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Australian motorcycle talent Anthony Gobert has passed away. He was just 48. Gobert debuted in WorldSBK as a teenager and his skill was undeniable. He scored 8 wins and 16 podiums from 57 WorldSBK starts between 1994-2000, as well as making 500GP appearances for Lucky Strike Suzuki, MuZ and Team Roberts. He also raced in the States, most notably with the Vance & Hines Ducati Superbike squad. His struggle with addiction is the one race he could not win. God speed Go Show.
The Dakar is in its final stages, with Americans leading in two different categories. We get you up to date with the latest from today's Stage 11 below. Formula E kicked off Season 10 in Mexico City last Saturday. Results and race coverage follow. IMSA is in place at Daytona for the Roar Before the 24; the final tuneup for the Rolex 24 at Daytona next weekend.
Thanks for reading. For more news, visit the home page of SARNIMOTORSPORTS.
Jay Geils Memorial TV Links:
Friday, January 19th: Dakar Stage 12 - 2:00 PM ET/PT - 7:00 PM ET/PT MAVTV
Saturday, January 20th: Dakar Recap 9:00 AM ET - 1:00 PM ET MAVTV
ENJOY YOUR RACE WEEKEND!
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DAKAR - The first word in all of Audi's Motorsports endeavors is Team. Team Audi Sport. Nowhere is the team concept more critical than when competitors are facing the challenges of the desert and the inherent equipment failure that goes along with it. In Stage 10 Ultimate Cars leader Carlos Sainz was aided by teammates Mattias Ekström and Stephane Peterhansel.
“El Matador”, a three-time winner of the race, had the benefit of assistance from his wingmen when he endured two punctures and needed an extra spare. Along came Ekström and Peterhansel as back up. It allowed him to stay in the lead of the rally in front of Sébastien Loeb.
The French WRC champion went all out today. Unfortunately, that all-out style did not mesh with today's rocky terrain. Loeb crested a summit and on the way down his front wheel hit a rock and broke his suspension. None of his BRX Prodrive teammates had the necessary part to repair Loeb's Hunter. Ekström hit the same summit and punctured the tire on his Audi, but unlike Loeb he was able to leave the canyon.
Finally, a Chinese privately entered Hunter, driven by Yungang Zi, stopped and allowed Loeb to cannibalize his car and Loeb was able to get going after losing an hour and 15 minutes. He dropped to third behind Brazilian Lucas Moraes in the Toyota Gazoo racing Hilux. But that podium was short lived. Moraes was forced to stop near the end of the stage with upper arm suspension damage.
That drama promoted Overdrive Racing's Guillaume De Mevius up to P2, The Belgian is one hour and 27 minutes behind Carlos Sainz entering the final stage tomorrow. Overdrive Toyota's Guerlain Chicherit won Stage 11 and sits just behind Loeb in fourth overall in the Ultimate Class. Sainz remainsl the general rankings leader after today's Stage 11, with just 175 km to go tomorrow,
In the Bike class, Ricky Brabec won Stage 10 of the Dakar Rally. His girlfriend Sara Price did the same on four wheels in SSV. Not a bad showing for the American Motorsports Power Couple. In her first year on the Dakar she is in contention for a podium and became one of three females to take a Dakar stage victory after Jutta Kleinschmidt in 1997 and Cristina Gutiérrez in 2021; Kleinschmidt eventually went on to become to date the only woman to win the Dakar outright in 2001.
In today's Stage 11, Brabec did exactly what he needed to do on the rally's longest stage; ride smart, stay up front and not lose too much time. Let's not forget - have good racing luck. Hero Motorsports Team Rally's Ross Branch took the Stage win and remains behind Brabec in P2, picking up 5:45 on the American Monster Energy Honda factory rider.
Entering the final stage on Friday, Brabec leads Branch by 10:32. His Honda teammate Adrien Van Beveren is P3 +14:31. It will be tough for the rider from Botswana on the Indian bike to make up time on tomorrow's short final stage. But this is the Dakar and anything can still happen until the riders have stopped their bikes in Yanbu.
After Husqvarna Factory Racing's Luciano Benavides won last year's rally and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Toby Price the year before, the KTM/Husky/GasGas contingent haven't mounted a challenge in the 2024 Dakar. Only KTM's Kevin Benavides is in the top five, with Price P6 and Luciano in seventh. Australia's Daniel Sanders is P8 on the Red Bull GASGAS Factory bike. Swedish rider Stefan Svitko sits in ninth on the Slovnaft Rally Team bike, with KTM privateer Martin Michek, from the Czech Republic, rounding out the top ten in RallyGP.
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American Ricky Brabec Looking Good For His Second Dakar Win | |
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Ricky Brabec: “It’s close. I opened the whole day by myself and I was expecting my teammate Nacho to catch me, but unfortunately he had a little issue. Then I was waiting for my teammate Adrien for him to grab some bonus time. I know Ross is pushing hard today and I don’t know what the results are so far from the stage, but I have a feeling that it’s going to be me, Adrien and Ross as the top 3 tomorrow. We’ll see what happens, but there’s still one stage to go. I would say it was my best ride of the rally. On the last 100 km, I went really slowly just to get here and wait for my teammate, but I made no mistakes today. I put my head down and I got to the finish.
"The first goal on the Dakar is always to make it to the rest day. Obviously, you have to make it day by day, so the first goal is essentially to make it day by day, but after you make it through the first day, you say I want to make it through the second day and then you want to make it to the rest day. Once you make it to the rest day your next goal is to make it to the finish. If you finish the Dakar, that’s a win. It’s gnarly, the Dakar’s not easy, especially for the bikes because we’re up at three in the morning and we’re riding all morning, we’re riding all day and we’re getting back to the bivouac late. But finishing the Dakar is a win in my book and if you can win the Dakar it’s legendary. We’ll go back to the bivouac, we’ll talk to the team and we’ll push on for tomorrow. There are so many bushes out there; there are none right here on the video, but these bushes have thorns that are very long, like cats’ claws. I got one right here on the first day and I had to see the medical team and get it cut out of my arm, but the thorns reach out and grab you so easily. To not have a ripped jersey at the end of the Dakar is difficult, you can’t miss the bushes”.
Brabec's partner Sara Price did not have a stellar Stage 11. She finished over an hour off the top in P11 in her South Racing Can Am SSV. It dropped her to P4 in the General Rankings, four minutes off the podium after 11 of 12 stages.
Americans Mitchell Guthrie and Kellon Walch have a 25 minute lead in the Taurus Factory entry in the Challenger class.
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MOTOGP - Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team would like to remind you that on January 24th the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will officially kick off the 2024 MotoGP season. It is their 11th season in GP racing. It will mark a new era between the Indonesian lubricants giant and the Tavullia Team. Their recent success has enabled them to attract the new naming rights sponsor from Indonesia.
The event will be presented in Riccione, Italy in front of media and management on the stage of the Palariccione - Palazzo dei Congressi. The unveiling is set for 3.00 pm CET, which is 9:00 AM Eastern and and can be streamed on the team's YouTube channel. VR46.
Three-time MotoGP winner Marco Bezzecchi will be joined by new teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio, who scored his maiden MotoGP win of his career at the Qatar GP in Round 19 of 2023.
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We're Guessing Fluroscent Yellow? | |
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Grand Prix motorcycle roadracing celebrates 75 years since the first FIM sanctioned race; the 350cc race on the Isle of Man June 13th of 1949. The anniversary of the first premier class race was on the 17th of June 1949.
At the last race of 2023 in Valencia, the logo for the 75th anniversary was revealed that will be used as the FIM, IRTA and Dorna celebrate throughout the 2024 season.
To commemorate the occasion, MotoGP has rolled out a dedicated website that is full of historical information covering the races, the champions and manufacturers that have made the category the most exciting and competitive formula in Motorsport.
So as we get ready for the test ban to lift and engines to roar back into life for the new season, take a look at what has preceded the 2024 MotoGP World Championship. Check out MOTOGP75.
In 2023 MotoGP celebrated GP1000 at Le Mans (won by Bezzecchi), by the start of 2024, there have been 1015 Grands Prix staged since the start of the World Championship in 1949, comprising 3371 races for solo classes.
There have been 126 riders who become World Champions – many more than once. The rider with most world titles is Giacomo Agostini with 15, followed by Angel Nieto (12 + 1), Mike Hailwood (9), Valentino Rossi (9) and Carlo Ubbiali (9). Another name could add theirs in 2024: Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) who has eight Championships on the way in to 2024.
A total of 399 riders have won Grands Prix in solo classes – so reaching 400 in 2024 seems not only plausible or possible, but likely. The most recent maiden GP winner is Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) after his Moto3 victory at Sepang.
Honda is the most successful manufacturer in Grand Prix racing (solo classes) with 821 wins followed by Yamaha (520), Aprilia (297), MV Agusta (275) and Kalex (176).
Riders from 30 different nations have won solo Grand Prix races. Italy has the most wins, 888, followed by Spain on 722. There have also been 30 countries that have staged Grands Prix. The most recent country to debut on the calendar is India, with Buddh International Circuit welcoming MotoGP for the first time in 2023. In 2024 Kazakhstan is set to become country 31.
The presentation of the Gresini team (MotoGP, Moto2 and MotoE) will take place on Saturday, January 20th, also in Riccione. You can watch on the team's YouTube channel at 12:30 PM Eastern at GRESINI.
It's the time of the year for Ducati to hit the slopes. The second edition of 'Campioni in Pista-Ducati' returns to Madonna di Campiglio with the Ducati MotoGP, Superbike and Motocross 2024 teams. They will hold court in the Dolomites this Monday. January 22nd. Italians are still celebrating and it will continue at 4:00 PM at the free event on the Piazza Sissi,with the presentation of the official Ducati MotoGP and Superbike teams accompanied by music and entertainment.
In two weeks bikes will be back in action getting ready for the 2024 season. The Sepang Shakedown is February 1st - 3rd. Three days later the MotoGP Official Test at Sepang runs from February 6th - 8th. The Qatar Official Test is February 19th and 20th. Round 1 of 2024 is the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar on March 10th.
Round 4 is at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas on the second weekend of April. Tickets for the event are on sale at COTA and once again Ducati will have special packages available for Ducati riders at Ducati Island.
Ducati riders can enjoy:
- 3-Day Grandstand Ticket in the Main Grandstand or Turn 1
- Exclusive Ducati-Only Parking at Ducati Island
- Access to Ducati Caffè Hospitality unit
- “Taste of Italy” small plate appetizer of authentic Italian antipasti
- Rider Q & A (Subject to availability)
- Ducati Welcome Gift
- Exclusive Ducati-Only Parade Lap
- Complimentary Gear Check
Buy tickets for DUCATI ISLAND
New for 2024 is the Ducati Loft Suite
Ducati Loft Suite Package Details:
- Exclusive Ducati Loft Suite Access (Located in MotoGP Paddock)
- Balcony Seating Overlooking the Pit Lane and Start/Finish Straight
- Premium Dining and Refreshments
- 3-Day Paddock Access
- Rider Q & A (Subject to availability)
- Exclusive Ducati Gift
The Ducati Loft Suite Package does not grant access to Ducati Island. Ducati Island tickets are sold separately through Circuit of the Americas.
Buy tickets for DUCATI LOFT $UITE
Check out the 2024 MOTOGP CALENDAR and the 2024 FIM MOTOGP ENTRIES.
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WORLDSBK - The FIM Superbike Commission has made the following changes:
Alongside the Championships for Riders, a “Team Championship” had been decided. Consequently, a licence for teams in all classes had been created. The decision to obtain this licence rests with the team which is not obliged to obtain to participate in the Championship. In the absence of a licence, the team will not score points.
• An exemption to the minimum age rules for the top 3 of the last FIM Supersport300 World Championship, for the top 3 of the FIME European Moto2 Championship and for the top 3 of the last FIME European Stock Championship to compete in the 2024 FIM Supersport World Championship was decided, with these riders having demonstrated their capacity and experience to be able to benefit from this exemption.
• In order to highlight outstanding performances, the SBK Commission decided that the Grid positions for the Race 2, the first 9 grid positions will be based on the fastest time recorded by the riders during Race 1, for the WorldSSP, WorldSSP300, WorldWCR.
• In case of an infringement of the engine allocation (before the race), the rider will start the next 2 races (Superbike Race 1 and 2 excepting Superpole race) from the back of the grid and will receive two long lap penalties (Previously the rider had to start from the pit lane exit after the green light was lit. This penalty seemed more fair with regards to the different lengths of the pitlanes.
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Alvaro Bautista Leans Into a Threepeat in 2024 | |
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For the WorldSBK Class, with regard to the new fuel tank maximum capacity (21.0 liters), as an incentive towards meeting the environmental guidelines and to give a platform for manufacturers to increase their machine developments in these areas for the future, from 2025, it will be mandatory to use a fuel flow control system.
Therefore, in 2024, two bikes from each manufacturer will be required to fit a fuel flow meter and log data during both practices and races to validate the concept and define the value for 2025. A decision for a fuel flow meter has been approved. The FIM will introduce all related information into the 2024 FIM Eligible parts list for Competition accordingly.
This season will be a test season in order to collect data from the FFM sensors for analysis/evaluation for a potential official implementation in 2025.
• For the WorldSSP Class, the chassis components rules will see some changes for 2024: The racing kit shall be made available by all the manufacturers and limited to only 1 homologated racing kit per racing season. The racing kit can be made of other OEM parts or specific made parts, this will be up to the decision of each manufacturer.
A price cap of 1000 Euro (all parts ) was fixed. This will cover the following chassis parts list:
- Triple clamp upper and lower
- Steering stem (including bearings and relative bearing seats)
- Rear suspension linkage without swingarm
Furthermore, the rear suspension attachment points on the frame and on the swingarm must not change to avoid any potential changes on the frame and swingarm.
• The SBK Commission confirmed the introduction of sustainable fuel for the WorldSBK and WorldSSP categories starting in 2024 with a minimum of 40% sustainable fuel content. This E40 fuel should be compliant with the specification adopted recently in MotoGP.
• Various clarifications and wording updates to the Disciplinary Regulations were decided in order to use more precise legal language where required.
• A specific application used by the FIM in various FIM Championships (including MotoGP) will be used in 2024. This Application will allow, not only to notify a decision but also to make it public and will also give a legal value (within the framework of notifications and resulting deadlines for appeals).
2024 Weekend Event Schedule:
FRIDAY - 09:00 09:25 0:25 WorldWCR Free Practice 09:40 10:05 0:25 WorldSSP300 Free Practice 10:20 11:05 0:45 WorldSBK Free Practice 1 11:20 12:00 0:40 WorldSSP Free Practice 13:30 13:55 0:25 WorldWCR Tissot Superpole 14:15 14:40 0:25 WorldSSP300 Tissot Superpole 15:00 15:45 0:45 WorldSBK Free Practice 2 16:00 16:40 0:40 WorldSSP Tissot Superpole
SATURDAY - 09:00 09:20 0:20 WorldSBK Free Practice 3 09:30 09:40 0:10 WorldWCR Warm Up 09:50 10:00 0:10 WorldSSP300 Warm Up 10:10 10:20 0:10 WorldSSP Warm Up 11:00 11:15 0:15 WorldSBK Tissot Superpole 11:50 WorldWCR RACE 1 12:45 WorldSSP300 RACE 1 14:00 WorldSBK RACE 1 15:15 WorldSSP RACE 1
SUNDAY - 09:00 09:10 0:10 WorldSBK Warm Up 09:20 09:30 0:10 WorldWCR Warm Up 09:40 09:50 0:10 WorldSSP300 Warm Up 10:00 10:10 0:10 WorldSSP Warm Up 11:00 WorldSBK TISSOT SUPERPOLE RACE 11:50 WorldWCR RACE 2 12:45 WorldSSP300 RACE 2 14:00 WorldSBK RACE 2 15:15 WorldSSP RACE 2
The resolutions of this Superbike Commission have been approved by the Permanent Bureau.
The Prometeon Spanish Round is now scheduled for October 18th - 20th at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. WORLDSBK 2024 CALENDAR
WORLDWCR - In a step towards inclusivity and diversity in Motorsport, the FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR) debuts in 2024, reflecting a broader vision and commitment to fostering the growth of women in circuit racing.
The WorldWCR is a groundbreaking initiative designed to maximize the opportunities and potential of young female riders, providing them with a global platform to showcase their skills, as emerging international talent will have the chance to compete under the same conditions as the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, with six rounds running alongside WorldSBK events.
On Wednesday, January 17th, the FIM updated the schedule for the WorldWCR's debut year. Jerez will play host to the finale of the inaugural 2024 FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship, with an adjustment to the initially stated dates.
Responding to the demands of the local events calendar and the request of the township of Jerez de la Frontera, the FIM and Dorna WorldSBK have agreed to delay this year's curtain closing event by one week. The Prometeon Spanish Round is now scheduled to unfold on October 18th - 20th at the famed Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto
FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship 2024 calendar, updated January 17th
June 14th - 16th Italy Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”
July 12-14th United Kingdom Donington Park
August 9th - 11th Portugal Autódromo Internacional do Algarve
August 23rd - 25th Hungary Balaton Park Circuit *
September 20th - 22nd Italy Cremona Circuit *
October 18th - 20th Spain Circuito de Jerez - Ángel Nieto
*(STH) Subject to homologation.
MOTOAMERICA - Tickets went on sale last Friday for the 82nd running of the Daytona 200, a non-points-paying Supersport race that will take place at Daytona International Speedway, March 7th - 9th. The race features Supersport-spec motorcycles and racers like Josh Hayes, Tyler Scott, PJ Jacobsen, Kayla Yaakov. The event will feature the opening round of the Mission King Of The Baggers Championship, the Twins Cup title chase and the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship.
Harley-Davidson has its Harley-Davidson Factory Race Fan ticket package in place with exclusive perks as you watch the Factory Harley-Davidson team of Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli do battle.
The Harley-Davidson ticket package includes a three-day pass (a one-day pass is also available) to the Speedway to watch all the practice and qualifying sessions and, of course, the two Mission King Of The Baggers races.
Ticket package purchasers will get admission, an exclusive welcome gift and access to all Harley-Davidson displays and covered seating area in the H-D activation area for a livestream of the race. Harley fans who purchase the package also get Harley-Davidson motorcycle parking, and the opportunity to take part in the Harley-Davidson Parade Laps. The three-day Harley-Davidson Factory Race Fan passes sell for $110 per person (three-day), with single-day Friday and Saturday passes going for $80 each.
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Daytona 200 Tickets Now On Sale | |
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MotoAmerica fans also have the option of purchasing Daytona 200 VIP Superfan Experience tickets in three-day, two-day, and single-day options. All three of those feature two-day premier VIP admission and parking, access to the climate-controlled Daytona 500 Club suite with live feed on Friday and Saturday, meet and greets with MotoAmerica racers and industry reps, catered continental breakfast, coffee and iced tea, lunch and snacks on Friday and Saturday, a Superfan VIP appreciation bag, a MotoAmerica merchandise voucher, escorted pre-grid access for the Mission King Of The Baggers race (Friday) and the Daytona 200 (Saturday), preferred podium viewing and podium photos during King Of The Baggers and Daytona 200 post-race activities, premier viewing of the Pit Stop Challenge, the Cardo Fan Lap, a photo opportunity with the Daytona 200 trophy and a commemorative digital magazine is provided to all guests.
The Daytona VIP Superfan Experience packages are available for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday ($600 per person), for Friday and Saturday ($550 per person) and for single-day tickets – Friday and Saturday ($350 per person).
Single-day general admission tickets, which include infield access, start at $25 for Thursday and Friday and $35 for Saturday.
To purcase tickets for the 82nd running of the historic Daytona 200, visit DIS.
2024 MOTOAMERICA CALENDAR
Follow the link to make a donation to the ROADRACING WORLD ACTION FUND.
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SUN SPECIALTIES - Sun Specialties is the official promotional products supplier of Sarni Motorsports. Sun Specialties has over 35 years of experience, providing quality and service on wearables and all imprinted products. Whether you are looking for Team Gear, Corporate Awards, or Specialty Advertising Products, we want to share our longstanding relationship with this great company with you. We encourage you to take advantage of special savings.
Sun Specialties is offering a 10% discount to Sarni Motorsports Update readers.
Call Sharon Walsh for a quote on your next order. 978-851-5110 x14.
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FORMULA 1 - There is so much more than race cars and drivers that make for a successful F1 operation. The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, based across Technology Centers at Brackley and Brixworth in the UK, brings together over 1,000 people that design, develop, manufacture and race the cars driven by Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
No doubt one of the key figures in that mix is Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Technical Dirtector James Allison. Today, (Thursday, January 18th) the team confirmed that they have retained his services, with Allison signing a long-term contract extension. Engineering continuity is important ahead of the major rule changes for 2026.
Allsion is entering his seventh year with Mercedes, signing on as Technical Director in 2017. He got his start in F1 in 1991 with Benetton as a Junior Aerodynamic Designer immediately after graduating from the University of Cambridge.
In 1993, he was appointed Head of Aerodynamics for the Larrouse F1 squad. Sadly, the cash-strapped team struggled for results and James returned to Benetton as an Aerodynamic Designer. Success soon followed though, as James celebrated Michael Schumacher’s Drivers’ Championship success in 1994, with Schumacher and Benetton claiming the Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles the following year.
James Allison was promoted to Head of Aerodynamics in 1997 and, just two years later, swapped Enstone for Maranello and the new position of Trackside Aerodynamicist with Scuderia Ferrari, playing an important role in a period of unprecedented success, as the team won six Constructors’ Championships between 1999 and 2004.
After six years in Italy, James returned to the United Kingdom and a familiar home at Enstone, now under the Renault name, taking on the role of Deputy Technical Director. With young Spaniard Fernando Alonso at the wheel, Renault were the team to beat – taking top honors in the Constructors’ Championship in 2005 and 2006.
James was promoted to Technical Director in 2009 and remained with the team as it transitioned to Lotus Renault and later Lotus F1 Team, fighting back to the top step of the podium in 2012 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Kimi Räikkonen scoring the team’s first win in four years.
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Succes Seems To Follow James Allison | |
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In 2013, James headed back to Ferrari, this time as Technical Director. After a fruitless year for the team in 2014, James’ influence was crucial as Sebastian Vettel claimed three wins the following year, when the Scuderia emerged as the closest challenger to the title-winning Mercedes team. James departed Ferrari midway through the 2016 season and returned to the Formula One grid in 2017 as Technical Director of the Mercedes AMG-PETRONAS Formula One Team, playing a crucial part in taking the team to five Constructors’ Championships and four Drivers’ titles.
Toto Wolff: "I am thrilled that James has committed his long-term future to the team. Put simply, he is the most impressive technical leader in our sport. His gladiator spirit, along with his knowledge, experience, and determination, make him second-to-none. His influence and impact, however, goes so much further than that. Since joining in 2017, he has been a key ally and sparring partner for me personally. We can challenge each other openly and honestly; an embodiment of the 'tough love' culture of the team that is vital in helping us all perform at our very best. Most importantly though, James is a true friend you can rely on, not only in times of success but in difficult moments too. It has been a pleasure to work with him over the past seven years and I look forward to doing so for many more to come."
James Allison: "F1 has brought me a lot of good fortune, but none greater than answering Toto's call to join Mercedes in 2017. It is a great privilege to continue this adventure, working alongside brilliant colleagues and fighting together for championship success."
Formula 1 will be in action in just over a month. The pre-season test in Bahrain take place from February 21st - 23rd.
2024 F1 CALENDAR
INDYCAR - Molson Coors has extended its multiyear partnership with Indianapolis Motor Speedway and INDYCAR. The beers produced by Molson Coors will continue as the Official Beer of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, Brickyard Weekend, IMS and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
“We are delighted to see Molson Coors continue this decade-long relationship with INDYCAR,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “The momentum and growth of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is due, in part, to valuable partnerships and activations with iconic brands. It is gratifying to begin 2024 with this terrific news, and we look forward to continuing our upward trajectory with Molson Coors for many years to come.”
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Soul Asylum at Miller Lite Carb Day 2023
The deal includes continued sponsorship of Miller Lite Carb Day, with the final day of practice for the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and the Miller Lite Carb Day Concert featuring a national recording act to kick off race weekend.
Expanded title sponsorship of the Coors Light Snake Pit, an EDM concert staged in Turn 3 during the Indianapolis 500.
“For more than 45 years, Molson Coors has been a key part of the festivities surrounding the Indianapolis 500 and other events at the Racing Capital of the World,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “As we look forward to a new year of exciting action on and off track at IMS, there’s no chiller partner to ensure our fans can continue to celebrate both at home and at IMS. Help us cheers to many more years together.”
The extension of the partnership between IMS and Molson Coors continues a bond that started in 1977 when Miller Brewing Company first sponsored the Indianapolis 500 Pit Stop Challenge. Miller’s first involvement at the Indianapolis 500 came in 1973, when Miller High Life sponsored the car driven by Jim Hurtubise.
“We are so excited to extend our partnership once again with IMS, INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” Molson Coors Vice President of Marketing Activation Bill Averill said. “For nearly half a century, Miller Lite and Coors Light have helped celebrate Motorsport’s greatest moments both on and off track. We can’t wait to fuel this historic partnership for years to come.”
Coors has been involved with IMS and the Indianapolis 500 since 1996, when it started sponsorship of the Pit Stop Challenge. Coors also has sponsored Carb Day and other Indianapolis 500 activities since then.
The 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opens Sunday, March 10th on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. The season concludes at the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix on the streets of Nashville on September 15th. Check out the 2024 schedule for INDYCAR.
FORMULA E - The best way to begin a new season is with a win. That's exactly what Pascal Wehrlein did at last weekend's Mexico City E-Prix, taking a lights to flag victory in Round 1 of Season 10 in the ABB Formula E World Championship.
Joining Wehrlein on the podium were Sébastien Buemi for Envision Racing in second and Nick Cassidy, Jaguar TCS Racing's new signing, in third.
A relatively clean race was only interrupted on lap 9, after Robin Frijns found the wall on the exit of the Foro Sol. A Full Course Yellow would be required for the car’s removal, forcing Wehrlein to delay his attack on the then-leader Buemi.
The race also saw strong performances from Maximilian Guenther (Maserati MSG Racing) and Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing), with the latter engaging in a fierce, defensive battle with Jean-Éric Vergne (DS PENSKE), who made an impressive climb from 10th to sixth. Jake Hughes (NEOM McLaren Formula E Team), Stoffel Vandoorne (DS PENSKE), championship-defender Jake Dennis and Norman Nato (both Andretti Formula E) also put in notable performances, navigating through the pack to round out the top ten and secure points.
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Pascal Wehrlein Got a Jump on the Formula E Field by Winning Round 1 | |
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Pascal Wehrlein: “It was a tough race because we were leading most of the race and that’s not so efficient for energy – but every lap was like a qualifying lap, trying to maximize speed. I saw a small mistake behind me which created a small gap, and from then I think it was pretty controlled. Thanks a lot to my team and thanks to all the fans here, it’s always great to be here in Mexico; it’s a great atmosphere. I’m already looking forward to coming back next year.”
The 2024 Mexico City E-Prix results bring Wehrlein to the top of the Drivers' table and TAG Heuer Porsche as leaders of the Teams' standings. The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns next weekend, with the first double-header of the season: The night race in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, January 27th and 28th.
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Alboreto: Gasoline in the Veins - The story about the man who grew up to realize his childhood dream of driving a Formula 1 car for Enzo Ferrari is now available once more in the United States.
Alboreto: Gasoline in the Veins is written by Michele Alboreto's brother Ermanno and details his early years and rise through the racing ranks.
It also tells about his character outside the car and that is the contribution that we are most proud to be associated with. It began with an interview during Michele's Indy car career and a request to use it in his life story. We also contributed interviews with his teammates and racing legends like Giacomo Agostini.
Listen to that interview HERE.
For ordering information, simply reply to this update for details. There are a limited number of copies here in America, you will save international shipping prices by getting your copy right here.
There is also a Facebook page for the book HERE.
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FIA WEC - BMW M Motorsport has completed its squad of BMW M works drivers who will line up in the Hypercar class when the manufacturer returns to the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2024. Dries Vanthoor and Sheldon van der Linde had already been confirmed, and are now joined in the top class of the FIA WEC by Raffaele Marciello, Marco Wittmann, Robin Frijns and René Rast in the two BMW M Hybrid V8s run by BMW M Team WRT.
Vanthoor will alternate at the wheel of the No. 15 BMW M Hybrid V8 with BMW M Motorsport newcomer Marciello and Wittmann. Van der Linde shares the driving duties in the No. 20 BMW M Hybrid V8 with Frijns and Rast.
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Enter the BMW M Hybrid V8 | |
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Raffaele Marciello: “I am really looking forward to taking on this major challenge together with BMW M Team WRT. Challenging for race wins and titles in the FIA WEC, with so many big manufacturers, is exactly the challenge I was hoping for. Having been opponents on the racetrack for years, it is fantastic to now drive alongside Dries Vanthoor. And to have a BMW M Motorsport legend like Marco Wittmann on your side is fantastic. I hope to learn from the two of them.”
Marco Wittmann: “It is both a pleasure and an honor for me to be part of the WEC squad. Having already driven the BMW M Hybrid V8 in a few races in the IMSA series, I am extremely excited about the Hypercar class in the FIA WEC. There is a lot of genuine hype around this class in 2024, with so many manufacturers and top-class drivers. It is fantastic to be a part of it. The challenge is huge, but I believe we are very well positioned with the BMW M Hybrid V8, BMW M Team WRT, the BMW M Motorsport engineers, and my extremely quick teammates. The 24 Hours of Le Mans has always been on my bucket list. To drive in the top class in 2024, and hopefully challenge for victory, is a dream come true.”
Robin Frijns: “I have worked very successfully with BMW M Team WRT for many years. I have gained experience in the LMP2 class of the FIA WEC – always with the goal of starting in the Hypercar class. I now have that opportunity with BMW M Motorsport, and am absolutely thrilled. Everyone is working very hard on the project to ensure that we have a good basis at the start of the season on which we can build and hopefully pick up a few podiums. I am obviously particularly looking forward to the mega event at Le Mans. My teammates René and Sheldon are both super guys who I know well from the DTM. I am driving alongside two champions – what could possibly go wrong?”
René Rast: “Driving for BMW M Motorsport in the Hypercar class is the start of a new chapter for me. I have driven for Audi in a few individual races in the top FIA WEC class in the past, but never a full season. After that, I raced in the LMP2 class. It is awesome to now be part of a new golden era of endurance racing. I am very much looking forward to the challenge and believe we will be competitive with BMW M Team WRT, the team of engineers at BMW M Motorsport, and the squad of drivers we have.”
Round 1 of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship season takes place in Doha, Qatar on March 2nd. The FIA and IMSA no longer have a shared weekend on the schedule. The FIA will once again return to Austin's Circuit of The Americas for their US Round. Lone Star Le Mans will be Round 6 of the FIA World Endurance Championship and will take place on Labor Day Weekend. Get tickets for the September 1st race at COTA.
2024 WEC CALENDAR.
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IMSA WTSC - The 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season begins this weekend with the Roar Before the Rolex 24 three-day test session at Daytona International Speedway from January 19th - 21st. The weekend includes qualifying to set the starting grid for the 62nd running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on January 27th - 28th. The WeatherTech Championship qualifying session for all four classes concludes the weekend’s on-track activities.
Nine Porsche racing cars will tackle the 24 Hours of Daytona. Porsche Penske Motorsport has set its sights on overall victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The works team competes with two Porsche 963 and a seasoned driver lineup.
Two other Porsche 963 fielded by the customer teams JDC-Miller MotorSports and Proton Competition also take on the field in the top GTP category. In the two GT classes, a total of five customer squads compete for honors with one Porsche 911 GT3 R each.
The Daytona International Speedway in Florida, which opened in 1959, distinguishes itself from other tracks most notably by its steeply banked turns. The slope incline reaches up to 31 degrees in the oval passages of the racetrack. This requires a special vehicle setup. With 18 overall wins as a constructor and four as an engine partner, Porsche is by far the most successful manufacturer at Daytona. A further 80 class wins round off this impressive scorecard. The classic event has been contested on the combination of the tri-oval and the infield road course since 1966.
The 24 Hours of Daytona also marks the start of the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup. This long-distance classification awards points for the best-placed vehicles after six, 12 and 18 hours as well as for crossing the finish line. In addition to the season-opening round in Florida, the championship includes the 12 Hours of Sebring, the 6-hour races at Watkins Glen and Indianapolis as well as Petit Le Mans. The IMSA season wraps up in October with that ten-hour race on the Road Atlanta circuit.
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Porsche Takes on the Highbanks | |
Four factory drivers will crew each of Porsche Penske Motorsport’s two Porsche 963. Nick Tandy and Mathieu Jaminet share the No. 6 cockpit with Laurens Vanthoor and Kevin Estre. In the No. 7 sister car, Felipe Nasr and Dane Cameron receive support from IndyCar star Josef Newgarden and Matt Campbell. Cameron and Campbell are swapping series for the 2024 season: The American is fully committed to the IMSA series, with the Australian contesting the FIA WEC.
The customer squads JDC-Miller MotorSports and Proton Competition each campaign one Porsche 963 in the top GTP class. The German team’s No. 5 car is shared by the Porsche works drivers Gianmaria Bruni and Romain Dumas with Alessio Picariello and Neel Jani. Tijmen van der Helm and Richard Westbrook make up the regular crew in JDC-Miller MotorSports’ No. 85 car. For the endurance race, they receive support from Phil Hanson, with successful amateur driver Ben Keating joining them as the fourth driver in Daytona.
The Porsche 911 GT3 R fielded by AO Racing will tackle the GTD Pro category. Former Porsche Junior Laurin Heinrich and Sebastian Priaulx are the regular drivers in the No. 77 car. At Daytona, they will be supported by Michael Christensen. The Dane is part of Porsche’s works driver squad, as is Frédéric Makowiecki, who will drive the No. 120 Porsche 911 GT3 R for Wright Motorsports at the 2024 season opener. The same applies to Thomas Preining. The defending DTM champion will share Andretti Motorsports’ No. 43 car with Jarett Andretti, Gabby Chaves and Scott Hargrove. Julien Andlauer, Preining, Campbell, Jaminet, Christensen and Klaus Bachler have also come up through the ranks of the Porsche Junior program.
Twenty-four cars, 22 teams and 11 manufacturers are set to compete in the GTD class, which is the largest of the series’ four classes. There are some new or new-ish GTD teams to keep an eye on as well. AWA was successful last season in the LMP3 class and now embarks as a customer team for the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, running a pair of cars.
Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti partnered with Racers Edge Motorsports to run six GTD races in 2023, but that was with an Acura NSX GT3. Marcelli and Danny Formal return for a full-season go in the No. 45 WTRAndretti Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 this year.
The “other” Andretti team, a separately operated Andretti Motorsports outfit operated by Jarett Andretti, competed part time in GTD in 2023 with a different manufacturer, while also running a full LMP3 schedule. Jarett Andretti has moved the operation full time to a Porsche 911 GT3 R in GTD with co-driver Gabby Chaves.
The 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season kicks off tomorrow, with the annual Roar Before The Rolex 24, followed on January 25th - 28th by the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Get tickets for the ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA.
2024 IMSA WTSC SCHEDULE.
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