WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:37
Page 1
BIKERS & DRIVERS MAGAZINE
TEAM BIKERS’ DAYS st
1 victory
21
N°
January 2011
200 MIGLIA
Roberts’ comeback
DRIVERSDAYS
Responsible editor : Olivier Aerts - Avenue du Stade, 27 - Z.I. Filaville B-4910 Theux - Can not be sold
Spa gets ready 200 MIGLIA If you don’t buy a ticket, you can’t win the raffle...
CALENDAR 2011 Choose will be difficult...
SPANISH WEEK Discover Albacete...
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:37
Page 2
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:37
Page 3
A NEW YEAR, A NEW FORMULA WARM UP MAGAZINE IS BORN
Christian Jupsin Of course you expected the N ° 21 of your Bikers’ News and yet now you’re holding Warm Up magazine in your hands … Well yes, we propose you a new magazine, but this does have its reasons. Throughout seasons and Bikers’ News you’ve undoubtedly noticed that we’re fans of all kinds of motorsports, whether it’s on two or on four wheels. What counts for us is the adrenaline rush, the sensations that come with track riding and driving, the smell of an engine being pushed to the limit, the sound of the gears switching, the eternal search for the ideal riding lines, allowing us to gain a few hundreds of a second, improving little by little our lap times, the joy of being able to do this in all safety. Twelve months ago we launched the DriversDays, a formula identical to the Bikers’ Days yet intended for cars. Our initiative has turned out to be very successful and for us – fans of beautiful mechanics – we wished to combine in one magazine, as we do in our company, these events on track. It’s the ideal opportunity to launch a new magazine. As you’ll notice when reading this first edition of Warm Up magazine, which will we distributed in five languages, we’ve done our utmost to offer you a new, more stylish lay-out, interesting articles and a perfect harmony between cars and motorcycles, both so different yet so alike. Warm Up magazine will still bring all important information, car as well as motorcycle related, in order for you to enjoy a year filled with motorsports passion. Our magazine will cover the big events of the season but will also report on the smaller events. It’s time for me and my team to wish you a year filled with joy, happiness and success, private as well as professional. And just like before we’ll do everything we can to share with you in 2011 the details of all our events and the joys we’ve had on the track.
03
WARM UP 21 / EDITORIAL CONTENTS
3
Editorial Contents
4
News
8
Bikers’ School
10-11-12-13 200 Miglia di Imola Revival 14
Team Bikers’ Days Endurance
16-17
Raymond Schouten
18-19
Calendar 2011
20
Win with US !
22-23
Belgian Moto Endurance Championship
24-25
Spanish Week
26
We take care of everything !
28-29
Krugger
30-31
DriversDays
32
Philippe Broodcooren
34
DriversDays
Tel. +32(0)87 53 90 04 \ Fax +32(0)87 53 90 01 \ www.dgsport.eu \ Edition : 25.000 copies distributed in 5 languages \ Design : CEI.lu
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:37
Page 4
THE CHRONOS FUN More and more participants sign up for this formula, which is absolutely not
ENDURANCE4FUN’ NIGHT ! HOT HOT HOT … Friday 3 December was a hot night at the Versuz in Hasselt where the price remittance of the Endurance4Fun took place. Just like the previous years the event ended with a « fun & dance ». It was also the ideal moment to present the new 2011 season of the Belgian Moto Endurance Championship, the new name for Endurance4Fun. We promise you a very complete season of which all details are revealed on page 22.
mandatory and doesn’t have any impact on your riding time. The Chronos Fun allows you to know your lap times and follow your evolution. A little « extra » for those who always seek to improve …
CAPIT SILVERTEX : NEWS IN THE FIELD OF TYRE WARMERS. Capit has developed a new soft and highly heat-conducting product composed of silver that better diffuse heat making temperature perfectly homogeneous on all the tyre surface. Cherry on top of the pie : this new fabric is waterproof and doesn’t get wet, not even when the tyres are humid.
SBS BRAKES, TESTED AND APPROVED BY THE BIKERS’DAYS ENDURANCE TEAM The quality of your brake pads is essential when braking and even the best brake system is nothing without a good set of pads. The Swedish company SBS develops high quality brake pads and has become market leader in only a few years time. Their range contains brake pads for all kinds of motorcycles but also for each riding style.
04 05
WARM UP 21 / NEWS
Capit products are developed for racing use and they can’t do anything but please you, that’s why we offer you a special « racing » price, with a three year warranty on constructor failures.
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:37
Page 5
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:37
Page 6
IN 2011, WE GO « RED » !!! It’s with pride that we announce to you that the group Dainese/AGV has decided to be our partner. These brands are linked to the greatest names in motorcycle history, from the past, the present and the future, from Ago to Rossi...
FIAT AND COMPETITION : IT’S AN ANCIENT LOVE STORY, THE ITALIAN WAY … This passion has led the Turin company very naturally to supporting one of the most popular figures on the motorcycle scene: Valentino ROSSI. But the story doesn’t just end there. In order to meet the demands and expectations of its customers, Fiat Professional, the division of utility vehicles, presented 3 models in Imola : the DOBLO, the SCUDO and the DUCATO : 3 vans, each possessing its own typical characteristics and having its own vocation. What these three models do have in common though is their versatility, which makes them appropriate for the use a company car as well as for the transport of motorcycles. And in order to assure optimal performances an exclusive system has been developed by Baggio & De Sordi, destined to transport, charge and discharge a motorcycle in all safety.
Quality, safety, reliability, performance, passion: all these values perfectly symbolise the spirit of this Italian manufacturer that always goes a little further to improve its products. As from next season, Dainese/AGV will be partner of our Bikers’ Days and we’ll set up a Racing Service during our free riding days that will handle the maintenance of your helmet or will allow you to discover the AGV products … Our Team 199 will also dispose of their material : during the 2011 season, all
our riders will be equipped with leather suits and helmets from Dainese/AGV. And last but not least, these prestigious brands will also join our classic events. They will link their name to the Bikers’ Classics at SpaFrancorchamps (9th edition in 2011) and to the 200 Miglia di Imola Revival in Italy, (2nd edition in 2011). All details of our different actions will be revealed in the following weeks. Keep a close eye on our newsletters…
CARBONIN PERSONALISES YOUR MOTORCYCLE.
Exhibiting this system in the paddocks alone was not sufficient for Fiat, and so they handled the « Track Service », i.e. removing the motorcycles that broke down on track. Throughout the 3 days everyone could see for themselves the efficiency and ease of use of this system that perfectly fits in the three vehicles mentioned above.
06 07
WARM UP 21 / NEWS
You want to personalise your motorcycle but you don’t know where to start ? Carbonin has the answer for you ! This Slovenian firm is specialised in the decoration and the realisation of stickers that adjust to the bodywork of your bike. In consultation with the designers you can create your own design, integrating your sponsors. These stickers are realised in high quality, extremely adhesive plastic. You can also opt for their bodywork made out of very strong carbon.
There are three formulas available : BASIC (you choose out of the drawings in the catalogue), STANDARD (some parts are personalised) or FULL (fully personalised with your colours or those of your team). This year, the Carbonin range will be completed with carbon fibre and epoxy bodywork parts that fit all sports bikes available on the market. Information is available on www.carbonin.com
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:37
Page 7
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:37
Page 8
NEW LESSONS AT THE BIKERS’ SCHOOL
Throughout the years we’ve seen many of you in our Bikers’ School. You’ve had the opportunity of discovering the joys of track riding in all safety, guided by real professionals. Many among you have already passed that first stage and are now riding in the different groups of our Bikers’ Days.
FOR BEGINNERS A first module is – just like before – meant for the debutants. They can discover the trajectories of two different tracks (Francorchamps and Mettet) aboard their own motorcycle. Our experienced instructors will also teach them the safety rules that have to be respected on track, when riding in peloton, etc. In short, the very first steps on track offered in a safe environment.
But what’s next ? Every champion will tell you this : you can learn
new things every day... provided you have good teachers. For us it was only logical to complete this basic course with some advanced courses. In 2011 the Bikers’ School will offer three different modules allowing you to further improve
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS EXPERIENCE The second module is meant for those already having achieved a certain level of experience (or having an advanced riding style) and wanting to further improve their knowledge of the track of Francorchamps. Our instructors, all former or still active professional riders, will teach you all the tips and tricks of this track. They’ll also reveal their personal tricks to go faster without taking risks, to enchain the different turns allowing you to gain a few tenths of a second and they’ll observe where you go wrong, so that you can correct your mistakes if necessary. RACING SCHOOL And then there’s the Racing School, a logical step in addition to the first two modules. This module is intended for the students with a proven track experience who want to make a pass at racing. In this module we not only focus on the riding itself but also on the technical aspects of racing, the preparation of the rider and the settings of the machine.Just like before, the classes of the Bikers’ School take place during our Bikers’ Days but in order for these classes to be as efficient as possible, the number of students will be limited. This way each instructor can fully focus on his group and offer an almost individual approach to each participant.
your riding skills, even when you think you’ve achieved an experienced level.
08 09
WARM UP 21 / BIKERS’ SCHOOL
So if you want to participate, don’t hesitate any longer and surf to www.bikerschool.be where you’ll find all information and subscription forms. An investment worthwhile !
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:37
Page 9
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:38
Page 10
IF YOU DON’T BUY A TICKET, YOU CAN’T WIN THE RAFFLE...
10 11
WARM UP 21 / 200 MIGLIA DI IMOLA REVIVAL
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:38
Page 11
« Quite honestly I never really believed in it. Although the Italians are fans of motorsports, I never thought that
Even though the team of DG Sport has years of experience in the organisation of the Bikers’ Classics in Francorchamps, it was not evident to undertake an event such as the 200 Miglia di Imola Revival.
the 200 Miglia di Imola Revival would be that successful. It must have taken tons of work to organise such an event ! » Giacomo Agostini
The many necessary contacts already made us assume that it would be a well filled programme, but would the crowd show up ? Well, for a first edition, the number of visitors exceeded our wildest dreams. More than 10.000 people showed up at the famous track to meet the many champions from the past and to admire the beautiful machines. Everyone was unanimous : it was a complete success.
Christian Jupsin, the man behind it all : …
« I have to admit that this was the most stressful event for me up till now, says the boss of DG Sport. Italy doesn’t really have such a major classic event, yet it took us three years to come to an agreement with the track of Imola. The stakes were high. We immediately had to aim for a very high level, organise something big and impeccable right from the start and perfectly meet the expectations of our partners Fiat, AGV and Moto Guzzi. The financial risk was also very important and the organisation was much more complicated than in Spa, as the event took place in a foreign country.
It made Christian Jupsin blush when Giacomo Agostini said these words.
Luckily we have a good team and the 15 people of DG Sport that were present were extremely experienced. So everything went smoothly.
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:38
Page 12
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:38
Page 13
Was there immediately a lot of interest for this initiative ? We could count on the support of Doctor Costa, who saw this event as an opportunity to honour his father, the founder of the first editions of the 200 Miglia. But as for the rest, the opinions were divided. Some believed in it 100%, others doubted. And I have to admit that the sceptics outnumbered the enthusiasts ! Yet you could count on a large number of visitors And for 90% Italian, which confirms that there is a large demand. Suddenly reactions were much milder … Yes and very positive. On the many motorcycle forums there were only two groups, those who were glad that they had been there and those who regretted not having been there ! The responsibles of the track were very satisfied and the riders where extremely enthusiast. Even Kenny Roberts complimented us. « I usually don’t ride during this kind of classic events, the American admits, but I’ve had so much fun here and I’ve have a very warm welcome ». The kind of compliment that makes you want to continue … Especially a proof that we were right from the very beginning. So there’ll be a sequel in 2011 ? We’re already working on it. We’re awaiting the confirmations of the track and the partners. But everyone is very enthusiast. Are there any changes as to this second edition ? Rather completions. A 250cc parade, because back in those days, there was a 100 miles race for this category.
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:38
Page 14
BOL D’OR 2010
PASSION CONQUERS. The final relais, the ultimate round. Our heartbeats go into the red zone. We watch the black and white chequered flag that is still untouched, then we watch the clock again. It’s as if time stands still. It goes so slow while all we want it to do is to hurry up. Raymond is aboard the Yamaha N°199. Everyone crosses their fingers. The entire Bikers’ Days Endurance Team is leaning against the pit wall. We’re trying to get a glimpse of the track of Magny-Cours in between all the heads and shoulders leaning over the wall. Click, the clock is stopped, the 2010 Bol d’Or has come to an end. The leaders cross the finish line. Eyes read from an entire night without sleep open once again very wide when entering the last straight line in an attempt not to make any mistakes so close to the end.
All of a sudden the pressure is gone. Our hearts try to find a normal rhythm again and the adrenaline pours out of our veins. We embrace each other. Our eyes are filled with joy. We jump up and down in happiness. Greg and Marc congratulate each other and then welcome Raymond in triumph. They did their part of the deal. They were great, everyone was great. Not one mistake, nor on track nor in the stand. A fast and
And there is Raymond Schouten ! The flag man greets him.
regular pace. It was a fantastic adventure. It’s decided, next year we’ll participate at the entire World Championship Superstock. We’ll find the budget. And then up to the Bol d’Or and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and from there to Albacete, Donington and Qatar. And who knows, maybe Suzuka in 2012. Japan is our goal. The title a dream that now seems reachable. And you ? Why don’t you become part of this new adventure ? On page… you’ll see how you can participate and join in the celebration of our victories…
WE WON !!!!! THE PODIUM IS OURS. THE BOL D’OR SUPERSTOCK TITLE IS FOR US ! 14 15
WARM UP 21 / TEAM BIKERS’ DAYS ENDURANCE
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:38
Page 15
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:38
Page 16
“MY DREAM : BE A WORLD CHAMPION” RAYMOND SCHOUTEN
Since the beginning Raymond Schouten, together with Gregory Fastre, makes part of the Bikers' Days Endurance team adventure. This young and sympathetic Dutch champion, makes a review of his career and his brilliant season of 2010.
You started your international career on 125s and in GPs. After that you switched to four-strokes and now you're doing endurance races. How did that change come about ?
16 17
WARM UP 21 / RAYMOND SCHOUTEN
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:38
Page 17
Which class do you prefer ?
But a race like that does go on for 24
What are your personal special fea-
hours! And a lot can happen in a day.
tures and what needs improving ?
“Racing two-strokes is still very appeal-
But everything went perfect. At the end
ing, especially because a 250 is such a
of the night we were second or third in
“I don't particularly like tight corners, but
wonderful bike to race. But I'm not
our class and the leading Italian team
I'm improving. If I feel confident on a
doing too bad on a 600 either. I do feel I
did some weird things. When they
bike I'm a good late braker, I have good
still lack a little bit of experience on the
crashed, we took over the lead. We
entry speed and I'm fast exiting corners.
1000 bike. I'm too impulsive and in the
might not have been the fastest team,
I tend to lose a little mid corner speed
past small mistakes sometimes ended
but being constant and having a bike
and that is something that we're work-
in tears. A bigger bike like the 1000 will
that performs perfectly is more impor-
ing on by changing the balance of the
punish you for every mistake you make.
tant in endurance racing. And that all
bike.”
I feel I have to get physically stronger
worked for us.”
too, but I'm getting there.”
What is your ambition for the 2011 What goes on in your head when you
season? And do you still have one
What was your best moment of 2010 ?
start the last stint as the leading
ultimate dream ?
“I really had a super season. I clinched
Superstock team ? “It would be fantastic if we were to be
the Dutch Supersport championship “I had never finished a 24 Hour race be-
crowned champions in our class. It
fore. The team granted me the last stint
would be great if we'd finish on the
and that was a wonderful gesture. My
podium everywhere. You should never
first finish in a 24 Hour race and then
underestimate the competition, but we
you win your class... That last hour we
have a good team with fast riders and
all slowed down a bit, but it was all
we're definitely one of the favourites in
about finishing. After the flag it seemed
the Superstock class. I heard we're rac-
like a weight was lifted from my shoul-
ing at Donington in 2011. I love fast flow-
ders, because I was so tired. Th real ex-
ing tracks like Mugello and Phillip Island
hiliration could be seen in the pitlane.
and Donington is absolutely one of my
Seeing all those happy smiling faces,
favourite circuits. I'm already looking
everybody was completely exhausted,
forward to that weekend. And as for that
but we'd done it !”
ultimate dream: well, I've given up on that a bit, haha! When I started racing I
What would you say are the strong
wanted to be world champion in GPs.
points of the team ? Would you
But maybe I get the chance to sort of
change anything ?
make that dream come true with the Bikers' Days Team by becoming Super-
title, I won an IDM race at Assen, I fin-
“We are really a team, from the cook
ished third at the European Supersport
and the truck drivers to the riders. It felt
race and of course I won the Bol D'Or
as if I was on holiday with my family, re-
with the Bikers' Days Team. That must
ally ! I normally don't have any problems
be the highlight of the season for me.
getting along with foreign people. And
The team was good, the riders were fast
to be honest, I would not know what to
and the means to do well were avail-
change. Maybe my French! But I'm
able.
working on that.”
stock champions next year.”
And who knows, one day we might even do it as a team in the Superbike class ?
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:40
Page 18
MARCH 11 ALBACETE
VALENCIA
CATALUNYA
14-15 MARCH
17-18 MARCH
28-29-30 MARCH
APRIL 11 METTET
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS
METTET
Belgian Moto Endurance Championship
2-3 APRIL
22 & 25 APRIL
23-24 APRIL
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS
13-14-15 MAY
13 MAY
ZOLDER
METTET
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS
16 JUNE
27 & 30 JUNE
30 APRIL
M AY 1 1 METTET
Belgian Moto Endurance Championship
6-7-8 MAY
JUNE 11 BRNO
Belgian Moto Endurance Championship
3-4-5 JUNE
18 19
WARM UP 21 / CALENDAR 2011
4-5 JUNE
CALENDRIER FR-NL-DE-UK-IT_11:Layout 1
20/01/11
9:17
Page 10
calendar 2011 J U LY 1 1 BIKERS’ CLASSICS
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS
DIJON
METTET
Belgian Moto Endurance Championship
1-2-3 JULY
4 JULY
15-16-17 JULY
21 JULY
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS
METTET
AUGUST 1 1 LE MANS
Belgian Moto Endurance Championship
11 AUGUST
1-2 AUGUST
12-13-14 AUGUST
18 AUGUST
SEPTEMBER 11 METTET
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS
PAUL RICARD HTTT
MUGELLO
ZOLDER
Belgian Moto Endurance Championship
8 & 17-18 SEPT.
12 SEPTEMBER
16-17-18 SEPTEMBER
30 SEPTEMBER 1-2 OCTOBER
29 SEPTEMBER
NOVEMBER 11
OCTOBER 1 1 200 MIGLIA DI IMOLA
24-25 SEPTEMBER
PORTIMAO
PORTIMAO
JEREZ
31 OCTOBER
1 NOVEMBER
3-4 NOVEMBER
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:41
Page 20
« VENI, VIDI, VICI « COME, DISCOVER AND WIN WITH US ! »
JULIUS CAESAR, 37 BC
THAT’S OUR MOTTO FOR 2011…
ARE YOU NOT YET UNDER THE SPELL OF MOTORSPORTS ? ARE YOU NOT YET FAMILIARISED WITH THE WORLD OF MOTORCYCLES ? ARE YOU NOT YET COMPLETELY DEVOTED THE ATMOSPHERE THAT RULES 24 H / 24 IN THE PADDOCKS ? 20 21
WARM UP 21 /
WIN WITH US !
Whatever your perception about Endurance may be, it’s THE ideal tool to support your activities. Linking your image to our Team gives you three main advantages : you can seduce your customers, partners and suppliers by introducing them into the heart of a high-standard professional Team in an exclusive VIP area.
you get the opportunity of meeting our high-end partners hence developing your professional network in a competitive, dynamic and qualitative atmosphere. you benefit from the communication tools of our Team and you can use our national and international brand image to reach a vast public. To meet your expectations and requirements, different formulas are possible. Contact us and listen to the opinion of our 2010 sponsors and partners. Do you still have questions or doubts ? Let’s discuss them together …
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:41
Page 21
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:41
Page 22
ENDURANCE4FUN BECOMES BELGIAN MOTO ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP We’ve decided to rename the en-
that continue to support us and it
durance
sounds better for the public.
championship
that
we
launched last year.
22 23
The new name « The Belgian Moto
Just as in 2010 we’ll do our utmost to
Endurance Championship » gives a
have more TV coverage for the Belgian
better reflection of the image of our
Moto Endurance Championship in pro-
partners, accessorisers and importers
grammes such as Pitlane and Moteurs.
WARM UP 21 / THE BELGIAN MOTO ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:42
Page 23
Rest assured, the name changes but we wouldn’t change a successful formula !
AN IDENTICAL FORMULA … If we take into consideration the interest that exists for these races, the ever increasing number of participants and the intensity of the races we just have to admit that the first Endurance4Fun season was a complete success. So in 2011 we’ll continue what we started! There’ll be once again a combination of experienced amateur riders and more professional riders that’ll race against each other in sprint or endurance races. This all in the same spirit as always, to give everyone the opportunity to shine, also the amateur riders! Just as last year we’ll see to it that there are no teams with exclusively experienced riders, so that there is a sound balance between the various teams and chances are the same for everyone. This is not just a form of sportiness but also means that the championship will remain undecided until the very end.
The 2011 calendar consists out of six races that’ll take place on four different tracks.
A WELL-FILLED CALENDAR We start with Spa-Francorchamps on the 24th of April, in May we head for Mettet and begin June we take on the Zolder track. In July Dijon is on the programme with two races of two hours each and in August we return to Francorchamps for the ultimate race, The Six Hours of Spa. The finale of the championship will take place in Zolder just like last year. So there’s some for everyone : for the riders there are different tracks, technical as well as high speed tracks and the endurance races will test the smoothness of the assistance. Subscription forms and the rules and regulations of the championship are available on our site www.Belgian Moto Endurance Championship.com Just as last year you can book your race number for an entire seasons. A facility for you and an opportunity for your sponsors.
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:42
Page 24
DISCOVER ALBACETE …
14 AND 15 MARCH … Located centrally in between Valencia (188 km), Alicante (169 km) and Murcia (149 km), this track is often used for the different Spanish championships and last October, it hosted the European Championship. Our friend Raymond Schouten finished 3rd and Bastien mackels was 7th in the Supersports category of the European Grand Prix (UEM) while Grégory Fastré took the electrical prototype of the Campus Francorchamps to a 9th place. Each year, an endurance race of 8 Hours takes place at this track, starting at sunset, which means that part of the race is done at night.
The track has a length of 3.539 m with a straight line of 600 m and is situated at the entrance of the town. Our very own
Belgian
rider
Xavier
Siméon set his first (not so easy) steps on this track once.
For the coming season, we’ll stick to our traditions and start the 2011 Bikers’ Days season with the Spanish Week. There’s something new though, ‘cause we start the festivities of this year in Albacete.
A première for the license holders or very fast riders, ‘cause as you know, the Spanish Week is meant for those with proven track experience.
24 25
WARM UP 21 / SPANISH WEEK
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:42
Page 25
We’re curious to hear his opinion on the ‘circuito de velocidad’ of Albacete.
« I have to admit that my experience with this track dates back to when I wasn’t even 15 years old aboard an Aprilia 70cc and I still don’t really get the hang of it. I haven’t figured out yet how you go from fast to very fast on this track, allowing you to gain those tenths of a second, which you need to be part of the front group. Maybe it’s because you automatically go rather fast on this track. But to go very fast is something else. You have to be a regular visitor of this track to clock good lap times. The Spanish riders rule here and sometimes finish a lap in 1.30. As an amateur, if you clock at 1.40, it’s already a very good job.
The secret lies in the last part, with the long left followed by a right turn. And although it’s a flat track, you sometimes have to accelerate while inclined and that takes full concentration. The wind also plays a major role and can cause troubles in some turns. Of course the track meets all security norms that apply to the modern tracks nowadays and there are enough and good run off areas. Also the infrastructure and accommodation are good (the canteen has just been renewed). The track is situated at the entrance of the town with its many little streets and alleys with that typical Spanish atmosphere. » Xavier Siméon
VALENCIA 17 AND 18 MARCH… Those are the dates for the first part of the Spanish Week, followed by a visit to Valencia, very much appreciated by everyone. Here the license holders can do some last tests and check if they’re ready before the new racing season starts. All details and subscription forms of this double adventure can be found on our website www.bikersdays.com Of course our usual services are also available for this event (transportation, tyres, Chrono’s Fun, etc.) and also the « All In » formula to make live as easy as possible for you.
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:42
Page 26
WE TAKE CARE OF
EVERYTHING ! Our lives are often very stressful and although we would like to do some things we often don’t succeed in realising our dreams due to the logistics that come with them. For professional reasons, we just don’t find the time to arrange things, which is why we frequently miss out on the fun.
At DG Sport, we understand this bet-
It’s very simple : you hand over your motorcycle and material to us and we make sure they’re at your disposal at all our events. And not just simply at your disposal. Your motorcycle will be stored in our (heated) storage unit and at your demand the maintenance will be done by our mechanics, tyres will be changed when needed and a technical check-up will be done if and when you desire one. This way you’ll always have your machine in perfect riding condition. Do you wish to participate at one of our events ? Then we take care of the transportation in our trucks. Your bike is safe, as long as it’s in our storage unit its insured and the transportation is done on pallets that are especially developed for this kind of transportation. Your machine and material await you when you arrive at the track, just like a professional rider! In 2010, this formula was successfully tested by two Dutch participants.
ter than anyone else, and that’s why we offer you a brand new service, treating you like a king …
26 27
WARM UP 21 / WE TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING !
So why wouldn’t you profit from the advantages of this service ? Especially as there’s no time limit. You can choose whatever you want : an entire season or a short period, for each demand we have an adapted price. An ideal opportunity to make things easier for you, so you don’t have to think about all the logistical details hence can fully concentrate on the riding !
All details are available at DG Sport.
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:42
Page 27
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:42
Page 28
MOTORCYCLE CRAFTSMANSHIP
OVERMILE
Basse-Bodeux…since August this little village close to Malmédy is no longer a vague souvenir in the minds of a few G.I. veterans of the battle of the Ardennes. Nowadays fans of beautiful – very beautiful – motorcycles also know it as the home of Krugger. This is the name of Fred’s company, a real craftsman in the most pure sense of the word. Begin August he won the World Championship Chopper Building in Sturgis (United States). A valuable recognition of his art. Let’s take a look at his life course …
28 29
WARM UP 21 / KRUGGER
VEON
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:42
Page 29
Any ongoing projects ?
« I’m putting the last hand to a new prototype to return to Bonneville. It’s just fantastic to ride on that immense salt lake. Very impressive. It’s as if the entire space belongs to you. I hope to participate in September, but it might be a little tight. But in 2012 I’ll be there for sure ! »
GOODWOOD
built from the ground up, piece by piece. In the beginning he keeps himself busy with oil changes and maintenance work, but also with the creation of his first motorcycle called « The racer ». « I presented this one at an exhibition in the Flanders and to my own surprise I got the first price and above all the cover of many magazines. » This means the beginning of his glory, the start of a new life. The creations follow each other quickly and recognition follows. Two times he ends third in the world championship, once in California in 2004 and once in Nevada in 2005.
His father had an off-road accessory store in Trois-Ponts so it was only natural that he ended up in motocross and enduro. After having studied electro mechanics for a few years he starts as an apprentice in a bodywork shop. At that time, he already has a taste for creating things. He then gets a job in a car racing team but he quits when his first child is born, mainly because he doesn’t get any recognition despite the successes he books. He then gets into the restoring of racing cars on a high level, but he lacks the necessary contacts and infrastructure needed to do this kind of work. His friends urge him to open his own shop. They’re amazed when they see his first realisation, a Harley FXR which he swopped for his Ducati Monstro and
« Between 2005 and 2009 I didn’t participate due to lack of resources ». But his comeback in 2009 is successful, with another third place in 2009 and finally, in 2010, a first place with his « VEON », first out of 150 participants from 30 different countries. The Veon is a revolutionary machine that took him two years to build. It can change geometry in a few seconds, going from a roadster to a cruiser, depending on the configuration of the road. « It’s also the first time that an original Harley engine won, he specifies. » That got him the attention of Willy G. Davidson who came to congratulate him personally. « I’m the only one in this line of business who builds a motorcycle completely from A to Z on my own and I promote the companies whose products I use, such as Beringer, TRP, Wildhog and RSD. I also take advantage of these projects to develop parts for them, not only technical but also de-
sign-wise. Most of my clients are international and each motorcycle is unique and built on demand of the customer, although it has to fit into my own philosophy. Everything is possible but when I give advise to people they tend to follow it and have faith in me. I’m not systematically Harley-minded ‘cause in free style we also often use Rotax, Triumph and in some cases even Japanese. It’s the creative part that interests me the most, not so much the industrial side of it. I’m a craftsman, sort of a study bureau. »
We haven’t heard and seen the last yet of Krugger and his magnificent work.
www.krugger.net
VEON
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:42
Page 30
2011, A WELL FILLED SEASON ! 30 31
WARM UP 21 / DRIVERSDAYS
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:43
Page 31
At the end of the first DriversDays season we’re glad to be able to say that it has been a very positive one. Many among you have tested the formula and the three final events on Francorchamps and Mettet were fully booked. This success encourages us to continue but also to learn from our experience. Our « modus operandi » stays the same but we’ll pay even more attention to the correct repartition of the groups.
Let us resume : if you’re a beginner than the DriversSchool is the appropriate group for you ; if you already have some experience you’ll be divided under the Advanced group and if you’re a car racer or if you have a real race car than the Experts group is intended for you.
We mainly stay in Belgium, on the tracks of Spa-Francorchamps and Mettet to be more precise. It’s on this new track situated between the Sambre and the Meuse that most of our DriversDays will take place.
17 DATES ! For your convenience we also booked some weekends. Many among you find it difficult to make time during the week. This way everyone gets the opportunity of discovering our DriversDays. Besides the fifteen dates in Belgium, there’ll also be two dates in France. Two fantastic opportunities to get to know the Bugatti track of Le Mans, either end of July or end of November at the occasion of the season’s finale. read more on page p.34
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:43
Page 32
HIS HEART BELONGS TO BOTH … Bikers’ Days, DriversDays, Philippe Broodcooren knows them well. During our events we meet this 45 year old accountant aboard his Yamaha R1 as well as behind the steering wheel of his Porsche, always with the same drive and the same passion. A passion for motorcycles which he’s been cherishing for 18 years already and a passion for cars that he has for nearly 10 years now. Today he’s even thinking about participating in the Belcar championship and the 24 Hours for cars at Francorchamps with top teams. It’s in view of the preparation for a car race in Spa that he discovered the DriversDays.
« The DriversDays took place on Thursday and we had a race the following weekend. So for us it was the ideal opportunity to discover this formula while fine-tuning the car for the race. » What was your first impression ? « Very well. Nothing to remark. Of course we knew that most of the participants were amateurs. So we drove in a correct way and we saw to it not to scare the other participants or to put pressure on them. After all we weren’t there to set the best lap time but to fine-tune our car.
32 33
WARM UP 21 / PHILIPPE BROODCOOREN
At the gatherings of the Porsche Club or at Bikers’Day we also have to drive this careful. » Meaning ? « Even though the organisers do their very best, for cars as well as for motorcycles, it’s very difficult to know the level people have at the subscription. And yet it’s extremely important, but you can only know someone’s riding level when you actually see him at work on track. For their pleasure as well as for the pleasure of the others it’s very important to re-orientate people into the most appropriate group according to their riding skills. » What do you prefer, cars or motorcycles ? « When I got to dispose of a real racecar I thought I’d had it with motorcycles. I very quickly understood that it was completely different and that the sensations were miles apart. And although I tend to bend over strongly towards cars and have to slow down on the motorcycle activities, I can’t really say that I prefer one over the other. » What can the DriversDays offer you ? « Like I said before, the opportunity to fine-tune our car. We also take advantage of these days to thank our sponsors by offering rides as a passenger aboard our rac car. They love it. We already have reservations for 2011. It’s a way of combining work and pleasure. Nowadays I have a real racecar but before that I came with my own Porsche biturbo with which I ride every day. The fact of riding with your own car has its benefits. You know the car better and you
get to know its qualities better… provided that you stay on the track !» What would you change at the programme of the DriversDays ? « The information given at the neutralisation of the track. During the Bikers’Days as well as during the DriversDays, when an incident takes place on track, we just don’t know what’s going on and when we’ll be able to continue. We’re always running to and from to know what’s happening and what we’re waiting for. I understand that it’s not easy for an organiser to know how much time each problem will take but there should be some central information point, which we can address to obtain information.
In Francorchamps there used to be a catering problem but that has been solved now since the new canteen above the F1 boxes opened its doors. We don’t expect a hospitality unit as the one we have at the Porche Days, but the French Fries booth just wasn’t sufficient, especially for the people accompanying the riders. » What’s your favourite track ? « Mugello without any doubt. It’s perfectly located, the weather is almost always fine and it’s the most intelligent track I know. The public has a good view on the entire track when seated centrally. I also like Francorchamps, but then that’s for other reasons. And I find it very sad that I missed out on Portimao due to professional obligations. I’ve heard so much good of it. »
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:43
Page 33
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:43
Page 34
AT YOUR OWN PACE … We remind you that it’s not a race against the clock, you define your own pace. If you do wish to follow your lap times and your improvements, then you can rent a LapTimer, which registers all information regarding your laps on an SD card. This is just one of the many services we offer. We’ve set up a complete structure around your track experience in order to meet all your expectations. There’s the DriversDrift that teaches you to control a slipping car, where you get the advise of a personal instructor, where you learn to follow the correct riding lines and where possible mistakes are corrected. Box rentals, a CarClinic, DriversTravel, etc., in short a panoply of services to make life as easy as possible for you, allowing you to enjoy your riding time to the full.
SAFETY ABOVE ALL … All cars are allowed provided they are registered (hence in possession of a valid technical control certificate) or not registered but in possession of an FIA certificate or a certificate of conformity. All types of tyres are accepted but only Experts will be allowed to ride with slicks.
TRACK BAPTISMS AND SPECIAL ACTIONS … No way is better for you to thank your sponsors or your most faithful supporters than to have them experience your passion by making a few laps on track themselves. For these track baptisms and other actions, many formulas are possible, even an ‘à la carte’ action is possible. Don’t hesitate to contact us. All information is available on www.driversdays.com
CALENDAR 2011
Just like last year we’ll pay extra attention to the safety. This is of an utmost importance to us and one of the conditions for our events to take place. Road commissioners, intervention vehicles, medical intervention services, cameras, for every Bikers’Days all measures will be installed in order to guarantee optimal safety. This will allow you to have unconditional fun and to discover the many joys of track riding in all safety. In view of this concern we also limit the number of riders on track. An extra guarantee that everyone can fully enjoy their day.
34 35
WARM UP 21 / DRIVERSDAYS
Day
Date
Track
We d ne s d a y
13.. 04
2011
S p a - F ra n c o r c h a m p s
Mon d ay
25.. 04
2011
M ettet
Fr id ay
27.. 05
2011
M ettet
S a t ur d a y
18.. 06
2011
M ettet
S a t ur d a y
02.. 07
2011
M ettet
We d ne s d a y
20.. 07
2011
S p a - F ra n c o r c h a m p s
S a t ur d a y
31.. 07
2011
B u ga t ti L e M a ns
Mon d ay
15.. 08
2011
M ettet
S a t ur d a y
10.. 09
2011
M ettet
S a t ur d a y
24.. 09
2011
M ettet
S a t ur d a y
15.. 10
2011
M ettet
We d ne s d a y
19.. 10
2011
S p a - F ra n c o r c h a m p s
S a t ur d a y
29.. 10
2011
M ettet
S a t ur d a y
05.. 11
2011
B u ga t ti L e M a ns
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:43
Page 35
WARM_UP_UK_21:Layout 1
7/01/11
14:43
Page 36