The Supersport Title Battle Headlines An Action-Packed Weekend Of Racing At Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Although both riders won races at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course a year ago, Strack Racing’s Mathew Scholtz came away with the most Supersport points. When he didn’t win, he finished second. Meanwhile, his championship rival, Rahal Ducati Moto’s PJ Jacobsen, won race one but finished fourth in race two. When the MotoAmerica series departed Ohio in 2024, Scholtz did so with a 25-point lead over Jacobsen with two rounds remaining.
Fast forward to 2025. Jacobsen has been exceptional when it comes to damage limitation on days when Scholtz is at his best. Case in point: The New Yorker has finished second in all six of Scholtz’ victories. That’s how you keep yourself in a title chase.
The pair comes to Mid-Ohio this year with just seven points separating them in the Motovation Supersport Championship, with Scholtz leading Jacobsen, 242-235. Scholtz has six wins to Jacobsen’s two victories, but Jacobsen has only been off the podium once – a fourth in race two at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Scholtz has two non-podium races on his scorecard – a fifth in race one at Road Atlanta and a fourth in race two at Road America.
Blake Davis (22). Photo by BrianJ Nelson.
Scholtz’s teenage teammate Blake Davis is on the outside looking in. The recent high-school graduate has won three races and is third in the title chase, albeit 56 points in arrears. Davis has seven total podiums and has shown he can win on any given weekend.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott is fourth in the championship and is coming off a difficult weekend at VIRginia International Raceway, as a pre-VIR testing crash left him bruised and beaten.
Celtic/Economy Lube+Tire/Warhorse HSBK Ducati’s Cameron Petersen finished a fighting third in race one at VIR but crashed out of the battle in race two. The South African is fifth in the championship, just one point behind Scott.
Mission King Of The Baggers – Back On Track
It’s been a month since the last time Mission King Of The Baggers turned a wheel in anger, but the big V-twins are back in business this weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
They come to Ohio with not much of a championship battle, but with the promise that, as always, the class will provide plenty of action and heated on-track scraps.
Kyle Wyman (33). Photo by Michael Gougis.
Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Racing’s Kyle Wyman arrives at Mid-Ohio with a 76-point lead in the championship. Surprisingly, it’s not defending class champion Troy Herfoss who is the closest to Wyman. Instead, it’s his class rookie teammate Loris Baz who sits second, with the Frenchman impressive in his first year on a Bagger. S&S/Indian Motorcycle’s Baz has a win and three additional podiums.
Herfoss is third, 82 points behind Wyman and six behind Baz. Herfoss is one of three riders to win a race in 2024, joining Wyman and Baz. The Aussie is hoping to turn things around after spending a month at his Gold Coast home.
Herfoss’ teammate Tyler O’Hara is fourth, with RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson’s Rocco Landers fifth in the title chase.
Stock 1000 – Lee Over Beach
Real Steel Honda’s JD Beach is brimming with confidence after winning both Stock 1000 races at VIRginia International Raceway and vaulting himself into serious championship contention.
Andrew Lee (14). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
However, if Beach has championship aspirations, he will have to go through OrangeCat Racing’s Andrew Lee to get there. Lee, and his three victories in 2025, sits atop the standings with a 10-point lead over a red-hot Beach, 122-112.
Lee’s teammate Jayson Uribe could throw a monkey wrench into all of it. Uribe is third, 28 points behind Lee and 18 behind Beach. He is also just two points ahead of Jones Honda’s Ashton Yates.
Mission Super Hooligan National Championship – West Takes Over
Saddlemen Race Development’s Jake Lewis had everything going his way prior to the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca round of the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship Powered By Harley-Davidson. With four wins in the first five races, Lewis was in complete control of the point standings.
Jake Lewis at The Ridge. Photo courtesy Brian J Nelson.
Then it all fell apart, with a big crash before racing even started at Laguna Seca that left him beat up and out of the weekend’s two races. Lewis could only watch as KWR Harley-Davidson’s James Rispoli won both races. More importantly for Lewis, his teammate Cory West was second in both.
And just like that, a cushy points lead had turned into a 16-point deficit, with defending class champion West now in front of Lewis, 139-123.
Now it all comes down to the final two races of the 2025 Super Hooligan Championship this weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
If Lewis were to win both with West second in both, the title would go to West by six points. But this is Hooligan racing, and there will be battles aplenty at the front of the pack with the likes of Rispoli, Travis Wyman, Cody Wyman, and others, all capable of being a spoiler and all hungry to finish their season with race wins.
Pre-Mid-Ohio Support Notes…
PJ Jacobsen and Mathew Scholtz split wins in the Supersport races last year at Mid-Ohio with Jacobsen beating Scholtz and Larry Pegram in race one and Scholtz topping Tyler Scott and Jake Lewis in race two.
Troy Herfoss won the first of two Mission King Of The Baggers races at Mid-Ohio last year, with Kyle Wyman second and Rocco Landers third. Wyman flipped the results in race two by winning over Herfoss and Landers.
Jake Lewis and Cory West won the two Mission Super Hooligan National Championship races last year. Lewis topped West and Hayden Schultz in race one with West beating Tyler O’Hara and Troy Herfoss in race two.
Kyle Wyman is far and away the winningest rider in the six-year history of the Mission King Of The Baggers series. Wyman has 23 victories in the class, while Troy Herfoss is second on the all-time win list with eight victories.
Rahal Ducati Moto’s PJ Jacobsen set a new Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Supersport lap record of 1:27.427 last year in Qualifying 1.
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com, and MotoAmerica’s social platforms on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on-demand service, MotoAmerica Live+
CRF300F replaces outgoing CRF250F in Honda’s popular trail-bike family
Model features increased power, as well as chassis improvements
American Honda today introduced the CRF300F, a flagship machine for the brand’s extremely popular trail-bike lineup. Replacing the CRF250F, the CRF300F features a larger 294cc engine and an upgraded six‑speed transmission, offering more power and versatility than its predecessor.
Additional upgrades are aimed at improved handling and overall ride quality. The conventional fork features new settings for better resistance to bottoming, while the bottom triple clamp and rear-suspension link are constructed from aluminum instead of steel, reducing weight and improving feel. The graphics and newly shaped radiator shrouds echo the look of the CRF Performance machines currently dominating professional motocross, while additional changes—including an oil cooler and a switch to a more heat-resistant clutch-disc material—are intended to maintain the CRF-F family’s deserved reputation for reliability and approachability.
“Honda has an unmatched track record of producing fun, approachable, durable trail bikes that make the thrill of off-road adventure in beautiful spaces accessible to riders of all ages and backgrounds,” said Colin Miller, Manager of Public Relations at American Honda. “With the introduction of the new CRF300F—the most capable CRF-F model to date—those experiences are more attainable than ever, and we’re confident that this trail bike will be even more of a hit than its predecessor.”
The 2026 CRF300F is scheduled to be available in Honda Powersports dealers beginning in October.
Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, will complete a run of four races in less than two weeks with one of its most iconic events: the World Famous Peoria TT on Saturday, August 16, at the Peoria Motorcycle Club in Peoria, Illinois.
The Masters of Peoria
This year marks the 78th edition of the fabled race, one that fans reliably flock to in droves to watch from the hillsides of its spectacular natural amphitheater, as well as one that aspiring dirt trackers from all over the world dream of someday winning.
Despite its long history, the winners list remains shockingly exclusive, as each victory has been jealously guarded by an elite cadre of Peoria TT masters.
In its most recent 38 runnings, there have been just nine different winners. At the top of that list, of course, stands 14-time race winner “King” Henry Wiles, followed closely by Chris Carr, who earned the moniker “The Prince of Peoria” by conquering the prestigious event 13 times.
The most recent certified master of the Peoria TT is JD Beach, who won three straight from 2021-2023.
This trend is not a recent development, not even in a relative sense. Joe Leonard claimed seven wins here from 1954-1961, Bart Markel took six from 1960-1968, and Dick Mann racked up five between 1959-1972.
In fact, this tendency towards the emergence of Peoria dominators pre-dates the Grand National Championship’s initiation as a season-long affair in 1954, as Roger Soderstrom claimed five straight Peoria TT wins from 1949-1953.
Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R) is on the cusp of earning his Peoria TT master’s degree. He owns two wins in the race (2019 and 2024) and has finished on the podium every year since the Mission AFT SuperTwins class brought the big bikes back to the track in 2017.
And the Rick Ware Racing hero may actually need to earn that distinction with a third-career Peoria TT victory this weekend if he hopes to secure a third premier-class title in 2025. More on that in a bit.
If Only
And yet, all of the above does not necessarily make Bauman the slam-dunk favorite to win this weekend.
Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) has everything necessary to be a Peoria TT master himself – everything minus the consistent record of results at the venue to back the claim up.
Hailing from nearby Mattoon, Illinois, Daniels was that quintessential kid who daydreamed of Peoria TT glory as he rose up through the ranks. And he got it – in a big way – when he crushed a stacked AFT Singles field in 2019 to score his maiden Progressive AFT victory as a 16-year-old rookie.
Armed with both sublime flat track and road racing skills, Daniels is a proven TT superstar – talents once again put to good use in last Friday’s Jackpine Gypsies Super TT. However, his relationship with the Peoria TT since that initial breakthrough has been decidedly mixed.
If you’ll recall, Daniels returned to the venue in 2021 (there was no Grand National Championship round at Peoria in 2020 due to the global pandemic) with sky high expectations. Instead, the visit turned out to be a nightmare, marred by two huge crashes in the Main Event, resulting in a 16-place finish.
His first attempt in the premier class in 2022 went significantly better – a respectable third. However, despite being the fastest rider throughout qualifying, he suffered from a poor start in the Main that likely prevented him from challenging for the win.
And then In 2023, Daniels crashed out of second place with just over a lap remaining, handing the championship lead over to Jared Mees in the process.
And 2024 was the worst of all… He didn’t even make it to Peoria. Daniels suffered an accident in training while prepping for the TT, which effectively ended his title campaign after having previously built up an imposing championship advantage.
Of all of the visits, however, this one might be the most critical in the Estenson Racing star’s lifelong quest to win the Grand National Championship.
Here’s What’s on the Line
Four races remain to determine this season’s Mission AFT SuperTwins title – this weekend’s Peoria TT, the Springfield Mile I & II, and the Lake Ozark Short Track finale – while just seven points separate Bauman from Daniels at the top of the championship order.
Consider the following:
Daniels’ didn’t just win at the season’s only prior Mile in DuQuoin, he looked to hold a rather significant speed advantage over Bauman while doing so. In fact, come Springfield, Bauman may need to be concerned about more than just Daniels alone. Another Yamaha podium lockout like the one that took place in DuQuoin that could prove catastrophic to his title ambitions.
Springfield I & II Advantage: Daniels
The subsequent Lake Ozark ST finale will mark the season’s ninth Short Track. While Daniels doubled at the DAYTONA ST opener, Bauman will head into the season’s finale race having beaten Daniels at six consecutive Short Tracks (with five wins in those six).
Lake Ozark Short Track Advantage: Bauman
Imagine the very real scenario in which Daniels and Bauman go 1-2 twice at Springfield and 2-1 at Lake Ozark. If that were to happen, setting aside this weekend’s results at Peoria, Bauman will have accumulated 304 points to Daniels 301.
If you factor a Bauman/Daniels Peoria TT 1-2 into that equation, Bauman wins 327-320.
Now if you instead factor in a Daniels/Bauman Peoria TT 1-2, Daniels wins 324-323.
Yeah, this weekend is big.
And Here’s Who Could Make Things Even More Interesting
Of course, the title rivals are not the only riders on track. Others can still play the spoiler, the same way James Ott (No. 19 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07) and Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Luczak Racing Yamaha MT-07) did in DuQuoin.
And this weekend we have the “King” of all spoilers in attendance: Henry Wiles (No. 911 DL Racing/HYMMC Yamaha MT-07).
Despite being both a part-time racer and shouldering double-duty at Sturgis, Wiles scooped up podiums at the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT in both Mission AFT SuperTwins and AFT AdventureTrackers™.
And the 19-time TT winner didn’t just do that, he also looked awfully competitive with Daniels and Bauman while doing so, at least for stretches. Now just imagine how strong he might be in his return to the venue where he built his legend.
Another rider to keep a close eye on is Jarod VanDerKooi (No. 20 Fastrack Racing/Wally Brown Racing KTM 790 Duke), who has long, albeit somewhat quietly, stood as a very good Peoria TT rider.
“Quiet” only because he has yet to podium at the track since joining the premier class in 2015. However, ‘15 is also the only year of his Mission AFT SuperTwins career in which he finished worse than seventh in the Peoria TT, finishing inside the top five on five occasions with three runs to fourths.
While VDK faces an uphill climb in the attempt to finish the season ranked third in the championship, he does have an opportunity to make serious inroads with a big weekend in Peoria.
VanDerKooi should have an advantage here over third-ranked Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) and fourth-ranked Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke). That said, it’s worth noting that Robinson has steadily improved at Peoria over the years to the point that he finished fifth at the track a season ago, and Fisher was on it at this past week’s Super TT before equipment failure cost him a shot at a podium.
And finally, don’t rule out top-three efforts from Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Suzuki GSX-8S) and Max Whale (No. 18 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), a pair of riders who have stood on the top of the podium in Peoria before while competing in other classes.
AFT Singles presented by KICKER riders take the first turn at the Jackpine Gypsies MC in Sturgis during Round 10 Photo by Scott Hunter / courtesy American Flat Track
AFT Singles Presented by KICKER
Two years ago, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) appeared to be well on his way to cruising to a Peoria TT victory.
However, a late-race red flag forced a restart, at which point he got shuffled down to second by then-teammate Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).
Consequently, Drane is still seeking his first TT win – something of an upset considering his roadracing bonafides.
The Australian now ranks third all-time with 15 career AFT Singles victories. Adding that TT win this weekend would leave him just three wins shy of Shayna Texter-Bauman for second on that list while making him just the sixth rider in history to hit the AFT Singles Grand Slam.
It would also prove a huge step towards his first class crown, as we’ll explain momentarily.
Saathoff Still (Barely) In Control of His Own Destiny
Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R) is one of the five riders to have won a Mile, Half-Mile, TT, and Short Track in AFT Singles action. Saathoff’s first TT triumph, of course, came here in his home state one year ago.
He added a second TT win this past Friday at the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT. There Saathoff was given a little bit of championship help by his fellow Illinois native, Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust/ATV’s and More Yamaha YZ450F), who kept Drane at bay in third.
As a result, Saathoff moved to within 16 points of Drane in the title chase (230-214) – a critical margin with four races to go.
The gap is near enough that if Saathoff were to go on a tear and win from here out, he would be the 2025 AFT Singles Champion, even if Drane managed to finish second in all of those races (in that case, producing a tie at 306 with Saathoff getting the nod via tiebreaker with seven hypothetical wins to Drane’s four).
While demanding that Saathoff win five races in a row to close out the ‘25 season is a mighty big ask (only Dallas Daniels’ six-race win streak in 2020 is longer in class history), it may prove necessary considering Drane’s consistent excellence.
From the end of the ‘24 season to the early stages of the ‘25 campaign, the Estenson Racing pilot assembled the longest podium streak in class history, which finally concluded at nine when he finished fourth at the Ventura Short Track.
He’s since gone on to stack up the second longest such streak ever, which now stands at eight at counting.
That said, Saathoff has been similarly strong week-in and week-out, as he’s actively working a historically significant seven-race podium streak of his own.
The X Factor
Of course, another rather significant variable has been added to that championship equation this weekend in the form of reigning triple AFT Singles champion Kody Kopp (No. 1 Bob Lanphere/KTM/Fastrack Racing KTM 450 SX-F).
Kopp is a late addition to this weekend’s entry list, and his presence will most certainly be felt. While he’s spent the bulk of his 2025 season focused on his roadracing aspirations, Kopp did make a guest appearance at the DAYTONA Short Track double opener and promptly swept both races.
While he’s accomplished just about everything one can do in the class – Kopp boasts more titles and race wins than any other rider in AFT Singles history for starters – he has yet to win the Peoria TT. He’s come close, however, finishing on the podium and mere fractions of a second behind the winner in each of his last two attempts.
But even if he’s just trying to take care of some unfinished business, that business could have massive championship implications for Drane and Saathoff. Kopp poses both a threat and an opportunity to the title fighters – a rider with the potential to steal vital points away from them, their opponent, or both, depending on the order in which they cross the stripe.
Brunner and Company
Other than the aforementioned Brunner, no other rider is in even mathematical contention for the ‘25 title. As for Brunner – his chances are effectively mathematical and mathematical only, as he trails Drane by a massive 54-point margin.
But he (and the rest of the crew) can still play a role in determining who wins. As we mentioned before, Brunner has proven he can beat the likes of Drane and Saathoff in Peoria, and he’s got little to prevent him from going for broke this weekend.
The same is true for RoosEvans – fresh off his maiden Progressive AFT podium – who would love to add another in front of his home fans.
Meanwhile, Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Honda CRF450R), Evan Renshaw (No. 65 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), and Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R/Little Debbie Racing Honda CRF450R) finished fourth through sixth, here a year ago.
And up-and-comers Kage Tadman (No. 288 Roof Systems/Old Oak Ranch KTM 450 SX-F), Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Hannum’s HD/Pfanders Racing KTM 450 SX-F), and Evan Kelleher (No. 31 Schaeffer’s Motorsports KTM 450 SX-F) are capable of springing an upset at any moment.
Amped for a Day of Racing Theatrics at the Amphitheater
There will be plenty beyond just the race action for fans to enjoy throughout the day on Saturday, including numerous vendors, expansive food and beverage options, and dedicated motorcycle parking.
General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $30 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult General Admission ticket).
For $125 (all ages), fans can purchase a VIP ticket, which includes admission to the Turn 1 VIP lounge – located in an air conditioned building that overlooks the entire track – food and beverage, a swag bag, and VIP parking.
Gates will open at 9:00 a.m. ET/6:00 a.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT.
How to Watch
FloRacing
For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2025. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.
FS1
FOX Sports coverage of the 78th World Famous Peoria TT, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, August 30, at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT).
Jackson, New Jersey’s Jennifer Jazikoff and Glenn Jazikoff, the parents of two successful MotoAmerica Mini Cup racers, were arrested on July 26th in Ocean County, New Jersey for allegedly running an interstate drug operation, with gun charges and child endangerment charges added. Mug shots and information on the arrests were posted on multiple websites dedicated to reporting on arrests.
The parents attended the MotoAmerica Mini Cup Finals with their racing sons at Road America on August 8-9-10.
The well-known family has been involved in Mini Cup racing for years, including taking their kids to ride in events held by New Jersey MiniGP (NJMiniGP) at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
In terms of gender equality, the highly-specialized FIM Land Speed World Records discipline presents competitors with a truly level playing field or, to use a more appropriate metaphor, a level salt flat.
It has not always been this way, but times have changed and thanks to the passion, talent and not inconsiderable success of a small band of female pioneers the sight of a woman streaking along the measured mile on Utah’s world-famous Bonneville Salt Flats is no longer out of the ordinary.
At the forefront of the initial wave of ground-breaking speed queens, Belen Wagner got her first taste of the Bonneville Salt Flats as a record-breaking sixteen-year-old and even now, at the age of fifty-four, she is delighted to still be flying the flag for diversity.
“My dad always wanted to go to Bonneville and I wanted to do whatever he was doing,” she said. “I was totally scared, but once I put my leathers on it felt kind of normal. Because I was a girl people were interested and impressed and it was the first time that being a girl was in a way an advantage so I didn’t have to hide it. I really liked being around those racers and it felt really natural to me.
“There’s been this sort of explosion of very good female competitors and it’s the most amazing thing. There are now lots of women who have gone much faster than me and it’s the best feeling because not only do they understand me as a racer, they understand me as a female racer. I could not be prouder of these women. It’s so cool.”
Wagner, who will be making her annual pilgrimage to Utah for the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials that this year are scheduled for 23-28 August, boasts a personal best of two-hundred-and-nineteen miles per hour on a Suzuki Hayabusa, although the majority of her thirty-plus FIM World Records and fifteen-plus American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Records have been achieved in the 125cc and 175cc categories – not that she takes much notice of her achievements.
“We never really keep track [of records], the goal is always just to go faster. There’s no one record that really stands out, but what I do think is really cool is I’ve had six blown pistons [at speed] and not crashed!”
Belen Wagner at Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials. Photo credit Jean Turner
The daughter of AMA Hall of Fame member Wiltz Wagner, a driving force behind the sport of Trial in America since the early 1970s, after getting her first bike at the age of ten she has not looked back. Just like many riders who started out in Trial before going on to dominate in other disciplines, she attributes much of her success to lessons learned in those formative years.
“I think that everything comes from Trial. Every skill you need. Trial riders can go to any other sport. It’s the cradle of knowledge for what we do – balance, throttle control, clutch, brakes. It doesn’t matter if you’re going five miles per hour or two-hundred miles per hour.”
A former FIM Environmental Steward for Trial, Wagner is still heavily involved in sustainability and even makes a living from designing female fashion clothing and workwear from recycled materials – “don’t tell anyone,” she laughs, “but my sewing machine has nitro!” – and it is clearly a cause she is passionate about.
“So much clothing gets worn a few times and is then thrown away. Sustainability is the key to the future. For twenty-five years it was pounded into my head that as motorcyclists we don’t want to be part of the problem, we want to be part of the solution.”
With sustainability still in mind this summer, when Wagner rolls out onto the shimmering Bonneville Salt Flats, her simple aim will be to go as fast as she possibly can.
“Bonneville is an amazing place. There’s no point in me trying to describe it because you have to be there to see it and then you’ll wonder if you’re on another planet. Nothing can prepare you for it, but it’s stunning every time – it never loses that blow-you-away beauty.
“It’s just you and your machine. There’s no noise in your head, you’re just totally focussed on doing your job. You’re concentrating on the flags, you’re concentrating on the RPMs – there’s a lot to pay attention to – and when you’re going two-hundred miles per hour on a motorcycle everything can change very, very quickly.”
The Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials are scheduled to take place this year between 23-28 August.
Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton and Haiden Deegan to represent the United States at the 2025 FIM Motocross of Nations.
The United States will be well-represented by a trio of world-class motocross racers when it hosts the 2025 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Motocross of Nations, which will be held Oct. 3-5 at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Ind.
Three AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross champions will take the reins of the American team in 2025, as two-time 450SX (2020 and 2022) and four-time AMA Pro Motocross (2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022) champion Eli Tomac, 2023 450SX and 2024 AMA Pro Motocross 450 champ Chase Sexton, and reigning 250SX West champion Haiden Deegan — who also claimed the 2024 AMA Pro Motocross 250cc title — will don the Stars and Stripes during this year’s event.
After long-time team manager Roger De Coster — an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer — announced his retirement in late July, AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier will lead the United States’ efforts in the international competition.
“To serve as team manager for the United States Motocross of Nations team is an honor of a lifetime,” Pelletier said. “We have a tremendous team in place this year, with three racers that have already proven their championship-winning pedigrees. We look forward to competing in front of our fans and defending our home turf this year!”
A previous Motocross of Nations champion, who helped the United States to glory as a member of the 2022 gold medal team, Sexton reclaims his spot on the American team in 2025.
“It’s an honor to represent Team USA at this year’s Motocross of Nations, especially with the event being held at Ironman Raceway alongside Eli Tomac and Haiden Deegan,” Sexton said. “It’s extra special for me with the race taking place so close to where I grew up. I can’t wait to race in front of many hometown fans and represent my country on home soil.”
Another member of that title-winning 2022 team, Tomac returns for his sixth MXON appearance in 2025.
“I’m excited to represent the USA once again this year,” Tomac said. “It’s going to be great to be on home turf and I believe our team will be very fast at Ironman!”
Making his MXON debut as one of the brightest up-and-comers in motocross, Deegan will battle on behalf of his country for the first time at the highest stage of the international motocross competition at Ironman Raceway.
“I’m stoked to finally be healthy enough to go race for my country and bring that trophy home where it belongs,” Deegan said.
As the premier event in international motocross competition, the FIM Motocross of Nations pits the world’s best riders against one another, while nations compete for global supremacy in the sport.
The Americans seek to defend their homeland during the weekend competition, and those interested in learning more, supporting the team or purchasing tickets can do so at mxonusa.com/.
About the American Motorcyclist Association:
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
C15 Studio and MotoGP launch the MotoGP Channel across the United States, a dedicated 24/7 streaming destination delivering live racing, original programming and year-round coverage.
The MotoGP Channel is here. Launching August 13th, the channel is a free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service, offering fans across the U.S. an always-on home for the most exciting sport on Earth. Operated by C15 Studio, the category’s leading operator, the channel brings together live race weekends and a vast library of curated content to deliver an unprecedented MotoGP experience, all in one place.
The MotoGP Channel will provide extensive live coverage from all 22 iconic circuits throughout the season, including MotoGP™ practice and qualifying sessions, as well as live Moto2™, Moto3™, and MotoE™ races – delivering full-season access to every class of competition.
Beyond live events, viewers will also enjoy a wide range of classic MotoGP races, captivating documentaries and programming stunts, giving fans a chance to relive defining moments, explore the sport’s rich history, get to know its incredible riders and teams, and enjoy the best content MotoGP has to offer.
The channel will be widely available on leading streaming services, including Prime Video, LG Channels, FireTV, FuboTV, Plex and Sling Freestream.
Dan Rossomondo, CCO of MotoGP: “Our collaboration with C15 Studio on the MotoGP Channel opens an exciting new avenue for U.S. fans to engage with the sport. Live coverage of MotoGP qualifying and practice, along with live Moto2 and Moto3 races, presents a fantastic opportunity for fans to tune into the action. The amazing range of content around-the-clock offers fans direct access to the very best of MotoGP – every time they tune in. We’re happy to expand our presence in the US and give fans a great new way to experience the sport.”
This strategic partnership marks a significant addition to C15 Studio’s expanding portfolio of premium FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) sports channels, underlining C15 Studio’s commitment to creating premium, dedicated sports channels that resonate with both fans and advertisers alike. The MotoGP Channel will offer continuous access to MotoGP content, providing an established fanbase with a dedicated platform while introducing the sport to new audiences across the United States.
Joe Nilsson, CEO & Co-founder of C15 Studio: “We are thrilled to be part of MotoGP’s growth trajectory in the United States, especially as the sport is poised to accelerate its expansion at the start of an exciting new chapter. MotoGP possesses all the vital ingredients for a successful new channel: season-long, compelling live event coverage, a passionate fan base, top-tier sponsors and a rich legacy.”
Racer, riding coach, and Hawk Mazzotta Moto Camp owner, Hawk Mazzotta and wife Nina Mazzotta had a son, Wilder Hawk Mazzotta, August 6th in Redding, (Northern) California.
Seen in the photo are, from left, Westlynn Jane Mazzotta (age 3), dad Hawk Mazzotta, Wayden Hawk Mazzotta (age 12), baby Wilder Hawk Mazzotta, and mom Nina Mazzotta.
HOT HEADLINES: time to lock horns at the Red Bull Ring as MotoGP returns. A record-setting first 12 rounds have set us up for a box office business end of the season.
Summer is now behind us and the overseas rounds are honing into view, but not before a whistlestop tour of Europe. There are four rounds over the next five weeks and it all starts high in the Styrian Alps for the Grand Prix of Austria. With batteries recharged and spirits, goals, and ambitions renewed, it’s a circuit that’s never short of drama and 2025 is no exception. Welcome to the Red Bull Ring for Round 13!
THE TOP THREE: can Marc Marquez be stopped?
Making history by becoming the first Ducati rider to take five wins in a row, Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) has a 120-point lead in the standings but the Austrian GP has been his Achilles heel in recent years. Astonishingly, he’s yet to win here and his last podium was in 2019 after another showdown with Andrea Dovizioso. With the #93’s fixation on victory, can anyone stop him? He’s been in a league of his own but Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) needs a result too after a Brno to forget. He chases a first MotoGP podium in Austria whilst Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) is unbeaten at the Red Bull Ring since 2022 – can this be the place where Pecco takes the fight to conquer the #93?
APRILIA’S MOMENTUM: taking the fight to the top three
The Aprilia charge is really picking up some serious speed and rhythm; Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) has two Grand Prix podiums and two Sprint podiums from his last three GPs and has been pushing Marc Marquez hard. Teammate Jorge Martin, on his headline-making return, was a solid P7 at Brno, with renewed optimism in the Aprilia box. Both have rostrums at the Red Bull Ring, whilst it’s not just the factory team fighting the heavyweights. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) has been one of the biggest improvers as we headed for summer, with five straight top ten finishes and a joint-career best at Brno of P5 on Sunday. Teammate Ai Ogura hopes that the familiarity of the Red Bull Ring returns him to a top ten challenge after a tricky Czech GP and early momentum was interrupted by some injury struggles.
MOVING ON UP: KTM in form for home round
Aprilia weren’t the only manufacturer right in contention – so were KTM. Since Aragon, the Austrian manufacturer have featured strongly and following Pedro Acosta’s (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) podium in Czechia and likewise Enea Bastianini’s (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) Sprint rostrum, all eyes will be on whether this breakthrough can be followed up at their home round. Elsewhere, Bastianini’s teammate Maverick Viñales returns to action after his Sachsenring injury, whereas Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) has memories of his 2021 Austrian GP win and hopes that he can find form again. It’s the most important round of KTM’s season but if recent results are a guideline, they’re up for the challenge.
IN THE FIGHT: a return to podium contention incoming for…
Spectacular over one lap and still in the fight in the Grands Prix themselves, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) leads the Yamaha charge. Ninth in the standings but just seven points adrift of Johann Zarco(CASTROL Honda LCR), both Frenchmen are keen to stay in top six contention overall. Brno was a disaster for Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), scoring no points at all in a weekend for the first time since Germany in 2024. He’s fifth overall, just ahead of his returning teammateFranco Morbidelli, who is still in the fight for a top five overall after his teammate’s struggles in Czechia, just three points back. Completing the top ten, Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) is top rookie into the second part of the season and now has a solid 28-point margin behind to Viñales after the #12 was sidelined.
STEPS FORWARD: hunting a top ten result
A podium finisher at the Red Bull Ring in 2022 and with back-to-back top ten finishes into summer, Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) is the second Yamaha in the standings in 14th but tied on points with the Honda of Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol). The #10’s teammate, Joan Mir, will have ordered an extra bout of good luck for Round 13 after his incident with Alex Marquez at Brno. Mir was traditionally a big fan of Austria and he’s only 10 points behind Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), whilst Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) and Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) complete the order, the latter hopefully returning to the place of a Moto2™ podium in 2022 looking to be passed fit, and Oliveira to the scene of his first MotoGP win in 2020.
Feeling recharged? MotoGP is. The most exciting sport on Earth returns in the BWIN Grand Prix of Austria as the second half of the season begins – with Marc Marquez aiming to fill that uncharacteristic gap in his CV and the rest looking to stop his momentum. Tune in for Round 13 this weekend!
Moto2™: title race finely poised ahead of Red Bull Ring showdown
School is back after summer and the run to Valencia begins, with the Moto2 title race finely poised. As it stands, following his P3 in Brno, Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) leads the way by 25 points, with Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) chasing a response.
That first DNF of the campaign at the Czech GP was costly for the Spaniard, but it was a better day on the other side of the box as teammate Barry Baltuspicked up his fourth P2 of the year. The Belgian is now P3 overall, with Czech GP winner Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) the one to deny Baltus his maiden win – and what a ride it was from the American. Are more wins and podiums on the cards for the rest of the year for the #16?
Elsewhere, two DNFs at the Sachsenring and in Brno mean Diogo Moreira(Italtrans Racing Team) has work to do in the championship chase. 60 points is the gap to Gonzalez, as the Brazilian aims to bounce back in the title hunt.
Others looking to bounce back will be Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team), Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP). The riders in P5, P6 and P7 in the standings all finished outside the top 10 in Brno, as Dixon lands at a circuit he finished P3 at last year behind Austrian GP winner Celestino Vietti and the Italian’s 2025 Sync SpeedRS Team stablemate Alonso Lopez. All three would smile at repeat results this time around.
Gonzalez in charge, Canet the chief chaser, and a host of Moto2 riders hungry for success in the second half of the season. The run to the finish begins this weekend in Austria.
Moto3™: can anyone reel in runaway leader Rueda in the run-in?
Seven wins and a record points lead after 12 rounds makes for pleasant reading if your name is Jose Antonio Rueda. The Red Bull KTM Ajo star lands at the Red Bull Ring with a target on his back, but that 85-point gap is mighty. Can anyone reel in the #99 before it’s too late?
Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) is tasked with that job as the rider second in the championship. The #36 is desperate for a podium return after a seven-race absence, so is the Red Bull Ring the track to see him do that? He finished P4 in Austria last year, so going at least one better will be the aim.
Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) comes into the second half in P3, but the Rookie of the Year scrap has really bubbled up thanks to the storming start Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) has had. Only Pedro Acosta has made a better rookie start than the #28 in recent Moto3 years, and it’s now just seven points between Carpe and Quiles. A battle to watch closely.
David Muñoz’s (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) four podiums in five, including his maiden victory and that stunning comeback in Brno, means he’s P5 in the standings. His P2 at the Red Bull Ring last year will give the #64 some added confidence heading into the weekend.
Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA) healed up over the summer and will be back fighting for podiums after missing the race in Brno, and will be one of many who will be hoping to beat runaway title leader Rueda in the coming races.
The Polish pairing of Dominik Kubera and Kacper Woryna along with Leon Madsen from Denmark and Latvia’s Andžejs Ļebedevs filled the all-important top four positions in the FIM Speedway Grand Prix World Championship Challenge powered by Anlas, Kineo and HKC Koopmann to book their permanent places behind the tapes for next season’s FIM Speedway Grand Prix World Championship (SGP).
Dominik Kubera and Andžejs Ļebedevs retain their SGP places at Holsted
Kacper Woryna follows in his grandfather’s footsteps with place in Speedway’s elite
Leon Madsen books his return to SGP action after missing out in 2025
With such an invaluable prize at stake for the top four finishers, the racing was hard-fought and intense from the outset in Holsted, Denmark, where the talent-packed field assembled on Saturday (9 August)evening.
With conditions warm and dry, the track in the Moldow Speedway Arena was in prime condition and twenty-six-year-old Kubera – who is currently lying ninth in SGP after booking his place via last season’s Challenge when he finished third – got off to a winning start with a commanding tapes-to-flag victoryin the opening Heat of the programme ahead of Sweden’s Kim Nilsson.
Home hero Michael Jepsen Jensen then topped his first Heat ahead of fellow Dane and current SGP competitor Anders Thomsen before Madsen and Woryna opened their accounts with victories to complete the first block of racing.
The second block opened with Jensen charging from third to first to defeat Kubera before Woryna and Madsen maintained their unbeaten records and Ļebedevs, another of this season’s SGP regulars, took his first victory of the evening after trailing home third in his opening Heat.
Kubera ended Madsen’s win-streak in their third Heat race, but Jensen’s challenge suffered a serious blow when he was disqualified after being adjudged to have taken down Czech racer Jan Kvěch when passing him for the lead on the final lap of the tenth Heat, handing victory to Kvěch from Slovenia’s Matej Zagar.
With just one point from his opening two races, Slovakia’s Martin Vaculik – who is currently sitting fourteenth in this year’s SGP series – dragged himself back into contention with victory in his third Heat ahead of Woryna before Ļebedevs moved into the top four with victory from home rider Bastien Pedersen.
With two blocks of racing remaining, it was Kubera, Woryna and event wildcard Madsen who shared the lead on eight points – one ahead of Ļebedevs and two clear of Jensen – and Woryna then seized the advantage when he defeated Kubera in their fourth Heat.
Madsen’s third win of the programme pulled him level with Woryna and Jensen’s SGP ambitions suffered another setback when he finished third behind twenty-two-year-old Pole Mateusz Cierniakand 2025 SGP regular Kai Huckenbeck from Germany.
With Ļebedevs taking his third win of the evening at the expense of Thomsen – and Madsen and Woryna already guaranteed a place in the top four – the stage was set for the final block and Kubera duly rose to the occasion with his victory cementing his place in SGP next season.
Vaculik and Thomsen both signed off with victories – although their wins came too late to see them through – and Jensen also went out on top, but despite leading home Ļebedevs, Madsen and Woryna he ended the programme in a frustrating fifth.
With the four qualifying places decided, the Final was all about the podium positions and Kubera led every lap to finish on the top step flanked by Woryna and Madsen with Ļebedevs taking fourth.
All the action from Holsted along with replays and special contents can be streamed on FIM-MOTO.TV. For more details and to sign up click here.
For more information on the 2025 FIM Speedway Grand Prix World Championship Qualifying rounds and SGP Challenge click here.
Alternatively, fans can download the Sportity App and use the password FIMTR to access Track Racing news.
Mathew Scholtz leads the Supersport Championship point standings by seven over PJ Jacobsen as the series heads to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
The Supersport Title Battle Headlines An Action-Packed Weekend Of Racing At Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Although both riders won races at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course a year ago, Strack Racing’s Mathew Scholtz came away with the most Supersport points. When he didn’t win, he finished second. Meanwhile, his championship rival, Rahal Ducati Moto’s PJ Jacobsen, won race one but finished fourth in race two. When the MotoAmerica series departed Ohio in 2024, Scholtz did so with a 25-point lead over Jacobsen with two rounds remaining.
Fast forward to 2025. Jacobsen has been exceptional when it comes to damage limitation on days when Scholtz is at his best. Case in point: The New Yorker has finished second in all six of Scholtz’ victories. That’s how you keep yourself in a title chase.
The pair comes to Mid-Ohio this year with just seven points separating them in the Motovation Supersport Championship, with Scholtz leading Jacobsen, 242-235. Scholtz has six wins to Jacobsen’s two victories, but Jacobsen has only been off the podium once – a fourth in race two at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Scholtz has two non-podium races on his scorecard – a fifth in race one at Road Atlanta and a fourth in race two at Road America.
Blake Davis (22). Photo by BrianJ Nelson.
Scholtz’s teenage teammate Blake Davis is on the outside looking in. The recent high-school graduate has won three races and is third in the title chase, albeit 56 points in arrears. Davis has seven total podiums and has shown he can win on any given weekend.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott is fourth in the championship and is coming off a difficult weekend at VIRginia International Raceway, as a pre-VIR testing crash left him bruised and beaten.
Celtic/Economy Lube+Tire/Warhorse HSBK Ducati’s Cameron Petersen finished a fighting third in race one at VIR but crashed out of the battle in race two. The South African is fifth in the championship, just one point behind Scott.
Mission King Of The Baggers – Back On Track
It’s been a month since the last time Mission King Of The Baggers turned a wheel in anger, but the big V-twins are back in business this weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
They come to Ohio with not much of a championship battle, but with the promise that, as always, the class will provide plenty of action and heated on-track scraps.
Kyle Wyman (33). Photo by Michael Gougis.
Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Racing’s Kyle Wyman arrives at Mid-Ohio with a 76-point lead in the championship. Surprisingly, it’s not defending class champion Troy Herfoss who is the closest to Wyman. Instead, it’s his class rookie teammate Loris Baz who sits second, with the Frenchman impressive in his first year on a Bagger. S&S/Indian Motorcycle’s Baz has a win and three additional podiums.
Herfoss is third, 82 points behind Wyman and six behind Baz. Herfoss is one of three riders to win a race in 2024, joining Wyman and Baz. The Aussie is hoping to turn things around after spending a month at his Gold Coast home.
Herfoss’ teammate Tyler O’Hara is fourth, with RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson’s Rocco Landers fifth in the title chase.
Stock 1000 – Lee Over Beach
Real Steel Honda’s JD Beach is brimming with confidence after winning both Stock 1000 races at VIRginia International Raceway and vaulting himself into serious championship contention.
Andrew Lee (14). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
However, if Beach has championship aspirations, he will have to go through OrangeCat Racing’s Andrew Lee to get there. Lee, and his three victories in 2025, sits atop the standings with a 10-point lead over a red-hot Beach, 122-112.
Lee’s teammate Jayson Uribe could throw a monkey wrench into all of it. Uribe is third, 28 points behind Lee and 18 behind Beach. He is also just two points ahead of Jones Honda’s Ashton Yates.
Mission Super Hooligan National Championship – West Takes Over
Saddlemen Race Development’s Jake Lewis had everything going his way prior to the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca round of the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship Powered By Harley-Davidson. With four wins in the first five races, Lewis was in complete control of the point standings.
Jake Lewis at The Ridge. Photo courtesy Brian J Nelson.
Then it all fell apart, with a big crash before racing even started at Laguna Seca that left him beat up and out of the weekend’s two races. Lewis could only watch as KWR Harley-Davidson’s James Rispoli won both races. More importantly for Lewis, his teammate Cory West was second in both.
And just like that, a cushy points lead had turned into a 16-point deficit, with defending class champion West now in front of Lewis, 139-123.
Now it all comes down to the final two races of the 2025 Super Hooligan Championship this weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
If Lewis were to win both with West second in both, the title would go to West by six points. But this is Hooligan racing, and there will be battles aplenty at the front of the pack with the likes of Rispoli, Travis Wyman, Cody Wyman, and others, all capable of being a spoiler and all hungry to finish their season with race wins.
Pre-Mid-Ohio Support Notes…
PJ Jacobsen and Mathew Scholtz split wins in the Supersport races last year at Mid-Ohio with Jacobsen beating Scholtz and Larry Pegram in race one and Scholtz topping Tyler Scott and Jake Lewis in race two.
Troy Herfoss won the first of two Mission King Of The Baggers races at Mid-Ohio last year, with Kyle Wyman second and Rocco Landers third. Wyman flipped the results in race two by winning over Herfoss and Landers.
Jake Lewis and Cory West won the two Mission Super Hooligan National Championship races last year. Lewis topped West and Hayden Schultz in race one with West beating Tyler O’Hara and Troy Herfoss in race two.
Kyle Wyman is far and away the winningest rider in the six-year history of the Mission King Of The Baggers series. Wyman has 23 victories in the class, while Troy Herfoss is second on the all-time win list with eight victories.
Rahal Ducati Moto’s PJ Jacobsen set a new Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Supersport lap record of 1:27.427 last year in Qualifying 1.
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com, and MotoAmerica’s social platforms on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on-demand service, MotoAmerica Live+
CRF300F replaces outgoing CRF250F in Honda’s popular trail-bike family
Model features increased power, as well as chassis improvements
American Honda today introduced the CRF300F, a flagship machine for the brand’s extremely popular trail-bike lineup. Replacing the CRF250F, the CRF300F features a larger 294cc engine and an upgraded six‑speed transmission, offering more power and versatility than its predecessor.
Additional upgrades are aimed at improved handling and overall ride quality. The conventional fork features new settings for better resistance to bottoming, while the bottom triple clamp and rear-suspension link are constructed from aluminum instead of steel, reducing weight and improving feel. The graphics and newly shaped radiator shrouds echo the look of the CRF Performance machines currently dominating professional motocross, while additional changes—including an oil cooler and a switch to a more heat-resistant clutch-disc material—are intended to maintain the CRF-F family’s deserved reputation for reliability and approachability.
“Honda has an unmatched track record of producing fun, approachable, durable trail bikes that make the thrill of off-road adventure in beautiful spaces accessible to riders of all ages and backgrounds,” said Colin Miller, Manager of Public Relations at American Honda. “With the introduction of the new CRF300F—the most capable CRF-F model to date—those experiences are more attainable than ever, and we’re confident that this trail bike will be even more of a hit than its predecessor.”
The 2026 CRF300F is scheduled to be available in Honda Powersports dealers beginning in October.
Briar Bauman (3) and Dallas Daniels (32) wait to enter the track at the Jackpine Gypsies MC in Sturgis during Round 10 Photo by Scott Hunter / courtesy American Flat Track
Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, will complete a run of four races in less than two weeks with one of its most iconic events: the World Famous Peoria TT on Saturday, August 16, at the Peoria Motorcycle Club in Peoria, Illinois.
The Masters of Peoria
This year marks the 78th edition of the fabled race, one that fans reliably flock to in droves to watch from the hillsides of its spectacular natural amphitheater, as well as one that aspiring dirt trackers from all over the world dream of someday winning.
Despite its long history, the winners list remains shockingly exclusive, as each victory has been jealously guarded by an elite cadre of Peoria TT masters.
In its most recent 38 runnings, there have been just nine different winners. At the top of that list, of course, stands 14-time race winner “King” Henry Wiles, followed closely by Chris Carr, who earned the moniker “The Prince of Peoria” by conquering the prestigious event 13 times.
The most recent certified master of the Peoria TT is JD Beach, who won three straight from 2021-2023.
This trend is not a recent development, not even in a relative sense. Joe Leonard claimed seven wins here from 1954-1961, Bart Markel took six from 1960-1968, and Dick Mann racked up five between 1959-1972.
In fact, this tendency towards the emergence of Peoria dominators pre-dates the Grand National Championship’s initiation as a season-long affair in 1954, as Roger Soderstrom claimed five straight Peoria TT wins from 1949-1953.
Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R) is on the cusp of earning his Peoria TT master’s degree. He owns two wins in the race (2019 and 2024) and has finished on the podium every year since the Mission AFT SuperTwins class brought the big bikes back to the track in 2017.
And the Rick Ware Racing hero may actually need to earn that distinction with a third-career Peoria TT victory this weekend if he hopes to secure a third premier-class title in 2025. More on that in a bit.
If Only
And yet, all of the above does not necessarily make Bauman the slam-dunk favorite to win this weekend.
Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) has everything necessary to be a Peoria TT master himself – everything minus the consistent record of results at the venue to back the claim up.
Hailing from nearby Mattoon, Illinois, Daniels was that quintessential kid who daydreamed of Peoria TT glory as he rose up through the ranks. And he got it – in a big way – when he crushed a stacked AFT Singles field in 2019 to score his maiden Progressive AFT victory as a 16-year-old rookie.
Armed with both sublime flat track and road racing skills, Daniels is a proven TT superstar – talents once again put to good use in last Friday’s Jackpine Gypsies Super TT. However, his relationship with the Peoria TT since that initial breakthrough has been decidedly mixed.
If you’ll recall, Daniels returned to the venue in 2021 (there was no Grand National Championship round at Peoria in 2020 due to the global pandemic) with sky high expectations. Instead, the visit turned out to be a nightmare, marred by two huge crashes in the Main Event, resulting in a 16-place finish.
His first attempt in the premier class in 2022 went significantly better – a respectable third. However, despite being the fastest rider throughout qualifying, he suffered from a poor start in the Main that likely prevented him from challenging for the win.
And then In 2023, Daniels crashed out of second place with just over a lap remaining, handing the championship lead over to Jared Mees in the process.
And 2024 was the worst of all… He didn’t even make it to Peoria. Daniels suffered an accident in training while prepping for the TT, which effectively ended his title campaign after having previously built up an imposing championship advantage.
Of all of the visits, however, this one might be the most critical in the Estenson Racing star’s lifelong quest to win the Grand National Championship.
Here’s What’s on the Line
Four races remain to determine this season’s Mission AFT SuperTwins title – this weekend’s Peoria TT, the Springfield Mile I & II, and the Lake Ozark Short Track finale – while just seven points separate Bauman from Daniels at the top of the championship order.
Consider the following:
Daniels’ didn’t just win at the season’s only prior Mile in DuQuoin, he looked to hold a rather significant speed advantage over Bauman while doing so. In fact, come Springfield, Bauman may need to be concerned about more than just Daniels alone. Another Yamaha podium lockout like the one that took place in DuQuoin that could prove catastrophic to his title ambitions.
Springfield I & II Advantage: Daniels
The subsequent Lake Ozark ST finale will mark the season’s ninth Short Track. While Daniels doubled at the DAYTONA ST opener, Bauman will head into the season’s finale race having beaten Daniels at six consecutive Short Tracks (with five wins in those six).
Lake Ozark Short Track Advantage: Bauman
Imagine the very real scenario in which Daniels and Bauman go 1-2 twice at Springfield and 2-1 at Lake Ozark. If that were to happen, setting aside this weekend’s results at Peoria, Bauman will have accumulated 304 points to Daniels 301.
If you factor a Bauman/Daniels Peoria TT 1-2 into that equation, Bauman wins 327-320.
Now if you instead factor in a Daniels/Bauman Peoria TT 1-2, Daniels wins 324-323.
Yeah, this weekend is big.
And Here’s Who Could Make Things Even More Interesting
Of course, the title rivals are not the only riders on track. Others can still play the spoiler, the same way James Ott (No. 19 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07) and Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Luczak Racing Yamaha MT-07) did in DuQuoin.
And this weekend we have the “King” of all spoilers in attendance: Henry Wiles (No. 911 DL Racing/HYMMC Yamaha MT-07).
Despite being both a part-time racer and shouldering double-duty at Sturgis, Wiles scooped up podiums at the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT in both Mission AFT SuperTwins and AFT AdventureTrackers™.
And the 19-time TT winner didn’t just do that, he also looked awfully competitive with Daniels and Bauman while doing so, at least for stretches. Now just imagine how strong he might be in his return to the venue where he built his legend.
Another rider to keep a close eye on is Jarod VanDerKooi (No. 20 Fastrack Racing/Wally Brown Racing KTM 790 Duke), who has long, albeit somewhat quietly, stood as a very good Peoria TT rider.
“Quiet” only because he has yet to podium at the track since joining the premier class in 2015. However, ‘15 is also the only year of his Mission AFT SuperTwins career in which he finished worse than seventh in the Peoria TT, finishing inside the top five on five occasions with three runs to fourths.
While VDK faces an uphill climb in the attempt to finish the season ranked third in the championship, he does have an opportunity to make serious inroads with a big weekend in Peoria.
VanDerKooi should have an advantage here over third-ranked Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) and fourth-ranked Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke). That said, it’s worth noting that Robinson has steadily improved at Peoria over the years to the point that he finished fifth at the track a season ago, and Fisher was on it at this past week’s Super TT before equipment failure cost him a shot at a podium.
And finally, don’t rule out top-three efforts from Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Suzuki GSX-8S) and Max Whale (No. 18 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), a pair of riders who have stood on the top of the podium in Peoria before while competing in other classes.
AFT Singles presented by KICKER riders take the first turn at the Jackpine Gypsies MC in Sturgis during Round 10 Photo by Scott Hunter / courtesy American Flat Track
AFT Singles Presented by KICKER
Two years ago, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) appeared to be well on his way to cruising to a Peoria TT victory.
However, a late-race red flag forced a restart, at which point he got shuffled down to second by then-teammate Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).
Consequently, Drane is still seeking his first TT win – something of an upset considering his roadracing bonafides.
The Australian now ranks third all-time with 15 career AFT Singles victories. Adding that TT win this weekend would leave him just three wins shy of Shayna Texter-Bauman for second on that list while making him just the sixth rider in history to hit the AFT Singles Grand Slam.
It would also prove a huge step towards his first class crown, as we’ll explain momentarily.
Saathoff Still (Barely) In Control of His Own Destiny
Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R) is one of the five riders to have won a Mile, Half-Mile, TT, and Short Track in AFT Singles action. Saathoff’s first TT triumph, of course, came here in his home state one year ago.
He added a second TT win this past Friday at the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT. There Saathoff was given a little bit of championship help by his fellow Illinois native, Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust/ATV’s and More Yamaha YZ450F), who kept Drane at bay in third.
As a result, Saathoff moved to within 16 points of Drane in the title chase (230-214) – a critical margin with four races to go.
The gap is near enough that if Saathoff were to go on a tear and win from here out, he would be the 2025 AFT Singles Champion, even if Drane managed to finish second in all of those races (in that case, producing a tie at 306 with Saathoff getting the nod via tiebreaker with seven hypothetical wins to Drane’s four).
While demanding that Saathoff win five races in a row to close out the ‘25 season is a mighty big ask (only Dallas Daniels’ six-race win streak in 2020 is longer in class history), it may prove necessary considering Drane’s consistent excellence.
From the end of the ‘24 season to the early stages of the ‘25 campaign, the Estenson Racing pilot assembled the longest podium streak in class history, which finally concluded at nine when he finished fourth at the Ventura Short Track.
He’s since gone on to stack up the second longest such streak ever, which now stands at eight at counting.
That said, Saathoff has been similarly strong week-in and week-out, as he’s actively working a historically significant seven-race podium streak of his own.
The X Factor
Of course, another rather significant variable has been added to that championship equation this weekend in the form of reigning triple AFT Singles champion Kody Kopp (No. 1 Bob Lanphere/KTM/Fastrack Racing KTM 450 SX-F).
Kopp is a late addition to this weekend’s entry list, and his presence will most certainly be felt. While he’s spent the bulk of his 2025 season focused on his roadracing aspirations, Kopp did make a guest appearance at the DAYTONA Short Track double opener and promptly swept both races.
While he’s accomplished just about everything one can do in the class – Kopp boasts more titles and race wins than any other rider in AFT Singles history for starters – he has yet to win the Peoria TT. He’s come close, however, finishing on the podium and mere fractions of a second behind the winner in each of his last two attempts.
But even if he’s just trying to take care of some unfinished business, that business could have massive championship implications for Drane and Saathoff. Kopp poses both a threat and an opportunity to the title fighters – a rider with the potential to steal vital points away from them, their opponent, or both, depending on the order in which they cross the stripe.
Brunner and Company
Other than the aforementioned Brunner, no other rider is in even mathematical contention for the ‘25 title. As for Brunner – his chances are effectively mathematical and mathematical only, as he trails Drane by a massive 54-point margin.
But he (and the rest of the crew) can still play a role in determining who wins. As we mentioned before, Brunner has proven he can beat the likes of Drane and Saathoff in Peoria, and he’s got little to prevent him from going for broke this weekend.
The same is true for RoosEvans – fresh off his maiden Progressive AFT podium – who would love to add another in front of his home fans.
Meanwhile, Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Honda CRF450R), Evan Renshaw (No. 65 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), and Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R/Little Debbie Racing Honda CRF450R) finished fourth through sixth, here a year ago.
And up-and-comers Kage Tadman (No. 288 Roof Systems/Old Oak Ranch KTM 450 SX-F), Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Hannum’s HD/Pfanders Racing KTM 450 SX-F), and Evan Kelleher (No. 31 Schaeffer’s Motorsports KTM 450 SX-F) are capable of springing an upset at any moment.
Amped for a Day of Racing Theatrics at the Amphitheater
There will be plenty beyond just the race action for fans to enjoy throughout the day on Saturday, including numerous vendors, expansive food and beverage options, and dedicated motorcycle parking.
General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $30 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult General Admission ticket).
For $125 (all ages), fans can purchase a VIP ticket, which includes admission to the Turn 1 VIP lounge – located in an air conditioned building that overlooks the entire track – food and beverage, a swag bag, and VIP parking.
Gates will open at 9:00 a.m. ET/6:00 a.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT.
How to Watch
FloRacing
For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2025. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.
FS1
FOX Sports coverage of the 78th World Famous Peoria TT, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, August 30, at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT).
A Mini Cup racer winning at Road America. Photo by Larry Lawrence/MotoAmerica.
Jackson, New Jersey’s Jennifer Jazikoff and Glenn Jazikoff, the parents of two successful MotoAmerica Mini Cup racers, were arrested on July 26th in Ocean County, New Jersey for allegedly running an interstate drug operation, with gun charges and child endangerment charges added. Mug shots and information on the arrests were posted on multiple websites dedicated to reporting on arrests.
The parents attended the MotoAmerica Mini Cup Finals with their racing sons at Road America on August 8-9-10.
The well-known family has been involved in Mini Cup racing for years, including taking their kids to ride in events held by New Jersey MiniGP (NJMiniGP) at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
Belen Wagner at Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials. Photo credit Jean Turner
In terms of gender equality, the highly-specialized FIM Land Speed World Records discipline presents competitors with a truly level playing field or, to use a more appropriate metaphor, a level salt flat.
It has not always been this way, but times have changed and thanks to the passion, talent and not inconsiderable success of a small band of female pioneers the sight of a woman streaking along the measured mile on Utah’s world-famous Bonneville Salt Flats is no longer out of the ordinary.
At the forefront of the initial wave of ground-breaking speed queens, Belen Wagner got her first taste of the Bonneville Salt Flats as a record-breaking sixteen-year-old and even now, at the age of fifty-four, she is delighted to still be flying the flag for diversity.
“My dad always wanted to go to Bonneville and I wanted to do whatever he was doing,” she said. “I was totally scared, but once I put my leathers on it felt kind of normal. Because I was a girl people were interested and impressed and it was the first time that being a girl was in a way an advantage so I didn’t have to hide it. I really liked being around those racers and it felt really natural to me.
“There’s been this sort of explosion of very good female competitors and it’s the most amazing thing. There are now lots of women who have gone much faster than me and it’s the best feeling because not only do they understand me as a racer, they understand me as a female racer. I could not be prouder of these women. It’s so cool.”
Wagner, who will be making her annual pilgrimage to Utah for the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials that this year are scheduled for 23-28 August, boasts a personal best of two-hundred-and-nineteen miles per hour on a Suzuki Hayabusa, although the majority of her thirty-plus FIM World Records and fifteen-plus American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Records have been achieved in the 125cc and 175cc categories – not that she takes much notice of her achievements.
“We never really keep track [of records], the goal is always just to go faster. There’s no one record that really stands out, but what I do think is really cool is I’ve had six blown pistons [at speed] and not crashed!”
Belen Wagner at Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials. Photo credit Jean Turner
The daughter of AMA Hall of Fame member Wiltz Wagner, a driving force behind the sport of Trial in America since the early 1970s, after getting her first bike at the age of ten she has not looked back. Just like many riders who started out in Trial before going on to dominate in other disciplines, she attributes much of her success to lessons learned in those formative years.
“I think that everything comes from Trial. Every skill you need. Trial riders can go to any other sport. It’s the cradle of knowledge for what we do – balance, throttle control, clutch, brakes. It doesn’t matter if you’re going five miles per hour or two-hundred miles per hour.”
A former FIM Environmental Steward for Trial, Wagner is still heavily involved in sustainability and even makes a living from designing female fashion clothing and workwear from recycled materials – “don’t tell anyone,” she laughs, “but my sewing machine has nitro!” – and it is clearly a cause she is passionate about.
“So much clothing gets worn a few times and is then thrown away. Sustainability is the key to the future. For twenty-five years it was pounded into my head that as motorcyclists we don’t want to be part of the problem, we want to be part of the solution.”
With sustainability still in mind this summer, when Wagner rolls out onto the shimmering Bonneville Salt Flats, her simple aim will be to go as fast as she possibly can.
“Bonneville is an amazing place. There’s no point in me trying to describe it because you have to be there to see it and then you’ll wonder if you’re on another planet. Nothing can prepare you for it, but it’s stunning every time – it never loses that blow-you-away beauty.
“It’s just you and your machine. There’s no noise in your head, you’re just totally focussed on doing your job. You’re concentrating on the flags, you’re concentrating on the RPMs – there’s a lot to pay attention to – and when you’re going two-hundred miles per hour on a motorcycle everything can change very, very quickly.”
The Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials are scheduled to take place this year between 23-28 August.
Haiden Deegan, Chase Sexton and Eli Tomac Will represent the US at the 2025 Motocross of Nations. Photo by Jeff Kardas.
Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton and Haiden Deegan to represent the United States at the 2025 FIM Motocross of Nations.
The United States will be well-represented by a trio of world-class motocross racers when it hosts the 2025 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Motocross of Nations, which will be held Oct. 3-5 at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Ind.
Three AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross champions will take the reins of the American team in 2025, as two-time 450SX (2020 and 2022) and four-time AMA Pro Motocross (2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022) champion Eli Tomac, 2023 450SX and 2024 AMA Pro Motocross 450 champ Chase Sexton, and reigning 250SX West champion Haiden Deegan — who also claimed the 2024 AMA Pro Motocross 250cc title — will don the Stars and Stripes during this year’s event.
After long-time team manager Roger De Coster — an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer — announced his retirement in late July, AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier will lead the United States’ efforts in the international competition.
“To serve as team manager for the United States Motocross of Nations team is an honor of a lifetime,” Pelletier said. “We have a tremendous team in place this year, with three racers that have already proven their championship-winning pedigrees. We look forward to competing in front of our fans and defending our home turf this year!”
A previous Motocross of Nations champion, who helped the United States to glory as a member of the 2022 gold medal team, Sexton reclaims his spot on the American team in 2025.
“It’s an honor to represent Team USA at this year’s Motocross of Nations, especially with the event being held at Ironman Raceway alongside Eli Tomac and Haiden Deegan,” Sexton said. “It’s extra special for me with the race taking place so close to where I grew up. I can’t wait to race in front of many hometown fans and represent my country on home soil.”
Another member of that title-winning 2022 team, Tomac returns for his sixth MXON appearance in 2025.
“I’m excited to represent the USA once again this year,” Tomac said. “It’s going to be great to be on home turf and I believe our team will be very fast at Ironman!”
Making his MXON debut as one of the brightest up-and-comers in motocross, Deegan will battle on behalf of his country for the first time at the highest stage of the international motocross competition at Ironman Raceway.
“I’m stoked to finally be healthy enough to go race for my country and bring that trophy home where it belongs,” Deegan said.
As the premier event in international motocross competition, the FIM Motocross of Nations pits the world’s best riders against one another, while nations compete for global supremacy in the sport.
The Americans seek to defend their homeland during the weekend competition, and those interested in learning more, supporting the team or purchasing tickets can do so at mxonusa.com/.
About the American Motorcyclist Association:
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
2025 MotoGP race start at Austin, in Texas. Photo courtesy Dorna.
C15 Studio and MotoGP launch the MotoGP Channel across the United States, a dedicated 24/7 streaming destination delivering live racing, original programming and year-round coverage.
The MotoGP Channel is here. Launching August 13th, the channel is a free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service, offering fans across the U.S. an always-on home for the most exciting sport on Earth. Operated by C15 Studio, the category’s leading operator, the channel brings together live race weekends and a vast library of curated content to deliver an unprecedented MotoGP experience, all in one place.
The MotoGP Channel will provide extensive live coverage from all 22 iconic circuits throughout the season, including MotoGP™ practice and qualifying sessions, as well as live Moto2™, Moto3™, and MotoE™ races – delivering full-season access to every class of competition.
Beyond live events, viewers will also enjoy a wide range of classic MotoGP races, captivating documentaries and programming stunts, giving fans a chance to relive defining moments, explore the sport’s rich history, get to know its incredible riders and teams, and enjoy the best content MotoGP has to offer.
The channel will be widely available on leading streaming services, including Prime Video, LG Channels, FireTV, FuboTV, Plex and Sling Freestream.
Dan Rossomondo, CCO of MotoGP: “Our collaboration with C15 Studio on the MotoGP Channel opens an exciting new avenue for U.S. fans to engage with the sport. Live coverage of MotoGP qualifying and practice, along with live Moto2 and Moto3 races, presents a fantastic opportunity for fans to tune into the action. The amazing range of content around-the-clock offers fans direct access to the very best of MotoGP – every time they tune in. We’re happy to expand our presence in the US and give fans a great new way to experience the sport.”
This strategic partnership marks a significant addition to C15 Studio’s expanding portfolio of premium FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) sports channels, underlining C15 Studio’s commitment to creating premium, dedicated sports channels that resonate with both fans and advertisers alike. The MotoGP Channel will offer continuous access to MotoGP content, providing an established fanbase with a dedicated platform while introducing the sport to new audiences across the United States.
Joe Nilsson, CEO & Co-founder of C15 Studio: “We are thrilled to be part of MotoGP’s growth trajectory in the United States, especially as the sport is poised to accelerate its expansion at the start of an exciting new chapter. MotoGP possesses all the vital ingredients for a successful new channel: season-long, compelling live event coverage, a passionate fan base, top-tier sponsors and a rich legacy.”
Racer, riding coach, and Hawk Mazzotta Moto Camp owner, Hawk Mazzotta and wife Nina, with their kids.
Racer, riding coach, and Hawk Mazzotta Moto Camp owner, Hawk Mazzotta and wife Nina Mazzotta had a son, Wilder Hawk Mazzotta, August 6th in Redding, (Northern) California.
Seen in the photo are, from left, Westlynn Jane Mazzotta (age 3), dad Hawk Mazzotta, Wayden Hawk Mazzotta (age 12), baby Wilder Hawk Mazzotta, and mom Nina Mazzotta.
HOT HEADLINES: time to lock horns at the Red Bull Ring as MotoGP returns. A record-setting first 12 rounds have set us up for a box office business end of the season.
Summer is now behind us and the overseas rounds are honing into view, but not before a whistlestop tour of Europe. There are four rounds over the next five weeks and it all starts high in the Styrian Alps for the Grand Prix of Austria. With batteries recharged and spirits, goals, and ambitions renewed, it’s a circuit that’s never short of drama and 2025 is no exception. Welcome to the Red Bull Ring for Round 13!
THE TOP THREE: can Marc Marquez be stopped?
Making history by becoming the first Ducati rider to take five wins in a row, Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) has a 120-point lead in the standings but the Austrian GP has been his Achilles heel in recent years. Astonishingly, he’s yet to win here and his last podium was in 2019 after another showdown with Andrea Dovizioso. With the #93’s fixation on victory, can anyone stop him? He’s been in a league of his own but Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) needs a result too after a Brno to forget. He chases a first MotoGP podium in Austria whilst Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) is unbeaten at the Red Bull Ring since 2022 – can this be the place where Pecco takes the fight to conquer the #93?
APRILIA’S MOMENTUM: taking the fight to the top three
The Aprilia charge is really picking up some serious speed and rhythm; Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) has two Grand Prix podiums and two Sprint podiums from his last three GPs and has been pushing Marc Marquez hard. Teammate Jorge Martin, on his headline-making return, was a solid P7 at Brno, with renewed optimism in the Aprilia box. Both have rostrums at the Red Bull Ring, whilst it’s not just the factory team fighting the heavyweights. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) has been one of the biggest improvers as we headed for summer, with five straight top ten finishes and a joint-career best at Brno of P5 on Sunday. Teammate Ai Ogura hopes that the familiarity of the Red Bull Ring returns him to a top ten challenge after a tricky Czech GP and early momentum was interrupted by some injury struggles.
MOVING ON UP: KTM in form for home round
Aprilia weren’t the only manufacturer right in contention – so were KTM. Since Aragon, the Austrian manufacturer have featured strongly and following Pedro Acosta’s (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) podium in Czechia and likewise Enea Bastianini’s (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) Sprint rostrum, all eyes will be on whether this breakthrough can be followed up at their home round. Elsewhere, Bastianini’s teammate Maverick Viñales returns to action after his Sachsenring injury, whereas Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) has memories of his 2021 Austrian GP win and hopes that he can find form again. It’s the most important round of KTM’s season but if recent results are a guideline, they’re up for the challenge.
IN THE FIGHT: a return to podium contention incoming for…
Spectacular over one lap and still in the fight in the Grands Prix themselves, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) leads the Yamaha charge. Ninth in the standings but just seven points adrift of Johann Zarco(CASTROL Honda LCR), both Frenchmen are keen to stay in top six contention overall. Brno was a disaster for Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), scoring no points at all in a weekend for the first time since Germany in 2024. He’s fifth overall, just ahead of his returning teammateFranco Morbidelli, who is still in the fight for a top five overall after his teammate’s struggles in Czechia, just three points back. Completing the top ten, Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) is top rookie into the second part of the season and now has a solid 28-point margin behind to Viñales after the #12 was sidelined.
STEPS FORWARD: hunting a top ten result
A podium finisher at the Red Bull Ring in 2022 and with back-to-back top ten finishes into summer, Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) is the second Yamaha in the standings in 14th but tied on points with the Honda of Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol). The #10’s teammate, Joan Mir, will have ordered an extra bout of good luck for Round 13 after his incident with Alex Marquez at Brno. Mir was traditionally a big fan of Austria and he’s only 10 points behind Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), whilst Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) and Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) complete the order, the latter hopefully returning to the place of a Moto2™ podium in 2022 looking to be passed fit, and Oliveira to the scene of his first MotoGP win in 2020.
Feeling recharged? MotoGP is. The most exciting sport on Earth returns in the BWIN Grand Prix of Austria as the second half of the season begins – with Marc Marquez aiming to fill that uncharacteristic gap in his CV and the rest looking to stop his momentum. Tune in for Round 13 this weekend!
Moto2™: title race finely poised ahead of Red Bull Ring showdown
School is back after summer and the run to Valencia begins, with the Moto2 title race finely poised. As it stands, following his P3 in Brno, Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) leads the way by 25 points, with Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) chasing a response.
That first DNF of the campaign at the Czech GP was costly for the Spaniard, but it was a better day on the other side of the box as teammate Barry Baltuspicked up his fourth P2 of the year. The Belgian is now P3 overall, with Czech GP winner Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) the one to deny Baltus his maiden win – and what a ride it was from the American. Are more wins and podiums on the cards for the rest of the year for the #16?
Elsewhere, two DNFs at the Sachsenring and in Brno mean Diogo Moreira(Italtrans Racing Team) has work to do in the championship chase. 60 points is the gap to Gonzalez, as the Brazilian aims to bounce back in the title hunt.
Others looking to bounce back will be Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team), Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP). The riders in P5, P6 and P7 in the standings all finished outside the top 10 in Brno, as Dixon lands at a circuit he finished P3 at last year behind Austrian GP winner Celestino Vietti and the Italian’s 2025 Sync SpeedRS Team stablemate Alonso Lopez. All three would smile at repeat results this time around.
Gonzalez in charge, Canet the chief chaser, and a host of Moto2 riders hungry for success in the second half of the season. The run to the finish begins this weekend in Austria.
Moto3™: can anyone reel in runaway leader Rueda in the run-in?
Seven wins and a record points lead after 12 rounds makes for pleasant reading if your name is Jose Antonio Rueda. The Red Bull KTM Ajo star lands at the Red Bull Ring with a target on his back, but that 85-point gap is mighty. Can anyone reel in the #99 before it’s too late?
Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) is tasked with that job as the rider second in the championship. The #36 is desperate for a podium return after a seven-race absence, so is the Red Bull Ring the track to see him do that? He finished P4 in Austria last year, so going at least one better will be the aim.
Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) comes into the second half in P3, but the Rookie of the Year scrap has really bubbled up thanks to the storming start Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) has had. Only Pedro Acosta has made a better rookie start than the #28 in recent Moto3 years, and it’s now just seven points between Carpe and Quiles. A battle to watch closely.
David Muñoz’s (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) four podiums in five, including his maiden victory and that stunning comeback in Brno, means he’s P5 in the standings. His P2 at the Red Bull Ring last year will give the #64 some added confidence heading into the weekend.
Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA) healed up over the summer and will be back fighting for podiums after missing the race in Brno, and will be one of many who will be hoping to beat runaway title leader Rueda in the coming races.
The Polish pairing of Dominik Kubera and Kacper Woryna along with Leon Madsen from Denmark and Latvia’s Andžejs Ļebedevs filled the all-important top four positions in the FIM Speedway Grand Prix World Championship Challenge powered by Anlas, Kineo and HKC Koopmann to book their permanent places behind the tapes for next season’s FIM Speedway Grand Prix World Championship (SGP).
Dominik Kubera and Andžejs Ļebedevs retain their SGP places at Holsted
Kacper Woryna follows in his grandfather’s footsteps with place in Speedway’s elite
Leon Madsen books his return to SGP action after missing out in 2025
With such an invaluable prize at stake for the top four finishers, the racing was hard-fought and intense from the outset in Holsted, Denmark, where the talent-packed field assembled on Saturday (9 August)evening.
With conditions warm and dry, the track in the Moldow Speedway Arena was in prime condition and twenty-six-year-old Kubera – who is currently lying ninth in SGP after booking his place via last season’s Challenge when he finished third – got off to a winning start with a commanding tapes-to-flag victoryin the opening Heat of the programme ahead of Sweden’s Kim Nilsson.
Home hero Michael Jepsen Jensen then topped his first Heat ahead of fellow Dane and current SGP competitor Anders Thomsen before Madsen and Woryna opened their accounts with victories to complete the first block of racing.
The second block opened with Jensen charging from third to first to defeat Kubera before Woryna and Madsen maintained their unbeaten records and Ļebedevs, another of this season’s SGP regulars, took his first victory of the evening after trailing home third in his opening Heat.
Kubera ended Madsen’s win-streak in their third Heat race, but Jensen’s challenge suffered a serious blow when he was disqualified after being adjudged to have taken down Czech racer Jan Kvěch when passing him for the lead on the final lap of the tenth Heat, handing victory to Kvěch from Slovenia’s Matej Zagar.
With just one point from his opening two races, Slovakia’s Martin Vaculik – who is currently sitting fourteenth in this year’s SGP series – dragged himself back into contention with victory in his third Heat ahead of Woryna before Ļebedevs moved into the top four with victory from home rider Bastien Pedersen.
With two blocks of racing remaining, it was Kubera, Woryna and event wildcard Madsen who shared the lead on eight points – one ahead of Ļebedevs and two clear of Jensen – and Woryna then seized the advantage when he defeated Kubera in their fourth Heat.
Madsen’s third win of the programme pulled him level with Woryna and Jensen’s SGP ambitions suffered another setback when he finished third behind twenty-two-year-old Pole Mateusz Cierniakand 2025 SGP regular Kai Huckenbeck from Germany.
With Ļebedevs taking his third win of the evening at the expense of Thomsen – and Madsen and Woryna already guaranteed a place in the top four – the stage was set for the final block and Kubera duly rose to the occasion with his victory cementing his place in SGP next season.
Vaculik and Thomsen both signed off with victories – although their wins came too late to see them through – and Jensen also went out on top, but despite leading home Ļebedevs, Madsen and Woryna he ended the programme in a frustrating fifth.
With the four qualifying places decided, the Final was all about the podium positions and Kubera led every lap to finish on the top step flanked by Woryna and Madsen with Ļebedevs taking fourth.
All the action from Holsted along with replays and special contents can be streamed on FIM-MOTO.TV. For more details and to sign up click here.
For more information on the 2025 FIM Speedway Grand Prix World Championship Qualifying rounds and SGP Challenge click here.
Alternatively, fans can download the Sportity App and use the password FIMTR to access Track Racing news.
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We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
