Triumph Introduces New Speed Triple 1200 RR

David Swarts

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September 14, 2021

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Triumph Introduces New Speed Triple 1200 RR

THE NEW SPEED TRIPLE 1200 RR

Triple powered perfection

The pinnacle in Speed Triple elegance, performance, and attitude

A 2022-model Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR at speed. Photo courtesy Triumph.

A new statement in beauty, sophistication, and attitude

– Unique and beautiful new crafted cockpit fairing with signature RR single round headlight

– Even more focused, nose-down muscular Speed Triple poise and attitude

– All of the new generation Speed Triple design, with more premium details and beautiful touches:

o New carbon fiber detailing

o New twin color schemes with rich, high quality candy paint

A 2022-model Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR. Photo courtesy Triumph.

The most focused & exhilarating Speed Triple ride ever

– New fully engaged and committed rider ergonomics with clip-on handlebars, tailored foot peg position and an accessible 32.5-inch seat height

– New Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronically adjustable semi-active suspension

– New Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tires

– All the track-derived specification of the RS:

o Lightweight chassis

o Brembo Stylema brakes with linked braking system

o Adjustable Brembo MCS lever

o Optimized balance and center of gravity

A 2022-model Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR in action. Photo courtesy Triumph.

All of the latest generation’s triple powered revolution in performance

– All the immense performance of the Speed Triple 1200 RS from its lightweight, low-inertia engine with 177 HP peak power at 10,750 rpm and 92 LB-FT peak torque at 9,000 rpm

– Brushed stainless steel silencer with black end cap delivering that visceral Speed Triple sound

All of the latest generation’s premium specification technology

– Full-color 5” TFT instruments with My Triumph connectivity system

– Optimized cornering ABS and switchable optimized cornering traction control (with IMU)

– Five riding modes – Road, Rain, Sport, Track and Rider-configurable

– Triumph Shift Assist up and down quickshifter

– Advanced front wheel lift control

– Full-LED lighting, including distinctive new single round headlight with DRL

– Additional ride-enhancing technology including full keyless system, illuminated switch cubes and fully adjustable cruise control

Ready to personalize

– More than 30 genuine Triumph accessories for additional detailing, comfort, and protection

Price, service and availability

– High service intervals of 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first

– Two-year unlimited mileage warranty on the Speed Triple 1200 RR and all genuine accessories

$20,950 USD | $23,250 CAD

Available in dealerships, January 2022

The new Speed Triple 1200 RR has been designed to reflect the UK automotive world’s proud tradition of combining distinctive British elegance with exhilarating real-world performance. Creating a new dimension for riders who love the iconic nature of the Speed Triple with its unique character and road-focused sports performance, the new RR represents a step up in both beauty and capability, to deliver something more unique, more characterful, and truly authentic. In essence, a modern take on a café racer, and the ultimate sports bike for the road.

A new statement in beauty, sophistication, and attitude

The new Speed Triple 1200 RR delivers a new pinnacle in the style and design of Triumph’s modern roadster icon. With pure and flowing lines and a more sports-focused, nose-down riding position and silhouette, the RR brings a committed and arresting new look.

The stunning new cockpit fairing, sculpted to incorporate the signature-RR single round headlight set-up, gives the bike an instantly recognizable look and even more desirable style. Attention to detail is key to this beautiful machine, and so the whole cockpit area has been kept clean and uncluttered through the clever use of hidden cabling and hoses.

Premium new carbon fiber infill panels add an extra level of detailing to the tank, fairing and cockpit, and when combined with the new carbon fiber side panels and beautifully made carbon fiber front mudguard, the RR feels exquisitely crafted.

This new model comes in two stunning paint schemes – the Red Hopper and Storm Grey scheme which is a rich and lustrous color combination, or the equally striking Crystal White and Storm Grey option with premium gold detailing. Both schemes come, as standard, with a color-coded belly pan and color-coded seat cowl, which is supplied alongside the pillion seat and is easily interchangeable.

The most focused and exhilarating Speed Triple ride ever

Equipped with a lightweight and compact chassis with a cast aluminum frame, the new Speed Triple RR was designed to deliver all the incredible agility and pinpoint precise handling of a 765 Street Triple RS, with all the performance and attitude of the latest generation Speed. And now the new RR takes the specification to an even higher level with new ergonomics and more advanced track-derived equipment, making it the most exhilarating and sport-focused Speed Triple ride ever.

Commanding new rider-ergonomics give the new RR its fully engaging ride, without compromising comfort. Updates include new focused clip-on handlebars, which are 5-inches lower and 2-inches further forward than the Speed Triple 1200 RS, plus a tailored new foot peg position. When combined with the accessible 32.5-inch seat height, narrow tank and sculpted seat profile, the new RR delivers maximum comfort and control.

The sports edge to the RR is underlined by the premium specification of equipment that comes as standard. Instrumental to this is the new Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronically adjustable, semi-active front and rear suspension, which is the most advanced suspension system available from Öhlins. This new system has been specifically tuned to suit the RR’s geometry, to deliver the optimum balance of performance, comfort and control. It’s fully adjustable, even while riding, via the TFT instruments, and uses a highly advanced suspension control unit to continually monitor the input received, including riding style, speed, and acceleration to automatically adjust both compression and rebound damping in response.

The Speed Triple 1200 RR also benefits from lightweight track-spec twin Brembo Stylema® monobloc front calipers and lightweight 320mm floating front discs, providing precise braking performance. These are controlled via a Brembo front brake lever with multi-click system for span and ratio adjustability, to allow the rider to tailor the ergonomics for maximum comfort and control. On the rear, the stopping power is provided by a Brembo twin-piston caliper and 220mm single disc.

The 17” cast aluminum wheels are extremely lightweight and are fitted with the new high-performance Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tires, unique to the RR, delivering incredible response, stability and grip on both racetrack and road. For even more focused track use, there is also an approved track-only specification: the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC2 V3.

All of the latest generation’s triple powered revolution in performance

Impressive performance and distinctive character come naturally to the Speed Triple RR’s 1160cc triple engine – the same lightweight, efficient, and high performing engine that already powers the RS model.

With every component optimized for power, torque and response, the powertrain delivers an impressive 177 HP peak power at 10,750rpm, and 92 LB-FT peak torque at 9,000 rpm. And, characteristic of all Triumph triple engines, the torque curve is smooth and strong from low down, right through the mid-range and all the way up to peak revs for incredible punch and acceleration. The low-inertia engine delivers outstanding responsiveness and a beautifully refined and precise feel.

The stacked 6-speed gearbox is compact and light weight, with optimized ratio progression to precisely match the power curve, guaranteeing super slick gear changes. The lightweight slip and assist clutch use ramps in the clutch to force it together when under load, adding to the force of the clutch springs and allowing more power to be transmitted from the engine to the gearbox. The opposite is also true when downshifting aggressively, where a controlled amount of clutch slip is allowed to maximize rear wheel control.

The side-mounted, brushed stainless-steel single silencer with black end cap delivers the Speed Triple’s signature hair-raising and visceral sound for a sporty and engaged riding experience.

All of the latest generation’s premium specification technology

As with the Speed Triple 1200 RS, the RR comes with a full suite of state-of-the-art rider aids, electronics and convenience features designed to not only make the ride easier and safer, but also deliver a tailored set-up for different riding scenarios.

Key to its premium specification is the full-color 5” TFT instruments, with the My Triumph connectivity system fitted as standard. Android and IOS compatible, this enables phone call and music operation, turn-by-turn navigation (developed in partnership with Google) and GoPro control. All are accessed and managed via the backlit switch cubes and conveniently displayed on the optically bonded TFT screen, which guarantees minimal reflections for excellent image clarity. The intuitive user interface enables on-the-go adjustment of many settings and incorporates a lap timer for use on track.

The RR is also equipped as standard with Triumph’s most-advanced optimized cornering ABS and switchable optimized cornering traction control systems. These use an inertial measurement unit to measure roll, pitch, yaw and acceleration rates, in order to calculate the lean angle and precisely control the ABS and traction control response to match, optimizing slip rates and torque control to suit the specific riding mode chosen.

Linked to the traction control system is the advanced front wheel lift detection system, which uses advanced algorithms for precise control.

The new RR features five riding modes – Road, Rain, Sport, Rider-configurable, and also a Track mode, which has minimal ABS and traction control intervention. The riding modes have multiple levels of intervention to choose from and are selected and adjusted via the TFT instruments.

Another key feature for use on the road and on track is the Triumph Shift Assist up and down quickshifter, which has been developed using the insight Triumph has gained through its involvement in the World Moto2TM championship. It features an advanced sensor that gives the engine control unit a wealth of information, allowing both up and down gear shifts to be fully mapped against a number of parameters, exactly as the Moto2TM race teams do.

When up-shifting, the Triumph Shift Assist adjusts factors such as ignition, fuel, and throttle angle, to momentarily relieve the pressure on the gears and allow them to slide. This is a much more sophisticated system than a traditional quickshifter, which would simply cut the ignition. When down-shifting, again the system monitors and adjusts various parameters and precisely controls the throttle blips, guaranteeing a smooth shift.

Lighting is LED throughout for maximum durability and efficiency. There’s a daytime running light incorporated into the new single round headlight (where market legislation permits) and a distinctive rear light integrated into the tail unit with unique light signature, plus LED self-cancelling indicators.

The new Speed Triple 1200 RR is also equipped with additional ride-enhancing technology including a full keyless system (incorporating keyless ignition, steering lock, and fuel filler cap) and fully adjustable cruise control.

Ready to personalize

As with all Triumph motorcycles, personalization is at the heart of the new RR, with a range of over 30 genuine accessories, all of which have been developed alongside the motorcycle itself for perfect integration. These have all been tested to the same exacting quality and durability standards and all come with Triumph’s two-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Accessories include machined front and rear brake reservoirs, scrolling indicators, heated grips and even luggage, with a water-resistant tail pack and tank bag, both with quick release mounting – all of which are available to view on the online configurator.

Ownership benefits

Reflecting Triumph’s excellent standards of quality and reliability, the new Speed Triple 1200 RR has high service intervals of 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.

The new Speed Triple 1200 RR also comes with Triumph’s two-year unlimited mileage warranty, which can be extended by one or two years for additional peace of mind.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Type Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder

Capacity 1160 cc

Bore 90.0 mm

Stroke 60.8 mm

Compression 13.2:1

Maximum Power 177 HP (180 PS) @ 10,750 rpm

Maximum Torque 92 LB -FT (125 Nm) @ 9,000 rpm

Fuel System Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with electronic throttle control

Exhaust Stainless steel 3 into 1 header system with underslung primary silencer and side mounted secondary silencer

Final Drive X-ring chain

Clutch Wet, multi-plate, slip & assist

Gearbox 6 speed

CHASSIS

Frame Aluminum twin spar frame, bolt-on aluminum rear subframe

Swingarm Aluminum, single-sided

Front Wheel Cast aluminum, 17 x 3.5 in

Rear Wheel Cast aluminum, 17 x 6.0 in

Front Tire 120/70 ZR 17 (58W)

Rear Tire 190/55 ZR 17 (75W)

Front Suspension Öhlins 43mm fully adjustable USD forks, 120mm travel. Öhlins S-EC 2.0 OBTi system electronic compression / rebound damping

Rear Suspension Öhlins monoshock RSU with linkage, 120mm rear wheel travel. Öhlins S-EC 2.0 OBTi system electronic compression / rebound damping

Front Brakes Twin 320mm floating discs. Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers, OC-ABS, radial master cylinder with separate reservoir, span & ratio adjustable

Rear Brakes Single 220mm disc. Brembo twin piston caliper, OC-ABS. Rear master cylinder with separate reservoir

Instruments Full-colour 5″ TFT instruments

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS

Length 82 in (2085 mm)

Width (Handlebars) 30 in (758 mm)

Height Without Mirrors 44 in (1120 mm)

Seat Height 32.5 in (830 mm)

Wheelbase 56.5 in (1439 mm)

Rake 23.9º

Trail 4 in (104.7 mm)

Wet weight 439 lbs (199 kg)

Fuel Tank Capacity 4 gal (15.5 liters)

SERVICE

Service interval 10,000 miles (16,000km) /12 months

World Supersport: Jespersen Subbing For Aegerter At Catalunya

David Swarts

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September 13, 2021

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World Supersport: Jespersen Subbing For Aegerter At Catalunya

Simon Jespersen takes the hot seat in the eighth round of World Supersport in Catalunya

SVENDBORG, DENMARK – Simon Jespersen (Denmark) take the hot seat for Ten Kate Racing Yamaha in the eighth round of World Supersport in Catalunya, Spain.

SBS is proud to announce, that the 20-year-old Danish SBS race rider, Simon Jespersen, will replace Dominique Aegerter at the World Supersport race in Catalunya, Spain for Ten Kate Racing Yamaha. Jespersen replace Aegerter due to other obligations in the MotoE Championship the same weekend. The eighth round takes place 17th to 19th of September 2021, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Aegerter will return to the Dutch team, when they will compete at the Circuit of Jerez the following week. Jespersen will share the garage with Ten Kate Racing’s Galang Hendra Pratama.

SBS Race Manager, Allan Østli Jørgensen: “There is no reason to lean on the brakes over Simon and Ten Kate Racing’s collaboration; It is a perfect match, now that Aegerter have obligations in MotoE and Jespersen shows exceptionally good form. For 20 years, SBS has been the preferred brake sponsor for Ten Kate Racing, since the team’s introduction to the Supersport 600 series in 2001. Therefore, we know what requirements the team has for both their brakes and their riders. In our talent-work with Jespersen, since his debut on mini-bike, we have supported his development and he is technically a pleasure to work with. As a Danish brake manufacturer, we are of course also very proud to see a Danish rider go ahead in the demanding World Supersport-series.

Simon Jespersen: “To know that I will ride for Ten Kate Racing Yamaha in the next World Supersport round in Barcelona is probably one of the coolest experiences I have achieved in my career so far. I’m super grateful for this opportunity from the whole Ten Kate Racing Yamaha squad to let me replace Dominique, who is also the championship leader. I will take this opportunity as a big learning process throughout all the weekend and I will do my very best. Recently I made my debut in this championship in Navarra. I was very positive about the results. For this weekend I will arrive with confidence in my mind that I can work with the Ten Kate squad. I have no expectations at all, I don’t want to put any pressure on myself, just enjoy and ride free. I want to be able to finish the weekend with saying that I have done my absolutely 100% and leave with a big smile!”.

Team manager Kervin Bos: “We want to go for the team championship with Ten Kate Racing Yamaha. When we know that Dominique had to miss the Catalunya round, we went looking for the best possible alternative. I think we found it with Simon Jespersen. We were tipped before the Navarra round by our partner SBS Brake Pads about Simon. The recommendation was more than right, as Simon left a very strong impression in Navarra and even took the lead in the race. Simon gets full support from Dominique’s crew. We are also proud to announce that SBS Brake Pads is our special event sponsor in Catalunya. I think that with Simon and Galang we can go for good results in Catalunya!”

American Flat Track: Whale Staying With KTM Through 2023

David Swarts

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September 13, 2021

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American Flat Track: Whale Staying With KTM Through 2023

MAX WHALE EXTENDS CONTRACT WITH RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING TEAM THROUGH 2023

MURRIETA, Calif. – KTM North America, Inc. is pleased to announce that AFT Singles Championship contender Max Whale has signed a two-year deal to remain with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team through the 2023 American Flat Track Championship.

In his fourth season in the class, the Aussie has established himself as a force in the AFT Singles division as he prepares to battle down to the wire for the coveted title, which is mathematically still up for grabs at the Charlotte Half-Mile finale next month. With four Main Event victories and four top-five finishes in his first season with the team, Whale continues to build on his solid platform aboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION for the next two seasons.

Max Whale: “I am so pumped to sign a two-year extension with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team. I’ve been having an awesome time this year with my team, racking up victories and points! I’m excited for the next two years of my career with the crew.”

Chris Fillmore – Red Bull KTM Team Manager: “I’m really looking forward to having Max with us for the next two seasons and to continue with the progression we’ve seen in just his first year with the team. Max is a racer by nature – he is self-determined, has a never-give-up attitude and truly passionate about the KTM brand and motorcycling. This year was an adjustment year for Max with a new bike, team, sponsors and responsibilities, so with that nearly behind us, we can narrow our focus.”

For more information on the American Flat Track Championship, please visit their website https://www.americanflattrack.com.

N2/WERA Endurance: Army Of Darkness Wins Overall Championship

David Swarts

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September 13, 2021

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N2/WERA Endurance: Army Of Darkness Wins Overall Championship

Pirelli-Shod Army Of Darkness Takes N2/WERA Endurance Victory And 17th National Championship At Summit Point Raceway

The points separating AOD from their top challenger made for a virtual tie with whichever team winning the Summit Point series finale [held on September 11] securing both the Heavyweight Championship and the Overall Championship.

AOD kicked it old school by fielding the rider lineup of Chris Peris and Ben Walters, who would be facing off against a team consisting of ex-AOD teammates Taylor Knapp and Danny Eslick. Peris laid down a marker by securing pole position for AOD in qualifying with a gap of 1.5 seconds.

Knapp, forever the competitor, latched onto Peris at the start and was able to keep pace for the first 20 minutes before Peris was able to turn tenths into quarters and then halves into full seconds and slowly built a lead of 45 seconds, before an early pit top by Knapp gave AOD a full one-lap lead. Eslick was unable to make any inroads on Walters before having to pull off the track to receive some out-of-bounds fueling.

From that point on, the race was between the N2-sponsored team of Bobblehead Moto and AOD. Peris’ fastest-laps-of-the-race pace and the crew’s faster pit stops allowed AOD to keep ahead of the strong challenge from N2/Bobblehead Moto.

AOD used Pirelli SC1 rear slicks and SC 2 fronts to take the race win, securing both the Heavyweight Championship and the Overall Championship for the fourth consecutive year.

Team Rider Ben Walters offered: “There have been 18 N2/WERA endurance races over the last four years and I have been privileged to be a part of AOD winning 13 of them. There are thousands of things that can go wrong with the bike, or the track, or another competitor, and then we still have to bring a fast platform to the track and turn the lap times and, after all that, still have perfect pit stops. It’s just incredible the amount of work that Sam, Melissa, Tim, Chris, YT and Anthony put into everything from the trailer to the ECU programming to hand-beating aluminum. And then, of course, Chris Peris is the perfect teammate because not only is he talented, but he is a great instructor and friend who even today was helping me find tenths. If you told me at the start of 2018 that we were going to win over 70% of the races going forward I wouldn’t have believed it. We had very strong challengers each year, but racing fortune is smiling upon us and we keep pulling off the late-season rally to win the championships. It’s like a storybook ending each year!”

The 2021 N2/WERA National Endurance Overall Champions Army Of Darkness (from left): Chris Peris, Ben Walters, Chris Manfrin, Sam Fleming, Melissa Berkoff, Tim Gooding, YT Lechner, and Anthony Consorte. Photo courtesy Army of Darkness.

Crew Chief Tim Gooding opined: “Each season, Sam and I talk about how to get in more laps by reducing dumb mistakes, faster pit stops or faster lap times. This year was particularly tough because not only did we have to face a well-equipped challenger, but we also had to adapt our strategies and tactics to the new Pirelli tires and the challenges of racing a Euro5 emissions-compliant motorcycle. We were maybe lulled into a false sense of security with the first win in the rain but lost the next two races to a combination of lack of race pace and dumb mistakes. In the mid-season, we did a lot of testing with Xavier Zayat, Peris, and Walters and worked so hard on improving our mechanical package and then matching that to the electronics package. It all paid off with the win at PittRace and the championships here at our home track of Summit Point. When Sam and I first came to race an RD350LC in 1990 I don’t think either of us could have ever imagined winning an overall endurance race surrounded by friends and family. I want to thank Pirelli for all the support and technical assistance and the whole AOD crew for the hard work and dedication.”

AOD is sponsored by: Army of Darkness, Pirelli, Yamaha Champions Riding School, Yamaha, Chicken Hawk Racing, Woodcraft, Hindle, K-Tech, Fast Frank Racing, Supersprox, Thermosman, N2, Industry13, WERA, and Roadracing World.

MotoAmerica: Aguilar Making Superbike Debut At Barber

David Swarts

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September 13, 2021

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MotoAmerica: Aguilar Making Superbike Debut At Barber

Jason Aguilar to make his Superbike debut at the MotoAmerica season finale this weekend

After the disappointment of having to withdraw from the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, Jason Aguilar is delighted to announce that thanks to Superbike Unlimited Racing he will be back on track at the season finale at Barber Motorsport Park this coming weekend.

Aguilar, a multiple podium finisher in Supersport last season and the former Stock 600 Champ, has been on the spanners for much of the year but is understandably excited to return to racing himself after several positive on track tests during 2021.

The triple header at Barber Motorsport Park will be Jason’s debut in the MotoAmerica Superbike category. He will race a Kawasaki ZX-10RR.

Jason Aguilar: “I’d like to say how happy and excited I am to get back to racing. After almost a full season of not being on track after the deal I had fell through I began to talk to Superbike Unlimited about doing something together. We had planned to race sooner than at the final round but some things outside of our control prevented that from happening. It’s not ideal to just enter for the final round but the main thing is we are racing. We have limited testing and I have no experience of racing on a 1000cc machine, but we are going to make the best of it we can. I have no major goals or expectations I just want to have fun and show what a great package we have. It is going to be a huge learning curve, but I honestly cannot wait. I want to remind people that I am still a racer, and I can’t thank the guys at Superbike Unlimited enough for the opportunity and for believing in me. They have been working so hard and I really hope that we can secure some great results. I want to thank all the team sponsors, and some of my personal sponsors, Lexin, Motul, they have really stepped up and supported me and this is major. I can’t wait to get started.”

Freddy Carswell, Superbike Unlimited: “I know I speak for everyone at SBU when I say that we’re really looking forward to getting back on the MotoAmerica grid and with Jason. We’ve had a good working dynamic on, and off track and I’ve been happy to find that our Kawasaki ZX-10RR has thus far only needed the normal setting adjustments for Jason to be comfortable. Whilst we’d planned to get started much earlier this season, we had some unusual parts availability issues that greatly limited our ability to prepare in a timely fashion. We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have some truly great sponsors who have been patient with us during this time. Better late than never, we’re ready now and we’re excited to race in Birmingham and be a part of this great series.”

For more information go to www.aguilarracing.com

MotoAmerica: More From The Races At New Jersey Motorsports Park (Updated)

David Swarts

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September 13, 2021

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MotoAmerica: More From The Races At New Jersey Motorsports Park (Updated)

Gagne Clinches MotoAmerica Superbike Championship at NJMP Tripleheader

Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne continues to raise the bar in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, securing his first title in the premier class at the penultimate round at New Jersey Motorsports Park. After sealing the deal earlier today in Race 2 of the tripleheader, the newly crowned champ pulled off an encore performance in the afternoon race to extend his impressive win streak to 16. Josh Herrin returned to the podium with a pair of third-place finishes. Toni Elias rebounded from his crash in Race 2 to finish sixth in the final race of the weekend.

Gagne got another great start from pole position in Race 2 and made the pass for the lead in Turn 2. He then worked on expanding his lead up front, picking up the pace and breaking the track record with a 1:20.076 on Lap 3. Gagne put in consistently fast times to cross the line comfortably with a 9.5-second margin of victory. His 15th-straight win of the season gave him the two points he needed to claim the crown four races early.

A few hours after the championship ceremony on the podium, Gagne was back to business as usual. He countered the holeshot with another pass in turn two and never looked back. The Colorado rider executed his trademark disappearing act with a blistering pace to take his third win of the weekend by another healthy margin. Gagne’s sweep of the weekend not only extended his record-breaking win streak to 16, but it also put him in a tie for ninth on the AMA Superbike overall win list with multi-time World Champion and MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey.

Herrin was hungry for a podium finish after finishing just shy of a top-five finish yesterday in his first race back in action. He got another good start in fifth and quickly passed his teammate to move into fourth. It was a heated multi-rider battle on those opening laps, and Herrin took advantage of the war of attrition and advanced to third. From there, the Californian ran his own race and held off the competition to score his sixth podium of the season.

In the final race of the weekend, Herrin repeated his previous starts in fifth. It was another three-rider fight for that final podium spot, and he patiently waited for his opportunity, making the pass for fourth on Lap 7. A couple of laps after the halfway mark, he battled for third and ultimately grabbed the upper hand with four laps to go, scoring his second podium of the weekend.

Elias had a tough second day of racing in Millville, New Jersey. He didn’t get the start he was hoping for and then, unfortunately, crashed out of the race in Turn 1 while battling for third. In Race 2, the Spaniard found himself eighth after the start but quickly made his way to sixth. He tried to chase down the group ahead, but they were out of reach. Elias was shuffled to seventh at the halfway point, but he closed the gap, and then on the final lap, he reclaimed sixth.

The Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha Racing Team heads to Barber Motorsports Park next weekend for another MotoAmerica Superbike tripleheader at the series finale in Leeds, Alabama, on September 17-19.

Richard Stanboli – Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha Racing Team Manager

“Today was a great day for our team. Our Yamaha R1s ran flawlessly, giving Jake the opportunity to wrap up the championship early and continue to set new track records. The team is super happy with Jake and what he has been able to accomplish. He has truly raised the bar this season, and to wrap up the championship four races from the end says it all.

“Josh bringing home a couple of thirds today was a good comeback ride after missing the last two rounds; it was quite an accomplishment. He had a very tight race with the (Loris) Baz, and it was fun to watch.

“Overall, the weekend has been exceptional. Mat Scholtz of Westby Racing also finished all three races in second, making it an Attack Performance-Yamaha podium sweep in all three races. We are looking forward to a fight to the finish at Barber next week. It should be fun!”

Jake Gagne – Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha Racing

“What a weekend! It’s amazing to be able to wrap up this championship for the team, and to do it with three more wins is fantastic. I have to give a big thanks to this team for such an incredible effort all year long! We have a short break, and then we’ll be right back at it. I’m looking to keep our momentum going into the finale at Barber.”

Josh Herrin (2). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Yamaha.

Josh Herrin – Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha Racing

“It feels so great to get back on the podium, especially after being away for so long. My coach Josh Hayes told me, ‘let’s get rid of the plus (sign) on your board, and just focus on what’s in front of you,’ and that made a huge difference today. I just want to give a huge shout-out to my whole team. They have been working hard all year for me. It’s been a struggle this season, especially since we thought we’d be getting better results, but we’re going to keep working hard. I just really appreciate those guys putting in all of their efforts for me.

“I also want to say thanks to Rachel and baby Griffin back home. I know they’re watching. It’s awesome knowing that he was able to be around for these last two rounds and be able to watch. It’s a huge motivation for me and gave me a whole new feeling about racing after he was born. This weekend I’ve been trying to have a whole different approach to things; to just have fun and get back to what it used to be like for me.”

Toni Elias (24). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Yamaha.

Toni Elias – Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha Racing

“It was a very difficult day for me. I felt really good in Race 2 this morning but made some mistakes on the first lap, which put me back in sixth. I was coming back super strong, but I went too deep going into Turn 1 making a double pass on Josh Herrin and Cameron Petersen. Then in the second race, I was having an issue, and I couldn’t push. It was not my best day, but I’m really grateful for this opportunity. A big thanks to the Fresh N’ Lean Attack Yamaha team. It’s been a pleasure to work with this group and ride this bike that brought me back to the podium twice. I’m very happy to be back again; It’s been amazing.”

More, from a press release issued by Westby Racing:

Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz Clinches Second Place In 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship

Mathew Scholtz (11). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Westby Racing.

Millville, NJ – On the strength of their runner-up finishes in Sunday’s two Superbike races at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP), Mathew Scholtz and the Westby Racing team have clinched second place in the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship.

It was the sixth and seventh races this season in which Mathew has finished second, his third and fourth consecutive races in which he has taken the checkered flag second, and the 12th and 13th times that he has finished on the podium in the past 17 races.

While Mathew finished second in both of Sunday’s races, his good friend and fellow Yamaha rider Jake Gagne won both of the 20-lap events, clinching the 2021 Superbike Championship in the morning’s race two.

Both of Sunday’s races were similar, but the work that Mathew and the team put into dialing in the bike paid off in the final race of the weekend. Mathew not only briefly led the race, but the gap between Mathew and Jake at the checkered flag was at its smallest in race three.

Following the morning’s race two, Mathew said, “I did what I wanted to do for the first four laps when I could kind of be with Jake, and I just faded from there, really. I’m happy to just bring it home in second place. We need to try to figure out how to be more consistent once the tire drops off. I did a couple of 20’s early on, and then, I dropped to high 21’s. Josh (Herrin) was catching me slightly. So, I’m going to go back to the briefing room now and try to figure out a couple things for the second race. I’m happy for Jake. We’ve been friends since we were kids racing in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. We also lived in Spain and raced in their Moto2 championship. So, it’s always good to see a close friend winning something. If there’s somebody in this paddock that I don’t mind beating me, it is Jake. He’s an awesome guy. Well-done to Josh, too. One more Yamaha sweep. We’ve just got to keep on going and try to figure out some way to actually beat Jake. Hopefully, I can beat him one more time, because I won the first race when his bike broke. I’m not saying that I want his bike to break, but (laughs).”

Then, after the afternoon’s race three, Mathew commented, “Jake is the class of the field now, and it seems like I’m the next-best guy. I’ve just got to keep chipping away and try to catch him. We know what we have to do as far as the lap times. We went quicker this afternoon than we did in the race this morning. So, we’re always getting faster, but we just need to find something more, really.

“Barber (Motorsports Park) is next, and it’s probably the best track for me. I always do well there. So, I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully ending the season strong there. Then, I’m looking forward to ’22. I know that I will be back here.”

Ed Sullivan, Westby Racing Crew Chief said, “First of all, I would like to congratulate Jake, his crew chief Jon Cornwell, and the entire Attack Performance team on an amazing year. They really set the bar high. We showed again this weekend that we are closing the gap and pushing them hard. We had to make the most out of every session and every race lap to use the data and feedback to push the setup forward. In race two this morning, we went faster than our qualifying time, so I think that shows our progression over the weekend. We go to Barber with a lot of confidence and look forward to a strong finish to the year.”

Chuck Giacchetto, Westby Racing Team Manager, added, “At the moment, I’m smiling like we got a ‘hat trick’ this weekend. Our team busted their asses, and it showed beautifully. This event was extra-special for me. I’m not sure exactly why, but again, it’s the rhythm, I think. Mathew did a fantastic job in every aspect this weekend, as well. Not only did he satisfy the team as a whole, but he was at one with his fan base, and I honestly think they played a part in his success. As for the rest of the team, lights out, thank you so very much.

“On a separate note, I would like to extend my congratulations to the Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha Racing team on their incredible run in winning back-to-back Superbike Championships. For Jake, what a season, my friend. Enjoy all the glory. It’s so very much deserved. Congrats!

“On behalf of our team at Westby Racing, I would also like to congratulate Yamaha Racing on their continued dominance of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship.

“See you in a few days!”

Next up for Westby Racing is the final round of the 2021 MotoAmerica Championship, which will take place at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, this coming weekend.

MotoAmerica Superbike Standings

1. Jake Gagne – Yamaha – 400

2. Mathew Scholtz – Yamaha – 292

3. Cameron Petersen – Suzuki – 215

For more updates about Westby Racing, including news, photos, and videos, visit http://www.WestbyRacing.com

Also, follow “Westby Racing” on your favorite social media sites.

More, from a press release issued by Robem Engineering:

Marcon recovers from crash Saturday to win Twins Cup race Sunday at MotoAmerica Superbikes at New Jersey

Robem Engineering Aprilia rider first non-American to win Twins Cup race, joined on podium by teammate Toth

Tommaso Marcon won MotoAmerica Twins Cup Race Two at NJMP. Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Robem Engineering.

MILLVILLE, N.J. — There has been much fanfare about Aprilia test rider Tomasso Marcon making his MotoAmerica debut at this weekend’s MotoAmerica Superbikes at New Jersey round, and the Italian didn’t disappoint the fans gathered at New Jersey Motorsports Park on Sunday. After suffering a crash in Saturday’s Twins Cup race, Marcon rode his Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660 to a thrilling, hard-fought win in Sunday’s Twins Cup contest.

Marcon is the first non-American rider to win a MotoAmerica Twins Cup race, and he sealed the victory with a last-lap, last-corner draft that allowed him to claim the win by 0.049 seconds. Marcon was joined on the podium by his teammate Max Toth – who scored his second third-place finish of the weekend.

The team’s third rider, Kaleb De Keyrel — who clinched the 2021 Twins Cup title Saturday — was running in the leading pack of five Aprilia RS 660s until his motorcycle suffered a technical problem on Lap 11 of the 14-lap race.

After his motorcycle experienced some technical problems during the morning warm-up session, Marcon got a good start in Sunday’s race and led the 23-bike field through the first corner. De Keyrel finished the first lap in fifth place before dropping to sixth on Lap 2. As Marcon was battling with two other riders to maintain the race lead, De Keyrel and Toth gradually began working their way up the running order. Toth advanced one position or more per lap on Laps 3-5, and Toth and De Keyrel were both running in the top five at the end of Lap 5.

All three riders were part of a group of five Aprilia riders who gradually broke away from the rest of the field. The group was reduced to four riders when De Keyrel dropped out of the race, and Marcon lost and regained the lead several times in the race’s closing laps. Marcon was running in second place heading into the last corner of the last lap and got a great drive and draft to edge out another rider for the win.

Next up on the Robem Engineering team’s schedule is final round of the 2021 MotoAmerica season, which is slated to take place Sept. 17-19 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.

Tomasso Marcon / No. 70

“In the warm-up, we had quite a big problem. The team did a really good job with fixing it, but we started the race with a lot of unknowns. We weren’t sure if the bike was good after the crash yesterday and the issue we had this morning. But, in the end, the bike was good to go. The guys are very fast here, and I’m loving my time in the United States and in MotoAmerica. Now, we need to stay focused for Barber. I’ve never raced there, just like I’d never raced here. Our target there is to win, and we will do everything we can to accomplish that.”

Max Toth / No. 58

“Today has been going really, really well since morning warm-up. We made a few changes that allowed me to dial in the third sector, which is where I’d been losing most of my time this weekend. The race didn’t get off to a good start for me, as I was still shifting into gear when the lights went out. It took me an extra second to get going, and I had to push really hard for the first part of the race. I started picking riders off one-by-one and was trying to go for the win. I’m so happy with the result today and even happier that we got two podiums this weekend. I’ve never been to Barber, but I’ve seen video of it and it looks like a tough and a simple track at the same time. There’s no pressure going into these rounds though, and I think that really helps.”

Kaleb De Keyrel / No. 51

“I had a great race going and was in the lead group battling at the front. I was saving my tires to make a push for the win at the end when the bike just shut off on me. We’re not entirely sure what happened. But we’ll figure it out, and I’m looking forward to Barber. I set the lap record there last year and will be ready to win again there.”

Marco D’Acunzo / CMO, Piaggio Group Americas

“This year has been amazing. Winning the MotoAmerica Twins Cup in our first year is impressive. We started the season aiming to get a win this year — we realized we had a new bike with a new team — and Matt and the entire Robem Engineering team did a fantastic job. I want to thank Matt Spicer, Carl Price and the rest of the team for their hard work, and the riders did an amazing job this year. We are so satisfied to see so many Aprilias out on track and doing well, and we want to keep pushing. This has been a great achievement for everybody, and we will have more good news coming in the future.”

Matt Spicer / Robem Engineering Founder

“Our first year working with Aprilia and the Piaggio Group Americas has proven to be a resounding success, and I and Carl can’t thank them enough for their unwavering support this year. We’re delighted with seeing Kaleb win the championship this weekend aboard the RS 660 in the first year it’s eligible to compete in Twins Cup, and we couldn’t have done it with the wholehearted support from Aprilia and our many other technical partners.”

Robem Engineering’s technical partners for 2021 include Aprilia Racing, Piaggio Group Americas, The Center for Plastic Surgery, Velocity Calibrations, Bitubo Suspension, Dunlop, Woodcraft Technologies, Dymag, Vesrah, DNA Filters, Magura USA, Sara Chappell Photos, NGK/NTK, Blud Lubricants, Millennium Technologies, Suter Racing and SC-Project.

More, from a press release issued by Aprilia:

APRILIA RS 660 DOMINATES THE TWINS CUP CLASS IN MOTOAMERICA

KALEB DE KEYREL IS 2021 CHAMPION THANKS TO HIS SECOND PLACE IN NEW JERSEY

TOMMASO MARCON WINS ON HIS DÉBUT WITH APRILIA

Kaleb De Keyrel (51), the 2021 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion. Photo courtesy Aprilia.

It’s fair to refer to Aprilia’s adventure in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup class as domination. In fact, in its début year, the RS 660 literally changed the face of the category, turning up in the paddock with almost no preparation, but immediately taking on a highly prominent role.

It is no coincidence that the title was clinched with a Race 1 podium in New Jersey that was monopolized by the Italian twin-cylinder and where second place finisher Kaleb De Keyrel earned the points he needed to be crowned the 2021 champion. This is a triumph that will take him to Italy for a wild-card spot in the last round of the Aprilia RS 660 Trophy in Vallelunga.

Credit goes to De Keyrel and Team Robem Engineering, who skillfully exploited the technical potential of the RS 660, which proved to be in its element right away on the demanding American tracks. This is a testament to its DNA which, although intended for the best possible street use, in no way betrays its competitive nature. The ideal compromise between light weight, power, and the proverbial chassis structure from Noale.

The perfect weekend was topped off by Race 2, with no fewer than four RS 660 bikes in the top four spots. Winning the race was Italian Tommaso Marcon, riding in a special wild-card spot and tester for the 660 project, ahead of Anthony Mazziotto and fifteen-year-old surprise Maxwell Toth, on the podium twice in his Twins Cup “first”.

More, from a press release issued by Pure Attitude Racing:

Positive weekend for all three riders Pure Attitude Racing riders in New Jersey

Trevor Standish (16) and Liam MacDonald (37). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.

Pure Attitude Racing bounced back from a couple of crashes on the opening day of the penultimate round of the 2021 MotoAmerica Championship at the New Jersey Motorsport Park to record a double top eight finish once again in the Twins Cup category and a double point score in Supersport.

Trevor Standish, who led the overall points classification earlier in the season continues to build strength and confidence after breaking his scaphoid arm round three. The #16 finishing eighth in both Twins Cup races. His Suzuki team mate Liam MacDonald sadly failed to finish either Twins Cup race.

After running close to the top six on both occasions, the Kiwi, who is in his first season of MotoAmerica competition, nevertheless once again proved his speed and ability by qualifying on the third row of the grid and racing at the sharp end before sliding out of contention.

In Supersport the team was solely represented by Austin Miller. The #61 took a spill in FP1 before rebounding to improve his lap times in each of the remaining sessions, including both races. He ultimately finished fifteenth twice, adding another double point score to his impressive overall tally in his debut season of racing in the category.

Austin Miller (61). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.

Austin Miller: “Race 1 went pretty good. I was in a nice battle in the early laps. I pushed hard but was struggling a bit after yesterday’s crash. We finished P15 so we are moving in the right direction. I was faster than in qualifying and closer to the front in terms of my overall lap time. Race 2 I was able to make a good start, but I lost a couple of positions at Turn 1. I was still able to hold P14 though for most of the race. It was a lonely race, but I had an issue with my arm pumping up and I couldn’t push as hard as I wanted at the end of the race. I am happy though as New Jersey was another new track and we achieved another double points finish. I am looking forward to Barber (Motorsports Park) this coming weekend and I am determined to get my first top ten in the season finale.”

Trevor Standish: “I made a decent start in the opening race, but I made a mistake on lap four I think it was. I ran faster than I ever had at New Jersey, and this is the positive. I need to keep focusing on myself and remember that I have missed two thirds of the year after breaking my wrist, which is still not 100%. I struggled at the start of Race 2 and made a couple of mistakes. I lost the group a little but was able to run a decent pace. I suffered a few issues changing gear but took another eighth at the flag. We go to Barber Motorsport Park next week, which is a track I enjoy, and I am looking forward to ending the year on a high”

Liam MacDonald: “I am gutted. The weekend had been going so well. The team is working so hard, and we are showing that every time on track we are making huge steps. I made a mistake and paid a big price as we could have easily been in the top six or seven, but that’s racing. I don’t know what to say about Race 2. I was running strong, but I just lost the front and went down again, my third crash of the weekend. I am taking the positives though. We showed again that I can run with the front guys on a track that is new for me, and I know that I have the team around me that believes in me so we will head to the final race of the year with the intention of showing our true potential.”

More, from a press release issued by Rodio Racing:

Double Deuces for Rodio at New Jersey

Gus Rodio (96). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Rodio Racing.

Gus Rodio secured two second place finishes at his home round of the MotoAmerica Sportbike Track Gear Junior Cup in New Jersey this weekend.

The weekend wasn’t without it’s troubles however. A broken shifter part saw him miss some crucial time in one practice session early on. Race 1 was a barn burner with Gus securing second place by just .024.

The real drama came from race two however when Gus jumped the start.

“I was excited, and I knew I couldn’t let the leader get away” Gus said. “I didn’t see anything about the penalty, so I thought maybe I got away with it” he joked. Once he was made aware, all he could do was put his head down. “I knew I had the pace, so I just tried to stretch out the gap a bit so it didn’t matter.” Rodio finished the race with an eight second gap to third to secure the double podium finish.

“It’s so cool to be at my home race, and put it on the box in front of all my friends, family, and the whole New Jersey MiniGP crew that came out to support me. That’s where it started, so this is pretty special.”

The Rodio Racing crew heads to Barber Motorsports Park for the final round on 9/17 in 3rd place overall with a 21 point lead on fourth for the championship.

“Gus’ first podium and ultimately a top three finish in the championship were our goals this season” team owner Kevin Rodio said after the races. “We’ve been building steam and obviously nailed one of those goals, so we’re really looking forward to Barber to finish the season strong.”

Rodio Racing can’t compete without the help of the following sponsors:

HJC Helmets, Triple Strong Racing, Moto-Liberty Dallas, Spears Racing, Orient Express Racing, K-Tech USA Suspension, MAR Contractors, Spellcaster Pro, Liqui Moly USA, Trackside Parts Club, REB Graphics, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, Evolve Gt Track Days, N2 Track days, Chicken Hawk Warmers, Adams Polishes. Innovative Motorsports

World Superbike: Championship Continues Next Weekend At Catalunya

David Swarts

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September 13, 2021

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World Superbike: Championship Continues Next Weekend At Catalunya

Barcelona bound: WorldSBK’s intense title fight charges to Catalunya

Monday, 13 September 2021 06:50 GMT

The next instalment of one of the fiercest rivalries is set to play out at the iconic Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where surprises are often just around the corner

The 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has reached fever pitch and ahead of the Hyundai N Catalunya Round, there’s plenty left to give as the ninth round of the season at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya beckons. The raging title battle between Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) and Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) hit a new level at Magny-Cours, following a protest from Kawasaki over Toprak’s Tissot Superpole Race win for a track limits infringement on the last lap. Rivals on track and now with the teams in an intense rivalry off it, this could well be yet another classic weekend for what is becoming one of WorldSBK’s greatest rivalries.

HEATED AT THE FRONT: Razgatlioglu vs Rea, Catalunya edition

Sporting a slender seven-point advantage coming into the Catalunya weekend, Toprak Razgatlioglu managed to break the deadlock at Magny-Cours, having been level on points with Rea after Navarra. A combative Toprak fought off everything Rea threw at him on-track at Magny-Cours, with the two embroiled in a spectacular final lap in the Tissot Superpole Race and a relentless start to Race 2 where neither gave in. Last year at Catalunya, it was a weekend to forget for Razgatlioglu, as he was ruled unfit after a Sunday morning Warm-Up crash. Teammate Andrea Locatelli is in form and has finished his last 12 races inside the top five; he heads to the place he took the 2020 WorldSSP title.

Right behind Razgatlioglu, Jonathan Rea heads to KRT’s home round, with the workshop a stone’s throw from the track. Rea took victory in the Tissot Superpole Race at Magny-Cours, his first win since Assen in Race 2, but knows he’s going to need full-race points if he is to halt Toprak. Rea’s pushing to retain his crown for a seventh straight year, although after eight rounds, he trails in the standings but heads to a track where he won at in 2020. On the other side of the garage, teammate Alex Lowes aims to bounce back after crashing from third at Magny-Cours in both Race 1 and Race 2. Ninth, seventh and eighth were Lowes’ Catalunya results in 2020; he’ll hope 2021 is better.

RESURGENCE REQUIRED: can Redding get back in contention again?

Third in the Championship but a distant 72 points back, Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) will need a strong Catalunya and a touch of misfortune for his title rivals if he’s to have a realistic chance of the title. Second place at Catalunya in Race 1 last season and with Ducati winning in Race 2, the potential is there for Redding to have a strong weekend at a track he knows well. Teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi was a race leader at the track in 2020 before he was forced to retire from the lead battle in Race 2. The Italian had a mixed Magny-Cours with a fourth and seventh in Race 1 and 2 respectively; he’ll go in search of a podium – his first since Assen’s Superpole Race.

SURPRISE IN STORE: BMW and Honda in the fight

The battle of the BMWs is once again strong, with Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK) and teammate Michael van der Mark having contrasting weekends at Magny-Cours. Sykes was on the front row but couldn’t capitalise on it, whilst van der Mark was on the third row and did crack the top five in Race 1. Now separated by just five points in the Championship, both arrive at a circuit where BMW had their best round of 2020, with a double top seven finish in Race 2. Sykes was fifth whilst fast in testing at the circuit, whereas van der Mark won the Superpole Race in 2020 and took second in Race 2. A prosperous weekend may well lie ahead.

There was a significant turning point for Honda at Magny-Cours, with both riders running well inside the top ten for most of the weekend. Leon Haslam (Team HRC) took his best Superpole result of the season and backed it up with two top ten race performances, whilst Alvaro Bautista (Team HRC) took two sixth-places and a seventh, of which in Race 1 and the Superpole Race, meant coming from 14th on the grid. The potential is there for Honda, and it was demonstrated well at the 2020 Catalan Round too, with Bautista leading the Superpole Race briefly before a crash. Positives results in testing and coming from a private test at Jerez where they were testing development parts for 2022, Team HRC could be a feature at the front in Barcelona.

THE INDEPENDENT BATTLE: tightening at the top

The Independent battle continues into Catalunya, with Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) hoping he can rekindle some magic at the track of which he took a first podium at back in 2020’s Race 2. The American rider has been somewhat subdued in the last few meetings but could well be on the pace in Montmelo. Chaz Davies (Team GoEleven) was back inside the top five at Magny-Cours and is heading to a track where he was a winner at in 2020, whilst Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) hopes to continue his top ten competitivity. Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) aims for a return to the top ten after a 13th place at home, whereas Kohta Nozane can finally return to a circuit he’s familiar with, having tested at the track at the start of the year. 47 points cover Gerloff to Bassani, whilst just nine split Mahias and Nozane.

Having been declared unfit at Magny-Cours, Isaac Viñales (ORELAC Racing VerdNatura) is back in action at Catalunya, whilst Christophe Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport – Yamaha) comes off the back of a strong French Round and hopes to build on that in Spain. Jonas Folger (Bonovo MGM Racing) is next up and wants to be back in the point-scoring positions at a circuit he was fastest rookie at back in testing at the start of 2021 and where he made his WorldSBK debut at in 2020. Leandro Mercado (MIE Racing Honda Team) will make his first WorldSBK appearance at Catalunya and Loris Cresson (OUTDO TPR Team Pedercini Racing) has points in his sights. He has a new teammate in Lachlan Epis alongside him, the Australian making his WorldSBK debut. Tito Rabat and the Barni Racing Team have split by mutual agreement, with Samuele Cavalieri replacing him for the rest of the season.

Weekend action starts at 09:45 Local Time (GMT+2) and you can watch it all with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: Ortola Wins Race Two At Aragon

David Swarts

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September 12, 2021

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Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: Ortola Wins Race Two At Aragon

Race Classification for ARA RookiesCup RAC2

More, from a press release issued by Red Bull:

Ivan Ortolá wins thrilling Aragón Rookies finale

The final Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup race of the season went down to the line with Ivan Ortolá snatching the lead from Pole man and Saturday winner Daniel Holgado into the final corner as Cup winner David Alonso overlapped them in a seven KTM mass finish.

The winning margin was just 0.006 seconds for Ortolá the 17-year-old Spaniard over his 16-year-old fellow countryman Holgado. Alonso, the 15-year-old Colombian was 0.050 behind and 0.108 ahead of David Muñoz in 4th, less than half a second covered the top 7.

Ortolá’s first win of the season

“It was an amazing race today. Yesterday the clutch broke in the race and I was a little bit unlucky but I knew that I had the pace to battle for the win,” explained Ortolá who also won at Motorland Aragón last season.

“Today I made a good start and got into first position in a few laps. The race was very difficult but I stayed in the group all the way and finally I could finish the Red Bull Rookies Cup championship with a first place.”

“I have to thank my mechanic and everyone who supports me and for the Rookies Cup because this is an opportunity for two years at an amazing level and you learn a lot.”

Holgado almost doubles

“It was an incredible race for me. My last race here in the Cup was amazing and thanks to the Rookies Cup family for everything.”

“It was a difficult race because of the track conditions, very hot, the back tyre was sliding but I had a good feeling with it this weekend. I am very happy with my last race, I did a good job here this weekend and I thank my supporters and family.”

Alonso just had fun

“It was a very positive race, it was a present for me because the championship was already won yesterday and so the only goal for me was to enjoy it a lot every lap and that is what I did.”

“I enjoyed the bike, the overtaking. I was always on the front and the position is good but whatever the position it would be good. To finish on the podium in the last race is wonderful and it was an incredible season.”

“I really appreciate the Colombian fans and I want to thank them for their support as well as everyone here.”

MotoAmerica: Supersport Race Two Results From NJMP (Updated)

David Swarts

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September 12, 2021

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MotoAmerica: Supersport Race Two Results From NJMP (Updated)

This weekend’s results are brought to you by 6D Helmets.

Next Level Brain Protection

Editorial Note: Based on this race finish, Sean Dylan Kelly clinched the 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship.

21_11_NJMP_SSP_R2_res

Unofficial MotoAmerica Supersport Championship Point Standings (after 16 of 18 races):

Kelly, 365 points, clinched 2021 Championship
Escalante, 295
Lochoff, 204
Landers, 182
Smith, 168
Mesa, 159
Olmedo, 102
Soltisz, 87
Nassaney, 82
Doyle, 77

More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:

Kelly Wraps Up 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Title

Sean Dylan Kelly Makes His Dreams Come True

Sean Dylan Kelly, the 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy MotoAmerica.

MILLVILLE, NJ (September 12, 2021) – Sean Dylan Kelly has been chasing a championship since he was five years old. On Sunday at New Jersey Motorsports Park, Kelly got what he’s been chasing with the 19-year-old wrapping up the 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship.

Kelly didn’t win Sunday’s race, but he didn’t need to. Instead, victory went to his rookie M4 ECSTAR Suzuki. teammate Sam Lochoff with Kelly finishing second. That was all it took, and the title was his.

Supersport: Kelly Crowned!

In Sunday’s Supersport race two, M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s two-rider team took all the headlines for the 19-lap event as Sam Lochoff won his first-ever MotoAmerica race and Sean Dylan Kelly clinched the 2021 Supersport Championship with his second-place finish. HONOS HVMC Racing Kawasaki rider Richie Escalante finished third, but the defending champion did not surrender his class title without a fight in every race so far this season, including Sunday’s. There were lead changes aplenty throughout the entire race, and all three riders took turns at the front.

“This is a dream come true to get this championship,” Kelly said. “To now be crowned national champion is a dream. I’ve been working really hard for this. Not only me, but everyone around me. My family, ever since I started racing when I was five, they have given literally everything they had. They left everything behind in the U.S. They took me to Spain. They lived there with pennies. Everything for me, for this passion, for this dream. This is one of the first steps. It’s emotional. It’s something that I’ve been working really hard for. Last year, I really wanted to be the one to be crowned. I worked hard, but it clearly wasn’t enough. At one point I thought, ‘Man, this is going to be difficult. What’s my pathway?’ But, I didn’t stop believing. I kept on working. M4 ECSTAR Suzuki gave me another chance, another opportunity. (Team owners) John and Chris (Ulrich), I need to thank them from the bottom of my heart for giving me this opportunity for the past two years. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for them. Thank you very much to them. Thank you to everyone that has been behind me, my parents, my family, my friends, my supporters…Like I said up there on the podium, this is only my first national championship, and I’m going to keep on going. I’m not going to stop. My next goal is to be world champion, wherever it needs to be.”

Sam Lochoff (44) leads Sean Dylan Kelly (40), Richie Escalante (1), and Rocco Landers (97) during Supersport Race Two at NJMP. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy MotoAmerica.

Commenting on his breakthrough Supersport win, Lochoff said, “It’s the second-to-last race of the season, but honestly that was our goal in the beginning of the year. Our goal was to try to get on the podium towards the end of the year, but when I saw that I was getting on the podium in the beginning of the year, I knew that maybe by this race or Barber I’d be able to win. Yesterday seeing that I was really close to the front for the majority of the laps, and only the last couple laps losing quite a bit to them, I knew today I just had to dig a little bit deeper, and it paid off. Honestly, it took everything out of me. I have a week now, or a couple days to get ready for Barber. We’re going to just relax, just get the body ready. I think, if we can get on the podium again or maybe win or come second, I think for next year I’ll have a good chance at maybe getting a championship.”

SportbikeTrackGear.Com Junior Cup: Great Scott

Tyler Scott (70) leads Junior Cup Race Two. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy MotoAmerica.

In Sunday’s SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup race two, Scott Powersports KTM rider Tyler Scott won his ninth race of the season and extended his points lead to 30 over Landers Racing Kawasaki’s Ben Gloddy, who finished third on Sunday for his 14th podium finish this year. Local rider Gus Rodio, who won at Road America earlier this season, came in second aboard his Rodio Racing Kawasaki for the second day in a row.

“I knew Ben had difficulties after the warmup lap yesterday,” Scott said. “So, I knew today he was going to be there and fighting really hard for the podium and (to get) the points back, so I put my head down and saw three seconds on the board, so I just tried to keep pushing and get the win.”

At the checkered flag, Scott won by a little more than seven seconds over Rodio, while Gloddy was another eight seconds behind Rodio.

Twins Cup: The Italian Job

Kaleb De Keyrel (51), Max Toth (58), Anthony Mazziotto (516), Tommasco Marcon (70), and Cory Ventura (28) battled to the end of Twins Cup Race Two. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy MotoAmerica.

Talk about saving the best for last. The final race of the weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park was in Twins Cup, and it was arguably the best race of the entire event, not to mention the best race in that class all year. Which is saying something considering that MotoAmerica’s “tuner class” always puts on a good show for the fans.

The battle at the front was fierce between Aprilia riders Tommaso Marcon, Anthony Mazziotto, and Max Toth. Marcon, who is an Aprilia test rider in Italy and is racing with Robem Engineering at the final two rounds of the MotoAmerica season, got the win by just .049 of a second over local rider Mazziotto, who competes for Veloce Racing. Marcon’s teammate Max Toth, who also recently joined Robem Engineering, finished third for the second day in a row and only his third race in the class.

“I arrived in the U.S. in the first of September, so it’s like more than ten days that I’m here,” Marcon said. “I am loving U.S.A. I visited so many places. I really like to stay here more times. Congratulations for everything because everything is beautiful. MotoAmerica organization is, also. I think that many championships should learn from MotoAmerica because it’s really, really, really good organized. About the race, we had some problems on Friday and Saturday. Saturday also crashed, so problem plus crash was for sure a difficult situation. The team worked really well, Robem Engineering. I want to thank them so much. Finally, today, we had other problems in warmup, but these guys, the team was amazing, and they fixed all that for the race. Finally, I just did my job. So, big thanks to Robem, to Aprilia. Congratulations to Max (Toth) and Anthony (Mazziotto), because really, I wasn’t expecting that the level here was that high. I would like so much to see Max and Anthony racing in Italy. We have Trofeo 660, so it will be a pleasure to have them and race again with them. But I’m still focused for Barber next week. It will be beautiful to repeat this result, so keep focus and we’ll see you in some days.”

MotoAmerica: Superbike Race Three Results From NJMP (Updated)

David Swarts

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September 12, 2021

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MotoAmerica: Superbike Race Three Results From NJMP (Updated)

This weekend’s results are brought to you by 6D Helmets.

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MotoAmerica HONOS Superbike Championship Point Standings (after 17 of 20 races):

Gagne, 400 points
Scholtz, 292
Petersen, 215
Herrin, 187
Baz, 186
Fong, 185
Barbera, 143
Jake Lewis, 102
Kyle Wyman, 92
Elias, 76

More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:

Gagne Crowned 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion

It’s A Record-Setting Day For Jake Gagne At New Jersey Motorsports Park

Jake Gagne (32) leads Mathew Scholtz (11), Bobby Fong (behind Scholtz), Cameron Petersen (45) and the rest of the field during a Superbike race Sunday at NJMP. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy MotoAmerica.

MILLVILLE, NJ (September 12, 2021) – Jake Gagne wrapped up the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship on a record-setting, two-race Sunday at New Jersey Motorsports Park, the Californian winning his 16th race of the season to match the record held jointly by Josh Hayes and Cameron Beaubier for Superbike wins in a single season while also tying three-time 500cc World Champion Wayne Rainey’s mark for career victories.

Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha’s Gagne won both HONOS Superbike races at NJMP on Sunday after winning the lone race on Saturday in MotoAmerica’s Superbike tripleheader. The two wins were his 15th and 16th on the season (those are also his career win marks in the class) and the first victory on Sunday morning is the one that earned him the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike crown.

“Even on the bad years, I’m racing motorcycles,” Gagne said of the many seasons of racing that eventually led to the Superbike title. “It’s what I love to do. It’s fun. It’s sure a lot more fun when we’ve got a winning motorcycle, a winning team, and we can manage to get some wins. It’s been an incredible year. I wouldn’t have thought going in that we would be 15 wins deep. It’s pretty surreal. Again, hats off to this team because the guys are working so hard, and the bike has been super, super dialed in. We keep trying to go faster. These guys are always chasing us down and we’ve got no choice but to keep trying to go. But it’s amazing. We got another race today, so it hasn’t quite set in yet. We’ve got some work to do this afternoon because I know it’s not going to be easy, so we’ll roll on to race two.”

Jake Gagne, the 2021 MotoAmerica HONOS Superbike Champion. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy MotoAmerica.

As he has done all year long, Gagne dominated and again led every single lap of both races en route to the two wins. Gagne has now led 273 consecutive laps in the 2021 season.

The two Superbike podiums on Sunday were identical with Gagne leading Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz and Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha’s Josh Herrin in both.

For Scholtz it was a solid day as he managed to keep Gagne in sight in both races, finishing 9.5 seconds behind in race two and 6.5 seconds behind in race three.

“Jake (Gagne) is the class of the field now and it seems like I’m the next best guy over the last couple of rounds,” Scholtz said after race three. “Just got to keep chipping away and try to catch Jake. We know what we have to do as far as lap time. We went quicker now than we did in the first race earlier on. So, we’re always getting faster, but we just need to find something more, really.”

Herrin, meanwhile, was in his comeback weekend after suffering from COVID-19 that forced him out of two rounds of the series. If Herrin’s life wasn’t hectic enough in the past few months, his wife, Rachel, also gave birth to the couple’s first child this week. He put in a tough day’s work on Sunday, however, and came out on top of two hard-fought battles with Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York’s Loris Baz.

“First off, just congrats to the whole team,” Herrin said after race two. “Congrats to Jake (Gagne). It’s been a difficult year without (me) doing good, but then seeing your teammate doing good it’s hard, but at the end of the year when he wraps it up, it feels good. It’s something that you’ve got to be proud of him. It’s 15 wins in a row. It doesn’t matter if you’re racing go-karts with your buddies. If you beat them 15 times in a row, that’s a lot. Fifteen wins in a row is something special, something that nobody has ever done before and it’s really cool to see, actually. So, congrats to him. Congrats to the whole team. They’ve been working hard all year.

“Having the baby, like I said on the podium, it just changed my whole outlook on everything. It has been something so special, something that so many people have been talking to me about and trying to describe the feeling, but it’s not like any other feeling that I’ve ever had. I was there for the whole thing, cutting the umbilical cord and all that stuff. It’s been good for me for racing I think, because just in the four days that he’s been alive, it made me realize there’s so much more to life than racing. Racing has always been the only thing I cared about. It was good for me, because now I can come and have fun racing. For some reason, it seems more fun than before. I still haven’t got a win this year, and I really want that. that would make it a lot more fun. But it’s become different than it ever has been. I’m happy. I’ll be glad to see him, but I want to try and get a better result for him. Just stoked that he’s here for these last few rounds of the year. Can’t wait to get him to the track this year. It’s been special. It’s been fun. I’m glad to be up here. I’ve been down all year, and it’s been bringing the team down, so I’m happy to get up on the podium for them.”

With Baz finishing fourth in both races, it was M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Cameron Petersen who finished fifth in both. Sixth place was different, however, with Scheibe Racing’s Hector Barbera earning the spot in race two and Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha’s Toni Elias besting the Spaniard for the spot in race three.

One Cure Ducati’s Kyle Wyman ended the day with seventh- and eighth-place finishes with Altus Motorsports’ Jake Lewis finishing eighth in race two.

Ninth place in race two went to Jones Honda’s Ashton Yates with M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Bobby Fong finishing ninth in race three. Michael Gilbert Racing’s Michael Gilbert was 10th in race two with Tecfil Racing Team’s Danilo Lewis 10th in race three.

As for tying MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey with his 16th career AMA Superbike victory, Gagne said, “I actually talked to him. I saw him in the bathroom right before this race two and he mentioned he had 16. He wishes me the best. Hopes that I can match that today. It’s been an amazing weekend, really. Getting the championship, that’s a dream come true. It didn’t quite set in because we had to focus on this race too, but it’s amazing. I still can’t really believe that we got 16 wins in a row. It’s pretty unbelievable. But all I do is go out there and ride as hard as I can every lap and every race. This bike is the bike to beat. Hats off to these Yamahas. It’s great. We got a Yamaha sweep here in New Jersey. These things were rolling really good. So, hats off to Attack Yamaha and all the boys and Mat (Scholtz) and Josh (Herrin) and Toni (Elias), everybody. We only have a couple days to go before we’re back on track, so we’re going to be just focusing on that all week and then maybe after that we’ll relax a little bit. But I know these boys, like we said, Mat’s going to be strong at Barber. Josh is going to be really strong at Barber. These guys go really well there. So, I’ve got to stay on my toes. They’re going to want to win real bad. The championship is kind of done, so it’s go time.”

More, from a press release issued by Ducati North America:

Ducati Duo Put it All on the Line in New Jersey

Sunnyvale, Calif., September 12, 2021 – In racing, some weekends work for you, others they don’t, and that’s exactly how it panned out for Ducati duo Loris Baz and Kyle Wyman at New Jersey Motorsports Park for round eight of MotoAmerica 2021.

Baz, came away with 5-4-4 finishes from the three starts. The French ace was seemingly glued to Yamaha’s Josh Herrin, the two riders battling each other closely over the three races with never more than half a second separating them at each checkered flag.

The format exerted extra toll on America’s fastest Superbike stars with an extra race this weekend, and Wyman came away from The Garden State with an 8-7-8 results on the Panera Bread/One Cure Ducati Panigale V4 R. The Arizona resident engaged in a thrilling race three battle with the M4 Ecstar Suzuki of Bobby Fong, coming out on top in one of the rides of the weekend, and he heads into the final round of Barber Motorsports Park next week full of confidence for his final Ducati ride of 2021.

Loris Baz (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York – Ducati #76)

“It’s been a tough weekend for us,” Baz said. “We’ve struggled to get the bike working as we wanted at this track but we improved over the weekend. I rode as hard as I could for every single tenth of a second, and we got the V4 R so close to the podium today, but there’s not much more we could have done. I’ve got no regrets. We moved forward over the weekend. We closed the gap to Jake a lot in the final race but it wasn’t enough. Thanks to the team who worked so hard on the bike this weekend. We’ll come back ready for the last round at Barber next weekend.”

Kyle Wyman (Panera Bread/One Cure Ducati – Ducati #33)

“Race two was a step backward,” Wyman said. “I had a good grid spot but I really struggled with the chassis changes we made, which were in the wrong direction. I finished seventh, which was the best result of the weekend but it was the furthest back from the front. We made a pretty big chassis change for race three and I got a good start. I ran with the guys for a while and had a race-long battle with Bobby Fong and came out on top of that, so I was proud of that ride. We made a step forward with the bike and the confidence is there now. I’m looking forward to taking what we’ve learned into Barber next week and finishing the season on a high note.”

Triumph Introduces New Speed Triple 1200 RR

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