Journalist and Motorcycle Industry Veteran Mitch Boehm Named AMA Editorial Director
New communications team will use compelling storytelling, engagement to serve AMA mission
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association announced today the appointment of longtime motorsports journalist and motorcycle industry veteran Mitch Boehm as Editorial Director, in addition to other changes in the communications department.
In his role, Boehm serves as editor-in-chief of all AMA media properties, including American Motorcyclist magazine and americanmotorcyclist.com.
“Mitch’s editorial expertise, wide-ranging industry experience and keen perspective are a perfect match for our mission,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “We welcome his new energy and fresh ideas on shining the spotlight on American motorcyclists and spreading the word about the work of the AMA to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.”
Boehm has 36 years of motorcycle-industry and motojournalism experience, including staff positions at Motorcyclist and Cycle World as well as a 15-year stint as editor-in-chief at Motorcyclist magazine from 1993 to 2008. He worked as an R&D expert for American Honda in the early 1990s, arranged, co-wrote and edited Malcolm Smith’s acclaimed autobiography Malcolm! The Autobiography in 2015, was American Flat Track’s communications director in 2018-19, and most recently was editor-in-chief of Thunder Press magazine. He spends his time between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles.
“Compelling storytelling really is my sweet spot,” said Boehm, who will report to Chief Operating Officer James Holter. “American Motorcyclist has some serious history and tons of potential given the current media landscape, and it’s going to be fun working alongside Rob, James and Creative Services Director Mark Lapid. We’ve got some fresh thinking in store for the magazine as well as for our digital efforts, and you’ll see some of this starting with the April issue.”
Joining Boehm in the Communications Department is AMA Managing Editor Joy Burgess. Burgess has more than 16 years of editorial and marketing experience. Most recently she served as the managing editor of Thunder Press and previously was the editor of Woman Rider.
Joy Burgess. Photo courtesy AMA.
Burgess has spent much of her time in the industry focusing on women who ride two wheels (including a groundbreaking “Women in Motorcycling” issue for Thunder Press), telling their stories and helping other women find a community in motorcycling. Burgess lives with her son near Orlando, Fla.
“I’m lucky enough to have found ‘family’ in the motorcycle community, and I’ve never forgotten how much this community has given to me,” Burgess said. “It’s always my goal to give back to the motorcycle industry, and I’m excited and humbled to have the chance to work with the AMA doing just that, working with Mitch and this amazing team to both promote and protect motorcycling through storytelling.”
Also joining the AMA staff is National Sales Manager Forrest Hayashi, a respected 25-year industry veteran specializing in advertising, media, sponsorships and industry partnerships. With a 12-year tenure at Cycle News and a 15-year stint at Transworld Media, Hayashi brings considerable experience to the AMA.
Forrest Hayashi. Photo courtesy AMA.
“It’s an honor to join the AMA team, being a long-time member and an obvious motorcycle enthusiast,” Hayashi said. “Having worked in the motorcycle advertising media side for the last 25 years, I look forward to working with AMA partners, advertisers and sponsors going forward. The year 2020 was, in a lot of cases, a year of growth for the motorcycle industry and I believe 2021 will be even brighter.”
Hayashi will continue to be based in Long Beach, Calif., and can be contacted via email on [email protected] and by phone/text on (562) 766-9061.
Steve Gotoski, formerly AMA Director of Business Development, is transitioning to a new role as the AMA Director of Industry Relations and Business Memberships. Gotoski will focus on elevating benefits to the AMA’s 200,000-plus members by cultivating the association’s numerous relationships within the industry, improving business member communication and value and increasing the scope of strategic partnerships.
Steve Gotoski. Photo courtesy AMA.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to manage a key area of the AMA,” Gotoski said. “Our relationships within the industry are essential to the AMA’s ability to protect and preserve motorcycling for current and future generations, and I look forward to serving our members and industry partners to the best of my ability.”
Gotoski will continue to be based in Menifee, Calif., reporting to Holter. He can be contacted via email on [email protected] or phone/text on 951-204-1948.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.
Bronson Bauman Announces Independent Mission® SuperTwins Program for 2021
TRIVOLI, Ill. (February 16, 2021) – Progressive American Flat Track Mission® SuperTwins competitor Bronson Bauman announced today the formation of his own Mission SuperTwins effort aboard an Indian FTR750 for the 2021 season.
After two successful seasons riding for Factory Indian Motorcycle, Bauman will field his own program with support from Indian Motorcycle of Oklahoma.
Bauman claimed his first career win at the Laconia Short Track in 2019 en route to finishing third in the point standings. In 2020, Bauman had another successful season with five top-five finishes and a fifth overall in the championship.
“I want to thank the Factory S&S Indian Motorcycle team for all the support the last two years,” said Bauman. “I am saddened by our separation, but I am thankful to have a program in place that I can continue to race at the top level in 2021.”
In addition to Indian Motorcycle of Oklahoma, providing the motorcycle that Bauman will race, support will also come from Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas, DPC Racing, Rod Lake, Drew Masa and Glen’s Auto Body.
“I plan to contest the entire series and chase down the championship on my own dime and time,” said Bauman. “I want to thank all of the supporters who stepped up to keep me on the racetrack this year. Racing for a Factory for two seasons was a dream come true, but I still have goals to chase and will keep working hard to make it happen.”
Bauman also credits Pro Plates and 19 Cycle Works for their continued support.
Bauman will debut his new race program at the 2021 season kick-off doubleheader weekend at the Volusia Half-Mile in Barberville, Florida.
A MONTH TO THE QATAR GP FOR THE BEGINNING OF A BREAKTHROUGH SEASON FOR THE SKY RACING TEAM VR46
THE DEBUT IN MOTOGP AND A NEW COUPLE IN MOTO2 TO PUSH THE TALENT OF THE ITALIAN RIDERS EVEN HIGHER
THE SKY RACING TEAM VR46 CELEBRATES ITS 8TH SEASON WITH THE DEBUT IN THE TOP CLASS: LUCA MARINI ON DUCATI WITH SKY VR46 AVINTIA
A NEW START FOR THE MOTO2 PROJECT WITH MARCO BEZZECCHI AND CELESTINO VIETTI RAMUS ON KALEX
#SkyVR46Day
Milan, February 16th, 2021. It is the day of the Sky Racing Team VR46, just a month before the start of the World Championship in Qatar, it presents the Teams and riders of the 2021 season of this project, the eighth consecutive one. A project that, thanks to the trust and constant work of Sky and VR46, over time has seen the birth of promises, the growth of talents and the achievement of important milestone of the contemporary motorcycling.
It will be the turning point season, which begins with a goal already achieved at the start, Luca Marini’s debut in MotoGP with Sky VR46 Avintia thanks to the agreement between Sky Racing Team VR46, Esponsorama Racing and Ducati. Marini will be the second rider of Team Sky-VR46 to make his debut in the top class after Francesco Bagnaia, Moto2 World Champion in 2018, who is now waiting for his friend for new challenges on the track in the top class.
A new start for Moto2, where we will be able to count on the talent of Marco Bezzecchi – one of the title contender in 2020 – and on the qualities of the young rookie Celestino Vietti Ramus, making his debut on Kalex in the new category after having impressed in Moto3.
TOTAL BLACK – The new MotoGP and Moto2 liveries for the 2021 season, revisited in colors by the VR46 graphic and creative department, have the same appearance in both categories: the touch of light grey becomes shiny black, with a game of contrasts introduced by the chromed blue, which redesigns the graphics of the two Teams in a more “racing” way while remaining faithful to the colors that have always accompanied the crew.
Luca Marini and his new Sky VR46 Avintia Ducati Desmosedici. Photo courtesy Sky Racing Team VR46.
MOTOGP – Among the most talented young rider in the entire Italian panorama and in the VR46 Riders Academy since his birth, Luca Marini will make his MotoGP debut with the Sky Racing Team VR46. He earned the promotion to the top class thanks to 6 successes in the intermediate category (all riding the Kalex of the Sky Racing Team VR46) and three seasons as a protagonist in Moto2, crowned by the second place in the Championship in 2020. That of 2021 will be a Team completely built around Luca, where the experience of Ducati, its technicians and of the crew chief Luca Ferraccioli will meet the capacity of the sporting director of Esponsorama Avintia Ruben Xaus and the coach of the VR46 Riders Academy Roberto Locatelli together with some of the historical members of the Team.
LUCA MARINI, MOTOGP rider Sky VR46 Avintia
“I can’t wait to start this new season with Sky VR46 Avintia. I didn’t have the opportunity to test Ducati at the end of November as in a normal season and the wait was so long. I spent the whole winter thinking about the first day of testing! With the support of the Academy, I am training to be physically and mentally ready. There will be so many things to learn, I will work hard to grow and adapt myself to the new category as fast as possible. At the same time, I want to enjoy this first year in MotoGP: it will be a special moment in my life. I would like to thank Ducati and the Sky Racing Team VR46 for believing in me and repaying them for the trust they have placed in my abilities. I hope that our relationship can evolve in the years to come”.
RUBEN XAUS, Sporting director Esponsorama Avintia
“I am happy to welcome Luca to MotoGP in the Sky VR46 Avintia. As a sporting director I’m proud to see the birth of this partnership with the support and commitment of Ducati and all our partners. We were dreaming on young riders, as rookies since years with a great desire to show their best: a starting point that we share with Luca and the Sky Racing Team VR46 project, a reference Team for skills and results in Moto2. It will be a challenging year, but full of emotions on track”.
Sky Racing Team VR46 Moto2 riders Marco Bezzecchi (left) and Celestino Vietti Ramus (right). Photo courtesy Sky Racing Team VR46.
MOTO2 – Fourth in the Championship in 2020 with 184 points, Marco Bezzecchi is among the most awaited for the 2021, with two wins plus 5 podiums. Pure talent in Moto3, in the first season at the Sky Racing Team VR46 he found a new dimension and was the protagonist of an exponential growth, scoring the first podium and the first victory in the intermediate class.
MARCO BEZZECCHI, Moto2 rider Sky Racing Team VR46
“Like every year, I’m always happy to be back on track after a long off season. I met my crew a few weeks ago in Tavullia, we’re excited and can’t wait to see them again in Qatar. Fingers crossed for the calendar, I’m sure we’ll have fun. We need to keep concentrating and working hard: in this way we can make a step forward compared to last year, become more consistent and be in the group of the strongest riders in every GP”.
At the debut in CEV in 2018 with the Sky VR46 Junior Team, then in the World Championship with the first podium and the first victory (Moto3, Austria 2020) with the Sky Racing Team VR46: Celestino Vietti Ramus is close to another key passage of his career with the usual colors. In 2020 he impressed with his ability to manage the race and speed, which allowed him to take two wins, two more podiums and the possibility of making his debut in the higher category.
CELESTINO VIETTI RAMUS, Moto2 rider Sky Racing Team VR46
“I am waiting for this moment since the testing session in Jerez, when I have tried the Moto2: I am happy because once again I will face a key milestone in my career together with the guys of the Sky Racing Team VR46. It won’t be easy, there are many tricks to take care compared to the Moto3, but also a lot of power and speed to manage. In November I really enjoyed it and the feelings were more than positive. Working hard with the Team and continue to take the measures of the new category is the target and then being able to get some good positions, but no rush”.
After the World title in 2020 among the Team, confirmation is the target for Pablo Nieto, Team Manager of the Moto2 team for the fifth consecutive year. Alongside him Luca Brivio in the role of Team Coordinator and Roberto Locatelli, who in addition to following the riders of the VR46 Riders Academy will split himself between his commitment in MotoGP and Moto2. Ambitious goal and key roles confirmed: Sergio Martinez will continue to follow Marco Bezzecchi, while Jairo Carriles, Luca Marini’s crew chief last year, will take care about Celestino Vietti Ramus in his approach to Kalex.
PABLO NIETO, Team Manager Moto2 Sky Racing Team VR46
“It will be a very special year for the Sky Racing Team VR46: confirmations and great opportunities. We come from a very special 2020 and at the same time full of results and goals achieved. Repeat ourself will not be easy, but Marco and Celestino are a sparkling couple from many points of view. They are fast, competitive and they want to impress everyone. For Celestino the target is to approach and work hard to adapt himself to the new category as soon as he can, while I’m sure Marco will give his best since Qatar GP”.
PARTNERS – In both categories, the Sky VR46 Avintia and the Sky Racing Team VR46 will be able to count on the commitment and trust of partners who have embraced the team’s philosophy. In MotoGP, the main partners of the project will be Avintia, WithU, Bardahl, Fassi, Nascor and Muc Off, while in Moto2, WithU, Monster, Bardhal, Fassi and Muc Off are confirmed. The collaboration for both teams is also confirmed by Dainese and AGV, alongside the Sky Racing Team VR46 since its birth. UYN will dress both MotoGP and Moto2 teams.
2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship provisional calendar update
The 2021 Dutch Round will be rescheduled for the end of July
Following the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and resulting regulations, the FIM, Government Officials, the TT Circuit Assen and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) informs of the postponement of the Dutch Round to the 23rd to the 25th of July.
As local authorities have determined that no major events may be held in Drenthe until the 1st of June 2021, the Dutch Round, initially scheduled from the 23rd to the 25th of April, will now take place at the end of July.
FIM and Dorna WSBK Organization are constantly working with Government Officials and Circuits in order to continue putting the safety of everyone first. Any further updates to the 2021 WorldSBK calendar will be communicated accordingly.
Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (Provisional)
5/7-9 Circuito do Estoril, Estoril, Portugal
5/21-23 MotorLand Aragon, Alcaniz, Spain
6/11-13 Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, Misano, San Marino
7/2-4 Donington Park, Donington, England
7/23-25 TT Circuit Assen, Assen, Netherlands
9/3-5 Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, Magny-Cours, France
9/17-19 Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
9/24-26 Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
10/1-3 Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, Portimao, Portugal
10/15-17 Circuito San Juan Villicum, San Juan, Argentina
11/12-14 Mandalika International Street Circuit, Kuta, Indonesia***
STC Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Phillip Island, Australia
TBA TBA
*** = Subject To Homologation, STC = Subject To Contract, TBA =To Be Announced
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has signed an agreement with Dorna Sports S.L. to compete in the premier class of Grand Prix motorcycle racing for five more years, from 2022 to 2026
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. are pleased to announce that they have signed a contract with commercial rights holder and series promoter Dorna Sports S.L. to continue their participation in the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship for a further five years, from 2022 to 2026.
The news was officially confirmed by Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Principal & Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Lin Jarvis during today’s post-‘Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Launch’ media debrief.
Yamaha started its World Grand Prix racing endeavours in 1961, making this season the Japanese manufacturer’s 60th anniversary. Throughout their contest in MotoGP™, Yamaha has secured a total of 511 Grand Prix wins, 38 Rider World Titles, 37 Manufacturer World Titles, and five Triple Crowns.
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and Yamaha Motor Racing Srl take this moment to collectively express their gratitude to Dorna Sports S.L. CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta as well as all Dorna MotoGP™ management and staff for their hard work and unflagging motivation that contribute to making MotoGP™ the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.
Toyoshi Nishida, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.’s Executive Officer: “First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Carmelo Ezpeleta and Dorna, as well as all of the Yamaha personnel who made our successful run at the highest level of motorcycle racing possible.
“At Yamaha we take great pride in taking part in Grand Prix motorcycle racing. We are all very pleased that we can confirm the contract renewal for a further five years at the start of an important season for our company.
“Yamaha started competing in World Grand Prix racing in 1961. Sixty years on, Yamaha’s passion for motorcycle racing and eagerness to take on a challenge remains unchanged. MotoGP makes up a large part of Yamaha’s DNA. The premier class’s cutting-edge technology will continue to make their way to Yamaha street bikes, bringing customers’ motorcycle and motorsport fantasies to life on and off-track, giving them the feeling of Kando*.
“At the same time, I think the coming five years of collaborating with Dorna and the other MotoGP manufacturers will be very important for the future. We want to keep the excitement of MotoGP racing while at the same time making it more sustainable and appealing to a wider public.
“We thank all Yamaha fans for their continuous support, and we look forward to bringing them even more exciting and precious memories in the future.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “First of all, I would like to thank Nishida-san and all the members of Yamaha for the long-term collaboration during all these years. At Dorna we are pleased to be a part of the culmination of this partnership by extending our agreement with Yamaha. We are eager to witness this new chapter of the iconic Japanese manufacturer celebrating its 60th anniversary in the racing scene, a factory that has always shown a great commitment with the MotoGP World Championship and whose future will see many other exciting challenges to be enjoyed together in these upcoming years.”
*Kando is a Japanese word for the simultaneous feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that we experience when we encounter something of exceptional value.
Trevor Standish to embark on sophomore season in Twins Cup and targets the podium
Pure Attitude Racing is pleased to announce that Trevor Standish will remain with the team for the 2021 season.
Trevor, a former podium finisher in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup series, stepped up to the Twins Cup in 2020, finishing equal seventh overall, with a best result of sixth at the season finale at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Armed with a new competitive motorcycle for the season ahead, Trevor is optimistic of mixing it with the leading group and fighting for the podium on a regular basis.
Trevor Standish: “I am ecstatic to be back again with Pure Attitude Racing for this upcoming MotoAmerica season in the Twins Cup. Though it may not have been a surprise to many, it doesn’t make it any the less exciting. The team has some fantastic deals in place and even more announcements to follow in the coming weeks. Ever since the inception of Pure Attitude Racing, we have been slowly growing and building our network which has given us the ability to cash-in on this season and make a big impression in the MotoAmerica paddock and to a wider audience. The addition of new riders to our program gives the benefits of more available exposure for sponsors, more data, and even a healthy added pressure to push myself day in and out. I am looking forward to having a teammate and to a great season of racing on Pure Attitude Racing’s most competitive bike yet.”
Dean Standish – Team Manager: “I’m really looking forward to the 2021 season for Trevor as we have worked really hard in the off-season to surround ourselves with some great people and products. After last year and the improvements made by Trevor, it’s clear he has what it takes to be a contender and our goal during the winter was to get him the tools that he needs to fight at the front. We have done that and we are looking forward to seeing what he and his team-mates can do when the season starts at Road Atlanta!”
Pure Attitude Racing will announce their second Twins Cup rider along with the manufacturer of choice in the coming days.
Vance & Hines Announces Sponsorship Program for 2021 AFT Series Valued at Over $70,000
SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. (February 15, 2021) – Vance & Hines, one of the nation’s premier performance motorcycle accessory manufacturers, announced a full slate of contingency sponsorship payouts for the 2021 American Flat Track (AFT) racing season. The program includes payouts for the top five riders in each class for every event and a $5,000 bonus for each class champion. In total, the company is offering riders $73,650 in 2021.
“Our company was born on a racetrack, so we know how hard it can be to fund a racing program. We’re happy to continue to partner with AFT to support all levels of riders in this great American racing series” said Mike Kennedy, President of Vance & Hines.
Vance & Hines is also Harley-Davidson’s partner for the design, manufacturing and selling of the XG750R motorcycle which competes in the AFT Production Twins class. Race teams purchase the bikes directly through the Vance & Hines Racing Development Center in Brownsburg, IN.
The company’s 2021 AFT contingency sponsorship provides cash awards to the first through fifth finishers in AFT SuperTwins, AFT Production Twins and AFT Singles at each of the 17 races on the schedule. The payouts range from $500 for first place to $50 for fifth place, with $1150 available per class at each event. At the end of the season, Vance & Hines will offer a $5000 bonus to the number one finisher in each class.
To qualify for the contingency payments, riders must run an eligible Vance & Hines exhaust system, a Vance & Hines decal on their race bike and have a Vance & Hines patch on their racing leathers.
To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit the Official Progressive AFT Merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.
Featured In the February 2021 issue of Roadracing World:
Some motorcycle companies insist on doing things their own way, and Greeves was one of those! In 1941 Bert Greeves teamed up with disabled Derry Cobb to make three-wheel vehicles for the disabled under the name Invacar (invalid carriages was the name given to these vehicles at the time). The demand for such vehicles during and immediately after WWII was high, enabling the company to grow and prosper.
In 1951 the company diversified into motorcycles as a hedge against Invacar’s government contracts coming to an end. After much development, a line of Greeves motorcycles was launched in 1954, including two street models, a trials bike, and a motocross racebike, all powered by a Villiers 197cc two-stroke engine. The new bikes had two prominent features: Leading-link front forks and an aluminum casting for the frame’s steering head and front down-tube…
—Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1966 Greeves Silverstone, by Mick Ofield
Seeing the need for a training machine at an affordable price for up-and-coming road racers, Greeves announced the 250cc Silverstone 24RAS in 1963. This led to the 1966 RDS model, considered the best of the company’s unique racebikes. Read the details of the iconoclastic company’s contribution to the sport of road racing – they’re in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
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Progressive AFT and Royal Enfield Renew Multifaceted Partnership for 2021
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 15, 2021) – Progressive American Flat Track is pleased to announce it has extended its multifaceted partnership with Royal Enfield North America ahead of the 2021 season.
Royal Enfield is fresh off a stunning inaugural Progressive AFT campaign in 2020, which culminated in Johnny Lewis’ dominating AFT Production Twins victory aboard the Royal Enfield Twins FT at the Progressive AFT Finale at DAYTONA I in October.
“The partnership between Progressive American Flat Track and Royal Enfield sums up everything that’s good about our sport these days,” said Michael Lock, CEO of Progressive AFT. ”This famous and historic brand is re-asserting itself for the modern era and we are delighted to assist in showcasing the brand values, the bikes and the people behind its recent success. Royal Enfield will be visible in the Fan Zone, helping to evaluate the track, pioneering a new approach to racing with BUILD TRAIN RACE and, importantly, racing in the fast-growing AFT Production Twins class. We are very grateful for their contribution as we grow the sport.”
The oldest global motorcycle brand in continuous production, Royal Enfield is eager to capitalize on its hugely successful Progressive AFT debut in 2021. It returns as an Official OEM Partner and will again bring its fleet of motorcycles to the AFT Fan Zone at select rounds, where fans will have access to official MotoAnatomy X Royal Enfield flat track apparel.
Progressive AFT will also again turn to its beautiful, customized FT 650 track evaluation bike to help assess circuit conditions throughout the season.
RENA is also poised to further grow its BUILD TRAIN RACE program, which highlights, celebrates, and encourages the involvement of women in flat track racing. In 2021, nine women will build and race their own custom INT 650 Twins at this season’s Chicago Half-Mile (5/29), Port Royal Half-Mile (7/24), New York Short Track (8/14), and Charlotte Half-Mile (10/8).
“We are excited to further our commitment to the American Flat Track community,” said Bree Poland, Lead – Marketing, Americas Region and Global Brand Manager – Continental GT Platform of Royal Enfield. “Last year was a good experience and we can’t wait to get back out there to showcase the brand. We are incredibly honored that the BUILD TRAIN RACE program has been invited back, showing strong support for bringing more women into the world of motorsports.”
To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit the Official Progressive AFT Merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.
About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the mid-size motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.
Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 125 dealers in North America, including the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the Himalayan and the all-new 650 Twins: INT 650 and Continental GT 650 motorcycles along with a range of genuine motorcycle accessories and apparel.
For more information on Royal Enfield North America, please visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.
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.
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP ARE #INITTOWINIT IN 2021
Gerno di Lesmo (Italy), 15th February 2021
Today, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team broadcast a virtual reality team presentation to official open their 2021 campaign. The launch event‘s theme #InItToWinIt echoes the mindset of a team spearheaded by two young and competitive riders, Maverick Viñales and Fabio Quartararo, ahead of the 2021 MotoGP World Championship kick off in Qatar in March.
With this year marking Yamaha‘s 60th anniversary of its first ever Grand Prix endeavour, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team is raring to start the 2021 World Championship action. To set the tone for a new season that‘s full of endless possibilities and which they will be tackling with a new rider line-up, the team found an innovative way to open its doors to the fans and media. Making use of the latest technology, they gave a virtual reality presentation to show off their eager young riders Maverick Viñales and Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YZR-M1s, as well as the team‘s close relationship with title sponsor Monster Energy Company.
The team presentation was led by renowned TV F1 presenter Federica Masolin, who is also an avid MotoGP fan. She chatted with Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.‘s MotoGP Group Leader Takahiro Sumi, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Principal & Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Lin Jarvis, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Director Massimo Meregalli, Factory Yamaha riders Maverick Viñales and Fabio Quartararo, and Monster Energy’s Senior Vice President of Sports Marketing Mitch Covington, before showing the 2021 Yamaha YZR-M1s, inviting the participants to share their thoughts on the upcoming MotoGP action.
Viñales joined the Factory Yamaha crew in 2017 and immediately took two back-to-back GP victories. He went on to third place in the rider standings that year. Though the following season proved to be tough, the Spaniard kept his motivation high and won the race at Phillip Island. He finished 2018 in fourth place overall, just five points behind his teammate in third position. In 2019, he scored two further Grand Prix victories, one in Assen and one in Sepang, and collected the overall bronze medal once more at the end of the season. 2020 was another challenging year. Though the Spaniard was in contention for the championship title until two races before the end, he ultimately finished in sixth place.
Quartararo is a new entry to the Yamaha Factory Team, but he is already a household name amongst MotoGP fans thanks to his successful years as part of the Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team. In his MotoGP debut year 2019, he scored seven podiums in total (five second places and two third places), to end his first season on a YZR-M1 in fifth place, earning him the Rookie of the Year title. The young Frenchman started 2020 with a bang too, securing his first premier class win at Round 1 in Jerez, and he repeated his dominant performance again the very next week at the same track. His third victory came in Catalunya, but he was unable to put his mark on the end of the season. He finished eighth in the overall 2020 standings.
The colour scheme of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP bike remains the same for 2021, with the team‘s YZR-M1, the pit box, and the riders‘ leathers sporting a ’Monster Energy black‘ to ’Yamaha Factory Racing blue‘ gradient. The perfect blend between Yamaha‘s aesthetic and Monster Energy’s instantly recognisable claw branding is also represented in the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team logo and on the team uniforms.
Yamaha has a long-term global alliance with the team‘s title sponsor, Monster Energy Company, based on their mutual passion for racing. A multiple-year title-sponsor agreement with the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team was signed in the summer of 2018 and came naturally, as Monster Energy Company sponsors multiple Yamaha teams (among them the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP team since 2013) and riders (including Viñales and Quartararo) in various racing classes.
The team is also pleased to announce that throughout the 2021 racing season the bike will continue to feature the slogans of Thai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc., starting from the extended Qatar Official Test held on 6th-7th March and 10th-12th March 2021.
Newly confirmed Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team rider Cal Crutchlow will be joining Viñales and Quartararo at the Losail International Circuit. After a seven-year interval, the vastly experienced premier class rider will return to riding the YZR-M1 on 5th March 2021 in the Shakedown Test.
The Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1 racebikes of Fabio Quartararo (20) and Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
With the 2021 season shaping up nicely, currently projected to count 19 GP rounds, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP is delighted to confirm the continuation of its relationship with numerous sponsors and partners, including:
For 2021, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team have formed a new alliance with VR46 Racing Apparel. They will be the manufacturers of all official team wear all provided with a prominent VR46 Racing Apparel logo. Identical official team wear products will be on sale to Yamaha fans throughout the global dealer network and at racetrack merchandize sales points.
Moreover, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team continues to support Yamaha‘s bLU cRU programme, encouraging a younger generation of on-road riders to follow their dream to become the next MotoGP star. Viñales and Quartararo are ambassadors of the programme and will serve as role models for all Yamaha‘s young talents.
Lastly, with an eye on continuous innovations and technical progression, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team will be working closely together with Valentino Rossi, Franco Morbidelli, and the Petronas Yamaha SRT team throughout the 2021 season. Rossi will be riding a full factory YZR-M1 in Petronas Yamaha SRT colours, whilst Morbidelli will be riding the A-Spec YZR-M1. Both satellite riders will receive full support from YMC engineers in 2021, and their input will continue to contribute to the further development of the YZR-M1 throughout the season.
HIROSHI ITO
GENERAL MANAGER, MOTORSPORTS DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
“First of all, I want to say ’Thank you for your patience during the extended winter break‘ to all Yamaha MotoGP fans around the world. We, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.‘s Motorsports Development Division, are ready for the start of this new season. Last year was very tough for all MotoGP riders, teams, and staff members. During this time, our riders and teams got over the various difficulties together. Just like last year, this year the riders and teams will work together again to put in Yamaha‘s bid for the MotoGP World Title. We will use last years‘ experience and add to that our creativity and ingenuity to win the championship as a strong team. We are confident and ready to do so. Please look forward to the success of this year’s Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team and PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team and our four wonderful riders.”
LIN JARVIS
MANAGING DIRECTOR, YAMAHA MOTOR RACING
“This year we are entering our ninth year with Monster Energy Company as our sponsor and our third year with them as our title sponsor. We take great pride in the team‘s long-term partnership with them as well as the strong global alliance between Yamaha and Monster Energy that forms an instant connection between the two brands. This bond cannot only be seen on track, through branding, but it‘s also there behind the scenes and off track. The team wants to sincerely thank Monster Energy for their continuous support and commitment, as well as their genuine interest and passion for the sport. The same goes for our numerous other team sponsors, official partners, and suppliers. Without their dedication we would not be able to do what we love most – competing at the top-tier level of motorcycle racing. We greatly miss having our sponsors, partners, as well as the media and the fans, attend events such as today‘s press launch. However, we hope that the virtual reality experience made them feel ’close to us‘ again. The use of this state-of-the-art technology is also a reflection of our current mind-set: this season we are not leaving any stones unturned to get the job done. Last year, Yamaha was the most successful manufacturer in terms of GP wins, with seven wins in total, but we missed out on the Championship Title. Our goal for this year is to win the MotoGP World Championship. With the arrival of Fabio paired with Maverick we have two title contenders on board and so we know what we need to do – win races and maintain consistency all season long. I believe with the improvements on the bike and the changes within our team we are ready to do just that. Let‘s go racing!”
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
TEAM DIRECTOR
“2020 was a difficult season, but we‘ve learned from it as a team and we are now aware of what we can expect for 2021. We can‘t test in Sepang due to the continuing global pandemic, so the fans will have to wait a bit longer before they can watch our riders in action. We are feeling confident for the Qatar Test. Yamaha‘s Japanese engineers have dedicated a lot of time and effort to developing the M1. We have a lot of new things to try, and we can‘t wait to get started. Another change is that we now have two young riders, who are both definitely very keen to get to work, so we are approaching this preseason with a ’can do‘ attitude. We are 100% dedicated to being #InItToWinIt during the 2021 season.”
Maverick Vinales. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
MAVERICK VIÑALES
“Last year was a crazy year for all of us. We have left that behind us now and we‘ll focus on what‘s to come. With the two tests in Sepang cancelled I will have to wait a bit longer to ride my M1 again. It‘s a long winter break, so I‘m feeling impatient to get to work, but in a good way. After having enjoyed some time of rest during the off-season, we are all excited to start work again. We don‘t have a lot of testing opportunities – just the Qatar Test – so we will have to be on our A-game straight away.”
Fabio Quartararo. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
FABIO QUARTARARO
“I‘m excited to start the new season, especially because I‘m in a new team. Throughout my career I have always been moving from team to team – I like this. It‘s exciting to work with new people and learn new things. I‘m looking forward to the Qatar Test – it can‘t come soon enough! I‘ll finally get to try my Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1 for the first time. I‘ve seen quite a lot of photoshopped versions of my number on the Factory Yamaha bike on social media, but – however well they are made – nothing compares to the feeling I got when I saw the real thing for the first time. I can‘t wait to start riding!”
Mitch Boehm (left) with Malcolm Smith (right). Photo courtesy AMA.
Journalist and Motorcycle Industry Veteran Mitch Boehm Named AMA Editorial Director
New communications team will use compelling storytelling, engagement to serve AMA mission
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association announced today the appointment of longtime motorsports journalist and motorcycle industry veteran Mitch Boehm as Editorial Director, in addition to other changes in the communications department.
In his role, Boehm serves as editor-in-chief of all AMA media properties, including American Motorcyclist magazine and americanmotorcyclist.com.
“Mitch’s editorial expertise, wide-ranging industry experience and keen perspective are a perfect match for our mission,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “We welcome his new energy and fresh ideas on shining the spotlight on American motorcyclists and spreading the word about the work of the AMA to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.”
Boehm has 36 years of motorcycle-industry and motojournalism experience, including staff positions at Motorcyclist and Cycle World as well as a 15-year stint as editor-in-chief at Motorcyclist magazine from 1993 to 2008. He worked as an R&D expert for American Honda in the early 1990s, arranged, co-wrote and edited Malcolm Smith’s acclaimed autobiography Malcolm! The Autobiography in 2015, was American Flat Track’s communications director in 2018-19, and most recently was editor-in-chief of Thunder Press magazine. He spends his time between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles.
“Compelling storytelling really is my sweet spot,” said Boehm, who will report to Chief Operating Officer James Holter. “American Motorcyclist has some serious history and tons of potential given the current media landscape, and it’s going to be fun working alongside Rob, James and Creative Services Director Mark Lapid. We’ve got some fresh thinking in store for the magazine as well as for our digital efforts, and you’ll see some of this starting with the April issue.”
Joining Boehm in the Communications Department is AMA Managing Editor Joy Burgess. Burgess has more than 16 years of editorial and marketing experience. Most recently she served as the managing editor of Thunder Press and previously was the editor of Woman Rider.
Joy Burgess. Photo courtesy AMA.
Burgess has spent much of her time in the industry focusing on women who ride two wheels (including a groundbreaking “Women in Motorcycling” issue for Thunder Press), telling their stories and helping other women find a community in motorcycling. Burgess lives with her son near Orlando, Fla.
“I’m lucky enough to have found ‘family’ in the motorcycle community, and I’ve never forgotten how much this community has given to me,” Burgess said. “It’s always my goal to give back to the motorcycle industry, and I’m excited and humbled to have the chance to work with the AMA doing just that, working with Mitch and this amazing team to both promote and protect motorcycling through storytelling.”
Also joining the AMA staff is National Sales Manager Forrest Hayashi, a respected 25-year industry veteran specializing in advertising, media, sponsorships and industry partnerships. With a 12-year tenure at Cycle News and a 15-year stint at Transworld Media, Hayashi brings considerable experience to the AMA.
Forrest Hayashi. Photo courtesy AMA.
“It’s an honor to join the AMA team, being a long-time member and an obvious motorcycle enthusiast,” Hayashi said. “Having worked in the motorcycle advertising media side for the last 25 years, I look forward to working with AMA partners, advertisers and sponsors going forward. The year 2020 was, in a lot of cases, a year of growth for the motorcycle industry and I believe 2021 will be even brighter.”
Hayashi will continue to be based in Long Beach, Calif., and can be contacted via email on [email protected] and by phone/text on (562) 766-9061.
Steve Gotoski, formerly AMA Director of Business Development, is transitioning to a new role as the AMA Director of Industry Relations and Business Memberships. Gotoski will focus on elevating benefits to the AMA’s 200,000-plus members by cultivating the association’s numerous relationships within the industry, improving business member communication and value and increasing the scope of strategic partnerships.
Steve Gotoski. Photo courtesy AMA.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to manage a key area of the AMA,” Gotoski said. “Our relationships within the industry are essential to the AMA’s ability to protect and preserve motorcycling for current and future generations, and I look forward to serving our members and industry partners to the best of my ability.”
Gotoski will continue to be based in Menifee, Calif., reporting to Holter. He can be contacted via email on [email protected] or phone/text on 951-204-1948.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.
Bronson Bauman (37) in action in 2020. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
Bronson Bauman Announces Independent Mission® SuperTwins Program for 2021
TRIVOLI, Ill. (February 16, 2021) – Progressive American Flat Track Mission® SuperTwins competitor Bronson Bauman announced today the formation of his own Mission SuperTwins effort aboard an Indian FTR750 for the 2021 season.
After two successful seasons riding for Factory Indian Motorcycle, Bauman will field his own program with support from Indian Motorcycle of Oklahoma.
Bauman claimed his first career win at the Laconia Short Track in 2019 en route to finishing third in the point standings. In 2020, Bauman had another successful season with five top-five finishes and a fifth overall in the championship.
“I want to thank the Factory S&S Indian Motorcycle team for all the support the last two years,” said Bauman. “I am saddened by our separation, but I am thankful to have a program in place that I can continue to race at the top level in 2021.”
In addition to Indian Motorcycle of Oklahoma, providing the motorcycle that Bauman will race, support will also come from Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas, DPC Racing, Rod Lake, Drew Masa and Glen’s Auto Body.
“I plan to contest the entire series and chase down the championship on my own dime and time,” said Bauman. “I want to thank all of the supporters who stepped up to keep me on the racetrack this year. Racing for a Factory for two seasons was a dream come true, but I still have goals to chase and will keep working hard to make it happen.”
Bauman also credits Pro Plates and 19 Cycle Works for their continued support.
Bauman will debut his new race program at the 2021 season kick-off doubleheader weekend at the Volusia Half-Mile in Barberville, Florida.
Sky Racing Team VR46 riders Marco Bezzecchi (left), Luca Marini (center), and Celestino Vietti Ramus (right). Photo courtesy Sky Racing Team VR46.
A MONTH TO THE QATAR GP FOR THE BEGINNING OF A BREAKTHROUGH SEASON FOR THE SKY RACING TEAM VR46
THE DEBUT IN MOTOGP AND A NEW COUPLE IN MOTO2 TO PUSH THE TALENT OF THE ITALIAN RIDERS EVEN HIGHER
THE SKY RACING TEAM VR46 CELEBRATES ITS 8TH SEASON WITH THE DEBUT IN THE TOP CLASS: LUCA MARINI ON DUCATI WITH SKY VR46 AVINTIA
A NEW START FOR THE MOTO2 PROJECT WITH MARCO BEZZECCHI AND CELESTINO VIETTI RAMUS ON KALEX
#SkyVR46Day
Milan, February 16th, 2021. It is the day of the Sky Racing Team VR46, just a month before the start of the World Championship in Qatar, it presents the Teams and riders of the 2021 season of this project, the eighth consecutive one. A project that, thanks to the trust and constant work of Sky and VR46, over time has seen the birth of promises, the growth of talents and the achievement of important milestone of the contemporary motorcycling.
It will be the turning point season, which begins with a goal already achieved at the start, Luca Marini’s debut in MotoGP with Sky VR46 Avintia thanks to the agreement between Sky Racing Team VR46, Esponsorama Racing and Ducati. Marini will be the second rider of Team Sky-VR46 to make his debut in the top class after Francesco Bagnaia, Moto2 World Champion in 2018, who is now waiting for his friend for new challenges on the track in the top class.
A new start for Moto2, where we will be able to count on the talent of Marco Bezzecchi – one of the title contender in 2020 – and on the qualities of the young rookie Celestino Vietti Ramus, making his debut on Kalex in the new category after having impressed in Moto3.
TOTAL BLACK – The new MotoGP and Moto2 liveries for the 2021 season, revisited in colors by the VR46 graphic and creative department, have the same appearance in both categories: the touch of light grey becomes shiny black, with a game of contrasts introduced by the chromed blue, which redesigns the graphics of the two Teams in a more “racing” way while remaining faithful to the colors that have always accompanied the crew.
Luca Marini and his new Sky VR46 Avintia Ducati Desmosedici. Photo courtesy Sky Racing Team VR46.
MOTOGP – Among the most talented young rider in the entire Italian panorama and in the VR46 Riders Academy since his birth, Luca Marini will make his MotoGP debut with the Sky Racing Team VR46. He earned the promotion to the top class thanks to 6 successes in the intermediate category (all riding the Kalex of the Sky Racing Team VR46) and three seasons as a protagonist in Moto2, crowned by the second place in the Championship in 2020. That of 2021 will be a Team completely built around Luca, where the experience of Ducati, its technicians and of the crew chief Luca Ferraccioli will meet the capacity of the sporting director of Esponsorama Avintia Ruben Xaus and the coach of the VR46 Riders Academy Roberto Locatelli together with some of the historical members of the Team.
LUCA MARINI, MOTOGP rider Sky VR46 Avintia
“I can’t wait to start this new season with Sky VR46 Avintia. I didn’t have the opportunity to test Ducati at the end of November as in a normal season and the wait was so long. I spent the whole winter thinking about the first day of testing! With the support of the Academy, I am training to be physically and mentally ready. There will be so many things to learn, I will work hard to grow and adapt myself to the new category as fast as possible. At the same time, I want to enjoy this first year in MotoGP: it will be a special moment in my life. I would like to thank Ducati and the Sky Racing Team VR46 for believing in me and repaying them for the trust they have placed in my abilities. I hope that our relationship can evolve in the years to come”.
RUBEN XAUS, Sporting director Esponsorama Avintia
“I am happy to welcome Luca to MotoGP in the Sky VR46 Avintia. As a sporting director I’m proud to see the birth of this partnership with the support and commitment of Ducati and all our partners. We were dreaming on young riders, as rookies since years with a great desire to show their best: a starting point that we share with Luca and the Sky Racing Team VR46 project, a reference Team for skills and results in Moto2. It will be a challenging year, but full of emotions on track”.
Sky Racing Team VR46 Moto2 riders Marco Bezzecchi (left) and Celestino Vietti Ramus (right). Photo courtesy Sky Racing Team VR46.
MOTO2 – Fourth in the Championship in 2020 with 184 points, Marco Bezzecchi is among the most awaited for the 2021, with two wins plus 5 podiums. Pure talent in Moto3, in the first season at the Sky Racing Team VR46 he found a new dimension and was the protagonist of an exponential growth, scoring the first podium and the first victory in the intermediate class.
MARCO BEZZECCHI, Moto2 rider Sky Racing Team VR46
“Like every year, I’m always happy to be back on track after a long off season. I met my crew a few weeks ago in Tavullia, we’re excited and can’t wait to see them again in Qatar. Fingers crossed for the calendar, I’m sure we’ll have fun. We need to keep concentrating and working hard: in this way we can make a step forward compared to last year, become more consistent and be in the group of the strongest riders in every GP”.
At the debut in CEV in 2018 with the Sky VR46 Junior Team, then in the World Championship with the first podium and the first victory (Moto3, Austria 2020) with the Sky Racing Team VR46: Celestino Vietti Ramus is close to another key passage of his career with the usual colors. In 2020 he impressed with his ability to manage the race and speed, which allowed him to take two wins, two more podiums and the possibility of making his debut in the higher category.
CELESTINO VIETTI RAMUS, Moto2 rider Sky Racing Team VR46
“I am waiting for this moment since the testing session in Jerez, when I have tried the Moto2: I am happy because once again I will face a key milestone in my career together with the guys of the Sky Racing Team VR46. It won’t be easy, there are many tricks to take care compared to the Moto3, but also a lot of power and speed to manage. In November I really enjoyed it and the feelings were more than positive. Working hard with the Team and continue to take the measures of the new category is the target and then being able to get some good positions, but no rush”.
After the World title in 2020 among the Team, confirmation is the target for Pablo Nieto, Team Manager of the Moto2 team for the fifth consecutive year. Alongside him Luca Brivio in the role of Team Coordinator and Roberto Locatelli, who in addition to following the riders of the VR46 Riders Academy will split himself between his commitment in MotoGP and Moto2. Ambitious goal and key roles confirmed: Sergio Martinez will continue to follow Marco Bezzecchi, while Jairo Carriles, Luca Marini’s crew chief last year, will take care about Celestino Vietti Ramus in his approach to Kalex.
PABLO NIETO, Team Manager Moto2 Sky Racing Team VR46
“It will be a very special year for the Sky Racing Team VR46: confirmations and great opportunities. We come from a very special 2020 and at the same time full of results and goals achieved. Repeat ourself will not be easy, but Marco and Celestino are a sparkling couple from many points of view. They are fast, competitive and they want to impress everyone. For Celestino the target is to approach and work hard to adapt himself to the new category as soon as he can, while I’m sure Marco will give his best since Qatar GP”.
PARTNERS – In both categories, the Sky VR46 Avintia and the Sky Racing Team VR46 will be able to count on the commitment and trust of partners who have embraced the team’s philosophy. In MotoGP, the main partners of the project will be Avintia, WithU, Bardahl, Fassi, Nascor and Muc Off, while in Moto2, WithU, Monster, Bardhal, Fassi and Muc Off are confirmed. The collaboration for both teams is also confirmed by Dainese and AGV, alongside the Sky Racing Team VR46 since its birth. UYN will dress both MotoGP and Moto2 teams.
2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship provisional calendar update
The 2021 Dutch Round will be rescheduled for the end of July
Following the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and resulting regulations, the FIM, Government Officials, the TT Circuit Assen and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) informs of the postponement of the Dutch Round to the 23rd to the 25th of July.
As local authorities have determined that no major events may be held in Drenthe until the 1st of June 2021, the Dutch Round, initially scheduled from the 23rd to the 25th of April, will now take place at the end of July.
FIM and Dorna WSBK Organization are constantly working with Government Officials and Circuits in order to continue putting the safety of everyone first. Any further updates to the 2021 WorldSBK calendar will be communicated accordingly.
Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (Provisional)
5/7-9 Circuito do Estoril, Estoril, Portugal
5/21-23 MotorLand Aragon, Alcaniz, Spain
6/11-13 Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, Misano, San Marino
7/2-4 Donington Park, Donington, England
7/23-25 TT Circuit Assen, Assen, Netherlands
9/3-5 Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, Magny-Cours, France
9/17-19 Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
9/24-26 Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
10/1-3 Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, Portimao, Portugal
10/15-17 Circuito San Juan Villicum, San Juan, Argentina
11/12-14 Mandalika International Street Circuit, Kuta, Indonesia***
STC Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Phillip Island, Australia
TBA TBA
*** = Subject To Homologation, STC = Subject To Contract, TBA =To Be Announced
Monster Energy Yamaha rider Maverick Vinales (12) on his YZR-M1. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Yamaha extend MotoGP™ commitment to 2026
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has signed an agreement with Dorna Sports S.L. to compete in the premier class of Grand Prix motorcycle racing for five more years, from 2022 to 2026
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. are pleased to announce that they have signed a contract with commercial rights holder and series promoter Dorna Sports S.L. to continue their participation in the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship for a further five years, from 2022 to 2026.
The news was officially confirmed by Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Principal & Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Lin Jarvis during today’s post-‘Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Launch’ media debrief.
Yamaha started its World Grand Prix racing endeavours in 1961, making this season the Japanese manufacturer’s 60th anniversary. Throughout their contest in MotoGP™, Yamaha has secured a total of 511 Grand Prix wins, 38 Rider World Titles, 37 Manufacturer World Titles, and five Triple Crowns.
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and Yamaha Motor Racing Srl take this moment to collectively express their gratitude to Dorna Sports S.L. CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta as well as all Dorna MotoGP™ management and staff for their hard work and unflagging motivation that contribute to making MotoGP™ the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.
Toyoshi Nishida, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.’s Executive Officer: “First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Carmelo Ezpeleta and Dorna, as well as all of the Yamaha personnel who made our successful run at the highest level of motorcycle racing possible.
“At Yamaha we take great pride in taking part in Grand Prix motorcycle racing. We are all very pleased that we can confirm the contract renewal for a further five years at the start of an important season for our company.
“Yamaha started competing in World Grand Prix racing in 1961. Sixty years on, Yamaha’s passion for motorcycle racing and eagerness to take on a challenge remains unchanged. MotoGP makes up a large part of Yamaha’s DNA. The premier class’s cutting-edge technology will continue to make their way to Yamaha street bikes, bringing customers’ motorcycle and motorsport fantasies to life on and off-track, giving them the feeling of Kando*.
“At the same time, I think the coming five years of collaborating with Dorna and the other MotoGP manufacturers will be very important for the future. We want to keep the excitement of MotoGP racing while at the same time making it more sustainable and appealing to a wider public.
“We thank all Yamaha fans for their continuous support, and we look forward to bringing them even more exciting and precious memories in the future.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “First of all, I would like to thank Nishida-san and all the members of Yamaha for the long-term collaboration during all these years. At Dorna we are pleased to be a part of the culmination of this partnership by extending our agreement with Yamaha. We are eager to witness this new chapter of the iconic Japanese manufacturer celebrating its 60th anniversary in the racing scene, a factory that has always shown a great commitment with the MotoGP World Championship and whose future will see many other exciting challenges to be enjoyed together in these upcoming years.”
*Kando is a Japanese word for the simultaneous feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that we experience when we encounter something of exceptional value.
Trevor Standish. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Trevor Standish to embark on sophomore season in Twins Cup and targets the podium
Pure Attitude Racing is pleased to announce that Trevor Standish will remain with the team for the 2021 season.
Trevor, a former podium finisher in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup series, stepped up to the Twins Cup in 2020, finishing equal seventh overall, with a best result of sixth at the season finale at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Armed with a new competitive motorcycle for the season ahead, Trevor is optimistic of mixing it with the leading group and fighting for the podium on a regular basis.
Trevor Standish: “I am ecstatic to be back again with Pure Attitude Racing for this upcoming MotoAmerica season in the Twins Cup. Though it may not have been a surprise to many, it doesn’t make it any the less exciting. The team has some fantastic deals in place and even more announcements to follow in the coming weeks. Ever since the inception of Pure Attitude Racing, we have been slowly growing and building our network which has given us the ability to cash-in on this season and make a big impression in the MotoAmerica paddock and to a wider audience. The addition of new riders to our program gives the benefits of more available exposure for sponsors, more data, and even a healthy added pressure to push myself day in and out. I am looking forward to having a teammate and to a great season of racing on Pure Attitude Racing’s most competitive bike yet.”
Dean Standish – Team Manager: “I’m really looking forward to the 2021 season for Trevor as we have worked really hard in the off-season to surround ourselves with some great people and products. After last year and the improvements made by Trevor, it’s clear he has what it takes to be a contender and our goal during the winter was to get him the tools that he needs to fight at the front. We have done that and we are looking forward to seeing what he and his team-mates can do when the season starts at Road Atlanta!”
Pure Attitude Racing will announce their second Twins Cup rider along with the manufacturer of choice in the coming days.
Vance & Hines-sponsored racer James Rispoli (43). Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
Vance & Hines Announces Sponsorship Program for 2021 AFT Series Valued at Over $70,000
SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. (February 15, 2021) – Vance & Hines, one of the nation’s premier performance motorcycle accessory manufacturers, announced a full slate of contingency sponsorship payouts for the 2021 American Flat Track (AFT) racing season. The program includes payouts for the top five riders in each class for every event and a $5,000 bonus for each class champion. In total, the company is offering riders $73,650 in 2021.
“Our company was born on a racetrack, so we know how hard it can be to fund a racing program. We’re happy to continue to partner with AFT to support all levels of riders in this great American racing series” said Mike Kennedy, President of Vance & Hines.
Vance & Hines is also Harley-Davidson’s partner for the design, manufacturing and selling of the XG750R motorcycle which competes in the AFT Production Twins class. Race teams purchase the bikes directly through the Vance & Hines Racing Development Center in Brownsburg, IN.
The company’s 2021 AFT contingency sponsorship provides cash awards to the first through fifth finishers in AFT SuperTwins, AFT Production Twins and AFT Singles at each of the 17 races on the schedule. The payouts range from $500 for first place to $50 for fifth place, with $1150 available per class at each event. At the end of the season, Vance & Hines will offer a $5000 bonus to the number one finisher in each class.
To qualify for the contingency payments, riders must run an eligible Vance & Hines exhaust system, a Vance & Hines decal on their race bike and have a Vance & Hines patch on their racing leathers.
To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit the Official Progressive AFT Merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.
The 1966 Greeves Silverstone, seen above, as illustrated by Mick Ofield.
Featured In the February 2021 issue of Roadracing World:
Some motorcycle companies insist on doing things their own way, and Greeves was one of those! In 1941 Bert Greeves teamed up with disabled Derry Cobb to make three-wheel vehicles for the disabled under the name Invacar (invalid carriages was the name given to these vehicles at the time). The demand for such vehicles during and immediately after WWII was high, enabling the company to grow and prosper.
In 1951 the company diversified into motorcycles as a hedge against Invacar’s government contracts coming to an end. After much development, a line of Greeves motorcycles was launched in 1954, including two street models, a trials bike, and a motocross racebike, all powered by a Villiers 197cc two-stroke engine. The new bikes had two prominent features: Leading-link front forks and an aluminum casting for the frame’s steering head and front down-tube…
—Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1966 Greeves Silverstone, by Mick Ofield
Seeing the need for a training machine at an affordable price for up-and-coming road racers, Greeves announced the 250cc Silverstone 24RAS in 1963. This led to the 1966 RDS model, considered the best of the company’s unique racebikes. Read the details of the iconoclastic company’s contribution to the sport of road racing – they’re in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
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American Flat Track's (AFT) Royal Enfield FT 650 track evaluation bike. Photo courtesy AFT.
Progressive AFT and Royal Enfield Renew Multifaceted Partnership for 2021
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 15, 2021) – Progressive American Flat Track is pleased to announce it has extended its multifaceted partnership with Royal Enfield North America ahead of the 2021 season.
Royal Enfield is fresh off a stunning inaugural Progressive AFT campaign in 2020, which culminated in Johnny Lewis’ dominating AFT Production Twins victory aboard the Royal Enfield Twins FT at the Progressive AFT Finale at DAYTONA I in October.
“The partnership between Progressive American Flat Track and Royal Enfield sums up everything that’s good about our sport these days,” said Michael Lock, CEO of Progressive AFT. ”This famous and historic brand is re-asserting itself for the modern era and we are delighted to assist in showcasing the brand values, the bikes and the people behind its recent success. Royal Enfield will be visible in the Fan Zone, helping to evaluate the track, pioneering a new approach to racing with BUILD TRAIN RACE and, importantly, racing in the fast-growing AFT Production Twins class. We are very grateful for their contribution as we grow the sport.”
The oldest global motorcycle brand in continuous production, Royal Enfield is eager to capitalize on its hugely successful Progressive AFT debut in 2021. It returns as an Official OEM Partner and will again bring its fleet of motorcycles to the AFT Fan Zone at select rounds, where fans will have access to official MotoAnatomy X Royal Enfield flat track apparel.
Progressive AFT will also again turn to its beautiful, customized FT 650 track evaluation bike to help assess circuit conditions throughout the season.
RENA is also poised to further grow its BUILD TRAIN RACE program, which highlights, celebrates, and encourages the involvement of women in flat track racing. In 2021, nine women will build and race their own custom INT 650 Twins at this season’s Chicago Half-Mile (5/29), Port Royal Half-Mile (7/24), New York Short Track (8/14), and Charlotte Half-Mile (10/8).
“We are excited to further our commitment to the American Flat Track community,” said Bree Poland, Lead – Marketing, Americas Region and Global Brand Manager – Continental GT Platform of Royal Enfield. “Last year was a good experience and we can’t wait to get back out there to showcase the brand. We are incredibly honored that the BUILD TRAIN RACE program has been invited back, showing strong support for bringing more women into the world of motorsports.”
To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit the Official Progressive AFT Merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.
About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the mid-size motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.
Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 125 dealers in North America, including the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the Himalayan and the all-new 650 Twins: INT 650 and Continental GT 650 motorcycles along with a range of genuine motorcycle accessories and apparel.
For more information on Royal Enfield North America, please visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.
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.
Fabio Quartararo (left) and Maverick Vinales (right). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP ARE #INITTOWINIT IN 2021
Gerno di Lesmo (Italy), 15th February 2021
Today, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team broadcast a virtual reality team presentation to official open their 2021 campaign. The launch event‘s theme #InItToWinIt echoes the mindset of a team spearheaded by two young and competitive riders, Maverick Viñales and Fabio Quartararo, ahead of the 2021 MotoGP World Championship kick off in Qatar in March.
With this year marking Yamaha‘s 60th anniversary of its first ever Grand Prix endeavour, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team is raring to start the 2021 World Championship action. To set the tone for a new season that‘s full of endless possibilities and which they will be tackling with a new rider line-up, the team found an innovative way to open its doors to the fans and media. Making use of the latest technology, they gave a virtual reality presentation to show off their eager young riders Maverick Viñales and Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YZR-M1s, as well as the team‘s close relationship with title sponsor Monster Energy Company.
The team presentation was led by renowned TV F1 presenter Federica Masolin, who is also an avid MotoGP fan. She chatted with Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.‘s MotoGP Group Leader Takahiro Sumi, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Principal & Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Lin Jarvis, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Director Massimo Meregalli, Factory Yamaha riders Maverick Viñales and Fabio Quartararo, and Monster Energy’s Senior Vice President of Sports Marketing Mitch Covington, before showing the 2021 Yamaha YZR-M1s, inviting the participants to share their thoughts on the upcoming MotoGP action.
Viñales joined the Factory Yamaha crew in 2017 and immediately took two back-to-back GP victories. He went on to third place in the rider standings that year. Though the following season proved to be tough, the Spaniard kept his motivation high and won the race at Phillip Island. He finished 2018 in fourth place overall, just five points behind his teammate in third position. In 2019, he scored two further Grand Prix victories, one in Assen and one in Sepang, and collected the overall bronze medal once more at the end of the season. 2020 was another challenging year. Though the Spaniard was in contention for the championship title until two races before the end, he ultimately finished in sixth place.
Quartararo is a new entry to the Yamaha Factory Team, but he is already a household name amongst MotoGP fans thanks to his successful years as part of the Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team. In his MotoGP debut year 2019, he scored seven podiums in total (five second places and two third places), to end his first season on a YZR-M1 in fifth place, earning him the Rookie of the Year title. The young Frenchman started 2020 with a bang too, securing his first premier class win at Round 1 in Jerez, and he repeated his dominant performance again the very next week at the same track. His third victory came in Catalunya, but he was unable to put his mark on the end of the season. He finished eighth in the overall 2020 standings.
The colour scheme of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP bike remains the same for 2021, with the team‘s YZR-M1, the pit box, and the riders‘ leathers sporting a ’Monster Energy black‘ to ’Yamaha Factory Racing blue‘ gradient. The perfect blend between Yamaha‘s aesthetic and Monster Energy’s instantly recognisable claw branding is also represented in the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team logo and on the team uniforms.
Yamaha has a long-term global alliance with the team‘s title sponsor, Monster Energy Company, based on their mutual passion for racing. A multiple-year title-sponsor agreement with the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team was signed in the summer of 2018 and came naturally, as Monster Energy Company sponsors multiple Yamaha teams (among them the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP team since 2013) and riders (including Viñales and Quartararo) in various racing classes.
The team is also pleased to announce that throughout the 2021 racing season the bike will continue to feature the slogans of Thai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc., starting from the extended Qatar Official Test held on 6th-7th March and 10th-12th March 2021.
Newly confirmed Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team rider Cal Crutchlow will be joining Viñales and Quartararo at the Losail International Circuit. After a seven-year interval, the vastly experienced premier class rider will return to riding the YZR-M1 on 5th March 2021 in the Shakedown Test.
The Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1 racebikes of Fabio Quartararo (20) and Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
With the 2021 season shaping up nicely, currently projected to count 19 GP rounds, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP is delighted to confirm the continuation of its relationship with numerous sponsors and partners, including:
For 2021, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team have formed a new alliance with VR46 Racing Apparel. They will be the manufacturers of all official team wear all provided with a prominent VR46 Racing Apparel logo. Identical official team wear products will be on sale to Yamaha fans throughout the global dealer network and at racetrack merchandize sales points.
Moreover, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team continues to support Yamaha‘s bLU cRU programme, encouraging a younger generation of on-road riders to follow their dream to become the next MotoGP star. Viñales and Quartararo are ambassadors of the programme and will serve as role models for all Yamaha‘s young talents.
Lastly, with an eye on continuous innovations and technical progression, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team will be working closely together with Valentino Rossi, Franco Morbidelli, and the Petronas Yamaha SRT team throughout the 2021 season. Rossi will be riding a full factory YZR-M1 in Petronas Yamaha SRT colours, whilst Morbidelli will be riding the A-Spec YZR-M1. Both satellite riders will receive full support from YMC engineers in 2021, and their input will continue to contribute to the further development of the YZR-M1 throughout the season.
HIROSHI ITO
GENERAL MANAGER, MOTORSPORTS DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
“First of all, I want to say ’Thank you for your patience during the extended winter break‘ to all Yamaha MotoGP fans around the world. We, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.‘s Motorsports Development Division, are ready for the start of this new season. Last year was very tough for all MotoGP riders, teams, and staff members. During this time, our riders and teams got over the various difficulties together. Just like last year, this year the riders and teams will work together again to put in Yamaha‘s bid for the MotoGP World Title. We will use last years‘ experience and add to that our creativity and ingenuity to win the championship as a strong team. We are confident and ready to do so. Please look forward to the success of this year’s Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team and PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team and our four wonderful riders.”
LIN JARVIS
MANAGING DIRECTOR, YAMAHA MOTOR RACING
“This year we are entering our ninth year with Monster Energy Company as our sponsor and our third year with them as our title sponsor. We take great pride in the team‘s long-term partnership with them as well as the strong global alliance between Yamaha and Monster Energy that forms an instant connection between the two brands. This bond cannot only be seen on track, through branding, but it‘s also there behind the scenes and off track. The team wants to sincerely thank Monster Energy for their continuous support and commitment, as well as their genuine interest and passion for the sport. The same goes for our numerous other team sponsors, official partners, and suppliers. Without their dedication we would not be able to do what we love most – competing at the top-tier level of motorcycle racing. We greatly miss having our sponsors, partners, as well as the media and the fans, attend events such as today‘s press launch. However, we hope that the virtual reality experience made them feel ’close to us‘ again. The use of this state-of-the-art technology is also a reflection of our current mind-set: this season we are not leaving any stones unturned to get the job done. Last year, Yamaha was the most successful manufacturer in terms of GP wins, with seven wins in total, but we missed out on the Championship Title. Our goal for this year is to win the MotoGP World Championship. With the arrival of Fabio paired with Maverick we have two title contenders on board and so we know what we need to do – win races and maintain consistency all season long. I believe with the improvements on the bike and the changes within our team we are ready to do just that. Let‘s go racing!”
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
TEAM DIRECTOR
“2020 was a difficult season, but we‘ve learned from it as a team and we are now aware of what we can expect for 2021. We can‘t test in Sepang due to the continuing global pandemic, so the fans will have to wait a bit longer before they can watch our riders in action. We are feeling confident for the Qatar Test. Yamaha‘s Japanese engineers have dedicated a lot of time and effort to developing the M1. We have a lot of new things to try, and we can‘t wait to get started. Another change is that we now have two young riders, who are both definitely very keen to get to work, so we are approaching this preseason with a ’can do‘ attitude. We are 100% dedicated to being #InItToWinIt during the 2021 season.”
Maverick Vinales. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
MAVERICK VIÑALES
“Last year was a crazy year for all of us. We have left that behind us now and we‘ll focus on what‘s to come. With the two tests in Sepang cancelled I will have to wait a bit longer to ride my M1 again. It‘s a long winter break, so I‘m feeling impatient to get to work, but in a good way. After having enjoyed some time of rest during the off-season, we are all excited to start work again. We don‘t have a lot of testing opportunities – just the Qatar Test – so we will have to be on our A-game straight away.”
Fabio Quartararo. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
FABIO QUARTARARO
“I‘m excited to start the new season, especially because I‘m in a new team. Throughout my career I have always been moving from team to team – I like this. It‘s exciting to work with new people and learn new things. I‘m looking forward to the Qatar Test – it can‘t come soon enough! I‘ll finally get to try my Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1 for the first time. I‘ve seen quite a lot of photoshopped versions of my number on the Factory Yamaha bike on social media, but – however well they are made – nothing compares to the feeling I got when I saw the real thing for the first time. I can‘t wait to start riding!”
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