W E
B E L I E V E
INTERNATIONAL EDITION
by
I N
C H A L L E N G E S
A N D
W I S H
T O
www.inspire-lcr.com
MAY 2014
LIGHTNING STRIKES AT SEASON’S START The epic MotoGP challenge is on again! MOTOGP RACE HIGHLIGHTS | FASHION & STYLE | MUSIC | MOVIES | ART | PASSIONS VINTAGE EMOTIONS | CARS & DREAMS | TRAVELS | LIFE STORIES | SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
INSPIRE
“With your mind power, your determination, your instinct, and the experience as well, you can fly very high” Ayrton Senna
www.inspire-lcr.com/ayrtonsenna
INSPIRING HEROES
W E
B E L I E V E
PURSUING
THE GLORY
STEFAN BRADL’S INTERVIEW
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I N
C H A L L E N G E S
A N D
W I S H
T O
Zero Gravity
www.tombolini.it
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BIKE & MOVIE
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THE INTERVIEW
FASHION & STYLE
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Motogp race highlightS - Round 01
Motogp race highlightS - Round 02
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MUSIC 6
EDITORIAL
Enrico Barbieri Editor In Chief
Passion: root of the verb to be, to live, to fight. Passion: derivative of the verb to love and to be together, first of all with the children, to whom we channel our passions long before they even begin to speak, to understand, to walk. Passion is an early infection, wireless, unavoidable between father and son, even before they talk to each other, beyond the words, a connection that leaves no escape or alternative routes and that will never end. Passion that brings to light our roots and our wings, our dreams. Passions that pass down from father to son. Passions that are shaping us today, here and now, together. We live, breathe, talk and write about our passions. This is what connects all of us, and if you’re reading these lines, I’m quite sure that you love what we love. Motorsports is what we love, so ride with us for another season, flip the pages and get Inspired.
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w w w . i n s p i r e - l c r. c o m
EXPLORE. ENJOY. givimoto.com
TREKKER OUTBACK People passionate for adventure, riding for long distances, knows the importance of security, comfort and strength of the accessories. These concepts guided GIVI in the design of the Trekker Outback, the perfect side cases for people loving the off-road thrill and ready to face the hardest situations. • Innovative Monokey Cam-Side System (Patent Pending) • Side case: available in two versions, aluminium and black, and two capacities, 37 lt. and 48 lt. • Soon will be available two top-cases, 42 lt. and 58 lt. • Aluminum structure of 1.5 mm thickness
www.trekkeroutback.it
THE WORLD OF REDBULL
K
emer is a seaside district on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey that hosts The RedBull Sea To Sky extreme enduro event. Starting from sea level at the shore of the Turkish Riviera the race takes the riders to an altitude of 2,365m. Enduro World Champion and legend David Knight was invited to Kemer by Red Bull Turkey for a photo shooting. Overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape and quality of the terrain, the athlete took his bike for a ride. The incredible picture here is the result of a beautiful day spent riding. Red Bull Sea To Sky, now at his 5th edition, has gathered more and more attention each year. If you love the sport and want to enjoy the Turkish summer book yourself a plane ticket for the end of September and enjoy the race. Photographer: Claudius Vasilescu/Red Bull Content Pool
www.inspire-lcr.com/davidknights
THE INTERVIEW
PURSUING
THE GLORY text: Elisa Pavan - photo: Andrew Wheeler, Milagro , Oscar Haro
PERSISTENCE, DEDICATION, DISCIPLINE, SELF CONTROL, COMMITMENT, PRACTICE. IN THIS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW, THE 2011 MOTO2 WORLD CHAMPION STEFAN BRADL SHARES HIS THOUGHTS AND TRAINING SECRETS AT THE BEGINNING OF HIS THIRD SEASON IN MOTOGP
Elisa Pavan, Team LCR press officer since 2001 made an exclusive interview with the german fastest motorcycle rider in the World Stefan Bradl during the MotoGP winter test in Qatar, right before season’s start. Here’s what he said. How’s your weekly routine during the World Championships? :I wake up early and usually have breakfast at 8 am. Around 10 am I start stretching out for about 30 minutes and then I go for a run that takes me around 1 hour. During the summer, I prefer to do a couple hours of cycling instead of running. At 12:30 I have lunch with my family, I chill a bit and then head down to the gym with my personal trainer for another two hours.
S
Speed, Strength and endurance. Three crucial aspects for every MotoGP rider. :Motorcycle riding is not as widespread as other sports, so there’s not a common or official training technique. Every rider works out his own way. To train my endurance, I have an intense aerobic workout scheme to follow, I do bicycle and run a lot. For the speed, I focus on anaerobic exercises such as sprinting and balancing often doing both activities simultaneously. In MotoGP everything happens in a matter of deciseconds, it’s not easy to train the body and the brain in order to react faster and faster. The best thing would be to ride our MotoGP bikes every day, but this is not possible, that’s why we do a lot of motocross, at least twice a week. For what concerns the strength, during winter time I build my muscles lifting heavy weights while during the racing season I focus much more on the maintenance lifting lighter weights. Sudden brakes and change of direction are the toughest part during the race. We need strong pectorals, shoulders and legs. I love to workout on the bench.
S
When it comes to food what diet do you follow? :As every responsible athlete, I do follow a well balanced diet as well. Pasta, meat, fish and fruits, proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins of course. I do rarely eat cakes and almost never drink alcohol. During the racing weekends drinking a lot is a must in order to keep myself fully hydrated especially in those countries like Malaysia where outside air temperatures gets hot as hell. One hour and a half before the race starts I eat white pasta and some fruits.
S
How do you overcome anxiety, tension and fear? :I think we need to have a sense of respect for fear, but in our job, fear doesn’t have to overcome you. You have to believe in yourself and trust the people you work with. You have to focus a lot and be aware of the fact that you’re tough enough to make it. You need balls to win this game. When we are on the grid right before the race start, I’m in a state of trance. I don’t hear or see anybody; I just try to visualize the track, every corner and where I can overtake the other riders. When the red light goes out, there’s no more tension just action.
S
Stefan during his winter training camp in the South of France directed by former Motocross World Champion Yves de Maria
“I’m pushing hard and getting better, but it’s still not enough I have to work harder and harder”
Stefan during strength test at CAR (Centre d’Alt Rendiment) Barcelona
Stefan during a motocross training session riding his Honda CRF 250
How do you relax after the race? :During the racing weekend, I have a massage after every session, but the thing that I love the most is having dinner with my Team and when I get back to my room I watch the race on the web. When I get back home, I take a day off and then start training again.
S
What’s your favourite race so far? :Every race is like a new experience; you bring home something new. Climbing the podium is without any doubt the best sensation ever. You get such rush of energy; it’s incredible and Moto2 gave me lots of satisfactions. But MotoGP is a total different game, you have to struggle a lot, you have to work very hard and climbing the podium on the second step in 2013 at Laguna Seca that is one of the most breathtaking circuits of the world was amazing. Memorable!
S
This is your third season on a Honda RCV with Team LCR. :Honda RCV is The Motorcycle; it’s the real deal, an amazing piece of engineering. The power that unfolds is massive, just to give you an idea it takes 2,1 seconds from 0 to 100 Km/h. What could you ask for more? All the people I work with are extremely professional. It’s an international team, I’m German, the Team Principal Lucio Cecchinello is Italian and the guys of the crew all come from different countries: France, Spain, England, Japan, New Zealand, etc. MotoGP has no borders. When I first arrived, during my first days with Team LCR I thought they all were a bit too serious, but after a few weeks we started to go along well together. Your team becomes your second family, having a great relationship with everyone and being able to feel at ease with them is crucial. And, by the way, I must admit that Lucio’s Team is one of a kind.
S
What does it take to be the best driver? :There’s a certain gap between me and the other 2 or 3 fastest riders. I still have a lot of work to do. It’s about my physical and mental shape; I’m pushing hard and getting better, but it’s still not enough I have to work harder and harder. My Team is great; I’m riding a Honda Factory, I don’t know what I could ask for more. Maybe to take all of them and start racing with the official HRC machine… But only if I can take also our Boss with us.
S
Is there any easy way to succeed? :No, there ain’t but keep your head clear, stay focused and work hard. You have to believe in yourself and if you happen to fall, try your best to get back on your feet right away and come back stronger than ever.
S
Pushing hard during the test session at the Sepang Circuit, Malaysia
“When the red light goes out, there’s no more tension just action”
Stefan and a spanish coach during a balance test at CAR (Centre d’Alt Rendiment) Barcelona
“You have to believe in yourself and if you happen to fall, try your best to get back on your feet right away�
Stefan at the pit exit in Losail circuit during the last winter test
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MotoGP RACE HIGHLIGHTS
QATAR Grand Prix text: Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska - photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari
text: Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska - photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari
ONE OF THE LEADING MID-EAST COUNTRIES IN FULL EXPANSION SINCE YEARS HOLDS THE FIRST MOTOGP ROUND OF THE SEASON
Q
atar is a country on a peninsula in the southwest Persian Gulf with the capital of Doha. With a population of over 1.8 million, ethnic Qataris make up just less than 300.000 as the majority of the citizens being immigrants and quest workers. The economy of the traditional monarchy, which gained independence in 1971, for years focused on sea trade and pearl hunting. The country started its fully expansion after the discovery of oil in the middle of the 90’s and became one of the richest countries per capita in the world. Now the economy of Qatar is moving away from its dependency on the natural industries of oil and gas, while the country is also focused in tourism. The 2020 FIFA World Cup will take place in the country, while the motorcycle Qatar Grand Prix has been organised there since 2004.
MotoGP
RACE text: Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska - photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari
AT LOSAIL MARC MARQUEZ AND VALENTINO ROSSI TOOK THE HARD BATTLE AS IN 2013 BUT THIS TIME FOR VICTORY
A
fter a long winter of waiting, few preseason tests and hundreds of ridden kilometers, the Motorcycle World Championship and season 2014 finally kicked off! The first round of the new season took place, for the eighth time in succession, under the lights at Losail International Circuit in Qatar. And once again, as in the opening round of 2013, also in 2014 MotoGP fans saw a great battle between Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi, but this time not for second place – but for the victory! Coming back to racing from a broken right leg just one month earlier, the Spaniard took pole position. After the start Jorge Lorenzo took the lead but crashed few corners later. The same happened to his fellow leader, Stefan Bradl, while Rossi and Marquez were leading the pack then. The crowd finally saw Marquez winning by just two tenths of a second over Rossi, which gave the Spaniard a victory in his first race as a MotoGP World Champion! Dani Pedrosa crossed the finish line and gained podium as well.
Stefan’s
RACE WEEK text: Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska - photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari
STEFAN BRADL HAS STARTED A NEW SEASON ON HIGH LEVEL LEADING IN THE OPENING LAPS OF THE RACE IN QATAR
A
fter taking part in three winter test sessions ahead of the start of the new season, Stefan Bradl was ready to start the 2014 campaign. The German rider was in a positive mood before the first round of the season, which is his already third in LCR Team colours. On the first day of the Qatar GP, he calmly rode abroad his RC213V and took the 12th place. On Friday he improved his lap time by more than one second, which gave him promotion directly to Q2. In qualifying he set the 7th fastest time and was slower than the pole position winner by just 0.364s! On Sunday everything was going in the right direction for the German, as he took a very good start and was up in front at the beginning. In the middle of the first lap, after Lorenzo’s crash, the LCR rider took the lead! Stefan was riding on the first place until he lost the front end of his Honda in turn 6 on lap number nine.
“Actually it’s difficult for me to express my feelings right now. In somehow I did a very good job because I took a good start from the third row making a perfect first lap. Honestly I was not expecting such a strong performance considering the issues we had in the last days but for the race I felt strong and determined. Basically I cannot say why I crashed because I made the same manoeuvre of the lap before but I lost the front in turn six. Luckily I am OK and the positive thing is that I have done a big step in the race. Many riders crashed on left corners so probably the humidity was too high and affected the grip level. Anyway let’s go ahead to Austin which is another track that I like very much” – said Stefan after the race in Qatar.
Behind
THE SCENES text: Elisa Pavan - photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari
O
k Vale, you can keep the trophy but it would be nice to give the pearl to your girlfriend… no?! – Before and after: the reigning world champion looks bored but on Sunday after the race it’s another story: first victory first smile – Cucù? Come on Dovi … we caught u! Your look is unmistakable.
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Ops Cal… you parked in the wrong place. Need a lift back to the Ducati garage? - Stefan you got wrong! This is MotoGP not Supermotard - The NGM duo are rivals on track but good friends off track: the perfect spirit for this sport – What’s the perfect size for a MotoGP rider? Bautista and Redding are making a comparison: Alvaro do not cheat!
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www.inspire-lcr.com/whyweride
BIKE & MOVIE
text: Inspire Team
The passion of the riders and the soul of their machines. This documentary film directed and produced by Bryan H. Carroll is an inspiring celebration of the motorcycling community “Why We Ride” is a love letter to motorcycles. A beautiful, poetic, thrilling and moving love letter to the two wheels, written “en plain air”, inspired by the roar of the engines, declaimed loud through the grandstands. Engraved on the trophies of the greatests, streaked by the tears of joy, the eye of the camera will speak right to your heart and show you the true soul of riding. “Why We Ride” brings you to where it all started, shows you how we got here, and points the way to which we are going. Far too often, motorcycle related movies and documentaries dissatisfy the audience and fail to meet the expectations. Sometimes they tend to be over produced unrealistic portraits of a culture and way of living, which knows none of the stereotypes shown in most Hollywood movies. In some other cases they tend to lack depth, gusto or visual excitement. Such is not the case. In 1896 the Hendee & Nelson Manufacturing Company at 478 Main Street in Springfield, Massachusetts were building safety bicycles. The company went bankrupt and Hendee purchased the entire inventory at auction. It was during an event in Madison Square Garden in January 1900 that Hendee witnessed first-hand the motorized pacing bicycle built by Carl Oscar Hedström. They signed a partnership agreement right away. By 1912, Hendee Manufacturing was the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer and changed name to Indian Motorcycle the following year. Indian was quickly joined by Harley-Davidson and several hundred other manufacturers, that
once made motorcycles in the United States. This is where we set our scene, on one side stand the adventurous gentlemen that invented and built motorbikes, on the other side the legendary men that rode them. “Among those men who was the bravest, who was the toughest?” The documentary promptly answers this question: No doubt about it, Ed “Iron Man” Kretz. Born in San Diego, California, unlike many racers who often began riding at a young age, Kretz didn’t start riding until he was 20. He was a rough rider, who strove to finish and win every race. He rode #38, usually on an Indian motorcycle and is best known for winning the first Daytona 200. Ed Kretz was undoubtedly the greatest motorcycle racer of his day and the first major star of AMA Class C racing. Floyd Clymer, who was promoting many of the races in which Kretz competed, saw his raw talent and got him a new Indian to race. His big breakthrough win came at the 1936 200-mile road race national championship at Savannah, Georgia. Kretz was suddenly one of the best-known racers in the country and obtained a contract with Indian Motorcycle. Donna Jean Kretz and Edward Lawrence Kretz Jr. especially, do play a major role in the production of this documentary and provide beautiful detailed stories and amazing footage of their father’s racing years. The reminisces by his daughter and son, and of the people that knew Ed Kretz are priceless. “Why We Ride is a story about the passion of motorcycle riders,” says director/producer Bryan H. Carroll. “From a
“If you have a sense of destiny, don’t let anything stop you from making it a reality”
INSPIRE, MAY 2014 45
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally began in 1938 and it is one of the largest rallies in the world
family riding together on the sand dunes, to hundreds of choppers carving through the canyons — the bond with two-wheels is the same – it brings people together in a unique and memorable way and we wanted to share that joy with an audience.” All types of racing is featured, everything from flat-track to motocross, hillclimbs to Moto GP and beyond. Teaching these different types of racing to a younger generation is a must so that they may continue the traditions set before them. The cast is brilliant featuring both professional riders or simply amateurs who both share the same deep love for the two wheels. Amanda Thompson, 5 times land speed record holder. Kenny Roberts, former professional Grand Prix racer. Arlen Ness, who is best known for his customized choppers and hot roads. Troy Lee, world famous helmet and sportswear designer. Michael Lichter, intrepid motorcycles photographer. Ted Simon, for sure the bravest among the British journalists, noted for spending four years on his motorcycle and circumnavigating the world twice from 1973 to 1977. In 2001 at age 70 he started a new motorcycle journey that roughly followed the same route as his 1973 trip but was able to complete it in 3 years this time. I just said it, he’s the bravest among the Brits. And Dave Barr, after serving in the U.S Marine Corps from 1969 to 1972 he choose to support peace and stability first in Israel, later in Zimbabwe/Rhodesia and finally in South Africa. Following a fateful landmine explosion in 1981, Dave sustained life threatening injuries that ultimately resulted in the amputation of both of his legs. Upon returning to the United States, he was reunited with his family and his 10-year-old Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Together with his father he managed to modify his machine in order to be able to ride it again. Inspired after his first ride since the explosion, Dave decided to travel around the world on his Harley. It was his hope that he would encourage others to overcome their obstacles and make their own dreams a reality. With blockbuster movies such as Die Hard, Predator, Ali, Collateral, Public Enemies and Miami Vice in his background, producer and director Bryan H. Carroll has built a successful career in filmmaking while working with the likes of James Cameron, Michael Mann, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Joel Silver. On August 1st, 2012 he started filming a documentary based on the story of legendary AMA Class C racer Ed Kretz. The documentary was later given the name we know now: “Why We Ride”. Kretz Media Holding, LLC is the author and creator of this motion picture and it is dedicated to the memory of Edward Lawrence Kretz Jr. who died on September 9, 2013 at age 81 while riding his bike. Kretz Media Holding was also planning to produce a full-length movie based on the life of Ed Kretz. At time of writing we still don’t know if it will ever be released.
This film was independently financed to ensure the creative integrity of the documentary
This documentary was filmed throughout the United States during summer 2012
o CR H L m Tea P nsor f MotoG o p S o l ia ion O ff i c mot 5 e 6 e 3 in s th etW ith u w Plan e Liv
nda
IDEAS NEVER STOP
Scan the QR Code and continue the journey. www.rizoma.com
MotoGP RACE HIGHLIGHTS
AMERICAS Grand Prix
text: Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska - photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari
THE LONE STAR STATE IS A HOME OF NASA’S CENTER, LANCE ARMSTRONG AND ONE OF THE BEST MOTOGP CIRCUITS IN THE WORLD
T
exas is the second largest of the 50 U.S. states. Still associated with the image of cowboy, after discovery of oil the economic of the state has changed. Texas is still growing and leads in industries as petrochemicals, computers and electronics or aerospace. The state is home of famous cyclist Lance Armstrong, while the Texas’ largest city Houston is well known of NASA’s Johnson Space Centre, where the Mission Control Center is located. In the meantime both Austin - the capital city of Texas - and state itself have many motorcycles’ enthusiasts – especially of Harley-Davidson and Ducati. This is one of the reasons why, with the help of government and Kevin Schwantz, the COTA circuit was built. “Austinites” are crazy also about music and the current slogan promoting the city is “The Live Music Capital of the World”.
MotoGP
RACE text: Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska - photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari
FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN SUCCESSION MOTOGP CAME TO AUSTIN WITH MARQUEZ AS A CHAMPION
W
hen the Motorcycle Grand Prix paddock was heading to COTA track, on which the Grand Prix of the Americas took place, almost everyone knew that it could be hard to beat reigning Champion Marc Marquez. And they were right, as the Spaniard was the fastest in sessions and it was clear that the only rider who could defeat Marc on Sunday would be Marquez himself. As the lights went off at start, the first weird situation came. Jorge Lorenzo did a huge jump-start and was given a drive through penalty, which sent him to the back of the field. In that case Marquez took the lead and never lost to anyone. He won for the second time in a row – Qatar and Austin. Second at the finish line was Marquez’s teammate from Repsol Honda – Dani Pedrosa, while Andrea Dovizioso finished in third, giving to Ducati the first podium finish since the GP of San Marino in 2012.
Stefan’s
RACE WEEK text: Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska - photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari
FIRST FRONT ROW START AND POINTS IN 2014 SEASON FOR STEFAN IN TEXAS AT ONE OF HIS FAVOURITE CIRCUITS
A
head of the start of the weekend in Texas, Stefan Bradl’s target was clear – to score some points in the race after an unlucky finish of the round in Qatar, where he had crashed out from the lead. He was in a positive mood, as the Circuit of the Americas is one of his favourite tracks. The Grand Prix weekend started for the 23-year-old with the seventh fastest time on Friday. Even if he was outside the TOP5, he knew that his pace is better than that. On Saturday he made another progress, to finish Q2 with the third fastest time, missing pole by little bit more than one tenth of a second! Even if Stefan did not have the best start from the front row, lap-by-lap he improved his position. On lap ten he got onto the fourth position and started catching Andrea Iannone in third. In the end, he had a battle firstly with Andrea Dovizioso for podium place and then, on the last laps, with Bradley Smith for fourth.
Even if he missed podium, Bradl was happy after scoring fourth place: “First of all this race was a bit strange because of the jump-start of Lorenzo and in the beginning I struggled a bit to find my pace. I had to battle with Rossi and Ducati riders in the first laps and it took me some time to get out of that for finding my speed. After that I could go, but honestly we had a big problem with the front tyre as it dropped down too fast. I had to slow down and it was impossible for me to catch Dovizioso. The tyre performances throughout the weekend were good but in the race we had a very big problem and I think it’s the same for many riders right now. I smelled the podium today and it’s difficult to accept the defeat but we can be happy anyway because we did a very good job.”
Behind
THE SCENES text: Elisa Pavan - photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari
S
ilent please! I’m gonna win even this round guys (Marquez)… With the approval of Nicky and Stefan first. – No need to hold the COTA tower Vale and friends: that’s not the leaning tower of Pisa – Praying, stretching and taking a selfie: three different moments in a daily life of a MotoGP rider! –First 2014 front row for our hero Stefan Bradl: DANKE!
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Is it real or fake? Vale do you mind to deeeply check for us? Unusual place to make a 46 Doctor tattoo – Do not throw it away Marc! Your boss (Nakamoto San) knew it! – Yes Jorge! The blonde pretty girl is real. She is not a mirage – to all the women in the paddock: Dani is an unbelievable hairstylist – we agree with you Iannone…. Stefan should jump back on his bike because he is not a good performer with cattle roping.
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MUSIC
C D * C A MOTOR MOUTH Brian Johnson
has got the need for speed text: Shaun Curran - photo: Interview Hub
Brian Johnson
The
AC*DC lead singer is well known for a hell-raising lifestyle that goes hand in hand with the fast and furious rock music his band first pioneered
40 years ago. But do his petrolhead sensibilities stretch as far as motorbikes? Inspire travelled to
British racing circuit Goodwood found out…
the legendary
A
rriving to meet Brian Johnson should be a wholly worthwhile experience, and true to form, we find the 66-year-old rock legend in typically buoyant mood. He’s surrounded by a selection of his favourite motors – there’s everything from a Porsche 911 to a Mini, and in the background plays Highway To Hell… that’s rather fitting given that there’s talk of AC/DC getting back together after a hiatus of two years. Indeed, the Brit’s passion for excitement has never just stopped at music. Johnson is a petrol head, and an obsessive one, too: the owner of several vintage sports cars, he races around the world “as often as I bloody can” and be it motorbikes or cars, Johnson says the feeling you get from travelling at high speed is an adrenalin rush that’s hard to beat. “There is something so thrilling when you are driving an amazing piece of machinery, something that is so quick it’s almost beyond your control. It doesn’t matter if that is a car or a bike or whatever. You don’t know if you can handle it, it is like it is beyond your ability and that is exciting. Don’t get me wrong, it can be scary! But what you are doing is seeing if you have the cojones to do it, if you understand what I’m getting at? “But you do it to overcome the fear,” he surmises. “You know it’s one of those things where you are scared to death and you know that before you start. But even though that never truly goes away, you’ll always have that fear because that is what makes it exciting, and the next time you get on you’re not as scared. You do get used to the speed every time you do it.” And although Johnson is currently obsessing over fourwheeled creations, he admits he wouldn’t be true to AC/ DC’s rock roots if motorbikes didn’t form a large part of his thinking. “I’ve ridden bikes before, and a couple of the lads in the band have had bikes over the years – Yamahas, BMWs, Harleys. I’ve always been more drawn towards cars, personally, but I wouldn’t say that’s true of our followers. Rock music is definitely bike music!”
INSPIRE, MAY 2014 83
Brian Johnson on stage during the Black Ice Tour
Johnson’s influences come from the north of England. “I think it was the same for any young kid, especially in the early 1960s. It was a really exciting time – we were all getting really turned on by music and motors - Sterling Moss was about and the Brits were just the best at everything, it seemed. We had the best pop music with The Beatles, we had the best cars with the Mini and everybody loved Britain and wanted to be in England. It was very exciting. “The racing world really fascinated me - they were knights in shining armour with just a helmet on. I
think that every kid in the world wanted to be out there on the racetrack. “These days where bikes are concerned I love Valentino Rossi – the guy is so rock ‘n’ roll, and with that Italian sense of style and class. You’ve got to admire that.” Johnson has been singer in AC/DC since 1980, when he replaced Bon Scott following the sad death of the former frontman. Even before joining the crew, who originated from Australia, Johnson sang in rock ‘n’ roll bands, and the high-octane music has been in his blood almost as long as his love of fast vehicles. For Johnson, the two are inseparable. “I always figured that rock ‘n’ roll and cars automatically went together, and I think plenty of people agree with me. To me, it seems so bloody obvious! Everybody else is just getting it. For me, it is like it is inexplicable, that link between the two. There is a chemistry there, the feeling that you get. And it’ll be the same with bikes as well. It’s the power, how it makes you feel. And let me tell you, my car does more damage to my ears than my music!
My ears are used to the noise of a concert, but they are going a little bit because of the noise of engines!” So if it came down to a choice between fronting the biggest rock band in the world (and with that singing to packed out arenas all over the world), or speeding around the tracks of Europe and America at showpiece race events, which would Johnson choose? “That’s a harder decision than you might think!” he laughs. “The things that go into both - the crowd, the noise, the excitement, the finish line, the end of the show - it all goes together. I suppose I would have to say the music is first, just because of how you feel during a show. When there are 100,000 fans cheering it is such a rush. When they are cheering for you and it is a personal, special thing there is nothing that can beat that. “But I have to say that racing around comes a close second. When you’re sitting at the starting line about to race with about 40 V6s and V8s from the 1960s and 70s… I mean big stonking roaring gits like McLaren and Lolas and Chevrons, the excitement is incredible. And when that flag drops - oh! It’s like Zeus breaking wind - it’s just ridiculous!”
Brian Johnson is currently hosting a show called “Cars That Rock” airing on British TV
Photographer Jesus Robledo
THE RACING SPIRIT IN ONE SHOT
This stunning shot was taken at Valencia circuit in November 2013 during the first MotoGP winter test session. Camera: Canon 5D Mark II Lens: EF 16-36 f/2.8L II
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Let’s share the joy of sportive appeal! Honda NSC50R LCR Edition
The NSC50R LCR Edition scooter brings that feeling right into your hands. The limited edition scooters with Stefan Bradl’s Honda MotoGP sports look are now available at Honda dealers in Germany.
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MotoGP RACE HIGHLIGHTS
ARGENTINA Grand Prix
text: Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska - photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari
MOTORCYCLE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COMES BACK TO ARGENTINA AFTER 15 YEARS, THIS TIME TO A POPULAR SPA RESORT
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ermas de Rio Hondo is an Argentinean city situated in the banks of Rio Dulce (Sweet River) in the Santiago del Estero’s Province and has less than 30.000 residents. The city, which is about 1000 km from Buenos Aires, is a popular spa resort and one of the most important spa-cities of Argentina. The city is settled on many of underground sheets of hot water, rich in minerals and salts, while addiction of hot summers (“termas” in Spanish) provide a huge interest by tourists. If you have enough of the thermal springs, near the city Lago Embalse Frontal Dam there is a place located, which gives the opportunity to enjoy various water sports like swimming, skiing or fishing. In the last years new investments were done, such as building a new airport or motorcycle circuit “Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo”, which was completely rebuilt to host the MotoGP round in 2014.
MotoGP
RACE text: Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska - photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari
ADD A NEW CIRCUIT TO THE CALENDAR AND IT WILL MAKE STUNNING RACES IN ALL THREE CATEGORIES
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fter 15 years of absence, in April 2014, the MotoGP field has come back to Argentina. Only few riders tested before the GP the track in Termas de Rio Hondo, which has got a FIM licence just a few months ago. From the beginning one of the fastest was Marc Marquez and it was the Spaniard who easily got pole position. After the lights went off there was a big mess in the MotoGP field, with riders changing a lot in the first place. Staying calm in the first laps, the Champion #93 gained an advantage lap by lap and crossed the line as a winner – for the third time in succession! In the end Dani Pedrosa has found his pace and finished second in front of Jorge Lorenzo, who was leading for sixteen laps and then scored his first podium in 2014. Making some mistakes during the race, Valentino Rossi finished less than two seconds of the rostrum.
Stefan’s
RACE WEEK text: Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska - photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari
TAKING AN ADVANTAGE OF KNOWING THE CIRCUIT IN ARGENTINA, BRADL STORMED TO ANOTHER TOP5 FINISH
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tefan Bradl was one of just few MotoGP riders, who had a possibility of testing at Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo ahead of the official Grand Prix weekend. In the beginning of July 2013, the German rider went to the Argentinean circuit where he had a two-day testing program in rather bad conditions. Knowing the layout of the circuit, it has been an advantage in the beginning of the weekend, but at the end, Stefan’s situation was similar to the others. Session by session, the LCR’s rider improved his times, which gave him a promotion directly to Q2. There Bradl did not have good luck, as being on his fast lap, he crashed, fortunately without any bad consequences. A big fight took place between riders after the start, while Bradl – after starting from the ninth place - was constantly improving his pace and even riding on third place in one part of the race. In the end the 24-yearold from Munich came to the finish line in fifth position.
“Considering yesterday’s crash in qualifying and the 9th position on the grid, I think we can be very happy with this result. I knew that we needed a good start from the third row and I made it. The first lap was a bit “crazy” but after that I think I played my role in the battle for the front group. We have been strong on braking and we could fight with the other guys and I had a lot of fun. In the final part of the race I could not match the speed of the front guys because I had some issues with the front so I preferred to remain calm to finish my race in a safe and good position” – said Stefan after the race.
Behind
THE SCENES text: Elisa Pavan - photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari
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lot of affection for Jorge… or are they trying to steel his helmet? – Marquez’s crew wants to celebrate the third consecutive victory with base-jumping from the pit wall - What’s inside that bottle Iannone? Your expression is a bit weird. You should not drink Mojito while you are on track – Monster face competition award goes to… Valentino Rossi! And LCR PR Oscar Haro gets the second place. Lucio you should have ridden the scooter!
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Jorge looks amused watching his fan hairstyle. This is real devotion! - Marquez is testing his ability on the new track. Not sure if he can do the same on his RC213V… or maybe yes?! – Somebody call the firemen! The NGM mechanic looks suspicious anyway – LCR Team Manager Lucio Cecchinello is the new anchorman of the Italian TV. Bravo!
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BIKE & PASSION
LITTLE BASTARD text & photo courtesy of: Cafè Racer
Beauty meets simplicity in Brady Young’s minimal design. This Honda CB550 is pure and stylistically perfect. Is it comfortable as well?
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eaweed & Gravel is an independent store, a cool one to be fair, located on the Coast Highway in Encinitas, 25 miles north of San Diego. It is one of those shops where you might want to loose yourself, staring at a 1979 all scratched helmet placed next to a pair of leather boots and vintage surfboards. You might picture yourself taking a walk down the street with Eddie Lawson, you’re day dreaming with your eyes closed and suddenly an employee wakes you up asking if you’re ok. Encinitas is a coastal beach city located within Southern California, its name derives from a Spanish word and means “Little Oaks” The Honda CB550 named “Little Bastard” was built by Brady Young who’s famous for being so good at giving a new life and value to the old good bikes of the 70’s and 80’s. After a period with Ugly Motorbikes, another respected garage of that area, Brady Young works exclusively for Seaweed & Gravel and this brand new motorcycle sets the beginning of their partnership. In order to build this cafe racer, Young draw inspiration from one of his own bikes and was able to do the job within a few weeks. This Honda CB550 was rough and frequently saw the dirt but Brady was looking for a solid chassis, a reliable engine and a lot of attitude as the goal was to create a minimalistic, aggressive, low stance bike. The engine heads have been rebuilt and beefed up thanks to the spare parts of an old racing bike no longer in use. The client asked for both a kick and electronic start, the request could have ruined the ultra clean design but thanks to Antigravity Batteries who provided a compact yet powerful accumulator. “Our theory” - said David Patri, owner of Seaweed & Gravel - “ is that the bikes have to be pretty basic and minimal but still amaze with their fine details.” If you take a closer look at this all black “Little Bastard” you may notice the variations in the finishes that incorporates matte, satin and gloss. “With this new motorcycle we have also welcomed a new member into our family of weirdos” -said Patri referring to Brady Young. Start the engine and enjoy the ride.
Stephanie Polk COTA Security Honda CB550 USA “Little Bastard” built by Brady Young
Seaweed & Gravel want their bike to be minimal but still amaze with their fine details
“Another one bites my dust” www.arrow.it
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Vintage Emotions PRESENTS
RANDY MAMOLA text: Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska - photo: Gigi Soldano
A RIDER FOR WHO IT DOES NOT MATTER IF YOU LOOSE CHAMPIONSHIP BY FEW POINTS, BECAUSE AS LONG AS YOU GIVE EVERYTHING FROM YOURSELF, YOU ARE A WINNER!
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andy was growing up in California with a dream to be a musician one day. Being a child he trained to be a drummer, as he said many years “I wanted to be like a Ringo Star”. But when he was 12 years old, the motorcycles won the first battle – Mamola has fallen in love with them and quickly started to be a very fast rider. The beginnings were not easy, as he had to train at a small track – owned by the Police Athletic League – near his home in San José. In early years of his career, Yamaha sponsored him and his first idol was Kenny Roberts. Mamola also 120
wore the yellow-and-black leather as Kenny and even was named “Baby Kenny”. After proving his skills on flat track racing, Randy quickly turned to be a pro racer. He earned his AMA licence at the age of just 16 and finished as a runner-up in his rookie season back in 1977. He had to wait for his first wins till the next season when he also claimed a Championship title in 250cc class of AMA series. In 1979 an opportunity to go to World Championship came, firstly with a Bimota and later with Yamaha in 250cc class and also on a private Suzuki in 500cc.
www.inspire-lcr.com/randymamola
Even if riding in two classes at the same time, Randy immediately made a big splash in both categories. Scoring podium finishes and TOP10 places in the Championship at the end of that season, gave him a factory bike in 1980. It did not take a long time for Mamola to win his first race in the premier class. In July, in Zolder (Belgium) he took a really good start and won by a big margin in the end. “All I could think about while I was up on the podium was how eager I was to get to the next race and do it all again” – said Randy after that race. Quickly finding a good pace on his bike, he lost the championship title to his countryman Kenny Roberts, making at the end of the season the first one-two for American riders in the history of 500cc. Missing the title again in 1981, this time to Marco Lucchinelli by eleven points, wasn’t a defeat for Mamola. As he told in one of the interviews, it hadn’t had mattered to him that he finished second in the Championship. Because he felt he gave his 100%. “It is all you can ask from yourself. And if you finish second, you won anyway”. Mamola quickly has become a good friend to his rivals and the favourite rider for fans. For him it was something that he always liked when he was a child, so when he became popular, he also would like to give something back to the fans. Even if he was still young, he really appreciated to have fans wearing his team’s colours or to make signs with his name. He was also one of the first riders, who started huge celebrations on the cool-down lap after the race, like throwing his boots, gloves or T-shirts into the crowd. He always said he was there to race and gave everything to do that, even if he had to face some adversity. As for example at the end of 1983, when Suzuki decided to pull out from the Grand Prix, leaving Mamola without a ride for the next season. He went to Honda, which was already preparing a new engine for 1984 and told them, that he would really like to try their new bike. He was ready to pay for his mechanics, for travel costs just to try Honda’s bike at two circuits. In the end his obstinacy paid off, as he signed a contract
with HRC for the season 1984. What he was doing was to give 100% all the time… or even more. As for example in Misano in 1985, when on the exit of a high-speed turn he had a classic highside. But anyway that scary moment did not finish in the way it should. Somehow Mamola made a save, being able to hoist himself back into the saddle of his Honda and keep running – as nothing had happened. In that moment fans went almost wild, while saving this highside is still considered as one of the most spectacular in the Grand Prix history. When riding for Lucky Strike Yamaha Team, owned by Kenny Roberts, he scored third and second place in general classification in 1986 and 1987. But not many know that he was almost fired from that team in 1986 after what he did during the race in France. Knowing that he couldn’t catch Eddie Lawson in front and being also well ahead of Christian Sarron in third, Mamola did something untypical. He pulled onto the run-off area at the beginning of the straight and… did a “stoopie” which was unseen by marshals. When Mamola got a print of that moment from a photographer the next week, Roberts was so angry that he said: “I would make sure you won’t race again”, but in the end Kenny relented. After two years with Yamaha, Randy decided to help Cagiva in its entry to the Grand Prix and gave to the Italian manufacturer the first podium finish in Belgium, back in 1988. After he did not find any place to ride in 1991, he sat out that year and returned to 500cc in 1992, scoring his last ever podium finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix. After retiring, Mamola has begun a charity work and is one of the founders of Riders for Health foundation. Randy forever will be known as of the most charismatic and exciting riders in his era, the fans favourite and a true king without a crown, who was a runner-up in four seasons.
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Mamola was one of the first riders who started huge celebrations on the cool-down lap after the race
Randy Mamola on the Ducati “two-seater” at Mugello circuit with one of his VIP guests
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VIETNAM
The blasting of horns, the constant screech of brakes and the air smoke filled – pictures can never tell the whole story and the unforgettable memories of a journey of a lifetime, but they can inspire other riders text: Tanja Haydn - photo: Lucio Cecchinello
A view of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly named Saigon
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ying on the eastern part of the Indochinese Peninsula, Vietnam is the easternmost country in Southeast Asia. China borders it to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, the South China Sea to the east. Its capital city has been Hanoi since the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1976. Vietnam has an estimated population of 92 million. The most populated city in Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City, formerly named Saigon, with nearly 9 Million inhabitants. The city is called Diamond of the Far-East, as it has the same luxury level as HongKong or Bangkok. It’s the most exciting and dynamic city in Vietnam and the nation’s economic heart. For sure you can say that Ho Chi Minh City is the Motorbike Capital of the world. Nobody can imagine how many motorbikes would be in this city! With amazing 4 million motorbikes, it’s the most popular mode of transport in the city! And they are an attraction in their own right, mesmerising to watch, just inches apart. They snake and stream down the streets, interweaving their way across town. Those who stop at red traffic lights seem to stare at it as if they were waiting for the green light of a Grand Prix. With engines revving they seem determined to get away and to the other side before the others have time to let go of their brakes. Families ride pillion, it’s fascinating how up to five people ride on one motorcycle! And if this is not enough, you can see any type of goods passing by – from pigs and chickens to fruit and vegetables, flowers, doors and windows, shoes and wardrobes and last but not least, car and motorcycle spare parts. There is a district in Ho Chi Minh City that is dedicated only to spare and replacement parts for motorcycles, you can find anything that is just waiting to be bought! It is exciting for pedestrians to cross the road in this moving chaos! It seems impossible. The best advice is probably to just close your eyes and cross the road. In theory this would work, in practice this is not advisable! So as a foreigner it’s often best and safest to do as the locals do. Step off the pavement and cross at a slow steady pace until you reach the other side. Don’t hyperventilate – and remember to breathe. Motorcyclists will try to avoid you and steer around you, as long as you don’t step backwards, stop or make any unexpected movements. Always look both ways, even in a one-way street!
There are more than 500 markets in town and the majority of them sell spare parts
With almost 5 million motorcycles, in Ho Chi Minh a mechanic can hardly stay unemployed
A motorbike is to the Vietnamese more than simply a luxury, it’s an indispensable necessity of life in the 21st century. And if you want to have an experience for a lifetime, you should experience the “Real Vietnam” by your eyes – on a motorcycle!
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Built in 1902 the City Hall was renamed after 1975 as Ho Chi Minh City People’s Commitee. Next to it the statue of the Vietnamese revolutionary leader
The main entrance of the Museum of Vietnamese History in Ho Chi Minh City
Tested and approved by Valentino
When Bridgestone engineers set about creating a new Sport Touring tyre they knew it needed to provide great grip in wet and dry, stability at high speeds, superior ride quality, great wear and fast direction change. But to sign the T30 it took just one man - Valentino Rossi. See it at www.youtube.com/
Bridgestone Corporation For your nearest Bridgestone Authorised Dealer, visit our web site
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GREEN LIGHT What to do if you get a puncture photo: Envato
presents
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lat tyres or slow punctures can go unnoticed for some time, but they should be fixed as soon as they are spotted. Symptoms of a slow puncture can include a flapping noise or your car pulling to the right or left. On the other hand, a puncture that happens suddenly can be frightening, particularly if you are driving at fast speeds on the motorway. If you get a puncture while driving on a local road put on your indicator and pull over when it is safe to do so. While it may be tempting to drive until you get to your destination, continuing to drive on a puncture can damage your wheel which will not be covered in your car insurance policy. Some punctures can even be repairable, so you can save time and money by changing the tyre immediately. A puncture can lead to loss of stability and directional control; make sure you do not force the car to go in the direction you want by making any sudden turn of the steering wheel. At high speed, you may feel the steering wheel pull away from you. Avoid the temptation to slam on the brakes. Instead, put your hazard warning lights on, in order to warn other drivers, and put your foot on the clutch to reduce speed slowly, going down the gears until you come to a stop on the hard shoulder. Hold on to the steering wheel as tightly as you can. If you feel the car swerve, instead of taking your foot off the accelerator, tap it gently to either maintain your current speed or to decrease it very slightly. We know that this is against your na-
tural instinct but this action for the first few seconds of a puncture will help maintain control of your car. Sudden braking on a front punctured tyre will increase the weight and forward motion of the vehicle on to the flat tire or worse still the bare wheel rim. This action will either cause the vehicle to swerve in the direction of the punctured tyre or cause the rim to dig into the tarmac which could flip the car. In a rear tire puncture, sudden or heavy braking will increase the drag factor and will throw the vehicle off balance, making steering difficult and is likely to make the car fishtail out of control. Moreover, grip the steering wheel with both hands and concentrate on the road ahead whilst looking in your mirrors to ascertain a safe escape route. If possible try to gently steer the car in a steady direction towards the side of the road. Once you pull over on a local road, make sure it is in a safe location to change a tyre. If you are exposed to traffic, put up your reflective triangle to warn other motorists before you get to work. Your aim is to try to bring your car to a controlled stop either in a safe area of the road or on the motorway emergency hard shoulder. Please, never change the tire on the hard shoulder, for any reason. Rather than proceed at low speed with the 4 arrows on, traveling in the emergency lane until the first rest area. In an automatic car ease your foot off the accelerator and let the engine gear down your speed to a slow controlled stop. In a manual car ease off the accelerator and if circumstances allow, change down gears in a slow deliberate manner which will slow your car to a controlled stop. In any case, when the car has come to a safe stop, apply the hand-brake and switch on your hazard warning lights.
“Getting a puncture while driving can be dangerous!�
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Team LCR is extremely grateful to all the friends and brands involved in our projects. With your hard work, support and passion, you keep on making us bigger as a MotoGP team. Your efforts also helped us in giving birth to an amazing magazine, we’ll be forever thankful. Life is a race, let’s get inspired. We keep on running!
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CREDITS Editor In Chief ENRICO BARBIERI enrico.barbieri@lcr.mc
Coordinator LUCIO CECCHINELLO cecchinello@lcr.mc
Art Director Emanuele Vallorani graphic@lcr.mc
Production Director Errico Gasperoni graphic@lcr.mc
Contributors Massimo Visconti, Elisa Pavan, Tanja Haydn, Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska Special Contributors Shaun Curran, Cafe Racer Italia Photography Milagro, Gigi Soldano, Tino Martino, Mirco Lazzari, Jesus Robledo, Andrew Wheeler, Claudius Vasilescu/Red Bull Content Pool, Fabio Alberti, Oscar Haro, Lucio Cecchinello, Massimo Visconti, Cafe Racer Italia, InterviewHub, Envato Publisher Steve Burgess
steve.burgess@clearsightpartners.com
Published by Clearsightpartners Ltd 121 Longmead Drive Sidcup - Kent DA14 4NY Š 2014 Clearsightpartners Ltd and LCR - x racing s.a.m. All rights reserved
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