FMRRA Weekend Report from Roebling Road Raceway

FMRRA: Florida Motorcycle Road Racing Association

Round 7: Roebling Road Raceway

June 22-23, 2019

Photo finishes, Class records broken, and exciting wheel to wheel racing as FMRRA welcomes many new regional racers to the 2019 Championship

The Florida Motorcycle Road Racing Association’s travelled north this past weekend to the storied Roebling Road Raceway for the 7th round of the 2019 season.

Jamie Starace started from the pole in the SuperStock 600 Grande Corsa. Continuing their season long battle, Starace was able to hold off Christian Miranda for the first ten laps of the twelve-lap race; however, Miranda took the checker after getting the lead in lap eleven. Interestingly, Gabriel DaSilva set a new class Expert track record with a 1:14.086, but was not as consistent as the leaders, managing fourth overall. Amateur Thomas Hannigan took third overall (and the Amateur win). Miranda, Starace, and DaSilva formed the top three for the Expert podium, while Hannigan was joined in the victory celebrations by Frank Custureri and Dustin Richards (second and third, respectively).

The SuperStreet 300 and Moto3 Grande Corsa saw Gabriel DaSilva on the pole leading Alexis Olivera and Wayne Reyne on the staggered front row. The three finished the race in the same positions overall (and Moto3 Expert), with Olivera narrowly holding off Reyne by 0.153 seconds. Continuing to stand out this year, Yvette LaMar claimed the Moto3 Amateur win over Zane Lefko and Dustin Richards. Roger Morisette set the 300 Amateur record with a 1:24.696 taking home the top stair of the class podium in the process, joined by Jerry Pellegrino and Anthony Poulos. Michael Norman took the 300 Expert victory and fifth overall.

Shannon Andrus started from the pole in the SuperStock 1000 Grande Corsa. Freddy Carswell ran into the lead in lap two and lead the remainder of the race; however, the next ten laps had some fantastic racing for second. Ultimately, Andrus took the silver narrowly holding off Jason Campbell and Drew Daly. Amateur Patrick Plowman took the lead in lap one and two and turned in an admirable performance (and class victory) staying right behind the Experts for the length of the race. George Vazeos Jr and Stuart Zuckerman took second and third in the Amateur field.

The Sunoco SuperBike 600 Grande Corsa saw Wayne Reyne start from the pole, set a new class track record (1:14.546) and hold down a definitive lead for the entire twelve lap race. Michael Rouleau and Alejandro Rei went wheel to wheel for much of the race with Rouleau ultimately crossing the line ahead of Rei. Amateur Dustin Richards held off Andrea Diotallevi by 0.730 seconds to take first place in class (while setting a class track record of 1:16.690), Eric Vowels rounded out the Amateur podium.

Jonathan Pellnitz started from the pole in the Twins Grande Corsa followed by Amateur Thomas Hannigan. Pellnitz secured both the overall and class victory (while setting a class track record of 1:20.079) leading Hannigan and Carl Cohen across the checkered finish for the top three. Pellnitz and Cohen were joined by Al Smith on the Production Twin Expert Podium, while Hannigan saw Amateurs Sam Purkis and Kevin Greimel meet him in their class victory circle. Mark Tenn took the Formula Twin Expert win over CJ Czaia (who was time penalized for a jump start), and Jon Foy. Yvette LaMar nabbed the Formula Twin Amateur victory with her class competition retiring mid-race. Pellnitz and Hannigan both set Production Twin class track records during the race. Pellnitz set the Expert Class record with a 1:20.079 while Hannigan broke the Amateur class record with a 1:20.540.

Christian Miranda may have started from the Pole, but Freddy Carswell had a fantastic hole shot from the launch taking the lead quickly in the first lap of the Sunoco SuperBike 1000 Grande Corsa. After two laps Miranda was able to get by Carswell to re-secure the front of the pack, holding on for the rest of the race and taking home the $500 payout. Wayne Reyne pushed hard; however, Carswell was able to hold him off by 0.322 seconds to take second with Reyne finishing third. Alejandro Nieves took the Amateur victory over Eric Komrowski and set a class track record with a 1:16.077 on the final lap.

The SuperStock 600 Spring race saw Jamie Starace start from the pole. The race saw two restarts and was finished upon the results of the last finished lap. Christian Miranda won overall with Gabriel DaSilva and Starace joining on the Expert Podium. Frank Custureri, Patrick Plowman, and Doug Ford took top three Amateur.

Gabriel DaSilva started from pole and lead Alexis Olivera to the finish line, the two were joined by Roger Morisette for the overall top three. DaSilva and Olivera earned the top two honors in the Moto3 Expert class and Brian Robbins rounded out the podium. Moto3 Amateur saw Zane Lefko narrowly take the victory over Dustin Richards by 0.112 seconds with Yvette LaMar taking third a few bike lengths behind. Morisette took the SuperStreet 300 Amateur win over Anthony Poulos, who held off Jerry Pellegrino to secure second by 0.606 seconds. Michael Norman set a 300 Expert class record of 1:25.891 while taking the win.

Amateur Alejandro Nieves impressively started from the pole and held the lead in the SuperStock 1000 Sprint before Seth Starnes was able to work his way by with an impressive drive from the back of the grid after lap two. Christian Miranda had a weak start but after a few laps was able to work his way to the front passing Nieves and almost getting the lead over Starnes. In the end, Starnes took home the overall victory followed by Miranda and Nieves. Shannon Andrus took third in the Expert class behind Starnes and Miranda. Nieves took the Amateur win (while setting a new class record with a 1:15.731 on lap four), proving he is an upcoming talent to watch in the process. Patrick Plowman and Daniel Gourley took second and third in the Amateur field.

The Formula 40-600 Sprint saw Michael Rouleau starting from the pole. Alejandro Rei worked his way to the lead early in the race before his season-long rival, Jamie Starace, made a pass in lap two. There was some great three wide racing between the three, ultimately Starace took the win followed by Rouleau and Rei for the top three overall and Expert. Andrea Diotallevi won the Amateur class with an incredibly close finish over Thomas Ceparano (0.249 split) and Doug Ford (0.198 split). Thomas Ceparano set the Amateur class record with a 1:19.251, while Starace brought the Expert class record down to a 1:15.818.

The Euro Cup Sprint saw newcomer George Vazeos Jr starting from the pole. Wayne Reyne started from the back of the field and made an impressive drive passing ten bikes for the lead in the first two laps. While Reyne ran away with the overall win, there was some fantastic racing between Vazeos Jr and Thomas Ceparano for second place. Vazeos Jr was narrowly able to hold him off by only 0.033 seconds for the Euro Max Amateur win (and second overall). Reyne secured the overall victory and first place in the Euro Light Expert field joined by Carl Cohen and CJ Czaia at the podium. Ceparano wasn’t able to get past Vazeos on the final stretch; however, he did take the Euro Light Amateur victory. Alfie Luzzi and Sardis Campodonico joined Ceparano in the victory circle. Jon Foy took first in the Euro Max Expert class.

Amateur Christopher Dooley had an impressive qualifying on Saturday and started in front of the entire field in the Formula 40-1000 sprint. The amateurs continued to show their skill with George Vazeos Jr leading the first half of the race. In lap four Drew Daly was able to work through the front of the pack to take the lead and held the spot for the overall win. Daly was joined on the Expert podium by Kirk McConnell and Robert Fellman. Vazeos Jr held his position and took first in the Amateur class followed by Dooley and Gabriel Figueroa.

Although the Bridgestone Cup 1000 had a small entry, with Shannon Andrus taking a decisive victory. Kirk McConnell and Josef DeVaughn were neck and neck the entire six laps. McConnell was able to hold off DeVaughn for second by only 0.100 seconds on the final lap.

Polesitter Jonathan Pellnitz showed his MotoAmerica talent in the Twins Sprint. While Pellnitz took the victory, he is still one point behind class competitor Carl Cohen for the Overall Production Twin Championship. Pellnitz took the overall win and first in class for Production Twin Expert, followed by Cohen and Al Smith. In the Production Twin Amateur class, Kevin Greimel passed Sam Purkis in lap two. While he held the spot for the next four laps it was not easy. Purkis was pushing him hard the entire race and almost got him at the line with a gap of only 0.047 seconds. In the Formula Twin class, CJ Czaia set a new class track record with a 1:22.164 while securing first in the Expert class. Mark Tenn and Jon Foy joined Czaia on the podium. George Vazeos Jr took first in the Formula Twin Amateur field, followed by Yvette Lamar and Joseph Shallow.

Alejandro Rei started from the pole in the Formula50-1000 Sprint; however, a poor start lost the lead in the first lap. Drew Daly and McConnell moved to the front of the field and were split by 1/100 of a second for the next four laps putting on a great show for the attendees. In the last lap McConnell was able to pull away and took the overall win by one second. Robert Fellman took third overall and in the expert class. Yvette LaMar took first in the Amateur class.

Wayne Reyne continued his impressive weekend starting from the pole and taking the overall win in the Sunoco SuperBike600 Sprint. Daryan Martin followed shortly behind taking second in the Expert class. Andrea Diotallevi took the Amateur class victory joined by Dustin Richards and Doug Ford in second and third.

The Sunoco SuperBIke1000 Sprint saw Freddy Carswell take the overall and Expert win followed by Shannon Andrus and Alejandro Rei in class. Patrick Plowman led Daniel Gourley and Gabriel Figueroa across the line for the Amateur top three.

Florida Motorcycle Road Racing Association heads back to the southernmost racing venue in the United States, Homestead Miami Speedway, for the double points season finale on July 27-28.

FMRRA thanks all of our 2019 sponsors for their support of our racers’ passion and the sport. Our Sponsors, Racers, and Fans make it possible to continue to deliver professional, safe, and fun race weekends to the South Eastern motorcycle community

Sunoco Racing Fuels

Southern Racing Fuels

Palm Beach County Sports Commission

MotorcycleRaceTires.com

Bridgestone Tires

Continental Tires

Vanson Leathers

MYLAPS Sports Timing

Florida Track Days

Full Season Championship Results and Individual Race Results are conveniently available online at:

https://www.fmrra.com/championships/

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YOUNG FINISHES SOLID SECOND WITH EYES ON THE CHAMPIONSHIP

St-Eustache, QC

June 21-23, 2019

After a battle right to the bitter end, Ben Young finished 2nd place at Autodrome St-Eustache this weekend, aboard his Scot-Build BMW S1000RR. This was a great result for his campaign to win the MOPAR Canadian Superbike Championship, as he maintains the lead in the championship with an 18-point advantage going into round 4.

The practice and qualifying sessions hinted at the close race to come, as Young sat either 1stor 2ndon time sheets in all but one of the sessions. The team of Steve Weir, Willie Vass, Scott Cartier and Scott Young worked hard to nail the set-up of the BMW and it showed, as Young better his times every session. Qualifying on Saturday brought sunny weather, with a slight breeze – good for fans, but not for lap records. Never the less, Young put in a quick time which secured him 2ndon the grid, with just half a second covering the top four riders.

This would be a final race for CSBK fans at Autodrome St-Eustache, and so the stakes were high. For Sunday morning practice, Young topped the time sheet, and set another personal best lap time for the weekend, giving him confidence going into the race. As the lights went out, Young didn’t get the start he hoped for, but managed to maintain his 2nd position going into turn 1. He wasn’t giving up the fight though, continually posting quick times and putting pressure on Szoke. Young would take the lead multiple times throughout the race, getting great drive and braking late off the back straight. Back markers would play their role, as Young dipped and dived between them, they unfortunately didn’t help his cause. Young entered the last lap right on the tail of Szoke, and continued to push him hard. As Young crossed the line, he would post the fastest lap of the race (45.991), though ultimately, he passed the chequered in 2nd position, just 0.150 behind first place.

Of the weekend, Young said, “We are obviously a little disappointed, after such a close race, but second place is a fantastic finish that team and I are proud of. It’s about the championship at the end of the day, and we are still up front so it’s all good.”

Round 4 of the MOPAR Canadian Superbike Championship is a double-header at Atlantic Motorsports Park, NS on July 18th-21st2019, which Ben enters with an 18-point lead in the championship.

Young’s partners for his 2019 CSBK Championship season include; Scot-build Developments, BMW Motorrad Canada, Van Dolders Home Team, Barrie Trim & Mouldings, ACF-50, Joe Rocket, Arai Helmets, Hindle Exhaust, Woodcraft, Bickle Racing, DP Brakes, Motion Pro, K-Tech Suspension, Liqui-Moly, Weir Everywhere Racing, Willy Vass Performance Cycle.

The 26-year-old pilot of the #86 BMW S1000RR is also a proud “Laps for Muscular Dystrophy” (Laps4MD) rider who’s pledged to donate $1 for every lap he lead this season. These donations go to Muscular Dystrophy Canada to help make a difference in the lives of over 50,000 Canadians affected by a neuromuscular disorder.

To keep up-to-date on Ben Young throughout the year visit; www.BenYoungRacing.com, www.facebook.com/BenYoungRacing and on Twitter and Instagram: @benyoung_86.

More, from a press release issued by Waznie Racing:

Szoke Wins Final Ever Superbike Race at Autodrome St Eustache

I was going to get that win, or build a new motorcycle.

During the final laps of the featured Superbike class Jordan “The People’s Champion” Szoke and rival Ben “Braveheart” Young split the single lapped traffic headed into the left hand corner off the back straight.

Ben chose the inside line as Jordan went around the outside setting himself up for a perfect pass into the dog leg. Earning Szoke the final ever victory at Autodrome St Eustache before it eminent closure at the end of the season.

This is Szoke’s first win since returning to the Mopar Express Lane Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja team.

“It took longer than expected.” said an emotional Szoke at the victory podium. “But it just makes it that much sweeter. Recovering from surgery in November to building new bikes and picking up the pieces after a nasty crash in Shannonville. We earned this one and I’m going to enjoy it.”

Szoke picked up maximum points during the weekend by also securing pole position on Saturday. He trails the championship by a mere 18 point lead with four races to go left in the 2019 campaign.

The series now travels east to Atlantic Motorsport Park next month, a circuit Szoke has won the last seven contests.

Amy Szoke prepared for her lightweight return in Quebec after a rough weekend preciously at Round #2 in Grand Bend. Szoke crashed twice in Friday’s free practice and out of Race 2 during the “Battle at the Beach.” “My goals for the weekend here in Quebec was to relearn the tire, regain some trust in my equipment and focus on getting up to speed quicker during the race.”

Amy finished sixth place in Saturday afternoon after qualifying 5th earlier in the morning. “I felt much better after knowing how much I can push the front now particularly early in the race.” Sundays event also found Szoke running a lonely 6th place after losing touch with the lead pack.

“I’m not finishing exactly where I want to be.” said Amy. “Although I had a few goals which I feel we crushed this weekend. Mad thanks to my crew who continue to remind me we are on the right track.”

Amy sits in 7th spot in the Lightweight sport bike official standings with 6 races left in the calendar.

Catch the Szoke’s in Mopar Canadian Superbike action for Round #4 held at Atlantic Motorsports Park July 19-21.

More 8 Hours Testing For KRT

Leon Haslam and Toprak Razgatlioglu took part in two days of testing on their World Endurance Specification Ninja ZX-10RR in readiness for the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours race in late July.

The latest test for the new look ‘Kawasaki Racing Team Suzuka 8 Hours’ project was held between 25 and 26 June. The team is an official KHI set-up overall, with more KRT input and staff from the WorldSBK programme than in previous years.

The third rider in the 2019 team, Jonathan Rea, was not present at this test but Leon and Toprak completed their allotted tasks with relish and set strong times along the way.

Haslam in particular was pleased with his long runs on a single set of tyres, which simulate the sessions each rider will undertake in real race conditions during the intense heat of the Japanese summer. Although the test was held in high temperatures the number 11 Kawasaki was running a new look KRT ‘winter test’ graphics design.

This test was a more novel experience for Razgatlioglu than Haslam, who had already tested at Suzuka with Rea recently. Toprak was pleased with his pace overall but feels he can make improvements in the final few laps of each session.

Leon Haslam, stated: “We have just finished day two at Suzuka, after half a day of riding yesterday because we travelled from Misano. It was pretty good and we got to try a few more things with the chassis and overall package. Toprak and I did race simulations this afternoon and my one was one of the quickest I have done here, which was positive. There are still a few areas we are working on but that was a good day and a half of riding. I am looking forward to some more track time in practice before it all kicks off.”

Toprak Razgatlioglu, stated: “It worked out well but his was quite a difficult test for me because although I came to Suzuka to race in JSB, the bike was very different to this one. The last two days I tried some long runs over 26 laps. I felt some chatter in the later laps. The times of all the riders were similar because of the hot conditions, which limited tyre grip for all the riders. This test was very important, as I needed to adapt myself to the bike. It was a good test; I am happy and ready for the race. But right now I am tired!”

“Outstanding” race weekend in Zolder for Wunderlich MOTORSPORT

It was up’s and downs for the Wunderlich MOTORSPORT BMW Motorrad BoxerCup Racing team – but also a weekend full of oddities for the RnineT riders Christof Höfer (GER) and Nate Kern (USA). Höfer took the full 25 points in the Saturday race but Sunday’s outing had to be cancelled with best riding weather conditions due to safety reasons after the previous races that day had covered the Belgian track at Zolder in oil.

Zolder was a further new track for US boy Kern so him and Höfer joined forces in tackling the track – one to learn his way round and the other the gain some more experiences in the secrets of riding Boxer bikes fast so both rotated in going front and following each other.

But Kern and Höfer became serious competition after they qualified in second and third respectively “only”: It was Arie Vos who took the pole position in his wildcard ride at Belgium – and he is a former six times Dutch champion and won races in the IDM Superbike. Kern took the better over Höfer by 0.018 seconds but both were highly motivated to reduce that half a second gap over Vos in front.

The first race did not go to plan at all for Kern, who became troubles with his clutch and had to pull off the grid at the start. He tried to follow the field by starting from pit lane but did oversee a sign by race direction so was ultimately disqualified. A mistake the American immediately apologized for after.

Höfer not only rode his race to the end but also switched on his brain – he did let Arie Vos from the Netherlands and Bram Lambrechts from Belgium fight their race in front and followed them closely – as this third place meant the full 25 point for the championship.

With three races in the books now Höfer extended his lead in the championship to 23 points. He has got 75 points to his name with Marvin Jürgens (52) and team mate Kern (40) following.

Christof Höfer:

“I was looking forward to Zolder for quite some time as I like this track very much. Friday was a good day in the office as I was able to place myself in front of Arie Vos and my hardest opponent in the championship fight, my team mate Nate Kern. Naturally on Saturday everybody got quicker and Vos made the most out of his abilities and talent and experience to snatch the pole with half a second over us. Nate and me where directly behind him – separated by 0.01 again. That meant we were looking at some fighting in the races but unfortunately Nate had a DNF due to a technical issue. I took my race safely to the line behind the two wildcard riders as I knew they would not get any points and I would get the 25 for the win. The second race unfortunately did not go ahead due to track conditions. Overall I am happy on how the weekend went as I could extend my championship lead and I am mega happy with my team because Basti and Peter are doing a brilliant job. Now I am looking forward to Schleiz as this always is a very special race and I am more than ready for the rest of the season.”

Nate Kern:

“Tough weekend. Professionally, but personally, one of the greatest ever. The professional aspect: We came in early enough to defeat a lot of my jet-lag that I had at the first round. Even though a lot of people think the results at Lausitzring were really, really good, I personally think they were just good, because I left a lot on the table. Since Lausitzring I got a better physical training. I am very thankful team Wunderlich MOTORSPORTS gave me an opportunity to come early, get relaxed and start the weekend. That paid off in the free practices already. And it showed naturally, with having this additional talent this weekend in Vos and Lambrechts, I enjoyed seeing another perspective of how to get around Zolder fast – instead of just my team mate’s perspective. I like how close the competition is and I would wish it to further grow. My ultimate goal is to see this BoxerCup being successful, but also to enjoy this closing chapter of a long career. I knew Qualifying 1 would be the best times because of the asphalt temperatures, being the lowest, it was only about to climb. I was happy with P2 and with no jet-lag I was ready for Saturday. But then I got a problem with the clutch and the bike was even going forward, when I had parked it on my grid position. Very, very poor timing. So when the lights went on, I had to make a decision on everybody’s safety, even before mine, and I raised both hands. We pushed the bike off the grid – and then I chased the safety car and I tried everything – but the problems were really big. My emotions got the best of me and I didn’t follow the procedure for ride-through-penalties and I got the black flag. After coming such a long way, I just wanted to put in a good ride and go faster and show the Belgian and European fans what they had come for – and that would have been a good fight. But ultimately I got the black flag and it was completely my fault, nobody else’s, so I apologize to IDM. Sunday we had some bad fortune with some other classes and technical issues. We had some warm-up laps to see how bad it was and I was really keen to go to make up for the lost points and I was going in fifth gear flat out over the hill where the oil spill was and had my pace from qualifying. It was not bad at all. When we got back to the pit lane – we had a big meeting and we had some guys saying the did not want to race and it was 7 to 8. One person could have changed it – but, hey, everybody needs to do what is right to them. I am still competitive – even though I am more than fat and the real winners are the Happy Smile kids this weekend. Next is Schleiz and I’ll be ready.”

Frank Hoffmann, Teammanager Wunderlich MOTORSPORT

“Nate had some misfortune with his clutch in the first race. Fifty exactly did, what I had expected from him. And that Arie Vos from the Netherlands, with half a home round for him and as a former Superbike professional, would be strong we all had expected too. And also Bram Lambrechts, whom we not considered at the beginning of the meeting, was strong. Those three, Vos, Lambrechts and Fifty, were lapping at a similar pace in the race and Fifty did everything right: He safely took third position and the full points for the championship. I would have done the same in his position and that is absolutely right. I also think to cancel the second race was more than right! If somebody had crashed and got – at best – badly injured, everyone would have pointed their fingers on those who would have decided to go and that the race before already got cancelled due to the engine failures etc. This all would have been teared up, so I am completely with the Promoter’s and the Race Direction’s decision to call the race off.”

MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP ANTICIPATE ACTION-PACKED TT ASSEN

Assen (The Netherlands), 26th June 2019

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are impatient to get round eight of the MotoGP World Championship started at the TT Circuit Assen this weekend.

Following a productive test in Barcelona a fortnight ago, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are in good shape to start the Motul TT Assen round. After the disappointing double NC in Montmeló, Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales are keen to retaliate.

A multiple-rider incident ended Rossi‘s challenge for the win in Catalunya in only the second lap, leaving the nine-time World Champion determined to make amends. He plans a strong comeback at the Dutch track, which he has always been fond of, to move up from fifth place in the championship standings.

The Italian holds a very impressive record at what is often referred to as “The Cathedral” of motorcycling. He claimed eight wins there in the premier class (in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2015, and 2017), as well as one second place (2001) and one third place (2003). He also scored well in the lower classes, collecting victories in the 250cc (1998) and 125cc class (1997), and a 250cc second place (1999).

It was an unfortunate end to his home race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for Viñales, because he got caught up in the same accident as his team-mate. However, he set the record straight the following day at the Catalan Test, posting the fastest time. This weekend it‘s the Spaniard‘s mission to keep the positive vibes going, take the podium he was gunning for at the previous round, and improve his current 11th place championship ranking.

The number-12 rider has enjoyed strong results at the TT circuit in his past eight years of Grand Prix racing. He has won twice at this circuit and enjoyed a four-podium streak on Dutch soil, securing a 125cc win in 2011, a Moto3 win and second place in 2012 and 2013, and a Moto2 second place in 2014. His best score in the MotoGP class was the third place he secured in last year‘s close battle.

The TT Circuit Assen was especially built for the Dutch GP in 1955. However, Assen has been part of the Motorcycle World Championship calendar every year since 1949, as it was originally held on public roads. The current Assen track measures 4.5km and remains a favourite amongst riders thanks to its rapid changes in directions, coupled with a nice mixture of high-speed and low-speed corners (six left and twelve right). Especially the Geert Timmer chicane, right before the start-finish straight, makes for great entertainment and superb racing manoeuvres, right in front of the grandstand, when it‘s all to play for on the final laps.

For those who want to get to know the circuit better, check out Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP‘s official Factory MotoGP eSport Rider Lorenzo Daretti‘s eLap around the TT Circuit Assen.

MASSIMO MEREGALLI

TEAM DIRECTOR

“After an important and successful test in Catalunya, we come to Assen with some optimism and also quite a bit of fire in our bellies. The way things ended at the previous round was a real shame and had serious consequences for our outlook on the championship. However, we are determined to make a strong comeback here this weekend and we‘re using the unfortunate incident in Catalunya to fuel our motivation even more. We want to be on the podium, and to do so we need to be at the front at every session, so that will be our focus. Vale and Mack both like riding in Assen, so we’re feeling confident that we can do well this weekend.”

VALENTINO ROSSI

“After the unlucky race in Barcelona we are ready for the two consecutive GPs of Assen and Sachsenring. In Montmeló we did a good job in the garage, we worked well, and we were very fast. I felt good during the two laps in the race, so in the Netherlands this week we will work hard to get ready for the fight at the front again. The Catalunya test was positive, and I think the conclusions can help us have a good race weekend here. We will do our best.”

MAVERICK VIÑALES

“After the test in Montmeló we arrive in Assen with high motivation. The test was very positive for us and confirmed the good feeling that I had at the last GP. I think we have achieved the best set-up of the season, as was also demonstrated in the Catalunya GP before the accident. I really want to get back on the M1 to confirm that the bike is working well and that we can be competitive. The championship is unfortunately already slipping away and it‘s practically impossible to win it, so we are going to concentrate on finishing the season by getting as many podiums as possible, with an eye on the future and the next season.”

July 6th & 7th, professional MotoAmerica riders along with special guests will take part in a M1GP Rider Clinic to instruct and showcase the Ohvale GP-0.

ROSAMOND, CA (June 25, 2019) – The July 6th and 7th M1GP Rider Clinic at Willow Springs Kart Track will include professional riders from MotoAmerica and special guests showcasing the Forza GP Ohvale GP-0s alternating with M1GP’s Rider Clinic program.

In addition to the traditional Rider Clinic format offered by M1GP, which includes skill-building drills and instruction to develop technique and rider proficiency, special on-track sessions will be added to allow pro riders the opportunity to test the Ohvales and showcase their training potential. An advanced group is being considered for those who’ve taken multiple M1 Rider Clinics who will be renting Ohvales for training. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the day to allow students to gain additional insight from the pros.

Several film crews and photographers, including an official team from MotoAmerica will be on site to document this special event and all who will be there.

With the upcoming Ohvale Talent Cup during Round 8 of MotoAmerica at Pittsburgh International Race Complex, this is a great introduction to the Ohvale’s training potential for new and experienced riders, young and old.

MotoAmerica Riders:

Daytona Anderson

Cameron Gish

Andrew Lee

Nic Swensgard

Special Guests:

Ms. Keerati, Keerati Racing

Niccole Cox, MotoAmerica

“The Ohvales are the future of the sport. Having MotoAmerica involved in this event is a perfect way to build the relationship between mini racing organizations like M1GP and the professional level. Also, it will allow MotoAmerica to experience the potential growth opportunity that the Ohvale provides for the sport. We’ve seen what it can do in Europe, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be taking advantage of it here in the states.” – Nathan Fitzgerald

“I’m always excited about an opportunity to showcase the importance of minimoto for the growth and future of the sport of motorcycle road racing, as well as for new motorcyclists in general. It’s an exciting time with the Ohvales and the wave of interest and excitement that these bikes are bringing. With MotoAmerica, Forza GP, and the guest riders helping get the spotlight on what we’re doing with our clinics and minimotos, everyone wins. The riders, the industry, the sport and all involved.” – Young Lee 

CHRIS FILLMORE ATTEMPTS PIKES PEAK TRIFECTA THIS WEEKEND AS HE VIES FOR A LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE ON AMERICA’S MOUNTAIN

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Just five days away from the start of the 97th running of the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Chris Fillmore – the fastest rider in Pikes Peak history – is READY TO RACE on Sunday, June 30, as he aims to become the first triple record holder on America’s Mountain.

Fillmore currently holds Heavyweight and Middleweight titles on Pikes Peak (9:49.625) 2017 aboard the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R and (10:04.038) 2018 on the KTM 790 DUKE, respectively, and is hoping to add the Lightweight Division trophy this year aboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION.

Fillmore got off to a great start for 2019 as he qualified first in the Lightweight division and fourth outright in Tuesday morning’s session, pitting KTM’s former AMA Pro Supermoto and AMA Superbike factory racer alongside fast company with the event’s most elite Heavyweight and Middleweight competitors.

Chris Fillmore: “For me, this year is an all-new challenge and a very rewarding experience with the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. These days, I don’t get to compete too much and I look forward to lining up at this event. There’s nothing like competing, it’s hard to replicate the feeling that comes from it and I’m just happy for the experience and thankful to KTM and each of the sponsors who allow me to do this.

“As far as Pikes Peak, I feel like I’ve attacked the mountain kind-of backwards as far as classes and learning curves go [starting in the Heavyweight division on a KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R] but this year it’s back to my roots – Supermoto is where I got started in my professional racing career – and it’s nostalgic to be on this bike. It’s been an enjoyable process working with KTM’s Factory Racing department, just learning the capability of the motorcycle, testing parts and preparing for the event. I’m really looking forward to racing up the mountain for the third time this Sunday.”

A special thanks goes out to all the sponsors who have helped make this event possible, including Bell Powersports, WP Suspension, Akrapovic Exhaust Systems, Motorex, Alpinestars, Troy Lee Designs, Metzler Tires, Hinson Clutch Components, Moto-Master Brakes Systems, Renthal Moto, Acerbis and KTM PowerParts.

For information on the 97th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, including how to purchase tickets or follow the event live, please visit the official website at http://ppihc.org.

Michael Dunlop Isle of Man Champion Withdraws from 97th Running of the Race to the Clouds

Colorado Springs, CO—–World-class rider, Michael Dunlop has officially withdrawn from the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb due to a previous racing accident. “All of us at the PPIHC wish Michael and his navigator a speedy recovery and hope to see him return to Pikes Peak next year,” said Megan Leatham, Executive Director.

An official statement was released from his team, MD Racing, Wunderlich and ProKASRO, “Michael and his navigator were involved in a high speed, heavily impacted accident on Saturday, June 22nd at the Donegal International Rally in Ireland. Neither party was at fault. Michael suffered serious injuries which will leave him out of action for two weeks. A further update of his condition will be made in the near future.”

Dunlop was scheduled to compete in the 97th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, on Sunday in the Motorcycle Heavyweight Division. His teammate, Lucy Glöckner, 2018 PPIHC Motorcycle Rookie of the Year, and currently the fastest woman to compete on Pikes Peak, will return this year riding a 2019 BMW S1000R.