MotoAmerica: Superbike Championship Returning To VIR May 21-23

David Swarts

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May 19, 2021

MotoAmerica: Superbike Championship Returning To VIR May 21-23

MotoAmerica HONOS Superbike VIR Preview: Reunited And It Feels So Good

MotoAmerica Is Back In Action At VIRginia International Raceway This Weekend After COVID-19 Forced The Event To Be Cancelled Last Year

IRVINE, CA (May 19, 2021) – If absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder, then the men of the 2021 MotoAmerica HONOS Superbike Series are longing more than ever to get back to one of their favorite venues on the calendar – VIRginia International Raceway – after the event was cancelled last year due to COVID-19.

If you ask 20 of the top motorcycle road racers in the country to list their favorite racetracks, VIR would rank in the top two or three for the majority of them. With its vast array of corners, elevation changes and high speed, VIR is always one of the most eagerly anticipated rounds of the season. Especially so with the stars of the series not getting the opportunity to race through the Virginia forest in 2020.

“VIR is the next round and it’s one of my strongest tracks, so I’m looking forward to it.” – Mathew Scholtz

“I’m looking forward to VIR. I really, really love that place and this bike will be rockin’ around there.” – Jake Gagne

With the opening round of the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Series in the books, round two is on the horizon this week at VIRginia International Raceway and for a few riders in the HONOS Superbike class it takes on the utmost of importance.

While all or nothing may be a bit extreme, getting a good result at VIR is… well, for Loris Baz anyway, all or nothing. Of all the championship hopefuls, Baz’s opening round was the one most in need of a re-do as he left Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta with a big ol’ goose egg in the championship points tally after a crash and a mechanical took him out of both races.

But let’s remember that it’s always better to trail the championship points leader by 45 points after the first round than with just one remaining. And that’s where Baz and his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York team finds themselves: 45 points behind championship leader Mathew Scholtz. Time, however, is on Baz’s side and, put it this way, if he rips off nine race wins in a row with Scholtz finishing second in those nine races, the two would be tied. With 18 races and 450 points up for grabs, this thing is far from over.

While Baz’s opener was somewhat flawed, Scholtz’s was near perfect. The Westby Racing rider won the first race and finished second in the second, and that vaulted him to the top of the standings and feeling fine as the series moves to VIR after a one-year hiatus from the popular venue. Scholtz shows up at VIR with 45 out of a possible 50 points in his pocket.

Although it’s not a weekend he’s going to brag about, the two races at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta might be ones that Josh Herrin looks back on fondly at season’s end. Herrin rode his Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 to a pair of thirds in the opening round and that places him second in the championship heading into VIR. Although he was third both times out, Herrin wasn’t pleased about the distance between him and the race winner – 12.8 seconds in race one, 15 seconds in race two – as he struggles to get comfortable on the new Yamaha. Still, he left with a boatload of points and that’s better than most.

M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Bobby Fong had a good opening weekend, albeit marred by a race-two jump start that forced him to take a pit-lane ride-through penalty. From there he fought through to finish fifth, a day after finishing second to Scholtz in race one. It was a good piece of damage control and he rolls into VIR third in the points – 14 points adrift of Scholtz.

Speaking of damage control… Jake Gagne qualified on pole position and was the man to beat all weekend. Well, right up to the point where he suffered a blown engine just one lap into the first race of the season. Unlike Baz, however, Gagne was able to rebound and rebound in a big way with a dominating victory in race two on the Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha. He sits fifth in the title chase – 20 points behind Scholtz.

Kyle Wyman’s opening weekend was quietly effective. The team owner/racer ripped the covers off his Ducati Panigale V4 R to show his off new sponsor Panera Breads during the week and then went out and finished fifth and sixth in the two races. It was also a weekend where Wyman did double duty as he made his King Of The Baggers debut at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. He will be less busy at VIR and will focus his efforts solely on his HONOS Superbike program.

Quiet best describes Hector Barbera’s MotoAmerica debut with the Spaniard finishing sixth and seventh in the two races in Georgia on his Scheibe Racing BMW. New bike, new track, new tires, unfamiliar series… not a bad effort considering the challenges he faced.

Travis Wyman ended up at the top of the Superbike Cup, which runs within the Superbike class for riders mounted on Stock 1000-spec motorcycles, at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, the Travis Wyman BMW rider carding seventh- and-eighth place finishes over the course of the weekend. That bested Altus Motorsports’ Jake Lewis in his return to MotoAmerica action. Lewis and Geoff May came away from the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta weekend ranked ninth and 10th in the HONOS Superbike title chase.

VIR Superbike Notes

The first-ever AMA Superbike race at VIRginia International Raceway in 2001 was won by the late Nicky Hayden, the 2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 MotoGP World Champion backing that up with a second victory at VIR in 2002.

Five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier, who now competes in the Moto2 World Championship, is the HONOS Superbike lap record holder at VIRginia International Raceway. Beaubier’s best lap is a 1:23.790 set during Superpole in 2018.

With no race at VIR in 2020, we have to bounce back to 2019 to see that JD Beach won his first AMA Superbike race in the second of two races – just a week after the popular racer won bis first career AMA Grand National Flat Track in Arizona. Beach topped his former Supersport Series rival Garrett Gerloff in taking his first career win. The day prior, Cameron Beaubier topped his rival Toni Elias to score the MotoAmerica Superbike win.

Mathew Scholtz scored the third AMA Superbike win of his career on Saturday at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta a few weeks ago and that put him into a nine-way tie for 30th on the all-time AMA Superbike win list. Scholtz is tied with some pretty impressive names: Martin Cardenas, Ben Bostrom, Pascal Picotte, Colin Edwards, Troy Corser, Bobby Fong, Steve McLaughlin and Reg Pridmore.

With his victory in race two a few weeks ago at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Jake Gagne became the 61st rider to win an AMA Superbike race.

Scholtz’s and Gagne’s victories at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta were the 146th and 147th career wins for Yamaha as a manufacturer in AMA Superbike racing. Suzuki leads the way with 215 Superbike wins.

The Stock 1000 class again leads the way in entries with 36 riders scheduled to take to the track at VIR. There are 28 HONOS Superbike entries, 26 Supersport entries, 18 SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup entries and 28 Twins Cup entries.

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

KWR/Panera Bread Ducati Team heads to Virginia International Raceway

Panera Bread Ducati's Kyle Wyman (33). Photo courtesy KWR. — Panera Bread Ducati’s Kyle Wyman (33). Photo courtesy KWR.

TUCSON, Ariz. (May 19) — The KWR/Panera Bread Ducati Team heads to Virginia International Raceway this weekend for round two of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. Rider Kyle Wyman looks to improve on the Road Atlanta performances to fight for podium finishes in Alton, Virginia.

The KWR Team has been hard at work preparing the Ducati Panigale V4 R Superbike for battle as the series starts to find its rhythm. With limited testing time the team is still aiming for podium results, with a capable bike and rider that can get the job done. For Chief Mechanic Dave Hopkinson, it’s an opportunity to try some new parts and put the latest version of the KWR Ducati to work.

“I’m excited for this weekend,” Hopkinson said. “For me personally it’s a new track with MotoAmerica not having raced here last year. I’m excited also because following a successful first outing for our all-new bike at Atlanta, we now have further new parts from Accossato to use at VIR that I’m hoping will further improve our new bike. It’s been busy in the gap assessing the Atlanta weekend, making improvements and changes ready to take on VIR. We are still learning about the new bike but are excited about its prospects as we enter round two.”

With the team evolving from a technical standpoint, Wyman says the key to having a successful weekend in Virginia will be to spin numerous, quality laps on Friday.

“The bike is in a good place, and I’m in a good place,” Wyman said. “In Atlanta we had some technical issues on Friday that caused us to miss a lot of quality track time. This week we need to make sure Friday goes smoothly and that I can get a lot of laps to get more familiar with the bike. It’s truly the best Superbike I’ve ever ridden. I just need to develop the confidence to push it to the maximum, and to accomplish that we need laps.”

Please visit our sponsor page to support the companies who support KWR!

See the VIR MotoAmerica weekend schedule, HERE.

For more information about Panera Bread, visit www.panerabread.com.

Stay tuned for news and updates on KWR at www.kylewyman.com

More, from a press release issued by Westby Racing:

Superbike Championship Leader Scholtz Is Ready To Press His Advantage This Weekend In Virginia

Tulsa, OK – May 19, 2021 – Round two of the 2021 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship starts this Friday at VIRginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia, and current Superbike points leader Mathew Scholtz, along with his Westby Racing team, will be looking to build on his race win and runner-up finish from round one at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

Meanwhile, JR12 Racing/Westby Racing’s Junior Cup rider Jack Roach is eager for more seat time aboard his Yamaha YZF-R3, especially at a track that is new to him.

For Mathew, VIR’s 14-turn, 2.25-mile natural road course is one of his favorite racetracks on the MotoAmerica schedule, and he’s looking forward to returning there after MotoAmerica took a one-year hiatus from the venue due to COVID-19.

Mathew Scholtz (11). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Westby Racing.

“I’m excited to get the VIR round started this weekend, especially after coming off a solid round at Road Atlanta,” Mathew said. “I know that we are going to have our work cut out for us this weekend, but VIR has always been a very strong track for me. It really suits my riding style. There are a lot of switchbacks, and you need a lot of front-end feel with those, which the Westby Racing Yamaha R1 Superbike has in spades. I’ve been training extremely hard on the motocross bike the past few days, and I feel a lot more confident than I ever have. I’m just going to take things as they come, but I’m expecting some pretty good results and to be fighting up front as usual. We’re looking to get up to speed quickly so we can work on our race pace. I feel like we are getting stronger every time I’m on the bike, and we have a solid game plan for how to improve the areas where we were a little bit weak in the first race weekend. All is well, and I can’t wait to see all the Westby crew and carrying on with where we left off at Atlanta, which is to maintain the lead up front.”

Superbike final qualifying is on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. ET, Superbike race one will go green on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. ET, and Superbike Race 2 is on Sunday afternoon also at 3 p.m. ET. Both races will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 2 (FS2), as well as streamed on MotoAmerica Live+.

For Jack, VIR presents a new challenge. He has never before raced at the venue, and his only experience there was gained during a track day earlier this year in what turned out to be wet conditions. But the young Brit, who now lives in Canada and races here in America, is used to new experiences, and he goes into Virginia with his usual level of gusto and enthusiasm.

Jack Roach (12). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Westby Racing.

Jack commented, “Following what was a very tough first round at Road Atlanta, I am as hungry as ever for results. I’ve just got to transfer that hunger into speed on the track, which I know I can do. I have no excuses now because (Westby Racing team manager) Chuck Giacchetto has dedicated a lot of his time to the Yamaha R3, and I’m very grateful for that. VIR is a track that I don’t have a lot of experience at, but my plan is to take it corner by corner, lap after lap, and session by session. I’m super-excited, and I can’t wait for the race weekend to begin.”

Junior Cup race one starts on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET, and Junior Cup race two is on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET. Both races will be broadcast via tape-delay on FOX Sports 2 (FS2) this Tuesday, May 25, beginning at 9 p.m. ET. In addition, both Junior Cup races will be streamed on MotoAmerica Live+.

Pick Up Some FREE Westby Racing Collectibles

Westby Racing has produced some great collectibles featuring Mathew and Jack, and they’ll be available at the team transporter throughout the weekend, so swing by and pick some up while maintaining proper social distancing.

Check Out The Westby Racing Sponsor Showcase

Capit Performance Srl, Drippin’ Wet, SBS Friction A/S, Superbike Unlimited, and Suter Racing Products will be the featured team sponsors on display in the Westby Racing paddock area, so be sure to stop by to say hello and learn about some of the companies that support the team.

For more updates about Westby Racing, including news, photos, and videos, visit https://www.WestbyRacing.com

Also, follow “Westby Racing” on your favorite social media sites.

More, from a press release issued by Ducati:

Loris Baz and Kyle Wyman Ready to Get After America’s Best at VIR

Sunnyvale, Calif., May 19, 2021 – Round two of the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship sees Ducati stars Loris Baz (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York) and Kyle Wyman (Panera Bread Ducati) heading to the legendary VIRginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia, with both riders looking to ignite their title charges.

Baz’s round one on the glorious Ducati Panigale V4 SBK was less than the MotoGP and WorldSBK veteran was looking for with a double DNF (did not finish). However, the Frenchman has taken some positives after showing front running pace in both races in his MotoAmerica debut at Road Atlanta, a circuit he’d never seen before first practice on Friday.

Wyman’s opening round saw the Arizona resident card a fifth and sixth place finish on the Panera Bread Ducati, and he’ll be looking for more at a circuit that should suit the ultra-fast nature of his distinctive green and black Ducati Panigale V4 R.

Loris Baz (76). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.

Loris Baz (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York – Ducati #76)

“I’ve been training hard like always and trying to stay fit,” Baz said. “We’ve done one day of testing in New Jersey to try a couple of things because we are still quite far from the limit of this bike. That’s a positive aspect because all the guys in the championship know their bikes pretty well and we’re still getting to know our bike.

“I’m really looking forward to this race. I only have the positives from Atlanta in my head which was the speed we had, and I just want it to go the same way at VIR. I know the track. I did a track day there on the Ducati Panigale V4 S, so that will help us get going straight away without having to learn the way. We are starting our season in VIR but the target is always the same: we’re here to win.”

Kyle Wyman (33). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.

Kyle Wyman (Panera Bread Ducati – Ducati #33)

“There’s been lots happening behind the scenes to get ready for VIR but not a lot of seat time since Road Atlanta,” Wyman said. “The goal for this weekend is to have a solid Friday so we can spin some quality laps. This Panera Bread Ducati is in constant evolution and we’ve made a few changes since Road Atlanta to try and get the bike in a more familiar area. We’ve been hard at work prepping the bike, getting more spares built, and laying the proper foundations for the rest of the season. It’s a long year and we want to be there at the end.”

Round two of the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship will be held at VIRginia International Raceway on May 21-23, 2021.

N2/WERA Endurance Series: Twisted Speed Racing Wins At Roebling

David Swarts

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May 19, 2021

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N2/WERA Endurance Series: Twisted Speed Racing Wins At Roebling

Twisted Speed Cruises To N2/WERA National Endurance Series By Dunlop Win

Roebling Road Raceway

Twisted Speed Racing’s Dustin Dominguez, Hayden Gillim and Brad Burns took the lead at the start of the N2/WERA National Endurance Series By Dunlop four-hour endurance race at Roebling Road Raceway and held it to the finish, crossing the line 168 laps later without ever surrendering the lead.

Most remarkably, the team’s Suzuki GSX-R1000 ran the entire event on a single front Dunlop slick, the team changing only rears during each of its hourly fuel and rider swaps. The durability of the tires – a Dunlop KR448 medium 7455 compound, and a quartet of Dunlop KR451 medium 0455 rears – left Twisted Speed able to run the race on three stops while other teams struggled with tire wear.

“We were pitting just past the hour mark, and the tires were holding up,” Burns said. “We just let the motorcycle and the tires set the pace, and we let the race come to us. Because of our Dunlops, we were able to have a faster lap time for a longer lap time.”

Dominguez took the first stint and established a solid lead, while Gillim set the team’s fast lap of a 1:13.821 on the 60th lap around the 2.02-mile circuit.

Dominguez got back in the saddle for the third stint, while Burns rode the final leg, clocking in 1:15 laps with plenty in reserve on his way to a two-lap margin of victory. “There was plenty left,” said Burns. “I was just trying to make sure the motorcycle didn’t fall over!”

The victory – overall and in the Heavyweight class – left Twisted Speed on top of the Championship chase in the Heavyweight class with a 196.72-192.28 margin over AOD, with N2/Bobblehead third with 179.88 points.

Troy Bayliss Breaks Neck In Bicycle Crash

David Swarts

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May 19, 2021

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Troy Bayliss Breaks Neck In Bicycle Crash

Troy Bayliss confirms injuries after bicycle crash

Three-time World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss has confirmed that a bicycle crash last Friday, 14th May, has left him with a fractured C4 vertebra and corresponding spinal damage that will see the active 52-year-old Ducati legend on the sidelines for several months.

With Troy having no exact recollection of the incident, it appears that another bicycle was exiting between two parked cars and he has collided head first into it. Most of the impact was transferred through his head to his neck, and he lost consciousness. He was immediately treated and taken to hospital.

While the injuries are serious, Troy’s condition is stable. He returned to his Gold Coast home yesterday to begin his recovery.

Troy Bayliss:

“I’m OK and I’m home, but the crash means I won’t be riding a motorcycle until I regain full movement in my arms and hands. I really just wanted to let everyone know what’s happened, that I’m OK and that I’ll be back in leathers as soon as I can. It’s been an intense weekend for me and my family, but luckily I’m OK and I will recover. My doctors have been really positive, but there’s no firm indication of how long it will be until I can regain enough control to get back on a bike – maybe a few months, maybe longer; it just depends on how the recovery goes once the bones heal up.”

Australian Superbike: Pandemic Forces More Schedule Changes

David Swarts

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May 19, 2021

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Australian Superbike: Pandemic Forces More Schedule Changes

ASBK Calendar Reset For An Exciting Conclusion to 2021

Over the past 18 months of snap lockdowns and border closure have impacted many sporting events including the 2021 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul (ASBK) back in February, with the postponement of opening round at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

Since this postponement, ASBK Management Team has been working closely with a number of circuits to find new dates to replace the missing round and ensure that the 2021 ASBK Championship can complete is intended full season.

A revised calendar for 2021 is now available, which includes two additional venues and confirms the postponement of the round at Symmons Plains, Tasmania. Initially scheduled as the final round of 2020, the Tasmanian round will now be postponed until the 2022 season due to lack of circuit availability on a revised date.

ASBK Management takes this opportunity to thank Symmons Plains Raceway and the Tasmanian Government for their support of ASBK and understanding in this tricky and complicated situation for all parties. ASBK and Symmons Plains Raceway have already begun planning for 2022 and ASBK remains excited about heading back to Tasmania next year.

After two amazing rounds of ASBK run and won already in 2021, with strong entries and big crowds back at the track. ASBK Management is pleased to announce today that Round 7 will now be held at Wakefield Park Raceway on October 15 – 17.

ASBK last event at Wakefield Park was a huge success, with fans flocking to watch the action. ASBK Management highly appreciates WP stepping up to help host the October event on short notice. Fans will be assured another action-packed weekend in Goulburn, NSW.

ASBK Management is additionally pleased to announce that the ASBK Grand Finale – Round 8 will now be held at the world famous – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on November 5 – 7.

Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle said that Phillip Island is always an ASBK rider and fan favorite and its great that ASBK can return to the circuit after a long delay since our last visit.

‘’COVID-19 has caused many delays over the past 18 months. We have rebuilt the calendars on many occasions, and this has required flexibility by teams, riders, the circuits and ASBK ourselves. It’s just the situation in this COVID-19 environment which still remains today.

“It’s disappointing that we aren’t able to get to Symmons Plains this year, but we remain focused on getting there in 2022 and putting on a great event for Tassie fans.

“We need to make the best of the situation and heading back to Wakefield Park in October and finishing off at Phillip Island in November provides a very exciting conclusion to the 2021 ASBK Championship.

“We look forward to welcoming the ASBK fans and riders back to these two popular circuits.’’

ASBK Management also confirms the ASBK Night of Champions at Phillip Island on Sunday 7th November.

ASBK now heads to the Top End and Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin for Round 4 joining the Supercars Championship and Nitro Up North drag racing is a motorsport triple header event in the Northern Territory on June 18 – 20.

Keep up to date with the latest news on the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul via www.asbk.com.au and following ASBK on Facebook and Instagram. You can also join our ASBK mailing list at www.asbk.com.au

*UPDATED ASBK CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR

~~Round 1 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC February 18-21~~ Cancelled

Round 2 Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, VIC March 12-14

Round 3 Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn, NSW April 16-18

Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway, NT – Supercars 2+4 (Superbikes only) June 18-20

Round 5 Morgan Park Raceway, QLD August 20-22

Round 6 The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, SA September 23-26

Round 7 Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn, NSW October 15 – 17 *

Round 8 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC November 5-7 *

MotoAmerica: Shair Is Title Sponsor Of Travis Wyman Racing At VIR

David Swarts

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May 19, 2021

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MotoAmerica: Shair Is Title Sponsor Of Travis Wyman Racing At VIR

Travis Wyman Racing BMW announces Shair as title sponsor for this weekend’s MotoAmerica Superbikes at Virigina

Up-and-coming car sharing service backs top team in MotoAmerica Stock 1000, Superbike Cup for VIRginia International Raceway round

LAS VEGAS — Travis Wyman Racing BMW is pleased to announce Shair – a car sharing service that is active in 49 states – is the team’s title sponsor for MotoAmerica’s Superbikes at Virginia round, which takes place May 21-23 at VIRginia Raceway in Alton, Va.

Shair will have its logo on rider Travis Wyman’s BMW S 1000 RR as the pro road racing veteran – who is the leader in MotoAmerica’s Stock 1000 Class and Superbike Cup standings – aims to score his second career victory on VIR’s 2.25-mile North Course.

The Las Vegas rider scored a victory and a third place in the Stock 1000 races at Road Atlanta April 30-May 2 and was the top-finishing Superbike Cup rider in both Superbike races.

“VIRginia International Raceway is one of my favorite tracks on the MotoAmerica calendar, and I’m happy to have Shair on board as my title sponsor at a track I’ve had strong results at on the BMW,” Wyman said. “I expect to be battling for more top finishes this coming weekend. My goal is to extend my points lead in both classes, as well as get Shair’s branding in the middle of a MotoAmerica podium celebration.”

As the car-sharing platform that works hard for its car owners, Shair offers better, cleaner cars and a thorough verification process that puts car owners and customers at ease about the car sharing process. Based in Costa Mesa, Calif., Shair enables car owners to generate revenue from a wide variety of car makes and models. Among the thousands of cars available for booking through Shair are the Chevrolet Corvette, Tesla Model X, Bentley Continental and Porsche 911 Carrera 4S.

“We’re changing the way people think about their cars, and MotoAmerica fans are just one of the many motor sports audiences we’re working to build brand awareness among,” Shair co-founder Garrick Delafuente said. “MotoAmerica has experienced a lot of growth in terms of viewership and social media engagement. Supporting Travis’ program is a cost-effective way for us to get our message out to MotoAmerica fans across the country. This is just the beginning of our campaign to reach MotoAmerica fans, and we look forward to working with Travis as one of our long-term marketing partners.”

For those attending the MotoAmerica round at VIR, stop by the Travis Wyman Racing transporter to check out banners that will help fans learn how to join the Shair community.

To learn how to Shair your car or join the ranks of Shair customers, visit www.shairyourcar.com.

World Superbike: BMW Motorrad Previews Motorland Aragon

David Swarts

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May 19, 2021

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World Superbike: BMW Motorrad Previews Motorland Aragon

Time to go racing: BMW Motorrad Motorsport kicks off its campaign in the 2021 FIM Superbike World Championship.

Race debut for the new BMW M 1000 RR in WorldSBK.

2021 season opens with a double-header at MotorLand Aragón and Estoril for the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and the two BMW satellite teams, Bonovo MGM Racing and RC Squadra Corse.

Munich. The wait is over. This weekend, BMW Motorrad Motorsport kicks off its campaign in the 2021 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK). After the development period and winter tests, the new BMW M 1000 RR is now set for its race debut. For the first time, the 2021 WorldSBK grid will feature four riders on the BMW M 1000 RR. Tom Sykes (GBR) and BMW newcomer Michael van der Mark (NED) start for the works team, the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. Jonas Folger (GER) and Eugene Laverty (IRL) line up for BMW satellite teams Bonovo MGM Racing and RC Squadra Corse.

After a break of over half a year, the season gets underway with a double-header in Spain and Portugal. The first race weekend of the year will take place from 21st to 23rd May at MotorLand Aragón (ESP). This is followed just one week later (28th to 30th May) by round two of the season at Estoril (POR). In preparation for the season, BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the BMW teams were at MotorLand Aragón for a pre-season test roughly two weeks ago.

The new BMW M 1000 RR is a consistent development of the BMW S 1000 RR. At the heart of the new M RR is the engine. Like the engine for the production model, it has been developed specifically for racing. The chassis geometry and aerodynamics have also been improved. In a two-part video documentary, BMW Motorrad Motorsport shows the route from assembly to the racetrack, from the production of the engines at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin (GER), and the assembly of the race bikes at the headquarters of the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team in Guisborough (GBR), to the works and satellite teams’ outings on the track at MotorLand Aragón.

Quotes ahead of the opening round of the 2021 WorldSBK season.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “We go into the 2021 WorldSBK season with a lot of new features. For example, we are obviously looking forward to the race debut of our BMW M 1000 RR. The tests went very well and, although we still have a bit of work ahead of us with the new bike, I am feeling very positive. I would like to say another big thank you to everyone who has been so full of enthusiasm for their role in the development, assembly and preparation of the M RR: our production colleagues and engineers in Munich, engine production in Berlin, the team members and, of course, our riders. Another important step for our WorldSBK project is the fact that we are now more broadly positioned than before. As well as our established works team, the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, our family now also includes the satellite teams Bonovo MGM Racing and RC Squadra Corse. When it comes to the riders, we are also very strongly positioned, with Tom Sykes, Michael van der Mark, Eugene Laverty and Jonas Folger. Our goal for the season is to close the gap to the front-runners and claim our first win.”

Shaun Muir, Team Principal BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “We are looking forward to finally get into the race weekend. It has been a long off-season between Estoril and this first round. I think we have really taken good steps forward with the BMW M 1000 RR and I am looking forward to see what we can do in race conditions. The weather is looking very favourable for Aragón and obviously we go over there where we last tested so we are confident we can find a good base setting very quickly and focus on race simulations. We are confident that Michael and Tom can start on the front foot and we can start our 2021 season in a positive style.”

Tom Sykes. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

Tom Sykes, BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “I am very excited to finally get back racing, and what better way to do it than to do it with a double header? We start in Aragón, which is obviously a circuit I really enjoy riding. The target is quite clear for me: I want to get back winning races and being consistently at the sharp and the target for me as well as for the whole BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. On the other side, we have got a little bit of more work we need to do in order to get to there. So we will see. For me, I just want to get a good, clean start to the season and get some strong points on the board from these two race weekends. Aragón is such an enjoyable track. Also Estoril, a track which was my first time there last year. Overall, I am very confident and can’t wait to get things started.”

Michael van der Mark. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

Michael van der Mark, BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “It has been such a long time without any racing. Testing of course is nice, riding the bike, developing the bike – but we are doing it all for racing. It has been a long winter so I am really looking forward to it and luckily we have two race weekends in a row. That is good, and also at races we can learn a lot more about the bike and try to develop it. In general, I think we are really well prepared, but for sure we have to make some more steps with the bike in development. But as I said, racing is always better as you can have a look at your opponents and see their stronger points and their weaker points. MotorLand Aragón is a nice track to start the season; especially after the test we had there. For us that’s really positive. Estoril is a lovely track as well. Last year, I had my debut on the BMW there, so I’ve ridden the BMW on both tracks and that for sure helps to make it a little bit easier. Regarding our goals for the first races: of course, we always want to fight for the podium but at the moment we are still developing the bike. I just want to get the best possible result. We will always try our best but at the moment I am still a little bit calm with expectations.”

Eugene Laverty. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

Eugene Laverty, RC Squadra Corse: “This has been the longest off-season of my entire career and I am so excited for the season to finally begin. I have just three days of testing under my belt but I was smiling the entire time that I was riding after such a long period off the bike. I’m very happy with my new team RC Squadra Corse; all the guys made me feel very welcome and we have gelled immediately. I’m keen to realise the full potential of the new BMW M 1000 RR. The first two circuits of Aragón and Estoril were the toughest on the calendar for us in 2020 and so they will provide the biggest challenge. If we can be strong there then we can be strong anywhere.”

Jonas Folger. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

Jonas Folger, Bonovo MGM Racing: “I am looking forward to the season-opener, and to having two race weekends in a row. That is obviously awesome. I hope we make a good start to the season. We have done enough testing, and now it is finally time to go racing. The goal for the season is to finish in the top ten, and it would be great to really make a statement in one or two races. After that, we’ll see what happens. I am intrigued to see what we can achieve in the first few races.”

Royal Enfield’s BUILD TRAIN RACE Flat Track Program Kicks Off In Texas

David Swarts

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May 18, 2021

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Royal Enfield’s BUILD TRAIN RACE Flat Track Program Kicks Off In Texas

2021 BUILD TRAIN RACE FLAT TRACK TO KICK OFF IN TEXAS

Motorcycles and racers to debut at Women’s Motorcycle Show

Milwaukee, Wis (Tuesday, May 18, 2021) — The 2021 Royal Enfield BUILD TRAIN RACE (BTR) flat track participants will debut their new INT 650 flat track builds at the Women’s Motorcycle Show in Texas during the Get On! Moto Fest, May 21- 23 at Texas Motor Speedway. The builds will be on display throughout the weekend along with the female builders who will race the motorcycles later this year.

For 2021, Royal Enfield has added seven new riders from across the U.S. along with the inclusion of two BTR alumni, Jillian Deschenes and Lana MacNaughton. During the Get On! Moto Fest, several participants will be on hand in the Women’s Motorcycle Show portion of the event displaying their freshly built INT 650 flat track racers.

“Royal Enfield is excited to once again showcase the BTR program in 2021,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing and Communications Lead – Americas. “In 2020, the program was met with enormously positive feedback throughout the industry and this year, we’ve added more racers to make the competition even more exciting for both the fans and the racers. The ladies have been working hard on their builds all spring and we’re excited to share them with the public at the Get On! Moto Fest.”

The BTR participants will again compete in a handful of Progressive American Flat Track exhibition events and amateur races beginning with the AMA District 17 Chicago Half-Mile presented by Royal Enfield and promoted by Track Enterprises in the Women’s Class. For a complete schedule please visit www.stevenaceracing.com.

In 2020, four women participated in the BTR program at various American Flat Track races throughout the year. The goal of the program is to elevate the visibility of women in motorcycle racing and provide opportunities to female motorcycle enthusiasts in racing. The Get On! Moto Fest is a celebration of the two-wheeled lifestyle featuring manufacturer demo rides including Royal Enfield motorcycles, Women’s Motorcycle Show, AMD custom bike show, American Flat Track racing, vendors, music and more.

To learn more about the participants of the BTR program, visit www.BuildTrainRace.com or follow Royal Enfield on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Get On! Moto Fest pre-sale tickets are just $15 and fans can also obtain AFT SuperTicket’s which grant access to both the Get On! Moto Fest and AFT on Saturday, May 22. To purchase your tickets, click here.

About Steve Nace

Steve Nace Racing Promotions was formed in 1989. Since then we have promoted several disciplines of racing including AMA Flat Track & TT races, ATVA Extreme Dirt Track Series events, Mini Sprint races, Kart races, Quarter Midget races and Motocross events. Steve Nace Racing Promotions organized and held the AMA Amateur Flat Track Grand Championships for eight years playing host to the fastest amateur racers from across the country and abroad. Steve Nace, the company owner, has been involved in racing since 1969.

About Royal Enfield

The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the mid-size motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.

Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 125 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the all-new Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT 650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.

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

SCRAMP Replaced By Laguna Seca Volunteer Assoc. At Laguna Seca

David Swarts

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May 18, 2021

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SCRAMP Replaced By Laguna Seca Volunteer Assoc. At Laguna Seca

Laguna Seca Volunteer Association Established to Support WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with Experienced Volunteers

MONTEREY, Calif., May 18, 2021 – A new year brings new opportunities as the Laguna Seca Volunteer Association and Laguna Seca Recreation Area management agree on a long-term relationship. The new not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Laguna Seca Volunteer Association establishes a body of enthusiastic and experienced individuals to support the County of Monterey-owned Laguna Seca Recreation Area and the events held at its iconic race circuit.

The Laguna Seca Volunteer Association (LSVA) will be managed by a five-person executive board, all of whom have years of volunteer leadership experience at the facility. The LSVA executive committee is comprised of:

Lee Ames – President and Chairman

Morgan Broadhead – Vice President

Ryan Bailey – Secretary/Treasurer

Shea Eby – Director

Bryan Mutoza – Director

“This past year has had many ups and downs due to the pandemic and in finalizing the structure and leadership of the volunteer association,” admitted Lee Ames, president and chairman of LSVA. “Many of us first assisted with last August’s Driver Appreciation Weekend to get to know some of the new management team, and over the course of the past few months and events, have grown to understand that we all have a shared vision to ensure a safe, pleasurable and memorable experience for everyone who comes into the Laguna Seca Recreation Area.”

Initial talks began in January 2020 between the former longtime SCRAMP volunteers and the new management firm, A&D Narigi Consulting LLC, which was unanimously selected by the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors, to establish a suitable and viable organization that embraced volunteerism and the community. With the county’s support, and the new LSVA executive committee, the organization was formed.

“As Lee indicated, there were some rough patches during a challenging year, but we worked closely together to create a sound organization for years to come,” added John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “The dedicated men and women who have volunteered here for years, which includes several local service organizations, have an unbridled passion, expertise and camaraderie that give Laguna Seca Recreation Area its unique soul. Everyone shares the same vision of improving the experience for our guests, series, participants and sponsors. I have fully enjoyed getting to know so many fine individuals, and their passion for Laguna Seca and expertise in putting on our racing events.”

The LSVA Board of Directors will be comprised of six additional directors with specific responsibility that encompasses all areas of the race and events, such as paddock, first aid, medical, hospitality, concessions, and vehicle control. There are more than 250 volunteers who are committed to LSVA. In addition, there are 20 area service clubs that are providing support services working under the direction of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Volunteer Coordinator Kalina McKinney, a new position added by Narigi to support the hundreds of volunteers. “Without them, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca would not have the fine reputation that it has today,” Narigi added. “Going forward, this will be a team approach with management and volunteers working together to improve upon what has been established to ensure all have an enjoyable experience.

“We are also very appreciative of the efforts and thank the Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation board of directors under the leadership of its president Ross Merrill as they supplied funding for the LSVA legal expenses required to complete the formation of the new organization,” said Narigi.

The Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public charity that raises funds for capital improvements, which has included the digital scoring trylon, electronic flagging system and Turn 4 grandstands.

The 2021 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca race calendar is:

July 9-11 – GEICO MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey

July 16-18 – AHRMA Monterey Classic MotoFest

August 7-8 – Monterey Pre-Reunion

August 12-15 – Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

September 10-12 – Hyundai Monterey Sports Car Championship (TBC)

September 17-19 – Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey

November 11-14 – Velocity Invitational

NTC: More From Rossi Moor’s Races At Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 18, 2021

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NTC: More From Rossi Moor’s Races At Le Mans

A very hard round at Le Mans

Northern Talent Cup

We were very lucky to had a race weekend together with the MotoGP.

The free practices also the qualifying were very complicated and hard work for the rookies due to the horrible weather.

On Friday, Rossi reached the pole position with 1:50.533 lap time.

Saturday:

The weather was not better this day also, we had thunder, sleet, some sunshine within two hours. The race started with very bad circumstances with hard wind and rain.

After a good start, Rossi overcooked it out of the chicane. Rossi slid out the lead. He tried to rejoin the race, but the brake was broken so he had to give up the race.

Rossi about the spill: “After a good start, I reached first the chicane. But in the fourth turn the back of the bike suddenly slid out. I tried to rejoin the race, but the brake broken so I had to give up.”

Sunday:

In this day, we had the same weather like on Saturday. The team had to change the tires two times. Rossi’s KTM was not working 100%, so at the end he was 15th.

Rossi Moor about the race: “I catch the start, but due to the wet asphalt I race very safely. Two laps before the finish, I had a fall due to the wet circumstances. After, I rejoined the race, and because of the broken [shifter] I was happy that I can finish the race.”

Ahead of the race weekend, Rossi Moor participated in the pre-event press conference, where he got to take a photo with Fabio Quartararo. Photo courtesy Fairium NGRT.

AFT: Richard Rawlings Named Grand Marshal Of Texas Half-Mile

David Swarts

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May 18, 2021

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Richard Rawlings Named Grand Marshal of Texas Half-Mile

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 18, 2021) – This weekend’s Mission Foods Texas Half-Mile presented by Roof Systems is set to be that much Faster N’ Louder with the announcement that Fort Worth’s own Richard Rawlings will serve as the event’s Grand Marshal.

A locally-based, nationally-known media personality and entrepreneur, Rawlings is the owner of the fabled Gas Monkey Garage and was the star of the mega popular reality show, Fast N’ Loud, which aired more than 150 episodes from 2012-2020.

“I’m super excited to be the Grand Marshal of the AFT Texas Half-Mile this year,” said Rawlings. “I’m looking forward to having an incredible time and hanging out with everyone that attends. As I’ve always said, if we’re going to have fun, it better have a motor in it!”

The announcement by Progressive American Flat Track further adds to the celebratory flavor of a round set at the center of the first-ever Get On! Moto Fest at Texas Motor Speedway.

Tickets are available for purchase at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3326/#selectTickets. That includes the “Get On! American Flat Track SuperTicket,” which provides the full weekend experience of attending both the Texas HM and the first annual Get On! Moto Fest for just $39 (GA Grandstand) or $49 (Premium GA Grandstand).

Standard race-day only GA Grandstand tickets are $29 (children 12 and under free with the purchase of an adult ticket), with Premium GA Grandstand $39 (children 12 and under $20). Tickets are going fast with premium sections already selling out.

Gates will open for fans at 4:00 p.m. local time with Opening Ceremonies set to begin at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

MotoAmerica: Superbike Championship Returning To VIR May 21-23

May 19, 2021

The start of MotoAmerica Superbike Race One at VIR in 2019. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.