CCS Atlantic Region Featuring AMA Sanctioned ASRA Team Challenge Presented by Michelin Tire
New Jersey Motorsports Park – Thunderbolt Course, Millville, New Jersey
September 4-5, 2021
By Lisa Theobald
Young Gun Gus Rodio dominated the podium during the Championship Cup Series Twin Sprints weekend, featuring the AMA Sanctioned ASRA Team Challenge presented by Michelin Tire endurance race, at New Jersey Motorsports Park with a grand total of seven wins over the two-day event. Rodio was the winningest expert of the weekend on board his Kawasaki Ninja 400, taking victories in both runnings of the Superbike 500 and Ultralight Superbike races, as well as winning the GT 500, Moto3, and Supersport 500 races on Saturday.
The weekend kicked off with Frankie Babuska, Jr. winning the expert GTO race after a solid start, battling with Corey Alexander and Stefano Mesa. Alexander had gained the lead when a red flag incident sent the riders back to re-grid for a five-lap sprint to the checkered. Babuska was back out front when the race restarted, and was able to maintain his advantage to take the first victory of the day on his Babuska Racing Kawasaki ZX-10R. Mesa finished second with Alexander close behind in third. Babuska also won the expert Unlimited Superbike and Unlimited Supersport races during the first round of Twin Sprints.
Alexander won the expert Unlimited Grand Prix race on Saturday with Babuska in second, and Michael Selpe third. Mesa won the expert GTU race Saturday, and the Unlimited Supersport and Unlimited Superbike races on Sunday.
Antal Halasz won the second running of the expert Unlimited Grand Prix race on Sunday, bringing his grand total of victories for the weekend to five. He also won Saturday’s expert Formula 40 race, the Heavyweight Supersport and Middleweight Superbike races on Sunday as well as finishing first both in the GTO and Overall classes of the ASRA Team Challenge.
Team Spring Scaffolding riders Halasz and George Demetropolis were the first of only two teams to complete all 69 laps of the two-hour-long Team Challenge endurance race, pushing the finish time to one hour and forty-five minutes, after taking over the lead from early front runners Full Send Moto, and Jones Evolve GT, then picking up the pace. Team Martinez Racing finished second and Team Full Send Moto third for both the Overall and GTO classes. Team Martinez Racing, II finished first in the GTU class, and Team Landers Racing won the GTL class.
The overall winningest racer of the weekend was Amateur Jose Luna with eight victories across the two-day event. On day one, Luna won the amateur GT 500, Moto 3, Ultralight Superbike, Lightweight Superbike, Supersport 500, and Lightweight Supersport races. On day two, he won the second running of the Ultralight Superbike race, as well as the Superbike 500.
The CCS Atlantic region will meet again to compete with all regions for the 38th Annual Race of Champions Daytona International Speedway October 15-17th along with the ASRA Sprint and Team Challenge finals.
All race results, lap times, points standings, as well as information regarding the remaining 2021 schedule, licensing information, rules, and general information for all regions are available online at: www.ccsracing.us.
More, from a press release issued by Rodio Racing:
Gus Rodio takes 7 wins at NJMP with CCS Twin Sprints Weekend
After winning 7 races with CCS this past weekend, Gus Rodio exclaimed, “It’s great to be back here on my home track and feeling stronger and more comfortable on the bike than ever before.”
Saturday brought 5 wins in the Expert GT500, Superbike 500, Supersport 500, Moto3 and Ultralight Superbike classes.
Rodio continued “We had some battles getting through the first wave of racers in some of our classes, but I was able to lay down some really good laps after that. I was super stoked to get into the 1:30’s on my Kawasaki Ninja 400.”
Sunday started off with the Team of Gus Rodio and good friend Anthony Mazziotto racking up some laps in the ASRA Team Challenge (69 Lap Endurance Race). The duo got off to a rough start with a low side in T5 during the early stages but the crew got the bike back together and headed back out about 5 laps down. However, misfortune would strike again while running out of fuel on the last lap, literally 4 corners short of the finish.
“I had a-lot of fun on the 400, maybe too much fun…even though I had to push this thing back,” said a laughing Mazziotto.
Sunday continued for Rodio with 2 more wins in the Ultralight Superbike and 500 Superbike classes but rain showers moved in and the team decided to sit out the last 2 races.
“Sure, we got the bike really dialed, and we’d love to see a 1:29, but we just can’t take any chances going into MotoAmerica here at NJMP next weekend,” said Team owner, Kevin Rodio.
The Rodio Racing Team heads back to NJMP with MotoAmerica this weekend for Round 8 of the Series where Rodio is currently in 4th place in the Championship Points.
Rodio Racing Sponsors: HJC Helmets, Triple Strong Racing, Moto-Liberty Dallas, Spears Racing, Orient Express Racing, K-Tech USA Suspension, MAR Contractors, Spellcaster Pro, Liqui Moly USA, Trackside Parts Club, REB Graphics, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, Evolve Gt Track Days, N2 Track days, Chicken Hawk Warmers, Adams Polishes. Innovative Motorsports
ALEIX SEEKING CONFIRMATION AFTER THE HISTORIC PODIUM IN SILVERSTONE
MAVERICK VIÑALES TO MAKE HIS EAGERLY ANTICIPATED DÉBUT ON THE OFFICIAL RS-GP
Throughout his career with Aprilia, Aleix Espargaró has always looked forward anxiously to the Aragón round. His particular feeling with the MotorLand circuit, which is apparently also very well suited to the characteristics of the RS-GP, has often allowed the Spaniard to achieve some of his best performances of the season on this asphalt. In the current season, expectations are even higher because of the outstanding form Aleix and his Aprilia have demonstrated, culminating in the first historic MotoGP podium for the Italian manufacturer. However, the celebrations from Silverstone have not distracted from the primary objective, still focused on consistent performance.
It will also be an important weekend for the début of Maverick Viñales astride the RS-GP on a race weekend. An opportunity for Aprilia and for Maverick to prepare for the 2022 season, accumulating experience in a race environment, so under the most demanding conditions. The first approach in Misano during two days of testing was positive for both the rider and the Italian team, but everyone is well aware that the long road to achieving ideal chemistry has just begun.
Aleix Espargaro (41). Photo courtesy Aprilia.
ALEIX ESPARGARO’
“Aragón is a track that I like a lot. I always feel good here, no matter what the conditions are. This year, we are arriving with a particular spirit – that much is clear – after an important result and with high expectations, but our goal remains the same. We must stay focused and keep working race after race. We know we can battle for the top positions and the podium in Silverstone simply confirmed that.”
MAVERICK VIÑALES
“I can’t wait to get back on the track. The chance to do that straight away is definitely important, especially in view of preparing for the 2022 season. I might not be 100% ready after only two days of testing, but being on track with the others and being able to compare notes with Aleix, who is doing great things, will help me improve my feeling with the RS-GP. The Aprilia staff is highly motivated. I sensed a lot of enthusiasm and a desire to grow which is just more motivation for me to jump into the mix straight away.”
RENEWED MOTO2 ROSTER FOR KTM GP ACADEMY AND RED BULL KTM AJO IN 2022
2021 KTM GP Academy news
Moto2 world championship-leaders, Red Bull KTM Ajo, will field two new riders for 2022 with Moto3 starlet Pedro Acosta set to make the move into the intermediate class while fellow Spaniard Augusto Fernandez joins the KTM GP Academy.
– All-new Moto2 line-up for the KTM GP Academy in 2022 with Pedro Acosta and Augusto Fernandez
– Acosta charged for rookie Moto2 campaign while Fernandez will enter sixth Moto2 season
– Red Bull KTM Ajo still pushing for 2021 Moto2 title with Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s fantastic work with the development of Remy Gardner (four Grand Prix wins in 2021 in his first season with the crew and currently leading the championship) and Raul Fernandez (the rookie has four victories and seven podium finishes) has been a crucial part of the KTM GP Academy process. Both riders will take their places in 2022 MotoGP with the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing team.
The Moto2 set-up now looks towards their next project and have two equally promising racers in the forms of Pedro Acosta and Augusto Fernandez. Acosta, 17-years-old and the 2020 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, has been the revelation of the Moto3 division in his maiden term. The teenager has shaken the contest with five wins and six trophies in total as the series prepares to visit MotorLand Aragon this weekend.
Fernandez, soon-to-be 24 years old, brings Moto2 experience and podium pedigree (eight trophies, including three wins) to the race team. The Spaniard is hoping to make the last step to full championship candidate with the Ajo structure and seize the opportunity to further stamp his name in Moto2 results, much in the same way Gardner has done in 2021.
Pedro Acosta: “Jumping to Moto2 was my goal because I believe it’s the step I need to make. Of course, there is always more to learn – and I could do that in Moto3 – but when it comes to details and my development as a rider then it feels like the right move. It’s a big advantage to stay in the Red Bull KTM Ajo team as we now have a year of working together and it’s always important to keep a good and positive feeling with the people around you. The team have really helped me in my first world championship year. It’s been a big step into the world championship but I worked for it and I’m happy with how things have been going.”
Augusto Fernandez: “I’m really happy and satisfied to be joining Red Bull KTM Ajo. The team has been a reference in the category now for many years by winning races and fighting for championships. I think that experience of going for titles will really help me next year and I’m already looking forward to working with them.”
Aki Ajo, Team Principal: “We’ve had a very strong season in Moto2 with Remy and Raul and there are still a few races to go but looking to 2022 we are very happy to have another couple of great riders with Pedro and Augusto and a promising combination of experience and youth. We have known Augusto for some time and have seen his career and results. He has shown big potential and I think we can achieve great things together. Pedro’s rookie year in Moto3 has been something special and even more is coming. The step to Moto2 after just one season in Moto3 is a big one but if there is one racer that can make this step then it’s Pedro. We have a lot of trust in him and will, of course, fully support him. Together with Red Bull and KTM I am confident we have selected the right riders for our KTM GP Academy for the future.”
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director: “We are very pleased to announce the Moto2 rider line-up with Pedro Acosta and Augusto Fernandez for our KTM GP Academy. Together with Red Bull KTM Ajo we have the best possible structure to support both riders in their next challenge. Aki Ajo and his team have played a fundamental role in the careers of many riders and we can be proud to have him by our side for the next project in rider development. It is a great pleasure to support Pedro’s desire to move up from Moto3 to the next category. What he has shown in his first World Championship season is outstanding and we believe he can keep the momentum going. He will continue to focus on his goal for 2021, but we will then tackle the next challenge together. With Augusto we welcome another promising talent to our Red Bull KTM family. He has shown great signs and we are happy to have an experienced Moto2 rider in our line-up. I am sure that under Aki’s guidance he can make the next level in performance and we will celebrate some exciting results in the near future.”
FHO RACING LAUNCH NEW INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT FEMALE CONTENDERS IN BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION
FHO Racing are delighted to announce a new collaboration with two female riders in the HEL Performance British Junior Supersport Championship as Team Owner Faye Ho continues to champion for more female representation within the sport.
FHO Racing will work closely with 16-year-old Charlotte Marcuzzo and 17-year-old Scarlett Robinson in the Junior class, offering mentoring and support for the two young contenders, who will run in the team’s recognisable livery.
Charlotte said: “To begin with the new livery we have for this weekend looks amazing and I feel that it is just the start of getting us noticed on track. They are definitely go faster colours so hopefully we can be on the pace straight away and keep moving forward. Faye is really strong and she has already helped with boosting our confidence so I am excited about working together.”
Scarlett said: “This is massive for me and I feel that already we are getting noticed more, especially because of the colour scheme. If this can help to raise our profile more then it will hopefully also mean we can add to our existing partners, who make it possible for us to go racing. I would like to thank Faye for her support and I am looking forward to being associated with FHO Racing.”
Team Principal Faye Ho commented: “I am delighted to announce our new association with Charlotte and Scarlett for the remainder of the season. It was always a huge ambition of mine to become a team owner in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, and to make that dream a reality this season was a huge achievement for me, especially to be the only women currently in that position.
“I wanted to share that experience of succeeding in a goal, and I feel really driven to be an advocate for more women to be recognised within the sport. This new association means that as a race-winning team in Britain’s biggest motorsport championship, we can offer advice and guidance on how to further their careers and really champion women within the sport.
“I am hoping that this new collaboration will also bring a new interest to the project and we are welcoming any brands who would like to be associated in supporting their dream to get in contact.”
Michael Dunlop to replace injured Brandon Paasch at Silverstone
6 September 2021|Latest News
Dynavolt Triumph welcomes Michael Dunlop to the team as stand-in for Brandon Paasch as he undergoes surgery to the scaphoid fracture suffered at Snetterton last weekend.
Dunlop needs no introduction and is no stranger to the PTR run Dynavolt Triumph team having enjoyed success with the team on the road circuits in the past.
Paasch will return to action at the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship round at Oulton Park later this month.
Michael Dunlop: “Really good news to be riding the Dynavolt Triumph at Silverstone. I’ve been watching the bike as it’s progressed this year and the team seem to have done a great job. As a lot of people know I’ve had success with PTR and it will be great to be working with Simon and the boys again. It’s a good opportunity, I’m looking forward to it. Let’s see what we can do, it will be great to see everyone there.”
Dynavolt Triumph Team Manager Simon Buckmaster: “We’ve a good working relationship with Michael, he’s got good feel for a bike and he’s a good supersport rider. He’s really looking forward to it and so am I. It will be great working with him again, we’ve really enjoyed it in the past. Let’s see if we can’t surprise a few people.”
“Brandon has seen a specialist today and he’s having surgery to insert a screw in his fractured wrist later this week. As long as he’s passed fit, and the specialist has given him every indication he will be, he hopes to be back on our bike at Oulton Park. We look forward to that and hope he can continue with his progression and win races before the end of the season.”
AFT Mission SuperTwins Provisional Free Practice 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Jared Mees (Ind), 35.942
2. Brandon Robinson (Ind), 35.989
3. Jeffrey Carver Jr. (Ind), 35.989
4. Sammy Halbert (Ind), 36.065
5. Briar Bauman (Ind), 36.068
6. Brandon Price (Ind), 36.190
7. Bronson Bauman (Ind), 36.273
8. JD Beach (Yam), 36.283
9. Robert Pearson (Ind), 36.431
10. Kolby Carlile (Yam), 36.481
11. Davis Fisher (Ind), 36.526
12. Bryan Smith (Ind), 36.663
13. James Rispoli (Har), 36.850
14. Hayden Gillim (Har), 37.232
15. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), 37.927
16. Patrick Buchanan (Ind), 38.461
AFT Production Twins Provisional Free Practice 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 36.632
2. Jesse Janisch (Har), 36.799
3. Chad Cose (Har), 36.804
4. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), 36.888
5. Tanner Dean (Kaw), 36.933
6. Morgen Mischler (Har), 37.017
7. Trent Lowe (Kaw), 37.024
8. Ryan Varnes (Kaw), 37.044
9. Dylan Bell (Har), 37.110
10. Patrick Buchanan (Har), 37.124
11. Cory Texter (Yam), 37.190
12. Nick Armstrong (Yam), 37.225
13. David Wiggin (Har), 37.333
14. Danny Eslick (Kaw), 37.339
15. Jordan Harris (Kaw), 37.452
16. Dan Bromley (Yam), 37.475
17. Kevin Stollings (Kaw), 38.478
18. Shelby Miller (Kaw), 38.569
19. Gary Ketchum (Kaw), 38.712
20. Ben Lowe (Yam), 41.391
21. Ryan Wells (KTM), no time recorded
Provisional AFT Production Twins Semi 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 8 laps
2. Jesse Janisch (Har), -00.769 seconds
3. Cory Texter (Yam), -01.707
4. Nick Armstrong (Yam), -03.246
5. Jordan Harris (Kaw), -03.308
6. Ben Lowe (Yam), -03.507
7. Patrick Buchanan (Har), -03.523
8. Danny Eslick (Kaw), -03.743
9. Shelby Miller (Kaw), -11.959
10. Gary Ketchum (Kaw), -13.711
11. Ryan Wells (KTM), -8 laps
Provisional AFT Production Twins Semi 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Tanner Dean (Kaw), 8 laps
2. Morgen Mischler (Har), -00.039 seconds
3. Chad Cose (Har), -00.065
4. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), -00.207
5. Trent Lowe (Kaw), -01.356
6. Dan Bromley (Yam), -02.836
7. Dylan Bell (Har), -04.792
8. David Wiggin (Har), -08.169
9. Ryan Varnes (Kaw), -6 laps
10. Kevin Stollings (Kaw), -6 laps
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Semi 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Sammy Halbert (Ind), 8 laps
2. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -00.118 seconds
3. Brandon Price (Ind), -00.239
4. Jeffrey Carver Jr. (Ind), -00.408
5. JD Beach (Yam), -01.671
6. Davis Fisher (Ind), -01.697
7. Robert Pearson (Ind), -04.446
8. Hayden Gillim (Har), -06.674
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Semi 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Jared Mees (Ind), 8 laps
2. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -00.099 seconds
3. Briar Bauman (Ind), -00.103
4. Bronson Bauman (Ind), -01.715
5. James Rispoli (Har), -03.651
6. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -06.547
7. Bryan Smith (Ind), -06.635
8. Patrick Buchanan (Ind), -09.078
Provisional AFT Production Twins Memphis Shades Babe DeMay Challenge Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 4 laps
2. Jesse Janisch (Har), -00.025 seconds
3. Morgen Mischler (Har), -00.234
4. Tanner Dean (Kaw), -00.355
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Mission Challenge Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Jared Mees (Ind), 4 laps
2. Sammy Halbert (Ind), -00.038 seconds
3. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -00.373
4. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -00.443
Provisional AFT Production Twins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 18 laps
2. Jesse Janisch (Har), -00.022 seconds
3. Chad Cose (Har), -00.038
4. Cory Texter (Yam), -00.089
5. Morgen Mischler (Har), -01.614
6. Dan Bromley (Yam), -02.658
7. Tanner Dean (Kaw), -03.796
8. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), -06.423
9. Kevin Stollings (Kaw), -08.164
10. Danny Eslick (Kaw), -08.259
11. Jordan Harris (Kaw), -08.265
12. Patrick Buchanan (Har), -11.325
13. Trent Lowe (Kaw), -11.379
14. Ben Lowe (Yam), -11.515
15. Dylan Bell (Har), -11.526
16. David Wiggin (Har), -21.239
17. Nick Armstrong (Yam), -4 laps
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Jared Mees (Ind), 25 laps
2. Sammy Halbert (Ind), -01.135 seconds
3. Briar Bauman (Ind), -01.160
4. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -01.226
5. Jeffrey Carver Jr. (Ind), -01.400
6. Davis Fisher (Ind), -03.310
7. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -03.360
8. Brandon Price (Ind), -03.402
9. JD Beach (Yam), -03.623
10. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -03.779
11. James Rispoli (Har), -04.564
12. Bryan Smith (Ind), -05.460
13. Robert Pearson (Ind), -08.829
14. Patrick Buchanan (Ind), -08.911
15. Hayden Gillim (Har), -10.101
16. Bronson Bauman (Ind), -4 laps
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track:
Mees and Daniels Sweep Up in Springfield
Jared Mees (9) leads the AFT Mission SuperTwins race at Springfield Mile II. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (September 6, 2021) – Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) left the field in his wake — twice — on Monday to complete the Progressive American Flat Track Labor Day Weekend sweep in a one-sided Memphis Shades Springfield Mile II presented by Law Tigers at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois.
After being accused of closing down the lines of his rivals during Sunday’s victory, Mees responded by making any such allegations irrelevant on Monday. He immediately shot out into the lead and drove away from a five-rider pack of would-be pursuers, building up an eight-plus-second advantage with just two minutes remaining.
Despite the monster lead, he was forced to prove his Springfield supremacy one more time, when a red flag brought the race to a momentary halt at that point.
While Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750) managed to slide in front for a few seconds, Mees ultimately reestablished himself out front en route to a 1.134-second margin of victory.
‘20 Springfield Mile winner Halbert came home second while Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle championship leader Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) finished third — albeit not until after surviving a close call with wild card Jeffrey Carver, Jr. (No. 23 Happy Trails Racing/DPC/Bryan Bigelow Indian FTR750).
Mees’ sixth- and seventh-career Springfield Mile wins worked to tighten up the title fight considerably. Bauman continues to lead, but a once healthy 25-point gap has been reduced to just 12 (254-242) with two more Mees’ friendly Miles directly ahead.
Afterward, Mees said, “After the chatter that Briar had up on the podium last night, I just figured today I’d drop the hammer and really put some distance on them to where I could do whatever I wanted out there. Right before the Main Event, we made a few small changes that ended up being a huge difference. I’ve got the best team out there, and we got the thing hooked up better, running faster, and just smoothed out. It was an incredible weekend for us.”
Third-ranked Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) finished fourth with home-track favorite Carver completing the top five.
Davis Fisher (No. 67 BMC Racing/Dick Wall 60 Indian FTR750) — who was the fastest man on track save Mees at one point — finished sixth, followed by Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), Brandon Price (No. 92 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), and Kolby Carlile (No. 36 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) to round out the top ten.
AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines
Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) pulled off the nearly unthinkable Springfield double-double with a heart-pounding victory in Monday’s AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines Main Event.
A hugely entertaining contest saw as many as eight riders still within shot of the victory with two minutes to go. Adding to the entertainment factor was the fact that several different lines were in play, with riders routinely railing corners several riders wide, utilizing extreme low and high lines in search of the fastest way around the high-speed Mile.
The final lap opened with Daniels leading a tight four-rider pack that also included Jesse Janisch (No. 96 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R), Chad Cose (No. 49 Voodoo Ranger/Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Cory Texter (No. 65 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing MT-07).
Janisch threw it up the inside of Daniels entering Turn 3 and held the advantage exiting 4 for the final time. Daniels sucked up in the draft and swung alongside just as Cose and Texter fanned out four-wide in the sprint to the checkered flag.
Daniels just nipped ahead of Janisch by 0.022 seconds, with Cose in third another 0.016 seconds back. Title leader Texter missed the podium in fourth, despite coming up a scant 0.089 seconds short of the victory.
In addition to sweeping both AFT Singles and both AFT Production Twins races this weekend in Springfield, Daniels now owns three wins and one runner-up in four career AFT Production Twins starts. He said, “Before the Main Event, the team told me to move around a little bit. I knew it was going to be a close race — the track got slick and it was multiple line racing…
“It was crazy. I saw Jesse poking a wheel, and I knew exactly what he was going to do. I just sat there and waited. As soon as he came up, I tried to give him a little bit of room and he spun it up. ‘Here it is!’ I just poured that Yamaha stomper power on and blew right by that thing. These Harleys were running awesome. Hats off to Jesse — to come right off the couch and be on the podium at the Springfield Mile is insane.
“It’s awesome to sweep the weekend. It was kind of a rough night at the Short Track and we turned it around. And we kind of turned around the whole season it seems like.”
Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Harley-Davidson XG750R) grabbed his fourth top-five of the weekend in fifth, with Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) bouncing back from his Sunday disappointment in sixth.
Despite threatening to break away at the front at one point in the race, Tanner Dean (No. 38 Racing Unlimited Kawasaki/Bel Ray Oils Kawasaki Ninja 650), ended up coming home in seventh.
Texter now leads Bromley by 67 points (249-182), which puts him in prime position to clinch his second AFT Production Twins title next weekend in Sacramento.
The Memphis Shades Springfield Mile I & II presented by Law Tigers will premiere back-to-back on NBCSN on Sunday, September 12, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The Springfield Short Track Doubleheader will air one week later on NBCSN, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Both broadcasts will feature exclusive features and cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage.
Next Up:
There’s no time to rest as Progressive AFT will immediately travel to another doubleheader at a legendary Mile, the Law Tigers Sacramento Mile I & II presented by Knauf Insulation on Saturday, September 11, and Sunday, September 12. You can order your tickets online now at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15860/sacramento-mile. For those viewing from home, live coverage will be available on any device for only $1.99 a month via TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold.
To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:
Daniels Shines in Springfield
Estenson Racing’s Dallas Daniels came out on top in today’s thrilling AFT Production Twins Springfield Mile II Main Event at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The victory capped off a stellar Labor Day weekend in his home state of Illinois, taking four wins and sweeping both Progressive American Flat Track doubleheaders on the short track and mile. JD Beach and Kolby Carlile scored a pair of top-10 finishes in the Mission SuperTwins class despite limited track time and changing conditions.
With challengers in the mix on day two, the young Daniels showed wisdom beyond his years. Yesterday’s fastest qualifier result carried over to today’s second round, and he lined up on the front row for his Semi. The 18-year-old missed a shift at the start and found himself mid-pack, but he quickly recovered and weaved his way to the front to grab another win. He backed that up with another victory in the thrilling four-lap shootout — the Memphis Shades Babe DeMay Challenge — crossing the line .024 of a second of the competition to take the prize money and his second win of the day.
In the Main Event, Daniels grabbed the holeshot but wasn’t able to make a clean break from the pack. He was shuffled to the runner-up spot early in the race and then searched for different lines to find an advantage. The defending AFT Singles Champion stayed in the top three and took over the lead a couple of laps after the halfway mark. In typical Springfield Mile fashion, it all came down to the final lap and a drag race out of Turn 4 to the finish line. Daniels was passed in Turn 3, but he kept his cool and positioned himself to use the draft and take the win by .022 of a second.
On the SuperTwins side, only one practice session before the Semi race presented challenges with the changing track conditions. Lined up on the third row, Beach got a decent start inside the top 10 and was eighth when the red flag came out, while Carlile came back from 11th to ninth to line up behind his teammate in the staggered restart. The dirt track/road racer got a good start and was sixth but ultimately crossed the line ninth, with Carlile right behind in 10th.
Next up for the Estenson Racing team is another Progressive American Flat Track doubleheader at the legendary Sacramento Mile on September 11-12.
Tommy Hayden – Estenson Racing Team Manager
“We had a pretty good day today here at Springfield on the second day of the doubleheader. Dallas rode really well all day in the Production Twins class. He was fastest in practice, won his Semi, the dash for cash, and then won a really tight one in the Main. Today was a lot different, though, compared to yesterday. It was more of a battle, but he was able to get the best of the other guys coming off of four and squeaked by for the win. That was great for his learning curve to be in a battle like that on a Mile and get some experience with drafting and strategy. I’m definitely happy with what we saw out of him today, and really the whole weekend. To sweep both the races Friday night and then both days in the Production Twins class, that’s really good to see, and we’re really proud of him for that.
“On the SuperTwins side, both guys were pretty close on pace all day. We were just a little off, and there was one spot on the racetrack that we just struggled with a little bit. For the majority of the track, I think we were just as fast as anyone and just off of the pace of the group that was battling for the podium. In the end, they were ninth and 10th, which was not the finish that we wanted, but we definitely made some progress here compared to last year. I think we’ve got some stuff to build on for next week in Sacramento, and hopefully, we can find that little bit that we were missing here.”
Dallas Daniels – Estenson Racing AFT Production Twins and AFT Singles
“It was an amazing weekend here at Springfield! It really couldn’t have gone any better. The track changed quite a bit today; it was a lot smoother because they had a lot of time to work on it. Since I’ve never raced here before this weekend, I didn’t really know what the track was going to do. I talked to the team to see what they thought, and we made some changes for the dash for cash. We were able to get the win, but I was kind of struggling a lot with the feel and the grip.
“So we made some changes and went back out for the Main Event. I was running some different lines and had some guys with me, and I wasn’t pulling away like I was the day before. I was trying not to run on the groove because I thought that’s what I needed to do. Once I finally got into the lead, I went up to the groove and realized that it was actually better. After watching the SuperTwins Main Event, I’m glad I did that because when they were on the groove, they were going faster and faster each lap.
“It was definitely a huge learning experience for me. It was good to have to draft somebody at the line and not just win by a straightaway because I’m not learning anything when it’s like that. So, it was good to have a win pulling away from everyone and then also good to win one at the line. It was a dream weekend here at Springfield. I really needed a weekend like this after Peoria, when we were in a slump, feeling beat up after that big crash and behind on points. It seems like any time we’re behind; we can bounce back. We’re going to take this momentum into Sacramento and try to get my first mile win on a 450.”
JD Beach – Estenson Racing Mission SuperTwins
“The second day at the Springfield Mile is always a toss-up with how the track will be. American Flat Track did a good job smoothing the track out a bit more, and the groove was wide, and we were running pretty high up on the track. The crew did a great job getting the bike dialed in to go racing with the limited track time. Every time we got on track, the bike was better, but we were losing time mid-turn compared to others. In the Main Event, we started rolling pretty well, but I lost the lead pack. Then as the race went on, I started to catch them just a little bit, but after we had that red flag, it was like they found another gear and pulled away. It was a rough day with another ninth-place finish, but we’ll keep working and try again next weekend in Sacramento.”
Kolby Carlile – Estenson Racing Mission SuperTwins
“Today in practice, the track was pretty wet, which didn’t really give us much insight for how it was going to be for the Semi. Then I just couldn’t find grip on the track at all in the Semi; it was really bad for me, honestly. In the Main Event, we had a good jump but it took me a little while to find the line that my bike wanted to run around on. Once I was able to find that line, I had a really good pace and I was able to run down quite a few people in front of me. Before the red flag came out, I was really confident that we were going to catch up and make a couple more passes and try to take a jab at getting to the front pack before the race was over. After the restart, I didn’t get the best jump, so I just did what I could do in the last few laps and was able to get a 10th-place finish. In the end, it was a big improvement from last year and a good weekend overall.”
More, from a press release issued by Indian Motorcycle:
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE WRECKING CREW RIDER JARED MEES SWEEPS SPRINGFIELD MILE DOUBLEHEADER
Back-to-Back Wins Closes Gap Between Mees & Points Leader Briar Bauman, Two-Man Wrecking Crew to Battle for Championship with Three Races Remaining
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (September 6, 2021) – Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, carried out its 2021 American Flat Track (AFT) season with back-to-back wins during this weekend’s doubleheader at the Springfield Mile I and II. Ultimately, Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew rider Jared Mees swept the weekend and closed the gap with the factory teammate and season’s points leader, Briar Bauman.
During Sunday’s Springfield Mile I, Mees and Bauman battled closely, as the two were neck-and-neck during the final lap. Though it was Mees who edged out Bauman to capture his sixth-career Springfield Mile victory, while Bauman finished second. Indian Motorcycle privateer Brandon Robinson rounded out the podium with his sixth podium of the season.
On Monday, knowing he still had ground to make up on the leaderboard, Mees came out to the Springfield Mile II and dominated the field – ultimately reaching the finish line more a second before Indian Motorcycle privateer Sammy Halbert. The win marked Mees’ seventh-career Springfield Mile win and reignited a championship battle with just three races remaining.
“Anyone who knows Jared or has been following his career knows this was a typical Jared Mees performance. With his back against the ropes, a pair of wins were his best option to keep his championship hopes alive,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology. “That said, I’m sure he didn’t go popping champagne bottles, as he’s quickly moving on to the next and preparing for the final three races of the season.”
Mees, a five-time Grand National Champion who last won in 2018, has his sights set on reclaiming the No. 1 plate. Facing a 12-point deficit, Mees will have his work cut out for him as Bauman, the two-time reigning SuperTwins Champion, has remained consistent all year, as he’s reached the podium in all but two races this season.
The 2021 AFT season will continue Saturday and Sunday, September 11-12, at the Sacramento Mile doubleheader. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle 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.
Anti-clockwise Aragon awaits the return of the 93, Aprilia on a high and Suzuki with a serious recent record
Monday, 06 September 2021
There’s plenty to talk about after the British GP, and the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship now saddles up to head back south to Spain and the stunning MotorLand Aragon. The modern classic nestles like an outpost of speed in an otherwise rural, striking and arid landscape, inviting man and machine to make their mark. And, even more pertinent to previewing the weekend ahead, it’s also an anti-clockwise circuit… and that usually means one thing: Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team).
The eight-time World Champion didn’t cover himself with glory at Silverstone after an early crash that collected Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing), but there was no harm done for either party and the number 93 was quick to apologise. But momentum didn’t mean much for Marc Marquez when the paddock arrived in Germany, another anti-clockwise venue he’s made absolutely his own, with the Honda rider putting his foot down to take that history-making win and get back on the top step regardless. He’s traditionally the fastest man at MotorLand and the progress keeps coming in speed at least… so can he pull another stunner out of the bag despite a slightly tougher run of late than likely expected?
The good news – to add to his record there – is also the form seen from his fellow Honda riders at Silverstone. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) was ill on race day but teammate Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) had one of his best Sundays of the year so far, and Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) most definitely had his best weekend on the whole since joining Honda. Starting from pole, leading for a good while and then coming home in fifth, it was a big step forward for the number 44. And at Aragon? More good reading: Alex Marquez also took his first dry weather podium – and second overall, as a rookie – at MotorLand last season, and Nakagami took a pole, so Honda will be feeling optimistic of a high-scoring weekend in Aragon.
That’s also true of Aprilia. After a season of knocking on the door week-in, week-out, Silverstone finally saw that milestone reached: a first MotoGP™ era podium. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) has impressed for much of the year but his British GP – and last lap battle to hold off Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) – were another impressive performance to underline some serious progress. He also took his previous premier class podium at Aragon, as well as more top finishes as the number 41 always seems to shine at the venue. And this weekend, there’s a headline in the other side of the garage too: Maverick Viñales.
After a rollercoaster few weeks, the Spaniard returns in black and red to take on a new challenge on the RS-GP, debuting early after already having signed for the Noale factory to race there in 2022. And on his test debut at Misano, the laptimes made for very exciting reading. Viñales already has podiums with two manufacturers, and wins… can he start adding more with Aprilia? And where will he slot back into the pack on his RS-GP debut?
Yamaha, meanwhile, remain on the front foot in the title fight. A stunning race from Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) at Silverstone as issues hit for his closest rivals sees him coming into the weekend a whopping 65 points clear, although the Alcañiz venue has never been the best for Yamaha. That may change who stands on the top step, but it can’t change who leads the standings. Quartararo could sit out the next two weekends and still lead the Championship by a minimum of 15 points, so he has some room to ride clever and focus on damage limitation if he needs to. That said, he himself pointed out the huge step forward taken by the Iwata marque in Austria, another track that’s traditionally tougher, so can he flip the form book? Former teammate Franco Morbidelli did do that on one visit to MotorLand last year too…
Cal Crutchlow returns to partner Quartararo at Monster Energy Yamaha and will be looking to keep making progress and taking data, and Jake Dixon will also get another ride out on the Petronas Yamaha SRT machine. After a solid debut at Silverstone, can he build on that? His teammate, Valentino Rossi, also made a good start and after having gone straight to Q2 at Silverstone before late race grip issues saw him drop down the order. Can the Doctor keep that form rolling on his last visit to MotorLand?
Similar happened for Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) at Suzuki, as the reigning World Champion ran out of steam – for steam, read grip – later in the British GP and came home in ninth, staying ahead of Danilo Petrucci (Tech3 Factory Racing) by a whisker. But with Quartararo winning, ninth is what’s left him 65 down on the top – and he’ll be gunning hard to take the opportunity at MotorLand to hit back.
Teammate Alex Rins, meanwhile, had no such trouble. The 2019 winner couldn’t quite stage a repeat but he did take his first podium of the season at Silverstone in second, and guess who won last year on our first visit to MotorLand? The number 42 was sublime and he’ll be heading in on that injection of confidence. In fact, Suzuki will likely be feeling pretty confident all round at Aragon, as they’re the only two riders who were on the podium in both visits to the track last season.
And what of Ducati? At Silverstone it was a more muted run for the Borgo Panigale factory. Miller fought for the podium, Martin fell victim to Marc Marquez’ crash, and both Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) had a tougher race to fade to outside the top ten. Bagnaia conceded it made a chance of the crown an even longer shot too, but until grip trouble hit he’d been fast as ever. And Miller got back in the mix. Can they do so again at a track that’s been traditionally tougher hunting ground? And can Zarco move forward to the postcode he was in for much of the first half of the season?
Last year, we saw KTM have a more difficult first weekend at Aragon followed by a big step forward – with the top Austrian machine beating the top Ducati too, so there’s reason to expect them to fight for more top finishes. At Silverstone Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) put on another stunning Sunday charge to go from 12th to 6th too – and complete the statistic of six factories in the top six for the first time since 1972 – and there were also standouts from Iker Lecuona (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) and Petrucci as both stormed into the top ten. Will experience from last season help to maintain that now? Binder and Lecuona have now raced at MotorLand twice in MotoGP™, which is something that couldn’t be said of Silverstone.
Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will be looking for a lot more from MotorLand too. The Portuguese rider was on an absolute charge earlier this season, but since Assen he’s not scored points. With proven talent, speed and smarts, the Portuguese rider will more definitely reappear at the front, but will it be sooner rather than a little later?
This time it’s one assault on Aragon for MotoGP™, and there’s plenty to watch out for. Can Marc Marquez make a stand on home turf? Will Suzuki be the team to beat? Or can Yamaha keep that form book flipped in 2021? Tune in at 14:00 (GMT +2) on Sunday as the lights go out for the Gran Premio TISSOT de Aragon!
4 Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 136
5 Jack Miller – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 118
*Independent Team rider
Moto2™: who will hold the cards at MotorLand?
Home turf for Raul Fernandez, a good venue for Gardner… but it was definitely Lowes’ territory last year, and in 2016
After another statement win at Silverstone – this one from Championship leader Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – there’s plenty to talk about heading into the Gran Premio TISSOT de Aragon. Gardner’s lead is now 44 points after teammate and closest challenger Raul Fernandez crashed out at Silverstone, but we’re back on the Spaniard’s home turf…
Gardner has a solid recent record at MotorLand though, and with similar positions at the track last year to the form he showed at the 2020 British GP… which turned out pretty well as 2021 Gardner took it on. Raul Fernandez will be fired up to hit back though, and on previous occasions where that’s been true, the rookie sensation has been sensational. When the chips are down, the number 25 finds a way to reply. And he’ll have to start doing so soon given his deficit to the top.
Both Red Bull KTM Ajo riders may, however, have a lot on their plates from Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team). The Brit was the headline act at Aragon last year, taking both wins. It was no flash in the pan either, with another win at MotorLand on his CV from 2016 and a podium in 2015. The Brit has been on solid form lately, and although not quite getting back to his dominant start of the season, Aragon would seem a good place to stage a comeback to the top step.
Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46), meanwhile, bounced back well at Silverstone from a disappointing Austrian GP, up at the front and pushing Gardner all the way. On paper he’s not got the best record at Aragon, with one Moto3™ podium, but last year he did nearly add a victory until a heartbreaker of a late crash. Late meaning final lap late. That will be a bad memory, but his speed prior to it a definite positive one… will he have similar in the locker this season?
Just behind the top four, it’s tighter than ever in the fight for fifth. Aron Canet (Kipin Energy Aspar Team) holds it for now, but only on finishing positions as Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) is equal on points. Canet missed the events last year through injury but took a Moto3™ win the year before, and the Boscoscuro chassis has a good record at MotorLand. Augusto Fernandez will want a step forward from his record at the track though. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) took a podium last year and is only 1 point behind the two, too… can he leapfrog back into the top five?
Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) is also now a serious threat to the top five. The Japanese rookie continues impressing and he has good memories of MotorLand from his first Grand Prix podium in 2019 in Moto3™. And he’s only five points off Canet…
There will also be a debut to watch out for too. John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) will make his first appearance in Moto2™ at the Aragon GP, moving up to replace Jake Dixon as Dixon remains on the MotoGP™ machine. What can McPhee do on a bigger bike?
Moto2™ leaves us guessing ahead of Aragon, but answering those questions will be another thrill around of one the most technical tracks of the year. Who’ll come out on top? We’ll find out on Sunday at 12:20 (GMT +2)!
Moto2™ Championship top five:
1 Remy Gardner – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 231
2 Raul Fernandez – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 187
3 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 179
4 Sam Lowes – Elf Marc VDS Racing Team – Kalex – 127
5 Aron Canet – Kipin Energy Aspar Team – Boscoscuro – 92
Moto3™: can the home heroes hit back at Aragon?
The home contingent gear up to try and take back the momentum at MotorLand
The British Grand Prix belonged to one rider in Moto3™: Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team). The Italian topped every single session, took a second pole in as many weekends and then pulled clear by the finish line to make a serious statement on a tough weekend for the two riders head of him in standings: Championship leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team). But now it’s time to saddle up for the Gran Premio TISSOT de Aragon, and that’s home, known turf for the two title fight protagonists so far. So is it a chance for another all-change at the top?
Silverstone seemed a venue likely to prove tougher for rookie sensation Acosta, and so it was. But now we head to MotorLand and his rivals will be especially happy to return to a track where the number 37 has already been on the top step – twice – in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup last season. And having taken some points after an almighty duel with Garcia at Silverstone, the pressure still remains off for Acosta as his lead actually grew to 46 points.
Garcia will be gunning for some revenge after said duel. The number 11 suffered a late shuffle back to just outside the points at Silverstone, and the more familiar turf of Aragon will see him back on his mission to win, win and keep winning… or at least cut the gap as a minimum. Can he showcase the same step forward at Aragon as he has at most venues this season? His teammate could be one to watch too…
After qualifying for the FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship races at the track last season, Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) found himself outside the top twenty on the grid despite fighting for the title – and as a rookie in the class too. But once the lights went out, the Spaniard fought through the field not once, not twice, but three times in a row to take a goosebumps-inducing three victories from three. Coming into MotorLand off the back of his best Moto3™ finish so far with a fourth at Silverstone, and two fastest laps in a row – new records no less – Guevara will likely be thinking big for Aragon.
The same can probably be said of the rider who just denied Guevara’s rookie podium aspirations last time out, although in a different way: Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing). The Italian was the top Honda once again, and on the rostrum once again, taking some solid points. And with his Leopard machine always impressing on top speed, he’ll be rubbing his hands to take on that long, long back straight at MotorLand and try and take some points back from Fenati as his compatriot pulls clear in the fight for third overall. Fenati is in serious form though, and took a fourth last year.
The fast faces from last season will be gunning for glory too. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) took two wins and will be looking to get back in the fight for the podium, and Darryn Binder (Petronas Sprinta Racing), Ayumu Sasaki (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power) all stood on the box at Aragon last year.
Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia VR46 Academy) will be an interesting presence too, with the Italian saying his incredible escape with Fenati at Silverstone helped him fight through the pain barrier. Can he do that again? The likes of Deniz Öncü (Red Bull TKM Tech3), who took eighth on new turf at Silverstone, and Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse), back in the top five in the British GP, will want to play a key role at Aragon too.
There’s also Syarifuddin Azman (Petronas Sprinta Racing) making his Moto3™ debut to keep an eye on, the Malaysian already a race winner in the 2021 FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship. He’s in for John McPhee, who in turn heads for Moto2™.
Moto3™ will definitely be an interesting one at MotorLand, with the long back straight and plenty to play for. On paper, it’s a venue that should see the likes of Acosta and Garcia bounce back… but Fenati and Foggia will be pushing hard to make it not so. Tune in at 11:00 (GMT +2) for another stunner in the Gran Premio TISSOT de Aragon.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
Ten riders set for Title Fighter decider as Mackenzie wins the Pirelli Race of Aces
Tarran Mackenzie celebrated victory in the closest Bennetts British Superbike Championship race finish of the season so far, winning race three at Snetterton by just 0.048s from Tommy Bridewell to secure the Pirelli Race of Aces trophy. The pair have confirmed their Title Fighter status in the Showdown, but with three races remaining next weekend at Silverstone, ten riders remain in contention to land the final four places.
The battle for the Title Fighter position intensified in Norfolk as the pack concertinaed in the standings after today’s two races. Christian Iddon’s fifth place in race three made him the fourth rider to be confirmed for the final three-round Showdown, with Peter Hickman just missing out by a single point as he prepares to cement his position at Silverstone next weekend.
The second race of the weekend was another three-way scrap at the front between the McAMS Yamaha pairing of Jason O’Halloran and Mackenzie, as Oxford Products Racing Ducati’s Bridewell again locked horns with the boys in blue.
O’Halloran upped the stakes after losing out to the pair yesterday, emerging ahead following an intense last lap battle with his two closest rivals.
Bridewell had managed to split the teammates by half race distance after O’Halloran ran wide at Wilson, but the championship leader was soon attacking the Oxford Products Racing Ducati contender to regain the position.
In the closing stages, O’Halloran had taken the lead on lap 13 with a decisive move at Wilson on Mackenzie, but the pair had Bridewell pushing them both until he had a moment at Coram when he caught his knee slider on the grass. He saved a crash, but just lost a few hundredths of a second to the leading pair ahead of the final two laps.
On the penultimate lap, Mackenzie held the lead, but O’Halloran fought back at Brundle to take the position. However, it wasn’t over and on the final lap, Mackenzie regained the advantage on the brakes into Agostini.
O’Halloran was piling on the pressure and made his move at the end of the Bentley Straight, then defended hard to take the chequered flag by 0.305s from Mackenzie, as Bridewell claimed a consistent third place.
A dramatic race three eventually featured the same trio tussling for the podium positions, as Mackenzie dealt his rivals a winning blow in an intense five-lap dash following an earlier red flag, to secure the Pirelli Race of Aces trophy.
When the race got underway, Mackenzie launched to the front of the pack with a lightening start from pole position to lead Gino Rea and O’Halloran into Riches for the first time.
However, championship leader O’Halloran was back ahead of the pack by the end of the opening lap as Bridewell had also pushed Mackenzie down the order into third.
By lap five, Bridewell had seized the advantage at Riches with a decisive move on his McAMS Yamaha rival and he was able to fend off the teammates over the following laps before the race was red flagged on lap nine.
Danny Buchan’s SYNETIQ BMW suffered a technical problem at the end of the Bentley Straight and as a result of losing fluid, he crashed heavily with Lee Jackson and Andrew Irwin also caught up in the incident. Jackson was unable to make the five lap restart due to damage to his FS-3 Racing Kawasaki, which puts him in a precarious position as he remains in eighth overall in the standings.
The race restarted with a five-lap sprint to the chequered flag, but Mackenzie again got the lead off the start ahead of Rea, but the Buildbase Suzuki rider was soon under attack as Bridewell and O’Halloran both moved ahead.
On the second lap, Bridewell launched his bid for the win, taking the lead into Brundle to hold the McAMS Yamaha riders behind him.
Mackenzie was not defeated though; he made a move on Bridewell at Agostini on the penultimate lap to reclaim the lead with the pair going head-to-head on the final lap for the victory.
A mistake from Mackenzie at Nelson wasn’t enough to give Bridewell the opportunity he needed to take the win and just 0.048s separated the pair at the chequered flag with O’Halloran completing the podium line up.
Defending champion Josh Brookes equalled his best result of the season with a fourth and sixth place finish today as he bids to claw back the advantage, with 13-points now separating him from eighth in the standings.
Peter Hickman and Buchan hold fifth and sixth place in the standings after the pair both had a challenging weekend in Norfolk. ‘Hicky’ bounced back from tenth in race two and having to start from the back row of the grid following an issue on the grid in race three, to secure seventh for FHO Racing BMW.
Honda Racing’s Glenn Irwin also endured a difficult weekend, meaning he now has just a seven-point margin over Lee Jackson, with the pair holding the final two positions inside the top eight ahead of next weekend’s crucial three races at Silverstone.
Bradley Ray, Brookes, Ryan Vickers, Rory Skinner, Andrew Irwin and Gino Rea are all outside the coveted top eight, as the focus moves to Silverstone, where the final four riders who will fight for the 2021 crown will be decided next Sunday.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Snetterton, Race 2 result:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha)
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +0.305s
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.885s
Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) +2.046s
Gino Rea (Buildbase Suzuki) +2.979s
Lee Jackson (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) +3.033s
Ryan Vickers (RAF Regular & Reserve Kawasaki) +6.422s
Andrew Irwin (SYNETIQ BMW) +6.473s
Rory Skinner (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) +8.972s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +10.857s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Snetterton, Race 3 result:
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha)
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.048s
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +0.952s
Gino Rea (Buildbase Suzuki) +1.152s
Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) +1.322s
Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) +1.515s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +1.790s
Dan Linfoot (TAG Honda) +2.516s
Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing BMW) +2.620s
Kyle Ryde (Rich Energy OMG Racing BMW) +4.138s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings after Snetterton:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 399
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) 293
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 261
Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) 239
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) 224
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) 174
Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) 161
Lee Jackson (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) 154
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Tarran Mackenzie – McAMS Yamaha
Pirelli Race of Aces winner
“It’s been an amazing weekend and I didn’t expect it after crashing at Cadwell Park. We started really strong in first free practice and the bike felt really nice all weekend and allowed me to ride it how I wanted.
“It was great to win yesterday, I felt like I could have done it again this morning but Jason just got the better of me and then I bounced back with another win in a five lap sprint.
“It was important to get a lot of podium points and to have a successful weekend with one round to go before the Showdown is key.
“We move on to Silverstone now which is a great track for me, I love it there and the way the bike is working at the moment I’m sure we’ll be up the sharp end and battling for wins and podiums.”
CCS Atlantic Region Featuring AMA Sanctioned ASRA Team Challenge Presented by Michelin Tire
New Jersey Motorsports Park – Thunderbolt Course, Millville, New Jersey
September 4-5, 2021
By Lisa Theobald
Young Gun Gus Rodio dominated the podium during the Championship Cup Series Twin Sprints weekend, featuring the AMA Sanctioned ASRA Team Challenge presented by Michelin Tire endurance race, at New Jersey Motorsports Park with a grand total of seven wins over the two-day event. Rodio was the winningest expert of the weekend on board his Kawasaki Ninja 400, taking victories in both runnings of the Superbike 500 and Ultralight Superbike races, as well as winning the GT 500, Moto3, and Supersport 500 races on Saturday.
The weekend kicked off with Frankie Babuska, Jr. winning the expert GTO race after a solid start, battling with Corey Alexander and Stefano Mesa. Alexander had gained the lead when a red flag incident sent the riders back to re-grid for a five-lap sprint to the checkered. Babuska was back out front when the race restarted, and was able to maintain his advantage to take the first victory of the day on his Babuska Racing Kawasaki ZX-10R. Mesa finished second with Alexander close behind in third. Babuska also won the expert Unlimited Superbike and Unlimited Supersport races during the first round of Twin Sprints.
Alexander won the expert Unlimited Grand Prix race on Saturday with Babuska in second, and Michael Selpe third. Mesa won the expert GTU race Saturday, and the Unlimited Supersport and Unlimited Superbike races on Sunday.
Antal Halasz won the second running of the expert Unlimited Grand Prix race on Sunday, bringing his grand total of victories for the weekend to five. He also won Saturday’s expert Formula 40 race, the Heavyweight Supersport and Middleweight Superbike races on Sunday as well as finishing first both in the GTO and Overall classes of the ASRA Team Challenge.
Team Spring Scaffolding riders Halasz and George Demetropolis were the first of only two teams to complete all 69 laps of the two-hour-long Team Challenge endurance race, pushing the finish time to one hour and forty-five minutes, after taking over the lead from early front runners Full Send Moto, and Jones Evolve GT, then picking up the pace. Team Martinez Racing finished second and Team Full Send Moto third for both the Overall and GTO classes. Team Martinez Racing, II finished first in the GTU class, and Team Landers Racing won the GTL class.
The overall winningest racer of the weekend was Amateur Jose Luna with eight victories across the two-day event. On day one, Luna won the amateur GT 500, Moto 3, Ultralight Superbike, Lightweight Superbike, Supersport 500, and Lightweight Supersport races. On day two, he won the second running of the Ultralight Superbike race, as well as the Superbike 500.
The CCS Atlantic region will meet again to compete with all regions for the 38th Annual Race of Champions Daytona International Speedway October 15-17th along with the ASRA Sprint and Team Challenge finals.
All race results, lap times, points standings, as well as information regarding the remaining 2021 schedule, licensing information, rules, and general information for all regions are available online at: www.ccsracing.us.
More, from a press release issued by Rodio Racing:
Gus Rodio takes 7 wins at NJMP with CCS Twin Sprints Weekend
After winning 7 races with CCS this past weekend, Gus Rodio exclaimed, “It’s great to be back here on my home track and feeling stronger and more comfortable on the bike than ever before.”
Saturday brought 5 wins in the Expert GT500, Superbike 500, Supersport 500, Moto3 and Ultralight Superbike classes.
Rodio continued “We had some battles getting through the first wave of racers in some of our classes, but I was able to lay down some really good laps after that. I was super stoked to get into the 1:30’s on my Kawasaki Ninja 400.”
Sunday started off with the Team of Gus Rodio and good friend Anthony Mazziotto racking up some laps in the ASRA Team Challenge (69 Lap Endurance Race). The duo got off to a rough start with a low side in T5 during the early stages but the crew got the bike back together and headed back out about 5 laps down. However, misfortune would strike again while running out of fuel on the last lap, literally 4 corners short of the finish.
“I had a-lot of fun on the 400, maybe too much fun…even though I had to push this thing back,” said a laughing Mazziotto.
Sunday continued for Rodio with 2 more wins in the Ultralight Superbike and 500 Superbike classes but rain showers moved in and the team decided to sit out the last 2 races.
“Sure, we got the bike really dialed, and we’d love to see a 1:29, but we just can’t take any chances going into MotoAmerica here at NJMP next weekend,” said Team owner, Kevin Rodio.
The Rodio Racing Team heads back to NJMP with MotoAmerica this weekend for Round 8 of the Series where Rodio is currently in 4th place in the Championship Points.
Rodio Racing Sponsors: HJC Helmets, Triple Strong Racing, Moto-Liberty Dallas, Spears Racing, Orient Express Racing, K-Tech USA Suspension, MAR Contractors, Spellcaster Pro, Liqui Moly USA, Trackside Parts Club, REB Graphics, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, Evolve Gt Track Days, N2 Track days, Chicken Hawk Warmers, Adams Polishes. Innovative Motorsports
Maverick Vinales (12) at speed on an Aprilia RS-GP. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
APRILIA ON THE TRACK AT ARAGÓN
ALEIX SEEKING CONFIRMATION AFTER THE HISTORIC PODIUM IN SILVERSTONE
MAVERICK VIÑALES TO MAKE HIS EAGERLY ANTICIPATED DÉBUT ON THE OFFICIAL RS-GP
Throughout his career with Aprilia, Aleix Espargaró has always looked forward anxiously to the Aragón round. His particular feeling with the MotorLand circuit, which is apparently also very well suited to the characteristics of the RS-GP, has often allowed the Spaniard to achieve some of his best performances of the season on this asphalt. In the current season, expectations are even higher because of the outstanding form Aleix and his Aprilia have demonstrated, culminating in the first historic MotoGP podium for the Italian manufacturer. However, the celebrations from Silverstone have not distracted from the primary objective, still focused on consistent performance.
It will also be an important weekend for the début of Maverick Viñales astride the RS-GP on a race weekend. An opportunity for Aprilia and for Maverick to prepare for the 2022 season, accumulating experience in a race environment, so under the most demanding conditions. The first approach in Misano during two days of testing was positive for both the rider and the Italian team, but everyone is well aware that the long road to achieving ideal chemistry has just begun.
Aleix Espargaro (41). Photo courtesy Aprilia.
ALEIX ESPARGARO’
“Aragón is a track that I like a lot. I always feel good here, no matter what the conditions are. This year, we are arriving with a particular spirit – that much is clear – after an important result and with high expectations, but our goal remains the same. We must stay focused and keep working race after race. We know we can battle for the top positions and the podium in Silverstone simply confirmed that.”
MAVERICK VIÑALES
“I can’t wait to get back on the track. The chance to do that straight away is definitely important, especially in view of preparing for the 2022 season. I might not be 100% ready after only two days of testing, but being on track with the others and being able to compare notes with Aleix, who is doing great things, will help me improve my feeling with the RS-GP. The Aprilia staff is highly motivated. I sensed a lot of enthusiasm and a desire to grow which is just more motivation for me to jump into the mix straight away.”
Pedro Acosta (left) and Augusto Fernandez (right). Photo by Polarity Photo, courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
RENEWED MOTO2 ROSTER FOR KTM GP ACADEMY AND RED BULL KTM AJO IN 2022
2021 KTM GP Academy news
Moto2 world championship-leaders, Red Bull KTM Ajo, will field two new riders for 2022 with Moto3 starlet Pedro Acosta set to make the move into the intermediate class while fellow Spaniard Augusto Fernandez joins the KTM GP Academy.
– All-new Moto2 line-up for the KTM GP Academy in 2022 with Pedro Acosta and Augusto Fernandez
– Acosta charged for rookie Moto2 campaign while Fernandez will enter sixth Moto2 season
– Red Bull KTM Ajo still pushing for 2021 Moto2 title with Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s fantastic work with the development of Remy Gardner (four Grand Prix wins in 2021 in his first season with the crew and currently leading the championship) and Raul Fernandez (the rookie has four victories and seven podium finishes) has been a crucial part of the KTM GP Academy process. Both riders will take their places in 2022 MotoGP with the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing team.
The Moto2 set-up now looks towards their next project and have two equally promising racers in the forms of Pedro Acosta and Augusto Fernandez. Acosta, 17-years-old and the 2020 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, has been the revelation of the Moto3 division in his maiden term. The teenager has shaken the contest with five wins and six trophies in total as the series prepares to visit MotorLand Aragon this weekend.
Fernandez, soon-to-be 24 years old, brings Moto2 experience and podium pedigree (eight trophies, including three wins) to the race team. The Spaniard is hoping to make the last step to full championship candidate with the Ajo structure and seize the opportunity to further stamp his name in Moto2 results, much in the same way Gardner has done in 2021.
Pedro Acosta: “Jumping to Moto2 was my goal because I believe it’s the step I need to make. Of course, there is always more to learn – and I could do that in Moto3 – but when it comes to details and my development as a rider then it feels like the right move. It’s a big advantage to stay in the Red Bull KTM Ajo team as we now have a year of working together and it’s always important to keep a good and positive feeling with the people around you. The team have really helped me in my first world championship year. It’s been a big step into the world championship but I worked for it and I’m happy with how things have been going.”
Augusto Fernandez: “I’m really happy and satisfied to be joining Red Bull KTM Ajo. The team has been a reference in the category now for many years by winning races and fighting for championships. I think that experience of going for titles will really help me next year and I’m already looking forward to working with them.”
Aki Ajo, Team Principal: “We’ve had a very strong season in Moto2 with Remy and Raul and there are still a few races to go but looking to 2022 we are very happy to have another couple of great riders with Pedro and Augusto and a promising combination of experience and youth. We have known Augusto for some time and have seen his career and results. He has shown big potential and I think we can achieve great things together. Pedro’s rookie year in Moto3 has been something special and even more is coming. The step to Moto2 after just one season in Moto3 is a big one but if there is one racer that can make this step then it’s Pedro. We have a lot of trust in him and will, of course, fully support him. Together with Red Bull and KTM I am confident we have selected the right riders for our KTM GP Academy for the future.”
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director: “We are very pleased to announce the Moto2 rider line-up with Pedro Acosta and Augusto Fernandez for our KTM GP Academy. Together with Red Bull KTM Ajo we have the best possible structure to support both riders in their next challenge. Aki Ajo and his team have played a fundamental role in the careers of many riders and we can be proud to have him by our side for the next project in rider development. It is a great pleasure to support Pedro’s desire to move up from Moto3 to the next category. What he has shown in his first World Championship season is outstanding and we believe he can keep the momentum going. He will continue to focus on his goal for 2021, but we will then tackle the next challenge together. With Augusto we welcome another promising talent to our Red Bull KTM family. He has shown great signs and we are happy to have an experienced Moto2 rider in our line-up. I am sure that under Aki’s guidance he can make the next level in performance and we will celebrate some exciting results in the near future.”
FHO Racing Team Owner Faye Ho (center) with Scarlett Robinson (left) and Charlotte Marcuzzo (right). Photo courtesy FHO Racing.
FHO RACING LAUNCH NEW INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT FEMALE CONTENDERS IN BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION
FHO Racing are delighted to announce a new collaboration with two female riders in the HEL Performance British Junior Supersport Championship as Team Owner Faye Ho continues to champion for more female representation within the sport.
FHO Racing will work closely with 16-year-old Charlotte Marcuzzo and 17-year-old Scarlett Robinson in the Junior class, offering mentoring and support for the two young contenders, who will run in the team’s recognisable livery.
Charlotte said: “To begin with the new livery we have for this weekend looks amazing and I feel that it is just the start of getting us noticed on track. They are definitely go faster colours so hopefully we can be on the pace straight away and keep moving forward. Faye is really strong and she has already helped with boosting our confidence so I am excited about working together.”
Scarlett said: “This is massive for me and I feel that already we are getting noticed more, especially because of the colour scheme. If this can help to raise our profile more then it will hopefully also mean we can add to our existing partners, who make it possible for us to go racing. I would like to thank Faye for her support and I am looking forward to being associated with FHO Racing.”
Team Principal Faye Ho commented: “I am delighted to announce our new association with Charlotte and Scarlett for the remainder of the season. It was always a huge ambition of mine to become a team owner in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, and to make that dream a reality this season was a huge achievement for me, especially to be the only women currently in that position.
“I wanted to share that experience of succeeding in a goal, and I feel really driven to be an advocate for more women to be recognised within the sport. This new association means that as a race-winning team in Britain’s biggest motorsport championship, we can offer advice and guidance on how to further their careers and really champion women within the sport.
“I am hoping that this new collaboration will also bring a new interest to the project and we are welcoming any brands who would like to be associated in supporting their dream to get in contact.”
Michael Dunlop, as seen at the 2021 Daytona 200, which was won by Brandon Paasch. Dunlop finished 11th. Photo by David Swarts.
Michael Dunlop to replace injured Brandon Paasch at Silverstone
6 September 2021|Latest News
Dynavolt Triumph welcomes Michael Dunlop to the team as stand-in for Brandon Paasch as he undergoes surgery to the scaphoid fracture suffered at Snetterton last weekend.
Dunlop needs no introduction and is no stranger to the PTR run Dynavolt Triumph team having enjoyed success with the team on the road circuits in the past.
Paasch will return to action at the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship round at Oulton Park later this month.
Michael Dunlop: “Really good news to be riding the Dynavolt Triumph at Silverstone. I’ve been watching the bike as it’s progressed this year and the team seem to have done a great job. As a lot of people know I’ve had success with PTR and it will be great to be working with Simon and the boys again. It’s a good opportunity, I’m looking forward to it. Let’s see what we can do, it will be great to see everyone there.”
Dynavolt Triumph Team Manager Simon Buckmaster: “We’ve a good working relationship with Michael, he’s got good feel for a bike and he’s a good supersport rider. He’s really looking forward to it and so am I. It will be great working with him again, we’ve really enjoyed it in the past. Let’s see if we can’t surprise a few people.”
“Brandon has seen a specialist today and he’s having surgery to insert a screw in his fractured wrist later this week. As long as he’s passed fit, and the specialist has given him every indication he will be, he hopes to be back on our bike at Oulton Park. We look forward to that and hope he can continue with his progression and win races before the end of the season.”
The one-mile track at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, in Springfield, Illinois. Photo courtesy Illinois State Fairgrounds.
Springfield Mile II/American Flat Track
Springfield Mile II
Springfield, Illinois
September 6, 2021
AFT Mission SuperTwins Provisional Free Practice 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Jared Mees (Ind), 35.942
2. Brandon Robinson (Ind), 35.989
3. Jeffrey Carver Jr. (Ind), 35.989
4. Sammy Halbert (Ind), 36.065
5. Briar Bauman (Ind), 36.068
6. Brandon Price (Ind), 36.190
7. Bronson Bauman (Ind), 36.273
8. JD Beach (Yam), 36.283
9. Robert Pearson (Ind), 36.431
10. Kolby Carlile (Yam), 36.481
11. Davis Fisher (Ind), 36.526
12. Bryan Smith (Ind), 36.663
13. James Rispoli (Har), 36.850
14. Hayden Gillim (Har), 37.232
15. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), 37.927
16. Patrick Buchanan (Ind), 38.461
AFT Production Twins Provisional Free Practice 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 36.632
2. Jesse Janisch (Har), 36.799
3. Chad Cose (Har), 36.804
4. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), 36.888
5. Tanner Dean (Kaw), 36.933
6. Morgen Mischler (Har), 37.017
7. Trent Lowe (Kaw), 37.024
8. Ryan Varnes (Kaw), 37.044
9. Dylan Bell (Har), 37.110
10. Patrick Buchanan (Har), 37.124
11. Cory Texter (Yam), 37.190
12. Nick Armstrong (Yam), 37.225
13. David Wiggin (Har), 37.333
14. Danny Eslick (Kaw), 37.339
15. Jordan Harris (Kaw), 37.452
16. Dan Bromley (Yam), 37.475
17. Kevin Stollings (Kaw), 38.478
18. Shelby Miller (Kaw), 38.569
19. Gary Ketchum (Kaw), 38.712
20. Ben Lowe (Yam), 41.391
21. Ryan Wells (KTM), no time recorded
Provisional AFT Production Twins Semi 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 8 laps
2. Jesse Janisch (Har), -00.769 seconds
3. Cory Texter (Yam), -01.707
4. Nick Armstrong (Yam), -03.246
5. Jordan Harris (Kaw), -03.308
6. Ben Lowe (Yam), -03.507
7. Patrick Buchanan (Har), -03.523
8. Danny Eslick (Kaw), -03.743
9. Shelby Miller (Kaw), -11.959
10. Gary Ketchum (Kaw), -13.711
11. Ryan Wells (KTM), -8 laps
Provisional AFT Production Twins Semi 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Tanner Dean (Kaw), 8 laps
2. Morgen Mischler (Har), -00.039 seconds
3. Chad Cose (Har), -00.065
4. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), -00.207
5. Trent Lowe (Kaw), -01.356
6. Dan Bromley (Yam), -02.836
7. Dylan Bell (Har), -04.792
8. David Wiggin (Har), -08.169
9. Ryan Varnes (Kaw), -6 laps
10. Kevin Stollings (Kaw), -6 laps
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Semi 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Sammy Halbert (Ind), 8 laps
2. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -00.118 seconds
3. Brandon Price (Ind), -00.239
4. Jeffrey Carver Jr. (Ind), -00.408
5. JD Beach (Yam), -01.671
6. Davis Fisher (Ind), -01.697
7. Robert Pearson (Ind), -04.446
8. Hayden Gillim (Har), -06.674
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Semi 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Jared Mees (Ind), 8 laps
2. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -00.099 seconds
3. Briar Bauman (Ind), -00.103
4. Bronson Bauman (Ind), -01.715
5. James Rispoli (Har), -03.651
6. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -06.547
7. Bryan Smith (Ind), -06.635
8. Patrick Buchanan (Ind), -09.078
Provisional AFT Production Twins Memphis Shades Babe DeMay Challenge Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 4 laps
2. Jesse Janisch (Har), -00.025 seconds
3. Morgen Mischler (Har), -00.234
4. Tanner Dean (Kaw), -00.355
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Mission Challenge Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Jared Mees (Ind), 4 laps
2. Sammy Halbert (Ind), -00.038 seconds
3. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -00.373
4. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -00.443
Provisional AFT Production Twins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 18 laps
2. Jesse Janisch (Har), -00.022 seconds
3. Chad Cose (Har), -00.038
4. Cory Texter (Yam), -00.089
5. Morgen Mischler (Har), -01.614
6. Dan Bromley (Yam), -02.658
7. Tanner Dean (Kaw), -03.796
8. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), -06.423
9. Kevin Stollings (Kaw), -08.164
10. Danny Eslick (Kaw), -08.259
11. Jordan Harris (Kaw), -08.265
12. Patrick Buchanan (Har), -11.325
13. Trent Lowe (Kaw), -11.379
14. Ben Lowe (Yam), -11.515
15. Dylan Bell (Har), -11.526
16. David Wiggin (Har), -21.239
17. Nick Armstrong (Yam), -4 laps
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Jared Mees (Ind), 25 laps
2. Sammy Halbert (Ind), -01.135 seconds
3. Briar Bauman (Ind), -01.160
4. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -01.226
5. Jeffrey Carver Jr. (Ind), -01.400
6. Davis Fisher (Ind), -03.310
7. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -03.360
8. Brandon Price (Ind), -03.402
9. JD Beach (Yam), -03.623
10. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -03.779
11. James Rispoli (Har), -04.564
12. Bryan Smith (Ind), -05.460
13. Robert Pearson (Ind), -08.829
14. Patrick Buchanan (Ind), -08.911
15. Hayden Gillim (Har), -10.101
16. Bronson Bauman (Ind), -4 laps
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track:
Mees and Daniels Sweep Up in Springfield
Jared Mees (9) leads the AFT Mission SuperTwins race at Springfield Mile II. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (September 6, 2021) – Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) left the field in his wake — twice — on Monday to complete the Progressive American Flat Track Labor Day Weekend sweep in a one-sided Memphis Shades Springfield Mile II presented by Law Tigers at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois.
After being accused of closing down the lines of his rivals during Sunday’s victory, Mees responded by making any such allegations irrelevant on Monday. He immediately shot out into the lead and drove away from a five-rider pack of would-be pursuers, building up an eight-plus-second advantage with just two minutes remaining.
Despite the monster lead, he was forced to prove his Springfield supremacy one more time, when a red flag brought the race to a momentary halt at that point.
While Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750) managed to slide in front for a few seconds, Mees ultimately reestablished himself out front en route to a 1.134-second margin of victory.
‘20 Springfield Mile winner Halbert came home second while Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle championship leader Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) finished third — albeit not until after surviving a close call with wild card Jeffrey Carver, Jr. (No. 23 Happy Trails Racing/DPC/Bryan Bigelow Indian FTR750).
Mees’ sixth- and seventh-career Springfield Mile wins worked to tighten up the title fight considerably. Bauman continues to lead, but a once healthy 25-point gap has been reduced to just 12 (254-242) with two more Mees’ friendly Miles directly ahead.
Afterward, Mees said, “After the chatter that Briar had up on the podium last night, I just figured today I’d drop the hammer and really put some distance on them to where I could do whatever I wanted out there. Right before the Main Event, we made a few small changes that ended up being a huge difference. I’ve got the best team out there, and we got the thing hooked up better, running faster, and just smoothed out. It was an incredible weekend for us.”
Third-ranked Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) finished fourth with home-track favorite Carver completing the top five.
Davis Fisher (No. 67 BMC Racing/Dick Wall 60 Indian FTR750) — who was the fastest man on track save Mees at one point — finished sixth, followed by Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), Brandon Price (No. 92 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), and Kolby Carlile (No. 36 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) to round out the top ten.
AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines
Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) pulled off the nearly unthinkable Springfield double-double with a heart-pounding victory in Monday’s AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines Main Event.
A hugely entertaining contest saw as many as eight riders still within shot of the victory with two minutes to go. Adding to the entertainment factor was the fact that several different lines were in play, with riders routinely railing corners several riders wide, utilizing extreme low and high lines in search of the fastest way around the high-speed Mile.
The final lap opened with Daniels leading a tight four-rider pack that also included Jesse Janisch (No. 96 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R), Chad Cose (No. 49 Voodoo Ranger/Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Cory Texter (No. 65 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing MT-07).
Janisch threw it up the inside of Daniels entering Turn 3 and held the advantage exiting 4 for the final time. Daniels sucked up in the draft and swung alongside just as Cose and Texter fanned out four-wide in the sprint to the checkered flag.
Daniels just nipped ahead of Janisch by 0.022 seconds, with Cose in third another 0.016 seconds back. Title leader Texter missed the podium in fourth, despite coming up a scant 0.089 seconds short of the victory.
In addition to sweeping both AFT Singles and both AFT Production Twins races this weekend in Springfield, Daniels now owns three wins and one runner-up in four career AFT Production Twins starts. He said, “Before the Main Event, the team told me to move around a little bit. I knew it was going to be a close race — the track got slick and it was multiple line racing…
“It was crazy. I saw Jesse poking a wheel, and I knew exactly what he was going to do. I just sat there and waited. As soon as he came up, I tried to give him a little bit of room and he spun it up. ‘Here it is!’ I just poured that Yamaha stomper power on and blew right by that thing. These Harleys were running awesome. Hats off to Jesse — to come right off the couch and be on the podium at the Springfield Mile is insane.
“It’s awesome to sweep the weekend. It was kind of a rough night at the Short Track and we turned it around. And we kind of turned around the whole season it seems like.”
Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Harley-Davidson XG750R) grabbed his fourth top-five of the weekend in fifth, with Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) bouncing back from his Sunday disappointment in sixth.
Despite threatening to break away at the front at one point in the race, Tanner Dean (No. 38 Racing Unlimited Kawasaki/Bel Ray Oils Kawasaki Ninja 650), ended up coming home in seventh.
Texter now leads Bromley by 67 points (249-182), which puts him in prime position to clinch his second AFT Production Twins title next weekend in Sacramento.
The Memphis Shades Springfield Mile I & II presented by Law Tigers will premiere back-to-back on NBCSN on Sunday, September 12, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The Springfield Short Track Doubleheader will air one week later on NBCSN, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Both broadcasts will feature exclusive features and cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage.
Next Up:
There’s no time to rest as Progressive AFT will immediately travel to another doubleheader at a legendary Mile, the Law Tigers Sacramento Mile I & II presented by Knauf Insulation on Saturday, September 11, and Sunday, September 12. You can order your tickets online now at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15860/sacramento-mile. For those viewing from home, live coverage will be available on any device for only $1.99 a month via TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold.
To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:
Daniels Shines in Springfield
Estenson Racing’s Dallas Daniels came out on top in today’s thrilling AFT Production Twins Springfield Mile II Main Event at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The victory capped off a stellar Labor Day weekend in his home state of Illinois, taking four wins and sweeping both Progressive American Flat Track doubleheaders on the short track and mile. JD Beach and Kolby Carlile scored a pair of top-10 finishes in the Mission SuperTwins class despite limited track time and changing conditions.
With challengers in the mix on day two, the young Daniels showed wisdom beyond his years. Yesterday’s fastest qualifier result carried over to today’s second round, and he lined up on the front row for his Semi. The 18-year-old missed a shift at the start and found himself mid-pack, but he quickly recovered and weaved his way to the front to grab another win. He backed that up with another victory in the thrilling four-lap shootout — the Memphis Shades Babe DeMay Challenge — crossing the line .024 of a second of the competition to take the prize money and his second win of the day.
In the Main Event, Daniels grabbed the holeshot but wasn’t able to make a clean break from the pack. He was shuffled to the runner-up spot early in the race and then searched for different lines to find an advantage. The defending AFT Singles Champion stayed in the top three and took over the lead a couple of laps after the halfway mark. In typical Springfield Mile fashion, it all came down to the final lap and a drag race out of Turn 4 to the finish line. Daniels was passed in Turn 3, but he kept his cool and positioned himself to use the draft and take the win by .022 of a second.
On the SuperTwins side, only one practice session before the Semi race presented challenges with the changing track conditions. Lined up on the third row, Beach got a decent start inside the top 10 and was eighth when the red flag came out, while Carlile came back from 11th to ninth to line up behind his teammate in the staggered restart. The dirt track/road racer got a good start and was sixth but ultimately crossed the line ninth, with Carlile right behind in 10th.
Next up for the Estenson Racing team is another Progressive American Flat Track doubleheader at the legendary Sacramento Mile on September 11-12.
Tommy Hayden – Estenson Racing Team Manager
“We had a pretty good day today here at Springfield on the second day of the doubleheader. Dallas rode really well all day in the Production Twins class. He was fastest in practice, won his Semi, the dash for cash, and then won a really tight one in the Main. Today was a lot different, though, compared to yesterday. It was more of a battle, but he was able to get the best of the other guys coming off of four and squeaked by for the win. That was great for his learning curve to be in a battle like that on a Mile and get some experience with drafting and strategy. I’m definitely happy with what we saw out of him today, and really the whole weekend. To sweep both the races Friday night and then both days in the Production Twins class, that’s really good to see, and we’re really proud of him for that.
“On the SuperTwins side, both guys were pretty close on pace all day. We were just a little off, and there was one spot on the racetrack that we just struggled with a little bit. For the majority of the track, I think we were just as fast as anyone and just off of the pace of the group that was battling for the podium. In the end, they were ninth and 10th, which was not the finish that we wanted, but we definitely made some progress here compared to last year. I think we’ve got some stuff to build on for next week in Sacramento, and hopefully, we can find that little bit that we were missing here.”
Dallas Daniels – Estenson Racing AFT Production Twins and AFT Singles
“It was an amazing weekend here at Springfield! It really couldn’t have gone any better. The track changed quite a bit today; it was a lot smoother because they had a lot of time to work on it. Since I’ve never raced here before this weekend, I didn’t really know what the track was going to do. I talked to the team to see what they thought, and we made some changes for the dash for cash. We were able to get the win, but I was kind of struggling a lot with the feel and the grip.
“So we made some changes and went back out for the Main Event. I was running some different lines and had some guys with me, and I wasn’t pulling away like I was the day before. I was trying not to run on the groove because I thought that’s what I needed to do. Once I finally got into the lead, I went up to the groove and realized that it was actually better. After watching the SuperTwins Main Event, I’m glad I did that because when they were on the groove, they were going faster and faster each lap.
“It was definitely a huge learning experience for me. It was good to have to draft somebody at the line and not just win by a straightaway because I’m not learning anything when it’s like that. So, it was good to have a win pulling away from everyone and then also good to win one at the line. It was a dream weekend here at Springfield. I really needed a weekend like this after Peoria, when we were in a slump, feeling beat up after that big crash and behind on points. It seems like any time we’re behind; we can bounce back. We’re going to take this momentum into Sacramento and try to get my first mile win on a 450.”
JD Beach – Estenson Racing Mission SuperTwins
“The second day at the Springfield Mile is always a toss-up with how the track will be. American Flat Track did a good job smoothing the track out a bit more, and the groove was wide, and we were running pretty high up on the track. The crew did a great job getting the bike dialed in to go racing with the limited track time. Every time we got on track, the bike was better, but we were losing time mid-turn compared to others. In the Main Event, we started rolling pretty well, but I lost the lead pack. Then as the race went on, I started to catch them just a little bit, but after we had that red flag, it was like they found another gear and pulled away. It was a rough day with another ninth-place finish, but we’ll keep working and try again next weekend in Sacramento.”
Kolby Carlile – Estenson Racing Mission SuperTwins
“Today in practice, the track was pretty wet, which didn’t really give us much insight for how it was going to be for the Semi. Then I just couldn’t find grip on the track at all in the Semi; it was really bad for me, honestly. In the Main Event, we had a good jump but it took me a little while to find the line that my bike wanted to run around on. Once I was able to find that line, I had a really good pace and I was able to run down quite a few people in front of me. Before the red flag came out, I was really confident that we were going to catch up and make a couple more passes and try to take a jab at getting to the front pack before the race was over. After the restart, I didn’t get the best jump, so I just did what I could do in the last few laps and was able to get a 10th-place finish. In the end, it was a big improvement from last year and a good weekend overall.”
More, from a press release issued by Indian Motorcycle:
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE WRECKING CREW RIDER JARED MEES SWEEPS SPRINGFIELD MILE DOUBLEHEADER
Back-to-Back Wins Closes Gap Between Mees & Points Leader Briar Bauman, Two-Man Wrecking Crew to Battle for Championship with Three Races Remaining
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (September 6, 2021) – Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, carried out its 2021 American Flat Track (AFT) season with back-to-back wins during this weekend’s doubleheader at the Springfield Mile I and II. Ultimately, Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew rider Jared Mees swept the weekend and closed the gap with the factory teammate and season’s points leader, Briar Bauman.
During Sunday’s Springfield Mile I, Mees and Bauman battled closely, as the two were neck-and-neck during the final lap. Though it was Mees who edged out Bauman to capture his sixth-career Springfield Mile victory, while Bauman finished second. Indian Motorcycle privateer Brandon Robinson rounded out the podium with his sixth podium of the season.
On Monday, knowing he still had ground to make up on the leaderboard, Mees came out to the Springfield Mile II and dominated the field – ultimately reaching the finish line more a second before Indian Motorcycle privateer Sammy Halbert. The win marked Mees’ seventh-career Springfield Mile win and reignited a championship battle with just three races remaining.
“Anyone who knows Jared or has been following his career knows this was a typical Jared Mees performance. With his back against the ropes, a pair of wins were his best option to keep his championship hopes alive,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology. “That said, I’m sure he didn’t go popping champagne bottles, as he’s quickly moving on to the next and preparing for the final three races of the season.”
Mees, a five-time Grand National Champion who last won in 2018, has his sights set on reclaiming the No. 1 plate. Facing a 12-point deficit, Mees will have his work cut out for him as Bauman, the two-time reigning SuperTwins Champion, has remained consistent all year, as he’s reached the podium in all but two races this season.
The 2021 AFT season will continue Saturday and Sunday, September 11-12, at the Sacramento Mile doubleheader. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle 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.
The start of the the Teruel MotoGP race at Aragon in 2020 Fabio Quartararo (20), Franco Morbidelli (21) and Joan Mir (36) racing Maverick Viñales (12) and Jack Miller (43). Morbidelli won, with Mir second. Photo by DPPI Media.
Can Marquez take centre stage at MotorLand?
Anti-clockwise Aragon awaits the return of the 93, Aprilia on a high and Suzuki with a serious recent record
Monday, 06 September 2021
There’s plenty to talk about after the British GP, and the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship now saddles up to head back south to Spain and the stunning MotorLand Aragon. The modern classic nestles like an outpost of speed in an otherwise rural, striking and arid landscape, inviting man and machine to make their mark. And, even more pertinent to previewing the weekend ahead, it’s also an anti-clockwise circuit… and that usually means one thing: Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team).
The eight-time World Champion didn’t cover himself with glory at Silverstone after an early crash that collected Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing), but there was no harm done for either party and the number 93 was quick to apologise. But momentum didn’t mean much for Marc Marquez when the paddock arrived in Germany, another anti-clockwise venue he’s made absolutely his own, with the Honda rider putting his foot down to take that history-making win and get back on the top step regardless. He’s traditionally the fastest man at MotorLand and the progress keeps coming in speed at least… so can he pull another stunner out of the bag despite a slightly tougher run of late than likely expected?
The good news – to add to his record there – is also the form seen from his fellow Honda riders at Silverstone. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) was ill on race day but teammate Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) had one of his best Sundays of the year so far, and Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) most definitely had his best weekend on the whole since joining Honda. Starting from pole, leading for a good while and then coming home in fifth, it was a big step forward for the number 44. And at Aragon? More good reading: Alex Marquez also took his first dry weather podium – and second overall, as a rookie – at MotorLand last season, and Nakagami took a pole, so Honda will be feeling optimistic of a high-scoring weekend in Aragon.
That’s also true of Aprilia. After a season of knocking on the door week-in, week-out, Silverstone finally saw that milestone reached: a first MotoGP™ era podium. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) has impressed for much of the year but his British GP – and last lap battle to hold off Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) – were another impressive performance to underline some serious progress. He also took his previous premier class podium at Aragon, as well as more top finishes as the number 41 always seems to shine at the venue. And this weekend, there’s a headline in the other side of the garage too: Maverick Viñales.
After a rollercoaster few weeks, the Spaniard returns in black and red to take on a new challenge on the RS-GP, debuting early after already having signed for the Noale factory to race there in 2022. And on his test debut at Misano, the laptimes made for very exciting reading. Viñales already has podiums with two manufacturers, and wins… can he start adding more with Aprilia? And where will he slot back into the pack on his RS-GP debut?
Yamaha, meanwhile, remain on the front foot in the title fight. A stunning race from Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) at Silverstone as issues hit for his closest rivals sees him coming into the weekend a whopping 65 points clear, although the Alcañiz venue has never been the best for Yamaha. That may change who stands on the top step, but it can’t change who leads the standings. Quartararo could sit out the next two weekends and still lead the Championship by a minimum of 15 points, so he has some room to ride clever and focus on damage limitation if he needs to. That said, he himself pointed out the huge step forward taken by the Iwata marque in Austria, another track that’s traditionally tougher, so can he flip the form book? Former teammate Franco Morbidelli did do that on one visit to MotorLand last year too…
Cal Crutchlow returns to partner Quartararo at Monster Energy Yamaha and will be looking to keep making progress and taking data, and Jake Dixon will also get another ride out on the Petronas Yamaha SRT machine. After a solid debut at Silverstone, can he build on that? His teammate, Valentino Rossi, also made a good start and after having gone straight to Q2 at Silverstone before late race grip issues saw him drop down the order. Can the Doctor keep that form rolling on his last visit to MotorLand?
Similar happened for Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) at Suzuki, as the reigning World Champion ran out of steam – for steam, read grip – later in the British GP and came home in ninth, staying ahead of Danilo Petrucci (Tech3 Factory Racing) by a whisker. But with Quartararo winning, ninth is what’s left him 65 down on the top – and he’ll be gunning hard to take the opportunity at MotorLand to hit back.
Teammate Alex Rins, meanwhile, had no such trouble. The 2019 winner couldn’t quite stage a repeat but he did take his first podium of the season at Silverstone in second, and guess who won last year on our first visit to MotorLand? The number 42 was sublime and he’ll be heading in on that injection of confidence. In fact, Suzuki will likely be feeling pretty confident all round at Aragon, as they’re the only two riders who were on the podium in both visits to the track last season.
And what of Ducati? At Silverstone it was a more muted run for the Borgo Panigale factory. Miller fought for the podium, Martin fell victim to Marc Marquez’ crash, and both Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) had a tougher race to fade to outside the top ten. Bagnaia conceded it made a chance of the crown an even longer shot too, but until grip trouble hit he’d been fast as ever. And Miller got back in the mix. Can they do so again at a track that’s been traditionally tougher hunting ground? And can Zarco move forward to the postcode he was in for much of the first half of the season?
Last year, we saw KTM have a more difficult first weekend at Aragon followed by a big step forward – with the top Austrian machine beating the top Ducati too, so there’s reason to expect them to fight for more top finishes. At Silverstone Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) put on another stunning Sunday charge to go from 12th to 6th too – and complete the statistic of six factories in the top six for the first time since 1972 – and there were also standouts from Iker Lecuona (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) and Petrucci as both stormed into the top ten. Will experience from last season help to maintain that now? Binder and Lecuona have now raced at MotorLand twice in MotoGP™, which is something that couldn’t be said of Silverstone.
Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will be looking for a lot more from MotorLand too. The Portuguese rider was on an absolute charge earlier this season, but since Assen he’s not scored points. With proven talent, speed and smarts, the Portuguese rider will more definitely reappear at the front, but will it be sooner rather than a little later?
This time it’s one assault on Aragon for MotoGP™, and there’s plenty to watch out for. Can Marc Marquez make a stand on home turf? Will Suzuki be the team to beat? Or can Yamaha keep that form book flipped in 2021? Tune in at 14:00 (GMT +2) on Sunday as the lights go out for the Gran Premio TISSOT de Aragon!
4 Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 136
5 Jack Miller – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 118
*Independent Team rider
Moto2™: who will hold the cards at MotorLand?
Home turf for Raul Fernandez, a good venue for Gardner… but it was definitely Lowes’ territory last year, and in 2016
After another statement win at Silverstone – this one from Championship leader Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – there’s plenty to talk about heading into the Gran Premio TISSOT de Aragon. Gardner’s lead is now 44 points after teammate and closest challenger Raul Fernandez crashed out at Silverstone, but we’re back on the Spaniard’s home turf…
Gardner has a solid recent record at MotorLand though, and with similar positions at the track last year to the form he showed at the 2020 British GP… which turned out pretty well as 2021 Gardner took it on. Raul Fernandez will be fired up to hit back though, and on previous occasions where that’s been true, the rookie sensation has been sensational. When the chips are down, the number 25 finds a way to reply. And he’ll have to start doing so soon given his deficit to the top.
Both Red Bull KTM Ajo riders may, however, have a lot on their plates from Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team). The Brit was the headline act at Aragon last year, taking both wins. It was no flash in the pan either, with another win at MotorLand on his CV from 2016 and a podium in 2015. The Brit has been on solid form lately, and although not quite getting back to his dominant start of the season, Aragon would seem a good place to stage a comeback to the top step.
Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46), meanwhile, bounced back well at Silverstone from a disappointing Austrian GP, up at the front and pushing Gardner all the way. On paper he’s not got the best record at Aragon, with one Moto3™ podium, but last year he did nearly add a victory until a heartbreaker of a late crash. Late meaning final lap late. That will be a bad memory, but his speed prior to it a definite positive one… will he have similar in the locker this season?
Just behind the top four, it’s tighter than ever in the fight for fifth. Aron Canet (Kipin Energy Aspar Team) holds it for now, but only on finishing positions as Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) is equal on points. Canet missed the events last year through injury but took a Moto3™ win the year before, and the Boscoscuro chassis has a good record at MotorLand. Augusto Fernandez will want a step forward from his record at the track though. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) took a podium last year and is only 1 point behind the two, too… can he leapfrog back into the top five?
Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) is also now a serious threat to the top five. The Japanese rookie continues impressing and he has good memories of MotorLand from his first Grand Prix podium in 2019 in Moto3™. And he’s only five points off Canet…
There will also be a debut to watch out for too. John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) will make his first appearance in Moto2™ at the Aragon GP, moving up to replace Jake Dixon as Dixon remains on the MotoGP™ machine. What can McPhee do on a bigger bike?
Moto2™ leaves us guessing ahead of Aragon, but answering those questions will be another thrill around of one the most technical tracks of the year. Who’ll come out on top? We’ll find out on Sunday at 12:20 (GMT +2)!
Moto2™ Championship top five:
1 Remy Gardner – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 231
2 Raul Fernandez – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 187
3 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 179
4 Sam Lowes – Elf Marc VDS Racing Team – Kalex – 127
5 Aron Canet – Kipin Energy Aspar Team – Boscoscuro – 92
Moto3™: can the home heroes hit back at Aragon?
The home contingent gear up to try and take back the momentum at MotorLand
The British Grand Prix belonged to one rider in Moto3™: Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team). The Italian topped every single session, took a second pole in as many weekends and then pulled clear by the finish line to make a serious statement on a tough weekend for the two riders head of him in standings: Championship leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team). But now it’s time to saddle up for the Gran Premio TISSOT de Aragon, and that’s home, known turf for the two title fight protagonists so far. So is it a chance for another all-change at the top?
Silverstone seemed a venue likely to prove tougher for rookie sensation Acosta, and so it was. But now we head to MotorLand and his rivals will be especially happy to return to a track where the number 37 has already been on the top step – twice – in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup last season. And having taken some points after an almighty duel with Garcia at Silverstone, the pressure still remains off for Acosta as his lead actually grew to 46 points.
Garcia will be gunning for some revenge after said duel. The number 11 suffered a late shuffle back to just outside the points at Silverstone, and the more familiar turf of Aragon will see him back on his mission to win, win and keep winning… or at least cut the gap as a minimum. Can he showcase the same step forward at Aragon as he has at most venues this season? His teammate could be one to watch too…
After qualifying for the FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship races at the track last season, Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) found himself outside the top twenty on the grid despite fighting for the title – and as a rookie in the class too. But once the lights went out, the Spaniard fought through the field not once, not twice, but three times in a row to take a goosebumps-inducing three victories from three. Coming into MotorLand off the back of his best Moto3™ finish so far with a fourth at Silverstone, and two fastest laps in a row – new records no less – Guevara will likely be thinking big for Aragon.
The same can probably be said of the rider who just denied Guevara’s rookie podium aspirations last time out, although in a different way: Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing). The Italian was the top Honda once again, and on the rostrum once again, taking some solid points. And with his Leopard machine always impressing on top speed, he’ll be rubbing his hands to take on that long, long back straight at MotorLand and try and take some points back from Fenati as his compatriot pulls clear in the fight for third overall. Fenati is in serious form though, and took a fourth last year.
The fast faces from last season will be gunning for glory too. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) took two wins and will be looking to get back in the fight for the podium, and Darryn Binder (Petronas Sprinta Racing), Ayumu Sasaki (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power) all stood on the box at Aragon last year.
Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia VR46 Academy) will be an interesting presence too, with the Italian saying his incredible escape with Fenati at Silverstone helped him fight through the pain barrier. Can he do that again? The likes of Deniz Öncü (Red Bull TKM Tech3), who took eighth on new turf at Silverstone, and Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse), back in the top five in the British GP, will want to play a key role at Aragon too.
There’s also Syarifuddin Azman (Petronas Sprinta Racing) making his Moto3™ debut to keep an eye on, the Malaysian already a race winner in the 2021 FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship. He’s in for John McPhee, who in turn heads for Moto2™.
Moto3™ will definitely be an interesting one at MotorLand, with the long back straight and plenty to play for. On paper, it’s a venue that should see the likes of Acosta and Garcia bounce back… but Fenati and Foggia will be pushing hard to make it not so. Tune in at 11:00 (GMT +2) for another stunner in the Gran Premio TISSOT de Aragon.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
Ten riders set for Title Fighter decider as Mackenzie wins the Pirelli Race of Aces
Tarran Mackenzie celebrated victory in the closest Bennetts British Superbike Championship race finish of the season so far, winning race three at Snetterton by just 0.048s from Tommy Bridewell to secure the Pirelli Race of Aces trophy. The pair have confirmed their Title Fighter status in the Showdown, but with three races remaining next weekend at Silverstone, ten riders remain in contention to land the final four places.
The battle for the Title Fighter position intensified in Norfolk as the pack concertinaed in the standings after today’s two races. Christian Iddon’s fifth place in race three made him the fourth rider to be confirmed for the final three-round Showdown, with Peter Hickman just missing out by a single point as he prepares to cement his position at Silverstone next weekend.
The second race of the weekend was another three-way scrap at the front between the McAMS Yamaha pairing of Jason O’Halloran and Mackenzie, as Oxford Products Racing Ducati’s Bridewell again locked horns with the boys in blue.
O’Halloran upped the stakes after losing out to the pair yesterday, emerging ahead following an intense last lap battle with his two closest rivals.
Bridewell had managed to split the teammates by half race distance after O’Halloran ran wide at Wilson, but the championship leader was soon attacking the Oxford Products Racing Ducati contender to regain the position.
In the closing stages, O’Halloran had taken the lead on lap 13 with a decisive move at Wilson on Mackenzie, but the pair had Bridewell pushing them both until he had a moment at Coram when he caught his knee slider on the grass. He saved a crash, but just lost a few hundredths of a second to the leading pair ahead of the final two laps.
On the penultimate lap, Mackenzie held the lead, but O’Halloran fought back at Brundle to take the position. However, it wasn’t over and on the final lap, Mackenzie regained the advantage on the brakes into Agostini.
O’Halloran was piling on the pressure and made his move at the end of the Bentley Straight, then defended hard to take the chequered flag by 0.305s from Mackenzie, as Bridewell claimed a consistent third place.
A dramatic race three eventually featured the same trio tussling for the podium positions, as Mackenzie dealt his rivals a winning blow in an intense five-lap dash following an earlier red flag, to secure the Pirelli Race of Aces trophy.
When the race got underway, Mackenzie launched to the front of the pack with a lightening start from pole position to lead Gino Rea and O’Halloran into Riches for the first time.
However, championship leader O’Halloran was back ahead of the pack by the end of the opening lap as Bridewell had also pushed Mackenzie down the order into third.
By lap five, Bridewell had seized the advantage at Riches with a decisive move on his McAMS Yamaha rival and he was able to fend off the teammates over the following laps before the race was red flagged on lap nine.
Danny Buchan’s SYNETIQ BMW suffered a technical problem at the end of the Bentley Straight and as a result of losing fluid, he crashed heavily with Lee Jackson and Andrew Irwin also caught up in the incident. Jackson was unable to make the five lap restart due to damage to his FS-3 Racing Kawasaki, which puts him in a precarious position as he remains in eighth overall in the standings.
The race restarted with a five-lap sprint to the chequered flag, but Mackenzie again got the lead off the start ahead of Rea, but the Buildbase Suzuki rider was soon under attack as Bridewell and O’Halloran both moved ahead.
On the second lap, Bridewell launched his bid for the win, taking the lead into Brundle to hold the McAMS Yamaha riders behind him.
Mackenzie was not defeated though; he made a move on Bridewell at Agostini on the penultimate lap to reclaim the lead with the pair going head-to-head on the final lap for the victory.
A mistake from Mackenzie at Nelson wasn’t enough to give Bridewell the opportunity he needed to take the win and just 0.048s separated the pair at the chequered flag with O’Halloran completing the podium line up.
Defending champion Josh Brookes equalled his best result of the season with a fourth and sixth place finish today as he bids to claw back the advantage, with 13-points now separating him from eighth in the standings.
Peter Hickman and Buchan hold fifth and sixth place in the standings after the pair both had a challenging weekend in Norfolk. ‘Hicky’ bounced back from tenth in race two and having to start from the back row of the grid following an issue on the grid in race three, to secure seventh for FHO Racing BMW.
Honda Racing’s Glenn Irwin also endured a difficult weekend, meaning he now has just a seven-point margin over Lee Jackson, with the pair holding the final two positions inside the top eight ahead of next weekend’s crucial three races at Silverstone.
Bradley Ray, Brookes, Ryan Vickers, Rory Skinner, Andrew Irwin and Gino Rea are all outside the coveted top eight, as the focus moves to Silverstone, where the final four riders who will fight for the 2021 crown will be decided next Sunday.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Snetterton, Race 2 result:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha)
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +0.305s
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.885s
Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) +2.046s
Gino Rea (Buildbase Suzuki) +2.979s
Lee Jackson (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) +3.033s
Ryan Vickers (RAF Regular & Reserve Kawasaki) +6.422s
Andrew Irwin (SYNETIQ BMW) +6.473s
Rory Skinner (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) +8.972s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +10.857s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Snetterton, Race 3 result:
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha)
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.048s
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +0.952s
Gino Rea (Buildbase Suzuki) +1.152s
Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) +1.322s
Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) +1.515s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +1.790s
Dan Linfoot (TAG Honda) +2.516s
Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing BMW) +2.620s
Kyle Ryde (Rich Energy OMG Racing BMW) +4.138s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings after Snetterton:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 399
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) 293
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 261
Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) 239
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) 224
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) 174
Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) 161
Lee Jackson (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) 154
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Tarran Mackenzie – McAMS Yamaha
Pirelli Race of Aces winner
“It’s been an amazing weekend and I didn’t expect it after crashing at Cadwell Park. We started really strong in first free practice and the bike felt really nice all weekend and allowed me to ride it how I wanted.
“It was great to win yesterday, I felt like I could have done it again this morning but Jason just got the better of me and then I bounced back with another win in a five lap sprint.
“It was important to get a lot of podium points and to have a successful weekend with one round to go before the Showdown is key.
“We move on to Silverstone now which is a great track for me, I love it there and the way the bike is working at the moment I’m sure we’ll be up the sharp end and battling for wins and podiums.”
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Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
November 10, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
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
