Doriano RomboniDoriano Romboni: 1968 – 2013While competing in Sic Supermoto Day – a race event dedicated to the late Marco Simoncelli at the Sagittario International Circuit in Latina, Italy – former World Championship GP racer Doriano Romboni passed away.
Romboni crashed during the second practice at Sic Supermoto Day, and was struck by another rider. Due to the severity of his injuries, Romboni was transported by helicopter to the Santa Maria Goretti Hospital in Latina. Reports say the medical staff tried all it could, but while in intensive care, the six-time Grand Prix winner died.Paolo Sesti (FMI – Italian Motorcycling FDederation President) says: “After the fatal incident that led to the death of Doriano Romboni, the cancellation of the event is the right and proper decision in respect of Doriano and his family, with which we share this sad moment. In Doriano we lost a valuable rider, a person of great worth and an esteemed technician, who was loved and appreciated by the motorcycle racing community.”Romboni, born Dec. 8, 1968, in La Spezia, Italy, debuted in 1989 in the former 125cc World Championship series (Honda). He earned his first win during the Germany Grand Prix at Nurburgring in 1990, and finished fourth overall that year. This earned him a move to the former 250cc, where he competed from 1991 – 1995. He then moved to the former 500cc MotoGP class, where he competed for Aprilia 1996-1997. Aprilia withdrew from the 500cc following the 1997 season, leaving Romboni without a ride. He competed in one 500cc race in 1998 for the Muz-Weber team.Romboni joined World Superbike in 1999 on a private Ducati, and raced in the series through 2000. But at 2000 Monza World Superbike, Romboni injured his leg following a crash with New Zealand’s Aaron Slight (Honda). The crash occurred as Romboni was running third behind famed Ducati pilots Carl Fogarty and Troy Corser. This put him out, though he returned later that year.He would not race much from here out, though he competed in the Italian Superbike series in 2003, and some races in World SBK in 2004. Romboni retired after his 2004 season, but remained active in the sport.Romboni became Sporting Director for Puccetti Racing Team Kawasaki in 2012, the team competing in the Italian CIV Supersport and STK600 classes. Last season, he was nominated as FMI (Italian Motorcycling Federation) Technical Representative for the Puccetti Racing Team to guide and help racer Riccardo Russo.The staff at UltimateMotorCycling.com expresses its deepest condolences for Romboni, and his family and friends.
Our first segment introduces you to the new Arch 1s. This latest, slightly more sporting American V-twin, adds to the original KRGT1 coming from the boutique manufacturer based in Hawthorne, Southern California. Senior Editor Nic de Sena rode through Malibu with Gard Hollinger, who co-founded Arch Motorcycle with his friend, Keanu Reeves. The 1s is a unique ride for sure, and Nic explains what makes the bike really stand out.
For the entertaining story behind Arch Motorcycle from Gard Hollinger himself, you must listen to his podcast episode on Motos & Friends HERE
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The guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—visit your local dealer or suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In our second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with multiple Emmy award-winning writer, Producer, Director, and actor, Thom Beers. the former Chairman & CEO of Fremantle Media North America, responsible for American Idol and America’s Got Talent.
Thom’s fertile imagination led to most of the really big reality TV shows such as ‘Deadliest Catch’ (now in its 17th season!), and many others. Of course for us in the motorcycle world, you’ll be interested to hear the genesis and story of how he started the first real fabrication reality show ‘Monster Garage’, that showcased Jesse James, and then how that led to ‘Biker Build Off’ and the ‘Zombie Choppers’ movie.
You’d imagine that most of Thom’s time is spent sitting behind a desk and on his phone. Not so. His intense stories of capturing much of the content for these shows make for some hair-raising listening.
