Vincent Lonbois takes the lead in the BMW Motorrad Race Trophy – BMW racers claim seven wins and a total of 21 podiums for the BMW S 1000 RR on one weekend.

BMW S 1000 RR riders are successful in several racing series: A double win and five out of six podium finishes at the North West 200, a double one-two-three in the International Road Racing Championship, three victories and several podiums in the Alpe Adria Road Racing Championship and also podium finishes in the Italian Superbike Championship and the Malaysia Superbike Championship.

Munich (DE), 18th May 2016. Vincent Lonbois (BE) is the new leader of the 2016 BMW Motorrad Race Trophy. On Monday, he claimed another double win in the International Road Racing Championship (IRRC). Lonbois, however, was only one of many BMW Motorrad Motorsport racers who were successful this last Whit weekend. In total, they claimed 21 podium finishes – among them seven wins – in international and national racing series.

2016 BMW Motorrad Race Trophy.

Four races, four wins – this has been Vincent Lonbois’ (BE) season in the International Road Racing Championship (IRRC) so far. With his latest success, the double win at Oss (NL) on Monday, Lonbois took the lead in the 2016 BMW Motorrad Race Trophy. He now has 161.36 Race Trophy points to his tally. The previous leader, Raffaele De Rosa (IT / STK1000), is now second with 125.25 points. This last weekend not only brought a change at the very top, but in the standings in general. New in third position is Lonbois’ team-mate Sébastien Le Grelle (BE) with 117.09 points. He was second on the podium in both races in Oss (see full standings below).

Registration for this year’s BMW Motorrad Race Trophy is open until 30th June 2016.

MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship in Sepang, Malaysia.

Racing in tropical heat: the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) held its sixth round of the 2016 season at Sepang International Circuit near Kuala Lumpur (MY). In race one on Saturday, young German Markus Reiterberger (Althea BMW Racing Team) was on course for his best ever result in the series, lying in fourth position in the final stages of the race. However, a technical issue forced him to retire with only a few laps to go. His team-mate Jordi Torres (ES) then finished in fourth, equalling his best result of the season. The two Milwaukee BMW riders Joshua Brookes (AU) and Karel Abraham (CZ) crossed the line in 11th and 12th respectively.

Shortly before Sunday’s second race, torrential rain – as it is typical for the region – hit the circuit. When the lights went out the track was still wet. Reiterberger finished the rainy race in tenth. Brookes was 12th, followed by Torres in 13th. Abraham retired.

North West 200 in Coleraine, Northern Ireland.

The North West 200 in Coleraine in Northern Ireland marked the first major event of the international Road Racing season. In the Superstock and Superbike classes, the BMW S 1000 RR was the bike to beat. In Saturday’s Superstock race, Ian Hutchinson (GB / Tyco BMW) took the win and set a new lap record. He was joined on the podium by Alastair Seeley (GB / Royal Airforce Regular & Reserves) in third. In total, seven BMW riders finished the race in the top ten. Michael Rutter (GB / Bathams/SMT Racing) was fourth, followed by Michel Dunlop (GB / MD Racing) in fifth, Lee Johnston (GB / ECC/Burdens) in sixth and Gary Johnson (GB / Penz13.com BMW Motorrad) in seventh. David Johnson (AU / Ice Valley 4 Anjels Racing) completed the top ten in tenth.

In the Superbike race, the BMW racers claimed a one-two-three for the BMW S 1000 RR. Dunlop took the win, also setting a new lap record. Hutchinson was second, while Rutter was third on the podium. Lee Johnston (fifth), Seeley (eighth) and Didier Grams (DE / Heidger Motorsport.de) in ninth also finished in the top ten.

The North West 200 was overshadowed by a tragic accident in the SuperTwin race on Saturday afternoon. Young British Kawasaki rider Malachi Mitchell-Thomas lost his life in this accident. The thoughts of everyone in the BMW Motorrad Motorsport community are with Malachi’s family, friends and team. We would like to express our sincere condolences to them.

International Road Racing Championship in Oss, the Netherlands.

The second round of the 2016 International Road Racing Championship (IRRC) was held in Oss (NL). The BMW racers celebrated maximum success, dominating the weekend and claiming a double one-two-three for the BMW S 1000 RR.

On Sunday, Didier Grams (DE / G&G Motorsport) secured pole position shortly after he had arrived from Coleraine (GB), were he had competed in the North West 200. In the two races on Whit Monday, Vincent Lonbois (BE) continued his winning streak: the Herpigny Motors BMW Motorrad Belux rider won both races and also set the fastest race lap on both occasions. His team-mate Sébastien Le Grelle (BE) was second on the podium in both races and Grams finished both heats in third.

Alpe Adria Road Racing Championship at the Slovakia Ring, Slovakia.

The 2016 season in the Alpe Adria Road Racing Championship (AARR) kicked off at the Slovakia Ring near Bratislava (SK) last weekend. The BMW riders were successful in both the Superbike and the Superstock classes.

In the Superbike class (AARR SBK), Lukáš Pešek (CZ) celebrated a brace of wins on his IVR Racing BMW Motorrad CSEU BMW S 1000 RR and set the fastest race lap in both races. He was joined on the podium by Wolfgang Gammer (AT / heating factory), who finished third on both occasions.

The reigning Superstock class (AARR STK) champion, Michal Prášek (CZ / Rohac and Fejta motoracing team), started the new season with a win in race one. In the second heat, he was second on the podium. Marcin Walkowiak (PL / Team LRP Poland) ended both races in third on the podium.

Italian Superbike Championship in Vallelunga, Italy.

The Italian Superbike Championship (CIV) held its season opener at Vallelunga (IT) last weekend. The first CIV podium of the year for the RR was claimed by Denni Schiavoni (IT / DMR Racing) who was third in the second race. In the first heat, Schiavoni finished tenth. Raffaele De Rosa (IT / Althea BMW Racing Team) was fourth in race one but crashed in tricky and wet conditions in race two. Matteo Ferrari (IT / DMR Racing) finished in seventh and fifth respectively.

Malaysia Superbike Championship in Sepang, Malaysia.

At the Malaysian round of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship in Sepang (MY), the Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSC) kicked off its 2016 season. The curtain raiser saw a podium for the BMW S 1000 RR in the Superbike class (MSC SBK): Colin Butler (CA) finished second in the first of the two races. In race two, Butler retired. Gavin MacDonald (GB) ended both races in the top six, crossing the line in sixth and fourth respectively.

In the Superstock class (MSC STK), four BMW S 1000 RR riders rode into the top ten. Linggam Rammoo (MY) and Nasarudin Mat Yusop (MY) each claimed one fourth and one seventh place. Abdul Aziz Al Ikram Yaakub (MY) was tenth in race one, while Ahmad Azri Azis (MY) crossed the line in tenth in race two.

MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Series at Virginia International Raceway, USA.

The iconic Virginia International Raceway (US) hosted the third round of the 2016 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Series (AMA). BMW rider Jeremy Cook (US / Dead Presidents Racing) failed to finish race one but was 12th in the Superstock class (AMA STK) in race two.

2016 BMW Motorrad Race Trophy – Current Standings.

Status: 18th May 2016

16. Marco Nekvasil (AT/IDM STK/72.57), 17. Michel Amalric (FR/FR EU/69.54), 17. Kenny Foray (FR/FSBK SBK/69.54), 19. Jan Bühn (DE/IDM STK/64.57), 20. Christian Iddon (GB/BSB SBK/63.60), 20. Michael Dunlop (GB/BMW RRC/63.60), 22. Markus Reiterberger (DE/WorldSBK/61.20), 23. Hernani Teixeira (FR/FR/FR EU/60.92), 24. Alastair Seeley (GB/BMW RRC/52.97), 25. David Bouvier (FR/FR EU/52.96), 26. Michael Rutter (GB/BMW RRC/52.40), 27. Michael Laverty (GB/BSB SBK/50.80), 28. Joshua Elliott (GB/BSB STK/50.55), 29. Joshua Brookes (AU/WorldSBK/50.00), 29. Danilo Lewis (BR/BRSBK/50.00), 31. Luca Vitali (IT/STK1000/45.50), 32. Nicolas Grobler (ZA/RSA SBK/44.00), 33. Petr Bicište (CZ/IRRC/43.64), 34. Hudson Kennaugh (ZA/BSB STK/43.27), 35. Maximilian Scheib (CI/CEV/43.00), 36. Madjid Idres (FR/FR EU/42.46), 37. Nasarudin Mat Yusop (MY/MSC STK/41.20), 37. Denni Schiavoni (IT/CIV/41.20), 39. Lee Johnston (GB/BMW RRC/39.60), 40. Bertrand Boyer (FR/FR EU/39.38), 41. Richard Cooper (GB/BSB SBK/38.80), 42. Florian Brunet-Lugardon (FR/FR EU/38.77), 43. Matteo Ferrari (IT/CIV/38.00), 44. Cyril Brunet-Lugardon (FR/FR EU/36.31), 45. Pekka Päivärinta/Kirsi Kainulainen (FI/SWC/35.36), 46. Karel Abraham (CZ/WorldSBK/33.20), 47. Santiago Barragán (ES/CEV/32.89), 48. Pepijn Bijsterbosch (NL/IDM STK/32.86), 49. David Datzer (DE/IRRC/32.73), 50. Colin Butler (CA/MSC SBK/32.00), 50. Manu Dagault (FR/FR EU/32.00), 52. Garrick Vlok (ZA/RSA SBK/29.14), 53. Steve Rapp (US/AMA STK/28.80), 54. Miloš Cihak (CZ/AARR SBK/26.80), 55. Camille Hedelin (FR/EWC SBK/26.26), 55. Clive Rambure (FR/EWC SBK/26.26), 55. Nicolas Senechal (FR/EWC SBK/26.26), 58. Martin Choy (BG/AARR SBK/23.60), 58. Lee Jackson (GB/BSB SBK/23.60), 58. Martin Tritscher (AT/AARR STK/23.60), 61. Julien Brun (FR/FR EU/20.92), 62. Adrián Bonastre (ES/CEV/19.00), 63. Jeremy Cook (US/AMA STK/18.93), 64. Justin Gillesen (ZA/RSA SBK/18.86), 64. Ronald Slamet (ZA/RSA SBK/18.86), 66. Rene Skalicky (CZ/AARR STK/17.40), 67. Eric Vionnet (CH/STK1000/17.25), 68. Ricky Lee Weare (ZA/RSA SBK/14.57), 69. Sam West (GB/BMW RRC/14.40), 70. Janez Prosenik (SI/EWC SBK/13.62), 71. Léon Benichou (FR/FR EU/13.54), 72. Etienne Nelson (ZA/RSA SBK/13.14), 72. Evert Stoffberg (ZA/RSA SBK/13.14), 74. Maxime Bonnot (FR/FSBK SBK/12.92), 75. Pedro Rodriguez (ES/CEV/12.60), 76. Dominic Chang (SG/MSC STK/11.20), 77. Marc Neumann (DE/IDM STK/10.29), 78. Davo Johnson (AU/BSB STK/9.60), 79. Matthieu Lussiana (FR/WorldSBK/9.20), 80. Björn Stuppi (DE/IDM STK/7.71), 81. Federico D’Annunzio (IT/STK1000/7.50), 82. Pierre Bezuidenhout (ZA/RSA SBK/6.57), 83. Gauthier Duwelz (BE/STK1000/5.75), 83. Thomas Toffel (CH/STK1000/5.75), 85. Howie Mainwaring Smart (GB/BSB SBK/5.60), 86. Pascal Meslet (FR/FR EU/4.92), 87. Roberto Blazquez (ES/CEV/4.60), 88. Michal Bidas (CZ/AARR STK/3.20), 88. Paul Shoesmith (GB/BMW RRC/3.20), 88. Jakub Smrz (CZ/BSB SBK/3.20), 91. John Krieger (ZA/RSA SBK/2.29), 92. Sabine Holbrook (DE/AARR SBK/1.60), 93. Eric Dagault (FR/FR EU/1.23), 94. Elwyn Steenkamp (ZA/RSA SBK/1.14), 95. Jacques Brits (ZA/RSA SBK/0.00), 95. Daniel Cooper (GB/BMW RRC/0.00), 95. Stefan Dolipski (DE/AMA STK/0.00), 95. Ryan Farquhar (GB/BMW RRC/0.00), 95. Michal Fojtik (CZ/AARR STK/0.00), 95. Dominic Herbertson (GB/BMW RRC/0.00), 95. Valter Patronen (FI/CEV/0.00), 95. Dominique Platet (FR/EWC SBK/0.00), 95. Heinrich Rheeder (ZA/RSA SBK/0.00), 95. Mike Roscher/Anna Burkard (DE/SWC/0.00), 95. Joan Sardanyons (ES/CEV/0.00), 95. Michal Šembera (CZ/AARR SBK/0.00), 95. Tomas Svitok (SK/AARR STK/0.00), 95. Jordan Szoke (CA/CSBK/0.00), 95. Jacques van Wyngaardt (ZA/RSASBK/0.00), 95. Ben Young (GB/CSBK/0.00)

More, from a press release issued by RoadRace Factory:

Putting the season into perspective

In a season that has been full of ups and downs, this past weekend at VIR was no different. The team arrived in Alton, Va eager to get the bike out of the rig so that they could begin prepping for the weekend’s action. After they had spent the time between New Jersey and now to analyze the data and determine a corrective course of action, the 32 Crew immediately dug into the Yamaha Superbike to make their tweaks in anticipation of nailing the first practice session. Hours of work were scheduled to be put to the test first thing Friday morning. Mother nature, however, decided to provide a little reminder that she’s in control. Come first practice session one on Friday morning, the wind picked up, the temp dropped and the rain appeared. The decision was made to not go out and risk potential damage on a session that would provide no helpful data for the remainder of the weekend as the weather was predicted to be clear and warm. Testing of the new settings would have to wait untll the afternoon and practice session two.

The sun came out and so did the remainder of the paddock for free practice session two. Jake was quick to be on the pace and from all track side appearances, he was really gelling with the bike. For the first time this season, it was clear that rider and machine were moving as one. While he finished in P6 overall, he came into the pits feeling happy with the bike and ready to charge towards the front on Saturday.

Saturday morning and the near perfect conditions remained. An overnight storm had cleared off the rubber on the track surface making it a little slick, but by the half way point in the session all the riders were flying around the narrow natural terrain circuit. Jake, despite his feeling on the bike, didn’t make much of an improvement and finished the session in P10. Making the cut for the fastest of the Superpole groupings, but only just barely. As we’ve mentioned before, Superpole is a crazy throwback to when riders adn teams would play games that would culminate in a one lap, show your cards, leave nothing on the table scramble. Needing to improve from his 10th place standings, Jake took off on his qualifying out lap. Needing to be careful to not burn the tire on that lap, Jake found an open spot among the riders and came off the final corner and went flying down the front section of the track bent on laying down a quick time. Sector by sector, Jake was on a leading pace. At the line, he had improved almost 2 seconds on his previous laps and put himself in P5 for the beginning of the races on Sunday.

Race day, Sunday, the day where it all comes together. Everyone in the Broaster Chicken / RoadRace Factory pit was beaming with anticipation. Jake was smiling and excited to ride as he knew he could race up front. When Jake is in the zone and feeling the flow, it’s almost zen like. Zen was the feeling throughout the morning warm-up and into the first race sighting lap. Jake lined up in his P5 position and was back to his calm and jovial self. Jake knew that he had to get a great start in order to make his run for the front because behind him was four time national champ Josh Hayes in 10th who would be making a charge through the pack. Jake needed no part of that and knew he had to leap off the line and be up front from the beginning. The grid was cleared of all personnel, the riders made their last sighting lap and took their positions. Under absolutely ideal conditions, the revs went up, and the lights went off sending the superbike / superstock field into the Virginia hillsides.

Jake didn’t make the start he needed to. He got caught up in a dog fight through the first couple of turns. After a few laps, there was a gap between him and the lead group. That gap was closing however, and Jake was in P4 making his way towards the leaders with Josh Hayes hot on his exhaust. Entering into turn one, Josh Herrin and Roger Hayden made contact sending Herrin into the grass causing the leaders to check up and causing Hayes to run into the back of Jake. Jake stayed up and rejoined the race back behind Claudio Corti and Bobby Fong. Jake would make the pass on Beaubier (ran off earlier), Bobby Fong and Claudio and claw his way back to P4.

There is a saying, “If it wasn’t for bad luck, you’d have no luck at all.” Jake’s bad luck this season made a spectacular reappearance. With 7 laps to go, as he worked through the chicane just before the Roller Coaster corners, Jake ran over the curbing with the front wheel aloft. When he set it down, that induced a head shake. If you’re not familiar with what can happen as a result of massive head shake, watch the video posted up by beIN. The shake caused the front brake pads on his superbike to open up and break contact with the rotors. As Jake was entering the top of the Roller Coaster, he had no front brakes. With no options, Jake rode the bike into the grass where he was quickly running out of real estate so he had to lay the bike down in the grass. Absolutely dejected, there was no possible restarting of the bike to continue his run.

Unfortunately, there would be no second race for Jake. When he laid the bike in the grass he hit his head. When you see the video he actually hit his head pretty hard while tumbling through the grass. During the break between races, Jake opted to play it safe and not push through the headache that had developed. Jake and the 32 Crew would only watch the final race of the weekend.

Now there is an almost three week break before Road America. The team is in high spirits and with a rested Gagne, the expectation is that he’ll be up front in Wisconsin.

Jake Gagne

9th – Superbike Championship Points

“I was really looking forward to VIR. I like this track, it’s got a great flow to it, it’s just a cool place. We kind of had an up and down weekend through Friday and Saturday. We were working hard. We had a lot of things figured out. I feel like we really figured it out especially in there in the first race.

I got off to a decent start, everything was feeling great. I was happy finally with the bike, happiest I’ve been with it all season so far. So that was really refreshing.

Unfortunately, I got pushed off the track in turn one. I was able to get back on the track and get my way back towards the top. I was cresting the hill on the back side of the track and I pulled a little wheelie and got some big head shake when I set it down. My brake pads got pushed apart so I had no brakes going into that right turn. I went off into the grass and I knew I didn’t have a lot of run off so I just put her down. I kinda just hit my head when I hit the ground. I just had a little headache, nothing major but you got to be smart when you’re racing. I decided to opt out of the second race and just recover and get ready for Road America.”

Scott Jensen

Crew Chief

“VIR was another big step forward for us with our Superbike program. Unfortunately, come race time we were bumped off in race one and had a minor incident while trying to work back towards the front of the field.

Jake did a fantastic job for us this weekend as he always does. We as a team are all now chomping at the bit to get back racing and build on our progress we made and start challenging for wins!”

Danny Walker

Team Principal

“There are many oddities in racing. For example; if you were sitting at dinner with the crew Sunday night in VIR, you’d notice the mood was strikingly different from the same moment in Atlanta. Atlanta is where we earned our first podium in Superbike and VIR we had DNF’s.

That makes sense right? But, you would be wrong if you thought Atlanta was joyous, jubilant and VIR was somber and down.

You see our bike and rider are finally one again. Getting on the podium or winning races that you’re dominating in is not our thing! We thrive on the challenge and the positives that come from a good fight. The knowledge that Jake and his bike are working as one again, that’s cause for us to celebrate and look forward to the next round.

We’ve had to deal with a lot of curve balls this season. The list is almost too long to actually list. But, Jake and the entire RRF crew have finally worked through most of the things we have been dealing with on this crazy Superbike adventure. We’re not bummed by this weekend, in fact it’s the opposite. We’re excited. We’re excited, as you are, to finally see what Jake can do in this competitive class and how he’s overcome the adversity that has come his way.”

More, from a press release issued by Hunter Su’s publicist:

Su Close To Points At Jerez

Hunter Su was in action last weekend at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain, where he raced to a credible 17th position in only his second ever Moto3 race in the Campeonato de Espana de velocidad.

Su who is in his second full season of road racing had a difficult weekend to begin with, as heavy rain prevented any serious track time at a circuit which was completely alien to him. Nevertheless, he was able to tip toe his way around the Spanish circuit but only for a few laps as a technical problem halted any further running on Thursday.

With the rain still falling on Friday, Su ventured back out, completing 15 laps which ensured that the previous day problems were resolved.

Qualifying on Saturday was held in thankfully sunny conditions with Hunter able to string together a number of personal improving laps to eventually qualify 18th for Sunday’s race.

As in the opening round of the championship the Team China rider made an excellent start passing several riders in the opening corners before running wide at the end of the back straight. Digging deep he regrouped to salvage 17th at the flag, narrowly missing out on his first Moto3 championship points.

Hunter Su – Team China: “Jerez is a track I’ve never been to and unfortunately the engine failed in the first session, so we had to end the day early. It rained again on Friday so it wasn’t until Qualifying really that we had some dry time and I was really happy to qualify in 17th. Race time and I did it again passing a couple of riders at the start but I made a mistake and totally blew the corner at the end of the back straight. I stayed fully concentrated and although it was hard to recover the gap I was able to finish the race in 17th. The team and I did an excellent job during the past week in Jerez, we were able to figure all the technical issue out really fast and with that I was able to learn the track quickly. This was one of the hardest weekends but at the same time the best learning weekend of my career. We are progressing and we will always be stronger race by race. Thanks to all my sponsors, family and friends for supporting me, you are a huge part of my motivation!”

More, from a press release issued by Thrashed Bike Racing:

Moto America, season review Thrashed Bike Racing.

Following the VIR round of MotoAmerica Thrashed Bike Racing once again saw two top 10 finishes which has the team sitting in a good 7th pace in the championship at the half way point of the series. Consistent results on the Thrashed Bike racing Yamaha R1 is thanks to the efforts of the small Louisiana based team with its support from Arrow Aviation, CPL Systems, Barbra Conner Jewelry, Friendly Power Sports, Arai Helmets and Oxford Products.

Team Principal Tim Ivanoff stated “Championships need consistency and I am very happy with the strong controlled ride from Max throughout the past 8 races.”

Rider, 19yr old Max Flinders from Slidell LA said: “I really enjoy racing the Yamaha R1 in MotoAmerica. I’m extremely grateful to my sponsors who have all helped to pull the team together and support me personally, I am learning and improving each round and it’s a great privilege to race against such a high caliber of riders. The last 5 rounds will see a harder push closer to the front of the field”.

Thrashed Bike racing is based in Louisiana and competing in the MotoAmerica Superstock1000 championship on a Yamaha YZF R1.