Tag Archives: Troy Bayliss

Aussie Oli Bayliss follows his father’s tracks

Oliver Bayliss, the 18-year-old son of Australia’s three-time World Superbike champion Troy, will follow in his father’s tyre tracks to the world stage next year.

He will race in the 2022 FIM Supersport World Championship for the Barni Racing aboard a Ducati Panigale V2.

Oli was born on 20 September 2003 in Monaco and started racing in the Australian Supersport series in 2017 at the age of 13.

The following year, he was alongside his dad and in 2020/21 he competed in the Australian Superbike Championship on a Ducati Panigale V4 R, picking up his first win at Hidden Valley.

Oli and Troy Bayliss father and son
Oli and Troy Bayliss

With the support of Ducati, the Bayliss family chose the Barni Racing Team alongside 20-year-old Luca Bernardi to take Oliver’s career a step further.

“I’ve finished my school program, which means I can now put my focus completely on racing motorbikes, training and only that,” Oli says.

His arrival in the WorldSSP Championship will come 20 years after Troy’s first World Superbike Championships with another twin-cylinder Ducati.

“Oli has been brought up around racing,” says his proud dad.

“I think the move to Barni Racing Team is a great opportunity, I hope he enjoys the V-twin as much as I did.”

Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

Barni Racing Team Principal Marco Barnabò says they have never had such a young team.

“At the beginning we won’t focus on results, but only on the growth of these two young riders,” he says.

Ducati Corse Sporting Director Paolo Ciabatti says the “Bayliss family and Ducati have always been linked very strongly”.

Ducati  launched the V2 Bayliss Replica special version to celebrate Troy’s first world title with Ducati 20 years ago.

Bayliss Panigale V2

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

DesmoSport Ducati extends commitment to ASBK

DesmoSport Ducati 2022 plans

DesmoSport Ducati today expressed the team’s ongoing commitment to the Australian Superbike Championship but with the recent announcement that Oli Bayliss will race in World Supersport next year, the Queensland based team is at this stage planning to run only one Superbike rider in 2022.  The name of that rider is expected to be announced soon.

DesmoSport Ducati – Image Half Light
Team co-owner, Ben Henry

Troy and I have been talking a lot about 2022. We both believed quite early in the year that Oli needed to continue his progression, and we’re both committed to our goals and plans for DesmoSport Ducati and so we have decided to go back to one Panigale V4 R superbike rider next year. We’re actively looking for partnerships for next year and beyond as we cement our plans. I don’t think that Troy will be in Australia as much as usual next year, but he’s already committed to continuing his role within the team, even when that’s from Oli’s side in Europe. I’m excited for what the rest of 2021 holds, and I can’t wait to race a full season again.”

Ben Henry – DesmoSport Ducati – Image Half Light
Team co-owner, Troy Bayliss

I’m really happy to be able to confirm our intentions for 2022 both with DesmoSport Ducati and with Oli. The ASBK has given us an incredible breeding ground for Oli over the years to hone his skills and build his confidence, and we all believe the next step for Oli to continue to progress is to race on tracks through Europe. Over recent years Ducati have been paying attention to Oli, offering advice as he advanced, and his recent form has meant that the very same people that gave me a chance all those years ago, are now lending support to Oli as he rides a Ducati Panigale V2 in World Supersport. In saying that, I love what Ben and I have built in DesmoSport Ducati, and we’re still just as committed to the team now as ever. This leaves us in the position of seeking support for both the team in Australia, and for Oli internationally. We’re motivated to win ASBK championships, we’re looking to finish 2021 strong and head out of two shortened seasons into 2022 with some momentum.”

DesmoSport Ducati pits at Winton earlier this year – Image RbMotoLens

DesmoSport Ducati now finalises preparations for the recently announced final round of the 2021 ASBK Championship at The Bend Motorsports Park on December 3-5. With some special guests slated to race, it’s sure to be an incredible finish to the season.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Bayliss family interview | A nod to the past and a look to the future

Troy, Oli and Kim Bayliss family interview

Trev: So what year are you in at school now Oli and do you like school or are you counting the days until you leave”

Oli Bayliss: “I’m in year 12, but I’ve got about 19 days left. So I’m pretty keen to get out of there, but the school that I’m going to now I’m a lot happier in than the one I was in before.

Oli much prefers this type of study – Image RbMotoLens

Trev: And after your breakthrough Superbike win in Darwin you said you were looking towards mum cooking you a nice celebratory dinner, what did you have?

Oli: “Good ole BBQ, just a nice BBQ at the house we had at Darwin, with the whole team.”

Oli in the DesmoSport Ducati put in Darwin – Image RbMotoLens

Trev: Kim, it must be like feeding an army when both Oli and Troy are training hard?

Kim: “Yeah, pretty much. Oli is not too bad now, but there has been times when it’s been like that. Troy tends to have about five breakfasts before we’ve even started our day.”

Kim and Oli in Darwin – Image RbMotoLens

Trev: I believe Abbey recently finished her studies and Mitch is going great guns with his fitness centre. Of course I should note that it was Mitch we would often see on the podium with you Troy back in those earlier days of World Superbike as Oli was still yet to be born.

Kim: “Mitch is doing good in the gym, Abbey has one month to go for Uni, so she’ll be finished around the end of August, and she’s gone really good. But they’ve been in lockdown for quite some time now. Her Uni has been online more than it’s been offline, in the last 18 months. She’s studying maths/statistics.”

Trev: She’ll be good to go into programming ECUs for Oli later on!

Kim: “She might be too, but I think she’d run in the opposite direction.”

Trev: It was Mitch we’d often see on the podium with you in those early days Troy, before Oli came along. When was the first time Oli went up there with you, can you remember?

Gregorio Lavilla WSBK Misano R Podium
Mitch Bayliss on the podium with Troy at Misano in 2001 – Ben Bostrom P2 and Gregorio Lavilla P3

Troy: “I am not sure, but I definitely remember the last time, it was the last race at Portimao in 2008, we had the whole crew up there. So that would be the one I remember the best.”

The whole Bayliss clan on the podium at Portimao in 2008, Troy, Kim, Mitch, Abbey and Oli – Image 2snap

Kim: “I don’t really remember Oli being up on the podium.”

Oli Bayliss on the podium with Kim and Troy at Portimao in 2008 – Image 2snap

Troy: “I’d see Abbey down the bottom, I’d always throw her the flowers, which she used to love, when she was little.”

The whole Bayliss clan on the podium at Portimao in 2008 – Image 2snap

Trev: How is the recovery from the bicycle accident going Troy? I believe at one point you struggled to regain full feeling and control of your hands due to damage pressing on the nerves in your neck, that’s a bit scary.

Troy: “It’s definitely getting better, I said to Kim today at the park with the dogs, I’m the best on my feet that I’ve felt. I’ve been really unco, it’s been a weird thing, my whole body has pins and needles all over, not terrible, and when I put my head down, it was much worse in the shoulders and arms. So still trying to work out what’s going on there. I think it’s just – I’ve got to get some more MRIs – with my head in some weird positions to work out what’s going on. It could just be a long ongoing recovery, that’s just going to take a bit longer.

Oli Bayliss with his dad, three-time World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss – Image RbMotoLens

Trev: It could just be a matter of time for things to settle down.

Troy: “Yeah, now I look at… I was really angry and just hating life… but now I think about it, I’m in no hurry and I’ll possibly be fine, so I’m pretty lucky.”

The Darwin ASBK round in mid June was the first time Troy had really spent a lot of time out and about on his feet since the bicycle accident a month earlier – Image RbMotoLens

Trev: I’m sure that makes it easier for Kim and Oli to live with you.

Troy: “The first six weeks were absolutely horrible, but it certainly adds a different perspective, when something like that happens to you. I’ve never had anything like that before. I wouldn’t have wanted to be racing and have had this injury. It would have been a changing moment in my life I reckon, but it doesn’t really matter so much now. But you don’t want that early on.”

Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 20th Anniversary Edition

Trev: The recent honour with Ducati revealing a special-edition Panigale V2 commemorating the first of your three Superbike World Championships two decades ago must have been really something to make you all feel proud.

Troy: “Definitely Trev, you sort of take it for granted a lot, especially back in the day when you’re riding. But now you appreciate it more and you look back and go, ‘Damn, that was really good for me,’ and the whole thing, it was a great job. And then when they come out and do the bike like that 20 years later, it means they are still thinking about you. That’s pretty good.”

Troy was on the European telecasts from the Assen WorldSBK round where the V2 Panigale Bayliss 20th Anniversary was on display

Trev:  I think I can speak for most Aussie road racing enthusiasts, most of us that watched that presentation for the bike reveal with Claudio (Domenicali) and Davide (Tardozzi), many of us got a bit of a lump in our throats as well, there was some great memories to relive. It truly is great to see them commemorate those again, it’s awesome to be remember that time which really was perhaps the zenith of World Superbike competition.

Michael Ruben Rinaldi did some promotional demo laps at Assen on the weekend aboard the new Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship Anniversary Edition – If not for the combination of COVID and Troy’s recent bicycle accident it would have been Troy there on track at Assen last weekend

Troy: “It is really so good, I’ve got so many good memories of it all.

Kim: “It’s surprising to think it was 20 years ago Trev.

Bayliss and the team at Portimao in 2008 – Image 2snap

Trev: So guys, the house going up for sale, does this mean you are preparing to head to Europe next year with Oli?

Troy: “No, we’re going camping *laughs*. Well, we sort of put an offer in on a farm just over the border in NSW, but we’ve missed out on it. Now our house is going to auction on the fifth of August, so we’re sitting back and waiting to see what happens. Worst case scenario we’ll stay where we are, and if the place sells we’ll go find somewhere.”

Trev: You haven’t put an offer in on Mick’s palace have you, on the canals up there?

Kim: “We’re trying to go smaller in the house size.”

Troy: “Everyone has left and there’s only Oli left, and quite often it’s Kim and I by ourselves, and we don’t need this much space. But then of course, there’s designs for Oli next year. So there’s heaps of stuff going on, and putting it all in the right place and right direction.”

Oli and Troy at Hidden Valley – Image RbMotoLens

Trev: With regards to Oli, it’s been quite unusual for an Aussie youngster to stay on our shores for so long, and race superbikes here, it’s been fantastic. All our other young guys that have gone on the world stage, left before they had even reached senior road racing here, most never even raced a 600 in Australia, let alone a superbike before they headed to Europe.

Troy: “Some of the guys are going good too, but there’s all different ways you can go about it. I was hesitant there for a little while, because Davide (Tardozzi) was pushing a couple of years ago, saying if you’re serious you should be coming over now, but I wasn’t sure and was kinda going long with that. But now I’m 100 per cent behind what Kim’s idea was – he had to finish school, with plenty of other things going on here. If anything it has worked out better here, he’s only 17-years-old and he’s gone through school. He’ll be able to count the laps now.

A lot of people have Oli’s back – Image RbMotoLens

Trev: What do you think would be the next logical step if he does head to Europe, or England, or whatever? Do you take a step back from a superbike, maybe this new fledgling supersport class, where they are talking about racing the Panigale V2, and triple-cylinder 765 cc Triumph. With a view to a new look 2022 FIM Supersport World Championship organised by DWO, would this likely be the next stepping stone for Oli in his career?

Troy: “I was wondering, I didn’t know that people were talking about getting that in. I know from other ways that the bike was looking at being put in there, so we’re looking down that road, we’re looking at World Superbikes, looking at BSB, and looking at Moto2.

Kim: “Basically we’re very confused.”

Troy: “It’s hard times at the moment, thinking about the right steps to take, but we’ve got a bit of an idea.”

Supersport rules are changing and being opened up for bikes such as the Ducati Panigale V2 to compete as the world shifts away from 600 cc four-cylinder machines

Trev: I guess just seeing which is the right opportunity that presents themselves, because as you well know, how your big break came, you need that little bit of luck at the right time, right place, right time…

Troy: “it’s interesting times, you know, it’s exciting times too. But stressful as well.”

Trev: Good luck getting another farm, or that one you’re looking at.

Kim: “Who knows where we will end up.

Trev: I’m on 100 acres up here in the mountains and largely ignore the universe, and find that a pretty good way.

Troy: “Lucky you, we want to do that sometimes!”

Trev: Have a great week and thanks for your time.

Troy congratulates Oli on his win in Darwin – Image RbMotoLens
Troy Bayliss Ducati WSBK 2001
Troy Bayliss Ducati WSBK 2001
Troy Bayliss Ducati MotoGP 2004
Troy Bayliss Ducati MotoGP 2004
Troy Bayliss in his last race as a full-time official racer – Portimao 2008 – Image 2snap
Oli Bayliss recently broke through for his first Australian Superbike race and round win in Darwin – Image Rb MotoLens

Source: MCNews.com.au

Ducati honours Aussie Troy Bayliss

Ducati has honoured Australia’s three-time World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss with a special Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary model.

The limited-edition serial-numbered bike will be available in Australia and New Zealand from January 2022 with an Australian ride away price of $27,489.

It comes in a special livery that celebrates the Ducati 996 R of Troy’s first World Superbike title in 2001 with his race number 21.

Troy Bayliss - Australia Day announces comeback
Troy Bayliss

He also won in 2006 and 2008 and his 52 World Superbike victories rank third in the history of the championship behind Brits Jonathan Rea and Carl Fogarty.

Troy also raced in the MotoGP, winning the 2006 Spanish GP.

The special Panigale V2 is more than just a special paint job, though.

Justifying the $4500 premium over the standard V2, the bike is equipped with Öhlins The NX30 front fork and TTX36 rear shock absorber and is 3kg lighter thanks to a lithium-ion battery and solo seat.

It also comes wth sport grips, carbon fibre and titanium muffler cover, self-cleaning brake and clutch pumps, smoke grey oil tanks and Troy’s #21 on the saddle and fairings.

The above video was filmed at the Ducati Museum, on the track and at the Bayliss home in Australia.



Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary Edition

Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 20th Anniversary Edition

If there was any remote doubt that Troy Bayliss was still true bonafide Ducati royalty they were blown out of the water tonight when Ducati revealed a Troy Bayliss Edition Panigale V2.

Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 20th Anniversary Edition

Troy is loved by the Italians like one of their own, and he loves them right back in spades and the relationship between himself and Ducati is a true family affair.

Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 20th Anniversary Edition

52 victories, 94 podiums and three world titles (2001, 2006 and 2008) won with three different bikes: the twin-cylinder 996 R, the 999 R and the 1098 R. Troy Bayliss is the only motorcycle racer in history to win MotoGP and World Superbike races in the same season (2006).

This special edition was anticipated as we approach the 20th anniversary of the first of Troy’s three World Superbike Championship crowns and while most had expected it to be a new limited-edition V4, of course it is only right and correct that this bike is a traditional Ducati L-Twin.

It is not a 996, 998 or 1098 from history, but a special edition based on the 155 horsepower 955 cc model that is part of Ducati’s current line-up.

Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 20th Anniversary Edition

Of course it wears some sexy livery commemorating Troy’s win that recalls the clothes worn by that first title winning 996 R, but also comes with a few extras to boot and is 3 kg lighter.

Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 20th Anniversary Edition

It’s a single-seater with Ohlins TTX36 and NIX30 suspension components and adjustable Ohlins steering damper along with a sprinkle of extra carbon-fibre and titanium.

Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 20th Anniversary Edition

Troy’s autograph is reproduced on the fuel tank, while the billet aluminium triple clamp shows the name of the bike and the progressive numbering of this unique model.

Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 20th Anniversary Edition

The motorcycle is also equipped with self-cleaning brake and clutch pumps with smoke grey oil tanks.

Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 20th Anniversary Edition

The electronic package, dedicated to active safety and vehicle dynamics control, includes the “cornering” function applied to Bosch ABS, the electronic quick shift that also works when downshifting and traction, engine brake and wheelie controls (Ducati Quick Shift, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control).

Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 20th Anniversary Edition

All the controls are integrated into the three Riding Modes (Race, Sport and Street) that can be modified using the 4.3″ colour TFT dashboard with graphics and interface designed to make menu navigation and settings adjustment intuitive, as well as immediate identification of the selected Riding Mode.

Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 20th Anniversary Edition

The World Superbike universe will also pay tribute to Bayliss’s career this weekend at Assen. On Sunday 25 July after the SuperPole Race, the Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary will complete a lap of honour on the track, ridden by Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team rider Michael Ruben Rinaldi, who competes in WorldSBK with the same number as Bayliss.

Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 20th Anniversary Edition

The twentieth anniversary of Troy Bayliss winning his first title with Ducati is being celebrated in Borgo Panigale with a temporary exhibition in the Museo Ducati entitled “Troy Story: The Legend of a Champion” which exhibits the bikes with which Troy was able to write some memorable chapters in the history of motorcycle racing. The exhibition can be visited until 19 September 2021 (here more information on visits to the Museo Ducati).

Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 20th Anniversary Edition

The Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary will be available in Australian Ducati dealerships from January 2022 at $27,489.

Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 20th Anniversary Edition

Specifications

ENGINE
TYPE Superquadro: L-twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled
DISPLACEMENT 955 cc
BORE X STROKE 100 x 60,8 mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 12.5:1
POWER 114 kW (155 hp) @ 10.750 rpm
TORQUE 104 Nm (76,7 lb-ft) @ 9.000 rpm
FUEL INJECTION Electronic fuel injection system. Twin injectors per cylinder. Full ride-by-wire elliptical throttle bodies
EXHAUST 2-1-2-1 system, with 2 catalytic converters and 2 lambda probes
TRANSMISSION
GEARBOX 6 speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2
PRIMARY DRIVE Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.77:1
RATIO 1=37/15 2=30/16 3=27/18 4=25/20 5=24/22 6=23/24
FINAL DRIVE Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 43
CLUTCH Hydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate
clutch. Self bleeding master cylinder
CHASSIS
FRAME Monocoque Aluminium
FRONT SUSPENSION Öhlins NIX30 43mm with TiN treatment, fully adjustable usd fork
FRONT WHEEL 5-spokes light alloy 3.50″ x 17″
FRONT TYRE Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II 120/70 ZR17
REAR SUSPENSION Fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36 monoshock. Aluminum single-sided swingarm
REAR WHEEL 5-spokes light alloy 5,50” x 17”
REAR TYRE Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II 180/60 ZR17
WHEEL TRAVEL (FRONT/REAR) 120 mm (4.72 in) – 130 mm (5.12 in)
FRONT BRAKE 2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc M4.32 4-piston callipers with Bosch Cornering ABS EVO. Self bleeding master cylinder
REAR BRAKE 245 mm disc, 2-piston calliper with Bosch Cornering ABS EVO
INSTRUMENTATION Digital unit with 4,3″ TFT colour display
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
DRY WEIGHT 174,5 kg (385 lb)
KERB WEIGHT* 197 kg (434 lb)
SEAT HEIGHT 835 mm (32,9 in)
WHEELBASE 1.438 mm (56,6 in)
RAKE 24°
TRAIL 99 mm (3.90 in)
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 17 l – 4.5 gallon (US)
NUMBER OF SEATS Dual seat
EQUIPMENT
SAFETY EQUIPMENT Riding Modes, Power Modes, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO, Auto tyre calibration
STANDARD EQUIPMENT Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2, Full LED lighting with Daytime Running Light (DRL), Öhlins steering damper, Auto-off indicators, Lithium-ion battery, Silencer outlet cover in carbon fibre and titanium
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT Passenger seat and footpegs kit
READY FOR Ducati Data Analyser+ (DDA+) with GPS module, Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) and anti-theft
WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE
WARRANTY 24 months unlimited mileage
MAINTENANCE SERVICE INTERVALS 12,000 km (7,500 mi) / 12 months
DESMOSERVICE 24,000 km (15,000 mi)
EMISSIONS AND CONSUMPTION (Only for countries where Euro 5 standard applies)
STANDARD Euro 5
CO2 EMISSIONS 139 g/km
CONSUMPTION 6 l/100km

Image Gallery

Source: MCNews.com.au

Troy Bayliss Exhibition launched at Ducati Museum

Troy Bayliss celebrated at the Ducati Museum


A temporary exhibition at the Ducati Museum will mark 20 years since Troy Bayliss’s first world title and will be titled: “Troy Story: The Legend of a Champion”.

The exhibition will remain open until 19 September, apart from July 1-4 when the motorcycles will be exhibited at the 2021 Motor Valley Fest in Modena Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy) before returning to the Ducati Museum.

The Troy Story: The Legend of a Champion at the Ducati Museum

The announcement comes alongside the Ducati Museum finally reopening to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The date of May 21, chosen for the reopening of the Ducati Museum, is not accidental.

As Ducatisti and all motorcycle racing fans will certainly remember, on 21 May 2000 a still virtually unknown Troy Bayliss accomplished a feat that turned him overnight into a motorcycling legend in the hearts and memories of all Ducati and Superbike fans: his amazing quadruple overtaking move at the Monza circuit.

That day Troy was taking part in the race as a replacement rider for Carl Fogarty who had been injured at Philip Island and, after this epic feat, Ducati decided to let him finish the championship on the factory 996R. That year he finished sixth (243 points, 2 wins and 7 podiums), but he earned his place as factory rider in the Ducati Infostrada team. He won his first WSBK title in 2001, stepping onto the podium 15 times.

All those who can visit the Museum will have the opportunity to admire the bikes with which the Australian champion has written some of the most amazing chapters in the annals of motorcycle racing, these include:

The Troy Story: The Legend of a Champion at the Ducati Museum
  • 996 Factory 2000 – his Ducati World SBK debut and used at Monza in the famous quadruple overtake.
  • 996 Factory 2001 Testastretta – his first world title with the livery used at Imola in 2001.
  • 998 Factory Testastretta 2002 – protagonist of the breath-taking duel with Edwards at Imola.
  • 999 Factory 2006 “Superman” – Ducati’s 250th victory in SBK, and Troy’s second title.
  • 999 Factory 2007 – used in the photo-finish against James Toseland at Assen.
  • 1098 R Factory 2008 – his last title won at Magny-Cours.

For all those who cannot yet come to the Ducati Museum, an in-depth study dedicated to Troy Bayliss’s career is planned during the “Ducati Museum Online Journey”, the online tours of the Ducati Museum that allow you to retrace the history of the company via a PC, tablet or Smart TV.

The temporary exhibition ‘Troy Story: The Legend of a Champion’ will remain at the Ducati Museum until 19 September 2021, with the sole exception of the days between 1-4 July, when the bikes will be exhibited in Modena at the 2021 edition of Motor Valley Fest.

The Troy Story: The Legend of a Champion at the Ducati Museum

The opening of the temporary show in honour of Troy Bayliss is also a way to wish to the Australian champion a speedy recovery after his bicycle accident occurred on May 14 that looks likey to see Bayliss laid up for some time while recovering. This special display is further confirmation of how Troy Bayliss is indeed true Ducati royalty.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Troy Bayliss seriously injured in bicycle crash

Troy Bayliss Confirms Injuries After Bicycle Crash

DesmoSport Ducati Team co-owner Troy Bayliss has confirmed that a bicycle crash last Friday has left the three-time World Superbike champion with a fractured C4 vertebra and corresponding spinal damage that will see the active 52-year-old on the sidelines for several months.

Troy Bayliss

I’m OK and I’m home, but the crash means I won’t be riding a motorcycle until I regain full movement in my arms and hands. I really just wanted to let everyone know what’s happened, that I’m OK and that I’ll be back in leathers as soon as I can. It’s been an intense weekend for me and my family, but luckily I’m OK and I will recover. My doctors have been really positive, but there’s no firm indication of how long it will be until I can regain enough control to get back on a bike – maybe a few months, maybe longer; it just depends on how the recovery goes once the bones heal up.”

With Troy having no exact recollection of the incident, it appears that another bicycle was exiting between two parked cars and he has collided head first into it. Most of the impact was transferred through his head to his neck, and he lost consciousness. He was immediately treated and taken to hospital.

While the injuries are serious, Troy’s condition is stable. He returned to his Gold Coast home on Monday to begin his recovery.

With Darwin’s Hidden Valley the next round of the 2021 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), on June 18-20, DesmoSport Ducati will forge ahead with their preparations, beginning with a private test for Mike Jones and Oli Bayliss early next week as they continue to chase the 2021 ASBK title.

Oli Bayliss with his Superbike legend dad, Troy

Source: MCNews.com.au

Troy & Oli Bayliss talk racing and the DesmoSport V4R

Oli Bayliss talks riding the DesmoSport Ducati

Photos: Images Everything Photography & M33 Productions


Three-time World Superbike champion and current co-owner of ASBK team DesmoSport Ducati Troy Bayliss, needs little introduction, while his son Oli, only 16, is already rising through the ranks of racing. Last weekend Oli tried the DesmoSport Ducati V4R superbike for the first time, here’s Troy and Oli Bayliss’s take from after the Pirelli Southern Downs meet at Morgan Park, Australia.


Troy & Oli Bayliss Interview

Oli, you’re only 16, but this weekend you made your debut on the V4R superbike at the Pirelli Southern Downs series. How did the weekend go?

Oli Bayliss: “It was a really good weekend. We started off doing OK times and progressing every session. In the last race of the day we got the bike sorted. I had the best feeling on the bike over the weekend and everything turned out good.”

Oli Bayliss on the DesmoSport Ducati V4RWhat was it like getting on a superbike for the first time? You’ve spent almost two years on the 600. Did it take a long time to get used to the power? And how did you feel afterwards?

Oli: “Coming from the 600, the V4 is a similar aspect. You come out of the corners and, off the bottom, it doesn’t have that much power, compared to what I’ve heard from the V2. But once it gets high up in the rev range it’s so fast. So fast.”

Troy, how did you feel seeing Oli riding the superbike? What advice did you give him?

Troy Bayliss: “It was a strange one. The plan was not to have Oli on a superbike this year. But Oli’s been giving Ben Henry (DesmoSport co-founder) a hard time because he said: ‘remember you said when I win a race on the 600 I could have a ride on the bigger bike?’ But the way it’s worked out this year, with the ASBK on hold, we’re stuck in Queensland. The Pirelli Southern Downs series, which was at Morgan Park, had a round at the weekend and we thought, with the way the world is at the moment, it’s a good opportunity to let Oli have a ride on the bike. Being parents, it’s difficult to watch. I’m so comfortable with him on the 600, and he seems so in control of it. So stepping up to a bigger bike is quite stressful. It was hard to watch for a while but seeing him progress over the weekend, he looked good on the bike. He knows Morgan Park very well. The only thing is, Morgan Park is probably the most difficult track to ride a Superbike on in Australia. It’s so physical. It was really good for Oli to ride alongside Mike Jones. Mike’s so smooth and fast and he’s great to have on our team.”Oli Bayliss on the DesmoSport Ducati V4R

What advice did Mike give you through the weekend and during the day of testing prior to the weekend?

Oli: “Pretty much, we turned up on Thursday and everything was going well. Mike gave me a few laps and we both followed each other around for a bit. When it came to qualifying Mike told me to just be smooth and not to rush anything because we’ve got the whole weekend to be here. Once we started racing there were no nerves and no pressure. We just went out there to have a bit of fun. And the whole team really helped a lot.”

We know what Troy’s career and record has been like. But what are your plans for the future? And what’s the ultimate goal?

Oli: “Just to be one of the best in the world. We don’t really know what the next few years have to come, due to coronavirus. I’d like to be doing Australia Superbike or World Supersport. Or something along those lines. To keep progressing.”Oli Bayliss on the DesmoSport Ducati V4R

Troy, seeing Oli jump on a red bike again and the Superbike class in particular, does it bring it all back, and does it make you feel like throwing your leg over a bike again?

Troy: “Oh no, I’m so happy to be on the side lines. I really am. I’m actually in a really good head space. I’m fit and healthy. If I wanted to ride I could. One day I’ll have a ride with Oli and Mike to have a bit of fun. But it’s all about doing everything we can to make these guys as fast as they possibly can be. I love the team and working on the bikes and talking with the boys. It’s just a game. You go through the levels. And it’s trying to master the levels, that’s all it is.”

What’s it like having your dad as your coach?

Oli: “It’s really good. When I first started racing 300s, we used to ride around Morgan Park together. We did the same on the 600s for a bit. Once I got a bit faster than him , he stopped riding and I kept on improving. Definitely this year we’ll have another ride on the R6s together. He’s been dying for it. We’ll have a go and post the results.”Oli Bayliss on the DesmoSport Ducati V4R

Troy: “I’m pretty keen to have a spin on the R6. But he’s definitely progressed a lot since the last time we rode together. At 16, he’s pretty young, but he’s nearly done the second year in the 600s and he’s really learned a lot. Especially in the last year. It was the perfect opportunity to put Oli on the bike. We have a great relationship with Ducati, and we love Motul. Motul’s been with us for a long time. It’s a great product and that’s all that goes in the bikes.”

You’ve both ridden Oli’s Cube Racing R6. Who’s faster?

Troy: ” Oli, by 1.2 seconds. That was over a year ago. We’ve progressed a bit with the bike. We’ve got the bike working really well, so I’m sure I could go quite a bit quicker than the last time I was on it. I’m sure outright speed he’ll be faster than me. We’ll soon find out next time we go to Morgan Park. Watch this space.”Oli Bayliss on the DesmoSport Ducati V4R

You’ve both ridden the Desmo Sport Ducati V4R. Who’s faster?

Troy: “I’ve got him covered there by nearly a second. Especially at Morgan Park, because it’s a track where you have to physically attack the place. It’s that rough and hard work. And I’ve been round there a lot of times on a superbike. But for his first weekend, to be going as fast as he’s going is pretty good.”

Who’s had the biggest influence on your racing career so far?

Oli: “Dad. Or mum. Every time we go to the track, Dad and I are always chatting about how I can go faster or smoother.”

Troy: “It’s not just me either but with Ben at the workshop down at Cube Performance Centre. The whole team, the same as every team, is all about having a good relationship and making the boys faster.”Oli Bayliss on the DesmoSport Ducati V4R

How do you like being a team owner with Ben compared to being a rider?

Troy: “Doing this in Australia is not too stressful. I wouldn’t want to be doing this worldwide. I have no interest in that at all. We’re having a great time here in the ASBK paddock. Ben and I get on well together. It’s been fun the last few years and we’re lucky to have Mike as the reigning champion. We hope to keep the winning ways going.”

How did you find the steps up between bikes?

Oli: “Going from the 300 to 600 was a bit of a change, but after a few days at Morgan Park I felt really at home on the bike, on the R6. Now coming from the R6 to the V4, it’s the same thing. After a few more days and races, I’ll really feel comfortable on that bike and push it to the extra step.”

Source: MCNews.com.au

Defending ASBK Champions eager to get back on track

Panigale V2 being prepped for two-up rides with TB

DesmoSport Ducati welcomes the release earlier this month of the final Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) calendar, with racing set to get underway at Winton Motor Raceway on September 19 & 20.

In a year like no other, DesmoSport Ducati is primed and ready to get back on track and finish the 2020 season across the five remaining rounds in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.

Team Co-Owner, Troy Bayliss

Phillip Island feels like a lifetime ago really, but Mike has continued to put in the work off the bike when we were unable to ride, and both he and Ben have found something more from the V4R, so it will be great to go racing again and put it to the test.

“As for me, I actually got to put some laps in on the new Panigale V2, and it was so much fun! I actually had such a good time, that Ducati have agreed to let us build one into a two-up bike for the rest of the year, so should things settle down, keep your eye’s peeled for an opportunity to jump on the back with me, although be warned, I might be a little rusty.”

Ducati Panigale V
Troy Bayliss and DesmoSport Ducati are preparing a Panigale V2 as a two-up ride bike for ASBK rounds

While subject to constantly changing government rules and regulations, Motorcycling Australia (MA) has been working hard to ensure our championship moves forward. With the dates now cemented in place, DesmoSport Ducati has continued to test and develop the V4R with Mike Jones aboard the bike and is prepared to resume racing to defend the 2019 ASBK title.

Team Co-Owner, Ben Henry

It’s been a year that no one could predict, that’s for sure, but the break from racing has allowed me to spend some more time with my family and working on my business, Cube Performance Centre, which has been fantastic. If anything, the break has just highlighted how much I love our sport and has me motivated more than ever to perform at the racetrack. Mike has been able to ride the bike, and we’re confident that we’ll be ready come September.

ASBK Wakefield Park Test TDJ Mike Jones main straight Cover
Mike Jones – Image by TDJ

Cube Racing Set to Return to the Track

And of course over in the other half of the DesmoSport Ducati Team at an ASBK event is the Cube Racing Supersport effort where TB’s teenage son Oli Bayliss has been honing his craft and despite the lull in racing young Oli has been training hard and also testing the Cube Racing YZF-R6 regularly at Morgan Park.

Oli Bayliss

I don’t think anyone can tell what will happen next with everything that’s going on, but I’m happy that MA have set a calendar for a little later in the year. There’s a good chance that we might be able to race the last five rounds and finish the season. Even though there hasn’t been any racing, I’ve still been able to do a few track days, I’ve been training harder than ever and I feel really good on the bike, so it will be great to get back on the grid and actually race again. I just wanted to thank everyone that’s stood by us as a team, and me as a racer this year. My brother just opened a gym, Apex Performance and Fitness, I see how hard Ben works at Cube Performance Centre, and I know that all our sponsors work just as hard in their businesses, so I really appreciate everything that you all do so we can get on track.”

Team owner, Ben Henry

We’ve been lucky to get some solid track time for Oli over the last few weeks and he’s continued his progression, despite the lack of racing. He’s physically stronger, and his confidence continues to grow with every outing on the bike. He’s unofficially set the fastest time for a 600 at Morgan Park and he’s set times in race simulations that would see him win in previous years, so I’m just looking forward to getting him back into a race situation to develop his race craft and continue his progression.”

Revised 2020 ASBK Calendar

  • ROUND 1 – WSBK – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC: 27 Feb – 1 March
  • ROUND 2 – Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla VIC: 18 – 20 September
  • ROUND 3 – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Cowes VIC: 2 – 4 October
  • ROUND 4 – Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn NSW: 16 – 18 October
  • ROUND 5 – Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick QLD: 6 – 8 November
  • ROUND 6 – International MotoFest The Bend, SA: 20 – 22 November

Source: MCNews.com.au

A race weekend embedded with Team Ducati and Troy Bayliss

2004 Australian MotoGP

With Phil Aynsley


In 2004 I was able to cover the Australian MotoGP from the perspective of being “embedded” within the Ducati team. Here are some of the images, from both behind the scenes and out on track. They begin with the team setting up on the Thursday and finish with the post race press conference.

As the penultimate round and home ground for Australian rider Troy Bayliss, the round was an important one with Loris Capirossi to end the season ninth overall in the standings as top Ducati, while Troy Bayliss would be 14th, having retired from as many races as he finished.


Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

The glamorous life of a race mechanic! Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Lunch. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Inspecting the opposition. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Warming up the bike… or dreaming of glory? Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Loris Capirossi giving that all important quote. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

One of many screens in the back of the pit garage. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

It took some convincing to be able to get this image! Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Plenty of spares available for the weekend. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Free Practice 1 – things get underway! Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Loris’ crew watch the monitors. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

A wet start to practice. Loris gets a push out of pit box. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Troy Bayliss comes in for a debrief. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

And keeps an eye on how the competition are going. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

As things start to dry out Troy is fastest. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Team Manager Livio Suppo. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Loris is informed of his progress. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Troy prepares to go out again with a new tyre. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Watching the timing screens. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Free Practice 2. Troy sports a different helmet – just to make life difficult for the photographers. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Troy Bayliss. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Loris Capirossi. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Loris Capirossi. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Loris Capirossi. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Troy Bayliss. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Loris Capirossi. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Troy Bayliss. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Qualifying about to start. An advantage of rear wheel starters. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Loris keeps an eye on the opposition. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

It is action stations during a pit stop. The teamwork is on display. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Troy Bayliss heads out again. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

As does Loris. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

The crew are pleased Loris has qualified in 3rd place. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Both of Loris’ bikes before the post qualifying work begins for the mechanics. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Warm up. You don’t often have the chance to get both riders in the same shot. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Troy Bayliss. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Some race morning PR. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

In the car heading over to the Ducati Australia grandstand. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Troy and Loris give ten minutes of their time to the enthusiastic crowd. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

On the starting grid. Loris’ bike gets its final adjustments. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Two Aussie legends! Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Troy Bayliss gets ready. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Sete Gibernau leads off the line. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Many eyes keep track of the riders progress. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Troy Bayliss finds himself in fast company. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Loris is just up the road. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Troy makes his way forward. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Loris and Troy. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Rossi wins by 0.097 seconds! Gibernau in second. Capirossi takes third. Troy finished in ninth. Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Australian GP Ducati PA AGP

Post race press conference. Loris is obviously happy with the team’s first podium of the season. Troy also scores a 3rd place at the following race, in Valencia, to end the year on a high note.

2004 Australian MotoGP
Results

  1. Valentino Rossi – Yamaha
  2. Sete Gibernau – Honda +0.097s
  3. Loris Capirossi – Ducati +10.486s
  4. Colin Edwards – Honda +10.817s
  5. Alex Barros – Honda +10.851s
  6. Nicky Hayden – Honda +12.210s
  7. Max Biaggi – Honda +12.847s
  8. Makoto Tamada – Honda +12.9865s
  9. Troy Bayliss – Ducati +18.607s
  10. Carlos Checa – Yamaha +21.245s
  11. Ruben Xaus – Ducati +23.173s
  12. Shinya Nakano – Kawasaki +25.718s
  13. Alex Hofmann – Kawasaki +35.137s
  14. Jeremy McWilliams – Aprilia +45.155s
  15. John Hopkins – Suzuki +45.197s
  16. Gregorio Lavilla – Suzuki +52.205s
  17. Norick Abe – Yamaha +52.665s
  18. Neil Hodgson – Ducati +71.394s
  19. Nobuatsu Aoki – Proton KR +1 lap
  20. James Hayden – Proton KR +1 lap
  21. Youichi Ui – Harris WCM +1 lap
  22. James Ellison – HARRC WSM +3 laps
    DNF. Marco Melandri – Yamaha
    DNF. Garry McCoy – Aprilia

Source: MCNews.com.au