Autoblog

BMW rolls out new M6 safety car for MotoGP

Noah Joseph — Sat, 19 May 2012 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Motorcycle, Racing

It takes a fast and agile car to keep pace with MotoGP racing bikes. Fortunately the BMW M division is up to the task, providing safety cars (or what we'd call pace cars on this side of the Atlantic) to the race organizers of the top-level motorcycle racing series.

The most recent vehicles to perform the duties have been the 1 Series M Coupe and the X6 M crossover, but now BMW is introducing a the new M6 coupe to the mix. It'll debut in safety car guise as pictured above at the Nürburgring this weekend.

While it's unclear whether any modifications have been made to the 552-horsepower twin-turbo V8, the M6 MotoGP safety car has been upgraded with new spoilers front and rear, special lighting equipment and BMW's traditional blue, blue and red striping on a white body. And if we were betting men, we'd put our money on some upgrades to the brakes, suspension and tires, too.

BMW rolls out new M6 safety car for MotoGP originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 May 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SPEED inks multi-year deal to keep 24 Hours of Le Mans broadcast

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

SpeedTV has piped Le Mans racing action to American television sets since 1995, and with the signing of a new multi-year television deal, the annual Frankish displays of 24-hour madness will continue to have a home on the cable network. The length of the deal wasn't disclosed, but it does include expanded digital rights, which we'll hope is network code for "live streaming." Now you know where to turn on June 16.

And in case you didn't know, the channel also signed a deal with World Rally Championship for 30-minute recaps of each day's action this year, starting with this weekend's Rally Argentina. It will also be covering the MotoGP race in Spain this weekend and live-streaming qualifying on Speed2. So double hurray and yay for SpeedTV emerging yet further from its NASCAR shell.

SPEED inks multi-year deal to keep 24 Hours of Le Mans broadcast originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Misano circuit renamed in honor of Marco Simoncelli

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Motorcycle

The race track on Italy's Adriatic coast known to most as Misano World Circuit will adopt a new name in tribute to the late motorcycle racer Marco Simoncelli.

Although Misano isn't where Simoncelli lost his life - that tragedy unfolded at Sepang in Malaysia - he was known and loved as a local hero at the Italian track. That's why its owners have announced that it is being named Marco Simoncelli International Circuit in his honor.

It's a fitting tribute, and follows the recent decision of motorsport constructor Dallara to name its new IndyCar chassis DW12 in honor of the late Dan Wheldon.

Misano circuit renamed in honor of Marco Simoncelli originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli dies in race accident [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 06:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Honda, Motorcycle

Bad news, it seems, does come in threes, as we're grieved to report the passing of Marco Simoncelli. The MotoGP rider succumbed to injuries sustained this weekend at the Malaysian Grand Prix, his death coming barely a week after those of Indy 500 champion Dan Wheldon and Baja racer Rick Huseman.

A promising Italian rider, Simoncelli advanced just last year to the top-tier MotoGP series after making a name for himself in the feeder classes. He was a force to be reckoned with in the Italian Minimoto Championship in the late 90s, won the European championship (as well as several World Championship races) in the 125cc class for Aprilia and took the 250cc World Championship for Gilera in 2008. He advanced to the MotoGP series last season, riding for the Gresini Honda team, for whom he took a second-place finish just last week in Australia.

Disaster struck, however, on the second lap of the Malaysian Grand Prix today where he lost control of his Honda racing bike and was hit by fellow riders Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi as he slid across the track. He laid there motionless, his helmet having come off in the incident, until an ambulance brought him to the trackside infirmary where he was subsequently pronounced dead. He was 24.

The tragedy marks the first death in MotoGP since the 2003 Japanese Grand Prix where Daijiro Kato, also of the Gresini team, was killed. However Shoya Tomizawa was killed a little over a year ago in the Moto2 race at San Marino.

Our hearts go out to Simoncelli's family, friends and colleagues. Follow the jump to watch the incident unfold.

Continue reading MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli dies in race accident [w/video]

MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli dies in race accident [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MotoGP expands with six new teams

Noah Joseph — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle

When Formula One admitted four new teams a couple of years ago (and subsequently eliminated one before the season even started) it was a revolutionary expansion. Now its two-wheeled equivalent is looking to follow a similar path.

The MotoGP series - widely viewed as the pinnacle of motorcycle racing - has reportedly granted license for six teams currently in the second-tier Moto2 feeder series to join the premier MotoGP grid for next season.

The teams are Kiefer Racing, BQR/Blusens, Forward Racing, Marc VDS Racing, Interwetten Paddock GP and Speed Master. Each will be allowed one bike, as opposed to the two fielded by existing teams.

Now, unless you're the most hard-core motorcycle racing fan, chances are you haven't heard of any of these teams, but you may be familiar with names like Aprilia, Norton, Kawasaki and BMW. Each of these are touted as potential newcomers to the MotoGP grid next season as the new 1000cc regulations kick in. This ought to be interesting.

MotoGP expands with six new teams originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: BMW 1 M MotoGP safety car

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Racing

BMW 1 M MotoGP Safety Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

The new BMW 1 M is a sports coupe we've all been waiting for the Roundel-badged German automaker. Sure, it could be lighter or a little cheaper, but by all accounts, it has the driving-sensation meter bouncing off "Awesome." To tout its new performance machine, BMW has tarted one up in classic red, white and blue ///M livery, and turned it into a safety car for MotoGP.

This is more than just a paint job, however, as only the engine and transmission from the production car have been carried over. More weight has been shaved thanks to the use of carbon fiber and polycarbonate, while a titanium exhaust setup takes the place of the standard noisemaker. Out back, an adjustable rear wing sits on the trunk.

On the inside, the BMW 1 M Safety Car is fitted with a roll cage, a pair of racing buckets and a six-point harness. Underneath the skin, BMW has revamped the suspension and beefed up the brakes. The result is a truly track-ready 1 M that might just draw some attention away from the insane riders of the MotoGP series.

Gallery: BMW 1 M MotoGP Safety Car

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: BMW 1 M MotoGP safety car

Pics Aplenty: BMW 1 M MotoGP safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 1M Coupe MotoGP safety car lit up and ready to roll

Aaron Richardson — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Europe, BMW, Motorcycle, Racing

The 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe is serving duty as one of the safety cars for the 2011 MotoGP Championship, which kicks off this weekend at the Grand Prix of Qatar. The 1M Coupe that will be handling safety car duties has been smartened up a little from stock, starting with an Akrapovic sport exhaust.

BMW also added a big rear wing, a chin spoiler and BMW Motorsport's fabled tri-color paint scheme. To cap the look off, BMW has finished the wheels and exhaust tips in black. No word yet on whether the accessories on the MotoGP pace car will be made available to the public, or if this car is a one-shot deal. Check out more pics of the safety car by visiting our friends at 1Addicts (link below).

[Source: 1Addicts | Image: 1Addicts]

BMW 1M Coupe MotoGP safety car lit up and ready to roll originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ben Spies moves to Yamaha MotoGP Factory Team

Zach Bowman — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle, Racing

Shocking, we know. What's been called the second-worst kept secret in MotoGP has officially been confirmed. MotoGP rookie and current World Superbike champion Ben Spies (shown at right, with Yamaha's Lin Jarvis) will be saddling up with the factory Yamaha crew starting next year. Rumors to that effect have been buzzing around the inteweb for some time and were recently fueled by Valentino Rossi's departure from the Fiat-Yamaha stable in favor of the Ducati Corse team.

Spies has been an absolute terror on two wheels in MotoGP while riding with the Tech 3 Yamaha team. The Texan is currently 7th in the overall standings thanks to a slew of top 5 finishes, and even managed to podium at Silverstone. Not too shabby for the guy's first year out. There's some indication that he'll be riding alongside Jorge Lorenzo, though Yamaha hasn't solidified anything with the Spaniard just yet.

Those who follow the MotoGP world will have likely noticed the conspicuous lack of a certain prefix from this post. Interestingly enough, 'Fiat' was nowhere to be found in the Spies announcement. Odds are we'll be hearing something about that from the former Fiat-Yamaha team sometime soon. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

[Source: Asphalt and Rubber]

Continue reading Ben Spies moves to Yamaha MotoGP Factory Team

Ben Spies moves to Yamaha MotoGP Factory Team originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MotoGP: All out battle at Jerez keeps the 2010 season running full throttle [Spoilers]

Devon Brozek — Mon, 03 May 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Motorcycle, Racing

Final lap battles, changes atop a world championship leader board and a season that's keeping us champing at the bit for each new round. With absolutely no disrespect to cream-colored ponies or crisp apple strudels, we can say with confidence that MotoGP 2010 is delivering a few of our favorite things.

With one swift pass on the inside, Spain's Jorge Lorenzo not only crossed the finish line in first place, but also claimed the same rank in the battle to crown a new world champ. The Spanish round was not characterized by a runaway victory at the hands of the Fiat Yamaha rider, as his Honda-mounted countryman and rival Dani Pedrosa held the top spot most of the race. Lorenzo came from third position passing not only Pedrosa, but also his teammate Valentino Rossi, in the process of hunting down the win. This battle came down to the final lap and involved passing margins that seemed to embody the 'rubbin is racin" philosophy.

The intense action at the Jerez circuit adds fuel to an already burning fire of possibilities for the 2010 MotoGP season. Once again, Nickey Hayden fell just short of the podium in fourth position besting his Ducati teammate Casey Stoner, who claimed the final place in the top five. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds, and yes, we are officially hooked.

[Image: Pierre-Philippe Marcou/AFP/Getty Images]

MotoGP: All out battle at Jerez keeps the 2010 season running full throttle [Spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari reportedly still pursuing Valentino Rossi for F1

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Motorcycle

Valentino Rossi, widely acknowledged as the greatest motorcycle racer of all time, may have a second career on something with more than two wheels. As diehard MotoGP and Formula One fans are already aware, the Italian superstar has proven to be just as fast around a race circuit when piloting a Ferrari F1 car as he is on his Yamaha motorcycle, and the Scuderia has made numerous overtures to The Doctor in an effort to get him to cross disciplines.

Apparently, outgoing Fiat Group Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo reiterated once again earlier this week that it would love to put Rossi in the driver's seat of one of its scorching red F1 cars, saying:

We want a third car [in F1 next year] and I would do everything to have Valentino... When he wins this year's MotoGP, enough is enough, he must also win in Formula 1.

So, is it going to happen? We have no idea, but there is some conjecture that if Rossi continues his winning ways by capturing his tenth World Championship on two wheels, it might make the decision to try his hand at F1 a bit easier to make.

Gallery: Valentino Rossi at the 2009 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Motorcycle Daily]

Ferrari reportedly still pursuing Valentino Rossi for F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ducati Multistrada 1200 makes TV debut

Devon Brozek — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:20:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Motorcycle

The Ducati Multistrada 1200 isn't afraid to leave the tarmac - Click above to watch the video after the jump

If you're a MotoGP fan and hail from the home-country of Multistradas, you got to see the official "Strada" commercial aired during the breaks of the first rounds of Grand Prix action last weekend. Ducati kicked off its television advertising campaign by showing off its hawk-billed adventure tourer tackling everything from urban assault missions to gravel paths and everything in between.

Although we have been studying our Italian language tapes thoroughly, the only thing we are qualified to tell you about the spot is that it highlights the versatility of the dirty Duc's four programmable riding modes, which include urban, enduro, sport and touring settings.

If you have ever wondered what lengths a manufacture will go to for that perfect backdrop, we have confirmed from a reliable source that the perfect Multisrada playground was provided, in this case, courtesy of the Canary Islands. Although we expect to see the commercial in our native tongue of English soon enough in the U.S., feel free to click past the break to get the first view. After all, everything sounds more beautiful when it's in Italian!

[Source: Two Wheels Blog]

Continue reading Video: Ducati Multistrada 1200 makes TV debut

Video: Ducati Multistrada 1200 makes TV debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rossi and Stoner agree on one thing: Champs call for earlier start in Qatar

Devon Brozek — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Motorcycle, Middle East, Racing

Few duos in history have offered up more raw two-wheeled entertainment than that of Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi. Up to this point we are only sure that they ever agreed on one topic, that is, who should pass the checkered flag first. Each man would resoundingly agree that they, individually, deserve that honor.

Believe it or not, the battling duo has come together, united in purpose, to lobby for an earlier start at the Losail International Circuit's "night race." The event, held in Doha, Qatar, will mark the official kick-off of the 2010 Moto GP schedule. Traditionally, the Losail event barely squeezes into it's scheduled date, with a start time of 11pm. Is this just because track management is so proud of those awesome lights? Dorna, which promotes Moto GP events, has several good reasons to host the race at its scheduled time. First, daytime temperatures in Qatar can be so brutal that they would make T.E. Lawrence blush, and second, the time slot allows the race to be broadcast live during prime viewing hours in Europe and acceptable hours in the U.S.

The argument from the riders is that the primetime slot is just too late. At this time of night, temperatures in the desert begin to take drastic swings, adding complexity to tire choice as grip rapidly changes along with those temperatures. Are there valid concerns here? It would seem so - amidst a recent test session at Losail, not one but three premier riders hit the tarmac later in the evening, all within moments of one another. If any one, or in this case two, people had a chance to change the GP schedule, we would put our money on the Rossi-Stoner alliance. But this close to the race, it remains to be seen if their collectively high-pitched voices will make it to any listening ears. Either way, if you missed the point, did we mention Moto GP is starting again? What was it they were worried about?

[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]

Rossi and Stoner agree on one thing: Champs call for earlier start in Qatar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Doctor's New Tool: Packard Bell introduces the Valentino Rossi Laptop

Devon Brozek — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Motorcycle

Just how many MotoGP World Championships does it take to get your very own signature line of computers? Well... everybody's favorite Doctor and Packard Bell have answered unanimously. Nine is the number! Valentino Rossi has agreed to sign off with the continued Yamaha racing partner, which will officially badge a line of notebooks the VR46 lineup.

The view comes from 11.6 inches of HD screen space. To ensure you catch all the action while replaying your favorite MotoGP clips, Diamond View LCD technology is said to keep things clear on those mind-bending high-speed straights. A built-in six-cell battery will allow you to make use of the webcam and microphone, as well as connecting to the outside world via a 3G module, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for up to eight hours. Finally, a full-size keyboard and multifunction touch pad should make searching for the latest race results as easy as a good victory lap wheelie.

Don't worry, you won't have a hard time spotting the VR46 in the lineup at your favorite electronics depot. Design partner Aldo Drudi lends his famous Star and Moon artwork to the lid, making it a replica of the one you see Rossi sporting on the track. Each point of the star is one-of-a-kind to honor the five continents where GP racing takes place. The same number 46 that has become a Rossi family tradition is visible on the front cover and the inside just as it is on the front-running YZR-M1.

If you need another excuse to daydream about bar-to-bar battles in the corkscrew at Laguna, we recommend taking a moment when pulling out your VR46. Now, send an note to your boss explaining why you need some time off to make a local track day!

[Source: Ultimate Motorcyling]

The Doctor's New Tool: Packard Bell introduces the Valentino Rossi Laptop originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Formula 1 Teams Association announces breakaway series for 2010

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:16:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

It's official: F1 is broken. At least, with the FOTA's announcement it will create a rival championship, it appears that F1 as we have known it is all but broken. Max Mosley and the FIA have gone back and forth with the FOTA for months, with neither side able to agree on a compromise and both sides claiming the other party is being intransigent.

After meeting at Renault's Enstone, England headquarters the eight "rebel" teams (Ferrari, McLaren, Toyota, Renault, BMW, Brawn, Red Bull, Toro Rosso) decided there was no way to proceed with the FIA, so it would proceed without the FIA. The crucial bits of their follow-up press release state:

"The teams cannot continue to compromise on the fundamental values of the sport and have declined to alter their original conditional entries to the 2010 World Championship.

"These teams therefore have no alternative other than to commence the preparation for a new Championship which reflects the values of its participants and partners. This series will have transparent governance, one set of regulations, encourage more entrants and listen to the wishes of the fans, including offering lower prices for spectators worldwide, partners and other important stakeholders.

"The major drivers, stars, brands, sponsors, promoters and companies historically associated with the highest level of motorsport will all feature in this new series."

The release goes on to address issues the FOTA has with the "commercial rights holder," by which they mean Bernie Ecclestone. If they mean what they've written, a more stable and less expensive F1 would be a victory for teams and fans. Track owners would probably also profit, since they pay Ecclestone more than ten million pounds simply for the right to hold an F1 race -- and that's part of the money the teams want a bigger share of.

Many observers have said the teams won't set up another championship because they're too focused on selling cars. But the FOTA has already spoken to Carmelo Ezpeleta, whose Dorna Sports company is in charge of Moto GP, and who has experience in taking control of the series from the FIM. If he can provide a turn-key solution, the teams can stick to doing what they do best.

We suspect the FOTA is correct and that brands, sponsors and promoters will follow the breakaway series rather than hang back with Williams, Force India and eight other teams in the F1 reset series. The question is: if those eight teams follow through, and assuming they take their contracted drivers, which series will get your attention next year?

For now, though, bring on the lawyers. Thanks to all who tipped in.

[Source: Autosport]

BREAKING: Formula 1 Teams Association announces breakaway series for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Setting the Pace: BMW X6 M debuts as MotoGP safety car

Noah Joseph — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, BMW

BMW X6 M MotoGP safety car - Click to view in high resolution

Coupes, sedans, convertibles, even sport-wagons... BMW's venerated Motorsport division - known to all the world by the letter M - has tuned all sorts of vehicles from the Bavarian automaker's lineup, but with the launch of the new X5 M and X6 M, this is the first time the tuning division has been tasked with tweaking a crossover or SUV... or anything with four-wheel-drive, for that matter. Purists might view it as a bridge too far for the garage that has turned out such precision driving tools as the original 3.0 CSL, the exotic M1 and the spectacular M3, but Munich's marketing department has evidently wasted no time in assuaging those doubts by putting the new X6 M on the track as quickly as possible, and in one of the most speed-crazed, testosterone-infused forms of motorsport on the planet: MotoGP.

Fresh off the floor of Manhattan's Javitz Center, where it debuted at the ongoing New York Auto Show, the X6 M debuts this weekend Qatar as the official safety car of the MotoGP race at Losail. The new M-tuned "sports activity coupe" joins a paddock full of vehicles provided by BMW to serve as safety cars and trackside VIP transports, including the M6, M5 Touring and M3. This marks the eleventh season in which BMW has partnered with MotoGP. Follow the jump to read more in the full press release, and check out the pair of images of the X6 M safety car by clicking the thumbnails below.

Gallery: BMW X6 M MotoGP safety car

[Source: BMW via MotoGP]

Continue reading Setting the Pace: BMW X6 M debuts as MotoGP safety car

Setting the Pace: BMW X6 M debuts as MotoGP safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kawasaki to withdraw from MotoGP?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Trends, Motorcycle

These are not happy days for Japanese motorsport fans. Following Honda's withdrawal from Formula One and Suzuki and Subaru's dual withdrawals from the World Rally Championship come reports that Kawasaki is pulling out of MotoGP.

The Japanese motorcycle manufacturer entered the premier two-wheel racing series in 2003 with hopes to take top honors, but in its five seasons of competition, it has failed to record a single victory. The factory team had hoped to make a go of it with a pair of new riders and their new ZZ-XR racing bike, but hard times mean that it's time to call it quits. Confirmation of Kawasaki's decision is expected to come on January 5, leaving MotoGP in an even tougher spot as it watches rival series World Superbike Championship gain BMW and Aprilia.

[Source: Autosport]

Kawasaki to withdraw from MotoGP? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Valentio Rossi's new helmet a scream

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle

MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing and could be considered the Formula 1 of the two-wheeled world. Current series point leader and seven-time Grand Prix World Championship title winner Valentino Rossi has a habit of debuting a new helmet design at the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, and this year's design did not fail to disappoint. Featuring a roughly life-size portrait of The Doctor himself in the middle of a scream, it was pretty hard to miss Rossi, even in the field of brightly colored riders and bikes. If you haven't watched the race and plan to, now would be the time to stop reading, otherwise, find out who won the event after the break, along with a link to the video of Rossi's debut of his unique new helmet design. Thanks for the tip, Gabriel!

[Source: Youtube]

Continue reading Valentio Rossi's new helmet a scream

Valentio Rossi's new helmet a scream originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Sometimes it's best to quit while you're ahead

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle

Professionals earn pockets full of cheese usually because they do whatever it is they do better, faster, stronger than anyone else. Sometimes, though, they get the big bucks because they'll do something again after having nearly killed themselves the first time. That is: they'll get right back on the horse when a lot of non-professionals would instead grab a gin and tonic and watch reruns of I Love Lucy.

Jorge Lorenzo earned his money and a stay in hospital over the weekend during practice for the MotoGP China Grand Prix. On one run the bike bucked under him coming out of a turn, sending the 21-year-old rider up out of his seat like he was riding a bronco, but he managed to keep the bike upright and moving. On a following run he wasn't so fortunate, highsiding, somersaulting, and suffering a fractured left ankle, a painful right ankle, a cut heel, a knee abrasion, and forearm compression.

But here's where Lorenzo really impresses: he still got on the bike to qualify on Saturday, and came in fourth in Sunday's race. Follow the jump to check out the videos of the bucking incident and the highside. And from now on, the word you're looking for to describe Jorge Lorenzo: pro.

[Source: Axis of Oversteer]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sometimes it's best to quit while you're ahead

VIDEO: Sometimes it's best to quit while you're ahead originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ecosse Spirit ES1 and Motoczysz C1 push the boundaries of motorcycle design

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos

Many of the same principles for making cars go fast work the same when applied to motorcycles. However, there are fundamental differences which need to be taken into account when the highest performance is required. Take chassis design, for instance. With an automotive chassis, race cars generally want to be as stiff as possible. This is not always the case when there are only two contact patches on the ground. This is because lateral flex allows some "give" when the bike is leaned over. Some also believe that some extra steering input is given by the rear tire when the chassis flexes, allowing the motorcycle to handle better when leaned over. Another area where motorcycles differ from cars is aerodynamics. Because of the basic rider\bike relationship, width is crucial when it comes to motorcycle racing aerodynamics. The height is almost preset by the rider; you can only crouch so much! But, the width of the bike allows designers the ability to shorten the bike by shortening the distance between the riders knees. Motoczysz has taken this idea and run with it. They believe that by halving the engine width by arranging the four cylinders in a staggered "V" pattern that they can make up the lower output they will achieve by adding a coupling set of gears on the crankshaft with the increase in aerodynamic efficiency that the design will allow. They are also building in adjustable lateral suspension movement in their innovative front fork arrangement.

Follow us past the break for more on the design of the Motocsysz and the Ecosse Spirit ES1 plus a video of the Ecosse Spirit ES1 just before its official unveiling!

[Source: Ecosse Spirit, Motoczysz and Motorcycle News]

Continue reading Ecosse Spirit ES1 and Motoczysz C1 push the boundaries of motorcycle design

Ecosse Spirit ES1 and Motoczysz C1 push the boundaries of motorcycle design originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jul 2007 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda renews relationship with Laguna Seca for five more years

John Neff — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Mazda

Laguna Seca has been spared the expense of repainting all of its on-track signage thanks to Mazda renewing its contract with the track to its title sponsor for five more years through 2011. Mazda and Laguna Seca have been partners for the last five years during which time the track has received continual upgrades like a total repaving just this past winter. It's has also attracted some major motorsporting events, including the only North American appearance of Moto GP last year with the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix race that set a track record for attendance with 150,000 spectators.

[Source: Mazda

Mazda renews relationship with Laguna Seca for five more years originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Apr 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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