AHRMA: Lake Elsinore, Perris, Sturgis Added To Dirt Track Schedule

David Swarts

-

April 6, 2021

AHRMA: Lake Elsinore, Perris, Sturgis Added To Dirt Track Schedule

AHRMA Dirt Track Nationals in Elsinore and Sturgis for 2021!

(Elora, Tennessee) – The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is bringing the history of a uniquely American motorsport to life with more dates for its 2021 4SR National Vintage Dirt Track Series.

Additional events will be held at venues in California and South Dakota and include short track and TT courses.

“More races on some great tracks will make our 2021 dirt track season even better,” said Arthur Kowitz, chairman of the AHRMA Board of Directors.

The newly added events begin July 23, with short track and TT events at Perris Flat Track, in Perris, CA.

Donna Edwards, Perris Flat Track owner, is excited to welcome vintage dirt track bikes, and said, “We started in 2007 running flat track and brought flat track back to the West Coast.”

On July 24 and 25, the show moves to short track and TT races at Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park, in Lake Elsinore, CA. Lake Elsinore has a legacy in motorsports, as the site of the iconic film, On Any Sunday. Lake Elsinore Motorsports Event Center is a state-of-the-art facility for all types of off-road competition, both two and four-wheeled.

August 10 and 12 brings the program to the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, SD. The Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club started in 1936, and began hosting events which later evolved into the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Brechelle Bacon, president of the Jackpine Gypsies, shares “We welcome AHRMA to the World Famous Jackpine Gypsies – Where it all began and where racing continues forever!!!”

Dirt track racing is a foundation and mainstay of American motorcycle competition. It blossomed into a unique American sport during the 1930s. The proliferation of dirt ovals throughout America led to further development and popularity through the 1970s, resulting in several distinctly different forms of racing motorcycles — each developed to suit the rules of the time period and optimized for dirt oval racing.

AHRMA preserves the sights and sounds of this uniquely American sport and brings it to race fans by providing a set of governing rules intended to capture each distinct period of dirt track racing: Class C, brakeless, vintage and Seventies-era.

Motorcycles from these periods are pitted against each other on dirt ovals across the United States. AHRMA dirt track events are held at a variety of venues ranging from short tracks, half-miles, miles and Tourist Trophy circuits, with national points awarded to encourage participation and recognize achievement.

2021 AHRMA National Vintage Dirt Track Series Schedule

January 16, Celebration Arena, Priceville, AL Short Track

February 27, Ocala, FL, DT

February 27, Ocala, FL, Short Track

February 27, Ocala, FL, Dirt Track

March 20, Ocala, FL, TT

March 20, Ocala, FL, Short Track

March 27, Baton Rouge, LA, Short Track

April 10, Aonia Pass, Washington GA, Short Track

April 10, Aonia Pass, Washington GA, TT

July 23, Perris Flat Track, Perris, CA Short Track

July 23, Perris Flat Track, Perris, CA TT

July 24, Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park, Lake Elsinore, CA Short Track

July 25, Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park, Lake Elsinore, CA TT

August 10, Jackpine Gypsies MC, Sturgis, SD ST

August 12, Jackpine Gypsies MC, Sturgis, SD TT

September 18, Pine Lake Raceway, Ashtabula, OH, Short Track

September 18, Pine Lake Raceway, Ashtabula, OH, TT

October 16, Georgia Practice Facility, Cairo, GA, Short Track

October 16, Georgia Practice Facility, Cairo, GA, TT

November 6, National Championship Finale -T&S Racing; Henryetta, OK Short Track

The complete 2021 AHRMA National Vintage Dirt Track Series schedule, class rules and entry forms are available at ahrma.org/schedules-results.

AHRMA (American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring and competing on historic motorcycles. With more than 3,000 members, AHRMA is the leading historic motorcycle racing group in North America and one of the largest in the world. The association’s enthusiastic membership reflects this country’s strong interest in classic bikes.

Harley-Davidson Museum’s Newest Acquisition Debuts April 16

David Swarts

-

April 6, 2021

0

Harley-Davidson Museum’s Newest Acquisition Debuts April 16

The Harley-Davidson Museum’s latest acquisition goes on display beginning April 16

Plus, patio dining has returned to MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant.

MILWAUKEE, USA (April 6, 2021) – The Harley-Davidson Museum is proud to announce its collection has recently grown with the addition of a 1957 Model FL that was ridden by famed Mexican stunt rider and racer Alfonso Sotomayor Canales.

Harley-Davidson’s history in Mexico dates back to at least 1913. In the 1920s, the brand was more frequently spotted throughout Mexico City as the motorcycles proved popular with the local traffic police who would also perform stunts with their Harley-Davidson® bikes. After racing from the 1930s into the 1960s, Sotomayor launched his own stunt riding career by performing the famed “Salto de la Muerte” or Jump of Death.

Beginning Friday, April 16, H-D Museum guests can learn more about Sotomayor’s feats of derring-do and Harley-Davidson’s early entry into Mexico when this new display premieres. Can’t make it down to the crossroads of 6^th & Canal just yet? Mark your calendars for our Virtual Gallery Talk on April 15 for a curator-lead exploration.

This month’s other Virtual Gallery Talks will explore the history of trailblazing women riders, H-D® fashions throughout the years and more.

And with warmer temperatures in the forecast, it is time to get reacquainted with the waterfront and cityscape views found only on the patio of MOTOR Bar & Restaurant, home to hickory-smoked BBQ dishes like brisket nachos, BBQ stuffed potatoes, BBQ salads and so much more.

Finally, don’t forget about the H-D Museum’s all-new Annual Pass. Purchase one in 2021 and enjoy perks – like discounts throughout campus and free admission– through 2022.

The H-D Museum is still in the midst of its first step of phased reopening, and City of Milwaukee health officials have approved safety plans for the H-D Museum. Reinforced protocols to support healthy and safe environments for visitors and staff include enhanced cleaning procedures, hand sanitizing stations and online ticketing to ensure social distancing and limiting of capacity levels. Staff and visitors will be required to wear face coverings at all times. Learn more about protocols to support healthy and safe environments.

EXHIBITS

“Off-Road Harley-Davidson” (open now)

In the decades before America paved its highways, early riders had to be prepared for all sorts of terrain: sand, clay or dirt – and wandering those makeshift byways were Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Today, it’s called off-road or adventure touring; back then it was just called riding. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson motorcycles proved their toughness by riding over wooded hills, through stone-choked creek beds and up mountain sides. “Off-Road Harley-Davidson” tells the history of motorcycles designed for rough roads, the people who rode them and the adventures they shared.

“Building a Milwaukee Icon: Harley-Davidson’s Juneau Avenue Factory” (open now)

A recently recovered cache of architectural drawings includes plans for the original Juneau Avenue facility. The pencil drawings, along with archival photographs, demonstrate the whirlwind pace of the company’s early growth. While building an international business—going from producing just over 1,000 motorcycles in 1909 to manufacturing 27,000 motorcycles in 1920—the company’s Milwaukee factory experienced near-constant expansion. Construction through this relatively brief period created the buildings that today, a century later, are still the proud home of Harley-Davidson.
“Building a Milwaukee Icon” provides a snapshot of Harley-Davidson’s formative years and illustrates a chapter of Milwaukee history when the city was known as the “Machine Shop to the World.”

PROGRAMMING / EVENTS

Annual Pass

Looking for interesting things to do and ways to fully enjoy our programs and exhibits? The Harley-Davidson Museum’s new Annual Pass offers individual, family and VIP levels to fit your lifestyle. Just some of the perks of the new Annual Pass include: admission discounts, Virtual Gallery Talks, free admission for children under age 18, merchandise discounts at The Shop, dining discounts at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and more.
Plus, if you purchase an Annual Pass in 2021, those passholder perks can be enjoyed all of 2021 and 2022. Visit H-D Museum.com to see complete ticket details for exclusions and other terms and conditions.

Virtual Gallery Talks

Thursdays (April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 7 p.m.)

The Harley-Davidson Museum is pleased to introduce a new offering to its menu of unique experiences: Virtual Gallery Talks are ideal for those who are hoping to take a deep dive into Harley-Davidson history from the comfort of home.

Each Gallery Talk topic covers an integral chapter in Harley-Davidson’s story. Get an up-close view of artifacts, check out historical footage pulled from our massive archives collection and connect with our team of H-D experts who will host a Q&A during each session. While the H-D Museum opens its doors to visitors from all over the globe, these Virtual Gallery Talks provide another way to experience the adventures of Harley-Davidson.

Featured Class: Engines 101 (Thursday, April 8, 7 p.m.)
Study the heart of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles: the iconic engine that motors these Freedom Machines.
Featured Gallery Talk: New Acquisition – Stunt Rider Alfonso Sotomayor Canales’ 1957 Model FL (Thursday, April 15, 7 p.m.)

The H-D Museum is excited to share the story of its latest addition to the collection – a 1957 Model FL from Mexican stunt rider Alfonso Sotomayor Canales.

Featured Gallery: A History of Harley-Davidson® Fashion (Thursday, April 22, 7 p.m.)
From race sweaters to the iconic leather jacket, Harley-Davidson’s fashions have influenced how people look and dress from Main Street in Sturgis to the catwalks of Milan. Learn more about the H-D Museum’s Archives team works hand-in-leather-glove with our retail team to recreate authentic reproductions for the coveted H-D® Originals collection.
Featured Topic: The History of the Harley Owners Group® (H.O.G.®) Riding Club (Thursday, April 29, 7 p.m.)

Join the Harley Owners Group® team as they visit the H-D Museum to share the story of H.O.G. – How the Harley-Davidson Owners Group was born and grew into one of the most influential riding clubs in the world.

Engines 101 (Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.)

Study the heart of Harley-Davidson motorcycles: the engine! Join us for a classroom experience covering the gritty details of how Harley-Davidson engines roar to life. No mechanical skills necessary! Leave with an exclusive Engines 101 pin, a $5 coupon for The Shop and a newfound knowledge of how Harley-Davidson® engines are created.

AYCE Fish Fry at MOTOR® BAR & RESTAURANT (Fridays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Even though Lent is in the rear-view, the delicious all-you-can-eat beer-battered and golden fried cod – served alongside crispy french fries, jicama slaw, corn bread muffin and tartar sauce, all for just $15.95 – is available year round and all day every Friday.

About the Harley-Davidson Museum

Discover culture and history through stories and interactive exhibits that celebrate expression, camaraderie, and love for the sport at the Harley-Davidson Museum. A visit to the H-D Museum is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. With an unrivaled collection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and memorabilia, a 20-acre, park-like campus, and a calendar full of activities, the H-D Museum is one of Milwaukee’s top tourist destinations for visitors from around the globe. Make your plans to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum at H-DMuseum.com.

AHRMA: Drag Racing Will Be Part Of Classic Motofest In The Heartland (Updated)

David Swarts

-

April 6, 2021

0

AHRMA: Drag Racing Will Be Part Of Classic Motofest In The Heartland (Updated)

Saturday Night Drags to be Highlight at AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ in the Heartland

Classic Drag Racing to be Held at Heartland Motorsports Park

Topeka, Kansas, April 1, 2021 – The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) in association with Luke’s Racecraft confirmed it will host the 1st Inaugural Classic Drags at the AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ in the Heartland.

The event will take place Saturday, May 29th at the world class NHRA sanctioned quarter mile drag strip at Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, KS and will feature five classes of vintage and next generation super bike drag racing under the lights in single elimination, king-of-the-hill format. Single elimination grudge matches will also be offered to competitors.

“The Heartland Motorsports Park facility is the perfect venue for us to launch, pun intended, vintage and just-past-their-prime drag bikes,” said Arthur Kowitz, Chairman of the AHRMA Board of Trustees. “Plus, it’s a chance for our road racers to test their skills on a real, traction-enhanced, drag strip.”

Look for 3-wheel sidecar rigs and modern electric bikes in the mix as well as exhibitions of exotic multi-engine and semi-pro team rigs. The intense head-to-head competition will get underway at 6:30 PM EST and run until all class champions are crowned.

Competition classes include Vintage Flyweight 0-250cc, Vintage Lightweight 251-500cc, Vintage Middleweight 501-750cc, Vintage Superbikes up to 1982, and Next Generation Superbikes from 1983-1992

“I have been intimately involved with promoting and increasing AHRMA membership for some time and with the growing sport of vintage drag racing globally, I feel that drag racing is a natural fit for AHRMA,” said Luke Conner (Luke’s Racecraft, the 2021 series sponsor). “Drag racing started here, and it’s an American Sport. AHRMA is the premier motorcycle racing program and we are truly multi-disciplined, so AHRMA events are a great place for vintage motorcycle drag racing.”

For details on the event including tickets, schedules, and specific machine technical requirements, please visit www.ahrma.org/classicdragracing.

For general questions or inquiries regarding exhibition opportunities contact [email protected] or [email protected].

ABOUT AHRMA:

AHRMA (American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and competing on historic motorcycles. With more than 3,000 members, AHRMA is the leading historic motorcycle racing group in North America and one of the largest in the world. The association’s enthusiastic membership reflects this country’s strong interest in classic bikes.

Update:

AHRMA is excited to announce that REGISTRATION IS OPEN for our inaugural AHRMA Classic Drag Race sponsored by Luke’s Racecraft at the AHRMA Classic MotoFest® in the Heartland at Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kansas Memorial Day Weekend!

AHRMA competitors!!! Come and race for no charge!

Click HERE for more information and register here, If you still have questions, feel free to contact Luke Conner at [email protected] or Jim Korn at [email protected].

MotoAmerica: Franklin Armory Disrupt Racing Fielding Lee, Soltisz

David Swarts

-

April 6, 2021

0

MotoAmerica: Franklin Armory Disrupt Racing Fielding Lee, Soltisz

Disrupt Racing is more than just a name and they are bringing new excitement to the MotoAmerica paddock for the 2021 season. Founded in 2019, Disrupt Racing has its roots in club level racing, but has since grown into a national presence over the last two seasons. For the first time, Disrupt Racing will now be fielding two full-time MotoAmerica premier riders

We are happy to announce the formation of Franklin Armory Disrupt Racing this season and the addition of two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee. Andrew will once again be competing for the entirety of the 2021 MotoAmerica season in both Stock 1000 & Superbike Cup classes. Additionally, we have 2020 ASRA SportBike National Champion Carl Soltisz coming onboard who will be competing in the full SuperSport championship.

Complementing the riders, we have very experienced crew personnel with paddock powerhouses such as Boyd Bruner, Mark Junge, and Matt Drucker joining the team. It took a lot of hard work and support from all of our sponsors to bring this program together and we couldn’t be happier

Andrew Lee: “I am very excited to get rolling into the 2021 MotoAmerica season with Franklin Armory and Disrupt Racing. After my time away in 2020, I am thrilled to be back in the paddock full time with an all new team and new bike. I’m looking forward to racing with new people and new tracks like the Ridge and Brainerd. I think these new experiences will really push me to learn quickly with such a talented field. Jesse and the Disrupt Racing team have really gone out of their way to make this happen this year, especially by putting together such a talented crew to work with me on the bike. Being back in the Stock 1000 class is going to be a lot of fun with the addition to the Superbike cup. A lot of track time on the new 2021 ZX-10RR means I will be looking at getting some steady progress through the first part of the season and hopefully having some great battles.”

Carl Soltisz (60). Photo courtesy Disrupt Racing.

Carl Soltisz: “Competing in the full MotoAmerica Supersport Championship has been a dream of mine for a long time and I couldn’t be more stoked to team up with Franklin Armory Disrupt Racing to make it happen in 2021. I had a breakout season last year, scoring multiple top 10 finishes in MotoAmerica Supersport wildcard races as well as winning a couple ASRA/CCS National Championships. My confidence has never been higher and I am looking forward to keeping that positive momentum rolling this year. It’s very exciting to race some new bucket-list tracks of mine and compete alongside Andrew, who brings a wealth of talent to the team. I’m even more thrilled to have my crew chief Matt Drucker join us, as he was instrumental to my success in 2020. Lastly, I want to thank Jesse and all my sponsors for giving me the opportunity to take my racing to the next level in the MotoAmerica championship this year. We’re going to send it.”

Team owner Jesse Hwilka had this to say: “I am really thankful to have this opportunity to work with such a talented group of guys and I look forward to showing what we can all achieve together as a team this season. In 2020 we had a great deal of success and swept several national championships with ASRA and CCS. Tony Storniolo won us the ASRA Superstock National Championship, Kris Lillegard dominated and won us a second National Championship in ThunderBike, Joe Donovan won the Moto3 National Championship, and I, myself, even won two National Championships as an Amateur in the SuperStock and SportBike classes.

Elevating our efforts to compete full time in MotoAmerica is really just the next step in our journey. The 2021 season is going to be a lot of fun for us on all levels. Not only will we be out there at all of the MotoAmerica events this season but our roots still remain in regional series like CCS and ASRA. Tony Storniolo has really elevated his riding opening up 2021 extremely strong and I am really looking forward to seeing Tony race in select MotoAmerica rounds this season. Hell, Tony’s Crew Chief Kevin Tregellas is even coming out of retirement and getting in on the fun to suit up with us during the regional rounds and who knows maybe I’ll do a few MotoAmerica rounds myself this year. We are all very excited for this season!”

Jay Jacobson President of Franklin Armory: “Andrew Lee has shown great skill and maturity in his riding prowess over the past few years. We look forward to this year being his breakout year and couldn’t be happier to be teaming up with Disrupt Racing and bringing Franklin Armory Disrupt Racing program together into the forefront.”

Roadracing World Young Guns 2021: Blake Davis

Uncategorized

David Swarts

-

April 6, 2021

0

Roadracing World Young Guns 2021: Blake Davis

Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed North America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 25^th consecutive year of showcasing what is actually an abundance of new talent.

Roadracing World Young Guns have won:

FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;

MotoAmerica/AMA Pro races and Championships, including nine MotoAmerica/AMA Pro Superbike Championships;

A KTM RC Cup World Final race;

The Daytona 200 (10 times);

WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;

ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;

AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;

USGPRU National Championships;

Many regional and local titles.

The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.

We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2021 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.

The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.

We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.

Blake Davis

Age: 14.

Current home: Lynchburg, Virginia.

Current height/weight: 5’4”/100 pounds.

Current school grade level: 8th grade.

Began riding at age: 3 years.

First road race: Talladega, Alabama, WERA, Formula 3 and E Superstock, 1^st place in both.

Current racebikes: Yamaha YZF-R3, YZF-R6.

Current tuner/mechanic: BobbleHeadMoto.

Primary race series: MotoAmerica Junior Cup, WERA, CCS.

Top sponsors: N2, BobbleHeadMoto, RS Taichi, Moto Liberty, Shoei, Bran Supply Company.

Recent racing accomplishments: 2020 season, placed 9^th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (best race finish was sixth – three times), won 6 WERA Sportsman races; 2019 season, won AMA Nicky Hayden Road Racing Horizon Award, won Lightweight Twins Superstock Expert and Formula Two Expert WERA National Challenge Championships, won D Superstock Expert WERA Sportsman National Championship, won 7 WERA Sportsman Regional Championships (won 20 WERA races); 2018 season, named AMA Youth Road Racer of the Year, won AMA 300 Superstock Grand Championship, won 3 WERA National Challenge Championships, won 13 WERA Sportsman Regional Championships, won 41 of 60 WERA races started; 2017 season, won 3 WERA Sportsman Regional Championships.

2021 racing goal: Be a front-runner in MotoAmerica Junior Cup.

Racing career goal: Race on the world stage.

Racing hero: Scott Russell.

Favorite track: Ridge Motorsports Park.

Favorite hobby: Riding anything on two wheels.

If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Maybe competing in triathlons or mountain bike races.

AHRMA: Laguna Seca Hosting MotoFest For Next Three Years

David Swarts

-

April 5, 2021

0

AHRMA: Laguna Seca Hosting MotoFest For Next Three Years

AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ Brings Vintage Motorcycle Racing to Monterey California July 16-18

Dedicated to keeping vintage motorcycles alive and well, AHRMA signs three-year deal

MONTEREY, Calif., April 5, 2021 – The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA), today confirmed it will present the AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ of Monterey for the next three years at the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey County. With the mission of restoring and racing on and off-road vintage motorcycles while appealing to a wide array of different audiences, it’s an event that fits in with the historic aura of the original Laguna Seca.

During February 2020, AHRMA successfully held a private event at WeatherTech Raceway for its road racing program that attracted enthusiastic racers from across the country. The July 16-18 AHRMA Classic MotoFest of Monterey will be the bookend to a motorcycle week of activities that begins July 9-11 with the return of MotoAmerica’s professional racing series.

“The WeatherTech Raceway road course and surrounding facilities will be an ideal stage for the incredible AHRMA show that features our diverse run groups,” said Arthur Kowitz, 2021 Chair of the AHRMA Board of Trustees. “Laguna Seca is a classic track and a perfect fit for our classic bikes.”

The MotoFest weekend will appeal to a broad audience base whose interests lie in classic motorcycles. The event features classes for motorcycles spanning pre-World War II up to modern single, twin and triple-cylinder and electric-powered racers. It is more common to see some of these bikes in museums, but AHRMA events are a unique opportunity for moto lovers of all ages to watch and enjoy heritage motorcycles in a very interactive experience for guests to enjoy.

“This is an exciting addition to our season calendar,” commented John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “This has all the makings for a weeklong series of events and activities to establish the Monterey and Salinas communities as the place to be for sharing the passion of motorcycles’ past, present and future.”

A full array of ticket packages will be available from camping to single-day admission tickets for the AHRMA Classic MotoFest of Monterey. Tickets will go on sale at WeatherTechRaceway.com on April 12.

About WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-renowned 2.238-mile traditional road course that was built in 1957 and was known at the time as Laguna Seca Raceway. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is owned by the County of Monterey and operated by A&D Narigi Consulting, LLC.

The 2021 premier event schedule includes the GEICO Motorcycle MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest July 9-11 (TBC), the AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ of Monterey July 16-18, the Monterey Pre-Reunion August 7-8, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 12-15, the Hyundai Monterey Sports Car Championship September 10-12, and the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey September 17-19.

ABOUT AHRMA

American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and competing on historic motorcycles. With more than 3,000 members, AHRMA is the leading historic motorcycle racing group in North America and one of the largest in the world. The association’s enthusiastic membership reflects this country’s strong interest in classic bikes.

AMA Hall Of Famer Del Kuhn, R.I.P.

David Swarts

-

April 5, 2021

0

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Del Kuhn Passes

Kuhn, one of the nation’s top off-road racers, was inducted to the AMA Hall of Fame in 2003

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Del Kuhn, one of the nation’s top off-road racers in the 1940s and ’50s, passed away peacefully on March 24. He was 95.

Born in Camp Douglas, Wis., in 1925, Kuhn settled in the Los Angeles area after serving in the Navy during World War II, where he joined the Compton Roughriders Motorcycle Club and started riding in off-road club rides.

He soon started racing and competed on his Army surplus 45-inch (750cc) Harley-Davidson that was stripped down for off-road use despite trends at the time favoring single-cylinder British off-road bikes.

To compete in the 1948 Greenhorn Enduro, Kuhn borrowed a rigid-frame Matchless that he rode to victory in the two-day event. That performance earned him a sponsorship from British motorcycle importer Frank Cooper.

During his career, Kuhn rode against talented off-road riders such as Ernie May and Hall of Famers Aub LeBard, Max Bubeck and John McLaughlin.

Notably, he won the Greenhorn again in 1950 and 1951. Because the 1950 Greenhorn was awarded the AMA sanction for that year’s national enduro title, Kuhn’s victory also earned him the 1950 AMA National Enduro Championship.

That same year, Kuhn and LeBard helped establish the Catalina Grand Prix on Santa Catalina Island off the coast of Southern California. The Catalina Grand Prix became one of the most popular races of the 1950s. During the 1951 inaugural race, Kuhn charged through the field to finish third.

Kuhn achieved an emotional victory at the classic Big Bear Endurance Run in 1952, where he raced in a tribute to a close friend who had died in that same race in the mid-1940s.

In 1955, Kuhn retired from racing to focus on his career as a motorcycle patrol officer for the California Highway Patrol, a position he held until 1979. In his nine-year span of racing, Kuhn became one of the country’s best-known off-road racers.

Kuhn was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2003.

Look for more on Mr. Kuhn’s life and motorcycling career in a future issue of American Motorcyclist.

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. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. 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.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.

Podcast: Greg’s Garage Pod With Jason Pridmore, Episode 120

David Swarts

-

April 5, 2021

0

Podcast: Greg’s Garage Pod With Jason Pridmore, Episode 120

Greg’s Garage Pod with Co-Host Jason Pridmore p/b ARAI – A motorcycle racing Pod about MotoGP, MotoAmerica, and World Superbike, Pro Motocross, American Flat Track, Supercross, and more. In this episode, Co-Hosts Greg White and Jason Pridmore talk:

MotoGP – The 2021 season has begun! The boys take a look at Qatar 1 and break down what they saw, in each class. Who were the winners and losers.

MotoGP – The Greg’s Garage Podcast w/Jason Pridmore Fantasy League! Here’s the code to join the league: F7UHZVWY https://fantasy.motogp.com/share/league/eyJzYyI6InR3IiwidCI6IjQ2MDAiLCJsZWFndWVfaWQiOjgxOTV9

MotoAmerica – The annual Dunlop Tire test is happening right now at COTA. The guys are there and break down what they are seeing, especially with hotshot Loris Baz and his wicked Ducati Panigale V4 R.

Battle of the Olds – The race happened last weekend at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway! How did things go? Oh and Jason Pridmore also raced for the first time in about 11 years!

Next Week Tease – MotoGP Qatar 2 results, ARAI News, and MotoAmerica Austin test review.

Race Calendar – MotoGP from Qatar, GNCC in SC, Hare and Hound in ID, & WORCS in AZ.

Roadracing World Young Guns 2021: Kristian Daniel Jr.

David Swarts

-

April 5, 2021

0

Roadracing World Young Guns 2021: Kristian Daniel Jr.

Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed North America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 25^th consecutive year of showcasing what is actually an abundance of new talent.

Roadracing World Young Guns have won:

FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;

MotoAmerica/AMA Pro races and Championships, including nine MotoAmerica/AMA Pro Superbike Championships;

A KTM RC Cup World Final race;

The Daytona 200 (10 times);

WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;

ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;

AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;

USGPRU National Championships;

Many regional and local titles.

The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.

We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2021 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.

The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.

We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.

Kristian Daniel, Jr.

Age: 12

Current home: Barcelona, Spain.

Current height/weight: 4’7”/77 pounds.

Current school/grade: 7th grade.

Began riding at age: 6 years.

First road race: 2015, Apple Valley, California, M1GP, Terminator 50cc, 2^nd place.

Current racebike: Honda NSF250R.

Current tuner/mechanic: AGR Team.

Primary race series: FIM CEV European Talent Cup.

Top sponsors: Vanel Design, Kabuto, RiderzLaw, Noyes Camp, 111 Management.

Recent racing accomplishments (so far): 2020 season, places 4^th in Spanish Moto5 Championship (1 win, 2 total podiums); 2019 season, placed 4^th in Spanish Cuna de Campeones MiniGP 110 (2 podium finishes).

2021 racing goal: Finish in the points in the FIM CEV European Talent Cup.

Racing career goal: Make it to MotoGP.

Racing hero: Nicky Hayden.

Favorite track: Motorland Aragon.

Favorite hobby: Watching Anime.

If I wasn’t racing I would be…: An anime artist.

MotoGP World Championship Race Results From Qatar II

David Swarts

-

April 4, 2021

0

MotoGP World Championship Race Results From Qatar II

MotoGP Race Results
MotoGP point standings

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Quartararo carves his way to victory as Zarco and Martin duel to the line

The first ever French 1-2 in the premier class, a rookie podium for Martin and a whole host of headlines: this was the Doha dogfight

Sunday, 04 April 2021

Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) put in a stunner at the TISSOT Grand Prix of Doha, making 2021 a clean sweep for Yamaha so far and heading up the first ever French 1-2 in the premier class as he pulled clear of the chasing pack at the perfect time. Compatriot Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) took second as he duelled rookie teammate and polesitter Jorge Martin to the line, the Frenchman making history for his nation and waves in the standings as he takes over the Championship lead. Martin, meanwhile, makes his own waves as the rookie led much of the race from a spectacular start, coming home third for his first premier class podium only second time out. Behind the three, there was plenty of drama too… and it was the closest top 15 in history!

Martin kept his nerve off the line and shot off to lead around Turn 1, the Spaniard unaware that he’d actually be staying there for the majority of the race as his incredible Sunday began as it meant to go on. Behind him, Zarco slotted into second but Qatar GP winner Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) went backwards, and Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) propelled himself from P12 to P4 in an absolutely stunning start. Both Suzukis got away very well too, as did third place Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) but it wasn’t a good start for the factory Ducati Lenovo Team riders or Quartararo. Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia even found themselves in the lower ends of the top 10…

Martin held his nerve at the front though and a MotoGP™ freight train followed him over the line as Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) got the better of Oliveira to sit behind the leading Pramac duo. World Champion Joan Mir on the second Team Suzuki Ecstar machine then chucked it up the inside of Quartararo at Turn 6 as the riders got very close for comfort in the opening exchanges, with Viñales, Quartararo, Miller and Bagnaia scrapping for 7th with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), and Rins hounding Zarco further forward.

The number 42 and Zarco kept interchanging P2, and just when Rins thought he’d got the job done, the Ducati blasted back by on the straight. Next up to try and carve through was Bagnaia as the Italian moved his way up into P5, soaring past Mir on the straight, with Miller soon following his teammate through by doing the exact same thing: wringing the neck of his GP21 on the front straight as Aleix Espargaro slipped to P7.

Approaching half race distance, Martin was still leading, and looking as cool, calm and collected as ever. Just behind him though, tensions were starting to reach boiling point in the heat of the desert. Turn 10 saw Mir make a close move on Miller, contact made between the two, and the Ducati was wide. Rins, after a front end scare at Turn 9, then had another moment at the final corner before another flash between Miller and Mir grabbed the spotlight back. Coming onto the front straight, the two clashed – and plummeted as they lost drive. The incident was investigated, but no action taken.

But Martin rolled on, and by now Quartararo was up to P4 behind the rookie in the lead, Zarco and Bagnaia. Rins almost found a way past the number 20 on Lap 15 but it wasn’t to be and with seven to go, it was still impossible to call. Miller was P6 with Viñales P7, Mir was trying to find a way past eighth place Aleix Espargaro and Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team), Binder and Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) were gaining.

With seven to go, Quartararo cut past Bagnaia at Turn 15 but the Italian bit straight back on the straight. At Turn 1 it came undone, however, as the Ducati headed well wide and dropped from third to seenth – as Pol Espargaro also overcooked it and sailed into the run off. Both were able to slot back in, and at least kept in touch as just nine seconds covered the top 18.

The final five laps dawned and it remained the rookie steadfast in the lead, with Zarco on his tail. Just behind, Miller picked up Quartararo, but the Frenchman cut back to hold onto a vital third as the time to push was nigh. Viñales knew that too, slicing past Rins for fifth, but it was the number 20 Yamaha making up more ground this time around as Quartararo struck for second and dispatched Zarco, then soon past Martin and into the lead.

The course of anyone vs Ducati down the main straight never did run smooth, however, and Martin sailed back past. The answer was always going to come quick though and Quartararo hit back at Turn 3, into the lead and with a little more time to try and break clear of the Borgo Panigale grunt. The lead was soon half a second, and Viñales was stuck duelling Rins as his teammate got the hammer down.

As the last lap dawned, Quartararo’s lead was 0.7 seconds and it was El Diablo’s to lose, with Martin leading Zarco in the fight to complete the podium. Viñales ran wide at Turn 1, allowing Rins to slide on through in the battle for P4 too, so it looked like two Frenchmen and a rookie on the podium – but in what order?

Quartararo kept it pitch perfect to hammer round Losail for the last time in 2021, pulling out a few more tenths to cross the line for his first factory Yamaha win by a second and a half. Behind him, it was war at Pramac, but a clean war. Martin held it onto the last lap but Zarco struck at Turn 15, muscling past and making it stick. The number 89 flashed out to have a look at the final corner, but the rookie thought against it and it went down to the drag to the line – decided by just 0.043. Zarco takes it and the Championship lead, and Martin is forced to settle for third, if delight at an incredible first premier class podium can be called settling.

In the battle for fourth, Rins held on as he and Viñales tussled it out, the Spaniards separated by just 0.022 seconds at the flag. Bagnaia was a further half a second behind the Spanish duel, the Italian taking P6 after looking to threaten a little more earlier in the race. Mir eventually came home in P7 after a heated race, the reigning Champion losing out after the incident with Miller.

Binder cemented a brilliant P8 for himself and KTM as the South African stalked his way up to the Austrian factory’s best result at Losail by some margin. Miller took a tougher P9 for the second race in a row at Losail. The Aussie also said he was suffering arm pump and that’s first on his post-Qatar agenda. Aleix Espargaro completes the top ten, which isn’t where he started but it’s still closer than Aprilia have been before to the front after another impressive race.

Bastianini recovered from a more difficult qualifying to finish just 5.550 seconds adrift of the win in P11 in another memorable day from the reigning Moto2™ World Champion. He beat compatriot Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) by two tenths. Pol Espargaro, after his Turn 1 excursion, took P13 ahead of HRC test rider Stefan Bradl (Repsol Honda Team). Oliveira slipped down the order to pick up the last point after his stunning start.

And so, history is made. 8.928 second is the gap between winner Quartararo and 15th place Oliveira in the closest top 15 finish we’ve ever seen, with Doha delivering a stunner under the floodlights. Zarco heads to Europe with 40 points at the top of the standings, with Quartararo and Viñales on 36 points apiece but classified in that order. What will Portimao bring? We don’t have to wait long to find out!

Fabio Quartararo: “I’ve not won a lot of races but this one was such a special win. I came from eighth or seventh, and I saw the pace and track were totally different from FP4 and Warm Up and I decided to really keep the tyre for the end. Actually, when I saw Maverick coming I thought ‘ok now is the moment to push and start to overtake’. It’s such an amazing moment for me, it’s a dream. I always dreamed of winning in Qatar, unfortunately it was not the first but the second! Thanks to everyone who believed in me, I’ve worked a lot in this preseason to achieve this goal and the media always tell me it’s extra pressure to take the place of Valentino! I want to thank my family, Yamaha, my friends, and I’ll enjoy this moment with a nice McDonalds tonight!”

AHRMA: Lake Elsinore, Perris, Sturgis Added To Dirt Track Schedule

April 6, 2021

AHRMA flat track racer Shannon Slocum (27I) in action. Photo by Kenny Lau-Awesome Shots, courtesy AHRMA.