Pirelli Takes the Top Two Positions at Utah Motorsports Complex Round of Bagger Racing League
Michael Barnes and Tyler O’Hara Rely on the Performance of Pirelli’s DIABLO Superbike Range in the Bagger GP Class
Michael Barnes (34) and Tyler O’Hara (29) gave Pirelli a 1-2 finish in the Bagger Racing League Bagger GP race at Utah Motorsports Campus. Photo by CaliPhotography.com, courtesy Pirelli.
GRANTSVILLE, Utah (June 30, 2021) – Pirelli Tire North America showed its commitment to racing across all spectrums by dominating the competition in both the Bagger Racing League BAGGER GP Class and the PRO STOCK BAGGER Class at Utah Motorsports Complex on Sunday, June 27. Pirelli controlled the top two positions in BAGGER GP with Michael Barnes racing to victory aboard a Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycle rider Tyler O’Hara finishing a close second. Both Barnes and O’Hara relied on the performance of Pirelli’s DIABLO Superbike range. In PRO STOCK BAGGER, Benny Carlson rode his Sly Fox-backed Harley Davidson to the top step of the podium with Pirelli shod Oleg Pianykh taking second, also using the DIABLO Superbike Range of tires.
“The weekend off started really good and I was able to get pole position,” said Barnes. “I was fast right out of the gate and the switch over to the DIABLO Superbike SCX rear helped us find even more speed on the racetrack. It got hotter heading into the main race, but it seemed to help the tire become even more consistent and proved to be no issue. Along with Oscar’s [Solis] help, we continued to make improvements all weekend long and did a lot of little fine-tuning with air pressure. It was an incredible weekend!”
Barnes, who was able to control the pace out front, used a 125/70-17 DIABLO Superbike SC1 front tire paired with a 200/65-17 DIABLO Superbike SCX rear. O’Hara opted for a 120/70-17 DIABLO Superbike SC2 front and a 190/60-17 DIABLO Superbike SCX rear to keep the pressure on Barnes for the majority of the race.
“That was the fastest I’ve ever gone on my Indian Challenger,” said O’Hara. “The new Pirelli DIABLO Superbike SCX is next level. My tires provided me with the most lean angle and edge grip I’ve ever had in bagger racing. Thank you, Pirelli, for the support!”
O’Hara managed to clock the fastest lap time of the race and of any rider throughout the weekend with a 1:38.550. Barnes recorded a best lap time of 1:38.635. The duo finished with more than 30-seconds to spare over their nearest competitor.
“What Pirelli riders were able to accomplish this weekend was nothing short of amazing,” said Oscar Solis, senior racing manager, Pirelli. “Bagger racing is something that we’ve only begun to scratch the surface with and it’s really satisfying to have this kind of success right away. Pirelli’s commitment and dedication to racing are second to none and I believe that this weekend just further showed when racers have a choice, they choose Pirelli. Congratulations to Michael [Barnes] and Tyler [O’Hara] on their great rides!”
Pirelli continues to set the bar in roadracing throughout North America, and when spec tire rules do not apply, has been the go-to tire choice for racers looking to reach the top step of the podium. Over the weekend, Pirelli took the lion’s share of podium spots, with a total of four riders on the Bagger Racing League’s first podium presentations.
SUZUKI’S KELLY CONTINUES TO DOMINATE SUPERSPORT IN SEARCH OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP
Brea, CA – Suzuki Motor USA and Team Hammer racked up two wins and five podiums as the 2021 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship completed a scorching weekend of race action at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington.
Sean Dylan Kelly (40) delivered a dominant performance with two Supersport victories. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.
MotoAmerica Supersport title leader Sean Dylan Kelly and his M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R600 were more than up to the challenge presented by his competition and the relentless triple-digit temperatures.
‘SDK’ notched up another pole and then translated his one-lap superiority into a pair of critically important race victories. Sunday’s race followed the same basic pattern as Saturday’s with Kelly controlling from the front while remaining precise and in command despite the application of intense pressure from close behind all the way to the checkered flag.
As a result, the Floridian now boasts a 21-point championship advantage on the strength of the five-race wins he’s already earned in 2021.
“That was definitely a tough race… as if yesterday wasn’t tough enough!” Kelly said. “I went out and tried my absolute best and gave my all. It was a great weekend. We got pole again, set the track record, and won both races. We have to be proud of the job we’re doing. This feels amazing, but we just have to keep chipping away and keep our feet on the ground. Huge thank you to my M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team.”
Kelly was joined on the podium on both days by Salvadoran Kevin Olmedo aboard his Team Hammer-built Altus Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R600.
Sam Lochoff (44) earned two solid fourth place finishes on his Suzuki GSX-R600. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.
SDK’s M4 ECSTAR Suzuki teammate Sam Lochoff logged a pair of fourths to add to his impressive rookie MotoAmerica Supersport campaign. As good as that was, the South African came painfully close to scoring a second-career Supersport podium on Sunday, holding down third position until a last-lap off-track excursion opened the door for Olmedo. Lochoff now sits in third place in the Supersport championship points standings.
Cam Petersen (45) earned an impressive third straight Superbike podium finish on his GSX-R1000. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.
Outside of Cameron Petersen adding a third-consecutive MotoAmerica Superbike podium on Saturday, the weekend was one to learn and move on from in the premier class category.
Petersen was solidly positioned to continue his podium streak to four on Sunday before a fluke occurrence, a rear wheel speed sensor failure, forced him to slow and eventually accept sixth position.
Bobby Fong (50) raced hard in tough conditions and is looking forward to Laguna Seca. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.
The round was even more difficult for Petersen’s M4 ECSTAR Suzuki teammate, Bobby Fong, who struggled after crashing hard and destroying his ‘A’ bike during testing on Thursday. Due to lingering issues from his testing fall, Fong lost feeling in his hand during both races. The gritty Californian pushed to his maximum in the blisteringly hot conditions yet was only rewarded for his efforts with uncharacteristic seventh- and eighth-place results.
“We’re trying,” Fong said. “Obviously, we’re trying our hardest over here. It’s not like I forgot how to ride a motorcycle, and we’re giving it our all. I don’t give up, I don’t quit. All the stars have to be aligned in Superbike racing, and we’re going to give it our best at the next round.”
Wyatt Farris (79) continues to improve with two top-10 finishes in the Stock 1000 class. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.
Olmedo’s Altus Motorsports Suzuki teammate Jake Lewis remains within eight points of the Stock 1000 championship lead after claiming a runner-up result aboard his Team Hammer-built GSX-R1000 on Saturday. Unfortunately, a Sunday DNF more than ate up the title padding he had accumulated, but that padding also sees him still within striking distance despite his Sunday misfortune. M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Wyatt Farris finished ninth and eighth in the Stock 1000 races in Washington.
Team Hammer will remain on the West Coast for the upcoming MotoAmerica round at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in beautiful Monterey, California, on July 9-11.
More, from a press release issued by Altus Motorsports:
MotoAmerica: Round 4 Results from The Ridge Motorsports Park for the Altus Motorsports Tucker Environmental Service Solutions Team
(Shelton, WA) A record-breaking heat wave hit the Pacific Northwest just as the MotoAmerica teams rolled into the pits at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington. With temperatures well over 100 degrees, it was an extremely hot weekend for racing. Dunlop hosted a tire test at “The Ridge” on the Thursday before the event and the Altus team was there to gather data and continue learning the highly technical track.
Honos Superbike & Stock 1000:
After missing the 2020 race season, Jake Lewis arrived in Washington with no experience of the technical Ridge Motorsports Park track. The team struggled to find a good setup during the Dunlop tire on Thursday and the practice and qualifying sessions on Friday. Due to a change by MotoAmerica, the top Stock1000 riders practiced and qualified with the Superbike Class this weekend. On Saturday the team found something and in Jake’s second qualifying session, he ran the fastest Stock1000 lap and secured pole position for those races
In Race 1 of the Stock1000 class, Jake got a great start and pulled a small gap. Unfortunately, in the heat, his rear tire had rotated 180 degrees on the rim making the bike difficult to ride. With two laps to go, he dropped to 2nd and held that spot to the finish. Lewis also got a great start on Sunday but a mechanical on the first lap forced him to retire from the race.
Jake Lewis (85). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“We had a minor mechanical issue at the start of the Sunday Stock1000 race. If it wasn’t for Jake’s experience and quick thinking, it could have been much worse,” said Crew Chief Eric Gray.
Lewis also contested the Superbike class and started both races from 9th. In race 1 he finished in 9th and second in the Superbike Cup. In the Sunday race, he fished in 14th overall and as the 4th Superbike Cup bike.
Supersport 600:
Jaret Nassaney came out with the team for the pre-race weekend tire test. He spent the time dialing in his setup. Jaret started both races from 11th. He finished Saturday in 8th and Sunday in 9th.
“It was a really good weekend. We survived the heat and got some good results. We have a solid base setup for the rest of the season,” said Jaret Nassaney.
Jaret Nassaney (59). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
The Ridge was Kevin Olmedo’s second event back with the team after his shoulder surgery. The benefits of the additional recovery time showed from the first session. Kevin was top 4 in every session and qualified 3rd. In the Saturday race, he held third from start to finish. In the Sunday race, he ran in fourth for most of the race but, on the penultimate lap, made a pass to take third. He finished the weekend with two podiums.
“I feel really happy with these two podiums. I will continue to work on the strength in my shoulder and show up even stronger at Laguna,” said Kevin Olmedo
Kevin Olmedo (16). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Junior Cup:
It was Hayden Bicknese’s first trip to Ridge Motorsports Park but he adapted to the technical track quickly. He was P6 after the first qualifying session and ended up qualifying P9. Unfortunately, he was forced to retire from Race 1 with a mechanical issue. In race 2, an unfortunate crash on lap 5 ended Hayden’s weekend with a second DNF.
Hayden Bicknese (69). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“Those were some of the toughest conditions our team has had to work through. The heat was brutal and I appreciate the incredible effort they put in,” said team owner George Nassaney.
The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, Environmental Service Solutions, Suzuki Motor USA, Creative Sports Concepts, Tucker Powersports, Schaefer Engineering, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Barnett, VP Lubricants, SBS Brakes, Galfer USA, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.
More, from a press release issued by Jackson Blackmon Racing:
Blackmon Wins Both Twins Cup Races At The Ridge
Jackson Blackmon (18). Photo by Sara Chappell Photography, courtesy Jackson Blackmon Racing.
Jackson Blackmon was looking for redemption this past weekend in Washington after his third, 2nd place finish this season. Jackson Blackmon Racing has been trying different setups with their 2021 Yamaha MT-07 every race since VIR. It seemed that the MotoAmerica test day on Thursday was just what Blackmon needed to get even more comfortable on his Yamaha. The pace was fast all weekend, however for JBR they were able to improve every session to have their best qualifying of the year!
From his second place starting position, Blackmon, in race one, was able to lead the first lap however it wasn’t long before another rider passed him on lap two. In the middle of the race, another rider got to the front and stretched out a slight gap, however Blackmon would stay within striking distance. The leader then crashed out of the race. This would put Blackmon in a battle for the lead. Blackmon executed the pass on the brakes in turn thirteen the penultimate lap to then take his first Twins Cup victory.
In Race 2, Blackmon executed the perfect race, marking his first flag-to-flag victory in Twins Cup leading from start to finish the whole race.
Jackson Blackmon Racing has now had 5 starts and 5 podiums, with two of them being victories and have a lot of momentum rolling into Laguna. Despite Blackmon missing the first round with a broken wrist, he has come back strong putting himself 2nd in the championship standing, just 3 points out of the lead.
Blackmon was quoted as saying, “I was so happy to take my first win and then able to back it up with two in a row. My dad and I have been working so hard on the bike and with the support from Yamaha we have been able to make the machine handle amazing. We have found a happy baseline setup with my MT-07 and I feel that now I can just focus on my riding and racecraft. I would like to say thank you to each and everyone of my and sponsors and supporters for their help this year. Can’t wait to carry the momentum to Laguna!”
Will we see Blackmon on the new R7 soon? Stay tuned!
JBR would like to thank their sponsors: Yamaha Motor USA, Finishline Machine, North East Cycles, Yamalube, Trackday Winner, GP Tech, Wiseco Pistons, HJC Helmets, Roaring Toyz, Millennium Technologies, OneX, Web Cams, SBS Brakes, Vortex, and 64 Degrees.
Don’t miss any of the action. Be sure to follow Jackson on Facebook:@JacksonBlackmon18 and Instagram @JBlackmon_18
Single race sponsorship opportunities are still available for the 2021 season. Contact Jackson [email protected]
More, from a press release issued by Jeremy Cook Racing:
Jeremy Cook Racing features team of U.S. Marines veterans days after Cook’s collarbone surgery for MotoAmerica Superbikes at the Ridge
BMW rider back on the Stock 1000 grid after suffering multiple injuries in crash at previous MotoAmerica round
Jeremy Cook (81). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Jeremy Cook Racing.
SHELTON, Wash. – As MotoAmerica veteran Jeremy Cook boarded a plane Thursday heading from his home city of Baltimore, Md., to Seattle, the BMW rider hoped his trip wouldn’t be in vain. Just two weeks after suffering multiple injuries in a crash at MotoAmerica’s Superbikes at Road America and days after having his shattered collarbone surgically repaired, Cook wasn’t sure if he’d be medically cleared to race at MotoAmerica’s round on June 25-27 at Ridge Motorsports Park.
In the end, Cook was cleared to race and led his team of U.S. Marines veterans to two 16th-place finishes in the weekend’s MotoAmerica Stock 1000 races aboard his BMW S 1000 RR. Just making it to the end of each 13-lap race in brutally hot and humid conditions was a challenge for the ailing Cook, but the former Marine saw the mission through and hopes to be back to better form at the next MotoAmerica round in two weeks time.
It was Cook’s first time racing at The Ridge Motorsports Park. He took part in a track day event at the facility in May thanks to support from South Sound Motorcycles — a BMW dealership in Tacoma, Wash.
Cook sat out the test day on Thursday and both Stock 1000 Class on-track sessions on Friday. He finished Saturday morning’s qualifying session in 17th.
Though he was far from 100 percent healthy, Cook finished both of the weekend’s races higher in the running order than he started. Cook started 20nd on the grid for Saturday afternoon’s race, and attrition farther up the field and a late-race pass allowed Cook to finish in 16th — one position away from scoring a championship point. Cook also improved his pace around the 2.47-mile road course on Saturday, posting a best lap time of 1:49.513 in Race 1 compared to the 1:50.933 he laid down in qualifying.
In Sunday’s Stock 1000 contest, Cook started from 21st but had moved up to 18th by the end of Lap 1 and 17th by the end of Lap 5. Cook again made a move late in the race to gain another position and claimed his second 16th-place finish of the weekend. He again improved his pace, lowering his best lap time of the weekend to a 1:48.593.
Cook’s team for the weekend included U.S. Marine veteran and Motorcycle Xcitement rider coach Dakari Harris and U.S. Marine veteran Don Williams – a participant in the Veterans Empowered through Motorsports program.
Cook has two weeks to heal up before he’s due back on the MotoAmerica grid. The next round takes place July 9-11 at the home of the famed “Corkscrew” turn, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif.
Jeremy Cook / No. 81
“I wasn’t even sure if I could make it through both races with all the injuries I am dealing with right now, and just seeing the checkered flag in both races was like a small victory. I just took it one day at a time and tried to not push myself too hard, as we’re not even halfway through the season yet. I was really happy with how much my lap times improved from Saturday to Sunday, given that I’m eight days out from having had my collarbone pinned back together. It also was great to have a team of Marine vets helping me out this weekend, and it was a pleasure having Don join the team for this round thanks to Veterans Empowered through Motorsports. He did a great job and I’m looking forward to having more fellow Marine veterans be part of the team in the future. I think what the team and I accomplished this weekend shows what Marine vets are capable of!”
More, from a press release issued by Travis Wyman Racing:
Wyman scores podium, remains atop Superbike Cup standings at conclusion of MotoAmerica Superbikes at the Ridge
BMW rider perseveres through bike troubles, 100-degree temperatures to remain in contention for two MotoAmerica titles at Ridge Motorsports Park
Travis Wyman (10). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Travis Wyman Racing.
SHELTON, Wash. — There were plenty of setbacks for the Travis Wyman Racing BMW team at MotoAmerica’s Superbikes at the Ridge, yet the team found ways to overcome several technical problems and the brutally hot conditions to score a podium finish and remain atop the Superbike Cup standings.
The Las Vegas rider endured a rear tire problem and engine overheating issues with his BMW S 1000 RR on Saturday but finished the June 25-27 event at The Ridge Motorsports Park with a third place in Sunday’s Stock 1000 race and second-best finish among the Superbike Cup riders in Sunday’s Superbike race.
Wyman left The Ridge with a six-point lead in the MotoAmerica Superbike Cup points standings and is fourth in the battle for the Stock 1000 title.
Wyman and the other top four riders in the Superbike Cup practiced and qualified with the Superbike Class at The Ridge round. Wyman posted a best time of 1:44.120 in Superbike practice on Friday, which was the second-fastest time among the Superbike Cup riders and the 11th-best time when compared to the Superbike riders. Later Friday, Wyman finished the day’s qualifying session 10th with a time of 1:44.133.
Qualifying concluded Saturday morning with Wyman securing second on the weekend’s Stock 1000 starting grid with a lap time of 1:42.881.
The first of four races Wyman took part in — in searing 100 degree or higher temperatures — was Saturday’s Stock 1000 race. After getting a mediocre start, Wyman recovered to finish the first lap in fourth place. However, a problem with his rear tire affected his BMW’s handling and its ability to get good drive out of corners. After a near-highside as he exited the track’s last turn, Wyman dropped as low as eighth in the running order. He moved up one position on Lap 8 but had to settle for a seventh-place finish while running lap times about a second slower than the race leaders.
In the Saturday Superbike race, Wyman’s fast pace was brought to a halt by a problem with his motorcycle’s cooling system. Starting from 12th, Wyman had worked his way up to ninth place in two laps but had to retire from the race on Lap 4 when water began spraying from his BMW’s catch can.
The team worked on ways to keep Wyman’s BMW running cooler Saturday night, and its efforts proved worthwhile Sunday. In the day’s Stock 1000 race, Wyman recovered from dropping to fifth place at the end of Lap 1 to scoring his third podium finish of the 2021 Stock 1000 season. Later Sunday, Wyman got a good start in the Superbike race and brought his BMW home in 11th place, the second-best finish among the Superbike Cup riders.
The Travis Wyman Racing BMW team has two weeks to freshen up the team’s BMW S 1000 RR before it heads to the next MotoAmerica round, which is slated for July 9-11 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif.
Travis Wyman / No. 10
“It was a pretty frustrating weekend at The Ridge, but the good results I got on Sunday — especially the podium in Stock 1000 — made the struggle worthwhile. I’ve taught at racetracks around the world and can say the conditions were some of the hottest I’ve endured in my racing career. My crew chief, Steve Weir, and mechanic, Alex Torres, did an outstanding job this weekend, and we wouldn’t have found the success we did on Sunday without the hard work they put in Saturday night. I owe a big thank you to Steve Korol of Evol Technology LLC for being my team’s title sponsor for the Ridge, and it’s great to be nearing the halfway point of the season and still be in the mix for two class titles. There’s still a lot of racing left to go this year, and what we overcame here at the Ridge gives the team a lot of positive momentum heading into the next round at Laguna Seca.”
More, from a press release issued by BARTCON Racing:
BARTCON Racing couldn’t be prouder of 14-year-old Kayla Yaakov, who just started her professional career in the MotoAmerica STG Junior Cup series this past weekend on board her BARTCON Racing/Coastal Kawasaki Ninja 400.
Kayla Yaakov (31) in action at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy BARTCON Racing.
Unfortunately, Kayla had a slow start, crashing in free practice which left her with a slight shoulder injury. She battled on regardless and qualified 13th, earning her a spot on the fifth row of the grid.
Kayla took ninth in her debut in Race One followed by an excellent sixth in Race Two, which was all the more impressive considering the race was run in blistering 100-degree ambient temperatures.
Big thanks to all the BARTCON Racing/Kayla fans that swung by the paddock to wish her the best of luck and a bigger thanks to our sponsors who without their support we would not be able to make this season possible. Coastal Neurosurgery & Spine, JTS Surgical, Triple Strong Racing, Forma Boots USA, Orient Express, K-Tech Suspension, Bud Lubricants, Spears Racing, Rage Grafix.
We are all very excited for our next round in less than two weeks at Laguna Seca and hope to see all our West Coast friends, family and fans there cheering on Kayla, Dominic Doyle, and Ryne Snooks.
ROYAL ENFIELD CELEBRATES FIRST-EVER HALF-MILE VICTORY
Lewis wins in commanding fashion at the Lima Half-Mile
Milwaukee, Wis (Tuesday, June 29, 2021) – Round seven of the 2021 Progressive American Flat Track Championship proved to be a historic moment for Royal Enfield, as Johnny Lewis and the Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield Team were the class of the field on Saturday evening at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio. The win marked the team’s first victory since the Daytona I Short Track, and the first-ever Half-Mile win for Royal Enfield and the Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield Team.
Johnny Lewis (center) on the podium with Cory Texter (right) at the Lima Half-Mile. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
“This weekend gave us the opportunity to showcase what the Royal Enfield Twins FT is capable of,” said Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield rider Johnny Lewis. “The team has been working extremely hard every time out to improve the motorcycle and this result reflects all the effort we’ve put into the program. We couldn’t be happier with this achievement. Thank you to Royal Enfield, the team and all our supporters for backing us.”
Lewis got out to a decent start in the main event but had to work his way into the lead, which took him less than a minute to do. From there, Lewis simply dominated the field, leaving the competition to battle over second as he stretched his lead. A red flag (due to a downed rider) with less than two minutes remaining prompted a restart, and once again Lewis had to make some passes to get out front, but he simply powered his Royal Enfield Twins FT around the outside, reclaiming the lead and taking the checkered flag.
Johnny Lewis’ win at Lima, Ohio comes after a steady season of progress with the Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield Team. Following some flashes of brilliance aboard the Twins FT in the 2021 season, Lewis and the team knew they had the engine to be competitive, and worked on fine-tuning the chassis with their focus specifically on the Half-Mile. The classic venue at Lima, Ohio—the only cushion Half-Mile on the American Flat Track schedule—was the perfect stage for this significant victory for Royal Enfield.
“This historic win came at the right moment for the team, for Johnny and Royal Enfield,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing and Communications Lead – Royal Enfield Americas. “We started the season with a new crew led by David Lloyd and have been looking for our first win at a Half-Mile. We look forward to continuing our development and seeing Johnny progress even more throughout the 2021 American Flat Track season.”
Lewis and the Moto Anatomy X Royal Enfield team will be back in action on Saturday, July 24, at the Port Royale Half-Mile in New York. They will be joined by the Royal Enfield BUILD TRAIN RACE (BTR) program as the ladies are looking toward their next exhibition race at the same venue.
About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the mid-size motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.
The Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield team is supported by Harris Performance, SENA, Spectro Oils, Beringer Brakes, Solid Performance, EVS, ODI, Just 1, Tucker, Saddlemen, S&S Cycle, Team Lawant, Quayle Construction and Goon Glass and Rubber.
Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 125 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the all-new Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT 650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.
More, from a press release issued by Indian Motorcycle:
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE FACTORY RIDER BRIAR BAUMAN TAKES FIRST PLACE IN FRONT OF A SOLD-OUT CROWD AT LIMA HALF-MILE
Bauman rings in his 18th career win, and second Lima Half-Mile victory during the Mission SuperTwins
Briar Bauman (1). Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
LIMA, Ohio – Indian Motorcycle Racing carried out its 2021 American Flat Track (AFT) season Saturday evening under the lights at the Johnny K’s Indian Motorcycle Lima Half-Mile powered by Drag Specialties at the Allen County Fairgrounds. Indian Motorcycle factory rider and two-time Grand National Champion Briar Bauman took first place, solidifying his second win of the 2021 AFT season.
Joining Bauman on the podium were fellow Indian Motorcycle riders Brandon Robinson and Jared Vanderkooi. Robinson, who won last week’s Oklahoma City Mile I, has recorded back-to-back second-place finishes, while Vanderkooi, an Ohio local, secured his third podium of the season.
“This is the same track I secured my first Twins win on back in 2017, so to be able to come in tonight, in front of a sold-out crowd, and take the podium after a dramatic battle is pretty special,” said Bauman. “We knew we were going to have fierce competition, so to have bar-to-bar action and come out on top means a lot to our team and gives us a boost of confidence as we look to the second half of the season.”
The pure muscle win at the Lima Half-Mile sets Bauman at the top of the leaderboard with 139 points. Robinson trails closely with 127 points, while Jared Mees sits in third with 116. Through seven races, the three riders find themselves with two wins a piece, while Bauman has recorded six total podium finishes.
The season is sure to be an exciting journey to follow as Robinson and Bauman continue to duke it out for the coveted position atop the leaderboard. The 2021 AFT season will continue Saturday, July 17, at the Duquoin mile. 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.
BARNES CHARGES TO BAGGER RACING LEAGUE WIN ON HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE SPECIAL
H-D Racers 1-3 in Premier Bagger class; H-D Racer Carlson wins Hooligan GP and Pro Stock GP
MILWAUKEE (June 28, 2021) – Hoban Brothers Racing/DTF Performance rider Michael Barnes rode a race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® Special motorcycle to victory in the inaugural Bagger Racing League (BRL) road race event on June 27 at Utah Motorsports Campus in Grantsville, Utah. Competing in the main event Premier Bagger class, Barnes beat S&S/Indian Motorcycles rider Tyler O’Hara to the finish line by 0.356 seconds. Cory West was third on the Saddlemen Racing/Slyfox Performance Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special. In BRL support classes, Benny Carlson won both the Hooligan GP (Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson XR1200) and Pro Stock GP (Suicide Machine Company Harley-Davidson Road Glide) races.
“This win is a confidence booster for myself and the team,” said Barnes. “We didn’t think we were that far off at the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers race at Road America. For this race we had a different front end, different shocks, different geometry. We made some smart decisions, and they have all made the bike better. That’s a testament to the knowledge of this team. Setting up a Road Glide for road racing has been a steep learning curve, not just for me riding it but everyone involved. We’ve made leaps and bounds at every test and every event, so after disappointing results earlier this season it’s a great reward to get this win.”
Barnes was the top qualifier for the BRL event, took the holeshot, and led O’Hara for the entire 8-lap race distance.
“Tyler and I have raced each other a lot over the years,” said Barnes. “He was right there the whole time. At the start, I could feel him try a line up the inside. And couple times I ran wide due to shifting issues, but he wasn’t able to take advantage. I basically got the holeshot and tried to keep him at bay.”
The Bagger Racing League is a new racing organization promoting road-racing competition for American V-Twin-powered motorcycles. Racing takes place in four classes over a three-day weekend that also includes entertainment including stunt shows.
Bagger Racing League Premier Bagger GP Results:
1. Michael Barnes (Hoban Brothers Racing/DTF Performance Harley-Davidson)
2. Tyler O’Hara (S&S Indian)
3. Cory West (Saddlemen Racing/Slyfox Harley-Davidson)
It’s coming home: WorldSBK heads to where it all began at Donington Park
After a year out in 2020, WorldSBK thunders into the United Kingdom, where there’s a homecoming to be had
The 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is shaping up to be a vintage year, as we roll into the Great British countryside for round four of the season at Donington Park. With sporting fever in the air across the whole world as summer kicks in, WorldSBK returns to its birthplace of Donington Park, where it all started back on a cold April Sunday in 1988. 31 years later and the Championship is red hot, with home-hero Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) leading an in-form Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with BRIXX WorldSBK) by 20 points, but that could all change in what is set to be, as ever, an unpredictable UK Round.
The man in the best form coming into the Prosecco DOC UK Round is Toprak Razgatlioglu, having taken his first 2021 victory last time out, the latest in a string of six consecutive podiums that have consisted of four second places, one third and now a victory. He also returns to a happy hunting ground at Donington Park, where he achieved a career-first WorldSBK podium by beating Jonathan Rea in 2018 on the final lap of Race 2. In 2019, they also went head-to-head in the closing stages; is another duel on the cards? Teammate Andrea Locatelli makes his racing debut at Donington Park this weekend and will hope for a solid weekend after visiting the track two week before.
Aiming to bounce back and strike with victory on home soil, Jonathan Rea took all three races at Donington Park in 2019. Whilst the last three races at the track may well have been good to the reigning six-time World Champion, the last three races of recent times were more of a challenge. Three third places at Misano left Rea wanting more, but when this is a ‘bad’ day at the office, you know his monumental consistency is strong. He aims to be back on the top step at Donington Park for a sixth time, whilst teammate Alex Lowes hasn’t ridden Donington Park on a Kawasaki.
After a difficult Misano where he couldn’t crack the front-running pace, Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) needs a resurgence at Donington Park, the circuit where he took a first ever World Championship win at back in 2008’s 125cc World Championship GP. Three fourth places at Misano leaves Redding 45 points back in the title race, whilst on the other side of the garage, Michael Ruben Rinaldi was in sensational form at Misano, with two wins and a second, something he hopes will act as a key change in 2021 after a difficult first two rounds. Two 12th places in 2019 for Rinaldi at Donington Park, something he should improve on this weekend.
5 key stats ahead of the Prosecco DOC UK Round
3 – There are three riders in the current field who won a WorldSBK race at Donington: Tom Sykes (9), Jonathan Rea (5), Michael van der Mark (2).
7 – Tom Sykes is the record holder for Donington Superpoles: seven, and he is the only active rider who started from pole here.
23 – British riders have won 23 races here: in 2018 Michael van der Mark stopped a sequence of 11 wins by British riders, but Rea in 2019 put Great Britain back on top winning all three races.
2011 – The last race without a Kawasaki rider on the Donington podium was back in 2011.
54 – Ducati have built up 54 podium finishes in the 55 races held so far at Donington. Kawasaki are second-best with 45.
Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz Finishes Just Off The Podium In Sunday’s Superbike Race At Ridge Motorsports Park
Shelton, WA – June 28, 2021 – After finishing fifth in Saturday’s Superbike race at Ridge Motorsports Park, Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz improved in Sunday’s race with a fourth-place result and maintained his second-place position in the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship.
Starting in the middle of the second row based on his fifth-place finish in Saturday’s race, Mathew got a good jump off the line and moved into fourth place on the opening lap. He got shuffled back to fifth for a few laps in the middle of the race, but he fought hard in the 100-plus-degree air temperatures, moved back up to fourth place, and tenaciously held the position all the way to the checkered flag.
“We made some setup changes from Saturday to Sunday’s warmup, and they seemed positive,” commented Mathew. “Then, when the race came in the afternoon, it was a lot hotter, and I just seemed to suffer (in the heat) a little bit more than I did yesterday. I brought the bike home in fourth, which was obviously not what we wanted, but it is an improvement from yesterday, so we can take the positives from that.
“We’ve got our work cut out for us, but I really am looking forward to Laguna Seca. It’s always been good to me, and with the help of Niccolò Canepa’s setup from last year (when he was a fill-in rider for the team at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca while Mathew recovered from injuries he sustained in a crash the round before at Indianapolis Motor Speedway), moving forward with the bike and understanding what we know now should help us try to run up front and battle for the podium there. I just want to give a big shout-out to the Westby team. It’s been difficult lately, but we are all in this together, and we can definitely make our way back up to the top.”
Jack Roach (12). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Westby Racing.
Westby Racing’s Junior Cup rider Jack Roach’s weekend at the racetrack closest to his home in British Columbia, Canada, did not go quite as well as he had hoped, but on the bright side, his Sunday result was an improvement on Saturday. After finishing 12th in Saturday’s race, he moved up three positions to finish 9th and inside the top 10 on Sunday. In addition, Jack’s results at Ridge moved him up three positions in the 2021 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship.
Next up for Westby Racing is round six of the MotoAmerica Championship, which will take place at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, on July 9 through 11.
Also, follow “Westby Racing” on your favorite social media sites.
More, from a press release issued by Ducati North America:
Ducati on Point in The Woods of Washington with 4-3 Results
Loris Baz (76) leading Cameron Petersen (45). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati North America.
Sunnyvale, Calif – In stifling heat, Loris Baz (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York) completed his best weekend of the season to date at The Ridge, taking fourth and third place finishes on the factory-spec Ducati Panigale V4 R SBK.
The sole Ducati representative in Washington after Kyle Wyman’s Road America accident and subsequent arm injury, Baz and the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York battled back from a fourth place finish in race one for a superlative second in race two behind double winner Jake Gagne (Yamaha). The result hoists Baz up to sixth in the standings, seven points off of Suzuki rider Bobby Fong.
2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Standing – Top 5
P1 – Jake Gagne (Yamaha) 175
P2 – Mathew Scholtz (Yamaha) 131
P3 – Josh Herrin (Yamaha) 123
P4 – Cameron Petersen (Suzuki) 108
P5 – Bobby Fong (Suzuki) 89
P6 – Loris Baz (Ducati) 82
P8 – Kyle Wyman (Ducati) 49
Loris Baz (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York – Ducati #76)
“It’s been a great weekend, honestly,” Baz said. “I’ve never felt so good on the bike, even after the big changes we made between sessions. It was a little rough in the race with the rear tire on the left side which made it difficult to push in race one so I just decided to bring it home in P4. But as soon as the track temperature raised, I was confident but I didn’t feel a lot of rear grip which made it difficult to push like I wanted. We just have to keep learning, especially in hot weather. The competition has been in this heat before but we haven’t so we are still learning. We’ve got a little break so I will head to LA for a couple of days and then go to Laguna Seca, which is a track I love. Plus, it’s a track I know, so that is a bonus!”
More, from a press release issued by Robem Engineering:
De Keyrel scores two podium finishes at MotoAmerica Superbikes at the Ridge, maintains Twins Cup points lead
All three Robem Engineering riders secure top-five finishes in extremely hot conditions at The Ridge Motorsports Park
SHELTON, Wash. – After putting in a dominant performance at Road America two weeks ago, Robem Engineering rider Kaleb De Keyrel did enough at MotoAmerica’s Superbikes at the Ridge round to stay atop the Twins Cup points standings. The Minnesotan persevered through brutally hot conditions at The Ridge Motorsports Park to score two podium finishes, which kept the Aprilia rider in the lead for the 2021 MotoAmerica Twins Cup title.
De Keyrel and both of his Robem Engineering teammates — Hayden Schultz and Toby Khamsouk — scored top-five finishes at the June 25-27 event aboard their Aprilia RS 660s, and Schultz and Khamsouk both moved up three places in the class standings. The results were hard-earned, as the riders and team had to contend with temperatures at or above 100 degrees for both races.
The team’s first on-track session on The Ridge’s recently repaved, 2.47-mile road course was Friday morning practice, which De Keyrel finished at the top of the time sheets. Schultz was the fifth-fastest rider in the session, and Khamsouk was eighth fastest. Twins Cup qualifying got underway later Friday, with De Keyrel finishing the qualifying session in second place, Schultz in sixth and Khamsouk in eighth.
Qualifying wrapped up Saturday morning with all three Robem Engineering riders having secured top-five places on the weekend’s starting grid. De Keyrel led the team’s qualifying effort, finishing third and securing a spot on the front row of the grid. His teammates were line-a-stern behind him, with Schultz nabbing fourth place and Khamsouk claiming fifth place.
In Saturday’s Twins Cup race, De Keyrel and Schultz both got good starts and were in the mix for a podium or better early in the race. Schultz unfortunately had slid down the running order to fifth place by the end of Lap 3, but De Keyrel briefly the lead of the race in the early laps before being passed by another rider. When the race leader crashed out on Lap 7, De Keyrel found himself leading the field again until the penultimate lap. He was passed by another rider at the track’s very tight and slow Turn 13 and did his best to get back into the lead, but had to settle for a hard-fought runner-up finish. Khamsouk crossed the finish line behind De Keyrel in fourth place, and Schultz’s fifth place made it three Robem Engineering riders in the top five.
Sunday’s race saw Robem Engineering riders score two more top-five finishes. All three riders got away well when the lights went out. Schultz showed strong pace early, finishing the first lap in third place. However, Schultz and another rider made an error under braking heading into Turn 13 on Lap 2, which allowed De Keyrel to move up from fourth to second in one corner. De Keyrel was passed by another rider on Lap 5 and dropped to third place but was able to maintain consistent pace and scored his second podium finish of the event. Schultz had the pace to stay with De Keyrel but wasn’t able to challenge him for a podium and claimed a fourth-place finish. Khamsouk recovered from a mistake in the early laps of the race to finish seventh.
The team has a weekend off before it’s back in action at the next round of the MotoAmerica season, which is scheduled for July 9-11 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif.
Kaleb De Keyrel (51). Photo by Sara Chappell Photography, courtesy Robem Engineering.
Kaleb De Keyrel / No. 51
“Overall, it was a positive weekend. We’re still leading the championship, and I feel like I gave it 100 percent every time I hit the track. We struggled with grip due to the hot conditions and – with sliding around a bit – I just didn’t have the confidence in my bike that I needed to win. We overcame a lot and learned a lot. This track is a lot smaller and tighter than the other tracks we race at, but we learned more about our Aprilia every time we hit the track. This round taught me a lot about tire management in the heat. I’m really looking forward to the next round at Laguna Seca. It’s one of my favorite tracks, and I think we take a lot of what we learned this weekend and apply it there.”
Schultz (49). Photo by Sara Chappell Photography, courtesy Robem Engineering.
Hayden Schultz / No. 49
“It was a hot weekend in Washington, but we got some solid results. I was aiming for a podium this weekend but fell a little short of that. In Race 1, we had some trouble adapting our setup to the ridiculously high track temperatures, but the team made some big changes for Race 2 and we much better pace on Sunday. A big thanks to the entire Robem Engineering crew for helping me bounce back on Sunday. Overall, I’m happy with the progress we made, and we got some positive momentum going here that we’ll carry into the next round at Laguna Seca.”
Toby Khamsouk (27). Photo by Sara Chappell Photography, courtesy Robem Engineering.
Toby Khamsouk / No. 27
“I got a bad start in Race 1 but worked my way back up to fourth place. In Race 2, I got a good start off the line, but made a mistake in Turn 13, which caused me to lose touch with a front group. I’m looking for some positive vibes for Laguna Seca, which is my home race.”
Robem Engineering’s technical partners for 2021 include Aprilia Racing, Piaggio Group Americas, The Center for Plastic Surgery, Velocity Calibrations, Bitubo Suspension, Dunlop, Woodcraft Technologies, Dymag, Vesrah, DNA Filters, Magura USA, Sara Chappell Photos, NGK/NTK, Blud Lubricants, Millennium Technologies and SC-Project.
More, from a press release issued by Pure Attitude Racing:
Top Ten finishes in Supersport and Twins Cup for Pure Attitude Racing at The Ridge
The Pure Attitude Racing team were back in action in the latest round of the MotoAmerica Championship at The Ridge Motorsports Park near Shelton, Washington this past weekend, with once again their riders Austin Miller, Nate Minster (Supersport) and Liam MacDonald (Twins Cup), adding multiple championship points to each of their respective tallies this season.
With double races for each category and with temperatures soaring to 117 degrees on Sunday, the on-track action was intense.
Liam MacDonald, the team’s sole representative in Twins Cup following Trevor Standish’s spill last time out at Road America, once again found himself inside the Top Ten in Race 2, after running close to the Top Six throughout Free Practice earlier in the weekend. Race 1 sadly saw Liam record his first DNF of the season, the Kiwi, struggling to overcome an intermittent gear change issue that the team resolved for Sunday’s second encounter. Despite the obvious frustration, Liam remains ninth overall in the overall standings, well in contention for the Top Six with numerous races remaining.
In Supersport, Saturday’s race saw another double point scoring ride from Nate Minster and Austin Miller. Minster raced hard to record his third Top Ten finish of the season, whilst Austin Miller rode the race of his short MotoAmerica Supersport career to finish an impressive eleventh at the flag – his best result in the category to date. Sunday saw both riders running inside the points once again until the #61 slid out of contention. He would remount to finish twentieth, with Minster adding an additional two points to his 2021 scorecard in fourteenth.
The team move next to the WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca in California in a fortnight for Round 5 eager to build on their continued successes.
Liam MacDonald (37). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Liam MacDonald: “We made a good step in the right direction on Sunday, and I was able to run a consistent pace and finish in the Top Ten, which after Saturday’s disappointment was important for my confidence as we move towards the halfway point in the season. I am really looking forward to racing at Laguna in a couple of weeks. It will be interesting and be another new circuit for me. I am looking forward to riding such an iconic track but more importantly am looking forward to continuing to improve the way I ride and to continue to improve my feeling with the bike. I gave it everything today and tried many things during the race which I know will make us stronger next time out. A big thanks to the whole team for working so hard, see you all in California.”
Nate Minster (99). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Nate Minster: “It was a solid start to the weekend, but I had a small crash at the end of the test on Thursday. We struggled a bit in Q1 and Q2 after we made some changes that destroyed the rear tyre, but I was confident for the race. Race 1 actually went ok considering the extreme heat a few things not quite right with the bike. I was pretty exhausted after the race, but we managed to bag another top ten which is important for the championship. Sunday’s race was ok, but I still wasn’t feeling great, the heat was insane, and I made a mistake at Turn 1 on the opening lap which kind of compromised my race. We fought hard and finished fourteenth and we can move on to Laguna confident of two strong races there.”
Austin Miller (61). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Austin Miller: “I am so pleased with how Race 1 went. I think it is the best I have ever rode and even though we had some front-end chatter as the race went on, I was able to start strong, pass a ton of people and run the pace of the top ten consistently throughout. I had a lot of rear slides towards the end but honestly Race 1 went amazing. I achieved a season and career best and I am so happy! Race 2 also started good, and I was running P13. I had changed tyre compound for Sunday’s race, but it wasn’t really any better and unfortunately, I crashed. I was able to remount and was able to pass a few people and I brought it home. It’s frustrating because it would have been more points, but this is racing, and these things happen. The main thing is I am ok and so is the bike and we go to Laguna ready to fight hard for my first MotoAmerica Top Ten in Supersport.”
YAMAHA AND MAVERICK VIÑALES AGREE TO PART WAYS IN 2022
Yamaha and Maverick Viñales have mutually decided to terminate their current 2021-2022 agreement at the close of this season.
Gerno di Lesmo (Italy), 28th June 2021
Following Maverick Viñales‘ request, Yamaha have agreed to put an early end to their current two-year contract. Currently in their fifth season together, they mutually decided to go their separate ways after this year.
Both parties are committed to putting in their maximum effort for the remainder of the 2021 MotoGP season and ending the relationship on a high note.
LIN JARVIS
MANAGING DIRECTOR, YAMAHA MOTOR RACING
It is with sadness that we will say farewell to Maverick at the end of the year. We are in the middle of our fifth season together and over the years we have achieved many highs but also had to manage many lows. After the German GP, which was the most difficult weekend of our partnership, we had important discussions in Assen and came to the conclusion that it would be in the interest of both parties to go our separate ways in the future. Yamaha will put in their maximum effort – as we always have done – to give full support to Maverick and finish this season in the very best way possible.
MAVERICK VIÑALES
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP RIDER
This partnership has been very significant to me over the last five years, and it proved a difficult decision to part ways. In these seasons together, we experienced both great achievements and tough times. However, the underlying feeling is of mutual respect and appreciation. I am fully committed and will strive to achieve the best results for the rest of the season.
MAX WHALE SECURES A RUNNER-UP FINISH AT LIMA HALF-MILE
Round 7 – American Flat Track Championship
LIMA, Ohio – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Max Whale continues to hit his stride halfway through the 2021 American Flat Track Championship as the series reached its mid-way point with Round 7 on Saturday. With a solid runner-up finish at the Lima Half-Mile, the Australian rider inserted himself into the AFT Singles championship fight as the new co-points-leader in the highly-competitive class.
Whale proved to be strong all day aboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, where he claimed second overall in the day’s qualifying. Lining up front row in AFT Singles Semi 2, he got off to a second-place start and worked his way into the lead by lap three. He diced back-and-forth through the final laps to ultimately reclaim the lead on the final lap and bring it in for the semi win.
In the Main Event, Whale grabbed another second place start but he got shuffled back to third on the opening lap. Racing in third for the first five laps, he eventually got into his groove and made a pass for second early on, maintaining that spot for the remainder of the race. He put on a late charge to close the gap on the leader with about five laps to go but a couple of mistakes late in the race took away his chances to get into the lead. With a hard-charging performance, Whale made his third podium appearance of the season in Ohio.
Whale: “We sat on pole for the Main Event and I felt really good. I had a rough couple laps there at first and I let the leader get away from me but I put some really good times in mid-way through. Towards the end, I caught the leader but I just didn’t quite have enough for the win and I ended up second. I’m super pumped with how the day went, we were fast all day long and consistent. To come away from Lima with some solid points is huge and I’m really happy to get onto DuQuoin in a couple weeks.”
Shayna Texter-Bauman (52) in action at the Lima Half-Mile. Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
It was a challenging day for Shayna Texter-Bauman, who found herself searching all throughout the day. She qualified 14th early on, where she lined up on the second row in AFT Singles Semi 2. She got off to an eighth-place start in the semi, where she battled her way to a seventh-place transfer finish. In the Main Event, Shayna found herself at the back of pack off the start but she put her head down and fought through the 20-lap race to ultimately secure 15th on the night.
Texter-Bauman: “Overall, it was a frustrating weekend. There’s not really a whole lot to talk about on these cushion tracks, which is super unfortunate because I’ve done so well here in the past. DuQuoin is the next one on our schedule and usually we do well on clay miles, so we’re hoping to rebound a little bit, regroup and move back towards the front where we belong.”
Next Race: DuQuoin Mile – DuQuoin, Illinois – July 17, 2021
AFT Singles Main Event – Lima Half-Mile
1. Henry Wiles, Honda
2. Max Whale – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
3. Morgen Mischler, KTM
OTHER KTM
9. James Ott, KTM
11. Aiden RoosEvans, KTM
14. Hunter Bauer, KTM
15. Shayna Texter-Bauman – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
AFT Singles Point Standings (After Round 7)
1. Max Whale – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 126 points
2. Dallas Daniels, 126
3. Michael Rush, 109
4. Henry Wiles, 108
5. Morgen Mischler, 91
6. Shayna Texter-Bauman – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 79
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:
Carlile and Daniels Battle to Top Fives at Lima Half-Mile
Kolby Carlisle (36). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Estenson Racing came away from Saturday’s Progressive American Flat Track showdown at the Lima Half-Mile with a pair of hard-earned top fives. Kolby Carlile continued his recent climb to premier-class prominence by equaling his career-best finish of fifth in the Mission SuperTwins Main with teammate JD Beach two positions further down the order in seventh. Reigning AFT Singles champion Dallas Daniels picked up a couple of positions late to retain a share of the title lead as he continued his quest for a second consecutive class crown, while teammate Mikey Rush held on to his third-place championship ranking despite a less-than-satisfying ride to 12th.
Carlile was in impressive form all day long on the Allen County Fairgrounds pea-gravel cushion Half-Mile. The New Yorker finished second in his Semi to earn himself a first-ever entrance into the Mission Challenge dash for cash. He then successfully hustled his Yamaha MT-07 DT into fifth early in the Main Event before making a late charge that saw him nearly steal away fourth at the checkered flag, falling just 0.073 seconds short in that bid.
By contrast, Beach spent the bulk of his day playing catch-up with bike setup. A gamble for the Main paid off in the form of a markedly improved machine, which allowed him to find his level in the early stages of the Main. From that point forward, he effectively ran out the clock before confirming a seventh-place finish. The resultant points haul was more than enough to keep the multi-time road race champion ranked firmly inside the Mission SuperTwins championship top five.
Daniels jockeyed for position aboard his YZ450F throughout an exciting AFT Singles Main, engaging in a race-long multi-rider tussle for fourth. By the race’s midpoint, the reigning AFT Singles Champion was shuffled down to seventh, but he regrouped to execute a pair of clutch overtakes to secure fifth in the end. That upward advancement allowed Daniels to hold on for a tie atop the championship points order, a distinction built upon a victory, four podiums, and seven top-fives in seven races this season.
Meanwhile, the typically consistent Rush was unable to find his footing at Lima. He was buried in the roost from the start of the AFT Singles Main, climbing to 10th en route to an uncharacteristic 12th. Despite his difficulties on the day, the Californian is still within striking distance of the championship lead thanks to his early-season excellence.
Following three races in just over a week, Estenson Racing will now get a chance to catch its collective breath and regroup before returning to action at the DuQuoin “Magic” Mile in DuQuoin, Illinois, on July 17.
Tommy Hayden – Estenson Racing Team Manager
“It was a mixed day for us here at Lima. The 450 guys started off pretty well, but then the Semis didn’t go very well, and they ended up with bad starts for the Main Event. Dallas was able to work his way forward and salvage a decent amount of points. Mikey just seemed like he wasn’t able to move forward and didn’t have the night we were hoping for.
“On the Twins side, Kolby rode well all day; he looked very comfortable here on the pea-gravel track. He was fast in practice, carried that into the Semi, and finished second, which got him into the Mission dash for cash for the first time. He then had a really strong Main Event, coming up just a wheel short from getting fourth. So, we’re really proud of him and his day here at the Lima Half-Mile. JD started off struggling, but he chipped away at it all day and got better and better. In the Main Event, he looked the best he had all day and was able to bring it home with a top 10. We’ve got a couple of weeks off to get ready for DuQuoin and look to come out swinging there.”
Kolby Carlile – Estenson Racing Mission SuperTwins
“It was a really good day for the team and me. Before I left home, I told my girlfriend I was either going to get fourth or fifth this weekend, and I almost got fourth. I missed that by seven-hundredths of a second and came away with fifth. Man, that was a heck of a finish for me. The team had the bike working really well today. I was also able to make my first Mission dash for cash and utilized that to try some more stuff for the Main Event. We just did a good job of getting the bike better all day long, and we really had a great weapon to work with for the Main Event. I wish I could have gotten fourth, but I’m happy with fifth and with how I rode.”
JD Beach – Estenson Racing Mission SuperTwins
“The track was probably one of the best Limas that I’ve ridden with a good amount of cushion but not super deep or too rough. It was a fun track tonight. We were too far off on setup and gearing to start the day, so it really got us started off slow. We were always a session behind, basically, but the crew kept throwing everything they had at the bike. For the Main Event, we made some big changes, but I had a good feeling about it. The bike in the Main was the easiest one that I’ve ridden in the last two weeks. I’m glad we finally found a good setting but bummed it took so long. Coming from the third row, I had to make up a lot of ground. The finish wasn’t really what we wanted, but it was a lot better than how the day started. I’m really proud of my guys and how hard they worked and that we never gave up.”
Dallas Daniels – Estenson Racing AFT Singles
“Overall, it was a decent night in Lima, Ohio. I’m a little disappointed with how the day went. I’ve never been pegged as a cushion rider, and it definitely kind of showed today. We were struggling a little bit early on with some stuff; not so much the motorcycle but just with me and how I was riding. I needed to ride it a lot differently. Starting on the second row of the Main Event didn’t do us any favors either. The guys up front kind of got away. I have to give a big thanks to the whole team; they worked their butts off. It seems like when we’re down and out, we always end up clawing our way back some.
“At the end of the day, I’m happy with a fifth. It’s our worst finish of the season, but looking at the big picture, we’ve been consistent, and I feel like we’re now at the point in the season where we’re going to get to some tracks we’re going to like and do well on. I think we’re just catching our stride, and I’m feeling really good going into these next few races. I’m really excited for DuQuoin, which is another home race for us.”
Mikey Rush – Estenson Racing AFT Singles
“It didn’t go how I wanted it to go at Lima. I made some mistakes myself tonight, and we just missed the setup a little bit on the bike. We’re just going to move forward and keep digging and improve for the next race at the DuQuoin Mile.”
Moor escapes a huge battle for second in another classic Cathedral showdown
The Hungarian gets back on top as Kitzbichler takes a first podium in second and Gurecky slices through once again
Sunday, 27 June 2021
Rossi Moor (FAIRIUM Next Generation Riders Team) smashed it out the park at the TT Circuit Assen in Race 2, the Hungarian-American putting the pedal to the metal early to bolt away from a huge group battle for second. That was won at the line by Niklas Kitzbichler (Racing-Team-Kitzbichler) as the Austrian finally took that first podium, with points leader Jakub Gurecky (JRT Brno Circuit) once again pulling off an impressive recovery ride to third, from 20th on the grid.
With sunny skies overhead and some redemption to find, Moor wasted no time hitting the front and getting the hammer down. Initially Jacopo Hosciuc (Hos Racing Team) tagged onto the back of him but then early drama hit for the Romanian as he suffered a technical issue. For a while thereafter, Moor’s gap to the pack hovered at a couple of seconds, but as the battle raged behind the number 92 slowly disappeared into the distance. Keeping it clean, tidy and quick throughout, he crossed the line with over seven seconds in hand to make quite a statement on Sunday.
Behind, the battle saw some of Race 1’s usual suspects up at the front. Lorenz Luciano (Junior Black Knights Team), Kitzbichler, Loris Veneman (Kahuna Security Racing), Kas Beekmans (Team KNMV), Stepan Zuda (Motoracing23 Klub V ACR) and more were joined by Gurecky, FAIRIUM Next Generation Riders’ Kevin Farkas, Tibor Varga (Forty Racing Team), Lennox Phommara (Phommara Team), Jonas Kocourek (JRT Brno Circuit) and Damian Boessenkool (Team KNMV) in an almighty showdown at the Cathedral.
Chopping and changing, it was anyone’s race but this time as the final chicane dawned for the final time, Kitzbichler had put himself in the perfect position. The Austrian was almost neck and neck with Gurecky on the final push to the flag and a photo finish it was, split by just 0.009 as Kitzbichler put his Race 1 bad luck to bed to just pip the points leader. Gurecky still took another podium to keep his 100% podium record in tact in 2021 though, and once again from P20 on the grid.
Loris Veneman was forced to settle for fourth and just missed out on the podium once again, but the Dutchman managed to fight off Race 1 podium finisher Zuda as the number 23 had another impressive race but couldn’t quite get back on the box. Luciano was next up, losing out in the shuffle and forced to settle for a few fewer points than he likely wanted given Gurecky was on the podium.
Varga took a step to dice it out at the front on Sunday and takes home seventh, ahead of Kocourek and Farkas. Phommara fought in the group but then got a Long Lap for shortcutting through the green, the Swiss rookie taking it on the last lap and therefore forced to settle for tenth.
Boessenkool crashed out, and there was final chicane drama for Beekmans as he tagged Zuda and then Valentino Herrlich (Busch und Wagner Racing Team). Beekmans and Herrlich both went down, but riders ok.
That’s it from another classic battle at Assen. The Cathedral always delivers and it certainly did for the NTC, who now head into the summer break before returning to race alongside MotoGP™ – joined by the Austrian Junior Cup – at the Styrian GP in August.
Michael Barnes (third from left) and the Hoban Brothers Racing/ DTF Performance team won the Bagger Racing League premier Bagger GP. Photo by Derek Cloutier/Wicked Windage Photography, courtesy Harley-Davidson.
More, from a press release issued by Pirelli:
Pirelli Takes the Top Two Positions at Utah Motorsports Complex Round of Bagger Racing League
Michael Barnes and Tyler O’Hara Rely on the Performance of Pirelli’s DIABLO Superbike Range in the Bagger GP Class
Michael Barnes (34) and Tyler O’Hara (29) gave Pirelli a 1-2 finish in the Bagger Racing League Bagger GP race at Utah Motorsports Campus. Photo by CaliPhotography.com, courtesy Pirelli.
GRANTSVILLE, Utah (June 30, 2021) – Pirelli Tire North America showed its commitment to racing across all spectrums by dominating the competition in both the Bagger Racing League BAGGER GP Class and the PRO STOCK BAGGER Class at Utah Motorsports Complex on Sunday, June 27. Pirelli controlled the top two positions in BAGGER GP with Michael Barnes racing to victory aboard a Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycle rider Tyler O’Hara finishing a close second. Both Barnes and O’Hara relied on the performance of Pirelli’s DIABLO Superbike range. In PRO STOCK BAGGER, Benny Carlson rode his Sly Fox-backed Harley Davidson to the top step of the podium with Pirelli shod Oleg Pianykh taking second, also using the DIABLO Superbike Range of tires.
“The weekend off started really good and I was able to get pole position,” said Barnes. “I was fast right out of the gate and the switch over to the DIABLO Superbike SCX rear helped us find even more speed on the racetrack. It got hotter heading into the main race, but it seemed to help the tire become even more consistent and proved to be no issue. Along with Oscar’s [Solis] help, we continued to make improvements all weekend long and did a lot of little fine-tuning with air pressure. It was an incredible weekend!”
Barnes, who was able to control the pace out front, used a 125/70-17 DIABLO Superbike SC1 front tire paired with a 200/65-17 DIABLO Superbike SCX rear. O’Hara opted for a 120/70-17 DIABLO Superbike SC2 front and a 190/60-17 DIABLO Superbike SCX rear to keep the pressure on Barnes for the majority of the race.
“That was the fastest I’ve ever gone on my Indian Challenger,” said O’Hara. “The new Pirelli DIABLO Superbike SCX is next level. My tires provided me with the most lean angle and edge grip I’ve ever had in bagger racing. Thank you, Pirelli, for the support!”
O’Hara managed to clock the fastest lap time of the race and of any rider throughout the weekend with a 1:38.550. Barnes recorded a best lap time of 1:38.635. The duo finished with more than 30-seconds to spare over their nearest competitor.
“What Pirelli riders were able to accomplish this weekend was nothing short of amazing,” said Oscar Solis, senior racing manager, Pirelli. “Bagger racing is something that we’ve only begun to scratch the surface with and it’s really satisfying to have this kind of success right away. Pirelli’s commitment and dedication to racing are second to none and I believe that this weekend just further showed when racers have a choice, they choose Pirelli. Congratulations to Michael [Barnes] and Tyler [O’Hara] on their great rides!”
Pirelli continues to set the bar in roadracing throughout North America, and when spec tire rules do not apply, has been the go-to tire choice for racers looking to reach the top step of the podium. Over the weekend, Pirelli took the lion’s share of podium spots, with a total of four riders on the Bagger Racing League’s first podium presentations.
SUZUKI’S KELLY CONTINUES TO DOMINATE SUPERSPORT IN SEARCH OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP
Brea, CA – Suzuki Motor USA and Team Hammer racked up two wins and five podiums as the 2021 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship completed a scorching weekend of race action at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington.
Sean Dylan Kelly (40) delivered a dominant performance with two Supersport victories. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.
MotoAmerica Supersport title leader Sean Dylan Kelly and his M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R600 were more than up to the challenge presented by his competition and the relentless triple-digit temperatures.
‘SDK’ notched up another pole and then translated his one-lap superiority into a pair of critically important race victories. Sunday’s race followed the same basic pattern as Saturday’s with Kelly controlling from the front while remaining precise and in command despite the application of intense pressure from close behind all the way to the checkered flag.
As a result, the Floridian now boasts a 21-point championship advantage on the strength of the five-race wins he’s already earned in 2021.
“That was definitely a tough race… as if yesterday wasn’t tough enough!” Kelly said. “I went out and tried my absolute best and gave my all. It was a great weekend. We got pole again, set the track record, and won both races. We have to be proud of the job we’re doing. This feels amazing, but we just have to keep chipping away and keep our feet on the ground. Huge thank you to my M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team.”
Kelly was joined on the podium on both days by Salvadoran Kevin Olmedo aboard his Team Hammer-built Altus Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R600.
Sam Lochoff (44) earned two solid fourth place finishes on his Suzuki GSX-R600. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.
SDK’s M4 ECSTAR Suzuki teammate Sam Lochoff logged a pair of fourths to add to his impressive rookie MotoAmerica Supersport campaign. As good as that was, the South African came painfully close to scoring a second-career Supersport podium on Sunday, holding down third position until a last-lap off-track excursion opened the door for Olmedo. Lochoff now sits in third place in the Supersport championship points standings.
Cam Petersen (45) earned an impressive third straight Superbike podium finish on his GSX-R1000. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.
Outside of Cameron Petersen adding a third-consecutive MotoAmerica Superbike podium on Saturday, the weekend was one to learn and move on from in the premier class category.
Petersen was solidly positioned to continue his podium streak to four on Sunday before a fluke occurrence, a rear wheel speed sensor failure, forced him to slow and eventually accept sixth position.
Bobby Fong (50) raced hard in tough conditions and is looking forward to Laguna Seca. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.
The round was even more difficult for Petersen’s M4 ECSTAR Suzuki teammate, Bobby Fong, who struggled after crashing hard and destroying his ‘A’ bike during testing on Thursday. Due to lingering issues from his testing fall, Fong lost feeling in his hand during both races. The gritty Californian pushed to his maximum in the blisteringly hot conditions yet was only rewarded for his efforts with uncharacteristic seventh- and eighth-place results.
“We’re trying,” Fong said. “Obviously, we’re trying our hardest over here. It’s not like I forgot how to ride a motorcycle, and we’re giving it our all. I don’t give up, I don’t quit. All the stars have to be aligned in Superbike racing, and we’re going to give it our best at the next round.”
Wyatt Farris (79) continues to improve with two top-10 finishes in the Stock 1000 class. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.
Olmedo’s Altus Motorsports Suzuki teammate Jake Lewis remains within eight points of the Stock 1000 championship lead after claiming a runner-up result aboard his Team Hammer-built GSX-R1000 on Saturday. Unfortunately, a Sunday DNF more than ate up the title padding he had accumulated, but that padding also sees him still within striking distance despite his Sunday misfortune. M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Wyatt Farris finished ninth and eighth in the Stock 1000 races in Washington.
Team Hammer will remain on the West Coast for the upcoming MotoAmerica round at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in beautiful Monterey, California, on July 9-11.
More, from a press release issued by Altus Motorsports:
MotoAmerica: Round 4 Results from The Ridge Motorsports Park for the Altus Motorsports Tucker Environmental Service Solutions Team
(Shelton, WA) A record-breaking heat wave hit the Pacific Northwest just as the MotoAmerica teams rolled into the pits at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington. With temperatures well over 100 degrees, it was an extremely hot weekend for racing. Dunlop hosted a tire test at “The Ridge” on the Thursday before the event and the Altus team was there to gather data and continue learning the highly technical track.
Honos Superbike & Stock 1000:
After missing the 2020 race season, Jake Lewis arrived in Washington with no experience of the technical Ridge Motorsports Park track. The team struggled to find a good setup during the Dunlop tire on Thursday and the practice and qualifying sessions on Friday. Due to a change by MotoAmerica, the top Stock1000 riders practiced and qualified with the Superbike Class this weekend. On Saturday the team found something and in Jake’s second qualifying session, he ran the fastest Stock1000 lap and secured pole position for those races
In Race 1 of the Stock1000 class, Jake got a great start and pulled a small gap. Unfortunately, in the heat, his rear tire had rotated 180 degrees on the rim making the bike difficult to ride. With two laps to go, he dropped to 2nd and held that spot to the finish. Lewis also got a great start on Sunday but a mechanical on the first lap forced him to retire from the race.
Jake Lewis (85). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“We had a minor mechanical issue at the start of the Sunday Stock1000 race. If it wasn’t for Jake’s experience and quick thinking, it could have been much worse,” said Crew Chief Eric Gray.
Lewis also contested the Superbike class and started both races from 9th. In race 1 he finished in 9th and second in the Superbike Cup. In the Sunday race, he fished in 14th overall and as the 4th Superbike Cup bike.
Supersport 600:
Jaret Nassaney came out with the team for the pre-race weekend tire test. He spent the time dialing in his setup. Jaret started both races from 11th. He finished Saturday in 8th and Sunday in 9th.
“It was a really good weekend. We survived the heat and got some good results. We have a solid base setup for the rest of the season,” said Jaret Nassaney.
Jaret Nassaney (59). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
The Ridge was Kevin Olmedo’s second event back with the team after his shoulder surgery. The benefits of the additional recovery time showed from the first session. Kevin was top 4 in every session and qualified 3rd. In the Saturday race, he held third from start to finish. In the Sunday race, he ran in fourth for most of the race but, on the penultimate lap, made a pass to take third. He finished the weekend with two podiums.
“I feel really happy with these two podiums. I will continue to work on the strength in my shoulder and show up even stronger at Laguna,” said Kevin Olmedo
Kevin Olmedo (16). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Junior Cup:
It was Hayden Bicknese’s first trip to Ridge Motorsports Park but he adapted to the technical track quickly. He was P6 after the first qualifying session and ended up qualifying P9. Unfortunately, he was forced to retire from Race 1 with a mechanical issue. In race 2, an unfortunate crash on lap 5 ended Hayden’s weekend with a second DNF.
Hayden Bicknese (69). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“Those were some of the toughest conditions our team has had to work through. The heat was brutal and I appreciate the incredible effort they put in,” said team owner George Nassaney.
The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, Environmental Service Solutions, Suzuki Motor USA, Creative Sports Concepts, Tucker Powersports, Schaefer Engineering, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Barnett, VP Lubricants, SBS Brakes, Galfer USA, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.
More, from a press release issued by Jackson Blackmon Racing:
Blackmon Wins Both Twins Cup Races At The Ridge
Jackson Blackmon (18). Photo by Sara Chappell Photography, courtesy Jackson Blackmon Racing.
Jackson Blackmon was looking for redemption this past weekend in Washington after his third, 2nd place finish this season. Jackson Blackmon Racing has been trying different setups with their 2021 Yamaha MT-07 every race since VIR. It seemed that the MotoAmerica test day on Thursday was just what Blackmon needed to get even more comfortable on his Yamaha. The pace was fast all weekend, however for JBR they were able to improve every session to have their best qualifying of the year!
From his second place starting position, Blackmon, in race one, was able to lead the first lap however it wasn’t long before another rider passed him on lap two. In the middle of the race, another rider got to the front and stretched out a slight gap, however Blackmon would stay within striking distance. The leader then crashed out of the race. This would put Blackmon in a battle for the lead. Blackmon executed the pass on the brakes in turn thirteen the penultimate lap to then take his first Twins Cup victory.
In Race 2, Blackmon executed the perfect race, marking his first flag-to-flag victory in Twins Cup leading from start to finish the whole race.
Jackson Blackmon Racing has now had 5 starts and 5 podiums, with two of them being victories and have a lot of momentum rolling into Laguna. Despite Blackmon missing the first round with a broken wrist, he has come back strong putting himself 2nd in the championship standing, just 3 points out of the lead.
Blackmon was quoted as saying, “I was so happy to take my first win and then able to back it up with two in a row. My dad and I have been working so hard on the bike and with the support from Yamaha we have been able to make the machine handle amazing. We have found a happy baseline setup with my MT-07 and I feel that now I can just focus on my riding and racecraft. I would like to say thank you to each and everyone of my and sponsors and supporters for their help this year. Can’t wait to carry the momentum to Laguna!”
Will we see Blackmon on the new R7 soon? Stay tuned!
JBR would like to thank their sponsors: Yamaha Motor USA, Finishline Machine, North East Cycles, Yamalube, Trackday Winner, GP Tech, Wiseco Pistons, HJC Helmets, Roaring Toyz, Millennium Technologies, OneX, Web Cams, SBS Brakes, Vortex, and 64 Degrees.
Don’t miss any of the action. Be sure to follow Jackson on Facebook:@JacksonBlackmon18 and Instagram @JBlackmon_18
Single race sponsorship opportunities are still available for the 2021 season. Contact Jackson [email protected]
More, from a press release issued by Jeremy Cook Racing:
Jeremy Cook Racing features team of U.S. Marines veterans days after Cook’s collarbone surgery for MotoAmerica Superbikes at the Ridge
BMW rider back on the Stock 1000 grid after suffering multiple injuries in crash at previous MotoAmerica round
Jeremy Cook (81). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Jeremy Cook Racing.
SHELTON, Wash. – As MotoAmerica veteran Jeremy Cook boarded a plane Thursday heading from his home city of Baltimore, Md., to Seattle, the BMW rider hoped his trip wouldn’t be in vain. Just two weeks after suffering multiple injuries in a crash at MotoAmerica’s Superbikes at Road America and days after having his shattered collarbone surgically repaired, Cook wasn’t sure if he’d be medically cleared to race at MotoAmerica’s round on June 25-27 at Ridge Motorsports Park.
In the end, Cook was cleared to race and led his team of U.S. Marines veterans to two 16th-place finishes in the weekend’s MotoAmerica Stock 1000 races aboard his BMW S 1000 RR. Just making it to the end of each 13-lap race in brutally hot and humid conditions was a challenge for the ailing Cook, but the former Marine saw the mission through and hopes to be back to better form at the next MotoAmerica round in two weeks time.
It was Cook’s first time racing at The Ridge Motorsports Park. He took part in a track day event at the facility in May thanks to support from South Sound Motorcycles — a BMW dealership in Tacoma, Wash.
Cook sat out the test day on Thursday and both Stock 1000 Class on-track sessions on Friday. He finished Saturday morning’s qualifying session in 17th.
Though he was far from 100 percent healthy, Cook finished both of the weekend’s races higher in the running order than he started. Cook started 20nd on the grid for Saturday afternoon’s race, and attrition farther up the field and a late-race pass allowed Cook to finish in 16th — one position away from scoring a championship point. Cook also improved his pace around the 2.47-mile road course on Saturday, posting a best lap time of 1:49.513 in Race 1 compared to the 1:50.933 he laid down in qualifying.
In Sunday’s Stock 1000 contest, Cook started from 21st but had moved up to 18th by the end of Lap 1 and 17th by the end of Lap 5. Cook again made a move late in the race to gain another position and claimed his second 16th-place finish of the weekend. He again improved his pace, lowering his best lap time of the weekend to a 1:48.593.
Cook’s team for the weekend included U.S. Marine veteran and Motorcycle Xcitement rider coach Dakari Harris and U.S. Marine veteran Don Williams – a participant in the Veterans Empowered through Motorsports program.
Cook has two weeks to heal up before he’s due back on the MotoAmerica grid. The next round takes place July 9-11 at the home of the famed “Corkscrew” turn, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif.
Jeremy Cook / No. 81
“I wasn’t even sure if I could make it through both races with all the injuries I am dealing with right now, and just seeing the checkered flag in both races was like a small victory. I just took it one day at a time and tried to not push myself too hard, as we’re not even halfway through the season yet. I was really happy with how much my lap times improved from Saturday to Sunday, given that I’m eight days out from having had my collarbone pinned back together. It also was great to have a team of Marine vets helping me out this weekend, and it was a pleasure having Don join the team for this round thanks to Veterans Empowered through Motorsports. He did a great job and I’m looking forward to having more fellow Marine veterans be part of the team in the future. I think what the team and I accomplished this weekend shows what Marine vets are capable of!”
More, from a press release issued by Travis Wyman Racing:
Wyman scores podium, remains atop Superbike Cup standings at conclusion of MotoAmerica Superbikes at the Ridge
BMW rider perseveres through bike troubles, 100-degree temperatures to remain in contention for two MotoAmerica titles at Ridge Motorsports Park
Travis Wyman (10). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Travis Wyman Racing.
SHELTON, Wash. — There were plenty of setbacks for the Travis Wyman Racing BMW team at MotoAmerica’s Superbikes at the Ridge, yet the team found ways to overcome several technical problems and the brutally hot conditions to score a podium finish and remain atop the Superbike Cup standings.
The Las Vegas rider endured a rear tire problem and engine overheating issues with his BMW S 1000 RR on Saturday but finished the June 25-27 event at The Ridge Motorsports Park with a third place in Sunday’s Stock 1000 race and second-best finish among the Superbike Cup riders in Sunday’s Superbike race.
Wyman left The Ridge with a six-point lead in the MotoAmerica Superbike Cup points standings and is fourth in the battle for the Stock 1000 title.
Wyman and the other top four riders in the Superbike Cup practiced and qualified with the Superbike Class at The Ridge round. Wyman posted a best time of 1:44.120 in Superbike practice on Friday, which was the second-fastest time among the Superbike Cup riders and the 11th-best time when compared to the Superbike riders. Later Friday, Wyman finished the day’s qualifying session 10th with a time of 1:44.133.
Qualifying concluded Saturday morning with Wyman securing second on the weekend’s Stock 1000 starting grid with a lap time of 1:42.881.
The first of four races Wyman took part in — in searing 100 degree or higher temperatures — was Saturday’s Stock 1000 race. After getting a mediocre start, Wyman recovered to finish the first lap in fourth place. However, a problem with his rear tire affected his BMW’s handling and its ability to get good drive out of corners. After a near-highside as he exited the track’s last turn, Wyman dropped as low as eighth in the running order. He moved up one position on Lap 8 but had to settle for a seventh-place finish while running lap times about a second slower than the race leaders.
In the Saturday Superbike race, Wyman’s fast pace was brought to a halt by a problem with his motorcycle’s cooling system. Starting from 12th, Wyman had worked his way up to ninth place in two laps but had to retire from the race on Lap 4 when water began spraying from his BMW’s catch can.
The team worked on ways to keep Wyman’s BMW running cooler Saturday night, and its efforts proved worthwhile Sunday. In the day’s Stock 1000 race, Wyman recovered from dropping to fifth place at the end of Lap 1 to scoring his third podium finish of the 2021 Stock 1000 season. Later Sunday, Wyman got a good start in the Superbike race and brought his BMW home in 11th place, the second-best finish among the Superbike Cup riders.
The Travis Wyman Racing BMW team has two weeks to freshen up the team’s BMW S 1000 RR before it heads to the next MotoAmerica round, which is slated for July 9-11 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif.
Travis Wyman / No. 10
“It was a pretty frustrating weekend at The Ridge, but the good results I got on Sunday — especially the podium in Stock 1000 — made the struggle worthwhile. I’ve taught at racetracks around the world and can say the conditions were some of the hottest I’ve endured in my racing career. My crew chief, Steve Weir, and mechanic, Alex Torres, did an outstanding job this weekend, and we wouldn’t have found the success we did on Sunday without the hard work they put in Saturday night. I owe a big thank you to Steve Korol of Evol Technology LLC for being my team’s title sponsor for the Ridge, and it’s great to be nearing the halfway point of the season and still be in the mix for two class titles. There’s still a lot of racing left to go this year, and what we overcame here at the Ridge gives the team a lot of positive momentum heading into the next round at Laguna Seca.”
More, from a press release issued by BARTCON Racing:
BARTCON Racing couldn’t be prouder of 14-year-old Kayla Yaakov, who just started her professional career in the MotoAmerica STG Junior Cup series this past weekend on board her BARTCON Racing/Coastal Kawasaki Ninja 400.
Kayla Yaakov (31) in action at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy BARTCON Racing.
Unfortunately, Kayla had a slow start, crashing in free practice which left her with a slight shoulder injury. She battled on regardless and qualified 13th, earning her a spot on the fifth row of the grid.
Kayla took ninth in her debut in Race One followed by an excellent sixth in Race Two, which was all the more impressive considering the race was run in blistering 100-degree ambient temperatures.
Big thanks to all the BARTCON Racing/Kayla fans that swung by the paddock to wish her the best of luck and a bigger thanks to our sponsors who without their support we would not be able to make this season possible. Coastal Neurosurgery & Spine, JTS Surgical, Triple Strong Racing, Forma Boots USA, Orient Express, K-Tech Suspension, Bud Lubricants, Spears Racing, Rage Grafix.
We are all very excited for our next round in less than two weeks at Laguna Seca and hope to see all our West Coast friends, family and fans there cheering on Kayla, Dominic Doyle, and Ryne Snooks.
Johnny Lewis (10) in action on his Royal Enfield at the Lima Half-Mile in 2021. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
ROYAL ENFIELD CELEBRATES FIRST-EVER HALF-MILE VICTORY
Lewis wins in commanding fashion at the Lima Half-Mile
Milwaukee, Wis (Tuesday, June 29, 2021) – Round seven of the 2021 Progressive American Flat Track Championship proved to be a historic moment for Royal Enfield, as Johnny Lewis and the Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield Team were the class of the field on Saturday evening at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio. The win marked the team’s first victory since the Daytona I Short Track, and the first-ever Half-Mile win for Royal Enfield and the Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield Team.
Johnny Lewis (center) on the podium with Cory Texter (right) at the Lima Half-Mile. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
“This weekend gave us the opportunity to showcase what the Royal Enfield Twins FT is capable of,” said Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield rider Johnny Lewis. “The team has been working extremely hard every time out to improve the motorcycle and this result reflects all the effort we’ve put into the program. We couldn’t be happier with this achievement. Thank you to Royal Enfield, the team and all our supporters for backing us.”
Lewis got out to a decent start in the main event but had to work his way into the lead, which took him less than a minute to do. From there, Lewis simply dominated the field, leaving the competition to battle over second as he stretched his lead. A red flag (due to a downed rider) with less than two minutes remaining prompted a restart, and once again Lewis had to make some passes to get out front, but he simply powered his Royal Enfield Twins FT around the outside, reclaiming the lead and taking the checkered flag.
Johnny Lewis’ win at Lima, Ohio comes after a steady season of progress with the Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield Team. Following some flashes of brilliance aboard the Twins FT in the 2021 season, Lewis and the team knew they had the engine to be competitive, and worked on fine-tuning the chassis with their focus specifically on the Half-Mile. The classic venue at Lima, Ohio—the only cushion Half-Mile on the American Flat Track schedule—was the perfect stage for this significant victory for Royal Enfield.
“This historic win came at the right moment for the team, for Johnny and Royal Enfield,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing and Communications Lead – Royal Enfield Americas. “We started the season with a new crew led by David Lloyd and have been looking for our first win at a Half-Mile. We look forward to continuing our development and seeing Johnny progress even more throughout the 2021 American Flat Track season.”
Lewis and the Moto Anatomy X Royal Enfield team will be back in action on Saturday, July 24, at the Port Royale Half-Mile in New York. They will be joined by the Royal Enfield BUILD TRAIN RACE (BTR) program as the ladies are looking toward their next exhibition race at the same venue.
About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the mid-size motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.
The Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield team is supported by Harris Performance, SENA, Spectro Oils, Beringer Brakes, Solid Performance, EVS, ODI, Just 1, Tucker, Saddlemen, S&S Cycle, Team Lawant, Quayle Construction and Goon Glass and Rubber.
Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 125 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the all-new Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT 650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.
More, from a press release issued by Indian Motorcycle:
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE FACTORY RIDER BRIAR BAUMAN TAKES FIRST PLACE IN FRONT OF A SOLD-OUT CROWD AT LIMA HALF-MILE
Bauman rings in his 18th career win, and second Lima Half-Mile victory during the Mission SuperTwins
Briar Bauman (1). Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
LIMA, Ohio – Indian Motorcycle Racing carried out its 2021 American Flat Track (AFT) season Saturday evening under the lights at the Johnny K’s Indian Motorcycle Lima Half-Mile powered by Drag Specialties at the Allen County Fairgrounds. Indian Motorcycle factory rider and two-time Grand National Champion Briar Bauman took first place, solidifying his second win of the 2021 AFT season.
Joining Bauman on the podium were fellow Indian Motorcycle riders Brandon Robinson and Jared Vanderkooi. Robinson, who won last week’s Oklahoma City Mile I, has recorded back-to-back second-place finishes, while Vanderkooi, an Ohio local, secured his third podium of the season.
“This is the same track I secured my first Twins win on back in 2017, so to be able to come in tonight, in front of a sold-out crowd, and take the podium after a dramatic battle is pretty special,” said Bauman. “We knew we were going to have fierce competition, so to have bar-to-bar action and come out on top means a lot to our team and gives us a boost of confidence as we look to the second half of the season.”
The pure muscle win at the Lima Half-Mile sets Bauman at the top of the leaderboard with 139 points. Robinson trails closely with 127 points, while Jared Mees sits in third with 116. Through seven races, the three riders find themselves with two wins a piece, while Bauman has recorded six total podium finishes.
The season is sure to be an exciting journey to follow as Robinson and Bauman continue to duke it out for the coveted position atop the leaderboard. The 2021 AFT season will continue Saturday, July 17, at the Duquoin mile. 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.
Michael Barnes (34) set the pole position, led every lap, and beat Tyler O’Hara (29) to the finish line by 0.356 seconds in the Bagger Racing League Premier Bagger GP race. Photo by Derek Cloutier/Wicked Windage Photography, courtesy Harley-Davidson.
BARNES CHARGES TO BAGGER RACING LEAGUE WIN ON HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE SPECIAL
H-D Racers 1-3 in Premier Bagger class; H-D Racer Carlson wins Hooligan GP and Pro Stock GP
MILWAUKEE (June 28, 2021) – Hoban Brothers Racing/DTF Performance rider Michael Barnes rode a race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® Special motorcycle to victory in the inaugural Bagger Racing League (BRL) road race event on June 27 at Utah Motorsports Campus in Grantsville, Utah. Competing in the main event Premier Bagger class, Barnes beat S&S/Indian Motorcycles rider Tyler O’Hara to the finish line by 0.356 seconds. Cory West was third on the Saddlemen Racing/Slyfox Performance Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special. In BRL support classes, Benny Carlson won both the Hooligan GP (Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson XR1200) and Pro Stock GP (Suicide Machine Company Harley-Davidson Road Glide) races.
“This win is a confidence booster for myself and the team,” said Barnes. “We didn’t think we were that far off at the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers race at Road America. For this race we had a different front end, different shocks, different geometry. We made some smart decisions, and they have all made the bike better. That’s a testament to the knowledge of this team. Setting up a Road Glide for road racing has been a steep learning curve, not just for me riding it but everyone involved. We’ve made leaps and bounds at every test and every event, so after disappointing results earlier this season it’s a great reward to get this win.”
Barnes was the top qualifier for the BRL event, took the holeshot, and led O’Hara for the entire 8-lap race distance.
“Tyler and I have raced each other a lot over the years,” said Barnes. “He was right there the whole time. At the start, I could feel him try a line up the inside. And couple times I ran wide due to shifting issues, but he wasn’t able to take advantage. I basically got the holeshot and tried to keep him at bay.”
The Bagger Racing League is a new racing organization promoting road-racing competition for American V-Twin-powered motorcycles. Racing takes place in four classes over a three-day weekend that also includes entertainment including stunt shows.
Bagger Racing League Premier Bagger GP Results:
1. Michael Barnes (Hoban Brothers Racing/DTF Performance Harley-Davidson)
2. Tyler O’Hara (S&S Indian)
3. Cory West (Saddlemen Racing/Slyfox Harley-Davidson)
Tom Sykes (66) leads Jonathan Rea (1), Leon Haslam (91) and others during a World Superbike race at Donington Park in 2019. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
It’s coming home: WorldSBK heads to where it all began at Donington Park
After a year out in 2020, WorldSBK thunders into the United Kingdom, where there’s a homecoming to be had
The 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is shaping up to be a vintage year, as we roll into the Great British countryside for round four of the season at Donington Park. With sporting fever in the air across the whole world as summer kicks in, WorldSBK returns to its birthplace of Donington Park, where it all started back on a cold April Sunday in 1988. 31 years later and the Championship is red hot, with home-hero Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) leading an in-form Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with BRIXX WorldSBK) by 20 points, but that could all change in what is set to be, as ever, an unpredictable UK Round.
The man in the best form coming into the Prosecco DOC UK Round is Toprak Razgatlioglu, having taken his first 2021 victory last time out, the latest in a string of six consecutive podiums that have consisted of four second places, one third and now a victory. He also returns to a happy hunting ground at Donington Park, where he achieved a career-first WorldSBK podium by beating Jonathan Rea in 2018 on the final lap of Race 2. In 2019, they also went head-to-head in the closing stages; is another duel on the cards? Teammate Andrea Locatelli makes his racing debut at Donington Park this weekend and will hope for a solid weekend after visiting the track two week before.
Aiming to bounce back and strike with victory on home soil, Jonathan Rea took all three races at Donington Park in 2019. Whilst the last three races at the track may well have been good to the reigning six-time World Champion, the last three races of recent times were more of a challenge. Three third places at Misano left Rea wanting more, but when this is a ‘bad’ day at the office, you know his monumental consistency is strong. He aims to be back on the top step at Donington Park for a sixth time, whilst teammate Alex Lowes hasn’t ridden Donington Park on a Kawasaki.
After a difficult Misano where he couldn’t crack the front-running pace, Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) needs a resurgence at Donington Park, the circuit where he took a first ever World Championship win at back in 2008’s 125cc World Championship GP. Three fourth places at Misano leaves Redding 45 points back in the title race, whilst on the other side of the garage, Michael Ruben Rinaldi was in sensational form at Misano, with two wins and a second, something he hopes will act as a key change in 2021 after a difficult first two rounds. Two 12th places in 2019 for Rinaldi at Donington Park, something he should improve on this weekend.
5 key stats ahead of the Prosecco DOC UK Round
3 – There are three riders in the current field who won a WorldSBK race at Donington: Tom Sykes (9), Jonathan Rea (5), Michael van der Mark (2).
7 – Tom Sykes is the record holder for Donington Superpoles: seven, and he is the only active rider who started from pole here.
23 – British riders have won 23 races here: in 2018 Michael van der Mark stopped a sequence of 11 wins by British riders, but Rea in 2019 put Great Britain back on top winning all three races.
2011 – The last race without a Kawasaki rider on the Donington podium was back in 2011.
54 – Ducati have built up 54 podium finishes in the 55 races held so far at Donington. Kawasaki are second-best with 45.
Mathew Scholtz (11) and Bobby Fong (50) in action at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Westby Racing.
Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz Finishes Just Off The Podium In Sunday’s Superbike Race At Ridge Motorsports Park
Shelton, WA – June 28, 2021 – After finishing fifth in Saturday’s Superbike race at Ridge Motorsports Park, Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz improved in Sunday’s race with a fourth-place result and maintained his second-place position in the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship.
Starting in the middle of the second row based on his fifth-place finish in Saturday’s race, Mathew got a good jump off the line and moved into fourth place on the opening lap. He got shuffled back to fifth for a few laps in the middle of the race, but he fought hard in the 100-plus-degree air temperatures, moved back up to fourth place, and tenaciously held the position all the way to the checkered flag.
“We made some setup changes from Saturday to Sunday’s warmup, and they seemed positive,” commented Mathew. “Then, when the race came in the afternoon, it was a lot hotter, and I just seemed to suffer (in the heat) a little bit more than I did yesterday. I brought the bike home in fourth, which was obviously not what we wanted, but it is an improvement from yesterday, so we can take the positives from that.
“We’ve got our work cut out for us, but I really am looking forward to Laguna Seca. It’s always been good to me, and with the help of Niccolò Canepa’s setup from last year (when he was a fill-in rider for the team at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca while Mathew recovered from injuries he sustained in a crash the round before at Indianapolis Motor Speedway), moving forward with the bike and understanding what we know now should help us try to run up front and battle for the podium there. I just want to give a big shout-out to the Westby team. It’s been difficult lately, but we are all in this together, and we can definitely make our way back up to the top.”
Jack Roach (12). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Westby Racing.
Westby Racing’s Junior Cup rider Jack Roach’s weekend at the racetrack closest to his home in British Columbia, Canada, did not go quite as well as he had hoped, but on the bright side, his Sunday result was an improvement on Saturday. After finishing 12th in Saturday’s race, he moved up three positions to finish 9th and inside the top 10 on Sunday. In addition, Jack’s results at Ridge moved him up three positions in the 2021 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship.
Next up for Westby Racing is round six of the MotoAmerica Championship, which will take place at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, on July 9 through 11.
Also, follow “Westby Racing” on your favorite social media sites.
More, from a press release issued by Ducati North America:
Ducati on Point in The Woods of Washington with 4-3 Results
Loris Baz (76) leading Cameron Petersen (45). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati North America.
Sunnyvale, Calif – In stifling heat, Loris Baz (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York) completed his best weekend of the season to date at The Ridge, taking fourth and third place finishes on the factory-spec Ducati Panigale V4 R SBK.
The sole Ducati representative in Washington after Kyle Wyman’s Road America accident and subsequent arm injury, Baz and the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York battled back from a fourth place finish in race one for a superlative second in race two behind double winner Jake Gagne (Yamaha). The result hoists Baz up to sixth in the standings, seven points off of Suzuki rider Bobby Fong.
2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Standing – Top 5
P1 – Jake Gagne (Yamaha) 175
P2 – Mathew Scholtz (Yamaha) 131
P3 – Josh Herrin (Yamaha) 123
P4 – Cameron Petersen (Suzuki) 108
P5 – Bobby Fong (Suzuki) 89
P6 – Loris Baz (Ducati) 82
P8 – Kyle Wyman (Ducati) 49
Loris Baz (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York – Ducati #76)
“It’s been a great weekend, honestly,” Baz said. “I’ve never felt so good on the bike, even after the big changes we made between sessions. It was a little rough in the race with the rear tire on the left side which made it difficult to push in race one so I just decided to bring it home in P4. But as soon as the track temperature raised, I was confident but I didn’t feel a lot of rear grip which made it difficult to push like I wanted. We just have to keep learning, especially in hot weather. The competition has been in this heat before but we haven’t so we are still learning. We’ve got a little break so I will head to LA for a couple of days and then go to Laguna Seca, which is a track I love. Plus, it’s a track I know, so that is a bonus!”
More, from a press release issued by Robem Engineering:
De Keyrel scores two podium finishes at MotoAmerica Superbikes at the Ridge, maintains Twins Cup points lead
All three Robem Engineering riders secure top-five finishes in extremely hot conditions at The Ridge Motorsports Park
SHELTON, Wash. – After putting in a dominant performance at Road America two weeks ago, Robem Engineering rider Kaleb De Keyrel did enough at MotoAmerica’s Superbikes at the Ridge round to stay atop the Twins Cup points standings. The Minnesotan persevered through brutally hot conditions at The Ridge Motorsports Park to score two podium finishes, which kept the Aprilia rider in the lead for the 2021 MotoAmerica Twins Cup title.
De Keyrel and both of his Robem Engineering teammates — Hayden Schultz and Toby Khamsouk — scored top-five finishes at the June 25-27 event aboard their Aprilia RS 660s, and Schultz and Khamsouk both moved up three places in the class standings. The results were hard-earned, as the riders and team had to contend with temperatures at or above 100 degrees for both races.
The team’s first on-track session on The Ridge’s recently repaved, 2.47-mile road course was Friday morning practice, which De Keyrel finished at the top of the time sheets. Schultz was the fifth-fastest rider in the session, and Khamsouk was eighth fastest. Twins Cup qualifying got underway later Friday, with De Keyrel finishing the qualifying session in second place, Schultz in sixth and Khamsouk in eighth.
Qualifying wrapped up Saturday morning with all three Robem Engineering riders having secured top-five places on the weekend’s starting grid. De Keyrel led the team’s qualifying effort, finishing third and securing a spot on the front row of the grid. His teammates were line-a-stern behind him, with Schultz nabbing fourth place and Khamsouk claiming fifth place.
In Saturday’s Twins Cup race, De Keyrel and Schultz both got good starts and were in the mix for a podium or better early in the race. Schultz unfortunately had slid down the running order to fifth place by the end of Lap 3, but De Keyrel briefly the lead of the race in the early laps before being passed by another rider. When the race leader crashed out on Lap 7, De Keyrel found himself leading the field again until the penultimate lap. He was passed by another rider at the track’s very tight and slow Turn 13 and did his best to get back into the lead, but had to settle for a hard-fought runner-up finish. Khamsouk crossed the finish line behind De Keyrel in fourth place, and Schultz’s fifth place made it three Robem Engineering riders in the top five.
Sunday’s race saw Robem Engineering riders score two more top-five finishes. All three riders got away well when the lights went out. Schultz showed strong pace early, finishing the first lap in third place. However, Schultz and another rider made an error under braking heading into Turn 13 on Lap 2, which allowed De Keyrel to move up from fourth to second in one corner. De Keyrel was passed by another rider on Lap 5 and dropped to third place but was able to maintain consistent pace and scored his second podium finish of the event. Schultz had the pace to stay with De Keyrel but wasn’t able to challenge him for a podium and claimed a fourth-place finish. Khamsouk recovered from a mistake in the early laps of the race to finish seventh.
The team has a weekend off before it’s back in action at the next round of the MotoAmerica season, which is scheduled for July 9-11 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif.
Kaleb De Keyrel (51). Photo by Sara Chappell Photography, courtesy Robem Engineering.
Kaleb De Keyrel / No. 51
“Overall, it was a positive weekend. We’re still leading the championship, and I feel like I gave it 100 percent every time I hit the track. We struggled with grip due to the hot conditions and – with sliding around a bit – I just didn’t have the confidence in my bike that I needed to win. We overcame a lot and learned a lot. This track is a lot smaller and tighter than the other tracks we race at, but we learned more about our Aprilia every time we hit the track. This round taught me a lot about tire management in the heat. I’m really looking forward to the next round at Laguna Seca. It’s one of my favorite tracks, and I think we take a lot of what we learned this weekend and apply it there.”
Schultz (49). Photo by Sara Chappell Photography, courtesy Robem Engineering.
Hayden Schultz / No. 49
“It was a hot weekend in Washington, but we got some solid results. I was aiming for a podium this weekend but fell a little short of that. In Race 1, we had some trouble adapting our setup to the ridiculously high track temperatures, but the team made some big changes for Race 2 and we much better pace on Sunday. A big thanks to the entire Robem Engineering crew for helping me bounce back on Sunday. Overall, I’m happy with the progress we made, and we got some positive momentum going here that we’ll carry into the next round at Laguna Seca.”
Toby Khamsouk (27). Photo by Sara Chappell Photography, courtesy Robem Engineering.
Toby Khamsouk / No. 27
“I got a bad start in Race 1 but worked my way back up to fourth place. In Race 2, I got a good start off the line, but made a mistake in Turn 13, which caused me to lose touch with a front group. I’m looking for some positive vibes for Laguna Seca, which is my home race.”
Robem Engineering’s technical partners for 2021 include Aprilia Racing, Piaggio Group Americas, The Center for Plastic Surgery, Velocity Calibrations, Bitubo Suspension, Dunlop, Woodcraft Technologies, Dymag, Vesrah, DNA Filters, Magura USA, Sara Chappell Photos, NGK/NTK, Blud Lubricants, Millennium Technologies and SC-Project.
More, from a press release issued by Pure Attitude Racing:
Top Ten finishes in Supersport and Twins Cup for Pure Attitude Racing at The Ridge
The Pure Attitude Racing team were back in action in the latest round of the MotoAmerica Championship at The Ridge Motorsports Park near Shelton, Washington this past weekend, with once again their riders Austin Miller, Nate Minster (Supersport) and Liam MacDonald (Twins Cup), adding multiple championship points to each of their respective tallies this season.
With double races for each category and with temperatures soaring to 117 degrees on Sunday, the on-track action was intense.
Liam MacDonald, the team’s sole representative in Twins Cup following Trevor Standish’s spill last time out at Road America, once again found himself inside the Top Ten in Race 2, after running close to the Top Six throughout Free Practice earlier in the weekend. Race 1 sadly saw Liam record his first DNF of the season, the Kiwi, struggling to overcome an intermittent gear change issue that the team resolved for Sunday’s second encounter. Despite the obvious frustration, Liam remains ninth overall in the overall standings, well in contention for the Top Six with numerous races remaining.
In Supersport, Saturday’s race saw another double point scoring ride from Nate Minster and Austin Miller. Minster raced hard to record his third Top Ten finish of the season, whilst Austin Miller rode the race of his short MotoAmerica Supersport career to finish an impressive eleventh at the flag – his best result in the category to date. Sunday saw both riders running inside the points once again until the #61 slid out of contention. He would remount to finish twentieth, with Minster adding an additional two points to his 2021 scorecard in fourteenth.
The team move next to the WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca in California in a fortnight for Round 5 eager to build on their continued successes.
Liam MacDonald (37). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Liam MacDonald: “We made a good step in the right direction on Sunday, and I was able to run a consistent pace and finish in the Top Ten, which after Saturday’s disappointment was important for my confidence as we move towards the halfway point in the season. I am really looking forward to racing at Laguna in a couple of weeks. It will be interesting and be another new circuit for me. I am looking forward to riding such an iconic track but more importantly am looking forward to continuing to improve the way I ride and to continue to improve my feeling with the bike. I gave it everything today and tried many things during the race which I know will make us stronger next time out. A big thanks to the whole team for working so hard, see you all in California.”
Nate Minster (99). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Nate Minster: “It was a solid start to the weekend, but I had a small crash at the end of the test on Thursday. We struggled a bit in Q1 and Q2 after we made some changes that destroyed the rear tyre, but I was confident for the race. Race 1 actually went ok considering the extreme heat a few things not quite right with the bike. I was pretty exhausted after the race, but we managed to bag another top ten which is important for the championship. Sunday’s race was ok, but I still wasn’t feeling great, the heat was insane, and I made a mistake at Turn 1 on the opening lap which kind of compromised my race. We fought hard and finished fourteenth and we can move on to Laguna confident of two strong races there.”
Austin Miller (61). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Austin Miller: “I am so pleased with how Race 1 went. I think it is the best I have ever rode and even though we had some front-end chatter as the race went on, I was able to start strong, pass a ton of people and run the pace of the top ten consistently throughout. I had a lot of rear slides towards the end but honestly Race 1 went amazing. I achieved a season and career best and I am so happy! Race 2 also started good, and I was running P13. I had changed tyre compound for Sunday’s race, but it wasn’t really any better and unfortunately, I crashed. I was able to remount and was able to pass a few people and I brought it home. It’s frustrating because it would have been more points, but this is racing, and these things happen. The main thing is I am ok and so is the bike and we go to Laguna ready to fight hard for my first MotoAmerica Top Ten in Supersport.”
Maverick Vinales on the podium Sunday at Assen. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
YAMAHA AND MAVERICK VIÑALES AGREE TO PART WAYS IN 2022
Yamaha and Maverick Viñales have mutually decided to terminate their current 2021-2022 agreement at the close of this season.
Gerno di Lesmo (Italy), 28th June 2021
Following Maverick Viñales‘ request, Yamaha have agreed to put an early end to their current two-year contract. Currently in their fifth season together, they mutually decided to go their separate ways after this year.
Both parties are committed to putting in their maximum effort for the remainder of the 2021 MotoGP season and ending the relationship on a high note.
LIN JARVIS
MANAGING DIRECTOR, YAMAHA MOTOR RACING
It is with sadness that we will say farewell to Maverick at the end of the year. We are in the middle of our fifth season together and over the years we have achieved many highs but also had to manage many lows. After the German GP, which was the most difficult weekend of our partnership, we had important discussions in Assen and came to the conclusion that it would be in the interest of both parties to go our separate ways in the future. Yamaha will put in their maximum effort – as we always have done – to give full support to Maverick and finish this season in the very best way possible.
MAVERICK VIÑALES
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP RIDER
This partnership has been very significant to me over the last five years, and it proved a difficult decision to part ways. In these seasons together, we experienced both great achievements and tough times. However, the underlying feeling is of mutual respect and appreciation. I am fully committed and will strive to achieve the best results for the rest of the season.
Max Whale (18) at speed at the Lima Half-Mile. Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
MAX WHALE SECURES A RUNNER-UP FINISH AT LIMA HALF-MILE
Round 7 – American Flat Track Championship
LIMA, Ohio – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Max Whale continues to hit his stride halfway through the 2021 American Flat Track Championship as the series reached its mid-way point with Round 7 on Saturday. With a solid runner-up finish at the Lima Half-Mile, the Australian rider inserted himself into the AFT Singles championship fight as the new co-points-leader in the highly-competitive class.
Whale proved to be strong all day aboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, where he claimed second overall in the day’s qualifying. Lining up front row in AFT Singles Semi 2, he got off to a second-place start and worked his way into the lead by lap three. He diced back-and-forth through the final laps to ultimately reclaim the lead on the final lap and bring it in for the semi win.
In the Main Event, Whale grabbed another second place start but he got shuffled back to third on the opening lap. Racing in third for the first five laps, he eventually got into his groove and made a pass for second early on, maintaining that spot for the remainder of the race. He put on a late charge to close the gap on the leader with about five laps to go but a couple of mistakes late in the race took away his chances to get into the lead. With a hard-charging performance, Whale made his third podium appearance of the season in Ohio.
Whale: “We sat on pole for the Main Event and I felt really good. I had a rough couple laps there at first and I let the leader get away from me but I put some really good times in mid-way through. Towards the end, I caught the leader but I just didn’t quite have enough for the win and I ended up second. I’m super pumped with how the day went, we were fast all day long and consistent. To come away from Lima with some solid points is huge and I’m really happy to get onto DuQuoin in a couple weeks.”
Shayna Texter-Bauman (52) in action at the Lima Half-Mile. Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
It was a challenging day for Shayna Texter-Bauman, who found herself searching all throughout the day. She qualified 14th early on, where she lined up on the second row in AFT Singles Semi 2. She got off to an eighth-place start in the semi, where she battled her way to a seventh-place transfer finish. In the Main Event, Shayna found herself at the back of pack off the start but she put her head down and fought through the 20-lap race to ultimately secure 15th on the night.
Texter-Bauman: “Overall, it was a frustrating weekend. There’s not really a whole lot to talk about on these cushion tracks, which is super unfortunate because I’ve done so well here in the past. DuQuoin is the next one on our schedule and usually we do well on clay miles, so we’re hoping to rebound a little bit, regroup and move back towards the front where we belong.”
Next Race: DuQuoin Mile – DuQuoin, Illinois – July 17, 2021
AFT Singles Main Event – Lima Half-Mile
1. Henry Wiles, Honda
2. Max Whale – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
3. Morgen Mischler, KTM
OTHER KTM
9. James Ott, KTM
11. Aiden RoosEvans, KTM
14. Hunter Bauer, KTM
15. Shayna Texter-Bauman – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
AFT Singles Point Standings (After Round 7)
1. Max Whale – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 126 points
2. Dallas Daniels, 126
3. Michael Rush, 109
4. Henry Wiles, 108
5. Morgen Mischler, 91
6. Shayna Texter-Bauman – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 79
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:
Carlile and Daniels Battle to Top Fives at Lima Half-Mile
Kolby Carlisle (36). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Estenson Racing came away from Saturday’s Progressive American Flat Track showdown at the Lima Half-Mile with a pair of hard-earned top fives. Kolby Carlile continued his recent climb to premier-class prominence by equaling his career-best finish of fifth in the Mission SuperTwins Main with teammate JD Beach two positions further down the order in seventh. Reigning AFT Singles champion Dallas Daniels picked up a couple of positions late to retain a share of the title lead as he continued his quest for a second consecutive class crown, while teammate Mikey Rush held on to his third-place championship ranking despite a less-than-satisfying ride to 12th.
Carlile was in impressive form all day long on the Allen County Fairgrounds pea-gravel cushion Half-Mile. The New Yorker finished second in his Semi to earn himself a first-ever entrance into the Mission Challenge dash for cash. He then successfully hustled his Yamaha MT-07 DT into fifth early in the Main Event before making a late charge that saw him nearly steal away fourth at the checkered flag, falling just 0.073 seconds short in that bid.
By contrast, Beach spent the bulk of his day playing catch-up with bike setup. A gamble for the Main paid off in the form of a markedly improved machine, which allowed him to find his level in the early stages of the Main. From that point forward, he effectively ran out the clock before confirming a seventh-place finish. The resultant points haul was more than enough to keep the multi-time road race champion ranked firmly inside the Mission SuperTwins championship top five.
Daniels jockeyed for position aboard his YZ450F throughout an exciting AFT Singles Main, engaging in a race-long multi-rider tussle for fourth. By the race’s midpoint, the reigning AFT Singles Champion was shuffled down to seventh, but he regrouped to execute a pair of clutch overtakes to secure fifth in the end. That upward advancement allowed Daniels to hold on for a tie atop the championship points order, a distinction built upon a victory, four podiums, and seven top-fives in seven races this season.
Meanwhile, the typically consistent Rush was unable to find his footing at Lima. He was buried in the roost from the start of the AFT Singles Main, climbing to 10th en route to an uncharacteristic 12th. Despite his difficulties on the day, the Californian is still within striking distance of the championship lead thanks to his early-season excellence.
Following three races in just over a week, Estenson Racing will now get a chance to catch its collective breath and regroup before returning to action at the DuQuoin “Magic” Mile in DuQuoin, Illinois, on July 17.
Tommy Hayden – Estenson Racing Team Manager
“It was a mixed day for us here at Lima. The 450 guys started off pretty well, but then the Semis didn’t go very well, and they ended up with bad starts for the Main Event. Dallas was able to work his way forward and salvage a decent amount of points. Mikey just seemed like he wasn’t able to move forward and didn’t have the night we were hoping for.
“On the Twins side, Kolby rode well all day; he looked very comfortable here on the pea-gravel track. He was fast in practice, carried that into the Semi, and finished second, which got him into the Mission dash for cash for the first time. He then had a really strong Main Event, coming up just a wheel short from getting fourth. So, we’re really proud of him and his day here at the Lima Half-Mile. JD started off struggling, but he chipped away at it all day and got better and better. In the Main Event, he looked the best he had all day and was able to bring it home with a top 10. We’ve got a couple of weeks off to get ready for DuQuoin and look to come out swinging there.”
Kolby Carlile – Estenson Racing Mission SuperTwins
“It was a really good day for the team and me. Before I left home, I told my girlfriend I was either going to get fourth or fifth this weekend, and I almost got fourth. I missed that by seven-hundredths of a second and came away with fifth. Man, that was a heck of a finish for me. The team had the bike working really well today. I was also able to make my first Mission dash for cash and utilized that to try some more stuff for the Main Event. We just did a good job of getting the bike better all day long, and we really had a great weapon to work with for the Main Event. I wish I could have gotten fourth, but I’m happy with fifth and with how I rode.”
JD Beach – Estenson Racing Mission SuperTwins
“The track was probably one of the best Limas that I’ve ridden with a good amount of cushion but not super deep or too rough. It was a fun track tonight. We were too far off on setup and gearing to start the day, so it really got us started off slow. We were always a session behind, basically, but the crew kept throwing everything they had at the bike. For the Main Event, we made some big changes, but I had a good feeling about it. The bike in the Main was the easiest one that I’ve ridden in the last two weeks. I’m glad we finally found a good setting but bummed it took so long. Coming from the third row, I had to make up a lot of ground. The finish wasn’t really what we wanted, but it was a lot better than how the day started. I’m really proud of my guys and how hard they worked and that we never gave up.”
Dallas Daniels – Estenson Racing AFT Singles
“Overall, it was a decent night in Lima, Ohio. I’m a little disappointed with how the day went. I’ve never been pegged as a cushion rider, and it definitely kind of showed today. We were struggling a little bit early on with some stuff; not so much the motorcycle but just with me and how I was riding. I needed to ride it a lot differently. Starting on the second row of the Main Event didn’t do us any favors either. The guys up front kind of got away. I have to give a big thanks to the whole team; they worked their butts off. It seems like when we’re down and out, we always end up clawing our way back some.
“At the end of the day, I’m happy with a fifth. It’s our worst finish of the season, but looking at the big picture, we’ve been consistent, and I feel like we’re now at the point in the season where we’re going to get to some tracks we’re going to like and do well on. I think we’re just catching our stride, and I’m feeling really good going into these next few races. I’m really excited for DuQuoin, which is another home race for us.”
Mikey Rush – Estenson Racing AFT Singles
“It didn’t go how I wanted it to go at Lima. I made some mistakes myself tonight, and we just missed the setup a little bit on the bike. We’re just going to move forward and keep digging and improve for the next race at the DuQuoin Mile.”
Hungarian-American Rossi Moor (92), who was born in Oregon, on his way to victory in Northern Talent Cup Race Two at Assen in 2021. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Moor escapes a huge battle for second in another classic Cathedral showdown
The Hungarian gets back on top as Kitzbichler takes a first podium in second and Gurecky slices through once again
Sunday, 27 June 2021
Rossi Moor (FAIRIUM Next Generation Riders Team) smashed it out the park at the TT Circuit Assen in Race 2, the Hungarian-American putting the pedal to the metal early to bolt away from a huge group battle for second. That was won at the line by Niklas Kitzbichler (Racing-Team-Kitzbichler) as the Austrian finally took that first podium, with points leader Jakub Gurecky (JRT Brno Circuit) once again pulling off an impressive recovery ride to third, from 20th on the grid.
With sunny skies overhead and some redemption to find, Moor wasted no time hitting the front and getting the hammer down. Initially Jacopo Hosciuc (Hos Racing Team) tagged onto the back of him but then early drama hit for the Romanian as he suffered a technical issue. For a while thereafter, Moor’s gap to the pack hovered at a couple of seconds, but as the battle raged behind the number 92 slowly disappeared into the distance. Keeping it clean, tidy and quick throughout, he crossed the line with over seven seconds in hand to make quite a statement on Sunday.
Behind, the battle saw some of Race 1’s usual suspects up at the front. Lorenz Luciano (Junior Black Knights Team), Kitzbichler, Loris Veneman (Kahuna Security Racing), Kas Beekmans (Team KNMV), Stepan Zuda (Motoracing23 Klub V ACR) and more were joined by Gurecky, FAIRIUM Next Generation Riders’ Kevin Farkas, Tibor Varga (Forty Racing Team), Lennox Phommara (Phommara Team), Jonas Kocourek (JRT Brno Circuit) and Damian Boessenkool (Team KNMV) in an almighty showdown at the Cathedral.
Chopping and changing, it was anyone’s race but this time as the final chicane dawned for the final time, Kitzbichler had put himself in the perfect position. The Austrian was almost neck and neck with Gurecky on the final push to the flag and a photo finish it was, split by just 0.009 as Kitzbichler put his Race 1 bad luck to bed to just pip the points leader. Gurecky still took another podium to keep his 100% podium record in tact in 2021 though, and once again from P20 on the grid.
Loris Veneman was forced to settle for fourth and just missed out on the podium once again, but the Dutchman managed to fight off Race 1 podium finisher Zuda as the number 23 had another impressive race but couldn’t quite get back on the box. Luciano was next up, losing out in the shuffle and forced to settle for a few fewer points than he likely wanted given Gurecky was on the podium.
Varga took a step to dice it out at the front on Sunday and takes home seventh, ahead of Kocourek and Farkas. Phommara fought in the group but then got a Long Lap for shortcutting through the green, the Swiss rookie taking it on the last lap and therefore forced to settle for tenth.
Boessenkool crashed out, and there was final chicane drama for Beekmans as he tagged Zuda and then Valentino Herrlich (Busch und Wagner Racing Team). Beekmans and Herrlich both went down, but riders ok.
That’s it from another classic battle at Assen. The Cathedral always delivers and it certainly did for the NTC, who now head into the summer break before returning to race alongside MotoGP™ – joined by the Austrian Junior Cup – at the Styrian GP in August.
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