Autoblog

Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Watch a one-hour documentary on the Isle of Man TT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/31/watch-a-one-hour-documentary-on-the-isle-of-man-tt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/31/watch-a-one-hour-documentary-on-the-isle-of-man-tt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/31/watch-a-one-hour-documentary-on-the-isle-of-man-tt/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Motorcycle, UK

Isle of Man TT Documentary

If you're looking for a little film to distract you from the inevitable approach of the new year, we may have just the thing for you. Al Jazeera Corespondent has taken an in-depth look at what is arguably the world's most dangerous motorsports event in a one-hour documentary. Isle of Man TT: A Dangerous Addiction follows the legendary motorcycle race from a variety of points of view. With interviews with small-budget privateer teams and glimpses at the biggest names in the race, the documentary does an impressive job of conveying the event's allure.

First held in 1907, the Isle of Man TT is largely held as the last great motorcycle competition. Held on public roads, the event sees racers course wide-open across a circuit of over 37 miles that puts them within a whisper of abrupt stone walls, lamp posts, deep ditches and steep drop offs. Riders aren't afforded the comfortable gravel pits or forgiving tire barriers of a well-manicured track, which mean a mistake here can mean serious injury or death. Sound insane? Check the video below to see what brings competitors back year after year.

Continue reading Watch a one-hour documentary on the Isle of Man TT

Watch a one-hour documentary on the Isle of Man TT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Dec 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>isle of manisle of man documentaryisle of man ttmotorcyclemotorcycle racingmotorsportsracingMon, 31 Dec 2012 19:59:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20413581/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/31/watch-a-one-hour-documentary-on-the-isle-of-man-tt/20413581/article-detail.xml

20413581 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/isle-of-man-tt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/isle-of-man-tt-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bizarre motorcycle racing "fish hook" crash could have been a lot worse]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/bizarre-motorcycle-racing-fish-hook-crash-could-have-been-a-lo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/bizarre-motorcycle-racing-fish-hook-crash-could-have-been-a-lo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/bizarre-motorcycle-racing-fish-hook-crash-could-have-been-a-lo/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Etc., Safety, Videos, Motorcycle

Motorcycle racing is a constant battle between close calls and hard crashes, and we'll have to put this video in the very close call category. During a Mini Moto race in Sandy Hook, Maryland last weekend, the fourth-place rider low-sides his bike but is instantly hit by the rider behind him.

The fallen rider is gaffed just under the chin of his helmet by the other racer's handlebars, which drags him off into the grass. While we're sure the whole incident felt about the same as being punched on the chin, the rider definitely didn't suffer any major injuries. After making sure his fellow racer was okay, our camera-wearing rider gives him a pat on the helmet before rejoining the race.

Scroll down to see the video of how lucky one rider can be.

Continue reading Bizarre motorcycle racing "fish hook" crash could have been a lot worse

Bizarre motorcycle racing "fish hook" crash could have been a lot worse originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mini motomotorcyclemotorcycle crashmotorcycle racingvideoWed, 24 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20359625/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/24/bizarre-motorcycle-racing-fish-hook-crash-could-have-been-a-lo/20359625/article-detail.xml

20359625 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/motorcycle-fish-hook-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/motorcycle-fish-hook-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Red Bull Romaniacs Hard Enduro Rallye 2012 is a basket of insanity]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/red-bull-romaniacs-hard-enduro-rallye-2012-is-a-basket-of-insani/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/red-bull-romaniacs-hard-enduro-rallye-2012-is-a-basket-of-insani/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/red-bull-romaniacs-hard-enduro-rallye-2012-is-a-basket-of-insani/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Europe, Videos, Motorcycle

Romaniacs 2012

If you've never heard of he Romaniacs Hard Enduro Rallye, crack open your ears for a spell. The race is a grueling four-day event that slithers through the Carpathian mountains of Romania.

We aren't talking about battling some logging road, either. The competitors who tackle Romaniacs bolt up ridge sides, climb waterfalls and tear across open terrain in an attempt to set the best recorded time. A single stage can put the riders through 30,000 feet of climbing over incredibly varied terrain. This is a competition where no single skill set will nab you the title. Rather, riders need to be well-rounded to take all 400 miles head on.

This year, Red Bull worked up a Signature Series on the event, following competitors through all four stages and documenting the carnage in beautiful HD. The 45-minute-long video is entirely TV quality, and while it requires a serious time commitment, it's also completely worth a slice of your day. You can check it out for yourself below - just don't blame us if you find yourself wanting an enduro machine of your own once you finish.

Continue reading Red Bull Romaniacs Hard Enduro Rallye 2012 is a basket of insanity

Red Bull Romaniacs Hard Enduro Rallye 2012 is a basket of insanity originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>endurohard enduromotorcyclemotorcycle racingred bullromaniacs 2012romaniacs hard enduro rallye 2012videoThu, 11 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20347892/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/11/red-bull-romaniacs-hard-enduro-rallye-2012-is-a-basket-of-insani/20347892/article-detail.xml

20347892 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/romaniacs-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/romaniacs-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this motorcycle racer suffer from premature celebration]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/watch-this-motorcycle-racer-suffer-from-premature-celebration/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/watch-this-motorcycle-racer-suffer-from-premature-celebration/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/watch-this-motorcycle-racer-suffer-from-premature-celebration/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Performance, Videos, Motorcycle, Humor

Motorcycle racer Riccardo Russo blows his race by celebrating a lap early

Some tragedies are funny. Even if it costs you the 2012 Italian CIV championship race in Mugello.

Motorcycle racer Riccardo Russo held a three-bike lead over his nearest racer, but when he started the final lap, Russo thought he had already crossed the finish line.

Russo began his celebration by letting off the accelerator and lifting his arm, cheering for himself as all of the other cyclists zoomed past. "What does it matter?" he must have thought. As a visibly pumped Russo stood on the bike's pegs, the Yamaha Team Italia FMI racer still didn't realize he had cashed in his chips a lap too soon. And while Russo didn't lift the trophy, people will probably still remember him for this monumental flub than the gent who actually took home the hardware.

Scroll down to watch the video, which is worth watching all the way to the end, as the last lap is a fight to the finish - even without Russo.

Continue reading Watch this motorcycle racer suffer from premature celebration

Watch this motorcycle racer suffer from premature celebration originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bike racingfailitalian civmotorcycle failmotorcycle racingmugelloracing failriccardo russovideoWed, 11 Jul 2012 19:59:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20276313/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/11/watch-this-motorcycle-racer-suffer-from-premature-celebration/20276313/article-detail.xml

20276313 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/racer-loses-by-celebrating-too-soon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/racer-loses-by-celebrating-too-soon.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Josh Wainwright deflect a motorcycle with his head]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/watch-josh-wainwright-deflect-a-motorcycle-with-his-head/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/watch-josh-wainwright-deflect-a-motorcycle-with-his-head/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/watch-josh-wainwright-deflect-a-motorcycle-with-his-head/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Motorcycle, UK, Racing

Wainwright Crash

Josh Wainwright became a living testimony for the value helmets during the British Superstock 600 recently. The rider put his bike down on the 11th lap just ahead of Johnny Bradshaw. With nowhere to go and no time to get there, Bradshaw literally drove over Wainwright's head with his motorcycle, catapulting both riders down the track.

Miraculously, Wainwright escaped the off with nothing more than a cracked rib and a broken collarbone. Bradshaw walked away without serious injury as well.

Any impact to the head involving that kind of velocity typically brings about neck injury concerns, but Wainwright seems to have avoided that peril. You can check out the video below for yourself to see just how close both Wainwright and Bradshaw came to having significantly worse days.

Continue reading Watch Josh Wainwright deflect a motorcycle with his head

Watch Josh Wainwright deflect a motorcycle with his head originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british superstock 600johnny bradshawjosh wainwrightjosh wainwright crashmotorcyclemotorcycle accidentmotorcycle crashmotorcycle racingTue, 08 May 2012 14:58:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20233852/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/08/watch-josh-wainwright-deflect-a-motorcycle-with-his-head/20233852/article-detail.xml

20233852 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/wainwright-crash-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/wainwright-crash-628.jpg <![CDATA[Video: World Supersport race in Assen sees two red flags, carnage galore]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/19/video-world-supersport-race-in-assen-sees-two-red-flags-carnag/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/19/video-world-supersport-race-in-assen-sees-two-red-flags-carnag/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/19/video-world-supersport-race-in-assen-sees-two-red-flags-carnag/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Motorcycle, Racing

Sam Lowes goes down at Assen

Sam Lowes goes down at Assen. Ouch. - Click above to watch video after the jump

Last weekend's World Supersport race at Assen was a rough one. Both Sam Lowes and Alexander Lundh took away broken bones after separate incidents that caused marshals to bring out the red flag each time. Lowes highsided his machine while jousting with championship-leader Luca Scassa and eventual race-winner Chaz Davies. Despite the brutality of the crash, Lowes only suffered a broken collar bone and a mild concussion. He's expected to be back in the saddle for the next series event in Monza.

Lundh, meanwhile, managed to find himself tangled up in an incident only two laps into the first restart of the race. The racer lost control of his machine after Marko Jerman highsided in front of him. Shortly after going down, Lund was hit by a third bike, resulting in a broken wrist. Jerman, meanwhile, escaped with only bumps and bruises.

The two red flags cut the race down to just 16 laps, and the third start allowed Davies to jump out ahead of the pack and maintain his lead. Head over to TwoWheelsBlog for a full rundown of the finishers and hit the jump for a look at some of the carnage.

[Source: TwoWheelsBlog]

Continue reading Video: World Supersport race in Assen sees two red flags, carnage galore

Video: World Supersport race in Assen sees two red flags, carnage galore originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alexander lundhassenchaz daviesluca scassamotorcyclemotorcycle crashmotorcycle racingsam lowesworld supersportworld+supersport+assen+2011worldsupersportassen2011Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:57:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19918052/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/19/video-world-supersport-race-in-assen-sees-two-red-flags-carnag/19918052/article-detail.xml

19918052 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/world-supersport-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/world-supersport-630.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Runaway ghost-riding motorcycle wants to keep racing <i>*Update</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/06/video-runaway-ghost-riding-motorcycle-wants-to-keep-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/06/video-runaway-ghost-riding-motorcycle-wants-to-keep-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/06/video-runaway-ghost-riding-motorcycle-wants-to-keep-racing/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Motorcycle

Ghost riding motorcycle at Daytona SuperSport race

Ghost-riding Daytona SuperSport motorcycle - Click above to watch the video after the break

Here's something you don't see everyday. We're a little short on details - there's no description provided and we didn't watch the race live - ~~but the video after the break appears to have been taken at the start of the second SuperSport race in Daytona, Florida, earlier in 2011.~~

Two riders collided in the middle of a turn, sending both to the ground, while a third bike was left riderless but with both wheels still on the ground. That happens often enough that there's a term for it - ghost riding - but generally the machine only goes a few hundred feet before falling over or hitting something solid. Not so in this case.

Somehow, the ghost-ridden bike managed to stay upright long enough that it veered back onto the track, barely missing the race leader. Fortunately, nobody was seriously hurt in the incident... and it was all caught on tape.

Click past the break to watch the video... clearly, at least one bike was not ready to score a lowly DNF without putting up a proper fight. Thanks for the tip, Milan!

*UPDATE: Turns out this clip is from the 2011 World Superbike race at Donington Park in the UK.

[Source: Streetfire.net]

Continue reading Video: Runaway ghost-riding motorcycle wants to keep racing *Update

Video: Runaway ghost-riding motorcycle wants to keep racing *Update originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daytonadaytona supersportghost riderghost ridingmotorcyclemotorcycle racingsupersportWed, 06 Apr 2011 19:24:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19905306/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/06/video-runaway-ghost-riding-motorcycle-wants-to-keep-racing/19905306/article-detail.xml

19905306 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/ghost-bike_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/ghost-bike.jpg <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: BMW 1 M MotoGP safety car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/18/pics-aplenty-bmw-1-m-motogp-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/18/pics-aplenty-bmw-1-m-motogp-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/18/pics-aplenty-bmw-1-m-motogp-safety-car/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Racing

bmw 1 m motogp safety car

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 m1 series1mbmwbmw 1 mbmw 1 series mmoto gpmotogpmotorcycle racingpace carsafety carFri, 18 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19884283/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/18/pics-aplenty-bmw-1-m-motogp-safety-car/19884283/article-detail.xml

19884283 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/018-bmw-1-m-motogp-safety-car-1300469080_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/018-bmw-1-m-motogp-safety-car-1300469080.jpg <![CDATA[MotoGP 2010 Phillip Island: Sometimes it's lonely at the top [Spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/18/motogp-2010-phillip-island-sometimes-its-lonely-at-the-top-sp/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/18/motogp-2010-phillip-island-sometimes-its-lonely-at-the-top-sp/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/18/motogp-2010-phillip-island-sometimes-its-lonely-at-the-top-sp/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Australia, Motorcycle, Racing

Proving that the power of hometown heroics should never be underestimated, Casey Stoner not only put on a great show for his fellow countrymen but once again proved to be dominant at the Australian GP. The starting grid at Phillip Island was the last time Stoner would be seen by competitors, as he converted pole-position to victory with a gap of nearly nine seconds. But was this really a fair fight?

With the championship already decided and little left to prove, we wondered if Jorge Lorenzo would merely cruise through the remainder of the season uninspired, leaving the risk to those who were still applying for a job for next season. In reality, the new champ didn't just sit back. Lorenzo rode rode well in Australia, claiming a lonely second place position almost ten seconds ahead of his teammate Valentino Rossi, who closed out the podium in style.

Nicky Hayden surely thought he had sewn up the final podium position when he made the move for third stick late in the race, but he did not count on the Rossi Factor, and his future teammate returned the favor on the last lap taking third by a very slim .038-second margin. If the rumors are true, we may even see the Doctor aboard a red bike before the end of the season, as it seems Ducati just can't wait for this whole "perfect Italian thing" to happen. Ben Spies rounded out the top five, marking the eighth time this season the young American has finished fifth or better, which secured him the Rookie of the Year title for 2010.

Click the jump for the top ten, and don't forget to check out the final two rounds, as the best things usually happen when we least expect it!

[Source: MotoGP.com | Image: AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill]

Continue reading MotoGP 2010 Phillip Island: Sometimes it's lonely at the top [Spoilers]

MotoGP 2010 Phillip Island: Sometimes it's lonely at the top [Spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralianaustralian grand prixCasey StonerducatiMotogpMotoGP 2010motogp2010motorcyclemotorcycle racingmotorcyclesPhillip Islandvalentino rossivalentino rossi ducatiMon, 18 Oct 2010 16:29:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19678258/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/18/motogp-2010-phillip-island-sometimes-its-lonely-at-the-top-sp/19678258/article-detail.xml

19678258 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/motogp-australia_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/motogp-australia.jpg <![CDATA[MotoGP 2010 USA: Live action from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca [Spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/25/motogp-2010-usa-live-action-from-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/25/motogp-2010-usa-live-action-from-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/25/motogp-2010-usa-live-action-from-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca-spo/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Motorcycle, Racing

MotoGP action from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're live from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca today for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, and we just witnessed some awesome racing action. Well, awesome for some riders, less so for others. For instance, we're certain that Factory Honda rider Dani Pedrosa isn't particularly pleased with his result.

After leading the race for the first 11 laps, Pedrosa crashed out at turn five. Yamaha-mounted Jorge Lorenzo, who had positioned himself in second position following Pedrosa, inherited first place. He would not relinquish his grip on the lead for the remainder of the race, earning his sixth win of the 2010 season and his first at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

The rest of the field sorted itself out over the course of the race, with Ducati (for now, at least) rider Casey Stoner finding himself in second place behind Lorenzo by 3.5 seconds. Third position was claimed by Valentino Rossi, who made his second start of the season riding with a broken leg.

Andrea Dovizioso relinquished third position to Rossi with just five laps left to go in the race, and he ended up finishing in fourth place. American riders managed to take the next three slots, with Nicky Hayden edging out Ben Spies and Colin Edwards (in that order) for fifth. Check out our high-res image gallery below and see the full finishing order after the break.

Gallery: MotoGP 2010: Race action from Mazda Raceway

Photos by Jeremy Korzeniewski / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

Continue reading MotoGP 2010 USA: Live action from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca [Spoilers]

MotoGP 2010 USA: Live action from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca [Spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben spiesBenSpiesbreakingbreaking newsBreakingNewscasey stonerCaseyStonercolin edwardsColinEdwardsdani pedrosaDaniPedrosaducatihondajorge lorenzoJorgeLorenzolaguna secaLaguna Seca RacewayLagunaSecaLagunaSecaRacewaymazdamazda racewayMazda Raceway at Laguna SecaMazda Raceway Laguna SecaMazdaRacewayMazdaRacewayAtLagunaSecaMazdaRacewayLagunaSecaMotogpmotogp 2010motogp2010motorcycle racemotorcycle racingMotorcycleRaceMotorcycleRacingnicky haydenNickyHaydenvalentino rossiValentinoRossiyamahaSun, 25 Jul 2010 19:29:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19567861/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/25/motogp-2010-usa-live-action-from-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca-spo/19567861/article-detail.xml

19567861 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/motogp-mazda-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/motogp-mazda-lead.jpg <![CDATA[MotoGP 2010 Sachsenring: Shake-up, crack-up and the return of The Doctor [Spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/19/motogp-2010-sachsenring-shake-up-crack-up-and-the-return-of-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/19/motogp-2010-sachsenring-shake-up-crack-up-and-the-return-of-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/19/motogp-2010-sachsenring-shake-up-crack-up-and-the-return-of-th/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Europe, Motorcycle, Celebrities, Racing

Call it a feeling of shear uncertainty, nervousness if you will... or better yet anticipation. That is exactly what the German round of MotoGP racing provided for fans around the globe. Not only was the Sachsenring round the mid-marker of this season's racing schedule, but more importantly it would give life back to the shake-up that can only be described as "The Rossi Factor." A turn-nine crash by Randy de Puniet, which would take out two other riders culminating in his motorcycle bursting into flames, didn't hurt the action either.

Just as the rest of the field were settling into their respective places in the championship fight, and only six weeks after the brutal high-side that would leave a bone poking through his skin, Valentino Rossi - who had to hobble out to his bike using crutches - returned to racing with the goal of salvaging valuable championship points and proving that no one should relax just yet. As racing reached blastoff - and after the Puniet crash and re-start of the abbreviated 21-lap race - Jorge Lorenzo was able to fall into a familiar position at the front of the pack, but Repsol Honda pilot and runner-up in overall points Dani Pedrosa was not about to let Lorenzo run away with the German round.

After swapping positions several times, Pedrosa finally took firm control of the lead and proceeded to set a blistering pace around the Sachsenring circuit, setting a track record only to best that time two laps later on his way to a 3.5-second margin of victory. Lorenzo admitted to happily playing it safe on his way to second place, collecting valuable championship points, when he said, "Dani was very, very strong and I was at the limit trying to stay ahead."

Stoner, Rossi and Dovizioso competed the top five in just that order, with Rossi almost edging his way on to the podium as he and Stoner had a wonderful battle that would last right up to the final turn. Hit the jump for the full top ten results, including that of Spies and Hayden. To put it mildly, we can't wait to see what develops as the action comes Stateside. See you at Laguna!

[Source:Motogp.com | Image: JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images]

Continue reading MotoGP 2010 Sachsenring: Shake-up, crack-up and the return of The Doctor [Spoilers]

MotoGP 2010 Sachsenring: Shake-up, crack-up and the return of The Doctor [Spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben SpiesBenSpiesCasey Stonercasey stoner hondaCasey Stoner y DucatiCaseyStonerCaseyStonerHondaCaseyStonerYDucatidani pedrosaDaniPedrosajorge lorenzoJorgeLorenzolaguna secaLagunaSecaMotogpmotogp2010motorcyclemotorcycle accidentmotorcycle racingMotorcycleAccidentMotorcycleCrashMotorcycleRacingmotorcyclesNicky HaydenNickyHaydenSachsenringThe DoctorTheDoctorvalentino rossiValentino-RossiValentinoRossiMon, 19 Jul 2010 17:40:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19559006/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/19/motogp-2010-sachsenring-shake-up-crack-up-and-the-return-of-th/19559006/article-detail.xml

19559006 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/motogp-germany_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/motogp-germany.jpg <![CDATA[Ducati North America seeks new CEO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/17/officially-official-ducati-north-america-seeks-new-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/17/officially-official-ducati-north-america-seeks-new-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/17/officially-official-ducati-north-america-seeks-new-ceo/#commentsFiled under: Performance, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Earnings/Financials, Motorcycle, Rumormill, Luxury

Amidst recent rumors, Ducati has officially announced that its CEO of North American operations, Michael Lock, will step down at the end of July to pursue other opportunities.

Since Lock took the reins in North America in late 2003, Ducati has bridged the gap from something of a novelty brand to what is perhaps the most feared and admired European motorcycle brand. Ducati owners may still crave an exclusive, somewhat eccentric image, but the brand has become very mainstream in the U.S. and Canada, competing at the top of several segments and boasting a robust dealer network. With waiting lists for new models and a full apparel collection to further pad the bottom line, we don't see the momentum slowing much in years to come. In the interim, Ducati N.A. will be run by VP of Sales for Ducati Holdings, Christiano Silei. As far as a long-term plan, expect to see a new CEO appointed soon.

And what of Michael Lock? Why would the successful executive leave when he's at the top of his game? Well, we suspect "other opportunities" to involve plenty of cash and a new challenge for the former Ducati captain. Who knows, maybe Triumph hired him back? Hit the break to view the official press release.

[Source: Ducati]

Continue reading Ducati North America seeks new CEO

Ducati North America seeks new CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceoceo payCeoPayChristiano SileiChristianoSileiducatiDucati MonsterDucati North AmericaDucatiHypermotardDucatiHypermotard796DucatiMonsterDucatiNorthAmericaMichael LockMichaelLockmonster 796Monster796motorcyclemotorcycle racingMotorcycleRacingmotorcyclesmultistrada 1200Multistrada1200tom cruiseTomCruisetriumphtriumph motorcycletriumph motorcyclesTriumphDaytonaTriumphMotorcycleTriumphMotorcyclesvalentino rossiValentinoRossiSat, 17 Jul 2010 09:25:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19557989/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/17/officially-official-ducati-north-america-seeks-new-ceo/19557989/article-detail.xml

19557989 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/multi-monsters_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/multi-monsters.jpg <![CDATA[MotoGP 2010: Tire choice plays a key role for top finishers at Assen [Spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/motogp-2010-tire-choice-plays-a-key-role-for-top-finishers-at-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/motogp-2010-tire-choice-plays-a-key-role-for-top-finishers-at-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/motogp-2010-tire-choice-plays-a-key-role-for-top-finishers-at-a/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Europe, Motorcycle, Racing

The sixth round of GP racing for 2010 from the Assen circuit marked not only the 80th anniversary of the Dutch TT but also the further dominance of Fiat Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo. With Rossi still out, Lorenzo's winning ways seem untempered by any of the fields competitors. The Spaniard's start-to-finish victory also places him within an elite grouping of riders who have taken victory in three unique (125cc, 250cc and Premier) classes at the Dutch track.

As right wrist exercises began, Lorenzo secured the starting lead, with a confident Ben Spies following closely behind. The young American, still charged from his podium finish at Silverstone, would flicker early in the race allowing himself to be passed by a heavy-handed Dani Pedrosa - who was making his way forward from a seventh place start - but also the Ducati of Casey Stoner to fill the top three positions and chase the series points leader.

This is where tire choice began to play a key role in the action. As Pedrosa and Stoner began to reel in Lorenzo in the beginning, it became clear that the softer tire compound was paying early dividends for the runners-up. As lap-after-lap action continued though, the Yamaha shod with a firmer compound rubber held up well and was said to be a critical component in the overall victory by a margin of just under three seconds. Pedrosa would go on to hold off a very driven-looking Casey Stoner (who must have wanted to prove us wrong for calling his performances thus far marginal) to hold on to second place, stationing the Aussie on the last tier of the podium.

The final two spots in the top five belong to the Repsol Honda of Andrea Dovisioso and the non-factory Yamaha of Ben Spies. If Spies keeps this pace up though, future descriptions of his ride will probably not include the term non-factory for long. The sun has set on round six, and it would appear that a clear direction is forming in the championship hunt. Just remember, we are only one third of the way through this great season, and there will be a whole lot more opportunity for thrills, spills and good or bad tire choices to come. For now you can click past the break for a full listing of the top ten finishers, but don't fear, we'll see you next round in Catalunya!

[Source: motogp.com | Vincent Jannink/AFP/Getty Images]

Continue reading MotoGP 2010: Tire choice plays a key role for top finishers at Assen [Spoilers]

MotoGP 2010: Tire choice plays a key role for top finishers at Assen [Spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assenBen SpiesBenSpiesCasey Stonercasey stoner hondacasey stoner repsol hondaCasey Stoner y DucatiCaseyStonerCaseyStonerHondaCaseyStonerRepsolHondaCaseyStonerYDucatidani pedrosadani pedrosa ducatiDaniPedrosaDaniPedrosaDucatidutchdutch ttDutchTtjorge lorenzoJorgeLorenzoMotogpmotogp2010motorcyclemotorcycle racingMotorcycleRacingmotorcyclesMon, 28 Jun 2010 18:38:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19533022/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/28/motogp-2010-tire-choice-plays-a-key-role-for-top-finishers-at-a/19533022/article-detail.xml

19533022 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/motogp-assen_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/motogp-assen.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Casey Stoner leaves Ducati for Honda]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/11/report-casey-stoner-leaves-ducati-for-honda/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/11/report-casey-stoner-leaves-ducati-for-honda/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/11/report-casey-stoner-leaves-ducati-for-honda/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Motorcycle

2009 MotoGP Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to reports streaming in from the Italian media (via Visordown.com), Australian phenom Casey Stoner is planning to switch teams from Ducati to Honda following the 2010 MotoGP season that's currently taking place. If true, that will punch a gaping hole in the Italian manufacturer's rider lineup for 2011, leaving American Nicky Hayden alone in the race paddock assuming he's back with Ducati.

We'd have to assume that Stoner would replace Dani Pedrosa (seen leading the Australian at last year's U.S. Grand Prix) atop the Repsol Honda lead bike, leaving us to wonder where the star Spanish rider might end up in '11. In any case, the leading candidates for the supposedly open Ducati seat both come from the Fiat Yamaha camp, as Jorge Lorenzo has reportedly been a potential Ducati target for the last few seasons and Valentino Rossi, last year's champion, has previously said he had an open offer from Ducati.

Then again, there's those always-persistent Rossi-to-Ferrari rumors, too. And it's important to remember that this rider movement is still firmly in the rumor stage. Regardless, with the 2010 season just barely underway, next year is already shaping up to offer a slew of intriguing story lines.

Gallery: 2009 MotoGP Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix

[Source: SportsMediaSet.it via Visordown]

Report: Casey Stoner leaves Ducati for Honda originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casey stonercasey stoner hondacasey stoner repsol hondaCaseyStonerCaseyStonerHondaCaseyStonerRepsolHondadani pedrosadani pedrosa ducatiDaniPedrosaDaniPedrosaDucatiducatihondajorge lorenzojorge lorenzo ducatiJorgeLorenzoJorgeLorenzoDucatimotogpmotorcycle racingMotorcycleRacingrepsol hondaRepsolHondavalentino rossivalentino rossi ducatiValentinoRossiValentinoRossiDucatiTue, 11 May 2010 13:00:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19472747/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/11/report-casey-stoner-leaves-ducati-for-honda/19472747/article-detail.xml

19472747 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/pedrosa-stoner_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/pedrosa-stoner.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS asks gov't to mandate ABS on motorcycles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/09/iihs-asks-govt-to-mandate-abs-on-motorcycles/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/09/iihs-asks-govt-to-mandate-abs-on-motorcycles/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/09/iihs-asks-govt-to-mandate-abs-on-motorcycles/#commentsFiled under: Government/Legal, Safety, Police/Emergency, Motorcycle, Rumormill

Motorcycle

How far is too far? In a recent press release, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety made a plea to the federal government to require anti-lock braking systems on all motorcycles sold in the U.S. The group cites a newly-released study showing 22 percent fewer damage claims are made on motorcycles with ABS compared to non-equipped models, in part, as justification for the law.

Although we cannot agree more with Institute president Adrian Lund when he says, "the best motorcycle accident is the one that never happens," we also can't help but notice the possibility of selfish motives on the part of the insurance industry. If you're a lifelong gearhead, you might agree that a good "insurance agent" can be a great asset, however, would you want them effectively telling you what you can and cannot do on your motorcycle?

Are we saying that motorcycle ABS is a bad thing? No way. In fact, with each new ABS-equipped bike we ride, braking performance seems to improve dramatically. However, one of life's greatest pleasures can come at the precise moment tap your brake to initiate a sliding entrance into that sharp left-hander, just before powering out with a pasted-on grin. Dangerous? Of course, but that's why we buy good insurance, right? Check out the IIHS's complete press release after the jump, and let us know what you think of the proposal.

[Source: Washington Post]

Continue reading IIHS asks gov't to mandate ABS on motorcycles

IIHS asks gov't to mandate ABS on motorcycles originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 May 2010 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>absanti lock brake systemAntiLockBrakeSystemgovermentgovernment controlGovernmentControlinsurance companiesInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceCompaniesInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetymotorcyclemotorcycle racingmotorcycle safetyMotorcycle Safety Foundationmotorcycle stuntMotorcycleAccidentMotorcycleCrashMotorcycleRacingmotorcyclesMotorcycleSafetyMotorcycleSafetyFoundationMotorcycleStuntmotorcyle absMotorcyleAbsSun, 09 May 2010 15:02:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19468128/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/09/iihs-asks-govt-to-mandate-abs-on-motorcycles/19468128/article-detail.xml

19468128 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/backin_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/backin.jpg <![CDATA[Airbags on motorcycles: Alpinestars introduces Tech Air Race motorcycle suit [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/29/airbags-on-motorcycles-alpinestars-introduces-tech-air-race-mot/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/29/airbags-on-motorcycles-alpinestars-introduces-tech-air-race-mot/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/29/airbags-on-motorcycles-alpinestars-introduces-tech-air-race-mot/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Safety, Motorcycle

Alpinestars Tech Air Race prototype suit - Click above to watch the video after the break

We traveled out to Alpinestars' U.S. headquarters near Los Angeles, California today so that the giant manufacturer of automotive and motorcycle safety gear could show us its latest high-tech hardware. The most important aspect of the visit was a closely held trade secret, but it's now out in the open: the Tech Air Race motorcycle suit.

Airbags in motorcycle suits aren't necessarily anything new, but the big breakthrough here is that the system is small enough to be integrated directly into the Electronic Airbag Protection Suit and is controlled by a high-tech electronic brain. As Alpinestars says, a motorcycle crash isn't all that difficult to describe in words, but in mathematical terms, things get much more difficult.

As such, there is a very complicated set of algorithms that are constantly monitoring the rider's movements, and there are five levels of programing that ensures the airbag doesn't deploy when it's not necessary. First and foremost, though, the system does not arm unless it senses the rider is moving and the engine is running. Interestingly, it's been tested on machines powered by both internal combustion engines and electric motors.

It takes a total of about eight milliseconds for the electronic brain to determine whether a crash is imminent. Once the seven sensors placed all over the suit trigger the airbag system, it takes just 50 milliseconds to fully inflate and stays fully inflated for about five seconds. After 25 seconds or so, the bag completely deflates. After the event, a GPS system is used to help determine exactly where the accident took place.

Alpinestars' airbag system includes two separate cylinders that set off a cold charge of nitrogen. It takes roughly one minute for the system to rearm itself after the initial firing. Currently, Ben Spies, Mika Kallio and Dani Pedrosa are running the data logging suits at MotoGP races.

So, what does the future hold for the Tech Air technology? Alpinestars promises that there will be applications for racing, street and even off-road riding. Currently, the initial consumer-ready suits are targeted for June of 2011, and other applications will follow in the coming years.

Time will tell how effective such active safety technologies prove, but Alpinestars' data certainly looks compelling. At present, the technology is expected to add roughly $2,500 to the cost of a standard suit. A hefty tag for sure, but it's tough to put a price on safety.

Click past the break to watch a video of the airbag being deployed on a rider.

Gallery: Alpinestars Tech Air Race suit

Continue reading Airbags on motorcycles: Alpinestars introduces Tech Air Race motorcycle suit [w/video]

Airbags on motorcycles: Alpinestars introduces Tech Air Race motorcycle suit [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpinestarsalpinestars tech airalpinestars tech air raceAlpinestarsTechAirAlpinestarsTechAirRacemotogp race suitMotogpRaceSuitmotorcyclemotorcycle airbagmotorcycle airbag suitmotorcycle race suitmotorcycle racingMotorcycleAirbagMotorcycleAirbagSuitMotorcycleRaceSuitMotorcycleRacingrace suitRaceSuittech air raceTechAirRaceThu, 29 Apr 2010 19:22:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19459444/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/29/airbags-on-motorcycles-alpinestars-introduces-tech-air-race-mot/19459444/article-detail.xml

19459444 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/alpinestars-tech-air-race_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/alpinestars-tech-air-race.jpg <![CDATA[Stoner crashes, Rossi wins: MotoGP 2010 is officially out of the chutes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/stoner-crashes-rossi-wins-motogp-2010-is-officially-out-of-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/stoner-crashes-rossi-wins-motogp-2010-is-officially-out-of-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/stoner-crashes-rossi-wins-motogp-2010-is-officially-out-of-the/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Performance, Motorcycle, Middle East, Racing

Yes, we can officially get, not just a little, but very excited by the first taste of Grand Prix action from the opening round of MotoGP, which happened over the weekend at Losail Raceway in Doha, Qatar. The Doctor, Valentino Rossi, continues to prove that his winning ways are no mere fluke, as he topped the podium at Losail followed by Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso.

On to the 64 thousand dollar question, where was Casey Stoner? After a marginal start that left him caught in traffic, he had successfully picked his way to the front of the pack by the start of lap three. By lap six however, the blazing fast Aussie would be victim to a turn four get-off that would have him finishing outside the top ten... or twenty, for that matter. This cleared the way for the Doctor to claim victory with the precision of a seasoned champ. Although Rossi saw some challenges before the checkers waived, in typical fashion, he was just as fast as need-be to emerge victorious.

One other highlight worth mentioning was the performance of that other Ducati guy, Nicky Hayden, who showed the speed to be a front-running contender this season after several years of mediocrity. Good to see you back in it Nicky! Yamaha's Ben Spies rounded out the top five, offering up the first glimpse of the season that he'll be a contender before too long.

And there you have it folks, The 2010 MotoGP season is officially out of the chutes, and "backing it in" to steal a position at the front of our limited attention span, so far looks like it could be one of the best seasons ever. Hit the break to see the full top ten results.

[Source: Motomatters.com | Image: Mirco Lazzari GP/Getty]

Continue reading Stoner crashes, Rossi wins: MotoGP 2010 is officially out of the chutes

Stoner crashes, Rossi wins: MotoGP 2010 is officially out of the chutes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 motoGP2010MotogpBen SpiesBenSpiesCasey StonerCasey Stoner y DucatiCaseyStonerCaseyStonerYDucatiducatilosailLosail International CircuitLosailInternationalCircuitmotorcyclemotorcycle racingMotorcycleRacingNicky HaydenNickyHaydenOpening round GPOpeningRoundGpqatarQatarGpsuperbikesuperbikesThe DoctorTheDoctorvalentino rossiValentino-RossiValentinoRossiwheeliewheeliesMon, 12 Apr 2010 08:05:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19436726/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/12/stoner-crashes-rossi-wins-motogp-2010-is-officially-out-of-the/19436726/article-detail.xml

19436726 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/v-rossi-motogp-getty-water-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/v-rossi-motogp-getty-water-630.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Dragging a knee on a Honda... Gold Wing?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/08/video-dragging-a-knee-on-a-honda-gold-wing/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/08/video-dragging-a-knee-on-a-honda-gold-wing/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/08/video-dragging-a-knee-on-a-honda-gold-wing/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Honda, Motorcycle

Dragging a knee on a Honda Gold Wing - Click above to watch the video after the jump

It's not at all uncommon to see Honda two-wheelers at a local track day event. After all, the Japanese company is the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles, and its VFR, CB and CBR line of sport bikes have become synonymous with reliable performance. It's just as likely that you'll encounter one of Honda's motorcycles, in most cases a Gold Wing, when touring across the United States.

Naturally, it's significantly less common to see a CBR criss-crossing the country, and, perhaps even more so, a Gold Wing on the track. But that's not to say it can't be done. In fact, Honda's luxo-barge is well known to be a nice ride through the twistier bits that often connect those long, barren straightaways to the more sparsely populated cities across America.

That said, a rider scraping up his (or her, of course) knee pucks aboard a Honda Gold Wing isn't the kind of thing you expect to see every day. And that makes the video pasted after the break all the more impressive. Not too shabby, if we do say so ourselves.

[Source: Bikerpunks.com]

Continue reading Video: Dragging a knee on a Honda... Gold Wing?

Video: Dragging a knee on a Honda... Gold Wing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gold winggold wing racingGoldWingGoldWingRacinghondaHonda gold winghonda gold wing racinghonda goldwingHondaGoldWingHondaGoldWingRacingmotorcycle racingmotorcycle track dayMotorcycleRacingMotorcycleTrackDaytrack daytrack daysTrackDayTrackDaysThu, 08 Apr 2010 18:57:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19430316/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/08/video-dragging-a-knee-on-a-honda-gold-wing/19430316/article-detail.xml

19430316 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/gold-wing-knee-down_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/gold-wing-knee-down.jpg <![CDATA[Rossi and Stoner agree on one thing: Champs call for earlier start in Qatar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/rossi-and-stoner-agree-on-one-thing-champs-call-for-earlier-sta/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/rossi-and-stoner-agree-on-one-thing-champs-call-for-earlier-sta/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/rossi-and-stoner-agree-on-one-thing-champs-call-for-earlier-sta/#commentsFiled 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casey stonerCaseyStonerdohaDornaducatiearly start in QatarEarlyStartInQatarGPlawrence of arabiaLawrenceOfArabialosailLosail International CircuitLosailInternationalCircuitmoto gpMotoGpmotorcycle accidentmotorcycle crashmotorcycle racingMotorcycleAccidentMotorcycleCrashMotorcycleRacingqatarvalentino rossiValentinoRossiYamahaMon, 29 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19413458/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/29/rossi-and-stoner-agree-on-one-thing-champs-call-for-earlier-sta/19413458/article-detail.xml

19413458 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/losail-night-pic_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/losail-night-pic.jpg <![CDATA[Schumacher falls - literally - in motorbike race debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/schumacher-falls-literally-in-motorbike-race-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/schumacher-falls-literally-in-motorbike-race-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/schumacher-falls-literally-in-motorbike-race-debut/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Honda, Motorcycle, Celebrities

As was reported earlier, Michael Schumacher made an appearance racing on a Honda at the Oschersleben circuit of the German Superbike Championship last weekend. On the surface, his twenty-eighth place finish seems rather disappointing, but upon further examination, it was a pretty good weekend overall for the ex-Formula 1 champ. Technical issues kept Schumacher from starting well, with only two racers behind him at position thirty-seven on the grid. Finishing all the way up to number 28 in the first race is a rather good outing considering the competition he was up against. In race two, Schumacher charged his way to position 21 before crashing out.

Despite the accident, Schumacher seems to have enjoyed his time on the track, saying, "I am a racer. I find motorcycles such a lot of fun, but I do not have any plans to enter a race series properly. Perhaps I will race from time to time, but always as a guest runner and without ambitions for another career." Good for you, Schumie. Thanks for the tip, Erik!

[Source: F1-Live]

Schumacher falls - literally - in motorbike race debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 May 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>german superbikegerman-superbikeGermanSuperbikemichael schumachermichael-schumacherMichaelSchumachermotorcyclemotorcycle racingmotorcycle-racingMotorcycleRacingMon, 19 May 2008 16:29:00 EST

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1199457/article-comments.xml

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/05/19/schumacher-falls-literally-in-motorbike-race-debut/1199457/article-detail.xml

1199457 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/schumacher_fireblade_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/schumacher_fireblade.jpg -1 2