NHRA Drag Racing: Gaige Herrera Wins Second Straight Pro Stock Championship On Hayabusa

John Ulrich

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November 19, 2024

NHRA Drag Racing: Gaige Herrera Wins Second Straight Pro Stock Championship On Hayabusa

Gaige Herrera Wins His Second Straight Pro Stock Motorcycle World Championship at NHRA Finals

Gaige Herrera piloted his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki Gen 3 Hayabusa to his second consecutive NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship during the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at the Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, CA, on Sunday, November 17th.

Race Highlights

Gaige Herrera qualified third and won his second consecutive Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship at the NHRA Finals

Richard Gadson qualified fourth, advanced to the second round of eliminations, and ended the season third in the championship standings

Herrera qualified third with a 6.765-second/201.22 mph pass in a truncated qualifying format that was reduced to two sessions on Saturday after rain showers forced the cancelation of Friday’s sessions. Herrera’s 123-point pre-race lead over Matt Smith, the only other competitor in championship contention, was reduced to 119 points after qualifying bonus points were factored in, leaving him one point shy of clinching the championship. With a maximum of 120 points available in the elimination rounds, Herrera entered race day needing only a win in the first round to clinch the championship.

Gaige Herrera with his trophy after winning another NHRA Pro Stock title. Photo by Matt Polito.

Herrera’s win in round one secured him the win of the World Championship by giving him a points lead that none of the riders in the field would be able to close.

With an emphatic 6.779-second/200.00 mph victory over Clayton Howey (7.014 seconds/184.04 mph) in round one, Herrera earned the 2024 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship and become a two-time champion in only his second full season in the class.

In round two, Herrera defeated Chase Van Sant (6.815 seconds/197.77 mph) with a 6.779-second/200.08 mph run. Herrera picked up his 100th career round win by defeating Angie Smith (6.762 seconds/201.31 mph) on a holeshot in the semi-finals, running 6.765 seconds at 199.86 mph to advance to his 12th final round of the season and 24th of his career.

Herrera left the starting line first in his final round matchup against Matt Smith (6.705 seconds/202.12 mph), but his 6.722-second/201.91 mph run wasn’t quick enough to overcome the championship runner-up. Herrera ended his championship season with 10 wins in 12 final-round appearances and a remarkable 50-5 round-win record.

Herrera’s second championship capped a record-setting season in which he also broke long-standing NHRA records for most consecutive race wins (11, spanning the 2023 and 2024 seasons) and most consecutive elimination round wins (46) and became the fastest racer to win 20 national events, accomplishing the feat in only his 34th start.

“Going into that first round was the most nervous I’ve been and felt like the most pressure I’ve had on my shoulders in these last two seasons. It felt like it was do or die. I was so excited when I saw the green start light because I was worried about going red and throwing it away,” Herrera said. “It feels awesome to win this championship. Winning it last year felt surreal. To win it back-to-back proves to myself that last year wasn’t a fluke. It’s hard to explain, but I’m feeling relief and excitement and some disbelief in how much has been accomplished so quickly in my career. It’s amazing.”

Herrera credits much of his success as a rider to mental discipline that helps him remain calm under pressure, combined with an ability to relax and have fun in between the stressful moments.

“My motto is, if you’re not having fun, it’s not worth doing. Racing with Richard and all the guys on our Vance & Hines team this season has been fun, and I think that’s a big part of why I’ve been able to do so well,” Herrera said. “I’m already excited about next year. We’ll see what happens with the rules going into next season, but my goal is to try to rinse and repeat and go for a third one.”

The winning NHRA Pro Stock team at Pomona. Photo by Matt Polito.

Richard Gadson ran 6.767 seconds at 199.82 mph on Saturday to qualify in the fourth starting position.

In round one, Gadson defeated Ryan Oehler (foul) with a 6.839-second/198.26 mph run. Gadson posted a 6.873-second/197.02 mph run in a second-round loss to Steve Johnson (6.831 seconds/195.11 mph), ending his rookie season with three runner-up finishes and third place in the overall championship standings.

Richard Gadsen on his Hayabusa at Pomona. Photo by Matt Polito.

“The 22 light I cut today in the second round should be able to win a lot of rounds, but I just wasn’t able to pin the tail on the donkey,” Gadson said. “I got off to a slow start at the beginning of the season and didn’t really hit my stride until the U.S. Nationals in Indy, which put us in a good spot for the Countdown to the Championship. We started off hot in the countdown but started to struggle more towards the end. But that’s racing. I want to win, and I feel like I’m capable of doing it. That’s what I’m here to compete for.”

Gadson’s strong season performance puts him high on the list of contenders to win the NHRA Rookie of the Year award, which is awarded to a first-year racer in any of the four professional classes by voting based on a combination of on-track performance, fan engagement and social media presence. As the highest finishing rookie in any of the pro classes, Gadson hopes his overall season performance will be enough to seal the coveted award, which will be announced at the NHRA award banquet Monday evening.

“There are people who have been out here for 20 years who would do anything to be in the position I’m in. It’s something I never thought was possible. It’s a dream come true and I’m ecstatic to be here,” Gadson said. “I learned a lot this season and feel like I’m better equipped now for what it will take to win next year and for us collectively as a team to have two strong bikes in contention for the entire season.”

RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki crew chief Andrew Hines admitted that missing Friday’s qualifying sessions caused him to be over-aggressive in his tuning on Saturday, which in turn put extra pressure on the team Sunday.

“I messed up the first qualifying run, which put us behind the eight ball for the second run. I got greedy trying to get all the bonus points and almost got none, which meant we couldn’t lock up the championship Saturday,” Hines said. “We really wanted to leave this race with double hardware for the championship and the win, but I got gun-shy in the final and went too soft with the tune-up because I was worried about spinning the tire.”

Hines credited the championship to a combination of talent, performance, and teamwork.

“Last year we turned the class on its head, brought in new talent with Gaige, and showed what a world-class rider and machine are truly capable of when combined with performance and perseverance,” Hines said. “The competition this season was tough, with Matt Smith and his team bringing their A game all year long. We faced some adversity with rules changes, which we were able to overcome, and still found a way to bring home the championship for Suzuki, RevZilla, Motul and everybody at Vance & Hines who worked so hard for it.”

At the conclusion of the 2024 NHRA season, Herrera and Gadson finished first and third in the Pro Stock Motorcycle standings with 2,804 and 2,511 points, respectively.

The RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines team will return to action for the 2025 Pro Stock Motorcycle season March 6-9, 2025, at the season-opening NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, FL.

About Vance & Hines Motorsports
Vance & Hines Motorsports is a powerhouse in the world of motorcycle racing, boasting a rich legacy of success. With a focus on innovation, performance, and a commitment to pushing boundaries, the team continues to redefine excellence in the NHRA and MotoAmerica. For more information, visit www.vanceandhinesmotorsports.com.

For the latest Suzuki team news, race reports, and information visit

SuzukiCycles.com/Racing/Drag-Racing

Triumph Introduces 2025 Tiger Sport 660

Michael Gougis

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November 19, 2024

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The award-winning Tiger Sport 660 gains a host of new rider-focused technology for 2025, raising the bar in a competitive market. With its characterful triple engine and agile handling, it’s perfect for riders looking for a bike that adapts to their needs, adding fun to the city commute or weekend exploring.

Triumph Motorcycles has added advanced technology usually reserved for larger capacity segments, including a new ‘Sport’ rider mode, smartphone connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation, Cruise Control, and the Triumph Shift Assist up and down quickshifter. With Optimized Cornering ABS and traction control also included as standard, the new Tiger Sport 660 provides an even more versatile performance.

Its unique 660cc triple engine offers the perfect blend of low down, mid-range, and top end performance that’s become synonymous with Triumph triples, and the Tiger Sport 660 delivers over 90% of the peak torque available throughout the rev range.

Showa suspension with remote preload adjustment ensures switching between solo riding and touring fully loaded can be achieved with ease. Nissin brakes and Michelin tires provide confidence-inspiring control and agility.

The Tiger Sport’s sporty and fun engine character, distinctive design, protective bodywork, and comfortable ergonomics, make it the ultimate middleweight all around adventure tourer. This is further enhanced by design details like the integrated pannier mounts, which makes travelling with luggage easy and seamless, a large 4.5-gal (17.2 liter) fuel tank to help riders travel further and longer, and a windscreen that can be adjusted with just one hand and no tools.

Paul Stroud – Chief Commercial Officer, Triumph Motorcycles

“The Tiger Sport 660 delivers a better combination of performance, versatility and fun, than any other middleweight adventure sport bike. Since 2021, this model has won awards for its confidence-inspiring, agile and sporty ride. In fact, our customers have told us that they find this bike so capable, they want to travel longer distances, so we have been looking at how we can make the ride even more comfortable. That’s why we’ve introduced extra rider-focused technology for 2025. With Optimized Cornering ABS and traction control included as standard, plus Cruise Control and Triumph Shift Assist, this bike offers riders incredibly good value compared to the competition. Coupled with the Tiger Sport 660’s low cost of ownership, I believe we have created a very compelling overall package.”

SPORTY PERFORMANCE

With 80 HP (81 PS) at 10,250 RPM and 47.2 ft-lb (64 Nm) of torque at 6,250 RPM, the Tiger Sport 660’s triple engine delivers smooth, responsive, and linear power at every twist of the throttle. The slip-assist clutch further enhances rideability, reducing clutch effort for smoother gear changes and less fatigue, even on longer rides. The addition of Triumph Shift Assist, enables fast, seamless gear changes, enhances the sporty riding experience and makes the Tiger Sport 660 even more dynamic.

URBAN & TOURING CAPABILITY

Designed for long journeys and daily commutes alike, the Tiger Sport 660 features an upright riding position, adjustable windscreen, and a plush seat for both rider and passenger comfort. The ergonomics are further enhanced by integrated passenger grab handles. Built for all day comfort, the Showa 1.61” (41mm) upside-down cartridge forks and monoshock rear suspension with preload adjustment ensures stability, whether riding solo or with a passenger. Its 4.5 gal (17.2-liter) fuel tank provides plenty of range for longer adventures. Michelin Road 5 tires provide superior grip in all conditions and Nissin twin 12.2” (310mm) disc brakes enhance confidence and agility. With a wet weight of just 456 lbs. (207 kg), a seat height of 32.9 inches (835mm) and a narrow frame, the Tiger Sport 660 is lightweight and nimble, making it easy to maneuver through traffic or on twisty back roads.

RIDER-FOCUSED TECHNOLOGY

The big update for 2025 is the addition of more rider-focused technology, meeting demand from customers for the opportunity to ride further, and have even more fun, on the Tiger Sport 660. As a result, the Tiger Sport 660 now has three riding modes, gaining a new Sport setting in addition to Road and Rain. From instant throttle response for a fast, fun ride or softer power delivery in challenging conditions, these modes adjust the bike’s performance to match each rider’s needs. Cruise Control is now included as standard, making the Tiger Sport 660 even more suitable for relaxed motorway riding, helping riders maintain a steady speed and reducing fatigue over long distances. Optimized Cornering ABS delivers exceptional stopping power exactly when it’s needed, while Switchable Traction Control and ride by wire system helps riders stay steady in adverse conditions, offering a safer, more controlled ride without sacrificing any of the fun.

Riders also benefit from a large LCD display which incorporates a full-color TFT screen that is easy to read and accessible at a glance, while the My Triumph Connectivity system is now included as standard, enabling turn-by-turn navigation, call handling, and music control.

ON THE ROAD

There are more than 40 dedicated Tiger Sport 660 accessories, including integrated panniers with optional color-coded inserts, twin helmet top box, luggage rack, a 7.9-gal (30-liter) roll bag, plus a dual comfort seat and belly pan. Cost of ownership is an important factor for customers within this category, which is why Triumph has ensured the Tiger Sport 660 has the lowest service workshop time in the category, a class-leading 10,000miles / 16,000km service interval and a global two-year unlimited mileage warranty, which also covers Genuine Triumph Accessories. Together with an on the road price which starts at $9,696 USD and $11,695 CAD, this makes the Tiger Sport 660 exceptional value for money.

Customers can choose Sapphire Black or from three premium colors: Roulette Green, Carnival Red or Crystal White. Bikes will be arriving in dealerships from January, 2025.
Find out more at triumphmotorcycles.com

MotoGP: Post-Season Testing Begins In Barcelona

Michael Gougis

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November 19, 2024

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MotoGP: Post-Season Testing Begins In Barcelona

Post-season testing began on Tuesday morning at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with teams slowly unveiling new components and liveries and riders getting used to new teams and new surroundings.

On a chilly but sunny morning, riders were slow to take to the track, with test riders Michele Pirro and Lorenzo Savadori putting in more laps than anyone else in the first hour. Times were slow, with Alex Marquez’ 1:40.213 two seconds off the all-time best lap.

KTM trialled a new tail section and exhausts. Note the winglet that has clearly been 3D-printed and epoxied to the hand-scruffed carbon-fiber. The pace of aero development in MotoGP is rapid.

Closeup of the swingarm aero on the KTM RC16. Note that the horizontal element is an airfoil with a fenced end on the winglet.

A naked KTM RC16. Note the unpainted carbon-fiber frame and massive radiator. Extracting heat from a modern MotoGP machine has become a serious challenge.

Meet the new boss. Marc Marquez has what he wanted – a full factory ride on the best machine in the paddock. Here he listens as factory Lenovo Team Manager Davide Tardozzi speaks.

MotoGP: More From Monday At Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya

Michael Gougis

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November 18, 2024

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MotoGP: More From Monday At Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya

On Monday, MotoGP teams prepared for the first post-season test, with squads rolling out new machines and riders acquainting themselves with new crew members ahead of Tuesday’s activities at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Fresh off of winning the 2024 MotoGP World Championship with Ducati and Jorge Martin, the Pramac racing squad rolled its new Yamaha YZR-M1 prototypes into their garage. Pramac switched to Yamaha for 2025, giving the Japanese company two additional machines on the grid. This is expected to help the company and the two-bike factory team gather data and feedback as they try to improve their dismal level of performance–the factory team did not score a single podium in 2024. After Sunday’s race, former World Champion Fabio Quartararo praised the company’s revitalized development efforts. “If we test an engine and it is better, we have it at the next race,” Quartararo said.

Close-up of the left side of the fairing on a prototype Yamaha YZR-M1 in the Pramac Racing garage on Monday.

Clad in unpainted black fairings, the Pramac machines featured new aerodynamics, particularly down the side of the upper fairing, in a configuration similar to that seen on the factory-team KTM RC16 racebikes in 2024.

Jack Miller landed at Pramac for 2025 after KTM let him go. He was in the garage with his new team on Monday.

Luigi “Gigi” Dall’Igna, General Manager of Ducati Corse and the architect of the all-conquering Desmosedici machines that have dominated MotoGP for the last three seasons, appeared for a brief news conference in the media center at Barcelona. Dall’Igna says he is confident that Ducati will remain competitive in 2025 with six bikes on the grid, down from eight in 2024, but “the real problem is that Martin is leaving to another company and same for Enea (Bastianini). This is the difference between 2024 and 2025.”

Jake Dixon (96) will move to the Moto2 ELF Marc VDS Racing Team on a Boscoscura chassis in 2025. One of his racebikes was left unattended in an empty garage. It is hard to imagine ever getting this close to an unattended MotoGP racebike without a crew member or security guard ushering you away. But Moto2 bikes are a different story.

MotoGP is rolling out its new logo and branding ahead of Tuesday’s test.

AHRMA Announces 2025 Road Race Schedule

John Ulrich

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November 18, 2024

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AHRMA Announces 2025 Road Race Schedule

(November 18, Knoxville, Tennessee) – The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) 2025 National Road Racing series brings history to life during 10 weekends at racetracks across the United States.

“ARHMA’s 2025 National Roadracing Series schedule promises to be our most dynamic yet, as we celebrate the rich legacy and spirit of historic motorsport,” said Greg Tomlinson, Chairman of the AHRMA Board of Trustees. “We look forward to welcoming racers, enthusiasts, and fans to join us as we honor speed and tradition through a thrilling journey across iconic tracks. Here’s to another year of preserving the passion that fuels us all!”

The 2025 season kicks off February 14 with a full weekend of competition at Roebling Road Raceway in Bloomingdale, GA and will conclude the weekend of October 2, during the 20th Annual Barber Vintage Festival, in Birmingham, AL.

The racing schedule includes back-to-back stops in the West starting at the “big” track at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, CA followed by AHRMA’s first visit to Inde Motorsports Ranch, in Wilcox AZ.

Mark your calendar now for some of the world’s best classic motorcycle racing events.

2025 AHRMA National Road Racing Series Schedule*

2/14-16 Roebling Road Raceway; Bloomingdale, GA

3/14-16 Carolina Motorsports Park; Kershaw, SC

4/18-20 Big Willow, Willow Springs Raceway; Rosamond, CA

4/25-27 Inde Motorsports Ranch, Willcox AZ

5/30-6/1 Motorsport Park Hastings; Hastings, NE

6/20-22 New Jersey Motorsports Park; Millville, NJ

8/1-3 Blackhawk Farms Raceway; South Beloit, IL

8/15-17 Pittsburgh International Race Complex; Wampum, PA

9/5-7 Nelson Ledges Road Course; Garrettsville, OH

**10/2-5 Barber Motorsports Park; Birmingham, AL

*Preliminary Schedule as of 11/14/2024, subject to change

**The Barber Vintage Festival event is a no refund event. All road racers MUST BE FULL Members (no weekend memberships are available)

The AHRMA Academy of Roadracing (AAR) and the Sidecar Racing School (SRS) will be held on Friday of most events except the Barber Vintage Festival. Pass the school on Friday and be eligible to race the weekend. Final school schedule will be announced at a later date.

Registration for these events will be opening soon at ahrma.motorsportreg.com.

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With about 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

N2 Announces 2025 Track Day Schedule, Ends Racing Activities

John Ulrich

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November 18, 2024

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N2 Announces 2025 Track Day Schedule, Ends Racing Activities

N2 Track Days Announces 2025 Schedule and End to Racing Activities

Media, PA – November 2024 – N2 Track Days, the premier East Coast track day provider, is proud to announce the 2025 Track Day Schedule and Black Friday specials. N2 Track Days will provide over 60 events in 2025, at 12 world class racetracks, with over 45 events held on weekends. To celebrate the 2025 schedule announcement, N2 Track Days is offering special pricing on memberships and track day packages for two weeks, from Monday, November 18^th at 12pm EST through November 30, 2024.

“We are very happy to announce the 2025 N2 Track Day schedule, and the decision that the track day business will be our primary focus in 2025,” said N2 CEO Jim Curtis. This return to focusing on the track day business also marks the end of the highly successful N2/BobbleHeadMoto MotoAmerica race team along with the decision that N2 has halted plans for the 2025 N2RA National Endurance Series.

“We have enjoyed several years of tremendous success in racing. A Daytona 200 win, reviving and growing a National Endurance Series and participating in the MotoAmerica with two back-to-back national championships. After establishing a healthy track day business, and partnering with multiple organizations, we set out to help motorcycle racers whenever we could, including two-time national champion Blake Davis. We revived a National Endurance Series and oversaw tremendous growth, rule improvements and substantial purses. We want to deliver a quality product, but with the effort to do so is significant and time is against us. This is not a decision we took lightly, and we hope all our supporters understand this. It’s now time to shift the resources we dedicated to our racing efforts and use them to continue to improve our tremendously successful core business in 2025. “

Part of those improvements include the introduction of a new first-time novice rider program in 2025 to assist ‘new to the track’ riders with the transition from the street to the track. This year saw a successful expansion of the ATP (Advanced Training Program) and we will continue to grow our offerings with other specialized training programs, joint events, dealer days, staff training events and motorcycle demo events. This past year also marked a return to Advanced group coaching which will expand in 2025.

N2 Track Days is a member-driven organization, and members enjoy significant benefits. All our events are organized into multiple groups based on rider skill level and experience to create the safest environment possible. Members enjoy special event pricing, expert instruction, and flexible cancellation policies with our Elite membership. Many of our staff are Yamaha Champions Riding School graduates, instructors, and YCRS-certified coaches and accomplished racers.

“We are pleased to announce the incredible ‘Black Friday’ discounts on memberships and track day packages starting today at noon,” said N2 CEO Jim Curtis. “New riders and existing members can enjoy extensive discounts on Basic and Elite memberships. We have also put together some very attractive pricing on 6-Day, 12-Day, and 18-Day track day packages. Our most dedicated members can save a substantial amount of money on our season pass for unlimited days in 2025. All packages are limited in quantity and always sell out before the deadline, which is November 30^th this year.”

To learn more about N2 memberships, track packages, and track days please go to www.N2td.org

N2 Track Days 2025 Preliminary Schedule *

Saturday, January 18- Homestead Miami Speedway

Sunday, January 19- Homestead Miami Speedway

Saturday, March 8- Roebling Road Raceway

Sunday, March 9- Roebling Road Raceway

Saturday, April 12- NCBike- (Staff Only Event)

Sunday, April 13- NCBike- (Staff Only Event)

Monday, April 21 – New Jersey Motorsports Park – Thunderbolt

Saturday, April 26- Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Sunday, April 27- Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Saturday, April 26- NCBike

Sunday, April 27- NCBike

Monday, April 28- Summit Point Main Circuit

Saturday, May 10- Summit Point Main Circuit

Monday, May 12- New Jersey Motorsports Park – Thunderbolt

Saturday, May 17- Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Sunday, May 18- Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Saturday, May 17- Roebling Road Raceway

Sunday, May 18- Roebling Road Raceway

Monday, May 19- Summit Point Main Circuit

Monday, June 2- Summit Point Main Circuit

Saturday, June 7- Carolina Motorsports Park

Sunday, June 8- Carolina Motorsports Park

Friday, June 13- Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Saturday, June 14- Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Sunday, June 15- Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Saturday, June 21- NCBike

Sunday, June 22- NCBike

Monday, June 30- New Jersey Motorsports Park – Thunderbolt

Saturday, July 5- Road Atlanta

Sunday, July 6- Road Atlanta

Saturday, July 5- Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Sunday, July 6- Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Friday, July 11- Roebling Road Raceway

Monday, July 14- Summit Point Main Circuit

Saturday, July 19- NCBike

Sunday, July 20- NCBike

Monday, July 21- New Jersey Motorsports Park – Thunderbolt

Saturday, August 2- Road Atlanta

Sunday, August 3- Road Atlanta

Monday, August 4- Summit Point Main Circuit

Friday, August 8- Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Saturday, August 9- Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Sunday, August 10 – Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Saturday, August 23- Carolina Motorsports Park

Sunday, August 24- Carolina Motorsports Park

Friday, August 29- Road Atlanta

Saturday, September 6- Summit Point Main

Sunday, September 7- Summit Point Main

Saturday, September 13- Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Sunday, September 14- Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Saturday, September 27- NCBike

Sunday, September 28- NCBike

Friday, October 10- New Jersey Motorsports Park – Thunderbolt

Saturday, October 11- Carolina Motorsports Park

Sunday, October 12- Carolina Motorsports Park

Saturday, October 18- Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Sunday, October 19- Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Saturday, October 25- NCBike

Sunday, October 26- NCBike

Saturday, Nov 29- Barber Motorsports Park

Sunday, Nov 30- Barber Motorsports Park

* Dates are preliminary and subject to change

About N2: N2 – Ride, Learn, Race.

Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods. In 2017, N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series. The N2/BobbleHeadMoto Professional Race Team is the two time national champion in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with Blake Davis. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.

The N2 Track Days is proudly sponsored by: Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, KYT Helmets America, Woodcraft Technologies, BobbleHeadMoto, , REB Graphics, Wiseco Pistons, JE Pistons, Pit-Lane Moto and Yamaha Champions Riding School.

For more information:

www.n2td.org

Alpinestars Unveils Limited Edition Martinator Helmet and Boots

John Ulrich

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November 18, 2024

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Alpinestars Unveils Limited Edition Martinator Helmet and Boots

Alpinestars Unveils Limited Edition Martinator S-R10 Racing Helmet and Supertech R Vented Boots in Collaboration with MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin

CIRCUIT DE BARCELONA-CATALUNYA, SPAIN – This iconic Martinator collection embodies Jorge Martin’s tenacious ambition on track, relentless competitive spirit, and everyday work ethic. Engineered to deliver top-tier performance, the Limited Edition Martinator Supertech R10 Racing Helmet and Supertech R Vented Boots provide advanced protection and enhanced safety.

Featuring race-proven innovations, both the S-R10 Helmet and the Supertech R Boots provide maximum airflow, comfort, and unparalleled protective technology. In this special edition, the Martinator replica products mirror Jorge’s MotoGP racing equipment and his unyielding drive.

Jorge Martin: “Martinator is a nickname my father gave me because of my strength, ability to overcome, and perseverance. There have been some chapters throughout my sporting career that have reflected this nickname, such as the tendon injury in my hand requiring a ‘bionic’ glove in 2018, or the bad crash in Portimão in 2021. Through these experiences, along with my self-improvement mentality and work ethic, I’ve forged the Martinator persona that has driven me to where I am today.”

The Limited Edition Martinator S-R10 Helmet and Supertech R Vented Boots give fans the unique opportunity to experience the track like MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin, inspiring them to push their limits and persevere in all conditions.

The Martinator Supertech R Vented Boots are now available for purchase online at alpinestars.com and at authorized Alpinestars dealers for €649.95 / $649.95. The Martinator S-R10 Helmet is set to launch ahead of the 2025 MotoGP season, with availability scheduled for February 25, 2025, at 6 PM CET / 9 AM PST for €1,349.95 / $1,349.95. The Martinator S-R10 will come equipped with two interchangeable race and standard spoilers, clear and dark smoke visors, a set of tear-offs, a Pinlock lens, and both wind and breath deflectors—all conveniently storable in the included paddock helmet bag.

Alpinestars has launched Martinator helmets and boots celebrating Jorge Martin winning the 2024 MotoGP World Championship. Alpinestars photo.

Supertech R10 Road Racing Helmet: MotoGP-Grade Performance
The culmination of years of rigorous research, development, and testing, Alpinestars’ Supertech R-10 Helmet stands as one of the world’s most advanced helmets for racers and riders worldwide. A signature characteristic of the S-R10’s design is its cutting-edge aerodynamics, fine-tuned through extensive wind tunnel testing to reduce drag and optimize aerodynamic stability at high speeds. The helmet’s aerodynamics are perfectly paired with advanced ventilation, exceptional comfort, and an eye-catching design.

Newly crowned MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin poses with an Alpinestars Martinator helmet.. Alpinestars photo.

Supertech R Vented Boots: MotoGP-Grade Performance for Track and Road
The Supertech R Vented Boots set the benchmark for high-performance protective footwear, born from Alpinestars’ comprehensive research and real-world testing with MotoGP and World Superbike champions. The inner bootie offers enhanced impact protection, while the compound rubber sole provides superior grip on the pegs, making these boots the definitive choice for riders seeking peak performance and comfort both on and off the track.

Key features include extensive perforations for optimal ventilation, a flex area and rear bellow for enhanced flexibility, a TPU shifter for superior medial protection, and an ergonomically profiled shin plate for optimal impact absorption.

Note: (The Boots are available now. The Helmet arrives in stock February 2025.)

MotoGP And Harley-Davidson Collaborating On Racing Project

Michael Gougis

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November 18, 2024

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MotoGP And Harley-Davidson Collaborating On Racing Project

Harley-Davidson and MotoGP promoter Dorna hope to do more than just demo runs of MotoAmerica’s Harley-Davidson King of The Baggers racebikes at Grand Prix circuits in the future, but the nature of the burgeoning collaboration between the two remains to be seen.

Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz joined Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, and Carlos Ezpeleta, Dorna’s Chief Sporting Officer, in a brief news conference before MotoAmerica racers Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli turned demonstration laps on their racebikes at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

From left, Dorna Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta, Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz and Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna Sports CEO.

“We are very proud to continue our relationship with Harley,” Carmelo Ezpeleta told journalists and guests at the event. “It is clear from our side that … this is very important to us. Harley is very important in the American market and it is very important to us.”

“We are a natural fit,” said Zeitz. “We will be exploring the opportunities to see what we can do in the world of racing.”

Collaborating with Harley could increase the popularity of MotoGP in the United States, and such a collaboration could increase the visibility of Harley in countries where MotoGP is popular, the representatives said.

However, what that collaboration will look like is unknown at this point, other than it will not be a duplicate of the successful MotoAmerica races. At this point, Dorna is talking to Harley and Harley only, and has no plans to open discussions with other manufacturers, Carlos Ezpeleta said. In MotoAmerica, Harley races against Indian in the King of The Baggers class.

Later in the day, Grand Prix racers Marco Melandri, John Hopkins and Simon Crafar were scheduled to test the factory Road Glide racebikes.

The participants were quick to point out that it is not Harley-Davidson’s first involvement with international Grand Prix racing. Italian Walter Villa took an Aermacchi/Harley-Davidson RR-250 to three straight 250cc Grand Prix World Championships from 1974-1976.

MotoGP Celebrates Champions, Reveals New Branding

John Ulrich

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November 17, 2024

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MotoGP Celebrates Champions, Reveals New Branding

MotoGP™ Awards wrap up 2024

Champions crowned, curtain down: Congratulations to our 2024 winners

The 2024 MotoGP™ Awards took place on Sunday night in Barcelona as we witnessed this season’s Champions collect their medals, before freshly-crowned MotoGP™ World Champion Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) placed the famous plaque on the Tower of Champions.

The top three from each class – MotoGP™, Moto2™, Moto3™ and MotoE™ – and more were celebrated at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, as MotoGP™ capped off another stunning year of racing – and brought the covers off a whole new brand identity.

Here are some of the best shots of the night!

2024 MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin with his World Championship medal. Dorna photo.

New MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin poses with his bike. Dorna photo.

Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia finished second in 2024 MotoGP points. Dorna photo.

Marc Marquez finished third in final 2024 MotoGP points. Dorna photo.

The 2024 World Champions, from left, Moto2 Champ Ai Ogura, MotoGP Champ Jorge Martin, and Moto3 Champ David Alonso. Dorna photo.

2024 Moto2 Champion Ai Ogura. Dorna photo.

2024 Moto3 Champion David Alonso. Dorna photo.

MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin’s racebike, posed underneath MotoGP’s new logo. Dorna photo.

More, from another press release issued by Dorna:

MotoGP™: FASTER. FORWARD. FEARLESS.

The most exciting sport on earth unveils a new brand identity. Discover it.

Welcome to the most exciting sport on earth. The fastest bikes. The most forward-thinking manufacturers. The world’s most fearless riders. This is the hunt, and there can only be one winner. Come with us to the edge of possibility and the edge of your seat.

Crafted with the world’s largest independent design studio, Pentagram, our new identity is more than a logo. It’s a complete evolution of the brand, including artwork, motion, typeface, visual identity and verbal identity designed to take the most exciting sport on earth into a new era.

From a motorsport to digital-first global entertainment brand, the new MotoGP™ is for every fan – those who’ve fallen in love throughout our more than 75-year history, and all those we haven’t met yet. Fans are the driving force behind our new identity and the most exciting sport on earth is its DNA.

The M in the new MotoGP™ logo takes inspiration from two bikes, at a lean, close to each other on track as is unique to the sport. The ‘O’s suggest the wheels’ geometry, and the ‘t’ the rider between them. Human and machine. The ‘GP’ evokes the track and helps the logo retain its strong, sporty aesthetic.

Angus Hyland, Creative Director & Pentagram Partner
“Working on the new MotoGP identity has been an incredible honour. It was great to collaborate with the MotoGP team to reimagine this iconic brand, and impossible not to get caught up in the excitement of the competition and the people that shape it. We hope fans around the world will embrace the new look and feel as MotoGP races into its next chapter.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports
“We’re very excited to reveal our new identity and invite fans around the world to meet the new MotoGP. Working with Pentagram has been an incredible adventure leading to what we hope our fans will agree is an incredible result. A brand is more than a logo, and MotoGP is more than a sport. The process has taught us a lot about both and we’re very proud to show the world the results. The key question throughout has been, ‘What is MotoGP?’, both now and looking forward to who we want to be, and we hope this new identity communicates every aspect of that, from the speed to the passion and everything in between. This is MotoGP.”

About MotoGP™
Welcome to the most exciting sport on earth. The fastest bikes. The most forward-thinking manufacturers. The world’s most fearless riders. This is the hunt, and there can only be one winner. Come with us to the edge of possibility and the edge of your seat.

The new MotoGP logo laid over a photo of a new World Champion. Dorna photo.

MotoGP’s new tagline is:

MotoGP™: FASTER. FORWARD. FEARLESS.

MotoGP: More From Sunday At The Solidarity GP Of Barcelona

Michael Gougis

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November 17, 2024

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MotoGP: More From Sunday At The Solidarity GP Of Barcelona

Francesco Bagnaia led the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona from start to finish, joined Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez as the only riders to win 11 or more Grand Prix races in a season, and still cut a dejected figure on the track and on the podium. He had lost the Championship to Jorge Martin, who had won only three Grand Prix races.

Martin’s consistency paid off with his first MotoGP World Championship. Martin had hoped to join the Ducati factory team in 2025 but was rebuffed by Ducati managers, (who signed the resurgent Marc Marquez instead), so Martin signed a 2025 deal with Aprilia mid-season, and will take his new #1 plate with him. And the Prima Pramac satellite team Martin won the 2024 World Championship with, has signed with Yamaha for next year.

Marc Marquez (93) said at the beginning of the year that after four brutal years at Honda, he just wanted to be competitive again. On a year-old Ducati that was not built around the latest generation of Michelin slicks, Marquez finished the season with a second place in the Grand Prix in Barcelona, third in the Championship, three Grand Prix race wins, a Sprint race win and two pole positions.

Aron Canet (44) was perfect all weekend in Barcelona and won his second Moto2 race in three starts.

David Alonso (80) ended the season with seven straight wins in Moto3.

Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez (25) was quickest in the chilly Sunday morning warm-up session , but his form did not carry over into the Grand Prix race, where he finished 18th.

Tickets for the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona went on sale just 10 days before the event took place. The grandstands still were packed, and Dorna officials said more than 138,000 people attended the event over three days. This is the view on Saturday from the hillside overlooking Turn One and Turn Two and the end of the grandstand on the main straight.

Film crew members were in the paddock at Barcelona for the production of the Warner Bros. movie “Idols.” The film centers around a Moto2 rider who gets a wildcard entry into a MotoGP race.

NHRA Drag Racing: Gaige Herrera Wins Second Straight Pro Stock Championship On Hayabusa

November 19, 2024

1224 Gaige Herrera at Pomona — Gaige Herrera won his second straight NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racing Championship on a Gen 3 Suzuki Hayabusa. Photo by Matt Polito.