MotoGP
A new carbon fiber chassis helped Casey Stoner dominate the first MotoGP event of the 2009 season, which was held last weekend in Qatar. This excellent result comes with some awkward news however, as it does point out that Ducati's iconic, multi-tube steel tube frame is now obsolescent, if not out and out obsolete for very high performance superbikes. Hopefully, the Italians will see this in this development 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 a Yamaha similar to Lorenzo's. Vale even admitted he made a mistake by selecting the wrong 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 at Ferrari.

World Superbike Championship
Aprilia is floating on clouds, according to Director Gigi Dall'Igna. The team is enjoying an excellent start, 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.

AMA Supercross
Chad Reed made his 112th consecutive start this past weekend in Seattle -- an all-time record. He finished 7th there, behing winner Ryan Villopote and second place man James Stewart, who also took the championship lead away from Reed with two races to go in the 2009 season.

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