Aprilia Introduces New Tuono 660

David Swarts

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January 7, 2021

APRILIA TUONO 660 FINALLY UNVEILED ON THE APRILIA.COM WEBSITE

THE 2021 TUONO 660 IS THE WORTHY CREATION OF THE LEGENDARY TUONO 1100 AND SIBLING TO THE ASTONISHING RS 660 WITH WHICH IT SHARES MOST OF ITS SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY

INTRODUCING A NAKED SPORTBIKE UNIQUE IN ITS SEGMENT: LIGHTWEIGHT AND POWERFUL, WITH A 95 HP TWIN-CYLINDER, HIGHLY ADVANCED ELECTRONICS AND A CHASSIS ARCHITECTURE WORTHY OF ITS NAME

A 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 in Concept Black. Photo courtesy Aprilia.

The highly anticipated Tuono 660 – on display for its global premiere online at APRILIA.COM – takes the legendary Aprilia Tuono V4 into the medium engine capacity segment.

Worthy child of the unbeatable Tuono V4 1100, the new Tuono 660 combines manageable power and light weight, for great performance available to all, refined chassis architect and an electronic controls package derived directly from the Tuono V4.

Aprilia Tuono 660 embraces the concepts of sporty versatility, ease and fun that Aprilia is introducing for a new generation of riding enthusiasts.

Aprilia was the first to make a sport naked starting from a technical base created for the track, giving the various Tuono 1000cc V-twins and then the generation of unrivalled V4s incomparable riding and performance qualities.

And so, the new Aprilia RS 660 sport bike is also born out of the Tuono 660, a sport naked version characterized by ultra-high technical content, but with an even more extreme street and daily-use connotation thanks, first and foremost, to the higher riding position which makes for different ergonomics, as well as a natural and comfortable ride.

A 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 in Acid Gold. Photo courtesy Aprilia.

Aprilia Tuono 660 also shares the primary project objective with RS 660: creating a bike with an extraordinary weight/power ratio: 183 kg (403 lbs) curb weight for 95 HP of power. A category record, which represents the ideal formula for fun on the road, accessible to everyone. Tuono 660 is dedicated to new riders, but also for younger riders who are moving up from smaller engine capacities looking for a high-level sport naked that can provide fun on the road and is also ready to support the rider on the occasional track day.

Tuono 660 has that same aggressive and sporty style as the Tuono family, standing out for its reduced surface dimensions that enhance that dynamic and sport-derived character it has, even when its parked. Like the RS 660, the new Tuono also adopts the innovative concept of the double fairing with aerodynamic appendix function, born out of increasingly more in-depth research in the wind tunnel, as well as the triple LED headlight unit featuring DRL lights.

A close up of the "double fairing" aerodynamic concept on the Aprilia Tuono 660. Photo courtesy Aprilia. — A close up of the “double fairing” aerodynamic concept on the Aprilia Tuono 660. Photo courtesy Aprilia.

Tuono 660 boasts a magnificent structure committed to light weight made up of the frame and swingarm, both in die-cast aluminum. The adjustable Kayaba suspension system has a dedicated set-up.

The high handlebar and the chassis architecture measurements differentiate Tuono 660 from the RS, benefiting total control, responsiveness and agile handling, thanks to a different offset of the fork plate.

The cockpit of the 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660. Photo courtesy Aprilia.

The engine is used as a bearing element and contributes to forming a compact, lightweight and stiff structure. The latest generation forward-facing twin cylinder, small and lightweight, is a child of the experience gained on the powerful Aprilia V4, from which its construction philosophy and basic technical concepts are drawn. The 270° combustion timing allows that character and grit that riders love so much to be achieved. The final drive is shorter than that of the RS 660, privileging responsiveness and quickness.

Its electronics are top of the class, more advanced than various superbike class bikes: the Ride-by-Wire electronic accelerator provides the best management of the APRC electronic controls suite that includes multi-level traction control, anti-wheelie control, cruise control, engine brake and selectable engine maps, also joined by the ABS system. To easily manage all the electronic controls through the color TFT instrumentation, Aprilia has fine-tuned five Riding Modes (three dedicated to road riding and two for the track): the rider just needs to choose the option that best interprets his or her riding style, always leaving the possibility of customizing them.

Tuono 660 will be available in three color variants: Concept Black, Iridium Grey and the brand new and attractive Acid Gold, already popular on the RS 660, a color never before seen in the motorcycling world which sets new style standards to interpret sportiness in an original and innovative way and to never go unnoticed.

Availability:

End of Q1 2021, US and Canada

Price:

US $10,499 / $10,699 (Acid Gold)

Canada $12,795 / $13,095 (Acid Gold)

A head-on view of a 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660. Photo courtesy Aprilia.

American Flat Track: Eslick Racing Kawasaki In Production Twins

David Swarts

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January 6, 2021

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American Flat Track: Eslick Racing Kawasaki In Production Twins

Jim Terchila & Bob Berry/Berry Brothers Racing Announce Former 4-Time Daytona ‘200’ Winner Danny Eslick to Ride Team’s Bikes in 2021 American Flat Track Production Twins Class

Terchila, former promoter of now-defunct Mid-America Speedway in Indy & Berry Brothers Racing to contest full season with Eslick at the controls

Indianapolis, IN. – Jim Terchila and Bob Berry would like to announce that they have garnered the services of former 4-time Daytona ‘200’ Champion Danny Eslick to ride the team’s Kawasaki-based 700cc & 750cc bikes for the complete schedule (when it is formally announced) in the American Flat Track Production Twins Class. As it stands now the only firm dates for the upcoming season are the Sacramento Mile Doubleheader on May 7-8 as well as the Springfield Mile Doubleheader over Labor Day Weekend, September 4-5.

“We contested several events during the 2019 & 2020 AFT Production Twins Class seasons with a couple of different riders, and during the off season a few things came together where we decided to put together a full-time team, and Danny’s services became available and from there we were able to work out an agreement that would be beneficial to all of us,” stated Terchila. “Overall we felt we couldn’t go wrong with his past history of championships in the motorcycle racing world (2-time AMA Pro Daytona Sportbike Champion & 2010 AMA Pro Road Racing XR1200 Series Champion), and Danny rode a very competitive Kawasaki to an impressive 5th-place finish, so we all just felt it would be a great pairing for us and for him going forward.

“Our primary bike is a 700cc Kawasaki/Big A bike that was originally built and raced by Chad Cose, and then later by Jay Maloney. We’ve been able to pick up another 750cc Kawasaki/C&J bike as well as another spare 750cc motor that has some nice history to it, “continued Terchila. “Our team sponsors for the season will be R&D Machine, Inc. out of Troy, OH., Thunder Pro motorcycle repair out of Greenfield, IN., 19 Cycle Works out of Hebron, IL., Bob Berry with Berry Brothers Racing, and myself and my wife, Holly Terchila. Danny will be bringing his individual sponsors in R&D Machine, Inc. out of Troy, OH, with owner Dan Daffner, RS Taichi, and TOBC Racing.

“We’re hoping that AFT out of Daytona Beach is close to releasing a full schedule for the 2021 season so we can better plan logistically for the team, but we also understand with the uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 virus that even when they are able to do so, things could change, so we are just hoping for the best all around situation for everyone in the upcoming season, and are looking forward to getting back to racing sometime in the near future and seeing everyone back at the track,” concluded Terchila.

For more info or if you are interested in helping out with sponsorship on or at any level, please contact :

Jim Terchila team co-owner

317-871-4392 (call or text) or [email protected]

FMRRA: Mesa, Miranda Take Multiple Wins At Homestead

David Swarts

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January 6, 2021

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FMRRA: Mesa, Miranda Take Multiple Wins At Homestead

Miranda and Mesa on top with three wins each during FMRRA Round 3 at Homestead

The battle of the Florida top guns commenced this past weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway with Christian Miranda and Stefano Mesa each taking away three hard fought wins.

After issues during Saturday’s practice with his 600cc motorcycle, Dunlop rider Christian Miranda took a borrowed Kawasaki ZX-10 to three wins coming from the back row in the Superstock 1000 Grande Corsa, the Superstock 1000 and the Sunoco Superbike 1000 Sprint races.

Stefano Mesa came out on top with his Pirelli Kawasaki ZX-6R with three wins in the 12-lap Superstock 600 Grande Corsa, Sonoco Superbike 600 Grande, and Sunoco Superbike 1000.

Mesa battled with Max Angles on his Dunlop-shod Yamaha R6 during the Superstock 600 Grande Corsa trading places throughout the race with Stefano setting a new class record along with taking the tough win.

Carl Cohen took two wins on Dunlop-shod Ducati Powered Moto Corse Performance Bimota in the Formula Twins Grande Corsa and the Formula Twins Sprint race.

In the Moto 3, Superstreet and Productions Twins it was the battle of the young guns, with Continental rider Avery Dreher taking three wins in the Superstreet 300 Grande Corsa, Superstreet 300 Sprint race and the Production Twins Grande Corsa. Pirelli rider Yandel Mendina took two wins in the Moto 3 Grande Corsa and the Moto 3 Sprint.

Results:

Sunoco Superbike 600 Grande Corsa Expert

1. Stefano Mesa

2. Max Angles

3. Fernando Silva

Sunoco Superbike 600 Grande Corsa Amateur

1. Samir Suarez

2. Matthew Patacca

3. Eric Vowels

Sunoco Superbike 600 Sprint Expert

1. Gabriel DaSilva

2. Max Angles

3. Diego Pierluigi

Sunoco Superbike 600 Sprint Amateur

1. Eric Vowels

2. Yoan Chavez

3. Kevin Soltis

Sunoco Superbike 1000 Grande Corsa Expert

1. Stefano Mesa

2. Christian Miranda

3. Gabriel DaSilva

Sunoco Superbike 1000 Grande Corsa Amateur

1. Jozef Vavrek

2. Victor Pacal

3. Dennis Gonzales

Sunoco Superbike 1000 Sprint Expert

1. Christian Miranda

2. Alex Arango

3. Alex Irzyk

Sunoco Superbike 1000 Sprint Amateur

1. Jozef Vavrek

2. Victor Pacal

3. Dennis Gonzales

Superstock 600 Grande Corsa Expert

1. Stefano Mesa

2. Max Angles

3. Gabriel DaSilva

Superstock 600 Grande Corsa Amateur

1. Andres Dorado

2. Samir Suarez

3. Matthew Patacca

Superstock 600 Sprint Expert

1. Max Angles

2. Gabriel DaSilva

3. Fernando Silva

Superstock 600 Sprint Amateur

1. Andres Dorado

2. Erix Vowels

3. Felix Diego

Superstock 1000 Grande Corsa Expert

1. Christian Miranda

2. Alex Arango

3. Robert Fisher

Superstock 1000 Grande Corsa Amateur

1. Dennis Gonzales

2. Ketan Ganese

3. Chyler Weatherford

Superstock 1000 Sprint Expert

1. Christian Miranda

2. Alex Arango

3. Alex Irzyk

Superstock 1000 Sprint Amateur

1. Dennis Gonzales

2. Andres Mejia

3. Erwin Ramirez

Formula Twins Grande Corsa Expert

1. Carl Cohen

2. Yandel Medina

3. Paul Vance

Formula Twins Grande Corsa Amateur

1. Alban Bonilla

2. Colleen Urmson

Formula Twins Sprint Expert

1. Carl Cohen

2. Seth Starnes

3. Yandel Medina

Formula Twins Sprint Amateur

1. Chris White

2. Alban Bonilla

Production Twins Grande Corsa Expert

1. Avery Dreher

2. German Vacca

Production Twins Grande Corsa Amateur

1. Aaron Tennyson

2. Michael Zumbrum

3. Michael Deroche

Production Twins Sprint Expert

1. German Vacca

2. Avery Dreher

Production Twins Sprint Amateur

1. Aaron Tennyson

2. Michael Zumbrum

3. Michael Deroche

Euro Max Expert Sprint

1. Alex Arango

2. Jon Groom

Euro Light Amateur Sprint

1 Axel Stein

2. Michael Zumbrum

Euro Light Expert Sprint

1. Eric Watts

Euro Light Amateur Sprint

1. Dennis Gonzales

Formula 40 600 Expert Sprint

1. Alejandro Rei

2. Michael Rouleau

3. Brad Gordon

Formula 40 600 Amateur Sprint

1. Yoan Chavez

2. Yeysey Marrero

3. David Aronow

Formula 40 1000 Sprint Expert

1. Brian Sexton

2. Alejandro Rei

3. John Sackett

Formula 40 1000 Sprint Amateur

1. Jozef Vavrek

2. Victor Pacal

3. Victor Silva

Formula 50 1000 Expert Sprint

1. Michael Rouleau

2. Brad Gordon

3. Alejandro Rei

Formula 50 Amateur Sprint

1. Victor Silva

2. Tim Chin

3. Leorge Perez

FMRRA would like to thank our sponsors for 2021 for their continued support of our passionate racers and the sport as a whole.

Sunoco Racing Fuels

Southern Racing Fuels

Palm Beach County Sports Commission

Bridgestone Tires

Dunlop Motorcycle Tires

Vanson Leathers

MYLAPS Sports Timing

Florida Track Days

For more racing information visit:

https://www.fmrra.com

Full Season Championship Results and Individual Race Results are conveniently available online at:

https://www.fmrra.com/championships/

or follow us on social media:

www.instagram.com/floridaroadracing

www.facebook.com/fmrra

Recent Wedding: Hayden Gillim – Summer Grady

David Swarts

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January 6, 2021

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Recent Wedding: Hayden Gillim – Summer Grady

Pro road racer and flat track racer Hayden Gillim married longtime girlfriend Summer Grady on January 3 just outside of Owensboro, Kentucky.

Where To Ride In January: Track Days, Schools, And Races

David Swarts

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January 6, 2021

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Where To Ride In January: Track Days, Schools, And Races

The following track riding and racing events are scheduled by organizations based in the United States during January 2021.

Motorcycle track days, riding schools, and races are posted under the Event Calendar tab on the home page of this website.

You can access the Events calendar for January 2021 directly by clicking HERE .

Once on the Events page, you can search for the event you are looking for by its date.

When you click on the event you want to attend you will find a link to the website and/or email address of the host organization, a link to the website of the host venue, the physical address of the host venue, a Google map to the host venue, and buttons to add the event and its information to your calendar application.

To have your motorcycle racing or riding event added to the Events calendar on this website and published in the print edition of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine, submit your calendar and contact information via the contact page on this website or by clicking HERE.

Calendar listings are updated often.

COVID-19 restrictions are still in effect in certain parts of the country and can change with little advanced notice. So before heading out on a long trip to an event, check with the organizer to ensure the event is still happening and what the health and safety protocols require.

1/8-9 American Supercamp, Greeley, CO

1/9-10 SoCal Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

1/10-11 American Supercamp, Greeley, CO

1/15 2 Wheels Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

1/15-17 South Florida MiniGP Series, Palm Beach International Raceway, Jupiter, FL

1/16 AMA Sanctioned ASRA Team Challenge Series Presented by Michelin, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

1/16-17 CCS Florida Roadracing Championship Series, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

1/17 DRRO Track Days and Road Race School, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, AZ

1/17 Florida Trackdays, Palm Beach International Raceway, Jupiter, FL

1/17 Superbike-Coach Corp, (Schools), The New Stockton 99 Speedway, Stockton, CA

1/21-22 Yamaha Champions Riding School, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

1/22-23 Fastrack Riders Academy & Apex Club Track Days & School, Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, CA

1/23 Ed Bargy Advanced Riding and Racing School, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL

1/23-24 N2 Track Days, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

1/23-25 Jennings GP Track Days, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL

1/24 XCEL Trackdays Track Days, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, AZ

1/24-25 Florida Trackdays, Palm Beach International Raceway, Jupiter, FL

1/27-28 Racers Edge Track Days and Private Coaching Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

1/29 Apex Assassins Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

1/30-31 CVMA Winter Series, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

1/30-31 Track Day Winner Track Days, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL

1/31 Superbike-Coach Corp, (Schools), The New Stockton 99 Speedway, Stockton, CA

Honda Updates Gold Wing And CRF300L Models

David Swarts

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January 5, 2021

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Honda Updates Gold Wing And CRF300L Models

Honda Improves Touring Comfort, Convenience with 2021 Gold Wing

CRF300L and CRF300L Rally get increased power and improved off-road performance

January 5, 2021 — TORRANCE, Calif.

In its first new-model announcement since the New Year, Honda today confirmed that the Gold Wing family gets a number of upgrades for 2021, designed to deliver improved comfort and convenience for long-distance touring. Among the improvements is a capacity increase for the Tour version’s trunk, which now easily accepts two full-face helmets.

Honda also announced a host of upgrades to its smallest dual-sport models, which are newly named the CRF300L and CRF300L Rally, thanks to a 15 percent increase in engine displacement. The popular standard model has been further updated with a cut in weight and increased suspension travel, upping its off-road capability without sacrificing performance in the city. In addition, the Rally model gets increased range thanks to a larger fuel tank that makes it even better prepared for extended adventures.

“Honda listens to its customers, a fact that is highlighted in our latest new-model announcement,” said Lee Edmunds, Senior Manager of Powersports Marketing for American Honda. “In the case of the Gold Wing and our smallest street-legal CRF models, the 2021 iterations reflect improvements that were highly requested by people who ride them every day, and the motorcycles are better as a result. We look forward to customers getting the chance to experience the updates themselves.”

GOLD WING

The 2021 Gold Wing expands on the goal of long-distance touring luxury with updates aimed at greater comfort and convenience. The Tour model’s top trunk is 11 liters larger, for a total of 61 liters storage capacity, and the passenger seat’s backrest features a more relaxed angle, thicker foam and a taller profile. The seat has a suede-like cover with an enhanced appearance, and the Gold Wing has colored seat piping for added color contrast. A number of audio improvements were incorporated, including upgraded, 45 watt speakers with richer audio; optimized automatic volume-adjustment level and a standard XM radio antenna. Android Auto™ integration joins Apple CarPlay® integration, and the rear turn signals are now all red for a clean, stylish look.

Colors

Gold Wing Tour Air Bag DCT: Candy Ardent Red

Gold Wing Tour DCT, Gold Wing Tour: Candy Ardent Red; Metallic Black

Gold Wing DCT, Gold Wing: Deep Pearl Gray

MSRP

Gold Wing Tour Air Bag DCT: $32,600

Gold Wing Tour DCT: $29,300

Gold Wing Tour: $28,300

Gold Wing DCT: $25,100

Gold Wing: $23,900

Available: February

CRF300L

Honda improved upon the motorcycle industry’s top-selling dual-sport model by upping power (via a 15 percent displacement increase), reducing weight and improving off-road performance—all without sacrificing the value, reliability and styling that have played a large part in the bike’s popularity. Suspension travel and ground clearance are increased for 2021, while overall weight was reduced by 11 lbs., by optimizing plate thicknesses and tubing size on multiple components. Styling cues are carried over from Honda’s CRF Performance line, and both the standard and ABS versions are ready to provide economical transportation and true dual-sport adventure.

Color: Red

MSRP

CRF300L: $5,249

CRF300L ABS: $5,549

Available: March

CRF300L RALLY

Designed to mimic the looks of Ricky Brabec’s Dakar Rally-winning CRF450 Rally, the CRF300L Rally is based on the CRF300L but with a larger tank, hand guards and frame-mounted windscreen that suit longer-distance adventuring without sacrificing nimble performance in city traffic or even trails. Weighing 9 lbs. less than the outgoing model, the CRF300L Rally gets a 15 percent displacement increase for improved power and torque, as well as an even larger, 3.4 gallon tank, making long-distance adventure more attainable than ever.

Color: Red

MSRP

CRF300L Rally: $5,999

CRF300L Rally ABS: $6,299

Available: March

American Flat Track: Rispoli Moving Up To SuperTwins

David Swarts

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January 5, 2021

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American Flat Track: Rispoli Moving Up To SuperTwins

Latus Motors Racing Confirms James Rispoli as 2021 AFT SuperTwins Pilot

The Rocket to contend in Progressive AFT’s premier class with H-D support.

GLADSTONE, Ore. (January 5, 2021) – After weeks of speculation, Latus Motors Racing officially announced today its contention in the AFT SuperTwins class for the 2021 season of Progressive American Flat Track.

On the heels of an announcement of support by Harley-Davidson Motor Company, fans anxiously awaited confirmation that 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion James “The Rocket” Rispoli would return as the pilot of the Latus Motors Racing machine. Today, the “Hogspoli” fanbase will rejoice as team owner George Latus proudly confirms that Rispoli will indeed pilot his championship-winning machine in the premier class of Progressive AFT.

“During this past season James showed grit, determination, and skill in winning the AFT Production Twins Championship,” said Latus. “Additionally, he provides great rider feedback which will be extremely helpful as we move up to the ultra-competitive AFT SuperTwins class. The entire team is really excited to further develop the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R. James is a big part of our program and we’re pleased to have him return as our rider for the 2021 season.”

During his storybook 2020 season, Rispoli seemed in a class of his own at times as he dominated with a five-race win streak and total of seven victories. Furthermore, upon closer examination of his lap times, Rispoli was consistently performing at a premier-class level. Based on their best laps in their respective Main Events, “The Rocket” proved to be the fastest Harley-Davidson-mounted racer regardless of class in six of the season’s final nine races.

“I am very excited to continue with Latus Motors Racing for 2021,” said Rispoli. “The team is like a family to me; I am pumped that everyone is staying on board for this year. We know racing in AFT SuperTwins is a going to be a huge challenge, but I feel like we can be competitive if keep our foot on the gas. I am very excited to get to work.”

Rispoli will without a doubt be a formidable candidate for 2021 AFT SuperTwins title contention.

Progressive AFT will continue to release developments to the 2021 event schedule in the coming weeks. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to Progressive AFT news and social media channels for the latest developments in America’s Original Extreme Sport.

For more information on Progressive American Flat Track visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit the Official Progressive AFT Merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.

How to Watch Progressive American Flat Track

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. The complete schedule for Progressive AFT on NBCSN can be viewed at http://www.americanflattrack.com/events-nbcsn/. TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold – the most-robust motorsports offering in the digital marketplace – is a cornerstone of Progressive AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all Progressive AFT content.

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.

Recent Wedding: Scott Russell – Ericha Schmidt

David Swarts

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January 5, 2021

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Recent Wedding: Scott Russell – Ericha Schmidt

Past FIM Superbike World Champion and AMA Superbike Champion Scott Russell married Ericha Schmidt December 31, 2020, in Blairsville, Georgia.

Russell said he and Ericha dated for a year back in 1998 when he was racing for Yamaha in the FIM Superbike World Championship and reconnected eight years ago.

Ericha Schmidt and Scott Russell, as seen in 1998. Photo courtesy Scott Russell.

WERA West Event Jan. 24 At Auto Club Speedway Cancelled

David Swarts

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January 5, 2021

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WERA West Event Jan. 24 At Auto Club Speedway Cancelled

WERA WEST PRESENTED BY LUCAS OIL AUTOCLUB EVENT SET FOR 1/24/2021 HAS BEEN CANCELED!

Not the way we wanted to begin 2021 season, but after talking to Brian Geye the GM at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA and reading the California Regional and Local Stay Home Orders, it will not be possible for us to conduct this event. There are a number of reasons including no camping at the track and the mandate having motel reservations denied unless you are an essential worker or will be doing a 14-day stay for quarantine.

This mandate is in effect until three weeks after the ICU availability is over 15% which already pushes it past our event date. With these restrictions many of our racers who travel from surrounding states would have no where to stay Saturday night. We had hopes that things would be better by now, but San Bernardino County and especially Auto Club Speedway, which is owned by NASCAR, are adhering to the mandates.

The first WERA West Sportsman event presented by Lucas Oil will be February 27/28 on the Classic Course at Las Vegas Speedway. There will be a New Racer school on Saturday and sprint racing both days.

We apologize for this late notice but we were holding out with the hope that things might change. The compete 2021 WERA Motorcycle Roadracing schedule is on our website www.wera.com.

WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was founded in 1973 and remains the foremost place to develop talent in the sport of motorcycle road racing. The legacy of Pro riders on a National and World level is legendary. All events are run by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing with a co-sanction by the AMA and they go coast to coast offering entry level racing with the WERA Sportsman Series as well as a Pro-Am Series with the WERA National Challenge Series, WERA Motorcycle Roadracing also offer Vintage Racing and limited Endurance Racing with Track Day Partners N2 and Sportbike Track Time. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was voted the 2017 AMA Track Organizer of the Year.

For more information on WERA Motorcycle Roadracing please check out our web site at wera.com!

Roadracing World Now Accepting Nominations For 2021 Young Guns

David Swarts

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January 4, 2021

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Roadracing World Now Accepting Nominations For 2021 Young Guns

We are now accepting nominations for the 25th Annual Roadracing World Young Guns feature, highlighting up-and-coming young road racers from the United States, Canada and now Mexico.

To be considered for the Young Guns feature, a racer must be between the ages of 11 and 18 years old at the start of the 2021 season; have finished in the top three in a sanctioned Expert-level road race or Championship on a 125cc two-stroke/250cc four-stroke or larger motorcycle with full-size (17-inch) wheels; and reside within the United States, Canada or Mexico.

Amateurs/Novices with extraordinary road racing accomplishments may also be considered.

Riders can nominate themselves. Race sanctioning bodies, sponsors and race teams are encouraged to nominate young riders, but riders or their parents must request and then submit completed applications and provide photos suitable for publication (by our deadline) to be considered.

Riders who have previously been recognized as a Young Gun should call David Swarts at 909-654-4779 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) Monday through Friday to quickly update their profile information and arrange submission of up-to-date photos.

For new candidates who wish to be considered for the next Young Guns feature, obtain, fill out and return a 2020 Young Guns questionnaire to Roadracing World by January 11, 2021. Requests for questionnaires should be sent via e-mail to [email protected].

Questionnaires must be filled out completely in English and be returned as a Word document. Completed questionnaires should be returned to the same e-mail address. We will also accept completed questionnaires filled out by hand and submitted via U.S. mail or submitted via overnight delivery service (see addresses listed below).

In addition to completed questionnaires, candidates must also submit an action photo and a head shot (a photo clearly showing the rider’s face without sunglasses) suitable for magazine reproduction. Each submitted photo must include written permission (an e-mail is acceptable) from the photographer (even if the photographer is a parent) specifically giving Roadracing World Publishing the right to publish that photo(s) free of charge in the Young Guns feature and on roadracingworld.com. Digital images must be high-resolution, or 3000 pixels wide or tall at 4 inches. All photos must be accompanied by the name of the rider and the name of the photographer along with when and where the photo was taken, including the name of the racetrack. Photos should not have any watermarks or graphics added, and photo editing should be kept to a minimum. Digital photos are preferred, but hard copies of photos will be scanned and returned if a self-addressed, stamped envelope is included.

The mailing address is: Roadracing World, Attn: Young Guns, P.O. Box 1428, Lake Elsinore, CA 92531-1428.

The overnight delivery address is: Roadracing World, Attn: Young Guns, 581-C Birch St., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530.

Late and incomplete submissions may not be considered.

Young Guns features to date have appeared in the November 1997, March 1999, February 2000, March 2001, February 2002, April 2003, April 2004, May 2005, June 2006, April 2007, April 2008, April 2009, April 2010, April 2011, April 2012, March 2013, April 2014, April 2015, April 2016, April 2017, April 2018, April 2019, and April 2020 issues of Roadracing World. Riders in the Young Guns Classes of 2019 and 2020 were featured individually on www.roadracingworld.com.

Please familiarize yourself with our previously published Young Guns features before contacting us to ask questions.

If you still have questions, call 909-654-4779 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak to David Swarts or e-mail [email protected].

The Roadracing World Young Guns series started as an answer to critics who said North America lacked up-and-coming young riders. Current or former Roadracing World Young Guns have:

Raced in all classes of the MotoGP World Championship (including the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup series) and FIM Superbike, Supersport, and Supersport 300 World Championships, winning races and World Championships;

Competed in European Championships as well as British, Canadian, Chinese, Czech Republic, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Mexican, and Spanish National series;

Raced in the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Championships (winning many races and Championships in all classes, including multiple Superbike titles);

Finished on the podium at the Suzuki GSX-R World Cup and the KTM RC Cup World Finals;

Won Superbike Shootout races in the Superbike and Pro Sportbike classes and won the 2014 Dynojet Pro Sportbike Championship;

Won Suzuki Cup Championships in the U.S.;

Earned WERA National Challenge, National Endurance and Sportsman National Championships;

Won ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;

Collected USGPRU titles;

And won many local and regional Championships.

Some of the riders who have graduated from Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include (in alphabetic order):

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Jason Aguilar;

2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and 2020 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship runner-up Corey Alexander;

AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P);

2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner JD Beach;

Five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier;

MotoAmerica KTM RC 390 Cup race winner and Twins Cup podium finisher Jackson Blackmon;

Former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;

Three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;

Former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;

2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up Dustin Dominguez;

Four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);

Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;

Two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup race winner Renzo Ferreira;

2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;

2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, and Superbike World Championship point-scorer Jake Gagne;

Two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, MotoAmerica Superbike race winner, and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up and MotoAmerica Stock 1000 podium finisher Michael Gilbert;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion and 2018 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up Hayden Gillim;

2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);

2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;

Eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;

2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion and 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion Josh Herrin;

AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;

2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;

2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Stock 1000 race winner Patrick “PJ” Jacobsen;

2020 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up Sean Dylan Kelly;

Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;

Two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;

MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner and MotoAmerica Superbike podium finisher Jake Lewis;

MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;

AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Stefano Mesa;

Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races (twice);

AMA Pro XR1200 race winner and multi-time Loudon Classic Champion Shane Narbonne;

2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;

2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Brandon Paasch;

2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;

2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Bryce Prince;

AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner Chris Peris;

Two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, and 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion James Rispoli;

2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship podium finisher Joe Roberts;

Former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;

Three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion and MotoGP race winner Ben Spies;

Multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and 2019 AFM Champion Jayson Uribe;

2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;

Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;

Former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory West;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup race winner and Stock 1000 podium finisher Ashton Yates;

And two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.

Aprilia Introduces New Tuono 660

January 7, 2021

A 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 in Iridium Grey. Photo courtesy Aprilia.