Cody Gilmore Clinches Victory at the 2024 AMA Pro-Stock Bagger Championship at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Lexington, Ohio – The 2024 AMA Pro-Stock Bagger Championship took center stage at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course during the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, drawing over 40,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to the historic venue. The weekend was filled with excitement as fans marveled at the hand-crafted race machines on display in the paddock, setting the stage for a thrilling competition.
The event kicked off on Friday with racers hitting the course for practice sessions before enjoying the myriad of entertainment options available at Vintage Motorcycle Days. The excitement continued on Saturday morning with a competitive qualifying session, where Cody Gilmore secured the pole position, setting the tone for the highly anticipated race.
As the clock approached 4:30 PM, the roar of V-Twin American horsepower filled the air, signaling the start of the main event. Cody Gilmore, riding for Suburban Motors HD/Bridgestone, took an early lead, followed closely by former champion Arnie Wells and Australian contender Jake Masters. The crowd watched in awe as the riders navigated the challenging track, showcasing their skills and the power of their custom-built baggers.
After six intense laps, Gilmore emerged victorious, clinching the 2024 AMA Pro-Stock Bagger Championship title. Wells put in a strong performance to secure second place, while Masters, a rising star from Australia, finished third and established himself as a formidable competitor for the next season.
The final race results are as follows:
1. Cody Gilmore
2. Arnie Wells
3. Jake Masters
4. Kurt “Hurt” Wilbur
5. Carl Schlacht
6. Joe Sanderson
This year’s championship was a spectacular showcase of talent, engineering, and the enduring appeal of bagger racing. Fans and participants alike are already looking forward to the 2025 season, where new rivalries and challenges await.
For more information on the Bagger Racing League and upcoming events, please visit www.baggerracingleague.com
Arrowhead Brass, Rick Ware Racing and The CAT Rental Store Named Title and Presenting Sponsors of Sturgis TT
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 30, 2024) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is excited to announce Arrowhead Brass, Rick Ware Racing, and The CAT Rental Store as the title and presenting sponsors for the inaugural Arrowhead Sturgis TT presented by Rick Ware Racing & The CAT Rental Store.
The groundbreaking event will take the Mission AFT SuperTwins title fight for the Grand National Championship and the battle for the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER crown to the Streets of Downtown Sturgis, South Dakota, on Sunday, August 11. Adding to its historic nature will be the hugely anticipated introduction of the AFT AdventureTrackers™ class as part of an action-packed and free to attend day of Progressive AFT action at the 84th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Founded in 1936, Arrowhead Brass offers over 1,000 lead-free residential and commercial products that strictly adhere to the Safe Drinking Water Act’s requirements. Among Arrowhead’s American-made products are its lines of fixtures, fittings, adapters and repair kits, all designed with top-quality materials and a commitment to excellence.
Rick Ware Racing (RWR) has already become a household name among fans of the series since joining the Progressive AFT paddock in 2023, after previously doing the same across a number of leading motorsports series, including the NASCAR Cup Series, IndyCar, NHRA (Top Fuel), IMSA (LMP2), AMA Supercross and FIM World Supercross. RWR currently fields two-time Grand National Champion Briar Bauman, defending Parts Unlimited AFT Singles champion Kody Kopp, and 19-time race winner Shayna Texter-Bauman.
The Official Heavy Equipment Provider of Progressive AFT, The Cat® Rental Store maintains the largest construction equipment fleet in the world, featuring Caterpillar’s best-in-class earth-moving equipment and other critical equipment including light towers and generators. The Cat Rental Store and its vast dealer network have been an essential resource for Progressive AFT since the beginning of the collaboration in 2019, called upon time and again to source the equipment required to prepare and maintain world-class racetracks for America’s Original Extreme Sport.
You can catch the livestream of all the Arrowhead Sturgis TT presented by Rick Ware Racing & The CAT Rental Store action on FloRacing. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2024. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.
Arrowhead Sturgis TT presented by Rick Ware Racing & The CAT Rental Store pre-race show will air on FS2 on Saturday, August 17, at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT), immediately followed by the race broadcast on FOX at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT). The complete two-hour pre-race and race package will then re-air on FS1 later that evening, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT).
More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:
Progressive American Flat Track Unveils Sturgis TT Track Map
A rendering of the track layout to be used for the Sturgis TT. Image courtesy AFT.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 30, 2024) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing and in collaboration with Øuterkind, AFT Events and the City of Sturgis, has unveiled the track map for the highly anticipated Sturgis TT, which will take place in the streets of downtown Sturgis, South Dakota, on Sunday, August 11.
Measuring at just over a quarter of a mile, the combined dirt and asphalt course evokes the origins of the Grand National Championship while following the more recent precedent set by the DAYTONA TT and Atlanta Super TT, which incorporated paved sections of the tri-ovals at Daytona International Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway alongside the more traditional dirt aspects.
The Sturgis TT is also unique unto itself, featuring a layout, backdrop, and vibe that simply could not be replicated anywhere else in the world. Set in the heart of downtown Sturgis during the 84th Annual City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the track starts and ends on Main Street right in front of the Harley-Davidson Rally Point, features lefthand turns onto 3rd and then Sherman, before hitting the dirt section that includes left- and right-handers plus a jump, before powering onto the legendary Harley-Davidson Way with its decisive final corner back onto Main Street.
This layout lives up to the event’s stated intent to honor the rich heritage and tradition of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Progressive American Flat Track while producing a modern-day spectacle that points to the future of both. That tantalizing prospect has garnered significant advance interest in the event, including a prime television slot on FOX on Saturday, August 17 at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT), the series’ first to be aired on a major broadcast network.
Vanson Leathers – celebrating its 50th anniversary this year – is a company that has continued to handcraft motorcycle riding and racing apparel in Massachusetts, USA, since 1974. During these 50 years, Vanson has become known for delivering “heirloom quality” motorcycle garments you can pass on to future generations.
The men behind Vanson Leathers are Mike van der Sleesen (left) and Jamie Goodson (right). Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
Mike was born in San Francisco but moved to Holland with his Dutch father and American mother. Jamie was born in Cambridge, England to an American father and English mother.
Bicycles, motorbikes and Europe all went together in a two-wheel world of adventure and independence for Mike and Jamie.
At age 16 Jamie and Mike graduated to small road machines and were able to travel great distances. Jamie rode to Morocco and Czechoslovakia on his Suzuki 50cc.
Mike van der Sleesen rode to Switzerland, Italy, England, and France on his Garelli Monza 50cc. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
In 1970, van der Sleesen and Goodson moved to Paris to attend University. They were growing up, so to speak, and graduated to BSA Lightnings, Norton Commandos and Honda CB750s. While in Paris Mike picked up part-time work, uncrating and setting-up new Nortons, at MotoBritannique, a “Brit Bike” shop located outside Versailles.
Jamie (left) and Mike (right) also helped out the owner of MotoBritannique, Mike Harper-Smith, by traveling to London to buy used bikes, parts and accessories for the shop. In those days there were no open borders and so riding these old bikes into France from England, loaded with parts and bits, was always a border-crossing customs adventure. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
Returning to San Francisco in 1972 Mike continued to import motorcycle parts from his British connections to sell to dealers stateside. Late in 1973, he moved to Boston. Jamie moved to Boston in 1974 and Vanson Associates (Vanson is a portmanteau of van der Sleesen and Goodson) was formed.
The original Vanson Leathers factory. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
Samples on a rack back in the day at Vanson. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
Vanson rented a 3,500-sq.-ft. loft for $175.00 per month, then filled it with used cutting and sewing equipment. The company wasn’t an instant success. At one point, Mike and Jamie gave up their apartment and moved into the workshop for 18 months.
Mike van der Sleesen and the original Vanson Leathers company car. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
During these early years recruiting dealers across the nation (pre-internet, pre cellphone) was a challenge, requiring many, many weeks of travel. Identifying dealer prospects required driving from region to region across the U.S., with frequent stops at a Howard Johnson’s or Denny’s, for a cup of coffee and to ‘borrow’ their copy of the local Yellow Pages to start calling on the local dealers.
A Vanson Leathers win ad featuring Dale Singleton. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
Vanson’s first big break came in 1979 when they made the racing leathers for Dale Singleton. Dale was a self-proclaimed “famous pig-farming privateer” who beat all the factory race teams not just once but twice, winning the Daytona 200 in 1979 and 1981. The second win was when Vanson supported 1979 AMA Grand National Champion Steve Eklund. Over the years there have been many notable riders who have worn a Vanson. Here are but just a few, Antron Brown, Freddie Spencer, Giacomo Agostini, Mario Duhamel, Dave Roper, Mike Hale, Nicky Hayden, Angie & Matt Smith, Dave Schultz and many others.
The ’80s and early ’90s were a period of steady growth and change for Vanson. Jamie and Mike split up in 1983, with Mike wanting to continue to manufacture domestically and Jamie preferring an import path.
Club racing was flourishing and the interest in motorbikes just kept growing. Buell, Suzuki, H-D were among the companies that ordered jackets, pants and racing suits from Vanson.
The Vanson Leathers factory floor circa 2020. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
It was during this period that manufacturing changed, government restrictions became tougher and imports into the USA really took off. Many companies were driven out of business, or at least out of the USA as a viable production site. Every supply-chain resource that had been commonly available throughout the USA became harder to find, essentially industrial clusters are an ecosystem, and if one aspect gets out of balance, it impacts the whole.
As the market has changed for US producers, the through-put volumes have decreased. We at Vanson embrace lower volumes so we can concentrate on the special and custom orders. This philosophy of striving to be the best is reflected in the Patents covering features such as ventilation and protection.
A Vanson Leathers employee hand-cutting leather at the factory. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
This DNA: Innovation, Heirloom Quality, Made-in-USA, individually crafted and numbered, keeps Vanson as a Brand relevant in the Motorbike, Race and Fashion markets.
At Vanson Leathers quality has become an obsession with painstaking attention to detail — traits that are the primary reason why we have survived and even thrived for the past 50 years.
A closeup of a Vanson Leathers jacket. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
Designed, engineered, cut, and produced in the U.S.A. of imported and domestic materials, sewn by hand in our workshop in Fall River, MA, USA.
Mike van der Sleesen in recent times. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
Hamilton, ON – A former overall national champion will be returning to the Bridgestone CSBK paddock again for round five, as Jodi Christie will make his second appearance of the season at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, August 9-11, though this time in the Economy Lube Pro Sport Bike class.
Christie – the Pro Superbike champion and Canada Cup winner in 2014 – ended a nearly ten-year absence earlier this season when he joined the Pro Twins class at RAD Torque Raceway, winning both races aboard a YZF-R7 as a tribute to his late father Gary.
His second appearance of 2024 will be in a more familiar category, however, as Christie returns to the middleweight ranks as one of the greatest riders in class history. Champion in three consecutive years from 2011 through 2013, Christie totaled 15 victories, 33 podiums, and 16 pole positions across seven seasons in Pro Sport Bike.
A Honda rider for majority of his career, Christie’s return will come aboard a new machine with support from one of his close friends, three-time Canadian champion Ben Young, as Christie takes over the Scot-Build Suzuki GSX-R750 that Young piloted to a victory in the Sport Bike season opener.
“I had an unbelievable weekend at RAD Torque Raceway, and it was so nice to be back amongst so many old friends at the track. When Ben suggested I ride his Suzuki at CTMP, I told him I wanted to think about it for a few days, but truthfully I knew my answer right away,” Christie said. “It has been a dream of mine to return to CTMP and this opportunity to work alongside Ben is a dream come true.”
While Christie has since moved west to Alberta, the Keene, Ontario native will be very familiar with his home track of CTMP, where he has won six times and scored 13 podiums in his pro career – as well as representing the circuit where he clinched his 2014 Superbike title.
“I am so excited to come back to racing at such a beautiful venue, and to be on a competitive bike at a track where it is so critical,” Christie said. “I have had good success there in the past and I hope to adapt to the track surface changes and continue learning the Bridgestone tires.”
Christie’s return to a loaded Pro Sport Bike field will be welcome news for Suzuki, who currently lead the Constructors Championship by an even 100 points over Kawasaki.
His return to action in the Sport Bike class will officially begin Friday, August 9 at CTMP – just 40 mins southwest of his hometown of Keene and an hour east of Toronto – with races scheduled for August 10 and 11.
More information can be found on CSBK’s official website.
A sold-out “Rainey’s Ride To The Races” gave MotoAmerica fans the opportunity to ride and rub elbows with 10 legends of the sport of motorcycle racing with the charity ride raising over $160,000 for the Roadracing World Action Fund. Watch interviews with several of the legends who took part in the ride, a lap of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, and the ultimate bench racing session with the former stars of the sport.
Let battle commence: MotoGP™ back in action at Silverstone
Vintage style, modern spectacle, and one of the greatest racetracks on Earth. Buckle up as the world’s most exciting sport fires up for the Monster Energy British GP!
Monday, 29 July 2024
It’s been some time since we’ve seen a swing as significant as the drama that unfolded for former Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) in Germany, with the #89 seeing a 10-point lead before the weekend become a 10-point disadvantage to the new rider at the top of the table: old rival and reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). But all is far from lost and the tale far from its conclusion as we get back on track at the behemoth of Silverstone, with another 37 points on offer at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix – and that’s only the first haul of a maximum 407 still in play in 2024. The next bout of this great game will also take place in stunning vintage liveries on Sunday, with every team on the premier class grid running a one-off colour scheme to celebrate #MotoGP75.
Whether in 2024 colours on Saturday or in vintage style on Sunday, however, Martin will be the first looking to hit back – and especially after losing out at the Sachsenring, a venue somewhat penciled in as one where he was likely to be the rider to beat. He’s also had to lick those wounds throughout summer break and wait for his right of reply. Silverstone, on paper, could be more of a Bagnaia track too – and as the #1 starts to gain some ominous momentum – but that’s why riders take Championships weekend by weekend. Austria is already appearing on the horizon.
Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), meanwhile, is starting to drop off the lead two in the title fight but he’s very much still got the edge on his fellow GP23 riders. He is still “waiting” for that first win on Ducati machinery, but there have been a few where he’s come very close. Is Silverstone a venue more likely to see that attack able to bear more fruit? We’re about to find out as the #93 rolls into town.
Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) is closing in on the top three in the title fight, now 11 points behind Marc Marquez, so that’s one to watch, and the next rider in the standings is one with a mighty record at Silverstone: Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing). He could very well be a protagonist at a track where the RS-GP has also shone year after year – most recently in 2023 as teammate Aleix Espargaro won. Espargaro is another whose record – on top of that win – has been history-making at the venue. Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing) showed great speed last season to almost get on the podium too, and Raul Fernandez, now confirmed to remain with Trackhouse for two more seasons, will be an interesting watch as he debuts with the 2024 spec RS-GP.
That’s as Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) remains on a steady roll of good speed as we wait for confirmation of his future, with the Italian having teased news soon just before summer. Teammate Marco Bezzecchi is looking to reset after summer following a tough first stint to 2024, but he did get on the Tissot Sprint podium at Silverstone last year. Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) went better than that though – taking his first Saturday win in some style in 2023. Can they cut the gap to the GP24s? And can Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) continue his steady rise back to Q2 and beyond?
Meanwhile at KTM, there are good podium memories from 2023 as well, and the Austrian marque would welcome a few more this season. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) led the charge then and will want to do so this season as he looks to reassert his form ahead of superstar rookie – and 2025 teammate – Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3). Acosta has a little less experience of Silverstone compared to many venues… but that may make no difference whatsoever, such is his record in the World Championship. He is now two points ahead of Binder as it stands.
On the other side of the Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 garage, Augusto Fernandez remains on the search for more points, and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will want to reset after a tough stint and at a venue where the fans always show plenty of love, one incident involving friend and former teammate, home hero Cal Crutchlow, aside.
Speaking of, the Brit will not be able to take back to the stage for his wildcard as previously planned, still in recovery from an injury. Instead, Yamaha will field Remy Gardner in his place, fresh from getting on the bike for the first time at the German GP as a replacement for Alex Rins. Rins, meanwhile, should be back in action alongside 2021 World Champion Fabio Quartararo at Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™. With some signs of good progress shown for the Iwata marque as the season rolls on, and as private testing continues, it will be an interesting watch from here on out – especially at a venue where they’ve shone plenty of times in the past.
At Honda, there has been some key news ahead of the British GP, on the tails of more released just before summer break in the back-to-back. Aleix Espargaro joining their test team from 2025 was the first news, and then last week the Japanese giants confirmed their 2025 line-up as Joan Mir was announced for both next season and 2026. Luca Marini, meanwhile, is already confirmed for next year. That puts more pieces of the jigsaw in place, with Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) confirmed for another season too. Their work towards bringing Honda back to the top continues, alongside Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR), and Silverstone will see them come out swinging to try and take more and more points week-on-week.
The Championship remains close as ever as we head into the second half of the season, albeit with a new name at the top. But those 407 points still on the table speak for themselves… so make sure to tune in for the next twist in the tale this weekend as Silverstone welcomes the world’s most exciting sport back from summer – in vintage style!
SHOWTIME
Saturday
Tissot Sprint: 15:00 (UTC +1)
Sunday
Grand Prix: 13:00 (UTC +1)
What’s happening at the #BritishGP?
In short, a lot! On Thursday afternoon, the MotoGP™ 75th Anniversary Special reveals the vintage liveries teams will be racing with on Sunday, with a special one-hour live show starting at 14:00 local time.
That’s alongside the Day of Champions, the flagship event of official MotoGP™ charity Two Wheels for Life, with a host of different fan events culminating in the ever-popular memorabilia auction, attended by MotoGP™ riders. Fans with paddock DoC tickets can also see the MotoGP™ 75th Anniversary Special live as part of the pitlane walk.
Meanwhile, the broadcast continues following the Anniversary Special as podcast Last On The Brakes welcomes the legendary Loris Capirossi at 15:05 (UTC +1).
The first Press Conference at 16:00 then hosts Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™).
The second line-up at 16:35 is Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) and Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team).
On Friday, we will then induct a new MotoGP™ Legend into the Hall of Fame: Mike Trimby. The founder and CEO of IRTA, who sadly passed away in 2023, will become the first non-rider to be made a Legend, honouring his off-track contributions to the sport.
Throughout the weekend, the R&G British Talent Cup will be on its biggest stage of the season, racing alongside MotoGP™. Race 1 is on Saturday afternoon and Race 2 on Sunday morning.
Finally, #MotoGP75 celebrations will continue across the weekend, from special vintage touches from MotoGP™ partners to a retro twist on our incredible opening music on Sunday. There’s even a special bike exhibition, with the iconic Wing hosting around 30 vintage motorcycles throughout the GP – celebrating the history of the sport and the industry thanks to Amicale Spirit of Speed, Sammy Miller Museum, National Motor Museum Beaulieu, Gresini Team, Collection Nougier and Yamaha. Better yet, access is free and open to all fans and personnel on site, no paddock pass required. See you there!
Moto2™: Can Garcia defend from Ogura as Silverstone kicks off the second half?
As we land into the second half of the season, Sergio Garcia’s (MT Helmets – MSI) lead in the Moto2™ Championship stands at seven points after teammate Ai Ogura secured his fourth podium in five races with a P3, as the former had to settle for a lowkey P7 – his worst result of the year. He’ll want to stamp his authority back on proceedings as we get back on track.
Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing), while nursing his fractured right collarbone, salvaged a highly commendable P8 at the Sachsenring to limit the title race points damage. The American is 24 points down on Garcia ahead of the British GP, where he’ll start the weekend pretty much back to full fitness following the summer.
Elsewhere, Assen and Germany were – much needed – strong rounds for Fermin Aldeguer (SpeedUp Racing). A P2 in the Netherlands was followed by a dominant victory in Germany, as the #54 returns to the venue he claimed his maiden win at in 2023. A repeat will go down nicely, with Aldeguer needing to continue clawing points back on the top three to reel himself back into the title frame.
Silverstone signals a homecoming for Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and after two podiums in the last four outings, including a strong P2 finish in Germany, the run up to the summer break will have given the Briton a nice injection of confidence as Dixon aims to stand on the British GP rostrum for a second time.
Tune in to see the stunning Triumph-powered Moto2™ machines take on Silverstone this weekend, with the intermediate class out at the later time of 14:30 (UTC+1), after the MotoGP™ race.
Moto3™: can anyone halt Alonso’s charge?
Following a brief intermission at Assen, the David Alonshow continued at the Sachsenring as the CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team star claimed his sixth victory of the season to extend his Championship advantage to 58 points ahead of a date with Silverstone. And who won in Northamptonshire last year? That’s right, David Alonso.
The Colombian is currently sailing towards a first Grand Prix title at a considerable rate of knots, but with 11 races to go, Alonso’s chief chasers still hold hope. The first of those after a P3 finish in Germany is Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI), with the Spaniard leapfrogging Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) in the standings after the latter’s recent tougher run of form.
Holgado and Ortola finished P3 and P4 respectively at Silverstone last year, so like Alonso, they too have good pedigree in Great Britain. Meanwhile, Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) will be aiming to respond after his crash from the lead in Germany saw him relinquish 25 points to Alonso, with the Dutch star now P4 in the Championship chase.
Can anyone halt Alonso’s charge? That’s the goal for everyone on the grid, so tune in at the slightly later time of 11:15 (UTC+1) to find out!
Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Chase Saathoff (Hon), 20 laps
2. Kody Kopp (KTM), -0.393 second
3. Tom Drane (Yam), -0.933
4. Tarren Santero (Hon), -7.686 seconds
5. Evan Renshaw (Hon), -8.963
6. Jared Lowe (Hon), -9.149
7. Trent Lowe (Hon), -10.622
8. James Ott (Hus), -13.564
9. Tyler Raggio (KTM), -17.936
10. Travis Petton (KTM), -18.633
11. Evan Kelleher (KTM), -19.698
12. Olin Kissler (KTM), -22.077
13. Reece Pottorf (Hon), -23.163
14. Bronson Pearce (Hon), -23.299
15. Jordan Jean (Hon), -27.073
16. Hunter Bauer (Yam), -13 laps, DNF
17. Justin Anselmi (Yam), -20 laps, DNF
Provisional Mission AFT SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Briar Bauman (KTM), 25 laps
2. JD Beach (Yam), -4.569 seconds
3. Jared Mees (Ind), -7.866
4. Jarod VanDerKooi (Ind), -8.736
5. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -24.630
6. Trevor Brunner (KTM), -25.774
7. Max Whale (Har), -26.158
8. Davis Fisher (Ind), -1 lap
9. Declan Bender (Ind), -1 lap, -13.064
10. Cameron Smith (KTM), -1 lap, -23.637
11. Dalton Gauthier (Roy), -16 laps, DNF
12. Michael Hill (Yam), -17 laps, DNF
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track (AFT):
Bauman Runs Away with 77th World Famous SC2 Peoria TT
Briar Bauman (3). Photo by Tim Lester, courtesy AFT.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 28, 2024) – Briar Bauman (No. 3 Rick Ware Racing/KTM/Parts Plus KTM 790 Duke) left no doubt in Sunday’s World Famous SC2 Peoria TT presented by Backroads Saloon, Round 11 of the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.
For three years running, the Rick Ware Racing ace had come second in the fabled race held annually in the Peoria Motorcycle Club Race Park’s natural amphitheater, each time watching as TT maestro JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) left Peoria, Illinois, with top honors.
The two-time series champion was provided with an unexpected opportunity for revenge when Beach was made a late addition to the entry list, riding in place of injured Mission AFT SuperTwins championship leader Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT).
However, it was reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Rogers Racing/SDI Racing/Indian Motorcycle FTR750) who grabbed the early lead, securing the holeshot with a full-throttle trip up the grass banking leading to the jump on the race’s opening lap.
Bauman didn’t take long to make his move, slashing through in Turn 2 on the race’s second lap. Beach was desperate to work through himself, hoping to prevent Bauman from clearing off. And he in fact lost a few tenths in the handful of laps it took him to find his own way by Mees.
Even when Beach did have clear air in front of him, it was evident this was Bauman’s day. While the Estenson Racing super sub was undeniably impressive to finish second after jumping on a dirt track machine for the first time all season long, Bauman managed to open up more than eight second’s padding at the front while threatening to lap his way into the top five. He ultimately claimed a 4.569-second margin-of-victory over Beach, a gap that narrowed considerably on the final lap due to an extended victory wheelie to take the checkered flag.
The win was Bauman’s second at the Peoria TT, backing up his 2019 triumph. He said, “First and foremost, my heart goes out to Dallas Daniels right now. I’ve been through it myself and I know Jared has been through it too. I don’t have any words… I’m sorry. And beating JD today… you want it to count, but I don’t think it does. He hasn’t been on a flat track bike all year, so I could tell he was a little bit uncomfortable.
“But no matter what, huge thanks to Rick Ware Racing. The team deserves this. I want to get better on the ovals, but we took advantage of the TT and strengths of the KTM. And we’re going to keep working, that’s all I can say.”
Nine-time series king Mees closed to within a single point of Daniels (216-215) with his eighth podium of the season. Due to Daniels’ continued absence, the focus will soon shift to Mees versus Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750). On that front, Robinson did well to minimize the damage, finishing one position behind fourth-placed Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Ohio Indian FTR750) to earn his first-career Peoria top five.
As a result, Robinson has collected 201 points on the season and the gap that separates him from Mees is just 14 points with five races left to go. Meanwhile, Bauman has quietly (or not so quietly) snuck back into contention at 192 points, less than a single-race points haul behind Mees.
Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Mission Foods/Zanotti Racing Indian FTR750) bolstered his Rookie of the Year campaign in sixth, followed by fellow class newcomer Max Whale (No. 18 Latus Motors Racing/Liqui Moly Harley-Davidson XG750R).
Meanwhile, Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) came home eighth, followed by third rookie Declan Bender (No. 70 GOMR/BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750) and Cameron Smith (No. 34 RVR/KTM/Schaefer’s Motorsport KTM 790 Duke).
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Chase Saathoff (No. 88 JPG Motorsports Honda CRF450R) outdueled double defending Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champion Kody Kopp (No. 1 Rick Ware Racing/Parts Plus KTM 450 SX-F) to claim a second consecutive victory in his home state of Illinois.
Fresh off his triumph at the high-speed DuQuoin Mile, Saathoff did the business under very different circumstances on Sunday at the twisty Peoria TT. An aggressive Saathoff first worked his way into the lead with a bucking overtake of Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and then appeared fully capable of clearing off en route to victory.
However, a red flag following a fall by Hunter Bauer (No. 24 Vinson Construction/American Harley-Davidson Yamaha YZ450F) reset the order and gave the champ another shot at victory. Kopp took full advantage of the second chance, diving up the inside of Saathoff with less than four minutes remaining and then pulling an immediate gap of his own.
The race’s complexion shifted yet again when Kopp made a minor mistake with less than a minute left on the clock. Back within striking distance, Saathoff struck at the first available opportunity, reclaiming first place with only 30 seconds to go.
That back and forth also brought Drane back into the fight. But even with Kopp and Drane lurking, Saathoff was perfect over the final two laps to close out a Saathoff-Kopp-Drane 1-2-3.
Saathoff said, “I don’t even know what to say. I came to Peoria the last two years and couldn’t even make it on the podium. I knew I had the speed to go run up front at this track; it was so hard to figure out my corner speed here, and we finally got it done today. I’d like to give a huge shout out to my mom and dad for everything they’ve done for me. I’ve been coming to this track since I was a 65(cc). I remember doing the exhibition race here in 2015.”
Some seven seconds in arrears, Tarren Santero (No. 75 Vinson Construction/P&M Motorcycles Honda CRF450R) came out on top of a four-rider scrap for fourth. He edged Evan Renshaw (No. 265 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) for the position with brothers Jared Lowe (No. 63 BigR/Little Debbie Racing Honda CRF450R) and Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) close behind in sixth and seventh, respectively.
James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), Tyler Raggio (No. 55 Raggio Racing/Sluggo Racing KTM 450 SX-F), and Travis Petton IV (No. 82 ECG Racing/A.M Ortega KTM 450 SX-F) completed the top ten.
While winless since Bridgeport, three consecutive runners-up have allowed Kopp to maintain a healthy advantage in the championship chase, now with 246 points to Saathoff’s 218 and Drane’s 206.
Next Up:
Progressive American Flat Track kicks off its 84th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally doubleheader with the Black Hills Harley-Davidson Black Hills Half-Mile presented by The City of Sturgis at Black Hills Speedway in Rapid City, South Dakota, on Tuesday, August 6. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/black-hills-half-mile-86674 to reserve your seats today.
For those who can’t catch the action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of the on-track action, from the first practice to the victory podium, at https://flosports.link/aft.
FOX Sports coverage of the World Famous SC2 Peoria TT presented by Backyards Saloon, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, August 4, at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT).
WorldSBK and the Aragon Government have reached an agreement that will see the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship visit the MotorLand Aragon circuit in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
A mainstay on the WorldSBK calendar since 2011, MotorLand Aragon has recently undergone an extensive refresh over three months. More than 75,000 m² of the track has been resurfaced, and new kerbs totalling 700m in length have been installed. In accordance with FIM standards, several run-off areas have been updated, and new colours have been applied to highlight track limits.
Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director
“We are delighted to secure the future of WorldSBK at MotorLand Aragon. Its spectacular layout makes it a favourite among motorcycle fans, producing thrilling races and presenting a significant challenge to all competitors. Additionally, the venue boasts excellent facilities overall. The recent upgrades underscore MotorLand Aragon’s and the region’s commitment to supporting world-class racing.”
Manuel Blasco, MotorLand Aragon President
“With this new three-year contract, we provide stability to the circuit’s calendar. This event is very important for the image of Aragon, as it brings nearly 30,000 attendees to our facilities. We are also very satisfied with the resurfacing of the circuit, which ensures that MotorLand meets the highest quality standards for welcoming our visitors.”
MotorLand Aragon being resurfaced. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.
MotorLand Aragon will host Round 10 of the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, featuring all three categories and the FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup, promising an action-packed weekend from 27th-29th September.
Francesco Bagnaia Wins the Third Edition of the Lenovo Race of Champions Ahead of Andrea Iannone and Marc Márquez
Misano Adriatico, July 27, 2024 — Francesco Bagnaia dominated the third edition of the Lenovo Race of Champions. The highly anticipated race, held during World Ducati Week, saw 15 Ducati riders compete at the iconic Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” aboard the brand new Panigale V4 S.
Starting from the second spot on the grid after securing a front-row position in the qualifying held on Day 1 of the event, Bagnaia immediately took the lead and maintained it until the chequered flag. The Ducati Lenovo Team rider, who also set the fastest lap of the race with a time of 1:35.431, kept a consistent pace throughout the 10-lap race, crossing the finish line alone with more than a second advantage over the rest of the field.
Superbike rider Andrea Iannone (Team Go Eleven), who claimed pole position with a time of 1:35.051, finished in second place behind the reigning MotoGP World Champion after holding off a very fast Nicolò Bulega for almost the entire race. However, the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team rider fell at the last corner after he and Marc Márquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) made contact. The Spanish rider crossed the finish line in third place, thus completing the Lenovo Race of Champions podium.
Claudio Domenicali (CEO Ducati Motor Holding):
“The Lenovo Race of Champions is an incredible spectacle for all motorcycling fans. Personally, I had a lot of fun during the race, and seeing the red crowd of World Ducati Week on the grandstands of the Misano Circuit was a great emotion. Congratulations to Pecco, who once again showed the world his incredible talent by winning a world-class race, and congratulations also to Andrea and Marc, who finished on the podium. We would have also liked to have Nicolò on the podium during the celebratory moment, but it was rightly given priority for medical checks after the crash. The Lenovo Race of Champions and this WDW2024 was the perfect setting to demonstrate the value of the new Panigale V4, and the improvement in performance compared to the 2022 race makes us proud of the work done on this motorcycle”.
Francesco Bagnaia (#1, Ducati Lenovo Team) – 1°
“First of all, I want to say that it was fantastic seeing so many people on the grandstands. I was even able to hear people cheering, although I had the helmet on while racing; it was really incredible. The race was great; I enjoyed it a lot. I couldn’t understand what the gap was, so I just pushed a lot and had a lot of fun. I am very happy to have tried the new Panigale V4 here in Misano, and I really look forward to training on it from now on”.
Race winner Cody Gilmore (center), runner-up Arnie Wells (left), and third-place finisher Jake Masters (right). Photo by @following_sj, courtesy BRL.
Cody Gilmore Clinches Victory at the 2024 AMA Pro-Stock Bagger Championship at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Lexington, Ohio – The 2024 AMA Pro-Stock Bagger Championship took center stage at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course during the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, drawing over 40,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to the historic venue. The weekend was filled with excitement as fans marveled at the hand-crafted race machines on display in the paddock, setting the stage for a thrilling competition.
The event kicked off on Friday with racers hitting the course for practice sessions before enjoying the myriad of entertainment options available at Vintage Motorcycle Days. The excitement continued on Saturday morning with a competitive qualifying session, where Cody Gilmore secured the pole position, setting the tone for the highly anticipated race.
As the clock approached 4:30 PM, the roar of V-Twin American horsepower filled the air, signaling the start of the main event. Cody Gilmore, riding for Suburban Motors HD/Bridgestone, took an early lead, followed closely by former champion Arnie Wells and Australian contender Jake Masters. The crowd watched in awe as the riders navigated the challenging track, showcasing their skills and the power of their custom-built baggers.
After six intense laps, Gilmore emerged victorious, clinching the 2024 AMA Pro-Stock Bagger Championship title. Wells put in a strong performance to secure second place, while Masters, a rising star from Australia, finished third and established himself as a formidable competitor for the next season.
The final race results are as follows:
1. Cody Gilmore
2. Arnie Wells
3. Jake Masters
4. Kurt “Hurt” Wilbur
5. Carl Schlacht
6. Joe Sanderson
This year’s championship was a spectacular showcase of talent, engineering, and the enduring appeal of bagger racing. Fans and participants alike are already looking forward to the 2025 season, where new rivalries and challenges await.
For more information on the Bagger Racing League and upcoming events, please visit www.baggerracingleague.com
Main Street in Sturgis, South Dakota, as seen during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Photo courtesy AFT.
Arrowhead Brass, Rick Ware Racing and The CAT Rental Store Named Title and Presenting Sponsors of Sturgis TT
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 30, 2024) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is excited to announce Arrowhead Brass, Rick Ware Racing, and The CAT Rental Store as the title and presenting sponsors for the inaugural Arrowhead Sturgis TT presented by Rick Ware Racing & The CAT Rental Store.
The groundbreaking event will take the Mission AFT SuperTwins title fight for the Grand National Championship and the battle for the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER crown to the Streets of Downtown Sturgis, South Dakota, on Sunday, August 11. Adding to its historic nature will be the hugely anticipated introduction of the AFT AdventureTrackers™ class as part of an action-packed and free to attend day of Progressive AFT action at the 84th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Founded in 1936, Arrowhead Brass offers over 1,000 lead-free residential and commercial products that strictly adhere to the Safe Drinking Water Act’s requirements. Among Arrowhead’s American-made products are its lines of fixtures, fittings, adapters and repair kits, all designed with top-quality materials and a commitment to excellence.
Rick Ware Racing (RWR) has already become a household name among fans of the series since joining the Progressive AFT paddock in 2023, after previously doing the same across a number of leading motorsports series, including the NASCAR Cup Series, IndyCar, NHRA (Top Fuel), IMSA (LMP2), AMA Supercross and FIM World Supercross. RWR currently fields two-time Grand National Champion Briar Bauman, defending Parts Unlimited AFT Singles champion Kody Kopp, and 19-time race winner Shayna Texter-Bauman.
The Official Heavy Equipment Provider of Progressive AFT, The Cat® Rental Store maintains the largest construction equipment fleet in the world, featuring Caterpillar’s best-in-class earth-moving equipment and other critical equipment including light towers and generators. The Cat Rental Store and its vast dealer network have been an essential resource for Progressive AFT since the beginning of the collaboration in 2019, called upon time and again to source the equipment required to prepare and maintain world-class racetracks for America’s Original Extreme Sport.
You can catch the livestream of all the Arrowhead Sturgis TT presented by Rick Ware Racing & The CAT Rental Store action on FloRacing. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2024. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.
Arrowhead Sturgis TT presented by Rick Ware Racing & The CAT Rental Store pre-race show will air on FS2 on Saturday, August 17, at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT), immediately followed by the race broadcast on FOX at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT). The complete two-hour pre-race and race package will then re-air on FS1 later that evening, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT).
More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:
Progressive American Flat Track Unveils Sturgis TT Track Map
A rendering of the track layout to be used for the Sturgis TT. Image courtesy AFT.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 30, 2024) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing and in collaboration with Øuterkind, AFT Events and the City of Sturgis, has unveiled the track map for the highly anticipated Sturgis TT, which will take place in the streets of downtown Sturgis, South Dakota, on Sunday, August 11.
Measuring at just over a quarter of a mile, the combined dirt and asphalt course evokes the origins of the Grand National Championship while following the more recent precedent set by the DAYTONA TT and Atlanta Super TT, which incorporated paved sections of the tri-ovals at Daytona International Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway alongside the more traditional dirt aspects.
The Sturgis TT is also unique unto itself, featuring a layout, backdrop, and vibe that simply could not be replicated anywhere else in the world. Set in the heart of downtown Sturgis during the 84th Annual City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the track starts and ends on Main Street right in front of the Harley-Davidson Rally Point, features lefthand turns onto 3rd and then Sherman, before hitting the dirt section that includes left- and right-handers plus a jump, before powering onto the legendary Harley-Davidson Way with its decisive final corner back onto Main Street.
This layout lives up to the event’s stated intent to honor the rich heritage and tradition of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Progressive American Flat Track while producing a modern-day spectacle that points to the future of both. That tantalizing prospect has garnered significant advance interest in the event, including a prime television slot on FOX on Saturday, August 17 at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT), the series’ first to be aired on a major broadcast network.
Vanson Leathers headquarters, located behind the yellow door in this 19th-century mill. (Right) Mike and Kim van der Sleesen are the proprietors of Vanson Leathers, where riders can walk in and be involved in the design, specification, and fitment of top-quality racing gear.
Once Upon a Time…
Vanson Leathers – celebrating its 50th anniversary this year – is a company that has continued to handcraft motorcycle riding and racing apparel in Massachusetts, USA, since 1974. During these 50 years, Vanson has become known for delivering “heirloom quality” motorcycle garments you can pass on to future generations.
The men behind Vanson Leathers are Mike van der Sleesen (left) and Jamie Goodson (right). Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
Mike was born in San Francisco but moved to Holland with his Dutch father and American mother. Jamie was born in Cambridge, England to an American father and English mother.
Bicycles, motorbikes and Europe all went together in a two-wheel world of adventure and independence for Mike and Jamie.
At age 16 Jamie and Mike graduated to small road machines and were able to travel great distances. Jamie rode to Morocco and Czechoslovakia on his Suzuki 50cc.
Mike van der Sleesen rode to Switzerland, Italy, England, and France on his Garelli Monza 50cc. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
In 1970, van der Sleesen and Goodson moved to Paris to attend University. They were growing up, so to speak, and graduated to BSA Lightnings, Norton Commandos and Honda CB750s. While in Paris Mike picked up part-time work, uncrating and setting-up new Nortons, at MotoBritannique, a “Brit Bike” shop located outside Versailles.
Jamie (left) and Mike (right) also helped out the owner of MotoBritannique, Mike Harper-Smith, by traveling to London to buy used bikes, parts and accessories for the shop. In those days there were no open borders and so riding these old bikes into France from England, loaded with parts and bits, was always a border-crossing customs adventure. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
Returning to San Francisco in 1972 Mike continued to import motorcycle parts from his British connections to sell to dealers stateside. Late in 1973, he moved to Boston. Jamie moved to Boston in 1974 and Vanson Associates (Vanson is a portmanteau of van der Sleesen and Goodson) was formed.
The original Vanson Leathers factory. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
Samples on a rack back in the day at Vanson. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
Vanson rented a 3,500-sq.-ft. loft for $175.00 per month, then filled it with used cutting and sewing equipment. The company wasn’t an instant success. At one point, Mike and Jamie gave up their apartment and moved into the workshop for 18 months.
Mike van der Sleesen and the original Vanson Leathers company car. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
During these early years recruiting dealers across the nation (pre-internet, pre cellphone) was a challenge, requiring many, many weeks of travel. Identifying dealer prospects required driving from region to region across the U.S., with frequent stops at a Howard Johnson’s or Denny’s, for a cup of coffee and to ‘borrow’ their copy of the local Yellow Pages to start calling on the local dealers.
A Vanson Leathers win ad featuring Dale Singleton. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
Vanson’s first big break came in 1979 when they made the racing leathers for Dale Singleton. Dale was a self-proclaimed “famous pig-farming privateer” who beat all the factory race teams not just once but twice, winning the Daytona 200 in 1979 and 1981. The second win was when Vanson supported 1979 AMA Grand National Champion Steve Eklund. Over the years there have been many notable riders who have worn a Vanson. Here are but just a few, Antron Brown, Freddie Spencer, Giacomo Agostini, Mario Duhamel, Dave Roper, Mike Hale, Nicky Hayden, Angie & Matt Smith, Dave Schultz and many others.
The ’80s and early ’90s were a period of steady growth and change for Vanson. Jamie and Mike split up in 1983, with Mike wanting to continue to manufacture domestically and Jamie preferring an import path.
Club racing was flourishing and the interest in motorbikes just kept growing. Buell, Suzuki, H-D were among the companies that ordered jackets, pants and racing suits from Vanson.
The Vanson Leathers factory floor circa 2020. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
It was during this period that manufacturing changed, government restrictions became tougher and imports into the USA really took off. Many companies were driven out of business, or at least out of the USA as a viable production site. Every supply-chain resource that had been commonly available throughout the USA became harder to find, essentially industrial clusters are an ecosystem, and if one aspect gets out of balance, it impacts the whole.
As the market has changed for US producers, the through-put volumes have decreased. We at Vanson embrace lower volumes so we can concentrate on the special and custom orders. This philosophy of striving to be the best is reflected in the Patents covering features such as ventilation and protection.
A Vanson Leathers employee hand-cutting leather at the factory. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
This DNA: Innovation, Heirloom Quality, Made-in-USA, individually crafted and numbered, keeps Vanson as a Brand relevant in the Motorbike, Race and Fashion markets.
At Vanson Leathers quality has become an obsession with painstaking attention to detail — traits that are the primary reason why we have survived and even thrived for the past 50 years.
A closeup of a Vanson Leathers jacket. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
Designed, engineered, cut, and produced in the U.S.A. of imported and domestic materials, sewn by hand in our workshop in Fall River, MA, USA.
Mike van der Sleesen in recent times. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.
Jodi Christie (20) in action in 2011. Photo by Rob O'Brien, courtesy CSBK.
Jodi Christie returning to Sport Bike at CTMP
Hamilton, ON – A former overall national champion will be returning to the Bridgestone CSBK paddock again for round five, as Jodi Christie will make his second appearance of the season at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, August 9-11, though this time in the Economy Lube Pro Sport Bike class.
Christie – the Pro Superbike champion and Canada Cup winner in 2014 – ended a nearly ten-year absence earlier this season when he joined the Pro Twins class at RAD Torque Raceway, winning both races aboard a YZF-R7 as a tribute to his late father Gary.
His second appearance of 2024 will be in a more familiar category, however, as Christie returns to the middleweight ranks as one of the greatest riders in class history. Champion in three consecutive years from 2011 through 2013, Christie totaled 15 victories, 33 podiums, and 16 pole positions across seven seasons in Pro Sport Bike.
A Honda rider for majority of his career, Christie’s return will come aboard a new machine with support from one of his close friends, three-time Canadian champion Ben Young, as Christie takes over the Scot-Build Suzuki GSX-R750 that Young piloted to a victory in the Sport Bike season opener.
“I had an unbelievable weekend at RAD Torque Raceway, and it was so nice to be back amongst so many old friends at the track. When Ben suggested I ride his Suzuki at CTMP, I told him I wanted to think about it for a few days, but truthfully I knew my answer right away,” Christie said. “It has been a dream of mine to return to CTMP and this opportunity to work alongside Ben is a dream come true.”
While Christie has since moved west to Alberta, the Keene, Ontario native will be very familiar with his home track of CTMP, where he has won six times and scored 13 podiums in his pro career – as well as representing the circuit where he clinched his 2014 Superbike title.
“I am so excited to come back to racing at such a beautiful venue, and to be on a competitive bike at a track where it is so critical,” Christie said. “I have had good success there in the past and I hope to adapt to the track surface changes and continue learning the Bridgestone tires.”
Christie’s return to a loaded Pro Sport Bike field will be welcome news for Suzuki, who currently lead the Constructors Championship by an even 100 points over Kawasaki.
His return to action in the Sport Bike class will officially begin Friday, August 9 at CTMP – just 40 mins southwest of his hometown of Keene and an hour east of Toronto – with races scheduled for August 10 and 11.
More information can be found on CSBK’s official website.
Laps around WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca were part of the 2024 Rainey's Ride to the Races. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
A sold-out “Rainey’s Ride To The Races” gave MotoAmerica fans the opportunity to ride and rub elbows with 10 legends of the sport of motorcycle racing with the charity ride raising over $160,000 for the Roadracing World Action Fund. Watch interviews with several of the legends who took part in the ride, a lap of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, and the ultimate bench racing session with the former stars of the sport.
The start of the MotoGP race at Silverstone in 2023 with Jack Miller (43) and Marco Bezzecchi (72) contesting the lead. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Let battle commence: MotoGP™ back in action at Silverstone
Vintage style, modern spectacle, and one of the greatest racetracks on Earth. Buckle up as the world’s most exciting sport fires up for the Monster Energy British GP!
Monday, 29 July 2024
It’s been some time since we’ve seen a swing as significant as the drama that unfolded for former Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) in Germany, with the #89 seeing a 10-point lead before the weekend become a 10-point disadvantage to the new rider at the top of the table: old rival and reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). But all is far from lost and the tale far from its conclusion as we get back on track at the behemoth of Silverstone, with another 37 points on offer at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix – and that’s only the first haul of a maximum 407 still in play in 2024. The next bout of this great game will also take place in stunning vintage liveries on Sunday, with every team on the premier class grid running a one-off colour scheme to celebrate #MotoGP75.
Whether in 2024 colours on Saturday or in vintage style on Sunday, however, Martin will be the first looking to hit back – and especially after losing out at the Sachsenring, a venue somewhat penciled in as one where he was likely to be the rider to beat. He’s also had to lick those wounds throughout summer break and wait for his right of reply. Silverstone, on paper, could be more of a Bagnaia track too – and as the #1 starts to gain some ominous momentum – but that’s why riders take Championships weekend by weekend. Austria is already appearing on the horizon.
Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), meanwhile, is starting to drop off the lead two in the title fight but he’s very much still got the edge on his fellow GP23 riders. He is still “waiting” for that first win on Ducati machinery, but there have been a few where he’s come very close. Is Silverstone a venue more likely to see that attack able to bear more fruit? We’re about to find out as the #93 rolls into town.
Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) is closing in on the top three in the title fight, now 11 points behind Marc Marquez, so that’s one to watch, and the next rider in the standings is one with a mighty record at Silverstone: Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing). He could very well be a protagonist at a track where the RS-GP has also shone year after year – most recently in 2023 as teammate Aleix Espargaro won. Espargaro is another whose record – on top of that win – has been history-making at the venue. Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing) showed great speed last season to almost get on the podium too, and Raul Fernandez, now confirmed to remain with Trackhouse for two more seasons, will be an interesting watch as he debuts with the 2024 spec RS-GP.
That’s as Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) remains on a steady roll of good speed as we wait for confirmation of his future, with the Italian having teased news soon just before summer. Teammate Marco Bezzecchi is looking to reset after summer following a tough first stint to 2024, but he did get on the Tissot Sprint podium at Silverstone last year. Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) went better than that though – taking his first Saturday win in some style in 2023. Can they cut the gap to the GP24s? And can Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) continue his steady rise back to Q2 and beyond?
Meanwhile at KTM, there are good podium memories from 2023 as well, and the Austrian marque would welcome a few more this season. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) led the charge then and will want to do so this season as he looks to reassert his form ahead of superstar rookie – and 2025 teammate – Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3). Acosta has a little less experience of Silverstone compared to many venues… but that may make no difference whatsoever, such is his record in the World Championship. He is now two points ahead of Binder as it stands.
On the other side of the Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 garage, Augusto Fernandez remains on the search for more points, and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will want to reset after a tough stint and at a venue where the fans always show plenty of love, one incident involving friend and former teammate, home hero Cal Crutchlow, aside.
Speaking of, the Brit will not be able to take back to the stage for his wildcard as previously planned, still in recovery from an injury. Instead, Yamaha will field Remy Gardner in his place, fresh from getting on the bike for the first time at the German GP as a replacement for Alex Rins. Rins, meanwhile, should be back in action alongside 2021 World Champion Fabio Quartararo at Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™. With some signs of good progress shown for the Iwata marque as the season rolls on, and as private testing continues, it will be an interesting watch from here on out – especially at a venue where they’ve shone plenty of times in the past.
At Honda, there has been some key news ahead of the British GP, on the tails of more released just before summer break in the back-to-back. Aleix Espargaro joining their test team from 2025 was the first news, and then last week the Japanese giants confirmed their 2025 line-up as Joan Mir was announced for both next season and 2026. Luca Marini, meanwhile, is already confirmed for next year. That puts more pieces of the jigsaw in place, with Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) confirmed for another season too. Their work towards bringing Honda back to the top continues, alongside Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR), and Silverstone will see them come out swinging to try and take more and more points week-on-week.
The Championship remains close as ever as we head into the second half of the season, albeit with a new name at the top. But those 407 points still on the table speak for themselves… so make sure to tune in for the next twist in the tale this weekend as Silverstone welcomes the world’s most exciting sport back from summer – in vintage style!
SHOWTIME
Saturday
Tissot Sprint: 15:00 (UTC +1)
Sunday
Grand Prix: 13:00 (UTC +1)
What’s happening at the #BritishGP?
In short, a lot! On Thursday afternoon, the MotoGP™ 75th Anniversary Special reveals the vintage liveries teams will be racing with on Sunday, with a special one-hour live show starting at 14:00 local time.
That’s alongside the Day of Champions, the flagship event of official MotoGP™ charity Two Wheels for Life, with a host of different fan events culminating in the ever-popular memorabilia auction, attended by MotoGP™ riders. Fans with paddock DoC tickets can also see the MotoGP™ 75th Anniversary Special live as part of the pitlane walk.
Meanwhile, the broadcast continues following the Anniversary Special as podcast Last On The Brakes welcomes the legendary Loris Capirossi at 15:05 (UTC +1).
The first Press Conference at 16:00 then hosts Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™).
The second line-up at 16:35 is Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) and Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team).
On Friday, we will then induct a new MotoGP™ Legend into the Hall of Fame: Mike Trimby. The founder and CEO of IRTA, who sadly passed away in 2023, will become the first non-rider to be made a Legend, honouring his off-track contributions to the sport.
Throughout the weekend, the R&G British Talent Cup will be on its biggest stage of the season, racing alongside MotoGP™. Race 1 is on Saturday afternoon and Race 2 on Sunday morning.
Finally, #MotoGP75 celebrations will continue across the weekend, from special vintage touches from MotoGP™ partners to a retro twist on our incredible opening music on Sunday. There’s even a special bike exhibition, with the iconic Wing hosting around 30 vintage motorcycles throughout the GP – celebrating the history of the sport and the industry thanks to Amicale Spirit of Speed, Sammy Miller Museum, National Motor Museum Beaulieu, Gresini Team, Collection Nougier and Yamaha. Better yet, access is free and open to all fans and personnel on site, no paddock pass required. See you there!
Moto2™: Can Garcia defend from Ogura as Silverstone kicks off the second half?
As we land into the second half of the season, Sergio Garcia’s (MT Helmets – MSI) lead in the Moto2™ Championship stands at seven points after teammate Ai Ogura secured his fourth podium in five races with a P3, as the former had to settle for a lowkey P7 – his worst result of the year. He’ll want to stamp his authority back on proceedings as we get back on track.
Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing), while nursing his fractured right collarbone, salvaged a highly commendable P8 at the Sachsenring to limit the title race points damage. The American is 24 points down on Garcia ahead of the British GP, where he’ll start the weekend pretty much back to full fitness following the summer.
Elsewhere, Assen and Germany were – much needed – strong rounds for Fermin Aldeguer (SpeedUp Racing). A P2 in the Netherlands was followed by a dominant victory in Germany, as the #54 returns to the venue he claimed his maiden win at in 2023. A repeat will go down nicely, with Aldeguer needing to continue clawing points back on the top three to reel himself back into the title frame.
Silverstone signals a homecoming for Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and after two podiums in the last four outings, including a strong P2 finish in Germany, the run up to the summer break will have given the Briton a nice injection of confidence as Dixon aims to stand on the British GP rostrum for a second time.
Tune in to see the stunning Triumph-powered Moto2™ machines take on Silverstone this weekend, with the intermediate class out at the later time of 14:30 (UTC+1), after the MotoGP™ race.
Moto3™: can anyone halt Alonso’s charge?
Following a brief intermission at Assen, the David Alonshow continued at the Sachsenring as the CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team star claimed his sixth victory of the season to extend his Championship advantage to 58 points ahead of a date with Silverstone. And who won in Northamptonshire last year? That’s right, David Alonso.
The Colombian is currently sailing towards a first Grand Prix title at a considerable rate of knots, but with 11 races to go, Alonso’s chief chasers still hold hope. The first of those after a P3 finish in Germany is Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI), with the Spaniard leapfrogging Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) in the standings after the latter’s recent tougher run of form.
Holgado and Ortola finished P3 and P4 respectively at Silverstone last year, so like Alonso, they too have good pedigree in Great Britain. Meanwhile, Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) will be aiming to respond after his crash from the lead in Germany saw him relinquish 25 points to Alonso, with the Dutch star now P4 in the Championship chase.
Can anyone halt Alonso’s charge? That’s the goal for everyone on the grid, so tune in at the slightly later time of 11:15 (UTC+1) to find out!
The start of the AFT Mission SuperTwins main event at the Peoria TT with Jared Mees (1), Jarod VanDerKooi (20), and JD Beach (95) leading the field. Photo by Tim Lester, courtesy AFT.
Progressive American Flat Track (AFT) Championship Series/World Famous SC2 Peoria TT presented by Backroads Saloon
Peoria TT
Peoria, Illinois
July 28, 2024
Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Challenge Results (all on Dunlop tires):
Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Chase Saathoff (Hon), 20 laps
2. Kody Kopp (KTM), -0.393 second
3. Tom Drane (Yam), -0.933
4. Tarren Santero (Hon), -7.686 seconds
5. Evan Renshaw (Hon), -8.963
6. Jared Lowe (Hon), -9.149
7. Trent Lowe (Hon), -10.622
8. James Ott (Hus), -13.564
9. Tyler Raggio (KTM), -17.936
10. Travis Petton (KTM), -18.633
11. Evan Kelleher (KTM), -19.698
12. Olin Kissler (KTM), -22.077
13. Reece Pottorf (Hon), -23.163
14. Bronson Pearce (Hon), -23.299
15. Jordan Jean (Hon), -27.073
16. Hunter Bauer (Yam), -13 laps, DNF
17. Justin Anselmi (Yam), -20 laps, DNF
Provisional Mission AFT SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Briar Bauman (KTM), 25 laps
2. JD Beach (Yam), -4.569 seconds
3. Jared Mees (Ind), -7.866
4. Jarod VanDerKooi (Ind), -8.736
5. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -24.630
6. Trevor Brunner (KTM), -25.774
7. Max Whale (Har), -26.158
8. Davis Fisher (Ind), -1 lap
9. Declan Bender (Ind), -1 lap, -13.064
10. Cameron Smith (KTM), -1 lap, -23.637
11. Dalton Gauthier (Roy), -16 laps, DNF
12. Michael Hill (Yam), -17 laps, DNF
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track (AFT):
Bauman Runs Away with 77th World Famous SC2 Peoria TT
Briar Bauman (3). Photo by Tim Lester, courtesy AFT.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 28, 2024) – Briar Bauman (No. 3 Rick Ware Racing/KTM/Parts Plus KTM 790 Duke) left no doubt in Sunday’s World Famous SC2 Peoria TT presented by Backroads Saloon, Round 11 of the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.
For three years running, the Rick Ware Racing ace had come second in the fabled race held annually in the Peoria Motorcycle Club Race Park’s natural amphitheater, each time watching as TT maestro JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) left Peoria, Illinois, with top honors.
The two-time series champion was provided with an unexpected opportunity for revenge when Beach was made a late addition to the entry list, riding in place of injured Mission AFT SuperTwins championship leader Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT).
However, it was reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Rogers Racing/SDI Racing/Indian Motorcycle FTR750) who grabbed the early lead, securing the holeshot with a full-throttle trip up the grass banking leading to the jump on the race’s opening lap.
Bauman didn’t take long to make his move, slashing through in Turn 2 on the race’s second lap. Beach was desperate to work through himself, hoping to prevent Bauman from clearing off. And he in fact lost a few tenths in the handful of laps it took him to find his own way by Mees.
Even when Beach did have clear air in front of him, it was evident this was Bauman’s day. While the Estenson Racing super sub was undeniably impressive to finish second after jumping on a dirt track machine for the first time all season long, Bauman managed to open up more than eight second’s padding at the front while threatening to lap his way into the top five. He ultimately claimed a 4.569-second margin-of-victory over Beach, a gap that narrowed considerably on the final lap due to an extended victory wheelie to take the checkered flag.
The win was Bauman’s second at the Peoria TT, backing up his 2019 triumph. He said, “First and foremost, my heart goes out to Dallas Daniels right now. I’ve been through it myself and I know Jared has been through it too. I don’t have any words… I’m sorry. And beating JD today… you want it to count, but I don’t think it does. He hasn’t been on a flat track bike all year, so I could tell he was a little bit uncomfortable.
“But no matter what, huge thanks to Rick Ware Racing. The team deserves this. I want to get better on the ovals, but we took advantage of the TT and strengths of the KTM. And we’re going to keep working, that’s all I can say.”
Nine-time series king Mees closed to within a single point of Daniels (216-215) with his eighth podium of the season. Due to Daniels’ continued absence, the focus will soon shift to Mees versus Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750). On that front, Robinson did well to minimize the damage, finishing one position behind fourth-placed Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Ohio Indian FTR750) to earn his first-career Peoria top five.
As a result, Robinson has collected 201 points on the season and the gap that separates him from Mees is just 14 points with five races left to go. Meanwhile, Bauman has quietly (or not so quietly) snuck back into contention at 192 points, less than a single-race points haul behind Mees.
Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Mission Foods/Zanotti Racing Indian FTR750) bolstered his Rookie of the Year campaign in sixth, followed by fellow class newcomer Max Whale (No. 18 Latus Motors Racing/Liqui Moly Harley-Davidson XG750R).
Meanwhile, Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) came home eighth, followed by third rookie Declan Bender (No. 70 GOMR/BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750) and Cameron Smith (No. 34 RVR/KTM/Schaefer’s Motorsport KTM 790 Duke).
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Chase Saathoff (No. 88 JPG Motorsports Honda CRF450R) outdueled double defending Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champion Kody Kopp (No. 1 Rick Ware Racing/Parts Plus KTM 450 SX-F) to claim a second consecutive victory in his home state of Illinois.
Fresh off his triumph at the high-speed DuQuoin Mile, Saathoff did the business under very different circumstances on Sunday at the twisty Peoria TT. An aggressive Saathoff first worked his way into the lead with a bucking overtake of Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and then appeared fully capable of clearing off en route to victory.
However, a red flag following a fall by Hunter Bauer (No. 24 Vinson Construction/American Harley-Davidson Yamaha YZ450F) reset the order and gave the champ another shot at victory. Kopp took full advantage of the second chance, diving up the inside of Saathoff with less than four minutes remaining and then pulling an immediate gap of his own.
The race’s complexion shifted yet again when Kopp made a minor mistake with less than a minute left on the clock. Back within striking distance, Saathoff struck at the first available opportunity, reclaiming first place with only 30 seconds to go.
That back and forth also brought Drane back into the fight. But even with Kopp and Drane lurking, Saathoff was perfect over the final two laps to close out a Saathoff-Kopp-Drane 1-2-3.
Saathoff said, “I don’t even know what to say. I came to Peoria the last two years and couldn’t even make it on the podium. I knew I had the speed to go run up front at this track; it was so hard to figure out my corner speed here, and we finally got it done today. I’d like to give a huge shout out to my mom and dad for everything they’ve done for me. I’ve been coming to this track since I was a 65(cc). I remember doing the exhibition race here in 2015.”
Some seven seconds in arrears, Tarren Santero (No. 75 Vinson Construction/P&M Motorcycles Honda CRF450R) came out on top of a four-rider scrap for fourth. He edged Evan Renshaw (No. 265 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) for the position with brothers Jared Lowe (No. 63 BigR/Little Debbie Racing Honda CRF450R) and Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) close behind in sixth and seventh, respectively.
James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), Tyler Raggio (No. 55 Raggio Racing/Sluggo Racing KTM 450 SX-F), and Travis Petton IV (No. 82 ECG Racing/A.M Ortega KTM 450 SX-F) completed the top ten.
While winless since Bridgeport, three consecutive runners-up have allowed Kopp to maintain a healthy advantage in the championship chase, now with 246 points to Saathoff’s 218 and Drane’s 206.
Next Up:
Progressive American Flat Track kicks off its 84th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally doubleheader with the Black Hills Harley-Davidson Black Hills Half-Mile presented by The City of Sturgis at Black Hills Speedway in Rapid City, South Dakota, on Tuesday, August 6. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/black-hills-half-mile-86674 to reserve your seats today.
For those who can’t catch the action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of the on-track action, from the first practice to the victory podium, at https://flosports.link/aft.
FOX Sports coverage of the World Famous SC2 Peoria TT presented by Backyards Saloon, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, August 4, at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT).
A World Superbike race start at MotorLand Aragon in 2023. Photo courtesy Dorna.
MotorLand Aragon to host WorldSBK until 2027
WorldSBK and the Aragon Government have reached an agreement that will see the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship visit the MotorLand Aragon circuit in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
A mainstay on the WorldSBK calendar since 2011, MotorLand Aragon has recently undergone an extensive refresh over three months. More than 75,000 m² of the track has been resurfaced, and new kerbs totalling 700m in length have been installed. In accordance with FIM standards, several run-off areas have been updated, and new colours have been applied to highlight track limits.
Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director
“We are delighted to secure the future of WorldSBK at MotorLand Aragon. Its spectacular layout makes it a favourite among motorcycle fans, producing thrilling races and presenting a significant challenge to all competitors. Additionally, the venue boasts excellent facilities overall. The recent upgrades underscore MotorLand Aragon’s and the region’s commitment to supporting world-class racing.”
Manuel Blasco, MotorLand Aragon President
“With this new three-year contract, we provide stability to the circuit’s calendar. This event is very important for the image of Aragon, as it brings nearly 30,000 attendees to our facilities. We are also very satisfied with the resurfacing of the circuit, which ensures that MotorLand meets the highest quality standards for welcoming our visitors.”
MotorLand Aragon being resurfaced. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.
MotorLand Aragon will host Round 10 of the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, featuring all three categories and the FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup, promising an action-packed weekend from 27th-29th September.
Francesco Bagnaia (1) leads Andrea Iannone (29) and Nicolo Bulega (11) in the Race of Champions at Misano. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Francesco Bagnaia Wins the Third Edition of the Lenovo Race of Champions Ahead of Andrea Iannone and Marc Márquez
Misano Adriatico, July 27, 2024 — Francesco Bagnaia dominated the third edition of the Lenovo Race of Champions. The highly anticipated race, held during World Ducati Week, saw 15 Ducati riders compete at the iconic Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” aboard the brand new Panigale V4 S.
Starting from the second spot on the grid after securing a front-row position in the qualifying held on Day 1 of the event, Bagnaia immediately took the lead and maintained it until the chequered flag. The Ducati Lenovo Team rider, who also set the fastest lap of the race with a time of 1:35.431, kept a consistent pace throughout the 10-lap race, crossing the finish line alone with more than a second advantage over the rest of the field.
Superbike rider Andrea Iannone (Team Go Eleven), who claimed pole position with a time of 1:35.051, finished in second place behind the reigning MotoGP World Champion after holding off a very fast Nicolò Bulega for almost the entire race. However, the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team rider fell at the last corner after he and Marc Márquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) made contact. The Spanish rider crossed the finish line in third place, thus completing the Lenovo Race of Champions podium.
Claudio Domenicali (CEO Ducati Motor Holding):
“The Lenovo Race of Champions is an incredible spectacle for all motorcycling fans. Personally, I had a lot of fun during the race, and seeing the red crowd of World Ducati Week on the grandstands of the Misano Circuit was a great emotion. Congratulations to Pecco, who once again showed the world his incredible talent by winning a world-class race, and congratulations also to Andrea and Marc, who finished on the podium. We would have also liked to have Nicolò on the podium during the celebratory moment, but it was rightly given priority for medical checks after the crash. The Lenovo Race of Champions and this WDW2024 was the perfect setting to demonstrate the value of the new Panigale V4, and the improvement in performance compared to the 2022 race makes us proud of the work done on this motorcycle”.
Francesco Bagnaia (#1, Ducati Lenovo Team) – 1°
“First of all, I want to say that it was fantastic seeing so many people on the grandstands. I was even able to hear people cheering, although I had the helmet on while racing; it was really incredible. The race was great; I enjoyed it a lot. I couldn’t understand what the gap was, so I just pushed a lot and had a lot of fun. I am very happy to have tried the new Panigale V4 here in Misano, and I really look forward to training on it from now on”.
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