N2 Track Days Continues to Grow Adding Five Event Directors.
Media, PA – N2 Track Days is proud to announce the return of Quentin Miller as event director and the promotion of Robert Murillo, Chris Kubricky, Dan Hawkins, and Ron Jenkins to assistant event directors. Robert, Chris, Dan and Ron will join our event directors Dan Kaepernik, John Farrell, Anthony Sabbatino, and Shiloh Salopek. N2 Track Days has grown exponentially over the last 8 years and the success is entirely attributed to the tireless work of the track event staff. N2 Track days will be holding sixty-five track days this year, plus the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. In order to staff these events properly, some of the event superstars will be promoted to join our incredible team of event directors.
““Looking back at the past 8 years with N2 I am amazed at what we have accomplished. This could not have been achieved without the tireless energy, dedication, and talent of our directors and support staff with whom it has been a privilege to work with,” said CEO Jim Curtis. “I look forward to working with our new Event Directors as they move into leadership roles within N2. Our membership will certainly benefit from these additions.”
Robert Murillo started riding on track in 2011, started racing in 2015, and became a control rider for N2 in 2016. Robert lives in Atlanta GA, is the master at cooking tacos, and will be an assistant director at events in the Southeast.
Robert Murillo. Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.
Chris Kubricky started riding with NESBA in 2006 and became a control rider in 2008. In 2010 Kubricky became an event director with NESBA. Chris took a break from the sport for a few years, but returned to N2 in 2017 and has been regular ever since. Chris enjoys introducing street riders to the track and opening their eyes to a safe, controlled environment to explore the capabilities of their motorcycles.
Dan Hawkins started riding in 2013 and started racing in 2015 with a WERA National Championship in 2018. Dan started coaching with N2 in 2018 and is a regular in the N2/WERA National Endurance Series. Dan loves track days because they provide an environment with the least amount of variables where riders can grow and learn.
Dan Hawkins. Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.
Ron Jenkins started riding on track in 2011 and fell in love immediately. In 2017 Ron became a CR with N2. In 2020 after years of dabbling in racing, Ron decided to commit to a full season and earned 2 regional championships. Ron will be racing this year in the N2/WERA National Endurance Series.
Ron Jenkins. Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.
Quentin Miller started was first exposed to motorcycles at age six when he burned his leg on his uncle’s CB750 and he has been hooked ever since. Quentin has an extensive history racing with more than 60 races under his belt, 22 podiums, 13 wins, and 5 championships. Miller started working with N2 in 2015 and reached 100 events this year.
Quentin Miller. Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.
N2 – Ride, Race, Learn.
Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing.
N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.
N2 Track Days is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, KYT Helmets, Armour Bodies, Chicken Hawk Racing, Impact SafeT Armor, Renthal, Woodcraft, WERA Road Racing, Innovative Motorsports, R.E.B Graphics, Rise Moto, Ghetto Customs, JE Pistons, Wiseco Pistons, Yamaha Power Products, Boxo USA, SBS Brakes and Yamaha Champions Riding School.
Raising the Bar: Defending the WorldSBK Triple Crown in 2022
Toprak Razgatlioglu (1) and Kohta Nozane (3). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Yamaha enjoyed a dominant 2021 FIM Superbike World Championship campaign, lifting the riders’, teams’ and manufacturers’ titles for the ‘Triple Crown’, alongside the awards for Best Independent Team and Rider, and the Rookie of the Year.
Despite this unprecedented success, Yamaha were already busy developing the 2022 R1 WorldSBK well before Toprak Razgatlıoğlu lifted the world championship trophy in Indonesia, knowing full well that they needed to raise the bar this season if they were going to defend the Triple Crown from some very motivated rivals.
Yamaha’s WorldSBK riders, Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK’s Razgatlıoğlu and Andrea Locatelli, and GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team’s Garrett Gerloff and Kohta Nozane, all head into 2022 off the back of very different 2021 seasons.
For Razgatlıoğlu the goal is simple, to defend his crown and keep the #1, while the others are looking to deny the Turkish star a second successive title, as they target the top of the championship standings themselves.
Now, the countdown to the WorldSBK season is almost over, and the race to become world champion in 2022 is sure to be more exciting than ever.
More, from a press release issued by GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team:
THE WAIT IS OVER! GYTR GRT YAMAHA WORLDSBK APPROACH OPENING WORLDSBK ROUND IN ARAGÒN
After having completed the last DWO Supported Test days at MotorLand Aragòn, the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK is more than ready for the upcoming season of the FIM Superbike World Championship. That will take place at Teruel venue on 8th-10th April with racing activities and more expected to be held at the same circuit.
Kohta Nozane and Garrett Gerloff finalized their preparations for the 2022 season having made several tests before the beginning of the Championship. Both riders felt good and were happy with the improvements made on the Yamaha RZF-R1 and are thrilled for a new beginning.
Alongside the racing activities this weekend, the fans will also have plenty of on-site events to enjoy, such as the Paddock Show and Pit Walk.
Fans can also follow of the action across the world, as Dorna WSBK Organization extends their coverage to 29 broadcasters. You can follow the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team everywhere you are. For that reason, we’ll include a worldwide timetable (courtesy of Dorna) for the races.
Action will start on Friday with the first sessions of Free Practice, then we’ll be racing again on Saturday with Superpole and Race 1. That will be followed on Sunday with the last two races (Superpole Race and Race 2), here you can find the full schedule for the first round of the FIM Superbike World Championship.
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy GRT Yamaha.
Garrett Gerloff #31:
“I cannot believe we’re finally here. I waited this moment for such a long time and in a few days we’ll be racing again. I did prepare myself a lot with training and the test sessions we had with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team. We feel ready and confident for a new fresh start, and hope you can follow us wherever you are!”
Kohta Nozane (3). Photo courtesy GRT Yamaha.
Kohta Nozane #3:
“It’s time to go back racing again! We had an intense month with the test days alongside the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team where we geared up for the upcoming season. We feel to be in a good stage and we did find some good points to start building for a good race weekend. Other than that, we hope to see a lot of fans throughout the season!”
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 26th 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 11 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (11 times);
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 2022 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. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
Current tuner/mechanic: Eduardo Da Silva (father), Orlando Taborda.
Primary race series: MotoAmerica Supersport, CCS, Pan America Superbike, WERA.
Top sponsors: HJC, Motion Pro, Galfer USA, RS Taichi/Moto Liberty, K-Tech USA, Orient Express, Broward Motorsports, Pirelli, Vortex Racing, Fluidology, Orlando Racing.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2021 season, won MotoAmerica Supersport Race Two at Barber, won C Superstock and C Superbike WERA Sportsman National Championships, won multiple FMRRA races; 2020 season, won AMA Nicky Hayden Road Race Horizon Award, won 2 AMA Grand Championships (C Superbike and C Superstock Expert), won WERA C Superbike Expert National Challenge Championship, won 2 WERA Sportsman Series regional Championships; 2019 season, won a race in Racing Bike Mexico Supersport 300 Championship, won 600 Superstock WERA National Challenge race at Barber, won FMRRA Moto3 Championship (6 race wins); 2018 season, won Racing Bike Mexico KTM RC Cup Championship (3 wins, 7 podiums in 7 races); 2017 season, runner-up in Racing Bike Mexico KTM RC Cup Championship (by one point).
2022 racing goals: Win a Championship.
Racing career goal: Be MotoGP World Champion.
Racing hero: Casey Stoner.
Favorite tracks: Barber Motorsports Park, NCM Motorsports Park.
Favorite hobby: Studying motorcycle related information, cycling.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Focusing more on school.
The record top speed for a Superbike World Championship machine is 330.3 kph (205.24 mph), set by Chaz Davies aboard a factory Ducati Panigale V4 R at the 2020 Philip Island WorldSBK round.
Official timing and scoring clocked the quickest of the Endurance World Championship machines at more than 345 kph (214.37 mph) at the 2021 Bol d’Or. That’s in race trim for a bike designed to last 24 hours.
BMW is the factory Dunlop team in EWC, a series where all four major racing tire brands are represented. BMW has its own Dunlop engineer and usually has a choice of development rubber available. Photo by Michael Gougis.
On the 1.1-mile Mistral straight, the motorcycles spent nearly 20 seconds with the throttle at the stop, with approximately 12 of those seconds in sixth gear right at redline. The leading machines did this nearly 700 times during the race. If you ride track days or race a literbike, think about how long you spend on a typical lap at any racetrack in sixth gear at redline, and you start to grasp the enormity of that statistic.
Point is, a modern EWC machine isn’t built just to survive. It is built to be easy to ride, a compromise between multiple riders, durable, all of that, yes, yes, yes.
But a front-running one is a legit missile.
And it’s not built of unobtanium.
Carbon-fiber fairings with WorldSBK-spec aero winglets and an extended EWC windscreen complete the bodywork package. Photo by Michael Gougis.
BMW’s approach to racing is somewhat unique. The company literally races what it sells through official partner Alpha Racing, and almost all of its EWC-spec factory M 1000 RR racebike is either directly from the M 1000 RR streetbike or a customer racing component.
Steven Casaer, Technical Director for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, gave Roadracing World an in-depth look at the EWC racebike as the team prepared for the 24-hour Bol d’Or at Circuit Paul Ricard.
Suspension is over-the-counter Öhlins front and rear. The Suter swingarm also is an over-the-counter piece but a pricey one at more than $8,600 complete. Photo by Michael Gougis.
While the team retired early in France due to an engine malfunction, redemption came a few short weeks later in the six-hour EWC season-ender at Autodrom Most in the Czech Republic. Again, and just to illustrate that these bikes are legit, the fastest qualifying time for the BMW EWC squad would have put it 13th on the grid in the WorldSBK event at the same circuit a couple of months earlier. And the EWC machine didn’t have a special one-lap qualifying tire like the WorldSBK bikes did.
Engine maps are carefully constructed to mesh with the riding styles of all three team riders. Underway, riders have the choice of three different maps. Ultimate lap time isn’t as important as consistent lap times throughout a stint. Photo by Michael Gougis.
The BMW team held the lead for most of the six hours, and Markus Reiterberger held off YART’s Marvin Fritz to win by 0.070 seconds, scoring BMW’s first EWC win and securing second in the Championship for the squad.
Over-The-Counter Parts
Wheel bearing guide plates inside the Suter swingarm guide the rear wheel during tire changes. Axle comes out, mechanic pushes wheel forward to end of the guide plate, releasing tension on chain, which is set to the side on a special bracket. Wheel is removed, new wheel slides all the way forward to the end of the wheel bearing plate, chain slips back on, wheel pulled back to cutout in the bearing plate aligned with axle, which is driven through and tightened to spec. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Easiest to think of the $32,495 M 1000 RR, BMW’s latest high-end race replica, as the starting point. The EWC machines are built at the Motorsports Racing Parts and Tires facility in Zonhoven, Belgium, under the direction of Team Manager Werner Daemen and Casear. The team starts with a bare M 1000 RR frame; “It’s cheaper that way,” Casear says. At the front, an Alpha Racing steering stem and triple clamps are bolted to a set of Öhlins FGR forks from the company’s carbon-fiber-framed HP4 Race. “There are dust seals and everything,” Casear says. “You can buy them straight from BMW.”
Over-the-counter Öhlins FGR forks handle suspension duties at the front of the factory BMW machine. Dry-break connectors for the Nissin endurance-spec calipers mean that the team can quickly change entire calipers mid-race, rather than swapping out the SBS brake pads. Custom 3-D printed brake ducts and ducting on the bobbed carbon-fiber fender keep the MotoMaster discs cool. OZ Racing wheels are mounted front and rear. Photo by Michael Gougis.
At the rear is an Alpha Racing subframe and a basic Öhlins TTX36 shock, chosen for its relatively low cost, mated to a Suter World Superbike-spec swingarm with quick-change ramps to guide the rear wheel bearings during pit stops. (Swingarms are expensive bits of kit. The basic Suter WorldSBK piece, which is available over the counter, lists for more than $7,000, and it requires an “assembly kit” that is an additional $1,600.) BMW opted for a quick-change system that leaves the sprocket attached to the wheel during stops.
Suter swingarm and quick-change hardware at the rear. The BMW factory quick-change setup leaves the rear sprocket attached to the OZ Racing rim during wheel changes. The black bracket bolted to the top of the swingarm holds the chain, which must be removed from the sprocket during tire changes. Photo by Michael Gougis.
OZ Racing wheels are mounted front and rear, as are MotoMaster discs, 5.5mm at the front – there’s no need for thicker discs as the wheels are changed hourly and rotors can be replaced at the team’s leisure between stops. The Nissin endurance-spec calipers at the front are slightly larger than normal to hold thicker pads, developed by SBS with the team. (Riders are forbidden to use the rear brake during races, Casear says, as changing those pads simply takes too long.) Front brake replacements, as necessary, are speeded by dry-brake fittings in the braided hoses.
The engine is an off-the-shelf assembly available to anyone who contacts Alpha Racing and is willing to part with $18,925, plus shipping. The K66-ENGTYP6 engine is essentially a stock M 1000 RR powerplant, which is upgraded from the base S 1000 RR with lighter titanium connecting rods, 1.5mm thinner rocker arms, a cylinder head with reinforced bearing brackets and lightened, forged two-ring racing pistons. Taleo radiators are mated to shortened stock hoses. A full titanium Akrapovic exhaust system completes the engine package. Output is a claimed 212 bhp.
K66-ENGTYP6 engine, available from BMW. Photo courtesy BMW.
One critical element is its assembly. Parts are chosen by hand at BMW’s engine and dyno center in Berlin and each engine is assembled by hand. One of the biggest differences in the engine bay between the M 1000 RR and the racebike is the transmission. The EWC gearbox has even closer ratios than the WorldSBK spec transmission, a much taller top gear and clutch plates made to a more durable specification. (Gearing is critical at Paul Ricard, as the faster bikes “skip” from the draft of one bike to the next multiple times on the run down the long back straight.) EWC rules require transmissions to have neutral between first and second gears, as opposed to a WorldSBK gearbox with neutral below first.
The brains of the machine are found in the M RCK (Race Calibration Kit) package, available from Alpha Racing for approximately $6,832.80. At the core of the kit is the Bosch Motronic BMSM2 ECU, but you also get the MoTec C125 dashboard, racing handlebar switches and MoTec datalogging software. The kit deletes the ABS capability and other street-oriented functions and allows the electronics engineer to create up to 64 different power modes, with different traction control, engine braking and wheelie control settings available for each gear. Traction control and engine braking are set to pre-determined ideal rear wheel slip targets. All TC intervention takes place with ignition cuts to ensure that the rider can hear that the system is operating. The system also allows for split throttle body action, so that pairs of cylinders can be operated independently, smoothing throttle response right at the moment the rider cracks the throttle.
Bosch Motronic BMSM2 race ECU manages the M 1000 RR-spec engine and power dynamics. The team builds custom race harnesses with quick-connectors at multiple points to facilitate post-crash rebuilds. The 24-liter tank is modified internally to speed filling and to ensure that all the fuel in the tank can be picked up. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Little things make a significant difference over endurance race lengths. BMW developed a special 525 chain for the M 1000 RR that the team ran for the entire 24 hours at Le Mans with zero stretch. GB Racing case covers protect the engine during a crash, and Alpha Racing clip-ons are replaceable without removing the fork or upper triple clamp.
Alpha Racing triple clamp-steering stem, oversized brake fluid reservoir mounted inboard to protect from crashes, and Motec C125 dash. Spare carbon-fiber WSBK-spec bodywork parts are in the background. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Top the whole thing off with an EWC-spec long windscreen and carbon-fiber bodywork with WorldSBK-configuration wings and you’ve got the basics of a bike that, as the team has shown, can run with the best of the EWC machines.
WSBK-spec carbon-fiber bodywork modified to hold headlights (quick-connector is visible on the inside of the left side of the fairing) and with additional ventilation holes covered with screening. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Special Parts
As always, on a factory bike there are parts that aren’t available to anyone else. With the BMW team, it’s little things that make a difference.
The 24-liter tank, for example, has a conventional dual dry-break filling system, but has been modified extensively internally with baffles and separators to ensure that the tank fills as rapidly as possible and that all 24 liters can be used.
The footpegs have a special brace behind them that butts up against the swingarm and, in a crash, prevents the rearset brackets from exceeding their plastic (permanent) deformation point.
Note the breakaway design of the Alpha Racing footpegs, and more importantly note the large extension behind the footpeg bracket that extends nearly to the swingarm. That is designed so that in a crash, the rearset bracket will flex only until the metal extension hits the titanium striker plate bonded to the swingarm. This means the bracket will not be distorted in a crash. Photo by Michael Gougis.
One of the most important things the team does by itself is create bespoke wiring harnesses with additional quick-release connectors, allowing for rapid replacement of parts after a crash.
And as always, there are tires. Dunlop supplies development tires to its factory teams, and BMW has a choice of development- and standard-spec KR106/KR108 radial slicks.
Every second counts, so the custom fuel tank is configured internally to fill as rapidly as possible. Photo by Michael Gougis.
The big difference between the factory and privateer bikes? Resources. For example, BMW brought three bikes to the Bol, let all three riders test all three bikes at a pre-event test, and reached a consensus on which bike to race.
As the leading Yoshimura SERT Motul Suzuki team is displayed on the garage monitor, the BMW team is tearing apart its stricken racebike after it ground to a halt on the circuit and was pushed back to the pits during the 2021 Bol d’Or 24-hour race. Photo by Michael Gougis.
The end result reflects a massive amount of thought and effort to make the bike durable and fast. And sometimes it’s easy to wonder if it’s not overkill, especially if you are winning by 19 laps, as the factory Suzuki team did at the Bol. But when only 0.070 second after six hours of racing is the margin for your first win, as it was for the BMW squad at Most, it just proves that in racing, every little thing matters.
Spring-loaded front stand legs rotate the fork legs when the bike is lifted, moving calipers out of the way for quick wheel changes. Photo by Michael Gougis.
“I threw a bit of a wild one!”: riders switch bikes for baseball in Texas
Aleix Espargaro, Martin, Gardner and the paddock’s home heroes head for Round Rock
Thursday, 07 April 2022
The Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas is almost ready for lights out, but ahead of track action MotoGP™ headed north to Round Rock to switch bikes for baseball.
Argentina GP winner Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) was joined by Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) and Remy Gardner (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) at the event, as well as a veritable flotilla of home heroes as Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team), Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) and new rookie on the block Sean Dylan Kelly (American Racing) repped for the home team.
After some practice on the field and some tips from the Round Rock Express, the first pitch got the game underway and the riders settled in to soak in the American flavour. And, of course, they got to meet the Round Rock Express mascot Spike as the home team took on the El Paso Chihuahuas.
Next on the agenda is Thursday’s Press Conferences and media, before track action starts on Friday morning at the stunning Circuit of the Americas. Don’t miss it!
QUOTES
Aleix Espargaro. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aleix Espargaro: “I’m feeling good, still dreaming! Last week has been unbelievable, not just for the victory but all weekend, leading, pole position… I’m very happy now, trying to keep my feet on the ground but enjoying the moment because it was historic. I can’t wait to go back out at COTA and try to keep the momentum.
“This has been completely new for me, I’ve never been in a baseball stadium, it’s really beautiful. The sport isn’t easy to understand because it’s completely new! But it’s nice to be here, the atmosphere is super American style and it’s great to discover a new sport… but I think I’ll keep riding my bike, it’s pretty hard to catch the ball!”
Jorge Martin. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jorge Martin: “I’m super excited to be here at the game, it’s my first time ever and we’re coming from a great result. I’m enjoying my time here in the US, we always have fun and I’m looking forward to starting practice.
“This last result was great for the team, for me, for my confidence towards the next weekend. Last year here I was super competitive, almost on the podium, I won in Moto3… I’m looking forward to start and I think the goal will be the podium.”
Remy Gardner. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Remy Gardner: “In Texas last year we were quite fast, I had a crash and it ended up being the worst race of the year! But we were quite fast so hopefully we can carry that speed onto the big bike this year.
“To play, baseball is really fun. I used to play when I was a kid in Australia, I think it’s part of like physical education in school. I was fully into it, I liked it and played it for 10, 11 years. I’ve got a baseball bat at home so I might pitch a few!”
Joe Roberts. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Joe Roberts: “Baseball is sick, it’s really cool. I used to play Little League up at the park near my house, Coach Pitch for all the people back home who know. It’s really fun, and I’ve been playing baseball back home with friends of the last few months so I had a bit of practice, but er… I threw a bit of a wild one there!
“COTA for me, I’ve never quite had that weekend where I can walk away thinking it was an awesome weekend. It’s awesome with the fans, family, the whole vibe with everyone here but in terms of results I’ve never had a result I’m super proud of at COTA. It’s a tricky track, very unique, different from other places we go to and easy to make mistakes. It is a cool, unique environment and I’m looking forward to it. It’s not been quite the start we wanted to the year but I feel we’re starting to get a handle on why that is, and we’ll try to start to turn it around this weekend.”
Cameron Beaubier (left) and Sean Dylan Kelly (right). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Cameron Beaubier: “I’ve never played baseball before, sorry I know that’s pretty un-American! But it’s so nice to be back stateside, and this year it’s cool, with MotoAmerica racing as well and my brother races in Superstock, so I’m able to see him, my family, my old team…
“Last year here was a really good step for me, it gave me confidence I could run with these guys. Got to put in the hard work on Friday and Saturday and see where we are on Sunday, but I’m really looking forward to getting back on track and seeing how it goes.”
Sean Dylan Kelly: “I’m so excited! It’s amazing, to be back on home soil. It’s special for me and my team, American Racing, and for my family and everyone who’s supported me. It’s really cool and also my first pre-event… lots going on! Let’s get the excitement rolling into the weekend.
“I’ve never baseball played myself but my best friend growing up was really big into baseball, still is, and he lived two doors down so I was always around baseball with the family and going to his games to support. But I do want to grab these fans and bring them to MotoGP and tell them to watch that. It’s cooler!”
Rookies of ’79 and Friends Named Designated Charity of Progressive AFT for Fifth Consecutive Season
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 6, 2022) – Progressive American Flat Track proudly announced today that Rookies of ‘79 and Friends will be the Designated Charity Partner of Progressive AFT for a fifth consecutive season.
The charity traces its origins to, and draws its name from, a special collection of riders and individuals who stepped up to the pinnacle of the sport together in 1979. That legendary crew included some of the greatest motorcycle racers to ever exist, boasting the likes of Scott Parker, Wayne Rainey, Ronnie Jones, Charlie Roberts, Tommy Duma, Jackie Mitchell, Lance Jones, and Johnny Wincewicz among its ranks. Inspired to give back to a sport that gave them so much, the reunited rookies decided three decades after they first faced off to join forces in order to help those who needed it the most.
Now in its 13th year of operation as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, Rookies of ‘79 has raised millions of dollars to provide aid to injured riders and their families over the years and has experienced incredible growth during its time as the series’ officially designated charity. Rookies of ‘79 stands ready to answer the call when needed and provides a reassuring presence at all times so that today’s generation of flat track racers can perform at their best knowing someone will always have their back.
“I’ve had the privilege of being on the Board of Directors for the Rookies of ’79 for the past few years,” said Tim Estenson, Estenson Racing Team Owner. “Working closely with a group of people with such deep history in the sport and the love of flat track has been amazing. We have one single goal; to be here in a time of need for any flat track rider injured doing what they love, racing. Through the support of our amazing flat track families and the corporate support we’ve gained over the years we’ve been able to continually fulfill our vision.
“Moving into the 2022 season I’m proud to say Progressive American Flat Track has stepped up in a big way, increasing their support to the charity in several areas. This increased support allows us to ensure our ability to be there for our athletes who may be injured during the season. We are honored to continue our partnership as the designated charity of Progressive American Flat Track.”
Since its inception, the charity has never turned away a flat track rider seeking aid, providing the help necessary to allow many of them to return to the track rather than end their careers prematurely due to injury.
“Progressive AFT is happy to continue our association with Rookies of ’79 for the 2022 season,” said Gene Crouch, COO of Progressive AFT. “They work tirelessly to provide an important service to the flat track community. As always, we encourage our fanbase to visit their display at one of the races or their website to learn more about their contribution to the sport, and to show them how much we all appreciate their efforts.”
Keep up to date with the Rookie’s of ’79 activity and news at https://www.facebook.com/rookiesof79. For more information, to donate, and to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from its online shop, visit https://www.rookies79.com/. And visit the Rookies tent which will be at all Progressive AFT events this season for your chance to purchase raffle tickets for the 2022 featured motorcycle drawings.
Progressive AFT makes its inaugural visit to I-70 Motorsports Park in Odessa, Missouri, on Saturday, April 23 for the I-70 Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle of Kansas City. Secure your tickets now at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3775.
The I-70 Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle of Kansas City will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, May 1 starting at 10:00 a.m. ET/7:00 a.m. PT.
FOX Sports and Facebook are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2022 season, all 18 races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. Viewers can watch livestream coverage of every round in the Facebook mobile app, Facebook desktop site or on the Facebook Watch mobile app. To watch the livestream on TV, fans can download the Facebook Watch TV app, or cast to a TV from the Facebook mobile app. Facebook Watch is available through Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and Xbox One.
Skinner stays on top as 0.949s covers the top 22 riders at Silverstone Official Test
Rory Skinner held off his Bennetts British Superbike Championship rivals on the opening day of the R&G Official Test at Silverstone, setting the benchmark time for FS-3 Racing Kawasaki as defending champion Tarran Mackenzie crashed out of the action.
The top 22 riders were covered by an incredible 0.949s at the end of the day and Skinner upped the pace in the final session to remain ahead. Bradley Ray was closing the gap to his Scottish rival as he continues to make strong progress since the Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha team changed manufacturer over the winter.
Ray was within 0.069s of Skinner as the last session of the day approached the final five minutes, but a high-speed crash for Mackenzie brought out the red flag. The McAMS Yamaha rider sustained a suspected left ankle fracture and was transferred to hospital for further checks.
Dan Linfoot had a positive start to the two-day test with the iForce BMW team, posting the third fastest time, but by only 0.001s ahead of Tommy Bridewell on the Oxford Products Racing Ducati with Kyle Ryde completing the top five.
Josh Owens had an impressive opening day to finish sixth overall for the Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki team, edging out Danny Buchan and Leon Haslam who completed the top eight contenders.
Ryan Vickers also crashed in the final session but ended the day ninth for FHO Racing BMW with Josh Brookes rounding out the top ten for MCE Ducati. His teammate Tom Sykes also had a crash in the final session, ending the day in 18th.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Silverstone, Official Test, Day 1 combined times:
Rory Skinner (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) 53.730s
Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.069s
Dan Linfoot (iForce BMW) +0.138s
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.139s
Kyle Ryde (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.355s
Josh Owens (Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki) +0.362s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.400s
Leon Haslam (VisionTrack Kawasaki) +0.463s
Ryan Vickers (FHO Racing BMW) +0.464s
Josh Brookes (MCE Ducati) +0.553s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
NEW PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM EXHIBIT TO FEATURE GROUND-BREAKING AND INNOVATIVE CUSTOM ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES
The New Display Will Showcase Forward-Thinking Designers and Their Electrified Creations
LOS ANGELES – The Petersen Automotive Museum’s latest exhibit will feature a multitude of the most innovative electric motorcycles ever made by cutting-edge designers. Opening to the public on April 14, 2022, in the Richard Varner Family Gallery, the unique “Electric Revolutionaries” collection is an exclusive look at the ground-breaking creations of the visionaries at the forefront of the ever-expanding electric motorcycle industry.
Highlights of the new exhibition include “KillaJoule,” the land speed racer that made Eva Hakansson the fastest woman on an electric motorcycle with a run of 240.7 mph. Built by Hakansson and her husband at home and with a limited budget, “KillaJoule” is the fastest sidecar streamliner ever, regardless of engine type. On the slower side of the spectrum are the innovative solar-powered “Solar Scooter” and “Solar Rickshaw” created by Samuel Aboagye. The Ghanaian teenager constructed both using only salvaged, discarded and recycled materials that he could source for free. Making its worldwide debut will be the intricately designed and exquisitely crafted “The One” by Curtiss Motors. Conceptualized by JT Nesbitt, “The One” features a retro-futuristic design and quality of construction usually only found on hypercars.
Hugo Eccles’ “XP Zero” electric motorcycle. Photo courtesy Petersen Automotive Museum.
A follow-up to the Petersen Museum’s popular first-ever electric motorcycle exhibit, “Electric Revolution” in 2019, the new display features over 25 unique custom electric motorcycles guest curated by Motor/Cycle Arts Foundation Co-Founder Paul d’Orleans. “I’m super excited to assemble this wildly diverse collection of EV pioneers. ‘Electric Revolutionaries’ really does represent the range of interest in an electric future, from a humble teen in Ghana making EVs from scrap, to genius artisans building conceptual and boundary-pushing designs, to speed demons and global superstar designers interested in pushing mobility into the green zone,” said d’Orleans. “Electric Revolutionaries” is produced by the Motor/Cycle Arts Foundation and Sasha Tcherevkoff, with support from LiveWire and Damon Motorcycles as a contributing sponsor.
Curtiss Motors’ “The One.” Photo courtesy Petersen Automotive Museum.
“It is incredible how far electric motorcycles have come in the short time from our first exhibit in 2019,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “This new display gives a unique and close-up look at the innovative machines and the creators behind them pushing the boundaries of motorcycle electrification and design. The detail, level of craftsmanship and unorthodox thinking behind these electric motorcycles make them must-sees.”
Walt Siegl’s 100-pound “RONTU.” Photo courtesy Petersen Automotive Museum.
Other notable electric motorcycles on display include Joey Ruiter’s “NOMOTO,” which camouflages as utilitarian street furniture and his geometric “Moto Undone” concept. Also part of the exhibit is famed motorcycle designer Walt Siegl’s ultra-minimalist “RONTU” that uses carbon fiber, aluminum and a lack of body panels to help weigh a scant 100 lbs. Hugo Eccles’ avant-garde and award-winning “XP Zero,” a radical reinterpretation of a production ZERO SR/F into a futuristic cafe racer, is also among the extensive collection of unique and innovative electric motorcycles.
To purchase tickets or for more information about the Petersen Automotive Museum, please visit www.Petersen.org.
Michael Gilbert is set to return to the MotoAmerica Superbike and Stock 1000 championships aboard a Team Hammer-prepared Suzuki GSX-R1000R while expanding the racing effort and paddock presence as the Cycle World® Powered by Octane/ Chuckwalla Valley Raceway Team in 2022.
This season marks the return of industry-leading publication Cycle World to the MotoAmerica paddock, of which Gilbert holds a position as full-time Road Test Editor. Aside from creating original content focused on the racing effort, the collaboration highlights Cycle World’s authority in unbiased, objective reviews and informative storytelling. Cycle World is owned by Octane® (Octane Lending Inc.®), the fintech revolutionizing recreational lifestyle purchases by delivering a seamless, end-to-end digital buying experience. Octane adds value throughout the customer journey: inspiring enthusiasts with its editorial brands, instantly prequalifying consumers for financing on dealer and OEM websites, and routing customers to dealerships for a fast and easy closing experience.
Chuckwalla Valley Raceway is also a major partner in Gilbert’s racing effort. The southern California facility is home to a unique 2.68-mile circuit and Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) series, which has become a hotbed for wintertime testing and racing for MotoAmerica frontrunners. Gilbert is a four-time #1 plate holder at CVMA.
Junior Cup competitor Owen Williams will also race under the new banner in his second season as a MotoAmerica racer.
Michael Gilbert: “What an undertaking it has been to get the Cycle World Powered by Octane/ Chuckwalla Valley Raceway Team off the ground! Still, I’m so excited to get the year started and go after the Stock 1000 championship and transition into full-time Superbike racing. We’ve had an amazing wintertime adapting to the Suzuki GSX-R1000R and I’m excited to see what the season holds.”
Mark Hoyer, Cycle World Editor-in-Chief: “Racing has been a part of ‘Team Cycle World’ from the beginning, thanks to founding Publisher Joseph C. Parkhurst’s love of competition. We are proud to carry on that tradition today, especially in support of our Road Test Editor Michael Gilbert. Michael’s dedication to always improving his skills and getting the most of his motorcycle at a national level underlines Cycle World’s dedication to the reader and he anchors the most talented editorial testing team in the business.”
About Octane:
Octane® offers access to instant financing to fuel your lifestyle. Octane dramatically simplifies and accelerates the transaction process for major recreational purchases such as motorcycles, ATVs, and zero-turn lawn mowers by adding value at each stage of the buying journey. Octane offers automated underwriting, innovative credit products, and financing, through its in-house lender Roadrunner Financial, Inc.®. Octane reaches millions of enthusiasts through its editorial brands like Cycle World® and UTV Driver® and helps consumers buy their favorite products by pre-qualifying them on dealer and OEM websites. Octane is revolutionizing lending in underserved verticals within markets that account for tens of billions of dollars in annual transactions.
Octane is a remote-first fintech company with offices in NYC and Dallas and over 500 employees. In August 2021, Octane announced it raised $52 million in Series D funding bringing the company’s valuation to over $900 million with more than $192 million in total equity funding raised to date. Visit www.octane.co.
Leon Haslam announced at Team Pedercini for four WorldSBK rounds in 2022
TPR Team Pedercini is delighted to announce that Leon Haslam will join the team on four occasions during the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship season.
Haslam, 2010 WorldSBK runner up and with 313 race starts under his belt, will return to the series with the team for the first time at the Misano Round before continuing to run in three further events – Donington Park, Most Autodrom and Portimao.
Wildcarding for TPR Team Pedercini is not something new for the #91, who raced into the top five with the squad at the Losail International Circuit in 2016.
The team and Leon are excited that they have this opportunity to work together again and are optimistic of what they can achieve together. TPR Team Pedercini also wish the best of luck to Leon in his BSB (British Superbike Championship) fight, where he is looking to regain the crown, he won in 2018.
Lucio Pedercini – Team Principal: “Leon coming back to our team is a perfect match. We both still have a lot to say on track in the WorldSBK paddock and we are looking forward to entertaining the public for four rounds of pure racing passion! Thanks to our knowledge and his ability, we are confident that we will do battle and hopefully bring some good results like we did together in the past. For sure it will be a lot of fun”
Leon Haslam: “I am super excited. I’ve known Lucio for so many years and actually raced against him back in the day when I first started. I did a one-off wildcard with the team in Qatar a few years back and managed to finish in the top five and I have a lot of fond memories of being a part of the team. To be able to come back and ride with them again after all these years is really exciting for me and I hope we can achieve some good results together. The focus of course is BSB, but we have been able to find a solution that will see me return to the WorldSBK for these four races and I am really looking forward to it.”
Riders at an N2 Track Day. Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.
N2 Track Days Continues to Grow Adding Five Event Directors.
Media, PA – N2 Track Days is proud to announce the return of Quentin Miller as event director and the promotion of Robert Murillo, Chris Kubricky, Dan Hawkins, and Ron Jenkins to assistant event directors. Robert, Chris, Dan and Ron will join our event directors Dan Kaepernik, John Farrell, Anthony Sabbatino, and Shiloh Salopek. N2 Track Days has grown exponentially over the last 8 years and the success is entirely attributed to the tireless work of the track event staff. N2 Track days will be holding sixty-five track days this year, plus the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. In order to staff these events properly, some of the event superstars will be promoted to join our incredible team of event directors.
““Looking back at the past 8 years with N2 I am amazed at what we have accomplished. This could not have been achieved without the tireless energy, dedication, and talent of our directors and support staff with whom it has been a privilege to work with,” said CEO Jim Curtis. “I look forward to working with our new Event Directors as they move into leadership roles within N2. Our membership will certainly benefit from these additions.”
Robert Murillo started riding on track in 2011, started racing in 2015, and became a control rider for N2 in 2016. Robert lives in Atlanta GA, is the master at cooking tacos, and will be an assistant director at events in the Southeast.
Robert Murillo. Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.
Chris Kubricky started riding with NESBA in 2006 and became a control rider in 2008. In 2010 Kubricky became an event director with NESBA. Chris took a break from the sport for a few years, but returned to N2 in 2017 and has been regular ever since. Chris enjoys introducing street riders to the track and opening their eyes to a safe, controlled environment to explore the capabilities of their motorcycles.
Dan Hawkins started riding in 2013 and started racing in 2015 with a WERA National Championship in 2018. Dan started coaching with N2 in 2018 and is a regular in the N2/WERA National Endurance Series. Dan loves track days because they provide an environment with the least amount of variables where riders can grow and learn.
Dan Hawkins. Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.
Ron Jenkins started riding on track in 2011 and fell in love immediately. In 2017 Ron became a CR with N2. In 2020 after years of dabbling in racing, Ron decided to commit to a full season and earned 2 regional championships. Ron will be racing this year in the N2/WERA National Endurance Series.
Ron Jenkins. Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.
Quentin Miller started was first exposed to motorcycles at age six when he burned his leg on his uncle’s CB750 and he has been hooked ever since. Quentin has an extensive history racing with more than 60 races under his belt, 22 podiums, 13 wins, and 5 championships. Miller started working with N2 in 2015 and reached 100 events this year.
Quentin Miller. Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.
N2 – Ride, Race, Learn.
Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing.
N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.
N2 Track Days is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, KYT Helmets, Armour Bodies, Chicken Hawk Racing, Impact SafeT Armor, Renthal, Woodcraft, WERA Road Racing, Innovative Motorsports, R.E.B Graphics, Rise Moto, Ghetto Customs, JE Pistons, Wiseco Pistons, Yamaha Power Products, Boxo USA, SBS Brakes and Yamaha Champions Riding School.
The start of a World Superbike race at Motorland Aragon in 2020. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Raising the Bar: Defending the WorldSBK Triple Crown in 2022
Toprak Razgatlioglu (1) and Kohta Nozane (3). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Yamaha enjoyed a dominant 2021 FIM Superbike World Championship campaign, lifting the riders’, teams’ and manufacturers’ titles for the ‘Triple Crown’, alongside the awards for Best Independent Team and Rider, and the Rookie of the Year.
Despite this unprecedented success, Yamaha were already busy developing the 2022 R1 WorldSBK well before Toprak Razgatlıoğlu lifted the world championship trophy in Indonesia, knowing full well that they needed to raise the bar this season if they were going to defend the Triple Crown from some very motivated rivals.
Yamaha’s WorldSBK riders, Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK’s Razgatlıoğlu and Andrea Locatelli, and GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team’s Garrett Gerloff and Kohta Nozane, all head into 2022 off the back of very different 2021 seasons.
For Razgatlıoğlu the goal is simple, to defend his crown and keep the #1, while the others are looking to deny the Turkish star a second successive title, as they target the top of the championship standings themselves.
Now, the countdown to the WorldSBK season is almost over, and the race to become world champion in 2022 is sure to be more exciting than ever.
More, from a press release issued by GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team:
THE WAIT IS OVER! GYTR GRT YAMAHA WORLDSBK APPROACH OPENING WORLDSBK ROUND IN ARAGÒN
After having completed the last DWO Supported Test days at MotorLand Aragòn, the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK is more than ready for the upcoming season of the FIM Superbike World Championship. That will take place at Teruel venue on 8th-10th April with racing activities and more expected to be held at the same circuit.
Kohta Nozane and Garrett Gerloff finalized their preparations for the 2022 season having made several tests before the beginning of the Championship. Both riders felt good and were happy with the improvements made on the Yamaha RZF-R1 and are thrilled for a new beginning.
Alongside the racing activities this weekend, the fans will also have plenty of on-site events to enjoy, such as the Paddock Show and Pit Walk.
Fans can also follow of the action across the world, as Dorna WSBK Organization extends their coverage to 29 broadcasters. You can follow the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team everywhere you are. For that reason, we’ll include a worldwide timetable (courtesy of Dorna) for the races.
Action will start on Friday with the first sessions of Free Practice, then we’ll be racing again on Saturday with Superpole and Race 1. That will be followed on Sunday with the last two races (Superpole Race and Race 2), here you can find the full schedule for the first round of the FIM Superbike World Championship.
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy GRT Yamaha.
Garrett Gerloff #31:
“I cannot believe we’re finally here. I waited this moment for such a long time and in a few days we’ll be racing again. I did prepare myself a lot with training and the test sessions we had with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team. We feel ready and confident for a new fresh start, and hope you can follow us wherever you are!”
Kohta Nozane (3). Photo courtesy GRT Yamaha.
Kohta Nozane #3:
“It’s time to go back racing again! We had an intense month with the test days alongside the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team where we geared up for the upcoming season. We feel to be in a good stage and we did find some good points to start building for a good race weekend. Other than that, we hope to see a lot of fans throughout the season!”
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 26th 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 11 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (11 times);
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 2022 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. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
Current tuner/mechanic: Eduardo Da Silva (father), Orlando Taborda.
Primary race series: MotoAmerica Supersport, CCS, Pan America Superbike, WERA.
Top sponsors: HJC, Motion Pro, Galfer USA, RS Taichi/Moto Liberty, K-Tech USA, Orient Express, Broward Motorsports, Pirelli, Vortex Racing, Fluidology, Orlando Racing.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2021 season, won MotoAmerica Supersport Race Two at Barber, won C Superstock and C Superbike WERA Sportsman National Championships, won multiple FMRRA races; 2020 season, won AMA Nicky Hayden Road Race Horizon Award, won 2 AMA Grand Championships (C Superbike and C Superstock Expert), won WERA C Superbike Expert National Challenge Championship, won 2 WERA Sportsman Series regional Championships; 2019 season, won a race in Racing Bike Mexico Supersport 300 Championship, won 600 Superstock WERA National Challenge race at Barber, won FMRRA Moto3 Championship (6 race wins); 2018 season, won Racing Bike Mexico KTM RC Cup Championship (3 wins, 7 podiums in 7 races); 2017 season, runner-up in Racing Bike Mexico KTM RC Cup Championship (by one point).
2022 racing goals: Win a Championship.
Racing career goal: Be MotoGP World Champion.
Racing hero: Casey Stoner.
Favorite tracks: Barber Motorsports Park, NCM Motorsports Park.
Favorite hobby: Studying motorcycle related information, cycling.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Focusing more on school.
Note the frame sliders that are mounted flush to the bodywork to allow them to slide smoothly in a crash, rather than catch on a curb or track edge and start the bike tumbling. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Copyright 2022, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
by Michael Gougis
The record top speed for a Superbike World Championship machine is 330.3 kph (205.24 mph), set by Chaz Davies aboard a factory Ducati Panigale V4 R at the 2020 Philip Island WorldSBK round.
Official timing and scoring clocked the quickest of the Endurance World Championship machines at more than 345 kph (214.37 mph) at the 2021 Bol d’Or. That’s in race trim for a bike designed to last 24 hours.
BMW is the factory Dunlop team in EWC, a series where all four major racing tire brands are represented. BMW has its own Dunlop engineer and usually has a choice of development rubber available. Photo by Michael Gougis.
On the 1.1-mile Mistral straight, the motorcycles spent nearly 20 seconds with the throttle at the stop, with approximately 12 of those seconds in sixth gear right at redline. The leading machines did this nearly 700 times during the race. If you ride track days or race a literbike, think about how long you spend on a typical lap at any racetrack in sixth gear at redline, and you start to grasp the enormity of that statistic.
Point is, a modern EWC machine isn’t built just to survive. It is built to be easy to ride, a compromise between multiple riders, durable, all of that, yes, yes, yes.
But a front-running one is a legit missile.
And it’s not built of unobtanium.
Carbon-fiber fairings with WorldSBK-spec aero winglets and an extended EWC windscreen complete the bodywork package. Photo by Michael Gougis.
BMW’s approach to racing is somewhat unique. The company literally races what it sells through official partner Alpha Racing, and almost all of its EWC-spec factory M 1000 RR racebike is either directly from the M 1000 RR streetbike or a customer racing component.
Steven Casaer, Technical Director for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, gave Roadracing World an in-depth look at the EWC racebike as the team prepared for the 24-hour Bol d’Or at Circuit Paul Ricard.
Suspension is over-the-counter Öhlins front and rear. The Suter swingarm also is an over-the-counter piece but a pricey one at more than $8,600 complete. Photo by Michael Gougis.
While the team retired early in France due to an engine malfunction, redemption came a few short weeks later in the six-hour EWC season-ender at Autodrom Most in the Czech Republic. Again, and just to illustrate that these bikes are legit, the fastest qualifying time for the BMW EWC squad would have put it 13th on the grid in the WorldSBK event at the same circuit a couple of months earlier. And the EWC machine didn’t have a special one-lap qualifying tire like the WorldSBK bikes did.
Engine maps are carefully constructed to mesh with the riding styles of all three team riders. Underway, riders have the choice of three different maps. Ultimate lap time isn’t as important as consistent lap times throughout a stint. Photo by Michael Gougis.
The BMW team held the lead for most of the six hours, and Markus Reiterberger held off YART’s Marvin Fritz to win by 0.070 seconds, scoring BMW’s first EWC win and securing second in the Championship for the squad.
Over-The-Counter Parts
Wheel bearing guide plates inside the Suter swingarm guide the rear wheel during tire changes. Axle comes out, mechanic pushes wheel forward to end of the guide plate, releasing tension on chain, which is set to the side on a special bracket. Wheel is removed, new wheel slides all the way forward to the end of the wheel bearing plate, chain slips back on, wheel pulled back to cutout in the bearing plate aligned with axle, which is driven through and tightened to spec. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Easiest to think of the $32,495 M 1000 RR, BMW’s latest high-end race replica, as the starting point. The EWC machines are built at the Motorsports Racing Parts and Tires facility in Zonhoven, Belgium, under the direction of Team Manager Werner Daemen and Casear. The team starts with a bare M 1000 RR frame; “It’s cheaper that way,” Casear says. At the front, an Alpha Racing steering stem and triple clamps are bolted to a set of Öhlins FGR forks from the company’s carbon-fiber-framed HP4 Race. “There are dust seals and everything,” Casear says. “You can buy them straight from BMW.”
Over-the-counter Öhlins FGR forks handle suspension duties at the front of the factory BMW machine. Dry-break connectors for the Nissin endurance-spec calipers mean that the team can quickly change entire calipers mid-race, rather than swapping out the SBS brake pads. Custom 3-D printed brake ducts and ducting on the bobbed carbon-fiber fender keep the MotoMaster discs cool. OZ Racing wheels are mounted front and rear. Photo by Michael Gougis.
At the rear is an Alpha Racing subframe and a basic Öhlins TTX36 shock, chosen for its relatively low cost, mated to a Suter World Superbike-spec swingarm with quick-change ramps to guide the rear wheel bearings during pit stops. (Swingarms are expensive bits of kit. The basic Suter WorldSBK piece, which is available over the counter, lists for more than $7,000, and it requires an “assembly kit” that is an additional $1,600.) BMW opted for a quick-change system that leaves the sprocket attached to the wheel during stops.
Suter swingarm and quick-change hardware at the rear. The BMW factory quick-change setup leaves the rear sprocket attached to the OZ Racing rim during wheel changes. The black bracket bolted to the top of the swingarm holds the chain, which must be removed from the sprocket during tire changes. Photo by Michael Gougis.
OZ Racing wheels are mounted front and rear, as are MotoMaster discs, 5.5mm at the front – there’s no need for thicker discs as the wheels are changed hourly and rotors can be replaced at the team’s leisure between stops. The Nissin endurance-spec calipers at the front are slightly larger than normal to hold thicker pads, developed by SBS with the team. (Riders are forbidden to use the rear brake during races, Casear says, as changing those pads simply takes too long.) Front brake replacements, as necessary, are speeded by dry-brake fittings in the braided hoses.
The engine is an off-the-shelf assembly available to anyone who contacts Alpha Racing and is willing to part with $18,925, plus shipping. The K66-ENGTYP6 engine is essentially a stock M 1000 RR powerplant, which is upgraded from the base S 1000 RR with lighter titanium connecting rods, 1.5mm thinner rocker arms, a cylinder head with reinforced bearing brackets and lightened, forged two-ring racing pistons. Taleo radiators are mated to shortened stock hoses. A full titanium Akrapovic exhaust system completes the engine package. Output is a claimed 212 bhp.
K66-ENGTYP6 engine, available from BMW. Photo courtesy BMW.
One critical element is its assembly. Parts are chosen by hand at BMW’s engine and dyno center in Berlin and each engine is assembled by hand. One of the biggest differences in the engine bay between the M 1000 RR and the racebike is the transmission. The EWC gearbox has even closer ratios than the WorldSBK spec transmission, a much taller top gear and clutch plates made to a more durable specification. (Gearing is critical at Paul Ricard, as the faster bikes “skip” from the draft of one bike to the next multiple times on the run down the long back straight.) EWC rules require transmissions to have neutral between first and second gears, as opposed to a WorldSBK gearbox with neutral below first.
The brains of the machine are found in the M RCK (Race Calibration Kit) package, available from Alpha Racing for approximately $6,832.80. At the core of the kit is the Bosch Motronic BMSM2 ECU, but you also get the MoTec C125 dashboard, racing handlebar switches and MoTec datalogging software. The kit deletes the ABS capability and other street-oriented functions and allows the electronics engineer to create up to 64 different power modes, with different traction control, engine braking and wheelie control settings available for each gear. Traction control and engine braking are set to pre-determined ideal rear wheel slip targets. All TC intervention takes place with ignition cuts to ensure that the rider can hear that the system is operating. The system also allows for split throttle body action, so that pairs of cylinders can be operated independently, smoothing throttle response right at the moment the rider cracks the throttle.
Bosch Motronic BMSM2 race ECU manages the M 1000 RR-spec engine and power dynamics. The team builds custom race harnesses with quick-connectors at multiple points to facilitate post-crash rebuilds. The 24-liter tank is modified internally to speed filling and to ensure that all the fuel in the tank can be picked up. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Little things make a significant difference over endurance race lengths. BMW developed a special 525 chain for the M 1000 RR that the team ran for the entire 24 hours at Le Mans with zero stretch. GB Racing case covers protect the engine during a crash, and Alpha Racing clip-ons are replaceable without removing the fork or upper triple clamp.
Alpha Racing triple clamp-steering stem, oversized brake fluid reservoir mounted inboard to protect from crashes, and Motec C125 dash. Spare carbon-fiber WSBK-spec bodywork parts are in the background. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Top the whole thing off with an EWC-spec long windscreen and carbon-fiber bodywork with WorldSBK-configuration wings and you’ve got the basics of a bike that, as the team has shown, can run with the best of the EWC machines.
WSBK-spec carbon-fiber bodywork modified to hold headlights (quick-connector is visible on the inside of the left side of the fairing) and with additional ventilation holes covered with screening. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Special Parts
As always, on a factory bike there are parts that aren’t available to anyone else. With the BMW team, it’s little things that make a difference.
The 24-liter tank, for example, has a conventional dual dry-break filling system, but has been modified extensively internally with baffles and separators to ensure that the tank fills as rapidly as possible and that all 24 liters can be used.
The footpegs have a special brace behind them that butts up against the swingarm and, in a crash, prevents the rearset brackets from exceeding their plastic (permanent) deformation point.
Note the breakaway design of the Alpha Racing footpegs, and more importantly note the large extension behind the footpeg bracket that extends nearly to the swingarm. That is designed so that in a crash, the rearset bracket will flex only until the metal extension hits the titanium striker plate bonded to the swingarm. This means the bracket will not be distorted in a crash. Photo by Michael Gougis.
One of the most important things the team does by itself is create bespoke wiring harnesses with additional quick-release connectors, allowing for rapid replacement of parts after a crash.
And as always, there are tires. Dunlop supplies development tires to its factory teams, and BMW has a choice of development- and standard-spec KR106/KR108 radial slicks.
Every second counts, so the custom fuel tank is configured internally to fill as rapidly as possible. Photo by Michael Gougis.
The big difference between the factory and privateer bikes? Resources. For example, BMW brought three bikes to the Bol, let all three riders test all three bikes at a pre-event test, and reached a consensus on which bike to race.
As the leading Yoshimura SERT Motul Suzuki team is displayed on the garage monitor, the BMW team is tearing apart its stricken racebike after it ground to a halt on the circuit and was pushed back to the pits during the 2021 Bol d’Or 24-hour race. Photo by Michael Gougis.
The end result reflects a massive amount of thought and effort to make the bike durable and fast. And sometimes it’s easy to wonder if it’s not overkill, especially if you are winning by 19 laps, as the factory Suzuki team did at the Bol. But when only 0.070 second after six hours of racing is the margin for your first win, as it was for the BMW squad at Most, it just proves that in racing, every little thing matters.
Spring-loaded front stand legs rotate the fork legs when the bike is lifted, moving calipers out of the way for quick wheel changes. Photo by Michael Gougis.
World Championship racers (from left) Cameron Beaubier, Sean Dylan Kelly, Joe Roberts, Jorge Martin, Remy Gardner, and Aleix Espargaro with the Round Rock Express team mascot "Spike." Photo courtesy Dorna.
“I threw a bit of a wild one!”: riders switch bikes for baseball in Texas
Aleix Espargaro, Martin, Gardner and the paddock’s home heroes head for Round Rock
Thursday, 07 April 2022
The Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas is almost ready for lights out, but ahead of track action MotoGP™ headed north to Round Rock to switch bikes for baseball.
Argentina GP winner Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) was joined by Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) and Remy Gardner (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) at the event, as well as a veritable flotilla of home heroes as Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team), Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) and new rookie on the block Sean Dylan Kelly (American Racing) repped for the home team.
After some practice on the field and some tips from the Round Rock Express, the first pitch got the game underway and the riders settled in to soak in the American flavour. And, of course, they got to meet the Round Rock Express mascot Spike as the home team took on the El Paso Chihuahuas.
Next on the agenda is Thursday’s Press Conferences and media, before track action starts on Friday morning at the stunning Circuit of the Americas. Don’t miss it!
QUOTES
Aleix Espargaro. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aleix Espargaro: “I’m feeling good, still dreaming! Last week has been unbelievable, not just for the victory but all weekend, leading, pole position… I’m very happy now, trying to keep my feet on the ground but enjoying the moment because it was historic. I can’t wait to go back out at COTA and try to keep the momentum.
“This has been completely new for me, I’ve never been in a baseball stadium, it’s really beautiful. The sport isn’t easy to understand because it’s completely new! But it’s nice to be here, the atmosphere is super American style and it’s great to discover a new sport… but I think I’ll keep riding my bike, it’s pretty hard to catch the ball!”
Jorge Martin. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jorge Martin: “I’m super excited to be here at the game, it’s my first time ever and we’re coming from a great result. I’m enjoying my time here in the US, we always have fun and I’m looking forward to starting practice.
“This last result was great for the team, for me, for my confidence towards the next weekend. Last year here I was super competitive, almost on the podium, I won in Moto3… I’m looking forward to start and I think the goal will be the podium.”
Remy Gardner. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Remy Gardner: “In Texas last year we were quite fast, I had a crash and it ended up being the worst race of the year! But we were quite fast so hopefully we can carry that speed onto the big bike this year.
“To play, baseball is really fun. I used to play when I was a kid in Australia, I think it’s part of like physical education in school. I was fully into it, I liked it and played it for 10, 11 years. I’ve got a baseball bat at home so I might pitch a few!”
Joe Roberts. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Joe Roberts: “Baseball is sick, it’s really cool. I used to play Little League up at the park near my house, Coach Pitch for all the people back home who know. It’s really fun, and I’ve been playing baseball back home with friends of the last few months so I had a bit of practice, but er… I threw a bit of a wild one there!
“COTA for me, I’ve never quite had that weekend where I can walk away thinking it was an awesome weekend. It’s awesome with the fans, family, the whole vibe with everyone here but in terms of results I’ve never had a result I’m super proud of at COTA. It’s a tricky track, very unique, different from other places we go to and easy to make mistakes. It is a cool, unique environment and I’m looking forward to it. It’s not been quite the start we wanted to the year but I feel we’re starting to get a handle on why that is, and we’ll try to start to turn it around this weekend.”
Cameron Beaubier (left) and Sean Dylan Kelly (right). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Cameron Beaubier: “I’ve never played baseball before, sorry I know that’s pretty un-American! But it’s so nice to be back stateside, and this year it’s cool, with MotoAmerica racing as well and my brother races in Superstock, so I’m able to see him, my family, my old team…
“Last year here was a really good step for me, it gave me confidence I could run with these guys. Got to put in the hard work on Friday and Saturday and see where we are on Sunday, but I’m really looking forward to getting back on track and seeing how it goes.”
Sean Dylan Kelly: “I’m so excited! It’s amazing, to be back on home soil. It’s special for me and my team, American Racing, and for my family and everyone who’s supported me. It’s really cool and also my first pre-event… lots going on! Let’s get the excitement rolling into the weekend.
“I’ve never baseball played myself but my best friend growing up was really big into baseball, still is, and he lived two doors down so I was always around baseball with the family and going to his games to support. But I do want to grab these fans and bring them to MotoGP and tell them to watch that. It’s cooler!”
Action from a past American Flat Track series event. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
Rookies of ’79 and Friends Named Designated Charity of Progressive AFT for Fifth Consecutive Season
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 6, 2022) – Progressive American Flat Track proudly announced today that Rookies of ‘79 and Friends will be the Designated Charity Partner of Progressive AFT for a fifth consecutive season.
The charity traces its origins to, and draws its name from, a special collection of riders and individuals who stepped up to the pinnacle of the sport together in 1979. That legendary crew included some of the greatest motorcycle racers to ever exist, boasting the likes of Scott Parker, Wayne Rainey, Ronnie Jones, Charlie Roberts, Tommy Duma, Jackie Mitchell, Lance Jones, and Johnny Wincewicz among its ranks. Inspired to give back to a sport that gave them so much, the reunited rookies decided three decades after they first faced off to join forces in order to help those who needed it the most.
Now in its 13th year of operation as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, Rookies of ‘79 has raised millions of dollars to provide aid to injured riders and their families over the years and has experienced incredible growth during its time as the series’ officially designated charity. Rookies of ‘79 stands ready to answer the call when needed and provides a reassuring presence at all times so that today’s generation of flat track racers can perform at their best knowing someone will always have their back.
“I’ve had the privilege of being on the Board of Directors for the Rookies of ’79 for the past few years,” said Tim Estenson, Estenson Racing Team Owner. “Working closely with a group of people with such deep history in the sport and the love of flat track has been amazing. We have one single goal; to be here in a time of need for any flat track rider injured doing what they love, racing. Through the support of our amazing flat track families and the corporate support we’ve gained over the years we’ve been able to continually fulfill our vision.
“Moving into the 2022 season I’m proud to say Progressive American Flat Track has stepped up in a big way, increasing their support to the charity in several areas. This increased support allows us to ensure our ability to be there for our athletes who may be injured during the season. We are honored to continue our partnership as the designated charity of Progressive American Flat Track.”
Since its inception, the charity has never turned away a flat track rider seeking aid, providing the help necessary to allow many of them to return to the track rather than end their careers prematurely due to injury.
“Progressive AFT is happy to continue our association with Rookies of ’79 for the 2022 season,” said Gene Crouch, COO of Progressive AFT. “They work tirelessly to provide an important service to the flat track community. As always, we encourage our fanbase to visit their display at one of the races or their website to learn more about their contribution to the sport, and to show them how much we all appreciate their efforts.”
Keep up to date with the Rookie’s of ’79 activity and news at https://www.facebook.com/rookiesof79. For more information, to donate, and to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from its online shop, visit https://www.rookies79.com/. And visit the Rookies tent which will be at all Progressive AFT events this season for your chance to purchase raffle tickets for the 2022 featured motorcycle drawings.
Progressive AFT makes its inaugural visit to I-70 Motorsports Park in Odessa, Missouri, on Saturday, April 23 for the I-70 Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle of Kansas City. Secure your tickets now at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3775.
The I-70 Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle of Kansas City will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, May 1 starting at 10:00 a.m. ET/7:00 a.m. PT.
FOX Sports and Facebook are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2022 season, all 18 races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. Viewers can watch livestream coverage of every round in the Facebook mobile app, Facebook desktop site or on the Facebook Watch mobile app. To watch the livestream on TV, fans can download the Facebook Watch TV app, or cast to a TV from the Facebook mobile app. Facebook Watch is available through Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and Xbox One.
Skinner stays on top as 0.949s covers the top 22 riders at Silverstone Official Test
Rory Skinner held off his Bennetts British Superbike Championship rivals on the opening day of the R&G Official Test at Silverstone, setting the benchmark time for FS-3 Racing Kawasaki as defending champion Tarran Mackenzie crashed out of the action.
The top 22 riders were covered by an incredible 0.949s at the end of the day and Skinner upped the pace in the final session to remain ahead. Bradley Ray was closing the gap to his Scottish rival as he continues to make strong progress since the Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha team changed manufacturer over the winter.
Ray was within 0.069s of Skinner as the last session of the day approached the final five minutes, but a high-speed crash for Mackenzie brought out the red flag. The McAMS Yamaha rider sustained a suspected left ankle fracture and was transferred to hospital for further checks.
Dan Linfoot had a positive start to the two-day test with the iForce BMW team, posting the third fastest time, but by only 0.001s ahead of Tommy Bridewell on the Oxford Products Racing Ducati with Kyle Ryde completing the top five.
Josh Owens had an impressive opening day to finish sixth overall for the Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki team, edging out Danny Buchan and Leon Haslam who completed the top eight contenders.
Ryan Vickers also crashed in the final session but ended the day ninth for FHO Racing BMW with Josh Brookes rounding out the top ten for MCE Ducati. His teammate Tom Sykes also had a crash in the final session, ending the day in 18th.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Silverstone, Official Test, Day 1 combined times:
Rory Skinner (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) 53.730s
Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.069s
Dan Linfoot (iForce BMW) +0.138s
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.139s
Kyle Ryde (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.355s
Josh Owens (Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki) +0.362s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.400s
Leon Haslam (VisionTrack Kawasaki) +0.463s
Ryan Vickers (FHO Racing BMW) +0.464s
Josh Brookes (MCE Ducati) +0.553s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Eva Hakansson's "KillaJoule" electric-powered land speed motorcycle. Photo by Petersen Automotive Museum/Ted7.
NEW PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM EXHIBIT TO FEATURE GROUND-BREAKING AND INNOVATIVE CUSTOM ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES
The New Display Will Showcase Forward-Thinking Designers and Their Electrified Creations
LOS ANGELES – The Petersen Automotive Museum’s latest exhibit will feature a multitude of the most innovative electric motorcycles ever made by cutting-edge designers. Opening to the public on April 14, 2022, in the Richard Varner Family Gallery, the unique “Electric Revolutionaries” collection is an exclusive look at the ground-breaking creations of the visionaries at the forefront of the ever-expanding electric motorcycle industry.
Highlights of the new exhibition include “KillaJoule,” the land speed racer that made Eva Hakansson the fastest woman on an electric motorcycle with a run of 240.7 mph. Built by Hakansson and her husband at home and with a limited budget, “KillaJoule” is the fastest sidecar streamliner ever, regardless of engine type. On the slower side of the spectrum are the innovative solar-powered “Solar Scooter” and “Solar Rickshaw” created by Samuel Aboagye. The Ghanaian teenager constructed both using only salvaged, discarded and recycled materials that he could source for free. Making its worldwide debut will be the intricately designed and exquisitely crafted “The One” by Curtiss Motors. Conceptualized by JT Nesbitt, “The One” features a retro-futuristic design and quality of construction usually only found on hypercars.
Hugo Eccles’ “XP Zero” electric motorcycle. Photo courtesy Petersen Automotive Museum.
A follow-up to the Petersen Museum’s popular first-ever electric motorcycle exhibit, “Electric Revolution” in 2019, the new display features over 25 unique custom electric motorcycles guest curated by Motor/Cycle Arts Foundation Co-Founder Paul d’Orleans. “I’m super excited to assemble this wildly diverse collection of EV pioneers. ‘Electric Revolutionaries’ really does represent the range of interest in an electric future, from a humble teen in Ghana making EVs from scrap, to genius artisans building conceptual and boundary-pushing designs, to speed demons and global superstar designers interested in pushing mobility into the green zone,” said d’Orleans. “Electric Revolutionaries” is produced by the Motor/Cycle Arts Foundation and Sasha Tcherevkoff, with support from LiveWire and Damon Motorcycles as a contributing sponsor.
Curtiss Motors’ “The One.” Photo courtesy Petersen Automotive Museum.
“It is incredible how far electric motorcycles have come in the short time from our first exhibit in 2019,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “This new display gives a unique and close-up look at the innovative machines and the creators behind them pushing the boundaries of motorcycle electrification and design. The detail, level of craftsmanship and unorthodox thinking behind these electric motorcycles make them must-sees.”
Walt Siegl’s 100-pound “RONTU.” Photo courtesy Petersen Automotive Museum.
Other notable electric motorcycles on display include Joey Ruiter’s “NOMOTO,” which camouflages as utilitarian street furniture and his geometric “Moto Undone” concept. Also part of the exhibit is famed motorcycle designer Walt Siegl’s ultra-minimalist “RONTU” that uses carbon fiber, aluminum and a lack of body panels to help weigh a scant 100 lbs. Hugo Eccles’ avant-garde and award-winning “XP Zero,” a radical reinterpretation of a production ZERO SR/F into a futuristic cafe racer, is also among the extensive collection of unique and innovative electric motorcycles.
To purchase tickets or for more information about the Petersen Automotive Museum, please visit www.Petersen.org.
Michael Gilbert (1) is seen here defending his CVMA #1 plate at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway on his new Team Hammer-prepared Suzuki GSX-R1000R. Photo by CaliPhotography, courtesy Michael Gilbert Racing.
Michael Gilbert is set to return to the MotoAmerica Superbike and Stock 1000 championships aboard a Team Hammer-prepared Suzuki GSX-R1000R while expanding the racing effort and paddock presence as the Cycle World® Powered by Octane/ Chuckwalla Valley Raceway Team in 2022.
This season marks the return of industry-leading publication Cycle World to the MotoAmerica paddock, of which Gilbert holds a position as full-time Road Test Editor. Aside from creating original content focused on the racing effort, the collaboration highlights Cycle World’s authority in unbiased, objective reviews and informative storytelling. Cycle World is owned by Octane® (Octane Lending Inc.®), the fintech revolutionizing recreational lifestyle purchases by delivering a seamless, end-to-end digital buying experience. Octane adds value throughout the customer journey: inspiring enthusiasts with its editorial brands, instantly prequalifying consumers for financing on dealer and OEM websites, and routing customers to dealerships for a fast and easy closing experience.
Chuckwalla Valley Raceway is also a major partner in Gilbert’s racing effort. The southern California facility is home to a unique 2.68-mile circuit and Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) series, which has become a hotbed for wintertime testing and racing for MotoAmerica frontrunners. Gilbert is a four-time #1 plate holder at CVMA.
Junior Cup competitor Owen Williams will also race under the new banner in his second season as a MotoAmerica racer.
Michael Gilbert: “What an undertaking it has been to get the Cycle World Powered by Octane/ Chuckwalla Valley Raceway Team off the ground! Still, I’m so excited to get the year started and go after the Stock 1000 championship and transition into full-time Superbike racing. We’ve had an amazing wintertime adapting to the Suzuki GSX-R1000R and I’m excited to see what the season holds.”
Mark Hoyer, Cycle World Editor-in-Chief: “Racing has been a part of ‘Team Cycle World’ from the beginning, thanks to founding Publisher Joseph C. Parkhurst’s love of competition. We are proud to carry on that tradition today, especially in support of our Road Test Editor Michael Gilbert. Michael’s dedication to always improving his skills and getting the most of his motorcycle at a national level underlines Cycle World’s dedication to the reader and he anchors the most talented editorial testing team in the business.”
About Octane:
Octane® offers access to instant financing to fuel your lifestyle. Octane dramatically simplifies and accelerates the transaction process for major recreational purchases such as motorcycles, ATVs, and zero-turn lawn mowers by adding value at each stage of the buying journey. Octane offers automated underwriting, innovative credit products, and financing, through its in-house lender Roadrunner Financial, Inc.®. Octane reaches millions of enthusiasts through its editorial brands like Cycle World® and UTV Driver® and helps consumers buy their favorite products by pre-qualifying them on dealer and OEM websites. Octane is revolutionizing lending in underserved verticals within markets that account for tens of billions of dollars in annual transactions.
Octane is a remote-first fintech company with offices in NYC and Dallas and over 500 employees. In August 2021, Octane announced it raised $52 million in Series D funding bringing the company’s valuation to over $900 million with more than $192 million in total equity funding raised to date. Visit www.octane.co.
Leon Haslam (91), seen here in Argentina in 2019, will do four WorldSBK rounds with Team Pedercini in 2022. Photo courtesy of Kawasaki.
Leon Haslam announced at Team Pedercini for four WorldSBK rounds in 2022
TPR Team Pedercini is delighted to announce that Leon Haslam will join the team on four occasions during the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship season.
Haslam, 2010 WorldSBK runner up and with 313 race starts under his belt, will return to the series with the team for the first time at the Misano Round before continuing to run in three further events – Donington Park, Most Autodrom and Portimao.
Wildcarding for TPR Team Pedercini is not something new for the #91, who raced into the top five with the squad at the Losail International Circuit in 2016.
The team and Leon are excited that they have this opportunity to work together again and are optimistic of what they can achieve together. TPR Team Pedercini also wish the best of luck to Leon in his BSB (British Superbike Championship) fight, where he is looking to regain the crown, he won in 2018.
Lucio Pedercini – Team Principal: “Leon coming back to our team is a perfect match. We both still have a lot to say on track in the WorldSBK paddock and we are looking forward to entertaining the public for four rounds of pure racing passion! Thanks to our knowledge and his ability, we are confident that we will do battle and hopefully bring some good results like we did together in the past. For sure it will be a lot of fun”
Leon Haslam: “I am super excited. I’ve known Lucio for so many years and actually raced against him back in the day when I first started. I did a one-off wildcard with the team in Qatar a few years back and managed to finish in the top five and I have a lot of fond memories of being a part of the team. To be able to come back and ride with them again after all these years is really exciting for me and I hope we can achieve some good results together. The focus of course is BSB, but we have been able to find a solution that will see me return to the WorldSBK for these four races and I am really looking forward to it.”
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