Lorenzo and Spies Look Forward to Sachsenring

Yamaha Factory Racing riders Ben Spies and Jorge Lorenzo move to Sachsenring this week for the Grand Prix of Germany, the second of three consecutive race weekends. Championship leader Lorenzo will be looking to make up for last weekend’s disastrous Assen TT. He was taken out on the first corner on lap one of the race, destroying his 25 point advantage over Casey Stoner and leaving him with a sprained ankle. Lorenzo has yet to take a victory at the Sachsenring circuit but has finished in second place for the last three consecutive years. 

Fellow Yamaha Factory rider Spies will be hoping this weekend will finally see an end to his run of bad luck. The Texan’s return to form over the last two races has been dogged by tyres issues, preventing at least two potential podium finishes. Spies managed a respectable eighth on his first visit to the Sachsenring circuit in 2010 and fifth last year.

Jorge Lorenzo

“Assen was a disaster for us, we worked very hard to build up the Championship lead which unfortunately was lost on the first corner. Anyway, now we start again at the same points as Casey. I haven’t won a race at Sachsenring but have had good battles there and always finished on the podium. That is our goal this weekend, and if possible to fight for the victory. My ankle is quite sore but luckily there is nothing broken.”

Ben Spies

“We’re really hoping our bad luck is over now and we can realize our full potential this weekend. I’m feeling really confident with the bike and the team has been delivering a great set up for me so we know we can fight at the front. A weekend without any issues would be great so we can just focus on riding the bike!”

Yamaha Factory Racing Press Release

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Source: http://www.zimbio.com/MotoGP/articles/KJmOTu_oLal/Lorenzo+Spies+Look+Forward+Sachsenring

Nobuatsu Aoki Takuma Aoki Hiroshi Aoyama Shuhei Aoyama

A Century of Motorcycling | The 1970s

A Century of Motorcycling | The 1970s

No sooner had Americans gotten their heads on straight following the sordid ’60s, then they were presented with a whole new set of challenges: The first Energy Crisis and subsequent 55-mph national speed limit.

No sooner had Americans gotten their heads on straight following the sordid ’60s, then they were presented with a whole new set of challenges: The first Energy Crisis and subsequent 55-mph national speed limit. Tricky Dick’s Watergate scandal and eventual resignation. Terrorism at the Olympics. And the “reality TV” that was Apollo 13. Yet there were good times, too: Star Wars debuted as a movie, not a missile defense system. And another film, On Any Sunday, helped make motorcycling mainstream.

A Century of Motorcycling | The 1970s | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Source: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/mc_100/122_1207_a_century_of_motorcycling_the_1970s/

Julien Allemand Dick Allen Rudy Allison Pedro Alvarez

Jorge Lorenzo Suffers Sprained Ankle Ligaments, but Ready for Sachsenring

Jorge Lorenzo from his Facebook posted an update about his condition after the Assen crash last Saturday. The Spaniard said that he can race in Sachsenring this weekend.

“I can race in Germany, but doctors said I was about to suffer a broken bone that would have prevented me from racing in the next two races … Thank goodness! Regarding the incident with Alvaro, apologies accepted, I don’t hold grudges. It was a mistake that surely will not be repeated. As you know some things are said in the heat of the moment that we wouldn’t say if we are calm and yesterday I said a little too much. Anyway, I’ll continue to fight to make MotoGP increasingly safer for the riders without losing the show for the fans. Thanks for being there!"

Source: http://www.zimbio.com/MotoGP/articles/QwiuDXGgc7W/Jorge+Lorenzo+Suffers+Sprained+Ankle+Ligaments

Takeishi Araoka Adrian Araujo Gilbert Argo Manuel Arias

Award boosts American star Duplessis

Story from www.wrc.com

Duplessis, from America, received the award for the manner in which he embraced the local community, including pupils at the Elementary School of Athikia, during the pre-event test for the Acropolis Rally.
“I love kids and to see them so excited to have the rally car driving by their school was awesome - they where yelling "rally, rally rally!’” said Duplessis, who responded by giving a ‘drive-by high-five’ to the school children. “One little girl had even drawn a picture of my DirtFish orange Fiesta.”
Duplessis (centre) is one of the most popular members of the WRC Academy fraternity and admits he cannot wait to make his debut on the high-speed Finnish stages.
“I am so excited for Finland now - it is the rally I loved watching growing up,” he said. “The fans are crazy and there are loads of big jumps and flat-out roads - that is rallying at its best.”
Duplessis continued: “We had a top-three stage time in Greece and I would love to have more of that in Finland. I am still getting used to the car and finding my speed, but hopefully Finland will be my coming out party.”
Neste Oil Rally Finland takes place from 2-4 August.





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Source: http://www.motorsportforums.com/wrc-news/153654-award-boosts-american-star-duplessis.html

Fernando Aranda Takeishi Araoka Adrian Araujo Gilbert Argo

Yamaha Factory Racing Complete Aragon Test

The Yamaha Factory Racing team wrapped up a successful one-day test at the Aragon Motorland circuit today. Riders Ben Spies and Jorge Lorenzo spent the sessions re-confirming areas tested in Monday's Catalunya test. The focus was again on a new engine specification, various chassis settings and some electronics. The riders also took time to work on set up for the Aragon track ahead of the race later in the season.

Source: http://www.yamaha-racing.com/Racing/motogp/news/newsdetail.jsp?Component=tcm:78-501779&PageTitle=Yamaha Factory Racing Complete Aragon Test

Jacques Bernard Adrian Bernetic Manfred Bernsee Bruno Bertacchini

Casey Stoner Wins Assen MotoGP

Casey Stoner take a dominant win on Assen circuit today after lead from his teammate Dani Pedrosa. Andrea Dovizioso on third place after did a fantastic take over on last lap against Ben Spies. 

Jorge Lorenzo couldn't continue the race after an early impact crash by Alvaro Bautista. Now Stoner collect 140 points, same points as Lorenzo on the top of the championship.

1 Casey STONER Repsol Honda Team

2 Dani PEDROSA Repsol Honda Team

3 Andrea DOVIZIOSO Monster Yamaha Tech 3

4 Ben SPIES Yamaha Factory Racing

5 Cal CRUTCHLOW Monster Yamaha Tech 3

6 Nicky HAYDEN Ducati Team

7 Hector BARBERA Pramac Racing Team

8 Randy DE PUNIET Power Electronics Aspar

9 Michele PIRRO San Carlo Honda Gresini

10 Mattia PASINI Speed Master

11 Danilo PETRUCCI Came IodaRacing Project

12 Ivan SILVA Avintia Blusens

13 Valentino ROSSI Ducati Team

14 James ELLISON Paul Bird Motorsport

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Source: http://www.zimbio.com/MotoGP/articles/Jy2c_uf569I/Casey+Stoner+Wins+Assen+MotoGP

Douglas Beasley Daryl Beattie Roger Beaumont Leandro Beccheroni

Yamaha Builds $500 Motorcycle for India

Yamaha sells about a half million motorcycles annually in India, but that number will soon rise thanks to an accessible new bike that will cost the equivalent of $500.

The Indian market consumes a staggering number of motorcycles; 10.1 million were sold there in the fiscal year through March, and though roughly one in 25 Indians are on two wheels, that number is still growing. Motorcycles sold in India tend to be smaller (70 percent are between 100cc and 125cc), and they're a potentially lucrative spot for manufacturers; Honda, for instance, developed a low-priced model three years ago tailor made for the market, and even Harley-Davidson has entered India to capitalize on demand.

In a land where motorcycles can compete with rock bottom cars for transportation, a $500 bike makes a lot of sense... but would it work in the U.S.? Methinks our riders are a bit too persnickety (not to mention displacement obsessed) for small-bore starter bikes.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Related:

• Honda Hits India with $900, 164 MPG CB Twister; U.S. Market is Spared
• Kawasaki Will Shift Some Motorcycle Production to Thailand, Honda Might Follow Suit
• Harley's Next Stop: India

Photo © Getty Images

Source: http://motorcycles.about.com/b/2012/06/26/yamaha-builds-500-motorcycle-for-india.htm

Javier Arumi Sadao Asami Giuseppe Ascareggi Franz Aschenbrenner

New Products | Wide Open Custom Fairing

New Products | Wide Open Custom Fairing

Opt for a calmer experience aboard Suzuki’s power mongering M109R with the new Wide Open Custom fairing.

Opt for a calmer experience aboard Suzuki’s powermongering M109R with the new Wide Open Custom fairing. The fairing design gives the M109R a distinct look and more wind protection. Features include four 5. 25 inch Jensen Power Plus (150 watts) Marine speakers and a Jensen MSR3007 stereo. with an AM/FM receiver and CD player. It’s satellite ready and has inputs for iPod, MP3s, and more. All fairings come with custom formed windshields in 3 different sizes: 5 1/2-in. , 8-in. or 10-in. , in smoke or clear. This fairing integrates with Memphis Shade clamp windshield brackets and a Klock Werks windshield is also available.

Photo Gallery: New Products | Wide Open Custom Fairing - Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine

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Source: http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/accessoriesandgear/1206_crup_wide_open_custom_fairing/index.html

John Blanchard Ramiro Blanco Rolf Blatter Norman Blemings

European Grand Prix rated best race of 2012 so far | 2012 European Grand Prix

European Grand Prix rated best race of 2012 so far is an original article from F1 Fanatic. If this article has been published anywhere other than F1 Fanatic it is an infringement of copyright.

The first four races at the Valencia street track gave little cause for optimism about how good this year’s would be. They all ranked inside the bottom 15 races since F1 Fanatic’s ‘Rate the Race’ began in 2008.

But last week’s race, which saw Fernando Alonso clinch victory having started 11th, was rated the best of the year so far and the third-best so far.

Its average score of 8.784 is only behind last year’s Canadian and Chinese Grands Prix.

The race also saw Michael Schumacher make a late surge to claim his first podium since 2006, followed home by Mark Webber who had started 19th.

Here’s what F1 Fanatic readers had to say about the European Grand Prix – amid much surprise at just how good the race had been:

I can’t believe I’m saying this about this circuit, but what a race! One of the best this year in my opinion.

Despite the boring first half with Vettel’s dominance, the racing back behind him kept it exciting.
Travis Humphery

I am not sure if this is real, but this was best race of the season. In a way, it seemed to combine old school races full of retirements with recent overtaking wave.

DRS spiced things up enough, but not too much to have the moves completed easily. Plus this podium is just so six years ago.
Overwatch

S.J.M also reflected on the quality of racing:

That race was everything that we all wanted to see, proper racing, great overtakes, heartaches and ultimate triumph.

It’s taken Spain so long to have such an exciting race as good as that and probably will take a long time to reproduce one. Great stuff and if it’s a prelude to Silverstone, then I can’t wait!
S.J.M

Smifaye put the excitement down to strategy and qualifying:

There was some great racing due to different strategies, and with people like Webber and Schumacher out of place it was great to watch them come through the pack.
Smifaye

And Damon pointed out not everyone has had the same view of the Valencia track in the past:

As a long time fan of the Valencia street circuit, I couldn’t be more happy with the race.

This track is beautiful and offers great overtaking opportunities. Now you all know it!
Damon

Alonso’s post-race celebration was appreciated by many:

Lots of incidents, passing, talking points, a home winner and finally one of the greatest F1 celebrations in recent years.
TommyB

And the scale of Schumacher’s achievement was not lost on Bibah ru:

He stood on the podium in Piquet Snr, Senna and Prost’s generation, he stood on the podium with Hill, Hakkinen and Villeneuve, he stood on the podium in the generation of Alonso, Raikkonen and Massa and now he once more stood on the podium among the new kids like Grosjean, Vettel and Hamilton.
Bibah ru

What did you think of the European Grand Prix? Do you agree it was the best race of the year so far? Have your say in the comments.

Previous rate the race results

2012 Rate the race results

Race	Rating
2012 European Grand Prix	8.784
2012 Chinese Grand Prix	8.648
2012 Malaysian Grand Prix	8.542
2012 Spanish Grand Prix	8.274
2012 Canadian Grand Prix	8.197
2012 Australian Grand Prix	7.662
2012 Bahrain Grand Prix	6.904
2012 Monaco Grand Prix	5.436

Eureopan Grand Prix Rate the race results

Race	Rating
2008 European Grand Prix	3.977
2009 European Grand Prix	5.355
2010 European Grand Prix	5.454
2011 European Grand Prix	3.871
2012 European Grand Prix	8.784

2012 European Grand Prix

• European Grand Prix rated best race of 2012 so far
• Top ten pictures from the European Grand Prix
• Vote for your European GP Driver of the Weekend
• Schumacher is oldest driver on podium since 1970
• 2012 European GP tyre strategies and pit stops

Browse all 2012 European Grand Prix articles

Image © Williams/LAT

European Grand Prix rated best race of 2012 so far is an original article from F1 Fanatic. If this article has been published anywhere other than F1 Fanatic it is an infringement of copyright.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/MRNIcwk5E5g/

Robin Appleyard Junya Arai Toshiyuki Arakaki Fernando Aranda

Button hoping for “emotional” Silverstone win | F1 Fanatic round-up

Button hoping for “emotional” Silverstone win is an original article from F1 Fanatic. If this article has been published anywhere other than F1 Fanatic it is an infringement of copyright.

In the round-up: Jenson Button says winning at Silverstone – where he is yet to finish on the podium – would “mean so much more”.

Links

Top F1 links from the past 24 hours:

Silverstone win would be emotional, says McLaren’s Jenson Button (The Guardian)

“If I win at Silverstone, I will get really emotional. I’m not sure I will be blubbing like a girl but I will be emotional. It will mean so much more. That was what it felt like after winning the world championship [in 2009] after so many years trying to get the right car and the right team. It meant so much.”

Vodafone reviews McLaren F1 sponsorship (FT, registration required)

“One person familiar with the process said that Vodafone’s sponsorship cost ‘tens of millions of pounds’ every year, and that such high costs needed to be evaluated in the more difficult financial climate that has hit mobile phone businesses in many markets in Europe.”

• Forum: Triple 8 to lose Vodafone backing from 2013

Vettel happy if Webber stays at RBR (Autosport)

“I can understand why people are thinking that there is a problem between Mark and myself. Yes, we might not be best friends, but I have no problem with him and he has no problem with me.”

Hamilton back on track and on the attack (The Telegraph)

Lewis Hamilton: “It’s the best trophy I have ever seen. But Ron [Dennis] keeps every trophy, which isn’t good and definitely won’t be happening in the future.”

The Peaks and Troughs of the British Grand Prix (The Austin Grand Prix)

“Bernie [Ecclestone] now seems to have ceased his ‘hate’ campaign against the famous venue. The many improvements that have been introduced, to turn it into an even more suitable and professional racing circuit, may have made it colder and, in some ways, less welcoming than in years gone by but it remains the ‘Home of British Motorsport’ and that can only be good.”

Comment of the day

GeeMac hails the Jordan 191:

Everything about the Jordan 191 just looks right. The drooping nose, the swooping front wing, the beautifully sculpted airbox that almost comes to a point, the triple element rear wing, the impossibly low and slender sidepods, it is just a gorgeous gorgeous thing that looks right from every angle. The fantastic green and blue livery just makes the car come alive.

Over the years I have come to love this car, it really is my all time favourite. If I’m asked what an F1 car should look like, I’ll always respond by pointing to a picture of the Jordan 191. It really is a piece of art.
GeeMac

From the forum

• Miss the sound of F1′s V10s? Have a watch of this

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday to Andy2286!

If you want a birthday shout-out tell us when yours is by emailling me, using Twitter or adding to the list here.

On this day in F1

A pivotal moment in the life of Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s adviser and key figure in the career of Sebastian Vettel, occured 40 years ago today.

Racing for BRM in the 1972 French Grand Prix at Clermont-Ferrand, Marko was struck by a stone on lap nine, which cost him the sight in one eye, and ended his career as a racing driver.

Jackie Stewart won the race by 27 seconds from Emerson Fittipaldi and the Matra of Chris Amon. The latter had led the first half of the race before suffering a puncture.

Image © F1 Fanatic

Button hoping for “emotional” Silverstone win is an original article from F1 Fanatic. If this article has been published anywhere other than F1 Fanatic it is an infringement of copyright.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/dMlCn-wSnxw/

Juan Bordons Andrea Borgonovo Eduard Borisenko Juan Borja

Rate the race at kentucky

Rate the race on a scale of 1 to 10.

Het sparky, it wasn't near as good as pocono. :)

I will rate it about 6.5.

Source: http://www.motorsportforums.com/nascar/153639-rate-race-kentucky.html

Jean François Balde Mike Baldinger Alex Baldolini Mike Baldwin

Kim Fowley's Born to Be Wild LP - 1968

Source: http://nostalgiaonwheels.blogspot.com/2012/05/kim-fowleys-born-to-be-wild-lp-1968.html

Rudy Allison Pedro Alvarez Luis Alvaro Emilio Alzamora

Source: http://churchofchoppers.blogspot.com/2012/07/blog-post_8459.html

Harald Bartol Darren Barton František Bartoš Günter Bartusch

Pirelli to trial new compound in Silverstone practice

During this Friday's free practice sessions for the 2012 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix, the teams will have the opportunity to test a new hard tyre compound that Pirelli are developing for the future. Pirelli trialled a number of experimental compounds in last year's practice sessions, but this will be the first time a new compound has been tried during a 2012 race weekend

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Go to the Formula 1 forum to discuss this story.

Source: http://www.motorsportforums.com/formula-1-news/153653-pirelli-trial-new-compound-silverstone-practice.html

Graham Bailey Steve Baker Peter Balaz Romolo Balbi

2012 Motorcycle of the Year | 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale S

2012 Motorcycle of the Year | 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale S

Breaking the Mold

Ducati is a company that values tradition, and for more than three decades, tradition has dictated the Italian manufacturer’s sportbikes have a desmodromic, 90-degree V-twin, tubular-steel trellis frame and rattling, dry clutch. The formula’s effectiveness is indisputable, as the Borgo Panigale-based firm has won no fewer than 14 World Superbike Championships. With such a successful formula, why would Ducati even think of changing it?

a
Photo Gallery: 2012 Motorcycle of the Year | 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale S - Motorcyclist magazine

2012 Motorcycle of the Year | 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale S | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Source: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_1209_2012_motorcycle_of_the_year_2012_ducati_1199_panigale_s/

Takeishi Araoka Adrian Araujo Gilbert Argo Manuel Arias

AGV Helmet Highlight

AGV GRID HELMET - STIGMA











AGV's proud history speaks for itself. The association they have had with some of the sport's top racers has always kept them searching for new and innovative ideas and kept their development at the top of its game! AGV helmets race category of helmets are made of the latest materials that combine all of the elements you want on the track. A great fit for a comfortable feel, light weight to reduce fatigue, aerodynamic shape to reduce drag and buffeting the most venting available and great styling. All helmets in this category come with Cool Max interiors and a flush-mounted quick release, tool-less shield system. All come with tearoffs and a flat race shield for a track ready helmet right out of the box! Most importantly, all of AGV's race helmets are hand made and are held to the highest quality control standards as well as the worlds toughest safety certifications.

• Cool Max fabrics with hygienic treatment.
• Fully removable and washable inside padding (including neckroll).
• Double D retention system.
• XQRS (Extra Quick Release System): shield replacement without tools in a few seconds.
• Clear, flat, anti-scratch and anti-fog polycarbonate Race X visor with tear-off system.

Here is an AGV Grid Helmet Review: AGV HELMET REVIEW

Our Price: $449.99

Source: http://www.esportbike.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144799&goto=newpost

Gerhard Boll Jacques Bolle Pierre Bolle Maurice Bolwerk

Bridgestone Assen MotoGP Review

Bridgestone slick compounds available: Front: Soft, Medium. Rear: Medium-Soft, Medium (Asymmetric)

Bridgestone wet tyre compounds available: Soft (Main), Hard (Alternative)

Weather: Dry. Ambient 24-24°C; Track 39-40°C (Bridgestone measurement)

Casey Stoner capped off an impressive weekend for the Repsol Honda team to take his third win of the season ahead of teammate Dani Pedrosa at today’s Dutch TT at Assen.

Stoner made the race-winning move on lap seventeen and continued to push hard to take the checkered flag 4.965 seconds ahead of Pedrosa and the reigning champion now sits level with Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jorge Lorenzo in the championship standings as the luckless Spaniard recorded a DNF after an incident on the first lap. Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Andrea Dovizioso notched up his second podium of the year with a hard-fought third place, while Randy de Puniet finished in an impressive eighth place to claim CRT honours and close the gap to his Power Electronics Aspar teammate Aleix Espargaro in the standings to just one point.

Track temperatures hit the 40°C mark for today’s race which was more than 20°C warmer than last year’s Dutch TT. Tyre selection for the race was fairly similar to that for qualifying, with all riders selecting the harder front slick option for its greater cornering stability while rear tyre choice was more varied with thirteen of the twenty riders selecting the softer rear slick.

Hiroshi Yamada - Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Department

“Today’s race was held under sunny skies and the fans that came to the circuit witnessed a fantastic race with many interesting battles throughout the field. Congratulations to Casey and Repsol Honda for a great win in what must have been a tough race. It was unfortunate that Jorge had some bad luck and couldn’t challenge for the win and I am sorry that some riders experienced tyre problems during the race. We are now investigating the issue and will report back to teams with our findings at the next race.

“We now look forward to the next Grand Prix in Germany as a huge crowd is always present at Sachsenring and with a German rider back in MotoGP I expect the atmosphere will be amazing­!”

Shinichi Yamashita – General Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Tyre Development Department

“Today’s Dutch TT saw warm track temperatures and the race was run at a good pace with all riders selecting the harder front slick, while all but seven riders selected the softer slick option for the rear.

“Unfortunately a few riders experienced a problem with their rear tyre today and we sincerely apologise to those riders affected. We have commenced a full investigation into the matter and I will personally take the affected tyres back to Bridgestone’s Technical Centre in Japan tomorrow where they will undergo detailed analysis to determine the cause of this issue.”

Bridgestone Press Release

Source: http://www.zimbio.com/MotoGP/articles/mQ8Of0T8Eak/Bridgestone+Assen+MotoGP+Review

Artie Bell Carlos Bellon Carlo Bellotti Jean Pierre Beltoise

Hector Barbera Score a Brilliant Seventh Place at Assen

The 26-lap race of the 2012 Iveco TT Assen Grand Prix started under a blue sky and with blazing sunshine that made a decided change from yesterday’s tricky weather conditions.

Hèctor Barberà took a deserved top seven finish at the legendary Circuit van Drenthe this afternoon.

The 25-year-old rider from Valencia made the best start of his 2012 MotoGP campaign and he ended the first lap in sixth place, showing phenomenal early confidence to fight with Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden and Cal Crutchlow for most of the race.

For more than two-thirds of the Dutch race, the Spaniard was able to ride his Ducati with strong determination and this great feeling allowed him to maintain an effective race pace, challenging for sixth place.

Unfortunately, on lap twenty-one, during a lively battle unfolding towards a gripping race end and trying to overtake Cal Crutchlow, Hèctor encountered a rear tyre grip issue and he was unable to maintain his consistent pace, finishing in seventh place at the chequered flag.

Hèctor adds 9 points to his championship standing and heads to Germany for the Eni Motorrad Grand Prix next weekend brimming with confidence.

Hèctor Barberà – Pramac Racing Team Rider – 7th place 

“I felt great, I had a lot of energy and the confidence with my Ducati was real. I had a good feeling with the bike from the first laps and I pushed as much as I could to stay with the group composed by Valentino, Nicky and Cal. We had the same race pace and this allowed me to fight with the group. With five laps to go, I tried to overtake Cal, but I lost the rear grip and from that moment I started to have an issue with the back tyre, losing both my race pace and my confidence. I gritted my teeth until the flag to achieve seventh place and I’m happy and satisfied about the battle with the factory Ducati machines.”

Marco Rigamonti – Pramac Racing Track Engineer

“With the Qatar GP, today’s race was one of the best rounds of 2012. Hèctor got a brilliant start, staying in the group of riders who had the same race pace and fought for sixth position. It was a shame about the rear tyre issue. Now we need to check our data, to understand when and why the issue started with the rubber, but we will arrive in Germany with high spirits.”

Pramac Ducati Racing Press Release

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Source: http://www.zimbio.com/MotoGP/articles/C4WTARrZGIL/Hector+Barbera+Score+Brilliant+Seventh+Place

Wilf Billington Hartmut Bischoff Gastone Biscia Norman Black

2013 BMW F800GS Gets Modest Updates

The dirt-going counterpart to the road-bound 2013 BMW F700GS, the 2013 BMW F800GS sees a modest update to its adventure/enduo platform for the next model-year. Unlike the F700GS, the new F800GS doesn’t get a power-boost, and sports the same 798cc four-valve parallel-twin liquid-coooled motor that we have all grown to know and love (and was the basis of the Husqvarna Nuda 900′s 900cc motor). Making 85hp at 7,500 rpm, and 61 lbs•ft of torque at ...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/JXloXhQyG3A/

Albert Bertholet Guy Bertin Franco Bertoni Juan Bertran

Successful weekend for Yamaha R-series racers

Yamaha riders steering YZF-R1 and YZF-R6 machinery were in good shape on different tracks throughout Europe and the U.S. last weekend. In multiple National and European championships Yamaha proved to be very successful with notable results across the board.

Source: http://www.yamaha-racing.com/Racing/r-series/news/newsdetail.jsp?Component=tcm:78-501718&PageTitle=Successful weekend for Yamaha R-series racers

Douglas Beasley Daryl Beattie Roger Beaumont Leandro Beccheroni

Great Father's Day Gift Ideas to Get Dad's Motor Runnin'

Great Father's Day Gift Ideas to Get Dad's Motor Runnin'

The Makers of STA-BIL Share Gift Ideas for Dad

June 12, 2012 (Chicago, Ill.) - A majority of the population is facing the same dilemma, what to get dad for Father's Day. Dads typically love their cars and pretty much anything with a motor in it, and according to the National Retail Federation, last year people spent more than $593 million on automotive related gifts and accessories for Father's Day. So, rather than giving dad another boring tie this year, give him something to get his motor running!

Great Father's Day Gift Ideas to Get Dad's Motor Runnin' | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Source: http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/newsandupdates/1206_crup_great_fathers_day_gift_ideas_to_get_dads_motor_runnin/index.html

Carlo Bandirola Alain Barbaroux Hector Barberá Fabio Barchitta

Double podium success for Salminen & Seistola at EWC GP of Italy

Husqvarna Enduro Team by CH Racing team riders Juha Salminen and Matti Seistola enjoyed a successful weekend at the fifth round of the Enduro World Championship, the GP of Italy held in Castiglion Fiorentino, Tuscany. With expectations high coming into the team's home GP, Salminen narrowly missed out on a double Enduro 2 class victory but managed to secure a deserved victory on day one before placing second on day two following a costly mistake on the event's enduro test. Seistola topped the Enduro 1 standings for much of the opening day's competition before placing a close second, going on to secure a second runner-up result on day two.With extremely hot temperatures and dry and dusty terrain the GP of Italy proved to be a highly demanding race. Faced with four laps each day all riders were pushed to their limits, with all special tests becoming extremely rough. Retirements were also high as the heat took its toll on both riders and their machines, but both Salminen and Seistola enjoyed two trouble free days.For Salminen the opening day went exactly to plan. Starting with solid performance on the Friday night super test, Juha quickly got himself and his TE310R up to speed at the start of day one. Taking the lead of the ultra-competitive E2 class the Finn determinedly battled his way through the day, remaining at the head of the class throughout. Enjoying the dry and dusty special tests he ended the day 17 seconds ahead of Spain's Cristobal Guerrero. In total Juha topped six of the day's special tests in the E2 class.Day two saw more impressive riding from Juha. Fifth on the opening motocross tests wins on the enduro and extreme tests on lap one saw him take the class lead. Remaining out front while also battling again with Guerrero throughout the second lap, at the end of the third lap a mistake on the enduro test saw Juha lose over half a minute. Dropping to the runner-up position Salminen fought back to win the three remaining special tests but placed second.With Alex Salvini competing in round three of the US Endurocross series, Juha's E2 class mate Romain Dumontier placed 13th on day one and 11th on day two despite having a suspected broken foot.Once again showing himself and his TE250R to be capable of topping the Enduro 1 class results Matti Seistola came agonisingly close to winning the E1 class at the GP of Italy. Taking the lead following two strong opening laps, Matti started the fourth and final lap as class leader but wasn't quite able to secure victory. Placing fourth and third on the final two special tests of the day he finished up second in class.Day two again saw Matti place as runner-up, despite winning three of the day's special tests and riding extremely well. Trying a little too hard to secure his first win of the season Matti fell on two occasions, preventing him from challenging for victory. Nevertheless Matti's two runner-up finishes added to Juha's first and second place results ensured a memorable and successful weekend for the Husqvarna Enduro Team by CH Racing at the EWC GP of Italy Matti Seistola – Enduro 1: 'The first day went really well – I was fast and competitive from the first special test until the last. I didn't make any mistakes, and although it was very hot I felt ok all the day. The time controls started to feel longer and longer as the day went on, but I enjoyed it. The special tests were really good, and I enjoyed them a lot. My bike was great as well. It was really good to see that everything we worked on during the last seven weeks worked well. The track got really rough and I was able to keep on pushing all the way to the end, which was great. Day two was as good as day one apart from one mistake that cost me 30 seconds. I was stuck in a bush, facing the wrong direction, but it could have been a lot worse. All in all it was a really good race. There's three races to go so there's a lot of points still available – we have a lot to fight for.' Juha Salminen – Enduro 2: 'Day one was really good. I was leading most of the day, and feeling really good, but on the last two special tests Antoine Meo managed to get ahead of me. I was still pleased with the result because I pushed as hard as I could, I really gave my all. He was just a little faster. It was a great battle all day, and to get second was good. I was really pleased to see that my pace was good enough to fight for the win. I had a good first lap on day two but I started to ride a little too aggressively on the enduro and extreme tests. I just wanted to win so badly. But I crashed twice on the extreme test and lost too much time. The last lap was good again, but I'm a little disappointed because I know I was fast enough to win. Anyway, it's been a great weekend and very positive.' GP of Italy – Day OneEnduro 11. Antoine Meo (KTM) 51:39.79; 2. Matti Seistola (Husqvarna) 51:54.04; 3. Eero Remes (KTM) 51:57.23; 4. Thomas Oldrati (KTM) 52:56.64; 5. Simone Albergoni (Honda) 52:58.61… 12. Lorenzo Santolino (Husqvarna) 55:45.51… Enduro 21. Juha Salminen (Husqvarna) 51:22.23; 2. Cristobal Guerrero (KTM) 51:39.99; 3. Piere-Alexandre Renet (Husaberg) 52:34.49; 4. Ivan Cervantes (Gas Gas) 52:37.74; 5. Antoine Basset (Yamaha) 53:02.19… 13. Romain Dumontier (Husqvarna) 56:47.02… GP of Italy – Day TwoEnduro 11. Eero Remes (KTM) 57:38.79; 2. Matti Seistola (Husqvarna) 58:12.64; 3. Thomas Oldrati (KTM) 58:19.79; 4. Rodrig Thain (Honda) 58:37.25; 5. Fabien Planet (Sherco) 58:46.90… Enduro 21. Cristobal Guerrero (KTM) 57:04.14; 2. Juha Salminen (Husqvarna) 57:26.17; 3. Ivan Cervantes (Gas Gas) 58:17.29; 4. Antoine Basset (Yamaha) 58:34.34; 5. Oscar Balletti (Beta) 58:48.12… 11. Romain Dumontier (Husqvarna) 1:01:07.30… Overall standings after 5 GP: Enduro 1:1 Meo p.160, 2. THain 130, 3.Remes 128, 4.Oldrati 108, 5.Albergoni 104, 6.Seistola (Husqvarna 100).Enduro 2:1. Guerrero p 155, 2.Renet 151, 3.Salminen ( Husqvarna) 137.

Source: http://www.fim-live.com/en/media/news/news-detail/article/1341223122-double-podium-success-for-salminen-seistola-at-ewc-gp-of-italy/

Takeishi Araoka Adrian Araujo Gilbert Argo Manuel Arias

Mother Nature

She will beat you down. 7 A.M. this morning.

Source: http://churchofchoppers.blogspot.com/2012/06/mother-nature.html

Toshiyuki Arakaki Fernando Aranda Takeishi Araoka Adrian Araujo

Kris Klien's Shovel.......Bitchin!

Source: http://churchofchoppers.blogspot.com/2012/06/kris-kliens-shovel.html

Fabio Biliotti Wilf Billington Hartmut Bischoff Gastone Biscia

2012 Motorcyclist of the Year | Marco Simoncelli

2012 Motorcyclist of the Year | Marco Simoncelli

The Brightest Star Burns Quickest

To watch Marco Simoncelli race was to realize how great MotoGP could be. The 800cc era wasn’t kind to fans of spectacular racing action. The modern, electronically optimized machines rewarded android-like precision, and the most successful riders of the era—the so-called “aliens”—had personalities to match their cold, clinical riding styles.

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Photo Gallery: 2012 Motorcyclist of the Year | Marco Simoncelli - Motorcyclist magazine

2012 Motorcyclist of the Year | Marco Simoncelli | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Source: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_1209_2012_motorcyclist_of_the_year_marco_simoncelli/

Franco Battaini Gerhard Bauer Manfred Baumann Alvaro Bautista

Thursday Summary at Assen: It’s Not As Close As It Looks

The times were close after the first day of practice, closer than they have been for a very long time. Just 0.471 seconds separates the top 11 MotoGP prototypes (Karel Abraham is barely fit enough to ride, after breaking fingers in his left hand, and is way off the pace), with Ben Spies leading Cal Crutchlow by just 0.006, just a tenth separating Nicky Hayden in 3rd from Dani Pedrosa in 6th, and less than ...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/wJIyp9lTUnE/

Karl Auer August Auinger Jean Aureal Josef Autengruber

Video: 11 Months, 3000 Pictures, & A Lot of Coffee

This may not be strictly motorcycle-related, though we are pretty sure most motorcyclists can relate to the time and effort it takes to take apart a four-cylinder motor and put it back together again. As if refurbishing a motor bought off eBay, and swapping it out for a junked one that is still in the car wasn’t hard enough, our protagonist decided to document the whole process with thousands of photos. Originally only intending to ...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/OjJw_rbAmAY/

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