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MotoGP : Viñales Fastest Friday Afternoon At Mugello

Mathilde Gasnier
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MotoGP : Viñales Fastest Friday Afternoon At Mugello

Maverick Viñales led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16 on spec Michelin tires, the Spaniard turned a lap time of 1:44.634 around the 3.26-mile (5.24 km) track and led the 22-rider field.     

Francesco Bagnaia was the best of the rest with a 1:44.744 on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25. 

Marc Marquez, Bagnaia’s teammate and the current World Championship point leader, was third at 1:44.780.

Classification motogp

 

More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Viñales leads Bagnaia on blistering Mugello Friday. Top Gun puts KTM at the summit on Friday as Yamaha and Aprilia also gain automatic Q2 entries.

A quality 1:44.634 lap late into a phenomenal MotoGP Practice session at the Brembo Grand Prix of Italy saw Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) spoil Ducati’s opening day party. Top Gun flew highest to beat Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) by 0.110s on Friday afternoon, as the Italian’s teammate Marc Marquez made sure both factory Ducatis were inside the top three at the end of play.

EARLY DOORS: Acosta leads, Quartararo crashes

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) led the way in the opening stages of Practice as drama unfolded for Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) with 48 minutes left on the clock. The Frenchman suffered a fast crash on the entry to Turn 4 and after partially dislocating his left shoulder, Quartararo was on his feet, back in the box and back out on track setting personal best lap times soon enough.

There was also a crash at the final corner for Jack Miller, the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP star was all OK and occupied P10 with 22 minutes to go. And that is around the time where we began to see some fresh soft rear Michelin tyre rubber slotted in, which usually means one thing on a Friday afternoon – time attacks.

THE FINAL 20 MINS: time attack mode engaged

Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) were the first big movers, the Italian and Spaniard went P2 and P6 respectively, as 0.5s split pacesetter Acosta to Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in P14. Small margins at Mugello.

Then things got very busy. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) briefly led the session before Morbidelli and then Bagnaia climbed to the summit. The new time to beat, thanks to the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Italian GP winner, was a 1:45.324. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was a close P2, Acosta was within a tenth in P3, before Bezzecchi – while shadowing a rapid Bagnaia – went P1 by 0.064s.

At this stage, Marc Marquez was P14. But not for long. The Championship leader landed a 1:45.044 to beat Bezzecchi’s time by a tenth, as Viñales slotted into P3 ahead of Bagnaia. This was relentless Practice action at Mugello, and we still had another eight minutes to enjoy.

And with four minutes to go, Alex Marquez set a new benchmark time. A 1:44.787 put the #73 over two tenths clear, before Bagnaia responded to move 0.043s ahead of the pack. Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) had shot into the top five and then teammate Quartararo went P3 – what an effort.

Then, full focus was on Viñales. Through Sector 3, the #12 was two tenths under Bagnaia’s time and across the line, Top Gun was top dog with 30s remaining. Could Marc Marquez have a say? He flirted with the idea, but the #93’s lap was only good enough for P3.

And that was all she wrote. Viñales sits a tenth clear heading into Saturday, with Yamaha and Aprilia also right in the victory and podium hunt as things stand, alongside Ducati.

THE TOP 10: Friday’s fastest runners at Mugello

Alex Marquez was P4 behind the leading trio, with Quartararo’s heroics seeing him end a rollercoaster Friday in P5. Bezzecchi fronts the Aprilia charge in P6, Rins sits P7 to hand factory Yamaha a double Q2 automatic passage, as Acosta, Morbidelli and Di Giannantonio make up the initial 10 riders heading into the pole position scrap.

Moto2 : Salac Quickest Friday Afternoon in Italy

Mathilde Gasnier
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Moto2 : Salac Quickest Friday Afternoon in Italy

Filip Salac led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Czech rider lapped the 3.26-mile road course in 1:50.208, topping the field of 28 riders.

For his Home GP, Celestino Vietti was second-best with a time of 1:50.288 on his Beta Tools SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro. 

Spaniard Manuel Gonzalez did a third-fastest 1:50.302 on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.

American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 16th with a best time of 1:50.976 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification practice moto2

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Salac pips Vietti as Friday concludes at Mugello for Moto2™. The Czech star found form to lead the charge into the weekend but it’s tight behind. 

A fine day for motorcycle racing at Mugello as the sun beat down for Moto2™ Practice in the afternoon. The soaring temperatures were a match for on-track action as the vital top 14 places were out to be bagged; Filip Salac (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) was the long-time leader in the session and remained on top at the end, ahead of Boscoscuro’s Celestino Vietti (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team) and joint-Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP).

The 1’50.208 was good enough for Salac to head Vietti by 0.080s, whilst ‘Manugas’ secured third and was within a tenth of the top time. Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) booked his spot in Q2 with fourth whilst it was contrasting fortunes for his teammate Aron Canet. Tied with Gonzalez for the lead of the standings, the #44 was just P14 at the chequered flag and suffered a mechanical issue on his in-lap. Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) came to Canet’s aide and finished ninth after getting a tow round by teammate Salac, whilst it was home-hero Tony Arbolino (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) who secured fifth.

Next up and it was a solid afternoon for Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2), whilst David Holgado (CFMOTO European Privilege Aspar) was next up in seventh. A late charge from Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team) saw him sneak through into Q2 directly with eighth, whilst Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) rounded out the top ten.

Completing the list of riders who got the donkey work done on Friday and likewise scrap it out for Q2, Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team), Senna Agius (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team), with some standout names struggling to move further up. They were fortunate though, as famous faces will fight it out in Q1, including Aragon GP winner Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), 2024 Mugello winner Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) and reigning Moto3™ World Champion David Alonso (CFMOTO European Privilege Aspar).

Full Moto2 Mugello results from Friday Practice!

Moto3 : Almansa Is Best Friday Afternoon in Italy

Mathilde Gasnier
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Moto3 : Almansa Is Best Friday Afternoon in Italy

David Almansa led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Almansa used his Pirelli-shod Leopard Racing Honda to lap the 3.26-mile track in 1:55.535, which led the field of 26 riders.

Honda Team Asia’s Taiyo Furusato was second-best with a time of 1:55.567. 

Ryusei Yamanaka, piloting his FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:55.722. 

Classification practicde moto3

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Almansa fastest from Furusato as big hitters face Q1. It’s Leopard leading Honda Team Asia after Friday’s Moto3 running at Mugello, with Muñoz and Quiles both outside the top 14. 

David Almansa’s (Leopard Racing) 1:55.535 handed the Spaniard top spot on Friday at the Brembo Grand Prix of Italy, as a pair of Japanese stars complete the leading trio – Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) and Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI). On the flip side of the coin, Aragon’s P1 and P2 finishers, David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team), face Q1’s jungle at Mugello.

Mistakes in the closing stages cost Muñoz and Quiles a chance to try and jump into that top 14, and it was an afternoon that was doubly disappointing for the Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP box after home hero Guido Pini suffered an early crash and subsequent bike problem that saw the Italian complete just four laps. 

There were no such issues for Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA) and Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), though. The Australian and Italian sail into Q2 in P4 and P5, with Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) a solid P6. Rookies Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) sit ahead of Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) and World Championship leader Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) inside the top 10, with Rivacold Snipers Team duo Nicola Carraro and Riccardo Rossi gaining automatic Q2 entry alongside Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing).

Tune into Moto3 qualifying at 12:50 local time on Saturday afternoon!

Moto3 Italian GP Practice results!

MotoGP : Bezzecchi Heads Opening Practice At Mugello

Mathilde Gasnier
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MotoGP : Bezzecchi Heads Opening Practice At Mugello

Marco Bezzecchi topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Michelin-shod Aprilia Racing RS-GP25, the Italian turned a lap of 1:46.199 around the 3.26-mile (5.24 km) track and led the 22-rider field.

Pedro Acosta was second-best with a 1:46.1999 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16. Bezzecchi and Acosta recorded equal lap times.

Acosta’s teammate Brad Binder was third with a lap of 1:46.252. 

Classification motogp fp1

 

More from a press release issued by Dorna: 

Bezzecchi and Acosta set identical lap times, Aprilia and KTM lead Mugello FP1. It’s not often that the top two in a session set the same time to the thousandth of a second but this is Mugello, where anything can happen – and most probably will. 

Meandering its way through the hills of Tuscany, the rather peaceful surroundings of Mugello are shattered by MotoGP™ every year and 2025 is no different. The first of four rounds in five weeks has ignited with FP1 and Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) leading the way, even if it was his second time that gave him top spot, having matched Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) on his last lap.

Leaving it late with his last flying lap, Marco Bezzecchi charged to the top to demote Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). The Italian, racing at home, set the exact same time as the KTM rider but leads the way into the afternoon, courtesy of his second fastest time being faster. Acosta would have improved again before running wide on his final flying lap at the final corner, going into the gravel. Ultimately taking P2, an interesting observation was that the #37 KTM, following on from the Aragon Test, was not using any rear aero package. He was ahead of teammate Brad Binder, with the South African once again at the top of the top speed charts at 362.4km/h. Championship leader Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) was fourth and the best Ducati, whilst Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) rounded out the top five.

Making it four manufacturers inside the top six, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was sixth and back in better form than two weeks ago at Aragon. Three KTMs in the top seven as Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) in P7, whilst Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) took P8. The winner of the last three Italian GPs was still struggling, with two laps in the closing ten minutes being ruined by missed apexes; the frustration was clear for the #63.Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was ninth whilst Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) made it all five manufacturers inside the top ten.

One crasher at Arrabbiata 1 was Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), although he was soon back in the box and all OK whilst his teammate was back in action too. Ai Ogura crashed at Silverstone in FP2 and was ruled out of Aragon but returned with P15 in FP1 at Mugello, a circuit he’s stated isn’t preferred for his riding style. The top 15 were all covered by less than nine tenths of a second, making for an intriguing and high energy afternoon of Practice to determine who goes into Q2 directly and who will face the dreaded dogfight of Q1.

MotoGP Mugello FP1 results!

Moto2 : Gonzalez Tops Opening Practice At Mugello

Mathilde Gasnier
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Moto2 : Gonzalez Tops Opening Practice At Mugello

Manuel Gonzalez was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Friday morning at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Pirelli-shod LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on the 3.26-mile (5.24 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:50.589 to lead the field of 28 riders.

Jake Dixon was the best of the rest with a 1:50.629 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro. Celestino Vietti was third-fastest with a 1:50.677 on his Beta Tools SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro.

American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 16th with a 1:51.525 on his Onlyfans American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification fp1 moto2

Moto3 : Rueda Quickest In Opening Practice In Italy

Mathilde Gasnier
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Moto3 : Rueda Quickest In Opening Practice In Italy

Jose Antonio Rueda was quickest during Moto3 World Championship practice Friday morning at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 3.26-mile (5.24 km) road course in 1:55.924, topping the field of 26 riders.

Scott Ogden was the best of the rest with a 1:56.648 on his CIP Green Power KTM.

David Muñoz, riding his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP KTM,  was third with a lap time of 1:56.718. 

Classification moto3 fp1

R.I.P.: MotoAmerica Racing Official Gary McQuiston

John Ulrich
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R.I.P.: MotoAmerica Racing Official Gary McQuiston

It is with great sorrow that MotoAmerica has learned of the passing of one of its own: Long-time AMA Pro Racing and MotoAmerica grid marshal and paddock legend, Gary McQuiston.

If you were in or around the MotoAmerica paddock from its beginnings in 2015 to his retirement as an official in 2019, chances are you knew McQuiston. Prior to joining MotoAmerica, he worked for CCS and AMA Pro Racing, building a 30-year career in road racing paddocks at racetracks around the country. He was 87 years old when he died recently.

“He was an old soul, a real character,” said Christian “Scotty” Hubbard, a co-worker and friend of the man his friends called, “Iceman.” “He always claimed to be two years younger than he actually was, but I don’t think he really knew how old he was.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Editorial Note: Gary McQuiston was a supporter of the Roadracing World Action Fund since 2004, donating a total of $3,200 to support the purchase and deployment of Airfence and Alpina soft barriers, in memory of Bill Parr, Captain Richey Halstead, and Jennifer Morgan Campbell.

Gary McQuiston (right) with fellow race official Christian “Scotty” Hubbard and a young Marc Marquez, circa 2013.

Where To Ride This Weekend: STT Headed To Barber & Grattan

John Ulrich
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Where To Ride This Weekend: STT Headed To Barber & Grattan

SPORTBIKE TRACK TIME

GET ON THE RIGHT TRACK!

LAST CALL FOR BARBER!

If you’ve been thinking about a track day at Barber Motorsports Park but haven’t committed, today is your lucky day!

There are still spots open in all three groups for this weekend, but they won’t last long!

Click the links below to grab your spot at Barber today!

Saturday, June 21 https://www.sportbiketracktime.com/tracktime/BMP062125

Sunday, June 22    https://www.sportbiketracktime.com/tracktime/BMP062225

 

GRATTAN RACEWAY

June 21 – BACKWARDS https://www.sportbiketracktime.com/tracktime/GR062125

June 22 – BACKWARDS https://www.sportbiketracktime.com/tracktime/GR062225

 

BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK

June 21  https://www.sportbiketracktime.com/tracktime/BMP062125

June 22 https://www.sportbiketracktime.com/tracktime/BMP062225

 

AUTOBAHN COUNTRY CLUB

Saturday, June 28

Novice sold out

Race Certificate Class available

Sunday, June 29

Novice sold out

Race Certificate Class available

1:1 Instruction available

 

ROAD ATLANTA

Saturday, June 28

Novice and Intermediate sold out

Sunday, June 29

Intermediate sold out

 

GRATTAN RACEWAY

July 4 – Ladies First

July 5

July 6

 

GRATTAN RACEWAY

July 11

Novice class not offered

Race Certificate Class available

 

PUTNAM PARK

July 19

July 20

 

TALLADEGA GP

July 19 – BACKWARDS

July 20

 

A Sportbike Track Time rider having fun on the racetrack. Photo by SPImages/STT.

Roadracing World Young Guns 2025: Hank Vossberg

Mathilde Gasnier
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Roadracing World Young Guns 2025: Hank Vossberg

Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 29th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.

Roadracing World Young Guns have won:

  • FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
  • MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 14 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
  • A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
  • WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships; ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
  • AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
  • USGPRU National Championships;
  • Many regional and local titles.

The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.

We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2025 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.

The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America, based on the 2024 season. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.

We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.

 

Hank Vossberg. Photo courtesy Hank Vossberg.
Hank Vossberg. Photo courtesy Hank Vossberg.

 

Hank Vossberg: 

Age: 14.

Current home: De Pere, Wisconsin.

Current height/weight: 5’6”/126 pounds.

Current school grade level: 9th grade.

Began riding at age: 2 years.

First road race: 2017, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Midwest Karting Assoc., Kids Mini Supermoto, 1st.

Current racebikes: Aprilia RS 660, Kramer APX-350MA.

Current tuners/mechanics: Redeye Performance, William “Billy” Vossberg (father).

Primary race series: MotoAmerica Talent Cup and Twins Cup (after I turn 15), N2 National Endurance Championship.

Top sponsors: Tytlers Cycle, Robem Engineering, Dunlop, Wiseco, Vortex, Rekluse, Millennium Technologies, Blud Lubricants, NGK Spark Plugs.

Recent racing accomplishments: 2024 season, co-rode to N2/WERA National Endurance Lightweight Championship, won three WERA Sportsman North Central Regional Championships (B Superstock, B Superbike, C Superstock), 20 WERA race wins, won AMA Grand National Twins Championship; 2023 season, won Clubman Expert WERA Sportsman North Central Regional Championship (19 race wins with WERA), placed third in Ultra- Lightweight Championship N2/WERA National Endurance Championship (one win, two total podiums), won 13 CRA races, finished second in two Road America Supermoto Club Championships (450 Pro, Sportsman); 2022 season, won two WERA Sportsman National Championships (D Superbike Expert, F Superstock Expert), 10 race wins with WERA, co-rode to N2/WERA National Endurance Ultra-Lightweight class victory, won CCS 300 GP Expert Midwest Regional Championship, won ASRA Moto3 National race, won Road America Supermoto Mini Championship; 2021 season, won two WERA Sportsman National Championship (D Superstock Novice, F Superstock Novice), won four WERA Sportsman Regional Class Championships, won 18 WERA races.

2025 racing goals: Win a MotoAmerica race, finish in the top five in the MotoAmerica Talent Cup Championship, podium in a MotoAmerica Twins Cup race.

Racing career goal: Win a MotoAmerica Championship.

Racing hero: Josh Hayes.

Favorite track: Daytona.

Favorite hobby: Downhill skiing.

If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Riding bikes with my friends.

 

…..

Some of the riders who have graduated from Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);

2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and MotoAmerica Superbike podium finisher Corey Alexander;

AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);

2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner J.D. Beach;

Five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and Moto2 World Championship point scorer Cameron Beaubier;

Former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;

Three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;

FIM JuniorGP World Championship point scorer and MotoAmerica podium finisher Torin Collins;

Former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;

2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;

2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;

Four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne(R.I.P.);

Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;

Two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley- Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;

2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;

2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;

Two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2023and 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim;

2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);

2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner- up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;

Eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;

2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, and 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion, and four-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Teagg Hobbs;

AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;

2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;

2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 and 2024 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;

2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, Moto2 World Championship point scorer, MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Sean Dylan Kelly;

Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;

Two-time MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2020 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers race winner Rocco Landers;

Two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;

2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;

MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;

MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;

AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;

Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;

AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and two-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;

2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;

2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;

2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;

2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and powersports dealership owner Bryce Kornbau (nee Prince);

AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;

Two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Championship runner-up James Rispoli;

2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;

2022 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up and 2023 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship runner-up Gus Rodio;

2021 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion and multi-time MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Tyler Scott;

Former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;

Three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;

FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship regular Max Toth;

Multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, former World Superbike competitor, and 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship runner-up Jayson Uribe;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup race winner and current Supersport regular Max Van;

2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;

Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;

Former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner; MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and 2024 MotoAmerica Super Hooligan Champion Cory West;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup race winner and 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Cup Champion Ashton Yates;

Two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.

FIM MiniGP World Series: Turkiye, Northeast Asia And Southeast Asia Series Added

Michael Gougis
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FIM MiniGP World Series: Turkiye, Northeast Asia And Southeast Asia Series Added

The FIM MiniGP World Series, the first programme in motorsport aimed at creating grassroots equality, returns in 2025 and welcomes three new Series to the ranks: the FIM MiniGP Northeast Asia Series, FIM MiniGP Southeast Asia Series and the FIM MiniGP Türkiye Series. As they make their debut, they’ll run a 160cc Series, making it 22 Series in that category for 2025.

13 Series will also run a 190cc category, with that option open to those who have already run a year or more of 160cc competition.

Riders are aged between 10 and 14 for the 160cc class and between 12 and 16 for the 190cc class. Each Series must have a minimum of five events comprising 10 races and the top two riders in each Series will then be invited to the World Final.

As ever, the World Final sees the class of 2025 descend on Valencia ahead of the MotoGP finale, with riders touching down on the Sunday before. Track action begins on Tuesday with FP, before qualifying practices and races on Wednesday. Thursday then hosts the final showdowns and crowns the 2025 Champions.

The ambassadors for each Series can also be confirmed. They’ll drop in on the final to give some expert tips and support, as well as welcoming some of the competitors to some special events throughout the season. 2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and 2022-2023 MotoGP World Champion Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) are just two of the famous faces supporting the stars of tomorrow!

MotoGP : Viñales Fastest Friday Afternoon At Mugello

Maverick Viñales was fastest Friday afternoon in Italy. Photo courtesy KTM TECH3 Team.

Maverick Viñales led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16 on spec Michelin tires, the Spaniard turned a lap time of 1:44.634 around the 3.26-mile (5.24 km) track and led the 22-rider field.     

Francesco Bagnaia was the best of the rest with a 1:44.744 on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25. 

Marc Marquez, Bagnaia’s teammate and the current World Championship point leader, was third at 1:44.780.

Classification motogp

 

More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Viñales leads Bagnaia on blistering Mugello Friday. Top Gun puts KTM at the summit on Friday as Yamaha and Aprilia also gain automatic Q2 entries.

A quality 1:44.634 lap late into a phenomenal MotoGP Practice session at the Brembo Grand Prix of Italy saw Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) spoil Ducati’s opening day party. Top Gun flew highest to beat Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) by 0.110s on Friday afternoon, as the Italian’s teammate Marc Marquez made sure both factory Ducatis were inside the top three at the end of play.

EARLY DOORS: Acosta leads, Quartararo crashes

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) led the way in the opening stages of Practice as drama unfolded for Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) with 48 minutes left on the clock. The Frenchman suffered a fast crash on the entry to Turn 4 and after partially dislocating his left shoulder, Quartararo was on his feet, back in the box and back out on track setting personal best lap times soon enough.

There was also a crash at the final corner for Jack Miller, the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP star was all OK and occupied P10 with 22 minutes to go. And that is around the time where we began to see some fresh soft rear Michelin tyre rubber slotted in, which usually means one thing on a Friday afternoon – time attacks.

THE FINAL 20 MINS: time attack mode engaged

Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) were the first big movers, the Italian and Spaniard went P2 and P6 respectively, as 0.5s split pacesetter Acosta to Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in P14. Small margins at Mugello.

Then things got very busy. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) briefly led the session before Morbidelli and then Bagnaia climbed to the summit. The new time to beat, thanks to the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Italian GP winner, was a 1:45.324. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was a close P2, Acosta was within a tenth in P3, before Bezzecchi – while shadowing a rapid Bagnaia – went P1 by 0.064s.

At this stage, Marc Marquez was P14. But not for long. The Championship leader landed a 1:45.044 to beat Bezzecchi’s time by a tenth, as Viñales slotted into P3 ahead of Bagnaia. This was relentless Practice action at Mugello, and we still had another eight minutes to enjoy.

And with four minutes to go, Alex Marquez set a new benchmark time. A 1:44.787 put the #73 over two tenths clear, before Bagnaia responded to move 0.043s ahead of the pack. Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) had shot into the top five and then teammate Quartararo went P3 – what an effort.

Then, full focus was on Viñales. Through Sector 3, the #12 was two tenths under Bagnaia’s time and across the line, Top Gun was top dog with 30s remaining. Could Marc Marquez have a say? He flirted with the idea, but the #93’s lap was only good enough for P3.

And that was all she wrote. Viñales sits a tenth clear heading into Saturday, with Yamaha and Aprilia also right in the victory and podium hunt as things stand, alongside Ducati.

THE TOP 10: Friday’s fastest runners at Mugello

Alex Marquez was P4 behind the leading trio, with Quartararo’s heroics seeing him end a rollercoaster Friday in P5. Bezzecchi fronts the Aprilia charge in P6, Rins sits P7 to hand factory Yamaha a double Q2 automatic passage, as Acosta, Morbidelli and Di Giannantonio make up the initial 10 riders heading into the pole position scrap.

Moto2 : Salac Quickest Friday Afternoon in Italy

Filip Salac was fastest this afternoon during the practice session in Italy. Photo courtesy ELF Marc VDS Team.
Filip Salac was fastest this afternoon during the practice session in Italy. Photo courtesy ELF Marc VDS Team.

Filip Salac led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Czech rider lapped the 3.26-mile road course in 1:50.208, topping the field of 28 riders.

For his Home GP, Celestino Vietti was second-best with a time of 1:50.288 on his Beta Tools SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro. 

Spaniard Manuel Gonzalez did a third-fastest 1:50.302 on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.

American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 16th with a best time of 1:50.976 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification practice moto2

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Salac pips Vietti as Friday concludes at Mugello for Moto2™. The Czech star found form to lead the charge into the weekend but it’s tight behind. 

A fine day for motorcycle racing at Mugello as the sun beat down for Moto2™ Practice in the afternoon. The soaring temperatures were a match for on-track action as the vital top 14 places were out to be bagged; Filip Salac (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) was the long-time leader in the session and remained on top at the end, ahead of Boscoscuro’s Celestino Vietti (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team) and joint-Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP).

The 1’50.208 was good enough for Salac to head Vietti by 0.080s, whilst ‘Manugas’ secured third and was within a tenth of the top time. Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) booked his spot in Q2 with fourth whilst it was contrasting fortunes for his teammate Aron Canet. Tied with Gonzalez for the lead of the standings, the #44 was just P14 at the chequered flag and suffered a mechanical issue on his in-lap. Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) came to Canet’s aide and finished ninth after getting a tow round by teammate Salac, whilst it was home-hero Tony Arbolino (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) who secured fifth.

Next up and it was a solid afternoon for Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2), whilst David Holgado (CFMOTO European Privilege Aspar) was next up in seventh. A late charge from Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team) saw him sneak through into Q2 directly with eighth, whilst Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) rounded out the top ten.

Completing the list of riders who got the donkey work done on Friday and likewise scrap it out for Q2, Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team), Senna Agius (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team), with some standout names struggling to move further up. They were fortunate though, as famous faces will fight it out in Q1, including Aragon GP winner Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), 2024 Mugello winner Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) and reigning Moto3™ World Champion David Alonso (CFMOTO European Privilege Aspar).

Full Moto2 Mugello results from Friday Practice!

Moto3 : Almansa Is Best Friday Afternoon in Italy

David Almansa was fastest this afternoon at Mugello. Photo courtesy Leopard Racing.
David Almansa was fastest this afternoon at Mugello. Photo courtesy Leopard Racing.

David Almansa led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Almansa used his Pirelli-shod Leopard Racing Honda to lap the 3.26-mile track in 1:55.535, which led the field of 26 riders.

Honda Team Asia’s Taiyo Furusato was second-best with a time of 1:55.567. 

Ryusei Yamanaka, piloting his FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:55.722. 

Classification practicde moto3

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Almansa fastest from Furusato as big hitters face Q1. It’s Leopard leading Honda Team Asia after Friday’s Moto3 running at Mugello, with Muñoz and Quiles both outside the top 14. 

David Almansa’s (Leopard Racing) 1:55.535 handed the Spaniard top spot on Friday at the Brembo Grand Prix of Italy, as a pair of Japanese stars complete the leading trio – Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) and Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI). On the flip side of the coin, Aragon’s P1 and P2 finishers, David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team), face Q1’s jungle at Mugello.

Mistakes in the closing stages cost Muñoz and Quiles a chance to try and jump into that top 14, and it was an afternoon that was doubly disappointing for the Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP box after home hero Guido Pini suffered an early crash and subsequent bike problem that saw the Italian complete just four laps. 

There were no such issues for Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA) and Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), though. The Australian and Italian sail into Q2 in P4 and P5, with Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) a solid P6. Rookies Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) sit ahead of Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) and World Championship leader Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) inside the top 10, with Rivacold Snipers Team duo Nicola Carraro and Riccardo Rossi gaining automatic Q2 entry alongside Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing).

Tune into Moto3 qualifying at 12:50 local time on Saturday afternoon!

Moto3 Italian GP Practice results!

MotoGP : Bezzecchi Heads Opening Practice At Mugello

Marco Bezzecchi during the last Grand Prix at Aragon, in Spain. Photo courtesy Aprilia Team.
Marco Bezzecchi during the last Grand Prix at Aragon, in Spain. Photo courtesy Aprilia Team.

Marco Bezzecchi topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Michelin-shod Aprilia Racing RS-GP25, the Italian turned a lap of 1:46.199 around the 3.26-mile (5.24 km) track and led the 22-rider field.

Pedro Acosta was second-best with a 1:46.1999 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16. Bezzecchi and Acosta recorded equal lap times.

Acosta’s teammate Brad Binder was third with a lap of 1:46.252. 

Classification motogp fp1

 

More from a press release issued by Dorna: 

Bezzecchi and Acosta set identical lap times, Aprilia and KTM lead Mugello FP1. It’s not often that the top two in a session set the same time to the thousandth of a second but this is Mugello, where anything can happen – and most probably will. 

Meandering its way through the hills of Tuscany, the rather peaceful surroundings of Mugello are shattered by MotoGP™ every year and 2025 is no different. The first of four rounds in five weeks has ignited with FP1 and Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) leading the way, even if it was his second time that gave him top spot, having matched Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) on his last lap.

Leaving it late with his last flying lap, Marco Bezzecchi charged to the top to demote Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). The Italian, racing at home, set the exact same time as the KTM rider but leads the way into the afternoon, courtesy of his second fastest time being faster. Acosta would have improved again before running wide on his final flying lap at the final corner, going into the gravel. Ultimately taking P2, an interesting observation was that the #37 KTM, following on from the Aragon Test, was not using any rear aero package. He was ahead of teammate Brad Binder, with the South African once again at the top of the top speed charts at 362.4km/h. Championship leader Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) was fourth and the best Ducati, whilst Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) rounded out the top five.

Making it four manufacturers inside the top six, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was sixth and back in better form than two weeks ago at Aragon. Three KTMs in the top seven as Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) in P7, whilst Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) took P8. The winner of the last three Italian GPs was still struggling, with two laps in the closing ten minutes being ruined by missed apexes; the frustration was clear for the #63.Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was ninth whilst Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) made it all five manufacturers inside the top ten.

One crasher at Arrabbiata 1 was Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), although he was soon back in the box and all OK whilst his teammate was back in action too. Ai Ogura crashed at Silverstone in FP2 and was ruled out of Aragon but returned with P15 in FP1 at Mugello, a circuit he’s stated isn’t preferred for his riding style. The top 15 were all covered by less than nine tenths of a second, making for an intriguing and high energy afternoon of Practice to determine who goes into Q2 directly and who will face the dreaded dogfight of Q1.

MotoGP Mugello FP1 results!

Moto2 : Gonzalez Tops Opening Practice At Mugello

Manuel Gonzalez during the last Grand-Prix at Aragon, in Spain. Photo courtesy IntactGP.
Manuel Gonzalez during the last Grand-Prix at Aragon, in Spain. Photo courtesy IntactGP.

Manuel Gonzalez was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Friday morning at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Pirelli-shod LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on the 3.26-mile (5.24 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:50.589 to lead the field of 28 riders.

Jake Dixon was the best of the rest with a 1:50.629 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro. Celestino Vietti was third-fastest with a 1:50.677 on his Beta Tools SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro.

American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 16th with a 1:51.525 on his Onlyfans American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification fp1 moto2

Moto3 : Rueda Quickest In Opening Practice In Italy

Jose Antonio Rueda during the last Grand-Prix at Aragon. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Ajo Team.
Jose Antonio Rueda during the last Grand-Prix at Aragon. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Ajo Team.

Jose Antonio Rueda was quickest during Moto3 World Championship practice Friday morning at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 3.26-mile (5.24 km) road course in 1:55.924, topping the field of 26 riders.

Scott Ogden was the best of the rest with a 1:56.648 on his CIP Green Power KTM.

David Muñoz, riding his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP KTM,  was third with a lap time of 1:56.718. 

Classification moto3 fp1

R.I.P.: MotoAmerica Racing Official Gary McQuiston

R.I.P.: Long-time racing official Gary McQuiston on pit lane at Barber Motorsports Park during a MotoAmerica race weekend, circa 2016.

It is with great sorrow that MotoAmerica has learned of the passing of one of its own: Long-time AMA Pro Racing and MotoAmerica grid marshal and paddock legend, Gary McQuiston.

If you were in or around the MotoAmerica paddock from its beginnings in 2015 to his retirement as an official in 2019, chances are you knew McQuiston. Prior to joining MotoAmerica, he worked for CCS and AMA Pro Racing, building a 30-year career in road racing paddocks at racetracks around the country. He was 87 years old when he died recently.

“He was an old soul, a real character,” said Christian “Scotty” Hubbard, a co-worker and friend of the man his friends called, “Iceman.” “He always claimed to be two years younger than he actually was, but I don’t think he really knew how old he was.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Editorial Note: Gary McQuiston was a supporter of the Roadracing World Action Fund since 2004, donating a total of $3,200 to support the purchase and deployment of Airfence and Alpina soft barriers, in memory of Bill Parr, Captain Richey Halstead, and Jennifer Morgan Campbell.

Gary McQuiston (right) with fellow race official Christian “Scotty” Hubbard and a young Marc Marquez, circa 2013.

Where To Ride This Weekend: STT Headed To Barber & Grattan

Sportbike Track Time riders on pit lane at Barber Motorsports Park. US129Photo/STT.

SPORTBIKE TRACK TIME

GET ON THE RIGHT TRACK!

LAST CALL FOR BARBER!

If you’ve been thinking about a track day at Barber Motorsports Park but haven’t committed, today is your lucky day!

There are still spots open in all three groups for this weekend, but they won’t last long!

Click the links below to grab your spot at Barber today!

Saturday, June 21 https://www.sportbiketracktime.com/tracktime/BMP062125

Sunday, June 22    https://www.sportbiketracktime.com/tracktime/BMP062225

 

GRATTAN RACEWAY

June 21 – BACKWARDS https://www.sportbiketracktime.com/tracktime/GR062125

June 22 – BACKWARDS https://www.sportbiketracktime.com/tracktime/GR062225

 

BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK

June 21  https://www.sportbiketracktime.com/tracktime/BMP062125

June 22 https://www.sportbiketracktime.com/tracktime/BMP062225

 

AUTOBAHN COUNTRY CLUB

Saturday, June 28

Novice sold out

Race Certificate Class available

Sunday, June 29

Novice sold out

Race Certificate Class available

1:1 Instruction available

 

ROAD ATLANTA

Saturday, June 28

Novice and Intermediate sold out

Sunday, June 29

Intermediate sold out

 

GRATTAN RACEWAY

July 4 – Ladies First

July 5

July 6

 

GRATTAN RACEWAY

July 11

Novice class not offered

Race Certificate Class available

 

PUTNAM PARK

July 19

July 20

 

TALLADEGA GP

July 19 – BACKWARDS

July 20

 

A Sportbike Track Time rider having fun on the racetrack. Photo by SPImages/STT.

Roadracing World Young Guns 2025: Hank Vossberg

Hank Vossberg (31) in MotoAmerica Talent Cup at Barber in 2025. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Hank Vossberg (31) in MotoAmerica Talent Cup at Barber in 2025. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 29th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.

Roadracing World Young Guns have won:

  • FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
  • MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 14 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
  • A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
  • WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships; ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
  • AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
  • USGPRU National Championships;
  • Many regional and local titles.

The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.

We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2025 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.

The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America, based on the 2024 season. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.

We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.

 

Hank Vossberg. Photo courtesy Hank Vossberg.
Hank Vossberg. Photo courtesy Hank Vossberg.

 

Hank Vossberg: 

Age: 14.

Current home: De Pere, Wisconsin.

Current height/weight: 5’6”/126 pounds.

Current school grade level: 9th grade.

Began riding at age: 2 years.

First road race: 2017, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Midwest Karting Assoc., Kids Mini Supermoto, 1st.

Current racebikes: Aprilia RS 660, Kramer APX-350MA.

Current tuners/mechanics: Redeye Performance, William “Billy” Vossberg (father).

Primary race series: MotoAmerica Talent Cup and Twins Cup (after I turn 15), N2 National Endurance Championship.

Top sponsors: Tytlers Cycle, Robem Engineering, Dunlop, Wiseco, Vortex, Rekluse, Millennium Technologies, Blud Lubricants, NGK Spark Plugs.

Recent racing accomplishments: 2024 season, co-rode to N2/WERA National Endurance Lightweight Championship, won three WERA Sportsman North Central Regional Championships (B Superstock, B Superbike, C Superstock), 20 WERA race wins, won AMA Grand National Twins Championship; 2023 season, won Clubman Expert WERA Sportsman North Central Regional Championship (19 race wins with WERA), placed third in Ultra- Lightweight Championship N2/WERA National Endurance Championship (one win, two total podiums), won 13 CRA races, finished second in two Road America Supermoto Club Championships (450 Pro, Sportsman); 2022 season, won two WERA Sportsman National Championships (D Superbike Expert, F Superstock Expert), 10 race wins with WERA, co-rode to N2/WERA National Endurance Ultra-Lightweight class victory, won CCS 300 GP Expert Midwest Regional Championship, won ASRA Moto3 National race, won Road America Supermoto Mini Championship; 2021 season, won two WERA Sportsman National Championship (D Superstock Novice, F Superstock Novice), won four WERA Sportsman Regional Class Championships, won 18 WERA races.

2025 racing goals: Win a MotoAmerica race, finish in the top five in the MotoAmerica Talent Cup Championship, podium in a MotoAmerica Twins Cup race.

Racing career goal: Win a MotoAmerica Championship.

Racing hero: Josh Hayes.

Favorite track: Daytona.

Favorite hobby: Downhill skiing.

If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Riding bikes with my friends.

 

…..

Some of the riders who have graduated from Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);

2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and MotoAmerica Superbike podium finisher Corey Alexander;

AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);

2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner J.D. Beach;

Five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and Moto2 World Championship point scorer Cameron Beaubier;

Former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;

Three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;

FIM JuniorGP World Championship point scorer and MotoAmerica podium finisher Torin Collins;

Former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;

2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;

2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;

Four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne(R.I.P.);

Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;

Two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley- Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;

2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;

2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;

Two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2023and 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim;

2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);

2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner- up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;

Eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;

2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, and 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion, and four-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Teagg Hobbs;

AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;

2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;

2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 and 2024 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;

2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, Moto2 World Championship point scorer, MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Sean Dylan Kelly;

Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;

Two-time MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2020 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers race winner Rocco Landers;

Two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;

2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;

MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;

MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;

AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;

Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;

AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and two-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;

2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;

2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;

2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;

2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and powersports dealership owner Bryce Kornbau (nee Prince);

AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;

Two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Championship runner-up James Rispoli;

2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;

2022 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up and 2023 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship runner-up Gus Rodio;

2021 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion and multi-time MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Tyler Scott;

Former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;

Three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;

FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship regular Max Toth;

Multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, former World Superbike competitor, and 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship runner-up Jayson Uribe;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup race winner and current Supersport regular Max Van;

2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;

Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;

Former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner; MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and 2024 MotoAmerica Super Hooligan Champion Cory West;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup race winner and 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Cup Champion Ashton Yates;

Two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.

FIM MiniGP World Series: Turkiye, Northeast Asia And Southeast Asia Series Added

KTM factory MotoGP rider Pedro Acosta has been named the FIM MiniGP World Series Ambassador for the FIM MiniGP Spain series. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

The FIM MiniGP World Series, the first programme in motorsport aimed at creating grassroots equality, returns in 2025 and welcomes three new Series to the ranks: the FIM MiniGP Northeast Asia Series, FIM MiniGP Southeast Asia Series and the FIM MiniGP Türkiye Series. As they make their debut, they’ll run a 160cc Series, making it 22 Series in that category for 2025.

13 Series will also run a 190cc category, with that option open to those who have already run a year or more of 160cc competition.

Riders are aged between 10 and 14 for the 160cc class and between 12 and 16 for the 190cc class. Each Series must have a minimum of five events comprising 10 races and the top two riders in each Series will then be invited to the World Final.

As ever, the World Final sees the class of 2025 descend on Valencia ahead of the MotoGP finale, with riders touching down on the Sunday before. Track action begins on Tuesday with FP, before qualifying practices and races on Wednesday. Thursday then hosts the final showdowns and crowns the 2025 Champions.

The ambassadors for each Series can also be confirmed. They’ll drop in on the final to give some expert tips and support, as well as welcoming some of the competitors to some special events throughout the season. 2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and 2022-2023 MotoGP World Champion Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) are just two of the famous faces supporting the stars of tomorrow!

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