MotoAmerica: Flat Track Racing Added To Event At Indianapolis Motor Speedway

David Swarts

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January 10, 2020

MotoAmerica: Flat Track Racing Added To Event At Indianapolis Motor Speedway

MotoAmerica Bringing Flat Track To The Brickyard

Two Days Of Flat Track Racing In Conjunction With Round Eight

COSTA MESA, CA, (January 10, 2020) – MotoAmerica has announced that it will host “Flat Track at the Brickyard” as part of the MotoAmerica Superbikes at the Brickyard weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, August 21-23. The two days of racing will mark the first time motorcycle flat track racing has been held at the Speedway.

Held in conjunction with round eight of the 2020 MotoAmerica Series, the Steve Nace Racing Promotions (SNRP) flat track will feature Amateur and Pro-Am racing on the Brickyard’s quarter-mile flat track that’s located inside turn three at the Speedway on Friday, August 21. The following day, the AMA All-Stars will take over the oval with a full slate of racing, including a round of the Hooligan National Championship and a special invitational Bultaco Astro class. The Bultaco Astro class features many previous national number plate holders and former flat track champions all riding the Bultacos. Additionally, proceeds from the Bultaco Invitational will go to fund the Class of ’79, a charity for injured racers.

And the best part? Spectator entry to the Flat Track at the Brickyard is included in your MotoAmerica Superbikes at the Brickyard ticket.

“As most of our fans know, I started my career racing flat track and it’s always been near and dear to my heart,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “Everyone at MotoAmerica is pumped that we are going to be working with Steve Nace and his group to bring flat track racing to the Brickyard for the first time in conjunction with our five MotoAmerica classes. We will have a lot going on during our MotoAmerica Superbikes at the Brickyard event as we continue to build this into a real motorcycle festival. Our fans are going to love it.”

“We’re thrilled to bring our series to Indianapolis Motor Speedway as part of the MotoAmerica weekend,” said Steve Nace of SNRP. “It will give our racers and teams a great opportunity to race in front of a different crowd. Who doesn’t get excited about racing at the Brickyard? We’re all looking forward to August 21-23 and putting on a show for MotoAmerica and our flat track fans.”

For more information and/or for race entry information, visit www.stevenaceracing.com or contact Steve Nace Racing Promotions at [email protected]

To purchase tickets for MotoAmerica Superbikes at the Brickyard, visit https://motoamerica.com/tickets/
2020 MotoAmerica Series

April 3-5 Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas

April 17-19 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, Georgia

May 1-3 Virginia International Raceway, Alton, Virginia

May 29-31 Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

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

July 10-12 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, California

August 7-9 Pittsburgh International Race Complex, Wampum, Pennsylvania

August 21-23 Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, Indiana

September 11-13 New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, New Jersey

September 18-20 Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, Alabama

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner. For more information on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

American Flat Track: 2020 AFT SuperTwins Rider Lineup Confirmed (Updated)

David Swarts

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January 10, 2020

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American Flat Track: 2020 AFT SuperTwins Rider Lineup Confirmed (Updated)

American Flat Track Announces Roster for 2020 AFT SuperTwins Competition

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 10, 2020) – American Flat Track is pleased to announce its list of teams and riders for the inaugural year of AFT SuperTwins competition.

The most recent evolution in its revitalization of the sport of professional flat track, the AFT SuperTwins class represents a unity of the elite teams and most-skilled athletes who compete at every round of AFT competition.

At every event eighteen of the top riders in the sport will grid up for the AFT SuperTwins Main Event, allowing fans to closely follow their favorite athletes week after week.

The list of teams selected for competition in the 2020 AFT SuperTwins class is as follows:

BriggsAuto.com Racing – Davis Fisher – #67 Indian FTR750
Coolbeth-Nila Racing – Sammy Halbert – #69 Indian FTR750
Estenson Racing – JD Beach – #95 Yamaha MT-07 DT
Estenson Racing – Kolby Carlile – #36 Yamaha MT-07 DT
Harley-Davidson / Vance & Hines – Dalton Gauthier – #79 Harley-Davidson XG750R
Harley-Davidson / Vance & Hines – Jarod Vanderkooi – #20 Harley-Davidson XG750R
HCRR Racing / Ben Evans Racing – Jay Maloney – #12 Indian FTR750
HCRR Racing / Ben Evans Racing – Brandon Robinson – #44 Indian FTR750
Indian Motorcycle – Briar Bauman – #1 Indian FTR750
Indian Motorcycle – Bronson Bauman – #37 Indian FTR750
Indian Motorcycle / Rogers Racing – Jared Mees – #9 Indian FTR750
RJ Performance Racing – Robert Pearson – #27 Indian FTR750
Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas – Dan Bromley – #62 Indian FTR750
Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas – Brandon Price – #92 Indian FTR750
Vance & Hines / Howerton Motorsports – Bryan Smith – #4 Harley-Davidson XG750R

The following teams have been approved as Wildcard Teams for 2020 competition. A limited number of entries remain. For more information on entering as a Wildcard Team, visit www.amaproracing.com.

16. Happy Trail Racing – Jeffrey Carver, Jr. – #23 Indian FTR750

17. Larry Pegram Racing – Larry Pegram – #72 Indian FTR750

18. Rackley Keeran Racing – Andrew Luker – #11 Indian FTR750

Tickets for the debut of AFT SuperTwins competition and the first-ever Bike Week Saturday of Speed 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 a press release issued by Indian Motorcycle:

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE WRECKING CREW RETURNS TO AMERICAN FLAT TRACK IN 2020 WITH SIGHTS SET ON A FOURTH CONSECUTIVE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON

With the Bauman Brothers Intent on Building on the Success of 2019, “the Jammer” Looks to Expand His Legacy & Reclaim the Number One Plate

Briar Bauman (left), Jared Mees (center), and Bronson Bauman (right). Photo courtesy of Indian Motorcycle.

Minneapolis, MN (January 10, 2020) – Indian Motorcycle Racing today confirmed its return for the 2020 American Flat Track (AFT) season in the series’ newly developed Super Twins class. For the second consecutive season, the Indian Wrecking Crew will feature 2019 Grand National Champion Briar Bauman, brother Bronson Bauman, who finished third overall in 2019, and six-time Grand National Champion Jared “the Jammer” Mees, who finished second overall in 2019. In addition, AFT legend and fan favorite Brad “the Bullet” Baker returns as Technical Advisor and Rider Coach for the Bauman brothers. After capturing the top three spots in the 2019 standings, Indian Motorcycle Racing enters the 2020 series with its sights set on capturing its fourth consecutive Grand National Championship and Manufacturer’s Championship.

“Powered by the momentum of Briar winning his first Grand National Championship, the emergence of Bronson as a legitimate series contender, and Jared’s unparalleled intensity and drive to reclaim the number one plate, we couldn’t be more excited by our prospects for the 2020 series,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “For the fourth straight season, we will have a massive target on our backs with the entire paddock looking to take us down. But we know our three riders and their crews are more than up to the challenge and determined to continue our championship streak for a fourth consecutive season.”

The Bauman brothers will again be backed by the operational and technical expertise of Paul Langley and S&S. The ongoing support from S&S since Indian’s return to the series in 2017 has been instrumental to the capabilities of the Indian FTR750, now a fixture throughout the AFT paddock, and the performance of Indian Motorcycle Racing and its riders. In addition, Dave Zanotti will continue as Crew Chief, with Dustin Say and Clayton Gatewood handling mechanic duties for Briar and Bronson Bauman respectively. Once again, Jared Mees’ operation will be supported by long-time Crew Chief Kenny Tolbert, and mechanics Bubba Bentley and Jimmy Wood. S&S’s Dean Young continues his ongoing role as the Wrecking Crew Team Manager.

2019 saw the Bauman brothers stake their claim as the sport’s most dynamic duo, under the guidance of Crew Chief Dave Zanotti. Briar Bauman asserted his dominance immediately, winning the Daytona TT season opener, and never relenting the rest of the season on the way to his first Grand National Championship. The elder Bauman was a picture of consistency, capturing five victories and earning podium finishes in 17 of 20 events. Meanwhile, 2019 was a season of extremes for Mees, capturing a series-best eight victories, only to come up a mere seven points short of his seventh Grand National Championship. For the younger Bauman, 2019 was a year to establish himself as one of the series’ most intense and exciting competitors, capturing five podiums, including his first career AFT Twins victory at Laconia.

In 2020, in addition to S&S, Indian will benefit significantly from the support of its valued sponsors, including presenting sponsor Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, Parts Ulimited, Drag Specialities, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Alpinestars, J&P Cycles and Bell Helmets.

“Every team in the paddock understands how invaluable the support of sponsors are to the success of a team, and for us, it’s no exception,” said Gray. “You can’t underestimate the advantage it brings to have the resources and support of companies like these that are so heavily invested in our success, and the success and growth of our sport overall.”

For 2020, AFT is introducing new regulations to continue its ongoing effort to create more competitive balance, and once again, these regulations challenge Indian and the FTR750 specifically. The case in point is AFT’s mandate that the Indian FTR750 will have a limit on flywheel mass which can effect power delivery and stability.

“We had a lot of constructive conversations with AFT and certainly understand the motivations behind their decision to regulate our bike in this manner, people want to see more than one brand on the podium, but it can be frustrating to be punished for winning,” said Gray. “Regardless of this, or any other potential obstacle, we come to win, and we have full confidence that in 2020, we will once again do just that.”

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.

Nominations For Roadracing World Young Guns, Class of 2020 Close Today

David Swarts

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January 10, 2020

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Nominations For Roadracing World Young Guns, Class of 2020 Close Today

We are now accepting nominations for the 24th Annual Roadracing World Young Guns feature, highlighting up-and-coming young road racers from the United States, Canada and now Mexico.

To be considered for the Young Guns feature, a racer must be between the ages of 11 and 17 years old at the start of the 2020 season; have finished in the top three in a sanctioned Expert-level road race or Championship on a 125cc two-stroke/250cc four-stroke or larger motorcycle with full-size (17-inch) wheels; and reside within the United States, Canada or Mexico.

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

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

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

For new candidates who wish to be considered for the next Young Guns feature, obtain, fill out and return a 2020 Young Guns questionnaire to Roadracing World by January 10, 2020. Requests for questionnaires should be sent via e-mail to [email protected].

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

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

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

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

Late and incomplete submissions may not be considered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Won Suzuki Cup Championships in the U.S.;

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

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

Collected USGPRU titles;

And won many local and regional Championships.

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

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar;

2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion Corey Alexander;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Daytona Anderson;

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

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

Four-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier;

MotoAmerica KTM RC 390 Cup race winner and Twins Cup front-runner Jackson Blackmon;

Former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;

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

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

2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up Dustin Dominguez;

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

Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;

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

AMA Pro SuperSport podium finisher Wyatt Farris;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup race winner Renzo Ferreira;

2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Bobby Fong;

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

Two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike racer Garrett Gerloff;

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;

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

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

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

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

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

AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;

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

2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up and 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;

Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;

Two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;

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

MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;

AMA Pro SuperSport race winner Stefano Mesa;

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

AMA Pro XR1200 race winner Shane Narbonne;

2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;

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

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

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

AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner Chris Peris;

Two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion and British Supersport podium finisher James Rispoli;

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

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

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

AMA Pro SuperSport podium finisher Miles Thornton;

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

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and 2019 AFM Champion Jayson Uribe;

2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up and 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up Cory Ventura;

Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;

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

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

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

MotoAmerica: Ben Gloddy Continuing With Quarterley Racing In Junior Cup

David Swarts

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January 10, 2020

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MotoAmerica: Ben Gloddy Continuing With Quarterley Racing In Junior Cup

Quarterley Racing On Track Development re-signs with Ben Gloddy after his impressive rookie season.

Ben Gloddy, 14, of Northfield, New Hampshire, will be returning for his second year with Quarterley Racing On Track Development in the 2020 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Series. This up and coming rider finished fifth in his first professional race weekend at Utah Motorsports Campus, where he also celebrated his 14th birthday. Ben followed that up by finishing 9th in the championship points; only racing six out of the nine rounds. Gloddy, after four weekends, evolved from a novice rider to an expert rider with the guidance of the Penguin Racing School. Such rapid progress earned him the title of Vanson Leathers Rookie of the Year for 2018. At just thirteen years old, he was the youngest racer ever to receive this honor.

Gloddy said: “Working with the coaches from Quarterley Racing and the Penguin Mentor Program has been a great experience. The expansive knowledge they have to share is invaluable and I feel fortunate to be a part of their programs. With the continued guidance of Eric and Dale, I was able to finish third at Barber. It has also been a lot of fun being able to work with people and companies like Eraldo Ferracci, Yoshimura, Motul, Roadracing World and Fast Bike Industries.”

2020 confirmed Team sponsors to date include: Inter-Tech Supplies, Fast By Ferracci Racing, Yoshimura R&D, Wiseco Performance Products, Motul USA Inc., Regina Chain, BrakeTech, Ferodo Racing, Matt & Jesse, Scott Powersports, Defiance Lifestyle Clothing, Woodcraft Technologies, Beta Tools, Roadracing World, Moto-D Racing, Fast Bike Industries and Van Dyk Recycling Solutions.

For Sponsorship Opportunities for the 2020 MotoAmerica Season please contact Dale Quarterley: [email protected] 413-218-6464

John McGuinness Racing Kawasakis In Isle Of Man TT, Northwest 200

David Swarts

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January 10, 2020

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John McGuinness Racing Kawasakis In Isle Of Man TT, Northwest 200

Quattro Plant Bournemouth Kawasaki Sign John McGuinness for 2020 Road Racing campaign

Road racing legend, John McGuinness will contest the 2020 Isle of Man TT and International North West 200 road races for 2018 British Superbike Championship-winning team, Quattro Plant Bournemouth Kawasaki.

McGuinness, who celebrates his 30th year of racing in 2020, will ride Ninja ZX-10RR machinery in the Superbike and Superstock classes at both events.

Boasting an unmatched 47 podiums and a total number of 23 wins at the Isle of the Man TT, McGuinness will undoubtedly head into each competition this year amongst the favourites for race honours.

His form in Northern Ireland is also to be admired with six wins and 21 podiums, a track record that inspires both McGuinness and Quattro Plant Bournemouth Kawasaki to focus on getting back onto the podium at the TT and NW200.

It will be the first time McGuinness has ridden a Kawasaki at either event however the now 47-year old has previous experience on a green machine having taken a close second place on a Hawk Racing Kawasaki in the 2004 Ulster Grand Prix Superbike race.

John McGuinness: “I’m delighted to announce my plans for the 2020 International road racing season and equally delighted to be riding for Quattro Plant Bournemouth Kawasaki. Their record on the roads with James Hillier, in terms of both results and reliability, along with their reputation within the bike industry, speak for themselves and with it being such a family-orientated team, it’s the perfect fit for me. It’s a highly reputable, professional team who have achieved great things on both the roads and the circuits and, for me, they tick all the boxes.”

“Pete drove all the way up from Bournemouth to Morecambe to meet me and put the offer on the table and it didn’t take much for me to sign – it was an easy decision. Everything made perfect sense and we’ve put together a good plan that will put us in the best position possible for the TT and North West 200. After my performances at Macau, I really got my mojo back and, with my leg now 100%, I feel like I’m as riding as well as ever. Joining Kawasaki and Pete’s team and riding the Ninja ZX-10RR is a new chapter for me, one I’m excited about and really looking forward to.”

Pete Extance, Team Owner: “It’s absolutely incredible news that we can welcome road racing legend John McGuinness onto our Quattro Plant Bournemouth Kawasaki machinery. To me, John is Mr TT with his road racing feats elsewhere, at the likes of the North West 200 and Macau Grand Prix, simply superb and what an honour it is to have our Bournemouth Kawasaki dealership associated with him.”

“We both know there’s a big job ahead of us to be ready for the new season but it’s one that we know will be great fun. Hopefully, we can put John McGuinness back on the podium at the Isle of Man TT and North West 200 in 2020, the place where we know he belongs. Together with Alastair, we have a simply stunning line up of riders for the International road races and we can’t wait for it all to start.”

With Alastair Seeley holding the record for the most number of wins around the NW200 and being previously announced as racing in the International Northwest 200 under the same banner, the duo will make a formidable combination in this year’s road race season.

International Island Classic: Team UK Riders Confirmed For Phillip Island

David Swarts

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January 10, 2020

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International Island Classic: Team UK Riders Confirmed For Phillip Island

TEAM UK CONFIRMED: CHAMPION BLOKES WHO LOVE CLASSIC BIKES

2020 UK team captain, Tony Hart, has confirmed his squad for this January’s International

Challenge at Phillip Island’s Island Classic historic bike meet, pulling together a squad of established classic racers to take on the might of the Australians and the Americans in the January 24-26 contest at the island circuit.

The line-up boasts vast experience in classic and post-classic racing, engineering brains and competitors who have spent more than a decade racing the Island Classic and know the intricacies of the island circuit. Coming from far and wide to race under the UK banner, there’s a host of British riders, a couple or Swedes and some local British expats who have set up home down under.

“Team UK is coming to race the might of the Aussies and the Yanks, and we are well aware that we are up against it,” says team captain Tony Hart of his rivals who include Josh Hayes, Jordan Szoke and Melissa Paris for the Americans and Steve Martin, David Johnson and Cam Donald for the Australians.

“I know our bikes are seriously underpowered against the big 16-valve motors the others will be running but that can’t be helped, until we get our new 2020 UK regulations for the class.

“Our riders and their machines know the Challenge they face in the race and if the outcome is simply we did our best with honest period bikes then we shall be humble and leave with pride in the knowing we did our best, we can’t let the others have all the fun!.

“We love the camaraderie of the motorcycling community, we’ve got some beautiful bikes to share with the fans, and a lot of British good humour to bring to the party. Australia has been through a lot these past weeks, and we’re keen to come and share our love of motorcycles with everyone,” said Hart who will campaign a Harris Suzuki previously ridden at the Challenge by UK champ, Jeremy McWilliams and prepared by Team Winfield.

The UK start list includes 30-year-old Alex Sinclair who claims several Classic TT and Manx titles to his name. Racing classic and post classic bikes since he was 16, Alex has been part of previous UK teams for the International Challenge, and in 2020 will race a Suzuki XR69 with his aim to be the top point scorer for the UK.

Also on the grid will be regular Team UK competitor and chief tester for British motorcycle weekly MCN, Michael Neeves, who will race a Carl Cox-prepared CCMS Harris Suzuki.

“Phillip Island has become the highlight of my year – racing at one of the world’s finest circuits in the Australian summer,” says Neeves on the Challenge.

“What’s not to like? It’s great to be part of the Carl Cox Motorsport Team, too. I’m partial to a bit of dance music and with my boss being the Rossi of the techno world, it’s a marriage made in heaven.

“Our team has a lot of solid classic competitors. But the Island Classic is much a race of attrition as outright speed, so it’ll be a case of looking after the bike, staying out of trouble and riding a fast as possible.”

Rich Llewellin also returns but this time he’ll ride, rather than directing action from the pits. A Ducati aficionado and engine builder who owns the Ducati tuning shop, Louigi Moto, he’ll be aboard a Ducati TTF8 750 in what will be the bike’s third appearance at the Classic.

Richard Peers-Jones is back for his eighth Island Classic. A regular racer at classic bike meets across Europe and England, Richard regularly tops the podium. With a long list of accomplishments, he raced for Team UK from 2011-2015 and followed for several years racing in the P5 Forgotten Era category, taking the outright win at the Island Classic in 2013.

In his first trip to Australia, Paul Gaskin arrives with 28 years of classic racing under his belt and podiums from Daytona, Chimay in Belgium, the IoM Southern 100 and a memorable win at the Post TT in Mallory Park.

And then there’s the two Swedish slayers. There’s Classic 750 Nordic Champion from 1998-2000 and Daytona winner and placegetter, Hasse Gustafson, racing his “Blue Lunatic” bike – a Ducati Veetwo. The bloke’s a character and will keep us all entertained …”Won many competitions, but bad luck was not involved,” he quips. “Lost even more!”

Johnny Nordberg is Hart’s second Swedish weapon. It’s his first time to Australia and Phillip Island, but he’s been racing for 34 years in Scandinavia and across Europe and since 1994 has raced in the Nordic Classic Championship in various classes plus the Supermono class. Nordberg will race a Ducati Vee Two Imola at the island.

The UK also has a wealth of experience in their line-up, with former team captains Roger Gunn and Damien Kavney joining the troop, as well as Jim Agombar, Clive Warner and Brendan Wilson.

Gunn is a journeyman, he’s ridden previously for Australia, NZ, the rest of the World and now Team UK and in 2018 was the top point-scorer for the Kiwis.

“I return every year to the Island Classic and I love it,” said Gunn. “Back in 2012 I offered bikes to two Americans, and that was the genesis of the American team. Now they are my competition!”

Kavney also comes with years of experience captaining Team NZ – so Hart certainly has assistance from experienced operators. Also on the UK team is Jim Agombar, a familiar name to Island Classic fans.

He’s raced every year at the Classic since 2010, was the British endurance champion in 2007 and the 250cc Production champion in the early days of his career plus has raced extensively at Le Mans, Spa 24 hours, across Europe and of course at the island.

Packed three-day schedule

Backing the International Challenge, is the Island Classic program of 52 additional races for machines across the six historic racing categories: Veteran (up to 1919), Vintage (1920-1945), Classic (1946-1962), Post Classic (1963-1972), Forgotten Era (1973-1982) and New Era (1983-1990).

In total, 400 solo bikes will take to the 4.445km Phillip Island circuit over the three days, where each class will be decided after one qualifying session and four races; and the Phil Irving Trophy will be the rider who scores the highest points in non-International Challenge events.

Qualifying begins Friday for all classes, followed by a full program of racing on Saturday and Sunday.

To book tickets and on-circuit camping for the International Island Classic from January 22-24 at Phillip Island go to www.islandclassic.com.au

Canadian Superbike: Moments Of The Decade, 2010-2019

David Swarts

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January 10, 2020

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Canadian Superbike: Moments Of The Decade, 2010-2019

Moments of the Decade: CSBK in the 2010s

Toronto, ON – As the new year begins and the 2019 season comes to an end, so too does the decade of the 2010s. After ten Canada Cup’s and 66 Pro Superbike races, the Mopar Canadian Superbike Championship featured everything from the dominance of the Jordan Szoke era to the emergence of a World Superbike talent during the past decade.

Following are just some of the many highlights of the last ten years, as CSBK looks forward to celebrating a 40th Anniversary in 2020 and another decade of exciting racing. Let us know if you disagree with the order, or if you think we missed a legendary performance.

Number 9 – Szoke switches to Honda, sweeps the Pro classes

After a thrilling battle in 2009 that saw Kawasaki’s Szoke win his sixth National title by just five points over Picotte-Suzuki’s Brett McCormick, the Lynden, ON native returned to Honda at the start of the last decade. “Jordan of the Jungle” finished runner-up for the “big H” four times overall in the early 2000’s.

There would be no such bad luck this time around, however, as Szoke piloted his Fast Company CBR1000RR to a clean seven-race sweep in the feature class, and almost adding a perfect season in the Sport Bike category with his CBR600RR as well! It was the first perfect season in Pro Superbike history, though Szoke would add two more in 2015 and 2016.

Number 8 – Szoke scores 13th National title after late challenge from Young

It might seem impossible to have a frustrating season that ends in a championship, but that was the story of Szoke’s 2018 campaign, which included a near-collapse in the season finale doubleheader. The veteran rider was forced to settle for third in race one and missed the podium altogether in race two, finishing in fourth for his worst result in ten years, and Szoke could only watch as rivals Ben Young (BMW) and Kenny Riedmann (Kawasaki) each scored their first career wins. Szoke wound up clinching the title by 30 points, earning him a historic “bakers dozen,” but it wasn’t long before Szoke left BMW to return to Kawasaki ahead of the 2019 campaign.

Number 7 – Szoke’s win streak ends, Casas wins first Sport Bike title

Fresh off two consecutive perfect seasons, Szoke rode into the 2017 campaign with a 15-race win streak after cruising to another victory in the season opener. However, that run came to a surprising end in the first ever trip to the Grand Bend Motorplex, as Z1 Yamaha pilot Bodhi Edie benefitted from a red flag finish to score his second career Superbike win, though Szoke still went on to win his 12th National championship. As for the Sport Bike category, it was the next step in the promising career with the first Pro title win for Tomas Casas, who became the youngest Pro champion since Jodi Christie before winning his second-straight in 2018 and nearly doing it again in 2019.

Number 6 – Szoke makes ten, Riedmann shines for both Triumph and Kawasaki

Fresh off his disappointing end to 2014, Szoke made no mistake the following season, scoring his second perfect campaign as he won all seven races aboard his Express lane BMW en-route to his tenth Pro Superbike title. This time, however, it wasn’t Christie representing the thorn in Szoke’s side, as Belfountain, ON youngster Kenny Riedmann piloted his Kawasaki to second in the championship, kicking off a rivalry between the two that still lasts today. Notably, Riedmann captured his second consecutive Pro Sport bike title, albeit aboard a Triumph, before joining Kawasaki full-time in both classes in 2016.

Number 5 – McCormick returns, dominates aboard new BMW program

Fresh off a one-year stint with Jordan Suzuki in the AMA, McCormick returned to Canada for 2011 aboard a new-look BMW team, and immediately took control of the Pro Superbike class. While the final standings show just a ten-point title win for the Saskatoon, SK native, McCormick cruised to wins in the first six races over Szoke, clinching the first Superbike title for BMW at just 19 years old before crashing out in the wet final race battle with Kawasaki’s Szoke. It would be the last we would see of McCormick in Canada, but hardly the end of BMW.

Number 4 – Christie claims championship after Szoke suffers season-ending injury

After overcoming a brief challenge to win his ninth Canada Cup in 2013, Szoke seemed well on his way to title number ten in 2014, winning the first two races comfortably over rival Jodi Christie before finishing second to the 22-year old on the East Coast. However, a trials-riding incident ended Szoke’s season heading into the doubleheader finale, and a pair of top-two finishes gave Honda CBR1000RR ace Christie his first – and only – National Pro Superbike championship and 2014 number one plate.

Number 3: McCormick overcomes horrific injuries to impress in WSBK

While Szoke (now on a BMW) was busy wrapping up his eighth Pro Superbike title back home in 2012, McCormick was capturing the attention of Canadian fans as he joined the Effenbert Liberty Racing satellite Ducati team in World Superbike. After a massive April crash in Assen, the 20-year old was left with a slew of injuries that nearly ended his racing career, but McCormick fought back to score points three times by seasons end – including a terrific fifth-place ride in Portimao – before Effenbert folded late in the season.

Number 2: Szoke outduels Corti for another perfect season

Any questions of Szoke’s talent – if there even were any – went out the window in 2016, as the veteran prepared for a doubleheader showdown with former MotoGP rider Claudio Corti at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. The Aprilia-mounted Italian pushed Szoke to the limit, including a terrific three-way battle between the two and Riedmann that some hailed “the greatest race ever,” but it wasn’t enough as Szoke won both races to secure his third perfect season and eleventh Canada Cup, sending MotoAmerica winner Corti back to the United States empty handed.

Number 1: Young ends Szoke’s dominance, wins first Canada Cup

With Szoke leaving BMW for 2019, all eyes were on Young to step up in 2019, and the Collingwood, ON native did nothing but exceed expectations. “Braveheart” led every session through the first two race weekends to stretch out an early lead over his rival, but his defining moment came in round four when he charged back from seventh to win after Szoke had crashed out. Neither rider would win in the doubleheader finale, but Young did all he needed to clinch his first National title, as a healthy Szoke lost “his” crown for the first time since 2011.

MotoAmerica: Motul Sponsoring New Mini Cup Series

David Swarts

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January 9, 2020

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MotoAmerica: Motul Sponsoring New Mini Cup Series

Motul To Be Presenting Sponsor Of MotoAmerica Mini Cup

The MotoAmerica Mini Cup By Motul To Debut In May

COSTA MESA, CA (January 9, 2020) – MotoAmerica has announced that Motul will be the presenting sponsor of the new MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul, the youth racing series that will be held in conjunction with three rounds of the 2020 MotoAmerica Series.

“Motul’s sponsorship of the MotoAmerica Mini Cup is a natural fit for the company,” said Lance Bryson, MotoAmerica’s Senior Sponsorship Manager. “Their involvement in Europe with youth racing have shown their commitment to up-and-coming racers and their families. They will be a good partner with us going forward with this new series and we’ll all have a lot of fun making it happen.”

The MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul races will be held on karting tracks in conjunction with three MotoAmerica events: Road America (May 29-31), The Ridge Motorsports Park (June 26-28) and Pittsburgh International Race Complex (August 7-8).

The Mini Cup Series will feature four classes of racing: 110cc (four speed); 160cc; 190cc (racers aged up to 14 years); and 190 Adult (racers over the age of 15). The motorcycles will be based on spec rules centered around the Ohvale GP-0, a mini road racer that is now ready for the U.S. market after proving to be extremely popular in Europe.

As part of the sponsorship sponsorship package, Motul will provide one liter of free oil per race as well as Motul Goodie Bags at each of the three rounds. In order to qualify, racers must have Motul stickers on each side of their motorcycle’s lower cowling and their leathers must feature a Motul logo on the front. Motul will provide the decals and patches through Rise Moto, the Ohvale GP-O distributor in the U.S.

“Ohvale, Motul, and MotoAmerica have a shared interest in supporting young riders and making sure that we’re invested in the next generation of road racers,” said Motul’s Brand Manager Nolan Browning. “The MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul is an exciting opportunity to combine efforts and support the future of the sport.”

The MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul fills a current void in the series and provides an entry point for riders under the age of 14.

The 2020 AMA MotoAmerica Mini Cup Series

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

June 26-28: The Ridge Motorsports Park, Sheldon, Washington

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

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner. For more information on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Podcast: Greg’s Garage Pod With Co-Host Jason Pridmore Episode 65 Available

David Swarts

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January 9, 2020

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Podcast: Greg’s Garage Pod With Co-Host Jason Pridmore Episode 65 Available

Greg’s Garage Pod with Co-Host Jason Pridmore – A motorcycle racing Pod about MotoGP, MotoAmerica and World Superbike, Pro Motocross, American Flat Track and more. In this episode Co-Hosts Greg White and Jason Pridmore talk:

Supercross – A1 wrap-up

SXFantasy p/b ARAI Helmets – Greg did not get his picks in. JP explains why this league is a good one! We’ve chosen pulpmxfantasy.com for out 2020 SX Fantasy League. Join the Greg’s Garage Podcast League now to win an ARAI Corsair-X Helmet of your choice!

MotoGP – Michelin introduces a new rear tire for 2020. Why is this important?

MotoGP – 3-Times World Champ and MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey comments on MotoGP racers and their future.

MotoGP – Andrea Iannone’s B Sample comes back positive.

WorldSBK – GPOne.com reports that Alvaro Bautista on the new HRC Honda CBR RR-R broke Johnny Rea’s track record from September!

Race Calendar – Racing this weekend.

Rich Oliver’s Mystery School And Z² Track Days Partner For Special Events

David Swarts

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January 9, 2020

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Rich Oliver’s Mystery School And Z² Track Days Partner For Special Events

Prather, CA – Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (ROMS) and Z² Track Days (Z²) collaborate with back-to-back weekends of awesome skill building!

This event offers a discount for a specially designed program on back-to-back weekends, accelerating the riding skills learned at the ROMS facility and applying them directly to the road course the following weekend.

We start out with a weekend at the Mystery School on July 11-12, 2020. Rich and his staff use a step by step process to teach you how to slide your Yamaha TT-R into the corners with skill and confidence. You will experience two fun-filled days of flat track riding drills, practice riding, and racing. This style of flat-track training was used by Rich and other top pavement riders to enhance their sense of traction and overall control.

“Flat track training is used by many of the top pavement riders in the world to enhance their sense of traction and refine their throttle control and overall balance,” said Rich Oliver, ROMS founder and five-time AMA 250GP National Road Racing Champion. “With just a short time between events, students will be amazed at how their feel for traction and overall riding confidence improves. I’m also looking forward to getting back out on track and possibly spinning some laps on my Yamaha TZ250.”

You need to have at least one year of riding experience before taking this course, however, you do not need to have any dirt experience. This class is very effective for all levels of street and track day riders. Tuition includes the Yamaha TT-R training motorcycles, lunch, drinks, snacks, photos, video and steel shoe. There is no damage deposit. Complete riding gear rental, if needed, can be added to your cart separately.

The very next weekend, July 18-19, we will regroup in Willows, CA with Z² Track Days at Thunderhill Raceway road racing track. Tuition includes structured days with various levels of riding groups from beginner to advanced. Z² works on skills to enhance your street riding, as well as more advanced track riding skills. Rich will be on hand all weekend as a guest and will ride with all the Fun Camp students and offer tips to help them transfer their new flat track skills to their Thunderhill track experience. This famous raceway track consists of an exciting three-mile course with twists and 15 turns. Leather suit rentals in select sizes will be available for rent. Students will need to bring their own track-prepped motorcycle or be referred to a motorcycle rental company. Visit https://z2trackdays.com/ for more information on the motorcycle and gear requirements for track days.

“After entertaining a combo-event for several years, Rich and I decided 2020 was the year to give it a go,” said Shawn Reilly, CEO of Z² Track Days. “I’d been to many schools over three decades and I felt it would be tough to teach an old dog new tricks. After attending the immaculately maintained amusement park at ROMS, I honestly came away in awe. Rich was easily able to communicate his knowledge and experience into practical skills. Every exercise – from stretching underdeveloped finesse muscles and honing micro-control movements, to practicing various corner entry and exit points – it all easily translated to road bikes and asphalt.”

To sign up or to find additional details please go to: Website link here: https://www.richoliver.net/collections/courses/products/z2-collaboration-weekends

MotoAmerica: Flat Track Racing Added To Event At Indianapolis Motor Speedway

January 10, 2020

Steve Nace Racing Promotions flat track racing with be part of the MotoAmerica event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Photo by Dave Hoenig/Flat Trak Fotos, courtesy of MotoAmerica.