Round five presents another weekend of opportunity for the Repsol Honda Team as Marc Marquez and Pol Espargaro arrive ready and rested after a grueling Spanish GP.
It’s off to the Le Mans circuit in France for the fifth chapter of the 2021 MotoGP World Championship. Best known for hosting the 24-hour race, the French track has been a happy hunting ground for the Repsol Honda Team in recent years. In 2019, Marc Marquez claimed Honda’s 300th premier class win as he took his first back-to-back wins of the season. Then in 2020, rookie Alex Marquez put on a masterful wet-weather performance to earn his debut MotoGP podium in Repsol Honda Team colours.
Marc Marquez’s return to Jerez was an overall positive as he reduced the distance to the race winner after a complicated weekend. Continuing this trend of closing the gap to the front is again Marquez’s primary objective for the weekend as his recovery and return to competition moves forward. In previous visits to Le Mans Marquez has achieved four podium finishes, including three wins.
After a busy but productive one-day test in Jerez, Pol Espargaro arrives in France with an even deeper understanding of the Repsol Honda RC213V. Working through a number of options across the Monday helped the 2013 Moto2 World Champion improve the overall feel of his Honda. The Le Mans circuit has produced some of Espargaro’s most consistent results in the premier class with five top ten finishes and a podium from seven visits. With weather almost always an unpredictable element in Le Mans, round five may also present Espargaro with his first chance of running on the Honda in the wet.
Action at the French GP begins at 09:55 Local Time on Friday, May 14 with Free Practice 1 for the MotoGP class. The 27-lap premier class Grand Prix around the 4.2-kilometre-long circuit will commence at 14:00 Local Time on Sunday, May 16. Rain is currently forecast throughout the weekend in France, but it won’t dampen the spirits of the Repsol Honda Team.
Marc Marquez
“It has been a good week between races, I have been able to rest and continue my training and recovery. The goal for this weekend is to have less complications and continue working to improve. Step by step we are getting stronger and our goal is to continue the progress we have been making. The weather in Le Mans can always make things a little bit tricky but we will handle whatever happens.”
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.
Pol Espargaro
“The test we had on Monday was very helpful for me and the team, we tried many things and were able to understand more about the Honda. Last year we were able to finish on the podium in the wet at Le Mans, of course we would prefer it to be dry this weekend but the weather will be the same for everyone and it will give me an opportunity to try this bike in new conditions. The motivation is as high as always, I’m excited for another weekend.”
ECSTAR OIL & CHEMICALS AND SUZUKI SPONSOR TWO-SEAT SUPERBIKE THRILLS
ECSTAR Oil & Chemicals has signed as a title sponsor of Team Hammer’s Dunlop ECSTAR Two-Seat Superbike program, which is in its 21st season of providing members of the media, VIPs, and fans an up-close-and-personal experience with the genuinely awe-inspiring sport of MotoAmerica Superbike racing.
Elite-level road racing makes for a spectacular show, whether from the couch at home or the fences at the racetrack. But the only way for reporters, VIPs and fans to experience a Superbike’s incredible acceleration, dizzying corner speed, preternatural precision, and gravity-defying lean angles is to climb aboard the Dunlop ECSTAR Two-Seat Superbike piloted in front of the MotoAmerica crowd by former professional Superbike racer Chris Ulrich.
Journalists, fans, and VIPs may sign up to ride on a passenger seat fitted to a Suzuki GSX-R1000R Superbike at each event on the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship, thanks to the Dunlop ECSTAR Two-Seat Superbike program.
Chris Ulrich (center) poses with a group of passengers after giving rides on the Dunlop ECSTAR Two-Seat Superbike. ECSTAR is co-title sponsor of the program in 2021. Photo courtesy Team Hammer.
The hugely successful program has effectively communicated the adrenaline-fueled thrills of MotoAmerica to legions of fans, both first-hand and through the further reporting by participating broadcasters and other members of the media. And the program is now going from strength to strength with the announcement that ECSTAR Oil & Chemicals has joined Dunlop as co-title sponsor for 2021.
“It’s great to see ECSTAR get involved as title co-sponsor of the two-seat Superbike program,” MotoAmerica partner Chuck Aksland said. “Chris Ulrich and the crew do a great job with the program and they’ve put a lot of smiles on the faces of those who have been fortunate enough to get a few laps on the Superbike. The Dunlop ECSTAR Two-Seat Superbike really opens some eyes and gives people a true E-ticket ride on a real MotoAmerica Superbike, and the feedback we get from those who give it a go is always very positive.”
“For 2021, we continue to work to expand our promotional effort to grow the sport of motorcycle racing,” said Two-Seat Superbike pilot Chris Ulrich, “through this unique experience for fans, VIPs, and journalists. Additionally, the money raised from donations helps make racing safer through the Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF), a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that funds deployment of soft barriers (made by Airfence and Alpina). The RWAF has raised over $2 million to buy and deploy soft barriers with organizations across the country, including well over $60,000 through the Two-Seat Superbike program. It wouldn’t have been possible without great partners like Dunlop, ECSTAR Oil & Chemicals and MotoAmerica.”
“We’re excited to expand our partnership with Team Hammer and join the Two-Seat Superbike program in 2021,” said Neal Wallbaum, Parts & Accessories Sales Manager, Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. “The team has been a great partner in promoting the benefits of ECSTAR Genuine Oil & Chemicals since our U.S. launch in 2017. Chris (Ulrich) has created an exciting way for fans and media to experience the thrill of road racing, all while supporting a great cause for our sport.”
Once again, fan, journalist and VIP rides will be available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each MotoAmerica race weekend. Two-seat rides can also be reserved as part of a $500 MotoAmerica fan package, which includes a three-day general admission ticket, weekend parking pass, and a $350 donation to the Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit focusing on improving racetrack safety through the deployment of soft barriers.
The 2021 season marks Team Hammer’s 41st consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 110 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 294 times and have won nine AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport.) The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
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.
About ECSTAR
ECSTAR is the Suzuki genuine high-performance engine oil which was born in 1984. Its name derives from the words “Ecstatic” and “Star,” meaning “the star of ecstatic performance.” By unifying Suzuki genuine oil/ chemical products into the ECSTAR brand, Suzuki provides dependable and reliable service to the customers through Suzuki automobile, motorcycle, and outboard motor dealers all over the world. For more information, visit https://store.suzukicycles.com/c/ecstar-oil-chemical.
About Suzuki
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oil & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
The NorthEast Motorcycle Road Racing LLC series (NEMRR) has named Mayhew Tools as the title sponsor of their 2021 road racing series, title sponsor of the 98th Loudon Classic and the official tool supplier of the NEMRR series.
“We are excited to be partnering with a company like Mayhew who makes top-quality American products and believes in supporting racing at the grass-roots level,” said Eric Wood, Co-Executive director of NEMRR. “Our riders and mechanics are exactly the types of people who will appreciate the professional grade products that Mayhew produces, and the support of Mayhew will provide NEMRR the opportunity to offer our riders some fantastic bonus prizes during the course of the 2021 season as well as to help post $8500 in series purse money during the annual Loudon Classic, June 18-20.”
The NEMRR Series by Mayhew resumes May 22-23 for the second of eight rounds in 2021. The 98th Annual Loudon Classic by Mayhew will be presented by New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Michelin/Motorace on June 18-20. The Classic weekend will be a points-paying championship round for the Northeast, Mid Atlantic and Atlantic regions and run as a twin sprint for most classes. The Friday races will serve as qualifying for the three featured Saturday main event classes in the Lightweight, Middleweight (the Classic) and Unlimited Grand Prix divisions.
“We are very excited to be serving as a 2021 sponsor of the Northeast Motorcycle Road Race (NEMRR) Series,” shared John Lawless, President, Mayhew Tools. “Partnering with NEMRR will help us to increase brand awareness for our Professional Grade, American Made hand tools with those in the Motorcycle Racing industry, including racers, mechanics and fan enthusiasts while also enabling us to more directly get the tools into the hands of those that use them, i.e. feet on the street.”
ABOUT MAYHEW
Founded in 1856, Mayhew Tools is the oldest punch and chisel manufacturer in the United States, growing their extensive professional grade, American made product line to include pry bars, pneumatics, cable ties, and more. In 2020, the company extended their product line to include a complete line of dual drive and socket bits and sets. Serving the Industrial, Automotive, Hardware, and Construction industries, Mayhew’s premium hand tools are sold globally through an extensive distributor network. For more information, contact Mayhew Tools at 800.872.0037 or visit mayhew.com
ABOUT NEMRR
The NEMRR Series was founded in 2020 to continue the legacy of motorcycle racing in New England started decades ago first by AAMRR and then by the Loudon Road Race Series. NEMRR is a sanctioned CCS region that features two unique divisions (Super Street and Novice) designed to make the entry to to road racing as easy and friendly as possible. For more information, contact Mayhew Tools at 800.872.0037 or visit mayhew.com
Harley-Davidson Launches LiveWire, the Electric Motorcycle Brand (www.livewire.com)
MILWAUKEE (May 10, 2021) – Harley-Davidson, Inc. (“Harley-Davidson”) (NYSE: HOG) today announces the launch of LiveWire as an all-electric motorcycle brand.
The LiveWire brand logo. Image courtesy Harley-Davidson.
LiveWire is more than a motorcycle. LiveWire plans to redefine electric, delivering the best experience for the urban rider, with personality and soul. LiveWire creates a unique connection between rider and vehicle. Today, the next chapter in the LiveWire journey begins.
Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and CEO of Harley-Davidson: “One of the six pillars of The Hardwire Strategy is to lead in electric – by launching LiveWire as an all-electric brand, we are seizing the opportunity to lead and define the market in EV. With the mission to be the most desirable electric motorcycle brand in the world, LiveWire will pioneer the future of motorcycling, for the pursuit of urban adventure and beyond. LiveWire also plans to innovate and develop technology that will be applicable to Harley-Davidson electric motorcycles in the future.”
The first LiveWire branded motorcycle is scheduled to launch on July 8, 2021 and to premiere at the International Motorcycle Show on July 9, 2021. For more information and updates, register at livewire.com.
Unique lineage: LiveWire draws on its DNA as an agile disruptor from the lineage of Harley-Davidson, capitalizing on a decade of learnings in the EV sector and the heritage of the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world.
Motorcycles + beyond: with an initial focus on the urban market, LiveWire will pioneer the electric motorcycle space, and beyond.
Virtual HQ: innovating by design and attracting industry-leading talent, LiveWire will be headquartered virtually, with initial hubs in Silicon Valley, CA (LiveWire Labs) and Milwaukee, WI.
Marketplace: from launch, LiveWire will work with participating dealers from the Harley-Davidson network as an independent brand. An innovative go-to-market model will blend digital and physical retail formats, tailoring the experience to the local market and allowing customers to discover LiveWire on their own terms.
Dedicated showroom: seizing the opportunity to lead in EV and innovating across the customer journey, LiveWire will operate dedicated EV showrooms in select locations, starting in California. Here customers will be able to experience the LiveWire brand in an immersive and innovative way.
Technology focus: with a dedicated focus on EV, LiveWire plans to develop the technology of the future and to invest in the capabilities needed to lead the transformation of motorcycling. LiveWire expects to benefit from Harley-Davidson’s engineering expertise, manufacturing footprint, supply chain infrastructure, and global logistics capabilities.
Technology sharing: Harley-Davidson and LiveWire intend to cooperate and share their technological advancements to ensure an industry leading application in their respective core segments.
About Harley-Davidson:
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at www.harley-davidson.com.
Liberté, égalité, rapidité: MotoGP™ takes on Le Mans
One of the closest eras ever rolls into France, and it’s Ducati vs Yamaha so far. Which is good news for the two home heroes…
(From left) Fabio Quartararo, Francesco Bagnaia, Jack Miller, and Johann Zarco. Image courtesy Dorna.
Monday, 10 May 2021
A short way into the Spanish GP, it looked like Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was going to be heading into his home Grand Prix with three wins in a row and a nice cushion of points at the top of the Championship. But the course of true racing never did run smooth, and arm pump put paid to that as Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) swept through to take an emotional first win in red. His teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, further compounded the Ducati delight in second, and he’s now atop the table to boot. That makes an interesting equation in the standings, with Quartararo already back training after surgery, Yamaha and Ducati sharing the wins so far… and another home hero in Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) waiting in the wings.
Starting with that Ducati 1-2 – the factory’s first since 2018 – there’s plenty to say. First, because it wasn’t the Red Bull Ring, Motegi, Qatar… it was the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, where in recent history few have managed to get the Italian machine to look like the best bike on the grid. That’s a warning shot as Miller fired back following his tougher start to the season and Bagnaia just keeps on being quick, but so was Quartararo’s pace before he ran into trouble. Yamaha have a great record at Le Mans, but Ducati can also find plenty in the Sarthe circuit to suit. In 2019 it was a Borgo Panigale 2-3-4 behind only Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), last year it was a Ducati win.
That will have Miller, Bagnaia and home hero Zarco very eager to get engines on. The Frenchman has also already been on the podium at Le Mans on different machinery, and on the podium this year with Ducati… so it could be a good mix as the red wall looks to continue its march. But Quartararo is no stranger to going from arm pump surgery to podium, and he’ll really, really want to bounce back this time. Can he?
Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), meanwhile, has had a more muted run since winning the first race of the season, but the last time he won in Qatar he also won in France. Franco Morbidelli’s (Petronas Yamaha SRT) momentum has gone the other way this season and he arrives building on each previous race, so he’ll be eager to show once again why he was runner up in the title fight last year. Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) wants to get on that bandwagon too, and the ‘Doctor’ said big positives were found in the post-Jerez test…
At Suzuki there are also some mixed fortunes. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) has now been one of the fastest riders out there on Sunday only to slide out of contention, so there’s either keeping it together this time around or easing off a little on the table. In MotoGP™ the latter isn’t often likely – as Rins himself showed last year in France with one of the most direct approaches to a three-in-one overtake attempt ever. The Spaniard was spectacular in the tough conditions before he then overcooked it… with rain possible this year, could redemption be on the cards?
Reigning Champion Joan Mir, meanwhile, has been consistent as ever. He’s had a podium in Portugal but otherwise put in solid rides for points at venues he says don’t suit him or the bike quite perfectly. Now into the top four overall, Le Mans is another where he doesn’t expect to be slicing through to win from pole, but the Spaniard has been the best at balancing risk, reward and brutal overtakes for some time now, so he can’t be counted out.
As 2021 rolls on, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) has become a fixture nearer the front too. The Noale factory continue to home in on the race win in terms of time, and it’s a mark of how big the step forward has been that Espargaro was slightly disappointed with their actual position in Jerez.
Also disappointed in Jerez for different reasons was Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) after the South African’s upward trajectory from a difficult first race out ended in an early crash, so can KTM fight back in Le Mans? Both Binder and teammate Miguel Oliveira were upbeat after the Jerez test, saying they’d spent a lot of time focusing on getting the bike to work better with the softer tyres without compromising their positives. That does seem a key for the factory in 2021 so far. A KTM was on the podium last year in the wet at Le Mans, but the Austrian factory were also in the top six in the dry in 2019 – a year before their breakthrough fourth premier class album full of chart toppers. What will we see this time around?
At Honda, there was plenty, plenty to see in the test. A brand-new air intake, chassis, exhaust and more added to five different aero combinations made quite the impression, although last time out it was someone reverting to their 2020 chassis that made the biggest dent in the race: Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu). The Japanese rider equalled his best ever result in fourth and will be looking to keep that rolling, and he had a solid Le Mans last year. His teammate Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol), meanwhile, is still looking to get back to where he left off last year… but last year, the then-rookie put in an absolute stunner for his first premier class podium in France. Will good memories see him take a step forward? And has the Jerez test helped Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) do the same?
Finally, there’s Marc Marquez. His return in Portugal was incredibly impressive after so long on the sidelines, and his speed remained at times in Jerez. But it was undoubtedly a more difficult round for the eight-time World Champion as he suffered two fast crashes that saw him then only complete seven laps in the test on Monday. But that was then and this will be now, with Marquez having always been one of the sport’s best at resetting. What can he do with some more time to recover and more time on the bike? We’re about to find out…
Much like Portugal, we’re back at Le Mans after a quicker turnaround than usual. Tune in to watch another scintillating round of the 2021 MotoGP™ World Championship as two home heroes go for glory in the SHARK Grand Prix de France… and everyone else gears up to try and stop them. The lights go out for the premier class on Sunday the 16th of May at 14:00 (GMT +2)!
MotoGP™ Championship top five:
1 Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 66
Remy Gardner (87) and Sam Lowes (22). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Fast five: Moto2™ suit up for France
So far, there are five riders pulling clear in the standings and they’ve shared all the podium places bar one. Can Le Mans see a switch up?
After four races, there are five riders starting to make some breathing space at the top of the Moto2™ standings. But it’s been far from a predictable season, and Le Mans offers those on the chase another chance at taking a bite of the podium, victory or top five cherry. So what are we expecting in Sarthe?
Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) heads into Le Mans with the points lead despite his worst finish of the season so far last time out, although that was a fourth place, which goes some way to explaining his impressive position in 2021. He’s still looking for a win though and with podium form last year at the venue, will likely be feeling pretty confident of at least fighting for the rostrum once again. Can he go one better and tick off the victory box this season? Or is there still no rush to be rash when you’re top of the pile?
The one man ahead of him in 2020, however, was the man just behind him in the standings now: Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team). Judging it perfectly at the front and moving through to lead after a heartbreaker for Jake Dixon (Petronas Sprinta Racing), the number 22 will be looking to at least head Gardner home. He’ll also likely have a bit more of a spring in his step in France after recovering from his sky-high DNF in Portugal to take a solid third place and re-engage consistency mode under a little more pressure. Rookie Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) is only as far behind Lowes in the standings as Lowes is behind Gardner, however, so can he move forward again after running out of grip to hold onto the podium in Jerez?
Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46), meanwhile, did the opposite and steamed away from the squabble for second to take it pretty comfortably by the flag. He took a podium in France last year and after a more muted opening three races, arriving back in Sarthe fresh from his first rostrum of the season is a good springboard to start getting back into the fight for the win. Speaking of which, there’s another Italian with the ultimate springboard on the way into Le Mans: Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2).
Diggia has come close to the top step before in Moto2™, but the dream finally came true in Jerez as the Italian got the perfect launch and then showed perfect poise – and speed – all the way to the flag. It was pretty much faultless and brings him back into within striking distance of the top, so can he push on from here? Sometimes, a win can unlock more than just a bottle of prosecco, and the Italian already had a podium earlier this year so it was far from a surprise to see him in the fight for glory.
From there and the five fastest riders so far, there’s a small gap back to those on the chase, so who can break the stranglehold near the top? So far, only Aron Canet (Inde Aspar Team) has done so; the Spaniard taking second place in Portugal. Can he find that form again and iron out his ups and downs? Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) is actually ahead of Canet overall though, the American with one DNF but some solid consistency otherwise, and he’s been close – rubbing-is-racingly close – to the podium this season. Never having found Jerez the best match, will Le Mans bring the American further into the fray? Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) is another looking for a step forward and he has podium form at Le Mans, as well as having come close to it again last season, and Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) is now in the groove after a tougher first race. The Japanese rookie has made a few waves of late getting in the mix near the front…
And then there’s also, of course, the 2020 man of the moment… for a while at least. Jake Dixon had never led a Moto2™ race before or been very close to doing so until his incredible display of form in 2020 before disaster struck, but that moment saw the Brit kick on and bounce back to greater heights for much of the rest of the season. He’s already been quick in 2021 despite still being on the comeback from his wrist injury and surgery, so will the good memories outweigh the bad? The Sarthe weather could also play into his hands, and those of Lowes; the others who’ve shown pace in tougher conditions… and cause a bit more of a headache for the likes of Raul Fernandez and Ogura.
Five riders near the top, six on the podium so far and some very fast, very eager contenders waiting in the wings promises another quality Moto2™ showdown at Le Mans. The intermediate class go racing at 12:20 (GMT +2), don’t miss it!
Moto2™ Championship top five:
1 Remy Gardner – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 69
2 Sam Lowes – Elf Marc VDS Racing Team – Kalex – 66
3 Raul Fernandez – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 63
4 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 56
5 Fabio Di Giannantonio – Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 – Kalex – 52
Pedro Acosta. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Acosta vs unfamiliar turf: can the roll continue?
The history-maker’s run of form is a force of nature. But will Le Mans prove a different challenge?
The races keep coming and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) just keeps stealing the headlines. He’s now the only rider in history to have ever taken four podiums in his first four Grands Prix, despite saying of Jerez that it’s somewhere his riding style doesn’t suit, but now it’s Le Mans in the crosshairs and that’s unfamiliar turf for the number 37. Qatar was, of course, the same, and that went pretty well for the now-Championship leader. But with pre-season testing beforehand there was a little more time to get to know the venue, so the Sarthe circuit is most definitely a whole new challenge in terms of both the track itself and the position the history-maker finds himself in.
With such a mammoth 51-point lead, however, there’s room to “relax”. The Spaniard enjoys the highest leading margin after the opening four races of a 125cc or Moto3™ season since the current point system was introduced in 1993. But even before that was the case, the words of Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) in the Jerez pre-event Press Conference ring true: tenth is ok. A win is ok. A point, a crash… it’s all ok. Because regardless of the records set already, he’s still a rookie.
That said, there are a few riders who’ll be ignoring that and heading into Le Mans looking to depose the new ruler. Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia Esponsorama Moto3) arrives closest on the chase thanks to his consistency – and a Doha podium – followed by Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team), who has one 0 but two fourths and a third. Their ability to stay out of trouble, in terms of either causing it or getting tangled in it, has paid dividends and they’ve both been quick to boot. Migno also took a top five in France last season, and the year before, prefaced by a podium in 2018. On both past and current form, the Italian has arguably the best CV at Le Mans.
Then there’s Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team), fresh from a podium and some similarly artful dodging of the drama that befell many at the final corner. The veteran seemed to consciously stay out the melee before striking late, and he’s another who’s been consistent. He also has form at Le Mans and although it’s from 2016, he finished just 0.099 off the win in second. The fact that a 0.099 deficit has to be quantified as being second place also speaks to how incredibly close the class is. The man who followed him home in Jerez, meanwhile, is looking for a little less drama in a different manner: Jeremy Alcoba (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) may once again have impressively recovered from a Long Lap Penalty to take a rostrum finish, but he’ll want to head into race day with a clean sheet this time round and rid himself of some Sunday hurdles.
So what of that aforementioned drama? Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) would have made different headlines in Jerez if not for that late move that set off the skittles, but the Turk nevertheless put in an impressive performance and will be looking for more of that race-leading feeling. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Darryn Binder (Petronas Sprinta Racing) will also be focused on bouncing back as soon as possible; both also fuelled by the knowledge that they were once again fast, just unlucky. Experience remains on their side.
Ayumu Sasaki (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) was another who was fast and after his late race blunder first time out in 2021, the Japanese rider has since been a consistent force in the front freight train on his best roll of continual form pretty much ever. Can he crank that up even further this time? Gabriel Rodrigo (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) will also want redemption after a highside out the lead, and John McPhee’s (Petronas Sprinta Racing) bad luck only continued in the Spanish GP. But the Scotsman is the only man in the field who’s won before at Le Mans… so could this be the turnaround he needs?
We’ll find out on Sunday the 16th of May as Pedro Acosta takes on Le Mans, and the rest of the field take on Pedro Acosta. The lights go out for the lightweight class at 11:00 (GMT +2) local time, so make sure to tune in!
More, from a press release issued by FIM CEV Repsol Press Office:
Round 2 ignites with stunning Valencian qualifying
All three grids have been locked in as a titanic Sunday awaits at the Circuito Ricardo Tormo for round two of the season
Under sunny skies at the Circuito Ricardo Tormo in Cheste, Valencia, another thrilling day of FIM CEV Repsol action took place as the pole-sitters across all three classes were decided. In the FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship, it was Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Aspar Junior Team) who took a first pole position of the year, whilst it was rookie Alonso Lopez (Boscoscuro Talent Team-Ciatti) who heads the Moto2™ European Championship grid on Sunday. In the Hawkers European Talent Cup, Hugo Millan (Cuna de Campeones) fulfilled his early season potential by taking a career-first pole.
The FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship put on a thrilling display during their qualifying sessions, as Daniel Holgado picked up from where he left off at Estoril, by taking a first pole of the 2021 season just two weeks after his career-first victory. With the vast majority of riders setting quicker times in the cooler morning session, a 1’38.740 was good enough for Holgado, as he fended off Brazilian rider Diogo Moreira (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0), who took his best ever grid position and his first front row since Estoril last year, 0.170s behind the pole-time. Completing the front row is Jose Julian Garcia (SIC58 Squadra Corse), with the Spaniard also taking his second career-front row.
Taking the charge to the leading trio is Australia’s Joel Kelso (AGR Team), who took a career-best fourth, improving on his previous best by two places – which in turn, was achieved last time out at Estoril. In the middle of the second row and lining up in fifth place is last time out’s polesitter Ivan Ortola (Team MTA), as he pipped Japan’s Takuma Matsuyama (Asia Talent Team), although Matsuyama was fastest in the afternoon’s higher temperatures. Second in the Championship David Salvador (TM Factory Racing Team) could only manage 16th overall, whilst third in the standings, David Alonso (Aspar Junior Team), qualified eighth.
In the FIM Moto2™ ECh, it was yet another battle of the Boscoscuros but this time, it was Alonso Lopez who stormed to pole, pipping his fellow rookie teammate Fermin Aldeguer (Boscoscuro Talent Team-Ciatti) by a narrow 0.015s. The first 1-2 for the manufacturer in the class, it promises to be yet another battle between both riders, with Aldeguer leading the Championship by ten points over Lopez. In third place on the grid, Estoril pole-sitter Lukas Tulovic (Liqui Moly SIC Racing Team) completed the front row in third.
There’s a new name on pole in the HETC, that of Hugo Millan, who was a revelation in the opening round of the year in Portugal. Millan will hope to convert his first-ever pole position on Sunday, as he beat Group A’s Maximo Martinez (Team Honda Laglisse) to the top time, which came in the morning session. Lining up third is Estoril pole-sitter Alvaro Carpe (MT-Foundation 77), who takes back-to-back front rows for the first time in his career.
Sunday 9th May Schedule
11:00: Moto3™ Race 1 – 18 laps
12:00: Hawkers ETC – 17 laps
13:00: Moto2™ Race – 19 laps
14:00: Moto3™ 2 – 18 laps
15:00: Hawkers ETC – 17 laps
Television networks and media platforms, in Europe and across the world, are showing ever-more interest in live broadcasts of FIM CEV Repsol events. You can enjoy the live races via:
All the results and information about the Championship are on the official website: www.fimcevrepsol.com
BAGGER RACING LEAGUE SELLS OUT CLASS SPONSORSHIPS, CONFIRMS FIRST OF MANY RACE TEAMS, ANNOUNCES STUNT GP RIDERS, AND PARTNERSHIPS
DURANGO, CO – Bagger Racing League’s inaugural event, Drag Specialties Battle of the Baggers, is just over two months away, and already race slots and sponsorship opportunities are filling up fast.
Top companies in the motorsports sphere have jumped on board, securing Bagger Racing League Class Sponsorships:
Bagger GP presented by CUSTOM DYNAMICS
Stunt GP presented by LUCAS OIL
Pro Stock Bagger presented by METZELER
Big Twin GP presented by NAMZ
Hooligan GP presented by ICON
“We’re so excited to partner with these companies,” said BRL founder Rob Buydos. “The enthusiasm Bagger Racing League is generating and the commitment the sponsors are showing is both gratifying and humbling. This is going to be a hell of a series of races.”
But Bagger Racing League is more than racing: it is a series of 3-days-long events that features the world’s largest V-Twin vendor village at a racetrack, stunt shows, camping, the Arlen Ness Custom Bike Show and more, in addition to lots of racing. More info at: www.BaggerRacingLeague.com
Some of the boldest, well-known stunt-riders have been confirmed as entrants into the Stunt GP Class Racers, with over a dozen entered at press time. “I’m excited to be a part of the Bagger Racing League. The Stunt GP Class is going to be the first of it’s kind, with an all bagger invitation only stunt competition to qualify to race.” Said Logan Lackey, AKA @wheeliepig. Invited Stunt GP Racers as they are known on Instagram include: @dom_829, @rob_1wheelrevolution, @cbearstunts, @highsidejoe, @junkyardkennystunts, @harleywheelies, @bagdraggin_37, @reckless_203, @danny_ruthless, @cjbarham_, @ravi_savage and @holden.vs.theworld.
Bagger Racing League’s Stunt GP presented by Lucas Oil will be a two discipline event with with the best of the best riders from the East Coast to the West competing on Friday night performing burnouts, drifting and wheelies on their Baggers in a timed, judged and scored performance then the same riders on the same bikes will take it to the track on Saturday and Sunday.
Meanwhile, confirmed Bagger Racing League Racing Teams include a group of topline, accomplished outfits like Blakline Speed Shop, Collective PHX & Leading Edge V-Twin, Fab 28 Industries, Hofmann Designs, Indian Motorcycles, Kruesi Originals, Miller Built Performance Cycles, My Garage – Ventura, Pistol Pete Custom Cycles, Ramjet Racing, RPM x Arlen Ness, Speed Kings Cycle, Team Dream Rides, The Chopper Place, The Warrior Built Foundation, TOL Designs and Tucker Speed.
Harley-Davidson dealer backed race teams from across the country are lining up as well, including Bumpus Harley-Davidson of Memphis; Durango Harley-Davidson; Iron Steed Harley-Davidson; Las Vegas Harley-Davidson; Quaid Harley-Davidson; Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson; Timber Town Harley-Davidson, Harley-Davidson of Yuba City; and Zion Harley-Davidson. They are all sponsoring a rider or more to race at Bagger Racing League so they can showcase the performance parts available to the V-Twin market and for bragging rights at the Bagger Racing League Drag Specialities Battle of the Baggers.
“At first Quaid Harley-Davidson was going to sponsor one of our customers, Clay Braun, to race in the Bagger Racing League Big Twin GP but after I attended a track day with him I got hooked. Now, I have my road race license and I’m racing with Bagger Racing League in Salt Lake City myself!” Exclaimed Brandon Quaid, partner of Quaid Harley-Davidson in Southern California.
Bagger Racing League is now joined by a long list of sponsors for the inaugural event in Salt Lake City on June 25 – 27: Drag Specialties, Custom Dynamics, Icon, Lucas Oil, Badlands Motorcycle Products, Klock Werks, Lectric Lighting Co, Legend Suspensions, Shine Werks, Metzeler, NAMZ Custom Cycle Products, Bridgestone Tires, CVRD Canopies, Dunlop Tires, Kraus Motor Co, Lucky Speed Shop, Silent Graphics Company and Visit Salt Lake.
These companies join the previously announced industry leading parts and accessory manufacturers who will be fielding bikes in the Bagger GP presented by Custom Dynamics: Alloy Art, Barnett, Bassani, Feuling Parts, Performance Machine, Saddleman, Slyfox, The Speed Merchant, and Trask Performance.
BRL has generated more industry buzz in the motorsports arena in two months than many comparable events have in years. To register for the first Bagger Racing League event, Drag Specialities Battle of the Baggers, in Salt Lake City, June 25–27, at Utah Motorsports Campus, click here or visit www.BaggerRacingLeague.com.
For those needing to get licensed prior to the event, Bagger Racing League has licensing and race-school reciprocity with Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycling Association (CVMA), WERA, Competition Riders of America (CRA), Championship cup Series (CCS), American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM), American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (ARHMA) and Pacfic Track Time.
AHRMA has welcomed BRL prospective racers at their most recent Academy of Racing at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, California. Interested riders can register for the next AHRMA Roadracing School on Friday, May 28 at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kansas.
“By the end of the day we announced the formation of the Bagger Racing League, we had over 20 teams signed up to race. The speed at which racers, teams, dealers, partners, and fans have flocked to join our BRL Family is mind boggling. Come June, this is going to be the best weekend of V-Twin racing in history,” said Bagger Racing League COO, John M. Oakes.
Bagger Racing League™ inaugural event, Drag Specialties Battle of the Baggers, will take place June 25–27, 2021, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at Utah Motorsports Complex. Get your tickets, hotel packages, camping and VIP experiences and more at www.BaggerRacingLeague.com.
Follow Bagger Racing League online:
www.Facebook.com/BaggerRacingLeague
On Instagram: @BaggerRacingLeague
About Bagger League Racing
Bagger League Racing is a motorsports event series featuring high-performance touring V-twin motorcycles. The only event of its kind, it was founded by Rob Buydos and John M. Oakes in 2021.
AMERICAN HISTORIC RACING MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION PARTNERS WITH HAGERTY
ELORA, TN, May 7, 2021 … The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association Ltd. (AHRMA) has named Hagerty as the title sponsor of their national cross-country series, presenting sponsor of AHRMA Classic MotoFest® motorcycle show and official insurance provider of the AHRMA Classic MotoFest®.
“Vintage dirt bikes are special machines and our partnership with Hagerty is a perfect fit,” said Arthur Kowitz, Chairman of the ARHMA Board of Trustees. “Hagerty knows the value of vintage bikes not just as collectors’ items but for competition use, too and we’re glad they’re on board with AHRMA.”
The Vintage Motorcycle Show presented by Hagerty Motorcycle is part of the weekend festivities at both the AHRMA Classic MotoFest® in the Heartland (May 28-20) and AHRMA Classic MotoFest® of Monterey (July 16-18) and the Hagerty Motorcycle AHRMA National Cross-Country Series features more than a dozen races across the country, culminating with the national championship finale in Henryetta, OK (Nov 5-7).
“Hagerty offers the best insurance product for the enthusiast owner, but the authentic engagement with our members is what we are most proud of. Hagerty is staffed to the teeth with gearheads who walk the walk alongside motorcycle lovers everywhere,” said Kyle Bowen, Product Manager, Motorcycle. “It’s been a pleasure to be a staple of the AHRMA paddock over the last few years and we are thrilled to continue our involvement by announcing of our partnership of the new AHRMA Classic MotoFests.”
In addition to the event naming rights and official insurance provider distinction, Hagerty receives additional partnership components including:
Featured displays at each of the AHRMA Classic MotoFest® events (Topeka, KS and Monterey, CA).
Full-page ad in the AHRMA magazine and annual AHRMA handbook.
VIP Event Access
On and off track signage.
Digital advertising through AHRMA-owned media.
For more information about AHRMA, please visit www.AHRMA.org.
ABOUT AHRMA
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association Ltd. (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to restoring and competing on historic motorcycles. With over 3000 members, AHRMA is the largest historic racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world.
ABOUT HAGERTY
Hagerty is an automotive lifestyle brand dedicated to the love of driving. Along with being the world’s largest provider of specialty insurance for enthusiast vehicles, we’re home to Hagerty Drivers Club®, DriveShare™, Car Values, Hagerty Drivers Club magazine and MotorsportReg. We also help keep automotive culture alive for future generations through youth programs, support for Historic Vehicle Association® and RPM Foundation.”
Round five presents another weekend of opportunity for the Repsol Honda Team as Marc Marquez and Pol Espargaro arrive ready and rested after a grueling Spanish GP.
It’s off to the Le Mans circuit in France for the fifth chapter of the 2021 MotoGP World Championship. Best known for hosting the 24-hour race, the French track has been a happy hunting ground for the Repsol Honda Team in recent years. In 2019, Marc Marquez claimed Honda’s 300th premier class win as he took his first back-to-back wins of the season. Then in 2020, rookie Alex Marquez put on a masterful wet-weather performance to earn his debut MotoGP podium in Repsol Honda Team colours.
Marc Marquez’s return to Jerez was an overall positive as he reduced the distance to the race winner after a complicated weekend. Continuing this trend of closing the gap to the front is again Marquez’s primary objective for the weekend as his recovery and return to competition moves forward. In previous visits to Le Mans Marquez has achieved four podium finishes, including three wins.
After a busy but productive one-day test in Jerez, Pol Espargaro arrives in France with an even deeper understanding of the Repsol Honda RC213V. Working through a number of options across the Monday helped the 2013 Moto2 World Champion improve the overall feel of his Honda. The Le Mans circuit has produced some of Espargaro’s most consistent results in the premier class with five top ten finishes and a podium from seven visits. With weather almost always an unpredictable element in Le Mans, round five may also present Espargaro with his first chance of running on the Honda in the wet.
Action at the French GP begins at 09:55 Local Time on Friday, May 14 with Free Practice 1 for the MotoGP class. The 27-lap premier class Grand Prix around the 4.2-kilometre-long circuit will commence at 14:00 Local Time on Sunday, May 16. Rain is currently forecast throughout the weekend in France, but it won’t dampen the spirits of the Repsol Honda Team.
Marc Marquez
“It has been a good week between races, I have been able to rest and continue my training and recovery. The goal for this weekend is to have less complications and continue working to improve. Step by step we are getting stronger and our goal is to continue the progress we have been making. The weather in Le Mans can always make things a little bit tricky but we will handle whatever happens.”
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.
Pol Espargaro
“The test we had on Monday was very helpful for me and the team, we tried many things and were able to understand more about the Honda. Last year we were able to finish on the podium in the wet at Le Mans, of course we would prefer it to be dry this weekend but the weather will be the same for everyone and it will give me an opportunity to try this bike in new conditions. The motivation is as high as always, I’m excited for another weekend.”
Chris Ulrich (18) pilots the Dunlop ECSTAR Suzuki Two-Seat Superbike during the MotoAmerica season opener at Road Atlanta. Photo by Brian J Nelson, courtesy Team Hammer.
ECSTAR OIL & CHEMICALS AND SUZUKI SPONSOR TWO-SEAT SUPERBIKE THRILLS
ECSTAR Oil & Chemicals has signed as a title sponsor of Team Hammer’s Dunlop ECSTAR Two-Seat Superbike program, which is in its 21st season of providing members of the media, VIPs, and fans an up-close-and-personal experience with the genuinely awe-inspiring sport of MotoAmerica Superbike racing.
Elite-level road racing makes for a spectacular show, whether from the couch at home or the fences at the racetrack. But the only way for reporters, VIPs and fans to experience a Superbike’s incredible acceleration, dizzying corner speed, preternatural precision, and gravity-defying lean angles is to climb aboard the Dunlop ECSTAR Two-Seat Superbike piloted in front of the MotoAmerica crowd by former professional Superbike racer Chris Ulrich.
Journalists, fans, and VIPs may sign up to ride on a passenger seat fitted to a Suzuki GSX-R1000R Superbike at each event on the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship, thanks to the Dunlop ECSTAR Two-Seat Superbike program.
Chris Ulrich (center) poses with a group of passengers after giving rides on the Dunlop ECSTAR Two-Seat Superbike. ECSTAR is co-title sponsor of the program in 2021. Photo courtesy Team Hammer.
The hugely successful program has effectively communicated the adrenaline-fueled thrills of MotoAmerica to legions of fans, both first-hand and through the further reporting by participating broadcasters and other members of the media. And the program is now going from strength to strength with the announcement that ECSTAR Oil & Chemicals has joined Dunlop as co-title sponsor for 2021.
“It’s great to see ECSTAR get involved as title co-sponsor of the two-seat Superbike program,” MotoAmerica partner Chuck Aksland said. “Chris Ulrich and the crew do a great job with the program and they’ve put a lot of smiles on the faces of those who have been fortunate enough to get a few laps on the Superbike. The Dunlop ECSTAR Two-Seat Superbike really opens some eyes and gives people a true E-ticket ride on a real MotoAmerica Superbike, and the feedback we get from those who give it a go is always very positive.”
“For 2021, we continue to work to expand our promotional effort to grow the sport of motorcycle racing,” said Two-Seat Superbike pilot Chris Ulrich, “through this unique experience for fans, VIPs, and journalists. Additionally, the money raised from donations helps make racing safer through the Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF), a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that funds deployment of soft barriers (made by Airfence and Alpina). The RWAF has raised over $2 million to buy and deploy soft barriers with organizations across the country, including well over $60,000 through the Two-Seat Superbike program. It wouldn’t have been possible without great partners like Dunlop, ECSTAR Oil & Chemicals and MotoAmerica.”
“We’re excited to expand our partnership with Team Hammer and join the Two-Seat Superbike program in 2021,” said Neal Wallbaum, Parts & Accessories Sales Manager, Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. “The team has been a great partner in promoting the benefits of ECSTAR Genuine Oil & Chemicals since our U.S. launch in 2017. Chris (Ulrich) has created an exciting way for fans and media to experience the thrill of road racing, all while supporting a great cause for our sport.”
Once again, fan, journalist and VIP rides will be available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each MotoAmerica race weekend. Two-seat rides can also be reserved as part of a $500 MotoAmerica fan package, which includes a three-day general admission ticket, weekend parking pass, and a $350 donation to the Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit focusing on improving racetrack safety through the deployment of soft barriers.
The 2021 season marks Team Hammer’s 41st consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 110 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 294 times and have won nine AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport.) The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
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.
About ECSTAR
ECSTAR is the Suzuki genuine high-performance engine oil which was born in 1984. Its name derives from the words “Ecstatic” and “Star,” meaning “the star of ecstatic performance.” By unifying Suzuki genuine oil/ chemical products into the ECSTAR brand, Suzuki provides dependable and reliable service to the customers through Suzuki automobile, motorcycle, and outboard motor dealers all over the world. For more information, visit https://store.suzukicycles.com/c/ecstar-oil-chemical.
About Suzuki
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oil & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
NEMRR racers in action at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.
The NorthEast Motorcycle Road Racing LLC series (NEMRR) has named Mayhew Tools as the title sponsor of their 2021 road racing series, title sponsor of the 98th Loudon Classic and the official tool supplier of the NEMRR series.
“We are excited to be partnering with a company like Mayhew who makes top-quality American products and believes in supporting racing at the grass-roots level,” said Eric Wood, Co-Executive director of NEMRR. “Our riders and mechanics are exactly the types of people who will appreciate the professional grade products that Mayhew produces, and the support of Mayhew will provide NEMRR the opportunity to offer our riders some fantastic bonus prizes during the course of the 2021 season as well as to help post $8500 in series purse money during the annual Loudon Classic, June 18-20.”
The NEMRR Series by Mayhew resumes May 22-23 for the second of eight rounds in 2021. The 98th Annual Loudon Classic by Mayhew will be presented by New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Michelin/Motorace on June 18-20. The Classic weekend will be a points-paying championship round for the Northeast, Mid Atlantic and Atlantic regions and run as a twin sprint for most classes. The Friday races will serve as qualifying for the three featured Saturday main event classes in the Lightweight, Middleweight (the Classic) and Unlimited Grand Prix divisions.
“We are very excited to be serving as a 2021 sponsor of the Northeast Motorcycle Road Race (NEMRR) Series,” shared John Lawless, President, Mayhew Tools. “Partnering with NEMRR will help us to increase brand awareness for our Professional Grade, American Made hand tools with those in the Motorcycle Racing industry, including racers, mechanics and fan enthusiasts while also enabling us to more directly get the tools into the hands of those that use them, i.e. feet on the street.”
ABOUT MAYHEW
Founded in 1856, Mayhew Tools is the oldest punch and chisel manufacturer in the United States, growing their extensive professional grade, American made product line to include pry bars, pneumatics, cable ties, and more. In 2020, the company extended their product line to include a complete line of dual drive and socket bits and sets. Serving the Industrial, Automotive, Hardware, and Construction industries, Mayhew’s premium hand tools are sold globally through an extensive distributor network. For more information, contact Mayhew Tools at 800.872.0037 or visit mayhew.com
ABOUT NEMRR
The NEMRR Series was founded in 2020 to continue the legacy of motorcycle racing in New England started decades ago first by AAMRR and then by the Loudon Road Race Series. NEMRR is a sanctioned CCS region that features two unique divisions (Super Street and Novice) designed to make the entry to to road racing as easy and friendly as possible. For more information, contact Mayhew Tools at 800.872.0037 or visit mayhew.com
A Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric streetbike at speed. Photo by Kevin Wing/courtesy Harley-Davidson.
Harley-Davidson Launches LiveWire, the Electric Motorcycle Brand (www.livewire.com)
MILWAUKEE (May 10, 2021) – Harley-Davidson, Inc. (“Harley-Davidson”) (NYSE: HOG) today announces the launch of LiveWire as an all-electric motorcycle brand.
The LiveWire brand logo. Image courtesy Harley-Davidson.
LiveWire is more than a motorcycle. LiveWire plans to redefine electric, delivering the best experience for the urban rider, with personality and soul. LiveWire creates a unique connection between rider and vehicle. Today, the next chapter in the LiveWire journey begins.
Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and CEO of Harley-Davidson: “One of the six pillars of The Hardwire Strategy is to lead in electric – by launching LiveWire as an all-electric brand, we are seizing the opportunity to lead and define the market in EV. With the mission to be the most desirable electric motorcycle brand in the world, LiveWire will pioneer the future of motorcycling, for the pursuit of urban adventure and beyond. LiveWire also plans to innovate and develop technology that will be applicable to Harley-Davidson electric motorcycles in the future.”
The first LiveWire branded motorcycle is scheduled to launch on July 8, 2021 and to premiere at the International Motorcycle Show on July 9, 2021. For more information and updates, register at livewire.com.
Unique lineage: LiveWire draws on its DNA as an agile disruptor from the lineage of Harley-Davidson, capitalizing on a decade of learnings in the EV sector and the heritage of the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world.
Motorcycles + beyond: with an initial focus on the urban market, LiveWire will pioneer the electric motorcycle space, and beyond.
Virtual HQ: innovating by design and attracting industry-leading talent, LiveWire will be headquartered virtually, with initial hubs in Silicon Valley, CA (LiveWire Labs) and Milwaukee, WI.
Marketplace: from launch, LiveWire will work with participating dealers from the Harley-Davidson network as an independent brand. An innovative go-to-market model will blend digital and physical retail formats, tailoring the experience to the local market and allowing customers to discover LiveWire on their own terms.
Dedicated showroom: seizing the opportunity to lead in EV and innovating across the customer journey, LiveWire will operate dedicated EV showrooms in select locations, starting in California. Here customers will be able to experience the LiveWire brand in an immersive and innovative way.
Technology focus: with a dedicated focus on EV, LiveWire plans to develop the technology of the future and to invest in the capabilities needed to lead the transformation of motorcycling. LiveWire expects to benefit from Harley-Davidson’s engineering expertise, manufacturing footprint, supply chain infrastructure, and global logistics capabilities.
Technology sharing: Harley-Davidson and LiveWire intend to cooperate and share their technological advancements to ensure an industry leading application in their respective core segments.
About Harley-Davidson:
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at www.harley-davidson.com.
The start of the MotoGP race at Le Mans in 2020. Photo courtesy Michelin.
Liberté, égalité, rapidité: MotoGP™ takes on Le Mans
One of the closest eras ever rolls into France, and it’s Ducati vs Yamaha so far. Which is good news for the two home heroes…
(From left) Fabio Quartararo, Francesco Bagnaia, Jack Miller, and Johann Zarco. Image courtesy Dorna.
Monday, 10 May 2021
A short way into the Spanish GP, it looked like Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was going to be heading into his home Grand Prix with three wins in a row and a nice cushion of points at the top of the Championship. But the course of true racing never did run smooth, and arm pump put paid to that as Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) swept through to take an emotional first win in red. His teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, further compounded the Ducati delight in second, and he’s now atop the table to boot. That makes an interesting equation in the standings, with Quartararo already back training after surgery, Yamaha and Ducati sharing the wins so far… and another home hero in Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) waiting in the wings.
Starting with that Ducati 1-2 – the factory’s first since 2018 – there’s plenty to say. First, because it wasn’t the Red Bull Ring, Motegi, Qatar… it was the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, where in recent history few have managed to get the Italian machine to look like the best bike on the grid. That’s a warning shot as Miller fired back following his tougher start to the season and Bagnaia just keeps on being quick, but so was Quartararo’s pace before he ran into trouble. Yamaha have a great record at Le Mans, but Ducati can also find plenty in the Sarthe circuit to suit. In 2019 it was a Borgo Panigale 2-3-4 behind only Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), last year it was a Ducati win.
That will have Miller, Bagnaia and home hero Zarco very eager to get engines on. The Frenchman has also already been on the podium at Le Mans on different machinery, and on the podium this year with Ducati… so it could be a good mix as the red wall looks to continue its march. But Quartararo is no stranger to going from arm pump surgery to podium, and he’ll really, really want to bounce back this time. Can he?
Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), meanwhile, has had a more muted run since winning the first race of the season, but the last time he won in Qatar he also won in France. Franco Morbidelli’s (Petronas Yamaha SRT) momentum has gone the other way this season and he arrives building on each previous race, so he’ll be eager to show once again why he was runner up in the title fight last year. Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) wants to get on that bandwagon too, and the ‘Doctor’ said big positives were found in the post-Jerez test…
At Suzuki there are also some mixed fortunes. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) has now been one of the fastest riders out there on Sunday only to slide out of contention, so there’s either keeping it together this time around or easing off a little on the table. In MotoGP™ the latter isn’t often likely – as Rins himself showed last year in France with one of the most direct approaches to a three-in-one overtake attempt ever. The Spaniard was spectacular in the tough conditions before he then overcooked it… with rain possible this year, could redemption be on the cards?
Reigning Champion Joan Mir, meanwhile, has been consistent as ever. He’s had a podium in Portugal but otherwise put in solid rides for points at venues he says don’t suit him or the bike quite perfectly. Now into the top four overall, Le Mans is another where he doesn’t expect to be slicing through to win from pole, but the Spaniard has been the best at balancing risk, reward and brutal overtakes for some time now, so he can’t be counted out.
As 2021 rolls on, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) has become a fixture nearer the front too. The Noale factory continue to home in on the race win in terms of time, and it’s a mark of how big the step forward has been that Espargaro was slightly disappointed with their actual position in Jerez.
Also disappointed in Jerez for different reasons was Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) after the South African’s upward trajectory from a difficult first race out ended in an early crash, so can KTM fight back in Le Mans? Both Binder and teammate Miguel Oliveira were upbeat after the Jerez test, saying they’d spent a lot of time focusing on getting the bike to work better with the softer tyres without compromising their positives. That does seem a key for the factory in 2021 so far. A KTM was on the podium last year in the wet at Le Mans, but the Austrian factory were also in the top six in the dry in 2019 – a year before their breakthrough fourth premier class album full of chart toppers. What will we see this time around?
At Honda, there was plenty, plenty to see in the test. A brand-new air intake, chassis, exhaust and more added to five different aero combinations made quite the impression, although last time out it was someone reverting to their 2020 chassis that made the biggest dent in the race: Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu). The Japanese rider equalled his best ever result in fourth and will be looking to keep that rolling, and he had a solid Le Mans last year. His teammate Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol), meanwhile, is still looking to get back to where he left off last year… but last year, the then-rookie put in an absolute stunner for his first premier class podium in France. Will good memories see him take a step forward? And has the Jerez test helped Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) do the same?
Finally, there’s Marc Marquez. His return in Portugal was incredibly impressive after so long on the sidelines, and his speed remained at times in Jerez. But it was undoubtedly a more difficult round for the eight-time World Champion as he suffered two fast crashes that saw him then only complete seven laps in the test on Monday. But that was then and this will be now, with Marquez having always been one of the sport’s best at resetting. What can he do with some more time to recover and more time on the bike? We’re about to find out…
Much like Portugal, we’re back at Le Mans after a quicker turnaround than usual. Tune in to watch another scintillating round of the 2021 MotoGP™ World Championship as two home heroes go for glory in the SHARK Grand Prix de France… and everyone else gears up to try and stop them. The lights go out for the premier class on Sunday the 16th of May at 14:00 (GMT +2)!
MotoGP™ Championship top five:
1 Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 66
Remy Gardner (87) and Sam Lowes (22). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Fast five: Moto2™ suit up for France
So far, there are five riders pulling clear in the standings and they’ve shared all the podium places bar one. Can Le Mans see a switch up?
After four races, there are five riders starting to make some breathing space at the top of the Moto2™ standings. But it’s been far from a predictable season, and Le Mans offers those on the chase another chance at taking a bite of the podium, victory or top five cherry. So what are we expecting in Sarthe?
Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) heads into Le Mans with the points lead despite his worst finish of the season so far last time out, although that was a fourth place, which goes some way to explaining his impressive position in 2021. He’s still looking for a win though and with podium form last year at the venue, will likely be feeling pretty confident of at least fighting for the rostrum once again. Can he go one better and tick off the victory box this season? Or is there still no rush to be rash when you’re top of the pile?
The one man ahead of him in 2020, however, was the man just behind him in the standings now: Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team). Judging it perfectly at the front and moving through to lead after a heartbreaker for Jake Dixon (Petronas Sprinta Racing), the number 22 will be looking to at least head Gardner home. He’ll also likely have a bit more of a spring in his step in France after recovering from his sky-high DNF in Portugal to take a solid third place and re-engage consistency mode under a little more pressure. Rookie Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) is only as far behind Lowes in the standings as Lowes is behind Gardner, however, so can he move forward again after running out of grip to hold onto the podium in Jerez?
Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46), meanwhile, did the opposite and steamed away from the squabble for second to take it pretty comfortably by the flag. He took a podium in France last year and after a more muted opening three races, arriving back in Sarthe fresh from his first rostrum of the season is a good springboard to start getting back into the fight for the win. Speaking of which, there’s another Italian with the ultimate springboard on the way into Le Mans: Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2).
Diggia has come close to the top step before in Moto2™, but the dream finally came true in Jerez as the Italian got the perfect launch and then showed perfect poise – and speed – all the way to the flag. It was pretty much faultless and brings him back into within striking distance of the top, so can he push on from here? Sometimes, a win can unlock more than just a bottle of prosecco, and the Italian already had a podium earlier this year so it was far from a surprise to see him in the fight for glory.
From there and the five fastest riders so far, there’s a small gap back to those on the chase, so who can break the stranglehold near the top? So far, only Aron Canet (Inde Aspar Team) has done so; the Spaniard taking second place in Portugal. Can he find that form again and iron out his ups and downs? Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) is actually ahead of Canet overall though, the American with one DNF but some solid consistency otherwise, and he’s been close – rubbing-is-racingly close – to the podium this season. Never having found Jerez the best match, will Le Mans bring the American further into the fray? Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) is another looking for a step forward and he has podium form at Le Mans, as well as having come close to it again last season, and Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) is now in the groove after a tougher first race. The Japanese rookie has made a few waves of late getting in the mix near the front…
And then there’s also, of course, the 2020 man of the moment… for a while at least. Jake Dixon had never led a Moto2™ race before or been very close to doing so until his incredible display of form in 2020 before disaster struck, but that moment saw the Brit kick on and bounce back to greater heights for much of the rest of the season. He’s already been quick in 2021 despite still being on the comeback from his wrist injury and surgery, so will the good memories outweigh the bad? The Sarthe weather could also play into his hands, and those of Lowes; the others who’ve shown pace in tougher conditions… and cause a bit more of a headache for the likes of Raul Fernandez and Ogura.
Five riders near the top, six on the podium so far and some very fast, very eager contenders waiting in the wings promises another quality Moto2™ showdown at Le Mans. The intermediate class go racing at 12:20 (GMT +2), don’t miss it!
Moto2™ Championship top five:
1 Remy Gardner – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 69
2 Sam Lowes – Elf Marc VDS Racing Team – Kalex – 66
3 Raul Fernandez – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 63
4 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 56
5 Fabio Di Giannantonio – Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 – Kalex – 52
Pedro Acosta. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Acosta vs unfamiliar turf: can the roll continue?
The history-maker’s run of form is a force of nature. But will Le Mans prove a different challenge?
The races keep coming and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) just keeps stealing the headlines. He’s now the only rider in history to have ever taken four podiums in his first four Grands Prix, despite saying of Jerez that it’s somewhere his riding style doesn’t suit, but now it’s Le Mans in the crosshairs and that’s unfamiliar turf for the number 37. Qatar was, of course, the same, and that went pretty well for the now-Championship leader. But with pre-season testing beforehand there was a little more time to get to know the venue, so the Sarthe circuit is most definitely a whole new challenge in terms of both the track itself and the position the history-maker finds himself in.
With such a mammoth 51-point lead, however, there’s room to “relax”. The Spaniard enjoys the highest leading margin after the opening four races of a 125cc or Moto3™ season since the current point system was introduced in 1993. But even before that was the case, the words of Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) in the Jerez pre-event Press Conference ring true: tenth is ok. A win is ok. A point, a crash… it’s all ok. Because regardless of the records set already, he’s still a rookie.
That said, there are a few riders who’ll be ignoring that and heading into Le Mans looking to depose the new ruler. Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia Esponsorama Moto3) arrives closest on the chase thanks to his consistency – and a Doha podium – followed by Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team), who has one 0 but two fourths and a third. Their ability to stay out of trouble, in terms of either causing it or getting tangled in it, has paid dividends and they’ve both been quick to boot. Migno also took a top five in France last season, and the year before, prefaced by a podium in 2018. On both past and current form, the Italian has arguably the best CV at Le Mans.
Then there’s Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team), fresh from a podium and some similarly artful dodging of the drama that befell many at the final corner. The veteran seemed to consciously stay out the melee before striking late, and he’s another who’s been consistent. He also has form at Le Mans and although it’s from 2016, he finished just 0.099 off the win in second. The fact that a 0.099 deficit has to be quantified as being second place also speaks to how incredibly close the class is. The man who followed him home in Jerez, meanwhile, is looking for a little less drama in a different manner: Jeremy Alcoba (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) may once again have impressively recovered from a Long Lap Penalty to take a rostrum finish, but he’ll want to head into race day with a clean sheet this time round and rid himself of some Sunday hurdles.
So what of that aforementioned drama? Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) would have made different headlines in Jerez if not for that late move that set off the skittles, but the Turk nevertheless put in an impressive performance and will be looking for more of that race-leading feeling. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Darryn Binder (Petronas Sprinta Racing) will also be focused on bouncing back as soon as possible; both also fuelled by the knowledge that they were once again fast, just unlucky. Experience remains on their side.
Ayumu Sasaki (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) was another who was fast and after his late race blunder first time out in 2021, the Japanese rider has since been a consistent force in the front freight train on his best roll of continual form pretty much ever. Can he crank that up even further this time? Gabriel Rodrigo (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) will also want redemption after a highside out the lead, and John McPhee’s (Petronas Sprinta Racing) bad luck only continued in the Spanish GP. But the Scotsman is the only man in the field who’s won before at Le Mans… so could this be the turnaround he needs?
We’ll find out on Sunday the 16th of May as Pedro Acosta takes on Le Mans, and the rest of the field take on Pedro Acosta. The lights go out for the lightweight class at 11:00 (GMT +2) local time, so make sure to tune in!
More, from a press release issued by FIM CEV Repsol Press Office:
Round 2 ignites with stunning Valencian qualifying
All three grids have been locked in as a titanic Sunday awaits at the Circuito Ricardo Tormo for round two of the season
Under sunny skies at the Circuito Ricardo Tormo in Cheste, Valencia, another thrilling day of FIM CEV Repsol action took place as the pole-sitters across all three classes were decided. In the FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship, it was Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Aspar Junior Team) who took a first pole position of the year, whilst it was rookie Alonso Lopez (Boscoscuro Talent Team-Ciatti) who heads the Moto2™ European Championship grid on Sunday. In the Hawkers European Talent Cup, Hugo Millan (Cuna de Campeones) fulfilled his early season potential by taking a career-first pole.
The FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship put on a thrilling display during their qualifying sessions, as Daniel Holgado picked up from where he left off at Estoril, by taking a first pole of the 2021 season just two weeks after his career-first victory. With the vast majority of riders setting quicker times in the cooler morning session, a 1’38.740 was good enough for Holgado, as he fended off Brazilian rider Diogo Moreira (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0), who took his best ever grid position and his first front row since Estoril last year, 0.170s behind the pole-time. Completing the front row is Jose Julian Garcia (SIC58 Squadra Corse), with the Spaniard also taking his second career-front row.
Taking the charge to the leading trio is Australia’s Joel Kelso (AGR Team), who took a career-best fourth, improving on his previous best by two places – which in turn, was achieved last time out at Estoril. In the middle of the second row and lining up in fifth place is last time out’s polesitter Ivan Ortola (Team MTA), as he pipped Japan’s Takuma Matsuyama (Asia Talent Team), although Matsuyama was fastest in the afternoon’s higher temperatures. Second in the Championship David Salvador (TM Factory Racing Team) could only manage 16th overall, whilst third in the standings, David Alonso (Aspar Junior Team), qualified eighth.
In the FIM Moto2™ ECh, it was yet another battle of the Boscoscuros but this time, it was Alonso Lopez who stormed to pole, pipping his fellow rookie teammate Fermin Aldeguer (Boscoscuro Talent Team-Ciatti) by a narrow 0.015s. The first 1-2 for the manufacturer in the class, it promises to be yet another battle between both riders, with Aldeguer leading the Championship by ten points over Lopez. In third place on the grid, Estoril pole-sitter Lukas Tulovic (Liqui Moly SIC Racing Team) completed the front row in third.
There’s a new name on pole in the HETC, that of Hugo Millan, who was a revelation in the opening round of the year in Portugal. Millan will hope to convert his first-ever pole position on Sunday, as he beat Group A’s Maximo Martinez (Team Honda Laglisse) to the top time, which came in the morning session. Lining up third is Estoril pole-sitter Alvaro Carpe (MT-Foundation 77), who takes back-to-back front rows for the first time in his career.
Sunday 9th May Schedule
11:00: Moto3™ Race 1 – 18 laps
12:00: Hawkers ETC – 17 laps
13:00: Moto2™ Race – 19 laps
14:00: Moto3™ 2 – 18 laps
15:00: Hawkers ETC – 17 laps
Television networks and media platforms, in Europe and across the world, are showing ever-more interest in live broadcasts of FIM CEV Repsol events. You can enjoy the live races via:
All the results and information about the Championship are on the official website: www.fimcevrepsol.com
Bagger Racing League founder Rob Buydos interviews a rider at the BRL announcement event at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway. Photo by Justin George, courtesy BRL.
BAGGER RACING LEAGUE SELLS OUT CLASS SPONSORSHIPS, CONFIRMS FIRST OF MANY RACE TEAMS, ANNOUNCES STUNT GP RIDERS, AND PARTNERSHIPS
DURANGO, CO – Bagger Racing League’s inaugural event, Drag Specialties Battle of the Baggers, is just over two months away, and already race slots and sponsorship opportunities are filling up fast.
Top companies in the motorsports sphere have jumped on board, securing Bagger Racing League Class Sponsorships:
Bagger GP presented by CUSTOM DYNAMICS
Stunt GP presented by LUCAS OIL
Pro Stock Bagger presented by METZELER
Big Twin GP presented by NAMZ
Hooligan GP presented by ICON
“We’re so excited to partner with these companies,” said BRL founder Rob Buydos. “The enthusiasm Bagger Racing League is generating and the commitment the sponsors are showing is both gratifying and humbling. This is going to be a hell of a series of races.”
But Bagger Racing League is more than racing: it is a series of 3-days-long events that features the world’s largest V-Twin vendor village at a racetrack, stunt shows, camping, the Arlen Ness Custom Bike Show and more, in addition to lots of racing. More info at: www.BaggerRacingLeague.com
Some of the boldest, well-known stunt-riders have been confirmed as entrants into the Stunt GP Class Racers, with over a dozen entered at press time. “I’m excited to be a part of the Bagger Racing League. The Stunt GP Class is going to be the first of it’s kind, with an all bagger invitation only stunt competition to qualify to race.” Said Logan Lackey, AKA @wheeliepig. Invited Stunt GP Racers as they are known on Instagram include: @dom_829, @rob_1wheelrevolution, @cbearstunts, @highsidejoe, @junkyardkennystunts, @harleywheelies, @bagdraggin_37, @reckless_203, @danny_ruthless, @cjbarham_, @ravi_savage and @holden.vs.theworld.
Bagger Racing League’s Stunt GP presented by Lucas Oil will be a two discipline event with with the best of the best riders from the East Coast to the West competing on Friday night performing burnouts, drifting and wheelies on their Baggers in a timed, judged and scored performance then the same riders on the same bikes will take it to the track on Saturday and Sunday.
Meanwhile, confirmed Bagger Racing League Racing Teams include a group of topline, accomplished outfits like Blakline Speed Shop, Collective PHX & Leading Edge V-Twin, Fab 28 Industries, Hofmann Designs, Indian Motorcycles, Kruesi Originals, Miller Built Performance Cycles, My Garage – Ventura, Pistol Pete Custom Cycles, Ramjet Racing, RPM x Arlen Ness, Speed Kings Cycle, Team Dream Rides, The Chopper Place, The Warrior Built Foundation, TOL Designs and Tucker Speed.
Harley-Davidson dealer backed race teams from across the country are lining up as well, including Bumpus Harley-Davidson of Memphis; Durango Harley-Davidson; Iron Steed Harley-Davidson; Las Vegas Harley-Davidson; Quaid Harley-Davidson; Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson; Timber Town Harley-Davidson, Harley-Davidson of Yuba City; and Zion Harley-Davidson. They are all sponsoring a rider or more to race at Bagger Racing League so they can showcase the performance parts available to the V-Twin market and for bragging rights at the Bagger Racing League Drag Specialities Battle of the Baggers.
“At first Quaid Harley-Davidson was going to sponsor one of our customers, Clay Braun, to race in the Bagger Racing League Big Twin GP but after I attended a track day with him I got hooked. Now, I have my road race license and I’m racing with Bagger Racing League in Salt Lake City myself!” Exclaimed Brandon Quaid, partner of Quaid Harley-Davidson in Southern California.
Bagger Racing League is now joined by a long list of sponsors for the inaugural event in Salt Lake City on June 25 – 27: Drag Specialties, Custom Dynamics, Icon, Lucas Oil, Badlands Motorcycle Products, Klock Werks, Lectric Lighting Co, Legend Suspensions, Shine Werks, Metzeler, NAMZ Custom Cycle Products, Bridgestone Tires, CVRD Canopies, Dunlop Tires, Kraus Motor Co, Lucky Speed Shop, Silent Graphics Company and Visit Salt Lake.
These companies join the previously announced industry leading parts and accessory manufacturers who will be fielding bikes in the Bagger GP presented by Custom Dynamics: Alloy Art, Barnett, Bassani, Feuling Parts, Performance Machine, Saddleman, Slyfox, The Speed Merchant, and Trask Performance.
BRL has generated more industry buzz in the motorsports arena in two months than many comparable events have in years. To register for the first Bagger Racing League event, Drag Specialities Battle of the Baggers, in Salt Lake City, June 25–27, at Utah Motorsports Campus, click here or visit www.BaggerRacingLeague.com.
For those needing to get licensed prior to the event, Bagger Racing League has licensing and race-school reciprocity with Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycling Association (CVMA), WERA, Competition Riders of America (CRA), Championship cup Series (CCS), American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM), American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (ARHMA) and Pacfic Track Time.
AHRMA has welcomed BRL prospective racers at their most recent Academy of Racing at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, California. Interested riders can register for the next AHRMA Roadracing School on Friday, May 28 at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kansas.
“By the end of the day we announced the formation of the Bagger Racing League, we had over 20 teams signed up to race. The speed at which racers, teams, dealers, partners, and fans have flocked to join our BRL Family is mind boggling. Come June, this is going to be the best weekend of V-Twin racing in history,” said Bagger Racing League COO, John M. Oakes.
Bagger Racing League™ inaugural event, Drag Specialties Battle of the Baggers, will take place June 25–27, 2021, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at Utah Motorsports Complex. Get your tickets, hotel packages, camping and VIP experiences and more at www.BaggerRacingLeague.com.
Follow Bagger Racing League online:
www.Facebook.com/BaggerRacingLeague
On Instagram: @BaggerRacingLeague
About Bagger League Racing
Bagger League Racing is a motorsports event series featuring high-performance touring V-twin motorcycles. The only event of its kind, it was founded by Rob Buydos and John M. Oakes in 2021.
AHRMA racers in action at Heartland Motorsports Park in 2019. Photo by etechphoto.com, courtesy AHRMA.
AMERICAN HISTORIC RACING MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION PARTNERS WITH HAGERTY
ELORA, TN, May 7, 2021 … The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association Ltd. (AHRMA) has named Hagerty as the title sponsor of their national cross-country series, presenting sponsor of AHRMA Classic MotoFest® motorcycle show and official insurance provider of the AHRMA Classic MotoFest®.
“Vintage dirt bikes are special machines and our partnership with Hagerty is a perfect fit,” said Arthur Kowitz, Chairman of the ARHMA Board of Trustees. “Hagerty knows the value of vintage bikes not just as collectors’ items but for competition use, too and we’re glad they’re on board with AHRMA.”
The Vintage Motorcycle Show presented by Hagerty Motorcycle is part of the weekend festivities at both the AHRMA Classic MotoFest® in the Heartland (May 28-20) and AHRMA Classic MotoFest® of Monterey (July 16-18) and the Hagerty Motorcycle AHRMA National Cross-Country Series features more than a dozen races across the country, culminating with the national championship finale in Henryetta, OK (Nov 5-7).
“Hagerty offers the best insurance product for the enthusiast owner, but the authentic engagement with our members is what we are most proud of. Hagerty is staffed to the teeth with gearheads who walk the walk alongside motorcycle lovers everywhere,” said Kyle Bowen, Product Manager, Motorcycle. “It’s been a pleasure to be a staple of the AHRMA paddock over the last few years and we are thrilled to continue our involvement by announcing of our partnership of the new AHRMA Classic MotoFests.”
In addition to the event naming rights and official insurance provider distinction, Hagerty receives additional partnership components including:
Featured displays at each of the AHRMA Classic MotoFest® events (Topeka, KS and Monterey, CA).
Full-page ad in the AHRMA magazine and annual AHRMA handbook.
VIP Event Access
On and off track signage.
Digital advertising through AHRMA-owned media.
For more information about AHRMA, please visit www.AHRMA.org.
ABOUT AHRMA
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association Ltd. (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to restoring and competing on historic motorcycles. With over 3000 members, AHRMA is the largest historic racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world.
ABOUT HAGERTY
Hagerty is an automotive lifestyle brand dedicated to the love of driving. Along with being the world’s largest provider of specialty insurance for enthusiast vehicles, we’re home to Hagerty Drivers Club®, DriveShare™, Car Values, Hagerty Drivers Club magazine and MotorsportReg. We also help keep automotive culture alive for future generations through youth programs, support for Historic Vehicle Association® and RPM Foundation.”
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