Vierge heads six riders split by just 0.089 on Day 2
The Petronas Sprinta Racing rider heads a gaggle of familiar and fast faces at the top on Saturday
Xavi Vierge. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Saturday, 20 March 2021
Cometh the hour, cometh the six riders within just 0.089: that’s how the saying shall henceforth go. The intermediate class in Qatar has been close in the current era, but never more so on than Day 2 of the Official Moto2™ and Moto3™ Test at Losail International Circuit. The leader of the Moto2™ pack was Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing), and the rivals within 0.089 Aron Canet (Inde Aspar Team), Jorge Navarro (MB Conveyors Speed Up), Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Jake Dixon (Petronas Sprinta Racing) and Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46)… whetting appetites for the race weekend ahead quite considerably.
Aron Canet (44). Photo courtesy Dorna.
It was windier on Day 2 and once again the morning session was a quiet one – lonely, even, for Stefano Manzi (Flexbox HP 40) as the Italian was the sole rider to set a time. By Session 2 though, the ante was upping and the pack heading out, with the final session of the day then seeing all but one improve to set the combined timesheets. At the top was Vierge’s late charge with that five-rider gaggle on his tail, with Canet forced to settle for second for the second day in a row but looking threateningly fast, Navarro making waves up the timesheets, Gardner present once more, Dixon improving as he comes back from serious injury, and Bezzecchi leaping into the higher echelons after a more muted Day 1…
Jorge Navarro (9). Photo courtesy Dorna.
The gaps didn’t exactly get huge from there on out. Two and a half tenths off the super six, Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) slots into P7 as he settles in at his new team and on his new chassis, looking ever more impressive as track time goes on. Likewise the man in eighth: Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo). The Spanish rookie impressed on Day 1, so a grander word is needed for Day 2 as he ended Saturday just 0.019 off Bendsneyder. Fernandez’ 1:59.204 is only just over a second off the 2020 pole lap…
Two veterans came next, with Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) in ninth by just 0.007 and Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team), setter of the aforementioned pole, completing the top ten by 0.034. Both have shown good pace on both days so far too, and will likely be pushing for a statement time attack on Sunday.
Tony Arbolino (Liqui Moly Intact GP) continued his impressive adaptation and was the second fastest rookie on Saturday, taking 11th and within 0.115 of Roberts. Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) slots into 12th ahead of another impressive rookie in the form of Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia), the Japanese rider only another tenth in arrears.
The aforementioned Manzi ends the day in 14th as he adjusts to life at Flexbox HP 40 and on a Kalex, with Tom Lüthi (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) rounding out the top 15 after Day 2. Rookie American Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) leapfrogged a few of his rivals from Day 1 to take 19th and get the better of reigning Moto3™ World Champion Albert Arenas (Inde Aspar Team) by just 0.021, with the timesheets necessitating the use of hundredths or thousandths to measure the gap through almost the entire field.
Sunday now awaits as a final day of preparations, before Moto2™ get ready to race next weekend. Social media channels have all the updates, as well as – of course – motogp.com!
Motion Pro Renews Partnership With MotoAmerica For 2021
Maker Of Innovative Tools To Again Sponsor Road Racing Series
IRVINE, CA – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that Motion Pro will again be a sponsorship partner for the 2021 MotoAmerica Championship.
Motion Pro, which was founded in 1984 by 6-day ISDT gold medalist Chris Carter, designs innovative tools and products that help owners maintain and repair their motorcycles. From top-tier racers to casual weekend riders, Motion Pro products are designed to help keep motorcyclists riding while limiting the time spent in the garage. Motion Pro works closely with championship-level riders and professional mechanics all over the world to continue improving the company’s products while also delivering an outstanding customer experience that makes it easier for enthusiasts to do what they love.
“We got involved with MotoAmerica in 2019 for the first time as a series sponsor,” said Motion Pro owner Chris Carter. “The partnership has worked out well for both of us, so it was an easy decision to jump back in for 2021. Our tools are seen throughout the MotoAmerica paddock so it’s a great place to showcase what we make in an environment where they are being used.”
“Our partnership with Motion Pro has been great for both sides,” said MotoAmerica Senior Sponsorship Manager Lance Bryson. “If you poke around in our paddock and watch the teams work on the bikes, you will see how many of them use Motion Pro tools to get their jobs done, so it’s really a natural fit for them to be involved in our series.”
The 2021 MotoAmerica Series gets started at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, April 30-May 2, and concludes at Barber Motorsports Park, September 17-19.
Featured In the March 2021 issue of Roadracing World:
There were times Bobby Fong found himself facing the possibility that his racing career might be over, but he never gave up. That perseverance led the 29-year-old to become the 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and a 2020 three-time Superbike race winner. Now, he’s a contender for the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship.
“My dad told me my whole life, ‘Fongs don’t give up.’ That’s what I’m known for,” said Fong. “When someone’s cycling with me or working out with me, I don’t give up. I’ll dig deeper. I like pain. I will hurt more than you…”
—Hanging With Bobby Fong, by Associate Editor David Swarts
Bobby Fong started racing at five years old, but pretty quickly it wasn’t about just having fun. Taking it seriously has led Fong to the top of the podium in the top level of U.S. motorcycle road racing. Read his story in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW . Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Read the March 2021 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technologywith your online subscription. Log in HERE
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Toronto, ON – Famed Canadian motorcycle clothing brand Joe Rocket Canada is now the official motorcycle gear for the Canadian National Superbike Championship (CSBK). For 2021, the “Canadians ride Rocket” brand will provide support for the National roadracing tour and equip the series event staff, from pit lane to video crew.
Joe Rocket was founded in Canada in 1992, and since then has become a major player in the motorcycle clothing business. Joe Rocket has sponsored a wide range of superstar competitors, including all three Hayden Brothers, Miguel Duhamel, Steve Crevier, Pascal Picotte and many CSBK National Champions and Superbike number one plate holders: Jordan Szoke, Ben Young, Jodi Christie, Brett McCormick, Francis Martin, and Michael Taylor.
Also riding Rocket were a wide range of successful Canadian Pros including multi-time Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike Middleweight National Pro Champ for Triumph and Kawasaki Kenny Riedmann and long-time factory racer Kevin Lacombe.
Joe Rocket produces a wide range of motorcycle and snowmobile equipment, including all types of jackets, pants, helmets, gloves, footwear, and make-specific branded products. As well, Joe Rocket offer various luggage options and motorcycle gear designed specifically for women.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to work directly with the Canadian Superbike Championship Series,” explains Joe Rocket’s Max Charlebois, Marketing Director and Brand Manager, based in Windsor, ON.
“We’ve supported a wide range of successful racers, Internationally and on both the American and Canadian National tours over the years, and this Official Gear status is a logical next step for Joe Rocket. We’re proud to ramp up our involvement with the CSBK Series, and support an established, high profile, Canadian Championship.”
Joe Rocket will continue to support racers on the tour, including Canada General Warranty works Kawasaki pilot Jordan Szoke of Lynden, ON. Evergreen Szoke will be out to earn an unprecedented 15th overall crown when the Pro Superbike Feature race portion of the CSBK series opens-up at Calabogie Motorsport Park south west of Ottawa, ON, June 4 and 5.
“We really value all of Joe Rocket’s contributions to Canadian motorcycling, and we aim to build on that legacy with their new support of CSBK,” confirmed series boss Colin Fraser of Professional Motorsports Productions in Toronto, ON. “Joe Rocket will certainly contribute to the professional appearance of our at-event staff, and it’s great to work with a Canadian company that is so successful in the motorcycling field.”
Among the elements of the CSBK Series that will include Joe Rocket branding in 2021 are the scheduled broadcast on The Sports Network (TSN) and various video platforms, with Joe Rocket acting as a presenting sponsor of this dedicated coverage.
Calabasas, CA (March 19, 2021) – American Racing Academy rider Kayla Yaakov will contest the 2021 FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup, a new road racing series open to riders age 12-20.
“I am so excited for this opportunity to race in Europe,” said Yaakov, 13. “It is a huge step forward to give me the experience I need to keep progressing with my riding. None of this would be possible without support from Eitan Butbul from the American Racing Academy, Dragonfly Coffee and Yamaha.”
A collaboration between Yamaha, FIM Europe and Dorna Sports, with logistical and technical support from Japan Italy Racing, the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup is the first step for young riders with world championship aspirations.
The six-round, 12-race spec class will be held in conjunction with European rounds of the 2021 FIM Superbike World Championship, beginning June 11-12 at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Italy.
“This is the purpose of the Academy—to build a platform for kids to go to Europe,” said Eitan Butbul. “Kayla is young but super fast and has shown that she can compete on big tracks. This is an opportunity for her to experience what it takes to race outside the U.S.”
Created by Butbul and managed by former MotoGP rider John Hopkins, the American Racing Academy develops U.S. talent for international competition. Academy riders are coached by champions Toni Elías and Roger Hayden and race in the MotoAmerica Series, including the Mini Cup, in which Yaakov finished third overall in 2020 in the 190cc class.
Yaakov, the 2018 AMA Novice Road Racer of the Year, successfully defended her 2019 AMA Lightweight Twins Superbike Expert National No. 1 plate during the 2020 AMA Road Race Grand Championship at Barber Motorsports Park, Oct. 22-25.
About the American Racing Team
The American Racing Team is owned by Avner Kass and Eitan Butbul and competes in the FIM MotoGP World Championship. Based in California, the team fields two riders in the Moto2 class: American Cameron Beaubier (No. 6) and Spaniard Marcos Ramirez (No. 42). American Racing has grown under Butbul’s guidance and is a respected member of the MotoGP paddock.
Combined results from Day One of the Moto2 pre-season test at Losail International Circuit in Qatar.
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Moto2™: Gardner deposes Canet on Friday
The Australian beats the Spaniard out the blocks as the pace starts hot in Doha, with Roberts slotting into third
Remy Gardner (87). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Friday, 19 March 2021
Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) starts 2021 where he’ll want to go on: at the top. The Australian put in a 1:59.074 to go fastest on Friday at the Official Moto2™ and Moto3™ Qatar test, pipping Aron Canet (Inde Aspar Team) to the post as he took over late on. Canet ends the day second and 0.269 down, with Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) starting his new season in P3, 0.211 off Canet.
Aron Canet. Photo courtesy Dorna.
They say it’s hot in the city but it was also hot just outside it on Friday, with the conditions in Doha a marked improvement on those that greeted the final day of MotoGP™ testing a week ago. By the end of the day that was more than apparent, with the laptimes dropping from 2:02s to Gardner’s 1:59 dead. Roberts’ pole lap last year was a 1:58.136, so it’s far from a slouchy beginning to proceedings.
Joe Roberts (16). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Gardner moves to the Red Bull KTM Ajo team this season, one of the biggest names in the class, and the landmark year has certainly started well. So too has it for Canet, as the 2020 standout rookie came screeching out the blocks. Roberts was another who moved up later in the day, and another who’ll be wanting to take a key step forward this season; glad of the good start.
In fourth, Elf Marc VDS Racing Team’s Sam Lowes was up at the sharp end and only a tiny 0.020 off Roberts despite a crash for the Brit in the afternoon, rider ok – as was Hafizh Syahrin (NTS RW Racing GP) as the Malaysian also took a tumble. Fifth went the way of Nicolo Bulega (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) by an even smaller 0.009, with Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing) taking sixth and only another 0.051 in arrears. In short, it was extremely close in the mid top ten…
Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP) took P7 a couple of tenths back, with Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) hot on his heels to the tune of 0.045. Just two thousandths back came Jake Dixon in ninth, the Petronas Sprinta Racing rider coming back from injury and off to a good start.
Tenth was an impressive rookie showing from Raul Fernandez. The winner of the final Moto3™ race of 2020 blasted out the blocks in Moto2™ to put in a 1:59.990 on his new, bigger Red Bull KTM Ajo machine, within less than a tenth of Dixon ahead of him and beating Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) to it by just 0.008. ‘Diggia’ changes chassis this year and was nevertheless off to a solid start.
Veteran Tom Lüthi (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) was P12 on Friday, ahead of Simone Corsi (MV Agusta Forward Racing). Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) was 14th but set the same best lap as Corsi, with that contest decided by their second best efforts.
Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team), another who changes teams and, in his case, chassis, started the year in 15th and edged out Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46) by half a tenth.
With so many rookies in Moto2™ this season – most making the leap from the Moto3™ class – Raul Fernandez shone, but many did themselves proud. Tony Arbolino (Liqui Moly Intact GP) was P17 only 0.010 off Bezzecchi – a race-winning benchmark – and Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) only another 0.069 back. Reigning Moto3™ World Champion Albert Arenas (Inde Aspar Team) headed up another gaggle of rookies in P23, ahead of Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) and Cameron Beaubier (American Racing). Reigning Moto2™ European Champion Yari Montella (MB Conveyors Speed Up) was two tenths off the American.
That’s a wrap on Day 1, there’s more to come on Saturday so make sure to stay tuned on motogp.com!
Moto3™: Binder strikes late to top Day 1 at Losail
The South African heads teammate McPhee as Petronas Sprinta Racing take the desert by storm
Darryn Binder (40). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Day 1 of the Official Moto2™ and Moto3™ Qatar Test at Losail International Circuit saw Darryn Binder (Petronas Sprinta Racing) go fastest in the lightweight category, putting in a best of 2:05.750 on the combined timesheets. It was incredibly close though, with the South African hitting back late on against teammate John McPhee as the Scot was forced to settle for second but only 0.026 back. Filip Salač (Rivacold Snipers Team) completes a top three on the Day 1 timesheets split by an infinitesimal 0.040, and a lot of the gaps don’t get bigger from there.
It was a warm but fairly calm day to begin proceedings in the desert, although many didn’t head out to turn laps in anger until the second session of the day. The first Moto3™ session also saw a Red Flag at the end due to an oil spill from Yuki Kunii (Honda Team Asia), but the clean-up was a quick one. Each class had three stints each on Friday, and the laptimes – somewhat predictably – only got quicker. From 2:09s in session 1 to Binder’s best of 2:05.750, it was a good day’s work for most as they got back down to the business of testing and, for a good few on the grid, settling into their new teams.
Binder certainly seems to have managed that early enough. The South African’s switch to Honda machinery is off to an impressive start, and at the end of the day he and teammate McPhee ruled the roost, as well as doing a few laps together. Salač continues the Honda domination in third, another late to hit the higher echelons of the timesheets, with Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) slotting into fourth just 0.002 off Salač. Gabriel Rodrigo (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) completed an all-Honda top five, the Argentinean 0.112 off Binder’s best lap.
Jaume Masia is another veteran switching machinery in 2021 and he slotted into sixth overall as he settles in at Red Bull KTM Ajo, and the Spaniard was still only 0.114 off the top as the timesheets tightened considerably late on. Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) was next up after a day bothering the top of the timesheets fairly consistently, with compatriot Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) putting Husqvarna into P8 overall.
Ninth place goes the way of GasGas Gaviota Aspar’s Izan Guevara as he and GasGas make their 2021 debut in the top ten. The rookie impressed immensely on Day 1 and early signs show his stratospheric rise is likely far from over as he takes on Moto3™ fresh from winning the European Talent Cup in 2019 and then the FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship in 2020. Guevera was just 0.376 from the top and bookended a second group on the timesheets, with tenth placed Niccolo Antonelli next up but ending his first day with Avintia Esponsorama Moto3 0.245 in further arrears.
2020 Rookie of the Year Jeremy Alcoba (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) ends day one of his sophomore year in P11 but only half a tenth off Antonelli, with another rookie on his tail: Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo). The 2020 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup winner put his KTM in P12 to impress, having been the fastest rookie on track for a while on Day 1, until Guevara’s late strike for glory.
Sergio Garcia (GasGas Gaviota Aspar), Riccardo Rossi (BOE Owlride) and Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power) complete the fastest fifteen after our first official glimpse of 2021 – how will the timesheets shuffle on Day 2? Find out as Moto3™ head back out for three more sessions, with plenty of coverage across social media channels and motogp.com!
Ben Young is set to compete in the 2021 Canadian Superbike Championship stronger than ever, ready to regain the National title.
2020 was a challenging year, and we all had to make difficult decisions. Along with other top riders in the series, Ben Young declined to part-take in a shortened and uncertain 2020 CSBK Championship having spent countless hours discussing the pros and cons of competing with his sponsors.
The extra time at home has afforded Young the opportunity to focus on his fitness and race mentality, and is super eager and ready to swing his leg over his 2021 BMW S1000RR.
Van Dolder’s Home Team have signed on as title sponsor for the upcoming season. The family-owned custom exteriors company based in Southern Ontario has sponsored Ben in previous years, and will now take their sponsorship to the next level. Originally slated to be title sponsor for the 2020 season, the team at Van Dolder’s were fully supportive in postponing to the 2021 season.
Ben continues his strong relationship with BMW Motorrad Canada, and is keen to get back on track this year, and show what the new 2021 BMW S1000RR is capable of. The Ben Young Racing team would not be complete without Willie Vass, Scott Cartier and Scott Young, who all return to help Ben on his journey to win his second national title. Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, Steve Weir will not be able to rejoin the team this year.
Ben’s new livery, along with new and returning sponsors will be released in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
To keep up-to-date on Ben Young throughout the year visit; www.BenYoungRacing.com, www.facebook.com/BenYoungRacing and on Twitter and Instagram: @benyoung_86.
Progressive AFT to Debut Atlanta Super TT at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Multi-surface racetrack to yield unique high-speed action at the iconic AMS.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Upon the announcement of its 2021 season, one of the most-anticipated additions has become the debut of Progressive American Flat Track at the historic Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS). On Saturday, May 1, 2021, AMS will be added to the list of legendary venues to present America’s Original Extreme Sport since its reemergence in 2017.
This first-ever Yamaha Atlanta Super TT will feature a custom-designed multi-surface racetrack, much like the 2019 DAYTONA TT, utilizing the iconic tri-oval start/finish asphalt straightaway as part of the actual racing surface, and form its high-speed front straight.
“We are very excited to add Atlanta Motor Speedway and the Yamaha Atlanta Super TT to our schedule,” said Kevin Crowther, Chief Competition Officer of Progressive AFT. “The multi-surface racetrack we are designing will provide some exciting racing and a great show for fans both in the grandstands and watching at home.”
On the heels of an extremely successful and exciting doubleheader season premiere at Volusia Speedway Park, the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle, AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines and AFT Singles will roll their machines out onto an all-new racetrack aiming to rip across the legendary start-finish line, just feet from fans seated along the front stretch.
A staple venue for racing giants of the four-wheel variety, Progressive AFT looks to add two-wheeled phenoms such as back-to-back champion Briar Bauman and AFT Singles prodigy Dallas Daniels to the list of legendary athletes to showcase their talents in front of the AMS crowd.
All Atlanta-area race fans are encouraged to secure their admission early, as passes to this event are sure to sell quickly. The Yamaha Atlanta Super TT will offer free motorcycle parking, live music, food and the world’s best dirt track motorcycle racing, all in a safely-designed open-air environment. Fun for the whole family, kids 12 and under are free with the purchase of Adult General Admission. AFT Events also honors our nation’s veterans and first responders with a discounted ticket price with valid Gov-X registration.
An added bonus will be fan-area demo rides provided by KTM. Experts from KTM will be there ready to showcase their best-selling motorcycles and give fans a taste of the unique two-wheeled excitement of riding a KTM.
To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.
About Progressive American Flat Track
Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram, live stream the events with TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.
Temecula, California (March 18, 2021) – Today, the United States Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA) is proud to announce the official addition of KTM North America, Inc. as a Motorcycle Partner for 2021.
KTM, with its passion for racing development and youth activation events with its KTM JUNIOR RACING Program, Orange Brigade Team and RC Cup initiatives from the past and current is excited to partner with the USMCA to push coaching to the broader riding community.
KTM President, John Hinz comments, “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with the USMCA and understand the importance of providing the next generation of riders with a well-structured platform that emphasizes coaching uniformity. Not only is the USMCA creating space for new riders, but establishing the foundation and fundamentals needed for riders to enjoy a lifetime of motorcycle riding and racing.”
“We are excited for KTM to join the USMCA,” remarked President, Christy LaCurelle. “They have been ahead of the game in activation at live events and within the motorcycle community for some time. We are encouraged by their continued efforts to push the message to help find a coach to their current and potential riders. They have already been utilizing USMCA coaches in their programs for 4 years and we are happy to make them an official partner for 2021.”
About the U.S. Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA)
USMCA is an association where riders and parents can connect to motorcycle coaches they can trust through the network, www.MotorcycleCoaching.org.
All USMCA Certified Coaches are required to adhere to a code of conduct, pass a background check and hold certifications in abuse prevention, CPR/First Aid, concussion protocol, heat illness & cardiac arrest training.
For more information on the USMCA or become a USMCA Certified Coach, visit www.USMCA.org.
Featured In the March 2021 issue of Roadracing World:
Cayce Pollard’s Buzz Rickman MA-1 flight jacket is the culture-allergic cool hunter’s most prized piece of apparel. The fictional protagonist of award-winning William Gibson’s novel ‘Pattern Recognition,’ Pollard’s equally fictional nylon bomber jacket is a fanatical reproduction of the U.S. Air Force jacket first issued in 1957—except that it has no identifying features on the exterior and it is black.
In the real world, such a jacket did not exist. But due to the popularity of the novel, the author and the character, Buzz Rickman—a real-world company specializing in historic reproduction clothing—created and starting selling a Cayce Pollard replica. The price is an otherworldly $690.
Why would anyone pay that kind of money for such a garment? Authenticity. The jacket is based on the 1957 Lion Uniform Company MA-1 made for the U.S. Air Force, excepting the aforementioned lack of logos and color. The material is custom-manufactured to replicate the material used by the company in 1957. The lining is made to the military specs of that year. The leather pull tab is period-correct. The pocket linings are reproduced to 1957 Air Force specs.
In other words, this jacket is real, exactly the garment Pollard would treasure. For Gibson fans, that authentic homage to a fictional ideal has real-world value. BMW knows the lure and the value of authenticity, lineage, provenance…
—Real Steel BMW Heavy Metal Cruiser, by Editor-at-Large Michael Gougis
BMW is one of the few motorcycle companies that has the history and lineage that would allow it to build a heavy metal cruiser that is an homage to a history that actually exists. So it did. Read the story of BMW’s biggest cruiser— it’s in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW . Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Read the March 2021 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technologywith your online subscription. Log in HERE
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Vierge heads six riders split by just 0.089 on Day 2
The Petronas Sprinta Racing rider heads a gaggle of familiar and fast faces at the top on Saturday
Xavi Vierge. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Saturday, 20 March 2021
Cometh the hour, cometh the six riders within just 0.089: that’s how the saying shall henceforth go. The intermediate class in Qatar has been close in the current era, but never more so on than Day 2 of the Official Moto2™ and Moto3™ Test at Losail International Circuit. The leader of the Moto2™ pack was Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing), and the rivals within 0.089 Aron Canet (Inde Aspar Team), Jorge Navarro (MB Conveyors Speed Up), Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Jake Dixon (Petronas Sprinta Racing) and Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46)… whetting appetites for the race weekend ahead quite considerably.
Aron Canet (44). Photo courtesy Dorna.
It was windier on Day 2 and once again the morning session was a quiet one – lonely, even, for Stefano Manzi (Flexbox HP 40) as the Italian was the sole rider to set a time. By Session 2 though, the ante was upping and the pack heading out, with the final session of the day then seeing all but one improve to set the combined timesheets. At the top was Vierge’s late charge with that five-rider gaggle on his tail, with Canet forced to settle for second for the second day in a row but looking threateningly fast, Navarro making waves up the timesheets, Gardner present once more, Dixon improving as he comes back from serious injury, and Bezzecchi leaping into the higher echelons after a more muted Day 1…
Jorge Navarro (9). Photo courtesy Dorna.
The gaps didn’t exactly get huge from there on out. Two and a half tenths off the super six, Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) slots into P7 as he settles in at his new team and on his new chassis, looking ever more impressive as track time goes on. Likewise the man in eighth: Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo). The Spanish rookie impressed on Day 1, so a grander word is needed for Day 2 as he ended Saturday just 0.019 off Bendsneyder. Fernandez’ 1:59.204 is only just over a second off the 2020 pole lap…
Two veterans came next, with Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) in ninth by just 0.007 and Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team), setter of the aforementioned pole, completing the top ten by 0.034. Both have shown good pace on both days so far too, and will likely be pushing for a statement time attack on Sunday.
Tony Arbolino (Liqui Moly Intact GP) continued his impressive adaptation and was the second fastest rookie on Saturday, taking 11th and within 0.115 of Roberts. Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) slots into 12th ahead of another impressive rookie in the form of Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia), the Japanese rider only another tenth in arrears.
The aforementioned Manzi ends the day in 14th as he adjusts to life at Flexbox HP 40 and on a Kalex, with Tom Lüthi (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) rounding out the top 15 after Day 2. Rookie American Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) leapfrogged a few of his rivals from Day 1 to take 19th and get the better of reigning Moto3™ World Champion Albert Arenas (Inde Aspar Team) by just 0.021, with the timesheets necessitating the use of hundredths or thousandths to measure the gap through almost the entire field.
Sunday now awaits as a final day of preparations, before Moto2™ get ready to race next weekend. Social media channels have all the updates, as well as – of course – motogp.com!
Motion Pro will again be a sponsorship partner of the 2021 MotoAmerica Series.
Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy MotoAmerica.
Motion Pro Renews Partnership With MotoAmerica For 2021
Maker Of Innovative Tools To Again Sponsor Road Racing Series
IRVINE, CA – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that Motion Pro will again be a sponsorship partner for the 2021 MotoAmerica Championship.
Motion Pro, which was founded in 1984 by 6-day ISDT gold medalist Chris Carter, designs innovative tools and products that help owners maintain and repair their motorcycles. From top-tier racers to casual weekend riders, Motion Pro products are designed to help keep motorcyclists riding while limiting the time spent in the garage. Motion Pro works closely with championship-level riders and professional mechanics all over the world to continue improving the company’s products while also delivering an outstanding customer experience that makes it easier for enthusiasts to do what they love.
“We got involved with MotoAmerica in 2019 for the first time as a series sponsor,” said Motion Pro owner Chris Carter. “The partnership has worked out well for both of us, so it was an easy decision to jump back in for 2021. Our tools are seen throughout the MotoAmerica paddock so it’s a great place to showcase what we make in an environment where they are being used.”
“Our partnership with Motion Pro has been great for both sides,” said MotoAmerica Senior Sponsorship Manager Lance Bryson. “If you poke around in our paddock and watch the teams work on the bikes, you will see how many of them use Motion Pro tools to get their jobs done, so it’s really a natural fit for them to be involved in our series.”
The 2021 MotoAmerica Series gets started at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, April 30-May 2, and concludes at Barber Motorsports Park, September 17-19.
Bobby Fong (50) won two out of three MotoAmerica Superbike races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last fall, and finished second in the one he didn’t win. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Featured In the March 2021 issue of Roadracing World:
There were times Bobby Fong found himself facing the possibility that his racing career might be over, but he never gave up. That perseverance led the 29-year-old to become the 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and a 2020 three-time Superbike race winner. Now, he’s a contender for the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship.
“My dad told me my whole life, ‘Fongs don’t give up.’ That’s what I’m known for,” said Fong. “When someone’s cycling with me or working out with me, I don’t give up. I’ll dig deeper. I like pain. I will hurt more than you…”
—Hanging With Bobby Fong, by Associate Editor David Swarts
Bobby Fong started racing at five years old, but pretty quickly it wasn’t about just having fun. Taking it seriously has led Fong to the top of the podium in the top level of U.S. motorcycle road racing. Read his story in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
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Joe Rocket-sponsored Francis Martin (1) at speed in 2000. Photo by Colin Fraser, courtesy CSBK.
Joe Rocket Partners with CSBK for 2021
Toronto, ON – Famed Canadian motorcycle clothing brand Joe Rocket Canada is now the official motorcycle gear for the Canadian National Superbike Championship (CSBK). For 2021, the “Canadians ride Rocket” brand will provide support for the National roadracing tour and equip the series event staff, from pit lane to video crew.
Joe Rocket was founded in Canada in 1992, and since then has become a major player in the motorcycle clothing business. Joe Rocket has sponsored a wide range of superstar competitors, including all three Hayden Brothers, Miguel Duhamel, Steve Crevier, Pascal Picotte and many CSBK National Champions and Superbike number one plate holders: Jordan Szoke, Ben Young, Jodi Christie, Brett McCormick, Francis Martin, and Michael Taylor.
Also riding Rocket were a wide range of successful Canadian Pros including multi-time Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike Middleweight National Pro Champ for Triumph and Kawasaki Kenny Riedmann and long-time factory racer Kevin Lacombe.
Joe Rocket produces a wide range of motorcycle and snowmobile equipment, including all types of jackets, pants, helmets, gloves, footwear, and make-specific branded products. As well, Joe Rocket offer various luggage options and motorcycle gear designed specifically for women.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to work directly with the Canadian Superbike Championship Series,” explains Joe Rocket’s Max Charlebois, Marketing Director and Brand Manager, based in Windsor, ON.
“We’ve supported a wide range of successful racers, Internationally and on both the American and Canadian National tours over the years, and this Official Gear status is a logical next step for Joe Rocket. We’re proud to ramp up our involvement with the CSBK Series, and support an established, high profile, Canadian Championship.”
Joe Rocket will continue to support racers on the tour, including Canada General Warranty works Kawasaki pilot Jordan Szoke of Lynden, ON. Evergreen Szoke will be out to earn an unprecedented 15th overall crown when the Pro Superbike Feature race portion of the CSBK series opens-up at Calabogie Motorsport Park south west of Ottawa, ON, June 4 and 5.
“We really value all of Joe Rocket’s contributions to Canadian motorcycling, and we aim to build on that legacy with their new support of CSBK,” confirmed series boss Colin Fraser of Professional Motorsports Productions in Toronto, ON. “Joe Rocket will certainly contribute to the professional appearance of our at-event staff, and it’s great to work with a Canadian company that is so successful in the motorcycling field.”
Among the elements of the CSBK Series that will include Joe Rocket branding in 2021 are the scheduled broadcast on The Sports Network (TSN) and various video platforms, with Joe Rocket acting as a presenting sponsor of this dedicated coverage.
Kayla Yaakov. Photo courtesy American Racing Team.
Calabasas, CA (March 19, 2021) – American Racing Academy rider Kayla Yaakov will contest the 2021 FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup, a new road racing series open to riders age 12-20.
“I am so excited for this opportunity to race in Europe,” said Yaakov, 13. “It is a huge step forward to give me the experience I need to keep progressing with my riding. None of this would be possible without support from Eitan Butbul from the American Racing Academy, Dragonfly Coffee and Yamaha.”
A collaboration between Yamaha, FIM Europe and Dorna Sports, with logistical and technical support from Japan Italy Racing, the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup is the first step for young riders with world championship aspirations.
The six-round, 12-race spec class will be held in conjunction with European rounds of the 2021 FIM Superbike World Championship, beginning June 11-12 at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Italy.
“This is the purpose of the Academy—to build a platform for kids to go to Europe,” said Eitan Butbul. “Kayla is young but super fast and has shown that she can compete on big tracks. This is an opportunity for her to experience what it takes to race outside the U.S.”
Created by Butbul and managed by former MotoGP rider John Hopkins, the American Racing Academy develops U.S. talent for international competition. Academy riders are coached by champions Toni Elías and Roger Hayden and race in the MotoAmerica Series, including the Mini Cup, in which Yaakov finished third overall in 2020 in the 190cc class.
Yaakov, the 2018 AMA Novice Road Racer of the Year, successfully defended her 2019 AMA Lightweight Twins Superbike Expert National No. 1 plate during the 2020 AMA Road Race Grand Championship at Barber Motorsports Park, Oct. 22-25.
About the American Racing Team
The American Racing Team is owned by Avner Kass and Eitan Butbul and competes in the FIM MotoGP World Championship. Based in California, the team fields two riders in the Moto2 class: American Cameron Beaubier (No. 6) and Spaniard Marcos Ramirez (No. 42). American Racing has grown under Butbul’s guidance and is a respected member of the MotoGP paddock.
American Joe Roberts (16). Photo courtesy Italtrans Racing.
Combined results from Day One of the Moto2 pre-season test at Losail International Circuit in Qatar.
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Moto2™: Gardner deposes Canet on Friday
The Australian beats the Spaniard out the blocks as the pace starts hot in Doha, with Roberts slotting into third
Remy Gardner (87). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Friday, 19 March 2021
Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) starts 2021 where he’ll want to go on: at the top. The Australian put in a 1:59.074 to go fastest on Friday at the Official Moto2™ and Moto3™ Qatar test, pipping Aron Canet (Inde Aspar Team) to the post as he took over late on. Canet ends the day second and 0.269 down, with Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) starting his new season in P3, 0.211 off Canet.
Aron Canet. Photo courtesy Dorna.
They say it’s hot in the city but it was also hot just outside it on Friday, with the conditions in Doha a marked improvement on those that greeted the final day of MotoGP™ testing a week ago. By the end of the day that was more than apparent, with the laptimes dropping from 2:02s to Gardner’s 1:59 dead. Roberts’ pole lap last year was a 1:58.136, so it’s far from a slouchy beginning to proceedings.
Joe Roberts (16). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Gardner moves to the Red Bull KTM Ajo team this season, one of the biggest names in the class, and the landmark year has certainly started well. So too has it for Canet, as the 2020 standout rookie came screeching out the blocks. Roberts was another who moved up later in the day, and another who’ll be wanting to take a key step forward this season; glad of the good start.
In fourth, Elf Marc VDS Racing Team’s Sam Lowes was up at the sharp end and only a tiny 0.020 off Roberts despite a crash for the Brit in the afternoon, rider ok – as was Hafizh Syahrin (NTS RW Racing GP) as the Malaysian also took a tumble. Fifth went the way of Nicolo Bulega (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) by an even smaller 0.009, with Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing) taking sixth and only another 0.051 in arrears. In short, it was extremely close in the mid top ten…
Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP) took P7 a couple of tenths back, with Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) hot on his heels to the tune of 0.045. Just two thousandths back came Jake Dixon in ninth, the Petronas Sprinta Racing rider coming back from injury and off to a good start.
Tenth was an impressive rookie showing from Raul Fernandez. The winner of the final Moto3™ race of 2020 blasted out the blocks in Moto2™ to put in a 1:59.990 on his new, bigger Red Bull KTM Ajo machine, within less than a tenth of Dixon ahead of him and beating Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) to it by just 0.008. ‘Diggia’ changes chassis this year and was nevertheless off to a solid start.
Veteran Tom Lüthi (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) was P12 on Friday, ahead of Simone Corsi (MV Agusta Forward Racing). Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) was 14th but set the same best lap as Corsi, with that contest decided by their second best efforts.
Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team), another who changes teams and, in his case, chassis, started the year in 15th and edged out Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46) by half a tenth.
With so many rookies in Moto2™ this season – most making the leap from the Moto3™ class – Raul Fernandez shone, but many did themselves proud. Tony Arbolino (Liqui Moly Intact GP) was P17 only 0.010 off Bezzecchi – a race-winning benchmark – and Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) only another 0.069 back. Reigning Moto3™ World Champion Albert Arenas (Inde Aspar Team) headed up another gaggle of rookies in P23, ahead of Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) and Cameron Beaubier (American Racing). Reigning Moto2™ European Champion Yari Montella (MB Conveyors Speed Up) was two tenths off the American.
That’s a wrap on Day 1, there’s more to come on Saturday so make sure to stay tuned on motogp.com!
Moto3™: Binder strikes late to top Day 1 at Losail
The South African heads teammate McPhee as Petronas Sprinta Racing take the desert by storm
Darryn Binder (40). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Day 1 of the Official Moto2™ and Moto3™ Qatar Test at Losail International Circuit saw Darryn Binder (Petronas Sprinta Racing) go fastest in the lightweight category, putting in a best of 2:05.750 on the combined timesheets. It was incredibly close though, with the South African hitting back late on against teammate John McPhee as the Scot was forced to settle for second but only 0.026 back. Filip Salač (Rivacold Snipers Team) completes a top three on the Day 1 timesheets split by an infinitesimal 0.040, and a lot of the gaps don’t get bigger from there.
It was a warm but fairly calm day to begin proceedings in the desert, although many didn’t head out to turn laps in anger until the second session of the day. The first Moto3™ session also saw a Red Flag at the end due to an oil spill from Yuki Kunii (Honda Team Asia), but the clean-up was a quick one. Each class had three stints each on Friday, and the laptimes – somewhat predictably – only got quicker. From 2:09s in session 1 to Binder’s best of 2:05.750, it was a good day’s work for most as they got back down to the business of testing and, for a good few on the grid, settling into their new teams.
Binder certainly seems to have managed that early enough. The South African’s switch to Honda machinery is off to an impressive start, and at the end of the day he and teammate McPhee ruled the roost, as well as doing a few laps together. Salač continues the Honda domination in third, another late to hit the higher echelons of the timesheets, with Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) slotting into fourth just 0.002 off Salač. Gabriel Rodrigo (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) completed an all-Honda top five, the Argentinean 0.112 off Binder’s best lap.
Jaume Masia is another veteran switching machinery in 2021 and he slotted into sixth overall as he settles in at Red Bull KTM Ajo, and the Spaniard was still only 0.114 off the top as the timesheets tightened considerably late on. Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) was next up after a day bothering the top of the timesheets fairly consistently, with compatriot Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) putting Husqvarna into P8 overall.
Ninth place goes the way of GasGas Gaviota Aspar’s Izan Guevara as he and GasGas make their 2021 debut in the top ten. The rookie impressed immensely on Day 1 and early signs show his stratospheric rise is likely far from over as he takes on Moto3™ fresh from winning the European Talent Cup in 2019 and then the FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship in 2020. Guevera was just 0.376 from the top and bookended a second group on the timesheets, with tenth placed Niccolo Antonelli next up but ending his first day with Avintia Esponsorama Moto3 0.245 in further arrears.
2020 Rookie of the Year Jeremy Alcoba (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) ends day one of his sophomore year in P11 but only half a tenth off Antonelli, with another rookie on his tail: Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo). The 2020 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup winner put his KTM in P12 to impress, having been the fastest rookie on track for a while on Day 1, until Guevara’s late strike for glory.
Sergio Garcia (GasGas Gaviota Aspar), Riccardo Rossi (BOE Owlride) and Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power) complete the fastest fifteen after our first official glimpse of 2021 – how will the timesheets shuffle on Day 2? Find out as Moto3™ head back out for three more sessions, with plenty of coverage across social media channels and motogp.com!
Ben Young (86). Photo by Tim McGill, courtesy Ben Young Racing.
Ben Young is set to compete in the 2021 Canadian Superbike Championship stronger than ever, ready to regain the National title.
2020 was a challenging year, and we all had to make difficult decisions. Along with other top riders in the series, Ben Young declined to part-take in a shortened and uncertain 2020 CSBK Championship having spent countless hours discussing the pros and cons of competing with his sponsors.
The extra time at home has afforded Young the opportunity to focus on his fitness and race mentality, and is super eager and ready to swing his leg over his 2021 BMW S1000RR.
Van Dolder’s Home Team have signed on as title sponsor for the upcoming season. The family-owned custom exteriors company based in Southern Ontario has sponsored Ben in previous years, and will now take their sponsorship to the next level. Originally slated to be title sponsor for the 2020 season, the team at Van Dolder’s were fully supportive in postponing to the 2021 season.
Ben continues his strong relationship with BMW Motorrad Canada, and is keen to get back on track this year, and show what the new 2021 BMW S1000RR is capable of. The Ben Young Racing team would not be complete without Willie Vass, Scott Cartier and Scott Young, who all return to help Ben on his journey to win his second national title. Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, Steve Weir will not be able to rejoin the team this year.
Ben’s new livery, along with new and returning sponsors will be released in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
To keep up-to-date on Ben Young throughout the year visit; www.BenYoungRacing.com, www.facebook.com/BenYoungRacing and on Twitter and Instagram: @benyoung_86.
The upcoming Atlanta Super TT at Atlanta Motor Speedway will have a multi-surface track, like the 2019 Daytona TT pictured here. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Progressive AFT to Debut Atlanta Super TT at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Multi-surface racetrack to yield unique high-speed action at the iconic AMS.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Upon the announcement of its 2021 season, one of the most-anticipated additions has become the debut of Progressive American Flat Track at the historic Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS). On Saturday, May 1, 2021, AMS will be added to the list of legendary venues to present America’s Original Extreme Sport since its reemergence in 2017.
This first-ever Yamaha Atlanta Super TT will feature a custom-designed multi-surface racetrack, much like the 2019 DAYTONA TT, utilizing the iconic tri-oval start/finish asphalt straightaway as part of the actual racing surface, and form its high-speed front straight.
“We are very excited to add Atlanta Motor Speedway and the Yamaha Atlanta Super TT to our schedule,” said Kevin Crowther, Chief Competition Officer of Progressive AFT. “The multi-surface racetrack we are designing will provide some exciting racing and a great show for fans both in the grandstands and watching at home.”
On the heels of an extremely successful and exciting doubleheader season premiere at Volusia Speedway Park, the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle, AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines and AFT Singles will roll their machines out onto an all-new racetrack aiming to rip across the legendary start-finish line, just feet from fans seated along the front stretch.
A staple venue for racing giants of the four-wheel variety, Progressive AFT looks to add two-wheeled phenoms such as back-to-back champion Briar Bauman and AFT Singles prodigy Dallas Daniels to the list of legendary athletes to showcase their talents in front of the AMS crowd.
All Atlanta-area race fans are encouraged to secure their admission early, as passes to this event are sure to sell quickly. The Yamaha Atlanta Super TT will offer free motorcycle parking, live music, food and the world’s best dirt track motorcycle racing, all in a safely-designed open-air environment. Fun for the whole family, kids 12 and under are free with the purchase of Adult General Admission. AFT Events also honors our nation’s veterans and first responders with a discounted ticket price with valid Gov-X registration.
An added bonus will be fan-area demo rides provided by KTM. Experts from KTM will be there ready to showcase their best-selling motorcycles and give fans a taste of the unique two-wheeled excitement of riding a KTM.
To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.
About Progressive American Flat Track
Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram, live stream the events with TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.
Coaches with riders on KTM motorcycles. Photo courtesy USMCA.
KTM North America, Inc. Joins USMCA
Temecula, California (March 18, 2021) – Today, the United States Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA) is proud to announce the official addition of KTM North America, Inc. as a Motorcycle Partner for 2021.
KTM, with its passion for racing development and youth activation events with its KTM JUNIOR RACING Program, Orange Brigade Team and RC Cup initiatives from the past and current is excited to partner with the USMCA to push coaching to the broader riding community.
KTM President, John Hinz comments, “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with the USMCA and understand the importance of providing the next generation of riders with a well-structured platform that emphasizes coaching uniformity. Not only is the USMCA creating space for new riders, but establishing the foundation and fundamentals needed for riders to enjoy a lifetime of motorcycle riding and racing.”
“We are excited for KTM to join the USMCA,” remarked President, Christy LaCurelle. “They have been ahead of the game in activation at live events and within the motorcycle community for some time. We are encouraged by their continued efforts to push the message to help find a coach to their current and potential riders. They have already been utilizing USMCA coaches in their programs for 4 years and we are happy to make them an official partner for 2021.”
About the U.S. Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA)
USMCA is an association where riders and parents can connect to motorcycle coaches they can trust through the network, www.MotorcycleCoaching.org.
All USMCA Certified Coaches are required to adhere to a code of conduct, pass a background check and hold certifications in abuse prevention, CPR/First Aid, concussion protocol, heat illness & cardiac arrest training.
For more information on the USMCA or become a USMCA Certified Coach, visit www.USMCA.org.
BMW R 18's upright seating position leaves the rider exposed to the wind blast, but the mid-mount footpegs—as opposed to forward-mount footpegs, which wouldn’t fit anyway because the cylinders and heads are in the way—relieve some of the strain on the rider’s tailbone. Photo by David Swarts.
Featured In the March 2021 issue of Roadracing World:
Cayce Pollard’s Buzz Rickman MA-1 flight jacket is the culture-allergic cool hunter’s most prized piece of apparel. The fictional protagonist of award-winning William Gibson’s novel ‘Pattern Recognition,’ Pollard’s equally fictional nylon bomber jacket is a fanatical reproduction of the U.S. Air Force jacket first issued in 1957—except that it has no identifying features on the exterior and it is black.
In the real world, such a jacket did not exist. But due to the popularity of the novel, the author and the character, Buzz Rickman—a real-world company specializing in historic reproduction clothing—created and starting selling a Cayce Pollard replica. The price is an otherworldly $690.
Why would anyone pay that kind of money for such a garment? Authenticity. The jacket is based on the 1957 Lion Uniform Company MA-1 made for the U.S. Air Force, excepting the aforementioned lack of logos and color. The material is custom-manufactured to replicate the material used by the company in 1957. The lining is made to the military specs of that year. The leather pull tab is period-correct. The pocket linings are reproduced to 1957 Air Force specs.
In other words, this jacket is real, exactly the garment Pollard would treasure. For Gibson fans, that authentic homage to a fictional ideal has real-world value. BMW knows the lure and the value of authenticity, lineage, provenance…
—Real Steel BMW Heavy Metal Cruiser, by Editor-at-Large Michael Gougis
BMW is one of the few motorcycle companies that has the history and lineage that would allow it to build a heavy metal cruiser that is an homage to a history that actually exists. So it did. Read the story of BMW’s biggest cruiser— it’s in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW . Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Read the March 2021 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technologywith your online subscription. Log in HERE
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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
