World Superbike: Kawasaki Testing At Catalunya

David Swarts

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August 12, 2021

World Superbike: Kawasaki Testing At Catalunya

Mid-Season Test Starting For KRT

Kawasaki’s official WorldSBK team will venture just a few hundred metres from its European headquarters to take part in a two day mid-season test session at Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona, between 12-13 August.

Alex Lowes and Jonathan Rea will be able to use this testing opportunity to find even more improvements in the race settings of the 2021 Ninja ZX-10RR to move forward into the second half of the WorldSBK season with even greater race pace and confidence.

After testing throughout last winter with what was expected to be an enhanced permitted peak rev figure for the new machine in WorldSBK specification, all Kawasaki riders had to start 2021 with the same 14,600 rpm maximum limit as 2020.

That unexpected turn of events has complicated machine set-up over the first few rounds this season. At this test the team will work on enhancing other areas of performance on the new Ninja ZX-10RR, which has already benefitted from a number of inbuilt improvements over 2020 model in any case.

The two scheduled days at the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona will primarily be a pre-planned mid-season test but there is also the chance to look at specific race setups for when the championship arrives at the 4.627km long circuit or the ninth round of the championship in mid-September.

Jonathan leads what has been an exciting championship fight over the first six rounds by three points, with Lowes fourth overall.

Rea has stood on the podium 16 times in 18 attempts in 2021, with eight of those podiums proving to be race wins. Lowes has taken four podiums this year on the 2021 Ninja ZX-10RR, the most recent at Donington Park in the UK.

After the Barcelona test has been completed KRT will make a four hour journey west next week to take part in the seventh round of the championship, at another new WorldSBK venue – Circuito de Navarra. The first ever WorldSBK round at this venue will take place between 20-22 August.

Alex Lowes, stated: “The Barcelona test has come at a good time. We haven’t had the easiest run recently and we have a few areas where we are looking to improve our package. This test will provide a great opportunity for us to try some more stuff away from a race weekend. The weather looks like it’s going to be hot which is what I am hoping for. This will be an important mid-season test for us.”

Jonathan Rea, stated: “It is so nice to have a test during the race season in this summer period because we are going to have a lot of races coming in quick succession. During race weekends you always find challenges but you are quite reluctant to go outside the base area of the bike. So this test will give us an opportunity to look at set-up ideas. We also have some new test items from KHI to try and make a step forward with the bike. Even though we raced at Barcelona last year we have not done too many laps as it is quite a new track in WorldSBK. The race weekend in Barcelona is only a few weeks away so it will be nice to get a head start. That round is going to be an important one not just because it is the team’s home race but it will be the first of a triple header.”

Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager, stated: “We planned this test few months ago to be a ‘half-year’ test plan, to work on bike set up away from the stress of a race weekend. Ducati and Yamaha, with Redding and Razgatlioglu, remain at very good level now, and we need to take the maximum performance possible from our ZX-10RR every time. The maximum engine rev balancing issue we faced before the start of the season has made Alex and Johnny’s life more difficult. We are trying to find more ideas and solutions inside the rules to give them the best bike setup possible. Alex is struggling with his shoulder and cannot ride at 100% at this moment, and Johnny is giving his best to counteract the competition Razgatlioglu and Redding are showing. This is an exciting season, so we will keep working to make show as exciting as it can possibly be.”

MotoGP: Yamaha Suspends Maverick Vinales!

David Swarts

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August 12, 2021

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MotoGP: Yamaha Suspends Maverick Vinales!

MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP STATEMENT

Spielberg (Austria), 12th August 2021

Yamaha regrets to announce that Maverick Viñales‘ entry to this weekend‘s Austrian MotoGP event has been withdrawn by the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team.

The absence follows the suspension of the rider by Yamaha due to the unexplained irregular operation of the motorcycle by the rider during last weekend‘s Styria MotoGP race.

Yamaha‘s decision follows an in-depth analysis of telemetry and data over the last days.

Yamaha‘s conclusion is that the rider‘s actions could have potentially caused significant damage to the engine of his YZR-M1 bike which could have caused serious risks to the rider himself and possibly posed a danger to all other riders in the MotoGP race.

The rider will not be replaced at the Austrian GP.

Decisions regarding the future races will be taken after a more detailed analysis of the situation and further discussions between Yamaha and the rider.

More, from another press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:

MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP READY FOR SECOND ROUND IN SPIELBERG

Spielberg (Austria), 12th August 2021

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team will be tackling the Spielberg circuit once more this weekend, for Round 11 of the 2021 MotoGP World Championship.

Following a very encouraging third place in last week‘s Grand Prix of Styria, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team return to the Spielberg circuit this week for the Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich.

Fabio Quartararo graced the podium at the Styrian GP and the ’good taste‘ of it left him wanting more. The third place result made the Frenchman even more happy because it increased his lead in the championship to 40 points, though he is fully aware that the season is long.

Satisfied with his dry set-up from last weekend, El Diablo is looking to make only a few improvements to his bike for the next head-to-head. He feels that, with the race data added, he and his crew will be able to make further steps and add another Spielberg podium to his tally. His best premier class results in Austria are the two third places he obtained in 2019 and in last week‘s race.

The Spielberg circuit was constructed in 1969 and was rebuilt in 1996 to the track‘s current lay-out. It hosted two Austrian GPs in the 90s and staged its return to MotoGP Grand Prix racing after nineteen years in 2016. It has been a fixture on the MotoGP calendar since. The track has a special character, with only ten turns in total (three left and seven right) and multiple long straights, the longest measuring 626m. The circuit’s design puts the emphasis on top speed, acceleration and braking stability, offering the riders plenty of opportunities to fully open the throttle.

MASSIMO MEREGALLI

TEAM DIRECTOR

Overall, we had a pretty good race weekend last time out. Fabio‘s pace was very good in the dry and there are actually not too many things we need to work on for those conditions. But as always, we will try to optimise all the areas of improvement with the use of the data we‘ve analysed, so that we can try to be a bit faster and are ready to challenge for the podium again. The weather forecasts for this weekend are better than for the previous one, but in case of a wet session we will try to make the most of it to improve the performance.

FABIO QUARTARARO

I was so happy after the last race because we know that Spielberg is not the easiest track for us. To be on the podium was actually nice for me and the team. We know the competition is strong here, but I was riding in a perfect way. I actually learned a lot during the last race. When I was in P3, I saw that Johann was 2.5s behind me, so I was trying new things. Usually, the race is not the best time to do that, but I was riding some different lines. I think I learned something, and we have good data for the upcoming week. We know what area we need to work on, and we‘ll see. But to increase our championship lead in Austria, I never expected that before we came here. Now let‘s see what we can do this weekend.

Video: An Inside Look At Franco Morbidelli, Part Three

David Swarts

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August 12, 2021

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Video: An Inside Look At Franco Morbidelli, Part Three

The Doors are Open to Franky’s Cave – Full Access with Franco Morbidelli

Dainese Releases a Mini-Series With an Exclusive Look Inside to MotoGP’s Rising Star

It’s not often you’re granted entry into the garage of a MotoGP star, let alone a guided tour from Franco Morbidelli. Though, over the course of this 3 part series, Morbidelli looks back on his early days of racing, details the journeys to his successes, and of course, unveils the collection of his Dainese racing suits. It’s a rare look behind the scenes that can only be shown by Morbidelli himself.

Episode 3: Tute da Corsa (leather suits) An epic journey through the incredible Franco Morbidelli’s Dainese leathers collection.

American Flat Track: Season Resumes With Doubleheader In New York

David Swarts

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August 12, 2021

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American Flat Track: Season Resumes With Doubleheader In New York

Progressive AFT Opens Second Half with New York Short Track Doubleheader

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The 2021 Progressive American Flat Track season will kick off its second half in monumental fashion with this weekend’s Mission Foods New York Short Track presented by Mad Max Indian Motorcycle doubleheader at Weedsport Speedway in Weedsport, New York, on Friday, August 13, and Saturday, August 14.

In just two previous stops, the New York Short Track has already established itself as among the calendar’s premier events, drawing massive sell-out crowds to witness the world’s best flat trackers bang bars around the 3/8-mile, D-shaped oval.

A year removed from its most recent entry due to last year’s pandemic-altered slate, the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle class returns with just two riders — ‘18 winner Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) and ‘19 winner Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) — who have previously enjoyed the view from the Weedsport Speedway podium.

The others have either since moved on to team management (Kenny Coolbeth), the announcers booth (Brad Baker), a different class (Henry Wiles), or are due for a comeback (Jeffrey Carver, Jr.), making way for at least one new face on the box this weekend.

With eight races down and eight to go, the weekend is poised to play a critically important role in the eventual crowning of the ‘21 Grand National Champion. Reigning two-time premier-class king Bauman has seized control with two consecutive wins to stretch his title advantage to 25 points. Now presented with a pair of races at a track he dominated in 2019, Bauman is perfectly positioned to put his rivals on their heels heading down the stretch.

That means the pressure is on both Mees and second-ranked Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) to step forward and respond accordingly in order to keep their title hopes vibrant.

Of course, podium performances in recent weeks from the likes of Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) and Brandon Price (No. 92 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), as well top-fives over that same span from New Yorker Kolby Carlile (No. 36 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and Robert Pearson (No. 27 Rackley Racing/John Franklin Indian FTR750), indicates it would be mistake to simply overlook the remainder of the field. This is especially the case with the ultimate impact of the newly implemented rule changes still largely unknown.

AFT Singles

The surging Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE) has made himself the rider to beat in AFT Singles competition, leaving a deep field of motivated riders searching for answers as of late.

Included in that group is defending class champion Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), who earned the #1 plate going away a year ago. The talented teen out-performed his Australian rival in the opening three races of this season, but has done so just once the last five times out. While still only 15 points back, Daniels will need to reverse that trend in a hurry if he wants to hold onto his crown for another offseason.

The vastly experienced duo of Mikey Rush (No. 15 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Henry Wiles (No. 17 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) remain in the hunt as well and both have the Short Track bona fides to suggest they could be in for big weekends.

The same is true of Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Mission Roof Systems KTM 450 SX-F), who has traditionally excelled at tracks similar to — and specifically at — Weedsport Speedway in the past.

If you’re looking for a dark horse pick to cheer on this weekend, Tanner Dean (No. 38 1st Impressions Race Team Honda CRF450R) would be a prime candidate. While Dean has failed to finish inside the top ten in the most recent six races, he was the ‘18 winner at the venue and has a history of coming from seemingly nowhere to win AFT Singles Main Events.

AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines

This weekend will mark the first time the AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines class lines up at Weedsport Speedway. The story remains the same regardless, with everyone still desperately attempting to reel in breakaway title leader Cory Texter (No. 65 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07).

The New York ST could be well timed in that regard as both Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Cycles/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) have previously podiumed at Weedsport Speedway, albeit in AFT Singles competition.

While Texter currently controls the title fight with a substantial 31-point advantage, things might feel a bit different if 2019 AFT Singles New York Short Track winner Gauthier happens to parlay his Port Royal HM triumph into a three-race win streak this weekend.

Fans should watch out for Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield Twins FT), who continues to demonstrate just what a weapon the Royal Enfield Twins FT can be when in its element.

In addition to the three primary Progressive AFT classes, the New York Short Track will feature the Astro Invitational on Friday, pitting former pros and vintage flat track competitors against one another on Bultaco Astros. And then on Saturday, Royal Enfield’s popular BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. program will be back on track, showcasing the talent, versatility, competitiveness, and enthusiasm of female motorcyclists in its own action-packed style.

There will be plenty of additional entertainment and amenities off track as well, including live music, dedicated motorcycle parking, and a fireworks display to follow Saturday’s Mission SuperTwins Main Event.

Tickets are available for purchase now at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3478/#selectTickets.

General Admission Grandstand tickets are $29 each night (children 12 and under free) and Premium General Admission Grandstands are $39 (children 12 and under $20). A paddock access upgrade (16 and over) is available for $40. A special VIP Experience ticket including a Turn 4 VIP viewing platform is available for $99 (all ages).

The gates will open for fans at 3:00 p.m. ET with Opening Ceremonies set to begin at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT. Live coverage of the entire weekend’s racing activities will be available on any device for only $1.99 a month via TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold. Fans may tune-in to first practice at 3:15 p.m. ET/6:15 p.m. ET with Main Events beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.

The Mission Foods New York Short Track presented by Mad Max Indian Motorcycle doubleheader will air back-to-back on NBCSN on Sunday, August 22, starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT, featuring exclusive features and cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage.

For more information, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com.

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

Supercross Legend Jeremy McGrath Does Track Days

David Swarts

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August 12, 2021

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Supercross Legend Jeremy McGrath Does Track Days

“If I Can Spin The Wheel And Drag A Knee A Little Bit During The Day, Then I’ve Accomplished What I Came For …”

By Michael Gougis

So you’re a legend in the world of motocross and supercross, established a successful business career, raced stock cars, raced off-road four-wheelers, and been named to the Motorsports Hall Of Fame Of America. What’s left when you want to hang it out a bit, really get an adrenaline fix from a two-wheeler?

If you’re Jeremy McGrath, you hook up with your friends at Kawasaki at a track day at Auto Club Speedway, fire a ZX-10R onto the banking and pin it.

“I have dirt bike eyes, right?” the seven-time AMA 250cc Supercross Champion said in a recent interview in the paddock of the Southern California racing facility. “You get out here and you have streetbike eyes and you’re going 170 mph down that straightaway on that ZX-10R and you’re like, holy ****!

“You have to have a lot of nerve. I keep telling these guys, ‘I can’t even make it to the braking zone.’ It’s nerve-wracking. These bikes are so incredibly fast. I have to make sure that I keep the respect for these things. The rest of the track’s really fun, but that straightaway speed – that’s incredible!”

Kawasaki's Media Relations Supervisor Brad Puetz (right) shoots a short video of Jeremy McGrath. The seven-time AMA 250cc Supercross Champion joined the Kawasaki crew and rode a ZX-10R for the day. Photo by Michael Gougis. — Kawasaki’s Media Relations Supervisor Brad Puetz (right) shoots a short video of Jeremy McGrath. The seven-time AMA 250cc Supercross Champion joined the Kawasaki crew and rode a ZX-10R for the day. Photo by Michael Gougis.

McGrath had joined the Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA crew – Media Relations Supervisor Brad Puetz, development rider and Suzuka 8-Hours veteran Derek Keyes and others – as they scrubbed tires and put miles on media test units. The bikes were slathered with blue painter tape to protect the finish from the blasting gravel and grit that is typical of the Auto Club Speedway circuit.

McGrath, who rides road courses about twice a year, offered some insight into why track days are so popular, and can be so thrilling, even to someone who has absolutely scaled the peaks of competitive motorcycle racing. Road courses demand specialized skills, and McGrath talks with a genuine humility about learning the demands of riding a sportbike at speed.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been out on a road racing track, so it’s always a good time. I’m such a fan of road racing, and I have been for so many years, and I’ve gotten to do several track days, but every time I get to do it, man, I just forget how much fun it is,” McGrath says.

“Riding a bike with two wheels is what kind of transfers over (from riding in the dirt). But I would say that riding, your technique and everything out here, is the opposite of everything you ever do on a dirt bike. When I first started riding road racing or road bikes, I thought, ‘There’s no way you can lean these things over because they will never stick.’ I’m just a dirt guy. You have to really get used to it. You have to really figure out how to trust the tires. Once you do, your body’s hanging off, and those are the things you need to do on a track like this. If you did it on a dirt bike, you’re gonna crash!

“So the things I have to consciously tell myself, the things I really need to concentrate on, is not to lean the motorcycle over like a dirt bike. I have to keep it as straight up as I can and get my body off the bike. Instead of being one with the bike, I have to get off the bike. And that’s where I’m a little bit tight out there, because I’m not 100% on the technique. I mean, I know what to do, I know what I’m looking at, but looking at it and seeing it for years and doing it is a whole different thing. So I just really try to concentrate on my technique, because if I don’t, I’ll just fall back into bad habits for road racing.”

“I'm never going to (road) race for trophies,” Jeremy McGrath says. “If I can spin the wheel and drag a knee a little bit during the day, then I've accomplished what I came for.” Photo by Michael Gougis. — “I’m never going to (road) race for trophies,” Jeremy McGrath says. “If I can spin the wheel and drag a knee a little bit during the day, then I’ve accomplished what I came for.” Photo by Michael Gougis.

McGrath enjoys the process of learning, because with skill comes greater enjoyment. “When I rode for Yamaha in the 1990s, I went out with Anthony Gobert and Aaron Gobert — we went to Willow, the big track at Willow. I had never ridden a road race bike! I was like, ‘What in the world am I doing here?’ I was so scared to lean the thing over it was not even funny. I should have never been out there.

“But then, lo and behold, I started racing Supermoto after that and really learned about the tires. And that really taught me a lot about riding street bikes and street tires and kind of the things you need to do. It gave me a lot more knowledge about how a slick works.”

McGrath enjoys the demands of a new discipline, especially one that’s supposed to be fun, not an all-or-nothing career. “To me, it’s a challenge. I don’t know what I’m doing out there completely. I’m trying to learn and get better. And that’s what makes it so fun. Sometimes I might get bored on my dirt bike, right? Because I’ve kind of done all of that. Unless I’m willing to scare myself these days on my dirt bike, then I don’t get too wild out there.

“But here, it’s so fun because I’m learning every corner, every lap, every session. I ride twice a year (on a road course). So every time I go out it’s like a brand new sport to me! That’s the part that makes it really fun.

“I think if I took it any more seriously, then it might get a little more dangerous because I know that I’m capable of going faster. But look, I’m never going to race streetbikes, I’m never going to race for trophies. I’m just here with my buddies having a great time. If I can spin the wheel and drag a knee a little bit during the day, then I’ve accomplished what I came for.”

Jeremy McGrath (right) with friend, WERA racer, and track day companion Bob Scholten (left). Photo by Michael Gougis.

Ryno Power Sponsoring USMCA Through 2022

David Swarts

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August 11, 2021

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Ryno Power Sponsoring USMCA Through 2022

USMCA Welcomes Ryno Power as an Official Support Partner for 2021-2022

Temecula, California (August 11, 2021) – The USMCA is excited to announce Ryno Power as an official supporting partner for 2021-2022. Ryno Power produces high-quality supplements and nutrition to help athletes perform at their best by preparing them before, during, and after workouts. Ryno Power is used by all athletes, from beginners to pros and all in between.

“We are excited to welcome the support of Ryno Power to our organization,” commented USMCA President Christy LaCurelle. “They focus on providing high-quality supplements to riders and coaches of our sport, and we believe it’s a great fit to highlight this relationship as well as the results their nutrition supplements can provide in developing athletes.”

“I truly believe in the work that USMCA is doing. The motorcycle industry needs more coaching, and now we have a great platform to provide that. We at Ryno Power are excited to begin this prosperous relationship and work with the coaches to provide the absolute best supplements and nutrition on the market.” -Ryan F. McCarthy, President and CEO, Ryno Power Inc.

For more information on Ryno Power and what they offer, visit www.rynopower.com.

About the U.S. Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA)

USMCA is an association where riders and parents can connect to motorcycle coaches they can trust through the network, www.MotorcycleCoaching.org.

All USMCA Certified Coaches are required to adhere to a code of conduct, pass a background check and hold certifications in abuse prevention, CPR/First Aid, concussion protocol, heat illness & cardiac arrest training.

For more information on the USMCA or become a USMCA Certified Coach, visit www.USMCA.org.

Royal Enfield Opens Production Facility In Colombia

David Swarts

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August 11, 2021

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Royal Enfield Opens Production Facility In Colombia

ROYAL ENFIELD ANNOUNCES NEW ASSEMBLY FACILITY IN COLOMBIA

All-new CKD facility in Envigado, Antioquia marks Royal Enfield’s second assembly plant to produce motorcycles outside of India

Milwaukee, WI (Wednesday, August 11, 2021) – Royal Enfield, the global leader in the midsize motorcycle segment (250-750cc), is proud to announce the opening of a CKD assembly plant in Colombia, the third-biggest motorcycle market in Latin America, in partnership with its local distributor, Colombiana de Comercio (Corbeta Group). The motorcycle assembly plant in Envigado, Antioquia marks the second motorcycle assembly plant outside of India, a significant milestone for Royal Enfield.

Royal Enfield set up retail operations in Colombia in July 2014, with its first store in Cedritos in Bogotá. Since then, the company has expanded its retail network in the market and now has 15 exclusive stores in Colombia. Overall, Royal Enfield has 57 exclusive stores and 40 other retail touchpoints in all of Latin American countries.

The local assembly unit in Colombia will be based at Colombiana de Comercio facility located in Envigado, Antioquia. To begin with, the plant will locally assemble the Royal Enfield Himalayan, starting this month.

From 2014 to 2021, Royal Enfield has seen significant growth in Colombia. From January 2015 to the present, Royal Enfield has sold more than 7,000 motorcycles in the market. The brand has seen an almost 70% growth in sales from January to July 2021, over the same period in 2020.

“At Royal Enfield, we have been committed towards expanding the middleweight motorcycling segment globally,” Vinod K Dasari, CEO, Royal Enfield, said. “The last few years have been a testament to our razor-sharp focus on global markets, evidenced by remarkable growth and expansion which has seen Royal Enfield establish over 790 touchpoints in 60+ countries. Our strategic priorities in international markets have also seen us pursue plans to set up local assembly units outside of India, the first of which was introduced in Argentina last year. Continuing on this journey, we are very happy to announce our first CKD assembly plant in Colombia.”

Commenting specifically about the focus on the Colombian market, Vinod K Dasari added, “Since our foray in 2014, Colombia has emerged as an important market for Royal Enfield. We’ve seen encouraging response for our motorcycles, as well as ride experiences, from consumers in Colombia. We believe it is a market with immense potential and our decision to launch a local assembly facility in the country is in line with our long-term focus and growing confidence in the region.”

Brazil, Argentina and Colombia are among the three most important markets for Royal Enfield in Latin America. Beyond India (the biggest market for the brand with over 2000 retail locations), Royal Enfield motorcycles reach consumers and enthusiasts in more than 60 countries worldwide, through 795 dealerships, including 143 exclusive brand stores in major cities such as London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Melbourne, Sao Paulo, Bogota, Medellin, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Dubai, Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila and Ho Chi Minh City.

Miguel Londoño, International Director of Corbeta, spoke on behalf of Colombiana de Comercio, the local distributor and partner in the new assembly unit. “Since 2014, Corbeta has been cultivating with care and passion the identity of the Royal Enfield brand, and the genuine joy of each and every ride, conveying to our customers the experience of pure motorcycling, whether it’s riding to work, enjoying a weekend, or traveling through our beautiful country. Together with the parent company we seek to make our Royal Enfield motorcycles very desirable and also accessible. With this assembly plant, we start a new stage and we want to share it with all our current and future customers. By living together and communicating with each other, we form a better country step by step, day by day.”

About Royal Enfield

The oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, Royal Enfield has created beautifully crafted motorcycles since 1901. From its British roots, a manufacturing plant was established in Madras in 1955, a foothold from which Royal Enfield spearheaded the growth of India’s midsized two-wheel segment. Royal Enfield motorcycles are engaging, uncomplicated, accessible, and fun to ride; a vehicle for exploration and self-expression. It’s an approach the brand calls Pure Motorcycling.

A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield operates through 1,025 large format dealerships and 1,031 studio stores in all major cities and towns in India and exports to over 60 countries around the globe. The company’s two state-of-the-art production facilities are located at Oragadam and Vallam Vadagal, near Chennai, India. Royal Enfield recently invested in two world-class technical centers, in Bruntingthorpe, UK, and Chennai, India, and in 2020 opened its first assembly unit outside India, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. With more than 28% CAGR in India and 32% in international markets for the last 10 years, Royal Enfield is the leader in the global midsize motorcycle market.

Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 125 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the all-new Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT 650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.

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

MRA: Thornton Takes Flag-To-Flag Victory At PPIR

David Swarts

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August 11, 2021

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MRA: Thornton Takes Flag-To-Flag Victory At PPIR

MRA Round 5 at Pikes Peak International Raceway, Thornton and Dear own Race
of the Rockies

Fountain, CO – Colorado’s Motorcycle Roadracing Association (MRA)
continued its 2021 championship series with the latest round 5 at Pikes Peak
International Raceway over the weekend of August 7-8.

Pikes Peak International is a small (1.3 mile) track frequently used for a
huge diversity of various events. During Thursday track inspection some
last minute repairs to the surface were identified & coordinated between
PPIR management and the MRA officials. The repairs were made by PPIR staff
on Friday morning and were in place and ready for full on racing by that
evening. Since PPIR is based on a 1 mile oval, the MRA deploys its full
complement of soft barriers including a number of sections supplied by the
Roadracing World Action Fund. The MRA corner worker crew headed up by
Dakota Bell worked tirelessly to make sure the barriers were 100% functional
throughout the weekend. The coordination between MRA staff, PPIR
management, and the MRA corner crew was exemplary this weekend. Hats off to
everyone involved from these teams.

On Saturday, the Formula 40 GTO/GTU is frequently a preview of what will
come in Sunday’s Race of the Rockies. This time, it was Mike Applegate who
led from the front with times in the 0:57-0:58sec range leaving the rest of
the field behind. Ray Thornton and James Wilkerson scrapped for the
remaining podium position with Thornton coming out ahead.

Sunday’s Race of the Rockies qualifying provided some interesting surprises.
Overnight, Thornton found about 1.5 seconds somewhere out on the track and
qualified on the pole with a 0:57.213. Also showing up this weekend was
long time MRA fast guy Dave Lambert who took the middle front row position
with a 0:57.695. Filling out the front row, Nyles Gourlie nicked
Applegate’s best time with a 0:57.697. For the GTU class, Jared Dear put
his Kawasaki ZX-6R on second row with a 0:58.424, a full second faster than
any of his competition.

For the RoR race, Thornton set a scorching hot pace on the first lap
(0:57.080) and accomplished the very difficult task of a pole to flag win.
That’s not to say Thornton wasn’t challenged as Lambert and Applegate
shadowed Thornton for virtually the entire race. Unfortunately for
Applegate, he got a little twitchy at the start and was meat balled. The
MRA has implemented a time penalty for jumped starts (vs. a stop-n-go) which
Applegate was well aware of this while working at chasing Thornton and
Lambert. The trio worked their way through traffic with Lambert making a
huge effort on the last couple laps to catch Thornton but came up short by
0.8 seconds. So at the end it was Thornton followed closely by Lambert and
Applegate rounding out the podium.

During RoR interviews, Lambert confessed that this was his only opportunity
to come race with the MRA this year due to work constraints. Applegate also
mentioned that he kept in mind the time penalty he had during the race so
even passing Lambert and Thornton wouldn’t have made any difference unless
he could have shook them off by more than the penalty.

Race of the Rockies GTU saw a similar performance to Thornton’s by Jared
Dear. Dear got a fantastic start from the second row and laid down
consistent 0:59-1:00 laps to not give the rest of the GTU field anything to
shoot at. Dear diced with a few of the liter bikes, but PPIR is a venue
that rewards high corner speed over raw horsepower. Suffering a little from
a tough start, Dennis Stowers also laid down a number of strong 0:59’s in
pursuit of Dear but wasn’t able to get enough of them to catch up. Finally,
Scott Morrison rocketed up from row 4 with his own handful of 0:59’s to
clear away from the rest of the GTU field and claim the final podium
position.

For Round 6, the MRA returns to High Plains Raceway where we’ll be using the
HPR North Course configuration. Also featured again will be the MRA’s
SuperStreet class and race program for only $100. For more information on
SuperStreet and to sign up, go to
https://www.mra-racing.org/superstreet/superstreet-information/

The Motorcycle Roadracing Association is dedicated to promoting safe and
competitive motorcycle road racing events for enthusiasts in Colorado and
the surrounding area. For more information go to http://www.mra-racing.org/.

Round5Results

MotoAmerica: Elias Subbing For Herrin In Pittsburgh

David Swarts

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August 11, 2021

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MotoAmerica: Elias Subbing For Herrin In Pittsburgh

Elias to Fill in for Herrin at PIRC

Toni Elias will join Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne this weekend for Round 7 of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex (PIRC). The Spaniard will be riding in place of Josh Herrin, who is focusing on returning to full fitness after testing positive for Covid-19. In addition to his 2010 Moto2 and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike titles, Elias has enjoyed several wins in the U.S. Championship.

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

“We are very excited to have Toni fill in for Josh, who is still feeling the effects of Covid-19 and won’t be able to race at PIRC. He is a Moto2 and MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and a MotoGP race winner as well. It will be very interesting to have a rider of his caliber ride our superbike and comment on its performance. We’re looking forward to having him join the team for the weekend.”

Toni Elias – Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha Racing

“I have to say a big thank you to Yamaha and Richard for the opportunity to ride Josh Herrin’s bike this weekend. I’m excited to work with Richard and the team and ride this R1 that he’s built. I grew up racing Yamahas, so it will be like coming home. I will try to have fun and will work hard to get a good result.”

AHRMA Vintage Cup: Joyce Wins, Closes In On Mauk At Blackhawk

David Swarts

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August 11, 2021

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AHRMA Vintage Cup: Joyce Wins, Closes In On Mauk At Blackhawk

Joyce wins at Blackhawk Farms but Mauk still leads Vintage Cup Championship

(August 11, 2021, Elora, Tennessee) – Tim Joyce is winning races while Andrew Mauk is still the points leader in the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) 2021 Vintage Cup.

The Vintage Cup, showcasing the 500 Premier class for 2021, sponsored by Roadracing World (roadracingworld.com) and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com) was featured during rounds 17 and 18 of the 2021 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA National Historic Cup Roadrace Series, at Blackhawk Farms Raceway, in South Beloit, IL, on August 6 and 7.

Joyce’s twin victories were impressive, but Mauk was able to collect enough points with his two second-place finishes to maintain an overall lead in the series.

On Saturday, Joyce worked his way through traffic, took the lead and held it until taking victory on the Candy 500cc Manx Norton. He would later report the victory was a challenge due to fuel starvation issues.

Rounding out the podium on Saturday were Andy Mauk in second, riding Keith Leighty’s Honda CB 450, and Wes Orloff, on Dale Coffman’s Honda CB 450, in third. The balance of Saturday’s finishers included Jerry Duke on a Ducati 350, and Andy Findling aboard on his BSA B50 normally ridden by Tony Read.

Sunday’s race saw Joyce again take the lead and the win while also battling the same fuel starvation problems. Mauk finished a close second, with Duke completing the podium. Colton Roberts, on his Aermacchi Sprint, took fourth in a race-within-a-race with Findling, who was fifth.

“There’s no question Mauk has shown he is a contender but he’s got to win three of the remaining four rounds to force a runoff with Timmy [Joyce] on Sunday at Barber,” said Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton. “It won’t be easy as he’s heading deep into Timmy’s home track territory. Little Talladega and Barber are the two remaining events on the AHRMA schedule for 2021.”

Rounds 19 and 20 will be at Talladega Gran Prix in Munford, AL on September 4-5 and rounds 21 and 22 will close the season at the Barber Vintage Festival in Birmingham, AL the weekend of October 9-10.

A special 2021 Vintage Cup Trophy will be awarded to the 500 Premier class winner at select events including Roebling Road, Heartland Motorsports Park, New Jersey Motorsports Park, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Barber Motorsports Park. Race dates and event registration links are available at: ahrma.org/schedules-results.

AHRMA National Historic Cup Road Race Series 500 Premier Results – Saturday, August 6, 2021

1. Tim Joyce, 1961 Norton Summerfield Manx – Laurel Hill, FL

2. Andrew Mauk, 1969 Honda CB450 – Milwaukee, WI

3. Wes Orloff, 1967 Honda 450 – Mukwonago, WI

4. Jerry Duke, 1967 Ducati 350 Scrambler – Florence, AL

5. Andy Findling, 1961 BSA B50 – Kalamazoo, MI

AHRMA National Historic Cup Road Race Series 500 Premier Results – Sunday, August 7, 2021

1. Tim Joyce, 1961 Norton Summerfield Manx – Laurel Hill, FL

2. Andrew Mauk, 1969 Honda CB450 – Milwaukee, WI

3. Jerry Duke, 1967 Ducati 350 Scrambler – Florence, AL

4. Colton Roberts, 1965 Aermacchi Sprint – Pawnee, IL

5. Andy Findling, 1961 BSA B50 – Kalamazoo, MI

6. Wes Orloff, 1967 Honda 450 – Mukwonago, WI

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association Ltd. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to restoring and competing on classic motorcycles. With about 4000 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.

World Superbike: Kawasaki Testing At Catalunya

August 12, 2021

Jonathan Rea (1). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.