Dick Mann’s late ex-wife Susie once related a story about one of Bugsy’s experiences at the Daytona 200.
This was back when qualifying was done via a flying lap on the oval on Wednesday or Thursday. It was the same day that the Alligator enduro was contested nearby. The day started with heavy rain, which was forecast to continue throughout the day.
Seeing that qualifying would certainly be delayed, Mann took his BSA thumper and entered the enduro. Sure enough, by midday, the rain stopped and the track began to dry. BSA sent people to try to find Mann and get him back to the Speedway, because if you didn’t qualify on that day, you couldn’t start in the first wave. Time was running out to qualify, and there was no sign of Dick Mann. BSA was desperate. They finally managed to squeeze Mann’s teammate Ralph White into Mann’s leathers. This was no mean feat. White was significantly taller than Mann. They sent him out to qualify for Mann.
What really annoyed White was that he qualified better as Mann than as himself (perhaps the compressed version offered less wind resistance).
As far as I know, Dick Mann was the only rider ever to qualify for the Daytona 200 without having actually been there.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE ANNOUNCES THREE TEAMS RUNNING INDIAN CHALLENGERS IN 2021 BAGGER RACING EVENTS
Mission® Foods, S&S® and Tyler O’Hara Return to Defend MotoAmerica® King of the Baggers’ Title & Compete in Inaugural Bagger Racing League™
Roland Sands Design® and Frankie Garcia to Race King of the Baggers & Bagger Racing League™, While Also Running New Indian Chief in Bagger Racing League™’s Big Twin Class
Saddlemen Flips the Script, Trading Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® for Indian Challenger, Calls Upon ‘World’s Fastest Female’ Road Racer Patricia Fernandez
MINNEAPOLIS (April 29, 2021) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced three privately-backed teams running the Indian Challenger at 2021 bagger racing events. The three teams include reigning King of the Baggers Champion Mission® Foods S&S® Indian Challenger, 2020 King of the Baggers third-place finisher Roland Sands Design® (RSD), and new Indian Challenger converts, Saddlemen.
“Despite numerous naysayers and doubters of last year’s inaugural King of the Baggers race, it proved to be a massive success and the ultimate proving ground for the Indian Challenger, and we’re excited to be a part of it again in 2021,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “We’re proud have three privately funded teams showcasing the Indian Challenger’s superior performance in both the MotoAmerica® Mission® King of the Baggers series and the Drag Specialties Bagger Racing League™.”
With superior stock performance, including a best-in-class 122 horsepower PowerPlus motor, an inverted front fork, and a hydraulically-adjustable FOX® rear shock, the Indian Challenger gives these three privateers a formidable advantage. This was no better evidenced than at the inaugural King of the Baggers last October where the two Indian Challenger entries finished first and third in a field that featured 13 Harley-Davidson® baggers.
Among the teams invited to the King of the Baggers and Bagger Racing League™ events, S&S®, RSD, and Saddlemen are the only Indian Challenger entries.
Mission® Foods S&S® Indian Challenger
As reigning King of the Baggers champion, Tyler O’Hara and S&S® will enter this year as the clear-cut team to beat at round one of the MotoAmerica® series at Road Atlanta on May 2. That said, the team enters the series with nothing but confidence, backed by a full-year of preparation to defend the crown it captured in 2021.
“Most race teams don’t learn a whole lot from winning, but we did. We’ve spent the past year meticulously refining our setup specific to Tyler’s preferences to ensure the highest level of performance,” said Jeff Bailey, crew chief for the S&S® team. “Backed by Tyler’s phenomenal skills, S&S® has decades of racing and performance expertise, and the undisputed bagger racing king, the Indian Challenger, our expectations are extremely high.”
But King of the Baggers will not be the only action for S&S® and O’Hara in Atlanta that weekend. In a throwback to the golden age of the AMA Grand National Championship of yester-year, O’Hara will split duties, piloting the Indian FTR750 at the American Flat Track Atlanta Super TT the day before throwing a leg over his Mission® Foods Indian Challenger to begin his King of the Baggers title defense.
“I’ve always been known for versatility and the ability to be highly competitive on just about any motorcycle within a variety of racing formats, and this weekend in Atlanta provides the ultimate stage to demonstrate that,” said O’Hara. “There is no doubt that I’ve got my work cut out for me, but having dominant track weapons like the Indian FTR750 and Indian Challenger certainly helps. Regardless of outcomes, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to push my limits and challenge I couldn’t be more excited to take on.”
Frankie Garcia (14) on his RSD Indian Challenger. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
RSD
Armed with the RSD Indian Challenger, Roland Sands and the 2020 King of the Baggers third-place finisher, Frankie Garcia, return with a chip on their shoulder and ambitions to dethrone O’Hara. In addition to King of the Baggers, the RSD Challenger will be one of two RSD entries in the Bagger Racing League™ series as RSD adds the new 2022 Indian Chief to its stable of race-ready Indian Motorcycles to compete in the Big Twin class.
“We faced so many curveballs at Laguna Seca last year, not the least of which came when Frankie looped the bike in practice, and we scrambled through the night to get the bike, and Frankie’s body, ready to go for the final. Frankie putting it on the box after all that was an incredible accomplishment, and we couldn’t be more motivated to raise the bar and take the crown in 2021,” said Roland Sands. “There’s no doubt we’re the guys known for having a little too much fun, but make no mistake, the Indian Challenger is an absolute beast and our sights are set on the top of the box.”
“Last year’s inaugural King of the Baggers was an unforgettable experience and when it was all said and done, I was incredibly proud to be on the podium. At the same time, after coming so close in spite of nearly catastrophic challenges, we were all left wondering what could have been,” said Garcia. “That experience provides a ton of motivation heading into the expanded series this year and podiums will not be enough. We want to wear the crown when it’s all said and done this year.”
Patricia Fernandez. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Saddlemen
After finishing in the middle of the pack at the inaugural King of the Baggers, Saddlemen came to the age-old conclusion, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”
The team enters the 2021 bagger racing season, discarding its Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® in favor of the reigning king, the Indian Challenger. To pilot the new race-ready bagger, Saddlemen called upon the highly-skilled Patricia Fernandez. Dubbed “the world’s fastest female road racer,” Fernandez will be the only female rider in the field. The team will be led by famed custom bike builder, Michael “Woolie” Woolaway, and will compete in select rounds of the King of the Baggers series and Bagger Racing League™.
“It was an honor to take part in the inaugural King of the Baggers last October, but it was obvious we needed more performance after watching Tyler and Frankie make quick work of the field aboard their Indian Challengers,” said Woolie. “This year, we have the luxury of a machine that packs enormous power and incredible performance capabilities right out of the box.”
“After seeing so much excitement around the inaugural race last year and hearing the news of an extended series in 2021, I couldn’t help thinking how cool it would be for a queen to be the King of the Baggers,” said Fernandez. “Thankfully, my friends at Saddlemen stepped up to give me the opportunity, and I could not be more excited to throw a leg over the Saddlemen Indian Challenger and show the world what I’m capable of.”
For the 2021 season, MotoAmerica® will host three rounds of King of the Baggers racing. The first round kicks off at MotoAmerica® Superbike in Atlanta April 30-May 2. The newest racing series added to the fold is the Drag Specialties Bagger Racing League™, which will host its inaugural event at the Utah Motorsports Campus June 25-27.
For more information on bagger racing, visit MotoAmerica.com and BaggerRacingLeague.com.
To learn more about each race team, visit SSCycle.com, RolandSands.com and Saddlemen.com. For information about Indian Motorcycle and the Indian Challenger, visit IndianMotorcycle.com, or follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle Company is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
INDIAN and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC. Always wear a helmet, protective clothing and eyewear and insist your passenger does the same. Ride within the limits of the law and your own abilities. Read, understand and follow your owner’s manual. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Harley®, Harley-Davidson®, and Road Glide® are registered trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC. FOX® is a registered trademark of Fox Factory Inc.; Roland Sands Design® is a registered trademark of Roland Sands Design, Inc.; RSD® is a registered trademark of Roland W. Sands; S&S® is a registered trademark of S&S CYCLE, INC.; MotoAmerica® is a registered trademark of Krave Group, LLC; Mission® is a registered trademark of Gruma Corporation; BRL Bagger Racing League™ is a trademark of Rocket Rob Productions, LLC AKA Bagger Racing League™.
ABOUT S&S® CYCLE
S&S® Cycle was born from a passion for racing and has spent over six decades building performance for the powersports market. Their unwavering focus on quality, reliability and top shelf power has made S&S® Cycle the absolute leader in high performance on the street and track.
ABOUT MISSION® FOODS:
MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit www.missionfoods.com
ABOUT RSD
Roland Sands Design, Inc., a subsidiary of Roll and Company, Inc. was founded in 2005 and is a multifaceted business that includes commissioned custom motorcycle builds, aftermarket hard part design and manufacture, home decor, technical riding and casual apparel, the Super Hooligan National Championship amateur flat track series, Moto Classic Events and more. Roland Sands Design incorporates a small team of dedicated designers, engineers, fabricators, mechanics and more, that feed the collective creativity that emanates from the retail and office location at 10571 Los Alamitos Blvd, Los Alamitos, CA 90720.
“Expect a big fight”: MotoE™ riders ready to roll in Jerez
The pre-event Press Conference kicks off the first FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup round of the season
Thursday, 29 April 2021
It’s that time of year again: MotoE™ time! The FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup begins its third season this weekend at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, and the pre-event Press Conference kicked off proceedings. 2020 Cup winner Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) headlined, joined by key rivals Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP), Eric Granado (One Energy Racing), 2019 Cup winner Matteo Ferrari (Indonesian E-Racing Gresini MotoE), newcomer Yonny Hernandez (Octo Pramac MotoE) and the fastest rookie in testing, Fermin Aldeguer (Openbank Aspar Team).
Here is a selection of quotes:
Jordi Torres: “When you arrive to the first race you never know how your rivals are. We only did two tests here in Jerez and we know the track well, it’s perfect but… maybe after, during the year, with different conditions or at a different track with different grip, it is more different. This race I think all the guys are very competitive and aggressive. And I expect to be there, to have a big fight. We’ll see what happens! But for sure we need to improve a bit more because in the test we didn’t have 100% performance. But for sure, during the race we’ll put our balls on the table to be aggressive and to get, if possible, some podiums or try to fight for the victory.”
Torres was one who, like Granado, didn’t seem to push to the maximum in the race simulation in testing:
“For me our best option was to cut the throttle and do a personal test and see how the behaviour of the bike was in that session, because we changed the bike a lot. And we know it’s better to concentrate on our bike than compare to other riders. We are concentrating more riding alone, trying to get a better feeling.”
Dominique Aegerter: “I’m very happy to be back in MotoE; thanks to the team for letting me ride again in this category! We had two great tests in Jerez fighting in front, we made some different changes on the bike and got some new parts from Energica, and tyres and suspension we tested, and laptimes were a bit faster. We made a great step forward and now this weekend here I’m looking forward to practice and E-pole and then the race.
“We know this track well, so many riders and teams have a lot of data and suspension settings and gearing from this track, and we’ll go to two tracks we haven’t ridden before in Assen and Barcelona, so for sure they’ll be some new things to try if the bike works with a similar setup to here in Jere. But here for sure many riders will be very fast and with close laptimes so it’s important to do a good E-Pole lap to start on the first two rows, and in the race to be in the first group, make a good start and not make any mistakes to fight for the podium.”
Eric Granado: “I’m very happy with preseason, we did a great job and I’m really happy with the work we did with my new team. We are in a good way, I’m feeling good on the bike, I have a good package with the team and settings on the bike. Like Jordi and Domi said, this weekend everyone will be fast for sure because we did two tests here, and we have good data and a good feeling after a lot of laps. So it’ll be difficult but I’ll try and do my best, be in the front group if possible and take maximum points every race, work on that every race to arrive at the end of the season with options to fight.”
One of the fastest in MotoE™ since its inception, the Brazilian is now looking to iron 2021 out into a more consistent year:
“I need to work on this this season, I’m focused on those changes and my new team for sure helps me to have more calm at some moments, and don’t always try to be the fastest because consistency is key, as Matteo showed in 2019 and Jordi last year… I’ll work on that, and do my best every race. Let’s say what happens at the end!”
Matteo Ferrari: “First of all I want to thanks MotoGP and the team because we’re here again, the first race of MotoE and I’m really happy about that. The preseason was a bit different compared to last year because last year I finished first, but during the first race here in Jerez I had some difficult points on the track, so I changed my riding style a bit to understand better the tyres and the new front fork during the test. I didn’t push a lot for the laptime but with my team we tried to find the right setting for this race and I think we’re ready. E-Pole will be very important on Saturday, all the riders are very fast and… then we’ll see on Sunday.”
Yonny Hernandez: “At the beginning it was so different for me, especially on the brakes, the bike is heavier. I just tried do a lot of laps, trying to get a feeling with the bike and understand the category. I think the test was positive for us, at the start it was complicated but by the end of the second day of the test I tried to stay more comfortable and I had more feeling with the bike and team. I’ve tried to find a good setup for the race this weekend and just trying to get the feeling and understand it with laps and laps. It’s difficult for me because you don’t have a lot of time to try many things because sessions are short, you can do five or six laps, and this I think isn’t so much time to understand everything but I think we can improve and I’ll do my best and have a good race.”
And what about E-Pole?
“I’ll try to understand the bike better and especially in the first part of the practice, qualifying on one lap for me is something where we need to work more because for me in the test it was difficult for me in the beginning, I don’t use 100% of the tyres, especially at the beginning. When I start to get the feeling, I need more laps but I’ll do my best to have a good qualifying.”
Fermin Aldeguer: “Thanks for the welcome! I feel very good with MotoE. It’s very different but after the first and second practices I felt really good, free practice to practice I improved a lot and I feel good with the bike and the whole team.
“You don’t have gears, only throttle and the brake and that’s very different. The weight is different. It’s very different but I like it!”
So do we! Tune in for the first E-Pole of the season at 16:05 (GMT +2) on Saturday, before the lights go out for the first showdown of 2021 at 10:05 on Sunday morning.
More, from a press release issued by Energica:
ENERGICA AND MOTOE READY FOR 2021 SEASON OPENER AT JEREZ
An Energica Ego Corsa electric racebike at Jerez. Photo by Jesus Robledo, courtesy Energica.
The 2021 FIM Enel MotoE World Cup is about to get underway from tomorrow at the ‘Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto’ in Southern Spain. After two official three-day sessions performed in early March and mid-April, the 18 Energica Ego Corsa machines are ready to storm once again around the technical and fast-flowing Andalusian circuit.
Three half-hour free practice sessions (two on Friday and one on Saturday morning) will allow teams and riders to prepare for Saturday’s single-lap E-Pole and for Sunday’s race, which will be contested over an improved eight-lap distance.
Reigning MotoE World Cup champion Jordi Torres (Pons 40 Racing) will try his best to defend the title earned last year, but on paper it will not be an easy task for the experienced Spanish rider. Two riders have in fact shown a good degree of dominance so far in 2021, something that did not come as a surprise given their performances in the previous editions of the series: new signing of team One Energy Racing’s Eric Granado and second-year rider Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP) have rewritten the unofficial lap track a few times before the end of the April test, with the quickest one now being a 1’47.065 set by the Brazilian star on the final day.
All the aforementioned riders will be in ‘good’ company, though, as rookies Fermin Aldeguer (OpenBank Aspar Team) and Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) have shown great speed in their first outings aboard their stunning Energica motorcycles, while it is also expected a return to top form by 2019 title winner and 2020 runner-up Matteo Ferrari (Indonesian E-Racing Gresini MotoE). Many other riders will join the battle at the front in what is going to be an electric opening round of the series.
MotoE proceedings will begin tomorrow at 11:50 local time (GMT +2) with Free Practice 1.
Stay tuned via Energica social media and visit www.energicamotor.com in order to keep up to date with the latest news from Jerez and do not forget to listen to the ‘Electrifying Podcast’ for some special episodes about the racing weekend
The podcast is now also available on Spotify and Google Podcast.
ABOUT ENERGICA MOTOR COMPANY S.p.A
Energica Motor Company is the first Italian manufacturer of high-performing electric motorcycle and is the single manufacturer chosen by Dorna for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup. Energica Motorcycles are on sale worldwide.
FUELL Launches New Powersports Dealer Program for 2021
FUELL building on strong sales momentum in 2021
April 29, 2021 – FUELL is thrilled to announce the launch of their New Powersports Dealer Program. This new and exciting dealer program is the next stage in the growth of the rapidly expanding business featuring the FUELL Flluid E-bike series of urban mobility vehicles.
Launched in 2019, FUELL’s mission is to reinvent the pleasure of riding. The primary concept behind FUELL is to develop a unique range of vehicles for the new urban adventurers, thanks to freedom of design, engineering, and distribution. The Flluid E-bike is the first step in the journey with a host of new products being developed like the Fllow Electric motorcycle that will complement and enhance the entire FUELL collection of vehicles.
The new FUELL dealer program has been created to set-up key Powersports dealers as full service FUELL dealers where customers can come in to see, touch and feel the beautifully designed, powerful and efficient Flluid E-bike. Why Powersports dealers? In a recent survey, 50% of customers who bought a Flluid E-bike are also motorcycle enthusiasts, most are between 45-65 years old, and make between $100,000 to $200,000 per year. What a great way to bring in and develop new riders, as well as providing a fun and efficient new product for existing motorcycle customers.
“I have a passion for engineering and two wheeled vehicles, and I love our new Flluid E-bike because it gives people a new way to find real personal mobility,” said Erik Buell, CTO of FUELL, Inc. “We feel that Powersports dealers are the perfect place to bring in people who are already comfortable on two-wheels, and ready to try something new.”
The FUELL Powersports dealer program will feature the Flluid 1-S that comes standard with two large 504Wh Lithium batteries, a torque sensing 500w mid motor, and a Gates Carbon belt drive with an internally geared hub. This exceptional E-bike provides incredible efficiency, a sleek modern look and a range of up to 125 miles. Additionally, the Flluid 1-S is available for new FUELL dealers to order now.
To sign up to become a new FUELL dealer contact FUELL at [email protected] and to learn more about FUELL vehicles head to www.FUELL.US.
The Autodrom Most will make its debut on the WorldSBK Calendar in 2021 after signing a five-year agreement, while the Australian Round is set to return in 2022.
The FIM, the Autodrom Most and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) are delighted to announce a new agreement that will see the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship race in Czech Republic from 2021. The five-year agreement means the Czech Round will be included in the WorldSBK Calendar until 2025 with the announcement made at a presentation in Prague on Thursday 29th of April.
The Autodrom Most will host the Czech Round for the first time as it joins the WorldSBK calendar with the Czech circuit hosting the sixth Round of the 2021 season from the 6th to the 8th of August. All three classes as well as the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup will compete at the Autodrom Most, which includes two Czech riders in WorldSSP300 with Petr Svoboda and Oliver König as well as the Jakub Smrz-run Accolade Smrz Racing team.
Located near Prague, the Autodrom Most was opened in 1983 and was then the first permanent motor racing complex in what was then known as Czechoslovakia. The circuit has already hosted many motorsport events including national motorcycle championships and will be a new, exciting addition to WorldSBK in 2021; while the Championship venue fits within the circuit’s commitment to be part of the sports, social and cultural life of the region. The event will also be broadcast live on Czech channel Nova Sport, following a five-year agreement with DWO.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the FIM, the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and DWO have agreed there will be no 2021 edition of the Australian Round. We will now work for a return to the iconic venue in 2022 in the most successful way as the first event of the 2022 Championship.
Josef Zajíček, Autodrom Most Chief Executive Officer: “This is a milestone and a unique event during Autodrom’s history of almost 40 years. We are becoming organisers of World Championship races for the first time. This fact places demanding technical and organisational requirements on us. Nevertheless, we are happy to take up this challenge. Our objective is to open our complex to the general public, which is why we have to offer the best-quality events possible to our racing fans; the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship indisputably belongs to such events. We will make sure that the riders, teams, partners, sponsors as well as spectators may be absolutely satisfied with us and look forward to the next edition of this fantastic display of powerful machines and brave riders.”
Jan Šťovíček, Czech Republic Autoclub’s president: “Speaking for the Autoclub of the Czech Republic, the nation’s authority for motorcycle sports, I’m delighted to see Czech fans at a Czech track enjoying world-class motorcycle road racing, and I’m equally glad that I could contribute to this event. Naturally it’s a win for the promoter of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship too: acquiring a new route with an attractive profile and an experienced organising team is not easy at the moment.”
David Bennett, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, General Manager: “Phillip Island has hosted more World Superbike events than any other circuit in the world. We agree that now is the time to focus our efforts on the Official Test and season opening Round in 2022. The decision not to run a round in 2021 will not adversely impact the continuation of the event. The event is secured for the Phillip Island Circuit until 2027.”
Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director: “We are thrilled to welcome the Autodrom Most to our calendar for the next five seasons. Today’s announcement that WorldSBK is set to return to the Czech Republic for the first time since 2018 reflects the continuing popularity of the Championship among the Czech fans. With Czech teams and riders within the paddock, this is a great opportunity to showcase the Czech Republic on a world stage and I trust the Autodrom Most will be hosting exciting events in the future. Regarding Australia, all parties involved decided that analysing the latest changes in all major motorsport events and with the current uncertainty related to the pandemic, the best solution was to move the event to our usual start-of- the-season date in 2022. We look forward to returning there next year with the Australian Round a key event of the Championship.”
With the 2021 season set to begin in less than a month, the FIM and Dorna WSBK Organization are constantly working with Government Officials and Circuits in order to continue putting everyone’s safety first. Any further updates to the 2021 WorldSBK calendar will be communicated accordingly.
Aprilia Racing signs agreement with Dorna through 2026
From the 2022 season, the RS-GP factory bikes will be on track with the official Aprilia Racing Team
Thursday, 29 April 2021
Dorna Sports is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement with Aprilia Racing to participate in the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship through 2026.
For the next five seasons, Aprilia Racing will be one of the protagonists in the top motorcycle racing competition in the world, thereby reaffirming its mission of technological research and experimentation excellence within the Piaggio Group.
From 2022, Aprilia Racing will participate as manufacturer, with the official RS-GP machines on the track as a factory team, as the agreement has ended with Gresini Racing, which accompanied Aprilia Racing’s participation in the championship since 2015. In the moving and heartfelt memory of Fausto, Aprilia Racing holds team Gresini in the highest regard and wishes to thank them for these years together.
Aprilia is one of the most victorious brands in motorcycle racing history, having won an astonishing 54 world titles in its young career, 38 in World Championship GP Motorcycle Racing, 7 in Superbike and 9 in Off Road disciplines. With 294 GP wins, it is the European brand that has won the most races in World Championship GP Motorcycle Racing. Many of the riders who have made motorcycling history in the last few decades have made their debut on the bikes from Noale. These World Champions include Max Biaggi, Loris Capirossi, Alex Gramigni, Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner, Manuel Poggiali, Marco Simoncelli and Alvaro Bautista.
Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing CEO: “I am obviously happy about this agreement. From next season, we will be participating in an official capacity as a manufacturer. This opens up new and hopefully great opportunities and we will need to manage many additional responsibilities. It is a natural step that we are taking just as we are beginning to see the first positive signs from the hard work we’ve done in Noale, first and foremost on our structure, and consequently on our beautiful RS-GP bikes. At this time, our thoughts and gratitude go to Gresini Racing, who have accompanied us in these years. In heartfelt memory of Fausto, I wish the team and all its staff the best success for the coming seasons.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna CEO: “Dorna and Aprilia extending their partnership is really positive news for the FIM MotoGP World Championship. We are excited to continue this association with the Italian manufacturer in a project that has set many fascinating goals, not just in racing performance, but in overall technical excellence in the Championship.”
Hard Knocks Moto Coffee to Officially Fuel Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York Team in 2021
The Moto-Centric Coffee Brand will Provide the Team with The Doses of Caffeine They Need.
Hard Knocks Moto Coffee (www.hardknocksmoto.com) will sponsor the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Team for the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike season by fueling the team’s coffee needs throughout each race event. Hard Knocks Moto Coffee will provide ongoing supplies of its moto-centric coffee roasts.
“Our Ducati Panigale V4R needs its fuel, and we need ours,” says team Principal Bobby Shek. “A big shout out to Allan Lane and his company Hard Knocks Moto Coffee for supplying the team with our must-have coffee needs through the 2021 MotoAmerica season”
“I’m proud and honored that Hard Knocks Moto Coffee will be taking care of the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York Team’s caffeinated needs for the 2021 MotoAmerica season,” says Hard Knocks Moto Coffee owner Allan Lane. “Coffee and racing go hand in hand.”
Hard Knocks Moto Coffee offers many blends of Columbian and Arabic coffee with exciting names such as “Less Bitching More Riding”, “Hard to Kill” and “Life is Hard,” along with a lineup of apparel.
Piloting the Warhorse HSBK Ducati Panigale V4 R during the 9-round Superbike Series is the 28-year-old Frenchman Loris Baz, who spent three years in MotoGP (2015-2017) and six years in World Superbike (2012-2014; 2018-2020). During the 2020 WorldSBK season, Baz scored four podiums and finished the season eight overall, the second-best of independent riders. Throughout his WorldSBK career, he had achieved two wins, two poles, 18 podiums, and three fastest laps.
For ongoing race season updates, subscribe to HSBK Racing on:
Motorcycle racing returns to Oregon, with the Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association (OMRRA) hosting its first round of the 2021 season at Portland International Raceway (PIR).
Saturday was a rainy affair with the weather, which not only brought out the rain tires, but also saw a large contingency of riders hitting the asphalt in the tricky conditions. Luckily, the weather improved on Sunday, with cold but dry conditions throughout the day.
On the big bikes, it was a battle between last year’s champion, Andy DiBrino, and the Pacific Northwest’s fastest teacher, Kevin Pinkstaff, with DiBrino able to take the victory each time. Kevin’s brother Brian rounds out the Top 3 for the OMRRA Title Championship standings.
In the lower classes, the races were just as hard-fought, but it was Dustin Walbon who stood above the rest of the field. The Washington “superman” made his mark with a strong weekend of results, and leads the OMRRA Clubman Championship with 98 points in total.
Only a handful of our vintage riders braved the blustery conditions, but those who did were rewarded with some precious championship points, which could be a factor as the season continues onward. As such, our favorite Dane, Theis Corneliussen, leads the OMRRA Vintage Championship Standings, though the top three vintage riders are separated by only four points.
OMRRA racers return to the track on May 8th, to The Ridge Motorsports Park, with a co-hosted round the Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association (WMRRA).
Geneva Financial Overall Championship Standings – Round 1 of 6
1. Kevin Pinkstaff – 47 pts 2. Andy DiBrino – 40 pts 3. Brian Pinkstaff – 30 pts 4. Chris Sarbora – 28 pts 5. Kevin LaFavor – 32 pts
MotoCorsa Clubman Championship Standings – Round 1 of 6
Langlitz Leathers Vintage Championship Standings – Round 1 of 6
1. Theis Corneliussen – 8 pts 1. Ryan Shanahan – 6 pts 3. Alex Clarke – 4 pts
OMRRA, incorporated in 1972 as a non-profit, volunteer run organization, has members ranging in age from 12 to over 70, racing motorcycles of many brands, sizes and ages. OMRRA operates at Portland International Raceway, a city park and world class track. For more information, visit www.omrra.com and join us at www.facebook.com/omrra.racing.
Autumn Coffee Roasting 600 Supersport
Dustin Walbon (Kaw ZX-6R)
AJ Peaslee (Yam YZF-R6)
Josh McKay (Yam YZF-R6)
Harry Brehm (Kaw ZX-6R)
Mallory Dobbs (Kaw ZX-6R)
Chris Burgess (Yam YZF-R6)
Bob Lanphere’s Beaverton Motorcycles Novice 1000
Seth Isaacs (BMW S1000RR)
Kevin O’Brien (Hon CBR1000RR)
Maggie Browne (Suz GSX-R750)
Joshua Gonzalez (Yam YZF-R1)
Novice 600
Phillip Hranicka (Yam YZF-R6)
Logan Oster (Yam YZF-R6)
Ben Rockwood (Kaw ZX-6R)
Racer Gloves USA Ultra-Lightweight GP
Chase Farthing (Yam YZF-R3)
Alex Clarke (Kaw Ninja 300)
Justin Carr (Yam YZF-R3)
Anthony Giglio (Kaw Ninja 300)
Clifford Griffin (Kaw Ninja 300)
Colin James (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Trackside Support Services Lightweight Superbike
Adam Faussett (-)
Todd Eugene (Kaw Ninja 400)
Cycletune 450 Superbike
Dustin Walbon (Kaw ZX-6R)
Drat Diestler (Kra Evo2 R)
Nathan Aldrich (Yam YZF-R6)
Austen Brown (Suz SV650)
Jon Campbell (Suz SV650)
Darin Wade (Yam YZF-R6)
SFRC 160 Vintage
Ryan Shanahan (Hon CB175)
Alex Clarke (Hon CB160)
Lawrence Farm 250 Ninja Cup
Darrin Griffin (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Pete Markey (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Loren DeShon (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Jolene Janacek (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Colin James (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Kumpy Kump (Kaw Ninja 250R)
2 Wheel Dyno Works Formula Ultra
Kevin Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX-10R)
Chris Sarbora (BMW S1000RR)
Brian Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX-10R)
Kevin LaFavor (Yam YZF-R1)
Keith DiBrino (Suz GSX-R1000)
Brap Talk Middleweight Supersport
Jon Campbell (Suz SV650)
Austen Brown (Suz SV650)
Danny Houghton (Suz SV650)
Joe Rocha (Suz SV650)
Daniel Silvis (Suz SV650)
Kramer Middleweight Superbike
Nathan Aldrich (Yam YZF-R6)
Drat Diestler (Kra Evo2 R)
Darin Wade (Yam YZF-R6)
Alex Taylor (Yam YZF-R4.5)
Hannah Johnson (Kra HKR EVO2 R)
Seth Richardson (Yam FZR400)
EDR Performance Open Sportsman
Seth Isaacs (BMW S1000RR)
Kevin O’Brien (Hon CBR1000RR)
Gore Electric Company 600 Sportsman
Phillip Hranicka (Yam YZF-R6)
Gavin Soderholm (-)
Ben Rockwood (Kaw ZX-6R)
Shane Baker (Suz GSX-R600)
Jolene Janacek (-)
Lawrence Farm 250 Ninja Cup
Darrin Griffin (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Pete Markey (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Kumpy Kump (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Colin James (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Loren DeShon (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Jolene Janacek (Kaw Ninja 250R)
SFRC 160 Vintage
Ryan Shanahan (Hon CB175)
Ever True Tattoo Middleweight GP
Nathan Aldrich (Yam YZF-R6)
Darin Wade (Yam YZF-R6)
Hannah Johnson (Kra HKR EVO2 R)
Jon Campbell (Suz SV650)
Joe Rocha (Suz SV650)
Drat Diestler (Kra Evo2 R)
Hot & Hazardous Performance Ultra Lightweight Supersport
Chase Farthing (Yam YZF-R3)
Dave Pearce (Yam YZF-R3)
Justin Carr (Yam YZF-R3)
Alex Clarke (Kaw Ninja 300)
Anthony Giglio (Kaw Ninja 300)
Colin James (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Lightweight Supersport
Adam Faussett (-)
Todd Eugene (Kaw Ninja 400)
Kumpy Kump (Kaw Ninja 250R)
KP12 Graphix 600 Superbike
Josh McKay (Yam YZF-R6)
Micah Kudo (YamYZF-R6 )
Dustin Walbon (Kaw ZX-6R)
AJ Peaslee (Yam YZF-R6)
Mallory Dobbs (Kaw ZX-6R)
Chris Burgess (Yam YZF-R6)
See See Motor Coffee Open Supersport
Andy DiBrino (Kaw ZX-10R)
Kevin Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX-10R)
Brian Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX10-R)
Kevin LaFavor (Yam YZF-R1)
Gore Electric Company 600 Sportsman
Gavin Soderholm (-)
Matt Snipes (Duc 848 EVO)
Phillip Hranicka (Yam YZF-R6)
Shane Baker (Suz GSX-R600)
Joshua Clarizio (Yam YZF-R6)
Jolene Janacek (-)
Asphalt & Rubber Middleweight Sportsman
Darin Wade (Yam YZF-R6)
Danny Houghton (Suz SV650)
Austen Brown (Suz SV650)
Daniel Silvis (Suz SV650)
Damon Schaefer (Suz SV650)
Brad Pinkstaff (Suz SV650)
750 Vintage
Theis Corneliussen (Yam RZ350)
EDR Performance Open Sportsman
Kevin O’Brien (Hon CBR1000RR)
Seth Isaacs (BMW S1000RR)
Maggie Browne (Suz GSX-R750)
Hot & Hazardous Performance Ultra Lightweight Supersport
Mikey Lou Sanchez, a 10-year-old American, started his Cuna de Campeones Moto 5 Championship campaign April 24-25 at the Estoril Circuit, in Portugal.
The young Texan qualified 9th out of 24 riders.
In Race 1, Sanchez placed 7th, finishing in a pack of five riders battling for fourth about seven seconds behind the winner.
Sanchez got a great start in Race 2 and was able to run in the front pack throughout the race. With two laps to go, Sanchez led going into Turn One. On the last lap, there were many passes, and Sanchez tangled with another rider and they both went down fighting for the front.
Unfortunately, Sanchez sustained a bone fracture in his left foot, but luckily it’s very small and he should be ready to ride in the next race in two weeks at Valencia.
Mikey Lou Sanchez on the grid at Estoril with father Michael Sanchez (right) and mother Trinity Richardson (left). Photo courtesy Sanchez Racing.
“We are very thankful for the people who believe in Mikey, and we are 100% committed,” said Sanchez’s father Michael Sanchez. “We’ve been in Spain for one week and Mikey is having a blast!”
“I was really hoping to finish in the top three,” said Mikey Sanchez. “I’m really proud of myself for not giving up and trying my best. Hopefully, we can improve at Valencia!”
Sanchez Racing would like to thank its sponsors for helping Mikey Lou chase his dream: Shawn Knoche, Williams Custom Painting, Corsa Werks, Fondu, Arai Americas, Texas Motorcycle Academy, Moto Liberty, Day One Welding, AGV SPORT America.
Featured In the April 2021 issue of Roadracing World:
Honda announced its withdrawal from 50cc and 125cc Grand Prix road racing at the end of the 1966 season, and announced its complete retirement at the end of the 1967 racing season; Yamaha followed suit a year later.
Factory riders had tough decisions to make with regards to what they would ride in 1969. The governing body, FIM, had also changed the rules, restricting the smaller classes to two cylinders and six gears from 1970 onwards. This change helped Yamaha with its for-sale series of TD and TR racebikes. So, for 1969, multi-time World Champion Phil Read raced a TD2 (250cc) and a TR2 (350cc) mostly in England and at non-championship European meetings as a privateer…
—Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1971 Cheney Yamaha TD2B, by Mick Ofield
For 1971, Eric Cheney of Cheney motocross frames was persuaded to build a road racing frame that was more than five pounds lighter than a TD2B frame, but allowed the use of a stock TD2B tank, seat, exhaust and fairing. Read the background on the first private racebike to win the 250cc Grand Prix World Championship title—it’s all in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
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Dick Mann at Daytona in 1971. Photo by Dave Friedman, courtesy the Don Emde Collection.
FIRST PERSON/OPINION:
Dick Mann’s late ex-wife Susie once related a story about one of Bugsy’s experiences at the Daytona 200.
This was back when qualifying was done via a flying lap on the oval on Wednesday or Thursday. It was the same day that the Alligator enduro was contested nearby. The day started with heavy rain, which was forecast to continue throughout the day.
Seeing that qualifying would certainly be delayed, Mann took his BSA thumper and entered the enduro. Sure enough, by midday, the rain stopped and the track began to dry. BSA sent people to try to find Mann and get him back to the Speedway, because if you didn’t qualify on that day, you couldn’t start in the first wave. Time was running out to qualify, and there was no sign of Dick Mann. BSA was desperate. They finally managed to squeeze Mann’s teammate Ralph White into Mann’s leathers. This was no mean feat. White was significantly taller than Mann. They sent him out to qualify for Mann.
What really annoyed White was that he qualified better as Mann than as himself (perhaps the compressed version offered less wind resistance).
As far as I know, Dick Mann was the only rider ever to qualify for the Daytona 200 without having actually been there.
Tyler O’Hara (29) at speed on his Mission Foods S&S Indian Challenger. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE ANNOUNCES THREE TEAMS RUNNING INDIAN CHALLENGERS IN 2021 BAGGER RACING EVENTS
Mission® Foods, S&S® and Tyler O’Hara Return to Defend MotoAmerica® King of the Baggers’ Title & Compete in Inaugural Bagger Racing League™
Roland Sands Design® and Frankie Garcia to Race King of the Baggers & Bagger Racing League™, While Also Running New Indian Chief in Bagger Racing League™’s Big Twin Class
Saddlemen Flips the Script, Trading Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® for Indian Challenger, Calls Upon ‘World’s Fastest Female’ Road Racer Patricia Fernandez
MINNEAPOLIS (April 29, 2021) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced three privately-backed teams running the Indian Challenger at 2021 bagger racing events. The three teams include reigning King of the Baggers Champion Mission® Foods S&S® Indian Challenger, 2020 King of the Baggers third-place finisher Roland Sands Design® (RSD), and new Indian Challenger converts, Saddlemen.
“Despite numerous naysayers and doubters of last year’s inaugural King of the Baggers race, it proved to be a massive success and the ultimate proving ground for the Indian Challenger, and we’re excited to be a part of it again in 2021,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “We’re proud have three privately funded teams showcasing the Indian Challenger’s superior performance in both the MotoAmerica® Mission® King of the Baggers series and the Drag Specialties Bagger Racing League™.”
With superior stock performance, including a best-in-class 122 horsepower PowerPlus motor, an inverted front fork, and a hydraulically-adjustable FOX® rear shock, the Indian Challenger gives these three privateers a formidable advantage. This was no better evidenced than at the inaugural King of the Baggers last October where the two Indian Challenger entries finished first and third in a field that featured 13 Harley-Davidson® baggers.
Among the teams invited to the King of the Baggers and Bagger Racing League™ events, S&S®, RSD, and Saddlemen are the only Indian Challenger entries.
Mission® Foods S&S® Indian Challenger
As reigning King of the Baggers champion, Tyler O’Hara and S&S® will enter this year as the clear-cut team to beat at round one of the MotoAmerica® series at Road Atlanta on May 2. That said, the team enters the series with nothing but confidence, backed by a full-year of preparation to defend the crown it captured in 2021.
“Most race teams don’t learn a whole lot from winning, but we did. We’ve spent the past year meticulously refining our setup specific to Tyler’s preferences to ensure the highest level of performance,” said Jeff Bailey, crew chief for the S&S® team. “Backed by Tyler’s phenomenal skills, S&S® has decades of racing and performance expertise, and the undisputed bagger racing king, the Indian Challenger, our expectations are extremely high.”
But King of the Baggers will not be the only action for S&S® and O’Hara in Atlanta that weekend. In a throwback to the golden age of the AMA Grand National Championship of yester-year, O’Hara will split duties, piloting the Indian FTR750 at the American Flat Track Atlanta Super TT the day before throwing a leg over his Mission® Foods Indian Challenger to begin his King of the Baggers title defense.
“I’ve always been known for versatility and the ability to be highly competitive on just about any motorcycle within a variety of racing formats, and this weekend in Atlanta provides the ultimate stage to demonstrate that,” said O’Hara. “There is no doubt that I’ve got my work cut out for me, but having dominant track weapons like the Indian FTR750 and Indian Challenger certainly helps. Regardless of outcomes, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to push my limits and challenge I couldn’t be more excited to take on.”
Frankie Garcia (14) on his RSD Indian Challenger. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
RSD
Armed with the RSD Indian Challenger, Roland Sands and the 2020 King of the Baggers third-place finisher, Frankie Garcia, return with a chip on their shoulder and ambitions to dethrone O’Hara. In addition to King of the Baggers, the RSD Challenger will be one of two RSD entries in the Bagger Racing League™ series as RSD adds the new 2022 Indian Chief to its stable of race-ready Indian Motorcycles to compete in the Big Twin class.
“We faced so many curveballs at Laguna Seca last year, not the least of which came when Frankie looped the bike in practice, and we scrambled through the night to get the bike, and Frankie’s body, ready to go for the final. Frankie putting it on the box after all that was an incredible accomplishment, and we couldn’t be more motivated to raise the bar and take the crown in 2021,” said Roland Sands. “There’s no doubt we’re the guys known for having a little too much fun, but make no mistake, the Indian Challenger is an absolute beast and our sights are set on the top of the box.”
“Last year’s inaugural King of the Baggers was an unforgettable experience and when it was all said and done, I was incredibly proud to be on the podium. At the same time, after coming so close in spite of nearly catastrophic challenges, we were all left wondering what could have been,” said Garcia. “That experience provides a ton of motivation heading into the expanded series this year and podiums will not be enough. We want to wear the crown when it’s all said and done this year.”
Patricia Fernandez. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Saddlemen
After finishing in the middle of the pack at the inaugural King of the Baggers, Saddlemen came to the age-old conclusion, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”
The team enters the 2021 bagger racing season, discarding its Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® in favor of the reigning king, the Indian Challenger. To pilot the new race-ready bagger, Saddlemen called upon the highly-skilled Patricia Fernandez. Dubbed “the world’s fastest female road racer,” Fernandez will be the only female rider in the field. The team will be led by famed custom bike builder, Michael “Woolie” Woolaway, and will compete in select rounds of the King of the Baggers series and Bagger Racing League™.
“It was an honor to take part in the inaugural King of the Baggers last October, but it was obvious we needed more performance after watching Tyler and Frankie make quick work of the field aboard their Indian Challengers,” said Woolie. “This year, we have the luxury of a machine that packs enormous power and incredible performance capabilities right out of the box.”
“After seeing so much excitement around the inaugural race last year and hearing the news of an extended series in 2021, I couldn’t help thinking how cool it would be for a queen to be the King of the Baggers,” said Fernandez. “Thankfully, my friends at Saddlemen stepped up to give me the opportunity, and I could not be more excited to throw a leg over the Saddlemen Indian Challenger and show the world what I’m capable of.”
For the 2021 season, MotoAmerica® will host three rounds of King of the Baggers racing. The first round kicks off at MotoAmerica® Superbike in Atlanta April 30-May 2. The newest racing series added to the fold is the Drag Specialties Bagger Racing League™, which will host its inaugural event at the Utah Motorsports Campus June 25-27.
For more information on bagger racing, visit MotoAmerica.com and BaggerRacingLeague.com.
To learn more about each race team, visit SSCycle.com, RolandSands.com and Saddlemen.com. For information about Indian Motorcycle and the Indian Challenger, visit IndianMotorcycle.com, or follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle Company is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
INDIAN and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC. Always wear a helmet, protective clothing and eyewear and insist your passenger does the same. Ride within the limits of the law and your own abilities. Read, understand and follow your owner’s manual. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Harley®, Harley-Davidson®, and Road Glide® are registered trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC. FOX® is a registered trademark of Fox Factory Inc.; Roland Sands Design® is a registered trademark of Roland Sands Design, Inc.; RSD® is a registered trademark of Roland W. Sands; S&S® is a registered trademark of S&S CYCLE, INC.; MotoAmerica® is a registered trademark of Krave Group, LLC; Mission® is a registered trademark of Gruma Corporation; BRL Bagger Racing League™ is a trademark of Rocket Rob Productions, LLC AKA Bagger Racing League™.
ABOUT S&S® CYCLE
S&S® Cycle was born from a passion for racing and has spent over six decades building performance for the powersports market. Their unwavering focus on quality, reliability and top shelf power has made S&S® Cycle the absolute leader in high performance on the street and track.
ABOUT MISSION® FOODS:
MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit www.missionfoods.com
ABOUT RSD
Roland Sands Design, Inc., a subsidiary of Roll and Company, Inc. was founded in 2005 and is a multifaceted business that includes commissioned custom motorcycle builds, aftermarket hard part design and manufacture, home decor, technical riding and casual apparel, the Super Hooligan National Championship amateur flat track series, Moto Classic Events and more. Roland Sands Design incorporates a small team of dedicated designers, engineers, fabricators, mechanics and more, that feed the collective creativity that emanates from the retail and office location at 10571 Los Alamitos Blvd, Los Alamitos, CA 90720.
FIM MotoE World Cup riders (from left) Yonny Hernandez, Dominique Aegerter, Matteo Ferrari, Jordi Torres, Fermin Aldeguer, and Eric Granado. Photo courtesy Dorna.
“Expect a big fight”: MotoE™ riders ready to roll in Jerez
The pre-event Press Conference kicks off the first FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup round of the season
Thursday, 29 April 2021
It’s that time of year again: MotoE™ time! The FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup begins its third season this weekend at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, and the pre-event Press Conference kicked off proceedings. 2020 Cup winner Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) headlined, joined by key rivals Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP), Eric Granado (One Energy Racing), 2019 Cup winner Matteo Ferrari (Indonesian E-Racing Gresini MotoE), newcomer Yonny Hernandez (Octo Pramac MotoE) and the fastest rookie in testing, Fermin Aldeguer (Openbank Aspar Team).
Here is a selection of quotes:
Jordi Torres: “When you arrive to the first race you never know how your rivals are. We only did two tests here in Jerez and we know the track well, it’s perfect but… maybe after, during the year, with different conditions or at a different track with different grip, it is more different. This race I think all the guys are very competitive and aggressive. And I expect to be there, to have a big fight. We’ll see what happens! But for sure we need to improve a bit more because in the test we didn’t have 100% performance. But for sure, during the race we’ll put our balls on the table to be aggressive and to get, if possible, some podiums or try to fight for the victory.”
Torres was one who, like Granado, didn’t seem to push to the maximum in the race simulation in testing:
“For me our best option was to cut the throttle and do a personal test and see how the behaviour of the bike was in that session, because we changed the bike a lot. And we know it’s better to concentrate on our bike than compare to other riders. We are concentrating more riding alone, trying to get a better feeling.”
Dominique Aegerter: “I’m very happy to be back in MotoE; thanks to the team for letting me ride again in this category! We had two great tests in Jerez fighting in front, we made some different changes on the bike and got some new parts from Energica, and tyres and suspension we tested, and laptimes were a bit faster. We made a great step forward and now this weekend here I’m looking forward to practice and E-pole and then the race.
“We know this track well, so many riders and teams have a lot of data and suspension settings and gearing from this track, and we’ll go to two tracks we haven’t ridden before in Assen and Barcelona, so for sure they’ll be some new things to try if the bike works with a similar setup to here in Jere. But here for sure many riders will be very fast and with close laptimes so it’s important to do a good E-Pole lap to start on the first two rows, and in the race to be in the first group, make a good start and not make any mistakes to fight for the podium.”
Eric Granado: “I’m very happy with preseason, we did a great job and I’m really happy with the work we did with my new team. We are in a good way, I’m feeling good on the bike, I have a good package with the team and settings on the bike. Like Jordi and Domi said, this weekend everyone will be fast for sure because we did two tests here, and we have good data and a good feeling after a lot of laps. So it’ll be difficult but I’ll try and do my best, be in the front group if possible and take maximum points every race, work on that every race to arrive at the end of the season with options to fight.”
One of the fastest in MotoE™ since its inception, the Brazilian is now looking to iron 2021 out into a more consistent year:
“I need to work on this this season, I’m focused on those changes and my new team for sure helps me to have more calm at some moments, and don’t always try to be the fastest because consistency is key, as Matteo showed in 2019 and Jordi last year… I’ll work on that, and do my best every race. Let’s say what happens at the end!”
Matteo Ferrari: “First of all I want to thanks MotoGP and the team because we’re here again, the first race of MotoE and I’m really happy about that. The preseason was a bit different compared to last year because last year I finished first, but during the first race here in Jerez I had some difficult points on the track, so I changed my riding style a bit to understand better the tyres and the new front fork during the test. I didn’t push a lot for the laptime but with my team we tried to find the right setting for this race and I think we’re ready. E-Pole will be very important on Saturday, all the riders are very fast and… then we’ll see on Sunday.”
Yonny Hernandez: “At the beginning it was so different for me, especially on the brakes, the bike is heavier. I just tried do a lot of laps, trying to get a feeling with the bike and understand the category. I think the test was positive for us, at the start it was complicated but by the end of the second day of the test I tried to stay more comfortable and I had more feeling with the bike and team. I’ve tried to find a good setup for the race this weekend and just trying to get the feeling and understand it with laps and laps. It’s difficult for me because you don’t have a lot of time to try many things because sessions are short, you can do five or six laps, and this I think isn’t so much time to understand everything but I think we can improve and I’ll do my best and have a good race.”
And what about E-Pole?
“I’ll try to understand the bike better and especially in the first part of the practice, qualifying on one lap for me is something where we need to work more because for me in the test it was difficult for me in the beginning, I don’t use 100% of the tyres, especially at the beginning. When I start to get the feeling, I need more laps but I’ll do my best to have a good qualifying.”
Fermin Aldeguer: “Thanks for the welcome! I feel very good with MotoE. It’s very different but after the first and second practices I felt really good, free practice to practice I improved a lot and I feel good with the bike and the whole team.
“You don’t have gears, only throttle and the brake and that’s very different. The weight is different. It’s very different but I like it!”
So do we! Tune in for the first E-Pole of the season at 16:05 (GMT +2) on Saturday, before the lights go out for the first showdown of 2021 at 10:05 on Sunday morning.
More, from a press release issued by Energica:
ENERGICA AND MOTOE READY FOR 2021 SEASON OPENER AT JEREZ
An Energica Ego Corsa electric racebike at Jerez. Photo by Jesus Robledo, courtesy Energica.
The 2021 FIM Enel MotoE World Cup is about to get underway from tomorrow at the ‘Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto’ in Southern Spain. After two official three-day sessions performed in early March and mid-April, the 18 Energica Ego Corsa machines are ready to storm once again around the technical and fast-flowing Andalusian circuit.
Three half-hour free practice sessions (two on Friday and one on Saturday morning) will allow teams and riders to prepare for Saturday’s single-lap E-Pole and for Sunday’s race, which will be contested over an improved eight-lap distance.
Reigning MotoE World Cup champion Jordi Torres (Pons 40 Racing) will try his best to defend the title earned last year, but on paper it will not be an easy task for the experienced Spanish rider. Two riders have in fact shown a good degree of dominance so far in 2021, something that did not come as a surprise given their performances in the previous editions of the series: new signing of team One Energy Racing’s Eric Granado and second-year rider Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP) have rewritten the unofficial lap track a few times before the end of the April test, with the quickest one now being a 1’47.065 set by the Brazilian star on the final day.
All the aforementioned riders will be in ‘good’ company, though, as rookies Fermin Aldeguer (OpenBank Aspar Team) and Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) have shown great speed in their first outings aboard their stunning Energica motorcycles, while it is also expected a return to top form by 2019 title winner and 2020 runner-up Matteo Ferrari (Indonesian E-Racing Gresini MotoE). Many other riders will join the battle at the front in what is going to be an electric opening round of the series.
MotoE proceedings will begin tomorrow at 11:50 local time (GMT +2) with Free Practice 1.
Stay tuned via Energica social media and visit www.energicamotor.com in order to keep up to date with the latest news from Jerez and do not forget to listen to the ‘Electrifying Podcast’ for some special episodes about the racing weekend
The podcast is now also available on Spotify and Google Podcast.
ABOUT ENERGICA MOTOR COMPANY S.p.A
Energica Motor Company is the first Italian manufacturer of high-performing electric motorcycle and is the single manufacturer chosen by Dorna for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup. Energica Motorcycles are on sale worldwide.
A FUELL Flluid 1-S electric bicycle, a.k.a. E-bike. Photo courtesy FUELL.
FUELL Launches New Powersports Dealer Program for 2021
FUELL building on strong sales momentum in 2021
April 29, 2021 – FUELL is thrilled to announce the launch of their New Powersports Dealer Program. This new and exciting dealer program is the next stage in the growth of the rapidly expanding business featuring the FUELL Flluid E-bike series of urban mobility vehicles.
Launched in 2019, FUELL’s mission is to reinvent the pleasure of riding. The primary concept behind FUELL is to develop a unique range of vehicles for the new urban adventurers, thanks to freedom of design, engineering, and distribution. The Flluid E-bike is the first step in the journey with a host of new products being developed like the Fllow Electric motorcycle that will complement and enhance the entire FUELL collection of vehicles.
The new FUELL dealer program has been created to set-up key Powersports dealers as full service FUELL dealers where customers can come in to see, touch and feel the beautifully designed, powerful and efficient Flluid E-bike. Why Powersports dealers? In a recent survey, 50% of customers who bought a Flluid E-bike are also motorcycle enthusiasts, most are between 45-65 years old, and make between $100,000 to $200,000 per year. What a great way to bring in and develop new riders, as well as providing a fun and efficient new product for existing motorcycle customers.
“I have a passion for engineering and two wheeled vehicles, and I love our new Flluid E-bike because it gives people a new way to find real personal mobility,” said Erik Buell, CTO of FUELL, Inc. “We feel that Powersports dealers are the perfect place to bring in people who are already comfortable on two-wheels, and ready to try something new.”
The FUELL Powersports dealer program will feature the Flluid 1-S that comes standard with two large 504Wh Lithium batteries, a torque sensing 500w mid motor, and a Gates Carbon belt drive with an internally geared hub. This exceptional E-bike provides incredible efficiency, a sleek modern look and a range of up to 125 miles. Additionally, the Flluid 1-S is available for new FUELL dealers to order now.
To sign up to become a new FUELL dealer contact FUELL at [email protected] and to learn more about FUELL vehicles head to www.FUELL.US.
The Autodrom Most will make its debut on the WorldSBK Calendar in 2021 after signing a five-year agreement, while the Australian Round is set to return in 2022.
The FIM, the Autodrom Most and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) are delighted to announce a new agreement that will see the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship race in Czech Republic from 2021. The five-year agreement means the Czech Round will be included in the WorldSBK Calendar until 2025 with the announcement made at a presentation in Prague on Thursday 29th of April.
The Autodrom Most will host the Czech Round for the first time as it joins the WorldSBK calendar with the Czech circuit hosting the sixth Round of the 2021 season from the 6th to the 8th of August. All three classes as well as the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup will compete at the Autodrom Most, which includes two Czech riders in WorldSSP300 with Petr Svoboda and Oliver König as well as the Jakub Smrz-run Accolade Smrz Racing team.
Located near Prague, the Autodrom Most was opened in 1983 and was then the first permanent motor racing complex in what was then known as Czechoslovakia. The circuit has already hosted many motorsport events including national motorcycle championships and will be a new, exciting addition to WorldSBK in 2021; while the Championship venue fits within the circuit’s commitment to be part of the sports, social and cultural life of the region. The event will also be broadcast live on Czech channel Nova Sport, following a five-year agreement with DWO.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the FIM, the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and DWO have agreed there will be no 2021 edition of the Australian Round. We will now work for a return to the iconic venue in 2022 in the most successful way as the first event of the 2022 Championship.
Josef Zajíček, Autodrom Most Chief Executive Officer: “This is a milestone and a unique event during Autodrom’s history of almost 40 years. We are becoming organisers of World Championship races for the first time. This fact places demanding technical and organisational requirements on us. Nevertheless, we are happy to take up this challenge. Our objective is to open our complex to the general public, which is why we have to offer the best-quality events possible to our racing fans; the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship indisputably belongs to such events. We will make sure that the riders, teams, partners, sponsors as well as spectators may be absolutely satisfied with us and look forward to the next edition of this fantastic display of powerful machines and brave riders.”
Jan Šťovíček, Czech Republic Autoclub’s president: “Speaking for the Autoclub of the Czech Republic, the nation’s authority for motorcycle sports, I’m delighted to see Czech fans at a Czech track enjoying world-class motorcycle road racing, and I’m equally glad that I could contribute to this event. Naturally it’s a win for the promoter of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship too: acquiring a new route with an attractive profile and an experienced organising team is not easy at the moment.”
David Bennett, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, General Manager: “Phillip Island has hosted more World Superbike events than any other circuit in the world. We agree that now is the time to focus our efforts on the Official Test and season opening Round in 2022. The decision not to run a round in 2021 will not adversely impact the continuation of the event. The event is secured for the Phillip Island Circuit until 2027.”
Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director: “We are thrilled to welcome the Autodrom Most to our calendar for the next five seasons. Today’s announcement that WorldSBK is set to return to the Czech Republic for the first time since 2018 reflects the continuing popularity of the Championship among the Czech fans. With Czech teams and riders within the paddock, this is a great opportunity to showcase the Czech Republic on a world stage and I trust the Autodrom Most will be hosting exciting events in the future. Regarding Australia, all parties involved decided that analysing the latest changes in all major motorsport events and with the current uncertainty related to the pandemic, the best solution was to move the event to our usual start-of- the-season date in 2022. We look forward to returning there next year with the Australian Round a key event of the Championship.”
With the 2021 season set to begin in less than a month, the FIM and Dorna WSBK Organization are constantly working with Government Officials and Circuits in order to continue putting everyone’s safety first. Any further updates to the 2021 WorldSBK calendar will be communicated accordingly.
Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola (left) with Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta (right). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aprilia Racing signs agreement with Dorna through 2026
From the 2022 season, the RS-GP factory bikes will be on track with the official Aprilia Racing Team
Thursday, 29 April 2021
Dorna Sports is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement with Aprilia Racing to participate in the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship through 2026.
For the next five seasons, Aprilia Racing will be one of the protagonists in the top motorcycle racing competition in the world, thereby reaffirming its mission of technological research and experimentation excellence within the Piaggio Group.
From 2022, Aprilia Racing will participate as manufacturer, with the official RS-GP machines on the track as a factory team, as the agreement has ended with Gresini Racing, which accompanied Aprilia Racing’s participation in the championship since 2015. In the moving and heartfelt memory of Fausto, Aprilia Racing holds team Gresini in the highest regard and wishes to thank them for these years together.
Aprilia is one of the most victorious brands in motorcycle racing history, having won an astonishing 54 world titles in its young career, 38 in World Championship GP Motorcycle Racing, 7 in Superbike and 9 in Off Road disciplines. With 294 GP wins, it is the European brand that has won the most races in World Championship GP Motorcycle Racing. Many of the riders who have made motorcycling history in the last few decades have made their debut on the bikes from Noale. These World Champions include Max Biaggi, Loris Capirossi, Alex Gramigni, Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner, Manuel Poggiali, Marco Simoncelli and Alvaro Bautista.
Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing CEO: “I am obviously happy about this agreement. From next season, we will be participating in an official capacity as a manufacturer. This opens up new and hopefully great opportunities and we will need to manage many additional responsibilities. It is a natural step that we are taking just as we are beginning to see the first positive signs from the hard work we’ve done in Noale, first and foremost on our structure, and consequently on our beautiful RS-GP bikes. At this time, our thoughts and gratitude go to Gresini Racing, who have accompanied us in these years. In heartfelt memory of Fausto, I wish the team and all its staff the best success for the coming seasons.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna CEO: “Dorna and Aprilia extending their partnership is really positive news for the FIM MotoGP World Championship. We are excited to continue this association with the Italian manufacturer in a project that has set many fascinating goals, not just in racing performance, but in overall technical excellence in the Championship.”
Loris Baz's Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York Superbike. Photo courtesy Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York.
Hard Knocks Moto Coffee to Officially Fuel Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York Team in 2021
The Moto-Centric Coffee Brand will Provide the Team with The Doses of Caffeine They Need.
Hard Knocks Moto Coffee (www.hardknocksmoto.com) will sponsor the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Team for the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike season by fueling the team’s coffee needs throughout each race event. Hard Knocks Moto Coffee will provide ongoing supplies of its moto-centric coffee roasts.
“Our Ducati Panigale V4R needs its fuel, and we need ours,” says team Principal Bobby Shek. “A big shout out to Allan Lane and his company Hard Knocks Moto Coffee for supplying the team with our must-have coffee needs through the 2021 MotoAmerica season”
“I’m proud and honored that Hard Knocks Moto Coffee will be taking care of the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York Team’s caffeinated needs for the 2021 MotoAmerica season,” says Hard Knocks Moto Coffee owner Allan Lane. “Coffee and racing go hand in hand.”
Hard Knocks Moto Coffee offers many blends of Columbian and Arabic coffee with exciting names such as “Less Bitching More Riding”, “Hard to Kill” and “Life is Hard,” along with a lineup of apparel.
Piloting the Warhorse HSBK Ducati Panigale V4 R during the 9-round Superbike Series is the 28-year-old Frenchman Loris Baz, who spent three years in MotoGP (2015-2017) and six years in World Superbike (2012-2014; 2018-2020). During the 2020 WorldSBK season, Baz scored four podiums and finished the season eight overall, the second-best of independent riders. Throughout his WorldSBK career, he had achieved two wins, two poles, 18 podiums, and three fastest laps.
For ongoing race season updates, subscribe to HSBK Racing on:
Dustin Walbon (177R) won five races on his Kawasaki ZX-6R. Photo by Minh-Tri Le/NW Focal Point Photography, courtesy OMRRA.
OMRRA Series
Portland International Raceway, Portland
April 24-25, 2021
Motorcycle racing returns to Oregon, with the Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association (OMRRA) hosting its first round of the 2021 season at Portland International Raceway (PIR).
Saturday was a rainy affair with the weather, which not only brought out the rain tires, but also saw a large contingency of riders hitting the asphalt in the tricky conditions. Luckily, the weather improved on Sunday, with cold but dry conditions throughout the day.
On the big bikes, it was a battle between last year’s champion, Andy DiBrino, and the Pacific Northwest’s fastest teacher, Kevin Pinkstaff, with DiBrino able to take the victory each time. Kevin’s brother Brian rounds out the Top 3 for the OMRRA Title Championship standings.
In the lower classes, the races were just as hard-fought, but it was Dustin Walbon who stood above the rest of the field. The Washington “superman” made his mark with a strong weekend of results, and leads the OMRRA Clubman Championship with 98 points in total.
Only a handful of our vintage riders braved the blustery conditions, but those who did were rewarded with some precious championship points, which could be a factor as the season continues onward. As such, our favorite Dane, Theis Corneliussen, leads the OMRRA Vintage Championship Standings, though the top three vintage riders are separated by only four points.
OMRRA racers return to the track on May 8th, to The Ridge Motorsports Park, with a co-hosted round the Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association (WMRRA).
Geneva Financial Overall Championship Standings – Round 1 of 6
1. Kevin Pinkstaff – 47 pts 2. Andy DiBrino – 40 pts 3. Brian Pinkstaff – 30 pts 4. Chris Sarbora – 28 pts 5. Kevin LaFavor – 32 pts
MotoCorsa Clubman Championship Standings – Round 1 of 6
Langlitz Leathers Vintage Championship Standings – Round 1 of 6
1. Theis Corneliussen – 8 pts 1. Ryan Shanahan – 6 pts 3. Alex Clarke – 4 pts
OMRRA, incorporated in 1972 as a non-profit, volunteer run organization, has members ranging in age from 12 to over 70, racing motorcycles of many brands, sizes and ages. OMRRA operates at Portland International Raceway, a city park and world class track. For more information, visit www.omrra.com and join us at www.facebook.com/omrra.racing.
Autumn Coffee Roasting 600 Supersport
Dustin Walbon (Kaw ZX-6R)
AJ Peaslee (Yam YZF-R6)
Josh McKay (Yam YZF-R6)
Harry Brehm (Kaw ZX-6R)
Mallory Dobbs (Kaw ZX-6R)
Chris Burgess (Yam YZF-R6)
Bob Lanphere’s Beaverton Motorcycles Novice 1000
Seth Isaacs (BMW S1000RR)
Kevin O’Brien (Hon CBR1000RR)
Maggie Browne (Suz GSX-R750)
Joshua Gonzalez (Yam YZF-R1)
Novice 600
Phillip Hranicka (Yam YZF-R6)
Logan Oster (Yam YZF-R6)
Ben Rockwood (Kaw ZX-6R)
Racer Gloves USA Ultra-Lightweight GP
Chase Farthing (Yam YZF-R3)
Alex Clarke (Kaw Ninja 300)
Justin Carr (Yam YZF-R3)
Anthony Giglio (Kaw Ninja 300)
Clifford Griffin (Kaw Ninja 300)
Colin James (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Trackside Support Services Lightweight Superbike
Adam Faussett (-)
Todd Eugene (Kaw Ninja 400)
Cycletune 450 Superbike
Dustin Walbon (Kaw ZX-6R)
Drat Diestler (Kra Evo2 R)
Nathan Aldrich (Yam YZF-R6)
Austen Brown (Suz SV650)
Jon Campbell (Suz SV650)
Darin Wade (Yam YZF-R6)
SFRC 160 Vintage
Ryan Shanahan (Hon CB175)
Alex Clarke (Hon CB160)
Lawrence Farm 250 Ninja Cup
Darrin Griffin (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Pete Markey (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Loren DeShon (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Jolene Janacek (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Colin James (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Kumpy Kump (Kaw Ninja 250R)
2 Wheel Dyno Works Formula Ultra
Kevin Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX-10R)
Chris Sarbora (BMW S1000RR)
Brian Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX-10R)
Kevin LaFavor (Yam YZF-R1)
Keith DiBrino (Suz GSX-R1000)
Brap Talk Middleweight Supersport
Jon Campbell (Suz SV650)
Austen Brown (Suz SV650)
Danny Houghton (Suz SV650)
Joe Rocha (Suz SV650)
Daniel Silvis (Suz SV650)
Kramer Middleweight Superbike
Nathan Aldrich (Yam YZF-R6)
Drat Diestler (Kra Evo2 R)
Darin Wade (Yam YZF-R6)
Alex Taylor (Yam YZF-R4.5)
Hannah Johnson (Kra HKR EVO2 R)
Seth Richardson (Yam FZR400)
EDR Performance Open Sportsman
Seth Isaacs (BMW S1000RR)
Kevin O’Brien (Hon CBR1000RR)
Gore Electric Company 600 Sportsman
Phillip Hranicka (Yam YZF-R6)
Gavin Soderholm (-)
Ben Rockwood (Kaw ZX-6R)
Shane Baker (Suz GSX-R600)
Jolene Janacek (-)
Lawrence Farm 250 Ninja Cup
Darrin Griffin (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Pete Markey (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Kumpy Kump (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Colin James (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Loren DeShon (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Jolene Janacek (Kaw Ninja 250R)
SFRC 160 Vintage
Ryan Shanahan (Hon CB175)
Ever True Tattoo Middleweight GP
Nathan Aldrich (Yam YZF-R6)
Darin Wade (Yam YZF-R6)
Hannah Johnson (Kra HKR EVO2 R)
Jon Campbell (Suz SV650)
Joe Rocha (Suz SV650)
Drat Diestler (Kra Evo2 R)
Hot & Hazardous Performance Ultra Lightweight Supersport
Chase Farthing (Yam YZF-R3)
Dave Pearce (Yam YZF-R3)
Justin Carr (Yam YZF-R3)
Alex Clarke (Kaw Ninja 300)
Anthony Giglio (Kaw Ninja 300)
Colin James (Kaw Ninja 250R)
Lightweight Supersport
Adam Faussett (-)
Todd Eugene (Kaw Ninja 400)
Kumpy Kump (Kaw Ninja 250R)
KP12 Graphix 600 Superbike
Josh McKay (Yam YZF-R6)
Micah Kudo (YamYZF-R6 )
Dustin Walbon (Kaw ZX-6R)
AJ Peaslee (Yam YZF-R6)
Mallory Dobbs (Kaw ZX-6R)
Chris Burgess (Yam YZF-R6)
See See Motor Coffee Open Supersport
Andy DiBrino (Kaw ZX-10R)
Kevin Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX-10R)
Brian Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX10-R)
Kevin LaFavor (Yam YZF-R1)
Gore Electric Company 600 Sportsman
Gavin Soderholm (-)
Matt Snipes (Duc 848 EVO)
Phillip Hranicka (Yam YZF-R6)
Shane Baker (Suz GSX-R600)
Joshua Clarizio (Yam YZF-R6)
Jolene Janacek (-)
Asphalt & Rubber Middleweight Sportsman
Darin Wade (Yam YZF-R6)
Danny Houghton (Suz SV650)
Austen Brown (Suz SV650)
Daniel Silvis (Suz SV650)
Damon Schaefer (Suz SV650)
Brad Pinkstaff (Suz SV650)
750 Vintage
Theis Corneliussen (Yam RZ350)
EDR Performance Open Sportsman
Kevin O’Brien (Hon CBR1000RR)
Seth Isaacs (BMW S1000RR)
Maggie Browne (Suz GSX-R750)
Hot & Hazardous Performance Ultra Lightweight Supersport
American Mikey Lou Sanchez (55) sandwiched in between Oliver Cantos Llorca (11) and Vasco Cesar Fonseca (48) during Cuna de Campeones Moto 5 Race Two at Portugal. Llorca won the race, and Sanchez crashed out while battling for the lead. Photo courtesy Sanchez Racing.
Cuna de Campeones Moto 5 Series
Circuit do Estoril, Portugal
April 24-25
Mikey Lou Sanchez, a 10-year-old American, started his Cuna de Campeones Moto 5 Championship campaign April 24-25 at the Estoril Circuit, in Portugal.
The young Texan qualified 9th out of 24 riders.
In Race 1, Sanchez placed 7th, finishing in a pack of five riders battling for fourth about seven seconds behind the winner.
Sanchez got a great start in Race 2 and was able to run in the front pack throughout the race. With two laps to go, Sanchez led going into Turn One. On the last lap, there were many passes, and Sanchez tangled with another rider and they both went down fighting for the front.
Unfortunately, Sanchez sustained a bone fracture in his left foot, but luckily it’s very small and he should be ready to ride in the next race in two weeks at Valencia.
Mikey Lou Sanchez on the grid at Estoril with father Michael Sanchez (right) and mother Trinity Richardson (left). Photo courtesy Sanchez Racing.
“We are very thankful for the people who believe in Mikey, and we are 100% committed,” said Sanchez’s father Michael Sanchez. “We’ve been in Spain for one week and Mikey is having a blast!”
“I was really hoping to finish in the top three,” said Mikey Sanchez. “I’m really proud of myself for not giving up and trying my best. Hopefully, we can improve at Valencia!”
Sanchez Racing would like to thank its sponsors for helping Mikey Lou chase his dream: Shawn Knoche, Williams Custom Painting, Corsa Werks, Fondu, Arai Americas, Texas Motorcycle Academy, Moto Liberty, Day One Welding, AGV SPORT America.
1971 Cheney Yamaha TD2B, seen above, as illustrated by Mick Ofield.
Featured In the April 2021 issue of Roadracing World:
Honda announced its withdrawal from 50cc and 125cc Grand Prix road racing at the end of the 1966 season, and announced its complete retirement at the end of the 1967 racing season; Yamaha followed suit a year later.
Factory riders had tough decisions to make with regards to what they would ride in 1969. The governing body, FIM, had also changed the rules, restricting the smaller classes to two cylinders and six gears from 1970 onwards. This change helped Yamaha with its for-sale series of TD and TR racebikes. So, for 1969, multi-time World Champion Phil Read raced a TD2 (250cc) and a TR2 (350cc) mostly in England and at non-championship European meetings as a privateer…
—Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1971 Cheney Yamaha TD2B, by Mick Ofield
For 1971, Eric Cheney of Cheney motocross frames was persuaded to build a road racing frame that was more than five pounds lighter than a TD2B frame, but allowed the use of a stock TD2B tank, seat, exhaust and fairing. Read the background on the first private racebike to win the 250cc Grand Prix World Championship title—it’s all in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
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Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
