Canadian Superbike Championship Returning To ICAR Circuit In 2020

David Swarts

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December 6, 2019

Canadian Superbike Championship Returning To ICAR Circuit In 2020

ICAR Hosts 2020 Mopar CSBK Series in Quebec

Toronto, ON – December 6, 2019 – The ICAR venue in Mirabel, Quebec, will host the Quebec round of the Mopar CSBK Canadian National Superbike Series July 17-19, 2020. The venue is on the north edge of Montreal, the biggest city in the Province of Quebec.

The ICAR (International Centre of Advanced Racing) venue is a multi-use facility, including a drag strip, stock car oval, karting and a multi-configuration road course. The ICAR Track has hosted NASCAR and Canadian Touring Car road races and a wide range of media launch events, and held Mopar CSBK National events on a variety of layouts form 2009-2011.

Recent Mopar CSBK events in Quebec have been held at Autodrome St-Eustache, not far south west of ICAR. With the Autodrome closing at the end of 2019, it was important for the Mopar CSBK tour to find a strong partner in Quebec.

“We’re excited about the return of the National Superbike Championship to ICAR,” confirmed circuit boss Elie Arseneau. “We are reconfiguring our track with a new oval prior to the start of the 2020 season, and we will be working with partners including MotoNation and CSBK to provide an entertaining layout for our two-wheeled customers and fans.”

Trackday organizers MotoNation will participate in track set-up for ICAR and provide support events around the summer National date at the track on the northern portion of the former Mirabel International Airport.

“Quebec is an important market for the National Superbike tour and establishing a new base for the series is a central goal of our fortieth anniversary superbike season in 2020,” explained National Series Control staffer Andre Lalancette. “Once the updates and changes are completed at ICAR, we will spend some time developing the best road race layout for the ICAR motorcycle customers.”

At the most recent Mopar CSBK event at Circuit ICAR, eventual National Champ Brett McCormick of Saskatoon, SK, dominated the opening 2011 National action with his factory-supported BMW S1000RR Superbike. McCormick also won the first-ever ICAR National in 2009 for Suzuki, while in 2010 victory belonged to eventual National Champ Jordan Szoke of Lynden, ON, aboard a Honda CBR1000RR.

Ben Young from Collingwood, ON, won the 2019 Mopar CSBK National crown on a BMW, with Szoke placing second overall for Kawasaki. With only a portion of the original ICAR layout included in the 2020 Circuit configuration, no current racer will have an edge when National Pro Superbike Feature practice starts on Friday, July 17.

The ICAR round of the Mopar CSBK tour is expected to feature a wide range of related spectator activities, with support provided by Liqui Moly lubricants. Full details of the event will be announced in conjunction with the Salon de la moto Montreal at the downtown Montreal Convention Centre. February 28-March 1, 2020.

Rich Oliver’s Mystery School Releases Schedule For First Half Of 2020

David Swarts

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December 6, 2019

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2020 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School

2/18–19 Prather, CA (POST Motorcycle Update Course)

2/21 Prather, CA (Private Training Day)

2/22–23 Prather, CA (Customer Appreciation Days)

2/26 Prather, CA (Home School Dirt Bike Club)

2/29 Prather, CA (Learn To Ride Off-Road)

3/1 Prather, CA (Off-Road Challenge Course)

3/9–10 Prather, CA (POST Motorcycle Update Course)

3/13 Prather, CA (Private Training Day)

3/14–15 Prather, CA (Fun Camp)

3/20 Prather, CA (Private Training Day)

3/25 Prather, CA (Advanced Home School Dirt Bike Club)

3/28–29 Prather, CA (Women Only Off-Road and Flat Track weekend)

4/3 Prather, CA (Private Training Day)

4/4–5 Prather, CA (Kids Ride and Wrench Camp)

4/7–8 Prather, CA (POST Motorcycle Update Course)

4/10 Prather, CA (Learn To Ride Off-Road)

4/11 Prather, CA (Off-Road Challenge Course)

4/15 Prather, CA (Home School Dirt Bike Club)

4/16 Prather, CA (Advanced Home School Dirt Bike Club)

4/17 Prather, CA (Private Training Day)

4/18–19 Prather, CA (Fun Camp)

4/25–26 Prather, CA (Fun Camp)

5/1 Prather, CA (Private Training Day)

5/2 Prather, CA (Learn To Ride Off-Road)

5/3 Prather, CA (Off-Road Challenge Course)

5/12–13 Prather, CA (POST Motorcycle Update Course)

5/15 Prather, CA (Private Training Day)

5/16–17 Prather, CA (Fun Camp)

6/10–12 Prather, CA (Kids Ride and Wrench Summer Camp)

6/16–17 Prather, CA (POST Motorcycle Update Course)

6/20 Prather, CA (Learn To Ride Off-Road)

6/21 Prather, CA (Off-Road Challenge Course)

6/22–24 Prather, CA (Advanced Kids Ride and Wrench Summer Camp)

6/26 Prather, CA (Private Training Day)

6/27–28 Prather, CA (Fun Camp)

7/7–9 Prather, CA (Kids Ride and Wrench Summer Camp)

7/11–12 Prather, CA (Fun Camp)

For additional info, call (559) 855-3089, www.richoliver.net.

Husqvarna Announces Limited Edition 2020 FC 450 Rockstar Edition Motocross Bike

David Swarts

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December 6, 2019

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Husqvarna Announces Limited Edition 2020 FC 450 Rockstar Edition Motocross Bike

HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES UNVEILS THE 2020 FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION

BUILT TO PERFORM AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL, THE LATEST MACHINE ENSURES CLASS-LEADING PERFORMANCE AND A TRUE FACTORY LOOK

Husqvarna Motorcycles is proud to launch the FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION model year 2020, a thrilling production model that forms the basis of the bikes to be used by Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s AMA Supercross Champions Jason Anderson, Zach Osborne and Dean Wilson throughout the 2020 season. Husqvarna Motorcycles have further improved this exciting model by optimizing suspension performance with updated WP XACT 48 mm front forks.

Collecting feedback from the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team and their championship-winning riders, Husqvarna Motorcycles’ engineers have combined this competition data with extensive testing and development to introduce a list of upgrades that ensure this state-of-the-art machine offers unrivalled on-track performance.

The FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION continues to pay tribute to a highly successful collaboration between Husqvarna Motorcycles and their global partner Rockstar Energy Drink. Produced in limited numbers, the latest FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION will be available in early 2020.

BUILT FOR COMPETITION

At the leading edge of motocross development, Husqvarna Motorcycles introduce a series of considered upgrades to the FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION. With the distinctive bodywork receiving new graphics, the end result clearly showcases the direction of Husqvarna Motorcycles’ pioneering development.

A 2020-model Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition. Photo courtesy of Husqvarna Motorcycles.

Replicating the advanced engine technology used by the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team in their championship-winning machines, the FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION model year 2020 features a CP forged box-in-box piston and PANKL conrod. Providing reduced friction, the piston and conrod ensure the SOHC engine continues to offer the highest level of performance and reliability available in the market today.

The FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION features FMF Racing’s Factory 4.1 RCT silencer with a blue anodized titanium body and a carbon end cap. In addition, it offers a shorter overall length that makes it less susceptible to damage. Moving the silencer closer to the engine also aids mass centralization.

Made from high-grade aluminum, the CNC-machined triple clamps feature optimally tuned steering stem stiffness as well as perfect alignment of the fork tubes for highly responsive and smooth fork action. Maximum gains in handling are provided by easy offset adjustment between 20 or 22 mm.

Tailored to the needs of every aspiring motocross racer, the 2020 FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION also features a carbon fiber reinforced engine protector, a billet aluminum REKLUSE clutch cover and a mechanical holeshot device as standard. The long list of upgrades is completed with a set of anodized D.I.D DirtStar rims matched to anodized machined hubs, ensuring maximum strength and reduced weight.

FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION – HIGHLIGHTS

New Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team graphics

New billet aluminum REKLUSE clutch cover increases durability while enhancing the factory look

Updated WP XACT split air fork with a longer bypass slot for improved initial comfort and new oil bypass in the outer damping leg tube to reduce pressure peaks

Fully adjustable WP XACT rear shock for superior suspension performance and feeling
Vented airbox cover included that can be changed without the use of any tools for a sharper throttle response according to rider preference or track conditions

PANKL conrod with a bushing in the small end reduces friction for a faster revving engine
CNC-machined triple clamps with adjustable offset [20 – 22 mm] and perfect fork clamping

Ultralight FMF Racing Factory 4.1 silencer with titanium body and carbon end cap

Anodized D.I.D DirtStar rims with machined, anodized hubs and three-cross pattern in the front for optimal handling

Hydro-formed frame with black premium powder coating

Magura hydraulic clutch for perfect modulation in all conditions

Floating front waved disc with disc guard

Lightweight and robust carbon fiber and polyamide composite subframe

Carbon fiber reinforced engine protector and mechanical holeshot device as standard

Handlebar-mounted map select switch also activates launch and traction control

Coinciding with the launch of the new FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION machine, Husqvarna Motorcycles are proud to present a new range of competition-inspired clothing. Celebrating the highly successful partnership with Rockstar Energy Drink, the new ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING CASUAL APPAREL COLLECTION features a dedicated selection of replica teamwear together with a unique series of lifestyle items.

The new Husqvarna FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION machine will be available in early 2020 at all authorized Husqvarna Motorcycles Dealers. For all details on pricing and availability, please refer to Husqvarna Motorcycles North America.

MotoAmerica: Chris Parrish Racing Yamaha In 2020 Twins Cup Championship

David Swarts

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December 6, 2019

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MotoAmerica: Chris Parrish Racing Yamaha In 2020 Twins Cup Championship

Barnes Brothers Yamaha to sponsor Chris Parrish in MotoAmerica Twins Cup for 2020

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s Barnes Brothers Yamaha is proud to announce that they will be joining forces with AP MotoArts in fielding Chris Parrish for the 2020 MotoAmerica Twins Cup season. As the 2018 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, Parrish will contest the entire 2020 season aboard an AP MotoArts-prepared Yamaha MT07ST with the sole goal of reclaiming his title.

In addition to Barnes Brothers Yamaha and AP MotoArts, this effort will be supported by JenSpeed, Orient Express, Yoshimura R&D, K-Tech, GB Racing, V02 Leathers, Wingman’s Garage, Shoei Helmets, TCX Boots, Rekluse Motorsports, Downtown Auto Care, and Rebel Gears.

Barnes Brothers Motorcycles is a leading dealer of Yamaha, KTM, Polaris, Kawasaki and Suzuki Motorcycles, Side by Sides, ATV’s, Dirt Bikes, and Scooters. They are a full service dealer offering sales, service, parts, and accessories from all your favorite brands including (but by no means limited to) Arai, Graves, K-Tech, Öhlins, Attack Performance, and Akrapovič. Barnes Brothers also specializes in building track day, club racing, and Moto-America-spec motorcycles. Additionally, Barnes Brothers create custom streetbikes, dirtbikes, ATV’s, and side-by-sides.

The owners of Barnes Brothers Motorcycles, Blake and Liam Barnes, can be found at most track days at Pitt Race and Summit Point, and find great pride in supporting the track day and racing community. Back in 2016, Liam reached out to Andy Palmer. After some talks and an in-person meeting, Barnes Brothers were some of the first in the country to build an FZ-07R for racing purposes, and have since built many. Both Blake and Liam own and race FZ-07R’s, and are very passionate about the Lightweight Twins Class. Blake and Liam, along with their father, Brad, are very excited for the opportunity to become title sponsor for AP Moto Arts and Chris Parrish for the 2020 Twins Cup Moto America Season!

JenSpeed Motorsports is a division of JenSales Inc., the premier source of technical manuals and repair/restoration parts for agricultural and industrial equipment. JenSpeed has been involved with and run regional motorcycle roadracing, flattrack, and offroad racing teams since 2002. In 2018, JenSpeed leveled-up to support AP MotoArts on a national level. The riders supported by JenSpeed have enjoyed a professional level of support including logistics, equipment, fabrication, and tuning. Call 800-443-0625 to find out more!

JenSpeed’s Paul W. Jensen has nothing but high-praise for 2018 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, Chris Parrish; “Getting to know Chris Parrish and see him perform on the track and off has been one of the highlights of 2019! He is a classic old school journeyman racer along the lines of Gary Nixon, Gene Romero and David Aldana. He can ride most any bike, and it is very clear he just wants to race! True salt of the earth with a DIY streak a mile long, he is a man of talent and an all-around Southern Gentleman. How else could he get such a classy lady as Beth to go on the road with him!? JenSpeed is proud to support such a great warrior of our favorite sport”.

During the early 90’s in a small garage just 2 miles from the Tennessee Titans football stadium, Ghetto Customs was born. A young Chris Parrish loved to paint in a not-so-nice part of the city of Nashville. “Who’s that Parrish guy” was often asked. Thousands of gallons of paint, cars, bikes, street rods, lowriders, bicycles, and even toilet seats, later. Along with several endurance teams, big wheel teams, and the MotoAmerica 2018 Twins Cup Championship Team, Parrish is the same overgrown kid spraying paint and building bodywork to whatever fashion anyone can think of.

The man who will be twisting the Yamaha’s grip, Chris Parrish, had this to say about his Ghetto Customs roots and his speedy new adventure; “I’m very happy to work with Andy Palmer at AP MotoArts and the guys at Barnes Brothers in an effort to regain the MotoAmerica Twins Cup championship in 2020. Andy and I teamed up for the final 2 rounds in 2019 which resulted in a win during the final round at Barber Motorsports Park. The data we gathered in such a short period of time will give us a better idea where to start when we begin testing in February. Andy knows how to build a rocketship and I know how to make the rocket look sexy! I believe this will be a strong combo to keep an eye on! Ghetto Customs became an idea as a customer said the phrase ‘I just got my bike customized in the ghetto”’.

The 2020 MotoAmerica Twins Cup season kicks-off April 17th at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Chris Parrish and the AP MotoArts/Barnes Brothers/JenSpeed crew plan to hit the ground running and hope to see you there!

Attention racers! This just in…an opportunity exists to expand this program into a multiple rider effort. Do you believe you have the pace and racecraft to be competitive in the 2020 MotoAmerica Twins Cup championship? Does racing well-prepared, competitive machinery seem like a good day at the office? If so, contact Andy Palmer at [email protected] for more information.

Ken Hill Partners With TrackTime Track Days, Releases 2020 Schedule

John Ulrich

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December 5, 2019

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Ken Hill Partners With TrackTime Track Days, Releases 2020 Schedule

We are proud to announce that Ken Hill, America’s top rider training coach, has bought part ownership of TrackTime, the Pacific Northwest’s premier track day provider.

Over the years, Ken has dedicated himself to establishing a culture of professional coaching in the motorcycle community. Drawing on his many years of riding and coaching experience, Ken’s unique approach is to analyze what the best riders in the world do, decode it, and teach it in a manner accessible to riders at all levels. Ken has not only identified the fundamentals of motorcycle riding, but developed an unambiguous (and unprecedented) pathway for learning those fundamentals and improving technique. Ken’s intent is to standardize both the language used to describe, and the method for teaching, motorcycle riding techniques to both riders and instructors, whether street or track.

Given TrackTime’s commitment to superior rider experience, with some of the smallest groups in the Pacific Northwest, and training for riders at all levels, including personalized coaching, we are thrilled to give Ken a platform from which to reach more riders and offer our riders and staff the benefit of his expertise. Ken states, “The opportunity to be a partner in TrackTime suddenly became available and I jumped at the chance! I’ve watched and been a part of what co-owners JD Bucklin and Alan Schwen built and it is the perfect hub for all riders to have access to the levels of rider training and instructor training I’ve been working on for so long, and the TrackTime staffers are amazing. Having bought out JD’s share of the business and becoming the new co-owner, I look forward to working with Alan to develop some incredible next steps for TrackTime participants.”

Co-Owner Alan Schwen adds, “JD and I started TrackTime with the idea of having low rider count sessions with professional training as a foundation at all of our events. Ken has been instrumental in helping us build that and with Ken making TrackTime a home for his MotoPilotrider and instructor training programs, we couldn’t be more thrilled. In addition, we’re launching a TrackTime riders’ club and premier events program. More information to follow soon on these exciting new developments!”

Schedule: Below are TrackTime’s confirmed 2020 dates at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington. We are excited to announce that we are now also looking to add dates at other tracks, so, stay tuned for possible additional 2020 dates and locations!

May 24/25

June 15

June 21

July 2

July 14/15 (premier event – see our website for more details)

September 6/7

For more information, joining our email list and signing up for events, find us on our new website, https://tracktime.bike

MIC Outlines Initial Tactical Steps For Industry-Wide New Rider Initiative

David Swarts

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December 5, 2019

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Initial Tactical Steps for Industry Ridership Initiative Showcased at MIC Symposium

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 5, 2019 – A strategy playbook, a new online portal for new riders, and a new director of ridership position highlighted an afternoon presentation to hundreds of guests at this year’s Motorcycle Industry Council Communications Symposium.

“More Riders, Riding More – The Ridership Session” outlined these action plans for the developing industry-wide initiative, presented by MIC staff and strategic consulting company Centauric at the Nov. 21 symposium in Long Beach, Calif., which saw a record number of attendees. The Ridership Session was free and open to anyone in the industry, and was live-streamed as well.

Video of “The Ridership Session” can be viewed at mic.org/ridership.

Helping non-riders gain an awareness of motorcycling and consider riding is at the heart of the new strategy playbook, a free, shared roadmap that the MIC will make available to the whole industry. A beta version was available for the audience to see on their mobile devices. Months of research revealed that almost all potential motorcyclists – from any background, age, gender, or race – if spoken to with specifically themed messages, can be well on their way to identifying with the riding experience. The playbook will help companies assess their messaging and identify what needs to change to help accelerate an interest in riding among new audiences.

“If we can align our messages – and I’m speaking to everyone in this room and across our industry – if we can align our messages to what these people want and need to hear, and we can create experiences that address the barriers they’ve identified, we will succeed in creating a new, modern era of riders and riding,” said Larry Little, MIC vice president and the staff project lead on the ridership initiative. He reiterated that while the MIC is making the initial investment in a long-term industry program, it will be incumbent on all of the industry working together, with the newly developed knowledge, to create new riders.

To help get future motorcyclists past the barriers to riding, the MIC is building a primary online portal where potential riders can learn more about riding, training, equipment, gear, rider groups, and all things motorcycling. This gateway to the riding experience will be branded and designed so that information is easy to access, with tools to help people navigate their path.

“Of course, this is attractive to a generation used to having information at their fingertips,” said MIC President and CEO Erik Pritchard. “Here’s the bottom line: If we want more people to ride more, we must remove barriers, make it as easy as possible for them and connect motorcycle riding with positive emotions. This portal to motorcycling is the first, essential step for our collective efforts to succeed.”

To oversee these efforts, the MIC will hire a director of ridership, a new position at the association. The ridership initiative will be the director’s sole, full-time job, and will be supported by other MIC staff.

Pritchard added that, going forward, the entire industry must be expansive and speak to a broader, more diverse population who would choose to ride if provided the right opportunity and connection to the experience. The industry must also be consumer-centric, paying attention to what potential riders feel, think, want, and need, and making sure the experience, message, or product is designed to match their perspectives.

He said the industry must be comprehensive and must connect with potential riders on an emotional and rational level, instead of focusing on technical specs. We must be responsible, Pritchard said, and promote safe riding, and we need to be collaborative, with everyone’s actions supporting the strategy playbook as well as their individual company’s success.

Tina Beranbaum, Centauric behavioral scientist, stressed that this is a big, collaborative effort. She said there is an as-yet untapped audience of people we might not have thought of as potential riders, and we must be working together as an industry to capture their interest. “The potential is much bigger than you might have imagined.”

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect, and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications, and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, ROVs, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts, accessories and related goods and services, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies, and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at mic.org.

CCS Racers Advised To Use Special Route To Get To Homestead On December 7

David Swarts

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December 5, 2019

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CCS Racers Advised To Use Special Route To Get To Homestead On December 7

Racers heading to the 2019 CCS Florida season finale this coming weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway need to be aware of special circumstances affecting the event.

According to a newsletter issued by ASRA/CCS, a foot race is taking place on Saturday, December 7 on roads near Homestead-Miami Speedway and racetrack officials are requesting that CCS racers plan on using a special route to get to the track that morning.

Follow this link to see the suggested route.

The foot race is only scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 7 and should not affect participants heading to the Penguin Riding School on Friday, December 6 or those attending CCS race day on Sunday, December 8.

Podcast: Greg’s Garage Pod With Co-Host Jason Pridmore Episode 60 Now Available

David Swarts

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December 5, 2019

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Podcast: Greg’s Garage Pod With Co-Host Jason Pridmore Episode 60 Now Available

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

WorldSBK – Final test of 2019 at Jerez.

MotoGP – Crash info for 2019 released. The boys talk all about those statistics.

MotoGP – New Grand Prix Commission regulations on testing and more.

MotoGP – Alex Marquez talks about his off-season plans to get stronger for the MotoGP machines.

MotoGP – MotoGP new video series, “Off The Racing Line” and Miguel Oliviera.

MotoGP/AFT – 6th Edition of 100KN dei Campioni, with American’s JD Beach and Sammy Halbert on the box.

MotoGP – Marc Marquez surgeon Dr. Mir’s predictions on Marc’s comeback.

MotoGP – Maverick Viñales’ move to Doha.

American Flat Track: Harley-Davidson Announces 2020 Factory Team Riders

David Swarts

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December 5, 2019

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American Flat Track: Harley-Davidson Announces 2020 Factory Team Riders

HARLEY-DAVIDSON 2020 FACTORY FLAT TRACK TEAM ANNOUNCED

Ricky Howerton Named Crew Chief of Three-Rider Super Twins Team with Riders Bryan Smith, Jared Vanderkooi and Dalton Gauthier

MILWAUKEE (December 5, 2019) – The Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Racing Team will add former champions Ricky Howerton and Bryan Smith to its effort on the 2020 American Flat Track (AFT) SuperTwins series. Howerton will lead the team as crew chief, responsible for all technical aspects of tuning and set-up of the Harley-Davidson^® XG750R competition motorcycles prepared by partner Vance & Hines Motorsports. Smith, the 2016 AMA Grand National flat track champion, brings veteran leadership to a talented team of riders including Jared Vanderkooi and Dalton Gauthier.

“Flat track motorcycle racing is the original American motorsport and Harley-Davidson and its factory teams have been part of this exciting competition since its inception more than a century ago,” said Jon Bekefy, GM of Brand Marketing for Harley-Davidson. “Our expanded factory team effort in AFT Super Twins complements our increased support for the AFT Production Twins class, with race-ready XG750R motorcycles for sale to independent teams and a $250,000 cash contingency program.”

The XG750R competition motorcycle is available for purchase for $35,999 and deliveries will begin immediately. Supply is limited and priority will be given to dealership teams. For details and ordering information, please contact Vance & Hines at [email protected].

The Harley Factory Flat Track Team expects to elevate its performance during the 2020 season.

“We are excited to have Ricky Howerton joining the Harley-Davidson Factory Team,” said Terry Vance, owner of Vance & Hines Motorsports. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and championship experience to an effort that already includes the tuning talent of Byron Hines and engineering resources at the Harley-Davidson Product Development Center. With our trio of great riders, I think we’ll be bringing a formidable team to the track in 2020.”

Crew chief Howerton and rider Smith won the 2016 AMA Grand National flat track championship for the Howerton/Crosley team.

“I think the Harley-Davidson Factory Team has all the ingredients in place to field bikes that can win every weekend, and the resources are there,” said Howerton. “We’ll have everything and anything we need to move the program forward.”

The team will field an updated Harley-Davidson XG750R flat tracker for 2020, according to Vance, powered by the liquid-cooled, fuel-injected and race-tuned 750cc Harley-Davidson^® Revolution X^™ V-Twin based on the production engine originally designed for the Harley-Davidson Street 750 motorcycle.

“We don’t plan to make many significant changes to the race bikes for the coming season,” said Vance. “We are focused on improving power delivery and grip, especially on slick track surfaces. Ricky Howerton and Bryan Smith bring years of set-up experience to the team that will be valuable in that regard.”

The Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Team will compete on the entire 18-event AFT SuperTwins schedule in 2020. The series kicks off on March 14 with the Daytona TT at Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fla.

Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Team

Kevin Howerton. Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson.

Ricky Howerton

Howerton has been involved in flat track racing since 2012, leading the Howerton/Crosley team to win three AMA Expert Twins championships (2012-14) and the 2016 AMA Grand National Championship. His teams have earned 25 national wins and 70 podium finishes. Howerton earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technologies from Purdue University at Indianapolis and has worked in the racing field since his teenage years. He raced sprint cars and finished fourth in the USAC national points in 1990 and was named Rookie of the Year. Howerton is 49 years old and lives in Indianapolis.

Bryan Smith. Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson.

Bryan Smith (National #4)

Known as the “Mile Master,” Smith has won 33 times in a 19-year Grand National flat track career, with 25 of those wins on demanding mile tracks. Smith is a three-time GNC Expert Twins champion (2012-14), the 2016 AMA Grand National champion, and won an ESPN X Games gold medal the debut X Games Harley-Davidson Flat Track event in 2015. After a very successful amateur flat-track racing career, Smith moved up to the AMA Pro Flat Track level in 2001 and was named Rookie of the Year in his first season in the series. In 2019, Smith finished 13th in AFT points and had three podium appearances. Smith is 36 years old and lives in Swartz Creek, Mich.

Jarod Vanderkooi. Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson.

Jarod Vanderkooi (National #20)

The 2014 GNC2 Twins champion, Jarod Vanderkooi (VAN-der-koy) won his first pro event on the Springfield Mile. He moved up to the top Grand National Twins class in 2015 and was named Rookie of the Year after scoring four top-10 finishes. In 2019, Vanderkooi raced his Harley-Davidson Factory XG750R to sixth place in AFT Twins points with 13 top-10 results. Vanderkooi is 22 years old and lives in Mt. Gilead, Ohio.

Dalton Gauthier. Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson.

Dalton Gauthier (National #79)

Gauthier has been a rising star on the flat track scene since he turned pro in 2015 at age 16. He finished second in the AFT Singles series in 2016, and in 2019 was crowned AFT Singles champion. Gauthier rode a Harley-Davidson XG750R to two wins in the 2019 AFT Production Twins series and placed fourth in season points. The 2020 season will be his first in AFT SuperTwins. Gauthier is 20 years old and lives in Pine Grove, Pa.

About Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Since 1903, Harley-Davidson Motor Company has fulfilled dreams of personal freedom with cruiser, touring and custom motorcycles, riding experiences and events, and a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise, riding gear and apparel. For more information, visit www.h-d.com.

New Jersey Motorsports Park Hosting 12th Annual Coats For Kids Event Dec. 6

David Swarts

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December 5, 2019

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Over 500 Cumberland County Children to Benefit from Coats for Kids Drive

Atlantic City Electric, Bottino’s Shoprite, Ocean First Bank, and South Jersey Gas, play major roles in the event hosted by NJMP’s Green Flag Committee

MILLVILLE, N.J. – Over 500 local children from 17 local schools are scheduled to visit New Jersey Motorsports Park on Friday, December 6 to enjoy their 12th Annual “Coats for Kids” holiday program hosted by the NJMP Green Flag Children’s Charities.

Cumberland County elementary school students, selected by their school, will choose a brand-new winter coat, a pair of gloves or mittens, a hat and a scarf, a book or two and then enjoy a hot, healthy lunch, plus a visit with Santa and some corporate mascots. Each item has been donated to the drive by corporations, Green Flag Committee members, and racers.

“The Green Flag Committee volunteers works hard to support our local children’s organizations,” said Don Fauerbach, founder of the NJMP Green Flag Committee. “For the 12th year in a row we are providing children in need with warmth and happiness during the holidays. We’re thankful for the support of our partners, our community, and all of the racers who have helped us raise the funds necessary to accomplish this special goal for local children.”

Leading the corporate contribution list are: Atlantic City Electric, Bottino’s Shoprite, Ocean First Bank, and South Jersey Gas with their generous contributions. Bottino’s Shoprite Stores are donating, preparing and serving the complete luncheon for the children, and South Jersey Gas, Atlantic City Electric, and Ocean First Bank are providing funding to purchase a portion of the winter wear. All four organizations will have volunteers at the event as well.

The motorsports community has once again provided significant support for this year’s coat drive. The South Jersey Region of the Sport Car Club of America (SCCA) and multiple Porsche Club of America and BMW Car Club of America regions have made substantial contributions.

Canadian Superbike Championship Returning To ICAR Circuit In 2020

December 6, 2019

Brett McCormick (6) won the first-ever CSBK event at the ICAR circuit in Mirabel, Quebec back in 2009. After a nine-year hiatus from the venue, the series returns to ICAR’s reconfigured layout in 2020. Photo by Rob O’Brien, courtesy of CSBK/PMP.