American Flat Track: Four-Way Title Fight Heads To Sacramento Mile

David Swarts

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August 16, 2022

American Flat Track: Four-Way Title Fight Heads To Sacramento Mile

Title Fights Take the Spotlight as Progressive AFT Arrives at Legendary Sacramento Mile

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 16, 2022) – An intense four-way championship battle headlines Progressive American Flat Track’s arrival at Cal Expo in Sacramento, California, for this weekend’s Mission Legendary Sacramento Mile powered by Law Tigers on Saturday, August 20.

Four Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle superstars are separated by less than the 25 points that will be awarded for this weekend’s Main Event win, led by defending class champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750).

The Sacramento Mile has long been ruled by experienced aces who are able to successfully merge innate skill with strategic acumen. Mees’ effectively took the baton from Bryan Smith in that regard to become the venue’s reigning chess master in 2018, following up Smith’s stretch of seven consecutive wins from 2011-2017 with his own active streak of four Sacramento Mile victories in succession. The factory Indian hero’s Cal Expo exploits are representative of his broader Mile mastery in recent seasons, and he’ll be eyed as the favorite heading into the weekend for good reason.

However, it’s been a while since Mees stood atop the podium this season, his last win coming seven races ago at the Mission Red Mile II. And it’s worth recalling that Mees was pushed to the absolute limit in Lexington by Estenson Racing Yamaha teammates Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT). Both riders could easily prove to be contenders again this weekend aboard a pair of very fast Yamahas.

Of course, second-ranked Briar Bauman (No. 3 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) should not be discounted either. Bauman has long sought to unlock the secrets necessary to overcome Mees’ Mile advantage, but he’s been riding as well as anyone in the paddock over the season’s second half.

Meanwhile, teammates Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) and Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) are locked in a tight intra-team fight for fifth in the points and both have the potential to factor up front this weekend. Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) is not far behind them in the standings and no doubt eager to claw his way back up into podium contention.

Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines

Over the past four rounds, momentum in the Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines class has shifted decidedly in favor of Jesse Janisch (No. 33 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R).

The Wisconsin native has been in commanding form during that run, topping five of five practices, eight of eight qualifying sessions, three of four Semis, and three of four Main Events. As a result, he’s transformed what was a seven-point deficit into a 14-point advantage.

In fact, it’s a credit to the tenacious Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07) that Janisch doesn’t have a bigger lead as a result of his remarkable recent form. Considering all that, the Sacramento Mile couldn’t have come at a better time for defending champion Texter, who enjoyed Janisch-like dominance at Cal Expo a season ago en route to a doubleheader sweep.

While the championship has been rendered a two-rider affair, several others have the capability to play the role of spoiler, including race winners Michael Rush (No. 15 Hellipower Racing/Las Vegas Harley-Davidson XG750R), Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), Billy Ross (No. 109 Mission Foods/Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R), and Nick Armstrong (No. 60 Competitive Racing Frames/Lessley Brothers Yamaha MT-07).

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Despite still enjoying a massive 46-point Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER championship advantage, Kody Kopp (No. 12 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE) could use a big weekend following three consecutive weeks of logging season’s worst results.

It’s more a matter of stringing together a solid Main Event than it is a search to rediscover pace, as Kopp has been more than quick enough to continue his winning ways in recent weeks, even if the races didn’t play out that way.

Kopp, along with teammate, Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE), will be expected to contend for victory again this weekend, although they may not go in considered as the leading race favorites for a change.

In last season’s Sacramento Mile, Turner Racing Honda and then-pilot Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) were the preeminent force at the track, combining to sweep both Main Events.

Despite now being adversaries, both the team and the rider come back to Cal Expo in top form. Estenson Racing ace Brunner has a win, a second, and a third in his last three outings, while his former teammate, Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) happens to be the rider who edged him for victory this past weekend.

And while Brunner is Estenson Racing’s sole rider in the class, Gauthier is joined by a pair of extremely talented teammates in Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) and Chase Saathoff (No. 106 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R), who could also contend for victory.

This year’s Sacramento Mile will celebrate its incredible history with a special “Legends Meet and Greet” autograph session set for 5:45 p.m. ET/2:45 p.m. PT to 7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds grandstand area. Among the incredible line-up of flat track superstars who will be signing the special “Legends” poster available to purchase for $5, are Scott Parker, Jay Springsteen, Mike Kidd, Bryan Smith, Brad Baker, Joe Kopp, and many more.

Along with all the associated activities, there will be plenty to keep fans entertained at the venue, including numerous vendors, a variety of food and beverage options, and the Kids Zone.

Click here to reserve your tickets today. General Admission tickets are just $25 with a wide range of upgraded seating options to choose from. Paddock Access Upgrades are also available for purchase, which provide all-day access to the pits where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.

Gates will open for fans at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT ahead of the day’s Main Event program. You can catch the livestream of all the weekend’s racing activities on FansChoice.tv. FansChoice.tv provides free-to-view livestreaming of Practice and Qualifying. FansChoice.tv subscribers will then be able to watch the drama unfold from Opening Ceremonies through the Semis, Main Events, and podium celebrations. FansChoice.tv offers two subscription options, granting unlimited access to premium AFT content. Monthly subscriptions start at just $7.99, while a six-month subscription is available for $44.99.

The Mission Legendary Sacramento Mile powered by Law Tigers will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, August 27, at 2:00 p.m. ET/11:00 a.m. PT, including exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and expert commentary.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com. To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.

How to Watch:

FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2022 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.

American Matsudaira On The Moto5 Podium Again In Spain

David Swarts

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August 16, 2022

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American Matsudaira On The Moto5 Podium Again In Spain

American Kensei Matsudaira Scores Fourth Consecutive Podium in Moto5 Spanish Championship

August 13-14, 2022

Kensei Matsudaira continued his podium streak in the Moto5 category with a second place finish in Race One held on August 14, 2022 in the fourth round of the Cuna de Campeones and RFME Copa de España Championships at the As Pontes Circuit in A Coruña, Spain.

Despite it being his first time at the circuit, Kensei topped the combined free practice timesheet on Saturday. During the final qualifying, Kensei experienced an engine failure bringing his qualifying session to a premature end, but he was still able to set a lap time just 0.2s from pole to start the races on Sunday in fourth position.

In Race One Kensei quickly worked his way from P4 to P2 and would stay in that position until the end.

With a strong finish in Race One, Kensei knew he could fight for the win the second race and took the lead in lap four. He set the fastest lap of the race, but unfortunately two laps later, contact was made by the rider in second position from behind, and Kensei’s race was over.

“It was really disappointing to have Race Two end the way it did since there was nothing I could do and it potentially cost me the championship, but this is racing,” Kensei said after the weekend. “But honestly after losing the engine and crashing in qualifying, just being able to line up on the grid for the races was like a miracle, and then having the pace to fight at the top in both races was really satisfying. Just being right there to fight for the win is what I’m here for, so I’m happy. Big thanks to my team – JR, Juanito, and David for working all night on Saturday to fix my bike to make it perfect to race on Sunday!”

Kensei will now return to the US to race at Round Three of the MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul championship at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex. He is currently third in the Ohvale GP-0 160 category and leads the championship in the Ohvale GP-2 190 category.

Kensei’s next appearance in the Moto5 category in Spain will be at Round Six of the Cuna de Campeones Spanish Championship on September 11, 2022 at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain.

Kensei would like to thank all of his sponsors for their support to help him race both at home and abroad:

American Racing Team & Academy, Fresh N Lean, Evike.com, Shoei Helmets, Dave Designs, AGV Sport, VNM Sport, D.I.D Chain, Galfer USA, Yoshimura R&D, Suspension Matters, TechSpec, The Starting Grid, Moto Tecnica, Mad Labs Minimoto, 73 Moto Parts, Bickle Racing, Vortex Racing, Landers Racing, Boyko Racing, Apex Racing Center, Live 100 Moto, DRT Racing, Karen E. Ott Photography, Hans King, Moto Survival School, California Superbike School, and Toni Elias School USA.

Results - As Pontes (Moto5 Races)

How Aprilia Turned The V4 RS-GP Into A Winner, In The August Issue

David Swarts

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August 16, 2022

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How Aprilia Turned The V4 RS-GP Into A Winner, In The August Issue

In the August 2022 issue of Roadracing World:

Aprilia’s moment of MotoGP revolution came in 2019, when parent company Piaggio decided that it must go big or go home. In other words, start spending proper money on MotoGP or quit.

The result of that change of philosophy was a huge technical advance, when the Noale factory created its 2020 RS-GP, the first iteration with a 90-degree V4 engine. Switching from a narrow-angle Vee to a wider-angle Vee changed everything and made perfect sense, because Ducati and Honda were dominating with their own 90-degree V4s.

Aleix Espargaró, who scored the company’s first MotoGP victory at this year’s Argentine GP, remembers the moment he first rode the new bike, during 2020 pre-season testing at Sepang.

“I did three laps, came into the garage and I was crying,” recalls the 32-year-old Spaniard…

“MotoGP Analysis,” by Mat Oxley.

Earlier this year Aprilia won its first MotoGP race, after decades of trying. This is the epic story, from the two-stroke 500cc V-Twin of 1994-2000 to today’s 90-degree four-stroke V-4 beast–all in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.

PREVIEW the August 2022 Issue of Roadracing World!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.

SUBSCRIBE NOW ! Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

Read the August 2022 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription. Log in HERE

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Canadian Superbike: More From The Season Finale At Mosport

David Swarts

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August 16, 2022

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Canadian Superbike: More From The Season Finale At Mosport

YOUNG WINS 2022 CSBK NATIONAL TITLE

Ben Young won the 2022 Canadian Superbike Championship title this weekend after an exciting weekend of racing. Alongside his second national title, Young also broke the qualifying lap record and race lap record at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park.

The weekend’s success began on Friday during part one of qualifying, where Young would top the time sheets aboard his Van Dolder Home Team BMW. During the second superpole qualifying session, the top 10 riders have a better chance of a clear track and can utilize a special Dunlop “Q” tire, specially built for one flying lap. Young took full advantage, setting a blistering new lap record of 1:20:369, beating the previous fastest lap by almost 2 tenths of a second. This pole position secured Young the season-long battle for the BS Battery Pole Award.

During the first race of the triple-header weekend, Young took the lead early and would hold on to it for much of the race, with championship title defender, Alex Dumas close behind in second. On the penultimate lap, Young and Dumas would cross the line with nothing between them (the timing showing a gap of 0.000). In dramatic fashion, Young regained the lead of the race on the last lap at the last corner, clinching the win and stretching his comfortable championship lead. To win the championship, Young merely needed to finish on the podium in the next race.

The first race on Sunday brought more close racing. Young was fighting hard for the win, despite only needing the podium to take the championship. Young and Dumas would each take the lead multiple times throughout the race, but Young would ultimately cross the line in second position, though doing more than enough to win his second national Superbike title aboard his BMW M1000RR. He took the race lap record on the final lap of the race – an impressive feat given the physical effort required paired with a well-worn tire. Young’s finish would also bring the 125th podium for BMW in their Canadian Superbike Championship history.

On his championship title, Young had this to say: “After race one being a last corner, last lap pass I knew Alex would be defending that line. I tried for the win but with the championship being the bigger picture, I knew it was safe to hold back and finish second. It feels great to secure my second championship. This year was the first full CSBK season since my last championship in 2019, and we enjoyed being able to get back other tracks to take off where we left them last.”

The second race of the day would come to an unfortunately short end due to a red flag incident during the second race after just 3 laps were complete. It was shaping up to be a great battle, with Young and Dumas swapping positions for the lead again keeping fans entertained. The race result was called with only 3 laps complete and half championship points given. Young would podium in second position, completing the 2022 Canadian Superbike championship with a 29.5 point lead.

“I was really looking forward to letting loose and going bar-to-bar in race 3 but unfortunately we didn’t get the chance to. It’s been a pleasure to go toe-to-toe with Alex the past two seasons. We have been inseparable on many occasions and I never expected anything different this weekend. Hope the fans enjoyed it as much as we did. Big thanks to my team and sponsors for a great year.”

With a strong performance from all BMW riders including Young over the year, the Constructors Championship title went to BMW. The icing on the cake for the weekend was that the Van Dolder’s Home Team BMW race team would win the coveted CSBK Team of the Year award.

Young’s partners for his 2022 CSBK Championship season include; BMW Motorrad Canada, Van Dolder’s Home Team, Scot-Build Developments Inc, Parts Canada, HJC Helmets, Alpinestars, Hindle Exhaust, Barrie Trim and Mouldings, Clearlite, Primitive Patterns, DP Brakes, Alpha Racing and Vass Performance Cycle.

To keep up-to-date on Ben Young throughout the year visit; www.BenYoungRacing.com, www.facebook.com/BenYoungRacing and on Twitter and Instagram: @benyoung_86.

American Flat Track: More From The Castle Rock TT

David Swarts

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August 16, 2022

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American Flat Track: More From The Castle Rock TT

WHALE DELIVERS A THIRD-PLACE PODIUM FINISH AT CASTLE ROCK TT

Round 12 – American Flat Track Championship

CASTLE ROCK, Wa. – The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team had a good showing at Round 12 of the 2022 American Flat Track Championship in Castle Rock, Washington. Team rider Max Whale navigated a hectic AFT Singles Main Event to finish on the third step of the podium, while teammate Kody Kopp fought hard to come back from a near race-ending crash to clinch a valuable 10th-place finish at the Castle Rock TT.

Taking place in conjunction with an amateur event at Washington state’s Castle Rock Race Park, Saturday’s racing proved to be just as exciting as the atmosphere with a packed crowd on-site throughout the evening. In addition to guarding his AFT Singles Championship points lead late in the season, Washington native Kody Kopp had perhaps an additional incentive to fight for the top spot in front of a home-state crowd, and he started off strong with a second-place qualifying position. Whale, on the other hand, had a more tentative start to the day, qualifying ninth overall in the class. Starting on the second row in Semi 1, Whale was able to pick up one position early in the race to secure a fourth-place transfer into the Main Event. Kopp lined up in Semi 2 and he powered his KTM 450 SX-F to the front right off the start, commanding all eight laps to victory.

Whale had his work cut out for him with another second-row start in the Main Event but he put his head down and charged all race long, despite a trio of red-flag restarts unfolding over the course of the 23-lap race. Locking in third later in the race, the Aussie maintained a fast pace through the final stretch to secure his seventh podium finish of the 2022 season.

Max Whale: “It was an awesome track, a lot of fun, but it was really hard to pass on and hard to race on because it was super tight and one-lined. I ended the night with P3, which was awesome from where we started. I felt off the in the first session, not like myself, but I got better every session out there. Sitting second row going into the Main Event, I just rode smart and made a few passes and then a few incidents happened that helped me get up a spot or two and I ended up P3. I can’t thank my whole team enough!”

For Kopp, a bad start in the Main Event set him back early on but he fought through the first restart to bring himself up to second-place. Poised to engage in a battle for the lead, Kopp and the rest of the field endured a second red flag situation and he ended up losing a spot after the re-start. While pushing for the leaders, Kopp suffered a big crash that sent him and his machine catapulting into the air late in the race. The Red Bull KTM crew quickly went to work making repairs on the bike and the points leader was able to join the re-start on the last row, working his way up to a 10th-place finish. Salvaging valuable points, Kopp was able to further extend his lead by two with five rounds remaining in the series.

Kody Kopp (12) on his Red Bull KTM at the Castle Rock TT. Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

Kody Kopp: “I got a terrible start in the Main Event and set myself up to have to fight through the pack on a track that you can’t really pass. After the first restart, we were back to fifth and I worked my way up to second and we were coming – we had a line figured out that we were making passes with and then had another red flag while sitting second. I got passed around the outside and got a little flustered so I pushed a little over my head and tucked the front on a right-hander and threw away my shot at the win. We had some work to do on the bike but luckily my team, they work really hard, and I want to thank them for everything. We were able to end up P10 on the night, which isn’t terrible considering we had a to start from dead last after the restart. We actually gained two points in the championship, so head-up going into Sacramento next weekend.”

Next Race: Sacramento Mile – Sacramento, California – August 20, 2022

Round 12 Results – Castle Rock TT

AFT Singles Main Event

1. Dalton Gauthier, Honda

2. Trevor Brunner, Yamaha

3. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

OTHER KTM

9. James Ott, KTM

10. Kody Kopp, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

AFT Singles Point Standings (After Round 12)

1. Kody Kopp, 243 points

2. Morgen Mischler, 197

3. Dalton Gauthier, 185

OTHER KTM

5. Max Whale, 173

8. James Ott, 100

10. Hunter Bauer, 74

17. Travis Petton IV, 54

N2/WERA Endurance: More From Pittsburgh International Race Complex

David Swarts

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August 16, 2022

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N2/WERA Endurance: More From Pittsburgh International Race Complex

TSR-Dunlop wins The N2/WERA National Endurance at Pitt Race.

Media, PA (August 2022) – TSR-Dunlop USA captured the overall win at round three of the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop at Pittsburgh International Race Complex with riders Hayden Gillim, Brandon Paasch and Brad Burns. In all, a record breaking 78 teams competed in the two-hour Ultralightweight and four-hour combined endurance race for a $23,000 event purse provided by Dunlop, N2 Track Days and Yamaha Motor USA.

TSR-Dunlop won the race at PittRace after breaking their Suzuki GSX-R1000R in half at the last round at Roebling Road. The team was up until three in the morning the night before the event and only got one session on Friday to confirm the GSX-R was going to work. The hard work paid off with a victory and taking the points lead in the Heavyweight class.

The 2022 PittRace Round of the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop was the biggest endurance event held since N2/WERA resurrected the series in 2018. The race started with perfect weather and a stacked field. Lead off riders Josh Hayes, Hayden Gillim, Chris Peris, Stefano Mesa, and Danilo Petrucci took the green flag for the four-hour contest and set a blistering pace. The race was remarkable in that it was unremarkable with zero red flags, yet the racing was incredibly close with the leaders battling well into the third hour. Ultimately, the team with the least number of problems took victory with TSR-Dunlop winning by a little over a lap from Army of Darkness. TSR-Dunlop is the points leader in the Heavyweight Class by the slimmest of margins, but Army of Darkness is the overall points leader going into the next round at Road Atlanta.

TopBox Racing won the Middleweight Class was with Doug Royce, Tony McKnight, and Caleb Odom on a Dunlop-equipped Yamaha YZF-R6. Consistent pace, clean pit stops, and a trouble-free race allowed TopBox to score their second victory in a row. Despite having dominate pace, Alpha Omega finished second after losing several laps to a mechanical issue. Mi Scusi SDK finished third.

Blake Davis and Michael Henao won the lightweight class on a Dunlop-equipped Yamaha YZF-R7 for B&A Racing. The Brown family team of Brown Town Racing finishing second with Team Yo! finishing third.

The Relay Class was extremely successful at Pitt Race with ten teams competing. Team Keep it on the Pipe took the victory with riders Alex Irzyk and Patrick Plowman on a pair of Kawasaki ZX-10R’s. Crash Bandicoots finished second and We R1 Endurance Team finished third.

The 2-Hour Ultralightweight Endurance was stacked with Junior Cup and North America Talent Cup Competitors. Gus Rodio, Max Van and Joe LiMandri battled the entire two hours with Rodio getting the victory on a Dunlop-equipped Rodio Racing Ninja 400.

Round 4 of the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop will be held at Road Atlanta on September 3rd. Learn more at https://www.n2td.org/endurance/

About N2:

N2 – Ride, Learn, Race.

Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing. N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.

The N2 National Endurance Series is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, BobbleHeadMoto, WERA Road Racing, KYT Helmets America, Innovative Motorsports, R.E.B Graphics, Millennium Technologies, Wiseco Pistons, JE Pistons, Rise Moto, Ghetto Customs and Yamaha Champions Riding School.

For More Information: www.n2td.org

Video: Behind The Scenes At The 2022 Yamaha MT-10 Intro

David Swarts

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August 15, 2022

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Video: Behind The Scenes At The 2022 Yamaha MT-10 Intro

2022 Yamaha MT-10 Behind The Scenes Riding Review

Roadracing World sent Sam Fleming to ride the new 2022 Yamaha MT-10 in the mountain roads near Asheville, North Carolina. Sam was uniquely qualified for this as he rides a 2007 Yamaha FZ1 daily and has built up three full-race 2020 Yamaha R1s, winning two N2/WERA National Endurance Championships along the way.

The review article will be in the September 2022 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine, but Sam recorded some thoughts and technical points on the bike for this video.

Also some pretty riding footage!

@roadracingworld @Vanson Leathers @Yamaha Motor USA @YCRS BIKERS

Stefano Mesa’s Big Electric Adventure, In The August Issue

David Swarts

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August 15, 2022

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Stefano Mesa’s Big Electric Adventure, In The August Issue

Featured In the August 2022 issue of Roadracing World:

When Editor-At-Large Michael Gougis interviewed Energica USA CEO Stefano Benatti, he hinted at the next racing project for the company’s electric motorcycles.

We now know that project was to enter an Energica in the Roland Sands Design (RSD) Super Hooligan race during the MotoAmerica event weekend at Weather Tech Raceway Laguna Seca and compete head-to-head against gasoline-fueled motorcycles.

By all accounts the effort was a success and may lead to even more electric racing…

Stefano Mesa’s Big Electric Adventure, by David Swarts.

It was an exercise in adaptation for racer Stefano Mesa, but he showed the potential of electric racing machines when he raced an Energica Eva Ribelle RS streetbike against gas-powered bikes in the MotoAmerica RSD Super Hooligans class and ran in the top six for most of the race. It’s all in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.

PREVIEW the August 2022 Issue of Roadracing World!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.

SUBSCRIBE NOW ! Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

Read the August 2022 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription. Log in HERE

Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.

Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.

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Can-Am Plans Return To Motorcycle Production With Two Electric Models

David Swarts

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August 15, 2022

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Can-Am Plans Return To Motorcycle Production With Two Electric Models

By Michael Gougis

Can-Am plans to sell motorcycles again, launching a pair of electric models for 2024.

The company, which produced gas-powered motorcycles from 1972 through 1987 –including a 250cc road racing machine — revealed mock-ups of two new all-electric bikes at its Club BRP Global Product Reveal. Bombardier Recreational Products, the parent company of Can-Am, announced in March that it was returning to the two-wheel market with electric machines, but did not offer any details or images at the time.

Both the Pulse and the Origin (seen here) use a proprietary battery as well as a completely enclosed final drive. Can-Am officials wouldn't reveal whether it is chain or belt drive. Photo courtesy BRP. — Both the Pulse and the Origin (seen here) use a proprietary battery as well as a completely enclosed final drive. Can-Am officials wouldn’t reveal whether it is chain or belt drive. Photo courtesy BRP.

Company officials said the bikes — the Origin, an off-road adventure-styled machine, and the Pulse, an on-road naked roadster — will be on sale in the spring of 2024. They’re part of the company’s plan to incorporate electric-powered vehicles in all its product lines by 2026.

Details are extremely scarce. The company says only that they will be powered by its proprietary electric power pack technology — the all-new Rotax E-Power. Charging will be done at home or at existing on-road Level 2 (fast charging) automotive chargers. As is normal for electrics, they will use direct drive without a clutch or transmission. And the headlight will be an advanced LED unit.

Like other electric motorcycles, the Pulse is direct drive with no clutch and no transmission. Photo courtesy BRP.

The prototype Pulse shown has a single rear shock, inverted forks, cast wheels and a single-sided swingarm. The Origin has spoke rims more appropriate for an off-road application.

Power output, range, battery capacity, time of charge, weight, and the like were not released, with Can-Am officials saying full technical details on the machines will be released in August 2023.

The Pulse has a single-sided swingarm, inverted forks, a single rear shock and cast wheels. Photo courtesy BRP.

Bombardier Recreational Products, which produces a wide range of vehicles for road, off-road, water, and snow, purchased the intellectual assets of the failing Alta Motors in early 2019. Alta’s electric dirt and dual-purpose bikes were among the best in the industry at the time, and the acquisition demonstrated that Bombardier was serious about getting into the electric vehicle game. An electric go-kart quickly followed.

In 2021, BRP announced that not only will fully electric vehicles be available in all of its product lines, but that it was expanding its Rotax electric power unit development infrastructure in Gunskirchen, Austria. BRP also announced plans to create the BRP Electric Vehicle Development Centre, located in its hometown of Valcourt, Quebec, Canada.

“This facility will feature state-of-the-art equipment, including several sophisticated test benches and dynamometers, plus an ultramodern robotized manufacturing cell for electric batteries,” the company said at the time.

MotoGP: World Championship Heading To Revised Red Bull Ring

David Swarts

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August 15, 2022

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MotoGP: World Championship Heading To Revised Red Bull Ring

Bagnaia on a roll, Quartararo under pressure: Austria awaits

The Italian armada arrives on successful turf as KTM race at home, Aprilia aim to keep the roll going and Quartararo faces some pressure at the Red Bull Ring

Monday, 15 August 2022

A few races ago, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) was starting to become the runaway favourite for the 2022 crown, but since his error at Assen and then a tougher race at Silverstone, both of which were won by Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), the momentum has most definitely turned. Now the paddock heads to the Red Bull Ring and serious winning turf for Ducati, it could be another pivotal chance for Bagnaia to continue cutting that gap – especially as it’s often been tougher Sunday turf for Yamaha.

There is a new chicane to contend with, however, and that leaves lap records behind and adds an extra challenge to the weekend ahead. Still, the venue has seen many a Ducati win and for a handful of different riders, so the factory remains the favourite. With Bagnaia on form, teammate Jack Miller fresh from the podium, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) already a winner at the track and Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) back up into the battle at Silverstone, there is a long list of hopefuls and it doesn’t even stop there, with the likes of Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) and Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) likewise quick and eager to make their mark.

Another rendering of the new chicane installed between Turns One and Three at Red Bull Ring. Photo courtesy Red Bull Ring. — A rendering of the new chicane installed between Turns One and Three at Red Bull Ring. Photo courtesy Red Bull Ring.

Another factory eager to keep the pressure on Quartararo is Aprilia. Aleix Espargaro didn’t manage to capitalise on the number 20’s P8 at Silverstone as he took ninth, but after a huge highside on Saturday left him racing with a broken heel, that became a job well done in difficult circumstances as he only lost one point to the Frenchman. And there was still an Aprilia on the podium…

After speed before bad luck in Germany and then third at Assen, which marked his first rostrum finish with Aprilia Racing, second at Silverstone and only four tenths off Bagnaia was quite a statement from Maverick Viñales. The trend says the next step should be the top one, but it’s far from a simple task in MotoGP™. Can Top Gun do it, in his 200th Grand Prix and at a poetic place to get back on top? The Aprilia remains as serious a threat as ever, and at the very least it may be a good weekend to chip away more points from Yamaha for both Noale machines.

Meanwhile, KTM are racing at home and will have big aims for the weekend. The tougher season continues but there have been solid moves forward, and both Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and teammate Miguel Oliveira have won at the venue, in two very different styles. With the grandstands full of orange and a new chicane for everyone, will the hills be alive with a podium challenge from the Mattighofen factory? They’ll certainly be pushing to the limit to try and get in that battle for the first time since the first couple of races of the season.

Suzuki will also want more from the Red Bull Ring. The Hamamatsu factory have form there and Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) even more so, with the circuit having been the scene of his first win in the World Championship and the number 36 seeming to have figured out a few secrets to being fast in Styria. For teammate Alex Rins the same could be said of Silverstone and the number 42 spent much of the race at the front, but after fading in the latter stages he’ll be looking to bounce back. Qualifying remains a challenge for both Suzuki and KTM, with the riders often charging forward on Sunday, so that will likely be a focus too as the new chicane creates a new lap record, likely to be set on Saturday afternoon.

Finally, for Honda there is some big news: Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) will be back in the paddock. The number 93 isn’t riding or racing again just yet, but he’ll be on hand as the Japanese factory continue to focus on developing the new RC213V. Already in contact from home, now the eight-time World Champion will be on site as Stefan Bradl and Pol Espargaro aim to take the Repsol Honda further into the points, as do Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) and Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol).

Is the Red Bull Ring still Borgo Panigale turf? Can Maverick Viñales put in a poetic weekend? Are KTM up to push forward on home turf? What will the standings look like as we head for San Marino? We’ll find out this weekend, with MotoGP™ going racing at 14:00 (GMT +2) on Sunday for the CryptoDATA Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich.

MotoGP™ CHAMPIONSHIP: TOP 5

1 Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) – Yamaha – 180

2 Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) – Aprilia – 158

3 Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – 131

4 Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) – Ducati – 118

5 Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) – Ducati – 114

Eyes on the prize for Fernandez in Austria

The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider now is now the sole points leader as Moto2™ heads to the Red Bull Ring

Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) is now officially on a roll as the Spaniard backed up his win at Assen with another at Silverstone, the second in a row from only his second ever Moto2™ pole. Heading into the Red Bull Ring he is now the Championship leader and with a 13-point cushion in hand over Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) as Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) falls from first to third.

At a home weekend of sorts for the Red Bull KTM Ajo team, it would be a big statement for Fernandez to win a third in a row. So can he? Ogura and Vietti will be aiming to hit back as quickly as possible, Jake Dixon (GASGAS Aspar Team) arrives full of confidence from a podium and there was a new threat at Silverstone too: Alonso Lopez (MB Conveyors Speed Up).

Explaining the differences between the Kalex and the Boscoscuro, it could be a tougher challenge at the Red Bull Ring for the Spaniard. But the rookie has impressed everyone since joining the grid and that incredible assault on the win – only losing out by 0.070 – was a serious statement. Lopez will be aiming to prove one to watch for the rest of the season too.

13 points is quite a swing for a single Sunday, and Austria will be another chance for Ogura, Vietti and Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) to hit back. Will it tighten up once again? We’ll find out at 12:20 (GMT +2) on Sunday in the CryptoDATA Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich.

Moto2™ CHAMPIONSHIP: TOP 3

1 Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – Kalex – 171

2 Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) – Kalex – 158

3 Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – Kalex – 156

Can Foggia & Masia make more gains in Styria?

After a disastrous end to Silverstone through no fault of their own, the GASGAS duo lost out to close the standings up once more

When Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) was crashed out of the British GP, it seemed like a huge goal had suddenly appeared in front of teammate and closest challenger Izan Guevara. However, it wasn’t too long after that dramatic twist that another appeared as Guevara likewise found himself in the gravel, and likewise through no fault of his own. Compounding that, their two closest rivals in the standings – Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) and Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – came through to capitalise to perfection in a 1-2. So what awaits in Austria?

For Garcia it’s a track where he’s shown good form – and had that stunning duel with Pedro Acosta – so there are definitely worse venues to try and stamp some authority back on the standings. For Guevara it’s also known territory, although the number 28 has taken a step everywhere in 2022. Interestingly, the exception so far was seemingly Silverstone, although we never got to see the finish. Was he on to lose that momentum regardless of the bad luck? And how will the new chicane affect Austria form?

Foggia on form, meanwhile, is always one to watch and the Italian came straight back out to win after that difficult end to the first half of the season in Assen. He’ll want to build on that fast, and so will Masia after digging deep to rescue a qualifying performance outside the top 20 into a podium. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider will also have home turf glory on his mind for Red Bull, and so will Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3) after getting on the podium for the first time this season.

The Turk explained he’d changed his mindset this year to balance risk and reward, and that’s had an impressive effect on his consistency as he’s the only rider in the field to have scored in every race in 2022. However, he was still waiting for a trophy – and said Silverstone was where he put a little more on the line again to take that podium. What can he do in Austria?

We’re back to regular programming in terms of the schedule at the Red Bull Ring, so tune in for Moto3™ at 11:00 (GMT +2) to see who will rule the Styrian hills!

Moto3™ CHAMPIONSHIP: TOP 3

1 Sergio Garcia (GASGAS Aspar Team) – GASGAS – 182

2 Izan Guevara (GASGAS Aspar Team) – GASGAS – 179

3 Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) – Honda – 140

American Flat Track: Four-Way Title Fight Heads To Sacramento Mile

August 16, 2022

The start of the AFT SuperTwins Main event at Sacramento Mile II in 2021. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.