Friends Of Laguna Seca Receives Donation And Endorsement

David Swarts

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July 10, 2024

Friends Of Laguna Seca Receives Donation And Endorsement

FRIENDS OF LAGUNA SECA RECEIVES $500,000 DONATION AND ENDORSEMENT FROM LAGUNA SECA RACEWAY FOUNDATION

Local foundation demonstrates its full support of Friends of Laguna Seca’s Concession Agreement with the County of Monterey

MONTEREY, Calif. (July 10, 2024) – Friends of Laguna Seca (Friends) has received a $500,000 donation from the Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation (LSRF) in partnership with the Monterey County Parks Foundation (MCPF). This significant donation comes with the full endorsement from both the LSRF and MCPF as Friends begins its appointed stewardship of the Laguna Seca Recreation Area for the next 55 years.

“We are encouraged by the longstanding support of both the Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation and the Monterey County Parks Foundation,” said Friends of Laguna Seca CEO Lauri Eberhart. “These two local foundations share our unwavering passion to honor our local history, culture, youth and industry by prioritizing community access and further development of the Laguna Seca Raceway and Recreation Area. We value their mutual vote of confidence as our team takes on the task of facility upgrades and improvements outlined in our agreement with the County.”

“The Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation is proud to support Friends of Laguna Seca as they take over management and operation of the cherished raceway and recreation area,” said Arthur Cook, president of Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation.

Friends of Laguna Seca looks forward to revitalizing and modernizing the Laguna Seca Raceway and Recreation Area for the community to enjoy for decades to come and will work to maintain its vibrant history of volunteerism and dedication to enhancing visitor access and experience.

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Bringing Special Vehicles To Goodwood

David Swarts

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July 10, 2024

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Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Bringing Special Vehicles To Goodwood

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum supports history in the making at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Two world championship-winning racing machines from the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum are set to make international history at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, July 11-14.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of John Surtees winning the 1964 Formula One World Championship. To commemorate this achievement, the museum is proudly bringing Surtees’ title-winning Ferrari 158 F1 to the “ultimate summer garden party” on the south coast of England. The 1.5-liter V-8 has been specially prepared for this event so spectators can not only see but also hear this iconic machine in person.

John Surtees' 1964 Formula One World Championship-winning Ferrari 158 F1. Photo courtesy Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. — John Surtees’ 1964 Formula One World Championship-winning Ferrari 158 F1. Photo courtesy Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.

This particular Ferrari is usually featured in a display at the museum dedicated to Surtees’ accomplishments. His record as the only person to win world championships on both two and four wheels is more than enough to warrant such a presentation. Surtees’ friendship with museum founder George Barber, however, led to an exhibit that also showcases his MV Agusta race bikes and personal effects of a life spent competing at the highest level.

Surtees’ bold red Ferrari will be paired with the seminal yellow-and-black “bumblebee” livery found on the 1980 Yamaha YZR500 that carried “King” Kenny Roberts to his third consecutive 500cc Grand Prix World Championship. Roberts will ride his YZR500 for the first time in years, cementing the importance of this occasion. Goodwood will also be the first opportunity to see both machines at the same event and on the same course.

Now part of the museum’s permanent collection, the two-stroke four-cylinder 0W48 was in Roberts’ possession for more than 40 years. This factory machine is important because it features an aluminum frame painted black to emulate the steel tubing of the era, hiding any advantage from competitors’ eyes. Rolling on American-made Goodyear rubber, Roberts won the first three GPs of the 1980 season, setting him on a clear path to the title.

Upon its return to the museum, the YZR500 will reside alongside the Suzuki RGV500 that Roberts’ eldest son, Kenny Jr., raced to the 2000 500cc world championship. Prior to becoming part of the Barber collection, the two-stroke V-four had rarely been seen in public. Now, as part of the world’s “largest motorcycle museum,” both of these historic machines and many others can be seen up close and in person.

“Kenny Roberts and Kenny Roberts Jr. are the only father and son to win the 500cc world title, and this unique history needs to be preserved and told to future generations,” said Brian Case, executive director of the museum. “We are very happy to join the Goodwood Festival of Speed and facilitate both the Roberts Yamaha and the Surtees Ferrari for their runs through the hallowed grounds.”

In April, the museum named Roberts as the grand marshal for the 19th annual Barber Vintage Festival, October 11-13. The always popular event will feature manufacturer displays, seminars, demo rides, spectacular vintage-bike competition, and custom-bike contests, all surrounded by the region’s beautiful rolling hills. The festival is the largest of its kind and draws spectators from around the world.

About the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit located at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, the museum focuses on various aspects of motorsports design, from displaying motorcycles and cars spanning over 100 years of production to the Barber Advanced Design Center—a high-tech workspace for design exploration. The museum embraces the culture of motorsports enthusiasts by hosting programs such as Barber Design Camp and events such as Barber Vintage Festival. With five floors housing more than 1,800 motorcycles, over 60 Lotus race cars, and numerous vintage and iconic vehicles, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is the ultimate family-friendly environment for education, inspiration and exploration with the mission to preserve, interpret and exhibit the history of motorcycles and vintage vehicles in motorsports. The public is welcome, and more information is available at www.BarberMuseum.org.

Canadian Superbike: Championship Heading To Nova Scotia

David Swarts

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July 10, 2024

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Canadian Superbike: Championship Heading To Nova Scotia

Superbike Preview: Young returns to familiar territory for round four at AMP

Hamilton, ON – After an extremely brief mid-season break, the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship will get back underway with round four action this weekend, returning to the east coast and Atlantic Motorsport Park, July 12-14, presented by Pro Cycle and Canadian Kawasaki.

The trip back to Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia will be a welcome one for GP Bikes Pro Superbike championship leader Ben Young, who is preparing for a whirlwind week ahead of him on the verge of a debut Suzuka 8 Hours appearance.

Young will depart AMP and head almost straight to Japan for the historic World Endurance event next weekend, set for July 21, but not before a crucial fourth round of the feature class at one of his favourite circuits.

The narrow, twisty, and physically demanding layout of “Shubie” has played a key part in some of Young’s greatest performances, including his spectacular 2019 comeback from ninth and his momentum-swinging victory over Alex Dumas in 2022.

Overall, the three-time Canada Cup champion has racked up three victories and ten podiums at AMP, never missing out on a top three finish since he made his full-time CSBK Superbike debut in 2016.

It’s a trend he will surely continue this weekend barring any major issues, but where he fits onto that podium isn’t necessarily a guarantee. The Van Dolder’s Home Team BMW rider has settled for just one win in his last four races after sweeping the Shannonville opener, and with Suzuka on the horizon he may be looking to avoid any significant risk in the lead battle, which will feature yet another new wildcard name.

This one – unlike most recent winner Torin Collins – won’t be as unfamiliar to CSBK fans, as 2023 top rookie John Fraser is expected to return to the series at his home track.

Fraser looked to be on course for at least a maiden podium last season as he qualified third on the grid and within a half-second of Alex Dumas, but he never got the chance to show off his local knowledge as historic flooding cancelled the rest of the weekend.

The 19-year-old is now back for a second try with some upgraded firepower, bringing one of Dumas’ former Suzuki GSX-R1000’s under the RLS Contracting Suzuki tent for his 2024 debut after missing the first three rounds.

The Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia native has dominated all three sARL regional races he has entered this season, winning by an average of almost 14 seconds, and will hope to keep that 100% record going and become the latest surprise winner of 2024.

Not to be discounted will be the previous owner of his machines, however, as Dumas also looks to settle his own personal score with Atlantic Motorsport Park.

It hasn’t been a circuit Dumas will have fond memories of, having derailed his 2022 title bid with a race one crash and losing out to Young in a bizarre mixed-weather race two that same weekend, but the newly minted Economy Lube Ducati rider is still a threat to win at virtually every track on the calendar.

While Dumas sorted through some slight mechanical gremlins in his Ducati debut at Edmonton, his V4R Panigale should be better suited to AMP than it was out west and will now have a weekend of data under its belt to work from.

Jordan Szoke (101) has won more CSBK Superbike races at AMP than anyone - 14 in total over his career. Could the Kawasaki rider get win number 15 this weekend? Photo by Rob O'Brien, courtesy CSBK. — Jordan Szoke (101) has won more CSBK Superbike races at AMP than anyone – 14 in total over his career. Could the Kawasaki rider get win number 15 this weekend? Photo by Rob O’Brien, courtesy CSBK.

It will be perhaps the most critical weekend of the season for current championship runner-up Sam Guerin, who saw his title hopes suffer a massive blow in round three.

The EFC Group BMW rider never seemed fully comfortable at RAD Torque, salvaging a pair of fifth place finishes after four consecutive podiums to begin 2024, and his track record at AMP shows another track that isn’t clearly his favourite.

Guerin qualified fifth a year ago before the cancellation and was no better in 2022, qualifying sixth and finishing fourth and fifth in races one and two respectively. That won’t be good enough to keep his title hopes alive this time around, though he is certainly talented enough to change his fortunes in his third trip to the east coast.

A rider who has built up the opposite resumé in Nova Scotia is Jordan Szoke, who racked up 14 victories at the venue between 1999 and 2019.

It’s now been almost five years since the 14-time champion last won at AMP, and his continued recovery from 2022 injuries won’t help around the punishing eleven-turn, 2.5 km “rollercoaster,” but Szoke has consistently been there to pick up the pieces in 2024 if things go wrong and will try to do the same this weekend for CKM Kawasaki.

He may have to deal with his unofficial teammate to do so, however, as Connor Campbell looks forward to a return east for B&T MacFarlane/Kubota Kawasaki.

It’s surprising to hear Campbell confess his love for AMP after a scary crash in 2022 ended his Sport Bike season, but the rookie has always felt fast around the venue and is now fully recovered from a rib injury that limited him in the first three rounds.

Feeling a much different way about Shubenacadie is David MacKay, who didn’t always enjoy his trips to Nova Scotia whilst in the Pro Sport Bike class.

The reigning middleweight champion scored just two of his 19 career podiums at the venue (both second place finishes in 2022) and cracked the top-five only three times in eight career races at AMP before switching to Superbike in 2024.

His adaptation to the CBR1000RR-R has been quicker than expected, however, and he may change his tune on the circuit if he can fight for a first career podium in the feature class this weekend.

More information can be found on the series’ official website.

Motorcycle Road Racing-Based Movie Coming To Prime Video August 8

David Swarts

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July 10, 2024

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Motorcycle Road Racing-Based Movie Coming To Prime Video August 8

The only option is to go faster. One Fast Move stars KJ Apa, Eric Dane, Maia Reficco, Edward James Olmos, and Austin North – streaming on Prime Video August 8th.

One Fast Move is an action film written and directed by Kelly Blatz.

Wes Neal (KJ Apa), a young man with a passion for speed, is kicked out of the military for motorcycle drag racing. With nowhere left to go, and a desire to go pro in racing, he tracks down his estranged father, Dean Miller (Eric Dane), a former motorcycle racing champion, to be his coach. Wes gets a job at the motorcycle shop owned by Dean’s old mentor, Abel (Edward James Olmos), and meets a local waitress (Maia Reficco) who he falls for. As he begins training with his father, fresh wounds are created on old scars as Dean puts intense pressure on his son to be the best, putting a strain on all other relationships in Wes’ life. Wes must decide for himself now what he wants for his future and, ultimately, what is worth losing in order to win big on the track.

One Fast Move – Official Trailer | Prime Video

One Fast Move is streaming on @PrimeVideo on August 8, 2024 #OneFastMove

AMA Hall Of Famer Ed Lojak, R.I.P.

David Swarts

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July 10, 2024

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AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ed Lojak Passes Away

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ed Lojak, one of the most dominant off-road racers of his generation, passed away on Monday, July 8, at 63 years old. The American Motorcyclist Association offers its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Lojak.

Born on Dec. 18, 1960, Lojak first started riding when he was 8 years old and progressed into racing at 10. From there, Lojak blossomed into one of the greatest off-road racers ever seen — capturing five AMA Hare Scrambles National Championships and nine Grand National Cross Country Series Championships.

Competing professionally from 1976-1988 for Team Husqvarna, Lojak emerged as the all-time leader in GNCC championships aboard a bike with nine total. During this dominant stretch, Lojak was named the 1982 AMA Amateur Athlete of the Year.

Lojak was staple in international competition, as well. Competing in five International Six Days Enduros, Lojak played a role in delivering the United States multiple gold and silver medals during the event.

After his racing career, Lojak remained an instrumental piece of his family business, Lojaks Cycle Sales, located in his hometown of Tarentum, Pa.

For his illustrious racing career and overall impact on the world of off-road racing, Lojak was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2017. He will be greatly missed.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.

Texas Motorcycle Academy Hosting Fundraiser For Mikey Lou Sanchez

David Swarts

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July 10, 2024

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Texas Motorcycle Academy Hosting Fundraiser For Mikey Lou Sanchez

The Texas Motorcycle Academy will be hosting the inaugural track day school and fundraiser August 11, 2024 at Harris Hill Raceway in San Marcos, Texas, to support our hometown road racer Mikey Lou Sanchez. We plan to make this a yearly event. Come out and help us to support a Texas boy on his road to making it to MotoGP. Texas has produced several World Champions over the years and we hope that Mikey can join those ranks in the future.

For more info please visit

https://tma.trackrabbit.com/event/details/10014850-Track-Day-School-Fundraiser-for-Mikey-Lou-Sanchez-2024-08-11

MotoAmerica: Top Four Riders Separated By Nine Points In Superbike (Updated)

David Swarts

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July 10, 2024

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MotoAmerica: Top Four Riders Separated By Nine Points In Superbike (Updated)

It’s A Four-Rider Battle For MotoAmerica Superbike Supremacy And It’s Laguna Seca Time

The Steel Commander Superbike Championship Heads To WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca For All-Important Round Six, July 12-14

IRVINE, CA (July 10, 2024) – If the MotoAmerica Steel Commander Superbike Championship were a three-course meal, we’d be licking our chops and getting set to dive into the steak and potatoes. Already consumed are the appetizers (Road Atlanta and Barber) and the salad (Brainerd and Ridge). Now you just hope you didn’t overeat because the big plate is in the kitchen (Laguna Seca and Mid-Ohio) and it’s likely to determine who will still be at the table for dessert (COTA and New Jersey).

And it’s oh so close. In fact, it’s never been closer as what we’re currently experiencing has never happened in the history of AMA Superbike racing – four riders vying for the title after 11 races and separated by just nine points. Nine points. Four riders.

And one of the most popular rounds on the calendar awaits as WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca beckons with two Steel Commander Superbike races and 50 points awaiting anyone who can do the double.

Wrench Motorcycles’ Bobby Fong sits atop the 2024 Steel Commander Superbike Championship point standings with 158 points as the series heads to the iconic circuit on the Monterey Peninsula. That’s one better than three-time and defending MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne (157 points), seven better than Gagne’s Attack Performance/Progressive/Yamaha Racing teammate Cameron Petersen (151 points) and nine more than Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Josh Herrin (149 points).

And all four of the riders at the top have proven to be capable of winning championships. In addition to his three MotoAmerica Superbike titles, Gagne also has a 2014 AMA Daytona Sportbike title and a 2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Championship; Fong has the 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport title on his resume; Petersen won the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship in 2020; and Herrin won an AMA Superbike Championship in 2013 and a MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 title in 2015.

But back to this year. Fong arrives at this point in the season after winning two races with four additional podiums. He also has just one DNF and that came in race one at Ridge Motorsports Park when he, like several others, opted for slicks when he should have chosen rain tires. Rain has been Fong’s bugaboo, but he likely won’t face that at “the dry lake” in July. There’s also the fact that despite it being his “home” round, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca isn’t at the top of Fong’s list of favorites.

After getting hit with arm-pump issues that first reared its ugly head at Barber Motorsports Park, Gagne is the exact opposite of Fong when it comes to rain. He relishes the possibility as a wet racetrack takes a lot of the pressure of his arms and his best results this season have come in the rain. Case in point, Gagne’s only victory in 2024 came in the wet in race two at Road Atlanta in April. And his three podiums since then have all been in the wet. Still, Gagne has hung in there during what is a frustrating time with results like fifths, sevenths, eighths, and ninths somehow keeping him in contention.

It remains to be seen if Gagne’s physical condition will allow him to run at the front at Laguna or not, but there are plans to try something else with the arm issue during the one-month break between rounds six and seven (Mid-Ohio).

Gagne’s teammate Petersen is having his best season of Superbike racing to date with his three victories and four additional podiums putting him seven points out of the championship points lead. Petersen had a big crash in the first of two races at WeatherTech Raceway last year, but these things don’t seem to slow the South African.

Herrin heads to WeatherTech Raceway nine points adrift of Fong and with two race wins and three other podium finishes. He has clawed his way back into championship contention after a crash in race two at Road America marred his points tally. Although he recently won race two at Ridge Motorsports Park, Herrin was another who chose the wrong tires for race one, though he was able to soldier through to finish 11th.

Herrin is a fan of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (he even wrapped up his lone AMA Superbike title there in 2013) and the Ducati Panigale V4 has proven to work well there.

Okay, four riders, nine points. So that’s about it, right? Well…

… maybe not.

Herrin’s teammate Loris Baz is fifth heading into the Laguna round, 36 points behind Fong, in his return season of MotoAmerica Superbike racing. Baz loves WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and in his last visit in 2021 he finished a fighting second to Gagne in both races.

TopPro Racing’s Sean Dylan Kelly, in his rookie season of MotoAmerica Superbike racing, is sixth, 51 points off the lead. Those two are longshots, but it’s never over in a season full of parity like this one where a bad day for even the cream of the crop can end up being an eighth-place finish.

The racer who is seventh in the championship and 55 points behind Fong may be the one who instills the most fear in the six riders ahead of him. That rider is five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier.

Beaubier crashed out of race one at Road America at the end of May, suffered a broken right heel, and consequently missed the next three races. In his comeback race at Ridge Motorsports Park following surgery, Beaubier failed to score a point in the first race after opting for slicks instead of rain tires, then followed that up with a conservative eighth-place finish.

If Beaubier’s health/fitness has improved over the past two weeks, he could be a factor going forward. Especially so at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca where he has won nine AMA Superbike races – more races than any other rider in AMA Superbike history. We must also remember that Beaubier won three of the first five MotoAmerica races this year before his season unraveled with the Road America crash.

Beaubier’s teammate JD Beach will be hoping to give his season another kickstart as he is coming off a less-than-stellar weekend at Ridge Motorsports Park. Beach is eighth in the championship with his lone podium coming in race two at Road America.

Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Brandon Paasch is ninth in the title chase, 12 points behind Beach and 14 ahead of 10th-ranked Hayden Gillim and his Stock 1000-spec Real Steel Motorsports Honda CBR1000RR-R SP.

Pre-Race Laguna Seca Notes…

Cameron Beaubier won two of the three Superbike races last year at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with Jake Gagne winning the other. Gagne won race one with Josh Herrin second and PJ Jacobsen third. Beaubier topped Gagne and Herrin in race two before beating Herrin and Gagne in race two. Last year, Gagne left Monterey with a 34-point lead in the Superbike title chase.

In addition to winning two races, Beaubier also claimed pole position with his 1:22.959 lap of the 2.238-mile racetrack. The fastest race lap a year ago was also set by Beaubier with his 1:23.308 on the second lap.

The MotoAmerica Superbike lap record at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is still held by Josh Herrin with his 1:22.908 dating back to Superpole in 2018. The race lap record, meanwhile, is held by Beaubier with his 1:23.185 coming in race three in 2020.

Cameron Beaubier is the all-time AMA Superbike race winner at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with the five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion carding nine wins at the track in the hills east of Monterey. The second most wins among active racers is five, a mark held by Jake Gagne.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca has a long history of hosting AMA Superbike races with the first-ever Superbike race at the track on the Monterey Peninsula taking place in 1976 and won by Reg Pridmore.

With his most recent win at Ridge Motorsports Park two weeks ago, Josh Herrin moved out of a tie with Anthony Gobert for 19th on the all-time AMA Superbike win list and into a tie with Doug Chandler for 17th. Chandler and Herrin have 12 AMA Superbike wins to their credit.

The fourth annual “Rainey’s Ride To The Races” will take place on Friday, July 12 with several legends of the sport scheduled to take part in the ride and then stay for the races. The legends include Eddie Lawson, Bubba Shobert, Rick Johnson, Scott Parker, Doug Chandler, Thomas Stevens, Miguel Duhamel, Ben Spies and John Kocinski.

More, from a press release issued by Ducati:

Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati descends on the legendary WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for round six of the 2024 Steel Commander MotoAmerica Superbike Championship

Sunnyvale, Calif., July 10, 2024 — There are many fine racetracks around the world, but few inspire the awe and excitement of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

The ultra-undulating, 2.23-mile venue, nestled in the Salinas hills right next to Monterey in California, plays host to round six of arguably the closest MotoAmerica Superbike Championship in history as Josh Herrin and Loris Baz head the fight for the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati team.

Herrin is on a roll right now. The Georgian decimated the competition in the latest round of the title chase in race two at The Ridge in Washington. It was his second win of the season to date and a result that moved him to within nine points of the championship lead.

Baz is also well and truly in the title fight. Improving every time he leaves the pitlane on the #76 Ducati Panigale V4 R, Baz lies 36 points adrift of the title lead, but two good results at his favorite track in North America could see the fast Frenchman become a key championship player.

Baz’s last appearance on the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati at Laguna Seca in 2021 brings back fond memories to those who witnessed it. His round-the-outside pass on Cameron Petersen at the Corkscrew will go down as one of the most iconic moves in MotoAmerica history.

Loris Baz (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati–#76)

“Going to Laguna Seca is always amazing,” Baz said. “It’s my favorite track in North America and one of my favorites in the world. The crowd is always packed, and the Ducati works really well there.

“We’ve been pushing up through the field at every race over the last couple of months. We’re getting stronger and stronger, so I’m really confident about this weekend. We have the speed in qualifying; now we just need to put it together over the full race distance.

“I can’t wait to get to Laguna Seca, see all the fans, and ride my Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R around that amazing track.”

Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati–#2)

“I’m really looking forward to racing at Laguna Seca,” Herrin said. “It is definitely one of my favorite tracks and a place I have had a lot of success at in the past. I still have the lap record for MotoAmerica from 2018.

“Last year, the track got some new pavement, but the Superbike field didn’t go as quickly as we thought we all would. This year, however, I think we’ll have a real shot at a new track record.

“Things in the championship are so close, but we have the momentum. We’ve had to claw our way back from a long way. We’ve been consistently on the podium and have taken two wins from the last three rounds, and with only four rounds to go, we have a lot of tracks coming up that will suit our bike.

“I’m feeling really positive coming into this weekend, and I’m also looking forward to riding with all the Ducatisti at Laguna Seca on Monday for the Ducati Ride Experience event.”

The pivotal sixth round of the 2024 Steel Commander MotoAmerica Superbike Championship sees on track action kicks off at 9:00 a.m. PST on Friday, July 12, with Herrin and Baz’s first hit-out scheduled for Free Practice 1 at 11:15 a.m. PST.

Race one of the Steel Commander MotoAmerica Superbike class is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. PST on Saturday, July 13, with race two set for 3:10 p.m. PST on Sunday, July 14.

MV Agusta Launches Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro

David Swarts

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July 9, 2024

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MV Agusta Launches Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro

MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro

The Shape of Desire

The Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro represents the achievement of a clear objective for MV Agusta: to create an object that embodies the desires of every motorcyclist. The combination of stylistic research, attention to pure aesthetic pleasure, technological innovation, and breathtaking performance has allowed MV Agusta to achieve the goal set at the beginning of the project. Today, the market sees a motorcycle that undoubtedly occupies an oneiric dimension, literally embodying the shape of desire.

A 2025 MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro at rest. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.

Design and Ergonomics

The new MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro is both a dream and a work of art. Produced in only 500 numbered units, it encapsulates MV Agusta’s unparalleled history in racing, the brand’s maniacal pursuit of aesthetic pleasure, and the continuous drive to push technological evolution further. The distinctive stylistic elements of the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro, consistent with the Superveloce range, include round headlights that reference MV Agusta’s past, horizontally developed lines, and the aesthetic enhancement of using precious materials such as carbon fibre. The meticulous attention to every detail ensures harmony between forms, materials, and performance.

MV Agusta fitted the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro with an "organ pipe" exhaust system exiting under the tail section. Photo courtesy MV Agusta. — MV Agusta fitted the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro with an “organ pipe” exhaust system exiting under the tail section. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.

In the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro, technology and style merge to create a true sculpture on two wheels. Designers and engineers have applied all their experience to achieve a combination of technique and beauty without compromise. One of the most characteristic elements, both technically and stylistically, is the presence of aerodynamic wings, marking a new paradigm in the design and development of new MV Agusta models. Beyond the crucial quest for the best aerodynamic penetration coefficient (Cx), the engineers also focused on optimising vertical load (Cz), with significant benefits for riding dynamics, ensuring incredible stability, a fundamental factor given the exceptional performance of the bike in terms of both top speed and acceleration.

Aerodynamic winglets, Öhlins forks, Brembo Stylema calipers, brake cooling ducts - there's a lot to see on the front of the MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro. Photo courtesy MV Agusta. — Aerodynamic winglets, Öhlins forks, Brembo Stylema calipers, brake cooling ducts – there’s a lot to see on the front of the MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.

The aerodynamic wings on the fairing are not only elements with a strong visual impact but are perfectly integrated into the overall fluid dynamics management. In 1972, MV Agusta adopted similar aerodynamic solutions for its Grand Prix motorcycles, which the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro draws original inspiration from. Extensive tests have shown that at high speeds, the bike offers absolute directional precision and stability, without sacrificing manoeuvrability and agility in different riding conditions. The analysis of aerodynamic flows, derived from aeronautics techniques, was a fundamental part of the development of the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro, resulting in a final version of the bike that ensures optimal rider protection at high speeds, improved overall comfort, performance optimisation, perfect engine breathing, and hot air dissipation to ensure optimal usage conditions. The evolution of the design led to a reduction in the lower fairing’s extension and the development of a lateral aerodynamic opening to improve airflow.

The material chosen to give the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro its aesthetic shape is carbon fibre, used in two different processes, forged and laminated, to add further stylistic refinement. There are 41 components made of carbon fibre, including the dashboard support, chain guard, full fairing, and other parts in the dedicated kit.

The iconic wheels are inspired by the stylised-star-shaped ones featured on the legendary MV Agusta F4 750 Serie Oro, reinterpreted with a stylistic exercise bridging past and future through a blend of cast and spoke wheels. The tribute to the F4 is also evident in the four-exit titanium exhaust developed by Akrapovic specifically for the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro. This exhaust, with its characteristic “organ pipe” shape, is tuned to give the bike an iconic and distinctive sound, further enhanced by a carbon fibre heat shield.

The use of precious materials is evident in every detail of the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro. The seat, for example, is designed to ensure the highest comfort combined with optimal ergonomics and made of leather and Alcantara – materials clearly belonging to the luxury world – and bearing the distinctive MV logo. A leather belt runs across the fuel tank’s entire length, starting from the laser-engraved plate at the base and continuing towards the “Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro” logo, under which the unit number is indicated. The rear wheel hub features the MV logo, with a design that mirrors the headlight, a unique detail in the world of two wheels. The use of titanium in the fasteners further enriches the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro, which, as a tribute to MV Agusta’s history, features Ago Silver, Pearl Shock Red, and Gold Ciclistica colours.

Engine and Electronics

The Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro boasts a four-cylinder inline engine capable of delivering 208 HP (153 kW) at 13,000 RPM and 116.5 Nm of torque at 11,000 RPM. Thanks to the use of 16 radial titanium valves, a distinctive feature of all MV Agusta four-cylinder engines, forged titanium connecting rods, and DLC-coated cams, the engine of the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro can reach 14,000 RPM, and thanks to the countershaft, it maintains minimal vibration, resulting in a smooth driving experience even at performance limits.

The engine management is entrusted to the integrated MVICS 2.1 system (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) with eight injectors: four lower and four upper, with increased flow rate. The throttle body is 50 mm in diameter.

The electronics have been meticulously calibrated specifically for the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro. The disengageable traction control features eight levels of intervention: two for wet or slippery conditions (Rain), three for road use, and three for the track. The disengageable FLC (Front Lift Control) works based on data collected by the inertial platform and, instead of preventing wheelies, it optimises them by maintaining an optimal angle to make the most of the incredible acceleration. This rider aid works in conjunction with the Launch Control.

There are four Riding Modes: three preset (Rain, Sport, Race) and one customisable by the rider (Custom). In this mode, the rider can set parameters such as throttle sensitivity, engine torque, engine braking, engine response, limiter, and electronic suspension settings.

The MV EAS 4.0 (Electronically Assisted Shift Up&Down) electronic gearbox works both for upshifting and downshifting, even with an open throttle.

The Ride by Wire acceleration system, with a torque management algorithm, features a negative stroke on the throttle grip, allowing disengagement of the Cruise Control, which is also standard on the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro.

The Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro is equipped with an integrated GPS module that communicates directly with the MV Ride app, available for free across the entire MV Agusta range. Through this app, destinations can be entered, and corner-by-corner navigation viewed on the 5.5 inch TFT colour dashboard. Activating the Trip Record function initiates data acquisition. The experience begins before starting the engine and can be relived afterward by viewing the completed route, speed, gear used, lean angle, altitude, and travel times. The experience can be enriched by uploading the day’s route to share with other MV Ride App users. Among the various options of the MV Ride App, it is possible to customise the bike’s response through the Custom map, which can be renamed and even exchanged with other users. For example, one can create a “Tuscany” map to share later with other motorcyclists, fostering a community.

Completing the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro’s electronic equipment is the satellite alarm with the Mobisat module, manageable via the Greenbox app, a service provided free to the customer for the first year.

Chassis

The trellis frame made of high-strength steel tubes is integrated with aluminium plates that hinge the single-sided swingarm, also made of aluminium alloy. The pin height is adjustable, with the adjustment range indicated on a specially designed plaque, also crafted with exceptional aesthetic care.

The Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro features an Öhlins electronic suspension system. At the front, it has 43mm diameter upside-down forks with a 120mm travel, treated with a TiN surface finish, and electronically adjustable for compression, rebound, and manual spring preload adjustment. To optimise stability, the suspension package includes an electronically adjustable Öhlins steering damper, capable of automatic intervention or manual setup to allow the rider to decide the best setup for their needs. At the rear, the suspension system is completed by an Öhlins mono-shock with a 36mm diameter and 120mm travel. The rear suspension is also electronically adjustable for preload, rebound and compression.

The combination between the incredible power unleashed by the four-cylinder engine, the stability at high speed granted by the aerodynamics and the outstanding agility of the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro, is matched by a high-quality braking system. MV Agusta has relied on Brembo, opting for 320mm front discs with aluminium flanges and radial Stylema calipers with 30mm pistons, operated by a Brembo radial master cylinder. At the rear, there is a 220mm disc with a Brembo two-piston caliper with a 34mm diameter.

The power of this braking system is managed by the ABS system with two different levels of intervention. In Sport mode, indicated by an “S” on the dashboard, the ABS acts on both wheels with active cornering function and RLM (Rear wheel Lift-up Mitigation) active. The latter keeps the rear wheel on the ground during extreme braking, optimising the Brembo system’s power on both axles. In Race mode, indicated by an “R” on the dashboard, the ABS intervention is less invasive at the front, deactivated at the rear, and the cornering function is also deactivated, while the RLM system remains active but allows for a controlled lift of the rear wheel.

For the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro, Pirelli has produced a dedicated version of the Diablo Supercorsa SP V4 with a characteristic red profile, adding refinement and exclusivity to the bike.

The pre-orders for the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro were reserved exclusively to brand collectors. The few remaining units of the total 500 will be available through MV Agusta’s official dealer network. The lucky buyers who will be able to secure one will automatically be granted access to the same privileges and experiences reserved for collectors. The MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro UK price is £61,400.

Dedicated Kit

As with every MV Agusta Limited Edition, the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro customer receives a dedicated kit for their bike. This exclusive kit includes a certificate of authenticity and origin of the motorcycle, with the same numbering as the vehicle, and a dedicated motorcycle cover to protect this motorcycle artwork when it rests in the garage. Adding further value, the dedicated kit includes:

Passenger seat in leather and Alcantara

Passenger footpegs and supports

Carbon passenger heel guards

CNC-machined brake and clutch levers

Height adjustment plates for the swingarm pin

To discover the all-new Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro, go to https://www.mvagusta.com /product/superveloce/1000-serie-oro

Canadian Sport Bike: Tremblay Leads Points Heading To AMP

David Swarts

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July 8, 2024

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Canadian Sport Bike: Tremblay Leads Points Heading To AMP

Sport Bike Preview: Van Winkle chases Tremblay to east coast at AMP

Hamilton, ON – After an extremely brief mid-season break, the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship will get back underway with round four action this weekend, returning to the east coast and Atlantic Motorsport Park, July 12-14, presented by Pro Cycle and Canadian Kawasaki.

The Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia venue will hope this weekend brings better fortunes after historic flooding cancelled the event in 2023, and better weather will be music to the ears of two Economy Lube Pro Sport Bike riders who were eagerly anticipating their races one year ago – Sebastien Tremblay and Andrew Van Winkle.

The two find themselves in very opposite spots in the championship battle, as Tremblay has paced the standings since race two of the season and built up a 32-point advantage in the process, while Van Winkle only made his Sport Bike debut in round three.

However, the contrasting resumé’s meant very little in race two at Edmonton when Van Winkle stunned the field to become the youngest winner in Pro Sport Bike history, carving his way to the front in only his second appearance in the middleweight category.

The 17-year-old did capitalize on an injured shoulder that limited Tremblay all weekend, but there was plenty of other top riders he needed to beat at RAD Torque, including home favourite and race one winner John Laing who sits second in the championship.

What’s the biggest concern for the Sport Bike grid is that if anyone believed Edmonton could be a one-off for the Chilliwack, B.C. teenager, they should be reminded that his “home round” isn’t even Van Winkle’s favourite track – that honour would instead go to AMP.

It was at that track last season where the then-16-year-old took his first career pole position in the Pro Twins class, narrowly beating Jeff Williams who at that point had built up a perfect season. While he never got the opportunity to start from pole after the flooding cancelled the weekend, it was a turning point that launched Van Winkle’s championship season in the Twins category.

The FD Racing Suzuki rider will now enter Nova Scotia as a proven race winner at the track he loves most, a threatening message to the paddock as he looks to continue his winning ways on the east coast.

However, a more rested Tremblay will have his own fond memories of Shubenacadie, a track he is no slouch at either. The Turcotte Performance rider won there in 2018 and nearly did again in 2019, taking three consecutive podiums in the Sport Bike class at AMP, and he was set to be the pole-sitter himself one year ago.

He won’t need to concern himself with Van Winkle in the points battle, holding an 87-point lead over the teenager, but Tremblay saw his title grasp diminish at round three as he fought through the pain and will want to maximize every chance to restore that in round four.

Winner of the most recent Pro Sport Bike race, Andrew Van Winkle (45), will be looking to carry his momentum from round three into the weekend as he chases another top-step on the podium at Atlantic Motorsport Park - his favorite track. Photo by Rob O'Brien, courtesy CSBK. — Winner of the most recent Pro Sport Bike race, Andrew Van Winkle (45), will be looking to carry his momentum from round three into the weekend as he chases another top-step on the podium at Atlantic Motorsport Park – his favorite track. Photo by Rob O’Brien, courtesy CSBK.

It will represent the opposite type of weekend for Laing, who trimmed his deficit to Tremblay with a win and third-place finish at his home track but is one of the least experienced riders in the class at AMP.

The Vass Performance Kawasaki rider made the 49-hour drive straight from RAD Torque to AMP to race the sARL regional event last weekend, finishing second in each Pro Sport Bike race, but his best time of the round (1:11.363) would have placed him only seventh on last year’s grid.

The Cochrane, Alberta native will need to find more improvement if he hopes to keep his title hopes in good shape – a strong possibility for someone of his talent, but a tough spot to be in with only one day of unofficial practice before Friday qualifying.

Another pre-season favourite who now finds his back against the wall is Elliot Vieira, who wasn’t even scheduled to ride at AMP when the weekend was cancelled in 2023.

The Economy Lube Ducati rider has crashed out of three of the last four races to see his championship dreams evaporate, and his last AMP visit in 2022 yielded only sixth and fourth-place finishes, putting Vieira’s chances of a 2024 comeback on thin ice.

Hoping to leapfrog the title contenders will be teenage sensations Mavrick Cyr and Philip DeGama-Blanchet, who have traded weekends as the rookie to beat in their own personal rivalry.

Cyr seemingly moved the goal posts last time out as he earned his first career pro podium for Economy Lube Ducati, finishing second to Van Winkle in race two at Edmonton, and he will have another advantage coming his way as DeGama-Blanchet makes his first ever trip to Shubenacadie.

The 19-year-old Cyr took provisional pole in both Amateur Superbike and Amateur Sport Bike before the weekend was washed out in 2023, and the circuit was also the site of his first Amateur Superbike podiums as he finished third in each race, a strong indicator of how comfortable he feels around “Shubie.”

It will be the opposite for the 16-year-old DeGama-Blanchet who owns zero prior knowledge of the tight, twisty layout, but the Vass Performance Kawasaki star has exceeded expectations in virtually every race thus far and could continue to impress in his first visit to the east coast.

As for potential locals to throw into the mix, Atlantic Motorsport Park hasn’t seen as many wildcards in recent years but has plenty of regional talent to offer if that changes in 2024, including Eric Stanley.

The Halifax native beat Laing in both sARL races last weekend and posted times that would have placed him fifth on the national grid in 2023, making him a legitimate podium threat if he joins CSBK for round four at his home track.

More information can be found on the series’ official website.

British Talent Cup: American Correa P3 At Snetterton

David Swarts

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July 8, 2024

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British Talent Cup: American Correa P3 At Snetterton

Brown dominates Race 1, Brinton returns to the top in Race 2 thriller

Round 3 treated us to some phenomenal racing as Snetterton played host

Monday, 08 July 2024

Victories don’t get more dominant than Lucas Brown’s (SENCAT Talent Team / Mortimer Racing) in R&G British Talent Cup Race 1 at Snetterton. The #29 stormed clear in the wet conditions to win by a staggering 19.2 seconds, as Peter Willis (Microlise Cresswell Racing) and Jack Burrows (Burrows Engineering / RK Racing) claim podiums in a close fight between the pair.

Lucas Brown (29) won Race One at Snetterton. Photo courtesy BTC.

From the off, title-chasing Brown got into a phenomenal rhythm to stretch his lead at the end of Lap 1 to over two seconds over Filip Surowiak (Team City Lifting / RS Racing), before the latter crashed out of P2 on Lap 2. By Lap 4, Brown was a staggering 10 seconds clear of Burrows, who had Willis in tow.

With Brown racing off into the distance, the battle for P2 and P3 went down to the wire. Brown cruised to the chequered flag, with Willis pipping Burrows to P2 as the duo claimed hard-earned podiums in the tricky Snetterton conditions. Amanuel Brinton (Kovara Projects / RS Racing) and Daniel Goodman (Fibre Tec Honda) rounded out the top five, with Brown’s advantage over Brinton in the standings rising to 29 points ahead of Race 2.

The R&G British Talent Cup is streamed live on YouTube in 2024! Watch Race 1 HERE and Race 2 HERE.

BTC R1

In Race 2, Burrows managed to grab the holeshot down into Turn 1, but Brinton – from P10 on the grid – pounced halfway around the opening lap to grab P1 from Alexander Rowan (Alexander Rowan Racing), who briefly led before Brinton and then Brown came through. The latter was then the race leader, but Brinton clawed his way back past at the start of Lap 2.

The leading duo, Brinton and Brown, broke clear and were exchanging the lead lap after lap. Meanwhile, Surowiak and Julian Correa (Microlise Cresswell Racing) were locked in a battle for the final podium spot, four seconds away from the victory fight.

Amanuel Brinton (43) held off Lucas Brown (29) to win Race Two. Photo courtesy BTC.

As expected, the battle for the win went down to the wire. Brinton vs Brown, who would come out on top? Brinton led onto the final lap but Brown carved past at Turn 1. Brinton then bit back at Turn 2, as Brown then waited for Turn 9 to make his move. Brown held the lead into the final corner but on the run to the line, Brinton managed to reach the chequered flag 0.047s ahead of Brown to claw back five crucial points. Correa beat Surowiak by less than a tenth to claim P3, with Ryan Frost (Fibre Tec Honda) rounding out the top five.

Next up for the BTC riders and teams is a trip to the legendary Brands Hatch for Round 4, with Brown leading Brinton by 24 points in the title chase.

BTC R2
BTC Points after R2

Friends Of Laguna Seca Receives Donation And Endorsement

July 10, 2024

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with Turn Five located at the bottom center of the frame. Photo courtesy WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. — WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Photo courtesy WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

FRIENDS OF LAGUNA SECA RECEIVES $500,000 DONATION AND ENDORSEMENT FROM LAGUNA SECA RACEWAY FOUNDATION

Local foundation demonstrates its full support of Friends of Laguna Seca’s Concession Agreement with the County of Monterey

MONTEREY, Calif. (July 10, 2024) – Friends of Laguna Seca (Friends) has received a $500,000 donation from the Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation (LSRF) in partnership with the Monterey County Parks Foundation (MCPF). This significant donation comes with the full endorsement from both the LSRF and MCPF as Friends begins its appointed stewardship of the Laguna Seca Recreation Area for the next 55 years.

“We are encouraged by the longstanding support of both the Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation and the Monterey County Parks Foundation,” said Friends of Laguna Seca CEO Lauri Eberhart. “These two local foundations share our unwavering passion to honor our local history, culture, youth and industry by prioritizing community access and further development of the Laguna Seca Raceway and Recreation Area. We value their mutual vote of confidence as our team takes on the task of facility upgrades and improvements outlined in our agreement with the County.”

“The Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation is proud to support Friends of Laguna Seca as they take over management and operation of the cherished raceway and recreation area,” said Arthur Cook, president of Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation.

Friends of Laguna Seca looks forward to revitalizing and modernizing the Laguna Seca Raceway and Recreation Area for the community to enjoy for decades to come and will work to maintain its vibrant history of volunteerism and dedication to enhancing visitor access and experience.

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Bringing Special Vehicles To Goodwood

July 10, 2024

"King Kenny" Roberts will ride his 1980 500cc Grand Prix World Championship-winning Yamaha YZR500 at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, in England. Photo courtesy Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.