Monster Energy has released a YouTube video featuring Valentino Rossi and some of the one-off Aldo Drudi-designed helmet graphics Rossi wears each year for the Mugello round of MotoGP – something he’s done since 2002.

In the video Rossi discusses three of the helmets, explaining some of the meaning behind the designs and why they are special to him. The video released today, Part 1, is a lead-in to this weekend’s Mugello GP, and promises upcoming videos that will cover the design process starting from Drudi’s studio, eventually leading to the unveiling on Saturday of the helmet design Rossi will wear for 2012.

Vale hasn’t had the most spectacular past couple of seasons, but watching the video you’re reminded of why he’s so well liked: Regardless of his season, his public persona is one of an ever-affable, fun-loving Italian that also happens to be one of the greatest GP racers of all time.

Video following the jump.

Continue Reading »

Elena Myers completed demonstration five laps of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit on the Suzuki GSV-R, becoming the first woman to ride an 800cc MotoGP race bike.

The 17-year-old AMA Supersport racer was clocked going as fast as 190 mph along the front straight as regular Grand Prix racers including Rizla Suzuki‘s Alvaro Bautista watched on.

“Wow! I can’t really say anything else; it was just such an incredible experience! I can’t thank the guys at Suzuki MotoGP enough – they have been awesome!” says Myers. “This makes me so hungry to come out here and try it someday for real on a race weekend: Well I guess this is a race weekend, but I mean for real next time. I can’t say enough about the bike either; it does everything 20 times better than I ever would have imagined – this has just been amazing and I think I’ll slowly realize what just happened over the next couple of days. The GSV-R just blew me away!”

Continue Reading »

Elena Myers will ride demonstration laps of Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the Suzuki GSV-R.

After a visit at the Rizla Suzuki garage during the 2010 U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca, the 17-year-old Myers received an invitation to ride the GSV-R at the post-season test in Valencia, Spain. Those plans fell through however, but Myers will now get her chance to ride a MotoGP racebike at 12:45 pm on on Aug. 25, press day for the Indianapolis Grand Prix.

Continue Reading »

After gaining experience from GP and supermotard circuits, Aprilia has designed and produced the Aprilia SMV750 Dorsoduro. Named after an area of Venice, the Dorsoduro utilizes a derivative of Aprilia’s 92 hp 750cc liquid-cooled engine with a second generation ride-by-wire control system.

Continue Reading »

Rent My Ninja can take care of all the details so you can get out there and have some fun, they will rent you a Ninja 250 that is setup for your weight (plus gear), give you riding class (Kevin, the owner has over 20 years of experience) and arrange the track time, all you need is approved riding gear and $250 (if you book it in advance) and your off to the races!

Continue Reading »