WSBK : Rea domine sur piste mouillée à Jerez

Sylvain Guintoli a adopté le n°1 de Champion du Monde pour ses débuts sur CBR1000RR.

Le Circuit de Jerez de la Frontera accueillait aujourd’hui la première journée d’une semaine complète d’essais privés pour de nombreux teams WSBK qui profitent de leur dernière opportunité de rouler avant la trêve hivernale. Face à une piste mouillée ce matin, les pilotes ont dû attendre que les conditions s’améliorent mais l’état de la piste a en fait empiré cet après-midi suite à une nouvelle averse, intervenue à trois heures de la fin de la journée. Au final, les pilotes n’ont à aucun moment pu rouler sur piste complètement sèche aujourd’hui.

Sylvain Guintoli et Michael van der Mark, les nouveaux pilotes de Pata Honda, ont toutefois pu faire leurs premiers tours de roue sur la CBR100RR tandis que Tom Sykes et Jonathan Rea poursuivaient leur travail de mise au point avec le KRT suite aux essais réalisés la semaine dernière en Aragón. Egalement présent au MotorLand, Kenan Sofuoglu, inscrit en World Supersport avec San Carlo Puccetti Racing, partageait de nouveau la piste avec les pilotes WSBK. Rea a signé le meilleur temps de la journée, en 1’44.643.

Le team Crescent Suzuki était aussi présent avec Alex Lowes et son nouveau coéquipier, Randy de Puniet, qui faisait sa première apparition dans la catégorie. Nico Terol a pu tester pour la première fois la version 2015 de la 1199 Panigale R avec l’Althea Racing Team, dont les pilotes STK1000, Luca Salvadori et Raffaele De Rosa, étaient également en piste. Les chronos de Terol n’ont pas été enregistrés, le team ayant décidé de ne pas utiliser de transpondeur.

Test de Jerez - lundi : 1 - Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki) 1.44.643 2 - Alex Lowes (Suzuki) 1.45.340 3 -Michael van Mark (Honda) 1.45.472 4 -Tom Sykes 1.45.836 5 - Raffaele Da Rosa (Ducati) 1.46.092 6.-Kenan Sofuoglu (Supersport) 1.46.202 7 - Randy de Puniet (Suzuki) 1.46.317 8 -Sylvain Guintoli (Honda) 1.47.650 9 – Luca Savadori 1.48.365.

Dirk Behlau, alias „The Pixeleye“,

Dirk Behlau, aka „The Pixeleye“, born in 1971, is an internationally acclaimed photographer, designer & filmmaker from Cologne/Germany.

Dirk is known around the globe for his „Kool Lifestyle“ photography: american cars from the 30´s till 70´s, classic glamorous Pin-Ups, Rockstars, Kustom Kulture and uncommon people with attitude. Dirk works worldwide for international clients, publications and brands. Check out his Design Portfolio

Loeb au Monte-Carlo 2015 ! / 2015 Monte appearance for Loeb!

Sébastien Loeb effectuera une pige sur la DS3 WRC/Michelin à l’occasion du Rallye Monte-Carlo 2015, une épreuve qu’il a déjà remportée à sept reprises. Il ne s’agit pas d’un retour officiel en WRC, mais juste d’un one-off avant la reprise du championnat WTCC.

While waiting for World Touring Car Championship action to resume next year, Sébastien Loeb is to make a one-off appearance in a DS3 WRC/Michelin on January’s Rallye Monte-Carlo, an event he was won seven times.

Après une carrière exceptionnelle, Sébastien Loeb avait dit adieu au Championnat du monde des Rallyes FIA à l’occasion du Rallye de France 2013, chez lui, en Alsace, où il avait d’ailleurs été battu par son successeur au palmarès mondial, Sébastien Ogier.

Quinze mois plus tard, le nonuple champion du monde vient à son tour défier le double champion du monde sur ses terres haut-alpines à l’occasion du Rallye Monte-Carlo, première manche du WRC 2015. Il pilotera une DS3 WRC/Michelin, une voiture qu’il connaît bien et qu’il a pu se remettre en main à l’occasion du dernier Rallye du Var disputé avec sa femme Séverine.

Mais pour le Monte-Carlo, Seb retrouvera « Danos » Elena à ses côtés, pour un 169^e départ en WRC ensemble. Pour Daniel, retraité depuis octobre 2013, ce sera un vrai retour à la compétition de haut niveau sur une épreuve qui lui est chère. Pour la première fois depuis janvier 2004, Seb et « Danos » ne porteront pas le n°1 sur les portières !

Le Rallye Monte-Carlo 2015 s’élancera de la Principauté de Monaco jeudi 22 janvier à 18h30 pour deux étapes autour de Gap et un retour à Monaco samedi 24 janvier.

Les Dodge Viper GTS-R et GT3-R prêtes à faire carrière en Europe

par Laurent Mercier (Endurance-Info.com)

Les fans des Dodge Viper GTS-R ont été secoués d’apprendre l’annonce de la fin du programme usine GTLM. Kuno Wittmer est passé en quelques jours d’un titre Tudor United SportsCar Championship à une fin de contrat. Malgré l’arrêt du programme officiel GTE, la carrière de la Viper GT3-R va se poursuivre des deux cotés de l’Atlantique. De plus, il n’est pas exclu de revoir les monstrueuses Viper GTS-R en Europe, et pourquoi pas aux 24 Heures du Mans. Michel MacBurnie, en charge du programme européen des Viper nous a accordé un entretien en tenant à rassurer les fans du Serpent.

La carrière de la Viper GT3-R n’est pas terminée ?

« L’arrêt du programme officiel GTS-R n’influe en rien sur le programme GT3-R qui est un service compétition-client. Les deux programmes étaient bien distincts. L’équipe GT3-R menée conjointement par SRT Motorsports et Riley Technologies continue de travailler sur ce projet Viper où l’on retrouve Gary Johnson, Matt Bejnarowicz, Dick Winkles, Tom Francis, Bill Riley et toute son équipe. Nous continuons à faire ensemble le point de la situation lors de nos conférences téléphoniques chaque semaine. Il est hors de question d’arrêter ce programme. »

Verra-t-on des Viper GT3-R en Europe la saison prochaine ?

« Plusieurs équipes en Europe venant notamment de France, Allemagne, Belgique et Suisse se montrent intéressées par la Viper GT3-R pour 2015, et nous espérons vivement qu’une équipe fera rouler des autos en Blancpain Endurance Series. Nous travaillons dans ce sens avec les équipes concernées. Après une année complète en compétition en Tudor United SportsCar Championship, Pirelli World Challenge et Supercar Challenge avec le succès que l’on sait, la voiture est actuellement dans sa phase finale d’homologation auprès de la FIA. Nous sommes absolument certains que les simulations et résultats sur la piste vont dans le sens de la compétitivité. L’auto a été présentée durant les 24 Heures du Mans 2013 et la première Viper GT3-R a été livrée en Europe en février dernier. L’objectif est d’avoir au moins deux Viper GT3-R dans le championnat Blancpain Endurance. L’European Le Mans Series est aussi à l’étude, de même que le Championnat de France GT. Pour être transparent, six équipes ont montré de l’intérêt. »

Il n’y a aucun problème pour la maintenance des autos ?

« Absolument aucun ! La partie moteur est assurée par SRT, le châssis et les suspensions arrivent de chez Riley Technologies. L’auto a évolué tout au long de l’année depuis les 12 Heures de Sebring. Elle est prête à poursuivre sa carrière. »

Race Art poursuivra son engagement en 2015 ?

« Après une belle saison en Supercar Challenge avec deux victoires à la clé, Race Art ambitionne de rouler en Blancpain Endurance Series la saison prochaine. Tout dépendra des budgets. L’équipe tenait à disputer les 24 Heures de Dubai en janvier prochain avant de se raviser. »

En revanche, aucune chance de revoir les Viper GTS-R ?

« C’est tout le contraire. A l’origine, il n’était pas prévu de commercialiser la GTS-R, mais des discussions ont eu lieu avec SRT et le feu vert a été donné. L’organisation doit se mettre en place. Il y a des demandes pour rouler en European Le Mans Series et disputer à nouveau les 24 Heures du Mans. Le championnat européen est une vraie possibilité pour 2015. En ce qui concerne Le Mans, rien ne dit que l’on reverra les Viper dès 2015. 2016 est aussi sur les tablettes. Pour ce qui est du marché américain, tout dépendra des demandes. La Dodge Viper GTS-R est l’une des meilleures GTE actuellement sur la piste. »

Mad Mike Whiddett drifts Highlands Motorsport Park

‘Mad’ Mike Whiddett kisses the barriers as he drifts his Red Bull Mazda RX-8 around the Highlands Motorsport Park just outside Queensland, New Zealand.

How close is ‘close enough’ when you’re drifting a tuned Red Bull Mazda RX-8 around the Highlands Motorsport Park in New Zealand? If you’re ‘Mad’ Mike Whiddett, the answer is about half an inch or a coat of paint. Can’t say we blame the guys behind the catch fencing for flinching…

Incredible as it seems – given the Kiwi’s already stellar following and formidable drift reputation – this was the first time anybody, ever, had drifted the facility just outside Queensland. And those who’ve seen Mad Mike’s demonstration runat the Goodwood Festival of Speed among others will know he’s not one to shirk from a challenge like that. So just click ‘play’

Source – HighlandsNZ

86 MOTORCYCLES CJ360 BRATRAT

Cristobal Quintana from Santiago, Chile seems to have found his feet with the 86 Motorcycles formula. Bare tanked ratty-brats. Each time we feature one of their bikes I’m reminded of why I’m up early on a weekend writing this, and you might be late at work reading this; I just want to go ride, simple. I love high-end engineering and mile deep paint but most of the time I just want to thrash the shit out of something and enjoy myself.  Cristobal’s bikes look as if they would scratch that itch.

Honda’s CJ360 is a rare old thing, a slightly less fancy version of the CB360; one less cog and no electric start, perfect for customising. Cristobal found this donor with a missing clutch, wiring harness and controls but the engine had good compression so an investment of time was deemed a sound one.

A simple frame loop and cross stitched seat ticks the brat box and relieves the Honda of it’s rather portly rump. A battery box was fabricated from steel and should oxidise nicely. Apart from front and rear lights the rest of the loom was binned, fun and simplicity overruling sensibility and legality.

Firestones on painted wires with stripped and polished drums look the part, a fatter 4.50 out back and a 4.00 up front. Fresh fork gaitors, a new set of wide bars with vintage style grips are a good period looking option; low and lean. Bars always look so much better without all the interference of switches and knobs.

The tank is obviously stripped bare, which is actually pretty low maintenance if you at least coat the underside. But Cristobal and his buddy don’t seem too fussed about shiny and clean so will no doubt just rag it around enjoying the wonderful Chilean scenery.

Check out their other builds over at 86motorcycles and their Tumblr page for images of dudes enjoying bikes with stunning backdrops.

via The Bike Shed

Roger Albert Clark Rally entry looking good

pour tout savoir : http://www.rogeralbertclarkrally.org The entry for this year’s Roger Albert Clark Rally (28-30 November) is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and cosmopolitan in the event’s history, with a raft of potential winners and eleven overseas entries already placed. With a month to go until the event starts from a new rally HQ in Sunderland, entries for the main event have already passed the 40-mark and continue to arrive at a steady rate. The overseas entry includes drivers from Holland, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Austria and Belgium, with more expected. Leading entries for the historic event include the rapid Ford Escort Mk2s of Matthew Robinson, Seamus O’Connell, Paul Griffiths, Guy Woodcock and event newcomer Rudi Lancaster, while Chris Browne heads the Escort Mk1 entry. Entries are expected from at least another eight likely front-runners. A major feature of this year’s rally is the strength of the overseas entry, which is topped by reigning Swedish historic champion Martin Hagman (26) in his Ford Escort RS1800. He will be co-driven by his father Jan on his first foray to the UK. In the Open Rally, the Escort Mk2s of former winners Martyn Hawkswell and Dave Hemingway will line-up against the Escort of Barry Stevenson-Wheeler for what promises to be an excellent contest. Meanwhile, the battle among the oldest cars in Category 1 (pre ’68) has just warmed up with an entry for Paul Mankin in his Lotus Cortina. He will take on the similar car of veteran Bob Bean, who has an unrivalled record of competing on this event and the original RAC Rally. Jim Valentine and Stephen Higgins head the typically strong Saab entry in their pair of two-stroke 96s. Dutchman Mark Schmidt will be part of a four-car team from Holland in his glorious Category 1 Austin Healey 3000. The orange Healey will tackle the event for the third time and Schmidt says that his ambition this year is simply to finish after two non-finishes in previous attempts. Making just as impressive sight in the forests will be the 1964 Ford Falcon of Swedish driver Per Garansson.

NEW AND NOTED: MOTORCYCLE GEAR

This month we’re looking at new vintage gear from Italy, a retro helmet with modern technology, a new urban moto jacket, and an incredible deal on selvedge denim riding jeans.

Hide that credit card.

Premier Trophy Helmets with retro styling are fast catching on, but there’s often a niggling doubt about how safe they are. If you’re the type who prefers a full-face lid, here’s a new option for you from Italian maker Premier.

We’re told that the Trophy is the first retro full face to get full ECE R22-05 homologation for both the helmet and the 2mm-thick anti-scratch visor. There are several different models, but they all have a clean and elegant look similar to the Premier lids worn by racers like Phil Read back in the day.

The shell is made from a mix of Dyneema plus carbon and aramidic fibers, and weight is under 1300 grams. Prices range from £180 for the gloss white model to £220 for the upcoming Carbon model, via online retailer Urban Rider. Proof that you don’t have to sacrifice safety for style.

Dainese 36060 In 1972, Lino Dainese made his first pair of leather motocross trousers in a tiny workshop in the Italian village of Molvena. Since then, the company has stayed on the cutting edge of motorcycle gear, but it’s now taking a look back to its past.

The new ‘36060’ range launched a couple of days ago in New York. Named after the post code of Molvena, it fuses modern materials with vintage looks. The company describes the styling as ‘masculine’ and ‘classic,’ and it’s right up our street.

Pricing and availability hasn’t been confirmed yet, but we know that there will be several jackets, reinforced trousers, and four different styles of footwear. Plus goatskin gloves and a matching range of casual gear to wear off the bike.There’s a preview here.

Maple Jeans We’re big fans of the Kevlar-lined selvedge riding jeans made by Maple Moto in England. But at £300 ($500 or more), they’re out of the range of many budgets.

So Maple have created eight new styles of jeans, and shifted to a direct sales model. By cutting out the middleman, they’re able to bring down the price without compromising quality.

There are four new styles of Kevlar-lined jeans for £178, and four styles of unlined jeans for £98. Ordering is via Kickstarter—and in less than two days, orders worth more than £25,000 have been placed. The goal is to reach £30,000 by Christmas Day, so we can safely say that this project is a Go.

Reserve your pair of Maple jeans right here.

REV’IT! Elysee Weatherproof gear seems to be getting more stylish by the month. This is one of our favorite new releases, an overcoat-styled jacket designed for urban and commuter riding.

There’s a Hydratex coating on the inner shell for complete rain resistance, a thermal liner, and knitted collars and cuffs to keep out the wind. Shoulder and elbow armor is CE-approved Knox Lite, and there’s a pocket for a heavy-duty back protector.

The styling is discreet enough to take into the office, even if you’re the type who has to wear a suit to work. Available in black or dark brown, and for around $350.

The 2015 Bike EXIF calendar (now with $10 Revzilla gift card) Our motorcycle calendaris back with a bang, showcasing machines from the Wrenchmonkees, Classified Moto and Cafe Racer Dreams. And this year, our friends at Revzilla are offering a special bonus—a $10 Gift Card.

The 13-month calendar is a mighty 17 x 12 inches in size. It’s printed on 128gsm art paper with a 260gsm laminated art card cover, discreetly hole-punched.

Each calendar is delivered shrinkwrapped with a board stiffener for protection, and is remarkable value at just $15.99. And with a $10 Revzilla Gift Card included when you order direct from the publisher or Amazon … well, you do the math.

US and Canada: Order direct from the publisher Octane Press for fast shipping.

UK, Europe and Japan: Order from Amazon UK.

Australia and New Zealand: Order from Calendars.com for the cheapest shipping (but minus the Gift Card).

via 

 

URBAN SCRAMBLER: CAIMAN’S HONDA CX500

By Wesley Reyneke | Rather Be Riding

South Africa is a motorcycling nirvana—especially for dual-sport riders. From the winelands in the Western Cape, all the way across to the Midlands in KwaZulu Natal, great riding and idyllic scenery abound.

Commuting in Johannesburg is a far cry from traversing the countryside though. Jozi has it all: congestion, potholes, traffic lights that don’t always work and lawless minibus taxis.

Caiman Urban ‘n Dirt are dead set on building motorcycles that thrive in this environment. “Many people say that Africa is not for sissies,” says Caiman’s Walter Stander. “Our motorcycles need to look the part: rugged, and with earthy color schemes that resonate with our sometimes edgy city.”

Caiman’s latest release is this Honda CX500 scrambler. Robust and purpose-built, it sums up the Randburg shop’s blunt aesthetic.

“The CX has a wonderful frame that lends itself to modifications on the rear suspension, subframe and seat,” explains Walter. “We decided not to make any dramatic changes to the fuel tank and front end.”

Gone are the CX500’s twin rear shocks. They’ve been replaced by a mono conversion, using a Yamaha YZ250 shock with an upgraded spring. The front suspension has been left alone, but treated to a new set of fork gaiters to help keep muck out.

The subframe is now shorter and supports a custom solo perch. To clean up the area under the seat, Caiman ditched the airbox and tidied up the wiring. Everything runs on a smaller battery now—hidden away behind a hand-made skid plate. A pair of blacked-out reverse cone mufflers has been installed too.

Up front are a set of tracker bars, an Acewell speedo and a smaller headlight. The turn signals and side-mounted tail light are a style that we’re used to seeing on cruisers, but they suit the CX500 well.

For paint, Caiman coated the frame brown and treated the tank to a subtle two-tone paint scheme. The wheels were powder coated black—along with a select few other parts—but the engine cases were left raw to maintain character.

Knobbly tires from Kenda were fitted for both their visual and practical appeal. “Thick knobbly tires and longer travel suspension make riding a lot easier in Joburg,” explains Walter.

“With very little demarcated parking, they help with climbing onto kerbs and embankments to find safe parking—while you enjoy a beer that certainly does not adhere to the Reinheitsgebot.”

Sounds lekker to us.

Follow Caiman on Facebook | Photos by Louis van Zyl.

via BIKEexif

Cars we love: ‘Ferrari’ 246 Dino

Everywhere you look, you find the ‘Ferrari’ 246 Dino for sale at ever-increasing prices. The car once scorned by Enzo, who wouldn’t even agree to its wearing a Ferrari badge, is more popular than ever – and quite right too.

Once scorned, now loved

The concept of a small, lightweight, mid-engined sports car with a V6 engine at its heart is, in retrospect, a milestone in the history of the brand. And for some, the Dino is one of the most beautiful sports cars ever designed. Women in particular find the two-seater sexy, or so we were told earlier this year by a model expert. Thankfully, the 246 Dino is not just a pretty face, but also a good driving machine. The chassis is well-balanced and the weight perfectly distributed thanks to the mid-mounted engine. True, the sound of the 2.4-litre V6 is rather underwhelming, and the low seating position gives you the feeling of being in one of the early Ferrari prototypes. Nevertheless, the Dino is a classic well-suited to everyday use.

Sale-toppers in 2014

Anyone who follows the auction scene is likely to remember some significant results for Dinos this year. Such as the mid-October sale of a 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT from the estate of F1 driver Harald Ertl that went for 330,000 euros; or what about the ex-Keith Richards Dino that sold at auction in Monaco last May for 249,400 euros? In March, RM Auctions dropped the hammer in Amelia Island on a silver 246 GT from the model's final year of production for 429,000 US dollars (345,000 euros), while Gooding took 627,000 US dollars (500,000 euros) for a 1972 ‘Chairs & Flares’ Dino.

More to come in 2015

More Dinos, such as the 1974 246 GTS shown here, have already been entered for the major auction week that takes place in Arizona early next year – with an expectation of new price levels, too. If you have a bit of a crush on the Dino, don’t wait too much longer to buy one.

Photos: RM Auctions

There are numerous examples of the 'Ferrari' 246 GT and GTS Dino for sale in the Classic Driver Market.

HD