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Race Info from Professor Schwantz
July 2, 2008 - Kevin Schwantz, 1993 500cc World Champion, participated in a
"MotoGP 101" session with local, regional and national media at the Indy track,
discussing numerous aspects of the world of MotoGP, from event atmosphere to
motorcycle technology. Schwantz now is rider coach for the Red Bull AMA U.S.
Rookies Cup. Selected comments:
On the atmosphere of Grand Prix weekends: "First and foremost, we are going to
have three different classes here. Along with the Red Bull Rookies Cup, we are going
to have the 125cc and 250cc and MotoGP. That's quite a variety of ages, riders,
experience levels and speeds. Each class gets different lengths of practices Friday
and Saturday, and then Saturday afternoon each group qualifies. They have a short
20-minute warm-up session Sunday morning, and then it's time to go racing."
On the stresses riders feels on their body: "It's somewhere close to 200 miles
per hour on the front straightaway and then you sit up and come out of your
aerodynamic tucked position, hanging on to the bars and having to support yourself.
When the wind hits your chest at 200 miles per hour, it's quite a feat to hang on. You
also have to stop the motorcycle, make some downshifts, and get the bike into Turn
1 here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The transition from side-to-side on a
motorcycle calls for your lower body to be strong. You have to have strong legs to
make those transitions as smooth as you possibly can. Besides having to be focused
mentally, physically getting on the brakes is probably two or three g-forces, and
maybe even more, trying to get the bike stopped in a straight line to a really slow
portion of the racetrack off the back. It's very physical, that's for sure."
On his overall impressions of IMS: "I think the layout is great, and for the
spectators to come here to the United States and see for the first time 125s,
250s and (MotoGP) all together here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - the
mecca of motorsports - is just great. We talk about racing inside an oval or at a
speedway and it's typically not a very well laid-out venue, and this track has gone to
all expenses and have cut no corners to try to make this the best possible
motorcycle event here in the United States."
On where the passing will take place: "That's kind of the neat thing about
motorcycles, is that it can happen anywhere. Typically what will happen is that you'll
see someone set another rider up while they are driving in the corner, they'll pull
right up and take the position. If someone is coming through the field with a lot
better setup than the guy in front of him, he may be passing him on the brakes or
down in the straightaway by getting a better run off the corner. The entrance into
the first turn here is going to be a spot where guys are not necessarily going in and
having to out-brake, but getting a drive and a bit of a draft and going up and taking
that spot. Now the guy trapped on the outside is going to have to hold that line all the
way around back to that first tight little right-hander that there is. Not to say that
it can't be done, but it would take a brave man to try it."
July 2, 2008 - Kevin Schwantz, 1993 500cc World Champion, participated in a
"MotoGP 101" session with local, regional and national media at the Indy track,
discussing numerous aspects of the world of MotoGP, from event atmosphere to
motorcycle technology. Schwantz now is rider coach for the Red Bull AMA U.S.
Rookies Cup. Selected comments:
On the atmosphere of Grand Prix weekends: "First and foremost, we are going to
have three different classes here. Along with the Red Bull Rookies Cup, we are going
to have the 125cc and 250cc and MotoGP. That's quite a variety of ages, riders,
experience levels and speeds. Each class gets different lengths of practices Friday
and Saturday, and then Saturday afternoon each group qualifies. They have a short
20-minute warm-up session Sunday morning, and then it's time to go racing."
On the stresses riders feels on their body: "It's somewhere close to 200 miles
per hour on the front straightaway and then you sit up and come out of your
aerodynamic tucked position, hanging on to the bars and having to support yourself.
When the wind hits your chest at 200 miles per hour, it's quite a feat to hang on. You
also have to stop the motorcycle, make some downshifts, and get the bike into Turn
1 here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The transition from side-to-side on a
motorcycle calls for your lower body to be strong. You have to have strong legs to
make those transitions as smooth as you possibly can. Besides having to be focused
mentally, physically getting on the brakes is probably two or three g-forces, and
maybe even more, trying to get the bike stopped in a straight line to a really slow
portion of the racetrack off the back. It's very physical, that's for sure."
On his overall impressions of IMS: "I think the layout is great, and for the
spectators to come here to the United States and see for the first time 125s,
250s and (MotoGP) all together here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - the
mecca of motorsports - is just great. We talk about racing inside an oval or at a
speedway and it's typically not a very well laid-out venue, and this track has gone to
all expenses and have cut no corners to try to make this the best possible
motorcycle event here in the United States."
On where the passing will take place: "That's kind of the neat thing about
motorcycles, is that it can happen anywhere. Typically what will happen is that you'll
see someone set another rider up while they are driving in the corner, they'll pull
right up and take the position. If someone is coming through the field with a lot
better setup than the guy in front of him, he may be passing him on the brakes or
down in the straightaway by getting a better run off the corner. The entrance into
the first turn here is going to be a spot where guys are not necessarily going in and
having to out-brake, but getting a drive and a bit of a draft and going up and taking
that spot. Now the guy trapped on the outside is going to have to hold that line all the
way around back to that first tight little right-hander that there is. Not to say that
it can't be done, but it would take a brave man to try it."
| MotoGP Riders Test At IMS July 1-2, 2008 OVERALL TEST RESULTS |
|
Indy MotoGP Weekend Schedule
2008 Indy GP Info Index
2008 Teams & Drivers!
2008 MotoGP Calendar
2008 MotoGP Final Point Standings
Official MotoGP website
Official Indy GP website
Red Bull AMA Rookies Cup
2008 Indy GP Info Index
2008 Teams & Drivers!
2008 MotoGP Calendar
2008 MotoGP Final Point Standings
Official MotoGP website
Official Indy GP website
Red Bull AMA Rookies Cup
| Indianapolis |
| MotoGP Links! |
| William Costes crosses the Yard of Bricks finish line |
Red Bull AMA Riders Test In The Rain
July 3, 2008 - 23 Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup teen-agers were excited to run at
the new Indy circuit Thursday after the MotoGP testing the day before. All riders
range in age from 13 to 16 years old and represent seven states and six countries.
They all race identical KTM RC 125cc bikes. The six-speed, 45-horsepower machines
weigh approximately 300 pounds with the rider and can reach maximum speeds of
125 mph.
Last October, 600 junior racers traveled to Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama
for an opportunity to qualify for the 23-member Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup
team. Red Bull also manages a similar European series of 24 riders, the MotoGP
Rookies Cup.
The top 10 riders from each series will square off in a Red Bull Riders Cup event
Sept. 13 at IMS during the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP MotoGP race.
"Basically, what I'm trying to do is not so much competing against the other (AMA
Rookie Cup) riders but I'm going to try to do what I can against the European riders
coming here for the race," said Bermuda native Toriano Wilson.
Most Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup riders will look to move on to the MotoGP
Rookies Cup in Europe before graduating to the Red Bull MotoGP Academy in Spain.
There they will learn to pilot the world's top racing motorcycles. For now though,
these 23 riders are interested in becoming the world's top teen-age motorcycle
racers.
July 3, 2008 - 23 Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup teen-agers were excited to run at
the new Indy circuit Thursday after the MotoGP testing the day before. All riders
range in age from 13 to 16 years old and represent seven states and six countries.
They all race identical KTM RC 125cc bikes. The six-speed, 45-horsepower machines
weigh approximately 300 pounds with the rider and can reach maximum speeds of
125 mph.
Last October, 600 junior racers traveled to Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama
for an opportunity to qualify for the 23-member Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup
team. Red Bull also manages a similar European series of 24 riders, the MotoGP
Rookies Cup.
The top 10 riders from each series will square off in a Red Bull Riders Cup event
Sept. 13 at IMS during the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP MotoGP race.
"Basically, what I'm trying to do is not so much competing against the other (AMA
Rookie Cup) riders but I'm going to try to do what I can against the European riders
coming here for the race," said Bermuda native Toriano Wilson.
Most Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup riders will look to move on to the MotoGP
Rookies Cup in Europe before graduating to the Red Bull MotoGP Academy in Spain.
There they will learn to pilot the world's top racing motorcycles. For now though,
these 23 riders are interested in becoming the world's top teen-age motorcycle
racers.
July 29 - Ride your motorcycle on the Indy Speedway Road Course during the Red Bull
Grand Prix weekend and support charity. Hurry! Limited to 250 riders.
For information go to this website.
Grand Prix weekend and support charity. Hurry! Limited to 250 riders.
For information go to this website.
Aug 19 - Red Bull AMA Rookies Cup rider Toriano Wilson, from Bermuda, was
involved in a tragic racing accident at Virginia International Raceway on Sunday,
August 17, and ultimately succumbed to his injuries. He was 14.
The youngster, nicknamed The Animal, fell on the track during the first lap and was
struck by another rider as he attempted to get out of the way.
He was airlifted to the University of North Carolina Medical Center for treatment
but was pronounced dead on Monday morning, thought to be as a result of internal
bleeding.
The other rider, Argentinian Luciano Ribodino, also 14, suffered a broken left arm
and left femur
From Kevin Schwantz, Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Rider Coach:
"Toriano was always full of good energy and fun, but when it came time to get ready
to race, he was ready and focused. He was a practical joker at heart. I certainly
wasn't immune to Toriano's joking. He got me good a few times!"
"Toriano was a great kid and a hard rider. As the season progressed, he harnessed
his riding style and started garnering some really good results. On any given day, it
could be the #26 bike at the front. He was that talented."
"Toriano will be missed."
involved in a tragic racing accident at Virginia International Raceway on Sunday,
August 17, and ultimately succumbed to his injuries. He was 14.
The youngster, nicknamed The Animal, fell on the track during the first lap and was
struck by another rider as he attempted to get out of the way.
He was airlifted to the University of North Carolina Medical Center for treatment
but was pronounced dead on Monday morning, thought to be as a result of internal
bleeding.
The other rider, Argentinian Luciano Ribodino, also 14, suffered a broken left arm
and left femur
From Kevin Schwantz, Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Rider Coach:
"Toriano was always full of good energy and fun, but when it came time to get ready
to race, he was ready and focused. He was a practical joker at heart. I certainly
wasn't immune to Toriano's joking. He got me good a few times!"
"Toriano was a great kid and a hard rider. As the season progressed, he harnessed
his riding style and started garnering some really good results. On any given day, it
could be the #26 bike at the front. He was that talented."
"Toriano will be missed."
| MotoGP Point Standing as of Sept 7, 2008 |
First Motorcycle Race at IMS in 99 Years
Sept 14, 2008
Valentino Rossi set two records at a wet and very windy
Indianapolis Speedway today. The Italian won the inaugural
race at the Brickyard and became the most winning rider in
MotoGP history while doing so. The Doctor was tied with
legendary Giacomo Agostini for most wins at 68 going into
this weekend's event. Even the remains of Hurricane Ike
couldn't stop Rossi from earning win 69.
"This is fantastic because it's been a long time since I won in
the rain and even longer since I won four in a row!," beamed
Rossi. "To win the first race here at Indianapolis is a great
emotion and to beat Agostini's record is also incredible, now
I hope my record will stand for 30 years like his! It was an
amazing race and, once I was able to pass Stoner, I knew I
had the chance to win so I pushed very hard. I had a great
race with Nicky; he was really hard to pass so congratulations
to him. When the wind and rain came it became very hard, I
think I could have kept going for another eight laps okay but
there were things flying through the air -- beer cans, plastic
glasses -- so really I think it was the right decision to stop
the race!
"Sincerely I don't think I've ever ridden in conditions like
these and I was lucky because I was far in front and
therefore didn't have to take any big risks. It's been a
perfect weekend for us despite the weather because we
made the pole position, the fastest lap and we won, so I want
to congratulate my team once again for a fantastic job, today
and all year. Also thanks to Bridgestone because my tyres
were very good today. I've really enjoyed racing here in Indy
and I am looking forward to coming back next year. Now we
have a big advantage and it would be great to win the
championship in Motegi, but it's not over yet so we will keep
our concentration and keep working! Finally I want to
dedicate this victory to my Grandfather Dario, who sadly
died today at aged 82," added the Italian.
Speaking of the number 69, Nicky Hayden's Repsol Honda
bearing that number lead a fair part of the race before it
was cut short due to worsening conditions. The Kentucky Kid
fought off Jorge Lorenzo in the final laps to score second
place in front of his home crowd. Hayden started in a soft
wet compound which launched him into the lead but as the
track started to dry the tread pattern wore down. As the
rain flared back up the Honda driver found himself just
struggling to hold on with a bare rear tire.
"Man, it felt really good to be in the lead and I felt quite
comfortable. It's been a long time," admitted Hayden. "I was
thinking 'this only happens in the movies': your home race,
missing the last two and coming back to win. I was able to
stay focused but Valentino came past and he had a little more
speed, especially in section three. Then when he touched the
line onto the back straightaway I was able to make up a little
more ground and I thought maybe I was okay. But when it
started raining heavy I was in trouble because when it had
dried I'd used up a lot of the left side of the tyre, so it got
pretty gnarly with all the water.
"Sure, you dream about winning your home race, but honestly
I shouldn't be too greedy with how things have been,"
continued the Repsol rider. "I'll take this second and enjoy it.
I'd just like to say a big thanks to my team, all my guys, my
friends, my family, everyone who's stuck with me through
tough times. Also, thanks to Indy and everyone for making
this race happen. It's a great feeling to be able to race so
close to home, I enjoyed it."
Lorenzo completed the podium, standing next to teammate
Rossi. Fiat Yamaha had a great weekend with both drivers
starting and finishing in the top three. Their rival, Casey
Stoner finished fourth after winning a good battle between
himself and fifth placed Andrea Dovizioso. Stoner can't help
but watch Rossi sail away with the strongest points lead seen
this season. With only four more races left the Aussie needs
to start finishing ahead of the Italian and right now that
means winning races.
Sept 14, 2008
Valentino Rossi set two records at a wet and very windy
Indianapolis Speedway today. The Italian won the inaugural
race at the Brickyard and became the most winning rider in
MotoGP history while doing so. The Doctor was tied with
legendary Giacomo Agostini for most wins at 68 going into
this weekend's event. Even the remains of Hurricane Ike
couldn't stop Rossi from earning win 69.
"This is fantastic because it's been a long time since I won in
the rain and even longer since I won four in a row!," beamed
Rossi. "To win the first race here at Indianapolis is a great
emotion and to beat Agostini's record is also incredible, now
I hope my record will stand for 30 years like his! It was an
amazing race and, once I was able to pass Stoner, I knew I
had the chance to win so I pushed very hard. I had a great
race with Nicky; he was really hard to pass so congratulations
to him. When the wind and rain came it became very hard, I
think I could have kept going for another eight laps okay but
there were things flying through the air -- beer cans, plastic
glasses -- so really I think it was the right decision to stop
the race!
"Sincerely I don't think I've ever ridden in conditions like
these and I was lucky because I was far in front and
therefore didn't have to take any big risks. It's been a
perfect weekend for us despite the weather because we
made the pole position, the fastest lap and we won, so I want
to congratulate my team once again for a fantastic job, today
and all year. Also thanks to Bridgestone because my tyres
were very good today. I've really enjoyed racing here in Indy
and I am looking forward to coming back next year. Now we
have a big advantage and it would be great to win the
championship in Motegi, but it's not over yet so we will keep
our concentration and keep working! Finally I want to
dedicate this victory to my Grandfather Dario, who sadly
died today at aged 82," added the Italian.
Speaking of the number 69, Nicky Hayden's Repsol Honda
bearing that number lead a fair part of the race before it
was cut short due to worsening conditions. The Kentucky Kid
fought off Jorge Lorenzo in the final laps to score second
place in front of his home crowd. Hayden started in a soft
wet compound which launched him into the lead but as the
track started to dry the tread pattern wore down. As the
rain flared back up the Honda driver found himself just
struggling to hold on with a bare rear tire.
"Man, it felt really good to be in the lead and I felt quite
comfortable. It's been a long time," admitted Hayden. "I was
thinking 'this only happens in the movies': your home race,
missing the last two and coming back to win. I was able to
stay focused but Valentino came past and he had a little more
speed, especially in section three. Then when he touched the
line onto the back straightaway I was able to make up a little
more ground and I thought maybe I was okay. But when it
started raining heavy I was in trouble because when it had
dried I'd used up a lot of the left side of the tyre, so it got
pretty gnarly with all the water.
"Sure, you dream about winning your home race, but honestly
I shouldn't be too greedy with how things have been,"
continued the Repsol rider. "I'll take this second and enjoy it.
I'd just like to say a big thanks to my team, all my guys, my
friends, my family, everyone who's stuck with me through
tough times. Also, thanks to Indy and everyone for making
this race happen. It's a great feeling to be able to race so
close to home, I enjoyed it."
Lorenzo completed the podium, standing next to teammate
Rossi. Fiat Yamaha had a great weekend with both drivers
starting and finishing in the top three. Their rival, Casey
Stoner finished fourth after winning a good battle between
himself and fifth placed Andrea Dovizioso. Stoner can't help
but watch Rossi sail away with the strongest points lead seen
this season. With only four more races left the Aussie needs
to start finishing ahead of the Italian and right now that
means winning races.
"I'm never going to be satisfied with fourth place but it
would have been foolish to push harder in those conditions and
I made the right decision not to do so," said Stoner. "I got a
good start but I quickly lost confidence because the rear
tyre was tearing up quickly and by the time they stopped the
race I was struggling to hold my lap times."
American Ben Spies rounded off the top six for Rizla Suzuki.
The AMA Superbike Champion is proving he belongs in MotoGP
for next year. The blue bike was looking stronger than
Stoner and Dovizioso but before Spies could make his move
the red flag came out, signaling the end of this race.
"It was a good race today for me because my goal was to
better my result at Laguna and I did that," explained Spies.
"I know that I had a fourth place bike today though because
the crew had got it working great, but after 10 laps I
couldn't see anything through my visor and that was why I
never made an attack because I had to follow the other guys
around me to see where I was going -- I think if I had lost
them I would have got caught by everybody! I rode as hard as
I could and ended the race with a good sixth place. I wish we
could have done a bit better, but every time I'm getting on a
GP bike I'm getting better results so who knows what's to
come!"
Since 1909 a bike hadn't turned a lap at Indy. Rossi becomes
the first of hopefully many MotoGP riders to kiss the bricks
and sip some milk to mark his victory. For many it was a long
time waiting to see exactly where our American winners go
when they cross over the pond to this apex of motorcycle
racing. In fact, some regions described this as an AMA
Superbike race when only Spies represented that domestic
organization, figuring MotoGP was off the map for most of
the general public.
But bike enthusiasts do know and came braving the rains to
see it up close and personal. These are the people that aren't
"fair-weather" riders. They don't trailer their bikes to
shows, and rest assured they weren't going to let a little rain
stop them from seeing this action. You can count that rain or
shine they will be back for next year in greater numbers to
witness an amazing sight; a line of bikes with their riders
tucked behind windscreens, speeding over a line of bricks
with the Pagoda and scoring pylon to their left at the iconic
Indianapolis Speedway.
would have been foolish to push harder in those conditions and
I made the right decision not to do so," said Stoner. "I got a
good start but I quickly lost confidence because the rear
tyre was tearing up quickly and by the time they stopped the
race I was struggling to hold my lap times."
American Ben Spies rounded off the top six for Rizla Suzuki.
The AMA Superbike Champion is proving he belongs in MotoGP
for next year. The blue bike was looking stronger than
Stoner and Dovizioso but before Spies could make his move
the red flag came out, signaling the end of this race.
"It was a good race today for me because my goal was to
better my result at Laguna and I did that," explained Spies.
"I know that I had a fourth place bike today though because
the crew had got it working great, but after 10 laps I
couldn't see anything through my visor and that was why I
never made an attack because I had to follow the other guys
around me to see where I was going -- I think if I had lost
them I would have got caught by everybody! I rode as hard as
I could and ended the race with a good sixth place. I wish we
could have done a bit better, but every time I'm getting on a
GP bike I'm getting better results so who knows what's to
come!"
Since 1909 a bike hadn't turned a lap at Indy. Rossi becomes
the first of hopefully many MotoGP riders to kiss the bricks
and sip some milk to mark his victory. For many it was a long
time waiting to see exactly where our American winners go
when they cross over the pond to this apex of motorcycle
racing. In fact, some regions described this as an AMA
Superbike race when only Spies represented that domestic
organization, figuring MotoGP was off the map for most of
the general public.
But bike enthusiasts do know and came braving the rains to
see it up close and personal. These are the people that aren't
"fair-weather" riders. They don't trailer their bikes to
shows, and rest assured they weren't going to let a little rain
stop them from seeing this action. You can count that rain or
shine they will be back for next year in greater numbers to
witness an amazing sight; a line of bikes with their riders
tucked behind windscreens, speeding over a line of bricks
with the Pagoda and scoring pylon to their left at the iconic
Indianapolis Speedway.
| Indy MotoGP Race Results |
Famous Italian motorcycle photographer Gigi Soldano
towed a Yamaha M1 from New York to Indianapolis
using a 1960 Fiat Cinquecento for race weekend.
towed a Yamaha M1 from New York to Indianapolis
using a 1960 Fiat Cinquecento for race weekend.
| 2008 MotoGP Indy News |
