Team Honda test rider Casey StonerCasey Stoner Continues Relationship with Honda Racing CorporationThough he retired from World Championship racing following the 2012 MotoGP Championship, Casey Stoner continued a relationship with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC).
The two-time MotoGP Champion (2007, Ducati; 2011, Honda) remained with Honda to test RC231 prototypes used by the Repsol Honda team. The team will retain the talent of two-time MotoGP Champion Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa in 2015 MotoGP.And on Wednesday, HRC reported Stoner will remain as a test rider with Honda through 2015. The Australian’s first tests are slated for two days in Sepang between January 29-31 prior to the first official IRTA (International Road-Racing Teams Association).Stoner will participate in a second test towards the end of the year, but no dates were confirmed.Casey Stoner: “After having a long break from riding, it was refreshing to get back on a bike a few months ago! Now after a relaxing Christmas and New Year I’m happy to announce that I’ve been speaking to Nakamoto san and we have come to an agreement in continuing our relationship. I am currently preparing to ride in Sepang in a few weeks – which will be very different weather and humidity to Motegi – so I need to get myself fit!”Shuhei Nakamoto – HRC Executive Vice President: “First of all, Happy New Year! We are very happy to be able to start 2015 by announcing the continuation of our relationship with Casey and keep him in the Honda family. The feedback he gives HRC is invaluable and we are fortunate to have a test rider capable to push the RC213V to its limits”
Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory + Steve ’Stavros’ Parrish
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello everyone and welcome once again to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly podcast—Motos and Friends. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
Our first segment features the new Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory. Senior Editor Nic de Sena brings us his report on the flagship version of Aprilia’s upright middleweight machine. He gives us insight into whether it’s worth spending the extra money on the Factory version, and also of course, whether this sporting Aprilia is really the motorcycle for you.
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The next guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In this segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with (arguably) one of the most interesting Suzuki race riders of all time. the iconic RG500 alongside teammate double World Champion Barry Sheene. The two were almost as famous for their exploits off-track, as for their success on it. Those were the days! Steve also raced the Isle of Man TT for about ten years where he won 13 Silver Replicas, and got a podium finish. His insight into that particular brand of mayhem are fascinating.
But there’s waaay more to Steve Parrish than his motorcycle racing. He is also the most successful Semi-Truck racer ever, and, little known piece of useless trivia—he’s my birthday twin: 24th February. He is a natural entertainer and you can’t miss his recounting of the world’s most entertaining—and arguably terrifying—double-decker bus ride ever. If any of you were actually on that hell-ride then we’d love to hear from you!
