In Memoriam: Andrea Antonelli

FIM World Supersport rider, Andrea Antonelli of Italy, has suffered a fatal accident in the race at Moscow Raceway in Moscow, Russia this weekend.  The rest of the races, including the World Superbike event, have been called off.  Here's the news.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/jul/21/andrea-antonelli-dies-world-supersport

...and

http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/45-ssp-news/17805-tragic-accident-at-moscow-raceway-.html

Rest In Peace, Andrea Antonelli.

Marquez raises the bar at Laguna Seca

Will watch the race when it re-airs later, and write up a full summary.  But, here's news of Marc Marquez' stunning qualifying effort at Laguna Seca.  Stay tuned for the race details, fans.  All MotoGP this weekend.  Moto 2 and Moto 3 are off, until Indianapolis.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/marquez+fp3+motogp+laguna

recovering riders and more good news

Both Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa seem to be healing quickly from their individual injuries in the last two MotoGP races in Holland and Germany, and they will make appearances at Laguna Seca Raceway.  Both may be racing there.  But, it remains to be seen.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/lorenzo+returns+at+laguna+seca

...and

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/Pedrosa+to+depart+for+Laguna+on+Thursday

Well, well, well.  What a difference a day makes.  BOTH Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa have been cleared to race at Laguna Seca.  Article, here:

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/Pedrosa+and+Lorenzo+declareds+fit+for+Laguna

Remember MotoGP Laguna Seca 2005

Let's throw the time machine into warp speed.  Watch these highlights of Nicky Hayden winning the MotoGP race at Laguna Seca in 2005.  Click on the YouTube link to watch the video, and enjoy.

No Factory Seat at Ducati for Hayden - Headed to WSBK?

Nicky Hayden could be headed for FIM World Superbike next year.  Unfortunately, the Ducati MotoGP bike has been very uncompetitive for a while now.

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/nicky-hayden-ducati-corse-contract-motogp-wsbk/

How Many Types of Motorcycles Are There?

Not directly related to motorcycle road racing.  But, still a blog worthy link.

http://howmanyarethere.net/how-many-types-of-motorcycles-are-there/

Moto 2 & Moto 3: Germany (abbreviated highlights)

Two highlights packages in one.  Here are abbreviated highlights from Moto 2 and Moto 3 at the Sachsenring.

In Moto 2, the spoils went to a new winner as Jordi Torres became the fifth different rider to win in the class this year.  Xavier Simeon started the race from pole.  Here's the race summary.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/torres+race+moto2+sachsenring

Simone Corsi came in second, with Pol Espargaro third.  28 bikes finished.  Among the unclassified riders who didn't see the checkers were Nicolas Terol, Roman Ramos, Marcel Schrotter, Kyle Smith, Danny Kent, and Alex Marinelarena. 

#81 Jordi Torres     ESP     Suter Rubi

Moto 3 competition saw Alex Rins beating Luis Salom with a last lap pass.  These two have been duking it out in recent races to be sure.  Here's the story.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/rins+race+moto3+sachsenring

Many of the usual suspects were up front, including Luis Salom, Maverick Vinales, Miguel Oliveira, Alex Marquez, Efren Vazquez, Jack Miller, Jonas Folger, Brad Binder, and Arthur Sissis, who complete the top ten runners.  Alexis Masbou didn't start the race, and in the retirements column, we have Lorenzo Baldassarri, Luca Amato, Eric Granado, and Kevin Hanus. 

#42 Alex Rins     ESP     KTM

The next round of the championship for Moto 2 and Moto 3 will be in the United States.  But, it will be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis Grand Prix in a month, as Moto 3 and Moto 2 do not race with the MotoGP bikes in their first U.S. appearance at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California.  So, the teams and riders from those categories, will have a well deserved rest.  See you in Indianapolis with more racing coverage.  So long for now.