Tag Archives: races

News

MotoGP Has a New Live Broadcast Home within the U.S.

Until now, many MotoGP followers within the U.S. needed to pay for MotoGP Videopass in the event that they wished to observe the races stay. But for many who have TNT Sports, that is all come to an finish, because it’s MotoGP’s new broadcast residence within the U.S. 

This information could not have come at a greater time as a result of the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qutar is correct across the nook. Here’s what you may anticipate from the MotoGP coverage on TNT Sports in 2024.

Max’s B/R Sports Add-On and truTV will present each race within the 2024 MotoGP calendar, however solely with Max’s B/R Sports Add-On will you get pre-race protection. 

Subscribers can stream each session for each Grand Prix class throughout all three days of MotoGP occasions. This contains the MotoGP qualifying classes and Moto2 and Moto3 races. 

If you are not a TNT Sports subscriber however love MotoGP, remember that subscribers additionally get a plethora of stay sports activities content material together with MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA Men’s March Madness, U.S. Soccer, and 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Let us know what you concentrate on MotoGP’s new partnership within the feedback.

Motorsport

Game-Changing Saudi Arabia Venue Set To “Push The Boundaries” Of Motorsport

The first nook climbs 20 tales excessive, the principle straight races alongside a rollercoaster and the format that mixes road and circuit sections that may be prolonged into one of many world’s longest racetracks.

The Speed Park Track in Qiddiya City, simply exterior Riyadh, has been designed by legendary F1 designer Hermann Tilke, with former F1 driver Alexander Wurz offering his driver’s eye view on its format. The workforce behind the venue additionally labored with builders of the all-new metropolis to seamlessly combine it with the city leisure precincts that encompass it.

Now beneath improvement, the venue is aiming to host a variety of top-level motorsports sooner or later and Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, mentioned its improvement will “bring us a step closer to positioning Qiddiya City at the center of global motorsport.”

He defined: “The observe shall be able to host globally famend racing occasions that enchantment to all kinds of audiences. Overlooked by the formidable Tuwaiq Mountains in Qiddiya City, it will likely be surrounded by adrenaline-fueled points of interest, experiences, and occasions, offering a completely immersive expertise that transcends past racing.

“The speed park track will be seamlessly blended in its environment and the very fabric of the city, with competitors taking turn one above a music venue, and racing Six Flag’s Falcon’s Flight, complete with retail, dining and hospitality offerings that ensure a unique experience for visitors where sports, entertainment and culture collide.”

The observe design blends the perfect of each sorts of racing, with a road part that runs by way of the town’s modern structure and a devoted quick and open circuit part that speeds previous leisure, hospitality, and leisure locations together with a water park and a theme park.

The observe options “The Blade,” a high-speed nook that may rise and fall by a large 108 meters (20 tales).

Aldawood mentioned: “What truly sets the Speed Park Track apart is its ability to welcome a wide array of motorsports events. From the iconic ‘Blade’ towering above a music venue to street sections running through cultural neighbourhoods, it will be setting the gold standard for the industry, redefining the world of motorsports for competitors and spectators alike.”

Speed Park Track

The viewing expertise shall be fairly distinctive too, as typical grandstands shall be ditched in favor of elevated terraces. The thought? The peak permits the viewing areas to be positioned far nearer to the observe, creating a number of vantage factors proper on the sting of the racing motion and delivering a brand new kind of immersive expertise to motorsport followers.

The observe makes the many of the 100m+ elevation beneficial properties, too, with the promise of a variety of various viewpoints in and round its complete size.

Aldawood explains: “It’s not just a venue; it’s the culmination of our efforts to position Qiddiya City at the center of global motorsport. Our vision for the track extends beyond the thrill of racing – spectators will get to witness one of the most elevated and immersive race experiences in the world, reinventing the sport as we know it.”

The designers have adopted current traits of mixing racetracks and leisure venues – which proved extraordinarily standard in Miami and Las Vegas – however this time they’re extra linked than ever, as your complete metropolis is at present beneath development and the circuit has been built-in inside densely developed city leisure precincts, proper from the beginning.

The “Blade” flip is ready to develop into legendary, actually climbing on high of a reside music venue, whereas one other part sees the observe positioned completely to provide drivers the distinctive probability to check their high velocity in opposition to the world’s tallest rollercoaster, Falcon’s Flight, which is a part of the neighboring Six Flags Qiddiya City venue.

Aldawood added: “Our aim is to provide an unparalleled immersive experience that fans far and wide can enjoy. Coupled with its state-of-the-art technology, the track’s unique versatility will ensure spectators can be treated with a ground-breaking motorsport experience unlike any other. This will allow visitors to enjoy complementary offerings on-site and extend their visit beyond the racing experience.”

News

25-Time Iom TT Champion Michael Dunlop Finally Gets Road License

I watched Michael Dunlop dominate my native highway race, the Walderstown Road Races, extra occasions than I can bear in mind. After the races, I’d comply with the followers as much as the paddock (learn “field”) to congratulate the riders, gawk at their fire-breathing liter-bikes, and take a look at the campervans. Bear in thoughts, that it is not required to have a bike license to compete in a highway race in Ireland. 

But Dunlop is not simply any racer. He’s arguably probably the most profitable residing highway racer. And since he is simply three years my senior, I’ve watched him race and win since I obtained into the game. So, after I discovered that he did not have a bike license, to say I used to be “shocked” can be an understatement.

Getting the license 

Though Dunlop has been racing bikes on public roads for greater than half his life, at 34 years previous, he lastly determined it was time to get a bike highway license. Assisting him on his path to turning into road-legal was Moto Training NI.

A social media submit from the college learn:

So I get this cellphone name from a man who stated he had a lot of expertise using on the roads, however appeared to be having issue retaining a motorbike lined up and each wheels on the bottom.

Thankfully we have been capable of get him sorted and he handed his closing highway check in the present day within the worst of circumstances!

Has been nice craic – have a secure and profitable season Michael and thanks for selecting Moto Training NI

 

It appears like Dunlop did his check on a Kawasaki Z650, which most likely made a pleasant change of tempo from his 200+ horsepower Hawk Racing’s Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade. 

Dunlop’s subsequent check

It’s out of the frying pan and into the hearth for the Dunlop, who may make historical past across the mountain course this 12 months. He unofficially held the quickest common pace file across the IOM TT final 12 months, clocking 135.351 mph, and took 4 victories. This gave him a total of 25 IOM TT wins, only one lower than the file of 26 held by his uncle Joey Dunlop since 2000.

If Michael Dunlop can win only one race on the TT this 12 months, he’ll equal the file as probably the most winningest rider of all time.

And if he wins any extra, properly, he’ll make historical past. He can then go for a celebratory tour trip across the island. But this time, totally road-legal. 

Motorsport

Porsche 911 Turbo S Needs All 640 HP To Beat Cybertruck In Drag Race

We’ve all seen the Cybertruck production launch video the place the electrical pickup races a Porsche 911 whereas towing a Porsche 911. The truck received, however the circumstances of that victory have been the subject of considerable debate. Thanks to the crew at Throttle House, we are able to lastly see how the Cybertruck and a brand new 911 stack up in opposition to one another with none digicam trickery. 

This side-by-side race brings the Cybertruck along with the undisputed king of YouTube drag racing, the Porsche 911 Turbo S. It comes packing 640 horsepower from a rev-happy 3.7-liter twin-turbo flat-six, driving all 4 wheels. Porsche says it will probably rip to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds and continues to a prime pace of 205 mph. Meanwhile at Tesla, the Cybertruck is listed with the identical 60-mph time in 845-hp Cyberbeast trim. The truck’s prime pace is significantly decrease at 130 mph, however that does not matter in a quarter-mile drag race.

You know what does matter? Aerodynamics. That’s made abundantly clear on this race. The first of two runs begins with the weighty pickup capturing off the road with stunning gusto. It instantly jumps a automotive size forward of the 911, a formidable feat contemplating the Turbo S is among the many quickest accelerating manufacturing automobiles on sale at the moment. And the Cybertruck holds that place — for few minutes, anyway.

If this have been an eighth-mile drag race (as Tesla’s infamous Porsche-towing video was), the consequence may be a useless warmth. As the speeds rise, nonetheless, the 911’s slippery form wins it the higher hand. Despite having over 200 much less hp than the Cybertruck, it cruises to a straightforward win. A second race from a rolling begin delivers the identical consequence – benefit Cybertruck firstly, benefit Turbo S on the end.

It’s a win for Porsche, however there is no denying the massive Tesla has some severe efficiency chops at slower speeds. Put it up in opposition to another pickup, and it’d take a straightforward victory. But the Cybertruck has nothing on the true king of acceleration.

Motorsport

Introducing the BMW Z4 GT3 with a Supercharged Mercedes V12

From 2010 to 2016, BMW’s global GT3 contender was the Z4, which achieved significant victories including a win at the 2015 24 Hours of Spa. This powerful machine was equipped with a 515 horsepower M3-sourced V8 engine. Despite the success of the Z4 GT3, BMW enthusiasts often wondered why there wasn’t a road-legal version of the car. Fortunately, a Z4 GT3 with a different engine can now be driven on public roads.

This modified Z4, showcased at the SEMA event, was built from the ground up. The body was sourced from Lithuania and underwent extensive repairs and refitting due to previous damage. However, the most fascinating aspect is what lies under the hood, or rather, the lack thereof.

In the video displayed above, you can see that the Z4 has no hood. Instead, it features a 4.0-liter V8 engine, which has been replaced with a supercharged Mercedes V12 engine. The creator of the project admitted to deliberately aiming to provoke both Mercedes and BMW enthusiasts with this unconventional choice. Surprisingly, fitting the enormous V12 engine did not require any modifications to the chassis, with only a few tubes in the engine bay needing to be repositioned. However, the exhaust manifolds required extensive work.

While the engine starts and runs, the car has not yet been tested in action. The interior of the Z4 GT3 resembles that of a race car, complete with a roll cage, removable steering wheel, and bucket race seats. Despite its racing aesthetics, it also features a fully upholstered dashboard, air conditioning, and power steering to ensure driver comfort during long hours behind the wheel.

News

Watch This 5-Way Drag Race Featuring Your Favorite Middleweight Naked Bikes

Drag races are exciting and it’s always fun to watch our favorite motorcycles compete for straight-line dominance. However, most drag races focus on high-power superbikes and heavily modified machines. That’s why Bike World’s latest video is refreshing as it showcases the straight-line performance of popular middleweight naked bikes.

As a fan of middleweight naked bikes, I was immediately interested in this video. I currently own two bikes from this segment, the Yamaha MT-07 and Triumph Street Triple RS. Bike World’s test features five of the most popular middleweight naked bikes on the market: Kawasaki Z650, Yamaha MT-07, Suzuki GSX-8S, KTM 790 Duke, and Aprilia Tuono 660.

These bikes share common characteristics such as lightweight chassis, 100 horsepower or less, and affordable price tags. They represent the entry-level intermediate models for these manufacturers, striking a balance between performance and technology. If you’re familiar with these bikes, you can probably guess which one would be the fastest without even watching the video.

The Kawasaki Z650, the slowest bike in terms of power, was used in the test. It’s based on an older platform with an engine that has been around for almost two decades. The Z650 completed the quarter mile in a respectable 13.3 seconds.

Next up were the Yamaha MT-07 and Suzuki GSX-8S. The MT-07, although not as old as the Kawasaki, has been around for a while with minimal changes. It set a time of 12.8 seconds. The GSX-8S, with its 10-horsepower advantage over the Yamaha, achieved a slightly quicker time of 12.5 seconds.

The European contenders, the KTM 790 Duke and Aprilia Tuono 660, then battled it out. The KTM offers impressive performance and technology at a great value, while the Tuono 660 boasts the highest power output of 100 horsepower. Surprisingly, both bikes completed the quarter mile in 11.9 seconds, with the Tuono 660 winning by a narrow margin.

It’s important to note that all five bikes are fast, even the Z650’s time of 13.3 seconds is quicker than some performance-oriented cars. For example, the Subaru WRX has a quarter-mile time of about 13.6 seconds. Additionally, the test was conducted in wet conditions, so faster times could be expected on dry asphalt.

BMW

Intercontinental GT Challenge: BMW M Team WRT competes with two BMW M4 GT3s at the Indianapolis 8 Hour.

Munich. BMW M Motorsport will participate in round four of the Intercontinental GT Challenge at the Indianapolis 8 Hour, aiming to continue its strong performance this season. The team will enter the race on October 7th with two BMW M4 GT3s and six BMW M works drivers. After successful races in Bathurst, Kyalami, and Spa-Francorchamps, BMW currently leads the manufacturer standings. Philipp Eng, winner of the 24h Spa, is the highest-placed BMW M Motorsport driver in second place in the Drivers’ Championship.

 

In the Drivers’ Championship, Eng is in second place with 43 points, earned through his victory at Spa-Francorchamps and a second-place finish at Kyalami in February. He is 15 points behind the leader. Eng will share the cockpit at Indianapolis with Dries Vanthoor and Sheldon van der Linde. They currently hold sixth place in the driver standings. The second BMW M4 GT3 will be driven by Maxime Martin, Charles Weerts, and Augusto Farfus, all of whom have strong positions in the Drivers’ Championship. BMW leads the manufacturer standings with 100 points, thanks to BMW M Team WRT’s one-two finish at Kyalami and ROWE Racing’s victory at the 24h Spa.

The Indianapolis 8 Hour race will start at 12:15 local time (18:15 CEST) on October 7th. BMW M Motorsport has achieved great success at this event in recent years. In 2020, Walkenhorst Motorsport secured a one-two finish with the BMW M6 GT3, leading Farfus and Nick Catsburg to the championship title. Last year, Turner Motorsport claimed third place and a podium finish with the BMW M4 GT3. BimmerWorld won the Pro-Am class, while Samantha Tan Racing triumphed in the Silver class.

The 8-hour race is a highlight for North American BMW M Motorsport teams this season. BimmerWorld and ST Racing will each enter one BMW M4 GT3. BimmerWorld will compete in the Pro category of the Fanatec GT World Challenge America with drivers Bill Auberlen, Chandler Hull, and Robby Foley. ST Racing, with drivers Samantha Tan and BMW M works driver Neil Verhagen, will participate in the Pro-Am class. The third driver for ST Racing will be announced later.

Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, said: “The Intercontinental GT Challenge has been very successful for us this season. We lead the manufacturer standings after our victories at Kyalami and Spa-Francorchamps, and our drivers are performing well. We aim to continue this success at the Indianapolis 8 Hour and build on the achievements of BMW M Motorsport teams in recent years. I am also thrilled to see strong representation from our North American teams at their home event. I will be rooting for all of them!”

News

Classic Motorcycle Road Racer Ian Bainbridge Dies During Manx GP Qualifying

On August 23, 2023, Ian Bainbridge, a well-known classic motorcycle racer, tragically lost his life in a crash during a qualifying session for the 2023 Manx Grand Prix (MGP). He was 69 years old.

The incident took place in Kirk Michael village, just north of Peel, during Bainbridge’s first lap of his first qualifying session for the 2023 MGP. Following the crash, the qualifying session was immediately stopped and eventually canceled.

Bainbridge began racing on the Mountain Course in 2005 and had been a regular participant in classic motorcycle racing ever since. According to event organizers, he had only missed two MGP events from 2005 to 2023. His best result came in 2010 when he finished eighth in the Classic Senior Manx GP.

Hailing from Barnard Castle, Bainbridge leaves behind a loving family and friends who cherished him. His daughter, Victoria, expressed their grief, saying, “He was doing what he loved, and we have been told he would not have suffered, which is a small comfort at this time. I don’t really know what to say other than he will be sorely missed with his big smile and daft sense of humor as a dad, a son, a husband, a grandfather, and a friend.”

Victoria also mentioned that the family may not be engaging with messages on social media for a while, but they would appreciate any photos and memories of Bainbridge shared by those who loved him. She believes that when the family is ready, they will treasure these heartfelt tributes.

The racing community, including fellow racers, fans, and classic motorcycle racing clubs, have been sharing their condolences and tributes to Bainbridge on social media. It is evident that he was widely respected and admired within the racing community.

Tragically, Bainbridge’s death marks the second fatality during the 2023 Manx Grand Prix qualifying week, following the passing of Gary Vines at the beginning of the same week. We extend our deepest condolences to Bainbridge’s family, friends, colleagues, and fans during this incredibly difficult time.

News

2024 Isle of Man TT Dates Officially Announced, Ready For Your Calendar

If you felt sad after the 2023 Isle of Man TT races ended and have been waiting to find out when the 2024 races would take place, wonder no more. The dates for the 2024 Isle of Man TT have now been officially announced. The organizers have also made an important improvement to make it easier for fans to travel to the event.

The two weeks of the 2024 Isle of Man TT will begin on Monday, May 27, 2024, which is a bank holiday. The first week will include free practice and qualifying sessions for all classes on the 37.73-mile mountain course.

The 2024 Senior TT race is currently scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2024. The rest of the practice, qualifying, and racing schedule will be similar to the changes made in 2023. Both the Superstock and Supertwin classes will have two races throughout the event, just like in 2023. The entire race program will span 10 days, with two rest days for the racers to recover.

For those planning to attend the 2024 Isle of Man TT in person, organizers have also announced that the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has built a brand new vessel called the Manxman in 2023. This is the first new vessel commissioned by the company since 1998. The Manxman can accommodate 948 passengers, which is over 300 more than the previous largest ferry in the fleet, the Ben-my-Chree. It also offers 10 percent more lane space for vehicles, which is significant for both cars and bikes.

The Manxman ferry’s Heysham crossing time is the same as the Ben-my-Chree at three hours and 45 minutes. For a quicker option, the Manannan catamaran can cross from Liverpool in just two hours and 45 minutes and underwent a major refit in 2009.

ToyotaUk

Toyota GR Corolla Returns as Official Pace Car for NASA National Championships

  • GR Corolla Set to Pace All Races at the 2023 National Auto Sport Association (NASA) Championships
  • NASA Championships Take Place Sep. 7-10 at the “Pitt Race” in Pittsburgh, PA
  • Pace Car Racing Livery in Red, White, and Black TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Color Scheme
  • 300 HP and 295 Lb.-Ft. of Torque GR Corolla MORIZO with Racing Livery Used for Pacing Duties

PLANO, Texas (August 9, 2023) – The Toyota GR Corolla, designed for performance-minded driving enthusiasts, is set to pace all races at the 2023 National Auto Sport Association (NASA) Championships. With rally-inspired roots, a turbocharged engine producing 300 horsepower, and All Wheel Drive, this hot hatch has gained a loyal fan base across America. It previously served as the official pace car for the 2022 NASA National Championships and will continue its pace car duties for 2023.

A GR Corolla MORIZO Edition, adorned with red, white, and black graphics inspired by Toyota motorsports and endurance racing liveries, will lead the pack at the 2023 National Championships from September 7 to 10, 2023. The championships will take place at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex (Pitt Race) in Wampum, Pennsylvania. This event features NASA race drivers from 14 regions across the United States competing for the top prize. The GR Corolla will pace more than 350 entrants competing in 25 classes at the Pitt Race.

Mike Tripp, vice president of Toyota Vehicle Marketing and Communications, expressed the company’s passion for motorsports and the honor of supporting racing enthusiasts by pacing all NASA Championship races. Since 2019, Toyota has included a complimentary one-year NASA membership and a track day at a NASA High Performance Driving Event for customers who purchase a new GR Corolla. This program aims to give sports car owners performance driving experiences under the guidance of expert instructors.

The 2023 GR Corolla is equipped with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. The MORIZO Edition boasts an increase in torque to 295 lb.-ft. and features Toyota’s rally developed GR-Four AWD system, allowing drivers to choose from different power distribution options. The car also offers four drive modes, ECO, Normal, Sport, and Custom, to cater to various driving situations. The GR Corolla is available in three grades: Core, Circuit Edition, and MORIZO Edition.

For more information about the GR Corolla, visit the Toyota USA Newsroom.