P34
WIND
De Puniet's best lap time was a
1:48:60, which was slightly slower than his previous test times at
Motegi, though he said the track
conditions were less than ideal.
"In this test we were not so
lucky with the weather, as yester-
I
day we stayed in the pit all day,"
de Puniet said. "Also, the track
was slippery and very hot today,
so the grip wasn't very good, but
we found a good direction with
one of the chassis configurations
we had available. I found one with
better tire contact feeling and
better for corner-entry, so we will
continue with this in Misano next
month. The rain came before the
end of the test and I couldn't try
to improve my lap time, but overall we are very satisfied."
WORLD SUPERBIKE RULES – FINALLY
t took a bit longer than expected
but the FIM finally introduced
the 2014 World Superbike rules
last week with most of the rule
changes directed at reducing
costs.
The main topics of change are
as follows:
• Each rider will be limited to
eight engines per season
• There will be a limited amount
of gear ratios
• There will be a price cap on
brakes
• There will be a price cap on
suspension
• The MSMA has agreed to
provide a complete motorcycle
at a fixed price in 2014, 2015
and 2016
• There will be a sub-category
of racing within the World Su-
World Superbike will feature
an EVO class in 2014.
perbike class known as EVO.
That class will follow the Superbike rules for chassis, suspension and brake components,
but the engine and electron-
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOLD & GOOSE
IN
THE
ics packages for those bikes
will follow current Superstock
rules. The price cap on brakes
and suspension will be the
same as World Superbike.
ROBERT WINS GLEN HELEN WORCS
M
onster Energy Kawasaki's
Taylor Robert claimed his
third win of the year in the 2013
WORCS Series after finishing
approximately one-minute and 10
seconds ahead of Kawasaki rider Gary Sutherlin at Glen Helen
Raceway on August 11.
Robert had his hands full with
fellow Kawasaki rider Robby Bell
until the series points leader suffered a high-speed get-off after
hitting a rock that he didn't see
in the dust. With Bell out of the
picture, Robert, who is competing in the WORCS Series part
time, cruised the rest of the way
for the win.
Bell, meanwhile, remounted
but had to nurse his damaged
bike to the pits. By the time he
got back and replaced his bike's
broken throttle, he was well
down in the field and would finish
continued on page 36
