Man-made circuit not to the factory Yamaha rider’s liking.
Image: Supplied.
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Seewer has expressed the MXGP of Turkey is not his favourite track on the calendar as the series heads there this weekend for the penultimate round, the Afyonkarahisar venue being one of a selection of man-made circuits in the championship.
Seewer currently has a firm grip on runner-up honours in the championship rankings, holding down a comfortable 41-point margin over third’s Gautier Paulin (Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha).
“Turkey is a place that we know, so we know what to expect,” Seewer stated. “It’s not my favorite place, it is one of these newer man-made tracks, but it is fun and I have done well there in the past.
“I will go there with a smile on my face and keep pushing to be on the podium. I am trying to not think about the championship too much just yet. It’s hard with just two races to go but we need to keep going and having fun.”
It was revealed last month that Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha will become the official factory team in 2020, which will field a three-rider squad consisting of Seewer, Paulin and Arnaud Tonus.
Recent advancements motivating for Davies as Portimao looms
Section: Competition
British ace acknowledges tough weekend ahead in Portugal.
Image: Supplied.
Advancements made at Laguna Seca’s ninth round and testing at Portimao last month have motivated Chaz Davies for this weekend’s 10th round of the 2019 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) in Portugal, despite the British ace acknowledging it’s going to be a tough encounter
The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati broke through for victory at Laguna Seca’s ninth round before the WorldSBK went into an extended break for the European summer, and after testing in Portugal, he has an extra ‘spring’ in his step for this weekend’s trio of races.
“After the summer break and about two months after my win, I know it’s going to be a tough race here at Portimao, but the gains we made at Laguna Seca and the work we did in the test have really put a bit of a spring in my step,” Davies explained.
“I feel like the bike is now a lot different to the one I’ve been racing this season and I’m looking forward to the race because I feel our pace is quite decent.
“Going on past results, for me this track is not the easiest one to get a win at, but I’m feeling optimistic because the Panigale V4 R is going better around here than the twin ever did. I’m feeling confident, even though Portimao is not an easy track and the bumps and undulations throw up a lot of different challenges.”
Davies is currently ranked seventh in the championship rankings as four rounds remain.
However, they should also be alert to the bushfire conditions.
Fire and Emergency Services have specifically asked all motorists to stay away from Lamington National Park Road, Illinbah and Upper Coomera Road in the Gold Coast hinterland.
They say motorists “rubbernecking” are putting their workers’ lives at risk as well as the lives and properties of the public.
Bushfires can spread rapidly and even outrun a vulnerable rider, no matter how fast you are riding!
Riders are also in danger from smoke inhalation, low visibility and eye irritation.
Rural fire services also point out that fires have been sparked by motorcycles in the past.
They say about 40% of all bushfires are accidentally started by humans dropping cigarette butts, campfires, discarding bottles, sparks from machinery and motorcycles.
Most riders who accidentally spark these blazes are off-road and adventure bikes riding in the bush and on forestry tracks.
However, there is also the possibility of fires being started by road bikes if the rider pulls over to the side of the road where they may be long, dry grass.
The bike’s engine, exhaust, or catalytic convertor can be hot enough to set dry grass alight.
Just days after we published an article in which Queensland Police waived an erroneous fine for a “void” helmet sticker, a second similar incorrect infringement has surfaced.
And it seems one of the chiefs of the Road Policing Command is so out of touch with the Australian and Queensland Road Rules and Standards he even thinks European-approved helmets can’t be sold legally in Queensland stores.
The lack of police knowledge about helmet rules has alarmed the new Australian Motorcycle Council chairman, Guy Stanford.
He has called on Police Minister Mark Ryan and Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll to ensure officers are correctly educated about the rules before more riders are erroneously fined.
And Queensland is not the only state where police are getting the rules and standards wrong. Click here for more details.
Incorrect fine
Ian with his “void” sticker
In the first instance of an incorrect helmet fine, a rider had an external sticker showing “VOID” from sun exposure and an internal certification label affected by wear and sweat.
Neither the Australian Road Rules nor the Australian Standards make any reference to an age limit for motorcycle helmets.
Police admitted their error and said it was an “isolated incident” and “the officer has been given guidance regarding the matter”.
However, that is not the case and police are issuing incorrect fines because they apparently don’t know the relevant road rules and helmet standards.
Second fine
In the second incident, Robbie Graham copped a fine for a non-compliant helmet even though it had a proper Australian compliance sticker on the outside although the interior label had disappeared with normal wear and tear.
Sticker
No label
Guy says riders only need one form of certification “mark” on their helmet, either the external sticker or internal label, not both.
He says there is no reference in the road rules nor standard to helmets being non-compliant because of the wear and tear to the certification sticker or label.
The Queensland Department of Transport also notes that “either” a sticker or label is all that is legally required.
Fight against incorrect fine
Robbie has vowed to fight the $400/three-demerit-point fine and has written to the Police Commissioner and Department.
We also contacted Police HQ to ask why this has occurred, how they would ensure proper education of their officers and whether they would waive the incorrect fine.
Their insufficient reply did not answer any of our questions.
Instead, police referred us to the officer in charge and said “personal correspondence has been provided to the relevant party regarding this matter”.
That “personal correspondence” consisted of a phone message left for Robbie by an officer from the Organised Crime Gangs Maxima Road Policing Unit.
The message suggested Robbie had “two options — you can pay the fine or go to court”.
We contacted the phone number supplied and spoke with the Officer in Charge of the unit, Sgt Cameron Wilson.
The Sgt agrees that riders only need either the sticker or label as stated on the Department of Transport website and admitted by police in waiving Ian’s fine.
However, he says if the helmet only has the sticker, it needs to have all the information that is on the internal label as well as a date of manufacture.
Guy Stanford
Guy points out that there has never been any external sticker with all that information and the date of manufacture is superfluous because there is expiry date requirement for helmets.
Not only was his interpretation of the rules askew, but he didn’t even know that European-approved helmets could legally be sold in shops.
We asked Police HQ what training police received on helmet rules.
They replied: “Although there is no specific formal training package regarding motor cycle helmets, all officers are trained in statutory interpretation to enable them to enforce the law.”
Guy says the term “trained in statutory interpretation” sounds like something the Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland would say.
“Perhaps this Sergeant needs to take advice from a hookah-smoking caterpillar before he goes crimson with rage and demands “Off with his head!” before going off to play croquet using flamingos for sticks,” he says.
“We really are in some childish alternate reality with this stuff.”
Court option
While police continue to incorrectly issue helmet fines, riders are left with the two options of paying a fine for an offence they did not commit or waste the court’s time and their time with the expense of a court hearing.
“They shouldn’t be issuing incorrect fines to people in the first place,” Robbie says.
“This doesn’t show ethics or integrity. It’s just wrong.
“You have to stand up for everyone else not just yourself.”
We contacted the Police Minister who has now asked the police to investigate the matter.
The Police Commissioner has been asked for comment, but is busy with bushfires this weekend and may not reply until next week.
We will follow the progress of Robbie’s fine challenge.
Factory Husqvarna re-signs Haaker in multi-year deal
Section: Competition
SuperEnduro world champion cements future through 2021 season.
Image: Supplied.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing has re-signed reigning SuperEnduro world champion Colton Haaker in a multi-year deal that will see him through the 2021 season.
In Colton’s four full years with the team, he’s earned an impressive number of championship titles across an extensive range of enduro events, both in the United States and worldwide. Haaker will continue to contest the AMA Endurocross series, US Hard Enduro events, and other selected international races.
“It is incredible to be with the team for another two years,” said Haaker. “I started with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna four years ago with no titles and since then I have earned five! We have set out new goals for the upcoming years and I hope to continue our winning ways.”
Team manager Tim Weigand added: “Watching Colton develop into a multiple world championship-winning rider over the last several years has been a privilege. His talent and determination make him a front-runner for any race series. We are happy to have Colton continue his journey with our Rockstar Energy Husqvarna family.”
Herfoss highlights importance of Winton in ASBK title bid
Section: Competition
Defending champion confident leading into this weekend’s fifth round.
Image: Russell Colvin.
Reigning champion Troy Herfoss has highlighted the importance that Winton’s fifth round plays in his bid for the 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) this weekend, as the points chase remains tight amongst the top six riders.
Following a mixed season so far, the Penrite Honda Racing believes his feeling with the bike is the best it’s been since wrapping up last year’s title at the Victorian venue, promoting a boost of confidence ahead of Sunday’s pair of races.
“Winton is a pretty important round at this point in the championship,” commented Herfoss. “It’s been an up and down series for a lot of people – a few have had some bad luck and others have kept themselves in it through consistency – so it is tight in the points.
“There are a number of guys who could capitalise on a strong round at Winton and, honestly, I feel the best on the bike since I did at this track last year when I won the championship. The test that we had here was really, really good for us, so I’m looking forward to getting out there no matter what the conditions are.”
The number one is ranked fourth in the championship standings, 15 points behind series leader Mike Jones (DesmoSport Ducati).
Beirer calls for MXoN shake-up amid Vialle Team France controversy
Section: Competition
Motorsport director speaks out over Team France excluding Vialle from Assen event.
Image: Supplied.
Words: Adam Wheeler
KTM motorsports director Pit Beirer has asked for a shake-up in the way national federations approach the annual Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) amid Tom Vialle’s ejection from Team France over a logo dispute for Assen’s 2019 edition.
The former Team Germany representative – who won so emphatically at Nismes in 1997 – was speaking in the wake of the Red Bull KTM rider’s exclusion from a debut appearance for Team France after a dispute over cap logo space.
The jostling for prominent placement of race team and federation sponsors on the special kit used for the one-off fixture is a recurring problem and has affected various other teams in the past.
The 46-year-old firmly believes that federations have to be more aware and respectful of the brands and factory squads that bring their whole competition structure to circuits at the end of a long season.
“As fans we all look forward to the MXoN,” said Beirer. “It is a special event with a special atmosphere and one of the biggest audiences for our sport of the year. In a way it can be compared to a national soccer team, but the big difference is that we roll on our own costs. Despite the fact that we have fantastic relationships with most federations we have no financial support from any during the whole season.
“I have to build, organise and make contracts for a race team for 365 days of the year and that means we need the help of sponsors to be at the highest professional level – and in this I can speak for all of my colleagues and other brands in the paddock who are in a similar position.
“For Federations to then come into the structure for one race of the year and kick those sponsors and partners into touch is not acceptable. If they provided support and backing at any time then this would mean a different discussion but otherwise we often go racing with multi-million dollar budgets and for them to want to come in a jump on the train and dictate terms is not correct.”
Beirer admitted to being ‘frustrated’ by the situation that saw Vialle replaced by Maxime Renaux in the reigning champions’ three-man line-up. Vialle has been outstanding in his rookie season in the MX2 World Championship and his first term as a factory rider, taking six podiums, his first win two weeks ago in Sweden and is vying for third place in the MX2 standings.
The KTM boss is keen for better compromise to avoid similar situations occurring in the future for what is one of the sport’s largest promotional windows.
“There has to be give-and-take,” he stressed. “There is no question in my mind that the MXoN is about country colours and racing for the flag and – as a brand – I am happy to step back in that respect and still put the use of our trucks, staff and resources and buy all the extra passes for our team to be there, but I cannot ignore our sponsors who make the team happen for the rest of the year and to whom I am thankful.
“It is not because we have any pressure from those sponsors but because this is the right thing to do. This unfair compromise I won’t accept any longer and now it is really sad because a young rider who really deserves his place on the team has been given a ‘no-go’.
“We are climbing up to 25 races a year and I think the Motocross of Nations needs to be re-thought in the way is it put together. We like to have an open-house policy with our team and we don’t mind federation managers and staff coming into co-ordinate what is necessary for one event, but there is a limit and there should be a compromise as well as a healthy working relationship and understanding.
“The country should be on the front row at the Nations, but it has to be a friendship because all the costs are still paid by us.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will see Jeffrey Herlings and Jorge Prado race for Team Holland and Team Spain at Assen on 28- 29 September.
Ducati has announced a charity auction to support the newly established Carlin Dunne Foundation, in which a limited edition Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916 will be available for bidding beginning September 5. The auction will run until September 15, to commemorate the memory and preserve the legacy of Ducati racing legend Carlin Dunne funding the start of the foundation. Among Carlin’s many accomplishments, he was a four-time champion of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and his loss has been felt throughout the international motorcycling community.
In addition to the Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916–which is numbered 5 of 500, in order to honor Carlin Dunne’s race number–Ducati World Superbike pilot, Chaz Davies has donated his leather racing suit from his 2019 World Superbike WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca race weekend as part of this auction. This leather suit was specially designed as part of the unveiling of the Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916 and fashion a livery inspired from those of Carl Fogarty’s leathers from the era of the 916 Superbike. All proceeds from this auction will go toward the Carlin Dunne Foundation. The Panigale V4 is valued at $42,500 and the racing suit at is valued in excess of $3,000.
The Carlin Dunne Foundation was created upon Dunne’s passing to carry on his legacy by aiding in the development of preventative resources and rehabilitation programs supporting extreme sport athletes diagnosed with and/or at risk of acquiring Concussion Syndrome, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), and traumatic brain injuries. Additionally, and separate from the Panigale V4 auction, the Carlin Dunne Foundation is enrolled in the eBay for Charity program in which people and organizations can support the Carlin Dunne Foundation directly by selecting the Carlin Dunne Foundation as their charity of choice when listing an item.
For more information on the Carlin Dunne Foundation, visit carlindunne.org.
The announcement of today’s auction also coincides with the lead-in to a Carlin Dunne Memorial Weekend (Celebration of Life) to be held in Santa Barbara to honor Dunne’s life. Memorial events taking place will include a dinner at Shoreline Park at 4 p.m. today (Thursday, September 5), a film screening on Friday, September 6, of “A Thousand Miles Behind” at 7 p.m. at Marjorie Luke Theater, a memorial paddle-out at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, followed by a reception and silent auction at 3 p.m., and finally a motorcycle ride at 9 a.m. on Sunday, September 8, beginning at Ducati of Santa Barbara.
Ducati will auction off Chaz Davies’ leathers from Laguna Seca as well as No. 5 of the limited production run of the Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916 with proceeds going to the Carlin Dunne Foundation.
Begin Press Release:
Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916 to be Auctioned for Carlin Dunne Foundation
Limited edition Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916, number 5 of 500 in commemoration Carlin Dunne’s racing number, will be available for auction from September 5 – 15
Proceeds will support Carlin Dunne Foundation to help with preventative resources and rehabilitation programs supporting extreme sport athletes
Chaz Davies’ racing leathers with commemorative livery from WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca World Superbike, part of auction
Mountain View, Calif., September 5, 2019 – Ducati has announced a charity auction to support the newly established Carlin Dunne Foundation, in which a limited edition Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916 will be available for bidding beginning today. The auction will run until September 15, to commemorate the memory and preserve the legacy of Ducati racing legend Carlin Dunne funding the start of the foundation. Among Carlin’s many accomplishments, he was a four-time champion of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and his loss has been felt throughout the international motorcycling community.
Bidding for the auction can be found here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/233333233744
In addition to the Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916 – which is numbered 5 of 500, in order to honor Carlin Dunne’s race number – Ducati World Superbike pilot, Chaz Davies has donated his leather racing suit from his 2019 World Superbike WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca race weekend as part of this auction. This leather suit was specially designed as part of the unveiling of the Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916 and fashion a livery inspired from those of Carl Fogarty’s leathers from the era of the 916 Superbike. All proceeds from this auction will go toward the Carlin Dunne Foundation. The Panigale V4 is valued at $42,500 and the racing suit at is valued in excess of $3000.
The Carlin Dunne Foundation was created upon Dunne’s passing to carry on his legacy by aiding in the development of preventative resources and rehabilitation programs supporting extreme sport athletes diagnosed with and/or at risk of acquiring Concussion Syndrome, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), and traumatic brain injuries. Additionally, and separate from the Panigale V4 auction, the Carlin Dunne Foundation is enrolled in the eBay for Charity program in which people and organizations can support the Carlin Dunne Foundation directly by selecting the Carlin Dunne Foundation as their charity of choice when listing an item. For more information on the Carlin Dunne Foundation, visit: www.carlindunne.org
The announcement of today’s auction also coincides with the lead-in to a Carlin Dunne Memorial Weekend (Celebration of Life) to be held in Santa Barbara to honor Dunne’s life. Memorial events taking place will include a dinner at Shoreline Park at 4 p.m. today, a film screening on Friday, September 6 of “A Thousand Miles Behind” at 7 p.m. at Marjorie Luke Theater, a memorial paddle-out at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, followed by a reception and silent auction at 3 p.m., and finally a motorcycle ride at 9 a.m. on Sunday, September 8, beginning at Ducati of Santa Barbara. For more information about the Carlin Dunne Memorial Weekend, please visit: https://www.carlindunne5.com/celebration
225 hp, 364 lbs, neutral below first, and limited to just 10 units. Yowza!
Begin press release:
Aprilia RSV4 X, a special celebratory version of the V4 from Noale made by Aprilia Racing in a limited edition of ten units to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of a project that won seven WSBK titles, is being delivered to the lucky buyers of the most exclusive super sport bike.
The “launch” of the RSV4 X deliveries was christened by an exceptional tester, Max Biaggi, who decided to take his RSV4 X out on the track immediately, which confirms that this is a special bike for special enthusiasts. One is also on the way for Andrea Iannone, one of Aprilia’s MotoGP riders. Max and Andrea were among the first to place their orders after testing it at a global sneak peek on 23 March at Mugello during the Aprilia All Stars event, the big festival where 10,000 fans participated.
“Tackling the corners at Mugello astride the RSV4 X is always a fantastic thrill! – the six-time world champion commented after taking to the track on 1 and 2 September – On this bike, the sensations are exactly like those of a racing bike and, as soon as I got on it, I felt like I had never quit racing”.
Built on the base of an Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory – winner of the major comparative tests organised by the most important motorcycle magazines in the world, thereby reaffirming multiple years of technical leadership – in April, the Aprilia RSV4 X was “sold out” just a few hours after online reservations opened. Now the Noale racing department is ready to open the doors to an exclusive ten lucky buyers so they can take delivery directly in the Factory of the 54 world titles of this valuable gem of Italian engineering, dedicated exclusively to track riding.
The department’s racing experience has been fully harnessed in order to lighten the Aprilia RSV4 X and achieve an exceptional dry weight of 165 kg. Aprilia Racing has selected a series of refined, lightweight components, such as the carbon fairing – enhanced with special dedicated graphics inspired by the livery of the 2019 MotoGP Aprilia RS-GP – as well as a more lightweight tank. Another obvious sports-derived element is the racing panel via which to adjust the main electronic controls of the RSV4 X. There are numerous billet aluminium details, such as the clutch lever, the front brake lever guard, the engine sump guards, the adjustable foot pegs and the upper steering plate, important details that make for a further weight saving. Marchesini forged magnesium wheels magnify the already spectacular handling of the RSV4 and mount Pirellislick tyres.
The inimitable 1078 cc V4 is prepared directly by Aprilia Racing, the most advanced platform of the Piaggio Group for the development of technology applied to motorcycles. This special preparation involves hand assembly and the subsequent fine-tuning of all tolerances, just as is done for racing engines. The timing system uses new intake camshafts, new valve return springs and relative caps, as well as brand new rounded bucket tappets that allow SBK-derived shafts with more aggressive cam profiles to be used.
The Akrapovic exhaust system features titanium collectors and a carbon outlet, while the air filter has been replaced with a Sprint Filter element, specifically the air filter that offers the highest permeability of those available on the market (as well as being waterproof), the same unit that Aprilia Racing uses in MotoGP. The electronic fine-tuning is guaranteed by a specific ECU mapping. These components ensure an increase in maximum power, from an already excellent 217 HP for the standard model, to an impressive 225 HP. The Aprilia V4 is equipped with the ANN system (Aprilia No Neutral), the gearbox with neutral positioned below first gear that speeds up shifting from first to second and prevents any up-shifting errors. A solution that derives directly from Aprilia’s experience in SBK and MotoGP and that is made available on a model on public sale for the very first time.
Another world first comes in the shape of the Brembo braking system, the firm having selected the Aprilia RSV4 X for the début of itsGP4-MS billet callipers that act on a pair of steel discs with T-Drive technology and are controlled by a 19×16 billet radial pump.
Aprilia RSV4 X is part of the Factory Works programme launched by Aprilia Racing: unique in the world, it takes the technology developed for the Aprilia RSV4, a seven-time Superbike world champion, and makes it available to those planning to compete at high level in production-derived championships or who want a RSV4 with performance optimised for track-use.
WIDE RANGE OF PERFORMANCE ACCESSORIES FOR RSV4 1100 FACTORY
For the Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory, the bike from which the RSV4 X is derived, a wide range of accessories is available to increase its performance even more for track use. High quality parts that bring it very close to the extremely special X version, made in a limited edition of just ten units.
Complete racing exhaust: Akrapovic by Aprilia Racing exhaust system complete with manifolds. The tailpipe is in carbon. Includes the dedicated engine mapping developed by Aprilia Racing.
ECU: Engine control unit dedicated to track use, programmed with racing maps. Specific for non-original exhaust systems (complete or only slip-on).
Components in carbon: fairings, mudguards and heel guards. Made in matte finish carbon fibre. They guarantee a sporty look and a lower overall weight.
Front brake air vents: these are easily installed on the front braking system,reducing temperatures and maintaining the same braking performance in situations of prolonged stress.
Mirror plugs: made from polyethylene, these are applied in place of mirrors when using the bike on the track.
License plate hole cover: made of laser cut aluminium, this is applied after removing the license plate bracket when using the bike on the track.
Inverted racing gear lever: this is a mechanical element that inverts the gear shifting mode in order to improve performance on track.
Aluminium racing levers: made in billet aluminium, they give the bike an even more aggressive look and reduce the weight of the factory component.
