Riding motorcycles has always been inherently dangerous. Although safety has improved with better tires, suspension, traction control, and riding gear, the laws of physics still apply when things go wrong. Be it on the track, street, or dirt, fellow riders are often are the first ones to arrive on scene when somebody crashes. And since emergency medical professional may not always be nearby, there are steps rider can take to improve the situation, or at least attempt to prevent further injury until paramedics arrive.
As a career firefighter/paramedic, an AFM racer, and an instructor with a track-day provider, my fellow instructors and recognized the need to develop simple approaches to being more than just bystanders–and actually assist in a emergency medical response.
Even though we developed our approaches for track-day situations, they can also apply to your street or trail riding. The goal is to get the injured rider stabilized, initiate basic life support, and have them ready for transport as soon as possible in order to maximize their overall outcome. In the emergency medicine world, we have a goal called The Golden Hour–getting a trauma victim to definitive care within one hour of the injury. Following these steps before paramedics arrive can shorten the on-scene time for the injured rider, increasing their chance of survival. Keep in mind the physician’s Hippocratic Oath of “first, do no harm,” which is important because many injuries to crash victims actually occur after the initial incident; we want to minimize the chance of further injury.
The first step is to understand and assess the initial scene and plan an approach. There are three priorities when dealing with a downed rider, with the first priority being you. You need to make sure you are safe and that your bike is located in an area where the both of you do not end up becoming bowling pins should another rider come through, grab a handful of brakes, and crash into you. Target-fixation is a real thing, and it is not uncommon for riders to be distracted and crash themselves when approaching an incident. Walk backwards towards the incident if you must, or have a fellow rider watch for traffic, but make sure your safety comes first.
The second priority is making sure your fellow riders and bystanders do not become part of the incident. And the third priority is the downed rider; this may sound callous, but it is there for good reason–to make sure you do not expand the incident, creating more injuries and diverting medical resources from the initial accident.
As you approach the downed rider, you can gain perspective of the potential injuries by looking at their position, the damage to the motorcycle, and the damage to any trackside objects that may have been hit (“furniture,” as some Irish road racers would call it). The rider’s position combined with the collateral damage of the incident will tell you the “Mechanism of Injury,” a medical term to indicate what probable injuries may have occurred. For example, if a rider low-sides and takes a header into the tire wall, the Mechanism of Injury would tell us we could expect head and neck injuries.
As we approach the rider, we want to look at their movements, which can give you an indication of injuries. Are they favoring an arm or a leg, are they moaning, are they moving in a rational manor, or are they disoriented and asking repetitive questions? Most riders, especially newer ones, will lie on the ground for a moment to collect themselves; experienced riders and racers will often jump up and look at their bike to see how damaged it is, even when they have sustained injuries. Many racers have experience with injuries, so the shock factor is not so high following a crash.
If you are an instructor at a track-day event, make eye contact with a cornerworker and let them know what resources you need. This is where it is important to know what hand signals are used at each track so you can communicate the need for a red flag and/or an ambulance, or if there is oil on the track. Having a good relationship with track staff is essential during an unexpected event.
Once we make contact with the injured rider, we typically will not move them. The rare occasions when we will move a rider is if their airway is compromised or if further injury will occur from their current position; but most of the time, we do not move a downed rider.
Next, we follow the basics of Airway, Breathing, and Circulation, or “ABCs.” For our purposes we are just assessing to see how well the rider is managing their airway and how effective their breathing is. There are really only two occasions where we will immediately remove a rider’s helmet–if their airway is blocked in some manner, or if they are vomiting. This is a very delicate procedure, as you can cause further neck injury when removing a helmet if it is not done correctly. That being said, a neck injury is irrelevant if the person dies from not being able to breath. This is one of those exercises you want to practice beforehand. With a quick internet search, you can find a number of online tutorials on how to properly remove an injured rider’s helmet.
The circulation piece for our purposes is basically looking at their skin signs; the big red flag is if they are pale and sweaty. When you are in full leathers lying in the dirt at Buttonwillow Raceway in the middle of August, even a healthy person will be sweaty, but a combination of someone looking pale with profuse sweating can be in indication that the person is going into shock.
The next step is to assess their mental status or “Level of Consciousness;” this is done by asking four basic questions, “What’s your name? What happened? Where are you? What is the date?” If they answer all four questions correctly, we have determined that they are “alert and oriented times four.” This is important to relay to paramedics when they arrive. This line of questioning is used universally among emergency medical personnel, so they will immediately understand what you are telling them.
If you are dealing with a disoriented rider, this can be one of the more challenging scenarios. First, this is an indication of a head injury, which is bad. Secondly, they are rarely cooperative, so you can expect erratic and even combative behavior, repetitive questioning, strange requests, denial of any injury, and most of the time they are going to insist on taking their gear off regardless of what you tell them. We do not want to restrain people in this situation, we want to do our best to calm them down and keep them from injuring themselves further.
Dealing with non-head-injury situations can be easier; our goal with these riders is to simply stabilize their injuries. This is typically done by holding the injured appendage in the position you found it. If you can feel a pulse at the wrist or ankle, great, this tells you that whatever fracture they may have has not severed or blocked an artery. Stabilizing an injury goes the same for head, neck, and back injuries. With this situation we want to hold the person’s helmet in the position we found them, assuming their chin is not pressed against their chest and blocking their airway. Let the injured rider know what you are doing; our goal is to prevent movement of the head that can further injure their spine. Imagine a bowling bowl attached to the end of a broomstick; moving that bowling ball is going to have an immediate effect on that stick, and we want to keep them both from moving. This can be done by kneeling down by the rider’s head and placing your hands on each side of their helmet; this is referred to as “holding c-spine.” Make sure you are comfortable because you are going to be there for a while. Once you hold an injury in place whether it is an arm, leg, or head, you do not let go until you can hand it off to a paramedic.
Bleeding injuries are another challenge. In these situations we want to apply direct pressure to the area to stop the bleeding. If the wound continues to bleed, you can attempt to elevate the appendage above the level of the heart, but this must be done with care to ensure you are not moving the arm or leg in a manner that will injure the rider.
Should it occur, the worst-case scenario is when a rider is in cardiac arrest. We often assume this is from a traumatic injury from a crash, but of the few I have encountered at the racetrack the majority were the result of medical conditions such as a stroke or heart attack. Regardless, if you are trained in CPR, which you really should be for a lot of reasons, you can begin resuscitation efforts. And whether you are trained in CPR or not, it is critical that you get help on the way immediately.
Now that we have done what we can for our fellow rider, we are going to hand them off to the arriving paramedics. The paramedics do not need a long story as to what happened, and they will likely blow you off if they feel you are distracting them from the rider, so your simple goal is to tell them who the rider is, their age, their level of consciousness, extent of their injuries and what you have done. For example, “This is John, he is 36 years old, alert and oriented times three, complaining of left leg pain, it appears his leg is broken at the ankle, we have held his leg in place and kept his head from moving by holding c-spine since he isn’t able to answer all of our questions and we’re worried about a head injury.” The paramedic will thank you and let you know if they want you to keep holding the leg and the head. With this information, the paramedics have a head start on their patient assessment, reducing their on-scene time and you have prevented further injury by stabilizing John. Great job!
Ultimately, a rider critically injured in a motorcycle crash needs definitive care from a surgeon. Your goals are to maximize the rider’s chance of both survival and to minimize injury. Utilizing basic life support skills, you can give riders that chance. I hope this has been helpful. Be safe and always ride with the best gear available!
About the author: Clive Savacool has been an AFM racer and a riding instructor with Carters@theTrack since 2008 on the west coast; he won an AFM Expert-class championship in 2019. Savacool has competed in several professional races including the 2014 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Savacool’s experience in the fire service began in 1996 in the San Francisco Bay Area and he recently left the position of Fire Chief for the City of South Lake Tahoe to be CEO of the software company LogRx. For more information on rider first aid, Clive can be contacted at [email protected]
Editorial Note: You can read more from Sam Fleming’s test on the Continental SM 2 tires in an upcoming issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine, which is available in print and digital formats.
Sam Fleming went to Austria to test the new SM 2 street-going Super Moto tire from Continental.
In this video he walks through a little history of Continental, a long-term tire test of the Continental SM Evo, and, finally, the SM 2 technical improvements and riding impressions.
Fantic Racing Moto2 and Aron Canet agree to contract renewal
Fantic Racing is thrilled to announce a contract extension with Aron Canet, ensuring the continuation of the successful collaboration in the Moto2 World Championship beyond 2024.
Aron Canet joined Fantic Racing Moto2 for the 2024 season, starting the campaign with a stunning pole position in Qatar. During the first half of the season, he secured two more pole positions. In just his second GP appearance with the team, the 24-year-old Spaniard clinched his maiden win in the intermediate category. His impressive performance at the Portugal GP marked the seventh victory of his World Championship career. Following his second place at the British GP, Canet now has a total of 39 GP podiums and 15 pole positions to his name.
Aron Canet:
“I am really happy to renew my contract with Fantic Racing. The team always pushes me to do my best, and they are like family to me. We are at a high level but we want to keep growing this year to be even stronger for the remainder of this season and 2025. I am here with a clear goal: to become a world champion with Fantic!”
Roberto Locatelli, Fantic Racing Moto2 Team Manager:
“I believe confirming Aron Canet for the next season is a big move. This exciting news makes us proud and is the result of the dedication and hard work of the entire Fantic team, both on track and back in the factory. The commitment shown by everyone is remarkable. In just two years of involvement in the MotoGP paddock, Fantic is already leaving its mark in GP racing. It is a big move for Aron as well, as he is a top rider who will have the opportunity to fight for more success together with us. His decision to continue with us highlights his confidence in the Fantic Racing project.”
Stefano Bedon, Fantic Racing Moto2 Project Manager:
“We are very happy to continue our journey with Aron Canet. Over these past months, we have had the chance to really get to know him, and we share the same values. Aron is a fighter, a team player and a great professional who pushes himself to the limit in every session, without fear. So far, we have achieved three pole positions, a victory and another podium together. He has great potential, and we are committed to maximizing it. We want to be right there in every race, aiming for increasingly ambitious goals.”
It’s been about two months since Olivia Grace, a.k.a. “OG,” received her Strider bike. In Part One of this series, OG had just begun to pull herself up to stand using the bike (and copying that movement on other items in the house).
We’ve been having lots of fun, and while she hasn’t made a tremendous amount of progress towards actually riding the bike on her own, she has made countless developmental leaps, thanks in large part to this amazing unit. I feel like that deserves some mention, as other parents, like me, are constantly looking for fun activities that foster mental and physical growth and development. The Strider has gotten our now 10-month-old, big girl on the move.
Olivia Grace “OG” Barnes, age 10 months, and her Strider balance bike on its rocker base. Photo by Anne Barnes.
Olivia has now completely mastered ‘pull to stand.’ A few months ago, she would slowly and methodically grab at different levels of parts on the bike (base, to seat, to handlebar) to get herself into a standing position. Now, she just gets up on her knees on the floor and reaches up high for the bar and pulls. She beams with confidence when she stands; giving off a 100-watt, five-toothed, pearly white smile.
Olivia Grace “OG” Barnes, age 10 months, uses her Strider balance bike to stand and maintain her balance. Photo by Anne Barnes.
She has a new trick, though! She now let’s go of the bike and stands on her own. She thinks this new feat is hysterical, and often falls down in a fit of laughter after about 30 seconds of standing solo.
She can also mimic her newly learned skill on any other household item to stand whenever and wherever she chooses. She has really enjoyed getting a bird’s eye view of what the dog is doing and swiping all of the cup coasters off of the coffee table.
Olivia Grace “OG” Barnes’s mother Anne Barnes feels that interacting with her Strider balance bike allowed her to advance to “cruising” around the house. Photo by Anne Barnes.
Perhaps, the most exciting emerging skill of all has been that OG is now ‘cruising.’ She can walk around while holding onto objects. She was ushered into this skill quickly because the Strider rocks back and forth, so she had to adjust her body position and move her feet to keep balance while doing her assisted standing. She walked because she had to.
She quickly figured out that she could cover a lot of ground by moving from object to object. She loves to walk around the bike and transfer to walking along the walls, chairs, or whatever else she can hang onto within reach.
Once she got this movement down, she wanted to cruise on everything in the house. She could walk from end to end if we strung together a series of objects for her to travel on. The ottoman, fireplace ledge (protected by blanket), and kitchen chairs have also turned into fun walking playgrounds.
The Strider not only works Olivia physically, but it’s also served as a fantastic mental work out. We’ve watched her transition from pushing, pulling, and scratching at random parts on the bike to playing with purpose and understanding cause and effect.
For example, we usually sit her on the bike and rock her at different speeds (which she also thinks is hilarious). Since she knows that the bike is for sitting, she will pick her leg up while standing and act like she is attempting to step onto the base, as we have shown her.
She’s also picked a few favorite things she consistently likes to do with the unit. She likes the sound the bike makes when she rocks the base by hand, and it bangs into the wall. The swingarm has a grippy cover that makes a fun sound when scratched. The base acts as a phenomenal drum when hit with other toys. Her favorite hand position as I rock her on the bike is the left hand on the bar pad and her right hand on the right grip.
I am always closely supervising OG during play. I appreciate the fact that the Strider is a well thought out and safe toy for a child this age. We haven’t found any parts that could cut her or any parts that stick out far enough in awkward places that could poke her in the eye or hurt her if she fell on it.
Olivia Grace “OG” Barnes’s father, Daytona 200 winner Michael Barnes, zip-tied the wheels of her Strider balance bike in place to avoid them turning while being used as a hand hold by the baby. Photo by Anne Barnes.
Olivia Grace “OG” Barnes’s father, Daytona 200 winner Michael Barnes, zip-tied the wheels of her Strider balance bike in place to avoid them turning while being used as a hand hold by the baby. Photo by Anne Barnes.
The wheels barely turn while the bike is mounted into the base, and when she was learning to stand, she would sometimes roll the wheel slightly on accident and lose balance. Just to be safe, Michael ran a cable tie through each wheel onto the frame so she wouldn’t get caught by surprise and fall if the wheel happened to turn a little bit. She eventually figured out that the wheels weren’t great spots to hang onto while pulling to stand and she steadied herself elsewhere.
All in all, Olivia is loving her Strider bike. It’s so versatile and is serving many purposes beyond riding during these very young days. It truly amazes me how far she has come since just a few short months ago. While I’m soaking in each day, loving watching her learn and explore through trial and error, I truly cannot wait for the day she is able to rock on the bike herself, and better yet, when she can scoot around on our driveway pad on her own.
Nap time is nearly over, so it’s time for me to close out. We’re keeping it light and super fun and she’s learning at her own pace. I’ll be sure to update again at the next big milestone or cluster of milestones. Bye for now!
HARLEY-DAVIDSON FACTORY RACER KYLE WYMAN WINS SUNDAY AND FINISHES SECOND SATURDAY AT MID-OHIO; RETAINS KING OF THE BAGGERS CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS LEAD
Team Saddlemen Harley-Davidson Racer Cory West Takes Over Super Hooligan Points Lead
MILWAUKEE (August 19, 2024) – Harley-Davidson® Factory Racing rider Kyle Wyman scored his sixth victory of the season and maintained his points lead in the MotoAmerica® Mission King Of The Baggers series at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Aboard a race-prepared 2024 Road Glide® motorcycle, Wyman was the top qualifier and finished 2-1 in the double header race weekend. RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson rider Rocco Landers placed third in both races to run his string of consecutive podium finishes to four.
“It was good get another win and keep the points lead,” said Wyman following the Sunday race, which was red flagged after four laps following an incident involving RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson rider Hayden Gillim. “I thought we were going to have a battle with the Indian at the end today but I think we are due some luck so we’ll take it and carry our momentum to Circuit of The Americas.”
In the Mission Super Hooligan race series on Sunday, Saddlemen/Harley-Davidson rider Cory West took over the series points lead with a second-place finish in Race 1 and his third win of the season in Race 2 on a race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Pan America® 1250 Special motorcycle. Saddlemen/Harley-Davidson rider Jake Lewis scored his third win of the season in Race 1, beating West and KWR/Harley-Davidson rider Hayden Schultz to the finish for an all-Harley-Davidson podium.
On Saturday, Wyman led from the pole position and battled with Factory Indian rider Troy Herfoss for the lead in the early laps. Close behind was a fierce fight for third place between Harley-Davidson Factory Racing rider James Rispoli, and RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson teammates Gillim and Landers. Wyman trailed Herfoss by 1.040 seconds at the finish. Landers claimed third place ahead of Gillim and Rispoli.
On Sunday the start was delayed by a brief rain shower and the race was shortened from 9 to 6 laps. Wyman led from the start, with Herfoss in close pursuit as the pair pulled away from Landers and Rispoli. On lap 4 Gillim lost control of his bike, which came to a stop on the racing surface causing the race to be stopped. The race was declared complete with Wyman 0.280 seconds ahead of Herfoss. Landers finished in third place and Rispoli was fourth.
“It was a great weekend for the H-D team all around,” said Rispoli. “Kyle did an amazing job keeping the points lead. We did a great job recovering from some lost time during the weekend. I felt comfortable in the race, and a podium was in the cards. Hayden’s incident and the red flag really scrapped that opportunity, but I hope he is OK. I can’t wait for COTA!”
After 14 of 18 rounds in the 2024 MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers series, Wyman has 282 points and a 14-point lead over Herfoss, with 268 points. Gillim is in third place with 189 points, followed by Factory Indian rider Tyler O’Hara with 182 points, Rispoli with 154 points, and Landers with 138 points.
After 8 of 10 rounds in the 2024 Mission Super Hooligan series, Team Saddlemen’s West leads with 147 points. S&S/Indian rider Tyler O’Hara is second with 143 points, followed by Lewis with 113 points and KWR/Harley-Davidson rider Cody Wyman with 105 points.
The Mission King Of The Baggers and the Mission Super Hooligan series return to action September 13-15 at Circuit of The Americas in Travis County, Texas.
Harley-Davidson® Factory Racing is sponsored by Mission® Foods, Rockford Fosgate®, Brembo®, Öhlins®, Protolabs®, SYN3® lubricants, and Screamin’ Eagle® Performance Parts and Accessories.
MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Race Results – Mid-Ohio Race 1
Petersen Comes Back to Finish Eighth In Race 2 at Mid-Ohio
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Cameron Petersen and Jake Gagne score top 10 finishes on a tough weekend in Ohio
Attack Performance/Progressive Yamaha’s Cameron Petersen (45) leads his teammate Jake Gagne (1), Richie Escalante (behind Gagne), Brandon Paasch (96), Ashton Yates (27), and Hayden Gillim (69) at Mid-Ohio. Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
MARIETTA, Ga. – August 19, 2024 – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Cameron Petersen finished eighth as he returned to action for Sunday’s MotoAmerica Superbike Race 2 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. It was a tough weekend for the team, with both riders feeling less than 100% with injuries. His teammate Jake Gagne also salvaged points, finishing 10th on the technical track.
Petersen had a big crash during Thursday’s Official Dunlop Test, adding an ankle injury to an already torn meniscus from training during the break. After being sidelined for Saturday’s opening race with another crash in the second qualifying session, he got the all-clear Sunday morning to race. Despite feeling less than 100%, the South African got a great start from the second row of the grid into fourth and was in fifth after the opening lap. Petersen was shuffled to seventh on Lap 5 and then continued to battle for position, ultimately finishing eighth to salvage some points on a tough weekend.
Gagne didn’t get the start he was hoping for in Race 2 and was seventh after the start. He was shuffled to eighth on the opening lap but continued to work on making his way forward on the technical track despite his lingering arm pump issues. Gagne passed his teammate on Lap 8 and maintained seventh for five laps, but ultimately would cross the line 10th to salvage some more points, leaving Ohio third in the point standings and tied with fellow Yamaha rider Bobby Fong.
The Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing team returns to action next month for the penultimate round of the MotoAmerica season and a Superbike tripleheader at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, on September 13-15.
Richard Stanboli – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager
“It was not the results we were looking for. We’re moving on and will come back at COTA.”
Cameron Petersen – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #45
“It was a super rough weekend for the team and myself. Unfortunately, I had a big crash on Thursday that changed the outcome of the whole weekend, but a massive thank you to the team for the incredible work they did this weekend. We will get them at the next one.”
Jake Gagne – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #1
“It was another tough race today, continuing to deal with hand issues. The team and bike deserve stronger results, so we’ll get it sorted.”
2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Results
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars [sold, serviced, and distributed by Yamaha Golf-Car Company], Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, three corporate offices in Georgia, as well as facilities in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Florida. YMUS subsidiaries Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC), based in Georgia, and Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing U.S.A. (YJBM) based in Tennessee, each assemble and manufacture selected Yamaha brand products. YMUS owns Skeeter Boats [Texas] with its division G3 Boats [Missouri]. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC) with subsidiary Siren Marine [Rhode Island] and divisions Bennett Marine [Florida], Yamaha Marine Rotational Molders [Wisconsin] and Yamaha Precision Propeller Inc. [Indiana].
Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA, dba Yamaha Financial Services, is an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA offering financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide.
More, from a press release issued by Energica:
MINGLING AT MID-OHIO: SOLID PROGRESS BUILDING UP TO SEASON FINALE
Stefano Mesa (137) on his Energica Eva Ribelle RS KCC. Photo courtesy Energica.
The Mid-Ohio Sports CarCourse made a long awaited, perhaps surprising appearance with MotoAmerica, after a decade of absence from national motorcycle series competition. Only a handful of current MotoAmerica riders (or perhaps less) have ever raced on the narrow and technical, twisty 3.862mile Midwest racetrack, which has a long history of two- and four-wheeled racing dating back to 1962.
It is of no surprise then that there was a welcome reception for the fans and the locals, who flocked to the venue for a weekend of racing (and camping, as the course is famous for excellent camper facilities with great views and plentiful shade) with friends and family alike. Given their relatively short history in racing, neither Energica nor team Tytlers Cycle Racing had ever turned wheels at this circuit, so it was a bit of a step into the unknown.
Nevertheless, the team’s only rider for the Super Hooligan National Championship, Stefano Mesa, had a chance to get to grips with the track on Thursday, albeit on TCR’s Supersport machine, before jumping on the powerful Eva Ribelle RS KCC to begin the penultimate event of the season.
The results went as follows: Mesa was tenth in qualifying, eighth in Race One and then tenth again in Race Two. As much as these results mirror in many ways those achieved in Laguna Seca five weeks prior, the gap to the frontrunners is getting slimmer, albeit not enough to get in the mix – not this at least – for podium contention.
When a new track arrives with no prior testing, set-up and feeling have to be built as the weekend progresses, with very little room for experimentation. If we throw in the notorious unpredictability of Midwestern summer weather, chances are that track-time will be further reduced. Which it happened, of course, as due to torrential rain Qualifying 2 was really of no use, causing the Sunday warmup to be replaced by Race One as the latter had to be postponed due the impracticability of the track.
In what was a race for adaptation, the Eva Ribelle RS KCC proved to be more than capable of solid performance throughout, with top speed matching the frontrunners and Mesa able to improve by one second his fastest race time across the two encounters (which ended up being separated by merely two hours).
By quoting a classic of the movie industry: ‘It could be worse, it could be raining’. Luckily it didn’t happen today, so we did get to race.
Time to pack and get ready for the Circuit of The Americas. (September 13-15).
Click on the links to re-watch the two Super Hooligans races at Mid-Ohio on YouTube: Race 1 – Race 2
More, from a press release issued by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC:
VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI RACER TY SCOTT FIGHTS FOR THE WIN, EARNS SECOND AT MID-OHIO
Brea, CA, (August 19, 2024) — Suzuki Motor USA (Suzuki) and Team Hammer tackled the undulating corners of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the first time in a decade with the MotoAmerica tour bringing the nation’s top motorcycle racers back to the iconic track last raced at in 2014.
Race Highlights
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki
Supersport
Tyler Scott returned to the podium with a strong second on Sunday.
Teagg Hobbs charged to fifth in Saturday’s wild Race 1.
Joel Ohman improved several positions from Saturday to Sunday.
Superbike
Richie Escalante impressed with his speed and grit in his return despite still fighting his way back to full health.
Brandon Paasch again teased his podium potential with a strong qualifying performance despite his final results falling short of that promise.
Ty Scott (70) capped off a challenging weekend with a podium result in Sunday’s Supersport race. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki racer Tyler Scott (70) closed out what had been a dramatic weekend of inclement weather and delays in a straight fight for victory in Sunday’s MotoAmerica Supersport contest. Sunday’s dry conditions came as a relief after a protracted Saturday of changeable conditions resulted in a hard-earned sixth. Finally able to again show his true potential on the next-generation Suzuki GSX-R750, Scott led several laps and battled for victory to the flag, ultimately finishing in second just 0.160 seconds off the win.
“We had a result we liked today and ended an up-and-down weekend the way we wanted,” Scott said. “My Suzuki was really strong, and over the last ten days – with testing and this weekend’s racing – we saw some fantastic improvements. The GSX-R750 felt amazing. We have made great progress. But this weekend, I crashed on Thursday, and it basically cost the team two sessions. We were playing catch-up, then got into a mixed conditions race on Saturday where the setup choices were not that clear. We did okay, then made big changes for today and the front end setup was what I wanted. I felt we were very competitive, and getting second at a new track for us is a great reward. I am excited about the next races because we are heading forward.”
Teagg Hobbs (79) charged through the field on Saturday, carding a top-five Supersport result. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
While most riders were mired in Saturday’s chaos, Teagg Hobbs (79) used it as a ladder. With riders opting for contrasting tire strategies as the track’s surface changed from dry to wet to dry, Hobbs charged his way up from 15th to end the day inside the top five, finishing one position ahead of teammate Scott in fifth. However, Sunday was not quite as kind as Hobbs came home 14th in the rematch.
Hobbs said, “We went with the right tire choice and had a strong bike for those conditions. We needed the top-five result, and it was great to get it. Sunday did not go as well. We had a crash on the first lap of the warm-up, and it seems we have had bad luck all year. We’re working hard on getting a solid direction to put us back up front.”
Joel Ohman (92) continues to progress and gain speed despite the challenges of a new track. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
The team’s third Supersport pilot, Joel Ohman (92), used the weekend as another opportunity to gain valuable race experience and confirmed his ability to convert that opportunity into results, improving several positions from Saturday to Sunday.
“It was an eventful weekend for us,” Ohman said. “In the end, I learned a lot. It was also good to have Richie Escalante back. Saturday was pretty challenging. A bike blew up in front of me, and I was covered in his oil, including my visor so I couldn’t see very well at the beginning of the race. Then I had rain tires on, but as the track dried, it made for a race where I felt I could lose either end of the bike as the track became completely dry. Sunday was also challenging, with a change to the bike that helped one area but hurt us in another. Still, we were able to pick up some positions, and improved on our starting position. We changed up our debrief, and now we have all three SuperSport riders debriefing together instead of individually. I felt I learned a lot from Teagg and Ty.”
Richie Escalante’s (54) return to Superbike competition resulted in a top-ten result in Sunday’s race. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki Superbike rider Richie Escalante (54) made his long-awaited return to action after suffering a left wrist fracture, left ankle fracture, and compression fracture of the L1, L2, and L4 vertebrae in the MotoAmerica Superbike opener at Road Atlanta in April. Still fighting his way back to full health and fitness, Escalante was unfortunate to suffer an early race fall in his race return on Saturday. Undaunted, Escalante was back in the fight on Sunday, executing a last-lap pass aboard his GSX-R1000R to secure seventh position at the checkered flag.
“I am super happy to be racing again,” said Escalante. “The doctor cleared me last week. I am recovered from the injuries but not quite up to my normal fitness because I haven’t been able to run my normal training. I felt that a little this weekend. I was unable to be as aggressive as I need to be to fight for the podium. Still, I am happy to be back out there competing, I really missed the speed, my GSX-R, and working with the team. Thanks to the team, Suzuki, and our sponsors for being patient while I recuperated. It was awesome to be back. On Saturday, I made a mistake and crashed, which is easy to do when you haven’t been on the bike for a while. Today, I wanted to finish with a good result we would build on going forward. I felt we earned that. I’ll be ready to push harder for the next one. We improved our lap times all weekend at a new track for me, so we are going in the right direction.”
Brandon Paasch (96) continues with strong qualifying performances in Superbike. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Brandon Paasch (96) endured a repeat of his previous round’s efforts at Laguna Seca. At Mid-Ohio, Paasch earned a second-row grid position but was unable to capitalize on his speed and grid slot due to an opening-lap crash suffered while jockeying for position near the front on Saturday; and then encountering an issue on Sunday. Paasch was ultimately credited with 18th after coming into the pits and returning to the race a couple laps down.
Paasch said, “It was a mixed weekend for me, with some good sessions followed up with tough races. We matched our best qualifying, but I crashed on the first lap trying to make a pass. I hit some mud on the track and high-sided to the moon. I banged up my ankle, which was numb Sunday and I had to wear an oversize boot because of the swelling. I couldn’t feel what my brake lever was doing and locked it up a couple of times. I pulled into the pits to make sure it wasn’t oil or a mechanical issue. Everything was clear, so I went back out and got some laps in.”
The 2024 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship will head to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, for its penultimate round on September 13-15.
The 2024 season marks Team Hammer’s 44th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won over 130 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 370 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
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More, from a press release issued by American Motorcyclist Association (AMA):
MotoAmerica Makes Successful Return to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Fan-favorite track delivers big crowd and action-packed racing
Mikayla Moore is the two-time Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Champion. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association congratulates MotoAmerica on a triumphant return to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, after a 10-year absence from the iconic track. MotoAmerica, home of the AMA Superbike Championship, visited Mid-Ohio for its eighth round of the 2024 season.
“It has been a long time coming but worth the wait to welcome the AMA Superbike Championship back to the flowing curves of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “The weekend wasn’t without some challenges from Mother Nature, but the MotoAmerica team, supported by the Mid-Ohio track crew, were decisive and flexible, squeezing in as much racing action as possible.”
Race officials and track personnel battled volatile weather on both Saturday and Sunday but successfully completed the program. The hard work and quick planning allowed for a full slate of racing, rewarding fans with two championships and memorable moments on the newly paved road-race course.
In the premier Steel Commander Superbike class, Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Josh Herrin had a perfect weekend, with a clean sweep of the class doubleheader. While his first race was a runaway, the second offered some of the most exciting racing action of the weekend, with a full race battle with Sean Dylan Kelly and Cameron Beaubier, both on BMWs.
Two support class championships were decided on Sunday. Mikayla Moore wrapped up the 2024 Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. title with her seventh win of the season, and Matthew Chapin locked down the 2024 Junior Cup Championship on his BARTCON Racing Kawasaki with the double-header sweep.
The titles also are notable because both young riders have been selected to represent North America at the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Intercontinental Games on Nov. 30-Dec. 1 in Jerez, Spain. Teams from all six of the FIM Continental Unions of Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, Latin America and Oceania will compete for world bragging rights at the two-day event.
“Congratulations to Mikalya and Chapin for outstanding seasons,” said Dingman, who presented Moore with her AMA No. 1 plate. “Their performances this year have been impressive, and both Mikalya and Matt will represent us well on the international stage in Jerez.”
Matthew Chapin wrapped up the 2024 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship at Mid-Ohio on Sunday. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The Supersport class saw a split in wins, with Rahal Ducati’s PJ Jacobsen winning on Saturday and Strack Racing’s Mathew Scholtz finishing out front on Sunday with his seventh win of the year.
Saturday’s Supersport race likely will be remembered by Mid-Ohio fans for the rider who crossed the line in third behind Jacobsen and second-place finisher Scholtz: veteran AMA racer and Ohio native Larry Pegram. With the race starting in the wet, the 51-year old, riding a Suzuki for TopPro Racing, led the race on rain tires for several laps before fading slightly. It was his first AMA podium finish since 2014 in the AMA Superbike class at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
In the Mission Super Hooligan class, Saddlemen Racing/Harley Davidson’s Jake Lewis easily won the first race, with Lewis’s teammate Cory West winning by just 0.105 of a second over S&S/Indian Motorcycles Tyler O’Hara in the second contest.
In King Of The Baggers, the two riders at the top of the points standings, Harley-Davidson’s Kyle Wyman and Indian Motorcycle’s Troy Herfoss split wins.
MotoAmerica resumes its season on Sept. 13-15 at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. For racing and ticket information, see MotoAmerica.com.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
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.
More, from a press release issued by Tytlers Cycle Racing:
Podiums for Cam and JD as Mesa makes the top six on MotoAmerica’s Mid-Ohio return
MotoAmerica made its first appearance at the 2.4-mile Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course this past weekend and the Tytlers Cycle Racing team were in the mix once again.
On track in Superbike, Supersport and Super Hooligans the team’s riders Cameron Beaubier, JD Beach and Stefano Mesa were at the sharp end of their respective racing categories and from the opening practice sessions on Thursday they remained competitive throughout.
Happy to be back at Mid-Ohio, Cameron Beaubier was the man to beat from the off, the #6 topping several practice sessions before claiming Pole Position by 0.122s aboard his BMW M1000 RR.
Race one was cut short by three laps following a rain shower and a wet weather familiarisation session that was held prior to lights out. When the race did get going Cameron was once again at the front, running strongly but unable to match the pace of the leader. He took second at the flag. Sunday’s race ran the full distance of nineteen laps with Cameron once again in contention for the podium but once again unable to produce the pace he had in qualifying due to grip issues outside of his control. He sits fourth overall in the championship standings, sixty points adrift of the current leader, ahead of the penultimate round of the series at COTA and the season finale in New Jersey.
On the other side of the Superbike garage JD Beach had his best event of the season so far. He made the most of the opening laps in Saturday’s shortened sixteen lap encounter after qualifying seventh. Holding third in the early stages he was pushed back to fourth, before moving back into P3 with just a couple of laps to go following a Loris Baz crash. JD was understandably elated as he crossed the line to secure his second podium finish of the season. He finished an equally impressive sixth in Sunday’s race. He sits eighth overall in the points.
A sixth and seventh place finish in Supersport were the rewards for Stefano Mesa’s efforts across the weekend, the Kawasaki mounted rider running consistently. Ninth on the grid, Mesa, along with the entire field were unable to improve their times on Saturday morning and then, as in Superbike, the #37 took to the track in an extra wet weather familiarisation session.
Mesa was also on track aboard the Energica electric bike in the Super Hooligans category. Both races took place on Sunday after Saturday’s rainfall. Stefano achieved eighth and ninth place finishes in the weekend’s two encounters.
Cameron Beaubier: “It was nice to race at Mid-Ohio again. It’s a fun track and it was pretty cool to see how packed with fans the place was for the first year back. We had great pace all week, but the races were a different story with some struggles. All in all, two podiums are nice, and I want to say a big thanks to the team for all their hard work. It’s not over until it’s over and I am looking forward to lining up at COTA again.”
JD Beach: “It was nice to get back on the road race bike after the season break, we had. Going back to Mid-Ohio after ten years was really cool. Luckily, we had a tyre test on Thursday before the race weekend got started which gave us a day to work through some parts and pieces that we have been wanting to try but haven’t had a chance to during a race weekend. I feel like we made some improvements with the bike Thursday and Friday. Then I gave the team a bit of extra work when I threw the bike down Saturday morning in qualifying before Race 1. They worked their magic as always and had the bike fixed back up and ready to go for the race. The track conditions were a bit tricky with off and on rain during the day, but with the improvements the crew made to the bike I felt good from the start. We were able to have a little battle with my teammate Cam and got to follow him for a quite a few laps and learn some stuff. Taking another podium was a big reward I could give them team. Race two was a bit of a struggle from the start with rear grip. It was weird, from the start I couldn’t get the BMW horsepower to the ground, but we were able to snag a sixth. I still feel like that’s an improvement from our mid-season form. We have another couple of weeks off and then it’s time for COTA.”
Stefano Mesa: “It was good to be back at Mid-Ohio after so many years and to see all the fans that came out to this place. We had double duty again on the Supersport and Hooligan. Supersport race one got delayed after a red flag for weather. The race got pushed to the end of the day and by this point we had a drying track, and we had to make a tyre decision. The team ended up going with slicks. The first few laps were still a bit too wet but by the end of the race we found some good pace and had a good race. In race two we had a red flag come out which helped us since we didn’t get a good start. After the restart we got to work and made up a few spots to end P6. The Hooligan weekend was positive with a lot of data gained to keep improving the bike. The weather didn’t let us race on Saturday, so they moved both races to Sunday. Race one was good. We had a good start and had some good battles. The boys had to change the battery in less than two hours so we could make race two and they got it done in time! Race two was a bit better. We made a good start, and I was able to go with the front group for a few laps found my best lap of the weekend in the race. Thanks to the Tytlers and Energica boys for a good weekend on both bikes.”
Indian Motorcycle Celebrates the End of an Era of Flat Track Racing Dominance, As New AFT Rules Call for Production-Only Engines, Rendering the FTR750 Ineligible
Indian Motorcycle’s Championship-Winning Race Bike Leaves Behind Unprecedented Legacy, Securing Seven SuperTwins Titles & More than 100 Race Wins in 135 races
Minneapolis, MN. (August 19, 2024) – In 2016, Indian Motorcycle introduced the FTR750, a flat track race machine designed to propel the brand back into professional racing following a 60-year hiatus. Amid its eighth season of competition, the Indian FTR750 has established itself as the most dominant race bike in the sport’s history.
“Since 1901, racing has been core to the Indian Motorcycle brand DNA,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “From our founders, Hendee and Hedstrom, competing in endurance races in the early 1900s, to the dominant Wrecking Crew of the late 1940s, Indian Motorcycle has been winning races. The FTR750 was the vehicle that reestablished Indian Motorcycle Racing and returned the brand to a place of competitive dominance.”
Since its debut, the FTR750 has not only revived the storied tradition of the original Indian Wrecking Crew, but it revolutionized the landscape of flat track racing – quickly earning a reputation as the most dominant machine in the AFT paddock. With three races remaining in the 2024 season, the FTR750 has a 75%-win ratio, winning 101 of the 135 races. It has secured 286 total podiums at 129 races, earning a 96%-podium ratio. The FTR750 has a perfect championship record, winning all premier class titles since 2017.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be on this journey with Indian Motorcycle since day one,” said reigning AFT SuperTwins Champion Jared Mees. “Racing the FTR750 has been an incredible experience, as I’ve never experienced a bike like the FTR750 in all my years competing. We’ve had immense success over the past eight years, and it’s been a true honor to be a part of the Indian Wrecking Crew.”
Mees has been an instrumental piece to the FTR750’s success. In addition to being Indian Motorcycle’s hero factory rider since 2017, Mees played an invaluable role in developing the FTR750 – providing expert-level feedback and insights to Indian Motorcycle engineers and S&S Cycle, who developed the FTR750’s chassis. Piloting the FTR750, Mees has secured five championship titles. With a six-point lead in the SuperTwins standings, and three races remaining, Mees looks to complete the FTR750’s perfect record and secure a new all-time record of 10-career championships.
In addition to its factory efforts, Indian Motorcycle has been a great supporter of privateer teams, paying out more than $4,000,000 in privateer contingency.
Since 2017, 45 riders have competed aboard the Indian FTR750. The complete roster of legendary riders includes the following:
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.
Andrea Dovizioso to ride as Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Rider at Private Misano Test
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is sad to announce that Cal Crutchlow is still not fully fit to resume his Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Rider duties due to complications following a hand surgery. Andrea Dovizioso will step up as his replacement at the forthcoming private Misano test.
Gerno di Lesmo (Italy), 19th August 2024
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. confirm that Cal Crutchlow is unfortunately incapable of fulfilling his Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Rider duties due to complications following a hand surgery. Italian MotoGP legend Andrea Dovizioso has agreed to replace Crutchlow as Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Rider at a private Misano test.
Crutchlow was operated on his hand earlier this year but suffered complications. While Crutchlow concentrates on making a full recovery, Dovizioso will fulfil the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Rider role for the present.
Dovizioso and Yamaha completed a preliminary test a few weeks ago in Mugello to confirm that the bond between Dovizioso and the YZR-M1 was still as strong as ever. The rider from Forlì will be aboard the Yamaha again during a private test that will be held at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli on Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st August.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
Team Director
First of all, let me start by saying that we all wish Cal a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on track soon with our test team.
“However, in the meantime we can’t afford to be idle. We are therefore delighted to confirm that Andrea has agreed to fill in for Cal and take on the role of the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test rider at the private Misano test.
“Andrea and Yamaha have had a close relationship for many years. Dovi is a highly skilled and precise rider who also has a clear understanding of the technical side of MotoGP. Furthermore, besides his experience in the MotoGP championship, he is also familiar with Yamaha’s MotoGP Project, so we are greatly looking forward to continuing our partnership with him. We think he will help us collect valuable data and give us good feedback.
ANDREA DOVIZIOSO
Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Rider
“I am sorry that Cal is still not well, and I hope he recovers quickly.
“Having said that, I am happy and excited to have the chance to get on a MotoGP bike again, and I would like to thank Yamaha for this opportunity. I hope I will be able to make my contribution to the development of the bike.
AHRMA Expands 2024 AHRMA Pro Challenge at the 19th Barber Vintage Festival
(Knoxville, TN) The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) announces the expansion of the field of eligible racers for the 2024 AHRMA Pro Challenge to include 2024 professional racers (MotoAmerica, MotoGP, World Superbike, etc.) competing on 2024 MotoAmerica Supersport-spec machines.
Eligibility requirements have been expanded to allow pro racers to compete on MotoAmerica Supersport-spec machines as follows:
The machine must meet the 2024 MotoAmerica Supersport specifications, with the exception that open ECU mapping is permitted.
Riders must have raced a 2024 MotoAmerica or an equivalent international event.
AHRMA has the final say on waivers/exemptions for the Pro Challenge and reserves the right to limit the number of participants.
Certain MotoAmerica Supersport-spec machines are already eligible for the AHRMA Formula Thunder class, this simply expands available machines for pros to compete on.
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage machines along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.
Elf Marc VDS Racing Team signs Jake Dixon for 2025
The Elf Marc VDS Racing Team is thrilled to announce the signing of British star Jake Dixon for the 2025 Moto2 World Championship campaign.
Dixon’s wealth of experience and proven race winning pedigree makes him the perfect choice to lead the team’s exciting new adventure next year when it will compete for Moto2 glory using the Boscoscuro chassis.
The 28-year-old is currently enjoying a great run of success in his sixth full season in Moto2 and an impressive run of three successive podium finishes in Assen, Silverstone and Spielberg has moved him firmly back into title contention in 2024.
Dixon has won three times in his Moto2 career, with his most recent success coming in memorable fashion earlier this month when he became the first British winner of his home Grand Prix at Silverstone in nearly 10 years.
Dixon finished inside the top six overall in 2022 and 2023 and he has scored 15 podiums since making his Moto2 debut back in 2019.
Marc Van Der Straten, Team Owner
“He is a fighter on and off the track”
“I am personally very happy with the arrival of Jake Dixon to our team. He is a fighter on and off the track and I love that. The 2025 season will be very important for us as we face the exciting challenge of competing with the Boscoscuro chassis. We need someone who is fast and able to quickly adapt to changes and Jake has these characteristics. I’m looking forward to seeing him fighting at the front and defending the VDS colours”.
Jake Dixon
“Moving to this team gives me so much motivation”
“Firstly, I want to say a huge thanks to Marc for giving me the opportunity to ride for such a fantastic team. They have been at the top in Moto2 for such a long time and won three titles and all I can say is it’s an absolute pleasure to be joining Elf Marc VDS Racing next season. I feel I am ready for a new challenge and a new adventure and moving to this team gives me so much motivation. I really can’t wait to get started next year and look forward to bringing more success to the team.”
Mathew Chapin won MotoAmerica Junior Cup Race Two Sunday at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, in Lexington, Ohio. BARTCON Racing’s Chapin was leading on lap seven of 11 when the race was stopped due to rain. The race was declared complete and Chapin was awarded the victory, his sixth of the season. The win also allowed 16-year-old Chapin to clinch the 2024 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship with two races still remaining.
New York Safety Track’s Yandel Medina was the runner-up and officially finished 0.075 second behind Chapin, with Wolfe Racing’s Ryan Wolfe just 0.015 second behind Medina in third.
Royalty Racing’s Carson King got fourth, and Fernandez Racing’s Jayden Fernandez rounded out the top five finishers.
A mock crash patient has his head and neck stabilized with a brace in a first aid drill at a Carters@theTrack event. Photo courtesy Clive Savacool.
By Clive Savacool
Riding motorcycles has always been inherently dangerous. Although safety has improved with better tires, suspension, traction control, and riding gear, the laws of physics still apply when things go wrong. Be it on the track, street, or dirt, fellow riders are often are the first ones to arrive on scene when somebody crashes. And since emergency medical professional may not always be nearby, there are steps rider can take to improve the situation, or at least attempt to prevent further injury until paramedics arrive.
As a career firefighter/paramedic, an AFM racer, and an instructor with a track-day provider, my fellow instructors and recognized the need to develop simple approaches to being more than just bystanders–and actually assist in a emergency medical response.
Even though we developed our approaches for track-day situations, they can also apply to your street or trail riding. The goal is to get the injured rider stabilized, initiate basic life support, and have them ready for transport as soon as possible in order to maximize their overall outcome. In the emergency medicine world, we have a goal called The Golden Hour–getting a trauma victim to definitive care within one hour of the injury. Following these steps before paramedics arrive can shorten the on-scene time for the injured rider, increasing their chance of survival. Keep in mind the physician’s Hippocratic Oath of “first, do no harm,” which is important because many injuries to crash victims actually occur after the initial incident; we want to minimize the chance of further injury.
The first step is to understand and assess the initial scene and plan an approach. There are three priorities when dealing with a downed rider, with the first priority being you. You need to make sure you are safe and that your bike is located in an area where the both of you do not end up becoming bowling pins should another rider come through, grab a handful of brakes, and crash into you. Target-fixation is a real thing, and it is not uncommon for riders to be distracted and crash themselves when approaching an incident. Walk backwards towards the incident if you must, or have a fellow rider watch for traffic, but make sure your safety comes first.
The second priority is making sure your fellow riders and bystanders do not become part of the incident. And the third priority is the downed rider; this may sound callous, but it is there for good reason–to make sure you do not expand the incident, creating more injuries and diverting medical resources from the initial accident.
As you approach the downed rider, you can gain perspective of the potential injuries by looking at their position, the damage to the motorcycle, and the damage to any trackside objects that may have been hit (“furniture,” as some Irish road racers would call it). The rider’s position combined with the collateral damage of the incident will tell you the “Mechanism of Injury,” a medical term to indicate what probable injuries may have occurred. For example, if a rider low-sides and takes a header into the tire wall, the Mechanism of Injury would tell us we could expect head and neck injuries.
As we approach the rider, we want to look at their movements, which can give you an indication of injuries. Are they favoring an arm or a leg, are they moaning, are they moving in a rational manor, or are they disoriented and asking repetitive questions? Most riders, especially newer ones, will lie on the ground for a moment to collect themselves; experienced riders and racers will often jump up and look at their bike to see how damaged it is, even when they have sustained injuries. Many racers have experience with injuries, so the shock factor is not so high following a crash.
If you are an instructor at a track-day event, make eye contact with a cornerworker and let them know what resources you need. This is where it is important to know what hand signals are used at each track so you can communicate the need for a red flag and/or an ambulance, or if there is oil on the track. Having a good relationship with track staff is essential during an unexpected event.
Once we make contact with the injured rider, we typically will not move them. The rare occasions when we will move a rider is if their airway is compromised or if further injury will occur from their current position; but most of the time, we do not move a downed rider.
Next, we follow the basics of Airway, Breathing, and Circulation, or “ABCs.” For our purposes we are just assessing to see how well the rider is managing their airway and how effective their breathing is. There are really only two occasions where we will immediately remove a rider’s helmet–if their airway is blocked in some manner, or if they are vomiting. This is a very delicate procedure, as you can cause further neck injury when removing a helmet if it is not done correctly. That being said, a neck injury is irrelevant if the person dies from not being able to breath. This is one of those exercises you want to practice beforehand. With a quick internet search, you can find a number of online tutorials on how to properly remove an injured rider’s helmet.
The circulation piece for our purposes is basically looking at their skin signs; the big red flag is if they are pale and sweaty. When you are in full leathers lying in the dirt at Buttonwillow Raceway in the middle of August, even a healthy person will be sweaty, but a combination of someone looking pale with profuse sweating can be in indication that the person is going into shock.
The next step is to assess their mental status or “Level of Consciousness;” this is done by asking four basic questions, “What’s your name? What happened? Where are you? What is the date?” If they answer all four questions correctly, we have determined that they are “alert and oriented times four.” This is important to relay to paramedics when they arrive. This line of questioning is used universally among emergency medical personnel, so they will immediately understand what you are telling them.
If you are dealing with a disoriented rider, this can be one of the more challenging scenarios. First, this is an indication of a head injury, which is bad. Secondly, they are rarely cooperative, so you can expect erratic and even combative behavior, repetitive questioning, strange requests, denial of any injury, and most of the time they are going to insist on taking their gear off regardless of what you tell them. We do not want to restrain people in this situation, we want to do our best to calm them down and keep them from injuring themselves further.
Dealing with non-head-injury situations can be easier; our goal with these riders is to simply stabilize their injuries. This is typically done by holding the injured appendage in the position you found it. If you can feel a pulse at the wrist or ankle, great, this tells you that whatever fracture they may have has not severed or blocked an artery. Stabilizing an injury goes the same for head, neck, and back injuries. With this situation we want to hold the person’s helmet in the position we found them, assuming their chin is not pressed against their chest and blocking their airway. Let the injured rider know what you are doing; our goal is to prevent movement of the head that can further injure their spine. Imagine a bowling bowl attached to the end of a broomstick; moving that bowling ball is going to have an immediate effect on that stick, and we want to keep them both from moving. This can be done by kneeling down by the rider’s head and placing your hands on each side of their helmet; this is referred to as “holding c-spine.” Make sure you are comfortable because you are going to be there for a while. Once you hold an injury in place whether it is an arm, leg, or head, you do not let go until you can hand it off to a paramedic.
Bleeding injuries are another challenge. In these situations we want to apply direct pressure to the area to stop the bleeding. If the wound continues to bleed, you can attempt to elevate the appendage above the level of the heart, but this must be done with care to ensure you are not moving the arm or leg in a manner that will injure the rider.
Should it occur, the worst-case scenario is when a rider is in cardiac arrest. We often assume this is from a traumatic injury from a crash, but of the few I have encountered at the racetrack the majority were the result of medical conditions such as a stroke or heart attack. Regardless, if you are trained in CPR, which you really should be for a lot of reasons, you can begin resuscitation efforts. And whether you are trained in CPR or not, it is critical that you get help on the way immediately.
Now that we have done what we can for our fellow rider, we are going to hand them off to the arriving paramedics. The paramedics do not need a long story as to what happened, and they will likely blow you off if they feel you are distracting them from the rider, so your simple goal is to tell them who the rider is, their age, their level of consciousness, extent of their injuries and what you have done. For example, “This is John, he is 36 years old, alert and oriented times three, complaining of left leg pain, it appears his leg is broken at the ankle, we have held his leg in place and kept his head from moving by holding c-spine since he isn’t able to answer all of our questions and we’re worried about a head injury.” The paramedic will thank you and let you know if they want you to keep holding the leg and the head. With this information, the paramedics have a head start on their patient assessment, reducing their on-scene time and you have prevented further injury by stabilizing John. Great job!
Ultimately, a rider critically injured in a motorcycle crash needs definitive care from a surgeon. Your goals are to maximize the rider’s chance of both survival and to minimize injury. Utilizing basic life support skills, you can give riders that chance. I hope this has been helpful. Be safe and always ride with the best gear available!
About the author: Clive Savacool has been an AFM racer and a riding instructor with Carters@theTrack since 2008 on the west coast; he won an AFM Expert-class championship in 2019. Savacool has competed in several professional races including the 2014 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Savacool’s experience in the fire service began in 1996 in the San Francisco Bay Area and he recently left the position of Fire Chief for the City of South Lake Tahoe to be CEO of the software company LogRx. For more information on rider first aid, Clive can be contacted at [email protected]
Army of Darkness founder and Roadracing World Wild Card Editor Sam Fleming testing Continental SM 2 tires in Austria. Photo courtesy Continental.
Editorial Note: You can read more from Sam Fleming’s test on the Continental SM 2 tires in an upcoming issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine, which is available in print and digital formats.
Sam Fleming went to Austria to test the new SM 2 street-going Super Moto tire from Continental.
In this video he walks through a little history of Continental, a long-term tire test of the Continental SM Evo, and, finally, the SM 2 technical improvements and riding impressions.
Fantic Racing Moto2 and Aron Canet agree to contract renewal
Fantic Racing is thrilled to announce a contract extension with Aron Canet, ensuring the continuation of the successful collaboration in the Moto2 World Championship beyond 2024.
Aron Canet joined Fantic Racing Moto2 for the 2024 season, starting the campaign with a stunning pole position in Qatar. During the first half of the season, he secured two more pole positions. In just his second GP appearance with the team, the 24-year-old Spaniard clinched his maiden win in the intermediate category. His impressive performance at the Portugal GP marked the seventh victory of his World Championship career. Following his second place at the British GP, Canet now has a total of 39 GP podiums and 15 pole positions to his name.
Aron Canet:
“I am really happy to renew my contract with Fantic Racing. The team always pushes me to do my best, and they are like family to me. We are at a high level but we want to keep growing this year to be even stronger for the remainder of this season and 2025. I am here with a clear goal: to become a world champion with Fantic!”
Roberto Locatelli, Fantic Racing Moto2 Team Manager:
“I believe confirming Aron Canet for the next season is a big move. This exciting news makes us proud and is the result of the dedication and hard work of the entire Fantic team, both on track and back in the factory. The commitment shown by everyone is remarkable. In just two years of involvement in the MotoGP paddock, Fantic is already leaving its mark in GP racing. It is a big move for Aron as well, as he is a top rider who will have the opportunity to fight for more success together with us. His decision to continue with us highlights his confidence in the Fantic Racing project.”
Stefano Bedon, Fantic Racing Moto2 Project Manager:
“We are very happy to continue our journey with Aron Canet. Over these past months, we have had the chance to really get to know him, and we share the same values. Aron is a fighter, a team player and a great professional who pushes himself to the limit in every session, without fear. So far, we have achieved three pole positions, a victory and another podium together. He has great potential, and we are committed to maximizing it. We want to be right there in every race, aiming for increasingly ambitious goals.”
Olivia Grace "OG" Barnes and her Strider balance bike on its rocker base. Photo by Anne Barnes.
By Anne Roberts Barnes
It’s been about two months since Olivia Grace, a.k.a. “OG,” received her Strider bike. In Part One of this series, OG had just begun to pull herself up to stand using the bike (and copying that movement on other items in the house).
We’ve been having lots of fun, and while she hasn’t made a tremendous amount of progress towards actually riding the bike on her own, she has made countless developmental leaps, thanks in large part to this amazing unit. I feel like that deserves some mention, as other parents, like me, are constantly looking for fun activities that foster mental and physical growth and development. The Strider has gotten our now 10-month-old, big girl on the move.
Olivia Grace “OG” Barnes, age 10 months, and her Strider balance bike on its rocker base. Photo by Anne Barnes.
Olivia has now completely mastered ‘pull to stand.’ A few months ago, she would slowly and methodically grab at different levels of parts on the bike (base, to seat, to handlebar) to get herself into a standing position. Now, she just gets up on her knees on the floor and reaches up high for the bar and pulls. She beams with confidence when she stands; giving off a 100-watt, five-toothed, pearly white smile.
Olivia Grace “OG” Barnes, age 10 months, uses her Strider balance bike to stand and maintain her balance. Photo by Anne Barnes.
She has a new trick, though! She now let’s go of the bike and stands on her own. She thinks this new feat is hysterical, and often falls down in a fit of laughter after about 30 seconds of standing solo.
She can also mimic her newly learned skill on any other household item to stand whenever and wherever she chooses. She has really enjoyed getting a bird’s eye view of what the dog is doing and swiping all of the cup coasters off of the coffee table.
Olivia Grace “OG” Barnes’s mother Anne Barnes feels that interacting with her Strider balance bike allowed her to advance to “cruising” around the house. Photo by Anne Barnes.
Perhaps, the most exciting emerging skill of all has been that OG is now ‘cruising.’ She can walk around while holding onto objects. She was ushered into this skill quickly because the Strider rocks back and forth, so she had to adjust her body position and move her feet to keep balance while doing her assisted standing. She walked because she had to.
She quickly figured out that she could cover a lot of ground by moving from object to object. She loves to walk around the bike and transfer to walking along the walls, chairs, or whatever else she can hang onto within reach.
Once she got this movement down, she wanted to cruise on everything in the house. She could walk from end to end if we strung together a series of objects for her to travel on. The ottoman, fireplace ledge (protected by blanket), and kitchen chairs have also turned into fun walking playgrounds.
The Strider not only works Olivia physically, but it’s also served as a fantastic mental work out. We’ve watched her transition from pushing, pulling, and scratching at random parts on the bike to playing with purpose and understanding cause and effect.
For example, we usually sit her on the bike and rock her at different speeds (which she also thinks is hilarious). Since she knows that the bike is for sitting, she will pick her leg up while standing and act like she is attempting to step onto the base, as we have shown her.
She’s also picked a few favorite things she consistently likes to do with the unit. She likes the sound the bike makes when she rocks the base by hand, and it bangs into the wall. The swingarm has a grippy cover that makes a fun sound when scratched. The base acts as a phenomenal drum when hit with other toys. Her favorite hand position as I rock her on the bike is the left hand on the bar pad and her right hand on the right grip.
I am always closely supervising OG during play. I appreciate the fact that the Strider is a well thought out and safe toy for a child this age. We haven’t found any parts that could cut her or any parts that stick out far enough in awkward places that could poke her in the eye or hurt her if she fell on it.
Olivia Grace “OG” Barnes’s father, Daytona 200 winner Michael Barnes, zip-tied the wheels of her Strider balance bike in place to avoid them turning while being used as a hand hold by the baby. Photo by Anne Barnes.
Olivia Grace “OG” Barnes’s father, Daytona 200 winner Michael Barnes, zip-tied the wheels of her Strider balance bike in place to avoid them turning while being used as a hand hold by the baby. Photo by Anne Barnes.
The wheels barely turn while the bike is mounted into the base, and when she was learning to stand, she would sometimes roll the wheel slightly on accident and lose balance. Just to be safe, Michael ran a cable tie through each wheel onto the frame so she wouldn’t get caught by surprise and fall if the wheel happened to turn a little bit. She eventually figured out that the wheels weren’t great spots to hang onto while pulling to stand and she steadied herself elsewhere.
All in all, Olivia is loving her Strider bike. It’s so versatile and is serving many purposes beyond riding during these very young days. It truly amazes me how far she has come since just a few short months ago. While I’m soaking in each day, loving watching her learn and explore through trial and error, I truly cannot wait for the day she is able to rock on the bike herself, and better yet, when she can scoot around on our driveway pad on her own.
Nap time is nearly over, so it’s time for me to close out. We’re keeping it light and super fun and she’s learning at her own pace. I’ll be sure to update again at the next big milestone or cluster of milestones. Bye for now!
Kyle Wyman (33) at speed on his Harley-Davidson Road Glide at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Harley-Davidson.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON FACTORY RACER KYLE WYMAN WINS SUNDAY AND FINISHES SECOND SATURDAY AT MID-OHIO; RETAINS KING OF THE BAGGERS CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS LEAD
Team Saddlemen Harley-Davidson Racer Cory West Takes Over Super Hooligan Points Lead
MILWAUKEE (August 19, 2024) – Harley-Davidson® Factory Racing rider Kyle Wyman scored his sixth victory of the season and maintained his points lead in the MotoAmerica® Mission King Of The Baggers series at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Aboard a race-prepared 2024 Road Glide® motorcycle, Wyman was the top qualifier and finished 2-1 in the double header race weekend. RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson rider Rocco Landers placed third in both races to run his string of consecutive podium finishes to four.
“It was good get another win and keep the points lead,” said Wyman following the Sunday race, which was red flagged after four laps following an incident involving RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson rider Hayden Gillim. “I thought we were going to have a battle with the Indian at the end today but I think we are due some luck so we’ll take it and carry our momentum to Circuit of The Americas.”
In the Mission Super Hooligan race series on Sunday, Saddlemen/Harley-Davidson rider Cory West took over the series points lead with a second-place finish in Race 1 and his third win of the season in Race 2 on a race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Pan America® 1250 Special motorcycle. Saddlemen/Harley-Davidson rider Jake Lewis scored his third win of the season in Race 1, beating West and KWR/Harley-Davidson rider Hayden Schultz to the finish for an all-Harley-Davidson podium.
On Saturday, Wyman led from the pole position and battled with Factory Indian rider Troy Herfoss for the lead in the early laps. Close behind was a fierce fight for third place between Harley-Davidson Factory Racing rider James Rispoli, and RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson teammates Gillim and Landers. Wyman trailed Herfoss by 1.040 seconds at the finish. Landers claimed third place ahead of Gillim and Rispoli.
On Sunday the start was delayed by a brief rain shower and the race was shortened from 9 to 6 laps. Wyman led from the start, with Herfoss in close pursuit as the pair pulled away from Landers and Rispoli. On lap 4 Gillim lost control of his bike, which came to a stop on the racing surface causing the race to be stopped. The race was declared complete with Wyman 0.280 seconds ahead of Herfoss. Landers finished in third place and Rispoli was fourth.
“It was a great weekend for the H-D team all around,” said Rispoli. “Kyle did an amazing job keeping the points lead. We did a great job recovering from some lost time during the weekend. I felt comfortable in the race, and a podium was in the cards. Hayden’s incident and the red flag really scrapped that opportunity, but I hope he is OK. I can’t wait for COTA!”
After 14 of 18 rounds in the 2024 MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers series, Wyman has 282 points and a 14-point lead over Herfoss, with 268 points. Gillim is in third place with 189 points, followed by Factory Indian rider Tyler O’Hara with 182 points, Rispoli with 154 points, and Landers with 138 points.
After 8 of 10 rounds in the 2024 Mission Super Hooligan series, Team Saddlemen’s West leads with 147 points. S&S/Indian rider Tyler O’Hara is second with 143 points, followed by Lewis with 113 points and KWR/Harley-Davidson rider Cody Wyman with 105 points.
The Mission King Of The Baggers and the Mission Super Hooligan series return to action September 13-15 at Circuit of The Americas in Travis County, Texas.
Harley-Davidson® Factory Racing is sponsored by Mission® Foods, Rockford Fosgate®, Brembo®, Öhlins®, Protolabs®, SYN3® lubricants, and Screamin’ Eagle® Performance Parts and Accessories.
MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Race Results – Mid-Ohio Race 1
Petersen Comes Back to Finish Eighth In Race 2 at Mid-Ohio
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Cameron Petersen and Jake Gagne score top 10 finishes on a tough weekend in Ohio
Attack Performance/Progressive Yamaha’s Cameron Petersen (45) leads his teammate Jake Gagne (1), Richie Escalante (behind Gagne), Brandon Paasch (96), Ashton Yates (27), and Hayden Gillim (69) at Mid-Ohio. Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
MARIETTA, Ga. – August 19, 2024 – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Cameron Petersen finished eighth as he returned to action for Sunday’s MotoAmerica Superbike Race 2 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. It was a tough weekend for the team, with both riders feeling less than 100% with injuries. His teammate Jake Gagne also salvaged points, finishing 10th on the technical track.
Petersen had a big crash during Thursday’s Official Dunlop Test, adding an ankle injury to an already torn meniscus from training during the break. After being sidelined for Saturday’s opening race with another crash in the second qualifying session, he got the all-clear Sunday morning to race. Despite feeling less than 100%, the South African got a great start from the second row of the grid into fourth and was in fifth after the opening lap. Petersen was shuffled to seventh on Lap 5 and then continued to battle for position, ultimately finishing eighth to salvage some points on a tough weekend.
Gagne didn’t get the start he was hoping for in Race 2 and was seventh after the start. He was shuffled to eighth on the opening lap but continued to work on making his way forward on the technical track despite his lingering arm pump issues. Gagne passed his teammate on Lap 8 and maintained seventh for five laps, but ultimately would cross the line 10th to salvage some more points, leaving Ohio third in the point standings and tied with fellow Yamaha rider Bobby Fong.
The Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing team returns to action next month for the penultimate round of the MotoAmerica season and a Superbike tripleheader at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, on September 13-15.
Richard Stanboli – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager
“It was not the results we were looking for. We’re moving on and will come back at COTA.”
Cameron Petersen – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #45
“It was a super rough weekend for the team and myself. Unfortunately, I had a big crash on Thursday that changed the outcome of the whole weekend, but a massive thank you to the team for the incredible work they did this weekend. We will get them at the next one.”
Jake Gagne – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #1
“It was another tough race today, continuing to deal with hand issues. The team and bike deserve stronger results, so we’ll get it sorted.”
2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Results
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars [sold, serviced, and distributed by Yamaha Golf-Car Company], Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, three corporate offices in Georgia, as well as facilities in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Florida. YMUS subsidiaries Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC), based in Georgia, and Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing U.S.A. (YJBM) based in Tennessee, each assemble and manufacture selected Yamaha brand products. YMUS owns Skeeter Boats [Texas] with its division G3 Boats [Missouri]. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC) with subsidiary Siren Marine [Rhode Island] and divisions Bennett Marine [Florida], Yamaha Marine Rotational Molders [Wisconsin] and Yamaha Precision Propeller Inc. [Indiana].
Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA, dba Yamaha Financial Services, is an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA offering financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide.
More, from a press release issued by Energica:
MINGLING AT MID-OHIO: SOLID PROGRESS BUILDING UP TO SEASON FINALE
Stefano Mesa (137) on his Energica Eva Ribelle RS KCC. Photo courtesy Energica.
The Mid-Ohio Sports CarCourse made a long awaited, perhaps surprising appearance with MotoAmerica, after a decade of absence from national motorcycle series competition. Only a handful of current MotoAmerica riders (or perhaps less) have ever raced on the narrow and technical, twisty 3.862mile Midwest racetrack, which has a long history of two- and four-wheeled racing dating back to 1962.
It is of no surprise then that there was a welcome reception for the fans and the locals, who flocked to the venue for a weekend of racing (and camping, as the course is famous for excellent camper facilities with great views and plentiful shade) with friends and family alike. Given their relatively short history in racing, neither Energica nor team Tytlers Cycle Racing had ever turned wheels at this circuit, so it was a bit of a step into the unknown.
Nevertheless, the team’s only rider for the Super Hooligan National Championship, Stefano Mesa, had a chance to get to grips with the track on Thursday, albeit on TCR’s Supersport machine, before jumping on the powerful Eva Ribelle RS KCC to begin the penultimate event of the season.
The results went as follows: Mesa was tenth in qualifying, eighth in Race One and then tenth again in Race Two. As much as these results mirror in many ways those achieved in Laguna Seca five weeks prior, the gap to the frontrunners is getting slimmer, albeit not enough to get in the mix – not this at least – for podium contention.
When a new track arrives with no prior testing, set-up and feeling have to be built as the weekend progresses, with very little room for experimentation. If we throw in the notorious unpredictability of Midwestern summer weather, chances are that track-time will be further reduced. Which it happened, of course, as due to torrential rain Qualifying 2 was really of no use, causing the Sunday warmup to be replaced by Race One as the latter had to be postponed due the impracticability of the track.
In what was a race for adaptation, the Eva Ribelle RS KCC proved to be more than capable of solid performance throughout, with top speed matching the frontrunners and Mesa able to improve by one second his fastest race time across the two encounters (which ended up being separated by merely two hours).
By quoting a classic of the movie industry: ‘It could be worse, it could be raining’. Luckily it didn’t happen today, so we did get to race.
Time to pack and get ready for the Circuit of The Americas. (September 13-15).
Click on the links to re-watch the two Super Hooligans races at Mid-Ohio on YouTube: Race 1 – Race 2
More, from a press release issued by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC:
VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI RACER TY SCOTT FIGHTS FOR THE WIN, EARNS SECOND AT MID-OHIO
Brea, CA, (August 19, 2024) — Suzuki Motor USA (Suzuki) and Team Hammer tackled the undulating corners of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the first time in a decade with the MotoAmerica tour bringing the nation’s top motorcycle racers back to the iconic track last raced at in 2014.
Race Highlights
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki
Supersport
Tyler Scott returned to the podium with a strong second on Sunday.
Teagg Hobbs charged to fifth in Saturday’s wild Race 1.
Joel Ohman improved several positions from Saturday to Sunday.
Superbike
Richie Escalante impressed with his speed and grit in his return despite still fighting his way back to full health.
Brandon Paasch again teased his podium potential with a strong qualifying performance despite his final results falling short of that promise.
Ty Scott (70) capped off a challenging weekend with a podium result in Sunday’s Supersport race. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki racer Tyler Scott (70) closed out what had been a dramatic weekend of inclement weather and delays in a straight fight for victory in Sunday’s MotoAmerica Supersport contest. Sunday’s dry conditions came as a relief after a protracted Saturday of changeable conditions resulted in a hard-earned sixth. Finally able to again show his true potential on the next-generation Suzuki GSX-R750, Scott led several laps and battled for victory to the flag, ultimately finishing in second just 0.160 seconds off the win.
“We had a result we liked today and ended an up-and-down weekend the way we wanted,” Scott said. “My Suzuki was really strong, and over the last ten days – with testing and this weekend’s racing – we saw some fantastic improvements. The GSX-R750 felt amazing. We have made great progress. But this weekend, I crashed on Thursday, and it basically cost the team two sessions. We were playing catch-up, then got into a mixed conditions race on Saturday where the setup choices were not that clear. We did okay, then made big changes for today and the front end setup was what I wanted. I felt we were very competitive, and getting second at a new track for us is a great reward. I am excited about the next races because we are heading forward.”
Teagg Hobbs (79) charged through the field on Saturday, carding a top-five Supersport result. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
While most riders were mired in Saturday’s chaos, Teagg Hobbs (79) used it as a ladder. With riders opting for contrasting tire strategies as the track’s surface changed from dry to wet to dry, Hobbs charged his way up from 15th to end the day inside the top five, finishing one position ahead of teammate Scott in fifth. However, Sunday was not quite as kind as Hobbs came home 14th in the rematch.
Hobbs said, “We went with the right tire choice and had a strong bike for those conditions. We needed the top-five result, and it was great to get it. Sunday did not go as well. We had a crash on the first lap of the warm-up, and it seems we have had bad luck all year. We’re working hard on getting a solid direction to put us back up front.”
Joel Ohman (92) continues to progress and gain speed despite the challenges of a new track. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
The team’s third Supersport pilot, Joel Ohman (92), used the weekend as another opportunity to gain valuable race experience and confirmed his ability to convert that opportunity into results, improving several positions from Saturday to Sunday.
“It was an eventful weekend for us,” Ohman said. “In the end, I learned a lot. It was also good to have Richie Escalante back. Saturday was pretty challenging. A bike blew up in front of me, and I was covered in his oil, including my visor so I couldn’t see very well at the beginning of the race. Then I had rain tires on, but as the track dried, it made for a race where I felt I could lose either end of the bike as the track became completely dry. Sunday was also challenging, with a change to the bike that helped one area but hurt us in another. Still, we were able to pick up some positions, and improved on our starting position. We changed up our debrief, and now we have all three SuperSport riders debriefing together instead of individually. I felt I learned a lot from Teagg and Ty.”
Richie Escalante’s (54) return to Superbike competition resulted in a top-ten result in Sunday’s race. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki Superbike rider Richie Escalante (54) made his long-awaited return to action after suffering a left wrist fracture, left ankle fracture, and compression fracture of the L1, L2, and L4 vertebrae in the MotoAmerica Superbike opener at Road Atlanta in April. Still fighting his way back to full health and fitness, Escalante was unfortunate to suffer an early race fall in his race return on Saturday. Undaunted, Escalante was back in the fight on Sunday, executing a last-lap pass aboard his GSX-R1000R to secure seventh position at the checkered flag.
“I am super happy to be racing again,” said Escalante. “The doctor cleared me last week. I am recovered from the injuries but not quite up to my normal fitness because I haven’t been able to run my normal training. I felt that a little this weekend. I was unable to be as aggressive as I need to be to fight for the podium. Still, I am happy to be back out there competing, I really missed the speed, my GSX-R, and working with the team. Thanks to the team, Suzuki, and our sponsors for being patient while I recuperated. It was awesome to be back. On Saturday, I made a mistake and crashed, which is easy to do when you haven’t been on the bike for a while. Today, I wanted to finish with a good result we would build on going forward. I felt we earned that. I’ll be ready to push harder for the next one. We improved our lap times all weekend at a new track for me, so we are going in the right direction.”
Brandon Paasch (96) continues with strong qualifying performances in Superbike. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Brandon Paasch (96) endured a repeat of his previous round’s efforts at Laguna Seca. At Mid-Ohio, Paasch earned a second-row grid position but was unable to capitalize on his speed and grid slot due to an opening-lap crash suffered while jockeying for position near the front on Saturday; and then encountering an issue on Sunday. Paasch was ultimately credited with 18th after coming into the pits and returning to the race a couple laps down.
Paasch said, “It was a mixed weekend for me, with some good sessions followed up with tough races. We matched our best qualifying, but I crashed on the first lap trying to make a pass. I hit some mud on the track and high-sided to the moon. I banged up my ankle, which was numb Sunday and I had to wear an oversize boot because of the swelling. I couldn’t feel what my brake lever was doing and locked it up a couple of times. I pulled into the pits to make sure it wasn’t oil or a mechanical issue. Everything was clear, so I went back out and got some laps in.”
The 2024 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship will head to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, for its penultimate round on September 13-15.
The 2024 season marks Team Hammer’s 44th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won over 130 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 370 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
More, from a press release issued by American Motorcyclist Association (AMA):
MotoAmerica Makes Successful Return to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Fan-favorite track delivers big crowd and action-packed racing
Mikayla Moore is the two-time Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Champion. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association congratulates MotoAmerica on a triumphant return to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, after a 10-year absence from the iconic track. MotoAmerica, home of the AMA Superbike Championship, visited Mid-Ohio for its eighth round of the 2024 season.
“It has been a long time coming but worth the wait to welcome the AMA Superbike Championship back to the flowing curves of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “The weekend wasn’t without some challenges from Mother Nature, but the MotoAmerica team, supported by the Mid-Ohio track crew, were decisive and flexible, squeezing in as much racing action as possible.”
Race officials and track personnel battled volatile weather on both Saturday and Sunday but successfully completed the program. The hard work and quick planning allowed for a full slate of racing, rewarding fans with two championships and memorable moments on the newly paved road-race course.
In the premier Steel Commander Superbike class, Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Josh Herrin had a perfect weekend, with a clean sweep of the class doubleheader. While his first race was a runaway, the second offered some of the most exciting racing action of the weekend, with a full race battle with Sean Dylan Kelly and Cameron Beaubier, both on BMWs.
Two support class championships were decided on Sunday. Mikayla Moore wrapped up the 2024 Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. title with her seventh win of the season, and Matthew Chapin locked down the 2024 Junior Cup Championship on his BARTCON Racing Kawasaki with the double-header sweep.
The titles also are notable because both young riders have been selected to represent North America at the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Intercontinental Games on Nov. 30-Dec. 1 in Jerez, Spain. Teams from all six of the FIM Continental Unions of Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, Latin America and Oceania will compete for world bragging rights at the two-day event.
“Congratulations to Mikalya and Chapin for outstanding seasons,” said Dingman, who presented Moore with her AMA No. 1 plate. “Their performances this year have been impressive, and both Mikalya and Matt will represent us well on the international stage in Jerez.”
Matthew Chapin wrapped up the 2024 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship at Mid-Ohio on Sunday. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The Supersport class saw a split in wins, with Rahal Ducati’s PJ Jacobsen winning on Saturday and Strack Racing’s Mathew Scholtz finishing out front on Sunday with his seventh win of the year.
Saturday’s Supersport race likely will be remembered by Mid-Ohio fans for the rider who crossed the line in third behind Jacobsen and second-place finisher Scholtz: veteran AMA racer and Ohio native Larry Pegram. With the race starting in the wet, the 51-year old, riding a Suzuki for TopPro Racing, led the race on rain tires for several laps before fading slightly. It was his first AMA podium finish since 2014 in the AMA Superbike class at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
In the Mission Super Hooligan class, Saddlemen Racing/Harley Davidson’s Jake Lewis easily won the first race, with Lewis’s teammate Cory West winning by just 0.105 of a second over S&S/Indian Motorcycles Tyler O’Hara in the second contest.
In King Of The Baggers, the two riders at the top of the points standings, Harley-Davidson’s Kyle Wyman and Indian Motorcycle’s Troy Herfoss split wins.
MotoAmerica resumes its season on Sept. 13-15 at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. For racing and ticket information, see MotoAmerica.com.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
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.
More, from a press release issued by Tytlers Cycle Racing:
Podiums for Cam and JD as Mesa makes the top six on MotoAmerica’s Mid-Ohio return
MotoAmerica made its first appearance at the 2.4-mile Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course this past weekend and the Tytlers Cycle Racing team were in the mix once again.
On track in Superbike, Supersport and Super Hooligans the team’s riders Cameron Beaubier, JD Beach and Stefano Mesa were at the sharp end of their respective racing categories and from the opening practice sessions on Thursday they remained competitive throughout.
Happy to be back at Mid-Ohio, Cameron Beaubier was the man to beat from the off, the #6 topping several practice sessions before claiming Pole Position by 0.122s aboard his BMW M1000 RR.
Race one was cut short by three laps following a rain shower and a wet weather familiarisation session that was held prior to lights out. When the race did get going Cameron was once again at the front, running strongly but unable to match the pace of the leader. He took second at the flag. Sunday’s race ran the full distance of nineteen laps with Cameron once again in contention for the podium but once again unable to produce the pace he had in qualifying due to grip issues outside of his control. He sits fourth overall in the championship standings, sixty points adrift of the current leader, ahead of the penultimate round of the series at COTA and the season finale in New Jersey.
On the other side of the Superbike garage JD Beach had his best event of the season so far. He made the most of the opening laps in Saturday’s shortened sixteen lap encounter after qualifying seventh. Holding third in the early stages he was pushed back to fourth, before moving back into P3 with just a couple of laps to go following a Loris Baz crash. JD was understandably elated as he crossed the line to secure his second podium finish of the season. He finished an equally impressive sixth in Sunday’s race. He sits eighth overall in the points.
A sixth and seventh place finish in Supersport were the rewards for Stefano Mesa’s efforts across the weekend, the Kawasaki mounted rider running consistently. Ninth on the grid, Mesa, along with the entire field were unable to improve their times on Saturday morning and then, as in Superbike, the #37 took to the track in an extra wet weather familiarisation session.
Mesa was also on track aboard the Energica electric bike in the Super Hooligans category. Both races took place on Sunday after Saturday’s rainfall. Stefano achieved eighth and ninth place finishes in the weekend’s two encounters.
Cameron Beaubier: “It was nice to race at Mid-Ohio again. It’s a fun track and it was pretty cool to see how packed with fans the place was for the first year back. We had great pace all week, but the races were a different story with some struggles. All in all, two podiums are nice, and I want to say a big thanks to the team for all their hard work. It’s not over until it’s over and I am looking forward to lining up at COTA again.”
JD Beach: “It was nice to get back on the road race bike after the season break, we had. Going back to Mid-Ohio after ten years was really cool. Luckily, we had a tyre test on Thursday before the race weekend got started which gave us a day to work through some parts and pieces that we have been wanting to try but haven’t had a chance to during a race weekend. I feel like we made some improvements with the bike Thursday and Friday. Then I gave the team a bit of extra work when I threw the bike down Saturday morning in qualifying before Race 1. They worked their magic as always and had the bike fixed back up and ready to go for the race. The track conditions were a bit tricky with off and on rain during the day, but with the improvements the crew made to the bike I felt good from the start. We were able to have a little battle with my teammate Cam and got to follow him for a quite a few laps and learn some stuff. Taking another podium was a big reward I could give them team. Race two was a bit of a struggle from the start with rear grip. It was weird, from the start I couldn’t get the BMW horsepower to the ground, but we were able to snag a sixth. I still feel like that’s an improvement from our mid-season form. We have another couple of weeks off and then it’s time for COTA.”
Stefano Mesa: “It was good to be back at Mid-Ohio after so many years and to see all the fans that came out to this place. We had double duty again on the Supersport and Hooligan. Supersport race one got delayed after a red flag for weather. The race got pushed to the end of the day and by this point we had a drying track, and we had to make a tyre decision. The team ended up going with slicks. The first few laps were still a bit too wet but by the end of the race we found some good pace and had a good race. In race two we had a red flag come out which helped us since we didn’t get a good start. After the restart we got to work and made up a few spots to end P6. The Hooligan weekend was positive with a lot of data gained to keep improving the bike. The weather didn’t let us race on Saturday, so they moved both races to Sunday. Race one was good. We had a good start and had some good battles. The boys had to change the battery in less than two hours so we could make race two and they got it done in time! Race two was a bit better. We made a good start, and I was able to go with the front group for a few laps found my best lap of the weekend in the race. Thanks to the Tytlers and Energica boys for a good weekend on both bikes.”
Jared Mees (1) has won dozens of races and multiple AFT SuperTwins Championships on the Indian FTR750. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Indian Motorcycle Celebrates the End of an Era of Flat Track Racing Dominance, As New AFT Rules Call for Production-Only Engines, Rendering the FTR750 Ineligible
Indian Motorcycle’s Championship-Winning Race Bike Leaves Behind Unprecedented Legacy, Securing Seven SuperTwins Titles & More than 100 Race Wins in 135 races
Minneapolis, MN. (August 19, 2024) – In 2016, Indian Motorcycle introduced the FTR750, a flat track race machine designed to propel the brand back into professional racing following a 60-year hiatus. Amid its eighth season of competition, the Indian FTR750 has established itself as the most dominant race bike in the sport’s history.
“Since 1901, racing has been core to the Indian Motorcycle brand DNA,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “From our founders, Hendee and Hedstrom, competing in endurance races in the early 1900s, to the dominant Wrecking Crew of the late 1940s, Indian Motorcycle has been winning races. The FTR750 was the vehicle that reestablished Indian Motorcycle Racing and returned the brand to a place of competitive dominance.”
Since its debut, the FTR750 has not only revived the storied tradition of the original Indian Wrecking Crew, but it revolutionized the landscape of flat track racing – quickly earning a reputation as the most dominant machine in the AFT paddock. With three races remaining in the 2024 season, the FTR750 has a 75%-win ratio, winning 101 of the 135 races. It has secured 286 total podiums at 129 races, earning a 96%-podium ratio. The FTR750 has a perfect championship record, winning all premier class titles since 2017.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be on this journey with Indian Motorcycle since day one,” said reigning AFT SuperTwins Champion Jared Mees. “Racing the FTR750 has been an incredible experience, as I’ve never experienced a bike like the FTR750 in all my years competing. We’ve had immense success over the past eight years, and it’s been a true honor to be a part of the Indian Wrecking Crew.”
Mees has been an instrumental piece to the FTR750’s success. In addition to being Indian Motorcycle’s hero factory rider since 2017, Mees played an invaluable role in developing the FTR750 – providing expert-level feedback and insights to Indian Motorcycle engineers and S&S Cycle, who developed the FTR750’s chassis. Piloting the FTR750, Mees has secured five championship titles. With a six-point lead in the SuperTwins standings, and three races remaining, Mees looks to complete the FTR750’s perfect record and secure a new all-time record of 10-career championships.
In addition to its factory efforts, Indian Motorcycle has been a great supporter of privateer teams, paying out more than $4,000,000 in privateer contingency.
Since 2017, 45 riders have competed aboard the Indian FTR750. The complete roster of legendary riders includes the following:
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.
Andrea Dovizioso testing a Yamaha YZR-M1 a few weeks ago at Mugello. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Andrea Dovizioso to ride as Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Rider at Private Misano Test
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is sad to announce that Cal Crutchlow is still not fully fit to resume his Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Rider duties due to complications following a hand surgery. Andrea Dovizioso will step up as his replacement at the forthcoming private Misano test.
Gerno di Lesmo (Italy), 19th August 2024
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. confirm that Cal Crutchlow is unfortunately incapable of fulfilling his Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Rider duties due to complications following a hand surgery. Italian MotoGP legend Andrea Dovizioso has agreed to replace Crutchlow as Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Rider at a private Misano test.
Crutchlow was operated on his hand earlier this year but suffered complications. While Crutchlow concentrates on making a full recovery, Dovizioso will fulfil the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Rider role for the present.
Dovizioso and Yamaha completed a preliminary test a few weeks ago in Mugello to confirm that the bond between Dovizioso and the YZR-M1 was still as strong as ever. The rider from Forlì will be aboard the Yamaha again during a private test that will be held at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli on Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st August.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
Team Director
First of all, let me start by saying that we all wish Cal a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on track soon with our test team.
“However, in the meantime we can’t afford to be idle. We are therefore delighted to confirm that Andrea has agreed to fill in for Cal and take on the role of the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test rider at the private Misano test.
“Andrea and Yamaha have had a close relationship for many years. Dovi is a highly skilled and precise rider who also has a clear understanding of the technical side of MotoGP. Furthermore, besides his experience in the MotoGP championship, he is also familiar with Yamaha’s MotoGP Project, so we are greatly looking forward to continuing our partnership with him. We think he will help us collect valuable data and give us good feedback.
ANDREA DOVIZIOSO
Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Rider
“I am sorry that Cal is still not well, and I hope he recovers quickly.
“Having said that, I am happy and excited to have the chance to get on a MotoGP bike again, and I would like to thank Yamaha for this opportunity. I hope I will be able to make my contribution to the development of the bike.
Geoff May (99) celebrates his victory in the AHRMA Pro Challenge at the Barber Vintage Festival in 2023. Photo by etechphoto.com, courtesy AHRMA.
AHRMA Expands 2024 AHRMA Pro Challenge at the 19th Barber Vintage Festival
(Knoxville, TN) The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) announces the expansion of the field of eligible racers for the 2024 AHRMA Pro Challenge to include 2024 professional racers (MotoAmerica, MotoGP, World Superbike, etc.) competing on 2024 MotoAmerica Supersport-spec machines.
Eligibility requirements have been expanded to allow pro racers to compete on MotoAmerica Supersport-spec machines as follows:
The machine must meet the 2024 MotoAmerica Supersport specifications, with the exception that open ECU mapping is permitted.
Riders must have raced a 2024 MotoAmerica or an equivalent international event.
AHRMA has the final say on waivers/exemptions for the Pro Challenge and reserves the right to limit the number of participants.
Certain MotoAmerica Supersport-spec machines are already eligible for the AHRMA Formula Thunder class, this simply expands available machines for pros to compete on.
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage machines along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.
Jake Dixon (left) and Elf Marc VDS Racing Team Owner Marc Van Der Straten (right). Photo courtesy Elf Marc VDS Racing Team.
Elf Marc VDS Racing Team signs Jake Dixon for 2025
The Elf Marc VDS Racing Team is thrilled to announce the signing of British star Jake Dixon for the 2025 Moto2 World Championship campaign.
Dixon’s wealth of experience and proven race winning pedigree makes him the perfect choice to lead the team’s exciting new adventure next year when it will compete for Moto2 glory using the Boscoscuro chassis.
The 28-year-old is currently enjoying a great run of success in his sixth full season in Moto2 and an impressive run of three successive podium finishes in Assen, Silverstone and Spielberg has moved him firmly back into title contention in 2024.
Dixon has won three times in his Moto2 career, with his most recent success coming in memorable fashion earlier this month when he became the first British winner of his home Grand Prix at Silverstone in nearly 10 years.
Dixon finished inside the top six overall in 2022 and 2023 and he has scored 15 podiums since making his Moto2 debut back in 2019.
Marc Van Der Straten, Team Owner
“He is a fighter on and off the track”
“I am personally very happy with the arrival of Jake Dixon to our team. He is a fighter on and off the track and I love that. The 2025 season will be very important for us as we face the exciting challenge of competing with the Boscoscuro chassis. We need someone who is fast and able to quickly adapt to changes and Jake has these characteristics. I’m looking forward to seeing him fighting at the front and defending the VDS colours”.
Jake Dixon
“Moving to this team gives me so much motivation”
“Firstly, I want to say a huge thanks to Marc for giving me the opportunity to ride for such a fantastic team. They have been at the top in Moto2 for such a long time and won three titles and all I can say is it’s an absolute pleasure to be joining Elf Marc VDS Racing next season. I feel I am ready for a new challenge and a new adventure and moving to this team gives me so much motivation. I really can’t wait to get started next year and look forward to bringing more success to the team.”
Mathew Chapin won MotoAmerica Junior Cup Race Two Sunday at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, in Lexington, Ohio. BARTCON Racing’s Chapin was leading on lap seven of 11 when the race was stopped due to rain. The race was declared complete and Chapin was awarded the victory, his sixth of the season. The win also allowed 16-year-old Chapin to clinch the 2024 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship with two races still remaining.
New York Safety Track’s Yandel Medina was the runner-up and officially finished 0.075 second behind Chapin, with Wolfe Racing’s Ryan Wolfe just 0.015 second behind Medina in third.
Royalty Racing’s Carson King got fourth, and Fernandez Racing’s Jayden Fernandez rounded out the top five finishers.
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