After securing the 2019 AMA Supercross 450SX Championship, in 2020 Cooper Webb collected 13 podium results and four Main Event victories to finish runner-up in the championship aboard the KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition. This machine was also the tool for Marvin Musquin to post seven top-three moto finishes in the 2020 AMA Pro Motocross series as he bounced back from injury with a satisfying fourth in the final 450MX class standings.
2021 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition Highlights
Updated Red Bull KTM Factory Racing graphics
Connectivity Unit fitted as standard
Ability to connect with myKTM app
Akrapovič slip-on silencer
Factory triple clamps anodised in orange
KTM Factory wheels
Factory start for front fork
Exclusive orange frame
Composite skid plate
Factory seat with Selle Dalla Valle stamp
Semi-floating front brake disc
Front brake disc guard
Orange rear sprocket
Engine updates
Hinson clutch cover
Joachim Sauer – KTM Senior Product Manager Offroad
“Riders still cannot get more ‘READY TO RACE’ than with our new KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition. We knew the bike had to look the part for 2021 but we also wanted to keep all the same special technical details that place this model as one of the flagships of our range. Its credentials are proven. Very useful additions for 2021, the Connectivity Unit and the myKTM App allow every rider to get the most of their potential in every condition. With this bike, we trust that KTM fans worldwide will find a true race-winning machine that really looks the part.”
2021 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition
Taking full advantage of the experience collected through countless training and racing laps, for 2021 KTM applies key upgrades onto the latest installment of the KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition. The 2021 bike carries a near-identical visual aspect to the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machines raced in Supercross and Motocross.
Creating a direct performance link to the works machines of Cooper and Marvin, the bike comes with an orange frame, Factory wheels, Factory triple clamps anodized in orange, a composite skid plate, a Hinson clutch cover and an orange rear sprocket. The spec list also boasts elements like the Akrapovič silencer, the Factory start holeshot device, the semi floating front brake and the disc guard.
2021 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition
A notable addition for 2021 is the Connectivity Unit that now comes as standard and is integrated onto the new bar pad. This means the innovative myKTM App can be synced immediately and without the need of any additional parts. Through the use of the myKTM app, riders of all levels can customise engine settings.
2021 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition
An additional benefit of the myKTM app is its ability to offer suspension recommendations based on every rider’s personal characteristics.
The new R 18 is the first salvo in BMW’s Heritage cruiser family, which is likely to include a bagger and perhaps even a touring bike in the future. Seen here in First Edition garb that includes lots of chrome, paint and functional options, it’s BMW’s second attempt to gain some traction in America’s large cruiser market, following the R1200C of 1998-2004.
Some motorcycle manufacturers have a difficult time accepting that Harley-Davidson’s 55-60% share of the cruiser motorcycle market in the U.S. is as much a result of cultural preference as it is affection for traditionally styled bikes. Americans love their cruisers and baggers, but these days mostly want them Made in the USA. Despite an exceptionally good run, the Japanese have pretty much thrown in the towel — with a couple exceptions there hasn’t been a new Japanese cruiser or bagger in a decade. As long as they’re selling lots of ADV, sport and sport-touring bikes, Germany and Italy haven’t paid much attention to our cruiser market, either. But every so often someone on the continent decides that they need a bigger chunk of the American motorcycle market, and out pops a Euro cruiser that either misses the styling dartboard completely or has an unacceptable engine layout. Or both.
With 788 pounds and a 68.1-inch wheelbase to throw around, the R 18’s minimal cornering clearance isn’t really an issue. Just don’t go there.
BMW’s first attempt was with the R1200C, unveiled to gasps for the 1998 model year. Limited to the existing boxer engine and techy running gear like the Telelever front end and single-sided Monolever swingarm, the result was a nice enough motorcycle in terms of handling and features. But the opposed twin was too small and underpowered to compete in the seismic V-twin market, the ergonomics were weird, and the styling too, er, unconventional. Auf wiedersehn — its last model year was 2004.
This time might be different.
You would think that Big Boxer would put out a lot of heat, but we never noticed any, even in 85-degree weather.
In creating the new R 18, to its credit once again BMW did not build a Harley clone, going so far as to boldly stamp the bike with the words, “Berlin Built.” The R 18 still uses a boxer engine instead of a V-twin, and this go-round BMW is fully committed to its iconic powerplant, taking care to highlight the advantages of a mid-mount footpeg position (active, upright seating, etc.) necessitated by the engine’s flat opposed cylinders versus feet forward. And BMW recognized that this time the engine needed to be big — really BIG. So the pair of 4.2-inch slugs and 100mm stroke in the Big Boxer give it a displacement of 1,802cc, or 110ci, which compares well with Harley’s 108s and Indian’s 111s.
BMW nailed the styling on the R 18, and with a few refinements to the suspension and seat, it can be a really nice bike to ride, too.
To make it look right, BMW’s styling team stepped back into the company’s motorcycling history, taking cues from the 1930’s R5. “We took a deep look at our own museum, and we condensed these icons from the past, and found five super-important things that you will find all of on this bike,” said Edgar Heinrich, BMW’s head of motorcycle design. In fact it’s easy to see the R5 reflected in the R 18’s double-loop frame and swingarm that give it a modern hardtail cruiser look, as well as the teardrop 4.2-gallon fuel tank, exposed final drive shaft, metal fork shrouds, fishtail dual exhaust and pinstriped black paint on the R 18 First Edition. All of this is pleasingly mashed together with contemporary cruiser licks like bobbed fenders, a semi-slammed rear end and fat tube-type wheels and tires to create the first cruiser in BMW’s Heritage family. We’re told it’s not the last.
BMW’s largest engine to date has four overhead valves per cylinder actuated by a pair of dual rocker arms with screw-and-locknut adjusters, pushrods and one camshaft per side, parallel to and above the crankshaft.
At 788 pounds fully fueled sitting on a long 68.1-inch wheelbase, the R 18 looks and feels overbuilt, like there’s a roomful of bagger and dresser bodywork tucked away somewhere just waiting to be hung on the sturdy platform. As befits a premium cruiser, BMW styled the R 18 mostly in metal — the engine and gearbox only account for 244 pounds, so we’re talking a whopping 520-pound rolling chassis minus the Big Boxer and a few options. Some parts like the wheels and levers are aluminum, but you’ll find very little plastic, and the tank, fenders, side covers, headlight, instrument and fork covers are all steel.
Seating is typical wide-bar cruiser, except for the mid-mount footpegs necessitated by those big jugs.
A little weight is attributable to the extra features on this First Edition (included in optional packages), such as the swath of chrome, heated grips, an alarm system, Reverse Assist (flip a lever, hit the starter button, backward you go) and Adaptive Headlight that illuminates the inside of corners. Electronic wizardry was kept to a minimum, though—riders overwhelmingly told BMW that this bike should not be a rolling computer. It still has Integral ABS of course, in which the front lever actuates both the strong front and rear ABS brakes, and the pedal just the rear. Switchable ASC or traction control, Motor Slip Reduction (MSR), a slipper clutch and Hill Start Control (eases starting out on inclines) are all onboard, and the R 18 has three playful ride modes, Rock, Roll and Rain. In addition to turning the volume up or down on the throttle response, changing modes alters the amount of ASC intervention, and even tweaks the idle. In Roll and Rain, it’s pretty tame, but in Rock at a stop, those howitzer-sized pistons waggle the handlebar and shimmy shimmy ko ko bop shake the bike side-to-side like a vibrating bed. Yet unlike a lot of fuel-injected bikes in the equivalent “sport” mode, throttle response is smooth and linear in Rock without abruptness, and comparatively boring in the other modes.
All LED dual headlight is available with cornering lights.
The R 18 wants to Rock right from startup, too. Quite often those big cylinders light off with a Womp!, and the engine rocks the bike strongly side-to-side — enough that it can yank the grips from your hands if you’re not ready for it. Eventually it settles into a nice loping idle, but when you twist the throttle in neutral or at lower speeds you can also feel the torque reaction of the longitudinal crankshaft rotate the bike slightly on its axis, like BMW boxers of yore. On the Jett Tuning dyno the Big Boxer set a new record for boxer torque at the rear wheel, with 109.2 lb-ft at 2,900 rpm, and 80.3 horsepower at 4,500 rpm. At speed the R 18 feels a lot like most big twins, with loads of torque right from idle that drops off quickly past 4,000 rpm. Redline is way up at 5,750 rpm, but you’ll spend far more time in the rev basement on this bike, short-shifting and enjoying the somewhat muted bark from its two fishtails. Especially since the seat and grips vibrate rather badly at anything above 3,000-3,200 rpm….
Perched with arms outstretched to the wide bar and feet comfortably on the mid-mount footpegs, the R 18’s seating position helps you fight the wind at speed, and at just 27.2 inches high the seat is an easy reach to the ground. Since there’s so little cornering clearance, footpegs drag early in corners, and the crankshaft torque reaction doesn’t really have a chance to detract from the bike’s handling. Which is about as good as you’d expect from such a big bike—slow and stable in corners and on the highway, heavy and ponderous at a walking pace or parking (thank goodness for that Reverse Assist), though tight U-turns can be mastered with some practice. That wide handlebar really helps maneuver the bike, though one grip can end up quite a reach at full lock. Of greater note is the suspension, which only offers spring preload adjustment in the rear and just 4.7/3.5 inches of travel front/rear. That’s not unusually short for a cruiser, and the punishing ride that results is no surprise either. It is eyebrow raising, though, that with all of BMW’s advanced suspension experience it didn’t give its first real cruiser some rear suspension comfortably on par with say, a 2014 Indian Chief. To make matters worse the stock seat is merely a seat-shaped rock — fortunately for anyone who actually wants to ride this bike accessory comfort seats are available.
BMW resisted the temptation to put a boss ultra-wide rear tire on the R 18, so it needs less muscle to turn.
BMW has given the R 18 adjustable brake and clutch levers, and a powerful twin LED headlight and LED brake/taillights integrated into the turn signals. The single instrument incorporates an analog speedometer and useful digital display with tachometer, trip computer and more, and there’s a handy electrical accessory socket behind the left cylinder. Pages upon pages of accessories hail the R 18’s arrival — there’s even a Bobber conversion and premium Roland Sands machined parts ready to go, as well as an Apehanger conversion with 21-inch front wheel. Knock yourself out, have fun storming the castle….
Spoked wheels necessitate inner tubes. Integral ABS brakes are strong and functional, with perhaps a little more pull at the lever than we like.
Obviously I’m of two minds regarding the R 18. On the one hand, I’m disappointed that the bike isn’t nicer to ride. Harsh rear suspension, minimal cornering clearance and heavy vibration can’t be cured with an accessory seat or chrome dingle balls. On the other, I think it’s a great-looking, badass, real-steel cruiser that rides its own path and makes no apologies for it. It also hides a lot of modern tech in a classic platform. “One of the hardest things to do is to develop a modern bike with a classic look, with no exposed wires, no sensors, no black box visible. It’s one of the biggest achievements for the designers,” said Heinrich. No doubt with the possible exception of the mufflers’ size (and keep in mind that the camera puts on 10 pounds), they nailed it.
Parallels between the BMW R5 of the 1930s and the new R 18 (this one a Bobber version) are striking, from the lines of the hardtail-look frame and tank to the exposed driveshaft and fishtail exhaust (OK, if you squint a little…).
2021 BMW R 18 First Edition Specs:
Base Price: $17,495 Price as Tested: $22,120 (Special Edition finish, Premium & Select Packages, Passenger Kit) Warranty: 3 yrs., 36,000 miles Website:bmwmotorcycles.com
Engine Type: Air/oil-cooled opposed flat twin Displacement: 1,802cc Bore x Stroke: 107.1 x 100.0mm Compression Ratio: 9.6:1 Valve Train: OHV, 4 valves per cyl. Valve Insp. Interval: 6,000 miles Fuel Delivery: BMS-O EFI w/ 48mm throttle body Lubrication System: Wet sump, 4.2-qt cap. Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated single-plate dry slipper clutch Final Drive: Shaft, 3.091:1
Chassis Frame: Tubular-steel double cradle w/ tubular-steel double-sided swingarm Wheelbase: 68.1 in. Rake/Trail: 32.7 degrees/5.9 in. Seat Height: 27.2 in. Suspension, Front: 49mm telescopic fork w/ 4.7-in. travel Rear: Single cantilever shock, adj. for spring preload w/ 3.5-in. travel Brakes, Front: Dual 300mm discs w/ 4-piston opposed calipers Rear: Single 300mm disc w/ 4-piston opposed caliper Wheels, Front: Spoked, tube-type, 3.50 x 19 in. Rear: Spoked, tube-type, 5.0 x 16 in. Tires, Front: 120/70-BH19 Rear: 180/65-BH16 Wet Weight: 788 lbs. (as tested) Load Capacity: 447 lbs. (as tested) GVWR: 1,235 lbs.
Performance Horsepower: 80.3 Horsepower at 4,500 rpm Torque: 109.2 lb-ft. of torque at 2,900 rpm Fuel Capacity: 4.2 gals., last 1.0-gal. warning light on MPG: 91 PON Min (low/avg/high) 30.3/34.2/38.2 Estimated Range: 144 miles Indicated RPM at 60 MPH: 2,100
Next, we’ll check out falls per session. Across all three classes, the races were where we saw the most falls: 76 in Moto3™, 90 in Moto2™ and 56 in MotoGP™. Interestingly, the second most then differs from class to class. In MotoGP™, FP2 was the session that hosted the most leading up to the race with 30, one more than FP3. It was the Saturday morning session that caught out more Moto2™ riders than any other session, excluding the race, while the Moto3™ riders seemingly found FP1 the trickiest.
Kawasaki has a new bike for the Japanese market and it’s the 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 250 KRT Edition. This bike takes the graphics that Team Green introduced for racing and brings them to the small 250 machine.
The KRT Edition bike features the same livery found on the 2021 Ninja 400. It’s a striking combination of green black and red that makes the Ninja look aggressive and ready to race.
The bike is for Japan’s market only and it will fun about 654,500 yen (about $6,275 USD). In addition to the new livery, the bike also comes with ABS, slipper clutch, and an LED headlight.
This bike could eventually go to different markets around the world. However, there has been no word from Kawasaki on when that will happen. Right now this is a Japan-only motorcycle, but it’s still pretty cool.
If you’re after the KRT livery but don’t want or can’t get this bike, then you should check out the 2021 Ninja 400 KRT. It’s the same livery in a more powerful motorcycle.
Piaggio Group owns a whole lot of companies, and electrification is certainly on the horizon for many of them. Recently, Piaggio trademarked the name eSR1 and that has me thinking an electric Aprilia SR scooter could be coming soon.
According to Motorcycle.com, the European Union Intellectual Property Office published a trademark application today that showed the logo eSR1 in a stylized font. The publication did note that the owner of the application was not revealed, but that it’s sure it’s Piaggio.
The reason? The SR in the logo looks identical to the SR in the SR-GP Replica scooter that was released last year. There’s also the fact that the application was filed by Jacobacci & Partners S.P.A., which is an Italian law firm that handles Piaggio’s stuff regularly.
There are various SR scooter models from Aprilia at this point in various markets. Aprilia offers the scooter in displacements ranging from 50cc all the way up to 160cc. The speculation is that this new scooter would be a new SR based on the Vespa Elettrica platform.
That would make sense, but Piaggio Group might have something special up its sleeve and have this new scooter offer better range or performance than the Vespa. Time will tell.
“Il Toro is a team known around the world for its history steeped in performance, talent, passion and is loved for the tenacity with which it faces challenges. Suzuki shares the effort, the search for results and above all the competitive spirit with the Bull, showing every day the same determination to achieve the goals set, respecting the rules and the rivals.”
Mr Ezpeleta continues on the need to deliver the track and looking towards 2021: “The focus has to be on construction, homologation as well as testing, especially because it is a brand-new street circuit. As mentioned, it is a possibility that changes will happen to the Provisional Calendar and once we have a clearer picture, of course subject to construction and testing, we may start discussing a possible date for the Grand Prix in 2021.”
“The next race was coming very soon and I realised I have to change the style because with the 2019 bike, I had the surgery in the winter, physically I was not 100% so I have to change. So the only way was to see Marc’s data. He knows pretty well how to handle the bike… especially last season in 2019, he won many, many races, so why not? If I have a chance, I try to see his data how he manages this bike. Then, I can see many tricks in braking, mid-corner, exit, many things. It was the same bike but on the graphics it was completely different. First time I saw it, I thought “wow, how does he manage?” But then from HRC, Takeo explained very well with the Japanese, analysed the different ways of braking, especially on the braking it’s hugely different how he stops the bike. And then one moment I saw completely different how to stop the bike, I thought ‘OK, I have to do it this way’.
2020 mi-bike Australian Superbike Rounds 2-3 – Wakefield Park
Well MotoGP has been done and dusted, Australia is getting on top of the plague and Queensland are thinking about rejoining the rest of Australia so its time to go racing!
The venue for this coitus interruptus of an ASBK season to reconvene in earnest is Wakefield Park. Goulburn got the guernsey thanks due to it being in regional NSW, thus nearly everyone was allowed to travel there. Even Queenslanders could turn up while still being allowed to return home some time this decade, if they ask nicely… Western Australians though, are still not allowed out…
Wakefield is also relatively central and the hosts could massage their slate of bookings generously enough to accommodate us. Winning.
Sadly though ASBK Race Fans will be unable to attend the event in person due to COVID-19 restrictions. Instead, fans can catch all the action live via ASBK TV partners SBSHD, Fox Sports Australia and Fox Sports Asia on both Saturday and Sunday.
It is a busy four day schedule for this double-header round with practice Thursday, Qualifying for all classes on Friday along with a race for the YMI Supersport 300, bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup and YMF R3 Cup categories.Saturday then sees a full round two race schedule while on Sunday we, somewhat surprisingly, have another round of qualifying immediately prior to the round three race schedule. The full time-line can be seen further down the page, along with the TV schedule.
Superbike competitors have a possible maximum points earn of 102 from the weekend if they were to take both pole positions and all four race wins.
Ten of the riders in with a chance this weekend at Wakefield Park, but there is also a few not in this shot but still in with a red hot chance of tussling for podium finishes
One small mistake might be all it takes to lose your chance at the chalice, and with a 50 per cent chain of 10-20 mm of rain on Saturday, it could be a fine line to tread between hero and zero… Conditions are expected to be fine on Sunday but forecast strong winds could cause problems and if that rain does not eventuate, potentially dust storms.
Wayne Maxwell dominated the season opener back in February at Phillip Island with a perfect haul of 76 points. It was not quite that clear cut or easy for Maxwell as the score-board looks though, Cru Halliday was nipping at his heels throughout the weekend and piled the pressure on.
Maxwell’s race records at Wakefield could be an ominous sign for his Championship rivals. Maxwell took race wins in 2018, 2017 and 2016 and has been a top three points scorer for the last four years at the NSW circuit. This year though he is on an all-new machine after switching to a Ducati V4 R, and he may be a little behind the eight-ball when it comes to set-up when proceedings get underway on Thursday.
Wayne Maxwell
“Wakefield has been good to me, I’ve won races there, I’ve finished on the podium and I enjoy Wakefield, the layout, the challenges it presents, and I can’t wait to get out there and take it on.
“It’s been a difficult year for everyone involved in ASBK, it’s been unprecedented. There has been a lot of hard work done in such a funny year. So many times you build yourself up to go racing and then we get shut down by things that are outside of ASBK’s control.
“For the Boost Mobile-K-Tech team, everyone has stood by us and been committed, hopefully we can bring the ultimate reward on the Sunday. It would mean the world to me and a great reward for my guys.”
In recent weeks Maxwell has managed to get some seat time on his Ducati at Winton Motor Raceway in preparation for the Grand Finale.
“Track time is definitely what I’ve needed. Being back on the Boost Mobile K-Tech bike and training on the Ohvale has put me in a really good position to take on the gruelling ASBK double header. To win It will take no mistakes, that’s the key for us to win the Championship. I’m confident, I have no reason not to be.”
Wayne Maxwell – TBG Image
Cru Halliday
Halliday was buoyed with confidence after his 2-2-2 results at Phillip Island and was oh so close to forcing Maxwell into a mistake. The 32-year-old is now only 16-points behind Championship leader Wayne Maxwell, and 11-points ahead of third placed Josh Waters.
“I’m ready. I’m feeling really good, my fitness is there and I’m confident going into Wakefield Park,” Halliday said after completing a test session on his firing Yamaha R1. “I’ve got the bike to where I really want it to be, I feel comfortable and we only have to make small adjustments when we get to a track.
“I think with the ASBK Championship on the line, everyone is going to be all out to win. With the competition this year, it is so fierce, and you have to go into it mentally prepared and that you are going to get the job done. It’s going to be pretty brutal. We have two 20 lap races on Saturday and Sunday, so we have to be physically and mentally fit, and I’m ready.”
Halliday’s recent record at Wakefield Park Raceway is strong. He scored two 2nd places in 2019 in the Superbike class and two victories in 2018 in the MotorsportsTV Supersport class, in which he went on to win the Championship.
“Everyone knows it’s Troy Herfoss’ backyard, and he and Wayne Maxwell are going to be the ones to beat. You can’t count out guys like Josh Waters, Bryan Staring, my team-mate Aiden Wagner who had a tough year earlier on with injury. But he’s back and on the ball firing. You can’t exclude people like Mike Jones, he has the number one plate for a reason, and there are guys outside the top ten who could cause an upset if everything goes belly up.
“I’ve had some good luck at Wakefield. When I saw Wakefield come up, I thought it’s a track that’s going to be good for me, so I can’t wait. I like the top section of the track, turns 4 and 5, Wakefield is technical and off camber, but I happen to go well at there. It just gels with me.”
Cru Halliday on the grid at the 2020 ASBK season opener – Image by Rob Mott
After somewhat hastily cobbling together a self-run team at almost the last minute even Josh Waters himself was somewhat surprised, but delighted, at the 3-4-3 results he carded at round one. Waters has three Australian Superbike Championship Titles under his belt and is looking to become the first rider to capture four.
Josh Waters
“Being in the position we are in, doing it all ourselves and working on my own bike, it would be very special for everyone involved to win a fourth ASBK Championship. It will take four good results, and maybe a little bit of bad luck for others, not that I want that for them. All I can do is concentrate on what I can do on track.
“We’ve all been off the bike for a long time, and with the double header I’m going to try and play it smart. If you look at other Championships that have had breaks there has been a lot of stuff go on track, so I think ASBK could be the same.
“This is physical little circuit, and it will be the same for everyone so there is no point whinging. I will just worry about myself and get the best out of the small team and package we have.
“It’s been a tough year with COVID-19 but I’ve got some good people in my team. My brother is running the ship and he has been with me ever since I came back from Europe and a number of small businesses supporting me as well.”
Josh Waters on the grid at the 2020 Phillip Island season opener – Image by Rob Mott
Bryan Staring also figured strongly at the season opener, bagging 49-points, one more than amassed by Troy Herfoss.Previously an Australian 125 GP, Supersport and Superbike Champion, the Western Australian could well add another if Dunlop bring a secret weapon to Wakefield that might give him an edge.
Bryan Staring
“Obviously, the goal is always to win the Championship, that is the dream goal and objective. You can only expect to put your best performance in each time and where that puts us on the circuit we will see.
“I would anticipate there is going to be some mixed results and crazy racing from riders that haven’t been riding or competing as often as normal. Add to this the heightened pressure of what is a now shortened Championship and anything could happen.
“I’ve got a great bike and Dunlop tyres under me and I have every reason to be confident. I am certainly looking forward to getting back to racing again. Just to get the normality of life back in check and in tune.
“Kawasaki BCPerformance is certainly a place I feel at home and appreciated, and I can do my best work here. The package they have for us with the Dunlop tyre is a good one, and everyone puts their best foot forward.”
“We did a test earlier in the season pre-COVID and it was the most positive outcome we’ve had at Wakefield Park. Previous results we haven’t achieved what we’ve set out to do at that circuit, but I won’t let that affect me mentally or the target and objective for this weekend. I’m certainly looking forward to turn our fortunes around at Wakefield Park and we want to make it one of our circuits.
“I feel like everyone in the team is super motivated with a never give up attitude and that is what I enjoy, I couldn’t be happier.”
Bryan Staring at the 2020 season opener at Phillip Island – Image by Rob Mott
Troy Herfoss and the Penrite Honda squad have been putting in the hard yards readying the all-new CBR1000RR-R SP for the heat of ASBK competition and Herf’ is hot to trot on the turf that he has celebrated so much success over the years.
Normally more than half the crowd would be cheering him on as the home town favourite, but with restrictions leaving fans to watch on the TV from their lounge rooms it will be a very different atmosphere this year for Troy.
We suspect that Herf’ has been playing his cards a little close to his chest in the lead-up to the finale but he will come out swinging when the lights go out. A full interview with Troy will be published tomorrow on ASBK.com.au.
Troy Herfoss
“We are going to a track I enjoy, but also going there with a new bike I’ve never turned a lap on there. The bike 100 is per cent different, there is no part on that bike that is the same as the old one, so we are rolling out Thursday morning blind. But to be honest it hasn’t event crossed my mind that we won’t be competitive. It’s physically really hard and impossible to ride a Superbike around Wakefield at 100 per cent all the time, so you’ve got be fit.
“I just want to go there and do my best and win the Championship, and if I do it, it will be my third official Australian Superbike Championship and fourth time I’ve won an ASBK Championship.”
Troy Herfoss – Penrite Honda
One top rider missing from the grid this weekend is YRT rider Daniel Falzon. The South Aussie has been a mainstay of the series for a long time and it will be strange for him not to be there. Matt Walters is another regular not attending this weekend.
Daniel Falzon
“To be honest, I have been a firm believer from earlier this year when the first few rounds were “postponed” that the championship should have been cancelled all together. Obviously working in the healthcare industry (Daniel is a Paramedic), I have been in the thick of Covid-19 and the rescheduling of each event made planning extremely difficult for us.
“I suppose the nail in the coffin for us was the recent SA outbreak and the cancellation of The Bend. The risk and reward of competing at Wakefield park was considered amongst our team and partners, and we have decided to not enter the round.
“We will look forward to redirecting our budget 2021.”
Daniel Falzon at the Wakefield Park ASBK Test in March – Image TDJ
While Daniel Falzon will be staying home fellow South Aussie Arthur Sissis has entered the round. The ex-speedway star is the master of the hole-shot, something that is crucial heading into Wakefield Park’s tricky complex of right-handers.
Arthur Sissis – TBG Image
Defending Champ Mike Jones had a disappointing opening to his title defence when a bike problem saw him unable to start the opening race. The DesmoSport Ducati rider though bounced back in the following two bouts to bag 35-points and is still right in the game.
Mike Jones
“I love racing, so I’m pretty excited to get on track again. It’s been a tough year for so many people here and around the world, so I really am grateful we get the opportunity to race at all. I’ve been able to keep training in the break, getting plenty of time in on the mountain bike especially, but also a few of the local races on the V4R here in Queensland and I feel ready. Obviously, with a double header format, we have a lot more time on track compared to a usual ASBK round and it will be a lot more psychically demanding, but my program is strong.”
Mike Jones
Jed Metcher put in some solid rides at the Phillip Island opener and is capable of springing some surprises this weekend.
Jed Metcher
“I guess the run down on my end is that we have gone to 2020 R1’s with so great success so far for myself getting into the 55’s at Broadford and 21’s at Winton in our first outing. We will be using this race meeting as a bit of a test as on the new bikes so no pressure this round.”
Jed Metcher leading Bryan Staring during testing at Wakefield Park in March – Image by TDJ Media
Glenn Allerton, yet another three-time champion in the field (along with Waters), is champing at the bit to get out there after getting the latest S 1000 RR set-up to his liking. He might be 45-points behind and thus somewhat of a dark horse, but he is relishing his underdog status and reckons he can be fighting up front this weekend.
Glenn Allerton
“I’ve had a good re-set during this down time. Testing and sorting out the new BMW S 1000 RR. Shane (crew chief) and myself have made be steps forward with the setup of our bike and it has improved massively since round one where we showed great speed in qualifying but the race set-up needed work.
“I’ve never been more confident with my bike and I can’t wait to get out on track at Wakefield, a track that has been a really successful place for me over the years. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain this weekend so I’ll be going all out for race wins.”
Glenn Allerton testing at Wakefield Park – TDJ Image
Aiden Wagner had a difficult start to the year but is certain to be battling for podiums. If the cards fall his way, he is also a chance for the title.
Aiden Wagner
“Great to finally be going back racing with the team and ASBK paddock after the rough year everyone has had. It will be awesome to feel a bit of normality again. Going to be tough for me to get on the podium in the current championship standings but aiming so get up on the podium of the race days for sure. Been training a lot leading up to this round so I’m feeling super fit and can’t wait to turn the tyres on the Factory R1 and get racing!”
Aiden Wagner – Phillip Island 2020 – Image by Rob Mott
The likes of Linden Magee, Beau Beaton, Mark Chiodo and Glenn Scott could also surprise the regular front runners. International journeymen Lachlan Epis and Chandler Cooper will also be interesting to watch as they go up against the top crop of Australian Superbike regulars.
It is all on the line this weekend and in this strange plague affected season there are a dozen riders in with a red hot shot at glory this weekend. Tune in on Saturday and Sunday to watch it all unfold or follow our coverage right here on MCNews.com.au in what will be our 21st year covering the Australian Superbike Championship. And in all that time, Trev has only missed one round this century!
Who will be crowned king come Sunday afternoon…..?
2020 mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship Points
Pos
Name
Machine
Pole
R1
R2
R3
Total
1
Wayne MAXWELL
Ducati V4R
1
25
25
25
76
2
Cru HALLIDAY
Yamaha
20
20
20
60
3
Josh WATERS
Suzuki
18
15
18
51
4
Bryan STARING
Kawasaki
17
17
15
49
5
Troy HERFOSS
Honda
16
16
16
48
6
Daniel FALZON
Yamaha
14
14
13
41
7
Arthur SISSIS
Suzuki
15
10
12
37
8
Mike JONES
Ducati
18
17
35
9
Jed METCHER
Suzuki
12
11
10
33
10
Glenn ALLERTON
BMW
5
12
14
31
11
Linden MAGEE
BMW
10
6
9
25
12
Matt WALTERS
Kawasaki
13
11
24
13
Max CROKER
Suzuki
9
7
7
23
14
Aiden WAGNER
Yamaha
13
9
22
15
Sloan FROST
Suzuki
8
5
8
21
16
Beau BEATON
Ducati
7
4
6
17
17
Glenn SCOTT
Kawasaki
4
8
4
16
18
Brendan McINTYRE
Suzuki
6
3
5
14
19
Josh HAYES
Yamaha
11
11
20
Matthew TOOLEY
Yamaha
1
1
3
5
21
Giuseppe SCARCELLA
Ducati
3
2
5
22
Dean HASLER
BMW
2
2
4
23
Nathan SPITERI
Suzuki
1
1
2020 mi-bike Australian Superbike Rounds 2-3 – Wakefield Park Schedule
ASBK Official Schedule Round 2 & 3 – V.2
Wakefield Park Raceway
Thursday 3rd Dec
0745
Riders Briefing (OJC, R3Cup, SSP300)
Briefing 1
15 mins
0810
Riders Briefing (SSP, SBK)
Briefing 2
15 mins
1030
SBK
FP1
35 mins
1150
Lunch
30 mins
1325
SBK
FP1
35 mins
1555
SBK
FP1
35 mins
Round 2 Friday 4th Dec
1035
SBK
Timed Practice – Rd2
35 mins
1200
Lunch – ASBK Pillion Rides
30 mins
1410
SBK
Q2 R d2
15 mins
1440
SBK
Q2 Rn 2
15 mins
Round 2 Saturday 5th Dec
0940
SBK
WUP
10 mins
1105
SBK
R1 – Rd. 2
18 Laps
1205
Lunch
25 mins
1415
SBK
R2 – Rd. 2
18 Laps
ASBK Official Schedule Round 2 & 3 – V.2
Wakefield Park Raceway
Round 3 Sunday 6th Dec
0950
SBK
Q1 – Rd. 3
15 mins
1035
SBK
Q2 – Rd. 3
15 mins
1215
SBK
R1 – Rd. 3
18 Laps
1305
Lunch
25 mins
1450
SBK
R2 – Rd. 3
18 Laps
1630
ASBK Awards Ceremony
ASBK Podium
45 mins
Superbike Entry List
No
First Name
Surname
State
Model
1
Mike
Jones
QLD
V4-R
13
Jed
Metcher
VIC
YZF-R1
14
Glenn
Allerton
NSW
S1000RR
16
Luke
Jhonston
VIC
YZF-R1
17
Troy
Herfoss
QLD
CBR1000SP
21
Josh
Waters
VIC
GSX-R1000R
28
Aiden
Wagner
QLD
YZF-R1
30
Mark
Chiodo
VIC
YZF-R1
37
Michael
Edwards
QLD
YZF-R1
47
Wayne
Maxwell
VIC
V4-R
51
Chandler
Cooper
VIC
CBR1000
61
Arthur
Sissis
SA
GSX-R1000R
62
Brendan
Mcintyre
NSW
GSX-R1000R
65
Cru
Halliday
NSW
YZF-R1
67
Bryan
Staring
WA
ZX-10R
68
Glenn
Scott
NSW
ZX-10R
78
Nathan
Spiteri
VIC
GSX-R1000R
83
Lachlan
Epis
NSW
GSX-R1000R
88
Giuseppe
Scarcella
NSW
Panigale
98
Evan
Byles
SA
ZX-10R
ASBK Supersport
In Supersport Oli Bayliss goes into the finale six-points clear of Tom Toparis, the defending champion on home turf but Bayliss has been working hard in the down-time and will be on a quest to lift his first Supersport title.
Any trip up by either of those young men though will be punished harshly with the likes of Nic Liminton, Tom Edwards, Max Stauffer and Jack Hyde all less than a win away from the series lead.
Oli Bayliss
“It’s been a tough year to keep motivated without being able to race as much as we planned, but luckily for me, I’m surrounded by people that keep me on track. Ben at the workshop, my brother Mitch at the gym as well as Dad at home has meant my fitness levels are better than ever and I’m just as motivated to win this weekend as I was at Phillip Island in February. It’s going to be a big weekend on track, but I’m ready to get to work“.
ASBK Supersport Championship Points
Pos
Name
Bike
Total
1
Oli BAYLISS
Yamaha
71
2
Tom TOPARIS
Yamaha
65
3
Nic LIMINTON
Yamaha
50
4
Tom EDWARDS
Yamaha
49
5
Max STAUFFER
Yamaha
47
6
Jack HYDE
Yamaha
46
7
Broc PEARSON
Yamaha
37
8
Ted COLLINS
Suzuki
37
9
Jack PASSFIELD
Yamaha
34
10
Aidan HAYES
Yamaha
31
11
Dallas SKEER
Suzuki
29
12
Ty LYNCH
Yamaha
27
13
Rhys BELLING
Yamaha
26
14
Luke MITCHELL
Yamaha
22
15
Ryan TAYLOR
Yamaha
21
16
Chris QUINN
Yamaha
17
17
Brodie MALOUF
Yamaha
10
18
Darren McGRATH
Kawasaki
10
19
Mitch KUHNE
Yamaha
9
20
Andrew EDSER
Kawasaki
5
21
Patrick LI
Yamaha
4
22
Stephany KAPILAWI-JAMES
Yamaha
2
2020 Australian Supersport Rounds 2-3 – Wakefield Park Schedule
ASBK Official Schedule Round 2 & 3 – V.2
Wakefield Park Raceway
Thursday 3rd Dec
0745
Riders Briefing (OJC, R3Cup, SSP300)
Briefing 1
15 mins
0810
Riders Briefing (SSP, SBK)
Briefing 2
15 mins
0925
SSP
FP1
30 mins
1150
Lunch
30 mins
1220
SSP
FP1
30 mins
1450
SSP
FP1
30 mins
Round 2 Friday 4th Dec
0940
SSP
Q1 Rnd2
25 mins
1200
Lunch – ASBK Pillion Rides
30 mins
1255
SSP
Q2 Rnd2
25 mins
Round 2 Saturday 5th Dec
0920
SSP
WUP
5 mins
1035
SSP
R1 – Rd. 2
14 Laps
1205
Lunch
25 mins
1310
SSP
R2 – Rd. 2
14 Laps
ASBK Official Schedule Round 2 & 3 – V.2
Wakefield Park Raceway
Round 3 Sunday 6th Dec
0920
SSP
Q – Rd. 3
25 mins
1115
SSP
R1 – Rd. 3
14 Laps
1305
Lunch
25 mins
1350
SSP
R2 – Rd. 3
14 Laps
1630
ASBK Awards Ceremony
Supersport Entry List
Pos
Name
Surname
State
Model
1
Tom
Toparis
NSW
YZF-R6
17
Broc
Pearson
QLD
YZF-R6
24
Patrick
Li
VIC
YZF-R6
28
Jack
Hyde
NSW
YZF-R6
39
Scott
Nicholson
VIC
GSX-R600
42
Jack
Passfield
NSW
YZF-R6
46
Aidan
Hayes
NSW
YZF-R6
68
Oli
Bayliss
QLD
YZF-R6
71
Tom
Edwards
NSW
YZF-R6
85
Ty
Lynch
SA
YZF-R6
92
Noel
Mahon
VIC
YZF-R6
94
Joel
Taylor
NSW
YZF-R6
127
Max
Stauffer
NSW
YZF-R6
YMI Supersport 300
The YMI Supersport 300 Championship title is there for the taking for riders brave enough to put everything on the line for victory.
Just in the last few years we have seen the likes of Billy Van Eerde,Joel Kelso, Senna Agius, Jacob Roulstone, Harrison Voight, Max Gibbons and Carter Thompson, competing in major international championships such as the Red Bull Rookies Cup, FIM CEV Repsol Moto3 Junior World Championship, FIM European Talent Cup, and Asia Talent Cup.
With 45 points separating the top 10 riders and 127 points on offer over 5 gruelling races for rounds 2 and 3 – the Championship decider – picking a winner is near impossible. Competition in the Supersport 300 class is fierce as we saw at round 1 with 40 riders dicing, rubbing elbows and fairings for the win in front of the WorldSBK paddock. Harry Khouri though holds a significant 27-point advantage over Archie McDonald heading into the finale.
Supersport 300 Championship Points
Pos
Name
Bike
Total
1
Harry KHOURI
Kawasaki
76
2
Archie McDONALD
Yamaha
49
3
Luke POWER
Kawasaki
44
4
Caleb GILMORE
Yamaha
40
5
Luke JHONSTON
Kawasaki
38
6
Jacob HATCH
Yamaha
37
7
Reece OUGHTRED
Yamaha
37
8
Ben BAKER
Yamaha
34
9
John LYTRAS
Yamaha
33
10
Laura BROWN
Yamaha
31
11
Peter NERLICH
Kawasaki
29
12
Brandon DEMMERY
Yamaha
26
13
Filippo ROVELLI
Kawasaki
25
14
Angus GRENFELL
Yamaha
23
15
Zylas BUNTING
Kawasaki
21
16
Yannis SHAW
Kawasaki
20
17
Ryan SMITH
Yamaha
15
18
Olly SIMPSON
Yamaha
13
19
Matthew RINDEL
Yamaha
12
20
Kyle O’CONNELL
Yamaha
12
21
Jake SENIOR
Kawasaki
10
22
Jake FARNSWORTH
Yamaha
9
23
Mitchell SIMPSON
Yamaha
7
24
Joseph MARINIELLO
Kawasaki
5
25
Tom DRANE
Yamaha
1
26
Zachary JOHNSON
Yamaha
1
27
Luca DURNING
Yamaha
1
2020 Australian Supersport 300 Rounds 2-3 – Wakefield Park Schedule
ASBK Official Schedule Round 2 & 3 – V.2
Wakefield Park Raceway
Thursday 3rd Dec
0745
Riders Briefing (OJC, R3Cup, SSP300)
Briefing 1
15 mins
0810
Riders Briefing (SSP, SBK)
Briefing 2
15 mins
1000
SSP300
FP1
25 mins
1150
Lunch
30 mins
1255
SSP300
FP1
25 mins
1525
SSP300
FP1
25 mins
Round 2 Friday 4th Dec
0915
SSP300
Q1 Rnd2
20 mins
1140
SSP300
Q2 Rnd2
20 mins
1200
Lunch – ASBK Pillion Rides
30 mins
1345
SSP300
R1 -Rd1
10 Laps
1510
R3 Cup
R1 -Rd1
8 Laps
Round 2 Saturday 5th Dec
0930
SSP300
WUP
5 mins
1145
SSP300
R2 – Rd. 2
10 Laps
1205
Lunch
25 mins
1345
SSP300
R3 – Rd. 2
10 Laps
ASBK Official Schedule Round 2 & 3 – V.2
Wakefield Park Raceway
Round 3 Sunday 6th Dec
1010
SSP300
Q – Rd. 3
20 mins
1150
SSP300
R1 – Rd. 3
10 Laps
1305
Lunch
25 mins
1425
SSP300
R2 – Rd. 3
10 Laps
1630
ASBK Awards Ceremony
ASBK Podium
45 mins
Supersport 300 Entry List
No
Name
Surname
State
Bike
11
Brandon
Demmery
NSW
YZF-R3
16
James
Jacobs
NSW
Ninja 400
37
Patrick
Bognar
QLD
YZF-R3
39
Glenn
Nelson
QLD
YZF-R3
43
Harry
Khouri
NSW
Ninja 400
45
Jamie
Port
VIC
YZF-R3
47
Zylas
Bunting
NSW
Ninja 400
49
Jake
Farnsworth
NSW
Ninja 400
50
Carter
Thompson
NSW
YZF-R3
59
Tom
Drane
NSW
YZF-R3
63
Clay
Clegg
NSW
YZF-R3
68
Luke
Power
VIC
Ninja 400
69
Archie
McDonald
NSW
YZF-R3
71
Tony
Sims
NSW
Ninja 300
72
Ben
Baker
NSW
YZF-R3
88
Joseph
Mariniello
VIC
Ninja 400
95
Matthew
Rindel
VIC
YZF-R3
97
Peter
Nerlich
VIC
Ninja 400
99
Jacob
Hatch
NSW
YZF-R3
105
Cameron
Dunker
NSW
YZF-R3
110
Zakary
Pettendy
NSW
YZF-R3
121
Reece
Oughtred
VIC
YZF-R3
308
John
Lytras
QLD
YZF-R3
355
Laura
Brown
NSW
YZF-R3
Oceania Junior Cup Championship Points
Pos
Name
Total
1
Lucas QUINN
75
2
Marianos NIKOLIS
49
3
Cameron DUNKER
48
4
Tom DRANE
46
5
Hayden NELSON
45
6
Cameron SWAIN
45
7
Lincoln KNIGHT
41
8
Angus GRENFELL
39
9
Clay CLEGG
38
10
Henry SNELL
35
11
Varis FLEMING
35
12
Nate O’NEILL
33
13
Jai RUSSO
29
14
Casey MIDDLETON
20
15
Jamie PORT
18
16
Levi RUSSO
15
17
James WEAVER
12
18
Brodie GAWITH
10
19
Toby JAMES
10
2020 Australian Oceania Junior Cup Rounds 2-3 – Wakefield Park Schedule
ASBK Official Schedule Round 2 & 3 – V.2
Wakefield Park Raceway
Thursday 3rd Dec
0745
Riders Briefing (OJC, R3Cup, SSP300)
Briefing 1
15 mins
0810
Riders Briefing (SSP, SBK)
Briefing 2
15 mins
1110
OJC
FP1
15 mins
1150
Lunch
30 mins
1405
OJC
FP1
15 mins
1635
OJC
FP1
15 mins
Round 2 Friday 4th Dec
1120
OJC
Q1 Rnd2
15 mins
1200
Lunch – ASBK Pillion Rides
30 mins
1325
OJC
Q2 Rnd2
15 mins
1430
OJC
R1 – Rnd1
6 Laps
Round 2 Saturday 5th Dec
0910
OJC
WUP
5 mins
1015
OJC
R2 – Rd. 2
6 Laps
1205
Lunch
25 mins
1230
OJC
R3 – Rd. 2
6 Laps
1500
OJC
Q – Rd. 3
15 mins
ASBK Official Schedule Round 2 & 3 – V.2
Wakefield Park Raceway
Round 3 Sunday 6th Dec
0910
OJC
WUP
5 mins
1055
OJC
R1 – Rd. 3
6 Laps
1305
Lunch
25 mins
1330
OJC
R2 – Rd. 3
6 Laps
1630
ASBK Awards Ceremony
ASBK Podium
45 mins
Oceania Junior Cup Entry List
No
First
Surname
State
Model
15
Brodie
Gawith
VIC
YZF-R15
20
Casey
Middleton
QLD
YZF-R15
22
Lincoln
Knight
NSW
YZF-R15
24
Jamie
Port
VIC
YZF-R15
26
Cameron
Swain
QLD
YZF-R15
27
Toby
James
VIC
YZF-R15
29
Hayden
Nelson
NSW
YZF-R15
32
Jai
Russo
NSW
YZF-R15
36
Angus
Grenfell
VIC
YZF-R15
39
Glenn
Nelson
QLD
YZF-R15
43
Henry
Snell
QLD
YZF-R15
46
Marianos
Nikolis
NSW
YZF-R15
50
Cameron
Dunker
NSW
YZF-R15
55
Varis
Fleming
VIC
YZF-R15
58
Lucas
Quinn
QLD
YZF-R15
59
Tom
Drane
NSW
YZF-R15
63
Clay
Clegg
NSW
YZF-R15
65
Nate
O’Neill
QLD
YZF-R15
71
James
Weaver
NSW
YZF-R15
72
Levi
Russo
NSW
YZF-R15
2020 Australian R3 Cup Rounds 2-3 – Wakefield Park Schedule
“I’ve had some days now to try and realise everything that’s happened since winning the title, but in reality the action has been non-stop; so many kind messages to read from fans, so many interviews and events to attend, and it’s a great feeling to catch up with all the media and to try and express the emotions of the last few weeks. I wanted to take this chance to also try to put down in words some of my experiences and to share with you the moments that led up to the title, and the different feelings I went through.
Joan Mir | 2020 MotoGP World Champion
“The day before the Valencia 2 race, I was particularly calm and quiet. The people closest to me noticed how I was very silent when I got up on race day morning, I didn’t really speak to anyone simply because I was so concentrated on the goal. I remember that I had fried eggs for breakfast to give myself plenty of energy. After that, I don’t remember much about the race; only that I felt nervous on the grid but calm during the actual race. But I recall with a lot of clarity the moment when I crossed the line – it was pure ecstasy. I just started to scream and shout, screaming at the top of my lungs! Then I got very emotional when I saw everybody around me starting to applaud, particularly my competitors! That cool-down lap was something incredible with all the other riders congratulating me and stopping to shake my hand.
Franco Morbidelli congratulates Joan Mir on his championship victory
“Then I arrived at Parc Ferme and I was so amazed to see all of my family there! They had stayed away all season because of the delicate situation with the (COVID-19) virus, so to see them there waiting to embrace me in Parc Ferme was overwhelmingly wonderful – the most beautiful and unforgettable thing in the world. The celebrations with my team in the moments after the race were also fantastic, but in the evening we didn’t have a big party like a lot of people expected; I just had a very small dinner together with my family – I wanted something intimate and relaxed, something safe in these difficult times. Over the next hours I started to realise that I had achieved my ultimate dream. It hit me in waves as I remembered what had happened! This whole season will be unforgettable, but those moments celebrating with my fellow riders, my team, and my family will stay fresh in my mind forever.
Joan Mir | 2020 MotoGP World Champion
“This World Championship title has special significance for me and the team because I realise that we really made history with this victory. It came in the same year that Suzuki celebrates its 100th Anniversary and the 60th anniversary in racing. It’s also 20 years since the last title – all these stats are impressive, and to me it almost seems like ‘destiny’ that it all happened at once.
“To be honest, this is exactly what I was hoping for when I decided to sign with Suzuki in MotoGP. At that time I had some other options, and I thought about it a lot, evaluating and weighing-up the pros and cons. I was already very interested in Suzuki, then all in a sudden I thought: if I do go to Suzuki and manage to win the World Championship it will something amazing, memorable… historic! And here we are, celebrating a piece of history!
“I still remember my first experience with the GSX-RR: the speed was impressive, but the braking was something else! The stopping power really surprised me. And the bike itself is very long, much longer than a standard bike, to give better stability in fast corners, so you really have to make it turn, but this year we managed to find good traction, which helped a lot. The GSX-RR is a really complete and balanced bike, and it won the title with me thanks to this and its adaptability to all tracks and conditions. In such a strange year, consistency was going to be the key for success, and that’s what we managed to do.
Joan Mir – 2020 MotoGP World Champion
“Another reason that this season’s success feels so incredible is not just the struggles of the year in general with the terrible Covid-19 crisis, but also the troubles I had last year. When I think back to the crash I had in Brno I still re-live that same feeling of my breath being taken away, it was so scary. The crash itself and the injury was a tough moment, but the recovery was also very long and hard. It feels strange to think that after the first races of this 2020 season I was well behind the top riders in the classification, and now we’re celebrating the title. The season was so relentless with so many rounds close together, so it really hasn’t sunk in yet.
Joan Mir
“Austria this year was a real turning point: I was really putting pressure on myself to get a podium and when it finally happened it was a huge relief – I had been bottling-up the tension inside myself and all of that was finally released when I stood on that podium. Once I had proven what I was capable of, it gave me a more relaxed and balanced feeling on the bike. If you asked me to pinpoint the secret to my success, I would say this: I always set a target and then once I hit it my hunger just gets bigger and bigger and I just can’t get enough of chasing my objective.
Joan Mir congratuled by Jack Miller
“When I see the words ‘World Champion’ I feel so thankful for what all the people in Suzuki and in the racing team have done for me. There’s no way to truly express the thanks and gratitude I want to give to all the people who have supported me and helped me to get where I am now, on the top of the world!
Suzuki MotoGP World Champions
“Seeing my face amongst all the historic Champions of Suzuki is something magical and it makes me feel very honoured and proud. All of us at Team Suzuki Ecstar are a part of history now, the history of an underdog company who came to MotoGP to challenge the biggest teams and finally…. WON!”
Joan Mir | 2020 MotoGP World Champion – Team Suzuki
