In a full circle moment for the category that first supported the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1989, the Superbike Masters will return to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit this October.
Representing the golden era of Superbike racing, these iconic machines from the 1980s and 1990s have been preserved in their original racing condition and showcase an era that laid the foundation for modern MotoGP legends, including Kevin Magee, Mick Doohan, Daryl Beattie and Chris Vermeulen.
Setting the stage for MotoGP as we know it today, these bikes remain in their authentic racing condition and promise to captivate with a distinctive roar that’s sure to turn heads across the circuit. A powerful nod to the pinnacle of racing in their time.
Complementing an already thrilling on-track line-up, with the schedule featuring talented Australians in every category, the Superbike Masters will bring a flair of history and legacy to the circuit, offering fans a chance to witness the raw power of these iconic machines and the precision required to master them.
The three Superbike Masters races at Phillip Island will cater to Period 6 (1983- 1990) and Period 7 (1991-1999) machines under Motorcycling Australia (MA) rules and regulations, with the competition to be just as cut-throat as it was when they first graced Australian racetracks.
With the Superbike Masters races at Phillip Island spanning two decades, a huge variety of makes and models will be on the grid — representing a history lesson for some and a flood of memories for others.
Step back in time and soak up the glory of these historical machines, proudly on display in the National Support Paddock.
Chris Vermeulen competing on a Yamaha in the 1999 Australian Superbike Championship. Photo courtesy Motorcycling Australia
Quotes attributable to Australian Grand Prix Corporation Division Manager –
Motorsport, David Corrigan:
“It’s exciting to see the return of the Superbike Masters at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in 2025. As the very first support category to feature at the Island back in 1989, their comeback is a fitting tribute to the rich history of Australian motorsport.
“There’s no doubt the unmistakable nostalgic roar of these machines will turn heads across the circuit. These legendary bikes, representing the golden era of racing are sure to add a whole new layer of excitement to an already action packed weekend.”
Quotes attributable to Motorcycling Australia Chief Executive Officer, Peter Doyle:
“Superbike Masters racing is spectacular, with the sheer diversity of machinery one of the major reasons why it is so appealing. The machines are also meticulously prepared by their passionate owners, so once they get to the racetrack, they are ready to hit the ground running.
“A large chunk of the riders are also the same ones who competed at the elite level in Australia in the 1980s and 1990s, but their competitive instincts are still as strong as ever! I can’t wait to see the Superbike Masters riders putting on a show at Phillip Island in October.”
The 2025 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will be held from October 17-19.
The famed Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah, will once again serve as the site for the AMA Land Speed Grand Championship, which will run Aug. 23-28.
The fastest motorcycles in the country will show off their speed during the event, as the AMA Land Speed Grand Championship is undoubtedly the fastest form of motorcycle racing in the world.
“Speed is the name of the game at the AMA Land Speed Grand Championship, and we were thrilled to see the event run without issue in 2024 after weather impacted the prior two events,” AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant said. “We look forward to getting back out to the beautiful Bonneville Salt Flats this year.”
There’s no better place to show off straight-line speed than the Bonneville Salt Flats, which boasts a perfect racing surface for all riders to enjoy, in addition to incredible mountain views.
Recognized by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, racers will get the opportunity to set AMA national records and FIM Land Speed World Records on machines that range from 50cc minibikes to 3,000cc streamliners.
Event classes are determined by engine displacement, modification levels and various degrees of streamlining, and competitors range from weekend enthusiasts to professional racing teams.
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
The MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup National Final roared into action at Road America’s Briggs & Stratton Motorplex, with Mahdi Salem taking center stage. The GP 190 standout blazed through both track configurations, posting the fastest times in Friday’s practice sessions and setting the stage for an electrifying weekend of racing.
Dozens of young riders, battle-hardened from over 20 regional qualifiers, took on the challenging Motorplex layouts to prepare for the high-stakes championship battles ahead. With four races per class scheduled – two on Saturday and two on Sunday – points will be tallied, crowning six AMA National Champions with the coveted AMA number-one plates by Sunday’s finale.
Other riders who excelled in practice included Jase Dill, who topped the GP 160 sessions on both layouts and Chase Jazikoff, who also went fastest on both layouts in the Stock 110 class. Maverick Johnson, Zaal Farhand, Cooper Jazikoff and Marcus Su also topped practice sessions on Friday.
The 2025 Mission Mini Cup National Final marks its second year with nearly double the entries of last season’s debut, showcasing the sport’s skyrocketing popularity. Defending champions Mahdi Salem, Gabriel Datis, Jase Dill, and Chase Jazikoff are back, ready to fight to retain their titles.
Saturday’s racing kicks off at 12:45 p.m. Central with the first GP 190 race, followed by a full slate of action, wrapping up with the GP 110 Race 2 at 4:40 p.m. Sunday mirrors the schedule, ensuring non-stop thrills from start to finish.
The 2025 Mission Mini Cup National Final will be featured on MotoAmerica Live+ with live streaming and video on-demand of Saturday and Sunday’s race action with commentary from the MotoAmerica Live+ commentary team of Roger Hayden and Jamie Howe. MotoAmerica Live+ will start streaming at 1 p.m. (Central Time) on Saturday and Sunday and will conclude at 4:30 p.m. (Central Time) both days.
The historic Moto Guzzi factory in Mandello del Lario, active for over a century, is being transformed into a cutting-edge, multifunctional space. Rooted between lake and mountains, the site is evolving into a symbol of the brand’s future—where heritage meets innovation, and tradition embraces technology.
This is more than a renovation: it’s the creation of a new global benchmark in motorcycle manufacturing. The new next-generation production lines, already operational, feature state-of-the-art technology. The full redevelopment will be completed by mid-2026, with a grand opening in September 2026.
You can watch the video “Made in Mandello”, which offers an exclusive preview of what we will see in a few months’ time.
It captures, for the first time:
The architectural vision of Greg Lynn (CEO of Piaggio Fast Forward), blending industrial design with futuristic aesthetics.
The technological evolution of the production process, featuring state-of-the-art, automated next-generation assembly lines.
The creation of a modern brand hub: museum, Motoplex Store, café, event spaces, and immersive visitor paths.
The emotional and cultural significance of the site for Guzzistas and motorbike enthusiasts worldwide.
Josh Waters has opened his day one account at round five of the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) with a maiden pole position at Queensland Raceway.
The reigning SW-Motech Superbike champion played qualifying to perfection on the McMartin Racing Ducati, laying down the gauntlet early with a searing lap of 1:07.267.
Despite a couple of valiant late attempts by championship rival Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team, 1:07.380) to dislodge him, and with Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati, 1:07.498) also circling, Waters had done enough and will now start from top spot for the third time this season and the 17th in a stunning Superbike career. He also earned himself a bonus championship point for pole position.
Glenn Allerton (14) on his Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati V4R. Photo RBMotoLens.
Three 15-lap races will be held across the weekend: one on Saturday (11:45am) and two on Sunday at 8:55am and 1:55pm as the SW-Motech Superbikes join forces with the Supercars paddock for the first time since 2023.
“I’m just so happy to be on pole for the first time at Queensland Raceway,” said Waters. “I was fairly nervous in qualifying, but I managed to use the same set of tyres in both sessions so I’m in a good position to attack over the weekend.
“The races won’t be easy, but I’ll be pushing hard as always. Thanks to my team for again preparing a great bike.”
Once a bogey circuit for Waters, the hard-nosed veteran has now won his first race at Queensland Raceway in 2025, and the pole position continues his growing affinity with the 3.126km layout.
While Waters and Jones remain the Queensland Raceway reference points, Allerton was in fact the last race winner at the circuit in early May thanks to an astonishing last-to-first performance in the wet.
He’ll complete the front row, with Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati, 1:07.656), Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha, 1:07.896) and Jonathan Nahlous (Omega Racing Team Yamaha, 1:07.934) on row two.
Harrison Voight (McMartin Racing Ducati, 1:07.980), making his first appearance in the ASBK Championship in nearly 12 months, Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Yamaha, 1:07.980), Cameron Dunker (MotoGO Yamaha, 1:08.097) and Max Stauffer (Yamaha Racing Team, 1:08.275) completed the top 10 in qualifying.
Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) was the fastest of the four Superport Next Gen riders, although his teammate Archie McDonald (Yamaha) set the pace in practice before an electrical issue foiled his qualifying.
Waters currently leads the Superbike standings on 216pts from Jones (162pts), West (158pts), Pearson (129pts), Allerton (126pts) and Stauffer (120pts).
Young racers from 17 states and four countries will converge on Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, this weekend for the second annual MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup National Final featuring three days of heated action, with the majority of the racers having qualified via more than 20 regional events.
Like last year’s inaugural Mission Mini Cup National Final, racing action will take place on two different track layouts of the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex located near turns nine and 10 of the immaculate four-mile Road America circuit.
Racers will do battle in six classes – Stock 50 (ages 6-8), Stock 110 (ages 8-12), GP 110 (ages 8-12), GP 160 (ages 9-14), GP 190 (ages 11-14) and Street GP (ages 14 and up).
The battles for championships will consist of four races per class over the course of the weekend with two races on Saturday and two on Sunday. Each race will pay points, and the rider with the highest number of points in each class will be awarded the number-one plates. Six AMA National Champions will be crowned at the completion of Sunday’s races.
With practice set for Friday, qualifying sessions will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday with an action-packed day of racing set to begin at 12:45 p.m. with the first GP 190 race. A full day of racing will conclude with Race 2 of the GP 110 class at 4:40 p.m. Sunday’s schedule will be identical to Saturday’s, with racing again getting underway at 12:45 p.m. (all times are Central).
In addition to the AMA awarding its coveted number-one plates to class champions, Mission Mini Cup National Final sponsors have stepped up to present the winning racers with a plethora of championship awards. For the GP 110, GP 160 and GP 190 Class Champions, Dunlop will present its Championship Guitars, like those given to MotoAmerica Champions. Additionally, the podium finishers in the Stock 50, Stock 110, GP 110, GP 160 and GP 190 classes will be up for consideration for the Team Dunlop Road Racing Elite program for 2026.
In the other classes, champions will receive Thom Duma Fine Jewelers Championship pendants, Arai helmets, and Motion Pro gift packs.
“We’re really happy with how far our Mission Mini Cup National Final has come in just its second year,” said MotoAmerica’s COO Chuck Aksland. “We have tripled our entries with racers coming to Road America from all over the country, and there are also some international racers. The Finals are really developing into a great annual event with young racers and their families making the commitment to race against the very best. It’s going to be a lot of fun, and we’re looking forward to a great weekend of racing at one of our favorite places.”
MotoAmerica has also announced that the event will be featured on MotoAmerica Live+ with live streaming and video on-demand of Saturday and Sunday’s race action with commentary from the MotoAmerica Live+ commentary team of Roger Hayden and Jamie Howe. MotoAmerica Live+ will start streaming at 1 p.m. (Central Time) on Saturday and Sunday and will conclude at 4:30 p.m. (Central Time) both days.
MotoAmerica would like to thank the following sponsors for their participation in the Mission Mini Cup National Final: Mission Foods, Dunlop, Arai, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, Motion Pro, and Thom Duma Fine Jewelers.
Danny Kent led his Bennetts British Superbike Championship opposition in the Free Practice times at Thruxton as the McAMS Racing Yamaha rider maintained his position at the top ahead of Storm Stacey with just 0.924s covering the top 16 riders!
Kent carried his momentum from Brands Hatch last time out into his home round, having the edge over Bathams AJN Racing BMW’s Stacey, who surged into second in the closing moments of the afternoon session.
Tommy Bridewell had also given the home fans something to cheer about as he fired the Honda Racing UK team into third place, having led the times earlier in the session. At the chequered flag just 0.004s separated him and his 2024 sparring partner Kyle Ryde ahead of tomorrow’s opening race.
Rory Skinner led the Ducati contenders in fifth place for Cheshire Mouldings Ducati, holding off Josh Brookes and Charlie Nesbitt, whilst championship leader Bradley Ray posted the eighth fastest time after the opening two Free Practice sessions.
Max Cook had also had a spell at the top of the times, but ended the day in ninth place ahead of his AJN Steelstock Kawasaki teammate Christian Iddon.
Scott Swann had a strong start to the weekend for the SendMyBag Racing by IWR Honda team in eleventh place, whilst Scott Redding completed the riders progressing directly through to Bandero Café Shoot Out Qualifying two for Hager PBM Ducati.
Glenn Irwin was 14th fastest on his debut with Nitrous Competitions Racing Yamaha after returning from his Snetterton injury, 0.792s adrift of Kent’s pacesetting lap.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Thruxton, Free Practice combined times:
Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) 1m:14.907s
Storm Stacey (Bathams AJN Racing BMW) +0.256s
Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) +0.271s
Kyle Ryde (Nitrous Competitions Racing Yamaha) +0.275s
Rory Skinner (Cheshire Mouldings Ducati) +0.308s
Josh Brookes (DAO Racing Honda) +0.321s
Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda) +0.440s
Bradley Ray (Raceways Yamaha) +0.489s
Max Cook (AJN Steelstock Kawasaki) +0.495s
Christian Iddon (AJN Steelstock Kawasaki) +0.509s
Scott Swann (SendMyBag Racing by IWR Honda) +0.622s
Scott Redding (Hager PBM Ducati) +0.734s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
DANNY KENT – MCAMS RACING YAMAHA
“It’s been a great start to the weekend, off the back of three good results at Brands Hatch. It’s always nice to come to Thruxton and start the weekend off strong. It’s always been a track that I’ve loved and everyone knows the Yamaha works really well around here.
“There’s still a few areas we need to work on, but overall I’m happy with my one lap pace and our race pace seems to be really good too. I’m looking at the pace at the moment, it looks a bit faster than it was last year.
“We still need to look at some data and there’s a few areas that I need to work on but other than that, thank you to McAMS Racing.”
LuxeStar VIP Suzuki are thrilled to confirm that American rider Gus Rodio will compete aboard the MP RACING Suzuki GSX-8R in the Sportbike class at the upcoming British Superbike Championship (BSB) rounds at Donington Park and Brands Hatch.
Rodio, hailing from Hammonton, New Jersey, brings a wealth of racing experience and a proven track record at the highest levels of competitive sportbike racing. Over the past two seasons, he has been a standout performer in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup, securing the runner-up spot both years and notching multiple race victories—including career defining back-to-back wins at the iconic Daytona International Speedway by over 11 seconds each.
This won’t be Gus’s first outing on British soil—he previously competed at Brands Hatch, where he delivered an impressive Top 5 performance that impressed fans and teams alike.
Gus Rodio at Daytona, in 2024. Photo courtesy LuxeStar VIP Suzuki.
Now, set to return with LuxeStar VIP Suzuki, he’s eager to take on the challenges of BSB’s renowned circuits and showcase the capabilities of the GSX-8R in the BSB Sportbike class.
“I’m excited to be joining LuxeStar VIP Suzuki for the Donington and Brands Hatch rounds,” said Rodio. “British Superbikes has always been something I’ve admired, and I’m looking forward to giving it everything I’ve got on the MP RACING Suzuki GSX-8R and represent the USA.”
“I’m also excited to bring Gus back to BSB racing,” said Scott Rehl, Founder of LuxeStar VIP and the associated team. “It’s been one of my goals to elevate US racers into international series and bring back a title, like I did with Brandon Paasch in 2019. Working with MP RACING has been fantastic, and I have to thank my UK business partner David Howard for helping organize this opportunity.”
In the meantime, Gus continues to compete in MotoAmerica Supersport on his Rodio Performance Ducati V2.
Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the BSB Donington round.
Highly Decorated Rider Coaches to Mentor 26 Elite Prospects One Week Removed from 2025 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship.
With the 2025 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, set to begin its stretch run, the third and final event for SMX Next – Motocross will host 26 elite amateur prospects to Indiana’s Ironman Raceway for the Scouting Moto Combine Presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare. This group of promising talent will kick off the race weekend at the Tucker Freight Lines Ironman National one week removed from a memorable 44th running of the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship from Tennessee’s famed Loretta Lynn Ranch, the ultimate showcase of amateur talent on the planet.
“The timing of the third and final Scouting Moto Combine for SMX Next – Motocross could not be more ideal, as this crop of elite prospects are in peak form coming off a competitive week of racing at Loretta Lynn’s,” said Jim Perry, Program Director for the Scouting Moto Combine. “The Ironman gathering will mark the first time in the brief history of SMX Next and the Scouting Moto Combine that the newly crowned Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award winner will compete. We’ll also welcome the newly awarded AMA Amateur Rider of the Year in addition to another pair of Loretta Lynn’s champions. As a result, there will certainly be a greater level of interest in how the action unfolds on Friday afternoon.”
Newly minted Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award recipient Enzo Temmerman will headline the field of racers at the Ironman Combine. Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Working in conjunction with competing manufacturers GASGAS, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha, this hand-selected group of invited prospects will consist of 26 top A & B class riders. The lineup features a mix of racers with prior SMX Next experience in addition to new talent that will make their SMX Next debuts. Notably, Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Enzo Temmerman, whose 250 Pro Sport and Open Pro Sport titles at Loretta Lynn’s earned him the Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award, and KTM Orange Brigade’s Deacon Denno, winner of the 250B and Schoolboy 2 titles who was named 2025 AMA Amateur Rider of the Year, will compete against one another for the first time. They’ll be joined by fellow Loretta Lynn’s champions and Altus Motorsports BLU CRU Yamaha riders Owen Covell (450 B) and McKayden Fitch (250 B Limited). A pair of 25-minute, plus two-lap motos await the Combine field on Friday afternoon.
A trio of AMA Hall of Fame members will anchor an incredibly decorated group of rider coaches at Ironman. Leading the way is Class of 2000 inductee Broc Glover, who has embraced this leadership role at every single Combine event since the program’s inception. He’ll be joined by Class of 2024 inductee Kevin Windham and Class of 2025 inductee Chad Reed, in addition the winning team manager from Team Australia at the 2024 FIM Motocross of Nations, Michael Byrne, and the most recent winning rider coach from RedBud, former racer and highly regarded trainer Gareth Swanepoel. This group is also the most geographically diverse to date, with a trio of international coaches joining a pair of Americans. Collectively, these fives coaches will lend their immense knowledge and expertise to benefit these young athletes both on and off the track.
Additional support at Ironman will come from Mike Bonacci, Team Manager of Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX Yamaha, and Christina Denney, the SMX Next – Motocross Event Coordinator, WMX Championship Coordinator, Team USA Motocross of Nations Coordinator, and a longtime SMX team manager.
Deacon Denno, the 2025 AMA Amateur Rider of the Year, will look to build on the momentum of winning two Loretta Lynn’s titles one week ago. Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
The 2025 season alone has showcased the successful impact SMX Next continues to have on the sport as both Temmerman and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Kayden Minear have tested their mettle at multiple Pro Motocross races this summer. Adding his name to the list this weekend will be Altus Motorsports BLU CRU Yamaha rider Kade Johnson, who will make his pro debut at Ironman after a runner-up effort in Open Pro Sport at Loretta Lynn’s. These riders join an already decorated contingent of SMX Next graduates finding success at the sport’s highest level, headlined by reigning Pro Motocross 250 Class Champion, back-to-back 250cc SMX World Champion, and current 250 Class points lead Haiden Deegan. This group also includes SMX race winners like Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies, and Honda HRC Progressive’s Chance Hymas, along with top contenders like Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Drew Adams, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Daxton Bennick, Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing’s Casey Cochran, Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFrancesco, Muc-Off/ClubMX/Yamaha’s Alexander Fedortsov, and Phoenix Racing Honda’s Gavin Towers, all of whom were also past SMX Next winners.
While the pair of motos will be the focal point of Friday’s Ironman Combine, participants will also receive education surrounding other important aspects of the sport that occur away from the racetrack, including training, nutrition, and guidance on how to navigate the various layers of media engagement. These classroom-style sessions provide the foundation for the gathering, before racers line up behind the starting gate to determine who will prevail at Ironman Raceway.
Landon Gibson has been at the forefront of each SMX Next – Motocross event this summer and will look to break through for his first Combine victory. Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Part 3 of a series, reprinted from the April 2011 edition of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology Magazine. Copyright 2011, 2015, 2020, 2024, 2025. All rights reserved. www.roadracingworld.com
Editorial Note: Earl Hayden died in December, 2021. His son (and 2006 MotoGP World Champion) Nicky Hayden died in May, 2017.
EARL HAYDEN—Professional Road Racing’s Most Successful Father:
The RIGHT Way To Take Kids Racing
Former dirt track racer Earl Hayden is a unique parent. He has three sons with successful careers in professional motorcycle racing: Tommy, Nicky and Roger. His two daughters, Jenny and Kathleen, raced for fun. Nobody knows more about going racing with kids, starting at young age.
Asked about the right way and the wrong way to take kids racing, Hayden says, “I’ve seen it all, parents yelling and cussing and hitting their kids, especially in the PeeWee days. I about got my butt whipped a few times when I tried to talk to them, but I have had a few of them come back later and say they were happy I said something to them.
“When parents spend a lot of money and everything they expect the kids to do really well. There was a referee way back who said something that stuck in my mind. He said, ‘Listen, at the end of the day, kids, you hug your mom and dad, and Mom and Dad, you hug your kids.’ I don’t ever want to go to bed being mad at one of my kids, and I don’t want them to go to bed being mad at me. If you put that kind of pressure on them that’s what is going to happen.
“One time at Daytona Tommy got into Turn One dead last about five or six times in a row. I said to him, ‘Tommy, I’m gonna put my leathers on and I’m gonna beat somebody to the first turn. I don’t know if I’m gonna make the corner, but I’m gonna beat somebody.’ He said, ‘Dad, no matter how bad you want me to get to the first corner first, I want to get there first more than you do.’
Tommy Hayden (22) comes in from taking a victory lap after winning an AMA Pro Superbike race at Barber Motorsports Park, 2010. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“The kids, all they want to do is make Mom and Dad happy. Yelling at them isn’t going to do anything but burn them out, and it’s definitely not going to make them go faster. You’ve got to be the coach, the cheerleader, the financial person who puts all the money in, and you have to be Mom or Dad. But the kids have to put out the same level of effort that Mom and Dad are putting in. If the parents want it more than the kid, you better quit. The kid’s got to want it as bad as Mom and Dad.
“People used to think I pushed the kids. They would ask me, ‘Do you make them race?’ I said, ‘Listen, the only thing I make them do is brush their teeth, go to school, and their mom might make them take a bath.’ There’s not one time I made them race. I was usually begging for a weekend off. ‘Let’s don’t go to Texas this weekend.’ And their favorite saying was, ‘Dad, you can rest when you die.’
“Most parents want to buy their kids’ way down the straightaway and this and that. If I could go back I would probably add weight to their bikes to make them ride the corners and stuff better, because when they have to line up against Valentino Rossi they better know how to use the brakes and how to get through a corner.
“Most parents want to buy them down the straightaway. Most of the kids who got that kind of treatment didn’t end up a World Champion or even a National Champion.
“The most important thing is practice, practice, practice, but you’ve got to keep it fun. So we would have play races every day. We would use the flags, the starting system, and I would let the winner carry the checkered flag around. We were playing around, but they raced hard. The next thing you know three or four hours went by and they had fun the whole time. But if you’re out there pushing on them and kicking on them it’s not gonna be fun. Parents pushing on the kids takes all the fun away.
“There’s no shortcuts. I started the boys on 50s, then 60s, then 80s, then 125s, then 250s and built that foundation. We had kids come in to race us and the dad would be yelling at them for getting beat. I’ve seen parents hit their kids so hard they knocked their faceshield off. ‘We came all the way from California to come here and you get beat by them?’ That parent never even thought about we had been racing six, seven, eight years longer than their kid and no one expected him to beat us. He’s not supposed to beat us.
“You have to be careful when parents are really, really mad, but when they’ve gotten through yelling I’ve gone up to the dad. I don’t go telling him he’s doing everything wrong, but I say, ‘Can I just tell you something I hope as a favor? Not that I’m any smarter than you, but please don’t do that to the little kids. All they want to do is please you and make you happy.’ And I’ve had parents come back later and say thank you, because it does kind of make them think a little.
“It’s easy to get caught up in it. You might be at the AMA Grand Championships and your little kid falls down and loses the Championship.
“And if you’re just at a local race or a regional race, nobody knows what happened except you and your family. So there’s no reason to get all worked up. Nobody’s gonna know your kid got sixth instead of second or third in that club race. So there’s no reason to get all worked up. And what happens when your kid is 11 years old isn’t going to make the difference in whether you get a factory ride or not. You want to win all the races and all the awards coming up the ladder, because it does show you’re progressing, but not winning everything is not the end of the world.
“Kids are going to make mistakes, a lot of mistakes. They are going to crash and do it all, but at the end of the day you have to stop and ask, ‘Did we get better?’ Because you’ve got to keep getting better.”
Earl Hayden’s first sponsor, George “JR” Boone, poses with a racebike and the Hayden kids (from left) Jenny, Tommy, Roger, Nicky, and Kathleen, circa 1993. Photo courtesy Hayden family.
Asked what he did when racing and school conflicted, Hayden said, “No drugs, no alcohol and stay in school. My boys had to stay in school or they could not race. With my kids I left Friday after school—unless we had Friday practice, and then I left Thursday. Then I would drive all night to get back, and they would be in school on Monday morning. Jake Lewis, this kid I help now, he gets all A grades in school. When you get all A grades you can miss a Friday and the teachers will work with you. But it’s funny sometimes because you can go miss a week to go to a cheerleading camp or whatever, but if you want to take a week off to go race motorcycles at Daytona they don’t see it the same way.
“And kids have got to respect each other. They don’t have to like each other, but they’ve got to respect each other, especially on the track. Two dead-equal riders, teams are gonna take the kid who is a good, respectful kid who looks like he is having fun over a kid who is a problem or has bad behavior or has dropped out of school.
“I put on a dirt track one time. I had 150 riders come out, and 149 of them were complaining the whole time. But I had one kid come up and thank me for putting on the race. I used to have my kids go up to the organizers and thank them for providing them a place to race.
“I really believe in doing it as a family. It can be a great family sport. I love this sport, and I love little kids. I wish every parent could have the feeling I had when Nicky won the World Championship. Winning the National Championships are great, too.
“Above all, when you take your kids racing, it’s got to be fun. If it’s not fun, why do it?”
Check back for the next installment of Taking Kids Racing.
Superbike Masters action at the Phillip Island round of the 2023 Australian Superbike Championship. Photo by Russell Colvin
In a full circle moment for the category that first supported the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1989, the Superbike Masters will return to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit this October.
Representing the golden era of Superbike racing, these iconic machines from the 1980s and 1990s have been preserved in their original racing condition and showcase an era that laid the foundation for modern MotoGP legends, including Kevin Magee, Mick Doohan, Daryl Beattie and Chris Vermeulen.
Setting the stage for MotoGP as we know it today, these bikes remain in their authentic racing condition and promise to captivate with a distinctive roar that’s sure to turn heads across the circuit. A powerful nod to the pinnacle of racing in their time.
Complementing an already thrilling on-track line-up, with the schedule featuring talented Australians in every category, the Superbike Masters will bring a flair of history and legacy to the circuit, offering fans a chance to witness the raw power of these iconic machines and the precision required to master them.
The three Superbike Masters races at Phillip Island will cater to Period 6 (1983- 1990) and Period 7 (1991-1999) machines under Motorcycling Australia (MA) rules and regulations, with the competition to be just as cut-throat as it was when they first graced Australian racetracks.
With the Superbike Masters races at Phillip Island spanning two decades, a huge variety of makes and models will be on the grid — representing a history lesson for some and a flood of memories for others.
Step back in time and soak up the glory of these historical machines, proudly on display in the National Support Paddock.
Chris Vermeulen competing on a Yamaha in the 1999 Australian Superbike Championship. Photo courtesy Motorcycling Australia
Quotes attributable to Australian Grand Prix Corporation Division Manager –
Motorsport, David Corrigan:
“It’s exciting to see the return of the Superbike Masters at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in 2025. As the very first support category to feature at the Island back in 1989, their comeback is a fitting tribute to the rich history of Australian motorsport.
“There’s no doubt the unmistakable nostalgic roar of these machines will turn heads across the circuit. These legendary bikes, representing the golden era of racing are sure to add a whole new layer of excitement to an already action packed weekend.”
Quotes attributable to Motorcycling Australia Chief Executive Officer, Peter Doyle:
“Superbike Masters racing is spectacular, with the sheer diversity of machinery one of the major reasons why it is so appealing. The machines are also meticulously prepared by their passionate owners, so once they get to the racetrack, they are ready to hit the ground running.
“A large chunk of the riders are also the same ones who competed at the elite level in Australia in the 1980s and 1990s, but their competitive instincts are still as strong as ever! I can’t wait to see the Superbike Masters riders putting on a show at Phillip Island in October.”
The 2025 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will be held from October 17-19.
The iconic Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah, are set to welcome back the AMA Land Speed Grand Championship. Photo by Scooter Grubb.
The famed Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah, will once again serve as the site for the AMA Land Speed Grand Championship, which will run Aug. 23-28.
The fastest motorcycles in the country will show off their speed during the event, as the AMA Land Speed Grand Championship is undoubtedly the fastest form of motorcycle racing in the world.
“Speed is the name of the game at the AMA Land Speed Grand Championship, and we were thrilled to see the event run without issue in 2024 after weather impacted the prior two events,” AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant said. “We look forward to getting back out to the beautiful Bonneville Salt Flats this year.”
There’s no better place to show off straight-line speed than the Bonneville Salt Flats, which boasts a perfect racing surface for all riders to enjoy, in addition to incredible mountain views.
Recognized by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, racers will get the opportunity to set AMA national records and FIM Land Speed World Records on machines that range from 50cc minibikes to 3,000cc streamliners.
Event classes are determined by engine displacement, modification levels and various degrees of streamlining, and competitors range from weekend enthusiasts to professional racing teams.
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Mahdi Salem took center stage in Friday’s practice for this weekend’s Mission Mini Cup By Motul National Final by posting the fastest lap times. Photo by Larry Lawrence
The MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup National Final roared into action at Road America’s Briggs & Stratton Motorplex, with Mahdi Salem taking center stage. The GP 190 standout blazed through both track configurations, posting the fastest times in Friday’s practice sessions and setting the stage for an electrifying weekend of racing.
Dozens of young riders, battle-hardened from over 20 regional qualifiers, took on the challenging Motorplex layouts to prepare for the high-stakes championship battles ahead. With four races per class scheduled – two on Saturday and two on Sunday – points will be tallied, crowning six AMA National Champions with the coveted AMA number-one plates by Sunday’s finale.
Other riders who excelled in practice included Jase Dill, who topped the GP 160 sessions on both layouts and Chase Jazikoff, who also went fastest on both layouts in the Stock 110 class. Maverick Johnson, Zaal Farhand, Cooper Jazikoff and Marcus Su also topped practice sessions on Friday.
The 2025 Mission Mini Cup National Final marks its second year with nearly double the entries of last season’s debut, showcasing the sport’s skyrocketing popularity. Defending champions Mahdi Salem, Gabriel Datis, Jase Dill, and Chase Jazikoff are back, ready to fight to retain their titles.
Saturday’s racing kicks off at 12:45 p.m. Central with the first GP 190 race, followed by a full slate of action, wrapping up with the GP 110 Race 2 at 4:40 p.m. Sunday mirrors the schedule, ensuring non-stop thrills from start to finish.
The 2025 Mission Mini Cup National Final will be featured on MotoAmerica Live+ with live streaming and video on-demand of Saturday and Sunday’s race action with commentary from the MotoAmerica Live+ commentary team of Roger Hayden and Jamie Howe. MotoAmerica Live+ will start streaming at 1 p.m. (Central Time) on Saturday and Sunday and will conclude at 4:30 p.m. (Central Time) both days.
Moto Guzzi Factory, established in 1921 in Mandello del Lario, Italy. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi website.
The historic Moto Guzzi factory in Mandello del Lario, active for over a century, is being transformed into a cutting-edge, multifunctional space. Rooted between lake and mountains, the site is evolving into a symbol of the brand’s future—where heritage meets innovation, and tradition embraces technology.
This is more than a renovation: it’s the creation of a new global benchmark in motorcycle manufacturing. The new next-generation production lines, already operational, feature state-of-the-art technology. The full redevelopment will be completed by mid-2026, with a grand opening in September 2026.
You can watch the video “Made in Mandello”, which offers an exclusive preview of what we will see in a few months’ time.
It captures, for the first time:
The architectural vision of Greg Lynn (CEO of Piaggio Fast Forward), blending industrial design with futuristic aesthetics.
The technological evolution of the production process, featuring state-of-the-art, automated next-generation assembly lines.
The creation of a modern brand hub: museum, Motoplex Store, café, event spaces, and immersive visitor paths.
The emotional and cultural significance of the site for Guzzistas and motorbike enthusiasts worldwide.
Waters lights up Queensland Raceway in SW-Motech qualifying. Photo by RBMotoLens
Josh Waters has opened his day one account at round five of the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) with a maiden pole position at Queensland Raceway.
The reigning SW-Motech Superbike champion played qualifying to perfection on the McMartin Racing Ducati, laying down the gauntlet early with a searing lap of 1:07.267.
Despite a couple of valiant late attempts by championship rival Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team, 1:07.380) to dislodge him, and with Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati, 1:07.498) also circling, Waters had done enough and will now start from top spot for the third time this season and the 17th in a stunning Superbike career. He also earned himself a bonus championship point for pole position.
Glenn Allerton (14) on his Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati V4R. Photo RBMotoLens.
Three 15-lap races will be held across the weekend: one on Saturday (11:45am) and two on Sunday at 8:55am and 1:55pm as the SW-Motech Superbikes join forces with the Supercars paddock for the first time since 2023.
“I’m just so happy to be on pole for the first time at Queensland Raceway,” said Waters. “I was fairly nervous in qualifying, but I managed to use the same set of tyres in both sessions so I’m in a good position to attack over the weekend.
“The races won’t be easy, but I’ll be pushing hard as always. Thanks to my team for again preparing a great bike.”
Once a bogey circuit for Waters, the hard-nosed veteran has now won his first race at Queensland Raceway in 2025, and the pole position continues his growing affinity with the 3.126km layout.
While Waters and Jones remain the Queensland Raceway reference points, Allerton was in fact the last race winner at the circuit in early May thanks to an astonishing last-to-first performance in the wet.
He’ll complete the front row, with Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati, 1:07.656), Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha, 1:07.896) and Jonathan Nahlous (Omega Racing Team Yamaha, 1:07.934) on row two.
Harrison Voight (McMartin Racing Ducati, 1:07.980), making his first appearance in the ASBK Championship in nearly 12 months, Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Yamaha, 1:07.980), Cameron Dunker (MotoGO Yamaha, 1:08.097) and Max Stauffer (Yamaha Racing Team, 1:08.275) completed the top 10 in qualifying.
Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) was the fastest of the four Superport Next Gen riders, although his teammate Archie McDonald (Yamaha) set the pace in practice before an electrical issue foiled his qualifying.
Waters currently leads the Superbike standings on 216pts from Jones (162pts), West (158pts), Pearson (129pts), Allerton (126pts) and Stauffer (120pts).
It’s go-time for the best of the best. The Mission Mini Cup National Final is coming to Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, this weekend, August 8-10. Photo by Larry Lawrence.
Young racers from 17 states and four countries will converge on Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, this weekend for the second annual MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup National Final featuring three days of heated action, with the majority of the racers having qualified via more than 20 regional events.
Like last year’s inaugural Mission Mini Cup National Final, racing action will take place on two different track layouts of the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex located near turns nine and 10 of the immaculate four-mile Road America circuit.
Racers will do battle in six classes – Stock 50 (ages 6-8), Stock 110 (ages 8-12), GP 110 (ages 8-12), GP 160 (ages 9-14), GP 190 (ages 11-14) and Street GP (ages 14 and up).
The battles for championships will consist of four races per class over the course of the weekend with two races on Saturday and two on Sunday. Each race will pay points, and the rider with the highest number of points in each class will be awarded the number-one plates. Six AMA National Champions will be crowned at the completion of Sunday’s races.
With practice set for Friday, qualifying sessions will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday with an action-packed day of racing set to begin at 12:45 p.m. with the first GP 190 race. A full day of racing will conclude with Race 2 of the GP 110 class at 4:40 p.m. Sunday’s schedule will be identical to Saturday’s, with racing again getting underway at 12:45 p.m. (all times are Central).
In addition to the AMA awarding its coveted number-one plates to class champions, Mission Mini Cup National Final sponsors have stepped up to present the winning racers with a plethora of championship awards. For the GP 110, GP 160 and GP 190 Class Champions, Dunlop will present its Championship Guitars, like those given to MotoAmerica Champions. Additionally, the podium finishers in the Stock 50, Stock 110, GP 110, GP 160 and GP 190 classes will be up for consideration for the Team Dunlop Road Racing Elite program for 2026.
In the other classes, champions will receive Thom Duma Fine Jewelers Championship pendants, Arai helmets, and Motion Pro gift packs.
“We’re really happy with how far our Mission Mini Cup National Final has come in just its second year,” said MotoAmerica’s COO Chuck Aksland. “We have tripled our entries with racers coming to Road America from all over the country, and there are also some international racers. The Finals are really developing into a great annual event with young racers and their families making the commitment to race against the very best. It’s going to be a lot of fun, and we’re looking forward to a great weekend of racing at one of our favorite places.”
MotoAmerica has also announced that the event will be featured on MotoAmerica Live+ with live streaming and video on-demand of Saturday and Sunday’s race action with commentary from the MotoAmerica Live+ commentary team of Roger Hayden and Jamie Howe. MotoAmerica Live+ will start streaming at 1 p.m. (Central Time) on Saturday and Sunday and will conclude at 4:30 p.m. (Central Time) both days.
MotoAmerica would like to thank the following sponsors for their participation in the Mission Mini Cup National Final: Mission Foods, Dunlop, Arai, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, Motion Pro, and Thom Duma Fine Jewelers.
Danny Kent (52) riding his McAMS Racing Yamaha at Donington Park. Photo courtesy McAMS Racing Team.
Danny Kent led his Bennetts British Superbike Championship opposition in the Free Practice times at Thruxton as the McAMS Racing Yamaha rider maintained his position at the top ahead of Storm Stacey with just 0.924s covering the top 16 riders!
Kent carried his momentum from Brands Hatch last time out into his home round, having the edge over Bathams AJN Racing BMW’s Stacey, who surged into second in the closing moments of the afternoon session.
Tommy Bridewell had also given the home fans something to cheer about as he fired the Honda Racing UK team into third place, having led the times earlier in the session. At the chequered flag just 0.004s separated him and his 2024 sparring partner Kyle Ryde ahead of tomorrow’s opening race.
Rory Skinner led the Ducati contenders in fifth place for Cheshire Mouldings Ducati, holding off Josh Brookes and Charlie Nesbitt, whilst championship leader Bradley Ray posted the eighth fastest time after the opening two Free Practice sessions.
Max Cook had also had a spell at the top of the times, but ended the day in ninth place ahead of his AJN Steelstock Kawasaki teammate Christian Iddon.
Scott Swann had a strong start to the weekend for the SendMyBag Racing by IWR Honda team in eleventh place, whilst Scott Redding completed the riders progressing directly through to Bandero Café Shoot Out Qualifying two for Hager PBM Ducati.
Glenn Irwin was 14th fastest on his debut with Nitrous Competitions Racing Yamaha after returning from his Snetterton injury, 0.792s adrift of Kent’s pacesetting lap.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Thruxton, Free Practice combined times:
Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) 1m:14.907s
Storm Stacey (Bathams AJN Racing BMW) +0.256s
Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) +0.271s
Kyle Ryde (Nitrous Competitions Racing Yamaha) +0.275s
Rory Skinner (Cheshire Mouldings Ducati) +0.308s
Josh Brookes (DAO Racing Honda) +0.321s
Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda) +0.440s
Bradley Ray (Raceways Yamaha) +0.489s
Max Cook (AJN Steelstock Kawasaki) +0.495s
Christian Iddon (AJN Steelstock Kawasaki) +0.509s
Scott Swann (SendMyBag Racing by IWR Honda) +0.622s
Scott Redding (Hager PBM Ducati) +0.734s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
DANNY KENT – MCAMS RACING YAMAHA
“It’s been a great start to the weekend, off the back of three good results at Brands Hatch. It’s always nice to come to Thruxton and start the weekend off strong. It’s always been a track that I’ve loved and everyone knows the Yamaha works really well around here.
“There’s still a few areas we need to work on, but overall I’m happy with my one lap pace and our race pace seems to be really good too. I’m looking at the pace at the moment, it looks a bit faster than it was last year.
“We still need to look at some data and there’s a few areas that I need to work on but other than that, thank you to McAMS Racing.”
Gus Rodio as seen during the 2025 Loudon Classic. Photo courtesy Rodio Racing.
LuxeStar VIP Suzuki are thrilled to confirm that American rider Gus Rodio will compete aboard the MP RACING Suzuki GSX-8R in the Sportbike class at the upcoming British Superbike Championship (BSB) rounds at Donington Park and Brands Hatch.
Rodio, hailing from Hammonton, New Jersey, brings a wealth of racing experience and a proven track record at the highest levels of competitive sportbike racing. Over the past two seasons, he has been a standout performer in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup, securing the runner-up spot both years and notching multiple race victories—including career defining back-to-back wins at the iconic Daytona International Speedway by over 11 seconds each.
This won’t be Gus’s first outing on British soil—he previously competed at Brands Hatch, where he delivered an impressive Top 5 performance that impressed fans and teams alike.
Gus Rodio at Daytona, in 2024. Photo courtesy LuxeStar VIP Suzuki.
Now, set to return with LuxeStar VIP Suzuki, he’s eager to take on the challenges of BSB’s renowned circuits and showcase the capabilities of the GSX-8R in the BSB Sportbike class.
“I’m excited to be joining LuxeStar VIP Suzuki for the Donington and Brands Hatch rounds,” said Rodio. “British Superbikes has always been something I’ve admired, and I’m looking forward to giving it everything I’ve got on the MP RACING Suzuki GSX-8R and represent the USA.”
“I’m also excited to bring Gus back to BSB racing,” said Scott Rehl, Founder of LuxeStar VIP and the associated team. “It’s been one of my goals to elevate US racers into international series and bring back a title, like I did with Brandon Paasch in 2019. Working with MP RACING has been fantastic, and I have to thank my UK business partner David Howard for helping organize this opportunity.”
In the meantime, Gus continues to compete in MotoAmerica Supersport on his Rodio Performance Ducati V2.
Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the BSB Donington round.
26 of the most talented prospects in amateur motocross will take to the track at Ironman Raceway for the last SMX Next – Motocross Scouting Moto Combine of 2025.
Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Highly Decorated Rider Coaches to Mentor 26 Elite Prospects One Week Removed from 2025 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship.
With the 2025 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, set to begin its stretch run, the third and final event for SMX Next – Motocross will host 26 elite amateur prospects to Indiana’s Ironman Raceway for the Scouting Moto Combine Presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare. This group of promising talent will kick off the race weekend at the Tucker Freight Lines Ironman National one week removed from a memorable 44th running of the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship from Tennessee’s famed Loretta Lynn Ranch, the ultimate showcase of amateur talent on the planet.
“The timing of the third and final Scouting Moto Combine for SMX Next – Motocross could not be more ideal, as this crop of elite prospects are in peak form coming off a competitive week of racing at Loretta Lynn’s,” said Jim Perry, Program Director for the Scouting Moto Combine. “The Ironman gathering will mark the first time in the brief history of SMX Next and the Scouting Moto Combine that the newly crowned Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award winner will compete. We’ll also welcome the newly awarded AMA Amateur Rider of the Year in addition to another pair of Loretta Lynn’s champions. As a result, there will certainly be a greater level of interest in how the action unfolds on Friday afternoon.”
Newly minted Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award recipient Enzo Temmerman will headline the field of racers at the Ironman Combine. Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Working in conjunction with competing manufacturers GASGAS, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha, this hand-selected group of invited prospects will consist of 26 top A & B class riders. The lineup features a mix of racers with prior SMX Next experience in addition to new talent that will make their SMX Next debuts. Notably, Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Enzo Temmerman, whose 250 Pro Sport and Open Pro Sport titles at Loretta Lynn’s earned him the Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award, and KTM Orange Brigade’s Deacon Denno, winner of the 250B and Schoolboy 2 titles who was named 2025 AMA Amateur Rider of the Year, will compete against one another for the first time. They’ll be joined by fellow Loretta Lynn’s champions and Altus Motorsports BLU CRU Yamaha riders Owen Covell (450 B) and McKayden Fitch (250 B Limited). A pair of 25-minute, plus two-lap motos await the Combine field on Friday afternoon.
A trio of AMA Hall of Fame members will anchor an incredibly decorated group of rider coaches at Ironman. Leading the way is Class of 2000 inductee Broc Glover, who has embraced this leadership role at every single Combine event since the program’s inception. He’ll be joined by Class of 2024 inductee Kevin Windham and Class of 2025 inductee Chad Reed, in addition the winning team manager from Team Australia at the 2024 FIM Motocross of Nations, Michael Byrne, and the most recent winning rider coach from RedBud, former racer and highly regarded trainer Gareth Swanepoel. This group is also the most geographically diverse to date, with a trio of international coaches joining a pair of Americans. Collectively, these fives coaches will lend their immense knowledge and expertise to benefit these young athletes both on and off the track.
Additional support at Ironman will come from Mike Bonacci, Team Manager of Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX Yamaha, and Christina Denney, the SMX Next – Motocross Event Coordinator, WMX Championship Coordinator, Team USA Motocross of Nations Coordinator, and a longtime SMX team manager.
Deacon Denno, the 2025 AMA Amateur Rider of the Year, will look to build on the momentum of winning two Loretta Lynn’s titles one week ago. Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
The 2025 season alone has showcased the successful impact SMX Next continues to have on the sport as both Temmerman and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Kayden Minear have tested their mettle at multiple Pro Motocross races this summer. Adding his name to the list this weekend will be Altus Motorsports BLU CRU Yamaha rider Kade Johnson, who will make his pro debut at Ironman after a runner-up effort in Open Pro Sport at Loretta Lynn’s. These riders join an already decorated contingent of SMX Next graduates finding success at the sport’s highest level, headlined by reigning Pro Motocross 250 Class Champion, back-to-back 250cc SMX World Champion, and current 250 Class points lead Haiden Deegan. This group also includes SMX race winners like Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies, and Honda HRC Progressive’s Chance Hymas, along with top contenders like Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Drew Adams, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Daxton Bennick, Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing’s Casey Cochran, Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFrancesco, Muc-Off/ClubMX/Yamaha’s Alexander Fedortsov, and Phoenix Racing Honda’s Gavin Towers, all of whom were also past SMX Next winners.
While the pair of motos will be the focal point of Friday’s Ironman Combine, participants will also receive education surrounding other important aspects of the sport that occur away from the racetrack, including training, nutrition, and guidance on how to navigate the various layers of media engagement. These classroom-style sessions provide the foundation for the gathering, before racers line up behind the starting gate to determine who will prevail at Ironman Raceway.
Landon Gibson has been at the forefront of each SMX Next – Motocross event this summer and will look to break through for his first Combine victory. Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Earl Hayden in 2006, the year Nicky Hayden won the MotoGP World Championship. Photo by DPPI.
Part 3 of a series, reprinted from the April 2011 edition of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology Magazine. Copyright 2011, 2015, 2020, 2024, 2025. All rights reserved. www.roadracingworld.com
Editorial Note: Earl Hayden died in December, 2021. His son (and 2006 MotoGP World Champion) Nicky Hayden died in May, 2017.
EARL HAYDEN—Professional Road Racing’s Most Successful Father:
The RIGHT Way To Take Kids Racing
Former dirt track racer Earl Hayden is a unique parent. He has three sons with successful careers in professional motorcycle racing: Tommy, Nicky and Roger. His two daughters, Jenny and Kathleen, raced for fun. Nobody knows more about going racing with kids, starting at young age.
Asked about the right way and the wrong way to take kids racing, Hayden says, “I’ve seen it all, parents yelling and cussing and hitting their kids, especially in the PeeWee days. I about got my butt whipped a few times when I tried to talk to them, but I have had a few of them come back later and say they were happy I said something to them.
“When parents spend a lot of money and everything they expect the kids to do really well. There was a referee way back who said something that stuck in my mind. He said, ‘Listen, at the end of the day, kids, you hug your mom and dad, and Mom and Dad, you hug your kids.’ I don’t ever want to go to bed being mad at one of my kids, and I don’t want them to go to bed being mad at me. If you put that kind of pressure on them that’s what is going to happen.
“One time at Daytona Tommy got into Turn One dead last about five or six times in a row. I said to him, ‘Tommy, I’m gonna put my leathers on and I’m gonna beat somebody to the first turn. I don’t know if I’m gonna make the corner, but I’m gonna beat somebody.’ He said, ‘Dad, no matter how bad you want me to get to the first corner first, I want to get there first more than you do.’
Tommy Hayden (22) comes in from taking a victory lap after winning an AMA Pro Superbike race at Barber Motorsports Park, 2010. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“The kids, all they want to do is make Mom and Dad happy. Yelling at them isn’t going to do anything but burn them out, and it’s definitely not going to make them go faster. You’ve got to be the coach, the cheerleader, the financial person who puts all the money in, and you have to be Mom or Dad. But the kids have to put out the same level of effort that Mom and Dad are putting in. If the parents want it more than the kid, you better quit. The kid’s got to want it as bad as Mom and Dad.
“People used to think I pushed the kids. They would ask me, ‘Do you make them race?’ I said, ‘Listen, the only thing I make them do is brush their teeth, go to school, and their mom might make them take a bath.’ There’s not one time I made them race. I was usually begging for a weekend off. ‘Let’s don’t go to Texas this weekend.’ And their favorite saying was, ‘Dad, you can rest when you die.’
“Most parents want to buy their kids’ way down the straightaway and this and that. If I could go back I would probably add weight to their bikes to make them ride the corners and stuff better, because when they have to line up against Valentino Rossi they better know how to use the brakes and how to get through a corner.
“Most parents want to buy them down the straightaway. Most of the kids who got that kind of treatment didn’t end up a World Champion or even a National Champion.
“The most important thing is practice, practice, practice, but you’ve got to keep it fun. So we would have play races every day. We would use the flags, the starting system, and I would let the winner carry the checkered flag around. We were playing around, but they raced hard. The next thing you know three or four hours went by and they had fun the whole time. But if you’re out there pushing on them and kicking on them it’s not gonna be fun. Parents pushing on the kids takes all the fun away.
“There’s no shortcuts. I started the boys on 50s, then 60s, then 80s, then 125s, then 250s and built that foundation. We had kids come in to race us and the dad would be yelling at them for getting beat. I’ve seen parents hit their kids so hard they knocked their faceshield off. ‘We came all the way from California to come here and you get beat by them?’ That parent never even thought about we had been racing six, seven, eight years longer than their kid and no one expected him to beat us. He’s not supposed to beat us.
“You have to be careful when parents are really, really mad, but when they’ve gotten through yelling I’ve gone up to the dad. I don’t go telling him he’s doing everything wrong, but I say, ‘Can I just tell you something I hope as a favor? Not that I’m any smarter than you, but please don’t do that to the little kids. All they want to do is please you and make you happy.’ And I’ve had parents come back later and say thank you, because it does kind of make them think a little.
“It’s easy to get caught up in it. You might be at the AMA Grand Championships and your little kid falls down and loses the Championship.
“And if you’re just at a local race or a regional race, nobody knows what happened except you and your family. So there’s no reason to get all worked up. Nobody’s gonna know your kid got sixth instead of second or third in that club race. So there’s no reason to get all worked up. And what happens when your kid is 11 years old isn’t going to make the difference in whether you get a factory ride or not. You want to win all the races and all the awards coming up the ladder, because it does show you’re progressing, but not winning everything is not the end of the world.
“Kids are going to make mistakes, a lot of mistakes. They are going to crash and do it all, but at the end of the day you have to stop and ask, ‘Did we get better?’ Because you’ve got to keep getting better.”
Earl Hayden’s first sponsor, George “JR” Boone, poses with a racebike and the Hayden kids (from left) Jenny, Tommy, Roger, Nicky, and Kathleen, circa 1993. Photo courtesy Hayden family.
Asked what he did when racing and school conflicted, Hayden said, “No drugs, no alcohol and stay in school. My boys had to stay in school or they could not race. With my kids I left Friday after school—unless we had Friday practice, and then I left Thursday. Then I would drive all night to get back, and they would be in school on Monday morning. Jake Lewis, this kid I help now, he gets all A grades in school. When you get all A grades you can miss a Friday and the teachers will work with you. But it’s funny sometimes because you can go miss a week to go to a cheerleading camp or whatever, but if you want to take a week off to go race motorcycles at Daytona they don’t see it the same way.
“And kids have got to respect each other. They don’t have to like each other, but they’ve got to respect each other, especially on the track. Two dead-equal riders, teams are gonna take the kid who is a good, respectful kid who looks like he is having fun over a kid who is a problem or has bad behavior or has dropped out of school.
“I put on a dirt track one time. I had 150 riders come out, and 149 of them were complaining the whole time. But I had one kid come up and thank me for putting on the race. I used to have my kids go up to the organizers and thank them for providing them a place to race.
“I really believe in doing it as a family. It can be a great family sport. I love this sport, and I love little kids. I wish every parent could have the feeling I had when Nicky won the World Championship. Winning the National Championships are great, too.
“Above all, when you take your kids racing, it’s got to be fun. If it’s not fun, why do it?”
Check back for the next installment of Taking Kids Racing.
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Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
May 26, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
“It’s been a great start to the weekend, off the back of three good results at Brands Hatch. It’s always nice to come to Thruxton and start the weekend off strong. It’s always been a track that I’ve loved and everyone knows the Yamaha works really well around here.
