Australian Superbike: Pandemic Forces More Schedule Changes

David Swarts

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May 19, 2021

Australian Superbike: Pandemic Forces More Schedule Changes

ASBK Calendar Reset For An Exciting Conclusion to 2021

Over the past 18 months of snap lockdowns and border closure have impacted many sporting events including the 2021 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul (ASBK) back in February, with the postponement of opening round at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

Since this postponement, ASBK Management Team has been working closely with a number of circuits to find new dates to replace the missing round and ensure that the 2021 ASBK Championship can complete is intended full season.

A revised calendar for 2021 is now available, which includes two additional venues and confirms the postponement of the round at Symmons Plains, Tasmania. Initially scheduled as the final round of 2020, the Tasmanian round will now be postponed until the 2022 season due to lack of circuit availability on a revised date.

ASBK Management takes this opportunity to thank Symmons Plains Raceway and the Tasmanian Government for their support of ASBK and understanding in this tricky and complicated situation for all parties. ASBK and Symmons Plains Raceway have already begun planning for 2022 and ASBK remains excited about heading back to Tasmania next year.

After two amazing rounds of ASBK run and won already in 2021, with strong entries and big crowds back at the track. ASBK Management is pleased to announce today that Round 7 will now be held at Wakefield Park Raceway on October 15 – 17.

ASBK last event at Wakefield Park was a huge success, with fans flocking to watch the action. ASBK Management highly appreciates WP stepping up to help host the October event on short notice. Fans will be assured another action-packed weekend in Goulburn, NSW.

ASBK Management is additionally pleased to announce that the ASBK Grand Finale – Round 8 will now be held at the world famous – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on November 5 – 7.

Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle said that Phillip Island is always an ASBK rider and fan favorite and its great that ASBK can return to the circuit after a long delay since our last visit.

‘’COVID-19 has caused many delays over the past 18 months. We have rebuilt the calendars on many occasions, and this has required flexibility by teams, riders, the circuits and ASBK ourselves. It’s just the situation in this COVID-19 environment which still remains today.

“It’s disappointing that we aren’t able to get to Symmons Plains this year, but we remain focused on getting there in 2022 and putting on a great event for Tassie fans.

“We need to make the best of the situation and heading back to Wakefield Park in October and finishing off at Phillip Island in November provides a very exciting conclusion to the 2021 ASBK Championship.

“We look forward to welcoming the ASBK fans and riders back to these two popular circuits.’’

ASBK Management also confirms the ASBK Night of Champions at Phillip Island on Sunday 7th November.

ASBK now heads to the Top End and Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin for Round 4 joining the Supercars Championship and Nitro Up North drag racing is a motorsport triple header event in the Northern Territory on June 18 – 20.

Keep up to date with the latest news on the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul via www.asbk.com.au and following ASBK on Facebook and Instagram. You can also join our ASBK mailing list at www.asbk.com.au

*UPDATED ASBK CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR

~~Round 1 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC February 18-21~~ Cancelled

Round 2 Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, VIC March 12-14

Round 3 Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn, NSW April 16-18

Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway, NT – Supercars 2+4 (Superbikes only) June 18-20

Round 5 Morgan Park Raceway, QLD August 20-22

Round 6 The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, SA September 23-26

Round 7 Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn, NSW October 15 – 17 *

Round 8 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC November 5-7 *

MotoAmerica: Shair Is Title Sponsor Of Travis Wyman Racing At VIR

David Swarts

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May 19, 2021

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MotoAmerica: Shair Is Title Sponsor Of Travis Wyman Racing At VIR

Travis Wyman Racing BMW announces Shair as title sponsor for this weekend’s MotoAmerica Superbikes at Virigina

Up-and-coming car sharing service backs top team in MotoAmerica Stock 1000, Superbike Cup for VIRginia International Raceway round

LAS VEGAS — Travis Wyman Racing BMW is pleased to announce Shair – a car sharing service that is active in 49 states – is the team’s title sponsor for MotoAmerica’s Superbikes at Virginia round, which takes place May 21-23 at VIRginia Raceway in Alton, Va.

Shair will have its logo on rider Travis Wyman’s BMW S 1000 RR as the pro road racing veteran – who is the leader in MotoAmerica’s Stock 1000 Class and Superbike Cup standings – aims to score his second career victory on VIR’s 2.25-mile North Course.

The Las Vegas rider scored a victory and a third place in the Stock 1000 races at Road Atlanta April 30-May 2 and was the top-finishing Superbike Cup rider in both Superbike races.

“VIRginia International Raceway is one of my favorite tracks on the MotoAmerica calendar, and I’m happy to have Shair on board as my title sponsor at a track I’ve had strong results at on the BMW,” Wyman said. “I expect to be battling for more top finishes this coming weekend. My goal is to extend my points lead in both classes, as well as get Shair’s branding in the middle of a MotoAmerica podium celebration.”

As the car-sharing platform that works hard for its car owners, Shair offers better, cleaner cars and a thorough verification process that puts car owners and customers at ease about the car sharing process. Based in Costa Mesa, Calif., Shair enables car owners to generate revenue from a wide variety of car makes and models. Among the thousands of cars available for booking through Shair are the Chevrolet Corvette, Tesla Model X, Bentley Continental and Porsche 911 Carrera 4S.

“We’re changing the way people think about their cars, and MotoAmerica fans are just one of the many motor sports audiences we’re working to build brand awareness among,” Shair co-founder Garrick Delafuente said. “MotoAmerica has experienced a lot of growth in terms of viewership and social media engagement. Supporting Travis’ program is a cost-effective way for us to get our message out to MotoAmerica fans across the country. This is just the beginning of our campaign to reach MotoAmerica fans, and we look forward to working with Travis as one of our long-term marketing partners.”

For those attending the MotoAmerica round at VIR, stop by the Travis Wyman Racing transporter to check out banners that will help fans learn how to join the Shair community.

To learn how to Shair your car or join the ranks of Shair customers, visit www.shairyourcar.com.

World Superbike: BMW Motorrad Previews Motorland Aragon

David Swarts

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May 19, 2021

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World Superbike: BMW Motorrad Previews Motorland Aragon

Time to go racing: BMW Motorrad Motorsport kicks off its campaign in the 2021 FIM Superbike World Championship.

Race debut for the new BMW M 1000 RR in WorldSBK.

2021 season opens with a double-header at MotorLand Aragón and Estoril for the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and the two BMW satellite teams, Bonovo MGM Racing and RC Squadra Corse.

Munich. The wait is over. This weekend, BMW Motorrad Motorsport kicks off its campaign in the 2021 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK). After the development period and winter tests, the new BMW M 1000 RR is now set for its race debut. For the first time, the 2021 WorldSBK grid will feature four riders on the BMW M 1000 RR. Tom Sykes (GBR) and BMW newcomer Michael van der Mark (NED) start for the works team, the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. Jonas Folger (GER) and Eugene Laverty (IRL) line up for BMW satellite teams Bonovo MGM Racing and RC Squadra Corse.

After a break of over half a year, the season gets underway with a double-header in Spain and Portugal. The first race weekend of the year will take place from 21st to 23rd May at MotorLand Aragón (ESP). This is followed just one week later (28th to 30th May) by round two of the season at Estoril (POR). In preparation for the season, BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the BMW teams were at MotorLand Aragón for a pre-season test roughly two weeks ago.

The new BMW M 1000 RR is a consistent development of the BMW S 1000 RR. At the heart of the new M RR is the engine. Like the engine for the production model, it has been developed specifically for racing. The chassis geometry and aerodynamics have also been improved. In a two-part video documentary, BMW Motorrad Motorsport shows the route from assembly to the racetrack, from the production of the engines at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin (GER), and the assembly of the race bikes at the headquarters of the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team in Guisborough (GBR), to the works and satellite teams’ outings on the track at MotorLand Aragón.

Quotes ahead of the opening round of the 2021 WorldSBK season.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “We go into the 2021 WorldSBK season with a lot of new features. For example, we are obviously looking forward to the race debut of our BMW M 1000 RR. The tests went very well and, although we still have a bit of work ahead of us with the new bike, I am feeling very positive. I would like to say another big thank you to everyone who has been so full of enthusiasm for their role in the development, assembly and preparation of the M RR: our production colleagues and engineers in Munich, engine production in Berlin, the team members and, of course, our riders. Another important step for our WorldSBK project is the fact that we are now more broadly positioned than before. As well as our established works team, the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, our family now also includes the satellite teams Bonovo MGM Racing and RC Squadra Corse. When it comes to the riders, we are also very strongly positioned, with Tom Sykes, Michael van der Mark, Eugene Laverty and Jonas Folger. Our goal for the season is to close the gap to the front-runners and claim our first win.”

Shaun Muir, Team Principal BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “We are looking forward to finally get into the race weekend. It has been a long off-season between Estoril and this first round. I think we have really taken good steps forward with the BMW M 1000 RR and I am looking forward to see what we can do in race conditions. The weather is looking very favourable for Aragón and obviously we go over there where we last tested so we are confident we can find a good base setting very quickly and focus on race simulations. We are confident that Michael and Tom can start on the front foot and we can start our 2021 season in a positive style.”

Tom Sykes. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

Tom Sykes, BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “I am very excited to finally get back racing, and what better way to do it than to do it with a double header? We start in Aragón, which is obviously a circuit I really enjoy riding. The target is quite clear for me: I want to get back winning races and being consistently at the sharp and the target for me as well as for the whole BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. On the other side, we have got a little bit of more work we need to do in order to get to there. So we will see. For me, I just want to get a good, clean start to the season and get some strong points on the board from these two race weekends. Aragón is such an enjoyable track. Also Estoril, a track which was my first time there last year. Overall, I am very confident and can’t wait to get things started.”

Michael van der Mark. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

Michael van der Mark, BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “It has been such a long time without any racing. Testing of course is nice, riding the bike, developing the bike – but we are doing it all for racing. It has been a long winter so I am really looking forward to it and luckily we have two race weekends in a row. That is good, and also at races we can learn a lot more about the bike and try to develop it. In general, I think we are really well prepared, but for sure we have to make some more steps with the bike in development. But as I said, racing is always better as you can have a look at your opponents and see their stronger points and their weaker points. MotorLand Aragón is a nice track to start the season; especially after the test we had there. For us that’s really positive. Estoril is a lovely track as well. Last year, I had my debut on the BMW there, so I’ve ridden the BMW on both tracks and that for sure helps to make it a little bit easier. Regarding our goals for the first races: of course, we always want to fight for the podium but at the moment we are still developing the bike. I just want to get the best possible result. We will always try our best but at the moment I am still a little bit calm with expectations.”

Eugene Laverty. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

Eugene Laverty, RC Squadra Corse: “This has been the longest off-season of my entire career and I am so excited for the season to finally begin. I have just three days of testing under my belt but I was smiling the entire time that I was riding after such a long period off the bike. I’m very happy with my new team RC Squadra Corse; all the guys made me feel very welcome and we have gelled immediately. I’m keen to realise the full potential of the new BMW M 1000 RR. The first two circuits of Aragón and Estoril were the toughest on the calendar for us in 2020 and so they will provide the biggest challenge. If we can be strong there then we can be strong anywhere.”

Jonas Folger. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

Jonas Folger, Bonovo MGM Racing: “I am looking forward to the season-opener, and to having two race weekends in a row. That is obviously awesome. I hope we make a good start to the season. We have done enough testing, and now it is finally time to go racing. The goal for the season is to finish in the top ten, and it would be great to really make a statement in one or two races. After that, we’ll see what happens. I am intrigued to see what we can achieve in the first few races.”

Royal Enfield’s BUILD TRAIN RACE Flat Track Program Kicks Off In Texas

David Swarts

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May 18, 2021

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Royal Enfield’s BUILD TRAIN RACE Flat Track Program Kicks Off In Texas

2021 BUILD TRAIN RACE FLAT TRACK TO KICK OFF IN TEXAS

Motorcycles and racers to debut at Women’s Motorcycle Show

Milwaukee, Wis (Tuesday, May 18, 2021) — The 2021 Royal Enfield BUILD TRAIN RACE (BTR) flat track participants will debut their new INT 650 flat track builds at the Women’s Motorcycle Show in Texas during the Get On! Moto Fest, May 21- 23 at Texas Motor Speedway. The builds will be on display throughout the weekend along with the female builders who will race the motorcycles later this year.

For 2021, Royal Enfield has added seven new riders from across the U.S. along with the inclusion of two BTR alumni, Jillian Deschenes and Lana MacNaughton. During the Get On! Moto Fest, several participants will be on hand in the Women’s Motorcycle Show portion of the event displaying their freshly built INT 650 flat track racers.

“Royal Enfield is excited to once again showcase the BTR program in 2021,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing and Communications Lead – Americas. “In 2020, the program was met with enormously positive feedback throughout the industry and this year, we’ve added more racers to make the competition even more exciting for both the fans and the racers. The ladies have been working hard on their builds all spring and we’re excited to share them with the public at the Get On! Moto Fest.”

The BTR participants will again compete in a handful of Progressive American Flat Track exhibition events and amateur races beginning with the AMA District 17 Chicago Half-Mile presented by Royal Enfield and promoted by Track Enterprises in the Women’s Class. For a complete schedule please visit www.stevenaceracing.com.

In 2020, four women participated in the BTR program at various American Flat Track races throughout the year. The goal of the program is to elevate the visibility of women in motorcycle racing and provide opportunities to female motorcycle enthusiasts in racing. The Get On! Moto Fest is a celebration of the two-wheeled lifestyle featuring manufacturer demo rides including Royal Enfield motorcycles, Women’s Motorcycle Show, AMD custom bike show, American Flat Track racing, vendors, music and more.

To learn more about the participants of the BTR program, visit www.BuildTrainRace.com or follow Royal Enfield on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Get On! Moto Fest pre-sale tickets are just $15 and fans can also obtain AFT SuperTicket’s which grant access to both the Get On! Moto Fest and AFT on Saturday, May 22. To purchase your tickets, click here.

About Steve Nace

Steve Nace Racing Promotions was formed in 1989. Since then we have promoted several disciplines of racing including AMA Flat Track & TT races, ATVA Extreme Dirt Track Series events, Mini Sprint races, Kart races, Quarter Midget races and Motocross events. Steve Nace Racing Promotions organized and held the AMA Amateur Flat Track Grand Championships for eight years playing host to the fastest amateur racers from across the country and abroad. Steve Nace, the company owner, has been involved in racing since 1969.

About Royal Enfield

The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the mid-size motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.

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

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

SCRAMP Replaced By Laguna Seca Volunteer Assoc. At Laguna Seca

David Swarts

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May 18, 2021

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SCRAMP Replaced By Laguna Seca Volunteer Assoc. At Laguna Seca

Laguna Seca Volunteer Association Established to Support WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with Experienced Volunteers

MONTEREY, Calif., May 18, 2021 – A new year brings new opportunities as the Laguna Seca Volunteer Association and Laguna Seca Recreation Area management agree on a long-term relationship. The new not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Laguna Seca Volunteer Association establishes a body of enthusiastic and experienced individuals to support the County of Monterey-owned Laguna Seca Recreation Area and the events held at its iconic race circuit.

The Laguna Seca Volunteer Association (LSVA) will be managed by a five-person executive board, all of whom have years of volunteer leadership experience at the facility. The LSVA executive committee is comprised of:

Lee Ames – President and Chairman

Morgan Broadhead – Vice President

Ryan Bailey – Secretary/Treasurer

Shea Eby – Director

Bryan Mutoza – Director

“This past year has had many ups and downs due to the pandemic and in finalizing the structure and leadership of the volunteer association,” admitted Lee Ames, president and chairman of LSVA. “Many of us first assisted with last August’s Driver Appreciation Weekend to get to know some of the new management team, and over the course of the past few months and events, have grown to understand that we all have a shared vision to ensure a safe, pleasurable and memorable experience for everyone who comes into the Laguna Seca Recreation Area.”

Initial talks began in January 2020 between the former longtime SCRAMP volunteers and the new management firm, A&D Narigi Consulting LLC, which was unanimously selected by the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors, to establish a suitable and viable organization that embraced volunteerism and the community. With the county’s support, and the new LSVA executive committee, the organization was formed.

“As Lee indicated, there were some rough patches during a challenging year, but we worked closely together to create a sound organization for years to come,” added John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “The dedicated men and women who have volunteered here for years, which includes several local service organizations, have an unbridled passion, expertise and camaraderie that give Laguna Seca Recreation Area its unique soul. Everyone shares the same vision of improving the experience for our guests, series, participants and sponsors. I have fully enjoyed getting to know so many fine individuals, and their passion for Laguna Seca and expertise in putting on our racing events.”

The LSVA Board of Directors will be comprised of six additional directors with specific responsibility that encompasses all areas of the race and events, such as paddock, first aid, medical, hospitality, concessions, and vehicle control. There are more than 250 volunteers who are committed to LSVA. In addition, there are 20 area service clubs that are providing support services working under the direction of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Volunteer Coordinator Kalina McKinney, a new position added by Narigi to support the hundreds of volunteers. “Without them, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca would not have the fine reputation that it has today,” Narigi added. “Going forward, this will be a team approach with management and volunteers working together to improve upon what has been established to ensure all have an enjoyable experience.

“We are also very appreciative of the efforts and thank the Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation board of directors under the leadership of its president Ross Merrill as they supplied funding for the LSVA legal expenses required to complete the formation of the new organization,” said Narigi.

The Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public charity that raises funds for capital improvements, which has included the digital scoring trylon, electronic flagging system and Turn 4 grandstands.

The 2021 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca race calendar is:

July 9-11 – GEICO MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey

July 16-18 – AHRMA Monterey Classic MotoFest

August 7-8 – Monterey Pre-Reunion

August 12-15 – Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

September 10-12 – Hyundai Monterey Sports Car Championship (TBC)

September 17-19 – Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey

November 11-14 – Velocity Invitational

NTC: More From Rossi Moor’s Races At Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 18, 2021

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NTC: More From Rossi Moor’s Races At Le Mans

A very hard round at Le Mans

Northern Talent Cup

We were very lucky to had a race weekend together with the MotoGP.

The free practices also the qualifying were very complicated and hard work for the rookies due to the horrible weather.

On Friday, Rossi reached the pole position with 1:50.533 lap time.

Saturday:

The weather was not better this day also, we had thunder, sleet, some sunshine within two hours. The race started with very bad circumstances with hard wind and rain.

After a good start, Rossi overcooked it out of the chicane. Rossi slid out the lead. He tried to rejoin the race, but the brake was broken so he had to give up the race.

Rossi about the spill: “After a good start, I reached first the chicane. But in the fourth turn the back of the bike suddenly slid out. I tried to rejoin the race, but the brake broken so I had to give up.”

Sunday:

In this day, we had the same weather like on Saturday. The team had to change the tires two times. Rossi’s KTM was not working 100%, so at the end he was 15th.

Rossi Moor about the race: “I catch the start, but due to the wet asphalt I race very safely. Two laps before the finish, I had a fall due to the wet circumstances. After, I rejoined the race, and because of the broken [shifter] I was happy that I can finish the race.”

Ahead of the race weekend, Rossi Moor participated in the pre-event press conference, where he got to take a photo with Fabio Quartararo. Photo courtesy Fairium NGRT.

AFT: Richard Rawlings Named Grand Marshal Of Texas Half-Mile

David Swarts

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May 18, 2021

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Richard Rawlings Named Grand Marshal of Texas Half-Mile

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 18, 2021) – This weekend’s Mission Foods Texas Half-Mile presented by Roof Systems is set to be that much Faster N’ Louder with the announcement that Fort Worth’s own Richard Rawlings will serve as the event’s Grand Marshal.

A locally-based, nationally-known media personality and entrepreneur, Rawlings is the owner of the fabled Gas Monkey Garage and was the star of the mega popular reality show, Fast N’ Loud, which aired more than 150 episodes from 2012-2020.

“I’m super excited to be the Grand Marshal of the AFT Texas Half-Mile this year,” said Rawlings. “I’m looking forward to having an incredible time and hanging out with everyone that attends. As I’ve always said, if we’re going to have fun, it better have a motor in it!”

The announcement by Progressive American Flat Track further adds to the celebratory flavor of a round set at the center of the first-ever Get On! Moto Fest at Texas Motor Speedway.

Tickets are available for purchase at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3326/#selectTickets. That includes the “Get On! American Flat Track SuperTicket,” which provides the full weekend experience of attending both the Texas HM and the first annual Get On! Moto Fest for just $39 (GA Grandstand) or $49 (Premium GA Grandstand).

Standard race-day only GA Grandstand tickets are $29 (children 12 and under free with the purchase of an adult ticket), with Premium GA Grandstand $39 (children 12 and under $20). Tickets are going fast with premium sections already selling out.

Gates will open for fans at 4:00 p.m. local time with Opening Ceremonies set to begin at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

“Inside MotoAmerica: Pressure To Rise” Premieres May 20, On FS2

David Swarts

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May 18, 2021

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New Season, New Format: “Inside MotoAmerica: Pressure To Rise” Premieres May 20, On FS2

Series To Chronicle The 2021 Superbike Season Through Intimate Behind-The-Scenes Race And Personal Access Highlighting The Championship’s Leading Riders In Documentary Format

IRVINE, CA (May 18, 2021) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is thrilled to announce the premiere of the nine-episode, season-long docuseries, “Inside MotoAmerica: Pressure to Rise,” on Thursday, May 20 at 8:30 p.m. (Eastern), on FOX Sports 2.

The new-look, hour-long show takes racing fans behind the scenes on and off the track, giving them an up-close-and-personal look at the stars of the sport with at-home features as well as in-depth interviews that take viewers under the helmet of the fastest motorcycle racers on the continent.

Episode one introduces MotoAmerica Superbike Championship contenders Loris Baz, Bobby Fong, Jake Gagne, Josh Herrin, Cam Petersen, Mathew Scholtz and Kyle Wyman, and follows them through the season’s exciting first weekend at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

“We are really happy with the new ‘Inside MotoAmerica: Pressure to Rise,’ ” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “They’ve made some really good changes and it feels like an entirely different show. People love to see behind the scenes and really get to know the personalities of the sport, and we know our fans will enjoy it. It’s also a show that will grab and keep your attention even if you’re not a racing fan. Well done to the team for giving MotoAmerica a show that really does the series justice.”

“Inside MotoAmerica: Pressure to Rise” will air after each round throughout the much-anticipated 2021 MotoAmerica season and will also feature multiple re-airs.

View the show’s teaser here:

Airdates: “Inside MotoAmerica: Pressure to Rise”

Thursday, May 20: 5, 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 10: 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 24: 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 8: 7 p.m.

Thursday, July 29: 12 a.m.

Thursday, August 12: 7 p.m.

Thursday, September 9: 7 p.m.

Thursday, September 23: 7 p.m.

Thursday, October 7: 7 p.m.

*All times ET

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.

American Flat Track: Beach Leads SuperTwins Heading Into Texas

David Swarts

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May 18, 2021

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American Flat Track: Beach Leads SuperTwins Heading Into Texas

Progressive AFT Stars Home in on Texas Half-Mile

Get On! Moto Fest sets the stage for exciting weekend at Texas Motor Speedway.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 18, 2021) – The 2021 Progressive American Flat Track season resumes with this weekend’s Mission Foods Texas Half-Mile presented by Roof Systems at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas on Saturday, May 22.

The trip to Dallas-Forth Worth carries heightened significance for a significant portion of the paddock as it represents the home round for two of the sport’s strongest allies and partners in Mission Foods and Roof Systems of Dallas, TX. The two companies combine to sponsor nearly twenty riders up and down the field, including several frontrunners on the emerging powerhouse Mission Roof Systems squad who will be especially motivated to come up big this weekend.

However, as usual, the path to victory in Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle is likely to run through Grand National Championship favorites Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) and Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750).

However, while still extraordinarily formidable, neither Bauman nor Mees has their usual aura of invincibility about them at this moment; Mees is on the mend from a knee injury that limited him at the Atlanta Super TT while defending champ Bauman is still seeking his first win of 2021.

The continued performance of JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) will be under the microscope as well. Following a difficult 2020 season, Beach has already logged a win and runner-up finish in 2021 and leads the Grand National Championship as a result.

The Mission Roof Systems trio of Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) and Brandon Price (No. 92 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) are among the most likely to contend for victory at their team’s home race. Robinson, who has won three of the most recent five premier-class Main Events dating back to the 2020 finale, finished third and fourth the last two times out at Texas Motor Speedway. Vanderkooi, meanwhile, is fresh off a career-best runner-up result in Atlanta, and Price has flashed race-winning potential more than once in his young Mission SuperTwins career.

AFT Singles

Even in its short history on the Progressive AFT schedule, Texas Motor Speedway has played host to more than its fair share of history.

In 2019, Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE) and Cory Texter (No. 65 G&G Racing/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) became the first siblings to win Progressive AFT Main Events on the same evening when Texter-Bauman took the AFT Singles Main and Texter did the same in AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines.

Texter-Bauman has been nearly perfect in three previous trips to Texas Motor Speedway, winning in 2017 and 2019, and only missing out on the sweep in 2018 after finishing as the race’s runner-up by 0.094 seconds.

That narrow defeat came at the hands of Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Mission Roof Systems KTM 450 SX-F), who will look to defend the honor of Mission Foods and Roof Systems on the undercard.

Reigning champion and ‘21 points leader Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) must be considered a pre-race favorite as well, just as he is pretty much whenever he takes to the starting grid.

Of course, it is AFT Singles, which means there are another dozen or more riders who carry legitimate race-winning hopes into the weekend.

AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines

2019 AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines champion Texter issued his original claims for the title at that season’s Texas HM. He dominated the season opener at Texas Motor Speedway and went on to win the next two races as well, setting the stage for his ultimately successful title run.

Despite displaying a valiant effort to repeat in 2020, Texter is now seeking to reclaim the crown after finishing as the class’ runner-up a year ago. A return to the top of the podium in Fort Worth would help solidify his position; he currently leads the title fight but by just a single point over Chad Cose (No. 49 Voodoo Ranger/Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07).

Spectator safety remains the top priority and Progressive AFT has worked closely with local health and government officials toward those ends. For more on the specific precautions being undertaken, please consult the Progressive AFT Events Health & Safety FAQ.

Tickets are available for purchase at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3326/#selectTickets. That includes the “Get On! American Flat Track SuperTicket,” which provides the full weekend experience of attending both the Texas HM and the first annual Get On! Moto Fest for just $39 (GA Grandstand) or $49 (Premium GA Grandstand).

The Get On! Moto Fest is organized by Comoto (Revzilla/J&P Cycles/Cycle Gear), America’s largest powersports aftermarket retailer. It will celebrate the spirit of riding in a full weekend of two-wheeled entertainment from May 21 through May 23 at Texas Motor Speedway. Among a massive line-up of special events will be the world debut of Volcon’s first off-road electric motorcycle, custom bike competitions, demo rides from BMW, Indian, Kawasaki, and more, plus test rides of e-bikes from Super73 and STACYC for kids, and learn-to-ride instruction for newcomers.

This is in addition to the race day activities at the track, which include live music from Chasing Neon, KTM demo rides, numerous vendors, free motorcycle parking, and the Astro Invitational.

Standard race-day only GA Grandstand tickets are $29 (children 12 and under free with the purchase of an adult ticket), with Premium GA Grandstand $39 (children 12 and under $20). Tickets are going fast with premium sections already selling out.

Gates will open for fans at 4:00 p.m. local time with Opening Ceremonies set to begin at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT. Live coverage of the entire weekend’s racing activities will be available on any device for only $1.99 a month via TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold.

The Mission Foods Texas Half-Mile presented by Roof Systems will air on NBCSN on Saturday, May 29, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT. The broadcast will include exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and expert commentary.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

World Superbike: Kawasaki Riders Excited For Season-Opener In Spain

David Swarts

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May 18, 2021

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World Superbike: Kawasaki Riders Excited For Season-Opener In Spain

Round One Excitement Awaits KRT

After an exceptionally long wait for the 2021 FIM Superbike World Championship to begin real race action gets underway for KRT’s pairing of six times champion Jonathan Rea and second year Kawasaki rider Alex Lowes, at Motorland Aragon between 21-23 May.

After a dramatic final round of the 2020 championship at Estoril in mid-October the new season starts seven months later, at the popular Motorland Aragon circuit in northern Spain, located close to the hilltop town of Alcaniz. Unfortunately, there will be no trackside spectators allowed to attend this round because of the ongoing global pandemic, but in all other regards Motorland will be the backdrop for the first full points scoring dramas and contests of what is scheduled to be a full 13 round, 39 race, season.

For Rea this latest year holds the potential for a seventh championship win in succession for himself and Kawasaki. He has been recording strong showings throughout the extensive winter test programme on the new Ninja ZX-10RR. One more race win would extend Rea’s record total of 99 to the remarkable peak of 100.

A shoulder injury during training for Lowes prevented him from riding at some winter tests but he and his crew have caught back up in style and ended their winter test programme in strong form, especially at the most recent Motorland Aragon tests sessions. Jonathan was fastest there and Alex went second quickest after sharing track time with many of their 2021 rivals.

As far as the riders’ new machine is concerned new aerodynamic bodywork improvements (including internal front winglets) and other important detail changes are aimed at improving the overall performance of the Ninja ZX-10RR on track. In the hands of riders like Rea and Lowes, competitors who have already shown their potential in a positive fashion during testing, Motorland will be the first chance to see how the new technical package performs in full-on races.

Very soon Alex and Jonathan will have a chance to fight for their first wins and podiums of the season, during what will be three Aragon WorldSBK races in all, held across two days. A few changes have been made to the Sporting rules for 2021, including the introduction of long lap penalties and a more compact Superpole session on Saturday.

Last year there were two entire rounds held at Aragon, on consecutive weekends, but this year only one – the keenly anticipated season opener. Aragon will be followed just a few days after by the Estoril Round in Portugal, between 28-30 May.

Jonathan Rea, stated: “I am super-excited to go racing again because it feels like last season was so long ago. We have had some really good testing recently, where I have felt good with the bike and it is going to be so nice to get on track with everybody else to understand where we are. Aragon is a track we have very happy memories of after last year. We were able to be strong in the Motorland weekend and the following Teruel round. The target is to start this year strong and try to build some momentum into the season. It is going to be a tough couple of weeks in succession with two back-to-back rounds – but kick-starting the racing into action at Aragon is great because we just finished testing there. I have a good feeling with the bike. The new Ninja ZX-10RR is definitely a step forward from last year. I am super-excited about it and I feel ready.”

Alex Lowes (22). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.

Alex Lowes, stated: “I am ready to start racing! The 2021 season feels like it’s been a long time coming. It’s a longer winter break that normal for WorldSBK but luckily for me it’s really given me time to get to know my Ninja ZX-10RR properly. I feel like I am prepared the best I can be after all the pre-season tests. I have a good base setting and I’m in control of what’s happening with the bike. This is a good position to be in and now it’s about executing my best performances through every weekend. A big thank you Kawasaki and all the KRT staff for the extra hard effort during these strange times. Motivation is extremely high and now it’s time to go racing!”

Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager, stated: “The racing season begins soon and we are very happy about that. Starting the championship finally gives sense to all our racing activity and we are quite happy to start the show in Motorland. Hopefully, from now on everything will go better with Covid and step-by-step we can come back to a normal situation – and hopefully soon the fans come to the race weekends and enjoy the Superbikes. For Johnny and Alex, we are more than ready. We expect to be competitive and continue with the same performance and a little bit better than last year. Let’s see where the others start in this race weekend and if all together we can give a nice show to the world.”

There will be strong entries from the Independent Kawasaki teams in 2021. The Kawasaki Puccetti Racing team will feature the talents of Lucas Mahias in WorldSBK this year, as he moves up from the WorldSSP class. Orelac Racing VerdNatura Kawasaki and lone WorldSBK rider Isaac Vinales form one Ninja ZX-10RR ‘privateer’ squad, while Loris Cresson and Samuele Cavalieri will compete for the experienced TPR Team Pedercini Racing Kawasaki operation.

2021 KRT Rider WorldSBK Statistics

Jonathan Rea: World Champion 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020

2021: Races 0, Wins 0, Podiums 0, Superpoles 0

Career Race Wins: 99 (84 for Kawasaki)

Career Podiums: 185 (143 for Kawasaki)

Career Poles: 27 (23 for Kawasaki)

Alex Lowes:

2021: Races: 0, Wins 0, Podiums 0, Superpoles 0

Career Race Wins: 2 (1 for Kawasaki)

Career Podiums: 24 (4 for Kawasaki)

Career Poles: 1 (0 for Kawasaki)

8 x Riders’ Championships (Scott Russell 1993, Tom Sykes 2013, Rea 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020), 1 x EVO Riders’ Championship (David Salom 2014)

6 x Manufacturers’ Championships (Ninja ZX-10R 2015 & 2016, Ninja ZX-10RR 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020)

5 x Teams’ Championships (KRT/Provec Racing 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019)

Kawasaki FIM Superbike World Championship Statistics

Total Kawasaki Race Wins: 158 – second overall

Total Kawasaki Podiums: 454 – second overall

Total Kawasaki Poles: 92 – second overall

Australian Superbike: Pandemic Forces More Schedule Changes

May 19, 2021

Troy Herfoss (17) leads the start of an Australian Superbike race at Winton Motor Raceway. Photo by Karl Phillipson/Optikal, courtesy ASBK. — Troy Herfoss (17) leads the start of a mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike race at Winton Motor Raceway in 2021. Photo by Karl Phillipson/Optikal, courtesy ASBK.