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American Flat Track: Series Signs New Partners/Sponsors

Arai Helmets and American Flat Track Sign Multiyear Partnership Renewal

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 6, 2020) – American Flat Track (AFT) and Arai Helmet, Inc. announced today a multiyear partnership agreement naming Arai Helmets – the industry leader in head protection – as the Official Helmet of American Flat Track.

 

Arai pride themselves on finding more protection within the limits of a helmet. While absorbing impact energy is important, Arai believes that avoiding or minimizing impact energy from getting inside the helmet is where more performance can be found. The ability to slide on a surface, or skip off of an object, can help disperse impact energy and avoid sending it directly into the helmet. Arai refers to this as Glancing Off and believes that the ability to glance off energy is one of the most important performance characteristics of a helmet.

 

In addition to its partnership with American Flat Track, Arai supports many riders and teams as a contribution to increasing the culture of safety in the paddock.

“Arai helmets have been chosen by many legends in motorsport and continue to set the standard all others aspire to,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “We are honored to join them in a long-term partnership and have them bring their technology and expertise to American Flat Track.”

 

Tickets for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway are on sale now. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on Arai Helmets visit www.araiamericas.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

 

About Arai Helmet:

Hirotake Arai created the first helmet in Japan for his own protection, not just for business. To this day, the Arai company is still owned and operated by the Arai family, driven by the same motivation of superior rider protection that drove Hirotake. Comfort, ventilation, aerodynamics, low weight and low noise are just a few of the benefits most riders look for in a helmet, and of course Arai strives to deliver those things. However, Arai has never forgotten the most import function of a helmet – protection – which is why Arai focuses on The Consistent Pursuit of Gains in Protection. See more at www.araiamericas.com.

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:

Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys and American Flat Track Renew Partnership for 2020

Agreement to include sponsorship of AFT Singles class and multi-event sponsorship

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – American Flat Track (AFT) announced today a renewal of its partnership with Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys (RBMA) including its presenting sponsorship of the AFT Singles class and multiple event sponsorships.

Following an explosive 2019 season of competition, during which the Official Motorcycle Attorneys of American Flat Track premiered as its presenting sponsor, the freshly-renewed AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys class is primed for its biggest season yet.

 

At the track, RBMA will be an active sponsor of multiple rounds. Its sponsorship of two of AFT’s most-anticipated rounds – the So-Cal Half-Mile presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys and the Laconia Short Track presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys – provides the familiarity of the Russ Brown name to AFT’s crowd of motorcycle enthusiasts.

 

As part of the multi-faceted partnership, RBMA branding will also be prominently featured on the race day live-streaming platforms.

 

“Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys demonstrate a real passion for the sport of AFT,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “We are very happy to be partnering with them again for 2020 and beyond.”

 

“The success of Russ Brown is due to the dedication and hard work of many individuals – local attorneys who excel at their craft – not just in your community, but all across the U.S,” said Wendy Koro, Operations Manager/Director of Marketing of Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys. “Our winners stood out based on superb results, just like the exciting AFT racers who will reach the podium. For this reason, we want to continue our support of the AFT Singles Class, as it is the perfect fit for Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys and we are thrilled to offer our support in every way we can.”

 

Tickets are on sale now for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at now at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

 

About Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys:

Since 1975, Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys Nationwide have been helping motorcyclists injured in motorcycle accidents across the country. Founder Russ Brown was the first in the U.S. to call himself a motorcycle lawyer and created the BAM Benefit Card which offers free emergency roadside and legal assistance for motorcycle riders nationwide. The BAM (Breakdown & Legal Assistance for Motorcyclists) program is a network of over 2,000,000 volunteers in the motorcycling community – riders helping riders – who are willing to help out a fellow rider in need when stranded on the road. For more information on Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys, or to join BAM, visit www.russbrown.com.

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:

Drag Specialties & Parts Unlimited Renew as Official Powersports Distributor of American Flat Track

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – American Flat Track announced today its renewed partnership with Drag Specialties & Parts Unlimited as the Official Powersports Distributor of American Flat Track.

The Wisconsin-based company was a prominent presence at AFT’s events in 2019, and will continue to express its enthusiasm for motorcycle racing via its renewed support of American Flat Track for 2020.

 

As the world’s largest distributors of aftermarket accessories, fans will naturally recognize the Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited branding from their favorite motorcycle retailers. The sister brands have become the most trusted names in industry, Drag Specialties dominating aftermarket sales in the American V-Twin market and Parts Unlimited with its power present in the motorsports scene.

“A big Thank You to Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited for their continued support for American Flat Track,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “With Drag Specialties focused on the H-D and V-twin markets and Parts Unlimited’s expertise in both street and track, we know that AFT fans are covered whatever they ride.”

“Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited are very happy to continue to support the sport and excited to be involved with American Flat Track for another 2 years,” said Hylton Beattie, Global Motorsport Director for Drag Specialties. ”2019 produced amazing racing in all classes and we believe the racing in 2020 will be even better.“

 

Tickets are on sale now for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:

American Flat Track and Cycle Gear Renew Partnership for 2020

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – American Flat Track proudly announced today a renewal of its partnership with Cycle Gear for 2020, naming the motorcycle industry leader The Official Motorcycle Retailer of American Flat Track.

 

As America’s largest retailer of motorcycle parts and apparel with over 140 stores in 35 states, Cycle Gear and its staff of knowledgeable professionals are the perfect ambassadors to communicate the exciting action of American Flat Track to its customer base of avid motorcycle enthusiasts.

 

For a third consecutive year, Cycle Gear will continue to provide fans with a means of purchasing race tickets for key events at select brick-and-mortar locations, while also initiating a widespread digital outreach campaign.

 

“Cycle Gear and AFT is a natural partnership,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “Our sport appeals to all kinds of motorcyclists, from Big-Twin fans to Sport Bike and Off-Road enthusiasts and Cycle Gear has catered to them all for over 40 years.”

 

As in previous years, Cycle Gear will present various promotional events leading up to select AFT rounds including bike nights, pre-race parties, and giveaway opportunities- even a chance to obtain race day tickets. American Flat Track will again be featured as a contributing sponsor at each bike night while assisting in the in-store giveaways and the promotion of the series at www.cyclegear.com.

 

“Cycle Gear is excited to be the Official Motorcycle Retailer of American Flat Track for a third year,” said Andy Johnson, Senior Director of Business Development for Cycle Gear. “The growth and professionalism of the Series in the last three years has been impressive. We aren’t just proud partners of American Flat Track, we are fans. We can’t wait to see our customers at the races.”

 

Tickets for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway are on sale now. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:

Falken Tires Named Official Light Truck Tire of American Flat Track

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – American Flat Track announced today its newest addition to its family of partners – Falken Tires – naming the automotive titan The Official Light Truck Tire of American Flat Track.

 

For over three decades, the California-based company has been known as a forerunner of high performance radial tire production in the world. With six strategically placed distribution centers across the United States, Falken’s efficiency and speed of distribution to its retailers and customers is unparalleled.

 

No stranger to motorsports, the FALKEN Motorsports team competes annually in the world famous 24 Hours of Nürburgring – one of the hardest endurance races in the world. Stateside, FALKEN participates and competes in Formula Drift, Lucas Off Road Racing Series, Ultra 4, USCA and supports grassroots racing in SCCA.

 

Falken Tires will leverage its partnership with AFT in order to display its catalog of products to AFT’s audience of automobile enthusiasts and light truck owners. Most notable of Falken’s products would be its Wildpeak A/T3W and Wildpeak M/T tires.

 

Engineered for all types of terrain and all weather conditions, the Wildpeak lines use a unique tread design and specifically-formulated compound to achieve aggressive off-road ability and rugged terrain driving without compromising performance on the pavement. For those looking for maximum off-road traction on the roughest terrain, the Wildpeak M/T and A/T3W tires are built for optimum performance in the harshest conditions.

 

“Falken Tires is excited to support American Flat Track and is the first opportunity to share a space with our sister brand, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires,” said Nick Fousekis, Director of Advertising and Promotions for Falken Tires. “We look forward to not only increase our brand awareness to the AFT fans, but also help promote this exciting series by airing races directly to over 2,000 Falken retailers through our proprietary streaming service, Falken Digital TV.”

 

AFT’s action-packed racing will join Falken Digital TV’s current programming of automotive racing, the latest automotive news and tech videos on Falken’s hottest products.

 

“Falken Tires is a brand associated with high performance and competition and we are delighted to welcome them into the AFT family,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “Our fans are strong users and enthusiasts of trucks, so Falken is a great fit for that lifestyle.”

 

Tickets for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway are on sale now. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

 

About Falken Tires:

FALKEN TIRES, a part of SUMITOMO RUBBER NORTH AMERICA, INC., is based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, which serves as the corporate headquarters. With six strategically located tire distribution centers across the United States–in California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Tennessee and Texas–Falken quickly and efficiently supplies its retailers throughout North America.

Falken Tires was launched in its native country of Japan in 1983 and introduced to the North American market two years later. At its inception, Falken was created as the flagship high performance radial brand under Ohtsu Tire and Rubber. Now, nearly 35 years later, Falken has solidified its place as a strong consumer choice for tires, as it has focused on UHP (Ultra High Performance) products by participating in – and winning – well-known professional motorsports programs. The success achieved in these programs helps to further develop and improve passenger vehicle products for both domestic and worldwide distribution.

Falken Tires prides itself on its in-house branding and creative capabilities, delivering award-winning advertising and promotional efforts designed to communicate with its customers by providing key information on its brand and product lines.  Falken’s marketing actions also support its dealer and retailer sales efforts.

Through its advertising and sales programs, Falken Tires consistently strives to fully leverage and ultimately maximize its exposure in Professional Drifting and multiple autocross and national driving programs.

The tire manufacturer has also made great strides in the off-road category, showcasing the capabilities of Falken’s WILDPEAK tire line at multiple racing and endurance events across the country.  To further support its motorsports efforts, Falken consistently updates and maintains a strong, international fan base engaged through its Facebook page – www.facebook.com/falkentire — as well as other social media efforts, such as @FalkenTire on Twitter.

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:

Öhlins USA and AFT Renew Partnership for Fifth Consecutive Season

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – American Flat Track (AFT) is proud to announce that Öhlins USA has renewed its partnership with the series for a fifth consecutive season in 2020.

 

After another season of invaluable support for the athletes of American Flat Track, the industry leader in suspension technology will enhance its presence at series events in 2020, and will build its profile within the AFT NBCSN telecasts. Premiering this season, the DAYTONA TT NBCSN telecast will feature Öhlins and highlight the sophistication of its technology and its influence on performance in AFT competition.

 

With more than 300 world titles to its credit, Öhlins has been providing the best suspension technologies to race teams around the world since its inception in 1976. As the benchmark of quality in suspension manufacturing, Öhlins demonstrated its commitment to American Flat Track with the development of a range of suspension specifically tailored to the unique demands of professional flat track racing.

 

“Ohlins rear shocks and signature gold front forks have become a valuable performance component in the AFT series,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “We are very pleased to be able to continue working with the brand as we enter the new season and the debut of the new AFT SuperTwins premier class.”

 

“Öhlins USA is honored to continue our relationship with American Flat Track for the fifth consecutive year,” said Casey Brown, Marketing Director at Öhlins USA. “American Flat Track and Öhlins USA share a die-hard passion for motorcycle racing and we can’t wait for the green flag to drop at Daytona. With Öhlins technicians attending every AFT race, we are proud to offer unparalleled service and support throughout the 2020 racing season.”

 

Öhlins USA will continue to provide fans at select AFT events with an opportunity to get an up-close look at its signature gold product lines. For more on Öhlins USA and the Flat Track Series packages, visit www.ohlinsusa.com.

 

Tickets for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway are on sale now. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on Öhlins USA visit www.ohlinsusa.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

 

About Öhlins USA:

Öhlins USA is the North American distributor and principal service center of the world’s-leading performance suspension components for motor vehicles, from two to four wheels. Öhlins suspension components transform a vehicle’s performance more than any other modification, improving acceleration, handling, and braking in every condition and extreme.

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:

Vance & Hines Announces Exhaust Contingency Support for AFT Singles in 2020

DAYTONA BEACH, FL  – Vance & Hines announced today its 2020 American Flat Track AFT Singles Contingency Program, granting AFT Singles competitors who compete using the Vance & Hines exhaust system contingency benefits in the upcoming season.

This generous contingency offering comes in addition to the existing Vance & Hines AFT Production Twins package, bringing the company’s total contingency support to over $60,000 in 2020, $25,000 of which is available exclusively to the AFT Singles class.

“We are a company born in racing, and AFT is important to us,” said Mike Kennedy, President of Vance & Hines. “This contingency program is a great complement to our support for AFT SuperTwins and the Harley-Davidson Racing Program.”

Piloting a machine powered by his expertly-tuned Vance & Hines exhaust system, Dalton Gauthier was a dominant force in the 2019 AFT Singles class, eventually winning the championship. In 2020, Gauthier will compete for a shot at the AFT SuperTwins title, aptly, under the Harley-Davidson / Vance & Hines banner.

The contingency offerings for the AFT Singles class per race break down as follows:

1st Place = $500

2nd Place = $300

3rd Place = $200

4th Place = $100

5th Place = $50

Championship Winner = $5,000

To be eligible for contingency payouts, riders must run an eligible Vance & Hines exhaust systems in the AFT Singles class. Machines used in competition must also display the Vance & Hines decal and riders must display Vance & Hines patch on his/her leathers.

To help riders take home as many contingency dollars as possible, American Flat Track has created online Contingency Guidelines for each of its three classes: American Flat Track Contingency Guidelines.

Tickets are now on sale for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

About Vance & Hines:

The Vance & Hines brand has always been about enhancing the exhilaration of the motorcycle ride. It started over 40 years ago, when Terry Vance and Byron Hines were two young enthusiasts in the fledgling Southern California motorcycle drag race scene. Terry always wanted to go faster and Byron knew how to make that happen. In short order, their on-track success and innovation drew the attention of other racers, riders and motorcycle manufacturers, which ultimately translated to commercial demand for their products and services. Today, the Company’s strategy is the same; make bikes go faster on the race track and take those learnings to make impactful products for riders.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track:

American Flat Track and Full Spectrum Power Renew Multiyear Partnership

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – American Flat Track (AFT) announced today a multiyear renewal of its partnership with Full Spectrum Power as The Official Battery of American Flat Track.

 

After a successful first season of partnership in 2019, Full Spectrum Power has expanded its relationship with AFT by providing its premium battery technology for use within AFT’s raceday operations. Various essential pieces of competition-related equipment from timing and scoring, to the ever-important on-track safety lights will all be powered by Full Spectrum Power’s unparalleled technology.

 

The Virginia-based company has manufactured the highest quality lithium batteries for all modern powersports machines for over a decade. All Pulse IPT batteries are available in direct fit industry standard case sizes, and include multi-mount terminals, providing a simple and easy installation.

 

Technical representatives will continue to attend each race to support teams and riders, as well as educate fans who may be looking to upgrade to Full Spectrum Power products for their powersports vehicles.

 

Marking its eighth year of providing products and support for AFT teams, 2020 will see every season-long AFT SuperTwins team utilizing Full Spectrum Power’s Pulse ‘Race’ batteries, as well as its technical and consulting services. In the coming weeks, Full Spectrum Power will profile many of these teams, riders and machines on its website and social media channels.

 

“It is an honor and a privilege to work with American Flat Track,” said Jason Levitt, President of Full Spectrum Power. “Out partnership is a great way to support professional flat track racing, which has supported us for so long. The staff at AFT has welcomed us with open arms, and has done an amazing job in putting on a world-class race series every week. Hats off to everyone at AFT for their hard work and dedication to the sport of flat track. Our multi-year agreement with AFT is a responsibility that we take very seriously, and our involvement with virtually every team in the paddock attests to this. With the DAYTONA TT now a month away, we are excited to get back to racing.”

 

“Full Spectrum Power is recognized by AFT and our pro race community as a leader in high performance battery technology,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “They are trusted to deliver superior lithium-based batteries and custom solutions for the vast majority of our competitors and we are very happy to extend our partnership with them in 2020 and beyond.”

 

Tickets for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway are on sale now. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:

Yamaha and AFT Expand Official Partnership for 2020

Yamaha to return as title sponsor of Atlanta Short Track

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – American Flat Track and Yamaha Motor Corp. announced today an expansion of their partnership for the upcoming season. Yamaha joins AFT’s family of Official OEM Partners for 2020.

 

Following a banner year of competition for the manufacturer, including an AFT Production Twins Championship won by Cory Texter and two premier class wins from Estenson Racing’s JD Beach, the industry leader in racing technology scored a total of 12 victories throughout all three classes of AFT competition.

 

Athletes who compete on Yamaha machinery will benefit from the brand’s generous contingency offerings for the 2020 season. Totaling $444,550 across all three classes, Yamaha’s 2020 contingency package represents the largest thus far for the upcoming season.

 

Audiences of AFT can look forward to seeing Yamaha’s signature branding throughout all series channels, both at the track and through at-home coverage.

 

Yamaha will also return as the entitlement sponsor of the 2020 Yamaha Atlanta Short Track at Dixie Speedway on March 28. The Atlanta-based company will be present in full force at its hometown event. Members of the Yamaha family will gather to experience the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycle racing at one of the most-competitive tracks on the circuit.

 

“The Yamaha brand is woven deep into the fabric of AFT,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “From the pioneer era of Kenny Roberts in the ‘70’s, to the present-day factory-backed team of Estenson Racing campaigning in the debut season of AFT SuperTwins, Yamaha is a valued partner to our series. With Cory Texter defending the number 1 plate in AFT Production Twins and a bounty of over $400,000 available to Yamaha-mounted racers, this promises to be a great year for all fans of Yamaha and American Flat Track.”

 

“We’re super excited to be able to increase our support for the sport this year,” said Steve Nessl, Motorsports Marketing Manager of Yamaha. “From our partnership with AFT and investment in Estenson Racing, to the contingency program and employee activation at our home round, everyone here is looking forward to 2020 and continued success at the track.”

 

Tickets for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway are on sale now. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:

Motion Pro and American Flat Track Renew Partnership for 2020

Partnership to include contingency package for AFT Production Twins

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – American Flat Track is pleased to announce a renewal with longtime partner Motion Pro, naming the industry leader the Official Tools, Cables and Controls of American Flat Track for the 2020 season.

 

After nearly four decades of experience in the powersports industry, Motion Pro has become one of the most trusted manufacturers of tools, cables and controls for racers and riders of all types of motorsports.

 

Furthering its commitment to the sport in 2020, Motion Pro has introduced a brand new contingency program available to competitors in the AFT Production Twins class. Riders who finish anywhere within the top-10 positions will be eligible for a contingency award, the most generous of which is a $5,000 offering for the first place finisher in the AFT Production Twins class.

 

The social-media based contingency program is the first of its kind for Motion Pro, so riders are encouraged to inspect the AFT Production Twins Contingency Guidelines on the AMA Pro Racing competitor website.

 

“Motion Pro is a brand you can see being used all across our race paddock, from the big factory-backed teams all the way to the up-and-comers,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “Their commitment and support kicks up to a new level with this year’s introduction of contingency cash and we are very grateful for the added investment that’s going directly to the competitors.”

 

“Motion Pro has been supporting dirt track racing for over 35 years, and we are honored to sponsor AFT again in 2020,” says Chris Carter, President and Founder of Motion Pro. “Our tools and products make it easier for enthusiasts to maintain and repair their motorcycle, ATV, or UTV.  AFT riders and mechanics helped us develop and test many of our unique and innovative products like the Rev2 Throttle Kit, Pro Fill Air Chuck, and Digital Tire Gauge. The grueling demands of AFT racing help us continually ensure the toughness and durability of our products and that they will meet the demands of the most exacting mechanics and riders in the world.”

 

Tickets are on sale now for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

Öhlins USA Announces Motorcycle Racing Service Program

Öhlins USA is very excited to announce our 2020 motorcycle race service program. 

Mike Himmelsbach, the Motorsport Race Manager at Öhlins, states, “We are very excited to offer the highest level of technical support for all of our riders in an effort to maximize the performance of our Advanced Technology Systems and continue to win races.”

 

Öhlins USA Motorsport Race Manager Mike Himmelsbach. Photo courtesy of Öhlins USA.
Öhlins USA Motorsport Race Manager Mike Himmelsbach. Photo courtesy Öhlins USA.

 

MotoAmerica Support:

Our highly skilled team will work from a fully functional mobile race shop including four suspension workstations and a complement of specialty tools and parts to service our Öhlins products.  Mike Himmelsbach and John “Corndog” Cornwell will return to the paddock while our new addition Scotty Ryan formerly of Trackside Suspension will join Öhlins USA full time.  Joining the team on weekends will be Jon Tyus of CTR Suspensions, Barry Wressell of KFG Suspension and Meghan Ryan of Trackside Suspension.

 

Öhlins USA’s Scotty Ryan (left) and Meghan Ryan (right). Photo courtesy of Öhlins USA.
Öhlins USA’s Scotty Ryan (left) and Meghan Ryan (right). Photo courtesy Öhlins USA.

 

American Flat Track Support:

Last season Öhlins USA added Jimmy Wood to the team and in his first season Öhlins USA secured its first-ever 450 Singles Championship.  Öhlins USA is committed to winning more AFT races and Championships in 2020 with an expanded technical team featuring Mike Himmelsbach, Jimmy Wood, John Cornwell and Martin Milanese in the AFT paddock.

 

Öhlins USA’s John Cornwell. Photo courtesy of Westby Racing.
Öhlins USA’s John Cornwell. Photo courtesy Westby Racing.

 

Service Department Support:

The Gold Standard does not stop at the racetrack.  A re-vamped Öhlins USA service department features 10 factory trained technical support experts with more than 90 years of combined experience. Our service team is constantly improving our standards and with our real time updates from Sweden we offer the best experience in service and racetrack tuning. New initiatives utilize our shock dyno daily to verify every shock and fork serviced, to perform in house R&D and to provide all of our customers with level of performance that wins races and championships.  Brad Stokes, our master technician, will also be conducting dealer training throughout the season to improve the national dealer support.

 

About Öhlins USA

Öhlins USA, a subsidiary of Öhlins Racing AB, is an advanced technology company, which develops, manufactures, services and distributes Öhlins premium suspension systems to the automotive, motorcycle and bicycle markets. With a strong background in global racing from NASCAR, MotoGP, Formula 1, FIA World Endurance, World Rallycross, and World Superbike, it continues to lead the market for premium performance suspensions worldwide.  It is now part of the DRiV™ Advance Technologies Group of Tenneco.

 

About DRiV – the future Aftermarket and Ride Performance Company

Following Tenneco Inc.’s (NYSE: TEN) expected separation to form two new, independent companies, an Aftermarket and Ride Performance company (DRiV™) as well as a new Powertrain Technology company, DRiV will be one of the largest global multi-line, multi-brand aftermarket companies, and one of the largest global OE ride performance and braking companies.  DRiV’s principal product brands will feature Monroe®, Öhlins®, Walker®, Clevite® Elastomers, MOOG®, Fel-Pro®, Wagner®, Ferodo®, Champion® and others. DRiV would have 2018 pro-forma revenues of $6.4 billion, with 54% of those revenues from aftermarket and 46% from original equipment customers.

 

 

Safe Harbor

This release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements relating to our plans to separate into two independent public companies.  Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to materially differ from those described in the forward-looking statements, including the possibility that Tenneco may not complete the spin-off of the Aftermarket & Ride Performance business from the Powertrain Technology business (or achieve some or all of the anticipated benefits of such a spin-off); the possibility that the acquisition of Federal-Mogul or the separation may have an adverse impact on existing arrangements with Tenneco, including those related to transition, manufacturing and supply services and tax matters; the ability to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers or other business partners; the risk that the benefits of the acquisition of Federal-Mogul or the separation, including synergies, may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the risk that the acquisition of Federal-Mogul or the separation may not advance Tenneco’s business strategy; the risk that Tenneco may experience difficulty integrating all employees or operations; the potential diversion of Tenneco management’s attention resulting from the separation; as well as the risk factors and cautionary statements included in Tenneco’s periodic and current reports (Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K) filed from time to time with the SEC. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Unless otherwise indicated, the forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date of this communication, and, except as required by law, Tenneco does not undertake any obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to publicly disclose revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements. Additional information regarding these risk factors and uncertainties is detailed from time to time in the company’s SEC filings, including but not limited to its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Moto2: Joe Roberts Breaks Lap Record, Leads FP2 In Qatar (Updated)

Moto2 All-Time Lap Record: 1:58.635, Lorenzo Baldassarri, 2019

Moto2 Race Lap Record: 1:58.711, Thomas Luthi, 2019

FIM Moto2 World Championship 

Losail International Circuit

Doha, Qatar

March 6, 2020

Free Practice Two Results (all using Triumph engines and Dunlop tires):

  1. Joe Roberts, USA (Kalex), 1:58.421, New All-Time Lap Record
  2. Marco Bezzecchi, Italy (Kalex), 1:58.669
  3. Luca Marini, Italy (Kalex), 1:58.759
  4. Tetsuta Nagashima, Japan (Kalex), 1:58.921
  5. Xavi Vierge, Spain (Kalex), 1:59.059
  6. Augusto Fernandez, Spain (Kalex), 1:59.074
  7. Bo Bendsneyder, Netherlands (NTS), 1:59.089
  8. Enea Bastianini, Italy (Kalex), 1:59.114
  9. Nicolo Bulega, Italy (Kalex), 1:59.136
  10. Jorge Martin, Spain (Kalex), 1:59.148
  11. Jorge Navarro, Spain (Speed Up), 1:59.189
  12. Marcel Schrotter, Germany (Kalex), 1:59.198
  13. Lorenzo Baldassarri, Italy (Kalex), 1:59.237
  14. Aron Canet, Spain (Speed Up), 1:59.278
  15. Fabio Di Giannantonio, Italy (Speed Up), 1:59.284
  16. Somkiat Chantra, Thailand (Kalex), 1:59.290
  17. Remy Gardner, Australia (Kalex), 1:59.434
  18. Edgar Pons, Spain (Kalex), 1:59.486
  19. Sam Lowes, UK (Kalex), 1:59.561
  20. Jake Dixon, UK (Kalex), 1:59.641
  21. Marcos Ramirez, Spain (Kalex), 1:59.709
  22. Simone Corsi, Italy (MV Agusta), 1:59.839
  23. Hector Garzo, Spain (Kalex), 2:00.020
  24. Stefano Manzi, Italy (MV Agusta), 2:00.160
  25. Jesko Raffin, Switzerland (NTS), 2:00.183
  26. Thomas Luthi, Switzerland (Kalex), 2:00.262
  27. Hafizh Syahrin, Malaysia (Speed Up), 2:00.396
  28. Lorenzo Dalla Porta, Italy (Kalex), 2:00.804
  29. Andi Farid Izdihar, Indonesia (Kalex), 2:01.265
  30. Kasma Daniel Kasmaudi, Malaysia (Kalex), 2:02.886

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Roberts lights up the desert to break the lap record on Day 1

American Racing rider starts the season in the hot seat with a stunning show of form on Friday

Friday, 06 March 2020

After some impressive form in preseason testing at Losail International Circuit, Joe Roberts (American Racing) came out swinging on Day 1 of the QNB Grand Prix of Qatar and smashed the lap record in FP2 to end Friday on top. The American was nearly two and a half tenths clear of his closest competition, Marco Bezzecchi, with Luca Marini in third as Sky Racing Team VR46 riders completed the top three.

Free Practice 1 in the sun began with Tom Lüthi (Liqui Moly Intact GP) topping the timesheets, but the Swiss veteran had a tricky start to FP2 after crashing at Turn 14 while on a session best lap – rider ok. There were no such troubles for Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Bull KTM Ajo) though as the Japanese rider, who finished P11 in FP1, shot to the top of the times with the fastest lap of the weekend, and he remained near the top by the end of play too. In the early stages, plenty of riders were beating their FP1 times, and by the end all those down to Lüthi in 11th overall had gone faster. The Swiss rider also suffered a second crash and headed for the Medical Centre – rider fit.

By the end of the shuffle it was Roberts who moved up from having taken fifth in FP1, the American blasting the lap record and Bezzecchi then moving up to second on his final lap. Marini took third, less than a tenth off his teammate, with Nagashima pushed down to P4.

Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing) had a better afternoon to finish P5 overall, the Spaniard having crashed in FP1, and FP2 crasher Augusto Fernandez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) slipped to P6 after his tumble ended his session early. Bo Bendsneyder (NTS RW Racing GP) had a great FP2 to finish P7 overall on Day 1, the Dutchman moving up from P18 in FP1 and putting in one of NTS’ best sessions to date.

Now into his second year of Moto2™, Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) ended the day in P8 despite a crash, edging out compatriot and fellow sophomore Nicolo Bulega (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2). Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who was second in FP1, slipped to tenth despite  marginally improving his laptime – but he did clock the fastest ever Moto2™ speed at Losail: 296.7km/h.

Lüthi was P11, ahead of the Qatar Test’s fastest man: Jorge Navarro (Beta Tools Speed Up), who crashed on Day 1 too. Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP) was next fastest, ahead of Aron Canet (Aspar Team), with the Spaniard the fastest rookie once again – and currently the last man who would move through to Q2.

Remy Gardner (Onexox TKKR SAG Team) suffered a spectacular highside on the exit of Turn 1 in FP2, the Australian heading to the medical centre for a checkup, and Lorenzo Baldassarri (Flexbox HP 40) was another high profile crasher on Friday.

Moto2™ is set to light up Qatar again on Saturday as Roberts heads a top 18 split by less than a second. What a way to start the year in the intermediate class as qualifying starts to rear its head on the Doha horizon. Tune in for Moto2™ FP3 at 13:50 local time (GMT+3), with Q1 getting underway at 18:00.

DAY 1

1 – Joe Roberts – (American Racing) – Kalex – 1’58.421

2 – Marco Bezzecchi – (Sky Racing Team VR46) – Kalex – +0.248

3 – Luca Marini – (Sky Racing Team VR46) – Kalex – +0.338

4 – Tetsuta Nagashima – (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – Kalex – +0.500

5 – Xavi Vierge – (Petronas Sprinta Racing) – Kalex – +0.638

 

Fernandez flies to the top on Friday

Spanish sophomore ends Day 1 just shy of the lap record

The wait is over and Moto3™ are officially back in action at the QNB Grand Prix of Qatar, with Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) the man opening his 2020 account on top. The pace was pretty hot on Day 1 as the Spaniard ended Friday just 0.019 shy of Aron Canet’s lap record at Losail International Circuit, with Darryn Binder (CIP Green Power) in second but a tenth back. Sergio Garcia (Estrella Galicia 0,0), our most recent race winner until the grid have a chance to try and change the fact on Sunday, completed the top three after also having gone fastest in FP1.

Friday saw sun blaze throughout the day and a little less wind than had plagued the venue at times during the recent test, and it was largely a drama-free affair with most of the field improving their laptimes in a duskier FP2. The timesheets promise plenty from the race, however, with the speed already there on Day 1 as Fernandez homed in on that lap record – and only a tenth and a half separating the top three. In addition, the previous top speed in Moto3™ fell by the wayside as Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) upped it from 240.3km/h to 245.4.

Fourth went the way of Honda Team Asia’s Ai Ogura, who was second fastest in testing in Qatar, as he moved up the timesheets on his final attempt and got ahead of compatriot Kaito Toba (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – last year’s race winner. He was the last man in the 2:04s, with Tony Arbolino (Rivacold Snipers Team) putting in a 2’05.227 for sixth.

Andrea Migno (Sky Racing Team VR46) was seventh and improved a whopping 1.7 seconds from his FP1 time, with Masia in P8 and over a second quicker in FP2 than his previous best. Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) was only 0.016 back from the Spaniard as he leapt up the timesheets and put his Husqvarna in ninth on the manufacturer’s return to the class, with Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) completing the top ten – a familiar sight so far – as fastest rookie. The Turkish rider was only 0.007 off Fenati, too.

John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) was close too as the Scot took P11, with Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) slotting into 12th. Rookies Yuki Kunii (Honda Team Asia) and Carlos Tatay (Reale Avintia Racing) provisionally claimed the final Q2 spots in 13th and 14th place, but anything can change again in FP3…

Migno and Albert Arenas (Aspar Team) were both crashers in FP1, but nobody slipped off during the second session of the day for the lightweight class. Now all focus switches to Saturday’s FP3 session and the fight to earn a place directly in Q2, which in Moto3™ is reserved for the fastest 14. via the top 14. Tune in as that begins at 12:55 (GMT+3) local time before qualifying starts at 17:05.

DAY 1

1 – Raul Fernandez – (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – KTM – 2’04.577

2 – Darryn Binder – (CIP Green Power) – KTM – +0.121

3 – Sergio Garcia – (Estrella Galicia 0,0) – Honda – +0.146

4 – Ai Ogura – (Honda Team Asia) – Honda – +0.345

5 – Kaito Toba – (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – KTM – +0.411

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Red Bull KTM Tech3:

Öncü kicks off 2020 impressively with a top 10 – Sasaki is catching up in Qatar
 

Red Bull KTM Tech3’s brand-new Moto3 adventure got off a flying at the Losail International Circuit today with Moto3 World Championship rookie Deniz Öncü finishing the first Grand Prix Friday in a fantastic 10th position as the fastest rookie and inside the potential Q2 spots for Qualifying day. Meanwhile, Ayumu Sasaki took it easy this morning, but improved by 1.297 seconds in FP2 to eventually end day one at school this year 0.915 seconds behind his teammate.

Deniz Öncü
 

Position: 10th

Time: 2:05.355

Laps: 24

“Today has been a great day. Free Practice one was fine, we improved in every lap, but in FP2 I was struggling quite a lot to see the track, as the sun was just going down and this reflected a lot. I was riding in these conditions for the very first time, therefore, it was hard to put the bike inside of the corners, but towards the end, it was darker and easier to see for me, plus I adapted better to the conditions. We put in a new tyre and I managed to do a great lap time. I think we are ready for tomorrow’s Qualifying.”

Ayumu Sasaki
 

Position: 26th

Time: 2:06.270

Laps: 23

“To be honest, it was a difficult first day. We tried a few things in order to improve from the test, as we needed to do something different, starting from zero again. I needed to get used to the bike again, aiming to improve with every outing and it worked out. Unfortunately, we are still a bit far away from the front, so we know what the target is. We managed to improve by more than one second from FP1 to FP2, so if we can do the same tomorrow, I think we can catch the rest. At the moment, I try to understand and work on myself and the bike. Hopefully we can come back stronger tomorrow and arrive towards the front on Sunday.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Sky Racing Team VR46:

MIGNO AND VIETTI RAMUS TEMPORARILY QUALIFIED FOR THE Q2 IN QATAR

Important step forward for the Moto3 couple in the afternoon session. Migno is seventh and Vietti Rumus 12th in the combined standings.

Doha (Qatar), March 6th 2020 – An FP1 to catch the rhythms of the first race weekend of 2020 and a significant chronometric step forward in the afternoon session for both riders of the Sky Racing Team VR46 in Doha at Qatar GP.

Teamwork and work on the race pace with Andrea Migno who stops at 2’05.287, a time that means the seventh place in the combined rankings just seven tenths behind the very first guys (Fernandez, 2’04.577). Close to the Top 10 and qualified for the Q2 also Celestino Vietti Ramus who signs a best lap time of 2’05.502.

Pablo Nieto, Team Manager: 

“We have started the GP with the right foot: a lot of work and an important step forward compared to the IRTA test. This was our main goal for today. We will continue like this, step by step we are taking more and more confidence.”

Celestino Vietti:

“Definitely a positive Friday: compared to my standards of the last season, I am closer to the group at the end of the first day of free practices. The feeling with the bike is good: this morning, in FP1, we have tried some new solutions while in FP2 we managed to make an excellent last run with Andrea (Migno ed). We will continue to push, there are many strong riders and we still need a little step forward for tomorrow.”

Andrea Migno:

“As always, thanks to the Team, every time we back on track, we are able to improve. Step by step, we are coming to the right bike set up to be fast. For the QP we need another small step forward, but I’m happy.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS:

Fernandez and heroic Lowes kick off 2020 in impressive fashion

Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS kicked off preparations for the new 2020 Moto2 World Championship in Doha with a productive day for Augusto Fernandez, while the Belgian squad welcomed back Sam Lowes from an injury lay-off.

Cloudless skies and warm temperatures were ideal conditions for Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS to work on finding the optimum machine set-up in this season’s first official practice session this afternoon.

With the second session taking place under the spectacular Losail International Circuit floodlights, Fernandez and a strong-minded Lowes were able post competitive lap times in a record-breaking FP2.

Augusta Fernandez
 

6th, 1:59.074, 24 laps

After a successful three-day test session at the Losail International Circuit last weekend, Fernandez wasted no time in finding a fast rhythm in FP1 and a lap of 1’59.253 put him fourth and just 0.085s away from the best pace set by Tom Lüthi.

Concentrating on setting a fast and consistent pace in race trim ahead of Sunday’s 20-lap race, Fernandez showed great potential on worn tyres to set the sixth fastest time of the evening with a 1’59.074.

The Spaniard was confident he could make another big step but a crash from which he emerged uninjured prevented him from completing a planned time attack on soft rubber.

“The work we have been doing so far has been very positive.
“I’m happy with the first day because we made a big step in every area compared to the test. My feeling on the bike is much better and the lap time was good and I’m satisfied with my pace. It was a shame we missed the chance to complete a time attack because of the crash. I’m sorry to the team because the work we have been doing so far has been very positive but we missed the chance to push for a fast lap. I’m happy though because my fastest lap was set on a rear tyre that was on its 23rd lap, which is positive for the race. And I’m sure if I had the chance to push hard for a fast lap I’d be higher up.”

 Sam Lowes

 20th, 1:59.561, 24 laps

Although well below his peak physical best because of multiple injuries to his right shoulder sustained in a pre-season accident in Jerez, Lowes performed with tremendous determination and desire to demonstrate his potential on the opening day in Doha.

Riding in considerable pain and coping with a lack of strength and mobility, Lowes completed 12 laps around the physically demanding 5.4km layout in FP1 and a further 12 laps in FP2.

The Briton’s pain-defying performance was rewarded this evening and he improved his pace by the huge margin of 1.5s to finish day one in 20th position overall.

“I’m proud of myself and the team with the job we did today.
“It has been a tough time with the injury and it is not easy to miss testing and watch everybody else ride. I was unlucky to get a big injury from a very small crash and it has been a difficult period but I saw Augusto do a very good job at the test and that meant the team had a strong base to work with. I want to say thanks to him and the team and I feel good. I was nervous this morning because I didn’t know what was possible. I might have had to stop after just one lap, so I’m proud of myself and the team with the job we did today. I think we can improve and make another step forward tomorrow.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Sky Racing Team VR46:

TEAM WORK FOR THE SKY RACING TEAM VR46 IN LOSAIL

Together on track for the whole day Marco Bezzecchi and Luca Marini have hit the second and the third place in the combined standings.

Doha (Qatar), March 6th 2020 – A Friday of free practice as protagonists for the riders of the Sky Racing Team VR46 in Losail. Team work to give the rhythm to the group with Marco Bezzecchi second and Luca Marini third at the end of the day.

Sharing data and information to raise the level and reach a best lap time of 1’58.669, a time that means the second place for Marco, at his debut with the Team’s colors and in the wake of Roberts (1’58.421). Just a tenth behind him Luca (1’58.759) satisfied with the feeling with his Kalex and at work on the engine brake.

Pablo Nieto, Team Manager:

“I am satisfied with what we have done today: a good Team work that allowed us to keep a good pace. But the weekend is still long, we need to remain focused.”

Luca Marini:

“I am quite satisfied: in the FP2 we used new tires to be more performing on the flying lap and we made a great Team work with Marco (Bezzecchi ndr). The feeling is good, but we have to improve in braking, on the engine brake and in the T2. Compared to the testing session, the grip on the track is different and there is no wind.”

Marco Bezzecchi:

“It was a good start: a great job with Luca and with the whole Team. We try to raise the level by sharing info, but we have to work hard and take a step forward on the first few laps of tires because we are not perfect.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by PETRONAS Sprinta Racing:

Moto3 season underway for PETRONAS Sprinta Racing in Qatar

Moto3 season underway for PETRONAS Sprinta Racing riders John McPhee and Khairul Idham Pawi in Qatar

The 2020 Moto3 World Championship got underway today for PETRONAS Sprinta Racing riders John McPhee and Khairul Idham Pawi, at Losail International Circuit, Qatar. At the end of the two Free Practice sessions McPhee finished 11th fastest, with team-mate KIP 25th.

Despite the dust that had been blowing over the track in the last few days, the circuit staff had been able to brush and blow the majority of it away leaving the Moto3 riders a mostly clean track for their opening session of the day. Both McPhee and KIP were quick to get out on the 5.4km long circuit and officially start their weekend with John setting a best lap time of 2mins 6.219 secs and KIP a 2mins 7.337secs lap.

The second free practice session saw the riders run with soft tyres on their Honda NSF250RW machines as the temperatures were lower and conditions more representative of what they will face in the race on Sunday. McPhee was immediately quick and soon set times that were quicker than the fastest lap in FP1. At the end of the second practice session the Scot had managed a best lap time of 2mins 5.383secs, which placed him 11th in the combined standings across the two sessions. Improving his time to 2mins 6.117secs, KIP finished the day 25th as he makes his return to the Moto3 category.

Tomorrow the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing pair will have one final practice session at 12.55pm local time (17.55am MYT) before the first qualifying session gets underway at 5.05pm local time (10.05pm MYT).

John McPhee

11th (2’05.383)

The pace is decent, especially with the used tyre, so I’m feeling good. I did my lap with the soft tyre alone so there’s still quite a bit of time there to be made with a tow and a slipstream. With the lap time I’d hoped to be a little bit further up the grid but there’s a lot of guys putting really fast times in so we’ll see how FP3 goes tomorrow, but the main focus is to get into Q2. The last few days there’s been a bit of a sandstorm so I thought FP1 would be more or less a write off, but in the end it was quite decent. The lap times towards the end of the session were quite fast and in FP2 were a lot faster than what we’d expected. Of course testing is important but it’s so nice to get away from that and actually now focus on a race weekend. I’m really looking forward to Sunday.

Khairul Idham Pawi

25th (2’06.117)

I feel really happy to be back at the races. There are still some areas I can improve with the Moto3 bike, I just lose some time in the beginning of the corner under braking so we will try to fix that for tomorrow. It is not a big difference compared with John and I think we can improve more. The track conditions are better than the last test here; there is less wind and there is more grip. For tomorrow we will try to improve the lap time and try to go directly to Q2, if not we will try to make a good lap in Q1 and be in a good position for the race on Sunday.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by PETRONAS Sprinta Racing:

Top-five Moto2 finish for Vierge on first day of Qatar GP

Top-five Moto2 finish for PETRONAS Sprinta Racing’s Vierge on first day of Qatar GP, Dixon 21st

The first day of the Qatar GP saw PETRONAS Sprinta Racing’s Xavi Vierge set the fifth fastest time across the two Moto2 free practice sessions, with team-mate Jake Dixon 21st. With the MotoGP category cancelled for this opening round, the Moto2 riders have had to adapt to different track conditions to what was expected, with their race on Sunday moved to the primetime slot that MotoGP had occupied.

Vierge started the day with a small crash at Turn 6 of the Losail International Circuit, but was able to remount and ride his bike back to the garage before continuing with the session just minutes later. Using the first session to reconfirm settings from the final pre-season test Xavi was able to set a fastest lap of 1min 59.789secs (placing him 16th), while team-mate Dixon’s fastest lap was 2mins 0.356 secs saw him end the session 25th.

The second session of the day, which allowed the riders to experience similar conditions to what is expected in Sunday’s race, saw the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing pair focus on using the soft tyre. Xavi spent the majority of the session lapping within the top-ten, with a strong race pace, before saving his best time for his last lap – a 1min 59.059secs lap, which placed him fifth overall and was just 0.138 seconds shy of the fastest Moto2 rider. Dixon, who is still feeling the effects of a minor injury to his finger, was able to rack up the laps and further adapt his style to the Triumph-powered Kalex machine. The Brit finished the day 21st with a fastest time of 1min 59.641.

The final practice session for PETRONAS Sprinta Racing’s Moto2 riders will see the pair take to the circuit at 1.50pm local time (6.50pm MYT) with the first qualifying session commencing at 6pm local time (11pm MYT).

Xavi Vierge

5th (1’59.059)

I’m really happy with the first day. First I have to say sorry for my mistake in the second lap of FP1, but I think we did a really good job. From FP1 to FP2 we work a lot on the bike because the crash this morning was under engine braking. So we work really hard to improve that area and in the second session I feel a lot better, we could work on the pace and make a good lap time. I’m quite happy with fifth position. Tomorrow we will try to be in Q2, I think with the lap time we did today we will be in there and secondly I will try to have a good qualifying result, try to stay within the first two rows.

Jake Dixon

21st (1’59.641)

It was good, although the hot conditions this morning weren’t really relevant to the conditions that we will qualify and race in. This evening was good because it was at the exact same time as the race, and it’s actually the first time we’ve had this even with testing. It was good to understand what we need to do to improve. There are still things to learn and I’ve been a little bit slower than what I wanted, but at the end of the day when all the pieces of the puzzle come together I know I can be fast. It’s just a matter of time and going through the process to make sure we’re working in a correct way for the race and give the team the best result I can.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Team Federal Oil Gresini:

LOSAIL FRIDAY: BULEGA TOWARDS THE FRONT AS PONS ALSO DOES WELL

The first two free practice sessions of the 2020 season have been completed today at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, with the middleweight class involved in two completely different sessions, as the latter one was held under floodlights.

Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 had a good showing especially with Nicolò Bulega, who was ninth-quickest today (1’59.136s). The Italian, who was among the most active riders on track with 28 laps completed (15 in FP1 and 13 in FP3) was only 0.7secs shy of Roberts’s provisional pole, but also only two tenths of a second away from the top five.

Good feeling also for Edgar Pons. The Spaniard finished 19thin today’s combined times (1’59.486secs), but the top ten is already within reach. The number 57 made several set-up changes during FP2 and tomorrow he will try to be among the protagonists and maybe play his cards to qualify directly to Q2.

Moto2 FP3 will get underway at 13:50 local time (GMT +3).

9th –  NICOLÒ BULEGA #11

“It hasn’t been a bad start. Honestly, we already have a clear idea on what to improve and in particular I mean corner entry, because the bike “pushes” a bit, but I’m sure we’ll get there. If we solve this little issue I can say we could be part of the game, the big one.”

19th –  EDGAR PONS #57

“It was a positive day, even though I was hoping for something more in FP2. In any case, we’re close to the top riders and the overall position is not that important, even though it wasn’t what we hoped for. We will go back and try to improve a few tenths of a second, which can really make a difference in this class. With all the team support we will surely improve tomorrow.”

Moto3: Raul Fernandez Tops FP2 At Losail International Circuit

Moto3 All-Time Lap Record: 2:04.561, Aron Canet, 2019

Moto3 Race Lap Record: 2:05.403, Romano Fenati, 2019

FIM Moto2 World Championship 

Losail International Circuit

Doha, Qatar

March 6, 2020

Free Practice Two Results (all on Dunlop tires):

  1. Raul Fernandez, Spain (KTM), 2:04.577
  2. Darryn Binder, South Africa (KTM), 2:04.698
  3. Sergio Garcia, Spain (Honda), 2:04.723
  4. Ai Ogura, Japan (Honda), 2:04.922
  5. Kaito Toba, Japan (KTM), 2:04.988
  6. Tony Arbolino, Italy (Honda), 2:05.227
  7. Andrea Migno, Italy (KTM), 2:05.287
  8. Jaume Masia, Spain (Honda), 2:05.332
  9. Romano Fenati, Italy (Husqvarna), 2:05.348
  10. Deniz Oncu, Turkey (KTM), 2:05.355
  11. John McPhee, UK (Honda), 2:05.383
  12. Celestino Vietti, Italy (KTM), 2:05.502
  13. Yuki Kunii, Japan (Honda), 2:05.587
  14. Carlos Tatay, Spain (KTM), 2:05.598
  15. Stefano Nepa, Italy (KTM), 2:05.612
  16. Gabriel Rodrigo, Argentina (Honda), 2:05.622
  17. Albert Arenas, Spain (KTM), 2:05.668
  18. Tatsuki Suzuki, Japan (Honda), 2:05.758
  19. Filip Salac, Czech Republic (Honda), 2:05.765
  20. Jeremy Alcoba, Spain (Honda), 2:05.779

Recent Wedding: Roger Lyle – Joan Erdesky

Roger Lyle and Joan Erdesky, owners of Motorcycle Xcitement Track Days and Road Racing School, were married on March 2, 2020.
The ceremony took place on their farm in Needmore, Pennsylvania inside the hay barn. Chaplain Mark Merical of Raceline Ministry performed the marriage ceremony.
The happy couple will celebrate with a big party later this year when their Ferris Wheel is up and running!

American Flat Track: Johnny Lewis Racing Royal Enfield In Selected Events

Royal Enfield Backs Moto Anatomy American Flat Track Campaign

Decorated flat track racer, Johnny Lewis will develop & race Harris Performance built Twins FT during the 2020 AFT Season

MILWAUKEE — Royal Enfield North America has partnered with American Flat Track (AFT) racer Johnny Lewis and his team Moto Anatomy for 2020. Lewis will develop the all-new Royal Enfield FT, built by Harris Performance, in the Production Twins class at select AFT rounds this year. Based on the INT650 motorcycle, Moto Anatomy will race the FT with support from Royal Enfield, Harris Performance and S&S Cycle.

“This racing effort is unprecedented in Royal Enfield’s North American history,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing Lead – Americas. “Johnny Lewis is a legitimate contender anytime he’s on the track and we couldn’t have picked a better partner in his organization, Moto Anatomy. Flat track continues to garner attention from both a professional and grassroots level and we feel strongly about our extended partnership with AFT and now Moto Anatomy. We are thrilled to bring the Royal Enfield brand to more enthusiasts and this is a great opportunity to do that on a major scale.”

Johnny Lewis. Photo courtesy of Royal Enfield North America.
Johnny Lewis. Photo courtesy of Royal Enfield North America.

Lewis has risen through the ranks of American Flat Track and enjoyed success at both the amateur and professional levels. Lewis will debut the concept Twins FT, first revealed at the 2019 EICMA Show, at the Daytona TT on March 14, 2020, as a part of the media team. Lewis will then compete with the motorcycle for the first time at the Laconia short track event on June 13 and will run all AFT short track events for the remainder of the season in the Production Twins class. The Royal Enfield FT will also run the Sturgis Buffalo Chip TT and Peoria TT as a wildcard entry in the Super Twins class.

“I’m excited to lead the development of the Royal Enfield Flat Track Twin program in 2020,” said Moto Anatomy owner and AFT racer, Johnny Lewis. “Being involved at such an early stage in a brand’s racing efforts has been a fantastic opportunity. While our focus is on development, there is great potential in the platform and it’s encouraging to see a manufacturer with as much history as Royal Enfield entering AFT. It’s also great to see Royal Enfield helping grow the sport of motorcycling in North America with its new rider initiatives.”

Besides racing, Moto Anatomy will also use the Royal Enfield FT411, a modified variation of the Royal Enfield Himalayan set up exclusively for flat track use, as part of Royal Enfield Slide School Presented by Moto Anatomy. This flat track riding clinic will be available to the public at select events during 2020, giving riders the opportunity to learn the basics of flat track in a controlled environment.

To learn more about Moto Anatomy and its AFT efforts, visit www.moto-anatomy.com and to watch the Royal Enfield FT in action check your local listings for NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold, the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. The complete schedule for AFT on NBCSN can be viewed at http://www.americanflattrack.com/events-nbcsn/.

About Royal Enfield

The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the mid-size motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.

Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 110 dealers in North America, including the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the Bullet 500, Classic 500, Himalayan and the all new 650 Twins: INT 650 and Continental GT 650 motorcycles along with a range of genuine motorcycle accessories and apparel.

For more information on Royal Enfield North America, please visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.

Coronavirus And Racing: What We Know, And What Happens Next

In January, a respiratory illness first reported in Wuhan, China began spreading at an alarming rate. It was named “coronavirus disease 2019,” officially abbreviated to COVID-19, and commonly referred to as “coronavirus.”

Most people who get COVID-19 suffer mild flu-like symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and about 16% of cases result in serious illness. Some cases, however, end up being fatal, especially in elderly patients and those with underlying health conditions.

The CDC estimates that approximately 55,000 people worldwide die each year from flu and flu-like illnesses.

From China, COVID-19 has spread to nearly 80 countries around the world in just two months, infecting approximately 95,000 people and killing 3,300, according to CNN. About 80% of the reported COVID-19 cases are currently located in China, South Korea, Iran, and Italy.

To slow the spread of COVID-19, some countries have implemented restrictions, quarantines, and even bans on travelers who live in those countries or who have traveled through those parts of the world.

Just days before members of the FIM MotoGP World Championship paddock started traveling to Qatar for the opening of the 2020 season, (scheduled for this coming weekend, March 6-8 at Losail International Circuit), the government of Qatar instituted a mandatory 14-day quarantine for any Italian citizen trying to enter the country or anyone trying to enter the country after traveling through Italy. That development prevented Italian riders, engineers, technicians, team members, and sponsors from attending the Grand Prix in Qatar.

After working hard to come up with alternative solutions, Dorna, the commercial rights holder of MotoGP, decided to cancel only the MotoGP class race (because Moto2 and Moto3 teams were already in Qatar, for testing). Then, based on a recommendation by Thailand’s Department of Disease Control that mass gatherings of people be postponed whenever possible, Dorna decided to postpone the Thai Grand Prix, (originally scheduled for March 20-22), until October 2-4. Moving the Thai Grand Prix displaced the MotoGP race at MotorLand Aragon from October 2-4 to September 25-27 and created the situation where the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, scheduled for April 3-5 at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, will be the first race of 2020 for the MotoGP class.

This was all confirmed by Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta in a press conference held Thursday at Losail International Circuit, where the Moto2 and Moto3 classes will still race this weekend because they were already in Qatar before that country’s newest travel restrictions were put in place.

Ezpeleta said Dorna Sports is going to continue monitoring the COVID-19 situation and wait until the last moment to ship all of the MotoGP racebikes and equipment from Qatar to COTA, but as of today, the event is scheduled to take place.

MotoAmerica’s Superbike class is slated to race twice at COTA in support of the MotoGP event, but if Dorna does need to cancel or postpone its races at COTA, MotoAmerica will not race alone in Texas, according to MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland.

Currently, the United States is only restricting entrance to the country for travelers coming from China and Iran, but some U.S.-based airlines have suspended direct flights from Milan, Italy to the United States.

Considering Qatar’s 14-day quarantine for travelers from Italy resulted in the MotoGP race being cancelled in Qatar, Roadracingworld.com reached out to Ducati Corse MotoGP Press Officer Artur Vilalta to see if Ducati Corse or other Italian teams are doing anything extraordinary — like coming into the U.S. well in advance — to ensure they can be at the races in Texas.

“We can’t do anything extraordinary,” Vilalta wrote in an email. “As in Qatar, if USA don’t allow Italian people, MotoGP won’t race there. Tough and easy.

“Everything is packed in Qatar (bikes, boxes, offices…) and ready to go where Dorna decides. At the moment, the plan is Austin, on the paper, is the next race. But the situation with Coronavirus is changing day by day, so we have to wait.”

Responding to a follow-up question, Vilalta said no one in the Ducati organization has been infected with COVID-19.

Elsewhere in America, the official MotoAmerica test is still scheduled to happen March 10-11, and the 79th Daytona 200 and Daytona TT American Flat Track events are still scheduled for March 14 at Daytona International Speedway.

All of this is as of post time, and as anyone following COVID-19 in the news already knows, things can change quickly.

Indian Motorcycle Introduces 2020 Scout Bobber Sixty

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE’S NEW SCOUT BOBBER SIXTY MAKES MEAN, OLD-SCHOOL STYLING MORE ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE THAN EVER

 

Minimalistic & Raw – the Lightweight Indian Scout Bobber Sixty Features Stripped-Down, Blacked-Out Styling, and a 60 Cubic-Inch, Liquid-Cooled Engine

 

Minneapolis (March 5, 2020) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today introduced the 2020 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty – a 999cc version of its popular Scout Bobber, that is 24 pounds lighter. Starting at $8,999, the Scout Bobber Sixty is a more attainable option for riders seeking Indian Motorcycle’s premium quality and craftsmanship combined with a stripped-down aesthetic.

 

Powered by the same 78-horsepower engine as the Scout Sixty, the Scout Bobber Sixty’s light weight, nimble handling, and low center of gravity will appeal to all riders seeking mean, old school styling at a competitive price point.

 

“Bringing a stripped down, old-school Bobber priced at $8,999 is something we’re very excited about.  We’re proud to provide such a dynamic offering at a price point that makes owning an Indian motorcycle extremely attainable to an even wider range of riders,” said Reid Wilson, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle.

 

The Scout Bobber Sixty maintains the stripped-down styling of the Scout Bobber, including chopped fenders and a confident riding position, while adding several cues that give the model a look of its own.  The Scout Bobber Sixty features a blacked-out engine, a modern tank badge, perch mount mirrors, stripped down headlight, an all-black seat, and all new five-spoke all black wheels.

 

Riders looking to customize their Scout Bobber Sixty can do so by selecting from more than 140 authentic Indian Motorcycle accessories. Riders looking to venture outside city limits can enjoy a comfortable ride with Indian Motorcycle’s an all-new color matched comfort seat and passenger seat options.

 

Shipping to U.S. and Canadian dealers now, the Scout Bobber Sixty is available in Thunder Black and Thunder Black Smoke paint with ABS and non-ABS versions. Scout Bobber Sixty pricing starts at $8,999 with financing options as low as $111 a month.

 

Learn more about Indian Motorcycle and the Scout Bobber Sixty by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com and following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®

Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

 

INDIAN and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC.  Always wear a helmet, protective clothing and eyewear and insist your passenger does the same.  Ride within the limits of the law and your own abilities.  Read, understand and follow your owner’s manual. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

MotoAmerica: Rise Moto Posts Prizes For 2020 Mini Cup

Rise Moto Steps up to Offer MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul Prizes

Entry Fees, Wild Card Rides and a CIV Ride For The Champs

 

IRVINE, CA (March 5, 2020) – Rise Moto has announced the season prizes for the inaugural MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul, with class champions in the 110 and 160 classes set to earn a sponsored ride for the 2020 MotoAmerica Mini Cup while the 190 class champion will get a wild-card entry on the new Aprilia/Ohvale RS250SP in the CIV Junior race in Italy in October.

The winner of the 110 class will get a sponsored ride in the 2021 MotoAmerica Mini Cup in the next class up, with that rider getting the loan of a GP-0 160 for the 2021 season with Rise Moto covering their entry feels for 2021 (up to $1000). The 110 Champion also earns a wild-card spot at the Ohvale World Cup in October (usage of bike is free, but costs are not covered). The runner-up in the 110 class, meanwhile, will get their entry fees covered for the 2021 Mini Cup by Rise Moto (up to $750). The runner-up also gets a wild-card spot in the Ohvale World Cup (usage of bike is free, but costs are not covered).

Like the 110 class champion, the winner of the 160 class title will also get a sponsored ride in the 2021 series in the next class up, which is on the GP-O 190 for the 190 class and entry fees (up to $1000). The 160 Champion also earns a wild-card ride at the Ohvale World Cup. The runner-up in the 160 class will get his/her entry fees paid for 2021 (up to $750) and a wild-card ride in the World Cup.

The 190 Youth class champion earns the wild card on the Aprilia/Ohvale 250 in the CIV Junior race at Italy in October, including a test on the new 250 in the U.S. prior to the event. The 190 champ also his/her gets MotoAmerica Mini Cup entry fees paid for 2021 (up to $1000) or it can be applied to the next class up if the champion opts to graduate out of Mini Cup to go to the MotoAmerica Liqui Moly Junior Cup, for example.

The 190-class championship runner-up will earn a wild card spot in the Ohvale Cup in October with 2021 entry fees paid by Rise Moto (up to $750) or applied to the next class up if the rider opts to move out of the Mini Cup.

“It’s great that Rise Moto has stepped up to give the class champions and the runner-ups some really good payouts,” said MotoAmerica’s Lance Bryson. “I really like the fact that they also get the opportunity to do things like the Ohvale World Cup and the Aprilia/Ohvale 250 wild-card ride in Italy and a test on the bike before going there. The experience of racing overseas and against riders from other countries will prove invaluable in their racing careers. We can’t wait to see how these kids perform against each other this year in the MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul and also see how they go when they head overseas.”

The MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul is also paying event purses in the 190 Adult class (minimum of six riders required for payout) with the winner earning $350, second place getting $200 and third place paying $100.

For more information on Ohvale’s line of motorcycles, visit www.risemoto.com.

The 2020 AMA MotoAmerica Mini Cup Series

May 29-31 – Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

June 26-28 – Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, Washington

August 7-8 – Pittsburgh International Race Complex, Wampum, Pennsylvania

More On “Aussie Dave” Anthony’s New Lap Record In Las Vegas

Aussie Dave Captures Motorcycle Track Record with New, Larger Pirelli DIABLO™ Superbike Slicks in Las Vegas

DIABLO™ Superbike 125/70-17 Front and 200/65-17 Rear Sizes Available Now

ROME, Ga.  – Pirelli Tire North America congratulates David Anthony on capturing the brand’s first absolute motorcycle track record bounty of 2020. “Aussie Dave” set the new track record on the Las Vegas Classic Circuit at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the WERA West racing series. The achievement came while using Pirelli’s new, larger DIABLO™ Superbike slick sizes, which have been derived from Pirelli’s involvement as the tire supplier for the FIM MOTUL World Superbike Championship.

“We’re seeing lap times drop across the country with our new sizing in the DIABLO™ Superbike slicks,” said Oscar Solis, road racing manager, Pirelli. “Aussie Dave managed to crush his previous track record by nearly a half second, which is very impressive. Although he was competing on a different bike, it’s refreshing to know that the tires are up for the challenge and ready to perform at the highest level of racing.”

David Anthony set a new track record at Las Vegas Motor Speedway using Pirelli’s new, larger DIABLO™ Superbike slick sizes

Anthony’s new lap record of 1:14.348 was set during the Formula One Expert race, topping his own track record of 1:14.836 that he set last year. Anthony’s GSX-R1000 motorcycle was equipped with Pirelli’s DIABLO™ Superbike 125/70-17 SC1 front and 200/65-17 SC0 rear slicks.

“The consistent speed I was able to lay down this weekend was impressive,” said Anthony. “The new Pirelli slick sizes have exceeded my expectations that I had set for them, allowing me to continue improving myself and lap times on the racetrack. It’s really cool to see Pirelli setting the industry standard by continuously innovating their products even when they are already on top.”

Pirelli continues to offer a tire credit prize for setting a new motorcycle track record and Anthony became the first rider to earn the reward this season.

Full results from the WERA West round at Las Vegas Speedway can be found HERE.

For more information about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com

American Flat Track: Series Signs New Partners/Sponsors

Action from an American Flat Track race in 2019. Photo courtesy of AFT.
Action from an American Flat Track race in 2019. Photo courtesy of AFT.

Arai Helmets and American Flat Track Sign Multiyear Partnership Renewal

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 6, 2020) – American Flat Track (AFT) and Arai Helmet, Inc. announced today a multiyear partnership agreement naming Arai Helmets – the industry leader in head protection – as the Official Helmet of American Flat Track.

 

Arai pride themselves on finding more protection within the limits of a helmet. While absorbing impact energy is important, Arai believes that avoiding or minimizing impact energy from getting inside the helmet is where more performance can be found. The ability to slide on a surface, or skip off of an object, can help disperse impact energy and avoid sending it directly into the helmet. Arai refers to this as Glancing Off and believes that the ability to glance off energy is one of the most important performance characteristics of a helmet.

 

In addition to its partnership with American Flat Track, Arai supports many riders and teams as a contribution to increasing the culture of safety in the paddock.

“Arai helmets have been chosen by many legends in motorsport and continue to set the standard all others aspire to,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “We are honored to join them in a long-term partnership and have them bring their technology and expertise to American Flat Track.”

 

Tickets for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway are on sale now. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on Arai Helmets visit www.araiamericas.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

 

About Arai Helmet:

Hirotake Arai created the first helmet in Japan for his own protection, not just for business. To this day, the Arai company is still owned and operated by the Arai family, driven by the same motivation of superior rider protection that drove Hirotake. Comfort, ventilation, aerodynamics, low weight and low noise are just a few of the benefits most riders look for in a helmet, and of course Arai strives to deliver those things. However, Arai has never forgotten the most import function of a helmet – protection – which is why Arai focuses on The Consistent Pursuit of Gains in Protection. See more at www.araiamericas.com.

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:

Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys and American Flat Track Renew Partnership for 2020

Agreement to include sponsorship of AFT Singles class and multi-event sponsorship

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – American Flat Track (AFT) announced today a renewal of its partnership with Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys (RBMA) including its presenting sponsorship of the AFT Singles class and multiple event sponsorships.

Following an explosive 2019 season of competition, during which the Official Motorcycle Attorneys of American Flat Track premiered as its presenting sponsor, the freshly-renewed AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys class is primed for its biggest season yet.

 

At the track, RBMA will be an active sponsor of multiple rounds. Its sponsorship of two of AFT’s most-anticipated rounds – the So-Cal Half-Mile presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys and the Laconia Short Track presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys – provides the familiarity of the Russ Brown name to AFT’s crowd of motorcycle enthusiasts.

 

As part of the multi-faceted partnership, RBMA branding will also be prominently featured on the race day live-streaming platforms.

 

“Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys demonstrate a real passion for the sport of AFT,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “We are very happy to be partnering with them again for 2020 and beyond.”

 

“The success of Russ Brown is due to the dedication and hard work of many individuals – local attorneys who excel at their craft – not just in your community, but all across the U.S,” said Wendy Koro, Operations Manager/Director of Marketing of Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys. “Our winners stood out based on superb results, just like the exciting AFT racers who will reach the podium. For this reason, we want to continue our support of the AFT Singles Class, as it is the perfect fit for Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys and we are thrilled to offer our support in every way we can.”

 

Tickets are on sale now for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at now at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

 

About Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys:

Since 1975, Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys Nationwide have been helping motorcyclists injured in motorcycle accidents across the country. Founder Russ Brown was the first in the U.S. to call himself a motorcycle lawyer and created the BAM Benefit Card which offers free emergency roadside and legal assistance for motorcycle riders nationwide. The BAM (Breakdown & Legal Assistance for Motorcyclists) program is a network of over 2,000,000 volunteers in the motorcycling community – riders helping riders – who are willing to help out a fellow rider in need when stranded on the road. For more information on Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys, or to join BAM, visit www.russbrown.com.

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:

Drag Specialties & Parts Unlimited Renew as Official Powersports Distributor of American Flat Track

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – American Flat Track announced today its renewed partnership with Drag Specialties & Parts Unlimited as the Official Powersports Distributor of American Flat Track.

The Wisconsin-based company was a prominent presence at AFT’s events in 2019, and will continue to express its enthusiasm for motorcycle racing via its renewed support of American Flat Track for 2020.

 

As the world’s largest distributors of aftermarket accessories, fans will naturally recognize the Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited branding from their favorite motorcycle retailers. The sister brands have become the most trusted names in industry, Drag Specialties dominating aftermarket sales in the American V-Twin market and Parts Unlimited with its power present in the motorsports scene.

“A big Thank You to Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited for their continued support for American Flat Track,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “With Drag Specialties focused on the H-D and V-twin markets and Parts Unlimited’s expertise in both street and track, we know that AFT fans are covered whatever they ride.”

“Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited are very happy to continue to support the sport and excited to be involved with American Flat Track for another 2 years,” said Hylton Beattie, Global Motorsport Director for Drag Specialties. ”2019 produced amazing racing in all classes and we believe the racing in 2020 will be even better.“

 

Tickets are on sale now for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:

American Flat Track and Cycle Gear Renew Partnership for 2020

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – American Flat Track proudly announced today a renewal of its partnership with Cycle Gear for 2020, naming the motorcycle industry leader The Official Motorcycle Retailer of American Flat Track.

 

As America’s largest retailer of motorcycle parts and apparel with over 140 stores in 35 states, Cycle Gear and its staff of knowledgeable professionals are the perfect ambassadors to communicate the exciting action of American Flat Track to its customer base of avid motorcycle enthusiasts.

 

For a third consecutive year, Cycle Gear will continue to provide fans with a means of purchasing race tickets for key events at select brick-and-mortar locations, while also initiating a widespread digital outreach campaign.

 

“Cycle Gear and AFT is a natural partnership,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “Our sport appeals to all kinds of motorcyclists, from Big-Twin fans to Sport Bike and Off-Road enthusiasts and Cycle Gear has catered to them all for over 40 years.”

 

As in previous years, Cycle Gear will present various promotional events leading up to select AFT rounds including bike nights, pre-race parties, and giveaway opportunities- even a chance to obtain race day tickets. American Flat Track will again be featured as a contributing sponsor at each bike night while assisting in the in-store giveaways and the promotion of the series at www.cyclegear.com.

 

“Cycle Gear is excited to be the Official Motorcycle Retailer of American Flat Track for a third year,” said Andy Johnson, Senior Director of Business Development for Cycle Gear. “The growth and professionalism of the Series in the last three years has been impressive. We aren’t just proud partners of American Flat Track, we are fans. We can’t wait to see our customers at the races.”

 

Tickets for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway are on sale now. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:

Falken Tires Named Official Light Truck Tire of American Flat Track

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – American Flat Track announced today its newest addition to its family of partners – Falken Tires – naming the automotive titan The Official Light Truck Tire of American Flat Track.

 

For over three decades, the California-based company has been known as a forerunner of high performance radial tire production in the world. With six strategically placed distribution centers across the United States, Falken’s efficiency and speed of distribution to its retailers and customers is unparalleled.

 

No stranger to motorsports, the FALKEN Motorsports team competes annually in the world famous 24 Hours of Nürburgring – one of the hardest endurance races in the world. Stateside, FALKEN participates and competes in Formula Drift, Lucas Off Road Racing Series, Ultra 4, USCA and supports grassroots racing in SCCA.

 

Falken Tires will leverage its partnership with AFT in order to display its catalog of products to AFT’s audience of automobile enthusiasts and light truck owners. Most notable of Falken’s products would be its Wildpeak A/T3W and Wildpeak M/T tires.

 

Engineered for all types of terrain and all weather conditions, the Wildpeak lines use a unique tread design and specifically-formulated compound to achieve aggressive off-road ability and rugged terrain driving without compromising performance on the pavement. For those looking for maximum off-road traction on the roughest terrain, the Wildpeak M/T and A/T3W tires are built for optimum performance in the harshest conditions.

 

“Falken Tires is excited to support American Flat Track and is the first opportunity to share a space with our sister brand, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires,” said Nick Fousekis, Director of Advertising and Promotions for Falken Tires. “We look forward to not only increase our brand awareness to the AFT fans, but also help promote this exciting series by airing races directly to over 2,000 Falken retailers through our proprietary streaming service, Falken Digital TV.”

 

AFT’s action-packed racing will join Falken Digital TV’s current programming of automotive racing, the latest automotive news and tech videos on Falken’s hottest products.

 

“Falken Tires is a brand associated with high performance and competition and we are delighted to welcome them into the AFT family,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “Our fans are strong users and enthusiasts of trucks, so Falken is a great fit for that lifestyle.”

 

Tickets for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway are on sale now. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

 

About Falken Tires:

FALKEN TIRES, a part of SUMITOMO RUBBER NORTH AMERICA, INC., is based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, which serves as the corporate headquarters. With six strategically located tire distribution centers across the United States–in California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Tennessee and Texas–Falken quickly and efficiently supplies its retailers throughout North America.

Falken Tires was launched in its native country of Japan in 1983 and introduced to the North American market two years later. At its inception, Falken was created as the flagship high performance radial brand under Ohtsu Tire and Rubber. Now, nearly 35 years later, Falken has solidified its place as a strong consumer choice for tires, as it has focused on UHP (Ultra High Performance) products by participating in – and winning – well-known professional motorsports programs. The success achieved in these programs helps to further develop and improve passenger vehicle products for both domestic and worldwide distribution.

Falken Tires prides itself on its in-house branding and creative capabilities, delivering award-winning advertising and promotional efforts designed to communicate with its customers by providing key information on its brand and product lines.  Falken’s marketing actions also support its dealer and retailer sales efforts.

Through its advertising and sales programs, Falken Tires consistently strives to fully leverage and ultimately maximize its exposure in Professional Drifting and multiple autocross and national driving programs.

The tire manufacturer has also made great strides in the off-road category, showcasing the capabilities of Falken’s WILDPEAK tire line at multiple racing and endurance events across the country.  To further support its motorsports efforts, Falken consistently updates and maintains a strong, international fan base engaged through its Facebook page – www.facebook.com/falkentire — as well as other social media efforts, such as @FalkenTire on Twitter.

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:

Öhlins USA and AFT Renew Partnership for Fifth Consecutive Season

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – American Flat Track (AFT) is proud to announce that Öhlins USA has renewed its partnership with the series for a fifth consecutive season in 2020.

 

After another season of invaluable support for the athletes of American Flat Track, the industry leader in suspension technology will enhance its presence at series events in 2020, and will build its profile within the AFT NBCSN telecasts. Premiering this season, the DAYTONA TT NBCSN telecast will feature Öhlins and highlight the sophistication of its technology and its influence on performance in AFT competition.

 

With more than 300 world titles to its credit, Öhlins has been providing the best suspension technologies to race teams around the world since its inception in 1976. As the benchmark of quality in suspension manufacturing, Öhlins demonstrated its commitment to American Flat Track with the development of a range of suspension specifically tailored to the unique demands of professional flat track racing.

 

“Ohlins rear shocks and signature gold front forks have become a valuable performance component in the AFT series,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “We are very pleased to be able to continue working with the brand as we enter the new season and the debut of the new AFT SuperTwins premier class.”

 

“Öhlins USA is honored to continue our relationship with American Flat Track for the fifth consecutive year,” said Casey Brown, Marketing Director at Öhlins USA. “American Flat Track and Öhlins USA share a die-hard passion for motorcycle racing and we can’t wait for the green flag to drop at Daytona. With Öhlins technicians attending every AFT race, we are proud to offer unparalleled service and support throughout the 2020 racing season.”

 

Öhlins USA will continue to provide fans at select AFT events with an opportunity to get an up-close look at its signature gold product lines. For more on Öhlins USA and the Flat Track Series packages, visit www.ohlinsusa.com.

 

Tickets for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway are on sale now. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on Öhlins USA visit www.ohlinsusa.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

 

About Öhlins USA:

Öhlins USA is the North American distributor and principal service center of the world’s-leading performance suspension components for motor vehicles, from two to four wheels. Öhlins suspension components transform a vehicle’s performance more than any other modification, improving acceleration, handling, and braking in every condition and extreme.

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:

Vance & Hines Announces Exhaust Contingency Support for AFT Singles in 2020

DAYTONA BEACH, FL  – Vance & Hines announced today its 2020 American Flat Track AFT Singles Contingency Program, granting AFT Singles competitors who compete using the Vance & Hines exhaust system contingency benefits in the upcoming season.

This generous contingency offering comes in addition to the existing Vance & Hines AFT Production Twins package, bringing the company’s total contingency support to over $60,000 in 2020, $25,000 of which is available exclusively to the AFT Singles class.

“We are a company born in racing, and AFT is important to us,” said Mike Kennedy, President of Vance & Hines. “This contingency program is a great complement to our support for AFT SuperTwins and the Harley-Davidson Racing Program.”

Piloting a machine powered by his expertly-tuned Vance & Hines exhaust system, Dalton Gauthier was a dominant force in the 2019 AFT Singles class, eventually winning the championship. In 2020, Gauthier will compete for a shot at the AFT SuperTwins title, aptly, under the Harley-Davidson / Vance & Hines banner.

The contingency offerings for the AFT Singles class per race break down as follows:

1st Place = $500

2nd Place = $300

3rd Place = $200

4th Place = $100

5th Place = $50

Championship Winner = $5,000

To be eligible for contingency payouts, riders must run an eligible Vance & Hines exhaust systems in the AFT Singles class. Machines used in competition must also display the Vance & Hines decal and riders must display Vance & Hines patch on his/her leathers.

To help riders take home as many contingency dollars as possible, American Flat Track has created online Contingency Guidelines for each of its three classes: American Flat Track Contingency Guidelines.

Tickets are now on sale for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

About Vance & Hines:

The Vance & Hines brand has always been about enhancing the exhilaration of the motorcycle ride. It started over 40 years ago, when Terry Vance and Byron Hines were two young enthusiasts in the fledgling Southern California motorcycle drag race scene. Terry always wanted to go faster and Byron knew how to make that happen. In short order, their on-track success and innovation drew the attention of other racers, riders and motorcycle manufacturers, which ultimately translated to commercial demand for their products and services. Today, the Company’s strategy is the same; make bikes go faster on the race track and take those learnings to make impactful products for riders.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track:

American Flat Track and Full Spectrum Power Renew Multiyear Partnership

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – American Flat Track (AFT) announced today a multiyear renewal of its partnership with Full Spectrum Power as The Official Battery of American Flat Track.

 

After a successful first season of partnership in 2019, Full Spectrum Power has expanded its relationship with AFT by providing its premium battery technology for use within AFT’s raceday operations. Various essential pieces of competition-related equipment from timing and scoring, to the ever-important on-track safety lights will all be powered by Full Spectrum Power’s unparalleled technology.

 

The Virginia-based company has manufactured the highest quality lithium batteries for all modern powersports machines for over a decade. All Pulse IPT batteries are available in direct fit industry standard case sizes, and include multi-mount terminals, providing a simple and easy installation.

 

Technical representatives will continue to attend each race to support teams and riders, as well as educate fans who may be looking to upgrade to Full Spectrum Power products for their powersports vehicles.

 

Marking its eighth year of providing products and support for AFT teams, 2020 will see every season-long AFT SuperTwins team utilizing Full Spectrum Power’s Pulse ‘Race’ batteries, as well as its technical and consulting services. In the coming weeks, Full Spectrum Power will profile many of these teams, riders and machines on its website and social media channels.

 

“It is an honor and a privilege to work with American Flat Track,” said Jason Levitt, President of Full Spectrum Power. “Out partnership is a great way to support professional flat track racing, which has supported us for so long. The staff at AFT has welcomed us with open arms, and has done an amazing job in putting on a world-class race series every week. Hats off to everyone at AFT for their hard work and dedication to the sport of flat track. Our multi-year agreement with AFT is a responsibility that we take very seriously, and our involvement with virtually every team in the paddock attests to this. With the DAYTONA TT now a month away, we are excited to get back to racing.”

 

“Full Spectrum Power is recognized by AFT and our pro race community as a leader in high performance battery technology,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “They are trusted to deliver superior lithium-based batteries and custom solutions for the vast majority of our competitors and we are very happy to extend our partnership with them in 2020 and beyond.”

 

Tickets for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway are on sale now. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:

Yamaha and AFT Expand Official Partnership for 2020

Yamaha to return as title sponsor of Atlanta Short Track

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – American Flat Track and Yamaha Motor Corp. announced today an expansion of their partnership for the upcoming season. Yamaha joins AFT’s family of Official OEM Partners for 2020.

 

Following a banner year of competition for the manufacturer, including an AFT Production Twins Championship won by Cory Texter and two premier class wins from Estenson Racing’s JD Beach, the industry leader in racing technology scored a total of 12 victories throughout all three classes of AFT competition.

 

Athletes who compete on Yamaha machinery will benefit from the brand’s generous contingency offerings for the 2020 season. Totaling $444,550 across all three classes, Yamaha’s 2020 contingency package represents the largest thus far for the upcoming season.

 

Audiences of AFT can look forward to seeing Yamaha’s signature branding throughout all series channels, both at the track and through at-home coverage.

 

Yamaha will also return as the entitlement sponsor of the 2020 Yamaha Atlanta Short Track at Dixie Speedway on March 28. The Atlanta-based company will be present in full force at its hometown event. Members of the Yamaha family will gather to experience the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycle racing at one of the most-competitive tracks on the circuit.

 

“The Yamaha brand is woven deep into the fabric of AFT,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “From the pioneer era of Kenny Roberts in the ‘70’s, to the present-day factory-backed team of Estenson Racing campaigning in the debut season of AFT SuperTwins, Yamaha is a valued partner to our series. With Cory Texter defending the number 1 plate in AFT Production Twins and a bounty of over $400,000 available to Yamaha-mounted racers, this promises to be a great year for all fans of Yamaha and American Flat Track.”

 

“We’re super excited to be able to increase our support for the sport this year,” said Steve Nessl, Motorsports Marketing Manager of Yamaha. “From our partnership with AFT and investment in Estenson Racing, to the contingency program and employee activation at our home round, everyone here is looking forward to 2020 and continued success at the track.”

 

Tickets for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway are on sale now. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:

Motion Pro and American Flat Track Renew Partnership for 2020

Partnership to include contingency package for AFT Production Twins

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – American Flat Track is pleased to announce a renewal with longtime partner Motion Pro, naming the industry leader the Official Tools, Cables and Controls of American Flat Track for the 2020 season.

 

After nearly four decades of experience in the powersports industry, Motion Pro has become one of the most trusted manufacturers of tools, cables and controls for racers and riders of all types of motorsports.

 

Furthering its commitment to the sport in 2020, Motion Pro has introduced a brand new contingency program available to competitors in the AFT Production Twins class. Riders who finish anywhere within the top-10 positions will be eligible for a contingency award, the most generous of which is a $5,000 offering for the first place finisher in the AFT Production Twins class.

 

The social-media based contingency program is the first of its kind for Motion Pro, so riders are encouraged to inspect the AFT Production Twins Contingency Guidelines on the AMA Pro Racing competitor website.

 

“Motion Pro is a brand you can see being used all across our race paddock, from the big factory-backed teams all the way to the up-and-comers,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “Their commitment and support kicks up to a new level with this year’s introduction of contingency cash and we are very grateful for the added investment that’s going directly to the competitors.”

 

“Motion Pro has been supporting dirt track racing for over 35 years, and we are honored to sponsor AFT again in 2020,” says Chris Carter, President and Founder of Motion Pro. “Our tools and products make it easier for enthusiasts to maintain and repair their motorcycle, ATV, or UTV.  AFT riders and mechanics helped us develop and test many of our unique and innovative products like the Rev2 Throttle Kit, Pro Fill Air Chuck, and Digital Tire Gauge. The grueling demands of AFT racing help us continually ensure the toughness and durability of our products and that they will meet the demands of the most exacting mechanics and riders in the world.”

 

Tickets are on sale now for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

 

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

 

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

 

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for 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 AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

 

About American Flat Track:

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 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 American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

Öhlins USA Announces Motorcycle Racing Service Program

Öhlins products. Photo courtesy of Öhlins USA.
Öhlins products. Photo courtesy Öhlins USA.

Öhlins USA is very excited to announce our 2020 motorcycle race service program. 

Mike Himmelsbach, the Motorsport Race Manager at Öhlins, states, “We are very excited to offer the highest level of technical support for all of our riders in an effort to maximize the performance of our Advanced Technology Systems and continue to win races.”

 

Öhlins USA Motorsport Race Manager Mike Himmelsbach. Photo courtesy of Öhlins USA.
Öhlins USA Motorsport Race Manager Mike Himmelsbach. Photo courtesy Öhlins USA.

 

MotoAmerica Support:

Our highly skilled team will work from a fully functional mobile race shop including four suspension workstations and a complement of specialty tools and parts to service our Öhlins products.  Mike Himmelsbach and John “Corndog” Cornwell will return to the paddock while our new addition Scotty Ryan formerly of Trackside Suspension will join Öhlins USA full time.  Joining the team on weekends will be Jon Tyus of CTR Suspensions, Barry Wressell of KFG Suspension and Meghan Ryan of Trackside Suspension.

 

Öhlins USA’s Scotty Ryan (left) and Meghan Ryan (right). Photo courtesy of Öhlins USA.
Öhlins USA’s Scotty Ryan (left) and Meghan Ryan (right). Photo courtesy Öhlins USA.

 

American Flat Track Support:

Last season Öhlins USA added Jimmy Wood to the team and in his first season Öhlins USA secured its first-ever 450 Singles Championship.  Öhlins USA is committed to winning more AFT races and Championships in 2020 with an expanded technical team featuring Mike Himmelsbach, Jimmy Wood, John Cornwell and Martin Milanese in the AFT paddock.

 

Öhlins USA’s John Cornwell. Photo courtesy of Westby Racing.
Öhlins USA’s John Cornwell. Photo courtesy Westby Racing.

 

Service Department Support:

The Gold Standard does not stop at the racetrack.  A re-vamped Öhlins USA service department features 10 factory trained technical support experts with more than 90 years of combined experience. Our service team is constantly improving our standards and with our real time updates from Sweden we offer the best experience in service and racetrack tuning. New initiatives utilize our shock dyno daily to verify every shock and fork serviced, to perform in house R&D and to provide all of our customers with level of performance that wins races and championships.  Brad Stokes, our master technician, will also be conducting dealer training throughout the season to improve the national dealer support.

 

About Öhlins USA

Öhlins USA, a subsidiary of Öhlins Racing AB, is an advanced technology company, which develops, manufactures, services and distributes Öhlins premium suspension systems to the automotive, motorcycle and bicycle markets. With a strong background in global racing from NASCAR, MotoGP, Formula 1, FIA World Endurance, World Rallycross, and World Superbike, it continues to lead the market for premium performance suspensions worldwide.  It is now part of the DRiV™ Advance Technologies Group of Tenneco.

 

About DRiV – the future Aftermarket and Ride Performance Company

Following Tenneco Inc.’s (NYSE: TEN) expected separation to form two new, independent companies, an Aftermarket and Ride Performance company (DRiV™) as well as a new Powertrain Technology company, DRiV will be one of the largest global multi-line, multi-brand aftermarket companies, and one of the largest global OE ride performance and braking companies.  DRiV’s principal product brands will feature Monroe®, Öhlins®, Walker®, Clevite® Elastomers, MOOG®, Fel-Pro®, Wagner®, Ferodo®, Champion® and others. DRiV would have 2018 pro-forma revenues of $6.4 billion, with 54% of those revenues from aftermarket and 46% from original equipment customers.

 

 

Safe Harbor

This release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements relating to our plans to separate into two independent public companies.  Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to materially differ from those described in the forward-looking statements, including the possibility that Tenneco may not complete the spin-off of the Aftermarket & Ride Performance business from the Powertrain Technology business (or achieve some or all of the anticipated benefits of such a spin-off); the possibility that the acquisition of Federal-Mogul or the separation may have an adverse impact on existing arrangements with Tenneco, including those related to transition, manufacturing and supply services and tax matters; the ability to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers or other business partners; the risk that the benefits of the acquisition of Federal-Mogul or the separation, including synergies, may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the risk that the acquisition of Federal-Mogul or the separation may not advance Tenneco’s business strategy; the risk that Tenneco may experience difficulty integrating all employees or operations; the potential diversion of Tenneco management’s attention resulting from the separation; as well as the risk factors and cautionary statements included in Tenneco’s periodic and current reports (Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K) filed from time to time with the SEC. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Unless otherwise indicated, the forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date of this communication, and, except as required by law, Tenneco does not undertake any obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to publicly disclose revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements. Additional information regarding these risk factors and uncertainties is detailed from time to time in the company’s SEC filings, including but not limited to its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Moto2: Joe Roberts Breaks Lap Record, Leads FP2 In Qatar (Updated)

American Joe Roberts (16). Photo courtesy American Racing Team.
American Joe Roberts (16). Photo courtesy American Racing Team.

Moto2 All-Time Lap Record: 1:58.635, Lorenzo Baldassarri, 2019

Moto2 Race Lap Record: 1:58.711, Thomas Luthi, 2019

FIM Moto2 World Championship 

Losail International Circuit

Doha, Qatar

March 6, 2020

Free Practice Two Results (all using Triumph engines and Dunlop tires):

  1. Joe Roberts, USA (Kalex), 1:58.421, New All-Time Lap Record
  2. Marco Bezzecchi, Italy (Kalex), 1:58.669
  3. Luca Marini, Italy (Kalex), 1:58.759
  4. Tetsuta Nagashima, Japan (Kalex), 1:58.921
  5. Xavi Vierge, Spain (Kalex), 1:59.059
  6. Augusto Fernandez, Spain (Kalex), 1:59.074
  7. Bo Bendsneyder, Netherlands (NTS), 1:59.089
  8. Enea Bastianini, Italy (Kalex), 1:59.114
  9. Nicolo Bulega, Italy (Kalex), 1:59.136
  10. Jorge Martin, Spain (Kalex), 1:59.148
  11. Jorge Navarro, Spain (Speed Up), 1:59.189
  12. Marcel Schrotter, Germany (Kalex), 1:59.198
  13. Lorenzo Baldassarri, Italy (Kalex), 1:59.237
  14. Aron Canet, Spain (Speed Up), 1:59.278
  15. Fabio Di Giannantonio, Italy (Speed Up), 1:59.284
  16. Somkiat Chantra, Thailand (Kalex), 1:59.290
  17. Remy Gardner, Australia (Kalex), 1:59.434
  18. Edgar Pons, Spain (Kalex), 1:59.486
  19. Sam Lowes, UK (Kalex), 1:59.561
  20. Jake Dixon, UK (Kalex), 1:59.641
  21. Marcos Ramirez, Spain (Kalex), 1:59.709
  22. Simone Corsi, Italy (MV Agusta), 1:59.839
  23. Hector Garzo, Spain (Kalex), 2:00.020
  24. Stefano Manzi, Italy (MV Agusta), 2:00.160
  25. Jesko Raffin, Switzerland (NTS), 2:00.183
  26. Thomas Luthi, Switzerland (Kalex), 2:00.262
  27. Hafizh Syahrin, Malaysia (Speed Up), 2:00.396
  28. Lorenzo Dalla Porta, Italy (Kalex), 2:00.804
  29. Andi Farid Izdihar, Indonesia (Kalex), 2:01.265
  30. Kasma Daniel Kasmaudi, Malaysia (Kalex), 2:02.886

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Roberts lights up the desert to break the lap record on Day 1

American Racing rider starts the season in the hot seat with a stunning show of form on Friday

Friday, 06 March 2020

After some impressive form in preseason testing at Losail International Circuit, Joe Roberts (American Racing) came out swinging on Day 1 of the QNB Grand Prix of Qatar and smashed the lap record in FP2 to end Friday on top. The American was nearly two and a half tenths clear of his closest competition, Marco Bezzecchi, with Luca Marini in third as Sky Racing Team VR46 riders completed the top three.

Free Practice 1 in the sun began with Tom Lüthi (Liqui Moly Intact GP) topping the timesheets, but the Swiss veteran had a tricky start to FP2 after crashing at Turn 14 while on a session best lap – rider ok. There were no such troubles for Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Bull KTM Ajo) though as the Japanese rider, who finished P11 in FP1, shot to the top of the times with the fastest lap of the weekend, and he remained near the top by the end of play too. In the early stages, plenty of riders were beating their FP1 times, and by the end all those down to Lüthi in 11th overall had gone faster. The Swiss rider also suffered a second crash and headed for the Medical Centre – rider fit.

By the end of the shuffle it was Roberts who moved up from having taken fifth in FP1, the American blasting the lap record and Bezzecchi then moving up to second on his final lap. Marini took third, less than a tenth off his teammate, with Nagashima pushed down to P4.

Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing) had a better afternoon to finish P5 overall, the Spaniard having crashed in FP1, and FP2 crasher Augusto Fernandez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) slipped to P6 after his tumble ended his session early. Bo Bendsneyder (NTS RW Racing GP) had a great FP2 to finish P7 overall on Day 1, the Dutchman moving up from P18 in FP1 and putting in one of NTS’ best sessions to date.

Now into his second year of Moto2™, Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) ended the day in P8 despite a crash, edging out compatriot and fellow sophomore Nicolo Bulega (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2). Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who was second in FP1, slipped to tenth despite  marginally improving his laptime – but he did clock the fastest ever Moto2™ speed at Losail: 296.7km/h.

Lüthi was P11, ahead of the Qatar Test’s fastest man: Jorge Navarro (Beta Tools Speed Up), who crashed on Day 1 too. Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP) was next fastest, ahead of Aron Canet (Aspar Team), with the Spaniard the fastest rookie once again – and currently the last man who would move through to Q2.

Remy Gardner (Onexox TKKR SAG Team) suffered a spectacular highside on the exit of Turn 1 in FP2, the Australian heading to the medical centre for a checkup, and Lorenzo Baldassarri (Flexbox HP 40) was another high profile crasher on Friday.

Moto2™ is set to light up Qatar again on Saturday as Roberts heads a top 18 split by less than a second. What a way to start the year in the intermediate class as qualifying starts to rear its head on the Doha horizon. Tune in for Moto2™ FP3 at 13:50 local time (GMT+3), with Q1 getting underway at 18:00.

DAY 1

1 – Joe Roberts – (American Racing) – Kalex – 1’58.421

2 – Marco Bezzecchi – (Sky Racing Team VR46) – Kalex – +0.248

3 – Luca Marini – (Sky Racing Team VR46) – Kalex – +0.338

4 – Tetsuta Nagashima – (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – Kalex – +0.500

5 – Xavi Vierge – (Petronas Sprinta Racing) – Kalex – +0.638

 

Fernandez flies to the top on Friday

Spanish sophomore ends Day 1 just shy of the lap record

The wait is over and Moto3™ are officially back in action at the QNB Grand Prix of Qatar, with Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) the man opening his 2020 account on top. The pace was pretty hot on Day 1 as the Spaniard ended Friday just 0.019 shy of Aron Canet’s lap record at Losail International Circuit, with Darryn Binder (CIP Green Power) in second but a tenth back. Sergio Garcia (Estrella Galicia 0,0), our most recent race winner until the grid have a chance to try and change the fact on Sunday, completed the top three after also having gone fastest in FP1.

Friday saw sun blaze throughout the day and a little less wind than had plagued the venue at times during the recent test, and it was largely a drama-free affair with most of the field improving their laptimes in a duskier FP2. The timesheets promise plenty from the race, however, with the speed already there on Day 1 as Fernandez homed in on that lap record – and only a tenth and a half separating the top three. In addition, the previous top speed in Moto3™ fell by the wayside as Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) upped it from 240.3km/h to 245.4.

Fourth went the way of Honda Team Asia’s Ai Ogura, who was second fastest in testing in Qatar, as he moved up the timesheets on his final attempt and got ahead of compatriot Kaito Toba (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – last year’s race winner. He was the last man in the 2:04s, with Tony Arbolino (Rivacold Snipers Team) putting in a 2’05.227 for sixth.

Andrea Migno (Sky Racing Team VR46) was seventh and improved a whopping 1.7 seconds from his FP1 time, with Masia in P8 and over a second quicker in FP2 than his previous best. Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) was only 0.016 back from the Spaniard as he leapt up the timesheets and put his Husqvarna in ninth on the manufacturer’s return to the class, with Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) completing the top ten – a familiar sight so far – as fastest rookie. The Turkish rider was only 0.007 off Fenati, too.

John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) was close too as the Scot took P11, with Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) slotting into 12th. Rookies Yuki Kunii (Honda Team Asia) and Carlos Tatay (Reale Avintia Racing) provisionally claimed the final Q2 spots in 13th and 14th place, but anything can change again in FP3…

Migno and Albert Arenas (Aspar Team) were both crashers in FP1, but nobody slipped off during the second session of the day for the lightweight class. Now all focus switches to Saturday’s FP3 session and the fight to earn a place directly in Q2, which in Moto3™ is reserved for the fastest 14. via the top 14. Tune in as that begins at 12:55 (GMT+3) local time before qualifying starts at 17:05.

DAY 1

1 – Raul Fernandez – (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – KTM – 2’04.577

2 – Darryn Binder – (CIP Green Power) – KTM – +0.121

3 – Sergio Garcia – (Estrella Galicia 0,0) – Honda – +0.146

4 – Ai Ogura – (Honda Team Asia) – Honda – +0.345

5 – Kaito Toba – (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – KTM – +0.411

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Red Bull KTM Tech3:

Öncü kicks off 2020 impressively with a top 10 – Sasaki is catching up in Qatar
 

Red Bull KTM Tech3’s brand-new Moto3 adventure got off a flying at the Losail International Circuit today with Moto3 World Championship rookie Deniz Öncü finishing the first Grand Prix Friday in a fantastic 10th position as the fastest rookie and inside the potential Q2 spots for Qualifying day. Meanwhile, Ayumu Sasaki took it easy this morning, but improved by 1.297 seconds in FP2 to eventually end day one at school this year 0.915 seconds behind his teammate.

Deniz Öncü
 

Position: 10th

Time: 2:05.355

Laps: 24

“Today has been a great day. Free Practice one was fine, we improved in every lap, but in FP2 I was struggling quite a lot to see the track, as the sun was just going down and this reflected a lot. I was riding in these conditions for the very first time, therefore, it was hard to put the bike inside of the corners, but towards the end, it was darker and easier to see for me, plus I adapted better to the conditions. We put in a new tyre and I managed to do a great lap time. I think we are ready for tomorrow’s Qualifying.”

Ayumu Sasaki
 

Position: 26th

Time: 2:06.270

Laps: 23

“To be honest, it was a difficult first day. We tried a few things in order to improve from the test, as we needed to do something different, starting from zero again. I needed to get used to the bike again, aiming to improve with every outing and it worked out. Unfortunately, we are still a bit far away from the front, so we know what the target is. We managed to improve by more than one second from FP1 to FP2, so if we can do the same tomorrow, I think we can catch the rest. At the moment, I try to understand and work on myself and the bike. Hopefully we can come back stronger tomorrow and arrive towards the front on Sunday.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Sky Racing Team VR46:

MIGNO AND VIETTI RAMUS TEMPORARILY QUALIFIED FOR THE Q2 IN QATAR

Important step forward for the Moto3 couple in the afternoon session. Migno is seventh and Vietti Rumus 12th in the combined standings.

Doha (Qatar), March 6th 2020 – An FP1 to catch the rhythms of the first race weekend of 2020 and a significant chronometric step forward in the afternoon session for both riders of the Sky Racing Team VR46 in Doha at Qatar GP.

Teamwork and work on the race pace with Andrea Migno who stops at 2’05.287, a time that means the seventh place in the combined rankings just seven tenths behind the very first guys (Fernandez, 2’04.577). Close to the Top 10 and qualified for the Q2 also Celestino Vietti Ramus who signs a best lap time of 2’05.502.

Pablo Nieto, Team Manager: 

“We have started the GP with the right foot: a lot of work and an important step forward compared to the IRTA test. This was our main goal for today. We will continue like this, step by step we are taking more and more confidence.”

Celestino Vietti:

“Definitely a positive Friday: compared to my standards of the last season, I am closer to the group at the end of the first day of free practices. The feeling with the bike is good: this morning, in FP1, we have tried some new solutions while in FP2 we managed to make an excellent last run with Andrea (Migno ed). We will continue to push, there are many strong riders and we still need a little step forward for tomorrow.”

Andrea Migno:

“As always, thanks to the Team, every time we back on track, we are able to improve. Step by step, we are coming to the right bike set up to be fast. For the QP we need another small step forward, but I’m happy.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS:

Fernandez and heroic Lowes kick off 2020 in impressive fashion

Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS kicked off preparations for the new 2020 Moto2 World Championship in Doha with a productive day for Augusto Fernandez, while the Belgian squad welcomed back Sam Lowes from an injury lay-off.

Cloudless skies and warm temperatures were ideal conditions for Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS to work on finding the optimum machine set-up in this season’s first official practice session this afternoon.

With the second session taking place under the spectacular Losail International Circuit floodlights, Fernandez and a strong-minded Lowes were able post competitive lap times in a record-breaking FP2.

Augusta Fernandez
 

6th, 1:59.074, 24 laps

After a successful three-day test session at the Losail International Circuit last weekend, Fernandez wasted no time in finding a fast rhythm in FP1 and a lap of 1’59.253 put him fourth and just 0.085s away from the best pace set by Tom Lüthi.

Concentrating on setting a fast and consistent pace in race trim ahead of Sunday’s 20-lap race, Fernandez showed great potential on worn tyres to set the sixth fastest time of the evening with a 1’59.074.

The Spaniard was confident he could make another big step but a crash from which he emerged uninjured prevented him from completing a planned time attack on soft rubber.

“The work we have been doing so far has been very positive.
“I’m happy with the first day because we made a big step in every area compared to the test. My feeling on the bike is much better and the lap time was good and I’m satisfied with my pace. It was a shame we missed the chance to complete a time attack because of the crash. I’m sorry to the team because the work we have been doing so far has been very positive but we missed the chance to push for a fast lap. I’m happy though because my fastest lap was set on a rear tyre that was on its 23rd lap, which is positive for the race. And I’m sure if I had the chance to push hard for a fast lap I’d be higher up.”

 Sam Lowes

 20th, 1:59.561, 24 laps

Although well below his peak physical best because of multiple injuries to his right shoulder sustained in a pre-season accident in Jerez, Lowes performed with tremendous determination and desire to demonstrate his potential on the opening day in Doha.

Riding in considerable pain and coping with a lack of strength and mobility, Lowes completed 12 laps around the physically demanding 5.4km layout in FP1 and a further 12 laps in FP2.

The Briton’s pain-defying performance was rewarded this evening and he improved his pace by the huge margin of 1.5s to finish day one in 20th position overall.

“I’m proud of myself and the team with the job we did today.
“It has been a tough time with the injury and it is not easy to miss testing and watch everybody else ride. I was unlucky to get a big injury from a very small crash and it has been a difficult period but I saw Augusto do a very good job at the test and that meant the team had a strong base to work with. I want to say thanks to him and the team and I feel good. I was nervous this morning because I didn’t know what was possible. I might have had to stop after just one lap, so I’m proud of myself and the team with the job we did today. I think we can improve and make another step forward tomorrow.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Sky Racing Team VR46:

TEAM WORK FOR THE SKY RACING TEAM VR46 IN LOSAIL

Together on track for the whole day Marco Bezzecchi and Luca Marini have hit the second and the third place in the combined standings.

Doha (Qatar), March 6th 2020 – A Friday of free practice as protagonists for the riders of the Sky Racing Team VR46 in Losail. Team work to give the rhythm to the group with Marco Bezzecchi second and Luca Marini third at the end of the day.

Sharing data and information to raise the level and reach a best lap time of 1’58.669, a time that means the second place for Marco, at his debut with the Team’s colors and in the wake of Roberts (1’58.421). Just a tenth behind him Luca (1’58.759) satisfied with the feeling with his Kalex and at work on the engine brake.

Pablo Nieto, Team Manager:

“I am satisfied with what we have done today: a good Team work that allowed us to keep a good pace. But the weekend is still long, we need to remain focused.”

Luca Marini:

“I am quite satisfied: in the FP2 we used new tires to be more performing on the flying lap and we made a great Team work with Marco (Bezzecchi ndr). The feeling is good, but we have to improve in braking, on the engine brake and in the T2. Compared to the testing session, the grip on the track is different and there is no wind.”

Marco Bezzecchi:

“It was a good start: a great job with Luca and with the whole Team. We try to raise the level by sharing info, but we have to work hard and take a step forward on the first few laps of tires because we are not perfect.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by PETRONAS Sprinta Racing:

Moto3 season underway for PETRONAS Sprinta Racing in Qatar

Moto3 season underway for PETRONAS Sprinta Racing riders John McPhee and Khairul Idham Pawi in Qatar

The 2020 Moto3 World Championship got underway today for PETRONAS Sprinta Racing riders John McPhee and Khairul Idham Pawi, at Losail International Circuit, Qatar. At the end of the two Free Practice sessions McPhee finished 11th fastest, with team-mate KIP 25th.

Despite the dust that had been blowing over the track in the last few days, the circuit staff had been able to brush and blow the majority of it away leaving the Moto3 riders a mostly clean track for their opening session of the day. Both McPhee and KIP were quick to get out on the 5.4km long circuit and officially start their weekend with John setting a best lap time of 2mins 6.219 secs and KIP a 2mins 7.337secs lap.

The second free practice session saw the riders run with soft tyres on their Honda NSF250RW machines as the temperatures were lower and conditions more representative of what they will face in the race on Sunday. McPhee was immediately quick and soon set times that were quicker than the fastest lap in FP1. At the end of the second practice session the Scot had managed a best lap time of 2mins 5.383secs, which placed him 11th in the combined standings across the two sessions. Improving his time to 2mins 6.117secs, KIP finished the day 25th as he makes his return to the Moto3 category.

Tomorrow the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing pair will have one final practice session at 12.55pm local time (17.55am MYT) before the first qualifying session gets underway at 5.05pm local time (10.05pm MYT).

John McPhee

11th (2’05.383)

The pace is decent, especially with the used tyre, so I’m feeling good. I did my lap with the soft tyre alone so there’s still quite a bit of time there to be made with a tow and a slipstream. With the lap time I’d hoped to be a little bit further up the grid but there’s a lot of guys putting really fast times in so we’ll see how FP3 goes tomorrow, but the main focus is to get into Q2. The last few days there’s been a bit of a sandstorm so I thought FP1 would be more or less a write off, but in the end it was quite decent. The lap times towards the end of the session were quite fast and in FP2 were a lot faster than what we’d expected. Of course testing is important but it’s so nice to get away from that and actually now focus on a race weekend. I’m really looking forward to Sunday.

Khairul Idham Pawi

25th (2’06.117)

I feel really happy to be back at the races. There are still some areas I can improve with the Moto3 bike, I just lose some time in the beginning of the corner under braking so we will try to fix that for tomorrow. It is not a big difference compared with John and I think we can improve more. The track conditions are better than the last test here; there is less wind and there is more grip. For tomorrow we will try to improve the lap time and try to go directly to Q2, if not we will try to make a good lap in Q1 and be in a good position for the race on Sunday.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by PETRONAS Sprinta Racing:

Top-five Moto2 finish for Vierge on first day of Qatar GP

Top-five Moto2 finish for PETRONAS Sprinta Racing’s Vierge on first day of Qatar GP, Dixon 21st

The first day of the Qatar GP saw PETRONAS Sprinta Racing’s Xavi Vierge set the fifth fastest time across the two Moto2 free practice sessions, with team-mate Jake Dixon 21st. With the MotoGP category cancelled for this opening round, the Moto2 riders have had to adapt to different track conditions to what was expected, with their race on Sunday moved to the primetime slot that MotoGP had occupied.

Vierge started the day with a small crash at Turn 6 of the Losail International Circuit, but was able to remount and ride his bike back to the garage before continuing with the session just minutes later. Using the first session to reconfirm settings from the final pre-season test Xavi was able to set a fastest lap of 1min 59.789secs (placing him 16th), while team-mate Dixon’s fastest lap was 2mins 0.356 secs saw him end the session 25th.

The second session of the day, which allowed the riders to experience similar conditions to what is expected in Sunday’s race, saw the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing pair focus on using the soft tyre. Xavi spent the majority of the session lapping within the top-ten, with a strong race pace, before saving his best time for his last lap – a 1min 59.059secs lap, which placed him fifth overall and was just 0.138 seconds shy of the fastest Moto2 rider. Dixon, who is still feeling the effects of a minor injury to his finger, was able to rack up the laps and further adapt his style to the Triumph-powered Kalex machine. The Brit finished the day 21st with a fastest time of 1min 59.641.

The final practice session for PETRONAS Sprinta Racing’s Moto2 riders will see the pair take to the circuit at 1.50pm local time (6.50pm MYT) with the first qualifying session commencing at 6pm local time (11pm MYT).

Xavi Vierge

5th (1’59.059)

I’m really happy with the first day. First I have to say sorry for my mistake in the second lap of FP1, but I think we did a really good job. From FP1 to FP2 we work a lot on the bike because the crash this morning was under engine braking. So we work really hard to improve that area and in the second session I feel a lot better, we could work on the pace and make a good lap time. I’m quite happy with fifth position. Tomorrow we will try to be in Q2, I think with the lap time we did today we will be in there and secondly I will try to have a good qualifying result, try to stay within the first two rows.

Jake Dixon

21st (1’59.641)

It was good, although the hot conditions this morning weren’t really relevant to the conditions that we will qualify and race in. This evening was good because it was at the exact same time as the race, and it’s actually the first time we’ve had this even with testing. It was good to understand what we need to do to improve. There are still things to learn and I’ve been a little bit slower than what I wanted, but at the end of the day when all the pieces of the puzzle come together I know I can be fast. It’s just a matter of time and going through the process to make sure we’re working in a correct way for the race and give the team the best result I can.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Team Federal Oil Gresini:

LOSAIL FRIDAY: BULEGA TOWARDS THE FRONT AS PONS ALSO DOES WELL

The first two free practice sessions of the 2020 season have been completed today at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, with the middleweight class involved in two completely different sessions, as the latter one was held under floodlights.

Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 had a good showing especially with Nicolò Bulega, who was ninth-quickest today (1’59.136s). The Italian, who was among the most active riders on track with 28 laps completed (15 in FP1 and 13 in FP3) was only 0.7secs shy of Roberts’s provisional pole, but also only two tenths of a second away from the top five.

Good feeling also for Edgar Pons. The Spaniard finished 19thin today’s combined times (1’59.486secs), but the top ten is already within reach. The number 57 made several set-up changes during FP2 and tomorrow he will try to be among the protagonists and maybe play his cards to qualify directly to Q2.

Moto2 FP3 will get underway at 13:50 local time (GMT +3).

9th –  NICOLÒ BULEGA #11

“It hasn’t been a bad start. Honestly, we already have a clear idea on what to improve and in particular I mean corner entry, because the bike “pushes” a bit, but I’m sure we’ll get there. If we solve this little issue I can say we could be part of the game, the big one.”

19th –  EDGAR PONS #57

“It was a positive day, even though I was hoping for something more in FP2. In any case, we’re close to the top riders and the overall position is not that important, even though it wasn’t what we hoped for. We will go back and try to improve a few tenths of a second, which can really make a difference in this class. With all the team support we will surely improve tomorrow.”

Moto3: Raul Fernandez Tops FP2 At Losail International Circuit

Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy of Red Bull KTM Ajo.
Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy of Red Bull KTM Ajo.

Moto3 All-Time Lap Record: 2:04.561, Aron Canet, 2019

Moto3 Race Lap Record: 2:05.403, Romano Fenati, 2019

FIM Moto2 World Championship 

Losail International Circuit

Doha, Qatar

March 6, 2020

Free Practice Two Results (all on Dunlop tires):

  1. Raul Fernandez, Spain (KTM), 2:04.577
  2. Darryn Binder, South Africa (KTM), 2:04.698
  3. Sergio Garcia, Spain (Honda), 2:04.723
  4. Ai Ogura, Japan (Honda), 2:04.922
  5. Kaito Toba, Japan (KTM), 2:04.988
  6. Tony Arbolino, Italy (Honda), 2:05.227
  7. Andrea Migno, Italy (KTM), 2:05.287
  8. Jaume Masia, Spain (Honda), 2:05.332
  9. Romano Fenati, Italy (Husqvarna), 2:05.348
  10. Deniz Oncu, Turkey (KTM), 2:05.355
  11. John McPhee, UK (Honda), 2:05.383
  12. Celestino Vietti, Italy (KTM), 2:05.502
  13. Yuki Kunii, Japan (Honda), 2:05.587
  14. Carlos Tatay, Spain (KTM), 2:05.598
  15. Stefano Nepa, Italy (KTM), 2:05.612
  16. Gabriel Rodrigo, Argentina (Honda), 2:05.622
  17. Albert Arenas, Spain (KTM), 2:05.668
  18. Tatsuki Suzuki, Japan (Honda), 2:05.758
  19. Filip Salac, Czech Republic (Honda), 2:05.765
  20. Jeremy Alcoba, Spain (Honda), 2:05.779

Recent Wedding: Roger Lyle – Joan Erdesky

Roger Lyle and Joan Erdesky. Photo courtesy of Roger Lyle.
Roger Lyle and Joan Erdesky. Photo courtesy of Roger Lyle.
Roger Lyle and Joan Erdesky, owners of Motorcycle Xcitement Track Days and Road Racing School, were married on March 2, 2020.
The ceremony took place on their farm in Needmore, Pennsylvania inside the hay barn. Chaplain Mark Merical of Raceline Ministry performed the marriage ceremony.
The happy couple will celebrate with a big party later this year when their Ferris Wheel is up and running!

American Flat Track: Johnny Lewis Racing Royal Enfield In Selected Events

Johnny Lewis’ Royal Enfield INT650-based AFT Production Twins racebike. Photo courtesy of Royal Enfield North America.
Johnny Lewis’ Royal Enfield INT650-based AFT Production Twins racebike. Photo courtesy of Royal Enfield North America.

Royal Enfield Backs Moto Anatomy American Flat Track Campaign

Decorated flat track racer, Johnny Lewis will develop & race Harris Performance built Twins FT during the 2020 AFT Season

MILWAUKEE — Royal Enfield North America has partnered with American Flat Track (AFT) racer Johnny Lewis and his team Moto Anatomy for 2020. Lewis will develop the all-new Royal Enfield FT, built by Harris Performance, in the Production Twins class at select AFT rounds this year. Based on the INT650 motorcycle, Moto Anatomy will race the FT with support from Royal Enfield, Harris Performance and S&S Cycle.

“This racing effort is unprecedented in Royal Enfield’s North American history,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing Lead – Americas. “Johnny Lewis is a legitimate contender anytime he’s on the track and we couldn’t have picked a better partner in his organization, Moto Anatomy. Flat track continues to garner attention from both a professional and grassroots level and we feel strongly about our extended partnership with AFT and now Moto Anatomy. We are thrilled to bring the Royal Enfield brand to more enthusiasts and this is a great opportunity to do that on a major scale.”

Johnny Lewis. Photo courtesy of Royal Enfield North America.
Johnny Lewis. Photo courtesy of Royal Enfield North America.

Lewis has risen through the ranks of American Flat Track and enjoyed success at both the amateur and professional levels. Lewis will debut the concept Twins FT, first revealed at the 2019 EICMA Show, at the Daytona TT on March 14, 2020, as a part of the media team. Lewis will then compete with the motorcycle for the first time at the Laconia short track event on June 13 and will run all AFT short track events for the remainder of the season in the Production Twins class. The Royal Enfield FT will also run the Sturgis Buffalo Chip TT and Peoria TT as a wildcard entry in the Super Twins class.

“I’m excited to lead the development of the Royal Enfield Flat Track Twin program in 2020,” said Moto Anatomy owner and AFT racer, Johnny Lewis. “Being involved at such an early stage in a brand’s racing efforts has been a fantastic opportunity. While our focus is on development, there is great potential in the platform and it’s encouraging to see a manufacturer with as much history as Royal Enfield entering AFT. It’s also great to see Royal Enfield helping grow the sport of motorcycling in North America with its new rider initiatives.”

Besides racing, Moto Anatomy will also use the Royal Enfield FT411, a modified variation of the Royal Enfield Himalayan set up exclusively for flat track use, as part of Royal Enfield Slide School Presented by Moto Anatomy. This flat track riding clinic will be available to the public at select events during 2020, giving riders the opportunity to learn the basics of flat track in a controlled environment.

To learn more about Moto Anatomy and its AFT efforts, visit www.moto-anatomy.com and to watch the Royal Enfield FT in action check your local listings for NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold, the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. The complete schedule for AFT on NBCSN can be viewed at http://www.americanflattrack.com/events-nbcsn/.

About Royal Enfield

The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the mid-size motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.

Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 110 dealers in North America, including the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the Bullet 500, Classic 500, Himalayan and the all new 650 Twins: INT 650 and Continental GT 650 motorcycles along with a range of genuine motorcycle accessories and apparel.

For more information on Royal Enfield North America, please visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.

Coronavirus And Racing: What We Know, And What Happens Next

A scene from the 2019 Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas at Circuit of The Americas. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
A scene from the 2019 Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas at Circuit of The Americas. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

In January, a respiratory illness first reported in Wuhan, China began spreading at an alarming rate. It was named “coronavirus disease 2019,” officially abbreviated to COVID-19, and commonly referred to as “coronavirus.”

Most people who get COVID-19 suffer mild flu-like symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and about 16% of cases result in serious illness. Some cases, however, end up being fatal, especially in elderly patients and those with underlying health conditions.

The CDC estimates that approximately 55,000 people worldwide die each year from flu and flu-like illnesses.

From China, COVID-19 has spread to nearly 80 countries around the world in just two months, infecting approximately 95,000 people and killing 3,300, according to CNN. About 80% of the reported COVID-19 cases are currently located in China, South Korea, Iran, and Italy.

To slow the spread of COVID-19, some countries have implemented restrictions, quarantines, and even bans on travelers who live in those countries or who have traveled through those parts of the world.

Just days before members of the FIM MotoGP World Championship paddock started traveling to Qatar for the opening of the 2020 season, (scheduled for this coming weekend, March 6-8 at Losail International Circuit), the government of Qatar instituted a mandatory 14-day quarantine for any Italian citizen trying to enter the country or anyone trying to enter the country after traveling through Italy. That development prevented Italian riders, engineers, technicians, team members, and sponsors from attending the Grand Prix in Qatar.

After working hard to come up with alternative solutions, Dorna, the commercial rights holder of MotoGP, decided to cancel only the MotoGP class race (because Moto2 and Moto3 teams were already in Qatar, for testing). Then, based on a recommendation by Thailand’s Department of Disease Control that mass gatherings of people be postponed whenever possible, Dorna decided to postpone the Thai Grand Prix, (originally scheduled for March 20-22), until October 2-4. Moving the Thai Grand Prix displaced the MotoGP race at MotorLand Aragon from October 2-4 to September 25-27 and created the situation where the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, scheduled for April 3-5 at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, will be the first race of 2020 for the MotoGP class.

This was all confirmed by Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta in a press conference held Thursday at Losail International Circuit, where the Moto2 and Moto3 classes will still race this weekend because they were already in Qatar before that country’s newest travel restrictions were put in place.

Ezpeleta said Dorna Sports is going to continue monitoring the COVID-19 situation and wait until the last moment to ship all of the MotoGP racebikes and equipment from Qatar to COTA, but as of today, the event is scheduled to take place.

MotoAmerica’s Superbike class is slated to race twice at COTA in support of the MotoGP event, but if Dorna does need to cancel or postpone its races at COTA, MotoAmerica will not race alone in Texas, according to MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland.

Currently, the United States is only restricting entrance to the country for travelers coming from China and Iran, but some U.S.-based airlines have suspended direct flights from Milan, Italy to the United States.

Considering Qatar’s 14-day quarantine for travelers from Italy resulted in the MotoGP race being cancelled in Qatar, Roadracingworld.com reached out to Ducati Corse MotoGP Press Officer Artur Vilalta to see if Ducati Corse or other Italian teams are doing anything extraordinary — like coming into the U.S. well in advance — to ensure they can be at the races in Texas.

“We can’t do anything extraordinary,” Vilalta wrote in an email. “As in Qatar, if USA don’t allow Italian people, MotoGP won’t race there. Tough and easy.

“Everything is packed in Qatar (bikes, boxes, offices…) and ready to go where Dorna decides. At the moment, the plan is Austin, on the paper, is the next race. But the situation with Coronavirus is changing day by day, so we have to wait.”

Responding to a follow-up question, Vilalta said no one in the Ducati organization has been infected with COVID-19.

Elsewhere in America, the official MotoAmerica test is still scheduled to happen March 10-11, and the 79th Daytona 200 and Daytona TT American Flat Track events are still scheduled for March 14 at Daytona International Speedway.

All of this is as of post time, and as anyone following COVID-19 in the news already knows, things can change quickly.

Indian Motorcycle Introduces 2020 Scout Bobber Sixty

A 2020-model Indian Scout Bobber Sixty. Photo courtesy of Indian Motorcycle.
A 2020-model Indian Scout Bobber Sixty. Photo courtesy of Indian Motorcycle.

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE’S NEW SCOUT BOBBER SIXTY MAKES MEAN, OLD-SCHOOL STYLING MORE ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE THAN EVER

 

Minimalistic & Raw – the Lightweight Indian Scout Bobber Sixty Features Stripped-Down, Blacked-Out Styling, and a 60 Cubic-Inch, Liquid-Cooled Engine

 

Minneapolis (March 5, 2020) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today introduced the 2020 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty – a 999cc version of its popular Scout Bobber, that is 24 pounds lighter. Starting at $8,999, the Scout Bobber Sixty is a more attainable option for riders seeking Indian Motorcycle’s premium quality and craftsmanship combined with a stripped-down aesthetic.

 

Powered by the same 78-horsepower engine as the Scout Sixty, the Scout Bobber Sixty’s light weight, nimble handling, and low center of gravity will appeal to all riders seeking mean, old school styling at a competitive price point.

 

“Bringing a stripped down, old-school Bobber priced at $8,999 is something we’re very excited about.  We’re proud to provide such a dynamic offering at a price point that makes owning an Indian motorcycle extremely attainable to an even wider range of riders,” said Reid Wilson, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle.

 

The Scout Bobber Sixty maintains the stripped-down styling of the Scout Bobber, including chopped fenders and a confident riding position, while adding several cues that give the model a look of its own.  The Scout Bobber Sixty features a blacked-out engine, a modern tank badge, perch mount mirrors, stripped down headlight, an all-black seat, and all new five-spoke all black wheels.

 

Riders looking to customize their Scout Bobber Sixty can do so by selecting from more than 140 authentic Indian Motorcycle accessories. Riders looking to venture outside city limits can enjoy a comfortable ride with Indian Motorcycle’s an all-new color matched comfort seat and passenger seat options.

 

Shipping to U.S. and Canadian dealers now, the Scout Bobber Sixty is available in Thunder Black and Thunder Black Smoke paint with ABS and non-ABS versions. Scout Bobber Sixty pricing starts at $8,999 with financing options as low as $111 a month.

 

Learn more about Indian Motorcycle and the Scout Bobber Sixty by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com and following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®

Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

 

INDIAN and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC.  Always wear a helmet, protective clothing and eyewear and insist your passenger does the same.  Ride within the limits of the law and your own abilities.  Read, understand and follow your owner’s manual. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

MotoAmerica: Rise Moto Posts Prizes For 2020 Mini Cup

Ohvale has been named as the official motorcycle of the MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul. Photo courtesy of MotoAmerica.
The MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul is scheduled for three rounds in 2020. Photo courtesy MotoAmerica.

Rise Moto Steps up to Offer MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul Prizes

Entry Fees, Wild Card Rides and a CIV Ride For The Champs

 

IRVINE, CA (March 5, 2020) – Rise Moto has announced the season prizes for the inaugural MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul, with class champions in the 110 and 160 classes set to earn a sponsored ride for the 2020 MotoAmerica Mini Cup while the 190 class champion will get a wild-card entry on the new Aprilia/Ohvale RS250SP in the CIV Junior race in Italy in October.

The winner of the 110 class will get a sponsored ride in the 2021 MotoAmerica Mini Cup in the next class up, with that rider getting the loan of a GP-0 160 for the 2021 season with Rise Moto covering their entry feels for 2021 (up to $1000). The 110 Champion also earns a wild-card spot at the Ohvale World Cup in October (usage of bike is free, but costs are not covered). The runner-up in the 110 class, meanwhile, will get their entry fees covered for the 2021 Mini Cup by Rise Moto (up to $750). The runner-up also gets a wild-card spot in the Ohvale World Cup (usage of bike is free, but costs are not covered).

Like the 110 class champion, the winner of the 160 class title will also get a sponsored ride in the 2021 series in the next class up, which is on the GP-O 190 for the 190 class and entry fees (up to $1000). The 160 Champion also earns a wild-card ride at the Ohvale World Cup. The runner-up in the 160 class will get his/her entry fees paid for 2021 (up to $750) and a wild-card ride in the World Cup.

The 190 Youth class champion earns the wild card on the Aprilia/Ohvale 250 in the CIV Junior race at Italy in October, including a test on the new 250 in the U.S. prior to the event. The 190 champ also his/her gets MotoAmerica Mini Cup entry fees paid for 2021 (up to $1000) or it can be applied to the next class up if the champion opts to graduate out of Mini Cup to go to the MotoAmerica Liqui Moly Junior Cup, for example.

The 190-class championship runner-up will earn a wild card spot in the Ohvale Cup in October with 2021 entry fees paid by Rise Moto (up to $750) or applied to the next class up if the rider opts to move out of the Mini Cup.

“It’s great that Rise Moto has stepped up to give the class champions and the runner-ups some really good payouts,” said MotoAmerica’s Lance Bryson. “I really like the fact that they also get the opportunity to do things like the Ohvale World Cup and the Aprilia/Ohvale 250 wild-card ride in Italy and a test on the bike before going there. The experience of racing overseas and against riders from other countries will prove invaluable in their racing careers. We can’t wait to see how these kids perform against each other this year in the MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul and also see how they go when they head overseas.”

The MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul is also paying event purses in the 190 Adult class (minimum of six riders required for payout) with the winner earning $350, second place getting $200 and third place paying $100.

For more information on Ohvale’s line of motorcycles, visit www.risemoto.com.

The 2020 AMA MotoAmerica Mini Cup Series

May 29-31 – Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

June 26-28 – Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, Washington

August 7-8 – Pittsburgh International Race Complex, Wampum, Pennsylvania

More On “Aussie Dave” Anthony’s New Lap Record In Las Vegas

“Aussie Dave” Anthony (25) at speed during a WERA West event at the Las Vegas Classic Circuit, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Michael Gougis.
“Aussie Dave” Anthony (25) at speed during a WERA West event at the Las Vegas Classic Circuit, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Aussie Dave Captures Motorcycle Track Record with New, Larger Pirelli DIABLO™ Superbike Slicks in Las Vegas

DIABLO™ Superbike 125/70-17 Front and 200/65-17 Rear Sizes Available Now

ROME, Ga.  – Pirelli Tire North America congratulates David Anthony on capturing the brand’s first absolute motorcycle track record bounty of 2020. “Aussie Dave” set the new track record on the Las Vegas Classic Circuit at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the WERA West racing series. The achievement came while using Pirelli’s new, larger DIABLO™ Superbike slick sizes, which have been derived from Pirelli’s involvement as the tire supplier for the FIM MOTUL World Superbike Championship.

“We’re seeing lap times drop across the country with our new sizing in the DIABLO™ Superbike slicks,” said Oscar Solis, road racing manager, Pirelli. “Aussie Dave managed to crush his previous track record by nearly a half second, which is very impressive. Although he was competing on a different bike, it’s refreshing to know that the tires are up for the challenge and ready to perform at the highest level of racing.”

David Anthony set a new track record at Las Vegas Motor Speedway using Pirelli’s new, larger DIABLO™ Superbike slick sizes

Anthony’s new lap record of 1:14.348 was set during the Formula One Expert race, topping his own track record of 1:14.836 that he set last year. Anthony’s GSX-R1000 motorcycle was equipped with Pirelli’s DIABLO™ Superbike 125/70-17 SC1 front and 200/65-17 SC0 rear slicks.

“The consistent speed I was able to lay down this weekend was impressive,” said Anthony. “The new Pirelli slick sizes have exceeded my expectations that I had set for them, allowing me to continue improving myself and lap times on the racetrack. It’s really cool to see Pirelli setting the industry standard by continuously innovating their products even when they are already on top.”

Pirelli continues to offer a tire credit prize for setting a new motorcycle track record and Anthony became the first rider to earn the reward this season.

Full results from the WERA West round at Las Vegas Speedway can be found HERE.

For more information about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com