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MotoAmerica: How S&S Built The Winning Bagger

David Swarts
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MotoAmerica: How S&S Built The Winning Bagger

A Different Kind Of BYOB: Build Your Own Bagger Racebike

Last year’s King of the Baggers Invitational was a wildly successful, one-off event at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna, and it served as “proof of concept” for a whole new road racing class in the MotoAmerica Series.

For 2021, the word “Invitational” has been lopped off the name, while two more race weekends have been added to make the King of the Baggers a three-round championship. What this means is that the King of the Baggers is now open to anyone and everyone who wants to transform an Indian Challenger or Harley-Davidson Big Twin from a touring bike equipped with hard bags into a KOTB racebike equipped with top-shelf road racing components.

But how? Well, for that, we sought out the expertise of S&S Cycle, Inc. They’re the ones who built the #29 Indian Challenger that Tyler O’Hara raced to victory in last year’s King of the Baggers Invitational.

Here’s the insider info from S&S Cycle on building a race-winning Bagger:

 

S&S Cycle's Indian Challenger provides plenty of knee-dragging ground clearance. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.
S&S Cycle’s Indian Challenger provides plenty of knee-dragging ground clearance, as demonstrated by Tyler O’Hara during a private test in 2020. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.

 

 

GROUND CLEARANCE

Road racing is rarely about the straightaways, and racing a Bagger is no exception. The not-so-secret to success is to hustle the big machines through the twisties as quickly as possible, and that requires cornering clearance.

So, the first step is to lean your Bagger over on each side and determine which hard parts touch first. Obviously, the floorboards are the first OEM parts that will need to be removed. After that, the wide OEM primary cover and low-slung stock exhaust system generally make contact next.

 

S&S Cycle machined a new billet aluminum primary drive case cover with a beveled lower portion to provide extra cornering clearance. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.
S&S Cycle machined a new billet aluminum primary drive case cover with a beveled lower portion to provide extra cornering clearance. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.

 

S&S Cycles’ solutions for the Indian Challenger are:

  • A billet-aluminum primary cover that is beveled on the bottom radius to keep the big 108-cubic-inch V-twin engine off the ground
  • A 2-into-1 stainless steel exhaust system that is designed to be mounted high up on the chassis
  • A billet-aluminum ignition cover that enables the exhaust to tuck in high and tight on the right side of the engine

 

High and tight. The S&S Cycle exhaust and billet aluminum ignition case cover keep the hard parts off the deck. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.
High and tight. The custom 2-into-1 S&S Cycle exhaust system and billet aluminum ignition case cover keep the hard parts off the deck. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.

 

STEERING ANGLE

Touring bikes generally have a very relaxed, slightly kicked-out steering angle, which is almost the complete opposite of the steering angle on most sportbikes.

 

Indian FTR1200 forks and billet triple clamps this photo shows 3D-printed prototype triple clamps) provide a steep steering angle. Photo courtesy of S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.
Indian FTR1200 forks and custom triple clamps provide a steep steering angle. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.

 

S&S Cycles’ solutions for the Indian Challenger are:

  • A set of Indian FTR1200 forks (tuned for the weight of the Bagger)
  • Billet-aluminum triple clamps that adapt the FTR1200 forks to the Indian Challenger head tube and provide adjustments for rake and trail to more closely match the specs of a proper road racing motorcycle
  • 17” Performance Machine wheels, which enable the use of Dunlop road racing tires
  • Billet-aluminum hubs that adapt the Performance Machine wheels to the Indian Challenger
  • A revalve and spring change on the Indian Challenger’s OEM Fox rear shock
  • An adjustable suspension link that raises the rear end of the bike up for quicker steering and improved ground clearance

 

RIDING POSITION

The feet-forward riding position of a touring bike is comfortable out on the open road, but it is all wrong for road racing, which requires a much more aggressive body position with your knees bent and your feet up higher and beneath, or slightly behind, your hips.

S&S Cycles’ solutions for the Indian Challenger are:

  • Adjustable-position, billet-aluminum rearsets that are high enough to not touch down and also put the rider in a more active position to control the bike with their body
  • Klock Werks Kliphangers handlebars that are adjustable for height and pullback to keep the rider lower and out of the wind while still being comfortable
  • A Saddlemen custom-built seat that is taller and fitted to the individual rider

 

 

Adjustable billet rearsets and Brembo brakes make the S&S Indian Challenger a winning Bagger. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.
Adjustable billet rearsets and Brembo brakes make the S&S Indian Challenger a winning Bagger. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.

 

BRAKES

The OEM front and rear brakes on the Indian Challenger are perfectly suited for touring, but for race-level corner-entry speeds, upgrades need to be made.

S&S Cycles’ solutions are:

  • A Brembo front master cylinder, stainless steel brake lines, Brembo radial-mounted front calipers, Galfer floating front rotors, and Galfer brake pads
  • A Brembo rear master cylinder, stainless steel brake line, Brembo rear caliper, Galfer rear rotor, and Galfer brake pads

 

A small, custom, aluminum fuel cell is hidden under a carbon fiber cover that mimics the stock fuel tank. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.
A small, custom, aluminum fuel cell is hidden under a carbon fiber cover that mimics the stock fuel tank. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.

 

REDUCED WEIGHT

Touring bikes are heavy, and to turn them into road racing motorcycles requires the use of lightweight materials in place of some of the stock components.

S&S Cycles’ solutions for the Indian Challenger are:

  • A custom-built, small-volume, aluminum fuel cell wrapped in a carbon fiber shell that mimics the Indian Challenger’s stock fuel tank
  • Carbon fiber front and rear fenders
  • Carbon fiber hard bags
  • Titanium and/or aluminum fasteners in place of heavier steel OEM fasteners

 

The Indian Challenger's 108-cubic-inch engine benefits from a few tweaks that optimize performance in the upper rev range. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.
The Indian Challenger’s 108-cubic-inch engine benefits from a few tweaks that optimize performance in the upper rev range. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.

 

POWER

The Indian Challenger’s liquid-cooled Power Plus 108-cubic-inch V-twin engine is a really solid motor and nearly race-ready in OEM form. But, since the engines run at much higher RPMs in the King of the Baggers Series, a few basic mods are required.

S&S Cycles’ solutions are:

  • A mild porting job on the cylinder heads
  • Indian Stage 2 camshafts
  • A K&N high-flow air cleaner, which combines with the 2-into-1 exhaust system to take more air in and pump more air out, thereby increasing horsepower

 

Indian Motorcycle of Metro Milwaukee is ready to build turnkey Bagger racebikes. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle of Metro Milwaukee and MotoAmerica.
Indian Motorcycle of Metro Milwaukee is ready to build turnkey Bagger racebikes. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle of Metro Milwaukee and MotoAmerica.

 

BYOB Also Stands For “Buy Your Own Bagger” Racebike

Not ready to build your own Bagger? Then, how about another option?

Through an exclusive partnership between S&S Cycle and Indian Motorcycle of Metro Milwaukee, you can purchase your own Indian Challenger King of the Baggers motorcycle built to your specs right at their dealership.

Bristling with all the same go-fast parts as Tyler O’Hara’s 2020 King of the Baggers Invitational race-winning S&S Cycles Indian Challenger, your bike can be race-ready from the get-go.

For information, contact Indian Motorcycle of Metro Milwaukee at 262-706-4050 or go to https://indianmotorcycleofmetromilwaukee.com

MotoE World Cup: Gresini Racing Announces Rider Lineup

David Swarts
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MotoE World Cup: Gresini Racing Announces Rider Lineup

FERRARI E MANTOVANI TO RACE UNDER INDONESIAN E-RACING GRESINI MOTOE BANNER 

Pleasant confirmations and new arrivals for Team Gresini MotoE, who from this season onwards will be investing on young and Italian riders, with the key support of new title sponsor Indonesian Racing, who after Moto3 and Moto2, they further reinforce a relationship with the World Championship and Gresini Racing. The first electric team waving the Indonesian flag is therefore born, and it will be named Indonesian E-Racing Gresini MotoE.

The new ‘electric’ line-up of Team Gresini has been confirmed, as the Italian squad places their hopes once again on young Italian riders. The new season will resume from the confirmation of Matteo Ferrari: the 2019 World Champion and 2020 series runner-up will be at the starting blocks of the new season, with the goal to remain at the sharp end of the series and try to reclaim the MotoE crown.

Andrea Mantovani will be at Ferrari’s side. The 26-year-old from Ferrara lands in MotoE from the Italian Championship of Speed (CIV) – Superbike category – and he will test his skills for the first time with the Energica Ego Corsa machine. He will race with the number 9.

The first test of 2021 will take place in about one hour at the Angel Nieto Circuit of Jerez de la Frontera (which will host the season opener).

 

Team Gresini MotoE rider Matteo Ferrari (11). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.
Team Gresini MotoE rider Matteo Ferrari (11). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.

 

MATTEO FERRARI #11

“2021 will be my third year with team Gresini, with whom I have been a protagonist in both of the MotoE World Cup seasons I’ve partaken in. The victory in 2019 and the runner up spot in 2020 are very important result, especially if we take into account that this was a new category for everybody. I took the challenge knowing that I had to adapt quickly to a new riding style and thanks to the help from everybody around me, I was able to find the right riding style and speed needed to be always a protagonist. The experience gathered until now makes me look at the future with confidence in my abilities, even when I’ll move to a different category and will need to adapt again to different motorcycles. The goal me and the team have is to match the same level of performance that we’ve shown so far. I would like to thank Fausto Gresini for the opportunity to get involved in the project and to be able to successfully tackle this MotoE challenge, which helped me grow further.”

 

Team Gresini MotoE rider Andrea Mantovani (9). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.
Team Gresini MotoE rider Andrea Mantovani (9). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.

 

ANDREA MANTOVANI #9

“I’m very happy to be taking part in this world cup in 2021. It will be a completely new experience as I have only ridden traditional-engine motorcycles so far. There’s a lot of curiosity to disover the ‘electric-powered’ side of racing, both at power and riding style levels. It will be no doubt a very constructive year with the hope of having fun and growing a lot during the season. My thanks go to Fausto Gresini and all the sponsors for giving me this opportunity.”

ROCKY SOERAPOETRA – MP1 CEO

“As an Indonesian and a global citizen, MP1 has always realized the importance in preserving the environment, especially coming from a tropical archipelago country consisting of infinite beaches, mountains and forests. They are what makes Indonesia wonderful and enticing to tourists all around the world. Hence, together with Gresini, we build INDONESIAN E-RACING, ready to compete in the MotoE Championship starting in 2021, with the mission to establish sustainability through electrical motorbikes, especially because two-thirds of Indonesians own a motorbike. We look forward to electrical bikes being the eco-friendly alternative, now that production of electric vehicles have advanced enormously in the recent years, in part, due to advances in alternative energy racing. And as more mass produced electric motorcycles and scooters become available in the market, we will encourage their use across Indonesia and work tirelessly to improve our environment through the exciting medium of MotoE racing. The future is as exciting as it is eco-efficient!”

CARLO MERLINI – COMMERCIAL AND MARKETING DIRECTOR GRESINI RACING

“This category continues to surprise in terms of competition and spectacular nature and we’re happy to be lining up for this new season, with the goal of being protagonists once again. We won the title in 2019 and last year we nearly missed it as we battled for the ultimate prize up to the last race. The goal is obviously to be at the sharp end of the field. If Matteo is a confirmation, Andrea is a young Italian rider eager to do well, and I want to welcome him to the team. We will do all our best to put him in the right condition to perform well. I’m also happy to announce that Indonesian Racing will be the title sponsor of our ‘electric team’ as well, which therefore will be named Team Indonesian E-Racing Gresini MotoE, a further confirmation of how this partnership embraces all categories in which Gresini Racing is involved. ‘Green’ topics are very important in Indonesia and I believe that, through this project, we can send a strong message about environmental sustainability and electric mobility.”

World Superbike: Alex Lowes Will Miss Portimao Test Due To Injury

David Swarts
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World Superbike: Alex Lowes Will Miss Portimao Test Due To Injury

KRT Accelerates Test Schedule

KRT, Kawasaki’s official WorldSBK squad, will continue its pre-season test plans using the exciting new model Ninja ZX-10RR at Portimao in Portugal, between 4 and 5 March.

Alex Lowes will not be attending the test at Portimao as he completes his recovery from a recent training injury, but the planned two days on track will feature six-times and reigning world champion Jonathan Rea.

Despite some unfortunate winter weather being encountered in previous tests the forthcoming Portuguese action will be by no means the first testing outing for the Ninja ZX-10RR racebike. A higher revving engine than the previous model, plus numerous aerodynamic and downforce advances, combine to allow harder acceleration, a greater top speed and improved dynamic performance from the 2021 Ninja.

The task of turning the uprated 2021 showroom model into full WorldSBK specification machine is well advanced but there are still important evaluations and confirmations to be made at the undulating and intense Portimao track – which is a very different circuit to those which have already hosted winter tests for KRT.

Even after the postponement of the planned first WorldSBK round at Assen the aim of all inside the Kawasaki WorldSBK set-up is to get the new bike race ready as soon as possible.

Rea has been a big fan of the 4.592km long Portimao layout since he first raced a WorldSBK machine there, at the very end of the 2008 season. Portimao is now, statistically, his most successful WorldSBK circuit, with his 20 podium rides at the stadium-style hillside circuit including no fewer than 12 race wins. As well as going for title number seven in 2021, Rea is looking to be the first rider to reach the magical total of 100 WorldSBK race wins. He holds the all-time record of 99 race victories already.

Jonathan Rea, stated: “It is really good to test again and I am excited to ride the bike – especially during these strange and unknown times. We have got some consistency going inside KRT since we tested in November, then again recently at Jerez. It is good to keep the rhythm going with the new Ninja ZX-10RR racebike before the start of season. We have already tested some new ideas with power characteristics from the engine although the weather conditions were not 100%. So, the main thing we have to do at this test is confirm things on the engine side and then fix our gearbox ratios. We aim to keep building speed and keep building confidence.”

Alex Lowes, stated: “I am working hard on my recovery with the doctors in Barcelona. I want to see all the guys from the team and join them at the track as soon as possible. Of course, I cannot wait to ride my new Ninja ZX-10RR again.”

Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager, stated: “We think this test is a very important one and it is not easy to organise. We planned it two months ago it was already inside our development programme. We insisted to keep going with it for the purposes of development and set-up of our new bike. We think it is very important to understand the improvements in different tracks, to make good conclusions and not get confused. All the efforts logistically, in human terms and economically mean it is a good investment, as the conclusions we will take are going to be very important. We hope the weather respects us this time. It is a shame that Alex cannot do this test but he is not 100% to push on the bike, so we preferred to give him a little bit of time, especially as we will all start the championship a little bit later than planned. We want to be sure that when he gets on the bike he will be able to push to the maximum. We hope to make another test before the main pre-season Montmelo tests, to allow him to warm-up a little bit. Let’s see. We know all the current situation is not easy, especially because of Covid-19, but we will make all the protocols and safety organisation to ensure we have the least possible contact. Hopefully we can do a good job to provide KHI with even more information to keep developing all the small details on the bike so that we are as competitive as we can be starting the season.”

Independent Kawasaki team, Orelac Racing VerdNatura – with their rider Isaac Vinales – will join KRT on track at the Portimao tests this week.

March 2021

Trudy Ulrich
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March 2021

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 to subscribe, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

 

Log in HERE to read the March 2021 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription

 

In This Issue:

FEATURES

Inside Info: Hot New Models and more…

Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1970-1975 Triumph Slippery Sam

Quick Look: BMW R 18, A Real Steel Retro-Inspired 1800cc Twin

Intro: Ohvale GP-2: More Mini Moto Fun

MotoGP Analysis: Who Can Beat Suzuki in 2021, And How?

Army Of Darkness: Building A Yamaha YZF-R1 Endurance Bike, Part 3

All Kids Bike: A Two-Wheeled Crusade Starts With Tots

Production Evaluation: Suzuki Katana Accessories

Editor’s Scrapbook, From Back In The Day: Rob Murray vs. David Emde

Hanging With: MotoAmerica Superbike Winner Bobby Fong

PROFESSIONAL RACING

Racing History: George Patchett, Racer/Engineer/Gun Designer

Interview: Moto2 Racer Sam Lowes Aims High

Numbers & Trivia: Sam Lowes’ Career

COLUMNS

Letters To The Editor: Escaping Plagues, Racing TV, and Losing The Front

10 Years Ago, March 2011: Josh Hayes Tests Superbike Tires At Daytona

Melissa Paris: Just A Girl Who Wants To Go Fast

The Crash Page: High-Flying Hafizh Syahrin

New Products: Triumph Rain Suit; Strider Snow Skis

Professional Services Directory: Racers Helping Racers

Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar

ASRA/CCS Newsletter

High-Performance Parts & Services

Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: You Never Forget Your First Professional Podium

Recent Birth: Harrison Dean Court

David Swarts
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Recent Birth: Harrison Dean Court

Former AMA Pro Supersport race winner and MotoAmerica Superbike racer Elena (Myers) Court and husband Dean Court had a son, Harrison Dean Court, February 24, in Huntsville, Alabama.

MotoAmerica: Altus Fielding Olmedo, Nassaney In Supersport

David Swarts
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MotoAmerica: Altus Fielding Olmedo, Nassaney In Supersport

Olmedo & Nassaney Return for 2021 to Represent Altus in MotoAmerica SuperSport

(Altus, OK) Altus Motorsports is excited to announce the re-signing of Kevin Olmedo and Jaret Nassaney to compete in MotoAmerica’s Supersport class. Both will be riding Suzuki GSX-R600s. Kevin rejoins the team after an impressive freshman season where he finished in the top 5 in most races, captured a podium and ended the year 6th in the championship. 2020 was also a strong year for Jaret, finishing 11th overall. He is having a very strong off-season and is poised for a breakout year.

 

Jaret Nassaney (59). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Jaret Nassaney (59). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.

 

With that, the 2021 lineup is complete. The two SuperSport riders join Jake Lewis and Hayden Bicknese under the Altus Motorsports banner. Lewis will ride the Suzuki GSX-R1000 to battle for both the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship and the Superbike Cup. Bicknese will be competing for the MotoAmerica Junior Cup onboard the Altus Factory Racing Kawasaki Ninja 400.

The team welcomes some new sponsors for 2021 as well. Environmental Service Solutions, Creative Sports Concepts, and Schaefer Engineering have come on board to support the team.

“We could not do this without the generous support of all of our sponsors. With their help and the talent we have on the bikes, 2021 is looking like it will be another great year for the team,” said Team Owner, George Nassaney.

The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, Environmental Service Solutions, Creative Sports Concepts, Tucker Powersports, Schaefer Engineering, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Barnett, VP Lubricants, SBS Brakes, Galfer USA, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.

Manufacturers Partner To Create Swappable Batteries Consortium

David Swarts
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0
Manufacturers Partner To Create Swappable Batteries Consortium

Yamaha Motor signs a Letter of Intent with Honda Motor, KTM and Piaggio for the creation of a Swappable Batteries Consortium for Motorcycles and light Electric Vehicles

IWATA, March 1, 2021

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announces today that the company has signed a Letter of Intent with Honda Motor Co., Ltd. , KTM AG and Piaggio & C SpA to set up a Swappable Batteries Consortium for Motorcycles and light Electric Vehicles.

In the context of the Paris Climate Agreement and the transition to electromobility, the founding members of the Consortium believe that the availability of a standardized swappable battery system would both promote the widespread use of light electric vehicles and contribute to more sustainable life cycle management of batteries used in the transport sector.

Also, by extending the range, shortening the charging time and lowering vehicle and infrastructure costs, the manufacturers will try to answer customers‘ main concerns regarding the future of electromobility.

The aim of the Consortium will, therefore, be to define the standardized technical specifications of the swappable battery system for vehicles belonging to the L-category; mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles. By working closely with interested stakeholders and national, European and international standardization bodies, the founding members of the Consortium will be involved in the creation of international technical standards.

The Consortium will start its activities in May 2021. The four founding members encourage all interested stakeholders to join the cooperation to enrich the Consortium’s expertise.

Executive Officer Takuya Kinoshita, Chief General Manager of Motorcycle Business Operations, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.:

“I believe the creation of this Consortium holds great significance not just for Europe but the world as we move towards establishing standards for swappable batteries for light electric vehicles. I’m confident that through work like this, the technical specs and standards, that currently differ by regional characteristics or the state of the industry in different markets will be unified, and, in the future, will help lead towards maximizing the merits of electric power for customers on a global level.”

 

 

More, from a press release issued by KTM AG:

KTM AG SIGNS A LETTER OF INTENT WITH HONDA, YAMAHA MOTOR AND PIAGGIO FOR THE CREATION OF A SWAPPABLE BATTERIES CONSORTIUM FOR MOTORCYCLES AND LIGHT ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Mattighofen, March 1, 2021 – KTM AG announces today that the company has signed a Letter of Intent with Honda Motor Co., Ltd, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd and Piaggio & C SpA to set up a Swappable Batteries Consortium for Motorcycles and Light Electric Vehicles.

In the context of the Paris Climate Agreement and the development of electromobility, the founding members of the consortium believe that the availability of a standardized swappable battery system would both promote the widespread use of light electric vehicles and contribute to a more sustainable life-cycle management of batteries used in the transport sector.

Also, by extending the range, shortening the charging time and lowering vehicle and infrastructure costs, the manufacturers will try to answer to customers’ main concerns regarding the future of electromobility.

The aim of the Consortium will, therefore, be to define the standardized technical specifications of the swappable battery system for vehicles belonging to the L-category: mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles. By working closely with interested stakeholders and National, European and International standardization bodies, the founding members of the Consortium will be involved in the creation of international technical standards.

The Consortium will start its activity in May 2021. The four founding members encourage all interested stakeholders to join the cooperation to enrich the consortium’s expertise.

Stefan Pierer, KTM AG CEO: “Sustainability is one of the key drivers to the future of mobility and electrification will play a major role in achieving this goal. For powered two-wheelers the constraints of electric drivetrains regarding range, charging time and initial cost are still evident. To overcome these challenges and provide a better customer experience, a swappable battery system based on international technical standards will become a viable solution. Considering the entire lifecycle, a widespread application of batteries compliant with a common standard will support secondary use as well as circular economy. We are glad to be part of the Consortium as we strive towards our goals in the e-mobility sector.”

Technological innovation and forward-thinking design solutions have formed the basis of Husqvarna Motorcycles’ 118-year history in motorcycles. With modern design, accessible yet dynamic performance, Husqvarna Motorcycles’ electric vehicles will offer a wide range of urban transportation solutions for the next generation of powered-two-wheeler enthusiasts.

MotoGP: Rossi Introduced As PETRONAS Yamaha SRT Rider (Video)

David Swarts
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0
MotoGP: Rossi Introduced As PETRONAS Yamaha SRT Rider (Video)

 

 

PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team launch 2021 Campaign

Franco Morbidelli and Valentino Rossi unveil the PETRONAS Yamaha SRT 2021 Yamaha YZR-M1

PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team is excited to start its third season in the MotoGP World Championship campaign with riders Franco Morbidelli and Valentino Rossi showcasing their 2021 Yamaha YZR-M1 through a virtual launch today.

Franco and Valentino were introduced by Team Principal, Razlan Razali, with further insight imparted by Team Director, Johan Stigefelt and Team Manager, Wilco Zeelenberg. Team owner, Sepang International Circuit and title Partner PETRONAS were also represented in the online launch.

After a stellar second season in 2020, where the team and rider Franco Morbidelli finished the year as vice champions in their respective championships, PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team is eager to continue its extraordinary story of success as the first-ever Malaysian team in MotoGP.

In 2019 the team became Top Independent Team, finishing fourth in the overall team standings, with rider Fabio Quartararo taking the Rookie of the Year title and Top Independent Rider.

Over the course of last year the team was on the top step of the podium six times as well as leading the standings for most of the year before finishing the season as the Top Independent Team – and second in the overall standings – with Franco Vice Champion as well as Top Independent Rider.

2021 sees Franco joined by Greatest Of All Time rider Valentino Rossi who will add an extra dimension of championship winning knowledge and potential to the squad. Featuring an updated look with the latest PETRONAS branding, the team’s Yamaha YZR-M1 will be in Factory-spec for Valentino and A-spec Plus  for Franco.

2021 also marks the third year of PETRONAS as the team’s title partner. The impressive results achieved by the team over the past two seasons are a testament to the Malaysian energy company’s Fluid Technology Solutions that powered PYSRT to its six MotoGP wins in 2020.

The season unveil also included focus on PETRONAS Sprinta Racing with words from Moto2 riders Xavi Vierge and Jake Dixon as well as John McPhee and Darryn Binder for Moto3.

Razlan Razali, Team Principal:

We are proud to represent Malaysia and PETRONAS on the world stage in MotoGP for a third season as PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team.

We are looking forward to the season ahead, eager to give Franco and Valentino the best opportunity. For Franco, it’s a fabulous opportunity to achieve even better things than his stellar season in 2020 and for Valentino we’re hoping a new team will give him the best opportunities to harness his talent and expertise.

The team has enjoyed an incredible trajectory since entering the sport and we are thankful to PETRONAS and Yamaha for enabling this through their strong support and shared philosophy and aspirations.

2020 was an incredible year for us, but we are mindful that there are always areas where we can improve. We expect another tough fight on track over the season ahead and we will be pushing at every step to support Franco and Valentino and ensure they have all the tools at their disposal.

As a team, PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team also incorporates PETRONAS Sprinta Racing in Moto2 and Moto3 as we are proud to have supremely strong line-ups of riders and crew in these categories. For Xavi and Jake in Moto2 and John and Darryn in Moto3 we expect very exciting seasons ahead.

 

Johan Stigefelt, Team Director:

We look forward to the season ahead with pride in what we have achieved in previous years, but with the awareness that our opposition never sits still, so we must not either. We have achieved great results in MotoGP in our first two seasons but we certainly were not perfect. Over the off-season we have targeted improvements across the board. Looking at our riders across the categories, the potential is huge as we are strong in every class. Our targets are higher than before, but so is our potential. Our dream is to get a win in every category on the same weekend; it’s a lot to ask, but it’s not impossible!

 

Tan Sri Azman, Chairman of Sepang International Circuit:

We look back over the team’s short history and see there has been great success. We have showcased mechanics, management, partners and riders from Malaysia on the world stage. We are proud that this is a Malaysian team with strong and solid Malaysian management. We not only develop and focus on talent on track but talent in all elements of a big team like PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team. We look ahead to the 2021 season full of pride and we have high hopes and expectations. There is strength and depth in our team and everyone from Sepang International Circuit wishes the team well for another exciting but yet challenging season where our dream is to do the impossible by winning the world championship.

 

Datin Anita Azrina, Senior General Manager of Group Strategic Communications, PETRONAS:

Our title and technical partnership with SRT has significantly enhanced our R&D capabilities in the area of fluid technology solutions. We are proud to say our fluid formulations have been instrumental towards PSRT’s success in the world championship. We have seen PSRT clinch the 2019 and 2020 MotoGP Best Independent Team award, while Franco became the 2020 MotoGP Vice Champion. For a relatively new team in the sport, this achievement is nothing short of extraordinary, and we at PETRONAS are proud to be a part of this journey.  Looking ahead, the expectations are riding high for the 2021 MotoGP season, but it gives me comfort to see the team approach the new season with the same vigour and passion. Similarly, at PETRONAS, we will continue to support the team through our Fluid Technology Solutions, and we can continue to push boundaries together.

 

Franco Morbidelli. Photo courtesy PETRONAS Yamaha SRT.
Franco Morbidelli. Photo courtesy PETRONAS Yamaha SRT.

 

Franco Morbidelli:

This will be my third year with the team and there are many things I like about PETRONAS Yamaha SRT. The 2021 YZR-M1 livery is similar to the last two years, but still changed; It’s the same but different so I like it. What is different from last years is my teammate; I expect and hope it will be a great season for Vale [Valentino Rossi] and me. We have had a strong relationship for many years and we will learn a lot from each other. My personal target for 2021 is to get better; improve myself as a person, rider and athlete. I know it’s hard and difficult because last year we were quite fast and we made great races and achieved great results. Nevertheless, we will have to try to improve compared with 2020, so that’s my aim, try to be better year after year.

 

Valentino Rossi. Photo courtesy PETRONAS Yamaha SRT.
Valentino Rossi. Photo courtesy PETRONAS Yamaha SRT.

 

Valentino Rossi:

I’m very proud to be part of PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team. It’s a new challenge for me. This is a very young team, but in the last two years they have already been really competitive. I’m happy to see my new bike for this year and I really like the colours of the livery, leathers, helmet, etc. It looks awesome. My targets for 2021 is to be competitive, fight to win races, fight to achieve podiums and also fight for a good position in the World Championship standings at the end of the season. We are all very focused on our targets to make the best we can. I think that with Franco we are a very interesting couple of riders as we know each other really well. All the whole team has a lot of motivation and I will give my maximum to achieve together the best possible result at the end of the calendar. We are ready to start.

 

Xavi Vierge:

Being part of PETRONAS Sprinta Racing is just amazing.  Myself and the team understand each other perfectly after one year working together. My target is to fight for the top positions from the beginning, and to keep fighting for the championship until the end. I will try not to repeat the same mistakes as last year and avoid injuries by riding more stable and calmer – this is our target.

 

Jake Dixon:

It’s great to be involved with PETRONAS Sprinta Racing because obviously they are present in Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP, and they’re the only team that’s present in all three classes. Also, it means so much for me to be involved with a massive global name such as PETRONAS. This season I want to be more consistent from early on, which is the biggest factor for me. If I can hit my form early, I’ll automatically be a lot better. I’ll take in the first rounds to see where I’m at, and then slowly build back into it and definitely score race wins and podiums as they were on the cards towards the end of 2020.

 

John McPhee:

To be part of PETRONAS Sprinta Racing for a third consecutive year is just fantastic, and it really is like a dream come true for me. They’re such a professional group of people on and off the track. They’ve helped me achieve some great results with two wins and seven podiums.

I’m so excited to see the team after what felt like such a long winter break. I think after strong performances last year in many races, I know I can go better. We’ve analysed lots of data from 2020, and I’m just really excited to see what’s possible, and I’m really looking forward to a great year.

 

Darryn Binder:

It means a lot to me to be a part of PETRONAS Sprinta Racing. They’ve got a team in every category, and they’ve got such a great pathway to MotoGP. Also, I’ve always looked up to Rossi as an idol, and it’s pretty cool for us to be under the same roof. I’m really stoked to be with him! I’m looking to have a really strong season in Moto3 in 2021. I ended last year off on a good note and I’m looking to pick up where I left off by keeping the ball rolling and doing my best. I want to try and be on the podium as much as I can, and when I can’t be on the podium, I still want to be in the top five.

American Flat Track: Cory Texter Staying With G&G Racing

David Swarts
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American Flat Track: Cory Texter Staying With G&G Racing

Cory Texter and G&G Racing Team Up for Third Consecutive Season in Progressive AFT

YUCAIPA, Calif. – G&G Racing and Cory Texter will team up for the third consecutive season in Progressive American Flat Track and will contend the AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines title. In 2021, Texter will be riding his Yamaha MT-07 with added support from Mission Foods and Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas.

After winning the inaugural 2019 AFT Production Twins championship with G&G Racing, Texter finished runner-up in 2020 with four wins and 11 total podium finishes.

“Last year was a success in my opinion,” said Texter. “We came a little bit short of defending our championship, but I learned so much about the motorcycle and myself as a rider that will help me this season. It’s really cool to see a lot of diversity in the schedule and with my experience, I really think that will play into my favor.”

Texter will once again ride for John and LJ Gronek out of the G&G Racing stable on the same Yamaha MT-07 race bikes that have brought him success the last two seasons.

“We are excited to bring Cory back for another season,” said LJ Gronek. “He has a great comfort level with the motorcycles and his work ethics are second to none. We are eager to get started and have some fun.”

The team looks forward to the extra support with the addition of Mission Foods and Jerry Stinchfield of Roof Systems as sponsors.

“I am ecstatic to partner again with Cory and the G&G team,” said Stinchfield. “They have proven they have what it takes to be successful and along with Mission Foods, we are looking for big things from CTex this season.”

G&G Racing also thanks Yamaha Motor USA, JMR, Fontana Radiators, Graves Motorsports for their support.

Texter’s supporters also include McElroy Packaging, Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties, Klock Werks, Bell Powersports, Motul USA, Alpinestars, Fredericktown Yamaha, Kicker Audio, Motion Pro, Law Tigers, Holeshot Powersports, Mike Butler Racing and Access Media Lab.

The 2021 Progressive AFT season kicks off with a Volusia Half-Mile doubleheader event at Volusia Speedway Park on Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13, 2021. Tickets for this season-opening extravaganza are on sale now at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3321/#raceSchedule.

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

To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.

World Supersport: Maria Herrera Riding Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha

David Swarts
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World Supersport: Maria Herrera Riding Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha

Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha Confirms Maria Herrera for WorldSSP Campaign

The Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha team has announced Maria Herrera as their rider for the 2021 FIM Supersport World Championship campaign, in which the team will receive support from Yamaha to become the Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha WorldSSP Supported Team.

Ahead of the new season, Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha have moved to a new headquarters in Fiano Romano, Italy, and this marks its second season in WorldSSP, where it will once again field the Yamaha R6 bike, having also enjoyed success over their past two FIM Supersport 300 World Championship seasons.

Spanish rider Herrera is no stranger to the category, and despite her young age, 24, she boasts a valuable amount of experience, which made her the perfect fit for the team’s second endeavour into the category. For 2021, Herrera will take part in the WorldSSP Challenge, featuring at the European stages of the championship, which currently make up the first nine rounds.

Hailing from the Iberian region of Spain, Herrera has shown from a young age that she is a fierce competitor, winning the ‘Campionato Velocità del Mediterraneo’ in 2011. The following year she stepped up to the CEV Moto3 class, and during her second season in 2013 she took two victories on her way to fourth in the championship. That year she also earned a Moto3 world championship wildcard entry at the Aragon Grand Prix.

She took part in three more Moto3 Grands Prix in 2014, where she raced in Jerez, Barcelona and Valencia, before she earned a full-time ride in the championship for the following year. She went onto complete three full seasons, racking up 65 Moto3 starts, and in 2018 switched to WorldSSP300, riding a R3 GYTR-kitted bike.

After a single campaign, Herrera made the move to the WorldSSP class on a Yamaha R6 in 2019, combining this with a full-season ride in the newly-formed MotoE World Cup. After some impressive performances, she spent another year in MotoE and joined three WorldSSP rounds.

On this basis, coupled with the strong foundations of the Sandro Carusi-led outfit, the Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha team is confident of being competitive, having already achieved success in the WorldSSP300 class.

Maria Herrera

Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha WorldSSP Supported Team

“I chose this team because many people speak well of Sandro, the bike, the group and the potential they have. My main goal for this year is to do a great job and have fun by going fast.”

Sandro Carusi – Team Principal

Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha WorldSSP Supported Team

“I am very happy to be able to announce Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha’s participation in the WorldSSP class with Maria Herrera. Having the only woman in the championship, who is a huge talent, gives us the opportunity to demonstrate the level we have reached. I’m sure it will be a strong incentive for all of us.”

Andrea Dosoli

Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Manager

“We’re really excited to see the Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha team coming back to the WorldSSP class in 2021. Sandro and his team have already given young talented riders a great opportunity in WorldSSP300 and it’s great to see how they have continued that trend in the 600cc class. Maria is an impressive and versatile young rider who adds good experience to the team and I expect them to achieve some strong results together this year.”

MotoAmerica: How S&S Built The Winning Bagger

Tyler O'Hara's S&S Indian Challenger MotoAmerica King of the Baggers racebike. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Tyler O'Hara's S&S Indian Challenger MotoAmerica King of the Baggers racebike. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

A Different Kind Of BYOB: Build Your Own Bagger Racebike

Last year’s King of the Baggers Invitational was a wildly successful, one-off event at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna, and it served as “proof of concept” for a whole new road racing class in the MotoAmerica Series.

For 2021, the word “Invitational” has been lopped off the name, while two more race weekends have been added to make the King of the Baggers a three-round championship. What this means is that the King of the Baggers is now open to anyone and everyone who wants to transform an Indian Challenger or Harley-Davidson Big Twin from a touring bike equipped with hard bags into a KOTB racebike equipped with top-shelf road racing components.

But how? Well, for that, we sought out the expertise of S&S Cycle, Inc. They’re the ones who built the #29 Indian Challenger that Tyler O’Hara raced to victory in last year’s King of the Baggers Invitational.

Here’s the insider info from S&S Cycle on building a race-winning Bagger:

 

S&S Cycle's Indian Challenger provides plenty of knee-dragging ground clearance. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.
S&S Cycle’s Indian Challenger provides plenty of knee-dragging ground clearance, as demonstrated by Tyler O’Hara during a private test in 2020. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.

 

 

GROUND CLEARANCE

Road racing is rarely about the straightaways, and racing a Bagger is no exception. The not-so-secret to success is to hustle the big machines through the twisties as quickly as possible, and that requires cornering clearance.

So, the first step is to lean your Bagger over on each side and determine which hard parts touch first. Obviously, the floorboards are the first OEM parts that will need to be removed. After that, the wide OEM primary cover and low-slung stock exhaust system generally make contact next.

 

S&S Cycle machined a new billet aluminum primary drive case cover with a beveled lower portion to provide extra cornering clearance. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.
S&S Cycle machined a new billet aluminum primary drive case cover with a beveled lower portion to provide extra cornering clearance. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.

 

S&S Cycles’ solutions for the Indian Challenger are:

  • A billet-aluminum primary cover that is beveled on the bottom radius to keep the big 108-cubic-inch V-twin engine off the ground
  • A 2-into-1 stainless steel exhaust system that is designed to be mounted high up on the chassis
  • A billet-aluminum ignition cover that enables the exhaust to tuck in high and tight on the right side of the engine

 

High and tight. The S&S Cycle exhaust and billet aluminum ignition case cover keep the hard parts off the deck. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.
High and tight. The custom 2-into-1 S&S Cycle exhaust system and billet aluminum ignition case cover keep the hard parts off the deck. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.

 

STEERING ANGLE

Touring bikes generally have a very relaxed, slightly kicked-out steering angle, which is almost the complete opposite of the steering angle on most sportbikes.

 

Indian FTR1200 forks and billet triple clamps this photo shows 3D-printed prototype triple clamps) provide a steep steering angle. Photo courtesy of S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.
Indian FTR1200 forks and custom triple clamps provide a steep steering angle. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.

 

S&S Cycles’ solutions for the Indian Challenger are:

  • A set of Indian FTR1200 forks (tuned for the weight of the Bagger)
  • Billet-aluminum triple clamps that adapt the FTR1200 forks to the Indian Challenger head tube and provide adjustments for rake and trail to more closely match the specs of a proper road racing motorcycle
  • 17” Performance Machine wheels, which enable the use of Dunlop road racing tires
  • Billet-aluminum hubs that adapt the Performance Machine wheels to the Indian Challenger
  • A revalve and spring change on the Indian Challenger’s OEM Fox rear shock
  • An adjustable suspension link that raises the rear end of the bike up for quicker steering and improved ground clearance

 

RIDING POSITION

The feet-forward riding position of a touring bike is comfortable out on the open road, but it is all wrong for road racing, which requires a much more aggressive body position with your knees bent and your feet up higher and beneath, or slightly behind, your hips.

S&S Cycles’ solutions for the Indian Challenger are:

  • Adjustable-position, billet-aluminum rearsets that are high enough to not touch down and also put the rider in a more active position to control the bike with their body
  • Klock Werks Kliphangers handlebars that are adjustable for height and pullback to keep the rider lower and out of the wind while still being comfortable
  • A Saddlemen custom-built seat that is taller and fitted to the individual rider

 

 

Adjustable billet rearsets and Brembo brakes make the S&S Indian Challenger a winning Bagger. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.
Adjustable billet rearsets and Brembo brakes make the S&S Indian Challenger a winning Bagger. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.

 

BRAKES

The OEM front and rear brakes on the Indian Challenger are perfectly suited for touring, but for race-level corner-entry speeds, upgrades need to be made.

S&S Cycles’ solutions are:

  • A Brembo front master cylinder, stainless steel brake lines, Brembo radial-mounted front calipers, Galfer floating front rotors, and Galfer brake pads
  • A Brembo rear master cylinder, stainless steel brake line, Brembo rear caliper, Galfer rear rotor, and Galfer brake pads

 

A small, custom, aluminum fuel cell is hidden under a carbon fiber cover that mimics the stock fuel tank. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.
A small, custom, aluminum fuel cell is hidden under a carbon fiber cover that mimics the stock fuel tank. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.

 

REDUCED WEIGHT

Touring bikes are heavy, and to turn them into road racing motorcycles requires the use of lightweight materials in place of some of the stock components.

S&S Cycles’ solutions for the Indian Challenger are:

  • A custom-built, small-volume, aluminum fuel cell wrapped in a carbon fiber shell that mimics the Indian Challenger’s stock fuel tank
  • Carbon fiber front and rear fenders
  • Carbon fiber hard bags
  • Titanium and/or aluminum fasteners in place of heavier steel OEM fasteners

 

The Indian Challenger's 108-cubic-inch engine benefits from a few tweaks that optimize performance in the upper rev range. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.
The Indian Challenger’s 108-cubic-inch engine benefits from a few tweaks that optimize performance in the upper rev range. Photo courtesy S&S Cycle and MotoAmerica.

 

POWER

The Indian Challenger’s liquid-cooled Power Plus 108-cubic-inch V-twin engine is a really solid motor and nearly race-ready in OEM form. But, since the engines run at much higher RPMs in the King of the Baggers Series, a few basic mods are required.

S&S Cycles’ solutions are:

  • A mild porting job on the cylinder heads
  • Indian Stage 2 camshafts
  • A K&N high-flow air cleaner, which combines with the 2-into-1 exhaust system to take more air in and pump more air out, thereby increasing horsepower

 

Indian Motorcycle of Metro Milwaukee is ready to build turnkey Bagger racebikes. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle of Metro Milwaukee and MotoAmerica.
Indian Motorcycle of Metro Milwaukee is ready to build turnkey Bagger racebikes. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle of Metro Milwaukee and MotoAmerica.

 

BYOB Also Stands For “Buy Your Own Bagger” Racebike

Not ready to build your own Bagger? Then, how about another option?

Through an exclusive partnership between S&S Cycle and Indian Motorcycle of Metro Milwaukee, you can purchase your own Indian Challenger King of the Baggers motorcycle built to your specs right at their dealership.

Bristling with all the same go-fast parts as Tyler O’Hara’s 2020 King of the Baggers Invitational race-winning S&S Cycles Indian Challenger, your bike can be race-ready from the get-go.

For information, contact Indian Motorcycle of Metro Milwaukee at 262-706-4050 or go to https://indianmotorcycleofmetromilwaukee.com

MotoE World Cup: Gresini Racing Announces Rider Lineup

Team Gresini MotoE riders Andrea Mantovani (9) and Matteo Ferrari (11). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.
Team Gresini MotoE riders Andrea Mantovani (9) and Matteo Ferrari (11). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.

FERRARI E MANTOVANI TO RACE UNDER INDONESIAN E-RACING GRESINI MOTOE BANNER 

Pleasant confirmations and new arrivals for Team Gresini MotoE, who from this season onwards will be investing on young and Italian riders, with the key support of new title sponsor Indonesian Racing, who after Moto3 and Moto2, they further reinforce a relationship with the World Championship and Gresini Racing. The first electric team waving the Indonesian flag is therefore born, and it will be named Indonesian E-Racing Gresini MotoE.

The new ‘electric’ line-up of Team Gresini has been confirmed, as the Italian squad places their hopes once again on young Italian riders. The new season will resume from the confirmation of Matteo Ferrari: the 2019 World Champion and 2020 series runner-up will be at the starting blocks of the new season, with the goal to remain at the sharp end of the series and try to reclaim the MotoE crown.

Andrea Mantovani will be at Ferrari’s side. The 26-year-old from Ferrara lands in MotoE from the Italian Championship of Speed (CIV) – Superbike category – and he will test his skills for the first time with the Energica Ego Corsa machine. He will race with the number 9.

The first test of 2021 will take place in about one hour at the Angel Nieto Circuit of Jerez de la Frontera (which will host the season opener).

 

Team Gresini MotoE rider Matteo Ferrari (11). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.
Team Gresini MotoE rider Matteo Ferrari (11). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.

 

MATTEO FERRARI #11

“2021 will be my third year with team Gresini, with whom I have been a protagonist in both of the MotoE World Cup seasons I’ve partaken in. The victory in 2019 and the runner up spot in 2020 are very important result, especially if we take into account that this was a new category for everybody. I took the challenge knowing that I had to adapt quickly to a new riding style and thanks to the help from everybody around me, I was able to find the right riding style and speed needed to be always a protagonist. The experience gathered until now makes me look at the future with confidence in my abilities, even when I’ll move to a different category and will need to adapt again to different motorcycles. The goal me and the team have is to match the same level of performance that we’ve shown so far. I would like to thank Fausto Gresini for the opportunity to get involved in the project and to be able to successfully tackle this MotoE challenge, which helped me grow further.”

 

Team Gresini MotoE rider Andrea Mantovani (9). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.
Team Gresini MotoE rider Andrea Mantovani (9). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.

 

ANDREA MANTOVANI #9

“I’m very happy to be taking part in this world cup in 2021. It will be a completely new experience as I have only ridden traditional-engine motorcycles so far. There’s a lot of curiosity to disover the ‘electric-powered’ side of racing, both at power and riding style levels. It will be no doubt a very constructive year with the hope of having fun and growing a lot during the season. My thanks go to Fausto Gresini and all the sponsors for giving me this opportunity.”

ROCKY SOERAPOETRA – MP1 CEO

“As an Indonesian and a global citizen, MP1 has always realized the importance in preserving the environment, especially coming from a tropical archipelago country consisting of infinite beaches, mountains and forests. They are what makes Indonesia wonderful and enticing to tourists all around the world. Hence, together with Gresini, we build INDONESIAN E-RACING, ready to compete in the MotoE Championship starting in 2021, with the mission to establish sustainability through electrical motorbikes, especially because two-thirds of Indonesians own a motorbike. We look forward to electrical bikes being the eco-friendly alternative, now that production of electric vehicles have advanced enormously in the recent years, in part, due to advances in alternative energy racing. And as more mass produced electric motorcycles and scooters become available in the market, we will encourage their use across Indonesia and work tirelessly to improve our environment through the exciting medium of MotoE racing. The future is as exciting as it is eco-efficient!”

CARLO MERLINI – COMMERCIAL AND MARKETING DIRECTOR GRESINI RACING

“This category continues to surprise in terms of competition and spectacular nature and we’re happy to be lining up for this new season, with the goal of being protagonists once again. We won the title in 2019 and last year we nearly missed it as we battled for the ultimate prize up to the last race. The goal is obviously to be at the sharp end of the field. If Matteo is a confirmation, Andrea is a young Italian rider eager to do well, and I want to welcome him to the team. We will do all our best to put him in the right condition to perform well. I’m also happy to announce that Indonesian Racing will be the title sponsor of our ‘electric team’ as well, which therefore will be named Team Indonesian E-Racing Gresini MotoE, a further confirmation of how this partnership embraces all categories in which Gresini Racing is involved. ‘Green’ topics are very important in Indonesia and I believe that, through this project, we can send a strong message about environmental sustainability and electric mobility.”

World Superbike: Alex Lowes Will Miss Portimao Test Due To Injury

Alex Lowes on his new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Alex Lowes on his new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR at a previous test. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.

KRT Accelerates Test Schedule

KRT, Kawasaki’s official WorldSBK squad, will continue its pre-season test plans using the exciting new model Ninja ZX-10RR at Portimao in Portugal, between 4 and 5 March.

Alex Lowes will not be attending the test at Portimao as he completes his recovery from a recent training injury, but the planned two days on track will feature six-times and reigning world champion Jonathan Rea.

Despite some unfortunate winter weather being encountered in previous tests the forthcoming Portuguese action will be by no means the first testing outing for the Ninja ZX-10RR racebike. A higher revving engine than the previous model, plus numerous aerodynamic and downforce advances, combine to allow harder acceleration, a greater top speed and improved dynamic performance from the 2021 Ninja.

The task of turning the uprated 2021 showroom model into full WorldSBK specification machine is well advanced but there are still important evaluations and confirmations to be made at the undulating and intense Portimao track – which is a very different circuit to those which have already hosted winter tests for KRT.

Even after the postponement of the planned first WorldSBK round at Assen the aim of all inside the Kawasaki WorldSBK set-up is to get the new bike race ready as soon as possible.

Rea has been a big fan of the 4.592km long Portimao layout since he first raced a WorldSBK machine there, at the very end of the 2008 season. Portimao is now, statistically, his most successful WorldSBK circuit, with his 20 podium rides at the stadium-style hillside circuit including no fewer than 12 race wins. As well as going for title number seven in 2021, Rea is looking to be the first rider to reach the magical total of 100 WorldSBK race wins. He holds the all-time record of 99 race victories already.

Jonathan Rea, stated: “It is really good to test again and I am excited to ride the bike – especially during these strange and unknown times. We have got some consistency going inside KRT since we tested in November, then again recently at Jerez. It is good to keep the rhythm going with the new Ninja ZX-10RR racebike before the start of season. We have already tested some new ideas with power characteristics from the engine although the weather conditions were not 100%. So, the main thing we have to do at this test is confirm things on the engine side and then fix our gearbox ratios. We aim to keep building speed and keep building confidence.”

Alex Lowes, stated: “I am working hard on my recovery with the doctors in Barcelona. I want to see all the guys from the team and join them at the track as soon as possible. Of course, I cannot wait to ride my new Ninja ZX-10RR again.”

Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager, stated: “We think this test is a very important one and it is not easy to organise. We planned it two months ago it was already inside our development programme. We insisted to keep going with it for the purposes of development and set-up of our new bike. We think it is very important to understand the improvements in different tracks, to make good conclusions and not get confused. All the efforts logistically, in human terms and economically mean it is a good investment, as the conclusions we will take are going to be very important. We hope the weather respects us this time. It is a shame that Alex cannot do this test but he is not 100% to push on the bike, so we preferred to give him a little bit of time, especially as we will all start the championship a little bit later than planned. We want to be sure that when he gets on the bike he will be able to push to the maximum. We hope to make another test before the main pre-season Montmelo tests, to allow him to warm-up a little bit. Let’s see. We know all the current situation is not easy, especially because of Covid-19, but we will make all the protocols and safety organisation to ensure we have the least possible contact. Hopefully we can do a good job to provide KHI with even more information to keep developing all the small details on the bike so that we are as competitive as we can be starting the season.”

Independent Kawasaki team, Orelac Racing VerdNatura – with their rider Isaac Vinales – will join KRT on track at the Portimao tests this week.

March 2021

March 2021 Issue
March 2021 Issue

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 to subscribe, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

 

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In This Issue:

FEATURES

Inside Info: Hot New Models and more…

Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1970-1975 Triumph Slippery Sam

Quick Look: BMW R 18, A Real Steel Retro-Inspired 1800cc Twin

Intro: Ohvale GP-2: More Mini Moto Fun

MotoGP Analysis: Who Can Beat Suzuki in 2021, And How?

Army Of Darkness: Building A Yamaha YZF-R1 Endurance Bike, Part 3

All Kids Bike: A Two-Wheeled Crusade Starts With Tots

Production Evaluation: Suzuki Katana Accessories

Editor’s Scrapbook, From Back In The Day: Rob Murray vs. David Emde

Hanging With: MotoAmerica Superbike Winner Bobby Fong

PROFESSIONAL RACING

Racing History: George Patchett, Racer/Engineer/Gun Designer

Interview: Moto2 Racer Sam Lowes Aims High

Numbers & Trivia: Sam Lowes’ Career

COLUMNS

Letters To The Editor: Escaping Plagues, Racing TV, and Losing The Front

10 Years Ago, March 2011: Josh Hayes Tests Superbike Tires At Daytona

Melissa Paris: Just A Girl Who Wants To Go Fast

The Crash Page: High-Flying Hafizh Syahrin

New Products: Triumph Rain Suit; Strider Snow Skis

Professional Services Directory: Racers Helping Racers

Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar

ASRA/CCS Newsletter

High-Performance Parts & Services

Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: You Never Forget Your First Professional Podium

Recent Birth: Harrison Dean Court

Harrison Dean Court. Photo courtesy Elena (Myers) Court.
Harrison Dean Court. Photo courtesy Elena (Myers) Court.

Former AMA Pro Supersport race winner and MotoAmerica Superbike racer Elena (Myers) Court and husband Dean Court had a son, Harrison Dean Court, February 24, in Huntsville, Alabama.

MotoAmerica: Altus Fielding Olmedo, Nassaney In Supersport

Kevin Olmedo (16). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Kevin Olmedo (16). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.

Olmedo & Nassaney Return for 2021 to Represent Altus in MotoAmerica SuperSport

(Altus, OK) Altus Motorsports is excited to announce the re-signing of Kevin Olmedo and Jaret Nassaney to compete in MotoAmerica’s Supersport class. Both will be riding Suzuki GSX-R600s. Kevin rejoins the team after an impressive freshman season where he finished in the top 5 in most races, captured a podium and ended the year 6th in the championship. 2020 was also a strong year for Jaret, finishing 11th overall. He is having a very strong off-season and is poised for a breakout year.

 

Jaret Nassaney (59). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Jaret Nassaney (59). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.

 

With that, the 2021 lineup is complete. The two SuperSport riders join Jake Lewis and Hayden Bicknese under the Altus Motorsports banner. Lewis will ride the Suzuki GSX-R1000 to battle for both the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship and the Superbike Cup. Bicknese will be competing for the MotoAmerica Junior Cup onboard the Altus Factory Racing Kawasaki Ninja 400.

The team welcomes some new sponsors for 2021 as well. Environmental Service Solutions, Creative Sports Concepts, and Schaefer Engineering have come on board to support the team.

“We could not do this without the generous support of all of our sponsors. With their help and the talent we have on the bikes, 2021 is looking like it will be another great year for the team,” said Team Owner, George Nassaney.

The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, Environmental Service Solutions, Creative Sports Concepts, Tucker Powersports, Schaefer Engineering, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Barnett, VP Lubricants, SBS Brakes, Galfer USA, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.

Manufacturers Partner To Create Swappable Batteries Consortium

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is one of four motorcycle manufacturers that have formed the Swappable Batteries Consortium for Motorcycles and Light Electric Vehicles. Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is one of four motorcycle manufacturers that are forming a Swappable Batteries Consortium for Motorcycles and Light Electric Vehicles. Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

Yamaha Motor signs a Letter of Intent with Honda Motor, KTM and Piaggio for the creation of a Swappable Batteries Consortium for Motorcycles and light Electric Vehicles

IWATA, March 1, 2021

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announces today that the company has signed a Letter of Intent with Honda Motor Co., Ltd. , KTM AG and Piaggio & C SpA to set up a Swappable Batteries Consortium for Motorcycles and light Electric Vehicles.

In the context of the Paris Climate Agreement and the transition to electromobility, the founding members of the Consortium believe that the availability of a standardized swappable battery system would both promote the widespread use of light electric vehicles and contribute to more sustainable life cycle management of batteries used in the transport sector.

Also, by extending the range, shortening the charging time and lowering vehicle and infrastructure costs, the manufacturers will try to answer customers‘ main concerns regarding the future of electromobility.

The aim of the Consortium will, therefore, be to define the standardized technical specifications of the swappable battery system for vehicles belonging to the L-category; mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles. By working closely with interested stakeholders and national, European and international standardization bodies, the founding members of the Consortium will be involved in the creation of international technical standards.

The Consortium will start its activities in May 2021. The four founding members encourage all interested stakeholders to join the cooperation to enrich the Consortium’s expertise.

Executive Officer Takuya Kinoshita, Chief General Manager of Motorcycle Business Operations, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.:

“I believe the creation of this Consortium holds great significance not just for Europe but the world as we move towards establishing standards for swappable batteries for light electric vehicles. I’m confident that through work like this, the technical specs and standards, that currently differ by regional characteristics or the state of the industry in different markets will be unified, and, in the future, will help lead towards maximizing the merits of electric power for customers on a global level.”

 

 

More, from a press release issued by KTM AG:

KTM AG SIGNS A LETTER OF INTENT WITH HONDA, YAMAHA MOTOR AND PIAGGIO FOR THE CREATION OF A SWAPPABLE BATTERIES CONSORTIUM FOR MOTORCYCLES AND LIGHT ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Mattighofen, March 1, 2021 – KTM AG announces today that the company has signed a Letter of Intent with Honda Motor Co., Ltd, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd and Piaggio & C SpA to set up a Swappable Batteries Consortium for Motorcycles and Light Electric Vehicles.

In the context of the Paris Climate Agreement and the development of electromobility, the founding members of the consortium believe that the availability of a standardized swappable battery system would both promote the widespread use of light electric vehicles and contribute to a more sustainable life-cycle management of batteries used in the transport sector.

Also, by extending the range, shortening the charging time and lowering vehicle and infrastructure costs, the manufacturers will try to answer to customers’ main concerns regarding the future of electromobility.

The aim of the Consortium will, therefore, be to define the standardized technical specifications of the swappable battery system for vehicles belonging to the L-category: mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles. By working closely with interested stakeholders and National, European and International standardization bodies, the founding members of the Consortium will be involved in the creation of international technical standards.

The Consortium will start its activity in May 2021. The four founding members encourage all interested stakeholders to join the cooperation to enrich the consortium’s expertise.

Stefan Pierer, KTM AG CEO: “Sustainability is one of the key drivers to the future of mobility and electrification will play a major role in achieving this goal. For powered two-wheelers the constraints of electric drivetrains regarding range, charging time and initial cost are still evident. To overcome these challenges and provide a better customer experience, a swappable battery system based on international technical standards will become a viable solution. Considering the entire lifecycle, a widespread application of batteries compliant with a common standard will support secondary use as well as circular economy. We are glad to be part of the Consortium as we strive towards our goals in the e-mobility sector.”

Technological innovation and forward-thinking design solutions have formed the basis of Husqvarna Motorcycles’ 118-year history in motorcycles. With modern design, accessible yet dynamic performance, Husqvarna Motorcycles’ electric vehicles will offer a wide range of urban transportation solutions for the next generation of powered-two-wheeler enthusiasts.

MotoGP: Rossi Introduced As PETRONAS Yamaha SRT Rider (Video)

Valentino Rossi (left) with his new PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team teammate Franco Morbidelli (right). Photo courtesy PETRONAS Yamaha SRT.
Valentino Rossi (left) with his new PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team teammate Franco Morbidelli (right). Photo courtesy PETRONAS Yamaha SRT.

 

 

PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team launch 2021 Campaign

Franco Morbidelli and Valentino Rossi unveil the PETRONAS Yamaha SRT 2021 Yamaha YZR-M1

PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team is excited to start its third season in the MotoGP World Championship campaign with riders Franco Morbidelli and Valentino Rossi showcasing their 2021 Yamaha YZR-M1 through a virtual launch today.

Franco and Valentino were introduced by Team Principal, Razlan Razali, with further insight imparted by Team Director, Johan Stigefelt and Team Manager, Wilco Zeelenberg. Team owner, Sepang International Circuit and title Partner PETRONAS were also represented in the online launch.

After a stellar second season in 2020, where the team and rider Franco Morbidelli finished the year as vice champions in their respective championships, PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team is eager to continue its extraordinary story of success as the first-ever Malaysian team in MotoGP.

In 2019 the team became Top Independent Team, finishing fourth in the overall team standings, with rider Fabio Quartararo taking the Rookie of the Year title and Top Independent Rider.

Over the course of last year the team was on the top step of the podium six times as well as leading the standings for most of the year before finishing the season as the Top Independent Team – and second in the overall standings – with Franco Vice Champion as well as Top Independent Rider.

2021 sees Franco joined by Greatest Of All Time rider Valentino Rossi who will add an extra dimension of championship winning knowledge and potential to the squad. Featuring an updated look with the latest PETRONAS branding, the team’s Yamaha YZR-M1 will be in Factory-spec for Valentino and A-spec Plus  for Franco.

2021 also marks the third year of PETRONAS as the team’s title partner. The impressive results achieved by the team over the past two seasons are a testament to the Malaysian energy company’s Fluid Technology Solutions that powered PYSRT to its six MotoGP wins in 2020.

The season unveil also included focus on PETRONAS Sprinta Racing with words from Moto2 riders Xavi Vierge and Jake Dixon as well as John McPhee and Darryn Binder for Moto3.

Razlan Razali, Team Principal:

We are proud to represent Malaysia and PETRONAS on the world stage in MotoGP for a third season as PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team.

We are looking forward to the season ahead, eager to give Franco and Valentino the best opportunity. For Franco, it’s a fabulous opportunity to achieve even better things than his stellar season in 2020 and for Valentino we’re hoping a new team will give him the best opportunities to harness his talent and expertise.

The team has enjoyed an incredible trajectory since entering the sport and we are thankful to PETRONAS and Yamaha for enabling this through their strong support and shared philosophy and aspirations.

2020 was an incredible year for us, but we are mindful that there are always areas where we can improve. We expect another tough fight on track over the season ahead and we will be pushing at every step to support Franco and Valentino and ensure they have all the tools at their disposal.

As a team, PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team also incorporates PETRONAS Sprinta Racing in Moto2 and Moto3 as we are proud to have supremely strong line-ups of riders and crew in these categories. For Xavi and Jake in Moto2 and John and Darryn in Moto3 we expect very exciting seasons ahead.

 

Johan Stigefelt, Team Director:

We look forward to the season ahead with pride in what we have achieved in previous years, but with the awareness that our opposition never sits still, so we must not either. We have achieved great results in MotoGP in our first two seasons but we certainly were not perfect. Over the off-season we have targeted improvements across the board. Looking at our riders across the categories, the potential is huge as we are strong in every class. Our targets are higher than before, but so is our potential. Our dream is to get a win in every category on the same weekend; it’s a lot to ask, but it’s not impossible!

 

Tan Sri Azman, Chairman of Sepang International Circuit:

We look back over the team’s short history and see there has been great success. We have showcased mechanics, management, partners and riders from Malaysia on the world stage. We are proud that this is a Malaysian team with strong and solid Malaysian management. We not only develop and focus on talent on track but talent in all elements of a big team like PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team. We look ahead to the 2021 season full of pride and we have high hopes and expectations. There is strength and depth in our team and everyone from Sepang International Circuit wishes the team well for another exciting but yet challenging season where our dream is to do the impossible by winning the world championship.

 

Datin Anita Azrina, Senior General Manager of Group Strategic Communications, PETRONAS:

Our title and technical partnership with SRT has significantly enhanced our R&D capabilities in the area of fluid technology solutions. We are proud to say our fluid formulations have been instrumental towards PSRT’s success in the world championship. We have seen PSRT clinch the 2019 and 2020 MotoGP Best Independent Team award, while Franco became the 2020 MotoGP Vice Champion. For a relatively new team in the sport, this achievement is nothing short of extraordinary, and we at PETRONAS are proud to be a part of this journey.  Looking ahead, the expectations are riding high for the 2021 MotoGP season, but it gives me comfort to see the team approach the new season with the same vigour and passion. Similarly, at PETRONAS, we will continue to support the team through our Fluid Technology Solutions, and we can continue to push boundaries together.

 

Franco Morbidelli. Photo courtesy PETRONAS Yamaha SRT.
Franco Morbidelli. Photo courtesy PETRONAS Yamaha SRT.

 

Franco Morbidelli:

This will be my third year with the team and there are many things I like about PETRONAS Yamaha SRT. The 2021 YZR-M1 livery is similar to the last two years, but still changed; It’s the same but different so I like it. What is different from last years is my teammate; I expect and hope it will be a great season for Vale [Valentino Rossi] and me. We have had a strong relationship for many years and we will learn a lot from each other. My personal target for 2021 is to get better; improve myself as a person, rider and athlete. I know it’s hard and difficult because last year we were quite fast and we made great races and achieved great results. Nevertheless, we will have to try to improve compared with 2020, so that’s my aim, try to be better year after year.

 

Valentino Rossi. Photo courtesy PETRONAS Yamaha SRT.
Valentino Rossi. Photo courtesy PETRONAS Yamaha SRT.

 

Valentino Rossi:

I’m very proud to be part of PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team. It’s a new challenge for me. This is a very young team, but in the last two years they have already been really competitive. I’m happy to see my new bike for this year and I really like the colours of the livery, leathers, helmet, etc. It looks awesome. My targets for 2021 is to be competitive, fight to win races, fight to achieve podiums and also fight for a good position in the World Championship standings at the end of the season. We are all very focused on our targets to make the best we can. I think that with Franco we are a very interesting couple of riders as we know each other really well. All the whole team has a lot of motivation and I will give my maximum to achieve together the best possible result at the end of the calendar. We are ready to start.

 

Xavi Vierge:

Being part of PETRONAS Sprinta Racing is just amazing.  Myself and the team understand each other perfectly after one year working together. My target is to fight for the top positions from the beginning, and to keep fighting for the championship until the end. I will try not to repeat the same mistakes as last year and avoid injuries by riding more stable and calmer – this is our target.

 

Jake Dixon:

It’s great to be involved with PETRONAS Sprinta Racing because obviously they are present in Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP, and they’re the only team that’s present in all three classes. Also, it means so much for me to be involved with a massive global name such as PETRONAS. This season I want to be more consistent from early on, which is the biggest factor for me. If I can hit my form early, I’ll automatically be a lot better. I’ll take in the first rounds to see where I’m at, and then slowly build back into it and definitely score race wins and podiums as they were on the cards towards the end of 2020.

 

John McPhee:

To be part of PETRONAS Sprinta Racing for a third consecutive year is just fantastic, and it really is like a dream come true for me. They’re such a professional group of people on and off the track. They’ve helped me achieve some great results with two wins and seven podiums.

I’m so excited to see the team after what felt like such a long winter break. I think after strong performances last year in many races, I know I can go better. We’ve analysed lots of data from 2020, and I’m just really excited to see what’s possible, and I’m really looking forward to a great year.

 

Darryn Binder:

It means a lot to me to be a part of PETRONAS Sprinta Racing. They’ve got a team in every category, and they’ve got such a great pathway to MotoGP. Also, I’ve always looked up to Rossi as an idol, and it’s pretty cool for us to be under the same roof. I’m really stoked to be with him! I’m looking to have a really strong season in Moto3 in 2021. I ended last year off on a good note and I’m looking to pick up where I left off by keeping the ball rolling and doing my best. I want to try and be on the podium as much as I can, and when I can’t be on the podium, I still want to be in the top five.

American Flat Track: Cory Texter Staying With G&G Racing

Cory Texter (1), as seen during the 2020 AFT season finale in Daytona Beach, Florida. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
Cory Texter (1), as seen in 2020. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.

Cory Texter and G&G Racing Team Up for Third Consecutive Season in Progressive AFT

YUCAIPA, Calif. – G&G Racing and Cory Texter will team up for the third consecutive season in Progressive American Flat Track and will contend the AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines title. In 2021, Texter will be riding his Yamaha MT-07 with added support from Mission Foods and Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas.

After winning the inaugural 2019 AFT Production Twins championship with G&G Racing, Texter finished runner-up in 2020 with four wins and 11 total podium finishes.

“Last year was a success in my opinion,” said Texter. “We came a little bit short of defending our championship, but I learned so much about the motorcycle and myself as a rider that will help me this season. It’s really cool to see a lot of diversity in the schedule and with my experience, I really think that will play into my favor.”

Texter will once again ride for John and LJ Gronek out of the G&G Racing stable on the same Yamaha MT-07 race bikes that have brought him success the last two seasons.

“We are excited to bring Cory back for another season,” said LJ Gronek. “He has a great comfort level with the motorcycles and his work ethics are second to none. We are eager to get started and have some fun.”

The team looks forward to the extra support with the addition of Mission Foods and Jerry Stinchfield of Roof Systems as sponsors.

“I am ecstatic to partner again with Cory and the G&G team,” said Stinchfield. “They have proven they have what it takes to be successful and along with Mission Foods, we are looking for big things from CTex this season.”

G&G Racing also thanks Yamaha Motor USA, JMR, Fontana Radiators, Graves Motorsports for their support.

Texter’s supporters also include McElroy Packaging, Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties, Klock Werks, Bell Powersports, Motul USA, Alpinestars, Fredericktown Yamaha, Kicker Audio, Motion Pro, Law Tigers, Holeshot Powersports, Mike Butler Racing and Access Media Lab.

The 2021 Progressive AFT season kicks off with a Volusia Half-Mile doubleheader event at Volusia Speedway Park on Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13, 2021. Tickets for this season-opening extravaganza are on sale now at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3321/#raceSchedule.

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

To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.

World Supersport: Maria Herrera Riding Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha

Maria Herrera (wearing hat) and her team reveal their new Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha WorldSSP Supported YZF-R6. Photo courtesy Yamaha Racing.
Maria Herrera (wearing hat) and her team reveal their new Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha WorldSSP Supported YZF-R6. Photo courtesy Yamaha Racing.

Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha Confirms Maria Herrera for WorldSSP Campaign

The Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha team has announced Maria Herrera as their rider for the 2021 FIM Supersport World Championship campaign, in which the team will receive support from Yamaha to become the Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha WorldSSP Supported Team.

Ahead of the new season, Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha have moved to a new headquarters in Fiano Romano, Italy, and this marks its second season in WorldSSP, where it will once again field the Yamaha R6 bike, having also enjoyed success over their past two FIM Supersport 300 World Championship seasons.

Spanish rider Herrera is no stranger to the category, and despite her young age, 24, she boasts a valuable amount of experience, which made her the perfect fit for the team’s second endeavour into the category. For 2021, Herrera will take part in the WorldSSP Challenge, featuring at the European stages of the championship, which currently make up the first nine rounds.

Hailing from the Iberian region of Spain, Herrera has shown from a young age that she is a fierce competitor, winning the ‘Campionato Velocità del Mediterraneo’ in 2011. The following year she stepped up to the CEV Moto3 class, and during her second season in 2013 she took two victories on her way to fourth in the championship. That year she also earned a Moto3 world championship wildcard entry at the Aragon Grand Prix.

She took part in three more Moto3 Grands Prix in 2014, where she raced in Jerez, Barcelona and Valencia, before she earned a full-time ride in the championship for the following year. She went onto complete three full seasons, racking up 65 Moto3 starts, and in 2018 switched to WorldSSP300, riding a R3 GYTR-kitted bike.

After a single campaign, Herrera made the move to the WorldSSP class on a Yamaha R6 in 2019, combining this with a full-season ride in the newly-formed MotoE World Cup. After some impressive performances, she spent another year in MotoE and joined three WorldSSP rounds.

On this basis, coupled with the strong foundations of the Sandro Carusi-led outfit, the Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha team is confident of being competitive, having already achieved success in the WorldSSP300 class.

Maria Herrera

Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha WorldSSP Supported Team

“I chose this team because many people speak well of Sandro, the bike, the group and the potential they have. My main goal for this year is to do a great job and have fun by going fast.”

Sandro Carusi – Team Principal

Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha WorldSSP Supported Team

“I am very happy to be able to announce Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha’s participation in the WorldSSP class with Maria Herrera. Having the only woman in the championship, who is a huge talent, gives us the opportunity to demonstrate the level we have reached. I’m sure it will be a strong incentive for all of us.”

Andrea Dosoli

Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Manager

“We’re really excited to see the Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha team coming back to the WorldSSP class in 2021. Sandro and his team have already given young talented riders a great opportunity in WorldSSP300 and it’s great to see how they have continued that trend in the 600cc class. Maria is an impressive and versatile young rider who adds good experience to the team and I expect them to achieve some strong results together this year.”

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