Motourage

The 2010 Australian Superbike Championship year roared into life at Phillip Island yesterday with day one of the official Australian Superbike Teams Test. A fresh new year was met with exciting new sounds, as the European brands unleashed their new machines on the Phillip Island circuit.

On hand for the test was the championship winning Factory Suzuki squad, plus all new teams from KTM, Ducati, Aprilia and Triumph. Privateer Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki also turned out to take a few laps.

“It’s fantastic to see such a wide range of bikes and manufactures,” said Ben Williams, ASBK Events Manager. “From the factory set ups to very professional privateer teams, we have a massive range of Japanese and European brands here today. It’s a true representation of the sports bike market here in Australia and a very exiting development for ASBK in 2010.”

A pinnacle focus of the test was the teams’ first runs on the all-new Dunlop control tires. The Dunlop D211GP RACER for Superbikes & Superstock A&B, and the Dunlop SPORTMAX GP-A for Supersport & Superstock C&D. Both tires proved to be quickly up to pace in early testing with lap times of 1.35.3 and 1.39.4 respectively.

On hand for the test was Dunlop’s National Motorsport & Motorcycle Coordinator, Stewart Corser, to provide support to the teams.
“At this early stage we are very happy with the lap times and durability. We are getting great rider feedback already, and with more laps and bike development we are quickly seeing times fall. This tire has shown great wear rates even up to 50 laps on the front and 40 on the rear. We are very proud to be the Official Tire Supplier for ASBK 2010 and even more importantly to be able to do so with an affordable range of high performance racing tires.”

Shannon Johnson opens it up on the new KTM 1190 RC8R

A stand-out feature of the test was the awesome sound and impressive looks of the all new KTM machine ridden by Shannon Johnson and Chris Trounson. The 2010 KTM 1190 RC8R has now been in the hands of the KTM team for only four weeks and is already quickly on the pace. Its imposing body shape and unmistakable engine sound will no doubt be a stand out on the track in 2010.

“I’m very excited that the team and I have been able to find a successful setting so quickly in this first official test day on the KTM 1190 RC8R,” said Shannon Johnson, KTM Factory Superbike Rider.” We are concentrating on getting to know the new Dunlop control tire which I must say is surprising good. Based on this early set up performance we are happy to see our times are very close to the quickest times here at the ABSK test. We still have a lot of work ahead but with my fantastic crew and great support from KTM, I believe from round 1 we will be right on the pace for the championship.”

Unofficial times indicate that Superbikes will again be a hotly contested championship The top-six riders for the session were:

Josh Waters – Suzuki – 1:35.2
Wayne Maxwell – Honda – 1:35.4
Shannon Johnson – KTM – 1:35.4
Glenn Allerton – Honda – 1:35.4
Shawn Giles – Suzuki – 1:36.1
Jamie Stauffer – Ducati – 1:36.4

Day two of testing is shaping up to be another busy day with fine weather on the Island, a number of industry media in attendance and an unexpected test ride for the 2005 Australian Superbike Champion Josh Brookes.

Steve Nace Racing Promotions, which has produced premier pro and amateur motorcycle, ATV and go-kart races throughout the US since 1995, has announced the formation of the American All Star National Flattrack Series, a nationwide series showcasing the current & upcoming stars of the American-made sport of motorcycle flat track racing. Expert and Pro classes will headline this series with both classes riding Twins and Singles on the half miles. Supporting the professional racers at selected events will be three classes of amateur riders: 250 Amateur, Open Amateur and Open Vintage

The aggressive inaugural season schedule will kick off during Bike Week 2010 as the first race will be run on Feb 27 at the ½ mile of Oglethorpe Speedway in Savannah, GA, with round two scheduled for the next day at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL. After a one-day break, three classes of vintage motorcycles will join the series at Volusio on March 1.  Additional events will be posted as they’re announced.

Lancaster Harley Davidson will be the fuel and tire supplier for the American All Star National Flattrack Series.

Maria Costello is determined to once again become the fastest woman around the Isle of Man TT course. The Northamptonshire racer lost the title to Jenny Tinmouth last year, but, speaking in the latest TT Newsletter, Costello says she is looking to regain the honor in 2010. Tinmouth, from Cheshire, took the top spot on lap four of the 2009 Senior TT when she completed the circuit at an average speed of 116.835mph.

Maria Costello hopes to regain her title as Fastest Woman on the Isle of Man

Costello, who was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday honors in 2009, told the TT Newsletter she wants the crown back this year.
“I can’t wait to race at the TT again in 2010,” said Costello. “I’m really looking forward to the challenge of trying to become the fastest women around the course again.”

She will have a battle on her hands to regain the title as Tinmouth, also speaking in the TT Newsletter, has confirmed she will be lining up for action at the 2010 TT as well.
“I’m already looking forward to coming back next year for some more racing between the hedges.”

Download the January 2010 Isle of Man TT Newsletter HERE.

Riders Cal Crutchlow and James Toseland completed their final day of testing today at the Portimao circuit in Portugal. The two British riders have worked hard over the three days, experiencing a variety of weather conditions from dry to wet to intermediate as they and the team worked through various electronic and bike set ups ahead of the 2010 season.

The final session saw Cal fall victim to the drastically reduced grip of the track following yesterday’s rain. Fifty minutes from the end he lost the front of the bike on the slippery surface on the last corner before the home straight. In typical form he was back on his spare bike shortly afterwards for the remainder of the session. Team-mate James was consistently fast all day, ending the last test day just outside the top five in sixth position.

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team, (4th, 1’42.9)
“It was frustrating to fall today, the track so was so slippery it was unavoidable, but it cost me some time on the track. Having said that we’ve had a really good test, we’ve worked through a lot of things and I think we’ve got closer to a good set-up for the first race. I’m really keen to get to Australia and start the next test before we kick-off racing.”

James Toseland, Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team, (6th, 1’43.1)
“I’m really pleased overall. We’ve worked through a lot of stuff over the last three days and I feel I’ve got a lot more understanding of the bike. The team has worked really well and I’m pleased we’ve managed to keep consistent fast pace over the test. I think there’s more to come so I’m looking forward to getting started again!”

Massimo Meregalli, Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team Manager
“Unfortunately the grip level was much less than Friday, so until the soft tires went on the lap times were not as fast as when we started the test. All the riders struggled to find good grip, so the problem was with the track, not the riders. Cal lost some time after his fall, he switched bikes but had no experience on the tire on the second bike so couldn’t push so hard. James rode really well today, he is always consistent and was definitely fast enough for the conditions out there. Overall we go to Australia feeling confident and with a good spirit. We’ve had a really successful test, we’ve got some great feedback and have made a good start to 2010.”

A mix-up with the flag signals at Invercargill may yet have a long-term impact on this year’s national superbike championship.

There was a tinge of controversy to the weekend’s racing at the weekend’s second round of five in this year’s Castrol Power 1 New Zealand Superbike Championships at Invercargill’s Teretonga circuit when the white last-lap flag was not shown to the race and championship leader, Suzuki’s Andrew Stroud, at the end of the prescribed 14 laps.  Instead it was waved after the 15th lap and, soon after that, there was a new man in front, defending champion Robbie Bugden (Suzuki).

Stroud had won the day’s first 15-lap superbike race, finishing ahead of Australian Budgen and Christchurch’s James Smith (Suzuki).  But Brisbane rider Bugden fought back in race two — Bugden, Stroud and Feilding’s Craig Shirriffs (Honda) battling furiously in a three-way fight at the front.  When race leader Stroud had a “moment at the hairpin” on the “extra” lap 16, Bugden pounced and crossed the line first.

After much deliberation, Bugden’s win was confirmed and it was an extremely disappointed Stroud who left the track at day’s end, his championship lead still intact, but with Bugden now up to second in the title chase, albeit still 13 points behind Stroud.

Bugden will have renewed confidence as the riders head to round three at Timaru’s Levels circuit next weekend.

“It has been recommended to me that I could protest this (flagging mistake),” said Stroud.  The same thing happened in a 125GP race on Saturday and they wound it back to the rider order on the previous lap. I filled out a protest form but then drew a line through the whole lot. I always race to the flag and to the spirit of racing, so I’ve left the situation as it is and I’m not protesting.  I’ll just carry on as it is and aim to finish in front of Robbie at the next rounds.  I blew it in that second race. On the lap I went in too hot in the last corner before the flag and overshot the bend and lost all my drive coming out.  But I’m still feeling confident. The Brother Suzuki is great and the Pirelli tyres are fantastic. I know a lot of the crowd are wanting to see the title come back to New Zealand (after Bugden has won it the past three seasons), and I hope I can satisfy their wants.”

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Today’s Motourage Video of the Day features testing of the Inmotech GPI 10 MotoGP machine. Spanish designed and built, the 800cc, pneumatic-valve, 80-degree V4 is scheduled to make its first MotoGP appearance at the Catalunya Grand Prix in July. Test rider Ivan Silva, who has competed in MotoGP, the World Superbike Championship and – most recently – the CEV Buckler Spanish Championship, is expected to pilot the motorcycle. Inmotech plans to run five races in 2010 before becoming a full-time competitor the following season.

Australian Robbie Bugden won’t be sitting back and taking it lightly in Invercargill this weekend.  The Suzuki rider from Brisbane, AU has won the New Zealand Superbike title for the past three seasons, winning the title last year by a solid 29 points over fellow Suzuki man Andrew Stroud of Hamilton.  But now the boot is on the other foot and it’s Stroud who is on top after the series opener at Christchurch on Sunday.  Stroud leads fellow Hamilton rider Sloan Frost by two points, with defending champ Bugden back in fifth spot overall and 13 points behind Stroud.  But the series has a long way to go yet and the action is only just starting to warm up.

Robbie Bugden will need to act fast if he hopes to hold off an early season charge by Andrew Stroud

It’s round two at Invercargill’s Teretonga Park this weekend, followed by the Timaru International Motor Raceway event the following Sunday. Then the riders head north to round four at Feilding’s Manfield Circuit and, finally, the new track at Hampton Downs, near Meremere.

So a lot is likely to happen before the championship reaches Hampton Downs on March 28 and Bugden has plans to catch and overtake the four men ahead of him.

Bugden’s race team manager, Red Fenton, is confident his man can do the job.
“Robbie always goes very strong at Teretonga and I’m sure he will get amongst it and come away from there with the gap a lot closer.  We always go out to win and that’s what we’ll be trying to do this weekend.”

Andrew Stroud has come on strong and looks to open up a points lead this weekend

Bugden’s teammate, Christchurch’s James Smith, is enjoying his debut season in the Superbike class, and he is currently third in the standings. Smith is also racing in the 600cc Sports Production class and hoping to improve upon his runner-up finish of last season.  That might be a difficult proposition, though, for Smith, after the sparkling performance of Hamilton’s Nick Cole (Kawasaki) at round one.  Cole looked comfortable in winning both 600cc races at Christchurch, and he has a solid 10-point lead over Smith and 21-point gap over third-ranked John Ross (Yamaha) after that opening round.

Racing is also close in the other classes, with more exciting action expected in the Formula Three, Pro Twins, 125GP, Super Motard and Streetstock categories.

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The AMA announced today the 2010 schedule for the 10-round AMA Racing/NATC Observed Trials National Championship Series, as well as the dates for the East and West Youth Championships.

Riders vying for national titles in several age-, skill- and machine-based classes in the AMA Racing/NATC Observed Trials National Championship Series will begin their campaigns on May 1-2 in Tishomingo, Okla.

Photo by Darlene Lynch

In the East, top youth trials riders will face off July 2-4 in Sequatchie, Tenn., while in the West, youth titles will be decided on July 17-19 in Las Vegas, N.M.

“The feats that these riders achieve on their motorcycles, from scaling vertical cliffs to crossing seemingly impassable rock gardens, will keep any fan coming back for more,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “Trials is one of the oldest forms of motorcycle sport, and we’re excited to begin another year in the storied history of this incredible discipline.”

From Oklahoma, the AMA Racing/NATC Observed Trials National Championship Series will go to Exeter, R.I., for rounds three and four; Cayuta, N.Y., for rounds five and six; Pueblo, Colo., for rounds seven and eight; and Norden, Calif., for rounds nine and 10. The complete schedule, as well as contact information for the East and West Youth Championships, is below.

For more information, visit www.natctrials.org.

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Impact Armor has agreed to provide free custom chest protectors for kids that race with the USGPRU. Adult racers can also get a great deal on a new chest protector if they are a current USGPRU member. Contact Impact Armor at (916-725-2936) or visit impactarmor.com.

This could be Andrew Stroud’s year. The Suzuki rider from Hamilton won the day at the opening round of this year’s Castrol Power 1 New Zealand Superbike Championships at Christchurch’s Ruapuna Park on Sunday, instantly signaling to his rivals that he means to take back the superbike crown he last held in 2006.

Andrew Stroud looks to take back the New Zealand Superbike title that he last held in 2006

For the past three seasons it has been Australian interloper Robbie Bugden who has crossed the Tasman to steal away the coveted Kiwi title and he was hoping to make it four in a row this year. It certainly looked a distinct possibility when the Suzuki rider from Brisbane won the first of two superbike races on Sunday — albeit less than a second ahead of Christchurch Suzuki rider James Smith — and Stroud crossed the line in a disappointing fourth spot. But the 42-year-old Stroud, a seven-time former champion, is possibly as fast now as at any time in his career and the balance of power swung convincingly in the Waikato man’s favor when he ran off to an impressive victory in the next outing, winning the race by a whopping 15.9 seconds.

That race win also gave Stroud the New Zealand Superbike GP title. Bugden, meanwhile, found had himself stuck in traffic and his bid to break free ended in disaster as he crashed his bike on the opening lap. Bugden was unable to finish the race and those lost points may prove costly for the defending champion as the five-round series progresses, with round two set for Invercargill’s Teretonga circuit next weekend. “The pack seemed half a lap behind me,” said Stroud afterwards. “I guess you could say the weekend worked out good for me. I struggled a bit in the first race and it took me a while to work out how much traction I could find on the wet surface. It all turned back in my favor in race two though.” Fellow Hamilton rider Sloan Frost (Suzuki) finished 3-2 to take second overall for the day, while Smith’s 2-4 placings gave him the third step on the superbike podium.

One of very few riders to tackle two classes this season, Smith had his work cut out to keep sight of Hamilton’s Nick Cole in the 600cc sports production class. Kawasaki-mounted Cole was simply sensational, winning both 600cc races by a comfortable margin with Smith runner-up both times. “I won both races by quite a large margin. I’m rapt, of course, and taking the GP title was great too,” said Cole. Another Christchurch rider, Yamaha’s John Ross, finished the day in third spot overall after posting 4-3 results.

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