Bad Ass: Jeremy Toye

David Swarts

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December 23, 2021

Jeremy Toye is a pretty bad ass dude. In addition to testing motorcycles professionally, Toye finished in the top 10 in AMA Pro Superbike races in 2004 and 2005, was the fastest newcomer at the Isle of Man TT in 2006, finished on the Macau Grand Prix podium in 2010, won the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb while competing as a rookie in 2014, and won the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship as crew chief for Sean Dylan Kelly in 2021.

When he’s not building, tuning, testing, or racing motorcycles (or coaching other riders), Toye goes back to his riding roots in the dirt and jumps over stuff for promotional photos, like he did in this photo for Bad Ass Tents. Here, Toye clears a deployed Bad Ass Tent Recon model on top of a Ford Bronco on his Kawasaki KX450.

Bad Ass Tents is a new company formed by Hotbodies Racing founder and owner Roger Davis to design, develop, and market rooftop tents that will fit on almost any vehicle with a roof rack and cross bars. The tents fold down to a low, streamlined profile when not in use, and unfold quickly and easily into 5.0-foot-tall, 6.0-foot-long tent. Prices range from $2,500 to $4,500 from dealers, and licensed racers get a 25% discount with the promo code JFT. More information is available from Bad Ass Tents, Dept. RW, 12925 Brookprinter Place Suite 200, Poway, CA 92064, (858) 842-1855, [email protected], www.badasstents.com or www.BATents.com.

American Flat Track: Bronson Bauman Joins Latus Motors Harley Team

David Swarts

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December 23, 2021

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American Flat Track: Bronson Bauman Joins Latus Motors Harley Team

Bronson Bauman Joins Latus Motors Racing for ‘22 Mission SuperTwins Season

GLADSTONE, Ore. – The Latus Motors Racing has signed Bronson Bauman to ride the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R SuperTwin for the 2022 Progressive American Flat Track season.

Bauman is a well proven commodity at the sport’s highest level. Bronson has tallied up eight career podiums in the premier class to date and enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2019, in which he earned a maiden victory at the Laconia ST and ended the season ranked third in the Grand National Championship.

Team Owner George Latus said, “We’re excited to have Bronson as part of our team for the upcoming season. He and his team were pitted next to us pretty much all last season, and we’ve seldom seen a harder working, more dedicated rider. Plainly put, he impressed all of us with his riding skill, tenacity, technical savvy, and just plain hard work. We’ve done testing with him, and he’s a good fit for the team, and we enjoy working with him as we continue development of the bike. 2022 is going to be an exciting season!”

Bauman said, “I’m so excited and honored to ride for the Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson team. I have already enjoyed the few times we’ve worked together and feel like we mesh well as a group. I can’t wait to see what this 2022 AFT season has in store for us.”

Latus Motors Racing was founded by George Latus, owner of the Latus Motors dealership located in Gladstone, Oregon, just outside of Portland. Originally from Montana, George has had a lifelong love of motorcycles and motorsports.

MotoGP: New Regulations Include Lower Qualifying Cut-Off Limit

David Swarts

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December 23, 2021

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MotoGP: New Regulations Include Lower Qualifying Cut-Off Limit

FIM Grand Prix World Championship

Decisions of the Grand Prix Commission

The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Paul Duparc (FIM), Herve Poncharal (IRTA), Lin Jarvis (Yamaha – MSMA) and Paolo Ciabatti (Ducati – MSMA) in electronic meetings held during November and December 2021, made the following decisions:

Sporting Regulations

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Qualification for the Race

In all classes the rider must achieve a time at least equal to 105% of the time recorded by the fastest rider in the same session in any of the FP or QP sessions. (Previously 107%).

Minimum Ages

The Commission ratified the previously announced changes to minimum ages for participation.

Licences for riders are issued only when the minimum age has been attained as below:

• Moto3: 16 years (18 years in 2023)

• Moto2: 16 years (18 years in 2023)

• MotoGP: 18 years

In the Moto3 class, an exemption applies to the winner of the FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship or the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup to compete in the Moto3 class of the FIM World Championship Grand Prix as a contracted, wild card or substitute/replacement rider even if the rider has not reached the minimum age for the class (however a minimum age of 15 years in 2022, 16 years in 2023, then 17 years in 2024 will apply).

In order to ensure a smooth transition, an exception will be granted to the riders who started in the 2022 Moto3 World Championship at the age of 16 so that they can continue with the 2023 Moto3 World Championship.

For Moto2 and Moto3 substitute or wild card riders in 2022, the minimum age is 17 years.

Technical Regulations

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

MotoGP Class

A procedure for checking machines equipped with passive ride height systems was approved.

Previously teams were required to deliver to the Technical Director, at the first event of the season, samples or detailed drawings of their aero body parts. For 2022 machines teams will now be required to provide samples or full 3D CAD models of these parts. Homologated aero body parts from 2021 machines, still used in 2022, will continue to be checked as per current procedures.

Following a request from Brembo, supported by MSMA, the following regulations will now apply to brake dimensions and packages.

Carbon brake discs must be one of the permitted sizes for outside diameter, which are: 320mm, 340mm and 355mm.

At certain circuits, for safety reasons, the use of 340mm or 355mm carbon brake discs is mandatory for the race, if declared Dry by the Race Director.

The circuits currently listed for mandatory minimum size 340mm brake discs are: Motegi (Japan), Spielberg (Austria) and Buriram (Thailand).

At these circuits either 340mm or 355mm discs may be used.

There are no restrictions on brakes disc sizes in a race declared Wet.

To reflect these changes there will now be two alternative brake packages defined in the regulations which must be supplied at a maximum cost of €80,000.

Option 1 (Current):

Calipers – 3 left + 3 right

Master Cylinder – 3

Carbon Disc – 10

Pads – 28

Option 2 (New):

Calipers – 2 left + 2 right

Master Cylinder – 3

Carbon Disc – 10

Pads – 32

Moto2 Class

It will be permitted to add ducts to the front fender for the sole purpose of cooling the brake system and discs. All ducts must be pre-approved before being used on track and the decision of the Technical Director will be final.

Moto3 Class

The following items will now be designated as Performance Parts and must be homologated:

Complete motorcycle wiring loom (including wiring connections to airbox, dashboard, throttle body, handlebar switch panel and kill switch).

Complete fuel pump assembly from fuel pump to throttle body (including all connectors and hoses).

Pressure Regulator.

Riders Safety Equipment

The only purpose of any part of the rider’s race suit, boots and gloves should be to ensure that the rider is protected in an incident. Therefore, any part of the equipment that is deemed to be purely for the purpose of aiding rider’s aero effect is not permitted. The decision of the Technical Director will be final when determining what constitutes aero only.

Medical Regulations

Medical Fitness to Race

The Commission approved a number of new regulations concerning the medical assessment conducted to permit return to competition.

Specifically, there are new requirements on evidence that must be considered when reviewing recovery from head injury and concussion, abdominal/thoracic injury and musculoskeletal injuries, (such as fractures requiring surgery, compound or complex fractures).

In case of doubt, the CMO, the MotoGP Medical Director and the FIM Medical Officer can request further opinion on the reports and evidence provided to determine the status of the rider (fit or unfit).

Rider Helmets

The helmets of all riders taken to the medical centre for assessment following a crash must be retained by the medical personnel or CMO for control by the Technical Director or Technical Stewards before being returned to the rider or the team manager.

In cases of head injury including concussion or loss of consciousness, unless a specific provision of a national law advises otherwise, the helmet must be forwarded to the FIM Laboratory at the University of Zaragoza for expert examination and non-destructive analysis.

The helmet manufacturer will be notified of the exact tests and has the right to approve or refuse. They will be able to attend the analysis carried out in this laboratory. After inspection, the helmet can be returned to the rider, team, or manufacturer.

Disciplinary Regulations

A new position was approved for those persons involved in the assessment of regulation infractions, for example, jump starts, track limits, etc. Such persons will henceforth be referred to as Judges of Facts. No appeal may be lodged against a decision of the Judges of Facts on matters within their competence.

It was confirmed that information on protests and appeals plus Decisions of the FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel taken during track activities (practice and races), may be communicated on monitors as well as on official notice boards. Such communications on public screens are considered valid notification.

A regularly updated version of the FIM Grand Prix Regulations which contains the detailed text of the regulation changes may be viewed on:

https://www.fim-moto.com/en/sports/view/fim-world-championship-grand-prix-4327

Royal Enfield Successfully Completes Ride To The South Pole

David Swarts

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December 23, 2021

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Royal Enfield Successfully Completes Ride To The South Pole

ROYAL ENFIELD SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES QUEST FOR THE SOUTH POLE

90° SOUTH – QUEST FOR THE POLE, first-of-its-kind expedition on Royal Enfield Himalayans, commemorates 120 years of adventure and exploration on motorcycles.

Milwaukee, WI – Royal Enfield, the world’s oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production since 1901, has tested the endurance of man and machine time and again, and last week, it made history once again by successfully completing the 90° SOUTH Expedition, the quest for the South Pole on the Royal Enfield Himalayan. This extraordinary endeavor is a tribute to the brand’s 120-year commitment to pure motorcycling, and to the courage and resilience of countless riders and explorers who have made history on two wheels.

On December 16, 2021, two riders, Santhosh Vijay Kumar and Dean Coxson, reached the geographic South Pole in 15 days, making the ambitious attempt a reality.

The Royal Enfield Himalayans and crew arrived at the geographic South Pole on December 16, 2021. The team is in communication via satellite phone, hence the low-resolution image. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield.

The team arrived at Novo in Antarctica from Cape Town for four days of acclimatization, loading of supplies, checking equipment and the motorcycles. From Novo, the team covered an overland distance of 3200 km (1988 miles) over the next 9 days braving extreme weather conditions with temperatures between -30° to -25°C (-22° to -13°F) and wind speed of 60 km/h (37 mph), towards Ross Ice Shelf.

The Ross Ice Shelf was the designated start point for the riders, however, an unexpected blizzard forced the team to alter their course. Instead of starting the ride from 86 South, the team started the 400-km (250-mile) ride from 87 degrees South. Despite a few initial roadblocks and a slight detour, the expedition team completed the quest by reaching the South Pole on December 16, 2021.

Preview video: Announcing 90° SOUTH: Our Quest For The South Pole

For this expedition, two Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycles were modified in-house, with functional upgrades to be able to navigate snow and ice, and function under extreme conditions in Antarctica. The motorcycles were ridden on a compacted snow track from the Ross Ice Shelf to the South Pole, to reduce motorcycle drag and limit emissions to an absolute minimum. Royal Enfield is consciously ensuring no footprint is left behind by the expedition team except wheel tracks that will be quickly lost to snow drift. In line with our #LeaveEveryPlaceBetter initiative, the team is ensuring all waste, including human waste, is brought back for appropriate disposal.

The team is currently heading towards the western part of Antarctica, Union Glacier, from where they will fly out to Punta Arenas, Chile.

Click here for more info: Royal Enfield 90° SOUTH – Quest For The Pole

#RoyalEnfieldRides #RoyalEnfieldHimalayan #RoyalEnfield90South #RoyalEnfieldSouthPole #RoyalEnfieldAntarctica #RoyalEnfield120

About Royal Enfield

The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.

Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 140 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the all-new Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT 650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.

For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.

LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR Goes On Sale January 1

David Swarts

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December 23, 2021

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LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR Goes On Sale January 1

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – BMW Motorrad and the LEGO Group are proud to reveal the LEGO® Technic BMW M 1000 RR, or the M RR for short, which is set to go on sale on 1 January 2022. This intricate set brings the supreme racing technology of the 205 hp superbike, which is designed to meet the highest performance demands in motorsport and road use, to people’s living rooms.

The record number of 1,920 individual pieces and the impressive 1:5 scale provide an indication that the almost 18-inch long LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR is a model motorcycle in a class of its own. As well as meticulous attention to technical details, the model version of the M RR offers a number of features that are sure to appeal to model building and motorcycle enthusiasts alike.

These include fully functional components such as the three-speed gearbox, the upside-down fork and the rear swingarm with suspension, as well as the dashboard with three different display options and the gold-colored drive chain. The included paddock wheel stand and pit board also provide authentic racing flair.

“When the management of BMW Motorrad announced the first M model on two wheels, the BMW M 1000 RR, everyone knew that it would be something special” said Ralf Rodepeter, Head of Marketing and Product Management at BMW Motorrad. “In the same way, the LEGO Technic team realized they needed to come up with something unprecedented to pay tribute to the M RR. The result is a motorcycle and a technical model that each represent the state of the art in their respective fields.”

The LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR sees BMW Motorrad and LEGO continue their successful partnership and offers fans the opportunity to build the first model M motorcycle of BMW Motorrad that, like its real-life counterpart, stands for technical excellence and attention to detail.

Samuel Tacchi, designer at the LEGO Group commented: “It’s been so much fun getting underneath the skin of such a significant model for BMW Motorrad. There’s a reason why these beautifully engineered bikes are so universally loved by the biking community, and we are confident our LEGO Technic version is a winner like its real-life namesake.”

The LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR will be available exclusively in LEGO stores and on www.LEGO.com from January 1, 2022, and from other retailers from March 1, 2022, at a recommended retail price of $229.99.

The highlights of the LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR:

Model dimensions: 10.9-inches high / 17.9-inches long / 6.7-inches wide.

With exhibition stand: 12.8-inches high / 17.9-inches long / 6.7-inches wide.

With paddock stand: 10.9-inches high / 18.5-inches long / 6.7-inches wide.

1,920 individual parts.

Fully functional gearbox (three gears + neutral).

Front and rear suspension.

Gold-colored drive chain.

Three different dashboard options.

Supplied with paddock stand and display plate – perfect for presentation.
BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 351 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,144 BMW motorcycle retailers, 108 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

NEMRR And CCS End Affiliation

David Swarts

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December 22, 2021

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NEMRR and CCS start a new business relationship

Starting in 2022, NEMRR (formerly LRRS) will operate as an independent racing organization and will no longer be a direct affiliate of CCS. For a minimum of the next two seasons NEMRR and CCS will instead extend reciprocity to riders holding either race license. This means that NEMRR licenses will be honored at all CCS events and CCS licenses will be honored at all NEMRR events. When deciding which organization to license with, riders should simply choose the organization (CCS or NEMRR) that they consider to be the primary place they will race and/or chase championship points.

NEMRR President John Grush noted, “We’ve had a long relationship with CCS and wish Kevin Elliot and his team nothing but success for the future. NEMRR and CCS have a number of operational and class structure differences, and this move helps streamline the series management for both organizations. NEMRR will also now manage all contingency programs for our riders and will look to provide opportunities that cater to the unique character of our series. We expect to see our riders at many CCS events in the coming seasons and will continue to welcome CCS riders to ride with NEMRR.”

NEMRR has been working closely with the leadership at our primary venue at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and looks forward to a number of track surface upgrades for 2022. In addition, we anticipate a big buildup to the historic running of the 100th Loudon Classic in 2023. The 99th and 100th Loudon Classic events will have fantastic opportunities for riders to earn both considerable exposure and purse money. NEMRR expects to have exciting information to release in the coming months. The full 2022 NEMRR schedule is available at www.nemrr.com.

MotoAmerica: RSD Super Hooligan Series Racing At Daytona

David Swarts

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December 22, 2021

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MotoAmerica: RSD Super Hooligan Series Racing At Daytona

RSD’s Super Hooligans Series Set For Three Rounds In Conjunction With MotoAmerica

Roland Sands Designs’ Hooligan Series Will Join MotoAmerica In Beginning Its Championship At Daytona International Speedway In March

IRVINE, CA (December 22, 2021) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, and Roland Sands Designs have announced that the road racing portion of 2022 Super Hooligan National Championship (SHNC) Road Race Series, which will be held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Series in an expanded four-race, three-round schedule that will begin with a doubleheader on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway in March.

Super Hooligan racing features 750cc and up twins, 420-pound-plus, air-cooled and water-cooled high-bar motorcycles with racers competing on a multitude of surfaces. Last year’s four-round series included three flat track races (a half mile dirt track, a TT, and a paved short track) and the lone road race, held in conjunction with MotoAmerica’s round at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in July.

This year the Super Hooligan National Championship introduces a road race focused series and includes four races at three road racing events with MotoAmerica set to begin with the doubleheader at Daytona International Speedway, March 10-12. From there the action will return with an SHNC round at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, April 22-24, and will conclude with a return to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, July 8-10.

“We’re pumped to have Roland Sands and his Super Hooligan series back with MotoAmerica for 2022,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “The RSD Super Hooligans at Laguna had a good vibe, cool sounds and the racing turned out to be great. We’re looking forward to more of the same next year. Having the series participate at Daytona will definitely add to the atmosphere of the event, which was already going to be big with the Daytona 200, Mission King Of The Baggers and MotoAmerica Twins Cup, and it just got even better with the addition of two Super Hooligan races. We’re looking forward to getting it all started in Florida.”

“Daytona has always been a special place for me as both a racer and a fan of all the activities of Bike Week,” said Roland Sands. “Taking a Super Hooligan road racing championship to the high banks of Daytona International Speedway is really a dream come true. It will be awesome, and we look forward to seeing our fans and racers in the sunshine of Daytona Beach in March.”

Roland Sands Design will soon be announcing a West Coast Short Track series to support the historically dirt-focused SHNC Series.

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner. For more information on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

MotoGP: Marc Marquez Making “Favorable” Progress

David Swarts

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December 22, 2021

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MotoGP: Marc Marquez Making “Favorable” Progress

Marc Marquez progresses adequately with diplopia diagnosis

The Repsol Honda Team rider, who last October was diagnosed with an episode of diplopia after suffering a fall while training for the Portuguese GP, has continued periodic visits to his trusted ophthalmologist to assess the evolution of his vision over the past two months. During these reviews the progress made has been deemed favorable and as a result Marquez will continue with a conservative treatment plan for the next few weeks.

Marc Marquez will continue to undergo periodic reviews with Dr. Sánchez Dalmau during the coming weeks alongside the conservative treatment plan. The situation does not prevent the rider from Cervera from continuing his physical training plan to prepare himself physically for a new season.

Canadian Superbike: Pro-Am Lightweight Sport Bike Class Added

David Swarts

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December 22, 2021

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Canadian Superbike: Pro-Am Lightweight Sport Bike Class Added

PRO-AM Lightweight Sport Bike Confirmed for CSBK Nationals in 2022

Toronto, ON – The Canadian National Superbike Championship series will offer an additional National category at Series rounds in 2022, a version of the successful Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike category, the Professional-Amateur Lightweight class: PRO-AM Ltwt for short.

The PRO-AM class will be aimed at the same, small displacement, street-based modern sports machines that compete in the current Super Sonic Road Racing School Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike category in CSBK. However, the PRO-AM guidelines will allow for addition of Pro level competitors, and slightly reduce the technical controls directed at the Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike class.

The new PRO-AM class will offer a more liberal set of standards for a similar range of Lightweight-category street-legal machinery. Competitors can also apply to use motorcycles not approved for Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike if those bikes fit into the competitive model for the new PRO-AM Ltwt National class.

Previously, competitors in Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike were not permitted to compete in other races during a National weekend. Now these racers can “bump” into the PRO-AM category and compete against more experienced riders. Pro level racers will be eligible to race in PRO-AM Ltwt as well as the Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike middleweight category.

As with the Super Sonic Road Race School Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike category, the new PRO-AM Lightweight category will have two final races per each CSBK National event weekend.

A new PRO/AM category was announced following the Montreal Motorcycle Show on March 7, 2020, just days before the COVID-19 pandemic delayed most racing initiatives. The new 2022 PRO-AM category is the much-delayed launch of that plan, based on events that took place at Atlantic Motorsport Park, Nova Scotia, and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Ontario, in the summer of 2019.

The maximum allowable horsepower for the PRO-AM class on the official Series Dynojet Dyno will be 50, and weight must register no lower than 305 pounds immediately post-race in the Keene Truck Tech Centre scales.

In the parallel Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike category, strict rules mandate that the current lowest minimum weight is 310 pounds when measure “wet” post-race, while the highest allowable rear-wheel horsepower is 45.

The Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike class started in 2018 and was a successor to the spec Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Honda CBR250R National classes. The focus of Super Sonic Road Racing School Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike division is on rider development, so the technical guidelines are restrictive.

This means the AM Lightweight Sport Bike class racers are frequently checked and measured, including horsepower monitoring at the official series rear wheel Dynojet Dyno, as provided by Brooklin Cycle Racing’s logistics operations. Performance standards are balanced based on the various models eligible, and their stock weight and power numbers.

In 2021, Harvey Renaud of Richmond, ON, earned the Super Sonic Road Race School Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike National title on a Kawasaki Ninja 400 twin. Renaud wound up with 227 points in the final standings, 16 ahead of season-long Championship leader Mackenzie Weil of Keene, ON, also Ninja mounted. Weil was forced to sit-out the final National race of 2021 at Calabogie Motorsports Park, ON, due to a concussion.

In mandatory post-race Tech at Calabogie September 18, winner Renaud’s Kawasaki produced 44.38 horsepower on the official series Dynojet Dyno, under the 45 permitted horsepower limit for his specific base model. Renaud’s machine weighted 335 pounds post-race, well above the minimum number of 320 pounds as established in CSBK’s Rule Book.

As with the other five CSBK National classes, the new-for-2022 PRO-AM Lightweight category will use spec Dunlop slick rubber and for-racing Dunlop rain tires when needed.

Last-Minute Gift Idea: Books By Roadracing World Contributor Mat Oxley

David Swarts

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December 21, 2021

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Last-Minute Gift Idea: Books By Roadracing World Contributor Mat Oxley

Roadracing World MotoGP Editor Mat Oxley is a prolific author, and two of his most popular recent editions include Speed: The One Genuinely Modern Pleasure and the graphic novel version of Stealing Speed. Now they’re available as a packaged set, with attractive pricing.

Speed: The One Genuinely Modern Pleasure covers all sorts of racing, from the Isle of Man TT and Brooklands in the U.K. to murderous high-banked wooden board tracks in the USA, bringing to life a unique era when our ancestors were enthralled by the brave new technology of early motorcycles.

The graphic novel Stealing Speed tells the true story of the biggest case of spying in racing history. Cold, hard cash motivated ill-fated East German racer Ernst Degner to turn over technical secrets and actual hard parts stolen from behind the Iron Curtain from two-stroke pioneer Walter Kaaden and MZ, and the technology transformed Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha two-strokes from paddock embarrassments to Grand Prix race and title winners. The two books (including shipping to the U.S.A.) sell together for 59 British Pounds, or about $80 U.S. To purchase these and other books by Oxley, go to https://matoxley.bigcartel.com/ .

Bad Ass: Jeremy Toye

December 23, 2021

Road racer, crew chief, and rider coach Jeremy Toye jumps a Kawasaki KX450 over a deployed Recon model Bad Ass Tent in this promotional photo. Photo courtesy Bad Ass Tents.

Jeremy Toye is a pretty bad ass dude. In addition to testing motorcycles professionally, Toye finished in the top 10 in AMA Pro Superbike races in 2004 and 2005, was the fastest newcomer at the Isle of Man TT in 2006, finished on the Macau Grand Prix podium in 2010, won the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb while competing as a rookie in 2014, and won the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship as crew chief for Sean Dylan Kelly in 2021.

When he’s not building, tuning, testing, or racing motorcycles (or coaching other riders), Toye goes back to his riding roots in the dirt and jumps over stuff for promotional photos, like he did in this photo for Bad Ass Tents. Here, Toye clears a deployed Bad Ass Tent Recon model on top of a Ford Bronco on his Kawasaki KX450.

Bad Ass Tents is a new company formed by Hotbodies Racing founder and owner Roger Davis to design, develop, and market rooftop tents that will fit on almost any vehicle with a roof rack and cross bars. The tents fold down to a low, streamlined profile when not in use, and unfold quickly and easily into 5.0-foot-tall, 6.0-foot-long tent. Prices range from $2,500 to $4,500 from dealers, and licensed racers get a 25% discount with the promo code JFT. More information is available from Bad Ass Tents, Dept. RW, 12925 Brookprinter Place Suite 200, Poway, CA 92064, (858) 842-1855, [email protected], www.badasstents.com or www.BATents.com.

American Flat Track: Bronson Bauman Joins Latus Motors Harley Team

December 23, 2021

Bronson Bauman testing on the Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson. Photo courtesy Latus Motors Racing.

Bronson Bauman Joins Latus Motors Racing for ‘22 Mission SuperTwins Season

GLADSTONE, Ore. – The Latus Motors Racing has signed Bronson Bauman to ride the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R SuperTwin for the 2022 Progressive American Flat Track season.

Bauman is a well proven commodity at the sport’s highest level. Bronson has tallied up eight career podiums in the premier class to date and enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2019, in which he earned a maiden victory at the Laconia ST and ended the season ranked third in the Grand National Championship.

Team Owner George Latus said, “We’re excited to have Bronson as part of our team for the upcoming season. He and his team were pitted next to us pretty much all last season, and we’ve seldom seen a harder working, more dedicated rider. Plainly put, he impressed all of us with his riding skill, tenacity, technical savvy, and just plain hard work. We’ve done testing with him, and he’s a good fit for the team, and we enjoy working with him as we continue development of the bike. 2022 is going to be an exciting season!”

Bauman said, “I’m so excited and honored to ride for the Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson team. I have already enjoyed the few times we’ve worked together and feel like we mesh well as a group. I can’t wait to see what this 2022 AFT season has in store for us.”

Latus Motors Racing was founded by George Latus, owner of the Latus Motors dealership located in Gladstone, Oregon, just outside of Portland. Originally from Montana, George has had a lifelong love of motorcycles and motorsports.

MotoGP: New Regulations Include Lower Qualifying Cut-Off Limit

December 23, 2021

The start of a MotoGP race at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Photo courtesy Dorna. — The start of a MotoGP race at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in 2021. Photo courtesy Dorna.

FIM Grand Prix World Championship

Decisions of the Grand Prix Commission

The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Paul Duparc (FIM), Herve Poncharal (IRTA), Lin Jarvis (Yamaha – MSMA) and Paolo Ciabatti (Ducati – MSMA) in electronic meetings held during November and December 2021, made the following decisions:

Sporting Regulations

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Qualification for the Race

In all classes the rider must achieve a time at least equal to 105% of the time recorded by the fastest rider in the same session in any of the FP or QP sessions. (Previously 107%).

Minimum Ages

The Commission ratified the previously announced changes to minimum ages for participation.

Licences for riders are issued only when the minimum age has been attained as below:

• Moto3: 16 years (18 years in 2023)

• Moto2: 16 years (18 years in 2023)

• MotoGP: 18 years

In the Moto3 class, an exemption applies to the winner of the FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship or the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup to compete in the Moto3 class of the FIM World Championship Grand Prix as a contracted, wild card or substitute/replacement rider even if the rider has not reached the minimum age for the class (however a minimum age of 15 years in 2022, 16 years in 2023, then 17 years in 2024 will apply).

In order to ensure a smooth transition, an exception will be granted to the riders who started in the 2022 Moto3 World Championship at the age of 16 so that they can continue with the 2023 Moto3 World Championship.

For Moto2 and Moto3 substitute or wild card riders in 2022, the minimum age is 17 years.

Technical Regulations

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

MotoGP Class

A procedure for checking machines equipped with passive ride height systems was approved.

Previously teams were required to deliver to the Technical Director, at the first event of the season, samples or detailed drawings of their aero body parts. For 2022 machines teams will now be required to provide samples or full 3D CAD models of these parts. Homologated aero body parts from 2021 machines, still used in 2022, will continue to be checked as per current procedures.

Following a request from Brembo, supported by MSMA, the following regulations will now apply to brake dimensions and packages.

Carbon brake discs must be one of the permitted sizes for outside diameter, which are: 320mm, 340mm and 355mm.

At certain circuits, for safety reasons, the use of 340mm or 355mm carbon brake discs is mandatory for the race, if declared Dry by the Race Director.

The circuits currently listed for mandatory minimum size 340mm brake discs are: Motegi (Japan), Spielberg (Austria) and Buriram (Thailand).

At these circuits either 340mm or 355mm discs may be used.

There are no restrictions on brakes disc sizes in a race declared Wet.

To reflect these changes there will now be two alternative brake packages defined in the regulations which must be supplied at a maximum cost of €80,000.

Option 1 (Current):

Calipers – 3 left + 3 right

Master Cylinder – 3

Carbon Disc – 10

Pads – 28

Option 2 (New):

Calipers – 2 left + 2 right

Master Cylinder – 3

Carbon Disc – 10

Pads – 32

Moto2 Class

It will be permitted to add ducts to the front fender for the sole purpose of cooling the brake system and discs. All ducts must be pre-approved before being used on track and the decision of the Technical Director will be final.

Moto3 Class

The following items will now be designated as Performance Parts and must be homologated:

Complete motorcycle wiring loom (including wiring connections to airbox, dashboard, throttle body, handlebar switch panel and kill switch).

Complete fuel pump assembly from fuel pump to throttle body (including all connectors and hoses).

Pressure Regulator.

Riders Safety Equipment

The only purpose of any part of the rider’s race suit, boots and gloves should be to ensure that the rider is protected in an incident. Therefore, any part of the equipment that is deemed to be purely for the purpose of aiding rider’s aero effect is not permitted. The decision of the Technical Director will be final when determining what constitutes aero only.

Medical Regulations

Medical Fitness to Race

The Commission approved a number of new regulations concerning the medical assessment conducted to permit return to competition.

Specifically, there are new requirements on evidence that must be considered when reviewing recovery from head injury and concussion, abdominal/thoracic injury and musculoskeletal injuries, (such as fractures requiring surgery, compound or complex fractures).

In case of doubt, the CMO, the MotoGP Medical Director and the FIM Medical Officer can request further opinion on the reports and evidence provided to determine the status of the rider (fit or unfit).

Rider Helmets

The helmets of all riders taken to the medical centre for assessment following a crash must be retained by the medical personnel or CMO for control by the Technical Director or Technical Stewards before being returned to the rider or the team manager.

In cases of head injury including concussion or loss of consciousness, unless a specific provision of a national law advises otherwise, the helmet must be forwarded to the FIM Laboratory at the University of Zaragoza for expert examination and non-destructive analysis.

The helmet manufacturer will be notified of the exact tests and has the right to approve or refuse. They will be able to attend the analysis carried out in this laboratory. After inspection, the helmet can be returned to the rider, team, or manufacturer.

Disciplinary Regulations

A new position was approved for those persons involved in the assessment of regulation infractions, for example, jump starts, track limits, etc. Such persons will henceforth be referred to as Judges of Facts. No appeal may be lodged against a decision of the Judges of Facts on matters within their competence.

It was confirmed that information on protests and appeals plus Decisions of the FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel taken during track activities (practice and races), may be communicated on monitors as well as on official notice boards. Such communications on public screens are considered valid notification.

A regularly updated version of the FIM Grand Prix Regulations which contains the detailed text of the regulation changes may be viewed on:

https://www.fim-moto.com/en/sports/view/fim-world-championship-grand-prix-4327

Royal Enfield Successfully Completes Ride To The South Pole

December 23, 2021

Two riders successfully trekked across Antarctica to the South Pole on Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycles. Photo, taken during a testing phase in Iceland, courtesy Royal Enfield.

ROYAL ENFIELD SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES QUEST FOR THE SOUTH POLE

90° SOUTH – QUEST FOR THE POLE, first-of-its-kind expedition on Royal Enfield Himalayans, commemorates 120 years of adventure and exploration on motorcycles.

Milwaukee, WI – Royal Enfield, the world’s oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production since 1901, has tested the endurance of man and machine time and again, and last week, it made history once again by successfully completing the 90° SOUTH Expedition, the quest for the South Pole on the Royal Enfield Himalayan. This extraordinary endeavor is a tribute to the brand’s 120-year commitment to pure motorcycling, and to the courage and resilience of countless riders and explorers who have made history on two wheels.

On December 16, 2021, two riders, Santhosh Vijay Kumar and Dean Coxson, reached the geographic South Pole in 15 days, making the ambitious attempt a reality.

The team arrived at Novo in Antarctica from Cape Town for four days of acclimatization, loading of supplies, checking equipment and the motorcycles. From Novo, the team covered an overland distance of 3200 km (1988 miles) over the next 9 days braving extreme weather conditions with temperatures between -30° to -25°C (-22° to -13°F) and wind speed of 60 km/h (37 mph), towards Ross Ice Shelf.

The Ross Ice Shelf was the designated start point for the riders, however, an unexpected blizzard forced the team to alter their course. Instead of starting the ride from 86 South, the team started the 400-km (250-mile) ride from 87 degrees South. Despite a few initial roadblocks and a slight detour, the expedition team completed the quest by reaching the South Pole on December 16, 2021.

Preview video: Announcing 90° SOUTH: Our Quest For The South Pole

For this expedition, two Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycles were modified in-house, with functional upgrades to be able to navigate snow and ice, and function under extreme conditions in Antarctica. The motorcycles were ridden on a compacted snow track from the Ross Ice Shelf to the South Pole, to reduce motorcycle drag and limit emissions to an absolute minimum. Royal Enfield is consciously ensuring no footprint is left behind by the expedition team except wheel tracks that will be quickly lost to snow drift. In line with our #LeaveEveryPlaceBetter initiative, the team is ensuring all waste, including human waste, is brought back for appropriate disposal.

The team is currently heading towards the western part of Antarctica, Union Glacier, from where they will fly out to Punta Arenas, Chile.

Click here for more info: Royal Enfield 90° SOUTH – Quest For The Pole

#RoyalEnfieldRides #RoyalEnfieldHimalayan #RoyalEnfield90South #RoyalEnfieldSouthPole #RoyalEnfieldAntarctica #RoyalEnfield120

About Royal Enfield

The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.

Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 140 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the all-new Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT 650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.

For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.

LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR Goes On Sale January 1

December 23, 2021

An assembled LEGO® Technic BMW M 1000 RR model. Photo courtesy BMW North America.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – BMW Motorrad and the LEGO Group are proud to reveal the LEGO® Technic BMW M 1000 RR, or the M RR for short, which is set to go on sale on 1 January 2022. This intricate set brings the supreme racing technology of the 205 hp superbike, which is designed to meet the highest performance demands in motorsport and road use, to people’s living rooms.

The record number of 1,920 individual pieces and the impressive 1:5 scale provide an indication that the almost 18-inch long LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR is a model motorcycle in a class of its own. As well as meticulous attention to technical details, the model version of the M RR offers a number of features that are sure to appeal to model building and motorcycle enthusiasts alike.

These include fully functional components such as the three-speed gearbox, the upside-down fork and the rear swingarm with suspension, as well as the dashboard with three different display options and the gold-colored drive chain. The included paddock wheel stand and pit board also provide authentic racing flair.

“When the management of BMW Motorrad announced the first M model on two wheels, the BMW M 1000 RR, everyone knew that it would be something special” said Ralf Rodepeter, Head of Marketing and Product Management at BMW Motorrad. “In the same way, the LEGO Technic team realized they needed to come up with something unprecedented to pay tribute to the M RR. The result is a motorcycle and a technical model that each represent the state of the art in their respective fields.”

The LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR sees BMW Motorrad and LEGO continue their successful partnership and offers fans the opportunity to build the first model M motorcycle of BMW Motorrad that, like its real-life counterpart, stands for technical excellence and attention to detail.

Samuel Tacchi, designer at the LEGO Group commented: “It’s been so much fun getting underneath the skin of such a significant model for BMW Motorrad. There’s a reason why these beautifully engineered bikes are so universally loved by the biking community, and we are confident our LEGO Technic version is a winner like its real-life namesake.”

The LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR will be available exclusively in LEGO stores and on www.LEGO.com from January 1, 2022, and from other retailers from March 1, 2022, at a recommended retail price of $229.99.

The highlights of the LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR:

Model dimensions: 10.9-inches high / 17.9-inches long / 6.7-inches wide.

With exhibition stand: 12.8-inches high / 17.9-inches long / 6.7-inches wide.

With paddock stand: 10.9-inches high / 18.5-inches long / 6.7-inches wide.

1,920 individual parts.

Fully functional gearbox (three gears + neutral).

Front and rear suspension.

Gold-colored drive chain.

Three different dashboard options.

Supplied with paddock stand and display plate – perfect for presentation.
BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 351 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,144 BMW motorcycle retailers, 108 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

NEMRR And CCS End Affiliation

December 22, 2021

NEMRR racers in action at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Photo courtesy NEMRR. — NEMRR racers in action at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.

NEMRR and CCS start a new business relationship

Starting in 2022, NEMRR (formerly LRRS) will operate as an independent racing organization and will no longer be a direct affiliate of CCS. For a minimum of the next two seasons NEMRR and CCS will instead extend reciprocity to riders holding either race license. This means that NEMRR licenses will be honored at all CCS events and CCS licenses will be honored at all NEMRR events. When deciding which organization to license with, riders should simply choose the organization (CCS or NEMRR) that they consider to be the primary place they will race and/or chase championship points.

NEMRR President John Grush noted, “We’ve had a long relationship with CCS and wish Kevin Elliot and his team nothing but success for the future. NEMRR and CCS have a number of operational and class structure differences, and this move helps streamline the series management for both organizations. NEMRR will also now manage all contingency programs for our riders and will look to provide opportunities that cater to the unique character of our series. We expect to see our riders at many CCS events in the coming seasons and will continue to welcome CCS riders to ride with NEMRR.”

NEMRR has been working closely with the leadership at our primary venue at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and looks forward to a number of track surface upgrades for 2022. In addition, we anticipate a big buildup to the historic running of the 100th Loudon Classic in 2023. The 99th and 100th Loudon Classic events will have fantastic opportunities for riders to earn both considerable exposure and purse money. NEMRR expects to have exciting information to release in the coming months. The full 2022 NEMRR schedule is available at www.nemrr.com.

MotoAmerica: RSD Super Hooligan Series Racing At Daytona

December 22, 2021

Andy DiBrino (62) leads eventual race winner Chris Fillmore (11) in last year's RSD Super Hooligan round at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy MotoAmerica.