Every Sprint and every Grand Prix race will be shown live across the U.S. in 2024
Thursday, 07 March 2024
MotoGP™ has a new broadcast home in the U.S. through an expanded media rights agreement with TNT Sports. Beginning with this weekend’s Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, fans across the U.S. will be able to watch every Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix race live in 2024 across TNT Sports’ networks and platforms.
truTV and Max’s B/R Sports Add-On will show every race of this record-breaking MotoGP™ season live, including top quality pre-race coverage. Max’s B/R Sports Add-On will also stream every session for every Grand Prix class across all three days of track activity, including the MotoGP™ qualifying shootout and the Grand Prix races for Moto2™ and Moto3™.
This partnership between MotoGP™ and TNT Sports represents a new era for live MotoGP™ coverage in the U.S., bringing TNT Sports’ world-class production and coverage to a U.S. audience that is passionate for high-octane motorsports.
MotoGP™ joins Max’s B/R Sports Add-On, which offers exceptional value with a full slate of premium live sports content included, such as the MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA Men’s March Madness, U.S. Soccer, 24 Hours of Le Mans and a variety of non-live sports programming to appeal to every fan.
Fans can start tuning in to the record-breaking 2024 MotoGP™ season on truTV and Max’s B/R Sports Add-On this weekend as the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar marks the return of the world’s most exciting sport from the 8th to the 10th of March.
About TNT Sports
TNT Sports is a global leader in the delivery of premium sports content. The TNT Sports U.S. portfolio includes expansive, multi-platform partnerships with the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, National Hockey League, United States Soccer Federation, NASCAR (coming in 2025) and a premier golf franchise in The Match. Owned and operated platforms are highlighted by Bleacher Report, the #1 digital destination for young sports fans, along with House of Highlights, HighlightHER, Golf Digest, and a full suite of digital and social portfolio brands. Additionally, TNT Sports co-manages NBA Digital — comprised of NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE Pass, the NBA App and NBAGLEAGUE.com — as well as NCAA.com and NCAA March Madness Live. TNT Sports in Europe and the Republic of Ireland includes partnerships with the NBA, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UFC, WWE and more, as well as much-loved brands Eurosport, Global Cycling Network (GCN), Global Mountain Bike Network (GMBN) and multi-sport programming and content on discovery+ and Discovery’s free-to-air TV networks.
About MotoGP™
MotoGP™ is the world’ most exciting sport. The pinnacle of motorcycle racing, 22 of the fastest riders compete on purpose-built motorcycles on some of the world’s greatest racetracks, reaching top speeds above 360 kilometers per hour (223 miles per hour) and lean angles of over 60 degrees. Since 1949, the sport has grown to comprise more than 20 Grands Prix across five continents, with the television broadcast reaching hundreds of millions around the world.
#GrazieCapitano: Aleix Espargaro announces retirement from MotoGP™ in Barcelona
The Aprilia Racing rider will bow out at the end of 2024 – so here are a few career highlights, quotes and more after the announcement
Thursday, 23 May 2024
In a special Press Conference at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) has announced that he will retire from Grand Prix racing at the end of 2024. The #41 has competed in more than 300 Grands Prix over a career spanning nearly two decades, building a lasting legacy that includes taking Aprilia’s first ever premier class win.
Espargaro’s first key success was winning the FIM CEV in 2004, and the same year he made his Grand Prix debut with an appearance in the 125cc World Championship. In 2005 he competed in his first full GP season, in the 125cc class, before appearances in the 125cc and 250cc classes in 2006. For 2007 and 2008 he remained in the intermediate class, becoming a consistent top ten finisher as well as linking up with Aprilia machinery for the first time.
2009 saw Espargaro get his first taste of the MotoGP™ class as he raced as a replacement rider for Pramac at Indianapolis, Misano, Sepang and Valencia, before a full time move to the premier class for 2010 in the same team. Two P8s were his best finishes, but 2011 would see Espargaro move back to Moto2™. The season saw him take his first GP podium, on home turf at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, and from there the opportunity to move back to MotoGP™ beckoned for 2012. He joined the Aspar team and stayed there in 2013, too, making a name for himself as the frontrunner in the CRT class.
The same was true in 2014 as he moved to Forward Yamaha and the #41 took his maiden premier class podium that season – a stunning second place at a wet MotorLand Aragon. He also took his first pole position at Assen. From there, Espargaro would become a factory rider after impressing over a number of seasons in the CRT.
First, he joined Team Suzuki Ecstar for 2015 and 2016. He took the factory’s first pole since 2007 at the 2015 Catalan GP, and took consistent top ten and top five results. After two seasons in blue, his next stop was Aprilia Racing in a move that would go on to make some history for both.
Proving a key part of the project from 2017, Espargaro and Aprilia steadily moved forward season by season. By 2021 the duo celebrated their first podium together, at the British Grand Prix, and in 2022 history was made. The Argentinean Grand Prix saw Espargaro come out swinging from the off, and on race day he kept it calm and collected to take a stunning first premier class win for him – and for Aprilia. It was no flash in the pan either, with four podiums in a row from Portugal to Mugello and another at Aragon seeing them stake a claim on the upper echelons of the Championship.
2023 continued the success. A podium at Assen preceded a stunning victory at Silverstone, and there was more to come as the #41 stood on the top step in Barcelona after an awesome showdown against teammate Maverick Viñales. It was a historic 1-2 for the Noale factory, and after Espargaro had also won the Tissot Sprint in a near-perfect weekend.
By the time 2024 concludes, Espargaro can expect to have the third most starts of any rider in history. He’s two behind MotoGP™ Legend Loris Capirossi, who is third on the all-time list, as it stands. He will have taken at least three MotoGP™ wins and podiums in both Moto2™ and MotoGP™, and he will forever have been a vital part of the project that saw Aprilia take their first premier class glory.
Check out some quotes from an emotional Aleix below, watch the full press conference, and join us in saying… #GrazieCapitano!
ALEIX ESPARGARO: “First thing, thank you everyone for coming, it’s amazing to see all of you here. As you can imagine, at the end of this season I will retire from being a full-time MotoGP rider. It’s been a nice journey, I’ve enjoyed it a lot, so thank you everybody.
“This is a special place, where I began riding, and where last year was a dream come true to me, so it’s the perfect place to announce that I will retire from being a full-time rider. My trajectory has been quite different, like for all riders, it’s not easy and nobody gives you anything for free, but mine has been really very strange. No one, not even a Hollywood movie, could have thought that at 30 years old, I could win races and take podiums with a brand that hadn’t done it before. So I’m very happy and proud, it’s never enough but I’m very proud of how far I’ve come. The kid who made his debut here many years ago would be very happy.
“I’ve always made a lot of mistakes in life because I do everything from the heart and not from the head, but that’s how I am. My head says I can continue racing, and be fast on a grid of riders who are the best in history, and I feel competitive, and physically good, but my heart is asking me to stop. To spend more time at home, be with my wife and kids, so that’s why I’ve decided to step aside and enjoy life in a more relaxed way.
“More than anything, I want to thank Aprilia. These last two or three years have been a dream with everything we’ve achieved since I arrived with Romano, Massimo and Paolo. We made history and I’ll be eternally grateful for everything they’ve given me, and everything I’ve been able to give to them. I want to thank Carmelo and Carlos because I’ve grown up here, this has been my life, my school, everything. For my kids too.
“I want to thank my family, my brother, who has always been my point of reference. And to all my personal team: Albert Valera, without whom my sporting life would never have been like this and who is now such a part of my life, and to my wife Laura. And thanks to all the riders in the paddock. I’ve tried to do everything as well as I know how, and I’m very happy. Thank you all.
“There are many riders in the world, and in this space today, who won more than me, but I gave everything I had and worked very, very hard. Many times I felt maybe I didn’t have the talent of others riders but by working hard I reached quite a high level. And once again with Aprilia seeing all these memories of the last two or three seasons, it’s amazing. I was dreaming, and that’s one of the reasons I decided to stop. It’s enough, I already had so much fun and I want to retire from being a full-time rider with a good feeling. It’s not been an easy week, I felt sometimes I was jumping into a strange space, but I’m really happy.”
More, from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:
Grazie Capitano
Aleix Espargaró will retire at the end of the season after a long career in MotoGP and eight years spent with Aprilia Racing
Espargaró chose his home race, in Barcelona, to announce his retirement from
MotoGP at the end of the season. He chose this track because he grew up in
Granollers, just a few kilometers away from the paddock, and because a year ago he
wrote one of the most memorable pages of Aprilia Racing history with a one-two
finish with Maverick.
Aleix’s career is closely linked to Aprilia Racing, for eight seasons he has raced with
the Italian team, marking the most beautiful moments in its recent history. He has
won three Grand Prix races (Argentina 2022, Silverstone and Barcelona 2023), a
sprint race (Barcelona 2023) and clinched 3 pole positions and 10 podiums.
However, the story doesn’t end here. There is still a long season ahead of us,
starting from Barcelona where Aleix and Aprilia Racing have always delivered
outstanding performances.
ALEIX ESPARGARÓ
“I am happy to announce my retirement as a full-time rider. It has been a wonderful
20 years in this paddock and I am very happy and proud of what we have achieved
together with Aprilia. We made history and that will never be forgotten. I have had so
much fun and we have created an incredible human group. We have a very nice
weekend ahead of us, at a track I like and where I am fast, and there are still plenty
of races left until Valencia to be competitive.”
MAVERICK VIÑALES
“Aleix is a great teammate. We have spent four years together and lived
unforgettable moments. Together, we take Aprilia to the top, I have great memories
with Aleix. We still have a year ahead of us to take Aprilia even higher together.”
MASSIMO RIVOLA
CEO APRILIA RACING
“Thank you Aleix, because with you we have built an incredible story. Thank you for
not giving up in difficult moments and for being a great example for all of us. You won
the captain’s armband on the field by merit. You gave us the first podium, the first
pole position, the first victory here in Barcelona and the first one-two with Maverick.
Your spirit, with your ups and downs, with your character, reflect the energy of this
team and of the whole Noale factory. I don’t know what you will do in the future, but
you will always remain an Aprilia rider. From today a new page opens for the rider
market and Aprilia Racing will certainly not stand idly by. With our style, we will
ensure a great future for this team, which you have helped to make a true top team.”
MotoAmerica Superbikes Return to Road America for an Unforgettable Weekend
ELKHART LAKE, Wis. – Mark your calendars because Road America, nestled in the heart of Wisconsin, is gearing up to host the adrenaline-fueled MotoAmerica Series from May 31 to June 2. This iconic racetrack, dubbed America’s National Park of Speed, is set to ignite with the roar of Superbikes, promising fans a weekend packed with pulse-pounding racing action and unforgettable festivities.
From the moment the green flag drops on Friday, May 31, the excitement will kick into high gear with practice and qualifying sessions. But the real thrill awaits on Saturday and Sunday as the six classes of road racing will compete, including Steel Commander Superbike, Mission King Of The Baggers, Supersport, Junior Cup, BellissiMoto Twins Cup, and Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race., in a display of speed, skill, and sheer determination.
Fans can get up close and personal with their favorite riders in the open race paddock, ensuring an immersive experience like no other. On Friday night, fans can also check out the Dairyland Classic Flat Track Races at the Plymouth Fairgrounds. A FREE shuttle will be available at 5 p.m. at Gate 4 to transport campers and fans to and from the fairgrounds.
Beyond the heart-pounding racing action, Road America has something for everyone. Motorcycle enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Vintage MotoFest on Saturday, June 1, Vintage MotoFest bike show on Saturday, June 1 presented by MotorcycleBuys.com, featuring a dazzling array of vintage motorcycles from around the world. Whether you’re into Café Racers, Rat Bikes, or classic Choppers, there’s something for every taste and style. Live bands and stunt shows will keep the party going well throughout the day, creating an atmosphere of pure excitement and nostalgia.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Off the track, the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex will be open for public karting, while daredevils can witness jaw-dropping stunts at The Twin Stunts Stunt Show. Riders will delight in the FREE gear check and families will enjoy the Family Fun Zone, ensuring smiles all around.
And for those craving even more adventure, don’t miss the chance to participate in the ‘Salute to Cycles’ on-track riding experience. Imagine the thrill of riding the Road America circuit, experiencing firsthand the twists and turns that challenge the world’s top racers.
With ticket pricing, camping information, and more available at www.roadamerica.com or by calling 800-365-7223, there’s no excuse to miss out on this unforgettable weekend. So pack your gear, gather your friends and family, and join us at Road America for a weekend of racing thrills and memories that will last a lifetime. Kids 16 and under get in FREE with a paying adult at the gate. Racing runs rain or shine, ensuring nothing can dampen the excitement of MotoAmerica at Road America!
Team Obsolete and rider David Roper are preparing for the Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series round May 24-26 at Nelson Ledges Road Course, in Garrettsville, Ohio.
On May 20-21, Roper rode two of Team Obsolete’s historic AJS 7R racebikes during a Monday-Tuesday USCRA race event at Thompson Speedway, in Thompson, Connecticut. Roper rode an ex-John Surtees AJS Special and a Kirby 7R at that event to get them dialed in.
According to Team Obsolete, the Kirby 7R is an “ex-works, post-production, ultra-short-stroke project built by AMC Race Chief Jack Williams” and that was raced by Bill Ivy and Paddy Driver.
In addition to the AJS 7R racebikes, Roper will also race a 1959 Matchless G50 at Nelson Ledges.
Team Obsolete is sponsored by Vanson Leathers, Red Line Synthetic Oil, Heidenau Tires, and Buchanan’s Spoke & Rim.
Seven years ago today the world of motorcycle racing lost one of its brightest stars.
On May 22, 2017, former AMA Superbike Champion and former MotoGP World Champion Nicholas Patrick “Nicky” Hayden succumbed to the massive head and chest injuries he suffered on May 17, 2017, when he was struck by a car while riding his bicycle on a road near the Misano Circuit, in Italy. He was 35.
Since Hayden’s death, Dorna has retired his competition number 69 from use in the MotoGP World Championship; the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has inducted him into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and renamed its Horizon Award to be the Nicky Hayden Horizon Award; Hayden’s hometown of Owensboro, Kentucky, has erected a bronze statue in his honor; and Hayden’s family has established the Nicky Hayden Memorial Fund, which is doing charitable work to benefit children in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Immediately after Hayden’s death in 2017, fellow racers, fans, friends, and family sent in tributes and memories of Hayden. Below are links to those tributes and memories.
Nicky Hayden, after winning the MotoGP race at Laguna Seca in 2006. Photo by Gigi Soldano, courtesy of the Hayden family.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Upgrade for Catalan GP
Montmeló (Catalunya), 22nd May 2024
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP gear up for a busy two weeks. The team have travelled to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for this weekend’s Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, which will be directly followed by the Gran Premio d’Italia Brembo. The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team is extra motivated for Round 6 of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship as they share the title sponsor, and it’s also Álex Rins’ home GP.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are excited to start Round 6 of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship. As the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya shares the title sponsor with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team and it’s also Álex Rins’ home race weekend, the crew and riders are all the more eager to put on a show.
Fabio Quartararo ranks 12th in the championship standings and aims to up the ante in Barcelona. A new and promising set-up in Le Mans, France, a fortnight ago gives him high hopes for the coming race weekend at Montmeló. Riding with the new aerodynamics package that he tried at the private Mugello test last week makes the Frenchman even more eager to start work.
El Diablo has had his fair share of success at the Catalan GP. He secured a win there in 2018 in the Moto2 class, followed it up with a second place in the premier class in 2019, and added a MotoGP win in 2020 and 2022.
Álex Rins used the private Mugello test to do a reset to find a solid base setting as well as to evaluate new items. This weekend he plans to put his findings to the test. He is keen to get in strong results in the practice and qualifying in order to improve his starting position and score points at his home GP. He looks to move up from 20th in the overall rankings.
Born in Barcelona, Rins is a local hero. He stood on the Catalan premier class rostrum in 2020 for a third-place finish, his best MotoGP result at this track. He also secured two second places in Moto2 in 2015 and 2016, and a Moto3 second place in 2013.
Work to create the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya began in 1989. Two years later the track was opened, and it soon became a crowd favourite after hosting its first MotoGP race in 1992. With an exciting 4.66km layout consisting of 14 corners (six left, eight right), the Catalan round is known to produce thrilling races.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
Team Director
The next two weeks are going to be very important with the Catalan GP and Italian GP back to back. In Barcelona we are going to implement some of our findings from the private test we held last week in Mugello. Based on the positive data, we are most likely going to homologate the second aerodynamic package. However, Montmeló usually doesn’t have as much grip as Mugello, especially on the first day of the GP weekend. Last year this was a problem for us, but we are preparing a countermeasure with the aim to manage this in the best way possible. It’s the Monster Energy-sponsored GP this weekend, and it’s also Álex’ home GP, so the team are extra keen on putting their best foot forward.
FABIO QUARTARARO
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Rider
After the private Mugello Test, we settled on an aerodynamics version we’ll try here this weekend. I’m interested to see what it will be like. For sure, we’ll do our best, as always. It’s a Monster Energy-sponsored GP, so the team is fully motivated. Barcelona is one of my favourite circuits as well – I rode some really good races here, especially in 2022. We made a step with the setting in Le Mans, so let‘s see if we can get some good results this weekend.
ÁLEX RINS
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Rider
This is the first Monster Energy GP of the season and it’s also my home GP, so for sure that adds a bit of extra excitement. We have been working hard trying to make the most of the extra track time the private Mugello Test gave us. This weekend we will have a new aeropackage available to us, the version I liked. So, all in all, I am just really looking forward to start riding in Montmeló.
Racing and Event Registration Open for 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
Ashland Dinner Ride and Lap for History also open for registration
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Racing registration for 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha — set for July 26-28 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio — is now officially open for those interested in competing in a variety of vintage racing disciplines.
Vintage racing is at the heart of the VMD experience, and racers can register at https://vintagemotorcycledays.com/racing/ to get in on the three days of bar-banging action.
“There’s never a shortage of racing fun at VMD, and 2024 will be no exception,” AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier said. “With the addition of new classes, alongside the wide range of racing opportunities previously offered at VMD, there’s something for racers of all backgrounds this year. We urge all those interested in racing to pre-register to secure their spot at what’s bound to be the biggest VMD yet.”
Running alongside AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the AMA Vintage Grand Championship offers racers the chance to compete for AMA National No. 1 plates in motocross, hare scrambles, road racing, trials, and now, pitbike racing. Racers must compete on vintage motorcycles, spanning several eras across the different disciplines available at VMD.
Two new AMA Amateur National Championships will be added to the packed racing schedule at Vintage Motorcycle Days this year. The AMA Amateur National Bagger Champion will be crowned on Saturday, July 27, while No. 1 plates will also be awarded in a variety of pitbike classes during the three-day event.
In addition to the action on-site at Mid-Ohio, a round of the AMA Vintage Flat Track National Championship Series will be held at the Ashland County Fairgrounds — located roughly 25 miles from Lexington — on July 27 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Ashland Dinner Ride, which is being elevated to a VIP Flat Track Experience for the AMA’s 100th anniversary, takes riders on a scenic route to the flat track action at the Ashland County Fairgrounds, is also open for registration. Alongside the beautiful ride, those interested will enjoy special parking, a pit pass, grandstand seating, a special-edition AMA 100th Anniversary Ashland Dinner Ride t-shirt, and dinner at the legendary half-mile track for a $100 donation to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Visit vintagemotorcycledays.com/ashland-dinner-ride/ to register.
At the end of the three-day racing extravaganza, the AMA Vintage Grand Champion and AMA Vet/Senior Vintage Grand Champion will be crowned, recognizing the racers that collect the most combined points from the off-road racing disciplines — motocross, trials, hare scrambles, and pitbike racing.
All racers must possess general admission tickets to VMD prior to gate entry. Only pre-registered riders with entry confirmation will receive access to Mid-Ohio through Gate 3 on Thursday, July 25, at 9 a.m. General admission gates open at 5 p.m. that same day.
Minimum age requirements to participate can be found below:
• Trials: 4 years and up
• Motocross and Hare Scrambles: 9 years and up
• Flat Track: 12 years and up
• Road Race: 14 years and up
• Pitbike: 4 years and up.
VMD extends far beyond vintage racing, as well, with North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, bike shows, vendor displays, stunt shows and much more planned.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike Show, complete with an AMA 100th anniversary theme, is also open for pre-registration with a $20 entry fee. For more information, and to register, visit https://vintagemotorcycledays.com/bike-show/.
One of the most noteworthy recreational opportunities includes the Lap for History, which takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the event, and allows riders the chance to ride around the historic 2.4-mile road racing circuit at Mid-Ohio. Those interested can pre-register by donating $10 to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame at https://vintagemotorcycledays.com/lap-for-history/.
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.
Mission Foods Named Landmark Sponsor of Turn 10 Bridge and Beach Viewing Area at Road America
Mission Foods, Also Named Official Tortillas and Tortilla Chips of America’s National Park of Speed
ELKHART LAKE, Wis., May 21, 2024 – Road America announced today that Mission Foods will proudly serve as the Title Sponsor of Road America’s popular Beach Viewing Area and Turn 10 Bridge. The multi-year agreement also names Mission Foods the Official Tortillas and Tortilla Chips of the revered four-mile, 14-turn road course.
The Mission Bridge and 2Fast2Tasty Beach debuted during the May 17 SVRA Spring Vintage Festival, where fans could cross the bridge for the first time on their way to see the 2Fast2Tasty Beach. Once there, fans can also enjoy samples of Mission tortilla racing chips throughout the weekend.
“As champions of motorsports, we’re excited to be the new landmark sponsor of the Turn 10 Mission Bridge and 2Fast2Tasty Beach,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “Mission Foods is the world’s leading brand of tortillas and wraps, and now we’re thrilled to be the official tortillas and chips of Road America. As a Landmark Sponsor, we look forward to being part of every exciting racing moment for the next several years.”
In addition to the Title Sponsorship at Road America, Mission Foods supports motorsports racers and fans with ongoing sponsorships of racing teams and competitions. From the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team, MotoAmerica, American Flat Track, Trans-Am IGT/SVRA to the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge and more, Mission Foods plays an integral role in racing and race day traditions.
Also the title sponsor of the premier professional Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series, the company last year changed the face of weekend racing with its Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge. The challenge introduced competitive racing to the Saturday schedule at regular season NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series events, pitting semifinalists from the previous race in all professional categories against one another in a rematch for bonus money and championship points. The brand also proudly serves as the official tortillas, wraps, flatbreads and tortilla chips of the Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series.
“America’s National Park of Speed is a premier destination for everyone, and we are proud to have a wonderful brand such as Mission Foods displayed on one of our most prominent landmarks and famed viewing areas – now appropriately named the Mission Bridge and 2Fast2Tasty Beach,” said Mike Kertscher, President, and General Manager of Road America.
Road America’s 2024 season schedule promises a breathtaking journey through motorsports, with each event offering its unique blend of history, competition, and excitement. Whether you’re a die-hard enthusiast or a casual spectator, Road America has something extraordinary in store for you. Mark your calendars as the roar of engines and the thrill of racing await you at America’s National Park of Speed. Eleven major events are open to the public in 2024, including the NTT INDYCAR Series XPEL Grand Prix presented by AMR, the MotoAmerica Series, several vintage racing events, numerous Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) events including the WeatherTech Chicago Region SCCA June Sprints and the SCCA National Championship Runoffs, Trans Am SpeedTour, Fanatec GT World Challenge, and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Anyone 16 and under gets in FREE when accompanied by a paying adult at the gate. For full event details and ticket information, visit www.roadamerica.com.
ABOUT MISSION FOODS
MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With a presence in over 112 countries MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit http://www.missionfoods.com/
Double win in Superbike, season’s best in Supersport at Barber Motorsports Park
The second round of the 2024 MotoAmerica Championship took place this past weekend at one of the most picturesque and quirkiest circuits on the calendar – Barber Motorsports Park – and the Tytlers Cycle team were back in action in both Superbike and Supersport categories.
In Superbike, both Cameron Beaubier and JD Beach arrived at the Alabama circuit buoyed by their results from the season opener at Road Atlanta and both started well as the event got underway with Cameron immediately at the sharp end whilst JD re-familiarised himself with a track he had not ridden at for several years.
Qualifying on Pole (Cameron) and ninth (JD), both riders were confident ahead of the three twenty lap races.
Beaubier hit the front from the start in race one but unfortunately crashed out with a healthy lead in the early stages. The #6 put Saturday’s crash behind him to bag a double win on Sunday, leaving round two as the points leader.
JD scored a solid eighth in race one before a spill and a DNF on Sunday meant no additional points for the #95 who is already looking ahead to Road America in a fortnight.
In the Supersport category Stefano Mesa once again flew the flag for the Tytlers team. Consistently fast throughout free practice and qualifying the #37 rode well in both races to secure eighth on Saturday and sixth in a restarted shorter race on Sunday. Mesa heads to round three at Road America eighth overall in the points classification after securing his season’s best result in race two at Barber.
Cameron Beaubier (6). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Tytlers Cycle Racing.
Cameron Beaubier: “I had a great feeling with the bike this weekend thanks to the Tytlers guys’ hard work. This weekend really showed the progress we made from last year at this track. Saturday race one was going well until I crashed out. It stung pretty bad considering the pace we had going into the race, but we learned some things from it. Sunday went to our plan, and it felt great standing on top of the box in both races. I was bummed to see JD have a big one but glad he’s all good. I am excited for Road America!”
JD Beach (95). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Tytlers Cycle Racing.
JD Beach: “Sometimes you have good weekends and then sometimes you have weekends like I did in Barber. Saturday in qualifying I had an off-track trip that hurt my manhood pretty bad. In race one on Saturday, I felt like we improved from our Friday pace a good amount and gained some info for race two and three. All of that went out of the window after about five laps in race two when I had a big get off. The only thing I did to help the Tytlers team this weekend was giving them practice at working on motorcycles. It is a weekend to forget for me but I’m glad the team got some much-deserved success with Cam.”
Stefano Mesa (37). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Tytlers Cycle Racing.
Stefano Mesa: “Round two was a little better for us. We are starting to make good progress with the bike setup although race one was a bit of a struggle. The first few laps were good but then I started to get massive chatter and fell off the lead group. I ended up in P8. Sunday, we had made some big changes and race two the bike was better. We had a red flag incident on lap five and I restarted the race P4 on the grid. Halfway through the second half of the race battling for 4th,5th, an 6th I had to check up in quite a big way to avoid hitting another rider who crashed right in front of me. I wasn’t quite able to chase back down the lead group and I finished sixth. It was a better weekend and I’m looking forward to keeping chipping away to the front. Huge thanks to the Tytlers Cycle team for their efforts and to Zequi for coming and giving us a hand.”
More, from a press release issued by Ducati:
Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati endure an action-packed weekend at Barber Motorsports Park
Sunnyvale, Calif. — The Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama played host to the second round of the 2024 Steel Commander MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, and it was another action-packed encounter for the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati duo of Josh Herrin and Loris Baz.
Baz led the way throughout the weekend, with an exceptional qualifying performance in second place on his return to Barber, two places up on teammate Herrin. However, Herrin reversed the results in Race One to take his first podium of the season in third place, with Baz coming home in fifth despite losing part of his footpeg.
Race Two was tough for Herrin, who would record his first DNF of the year after crashing at the ‘Charlotte’s Webb’ corner on lap one. Fortunately, Baz continued to uphold and took fourth at the flag after an intense three-way battle for the podium.
In the final race of the triple-header, the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati pair circulated together for much of the race in fourth and fifth place until Baz was inexplicably taken out by a lapped rider at turn two late in the race, sending Baz into the gravel trap, thankfully without injury.
Herrin held on to fourth place to record his second top-five finish of the round. He now ranks sixth in the points standings with 47. Baz is two places behind, in eighth place with 43.
Josh Herrin (2). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.
Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati–#2)
“We knew it would be a difficult track for us, but we’re leaving here with a couple of top-five finishes,” Herrin said. “I misjudged where everyone was getting on the brakes and got in too hot in Race Two. Now, we’re going places where we know the Panigale V4 R will shine. We’ll be full gas from here on out, and I can’t wait.”
Loris Baz (76). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.
Loris Baz (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati–#76)
“I am very thankful for all the work the guys in the Warhorse team did and everyone in Italy to get me comfortable on the bike after Road Atlanta.
Round three of the 2024 Steel Commander MotoAmerica Superbike Championship heads to one of the biggest rounds of the year at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, from May 31 to June 2, 2024.
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.:
Petersen Returns to the Podium at Barber
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Cameron Petersen scores another podium finish at Barber Motorsports Park
MARIETTA, Ga. – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Cameron Petersen returned to the podium with a third-place finish in race two of the MotoAmerica Superbike tripleheader at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama. The South African was setting a strong pace up front for another podium position in race three, but unfortunately crashed and ultimately finished 21st. Jake Gagne overcame adversity to score an 8-7 finish on Sunday’s final day of racing at the second round of the championship.
On the heels of his first win of the season, Petersen got a great start in MotoAmerica Superbike Race 2 from the second row of the grid in third and passed his teammate a couple of laps later. He rode a strong pace in second and fought to the end, but ultimately crossed the line third. In the final race of the weekend, Petersen came out swinging and grabbed the holeshot. Although he was shuffled to second on the following lap, he maintained the runner-up position in a heated battle up front. In the latter half of the race, he was closing the gap to the frontrunner but around six laps to go, he unfortunately crashed in Turn 5. With some damage to the bike, he pulled into the pits, and the crew quickly worked to get him back on track, but with time running out he finished 21st.
Gagne also got another great start to the second race of the Superbike tripleheader and launched to the runner-up spot from the front row of the grid. He was passed by his teammate on Lap 3 and tried to stay on pace with the lead group but was dealing with some arm pump issues and ultimately crossed the line eighth. In the final race of the weekend, Gagne didn’t get the start he was hoping for and found himself back in eighth. From there, he did what he could to salvage points on a tough day and finished seventh.
The Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing team heads to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, in two weeks’ time for Round 3 of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship at Road America on May 31- June 2.
Richard Stanboli – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager
“Sunday at Barber didn’t go as planned, but our R1’s were competitive. We will work hard to improve for the next round at Road America and look forward to seeing our fans in Wisconsin.”
Cameron Petersen (45). Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Cameron Petersen – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #45
“All in all, it was a great weekend. I’m really happy with the way I’m riding. Unfortunately, we went backward on set up for the bike in the second race, but we went back to what I ran yesterday for race three and I had a great pace. I started closing in on Cam (Beaubier) a little bit, like midway through the race, and then I was just trying to give it my all and unfortunately crashed. It’s a bummer and not how I wanted to end the weekend, but I’m riding well and I think we’re in a good place.”
Jake Gagne (1). Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Jake Gagne – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #1
“It was a rough day for sure. I was also struggling with arm pump yesterday, and it was really bad this morning in warm-up, so I knew it was going to be rough. The bike was awesome here. It’s always awesome here, so I’m just bummed for the team that I couldn’t do my part.”
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars (sold, serviced, and distributed by Yamaha Golf-Car Company), Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, three corporate offices in Georgia, as well as facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama. YMUS subsidiaries YMMC, based in Georgia, and YJBM based in Tennessee, each assemble and manufacture selected Yamaha brand products. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC) with subsidiary Siren Marine and divisions Bennett Marine (Florida), Yamaha Marine Rotational Molders (Wisconsin) and Yamaha Precision Propeller Inc. (Indiana), and Skeeter Boats (Texas) with its division G3 Boats (Missouri).
Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, U.S.A. (Yamaha Financial Services), an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., offers financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide. Yamaha Financial Services provides retail and commercial financing for the diverse line of Yamaha brand motor products based out of Cypress, CA and Marietta, GA.
More, from a press release issued by Suzuki Motor USA:
ROCCO LANDERS AND THE SUZUKI GSX-8R CAPTURE ANOTHER PODIUM AT BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK
BREA, CA — Suzuki Motor USA (Suzuki) and its lead MotoAmerica race teams – Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki and RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki each faced challenges at Barber Motorsports Park, but came away with several solid results, highlighted by Rocco Landers’ charge to the podium in the weekend’s final Twins Cup race aboard the new Suzuki GSX-8R.
Race Highlights:
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki
Twins Cup
Rocco Landers rebounded from a wet sixth with a come-from-behind runner-up in Race 2 aboard the GSX-8R.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki
Twins Cup
Rossi Moor enjoyed another solid weekend, netting a pair of top-five finishes.
Superbike
Xavi Forés demonstrated immediate speed in his first weekend aboard his Suzuki GSX-R1000R Superbike.
Brandon Paasch scored top-ten results in the premier class.
Supersport
Tyler Scott had the pace necessary to win but was unable to capitalize on his speed.
Teagg Hobbs twice finished just outside the top ten.
Joel Ohman continued adapting to the pro ranks.
Rocco Landers (97) put the new Suzuki GSX-8R on the podium in Barber’s Twins Cup Race 2. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines rider Rocco Landers (97) saw his chances of securing a second consecutive victory on the new Suzuki GSX-8R suffer due to a rainstorm that hit the area just prior to Saturday’s Twins Cup race. After coming home sixth in the wet, Landers was ready to fight on Sunday, where he made an incredible second-half push. Landers came back from several seconds back to claim second place and very nearly chase down the win.
Landers said, “We made a small change before the second race, and it ended up panning out for us. I had to change my riding style quite a bit mid-race, and that’s where the change came from. One more lap, and I would have won that race. But it was awesome. My team worked incredibly hard all weekend, and Suzuki has worked super hard to help us build on what we’ve accomplished already with the GSX-8R. This was a good race for us. I’m super happy.”
Rossi Moor (92) and the GSX-8R earned two top-five finishes for Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Twins Cup effort at Barber. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s rising star Rossi Moor (92) backed up the GSX-8R’s strong weekend as Moor earned a pair of top five results in Twins Cup racing. After finishing fifth in Saturday’s race, Moor guided the GSX-8R to fourth in Race 2 after scrapping for third for much of the contest.
“This round was good points-wise,” Moor said. “I earned fourth today and P5 in the wet conditions on Saturday. I’m not the best rain rider, and the conditions were tough, and it was more survival. Our results would have been even better with some breaks in the weather. I was fighting for third until lapped traffic was a factor, and I wasn’t fortunate. We improved over the weekend and we’re in good shape going forward. There is more on the table for us.”
2023 MotoAmerica Supersport champion Xavi Forés (34), subbing for the injured Richie Escalante, adapted quickly to the Superbike class at Barber. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Reigning MotoAmerica Supersport champion Xavi Forés again showcased his experience and adaptability, immediately getting up to speed while substituting for the injured Richie Escalante on the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R Superbike. The Spaniard earned sixth in both Race 1 and Race 3 in his first weekend aboard the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R. Unfortunately Forés’ best chance for a top result was foiled by a mechanical issue in Race 2, after running near the front and clocking the second fastest lap of the race.
“It was an up and down weekend,” Forés said. “We started building my setting from Friday and were chipping away to get the pace I wanted for the races. Race 1 went well, and we managed to secure P6 while learning more information for Race 2.”
“Race 2 was good for us while it lasted… we were fighting for the podium but an issue on the bike forced us to retire. We had the second fastest lap of the race which showed our progress.
The team did an amazing job finishing the bike for race three, but we made a mistake with a tire choice, making it hard for me to fight for a podium. Another P6 was solid to finish a tough weekend. Thanks to all the guys and the team for the huge effort,” Forés added.
Brandon Paasch (96) carded three top-ten Superbike results on the GSX-R1000R. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Teammate Brandon Paasch (96) racked up a trio of solid results, logging three consecutive top ten finishes aboard his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R. Paasch’s weekend was highlighted by a sixth in Race 2, after earning tenth in Race 1, and closing out the weekend with an eighth in the abbreviated Race 3.
“We made progress all weekend and were in the top ten three times,” Paasch said. “Today was the best. We made a bunch of changes and our lap times and distance to the leader were the best in the last race. I knew this weekend would be tough because I had not ridden a Superbike here before, and don’t have a lot of track time at Barber. We’re working on speeding up our learning progress but getting better is all we can ask for.”
Tyler Scott (70) was fast, but bad luck hampered his results at Barber. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Tyler Scott (70) was his usual blazing quick self aboard the squad’s next-generation Suzuki GSX-R750 in MotoAmerica Supersport competition. Unfortunately, the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki ace was unable to fully capitalize on that speed. Scott finished fourth after running off track while in contention for the win in Saturday’s race, and then crashed out of the lead in Sunday’s rematch.
“The results weren’t what we wanted, but it was a good weekend,” Scott said. “We needed some better luck. I liked our pace, and we were in the lead today. It was going well. I came out of a corner and the bike snapped 90 degrees sideways on me and I went for a tumble. I’m okay, but we couldn’t continue. Overall though, I like how things are going. My Suzuki is great, the team is great, we just need a little better luck.”
Teagg Hobbs (79) earned championship points finishing both Supersport races just outside the top ten. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Second-year Supersport ace Teagg Hobbs (79) left Barber unsatisfied as well, but for different reasons than Scott. Hobbs managed to collect points in both races aboard his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750, but finished short of his podium potential with a 12th and 11th on the weekend.
Hobbs said, “It was a tough weekend, and we’re not happy. I went down on Friday when someone put oil on the track. We had problems all weekend and could never put it all together and catch up. At least we get another shot at it in two weeks.”
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki newcomer Joel Ohman (92) continued to acclimate racing for a top team at an elite level. Simply earning a slot on the grid for the Supersport race was a significant challenge with nearly 50 riders attempting to make the field. Ohman finished both races and moved up through the field each time out.
“We knew with so many riders, it was going to be hard to qualify,” Ohman said. “I started the weekend by throwing the bike on the ground on the second lap. I was trying a different line. The team scrambled but that left us without much time. We qualified and the race on Saturday was a knife fight with a lot of guys battling. I moved up seven spots in the race. On Sunday, I had an amazing start and jumped up two rows. The red flag messed up my rhythm, but we made a lot of progress.”
Suzuki Motor USA (Suzuki) will have full opportunity to flex its horsepower across all three classes in two weeks’ time, as the 2024 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship season resumes at the high-speed Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, on May 31-June 2.
The 2024 season marks Team Hammer’s 44th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won over 130 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums over 360 times and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won over 130 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
More, from a press release issued by OrangeCat Racing:
OrangeCat Racing rider Jayson Uribe scores top-five finish in MotoAmerica Stock 1000 debut at Barber Motorsports Park
Uribe’s teammate Travis Wyman bounces back from challenging Race 1 to finish sixth in Sunday’s Race 2
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – OrangeCat Racing debuted its all-new rider lineup for the 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 season at the class’ opener at Barber Motorsports Park, and one of those riders – Jayson Uribe – followed up a sixth-place finish aboard a BMW M 1000 RR in Saturday’s Race 1 with a top-five result in Sunday’s Race 2. The team’s other rider — two-time Stock 1000 runner-up Travis Wyman — had a mechanical issue hamper his pace in the Saturday race — but was back to his usual form Sunday when he finished right behind Uribe in sixth place.
Uribe ended his first round of MotoAmerica Stock 1000 competition fourth in the class points standings after two races, and Wyman is one of three riders tied for ninth place.
Uribe and Wyman both had a positive start to the round’s on-track action, as they finished fourth-fastest and sixth-fastest, respectively, in Friday morning practice. The pair also ended the first of the weekend’s two qualifying sessions in those same positions on the time sheets, and Uribe was the fastest of the BMW riders in both sessions.
The second and final qualifying session took place Saturday morning and concluded with Uribe and Wyman having secured the eighth and ninth places on the starting grid for the round’s two Stock 1000 contests.
In the Saturday afternoon Race 1, both riders got good starts, though Wyman lost several positions during the first lap due to a mechanical issue. Uribe had moved up to seventh place by the end of the first lap and was part of a multi-rider, race-long battle for fifth place. Wyman finished the race in 13th place, and Uribe finished in sixth.
Sunday morning’s Race 2 saw both riders finish the first lap in better positions than they started it. Uribe moved up two positions to sixth place by the end of Lap 1, and Wyman was running right behind Uribe in seventh place. Though Uribe and Wyman were running in seventh and eighth place, respectively, at the end of Laps 3 and 4, Uribe moved up one position on each of the next two laps and was running in fourth place at the end of Lap 13 – though he finished the 14-lap contest in fifth – 0.162 seconds behind the fourth-place rider. Wyman moved up to seventh place on Lap 5 and sixth on Lap 8 – the position he finished the race in.
The OrangeCat Racing team will be back in action June 14-16 when MotoAmerica visits Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minn.
Jayson Uribe (360). Photo by Fatal Visualz, courtesy OrangeCat Racing.
Jayson Uribe / No. 360
“Overall, I think it was a positive first weekend for us. We tried lots of different things, and improved every time we got on the bike. The one-lap pace wasn’t where I wanted it to be, but our race pace overall was fantastic — especially in Race 2. Being able to fight for the top five in my first race weekend on a BMW was awesome. I have now had the chance to see what the strengths and weaknesses are of our current package are against other fast riders. We’ve learned a lot, and we’re ready to keep moving up the field at Brainerd.”
Travis Wyman (10). Photo by Fatal Visualz, courtesy OrangeCat Racing.
Travis Wyman / No. 10
“Our first race weekend as a team had its challenges. We found ourselves pretty far back on the grid and went backwards in Race 1. My team worked super hard overnight on Saturday, and I was able to fight in Race 2 to finish sixth. It wasn’t the weekend we wanted, but I’m really looking forward to the next round at Brainerd International Raceway.”
OrangeCat Racing’s promotional and technical partners for the 2024 MotoAmerica season include Motoworks Chicago, Ohlins USA, and alpha Racing.
Travis Wyman’s promotional partners for the 2024 MotoAmerica season include SP Connect, Klingler Thrillers, Fast Line Motorcycle Performance, Stomp Grip, On Any Moto, Bilmola USA and Alpinestars.
Jayson Uribe’s promotional partners for the 2024 MotoAmerica season include CT Racing, 4SR, San Jose Motorsport and Red Engine Brewing.
To learn more about OrangeCat Racing, visit the team’s website at http://orangecatracing.com and follow the team on Instagram at @orangecatracing.
More, from a press release issued by Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering:
Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering rider Di Mario takes maiden MotoAmerica Twins Cup victory Sunday at Barber Motorsports Park
Gus Rodio claims podium finish Sunday, remains atop championship standings
BIRMINGHAM, Ala – This is Alessandro Di Mario’s first season racing in MotoAmerica’s Twins Cup, but the Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering rider was at the head of the field in practice, qualifying and the weekend’s only dry Twins Cup race at Barber Motorsports Park. The 2022 Nicky Hayden AMA Road Race Horizon Award winner set a new Twins Cup lap record, took pole and notched his first win in just his sixth Twins Cup race at the May 17-19 event.
Di Mario’s teammate, Gus Rodio, made the most of a difficult situation in Saturday’s wet Race 1, then scored his fifth podium finish of the 2024 season to help maintain his position at the top of the Twins Cup points standings.
Both Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering riders were at the top of the time sheets for the first on-track session for the Twins Cup. Di Mario posted the best time in Friday morning practice with a 1:29.858. Rodio finished the session second-fastest, about half a second off his teammate’s pace.
Unfortunately for Gus Rodio, he suffered a severe migraine and was declared unfit to take part in Friday afternoon’s Qualifying 1. Di Mario proved to be the star of that session. With a best lap time of 1:28.269, Di Mario improved his best time of the weekend by more than 1.5 seconds, claimed provisional pole and reset the Twins Cup lap record for Barber Motorsports Park.
A crash for Di Mario in the Saturday morning Qualifying 2 session kept him from posting a lap time, but his blistering time from Qualifying 1 was more than enough to secure him pole position for the round’s two Twins Cup races. Rodio was cleared to take part in Qualifying 2 and made the most of the session by clinching second place on the starting grid – giving the team two riders on the front row of the starting grid.
Race 1 took place Saturday afternoon – but under much different conditions than the Twins Cup’s previous on-track sessions. Rain began pouring down before racing was due to get underway, and the race distance was reduced from 14 laps to seven. Riders were allowed a seven-minute wet practice session, and things went awry for Rodio on the warm-up lap for the race. Though he lined up on the starting grid for the warm-up lap, Rodio had to pull into the pits to have a problem with his helmet’s face shield remedied and took the race start from the pit lane. Di Mario got a good start and nearly led the field for the whole of the first lap. While battling with another rider for the race lead, Di Mario crashed at Turn 3 on Lap 6 and had to settle for a seventh-place finish. Rodio made the most of a bad situation and raced his way from last place to a ninth-place finish.
Conditions were dry and hot late Sunday afternoon for the second and final Twins Cup race of the weekend. The Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering duo both got good starts, though Rodio lost a couple positions as the field navigated the first few corners of the 17-turn track. The disadvantage didn’t last long, as Rodio moved up to third place at Turn 5 and was leading the race by the time the field reached Turn 8. Rodio and Di Mario gradually broke away from the rest of the field, and Di Mario resumed the race lead with a move at Turn 12 on Lap 5. Though Rodio got passed by another rider on the last lap and finished the race in third, Di Mario wasn’t to be denied and finished the race 0.768 seconds ahead of the second-place rider.
Rodio’s gritty performance on Saturday and podium finish Sunday limited the damage to his championship points lead. He still has a 15-point advantage in the standings with six races remaining, and Di Mario’s victory allowed him to move up from fourth to third in the points standings.
The Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering team will be back in action in two weeks time for the fourth round of the MotoAmerica Twins Cup, which is slated to take place May 31- June 2 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis.
Alessandro Di Mario (27). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering.
Alessandro Di Mario / No. 27
“I came into the weekend really excited. I love this track. I was able to set [a new track record] in qualifying, and my pace was really good. In yesterday’s race, I didn’t really think I was going to be that fast in the wet. After Avery [Dreher] passed me, I tried to stick with him and was able to pass him again. Then the sun came out, and I couldn’t see anything in the back section of the track. So when I got to Turn 3, I thought there was a little dry line but there wasn’t. So I lost the rear, but was able to pick the bike up and get seventh – which I’m happy about. Today, I just tried to manage it. I was managing the gap a little. I probably could have gone a little faster, but there was really no need to. The front [tire] was sliding a lot, so I didn’t want to take the risk.”
Gus Rodio (96). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering.
Gus Rodio / No. 96
“Yesterday was kind of points control, as I had to start from pit lane and work my way back up. Today in the race, my rear tire just fell off and I was just riding a flat track bike around. Did the best I could, secured another podium and hopefully started another streak of these.”
Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering’s technical partners for the 2024 season include Spellcaster Productions, Luxestar VIP, Geoscape Solar, MAR Contractors, Blud Lubricants, Spiegler Performance, Woodcraft Technologies, Dymag Performance Wheels, Millennium Technologies, Sprint Filter, Dunlop, SC Project, MVR Endeavor, GRG Designs, REB Graphics, NGK Spark Plugs, EvolveGT, Bitubo Suspension and N2 Racing.
More, from a press release issued by Aprilia:
DREHER AND DI MARIO EACH PUT THEIR APRILIA RS 660 ON TOP AT BARBER, SPLITTING WINS IN MIXED CONDITION RACES
CHAMPIONSHIP LEADER, GUS RODIO, GIVES APRILIA THREE PODIUM FINISHERS AT MAY 17-19 EVENT, AS HE MAINTAINS LEAD IN CLASS STANDINGS
BIRMINGHAM, AL — Two MotoAmerica Twins Cup rookies notched their first victories in only their third round racing in the class – and both did it aboard Aprilia RS 660s this past weekend at Barber Motorsports Park. TopPro Racing Team’s Avery Dreher took the win in a soggy contest on Saturday, while Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering’s Alessandro Di Mario was victorious in Sunday’s dry Race 2.
And an Aprilia rider remained atop the Twins Cup points standings at the conclusion of the May 17-19 round, as Di Mario’s teammate Gus Rodio bounced back from a challenging race on Saturday to score a podium finish on Sunday and maintain a double-digit points lead with six races remaining in the 2024 season.
The Barber circuit appeared to be a good fit for the strengths of the Aprilia RS 660 package from the start of the weekend. Seven of the 10 fastest riders in Friday morning practice were riding an Aprilia, with Di Mario being the fastest of them. Di Mario finished the session with a best lap time of 1:29.858, which was more than half a second quicker than his teammate Rodio’s best lap time. Dreher finished Friday practice fifth-fastest, TopPro Racing Team’s Romeo Chiavini sixth, BG Capital Fund/Eleven Motorsports Ryan Max Johnson seventh, DRC’s Tyler Duffy ninth and 2018 Twins Cup Champion Chris Parrish in 10th.
Di Mario’s pace got even hotter later Friday in Qualifying 1, when he improved his best lap time by more than 1.5 seconds and set a new MotoAmerica Twins Cup lap record. Rodio didn’t set a time during the session due to a physical ailment, but four other Aprilia RS 660 riders – Johnson, Dreher, Parrish, and Chiavini – provisionally qualified fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth, respectively.
Di Mario suffered a minor crash in Saturday morning’s Qualifying 2 session, but his lap time from Qualifying 1 was enough for him to secure pole position. Rodio didn’t miss a beat when he got back aboard his Aprilia for Qualifying 2, qualifying right behind his teammate Di Mario in second. Aprilia riders in the top 10 include Chiavini (sixth), Parrish (seventh), Johnson (eighth), and Dreher (10th).
Saturday afternoon’s Race 1 changed conditions near the beginning, with rain pouring down on the track before racing got underway. The 14-lap race was shortened to seven laps and riders were given a short wet practice session to familiarize themselves with the soaked track before competition began. Rodio, who had an issue with his helmet’s face shield on the warm-up, was forced to start the race from the pit lane.
When racing did commence, it was Di Mario who took the lead from pole for most of Lap 1, but Dreher began what proved to be a determined performance and bested Di Mario to the line to lead Lap 1. Di Mario and Dreher then began a nearly race-long battle for the lead, with both riders taking turns at the front of the field. Unfortunately for Di Mario, he crashed out from the lead at the start of Lap 6, and Dreher went on to take the victory by more than 2.7 seconds. Di Mario did remount his Aprilia RS 660 and finished in seventh place. Duffy finished in eighth place, and Rodio came back from starting last to finish ninth.
Sunday’s Race 2 took place under hot and dry conditions. Di Mario got a very good start but his teammate Rodio stole the show on the first lap. After falling back to at least fourth place during the opening set of corners, Rodio managed to take the lead before the field reached Turn 8 on the first lap. Rodio and Di Mario gradually broke away from the rest of the field, and Di Mario caught up to and passed Rodio at Turn 12 on Lap 5 to assume the race lead. Though Rodio was passed by another front-running rider on the last lap, Di Mario’s gap to the rest of the field to allow him to take his first MotoAmerica Twins Cup victory by a margin of 0.768 seconds. Rodio held onto third place on the last lap, giving Aprilia two podium finishers on the day. Other Aprilia riders who finished in the top 10 include Parrish in eighth place, Chiavini in ninth and Dreher in 10th.
Though Rodio’s lead in the Twins Cup points standings shrunk from 22 to 15, his early season successes have allowed him to maintain the championship lead despite enduring a setback on Saturday. Di Mario leaves Barber third in the points standings, and Dreher is in fifth.
Half of the riders registered to compete in MotoAmerica Twins Cup at the Barber Motorsports Park round (17 of 34 riders) were slated to be competing aboard Aprilia RS 660s.
The next round of the MotoAmerica Twins Cup takes place May 31-June 2 at the Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wis.
Avery Dreher. Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Aprilia.
Avery Dreher / TopPro Racing Team
“I knew as soon as I saw the rain start to fall that I had a chance to win. I knew that if I got a good start I could roll around some of the other riders on the first lap. Once I got up to first place, I just tried to keep the bike up on two wheels and be as smooth as possible. I’m super happy with Saturday’s result.”
Alessandro Di Mario. Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Aprilia.
Alessandro Di Mario / Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering
“I came into the weekend really excited. I love this track. I was able to set [a new track record] in qualifying, and my pace was really good. In yesterday’s race, I didn’t really think I was going to be that fast in the wet. After Avery [Dreher] passed me, I tried to stick with him and was able to pass him again. Then the sun came out, and I couldn’t see anything in the back section of the track. So when I got to Turn 3, I thought there was a little dry line but there wasn’t. So I lost the rear, but was able to pick the bike up and get seventh – which I’m happy about. Today, I just tried to manage it. I was managing the gap a little. I probably could have gone a little faster, but there was really no need to. The front [tire] was sliding a lot, so I didn’t want to take the risk.”
Gus Rodio (96). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Aprilia.
Gus Rodio / Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering
“Yesterday was kind of points control, as I had to start from pit lane and work my way back up. Today in the race, my rear tire just fell off and I was just riding a flat track bike around. Did the best I could, secured another podium and hopefully started another streak of these.”
More, from a press release issued by Altus Motorsports:
MotoAmerica: Altus Motorsports Results from Barber Motorsports Park
(Birmingham, AL) Between the Atlanta round and their arrival at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, the Altus Motorsports team undertook significant preparations. Two of the three bikes were nearly completely rebuilt. The throttle bodies were returned to the manufacturers for testing, wiring harnesses were inspected and improvements made, and both bikes spent extensive time on the dyno to ensure peak performance for the upcoming race.
Overall, the Alabama round was a success for the Altus Motorsports team. Despite a failed oil pressure sensor connector on the motors during qualifying for Jaret and Torin’s bikes, the Suzuki GSX-R750s performed well, and the riders fought hard in the highly competitive Supersport class.
After qualifying 9th, Jake Lewis finished Race 1 in the same position. In the Sunday race, he improved to finish 7th.
Jake Lewis (85). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Jake Lewis: “It wasn’t the best weekend for us at Barber. After a difficult Friday, we were on the back foot all weekend. Being a little off pace in this class is tough, but we managed a 9th and 7th for decent points. We will regroup and try to come out swinging to get back up front in Wisconsin.”
For Jaret Nassaney, round 2 was a much more consistent and positive weekend. He qualified 15th and finished Race 1 in 14th. In Race 2, he took 12th.
Jaret Nassaney (59). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Jaret Nassaney: “Not exactly where we wanted to end up I am but happy with a 14th and a 12th. The class is so stacked and the pace is significantly faster this year. We are moving in the right direction. I’m excited for Road America to continue to make progress!”
Torin Collins (171). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
It looks like Torin Collins is starting to gel with the Altus Suzuki GSX-R750. He qualified 13th and was inside the top 10 in race 1 before he crashed on lap 6. In race 2, he crossed the finish line in 9th.
George Nassaney: “We made a big investment between rounds to ensure we showed up ready to race. Our Crew Chief Boyd Brunner and Data Engineer Murph worked their butts off before Barber. Then all race weekend the entire team worked extremely hard to get our bikes out front. The Supersport class is incredibly competitive this year and our riders did well. We are not satisfied, so we are working hard this week to improve our results next week. We are looking forward to Road America and the rest of the season!”
Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, WPS, Firepower, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Buy A Jet From Steve Main, Barnett, Evol Technology, Maxima Oils, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., Pit Bull Products, GB Racing, Ohlins, Puig Racing, RS Taichi, Arai, Core Moto, Pro Bolt, Chicken Hawk Tire Warmers, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing
More, from a press release issued by Real Steel Motorsports:
Hayden Gillim sets the standard for the 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 championship with a pair of victories at Barber Motorsports Park.
Hayden Gillim (1). Photo courtesy Real Steel Motorsports.
Dallas, Texas: MotoAmerica Superbikes at Barber event held May 17 – 19, 2024 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL.
Hayden Gillim kicked off the defense of his 2023 Stock 1000 championship with a pair of resounding victories in the Stock 1000 class on his Real Steel Motorsports Steel Commander /Comstock Energy/Southern Honda Powersports/American Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. Gillim also posted competitive finishes of P8, P7 and P5 in the Superbike Class races competing on a Stock 1000 spec machine.
Qualifying on Pole position for the Stock 1000 races as the only rider in the class to get into the 1:24’s was a promising start to the weekend. In the first race on Saturday Hayden was sluggish off the line starting in 4th place. He immediately regrouped and took the lead on lap three and never looked back as he pulled away, finishing the race with an 11.5 second cushion. On Sunday morning for Race 2 Hayden led every lap finishing 10.5 seconds ahead of second place. Hayden holds the maximum available points with 50 as the Stock 1000 series heads next to Brainerd International Raceway June 14-16.
In the Superbike class Gillim qualified in P8 with a 1:23.694 putting him on the third row of the grid. Hayden was able to maintain 8th place at the conclusion of Saturday’s Race 1. For Race 2 on Sunday Hayden was able to finish one place higher in 7th and for Race 3 held later Sunday Gillim finished in 5th place. With 43 points Hayden sits in 7th place in the Superbike class standings after 2 events.
This effort is proudly supported by Steel Commander Corp. Southern Honda Powersports, American Honda, Comstock Energy LLC, Vesrah, Maxima Racing Oils, Fast Line Track Days, KTech suspension, Orient Express, Dunlop, GB Racing, and REB Graphics.
Hayden Gillim – Rider #1 and # 69: “From my point of view, this weekend could not have gone any better. Maybe one position better in Race 2 of Superbike, but that is it. I feel like the team did a tremendous job all weekend with no hiccups that I can think of. I am really proud of them and myself for how this weekend went.
“The sponsors that support his team – Steel Commander, Southern Honda Powersports, Comstock Energy, Honda Racing and all the rest have played a huge part in making this such a successful weekend! I am excited to see what the rest of the season has in store for us, but everyone knows now that we are here to win. This Honda Fireblade is a beast!”
Mark Junge – Crew Chief: “The Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP has now proven that it is a force to be reckoned with in the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 class for 2024. We are early on in the development of this motorcycle as our racing package and it is only going to get better.”
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Announces 2024 Nominees
Voting to determine the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is now open
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the list of nominees for the Class of 2024, and that voting is now open.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame selection committees have put forward 13 nominees from eight areas of influence: Ambassadors & Industry, Design & Engineering, Dirt Track, Leadership & Rights, Motocross & Supercross, Off-Road, Road Racing and Specialty Competition.
Nominees include:
Competition
Dave Zanotti – Dirt Track
With four AMA Grand National Championships and 31 AMA Grand National dirt track event wins as a tuner, Dave Zanotti has a resume that few have replicated.
Using Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM and Indian engines, Zanotti elevated himself into the record books — capturing the third-most AMA Grand National championships and fourth-most AMA Grand National dirt track wins.
Along with his father, Mario, Zanotti helped propel AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Steve Eklund to an AMA Grand National Championship in 1979. Mario and Dave remain the only father-son duo to win individual AMA Grand National championships.
Zanotti remains a steadfast supporter of motorcycle racing through his support of the AMA Bill Werner Fast Brain Award.
Kevin Windham – Motocross
Kevin Windham’s 19-year AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross career is one for the history books.
During his long, illustrious career, Windham raced to 47 total AMA Pro wins and collected the third-most starts (325), third-most points (9,070) and the seventh-most podiums (130). While Windham saw success domestically, he thrived in international competition, winning the 1999 FIM United States Grand Prix and 2005 Motocross of Nations as a member of the American team.
Windham retired from AMA Pro Racing in 2013, marking the end of a dominant career in the AMA and international circuits.
Mike Lafferty – Off Road
Mike Lafferty was bitten by the enduro racing bug in 1982 when he was 7 years old, and he turned this passion into one of the most successful off-road careers ever. Racing throughout the 1980s, Lafferty broke through when he won back-to-back East Coast Enduro Association championships as a teenager in 1993 and 1994.
Lafferty hit a launching point in 1997 when he claimed his first AMA National Enduro Championship. In total he tallied 71 wins — second all-time — and eight titles, which leaves him tied for the most all-time, while racing national enduros. Lafferty also raced AMA Grand National Cross Country and was a member of four U.S. ISDE teams.
Mat Mladin – Road Racing
In a 10-year span from 1999 to 2009 that continues to defy belief in hindsight, Mat Mladin notched seven AMA Superbike titles and won 82 AMA Superbike nationals in the process — each of those numbers more than anyone in history.
Mladin also won the legendary Daytona 200 three times during that period, achievements that have him tied for third all-time behind AMA Hall of Famers and multi-time D200 winners Scott Russell (5) and Miguel Duhamel (4). In 1999, he won his first of seven AMA Superbike titles — achievements that would make him, according to MotoAmerica, “the most dominant rider in the history of the AMA Superbike Championship.”
Billy Hamill – Specialty Competition
Nicknamed “The Bullet,” Billy Hamill began racing junior speedway in 1983, and he turned professional in 1986. Just 10 years after turning pro, Hamill became the fourth American to claim the FIM Speedway World Championship with his win in 1996.
Two years after his world title, Hamill raced alongside AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Greg Hancock to win the 1998 World Speedway Team Cup Championship for the United States. In 1999, Hamill claimed the AMA Speedway National Championship, which he went on to win five times.
During this impressive run racing AMA speedway, Hamill also collected four U.S. National Speedway titles. Hamill was named the 2012 AMA Sportsman of the Year.
Non-Competition
Sidney Biberman – Ambassadors & Industry
As one of Vincent Motorcycles’ greatest ambassadors, Sidney Biberman spent most of his life contributing to motorcycling culture in various ways.
Across his 60 years of involvement with the famed marque, Biberman elevated motorcycling as a drag racer, commercial engineer and overall advocate for motorcycle culture. As a drag racer, Biberman piloted “The Rattler”, widely regarded as one of the fastest bikes in the 1960s.
Biberman was also known for his prowess as a mechanic, dubbed a “motorcycle whisperer” by some of his biggest fans.
After Biberman passed away on June 23, 2013, the motorcycling community rallied around him and his family, honoring his contributions and commitment to furthering the lifestyle.
Gina Bovaird – Ambassadors & Industry
Gina Bovaird rose steadily through the ranks in the U.S. road racing scene, ultimately becoming the first woman to complete in the famed Daytona 200 at Daytona International Speedway in 1979. She reached 184 mph while qualifying, making her the fastest-qualifying rookie and fourth fastest overall.
As her career advanced, she attempted to qualify for the world’s premier class, the FIM 500cc Grand Prix Championships, achieving that goal in 1982 at the French GP at Nogaro.
Debbie Matthews – Ambassadors & Industry
Debbie Matthews has spent her life contributing to motorcycling, and has done so by serving in — and excelling in — almost every role the sport has to offer to increase opportunities for women riders. Known for her smooth and effortless racing style, Matthews set the record for longest consecutive pro and amateur career in women’s motocross when she raced for 27 years.
In 1996, she co-founded the Women’s Motocross League, and Matthews further worked on behalf of women riders when she met with AMA Congress and drove the change to give women “A” Rider classification for the first time in history. Recognizing Matthews’ work promoting women’s motocross, announcer Erv Braun described her as the “Godmother of Women’s MX.”
Bud Maimone – Design & Engineering
With the invention of the famed Cobra mini racer, Bud Maimone is considered one of the great innovators in the world of youth motocross.
Maimone’s creation of the Cobra prior to the 1994 AMA Amateur Motocross National Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch helped signal the end of more than a decade of dominance by the Yamaha PW50/Y-Zinger.
With a strong showing in the 51cc Stock Class that year, the Cobra quickly boomed as one of the most utilized motorcycles in youth motocross from that point forward. Despite the Cobra’s humble beginnings, Maimone’s efforts have cemented him as one of the sport’s great innovators.
Barry Willey – Design & Engineering
Barry Willey, a trailblazer with an eye for innovation, leaned on his upbringing in his family’s motorcycle accessory factory to help National Cycle greatly impact the motorcycle community.
With Willey at the helm, National Cycle became the first company to introduce and use General Electric’s MR4000 polycarbonate material — which came to be known as FMR hard-coated Lexan — for motorcycle windshields. In total, Willey’s pioneering nature gave the motorcycling industry many innovations and more than 25 mechanical patents.
Dana Bell – Leadership & Rights
A decade after her entrance into motorcycling, Dana Bell worked her way to being a nationally ranked enduro competitor. From 1992–1999, Bell shifted her focus to rights issues and worked as the western states representative for the AMA’s Government Relations Department. During this period, she also worked as a state partner for National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC).
For her role as one of the key voices for motorcyclists’ rights, the AMA Board of Directors presented Bell with the AMA Motorcycling Advocate Award, an honor created to recognize those who have been leaders in fighting for the rights of motorcyclists. Bell was just the third person to receive the award.
Rob Rasor – Leadership & Rights
For decades, Rob Rasor was instrumental in carrying out the AMA’s mission to promote motorcycling and protect the motorcycle lifestyle.
Hired in 1973 as part of the AMA’s Government Relations Department, Rasor helped ward off a federal “superbike” ban, helmet requirements and bike bans in several states and cities, and aided in the fight to ban healthcare discrimination against motorcyclists. Rasor was also a champion for off-road riding and assisted in the AMA’s efforts to accommodate off-road riders on public lands.
Rasor’s efforts extended beyond the United States, and he was awarded the FIM Nicolas Rodi Del Valle Gold Medal in 2019.
Gary Sellers – Leadership & Rights
Since the 1970s, Gary Sellers has given his life to motorcycle education and advocacy in his home state of Ohio and throughout the country. Sellers was one of the founding members of ABATE of Ohio, and he served as legislative agent for the organization for a decade. He was awarded the honorary Life Membership Award by ABATE of Ohio in 1997.
Alongside John “Farmer” Eggers, Sellers built a successful motorcycle safety training program in Ohio; it is estimated the program has saved thousands of lives over the years. Sellers is also a member of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Freedom Fighters halls of fame.
“The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame nominees for 2024 include an accomplished and diverse group of men and women who’ve demonstrated extraordinary achievements in advocacy, competition and promotion of the sport of motorcycling,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “These individuals have contributed significantly to the advancement of motorcycling in many areas, from excellence in road racing, motocross and off-road competition, to tuning bikes to support champions, to creating innovative motorcycle designs, to advocating for motorcyclists’ rights. We’re honored to recognize this group of nominees and eagerly anticipate the announcement of the Class of 2024 soon.”
Voting for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is now open. Eligible voters include previous Hall of Fame inductees, members of the AMA and AMHF Boards of Directors, and members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Category Selection Commitees. AMA Life Members are also eligible to vote, but should update their contact information to receive the latest updates and announcements pertaining to the voting process.
Voting ends Thursday, June 13 at 11:59 p.m.
Voting results will be announced shortly after voting ends, and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Oct. 10, in Pickerington, Ohio.
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.
TNT Sports is the new U.S. broadcast home of MotoGP races. Photo courtesy Dorna.
MotoGP™ partners with TNT Sports in the U.S.
Every Sprint and every Grand Prix race will be shown live across the U.S. in 2024
Thursday, 07 March 2024
MotoGP™ has a new broadcast home in the U.S. through an expanded media rights agreement with TNT Sports. Beginning with this weekend’s Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, fans across the U.S. will be able to watch every Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix race live in 2024 across TNT Sports’ networks and platforms.
truTV and Max’s B/R Sports Add-On will show every race of this record-breaking MotoGP™ season live, including top quality pre-race coverage. Max’s B/R Sports Add-On will also stream every session for every Grand Prix class across all three days of track activity, including the MotoGP™ qualifying shootout and the Grand Prix races for Moto2™ and Moto3™.
This partnership between MotoGP™ and TNT Sports represents a new era for live MotoGP™ coverage in the U.S., bringing TNT Sports’ world-class production and coverage to a U.S. audience that is passionate for high-octane motorsports.
MotoGP™ joins Max’s B/R Sports Add-On, which offers exceptional value with a full slate of premium live sports content included, such as the MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA Men’s March Madness, U.S. Soccer, 24 Hours of Le Mans and a variety of non-live sports programming to appeal to every fan.
Fans can start tuning in to the record-breaking 2024 MotoGP™ season on truTV and Max’s B/R Sports Add-On this weekend as the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar marks the return of the world’s most exciting sport from the 8th to the 10th of March.
About TNT Sports
TNT Sports is a global leader in the delivery of premium sports content. The TNT Sports U.S. portfolio includes expansive, multi-platform partnerships with the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, National Hockey League, United States Soccer Federation, NASCAR (coming in 2025) and a premier golf franchise in The Match. Owned and operated platforms are highlighted by Bleacher Report, the #1 digital destination for young sports fans, along with House of Highlights, HighlightHER, Golf Digest, and a full suite of digital and social portfolio brands. Additionally, TNT Sports co-manages NBA Digital — comprised of NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE Pass, the NBA App and NBAGLEAGUE.com — as well as NCAA.com and NCAA March Madness Live. TNT Sports in Europe and the Republic of Ireland includes partnerships with the NBA, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UFC, WWE and more, as well as much-loved brands Eurosport, Global Cycling Network (GCN), Global Mountain Bike Network (GMBN) and multi-sport programming and content on discovery+ and Discovery’s free-to-air TV networks.
About MotoGP™
MotoGP™ is the world’ most exciting sport. The pinnacle of motorcycle racing, 22 of the fastest riders compete on purpose-built motorcycles on some of the world’s greatest racetracks, reaching top speeds above 360 kilometers per hour (223 miles per hour) and lean angles of over 60 degrees. Since 1949, the sport has grown to comprise more than 20 Grands Prix across five continents, with the television broadcast reaching hundreds of millions around the world.
#GrazieCapitano: Aleix Espargaro announces retirement from MotoGP™ in Barcelona
The Aprilia Racing rider will bow out at the end of 2024 – so here are a few career highlights, quotes and more after the announcement
Thursday, 23 May 2024
In a special Press Conference at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) has announced that he will retire from Grand Prix racing at the end of 2024. The #41 has competed in more than 300 Grands Prix over a career spanning nearly two decades, building a lasting legacy that includes taking Aprilia’s first ever premier class win.
Espargaro’s first key success was winning the FIM CEV in 2004, and the same year he made his Grand Prix debut with an appearance in the 125cc World Championship. In 2005 he competed in his first full GP season, in the 125cc class, before appearances in the 125cc and 250cc classes in 2006. For 2007 and 2008 he remained in the intermediate class, becoming a consistent top ten finisher as well as linking up with Aprilia machinery for the first time.
2009 saw Espargaro get his first taste of the MotoGP™ class as he raced as a replacement rider for Pramac at Indianapolis, Misano, Sepang and Valencia, before a full time move to the premier class for 2010 in the same team. Two P8s were his best finishes, but 2011 would see Espargaro move back to Moto2™. The season saw him take his first GP podium, on home turf at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, and from there the opportunity to move back to MotoGP™ beckoned for 2012. He joined the Aspar team and stayed there in 2013, too, making a name for himself as the frontrunner in the CRT class.
The same was true in 2014 as he moved to Forward Yamaha and the #41 took his maiden premier class podium that season – a stunning second place at a wet MotorLand Aragon. He also took his first pole position at Assen. From there, Espargaro would become a factory rider after impressing over a number of seasons in the CRT.
First, he joined Team Suzuki Ecstar for 2015 and 2016. He took the factory’s first pole since 2007 at the 2015 Catalan GP, and took consistent top ten and top five results. After two seasons in blue, his next stop was Aprilia Racing in a move that would go on to make some history for both.
Proving a key part of the project from 2017, Espargaro and Aprilia steadily moved forward season by season. By 2021 the duo celebrated their first podium together, at the British Grand Prix, and in 2022 history was made. The Argentinean Grand Prix saw Espargaro come out swinging from the off, and on race day he kept it calm and collected to take a stunning first premier class win for him – and for Aprilia. It was no flash in the pan either, with four podiums in a row from Portugal to Mugello and another at Aragon seeing them stake a claim on the upper echelons of the Championship.
2023 continued the success. A podium at Assen preceded a stunning victory at Silverstone, and there was more to come as the #41 stood on the top step in Barcelona after an awesome showdown against teammate Maverick Viñales. It was a historic 1-2 for the Noale factory, and after Espargaro had also won the Tissot Sprint in a near-perfect weekend.
By the time 2024 concludes, Espargaro can expect to have the third most starts of any rider in history. He’s two behind MotoGP™ Legend Loris Capirossi, who is third on the all-time list, as it stands. He will have taken at least three MotoGP™ wins and podiums in both Moto2™ and MotoGP™, and he will forever have been a vital part of the project that saw Aprilia take their first premier class glory.
Check out some quotes from an emotional Aleix below, watch the full press conference, and join us in saying… #GrazieCapitano!
ALEIX ESPARGARO: “First thing, thank you everyone for coming, it’s amazing to see all of you here. As you can imagine, at the end of this season I will retire from being a full-time MotoGP rider. It’s been a nice journey, I’ve enjoyed it a lot, so thank you everybody.
“This is a special place, where I began riding, and where last year was a dream come true to me, so it’s the perfect place to announce that I will retire from being a full-time rider. My trajectory has been quite different, like for all riders, it’s not easy and nobody gives you anything for free, but mine has been really very strange. No one, not even a Hollywood movie, could have thought that at 30 years old, I could win races and take podiums with a brand that hadn’t done it before. So I’m very happy and proud, it’s never enough but I’m very proud of how far I’ve come. The kid who made his debut here many years ago would be very happy.
“I’ve always made a lot of mistakes in life because I do everything from the heart and not from the head, but that’s how I am. My head says I can continue racing, and be fast on a grid of riders who are the best in history, and I feel competitive, and physically good, but my heart is asking me to stop. To spend more time at home, be with my wife and kids, so that’s why I’ve decided to step aside and enjoy life in a more relaxed way.
“More than anything, I want to thank Aprilia. These last two or three years have been a dream with everything we’ve achieved since I arrived with Romano, Massimo and Paolo. We made history and I’ll be eternally grateful for everything they’ve given me, and everything I’ve been able to give to them. I want to thank Carmelo and Carlos because I’ve grown up here, this has been my life, my school, everything. For my kids too.
“I want to thank my family, my brother, who has always been my point of reference. And to all my personal team: Albert Valera, without whom my sporting life would never have been like this and who is now such a part of my life, and to my wife Laura. And thanks to all the riders in the paddock. I’ve tried to do everything as well as I know how, and I’m very happy. Thank you all.
“There are many riders in the world, and in this space today, who won more than me, but I gave everything I had and worked very, very hard. Many times I felt maybe I didn’t have the talent of others riders but by working hard I reached quite a high level. And once again with Aprilia seeing all these memories of the last two or three seasons, it’s amazing. I was dreaming, and that’s one of the reasons I decided to stop. It’s enough, I already had so much fun and I want to retire from being a full-time rider with a good feeling. It’s not been an easy week, I felt sometimes I was jumping into a strange space, but I’m really happy.”
More, from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:
Grazie Capitano
Aleix Espargaró will retire at the end of the season after a long career in MotoGP and eight years spent with Aprilia Racing
Espargaró chose his home race, in Barcelona, to announce his retirement from
MotoGP at the end of the season. He chose this track because he grew up in
Granollers, just a few kilometers away from the paddock, and because a year ago he
wrote one of the most memorable pages of Aprilia Racing history with a one-two
finish with Maverick.
Aleix’s career is closely linked to Aprilia Racing, for eight seasons he has raced with
the Italian team, marking the most beautiful moments in its recent history. He has
won three Grand Prix races (Argentina 2022, Silverstone and Barcelona 2023), a
sprint race (Barcelona 2023) and clinched 3 pole positions and 10 podiums.
However, the story doesn’t end here. There is still a long season ahead of us,
starting from Barcelona where Aleix and Aprilia Racing have always delivered
outstanding performances.
ALEIX ESPARGARÓ
“I am happy to announce my retirement as a full-time rider. It has been a wonderful
20 years in this paddock and I am very happy and proud of what we have achieved
together with Aprilia. We made history and that will never be forgotten. I have had so
much fun and we have created an incredible human group. We have a very nice
weekend ahead of us, at a track I like and where I am fast, and there are still plenty
of races left until Valencia to be competitive.”
MAVERICK VIÑALES
“Aleix is a great teammate. We have spent four years together and lived
unforgettable moments. Together, we take Aprilia to the top, I have great memories
with Aleix. We still have a year ahead of us to take Aprilia even higher together.”
MASSIMO RIVOLA
CEO APRILIA RACING
“Thank you Aleix, because with you we have built an incredible story. Thank you for
not giving up in difficult moments and for being a great example for all of us. You won
the captain’s armband on the field by merit. You gave us the first podium, the first
pole position, the first victory here in Barcelona and the first one-two with Maverick.
Your spirit, with your ups and downs, with your character, reflect the energy of this
team and of the whole Noale factory. I don’t know what you will do in the future, but
you will always remain an Aprilia rider. From today a new page opens for the rider
market and Aprilia Racing will certainly not stand idly by. With our style, we will
ensure a great future for this team, which you have helped to make a true top team.”
Road America, in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Photo courtesy Road America.
MotoAmerica Superbikes Return to Road America for an Unforgettable Weekend
ELKHART LAKE, Wis. – Mark your calendars because Road America, nestled in the heart of Wisconsin, is gearing up to host the adrenaline-fueled MotoAmerica Series from May 31 to June 2. This iconic racetrack, dubbed America’s National Park of Speed, is set to ignite with the roar of Superbikes, promising fans a weekend packed with pulse-pounding racing action and unforgettable festivities.
From the moment the green flag drops on Friday, May 31, the excitement will kick into high gear with practice and qualifying sessions. But the real thrill awaits on Saturday and Sunday as the six classes of road racing will compete, including Steel Commander Superbike, Mission King Of The Baggers, Supersport, Junior Cup, BellissiMoto Twins Cup, and Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race., in a display of speed, skill, and sheer determination.
Fans can get up close and personal with their favorite riders in the open race paddock, ensuring an immersive experience like no other. On Friday night, fans can also check out the Dairyland Classic Flat Track Races at the Plymouth Fairgrounds. A FREE shuttle will be available at 5 p.m. at Gate 4 to transport campers and fans to and from the fairgrounds.
Beyond the heart-pounding racing action, Road America has something for everyone. Motorcycle enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Vintage MotoFest on Saturday, June 1, Vintage MotoFest bike show on Saturday, June 1 presented by MotorcycleBuys.com, featuring a dazzling array of vintage motorcycles from around the world. Whether you’re into Café Racers, Rat Bikes, or classic Choppers, there’s something for every taste and style. Live bands and stunt shows will keep the party going well throughout the day, creating an atmosphere of pure excitement and nostalgia.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Off the track, the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex will be open for public karting, while daredevils can witness jaw-dropping stunts at The Twin Stunts Stunt Show. Riders will delight in the FREE gear check and families will enjoy the Family Fun Zone, ensuring smiles all around.
And for those craving even more adventure, don’t miss the chance to participate in the ‘Salute to Cycles’ on-track riding experience. Imagine the thrill of riding the Road America circuit, experiencing firsthand the twists and turns that challenge the world’s top racers.
With ticket pricing, camping information, and more available at www.roadamerica.com or by calling 800-365-7223, there’s no excuse to miss out on this unforgettable weekend. So pack your gear, gather your friends and family, and join us at Road America for a weekend of racing thrills and memories that will last a lifetime. Kids 16 and under get in FREE with a paying adult at the gate. Racing runs rain or shine, ensuring nothing can dampen the excitement of MotoAmerica at Road America!
Team Obsolete's ex-Bill Ivy Kirby AJS 7R historic racebike. Photo courtesy Team Obsolete.
Team Obsolete and rider David Roper are preparing for the Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series round May 24-26 at Nelson Ledges Road Course, in Garrettsville, Ohio.
On May 20-21, Roper rode two of Team Obsolete’s historic AJS 7R racebikes during a Monday-Tuesday USCRA race event at Thompson Speedway, in Thompson, Connecticut. Roper rode an ex-John Surtees AJS Special and a Kirby 7R at that event to get them dialed in.
According to Team Obsolete, the Kirby 7R is an “ex-works, post-production, ultra-short-stroke project built by AMC Race Chief Jack Williams” and that was raced by Bill Ivy and Paddy Driver.
In addition to the AJS 7R racebikes, Roper will also race a 1959 Matchless G50 at Nelson Ledges.
Team Obsolete is sponsored by Vanson Leathers, Red Line Synthetic Oil, Heidenau Tires, and Buchanan’s Spoke & Rim.
Nicky Hayden, after finishing third in World Superbike Race One at Laguna Seca in 2016. Photo courtesy Honda.
Seven years ago today the world of motorcycle racing lost one of its brightest stars.
On May 22, 2017, former AMA Superbike Champion and former MotoGP World Champion Nicholas Patrick “Nicky” Hayden succumbed to the massive head and chest injuries he suffered on May 17, 2017, when he was struck by a car while riding his bicycle on a road near the Misano Circuit, in Italy. He was 35.
Since Hayden’s death, Dorna has retired his competition number 69 from use in the MotoGP World Championship; the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has inducted him into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and renamed its Horizon Award to be the Nicky Hayden Horizon Award; Hayden’s hometown of Owensboro, Kentucky, has erected a bronze statue in his honor; and Hayden’s family has established the Nicky Hayden Memorial Fund, which is doing charitable work to benefit children in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Immediately after Hayden’s death in 2017, fellow racers, fans, friends, and family sent in tributes and memories of Hayden. Below are links to those tributes and memories.
Nicky Hayden, after winning the MotoGP race at Laguna Seca in 2006. Photo by Gigi Soldano, courtesy of the Hayden family.
Fabio Quartararo (20) on his Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1, as it appeared during practice at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Upgrade for Catalan GP
Montmeló (Catalunya), 22nd May 2024
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP gear up for a busy two weeks. The team have travelled to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for this weekend’s Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, which will be directly followed by the Gran Premio d’Italia Brembo. The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team is extra motivated for Round 6 of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship as they share the title sponsor, and it’s also Álex Rins’ home GP.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are excited to start Round 6 of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship. As the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya shares the title sponsor with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team and it’s also Álex Rins’ home race weekend, the crew and riders are all the more eager to put on a show.
Fabio Quartararo ranks 12th in the championship standings and aims to up the ante in Barcelona. A new and promising set-up in Le Mans, France, a fortnight ago gives him high hopes for the coming race weekend at Montmeló. Riding with the new aerodynamics package that he tried at the private Mugello test last week makes the Frenchman even more eager to start work.
El Diablo has had his fair share of success at the Catalan GP. He secured a win there in 2018 in the Moto2 class, followed it up with a second place in the premier class in 2019, and added a MotoGP win in 2020 and 2022.
Álex Rins used the private Mugello test to do a reset to find a solid base setting as well as to evaluate new items. This weekend he plans to put his findings to the test. He is keen to get in strong results in the practice and qualifying in order to improve his starting position and score points at his home GP. He looks to move up from 20th in the overall rankings.
Born in Barcelona, Rins is a local hero. He stood on the Catalan premier class rostrum in 2020 for a third-place finish, his best MotoGP result at this track. He also secured two second places in Moto2 in 2015 and 2016, and a Moto3 second place in 2013.
Work to create the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya began in 1989. Two years later the track was opened, and it soon became a crowd favourite after hosting its first MotoGP race in 1992. With an exciting 4.66km layout consisting of 14 corners (six left, eight right), the Catalan round is known to produce thrilling races.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
Team Director
The next two weeks are going to be very important with the Catalan GP and Italian GP back to back. In Barcelona we are going to implement some of our findings from the private test we held last week in Mugello. Based on the positive data, we are most likely going to homologate the second aerodynamic package. However, Montmeló usually doesn’t have as much grip as Mugello, especially on the first day of the GP weekend. Last year this was a problem for us, but we are preparing a countermeasure with the aim to manage this in the best way possible. It’s the Monster Energy-sponsored GP this weekend, and it’s also Álex’ home GP, so the team are extra keen on putting their best foot forward.
FABIO QUARTARARO
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Rider
After the private Mugello Test, we settled on an aerodynamics version we’ll try here this weekend. I’m interested to see what it will be like. For sure, we’ll do our best, as always. It’s a Monster Energy-sponsored GP, so the team is fully motivated. Barcelona is one of my favourite circuits as well – I rode some really good races here, especially in 2022. We made a step with the setting in Le Mans, so let‘s see if we can get some good results this weekend.
ÁLEX RINS
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Rider
This is the first Monster Energy GP of the season and it’s also my home GP, so for sure that adds a bit of extra excitement. We have been working hard trying to make the most of the extra track time the private Mugello Test gave us. This weekend we will have a new aeropackage available to us, the version I liked. So, all in all, I am just really looking forward to start riding in Montmeló.
Registration for the racing portions of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2024 is now open. Photo courtesy AMA.
Racing and Event Registration Open for 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
Ashland Dinner Ride and Lap for History also open for registration
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Racing registration for 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha — set for July 26-28 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio — is now officially open for those interested in competing in a variety of vintage racing disciplines.
Vintage racing is at the heart of the VMD experience, and racers can register at https://vintagemotorcycledays.com/racing/ to get in on the three days of bar-banging action.
“There’s never a shortage of racing fun at VMD, and 2024 will be no exception,” AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier said. “With the addition of new classes, alongside the wide range of racing opportunities previously offered at VMD, there’s something for racers of all backgrounds this year. We urge all those interested in racing to pre-register to secure their spot at what’s bound to be the biggest VMD yet.”
Running alongside AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the AMA Vintage Grand Championship offers racers the chance to compete for AMA National No. 1 plates in motocross, hare scrambles, road racing, trials, and now, pitbike racing. Racers must compete on vintage motorcycles, spanning several eras across the different disciplines available at VMD.
Two new AMA Amateur National Championships will be added to the packed racing schedule at Vintage Motorcycle Days this year. The AMA Amateur National Bagger Champion will be crowned on Saturday, July 27, while No. 1 plates will also be awarded in a variety of pitbike classes during the three-day event.
In addition to the action on-site at Mid-Ohio, a round of the AMA Vintage Flat Track National Championship Series will be held at the Ashland County Fairgrounds — located roughly 25 miles from Lexington — on July 27 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Ashland Dinner Ride, which is being elevated to a VIP Flat Track Experience for the AMA’s 100th anniversary, takes riders on a scenic route to the flat track action at the Ashland County Fairgrounds, is also open for registration. Alongside the beautiful ride, those interested will enjoy special parking, a pit pass, grandstand seating, a special-edition AMA 100th Anniversary Ashland Dinner Ride t-shirt, and dinner at the legendary half-mile track for a $100 donation to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Visit vintagemotorcycledays.com/ashland-dinner-ride/ to register.
At the end of the three-day racing extravaganza, the AMA Vintage Grand Champion and AMA Vet/Senior Vintage Grand Champion will be crowned, recognizing the racers that collect the most combined points from the off-road racing disciplines — motocross, trials, hare scrambles, and pitbike racing.
All racers must possess general admission tickets to VMD prior to gate entry. Only pre-registered riders with entry confirmation will receive access to Mid-Ohio through Gate 3 on Thursday, July 25, at 9 a.m. General admission gates open at 5 p.m. that same day.
Minimum age requirements to participate can be found below:
• Trials: 4 years and up
• Motocross and Hare Scrambles: 9 years and up
• Flat Track: 12 years and up
• Road Race: 14 years and up
• Pitbike: 4 years and up.
VMD extends far beyond vintage racing, as well, with North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, bike shows, vendor displays, stunt shows and much more planned.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike Show, complete with an AMA 100th anniversary theme, is also open for pre-registration with a $20 entry fee. For more information, and to register, visit https://vintagemotorcycledays.com/bike-show/.
One of the most noteworthy recreational opportunities includes the Lap for History, which takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the event, and allows riders the chance to ride around the historic 2.4-mile road racing circuit at Mid-Ohio. Those interested can pre-register by donating $10 to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame at https://vintagemotorcycledays.com/lap-for-history/.
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.
Mission Foods CEO Juan Gonzalez (center in white shirt) cuts a ribbon dedicating the new Mission Bridge and #2Fast2Tasty Beach viewing area at Road America. Photo courtesy Road America.
Mission Foods Named Landmark Sponsor of Turn 10 Bridge and Beach Viewing Area at Road America
Mission Foods, Also Named Official Tortillas and Tortilla Chips of America’s National Park of Speed
ELKHART LAKE, Wis., May 21, 2024 – Road America announced today that Mission Foods will proudly serve as the Title Sponsor of Road America’s popular Beach Viewing Area and Turn 10 Bridge. The multi-year agreement also names Mission Foods the Official Tortillas and Tortilla Chips of the revered four-mile, 14-turn road course.
The Mission Bridge and 2Fast2Tasty Beach debuted during the May 17 SVRA Spring Vintage Festival, where fans could cross the bridge for the first time on their way to see the 2Fast2Tasty Beach. Once there, fans can also enjoy samples of Mission tortilla racing chips throughout the weekend.
“As champions of motorsports, we’re excited to be the new landmark sponsor of the Turn 10 Mission Bridge and 2Fast2Tasty Beach,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “Mission Foods is the world’s leading brand of tortillas and wraps, and now we’re thrilled to be the official tortillas and chips of Road America. As a Landmark Sponsor, we look forward to being part of every exciting racing moment for the next several years.”
In addition to the Title Sponsorship at Road America, Mission Foods supports motorsports racers and fans with ongoing sponsorships of racing teams and competitions. From the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team, MotoAmerica, American Flat Track, Trans-Am IGT/SVRA to the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge and more, Mission Foods plays an integral role in racing and race day traditions.
Also the title sponsor of the premier professional Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series, the company last year changed the face of weekend racing with its Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge. The challenge introduced competitive racing to the Saturday schedule at regular season NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series events, pitting semifinalists from the previous race in all professional categories against one another in a rematch for bonus money and championship points. The brand also proudly serves as the official tortillas, wraps, flatbreads and tortilla chips of the Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series.
“America’s National Park of Speed is a premier destination for everyone, and we are proud to have a wonderful brand such as Mission Foods displayed on one of our most prominent landmarks and famed viewing areas – now appropriately named the Mission Bridge and 2Fast2Tasty Beach,” said Mike Kertscher, President, and General Manager of Road America.
Road America’s 2024 season schedule promises a breathtaking journey through motorsports, with each event offering its unique blend of history, competition, and excitement. Whether you’re a die-hard enthusiast or a casual spectator, Road America has something extraordinary in store for you. Mark your calendars as the roar of engines and the thrill of racing await you at America’s National Park of Speed. Eleven major events are open to the public in 2024, including the NTT INDYCAR Series XPEL Grand Prix presented by AMR, the MotoAmerica Series, several vintage racing events, numerous Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) events including the WeatherTech Chicago Region SCCA June Sprints and the SCCA National Championship Runoffs, Trans Am SpeedTour, Fanatec GT World Challenge, and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Anyone 16 and under gets in FREE when accompanied by a paying adult at the gate. For full event details and ticket information, visit www.roadamerica.com.
ABOUT MISSION FOODS
MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With a presence in over 112 countries MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit http://www.missionfoods.com/
The start of MotoAmerica Superbike Race Two Sunday at Barber Motorsports Park with Cameron Beaubier (6) leading Jake Gagne (1), Cameron Petersen (behind Beaubier), Loris Baz (76), Josh Herrin (2), and the rest of the field into Turn One. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Double win in Superbike, season’s best in Supersport at Barber Motorsports Park
The second round of the 2024 MotoAmerica Championship took place this past weekend at one of the most picturesque and quirkiest circuits on the calendar – Barber Motorsports Park – and the Tytlers Cycle team were back in action in both Superbike and Supersport categories.
In Superbike, both Cameron Beaubier and JD Beach arrived at the Alabama circuit buoyed by their results from the season opener at Road Atlanta and both started well as the event got underway with Cameron immediately at the sharp end whilst JD re-familiarised himself with a track he had not ridden at for several years.
Qualifying on Pole (Cameron) and ninth (JD), both riders were confident ahead of the three twenty lap races.
Beaubier hit the front from the start in race one but unfortunately crashed out with a healthy lead in the early stages. The #6 put Saturday’s crash behind him to bag a double win on Sunday, leaving round two as the points leader.
JD scored a solid eighth in race one before a spill and a DNF on Sunday meant no additional points for the #95 who is already looking ahead to Road America in a fortnight.
In the Supersport category Stefano Mesa once again flew the flag for the Tytlers team. Consistently fast throughout free practice and qualifying the #37 rode well in both races to secure eighth on Saturday and sixth in a restarted shorter race on Sunday. Mesa heads to round three at Road America eighth overall in the points classification after securing his season’s best result in race two at Barber.
Cameron Beaubier (6). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Tytlers Cycle Racing.
Cameron Beaubier: “I had a great feeling with the bike this weekend thanks to the Tytlers guys’ hard work. This weekend really showed the progress we made from last year at this track. Saturday race one was going well until I crashed out. It stung pretty bad considering the pace we had going into the race, but we learned some things from it. Sunday went to our plan, and it felt great standing on top of the box in both races. I was bummed to see JD have a big one but glad he’s all good. I am excited for Road America!”
JD Beach (95). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Tytlers Cycle Racing.
JD Beach: “Sometimes you have good weekends and then sometimes you have weekends like I did in Barber. Saturday in qualifying I had an off-track trip that hurt my manhood pretty bad. In race one on Saturday, I felt like we improved from our Friday pace a good amount and gained some info for race two and three. All of that went out of the window after about five laps in race two when I had a big get off. The only thing I did to help the Tytlers team this weekend was giving them practice at working on motorcycles. It is a weekend to forget for me but I’m glad the team got some much-deserved success with Cam.”
Stefano Mesa (37). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Tytlers Cycle Racing.
Stefano Mesa: “Round two was a little better for us. We are starting to make good progress with the bike setup although race one was a bit of a struggle. The first few laps were good but then I started to get massive chatter and fell off the lead group. I ended up in P8. Sunday, we had made some big changes and race two the bike was better. We had a red flag incident on lap five and I restarted the race P4 on the grid. Halfway through the second half of the race battling for 4th,5th, an 6th I had to check up in quite a big way to avoid hitting another rider who crashed right in front of me. I wasn’t quite able to chase back down the lead group and I finished sixth. It was a better weekend and I’m looking forward to keeping chipping away to the front. Huge thanks to the Tytlers Cycle team for their efforts and to Zequi for coming and giving us a hand.”
More, from a press release issued by Ducati:
Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati endure an action-packed weekend at Barber Motorsports Park
Sunnyvale, Calif. — The Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama played host to the second round of the 2024 Steel Commander MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, and it was another action-packed encounter for the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati duo of Josh Herrin and Loris Baz.
Baz led the way throughout the weekend, with an exceptional qualifying performance in second place on his return to Barber, two places up on teammate Herrin. However, Herrin reversed the results in Race One to take his first podium of the season in third place, with Baz coming home in fifth despite losing part of his footpeg.
Race Two was tough for Herrin, who would record his first DNF of the year after crashing at the ‘Charlotte’s Webb’ corner on lap one. Fortunately, Baz continued to uphold and took fourth at the flag after an intense three-way battle for the podium.
In the final race of the triple-header, the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati pair circulated together for much of the race in fourth and fifth place until Baz was inexplicably taken out by a lapped rider at turn two late in the race, sending Baz into the gravel trap, thankfully without injury.
Herrin held on to fourth place to record his second top-five finish of the round. He now ranks sixth in the points standings with 47. Baz is two places behind, in eighth place with 43.
Josh Herrin (2). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.
Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati–#2)
“We knew it would be a difficult track for us, but we’re leaving here with a couple of top-five finishes,” Herrin said. “I misjudged where everyone was getting on the brakes and got in too hot in Race Two. Now, we’re going places where we know the Panigale V4 R will shine. We’ll be full gas from here on out, and I can’t wait.”
Loris Baz (76). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.
Loris Baz (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati–#76)
“I am very thankful for all the work the guys in the Warhorse team did and everyone in Italy to get me comfortable on the bike after Road Atlanta.
Round three of the 2024 Steel Commander MotoAmerica Superbike Championship heads to one of the biggest rounds of the year at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, from May 31 to June 2, 2024.
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.:
Petersen Returns to the Podium at Barber
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Cameron Petersen scores another podium finish at Barber Motorsports Park
MARIETTA, Ga. – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Cameron Petersen returned to the podium with a third-place finish in race two of the MotoAmerica Superbike tripleheader at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama. The South African was setting a strong pace up front for another podium position in race three, but unfortunately crashed and ultimately finished 21st. Jake Gagne overcame adversity to score an 8-7 finish on Sunday’s final day of racing at the second round of the championship.
On the heels of his first win of the season, Petersen got a great start in MotoAmerica Superbike Race 2 from the second row of the grid in third and passed his teammate a couple of laps later. He rode a strong pace in second and fought to the end, but ultimately crossed the line third. In the final race of the weekend, Petersen came out swinging and grabbed the holeshot. Although he was shuffled to second on the following lap, he maintained the runner-up position in a heated battle up front. In the latter half of the race, he was closing the gap to the frontrunner but around six laps to go, he unfortunately crashed in Turn 5. With some damage to the bike, he pulled into the pits, and the crew quickly worked to get him back on track, but with time running out he finished 21st.
Gagne also got another great start to the second race of the Superbike tripleheader and launched to the runner-up spot from the front row of the grid. He was passed by his teammate on Lap 3 and tried to stay on pace with the lead group but was dealing with some arm pump issues and ultimately crossed the line eighth. In the final race of the weekend, Gagne didn’t get the start he was hoping for and found himself back in eighth. From there, he did what he could to salvage points on a tough day and finished seventh.
The Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing team heads to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, in two weeks’ time for Round 3 of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship at Road America on May 31- June 2.
Richard Stanboli – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager
“Sunday at Barber didn’t go as planned, but our R1’s were competitive. We will work hard to improve for the next round at Road America and look forward to seeing our fans in Wisconsin.”
Cameron Petersen (45). Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Cameron Petersen – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #45
“All in all, it was a great weekend. I’m really happy with the way I’m riding. Unfortunately, we went backward on set up for the bike in the second race, but we went back to what I ran yesterday for race three and I had a great pace. I started closing in on Cam (Beaubier) a little bit, like midway through the race, and then I was just trying to give it my all and unfortunately crashed. It’s a bummer and not how I wanted to end the weekend, but I’m riding well and I think we’re in a good place.”
Jake Gagne (1). Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Jake Gagne – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #1
“It was a rough day for sure. I was also struggling with arm pump yesterday, and it was really bad this morning in warm-up, so I knew it was going to be rough. The bike was awesome here. It’s always awesome here, so I’m just bummed for the team that I couldn’t do my part.”
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars (sold, serviced, and distributed by Yamaha Golf-Car Company), Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, three corporate offices in Georgia, as well as facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama. YMUS subsidiaries YMMC, based in Georgia, and YJBM based in Tennessee, each assemble and manufacture selected Yamaha brand products. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC) with subsidiary Siren Marine and divisions Bennett Marine (Florida), Yamaha Marine Rotational Molders (Wisconsin) and Yamaha Precision Propeller Inc. (Indiana), and Skeeter Boats (Texas) with its division G3 Boats (Missouri).
Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, U.S.A. (Yamaha Financial Services), an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., offers financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide. Yamaha Financial Services provides retail and commercial financing for the diverse line of Yamaha brand motor products based out of Cypress, CA and Marietta, GA.
More, from a press release issued by Suzuki Motor USA:
ROCCO LANDERS AND THE SUZUKI GSX-8R CAPTURE ANOTHER PODIUM AT BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK
BREA, CA — Suzuki Motor USA (Suzuki) and its lead MotoAmerica race teams – Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki and RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki each faced challenges at Barber Motorsports Park, but came away with several solid results, highlighted by Rocco Landers’ charge to the podium in the weekend’s final Twins Cup race aboard the new Suzuki GSX-8R.
Race Highlights:
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki
Twins Cup
Rocco Landers rebounded from a wet sixth with a come-from-behind runner-up in Race 2 aboard the GSX-8R.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki
Twins Cup
Rossi Moor enjoyed another solid weekend, netting a pair of top-five finishes.
Superbike
Xavi Forés demonstrated immediate speed in his first weekend aboard his Suzuki GSX-R1000R Superbike.
Brandon Paasch scored top-ten results in the premier class.
Supersport
Tyler Scott had the pace necessary to win but was unable to capitalize on his speed.
Teagg Hobbs twice finished just outside the top ten.
Joel Ohman continued adapting to the pro ranks.
Rocco Landers (97) put the new Suzuki GSX-8R on the podium in Barber’s Twins Cup Race 2. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines rider Rocco Landers (97) saw his chances of securing a second consecutive victory on the new Suzuki GSX-8R suffer due to a rainstorm that hit the area just prior to Saturday’s Twins Cup race. After coming home sixth in the wet, Landers was ready to fight on Sunday, where he made an incredible second-half push. Landers came back from several seconds back to claim second place and very nearly chase down the win.
Landers said, “We made a small change before the second race, and it ended up panning out for us. I had to change my riding style quite a bit mid-race, and that’s where the change came from. One more lap, and I would have won that race. But it was awesome. My team worked incredibly hard all weekend, and Suzuki has worked super hard to help us build on what we’ve accomplished already with the GSX-8R. This was a good race for us. I’m super happy.”
Rossi Moor (92) and the GSX-8R earned two top-five finishes for Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Twins Cup effort at Barber. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s rising star Rossi Moor (92) backed up the GSX-8R’s strong weekend as Moor earned a pair of top five results in Twins Cup racing. After finishing fifth in Saturday’s race, Moor guided the GSX-8R to fourth in Race 2 after scrapping for third for much of the contest.
“This round was good points-wise,” Moor said. “I earned fourth today and P5 in the wet conditions on Saturday. I’m not the best rain rider, and the conditions were tough, and it was more survival. Our results would have been even better with some breaks in the weather. I was fighting for third until lapped traffic was a factor, and I wasn’t fortunate. We improved over the weekend and we’re in good shape going forward. There is more on the table for us.”
2023 MotoAmerica Supersport champion Xavi Forés (34), subbing for the injured Richie Escalante, adapted quickly to the Superbike class at Barber. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Reigning MotoAmerica Supersport champion Xavi Forés again showcased his experience and adaptability, immediately getting up to speed while substituting for the injured Richie Escalante on the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R Superbike. The Spaniard earned sixth in both Race 1 and Race 3 in his first weekend aboard the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R. Unfortunately Forés’ best chance for a top result was foiled by a mechanical issue in Race 2, after running near the front and clocking the second fastest lap of the race.
“It was an up and down weekend,” Forés said. “We started building my setting from Friday and were chipping away to get the pace I wanted for the races. Race 1 went well, and we managed to secure P6 while learning more information for Race 2.”
“Race 2 was good for us while it lasted… we were fighting for the podium but an issue on the bike forced us to retire. We had the second fastest lap of the race which showed our progress.
The team did an amazing job finishing the bike for race three, but we made a mistake with a tire choice, making it hard for me to fight for a podium. Another P6 was solid to finish a tough weekend. Thanks to all the guys and the team for the huge effort,” Forés added.
Brandon Paasch (96) carded three top-ten Superbike results on the GSX-R1000R. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Teammate Brandon Paasch (96) racked up a trio of solid results, logging three consecutive top ten finishes aboard his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R. Paasch’s weekend was highlighted by a sixth in Race 2, after earning tenth in Race 1, and closing out the weekend with an eighth in the abbreviated Race 3.
“We made progress all weekend and were in the top ten three times,” Paasch said. “Today was the best. We made a bunch of changes and our lap times and distance to the leader were the best in the last race. I knew this weekend would be tough because I had not ridden a Superbike here before, and don’t have a lot of track time at Barber. We’re working on speeding up our learning progress but getting better is all we can ask for.”
Tyler Scott (70) was fast, but bad luck hampered his results at Barber. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Tyler Scott (70) was his usual blazing quick self aboard the squad’s next-generation Suzuki GSX-R750 in MotoAmerica Supersport competition. Unfortunately, the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki ace was unable to fully capitalize on that speed. Scott finished fourth after running off track while in contention for the win in Saturday’s race, and then crashed out of the lead in Sunday’s rematch.
“The results weren’t what we wanted, but it was a good weekend,” Scott said. “We needed some better luck. I liked our pace, and we were in the lead today. It was going well. I came out of a corner and the bike snapped 90 degrees sideways on me and I went for a tumble. I’m okay, but we couldn’t continue. Overall though, I like how things are going. My Suzuki is great, the team is great, we just need a little better luck.”
Teagg Hobbs (79) earned championship points finishing both Supersport races just outside the top ten. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Second-year Supersport ace Teagg Hobbs (79) left Barber unsatisfied as well, but for different reasons than Scott. Hobbs managed to collect points in both races aboard his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750, but finished short of his podium potential with a 12th and 11th on the weekend.
Hobbs said, “It was a tough weekend, and we’re not happy. I went down on Friday when someone put oil on the track. We had problems all weekend and could never put it all together and catch up. At least we get another shot at it in two weeks.”
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki newcomer Joel Ohman (92) continued to acclimate racing for a top team at an elite level. Simply earning a slot on the grid for the Supersport race was a significant challenge with nearly 50 riders attempting to make the field. Ohman finished both races and moved up through the field each time out.
“We knew with so many riders, it was going to be hard to qualify,” Ohman said. “I started the weekend by throwing the bike on the ground on the second lap. I was trying a different line. The team scrambled but that left us without much time. We qualified and the race on Saturday was a knife fight with a lot of guys battling. I moved up seven spots in the race. On Sunday, I had an amazing start and jumped up two rows. The red flag messed up my rhythm, but we made a lot of progress.”
Suzuki Motor USA (Suzuki) will have full opportunity to flex its horsepower across all three classes in two weeks’ time, as the 2024 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship season resumes at the high-speed Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, on May 31-June 2.
The 2024 season marks Team Hammer’s 44th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won over 130 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums over 360 times and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won over 130 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
More, from a press release issued by OrangeCat Racing:
OrangeCat Racing rider Jayson Uribe scores top-five finish in MotoAmerica Stock 1000 debut at Barber Motorsports Park
Uribe’s teammate Travis Wyman bounces back from challenging Race 1 to finish sixth in Sunday’s Race 2
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – OrangeCat Racing debuted its all-new rider lineup for the 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 season at the class’ opener at Barber Motorsports Park, and one of those riders – Jayson Uribe – followed up a sixth-place finish aboard a BMW M 1000 RR in Saturday’s Race 1 with a top-five result in Sunday’s Race 2. The team’s other rider — two-time Stock 1000 runner-up Travis Wyman — had a mechanical issue hamper his pace in the Saturday race — but was back to his usual form Sunday when he finished right behind Uribe in sixth place.
Uribe ended his first round of MotoAmerica Stock 1000 competition fourth in the class points standings after two races, and Wyman is one of three riders tied for ninth place.
Uribe and Wyman both had a positive start to the round’s on-track action, as they finished fourth-fastest and sixth-fastest, respectively, in Friday morning practice. The pair also ended the first of the weekend’s two qualifying sessions in those same positions on the time sheets, and Uribe was the fastest of the BMW riders in both sessions.
The second and final qualifying session took place Saturday morning and concluded with Uribe and Wyman having secured the eighth and ninth places on the starting grid for the round’s two Stock 1000 contests.
In the Saturday afternoon Race 1, both riders got good starts, though Wyman lost several positions during the first lap due to a mechanical issue. Uribe had moved up to seventh place by the end of the first lap and was part of a multi-rider, race-long battle for fifth place. Wyman finished the race in 13th place, and Uribe finished in sixth.
Sunday morning’s Race 2 saw both riders finish the first lap in better positions than they started it. Uribe moved up two positions to sixth place by the end of Lap 1, and Wyman was running right behind Uribe in seventh place. Though Uribe and Wyman were running in seventh and eighth place, respectively, at the end of Laps 3 and 4, Uribe moved up one position on each of the next two laps and was running in fourth place at the end of Lap 13 – though he finished the 14-lap contest in fifth – 0.162 seconds behind the fourth-place rider. Wyman moved up to seventh place on Lap 5 and sixth on Lap 8 – the position he finished the race in.
The OrangeCat Racing team will be back in action June 14-16 when MotoAmerica visits Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minn.
Jayson Uribe (360). Photo by Fatal Visualz, courtesy OrangeCat Racing.
Jayson Uribe / No. 360
“Overall, I think it was a positive first weekend for us. We tried lots of different things, and improved every time we got on the bike. The one-lap pace wasn’t where I wanted it to be, but our race pace overall was fantastic — especially in Race 2. Being able to fight for the top five in my first race weekend on a BMW was awesome. I have now had the chance to see what the strengths and weaknesses are of our current package are against other fast riders. We’ve learned a lot, and we’re ready to keep moving up the field at Brainerd.”
Travis Wyman (10). Photo by Fatal Visualz, courtesy OrangeCat Racing.
Travis Wyman / No. 10
“Our first race weekend as a team had its challenges. We found ourselves pretty far back on the grid and went backwards in Race 1. My team worked super hard overnight on Saturday, and I was able to fight in Race 2 to finish sixth. It wasn’t the weekend we wanted, but I’m really looking forward to the next round at Brainerd International Raceway.”
OrangeCat Racing’s promotional and technical partners for the 2024 MotoAmerica season include Motoworks Chicago, Ohlins USA, and alpha Racing.
Travis Wyman’s promotional partners for the 2024 MotoAmerica season include SP Connect, Klingler Thrillers, Fast Line Motorcycle Performance, Stomp Grip, On Any Moto, Bilmola USA and Alpinestars.
Jayson Uribe’s promotional partners for the 2024 MotoAmerica season include CT Racing, 4SR, San Jose Motorsport and Red Engine Brewing.
To learn more about OrangeCat Racing, visit the team’s website at http://orangecatracing.com and follow the team on Instagram at @orangecatracing.
More, from a press release issued by Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering:
Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering rider Di Mario takes maiden MotoAmerica Twins Cup victory Sunday at Barber Motorsports Park
Gus Rodio claims podium finish Sunday, remains atop championship standings
BIRMINGHAM, Ala – This is Alessandro Di Mario’s first season racing in MotoAmerica’s Twins Cup, but the Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering rider was at the head of the field in practice, qualifying and the weekend’s only dry Twins Cup race at Barber Motorsports Park. The 2022 Nicky Hayden AMA Road Race Horizon Award winner set a new Twins Cup lap record, took pole and notched his first win in just his sixth Twins Cup race at the May 17-19 event.
Di Mario’s teammate, Gus Rodio, made the most of a difficult situation in Saturday’s wet Race 1, then scored his fifth podium finish of the 2024 season to help maintain his position at the top of the Twins Cup points standings.
Both Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering riders were at the top of the time sheets for the first on-track session for the Twins Cup. Di Mario posted the best time in Friday morning practice with a 1:29.858. Rodio finished the session second-fastest, about half a second off his teammate’s pace.
Unfortunately for Gus Rodio, he suffered a severe migraine and was declared unfit to take part in Friday afternoon’s Qualifying 1. Di Mario proved to be the star of that session. With a best lap time of 1:28.269, Di Mario improved his best time of the weekend by more than 1.5 seconds, claimed provisional pole and reset the Twins Cup lap record for Barber Motorsports Park.
A crash for Di Mario in the Saturday morning Qualifying 2 session kept him from posting a lap time, but his blistering time from Qualifying 1 was more than enough to secure him pole position for the round’s two Twins Cup races. Rodio was cleared to take part in Qualifying 2 and made the most of the session by clinching second place on the starting grid – giving the team two riders on the front row of the starting grid.
Race 1 took place Saturday afternoon – but under much different conditions than the Twins Cup’s previous on-track sessions. Rain began pouring down before racing was due to get underway, and the race distance was reduced from 14 laps to seven. Riders were allowed a seven-minute wet practice session, and things went awry for Rodio on the warm-up lap for the race. Though he lined up on the starting grid for the warm-up lap, Rodio had to pull into the pits to have a problem with his helmet’s face shield remedied and took the race start from the pit lane. Di Mario got a good start and nearly led the field for the whole of the first lap. While battling with another rider for the race lead, Di Mario crashed at Turn 3 on Lap 6 and had to settle for a seventh-place finish. Rodio made the most of a bad situation and raced his way from last place to a ninth-place finish.
Conditions were dry and hot late Sunday afternoon for the second and final Twins Cup race of the weekend. The Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering duo both got good starts, though Rodio lost a couple positions as the field navigated the first few corners of the 17-turn track. The disadvantage didn’t last long, as Rodio moved up to third place at Turn 5 and was leading the race by the time the field reached Turn 8. Rodio and Di Mario gradually broke away from the rest of the field, and Di Mario resumed the race lead with a move at Turn 12 on Lap 5. Though Rodio got passed by another rider on the last lap and finished the race in third, Di Mario wasn’t to be denied and finished the race 0.768 seconds ahead of the second-place rider.
Rodio’s gritty performance on Saturday and podium finish Sunday limited the damage to his championship points lead. He still has a 15-point advantage in the standings with six races remaining, and Di Mario’s victory allowed him to move up from fourth to third in the points standings.
The Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering team will be back in action in two weeks time for the fourth round of the MotoAmerica Twins Cup, which is slated to take place May 31- June 2 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis.
Alessandro Di Mario (27). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering.
Alessandro Di Mario / No. 27
“I came into the weekend really excited. I love this track. I was able to set [a new track record] in qualifying, and my pace was really good. In yesterday’s race, I didn’t really think I was going to be that fast in the wet. After Avery [Dreher] passed me, I tried to stick with him and was able to pass him again. Then the sun came out, and I couldn’t see anything in the back section of the track. So when I got to Turn 3, I thought there was a little dry line but there wasn’t. So I lost the rear, but was able to pick the bike up and get seventh – which I’m happy about. Today, I just tried to manage it. I was managing the gap a little. I probably could have gone a little faster, but there was really no need to. The front [tire] was sliding a lot, so I didn’t want to take the risk.”
Gus Rodio (96). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering.
Gus Rodio / No. 96
“Yesterday was kind of points control, as I had to start from pit lane and work my way back up. Today in the race, my rear tire just fell off and I was just riding a flat track bike around. Did the best I could, secured another podium and hopefully started another streak of these.”
Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering’s technical partners for the 2024 season include Spellcaster Productions, Luxestar VIP, Geoscape Solar, MAR Contractors, Blud Lubricants, Spiegler Performance, Woodcraft Technologies, Dymag Performance Wheels, Millennium Technologies, Sprint Filter, Dunlop, SC Project, MVR Endeavor, GRG Designs, REB Graphics, NGK Spark Plugs, EvolveGT, Bitubo Suspension and N2 Racing.
More, from a press release issued by Aprilia:
DREHER AND DI MARIO EACH PUT THEIR APRILIA RS 660 ON TOP AT BARBER, SPLITTING WINS IN MIXED CONDITION RACES
CHAMPIONSHIP LEADER, GUS RODIO, GIVES APRILIA THREE PODIUM FINISHERS AT MAY 17-19 EVENT, AS HE MAINTAINS LEAD IN CLASS STANDINGS
BIRMINGHAM, AL — Two MotoAmerica Twins Cup rookies notched their first victories in only their third round racing in the class – and both did it aboard Aprilia RS 660s this past weekend at Barber Motorsports Park. TopPro Racing Team’s Avery Dreher took the win in a soggy contest on Saturday, while Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering’s Alessandro Di Mario was victorious in Sunday’s dry Race 2.
And an Aprilia rider remained atop the Twins Cup points standings at the conclusion of the May 17-19 round, as Di Mario’s teammate Gus Rodio bounced back from a challenging race on Saturday to score a podium finish on Sunday and maintain a double-digit points lead with six races remaining in the 2024 season.
The Barber circuit appeared to be a good fit for the strengths of the Aprilia RS 660 package from the start of the weekend. Seven of the 10 fastest riders in Friday morning practice were riding an Aprilia, with Di Mario being the fastest of them. Di Mario finished the session with a best lap time of 1:29.858, which was more than half a second quicker than his teammate Rodio’s best lap time. Dreher finished Friday practice fifth-fastest, TopPro Racing Team’s Romeo Chiavini sixth, BG Capital Fund/Eleven Motorsports Ryan Max Johnson seventh, DRC’s Tyler Duffy ninth and 2018 Twins Cup Champion Chris Parrish in 10th.
Di Mario’s pace got even hotter later Friday in Qualifying 1, when he improved his best lap time by more than 1.5 seconds and set a new MotoAmerica Twins Cup lap record. Rodio didn’t set a time during the session due to a physical ailment, but four other Aprilia RS 660 riders – Johnson, Dreher, Parrish, and Chiavini – provisionally qualified fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth, respectively.
Di Mario suffered a minor crash in Saturday morning’s Qualifying 2 session, but his lap time from Qualifying 1 was enough for him to secure pole position. Rodio didn’t miss a beat when he got back aboard his Aprilia for Qualifying 2, qualifying right behind his teammate Di Mario in second. Aprilia riders in the top 10 include Chiavini (sixth), Parrish (seventh), Johnson (eighth), and Dreher (10th).
Saturday afternoon’s Race 1 changed conditions near the beginning, with rain pouring down on the track before racing got underway. The 14-lap race was shortened to seven laps and riders were given a short wet practice session to familiarize themselves with the soaked track before competition began. Rodio, who had an issue with his helmet’s face shield on the warm-up, was forced to start the race from the pit lane.
When racing did commence, it was Di Mario who took the lead from pole for most of Lap 1, but Dreher began what proved to be a determined performance and bested Di Mario to the line to lead Lap 1. Di Mario and Dreher then began a nearly race-long battle for the lead, with both riders taking turns at the front of the field. Unfortunately for Di Mario, he crashed out from the lead at the start of Lap 6, and Dreher went on to take the victory by more than 2.7 seconds. Di Mario did remount his Aprilia RS 660 and finished in seventh place. Duffy finished in eighth place, and Rodio came back from starting last to finish ninth.
Sunday’s Race 2 took place under hot and dry conditions. Di Mario got a very good start but his teammate Rodio stole the show on the first lap. After falling back to at least fourth place during the opening set of corners, Rodio managed to take the lead before the field reached Turn 8 on the first lap. Rodio and Di Mario gradually broke away from the rest of the field, and Di Mario caught up to and passed Rodio at Turn 12 on Lap 5 to assume the race lead. Though Rodio was passed by another front-running rider on the last lap, Di Mario’s gap to the rest of the field to allow him to take his first MotoAmerica Twins Cup victory by a margin of 0.768 seconds. Rodio held onto third place on the last lap, giving Aprilia two podium finishers on the day. Other Aprilia riders who finished in the top 10 include Parrish in eighth place, Chiavini in ninth and Dreher in 10th.
Though Rodio’s lead in the Twins Cup points standings shrunk from 22 to 15, his early season successes have allowed him to maintain the championship lead despite enduring a setback on Saturday. Di Mario leaves Barber third in the points standings, and Dreher is in fifth.
Half of the riders registered to compete in MotoAmerica Twins Cup at the Barber Motorsports Park round (17 of 34 riders) were slated to be competing aboard Aprilia RS 660s.
The next round of the MotoAmerica Twins Cup takes place May 31-June 2 at the Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wis.
Avery Dreher. Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Aprilia.
Avery Dreher / TopPro Racing Team
“I knew as soon as I saw the rain start to fall that I had a chance to win. I knew that if I got a good start I could roll around some of the other riders on the first lap. Once I got up to first place, I just tried to keep the bike up on two wheels and be as smooth as possible. I’m super happy with Saturday’s result.”
Alessandro Di Mario. Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Aprilia.
Alessandro Di Mario / Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering
“I came into the weekend really excited. I love this track. I was able to set [a new track record] in qualifying, and my pace was really good. In yesterday’s race, I didn’t really think I was going to be that fast in the wet. After Avery [Dreher] passed me, I tried to stick with him and was able to pass him again. Then the sun came out, and I couldn’t see anything in the back section of the track. So when I got to Turn 3, I thought there was a little dry line but there wasn’t. So I lost the rear, but was able to pick the bike up and get seventh – which I’m happy about. Today, I just tried to manage it. I was managing the gap a little. I probably could have gone a little faster, but there was really no need to. The front [tire] was sliding a lot, so I didn’t want to take the risk.”
Gus Rodio (96). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Aprilia.
Gus Rodio / Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering
“Yesterday was kind of points control, as I had to start from pit lane and work my way back up. Today in the race, my rear tire just fell off and I was just riding a flat track bike around. Did the best I could, secured another podium and hopefully started another streak of these.”
More, from a press release issued by Altus Motorsports:
MotoAmerica: Altus Motorsports Results from Barber Motorsports Park
(Birmingham, AL) Between the Atlanta round and their arrival at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, the Altus Motorsports team undertook significant preparations. Two of the three bikes were nearly completely rebuilt. The throttle bodies were returned to the manufacturers for testing, wiring harnesses were inspected and improvements made, and both bikes spent extensive time on the dyno to ensure peak performance for the upcoming race.
Overall, the Alabama round was a success for the Altus Motorsports team. Despite a failed oil pressure sensor connector on the motors during qualifying for Jaret and Torin’s bikes, the Suzuki GSX-R750s performed well, and the riders fought hard in the highly competitive Supersport class.
After qualifying 9th, Jake Lewis finished Race 1 in the same position. In the Sunday race, he improved to finish 7th.
Jake Lewis (85). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Jake Lewis: “It wasn’t the best weekend for us at Barber. After a difficult Friday, we were on the back foot all weekend. Being a little off pace in this class is tough, but we managed a 9th and 7th for decent points. We will regroup and try to come out swinging to get back up front in Wisconsin.”
For Jaret Nassaney, round 2 was a much more consistent and positive weekend. He qualified 15th and finished Race 1 in 14th. In Race 2, he took 12th.
Jaret Nassaney (59). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Jaret Nassaney: “Not exactly where we wanted to end up I am but happy with a 14th and a 12th. The class is so stacked and the pace is significantly faster this year. We are moving in the right direction. I’m excited for Road America to continue to make progress!”
Torin Collins (171). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
It looks like Torin Collins is starting to gel with the Altus Suzuki GSX-R750. He qualified 13th and was inside the top 10 in race 1 before he crashed on lap 6. In race 2, he crossed the finish line in 9th.
George Nassaney: “We made a big investment between rounds to ensure we showed up ready to race. Our Crew Chief Boyd Brunner and Data Engineer Murph worked their butts off before Barber. Then all race weekend the entire team worked extremely hard to get our bikes out front. The Supersport class is incredibly competitive this year and our riders did well. We are not satisfied, so we are working hard this week to improve our results next week. We are looking forward to Road America and the rest of the season!”
Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, WPS, Firepower, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Buy A Jet From Steve Main, Barnett, Evol Technology, Maxima Oils, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., Pit Bull Products, GB Racing, Ohlins, Puig Racing, RS Taichi, Arai, Core Moto, Pro Bolt, Chicken Hawk Tire Warmers, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing
More, from a press release issued by Real Steel Motorsports:
Hayden Gillim sets the standard for the 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 championship with a pair of victories at Barber Motorsports Park.
Hayden Gillim (1). Photo courtesy Real Steel Motorsports.
Dallas, Texas: MotoAmerica Superbikes at Barber event held May 17 – 19, 2024 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL.
Hayden Gillim kicked off the defense of his 2023 Stock 1000 championship with a pair of resounding victories in the Stock 1000 class on his Real Steel Motorsports Steel Commander /Comstock Energy/Southern Honda Powersports/American Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. Gillim also posted competitive finishes of P8, P7 and P5 in the Superbike Class races competing on a Stock 1000 spec machine.
Qualifying on Pole position for the Stock 1000 races as the only rider in the class to get into the 1:24’s was a promising start to the weekend. In the first race on Saturday Hayden was sluggish off the line starting in 4th place. He immediately regrouped and took the lead on lap three and never looked back as he pulled away, finishing the race with an 11.5 second cushion. On Sunday morning for Race 2 Hayden led every lap finishing 10.5 seconds ahead of second place. Hayden holds the maximum available points with 50 as the Stock 1000 series heads next to Brainerd International Raceway June 14-16.
In the Superbike class Gillim qualified in P8 with a 1:23.694 putting him on the third row of the grid. Hayden was able to maintain 8th place at the conclusion of Saturday’s Race 1. For Race 2 on Sunday Hayden was able to finish one place higher in 7th and for Race 3 held later Sunday Gillim finished in 5th place. With 43 points Hayden sits in 7th place in the Superbike class standings after 2 events.
This effort is proudly supported by Steel Commander Corp. Southern Honda Powersports, American Honda, Comstock Energy LLC, Vesrah, Maxima Racing Oils, Fast Line Track Days, KTech suspension, Orient Express, Dunlop, GB Racing, and REB Graphics.
Hayden Gillim – Rider #1 and # 69: “From my point of view, this weekend could not have gone any better. Maybe one position better in Race 2 of Superbike, but that is it. I feel like the team did a tremendous job all weekend with no hiccups that I can think of. I am really proud of them and myself for how this weekend went.
“The sponsors that support his team – Steel Commander, Southern Honda Powersports, Comstock Energy, Honda Racing and all the rest have played a huge part in making this such a successful weekend! I am excited to see what the rest of the season has in store for us, but everyone knows now that we are here to win. This Honda Fireblade is a beast!”
Mark Junge – Crew Chief: “The Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP has now proven that it is a force to be reckoned with in the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 class for 2024. We are early on in the development of this motorcycle as our racing package and it is only going to get better.”
Mat Mladin is among the 2024 nominees for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Here, he's seen at speed at Barber Motorsports Park in 2009, his last year of AMA Superbike competition. Photo by David Swarts.
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Announces 2024 Nominees
Voting to determine the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is now open
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the list of nominees for the Class of 2024, and that voting is now open.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame selection committees have put forward 13 nominees from eight areas of influence: Ambassadors & Industry, Design & Engineering, Dirt Track, Leadership & Rights, Motocross & Supercross, Off-Road, Road Racing and Specialty Competition.
Nominees include:
Competition
Dave Zanotti – Dirt Track
With four AMA Grand National Championships and 31 AMA Grand National dirt track event wins as a tuner, Dave Zanotti has a resume that few have replicated.
Using Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM and Indian engines, Zanotti elevated himself into the record books — capturing the third-most AMA Grand National championships and fourth-most AMA Grand National dirt track wins.
Along with his father, Mario, Zanotti helped propel AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Steve Eklund to an AMA Grand National Championship in 1979. Mario and Dave remain the only father-son duo to win individual AMA Grand National championships.
Zanotti remains a steadfast supporter of motorcycle racing through his support of the AMA Bill Werner Fast Brain Award.
Kevin Windham – Motocross
Kevin Windham’s 19-year AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross career is one for the history books.
During his long, illustrious career, Windham raced to 47 total AMA Pro wins and collected the third-most starts (325), third-most points (9,070) and the seventh-most podiums (130). While Windham saw success domestically, he thrived in international competition, winning the 1999 FIM United States Grand Prix and 2005 Motocross of Nations as a member of the American team.
Windham retired from AMA Pro Racing in 2013, marking the end of a dominant career in the AMA and international circuits.
Mike Lafferty – Off Road
Mike Lafferty was bitten by the enduro racing bug in 1982 when he was 7 years old, and he turned this passion into one of the most successful off-road careers ever. Racing throughout the 1980s, Lafferty broke through when he won back-to-back East Coast Enduro Association championships as a teenager in 1993 and 1994.
Lafferty hit a launching point in 1997 when he claimed his first AMA National Enduro Championship. In total he tallied 71 wins — second all-time — and eight titles, which leaves him tied for the most all-time, while racing national enduros. Lafferty also raced AMA Grand National Cross Country and was a member of four U.S. ISDE teams.
Mat Mladin – Road Racing
In a 10-year span from 1999 to 2009 that continues to defy belief in hindsight, Mat Mladin notched seven AMA Superbike titles and won 82 AMA Superbike nationals in the process — each of those numbers more than anyone in history.
Mladin also won the legendary Daytona 200 three times during that period, achievements that have him tied for third all-time behind AMA Hall of Famers and multi-time D200 winners Scott Russell (5) and Miguel Duhamel (4). In 1999, he won his first of seven AMA Superbike titles — achievements that would make him, according to MotoAmerica, “the most dominant rider in the history of the AMA Superbike Championship.”
Billy Hamill – Specialty Competition
Nicknamed “The Bullet,” Billy Hamill began racing junior speedway in 1983, and he turned professional in 1986. Just 10 years after turning pro, Hamill became the fourth American to claim the FIM Speedway World Championship with his win in 1996.
Two years after his world title, Hamill raced alongside AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Greg Hancock to win the 1998 World Speedway Team Cup Championship for the United States. In 1999, Hamill claimed the AMA Speedway National Championship, which he went on to win five times.
During this impressive run racing AMA speedway, Hamill also collected four U.S. National Speedway titles. Hamill was named the 2012 AMA Sportsman of the Year.
Non-Competition
Sidney Biberman – Ambassadors & Industry
As one of Vincent Motorcycles’ greatest ambassadors, Sidney Biberman spent most of his life contributing to motorcycling culture in various ways.
Across his 60 years of involvement with the famed marque, Biberman elevated motorcycling as a drag racer, commercial engineer and overall advocate for motorcycle culture. As a drag racer, Biberman piloted “The Rattler”, widely regarded as one of the fastest bikes in the 1960s.
Biberman was also known for his prowess as a mechanic, dubbed a “motorcycle whisperer” by some of his biggest fans.
After Biberman passed away on June 23, 2013, the motorcycling community rallied around him and his family, honoring his contributions and commitment to furthering the lifestyle.
Gina Bovaird – Ambassadors & Industry
Gina Bovaird rose steadily through the ranks in the U.S. road racing scene, ultimately becoming the first woman to complete in the famed Daytona 200 at Daytona International Speedway in 1979. She reached 184 mph while qualifying, making her the fastest-qualifying rookie and fourth fastest overall.
As her career advanced, she attempted to qualify for the world’s premier class, the FIM 500cc Grand Prix Championships, achieving that goal in 1982 at the French GP at Nogaro.
Debbie Matthews – Ambassadors & Industry
Debbie Matthews has spent her life contributing to motorcycling, and has done so by serving in — and excelling in — almost every role the sport has to offer to increase opportunities for women riders. Known for her smooth and effortless racing style, Matthews set the record for longest consecutive pro and amateur career in women’s motocross when she raced for 27 years.
In 1996, she co-founded the Women’s Motocross League, and Matthews further worked on behalf of women riders when she met with AMA Congress and drove the change to give women “A” Rider classification for the first time in history. Recognizing Matthews’ work promoting women’s motocross, announcer Erv Braun described her as the “Godmother of Women’s MX.”
Bud Maimone – Design & Engineering
With the invention of the famed Cobra mini racer, Bud Maimone is considered one of the great innovators in the world of youth motocross.
Maimone’s creation of the Cobra prior to the 1994 AMA Amateur Motocross National Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch helped signal the end of more than a decade of dominance by the Yamaha PW50/Y-Zinger.
With a strong showing in the 51cc Stock Class that year, the Cobra quickly boomed as one of the most utilized motorcycles in youth motocross from that point forward. Despite the Cobra’s humble beginnings, Maimone’s efforts have cemented him as one of the sport’s great innovators.
Barry Willey – Design & Engineering
Barry Willey, a trailblazer with an eye for innovation, leaned on his upbringing in his family’s motorcycle accessory factory to help National Cycle greatly impact the motorcycle community.
With Willey at the helm, National Cycle became the first company to introduce and use General Electric’s MR4000 polycarbonate material — which came to be known as FMR hard-coated Lexan — for motorcycle windshields. In total, Willey’s pioneering nature gave the motorcycling industry many innovations and more than 25 mechanical patents.
Dana Bell – Leadership & Rights
A decade after her entrance into motorcycling, Dana Bell worked her way to being a nationally ranked enduro competitor. From 1992–1999, Bell shifted her focus to rights issues and worked as the western states representative for the AMA’s Government Relations Department. During this period, she also worked as a state partner for National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC).
For her role as one of the key voices for motorcyclists’ rights, the AMA Board of Directors presented Bell with the AMA Motorcycling Advocate Award, an honor created to recognize those who have been leaders in fighting for the rights of motorcyclists. Bell was just the third person to receive the award.
Rob Rasor – Leadership & Rights
For decades, Rob Rasor was instrumental in carrying out the AMA’s mission to promote motorcycling and protect the motorcycle lifestyle.
Hired in 1973 as part of the AMA’s Government Relations Department, Rasor helped ward off a federal “superbike” ban, helmet requirements and bike bans in several states and cities, and aided in the fight to ban healthcare discrimination against motorcyclists. Rasor was also a champion for off-road riding and assisted in the AMA’s efforts to accommodate off-road riders on public lands.
Rasor’s efforts extended beyond the United States, and he was awarded the FIM Nicolas Rodi Del Valle Gold Medal in 2019.
Gary Sellers – Leadership & Rights
Since the 1970s, Gary Sellers has given his life to motorcycle education and advocacy in his home state of Ohio and throughout the country. Sellers was one of the founding members of ABATE of Ohio, and he served as legislative agent for the organization for a decade. He was awarded the honorary Life Membership Award by ABATE of Ohio in 1997.
Alongside John “Farmer” Eggers, Sellers built a successful motorcycle safety training program in Ohio; it is estimated the program has saved thousands of lives over the years. Sellers is also a member of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Freedom Fighters halls of fame.
“The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame nominees for 2024 include an accomplished and diverse group of men and women who’ve demonstrated extraordinary achievements in advocacy, competition and promotion of the sport of motorcycling,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “These individuals have contributed significantly to the advancement of motorcycling in many areas, from excellence in road racing, motocross and off-road competition, to tuning bikes to support champions, to creating innovative motorcycle designs, to advocating for motorcyclists’ rights. We’re honored to recognize this group of nominees and eagerly anticipate the announcement of the Class of 2024 soon.”
Voting for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is now open. Eligible voters include previous Hall of Fame inductees, members of the AMA and AMHF Boards of Directors, and members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Category Selection Commitees. AMA Life Members are also eligible to vote, but should update their contact information to receive the latest updates and announcements pertaining to the voting process.
Voting ends Thursday, June 13 at 11:59 p.m.
Voting results will be announced shortly after voting ends, and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Oct. 10, in Pickerington, Ohio.
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.
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Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
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Light Contrast
Monochrome
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High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
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Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
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Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
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Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
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Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
July 24, 2025
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
