World Endurance: Yamalube YART Yamaha On Pole For 8 Hours Of Spa

David Swarts

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June 7, 2024

World Endurance: Yamalube YART Yamaha On Pole For 8 Hours Of Spa

Editorial Note: Americans Michael Gilbert, Andrew Lee, and Jason Pridmore, riding their JP43 Racing by Maco Yamaha YZF-R1, qualified 33rd overall and 19th in the Superstock category.

BACK-TO-BACK POLE TIME FOR EWC CHAMPION TEAM YART AS FRITZ BREAKS SPA LAP RECORD

*Yamaha-powered squad secures second-consecutive 2024 EWC pole with sub-lap record run

*F.C.C. TSR Honda France and Yoshimura SERT Motul complete the top three

*Team Étoile charges to maiden Superstock pole position ahead of Wójcik and No Limits

(7 June 2024): Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team made it back-to-back pole positions in the FIM Endurance World Championship as Marvin Fritz underlined the Austrian squad’s dominant display with a new qualifying lap record at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps this afternoon (Friday).

Having set the qualifying standard in the season-opening 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans in April, the EWC championship-winning team from 2023 was again out of reach in the battle for the pole position for the 8 Hours of Spa Motos.

While Niccolò Canepa and Karel Hanika were fastest for YART among the Blue and Red rider groups respectively, it was Fritz’s performance that was particularly noteworthy with his 2m18.552s, set in First Qualifying, bettering Hanika’s qualifying lap record from 2022, a 2m18.845s. Fritz actually went even faster in Free Practice this morning, the 31-year-old clocking a 2m18.551s best, such has been his pace on the spectacular 6.985-kilometre Belgian track.

F.C.C. TSR Honda France – featuring a two-rider-only line-up of Josh Hook, who became a father for the first time yesterday, and Alan Techer following an injury to Mike Di Meglio in a French championship race last weekend – was second fastest as the Japanese outfit bids to rebound from its non-finish in the 24 Heures Motos. Suzuki-powered Yoshimura SERT Motul, which triumphed in round one, was third quickest courtesy of riders Gregg Black, Dan Linfoot and Étienne Masson.

In the Dunlop-supplied Superstock category for the FIM Endurance World Cup, Team Étoile claimed top spot in qualifying in only its second EWC appearance. Kazuki Watanabe combined with Spa rookies Yudai Kamei and Hikari Okubo to deliver a maiden EWC pole position for Takeshi Ichikawa’s BMW-powered outfit from Japan.

“Of course we always have lots we can improve but the day started well because I make a lap record this morning,” Fritz said. “But overall I had a really good lap in qualifying. I didn’t have the best feeling with the front tyre so I always tried to use the rear tyre as much as I could. I expected to be faster but overall I’m pretty happy with the lap time and the new lap record, especially after I took it away from my brother-in-law [Karel Hanika], which is a pretty nice feeling. I’m super-happy about my team-mates, my team, the bike. I think we have a good feeling for tomorrow.”

Watanabe said: “I am the only one from the team with experience of this special circuit but we had a track day on Monday and that helped a lot for my team-mates. I tried to tell my experience to them but it’s the team that is fast here and after I had a fall on Monday, I had some responsibility and I believe I have paid that back just a little bit. But still we have the race tomorrow. Last year it was a 24-hour race, this year it’s only eight hours so it’s like a sprint race. But we haven’t finished a race this year so I would like to try to manage the race for the team.”

Behind the overall top three, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team was fourth quickest for its home round of the EWC. Honda Viltaïs Racing was the leading independent entrant in fifth, one place ahead of Kawasaki Webike Trickstar. Belgium-based KM 99, Tati Team Beringer Racing, Team Bolliger Switzerland and BMRT3D maxxess Nevers completed the top 10.

Wójcik Racng Team STK, competing with Honda power for only the second time, was the second best Superstock team with Honda No Limits third, National Motos Honda FMA fourth and Tecmas MRP BMW Racing Team fifth.

Friday’s Second Qualifying in focus

Gregg Black set the benchmark time in the Blue Rider group, the Yoshimura SERT Motul star posting a 2m19.458s to head Markus Reiterberger (BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team) and Niccolò Canepa, the First Qualifying pacesetter for Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team. Florian Marino (KM 99) was fourth quickest followed by Florian Alt (Honda Viltaïs Racing) and home hero Loris Cresson (BMRT3D maxxess Nevers). Grégory Leblanc was seventh for Kawasaki Webike Trickstar with Hugo Clere (Tati Team Beringer Racing) the next fastest Formula EWC runner ahead of Christoffer Bergman (Maco Racing Team) and Daniel Rubin (Motobox Kremer Racing). The quickest Superstock category time went to Sébastien Suchet (National Motos Honda FMA) with Kevin Manfredi second fastest for Wójcik Raing Team STK followed by Yudai Kamei (Team Étoile), Kevin Calia (Aviobike by M2 Revo) and Enzo De La Vega (Team 18 Sepeurs Pompiers CMS Motostore).

Étienne Masson (Yoshimura SERT Motul) was the Yellow Rider group pacesetter in a time of 2m19.671s followed by Sylvain Guintoli (BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team) and Marvin Fritz (Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team). Christian Gamarino posted the fourth best lap for Kawasaki Webike Trickstar as Randy de Puniet (KM 99) completed the top five followed by Danny Webb, the fastest Superstock category contender. Steven Odenaal was the next best Formula EWC runner for Honda Viltaïs Racing followed by Dominik Vincon (Motobox Kremer Racing), Marc Miralles (Mana-Au Competition), Julien Pilot (BMRT3D Maxxess Nevers) and Jurand Kuśmierczyk (Wójcik Racing Team). Behind Webb, National Motos Honda FMA’s Valentin Suchet was second the second fastest Superstock rider, one place ahead of Lorenzo Gabellini (Honda No Limits). Jan Bühn (Tecmas MRP BMW Racing Team) and Baptiste Guittet (Team 18 Sapeurs Pompiers CMS Motostore) rounded out the top five. JMA Racing Action Bike’s Milan Merckelbagh crashed heavily at the exit of Bruxelles corner but was uninjured.

Alan Techer topped the Red Rider group for F.C.C. TSR Honda France ahead of Dan Linfoot (Yoshimura SERT Motul) and Karel Hanika (Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team). Illya Mykhalchyk (BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team) was fourth ahead of Superstock pacesetter Kazuki Watanabe (Team Étoile). The Formula EWC top 10 was rounded out by Jérémy Guarnoni (KM 99), Corentin Perolari (Tati Team Beringer Racing), Román Ramos (Kawasaki Webike Trickstar), Leandro Mercado (Honda Viltaïs Racing), Pedro Romero (Team Bolliger Switzerland) and Takeshi Ishizuka (Maco Racing Team). Guillaume Raymond was the second fastest Superstock rider for National Motos Honda FMA followed by David Sanchís (Team 33 Louit April Moto), Martin Renaudin (Chromeburner-RAC 41-Honda) and Alessandro Delbianco (Pit-Lane Endurance).

BEST LAPS

First Qualifying Blue Rider: Niccolò Canepa, 2m18.938s / Tom Ward, 2m22.567s

First Qualifying Yellow Rider: Marvin Fritz, 2m18.552s / Lorenzo Gabellini, 2m23.083s

First Qualifying Red Rider: Karel Hanika, 2m18.622s / Johan Nigon, 2m22.815s

Second Qualifying Blue Rider: Gregg Black, 2m19.458s / Sébastien Suchet, 2m22.294s

Second Qualifying Yellow Rider: Étienne Masson, 2m19.671s / Danny Webb, 2m22.777s

Second Qualifying Red Rider: Alan Techer, 2m19.379s / Kazuki Watanabe, 2m21.911s

WHAT’S NEXT?

The first running of the 8 Hours of Spa Motos is due to get under way at 13h00 CET on Saturday 8 June.

8 Hours of SPA Motos - 8 Hours of Spa - Overall Qualifying Ranking (average of the 2 best times) - Overall Qualifying Ranking

101st Loudon Classic: Fong Fastest On Friday

David Swarts

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June 7, 2024

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101st Loudon Classic: Fong Fastest On Friday

Veteran Bobby Fong was unofficially fastest during Friday’s action at the 101st Loudon Classic presented by NEMRR at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS), in Loudon, New Hampshire.

Riding his Wrench Motorcycles Suzuki GSX-R750 MotoAmerica Next-Gen Supersport bike on Dunlop tires, Fong recorded a lap of 1:11.164 around the 1.6-mile infield road course during one of the NEMRR sprint races he was using as practice.

“Today went good,” said Fong, who never rode at the tight and technical track before Thursday’s Penguin Riding School/Racer Practice Day. “We made good progress with the bike, and I’m getting used to the track. I like the track. It didn’t expect it to be so physical, but it’s really physical.

“We had some electrical issues on Thursday, but the crew worked through those and we’ve just been taking some baby steps with the setup and trying to figure out what tires to run in the race.”

Tyler Scott, the defending Loudon Classic Champion, was unofficially second-quickest with a lap time of 1:11.374 on his Dunlop-shod Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750.

Tyler Scott (70). Photo by David Swarts, copyright Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

“We’re slowly getting the bike dialed in,” said Scott, who didn’t run as many NEMRR sprint races on Friday as other Loudon Classic competitors. “We didn’t do too many laps today. We thought we were going to have that last session, and we didn’t. But I think we have a good setup for the race.”

Alex Dumas, the 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion, ended up third on the unofficial list of lap times with a 1:11.502 on his Bridgestone-equipped MPG Moto/Liqui Moly Suzuki GSX-R600. Dumas said he opted to sit out the 2024 Canadian Superbike season and winning the Loudon Classic — and its $55,000 first-place prize — is his primary racing goal this year.

Alex Dumas (23X). Photo by David Swarts, copyright Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Scott’s teammate Teagg Hobbs, who started road racing at NHMS, was unofficially fourth with a 1:11.529. Hobbs crashed during one of Friday’s NEMRR races, but his crew repaired his Suzuki in time for him to take it out in another NEMRR race to make sure everything was good to go for qualifying.

Teagg Hobbs (79). Photo by David Swarts, copyright Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Hayden Gillim, another MotoAmerica Pro rider racing at NHMS for the first time, unofficially rounded out the top five with a 1:11.541 on the Dunlop-fitted Vesrah/Steel Commander Suzuki GSX-R750 he raced in the Daytona 200 in March.

Hayden Gillim (95). Photo by David Swarts, copyright Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The lost session Scott referred to was the pre-qualifying session scheduled at the end of the day Friday. That session was intended to whittle the field of 51 entries down to 48 ahead of final qualifying sessions on Saturday morning.

Unfortunately, crashes and injuries during Friday’s NEMRR sprint races resulted in most of the track’s ambulances leaving the property with injured riders. All of the riders are expected to recover, according to officials, but not having enough ambulances onsite caused on-track activity to be paused. With daylight running short, NEMRR officials held a riders meeting, polled the field, and decided to postpone Friday’s Loudon Classic, Pro 500 Superbike, Pro Thunderbike, and ASRA Outlaw Baggers qualifying sessions until Saturday morning.

On Saturday morning there will be three rounds of qualifying for Loudon Classic competitors, two 20-minute sessions that will determine the fastest 32 riders, and one 25-minute round for the final 32 riders. Riders’ lap times from all three sessions will count toward their final qualifying position.

Saturday’s revised schedule looks like this:

8:00 AM

500 Superbike – 8min

Pro Thunderbike – 8min

ASRA Outlaw Baggers – 8min

Loudon Classic Group One – 20min (23 Riders)

Loudon Classic Group Two – 20min (23 Riders)

9:15 AM

500 Superbike – 12min

Pro Thunderbike – 12min

ASRA Outlaw Baggers – 12min

Loudon Classic Group One – 20min (23 Riders)

Loudon Classic Group Two – 20min (23 Riders)

10:45 AM

Loudon Classic Group One – 25min (16 Riders)

Loudon Classic Group Two – 25min (16 Riders)

There is no pro practice.

Because there was no official qualifying session on Friday, we have compiled a list of fastest lap times pulled from Friday’s NEMRR races.

Friday’s Unofficial Best Lap Times (as compiled from Friday’s NEMRR race results):

Bobby Fong (Suz GSX-R750), Dunlop, 1:11.164
Tyler Scott (Suz GSX-R750), Dunlop, 1:11.374
Alex Dumas (Suz GSX-R600), Bridgestone, 1:11.502
Teagg Hobbs (Suz GSX-R750), Dunlop, 1:11.529
Hayden Gillim (Suz GSX-R750), Dunlop, 1:11.541
Stefano Mesa (Duc Panigale V2), Pirelli, 1:11.756
Jacob Crossman (Yam YZF-R6), 1:12.308
Joseph LiMandri, Jr. (Yam YZF-R6), Pirelli, 1:12.311
Eric Wood (Duc 848), Dunlop, 1:12.334
Eli Block (Yam YZF-R6), Dunlop, 1:12.432
Ben Gloddy (Yam YZF-R6), Dunlop, 1:12.491
David Anthony (Suz GSX-R750), Dunlop, 1:12.823
Tyler O’Hara (Yam YZF-R6), Dunlop, 1:13.035
Shane Narbonne (Yam YZF-R6), Pirelli, 1:13.037
Spencer Humphreys (Yam YZF-R6), Pirelli, 1:13.761
Carl Soltisz (Suz GSX-R750), Dunlop, 1:14.139
Ian Beam (Tri Daytona 675), Pirelli, 1:14.652
Justin Landry (Yam YZF-R6), 1:14.678
Rick Doucette (Yam YZF-R6), Dunlop, 1:14.783
Harlan Hildebrand (Kaw ZX-6R), 1:14.848
Kevin Nolde (Yam YZF-R6), 1:14.982
JC Camacho (Suz), 1:15.440
Levi Badie (Yam YZF-R6), Dunlop, 1:15.459
Asher Rubright (Suz GSX-R750), 1:15.848
Michael Guarino (Kaw ZX-6R), 1:16.234
Geoffry Bonnard (Yam YZF-R6), 1:16.284
Daniel Weems (Yam YZF-R6), 1:16.455
Paul Hosue (Yam YZF-R6), 1:16.593
Tim Barrows (Yam YZF-R6), 1:16.610
Ezra Beaubier (Yam YZF-R6), Pirelli, 1:16.635
Wojciech Kasperuk (Yam YZF-R6), 1:16.865
Joseph Townsend (Yam YZF-R6), 1:17.008
Semir Fazlic (Yam YZF-R6), 1:17.018
Sam Martin (Yam YZF-R6), 1:17.473
Brandie Cox (Suz GSX-R600), 1:17.616
Lincoln Gottier (Yam YZF-R6), 1:17.665
Nicolai Greco (Kaw ZX-6R), 1:17.731
Robbie Nigl (MV Agusta F3 RR), 1:18.152
Scott French (Yam YZF-R6), 1:18.535
Houk Nichols (Suz GSX-R600), 1:18.882
Josh Gallusser (Suz GSX-R), 1:18.963
Mavrick Cyr, no lap time recorded
Gabriel Da Silva, no lap time recorded
Paul Duval (Yam YZF-R6), no lap time recorded
Jimmy Fassino, no lap time recorded
Brian Fernald (Yam YZF-R6), no lap time recorded
Vicente Frontinan (Yam YZF-R6), no lap time recorded
Joel Laub (Yam YZF-R6), no lap time recorded
Michael Lee (Yam YZF-R6), no lap time recorded
Tyler Sweeney (Yam YZF-R6), no lap time recorded
Kyle Thompson (Yam YZF-R6), no lap time recorded

California Superbike School: Mid-Year Update

David Swarts

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June 7, 2024

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California Superbike School: Mid-Year Update

Here’s a mid-year update on all things Superbike School:

Upcoming Schools: Willow Springs this weekend, followed by Laguna Seca. Then Sonoma and The Ridge in Washington State. After that we go back east for our summer tour: Barber, Virginia, Pittsburgh, and New Jersey. Visit our schedule page or call the office. 800-530-3350. Come join us for the second half of the year.

California Superbike School students in action at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy California Superbike School.

Spring Tour: We just finished our spring tour, which went well. We had six days straight at Barber, which were a highlight. Kentucky, Virginia, and New Jersey were also fantastic.

New Fleet: We have factory-fresh BMW S 1000 RRs on their way in, with the first wave already here. They’re getting break-in miles right now before we convert to track trim.

A BMW S 1000 RR. Photo courtesy California Superbike School.

Friends and Family Life Experiences: So many riders have been coming with friends and family members to share the Superbike School experience. We often hear statements like “my friend drug me out to the school, and I’m glad I came.”

Foreign Schools: Over the last two months we’ve run events in the Philippines, UK, and Australia. Foreign coaches have been visiting the USA to work with us. We recently hosted Dave from Australia and Martin from England. Mariusz from Poland will be with us next month.

Superbike School Graduates in Racing Last Weekend: Joe Roberts claimed a convincing win in the Moto2 class at the Mugello Circuit. Rocco Landers won the MotoAmerica Twins Cup class with a savage last-lap pass at Road America.

Joe Roberts (16). Photo courtesy California Superbike School.

Rocco Landers. Photo courtesy California Superbike School.

First Time Knee Draggers: We took pictures of some first time knee draggers. Of course smiling faces. For those who have never touched a knee we also have a paddock drill on a mini bike where most people get their knee down inside 5 minutes.

Comments About Our Sponsors:

BMW: No one can argue that the S 1000 RR is consistently at or near the top of all sportbikes worldwide. It’s the perfect tool for our school. Additionally, the management of BMW North America is run by industry veterans who are caring and easy to interface with.

Dunlop: Our oldest sponsor for 43 straight years. We all want confidence in our tires and Dunlop delivers every time.

Alpinestars: We use their gloves and boots, and some have called their Supertech boot, “the best in the world.” Their new air vests are a leap in safety for anyone using them.

KYT Helmets: This giant manufacturer has 14 factories worldwide and makes helmets for many other brands you would recognize, but recently branded their own helmets, which are top-tier in the sportbike segment.

AGV Sport: We’ve used their leathers for over 20 years. Most people are unaware they are consistently the most durable leathers anywhere.

Liqui Moly: Top-tier lubricants used in ALL Moto2 and Moto3 motors. We use that same oil in our fleet.

R&G Crash Protection: Their frame sliders protect from simple pit-area tip-overs to grinding low-sides. Cheap insurance and peace of mind.

DP Brake Pads: Besides a smooth “bite,” DP pads are very low dust, and last considerably longer than typical brands.

Armour Bodies: Very affordable track bodywork, with quality similar to brands costing three times as much.

Skratch Labs: Hydration mix that has saved hundreds of students from dehydration. Trusted by athletes worldwide, you can find it in most running and bicycle stores.

DID Chains: Our fleet puts up with thousands of track miles every year and the chain, being a consumable part, needs to be tough and reliable. We’ve seen chains fail over the last four decades, but never a DID chain.

Stomp Grip: Originally a snowboard product, we convinced them to start making their pads for motorcycle tanks. The rest is history. Virtually every track bike will have some sort of tank grip, and Stomp is the original.

Isle Of Man TT: Video Highlights From The Races So Far

David Swarts

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June 7, 2024

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Isle Of Man TT: Video Highlights From The Races So Far

Although Friday’s races have been postponed due to rain, here are some video highlights from the Isle of Man TT races so far.

MotoAmerica: Herfoss Riding Tytlers BMW Superbike In Place Of Beaubier

David Swarts

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June 7, 2024

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MotoAmerica: Herfoss Riding Tytlers BMW Superbike In Place Of Beaubier

Troy Herfoss and Indian Motorcycles helping Tytlers Cycle in Superbike Class.

With the welcome support of Indian Motorcycles, we are delighted to announce that Troy Herfoss, current points leader in the 2024 Mission King Of The Baggers championship and second in points in Super Hooligan for Indian Motorcycles, will ride the Tytlers Cycle BMW M 1000 RR in place of the injured Cameron Beaubier.

Troy, the 2023 Australian Superbike Champion, will be on the grid alongside JD Beach for Tytlers Cycle Racing for the next couple of rounds and we very much look forward to starting our journey together.

Troy is an exceptional rider, as he has shown so far in 2024 but he also brings vast superbike experience. The 37-year-old Australian is a multiple ASBK Superbike champion and has competed several times in World Superbike.

Michael Kiley – Team Principal of Tytlers Cycle Racing: “Indian Motorcycles builds the best cruiser motorcycles on the market. I very much enjoy interacting with our customers in the cruiser sector in our dealership community. Having Indian Motorcycles and Troy Herfoss step in to help us is as close as we can come to flying the flag for Indian Motorcycles and our Indian customers who have supported the growth of our dealership. It has been a crazy week since Cam’s injury. The fans are being treated to a fantastic year of racing which means a very tough year for finding a stand-in rider. Since round one we have had a lot of incredibly positive messages for Tytler’s Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR, built by Dave Weaver, and so many talented riders expressed a desire to get on the bike but remained loyal to their current contracts. For a standout rider like Troy with the support of Indian Motorcycles to step in and help out is a demonstration of why we enjoy being a part of the MotoAmerica community. We look forward to seeing Troy in our pit, on our bike and will support him the best we can to achieve the best results we can”

Gary Gray of Indian Motorcycles: “When one of our dealers, Michael Kiley of Indian Motorcycle of Green Bay, called needing a rider for a couple of MotoAmerica Superbike rounds we were more than happy to help. Tytlers Cycle Racing does an excellent job and has one of the best bikes in the paddock. We are excited to see Troy Herfoss on track more. This opportunity for him sees him get more track time to learn the tracks and show what he can do on a Superbike.”

Troy Herfoss: “First and foremost I would like to wish Cam the best recovery possible. He is a true champion in our sport, and it is an honour to ride his bike. I want to thank both Michael Kiley and the team at Tytler’s Cycle Racing and Gary Gray of Indian Motorcycles for allowing me this opportunity. It has been a dream of mine to race in MotoAmerica. This year has been so much fun. I have an enormous itch that needs scratching around MotoAmerica and Superbikes and although it will be a challenging weekend, I am sure a rewarding one as well.”

Cameron Beaubier: “I’m obviously bummed to be out for now, but I think Tytlers have made a good choice with Troy filling in for me. He’s a good guy with a lot of experience. I wish him well”

ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®

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

Willow Springs International Raceway Is For Sale (Updated)

David Swarts

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June 7, 2024

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Willow Springs International Raceway Is For Sale (Updated)

The historic Willow Springs International Raceway motorsports facility located in Rosamond, California, about 90 minutes north of Los Angeles, is for sale.

The 600-acre facility’s roots go back to 1953 when a flowing, nine-turn, 2.5-mile road course was built and soon earned the reputation as “the Fastest Road in the West.”

Over the years, the facility was expanded by long-time owner Bill Huth. Now, Willow Springs International Raceway includes eight separate tracks: the 2.5-mile paved road course (which was partially repaved in 2023), the 1.8-mile Streets of Willow paved road course, the one-mile Horse Thief Mile paved road course, the paved 0.625-mile Willow Springs Kart Track, a 0.25-mile paved autocross and drifting track called the Balcony, the quarter-mile Willow Springs Speedway paved oval, and Walt James Stadium, which includes 3/8-mile paved and clay oval tracks.

Willow Springs International Raceway's nine-turn 2.5-mile road course. Photo by CaliPhotography.com. — Willow Springs International Raceway’s nine-turn 2.5-mile road course. Photo by CaliPhotography.com.

Thanks to the favorable Southern California weather, the facility operates year-round and has hosted sanctioned racing, riding and driving schools, track days, and TV and movie production non-stop since it opened.

In 1996, Willow Springs International Raceway was designated a California Point of Historical Interest.

Huth died at the age of 91 in 2015, but by then his children were running the facility and continue to do so.

No asking price for the track has been made public, but a real estate listing can be found HERE.

We will update this post with more information as it becomes available.

Update:

“Five generations of our family have enjoyed being stewards of America’s first purpose-built road racing circuit,” Stephanie Huth, daughter of Bill Huth, wrote in a message to Roadracingworld.com. “Our parents, Bill and Maxine, bought a ghost of a 2.5-mile road course in the middle of nowhere. They had no backing. Dad had $17 the day they paved it. Sacrifices were made. Today, it is a unique and substantial motorsport and technological complex, ready for its new chapter. Personally, I can’t wait to see what the next stewards will do. Like Dad, I’m still waiting for someone to do a one-minute lap on ‘the Fastest Road in the West.'”

WorldSBK: Balaton Park Cancelled, Estoril Added

David Swarts

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June 7, 2024

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WorldSBK: Balaton Park Cancelled, Estoril Added

Estoril to host penultimate round in 2024, Hungarian Round cancelled

There will be a change to the 2024 WorldSBK calendar with Portuguese venue Estoril hosting Round 11 of the season

The 2024 WorldSBK campaign will now feature a visit to the Circuito Estoril in October following the cancellation of the Hungarian Round, which had been scheduled for August. The Estoril Round will take place from October 11th-13th, becoming the penultimate round in the 2024 campaign. The Portuguese venue will host WorldSBK action as well as WorldSSP and WorldWCR, the classes originally scheduled to race at Balaton Park in August, but also the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European SuperFinale.

Due to works at the Hungarian venue not being completed by the scheduled date (August 23rd-August 25rd), Balaton Park will no longer host WorldSBK action. Estoril’s round will take place a week before the season finale at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, making for an action-packed end of the season.

Estoril hosted WorldSBK action as recently as 2022 and provided thrilling races. In World Superbike, all three races went down to the last lap with incredible battles involving Jonathan Rea, Alvaro Bautista and Toprak Razgatlioglu. In WorldSSP, Dominique Aegerter claimed a double victory, while in WorldSSP300, Samuel Di Sora pulled off an unbelievable comeback from 31st on the grid to claim a sensational but implausible victory. In 2020, the Portuguese venue was the scene where Rea claimed his unprecedented sixth title.

Isle Of Man TT: Sidecar TT Race Two Report

David Swarts

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June 6, 2024

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Isle Of Man TT: Sidecar TT Race Two Report

CROWES JOIN 120MPH CLUB IN SECOND 3WHEELING.MEDIA SIDECAR TT WIN

Ryan and Callum Crowe claimed a second victory at the Isle of Man TT Races on Thursday afternoon in the 3wheeling.Media Sidecar TT Race 2, more than twenty seconds ahead of Ben Birchall/Kevin Roussueau. Dave Molyneux/Jake Roberts claimed a popular third place.

The Crowes also set the fastest lap of the race on their Kelproperties Honda at 120.335mph to join the 120mph Club for the first time and become the second fastest crew in Sidecar history.

Cut down to two laps due to the revised schedule, the race eventually got underway at 2.15pm after the initial start was red flagged when newcomers Todd Ellis/Emmanuelle Clement came off at Waterworks, both rider and passenger were reported as OK however their outfit was blocking the road.

When it did get started, it was once again the Crowes who were quickest to Glen Helen on the opening lap, their lead over Birchall/Rousseau (Wyckham Blackwell/Hager Honda) 4.7 seconds. Blackstock/Rosney (Dave Holden Racing Yamaha) were a further 7.2 seconds back in third with Crawford/Hardie (ARC Newton Aycliffe/SJH Bodyworks Kawasaki) only half a second adrift in fourth as Founds/Gibbons (Founds Racing Yamaha) and Molyneux/Roberts rounded out the early leaderboard.

The Crowes’ lead was up to 7.6 seconds over Birchall/Rousseau as they jumped Ballaugh Bridge and although Blackstock/Rosney were still in third, the gap to Founds/Gibbons had come down to 0.122 seconds. Crawford/Hardie had slipped back to seventh having lost time on the run from Glen Helen.

On to Ramsey Hairpin and the Crowes still led but the gap to Birchall/Rousseau had come down slightly to 7.3 seconds. The battle for third was also hotting up as Blackstock/Rosney held a slender 0.9 second advantage over Molyneux/Roberts with Holden/Claeys (Marin/Carl Cox/Ocean Motor Village Suzuki) now fifth as Founds/Gibbons slipped back to sixth having been black flagged at Sulby Bridge before being allowed to proceed. Crawford/Hardie had now retired as had Reeves/Wilkes.

An opening lap of 119.092mph, officially the quickest ever standing start lap, gave the Crowes a nine-second advantage over Birchall/Rousseau (118.158mph) and it was now Molyneux/Roberts in third after a strong opening lap of 114.633mph. That gave them a 3.7 second lead over Blackstock/Rosney (114.275mph) as Holden/Claeys (111.888mph) and Founds/Gibbons (111.378mph) completed the top six although the latter would need to be credited with the time lost at Sulby earlier in the lap.

Newcomers Robert Dawson/Matthew Sims (Dawson Classic Motorcycles Honda) were running well in tenth after lapping at 108.925mph but back at the front, the Crowes’ lead had increased to more than 13 seconds at Glen Helen on the second and final lap as they now had Birchall/Rousseau in sight on the road.

Molyneux/Roberts were strengthening their hold on third too with the gap to Blackstock/Rosney having stretched to 4.6 seconds. Founds/Gibbons had had their time credited to them though and were now only a further second back.

Through Ramsey for the final time, the Crowes led Birchall/Rousseau by 18.5s, aided by the fastest ever sector time from Ballaugh and the fact they were on lap record pace. Molyneux remained on course for his 31st podium with the gap to new fourth-placed Founds/Gibbons up to 7.4 seconds, Blackstock/Rosney only 0.2 seconds back in fifth.

The Crowes led on the road over the tramlines at the Bungalow and a superb final lap of 120.335mph enabled them to come home 20.491 seconds ahead of Birchall/Rousseau who lapped at more than 119mph for a well-deserved second place after their crash in qualifying.

Molyneux/Roberts duly came home for third to make it two more Manxmen on the podium with Founds/Gibbons and Blackstock/Rosney close behind in fourth and fifth. The Ramsdens took sixth ahead of another father and son pairing, John and James Saunders as Lockey/Rostron, Dawson/Sims – who increased their pace to 109.465mph – and Harrison/Moore completed the top ten.

Good performances also came in from newcomers Renzo van der Donck/Vale van der Donckt, who lapped at 107.275mph, and Wiggert Kranenburg/Jermaine van Middegaal in 13th and 15th respectively.

American Flat Track: AdventureTrackers Rules Released

Uncategorized

David Swarts

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June 6, 2024

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AMA Pro Racing Announces AFT AdventureTrackers Regulations

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 6, 2024) – AMA Pro Racing announced today the governing rules for the newest addition to the Progressive American Flat Track series, the AFT AdventureTrackers™ class, which will make its high-profile debut as a featured attraction of the inaugural Sturgis TT in Sturgis, South Dakota, on August 11.

The basic ruleset centers on production-based race bikes that remain as close to street stock as is feasible, including stock bodywork, engines, frames, swingarms, fuel tanks and more. As adventure bikes are specifically designed to be supremely versatile machines, these rules have been constructed to showcase the inherent capabilities of the bikes when piloted by professional racers, all while minimizing costs.

AFT AdventureTrackers is a professional racing class for large displacement adventure bikes with engines over 1000cc. The list includes an impressive collection of peer motorcycles that boast similar power-to-weight ratios in what’s become one of the fastest growing and fiercely competitive segments of the global motorcycle market:

BMW R 1250 GS

BMW R 1300 GS

Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally 1158

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250

Honda Africa Twin 1100

Kawasaki Versys 1000

KTM 1290 Super Adventure

KTM 1390 Super Adventure

Suzuki V-STROM 1050

Triumph Tiger 1200

Yamaha Super Ténéré 1200

The complete rules and regulations for the AFT AdventureTrackers class can be found here: https://www.americanflattrack.com/assets/view/28641/2024-AMAP-AFT-AdventureTrackers-Rulebook.pdf.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

About Progressive American Flat Track

Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. Progressive American Flat Track is televised on FOX Sports and streams live via FloRacing. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on X, and check us out on Instagram.

Loudon Classic: Tyler O’Hara Pulling Double Duty

David Swarts

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June 6, 2024

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Loudon Classic: Tyler O’Hara Pulling Double Duty

TYLER O’HARA READY TO ROCK THE 2024 LOUDON CLASSIC

Former MotoAmerica King of The Baggers Champion, Tyler O’Hara, doing double duty at the
richest race in North America this weekend.

Petaluma, Calif., June 6, 2024 —Tyler O’Hara will be one of the star attractions at the 101st
Loudon Classic, scheduled for June 7-9, 2024 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, NH.
O’Hara, a five-time AMA Pro Racing National Champion including the winner of two
MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers championships, will be competing at the oldest motorcycle racing event in North America in both the ASRA Outlaw Baggers division on his own personal Indian Challenger RR, and the premier Loudon Classic class on a Yamaha YZF-R6 provided by current MotoAmerica Supersport Championship contender and two-time MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, Blake Davis.

The Loudon Classic has gone from strength to strength in recent years and this year will see an incredible combined record prize pool of $310,000 across all classes. The ASRA Outlaw Bagger class will have a prize purse of $50,000 with $25,000 awarded to the winner, making it the richest Bagger event ever seen in the United States.

The 2024 Loudon Classic weekend marks something of a racing holiday for Californian O’Hara, who delighted Indian Motorcycle fans across the country with a double podium at the third round of the 2024 Mission MotoAmerica King of The Baggers Championship at Road America on June 1-2 for the S&S/Indian Motorcycle team.

Following this weekend’s Loudon Classic, O’Hara will then head west to Brainerd, Minnesota, Indian Motorcycle’s home round—for the fourth round of the MotoAmerica series, scheduled for June 14-16.

Tyler O’Hara (Indian Motorcycle of Southeastern Virginia–#29)

“This is going to be a great event, something a little bit different, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge of competing on two very different motorcycles,” O’Hara said. “The goal is to show people they can race an Indian Challenger by getting a bike and the kit parts and building up their own personal Bagger racebike. Make no mistake, I’m out there to win the ASRA Outlaw Bagger category.

“I’ll be competing on my own personal Indian Challenger RR, which is one of the 29 limited-edition models that commemorates when I won the 2022 King Of The Baggers title.

“We’ve done a bit of work to it with a new STM slipper clutch, a beautiful brand new swingarm, and we’ve re-flashed the ECU so it is about as close in spec to my regular factory Indian Challenger you can get. It’s going to be a beast around Loudon!

“The $50K purse is a big deal and really legitimizes where we’re at with Bagger racing right now. I’m the only racer, as far as I’m aware, that owns my own personal Bagger. I’ve believed in this concept from the beginning and to have the 29 replicas going, once Indian had them in production, I had to have one. I’m really happy to represent not just Indian Motorcycle but the wider MotoAmerica Bagger community and I hope we can put on a good show this weekend.

“I would like to thank Blake Davis of Blake Davis Racing for lending me one of his Yamaha YZF-R6s for this weekend. It’s been about 15 years since I last raced an R6, but I know this is a very well-sorted motorcycle and will give me a great chance of a podium against an extremely competitive field.

“My participation in the event wouldn’t be possible without the help of my personal sponsors and I hope to do them all proud with a victory or two this weekend.”

The 2024 Loudon Classic runs from June 7-9, 2024, with on-track practice commencing on
Friday, June 7 at 8:00 am EDT. Heat race action begins at 1:00 pm EDT, June 7. Saturday, June 8 is the big day and will see practice commence at 8:00 am with qualifying at 10:30 am. The 101st Loudon Classic is scheduled for 3:15 pm, immediately followed by the Outlaw Bagger category. Sunday, June 9 will see motorcycles take to the track at 8:30 am for practice with races starting at 11:10 am.

Tyler O’Hara Racing is proudly supported by the following sponsors

Indian Motorcycle of Southeastern Virginia: https://indianmotorcycleofseva.com/

S&S Cycle: https://www.sscycle.com/

Dunlop Motorcycle Tires: https://www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com/

Parts Unlimited: https://www.parts-unlimited.com/

Mission Foods: https://www.missionfoods.com/

Drag Specialties: https://www.dragspecialties.com/

SBS Brakes: https://www.sbs.dk/

Pro Plates: https://www.pronumberplates.com/

Motul: https://www.motul.com/en-US

Blake Davis Racing: https://www.blakedavisracing.com/

Alpinestars: https://www.alpinestars.com/

6d Helmets: https://www.6dhelmets.com/

Klock Werks: https://getklocked.com/

MRP Motorsports: https://mrpmotorsports.com/

Black Claw: https://blackclaw.com/

World Endurance: Yamalube YART Yamaha On Pole For 8 Hours Of Spa

June 7, 2024

Yamalube YART Yamaha (1). Photo courtesy Yamaha.