Autosport International 2013 : Live Action Arena Highlights

Check out our highlights of the Autosport International 2013 Live Action Arena, presented by Chris Lucas and Rosemary John. This year's show features Freestyle Motocross, Autograss, BRSCC Porsche Boxsters, F1 Stockcars, Terry Grant in an Aston Martin and even a monster truck. oh, and the world debut of the RR Racing Project. wonder what that is?

Italian Champion Baiocco returns to British Superbikes with Ducati

Matteo Baiocco in action on his Ducati

Reigning Italian Superbike Champion Matteo Baiocco has signed a one-year deal to join the Moto Rapido Ducati team to contest this year’s MCE British Superbike Championship.

The 28-year-old, from Osimo in Italy, rode for the Winchester-based squad at Silverstone last year as an injury replacement and returns for a full season with the blessing of Ducati, where he is an official 1199 Panigale test rider.

“I am very happy to finally formalise my agreement with the team Moto Rapido. We have been working for this together for a long time and I really want to thank Steve Moore for this opportunity. During 2012 I had already got to know Moto Rapido team and BSB, I like the team very much and I am excited to race in BSB,” said Baoix, as he is known in his native country.

“This will be a very important season for me after winning in Italy and I look forward to the challenge of riding in BSB and will do my best to be competitive in the best national series in the world. I want to say thank you to Ducati Corse and Ducati UK who will help us in this season.

A big hello to all the British fans that have a great passion and loyalty for racing.”

Team principal Steve Moore added: “Firstly I am really pleased to continue our project in BSB with Ducati and I am very happy to have put pen to paper with Matteo over the Christmas break. He is quite a character and I am sure the BSB fans will love him.

Matteo is twice Italian Superbike Champion with Ducati and his strong links to the factory brings increased technical support from Ducati Corse. With the upgrade to the 1199R Panigale this year we are expecting to progress well. We are still a new team so the challenge has been huge, but this season is looking stronger than ever for us and we have more exciting news still to come.”

“Thank you to our customers and sponsors including Solent Scientific, Aerodynamics, Motul for the continued support. On a personal note I would like to thank Scott Smart for the hard work of the last few seasons with us,his technical ability is astonishing and has helped us develop all areas of the 1199. We’ll be cheering him on in Supersport this year.”

Motorcycle Racing returns to Rockingham

Motorcycle racing returns to Rockingham with Thundersport GB

MOTORCYCLE racing will once again feature on the Rockingham calendar in 2013 following confirmation the Northamptonshire circuit will be hosting a round of the Thundersport GB National Championships next summer.

The UK’s second largest, and fastest growing, bike race series, Thundersport GB offers riders and fans alike the chance to watch an awesome array of two-wheel machines in action.

With everything from the super-fast GP1 class with bikes which can rival Superbike lap times right through to 500 parallel twins, Supertwins, Minitwins, Superstock 600, Superstock 1000, Streetfighters, Formula 600.

Plus the stars of the future in the exciting Aprilia Superteens and the beautiful grand prix styled Aprilia RRV450 GP machines – there is something for everyone. Thundersport GB also hosts the official Combined Military Services Championship and for the first time in 2013, the Buffera Formula Female Championship.

Thundersport GB is the most exciting and varied series in British motorcycle racing and with up to 20 different championship titles up for grabs, the packed schedule guarantees two days of non-stop action and entertainment.

Rockingham’s Chief Executive, Charlotte Orton, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Thundersports GB back to Rockingham next season. It is a fantastic action-packed race weekend, which offers something for spectators across the generations.

“Motorcycle events have always been very popular at Rockingham. Whether it is racing, track days, photo shoots or product launches for tyre and motorcycle manufacturers - the venue is perfect for those on two-wheels!”

Rockingham hosts Round 10 & 11 of Thundersports GB over the weekend of July 27/28, with 18 races on the Saturday and a further 20 on Sunday, which will be televised. All the action again takes place on the 1.94-mile International Motorcycle Circuit, following the success of this season’s summer visit.

Thundersport GBs Director of Racing, Dave Stewart, said: “Thundersport GB has developed a reputation for not following the established trend and we want to challenge our competitors with a calendar which has nine weekend events held at completely different circuits.

“Last year Rockingham was added to our calendar, as we believe it offers a unique challenge with its anti-clockwise layout and mixture of technical turns, fast straights and sweeping curves.

The tight and twisty infield circuit will promote great racing between the bikes

“The teams and riders loved the experience and the friendly, helpful and efficient attitude of the circuit staff made the event one of the highlights of the season for everyone.”

There is free access to grandstand seats offering a perfect view of the entire circuit as well as the opportunity to watch the action from the top of the pit garages. Spectators can also visit the race paddock for a unique insight into the hard work behind the scenes from the teams.

Rockingham prides itself on providing access to all motorsport fans. All areas have wheelchair access and those who are registered disabled can apply for a FREE admission ticket for their carer. Written proof is required.

Ticket prices will be announced and available from January 2013. Advance tickets can be purchased either online at www.rockingham.co.uk or via the ticket hotline on 01536 500500.

That is the first time that Motorcycles have ever featured on Overdrive-uk.com!