CODY COOPER CONFIRMED FOR NZ SUPER-X

Cody Cooper confirmed for both New Zealand Super X rounds

Thursday November 4, 2010; One of New Zealand’s greatest ever motocross exports, Cody Cooper, has confirmed he will be at the start gates in the Auckland and Dunedin Super X events, on Saturday November 13 at North Harbour Stadium and Saturday November 20 at Carisbrook Stadium.

The multiple NZ and Australian champion, who finished fifth overall in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship in 2008, will put his exceptional motocross skills into action for the Australasian Supercross Championship events, to ride alongside his good friend Ben Townley and represent his country on home soil.

Cody Cooper

The 27 year old from Mount Maunganui will be riding for the Rockstar Motul Suzuki team, who he competes for in the Australian Motocross Championship.

“I can’t wait to race in Super X this year after I missed out last year due to injury. I have been practicing a lot and feel great on my bike,” said Cooper.

“Super X is an awesome series and it’s great the promoters have decided to host two rounds here this year. I have raced a lot of the Aussie guys in the motocross championship over there so it will be good to finally have the home advantage.”

All of the best riders competing in the series in Australia will make their way to New Zealand for both rounds including US competitor and current championship leader, Monster Energy / Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Josh Hansen, Jagermeister KTM’s Mike Alessi (USA) and his brother Jeff Alessi (USA), who will make his Super X debut in Auckland and go on to contest all of the remanding rounds for the CDR Rockstar Yamaha team.

The lineup of Australian riders includes CDR Rockstar Yamaha’s Jay Marmont, Rockstar Motul Suzuki twins Matt and Jake Moss as well as young gun JDR Motorex KTM’s Tye Simmonds.

The Monster Energy Super X was incepted in 2008 through a partnership between Chad Reed and Global Action Sports and has revolutionised the sport of supercross by introducing a range of exciting new race formats, live television coverage and the construction of innovative full sized US designed supercross tracks for the first time in Australia and New Zealand.

The New Zealand tracks will be custom designed and built by internationally renowned American track designer, Jason Baker, and will incorporate many unique challenges for riders.

Tickets are on sale now through www.ticketdirect.co.nz. For more information on the Monster Energy Super X and series announcements please visit www.superx.com.au

Monster Energy Super X series schedule:
Date Location Venue
October 16 Newcastle Energy Australia Stadium
October 23 Canberra Canberra Stadium
October 30 Launceston Aurora Stadium
November 13 Auckland North Harbour Stadium
November 20 Dunedin Carisbrook Stadium
November 27 Sydney Parramatta Stadium
December 4 Brisbane QSAC

About Monster Energy
Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it MX, rally, insane distance jumping, SX, MotoGP, road racing, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, rock crawling, wake, mini bikes, surf, snow, BMX – name it – the athletes are rockin’ Monster Energy more than anything these days. Visit us on the ‘Net’ at www.monsterenergy.com

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MOTO2 TEAMS FOR 2011

IN A FORMAL statement, the Federation Internationale de Motoclisme (FIM) has released the names of the teams who will be contesting the World Moto2 Championship in 2011.

The FIM statement reads as follows:
"The Selection Committee comprising delegates of the FIM, Dorna and IRTA met on 31 October in Estoril (Portugal) to select the final teams which will be invited to participate in 2011

"Accepted teams now have until 5 November to confirm their riders and until 12 November to lodge a security deposit with IRTA. Should any of the accepted teams propose riders not acceptable to the Committee, or if the security deposit is not paid, then consideration will be given to other teams."

ACCEPTED TEAMS
Forward Racing
G22 Racing Team
Gresini Racing
Holiday Gym Racing *
Interwetten Moriwaki Moto2 *
Iodaracing Project
Italtrans Racing Team
Jack & Jones by A. Banderas
JIR Moto2
Mapfre Aspar Team
Marc VDS Racing
Monlau Competicion *
MZ Motor
QMMF Racing Team
Racing Team By Quereseno
Stop and Go Racing Team
Tech 3 Racing
Technomag CIP
Tenerife 40 Pons
Tuenti Speed Up
Viessman Kiefer Racing
WTR/Speed Master Team *

* One entry only. All other teams two entries.

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NEW YAMAHA TEAM MANAGER

THE Sterilgarda Yamaha World Superbike team has a new manager, 38-year-old Andrea Dosoli.

Dosoli brings a wealth of road racing experience to his new role with the team, having been chief mechanic, responsible for data acquisition, MotoGP team manager and Moto2 team manager/co-owner for the duration of the 2010 season.

He will take on the responsibility of team management with the Yamaha World Superbike Team from November 10, 2010.

Dosoli replaces lomg-serving team manager Massimo Meregalli who has been appointed manager of Yamaha's MotoGP team for 2011 following the departure of Davide Brivio to Ducati, along with Velentino Rossi and his crew.

In a formal statement, Yamaha Motor Europe said it: "wishes to express thanks and appreciation for Massimo’s loyalty, dedication and hard work with the World Superbike Team and wish him all the best in his new role with the factory MotoGP team next season.

"After several years as team manager for the Yamaha Motor Italia Supersport Team and then manager for the World Superbike Team from 2005 to 2010, Massimo Meregalli will now move across to join the Yamaha Factory MotoGP Team in 2011 in a management role.

"Massimo Meregalli’s career with the World Superbike Team reached a high in 2009, securing the World Championship title with American rider Ben Spies. Over the five year tenure under Massimo’s management the WSB team achieved an impressive 24 Superpoles, 104 podiums and 33 race wins with riders including Spies, Noriyuki Haga, Troy Corser, Cal Crutchlow, Andrew Pitt and James Toseland.

"The team also secured the World Superbike Constructors’ Championship in 2008 for Yamaha."

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LAVERTY KEEN TO GO

STERLIGARDA Yamaha World Superbike Team's new rider Eugene Laverty visited the team’s workshops at Germo di Lesmo in Italy after his first test on the bike following the final round of the 2010 championship at Magny Cours.

Laverty had the opportunity to see first hand the mechanics in the workshops making the adjustments of the bike from the data gained at his first test and get a first impression of the 2011 YZF-R1 racebike he will ride to challenge for the title next year.

There was also a chance to meet some of the team members not usually present at the race weekends and get a deeper insight into the team’s base.

The team’s workshops are just a stone’s throw from the Monza circuit and sit next to the Yamaha factory MotoGP team’s workshop. Frankie Carchedi, Laverty’s crew chief for the 2011 season, was also present, both enjoying the chance to discuss changes to the bike’s settings in advance of their one day test in Valencia next week and following test at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia at the end of the month.

Laverty joins the team for the next year having completed two successful years in World Supersport, taking second in the championship, fighting for the crown right to the last race in both seasons.

“It was nice to spend the day at the workshop and meet the guys who don’t always come to the race track,” said Laverty. “We also studied some data with Frankie from the first test in Magny Cours and looked at where we can improve. It gave some good information for me to understand what I need to do differently and work on at the next test. It has all been really positive and a great opportunity to do it away from the race track with no pressure.

"The workshops were really impressive and I got to see everything, you can it’s very well organised. I’m really looking to getting on the 2011 racebike for the first time next week at Valencia and then Phillip Island at the end of the month to get cracking again!”

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HAUSER: ANOTHER BMW CASUALTY

FOLLOWING the news that BMW Motorrad Superbike Team Manager Davide Tardozzi had left the team (see: http://krnewsroom.blogspot.com/2010/10/bmw-split-tardozzi-gone.html ) we now have word that he was not the only casualty in what appears to be an internal battle of wills.

Tardozzi was released from his three year contract over "differences of opinion about the way the team should be organized," with rumours that he and BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Berthold Hauser (right) were clashing over the way the team should be run.

Tardozzi was one of the most widely respected team managers in World Superbikes, and credited with much Ducati's Superbike World Championship success, where he was team manager for many years before joining BMW.

It has now emerged that Tardozzi was not the only victim of that encounter, with the BMW team issuing a press release announcing that Hauser is also to be replaced, with immediate effect.

The press release is as follows:

BMW Motorrad Motorsport is heading into the future with a new management structure. Bernhard Gobmeier will replace Berthold Hauser as BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director with immediate effect. The move comes two weeks after BMW Motorrad and Team Manager Davide Tardozzi agreed to part company by mutual consent. Gobmeier will be responsible for all BMW Motorrad Motorsport activities, including the company's factory involvement in the Superbike World Championship.

"I'm pleased to announce this fundamental realignment," says Hendrik von Kuenheim, General Director of BMW Motorrad.

"The new structure puts BMW Motorrad Motorsport in extremely good shape to meet the challenges of the future. Bernhard Gobmeier has filled a variety of roles within the BMW Group over the years and brings his experience in motor sport to the job. I'm in no doubt that he will continue to take BMW Motorrad Motorsport forwards with his analytical and structured approach. He will bring himself up to speed with the current situation as quickly as possible and put the necessary measures in place."

And von Kuenheim continues: "I would like to thank Berthold Hauser for all his good work over recent years. He can look back on some impressive successes in his career as BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director. Under his leadership Richard Sainct won the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1999 and 2000 as BMW Motorrad made its return to the event. And Berthold Hauser was also responsible for the team's successful start to life in the Superbike World Championship and its first podium finishes. He will continue to perform a managerial role for BMW Motorrad."

New BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Gobmeier, adds: "I'm looking forward to taking on this new challenge in a top-class race series with a professional racing team and two strong riders. Our aim is clear: to build consistently on the positive foundations which Berthold Hauser and his team have put in place over recent years, so that we can be in a position to win races on merit as soon as possible."

Gobmeier, a qualified engineer, has worked for BMW AG for more than 16 years, during which time he has performed a variety of roles. In 1994 and 1995 he was responsible for overhauling the company's sales activities for BMW M vehicles in North America and restructuring its racing activities in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) with the BMW M3 GT. The native Bavarian then filled various management positions within BMW M GmbH between 1996 and 2008, before taking over as head of chassis development at BMW Motorrad in 2008.

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TRIUMPH LAUNCHES 3 NEW MODELS AT EICMA

Triumph launches Tiger 800, Tiger 800XC and Daytona 675R at EICMA

Triumph has completed its 2011 model line-up with the introduction of the eagerly awaited Tiger 800 and Tiger 800XC adventure touring models, as well as a premium version of its award-winning Daytona 675, the Daytona 675R, at the EICMA show in Milan today.

Following on from the introduction of the new Speed Triple, Thunderbird Storm, America and Speedmaster at last month's Intermot show, Triumph's 2011 model range represents the strongest in the company's 109 year history.

The all-new Tiger 800s represent Triumph's first entry into the mid capacity adventure touring sector. Powered by a 95PS long-stroke 799cc three-cylinder engine, the two models also share the same tough steel frame, but each has their own distinct flavour.

Designed for the city and open road, the Tiger 800 offers outstanding accessibility and manoeuvrability. Running on cast alloy wheels, the adjustable seat can be set as low as 810mm to make the Tiger 800 an adventure bike for the masses. Meanwhile, the taller Tiger 800XC delivers true off-road capability thanks to its highly-specified long-travel suspension and 21" spoked front wheel. With its higher riding position, the Tiger 800XC provides a commanding view of the road ahead and absorbs even the worst road conditions.

Confirming the new Tigers' 'round the world' capability, both models come with a wide range of official accessories designed to help owners get the most out of their machines. Top quality soft and hard luggage options, designed especially for the Tiger 800s, make the new Triumphs exceptionally capable touring machines, while low and comfort seat options make the bikes even more accessible. A range of off-road protection parts have been developed for riders who plan to go off the beaten track, while the class-leading 550w generator ensures that the Tiger 800s will have no problem running the auxiliary lights and heated handlebar grips that are available as official accessories.

The 2011 Daytona 675R offers a real experience for the sportsbike connoisseur. Taking the multi award-winning Daytona 675 as its base, the Daytona 675R has been developed in conjunction with Swedish suspension masters Öhlins to deliver the ultimate supersport class machine, dripping with high quality suspension identical to that used in some of the world's toughest race championships.

The Daytona 675R features Öhlins' revolutionary race-developed 43mm NIX30 forks, and its MotoGP-developed TTX36 rear suspension unit, while radially-mounted monoblock calipers and radial master cylinder from Italian specialist Brembo were specified to ensure the Daytona 675R also has class-leading stopping power.

Further track-spec items included as standard on the Daytona 675R include a standard-fit quickshifter and a host of carbon fibre bodywork, including hugger, silencer heat shield and front mudguard. The Daytona 675R also utilizes the Daytona 675's comprehensive instrumentation, which includes a lap timer and programmable gear change lights.

Full details of the 2011 Triumph range can be found at www.triumphmotorcycles.com

Source: Bikedeadline - Pics to follow.

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SUPERBIKES ARE GO!

Max Biaggi will defend in '11

By MICHAEL ESDAILE

WITH seven motorcycle manufacturers represented, the Superbike World Championship can lay claim to being the best supported road-racing class on the planet. And while the season-opening race for 2011 may seem a long time away, in truth it is only just around the corner.

Set down for Australia’s scenic Phillip Island circuit in Victoria, the opening round of the 2011 HANNspree Superbike World Championship will be held from February 25 to 27 but the countdown has already begun with pre-season testing in full swing.

New to the 2011 Superbike World Championship calendar is a race at the Motorland Aragon circuit in Spain and the top teams tested there from October 27 to 29.

The BMW Motorrad, Alitalia Aprilia, Kawasaki Racing Team and Alstare Suzuki teams were confronted with a challenging 5.077 km layout that has plenty of elevation changes and several blind corners.

A number of riders used the three days of testing to to familiarise themselves with new teams. Included in this group were Leon Haslam, joining BMW as Aussie Troy Corser’s new team-mate, and Italian Michel Fabrizio who will be the sole rider for the Alstare Suzuki team which this year fielded Haslam and Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli.

Michel Fabrizio to Suzuki

Fabrizio got the Suzuki ride after he was left up in the air following the decision by Ducati not to field a factory-operated team in 2011. Thus the Italian rejoins the team that helped take him to the 2003 European Superstock Championship.
Continuing racing Ducatis is the Italian Althea team, spear-headed by Spaniard Carlos Checa who was a revelation in 2010, his victory at the Phillip Island opener and subsequent consistency seeing him emerge as Ducati's top challenger. Checa celebrated his new two year contract with wins in both races at Imola, the penultimate race of the 2010 season and the Althea team has been promised much more support from Ducati in 2011.

So while Ducati will not be involved as a factory entrant, it has confirmed it will provide substantial backing to its customer teams, most notably Althea, who beat the official Xerox team on the way to third in the 2010 standings. With Checa staying on board for another two seasons, Althea Racing will essentially become the semi-official Ducati representative.

Checa back for two more, too

Ducati’s Superbike technical director Ernesto Marinelli was on hand at the Aragon tests to help the Althea team and was pleased to see Checa set fastest time on the first day before he headed off to Portugal to race the Pramac Ducati V4 in the Estoril round of the MotoGP World Championship, missing the next two days of testing at Aragon.

The Althea Racing Ducati man was outstanding and was the only rider to dip under the 1m 59s second mark on the first day. It's early days yet, but Checa has clearly let his rivals know that he is one of the candidates for the win next year, and that the 1198R Ducati can still be a contender for victory in 2011.

Indeed, it took two more days before anyone bettered the 1m 58.3s lap Checa set that first day. The rider who did it was newly crowned Superbike World Champion Max Biaggi on the factory Alitalia Aprilia RSV4. Biaggi was quickest on the second day at Aragon, but even then his best lap was three tenths of a second slower than Checa’s first day effort. However on the third and final day, Biaggi got down to a best of 1m 58.0s to be fastest over the three days. Checa’s first day lap time saw him finish up with second fastest lap for the three days, ahead of the 1m 58.6s best lap recorded by Tom Sykes on the brand new Kawasaki ZX10-R.


Haslam was fourth-fastest on the S1000RR BMW at 1m 59.0s then it was Fabrizio on the Suzuki, a recovering Leon Camier on the second factory Aprilia, Troy Corser on the second factory BMW and Japanese veteran Noriyuki Haga trying out the Pata Racing Aprilia RSV4 all sharing the same lap time, 1m 59.2s.

Leon Haslam (seated) and Troy Corser are chasing BMW glory in 2011.

Rounding out the factory riders testing at Aragon was Katsuaki Fuijwara (Kawasaki Racing Team) who carried out sterling testing work for the team, under the watchful eyes of Chris Vermeulen, in the pit garage but still on crutches.

There is enormous intrigue heading into the 2011 SWC campaign after a major end of season rider shake-up, which sees only two of the six factory teams running the same line-up as they campaigned with in 2010.

For the other four teams it’s been a mixed bag, including drafting in a MotoGP refugee, recycling former riders, and opening up opportunities for the rich vein of talent that’s been lurking in the Supersport class.

Kawasaki will again pin its hopes on Aussie Chris Vermeulen and Brit Tom Sykes with Spaniard Joan Lascorz moving up from a Supersport class ZX-6R to the new ZX-10R to make it a three-pronged Superbike attack from the Paul Bird run Kawasaki team.

Vermeulen is set to make his return to riding in early January after two months’ intense rehabilitation following knee surgery for the injury that shortened his 2010 campaign. While the Australian had to sit out the Aragon test, Tom Sykes got plenty of track time on the brand new Kawasaki, continuing on from the tests he ran for the team at Magny-Cours immediately after the last Superbike race of the 2010 season.

At Sterilgarda Yamaha, the addition of Marco Melandri from MotoGP and Eugene Laverty from Supersport has added even more spice and depth to the World Superbike Championship grid.

Melandri is the latest rider to seek a fresh start after a less than fruitful few years in MotoGP by joining the Superbike ranks while Laverty is making the jump from World Supersport as one of the most highly credentialed rookies. Twelve months ago, Cal Crutchlow was in the same position, and he’s now scored a MotoGP ride with Yamaha.

And just to strengthen Laverty’s claims, he was the fastest in a two-day test immediately following the final round of this year’s championship at Magny-Cours, impressing the team with his calm and measured approach.

Meanwhile, there is some strong intelligence which suggests that Melandri’s erstwhile contemporary in MotoGP, Alex de Angelis, could also be cajoled into signing as the second rider at Ten Kate Honda alongside Jonathan Rea.

Yamaha’s new look has come at the expense of double world champion James Toseland, who was sent packing but has now found sanctuary at the BMW Motorrad Italia team, which has already hired a number of key personnel from the now defunct Xerox Ducati outfit.

The BMW Motorrad Italia team will receive technical support from the BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory team, which is providing engines and electronics for the BMW S1000 RR. The team will be led by Andrea Buzzoni, Director of BMW Motorrad Italia and Manager of the Superbike project; Serafino Foti, who will serve as Sporting Director and Gerardo Acocella as Technical Director.

In 2010, BMW Motorrad Italia made its début in international competition and won both the riders' and constructors' titles in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup, with Ayrton Badovini as lead rider for the team. The Italian squad will also continue in that series with Lorenzo Zanetti.

"It was an inconsistent year in 2010, says Toseland of his season with the Yamaha team, “so in the current climate I am thankful to BMW for seeing some potential there to put me in such a good team. I am going to go into next season injury free and with everything fully mended, and with a winter plan of training and physio completed. I intend to give it my best shot,” says the 2004 and 2007 Superbike World Champion.

And the ex-Ducati factory pilots, Noriyuki Haga and Michel Fabrizio, will also remain in the SWC fold, with Fabrizio returning to his old friends at Alstare Suzuki while Haga has linked up with privateer Aprilia operation, Pata Racing.

Meantime former Alstare Suzuki rider Sylvain Guintoli joins the Liberty Cz Group alongside Czech rider Jakub Smrz on a Ducati 1198R. The team is based in Prague in the Czech Republic and will be called Liberty Ducati.

But based on his 2010 form, and the fact that the factory Aprilia V4 is already a proven race-winning package, Biaggi must start as the favourite to win his second successive title in 2011, but we will know a lot more once the official pre-season tests have been held at Portugal’s Portimao track on the Algarve coast and Australia’s Phillip Island coastal circuit.

Following the Aragon tests, a number of other private tests will be held from November to January at circuits in Europe and Malaysia before the two official pre-season tests at Portimao (January 26-28, 2011) and Phillip Island (February 21-22, 2011).

This will be the second year running that all the top Superbike and Supersport teams will make their way to Phillip Island for the second and final official test, before round one is held at the high speed Australian layout from February 25-27.

Some of the top teams in SWC racing have now made their other pre-season testing plans more concrete. Yamaha Sterilgarda is waiting until November 11 to give new boy Marco Melandri a run out at Valencia, after his MotoGP commitments have been discharged, and between November 30 and December 1-2, Aprilia and Yamaha will run at Phillip Island to try and guarantee good weather and consistent testing conditions in the European winter.

For the same reasons, the next planned track appointment for the Kawasaki Racing Team will be at Sepang, in Malaysia. The extensive tests will take place over four days, and be split into two blocks – January 10 and 11 then January 13-14.

BMW has two more European outings scheduled, at Jerez between November 24-26 and Portimao from November 29 to 30.

STOP PRESS:

KiwiRider's Todd Sutherland is putting together a tour to the Phillip Island series opener in February, with prices starting at $875! He only has a dozen places, so the race will go to the swift.

For details, contact Todd Sutherland on 09 416 5307,

021 709 989

or e-mail: todd@kiwirider.co.nz

Tell him you read about it on the KiwiRider website.

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SPECTACULAR NEW DUCATIS UNVEILED

Source: Ducati Australia

Carcano Theatre, Milan, Italy - 1 November 2010

Spectacular Ducati Diavel finally unveiled and brand new Monster 1100EVO revealed

Ducati open their EICMA 2010 week in pure Italian style with the first public unveiling of the Ducati Diavel literally taking centre stage of the Carcano Theatre alongside the brand new Monster 1100EVO. The Press Conference event held in the heart of Milan launches the Italian manufacturer’s proud exhibition of new models at EICMA’s 68th Milan International Motorcycle Show held at the Fiera Rho from 4-7 November.


Before the unveiling and detailing of Ducati’s new models, Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding took the opportunity to announce positive commercial results with further confirmation of the Italian manufacturer’s stable footing during a difficult period for the industry:

“2010 has been a year of great opportunity for Ducati and despite the difficult market environment, we have seen our market share double in the last three years, from 4.3% to 8.6%. By the end of 2010 we expect a sales growth of 6%
compared to last year, a growth that is testimony to Ducati’s capacity to react, even during a contraction in the market. Essentially, we owe this to the creation of specific strategies within our 2007-2010 industrial plan. We continue to base the pillars of our strategy on loyalty to our mission: To be specialists and segment leaders in the sport bike sector, while working with determination on the development of highly innovative new products. This mission enables us to expand into new market segments like the Diavel, which we unveil here at EICMA.”

Mr. Del Torchio went on to explain: “Engineering quality and excitement quality are key elements of our development process. The engineering quality of our product has grown significantly over the last three years and now positions us at the apex of European industry. The excellent excitement quality, increasingly important in this competitive environment, is demonstrated by the unmistakable Italian style of our bikes and by their performance which delivers enhanced enjoyment and safety for our customers, whether on the road or the track.”


General Manager of Ducati Motor Holding, Claudio Domenicali, had the pleasure of introducing the big news of Ducati’s model year 2011 range:

“We are here at EICMA this week with a series of important innovations that are totally in line with our strategic industrial plan and the Diavel is, without doubt, the most exciting innovation in our 2011 line-up because it represents a new concept of motorcycle. It is a naked because it is essential, light and agile; a cruiser because it is imposing and also comfortable with a passenger; and a sports bike because it has a powerful heart, muscles, and levels of performance that take your breath away.”

“Until now,” Mr. Domenicali continued, “no segment has ever captured these characteristics in just one bike. We are extremely satisfied with the Diavel, it represents the very concept of ‘sport’ and celebrates all that Ducati has achieved in recent years. If the Multistrada 1200 represents the perfect synthesis between functionality and performance, the Diavel creates a new interpretation of performance, this time combined with technology and design. The new Monster 1100EVO and 848EVO, in addition to many other technical and style updates in the range, completes the 2011 range of which we are particularly proud.”


The centre of attention at Ducati’s Press Conference is undoubtedly the Ducati Diavel, hailed as the new shape of power and style. The innovative new Diavel combines decades of twin-cylinder heritage and Italian style with a bold, world-beating technical confidence strong enough to extend the boundaries of motorcycle design. Custom shop beauty, state-of-the-art technology, innovative design and extraordinary riding pleasure have been masterfully blended into the Diavel, a motorcycle destined to shape the future.

Built to have a commanding presence, though lightweight and agile like all Ducatis, the Diavel is designed to take the man-motorcycle relationship to the next level in absolute comfort. For connoisseurs of technology, ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Riding Modes deliver a confidence-inspiring sophistication while stunning looks, 162hp and 207kg (456lb) of authentic Ducati performance drives a comfortable new sport lifestyle. Merging the worlds of power and style has been achieved with convincing precision. A specially engineered 240 section rear tyre combined with famous Ducati chassis technology serves up mind-blowing handling and lean angles, whether carving through curves or just riding out for a night on the town.


The latest ground-breaking Ducati is available in two versions: The brand new Diavel and the flagship Diavel Carbon with a character-forming mix of aesthetic and performance components from carbon fibre bodywork to forged and specially machined Marchesini wheels.

The long list of updates to the Monster family is now highlighted by the arrival of the Monster 1100EVO, which further enhances the Monster family’s defining concepts of functionality, style and sport with a full evolution of the flagship model. Taking its name from the Desmodue Evoluzione engine, which now delivers a milestone 100hp, the 1100EVO rolls out with a fully redesigned exhaust system, comfort-enhancing new seat and 20mm bar-riser, Marzocchi front suspension, refined tail-end, bold Corse-style graphics and the new Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) consisting of ABS and new 4-level Ducati Traction Control (DTC).

The new 1100EVO jewel of the Monster family will stand alongside the 2011 Monster range of 696 and 796, enhanced with revised ergonomics, Marzocchi front suspension and new sub-frame ready for the Ducati Performance grab-rail accessory, in addition to the 696’s new dark stealth and stone white colour schemes.

The award-winning and highly successful Ducati Multistrada 1200 moves into 2011 having proved its innovative concept and established itself as a new industry benchmark. Its ground-breaking design and unprecedented technology grabbed headlines all over the world since its arrival in March 2010 and the Multistrada’s 2011 entry without modification confirms the model’s high quality engineering.


Described as “sport bike perfection”, the 2011 Superbike model line-up presents the exciting new 848EVO with 140hp, Brembo Monobloc callipers, steering damper and stunning new arctic white silk colour scheme with red frame and red wheels and dark stealth finish with black frame and black wheels. The 1198 now comes equipped with Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Quick Shifter (DQS) and Ducati Data Analyser (DDA) as standard equipment while the brand new, track-ready 1198 SP rolls out with DTC, DQS, DDA, Ohlins TTX rear suspension, slipper clutch and lightweight aluminium fuel tank.

The application of DTC to the standard model 1198 underlines Ducati’s intention to broaden the use of tried and tested race-derived electronics to its high-powered range, while the introduction of DQS to the 1198 and 1198 SP marks the first time in history that “quick-shift” electronics have been fitted to a production Ducati.

For 2011, Ducati’s aggressive naked with “the soul of a Superbike and the attitude of a fighter” arrives full of aesthetic updates. The Streetfighter gets a new arctic white colour scheme, while the Streetfighter S gets a matching red Trellis frame for the red version and a racing black frame for the new diamond black. Both Streetfighter models get radiator covers in a new subtle black finish and both colour schemes of the ‘S’ now have black wheels.



In addition to the 2011 range of motorcycles, Ducati also presents the new and dynamic collection of accessories and apparel designed for performance, style and safety.

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HONDA RIDERS CLUB @ HAMPTON DOWNS

By: Ollie S

Over the weekend the Honda Riders Club NZ held their Honda Rider Development Day at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park with Aaron Slight, Hayden Fitzgerald and Avalon Biddle.

A cold start in the morning developed into a warm and breezy afternoon and gave many Honda riders the opportunity to not only demo the new Honda Predator and Honda Hornet but also mingle and learn from World Superbike legend Aaron Slight.

HRC organisers Rob and Robyn Edwards had little to worry about as the event ran smoothly and without any more than a couple of minor low from riders over zealous with corner exit throttle. Full report coming up in the Jan issue of KR, for now check out some images taken throughout the day.



Images also available for viewing and commenting on our Facebook page www.facebook.co.nz/KiwiRiderMagazine

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MX1 RIDER BOBRYSHEV TURNS TO TARMAC

Date: 29/10/2010

Honda Racing MX1 rider Evgeny Bobryshev recently donned his leathers to try out a bit of road racing aboard Honda’s flagship sports models, the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR at Ron Haslam’s Race School, Silverstone.

The day comprised a morning’s group instruction on board the track-spec CBR600RR before stepping up to the CBR1000RR for one to one instruction with lap time and on-board telemetry analysis. When asked how he felt about stepping up to the 1000cc machine after a morning on the 600, Bobby replied “the 600 is more than enough, I am not sure that I need more power but hey, I will give it a go anyway”.


On the CBR1000RR at the Silverstone International Circuit, if you can post below 1:20min lap times you are considered in the top tier of quick riders (bearing in mind that Ron himself can do a 1:12.5). Bobby was consistently banging in 1:19s throughout the afternoon session to prove that...if you can ride a bike quick, then you can ride a bike quick...whatever the surface!


Russian born Evgeny Bobryshev is not entirely new to road racing. He was Russian 125cc Champion in 2004 before making the switch to off-road. “I was once smoked by Mika Kallio in a race and that made me think that I should focus more on riding on dirt” he explained. As it turns out, Mika Kallio was actually in a different class in that race and was on superior machinery. Nonetheless the decision had been made and who can say that it was a bad one.


Bobryshev has had an amazing debut season in the MX1 World Championship. He has been challenging for podium positions on regular occasions and has established himself as one of the potential front runners of the series. He has also recently won the the ProSX1 race at the Belfast Supercross to cap off the 2010 season. In 2011 he will be looking to add consistency to his flashes of pure speed. Maybe he can apply some of the techniques learned on tarmac to his off-road riding. If not, he does have a job offer on the table as an Instructor at the Ron Haslam Race School.

“It was an awesome day! The high speeds and cornering took a bit of getting used to but once I got into the flow, I was loving it! I haven’t ridden a road racing machine for over six years so it was all a bit strange at first, to have all of that power was a little scary but huge fun! You know, I might even think about doing a bit of road racing next year” Evgeny Bobryshev.


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COLEMANS PREMIERE FOR NEW GSX-R

The Grand Unveiling

NEW ZEALAND's leading Suzuki dealer, Colemans Suzuki, pulled the wraps off the new for 2011 GSX-R600L1 at the new model's premiere at the Auckland dealership last night (October 28).

Darren Sweetman & The ED

On hand for the unveiling were Suzuki New Zealand's Motorcyle Sales Manager Simon Meade, multi New Zealand Champion Andrew Stroud and former New Zealand 600 Supersport Champion Craig Shirriffs, as well as a large group of loyal Colemans Suzuki customers eager to get a look at the new bike.

Also in attendance was former World 500 Motocross Champion Shayne King, representing the Italian garment and boot maker Alpine Stars.

The big news is that Suzuki has given the GSX-R600 a major work-over, leaving no stone unturned to reduce weight and increase power. The new model weighs a claimed 186 kg fully fuelled and ready to go, which, Suzuki says, makes it the lightest 600 on the market.

While the engine's crankcase and cylinder head castings remain pretty much unchanged - at least externslly - the internals have come in for a thorough revision. Included in this are revised ventilation passages between the bases of the cylinders to reduce pumping losses even further, while lessons learned in Suzuki's MotoGP programme have led to a staggering 14 per cent decreasse in piston weight and a 12 per cent reduction in connecting rod weight.

Stroud & Shirriffs Banter

The titanium valves are opened by camshafts with revised profiles to boost mid-range torque without losing any top-end power, the fuel-injection nozzles have been re-angled in the throttle bodies and there is a completely new exhaust system.

The adjustable Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) has been changed from a three to a two mode system (Suzuki says owners were bot using the C-mode that was available) while on the suspension front Showa provides a set of 41 mm Big Piston Forks up front and a revised rear shock absorber.

With the revised power curve, Suzuki has altered the ratios in the six-speed gearbox. First gear is 'taller' while second, third, fourth and sixth gear ratios have been lowered.

Other news is the adoption of Brembo radial-moint four piston calipers up front, which bite into new 310mm diameter fully floating disc rotors but at the rear there's a Nissin single piston caliper operating on a 220 mm disc.

In Showrooms late February

The other big news is the new frame which has seen the engine repositioned to optimise geometry - reducing the crucial steering axis to swing-arm pivot dimension and at the same time reducing the wheelbase by 15mm while retaining the same length swing-arm, which is an all new unit.

The new GSX-R600L1 is expected to be available in New Zealand in late February.

A heap of pics from the night are on our facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=37576&id=124392830913247

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CHAMPION TONI BOU STAYS WITH MONTESSA

Date: 28/10/2010

Montesa Honda and Toni Bou have extended their contract together for a further two years, until the end of the 2012 season. Since 2007, when Bou became part of the Repsol Montesa Honda team, together they have achieved eight World Championship Trials titles (four Indoor and four Outdoor) and have been the dominant force in the world of Observed Trials.

Bou has also been crowned Spanish champion five times and has been part of the winning ‘Trial of Nations’ team no fewer than four times. He has now extended his winning record to 143 victories in World Championship events and together Montesa honda and Bou will look to extend this record further in the next two years, in search of their ninth world championship title.

Toni Bou

Koji Maehara, President of Montesa Honda SA
“We are very pleased to continue the relationship with Toni Bou, an athlete willing to continue bringing new success to this company. Toni is the best trials rider in the world and we knew that in the final year of his contract, many other manufacturers would be interested in signing him. However, I am proud that Toni has once again put his trust in Montesa Honda and in our commitment to continue the technological evolution of the 4T, with which we have obtained these latest world titles."

Toni Bou, Montesa Honda
"Knowing that I will continue two more years as I Montesa rider brings peace and joy. This is where I have won my eight world titles and still want more. I love the bike and feel completely and fully supported by a very professional team. When everything around me is working perfectly there is no reason to consider a change of scenery. "

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PRORIDER TRAINING COURSE - PUKEKOHE

Karel Pavich and her Prorider motorcycle training and coaching operation heads north to Pukekohe Park on November 13 to help up skill local riders.
According to Karel her courses are geared to all levels of riding experience from novices up to highly experienced riders and though her Saturday November 13 course is being held at Pukekohe Park Raceway it is NOT a Track Day or race-type course. The only reason she uses circuits for her Road Riding training days is that they are closed and there is no competing traffic!
These course are a safe, fun way to hone your riding skills and learn more about you and your bike’s capabilities. Cost is $195 for the full day and spaces are limited so head to www.prorider .co.nz or call Karel on 0-3-545 2299 or 027 699 8089 for more information

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MARMONT PODIUMS

Media Release

Marmont podiums on a consistent night for JDR Motorex KTM in Canberra

For Immediate Release: Sunday, 24 October 2010
JDR Motorex KTM has continued its strong start to the 2010 Super X, Australasian Supercross Championship, when Canberra Stadium hosted round two of the series in the nation’s capital on Saturday, 23 October.

Ryan Marmont

The Pro Lites class saw Ryan Marmont continue his perfect podium run with third overall, scoring 3-4-7 results in the trio of six-lap main events to add the Canberra podium to his Newcastle podium he earned just one week earlier at the season opener.

Marmont was his trademark consistent self, happy with his performance aboard KTM’s 2011 model 250SX-F, but knowing that he has to work on his raw speed if he is to climb from third in the standings to challenge for the championship.

“I’ve had a bit of a tough week so I kind of struggled a bit in practice, qualifying and the heat race, and I didn’t have good speed at all, but I knew if I just knuckled down I could do it,” 25-year-old Wollongong local Marmont said. “I got some good starts in the first two races and made it easy for myself, but a bad start in the final moto made that one tough.

“We’ll move on to next week, and I think I just need to adjust to the formats each week and be consistent. There are a lot of fast guys out there, but if I can get some good solid weekends in then we can definitely be in for a shot at the title.”

PJ Larsen

Round one winner PJ Larsen lost his championship lead after finishing fourth overall, his night derailed when he crashed in the third and final race, forcing him to settle for 15th. Before that, Larsen challenged for the win on the night with a pair of solid seconds.

Despite his disappointment that saw him lose vital championship points, Larsen is confident he has the speed to peg back the 18-point series lead of arch rival and defending champion Matt Moss.

“The night wasn’t so bad in the first two finals even though I had to come through the pack after bad starts, but I’m disappointed with that mistake in the third moto,” the 20-year-old American explained. “There’s a long way to go in the series and we are still second, so we’ll keep working hard and fight back from here.”

In the Pro Open class, Californian Mike Alessi scored 6-5-9 results in the trio of seven-lap main events, claiming fifth overall – the first top five Supercross finish in the world for the all-new 2011 model 350SX-F.

Alessi again displayed his immense talent and raw speed throughout the night, his only major hiccup being a time penalty in the final moto for jumping the triple under a waving yellow flag, dropping him from fifth to ninth in that race.

“It was definitely a better weekend than last weekend, and fifth overall is positive,” the 22-year-old said. “I had a really solid second race and I was charging pretty hard. The end result is a lot better than last weekend – no falls or no tough blocks on the foot-pegs! The goal is to keep working hard because I’m still adapting to the 350 in Supercross, so I’ll try to get better and keep improving as the season progresses.”

Alessi now sits 12th overall in the standings after the two rounds contested to date.

Tye Simmonds

Tye Simmonds finished sixth overall for the second round in succession with 8-6-8 results to maintain sixth overall in the championship, the teenager Burke in NSW a lot more content with his performance at Canberra.

“It was better, this week I rode a lot better, but my starts were terrible tonight,” 18-year-old Simmonds commented. “We’ll go back and work on a few things from here, and I am pretty happy with how I rode, but those starts are just so crucial. I just need to try be consistent and move further up in the results for Tassie next weekend.”

JDR Motorex KTM team manager Jay Rynenberg was again pleased with the team’s performance and looks forward to the remainder of the series.

“I’m pumped for Ryan – he’s living proof that consistency pays off,” Rynenberg said. “Ryan might not be the fastest guy out there, but he’s always amongst it and he will continue to do so for the rest of this series. I really am expecting him to challenge for this championship. It seemed like PJ was the fastest guy all night, but Matt Moss is a champion and if you want to race with him then you have to start with him, so PJ definitely needs to work on his starts to help him win.

“Mike rode really well, that’s the 350’s first ever top five in a Supercross, so it’s a milestone and good to have Mike onboard to do that. I think Tye rode the best he’s ridden yet, but his starts didn’t reflect that and in turn it hampered his results. The guys are gaining momentum though, so we look forward to the rest of the series.”

Mike Alessi

In addition to the individual results, JDR Motorex KTM leads the Team Championship in the Lites category, also currently sitting second in the Open class after two rounds.

Round three of the series will be contested at Aurora Stadium in Launceston, Tasmania, next Saturday night, 30 October.

SUPER X ROUND TWO RESULTS (CANBERRA, ACT)

Lites Class Overall:
1. Matt MOSS
2. Steven CLARK
3. Ryan MARMONT (JDR Motorex KTM)
4. PJ LARSEN (JDR Motorex KTM)
5. Cody MACKIE

Open Class Overall:
1.Kevin WINDHAM
2. Josh HANSEN
3. Justin BRAYTON
4. Jay MARMONT
5. Mike ALESSI (JDR Motorex KTM)
6. Tye SIMMONDS (JDR Motorex KTM)

Lites Class Championship (after two of seven rounds):
1. Matt MOSS 115
2. PJ LARSEN (JDR Motorex KTM) 97
3. Ryan MARMONT (JDR Motorex KTM) 87
4. Cody MACKIE 74
5. Steven CLARK 63

Open Class Championship (after two of seven rounds):
1. Josh HANSEN 108
2. Justin BRAYTON 96
3. Jay MARMONT 88
4. Daniel REARDON 77
5. Kevin WINDHAM 75
6. Tye SIMMONDS (JDR Motorex KTM) 68
12. Mike ALESSI (JDR Motorex KTM) 47

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FMX BATTLE 2010 RIDERS CONFIRMED

Source: EFMXMedia/Jo Landon



As far as freestyle motocross goes, New Zealand riders have limited opportunities to compete. X-games and Red Bull X-fighters have both made their mark on the world but hold limited spaces for our Australasian market. So the annual Red Bull sponsored FMX Battle is one of a kind hitting Wanganui on 28th December for the second year running.

The line-up of riders is, to say the least, impressive. Levi Sherwood was hoping to compete but after a major crash breaking both his femur and wrist he has been forced to pull out. Avid fans can rest easy though; he is still excited as ever to be involved in other capacities.
“I’ll defiantly still be involved – I want to help out however I can as it’s a great event for the local industry” he says.


Despite Sherwood’s withdrawal, the show is still expected to have the wow-factor to satisfy all ages. Last year’s champion and Red Bull rider, Nick Franklin, has confirmed his participation and Steve Sommerfeld, third place rival, will also be back with a score to settle. New faces to Red Bull FMX Battle include Crusty Demon Steve Mini who has recently been touring Australia with Travis Pastrana and the Nitro Circus.

New Zealand will be well represented with Encounter FMX riders Josh Thomson, Ryan Laskey, and Liston Borrie all set to take on the championship challenge. Crowds may even see first-time competitor and local rider, Jason White, take the stage which just goes the show the great opportunities this event is providing to the industry.

Tickets will be available from the gate or you can pre-purchase from www.fmxbattle.co.nz

Get a group together for this great end-of-year event!

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MARMONT HEADS FOR CANBERRA HIGH

Source: KTM Australia

Marmont set for local support at Canberra as JDR Motorex KTM enters Super X round two

For Immediate Release: Thursday, 21 October 2010
Former Pro Lites Australian Supercross Champion Ryan Marmont will be racing with the backing of local support when the second round of the 2010 Super X, Australasian Supercross Championship, takes place at Canberra in the ACT on Saturday, 23 October.

Hailing from Wollongong in NSW, JDR Motorex KTM’s Marmont will have a host of local fans making the two-hour trek South West to Canberra Stadium come Saturday night, and he says that it could be exactly what he needs to urge him to victory.

“I always like riding in front of the Canberra crowd because they get right behind it and a lot of friends also travel down from Wollongong to support the event so I’m really looking forward to the race,” the 25-year-old commented.


“Every little bit of support helps, so being so close to home will be a good thing for me, having the additional support of my friends and family. I just have to do my best and work on the points lead because that’s where I want to be.”

The Pro Lites title is currently lead by Marmont’s fellow JDR Motorex KTM rider PJ Larsen, the American taking a win on debut for the team aboard the all-new 2011 model 250SX-F in Newcastle last weekend as Marmont came home third.

JDR Motorex KTM will also be well represented in the Open category, with 18-year-old young gun Tye Simmonds determined to improve on his sixth place at the season opener aboard KTM's revolutionary new 350SX-F.

Also campaigning the 350 for JDR will be world class American import Mike Alessi, who will be hoping to shake off the bad luck that struck him at Newcastle, leaving him 18th in the standings after round one.

For more information on Saturday night’s event in Canberra and the entire series, visit www.superx.com.au, or check out www.ktm.com.au for details on the entire KTM motorcycle range.

CURRENT SUPER X POINT STANDINGS (after 1 of 7 rounds)
Open Class:
1. Chad REED - 50
2. Josh HANSEN - 42
3. Justin BRAYTON - 38
4. Daniel REARDON - 38
5. Jay MARMONT - 34
6. Tye SIMMONDS (JDR Motorex KTM) - 27
7. Todd WATERS - 27
8. Daniel McCOY - 27
9. Jake MOSS - 27
10. Craig ANDERSON - 21
18. Mike ALESSI (JDR Motorex KTM) - 4

Lites Class:
1. PJ LARSEN (JDR Motorex KTM) - 47
2. Matt MOSS - 40
3. Ryan MARMONT (JDR Motorex KTM) - 35
4. Kade MOSIG - 34
5. Lawson BOPPING - 34
6. Cody MACKIE - 31
7. Harley QUINLAN - 31
8. Luke GEORGE - 27
9. Luke STYKE - 23
10. Kirk GIBBS - 22

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FIREWORKS EXPECTED AT ATV NATIONALS

Christchurch rider Nina McVicar,
expected to again be a contender

Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

Expect fireworks in the Bay of Plenty this weekend.The 2010 Suzuki NZ ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) Championships are scheduled for the Pirini Motorbike Park, near Te Puke, this Labour Weekend and, if the racing is even half as fiery as it was last season, then it is sure to again be an explosive encounter.

There was nothing to separate the leading title contenders in the premier class after four of the scheduled seven races when the championships were held in the South Island last season and that’s when defending national No.1 Quentin Palmer stepped it up, winning the last three premier class races of the weekend to again end up top of the podium.

Taumarunui’s Palmer is not planning to defend his title this season as work commitments keep him away and that means there will definitely be a fresh face on the top of the podium this time around.

With Palmer absent, perennial challengers Ian Ffitch, of Christchurch, Rotorua's Jason Jepson and Queenstown’s Lachie Columb are likely to be the main protagonists.

Ffitch was unbeaten in winning the North Island ATV Championships at Rotorua earlier this year, a winning streak that will surely ring alarm bells for his rivals.

Christchurch teenagers Sam Henderson and Steven Clyne are also likely to shine over the two-day meeting this Saturday and Sunday, along with Oparau’s Ronnie De Wys and Stratford pair Cameron and Scott Keegan.

"The soil is mostly pumice with plenty of jumps thrown in and a serious whoop section,” said Motorcycling New Zealand ATV commissioner Wade Taylor.

“It’s purpose-built for the quads so should present a real challenge for all the riders.”

Paeroa’s Vaughan Adams will defend his veterans' class title, while Christchurch's Chris Cunard is favoured to keep his 750cc expert grade crown.

The women’s racing is expected to be tight between Christchurch's Nina McVicar and Tauranga's Emma Goldstone, with Pukekohe's Annelise Kiely sure to keep them both honest.

Junior grade racers to watch out for include Mangawai's Zane Renall, Christchurch's Benjamin Morgan, Owhango’s Brett Wilson, and Auckland trio Daniel Bell, Andrew Vincent and Tyler Nairn.

The venue for this weekend’s racing, the Pirini Motorbike Park, is located at 935 Pongakawa Bush Road, near Te Puke.

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H-D 3Q PROFIT UP - SHARES DOWN

The Wall Street Journal reports Harley-Davidson Inc. (HOG) reported net income more than tripled in the third quarter, despite a 7.7% drop in retail sales of its motorcycles because of weak consumer spending, as the company returned its financing unit to profitability.

The Milwaukee-based maker of motorcycles reported net income of $88.8 million, or 40 cents a share, in the latest quarter, up from $26.5 million, or 24 cents a share, a year earlier.

Harley's shares were recently down 7.5% at $30.06.

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TOWNLEY TO MX1

Posted By: OS
Source: Synergy Sport


Date: 19 October 2010

Ben Townley returns to the GPs with Kawasaki Team CLS

Ben Townley, one of the fastest motocross riders in the world, will return to the MX1 World Championship next year with Kawasaki Team CLS.

After five seasons racing in the USA, the former World MX2 and US Lites Champion has signed a one year contract with Pro Circuit and Kawasaki Team CLS to compete in the 2011 World series.


The 25 year old from Taupo in New Zealand put two injury-wrecked seasons behind him this summer as he won motos at both the US Grand Prix in Glen Helen and the Motocross of Nations in Lakewood to confirm that he is one of the fastest MX1 riders on the planet.Many leading GP teams have been in contact with Ben during the few last months but, aided by theirassociation with Monster Energy Drinks and Pro Circuit owner Mitch Payton, Kawasaki Team CLS was his eventual choice for a return to the world stage; Ben has a long, well-established relationship with both American firms, having enjoyed two highly-successful seasons in the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki squad when he initially moved to the USA in 2006.

Having arrived in Europe as an unknown at the age of 16 in 2001, Ben won his first Grand Prix in Sweden the following season and two years later became MX2 World Champion, claiming nine of the sixteen GP wins during the 2004 season. Moving to the MX1 class in 2005, he won four GPs and was the “rookie” of the year with third in the final standings. He attained another dream when he claimed the AMA SX Lites championship on the East Coast in 2007, but injuries wrecked the following two seasons. He overcame several unfortunate setbacks during 2010 to finish fourth in the US outdoor series, and his successes at the US GP and the Motocross of Nations proved that he had the speed to run with the regular GP riders.

By signing for Team CLS Ben will not only renew his successful relationship with Kawasaki, MonsterEnergy and Pro Circuit but also with CLS technical supervisor Harry Nolte, the Dutch technician withwhom he has also enjoyed success and fond memories in the past.

Ben Townley: “I’m really excited about the new deal I have with Kawasaki Team CLS. I have had a great relationship with Kawasaki over the years and rode for them as an amateur in New Zealand so I am excited to be back on Green and to renew that relationship again. Kawasaki Team CLS has a lot of experience with the likes of Harry Nolte and obviously the involvement with Mitch and Pro Circuit is a big part of it as well and was the key in making my decision. With Monster Energy being the title sponsor of the FIM MX World Championship it is also a huge incentive to do well and put Kawasaki and Monster up front. I always had the feeling that I had some unfinished business to take care of in the MX1 world championship and I am now looking forward to coming back to fight for the world title. I also have to say a big thanks to Troy Lee and his team for helping me get my career back on track. They helped me when I was at rock bottom and I will always be grateful to them.”
Jean Jacques Luisetti, Kawasaki Team CLS owner: “When Mitch Payton informed me about this possible move from Ben, we were all excited at the prospect of working with such a talented rider. I want to thank Pro Circuit and Monster Energy who put all their efforts to help us sign Ben, and we’ll do our best to help him to reach his goal. We represent Kawasaki officially in the MX2 World Championship, and without the involvement of our main partners we wouldn’t have been able to sign a top MX1 rider also. It’s a huge step for us to have a former World and US Champion in our team alongside Tommy Searle and Max Anstie; for sure Ben will be fighting for the World title aboard his Pro Circuit Kawasaki."

Harry Nolte, Kawasaki Team CLS technical supervisor: “I’m very excited that Ben is coming back to the GPs, and will join Kawasaki Team CLS; my thanks to Jean Jacques and Gael, who put a lot of effort to make this deal happen. For the CLS team, this is another step forward and I’m looking forwards to work with Ben again; together with Tommy and Max, we have a very strong team for 2011 !”

Image: Shayne Rice

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DERBI TAKES TITLE

Thanks to his emphatic win in the Iveco Australian 125 Grand Prix, the young Spanish rider, Marc Marquez clinched the World Manufacturer's Championship for Derbi for the 2010 Moto GP season.

For the Catalan-based manufacturer, founded in Martorelles in 1922 and now part of the Piaggio Group, the title earned at Phillip Island is the 20th world championship it has taken. These comprise nine manufacturer's titles and 11 riders championships.

Derbi machines made their World Championship début at Barcelona in May 1962 in the Spanish Grand Prix on the old Montjuic street circuit. In the hands of Jose Busquets, the 50cc Debri finished runner-up to the Kreidler of German rider Hans Georg Anscheidt and ahead of the Honda of Swiss rider Luigi Taveri.

However, it was six years before the Spanish manufacturer scored its breakthrough GP win. This came on June 14, 1968 when Australian Barry Smith won the 50cc race on the motorcycling world's most legendary track, the Isle of Man TT course.

It was the first victory for a "Bala Roja" (red bullet), as the Derbi was called by Spanish enthusiasts.























Australian Barry Smith on the 50cc Derbi in 1968.

Great champions have since raced and won with the Derbi. To name a few, Jorge Martínez 'Aspar' (32 wins ), Angel Nieto (30), Japanese rider Youichi Ui (11), Jorge Lorenzo (4) and Frenchman Mike di Meglio (4).

The nine Manufacturer titles have been earned by Derbi in the 125 class (four times), 250 class (twice) and 50 cc (three times).


This year Derbi had already celebrated an historic marker in GP racing – 100 victories – thanks once again to Marquez when he the German 125 Grand Prix in August. With the Phillip Island win, Derbi has chalked up 105 GP victories.

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