This Month in the Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar ....
Beautiful SBK Fast Dates Calendar Kitten Halle Arbaugh heat up the pits at Miller USA World Superbike with Marco Melandri's 2012 race season factory BMW S1000RR World Superbike. You'll find bikes like this with beautiful Kittens featured in the
Calendar Bike Garage with full specifications and screensaver size pictures. Click HERE to order the Calendar.

NEW! FAST 2015, 2014 Calendar Digital Yearbook
Go behind the scenes of the FastDates.com Calendar photo shoots at the SBK World Superbike races, the Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show & Concourse d' Elegance, and inside the FastDates.com Studio of famed photographer Jim Gianatsis. Meet the official SBK World Superbike Calendar Kittens who also serve as the official SBK podium and grid girls, the top factory riders of World Superbike, and America's top custom bike builders.  You'll find detailed editorial photo features on the Calendars' top Custom and Race bikes, and on the Calendar Kittens.

Did we forget anything? - Oh yes! The new FAST 2015 Calendar Yearbook Digital Edition features in high resolution every page in the new 2015 Fast Dates World Superbike, Iron & Lace Custom Bikes, Garage Girls and Cafe Racers Calendars featuring the world's top race and custom bikes and the beautiful Calendar Kittens!

   Now in Members Corner

Kawasaki Stunner at Intermot!
The new H2R 300hp Supercharged Superbike

Intermot, Cologne Germany, October 1st 2014 - When Kawasaki first conceived the Ninja H2R, the driving development concept was to offer the kind of acceleration no rider had experienced before. 
That a motorcycle be “Fun to Ride” is one of Kawasaki’s guiding principles.  But while there are many ways for a motorcycle to be enjoyed, it was felt that having incredible acceleration was a major factor in delivering ultimate riding exhilaration. 
 
Powering the Ninja H2R is a supercharged engine with a design target of 300 PS allied to a compact design on par with power units found in supersport litre-class models.  The key to achieving this incredible performance lies in the engine’s supercharger — a motorcycle-specific unit designed completely in-house with technology from other companies within the Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) Group: the Gas Turbine & Machinery Company, Aerospace Company and Corporate Technology Division.
 
KHI Group technology was not limited to the supercharger.  Advanced technological know-how shared from other group companies is found throughout the all-new engine and chassis design.  For example, the carbon-fibre upper and lower wings that ensure stability when riding in the ultra-high speed range were designed with assistance from Kawasaki’s Aerospace Company.  This is but one example, and this inter-group collaboration combined with the level of technology poured into this model is the reason the Kawasaki River Mark* is displayed prominently on the front of the Ninja H2R. 
 
When it came time to name this model, using “Ninja”—a name synonymous with Kawasaki performance and shared by many legendary models over three historic decades —was an obvious choice.  But this model is also named for another epoch-making model, whose 2-stroke 748.2 cm3 Triple gave it an intense acceleration that made it a sensation around the world: the Mach IV 750, also known as the “H2.”  For a model designed to offer “the kind of acceleration no rider has experienced before” we can think of no better name. 
 
Built Beyond Belief. In 2014, Kawasaki is once again ready to unleash a new sensation upon the world. 
 
*The Kawasaki River Mark is a long-time symbol of the KHI Group dating back to the 1870s.  As a policy, its use on products is rare and limited to models with historical significance.  But for the Ninja H2R permission to use this symbol was granted. 

Key Features of the New H2R
 
Never-before-experienced Acceleration
In order to be able to offer intense acceleration and a top speed in a range that most riders never have a chance to experience, it was essential that the engine be able to produce big power.  While a large-displacement engine could easily provide a high engine output, to ensure a lightweight, compact overall package a compact engine was also desired.  Using a supercharged engine—essentially enabling a high-performance engine to be downsized—allowed both of these engine design requirements to be met: maximum power output has been targeted at 300 PS, and the engine size of the 998 cm3 In-Line Four is on par with other supersport litre-class power units.
 
In-house-designed Supercharger
The supercharger used in the Ninja H2R was designed by Kawasaki motorcycle engine designers with assistance from other companies within the KHI Group, namely the Gas Turbine & Machinery Company, Aerospace Company, and the Corporate Technology Division.  Designing the supercharger in-house allowed it to be developed to perfectly match the engine characteristics of the Ninja H2R.  The highly efficient, motorcycle-specific supercharger was the key to achieving the maximum power and the intense acceleration that engineers wanted to offer.

 
Chassis Design
The objectives for the Ninja H2R’s chassis were to ensure supreme stability at ultra-high speeds, offer cornering performance to be able to enjoy riding on a closed course, and finally to have a highly accommodating character.  Ordinarily, high-speed stability can easily be achieved with a long wheelbase, but a shorter wheelbase was selected to achieve the compact overall package and sharp handling that were also desired.  The frame needed not only to be stiff, but also to be able to absorb external disturbances—which, when encountered while riding in the ultra-high speed range, could easily unsettle a lesser chassis.  A new trellis frame developed using the latest analysis technology provided both the strength to harness the incredible power of the supercharged engine, and the balanced flex to ensure the stability and feedback for high-speed riding.  

 
Aerodynamics
As speed increases, wind resistance increases exponentially.  To be able to operate in the ultra-high speed range, a combination of high power and slippery aerodynamics is needed.  With power requirements taken care of by the supercharged engine, the next step was to design bodywork that both minimised drag and ensured control when riding at ultra-high speed.  Assistance from Kawasaki’s Aerospace Company was enlisted in creating the aerodynamically sculpted bodywork to ensure maximum aerodynamic efficiency.  
 
Intense-Force Design & Craftsmanship
Wanting to ensure a bold design worthy of a model that carried both the “Ninja” and “H2” names, the prime styling concept chosen for the Ninja H2R was “Intense Force Design.”  As a flagship for the Kawasaki brand, it required presence, and a styling that reflected its incredible performance.  But the design is much more than cosmetic.  While it certainly looks the part, the Ninja H2R also possesses a functional beauty: each piece of its bodywork was aerodynamically sculpted to ensure stability at ultra-high speeds; the cowling design also maximises cooling performance and heat dissipation, aiding in achieving the engine’s roughly 300 PS output; and the Ram Air duct is ideally positioned to bring fresh air to the supercharger.  More than any motorcycle Kawasaki has built to date, the Ninja H2R is a showcase of craftsmanship, build quality and superb fit and finish—right down to the high-tech mirrored-finish black chrome paint specially developed for this model.

SPECIFICATIONS - Ninja H2R
Engine Type:  Supercharged liquid-cooled In-Line Four
Displacement:  998 cm3
Supercharger Type:  Centrifugal, scroll-type
Maximum Power:  Design target 300 PS
Frame Type:  Trellis, high-tensile steel
Tyres, Front: 120/600R17 (racing slick tyre)
Tyres, Rear: 190/650R17 (racing slick tyre)
 
NOTES
1. The Ninja H2R is a closed-course model; it may not be ridden on public roads.
2. The street model (Ninja H2) will be released at EICMA later in the week.

Ducati Scramber Classic with wire spoke alloy wheels and high rear fender is highest priced model at $9,995. Click to Go BIG

Ducati Premiers It's New Retro Scambler at Intermot
Intermot, Cologne Germany, October 1st 2014 - The wait is over at last. The Ducati Scrambler is finally out of the yellow container that has so jealously guarded it over the last few months and is now – after the previews granted to employees and Ducatisti at
World Ducati Week 2014 - officially ready to be revealed to all enthusiasts. This is more than just a new bike: it’s a whole new world, one that expresses itself via a range of versions that provide a starting point for satisfying the different needs and wants of individual motorcyclists.

The Ducati Scrambler is a contemporary bike that expresses the pure essence of motorcycling. Tried and tested materials such as the aluminium of the rear swingarm and engine covers and the steel of the teardrop tank and frame are combined with new-generation components such as front and rear LED lighting and LCD instruments.

Wide handlebars and a long seat provide a comfortable, relaxed riding position and, together with the low weight, low centre of gravity and slightly knobby tyres, ensure pure riding fun whatever the situation. “Post-heritage” design gives a contemporary take on the iconic bike built by Ducati back in the 70s. This Scrambler, though, is not a retro bike: it is, rather, intended to be just how the legendary motorcycle would be today if Ducati had never stopped building it.

The Icon version, in yellow and red, is joined by three others - Urban Enduro, Full Throttle and Classic - each offering its own style and performance-related interpretation of the Scrambler spirit. The Urban Enduro, with its “Wild Green” paintjob, is for enduro style enthusiasts and ready to switch from city streets to country backroads in an instant.

The Full Throttle is for riders enthralled by the flat-track racing world who have a penchant for pushing things to the limit. And the Classic is for devotees to details and a 1970s look who want the uncompromising riding pleasure and comfort of a modern-day bike. Moreover, thanks to a vast range of apparel and bike accessories, to be presented in November, the Scrambler offers a virtually unlimited range of exclusive personalisation and lifestyle options.

The Scrambler name has much in common with the verb to scramble - mixing up, blending, letting the imagination run free, sharing with others. Ducati Scrambler, the two-wheeled alter ego of those who ride it, is a cultural movement in and of itself. It’s free-spirited, positive and anti-conformist, open to encounters with other philosophies and styles. Ducati Scrambler isn’t just a bike, it’s a world.

This is the Scrambler Icon in Yellow with cast aluminum wheels and swingam mounted fender/plate priced at $8,995 USA
Click to GO BIG

Overview of Scrambler Models and Features
• Steel teardrop-shaped tank, interchangeable aluminium side panels
• Low seat (790 mm) for perfect stationary manoeuvrability
• Low weight 170 kg / 374 lbs dry and low centre of gravity
• Wide handlebars for a relaxed riding position
• Headlight w/ glass parabola & ultra-modern LED light guide
• Rear light with suffused-light LED technology
• LCD instruments
• L-twin air-cooled 803 cmÑ engine
• Machine-finished aluminium belt covers
• Twin spar steel Trellis frame
• Die-cast aluminium rear swingarm
• 10-spoke alloy wheels, 18’’ front, 17’’ rear
• Enduro-derived Pirelli tyres optimised for the Scrambler
• Dual-channel ABS as standard
• Spacious under-seat storage with USB socket

Engine
An oil cooled L-twin two-valve 803 cc engine powers the Ducati Scrambler. Derived from the Monster 796 engine, it has an 88 mm bore, a 66 mm stroke and has been redesigned to give smooth acceleration throughout the rev range. The Desmodue engine on the Scrambler has light machine-finished aluminium covers, including those on the clutch and alternator. The two belt covers are also made of aluminium and have, likewise, been machine-finished to enhance aesthetics.

To ensure smooth integration with the compact steel teardrop tank, the Desmodue engine on the Scrambler features a single Ø 50 mm throttle body with two sub-butterfly injectors: this solution ensures fluid power delivery and accurate control of the fuel being aspirated into the cylinders.

Pistons and crankshaft are the same as those on the Monster 796 and Hypermotard 796 power units, while the camshafts have been designed to ensure linear power delivery thanks to the adoption of an 11° valve overlap angle. The 2-in-1 exhaust with aluminium silencer has been specially designed for the Scrambler. It features an aluminium heat plate for improved rider protection and is EURO 3 compliant.

The gearbox is a 6-speed unit while the multiplate APTC oil bath clutch with cable actuation, while emphasising the minimalist nature of the Scrambler, provides a light-touch brake lever with outstanding ‘feel’, a real plus point when it comes to the continuous stop-and-go of inner city traffic. Moreover, it features a torque-linked anti-hopping system that prevents rear wheel chatter when downshifting.

The twin-cylinder Desmodue engine on the Scrambler has been designed to favour smooth running and fluid acceleration throughout the rev range, putting out 75 hp (55.2 kW) @ 8,250 rpm and 50.2 lb-ft (6.9 kgm) of torque @ 5,750 rpm. Just like the Scrambler itself, it is designed to be simple and accessible and also features generous 12,000 kilometres maintenance intervals.

The Scramber Icon in Red is the base model with cast aluminum wheels at $8,495. Click to GO BIG

Post-Heritage design
When the Ducati Design Center started working on the Scrambler the goal immediately became a very clear one: to revive a legend while, simultaneously, building a truly modern bike. A new bike inspired by the iconic ’70s model but with all the technical specifications of a present-day one. That’s why, for example, the bike features an upside down stanchion fork, alloy rims, a rear monoshock, and front radial-mount calipers.

Everything on the Ducati Scrambler has been designed to be as “Ducati” as possible while remaining faithful to the style of its inspiring predecessor. Firstly, there’s the tank, sculptural and lovingly shaped yet loyal to the original teardrop design of the ‘70s model, including the ‘upward sloping’ look. Additional character is provided by the tank side covers: made of brushed aluminium, they’re interchangeable to allow plenty of scope for personalisation and feature version-specific logos.

Seat and tank have been formed carefully to give the Ducati Scrambler eye-pleasing proportions. A compact bike, the Scrambler instils confidence from the moment you set eyes on it. It’s been sized to make it accessible to all motorcyclists while its long seat maximises comfort and can accommodate a passenger comfortably, because the Ducati Scrambler is all about sharing too.

A great deal of thought has gone into every detail on the Scrambler, including the ultra-modern rear swingarm and the exhaust pipe routing, a layout that echoes the look seen on the latest Ducati nakeds. The short silencer and the rear mudguard tip have been designed to make the bike more compact, as have the passenger grab handles, hidden by the openings on the upper part of the seat.

Redesigned for the present day, the round headlamp is a key part of the Scrambler look. Ultra-modern LED light guide technology (used for the side lights) underlines the outstanding level of technical expertise. The filler cap, which sports the inscription “born in 1962”, reflects the closure system in vogue in the ‘70s; similarly, the key, once inserted in the switchgear on the headlamp unit, recalls the design of the original light switch. Under-seat moulding provides another ‘70s design throwback.

Marco doen't look too happy after being ordered to Race One victory to Aprilia team mate Guinotil, Jonathan Rea was 3rd.

SBK World Superbike Championship, Round 11 of 12 Magney-Cours, France

Melandri On Top at Magney-Cours
Sharing Wins with Aprilia Team mate Guintoli to close title points on Sykes
Magny-Cours, France, October 3-5th, 2014 - Reigning World Superbike Champion Tom Sykes came to Magney-Cours with a seemingly secure 31-points lead going into this next-to-last round to help secure his 2nd consecutive title, but heavy rain on race day would play havoc with Tom's plans plans and set the stage for a much more dramatic season finale next month at the Losail Circuit in Dohar, Qatar.

The factory Aprilia riders Marco Melandri and Sylvan Guintoli, holding 2nd and 3rd place in the rider's and manufacturers' Championship, proved to be dominate when Sunday arrived with pouring rain in the French countryside after two days of dry practice and Superpole. Melandri proved the faster of his team mate when he passed Guintoli both races for the lead, but orders from the team pit board told Marco to drop back and let Sylvain take the win to close the his smaller Championship points gap to Sykes. In Race One, Marco waited to the final chicane before pulling over and waving Sylvain past for the win. In Race Two, though, Marco ignored the same pit board while leading again, to take the race win by 2.6 seconds over Guintoil. Marco would help his team mate in Race One, but in Race two he needed to show the record books he was the quickest on this day.

Mean while the factory Kawasaki ZX10s of Tom Sykes and Loris Baz were struggling on the wet track and had a difficult time in the wet corners. Loris was was in 4th place and leading his team mate on the final laps, when Loris too, got the pit signal to slow down and let his team mate past so Tom could keep a bigger piece of his point lead. SBK race commentators Jonathan Green and Steve martin were not sure that Loris would pull over for Tom since Kawasaki wasn't renewing his contract for next season and Loris was moving to MotoGP. But Loris did pull over and let Tom past, who waved a thanks as he went by to finish 4th on Race One and maintain a few more valuable points. In Race Two, Tom would earn his 4th pace this time as Loris struggled back in mid pack, and Pata Honda's Jonathan Area rode a good race to take 3rd behind the Aprilia duo.

The stage is now set for a 2015 World Superbike title showdown in a night race at Losail, Qatar on November 5th with Sykes holding a somewhat slim 12-point lead over Guintoli. Should either rider, crash, break down or fail to finish out of the top 10 in one of the two races, the 2015 World Superbike Championship title could go to the other. It's going to be an exciting finish to the year!

Preview: High stakes for the penultimate WSBK round at Magny-Cours
Wednesday October 1st, 2014 – The penultimate round of the 2014 eni FIM Superbike World Championship will take place this weekend at Magny-Cours. The stakes are high for this year’s title as series leader Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) heads to France with a 31 point advantage with Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team). The reigning champion is looking to return to his previous winning form to seal what would be his second title in a row after being a little bit on the back foot at Jerez, where aboard his ZX-10R he struggled to keep the pace of the two factory Aprilia machines of Guintoli and Melandri.

Last year the 29 year Briton dominated in France by taking pole position, winning both races and setting the fastest lap in each of the two encounters. In 2012 Sykes won the second race on the 4411m, challenging venue located in the heart of France only to miss the ultimate price by half a point.

Other title contender Guintoli came out victorious in wet conditions at Magny-Cours two years ago in race one, while in 2013 he crossed the line second and third. On his home track he has never finished below sixth and has always stepped onto the podium in the last two editions of the French Round.

Last time out at Jerez Guintoli missed a great opportunity to further narrow the gap to the top as he was twice edged out for the win by teammate Marco Melandri, who got his second double of the year and proved once more to be the man to beat in the closing part of the season. The Italian rider currently sits fourth in the standings only 18 points away from third place Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda World Superbike). The Ulsterman, who was fourth and fifth in the two Spanish races, was able to step on the podium at Magny-Cours twice before, in 2009 and 2012 (race 2).

With two rounds left, many riders are looking for a strong performance to improve their position in the overall standings. Local rider Loris Baz (Kawasaki Racing Team) and the Ducati Superbike Team duo of Chaz Davies and Davide Giugliano are yet to step atop the podium this year and have never made it into the top 3 at Magny-Cours before, meaning the French Round will be very important for all three riders. 

The Voltcom Crescent Suzuki Team will face the penultimate round with both sides of the garage knowing their 2015 plans. Eugene Laverty is officially heading to MotoGP, while rookie Alex Lowes recently agreed to extend his partnership with the squad for one more year.

MV Agusta Reparto Corse’s Claudio Corti and Team Hero EBR’s Geoff May and Aaron Yates will have another chance to improve their performance as the season enters the final stretch. A second MV Agusta F4 RR will be run by the Dream Team Company and ridden by 27 year old Nicolas Salchaud.

Three more Ducati 1199 Panigale R machines will line-up on the grid at Magny-Cours as Team 3C Racing will take part in the French Round with 2014 German Superbike Champion Xavi Fores and his IDM teammates Max Neukirchner and Lorenzo Lanzi.

The EVO class sees David Salom (Kawasaki Racing Team) with one hand on the trophy having a  41 point lead over Niccolò Canepa (Althea Racing Team Ducati), while local riders Jeremy Guarnoni (MRS Kawasaki) and Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad Italia) are third and fourth respectively with a lot of ground to make up in the standings. However expect them fighting to uphold their honor at home.

After 15 years of racing spent in the WSBK paddock, Fabien Foret will contest his final race in the series by joining regular Team Pedercini rider Alessandro Andreozzi and replacing the still injured Luca Scassa.

Standings (Round 10 of 12): 1. Sykes 352; 2. Guintoli 321; 3. Rea 285; 4. Melandri 267; 5. Baz 262; 6. Davies 188; 7. Laverty 154; 8. Giugliano 153; 9. Elias 151; 10. Haslam 150; 11. Lowes 126; 12. Salom 95; 13. Canepa 54; 14. Guarnoni 41; 15. Camier 37; 16. Barrier 32; 17. Morais 24; 18. Andreozzi 21; 19. Scassa 16; 20. Foret 14; 21. Corti 14; 22. Staring 12; 23. Allerton 6; 24. Bos 5; 25. Goi 5; 26. Russo 5; 27. Rizmayer 3; 28. Pegram 2; 29. Toth 2; 30. Fabrizio 2; 31. Lanusse 1. Manufacturers: 1. Kawasaki 369; 2. Aprilia 368; 3. Honda 285; 4. Ducati 249; 5. Suzuki 220; 6. BMW 69; 7. MV Agusta 21; 8. EBR

Twenty-fourth career Tissot-Superpole for Tom Sykes
Magny-Cours, Saturday 4 October 2014 - The penultimate Tissot-Superpole of the season has gone to Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team), courtesy of a circuit best lap of 1.36.366 after a fast and furious session saw the top spot change repeatedly in the final minutes. The Briton added one more Pole Position, his 5th this year, to the impressive tally of 24 so far in his WSBK career and he is now looking to make the most of the two races, scheduled for tomorrow at Magny-Cours.

Alongside Sykes on the front row tomorrow will be Davide Giugliano (Ducati Superbike Team) and Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda World Superbike Team) who kept his title hopes alive by making it onto the front row for the first time since the Portuguese Round. The top three riders were awarded with their trophies by former WSBK regular rider, 2003 runner-up and two time race winner Ruben Xaus.

Row two comprises the second Ducati Superbike Team entry of Chaz Davies, and the Aprilia Racing duo of Sylvain Guintoli and Marco Melandri. Given the points situation, Guintoli will need two good starts in order not to lose too much ground from championship Sykes in the early stages of the two races.

The best classified EVO rider was Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad Italia) who will start both 21 lap races from 13th on the grid. The Frenchman narrowly missing out on moving into Superpole 2.

EVO championship leader David Salom (Kawasaki Racing Team) rode through the pain barrier after an FP4 tumble to salvage 7th in Superpole 1 meaning a 17th position grid slot for both races tomorrow. Fabien Foret (Team Pedercini) will begin his final WSBK races from 20th on the grid.

In Superpole 1 it was Frenchman Loris Baz (Kawasaki Racing Team), 7th,who set the fastest time during the session, moving into the final 15 minute shoot-out along with Max Neukirchner (3C Racing Team) who also progressed joining the already seeded top ten riders after FP1, FP2 and FP3.

Superpole Results: 1. Sykes (Kawasaki) 1'36.366 average 164.784 kph; 2. Giugliano (Ducati) 1'36.593; 3. Rea (Honda) 1'36.906; 4. Davies (Ducati) 1'37.021; 5. Guintoli (Aprilia) 1'37.184; 6. Melandri (Aprilia) 1'37.190; 7. Baz (Kawasaki) 1'37.215; 8. Lowes (Suzuki) 1'37.270; 9. Laverty (Suzuki) 1'37.407; 10. Haslam (Honda) 1'37.575; 11. Fores (Ducati) 1'37.673; 12. Neukirchner (Ducati) 1'37.877; 13. Barrier (BMW); 14. Elias (Aprilia); 15. Lanzi (Ducati); 16. Canepa (Ducati); 17. Salom (Kawasaki); 18. Corti (MV Agusta); 19. Morais (Kawasaki); 20. Foret (Kawasaki).

World Supersport
Jules Cluzel (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) will start tomorrow’s penultimate World Supersport race of the season at Magny-Cours from Pole Position after an enthralling qualifying session this afternoon.
As in the Tissot-Superpole session for the World Superbike category the circuit best lap was smashed also in WSS by Cluzel, who is hoping to secure 2nd position in the overall standings. Joining… (read more)

Times: 1. Cluzel (MV Agusta) 1'40.550 average 157.927 kph; 2. Mahias (Yamaha) 1'41.009; 3. Sofuoglu (Kawasaki) 1'41.036; 4. vd Mark (Honda) 1'41.151; 5. Tamburini (Kawasaki) 1'41.338; 6. Jacobsen (Kawasaki) 1'41.451; 7. Roccoli (MV Agusta) 1'41.517; 8. Marino (Kawasaki) 1'41.719; 9. Kennedy (Honda) 1'41.721; 10. Zanetti (Honda) 1'41.894; 11. Coghlan (Yamaha) 1'42.061; 12. Nocco (Kawasaki) 1'42.187; 13. Wilairot (Honda) 1'42.195; 14. Schmitter (Yamaha) 1'42.223; 15. Leonov (Honda) 1'42.251; etc.

Race Day Rain Havoc, Team Orders Prepare Set the Stage for an Exciting Season Finale
Magny-Cours, France, October 3-5th, 2014 - Reigning World Superbike Champion Tom Sykes came to Magney-Cours with a seemingly secure 31-points lead going into this next-to-last round to help secure his 2nd consecutive title, but heavy rain on race day would play havoc with Tom's plans plans and set the stage for a much more dramatic season finale next month at the Losail Circuit in Dohar, Qatar.

The factory Aprilia riders Marco Melandri and Sylvan Guintoli, holding 2nd and 3rd place in the rider's and manufacturers' Championship, proved to be dominate when Sunday arrived with pouring rain in the French countryside after two days of dry practice and Superpole. Melandri proved the faster of his team mate when he passed Guintoli both races for the lead, but orders from the team pit board told Marco to drop back and let Sylvain take the win to close the his smaller Championship points gap to Sykes. In Race One, Marco waited to the final chicane before pulling over and waving Sylvain past for the win. In Race Two, though, Marco ignored the same pit board while leading again, to take the race win by 2.6 seconds over Guintoil. Marco would help his team mate in Race One, but in Race two he needed to show the record books he was the quickest on this day.

Mean while the factory Kawasaki ZX10s of Tom Sykes and Loris Baz were struggling on the wet track and had a difficult time in the wet corners. Loris was was in 4th place and leading his team mate on the final laps, when Loris too, got the pit signal to slow down and let his team mate past so Tom could keep a bigger piece of his point lead. SBK race commentators Jonathan Green and Steve martin were not sure that Loris would pull over for Tom since Kawasaki wasn't renewing his contract for next season and Loris was moving to MotoGP. But Loris did pull over and let Tom past, who waved a thanks as he went by to finish 4th on Race One and maintain a few more valuable points. In Race Two, Tom would earn his 4th pace this time as Loris struggled back in mid pack, and Pata Honda's Jonathan Area rode a good race to take 3rd behind the Aprilia duo.

The stage is now set for a 2015 World Superbike title showdown in a night race at Losail, Qatar on November 5th with Sykes holding a somewhat slim 12-point lead over Guintoli. Should either rider, crash, break down or fail to finish out of the top 10 in one of the two races, the 2015 World Superbike Championship title could go to the other. It's going to be an exciting finish to the year!

Above: SBK TV Race coverge from Magny-Cours on BEIN TV showed us all the exciting action including the tell-tail pit board signals the race photographers may have missed:
•  From the top: Our FastDates.com SBK Calendar Kittens Jitka and Petra on the starting grid at Magny-Cours as the official Pirelli Girls. They came over from their home in Prague, Czech Republic with the other SBK models for the Magny-Cours race weekend.
• Marco Melandi (33) passes Aprilia team mate Sylvain Guintoli (50. then gets the pit boad message with an Unhappy Face and 2 laps ramaing, to > drop back 1 position with a > 9 seconds gap back to Jonthan Rea in 3rd.
• Kawasaki's Loris Baz (76) passes his Kawsaki team mate and Worlf Championship points leader Tom Sykes (1), then gets the pit boad singal "LOSE 1P to Sykes", Baz pulls over for Sykes in the final chicane, then Sykes looks back at Baz and wavs "thank you" as they cross the Finish Line on the front straight. Click to GO BIG.

Guintoli wins Race 1 and narrows the gap to championship lead
Sunday Oct 5th, Race One – Local rider Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team) has won Race 1 in front of an enthusiastic crowd by edging out at the finish line his teammate Marco Melandri. Thanks to his 3rd win of the year, the 32 year old Frenchman narrowed the gap to series leader Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team), 4th at the flag, to 19 points. Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda World Superbike) scored a well deserved third place ahead of KRT duo of Sykes and Baz.

Because of the weather, the race distance was reduced to 19 laps and after a number of riders fell in the warm up session, the opening laps were very tentative for several riders. In the early laps it was Rea who led the way with the spray making it extremely difficult for the mid-field riders. Behind him Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team) gave chase after passing Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) at the end of lap 1.

Guintoli was soon ahead of Rea and the Frenchman began to ease away, much to the delighted French crowd who were also braving the conditions. By one third distance the Aprilia at the front was Guintoli was ahead of the chasing pack with now Marco Melandri playing shotgun to his team mate ahead of Loris Baz who had also overhauled Sykes and Rea who began to lose touch with the leaders. With five laps to go Melandri had closed to within a second and the Aprilia duo were left to fight it out for the win with the victory eventually going the way of Guintoli after it appeared that Aprilia team orders intervened.

In the EVO category, Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad Italia) claimed a solid 10th position to close the gap on EVO points leader David Salom (Kawasaki Racing Team) who elected not to ride.

Chaz Davies (Ducati Superbike Team), Toni Elias (Red Devils Roma Aprilia), Eugene Laverty (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki), Davide Giugliano (Ducati Superbike Team), Xavi Fores (3C Racing Team), Alessandro Andreozzi (Team Pedercini) all crashed without injury with Giugliano and Laverty re-joining to finish 7th and 19th respectively.

Superbike Race 1 Results: 1. Guintoli (Aprilia) 19 Laps/83.809 km in 36'45.206 average 136.818 kph; 2. Melandri (Aprilia) 2.257; 3. Rea (Honda) 5.954; 4. Sykes (Kawasaki) 15.670; 5. Baz (Kawasaki) 16.149; 6. Haslam (Honda) 29.411; 7. Giugliano (Ducati) 57.319; 8. Lanzi (Ducati) 59.306; 9. Neukirchner (Ducati) 1'12.274; 10. Barrier (BMW) 1'22.931; 11. Canepa (Ducati) 1'39.670; 12. Guarnoni (Kawasaki) 1'42.886; 13. Corti (MV Agusta) 2'03.253; 14. Staring (Kawasaki) 1 Lap; 15. Foret (Kawasaki) 1 Lap; 16. Salchaud (MV Agusta) 1 Lap; 17. Morais (Kawasaki) 2 Laps; 18. May (EBR) 2 Laps; 19. Laverty (Suzuki) 2 Laps; 20. Toth (BMW) 3 Laps; RT. Rizmayer (BMW); RT. Yates (EBR); RT. Fores (Ducati); RT. Andreozzi (Kawasaki); RT. Elias (Aprilia); RT. Lowes (Suzuki); RT. Davies (Ducati).

Melandri edges out Guintoli for the win in Race 2
Sunday Oct 5th, Race Two – In similar conditions to the opening race of the day, Marco Melandri (Aprilia Racing Team) has won Race 2 at Magny-Cours as he crossed the finish line with a 2.6 second advantage over Sylvain Guintoli. Thanks to his sixth win in the last twelve races, Melandri elevates himself to third place in the standings, whilst his teammate further narrowed the gap to series leader Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) down to 12 points.

Earlier leaders Davide Giugliano and Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda World Superbike Team) both crashed spectacularly, before remounting only to retire to the pits. Rea’s crash left the Aprilia pairing of Sylvain Guintoli and Marco Melandri to dual it out for the victory with the Italian getting the better of his French teammate this time out.

Leon Haslam rode superbly aboard his Honda overhauling reigning champion Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) in the closing stages to take his first podium since Misano 2012 and his first since joining the Pata Honda World Superbike team. Behind the top four, Lorenzo Lanzi (3C Racing Ducati), and his teammate Max Neukirchner completed the top six.

In the EVO fight, top honours went to Niccolò Canepa (Althea Racing Ducati). Best classified EVO rider in race one Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad Italia) crashed twice, the second signalling the end of his race. He was uninjured. For Team Toth BMW it was a race for real celebration as both of their riders scored points in the same race for the first time in their short WSBK career.

Superbike Race 2 Results: 1. Melandri (Aprilia) 19 Laps/83.809 km in 36'25.402 average 138.058 kph; 2. Guintoli (Aprilia) 2.669; 3. Haslam (Honda) 16.450; 4. Sykes (Kawasaki) 20.759; 5. Lanzi (Ducati) 46.689; 6. Neukirchner (Ducati) 58.490; 7. Baz (Kawasaki) 1'03.100; 8. Corti (MV Agusta) 1'24.699; 9. Davies (Ducati) 1'27.899; 10. Canepa (Ducati) 1'51.706; 11. Foret (Kawasaki) 1 Lap; 12. Rizmayer (BMW) 2 Laps; 13. Toth (BMW) 2 Laps; RT. Staring (Kawasaki); RT. Laverty (Suzuki); RT. Fores (Ducati); RT. Guarnoni (Kawasaki); RT. Rea (Honda); RT. Barrier (BMW); RT. Morais (Kawasaki); RT. Giugliano (Ducati); RT. May (EBR); RT. Lowes (Suzuki); RT. Yates (EBR); RT. Elias (Aprilia); RT. Salchaud (MV Agusta); NS. Andreozzi (Kawasaki).

Superbike Standings (Round 11 of 12): 1. Sykes 378; 2. Guintoli 366; 3. Melandri 312; 4. Rea 301; 5. Baz 282; 6. Davies 195; 7. Haslam 176; 8. Giugliano 162; 9. Laverty 154; 10. Elias 151; 11. Lowes 126; 12. Salom 95; 13. Canepa 65; 14. Guarnoni 45; 15. Barrier 38; 16. Camier 37; 17. Corti 25; 18. Morais 24; 19. Andreozzi 21; 20. Foret 20; 21. Lanzi 19; 22. Neukirchner 17; 23. Scassa 16; 24. Staring 14; 25. Rizmayer 7; 26. Allerton 6; 27. Bos 5; 28. Toth 5; 29. Goi 5; 30. Russo 5; 31. Pegram 2; 32. Fabrizio 2; 33. Lanusse 1. Manufacturers: 1. Aprilia 418; 2. Kawasaki 395; 3. Honda 317; 4. Ducati 269; 5. Suzuki 220; 6. BMW 79; 7. MV Agusta 32; 8. EBR 2.

Jules Cluzel has the MV Agusta on Pole on a dry for the World Supersport race at Magny Cours, then took the win in Sunday's wet race when early leader Ken Sofuoglu crashed out in the wet track.

Action packed WSS race sees Cluzel's MZ Agusta in first place, 3 manufacturers on the podium.
 The penultimate round of the World Supersport championship was held in difficult conditions over a reduced race distance of 17 laps but cut short after 12 laps. Full of drama with a number of riders crashing out, the victory eventually went in emphatic style to Frenchman Jules Cluzel (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) who claimed his third win of the year by over 18 seconds.

Newly crowned champion Michael van der Mark (Pata Honda World Supersport) finished 2nd after falling, remounting and then passing several riders to move back onto the podium on lap 10. Roberto Rolfo (Go Eleven Kawasaki) started 17th to win a tense fight for the final podium position ahead of Lorenzo Zanetti (Pata Honda World Supersport), Florian Marino (Kawasaki Intermoto Ponyexpres), Kev Coghlan (DMC-Panavto Yamaha) who completed the top 6.

Supersport 600 Results: 1. Cluzel (MV Agusta) 12 Laps/52.932 km in 23'54.426 average 132.844 kph; 2. vd Mark (Honda) 20.274; 3. Rolfo (Kawasaki) 24.232; 4. Zanetti (Honda) 24.911; 5. Marino (Kawasaki) 26.599; 6. Coghlan (Yamaha) 26.860; 7. Tamburini (Kawasaki) 28.110; 8. Jacobsen (Kawasaki) 29.777; 9. Wilairot (Honda) 53.463; 10. Schmitter (Yamaha) 54.266; 11. Marconi (Honda) 57.226; 12. Law (Kawasaki) 1'07.547; 13. Davies (Honda) 1'10.889; 14. Gamarino (Kawasaki) 1'20.101; 15. Roccoli (MV Agusta) 1'27.838; etc.

Supersport 600 Standings (Round 10 of 11): 1. vd Mark 205; 2. Cluzel 132; 3. Marino 120; 4. Zanetti 103; 5. Coghlan 98; 6. Jacobsen 95; 7. Rolfo 87; 8. Sofuoglu 86; 9. De Rosa 67; 10. Tamburini 63; 11. Kennedy 56; 12. Wilairot 50; 13. Bussolotti 30; 14. Nocco 27; 15. Wahr 26; 16. Russo 25; 17. Gamarino 25; 18. Menghi 20; 19. Leonov 19; 20. Schmitter 14; etc. Manufacturers: 1. Honda 226; 2. Kawasaki 171; 3. MV Agusta 146; 4. Yamaha 108; 5. Triumph 9.

MotoGP World Championship, MotoGP of Spain a, Aragon Round 14 of 18

Lorenzo Wins His First MotoGP of the Season at Aragon
Motorland Aragon, Spain, Sunday Sept 28th 2014 - Today’s Gran Premio Movistar de Aragón proved to be the most dramatic of the season so far as Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo defied both his rivals and the changing weather to deliver a master class in Grand Prix riding and claim his first victory of the season. Previous race winner, Teammate Valentino Rossi’s Aragón fortunes were the mirror opposite, the Italian crashing out in the early laps. Complete Race Coverage HERE

Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar Celebrates 20 years by bringing
Czech SBK Calendar Kittens Jitka and Petra to 2014
Laguna Seca World Superbike and the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show
By Jim Gianatsis   Photos by Jim Gianatsis, Massimo Oliana and Sabrina Mosca

California, USA, July 15-22nd 2014 -The FastDates.com Calendars and myself, producer / photographer Jim Gianatsis were excited to announce an agreement with SBK World Superbike and the international model agencies PetrasAngles.com and UmbrellaGirlsUSA.com to bring beautiful Czech Republic SBK grid girls Jitka Pralinka and Petra Ruzinka to the United States during July 2014 to work for SBK and shoot with me at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca United States SBK World Superbike and AMA National race weekend July 11-13th, and the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show in Malibu on July 20th.

– Complete Story and Photos Here –

Now in The Calendar Bike Garage!
Imagine Vehicle's Honda CBX Best of Show Winner! Detail Photos and Full Size Screensavers with Calendar Kitten Petra.

2014 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show Concourse d' Elegance & Calendar Girl Music Festival
Report and photos by Jim Gianatsis

Malibu, CA, Sunday July 20th 2014 - The 2014 edition of the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show continued its now 23rd year tradition as the premier outdoor streetbike event in America with producer photographer Jim Gianatsis moving the Show this year to the beautiful green lawns of the Malibu Golf Course among the twisty canyon roads in the Santa Monica Mountains alongside the Pacific Ocean. Highlighting this year's exciting activities was the emergence of another new and soon to be renown custom bike builder to the sport for which the Calendar Show is known for cultivating. Additional Calendar Show coverage and photos at:

- 2014 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show Coverage -

Edelweiss Motorcycle Tour of the Pyrenees
By Jim Gianatsis / photos by Jim Gianatsis

Barcelona, Spain, June 2014 - For me, there's no more beautiful, educational and exciting place in the world to visit than Western Europe. And to visit parts of it on a world class motorcycle on perfect riding roads without traffic, unencumbered by baggage, with experienced tour guides who know all the best roads and places to stop, is nothing short of nirvana.

This is the definition of an Edelweiss Bike Travel tour. And while they have a tour catalog chock full of motorcycle tours taking place around the world from the far reaches of Africa and Asia, to Australia and America, every one of their European tours is on my bucket list. Especially when they partner their rides up with motorcycle manufacturers like BMW, Ducati and Triumph, with a Start and End point at the company's factory for a visit or at a World Superbike or MotoGP round.   Complete Story Here

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2014 World Superbike
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‘MAGIC MICHAEL'
 A profile of Michael van der Mark, 2014 World Supersport champion
 
On 7 October 2012, Michael van der Mark won that year's Superstock 600 UEM European championship in only his second season on the Ten Kate Honda Junior Team’s Honda CBR600RR.

It was an especially impressive and outstandingly mature performance from the then 19-year-old from Gouda near Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Needing only to finish ahead of his nearest rival, van der Mark rode an incredibly mature race for one so young in a ‘winner-takes-all’ final race at Magny-Cours in France in the face of some less-than-subtle intimidation.
 Just seven years earlier, the Dutch flyer’s entry into motorcycle racing had been relatively late at the age of 12. Having been entered into the Dutch Junior Cup on an Aprilia RS125, he was taken to quiet industrial estate by his father, Henk, to try out the bike.
This was just a week before his first race, and he had never ridden a motorcycle before.

As he reached the end of his first straight-line run, shifting gears for the first time and with Henk following in the family car, the diminutive van der Mark discovered he was too small to reach the ground to turn round and gently toppled over with his bike.
His racing debut was, appropriately enough, at the iconic Assen circuit in the Netherlands and he learned fast – a trait that has become apparent more recently – and he finished that 2005 season in fourth place in the championship.
He went two places better the following year before joining the Dutch Open championship on a Honda RS125 in 2007. He finished as runner-up in the series and was proclaimed Rookie of the Year.

Van der Mark’s first championship title came the following season, winning the Dutch Open championship while gaining invaluable international experience by racing in select races in 125cc championships in Germany and Spain, and competing in the 125cc GP race at the famous Dutch TT in Assen, finishing in 26th place.

Further success in Holland the following season led to back-to-back Dutch titles, fifth place in the IDM series in Germany and an improved 18th at his home GP. A full-time ride in 125cc Grands Prix beckoned for 2010.

However, poor funding led to van der Mark’s team pulling out of GPs before the end of the season and a hurried conversation with Holland’s famous Ten Kate Racing organization gave young Michael a ride with its Junior team in the European Superstock 600 championship.
Van der Mark finished in seventh place in his series debut at Magny-Cours in France, securing a full-time ride for the following season when he was third overall, with four wins from the 10 races, finishing just 11 points behind the championship winner. That season also saw him ride as a wildcard in the Moto2 GP at Assen.

The following year, he went to the top again, securing that hard-fought 2012 European Superstock 600 championship victory and earning himself a promotion to the World Supersport championship on a Pata Honda CBR600RR for the following year.

He was on the podium in his first race at Phillip Island in Australia and, with two further visits to the rostrum in 2013, in spite of a broken foot sustained mid-season that affected results in at least three rounds, he ended his debut world championship year in fourth place.

Along the way, van der Mark also became the first Dutch rider to win the prestigious Suzuka 8-hours race in Japan on the MuSashi Harc-Pro Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade with team-mates Leon Haslam (also a Pata Honda colleague) and Japanese ace Takumi Takahashi.
Now in his sophomore season in the series, Michael van der Mark is the 2014 FIM World Supersport champion with five victories and three further podiums to date this year and two rounds still remaining.
It almost goes without saying that this year has marked a significant step forward for the 21-year-old, who came into the 2014 season with a renewed focus and a full-time dedication to his chosen profession and his ambition to become world champion.
Having obtained his HGV truck-driving licence at the age of 18, van der Mark went into the family business in order to earn a living and worked for his father – an accomplished endurance racer in his own right who is currently contesting the European Classic series on a 1980 Suzuki GSX-R1100 – who runs a transport company in Rotterdam.

However, even last year as a rookie World Supersport rider, van der Mark was still going back to driving trucks between races, leaving less time for personal training.
He has been able to dedicate much more of his time to fitness and conditioning this season, spending a lot of time with his personal trainer, an 80-year-old former boxing coach who, according to his young charge, can still deliver a devastating right hook!

The commitment has paid off, however, with a leaner, fitter and stronger van der Mark, and one much better-equipped to handle the physical demands of a professional motorcycle racer.

Even during an extended two-month summer break from this year’s championship, van der Mark was not idle, continuing to train hard and winning his second Suzuka 8-hours race with the same team as in 2013, impressing many in Japan with his improved endurance abilities, as well as his outright speed.
But the hard work has been rewarded closer to home as well, his sheer domination of this season’s World Supersport title race is such that he has finished no lower than second during the 2014 campaign to date – the only blip being a DNF in a foreshortened five-lap ‘sprint’ race in the opening round at Phillip Island in Australia.

‘Magic Mikey’ is the only third solo motorcycling world champion to come out of the Netherlands and the first in 40 years – the other two being Jan der Vries and Henk van Kessel, who shared three 50cc world titles between them from 1971 to 1974.
Van der Mark has surely already secured his own place in Holland’s motorcycling Hall of Fame by winning the 2014 World Supersport title at just 21 years and 316 days, second in age only to Ten Kate Honda’s 2003 championship winner, Chris Vermeulen.

As we head towards the conclusion of the 2014 racing season, there is no doubt that he is hot property in the motorcycle world championship paddock, but one other thing is also certain: that further success at the very top level of the sport awaits Holland’s and Honda’s ‘Magic' Michael van der Mark.