Weekly racing roundup
4-17-2009
by
Marc Cantin
, moto123.com
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MotoGP The carbon fiber chassis of Casey Stoner's Ducati showcased all its skills during his dominant performance at the first MotoGP event of the 2009 season, which was held last weekend in Qatar. This result, however, hides the fact that Ducati's iconic, multi-tube Treillis frame is now close to obsolescent for high-performance bikes. Hopefully, the Italians will see this as an opportunity to launch an all-new lineup.
Despite placing third in Qatar, Jorge Lorenzo, Yamaha's second factory rider, said he's worried about the 17-second time gap between Casey Stoner and himself. That said, he also finished 10 seconds behind teammate Valentino Rossi, who was riding the same Yamaha as Lorenzo. Vale even admitted his mistake in choosing the front tire for the race -- he says he'll be able to keep pace with Stoner in the upcoming events. Lorenzo certainly has his hands full, much like every driver who played second fiddle to Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher.
World Superbike Championship Aprilia is floating on clouds, according to Director Gigi Dall'Igna. The team is enjoying an excellent start to their season, with Max Biaggi earning two podiums in the first three races.
BAJA Legendary racer Bruce Ogilvie, who won multiple Baja events for Honda, including four Baja 1000s, died from cancer at the age of 57.
AMA Superbike In American Superbike, Rockstar Makita Suzuki, Corona Extra Honda and Monster Kawasaki, among other teams, will hit the Infineon track on April 20-21 for some testing.
Supercross Chad Reed will make his 112th consecutive start this weekend in Seattle -- an all-time record. Meanwhile, Honda Red Bull confirmed that Ben Townley underwent surgery to his right shoulder and will be out for the next couple of weeks.
Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux
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