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American Flat Track: More From The Atlanta Super TT

David Swarts
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American Flat Track: More From The Atlanta Super TT

Estenson Racing Makes History with Yamaha Atlanta Super TT Sweep

Estenson Racing was unbeatable at last night’s Yamaha Atlanta Super TT, making history as the first team and manufacturer to win every class at a Progressive American Flat Track round. JD Beach put on a masterclass performance to win the Mission SuperTwins Main Event. Dallas Daniels completed the sweep at Atlanta Motor Speedway with a stunning two-category double, first in the AFT Production Twins class and then shortly after, in AFT Singles, where he was joined on the podium by teammate Mikey Rush for a stellar 1-2 finish. Kolby Carlile also had a top night, earning a career-best Mission SuperTwins finish in fifth.

Even in the premier Mission SuperTwins category, Beach was in a class of his own all weekend long at Atlanta. Fastest by a significant margin from the opening session, he proved untouchable aboard his Yamaha MT-07 DT right through to the checkered flag in the Main Event. The runaway victory was Beach’s third in the premier class, three out of four of the series’ most recent TTs. After earlier securing a runner-up result at the Volusia Half-Mile season opener, the win furthered his claim as a legitimate class contender in 2021 as he moved into the points lead.

Carlile flashed podium-caliber speed in Atlanta as well, qualifying third fastest. A tough outing in his Semi ultimately put that beyond his reach, but the 2017 AFT Singles Champion still managed to come through the pack from 11th to fifth.

Like Beach, Daniels showed strength straight away and in both classes. The prodigious 17-year-old was absolutely dominant in his AFT Production Twins debut, leading every session en route to his first victory on the Yamaha MT-07 DT. Daniels then backed that up with a clutch victory in AFT Singles class.

Even if Daniels had faltered, teammate Rush would have completed the sweep in his stead. After winning his Semi, the Californian grabbed the holeshot in the Main Event with Daniels right behind him, but the race was red-flagged after a crash on the first lap. This time around, the reigning AFT Singles Champion got the flying start with Rush in third. Daniels rode a smart race up front, putting the pressure on the competition. In the final four laps, Rush moved into second for the team’s second double podium of the season. The pair also sit 1-2 in the championship standings, with Daniels holding a three-point advantage over his teammate.

Estenson Racing will look to translate its momentum into continued top results when the series picks back up again at Texas Motor Speedway for the Texas Half-Mile on May 22.

 

Tommy Hayden – Estenson Racing Team Manager

“What an incredible night at the Atlanta Super TT for Estenson Racing. So many things have to go right to have a night like we did tonight, and fortunately, they did for us. All of our riders were on point all day. I could go on and on about how well all four of them rode tonight, but I want to say thanks to all of our crew members; each one of them played a role in this special night. To dominate all three classes at the event that Yamaha sponsored, and to leave here with the points lead in AFT Singles and the SuperTwins class, it’s just a night you dream of.”

 

JD Beach. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
JD Beach. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

JD Beach – Estenson Racing Mission SuperTwins

“Tonight couldn’t have gone any better. It was a dream night not only for myself but for the whole team. We swept all the classes, which is amazing. For me, after the win, it was almost more of a relief than excitement. After leading the whole test day, then leading everything today, I felt like I had a huge weight on my shoulders. So it’s awesome to get a win and leave with the points lead. We still have a lot of work to do for oval tracks, but we are getting there.”

 

Kolby Carlile (36). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Kolby Carlile (36). Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

Kolby Carlile – Estenson Racing Mission SuperTwins

“I had a good two days here in Atlanta. I was second fastest in almost every practice and qualified third overall. Going into my Semi, I was pretty nervous starting second and I didn’t get the best start and made a quick mistake, putting me to the back of the pack. Going into the Main Event I had no pressure and just put in 20 solid laps, coming from 11th to 5th. I’m happy with that performance. I just need to iron out some details, and I will be finishing where my speed shows I can be.”

 

Dallas Daniels (1). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Dallas Daniels (1). Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

Dallas Daniels – Estenson Racing AFT Singles and AFT Production Twins

“It was a really good night here at the Atlanta TT. Obviously, it couldn’t have gone any better. It was just a dream night for the team, winning every class for Estenson Racing. The day started out awesome. As soon as we got on the twin, we were fastest in every session on the track, won the Semi and the Main Event. It was just an amazing day on the twin. On the 450, I kind of struggled a little bit in the Semi and got second to Ferran (Cardus). I’m not going to lie, I was a little nervous  going into the weekend and thinking about racing both classes; I didn’t want to mess up. I have to give a big thanks to the team. We’re sitting good in the AFT Singles points right now, and we’re hoping to keep it going.”

 

Mikey Rush (15). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Mikey Rush (15). Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

Mikey Rush – Estenson Racing AFT Singles

“I’m pumped to get another second-place finish this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It was an awesome track, and I really enjoyed racing it. I’m also stoked that my teammate Dallas and I went 1-2, getting both YZ450Fs on the box at Yamaha’s home race. Being a part of the Estenson Racing crew and Yamaha is awesome. They give me a great bike week-in and week-out, and I’m looking to carry this momentum into Texas in a few weeks and the rest of the season. I’m so proud of the whole team this weekend. We all work so hard. It was just a great weekend. I had a blast!”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by KTM:

RED BULL KTM’S MAX WHALE FINISHES JUST OFF THE PODIUM AT ATLANTA SUPER TT

 

Round 3 – American Flat Track Championship – May 2, 2021

ATLANTA, Ga. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Max Whale finished just shy of the AFT Singles podium on Saturday with a hard-fought fourth-place at Round 3 of the 2021 American Flat Track Championship. Motorsport icon, Travis Pastrana, made a guest appearance at the Atlanta Super TT alongside the Red Bull KTM squad where he scored an impressive ninth-place in the AFT Singles class aboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION.

Whale, who qualified sixth with a competitive lap time in the singles division, set himself up for a favorable day of racing as he lined up on the front row of AFT Singles Semi 2. He powered his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION off the line and into third on the opening lap, where he battled for most of the race. With three laps to go, Whale clicked it up a notch to overtake second as he laid down blazing fast lap times to finish second in the semi.

Following a red-flag restart in the Main Event, Whale got off to a fifth-place start and battled inside the top-five for the first half of the race. The Australian native was able to make his way into fourth at the halfway mark and from there he maintained a steady pace to finish just shy of the podium in fourth.

 

Max Whale (18). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Max Whale (18). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

Whale: “What an awesome weekend Atlanta was! It was super fun having Travis Pastrana, Ryan Sipes and Shayna Texter as teammates all weekend. I feel like I had good speed but the first couple laps I got pushed around and dropped back a few positions but I passed a few people and ended up fourth. I feel like I had pace to run with the front three but it was too little too late and I couldn’t catch them quick enough. I just want to thank everyone who helps me out, the whole Red Bull KTM team worked really hard all weekend and it’s much appreciated.”

Coming off a 1-1 sweep at the opening rounds, Shayna Texter-Bauman had a challenging day at the Atlanta Super TT. She made it through qualifying to line up in AFT Singles Semi 2 but she didn’t get the start she was looking for and wasn’t able to make her way through the field to claim a transfer into the Main Event. Despite missing the main, Texter-Bauman still maintains third overall in the championship standings with two Main Event wins in the first three rounds.

 

Shayna Texter-Bauman (52). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Shayna Texter-Bauman (52). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

Texter-Bauman: “It was a challenging night for myself as I failed to qualify for the Main Event. This TT track was a bit unique to our sport for TT racing in particular because they added an asphalt section to the track. I felt really good on the asphalt but I was really struggling myself in the dirt section. The Georgia red clay as we saw in Supercross was very hard to find a consistent base and we battled rough-dry-slick conditions all night long. We will regroup tomorrow with some oval testing and be ready to come out strong in Texas in a couple weeks.”

As part of his weekend racing extravaganza, Travis Pastrana lined up in the AFT Singles Class for Round 3 aboard the iconic #199 KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION to try his hand at a different discipline of racing. Pastrana came away with a respectable ninth-place finish in the Main Event after battling inside the top-10 throughout the day. Pastrana was a welcomed addition to the team for the weekend as he demonstrated his ability to be ready to race at any time, any place.

 

Travis Pastrana (199). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Travis Pastrana (199). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

Pastrana: “It was an epic day of fun here in Atlanta. The KTM was by far the fastest 450 I’ve ever ridden and a huge advantage on the field and I had a blast trying to figure everything out. I brought my mechanic Ron with me to help out but besides bleeding the front brake a few times, we didn’t touch anything all weekend. I wish I could have finished one spot higher and been in front of [Ryan] Sipes but I was really happy to make the main and get a top-10 result. I need some practice using the metal shoe and being consistent with my slides but maybe the chance will come up to ride another TT in the future.”

Next Race: Texas Half-Mile – Fort Worth, Texas – May 22, 2021
AFT Singles Main Event – Atlanta Super TT

1. Dallas Daniels, YAM

2. Michael Rush, YAM

3. Ferran Cardus, HON

4. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

OTHER KTM

9. Travis Pastrana, KTM

17. Aiden RoosEvans, KTM
 

 

AFT Singles Point Standings (After Round 3)

1. Dallas Daniels, 60 points

2. Michael Rush, 57

3. Shayna Texter-Bauman, 50

4. Max Whale, 43

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Royal Enfield North America:

Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield Rider Johnny Lewis Captures Fifth Place at Atlanta  

Lewis charged from the back of the field after first lap incident 

 

Johnny Lewis (10). Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
Johnny Lewis (10). Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.

 

Atlanta, GA: Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield rider Johnny Lewis captured fifth place during the American Flat Track (AFT) Atlanta Super TT at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Lewis was fast all weekend and despite a crash on the first lap that forced him to start from the back of the field, Lewis made quick work of the back half of the field and settled into fifth. The top five finish showcases the development work the team has done since the opening round in Volusia.

The Super TT format played well into Moto Anatomy X Royal Enfield rider’s strengths, as Lewis is an accomplished supermoto rider and rides motocross regularly as part of his training. During the opening lap, Lewis made a strong start, but high-sided coming out of the first corner, breaking his helmet visor and inflating his airbag suit. After the field was red-flagged, Lewis was able to regroup and rejoin the race at the back of the field.

“We showed great speed all weekend, but the incident on the first lap meant we had our work cut out for us,” said Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield rider Johnny Lewis. “The team has been working extremely hard since Volusia. David and Bryan Lloyd along with the rest of the team have put in long hours to get more power out of the Twins FT. We ran at the top of the field all weekend and feel great about the progress we’ve made. Obviously, we had hoped for a podium result but that’s racing.”

The Atlanta Super TT course utilized both the front straightaway of the NASCAR oval and portions of dirt in the infield grass. The track made for great racing action and Lewis was running in the top two during practice and qualifying, then won his semi-final race in convincing fashion. The fifth-place finish and the speed shown by Lewis all weekend highlights the behind-the-scenes work the team continues to do in search of furthering the performance of the Twins FT package.

The American Flat Track season will return on May 22 at Texas Motor Speedway for the Mission Foods Texas Half Mile Presented by Roof Systems. Lewis will look to take the momentum from his fifth-place finish into the next round in Texas.

During the race weekend, the Get On! Moto Show will also take place around the speedway, with demo rides, custom bike displays, music, food and more Friday through Sunday. Johnny Lewis will also be hosting a Royal Enfield Slide School powered by Moto Anatomy that weekend as well.

To learn more, visit Get On! Moto Show or purchase tickets directly at AmericanFlatTrack.com.

Be sure to follow @MotoAnatomyxRoyalEnfield on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest results and insights from the track. The team will continue to release short films documenting each round, which can be seen on Royal Enfield North America’s YouTube channel throughout the season.

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 U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the Himalayan, Meteor 350 and the 650 Twins: INT 650 and Continental GT 650 motorcycles along with a range of genuine motorcycle accessories and apparel.

The Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield team is supported by Harris Performance, SENA, Spectro Oils, Beringer Brakes, Solid Performance, EVS, ODI, Just 1, Tucker, Saddlemen, S&S Cycle, Team Lawant, Quayle Construction and Goon Glass and Rubber.

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

Mert Lawwill Named Grand Marshal Of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

David Swarts
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Mert Lawwill Named Grand Marshal Of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

Mert Lawwill Named Grand Marshal of 2021 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

Featuring an On Any Sunday theme, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will highlight people, machines and memorabilia from Bruce Brown’s beloved moto documentary

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Mert Lawwill has been named Grand Marshal for the 2021 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days event July 23-25 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

Lawwill, an AMA Grand National Champion (1969), won his first AMA national at the storied Sacramento Mile in 1965, the first of his 15 career wins. In 1969 he was voted the AMA’s Most Popular Rider of the Year, and he was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.

Beyond his racing success, Lawwill is perhaps best-known for his featured role in Bruce Brown’s legendary 1971 moto documentary On Any Sunday, which chronicled his bid to defend his AMA Grand National title throughout the 1970 racing season.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the classic movie, and the 2021 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days event will feature an On Any Sunday theme to celebrate the beloved documentary. Along with having one of the movie’s stars, Lawwill, as Grand Marshal, Lawwill’s Harley-Davidson dirt tracker and a Husqvarna Malcolm Smith rode in the movie will be on display, along with other movie memorabilia.

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2021 will also feature a special screening of On Any Sunday in celebration of 50 years, bringing back the excitement and joy of riding to young and old who attend.

“I’m excited to experience all the vintage stuff happening at Mid-Ohio this July,” Lawwill said when invited to attend, “and honored to be chosen as the event’s Grand Marshal — especially since the AMA will be celebrating Bruce Brown’s On Any Sunday moto documentary during VMD weekend! Being involved in that film was a great experience, and reliving some of it this July will be fantastic.”

“Mert Lawwill is a beloved figure in motorcycling,” said AMA Editorial Director Mitch Boehm, “for his racing career as well as his role in motorcycling’s all-time favorite movie. Having Mert there to celebrate the magic that Bruce Brown created 50 years ago will be a thrill for everyone involved.”

The 2021 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days event will also feature all the vintage-oriented happenings classic-bike fans love about the event, including off-road and road racing, Hall of Fame activities, the legendary swap meet, and more.

Tickets are available at midohio.com/tickets.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

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

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

MV Agusta Hires Christian Henderson To Lead MV Agusta USA (Updated)

David Swarts
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MV Agusta Hires Christian Henderson To Lead MV Agusta USA (Updated)

MV AGUSTA RELAUNCHES THE AMERICAN MARKET

with a new brand strategy to develop its business in the United States, Canada and LATAM.

 

Varese, May 5, 2021 – MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. and its subsidiary, MV Agusta USA LLC, have created a new brand strategy to fully develop the brand’s potential in this region. MV Agusta USA LLC will be led by Christian Henderson, who will set out to expand the brand’s range of services and competences on offer, enhancing customer experience and strengthening dealer support.

Christian Henderson, a US motorcycle industry established professional, joined the MV Agusta USA team as Managing Director AMERICAS on May 3rd, 2021. Christian acquired extensive knowledge of the dealer business with key motorcycle brands, will lead the global MV Agusta change in the American market.

 

Christian Henderson. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
Christian Henderson. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.

 

The MV Agusta AMERICAS team will be concentrating on increasing its presence and brand awareness in the United States, Canada and LATAM, with the goal of establishing MV Agusta as the premier quality brand in all aspects of the business. In particular, the focus will be on the development of a premium support network, the application of the latest business technology, and the launch of exciting new products and services to create a thrilling customer experience.

Timur Sardarov, CEO MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. commented: “Reinforcing our presence in such an important market as the AMERICAS is a key part of our strategic plan. I am glad Christian is leading our US operation, as he brings a wealth of experience and forward-thinking, one-step-ahead leadership to the team, on top of his passion for motorcycles. I am confident Christian will succeed on his new path and I wish him every luck.”

Christian Henderson, Managing Director AMERICAS, said: “It is with great pleasure that I join the MV Agusta team. I will bring to bear my years of experience in the industry, both from the dealer and the OEM perspectives. In order to further propel this iconic brand to new heights in the Americas, my focus will be on increasing brand awareness and strengthening the overall premium experience for both MV Agusta customers and our dealer network.  My goal is for MV Agusta to become the premier brand in each of our dealerships while remaining premium and aspirational.”

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by MV Agusta:

MV AGUSTA SECURES STRATEGIC GROWTH PLAN

WITH 30M€ SHARE CAPITAL INCREASE

 

Varese – MV Agusta is announcing a 30M€ share capital increase to support its 5-year business plan aiming at the continuation of the worldwide growth of the Company. Bringing MV Agusta’s net equity to a total of 70M€, the initiative also marks the positive, final and early settlement of all its obligations under the composition with creditors on a going concern basis (“concordato preventivo in continuità aziendale” in Italian law). An uncommonly positive achievement which was made possible thanks to the relevant support of MV Agusta’s shareholders.

Since 2019, when the Sardarov family became the sole shareholder of the Company, more than 150M€ have been injected into the business to support operations and the investments of the new industrial plan. MV Agusta is now in a very strong position to step-up the execution of its strategic plan, focusing on the development of the new engines and models, the brand’s expansion into new segments, such as adventure, electric recreational and urban mobility, as well as on strengthening its global sales network. The relaunch of a such as historic Italian Company is also having positive effects on the local community, helping to maintain employment levels, and contributing to the Italian economy in general during this 2020 – 2021 difficult period.

Timur Sardarov, CEO of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., said: “One of my first objectives was to put an end to the financial stress the Company had been experiencing and lay the industrial and commercial structures for growth. Today all these objectives have been reached in full and now we can look at the future with renewed confidence while we continue to move from one successful product to another. This capital injection will literally boost our business on all fronts, from the design, development and production of new stunning bikes to the providing of world-class service to all our customers, to expanding our 3.0 worldwide dealers network. In 2021 we expect to exceed 100M€ revenues for the first time in our history and to triple our performance within the next 3 years.”

Massimo Bordi, Vice Chairman of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., added: “MV Agusta is a great brand with a prestigious heritage. It’ s always had very attractive products that everybody appreciates for their unique design, high performance and advanced technology. That’s why today I see a great potential in the Company, which hadn’t seen in the past years. We have finally created the conditions to allow MV Agusta write a new successful chapter in the history of motorcycling.”

About MV Agusta Motor S.p.A.

MV Agusta is one of the world’s leading premium motorcycles manufacturers. Based in Varese, in Northern Italy, it crafts legendary racetrack-derived bikes. Iconic design and class-leading performance through advanced technologies and materials make MV Agusta motorcycles admired the world over and celebrated as unique pieces of Motorcycle Art. Since 1945, the brand has evolved to become a point of reference in the industry, having won 37 World Championship titles. A record still undisputed. www.mvagusta.com

Bagger Racing League Hires Race Director, Posts Technical Rules

David Swarts
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Bagger Racing League Hires Race Director, Posts Technical Rules

BAGGER RACING LEAGUE, IN HIGH GEAR AHEAD OF FIRST RACE AND RALLY

HIRES RACE DIRECTOR AND TECHNICAL DIRECTOR  PUBLISHES OFFICIAL RULES AND OPENS RACE REGISTRATION 
 

DURANGO, CO – Bagger Racing League’s inaugural event is just over two months away, and the growing race league isn’t wasting any time.

They’ve hired a Race Director, Technical Director, Referee and Starter. Bagger Racing League (BRL) is proud to announce that race registration is now open.
To register for the first Bagger Racing League event, Drag Specialities Battle of the Baggers, 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 here.

“We’re thrilled so many companies have jumped on board as sponsors, and we can’t wait to get them in front of racers, riders and the general public,” said BRL founder Rob Buydos. “We also couldn’t be happier with our new race director, Alex Mock—Alex is a consummate professional with the kind of high-level experience and expertise we were looking for in a director.”

Based out of Corona, California, Alex Mock is the former head of race operations and promoter of the Supermoto National Championship Series and Roland Sands Design SuperHooligans, among others. He has a wide range of experience in race operations, timing, and scoring and race promotions, and he holds a race coach certificate with the U.S. Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA) and is the current American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) Roadrace Director.

“Bagger Racing League’s melding of high-performance and touring motorcycles is something new and exciting,” said Mock. “I’m honored to be on board, and I’m raring to begin my race directorship at the inaugural event in June.”

Dan Berkes is confirmed as the Technical Director and brings a wealth of V-Twin specific performance knowledge and experience. Berke’s experience in a Harley-Davidson dealership, as an aftermarket parts shop owner and aftermarket performance parts distributor as well as his attention to detail will be invaluable as the Technical Director of the Bagger Racing League.

Bagger Racing League is more than racing it is a 3-day long event that features the world’s largest V-Twin vendor village at a racetrack, stunt shows, camping, the Arlen Ness Custom Bike Show, music and lots of racing.
 

BRL features 5 classes of racing:
 

1. Hooligan GP: Includes any V-twin inspired platform.

2. Big Twin GP: Includes any large-displacement big twin.

3. Stunt GP: Entrants will qualify or not based on a stunt performance the day before racing; types of stunts include burnouts, drifting, wheelies, and the like.

4. Premier Class Bagger GP: Bikes must have a fairing and bags to qualify.

5. Pro Stock Bagger: Bikes must have fairing and bags to qualify.

 

“Within hours of announcing the Bagger Racing League, we had over 20 teams signed contracts to race with the Bagger Racing League. In the subsequent weeks, the groundswell of support  has proven the need for a V-Twin centric race and rally. We can’t wait to see everyone at the Drag Specialties Battle of the Baggers in Salt Lake City at the end of June and have the best 3 days of V-Twin racing in history” Said Bagger Racing League COO, John M. Oakes.

Bagger Racing League round 1 Drag Specialties Battle of the Baggers takes place June 25–27, 2021, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at Utah Motorsports Complex. Presale tickets are now available.

 

All info
www.BaggerRacingLeague.com
 

BRL Official Rules are posted and can be perused here.
 

 

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 Oakes in 2021.

Tried And Tested: Dunlop RoadSport 2 Tires

David Swarts
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Tried And Tested: Dunlop RoadSport 2 Tires

Copyright 2021, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

by Michael Gougis

For riders thinking about getting into the track day riding game, there are obstacles real and imagined. The real ones can be tough enough. You don’t need imagined ones on top of those.

Often, new riders are told/read on social media that they have to have good tires to go to the track. This is true. But what constitutes a good tire? Do you have to have slicks? Is it imperative to have a spare set of rims with racing tires mounted up just to go have a good time riding around your favorite circuit?

The simple answer is no. And the more complex answer is that a good set of modern performance-oriented radials are good enough to get you through a day of trashing around your favorite circuit with style. And an even more complex answer is that even tires that have been used on the street can successfully make the transition to occasional track use.

Which brings us to the immediate instance: Dunlop’s RoadSport 2.

 

A Dunlop RoadSport2 front tire. Photo courtesy Dunlop.
A Dunlop RoadSport2 front tire. Photo courtesy Dunlop.

 

Dunlop has a range of performance-oriented street radials, ranging from the budget Sportmax GPR-300 up to the Sportmax Q4. While perusing the company’s catalogue for a new set of boots for my Suzuki SV650 street machine, I ran across the following phrase in the company’s literature for the RoadSport 2:

Available in popular sport bike sizes to fit machines such as the Suzuki SV650.

 

A Dunlop RoadSport2 rear tire. Photo courtesy Dunlop.
A Dunlop RoadSport2 rear tire. Photo courtesy Dunlop.

 

I’m not always the warmest McNugget in the Happy Meal, so the universe apparently didn’t want there to be any ambiguity about which tires I, the owner of a Suzuki SV650, should purchase. I bought a set in April 2020.

The tires feature a radial construction with a single-compound tread. They are designed for quick warmup and light, quick steering. The company says they are designed to provide a balance between value and performance and to offer grip at sportbike-appropriate lean angles.

Between April 2020 and April 2021, I put approximately 5,500 street miles on this set of tires. I was careful to maintain proper street tire pressures, and I upgraded the suspension a bit – as someone wise once said, the entire purpose of a chassis is to keep the tires happy.

So even a trip from Southern California to Seattle and back didn’t flat-spot the tires in the center, and they still felt grippy enough for freeway onramp shenanigans a year after I bought them. The tires also felt dead-stable at speed on the freeway, didn’t beat me up and didn’t wander over rain grooves. All good.

Then, for the purposes of a different article, I needed to put a few track miles on the bike. And I thought, I’ve been telling people for years in the Trackday Directory that the bike in the garage is good enough to get started on. Well, I had a bike in the garage. Put up or shut up, I thought.

I did four long (30-minute) sessions at Buttonwillow Raceway Park at a TrackDaz event on the RoadSport 2 tires. I dropped the pressures to 32 psi front, 28 psi rear, cold, and didn’t touch them the rest of the day. I also didn’t use tire warmers.

Perhaps my familiarity with Suzuki’s middleweight twin assisted things, but I was quickly comfortable and having fun. As promised, the tires quickly warmed to the point where I was knee-down in the first session, and they did nothing wrong through the long sweeping corners at the track, the front tracking true and holding a line comfortably with the speedo reading 90 mph through Riverside.

As my confidence built, I could get the rear to slide a bit, but it was all completely under control. As a matter of fact, I didn’t realize how much I was hanging the rear out until the gentleman pitted next to me commented on how aggressively I was riding when I passed him on his KTM 1290 Super Duke!

At the end of the day, the rear was shagged all the way to the edge and looked like they’d been on the track. But they’re still in good shape, and I’m still using them on the street. And I’ll be looking for another set of RoadSport (or tires from the company’s multi-compound RoadSmart series) when I eventually burn these out.

MotoAmerica: Doyle Broke Arm At Road Atlanta

David Swarts
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MotoAmerica: Doyle Broke Arm At Road Atlanta

BARTCON Racing rider Dominic Doyle missed the Supersport races at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and will miss the upcoming races at VIRginia International Raceway due to a broken right arm he suffered during the season-opening event in Georgia.

“Unfortunately after further scans, we have confirmed that our Supersport rider Dominic Doyle has suffered a fracture of his right wrist, more specifically the radius bone, after crashing out in Friday’s free practice at Road Atlanta,” team owner Colin Barton wrote in an e-mail to Roadracingworld.com. “Dominic will have the cast on for at least a month and will be out for VIR, but hopefully after some accelerated physio/rehab and hard training, we can get him ready for Road America in mid-June.”

 

Dominic Doyle post-Road Atlanta. Photo courtesy BARTCON Racing.
Dominic Doyle post-Road Atlanta. Photo courtesy BARTCON Racing.

MotoAmerica: More From The Season-Opener At Road Atlanta

David Swarts
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MotoAmerica: More From The Season-Opener At Road Atlanta

SUZUKI’S SEAN DYLAN KELLY WINS TWICE AT ROAD ATLANTA

Brea, CA  – Suzuki Motor USA, LLC and Team Hammer kicked off the 2021 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship in midseason form, racking up a pair of victories, three podiums, and a pole position in the ‘21 opener at Road Atlanta.
The weekend’s leading man was undoubtedly M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Sean Dylan Kelly, who made good on his promise to come back even stronger in ‘21 following a five-win, championship runner-up MotoAmerica Supersport campaign a year ago.

‘SDK’ delivered back-to-back blowout victories from pole in MotoAmerica Supersport competition at Road Atlanta. He twice demonstrated his elite dog-fighting capabilities aboard his Suzuki GSX-R600 early before ultimately breaking his pursuers’ challenge and escaping to take the checkered flag alone at the front.

As a result, Kelly now boasts four consecutive class victories dating back to the end of last season. The rising star said, “That was amazing. It’s awesome to see fans here again cheering us on. This is what we work for as a team. For myself, this offseason, it was really tough after a difficult 2020 season. But this is what we work for.

“I came into 2021 better than ever, and my team came into 2021 better than ever. We worked really hard this weekend and this is our reward. We’re going to keep going just like this. We’re really strong and we’re going to keep on fighting.”

 

Sam Lochoff (44) kicked off his 2021 season with two impressive top ten finishes in Atlanta. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Sam Lochoff (44) kicked off his 2021 season with two impressive top ten finishes in Atlanta. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

 

Kelly’s new teammate, Sam Lochoff, impressed in his MotoAmerica Supersport class (and team) debut. The South African twice fought his way forward from the outside of Row 3, claiming a fifth-place result on Saturday and a seventh on Sunday despite still acclimating to the power of Suzuki’s Supersport contender.

M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Superbike duo of Bobby Fong and Cameron Petersen flashed serious potential and came away with a runner-up result and four top-fives despite battling against misfortune and difficult circumstances.

 

Bobby Fong (50) raced hard and delivered a podium finish and a top five finish to back it up. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Bobby Fong (50) raced hard and delivered a podium finish and a top five finish to back it up. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

 

Fong stormed to second aboard his factory GSX-R1000 Superbike on Saturday and showed the pace to improve upon that position in Sunday’s rematch.

Unfortunately, the Californian was judged to have jumped the start and was assessed a ride-thru penalty while running at the front of the pack. The penalty eliminated Fong from contention for the win, but Fong rode hard after serving the penalty and salvaged a fifth-place finish in the end.

“It wasn’t a bad weekend. We came out in one piece with no crashes and got some points,” said Fong. “I jumped the start in race two and I apologize to the team for that. The track is downhill there on the start and I got a bit of a roll. It’s unfortunate, but that is part of racing. When I was leading, I didn’t feel like I was pushing too hard and I felt comfortable racing with those guys. The team worked really well this weekend and I feel really good about our season.”

 

Cameron Petersen (45) took home two top-five finishes in his debut ride in the Superbike class. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Cameron Petersen (45) took home two top-five finishes in his debut ride in the Superbike class. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

 

South African Cam Petersen scored a pair of fourths, despite riding at less than 100% due to a healing injured foot.

 

Wyatt Farris (79) had two solid races in his debut on the M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Wyatt Farris (79) had two solid races in his debut on the M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

 

Unrealized potential was the theme for a number of other Suzuki pilots; M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Wyatt Farris earned tenth- and 13th-place finishes in Stock 1000 after a preseason injury hampered his testing program.

 

Jake Lewis (85) is back on a Suzuki and delivered two fourth-place finishes over the weekend. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Jake Lewis (85) is back on a Suzuki and delivered two fourth-place finishes over the weekend. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

 

Altus Motorsports Suzuki’s ultra-talented Jake Lewis twice teased race-winning potential on his Team Hammer-built GSX-R1000 in Stock 1000 before reeling in a pair of fourths.

Team Hammer and M4 ECSTAR Suzuki will look to make good on a promising opener when the 2021 season resumes at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia, on May 21-23.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Jayson Uribe’s publicist:

Jayson Uribe in MotoAmerica Top 10!

 

Jayson Uribe (36). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Jayson Uribe Racing.
Jayson Uribe (36). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Jayson Uribe Racing.

 

It was a challenging weekend for ADR Racing’s Jayson Uribe, who ultimately walked away with a top ten finish yesterday, in the second Superbike race of the opening MotoAmerica event of the year, after a monster crash earlier in the weekend at Road Atlanta.

Now Suzuki mounted, Uribe made a promising start before falling heavily on Friday afternoon, resulting in a trip to the local hospital which thankfully revealed no broken bones. Determined to take to the grid, Jayson’s first race on Saturday yielded no points, meaning a tough race on Sunday, the #36 having to start from nineteenth on the grid.

Working his way forward, Jayson was soon inside the top, where he eventually finished, collecting six points and his first top ten of the season. He moves on to Round 2 at VIR in a couple of weeks looking to build upon his exploits of the opening round.

Jayson Uribe: “Overall, it was an interesting opening weekend for the ADR team. We were off to a good start, right up until QP1 on Friday afternoon when we had a small piece of the rear brake fail, which caused fluid to get on to the rear tire and send me skyward. Absolutely no fault of anyone, just a faulty piece that no one could’ve predicted or planned for. Long story short, I was taken to the hospital for some X-rays and to fix up some scrapes. Still have all nine fingers though! I woke up on Saturday morning very sore, but ready to get back on the bike. My crew worked late into the night to make sure the bike was perfect, which I appreciate greatly. David Anthony (my team mate and boss) ended up having an off in QP2 and sustained an injury to his hand that ruled him out of the weekend. From that point on, my goal was just to finish the weekend and take-home points for the team. Race 1 on Saturday was rough, as we got tangled up in some oil from an incident in turn 1, which caused me to come to the pits to clean everything off. We went back out just to gather data and prep for race 2. In race 2, I was gridded in 19th from the finish in race 1, which gave me a lot of work to do. After clawing my way up to 10th, I decided to play it safe and bring home some points for the team. Overall, the ADR crew had a bit of a rough go at Atlanta. We are all looking forward to starting fresh for round 2!”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Travis Wyman Racing:

Travis Wyman scores victory, podium at MotoAmerica Superbikes at Atlanta

BMW rider leaves Road Atlanta round with championship points lead in Stock 1000 Class, Superbike Cup

 

Travis Wyman (10). Photo by Paul Phillips, courtesy Travis Wyman Racing.
Travis Wyman (10). Photo by Paul Phillips, courtesy Travis Wyman Racing.

BRASELTON, Ga. — As Travis Wyman traveled to the Road Atlanta road course on Thursday, he was hoping his offseason testing program had done enough to help him get a good start to the 2021 MotoAmerica season. By the end of his fourth and final race of the April 30-May 2 event, the California Superbike School instructor had accomplished that goal and now sits atop the points standings in two MotoAmerica classes.

The Las Vegas rider kicked off his second season racing aboard a 2020 BMW S 1000 RR — with title sponsorship from Keith Code’s California Superbike School — with a victory and third place in the weekend’s two Stock 1000 races and was the top-finishing Superbike Cup rider in both MotoAmerica Superbike races.

Wyman was fast from start of the weekend, posting the fastest lap time in Stock 1000 practice on Friday morning. After having trouble getting a clean flying lap in Friday afternoon’s qualifying session due to a crowded racetrack, Wyman finished Saturday qualifying in second.

Saturday afternoon’s Stock 1000 race saw Wyman recover from a lackluster start to claim a podium finish. After falling back to fifth place at the end of Lap 1, Wyman battled with several other riders for the duration of the 13-lap race. The only lap Wyman crossed the start/finish line in third place was the last lap. Wyman also ended that race with an exclamation point, breaking the lap record for the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Class at Road Atlanta with a time of 1:26.949 on the final lap.

Later Saturday, Wyman lined up for first Superbike race of 2021. After starting the race 12th on the grid, Wyman fell as far back as 14th before charging forward to ninth place by the end of Lap 3. Attrition farther up the field moved Wyman up the running order. He finished the race in seventh and secured the best finish among the Superbike Cup riders.

For Sunday’s Stock 1000 race, Wyman got a better start and gradually reeled in the race leader. After making a draft pass for the lead on Lap 9, Wyman built a commanding lead, taking the victory by a margin of 2.876 seconds. Later Sunday afternoon, Wyman scored his second top-10 Superbike finish of the weekend. Starting from seventh place on the grid, Wyman held off a challenge from another Superbike Cup rider to score a eighth-place finish and a second-consecutive first place among the Superbike Cup field. Wyman also lowered his personal best lap time around Road Atlanta when he posted a 1:26.690.

The next round of the 2021 MotoAmerica season takes place May 21-23 at VIRginia International Raceway in Alton, Va. The track is one of Wyman’s favorites on the MotoAmerica schedule, and he has recorded a win and a third-place in MotoAmerica’s last two Stock 1000 races on the facility’s 2.25-mile North Course.

Travis Wyman / No. 10

“The weekend at Road Atlanta went about as good as it could have. If I’d gotten a better start in Saturday’s Stock 1000 race, I think I would’ve been in contention to win that race too. I’ve had success here before, but I put this year’s good results down to being prepared for the start of the season. Thanks to my Irv Seaver BMW-sponsored offseason testing program, I felt comfortable pushing my BMW from the start of the weekend and had great pace from the first practice session. I got a better start in Sunday’s Stock 1000 race, and my team had my BMW dialed in. It’s been an amazing weekend, but there’s still a lot of racing to go this year. I really enjoy racing at VIR, and I think we’ll be in the hunt for more victories there.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Robem Engineering:

Robem Engineering riders endure difficult race Sunday on final day of MotoAmerica Superbikes at Atlanta

De Keyrel, Schultz, Khamsouk unable to take part in restarted Twins Cup race after suffering crashes at Road Atlanta’s Turn 1

 

Kaleb De Keyrel (51) on his Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660. Photo by Sara Chappell Photos.
Kaleb De Keyrel (51) on his Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660. Photo by Sara Chappell Photos.

BRASELTON, Ga. — Saturday afternoon, the Robem Engineering team was celebrating the triumphant debut of the Aprilia RS 660 in MotoAmerica Twins Cup competition. About 24 hours later, the team’s three riders were unable to finish Sunday’s Twins Cup contest, as Kaleb De Keyrel, Hayden Schultz and Toby Khamsouk all crashed out of the race at the start of Lap 8.

Despite not claiming any championship points Sunday, all three Robem Engineering Aprilias were running in the top seven or better for the first seven laps of the race, with De Keyrel and Schultz locked in a battle for the race lead. The team leaves the first of nine MotoAmerica rounds in 2021 with a win and a podium finish in the books, as well as two riders in the top nine in the Twins Cup points standings.

 

Hayden Schultz (49). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Robem Engineering.
Hayden Schultz (49). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Robem Engineering.

At the start of Sunday’s Twins Cup race, it was De Keyrel who grabbed the holeshot and led the field into Road Atlanta’s uphill Turn 1. From there, it was a four-way battle for the lead, with De Keyrel and Schultz taking their turns at the front of the quartet. De Keyrel was consistently fast, posting a 1:35.180 on Lap 4 – the fastest lap of the race at that point in time – then besting that time on Lap 6 with a 1:35.703. As De Keyrel was vying for the lead at the start of Lap 8, fluid began leaking from his bike, causing De Keyrel, Schultz, Khamsouk and another rider to crash as they entered Turn 1. The race was stopped and, due to damage all three bikes suffered in their respective crashes, none of the Robem riders were able to take part in the restarted race.

 

Toby Khamsouk (27). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Robem Engineering.
Toby Khamsouk (27). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Robem Engineering.

The Robem Engineering team will be back in action at Round 2 of the 2021 MotoAmerica season, which takes place May 21-23 at VIRginia International Raceway in Alton, Va. The tight, twisty nature of VIR’s 2.25-mile North Course should suit the good handling characteristics of the Aprilia RS 660, and all three riders will aim to further their goal of winning Aprilia’s first MotoAmerica title.

Robem Engineering’s technical partners for 2021 include The Center for Plastic Surgery, Velocity Calibrations, Bitubo Suspension, Dunlop, Woodcraft Technologies, Dymag, Vesrah, DNA Filters, Magura USA, Sara Chappell Photos, NGK/NTK, Blud Lubricants, Millennium Technologies and SC-Project.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Pure Attitude Racing:

Podium, a brace of top tens, points for all four riders – MotoAmerica started in style for Pure Attitude Racing in Atlanta

Pure Attitude Racing made their intentions clear in the opening round of the 2021  MotoAmerica series at Road Atlanta this past weekend. Trevor Standish raced to a maiden Twins Cup podium, his team mates securing solid race finishes in both Supersport and Twins Cup too!

 

The weekend began in style in Gainesville Square where all four riders attended the annual ‘Season Kick Off’ Party, one of the team’s machines was also on display.

When the on-track action got underway on Friday, riders Nate Minster and Austin Miller made great strides between sessions in Supersport, the pair showing great speed and potential on the opening day of season. Both riders improved further in final qualifying, although Nate Minster took a spill which ruled him out of Race 1. Twins Cup duo, Liam MacDonald and Trevor Standish had an up and down day one but bounced back in style to qualify strongly ahead of their two races.

Looking back at the races – two in both classes – the team are delighted with the performance of all four riders who each ensured a bag full of points as the season heads to Virginia International Raceway in a couple of weeks.

 

Trevor Standish. Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Trevor Standish. Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.

 

Trevor Standish began his title campaign in Twins Cup with a fighting fourth on Saturday, which he followed up with a stunning ride to P2 on Sunday, the #16 leaving Road Atlanta with the championship lead! Liam MacDonald showed that he has lost none of his speed, despite not racing competitively for over a year. The Kiwi, who is making is MotoAmerica debut this season, finished tenth and seventh, declaring himself content with the weekend, and delighted with how welcome Pure Attitude Racing have made him feel.

 

Austin Miller (61). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Austin Miller (61). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.

 

Austin Miller opened his points tally with a career equalling best result of twelfth, the #61 Kawasaki rider running strongly in race too, before a small issue meant he had to retire. Nate Minster, who had initially qualified on the third row of the grid, secured the team’s third top ten finish of the weekend, taking eighth in a confidence building ride on Sunday.

 

Trevor Standish 4th / 2nd: “The season got off to a great start. I finished fourth on Saturday which was a career best finish in the Twins Cup class for me. I made another good start in Race 2 on Sunday and was running a strong fifth. I was hanging with the lead group and I noticed some smoke along the main straight. I had made a couple of mistakes, which was lucky in hindsight as there was a three-rider crash into Turn 1. I knew it must have been fluid, so I was extra cautious. We regrouped and I made the hole shot and was able to pressure Teagg Hobbs throughout. It was a great feeling to lead the opening lap and a half and to be able to fight for the win. I made the fastest lap of the race on the last lap and am leading the Twins Cup championship too which is unbelievable, I actually have no words. The next round is at one of my favourite circuits – VIR – and I hope we can keep the momentum going. I want to thank the whole Pure Attitude Team for all their hard work this weekend, especially Kent and AJ, and thank the fans for going so crazy at the podium!”

 

Liam MacDonald (37). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Liam MacDonald (37). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.

 

Liam MacDonald: 10th / 7th: “Q2 I was frustrated to only get one clean lap, but the main thing is that I made the grid after the crash in Q1. For the race, from lap seven to eleven I was in survival mode. I couldn’t feel my arms or my hands. I could barely twist the throttle. I lost a couple of places on the final lap but that’s racing. I learned a lot and to finish my first race in the US in the top ten is more than I expected. I am really stoked with how Race 2 went. I’m upset that I made a mistake on the last lap but that won’t happen as I get more used to the bike and I understand how to race a Twins Cup bike. We aren’t quite there with the perfect set-up, but we aren’t far away, and the potential is there. I need to improve my physical fitness, I haven’t raced for over a year, but I am confident that we can run in the top six pretty soon. I am so happy for my team mate Trevor and so happy for the team. I already feel part of the Pure Attitude family and I cannot wait for the next race.”

 

Nate Minster (99). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Nate Minster (99). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.

 

Nate Minster – DNS / 8th: “Qualifying went well, especially on Saturday when I was able to improve my time by over a second. I crashed heavily though towards the end of Q2 and despite the best efforts of the team I was unable to make the grid for race one. We were able to race on Sunday and whilst I didn’t feel the best after my Q2 get off, I was able to make a good start and was chasing for seventh. I ended up eighth, which when you consider what happened and the work, we had to do to get back out there isn’t too bad.”

 

Austin Miller: 12th / 15th: “Race one went great despite a rough opening lap on the initial start. I shifted into third gear and got on the gas a little too hard out of Turn 10 and as I crested the hill towards the final turn the front wheel went skywards. Luckily, I was able to get it stopped but was dead last after going through the gravel. The next lap there was a red flag which really helped me out. My initial jump on the restart wasn’t great but I avoided another incident at Turn 1 and was able to bring it home in the twelfth position and I was able to improve my lap time again, in race conditions. Race two there was another red flag unfortunately when I was running in the top fourteen. I was able to run in the points in the restart but with three laps to go I had a small problem with the bike. I lost power and had to reset it which worked but the issue happened again, and I had to retire to the pits.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Bob’s BMW Jeremy Cook Racing:

Bob’s BMW Jeremy Cook Racing, presented by Motorcycle Xcitement, scores points-paying finish in first time racing at Road Atlanta in MotoAmerica season opener

BMW rider places in top 20 in MotoAmerica Stock 1000 races on Saturday, Sunday

 

Jeremy Cook (81). Photo by BrockImaging, courtesy Bob's BMW Jeremy Cook Racing.
Jeremy Cook (81). Photo by BrockImaging, courtesy Bob’s BMW Jeremy Cook Racing.

BRASELTON, Ga. — For Jeremy Cook, his first full pro road racing season started at a track he’d never ridden on before. Despite enduring mechanical problems with his BMW S 1000 RR on Thursday and Friday, the Bob’s BMW Jeremy Cook Racing rider got a positive start to his first full MotoAmerica racing season when he finished in the points in Sunday’s Stock 1000 race.

Cook – who is an instructor for presenting sponsor Motorcycle Xcitement — first competed in a MotoAmerica race in 2015, and MotoAmerica’s season-opening Superbikes at Atlanta round marked the first of nine MotoAmerica rounds that Cook plans to compete in this year.

After encountering problems with his motorcycle’s clutch system Thursday night while prepping the BMW and Friday during the Stock 1000 Class’ Friday practice session, Cook qualified 23rd for the weekend’s two Stock 1000 races.

In Saturday’s race, Cook moved up three positions on the first lap, crossing start/finish in 20th-place. He got past another rider on Lap 2 and maintained 19th place to the end of the contest. In Sunday’s Stock 1000 race, Cook made another good start and was running in 15th place at the end of Lap 1. Though Cook dropped as far as 18th on Laps 8 and 9, he recovered in the latter stages of the race to finish 15th and claimed his first championship point of his 2021 campaign.

The next stop on MotoAmerica’s schedule is VIRginia International Raceway May 21-23. Though Cook has some bad memories of the Alton, Va., track from a severe crash he suffered there in 2009, the Maryland rider also has ample experience on the facility’s 2.25-mile North Course and will be targeting his first top-10 finish of 2021 that weekend.

Jeremy Cook / No. 81

“It was a bit of a struggle this weekend at Road Atlanta. We raced in several Championship Cup Series races at New Jersey Motorsports Park last weekend and thought we were fully prepared for what lied ahead. It was my first time racing at Road Atlanta, and it’s a steep learning curve with this very physical racetrack. Between trying to get the bike set up for a track we didn’t know and the mechanical issues we dealt with Thursday and Friday, it felt like we were behind the eight-ball most of the weekend. I have to give a huge shout out to Roger Lyle of Motorcycle Xcitement for helping us with track knowledge and technical support. I learned a lot about racing at Road Atlanta by going to school on the riders I was competing against and was able to use that knowledge to score Sunday’s points-paying finish. My bad memories of VIR still linger in my head, but I’m happy to be heading to a track my team and I know well.”

NEMRR: Block, Doucette, Greenwood, Wood Win At NHMS

David Swarts
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NEMRR: Block, Doucette, Greenwood, Wood Win At NHMS

NEMRR Race #1 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

The 2021 race season for NEMRR kicked off at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in chilly conditions, but the paddock was buzzing with excitement to get out and ride.  The series has made some rule changes over the off season to bring NEMRR more in line with CCS national rules, including a move back to open fuel rules (which several riders were anxious to test).  Finally, the track opened up the apex of Turn 10 by about 6 feet, giving riders a straighter shot back into the infield.  This change was universally received well as riders commented that the turn was both more fun and safer – a win-win for all!

Leading the way on Saturday was 2020 #1 plate holder Rick Doucette, with wins in GTL by #74,  Seacoast Sport Cycle Lightweight Grand Prix and 300 Supersport races.  During the Saturday riders meeting, Rick received a special “Champion Edition” Fender Guitar to commemorate the 10th overall series championship of his career.  Rick has won a record 95 championships and got off to a great start in 2021 on his way to 100.

In the Saturday Michelin/Motorace $1500 Dash for Cash two young standouts put in impressive performances.  Sam Greenwood, son of perennial NEMRR standout Scott Greenwood, carried forward the family tradition of winning with a dominating performance.  Sam put in the fastest lap of the race on lap 3 and then continued to build up over a 10 second cushion over Rick Doucette and Paul Duval.  Duval had to battle hard all race with rising star Eli Block who was incredibly riding a Husquvarna 450 motard bike against a field of 600cc sport bikes.  Block and Duval swapped positions constantly during the race, giving the crowd a number of “hold your breath” moments as they literally went through many corners within inches of each other.  Block set an all time record lap time for a Motard, recording an incredible 1:14.9 on lap number 5 of the event.

 

Samuel Greenwood (2). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.
Samuel Greenwood (2). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.

 

Saturday also marked the inaugural event of the NEMRR Super Street Series, which is an opportunity for track day riders to be part of the NEMRR weekend in a race that is designed more for fun than pure competition.  These riders only need to have completed a track day in the previous 12 months (which can be the Friday before the event) and then they get a pair of practices, a heat and a final – all the while being able to watch the best racers in the Northeast between sessions.  The winners of these debut classes were Gregory Livanos in the lightweight division and Semir Falic in the unlimited division.

In the amatuer ranks there were two riders who put in particularly impressive performances.  Kevin Custer racked up 5 wins in the very competitive middleweight ranks on his Suzuki GSXR600, with his strongest performance coming in the Middleweight Formula 40 class when he dropped into the 1:17 range, a time that will soon make him eligible to advance to Expert.  NEMRR also welcomed 12 year old newcomer Alessandro Di Mario who really turned some heads on his Yamaha R3 as we won all three of his races on Sunday and managed to beat all but one of the Experts in the 300 Superbike class.  Alessandro’s 1:21 was within two seconds of the all time track record in the class, an incredible performance for an Amatuer racer who was visiting NHMS for the first time!

Round two of the NEMRR series kicks off on May 22, interested riders can visit www.lrrsracing.com for more information.  Riders wishing to register for Super Street can either call NEMRR or add the Super Street Class to a Friday track registration with the Penguin Racing School at www.penguinracing.com.

 

 

May 1-2, 2021 @ NHMS – Results

Rookie Race Lightweight 3 & 4

1. Douglas Cooper (Suz SV)

2. Asher Rubright (Hon CRFR)

3. Tyson Bernard (Suz SV)

4. John Sommer (Kaw Ninja)

 

Rookie Race Wave 1

1. Dennis Metzler (Duc 848 Evo)

2. Mohammad Nourmohammadi (Kaw )

3. Thomas Dixon (Duc 1199r)

4. Harrison Co (0 0)

5. Matthew Lewis (Yam YZF-R6)

6. Michele Pierro (Kaw Ninja)

 

Rookie Race Heavyweight 1 & 2

1. Michael Lee (Suz GSXR)

2. James Burnard (Suz GSXR)

3. Jim Chapman (EBR RX)

4. Sam Martin (Hon CBR 600RR)

5. Aaron Booth (Yam R6)

6. Andrei Ciobanu (Suz GSXR)

 

Amateur GTL

1. Matthew Paternoster (Suz SV 650)

2. Todd Fanciullo (Kaw Ninja 650)

3. Stephen Biehl (Suz SV650)

4. Dan Pletea (Suz SV650)

5. Craig Babcock (Kaw 400 Ninja)

6. Rick Ma (Hon NT650)

 

#74 GTL

1. Rick Doucette (Yam R5)

2. Adam Guyer (Duc 1000DS)

3. Nicholas Leighton (KTM 790 Duke)

4. Jerry Randall (Yam YZF-R5)

5. Brett Guyer (Duc SS 900)

6. Bill Coolahan (KTM Duke 790)

 

Firsttrax Combined GT 500

1. Elijah Block (Kaw Ninja 400)

2. Shane Lewis (Kaw Ninja 400)

3. Brianna McHugh (Kaw Ninja 400)

4. Jacob Crossman (Kaw Ninja 400)

5. Thomas Sands (Kaw Ninja)

6. Alessandro Di Mario (Yam R3)

 

GTO

1. Scott Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Scott Mullin (Kaw ZX-10R)

3. Roger Ealy Jr (Kaw ZX-10R)

4. David Dayon (Kaw ZX-10R)

5. Jason Fairclough (BMW S1000RR)

 

Dunlop Tires GTU

1. Scott Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Paul Duval (Yam YZFR6L)

3. Harlan Hildebrand (Kaw ZX-6R)

4. Bryan Wardius (Yah YZF-R6)

5. Jeff Gray (Yam YZF-R6)

 

Woodcraft Amateur GTU

1. Joe Ruth (Apr 1000)

2. David Mink (Kaw ZX6R)

3. Anthony Wells (Kaw ZX-6R)

4. Chris Dixon (Yam R6)

5. John Beaulieu (Tri Daytona)

6. Carlos Hidrovo (Hon CBR600RR)

 

Amateur GTO

1. Patrick Gallo (Duc 848 Evo)

 

Amateur Super Singles

1. Daniel Zimmer (CRF CRF)

2. Christopher Girard (Hus FS450)

3. Alexander Kates (Hus FC 450)

 

MTAG Pirelli Amateur 300 Supersport

1. Alessandro Di Mario (Yam R3)

2. Thomas Sands (KTM 390)

3. Roy Whitson (Yam R3)

4. Brendan Moriarty (Kaw EX300)

 

Super Singles

1. Wesley Lakis (Kra HKR EVO2)

2. Kevin Allen (Hus FS450)

3. J.C. Bernier (Hon CRF450R)

4. Lee Schmidt (Hus Fs450)

5. Michael Tine (Hus FS 450)

6. Adam Clark (Hon CRF450)

 

300 Supersport

1. Rick Doucette (Yam YZF-R3)

2. Jason Downs (Yam R3)

3. Lukas Doucette (Yam R3)

4. James Whitaker (Yam YZF-R3)

 

Antham gloves Amateur HW Supersport

1. Joe Ammendolia (Yamaha YZF-R6))

2. Michael Chase (Yam R6)

3. Owen Feeney (Suz GSXR 600)

4. Daryl Blums (Yam YZF-R6)

5. Michael Guarino (Kaw ZX-6R)

6. Marc Manley (Yam YZF-R6)

 

Amateur Formula 40 Unlimited

1. Paul Hosue (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Kevin Custer (Suz GSXR 600)

3. Anthony Wells (Kaw ZX-6R)

4. Lloyd Palmer (Yam YZF-R6)

5. Chris Dixon (Yam R6)

6. Robert Lewis Jr (Kaw ZX-10R)

 

Atham Motorsports HW Supersport

1. Samuel Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Brian Fernald (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Kip Peterson (Yam YZF-R6)

4. Justin Landry (Yam YZF-R6)

5. Anthony DiCecca (Yam YZF-R6)

6. Bryan Wardius (Yah YZF-R6)

 

MTAG Pirelli Formula 40 Unlimited

1. Eric Wood (Kaw ZX-10)

2. David Dayon (Kaw ZX-10R)

3. David Fett (Duc Panigale S)

4. Jim Rich (Duc 1199 Panagale R)

5. Wojciech Kasperuk (Yam YZF-R6)

6. Jason Downs (Suz GSX-R600)

 

Freedom Cycle LW Superbike

1. Nicholas Leighton (KTM 790 Duke)

2. Bill Coolahan (KTM Duke 790)

3. Steven Heider (KTM DUKE)

4. Adam Guyer (Duc 1000DS)

5. Robert Marsden (Suz SFV 650 Gladius)

6. Brian Faucher (Suz SV650)

 

Amateur LW Superbike

1. Benjamin Claman (KTM 790)

2. Matthew Paternoster (Suz SV 650)

3. Kevin Fogg (Suz SV650)

4. Todd Fanciullo (Kaw Ninja 650)

5. Christian Connor (Suz SV650)

6. Pierce Ballantyne (Suz SV650)

 

Novice Formula 1

1. Thomas Dixon (Duc 1199r)

2. Gabriel Pavadore (Yam YZF)

3. Andrei Ciobanu (Suz GSXR)

4. Harrison Co (Yam R6)

5. Dennis Metzler (Duc 848 Evo)

6. Nicholas Mercier (Duc 848 Evo)

 

Novice Formula 3

1. Bradley Paisker (KTM SMR 525)

2. Douglas Cooper (Suz SV)

3. Michele Pierro (Kaw Ninja)

4. Asher Rubright (Hon CRFR)

5. Peter Kolodziej (Suz SV650)

6. Mohammad Nourmohammadi (Kaw )

 

Amateur LW Grand Prix

1. Benjamin Claman (KTM 790)

2. Matthew Paternoster (Suz SV 650)

3. Kevin Fogg (Suz SV650)

4. Todd Fanciullo (Kaw Ninja 650)

5. Christian Connor (Suz SV650)

6. Dan Pletea (Suz SV650)

 

Seacoast Sport Cycle LW Grand Prix

1. Rick Doucette (Yam R5)

2. Steven Heider (KTM DUKE)

3. Wesley Lakis (Kra HKR EVO2)

4. Robert Pease Jr (Kaw Ninja 650R)

5. Drew Bailey (Suz SV650)

6. David Rubin (Suz SV650)

 

Super Street Unlimited

1. Semir Fazlic (Suz GSX-R600)

2. Michael Ouellette (Suz GSXR)

3. william brennan (Kaw zx6r)

4. Eric Whitney (0 0)

 

Super Street Lightweight

1. Gregory Livanos (0 0)

2. Ryan Smith (Yam R3)

3. Daniel Williams (Suz sv650s)

4. brandon gray (Suz sv650)

5. Jackbarry Kimball (Suz SV650s)

6. Tom Ward (Suz sv650s)

 

Street & Competition Unlimited Grand Prix

1. Eric Wood (Kaw ZX-10)

2. Scott Mullin (Kaw ZX-10R)

3. David Dayon (Kaw ZX-10R)

4. Roger Ealy Jr (Kaw ZX-10R)

5. Jason Fairclough (BMW S1000RR)

6. Anthony DiCecca (Yam YZF-R6)

 

Amateur Unlimited Grand Prix

1. Joe Ammendolia (Yamaha YZF-R6))

2. Lloyd Palmer (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Joe Ruth (Apr 1000)

4. Anthony Wells (Kaw ZX-6R)

5. Christian Trudeau (Yam YZF-R6)

6. Robert Lewis Jr (Kaw ZX-10R)

 

Amateur 500 Supersport

1. Thomas Sands (Kaw Ninja)

2. Alessandro Di Mario (Yam R3)

3. Craig Babcock (Kaw 400 Ninja)

4. Roy Whitson (Yam R3)

5. Brendan Moriarty (Kaw EX300)

 

Amateur Formula 50 Lights

1. Stephen Biehl (Suz SV650)

2. Bruce Marshall (Suz SV650)

3. Christopher Szarek (Hus FS450)

4. Alessandro Pizzochero (Suz SV650)

 

Brian Fernald Construction Formula 50 Lights

1. Brett Guyer (Duc 748)

2. Peter Kates (Suz SV650)

3. Jerry Randall (Yam YZFR-5)

4. Robert Marsden (Suz SFV 650 Gladius)

5. Rick Doucette (Yam R5)

6. John Donald (Suz SV650)

 

Sportbike Track Gear 500 Supersport

1. Elijah Block (Kaw Ninja 400)

2. Shane Lewis (Kaw Ninja 400)

3. Michael Zoner (Kaw Ninja 400)

4. Jacob Crossman (Kaw Ninja 400)

5. Lukas Doucette (Kaw 400)

6. Renee Franco (Kaw Ninja)

 

Novice Formula 2

1. Michael Lee (Suz GSXR)

2. Harrison Co (Yam R6)

3. Matthew Lewis (Yam YZF-R6)

4. Peter Kolodziej (Suz SV650)

5. Gabriel Pavadore (Yam YZF)

6. Dennis Metzler (Duc 848 Evo)

 

Novice Formula 4

1. Bradley Paisker (KTM SMR 525)

2. Michele Pierro (Kaw Ninja)

3. Victoria Darcy (Yam R3)

4. John Sommer (Kaw Ninja)

5. Ryan Imbeault (Kaw Ninja)

6. Travis Fields (Kaw Ninja 400)

 

Apex Design Ultralight Superbike

1. Gunnar Ouellette (Hus FS450)

2. Wesley Lakis (Kra HKR EVO2)

3. Peter Kates (Suz SV650)

4. Christopher Woodman (Kra HKR EVO2 R)

5. Robert Pease Jr (Kaw Ninja 650R)

6. Brian Faucher (Suz SV650)

 

Amateur Ultralight Superbike

1. Matthew Paternoster (Suz SV650)

2. Dan Pletea (Suz SV650)

3. Bruce Marshall (Suz SV650)

4. Christian Connor (Suz SV650)

5. Kevin Fogg (Suz SV650)

6. Christopher Girard (Hus FS450)

 

Michelin Motorace Amateur MW Grand Prix

1. Kevin Custer (Suz GSXR 600)

2. Paul Hosue (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Joe Ammendolia (Yamaha YZF-R6))

4. Michael Chase (Yam R6)

5. David Mink (Kaw ZX6R)

6. Patrick Gallo (Duc 848 Evo)

 

Michelin Motorace MW Grand Prix

1. Samuel Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Rick Doucette (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Paul Duval (Yam YZFR6L)

4. Elijah Block (KTM 450)

5. Kip Peterson (Yam R6)

6. Justin Landry (Yam YZF-R6)

 

Amateur Formula 40 Lights

1. Daniel Zimmer (CRF CRF)

2. Kevin Fogg (Suz SV650)

3. Dan Pletea (Suz SV650)

4. Bruce Marshall (Suz SV650)

5. Stephen Biehl (Suz SV650)

6. Todd Fanciullo (Kaw Ninja 650)

 

Innovative Motorsports Formula 40 Lights

1. Rick Doucette (Yam R5)

2. Tim Hogan (Duc 749R)

3. Steven Heider (KTM DUKE)

4. Timothy O’Connor (Kra )

5. Charles Brighenti (Suz SV650)

6. Brett Guyer (Duc 748)

 

Amateur MW Formula 40

1. Kevin Custer (Suz GSXR 600)

2. Paul Hosue (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Lloyd Palmer (Yam YZF-R6)

4. Joe Ammendolia (Yamaha YZF-R6))

5. Anthony Wells (Kaw ZX-6R)

6. Christian Trudeau (Yam YZF-R6)

 

Souhegan Valley Motorsports MW Formula 40

1. Scott Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Paul Duval (Yam YZFR6L)

3. Brian Fernald (Yam YZF-R6)

4. Kip Peterson (Yam YZF-R6)

5. Gerry Spencer (Yam YZF-R6)

6. Vicente Frontinan (Yam YZF-R6)

 

Novice Racer 2

1. Michael Lee (Suz GSXR)

2. Harrison Co (Yam R6)

3. John Frayne (Yam YZF-R6)

4. Matthew Lewis (Yam YZF-R6)

5. Ronald Baughman (Yam YZF-R6)

6. Issac Davis (Suz GSXR 600)

 

Novice Racer 1

1. Thomas Dixon (Duc 1199r)

2. John Corey (Kaw ZX600)

 

Novice Racer 3

1. Asher Rubright (Kaw Ninja 400)

2. Jamie Mantini (Duc 748)

3. Tyson Bernard (Suz SV)

 

Novice Racer 4

1. Bradley Paisker (KTM SMR 525)

2. Michele Pierro (Kaw Ninja)

3. Scott Arzamarski (Kaw Ninja 400)

4. Ryan Imbeault (Kaw Ninja)

5. John Sommer (Kaw Ninja)

6. Victoria Darcy (Yam R3)

 

Motoholders Amateur MW Supersport

1. Kevin Custer (Suz GSX-R600)

2. Lloyd Palmer (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Michael Chase (Yam R6)

4. Joe Ammendolia (Yamaha YZF-R6))

5. David Mink (Kaw ZX6R)

6. Anthony Wells (ZX6 ZX6)

 

Ktech Suspension MW Supersport

1. Scott Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Samuel Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Ian Beam (Tri 675)

4. Anthony DiCecca (Yam YZF-R6)

5. Brian Fernald (Yam YZF-R6)

6. Vicente Frontinan (Yam YZF-R6)

 

300 Superbike

1. Rick Doucette (Yam YZF-R3)

2. Jason Downs (Yam R3)

3. Lukas Doucette (Yam R3)

 

Combined Ultralight GP

1. Wesley Lakis (Kra HKR EVO2)

2. Christopher Woodman (Kra HKR EVO2 R)

3. Brandon Taylor (Suz SV650)

4. Peter Kates (Suz SV650)

 

Bell Helmets Motard

1. Elijah Block (KTM 450)

2. Gunnar Ouellette (Hus FS450)

3. Adam Clark (Hon CRF450R)

4. Anthony Franco (Hus FS450)

5. J.C. Bernier (Hon CRF450R)

6. Sergio Di Molfetta (Hus FS450)

 

MTAG Pirelli Amateur 300 Superbike

1. Alessandro Di Mario (Yam R3)

2. Thomas Sands (KTM 390)

3. Waylon Dempsey (Kaw Ninja 300)

4. Roy Whitson (Yam R3)

 

Amateur Motard

1. Daniel Zimmer (CRF CRF)

2. Christopher Girard (Hus FS450)

3. Alexander Kates (Hus FC 450)

 

Computrack Boston MW Superbike

1. Scott Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Rick Doucette (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Ian Beam (Tri 675)

4. Harlan Hildebrand (Kaw ZX-6R)

5. Justin Landry (Yam YZF-R6)

6. Thomas Hynes IV (Yam YZF-R6)

 

Amateur Unlimited Supersport

1. Joe Ruth (Apr 1000)

2. John Murray (Duc 848 Evo)

3. Chris Dixon (Yam R6)

4. Kamran Pelkey (BMW S1000RR)

5. Chris Arrighi (Apr RSV4)

 

Adrenaline Motorsports Unlimited Supersport

1. Eric Wood (Kaw ZX-10)

2. Scott Mullin (Kaw ZX-10R)

3. David Dayon (Kaw ZX-10R)

4. Roger Ealy Jr (Kaw ZX-10R)

5. Jason Fairclough (BMW S1000RR)

 

REB Graphics Combined SuperTwins

1. Tim Hogan (Duc 749R)

2. Brett Guyer (Duc 748)

3. Nicholas Leighton (KTM 790 Duke)

4. Adam Guyer (Duc 1000DS)

5. Bill Coolahan (KTM Duke 790)

6. Jim Rich (Duc 1199 Panagale R)

 

 

Amateur Moto 3

1. Alessandro Di Mario (0 0)

2. Thomas Sands (Kaw Ninja)

3. Waylon Dempsey (Kaw Ninja 300)

4. Daniel Zimmer (KTM 450 smr)

 

Combined Formula 60 Lights

1. John Donald (KTM 790 Duke)

2. Jerry Randall (Yam YZFR-5)

3. Bart Chamberlain (Suz SV650)

4. Timothy O’Connor (Kra )

5. Stephen Biehl (Suz SV650)

6. John Grush (Yam R5)

 

Rising Sun Cycles Moto 3

1. Gunnar Ouellette (0 0)

2. Elijah Block (Kaw Ninja 400)

3. Sergio Di Molfetta (Hus FS450)

4. Adam Clark (Hon CRF450)

5. Anthony Franco (Hus FS450)

6. Brianna McHugh (Kaw Ninja 400)

 

Souhegan Valley Motorsports HW Superbike

1. Scott Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Rick Doucette (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Kip Peterson (Yam YZF-R6)

4. Ian Beam (Tri 675)

5. Anthony DiCecca (Yam YZF-R6)

 

Amateur HW Superbike

1. Michael Chase (Yam R6)

2. Anthony Wells (Kaw ZX-6R)

3. Owen Feeney (Suz GSXR 600)

4. Michael Guarino (Kaw ZX-6R)

5. Eric Cormier (Kaw ZX-6R)

 

Novice Starter 4

1. Michele Pierro (Kaw Ninja)

2. Ryan Imbeault (Kaw Ninja)

3. Victoria Darcy (Yam R3)

4. John Sommer (Kaw Ninja)

 

Maxima Amateur LW Supersport

1. Benjamin Claman (KTM 790)

2. Dan Pletea (Suz SV650)

3. Stephen Biehl (Suz SV650)

4. Bruce Marshall (Suz SV650)

5. Todd Fanciullo (Kaw Ninja 650)

6. Joshua Kruse (Suz SV)

 

Novice Starter 3

1. John Frayne (Suz 650)

2. Asher Rubright (Kaw Ninja 400)

 

Evans Coolant Amateur LW Sportsman

1. Thomas Sands (Kaw Ninja)

2. Christopher Girard (Kaw KX450F)

3. Alexander Kates (Hus FC 450)

4. Waylon Dempsey (Kaw Ninja 300)

 

Orient Express Amateur 500 Superbike

1. Alessandro Di Mario (Yam R3)

2. Thomas Sands (Kaw Ninja)

3. Roy Whitson (Yam R3)

 

Evans Coolant LW Sportsman

1. Christopher Woodman (Kra HKR EVO2 R)

2. Sergio Di Molfetta (Hus FS450)

3. Michael Tine (Hus FS 450)

4. Lee Schmidt (Hus Fs450)

5. Sam Lakas (Tm 450smx)

 

Yoyodyne Slipper Clutches LW Supersport

1. Nicholas Leighton (KTM 790 Duke)

2. Bill Coolahan (KTM Duke 790)

3. John Donald (KTM 790 Duke)

4. Peter Kates (Suz SV650)

5. Brian Faucher (Suz SV650)

6. Steven Heider (KTM DUKE)

 

Plaistow Powersports 500 Superbike

1. Brianna McHugh (Kaw Ninja 400)

2. Shane Lewis (Kaw Ninja 400)

3. Jacob Crossman (Kaw Ninja 400)

4. Lukas Doucette (Kaw 400)

5. Rick Doucette (Yam YZF-R3)

6. Renee Franco (Kaw Ninja)

 

Unlimited Superbike

1. Eric Wood (Kaw ZX-10)

2. Scott Mullin (Kaw ZX-10R)

3. David Dayon (Kaw ZX-10R)

4. Roger Ealy Jr (Kaw ZX-10R)

5. Jim Rich (Duc 1199 Panagale R)

 

Amateur Thunderbike

1. Matthew Paternoster (Suz SV 650)

2. Kevin Fogg (Suz SV650)

3. Dan Pletea (Suz SV650)

 

Thunderbike

1. Tim Hogan (Duc 749R)

2. Adam Guyer (Duc 1000DS)

3. Brett Guyer (Duc 748)

4. Edward Forer (Suz SV650)

 

Superbike Supply Amateur MW Superbike

1. Michael Chase (Yam R6)

2. Joe Ammendolia (Yamaha YZF-R6))

3. David Mink (Kaw ZX6R)

4. Owen Feeney (Suz GSXR 600)

5. Anthony Wells (Kaw ZX-6R)

6. Michael Guarino (Hon CBR600RR)

 

Novice Starter 2

1. Michael Lee (Suz GSXR)

2. Harrison Co (Yam R6)

3. Matthew Lewis (Yam YZF-R6)

4. Dennis Metzler (Duc 848 Evo)

5. Sam Martin (Hon CBR 600RR)

6. Aaron Booth (Yam R6)

 

Amateur Unlimited Superbike

1. Chris Arrighi (Apr RSV4)

2. Christopher Bouchard (Duc 848)

3. Kamran Pelkey (BMW S1000RR)

4. Joe Ruth (Apr 1000)

 

Novice Starter 1

1. Thomas Dixon (Duc 1199r)

 

MotoGP: Vinales Quickest In Post-Race Testing At Jerez

David Swarts
-
0
MotoGP: Vinales Quickest In Post-Race Testing At Jerez

FIM MotoGP World Championship/Official IRTA Test

Jerez Circuit, Spain

May 3, 2021

Official Test Results (all on Michelin tires):

  1. Maverick Vinales, Spain (Yamaha), 1:36.879
  2. Alex Rins, Spain (Suzuki), 1:36.913
  3. Joan Mir, Spain (Suzuki), 1:37.310
  4. Takaaki Nakagami, Japan (Honda), 1:37.348
  5. Johann Zarco, France (Ducati), 1:37.435
  6. Pol Espargaro, Spain (Honda), 1:37.506
  7. Miguel Oliveira, Portugal (KTM), 1:37.508
  8. Luca Marini, Italy (Ducati), 1:37.559
  9. Franco Morbidelli, Italy (Yamaha), 1:37.627
  10. Francesco Bagnaia, Italy (Ducati), 1:37.690
  11. Brad Binder, South Africa (KTM), 1:37.698
  12. Valentino Rossi, Italy (Yamaha), 1:37.700
  13. Enea Bastianini, Italy (Ducati), 1:37.717
  14. Aleix Espargaro, Spain (Aprilia), 1:37.885
  15. Alex Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:38.170
  16. Marc Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:38.303
  17. Iker Lecuona, Spain (KTM), 1:38.374
  18. Jack Miller, Australia (Ducati), 1:38.455
  19. Danilo Petrucci, Italy (KTM), 1:38.608
  20. Tito Rabat, Spain (Ducati), 1:38.826
  21. Lorenzo Savadori, Italy (Aprilia), 1:39.024

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Viñales and Rins fastest as MotoGP™ heads out for more track time at Jerez

The duo pull clear at the top of the timesheets as Mir slots into third and Honda steal some headlines

Monday, 03 May 2021

The post-race test at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto came to a close on Monday with Maverick Viñales on top with a 1:36.879, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP rider putting in a characteristically busy day at the office as he did 101 laps. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was second just 0.034 back, with Joan Mir making it two Suzukis in the top three although the reigning Champion was four tenths off Viñales as the duo on top pulled clear.

Yamaha were represented by Viñales, Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) and Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) as Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) sat the test out following his arm pump troubles on Sunday. Still, it was a busy day. Adding to Viñales’ full century at the top of the timesheets, in which the number 12 went a few tenths quicker than qualifying, Morbidelli did 67 laps and was P9; Rossi 73 laps for P12.

Morbidelli focused especially on braking and hopes improvements made will help in Le Mans. Both he and teammate Rossi also had a few new parts to try from Yamaha, including a front fender and swingarm.

Rins led the Suzuki charge and despite finishing the test just after lunchtime, the Spaniard put in 59 laps. Once again, he was testing the “possible” 2022 engine that he, teammate Mir and test rider Sylvain Guintoli tested in Qatar. He also worked on improving on used tyres, impressed with the pace as it was a step up on the weekend. He headed to Barcelona for a check up on his shoulder in the afternoon. Mir did 64 laps.

Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) was the top Honda in the test as he was on race day, both times in fourth. He did 71 laps. Five different aero packages were seen at Honda between him, eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) and LCR Honda Castrol’s Alex Marquez, which gained a few glances up and down pitlane.

Nakagami tried aero, but then mainly focused on setup. He said he was more consistent and really comfortable, looking forward to Le Mans, and that the 2020 chassis is working well. He also warned against seeing that change back as something signifying the new chassis was negative. Teammate Alex Marquez also felt he made improvements on Monday, and did 75 laps to end the day in P15. That was just ahead of Marc Marquez as the eight-time World Champion only did seven laps, feeling some after effects of his crashes during the weekend.

Pol Espargaro focused on aero, electronics and ergonomics, things he says seem fairly small but when a rider is adapting to a bike, can make a big difference. He says he’ll remain on the same chassis, as he thinks there remains a good margin of improvement. The number 44 was spotted riding at least three different HRC bikes during the test though – his standard, one with different aero and a completely carbon coloured bike.

At Ducati, most recent race winner Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) was straight back to work on Monday as he and World Championship-leading teammate Francesco Bagnaia completed a combined total of 84 laps, one day after securing the Bologna factory’s first 1-2 since Brno 2018. Bagnaia was tenth, Miller in P18.

Johann Zarco was the fastest Borgo Panigale machine, however, putting in 75 laps. The Frenchman said he was focusing a lot on suspension rather than new parts, looking for a way to get the full potential of the new bike. Stand-in teammate Tito Rabat also tested on Monday, P20 after 65 laps. Rookie Luca Marini (Sky VR46 Avintia) moved up into eighth after 66 laps after a good day’s work, with Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama) in P13 after 54 laps.

Pitlane reporter Simon Crafar reported new chassis to try for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder, but the two said the key focus was about the tyres. Oliveira said he was trying to make changes to make the bike work better on the softer front without compromising their existing positives. He found an improvement in pace and was pretty positive. Binder repeated Oliveira’s words that the focus was on making the softer tyre work, purposefully staying away from using the harder front that normally suits them better. He said they found something that seemed to make life a little easier and ended the day in P11 after 66 laps. Oliveira was top KTM in P7 after 72 laps.

Danilo Petrucci in the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing ranks was seen sporting a different tank/seat area, the Italian seemingly trying some ergonomics to improve his feeling on the RC16. He was P19 after 63 laps, teammate Iker Lecuona 64 in P16.

Aprilia Racing Team Gresini’s Aleix Espargaro had a tougher day at the office following his closest ever finish to the MotoGP™ winner, crashing early and then calling an early end to his test not long after, feeling under the weather after the incident although not sustaining any injuries. He ultimately did 12 laps and was P14. Lorenzo Savadori did 54 laps, however, and completed the timesheets.

That’s it from Jerez. It’s now next stop Le Mans, with the SHARK Grand Prix de France now less than two weeks away!

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:

FIERCELY DETERMINED VIÑALES TOPS JEREZ TEST

Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), 3rd May 2021

JEREZ MOTOGP OFFICIAL TEST

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Maverick Viñales had the opportunity to delve further into his race set-up at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto during today‘s official IRTA Jerez Test. He completed 101 laps, more than any other rider, and finished the day in first place.

1st MAVERICK VIÑALES 1’36.879 / 101 LAPS

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Maverick Viñales enjoyed a very productive day of riding at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto today. The Spaniard used the one-day official IRTA Jerez Test to work on late braking and improved cornering, and with success. He wrapped up the eight-hour session in first place.

The Factory Yamaha team‘s garage was less busy than usual during the test. Following the arm pump problem he experienced in yesterday‘s race, Fabio Quartararo didn‘t ride today. He will receive a medical check-up. Further updates will follow in due course.

Although the team had one rider less on track, this didn‘t mean they eased their effort. Viñales completed a whopping 101 laps in total – more than four times a race distance – to improve his cornering and late braking. A long run in the afternoon let him get in the laps and obtain the data needed to be all the more confident and competitive at the next round in Le Mans. His best lap of the day, a 1‘36.879s, set on 83/101 saw him complete the Jerez Test at the top of the standings, with a 0.034s margin over his fastest rival.

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team will be back in action in two weeks‘ time for the Grand Prix de France.

 

MASSIMO MEREGALLI

TEAM DIRECTOR

First of all, I want to say that the team is obviously sad that Fabio couldn‘t attend the test today. However, as stated before, his health is the most important thing to us. Following his arm pump problem in yesterday‘s race, Fabio will get a medical check-up and more news should follow soon. In the meantime, we had a full day of riding to do here in Jerez. Maverick‘s Spanish GP was compromised by a turning issue. Today we spent a good amount of time looking into that area and we saw clear improvement. He also did a good long run in the afternoon and completed a total of 101 laps, far more than any other rider. We finished the test on top, which is positive, but the main thing we got out of this test is an increased confidence with the bike for Maverick – this is something really important for the upcoming race in Le Mans. We know that the Bugatti circuit fits the characteristics of our bike well, so we are hoping for a good race weekend there.

MAVERICK VIÑALES

We didn‘t try any new parts. I was just trying to give a bit more and learn about myself, trying to brake a little bit later. It seemed to be working. I was really good in the morning, the conditions were amazing, so we could ride very fast. In the afternoon the conditions were a bit more tricky, but we were still riding very fast. I did a long run, and I was actually quite happy. So, I‘m quite confident for Le Mans, because I think today we found what I needed in Portimao and here in Jerez. I have more confidence with the bike now. I did more laps and adapted a little bit more. I just feel good now. I think in Le Mans we can concentrate on being a bit faster.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by PETRONAS Yamaha SRT:

Successful test in Spain for PETRONAS Yamaha SRT

One day test at Jerez ends with Franco Morbidelli ninth and Valentino Rossi 12th

There was no rest for PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team, as they took part in a productive one-day test at Jerez today, just one day after the SpanishGP ended. The day concluded with Franco Morbidelli ninth and Valentino Rossi 12th on the final timesheets.

Fresh from his podium finish yesterday, Morbidelli’s day began in the second hour of the test, when the track opened again following an early red flag stoppage. With a new front fender and new swingarm to try, the Italian got down to work, completing 31 laps before the lunch break. Franco was also able to assess new front fork settings, with the aim of improving the stopping capability of the bike. Completing a further 36 laps after in the final two hours after his lunch break, bringing his total to 67, Morbidelli ended the test ninth with a best time of 1min 37.627secs.

Team-mate Rossi also began his Jerez test once the red flag period was over and, like Morbidelli, he could also test the new front fender and new swingarm on his Yamaha YZR-M1 throughout the day. In addition to this Valentino was able to evaluate settings on the electronic side of the bike. Ahead of the mid-session lunch break the Italian had completed 36 laps, before taking to the track again with under three hours on the clock. At the end of the test Rossi had improved upon his personal best of the last 4 days, setting a 1min 37.700secs, and made a big step forward with his race pace. He completed a total of 73 laps, 37 in the afternoon, and was the 12th fastest rider.

The next time that Morbidelli and Rossi will be on track again will be at Le Mans in ten day’s time, for the Grand Prix de France (14-16 May).

Franco Morbidelli

9th (1’37.627)

We had the opportunity today to work with some new parts and provide my feedback on them, which is nice, but we mostly focused on trying to improve the braking. It was an area that I didn’t have a perfect feeling with, so it was something we could look to better and I think we have found something today that has improved my feeling under braking, so this is good. I hope that the things that we have found here also work in Le Mans. It will be important to do a good job there and I hope that we continue to be strong going forwards, I will be trying my best to be.

Valentino Rossi

12th (1’37.700)

Today was a good test for me because we improved the feeling with the bike, the pace with the race tyre and in the time attack. It was a long day because the conditions were good, so we did a lot of laps. The team and I worked on the balance of the bike, the settings and we can see the improvements, as I was better under braking and in corner entry. We also have some other new bits for the bike, which is good and helps. I’m happy because we were able to improve today, after a difficult weekend, and I have a much better feeling with the bike. It is just a one-day test, we need to see what happens at Le Mans but I am leaving here with a good feeling.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Tech3 KTM Factory Racing:

Work continues for Tech3 KTM Factory Racing in Jerez
 

Following the fourth round of the 2021 MotoGP World Championship season at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, Iker Lecuona and Danilo Petrucci have been straight back to work today at the same venue for the official test under a cloudy Andalusian sky.

Thereby, they both tried several settings and some new parts in order to improve the base of their KTM RC16 machine in order to improve at the team’s home Grand Prix in Le Mans in less than a fortnight. While less focusing on times, but more on their feeling, Lecuona did 64 laps in the course of the day, Petrucci completed 63 laps and both welcomed the test as a great possibility after preseason was cut short in 2021.

Iker Lecuona
 

Position: 17th

Time: 1:38.374

Laps: 64

“The plan for today was to work with the soft front, because we know we will have this tyre for many races and I don’t feel fast, so the target was to improve and trying to adapt myself and also the bike to the tyre. During today I struggled a bit, as I was using only the soft front and I didn’t have any feedback.”

“But finally, with the team we tried many things on the base and I managed to be quicker. Also, our pace was better than during the race. In general, I think we were working very well today. We will see what happens in Le Mans, but for the moment I’m fairly satisfied.”

Danilo Petrucci
 

Position: 19th

Time: 1:38.608

Laps: 63

“We tried mainly a different balance of the bike to make the rear tyre work a bit better. Especially in the latter part of the race we feel good, when the tyre is already worn a bit, also on braking. But we can’t really use the rear tyre when we have some extra traction in the beginning, which means that in Qualifying we struggle quite a bit and also the first part of the race yesterday has been pretty difficult.”

“Overall today I understood the bike more, although I didn’t find what I was looking for. Anyway, I’m really looking forward to Le Mans, which is a track that I was on the podium the last three years. I hope there, we can find a good way.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Ducati Lenovo Team:

Day of post-race testing concluded for the Ducati Lenovo Team at Jerez de la Frontera

After an unforgettable Grand Prix of Spain, which saw Jack Miller taking his first win on the Desmosedici GP and Pecco Bagnaia, new MotoGP Championship leader, taking second place on the podium, the Ducati Lenovo Team got right back to work at Jerez de la Frontera today for a day of post-race collective testing.

Taking advantage of the favourable track conditions, both Bagnaia and Miller took to the track this morning just before noon, completing a total of 40 and 44 laps, respectively, before finishing their test sessions early this afternoon. The Italian clocked a best time of 1:37.690, ending the day in tenth position, while the Australian posted a best lap time of 1:38.455, ending the day eighteenth overall.

Francesco Bagnaia (#63, Ducati Lenovo Team) – 1:37.690 (10° – 40 laps)

“It has been a very positive day. Finally, we completed some work that has been pending since the last pre-season test in Qatar. We completed the entire programme today and were able to close the day early. Today, my pace was good, so I’m satisfied with the job done and ready for the next race at Le Mans”.

Jack Miller (#43, Ducati Lenovo Team) – 1:38.455 (18°- 44 laps)

“After the race, there is always a lot of rubber on the ground, and the conditions are always favourable to have a test day. Also, the weather today allowed us to work well. We focused on some aspects that we normally don’t have time to work on during the weekend: we repeated tests and tried different setups to understand which one works best. It’s always important to do these double-checks and, above all, we gathered a lot of useful information. Now we will have a few days to rest, but I can’t wait to get back on track at Le Mans”.

The Ducati Lenovo Team will now have a short break of around ten days before returning to action for the fifth round of the 2021 MotoGP season at the historic Circuit Bugatti in Le Mans for the Grand Prix of France, scheduled from 14th-16th May.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki ECSTAR:

IMPORTANT DATA AND INFO COLLECTED AT PACEY JEREZ TEST
 

Alex Rins: 2nd – 1’36.913 (+ 0.034)

Joan Mir: 3rd – 1’37.310 (+ 0.431)

Team Suzuki Ecstar remained, with the rest of the MotoGP™ paddock, at the Circuit of Jerez – Angel Nieto for a one day official test on Monday following the Spanish GP.

The riders headed out early in the day and the main focus was in the engine area, with both Alex Rins and Joan Mir spending time trying out the 2022 spec. engine and putting in many laps.

Rins had strong pace, leading the test session for most of the afternoon having set a very pacey 1’36.913 lap, his fastest at the circuit. Rins reported great feelings and he felt that the base settings of the bike have been improved. He was happy to finish the session in second after a disappointing Sunday at the circuit. He completed 59 laps in total.

Mir closed the day in third with a best time of 1’37.310. He worked on the geometry of the bike as well as the engine, working specifically on the front end of the bike and achieving better feeling. He also did some work on the rear suspension. His pace was consistent and quick, and he put in a total of 64 laps.

The team now look ahead to the next round, the French GP on May 14th-16th.

Ken Kawauchi – Technical Manager:

“Today has been useful; we got good feedback from the riders and we found improvements, which is always the goal of a test day. We feel pleased because we think we’ve found some steps for the next races and also useful information for the future. Both riders put in a lot of laps and their times are strong, so we leave here feeling satisfied.”

Alex Rins:

“Today was a good day for us, we tried several things, including trying the 2022 engine. I was happy and confident with the bike and pleased with how everything went. We also worked on the set-up in terms of suspension and a few small things, and I feel like we’ve improved our base. I was able to set fast times even on used tyres, faster than yesterday, so I’m happy with the result.”

Joan Mir:

“Honestly, I think we had a great day, we did a lot of work and I’m feeling happy. We tried the 2022 engine again and we found what we expected – that it’s not massively different but it’s an improvement, and the characteristics were what we expected. We took a lot of useful information. I also tried different geometry on the bike to try and get better feeling from the front of the bike, and I’m happy with what we’ve done. My lap times were pretty nice, and it’s been a very useful day.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:

KTM COMPLETE JEREZ MOTOGP™ EPISODE WITH SECOND IRTA TEST OF 2021

MotoGP 2021 IRTA test Circuit de Jerez – Angel Nieto (ESP)

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Tech3 KTM Factory Racing completed over 200 laps between them today to close a fourth and final day of riding at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto and the one-day IRTA test.

Only hours after the Gran Premio Red Bull de España and the fourth round of the championship the Jerez asphalt was again abused by the MotoGP pack for their second official test of the year.

Miguel Oliveira, Brad Binder, Danilo Petrucci and Iker Lecuona continued to work both on the 2021 race configuration of their KTM RC16s in order to optimize the current Michelin tire allocation for the season as well as ideas with a view to the Grands Prix to come.

It was Oliveira who departed the Andalucía venue Monday afternoon with the fastest lap-time from the KTM quartet. He rested 7th and his quickest effort just 0.6 of a second from the top spot. Binder was 11th and was the last rider on track while Lecuona and Petrucci were 17th and 19th respectively.

Le Mans and the mix of high speed and strong braking zones will entertain the Shark Grand Prix de France on May 15th-16th.

Miguel Oliveira: “We took profit of the day to look at different solutions on the bike set-up and the soft front tire and medium rear; as we would in a race simulation. We had many good laps. It was important to understand how to use soft compounds and our front feeling while also trying not to lose with the modifications we’ve already made to gain an advantage. We want to keep the positive characteristics of the bike.”

Brad Binder: “We had a busy day. We wanted to work more with the softer front tire and think ahead to some of the tracks ahead. We did our homework and I’m definitely happy with some of the conclusions we reached to try and make life a bit easier for us. A lot of laps! We had a couple of small new things and managed to assess those. The best part of a test is that you can see which ideas work and which ones don’t. We got some good information for the guys.”

Iker Lecuona: “The target was to improve and trying to adapt myself and also the bike to the soft tire. today I struggled a bit but, finally, with the team we tried many things on the base and I managed to be quicker. Also, our pace was better than during the race. In general, I think we were working very well today. We will see what happens in Le Mans, but for the moment I’m fairly satisfied.”

Danilo Petrucci: “We tried a different balance of the bike to make the rear tire work a bit better. Especially in the latter part of the race we feel good, when the tire is already worn a bit, also in braking. But we can’t really use the rear tire when we have some extra traction in the beginning, which means that in Qualifying we struggle quite a bit and also the first part of the race yesterday has been pretty difficult. Overall today I understood the bike more, although I didn’t find what I was looking for. Anyway, I’m really looking forward to Le Mans, which is a track that I was on the podium the last three years. I hope there, we can find a good way.”

Mike Leitner, Red Bull KTM Race Manager: “This test day was really important. We had a big agenda and many ideas from the company. The hours were just flying by and all the riders did some fine work. We had a big ‘menu’ of test items for the chassis and we worked a lot on electronics and the suspension also. I think we did a good job and hopefully we can get the benefit out of it in France. Thanks to the factory for the big effort to keep giving us solutions and to both teams for pushing all the way through this week in Jerez.”

Sebastian Risse, Technical Coordinator MotoGP: “I think overall we can say we had a pretty good day. There were quite a few items piling up in the last few weeks because neither the tracks nor the situations allowed us to test during a GP weekend. So, we were looking forward to this opportunity here to work through a wide range of things for the bike. There was a lot and I think each rider found some positives. We did not have time to give everybody everything yet so we will put together a plan to do that in the coming GPs. Of course, only a race scenario can show where we really are but I think we have some more tools at our disposal for the next rounds.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:

Productive day in Jerez for Pol Espargaro as Marquez ends early

The first in-season test of 2021 was a positive experience for Pol Espargaro, providing a clear direction to follow in the upcoming races.

Monday after the Gran Premio Red Bull de España offered the MotoGP class their first in-season testing day of 2021. There was a brief disruption early in the day as the red flag was brought out after just an hour of running due to falls on circuit.

Pol Espargaro had a busy day around the 4.4 kilometres of the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, completing 89 laps with a best time of 1’37.506. Just around midday, Espargaro suffered a fall at Turn 1 but was unharmed and quickly returned to the garage. In the closing hour of the day Espargaro suffered a second fall, avoiding any injury. Aside from the falls, Espargaro leaves the one-day test with a very positive feeling after a busy and full day of riding.

The day in Jerez was short for Marc Marquez, completing seven laps over two runs before calling an end to his test. After a physically demanding weekend, Marquez and the Repsol Honda Team elected to focus on his continued recovery and allow the maximum amount of time to prepare for the French GP.

The Repsol Honda Team will now focus their attentions on round five, the French Grand Prix at Le Mans where Alex Marquez took his debut podium with the Repsol Honda Team in 2020.

Pol Espargaro

6TH  1’37.506

“We did 89 laps today; it has been a very busy and productive day for us. We have worked on many things, electronics, aero, ergonomics – they seem simple or small topics but when you’re still new to a bike they can make a big difference together. We have performed well today, I was close to Taka who has been the strongest Honda this weekend so I am happy. No matter what, we have learned a lot today and it has been very good for me to have a day like today where we can ride and try things without the pressure of a race weekend. Now we look to Le Mans.”

Marc Marquez

16TH  1’38.303

“Today we didn’t really test, just one run because on the second run my body was already locking up. My neck and my right shoulder were stiff, it’s similar to after Portimao but I was not as locked up as I was after Portugal. The crash I had on Saturday didn’t help with my physical condition. I thought that maybe today when my body had warmed up it would be better, and I could try but straight away I could tell I wasn’t at a good level for riding. We spoke as a team and decided to stop the test, we need to understand that we’re improving step by step and the next target is Le Mans where we will try to improve again.”

World Superbike: Kawasaki Prepared For Final Pre-Season Test

David Swarts
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World Superbike: Kawasaki Prepared For Final Pre-Season Test

Final Pre-Season Track Test Awaits KRT

KRT and the new Ninja ZX-10RR will soon undertake one last pre-season test at Motorland Aragon, between 4-5 May. It will be the final opportunity for official riders Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes to fine-tune their set-up before the WorldSBK season starts for real at Motorland between 21-23 May.

The new 2021 Ninja ZX-10RR has shown itself well in the previous winter tests, even if weather conditions have not been as consistently good as the riders and team would have liked. Confidence is high inside the KRT camp after several successful outings with their new technical package, but this coming test is arguably the most important one of all.

At the recent Motorland tests near the end of April Rea and Lowes almost completed all their off-season set-up preparations, just losing some potential track time to changeable weather conditions. If the predictions for good weather for the next tests prove to be true then the last tasks can all be completed in readiness for the first ‘real’ practice sessions of the new season.

The new Ninja features, engine, chassis and most noticeably aerodynamic improvements, including internal front winglets and a vented rear seat unit to provide extra downforce at speed and a more efficient aerodynamic package overall.

Preparing for two full-distance and one sprint races in Aragon is going to be key for both riders in the next few days, particularly as the season starts with back-to-back rounds at Motorland in Spain and then Estoril in Portugal.

Despite the ongoing pandemic the season itself is scheduled to host 13 rounds all in, most occurring in Europe but with two final flyaway events; one in Argentina and one at an entirely new venue in Indonesia.

Alex Lowes, stated: “These final tests are going to be the most important ones. We still have a clear plan which is following on from the last test where we only got half a day riding in with the weather going against us. So, we know what things we need to get ticked off the list before round one. I understand what I need from the bike a lot more this winter, which is allowing me to be better prepared for my second season with Kawasaki and KRT. Because of this I’m really excited to get back out on my new Ninja ZX-10RR.”

Jonathan Rea, stated: “We really will cross the t’s and dot the i’s at this final test at Motorland Aragon. The last test we went to there was productive, and we made some progress, but we never got the chance to do a full race simulation. That is going to be key, something we need to look at understand the bike in a race simulation, with a soft tyre and hard tyre. Aside from that, our test programme has really been about confirming different software and hardware. We have put the pieces together but we have not fine-tuned the bike. We have not got the bike into the window where we are really starting to play with small items, like you would during a race weekend. That is going to be the focus of this test and I really hope to get some consistent weather. I don’t think I have done a winter test this year where we have had two days of the same weather. I really have to thank my team because they have pulled all the stops out to maximise our track time this off-season. We have just been unfortunate with the weather and we have a very good test plan to take us through the season. During these tough times it is very hard to travel and they team make it easier by making sure I always have the right documents. I am looking forward to this last test before the season starts because we will have some of our rivals on track with us as well, riders and manufacturers, so we should get a good idea of where we are.”

Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager, stated: “In the last couple of tests we did the weather was for sure not as good as we would like, but the forecast for the next two-day test is good. This should allow us to work consistently with no interruptions. I think the next test will be so important to fix the small details before the first round. We are focused now to polish these small details and prepare for full race distances. We will try to make a big competition between Alex and Jonathan, in order to reach the limits on the bike and in the consistency of lap times. We need to prepare for the races, which at Motorland are hard every year. The competition is so high, especially from the Ducati machines, but we expect that all the steps that have been done with the new Ninja ZX-10RR will show that the package is a step ahead compared to last year. I would also like to use this opportunity to congratulate Dorna for the big effort to make 13 rounds possible. It is nice to have the final calendar confirmed, and hopefully the pandemic situation will be stable, step-by-step, and by the end of the year the world will stay in a much more normal way.”

 

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

American Flat Track: More From The Atlanta Super TT

JD Beach (95). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
JD Beach (95). Photo courtesy Yamaha.

Estenson Racing Makes History with Yamaha Atlanta Super TT Sweep

Estenson Racing was unbeatable at last night’s Yamaha Atlanta Super TT, making history as the first team and manufacturer to win every class at a Progressive American Flat Track round. JD Beach put on a masterclass performance to win the Mission SuperTwins Main Event. Dallas Daniels completed the sweep at Atlanta Motor Speedway with a stunning two-category double, first in the AFT Production Twins class and then shortly after, in AFT Singles, where he was joined on the podium by teammate Mikey Rush for a stellar 1-2 finish. Kolby Carlile also had a top night, earning a career-best Mission SuperTwins finish in fifth.

Even in the premier Mission SuperTwins category, Beach was in a class of his own all weekend long at Atlanta. Fastest by a significant margin from the opening session, he proved untouchable aboard his Yamaha MT-07 DT right through to the checkered flag in the Main Event. The runaway victory was Beach’s third in the premier class, three out of four of the series’ most recent TTs. After earlier securing a runner-up result at the Volusia Half-Mile season opener, the win furthered his claim as a legitimate class contender in 2021 as he moved into the points lead.

Carlile flashed podium-caliber speed in Atlanta as well, qualifying third fastest. A tough outing in his Semi ultimately put that beyond his reach, but the 2017 AFT Singles Champion still managed to come through the pack from 11th to fifth.

Like Beach, Daniels showed strength straight away and in both classes. The prodigious 17-year-old was absolutely dominant in his AFT Production Twins debut, leading every session en route to his first victory on the Yamaha MT-07 DT. Daniels then backed that up with a clutch victory in AFT Singles class.

Even if Daniels had faltered, teammate Rush would have completed the sweep in his stead. After winning his Semi, the Californian grabbed the holeshot in the Main Event with Daniels right behind him, but the race was red-flagged after a crash on the first lap. This time around, the reigning AFT Singles Champion got the flying start with Rush in third. Daniels rode a smart race up front, putting the pressure on the competition. In the final four laps, Rush moved into second for the team’s second double podium of the season. The pair also sit 1-2 in the championship standings, with Daniels holding a three-point advantage over his teammate.

Estenson Racing will look to translate its momentum into continued top results when the series picks back up again at Texas Motor Speedway for the Texas Half-Mile on May 22.

 

Tommy Hayden – Estenson Racing Team Manager

“What an incredible night at the Atlanta Super TT for Estenson Racing. So many things have to go right to have a night like we did tonight, and fortunately, they did for us. All of our riders were on point all day. I could go on and on about how well all four of them rode tonight, but I want to say thanks to all of our crew members; each one of them played a role in this special night. To dominate all three classes at the event that Yamaha sponsored, and to leave here with the points lead in AFT Singles and the SuperTwins class, it’s just a night you dream of.”

 

JD Beach. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
JD Beach. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

JD Beach – Estenson Racing Mission SuperTwins

“Tonight couldn’t have gone any better. It was a dream night not only for myself but for the whole team. We swept all the classes, which is amazing. For me, after the win, it was almost more of a relief than excitement. After leading the whole test day, then leading everything today, I felt like I had a huge weight on my shoulders. So it’s awesome to get a win and leave with the points lead. We still have a lot of work to do for oval tracks, but we are getting there.”

 

Kolby Carlile (36). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Kolby Carlile (36). Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

Kolby Carlile – Estenson Racing Mission SuperTwins

“I had a good two days here in Atlanta. I was second fastest in almost every practice and qualified third overall. Going into my Semi, I was pretty nervous starting second and I didn’t get the best start and made a quick mistake, putting me to the back of the pack. Going into the Main Event I had no pressure and just put in 20 solid laps, coming from 11th to 5th. I’m happy with that performance. I just need to iron out some details, and I will be finishing where my speed shows I can be.”

 

Dallas Daniels (1). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Dallas Daniels (1). Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

Dallas Daniels – Estenson Racing AFT Singles and AFT Production Twins

“It was a really good night here at the Atlanta TT. Obviously, it couldn’t have gone any better. It was just a dream night for the team, winning every class for Estenson Racing. The day started out awesome. As soon as we got on the twin, we were fastest in every session on the track, won the Semi and the Main Event. It was just an amazing day on the twin. On the 450, I kind of struggled a little bit in the Semi and got second to Ferran (Cardus). I’m not going to lie, I was a little nervous  going into the weekend and thinking about racing both classes; I didn’t want to mess up. I have to give a big thanks to the team. We’re sitting good in the AFT Singles points right now, and we’re hoping to keep it going.”

 

Mikey Rush (15). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Mikey Rush (15). Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

Mikey Rush – Estenson Racing AFT Singles

“I’m pumped to get another second-place finish this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It was an awesome track, and I really enjoyed racing it. I’m also stoked that my teammate Dallas and I went 1-2, getting both YZ450Fs on the box at Yamaha’s home race. Being a part of the Estenson Racing crew and Yamaha is awesome. They give me a great bike week-in and week-out, and I’m looking to carry this momentum into Texas in a few weeks and the rest of the season. I’m so proud of the whole team this weekend. We all work so hard. It was just a great weekend. I had a blast!”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by KTM:

RED BULL KTM’S MAX WHALE FINISHES JUST OFF THE PODIUM AT ATLANTA SUPER TT

 

Round 3 – American Flat Track Championship – May 2, 2021

ATLANTA, Ga. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Max Whale finished just shy of the AFT Singles podium on Saturday with a hard-fought fourth-place at Round 3 of the 2021 American Flat Track Championship. Motorsport icon, Travis Pastrana, made a guest appearance at the Atlanta Super TT alongside the Red Bull KTM squad where he scored an impressive ninth-place in the AFT Singles class aboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION.

Whale, who qualified sixth with a competitive lap time in the singles division, set himself up for a favorable day of racing as he lined up on the front row of AFT Singles Semi 2. He powered his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION off the line and into third on the opening lap, where he battled for most of the race. With three laps to go, Whale clicked it up a notch to overtake second as he laid down blazing fast lap times to finish second in the semi.

Following a red-flag restart in the Main Event, Whale got off to a fifth-place start and battled inside the top-five for the first half of the race. The Australian native was able to make his way into fourth at the halfway mark and from there he maintained a steady pace to finish just shy of the podium in fourth.

 

Max Whale (18). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Max Whale (18). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

Whale: “What an awesome weekend Atlanta was! It was super fun having Travis Pastrana, Ryan Sipes and Shayna Texter as teammates all weekend. I feel like I had good speed but the first couple laps I got pushed around and dropped back a few positions but I passed a few people and ended up fourth. I feel like I had pace to run with the front three but it was too little too late and I couldn’t catch them quick enough. I just want to thank everyone who helps me out, the whole Red Bull KTM team worked really hard all weekend and it’s much appreciated.”

Coming off a 1-1 sweep at the opening rounds, Shayna Texter-Bauman had a challenging day at the Atlanta Super TT. She made it through qualifying to line up in AFT Singles Semi 2 but she didn’t get the start she was looking for and wasn’t able to make her way through the field to claim a transfer into the Main Event. Despite missing the main, Texter-Bauman still maintains third overall in the championship standings with two Main Event wins in the first three rounds.

 

Shayna Texter-Bauman (52). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Shayna Texter-Bauman (52). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

Texter-Bauman: “It was a challenging night for myself as I failed to qualify for the Main Event. This TT track was a bit unique to our sport for TT racing in particular because they added an asphalt section to the track. I felt really good on the asphalt but I was really struggling myself in the dirt section. The Georgia red clay as we saw in Supercross was very hard to find a consistent base and we battled rough-dry-slick conditions all night long. We will regroup tomorrow with some oval testing and be ready to come out strong in Texas in a couple weeks.”

As part of his weekend racing extravaganza, Travis Pastrana lined up in the AFT Singles Class for Round 3 aboard the iconic #199 KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION to try his hand at a different discipline of racing. Pastrana came away with a respectable ninth-place finish in the Main Event after battling inside the top-10 throughout the day. Pastrana was a welcomed addition to the team for the weekend as he demonstrated his ability to be ready to race at any time, any place.

 

Travis Pastrana (199). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Travis Pastrana (199). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

Pastrana: “It was an epic day of fun here in Atlanta. The KTM was by far the fastest 450 I’ve ever ridden and a huge advantage on the field and I had a blast trying to figure everything out. I brought my mechanic Ron with me to help out but besides bleeding the front brake a few times, we didn’t touch anything all weekend. I wish I could have finished one spot higher and been in front of [Ryan] Sipes but I was really happy to make the main and get a top-10 result. I need some practice using the metal shoe and being consistent with my slides but maybe the chance will come up to ride another TT in the future.”

Next Race: Texas Half-Mile – Fort Worth, Texas – May 22, 2021
AFT Singles Main Event – Atlanta Super TT

1. Dallas Daniels, YAM

2. Michael Rush, YAM

3. Ferran Cardus, HON

4. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

OTHER KTM

9. Travis Pastrana, KTM

17. Aiden RoosEvans, KTM
 

 

AFT Singles Point Standings (After Round 3)

1. Dallas Daniels, 60 points

2. Michael Rush, 57

3. Shayna Texter-Bauman, 50

4. Max Whale, 43

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Royal Enfield North America:

Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield Rider Johnny Lewis Captures Fifth Place at Atlanta  

Lewis charged from the back of the field after first lap incident 

 

Johnny Lewis (10). Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
Johnny Lewis (10). Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.

 

Atlanta, GA: Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield rider Johnny Lewis captured fifth place during the American Flat Track (AFT) Atlanta Super TT at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Lewis was fast all weekend and despite a crash on the first lap that forced him to start from the back of the field, Lewis made quick work of the back half of the field and settled into fifth. The top five finish showcases the development work the team has done since the opening round in Volusia.

The Super TT format played well into Moto Anatomy X Royal Enfield rider’s strengths, as Lewis is an accomplished supermoto rider and rides motocross regularly as part of his training. During the opening lap, Lewis made a strong start, but high-sided coming out of the first corner, breaking his helmet visor and inflating his airbag suit. After the field was red-flagged, Lewis was able to regroup and rejoin the race at the back of the field.

“We showed great speed all weekend, but the incident on the first lap meant we had our work cut out for us,” said Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield rider Johnny Lewis. “The team has been working extremely hard since Volusia. David and Bryan Lloyd along with the rest of the team have put in long hours to get more power out of the Twins FT. We ran at the top of the field all weekend and feel great about the progress we’ve made. Obviously, we had hoped for a podium result but that’s racing.”

The Atlanta Super TT course utilized both the front straightaway of the NASCAR oval and portions of dirt in the infield grass. The track made for great racing action and Lewis was running in the top two during practice and qualifying, then won his semi-final race in convincing fashion. The fifth-place finish and the speed shown by Lewis all weekend highlights the behind-the-scenes work the team continues to do in search of furthering the performance of the Twins FT package.

The American Flat Track season will return on May 22 at Texas Motor Speedway for the Mission Foods Texas Half Mile Presented by Roof Systems. Lewis will look to take the momentum from his fifth-place finish into the next round in Texas.

During the race weekend, the Get On! Moto Show will also take place around the speedway, with demo rides, custom bike displays, music, food and more Friday through Sunday. Johnny Lewis will also be hosting a Royal Enfield Slide School powered by Moto Anatomy that weekend as well.

To learn more, visit Get On! Moto Show or purchase tickets directly at AmericanFlatTrack.com.

Be sure to follow @MotoAnatomyxRoyalEnfield on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest results and insights from the track. The team will continue to release short films documenting each round, which can be seen on Royal Enfield North America’s YouTube channel throughout the season.

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 U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the Himalayan, Meteor 350 and the 650 Twins: INT 650 and Continental GT 650 motorcycles along with a range of genuine motorcycle accessories and apparel.

The Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield team is supported by Harris Performance, SENA, Spectro Oils, Beringer Brakes, Solid Performance, EVS, ODI, Just 1, Tucker, Saddlemen, S&S Cycle, Team Lawant, Quayle Construction and Goon Glass and Rubber.

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

Mert Lawwill Named Grand Marshal Of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

Mert Lawwill (7). Photo courtesy AMA.
Mert Lawwill (7). Photo courtesy AMA.

Mert Lawwill Named Grand Marshal of 2021 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

Featuring an On Any Sunday theme, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will highlight people, machines and memorabilia from Bruce Brown’s beloved moto documentary

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Mert Lawwill has been named Grand Marshal for the 2021 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days event July 23-25 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

Lawwill, an AMA Grand National Champion (1969), won his first AMA national at the storied Sacramento Mile in 1965, the first of his 15 career wins. In 1969 he was voted the AMA’s Most Popular Rider of the Year, and he was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.

Beyond his racing success, Lawwill is perhaps best-known for his featured role in Bruce Brown’s legendary 1971 moto documentary On Any Sunday, which chronicled his bid to defend his AMA Grand National title throughout the 1970 racing season.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the classic movie, and the 2021 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days event will feature an On Any Sunday theme to celebrate the beloved documentary. Along with having one of the movie’s stars, Lawwill, as Grand Marshal, Lawwill’s Harley-Davidson dirt tracker and a Husqvarna Malcolm Smith rode in the movie will be on display, along with other movie memorabilia.

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2021 will also feature a special screening of On Any Sunday in celebration of 50 years, bringing back the excitement and joy of riding to young and old who attend.

“I’m excited to experience all the vintage stuff happening at Mid-Ohio this July,” Lawwill said when invited to attend, “and honored to be chosen as the event’s Grand Marshal — especially since the AMA will be celebrating Bruce Brown’s On Any Sunday moto documentary during VMD weekend! Being involved in that film was a great experience, and reliving some of it this July will be fantastic.”

“Mert Lawwill is a beloved figure in motorcycling,” said AMA Editorial Director Mitch Boehm, “for his racing career as well as his role in motorcycling’s all-time favorite movie. Having Mert there to celebrate the magic that Bruce Brown created 50 years ago will be a thrill for everyone involved.”

The 2021 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days event will also feature all the vintage-oriented happenings classic-bike fans love about the event, including off-road and road racing, Hall of Fame activities, the legendary swap meet, and more.

Tickets are available at midohio.com/tickets.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

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

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

MV Agusta Hires Christian Henderson To Lead MV Agusta USA (Updated)

A 2021-model MV Agusta Superveloce S (left) next to a pair of standard 2021 MV Agusta Superveloces. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
A 2021-model MV Agusta Superveloce S (left) next to a pair of standard 2021 MV Agusta Superveloces. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.

MV AGUSTA RELAUNCHES THE AMERICAN MARKET

with a new brand strategy to develop its business in the United States, Canada and LATAM.

 

Varese, May 5, 2021 – MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. and its subsidiary, MV Agusta USA LLC, have created a new brand strategy to fully develop the brand’s potential in this region. MV Agusta USA LLC will be led by Christian Henderson, who will set out to expand the brand’s range of services and competences on offer, enhancing customer experience and strengthening dealer support.

Christian Henderson, a US motorcycle industry established professional, joined the MV Agusta USA team as Managing Director AMERICAS on May 3rd, 2021. Christian acquired extensive knowledge of the dealer business with key motorcycle brands, will lead the global MV Agusta change in the American market.

 

Christian Henderson. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
Christian Henderson. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.

 

The MV Agusta AMERICAS team will be concentrating on increasing its presence and brand awareness in the United States, Canada and LATAM, with the goal of establishing MV Agusta as the premier quality brand in all aspects of the business. In particular, the focus will be on the development of a premium support network, the application of the latest business technology, and the launch of exciting new products and services to create a thrilling customer experience.

Timur Sardarov, CEO MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. commented: “Reinforcing our presence in such an important market as the AMERICAS is a key part of our strategic plan. I am glad Christian is leading our US operation, as he brings a wealth of experience and forward-thinking, one-step-ahead leadership to the team, on top of his passion for motorcycles. I am confident Christian will succeed on his new path and I wish him every luck.”

Christian Henderson, Managing Director AMERICAS, said: “It is with great pleasure that I join the MV Agusta team. I will bring to bear my years of experience in the industry, both from the dealer and the OEM perspectives. In order to further propel this iconic brand to new heights in the Americas, my focus will be on increasing brand awareness and strengthening the overall premium experience for both MV Agusta customers and our dealer network.  My goal is for MV Agusta to become the premier brand in each of our dealerships while remaining premium and aspirational.”

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by MV Agusta:

MV AGUSTA SECURES STRATEGIC GROWTH PLAN

WITH 30M€ SHARE CAPITAL INCREASE

 

Varese – MV Agusta is announcing a 30M€ share capital increase to support its 5-year business plan aiming at the continuation of the worldwide growth of the Company. Bringing MV Agusta’s net equity to a total of 70M€, the initiative also marks the positive, final and early settlement of all its obligations under the composition with creditors on a going concern basis (“concordato preventivo in continuità aziendale” in Italian law). An uncommonly positive achievement which was made possible thanks to the relevant support of MV Agusta’s shareholders.

Since 2019, when the Sardarov family became the sole shareholder of the Company, more than 150M€ have been injected into the business to support operations and the investments of the new industrial plan. MV Agusta is now in a very strong position to step-up the execution of its strategic plan, focusing on the development of the new engines and models, the brand’s expansion into new segments, such as adventure, electric recreational and urban mobility, as well as on strengthening its global sales network. The relaunch of a such as historic Italian Company is also having positive effects on the local community, helping to maintain employment levels, and contributing to the Italian economy in general during this 2020 – 2021 difficult period.

Timur Sardarov, CEO of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., said: “One of my first objectives was to put an end to the financial stress the Company had been experiencing and lay the industrial and commercial structures for growth. Today all these objectives have been reached in full and now we can look at the future with renewed confidence while we continue to move from one successful product to another. This capital injection will literally boost our business on all fronts, from the design, development and production of new stunning bikes to the providing of world-class service to all our customers, to expanding our 3.0 worldwide dealers network. In 2021 we expect to exceed 100M€ revenues for the first time in our history and to triple our performance within the next 3 years.”

Massimo Bordi, Vice Chairman of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., added: “MV Agusta is a great brand with a prestigious heritage. It’ s always had very attractive products that everybody appreciates for their unique design, high performance and advanced technology. That’s why today I see a great potential in the Company, which hadn’t seen in the past years. We have finally created the conditions to allow MV Agusta write a new successful chapter in the history of motorcycling.”

About MV Agusta Motor S.p.A.

MV Agusta is one of the world’s leading premium motorcycles manufacturers. Based in Varese, in Northern Italy, it crafts legendary racetrack-derived bikes. Iconic design and class-leading performance through advanced technologies and materials make MV Agusta motorcycles admired the world over and celebrated as unique pieces of Motorcycle Art. Since 1945, the brand has evolved to become a point of reference in the industry, having won 37 World Championship titles. A record still undisputed. www.mvagusta.com

Bagger Racing League Hires Race Director, Posts Technical Rules

The Bagger Racing League will include a Stunt GP racing class and stunt shows. Photo by Justin George, courtesy BRL.
The Bagger Racing League will include a Stunt GP racing class and stunt shows. Photo by Justin George, courtesy BRL.

BAGGER RACING LEAGUE, IN HIGH GEAR AHEAD OF FIRST RACE AND RALLY

HIRES RACE DIRECTOR AND TECHNICAL DIRECTOR  PUBLISHES OFFICIAL RULES AND OPENS RACE REGISTRATION 
 

DURANGO, CO – Bagger Racing League’s inaugural event is just over two months away, and the growing race league isn’t wasting any time.

They’ve hired a Race Director, Technical Director, Referee and Starter. Bagger Racing League (BRL) is proud to announce that race registration is now open.
To register for the first Bagger Racing League event, Drag Specialities Battle of the Baggers, 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 here.

“We’re thrilled so many companies have jumped on board as sponsors, and we can’t wait to get them in front of racers, riders and the general public,” said BRL founder Rob Buydos. “We also couldn’t be happier with our new race director, Alex Mock—Alex is a consummate professional with the kind of high-level experience and expertise we were looking for in a director.”

Based out of Corona, California, Alex Mock is the former head of race operations and promoter of the Supermoto National Championship Series and Roland Sands Design SuperHooligans, among others. He has a wide range of experience in race operations, timing, and scoring and race promotions, and he holds a race coach certificate with the U.S. Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA) and is the current American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) Roadrace Director.

“Bagger Racing League’s melding of high-performance and touring motorcycles is something new and exciting,” said Mock. “I’m honored to be on board, and I’m raring to begin my race directorship at the inaugural event in June.”

Dan Berkes is confirmed as the Technical Director and brings a wealth of V-Twin specific performance knowledge and experience. Berke’s experience in a Harley-Davidson dealership, as an aftermarket parts shop owner and aftermarket performance parts distributor as well as his attention to detail will be invaluable as the Technical Director of the Bagger Racing League.

Bagger Racing League is more than racing it is a 3-day long event that features the world’s largest V-Twin vendor village at a racetrack, stunt shows, camping, the Arlen Ness Custom Bike Show, music and lots of racing.
 

BRL features 5 classes of racing:
 

1. Hooligan GP: Includes any V-twin inspired platform.

2. Big Twin GP: Includes any large-displacement big twin.

3. Stunt GP: Entrants will qualify or not based on a stunt performance the day before racing; types of stunts include burnouts, drifting, wheelies, and the like.

4. Premier Class Bagger GP: Bikes must have a fairing and bags to qualify.

5. Pro Stock Bagger: Bikes must have fairing and bags to qualify.

 

“Within hours of announcing the Bagger Racing League, we had over 20 teams signed contracts to race with the Bagger Racing League. In the subsequent weeks, the groundswell of support  has proven the need for a V-Twin centric race and rally. We can’t wait to see everyone at the Drag Specialties Battle of the Baggers in Salt Lake City at the end of June and have the best 3 days of V-Twin racing in history” Said Bagger Racing League COO, John M. Oakes.

Bagger Racing League round 1 Drag Specialties Battle of the Baggers takes place June 25–27, 2021, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at Utah Motorsports Complex. Presale tickets are now available.

 

All info
www.BaggerRacingLeague.com
 

BRL Official Rules are posted and can be perused here.
 

 

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 Oakes in 2021.

Tried And Tested: Dunlop RoadSport 2 Tires

Even a well-used set of good performance radials can serve you well at a track day. The author on his beloved bargain blaster Suzuki SV650 with a set of year-old Dunlop RoadSport 2 radials at Buttonwillow Raceway Park. Photo by CaliPhotography.com.
Even a well-used set of good performance radials can serve you well at a track day. The author on his beloved bargain blaster Suzuki SV650 with a set of year-old Dunlop RoadSport 2 radials at Buttonwillow Raceway Park. Photo by CaliPhotography.com.

Copyright 2021, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

by Michael Gougis

For riders thinking about getting into the track day riding game, there are obstacles real and imagined. The real ones can be tough enough. You don’t need imagined ones on top of those.

Often, new riders are told/read on social media that they have to have good tires to go to the track. This is true. But what constitutes a good tire? Do you have to have slicks? Is it imperative to have a spare set of rims with racing tires mounted up just to go have a good time riding around your favorite circuit?

The simple answer is no. And the more complex answer is that a good set of modern performance-oriented radials are good enough to get you through a day of trashing around your favorite circuit with style. And an even more complex answer is that even tires that have been used on the street can successfully make the transition to occasional track use.

Which brings us to the immediate instance: Dunlop’s RoadSport 2.

 

A Dunlop RoadSport2 front tire. Photo courtesy Dunlop.
A Dunlop RoadSport2 front tire. Photo courtesy Dunlop.

 

Dunlop has a range of performance-oriented street radials, ranging from the budget Sportmax GPR-300 up to the Sportmax Q4. While perusing the company’s catalogue for a new set of boots for my Suzuki SV650 street machine, I ran across the following phrase in the company’s literature for the RoadSport 2:

Available in popular sport bike sizes to fit machines such as the Suzuki SV650.

 

A Dunlop RoadSport2 rear tire. Photo courtesy Dunlop.
A Dunlop RoadSport2 rear tire. Photo courtesy Dunlop.

 

I’m not always the warmest McNugget in the Happy Meal, so the universe apparently didn’t want there to be any ambiguity about which tires I, the owner of a Suzuki SV650, should purchase. I bought a set in April 2020.

The tires feature a radial construction with a single-compound tread. They are designed for quick warmup and light, quick steering. The company says they are designed to provide a balance between value and performance and to offer grip at sportbike-appropriate lean angles.

Between April 2020 and April 2021, I put approximately 5,500 street miles on this set of tires. I was careful to maintain proper street tire pressures, and I upgraded the suspension a bit – as someone wise once said, the entire purpose of a chassis is to keep the tires happy.

So even a trip from Southern California to Seattle and back didn’t flat-spot the tires in the center, and they still felt grippy enough for freeway onramp shenanigans a year after I bought them. The tires also felt dead-stable at speed on the freeway, didn’t beat me up and didn’t wander over rain grooves. All good.

Then, for the purposes of a different article, I needed to put a few track miles on the bike. And I thought, I’ve been telling people for years in the Trackday Directory that the bike in the garage is good enough to get started on. Well, I had a bike in the garage. Put up or shut up, I thought.

I did four long (30-minute) sessions at Buttonwillow Raceway Park at a TrackDaz event on the RoadSport 2 tires. I dropped the pressures to 32 psi front, 28 psi rear, cold, and didn’t touch them the rest of the day. I also didn’t use tire warmers.

Perhaps my familiarity with Suzuki’s middleweight twin assisted things, but I was quickly comfortable and having fun. As promised, the tires quickly warmed to the point where I was knee-down in the first session, and they did nothing wrong through the long sweeping corners at the track, the front tracking true and holding a line comfortably with the speedo reading 90 mph through Riverside.

As my confidence built, I could get the rear to slide a bit, but it was all completely under control. As a matter of fact, I didn’t realize how much I was hanging the rear out until the gentleman pitted next to me commented on how aggressively I was riding when I passed him on his KTM 1290 Super Duke!

At the end of the day, the rear was shagged all the way to the edge and looked like they’d been on the track. But they’re still in good shape, and I’m still using them on the street. And I’ll be looking for another set of RoadSport (or tires from the company’s multi-compound RoadSmart series) when I eventually burn these out.

MotoAmerica: Doyle Broke Arm At Road Atlanta

Dominic Doyle during pre-season testing on his new BARTCON Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R. Photo courtesy BARTCON Racing.
Dominic Doyle during pre-season testing on his new BARTCON Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R. Photo courtesy BARTCON Racing.

BARTCON Racing rider Dominic Doyle missed the Supersport races at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and will miss the upcoming races at VIRginia International Raceway due to a broken right arm he suffered during the season-opening event in Georgia.

“Unfortunately after further scans, we have confirmed that our Supersport rider Dominic Doyle has suffered a fracture of his right wrist, more specifically the radius bone, after crashing out in Friday’s free practice at Road Atlanta,” team owner Colin Barton wrote in an e-mail to Roadracingworld.com. “Dominic will have the cast on for at least a month and will be out for VIR, but hopefully after some accelerated physio/rehab and hard training, we can get him ready for Road America in mid-June.”

 

Dominic Doyle post-Road Atlanta. Photo courtesy BARTCON Racing.
Dominic Doyle post-Road Atlanta. Photo courtesy BARTCON Racing.

MotoAmerica: More From The Season-Opener At Road Atlanta

Sean Dylan Kelly (40). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Sean Dylan Kelly (40) does the double with a pair of dominant wins on his GSX-R600. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

SUZUKI’S SEAN DYLAN KELLY WINS TWICE AT ROAD ATLANTA

Brea, CA  – Suzuki Motor USA, LLC and Team Hammer kicked off the 2021 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship in midseason form, racking up a pair of victories, three podiums, and a pole position in the ‘21 opener at Road Atlanta.
The weekend’s leading man was undoubtedly M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Sean Dylan Kelly, who made good on his promise to come back even stronger in ‘21 following a five-win, championship runner-up MotoAmerica Supersport campaign a year ago.

‘SDK’ delivered back-to-back blowout victories from pole in MotoAmerica Supersport competition at Road Atlanta. He twice demonstrated his elite dog-fighting capabilities aboard his Suzuki GSX-R600 early before ultimately breaking his pursuers’ challenge and escaping to take the checkered flag alone at the front.

As a result, Kelly now boasts four consecutive class victories dating back to the end of last season. The rising star said, “That was amazing. It’s awesome to see fans here again cheering us on. This is what we work for as a team. For myself, this offseason, it was really tough after a difficult 2020 season. But this is what we work for.

“I came into 2021 better than ever, and my team came into 2021 better than ever. We worked really hard this weekend and this is our reward. We’re going to keep going just like this. We’re really strong and we’re going to keep on fighting.”

 

Sam Lochoff (44) kicked off his 2021 season with two impressive top ten finishes in Atlanta. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Sam Lochoff (44) kicked off his 2021 season with two impressive top ten finishes in Atlanta. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

 

Kelly’s new teammate, Sam Lochoff, impressed in his MotoAmerica Supersport class (and team) debut. The South African twice fought his way forward from the outside of Row 3, claiming a fifth-place result on Saturday and a seventh on Sunday despite still acclimating to the power of Suzuki’s Supersport contender.

M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Superbike duo of Bobby Fong and Cameron Petersen flashed serious potential and came away with a runner-up result and four top-fives despite battling against misfortune and difficult circumstances.

 

Bobby Fong (50) raced hard and delivered a podium finish and a top five finish to back it up. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Bobby Fong (50) raced hard and delivered a podium finish and a top five finish to back it up. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

 

Fong stormed to second aboard his factory GSX-R1000 Superbike on Saturday and showed the pace to improve upon that position in Sunday’s rematch.

Unfortunately, the Californian was judged to have jumped the start and was assessed a ride-thru penalty while running at the front of the pack. The penalty eliminated Fong from contention for the win, but Fong rode hard after serving the penalty and salvaged a fifth-place finish in the end.

“It wasn’t a bad weekend. We came out in one piece with no crashes and got some points,” said Fong. “I jumped the start in race two and I apologize to the team for that. The track is downhill there on the start and I got a bit of a roll. It’s unfortunate, but that is part of racing. When I was leading, I didn’t feel like I was pushing too hard and I felt comfortable racing with those guys. The team worked really well this weekend and I feel really good about our season.”

 

Cameron Petersen (45) took home two top-five finishes in his debut ride in the Superbike class. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Cameron Petersen (45) took home two top-five finishes in his debut ride in the Superbike class. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

 

South African Cam Petersen scored a pair of fourths, despite riding at less than 100% due to a healing injured foot.

 

Wyatt Farris (79) had two solid races in his debut on the M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Wyatt Farris (79) had two solid races in his debut on the M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

 

Unrealized potential was the theme for a number of other Suzuki pilots; M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Wyatt Farris earned tenth- and 13th-place finishes in Stock 1000 after a preseason injury hampered his testing program.

 

Jake Lewis (85) is back on a Suzuki and delivered two fourth-place finishes over the weekend. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Jake Lewis (85) is back on a Suzuki and delivered two fourth-place finishes over the weekend. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

 

Altus Motorsports Suzuki’s ultra-talented Jake Lewis twice teased race-winning potential on his Team Hammer-built GSX-R1000 in Stock 1000 before reeling in a pair of fourths.

Team Hammer and M4 ECSTAR Suzuki will look to make good on a promising opener when the 2021 season resumes at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia, on May 21-23.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Jayson Uribe’s publicist:

Jayson Uribe in MotoAmerica Top 10!

 

Jayson Uribe (36). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Jayson Uribe Racing.
Jayson Uribe (36). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Jayson Uribe Racing.

 

It was a challenging weekend for ADR Racing’s Jayson Uribe, who ultimately walked away with a top ten finish yesterday, in the second Superbike race of the opening MotoAmerica event of the year, after a monster crash earlier in the weekend at Road Atlanta.

Now Suzuki mounted, Uribe made a promising start before falling heavily on Friday afternoon, resulting in a trip to the local hospital which thankfully revealed no broken bones. Determined to take to the grid, Jayson’s first race on Saturday yielded no points, meaning a tough race on Sunday, the #36 having to start from nineteenth on the grid.

Working his way forward, Jayson was soon inside the top, where he eventually finished, collecting six points and his first top ten of the season. He moves on to Round 2 at VIR in a couple of weeks looking to build upon his exploits of the opening round.

Jayson Uribe: “Overall, it was an interesting opening weekend for the ADR team. We were off to a good start, right up until QP1 on Friday afternoon when we had a small piece of the rear brake fail, which caused fluid to get on to the rear tire and send me skyward. Absolutely no fault of anyone, just a faulty piece that no one could’ve predicted or planned for. Long story short, I was taken to the hospital for some X-rays and to fix up some scrapes. Still have all nine fingers though! I woke up on Saturday morning very sore, but ready to get back on the bike. My crew worked late into the night to make sure the bike was perfect, which I appreciate greatly. David Anthony (my team mate and boss) ended up having an off in QP2 and sustained an injury to his hand that ruled him out of the weekend. From that point on, my goal was just to finish the weekend and take-home points for the team. Race 1 on Saturday was rough, as we got tangled up in some oil from an incident in turn 1, which caused me to come to the pits to clean everything off. We went back out just to gather data and prep for race 2. In race 2, I was gridded in 19th from the finish in race 1, which gave me a lot of work to do. After clawing my way up to 10th, I decided to play it safe and bring home some points for the team. Overall, the ADR crew had a bit of a rough go at Atlanta. We are all looking forward to starting fresh for round 2!”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Travis Wyman Racing:

Travis Wyman scores victory, podium at MotoAmerica Superbikes at Atlanta

BMW rider leaves Road Atlanta round with championship points lead in Stock 1000 Class, Superbike Cup

 

Travis Wyman (10). Photo by Paul Phillips, courtesy Travis Wyman Racing.
Travis Wyman (10). Photo by Paul Phillips, courtesy Travis Wyman Racing.

BRASELTON, Ga. — As Travis Wyman traveled to the Road Atlanta road course on Thursday, he was hoping his offseason testing program had done enough to help him get a good start to the 2021 MotoAmerica season. By the end of his fourth and final race of the April 30-May 2 event, the California Superbike School instructor had accomplished that goal and now sits atop the points standings in two MotoAmerica classes.

The Las Vegas rider kicked off his second season racing aboard a 2020 BMW S 1000 RR — with title sponsorship from Keith Code’s California Superbike School — with a victory and third place in the weekend’s two Stock 1000 races and was the top-finishing Superbike Cup rider in both MotoAmerica Superbike races.

Wyman was fast from start of the weekend, posting the fastest lap time in Stock 1000 practice on Friday morning. After having trouble getting a clean flying lap in Friday afternoon’s qualifying session due to a crowded racetrack, Wyman finished Saturday qualifying in second.

Saturday afternoon’s Stock 1000 race saw Wyman recover from a lackluster start to claim a podium finish. After falling back to fifth place at the end of Lap 1, Wyman battled with several other riders for the duration of the 13-lap race. The only lap Wyman crossed the start/finish line in third place was the last lap. Wyman also ended that race with an exclamation point, breaking the lap record for the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Class at Road Atlanta with a time of 1:26.949 on the final lap.

Later Saturday, Wyman lined up for first Superbike race of 2021. After starting the race 12th on the grid, Wyman fell as far back as 14th before charging forward to ninth place by the end of Lap 3. Attrition farther up the field moved Wyman up the running order. He finished the race in seventh and secured the best finish among the Superbike Cup riders.

For Sunday’s Stock 1000 race, Wyman got a better start and gradually reeled in the race leader. After making a draft pass for the lead on Lap 9, Wyman built a commanding lead, taking the victory by a margin of 2.876 seconds. Later Sunday afternoon, Wyman scored his second top-10 Superbike finish of the weekend. Starting from seventh place on the grid, Wyman held off a challenge from another Superbike Cup rider to score a eighth-place finish and a second-consecutive first place among the Superbike Cup field. Wyman also lowered his personal best lap time around Road Atlanta when he posted a 1:26.690.

The next round of the 2021 MotoAmerica season takes place May 21-23 at VIRginia International Raceway in Alton, Va. The track is one of Wyman’s favorites on the MotoAmerica schedule, and he has recorded a win and a third-place in MotoAmerica’s last two Stock 1000 races on the facility’s 2.25-mile North Course.

Travis Wyman / No. 10

“The weekend at Road Atlanta went about as good as it could have. If I’d gotten a better start in Saturday’s Stock 1000 race, I think I would’ve been in contention to win that race too. I’ve had success here before, but I put this year’s good results down to being prepared for the start of the season. Thanks to my Irv Seaver BMW-sponsored offseason testing program, I felt comfortable pushing my BMW from the start of the weekend and had great pace from the first practice session. I got a better start in Sunday’s Stock 1000 race, and my team had my BMW dialed in. It’s been an amazing weekend, but there’s still a lot of racing to go this year. I really enjoy racing at VIR, and I think we’ll be in the hunt for more victories there.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Robem Engineering:

Robem Engineering riders endure difficult race Sunday on final day of MotoAmerica Superbikes at Atlanta

De Keyrel, Schultz, Khamsouk unable to take part in restarted Twins Cup race after suffering crashes at Road Atlanta’s Turn 1

 

Kaleb De Keyrel (51) on his Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660. Photo by Sara Chappell Photos.
Kaleb De Keyrel (51) on his Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660. Photo by Sara Chappell Photos.

BRASELTON, Ga. — Saturday afternoon, the Robem Engineering team was celebrating the triumphant debut of the Aprilia RS 660 in MotoAmerica Twins Cup competition. About 24 hours later, the team’s three riders were unable to finish Sunday’s Twins Cup contest, as Kaleb De Keyrel, Hayden Schultz and Toby Khamsouk all crashed out of the race at the start of Lap 8.

Despite not claiming any championship points Sunday, all three Robem Engineering Aprilias were running in the top seven or better for the first seven laps of the race, with De Keyrel and Schultz locked in a battle for the race lead. The team leaves the first of nine MotoAmerica rounds in 2021 with a win and a podium finish in the books, as well as two riders in the top nine in the Twins Cup points standings.

 

Hayden Schultz (49). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Robem Engineering.
Hayden Schultz (49). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Robem Engineering.

At the start of Sunday’s Twins Cup race, it was De Keyrel who grabbed the holeshot and led the field into Road Atlanta’s uphill Turn 1. From there, it was a four-way battle for the lead, with De Keyrel and Schultz taking their turns at the front of the quartet. De Keyrel was consistently fast, posting a 1:35.180 on Lap 4 – the fastest lap of the race at that point in time – then besting that time on Lap 6 with a 1:35.703. As De Keyrel was vying for the lead at the start of Lap 8, fluid began leaking from his bike, causing De Keyrel, Schultz, Khamsouk and another rider to crash as they entered Turn 1. The race was stopped and, due to damage all three bikes suffered in their respective crashes, none of the Robem riders were able to take part in the restarted race.

 

Toby Khamsouk (27). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Robem Engineering.
Toby Khamsouk (27). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Robem Engineering.

The Robem Engineering team will be back in action at Round 2 of the 2021 MotoAmerica season, which takes place May 21-23 at VIRginia International Raceway in Alton, Va. The tight, twisty nature of VIR’s 2.25-mile North Course should suit the good handling characteristics of the Aprilia RS 660, and all three riders will aim to further their goal of winning Aprilia’s first MotoAmerica title.

Robem Engineering’s technical partners for 2021 include The Center for Plastic Surgery, Velocity Calibrations, Bitubo Suspension, Dunlop, Woodcraft Technologies, Dymag, Vesrah, DNA Filters, Magura USA, Sara Chappell Photos, NGK/NTK, Blud Lubricants, Millennium Technologies and SC-Project.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Pure Attitude Racing:

Podium, a brace of top tens, points for all four riders – MotoAmerica started in style for Pure Attitude Racing in Atlanta

Pure Attitude Racing made their intentions clear in the opening round of the 2021  MotoAmerica series at Road Atlanta this past weekend. Trevor Standish raced to a maiden Twins Cup podium, his team mates securing solid race finishes in both Supersport and Twins Cup too!

 

The weekend began in style in Gainesville Square where all four riders attended the annual ‘Season Kick Off’ Party, one of the team’s machines was also on display.

When the on-track action got underway on Friday, riders Nate Minster and Austin Miller made great strides between sessions in Supersport, the pair showing great speed and potential on the opening day of season. Both riders improved further in final qualifying, although Nate Minster took a spill which ruled him out of Race 1. Twins Cup duo, Liam MacDonald and Trevor Standish had an up and down day one but bounced back in style to qualify strongly ahead of their two races.

Looking back at the races – two in both classes – the team are delighted with the performance of all four riders who each ensured a bag full of points as the season heads to Virginia International Raceway in a couple of weeks.

 

Trevor Standish. Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Trevor Standish. Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.

 

Trevor Standish began his title campaign in Twins Cup with a fighting fourth on Saturday, which he followed up with a stunning ride to P2 on Sunday, the #16 leaving Road Atlanta with the championship lead! Liam MacDonald showed that he has lost none of his speed, despite not racing competitively for over a year. The Kiwi, who is making is MotoAmerica debut this season, finished tenth and seventh, declaring himself content with the weekend, and delighted with how welcome Pure Attitude Racing have made him feel.

 

Austin Miller (61). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Austin Miller (61). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.

 

Austin Miller opened his points tally with a career equalling best result of twelfth, the #61 Kawasaki rider running strongly in race too, before a small issue meant he had to retire. Nate Minster, who had initially qualified on the third row of the grid, secured the team’s third top ten finish of the weekend, taking eighth in a confidence building ride on Sunday.

 

Trevor Standish 4th / 2nd: “The season got off to a great start. I finished fourth on Saturday which was a career best finish in the Twins Cup class for me. I made another good start in Race 2 on Sunday and was running a strong fifth. I was hanging with the lead group and I noticed some smoke along the main straight. I had made a couple of mistakes, which was lucky in hindsight as there was a three-rider crash into Turn 1. I knew it must have been fluid, so I was extra cautious. We regrouped and I made the hole shot and was able to pressure Teagg Hobbs throughout. It was a great feeling to lead the opening lap and a half and to be able to fight for the win. I made the fastest lap of the race on the last lap and am leading the Twins Cup championship too which is unbelievable, I actually have no words. The next round is at one of my favourite circuits – VIR – and I hope we can keep the momentum going. I want to thank the whole Pure Attitude Team for all their hard work this weekend, especially Kent and AJ, and thank the fans for going so crazy at the podium!”

 

Liam MacDonald (37). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Liam MacDonald (37). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.

 

Liam MacDonald: 10th / 7th: “Q2 I was frustrated to only get one clean lap, but the main thing is that I made the grid after the crash in Q1. For the race, from lap seven to eleven I was in survival mode. I couldn’t feel my arms or my hands. I could barely twist the throttle. I lost a couple of places on the final lap but that’s racing. I learned a lot and to finish my first race in the US in the top ten is more than I expected. I am really stoked with how Race 2 went. I’m upset that I made a mistake on the last lap but that won’t happen as I get more used to the bike and I understand how to race a Twins Cup bike. We aren’t quite there with the perfect set-up, but we aren’t far away, and the potential is there. I need to improve my physical fitness, I haven’t raced for over a year, but I am confident that we can run in the top six pretty soon. I am so happy for my team mate Trevor and so happy for the team. I already feel part of the Pure Attitude family and I cannot wait for the next race.”

 

Nate Minster (99). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Nate Minster (99). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.

 

Nate Minster – DNS / 8th: “Qualifying went well, especially on Saturday when I was able to improve my time by over a second. I crashed heavily though towards the end of Q2 and despite the best efforts of the team I was unable to make the grid for race one. We were able to race on Sunday and whilst I didn’t feel the best after my Q2 get off, I was able to make a good start and was chasing for seventh. I ended up eighth, which when you consider what happened and the work, we had to do to get back out there isn’t too bad.”

 

Austin Miller: 12th / 15th: “Race one went great despite a rough opening lap on the initial start. I shifted into third gear and got on the gas a little too hard out of Turn 10 and as I crested the hill towards the final turn the front wheel went skywards. Luckily, I was able to get it stopped but was dead last after going through the gravel. The next lap there was a red flag which really helped me out. My initial jump on the restart wasn’t great but I avoided another incident at Turn 1 and was able to bring it home in the twelfth position and I was able to improve my lap time again, in race conditions. Race two there was another red flag unfortunately when I was running in the top fourteen. I was able to run in the points in the restart but with three laps to go I had a small problem with the bike. I lost power and had to reset it which worked but the issue happened again, and I had to retire to the pits.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Bob’s BMW Jeremy Cook Racing:

Bob’s BMW Jeremy Cook Racing, presented by Motorcycle Xcitement, scores points-paying finish in first time racing at Road Atlanta in MotoAmerica season opener

BMW rider places in top 20 in MotoAmerica Stock 1000 races on Saturday, Sunday

 

Jeremy Cook (81). Photo by BrockImaging, courtesy Bob's BMW Jeremy Cook Racing.
Jeremy Cook (81). Photo by BrockImaging, courtesy Bob’s BMW Jeremy Cook Racing.

BRASELTON, Ga. — For Jeremy Cook, his first full pro road racing season started at a track he’d never ridden on before. Despite enduring mechanical problems with his BMW S 1000 RR on Thursday and Friday, the Bob’s BMW Jeremy Cook Racing rider got a positive start to his first full MotoAmerica racing season when he finished in the points in Sunday’s Stock 1000 race.

Cook – who is an instructor for presenting sponsor Motorcycle Xcitement — first competed in a MotoAmerica race in 2015, and MotoAmerica’s season-opening Superbikes at Atlanta round marked the first of nine MotoAmerica rounds that Cook plans to compete in this year.

After encountering problems with his motorcycle’s clutch system Thursday night while prepping the BMW and Friday during the Stock 1000 Class’ Friday practice session, Cook qualified 23rd for the weekend’s two Stock 1000 races.

In Saturday’s race, Cook moved up three positions on the first lap, crossing start/finish in 20th-place. He got past another rider on Lap 2 and maintained 19th place to the end of the contest. In Sunday’s Stock 1000 race, Cook made another good start and was running in 15th place at the end of Lap 1. Though Cook dropped as far as 18th on Laps 8 and 9, he recovered in the latter stages of the race to finish 15th and claimed his first championship point of his 2021 campaign.

The next stop on MotoAmerica’s schedule is VIRginia International Raceway May 21-23. Though Cook has some bad memories of the Alton, Va., track from a severe crash he suffered there in 2009, the Maryland rider also has ample experience on the facility’s 2.25-mile North Course and will be targeting his first top-10 finish of 2021 that weekend.

Jeremy Cook / No. 81

“It was a bit of a struggle this weekend at Road Atlanta. We raced in several Championship Cup Series races at New Jersey Motorsports Park last weekend and thought we were fully prepared for what lied ahead. It was my first time racing at Road Atlanta, and it’s a steep learning curve with this very physical racetrack. Between trying to get the bike set up for a track we didn’t know and the mechanical issues we dealt with Thursday and Friday, it felt like we were behind the eight-ball most of the weekend. I have to give a huge shout out to Roger Lyle of Motorcycle Xcitement for helping us with track knowledge and technical support. I learned a lot about racing at Road Atlanta by going to school on the riders I was competing against and was able to use that knowledge to score Sunday’s points-paying finish. My bad memories of VIR still linger in my head, but I’m happy to be heading to a track my team and I know well.”

NEMRR: Block, Doucette, Greenwood, Wood Win At NHMS

Eli Block (92). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.
Elijah Block (92). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.

NEMRR Race #1 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

The 2021 race season for NEMRR kicked off at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in chilly conditions, but the paddock was buzzing with excitement to get out and ride.  The series has made some rule changes over the off season to bring NEMRR more in line with CCS national rules, including a move back to open fuel rules (which several riders were anxious to test).  Finally, the track opened up the apex of Turn 10 by about 6 feet, giving riders a straighter shot back into the infield.  This change was universally received well as riders commented that the turn was both more fun and safer – a win-win for all!

Leading the way on Saturday was 2020 #1 plate holder Rick Doucette, with wins in GTL by #74,  Seacoast Sport Cycle Lightweight Grand Prix and 300 Supersport races.  During the Saturday riders meeting, Rick received a special “Champion Edition” Fender Guitar to commemorate the 10th overall series championship of his career.  Rick has won a record 95 championships and got off to a great start in 2021 on his way to 100.

In the Saturday Michelin/Motorace $1500 Dash for Cash two young standouts put in impressive performances.  Sam Greenwood, son of perennial NEMRR standout Scott Greenwood, carried forward the family tradition of winning with a dominating performance.  Sam put in the fastest lap of the race on lap 3 and then continued to build up over a 10 second cushion over Rick Doucette and Paul Duval.  Duval had to battle hard all race with rising star Eli Block who was incredibly riding a Husquvarna 450 motard bike against a field of 600cc sport bikes.  Block and Duval swapped positions constantly during the race, giving the crowd a number of “hold your breath” moments as they literally went through many corners within inches of each other.  Block set an all time record lap time for a Motard, recording an incredible 1:14.9 on lap number 5 of the event.

 

Samuel Greenwood (2). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.
Samuel Greenwood (2). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.

 

Saturday also marked the inaugural event of the NEMRR Super Street Series, which is an opportunity for track day riders to be part of the NEMRR weekend in a race that is designed more for fun than pure competition.  These riders only need to have completed a track day in the previous 12 months (which can be the Friday before the event) and then they get a pair of practices, a heat and a final – all the while being able to watch the best racers in the Northeast between sessions.  The winners of these debut classes were Gregory Livanos in the lightweight division and Semir Falic in the unlimited division.

In the amatuer ranks there were two riders who put in particularly impressive performances.  Kevin Custer racked up 5 wins in the very competitive middleweight ranks on his Suzuki GSXR600, with his strongest performance coming in the Middleweight Formula 40 class when he dropped into the 1:17 range, a time that will soon make him eligible to advance to Expert.  NEMRR also welcomed 12 year old newcomer Alessandro Di Mario who really turned some heads on his Yamaha R3 as we won all three of his races on Sunday and managed to beat all but one of the Experts in the 300 Superbike class.  Alessandro’s 1:21 was within two seconds of the all time track record in the class, an incredible performance for an Amatuer racer who was visiting NHMS for the first time!

Round two of the NEMRR series kicks off on May 22, interested riders can visit www.lrrsracing.com for more information.  Riders wishing to register for Super Street can either call NEMRR or add the Super Street Class to a Friday track registration with the Penguin Racing School at www.penguinracing.com.

 

 

May 1-2, 2021 @ NHMS – Results

Rookie Race Lightweight 3 & 4

1. Douglas Cooper (Suz SV)

2. Asher Rubright (Hon CRFR)

3. Tyson Bernard (Suz SV)

4. John Sommer (Kaw Ninja)

 

Rookie Race Wave 1

1. Dennis Metzler (Duc 848 Evo)

2. Mohammad Nourmohammadi (Kaw )

3. Thomas Dixon (Duc 1199r)

4. Harrison Co (0 0)

5. Matthew Lewis (Yam YZF-R6)

6. Michele Pierro (Kaw Ninja)

 

Rookie Race Heavyweight 1 & 2

1. Michael Lee (Suz GSXR)

2. James Burnard (Suz GSXR)

3. Jim Chapman (EBR RX)

4. Sam Martin (Hon CBR 600RR)

5. Aaron Booth (Yam R6)

6. Andrei Ciobanu (Suz GSXR)

 

Amateur GTL

1. Matthew Paternoster (Suz SV 650)

2. Todd Fanciullo (Kaw Ninja 650)

3. Stephen Biehl (Suz SV650)

4. Dan Pletea (Suz SV650)

5. Craig Babcock (Kaw 400 Ninja)

6. Rick Ma (Hon NT650)

 

#74 GTL

1. Rick Doucette (Yam R5)

2. Adam Guyer (Duc 1000DS)

3. Nicholas Leighton (KTM 790 Duke)

4. Jerry Randall (Yam YZF-R5)

5. Brett Guyer (Duc SS 900)

6. Bill Coolahan (KTM Duke 790)

 

Firsttrax Combined GT 500

1. Elijah Block (Kaw Ninja 400)

2. Shane Lewis (Kaw Ninja 400)

3. Brianna McHugh (Kaw Ninja 400)

4. Jacob Crossman (Kaw Ninja 400)

5. Thomas Sands (Kaw Ninja)

6. Alessandro Di Mario (Yam R3)

 

GTO

1. Scott Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Scott Mullin (Kaw ZX-10R)

3. Roger Ealy Jr (Kaw ZX-10R)

4. David Dayon (Kaw ZX-10R)

5. Jason Fairclough (BMW S1000RR)

 

Dunlop Tires GTU

1. Scott Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Paul Duval (Yam YZFR6L)

3. Harlan Hildebrand (Kaw ZX-6R)

4. Bryan Wardius (Yah YZF-R6)

5. Jeff Gray (Yam YZF-R6)

 

Woodcraft Amateur GTU

1. Joe Ruth (Apr 1000)

2. David Mink (Kaw ZX6R)

3. Anthony Wells (Kaw ZX-6R)

4. Chris Dixon (Yam R6)

5. John Beaulieu (Tri Daytona)

6. Carlos Hidrovo (Hon CBR600RR)

 

Amateur GTO

1. Patrick Gallo (Duc 848 Evo)

 

Amateur Super Singles

1. Daniel Zimmer (CRF CRF)

2. Christopher Girard (Hus FS450)

3. Alexander Kates (Hus FC 450)

 

MTAG Pirelli Amateur 300 Supersport

1. Alessandro Di Mario (Yam R3)

2. Thomas Sands (KTM 390)

3. Roy Whitson (Yam R3)

4. Brendan Moriarty (Kaw EX300)

 

Super Singles

1. Wesley Lakis (Kra HKR EVO2)

2. Kevin Allen (Hus FS450)

3. J.C. Bernier (Hon CRF450R)

4. Lee Schmidt (Hus Fs450)

5. Michael Tine (Hus FS 450)

6. Adam Clark (Hon CRF450)

 

300 Supersport

1. Rick Doucette (Yam YZF-R3)

2. Jason Downs (Yam R3)

3. Lukas Doucette (Yam R3)

4. James Whitaker (Yam YZF-R3)

 

Antham gloves Amateur HW Supersport

1. Joe Ammendolia (Yamaha YZF-R6))

2. Michael Chase (Yam R6)

3. Owen Feeney (Suz GSXR 600)

4. Daryl Blums (Yam YZF-R6)

5. Michael Guarino (Kaw ZX-6R)

6. Marc Manley (Yam YZF-R6)

 

Amateur Formula 40 Unlimited

1. Paul Hosue (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Kevin Custer (Suz GSXR 600)

3. Anthony Wells (Kaw ZX-6R)

4. Lloyd Palmer (Yam YZF-R6)

5. Chris Dixon (Yam R6)

6. Robert Lewis Jr (Kaw ZX-10R)

 

Atham Motorsports HW Supersport

1. Samuel Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Brian Fernald (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Kip Peterson (Yam YZF-R6)

4. Justin Landry (Yam YZF-R6)

5. Anthony DiCecca (Yam YZF-R6)

6. Bryan Wardius (Yah YZF-R6)

 

MTAG Pirelli Formula 40 Unlimited

1. Eric Wood (Kaw ZX-10)

2. David Dayon (Kaw ZX-10R)

3. David Fett (Duc Panigale S)

4. Jim Rich (Duc 1199 Panagale R)

5. Wojciech Kasperuk (Yam YZF-R6)

6. Jason Downs (Suz GSX-R600)

 

Freedom Cycle LW Superbike

1. Nicholas Leighton (KTM 790 Duke)

2. Bill Coolahan (KTM Duke 790)

3. Steven Heider (KTM DUKE)

4. Adam Guyer (Duc 1000DS)

5. Robert Marsden (Suz SFV 650 Gladius)

6. Brian Faucher (Suz SV650)

 

Amateur LW Superbike

1. Benjamin Claman (KTM 790)

2. Matthew Paternoster (Suz SV 650)

3. Kevin Fogg (Suz SV650)

4. Todd Fanciullo (Kaw Ninja 650)

5. Christian Connor (Suz SV650)

6. Pierce Ballantyne (Suz SV650)

 

Novice Formula 1

1. Thomas Dixon (Duc 1199r)

2. Gabriel Pavadore (Yam YZF)

3. Andrei Ciobanu (Suz GSXR)

4. Harrison Co (Yam R6)

5. Dennis Metzler (Duc 848 Evo)

6. Nicholas Mercier (Duc 848 Evo)

 

Novice Formula 3

1. Bradley Paisker (KTM SMR 525)

2. Douglas Cooper (Suz SV)

3. Michele Pierro (Kaw Ninja)

4. Asher Rubright (Hon CRFR)

5. Peter Kolodziej (Suz SV650)

6. Mohammad Nourmohammadi (Kaw )

 

Amateur LW Grand Prix

1. Benjamin Claman (KTM 790)

2. Matthew Paternoster (Suz SV 650)

3. Kevin Fogg (Suz SV650)

4. Todd Fanciullo (Kaw Ninja 650)

5. Christian Connor (Suz SV650)

6. Dan Pletea (Suz SV650)

 

Seacoast Sport Cycle LW Grand Prix

1. Rick Doucette (Yam R5)

2. Steven Heider (KTM DUKE)

3. Wesley Lakis (Kra HKR EVO2)

4. Robert Pease Jr (Kaw Ninja 650R)

5. Drew Bailey (Suz SV650)

6. David Rubin (Suz SV650)

 

Super Street Unlimited

1. Semir Fazlic (Suz GSX-R600)

2. Michael Ouellette (Suz GSXR)

3. william brennan (Kaw zx6r)

4. Eric Whitney (0 0)

 

Super Street Lightweight

1. Gregory Livanos (0 0)

2. Ryan Smith (Yam R3)

3. Daniel Williams (Suz sv650s)

4. brandon gray (Suz sv650)

5. Jackbarry Kimball (Suz SV650s)

6. Tom Ward (Suz sv650s)

 

Street & Competition Unlimited Grand Prix

1. Eric Wood (Kaw ZX-10)

2. Scott Mullin (Kaw ZX-10R)

3. David Dayon (Kaw ZX-10R)

4. Roger Ealy Jr (Kaw ZX-10R)

5. Jason Fairclough (BMW S1000RR)

6. Anthony DiCecca (Yam YZF-R6)

 

Amateur Unlimited Grand Prix

1. Joe Ammendolia (Yamaha YZF-R6))

2. Lloyd Palmer (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Joe Ruth (Apr 1000)

4. Anthony Wells (Kaw ZX-6R)

5. Christian Trudeau (Yam YZF-R6)

6. Robert Lewis Jr (Kaw ZX-10R)

 

Amateur 500 Supersport

1. Thomas Sands (Kaw Ninja)

2. Alessandro Di Mario (Yam R3)

3. Craig Babcock (Kaw 400 Ninja)

4. Roy Whitson (Yam R3)

5. Brendan Moriarty (Kaw EX300)

 

Amateur Formula 50 Lights

1. Stephen Biehl (Suz SV650)

2. Bruce Marshall (Suz SV650)

3. Christopher Szarek (Hus FS450)

4. Alessandro Pizzochero (Suz SV650)

 

Brian Fernald Construction Formula 50 Lights

1. Brett Guyer (Duc 748)

2. Peter Kates (Suz SV650)

3. Jerry Randall (Yam YZFR-5)

4. Robert Marsden (Suz SFV 650 Gladius)

5. Rick Doucette (Yam R5)

6. John Donald (Suz SV650)

 

Sportbike Track Gear 500 Supersport

1. Elijah Block (Kaw Ninja 400)

2. Shane Lewis (Kaw Ninja 400)

3. Michael Zoner (Kaw Ninja 400)

4. Jacob Crossman (Kaw Ninja 400)

5. Lukas Doucette (Kaw 400)

6. Renee Franco (Kaw Ninja)

 

Novice Formula 2

1. Michael Lee (Suz GSXR)

2. Harrison Co (Yam R6)

3. Matthew Lewis (Yam YZF-R6)

4. Peter Kolodziej (Suz SV650)

5. Gabriel Pavadore (Yam YZF)

6. Dennis Metzler (Duc 848 Evo)

 

Novice Formula 4

1. Bradley Paisker (KTM SMR 525)

2. Michele Pierro (Kaw Ninja)

3. Victoria Darcy (Yam R3)

4. John Sommer (Kaw Ninja)

5. Ryan Imbeault (Kaw Ninja)

6. Travis Fields (Kaw Ninja 400)

 

Apex Design Ultralight Superbike

1. Gunnar Ouellette (Hus FS450)

2. Wesley Lakis (Kra HKR EVO2)

3. Peter Kates (Suz SV650)

4. Christopher Woodman (Kra HKR EVO2 R)

5. Robert Pease Jr (Kaw Ninja 650R)

6. Brian Faucher (Suz SV650)

 

Amateur Ultralight Superbike

1. Matthew Paternoster (Suz SV650)

2. Dan Pletea (Suz SV650)

3. Bruce Marshall (Suz SV650)

4. Christian Connor (Suz SV650)

5. Kevin Fogg (Suz SV650)

6. Christopher Girard (Hus FS450)

 

Michelin Motorace Amateur MW Grand Prix

1. Kevin Custer (Suz GSXR 600)

2. Paul Hosue (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Joe Ammendolia (Yamaha YZF-R6))

4. Michael Chase (Yam R6)

5. David Mink (Kaw ZX6R)

6. Patrick Gallo (Duc 848 Evo)

 

Michelin Motorace MW Grand Prix

1. Samuel Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Rick Doucette (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Paul Duval (Yam YZFR6L)

4. Elijah Block (KTM 450)

5. Kip Peterson (Yam R6)

6. Justin Landry (Yam YZF-R6)

 

Amateur Formula 40 Lights

1. Daniel Zimmer (CRF CRF)

2. Kevin Fogg (Suz SV650)

3. Dan Pletea (Suz SV650)

4. Bruce Marshall (Suz SV650)

5. Stephen Biehl (Suz SV650)

6. Todd Fanciullo (Kaw Ninja 650)

 

Innovative Motorsports Formula 40 Lights

1. Rick Doucette (Yam R5)

2. Tim Hogan (Duc 749R)

3. Steven Heider (KTM DUKE)

4. Timothy O’Connor (Kra )

5. Charles Brighenti (Suz SV650)

6. Brett Guyer (Duc 748)

 

Amateur MW Formula 40

1. Kevin Custer (Suz GSXR 600)

2. Paul Hosue (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Lloyd Palmer (Yam YZF-R6)

4. Joe Ammendolia (Yamaha YZF-R6))

5. Anthony Wells (Kaw ZX-6R)

6. Christian Trudeau (Yam YZF-R6)

 

Souhegan Valley Motorsports MW Formula 40

1. Scott Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Paul Duval (Yam YZFR6L)

3. Brian Fernald (Yam YZF-R6)

4. Kip Peterson (Yam YZF-R6)

5. Gerry Spencer (Yam YZF-R6)

6. Vicente Frontinan (Yam YZF-R6)

 

Novice Racer 2

1. Michael Lee (Suz GSXR)

2. Harrison Co (Yam R6)

3. John Frayne (Yam YZF-R6)

4. Matthew Lewis (Yam YZF-R6)

5. Ronald Baughman (Yam YZF-R6)

6. Issac Davis (Suz GSXR 600)

 

Novice Racer 1

1. Thomas Dixon (Duc 1199r)

2. John Corey (Kaw ZX600)

 

Novice Racer 3

1. Asher Rubright (Kaw Ninja 400)

2. Jamie Mantini (Duc 748)

3. Tyson Bernard (Suz SV)

 

Novice Racer 4

1. Bradley Paisker (KTM SMR 525)

2. Michele Pierro (Kaw Ninja)

3. Scott Arzamarski (Kaw Ninja 400)

4. Ryan Imbeault (Kaw Ninja)

5. John Sommer (Kaw Ninja)

6. Victoria Darcy (Yam R3)

 

Motoholders Amateur MW Supersport

1. Kevin Custer (Suz GSX-R600)

2. Lloyd Palmer (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Michael Chase (Yam R6)

4. Joe Ammendolia (Yamaha YZF-R6))

5. David Mink (Kaw ZX6R)

6. Anthony Wells (ZX6 ZX6)

 

Ktech Suspension MW Supersport

1. Scott Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Samuel Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Ian Beam (Tri 675)

4. Anthony DiCecca (Yam YZF-R6)

5. Brian Fernald (Yam YZF-R6)

6. Vicente Frontinan (Yam YZF-R6)

 

300 Superbike

1. Rick Doucette (Yam YZF-R3)

2. Jason Downs (Yam R3)

3. Lukas Doucette (Yam R3)

 

Combined Ultralight GP

1. Wesley Lakis (Kra HKR EVO2)

2. Christopher Woodman (Kra HKR EVO2 R)

3. Brandon Taylor (Suz SV650)

4. Peter Kates (Suz SV650)

 

Bell Helmets Motard

1. Elijah Block (KTM 450)

2. Gunnar Ouellette (Hus FS450)

3. Adam Clark (Hon CRF450R)

4. Anthony Franco (Hus FS450)

5. J.C. Bernier (Hon CRF450R)

6. Sergio Di Molfetta (Hus FS450)

 

MTAG Pirelli Amateur 300 Superbike

1. Alessandro Di Mario (Yam R3)

2. Thomas Sands (KTM 390)

3. Waylon Dempsey (Kaw Ninja 300)

4. Roy Whitson (Yam R3)

 

Amateur Motard

1. Daniel Zimmer (CRF CRF)

2. Christopher Girard (Hus FS450)

3. Alexander Kates (Hus FC 450)

 

Computrack Boston MW Superbike

1. Scott Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Rick Doucette (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Ian Beam (Tri 675)

4. Harlan Hildebrand (Kaw ZX-6R)

5. Justin Landry (Yam YZF-R6)

6. Thomas Hynes IV (Yam YZF-R6)

 

Amateur Unlimited Supersport

1. Joe Ruth (Apr 1000)

2. John Murray (Duc 848 Evo)

3. Chris Dixon (Yam R6)

4. Kamran Pelkey (BMW S1000RR)

5. Chris Arrighi (Apr RSV4)

 

Adrenaline Motorsports Unlimited Supersport

1. Eric Wood (Kaw ZX-10)

2. Scott Mullin (Kaw ZX-10R)

3. David Dayon (Kaw ZX-10R)

4. Roger Ealy Jr (Kaw ZX-10R)

5. Jason Fairclough (BMW S1000RR)

 

REB Graphics Combined SuperTwins

1. Tim Hogan (Duc 749R)

2. Brett Guyer (Duc 748)

3. Nicholas Leighton (KTM 790 Duke)

4. Adam Guyer (Duc 1000DS)

5. Bill Coolahan (KTM Duke 790)

6. Jim Rich (Duc 1199 Panagale R)

 

 

Amateur Moto 3

1. Alessandro Di Mario (0 0)

2. Thomas Sands (Kaw Ninja)

3. Waylon Dempsey (Kaw Ninja 300)

4. Daniel Zimmer (KTM 450 smr)

 

Combined Formula 60 Lights

1. John Donald (KTM 790 Duke)

2. Jerry Randall (Yam YZFR-5)

3. Bart Chamberlain (Suz SV650)

4. Timothy O’Connor (Kra )

5. Stephen Biehl (Suz SV650)

6. John Grush (Yam R5)

 

Rising Sun Cycles Moto 3

1. Gunnar Ouellette (0 0)

2. Elijah Block (Kaw Ninja 400)

3. Sergio Di Molfetta (Hus FS450)

4. Adam Clark (Hon CRF450)

5. Anthony Franco (Hus FS450)

6. Brianna McHugh (Kaw Ninja 400)

 

Souhegan Valley Motorsports HW Superbike

1. Scott Greenwood (Yam YZF-R6)

2. Rick Doucette (Yam YZF-R6)

3. Kip Peterson (Yam YZF-R6)

4. Ian Beam (Tri 675)

5. Anthony DiCecca (Yam YZF-R6)

 

Amateur HW Superbike

1. Michael Chase (Yam R6)

2. Anthony Wells (Kaw ZX-6R)

3. Owen Feeney (Suz GSXR 600)

4. Michael Guarino (Kaw ZX-6R)

5. Eric Cormier (Kaw ZX-6R)

 

Novice Starter 4

1. Michele Pierro (Kaw Ninja)

2. Ryan Imbeault (Kaw Ninja)

3. Victoria Darcy (Yam R3)

4. John Sommer (Kaw Ninja)

 

Maxima Amateur LW Supersport

1. Benjamin Claman (KTM 790)

2. Dan Pletea (Suz SV650)

3. Stephen Biehl (Suz SV650)

4. Bruce Marshall (Suz SV650)

5. Todd Fanciullo (Kaw Ninja 650)

6. Joshua Kruse (Suz SV)

 

Novice Starter 3

1. John Frayne (Suz 650)

2. Asher Rubright (Kaw Ninja 400)

 

Evans Coolant Amateur LW Sportsman

1. Thomas Sands (Kaw Ninja)

2. Christopher Girard (Kaw KX450F)

3. Alexander Kates (Hus FC 450)

4. Waylon Dempsey (Kaw Ninja 300)

 

Orient Express Amateur 500 Superbike

1. Alessandro Di Mario (Yam R3)

2. Thomas Sands (Kaw Ninja)

3. Roy Whitson (Yam R3)

 

Evans Coolant LW Sportsman

1. Christopher Woodman (Kra HKR EVO2 R)

2. Sergio Di Molfetta (Hus FS450)

3. Michael Tine (Hus FS 450)

4. Lee Schmidt (Hus Fs450)

5. Sam Lakas (Tm 450smx)

 

Yoyodyne Slipper Clutches LW Supersport

1. Nicholas Leighton (KTM 790 Duke)

2. Bill Coolahan (KTM Duke 790)

3. John Donald (KTM 790 Duke)

4. Peter Kates (Suz SV650)

5. Brian Faucher (Suz SV650)

6. Steven Heider (KTM DUKE)

 

Plaistow Powersports 500 Superbike

1. Brianna McHugh (Kaw Ninja 400)

2. Shane Lewis (Kaw Ninja 400)

3. Jacob Crossman (Kaw Ninja 400)

4. Lukas Doucette (Kaw 400)

5. Rick Doucette (Yam YZF-R3)

6. Renee Franco (Kaw Ninja)

 

Unlimited Superbike

1. Eric Wood (Kaw ZX-10)

2. Scott Mullin (Kaw ZX-10R)

3. David Dayon (Kaw ZX-10R)

4. Roger Ealy Jr (Kaw ZX-10R)

5. Jim Rich (Duc 1199 Panagale R)

 

Amateur Thunderbike

1. Matthew Paternoster (Suz SV 650)

2. Kevin Fogg (Suz SV650)

3. Dan Pletea (Suz SV650)

 

Thunderbike

1. Tim Hogan (Duc 749R)

2. Adam Guyer (Duc 1000DS)

3. Brett Guyer (Duc 748)

4. Edward Forer (Suz SV650)

 

Superbike Supply Amateur MW Superbike

1. Michael Chase (Yam R6)

2. Joe Ammendolia (Yamaha YZF-R6))

3. David Mink (Kaw ZX6R)

4. Owen Feeney (Suz GSXR 600)

5. Anthony Wells (Kaw ZX-6R)

6. Michael Guarino (Hon CBR600RR)

 

Novice Starter 2

1. Michael Lee (Suz GSXR)

2. Harrison Co (Yam R6)

3. Matthew Lewis (Yam YZF-R6)

4. Dennis Metzler (Duc 848 Evo)

5. Sam Martin (Hon CBR 600RR)

6. Aaron Booth (Yam R6)

 

Amateur Unlimited Superbike

1. Chris Arrighi (Apr RSV4)

2. Christopher Bouchard (Duc 848)

3. Kamran Pelkey (BMW S1000RR)

4. Joe Ruth (Apr 1000)

 

Novice Starter 1

1. Thomas Dixon (Duc 1199r)

 

MotoGP: Vinales Quickest In Post-Race Testing At Jerez

Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.

FIM MotoGP World Championship/Official IRTA Test

Jerez Circuit, Spain

May 3, 2021

Official Test Results (all on Michelin tires):

  1. Maverick Vinales, Spain (Yamaha), 1:36.879
  2. Alex Rins, Spain (Suzuki), 1:36.913
  3. Joan Mir, Spain (Suzuki), 1:37.310
  4. Takaaki Nakagami, Japan (Honda), 1:37.348
  5. Johann Zarco, France (Ducati), 1:37.435
  6. Pol Espargaro, Spain (Honda), 1:37.506
  7. Miguel Oliveira, Portugal (KTM), 1:37.508
  8. Luca Marini, Italy (Ducati), 1:37.559
  9. Franco Morbidelli, Italy (Yamaha), 1:37.627
  10. Francesco Bagnaia, Italy (Ducati), 1:37.690
  11. Brad Binder, South Africa (KTM), 1:37.698
  12. Valentino Rossi, Italy (Yamaha), 1:37.700
  13. Enea Bastianini, Italy (Ducati), 1:37.717
  14. Aleix Espargaro, Spain (Aprilia), 1:37.885
  15. Alex Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:38.170
  16. Marc Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:38.303
  17. Iker Lecuona, Spain (KTM), 1:38.374
  18. Jack Miller, Australia (Ducati), 1:38.455
  19. Danilo Petrucci, Italy (KTM), 1:38.608
  20. Tito Rabat, Spain (Ducati), 1:38.826
  21. Lorenzo Savadori, Italy (Aprilia), 1:39.024

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Viñales and Rins fastest as MotoGP™ heads out for more track time at Jerez

The duo pull clear at the top of the timesheets as Mir slots into third and Honda steal some headlines

Monday, 03 May 2021

The post-race test at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto came to a close on Monday with Maverick Viñales on top with a 1:36.879, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP rider putting in a characteristically busy day at the office as he did 101 laps. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was second just 0.034 back, with Joan Mir making it two Suzukis in the top three although the reigning Champion was four tenths off Viñales as the duo on top pulled clear.

Yamaha were represented by Viñales, Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) and Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) as Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) sat the test out following his arm pump troubles on Sunday. Still, it was a busy day. Adding to Viñales’ full century at the top of the timesheets, in which the number 12 went a few tenths quicker than qualifying, Morbidelli did 67 laps and was P9; Rossi 73 laps for P12.

Morbidelli focused especially on braking and hopes improvements made will help in Le Mans. Both he and teammate Rossi also had a few new parts to try from Yamaha, including a front fender and swingarm.

Rins led the Suzuki charge and despite finishing the test just after lunchtime, the Spaniard put in 59 laps. Once again, he was testing the “possible” 2022 engine that he, teammate Mir and test rider Sylvain Guintoli tested in Qatar. He also worked on improving on used tyres, impressed with the pace as it was a step up on the weekend. He headed to Barcelona for a check up on his shoulder in the afternoon. Mir did 64 laps.

Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) was the top Honda in the test as he was on race day, both times in fourth. He did 71 laps. Five different aero packages were seen at Honda between him, eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) and LCR Honda Castrol’s Alex Marquez, which gained a few glances up and down pitlane.

Nakagami tried aero, but then mainly focused on setup. He said he was more consistent and really comfortable, looking forward to Le Mans, and that the 2020 chassis is working well. He also warned against seeing that change back as something signifying the new chassis was negative. Teammate Alex Marquez also felt he made improvements on Monday, and did 75 laps to end the day in P15. That was just ahead of Marc Marquez as the eight-time World Champion only did seven laps, feeling some after effects of his crashes during the weekend.

Pol Espargaro focused on aero, electronics and ergonomics, things he says seem fairly small but when a rider is adapting to a bike, can make a big difference. He says he’ll remain on the same chassis, as he thinks there remains a good margin of improvement. The number 44 was spotted riding at least three different HRC bikes during the test though – his standard, one with different aero and a completely carbon coloured bike.

At Ducati, most recent race winner Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) was straight back to work on Monday as he and World Championship-leading teammate Francesco Bagnaia completed a combined total of 84 laps, one day after securing the Bologna factory’s first 1-2 since Brno 2018. Bagnaia was tenth, Miller in P18.

Johann Zarco was the fastest Borgo Panigale machine, however, putting in 75 laps. The Frenchman said he was focusing a lot on suspension rather than new parts, looking for a way to get the full potential of the new bike. Stand-in teammate Tito Rabat also tested on Monday, P20 after 65 laps. Rookie Luca Marini (Sky VR46 Avintia) moved up into eighth after 66 laps after a good day’s work, with Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama) in P13 after 54 laps.

Pitlane reporter Simon Crafar reported new chassis to try for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder, but the two said the key focus was about the tyres. Oliveira said he was trying to make changes to make the bike work better on the softer front without compromising their existing positives. He found an improvement in pace and was pretty positive. Binder repeated Oliveira’s words that the focus was on making the softer tyre work, purposefully staying away from using the harder front that normally suits them better. He said they found something that seemed to make life a little easier and ended the day in P11 after 66 laps. Oliveira was top KTM in P7 after 72 laps.

Danilo Petrucci in the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing ranks was seen sporting a different tank/seat area, the Italian seemingly trying some ergonomics to improve his feeling on the RC16. He was P19 after 63 laps, teammate Iker Lecuona 64 in P16.

Aprilia Racing Team Gresini’s Aleix Espargaro had a tougher day at the office following his closest ever finish to the MotoGP™ winner, crashing early and then calling an early end to his test not long after, feeling under the weather after the incident although not sustaining any injuries. He ultimately did 12 laps and was P14. Lorenzo Savadori did 54 laps, however, and completed the timesheets.

That’s it from Jerez. It’s now next stop Le Mans, with the SHARK Grand Prix de France now less than two weeks away!

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:

FIERCELY DETERMINED VIÑALES TOPS JEREZ TEST

Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), 3rd May 2021

JEREZ MOTOGP OFFICIAL TEST

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Maverick Viñales had the opportunity to delve further into his race set-up at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto during today‘s official IRTA Jerez Test. He completed 101 laps, more than any other rider, and finished the day in first place.

1st MAVERICK VIÑALES 1’36.879 / 101 LAPS

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Maverick Viñales enjoyed a very productive day of riding at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto today. The Spaniard used the one-day official IRTA Jerez Test to work on late braking and improved cornering, and with success. He wrapped up the eight-hour session in first place.

The Factory Yamaha team‘s garage was less busy than usual during the test. Following the arm pump problem he experienced in yesterday‘s race, Fabio Quartararo didn‘t ride today. He will receive a medical check-up. Further updates will follow in due course.

Although the team had one rider less on track, this didn‘t mean they eased their effort. Viñales completed a whopping 101 laps in total – more than four times a race distance – to improve his cornering and late braking. A long run in the afternoon let him get in the laps and obtain the data needed to be all the more confident and competitive at the next round in Le Mans. His best lap of the day, a 1‘36.879s, set on 83/101 saw him complete the Jerez Test at the top of the standings, with a 0.034s margin over his fastest rival.

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team will be back in action in two weeks‘ time for the Grand Prix de France.

 

MASSIMO MEREGALLI

TEAM DIRECTOR

First of all, I want to say that the team is obviously sad that Fabio couldn‘t attend the test today. However, as stated before, his health is the most important thing to us. Following his arm pump problem in yesterday‘s race, Fabio will get a medical check-up and more news should follow soon. In the meantime, we had a full day of riding to do here in Jerez. Maverick‘s Spanish GP was compromised by a turning issue. Today we spent a good amount of time looking into that area and we saw clear improvement. He also did a good long run in the afternoon and completed a total of 101 laps, far more than any other rider. We finished the test on top, which is positive, but the main thing we got out of this test is an increased confidence with the bike for Maverick – this is something really important for the upcoming race in Le Mans. We know that the Bugatti circuit fits the characteristics of our bike well, so we are hoping for a good race weekend there.

MAVERICK VIÑALES

We didn‘t try any new parts. I was just trying to give a bit more and learn about myself, trying to brake a little bit later. It seemed to be working. I was really good in the morning, the conditions were amazing, so we could ride very fast. In the afternoon the conditions were a bit more tricky, but we were still riding very fast. I did a long run, and I was actually quite happy. So, I‘m quite confident for Le Mans, because I think today we found what I needed in Portimao and here in Jerez. I have more confidence with the bike now. I did more laps and adapted a little bit more. I just feel good now. I think in Le Mans we can concentrate on being a bit faster.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by PETRONAS Yamaha SRT:

Successful test in Spain for PETRONAS Yamaha SRT

One day test at Jerez ends with Franco Morbidelli ninth and Valentino Rossi 12th

There was no rest for PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team, as they took part in a productive one-day test at Jerez today, just one day after the SpanishGP ended. The day concluded with Franco Morbidelli ninth and Valentino Rossi 12th on the final timesheets.

Fresh from his podium finish yesterday, Morbidelli’s day began in the second hour of the test, when the track opened again following an early red flag stoppage. With a new front fender and new swingarm to try, the Italian got down to work, completing 31 laps before the lunch break. Franco was also able to assess new front fork settings, with the aim of improving the stopping capability of the bike. Completing a further 36 laps after in the final two hours after his lunch break, bringing his total to 67, Morbidelli ended the test ninth with a best time of 1min 37.627secs.

Team-mate Rossi also began his Jerez test once the red flag period was over and, like Morbidelli, he could also test the new front fender and new swingarm on his Yamaha YZR-M1 throughout the day. In addition to this Valentino was able to evaluate settings on the electronic side of the bike. Ahead of the mid-session lunch break the Italian had completed 36 laps, before taking to the track again with under three hours on the clock. At the end of the test Rossi had improved upon his personal best of the last 4 days, setting a 1min 37.700secs, and made a big step forward with his race pace. He completed a total of 73 laps, 37 in the afternoon, and was the 12th fastest rider.

The next time that Morbidelli and Rossi will be on track again will be at Le Mans in ten day’s time, for the Grand Prix de France (14-16 May).

Franco Morbidelli

9th (1’37.627)

We had the opportunity today to work with some new parts and provide my feedback on them, which is nice, but we mostly focused on trying to improve the braking. It was an area that I didn’t have a perfect feeling with, so it was something we could look to better and I think we have found something today that has improved my feeling under braking, so this is good. I hope that the things that we have found here also work in Le Mans. It will be important to do a good job there and I hope that we continue to be strong going forwards, I will be trying my best to be.

Valentino Rossi

12th (1’37.700)

Today was a good test for me because we improved the feeling with the bike, the pace with the race tyre and in the time attack. It was a long day because the conditions were good, so we did a lot of laps. The team and I worked on the balance of the bike, the settings and we can see the improvements, as I was better under braking and in corner entry. We also have some other new bits for the bike, which is good and helps. I’m happy because we were able to improve today, after a difficult weekend, and I have a much better feeling with the bike. It is just a one-day test, we need to see what happens at Le Mans but I am leaving here with a good feeling.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Tech3 KTM Factory Racing:

Work continues for Tech3 KTM Factory Racing in Jerez
 

Following the fourth round of the 2021 MotoGP World Championship season at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, Iker Lecuona and Danilo Petrucci have been straight back to work today at the same venue for the official test under a cloudy Andalusian sky.

Thereby, they both tried several settings and some new parts in order to improve the base of their KTM RC16 machine in order to improve at the team’s home Grand Prix in Le Mans in less than a fortnight. While less focusing on times, but more on their feeling, Lecuona did 64 laps in the course of the day, Petrucci completed 63 laps and both welcomed the test as a great possibility after preseason was cut short in 2021.

Iker Lecuona
 

Position: 17th

Time: 1:38.374

Laps: 64

“The plan for today was to work with the soft front, because we know we will have this tyre for many races and I don’t feel fast, so the target was to improve and trying to adapt myself and also the bike to the tyre. During today I struggled a bit, as I was using only the soft front and I didn’t have any feedback.”

“But finally, with the team we tried many things on the base and I managed to be quicker. Also, our pace was better than during the race. In general, I think we were working very well today. We will see what happens in Le Mans, but for the moment I’m fairly satisfied.”

Danilo Petrucci
 

Position: 19th

Time: 1:38.608

Laps: 63

“We tried mainly a different balance of the bike to make the rear tyre work a bit better. Especially in the latter part of the race we feel good, when the tyre is already worn a bit, also on braking. But we can’t really use the rear tyre when we have some extra traction in the beginning, which means that in Qualifying we struggle quite a bit and also the first part of the race yesterday has been pretty difficult.”

“Overall today I understood the bike more, although I didn’t find what I was looking for. Anyway, I’m really looking forward to Le Mans, which is a track that I was on the podium the last three years. I hope there, we can find a good way.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Ducati Lenovo Team:

Day of post-race testing concluded for the Ducati Lenovo Team at Jerez de la Frontera

After an unforgettable Grand Prix of Spain, which saw Jack Miller taking his first win on the Desmosedici GP and Pecco Bagnaia, new MotoGP Championship leader, taking second place on the podium, the Ducati Lenovo Team got right back to work at Jerez de la Frontera today for a day of post-race collective testing.

Taking advantage of the favourable track conditions, both Bagnaia and Miller took to the track this morning just before noon, completing a total of 40 and 44 laps, respectively, before finishing their test sessions early this afternoon. The Italian clocked a best time of 1:37.690, ending the day in tenth position, while the Australian posted a best lap time of 1:38.455, ending the day eighteenth overall.

Francesco Bagnaia (#63, Ducati Lenovo Team) – 1:37.690 (10° – 40 laps)

“It has been a very positive day. Finally, we completed some work that has been pending since the last pre-season test in Qatar. We completed the entire programme today and were able to close the day early. Today, my pace was good, so I’m satisfied with the job done and ready for the next race at Le Mans”.

Jack Miller (#43, Ducati Lenovo Team) – 1:38.455 (18°- 44 laps)

“After the race, there is always a lot of rubber on the ground, and the conditions are always favourable to have a test day. Also, the weather today allowed us to work well. We focused on some aspects that we normally don’t have time to work on during the weekend: we repeated tests and tried different setups to understand which one works best. It’s always important to do these double-checks and, above all, we gathered a lot of useful information. Now we will have a few days to rest, but I can’t wait to get back on track at Le Mans”.

The Ducati Lenovo Team will now have a short break of around ten days before returning to action for the fifth round of the 2021 MotoGP season at the historic Circuit Bugatti in Le Mans for the Grand Prix of France, scheduled from 14th-16th May.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki ECSTAR:

IMPORTANT DATA AND INFO COLLECTED AT PACEY JEREZ TEST
 

Alex Rins: 2nd – 1’36.913 (+ 0.034)

Joan Mir: 3rd – 1’37.310 (+ 0.431)

Team Suzuki Ecstar remained, with the rest of the MotoGP™ paddock, at the Circuit of Jerez – Angel Nieto for a one day official test on Monday following the Spanish GP.

The riders headed out early in the day and the main focus was in the engine area, with both Alex Rins and Joan Mir spending time trying out the 2022 spec. engine and putting in many laps.

Rins had strong pace, leading the test session for most of the afternoon having set a very pacey 1’36.913 lap, his fastest at the circuit. Rins reported great feelings and he felt that the base settings of the bike have been improved. He was happy to finish the session in second after a disappointing Sunday at the circuit. He completed 59 laps in total.

Mir closed the day in third with a best time of 1’37.310. He worked on the geometry of the bike as well as the engine, working specifically on the front end of the bike and achieving better feeling. He also did some work on the rear suspension. His pace was consistent and quick, and he put in a total of 64 laps.

The team now look ahead to the next round, the French GP on May 14th-16th.

Ken Kawauchi – Technical Manager:

“Today has been useful; we got good feedback from the riders and we found improvements, which is always the goal of a test day. We feel pleased because we think we’ve found some steps for the next races and also useful information for the future. Both riders put in a lot of laps and their times are strong, so we leave here feeling satisfied.”

Alex Rins:

“Today was a good day for us, we tried several things, including trying the 2022 engine. I was happy and confident with the bike and pleased with how everything went. We also worked on the set-up in terms of suspension and a few small things, and I feel like we’ve improved our base. I was able to set fast times even on used tyres, faster than yesterday, so I’m happy with the result.”

Joan Mir:

“Honestly, I think we had a great day, we did a lot of work and I’m feeling happy. We tried the 2022 engine again and we found what we expected – that it’s not massively different but it’s an improvement, and the characteristics were what we expected. We took a lot of useful information. I also tried different geometry on the bike to try and get better feeling from the front of the bike, and I’m happy with what we’ve done. My lap times were pretty nice, and it’s been a very useful day.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:

KTM COMPLETE JEREZ MOTOGP™ EPISODE WITH SECOND IRTA TEST OF 2021

MotoGP 2021 IRTA test Circuit de Jerez – Angel Nieto (ESP)

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Tech3 KTM Factory Racing completed over 200 laps between them today to close a fourth and final day of riding at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto and the one-day IRTA test.

Only hours after the Gran Premio Red Bull de España and the fourth round of the championship the Jerez asphalt was again abused by the MotoGP pack for their second official test of the year.

Miguel Oliveira, Brad Binder, Danilo Petrucci and Iker Lecuona continued to work both on the 2021 race configuration of their KTM RC16s in order to optimize the current Michelin tire allocation for the season as well as ideas with a view to the Grands Prix to come.

It was Oliveira who departed the Andalucía venue Monday afternoon with the fastest lap-time from the KTM quartet. He rested 7th and his quickest effort just 0.6 of a second from the top spot. Binder was 11th and was the last rider on track while Lecuona and Petrucci were 17th and 19th respectively.

Le Mans and the mix of high speed and strong braking zones will entertain the Shark Grand Prix de France on May 15th-16th.

Miguel Oliveira: “We took profit of the day to look at different solutions on the bike set-up and the soft front tire and medium rear; as we would in a race simulation. We had many good laps. It was important to understand how to use soft compounds and our front feeling while also trying not to lose with the modifications we’ve already made to gain an advantage. We want to keep the positive characteristics of the bike.”

Brad Binder: “We had a busy day. We wanted to work more with the softer front tire and think ahead to some of the tracks ahead. We did our homework and I’m definitely happy with some of the conclusions we reached to try and make life a bit easier for us. A lot of laps! We had a couple of small new things and managed to assess those. The best part of a test is that you can see which ideas work and which ones don’t. We got some good information for the guys.”

Iker Lecuona: “The target was to improve and trying to adapt myself and also the bike to the soft tire. today I struggled a bit but, finally, with the team we tried many things on the base and I managed to be quicker. Also, our pace was better than during the race. In general, I think we were working very well today. We will see what happens in Le Mans, but for the moment I’m fairly satisfied.”

Danilo Petrucci: “We tried a different balance of the bike to make the rear tire work a bit better. Especially in the latter part of the race we feel good, when the tire is already worn a bit, also in braking. But we can’t really use the rear tire when we have some extra traction in the beginning, which means that in Qualifying we struggle quite a bit and also the first part of the race yesterday has been pretty difficult. Overall today I understood the bike more, although I didn’t find what I was looking for. Anyway, I’m really looking forward to Le Mans, which is a track that I was on the podium the last three years. I hope there, we can find a good way.”

Mike Leitner, Red Bull KTM Race Manager: “This test day was really important. We had a big agenda and many ideas from the company. The hours were just flying by and all the riders did some fine work. We had a big ‘menu’ of test items for the chassis and we worked a lot on electronics and the suspension also. I think we did a good job and hopefully we can get the benefit out of it in France. Thanks to the factory for the big effort to keep giving us solutions and to both teams for pushing all the way through this week in Jerez.”

Sebastian Risse, Technical Coordinator MotoGP: “I think overall we can say we had a pretty good day. There were quite a few items piling up in the last few weeks because neither the tracks nor the situations allowed us to test during a GP weekend. So, we were looking forward to this opportunity here to work through a wide range of things for the bike. There was a lot and I think each rider found some positives. We did not have time to give everybody everything yet so we will put together a plan to do that in the coming GPs. Of course, only a race scenario can show where we really are but I think we have some more tools at our disposal for the next rounds.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:

Productive day in Jerez for Pol Espargaro as Marquez ends early

The first in-season test of 2021 was a positive experience for Pol Espargaro, providing a clear direction to follow in the upcoming races.

Monday after the Gran Premio Red Bull de España offered the MotoGP class their first in-season testing day of 2021. There was a brief disruption early in the day as the red flag was brought out after just an hour of running due to falls on circuit.

Pol Espargaro had a busy day around the 4.4 kilometres of the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, completing 89 laps with a best time of 1’37.506. Just around midday, Espargaro suffered a fall at Turn 1 but was unharmed and quickly returned to the garage. In the closing hour of the day Espargaro suffered a second fall, avoiding any injury. Aside from the falls, Espargaro leaves the one-day test with a very positive feeling after a busy and full day of riding.

The day in Jerez was short for Marc Marquez, completing seven laps over two runs before calling an end to his test. After a physically demanding weekend, Marquez and the Repsol Honda Team elected to focus on his continued recovery and allow the maximum amount of time to prepare for the French GP.

The Repsol Honda Team will now focus their attentions on round five, the French Grand Prix at Le Mans where Alex Marquez took his debut podium with the Repsol Honda Team in 2020.

Pol Espargaro

6TH  1’37.506

“We did 89 laps today; it has been a very busy and productive day for us. We have worked on many things, electronics, aero, ergonomics – they seem simple or small topics but when you’re still new to a bike they can make a big difference together. We have performed well today, I was close to Taka who has been the strongest Honda this weekend so I am happy. No matter what, we have learned a lot today and it has been very good for me to have a day like today where we can ride and try things without the pressure of a race weekend. Now we look to Le Mans.”

Marc Marquez

16TH  1’38.303

“Today we didn’t really test, just one run because on the second run my body was already locking up. My neck and my right shoulder were stiff, it’s similar to after Portimao but I was not as locked up as I was after Portugal. The crash I had on Saturday didn’t help with my physical condition. I thought that maybe today when my body had warmed up it would be better, and I could try but straight away I could tell I wasn’t at a good level for riding. We spoke as a team and decided to stop the test, we need to understand that we’re improving step by step and the next target is Le Mans where we will try to improve again.”

World Superbike: Kawasaki Prepared For Final Pre-Season Test

Jonathan Rea (1). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Jonathan Rea (1). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.

Final Pre-Season Track Test Awaits KRT

KRT and the new Ninja ZX-10RR will soon undertake one last pre-season test at Motorland Aragon, between 4-5 May. It will be the final opportunity for official riders Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes to fine-tune their set-up before the WorldSBK season starts for real at Motorland between 21-23 May.

The new 2021 Ninja ZX-10RR has shown itself well in the previous winter tests, even if weather conditions have not been as consistently good as the riders and team would have liked. Confidence is high inside the KRT camp after several successful outings with their new technical package, but this coming test is arguably the most important one of all.

At the recent Motorland tests near the end of April Rea and Lowes almost completed all their off-season set-up preparations, just losing some potential track time to changeable weather conditions. If the predictions for good weather for the next tests prove to be true then the last tasks can all be completed in readiness for the first ‘real’ practice sessions of the new season.

The new Ninja features, engine, chassis and most noticeably aerodynamic improvements, including internal front winglets and a vented rear seat unit to provide extra downforce at speed and a more efficient aerodynamic package overall.

Preparing for two full-distance and one sprint races in Aragon is going to be key for both riders in the next few days, particularly as the season starts with back-to-back rounds at Motorland in Spain and then Estoril in Portugal.

Despite the ongoing pandemic the season itself is scheduled to host 13 rounds all in, most occurring in Europe but with two final flyaway events; one in Argentina and one at an entirely new venue in Indonesia.

Alex Lowes, stated: “These final tests are going to be the most important ones. We still have a clear plan which is following on from the last test where we only got half a day riding in with the weather going against us. So, we know what things we need to get ticked off the list before round one. I understand what I need from the bike a lot more this winter, which is allowing me to be better prepared for my second season with Kawasaki and KRT. Because of this I’m really excited to get back out on my new Ninja ZX-10RR.”

Jonathan Rea, stated: “We really will cross the t’s and dot the i’s at this final test at Motorland Aragon. The last test we went to there was productive, and we made some progress, but we never got the chance to do a full race simulation. That is going to be key, something we need to look at understand the bike in a race simulation, with a soft tyre and hard tyre. Aside from that, our test programme has really been about confirming different software and hardware. We have put the pieces together but we have not fine-tuned the bike. We have not got the bike into the window where we are really starting to play with small items, like you would during a race weekend. That is going to be the focus of this test and I really hope to get some consistent weather. I don’t think I have done a winter test this year where we have had two days of the same weather. I really have to thank my team because they have pulled all the stops out to maximise our track time this off-season. We have just been unfortunate with the weather and we have a very good test plan to take us through the season. During these tough times it is very hard to travel and they team make it easier by making sure I always have the right documents. I am looking forward to this last test before the season starts because we will have some of our rivals on track with us as well, riders and manufacturers, so we should get a good idea of where we are.”

Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager, stated: “In the last couple of tests we did the weather was for sure not as good as we would like, but the forecast for the next two-day test is good. This should allow us to work consistently with no interruptions. I think the next test will be so important to fix the small details before the first round. We are focused now to polish these small details and prepare for full race distances. We will try to make a big competition between Alex and Jonathan, in order to reach the limits on the bike and in the consistency of lap times. We need to prepare for the races, which at Motorland are hard every year. The competition is so high, especially from the Ducati machines, but we expect that all the steps that have been done with the new Ninja ZX-10RR will show that the package is a step ahead compared to last year. I would also like to use this opportunity to congratulate Dorna for the big effort to make 13 rounds possible. It is nice to have the final calendar confirmed, and hopefully the pandemic situation will be stable, step-by-step, and by the end of the year the world will stay in a much more normal way.”

 

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

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