The Bonovo Action team is at a crossroads in the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK). During FP1 of the British WorldSBK round, Bonovo team manager Michael Galinski expressed hope that the team would continue in the series next year. This statement came after the previous confirmation that Bonovo would leave the championship next season. Galinski said, “It’s a shame that we have to end this project with BMW. We are not happy about this, but I have been racing my whole life, and, for sure, we are considering all possibilities. I’m sure we will stay in the paddock next year. Nothing is clear at the moment as we are looking for sponsors, but we have a project that is getting better and better, and I think with another factory, yes.” These statements left many fans and analysts speculating about a possible manufacturer change for Bonovo. However, Marc Bongers, Director of Motorsport at BMW Motorrad, offered a different perspective on the situation. In response to Galinski’s comments, Bongers stated, “They are not stepping away from BMW. Unfortunately, they are stepping away from the championship. It is what it is. We have to respect their decision, and unfortunately, we have to cope with it. Bonovo has been a great help in bringing us back to the top, where we fortunately are at the moment.” Bongers also mentioned that BMW will continue with just two factory bikes next season and that there will be no other factory team. BMW has established its test team, which will provide support in the background. The situation is complex. On the one hand, Bonovo has expressed dissatisfaction with the need to end their current project with BMW. On the other hand, BMW seems to have accepted Bonovo’s decision to leave the championship and is preparing to continue with a reduced structure. The uncertainty about Bonovo’s future in WorldSBK reflects the financial and logistical challenges faced by racing teams. The search for sponsors is crucial for the survival and success of teams. Galinski is optimistic about finding a solution that will allow Bonovo to stay in the paddock, potentially with the support of another manufacturer. Meanwhile, BMW focuses on maintaining its recent success in the championship, supported by its test team. The collaboration between BMW and Bonovo has been fruitful, but changes in the competitive landscape are inevitable. The 2025 WorldSBK season promises to be interesting, with the possible continuation of Bonovo in the championship, perhaps under a new banner. Fans and racing analysts will be watching the developments closely as BMW and Bonovo navigate this transition period.
Iddon on Snetterton Races: “Like Watching on TV”
Christian Iddon had an exciting weekend at the British Superbikes in Snetterton, describing his races as an experience of “watching on TV.” The Oxford Products Ducati rider demonstrated determination and skill, reaching the podium in both Sunday races despite the challenges he faced.In the first race, which was shortened and treacherous, Iddon managed to recover to a solid sixth place. He praised his team for the recovery and the performance of the bike, which was crucial in tackling the adverse track conditions. However, it was in the second race, a five-lap sprint, that he shone even more, clinching an impressive third place. Iddon highlighted the significant improvement of his bike for this race, enabling him to compete more aggressively from the outset.However, it was in the third race that Iddon briefly led the pack. He attributed this to his team’s hard work improving the bike’s performance. Despite a promising start, he lamented not being able to maintain the position under pressure from rivals Glenn Irwin and Tommy Bridewell. Iddon admitted that after being passed by Irwin, he struggled to maintain his rhythm, allowing Bridewell to also overtake him. Nevertheless, he showed resilience by battling Kyle Ryde and Danny Kent during the race, engaging in an intense fight for position.In his own words, Iddon likened the experience of being in the race to “watching on TV,” observing the frenetic battle ahead of him. He expressed a desire to get closer to the leaders but acknowledged Irwin and Bridewell’s ability to maintain a strong performance until the end.By the end of the weekend, Iddon had left Snetterton with 156 points in the championship, solidifying his overall third place. He managed to reduce the gap to the leader slightly, reflecting his consistency and determination throughout the season. Iddon’s performance at Snetterton not only showcased his skill as a rider but also highlighted his ability to handle challenges and adversity in one of the most competitive British motorcycling competitions. With more races ahead, fans can expect more exciting moments and displays of talent from Christian Iddon and his competitors in the 2024 British Superbikes season.
2024 NASCAR Grant Park 165: Results Overview
The NASCAR Cup Series returned to the streets of Chicago for this year’s thrilling Grant Park 165 race, providing fans with a spectacle filled with adrenaline and exciting twists. The race, held on a 2.2-mile urban circuit, saw Alex Bowman emerge as the big winner, securing his first victory of the season and solidifying his spot in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Bowman, driving for the legendary Hendrick Motorsports team in a Chevrolet, dominated the race masterfully, starting from pole position and leading for a significant portion of the competition. His win not only reaffirmed his skill as a driver but also strengthened his position as one of the strong contenders for this year’s championship. In second place was Tyler Reddick from the 23XI Racing team, who also demonstrated consistent performance throughout the race. Reddick, piloting a Toyota, remained in the front pack throughout the race, constantly challenging the leader and securing an important result for his season. Rounding out the podium, Ty Gibbs of Joe Gibbs Racing crossed the finish line in third place. Gibbs, another young and talented NASCAR driver, showcased his ability to adapt to variable track conditions and secure a podium finish. The race was not just about the leaders but also about tactical strategies and the drivers’ ability to handle adversity. During the intense 165 kilometres around Chicago, competitors faced challenges such as sudden weather changes and the strategic choice between slick and wet-weather tyres. Standing out in the mid-stages of the race, Joey Hand of RFK Racing and Michael McDowell of Front Row Motorsports also achieved excellent results, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively. Their solid performances not only contributed to the thrilling race narrative but also solidified their positions in the championship standings. The 2024 Grant Park 165 not only showcased the drivers’ skill in mastering a challenging street circuit but also underscored the unpredictability and intensity that make NASCAR one of the most exciting motorsport competitions in the world. With the season progressing and more races ahead, fans can expect more thrilling moments and intense battles on the NASCAR Cup Series tracks. As we celebrate Alex Bowman’s victory and highlight performances from Tyler Reddick and Ty Gibbs, NASCAR continues to captivate global audiences with its unique blend of speed, strategy, and pure competition.
Bridewell Maintains Title Chase with Two Podium Finishes at Snetterton
Tommy Bridewell maintained his quest for the British Superbikes (BSB) title after a difficult weekend at Snetterton, claiming two second places despite DNFing in Saturday’s race. The variable weather conditions made the circuit even more challenging, but Bridewell demonstrated the resilience and skills to remain competitive. In the first race of the weekend, Bridewell suffered an accident after just five laps, joining Danny Kent in the barriers at Snetterton. However, the defending champion quickly recovered and returned to the track determined to make up for the loss. Although his Honda bike seemed to underperform on the straights compared to the surrounding Ducatis, Bridewell managed to secure two consecutive podiums, both in second place, behind his main rival, Glenn Irwin. Bridewell commented on his bike’s performance and the difficulties encountered: “I felt good and comfortable on the bike, but in some areas I had to work really hard to stay close to Glenn. I could see Christian too, so I was trying to save my tires because I knew I needed the grip for the straights. If I couldn’t get into the straights I would be in trouble because I was already struggling in those sections. .” Sunday’s race was particularly difficult due to unstable weather conditions. Bridewell stressed the importance of adapting his racing strategy to deal with these difficulties: “The race didn’t feel long, I just felt like my hands were a bit tied because I couldn’t not getting close enough on the straights to overtake when braking. I was losing a lot on the straights and I had to compensate when braking. Despite the difficulties, Bridewell stressed that his bike seemed better on Friday and hopes to fine-tune those details with his team before the next round: “The bike was working absolutely fantastic, but on Friday it seemed a bit faster. We have to analyze – can – be the temperature or something – but on Friday I could catch Christian in the straight, in the slipstream, and pass him. In this race, I couldn’t get close to the Ducatis in the straight. Bridewell also praised his rivals, mentioning Christian Iddon’s strong performance and Irwin’s determination to stay ahead, even with grip problems: “Christian had a fantastic race at the start, the pace was fast. When Glenn passed Christian, I knew I had to pass him in the last corner We had a little argument, but once I passed him I was able to start catching Glenn. Despite arriving at Snetterton leading the championship, Irwin’s two wins knocked Bridewell out of the lead, but the two second places minimized the damage, leaving only a four-point difference between the two in the general classification. With these results, Bridewell remains firm in the fight for the British Superbikes title, keeping the pressure on his main rival and showing that he is ready to take on any challenge in the upcoming races.
Bowman Secures NASCAR Playoff Spot with Chicago Triumph
On the second day of competition at Snetterton for the British Superbike (BSB) category, Glenn Irwin distinguished himself by winning both the shortened sprint race and the fierce battle of the third race, both with Tommy Bridewell as his main rival. These victories not only cemented Irwin’s leading position in the championship, but also highlighted the intense rivalry between the two drivers. PBM Ducati rider Irwin expressed his satisfaction at being part of such an exciting competition. “It’s a great show for the BSB, and you know, to be a part of this is truly an incredible feeling. Having this rivalry with Tommy and seeing the audience really engaged in it is rewarding because it’s a real thing,” Irwin said. He emphasized the mutual respect between the two, allowing for post-race discussions about their performances, without diminishing the seriousness of the competition.Changing track conditions at Snetterton added a further challenge, with rain falling sporadically throughout Sunday. The third race was the only one to take place with more stable weather, completing the entire scheduled distance at the Norwich circuit. Irwin commented on the difficulty of the race: “The race was much more difficult, it was an opportunity for the others to overturn the result of the first race. We kept the bike virtually the same except for a small change at the front.”He also highlighted that the higher temperatures had a significant impact on tire settings and pressure, leading to a lack of front grip. “At the beginning, I felt good, without forcing too much. Christian kept a good pace and I was happy to follow him for a while,” explained Irwin. However, he realized that the tactic of building a large lead, as he did in the five-lap sprint race, would not be effective for the sixteen-lap race. “When I took the lead, I thought we were in a good position, but we had to preserve the tires.”Despite the difficulties, such as lack of rear grip and losing the front in several corners, Irwin managed to manage the conditions and secure the victory. “It was a really difficult race, I lost the front several times and had problems with grip in the corners. But, in the end, I managed to stay in control and win.” With these victories, Irwin took the lead in the championship, heading to Brands Hatch with a narrow lead of just four points over Bridewell. This rivalry promises to continue to attract the attention of fans and further raise the level of competition in British Superbike. The bitter rivalry between Irwin and Bridewell is a perfect example of how rivalry in motorsport can create exciting and unforgettable moments, benefiting both drivers and spectators.
Building the Norisring DTM Circuit: 600 Helpers and 10,000 Hours
Norisring in Nuremberg is once again preparing to host its annual DTM round this weekend, marking the 81st edition of this classic touring and sports car race in Germany. Transforming the streets between Zeppelinfeld and Dutzendteich into a 2.3 km race circuit is a monumental task that involves a significant amount of effort and coordination. The responsibility for this transformation falls to the Motorsport Club Nuremberg. Each year, 600 dedicated volunteers invest a total of 10,000 working hours to prepare for the most prestigious round of the DTM, held every June. Unlike other famous street circuits like Monaco and Singapore, which require extensive preparation times, the Norisring is built in just two weeks and dismantled in a mere seven days. To ensure the safety of the drivers, the circuit is bordered by five kilometers of triple safety barriers and an equal amount of safety fences. Additionally, one kilometer of concrete barriers and more than 110 sets of 6×6 tires are installed. The infrastructure includes three kilometers of water and sewage pipelines and five kilometers of power cables. Temporary stands are erected to accommodate 25,000 spectators, along with 12 kilometers of safety fencing around the event site. To ensure that all races run smoothly during the event, officially known as the 81st International ADAC Norisring Speed Weekend, the Motorsport Club Nuremberg regularly trains people who act as track marshals, licensed by the German Motor Sport Association (DMSB). This year marks the 40th anniversary of the creation of the DTM in 1984. To celebrate, three of the four electric support vehicles for media representatives will feature iconic designs from the BMW M3 DTM E30s, including the Alpina, Warsteiner/Wintershall, and Jägermeister liveries. BMW, a constant presence in the series alongside Audi, Mercedes, and Porsche, comes to Norisring following a win at Zandvoort thanks to factory driver Marco Wittmann. Wittmann, a two-time DTM champion, expressed his excitement for the event at Norisring: “Of course, the event in Nuremberg is a highlight for me, as it is every year. Above all because of all the fans, my fan club, my family, and my friends on site, who always bring a lot of support for me. It’s something very special every year. But also because of the special atmosphere at this event on the only street circuit in the racing calendar.” Norisring is not just a race track; it is a testament to the dedication and passion of the motorsport community, demonstrating what can be achieved with teamwork and a shared love for racing. As the DTM drivers prepare to compete on this historic circuit, the volunteers and organizers can take pride in their remarkable achievement of bringing this event to life year after year.
Rovanpera’s Polish Victory: One for the WRC History Books
Kalle Rovanperä, a young talent from Toyota Gazoo Racing, achieved a memorable victory at the Rally of Poland, marking his 13th career triumph. This remarkable feat came after a series of dramatic and intense events, testing the Finnish driver’s resilience and skill. Rovanperä wasn’t even scheduled to participate in the rally, being called at the last minute to replace Sébastien Ogier, who suffered an accident during reconnaissance on Tuesday. With less than 48 hours to prepare, Rovanperä and his co-driver Jonne Halttunen faced a marathon of frantic preparations before Thursday afternoon’s ceremonial start. However, this accelerated preparation did not affect Rovanperä’s performance. He dominated the stages with his Pirelli-equipped GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid, surpassing his teammate Elfyn Evans by 28.3 seconds, culminating in a Toyota one-two. Hyundai rival Andreas Mikkelsen, who started the final day just 9.4 seconds behind Rovanperä, saw his chances of victory disappear due to tire damage, falling to sixth place. “It was an incredible week,” Rovanperä said. “We worked hard and are really tired now. The best thing is that we came here and helped the team a lot, scoring many points for the manufacturers’ championship.” Mikkelsen, seeking his first FIA WRC victory since 2016, led the race on Friday before losing the lead to Rovanperä in the penultimate stage. The degradation of Mikkelsen’s i20 N Rally1 Hybrid tires hindered his performance, and he opted to complete the final stages at a controlled pace. “It was sad what happened today,” Mikkelsen said. “We were really unlucky. The right thing to do after that was to bring the car back for the team.” The four-day rally, blessed with hot weather, provided edge-of-the-seat drama as drivers competed for tenths of a second on fast, challenging roads. Despite a tire delamination on Saturday and a slow deflation in the Wolf Power Stage, Evans managed to stand out among the main title contenders, reclaiming second place in the drivers’ championship. Ott Tänak, forced to retire due to an unavoidable impact on Friday, managed to restart the next day and salvage 11 points on Super Sunday. His Hyundai teammate, Thierry Neuville, won the Wolf Power Stage but finished fourth, having to clear the road of loose stones on the first day. M Sport Ford star Adrien Fourmaux, who scored his third podium of the season, finished 28.1 seconds ahead of Neuville. Mārtiņš Sesks, making his top-flight debut, impressed by finishing fifth, driving a non-hybrid Puma. Rovanperä’s victory in Poland not only solidified his position as one of the emerging talents in the WRC but also provided one of the most impressive performances of the season, leaving an indelible mark on the championship’s history. With six rounds remaining, the battle for the title promises to be intense, with every point crucial in the race for the world championship.
Carson Hocevar Penalized in NASCAR Cup for Incident During Caution
Last weekend, young driver Carson Hocevar found himself at the centre of a controversy in the NASCAR world. During the Ally 400 race at Nashville Superspeedway, Hocevar, only 21 years old, was fined $50,000 and lost 25 points in the championship after colliding with and spinning Harrison Burton’s car while the caution flag was active. This incident sparked heated discussions among veterans and teammates in the NASCAR Cup Series. Hocevar, who drives the number 77 car for Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, already has a history of controversies in his career, with previous penalties in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. However, the incident in Nashville caught attention due to the nature of the infraction under the caution flag, a moment when all drivers are supposed to exercise maximum caution. During a press conference held at the Art Institute of Chicago, Hocevar defended his actions, explaining that he did not intend to spin Burton. He stated that his intention was merely to give a light bump, something that has happened many times in the past. However, the manoeuvre resulted in Burton’s car spinning, leading to severe penalties. “My intentions were not at all to make him spin,” Hocevar said. “I went to give a bump, as you’ve seen a thousand times, but he used very high brake pressure in front of me, and then it obviously happened. In the future, I simply won’t initiate anything like that. If that’s the case, I’ll talk to him after the race or raise my hand instead of using the car.” The response from NASCAR veterans was no less intense. Ryan Blaney, the current series champion, harshly criticised Hocevar during the same press conference, stating that stricter penalties are necessary to avoid such incidents in the future. “You have to pay money, lose points, or even be suspended if necessary,” Blaney said. “This kind of behaviour is unacceptable. There have to be repercussions for what you do. I hope the fine and loss of points teach a lesson.” Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup champion in 2012 and co-owner of RFK Racing, also shared his perspective. He compared Hocevar’s situation to his own journey of trying to stand out early in his career, emphasising the importance of finding a balance between aggression and caution. “You have to be careful not to let the desire to make an immediate impact become a negative,” Keselowski said. “There’s a fine line between being too aggressive and not enough. I hope he finds that balance.” Despite the criticism, Hocevar remains confident, counting on the support of his team and believing that telemetry data paints a different picture of the incident. The controversy involving Carson Hocevar highlights the constant tension between emerging young talents and established veterans in the NASCAR world, showcasing the challenges and lessons to be learned as new drivers seek their place in elite competition.
Joey Logano on Ally 400 Win: “Not a Drop of Gas to Spare!”
Joey Logano, driver for Team Penske, secured an exciting victory at the Ally 400, held at the Nashville Superspeedway. The race was marked by bold fuel strategies and chaotic restarts, culminating in one of the most thrilling contests of the NASCAR Cup Series season. Perfect Fuel Strategy Logano revealed that the victory at the Ally 400 was achieved with a meticulously planned fuel strategy. “We didn’t have a drop of gas to spare!” exclaimed Logano after the race. “It was a risky decision, but the team did an incredible job calculating exactly what we needed to cross the finish line in first place.” Overtime and Chaos The race was marked by multiple attempts at overtime, adding an extra layer of tension and unpredictability. While many drivers faced difficulties and performance drops due to excessive fuel consumption, Logano and his team managed to stay calm and stick to the plan. “Overtime attempts are always a big challenge. You never know what might happen, and you need to be prepared for anything,” explained Logano. Zane Smith Shines One of the race highlights was Zane Smith, who achieved his best result in the NASCAR Cup Series by finishing in second place. Smith, whose previous best performance was 13th place, took advantage of the fuel strategies and opportunities created by the chaotic restarts to position himself well in the final stretch. “It was amazing to see Smith so competitive. He is definitely a driver to watch in the upcoming races,” commented Logano. Championship Impact With this victory, Logano solidified his position among the top competitors of the season, securing his spot in the Playoffs. The win not only strengthens his position in the overall standings but also sends a strong message to his rivals about his ability to win under challenging conditions. “Every victory is crucial, especially in such a competitive season. I am proud of what we achieved here in Nashville,” stated Logano. Post-Race Reflections Reflecting on the race, Logano praised his team for the excellent preparation and execution of the fuel strategy. “Everyone on the team played a crucial role. From the engineers to the mechanics, everyone contributed to this victory. We couldn’t have done it without an incredible team effort,” he highlighted. What Comes Next With the NASCAR Cup Series season entering its decisive phase, Logano is focused on maintaining the momentum and pursuing more victories. “We will continue to work hard and stay focused. Every race is a new opportunity to show our strength and go for the title,” said Logano, already looking ahead to the next stages of the championship. The victory at the Ally 400 was not just a testament to skill and determination but also to the importance of strategy and teamwork in NASCAR. Joey Logano and his team demonstrated that even in the most challenging situations, success is possible with perfect planning and execution.
Zane Smith Scores Best NASCAR Cup Finish in Wild Ally 400
Last night, the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway was the stage for one of the most exciting races of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. Amid unpredictable fuel strategies and chaotic restarts, Zane Smith achieved the best result of his career on the NASCAR Cup, finishing a local second. We have a comfortable 13-degree seat in the forward position and a safe riding position for these conditions. Smith agreed with maximum operation on fire strategies in the final moments of overtime. Those strategies, which both helped and hindered other pilots, were crucial to or disappointing to Smith. When asked about how he managed to lead with the various attempts to finalize Overtime, he gave a sincere and humble answer: “I guess. I’m proud of our strategy, but not ultimately. Too bad I really didn’t know how long we were going to last, especially as faces behind us stood with four new strategies. Nashville is known for its reckless restarts, and, according to Smith, that run wasn’t overdone. He waxed lyrical about his experience and the nature of two restarts at Superspeedway: “Nashville is notorious for its crazy track. Obviously aggressive every day, but constantly affected inferior or continuously. Impact on Classification As a result, Smith finished 34th in the NASCAR Cup Series classification. Although he had lost a lot to guarantee an automatic goal in the playoffs, he was overtaken at the goal line by Joey Logano, who got the last goal disposable. Despite this, Smith’s performance at the Alli 400 shows that he is on the right track. With several races still remaining in the season regularly, he and his team have the opportunity to get to know each other, improve their strategies, and position themselves better in the standings. The Adiant Path Smith’s retirement on the Ally 400 is a meaningful milestone in his career. Yele demonstration to the possui nao penas or talent, especially a determination necessity for competition and alto level on the NASCAR Cup Series. Consistency and adaptability for sensitive situations. The Alli 400 was a remarkable run for Zane Smith, highlighting his ability to face challenges or take advantage of opportunities. With momentum, Smith has a steady pace in the NASCAR Cup Series. Yes, critical mistakes have been avoided. Smith has consistently finished in the top 10 and is cementing his place in NASCAR for the playoffs.