Lowes Seeking Home Race Success as Van Der Mark Targets Racing Return at Donington Park

Pata Yamaha WorldSBK rider, Alex Lowes, heads into his home race at Donington Park this weekend determined to repeat the potential that saw him challenge for the win last time out in Misano. Michael van der Mark, a double winner at Donington Park 12 months ago, hopes to return to action in Round 8 of the FIM Superbike World Championship this weekend, just two weeks after fracturing his [right] wrist in a free practice crash in Italy.

While Lowes has been a regular podium finisher in 2019, a race win has so far eluded the 28-year-old Briton. The Pata Yamaha rider heads to Donington Park with his sights set firmly on the podium once again but, with the added motivation that racing in front of your home crowd brings, hopeful of stepping onto the top step for the first time this season.

Van der Mark heads to the United Kingdom determined to race at Donington Park this weekend. The Pata Yamaha rider has completed an intensive rehabilitation program since undergoing successful surgery to stabilise the wrist injury sustained in his Misano crash, the cause of which is still being investigated. Van der Mark will have to undergo a mandatory medical examination on Thursday but hopes to be sufficiently recovered from the injury to be passed fit to race.

Should van der Mark be unable to race at Donington Park then his place in the Pata Yamaha WorldSBK team will be taken by McAMS Yamaha British Superbike rider, Tarran Mackenzie. A former British Supersport Champion with prior World Championship experience in the Moto2 class, Mackenzie took his debut British Superbike win on his R1 in the opening round of the 2019 season in Silverstone.

For the two GRT Yamaha Supported WorldSBK riders, Marco Melandri and Sandro Cortese, the goal for the Donington weekend is to build on what was a successful outing last time out in Misano. Melandri returned to the podium for the first time since the opening round in Australia, with third place in Race 1 in Italy, while Cortese was also battling for the podium in both the sprint race and Race 2, before crashes brought his challenges to an end.

Ten Kate Yamaha Supported WorldSBK rider, Loris Baz, heads to Donington determined to further close the gap on the top five in all three races. The Frenchman, who only returned to the WorldSBK Championship in Jerez, mastered tricky wet conditions to finish fourth in Race 1 in Misano, but is still searching for a set-up that would allow him to challenge at the front in the dry.

Alex Lowes

Pata Yamaha WorldSBK

“I’m excited about racing in front of my home fans at Donington Park this weekend. I only get one chance to do this in a season and I’m really looking forward to it. The Donington Park track is so much fun to ride, especially the section that takes in Craner Curves and the Old Hairpin, which is easily my favourite part of the circuit. While most of the track is fast and flowing, the last sector is more stop start but always brings close racing. The target has to be to win in front of my home crowd, especially after coming so close last time out in Misano.”

Michael van der Mark

Pata Yamaha WorldSBK

“I knew as soon as I’d had the surgery on the wrist that a return to racing at Donington Park was a possibility, so that’s what I’ve been working towards since. I haven’t lost any strength in the wrist, which was my main concern. The movement is still slightly restricted, but I’ve been having physiotherapy since Misano to improve this. It has hardly impacted on my training and I’ve been able to train with the same intensity as I did before the injury, so I hope to be passed fit to ride this weekend. It’s good to have Tarran there on standby, as the medical assessment and actually racing the bike are two very different things. I will only really know if I’m fit to race, rather than just fit to ride, after FP1 on Friday.”

Marco Melandri

GRT Yamaha Supported WorldSBK

“I’m looking forward to Donington Park, after what was for me a good weekend last time out in Misano. Donington is a track I like and one that suits my riding style. Judging from Michael van der Mark’s double win there last season, it’s also a track at which the Yamaha works very well indeed. I need to work on qualifying, to improve my position on the grid for the races, but I think we have the potential to really make a good race this weekend. The weather is looking good, which I’m happy about, and now I can’t wait to get started.”

Sandro Cortese

GRT Yamaha Supported WorldSBK

“I can’t wait to get to Donington, after we made a big step forward in Misano, where I was able to fight for the podium but wasn’t quite able to bring it home. The goal for this weekend in Donington is to work on the same level, fight again with the top guys to show that Misano wasn’t an anomaly and finish the three races in the top six.”

Loris Baz

Ten Kate Yamaha Supported WorldSBK

“We made some steps in the dry in Misano, finding a good setting with the front, but we are still missing something at the rear so it’s good we have two back-to-back races, starting in Donington this weekend. I feel really confident going into the weekend; it takes a bit of time to find the right set-up for me, because I am a bit taller and heavier than the other Yamaha riders, but we have some ideas for improvement. I really like the Donington track and I’ve finished on the podium there previously, so the goal this weekend is to close the gap to the top five again. I’m looking forward to the weekend ahead.”

ForzaSBK Named Official Dealer For Ohvale Motorcycles In PNW

Ohvale has made quite the splash in the American motorcycle market since arriving through Rise Moto in late 2018. Since then, motorcycle continue to arrive in for excited new customers and new spec classes are arising around the country in the various mini racing organizations operating nationwide. Rise Moto is proud to announce ForzaSBK as the new dealer for the Pacific Northwest. Washington and Oregon residents can be rest assured they will be well taken care of with their stock of spare parts. ForzaGP, a subsidiary of ForzaSBK, also has a fleet of rental bikes that people can take advantage of so they can try before they buy! Visit www.forzasbk.com or email them directly at [email protected] for more information if you live in the PNW!

Forza GP founder, Nathan Fitzgerald, commented:

“With the growing interest in the Ohvale GP-0, ForzaSBK stands ready to serve the Pacific Northwest as the official dealer. Working closely with ForzaGP’s rental fleet and race program, ForzaSBK will be accessible throughout the region for both sales and parts. We look forward to helping increase participation among youth road racers and seeing more GP-0’s on local grids.”

Brandon Cretu, Rise Moto Co-founder, commented:

“We are really excited to be working with Nathan at ForzaSBK. He has invested in the brand and we believe the PNW is a great area for growth in our sport, especially with recent rumors surrounding the Ridge and MotoAmerica! We have no doubt ForzaSBK will be a strong partner for us moving forward in that region.”

Ohvale SRL, based near Venice, Italy, is a veteran of the motorcycle industry, having worked with many large factories in the design, prototyping, and development of many projects. The vision of the Ohvale GP-0 platform is to provide a package that allows easy access for high level training for the youth road racers that will be the future of our sport as well as providing an economical option for older experienced racers to train and keep sharp for professional level competition. To learn more about Ohvale SRL, please visit www.ohvale.com.

Rise Moto LLC is a racer owner and operated company based out of Pennsylvania. It was founded by two friends and motorcycle enthusiasts, Brandon Cretu and Brian D’Apice. Both Brandon and Brian bring a wealth of marketing and business experience into Rise Moto and are invested in seeing the growth of the sport within the USA through the Ohvale platform.

For more information on Rise Moto and Ohvale please visit www.risemoto.com. There you can find and request more information on Ohvale motorcycles, parts, and accessories within the USA.

HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES’ MY20 FS 450 AVAILABLE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2019

FORMIDABLE PERFORMANCE FROM THE MOST ADVANCED 450 CC SUPERMOTO

Husqvarna Motorcycles is pleased to announce the release of the MY20 FS 450 – the only OEM produced, single-cylinder competition supermoto machine available on the market.

Featuring a compact, powerful engine combined with a lightweight frame and modern bodywork, the FS 450 delivers confidence inspiring handling and incredible overall on-track performance, continuing Husqvarna Motorcycles’ long and successful involvement in the supermoto segment.

The perfect combination of power and agility, the FS 450’s SOHC engine features a newly-shaped, lightweight CP piston and electric start and gives riders a plentiful and responsive supply of power, delivered through a PANKL Racing Systems 5-speed gearbox.

Aiding the bike’s superior performance, a compact cylinder head design, which positions the engine’s camshaft closer to the bike’s center of gravity, ensures unmatched handling and high-speed maneuverability. Carefully engineered levels of frame flex ensure excellent rider feedback and straight-line stability.

The FS 450’s functional bodywork delivers ergonomics that allow for superior comfort and control, ensuring increased rider performance over longer periods of time. WP XACT 48 mm front forks with AER technology guarantee easy adjustment and confidence inspiring front-end grip and stability, together with a WP rear shock that offers 266 mm of travel.

Enabling balanced and powerful braking, a 4-piston radially mounted Brembo caliper and pump work in conjunction with a 310 mm disc to deliver exceptional front wheel stopping performance. A single piston caliper and a 220 mm disc are mounted at the rear.

Finished with premium components, CNC machined triple clamps, Alpina wheels and Bridgestone tires, a carbon fiber composite subframe and a Magura hydraulic clutch ensure the FS 450 delivers unrivaled, top-level supermoto performance.

MY20 FS 450 HIGHLIGHTS

•Engine – class-leading power and only 60.2 lb (27.3 kg)

•Frame – perfect flex characteristics, advanced rider feedback

•Carbon composite subframe – lightweight and robust

•Swingarm – optimal stiffness and reliability in a lightweight construction

•WP XACT front fork – progressive and consistent damping

•WP rear shock – 266 mm wheel travel

•Black 16.5”/17” Alpina spoked wheels and Bridgestone slick tires – top-level performance

•Bodywork – distinctive looks, modern design and graphics

•Pro Taper handlebar – class-leading function and style

•Launch control – maximum traction for perfect starts

•44 mm Keihin throttle body – injector positioned for optimal flow

•Exhaust – lightweight, optimal performance

•Integrated cooling – maximum efficiency in minimum space

•High performance brakes – shorter stopping distance with greater control and confidence

•Cylinder head – lightweight and compact

Husqvarna Motorcycles also offer a revamped line-up of clothing and accessories, which meet the highest standards of quality and include functional garments and dedicated technical parts designed to further enhance the performance of the new supermoto machine.

The MY20 FS 450 will be available at an authorized Husqvarna Motorcycles dealer beginning September of 2019. 

Estenson Racing’s AFT Twins Riders Battle Successfully Through Tough Conditions At Lima

The Lima Half-Mile is arguably one of the toughest events on the AFT schedule, with its pea-gravel surface providing a nice cushion for the riders but also presenting a challenge from the copious roost that each competitor leaves in their wake. Despite the tough conditions, Estenson Racing’s trio of AFT Twins racers acquitted themselves well.

Jake Johnson and his AFT Twins teammate JD Beach both qualified for the Main Event, with Johnson finishing second in Semi 1 and Beach taking the checkers sixth, also in Semi 1. In the Main Event, which was red-flagged and had to be restarted, Johnson appeared to be headed for a podium result until a technical issue shuffled him back to 14th at the finish line. Meanwhile, Beach rode a solid race from start-to-finish and brought his Yamaha MT-07 DT home with a top-10 result.

In Production Twins, Kolby Carlile made a successful return to racing after recovering from a knee injury, and though he was hoping for a win, the New Yorker took his sixth-place Semi 1 result into the Main Event where he improved by one spot to record a top-five result on the night.

After a one-week hiatus, the Estenson Racing team will travel to Central New York State where they’ll compete in the New York Short Track event, which will take place on Saturday, July 13, at Weedsport Speedway.

Jake Johnson — AFT Twins #5:

“It ended disappointing. Like I said before, Lima has never been my favorite place. I’ve always kind of struggled here. I’ve had some okay results in the past, but it’s always been one of those races I almost dread coming to, just because I could never figure it out. I felt really good today. I was kind of there in the hunt. I ended up second in my Semi, which was pretty good and got the front row for the main event. I can’t remember the last time I started on the front row here, so that was huge. I’m like, okay, I got a chance of somewhat staying clean in this deal. I got off the start and I kind of surprised myself. The first few laps I was running right with the leaders, running third. The track kind of started getting chopped up a little bit and I was searching trying to find a line. After the restart, the bike just didn’t feel right. I went a few more laps and just had some electrical issue. I felt we had a really good chance at getting at least a top five tonight. This is one of those places that’s really tough for me and this is the best I’ve felt here in a long time. So that’s a bummer, but just got to keep charging and take these next couple weeks, regroup, and head on to New York.”

JD Beach — AFT Twins #95:

“The day started out well. The track was smooth, it was fun. I felt like the bike was working well, but then throughout the day when it started getting rough, we were struggling with it a bit. For the Main, we made some big changes, I think we made some progress with the bike. Although we didn’t do as well as we hoped, I’m glad we made some changes that made the bike better. We’ll take that and go to the next race.”

Kolby Carlile — AFT Production Twins #136:

“I felt really good coming into the weekend, and then we had some personal family issues hit and my dad wasn’t able to make it here this weekend. He’s sick back home in the hospital. So there’s definitely a lot of emotions today not having my dad here in my corner, but we started off strong in qualifying and practice. I thought we had a really good bike under us. I didn’t have a very good start in the Semi which pushed me back. That put me on the second row for the Main Event. I just put my head down. I knew what I had to do. I was able to get a good start like I needed. Then slowly started scooting my way towards the front. It was just one of those deals. Different track this year compared to last year. It was pretty dry/slick, so by the time I got up to where I wanted, I was kind of just going the same speed as third and fourth. That’s all we had today, a top five, but from where we started the day, I’m happy with it. We’ll improve for Rapid City, the next production twins race.”

Catch the race on NBCSN, July 6 at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Stay up to date with Estenson Racing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

More, from another press release issued by Estenson Racing:

Estenson Racing’s Ryan Wells and Dallas Daniels Race Their Yamaha YZ450Fs To Solid Results At Lima

Estenson Racing’s Ryan Wells and Dallas Daniels both had solid nights at the Lima Half-Mile with Wells notching a top five result and Daniels making the Main Event in the freshly minted 16-year-old’s very first attempt, finishing just outside the top 10.

Conditions were challenging for the Yamaha YZ450F-mounted pair, and they had their hands full (and their faceshields, leathers, and bikes) quite literally with Lima’s legendary pea gravel creating a gnarly roost behind each competitor’s bike. Despite the pelting, Wells and Daniels hung tough all day and throughout the evening.

Daniels finished a remarkable fourth in Heat 1, while Wells was one position better, with a third-place finish in Heat 3. Wells then finished fourth in Semi 1, and Daniels was third in Semi 2. Both riders had great showings in the preliminary races leading up to the evening’s 15-lap Main Event, and Wells ultimately finished fifth in the Main, with his young teammate Daniels finishing 11th.

After a one-week hiatus, the Estenson Racing team will travel to Central New York State where they’ll compete in the New York Short Track event, which will take place on Saturday, July 13, at Weedsport Speedway.

Ryan Wells — AFT Singles #94:

“Lima was different this year for sure. It’s usually one of the races that I come to and look to get a win. We battled some stuff all day and unfortunately was on the back row for the Main Event. It was definitely a gnarly first few laps, but the changes that we made to the bike were super good for the line that I was riding in. I just didn’t get into fifth soon enough. I made a last five lap charge for the podium spots, but just ran out of time. The bike was really good for the Main Event. I think if we could have figured it out sooner we would have been in a shoe-in for a podium. We’ll just take it and move onto the next one.”

Dallas Daniels — AFT Singles #163:

“The day started out a little rough. In the Main Event, we kind of got off to a not-so-good start. I was in probably seventh or eighth, and going into turn three I had a big moment. It was pretty slick. I almost looped out over there. The rest of the race just kind of was holding on and trying to figure out some stuff. The first couple laps I wasn’t really riding very good. The last seven or eight laps I kind of poured it on and was starting to put in good, consistent laps. So for my first pro race, to start on front row and get 11th, I’m pretty happy with it for sure.

Catch the race on NBCSN, July 6 at 2:00 p.m. ET.

More, from a press release issued by Indian Motorcycle:

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE’S FTR750 FINISHES TOP SIX AT LIMA HALF-MILE

Indian Wrecking Crew Rider Jared Mees Wins Third Race of Season Aboard FTR750;

Indian Privateers Jeffrey Carver Jr. & Henry Wiles Finish Second & Third

LIMA, OH. – Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, and its championship-winning FTR750 earned its seventh win of the 2019 season at the Lima Half-Mile in Lima, Ohio. Indian Wrecking Crew Rider and defending champion, Jared Mees, secured his third win of the season, while Indian Privateers Jeffrey Carver Jr. and Henry Wiles finished in second and third, respectfully, to complete the FTR750 podium sweep.

The 2019 Lima Half-Mile will be best remembered for a red flag restart that occurred six laps into the Twins Main. Following the restart, Mees was able to maintain the lead, while Carver strategically slid past a pack of riders and battled Mees for first. Mees was able to maintain first place and move back into second in the season standings – now only trailing fellow Wrecking Crew Rider and points leader Briar Bauman by 13 points.

“This was an impressive bounce-back race for Jared. He showcased determination, grit and reminded us all why he’s the back-to-back reigning AFT Twins champion,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology & Service for Indian Motorcycle. “It was some of the best racing we’ve seen this season, and we’re extremely proud of our factory race team and privateers for battling it out and earning the top six finishes.”

Fellow Indian riders Brandon Price, Bronson Bauman and Rob Pearson, finished in fourth, fifth and sixth place, respectfully. After starting in the back of the pack, Wrecking Crew Rider Bronson Bauman showcased immense determination as he fought his way up to fifth.

Through nine races, Briar Bauman remains the series points leader with 145 points. Mees is second with 132 and Bronson Bauman is fourth with 101.

The season continues on July 13 with the New York Short Track at the Weedsport Speedway in Weedsport, NY. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information Indian Motorcycle Racing’s sponsors, visit their websites: Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, S&S Cycle, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties, Alpinestars, Bell Helmets and J&P Cycles.

ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®

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

APRILIA FINISHES FIRST AT 2019 PIKES PEAK RACE

RENNIE SCAYSBROOK ON TUONO FACTORY TOPS THE HEAVYWEIGHT CATEGORY

NEW YORK, NY – 1 July 2019 – Following the historic run on America’s Mountain, the 97th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, held annually in Colorado Springs, the Aprilia Tuono Factory finished the 2019 run with the fastest time in the heavyweight category. With Rennie Scaysbrook riding to a 09:44:963 finish time, he broke the previous record held by Chris Fillmore of 09:49:625. Scaysbrook, in his first effort with Aprilia, raced in the heavyweight category, designated to production motorcycles that come stock with a single piece handlebar, and further confirmed the capability of the Aprilia V4 platform in the naked sportbike. Besting his own time by over 14 seconds, Scaysbrook aboard the Aprilia now holds the heavyweight record to top the enigmatic summit of Pikes Peak, in an event that had an emotional conclusion.

“The event was spectacular, until we heard of Carlin’s Dunne’s accident,” said Scaysbrook following his triumphant run, “Carlin was a huge part of my Pikes Peak experience, helping me as a rookie in 2016 as a mentor, then going head to head with me in 2018—a race he came out the winner. Carlin was a gentleman. As the final two competitors to take the start the race this year, Carlin shook my hand and wished me luck, as we both told each other we’d see each other at the top. The world has lost a true champion.”

Regarding the race itself, and the preparation for the week Scaysbrook expanded, “The race was one of those occasions where my motorcycle and I just gelled. The work we did throughout the week was calculated and systematic, making the bike better and better, and I’m so grateful to have such an incredible team behind me to help achieve this result.”

The Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 represents the state-of-the-art in technology: the sophisticated electronic management includes the advanced dynamic controls package with APRC, cornering ABS, quick shift active even in downshifting, pit limiter and cruise control. The unique 175 hp 65° V4 engine and the racing frame provide unparalleled performance. Simply unrivalled, Aprilia Tuono has been voted over time as one of the most adrenaline pumping and efficient bikes ever.

For 2019, in honor of the Pikes Peak project, Aprilia has released a limited edition “Summit Attack” version of the Tuono, which will arrive in July, and will be limited to just 25 units, reserved for the US market only: https://www.aprilia.com/us_EN/bikes/road/V4/tuono-v4-1100-factory-summit-attack/