TRIUMPH’S DAYTONA 675R SETS WINNING PACE IN THE 2014 ROAD RACING SEASON
Two of First Three Races Won from the Pole
ATLANTA (May 7, 2014) – Forty-seven years after the Triumph Daytona debuted to honor Buddy Elmore’s 1966 Daytona 200 victory, professional race teams are showing the venerable Daytona is again the motorcycle to beat.
The 2014 racing season began with Danny Eslick and the #69 Riders Discount Racing team becoming the first Triumph team to win the race since Gary Nixon in 1967. They also became the first Triumph team in history to win the Daytona 200 from the pole position, and the first Triumph to win the pole position since Paul Smart in 1971.
Eslick, of Broken Arrow, Okla., dominated the race by leading 44 of the 200-mile race’s 57 laps and won with an incredible 10.975 second margin.
Four of the Daytona 200’s top ten finishers also rode a Triumph Daytona. Bobby Fong and the #50 Latus Motors/Castrol/Triumph finished fourth. Luke Stapleford and his team flew in from England with the #68 Profile Racing Triumph Daytona to finish seventh, and former Daytona 200 winner Steve Rapp finished tenth with his #15 D&D Cycles/Castrol/Triumph. The fastest lap of the race was turned in by Jason DiSalvo piloting his #40 Sportbike Track Time/Castrol/Triumph.
Bobby Fong, of Stockton, Calif., and the Latus Motors/Castrol/Triumph team then won the opening round of the three-race GEICO Motorcycle Superbike Shootout’s DynoJet Pro Sportbike class from the pole at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. Fong and the Latus Motors Racing Triumph team then finished second at the Shootout’s next round, the Arai Pacific Nationals at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.
Fong and the Latus Motors/Castrol/Triumph team are now tied for the lead heading into the GEICO Motorcycle Superbike Shootout’s May 24-25 finale at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah.
Eslick and the #69 Riders Discount Racing Team lead the AMA Pro Road Racing Daytona Sportbike class heading into the series’ second round at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., on the weekend of May 30 through June 1.
“Triumph’s back,” said Greg Heichelbech, CEO of Triumph Motorcycles America. “The Triumph family keeps getting stronger, and we’re seeing shades of racing rivalries similar to those of the late 1960s and early ‘70s when a Triumph was the motorcycle to beat. This is an extremely exciting time.”
The parallel twin Triumph Tigers, then inline triple Triumph Tridents and their sister BSA Rocket IIIs, were the fastest motorcycles in the paddock in the 1960s and early 1970s. Riders and their Triumphs frequently won pole positions and races, including AMA Hall of Famers Gary Nixon and Gene Romero.
Today’s riders compete with the Triumph Daytona 675R. Espoused by the motorcycle press for its intuitive handling and linear power curve, professional road racers again are making Triumph their motorcycle of choice to win poles, races and championships.
About Triumph
Triumph Motorcycles is the British motorcycle marque that produces a wide range of sport, cruiser, adventure and touring motorcycles. From the storied Bonneville to the class-leading Speed Triple and Daytona 675R, Triumph offers a blend of design, character and performance that result in truly distinctive motorcycles. First established in 1902 and now located in Hinckley, Leicestershire, England, Triumph has always set the pace for category-winning machines. The company is solely owned by Bloor Holdings Ltd., and its North American operations are based in Atlanta. To see the full range of Triumph motorcycles visit TriumphMotorcycles.com.
More, from a press release issued by RaceFuelZ:
If you’re particular about what you put into your motor – your body – experience the revolutionary RaceFuelZ. Track-tested and athlete approved, this nutrient-rich performance beverage is formulated to provide you the extra horsepower when you need it, on and off the track.
Your body is the motor – keep it at peak performance!
Same Motor – A Higher State of Tune
It’s not a coincidence that athletes drinking RaceFuelZ as part of their training program always seem to be on the podium, or breaking their own personal records. RaceFuelZ is scientifically formulated from all-natural ingredients to enhance focus, stamina, intensity and recovery.
The RaceFuelZ team had a great time sharing samples and visiting with guests at Sonoma Raceway this past weekend in the RaceFuelZ hospitality garage. The weekend was packed with race action for Sonoma Fest, which included AHRMA vintage, AFM club-racing, Supermoto USA, and the GEICO Superbike Shootout presented Yamaha and RoadRacing World.
RaceFuelZ was proud to announce a multi sponsorship deal with the AFM, SupermotoUSA and the California Supermoto Schools during the hometown event.
RaceFuelZ supported numerous club racers this weekend as well as a few pro riders who are also running the RaceFuelZ logo in conjunction with their RaceFuelZ Tech Sticker.
This weekends podiums included.
Supermoto
Joey Pascarella, 1st in the open (big bike) class
Rick Cox, 1st in Adult Mini & 1st Mini Asphalt
Road Racing
Berto Wooldridge, 3rd in Formula 1 & 2nd in 750 Production
Tom Dorsey, 2nd in Super Dino
More, from a press release issued by Nitron USA:
Used Bike and Unbalanced Tire Be Damned; Anthony Still Beats Some Factory Riders
For immediate release: May 7, 2014
Sonoma, California: Pro (privateer) Superbike racer David Anthony shocked the field of AMA Factory riders by qualifying second for the Race FuelZ Pro Superbike race in Round Two of the GEICO Motorcycle Superbike Shootout presented by Yamaha, at Sonoma Raceway. Heroes of AMA Superbike Pro Road Racing — five or six of them, to be approximately exact — were left scratching their heads and twisting their earlobes, wondering why this privateer was faster than them.
Is it because SIC/Motul/Fly Racing’s Anthony is the best rider in the USA today? (Or, second best, considering that Cameron Beaubier did actually out-qualify Anthony on his Monster Energy Graves Yamaha, factory YZF-R1?) Or is Anthony’s used Suzuki GSX-R1000 the fastest motorcycle in America? (Hint: it’s not.) Or is his Nitron suspension the best suspension at any price, providing a distinct advantage on a track as technical as Sonoma? Hmmmm…?
In the Race FuelZ Pro Superbike Race, as has already been reported elsewhere by others, Anthony managed a good fight against bad vibrations from an unbalanced tire to finish in fourth, still beating a couple factory riders in the process. Even with Anthony’s above unnamed advantage, an unbalanced tire equals an unbalanced package, and, as everyone knows, winning comes only to those in balance.
For the final Round Three of the GEICO Motorcycle Superbike Shootout presented by Yamaha, taking place at Miler Motorsports Park ‘West’, May 24-25, 2014, the series is now scheduled to be a spec balanced-tire series, where all will have the chance compete at the level in which they’re personally prepared to compete. And, for all racers, crew members, spectators, attending Miller, while there please feel welcome to visit our modest facility for your suspension needs.
Nitron USA is the exclusive assembly facility/distributor in the Americas for Nitron Racing Systems Ltd., creator of high-quality dampers for performance, touring, adventure, twin-shock, and American V-twin motorcycles, and selected performance automobiles. Through the application of modern materials and manufacturing processes, Nitron’s mission is to create and service suspension products of incomparable form, function, and feel. Nitron USA, Miller Motorsports Park, 2901 Sheep Lane, Unit 704, Tooele, UT 84074; 801-663-7436; www.nitronusa.com; www.facebook.com/nitronusa; [email protected].
More, from a press release issued by Galfer:
Galfer USA Riders Fong, Prince on Sportbike Podium at Sonoma Superbike Shootout
Oxnard, Calif. – May 7, 2014 – Round two of the GEICO Motorcycle Superbike Shootout Presented by Yamaha was held at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California, the weekend of May 3-4. Galfer USA riders earned four top-ten finishes, including two podiums in Pro Sportbike.
Pro Superbike
In Pro Superbike, KTM/HMC’s Chris Fillmore crossed the finish line in sixth despite a crash. He was riding the No. 11 KTM RC8R. GEICO Honda/Team Hammer’s Chris Ulrich scored tenth on the No. 18 Honda CBR1000RR.
Pro Sportbike
After taking a decisive win in Pro Sportbike during round one at Auto Club Speedway, Bobby Fong had to settle for second in Sonoma. He rode his No. 50 Latus Motorsports Triumph Daytona 675 hard, taking the checkered flag just 1.803 seconds behind the winner.
Bryce Prince finished third on the No. 44 Tuned Racing Yamaha YZF-R6, with a gap of nearly eight seconds over fourth place.
The third and final round of the Superbike Shootout takes place at Miller Motorsports Park the weekend of May 24-25.
From the track to the street, Galfer USA distributes the full range of Galfer brake components. Galfer’s wave rotors, brake pads and brake lines provide more consistent, predictable braking and increased modulation, giving all riders a competitive edge when it comes to stopping like a pro. Keep up with Galfer USA atfacebook.com/GalferUSA and follow @GalferUSA on Twitter and Instagram.
More, from a press release issued by Team H35:
Benny Solis recaps round 2 of the Geico Motorcycle Superbike Shootout Presented by Yamaha
This past weekend was one that will not be easily forgotten by the members of Team H35. Rider, Benny Solis is no stranger to the undulating 12 turn Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma California. However, this would be his debut appearance on his current race bike.
Saturday’s schedule provided the team with ample track time to gather useful data and rider feedback. The information collected led to significant changes to both the chassis & the engine management system. The development continued into a challenging qualifying session. Benny managed a respectable 1:41.157 lap time which, was strong enough to award him 5th position in the 22 rider field.
The session confirmed, that the recent changes made to the set-up were an improvement, but there was still more work to do to tighten up the gap to the frontrunners. Once again, the crew broke out their tools to further refine bike set-up. With no more track time available till the morning there would not be any instant gratification to confirm success or failure of the evenings adjustments.
Race day began with a rewarding 15 minute practice session, the bike was working great and everyone was filled with confidence for the 20 lap Dynojet Pro Sportbike race. With such a large group of talented riders vying for a good result, a great start would be essential. When the flag dropped, it seemed everyone had got the memo about the essential “great start” and Benny was swallowed up by the pack and spent the first lap in 9th position. As the race found its rhythm, and Benny found his pace, he improved lap after lap, clawing his way through the gridlock. Eventually, he found clear track and repeatedly smashed his personal best lap-times, by almost 2 seconds under his qualifying performance. The forward momentum came to a dramatic halt while Benny was battling for 3rd place. A rider in front of him highsided which set into motion a multi bike crash that, unfortunately, included Benny.
Team H35 leaves Sonoma with a bittersweet feeling. Relieved that the riders involved in the incident were not injured, they are also left coming to terms with their first DNF result of the year. The paradoxical feelings continue with the amazing realization that they have massaged the bike’s performance to that of the lead group. The team is anxious for the 3rd and final round of the series where they hope to use their newly found performance to make a return to the Winners Circle.
Benny Solis – #35
“Another great event! It’s so great to have these Superbike Shootouts…although we didn’t finish my race my team and I were happy with how we progressed with the bike. Each time we are learning more and having a lot of fun. I’m so excited for the finale at Miller, my bike and team work so hard and I know its going to be a great weekend for the team and all our sponsors! Humberto Baca, Alpinestars, Arai Helmets, Motul, Dunlop, Poncho Rangel, GPR Stabilizer, Galfer, SpeedCell, Renthal, ”Z”, Evol Technology, InHouse Suspension, YoyoDyne, RK Chains, Oakley, Zero Gravity, Moto Club di Santa Monica, Akrapovic, C-5, E-Z UP”
Humberto Baca – Team Owner
Round 2 of the ” Geico Motorcycle Superbike Shootout” was a huge step forward with our new bike. The race started decent and Benny made his way towards the front runners. It looked like another podium finish was ours. Lap times were similar to the leaders. Unfortunately, bad luck dealt us a bad card as we were taken down with a couple other riders.
With only one round remaining in the Geico Motorcycle Superbike Shootout Presented by Yamaha. Team H35 invites everybody to watch the televised broadcasts on MAVTV and to follow @BennySolis35 on Twitter.
More, from a press release issued by LeoVince USA:
LeoVince USA Riders Beaubier, Hayes on Podium in Consecutive Superbike Shootout Races
Richmond, Calif. – May 7, 2014 – LeoVince USA Specialized Products Distribution has a lot to celebrate after the first two rounds of the GEICO Motorcycle Superbike Shootout Presented by Yamaha. Monster Energy Graves Yamaha teammates Cameron Beaubier and Josh Hayes took second and third in Pro Superbike during round one at Auto Club Speedway, then followed it up with first and second at Sonoma Raceway.
Auto Club Speedway, April 26-27
In RaceFuelZ Pro Superbike, Cameron Beaubier took an exciting second place on the No. 2 Monster Energy Graves Yamaha YZF-R1, finishing a narrow 0.082-second behind the race winner.
Meanwhile, Beaubier’s Monster Energy teammate Josh Hayes led the majority of the race on his No. 4 Yamaha YZF-R1, but late in the race, he was forced off-track by a pack of slower riders. Hayes recovered and made a few hasty passes to claim third. Both of the Monster Energy Graves Yamahas are equipped with the Dion Device brake lever protector.
Sebastiao Ferreira has been competing on a 600 since his pro racing debut, but he made the leap to a Kawasaki ZX-10 at Auto Club Speedway. Ferreira adjusted quickly and finished 11th on the No. 73 DMS machine, which is equipped with a LeoVince exhaust and LeoVince Carbon Fiber.
In the DynoJet Pro Sportbike class, LeoVince USA was represented by our own Race and Sales Manager David Christensen. He rode the No. 858 SpeedMob Yamaha YZF-R6, which was outfitted with equipment distributed by LeoVince USA and available through the SpeedMob racing program.
The race marked Christensen’s return to road racing after a hiatus, but he got back up to speed quickly and brought home a 16th-place finish. “John Ulrich and crew put on an awesome event, and it was a privilege to be involved,” Christensen said. “I knew it as going to be difficult to even make the grid after not racing for almost four years, running a stock motor, and having never raced on the Dunlop tires before, but we were able to make the cut and even dropped our lap times by almost two seconds over qualifying during the race!”
Sonoma Raceway, May 3-4
Beaubier and Hayes were on the podium again in round two, finishing first and second in the RaceFuelZ Pro Superbike class at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California.
Beaubier may have started on the pole on his No. 2 Yamaha, but he got shuffled back to fifth at the start. Hayes, meanwhile, wasted no time in getting out in front of the field.
By lap eight, Beaubier had caught up to Hayes and made a pass for the lead. From there, Beaubier never looked back as he pulled out a 9.8-second lead. Hayes kept his No. 4 Yamaha in second until the checkered flag.
Sebastiao Ferreira finished 12th on his No. 73 DMS Kawasaki ZX-10.
In DynoJet Pro Sportbike, David Christensen was poised for a top-ten finish when transmission problems on his SpeedMob R6 forced him to retire.
Beaubier and Hayes will be aiming for their third consecutive double podium when the series heads to the final round at Miller Motorsports Park from May 24-25.
The Dion Device, LeoVince exhaust and LeoVince Carbon Fiber are among the many products distributed by LeoVince USA Specialized Products Distribution.
For more information about LeoVince USA Specialized Products Distribution, visit their website at www.leovinceusa.com. To keep up with the latest product and racing news from LeoVince USA, be sure to like them on Facebook and sign up for their monthly newsletter at www.facebook.com/leovinceusa.