Category Archives: Fim Africa News

BRAD TAKES THRILLING WIN IN JEREZ SPRINT RACE

MotoGP landed at the sweltering Circuit de Jerez – Angel Nieto for one of the loudest, busiest and hottest European dates on the calendar and the fourth round of the current season. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing surged temperatures further as Brad Binder and Jack Miller duelled at the front of the field for Sprint victory and Brad spectacularly earned his second win of the year while Miller finished 3rd.

The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team showcased three riders for round four of the series and for the well-known narrow asphalt of the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. The track offered a hot spring climate and saw a bumper crowd pack into the facility from Saturday morning. Turn 6 of the layout, named ‘Dani Pedrosa’, was rounded by the actual Red Bull KTM test rider who joined Brad and teammate Jack Miller for his second MotoGP wildcard outing since full-time retirement from racing at the end of 2018.

The squad got busy with their program that saw Brad and Jack (both previous winners at Jerez in multiple categories) located in Q2 positions on Friday. After the morning qualification Brad had to make it through Q1, but both racers defied tricky conditions in the wake of a brief rain shower to storm Q2. Miller momentarily held Pole Position and was only outdone in the final seconds by one rider. The Australian ranked 2nd and less than a tenth of a second faster than Brad who was 4th: the 2-4 combo representing KTM’s best team qualification effort.

The 12-lap Sprint was a KTM spectacle. Brad and Jack disputed the lead and were rarely separated by more than half a second. Brad’s move into Turn 6 was enough to provide the break he needed for his second ’12 points’ of the term.

MotoGP gets underway at the slightly delayed hour of 15.00 CEST and with a promising 25-lap frantic fare promised for Sunday.

Brad Binder

“I knew starting from the second row we had good chance of being in the fight. I felt great today and it is so good to walk away this afternoon with another victory. Jack did a great job to pull us away at the beginning but I started to struggle with the front tire pressure increasing and I knew I needed to make a move when the front end was locking-up. It’s incredible to take another victory and I want to say thanks to my team, Dani and the test team and the whole of Red Bull KTM for giving us such an amazing and competitive package. Hopefully there is a lot more to come from us this season.”

Published by: https://bradbinder33.com

HOLL’S MIRACLE MASTERS DOUBLE

What Trademore Feeds SA Cross Country Round 2 Report
Where Jolivet, KZN
When Saturday 15 April 2023
Community South Africa National

Kawasaki wins again at Jolivet Cross Country National

He may have done it by three-hundredths of a second, but Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Kawasaki Master, Pieter Holl, pulled off an incredible double at the second round Trademore South African Cross Country Championship race at Jolivet in KwaZulu Natal on Saturday. Kenny Gilbert meanwhile bounced back with a fine second in Seniors, backed up by Brian Bontekoning in sixth.

“Today was one of those days I will never forget,” Pieter Holl admitted. “The race was stopped because of a bush fire on the route and then restarted, so when we finished, we knew it would be a very close result when they added the two halves of the race together. And man, was it close! “I won by three-hundredths of a second after three and a half hours of racing! So huge thanks once again to Iain and the Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Kawasaki crew for a great bike and what is becoming a fairy tale season for me!”

2022 champion Kenny Gilbert was second in Seniors for Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Kawasaki, ahead of the teammate Brian Bontekoning in sixth. “I have come back to a far more competitive Seniors class,” Gilbert smiled. “Jolivet was fast, dusty, and tricky, so I rode well within my limits and had a really good day out there to end up second. Well done to the organisers, my winning teammate, and to everyone who finished the race. “And thanks to my Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Kawasaki team for a great effort as always!”

It was a tougher day at the office for OR3 sensation Wian Wentzel following his debut victory last time out. “I got lost and did the entire time trail loop,” Wian rued. “That cost 30 minutes and then when I was eventually back on the main route and trying to catch up, bad luck struck again when my front brakes disappeared. “It was just one of those days, but I am strong, motivated, and ready to go at it at the next National.”

“We had a good day at Jolivet, Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Kawasaki team boss Iain Pepper summed it up. “Pieter came out hot and won Masters to retain his red plate, Kenny rode brilliantly to hold Louwrens Mahoney off to take second, and Brian was a solid sixth. “Unfortunately Wian took wrong turn on lap 1 and did an extra 20 km, but that’s just racing and he will be back, that’s for sure.”

The Trademore South African Cross Country Motorcycle Championship now takes a break until the Vryburg double header on 16 and 17 June, but it’s already back to action for Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Kawasaki Racing at the second round Gauteng GXCC race at Rysmierbult already this coming weekend.

Issued on behalf of Kawasaki Cross Country

Photography by: Michaela Ramseyer

AN INTERNATIONAL MASS RIDE TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY

AN INTERNATIONAL MASS RIDE TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY

Unlike Alice, you don’t need to believe six impossible things before breakfast to enjoy an International Mass Ride on Saturday, 06 May 2023. The ride is in honour of International Female Ride Day (IFRD) and will end with an Alice in Wonderland-themed picnic at the Avianto Clubhouse in Muldersdrift, Gauteng.

Join in for a safe, smooth-riding and fun event, with various departure points all around Gauteng and each group led by an experienced lady rider.

The IFRD first took place in 2007, with this year being the 17th edition. The aim of the IFRD is to stage a globally synchronised motorcycling and scooter ride for women that encourages all women to ‘JUST RIDE’.

It provides the ideal opportunity for women to act as role models to the global community of women who ride, to raise awareness of the growing numbers of women who own or ride motorcycles, and to celebrate the achievements of women in motorsport.

The International Female Ride Day has a successful track record of unifying women across 120 countries around the world. In addition to these serious goals, the IFRD is also about having fun and making friends in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.

That’s where the Alice in Wonderland theme for this year comes in. The Muldersdrift picnic will be hosted by Alice and her friends, including the Mad Hatter, the March Hare and the Queen of Hearts.

“We’re all about encouraging women to find more reasons to ride, and what better opportunity than a fancy-dress picnic?” commented Kerry Puzey of Biker’s Warehouse, one of the organisers of the IFRD Mass Ride.

Registration is essential and the R50 fee affords riders participation in the Mass Ride, entrance to the wonderland ‘after-party’, a goodie bag and a picnic hamper. Once you have registered all the details will be shared including route and start point information and you can pre-order awesome IFRD merchandise and your picnic hamper.  If you’re not in the mood for a picnic you can grab a pizza on the day from the Avianto Clubhouse. A cash bar will also be available to quench those parched from the ride.

Partners are welcome to participate and dressing up is definitely encouraged, with prizes for the best outfit. There will also be lots of chances to win lucky draw prizes.

“International Female Ride Day is all about celebrating the growth in female motorcycling, keeping the momentum going and encouraging more women to ride motorbikes and scooters,” commented Mercia Jansen, Motul Area Manager for Southern and Eastern Africa. “I’ll be leading one of the offroad groups myself and doing my bit to encourage ladies to take part. I’m excited for this chance to demonstrate the passion, fun and camaraderie that can be found on two wheels,” she added.

To register for the IFRD Mass Ride and picnic or to learn more, visit www.ifrd-sa.co.za

Share and follow all the fun on social media using #FemaleFocusForward  #IFRDSA and  #IFRDGauteng

To learn more about the IFRD, visit International Female Ride Day – Women’s Motorcycle Ride Day (motoress.com)

To learn more about Motul’s product range and their commitment to encouraging more women to ride motorbikes, visit https://www.motul.com/za/en

ABOUT MOTUL

Motul is a world-class French company with 170 years of experience in the specialised formulation, production and distribution of high-tech engine lubricants (for two-wheelers, cars and other vehicles) as well as lubricants for industry via its Motul Tech division.

Since its inception in 1853, Motul has been recognised for the quality of its products, commitment to innovation and involvement in competition, and is also acknowledged as a specialist in synthetic lubricants. In 1971, Motul was the first lubricant manufacturer to pioneer the formulation of a 100% synthetic lubricant, derived from the aeronautical industry and making use of esters technology: 300V lubricant.

Motul partners with many manufacturers and racing teams in order to further their technological product development through experience gained in motorsports. It has served as an official supplier for teams competing in iconic Road racing, Trials, Enduro, Endurance, Superbike, Supercross, Rallycross and World GT1 events, including 24 Hours of Le Mans (cars and motorcycles), 24 Hours of Spa, Le Mans Series, Andros Trophy, the Dakar Rally and the Roof of Africa.

Published by:   Listen Up:  Adilia Joubert  

MIKE WARD TAKES SECOND WIN IN DJ RALLY FOR CLASSIC MOTORCYCLES

Mike Ward, riding a 1936 Velocette 500, scored his second win in the iTOO-sponsored Durban-Johannesburg (DJ) rally for classic motorcycles, which started in Durban on 10 March and finished the next day in Benoni. He was not only presented with the magnificent, silver Schlesinger Vase floating trophy but, for the first time in many years he received a miniature of the trophy as a valuable keepsake.


This was the 51st running of this famous regularity trial which commemorates the annual race between the two cities which was held from 1913 to 1936 before the authorities withdrew permission due to safety concerns. It is for this reason that participating motorcycles must have been made prior to 1937.


Ward had a winning score of only 663 seconds error at the various timed control points on the 700 km route which was similar to that used in the road races. There was a total of 76 controls – 38 each day – so these low scores are amazing. Ward, who is always a strong contender for victory on these regularity trials, scored his first DJ Rally win as far back as 2004. He had the lowest score on Day 1 this year and was fourth on Day 2. This was Ward’s 24th DJ and the 15th time he had ridden his Velocette on this famous event.

Martin Kaiser, at 31 the youngest rider on this year’s rally, took second place overall with 672 seconds error and had the lowest score on Day 2. He rode a 1934 Sunbeam Model A 500. Third overall was five-times winner Gavin Walton (1936 AJS 500) with a score of 844, which was 20 seconds better than his brother, Kevin, who placed fourth on a 1931 BSA S31 Sloper 500.


There were 67 starters out of an original entry of 90 riders and 57 qualified as finishers. Weather varied from overcast, misty and damp to very hot. There were, unfortunately, two riders who crashed and had to be taken to hospital for treatment.


Other previous winners who completed the route were Kevin Robertson, a seven-time winner, who placed eighth and three-time winner Martin Davis who took 13th place.

Eighty-seven-year-old Neville Smith was the oldest rider to complete the 2023 DJ, finishing 55th on his 1935 Rudge Rapid Touring 250, carrying the number 35 that refers to 1935, which is the year Neville was born and the year his Rudge was made! The oldest motorcycle to be classified as a finisher was a 1920 ABC, ridden by Peter Gillespie, which took 18th place.


Gavin Walton, who rode his trusty AJS for the 17th time on a DJ Rally, said it was a tough event for both motorcycles and riders this year due to deteriorating road surfaces very few competitors had the benefit of rear suspension on their old motorcycles.

OVERALL RESULTS
1, Mike Ward (1936 Velocette 500) 663 seconds’ error
2, Martin Kaiser (1934 Sunbeam Model 9A 500) 672
3, Gavin Walton (1936 AJS 500) 844
4, Kevin Walton (1931 BSA S31 Sloper 500) 864
5, Ryan Duncan (1934 Norton Model 18 500) 932
6, Keith Kendall (1935 Velocette MAC 350) 1 187
7, Gawie Nienaber (1935 BMW 12 750) 1 450
8, Kevin Robertson (1936 Velocette MSS 500) 1 611
9, Dave Pitchford (1929 Sunbeam Model 9 500) 1 612
10, Neville Nicolau (1936 Norton Model 18 500) 1 626

Published by: Roger Houghton

FIM MARKS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH WOMEN IN MOTORCYCLING DOCUMENTARY

To mark International Women’s Day this coming Wednesday 8 March, the FIM has released a documentary entitled Women in Motorcycling.

Produced in conjunction with online broadcasting specialists WebsEdge, the FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission (CFM) has partnered with Can-Am, BMW Motorrad and MUNER University for this very special project with the aim of raising the profile of female motorcycle sport and inspiring the next generation of riders.

To watch the Women in Motorcycling documentary, click HERE

Featuring interviews with iconic female competitors, the twenty-two-minute film shares the inspirational stories of FIM World Champions Laia Sanz, Iris Kramer and Kiara Fontanesi along with trail-blazing road racer Andrea Coleman and up-and-coming prospect Ran Yochay.

A celebration of female motorcycle sport, Women in Motorcycling showcases three key areas in the motorcycle industry from on the road to engineering and racing.

“As soon as you put on the helmet it doesn’t matter what your gender is,” explains nineteen-year-old racer Ran Yochay. “What matters is our love for the sport and what matters is how we ride. If you’re good, you’re good – it doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman.”

Janika Judeika, FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission Director: The FIM is devoted to making motorcycling an open, inclusive and benevolent environment for all. That is why the Women in Motorcycling Commission continuously seeks ways to showcase role models who can inspire more and more women to not only join our sport, but also strive in it, no matter which path or discipline they choose. Joining forces with WebsEdge, BMW Motorrad, Can-Am, and MUNER University was a great opportunity to deliver our message to a wider audience and show girls and women everywhere that they are strong, capable, unstoppable and, most of all, supported by an extraordinary community of people!”

Stephen Horn, CEO, WebsEdge:“We were delighted to partner with the FIM to produce a film that explores the challenges and achievements of women in motorcycling. This is a ground-breaking and unique point of view of women in the industry who have made a difference. As a company we feel strongly about advancing gender equality and breaking barriers, we know the most powerful way of doing that is to share knowledge and experiences through storytelling.”

Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad: “Women are a strong part of our BMW Motorrad community. We have more and more female participants in track days and it is great that their interest in being actively involved in motorsport is also rising. As BMW Motorrad, we support them with many activities. The FIM commitment to support women in motorsports is fantastic and it has high importance for us to be a part of it. Our common goal is to interest even more girls and women for bikes and for racing and to assist them on their way into motorsports. We are excited about a future with more and more female racers competing in the different levels and disciplines of racing.” – Watch the BMW Movie Click HERE

Francesco Leali, MUNER professor and Advanced Automotive Engineering Program Director: “MUNER is promoting the value of diversity, with the belief that being able to attract more and more talented young women is not only a matter of equality, but it is a requirement to enhance the overall quality of the world of motorsport. For years we have been carrying out activities that aim to encourage women’s empowerment through, among others, creating a valuable network at both the national and international levels.
The collaboration with FIM on the Women in Motorcycle project makes us proud and confident towards a richer and fairer future.” – Watch MUNER movie Click HERE

Martin Ethier, Can-Am Marketing Director: “Can-Am is extremely proud to once again be a corporate partner of the International Female Ride Day for 2023 and support this global movement. With the largest female presence of any powersports manufacturer and programs like Women of On-Road Can-Am is committed to breaking down barriers and opening the open road to all. We look forward to celebrating this amazing event and empowering the next generation of female riders.” – Watch CanAM Movie Click HERE

FIM Communications