WERA: New Event Date, $20,000 Purse, Contingency For WERA West In 2020

David Swarts

-

January 9, 2020

WERA: New Event Date, $20,000 Purse, Contingency For WERA West In 2020

WERA WEST SPORTSMAN SERIES PRESENTED BY LUCAS OIL ADDS A PURSE IN A AND C SUPERBIKE CLASSES FOR 2020!

For 2020 the WERA West Sportsman Series presented by Lucas Oil will have qualifying in the A and C Superbike Expert Classes and add two laps to each of those classes’ races.

Thomas Asseo’s Fresh ‘n’ Lean, Lo Thao’s Calishine Racing, Terry Heard’s Cha Cha Cha Motorsport, Greg Arnold’s Capit Tire Warmers ,and Gigi Chow of Fastrack Riders and 61 DTC (Pirelli Tire Vendor) have put up a total purse of $20,000.00. Gigi Chow is also working on this project to secure more sponsorship and will host Saturday night BBQs for the riders.

The purse will be paid out as follows – it will be divided between the 6 rounds (Buttonwillow has been added on August 15/16, 2020) with 1st place receiving ($500.00) 30%; 2nd place receiving ($330.00) 20% and third place receiving ($250.00) 15% – 20% will be divided equally ($125.00 between 3 riders randomly picked who participated and finished the race. The balance of ($500.00 per round) 15% will go into a year-end championship award in the two classes. In addition to the purse, 61 DTC will have a Pirelli Contingency plan for all classes for the 2020 race season.

“We are very excited and thankful for this support from the racing community and our wish is to grow this sport and make it exciting for everyone. I can’t thank Thomas, Lo, Gigi Terry and others enough for all they did to make this happen,” said Evelyne Clarke, CEO and Owner of WERA Motorcycle Roadracing.

WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was founded in 1973 and remains the foremost place to develop talent in the sport of motorcycle road racing. The legacy of Pro riders on a National and World level is legendary. All events are run by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing and are co-sanctioned by the AMA. Racing is offered coast to coast with entry level racing in the WERA Sportsman Series as well as a Pro-Am series with the Pirelli/WERA National Challenge Series as well as WERA Vintage Racing also this year our 2018 Triple Crown + 1 with MotoAmerica as well endurance racing with our track day partners N2 and Sportbike Track Time. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was voted the 2017 AMA Track Organizer of the Year. There is something for everyone with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing!

For further information contact WERA Motorcycle Roadracing or check the web site at www.wera.com.

Harley-Davidson Edition GMC Pickup Truck Coming In February

David Swarts

-

January 9, 2020

0

Harley-Davidson Edition GMC Pickup Truck Coming In February

FIRST HARLEY-DAVIDSON EDITION GMC PICKUP IN HISTORY INTRODUCED

Harley-Davidson and Tuscany Motor Co. collaborate to forge new GM Truck Model

Milwaukee – Harley-Davidson Motor Company (NYSE:HOG) and Tuscany Motor Co. will introduce the first Harley-Davidson edition GMC pickup in history at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 11, 2020. Only 250 Harley-Davidson branded GMC® Sierra® trucks will be available through select authorized GMC/Tuscany dealers in North America.

“Fans have long hungered for a limited edition GMC truck that celebrates their passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles,” said Jeff Burttschell, Vice President, Tuscany Motor Co. “Working closely with Brad Richards, Vice President of Styling and Design at Harley-Davidson, we created a fantastic truck worthy of the Harley-Davidson name. For the first time in history, it will be possible to rumble down the road in a V8 powered Harley-Davidson edition GMC truck.”

A 2020 Harley-Davidson Edition GMC Sierra pickup truck interior. Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson.

The new pickup includes over 65 edition-specific components that make the 2020 model truck distinctly Harley-Davidson. The styling was inspired by the famous Harley-Davidson^® Fat Boy^® model.

“Harley-Davidson and GMC are two of the most recognizable and admired American brands in the world,” said Jon Bekefy, General Manager of Brand Marketing at Harley-Davidson, Inc. “We’re proud of the new Harley-Davidson edition GMC Sierra. It truly reflects Harley-Davidson’s passion for giving committed riders new ways to share their affinity for the brand and for riding.”

A 2020 Harley-Davidson Edition GMC Sierra pickup truck 22-inch wheel. Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson.

The Tuscany team begins with a GMC Sierra truck and then installs many motorcycle-inspired components. These include Harley-Davidson branded 22” milled aluminum wheels styled and inspired by the Harley-Davidson Fatboy model, a custom tuned exhaust with Harley-Davidson exclusive solid billet aluminum tips, distinctive Harley-Davidson bar and shield badging, stainless steel Harley-Davidson gauges, billet pedals, two-tone diamond stitched and perforated custom leather seating surfaces, and official numbered Harley-Davidson center console badge.

A 2020 Harley-Davidson Edition GMC Sierra pickup truck instrument panel. Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson.

Additional edition-specific components that add to the aggressive look of the truck include, custom tuned BDS suspension lift with upgraded Fox shocks, 35” all-terrain tires, lighted power deploying running boards with unique integrated rocker trim, custom fender flares, functional fender vents, front bumper redesign with integrated LED light bar, custom design Harley-Davidson grille with Bar & Shield insert, replacement functional Harley-Davidson designed induction style hood, rear bumper redesign with custom exhaust ports, Harley-Davidson tailgate appliqué, color-matched Harley-Davidson inspired tonneau cover with debossed Harley-Davidson bar and shield logo, carpeted bed mat with Harley-Davidson logo, Harley-Davidson floor mats, Harley-Davidson door entry sills, custom accent color door, dash and steering wheel trim.

The front end of a 2020 Harley-Davidson Edition GMC Sierra pickup truck. Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson.

Under the arrangement, Tuscany will provide the GMC Sierra and manufacture the interior and exterior components under Harley-Davidson’s direction. The 2020 Harley-Davidson GMC will be available for delivery to the retail public at select authorized GMC dealers beginning February 2020. GMC dealers and the retail public can also reserve their vehicle by visiting HarleyTruck.com/GMC or calling (817.769.4720).

The tail end of a 2020 Harley-Davidson Edition GMC Sierra pickup truck. Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson.

MotoGP: Michelin Introducing New-Construction Rear Tire For 2020 Season

David Swarts

-

January 9, 2020

0

MotoGP: Michelin Introducing New-Construction Rear Tire For 2020 Season

MICHELIN WELCOMES IN 2020 WITH THE LAUNCH OF A NEW REAR TYRE

Michelin has announced a new construction rear tyre will be available for the forthcoming MotoGP™ season after the French tyre specialists completed its comprehensive evaluation following months of intensive testing.

The latest evolution of the MICHELIN Power Slick rear tyre features a construction aimed at increasing performance and stability for all riders and machines – totally in keeping with Michelin’s long lasting performance strategy – which will produce improved lap and race times. Initially tested in-house in laboratory conditions, the first time the latest MICHELIN Power Slick rear tyre was experienced by the MotoGP field was the Catalunya test at Barcelona in June, this was followed by further evaluations at Brno in Czechia and Misano in Italy, before the unique opportunity for Michelin to assess the new construction during a race weekend – the first time a test such as this had been conducted during a MotoGP weekend. With the support of all the riders, IRTA and Dorna, an extra 20-minute session was organised at one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar, as the MotoGP field were requested to complete a minimum of 11-laps each around the 4,448m Phillip Island circuit in Australia. This unique opportunity gave Michelin a huge amount of data, as it was just a tyre test with the teams and riders concentrating solely on assessing the new construction.

Michelin’s new-construction rear Power Slick for the 2020 MotoGP World Championship. Photo courtesy of Michelin.

Following the successful Australian test, Michelin supplied the tyre for further examination during the two Spanish tests at the end of 2019, at Valencia and Jerez respectively. Throughout all of these tests in 2019 the new construction rear was paired with compounds suited to the respective circuits and ones which the riders had used during the race-weekend, giving a clear and objective comparison between the tyre constructions. With all this intensive testing and the large amount of information obtained, Michelin’s Technicians at Clermont-Ferrand analysed all the data and approved the launch of the new construction in readiness for the 2020 season.

Michelin will supply the latest evolution of MICHELIN Power Sport Slick rear tyre for the two pre-season tests scheduled for February in Malaysia and Qatar before the tyre makes its competitive debut – also in Qatar – when the Losail International Circuit in Doha stages round one of the 2020 MotoGP World Championship on Sunday 8th March.

Piero Taramasso – Michelin Motorsport Two-Wheel Manager:

“After such an intensive and involved testing schedule we are delighted to launch the new construction rear tyre. We have been working on this latest evolution for quite some time and with the assistance and comprehensive feedback from all the riders we know we have produced a tyre that will improve performance for all concerned. We have now informed Dorna and IRTA of the change and have given the teams and manufacturers the full specification and in-depth data so they can set-up the bikes to give the optimum performance from this new rear slick. This is the first change to construction for the rear for two years and an important advance in the evolution of our MICHELIN Power Slick tyres for MotoGP. The new construction is in line with Michelin’s long lasting performance approach, which guarantees consistent performance all race long, and we are now looking forward to seeing it perform in racing conditions and breaking more records.”

New Zealand Superbike: 2020 Championship Begins This Coming Weekend

David Swarts

-

January 9, 2020

0

New Zealand Superbike: 2020 Championship Begins This Coming Weekend

2020 NEW ZEALAND SUPERBIKE KICKS-OFF THIS WEEKEND

It is often considered that defending a title can be tougher than winning it in the first place, but Auckland’s Suzuki rider Daniel Mettam is quietly confident that he can do just that.

The 23-year-old motorcycle mechanic from Glen Eden won the premier Superbike class title for the first time last season and he is taking nothing for granted as the nation’s elite road-racers descend on Mike Pero Motorsport Park Ruapuna, on the outskirts of Christchurch, for two days of racing this coming weekend.

This will be the first of five rounds in the 2020 New Zealand Superbike Championships, back-to-back rounds in the South Island to kick-it-off in Canterbury this weekend and then at Levels International Raceway, near Timaru, the following weekend, before the riders travel up to race at three separate venues in the North Island.

Like 2019, it should be another close-fought series, although possibly nothing could have been tighter than it was last season, when Mettam clinched the crown by a narrow one-point margin from fellow Suzuki star Scott Moir, from Taupo.

Mettam will have to face up to Moir again this season, as well as Suzuki’s National Superbike Champion in 2016 and 2018, Wellington rider Sloan Frost, and the man who finished third overall in the class last year, Christchurch local Alastair Hoogenboezem.

The Rees brothers from Whakatane, Mitch and Damon Rees, will also no doubt be strong contenders, both having performed well in the 2019 Suzuki International Series in December.

Although a relative newcomer to the Superbike class, Mettam is no stranger to winning major road-race titles.

Mettam took a Suzuki GSX-R600 to win the Supersport 600 title at the nationals in 2016, then immediately stepped up to the 1000cc Superbike class and it didn’t take him long to make the transition and also taste success on a 1000cc version of the Suzuki GSX-R.

He finished fourth overall on debut in the Superbike class in 2017 and then claimed third overall the following year, before finally stepping onto the top-step of the podium in 2019.

With only a short amount of time spent on his bike before the start of the 2019 Suzuki International Series in December, Mettam struggled and settled for fourth overall in the Formula One/ Superbike class when the series wrapped-up on the Cemetery Circuit in Whanganui on December 26th.

“The Suzuki International Series was tough for me, but we will all be back on stock standard bikes now for the nationals and that makes it a level playing field,” said Mettam.

“I’m looking forward to racing at Ruapuna this weekend and starting the series off strongly. I won the corresponding weekend at Ruapuna two years ago and it’s a track I like, so I should do well there this weekend. Everyone will be a threat for the title, there are probably six or seven guys who would win a race, so that should make it good for spectators too.”

The Supersport 600 class should also be an edge-of-the-seat affair with Suzuki riders Richie Dibben, from Whanganui, and Te Awamutu’s David Hall sure to reignite the fireworks they set off during December’s Suzuki International Series, while defending champion Avalon Biddle, from Rangiora, Upper Hutt’s Rogan Chandler, Auckland’s Toby Summers, Tapanui’s Seth Devereux and Palmerston North-based former Greymouth rider Ashton Hughes are sure to threaten too.

In addition to the Superbike and Supersport 600 classes, there will be racing for competitors in the Supersport 300, Ninja 400 Cup, 650 Pro Twin, Sidecars, NZ GIXXER Cup 150 and Supersport 150 classes this weekend as well.

After consecutive weekends of racing in the South Island, the series takes a break before resuming at Hampton Downs, near Meremere, on March 7-8th.

2020 NZ Superbike Championships Calendar:

Round 1 – January 11-12, Mike Pero Motorsport Park, Christchurch.

Round 2 – January 18-19, Levels International Raceway, Timaru.

Round 3 – March 7-8, Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, North Waikato, Mike Pero MotoFest.

Round 4 – March 28-29, Circuit Chris Amon, Manfeild, Feilding.

Round 5 – April 4-5, Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park, Taupo.

Bob And Dawn Patison Retire From Lucas Oil Products

David Swarts

-

January 8, 2020

0

Bob And Dawn Patison Retire From Lucas Oil Products

CORONA, Calif. – Lucas Oil Products, the globally renowned American based manufacturer and distributor of additive and lubricant products, announces the retirement of Robert “Bob” Patison, long term Executive Vice President of Lucas Oil Products, President of MAVTV, and former General Counsel, effective December 31, 2019. Bob joined the company in its infancy back in 1994 and was instrumental in helping Lucas Oil grow to a multinational enterprise.

Forrest Lucas who, along with his wife Charlotte, founded Lucas Oil, praised Bob for his many years of leadership and steadfast loyalty of service to the company and all of its employees. “Bob has been a part of the backbone of this company. His expertise will surely be missed,” said Forrest.

Bob’s wife, Dawn Patison, is also retiring from the company after 25 years of service. Dawn held the position of Studio Operations Director and played a significant role in the formation of the Lucas Oil Production Studios.

Both Bob and Dawn plan to settle, at least temporarily, at their new home in Big Bear Mountain. Bob stated, “Dawn and I made a lot of friends at Lucas Oil, and we will miss our daily interaction with them. We are looking forward to some peaceful time with our children and grandchildren.”

The company has not announced who will assume the responsibilities of Bob and Dawn.

Alpinestars Launches New Generation Of Autonomous Airbag Systems

David Swarts

-

January 8, 2020

0

Alpinestars Launches New Generation Of Autonomous Airbag Systems

ALPINESTARS – LAUNCHES TECH-AIR® 5: THE NEW GENERATION OF AUTONOMOUS ELECTRONIC AIRBAG SYSTEMS

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW, LAS VEGAS – Alpinestars has been redefining protection for motorcyclists ever since the company was established in 1963, and today sees the brand launching Tech-Air® 5, the all-new, autonomous motorcycling airbag system.

Tech-Air® 5 is the latest addition to the Alpinestars Tech-Air® family, which includes the Tech-Air® Race and Tech-Air® Street systems. Alpinestars continues to lead the way in active air-bag technology for riders and their passengers and Tech-Air® 5 is a powerful demonstration of Alpinestars’ commitment to making the technology more freely available as the best possible choice of ‘active’ airbag protection in the market.

Tech-Air® 5 is a slim, self-contained wearable airbag vest that can be worn under any proper fitting textile jacket (1) or Tech-Air® compatible jacket, or any leather jacket with 4 cm of space around the circumference of the rider’s chest. Tech-Air® 5 offers unrivaled upper body protection keeping motorcycle riders safe by uniquely covering the rider’s shoulders, chest, ribs and full back. Shoulder protection is critical in a road impact, and rider’s shoulders are uniquely protected by Tech-Air®, effectively and efficiently minimizing the risk of the rider sustaining shoulder and collarbone injuries. Alpinestars Tech-Air® 5 provides the most comprehensive coverage of any airbag currently available.

The state-of-the-art, wearable Tech-Air® 5 vest comes with an active electronic system that features six integrated sensors (3 gyroscopes and 3 accelerometers) and a crash algorithm that leverages AI to accurately monitor when to deploy the airbag in the event of a crash. Developed from years of research with over 50% of the world’s top MotoGP riders, and Alpinestars customers, riding data from millions of kilometers and thousands of crashes have been analyzed to continuously improve the intelligent crash detection algorithm. Upon the identification of a crash situation, a protective airbag is deployed, providing unrivaled protection to the rider with a maximum inflation time of 20 to 40ms based on the volume of the airbag size. The impact absorption while wearing the airbag results in a decrease of the impact force by up to 95% compared to a passive protector. The Tech-Air® 5 airbag system offers the same protection as that provided by 18 back protectors. (2)

The system is also extremely easy to use, just zip up the vest and close the magnetic flap and you’re ready to ride. An LED display indicates the airbag’s operational status and the integrated, certified lithium-ion battery has a battery life of 30 hours of riding time. The system comes equipped with a magnetic micro USB charger that allows quick, easy and convenient recharging.

Tech-Air® 5 has Bluetooth connectivity and an accompanying Tech-Air® App, which uses the rider’s phone to display the system’s operational status, battery status and a detailed analysis of a ride; the system’s firmware can also be updated directly via the app.

Nearly 20 years ago, Alpinestars began development on the original Tech-Air® system. When launched in the market in 2014, the Tech-Air® system was recognized as the world’s first airbag providing full upper body protection with a completely independent electronic management system, in addition to having the versatility of the vest which could be easily zipped into a variety of Tech-Air® compatible jackets. In December 2019, Tech-Air® 5 has already been recognized by CES as one of the must-see innovative products in the Wearables Technology Marketplace.

A History of Alpinestars Tech-Air®:

2001: Tech-Air® Airbag system project begins.

2004: Alpinestars performs its first electronic airbag test; at this time with outer airbag balloons of 2 x 60 liters. Alpinestars decides to use electronic triggering for the airbag as the company analyzed and studied all solutions and discovered that with a mechanical system the activation is not fast enough to guarantee first impact protection.

2004: Alpinestars also starts collecting riding data from professional riders in, e.g. MotoGP.

2009: Alpinestars introduces Tech-Air® Race in MotoGP.

2011: Tech-Air® Race is integrated into Alpinestars top leather suit and becomes become available to final customers.

2014: The Tech-Air® Street airbag system is launched to the market at the EICMA show in Milan as a modular self-contained electronic airbag system that provides first impact protection for the full upper torso. Tech-Air® Street is the first system in the market to provide this level of protection. Additionally, the system allows the rider to easily switch between Tech-Air® compatible garments and to adapt these garments to his/her riding requirements and the weather conditions.

2016: Tech-Air® Race is introduced as a modular system that allows riders to not only choose between a wide variety of compatible suits and garments, but to choose between algorithms; riders can switch between race track use and public road use. Tech-Air® Race is the first system in the market to allow this option.

2020: The Tech-Air® 5 system is launched, joining the Tech-Air® Race and Tech-Air® Street vests, in the Alpinestars Tech-Air® line-up.

For more information visit the Tech-Air® 5 microsite: alpinestars.com/tech-air-5

Notes:

(1) The Tech-Air® 5 wearable vest is designed to be worn under any proper fitting textile jacket, keeping in mind that the jacket must be large enough to accommodate the expansion of the airbag in the event of a crash. For textile jackets this requires an additional 4 cm of space around the circumference of the body. For those riders who want to wear a sports leather jacket, Tech-Air® 5 may also be worn with Tech-Air® compatible leather jackets which have built-in leather expansion panels to accommodate the inflation of the airbag. Riders who wish to wear a leather jacket that is not Tech-Air® compatible must be sure that the leather jacket has an additional 4 cm of space around the circumference of the entire chest.

(2) The Tech-Air® 5 airbag system offers the same protection as that provided by 18 CE Level 1 back protectors, as verified by SGS, an Official CE Certification company, that provides independent testing of product conformity with European Personal Protection Regulations

Video: American Racing Episode Three Focuses On Cameron Beaubier

David Swarts

-

January 8, 2020

0

Video: American Racing Episode Three Focuses On Cameron Beaubier

Former-racer-turned-videographer Gray Pham, age 19, has produced a new, eight-part video documentary series focused on riders in the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing series called “American Racing.”

This is Part Three of the video series and it focuses on racers Cameron Beaubier, Andrew Lee, and Jason Aguilar at the start of the 2019 MotoAmerica season.

Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup Registration Open Until Feb. 28

David Swarts

-

January 8, 2020

0

Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup Registration Open Until Feb. 28

Young Riders Can Realise Their Dream by Registering Now for the 2020 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup

Interest in the all new Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup, which will run alongside the FIM Superbike World Championship in 2020, has proved high, with young riders from Europe and beyond quick to sign up to showcase their talents on the world stage. Registration for this unique series will remain open only until 28th February 2020.

The announcement of the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup, a collaboration between Yamaha Motor Europe, FIM Europe and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) supported by JiR (Japan Italy Racing), generated a huge response, with riders from as far afield as Brazil signing up within days to contest what promises to be an exciting addition to the race schedule at eight of the European WorldSBK rounds in 2020.

Such was the demand that the age limit has now been raised to allow riders aged between 12 and 16 years to contest the inaugural season of the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup and, while the 36-rider grid is filling up fast, there are still places remaining.

The Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup has been designed as the ideal first step for young riders with world championship aspirations. The series will be contested exclusively aboard Yamaha’s YZF-R3 machine, a race winner in the ultra-competitive FIM Supersport 300 World Championship, with a grid of 36 riders from around the world expected to line up for the opening round in 2020.

The Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup will be a fully supported series, with riders provided with a race-ready Yamaha YZF-R3, a full riding package including Pirelli tyres, coaching and technical assistance for an inclusive cost of Euro (€) 35,000 per season, allowing them to simply turn up and race.

This cost includes a dedicated pre-season test at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli on 23rd March 2020, where riders will receive their 2020 race kit of helmet, leather suit, boots and Paddock Blue apparel before familiarising themselves with Yamaha’s YZF-R3 ahead of the first race of the season, which will take place at the Assen WorldSBK round over the weekend of 18th and 19th April.

The series will be televised, with races also streamed online and shown live on the big screens at each circuit. A highlights package with rider interviews and background information will also be available for free after every round.

Prize money will be awarded, with Eur (€) 10,000 for the winner of the championship, Eur (€) 7,500 for the rider placed second in the series standings at season end and Eur (€) 5,000 for the rider who finishes third overall. Each race winner will receive Eur (€) 500. In addition, the top three riders in the series at the end of the season will secure automatic entry to Yamaha Motor Europe’s bLU cRU Masterclass event, where they will compete for a supported ride for the following season.

Riders can register their interest in contesting the inaugural Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup by clicking here. Registration closes on 28th February 2020. More information on the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup can be found by clicking here.

Alberto Barozzi – Yamaha Motor Europe bLU cRU Racing Manager

We have been overwhelmed by the response to the
announcement about the all-new Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup for
2020. We expected a lot of interest from European riders looking to take their
first steps on the world stage, but we’ve been pleasantly surprised by just how
many riders from overseas, especially from countries in South America, see the
series as the ideal stepping stone to racing in Europe. This was always our
goal; to make the series accessible to all riders, regardless of their
nationality and I think the level of interest shows we’ve achieved this. We
still have places on the grid available, but young riders looking to showcase
their talents to a truly international audience will need to be quick, as
registration for the inaugural Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup will
close on 28th February 2020.

2020 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM European Cup Calendar

23 March: Preseason Test – Misano World Circuit, Italy

17-19 April: Round 1 – Assen, The Netherlands

08-10 May: Round 2 – Imola, Italy

22-24 May: Round 3 – Aragon, Spain

12-14 June: Round 4 – Misano, Italy

03-05 July: Round 5 – Donington Park, United Kingdom

31 July – 02 August: Round 6 – Oschersleben, Germany

04-06 September: Round 7 – Portimão, Portugal

25-27 September: Round 8 – Magny-Cours, France

WERA Forms Vintage Racing Advisory Board

David Swarts

-

January 7, 2020

0

WERA Forms Vintage Racing Advisory Board

WERA MOTORCYCLE ROADRACING FORMS THE 2020 WERA VINTAGE ADVISORY BOARD

“With growth in the vintage racing community and Ron Raven’s success with the Concourse de Competition and Concourse D’Elegance at the July WERA Barber Event we wanted to have advice with regard to our WERA Vintage Program for 2020 and beyond. With this team of dedicated vintage riders we feel that WERA will offer the best it can for its vintage racers,” said Evelyne Clarke, CEO and Owner of WERA Motorcycle Roadracing.

Ron Raven comes to us as a Lifetime Member of both WERA Motorcycle Roadracing and the AMA. He first ran with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing in 1975 in the “Thumper/Vintage” Class. He raced in various small bore and vintage classes 1975 to 2006 and ran in the national endurance race series from 1980-1983. Since retiring from competition he has sponsored several vintage class awards. He created a series of vintage handicap races which paid cash prizes at selected WERA and AMA VMD events. He came up with and helped organize the first Concours de Competition in 2019 which included a Concourse d’Elegance as well with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing at their July event. The 2^nd annual Concours de Competition is set for the July 4-5 WERA Motorcycle Roadracing event at Barber. Raven was just published with an article on the Concourse in the January/February 2020 edition of Motorcycle Classics Magazine.

Jim Hinshaw comes to us as the President of Fast from the Past, Inc. He has a long vintage racing history which includes 12 National Championships with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing and AHRMA. In 1970 through 1980 he served as General Secretary of Southeastern Enduro and Trailriders Association for 3 years. Fast from the Past, Inc. restores and collects vintage motorcycles, and Hinshaw has won the Grand Marshal’s Award at AMA Vintage Days, three Best in Show awards at Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, and Best in Show in the “Show” category at the Concourse d’Elegance inaugural event in 2019.

Mitch Cato is the third member of the 2020 WERA Vintage Advisory Board. He started riding motorcycles at age 8. He has had a great passion for riding vintage motorcycles his entire life. He began racing in the early 70’s and had to take a break for “life.” In 2013 he started helping in the Historic Moto Gran Prix organization which was founded by Bill Brown, who passed in 2019. He started racing again with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing in 2015 in the Sportsman Series vintage classes. 2015 found him in the top 10 and in 2016 he finished in the top 5 in two classes. 2017 proved to be a great season when he clinched his National #1 Plate in the V6 Mediumweight Class. He defended and kept that National and was 2^nd in the V6 Lightweight class in 2018. He participated in the 2019 inaugural Concourse de Competition and took 1^st place in the “on Track” race and 3^rd in the Concourse d’Elegance. Mitch’s desire is to keep vintage motorcycle road racing going and he gives back by his tireless efforts to accomplish this both on and off the track.

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

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

American Flat Track: Sammy Halbert Signs With Coolbeth-Nila Racing

David Swarts

-

January 7, 2020

0

American Flat Track: Sammy Halbert Signs With Coolbeth-Nila Racing

Coolbeth-Nila Racing Signs Sammy Halbert for AFT SuperTwins

2020 marks Halbert’s debut on Indian Motorcycle FTR750

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 7, 2020) – As anticipation climbs for the 2020 season of American Flat Track, Coolbeth-Nila Racing makes an announcement sure to turn the tide of the inaugural AFT SuperTwins season. Making his debut on the Indian Motorcycle FTR750, Sammy Halbert will pilot the Coolbeth-Nila machine in 2020.

“We are really excited to get the season started,” said Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. of Coolbeth-Nila Racing. “We have made a lot of major improvements to the bikes, and combine that with Sammy’s drive to win, and I feel like we will be up front and contending for wins. Our team owner John Wise has put a lot into the program within the last couple of months to make sure that Sammy will be set up to be a major contender in the SuperTwins class.”

Arguably one of the most versatile riders on the circuit, Halbert has scored a victory on each of the four types of AFT tracks. With thirteen career premier class victories to his name, Halbert is excited and optimistic about his transition to the multi-championship-winning FTR750.

“I’m honored to have Kenny Coolbeth choose me to ride for him, especially after having raced with him in the AFT series since 2005,” said Halbert. “We’ve had a lot of great battles on the track over the years, which makes it that much more special to combine our efforts and talents to take on the competition. I’m excited to see what I can do on a bike that’s already a proven winner. With the full support of this team behind me, and our growing list of partners including Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas, I am looking forward to great things this year.”

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 $25 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.

WERA: New Event Date, $20,000 Purse, Contingency For WERA West In 2020

January 9, 2020

A WERA West race start at Willow Spring International Raceway in 2019. Photo by Michael Gougis.

WERA WEST SPORTSMAN SERIES PRESENTED BY LUCAS OIL ADDS A PURSE IN A AND C SUPERBIKE CLASSES FOR 2020!

For 2020 the WERA West Sportsman Series presented by Lucas Oil will have qualifying in the A and C Superbike Expert Classes and add two laps to each of those classes’ races.

Thomas Asseo’s Fresh ‘n’ Lean, Lo Thao’s Calishine Racing, Terry Heard’s Cha Cha Cha Motorsport, Greg Arnold’s Capit Tire Warmers ,and Gigi Chow of Fastrack Riders and 61 DTC (Pirelli Tire Vendor) have put up a total purse of $20,000.00. Gigi Chow is also working on this project to secure more sponsorship and will host Saturday night BBQs for the riders.

The purse will be paid out as follows – it will be divided between the 6 rounds (Buttonwillow has been added on August 15/16, 2020) with 1st place receiving ($500.00) 30%; 2nd place receiving ($330.00) 20% and third place receiving ($250.00) 15% – 20% will be divided equally ($125.00 between 3 riders randomly picked who participated and finished the race. The balance of ($500.00 per round) 15% will go into a year-end championship award in the two classes. In addition to the purse, 61 DTC will have a Pirelli Contingency plan for all classes for the 2020 race season.

“We are very excited and thankful for this support from the racing community and our wish is to grow this sport and make it exciting for everyone. I can’t thank Thomas, Lo, Gigi Terry and others enough for all they did to make this happen,” said Evelyne Clarke, CEO and Owner of WERA Motorcycle Roadracing.

WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was founded in 1973 and remains the foremost place to develop talent in the sport of motorcycle road racing. The legacy of Pro riders on a National and World level is legendary. All events are run by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing and are co-sanctioned by the AMA. Racing is offered coast to coast with entry level racing in the WERA Sportsman Series as well as a Pro-Am series with the Pirelli/WERA National Challenge Series as well as WERA Vintage Racing also this year our 2018 Triple Crown + 1 with MotoAmerica as well endurance racing with our track day partners N2 and Sportbike Track Time. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was voted the 2017 AMA Track Organizer of the Year. There is something for everyone with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing!

For further information contact WERA Motorcycle Roadracing or check the web site at www.wera.com.

Harley-Davidson Edition GMC Pickup Truck Coming In February

January 9, 2020

A 2020 Harley-Davidson Edition GMC Sierra pickup truck. Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson.