Hello, MotoAmerica Fan. Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are hopeful for a return to normalcy as soon as it is safe to do so. As we look forward to better days, we’d like to get your thoughts and opinions on attending live sports and entertainment events in the near future. Please take a moment to answer the following questions, and thank you in advance for your time. We hope to see you at one or more of our race weekends later this year.
Training day: Yamaha World Superbike Championship Riders’ Fitness put to the Test at Loughborough Sport
Prior to the start of the 2020 season, Yamaha’s four World Superbike Championship riders headed to Loughborough Sport, housed within Loughborough University, United Kingdom, for a series of fitness tests designed to assess their readiness to manage the unique physical demands of a gruelling WorldSBK season.
Pata Yamaha’s two riders, Michael van der Mark and Philip Island race-winner Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, were joined by GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team’s duo, Federico Caricasulo and Garrett Gerloff, to take part in a series of tests during the day, which were widely similar to those conducted across other high-demanding sports, including physiology tests, strength and conditioning, and physiotherapy screening.
Tests conducted can help with data to determine the correlation between physical fitness and rider performance, with the results allowing riders to receive tailored training routines to maximise their on-track results. Alongside this, sports nutritionists consulted with the riders to advise them on the best foods and hydration methods during a typical race weekend.
Rhona Pearce, Sports Science Manager at Loughborough Sport Performance Centre, explained what her team’s aims are: “While we have done a lot of physiology tests with riders over the past 10 to 15 years, our strength & conditioning and physio teams have done less, and this is the first year we have looked to join all our services together to support motorcycle racers.
“So, we are continually looking at how we can improve this support and getting feedback from the Yamaha team on the testing and reports has been really useful in helping us to progress what we do to better support the team.”
American Garrett Gerloff cycling during a fitness test at Loughborough Sport at Loughborough University in the UK. Photo courtesy of Yamaha.
In the physiology lab, the riders did a standard set of cycling physiology tests measuring VO2max, maximal aerobic power output, and lactate thresholds. This can sometimes directly correlate with performance in sports like cycling, and although this is less directly relevant in motorcycle racing, Loughborough Sport has found after testing almost 100 riders that generally better race fitness is produced by those riders with a higher VO2max.
Strength and capacity tests were used to determine upper and lower body strength, as well as core fitness, using techniques such as the one-rep max to see the riders’ maximum force output.
Physiotherapy screening began with analysing the riders’ medical history and at what factors may affect performance, whether that be a physical injury from a fall or any current or previous health conditions.
The riders finished the day with a serious challenge – 45 minutes of cycling in full race leathers, helmet and gloves in a climate-controlled heat chamber to measure how their physiology, natural hydration levels and durability are affected by racing in hot environments. These results are important in order to understand how to stay appropriately hydrated during a race event in somewhere like Thailand or even southern Europe in mid-summer.
Michael van der Mark doing a fitness test in full riding gear at Loughborough Sport at Loughborough University in the UK. Photo courtesy of Yamaha.
Pearce explained what her team found from the results of these tests: “There was quite a variation between the four riders we tested, with all of them having comparable results in at least one area with good athletes from other sports. In the main, the most comparable were the strength tests.
“We have had some riders in the lab with excellent physiology test results, up there with national level runners and cyclists, but the strength element is probably more closely related to performance for motorcycle racing.”
Motorcycle racing has very unique demands when compared to other sports though, with riders withstanding continuous stress on their whole bodies for more than 30 minutes during races, whereas other athletes tend to have those stresses for a shorter duration or have more regular breaks.
Although the riders did not display especially high max force outputs, unsurprising when you consider the lower weight requirements for racing, they did show impressive muscle endurance, while Pearce also noted their motivation to push through discomfort during the exercises.
After compiling the data, each rider received specific training advice based on their test results and a physical profile highlighting which areas to focus on. Pearce said: “We aimed to give each rider advice on which areas of their fitness they would most benefit from working on, and specific training sessions to allow them to do this. Obviously with the four riders having different exercise preferences, we tried to give advice on how they could adapt the physiology training sessions to suit their interests and equipment.
“We used the testing and screening to generate a physical profile of each rider from a strength, stability and mobility perspective. Using this profile, we are able to identify areas of strength and weakness upon which we can then place more or less emphasis. Conversations with the riders are also very valued, as that gives us insight into their personal riding style and the areas in which they suffer fatigue during races or issues they have had previously.”
Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, the Loughborough Sport Performance Centre team are unable to provide follow-up tests for the riders, but usually they would undertake these assessments two to three times per year.
Had the season gone ahead as normal, the Yamaha riders – who undertook the tests in January – would likely receive follow-up tests around the Donington Park WorldSBK round in July, with a final assessment for the year taking place after the season finale in Argentina.
“In an ideal world the first test would happen as they get back into training after the end of the season, say around November time,” Pearce confirmed. “Another test before racing starts would be perfect, as we could then see how their fitness has developed during the time when they should have the most opportunity to focus on specific improvements.”
Outside of motorcycle racing, the current coronavirus pandemic also means that people are having their daily routines interrupted due to the lockdowns and restrictions in place around the world, with Pearce giving some final words of advice on how to maintain fitness during this tough period.
“We would say the most important thing is to keep in the habit of training regularly, no matter what that might look like, and keep it fun and interesting, whether it’s simply exercising in other areas of your house or having a virtual challenge with friends or family so that you get the mental benefits as well as physical.
“There is a lot of information and a lot of resources people can access to help them train at home, and we are going to be sharing our ideas on social media. If you usually lift weights in the gym then getting resourceful at home with whatever you can find to use as weights or create resistance is good, but also consider thinking more about technique, good posture and movement patterns when your focus isn’t on lifting the biggest weight you can.”
Outside of motorcycle racing, the current coronavirus pandemic also means that people are having their daily routines interrupted due to the lockdowns and restrictions in place around the world, with Pearce giving some final words of advice on how to maintain fitness during this tough period.
“We would say the most important thing is to keep in the habit of training regularly, no matter what that might look like, and keep it fun and interesting, whether it’s simply exercising in other areas of your house or having a virtual challenge with friends or family so that you get the mental benefits as well as physical.
“There is a lot of information and a lot of resources people can access to help them train at home, and we are going to be sharing our ideas on social media. If you usually lift weights in the gym then getting resourceful at home with whatever you can find to use as weights or create resistance is good, but also consider thinking more about technique, good posture and movement patterns when your focus isn’t on lifting the biggest weight you can.”
Check out the Loughborough Sport Performance Centre on Twitter, on Facebook and Instagram. More information is also available on their website.
Dorna Sports’ eSport projects continue to thrive as Virtual GP announced
A look through the numbers as MotoGP™ Virtual Race 2 makes more record-breaking history and a first ever Virtual Grand Prix is announced
After the incredible success of MotoGP™’s first ever Virtual Race, a second event was announced and Virtual Race 2 was broadcast on Sunday the 12th of April. From Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) to Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) and Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), the line-up was star studded and the race action packed as the grid took on the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
Feedback on the Virtual Races from the MotoGP™ community, fans, partners and more has only continued to grow. 29 broadcast partners showed the second event, with titans of sports broadcasting beaming the race to audiences around the world. Partners such as Sky Italy, Canal+ in France, DAZN (in Spain, Italy and DACHS), BT Sport in the UK, ServusTV in Austria and Germany, Viasat in Sweden and many more showed the event in Europe, whilst the Americas received coverage thanks to the likes of NBC in the USA and Fox Brazil and ESPN in Latin America. Fans further east could enjoy coverage from partners including Motorsport TV Russia, Eurosport India and Fox Asia, with those Down Under covered by Fox Australia and TEN. SuperSport also broadcast the event in Africa, meaning the second MotoGP™ Virtual Race once again reached every inhabited continent on Earth – as did the first!
Reach and engagement were also impressive across social media and online, with a marked increase across the board. 520 pieces of digital content were created around the event – including the full broadcast – for a total of 75 million impressions as teams, riders and MotoGP™ got involved. That’s an increase of 25% on the first Virtual Race, with video views also increasing from 13 million to 14 million and the live second race itself gaining views to hit 3.2 million. Once again, more than 2.5 million interactions were made with content related to Virtual Race 2 as well, with fans finding plenty to talk about! In total, that all adds up to a grand total of 8.5 million minutes of Virtual Race 2 content that were viewed – an increase of over a fifth.
There’s not too long to wait to see more showstopping action, either. On Sunday the 3rd of May – the original date for the Spanish GP – another world first will be broadcast: the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain. The event is to show solidarity with and in aid of the Official Charity of MotoGP™, Two Wheels for Life, supporting their efforts in the fight against Covid-19. It will begin at 15:00 (GMT +2) and will see all three Grand Prix classes – MotoGP™, Moto2™ and Moto3™ – compete in a unique three-race online event.
Premier class teams can field one rider each, with the exception of the Repsol Honda Team, who can enter two as reigning MotoGP™ Champions. In Moto2™ and Moto3™, ten riders can enter in each category, with the right of entry given in Championship order following the QNB Grand Prix of Qatar. Who will it be? All will be revealed as the event approaches…
Catch up on anything you missed from the first and second editions, including plenty of behind-the-scenes content, and then stay tuned at motogp.com, esport.motogp.com and across social media for more as the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain gets closer and closer and more details are unveiled.
ASRA Schedule Updated for 2020 Due to Cancellations
Updated ASRA Schedule for 2020
As of April 22, 2020
After cancellations at Carolina Motorsports Park, Blackhawk Farms Raceway and Virginia International Raceway, both the ASRA Sprints presented by Pirelli Tire and the Michelin ASRA Team Challenge schedules have been revamped again.
Revised ASRA Schedules for 2020
AMA Sanctioned ASRA Championship Series Presented by Pirelli Tire
Feb 29-Mar 1 Roebling Road Raceway
May 23-25 Summit Point Circuit #
Jun 13-14 Blackhawk Farms
Jul 18-19 Road America
Jul 25-26 NJMP Thunderbolt
Aug 22-23 Roebling Road Raceway
Oct 16-18 Daytona Intl Speedway
Dec 5-6 Homestead
AMA Sanctioned ASRA Team Challenge Presented by Michelin Tire
Feb 29 Roebling Road Raceway
June 19 NH Motor Speedway
Jul 18 Road America
Aug 16 Summit Point Circuit (3 hours or 200 miles)
Sept 6 NJMP Thunderbolt
Sept 19 Blackhawk Farms
Dec 5 Homestead
Mid-West Roadracing Championship
June 12-13 Blackhawk Farms @
June 14 Blackhawk Farms @
June 20 Brainerd Intl (Hosted by CRA)
June 21 Brainerd Intl (Hosted by CRA)
Jul 18 Road America (Evolve GT Friday Practice)
Jul 19 Road America
July 31- Aug 1 Blackhawk Farms @
Aug 2 Blackhawk Farms @
Aug 22-23 Autobahn North (Double Points, Saturday Practice)
Sep 18-19 Blackhawk Farms @ (ASRA Team Challenge)
Sep 20 Blackhawk Farms @
UPDATE, Our Fort Worth office is under a “shelter in place” order until at least May 15, 2020. This means that for now, the best way to contact us is via email. If you call or fax something to us, there is no guarantee when we will be able to respond, but all three of us have daily access to our email. We will update you if, or when, the situation changes.
We appreciate your patience and support during this difficult time for our country as well as our sport.
AHRMA (American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association) announces that the 2nd Annual AHRMA Vintage Cup has been moved to the 2021 season. This change has been made due to the unpredictable nature of the 2020 racing season. The 2021 AHRMA Vintage Cup, sponsored by NYC Norton (nycnorton.com) and Roadracing World (roadracingworld.com) will feature the 500 Premier class as originally planned for the 2020 racing season.
AHRMA expects to hold much of the 2020 season’s road race events as scheduled from mid-summer through the season finale at the 2020 Barber Vintage Festival in October.
For eligible machines and rules specific to the 500 Premier class, please see below. You may also refer to the 2020 AHRMA Handbook, which can be found online at www.ahrma.org/ahrma-handbook.
500 PREMIER: Any fully GP-kitted 500cc OHV/OHC or 750cc sidevalve four-strokes built before December 31, 1968, and like design. Among the eligible machines are:
Benelli, “works” fours
Bianchi 500 “works” twin
BMW Rennsport
BSA 500cc twin or single “works” or replica, up to B50
Dick Mann frame with G50 or other period engine
Ducati 450 single
Ducati 500cc bevel-gear V-twin “works” racer and accurate replicas
ESO 500 single
Gilera
Harley-Davidson KR roadracer
Honda CR450 roadracer
Honda-Drixton 450
Honda RC181 4-cylinder (no replicas)
Jawa “works” twin
Jawa 500 single
Linto
Matchless G50
McIntyre Special and replica, G50 powered
Moto Guzzi single, twin and V8
MV triple
MV four, early wide-angle head (pre-1973 era)
Norton Dominator Daytona 500 or replica
Norton Manx
Paton twin (8-valve Paton twin not legal for 500 Premier)
Rickman GP roadracing frame, powered by G50 or other period engine
Royal Enfield, including India-built models.
Seeley frame with G50 or other period engine
Triton
Triumph 500cc twin “works” or replica; Weslake four-valve heads permitted
Velocette Thruxton and Venom Clubman
Vincent Grey Flash or replica
Weslake (Nourish) pre-unit engines
Note: Honda CB/CL/SL 350 twins are not eligible for this class. See 350 Sportsman or Formula 250.
10.2.6 REQUIREMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS FOR GRAND PRIX CLASSES
All GP-class motorcycles must be fully GP-kitted, with no lights, no starting mechanisms, no street equipment or associated brackets (factory-welded brackets may be retained if desired), low narrow handlebars (maximum width 32 inches). Fairings are encouraged.
Frame may be changed to racing type, though must be period type and style. (See rule 9.7.3)
Front forks may be changed, though must be period type and style. “Ceriani-type” may be no larger in diameter than 35mm, unless supplied as OEM on that motorcycle.
Period retrofit gearboxes are permitted (e.g., Quaife, Schafleitner). Maximum six speeds unless otherwise stated.
Front disc brakes are prohibited. Rear disc brakes are permitted, but must be period equipment.
Magnesium engine cases are allowed in 500 Premier.
The number of valves in the cylinder head may not be increased or decreased from stock.
No more than one carburetor per cylinder. Gardner carburetors are permitted.
All modifications must be consistent with the spirit of the class and period.
Appearance and workmanship of a reasonable standard shall be enforced.
Two-strokes must use silencers.
Maximum rim width is WM3 (2.15 inches) in all GP classes
Note: See requirements of all road racing motorcycles in Section 9. Get those bikes out and ready to race in 2021!
Toronto, ON – April 22, 2020 – Professional Motorsport Productions (PMP), organizers of the Canadian National Superbike motorcycle road racing Championship series (CSBK) have confirmed a variety of updates related to the current global COVID-19 pandemic.
Long time CSBK title sponsor MOPAR, a subsidiary of Fiat Chrysler Canada (FCA), have invoked the “Force Majeure” element of the existing contract between MOPAR and CSBK. This means that MOPAR have withdrawn from their agreed title sponsorship of the 2020 Canadian National Championship Superbike road racing tour.
“The departure of FCA is a huge blow to our series,” explains CSBK President Colin Fraser of Toronto’s P.M.P. “As the title sponsor, they contribute to the video, television, year end purse, transportation and overall operating budget for the National tour. However, the severity of the current health situation means that changes such of these are un-avoidable.
“MOPAR have been a terrific supporter through the last decade and served as our title sponsor for the past eight seasons. Since the TSN broadcast era started in 1995, we have been fortunate to have strong support from our title partners starting with Toyota Trucks, then Parts Canada and Mopar. It is not easy to develop these types of relationships.”
CSBK have also updated their 2020 Schedule, cancelling the opening three rounds of the planned 40th Anniversary Superbike tour. The traditional May Shannonville Motorsport Park opener, June event in Grand Bend and July return to circuit ICAR north of Montreal, QC, have all been eliminated from the originally scheduled 2020 campaign.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers were scheduled to serve as title sponsor for the opening two rounds in Ontario for 2020.
“There has been pressure to make announcements sooner, but ongoing developments with the COVID crisis means it is very hard to predict how summer will look in terms of spectator events,” continued Fraser, who covered the very first CSBK National as a journalist in Edmonton back in June, 1980.
The Province of Quebec has banned public gatherings until at least September 2020.
“We must consider Provincial and Federal guidelines and discuss these issues with our venues and sponsors. Right now, we are aiming to race in late July, August, and September. We would start with Pro Cycle’s Atlantic Motorsport Park, N.S. round, then the BMW Motorrad backed double-header at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, ON., and Shannonville, ON, for the 40th Anniversary celebration.”
Fraser did caution that it is too early to be certain that fan-oriented events such as the CSBK National Superbike rounds will be allowed to take place during the summer months.
CSBK will make further announcements as more specific information becomes available from local government and racetrack staff.
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 24th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
AMA Pro races and Championships, including eight AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (8 times);
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 11 and 18 (as of the start of the 2020 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships on a 125cc two-stroke/250cc four-stroke or larger racebike or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
Sean Thomas. Photo by Emily Hansen, courtesy of Sean Thomas.
Sean Thomas
Age: 17.
Current home: Frederick, Colorado.
Current height/weight: 5’11”/145 pounds.
Current school grade level: 12th grade.
Began riding at age: 4 years.
First road race: 2014, High Plains Raceway, Colorado, MRA, Colorado Class, 9th place.
Current racebike: Suzuki GSX-R1000.
Current tuners/mechanics: Mike Lukachy, Brian Sharp, Scott Dawson.
Primary race series: MRA.
Top sponsors: Quikcycles, Boulder Motorsports, GP Suspension, Motorex, Scorpion, Sidi, Spidi, Flexi-Glass, G Force Powersports, Superbike Unlimited, Vortex Racing.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2019 season, tied for 32nd in MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship (competed in 3 rounds, best race finish was 11th at Utah Motorsports Campus), won a MRA Race of The Rockies GTO race, 6 podium finishes with MRA; 2018 season, placed 6th in MRA Overall Championship, won MRA Middleweight Superbike Expert Championship, finished 2nd in 3 MRA class Championships (MW SS, HW SS, Race of the Rockies U), 12 wins and 4 class lap records during 31 races; 2017 season, won UtahSBA Moto2 Expert Championship, placed 2nd in UtahSBA Middleweight Superbike Expert Championship, placed 3rd in UtahSBA KOTM GTU Expert Championship (3 wins with UtahSBA); 2015 season, won UtahSBA Production 500 Combined Championship.
2020 racing goal: Win MRA races.
Racing career goal: Contest an entire MotoAmerica season.
Racing hero: Nicky Hayden.
Favorite track: High Plains Raceway.
Favorite hobby: Riding mini-moto bikes.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Thinking about racing.
Regrettably after consultation with Blackhawk Farms Raceway management, we agreed the most prudent action for 2020 would be to cancel the May 16-17 event for the 2020 season. While South Beloit officials were hoping to re-open May 1st, the Governors of Illinois and Wisconsin both are opting for a later date, so rather than wait we’ve decided to cancel.
All riders pre-registered for the May BHF event may transfer full credit to a new event date, or request a full refund through normal procedures. Deadline for refund is May 15, deadline for transfer is June 1st. (If you do not respond by June 1st, you will be issued credit slips for the full amount of entry fees.
If you have questions on these instructions for the May BHF entries, please email Chris or Kevin now, or you can call the office when we are allowed to re-open.
ALL TRANSFER REQUESTS FOR THE MAY BHF MUST BE SUBMITTED BY JUNE 1, 2020 FOR CONSIDERATION. ALL REQUESTS RECEIVED AFTER THAT WILL RECEIVE CREDIT CERTIFICATES. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Revised Mid-West Schedule for 2020
With the cancellation for the May event at Blackhawk Farms, the 2020 Midwest Roadrcing Championship, the decision was made to make the remaining Blackhawk Farms events Twin Sprints WITH a Friday practice day (including the Learning Curves License Clinic) If you are already pre-entered for June, August or September, your Sunday races have already been added to insure your grid position.
Mid-West Roadracing Championship
June 12-13 Blackhawk Farms @
June 14 Blackhawk Farms @
June 20 Brainerd Intl (Hosted by CRA)
June 21 Brainerd Intl (Hosted by CRA)
Jul 18 Road America (Evolve GT Friday Practice)
Jul 19 Road America
July 31- Aug 1 Blackhawk Farms @
Aug 2 Blackhawk Farms @
Aug 22-23 Autobahn North (Double Points, Saturday Practice)
Sep 18-19 Blackhawk Farms @ (ASRA Team Challenge)
Sep 20 Blackhawk Farms @
UPDATE, Our Fort Worth office is under a “shelter in place” order until at least May 15, 2020. This means that for now, the best way to contact us is via email. If you call or fax something to us, there is no guarantee when we will be able to respond, but all three of us have daily access to our email. We will update you if, or when, the situation changes.
We appreciate your patience and support during this difficult time for our country as well as our sport.
We are continuing to monitor the federal and state regulations concerning the COVID-19 event. Considering the social distancing, travel and work restrictions in the state of Pennsylvania, we have to postpone and rescheduled the April 27 – 28, 2020 event at Pitt Race to August 3 – 4, 2020. Students already registered for April’s Pitt Race will be automatically forwarded to the August 3-4 dates and there are still a few seats available for new signups. We have already spoken to most of you. See you in August (or whatever date you prefer)!
At this time, no other events are effected. We are hopeful as we have seen tracks in Colorado and even in California begin to plan for re-opening while maintaining Social Distancing Guidelines. NJMP is currently closed through May 9 so we are very hopeful for our 18-20 dates.
We will continue to monitor the situation and work with our facility partners. We have loosened our rescheduling policies to best accommodate our students during this unusual time: Yamaha Champions Riding School is waiving any and all change fees for anyone who needs to reschedule; any rider who reschedules will have 12 months from their originally-scheduled class to attend; this is also applicable to last-minute changes.
There is good news in this though! We have added several new dates and are extending our early-bird discount for new signups until April 30:
Inde Motorsports Ranch (Semi-Private) – May 4-5
NCBike – July 27-28
Palm Beach International Raceway – November 2-3
Inde Motorsports Ranch – October 12 – 13
Inde Motorsports Ranch – November 9-10
Inde Motorsports Ranch – December 7 – 8
NCBike is located in eastern North Carolina, about 1.5 hours from Raleigh, NC and Richmond, VA. The facility is amazing, and they recently just performed a series of upgrades. Learn more about this terrific track at https://nccar.us/ncbike.html
Palm Beach International Raceway is quickly becoming our new favorite east-coast winter facility. In January, we put on a sold-out school (with guest instructor Roger Hayden!) and had an amazing event. The location and weather are perfect, and the track is great for teaching. Fly in with your significant other, learn how the best in the world ride, then take a vacation in south Florida. The perfect moto-vacation. Learn more at http://www.racepbir.com/
We also added new dates for Inde Motosports Ranch in Willcox, AZ. Inde is one of our favorite places on the planet. If you haven’t seen the video Chris Peris made, check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E16tIShE4AI
The Inde October, November, and December schools will be our regular program with ChampSchool, ChampDay, and ChampGrad. The May 4-5 date will be different. As we expect travel and group restrictions to potentially be in place, we are offering a special semi-private day with Chris Peris and Kyle Wyman. Only 10 spots are available. This is an exclusive and intimate training experience with two of the fastest and most experienced instructors on the planet. Fun and learning: the best of motorcycling.
We have a bunch of new digital content and events coming out constantly, so if you are not following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, you need to now! Here are a few links:
Toni Elias (24), Josh Herrin (2), Cameron Beaubier (1), and Garrett Gerloff (31) battle in front of fans at Road America in 2019. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
How Do You Feel About Attending Live Events?
MotoAmerica Is Asking Its Fans For Their Opinions
Hello, MotoAmerica Fan. Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are hopeful for a return to normalcy as soon as it is safe to do so. As we look forward to better days, we’d like to get your thoughts and opinions on attending live sports and entertainment events in the near future. Please take a moment to answer the following questions, and thank you in advance for your time. We hope to see you at one or more of our race weekends later this year.
Toprak Razgatliuglu bench pressing weights during a fitness test at Loughborough Sport at Loughborough University in the UK. Photo courtesy of Yamaha.
Training day: Yamaha World Superbike Championship Riders’ Fitness put to the Test at Loughborough Sport
Prior to the start of the 2020 season, Yamaha’s four World Superbike Championship riders headed to Loughborough Sport, housed within Loughborough University, United Kingdom, for a series of fitness tests designed to assess their readiness to manage the unique physical demands of a gruelling WorldSBK season.
Pata Yamaha’s two riders, Michael van der Mark and Philip Island race-winner Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, were joined by GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team’s duo, Federico Caricasulo and Garrett Gerloff, to take part in a series of tests during the day, which were widely similar to those conducted across other high-demanding sports, including physiology tests, strength and conditioning, and physiotherapy screening.
Tests conducted can help with data to determine the correlation between physical fitness and rider performance, with the results allowing riders to receive tailored training routines to maximise their on-track results. Alongside this, sports nutritionists consulted with the riders to advise them on the best foods and hydration methods during a typical race weekend.
Rhona Pearce, Sports Science Manager at Loughborough Sport Performance Centre, explained what her team’s aims are: “While we have done a lot of physiology tests with riders over the past 10 to 15 years, our strength & conditioning and physio teams have done less, and this is the first year we have looked to join all our services together to support motorcycle racers.
“So, we are continually looking at how we can improve this support and getting feedback from the Yamaha team on the testing and reports has been really useful in helping us to progress what we do to better support the team.”
American Garrett Gerloff cycling during a fitness test at Loughborough Sport at Loughborough University in the UK. Photo courtesy of Yamaha.
In the physiology lab, the riders did a standard set of cycling physiology tests measuring VO2max, maximal aerobic power output, and lactate thresholds. This can sometimes directly correlate with performance in sports like cycling, and although this is less directly relevant in motorcycle racing, Loughborough Sport has found after testing almost 100 riders that generally better race fitness is produced by those riders with a higher VO2max.
Strength and capacity tests were used to determine upper and lower body strength, as well as core fitness, using techniques such as the one-rep max to see the riders’ maximum force output.
Physiotherapy screening began with analysing the riders’ medical history and at what factors may affect performance, whether that be a physical injury from a fall or any current or previous health conditions.
The riders finished the day with a serious challenge – 45 minutes of cycling in full race leathers, helmet and gloves in a climate-controlled heat chamber to measure how their physiology, natural hydration levels and durability are affected by racing in hot environments. These results are important in order to understand how to stay appropriately hydrated during a race event in somewhere like Thailand or even southern Europe in mid-summer.
Michael van der Mark doing a fitness test in full riding gear at Loughborough Sport at Loughborough University in the UK. Photo courtesy of Yamaha.
Pearce explained what her team found from the results of these tests: “There was quite a variation between the four riders we tested, with all of them having comparable results in at least one area with good athletes from other sports. In the main, the most comparable were the strength tests.
“We have had some riders in the lab with excellent physiology test results, up there with national level runners and cyclists, but the strength element is probably more closely related to performance for motorcycle racing.”
Motorcycle racing has very unique demands when compared to other sports though, with riders withstanding continuous stress on their whole bodies for more than 30 minutes during races, whereas other athletes tend to have those stresses for a shorter duration or have more regular breaks.
Although the riders did not display especially high max force outputs, unsurprising when you consider the lower weight requirements for racing, they did show impressive muscle endurance, while Pearce also noted their motivation to push through discomfort during the exercises.
After compiling the data, each rider received specific training advice based on their test results and a physical profile highlighting which areas to focus on. Pearce said: “We aimed to give each rider advice on which areas of their fitness they would most benefit from working on, and specific training sessions to allow them to do this. Obviously with the four riders having different exercise preferences, we tried to give advice on how they could adapt the physiology training sessions to suit their interests and equipment.
“We used the testing and screening to generate a physical profile of each rider from a strength, stability and mobility perspective. Using this profile, we are able to identify areas of strength and weakness upon which we can then place more or less emphasis. Conversations with the riders are also very valued, as that gives us insight into their personal riding style and the areas in which they suffer fatigue during races or issues they have had previously.”
Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, the Loughborough Sport Performance Centre team are unable to provide follow-up tests for the riders, but usually they would undertake these assessments two to three times per year.
Had the season gone ahead as normal, the Yamaha riders – who undertook the tests in January – would likely receive follow-up tests around the Donington Park WorldSBK round in July, with a final assessment for the year taking place after the season finale in Argentina.
“In an ideal world the first test would happen as they get back into training after the end of the season, say around November time,” Pearce confirmed. “Another test before racing starts would be perfect, as we could then see how their fitness has developed during the time when they should have the most opportunity to focus on specific improvements.”
Outside of motorcycle racing, the current coronavirus pandemic also means that people are having their daily routines interrupted due to the lockdowns and restrictions in place around the world, with Pearce giving some final words of advice on how to maintain fitness during this tough period.
“We would say the most important thing is to keep in the habit of training regularly, no matter what that might look like, and keep it fun and interesting, whether it’s simply exercising in other areas of your house or having a virtual challenge with friends or family so that you get the mental benefits as well as physical.
“There is a lot of information and a lot of resources people can access to help them train at home, and we are going to be sharing our ideas on social media. If you usually lift weights in the gym then getting resourceful at home with whatever you can find to use as weights or create resistance is good, but also consider thinking more about technique, good posture and movement patterns when your focus isn’t on lifting the biggest weight you can.”
Outside of motorcycle racing, the current coronavirus pandemic also means that people are having their daily routines interrupted due to the lockdowns and restrictions in place around the world, with Pearce giving some final words of advice on how to maintain fitness during this tough period.
“We would say the most important thing is to keep in the habit of training regularly, no matter what that might look like, and keep it fun and interesting, whether it’s simply exercising in other areas of your house or having a virtual challenge with friends or family so that you get the mental benefits as well as physical.
“There is a lot of information and a lot of resources people can access to help them train at home, and we are going to be sharing our ideas on social media. If you usually lift weights in the gym then getting resourceful at home with whatever you can find to use as weights or create resistance is good, but also consider thinking more about technique, good posture and movement patterns when your focus isn’t on lifting the biggest weight you can.”
Check out the Loughborough Sport Performance Centre on Twitter, on Facebook and Instagram. More information is also available on their website.
A scene from MotoGP Virtual Race Two. Image courtesy of Dorna/www.motogp.com.
Dorna Sports’ eSport projects continue to thrive as Virtual GP announced
A look through the numbers as MotoGP™ Virtual Race 2 makes more record-breaking history and a first ever Virtual Grand Prix is announced
After the incredible success of MotoGP™’s first ever Virtual Race, a second event was announced and Virtual Race 2 was broadcast on Sunday the 12th of April. From Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) to Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) and Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), the line-up was star studded and the race action packed as the grid took on the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
Feedback on the Virtual Races from the MotoGP™ community, fans, partners and more has only continued to grow. 29 broadcast partners showed the second event, with titans of sports broadcasting beaming the race to audiences around the world. Partners such as Sky Italy, Canal+ in France, DAZN (in Spain, Italy and DACHS), BT Sport in the UK, ServusTV in Austria and Germany, Viasat in Sweden and many more showed the event in Europe, whilst the Americas received coverage thanks to the likes of NBC in the USA and Fox Brazil and ESPN in Latin America. Fans further east could enjoy coverage from partners including Motorsport TV Russia, Eurosport India and Fox Asia, with those Down Under covered by Fox Australia and TEN. SuperSport also broadcast the event in Africa, meaning the second MotoGP™ Virtual Race once again reached every inhabited continent on Earth – as did the first!
Reach and engagement were also impressive across social media and online, with a marked increase across the board. 520 pieces of digital content were created around the event – including the full broadcast – for a total of 75 million impressions as teams, riders and MotoGP™ got involved. That’s an increase of 25% on the first Virtual Race, with video views also increasing from 13 million to 14 million and the live second race itself gaining views to hit 3.2 million. Once again, more than 2.5 million interactions were made with content related to Virtual Race 2 as well, with fans finding plenty to talk about! In total, that all adds up to a grand total of 8.5 million minutes of Virtual Race 2 content that were viewed – an increase of over a fifth.
There’s not too long to wait to see more showstopping action, either. On Sunday the 3rd of May – the original date for the Spanish GP – another world first will be broadcast: the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain. The event is to show solidarity with and in aid of the Official Charity of MotoGP™, Two Wheels for Life, supporting their efforts in the fight against Covid-19. It will begin at 15:00 (GMT +2) and will see all three Grand Prix classes – MotoGP™, Moto2™ and Moto3™ – compete in a unique three-race online event.
Premier class teams can field one rider each, with the exception of the Repsol Honda Team, who can enter two as reigning MotoGP™ Champions. In Moto2™ and Moto3™, ten riders can enter in each category, with the right of entry given in Championship order following the QNB Grand Prix of Qatar. Who will it be? All will be revealed as the event approaches…
Catch up on anything you missed from the first and second editions, including plenty of behind-the-scenes content, and then stay tuned at motogp.com, esport.motogp.com and across social media for more as the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain gets closer and closer and more details are unveiled.
ASRA/CCS racers Ryan Jones (683) and Greg Melka (1) at speed during an event at Roebling Road Raceway in 2019. Photo by Lisa Theobald, courtesy of ASRA/CCS.
ASRA Schedule Updated for 2020 Due to Cancellations
Updated ASRA Schedule for 2020
As of April 22, 2020
After cancellations at Carolina Motorsports Park, Blackhawk Farms Raceway and Virginia International Raceway, both the ASRA Sprints presented by Pirelli Tire and the Michelin ASRA Team Challenge schedules have been revamped again.
Revised ASRA Schedules for 2020
AMA Sanctioned ASRA Championship Series Presented by Pirelli Tire
Feb 29-Mar 1 Roebling Road Raceway
May 23-25 Summit Point Circuit #
Jun 13-14 Blackhawk Farms
Jul 18-19 Road America
Jul 25-26 NJMP Thunderbolt
Aug 22-23 Roebling Road Raceway
Oct 16-18 Daytona Intl Speedway
Dec 5-6 Homestead
AMA Sanctioned ASRA Team Challenge Presented by Michelin Tire
Feb 29 Roebling Road Raceway
June 19 NH Motor Speedway
Jul 18 Road America
Aug 16 Summit Point Circuit (3 hours or 200 miles)
Sept 6 NJMP Thunderbolt
Sept 19 Blackhawk Farms
Dec 5 Homestead
Mid-West Roadracing Championship
June 12-13 Blackhawk Farms @
June 14 Blackhawk Farms @
June 20 Brainerd Intl (Hosted by CRA)
June 21 Brainerd Intl (Hosted by CRA)
Jul 18 Road America (Evolve GT Friday Practice)
Jul 19 Road America
July 31- Aug 1 Blackhawk Farms @
Aug 2 Blackhawk Farms @
Aug 22-23 Autobahn North (Double Points, Saturday Practice)
Sep 18-19 Blackhawk Farms @ (ASRA Team Challenge)
Sep 20 Blackhawk Farms @
UPDATE, Our Fort Worth office is under a “shelter in place” order until at least May 15, 2020. This means that for now, the best way to contact us is via email. If you call or fax something to us, there is no guarantee when we will be able to respond, but all three of us have daily access to our email. We will update you if, or when, the situation changes.
We appreciate your patience and support during this difficult time for our country as well as our sport.
AHRMA racers Andrew Mauk (1) and Dave Roper (7). Photo by www.tmhill.com, courtesy of AHRMA.
AHRMA (American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association) announces that the 2nd Annual AHRMA Vintage Cup has been moved to the 2021 season. This change has been made due to the unpredictable nature of the 2020 racing season. The 2021 AHRMA Vintage Cup, sponsored by NYC Norton (nycnorton.com) and Roadracing World (roadracingworld.com) will feature the 500 Premier class as originally planned for the 2020 racing season.
AHRMA expects to hold much of the 2020 season’s road race events as scheduled from mid-summer through the season finale at the 2020 Barber Vintage Festival in October.
For eligible machines and rules specific to the 500 Premier class, please see below. You may also refer to the 2020 AHRMA Handbook, which can be found online at www.ahrma.org/ahrma-handbook.
500 PREMIER: Any fully GP-kitted 500cc OHV/OHC or 750cc sidevalve four-strokes built before December 31, 1968, and like design. Among the eligible machines are:
Benelli, “works” fours
Bianchi 500 “works” twin
BMW Rennsport
BSA 500cc twin or single “works” or replica, up to B50
Dick Mann frame with G50 or other period engine
Ducati 450 single
Ducati 500cc bevel-gear V-twin “works” racer and accurate replicas
ESO 500 single
Gilera
Harley-Davidson KR roadracer
Honda CR450 roadracer
Honda-Drixton 450
Honda RC181 4-cylinder (no replicas)
Jawa “works” twin
Jawa 500 single
Linto
Matchless G50
McIntyre Special and replica, G50 powered
Moto Guzzi single, twin and V8
MV triple
MV four, early wide-angle head (pre-1973 era)
Norton Dominator Daytona 500 or replica
Norton Manx
Paton twin (8-valve Paton twin not legal for 500 Premier)
Rickman GP roadracing frame, powered by G50 or other period engine
Royal Enfield, including India-built models.
Seeley frame with G50 or other period engine
Triton
Triumph 500cc twin “works” or replica; Weslake four-valve heads permitted
Velocette Thruxton and Venom Clubman
Vincent Grey Flash or replica
Weslake (Nourish) pre-unit engines
Note: Honda CB/CL/SL 350 twins are not eligible for this class. See 350 Sportsman or Formula 250.
10.2.6 REQUIREMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS FOR GRAND PRIX CLASSES
All GP-class motorcycles must be fully GP-kitted, with no lights, no starting mechanisms, no street equipment or associated brackets (factory-welded brackets may be retained if desired), low narrow handlebars (maximum width 32 inches). Fairings are encouraged.
Frame may be changed to racing type, though must be period type and style. (See rule 9.7.3)
Front forks may be changed, though must be period type and style. “Ceriani-type” may be no larger in diameter than 35mm, unless supplied as OEM on that motorcycle.
Period retrofit gearboxes are permitted (e.g., Quaife, Schafleitner). Maximum six speeds unless otherwise stated.
Front disc brakes are prohibited. Rear disc brakes are permitted, but must be period equipment.
Magnesium engine cases are allowed in 500 Premier.
The number of valves in the cylinder head may not be increased or decreased from stock.
No more than one carburetor per cylinder. Gardner carburetors are permitted.
All modifications must be consistent with the spirit of the class and period.
Appearance and workmanship of a reasonable standard shall be enforced.
Two-strokes must use silencers.
Maximum rim width is WM3 (2.15 inches) in all GP classes
Note: See requirements of all road racing motorcycles in Section 9. Get those bikes out and ready to race in 2021!
Kenny Riedmann (42), 2019 Canadian Superbike champion Ben Young (86), Jordan Szoke (1), and Samuel Trepanier (14) in action during the 2019 season. Photo by Rob O’Brien, courtesy of CSBK.
CSBK Confirms Revised 2020 Plans
Toronto, ON – April 22, 2020 – Professional Motorsport Productions (PMP), organizers of the Canadian National Superbike motorcycle road racing Championship series (CSBK) have confirmed a variety of updates related to the current global COVID-19 pandemic.
Long time CSBK title sponsor MOPAR, a subsidiary of Fiat Chrysler Canada (FCA), have invoked the “Force Majeure” element of the existing contract between MOPAR and CSBK. This means that MOPAR have withdrawn from their agreed title sponsorship of the 2020 Canadian National Championship Superbike road racing tour.
“The departure of FCA is a huge blow to our series,” explains CSBK President Colin Fraser of Toronto’s P.M.P. “As the title sponsor, they contribute to the video, television, year end purse, transportation and overall operating budget for the National tour. However, the severity of the current health situation means that changes such of these are un-avoidable.
“MOPAR have been a terrific supporter through the last decade and served as our title sponsor for the past eight seasons. Since the TSN broadcast era started in 1995, we have been fortunate to have strong support from our title partners starting with Toyota Trucks, then Parts Canada and Mopar. It is not easy to develop these types of relationships.”
CSBK have also updated their 2020 Schedule, cancelling the opening three rounds of the planned 40th Anniversary Superbike tour. The traditional May Shannonville Motorsport Park opener, June event in Grand Bend and July return to circuit ICAR north of Montreal, QC, have all been eliminated from the originally scheduled 2020 campaign.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers were scheduled to serve as title sponsor for the opening two rounds in Ontario for 2020.
“There has been pressure to make announcements sooner, but ongoing developments with the COVID crisis means it is very hard to predict how summer will look in terms of spectator events,” continued Fraser, who covered the very first CSBK National as a journalist in Edmonton back in June, 1980.
The Province of Quebec has banned public gatherings until at least September 2020.
“We must consider Provincial and Federal guidelines and discuss these issues with our venues and sponsors. Right now, we are aiming to race in late July, August, and September. We would start with Pro Cycle’s Atlantic Motorsport Park, N.S. round, then the BMW Motorrad backed double-header at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, ON., and Shannonville, ON, for the 40th Anniversary celebration.”
Fraser did caution that it is too early to be certain that fan-oriented events such as the CSBK National Superbike rounds will be allowed to take place during the summer months.
CSBK will make further announcements as more specific information becomes available from local government and racetrack staff.
Sean Thomas (152) during a MotoAmerica Stock 1000 race at Road America in 2019. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
24th-Annual Roadracing World Young Gun Honors:
By David Swarts
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 24th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
AMA Pro races and Championships, including eight AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (8 times);
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 11 and 18 (as of the start of the 2020 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships on a 125cc two-stroke/250cc four-stroke or larger racebike or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
Sean Thomas. Photo by Emily Hansen, courtesy of Sean Thomas.
Sean Thomas
Age: 17.
Current home: Frederick, Colorado.
Current height/weight: 5’11”/145 pounds.
Current school grade level: 12th grade.
Began riding at age: 4 years.
First road race: 2014, High Plains Raceway, Colorado, MRA, Colorado Class, 9th place.
Current racebike: Suzuki GSX-R1000.
Current tuners/mechanics: Mike Lukachy, Brian Sharp, Scott Dawson.
Primary race series: MRA.
Top sponsors: Quikcycles, Boulder Motorsports, GP Suspension, Motorex, Scorpion, Sidi, Spidi, Flexi-Glass, G Force Powersports, Superbike Unlimited, Vortex Racing.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2019 season, tied for 32nd in MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship (competed in 3 rounds, best race finish was 11th at Utah Motorsports Campus), won a MRA Race of The Rockies GTO race, 6 podium finishes with MRA; 2018 season, placed 6th in MRA Overall Championship, won MRA Middleweight Superbike Expert Championship, finished 2nd in 3 MRA class Championships (MW SS, HW SS, Race of the Rockies U), 12 wins and 4 class lap records during 31 races; 2017 season, won UtahSBA Moto2 Expert Championship, placed 2nd in UtahSBA Middleweight Superbike Expert Championship, placed 3rd in UtahSBA KOTM GTU Expert Championship (3 wins with UtahSBA); 2015 season, won UtahSBA Production 500 Combined Championship.
2020 racing goal: Win MRA races.
Racing career goal: Contest an entire MotoAmerica season.
Racing hero: Nicky Hayden.
Favorite track: High Plains Raceway.
Favorite hobby: Riding mini-moto bikes.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Thinking about racing.
Drew Jankord (2) leads Tom Girard during a CCS race at Blackhawk Farms Raceway in 2019. Photo by Jessica Johnk, courtesy of ASRA/CCS.
Mid-West Schedule Shuffled for 2020
As of April 22, 2020
Regrettably after consultation with Blackhawk Farms Raceway management, we agreed the most prudent action for 2020 would be to cancel the May 16-17 event for the 2020 season. While South Beloit officials were hoping to re-open May 1st, the Governors of Illinois and Wisconsin both are opting for a later date, so rather than wait we’ve decided to cancel.
All riders pre-registered for the May BHF event may transfer full credit to a new event date, or request a full refund through normal procedures. Deadline for refund is May 15, deadline for transfer is June 1st. (If you do not respond by June 1st, you will be issued credit slips for the full amount of entry fees.
If you have questions on these instructions for the May BHF entries, please email Chris or Kevin now, or you can call the office when we are allowed to re-open.
ALL TRANSFER REQUESTS FOR THE MAY BHF MUST BE SUBMITTED BY JUNE 1, 2020 FOR CONSIDERATION. ALL REQUESTS RECEIVED AFTER THAT WILL RECEIVE CREDIT CERTIFICATES. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Revised Mid-West Schedule for 2020
With the cancellation for the May event at Blackhawk Farms, the 2020 Midwest Roadrcing Championship, the decision was made to make the remaining Blackhawk Farms events Twin Sprints WITH a Friday practice day (including the Learning Curves License Clinic) If you are already pre-entered for June, August or September, your Sunday races have already been added to insure your grid position.
Mid-West Roadracing Championship
June 12-13 Blackhawk Farms @
June 14 Blackhawk Farms @
June 20 Brainerd Intl (Hosted by CRA)
June 21 Brainerd Intl (Hosted by CRA)
Jul 18 Road America (Evolve GT Friday Practice)
Jul 19 Road America
July 31- Aug 1 Blackhawk Farms @
Aug 2 Blackhawk Farms @
Aug 22-23 Autobahn North (Double Points, Saturday Practice)
Sep 18-19 Blackhawk Farms @ (ASRA Team Challenge)
Sep 20 Blackhawk Farms @
UPDATE, Our Fort Worth office is under a “shelter in place” order until at least May 15, 2020. This means that for now, the best way to contact us is via email. If you call or fax something to us, there is no guarantee when we will be able to respond, but all three of us have daily access to our email. We will update you if, or when, the situation changes.
We appreciate your patience and support during this difficult time for our country as well as our sport.
Yamaha Champions Riding School's (YCRS) Nick Ienatsch (left) and Chris Peris (right). Photo courtesy of YCRS.
We are continuing to monitor the federal and state regulations concerning the COVID-19 event. Considering the social distancing, travel and work restrictions in the state of Pennsylvania, we have to postpone and rescheduled the April 27 – 28, 2020 event at Pitt Race to August 3 – 4, 2020. Students already registered for April’s Pitt Race will be automatically forwarded to the August 3-4 dates and there are still a few seats available for new signups. We have already spoken to most of you. See you in August (or whatever date you prefer)!
At this time, no other events are effected. We are hopeful as we have seen tracks in Colorado and even in California begin to plan for re-opening while maintaining Social Distancing Guidelines. NJMP is currently closed through May 9 so we are very hopeful for our 18-20 dates.
We will continue to monitor the situation and work with our facility partners. We have loosened our rescheduling policies to best accommodate our students during this unusual time: Yamaha Champions Riding School is waiving any and all change fees for anyone who needs to reschedule; any rider who reschedules will have 12 months from their originally-scheduled class to attend; this is also applicable to last-minute changes.
There is good news in this though! We have added several new dates and are extending our early-bird discount for new signups until April 30:
Inde Motorsports Ranch (Semi-Private) – May 4-5
NCBike – July 27-28
Palm Beach International Raceway – November 2-3
Inde Motorsports Ranch – October 12 – 13
Inde Motorsports Ranch – November 9-10
Inde Motorsports Ranch – December 7 – 8
NCBike is located in eastern North Carolina, about 1.5 hours from Raleigh, NC and Richmond, VA. The facility is amazing, and they recently just performed a series of upgrades. Learn more about this terrific track at https://nccar.us/ncbike.html
Palm Beach International Raceway is quickly becoming our new favorite east-coast winter facility. In January, we put on a sold-out school (with guest instructor Roger Hayden!) and had an amazing event. The location and weather are perfect, and the track is great for teaching. Fly in with your significant other, learn how the best in the world ride, then take a vacation in south Florida. The perfect moto-vacation. Learn more at http://www.racepbir.com/
We also added new dates for Inde Motosports Ranch in Willcox, AZ. Inde is one of our favorite places on the planet. If you haven’t seen the video Chris Peris made, check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E16tIShE4AI
The Inde October, November, and December schools will be our regular program with ChampSchool, ChampDay, and ChampGrad. The May 4-5 date will be different. As we expect travel and group restrictions to potentially be in place, we are offering a special semi-private day with Chris Peris and Kyle Wyman. Only 10 spots are available. This is an exclusive and intimate training experience with two of the fastest and most experienced instructors on the planet. Fun and learning: the best of motorcycling.
We have a bunch of new digital content and events coming out constantly, so if you are not following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, you need to now! Here are a few links:
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ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
