Category: Superbikes

1. KTM RC 390 CUP COMING TO THE UK

   Posted on 9:14am Thursday 7th Aug 2014

   NEW YOUTH SERIES BEING EVALUATED AT OULTON PARK BSB THIS WEEKEND
   
   • KTM looking to bring RC 390 Cup series to support British Superbikes in 2015
   • Cost effective youth series likely to be open to riders aged 12-17
   • Cup version of RC 390 fitted with track-focused KTM PowerParts
   • Static and dynamic display of RC 390 Cup at Oulton Park BSB

   KTM UK and MSVR are evaluating the possibilities of creating a UK ‘KTM RC 390 Cup’ to run at selected MCE British Superbike (BSB) rounds throughout 2015.

   With MSVR’s expertise and to encourage youth participation in affordable, production based racing
at the most visible level, KTM are fortunate to be in the position to deliver an exciting and colourful motorcycle to feature in a race series that will highlight young talent, alongside the world’s premier domestic series, the MCE British Superbike Championship.

   A similar series, powered by the imminent KTM RC 390 production bike, is currently being run very successfully by the German ADAC organization, with a grid of over 30 young riders battling out at selected rounds of the IDM championship and was also a support race for the recent German round of MotoGP at Sachsenring.

   The RC 390 is an exciting, light and practical sports bike with a 44hp, 375cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine housed in a steel trellis chassis and fitted with top-level components. The Cup version takes this already energetic machine and focuses it for track use solely, using a whole host of official KTM PowerParts that will also be publically available.

   The fully adjustable suspension package not only allows for individual set up for each race; it is also a valuable learning tool
for suspension setups. The bike has adjustable foot pegs and handlebar levers to create personalised ergonomics, making it ideal for young racers that are still growing.

   KTM UK will be present at the Oulton Park round of the British Superbike championship this weekend on August 9-10 with one of the ADAC KTM Junior Cup series bikes. Staff will be there to talk to riders and companies interested in getting involved with this potential one-make series in 2015.

   KTM UK Marketing Manager, Simon Belton, said:“KTM is a ‘Ready to Race’ company that is also committed to developing future talent, such as with the Red Bull Rookies MotoGP Cup. A UK version of the RC 390 Cup will allow MSVR to provide a very cost effective and competitive youth series along with offering KTM UK a very exciting platform to introduce the production version of the RC 390.

   “The intention for this UK series is to follow the rules and formula from the ADAC championship, with details such as age restrictions yet to be set, but likely to be open to riders aged 12-17 years old. Our presence at Oulton Park should hopefully give us the opportunity to talk to potential riders and partners for the series in order to make a full announcement very soon.”

   There will also be a dynamic display of the bike over the course of the weekend with Motostar championship contender, Joe Irving, taking the bike around Oulton’s swooping ribbon of tarmac. The bike is the only one in the country and Joe has already had the opportunity to ride it around Snetterton.

   Joe Irving, 17, said: “To be honest I wasn’t expecting the RC 390 Cup bike to be as good as it is. I could really ride it hard and the quality of the suspension and brakes is at a really good level. The choice of tyres will be a big factor for this series but I think it will make a great feeder class for series such as Motostar.”

   If you have an interest in participating in the
proposed RC 390 Cup series next year, please email [email protected], in the subject line put RC 390 Cup 2015 and include your name, address, post code, age, riding experience and preferred KTM dealer. We will then 
send you details when they have been confirmed.

2. Michelin Road Racer Daley Mathison Wins Welsh Open

   Posted on 12:51pm Monday 4th Aug 2014

   Michelin-sponsored road racer, Daley Mathison, took the top spot on the podium in the Welsh Open at the historic Aberdare Park National Road Races recently. Riding his Hold Taj Suzuki GSXR600 fitted with

   Michelin’s Power Cup tyres, Mathison beat off stiff competition to be crowned the victor in a race that has been running for more than sixty years.

   In glorious dry, sunny conditions Daley rode to victory in front of more than 4,000 spectators and as such has earned his free place back on the grid at next year’s event. Following a close battle with fellow rider Mark Goodings, Mathison made every split second count and finished a nail-biting 0.1 of a second ahead.

   Speaking of the win, Daley said: “This is the first time I’ve competed at the Aberdare Park Road Races since 2010 and this year I was determined to show what I could do. We struggled with the gearing and were chasing suspension settings over the weekend, but the tyres performed flawlessly and we still came away with the win despite it all!”

   The next challenge for Daley will be the Ulster Grand Prix coming up in mid-August and with the focus and determination shown at the Welsh Open it looks like Mathison will be a serious contender for the top spots.

3. GRAND PRIX WILDCARD FOR IRVING

   Posted on 9:20am Wednesday 23rd Jul 2014

   17-year old Joe to make Silverstone Moto3 debut for Redline

   British Motostar race winner, Joe Irving, will make his first appearance at a MotoGP event when he lines up for the Moto3 race at Silverstone on August 31.

   The 17-year old from Holmfirth has been a consistent force in British Motostar - the national equivalent of Moto3 - on KTM RC 250 R machinery, taking two wins and nine podiums in 2013 and is currently battling for the championship lead after five rounds of the 2014 season, with two wins and two other podiums.

   Trainee chef Irving will be aiming to impress the partisan crowd at the Northamptonshire circuit when he lines up on his familiar British championship machine, supplied and run by Loughborough-based KTM dealer, Redline Motorcycles.

   With the next Motostar race at Thruxton on August 3, Joe and the team still have a further two British championship races after that at Oulton Park and Cadwell Park to get through before the Grand Prix, with little time for rest.

   On hearing the wildcard entry was confirmed, Joe Irving said: “Honestly, I’m so excited – it’s a dream come true. I can’t believe I have this opportunity and Silverstone is a circuit I really love.

   “I can’t thank Tim Walker from Redline Motorcycles enough, but there’s a lot to be done to be ready for the Grand Prix, let alone trying to fight for the British championship. I’m under no illusions that lining up against the best riders in the world will be tough, but I’m more than ready for the challenge.”

   With the huge costs associated with running at Grand Prix level compared to the National championship, Joe will be holding a fundraising event very soon to make sure this dream opportunity can be properly committed to. More details to follow.

4. NO REST FOR WORLD SUPERBIKE 2014

   Posted on 7:32am Friday 11th Jul 2014

   MARCO MELANDRI, SYLVAIN GUINTOLI AND THE APRILIA RACING TEAM WILL BE ON THE TRACK AGAIN THIS WEEKEND AT LAGUNA SECA.

   Laguna Seca, 10 July 2014 - With just enough time to catch their breath after the Portimão races, it's already time for the Aprilia Racing Team to take to the track again. In fact, before the summer break begins the World Superbike calendar has scheduled rounds two weekends in a row: leaving Portugal behind the teams go immediately to Laguna Seca, the factory derivative American round.

   The Californian circuit certainly needs no introduction. Historic and decidedly particular, it's most representative section is the "Corkscrew". But there are many exciting spots on this old school track that always provide for adrenaline filled races.

   Marco Melandri loves the Californian track and the special feeling in the air at Laguna Seca. On the American track he will have the opportunity to continue his trend of consistent improvement which has him more and more of a protagonist in recent rounds: "Laguna is one of my favourite tracks, plus I love the atmosphere that you can feel in the air there. It will be nice to have three days of good weather and to be able to demonstrate what I am really capable of. I have nothing left to lose, so I'll be on the attack from start to finish.”

   Last year it was red flags that decided the day's results. It was Sylvain Guintoli who paid the price after starting from pole position on his RSV4 and, twice in a row, was on his way to a win, riding alone at the front of the pack. After the second red flag the Frenchman was unable to find the right pace and he is eager to redeem himself this weekend: "Laguna is our last race before the summer break. Just like in Portugal, we need to attack and take risks so the championship fight stays open. At this moment, only this kind of attitude can help us. I am looking forward to it because last year I did the lap record in Superpole but then in the races I lost my focus feeling frustrated by the multiple red flags. I really think we can do a good job in California on Sunday”.

5. MELANDRI IS AT THE TOP IN FRIDAY'S COMBINED STANDINGS AT PORTIMÃO

   Posted on 7:37am Saturday 5th Jul 2014

   A TOUGHER DAY FOR GUINTOLI WHO IN ANY CASE HAS CLEAR IDEAS ON HOW TO PROCEED.

   Portimão, 4 July 2014 – Marco Melandri came out of the gates shining at Portimão, taking the top spot in the first morning session and pleased with the work accomplished in the afternoon. Sylvain Guintoli had a few difficulties, starting off well (second in FP1) but unable to find his groove in the afternoon. In any case, both riders have clear ideas on how to set up the two sessions tomorrow.
   
   Melandri, improving steadily in the last two rounds where he took two wins and then two podiums, stopped the clock with the best time in the first session, immediately feeling comfortable on the ups and downs of the Portuguese track. In the afternoon the Italian rider focused on a series of tests both in terms of tyres and settings for his number 33 RSV4, gathering useful information for tomorrow's sessions and Superpole. For the races Marco is expecting a tight group of competitive riders, a situation that promises two spectacular shows.
   
   Marco Melandri: “Overall this was a good day for us. In the afternoon the conditions were much different than in the morning with strong winds and very hot asphalt. Because of that we focused on testing tyres because with the new solutions available to us the choice is not necessarily a given. As far as our times go I was quite pleased with the performance in the first practice session so in the afternoon I decided to work more on race pace. I am seeing a lot of competitive riders and here at Portimão race times usually change quite a bit, so being well prepared is essential. Superpole is not my strong point, but tomorrow I'll have to try to take advantage of it as best as possible. Starting from the front row could definitely help in the hung for a good result”.
   
   Sylvain Guintoli, after an excellent performance in the morning, also set to work solving some grip problems due to the different track conditions in FP2. The changes made didn't provide the expected results, so tomorrow Sylvain and his team will continue working on the base settings to try and find the best configuration.
   
   Sylvain Guintoli: “Today was a tough day. It seems like the track lost a lot of grip compared to last year. We did well this morning and then in the afternoon we tested some different geometries to try and improve but the results were not what we had hoped for. So tomorrow we'll go back to our base setting and start over from there, going in a different direction and trying to improve on our times. I like the track and I'm confident that we'll be able to solve the problems we had today and ride two good races”.