World Superbike: Championship Resumes This Weekend At Assen

David Swarts

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July 22, 2021

World Superbike: Championship Resumes This Weekend At Assen

Cathedral of Speed, Cathedral of Dreams: Assen awaits WorldSBK title scrap

Steeped in history, raced by legends, brought alive by fans: after missing out in 2020, the iconic Assen circuit is back and ready to light the fireworks as 2021 rumbles on
Summer is well and truly upon us and the 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season is in full flow as the paddock heads to round five at the TT Circuit Assen for the Prosecco DOC Dutch Round. The iconic Assen venue has been a part of WorldSBK ever since 1992 and despite missing out in 2020 after the pandemic took hold, it’s back in emphatic style for 2021. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with BRIXX WorldSBK) leads Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) by just two points in what is a huge title scrap; will the pendulum swing once again this weekend?

YAMAHA VS KAWASAKI: a matter of form

Three wins in the last four races, nine podium finishes from the opening 12 and finishing every single race inside the top six, Toprak Razgatlioglu is in the form of his life. The 24-year-old Turk has found consistency that has even seen him leap ahead in the Championship standings. Assen is a circuit where he took a first Superstock 1000 win back in 2017, whilst in WorldSBK, his record reads three ninth place finishes and a tenth – not spectacular but Toprak is a different rider in comparison to just two years ago, so can he extend his Championship lead at a track he’s not raced at with Yamaha before? It’s positive vibes on the other side of the garage too, as teammate Andrea Locatelli heads to the track he took his best ever Moto2™ finish at in 2019, with sixth.

The last time Jonathan Rea came to Assen, he was also trailing in the Championship – although that was by 39 points to Alvaro Bautista and Ducati. With 12 victories, he is level on Assen wins with the legendary Carl Fogarty with both British aces being maestros around the legendary Dutch venue. Aiming to become the first rider in WorldSBK to win 13 races at one circuit, Rea knows he has a prime opportunity to strike back. After a podium at home and a solid performance at Donington Park, Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) heads to Assen, the only circuit he’s taken a pole at – will he be able to conjure something special up and be in the victory fight.

HOME-HERO AND TURNING A CORNER: van der Marks leads BMW to Assen

Heading into the round in fine form are the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team of Tom Sykes and Michael van der Mark, with the latter at home and ready to put on a show in front of the Dutch fans. Van der Mark has an impressive seven podiums at Assen and on the last visit, he beat Jonathan Rea to second in a final run to the line to give the home crowd what they wanted. After achieving a first podium with BMW at Donington Park, will he go one step further than his last Assen appearance? For Sykes, he’s aiming to make it three consecutive podiums in 2021 at a track he took his last win at three years ago; will the BMWs once again be a prominent feature at the head of the field?

DUCATI AND HONDA: can they make Assen awesome?

The dark days of Donington Park are behind Ducati as they head to Assen, with Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) some 66 points behind Razgatlioglu in the title race. No podium in seven races, this is Redding’s worst run since joining WorldSBK last year. Two Moto2™ podiums in 2012 and 2013, third place in the 2016 MotoGP™ event and two wins from the British championship in 2019, Assen may be the turning point Redding needs. On the other side of the garage is Michael Ruben Rinaldi who, after two victories at Misano, wasn’t in contention at Donington Park. Rinaldi’s best WorldSBK result at the track is 12th, although he was second to Toprak in STK1000 in 2017.

It was a mixed bag for Honda at Donington Park, with Leon Haslam (Team HRC) riding exceptionally well to get his best result of the year in fourth in the Tissot Superpole Race, whilst Alvaro Bautista (Team HRC) never truly got going. Bautista won the most recent two races at Assen in WorldSBK with a dominant double in 2019, whilst Haslam himself has taken wins at the circuit in the British championship, as well as three podiums in WorldSBK at the track – two of which came on the Stiggy Honda in 2009 when he was battling for victory with Ben Spies and Noriyuki Haga. With some time to recharge and reset, expect Team HRC to be more towards the sharp end at Assen.

INDEPENDENTS: can they achieve a moment of magic?

Onto the Independent riders and it is Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) who leads the way after a fine second place in Race 2 at Donington Park – his best result in a full-distance race. Assen is also a track that he now at least knows, following his solid substitute ride in the Dutch MotoGP™. He’s sixth in the standings and 24 points from third overall. Chaz Davies (Team GoEleven) is next best Independent in ninth overall at a circuit of which he’s had podiums but never won at, whilst fellow Ducati rider Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) has been a revelation in recent events and is continuously improving. In 2016 in the WorldSSP race, Bassani started 23rd but blasted through to finish in eighth place. He’s just ten points from the top ten in the standings, held by Alvaro Bautista.

Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) is the next Independent in 14th, as he also continues to improve each round, particularly in Superpole, whilst Tito Rabat (Barni Racing Team) is 15th. Hoping to be fighting back is Kohta Nozane (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team), after he was declared unfit after FP1 of Donington Park due to the finger fracture he sustained in testing at Navarra. Eugene Laverty (RC Squadra Corse) is next on the BMW M 1000 RR, a past race winner at Assen in 2013, whilst Jonas Folger (Bonovo MGM Racing) and Isaac Viñales (ORELAC Racing VerdNatura) make their WorldSBK debuts at Assen. Christophe Ponsson (Alstare Yamaha) will hope that he can find form on a circuit he knows, whereas Loris Cresson (OUTDO TPR Team Pedercini Racing) and the returning Leandro Mercado (MIE Racing Honda Team) aim to score their first points of 2021. There will also be one wildcard in the form of Andrea Mantovani (Vince64), who will be onboard the ZX-10RR Kawasaki.

Don’t forget, you can enjoy the FREE Official Programme here, and watch all of the Prosecco DOC Dutch Round with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Video: An Inside Look At Franco Morbidelli, Part One

David Swarts

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July 22, 2021

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Video: An Inside Look At Franco Morbidelli, Part One

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.

EP.01 – Franky | Off the track and away from the bike, who exactly is Franky? And what inspires him and keeps him grounded?

ABOUT DAINESE

DAINESE GROUP

Founded in 1972 by Lino Dainese, the Dainese group develops cutting-edge protective clothing for use when practicing dynamic sports: Motorcycle riding, winter sports, cycling, horse riding, and sailing. Continuing with its mission to protect athletes from head to toe, in 2007 Dainese acquired the iconic AGV brand, founded in 1947 and famous across the world for its innovative sports helmets. In 2017, the mother company’s style legacy led to the establishment of Dainese Settantadue, a new brand that gives garments from the past a modern twist. Dainese and AGV products represent the technological frontier in terms of protection in dynamic sports, and are used by the world’s best athletes, from Valentino Rossi to Sofia Goggia, Olympic skiing champion and winner of the World Cup Downhill title.

Podcast: Greg’s Garage Pod With Jason Pridmore, Episode 134

David Swarts

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July 22, 2021

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Podcast: Greg’s Garage Pod With Jason Pridmore, Episode 134

Greg’s Garage Pod with Co-Host Jason Pridmore – A motorcycle racing Pod about MotoGP, MotoAmerica, and World Superbike, Pro Motocross, American Flat Track, Supercross, and more. If you’d like to support the channel here is our Patreon link:

https://www.patreon.com/gregsgaragetv

In this episode, Co-Hosts Greg White and Jason Pridmore talk:

ARAI News – Is Pedrosa back on the grid in Austria? MotoGP racers on street bikes, again? MotoAmerica 2X Champ Alex Dumas doubles up in his debut.

WorldSBK – A quick preview of this weekend’s Assen round. Toprak and the rain, will it be enough?

Pro Motocross – Play by Play announcer Jason Weigandt joins us LIVE to talk about what happened in Millville, MN, and more.

Jason Weigandt – We keep the live conversation going with Weig about MotoAmerica, MotoGP, American Flat Track, and more!

Race Calendar/Next Week – Pro Motocross in Washougal, WA, AFT in Port Royal, PA, AMA National Enduro in Cross Fork, PA, NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycles in Sonoma, CA, BSB in Brands Hatch, World Enduro in Sweden, FIM Motocross in the Czech Republic, and FIM Supermoto also in Czech.

Video: Ducati Releases Panigale V2 Bayliss Anniversary Edition

David Swarts

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July 22, 2021

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Video: Ducati Releases Panigale V2 Bayliss Anniversary Edition

Editorial Note: Scroll down for a special video on Troy Bayliss and the Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary.

A special motorcycle as a tribute to Troy Bayliss: the Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary

Produced in a numbered series, the motorcycle is characterized by the special celebratory livery that recalls that of the Ducati 996 R of the first World Superbike title won by the Australian rider in 2001

Equipped with Öhlins components and embellished with details that enhance its sportiness, the Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary is destined to enter the hearts of Troy fans around the world

The video presentation of the bike, filmed at the Ducati Museum, on the track and at the Bayliss home in Australia, is available on the Ducati YouTube channel and on the Ducati.com website

Borgo Panigale, Bologna, July 22, 2021 – The number 21 has been a magic number for Ducati ever since Troy Bayliss sculpted it with his victories in motorcycling history. Precisely in 2021, twenty years after winning the 2001 Superbike World Championship, Ducati is paying homage to the legendary career of the Australian rider by dedicating a special motorcycle to him, produced in a numbered series, which celebrates the first of the three World SBK titles won by Bayliss: the Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary.

A Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary edition motorcycle. Photo courtesy Ducati.

The bond between Bayliss and Ducati Corse in the Superbike World Championship is one of the most fascinating stories in the motorsport universe. The results of this beautiful adventure are 52 victories, 94 podiums and three world titles (2001, 2006 and 2008) won with three different bikes: the twin-cylinder 996 R, the 999 R and the 1098 R. Troy Bayliss is the only motorcycle racer in history capable of winning in MotoGP and World Superbike in the same season (2006) and his achievements in the race have indelibly imprinted the Australian’s name in the hearts of all Ducatisti. Now the winning chemistry between Ducati and “Baylisstic” is rekindled with the creation of this celebratory motorcycle, the name of which was chosen directly by the rider, who also actively contributed to the creation of the graphic concept.

Starting from the base of the Panigale V2, the “Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary” version is characterized by its special livery , whose graphics are inspired by that of the 996 R which in the 2001 season powered Bayliss to the conquest of his first world title, revisiting its colors and cuts. Ducati red is the main color of the bike, and it joins green and white in a tribute to the Italian spirit of the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer, while the iconic #21, Troy Bayliss’ race number, and the Shell logo, which visually strengthen the link with the racing bike, stand out on the sides and front. Troy’s autograph is reproduced on the fuel tank, while the billet aluminum triple clamp shows the name of the bike and the progressive numbering of this unique model.

To make the motorcycle even more effective in track riding, Ducati has chosen to equip the Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary with Öhlins components. The NX30 front fork and TTX36 rear shock absorber guarantee maximum smoothness and are designed to achieve the best performance on the circuit, with a set-up that makes the bike more precise and offers the rider greater feeling and greater support in all riding phases. The steering damper, thanks to the adjustments it is equipped with, allows you to customize its calibration by adapting it to riding style and the characteristics of the track.

Compared to the standard version, the Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary is also 3 kg lighter (6.6 pounds), thanks to the adoption of a lithium-ion battery and the choice of the single-seater configuration that explicitly recalls the look of the racing bike (passenger seat and footrests are available in the equipment supplied).

The equipment is completed by the sport grips, the silencer outlet cover in carbon fiber and titanium and the rider seat made by combining two different technical materials with double red stitching. Troy’s number 21 is embroidered on the saddle and, together with the green and red bands, makes up the Italian flag. The motorcycle is also equipped with self-cleaning brake and clutch pumps with smoke grey oil tanks.

The Panigale V2 is the super-mid of Ducati sports bikes and represents the entry model to the Panigale family. It is powered by the 955 cc Superquadro twin-cylinder unit, with a maximum power of 155 hp at 10,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm. The chassis is based on the monocoque frame, while the elegant and sporty design is inspired by that of the Panigale V4.

The electronic package, dedicated to active safety and vehicle dynamics control, includes the “cornering” function applied to Bosch ABS, the electronic quick shift gearbox that also works when downshifting and traction, engine brake and wheelie controls (Ducati Quick Shift, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control). All the controls are integrated into the three Riding Modes (Race, Sport and Street) that can be modified using the 4.3″ color TFT dashboard with graphics and interface designed to make menu navigation and settings adjustment intuitive, as well as immediate identification of the selected Riding Mode.

The bike was officially presented by Ducati in a special episode of the Ducati World Première (here the link to see it ) made at the Ducati Museum, on the track and at Troy’s home in Australia. Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Corse Team Manager Davide Tardozzi, who was alongside Bayliss throughout his career in Ducati, Director of the Centro Stile Ducati Andrea Ferraresi and Ducati Head of Product Communications Giulio Fabbri all contributed to the presentation of the characteristics of the bike and the storytelling of the incredible relationship between Ducati and Bayliss. Troy himself took part in this video, sharing with Ducatisti his most indelible memories and emotions experienced on the bike.

The World Superbike universe will also pay tribute to Bayliss’s career during Round 5 of the season, scheduled for the weekend at the Assen track. On Friday, July 23, at 7:00 a.m. (EDT) the Australian champion will be the protagonist of a virtual press conference at the Paddock Show together with Ducati Corse Sporting Director Paolo Ciabatti, in which the most important stages of the victory of Troy’s first title, won on the Dutch circuit, will be remembered. On Sunday, July 25, at 6:05 a.m. (EDT) after the SuperPole Race, the Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary will complete a lap of honor on the track, ridden by Aruba.it Racing – Ducati factory rider Michael Ruben Rinaldi, who competes in WorldSBK with the same number as Bayliss.

The twentieth anniversary of Troy Bayliss winning his first title with Ducati is being celebrated in Borgo Panigale with a temporary exhibition in the Ducati Museum entitled “Troy Story: The Legend of a Champion” which exhibits the bikes with which Troy was able to write some memorable chapters in the history of motorcycle racing. The exhibition can be visited until September 19, 2021 (here more information on visits to the Ducati Museum).

The Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary will be available in U.S. Ducati dealers starting October 2021 at a dealer price of $21,000 USD. The motorcycle will be available in Canada and Mexico showrooms starting November 2021 at a dealer price of $23,695 CAD and 484,000 MEX Pesos.

The dynamic video of the bike is available on the YouTube channel. The technical data specifications of the bike and further images are available on Ducati Media House.

#PanigaleV2 #TributeToOurHero #BornToCelebrate

KTM Announces Ultra-Exclusive, Track-Only RC 8C

David Swarts

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July 21, 2021

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KTM Announces Ultra-Exclusive, Track-Only RC 8C

EXTREME HYPERFOCUS – THE TRACK-ONLY KTM RC 8C IS READY TO RACE!

MURRIETA, Calif. – Rolling out of pit lane and directly onto the starting grid, KTM North America, Inc. is excited to introduce the KTM RC 8C, a limited production track-only motorcycle built to satisfy the apex-slaying needs of orange-bleeding track warriors. Dedicated to putting in fast lap times with unmatched, hyper-focused precision, the KTM RC 8C is undeniably READY TO RACE!

A KTM RC 8C at rest. Photo courtesy KTM.

The KTM RC 8C is a purpose-built, lightweight racing prototype which uses the familiar LC8c engine from the KTM 890 DUKE R in a bespoke, track-ready chassis, bristling with high-end racing componentry. In essence, the KTM RC 8C allows customers the opportunity to own a machine that is as close to a Factory race bike as possible – without the drawbacks of needing a specialist race team to maintain it.

The cockpit of a KTM RC 8C. Photo courtesy KTM.

Engineered to be 100% ready for the track, the KTM RC 8C is a completely hand-built machine, powered by a high-torque production engine to allow for easy maintenance.

Under the lightweight, KTM RC16-inspired carbon-Kevlar reinforced GRP bodywork lies a 128 Hp, 889 cc LC8c, DOHC, 8-valve, parallel-twin engine, bolted into a dedicated 25CrMo4 steel tubular frame, augmented by a selection of WP Pro Components at either end.

A partially stripped KTM RC 8C. Photo courtesy KTM.

Upfront, a hand-built 43 mm WP APEX PRO 7543 closed cartridge fork made from high quality, lightweight material is used. Developed with the experience gained from KTM Factory Racing efforts across a number of international championships, the suspension is assembled in the same department that builds and maintains the suspension of the KTM RC16, guaranteeing the best performance for race-oriented motorcyclists and professional racers. The fork also boasts zero hydraulic stroke limitation, meaning riders can continually control the damping properties.

The KTM RC 8C comes with hand-built 43 mm WP APEX PRO 7543 closed cartridge forks, Brembo Stylema calipers, and Dymag wheels. Photo courtesy KTM.

A WP APEX PRO 7746 shock with preload adjuster takes charge of matters at the rear, and can be easily adjusted to suit all riders, and almost any situation by means of separate high and low-speed compression and rebound settings.

Being a focused track-only motorcycle, every detail is dedicated to race craft. From the quick-release tank and body panels, to the lightweight Dymag wheels and Pirelli SC1 race slicks, the KTM RC 8C makes its intentions known.

Maximum braking performance is taken care of by Brembo race-spec equipment, with Brembo Stylema front brake calipers grabbing 290 mm fully floating brake discs with aluminum rotors fastened by titanium screws, and for the rear, there is a Brembo two piston caliper with a 230 mm fully floating disc mounted directly on the hub.

The KTM RC 8C is also fitted with a Brembo 19RCS CORSA CORTA radial master cylinder, which features a host of innovations, with many of the technical features drawn directly from the master cylinders used in MotoGP™. The most significant being that riders are able to tailor the “bite point” exactly where they want it, with an easily accessible selector on the top of the master cylinder itself.

Ensuring data is collected and collated, the KTM RC 8C makes use of the AIM MXS 1.2 RACE dashboard and data logger with integrated GPS function. All information is displayed via a 5” TFT display with integrated data recording, which is continually logged and can be analyzed in AIM Race Studio.

Key points of the KTM RC 8C:

Limited to only 100 units worldwide

Hand-built exclusively for track use

128 Hp, 140 kg / 308 lb dry weight, near 1:1 power/weight ratio

Dedicated racing exhaust with Akrapovič titanium muffler

Dedicated air box and racing air filter

Bespoke tubular frame made with 25CrMo4 steel

WP APEX PRO components fork and rear shock

Race-spec Brembo brake components

Ultra-light aluminum Dymag wheels

MSRP: $38,999 USD

Alongside the KTM RC 8C itself, customers also have the opportunity to join the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing test team at a one-off customer event. Limited to only 25 customers, the exclusive event will give you a once in a lifetime opportunity to ride with the likes of Dani Pedrosa and Mika Kallio, as they give you tips during a full day at Circuito de Jerez. All those purchasing this KTM RC 8C racetrack experience will also receive the KTM RC 8C racetrack package.

The KTM RC 8C race track package includes:

Extra set of Dymag wheels (front and rear)

Extra set of front and rear brake discs

Front and rear paddock stands

Tire warmers

KTM Race carpet

The exclusive KTM RC 8C will be available for pre-order at www.ktm.com/en-us/rc-8c.html beginning July 22, 2021 at 7 a.m. PDT.

AHRMA: Larrabure, Mauk Split Vintage Cup Wins At Laguna Seca

David Swarts

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July 21, 2021

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AHRMA: Larrabure, Mauk Split Vintage Cup Wins At Laguna Seca

(July 21, 2021, Elora, Tennessee) – Is torque or top-end power the key to winning? Both led to victories for racers during the latest round of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) 2021 Vintage Cup.

The Vintage Cup, sponsored by Roadracing World (roadracingworld.com) and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), featuring the 500 Premier class, took place on both days of the 2021 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA National Historic Cup Road Race Series at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, near Monterey, California, on July 17 and 18.

The historic, technical, and challenging road course was a perfect venue for the equally historic 500 Premier race bikes of the Vintage Cup.

Brian Larrabure, from Calabassas, California, used the low-end grunt of his 500cc four-stroke single-cylinder 1968 Seeley G50 to win on Saturday. The rest of the podium was dominated by similar single-cylinder bikes: David Roper took second on 1970 Harley-Davidson ERTT, and Helmut Niederer, also on a 1968 Seeley G50, was third.

Andrew Mauk from Milwaukee Wisconsin, rode his higher-revving twin-cylinder 1969 Honda CB450 to victory on Sunday. Larrabure and Neiderer were second and third.

The 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.

“The fog threatened, but the sun won, and we had glorious racing on both days at one of the greatest race tracks in the world. Turn 1 at Laguna is not for the meek, and the Premier grid showed us how to keep it pinned over the hill,” said Kenny Cummings, of NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), sponsor of the 2021 Vintage Cup.

Rounds 15 and 16 will be held at Gingerman Raceway in South Haven, Michigan, on July 31 and August 1, 2021.

Race Results Saturday July 17, 2021:

Brian Larrabure, 1968 Seeley G50
David Roper, 1970 Harley-Davidson ERTT
Helmut Niederer, 1968 Seeley G50
Ron Melton, 1962 Norton Manx
Matthew Winiarski, 1968 Ducati 350 Mark 3
Allen Siekman, 1966 Honda CB450
Andrew Mauk, 1969 Honda CB450

Race Results Sunday July 18, 2021:

Andrew Mauk, 1969 Honda CB450
Brian Larrabure, 1968 Seeley G50
Helmut Niederer, 1968 Seeley G50
Ron Melton, 1962 Norton Manx
Matthew Winiarski, 1968 Ducati 350 Mark 3

AHRMA (American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and competing on historic motorcycles. With more than 3,000 members, AHRMA is the leading historic motorcycle racing group in North America and one of the largest in the world. The association’s enthusiastic membership reflects this country’s strong interest in classic bikes.

MRA: Applegate, Grant Win Feature Races

David Swarts

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July 21, 2021

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MRA 4-Hour Results; Applegate & Grant star in Race of the Rockies

Byers, CO – The Motorcycle Roadracing Association of Colorado
held its annual 4-Hour endurance race on Saturday, July 17 and followed up
on Sunday with an exciting set of sprint races including Race of the
Rockies.

The 11th annual 4-Hour endurance started off with outdoor temperatures in
the mid-90s promising to test the endurance of everyone under the heat.
With only a single red flag incident, the race went off without any delays
and at the end, it was the Pony Express team of F40+ completing 110 laps for
the overall win. The Express Team Fogeys finished 2nd at 109 laps, followed
by the True Endurance team of MotherLovers at 108 laps. In the single bike,
single rider Titanium Butt class, multi-time winner Louden Clear
Designs/Louden David was unseated by NateMo/Nathan Morales by a single lap,
NateMo completing 103 laps, Louden Clear with 102.

Sunday saw new names qualify on the front row for Race of the Rockies.
Nyles Gourlie put his Suzuki GSX-R1000 on the pole with a 1:47.853. In the
middle was returning Ray Thornton with a 1:48.239 and rounding out the front
row was Grant Motors Racing’s young gun Liam Grant on his Kawasaki ZX-6R
with a 1:48.342.

Joe Resta took the Race of the Rockies GTO hole shot on his Kawasaki ZX-10
and ripped off a 1:47.297 to get things started early. For the next 5 laps,
Resta was shadowed by Mike Applegate, Thornton, and Gourlie as those four
separated themselves from the rest of the field. By lap 5, there wasn’t
more than 0.8 seconds between first and fourth place. On lap 6, Applegate
made the pass on Resta to take the lead and Thornton followed suit the next
lap as to not let Applegate get away. Unfortunately on lap 9, Resta
crashed bringing out the red flag and the conclusion of the race. With
the scoring reverting to the previously completed lap with Resta crashing
out, Applegate took the win with Thornton second and Gourlie third.

For the Race of the Rockies GTU class, Liam Grant was all but untouchable.
At the start, he battled with the open bikes for position while clearing out
from the rest of the 600cc GTU field turning consistent high 1:49 lap times.
That left Jared Dear pretty much alone for second with a set of 1:51s and
Dennis Stowers for third running very consistent 1:52s. They finished that
way, Grant first, Dear second, and Stowers third.

A number of HPR full course track records were set during this past weekend. Notably, Tom Dixon set the track records for 350 Superbike and 350 Supersport with a 2:17.797 and 2:17.248 respectively. Justen Behmer set the 500 SuperBike and 500 SuperSport records at 2:04.358 and 2:04.576. Youngster Jayden Fernandez demolished the Formula Colorado record with a 1:56.813, Alex Greenman posted a Modern Vintage GTU record of 1:52.462, Stephen Townsend set Premier Amateur to 1:54.063, and Ryan Smith bested the SuperTwins GTU record with a 1:54.671.

Next up for the MRA is Round 5 at Pikes Peak International Raceway over the
weekend of August 7-8. Returning for that weekend is MRA’s SuperStreet
class on Saturday afternoon where, which minimal cost and preparation,
street riders can get on the track with racing instructors, learn basic
racetrack techniques, and participate in a flag to flag race all for $100.
For more information 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/.

Editorial Note: Use the scroll and zoom tools in the bottom left corner of the PDF viewer to better see all of the race results.

Round4Results

OMRRA: DiBrino, Taylor Win Multiple Races At PIR

David Swarts

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July 21, 2021

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OMRRA: DiBrino, Taylor Win Multiple Races At PIR

The fastest motorcycle riders in the Pacific Northwest convened in Oregon this past weekend, with the Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association (OMRRA) hosting its fourth round of the 2021 season, at the Portland International Raceway (PIR).

This round was the third of four planned joint-rounds with the Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association (WMRRA), which meant large grids and close racing for the two clubs.

For the Middleweight and smaller bikes, Round #4 was the second race this year using the chicane course at PIR, after its absence during the 2020 season. This configuration bifurcates PIR’s nearly mile-long straightaway and adds to the on-track action for the smaller bike classes.

For the first time this racing season, the rain did not come to the Pacific Northwest, which meant sunshine and moderate temperatures for racers, which lead to fast lap times and hard-fought podiums.

On the big bikes, Andy DiBrino was imperious at the Oregon track, sweeping both Formula Ultra races on his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, as well as the Open Superbike and Open Supersport races. He now leads the Geneva Financial OMRRA Title Championship by a comfortable 61 points, with just two more rounds remaining in the season. DiBrino also made his season debut in the 600cc Superbike class, racing his KTM 890 Duke R with some success against the faster inline-fours.

In the lower classes, we saw a new leader emerge in the MotoCorsa OMRRA Clubman Championship standings, as Alex Taylor scored four podiums on his Yamaha YZF-R6 “cripple triple” race bike, including three wins in the Middleweight class races. The competition in the Clubman Championship remains tight though, with four Middleweight riders vying for the top spot, along with Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R racer Chris Sarbora, who shot-up the ranks with four 600 Superbike and 600 Supersport podiums.

Meanwhile, Ryan Shanahan continues his lead in the Langlitz Leathers OMRRA Vintage Championship, pulling some distance in the points against Matthew Winter, after his back-to-back wins in the 160 Vintage races.

OMRRA racers return to the track August 14th-15th, this time at the Ridge Motorsports Park, for another a co-hosted round with the Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association (WMRRA).

OMRRA, incorporated in 1972 as a non-profit, volunteer run organization, has members ranging in age from 12 to over 70, racing motorcycles of many brands, sizes and ages. OMRRA operates at Portland International Raceway, a city park and world class track. For more information, visit www.omrra.com and join us at www.facebook.com/omrra.racing and @omrra.pdx on social media.

Geneva Financial Title Championship Standings – Round 4 of 6

1. Andy DiBrino – 245 pts

2. Kevin Pinkstaff – 184 pts

3. Chris Sarbora – 127 pts

4. Adam Robarts – 97 pts

5. Brian Pinkstaff – 95 pts

MotoCorsa Clubman Championship Standings – Round 4 of 6

1. Alex Taylor – 262 pts

2. Jon Campbell – 246 pts

3. Chris Sarbora – 240 pts

4. Nathan Aldrich – 229 pts

5. Joe Rocha – 216 pts

Langlitz Leathers Vintage Championship Standings – Round 4 of 6

1. Ryan Shanahan – 27 pts

2. Matthew Winter – 18 pts

3. Howard Nusbaum – 17 pts

4. Alex Clarke – 12 pts

5. Dick Willoughby – 12 pts

Autumn Coffee Roasting 600 Supersport

1. Chris Sarbora (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Ryan Doherty (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Mallory Dobbs (Kaw ZX-6R)
4. Ramses Hernandez (Yam YZF-R6)
5. Micah Kudo (Yam YZF-R6)
6. Nate Abell (Yam YZF-R6)

Bob Lanphere’s Beaverton Motorcycles Novice 1000

1. Keith Radcliff (Suz GSX-R1000)
2. Kevin O’Brien (Hon CBR1000RR)
3. Kevin O’Neill (BMW S1000RR)
4. Cory Desouza (Kaw ZX-10R)
5. Joshua Gonzalez (Yam YZF-R1)

Novice 600

1. Phillip Hranicka (Yam YZF-R6)
2. Logan Oster (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Naoufal El Atlassi (Suz GSX-R600)
4. Dawson Hart (Yam YZF-R6)
5. Cory Balma (Yam YZF-R6)
6. Joshua Clarizio (Yam YZF-R6)

Cycletune 450 Superbike

1. Alex Taylor (Yam YZF-R4.5)
2. Drat Diestler (Kra Evo2 R)
3. Nathan Aldrich (Yam YZF-R6)
4. Hannah Johnson (Kra HKR EVO2 R)
5. Jon Campbell (Suz SV650)
6. Brandon Floyd (Apr RS660)

Trackside Support Services Lightweight Superbike

1. Shannon Lang (Hon RS125)
2. Ben Montgomery (Kaw EX250)
3. Todd Eugene (Kaw Ninja 400)
4. Rob Tatom (Hon RS125)

Racer Gloves USA Ultra-Lightweight GP

1. Paxton Gray (KTM RC390)
2. Chase Farthing (Yam YZF-R3)
3. Ian Mills (Kaw Ninja 300)
4. Clifford Griffin (Kaw Ninja 300)
5. Justin Carr (Yam YZF-R3)
6. Alex Clarke (Kaw Ninja 300)

Lawrence Farm 250 Ninja Cup

1. Darrin Griffin (Kaw Ninja 250R)
2. Jason Iverson (Kaw Ninja 250R)
3. Ben Montgomery (Kaw Ninja 250R)
4. Kumpy Kump (Kaw Ninja 250R)
5. Todd Eugene (Kaw Ninja 250R)
6. Brian Burchill (Kaw Ninja 250R)

SFRC 160 Vintage

1. Ryan Shanahan (Hon CB175)
2. Dean Willoughby (Hon CB160)

2 Wheel Dyno Works Formula Ultra

1. Andy DiBrino (Kaw ZX-10R)
2. Adam Robarts (BMW S1000RR)
3. Chris Sarbora (BMW S1000RR)
4. Kevin Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX-10R)
5. Brian Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX-10RR)
6. Jason Doody (Yam YZF-R1)

Gore Electric Company 600 Sportsman

1. Phillip Hranicka (Yam YZF-R6)
2. Naoufal El Atlassi (Suz GSX-R600)
3. Jeffrey Toevs (Kaw ZX-6R)
4. Bill Youngblood (Yam YZF-R6)
5. Matt Snipes (Duc 848 EVO)
6. Dawson Hart (Yam YZF-R6)

EDR Performance Open Sportsman

1. Kevin O’Brien (Hon CBR1000RR)
2. Keith Radcliff (Suz GSX-R1000)
3. Gene Brown (Hon CBR600RR)
4. Cary Cadonau (Yam YZF-R1)
5. Cory Desouza (Kaw ZX-10R)

Brap Talk Middleweight Supersport

1. Jon Campbell (Suz SV650)
2. Joe Rocha (Suz SV650)
3. Daniel Silvis (Suz SV650)
4. Ian Mills (Suz SV650)
5. Danny Houghton (Suz SV650)
6. Mike Mcintosh (Suz SV650)

Kramer Middleweight Superbike

1. Drat Diestler (Kra Evo2 R)
2. Nathan Aldrich (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Brappy Little Stepsister (Kra HKR EVO2 R)
4. Brandon Floyd (Apr RS660)
5. Joshua Davis (Suz SV650)
6. Dion LaBlue (Yam YZF-R6)

Hot & Hazardous Performance Ultra Lightweight Supersport

1. Paxton Gray (KTM RC390)
2. Dave Pearce (Yam YZF-R3)
3. Chase Farthing (Yam YZF-R3)
4. Clifford Griffin (Kaw Ninja 300)
5. Scott Harris (Yam YZF-R3)
6. Alex Clarke (Kaw Ninja 300)

Lightweight Supersport

1. Todd Eugene (Kaw Ninja 400)
2. Kumpy Kump (Kaw Ninja 250R)

Lawrence Farm 250 Ninja Cup

1. Darrin Griffin (Kaw Ninja 250R)
2. Jason Iverson (Kaw Ninja 250R)
3. Kumpy Kump (Kaw Ninja 250R)
4. Brian Burchill (Kaw Ninja 250R)
5. Todd Eugene (Kaw Ninja 250R)
6. Adam Black (Kaw Ninja 250R)

SFRC 160 Vintage

1. Ryan Shanahan (Hon CB175)
2. Dean Willoughby (Hon CB160)

Ever True Tattoo Middleweight GP

1. Alex Taylor (Yam YZF-R4.5)
2. Drat Diestler (Kra Evo2 R)
3. Nathan Aldrich (Yam YZF-R6)
4. Hannah Johnson (Kra HKR EVO2 R)
5. Brandon Floyd (Apr RS660)
6. Jon Campbell (Suz SV650)

See See Motor Coffee Open Supersport

1. Andy DiBrino (Kaw ZX-10R)
2. Kevin Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX-10R)
3. Brian Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX10RR)
4. Jason Doody (Yam YZF-R1)
5. Steven Campbell (Kaw ZX-10R)
6. Volga Mermut (BMW S1000RR)

KP12 Graphix 600 Superbike

1. Chris Sarbora (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Ryan Doherty (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Ramses Hernandez (Yam YZF-R6)
4. Mallory Dobbs (Kaw ZX-6R)
5. Anthony Peaslee (Yam YZF-R6)
6. Nate Abell (Yam YZF-R6)

WMRRA F2

1. Adam Robarts (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Steven Campbell (Kaw ZX-6R)
3. Chris Sarbora (Kaw ZX-6R)
4. Andy DiBrino (KTM 890 Duke R)
5. Garret Visser (Yam YZF-R6)
6. Jacob Brown (Yam YZF-R6)

Asphalt & Rubber Middleweight Sportsman

1. Brandon Floyd (Apr RS660)
2. Daniel Silvis (Suz SV650)
3. Austen Brown (Suz SV650)
4. Mike Mcintosh (Suz SV650)
5. Travis Johnson (Suz SV650)
6. Danny Houghton (Suz SV650)

Lightweight Supersport

1. Todd Eugene (Kaw Ninja 400)
2. Kumpy Kump (Kaw Ninja 250R)

Hot & Hazardous Performance Ultra Lightweight Supersport

1. Dave Pearce (Yam YZF-R3)
2. Paxton Gray (KTM RC390)
3. Chase Farthing (Yam YZF-R3)
4. Scott Harris (Yam YZF-R3)
5. Ian Mills (Kaw Ninja 300)
6. Ryan Kroelinger (Yam YZF-R3)

Formula 40

1. Jason Doody (Yam YZF-R1)
2. Monta Knudson (BMW S1000RR)
3. Gene Brown (Hon CBR600RR)
4. Eric Dorn (Hon CBR1000RR)
5. Jeffrey Toevs (Kaw ZX-6R)
6. Bill Youngblood (Yam YZF-R6)

WMRRA Classic Superbike

1. Miles McElhany (Yam YZF-R6)

Formula Female

1. Mallory Dobbs (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Jolene Janacek (Kaw Ninja ZX-6R)

Autumn Coffee Roasting 600 Supersport

1. Chris Sarbora (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Adam Robarts (Kaw ZX-6R)
3. Steven Campbell (Kaw ZX-6R)
4. Ramses Hernandez (Yam YZF-R6)
5. Garret Visser (Yam YZF-R6)
6. Nate Abell (Yam YZF-R6)

Brap Talk Middleweight Supersport

1. Jon Campbell (Suz SV650)
2. Joe Rocha (Suz SV650)
3. Daniel Silvis (Suz SV650)
4. Mike Mcintosh (Suz SV650)
5. Danny Houghton (Suz SV650)
6. Ian Mills (Suz SV650)

Kramer Middleweight Superbike

1. Dave Heinricks (Hon RSF450)
2. Drat Diestler (Kra Evo2 R)
3. Nathan Aldrich (Yam YZF-R6)
4. Hannah Johnson (Kra HKR EVO2 R)
5. Cedric Smith (Hon CRF450R)
6. Brandon Floyd (Apr RS660)

Lawrence Farm 250 Ninja Cup

1. Darrin Griffin (Kaw Ninja 250R)
2. Ben Montgomery (Kaw Ninja 250R)
3. Jason Iverson (Kaw Ninja 250R)
4. Ryan Henry (Kaw Ninja 250R)
5. Kumpy Kump (Kaw Ninja 250R)
6. Todd Eugene (Kaw Ninja 250R)

Gore Electric Company 600 Sportsman

1. Phillip Hranicka (Yam YZF-R6)
2. Jeffrey Toevs (Kaw ZX-6R)
3. Logan Oster (Yam YZF-R6)
4. Naoufal El Atlassi (Suz GSX-R600)
5. Dawson Hart (Yam YZF-R6)
6. Colin Carrihill (Tri Daytona 675R)

EDR Performance Open Sportsman

1. Kevin O’Brien (Hon CBR1000RR)
3. Gene Brown (Hon CBR600RR)

2 Wheel Dyno Works Formula Ultra

1. Andy DiBrino (Kaw ZX-10R)
2. Adam Robarts (BMW S1000RR)
3. Chris Sarbora (BMW S1000RR)
4. Kevin Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX-10R)
5. Brian Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX-10RR)
6. Volga Mermut (BMW S1000RR)

Racer Gloves USA Ultra-Lightweight GP

1. Paxton Gray (KTM RC390)
2. Dave Pearce (Yam YZF-R3)
3. Clifford Griffin (Kaw Ninja 300)
4. Justin Carr (Yam YZF-R3)
5. Ryan Kroelinger (Yam YZF-R3)
6. Alex Clarke (Kaw Ninja 300)

Ever True Tattoo Middleweight GP

1. Alex Taylor (Yam YZF-R4.5)
2. Drat Diestler (Kra Evo2 R)
3. Brandon Floyd (Apr RS660)
4. Hannah Johnson (Kra HKR EVO2 R)
5. Jon Campbell (Suz SV650)
6. Joe Rocha (Suz SV650)

Lawrence Farm 250 Ninja Cup

1. Darrin Griffin (Kaw Ninja 250R)
2. Ben Montgomery (Kaw Ninja 250R)
3. Kumpy Kump (Kaw Ninja 250R)
4. Jason Iverson (Kaw Ninja 250R)
5. Adam Black (Kaw Ninja 250R)
6. Ryan Henry (Kaw Ninja 250R)

KP12 Graphix 600 Superbike

1. Adam Robarts (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Chris Sarbora (Kaw ZX-6R)
3. Steven Campbell (Kaw ZX-6R)
4. Andy DiBrino (KTM 890 Duke R)
5. Garret Visser (Yam YZF-R6)
6. Ramses Hernandez (Yam YZF-R6)

Novice 600

1. Phillip Hranicka (Yam YZF-R6)
2. Logan Oster (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Naoufal El Atlassi (Suz GSX-R600)
4. Dawson Hart (Yam YZF-R6)
5. Cory Balma (Yam YZF-R6)
6. Drew Lenihan (Suz GSX-R600)

Bob Lanphere’s Beaverton Motorcycles Novice 1000

1. Kevin O’Brien (Hon CBR1000RR)
2. Kevin O’Neill (BMW S1000RR)
3. Michael Macias (Suz GSX-R750)

Zlock Racing Open Superbike

1. Andy DiBrino (Kaw ZX-10R)
2. Kevin Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX-10R)
3. Brian Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX-10RR)
4. Chris Sarbora (BMW S1000RR)
5. Volga Mermut (BMW S1000RR)
6. Steven Campbell (Kaw ZX-10R)

Trackside Support Services Lightweight Superbike

1. Joe Pittman (Kaw Ninja 400)
2. Shannon Lang (Hon RS125)
3. Todd Eugene (Kaw Ninja 400)

Cycletune 450 Superbike

1. Drat Diestler (Kra Evo2 R)
2. Alex Taylor (Yam YZF-R4.5)
3. Nathan Aldrich (Yam YZF-R6)
4. Dave Heinricks (Hon RSF450)
5. Cedric Smith (Hon CRF450R)
6. Brandon Floyd (Apr RS660)

Aprilia Recalling RS 660, Tuono 660 For Con Rod Problem

David Swarts

-

July 21, 2021

0

Aprilia Recalling RS 660, Tuono 660 For Con Rod Problem

NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V502000

Crankshaft Connecting Rod May Break

A broken connecting rod can cause a sudden engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V502000

Manufacturer Aprilia USA, Inc.

Components ENGINE

Potential Number of Units Affected 308

Summary

Aprilia is recalling certain 2021 RS 660 and Tuono 660 motorcycles. The engine crankshaft connecting rod may break due to improper heat-treatment.
Remedy

Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in July 2021. Owners may contact Aprilia customer service at 1-212-380-4400. Aprilia’s number for this recall is PA2ZZQ2107.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

UtahSBA: Bradshaw Comes From Behind To Win

David Swarts

-

July 21, 2021

0

UtahSBA: Bradshaw Comes From Behind To Win

Editorial Note: The following press release was received well within our three-day deadline but was not published at that time due to no fault on behalf of UtahSBA.

The Utah Sportbike Association held Round 4 of the Utah Motorcycle Law Masters of the Mountains Race Series on July 10th. Racers from across the country traveled to Grantsville to battle it out on Utah Motorsports Campus’ West Track. Although the temperatures were high, riders were not phased and were ready to race in Round 4.

The morning started with the Trackstar/Dunlop and Moto Station/Pirelli King of the Mountain qualifying taking to the track. In the first session Genaro Lopez quickly set a time of 1:33.973 and then beat that with a 1:32.652. Eric Jones was also out to set an early morning lap time, first with a 1:33.628 and then lowering that to a 1:32.684. After the track had warmed up, racers went back out for their second qualifying session. David Meyer set a 1:33.484 early in his session and then topped that with a 1:32.128 to take the fourth grid spot. Anthony Norton had a solid session setting a 1:31.803 which was good for the third grid spot. Lopez bettered his lap time from Q1 with 1:31.616 for grid spot two. Pole position went to Jerry Hicks who set a 1:32.152 and then dropped that time to a 1:31.585.

With qualifying done it was time to go racing, starting off with the Karl Malone Powersports Moto 2 race. As bikes launched into turn 1 Brian Childree emerged with the holeshot followed by Peter Hofpointner. At the start of lap 2 Childree continued to lead followed by Hofpointner and Cole Phillips. On lap 3 red flags were out due to a rider down and a bike too close to the track. The shortened race would restart from original grid positions. As the lights went out again, Hofpointner battled for the holeshot, but Childree took it. Phillips was in third but made a big move on the inside of Hofpointner in turn 7. Childree and Phillips then began pulling away from the rest of the group. Hofpointner took third, Phillips took home second, and Childree with the win.

The next race was the Harrison Eurosports Formula 40 GTO. It began with Eric Jones taking the Holeshot, and at the start of lap 2 Meyer and Davis followed Jones over the line. On lap 2 Davis, who had been trying to find a way through Meyer, made his pass stick on the inside of turn 5. As racers crossed the line to begin lap 4, Jones led followed by Davis and Meyer, Davis then began stalking Jones. On lap 5 Davis made his attack, battling Jones down the back straight to lead into turn 5. Meyer finished in third, Jones crossed the line in second, and Davis took the win.

With the morning’s racing in the books it was time for the King of the Mountain race to begin. The red lights went out, tires grasped the pavement, and riders launched their bikes across the line. Hicks put his Kawasaki’s launch control to work with a monstrous start taking the holeshot into turn 1 and began pulling away from the rest of the group almost immediately. Hicks was maintaining his breathing and trying to rely mostly on corner exit and the drive he was getting from the SCX tire. As Hicks crossed the line to begin the second lap, he pulled an impressive 1:32 from the standing start while being followed by Braden Jones and Lopez. As Hicks was extending his lead in lap 2 disaster struck when he lost grip in the front end of his ZX-10R and lowsided out of the race. Hicks reported that he had “been struggling a lot with front end edge grip” and that he was “quite nervous going into KOM.” Thanks to Kory, the Moto Station crew, and the USBA staff, Hicks was able to get his bike fixed and teched to race the rest of the day.

With Hicks out of the race it left Braden Jones, Lopez, and Norton close together and fighting for position. Lopez began the attack on Braden Jones in lap 2 passing him on the exit of turn 1. As the riders started their 4th lap Lopez was leading followed by Braden Jones and Norton with Norton pushing to pass Jones. Finally, in turn 9 Norton made it through on the inside of Braden Jones and moved into P2. Meanwhile in P4 former KOM champion Michael Bradshaw was finally in his groove catching the top 3 after an 11th place grid position and a rough start. The first lap for Bradshaw and his GSXR1000 was wild, with all sorts of bumping and shoving for position in the pack. Bradshaw just kept his wits about him and worked his way through, he was feeling good and set the fastest lap of the race with 1:31.344 while trying to catch the front three racers. On lap 6 Bradshaw got a killer drive through turn 3 and kept it flat through turn 4 and made the pass on Braden Jones on the brakes into turn 5. By the start of lap 7 it was Lopez in the lead followed by Norton, Bradshaw, Davis, and Braden Jones. Norton was all over Lopez’s rear tire looking for a place to get through as the two riders came through turn 5 right on top of each other. Norton, who knew that Lopez favored a wider line in turn 6 attempted to make a move on Lopez’s inside when his front tire let go and he started to lowside as the bikes tipped into the corner, collecting Lopez, and knocking them both out of the race. As red flags flew results rolled back to the positions at the start of lap 7 leaving Bradshaw as the winner followed by Davis and Braden Jones. In a post-race interview Bradshaw wanted to thank the community that helped him get his bike working well enough to ride, especially Rick Squires for spare Suzuki parts, as well as Kory Cowan and James Peterec from Moto Station for helping him sort through electronics issues.

As track temps crept even higher the MotoUnited Open Superstock race lined up on the grid. The race saw Hicks on pole position with Lopez out due to a crash in KOM and Bradshaw on P3. As the track went green, Meyer on P5 took the holeshot followed by Davis and Bradshaw. At the start of lap 2 Bradshaw forced his way up the inside to pass Davis in turn 1. On lap 3 Meyers was leading followed by Bradshaw and Davis. Bradshaw got a solid drive through turns 3 and 4 and passed Meyer inside on the brakes into turn 5. Bradshaw secured first position for the time, and just focused on managing the tires. At the start of lap 4 Davis made an overtake on Meyer into turn 1 for second position. Hicks, trying to make up time after a bogged start, was on his way into turn 7 and passed Davis for second. The final standings had Meyer in fourth, Davis in third, and Hicks taking second. Top podium spot went to number 96 Bradshaw.

The rest of the day held some awesome racing and a few upsets as the season championship took shape. In the Legion of Speed Novice GTO race, Joshua Fisher took the holeshot from P2 holding the lead until lap 3 when he was overtaken on the inside into turn 1 by Sam Arquit. Fisher’s woes were far from over with Malichi Roybal overtaking him into turn 1 on the fourth lap and Remington Mathews charging around him on the front straight. On lap 4 Roybal made his way through Arquit in turn 10 to take first. On lap 5 Mathews made his pass on Arquit, and quickly caught Roybal on lap 6 to pass on the inside into turn 1. Mathews took the win, Roybal held second, and Arquit took third. Later in the day we had the Velosio Production 500. Childree took the holeshot to begin his stretch away from the pack. Behind Childree was Gerwe in second and Brad Moore in third. Kirk Doyle was on the charge from fourth and made the pass on Moore down the back straight for third. On lap 2 Childree led followed by Gerwe and Doyle. In turn 1 Doyle passed Gerwe for second position and on lap 4 turn 9 Gerwe went back through the inside of Doyle. At the start of lap 7, Doyle responded by making a pass on Gerwe in turn 2. After a great back and forth Gerwe finished the race in third position and Doyle in second. Childree would take the win in the class.

After the races had been wrapped up, club members gathered for the traditional post-race BBQ, awards, and to talk about the day’s trials and tribulations. Afterwards racers reluctantly began packing up their garages and loading up their bikes with excitement for Round 5 buzzing strongly in the air. Round 5 is set to be held on Utah Motorsports Campus’ Perimeter configuration on August 14th. The club has not run the Perimeter configuration since 2019 and spirits are high to see it return. We look forward to seeing you all then!

The Utah Sport Bike Association is a Utah Non-Profit dedicated to promoting education, safe riding, and competition in the Intermountain West. You can find more information about the USBA, upcoming events, and schools at www.utahsba.com or find us on Facebook.

Overall Results:

Motostation/Trackstar KOM Overall:

1. Michael Jr Bradshaw (SUZ GSXR1000)

2. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

3. Braden Jones (YAM R1)

4. David Meyer (YAM R1)

5. Brian Childree (KAW ZX-6R)

6. Ryan Richardson (KAW ZX10R)

Motostation KOM GTO:

1. Michael Jr Bradshaw (SUZ GSXR1000)

2. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

3. Braden Jones (YAM R1)

4. David Meyer (YAM R1)

5. Ryan Richardson (KAW ZX10R)

6. Kevin Dolan (KAW ZX10R)

Trackstar KOM GTU:

1. Brian Childree (KAW ZX-6R)

2. Cole Phillips (YAM R6)

AZ Riding Academy Combined GTO

1. Rick Squires (SUZ GSXR1000)

2. Lee Mcnutt (YAM R6)

3. Peter Hofpointner (YAM R6)

4. Marshall Miller (BMW S1000RR)

5. Max Tseng (YAM R6)

6. Joshua Snow (YAM R1)

C&R Coatings Combined GTU

1. Peter Hofpointner (YAM R6)

2. Lee Mcnutt (YAM R6)

3. Max Tseng (YAM R6)

4. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

5. Sam Corser (YAM R6)

6. James Riggs (YAM R6)

The Edge Powersports Deseret Dash – Expert

1. Eric Jones (YAM R1)

2. David Meyer (YAM R1)

3. Braden Jones (YAM R1)

4. Alex Zinaich (YAM YZFR1)

5. Joshua Snow (YAM R1)

6. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

The Edge Powersports Deseret Dash – Novice

1. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)

2. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

3. Brian Gerwe (HON CBR600RR)

4. John Tillotson (YAM R1)

5. Tyler Donaworth (TRI DAYTONA-675)

6. Dustin Lance (YAM R6)

Harrison Eurosports Formula 40 – GTO

1. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

2. Eric Jones (YAM R1)

3. David Meyer (YAM R1)

4. Michael Jr Bradshaw (SUZ GSXR1000)

5. Tyler Jones (YAM R-1)

6. Kevin Dolan (KAW R1)

Harrison Eurosports Formula 40 – GTU

1. Victor Arias (YAM YZF-R6)

2. Donald Rothfuss (DUC 848-EVO)

3. James Snow (SUZ SV650)

4. Daniel Egbert (SUZ SV650)

5. Dustin Lance (YAM R6)

6. Andrew Love (KAW ZX6R)

Bingham Cyclery Lightweight Superbike

1. Ryan Smith (APR RS660)

2. Daniel Egbert (SUZ SV650)

3. James Snow (SUZ SV650)

4. Sean Groenstein (HON NSF250R)

5. Jeff Masters (YAM FZ-07)

6. Brad Moore (YAM YZF-R3)

Blud Racing Lubricants Middleweight Superbike

1. Brian Childree (KAW ZX-6R)

2. Cole Phillips (YAM R6)

3. Richard Findlay (SUZ GSXR-600)

4. Brad Moore (YAM YZF-R3)

Toxic Moto Racing Middleweight Superstock

1. Brian Childree (KAW ZX-6R)

2. Cole Phillips (YAM R6)

3. Peter Hofpointner (YAM R6)

4. Richard Findlay (SUZ GSXR-600)

5. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

6. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

The Mechanic Modern Vintage – GTO

1. Kevin Dolan (SUZ GSXR1000)

2. James Kling (DUC 1198)

3. Marshall Miller (BMW S1000RR)

4. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)

5. Joshua Snow (YAM R1)

6. Barry Ketmany (YAM YZFR1)

The Mechanic Modern Vintage – GTU

1. Richard Findlay (SUZ GSXR-600)

2. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

3. Victor Arias (YAM YZF-R6)

4. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

5. Daniel Egbert (SUZ SV650)

6. Andrew Love (KAW ZX6R)

Karl Malone Powersports Moto 2

1. Brian Childree (KAW ZX-6R)

2. Cole Phillips (YAM R6)

3. Peter Hofpointner (YAM R6)

4. Max Tseng (YAM R6)

5. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

6. Brock Jones (YAM R6)

Redline Realty Moto 3

1. Brian Gerwe (KAW NINJA-400)

2. Brad Moore (YAM YZF-R3)

3. Kirk Doyle (YAM FZR400)

4. Alex Hatfield (KAW NINJA-400)

5. Stephen Webster (YAM R3)

6. Rachel Kuns (KAW NINJA-400)

Legion of Speed Novice GTO

1. Remington Mathews (BMW S1000RR)

2. Malachi Roybal (YAM R1)

3. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)

4. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

5. Pratt Wellman (APR RSV4-RR)

6. John Tillotson (YAM R1)

Brighton Peak Financial Novice GTU

1. Brock Jones (YAM R6)

2. Belisario Arango (KAW ZX6R)

3. Victor Arias (YAM YZF-R6)

4. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

5. Chayce Lance (YAM R6)

6. Tyler Donaworth (TRI DAYTONA-675)

Vortex Open Superbike

1. Jerry Hicks (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

2. Michael Jr Bradshaw (SUZ GSXR1000)

3. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

4. Kevin Dolan (KAW ZX10R)

5. Rick Squires (SUZ GSXR1000)

6. Gilbert Gonzalez (KAW ZX10R)

MotoUnited Open Superstock

1. Michael Jr Bradshaw (SUZ GSXR1000)

2. Jerry Hicks (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

3. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

4. David Meyer (YAM R1)

5. Ryan Richardson (KAW ZX10R)

6. James Peterec (SUZ GSX-R-1000R)

Karl Malone Powersports Open Twins

1. James Kling (DUC 1198)

2. Ryan Smith (APR RS660)

3. Daniel Egbert (DUC 1199S)

4. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

5. Mike Jensen (TRI 675R-DAYTONA)

6. Donald Rothfuss (DUC 848-EVO)

Velosio Production 500

1. Brian Childree (KAW NINJA-400)

2. Brian Gerwe (KAW NINJA-400)

3. Brad Moore (YAM YZF-R3)

4. Alex Hatfield (KAW NINJA-400)

5. Rachel Kuns (KAW NINJA-400)

6. Stephen Webster (YAM R3)

Monarch Powersports Sportsman

1. Russell Carpenter (YAM R6)

2. Miguel Alamillo (SUZ GSX-R-600)

3. Moe Fareed (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

4. Justin Stapleford (SUZ GSXR-1000)

Napa Auto Parts Tooele Stock 1000

1. Jerry Hicks (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

2. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

3. David Meyer (YAM R1)

4. Alex Zinaich (YAM YZFR1)

5. Gilbert Gonzalez (KAW ZX10R)

6. Ryan Richardson (KAW ZX10R)

Carbonsmith Super Street Bike

1. Victor Arias (KAW EX500)

World Superbike: Championship Resumes This Weekend At Assen

July 22, 2021

The start of a World Superbike race during Round Four at Donington Park. Photo courtesy Dorna. — The start of a World Superbike race at Donington Park in 2021. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Cathedral of Speed, Cathedral of Dreams: Assen awaits WorldSBK title scrap

Steeped in history, raced by legends, brought alive by fans: after missing out in 2020, the iconic Assen circuit is back and ready to light the fireworks as 2021 rumbles on
Summer is well and truly upon us and the 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season is in full flow as the paddock heads to round five at the TT Circuit Assen for the Prosecco DOC Dutch Round. The iconic Assen venue has been a part of WorldSBK ever since 1992 and despite missing out in 2020 after the pandemic took hold, it’s back in emphatic style for 2021. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with BRIXX WorldSBK) leads Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) by just two points in what is a huge title scrap; will the pendulum swing once again this weekend?

YAMAHA VS KAWASAKI: a matter of form

Three wins in the last four races, nine podium finishes from the opening 12 and finishing every single race inside the top six, Toprak Razgatlioglu is in the form of his life. The 24-year-old Turk has found consistency that has even seen him leap ahead in the Championship standings. Assen is a circuit where he took a first Superstock 1000 win back in 2017, whilst in WorldSBK, his record reads three ninth place finishes and a tenth – not spectacular but Toprak is a different rider in comparison to just two years ago, so can he extend his Championship lead at a track he’s not raced at with Yamaha before? It’s positive vibes on the other side of the garage too, as teammate Andrea Locatelli heads to the track he took his best ever Moto2™ finish at in 2019, with sixth.

The last time Jonathan Rea came to Assen, he was also trailing in the Championship – although that was by 39 points to Alvaro Bautista and Ducati. With 12 victories, he is level on Assen wins with the legendary Carl Fogarty with both British aces being maestros around the legendary Dutch venue. Aiming to become the first rider in WorldSBK to win 13 races at one circuit, Rea knows he has a prime opportunity to strike back. After a podium at home and a solid performance at Donington Park, Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) heads to Assen, the only circuit he’s taken a pole at – will he be able to conjure something special up and be in the victory fight.

HOME-HERO AND TURNING A CORNER: van der Marks leads BMW to Assen

Heading into the round in fine form are the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team of Tom Sykes and Michael van der Mark, with the latter at home and ready to put on a show in front of the Dutch fans. Van der Mark has an impressive seven podiums at Assen and on the last visit, he beat Jonathan Rea to second in a final run to the line to give the home crowd what they wanted. After achieving a first podium with BMW at Donington Park, will he go one step further than his last Assen appearance? For Sykes, he’s aiming to make it three consecutive podiums in 2021 at a track he took his last win at three years ago; will the BMWs once again be a prominent feature at the head of the field?

DUCATI AND HONDA: can they make Assen awesome?

The dark days of Donington Park are behind Ducati as they head to Assen, with Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) some 66 points behind Razgatlioglu in the title race. No podium in seven races, this is Redding’s worst run since joining WorldSBK last year. Two Moto2™ podiums in 2012 and 2013, third place in the 2016 MotoGP™ event and two wins from the British championship in 2019, Assen may be the turning point Redding needs. On the other side of the garage is Michael Ruben Rinaldi who, after two victories at Misano, wasn’t in contention at Donington Park. Rinaldi’s best WorldSBK result at the track is 12th, although he was second to Toprak in STK1000 in 2017.

It was a mixed bag for Honda at Donington Park, with Leon Haslam (Team HRC) riding exceptionally well to get his best result of the year in fourth in the Tissot Superpole Race, whilst Alvaro Bautista (Team HRC) never truly got going. Bautista won the most recent two races at Assen in WorldSBK with a dominant double in 2019, whilst Haslam himself has taken wins at the circuit in the British championship, as well as three podiums in WorldSBK at the track – two of which came on the Stiggy Honda in 2009 when he was battling for victory with Ben Spies and Noriyuki Haga. With some time to recharge and reset, expect Team HRC to be more towards the sharp end at Assen.

INDEPENDENTS: can they achieve a moment of magic?

Onto the Independent riders and it is Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) who leads the way after a fine second place in Race 2 at Donington Park – his best result in a full-distance race. Assen is also a track that he now at least knows, following his solid substitute ride in the Dutch MotoGP™. He’s sixth in the standings and 24 points from third overall. Chaz Davies (Team GoEleven) is next best Independent in ninth overall at a circuit of which he’s had podiums but never won at, whilst fellow Ducati rider Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) has been a revelation in recent events and is continuously improving. In 2016 in the WorldSSP race, Bassani started 23rd but blasted through to finish in eighth place. He’s just ten points from the top ten in the standings, held by Alvaro Bautista.

Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) is the next Independent in 14th, as he also continues to improve each round, particularly in Superpole, whilst Tito Rabat (Barni Racing Team) is 15th. Hoping to be fighting back is Kohta Nozane (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team), after he was declared unfit after FP1 of Donington Park due to the finger fracture he sustained in testing at Navarra. Eugene Laverty (RC Squadra Corse) is next on the BMW M 1000 RR, a past race winner at Assen in 2013, whilst Jonas Folger (Bonovo MGM Racing) and Isaac Viñales (ORELAC Racing VerdNatura) make their WorldSBK debuts at Assen. Christophe Ponsson (Alstare Yamaha) will hope that he can find form on a circuit he knows, whereas Loris Cresson (OUTDO TPR Team Pedercini Racing) and the returning Leandro Mercado (MIE Racing Honda Team) aim to score their first points of 2021. There will also be one wildcard in the form of Andrea Mantovani (Vince64), who will be onboard the ZX-10RR Kawasaki.

Don’t forget, you can enjoy the FREE Official Programme here, and watch all of the Prosecco DOC Dutch Round with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Video: An Inside Look At Franco Morbidelli, Part One

July 22, 2021

Franco Morbidelli on the podium at Brno. Photo courtesy PETRONAS Yamaha SRT. — Franco Morbidelli on the podium at Brno in 2020. Photo courtesy PETRONAS Yamaha SRT.

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.

EP.01 – Franky | Off the track and away from the bike, who exactly is Franky? And what inspires him and keeps him grounded?

ABOUT DAINESE

DAINESE GROUP

Founded in 1972 by Lino Dainese, the Dainese group develops cutting-edge protective clothing for use when practicing dynamic sports: Motorcycle riding, winter sports, cycling, horse riding, and sailing. Continuing with its mission to protect athletes from head to toe, in 2007 Dainese acquired the iconic AGV brand, founded in 1947 and famous across the world for its innovative sports helmets. In 2017, the mother company’s style legacy led to the establishment of Dainese Settantadue, a new brand that gives garments from the past a modern twist. Dainese and AGV products represent the technological frontier in terms of protection in dynamic sports, and are used by the world’s best athletes, from Valentino Rossi to Sofia Goggia, Olympic skiing champion and winner of the World Cup Downhill title.

Podcast: Greg’s Garage Pod With Jason Pridmore, Episode 134

July 22, 2021

Greg’s Garage Pod with Co-Host Jason Pridmore – A motorcycle racing Pod about MotoGP, MotoAmerica, and World Superbike, Pro Motocross, American Flat Track, Supercross, and more. If you’d like to support the channel here is our Patreon link:

https://www.patreon.com/gregsgaragetv

In this episode, Co-Hosts Greg White and Jason Pridmore talk:

ARAI News – Is Pedrosa back on the grid in Austria? MotoGP racers on street bikes, again? MotoAmerica 2X Champ Alex Dumas doubles up in his debut.

WorldSBK – A quick preview of this weekend’s Assen round. Toprak and the rain, will it be enough?

Pro Motocross – Play by Play announcer Jason Weigandt joins us LIVE to talk about what happened in Millville, MN, and more.

Jason Weigandt – We keep the live conversation going with Weig about MotoAmerica, MotoGP, American Flat Track, and more!

Race Calendar/Next Week – Pro Motocross in Washougal, WA, AFT in Port Royal, PA, AMA National Enduro in Cross Fork, PA, NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycles in Sonoma, CA, BSB in Brands Hatch, World Enduro in Sweden, FIM Motocross in the Czech Republic, and FIM Supermoto also in Czech.

Video: Ducati Releases Panigale V2 Bayliss Anniversary Edition

July 22, 2021