French Superbike: Debise Wins, Maintains Point Leads At Magny-Cours

David Swarts

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July 7, 2021

French Superbike: Debise Wins, Maintains Point Leads At Magny-Cours

FRENCH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP: BATTLE IN THE RAIN AT MAGNY-COURS

The 5th stage of the Championship of France Superbike took place this weekend on the Nevers Magny-Cours in front of the President of the FFM, Sebastien Poirier. Organized by the Moto Club Nevers et de la Nièvre under the aegis of the FFM, the competition was the subject of many surprises and revelations in changing weather conditions this Sunday. Find out which riders shone in each of the 1000cc youth categories of the Objectif Grand Prix Pré-Moto3.

SUPERBIKE

COURSE 1: DEBISE AND GINES, FACE TO FACE!

From the first corner, it was a real thunderclap that rang out in the premier class: poleman Gregory LEBLANC (Ducati TWR – Pirelli) went downhill following contact with Freddy FORAY (Honda – Michelin)!

The leading position is then to the credit of Valentin DEBISE (Kawasaki Twist Ring Racing – Dunlop). However, in the 3rd lap, it was Mathieu GINES (Yamaha Tech Solutions – Michelin) who took the lead. Both drivers are neck and neck while Kenny Foray (BMW Tecmas – Michelin) tries to stay in touch from the 3rd row early in the race before falling behind.

Confident since his victory on the Pau Arnos circuit, GINES has held the top in DEBISE during the entire race. However, the Albigensian driver regains the advantage on the penultimate lap! Despite a good resistance from GINES, it is indeed DEBISE who confirms on the finish line with only a tenth in advance.

Kenny FORAY, meanwhile, manages his end of the race and completes the top 3.

In battle for the foot of the podium, it is a group of 6 pilots who put on the show. Within the cast, we find Freddy FORAY, Axel MAURIN (Yamaha CMS – Michelin), Matthieu LUSSIANA (Yamaha – Dunlop), Morgan BERCHET (Yamaha – Dunlop) David MUSCAT (Ducati – Michelin) and the Challenger pilot Guillaume ANTIGA (Honda – Michelin).

After numerous changes in the hierarchy that makes up the group, BERCHET slightly off the end of the race and ranks 4th . Freddy FORAY finished 5th just ahead of the Challenger Guillaume ANTIGA who at the same time won the victory in his category. MUSCAT, MAURIN and LUSSIANA finished in 7th , 8th and 9th places.

Challenger, behind William ANTIGA the paddock find the leader of the youth category, Martin RENAUDIN (Yamaha Motorcycles & GPAddict – Pirelli) that ensures the 10th place overall. Valentin SUCHET (Suzuki LMS – Pirelli) completed the podium and ranks 12th overall.

RACE 2: KENNY FORAY AT EASE IN THE WET

It is on a “wet” track that the pilots of the premier category set off for the second Sunday race. Comfortable in these conditions and in good shape since the start of the weekend, Mathieu GINES and Kenny FORAY immediately widened the gap over the other competitors.

In the 5th round, Kenny Foray got the better of Mathieu GINES left in its wake. The reigning French Champion tries to stay in touch but the driver of BMW n ° 78 is too fast! FORAY continues its momentum and finishes king with 1,667 seconds ahead of GINES.

In 3rd place early in the race, Freddy Foray fall in the 4th round and then leaves the 3rd position in the pilot Challenger William ANTIGA trying to maintain a narrow lead on elite pilot Axel Maurin and Valentin Debise. However, DEBISE finds its marks over the laps and goes back to 3rd place which it will not leave until the checkered flag.

ANTIGA great performance, the Challenger driver finishes first in its class and 4th in the scratch! Despite a small mistake which made him lose precious seconds on his final lap, David MUSCAT ranks 5th after returning to Axel Maurin who fall into the Water Tower and turn left immediately to finish 6th .

The paddock also notes the good result of the local stage, Maxime BONNOT (BMW Tecmas – Michelin) ranks 7th . Challenger Martin RENAUDIN, meanwhile, finished 8th at just scratch after resisting another Challenger Valentin SUCHET.

The latter therefore complete the podium in the youth category.

In the FSBK-FE regulations, the starting grid of race 2 is determined on the basis of the best times in race 1. Without reference during the morning race following his fall in the first turn, Gregory LEBLANC is forced to start from last place on the starting grid and still managed to finish 11th in the scratch!

In the provisional, DEBISE is in the lead with 240 points ahead of GINES (200 points) and FORAY (127 points).

As a challenger, RENAUDIN is in the lead with 230 points ahead of ANTIGA (223 points). AGOGUE and SUCHET are tied for the moment with 131 points.

SUPERSPORT 600

RACE 1: DEBISE, HAPPY IN THE RAIN

True to form, Valentin DEBISE (Kawasaki – Michelin) took the lead from the start. He takes on his wheel the Challenger Ludovic CAUCHI (Yamaha – Pirelli) and the SSP600 rider Enzo DE LA VEGA (Yamaha – Pirelli). In the 2nd lap, CAUCHI, efficient and full of passion, relegates DEBISE to second place! A notch below, DE LA VEGA lost ground and saw his opponents move away.

In pursuit of the latter, the Challenger Matthew GREGORIO (Yamaha – Pirelli), and driver Yvan SSP600 LAETZIG (Yamaha – Pirelli) seem to be able to apply for the 3rd spot …

However, the onset of rain caused the fall of 3 pilots and inevitably, the issue of a red flag by the Race Direction. The race was then stopped after 5 laps before setting off again a few minutes later with all the pilots wearing wet tires.

The race then resumes for 7 laps with a fully revived DEBISE! The Albigensian adopts a pace that it is the only one to print and keeps the lead from start to finish to win during the 2nd half of the race. Less efficient in the rain, CAUCHI, yet 2nd in the first lap, came down in the standings over the loops and finished 6th . Conversely, Dylan MILLE (Yamaha – Pirelli), at ease on the wet track of Nevers Magny-Cours, finished 2nd . Enzo DE LA VEGA resisted Yvan LAETZIG and completed the top 3 ahead of the Alsatian driver.

Behind Ludovic CAUCHI Challenger Charles CORTOT (Yamaha – Dunlop) and Matthew GREGORIO respectively ranked 2nd and 3rd category of young people.

Combined with the two parts of the race, it is ultimately DEBISE that wins. This victory, synonymous with first place in the Championship at mid-season, at the same time gave him a Wildcard in GMT 94 with the support of the FFM and Yamaha France. The Albigensian rider therefore makes an appointment for the World Superbike event which will take place on the Nevers Magny-Cours Circuit from September 3 to 5.

On the 2nd and 3rd step of the podium, the paddock finds MILLE and DE LA VEGA.

In Challenger, CAUCHI is finally not classified because he returned to the pits before the red flag came out during the first part of the race. It is therefore Matthieu GREGORIO who wins in front of Charles CORTOT and Vincent FALCONE (Yamaha – Pirelli).

RACE 2: DEBISE, TOO FAST FOR YOUTH

Once again above the rest, Valentin DEBISE does not go into detail during the afternoon. Under a threatening sky, he seems to be impatient to finish and takes off alone in the lead on the first lap at a breakneck pace.

On the other hand, it’s tighter in the second row! The Challengers pilots Matthieu GREGORIO and Ludovic CAUCHI are fighting for the rest of the podium. The hierarchy is reversed in mid-race between the two men while SSP600 Hugo CLERE drivers (Yamaha – Pirelli) and Enzo DE LA VEGA are pushing for the 4th and 5th positions.

With 4 laps from the checkered flag, GREGORIO recovers 2nd place but unfortunately, one lap later, the onset of rain leads to the issue of a red flag by the Race Direction. The ranking freezes in the previous round. DEBISE, who had been in the lead from the start, once again shines at Magny-Cours. CAUCHI therefore retains 2nd place ahead of GREGORIO. The ranking does not move to CLERE and DE LA VEGA who finish 4th and 5th .

In Challenger, CAUCHI wins ahead of GREGORIO. Kilian AEBI (Suzuki – Dunlop), who occupied the 6th place overall before the exit of the red flag, finishes on the final podium of the young drivers.

In the provisional, DEBISE is in the lead with 252 points ahead of CAUCHI (190 points) and BERCOT (115 points).

In Challenger, CAUCHI is in the lead with 243 points ahead of GREGORIO (156 points) and BERCOT (155 points).

SBK R1
SBK R2
SBK points
SS R1
SS R2
SS points

MotoAmerica: Record-High Entries & Ticket Sales For Laguna Seca

David Swarts

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July 7, 2021

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MotoAmerica: Record-High Entries & Ticket Sales For Laguna Seca

Championship Battles, Record Entries, And Fans Galore Expected For GEICO Motorcycle Superbike Speedfest At Monterey

The Battles Will Be Heated As A Record Amount Of Entries And Fans Return To
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, July 9-11
IRVINE, CA (July 7, 2021) – Last year the MotoAmerica paddock showed up for the 2020 season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in October and it was a bit underwhelming. After all, the MotoAmerica HONOS Superbike Championship was already wrapped up and COVID-19 restrictions meant that the racing went on without fanfare as the normally packed hills and grandstands were, for the most part, empty.

Not this year.

The 2021 GEICO Motorcycle Superbike Speedfest At Monterey is going to be everything but underwhelming as a record number of teams and riders arrive on the Monterey Peninsula in the heat of championship battles in every class. And those title fights will take place in front of a massive crowd as pre-event ticket sales are at a record high as the series rolls in for on-track action, July 9-11.

Leading the way to Monterey in the HONOS Superbike class is the man everyone is shooting for – Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha’s Jake Gagne, the winner of seven of the first eight races and seven in a row. Thus far, Gagne has looked unbeatable, and his only loss was in race one of the season opener at Road Atlanta when his Yamaha YZF-R1 failed him. Otherwise, the Californian who now calls Colorado home would likely be undefeated in 2021.

Can someone beat Gagne at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca? That remains to be seen but he’ll be facing stiff competition as everybody gets a bit more fired up when MotoAmerica shows up at the iconic racetrack in the hills of Monterey that has hosted both MotoGP and World Superbike in the past.

Although Gagne shows up at Laguna with a 44-point lead in the championship, anything is possible and there are a lot of points still on the table with five rounds (12 races) remaining.

The leading challenger in the championship chase thus far is Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz, the only other rider to win a HONOS Superbike race this year as he won the opening race at Road Atlanta when Gagne had his lone DNF. Scholtz has finished every race and has been on the podium five times.

Gagne’s teammate Josh Herrin has also had a consistent start to the season and he’s coming into Laguna hot off two second-place finishes a few weeks ago at Ridge Motorsports Park in Washington. Herrin has been on the podium five times so far in 2021 and he’s just eight points behind Scholtz after pulling back 16 points on the South African at Ridge.

M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Cameron Petersen is another who has gotten off to a good start with three podiums and strong finishes in every round. The South African is fourth in the title chase and 15 points behind Herrin.

Petersen’s teammate Bobby Fong is fifth in the title chase and not where he was expected to be after eight races. Fong has visited the podium just once when he finished second to Scholtz in race one at Road Atlanta as niggling mechanical issues and miscues have derailed his season early. He is 86 points behind Gagne.

Other than Gagne, ironically enough, everyone in the top five has finished every race thus far.

That changes in a hurry when you arrive at the sixth man in the championship, Loris Baz. The Frenchman has three podium finishes in his debut season of MotoAmerica, but his progress has been thwarted by three non-finishes. Still, the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York rider is considered a threat every time he throws his leg over the team’s Ducati Panigale V4 R and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is the one track on the schedule where he’s previously competed.

Another European and another series rookie sits seventh in the championship in the form of Hector Barbera, the Spaniard coming off his best finish (a fifth) of the season in race two in the Pacific Northwest on the Scheibe Racing BMW S 1000 R.

Barbera is 16 points behind Baz and 17 ahead of Panera Bread Ducati’s Kyle Wyman, though Wyman won’t be competing in the HONOS Superbike races at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Wyman, who is coming back from elbow surgery after his Superbike crash at Road America, will focus his efforts on trying to wrap up the Mission King Of The Baggers Championship at Laguna.

And that’s good news for fans of Toni Elias as the 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion is set to make his first appearance in 2021 with the Spaniard entered to race the Panera Bread Ducati Panigale V4 R as a replacement rider for the injured Wyman.

Elias has an outstanding record at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with three Superbike wins on the 2.23-mile racetrack. In addition to those three wins, Elias has seven podiums at Laguna – including two second-place finishes and a third in last year’s tripleheader, which was the last time Elias raced a motorcycle after sitting out the 2021 season thus far.

Travis Wyman Racing’s Travis Wyman sits ninth in the HONOS Superbike point standings, just five behind his brother, one ahead of HONOS HVMC Racing’s Corey Alexander and two ahead of Altus Motorsports Jake Lewis with those three in a tight battle for the Superbike Cup title, which is for those riding Stock 1000-spec motorcycles in the HONOS Superbike class.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Superbike Notes…

Five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier won all three races in last year’s season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the last three wins of a 16-win season for the Californian.

Beaubier’s three wins last year at Laguna moved him ahead of Josh Hayes on the win list. Beaubier now has seven MotoAmerica Superbike wins in Monterey and Hayes has six. Beaubier won 16 of 20 races last year in taking the title and that matched Hayes’ season total when he won the title in 2012. Beaubier will be on hand this weekend at Laguna as he’s on a break from the Moto2 World Championship.

At the rate Jake Gagne is going, he could end up as the all-time leader in season victories in the MotoAmerica Superbike class. Gagne has seven wins now and there are 12 races remaining.

Gagne now has seven career AMA Superbike wins and that moves him into a tie with Roger Hayden for 24th on the all-time win list. Two wins this weekend at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Gagne would have nine wins, which would put him in a tie for 19th with Aaron Yates and Kevin Schwantz.

The first-ever AMA Superbike race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca was on August 1, 1975, with Reg Pridmore taking the win on his BMW.

Josh Herrin currently holds the outright MotoAmerica Superbike lap record at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with his 1:22.908 lap coming during Superpole in 2018. Beaubier holds the race lap record with his 1:23.186 coming in last year’s race three. Beaubier earned pole position for last year’s race with his 1:23.194, besting his teammate Gagne and his 1:24.615.

For the complete 2021 MotoAmerica Series schedule, click HERE

To purchase tickets to any of the 2021 series rounds, click HERE

For information on how to watch the MotoAmerica Series, click HERE

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner. For more information on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

More, from a press release issued by Westby Racing:

Westby Heads West For WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca This Weekend

Tulsa, OK – July 7, 2021 – Round five of the 2021 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship starts this Friday at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, and Westby Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike rider Mathew Scholtz and Yamaha YZF-R3 Junior Cup rider Jack Roach, along with the entire crew, always enjoy their annual visit to California’s Monterey Peninsula for the race weekend at one of the world’s most iconic racetracks.

Mathew has finished on the podium in five of the eight Superbike races so far this season, including a victory in the very first race of the season at Road Atlanta, and he’s currently in second place in the season point standings. There is no question, however that more race wins are what he and the team want, and they’ll be aiming for the top step of the podium in both races this weekend

“Laguna is definitely one of my favorite tracks, and I’m anxious to get back there, especially since I was unable to race there last year due to my injury at Indy. It’s such a well-known circuit, and there’s such history at the place that it’s always special to go back there. In my absence last year, (fill-in rider) Niccoló Canepa raced at Laguna, and he and our team were able to gather some valuable data, which should help us this weekend. I can’t wait to get back on the bike and work on making our way up front.

For me and the team, it’s been a difficult past two rounds, but we’re still more than capable of running up at the front. We have the package, and I know I have the team and the guys behind me, so we’re determined to figure things out. I’ve been thinking really hard about where I need to improve my riding and what I need to do personally to get back up at the front. We should be good this weekend to put everything together and get back to where we belong.”

Superbike final qualifying is on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. PT. Superbike race one will go green on Saturday afternoon at 3:10 p.m. PT and will be broadcast via tape delay on FOX Sports 2 (FS2) at 7:30 p.m. ET. Superbike race two is on Sunday afternoon at 2:10 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on FS2. In addition, both races will be streamed on MotoAmerica Live+.

For British expatriate Jack, who currently lives in Surrey, British Columbia, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is another opportunity for him to compete a little bit closer to his current home on the West Coast of Canada. Also, racing at “the home of The Corkscrew” adds a little bit more juice to Jack’s motivation.

“Laguna is always a cool track to race at,” Jack said. “I’ve ridden this track the most out of any of the MotoAmerica circuits. Gregg Spears (from team sponsor Spears Racing) has been working on the Westby Racing Yamaha R3 since (the previous MotoAmerica round at) Ridge, so I’m excited to throw my leg over it starting on Friday. I’m looking to be fast right out the gate and keep the momentum rolling.”

Junior Cup race one starts on Saturday at 5 p.m. PT, and Junior Cup race two is on Sunday at 3 p.m. PT. Both races will be broadcast via tape-delay on FS2 this Tuesday, July 13, beginning at 9 p.m. ET.

Meet Mathew and Jack, Get Some Autographed Posters, And More

Mathew and Jack will both be at the Westby Racing transporter in the paddock at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca during two Dunlop Paddock Autograph Signings. The first one is on Saturday from 12 to 12:30 p.m. PT, and the second one is on Sunday from 10:30 to 11 a.m. PT. They’ll have free, autographed posters and other team items to hand out, so be sure to stop by.

Check Out The Westby Racing Sponsor Showcase

BrakeTech USA, Miami Thread, Puig USA, and Yoshimura R&D of America will be the featured team sponsors on display in the Westby Racing paddock area, so be sure to stop by to say hello and learn about some of the companies that support the team.

For more updates about Westby Racing, including news, photos, and videos, visit https://www.WestbyRacing.com

Also, follow “Westby Racing” on your favorite social media sites.

Canadian Superbike: Szoke Chasing 15th Title In 2021

David Swarts

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July 7, 2021

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Canadian Superbike: Szoke Chasing 15th Title In 2021

Szoke begins title defense as group of contenders roll into round one at Calabogie

Toronto, ON – After another long and chaotic offseason, the Canadian Superbike Championship can finally return to racing, as the series opens their 2021 campaign in front of limited spectators this weekend with round one at Calabogie Motorsports Park, July 10-11.

The Pro Superbike feature class will once again see 14-time National champion Jordan Szoke defending his title, after sweeping the pandemic-shortened 2020 season to reclaim the Canada Cup and his signature number-one plate.

The Lynden, ON veteran will be back aboard brand-new Canada General Warranty Kawasaki machines as he chases a historic 15th crown, and his dominant 2020 stretch makes him the odds-on favourite heading to Calabogie, a track where he has won every Pro Superbike race at since its inception in 2008.

However, Szoke will have his work cut out for him this season with perhaps his toughest group of challengers yet, made up of both new foes and familiar rivals.

Leading that charge will likely be the last man to beat Szoke, as 2019 champion Ben Young returns to the feature class aboard his Van Dolder’s Home Team BMW. The Collingwood, ON native won three races and scored five podiums during his last breakout campaign, though he hasn’t suited up since and will have to shake off the rust quickly after nearly two full years away from the sport.

Young won’t be the only front-running BMW on the grid, as EFC Group rider Samuel Guerin will look to build upon his sensational debut season where he finished as the runner-up to Szoke a year ago. Guerin will maintain his rookie status due to the pandemic, but the Quebec City-born rider will be returning with a year of Pro Superbike experience and a lot of offseason training under his belt.

Another rookie sure to crack the lead group is teenager Alex Dumas, who returns to Canada after a successful stint in MotoAmerica. The former Junior Cup and Twins champion will be joining CSBK for the first time, racing for Liqui Moly Suzuki in 2021, but has flashed early pace at Calabogie and figures to be right in the mix of things in his debut Pro Superbike campaign.

Other names to watch in a loaded feature grid include OneSpeed Suzuki rider and consistent frontrunner Trevor Daley, long-time podium contender Michael Leon aboard a Royal Distributing BMW, Parts Canada Yamaha contender Tomas Casas, and fan-favourite Sebastian Tremblay, though Tremblay will be focusing primarily on the Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike category.

Tremblay won both races in the Sport Bike class last season and figures to be the overwhelming title favourite in 2021, as he headlines a stacked Turcotte Performance Kawasaki lineup. The Mirabel, QC rider will have a trio of talented teammates to deal with in Christian Allard, teenager Nicolas Meunier, and Vincent Levillian, all of which will play a huge role in the battle behind Tremblay.

Defending class champion Will Hornblower will be sidelined for most of – if not all of – the 2021 season after injuring himself in a pre-season crash at Grand Bend, but would be the biggest challenger to Tremblay should he make an appearance aboard his 402Bike Yamaha.

Yamaha Canada won’t be without a challenger in Hornblower’s absence, however, as rookie Jake LeClair will make his long-awaited Pro debut after sitting out the 2020 season. The former Lightweight champion needed only one year in the Amateur ranks before progressing to the feature grid and should be a threat for podiums in his first year with black numbers.

Another contender in the Sport Bike category will likely be former Guyanese racing champion Elliott Vieira, who has shown steady improvement over each of his four seasons in Canada and will be back aboard a Snow City Yamaha machine in 2021.

The Amateur ranks will again be the toughest to predict with a huge number of competitive riders expected this year, though Racine, QC’s Anthony Bergeron will likely enter as the pre-season favourite in the MotorcycleCourse.com Amateur Superbike category after a pair of podiums in 2020 aboard his BMW Motorrad machine.

Former Lightweight frontrunner Matthew Simpson also figures to be in the mix in the Brooklin Cycle Racing Amateur Sport Bike class after a strong regional racing debut, while fellow regional star Brad MacRea will also be gunning to move into the Pro ranks after a strong finish to the 2020 campaign.

The Super Sonic Road Race School Lightweight Sport Bike class will be wide open this season as well, with youngster Mackenzie Weil aiming to capture his first Lightweight championship as the odds-on favourite aboard his Kawasaki machine.

The National tour will not be alone at Calabogie Motorsports Park, as CSBK welcomes the inaugural Pro6 GP regional racing series as well as the Vintage Roadracing Association this weekend. The weekend will feature a Pro 6 Cycle trackday on Friday, July 9 before racing in all three series’ kicks off on Saturday and Sunday.

The 2021 campaign will also see the introduction of two new side championships in the Pro Superbike feature class, the Constructors Championship and Pole Position Championship, which were announced earlier this week and will make their debut at round one in Calabogie.

More information and the full schedule for the season opener can be found on the series’ official website.

Royal Enfield Sponsoring AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

David Swarts

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July 7, 2021

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Royal Enfield Sponsoring AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

Royal Enfield Named Presenting Sponsor of 2021 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

Long-time motorcycle manufacturer celebrates 120 years of pure motorcycling with fans at AMA VMD

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Royal Enfield, a motorcycle manufacturer that produced its first motorcycle in 1901, was recently announced as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2021 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, which takes place July 23-25 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

“Royal Enfield is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor for 2021 Vintage Motorcycle Days,” said Bree Poland, Royal Enfield’s Marketing Lead for the Americas Region. “Since 2015 we’ve been looking for the opportunity to support VMD, and now we’re excited to have the chance to be a part of this event.”

In 1901, Frenchman Jules Gotiet and Bob Walker-Smith made the first motorcycle for Royal Enfield, and just a few years later the company introduced its first V-twin-powered bike, which became a huge success. World War 1 led to the production of Royal Enfield’s first 2-stroke, and then pushed them to create their largest motorcycle yet — a 700cc V-twin. In 1932, the legendary “Bullet” motorcycle was born, which has been produced in multiple forms through the years.

In more recent history, Royal Enfield’s INT650 won the Indian Motorcycle of the Year award and also was voted the Best Retro Bike of the Year in the UK by Motor Cycle News. In 2021, Royal Enfield is celebrating “120 years of pure motorcycling.”

“Royal Enfield motorcycles have a huge following due to their authentic retro look and substantial history,” said AMA Editorial Director Mitch Boehm, “all of which makes them an excellent sponsor of our 2021 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days event. VMD attracts die-hard vintage bike enthusiasts from across the country, and that’s something the folks at Royal Enfield definitely recognize. They’ve been in the motorcycle business a long time, and having Royal Enfield as the presenting sponsor is an excellent fit.”

The 2021 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will feature an On Any Sunday theme, celebrating 50 years of Bruce Brown’s epic moto documentary, with David Aldana — one of the film’s legendary stars — serving as Grand Marshal. There will also be a special outdoor screening of the beloved film on Friday, July 23.

Racers and fans will appreciate all the racing action, from road racing and motocross to cross-country, dirt track and trials — and much of it with an AMA Grand Championship flavor. Riders as young as age 4 are permitted to compete in motocross, while those 12 and up can ride in trials, dirt track and hare-scrambles events. There’s also exhibition pit-bike racing on Saturday. Learn more and register today.

The event will also include all the vintage-oriented happenings that classic-bike fans love, including Hall of Fame activities, vintage bike shows and the legendary swap meet. Tickets are still available at midohio.com or can be purchased at the gate on the days of the event for an additional $10.

For more information on Royal Enfield, visit royalenfield.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.

N2 Hosting Roadracing World Action Fund Fundraiser

David Swarts

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July 7, 2021

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N2 Hosting Roadracing World Action Fund Fundraiser

2021 N2 Roadracing World Action Fund Fundraiser July 10.

The 2021 N2 Roadracing World Airfence Fundraiser is now live with multiple options to bid on. The in-person portion of the fundraiser will take place this coming Saturday, July 10 at Pittsburgh International Motorsports Complex following the track day. This will be our 7th auction with over $100,000 raised to purchase air fence for tracks all over the country. Airfence is used to cover unprotected hard barriers. Your donation might save your friend, your favorite racer, or it might just save you.

This year we have moved to an online auction format so if you are unable to make the event you can still bid on some fantastic items. Following our Saturday track day at PittRace we will have a large outdoor gathering. N2 will provide the food (suggested $10 donation). We will also have a 50/50 raffle during the event. This is a BYOB event so come prepared.

Auction Bidding – The online bidding is currently live and hosted by BiddingOwl.com. Click on the link below to go to the N2 auction site. You must create an account to place bids. When creating an account make sure to select the check box(es) to ‘receive notifications if out-bid’ or else you could miss out! Bidding will close July 10th at 8pm EDT.

Click Here for the Auction: https://www.biddingowl.com/Auction/index.cfm?auctionID=27480

Here is the partial list of some of the items donated by some amazing companies with more being added daily:

Yamaha Champions Riding School – 2-Day ChampSchool

Yamaha Motor USA- Set of Armour Bodies Bodywork for a Yamaha of choice (R1, R6, R3, of R7)

Apex Pro Photography – Full Size Canvas Print

Woodcraft CFM – Standard Clip-ons / Keyswitch Elimination Harness / Klucky Pucks

Barnes Brothers – RS TAICHI gp-evo Gloves and (2) Sets of Heroic sp-r Gloves

Chicken Hawk Racing – Set of Professional Standard Tire Warmers and Knee Sliders

Highside Photo/Raul Jerez – 2-day photo package

MotoAmerica – 2 full throttle passes + lunch at our hospitality to any event of their choice (except COTA)

N2 Trackdays – Elite Membership and 2022 Track Package- 6 Days

NJMiniGP – 3 Day Camp

Pit Lane Moto – Vortex Clip-ons

Rise Moto- RHT Neck Coolers

VNM Sport – $50 Gift Certificate Towards Base Layers

Boxo (RBG Motorsports) – 108-Piece Boxo 6-Point Socket, Wrench & Screwdriver Tool Set

Dainese – MISANO 2 D Air Suit

Dauntless – N2 Pit Mats

KWS Motorsports – (1) Free Dyno Tune

Tech Spec – XL2 Tank Grip Kits

Scott Powersport – Size 54 A-Star Jacket

REB Graphics – (1) Complete Custom Graphics Kit

Innovative – (1) Endurance Tank Modifications Service (Welding, Modification, Paint, and Dry Brakes)

Dunlop/TT Moto Gear – (1) Set Q3+, (1) Set Q4+, and (1) Set of Slicks.

Karns Performance – (1) Dyno Tune / ECU Flash

If your company would like to donate any additional items, please contact Chip Spalding at [email protected]

Good luck to everyone and happy bidding!

About N2 Track Days:

N2 provides a structured riding environment for sport-bike riders of all levels promoting motorcycle safety through instruction on a closed course racetrack. Our instructors and coaching staff are comprised of club-racers, pro racers, and experienced track day riders who are articulate and passionate about all aspects of this sport. N2 strives to provide an enjoyable riding experience in an environment where members can hone their skills and inspire confidence in their riding ability. Riding with N2 means you and your sportbike gain access to a structured environment without the hazards, limitations, distractions, and obstacles that you’ll find on the street.

For Information: N2 Track Days – www.N2td.org

Canadian Superbike: Season Opener To Include VRRA Vintage Racing

David Swarts

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July 6, 2021

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Canadian Superbike: Season Opener To Include VRRA Vintage Racing

Vintage Road Racing Association, Pro 6 GP Race Series and CSBK Confirm Calabogie Vintage Entry

Toronto, ON – The upcoming opening event in the 2021 CSBK National tour and Pro 6 GP race Series at Calabogie Motorsports Park will feature a strong Vintage entry in the classic racer event scheduled for July 10 and 11. The Vintage Road Racing Association, founded in 1980, first competed at Calabogie in an invitational event with the opening CSBK National of 2015.

The Vintage final will feature machines from four categories in the V.R.R.A., including the recently adopted Period 5 class for race bikes utilized in the late 1990s. The period 5 entry includes Ducati pilot Jean-Marc Bilger, a recent Pro Podium performer in Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike at Atlantic Motorsport Park in Nova Scotia. Bilger’s chief rival is likely to be former Pro 250 Grand Prix National front runner Darrell “Boom Boom” Cooney aboard his recently completed Suzuki boattail SRAD GSX-R600.

The strong Period 4 grid will offer a wide range of bikes that featured in the late 1980s, including 2015 Calabogie pole sitter Neil Graham, the writer and film maker aboard a racer red Ducati 888 Desmo. Former V.R.R.A. number one plate holder and Vintage star Daniel Rinfret is also very quick on his Honda GT650 middle-weight twin.

In Period 4, the rider to watch is Tim Ruhl, a star Amateur in the 1980s who had an impressive career in the WERA National Endurance Tour in the U.S.A. during the 1990s. Ruhl pilots a big Suzuki Katana, one of the definitive machines of the air-cooled, twin shock early era of Pro Superbike competition.

Purpose-built racer bikes feature in the Grand prix class, where the trick yellow meanie Yamaha TZ250 two-stroke twin of Rob Massicotte is expected to set the pace. All four classes of Vintage machinery will race together on Sunday afternoon at Calabogie and compete at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park east of Oshawa, ON, in the annual Vintage classic, August 6-8.

The full list of rider entries are now posted on the official CSBK website here: https://www.csbk.ca/index.php/news/news/3301-vintage-road-racing-association-pro-6-gp-race-series-and-csbk-confirm-calabogie-vintage-entry

MotoGP: Australian Grand Prix Cancelled

David Swarts

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July 6, 2021

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Australian GP cancelled, Algarve GP added and Malaysian GP brought forward one week

Tuesday, 06 July 2021

The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports regret to announce the cancellation of the Red Bull Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and resulting travel complications and logistical restrictions mean it has not been possible to confirm the viability of the event at this time, and it will therefore not feature on the 2021 calendar. The FIM MotoGP™ World Championship looks forward to returning to race in front of the Australian fans at the spectacular Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit in 2022.

The 2021 Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix has therefore been brought forward and will take place a week earlier than previously scheduled, from the 22nd to the 24th of October – the weekend immediately following the rescheduled OR Grand Prix of Thailand.

In addition, the FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports are delighted to confirm the addition of the Grande Premio do Algarve to the 2021 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship calendar. MotoGP™ will return to Portimão from the 5th to the 7th of November, the week preceding the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, as the iconic Autodromo do Algarve welcomes MotoGP™ back for a second Grand Prix this season.

Canadian Superbike: More Titles Up For Grabs In 2021

David Swarts

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July 5, 2021

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Canadian Superbike: More Titles Up For Grabs In 2021

CSBK announce new Constructors and Pole Position Championships, return of BCR Rookie of the Year in 2021

Toronto, ON – Riders in the Pro Superbike feature category will have more to race for in the upcoming Canadian Superbike National Championship season, as the series will introduce a pair of brand-new championships in the 2021 campaign. The season will also see the return of the Brooklin Cycle Racing Pro Rookie of the Year award.

The new Constructors Championship will serve as a competition between manufacturers, with riders scoring points for their respective factories in each race this season. Separately, Pro Superbike riders will also compete for the Yuasa Batteries Pole Position title, which will be based off qualifying results from each round.

Similar to the championship system used in MotoGP, the Constructors table will see only the top two finishers in each race from each manufacturer score points for their brand, using the same scoring structure as the regular championship battle (i.e. 50 points for a win, 42 for second, etc.). This will not include qualifying points and points for laps led, with the final standings reflecting only race performances.

Under this format, Kawasaki would have been the reigning Constructors champions, winning every race in 2020 courtesy of defending National title winner Jordan Szoke.

The Yuasa Batteries Pole Position Championship, meanwhile, will award points to the top-five qualifiers at each race weekend, ranging from 10 points for pole down to two points for fifth. These points are completely separate from the overall Pro Superbike standings and will only count towards the Yuasa Batteries year-end monetary prize.

Szoke captured pole position in both rounds of the 2020 campaign, as he will likely play a huge role in both new championships this season.

The BCR Pro Rookie of the Year award will be hotly contested in 2021 as well, with last year’s championship runner-up Samuel Guerin maintaining his rookie status aboard his EFC Group BMW. However, he won’t be without challengers in the feature class, as 18-year-old Alex Dumas is set to join the CSBK grid on his Liqui Moly Suzuki after a successful stint in MotoAmerica, and figures to be in the lead group throughout the year.

With no BCR Pro Rookie of the Year Award offered in 2020 due to the various Pandemic health restrictions, competitors who turned Pro in 2020, those who turned Pro for 2021 or Expert-level competitors joined the tour for the first time in the past two seasons are eligible. BMW’s 2019 Canadian National Superbike Champion Ben Young earned BCR Rookie of the Year honours in 2016.

Pro Superbike riders will get their first crack at the new championships when the 2021 campaign kicks off in Calabogie Motorsports Park on July 10-11, with limited spectators now allowed at the season opener.

World Endurance: Series Resumes July 17 With 12 Hours Of Estoril

David Swarts

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July 5, 2021

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World Endurance: Series Resumes July 17 With 12 Hours Of Estoril

12 HOURS OF ESTORIL ON SATURDAY 17 JULY

The second round of the 2021 FIM Endurance World Championship, the 12 Hours of Estoril, will take place on Saturday 17 July in the vicinity of Lisbon. After a hotly disputed start to the season at Le Mans, the 12 Hours of Estoril is expected to be equally exciting.

Yoshimura SERT Motul get to Portugal in the lead after their 24 Heures Motos win, but will face keen competition. The 2020 winners at Estoril, YART–Yamaha Official EWC Team, will provide the toughest competition for the new Suzuki factory alliance. At Le Mans last month, a mechanical problem put an end to the duel for the lead between the Suzuki and the Yamaha. The fight will take up where it left off at Estoril.

YART–Yamaha Official EWC Team are not the only ones seeking revenge. F.C.C. TSR Honda France, who finished 9th at the 24 Heures Motos following electrical problems and a crash, will also have to make up lost ground in the championship.

Well placed behind Yoshimura SERT Motul after their podium finish at Le Mans, Webike SRC Kawasaki France Trickstar and BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team will be seeking the best possible position in the top three in the world standings.

ERC Endurance-Ducati, who completed a 24-hour race for the first time at Le Mans, finishing 8th, will attempt to continue on their road to the podium. During private tests at the beginning of race week at Estoril, ERC Endurance-Ducati will be shored up by Lorenzo Zanetti, a Ducati test rider in the Italian CIV Superbike championship, and World Superbike Ducati rider Scott Redding’s chief mechanic.

Yoshimura SERT Motul get to Portugal with a 16-point lead over the competition, but everything could change at the 12 Hours of Estoril. 30 points are available for the winner, plus bonus points for the top 5 teams on the starting grid and points awarded 8 hours into the race.

High-performance challengers who got unlucky at Le Mans but will be worth watching are VRD Igol Experiences, Tati Team Beringer Racing, Moto Ain, Wójcik Racing Team and 3ART Best of Bike.

An exciting fight in the Superstock class

A hard-fought battle is expected in the Superstock class too. The winners at Le Mans, National Motos, will have to defend their position against some highly motivated rivals, namely Team 18 Sapeurs-Pompiers CMS Motostore, who were forced to withdraw at Le Mans, BMRT 3D Maxxess Nevers, No Limits Motor Team, Wójcik Racing Team 2, RAC41 ChromeBurner and Team 33 Louit April Moto.

The first official free practice for the 12 Hours of Estoril will start at 11am local time on Thursday 15 July. The race will be flagged off at 9am on Saturday 17 July.

Repsol CEV: Race Video, Report From Algarve International Circuit

David Swarts

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July 4, 2021

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Repsol CEV: Race Video, Report From Algarve International Circuit

Editorial Note: Canadian Torin Collins finished 26th in the Hawkers European Talent Cup (HETC) race. American Kristian Daniel, Jr. finished seventh out of 12 in the HETC Last Chance qualifying race, but only the top three finishers advance to the main event.

Video Link: https://youtu.be/ck8EVCGc8DY

Thrilling action on rollercoaster race day at Portimao

The championship battles continued to take shape after a dramatic day of racing at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve

On a beautiful day at Portimao, the conditions were perfect, and the racing didn’t disappoint with close finishes and fierce action throughout. Fresh from his maiden pole position, Joel Kelso (AGR Team) clinched his first FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship win in one of the closest finishes ever. Fermin Aldeguer (Boscoscuro Talent Team-Ciatti) extended his unbeaten run in the Moto2™ European Championship with a supreme double victory while Xabi Zurutuza (Cuna de Campeones) took his second win in a row to take control of the Hawkers European Talent Cup.

The FIM Moto3™ JWCh race was shortened to a 10 lap sprint after a crash involving Harrison Voight (SIC58 Squadra Corse) brought out the red flags. The Australian suffered trauma in both legs but was confirmed to be conscious following the incident. The restart came down a final lap duel with Joel Kelso recovering from an error at Turn 4 to snatch victory from Daniel Holgado (Aspar Junior Team) by just 0.005 seconds. Marcos Uriarte (Laglisse Academy) opened his account for the season in style, claiming his first podium in third, and today’s results have seen Holgado extend his championship lead to 69 points over Ivan Ortola (Team MTA) who fell to 12th after a late mistake.

All eyes were on Fermin Aldeguer in Moto2™ Ech and the championship leader lived up to the billing. The 16-year-old produced a dominant performance in Race 1, showing incredible consistency and speed to pull clear of team-mate Alonso Lopez (Boscoscuro Talent Team-Ciatti). Adam Norrodin (Liqui Moly Intact SIC Racing Team) equalled his career best result in third, taking advantage of a crash for his team-mate Lukas Tulovic in the early stages after the German had made a bright start from row two.

Race 2 was much more closely fought with Lopez signalling his intentions off the start line, immediately passing the polesitter. Despite many attempts, Aldeguer struggled to overcome his team-mate before a ruthless move on the penultimate lap saw him secure a seventh victory in succession. With the second Boscoscuro forced to run off track, this allowed Xavi Cardelus (Promoracing) to finish a career-best P2, just ahead of Lopez who now trails Aldeguer by 39 points in the title chase.

HETC provided more edge-of-the-seat action as the stars of the future lit up Portimao with a seven-rider leading group swapping positions corner-by-corner all the way to the end. After a tense final lap, Xabi Zurutuza held on for his second win of the season, a result which lifts him to the top of the standings. Brian Uriarte (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) secured a return to the podium in second while a photo finish was required to decide third. Despite initially being classified fourth, Adrian Cruces (Cuna de Campeones) was awarded the place with Maximo Martinez (Team Honda Laglisse) missing out. With Hugo Millan (Cuna de Campeones) finishing sixth, Zurutuza now holds the points lead for the first time this season, eight clear of his team-mate ahead of the next round at MotorLand Aragon in three weeks.

For all the results, race analysis and more, make sure you check out www.fimcevrepsol.com

French Superbike: Debise Wins, Maintains Point Leads At Magny-Cours

July 7, 2021

Valentin Debise (153) on his Kawasaki ZX-6R at Magny-Cours. Photo courtesy Valentin Debise.