liquidity reserves available, PIERER Mobility AG was able to support not only its dealers but also its suppliers accordingly in order to stabilise their financial situation and reduce the significantly increased burdens caused by the rise in interest rates.
2024 Husqvarna TC 65
The associated negative impact on free cash flow, which totalled EUR -411 million in 2023 (previous year: EUR -3 million), was therefore consciously accepted. In addition, the level of investment in the 2023 financial year remained at a high level (EUR 284 million, +6 per cent). In the past financial year, investments in series development projects including tools totalled EUR 195 million (+21 per cent).
In the 2023 financial year, the PIERER Mobility Group increased its workforce by 96 to a total of 6,184 employees. Of these, around 220 apprentices are employed in the training workshop at the Mattighofen site. Around 1,300 employees work in Research & Development, which corresponds to around 21 per cent of the total workforce.
With 280,206 KTM motorcycles sold, 67,462 HUSQVARNA motorcycles sold and 29,532 GASGAS motorcycles sold in the 2023 financial year, in addition to the motorcycles sold by MV Agusta (1,852) and CFMoto (2,503), sales totalled 381,555 motorcycles (2022: 375,492 units). The motorcycles segment thus achieved a sales increase of 2 per cent.
2024 GASGAS Enduro models
In the sales regions of Europe, sales totalled around 140,000 motorcycles (+15 per cent) and around two-thirds of motorcycles (around 240,000) were sold in markets outside Europe. Despite a slight decline in sales in North America, the subsidiary there still managed to sell more than 100,000 motorcycles for the second time in a row. While sales in South America (-26 per cent) and Asia (-27 per cent) declined in the past financial year, sales in Australia were up slightly (+1 per cent) on the previous year with around 19,700 motorcycles sold.
Contrary to the difficult global economic conditions, demand in the core markets of Europe grew very strongly at +11 per cent (~820,000 newly registered motorcycles) and in North America (USA & Canada) at +4 per cent (485,000 motorcycles).
The market share of all three brands (KTM, Husqvarna, GASGAS) will therefore be around 10.6 per cent in Europe and 12.6 per cent in North America in 2023.
The Australian (including New Zealand) motorcycle market declined slightly, with a 3 per cent drop to 67,000 newly registered motorcycles. Nevertheless, the total market share of the three brands in this market increased to 21 per cent.
The relevant Indian motorcycle market, on the other hand, is experiencing a significant upswing (+22 per cent), as in the previous year. Bajaj sold almost 66,000 KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles in India, resulting in a market share of 5.3 per cent.
The PIERER Mobility Group was also confronted with a sharp fall in market prices due to global overstocks in the bicycle sector. The sales growth of more than 30 per cent in this segment with the HUSQVARNA, R RAYMON, GASGAS and FELT brands was characterized by inventory adjustments and the disposal of the R Raymon brand. In the 2023 financial year, 157,358 bicycles were sold (previous year: 118,465), of which 100,640 were e-bicycles (previous year: 74,479). The DACH region remains the largest sales market for bicycles, accounting for around 60 per cent. The share of sales in the bicycle division in North America will be 10 per cent in 2023.
In January 2024, PIERER Mobility AG received the update of its ESG risk assessment by Sustainalytics. The company was classified as having a low risk of material financial impact from ESG factors (score: 10.0). With this ESG risk rating, the company thus achieved the 1st place in the automotive sector assessed by Sustainalytics. In addition, PIERER Mobility AG was again recognised by Sustainalytics as an “ESG Regional Top Rated” and “ESG Industry Top Rated” company in 2024.
In the 2024 financial year, PIERER Mobility AG will focus on strengthening its core business “Powered-Two-Wheelers (motorcycles and e-bicycles)” with the brands KTM, Husqvarna, GASGAS and MV Agusta. In order to secure the Group’s profitability, the management is implementing cost-cutting measures in the double-digit million range in the current year of consolidation. A key focus will be on streamlining product development cycles and a clear alignment of the product programs.
2024 KTM 990 Duke with the mandatory street bits removed and some bling added
In the motorcycle segment, parts of production for individual mid-range models and certain R&D activities are being transferred to strategic partner Bajaj Auto, India, and CFMOTO, China. This affects products (road motorcycles) in very price- and competition-intensive markets. The model range previously produced by Bajaj (between 125 and 390 cubic centimetres) will be expanded. Road motorcycles between 790 and 950 cubic centimetres will be assembled by the Chinese partner CFMOTO. Among other things, this is intended to exploit cost advantages in these regions and accelerate development and industrialization processes.
These measures will be accompanied by a reduction in the number of employees by up to 300 in Mattighofen and Munderfing, in particular through the removal of temporary workers and employees leaving the company through natural fluctuation.
Against the backdrop of difficult economic developments worldwide, the Executive Board expects sales to remain virtually unchanged and the EBIT margin to be between 5 per cent and 7 per cent in the 2024 financial year.
PIERER Mobility AG is the holding company of Europe’s leading manufacturer of powered two-wheelers, producing a full range of premium brands including KTM, GASGAS, Husqvarna and und MV A
P2 overall in Yamaha reunion for ProMX MX1 runner-up.
Image: Phil Smith.
A P2 finish for CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team regular Jed Beaton at the Woodville GP marked his first proper shakedown on the YZ450F, opening his stint of races across the Tasman with Altherm JCR Yamaha that will see him contest the 2024 New Zealand Motocross Championship.
Beaton scored second in all three of the motos behind top Kiwi Hamish Harwood (CML KTM Racing), who claimed all three race wins on his way to the overall victory.
“It was good to race Woodville on the weekend, it’s been a long time between races since I didn’t do supercross in Australia,” Beaton told MotoOnline. “I had roughly a three-month break before getting on the Yamaha, but I felt pretty comfortable basically straightaway, which has been really good.
“I came over to New Zealand do a few races and their championship, I just wanted to shake the cobwebs out and try get some gate drops in before the ProMX series starts back at home.
“Woodville went pretty good on the weekend. Like I said, it’s been a while between gate drops, so I suffered pretty bad from arm pump and it was a little bit uncomfortable. I felt quite good by the time we got to the last moto, so I was pretty happy with that.
“The track was quite difficult, we had a fair bit of rain throughout the day, so it made the track fairly one lined and slick which meant that starts were important. I just didn’t really execute the starts how I wouldve liked.
“I was pretty much just in there battling behind Hamish in the last two races just following him around. i felt like I had good pace to try and pass and get out to a gap, but unfortunately there just wasn’t many passing options and I didn’t want to risk too much in my first race of the year, plus while I’m still getting used to the Yamaha.
“I’m pretty happy with where we’re at on the Yamaha, I’m feeling comfortable quite quickly, the transition has been smooth, so there’s a lot of positives to take from the weekend and I’m looking foirward to working with Josh [Coppins] now and trying to improve the bike even more.”
Beaton will now set his sights on the opening round of the 2024 NZMX championship at Rotorua on Saturday, 3 February, where he’ll contest the MX1 series with Josh Coppins’ Altherm JCR Yamaha team.
The 2024 Ales Trem Hard Enduro has been run and won, with Wade Young making a surprise appearance on GASGAS machinery, after years riding Sherco. The South African came out swinging for a narrow win over previous team-mate Mario Roman.
Ales Trem Hard Enduro Podium – 1) Wade Young, 2) Mario Roman, 3) Alfredo Gomez
The ninth running of the Ales Trem Hard Enduro saw Young take victory by two-seconds, from Roman, while Alfredo Gomez rounded out the podium in a more distant third. Roman’s team-mate Teodor Kabakchiev then finished fourth.
Mario Roman – P2
“I’m very happy with the result of the weekend second and second. For sure, I would like to win because Alestrem is very important for us and it’s one of my favourite races and I am one of the best riders for this kind of races. But I came with an injury, my clutch finger which is one of the most important fingers or parts of the body. A week ago, I wasn’t sure if I could be able to race and now we almost win the the weekend. For the first two laps. I was saving energy and trying to get the base, as the boys were on fire. Because of the injury, I lose a lot of confidence, so I was trying to not crash and save energy, because I wasn’t sure how good would be my finger at the end of the day. And at the third lap, I ride full gaz and i catched Téo and Wade pretty fast in the first and second uphill. And from that I’ve been fighting with them especially with Wade. I get a good lead of five minutes gap and then at seven or ten minutes from the end, Wade chased me and we fight each other full gas until the Finnish flag, so it’s not a victory. But I feel like a victory because I, I did my 100 or even 200 today, and ‘everything was very good. Thanks to the team for the big effort, it was amazing on the mechanics, all the people around and it will be awesome to have all this team in other races as well.”
Mario Roman
Alfredo Gomez – P3
“At the Ales Trem Hard Enduro from less to more, with a few falls in between… today my Rieju has behaved well.”
Teodor Kabachiev – P4
“This was the first race for the Sherco team and me since we joined forces. We managed to get a win in the prologue and a 4-th place in the 8 hour main race. Solid start. I am sure that we will only build from here!”
24MX Alestrom Hard Enduro Finishers
Pos
Rider
Time
1
YOUNG Wade
17:00:49
2
ROMAN Mario
17:00:51
3
GOMEZ Alfredo
17:19:21
4
KABAKCHIEV Teodor
17:30:24
5
WALKNER Michael
17:35:04
6
POIROT Fabien
17:54:56
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
New Zealand’s Cole Davies tops 250SX Futures Main Event in Anaheim
Anaheim 2 saw the opening stop of the 250SX Futures development category, where new GASGAS amateur recruit Cole Davies won the Main Event to commence his 2024 AMA Supercross campaign in fine fashion on the top step of the podium.
Cole Davies
Davies hails from Waitoki, New Zealand and battles Gavin Towers for the win, with the leading duo well clear of the rest of the field, third placed Parker Ross over eight-seconds off the winning pace.
Cole Davies
250SX Futures Main Event Results
Pos
Rider
Bike
Gap
1
Cole Davies
GASGAS MC 250F
9 Laps
2
Gavin Towers
Yamaha YZ250F
+00.632
3
Parker Ross
Honda CRF250R
+08.046
4
Preston Boespflug
Suzuki RM-Z250
+13.616
5
Blake Gardner
Kawasaki KX250
+15.134
6
Drew Adams
Kawasaki KX250
+16.886
7
Landen Gordon
Kawasaki KX250
+24.808
8
Tyler Mollet
Husqvarna FC 250
+26.445
9
Kelana Humphrey
GASGAS MC 250F
+29.212
10
Dylan Rempel
Kawasaki KX250
+31.138
11
Preston Masciangelo
GASGAS MC 250F
+32.447
12
Hayden Robinson
KTM 250 SX-F
+42.208
13
Landin Pepperd
GASGAS MC 250F
+46.625
14
Kaden Lewis
GASGAS MC 250F
+47.489
15
Jesse Wessell
Husqvarna FC 250
+53.279
16
Mark Fineis
Yamaha YZ250F
+53.663
17
Kile Epperson
Honda CRF250R
+55.217
18
Noah Smerdon
KTM 250 SX-F
+57.123
19
Noah Viney
Honda CRF250R
8 Laps
20
Ethan Day
Honda CRF250R
+05.960
21
Reven Gordon
Kawasaki KX250
+12.544
22
Alvin Hillan
Honda CRF250R
+32.372
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Another runner-up position for Mason Semmens at WORCS
Mason Semmens has grabbed another podium in the Pro 250 class at WORCS Round 2 held at Glen Helen Raceway, completing the podium behind Colton Aeck, with Kai Aiello third.
In the Pro 450 class Tyler Lynn took the win, followed by Dare Demartile and Trevor Stewart.
Mason Semmens – Pro 250 P2
“P2 for the day, was a battle for two hours, just came up that little bit short! Healthy and ready for the next one. Thanks everyone”
Mason Semmens
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Jorge Prado says goodbye to America and the AMA SX, as he heads for MXGP
Jorge Prado has said goodbye to America where he’s been competing in the AMA SX series with the Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing Team, as he heads back over to Europe to defend his MXGP title.
Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado
“Saying goodbye to America, seeing a great progression on competition days. I finish the experience happy and knowing that this learning will possibly help me face the world of MXGP. I feel lucky to live here. Thanks to all the Spaniards who flew expressly to see me. To the affection of Latin Americans and America in general for the treatment received. It’s time to go back and keep training to fight for revalidate the title. Can’t wait to compete with N1.”
Jorge Prado
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Team Australia wins inaugural FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup
Team Australia led by six-time Australian champion Charli Cannon have taken victory at the inaugural FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup, with the Aussie team also comprising of Emma Milesevic (Honda), Madison Brown (Honda), Taylor Thompson, (Yamaha), Tayla McCutcheon (Kawasaki) and Madi Healey (GasGas).
Charli Cannon led Team Australia to victory
Team New Zealand were represented by Karaitiana Horne, Taylar Rampton, Breanna Rodgers, Hannah Powell, Letitia Alabaster and Melissa Patterson, with four-time FIM women’s motocross world champion Courtney Duncan providing counsil.
Held over three motos of 12 minutes plus one lap and incorporated into the Woodville senior women’s races, the team with the lowest score was declared winner.
Australia largely dominated the three races, Charli Cannon winning race one, with Taylor Thompson runner-up and New Zealand’s Karaitiana Horne rounding out the podium.
McCutheon, Milesevic, Healey and Brown were then fourth through seventh, and New Zealand’s Rampton, Rodgers and Powell rounded out the top-10.
Cannon again took the win in race two, with Australia locking out the top-five, McCutcheon second, Heley third, and Milesevic and Brown fourth and fifth.
Cannon wasn’t able to make it three from three in the third race however, McCutcheon finishing the weekend on a high note with the final win for Australia, Cannon runner-up and Thompson third. Australia again dominated the top five, Healey fourth and Brown fifth.
Charli Cannon
“I was nervous about racing – but I wanted to race for Australia, and if I could race, I was going to give it my all,” Cannon said. “Winning overall and playing my role in helping Team Australia secure victory in the FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup is an experience I’ll never forget. Every member of the team did an amazing job.”
Team Australia consisted of Charli Cannon (Honda), Emma Milesevic (Honda), Madison Brown (Honda), Taylor Thompson, (Yamaha), Tayla McCutcheon (Kawasaki) and Madi Healey (GasGas).
FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup individual standings
Charli Cannon (Aust)
Taylah McCutcheon (Aust)
Taylor Thompson (Aust)
Madison Healey (Aust)
Maddison Brown (Aust)
Karaitiana Horne (NZ)
Emma Milesevic (Aust)
Taylar Rampton (NZ)
Letitia Alabaster (NZ)
Breanna Rodgers (NZ)
Mel Patterson (NZ)
Hannah Powell (NZ)
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Jaimon Lidsey wins 2024 FIM Oceania Speedway Solo Championship
Jaimon Lidsey is the 2024 FIM Oceania speedway champion after producing a blemish-free scorecard in the Gillman-hosted event on Saturday, January 27. The 2020 world under 21 champion came out all guns blazing in his opening heat, and then waltzed through the evening en route to victory in the final ahead of Tai Woffinden, Brady Kurtz and Justin Sedgmen.
Lidsey’s victory in the FIM Oceania Championship – promoted by the Speedway Riders Association of SA – continued a stellar summer for the 23-year-old from Red Cliffs, who won the Speedway Centenary meeting in North Brisbane before finishing fourth in the Australian title to wrap up a spot in 2024 Speedway Grand Prix (SGP) qualifying.
Jaimon Lidsey
“After being injured for most of the last Aussie summer, and then with Covid before that, I really haven’t had a good go at racing domestically for a while now, so the last couple of months have been great. I have been trying to win the Oceania Championship for ages, so to get the win and go through the card unbeaten was really satisfying. I didn’t feel too fast in practice, but when I started racing everything just clicked and came together. In the final, I got the jump before Tai came under me, but I passed him back on the second corner and held onto the lead for the rest of the race.”
Jaimon Lidsey wins 2024 FIM Oceania Speedway Solo Championship – Image by Judy Mackay
After a large chunk of the field had made the 400km road trip from Mildura to Gillman – Mildura’s 75th anniversary meeting was held the night before – to compete in the 2024 FIM Oceania Speedway Championship, the big guns immediately loomed large as Lidsey (15pts) completed the heats ahead of triple world champion Woffinden (13), Josh Pickering (13), Brit Sam Hagon (11), Kurtz (11) and Sedgmen (10).
Lidsey and Kurtz then progressed from the opening semi-final with Pickering and Fraser Browes eliminated, and the second semi saw Woffinden and Sedgmen make it to the decider at the expense of Hagon and Zane Keleher.
There were two major talking points ahead of the final: who would become the new FIM Oceania champion, and would Kurtz or Sedgmen lock in the final 2024 SGP qualifying spot?
Lidsey’s decisive early move on Woffinden emphatically answered the first question, while Kurtz also had Sedgmen’s measure as they flashed across the line in third and fourth.
FIM OCEANIA SPEEDWAY CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
HEAT SCORES: 1 Jaimon Lidsey 15, 2 Tai Woffinden 13, 3 Josh Pickering 12, 4 Sam Hagon 11, 5 Brady Kurtz 11, 6 Justin Sedgmen 10, 7 Fraser Bowes 9, 8 Zane Keleher 7, 9 Michael West 7, 10 Jacob Hook 7, 11 Sam Martin 5, 12 Dayle Wood 4, 13 Jack Morrison 2, 14 Declan Knowles 2, 15 Matt Marson 2, 16 Jake Turner 1.
The Mildura Motorcycle Club has announced the winners at their 75th anniversary meeting, where Justin Sedgmen topped the GT On-Site Windscreens Phil Crump Solo Classic class, ahead of Brady Kurtz and Jaimon Lidsey. Fourth through sixth were then Josh Pickering, Sam Masters and Frederick Jakobsen.
2024 Phil Crump Solo Classic Podium – 1) Sedgmen, Kurtz, Jaimon
In the Dudley Bradshaw Sidecar Shootout we saw Mick Headland/Brenton Kerr claim victory, ahead of Byren Gates/Michael O’Loughlin and Max Howse/Riley Commons, while the duo of Shane Rudloff/Scott Morris were fourth.
The 2024 Indian Supercross Racing League kicked off in Pune over the weekend, with Jordi Tixier taking the opening 450 cc International win, while in the 250 cc International class it was Reid Taylor taking top honours.
In an exciting result for Australia’s Matt Moss he finished runner up in the 450 cc class, tying on points with Cedric Soubeyras, both riding for Bigrock Motorsports. Thomas Ramette and Paul Haberland then completed the top-five.
Behind Reid Taylor on the 250s, was Hugo Manzato, followed by Julien Lebau, Enzo Polias and Mickael Lamarque.
“Team work makes the dream work,” shared Moss, also congratulating teammate Taylor for his 250 cc win. “To say I’m pumped for this kid to get his first international win and first win is an understatement the smile says it all well done legend.”
2024 Indian Supercross Racing League – 250 International Top Six
2024 Indian Supercross Racing League – 450 International Top Six
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Harwood & Scott top 2024 Woodville GP
The 61st annual New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix at Woodville is an important prelude to race meeting before the Yamaha New Zealand Motocross Championships begins this weekend, and Australian import Jed Beaton’s first time riding for the Altherm JCR Yamaha team proved a good one, settling for second in the MX1 class.
Jed Beaton
Beaton was second overall, behind Hamish Harwood, while Jack Treloar rounded out the top three in the premiere class.
Jed Beaton
“It’s been a long time between races for me and it was good to get back behind a start gate and get the intensity that only racing brings. I felt pretty good on the bike, but also think there is room for improvement and the New Zealand champs will be the perfect place to get myself and my bike 100% before the start of the ProMX championship in March.”
Jed Beaton
In MX2 Altherm JCR Yamaha took the win, James Scott a point clear of Madoc Dixon, with Cody Cooper rounding out the top three.
Altherm JCR Yamaha supported rider Nelson’s Wills Harvey claimed the MX125cc class title in what was his first senior class win. It also earned the 17-year-old the Roddy Shirriffs Memorial Trophy, as the youngest senior class winner aged under 19.
Woodville GP MX2 Podium – 1) James Scott, 2) Madoc Dixon, 3) Cody Cooper
Other notable results for the team in the junior categories, which raced on Saturday, were achieved by young Yamaha supported riders Jack Ellingham who won the 125cc class and the Townley brothers Levi (1st 13/16 85cc; 2nd 12/14 125cc) and Jaggar (1st 11/12 85cc).
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup set for big year in 2024
Yamaha’s award-winning bLU cRU program has seen a surge in popularity. The number of youngsters racing off-road as part of the bLU cRU has increased by 53% over the past two years, with more than 600 YZ riders from 29 countries set to compete for a place at the 2024 YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale this season. This is the largest entry since Yamaha Motor Europe launched the unique bLU cRU program in 2015.
2024 Yamaha YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup
As in previous years, the Yamaha YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup will see riders aged from 8 to 16 years racing throughout Europe and competing for a place on the start gate at the Yamaha YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale in front of a huge and typically enthusiastic crowd, the world’s media and the biggest teams in the sport.
Some ‘famous’ surnames feature on the rider list, including Augusts Reišulis, younger brother of Yamaha stars Kārlis and Jānis, and Nixon Coppins, son of MX star and JCR Yamaha Manager Josh Coppins. The 29 different nations registered represent every corner of Europe, bringing a cosmopolitan feel to the bLU cRU patch of the paddock when they come together at the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale.
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
2024 FIM Speedway of Nations to decide SON2 champion
Eight of the sport’s top under-21 teams will compete over an epic 28 heats for the FIM Speedway of Nations – SON2 title in Manchester on Friday, July 12.
The FIM Team Speedway Under-21 World Championship is staged as part of the FIM Speedway of Nations – the sport’s world team championship for 2024, which takes place at Britain’s National Speedway Stadium from July 9-13.
Great Britain was due to sit out the 2024 event after finishing seventh in Riga. But after being seeded into the competition as host nation, they will now join an eight-team field, expanded from seven in 2023, featuring Poland, Denmark, Latvia, Australia, Germany, Czech Republic and the returning Swedish team, which missed the 2023 competition after finishing seventh in 2022.
With 28 heats and the sport’s under-21 world team crown on the line, René Schäfer, FIM race director for SON2, is expecting a dramatic night of action in Manchester.
René Schäfer – SON2 FIM Race Director
“We looked at all the different options. With this being an under-21 event, the SON2 riders are the future of our sport, and we felt the right decision was to find a way to allow every team to race and give these riders the valuable experience of an FIM Speedway World Championships event. There will be no Semi-Final or Final to decide the champions. Every team will race against the other seven nations. The highest-scoring team at the end of it will be the world under-21 team champions, and we look forward to seeing who comes out on top.”
The FIM has confirmed the FIM Speedway of Nations world rankings ahead of the 2024 tournament, which sees Australia defend the title they won at the last FIM SON, staged at Danish venue Vojens in 2022.
The FIM SON rankings correspond to the countries’ finishing positions in the 2022 competition, with the SON2 rankings taken from the 2023 event in Riga.
2024 FIM Speedway of Nations rankings
2024 FIM Speedway of Nations rankings
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup confirmed
The FIM has confirmed a number of major changes to the 2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup series, with each round again having its own unique format as detailed in the respective Supplementary Regulations, but all still counting towards the overall standings.
2023 Enduro del Verano (Argentina) – Image by Frederik Herregods
In addition to the expanded six-round calendar that was published last month, the FIM Sand Races World Cup will now be contested across nine categories. These are Motorcycle (M), Motorcycle Junior 1 (MJ1), Motorcycle Junior 2 (MJ2), Quad (Q), Quad Junior (QJ), SSV (S), Vintage 1 (V1), Vintage 2 (V2) and Vintage Quad (VQ).
The Motorcycle category will have Overall, Veteran and Women classes while MJ1 and MJ2 will include both Junior and Women classes. Quad competitors will also have Overall, Veteran and Women classes while QJ will include Junior and Women classes.
To qualify for the Vintage categories, machines must be pre-1997 and be equipped with steel frames.
Consisting of races in five separate countries across two continents, the series runs from February to December and gets under way with the world-famous Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais from 2-4 February.
2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup Calendar
2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup Calendar
Date
Round
Location
2-4 Feb 2024
France – Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais
FRA Le Touquet
24-26 Feb 2024
Argentina/Argentine – Enduro del Verano
ARG Villa Gesell
12-13 Oct 2024
Great Britain/Grande-Bretagne – Weston Beach Race
GBR Weston Beach
1-3 Nov 2024
Italy/Italie – Bibione Sand Storm
ITA Bibione
22-24 Nov 2024
Portugal – Monte Gordo Sand Experience
PRT Algarve
30-1 Nov/Dec 2024
France – Ronde des Sables
FRA Hossegor-Capbreton
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Harri Kullas does the Aberdeen double at Rounds 5 & 6
FUS Marsh Geartec’s Harri Kullas scored an epic win in the Traxxas Pro Main Event at Aberdeen for round five of the 2024 British Arenacross Championship presented by Fix Auto UK.
In typical AX fashion, the intensely close Main Event podium was rounded out by Stark Future teammates Justin Bogle and Jack Brunell, representing the top three in the standings too.
Justin Bogle
Bogle held the lead for the majority of the race, with Harri gaining ground lap by lap until finally passing Bogle after a lengthy battle, treating the crowd to edge of the seat racing throughout.
Notably missing from the lineup was round four winner Conrad Mewse. Having initially planned to race Aberdeen, after MRI results, Mewse has been forced to take six weeks out of racing to recover.
The result saw Kullas close in on standings leader Brunell, with Bogle third, a point ahead of Mewse who won’t be going anywhere but down the standings with his injury preventing competition.
Jack Brunell
Harri Kullas then scored another win in the Traxxas Pro Main Event round six, the Main Event podium rounded out byJack Brunell and Dirt Store Kawasaki’s Thomas Do.
Brunell holds on to his lead in the Championship by just one single point after round six, with Kullas not quite able to close down that gap. Four points separate Bogle (52) and Adam Chatfield (48) with Ashley Greedy also not far off on 46-points.
The penultimate round is held in Birmingham next week.
Arenacross Standings after Round Six
Pos
Rider
Points
1
Jack Brunell
72
2
Harri Kulas
71
3
Justin Bogle
52
4
Adam Chatfield
48
5
Ashley Greedy
46
6
Conrad Mewse
41
7
Thomas Do
34
8
James Mackrel
25
9
Dylan Woodcock
24
10
Luke Burton
20
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Speedway GP qualification places for 2025 increased to four
The stakes will be high in the 2024 FIM SGP Challenge at Czech track Pardubice in October as FOUR places in the 2025 FIM Speedway Grand Prix series will now be up for grabs.
Staged alongside Pardubice’s iconic Golden Helmet meeting, one of the sport’s most famous and prestigious open events, which takes place on Sunday, October 6, the FIM SGP Challenge is the hotly contested final round of the Speedway GP qualifiers, which sees riders from all over the world battle for their place on the sport’s biggest stage the following year.
Kvech qualified for Speedway GP at the 2023 FIM SGP Challenge
The SGP Commission has increased the number of Speedway GP qualification places on offer at the FIM SGP Challenge from three to four, giving riders an additional opportunity to secure a life-changing spot in the SGP elite. As a result, four permanent wild cards – reduced from five – will be selected by the SGP Commission for the 2025 series.
The FIM SGP Challenge comes just six days after the 2024 SGP season reaches its climax at the FIM Speedway GP of Poland – Torun on September 28, meaning the Pardubice showdown will be the final chance for Speedway GP World Championship hopefuls to book their place for 2025.
The top six riders in the 2024 SGP series will qualify for the 2025 competition, along with the Speedway European Championship winner and the top four at the FIM SGP Challenge. The 2025 Speedway GP line-up of 15 riders will be completed by four wild cards.
The 2024 SGP series sees FIVE new riders make their full-time Speedway GP World Championship debuts. Latvia’s Andzejs Lebedevs, Germany’s Kai Huckenbeck and Poland’s Dominik Kubera received permanent wild cards, while Polish racer Szymon Wozniak and Czech star Jan Kvech made it via the 2023 FIM SGP Challenge in Gislaved, Sweden last August.
The 2024 Speedway GP series launches with the FIM Speedway GP of Croatia in Donji Kraljevec on April 27.
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Niedermaier tops 2024 FIM Ice Speedway qualifier
Germany’s Max Niedermaier snatched a dramatic Run-Off win from Heikki Huusko to claim overall victory at Örnsköldsvik’s Kallehov track over the weekend, as the Swedish city hosted the Qualifying Round of the 2024 FIM Ice Speedway World Championship.
Max Niedermaier – Image by Good-Shoot.com
The pair were locked together on fourteen points each after the action-packed programme of twenty Heats was completed with each rider scoring four wins and one second-placed finish. When they met in the second Heat of the afternoon it was Huusko who drew first blood, but when the top step of the podium was on the line it was Niedermaier who ran out winner in sub-zero conditions around five-hundred kilometres south of the Arctic Circle.
The top eight will now face defending champion Martin Haarahiltunen from Sweden along with Austria’s Franz Zorn and Germany’s Luca Bauer who finished second and fourth in 2023. Harald Simon from Austria, who finished third last season, will be unable to compete because of health issues and Germany’s Markus Jell – who was sixth – will take his place.
Sweden’s Niclas Svensson, who was fifth in 2023, is also sidelined with a back injury and he will be replaced by his father Stefan who ended last year in seventh.
They will be joined in both Finals by two FIM-selected permanent wild card riders and one local wild card.
2024 FIM Ice Speedway World Championship Qualifier
