That’s 38 points more than Mir had at this stage last season. After four rounds in 2020, the Spaniard was 14th in the overall classification on 11 points, 48 adrift of leader Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP). In 2021, he’s just 17 points behind Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). And if it wasn’t for the Ducatis of Bagnaia and Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) being absolute missiles down the Losail International Circuit home straight, Mir probably would have a P2 to his name this year too. However, that’s not how motorcycle racing works. Ducati have their strengths, Suzuki have theirs. And unfortunately for Mir at the Qatar GP, Ducati were able to unleash theirs at the wrong time for the number 36.
Firstly, though, let’s quickly touch on the new parts HRC brought that we might see in action at a Grand Prix weekend very soon, mainly a new aerodynamic package. Five different packages were seen out on track during the day, as the factory look to find some immediate improvements. As you can see from the images below, Honda were seen, of course, working on their current aero package, they were testing an aero package first introduced at the Qatar Test earlier this year, two variations on the ‘moustache’ aero, which was first rolled out at the Misano Test last year, and also, quite remarkably, Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) was seen running the aero package that Honda used back in 2018.
Pau Serracanta: “My passion has always been the sports sector and the fact that I have been able to dedicate a good part of my professional career to Dorna Sports, I can affirm that it has been a great privilege and that I am very grateful to have worked with a team of excellent professionals. Dorna Sports is like a big family, under the leadership of Carmelo Ezpeleta, a great mentor and whom I consider almost like a father on the professional side. With all the support and knowledge that he has given me, he has meant that these more than two decades will pass at the same speed as the bikes of our fantastic championships. My future plans continue around innovation, technology and sustainability projects.”
One hundred motorcycle and sidecar racers will be on show at the annual Historic Winton event on 22-23 May, 2021, at Winton Motor Raceway in Victoria.
The event was canceled last year because of the pandemic and this year it has caused the organisers to cancel official vehicle displays.
However, organisers say spectators are welcome to arrive on their historic motorcycles and will be parked together.
“We’ve had about 10 weeks to organise the event instead of 10 months,” a spokesperson says.
“It’s amazing what a great team can do – all volunteers too.”
There will be a total of 300 competitors in 48 races, once again after the COVID-caused hiatus in 2020.
Ticket sales have opened with a bang, according to event secretary, Peta Lee.
“We had no idea what to expect but the event is so loved by its fans that plenty are keen for another dose of historic motorsport action,” she said.
“The support from spectators is amazing with people keen to get into the outdoors around the Winton racetrack to see the historic cars, motorcycles and sidecars tough it out,” Peta said.
“Surprisingly, we have quite a number of first-time or new competitors from around Victoria which we are thrilled about.”
Tickets are available online only to meet COVID contact tracing requirements in advance of getting to the gate. They will be on sale until 4pm, Sunday 23 May.
Peta said that purchasing and registering in advance will mean that ticket holders will flow quite quickly into the grounds of Winton Motor Raceway.
Tickets are reduced this year as there are less displays, so a daily ticket is $30 per adult, children 17 and under are free but must be registered online to get entry.
Camping is also available at $50 for the weekend per person through the ticket link.
“There’ll be plenty of room for everyone to social distance and we ask attendees to be COVID safe at all time,” she said.
A limited number of programs will be available for purchase onsite.
Moving on to the Moto2™ ECh, and it is the battle of the Boscoscuros as Moto2™ rookie sensation Fermin Aldeguer (Boscoscuro Talent Team – Ciatti) stormed to a double victory at Estoril, following a titanic scrap between himself and fellow rookie teammate Alonso Lopez. The Spaniards fought hard in the opening round and it could be a repeat performance in Valencia, with both having fond memories – Aldeguer took the STK600 title there last year, whilst Lopez was on the podium in 2017 in the FIM Moto3™ JWCh. Third in the standings is Malaysia’s Adam Norrodin (Liqui Moly Intact SIC Racing Team), who took a first podium at Estoril, whilst Thailand’s Keminth Kubo (VR46 Master Camp Team) is fourth. First pole-sitter of 2021, Lukas Tulovic (Liqui Moly Intact SIC Racing Team), aims for his first ever back-to-back podiums in the Moto2™ ECh, and is currently seventh in the standings.
Motorcycling Victoria recently teamed up with Shannons Insurance’s Girl Rider brand along with some social & road riding groups; The Melbourne Moto Ladies and Motomoiselles Female Social Motorcycle Club, for a coordinated ride to the Broadford circuit.
Women’s only ride days
Partipants then enjoyed a lunch and took part in a parade lap of the 2.4 km circuit, while those already with track experience showed off their skills and speed on the race track.
When not out racing, the ever growing community of women racers attend these days to coach, help motivate attendee and provide
Women’s only ride days at the road race circuit have been a feature at the Broadford State Sports Complex for a number of years now.
Women’s only ride days – Image by RbMotoLens
Together with Dirt Days for women and girls held across the dirt track, the motocross track and enduro loop are now building momentum after a COVID year off. Sunday’s event was the second this year and the next one is scheduled to be held on August 7.
Track sessions at the Women’s only ride days are open for all levels of rider from beginner to advanced.
The parade lap was led by Cameron Donald and Kaz Anderson, who came out to support the day and give the riders some invaluable coaching – Image by RbMotoLens
When not out racing, the ever growing community of women racers attend these days to coach, help motivate attendee and provide. The Dirt Days are catered for all levels of women and girl rider, including junior riders.
When not out racing, the ever growing community of women racers attend these days to coach, help motivate attendee and provide – Image by RbMotoLens
Motorcycling Victoria (MV) has been proactive in increasing Female Participation in all areas of the sport for a number of years. Together with the Victorian State Government MV have developed the Female Participation Program. The women & girls only events are designed to encourage more women and girls to get involved in the fun and adrenaline fuelled sporting side of riding.
Women’s only ride days – Image RbMotoLens
Susie Smith (Participant)
“Thanks for another brilliant day. Its such an inspiring and empowering experience to see so many ladies rocking it on the bikes.”
Women’s only ride days – Image RbMotoLens
Carly Bullock (Participant)
“First timer here!! What an amazing supportive environment! Everyone I met was so inspiring! Thanks to the coaches for the awesome tips, and to everyone who helps make it happen.”
This stunning custom based on a classic air-cooled BMW has us wondering whether BMW will produce more retro models to complement their popular R nineT family.
It was produced by British custom motorcycle shop Sinroja Motorcycles and they call it the R17 which is interesting since BMW recently returned to cruisers with their R 18.
The R 18 was actually born after BMW gave the R 18 engine to a couple of custom houses to see what they could do with it.
In fact, the R nineT was also born after famed LA designer Roland Sands built a modern custom project to honour the venerable R 90.
So it’s not improbable that BMW would look at this classic as a potential for a more retro model in its line-up.
While the R nineT family is popular, I always thought Roland Sands’ version was better and BMW made the r nineT just a little bit too modern looking.
Birju Sinroja started Sinroja Motorcycles in Leicestershire, England, five years ago and has been working on the R17 for two years ago.
Here is their account of the rebuild:
The bike started as a BMW R80 TIC (police specification) that was a true barn find.
The first step was to strip the whole bike, taking it back to bare metal by sand blasting the frame and then cleaning up any unnecessary tabs and bracketry. From there a new subframe was fabricated to create a clean line. We also fabricated and repositioned the footrest for rider and passenger to fit their ergonomic needs. The handmade mudguards are finished with simple braces, holding them up to nicely balance the lines of the bike and provide some protection from dirt on the road.
All classic customs that leave Sinroja workshop get a full crank-up engine rebuild and the R17 was no exception. We stripped the almost 40-year-old powertrain all the way to crank, replacing all key components like big end bearings, chains, guides, pushrod tubes etc, and rebuilding it to better than factory standards. This engine received our 1000cc (originally 800cc) conversion with machined and ported heads and high compression pistons to up the power. All the cases are vapour blasted and painted black with fins polished for great looks. The gearbox and bevel drive got a full rebuild with all fresh bearings, seals, gaskets etc and some unique Sinroja upgrades. Carburettors were also fully rebuilt with bigger jets to help with upgraded engine. The exhausts were fabricated in-house and then finished by Motone’s one-off end cans.
Handling is vastly improved with a complete custom suspension set-up. Yamaha R6 forks have been reworked with Nitron Suspension racing range cartridges and fully adjustable Nitron rear shocks. The forks retain the R6 calipers for improved braking performance to further increase rideability. Fastec Racing created the billet machined yokes. The custom 18- inch wire wheels were built by Hagon using custom-made rims and stainless spokes.
A brand-new wiring loom from TowzaTronics replaces all of the original wiring. At the heart of all of the electronics is a Motogadget M-Unit Blue. It controls all aspects of the electronic system and also allows Bluetooth phone connection with a diagnostic support function. The M-unit also allows keyless ignition system via the owner’s phone. The R17 is fitted with Motogadget switches, bar end indicators and grips along with 7-inch halo headlight. Rear indicators are from Rizoma and double up as brake and running lights. The final element is a beautiful dash hosting the Motogadget speedo.
The stunning black/Corris Grey livery draws inspiration from the client’s love of Land Rovers and Range Rovers. The stitching on the seat mirrors that of the car and even the saddle leather came from a Land Rover. The aesthetics are finished with a machined Sinroja emblem that sits proudly on the tank.
This bike came with a perfect brief in my opinion. We had pretty much a free reign on what to do. It’s great to be in a place where customers just let you do what you want and have that trust and faith in skills we have. The end result is something we are super proud of indeed. A timeless design and giving rebirth to an old airhead that had been neglected for years in a barn is just a great feeling.
Twisted Road, a ride-sharing community responsible for thousands of motorcycle rentals all over the country has just released a new program dubbed “One, Two, Free”. The program gives those who wish to rent motorcycles even more opportunities to hit the open road by giving them free rental days in the community.
The launch of the new program benefits those who wish to rent motorcycles and encourages them to rent for an extended time, again and again. The recurring One, Two, Free program gives the rentee the ability to one free day or to accumulate those earned days for future rentals after two rentals.
Founder and CEO of Twisted Roads, Austin Rothbard said “We continue to find ways to make riding more affordable,” and when asked how to take advantage of the new program he said “This program is simple. No fees, no membership, no limits, no promo codes.”
“We’ve made this as simple as we could. The free rides just appear in the rider’s accounts once the first two rides have been taken. It’s like getting a free cup of coffee after your 10th cup. Only it’s a free day of riding. And instead of buying 10 rides, you only need to ride twice.”
The company allows motorcycle owners to earn cash while renting their own bikes on the platform. Twisted Road offers extensive insurance on rentals to ensure everyone is taken care of.
Though Twisted Road isn’t the only major player in the peer-to-peer rental industry, we’re happy more platforms like this exist to give riders a chance to get on two wheels without spending $20K on a new motorcycle. For more information on Twisted Road, head to their website.
“I don’t like these words. Yes, with the techniques we have now, but I’m curious to see if I can train in a different way, I can change a little bit the position of the bike to gain something. I don’t know. I’m curious because it’s close to ten years that I’m in MotoGP, and I really never had this problem. So, it’s something new. We have to try to understand. Now I’m a little bit worried, not for Le Mans, but yes for Mugello. Mugello is I think the worst circuit of the calendar and I really suffer a lot the last part of the race. I wasn’t the only one. So let’s see if I can fix it by there.”
The silver pairing in your Spanish Grand Prix optimal team were Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) and Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar). Yamaha’s Morbidelli was the highest points scorer on Saturday after grabbing an extra five bonus points for topping Q1 before then qualifying second on the grid. On Sunday, the Italian collected a further 16 points, his biggest haul of the season, meaning he features in our optimal team for the first time in 2021. Mir produced yet another Mir performance on Sunday as he rose through from tenth on the grid to take fifth, and 22 points as a result.
