After a three-year hiatus, Harley-Davidson factory rider Kyle Wyman’s “Undeterred” video series returns with a new episode focused on the MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers round July 12-14 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
The MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers class will be back in action September 13-15 at Circuit of The Americas, in Austin, Texas.
Back to MotorLand: does another duel await in 2024?
MotoGP™ returns to the stage of some spectacular duels in recent seasons, with the scene set for a repeat performance. But which?
Monday, 26 August 2024
As the paddock arrived into MotorLand Aragon in 2021, now two-time MotoGP™ World Champion – and current Championship leader – Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) had never won a MotoGP™ race. That changed on Sunday as the then #63 duelled eight-time World Champion, home hero and anti-clockwise king Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) for the top step, repelling seven attacks over the final three laps to join the pantheon of premier class winners. Since that day, their respective paths have taken plenty of twists and turns – and next year they converge as teammates. But a big chapter of what could become one of the sport’s biggest long term rivalries started right here. So can we expect a throwdown?
Bagnaia is on a roll as the paddock heads back to Spain. He’s now equalled his maximum number of wins in a season already – seven – and arrives in Aragon from a double taken in style at Spielberg. He’s the rider to beat, the Championship leader, riding in enemy territory and now looking down the barrel of a 2025 teammate whose presence will have its own say on Bagnaia’s legacy. Incidentally, the same rider who has a corner named after them at this very track. Motivation and form don’t come in much more convincing packages than this.
Marquez, meanwhile, arrives in a scrappier run after two Sprint crashes and a more dramatic start to the Austrian GP. But his pace in Spielberg was dramatic in a different way. Might he have been able to stick with the red machine up ahead? No one else seemed likely to do so, and the stage seemed set for it too as the Bagnaia, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), Marc Marquez trio lined up on the front row. So now add in Aragon, the fact it’s anti-clockwise and home turf, and there could be fireworks this weekend – even without considering that a single centimetre more luck could have its own say in turning his run of form around.
Having said that, Martin can never be counted out. Over the last stint of 2023 the #89 learned to be both fast and consistent at the same time, and he’s carried that into 2024 to remain right in the fight at the front – also leading the way for much of the season – without needing to stage any grand comeback. He’s fast everywhere, he’s made relatively few unforced errors, and he’s only five points off the top. He’s also well versed in sticking with and overhauling his fellow key contenders. Finding that final tenth is something he’s done before and it would be no surprise to see him prove a key protagonist in the fight for victory.
And then there’s Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team). 2021 was not, of course, the last time Aragon welcomed MotoGP™. The last time it did, in 2022, it was another duel – but this time Bastianini vs Bagnaia, and with the Beast coming out on top. He lost a little ground in the Championship in Austria but his double at Silverstone was a reminder, if anyone needed one, how fast he is. He lurks in third in the title fight, clearly hasn’t given up on it, and is 61 points off the top. There’s a maximum of 333 points left on the table in 2024, and Bastianini is one of the riders, if not THE rider, who immediately comes to mind when thinking about 148 of them: Aragon, San Marino, Emilia-Romagna and Sepang. That stint starts here.
There were some positives for plenty in Austria though. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was back in the top five on their home turf, and teammate Jack Miller had plenty of speed to write home about, even if it came apart on Sunday. Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) had a solid weekend and took home a top six, and Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) had some real flashes of pace even if some dramas got in the way. At Aragon, we can also expect the return of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) to fight it out in a similar group too.
For Aprilia, meanwhile, Aragon should promise a little more. Spielberg saw Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) take a Tissot Sprint podium and then teammate Maverick Viñales lead the charge on Sunday in P7, but that doesn’t better their previous best at the venue. The very different MotorLand layout, plus their records at the track and the home turf aspect for the #12 and #41, should see the Noale factory back in the mix. Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez and Miguel Oliveira will also want plenty more on their 2024 RS-GPs and hope for a similar uptick.
Looking to rejoin that tight battle for the top five or more – and win it – are the likes of Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and, most especially, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3). The #73 took a top ten but had a tougher weekend, and the #31 had one of his toughest yet in MotoGP™, behind wildcard Pol Espargaro and with teammate Augusto Fernandez not far off nipping at his heels.
It was a tough one in Austria for a few. Some issues for Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team) and Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) – although the latter finished – affected their Sundays, although Honda did take two points thanks to a P14 nabbed on the very last lap by a charging Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR). Meanwhile Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) had a tougher one and will want more at Aragon in the Honda battle and the fight for points too. Of no one is that more true, however, than Yamaha.
Neither Fabio Quartararo nor Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ teammate Alex Rins scored in Austria, and they’ll want to put that right ASAP at Aragon. They also had a test in the meantime as work continues towards getting back into that fight at the front, and rather interestingly called on the talents of MotoGP™ Legend Andrea Dovizioso to join them on track for that as test rider Cal Crutchlow continues to recover from injury. That was at Misano, so could prove interesting at the events appearing on the horizon, but the first mission at MotorLand will be clear: points.
We’ve seen some true classics at this track and the 2024 season so far promises so much potential for another to thrill us as we return to the venue. With so more than points on the line as honour, reputation, glory and more go up for grabs, you don’t want to miss the Gran Premio GoPro de Aragón this weekend!
SHOWTIME
Saturday
Tissot Sprint: 15:00 (UTC +2)
Sunday
Grand Prix: 14:00 (UTC +2)
Moto2™: will the form book shuffle again in Aragon?
The Austrian GP was a weekend where the Moto2™ World Championship frontrunners endured tougher times – and one where nobody could match Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) on Sunday afternoon. The Italian won at the Red Bull Ring for a second year in succession as a trip to a different challenge in the form of MotorLand Aragon now beckons.
Vietti’s debut win in the famous Red Bull KTM Ajo colours was a dominant one. Two podiums on the spin have been a fantastic start to the second half of the season for the #13, as a second for Alonso Lopez (Sync SpeedUp) ended his mini podium drought. Jake Dixon’s (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) P3 was his third top three on the spin as the Briton continues to find great form, as Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) – a podium finisher at Aragon in 2022 – narrowly missed out on a podium.
Those four riders will be looking for more of the same performance in Aragon, but title chase leader Sergio Garcia, his MT Helmets – MSI teammate Ai Ogura, Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) and Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp) will be hungry for much more.
Garcia’s P14 saw him gain just two points – the gap now at 20 – on the luckless Ogura, with the Japanese star’s first crash of the season seeing him suffer a fracture in his right hand. Roberts’ quiet weekend saw him claw back some crucial points on Garcia, while Aldeguer’s P20 now sees him drop to P5 – behind his teammate – in the overall standings… how will the grid shuffle again at MotorLand?
Moto3™: Alonso looks to hammer home his advantage in Aragon
A showstopper from David Alonso in Spielberg saw the Colombian claim a phenomenal seventh win of the season, despite having to contend with a Long Lap penalty. The latest 25-point collection sees the CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team star land in Aragon with a whopping 71-point lead in the Moto3™ title race. The question now is: can anyone halt the #80’s incredible momentum?
Despite the drama that unfolded for Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) in Austria, the Spaniard remains Alonso’s chief Championship chaser. Sunday promised much more than a P9 for Ortola, as he was left to stew on stalling his bike as the riders rolled up to the grid. Still, that recovery ride was something pretty special, but now it’s all about beating Alonso at every opportunity.
2022 Aragon podium finisher, Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), bagged his first rostrum since Le Mans sees the #96 stay in P3 overall, as David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) nicked P2 from his grasp by just 0.005s in Austria. That result for Muñoz saw him move up to P5 in the Championship, one place behind Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) as the Dutch star hopes Aragon can be the place he wins for the first time since Jerez, because a P5 wasn’t what Veijer ordered from Austria.
Catch me if you can is the shout from Alonso – how will the chasers respond at MotorLand?
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
Ryde romps to third victory of the season in first Cadwell Park contest
OMG GRILLA Yamaha’s Kyle Ryde powered to the Bennetts British Superbike Race One win at Cadwell Park, as he beat local favourite Lee Jackson by 0.791secs in the opening battle of the weekend.
Ryde stormed past polesitter Jason O’Halloran as the pack headed into Coppice for the first time, and although the Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki rider moved back ahead at Charlies it wasn’t to last, as Ryde charged past to hit the front again at Park.
Behind, Charlie Nesbitt settled into third, just ahead of MasterMac Honda team-mate Jackson as the pack completed the opening lap – while disaster struck for Ryde’s team-mate Ryan Vickers, who was hit with a technical problem and forced to retire.
Up front, Ryde looked solid and in control as he took charge, quickly building a comfortable half second lead which proved untouchable as the race continued.
Behind, reigning champion Tommy Bridewell was on a charge. After starting in 12th position, he wasted no time in starting to pick off the riders ahead and after a move on the ROKiT Haslam Racing BMW Motorrad’s Leon Haslam, was up to sixth by the end of the fourth lap.
On lap six, Jackson passed Nesbitt to move third and started to reel in O’Halloran, passing him for second on lap 12 as behind, Bridewell was pressuring Hager PBM Ducati’s Glenn Irwin, passing him for fifth a lap later as Nesbitt also found his way past O’Halloran to move into third.
Irwin wasn’t to going to give up his spot easily and made a determined move back past his rival into the chicane, with Bridewell running subsequently on the grass briefly as the pair’s rivalry again ignited.
The top three wasn’t to change as the final five laps ticked by, but both Bridewell and Irwin were still fighting hard, Bridewell getting back ahead with a move up the inside at Park on the penultimate lap and this time, Irwin had no answer.
As the pack headed into the final lap, Ryde had around a second in hand and was in no danger, but O’Halloran lost out again, as both Bridewell and Irwin got past, dropping him to sixth.
Ryde crossed the line 0.791s clear of Jackson, as Nesbitt was third, Bridewell fourth, Irwin fifth and O’Halloran sixth.
FHO Racing BMW Motorrad’s Josh Brookes won the battle of the BMWs as he finished seventh ahead of Haslam in eighth, as Billy McConnell secured ninth for the C&L Fairburn Properties/Look Forward Racing Honda squad and Danny Buchan rounded out the top 10 on the DAO Racing Kawasaki.
Today’s result keeps Bridewell at the top of the championship standings, as Ryde remains second and Oxford Products Racing Ducati’s Christian Iddon holds onto third, despite a tough race where he was handed a two-second penalty for course-cutting, finishing 13th.
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) did not start race one after being declared unfit following a heavy crash in Free Practice 3, and will be reviewed by the BSB Medical Team tomorrow.
Kyle Ryde
OMG GRILLA Racing Yamaha
“I carried as much consistency as I could throughout the race. At one point I thought that my lap timer and dashboard had got stuck as I kept doing the same lap time!
“I’m buzzing really, after getting second twice last year, I think I deserved a win. It feels surreal, I didn’t think I’d be on the podium after Friday night, I was so far behind Ryan [Vickers], it was a bit scary. But I made a big step in qualifying which put me on the front row, and with Ryan and Tommy [Bridewell] not really setting a lap time, I knew I had to try and make the most of it and get as many points back as possible.
“It wasn’t that much, Tommy rode a great race to come from 14th or 15th back to fourth, so he’s going to be a big doer tomorrow, so will Lee [Jackson]. But after the start to the weekend, I’m over the moon just to be stood here talking to you, the win is just a massive bonus.”
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
The O Show banks Cadwell Pole in wet Omologato Superpole
Jason O’Halloran stormed to pole position in the closing seconds of Omologato Superpole at Cadwell Park, beating Kyle Ryde by 0.138secs.
It was a dramatic final few minutes in the session, held under the wet condition format after rain appeared during Speedy Hire Qualifying One, as the top spot swapped between a number of riders.
The drama started at the very beginning, as championship contender Ryan Vickers crashed his OMG GRILLA Yamaha before he’d even set a lap time, ruling him out of the rest of the session.
And moments later, defending champion Tommy Bridewell suffered a similar fate as he too crashed without banking a fast lap.
Billy McConnell was the first rider to top the timesheets on the C&L Fairburn/ Look Forward Racing Honda, but was quickly deposed by local favourite Lee Jackson on the MasterMac Honda, as the lap times settled around the mid 1m26s mark.
With eight minutes to go, OMG GRILLA Yamaha’s Ryde moved ahead as behind, the likes of DAO Racing Kawasaki’s Danny Buchan and Leon Haslam on the ROKiT Haslam Racing BMW found themselves in a battle for the front row, before Jackson moved back ahead with a 1m26.254s on his fifth lap.
With two minutes to go, Hager PBM Ducati’s Glenn Irwin, one of the three who made it through Speedy Hire Qualifying, jumped up to P1, but quickly dropped back to second as Ryde once again hit the top.
But the best was still to come, as Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki’s O’Halloran, who had been steadily running in the top six, stuck in an impressive 1min25.916s lap to hit the top – and stayed there.
O’Halloran will head the grid for Race One with Ryde second and Charlie Nesbitt – who set his best lap in the final moments – third as team-mate Jackson had to make do with fourth at the flag, with Irwin fifth.
Haslam will start sixth, ahead of Buchan, with FHO Racing BMW Motorrad’s Josh Brookes eighth, as McConnell and McAMS Racing Yamaha rider Danny Kent round out the top 10.
Oxford Products Racing Ducati’s Christian Iddon will line up 11th, ahead of Storm Stacey on the LKQ Euro Car Parts Kawasaki, as Bridewell and Vickers start 13th and 14th respectively.
It was a double blow for Honda Racing UK in qualifying as Andrew Irwin has been withdrawn from today’s action following a heavy crash in Free Practice 3. He was assessed by the BSB Medical Team and declared unfit following the crash and his situation will be reviewed no earlier than tomorrow morning.
Danny Kent has received three penalty points and will start 13th on the grid following a three position grid penalty for riding slowly on the racing line, which contributed to Andrew Irwin’s crash.
In this video, Roland Sands Design (RSD) looks back at the MotoAmerica Mission Super Hooligan action at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course with lots of behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
The RSD Mission Super Hooligan class will be back in action September 13-15 at Circuit of The Americas, in Austin, Texas.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR):
Vickers leads Jackson as race one beckons at Cadwell Park
Ryan Vickers was back at the top of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship Free Practice times at Cadwell Park as the OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing rider topped the combined times in changeable conditions in Lincolnshire.
The times tumbled in the afternoon session after the earlier rain halted, but by the end of Free Practice two the showers returned and it was a hectic final ten minutes as riders pushed to be inside the top 12 to automatically qualify for Omologato Superpole tomorrow.
Vickers hit the top of the times at the halfway point and then upped the pace to maintain his position ahead of his rivals with the battle for the top three switching constantly until the final five minutes when Lee Jackson surged into second on the MasterMac Honda.
Reigning champion Tommy Bridewell moved into third for Honda Racing UK, nudging Danny Buchan into fourth on the DAO Racing Kawasaki, whilst Jason O’Halloran launched into fifth in the closing stages on the Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki.
Andrew Irwin was sixth fastest ahead of Kyle Ryde, who left it late to surge into the top 12 on the second of the OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing R1s, with Christian Iddon completing the top eight.
Charlie Nesbitt held ninth position, making it both MasterMac Hondas in the top 12 ahead of Team LKQ Euro Car Parts Kawasaki’s Storm Stacey. Danny Kent and Josh Brookes were the riders completing the riders automatically heading into Omologato Superpole.
Leon Haslam and Peter Hickman were the first riders to narrowly miss out and will have to progress through tomorrow’s Speedy Hire Q1 session, as will Hager PBM Ducati’s Glenn Irwin in 19th position.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Cadwell Park, Combined Free Practice result:
1. Ryan Vickers (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing) 1m37.026s
2. Lee Jackson (MasterMac Honda) +0.620s
3. Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) +0.654s
4. Danny Buchan (DAO Racing Kawasaki) +0.792s
5. Jason O’Halloran (Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki) +1.067s
6. Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) +1.173s
7. Kyle Ryde (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing) +1.205s
8. Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +1.254s
9. Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda) +1.488s
10. Storm Stacey (LKQ Euro Car Parts Kawasaki) +1.539s
11. Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) +1.642s
12. Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +1.747s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Ryan Vickers
OMG GRILLA Racing Yamaha
“I am feeling really good here at Cadwell Park. We only did a few laps in the first session today as it was really wet and as we went to go for our second run it really started again so it was risk over reward and the rest of the weekend’s forecast is looking dry so we left it until FP2.
“It was wet again this afternoon, unfortunately it started dry and then rained again but we did get a drying track and I was feeling really good and the bike was great. We made some set-up changes between the sessions and the bike felt great. We were top of the timesheets by some margin and finished 0.6 quicker in all conditions so I am happy.
“I got into the 25s last night in the test during the dry conditions and quicker than what I thought we would be at on the first night as last year I was only a tenth quicker last year on the SCX tyre, so I thought it would be a bit harder.
“The bike is feeling great and we have improved it since last year and the team are working fantastic. We are seeing some great performance from both me and the bike so I am enjoying it and being here. The fans are out there no matter what the weather; whether it is 30 degrees or 10 degrees so fair play to them and I love seeing all their posts on social media from the Mountain!”
The USMCA Announces Wells Fargo’s Paul Puma as President
Temecula, California – The United States Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA) is excited to announce Paul Puma, Relationship Manager for Wells Fargo Inventory Finance’s Motorsports Division, as the new USMCA president, succeeding Christy LaCurelle. This transition marks a new chapter for the USMCA as it continues to champion excellence in motorcycle coaching and promote safety and skill development across the nation.
Puma, who has been an integral part of USMCA for two years, will bring a fresh vision to the role. Under Paul’s leadership, the USMCA aims to enhance its programs, expand coach outreach and strengthen its commitment to advancing the sport.
“It’s a tremendous honor that the USMCA board has selected me for this position,” said Puma. “I have been a motorcycle enthusiast since I was three years old, and my passion is to grow the motorsports industry. The USMCA is an amazing organization to facilitate this effort. I am so excited to work with the fantastic USMCA team and others in this sport to train enthusiasts of all ages. Our goal is to make better riders through our network of over 400 committed and certified coaches.”
Puma, an industry veteran with 25 years’ experience in finance, has worked in various leadership roles for outdoor products and motorsports division for Wells Fargo. Prior to joining Wells Fargo, Puma held leadership positions for General Electric working with companies’ needing floorplanning financing, which included motorsports and marine.
Christy LaCurelle, who has led the USMCA for the past four years, will continue to be a valued member of the USMCA board of directors and provide support during the transition period.
“The USMCA was born out of a need to have a trusted and consistent process that riders and parents of riders could rely on when selecting a coach. In the past seven years, we have brought the coaching number to over 400 coaches and created a great platform with the Motorcycle Coaching App to make it easier than ever to connect riders to coaches. Paul and the Wells Fargo team have been along for this ride and he knows how to continue this great work. I know the organization is in good hands with Paul and our amazing network of coaches. I’m excited for this next chapter and to continue to be part of the process that is growing our sport,” stated Christy LaCurelle, USMCA board member.
For more information about the USMCA and becoming a certified coach, please visit USMCA.org. If you are looking to get connected to a certified USMCA coach, download the MotorcycleCoaching.org mobile app.
About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $1.9 trillion in assets. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 34 on Fortune’s 2024 rankings of America’s largest corporations. In the communities we serve, the company focuses its social impact on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth, financial health, and a low-carbon economy. News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.
Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellsfargo
About the U.S. Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA)
USMCA is an association where riders and parents can connect to motorcycle coaches they can trust through the network, www.MotorcycleCoaching.org.
All USMCA Certified Coaches are required to adhere to a code of conduct, pass a background check and hold certifications in abuse prevention, CPR/First Aid, concussion protocol, heat illness & cardiac arrest training.
For more information on the USMCA or become a USMCA Certified Coach, visit www.USMCA.org.
Barber Vintage Festival Presented by BMW: 50 Days Until the 19th Annual Celebration of Motorcycle History
The unparalleled event features Kenny Roberts as the Grand Marshal
BIRMINGHAM, ALA – It’s time to gear up for the highly anticipated 19th annual Barber Vintage Festival presented by BMW! The event is just 50 days away and the excitement is building for one of the most prestigious and exhilarating motorcycle festivals of the year, taking place from October 11 – 13 at the world-renowned Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.
This year’s festival promises to be a landmark event featuring legendary motorcycle racer Kenny Roberts serving as the Grand Marshal. Roberts is the first American-born Grand Prix World Champion, and winner of three consecutive premier-class world titles, a two-time AMA Grand Slam winner, two-time AMA Grand National Champion, Daytona 200 winner, who along the way reinvented riding techniques and was a catalyst for rider safety. It’s no wonder they call him “King” Kenny. He will lead the festivities with special events throughout the weekend. The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is now home for his 1980 Yamaha YZR500 Championship motorcycle and Kenny Roberts Jr’s 2000 Suzuki RGV500 championship bike. Both will be on display in the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum inside the park.
Event Highlights:
“We are thrilled to have Kenny Roberts join us as Grand Marshal for this year’s Barber Vintage Festival,” said Brian Case, Executive Director of Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. “His contributions to motorcycle racing are legendary, and his presence will undoubtedly make this year’s event even more memorable for fans and participants alike.”
Event tickets are $45 per day on Friday and Saturday, and $30 on Sunday. Kids 15 and under get in free with a ticketed adult. Motorcycle parking is free and weekend car parking can be purchased for $40. Event tickets and parking can be purchased online at barbervintagefestival.org. For more information on event details, schedules, and ticketing, please visit the official festival website. Museum members access the museum for free, with daily $22 tickets for the museum, $40 weekend passes, and $60 memberships available for pre-sales at www.BarberMuseum.org.
Join us for a weekend of celebration, nostalgia, and high-octane excitement as we honor the rich heritage of motorcycling at the 19th Annual Barber Vintage Festival presented by BMW.
Ride On Motorcycle Training LLC (Ride On) will offer ChampStreet™ by Yamaha Champions Riding School at select Denver locations.
For the first time in the US, the Yamaha Champions Riding School (YCRS) has certified an outside motorcycle training organization to offer the popular ChampStreet™ program designed to drastically improve the safety and enjoyment of street riders.
ChampStreet™ is designed for street riders of all levels. The same “champions habits” apply to all students, whether commuters, tourers or weekend canyon riders; there are just differing degrees of application.
This curriculum is derived from the famed ChampSchool program offered around the United States and scaled to an eight-hour class designed to dramatically increase motorcycle control at real-world speeds. This is the same program taught to the United States Marine Corps in the USMC Level Three CRS training, and in ChampPD, the high-speed CRS training for police officers.
Yamaha Champions Riding School-certified Coach Jim Wilson (owner of Ride On) and YCRS senior instructor Mark Schellinger will launch the Ride On ChampStreet program to Denver area motorcycle riders later this month.
The first date for this class is Saturday, August 31 at the CODE 303 Douglas County Law Enforcement Track. The class size is limited to 16 students.
For more information about the course and to register, go to https://rideontraining.com/courses/champstreet-course
About Ride On Motorcycle Training
With shared customer service and quality values, Ride On is sponsored by two of Denver’s premier motorcycle dealerships, Fay Myers Motorcycle World and BMW of Denver. Ride On is also proud to be partnered with Yamaha Champions Riding School, Aurora Public Schools, CODE 303 Douglas County Emergency Vehicle Operation Training Center, and Thunder Valley Motocross Park. Ride On has multiple locations in the metro Denver area, with instructors certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) Program.
To learn about Ride On Motorcycle Training, our training locations, courses offered and more:
Visit our website: https://RideOnTraining.com , Call: (303) 838-2427, or email: [email protected]
About Yamaha Champions Riding School
Yamaha Champions Riding School is the nation’s premier motorcycle training program. YCRS is the evolution of the Freddie Spencer High-Performance Riding School and is led by racer, author, and former right-hand man of Spencer, Nick Ienatsch. YCRS uses “Champions Habits” to teach all riders the skills and techniques used by the top riders in the world to go faster, stay safer, or both while concentrating on the way in which modern motorcycles are designed to be ridden. YCRS is dedicated to making all motorcycle riders safer and more in control of their riding, regardless of their type of riding.
For more information visit http://www.champschool.com
Irwin Aiming To Bounce Back At Cadwell Park
Round eight of the 2024 Bennetts British Superbike Championship heads to Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire this Bank Holiday weekend with Hager PBM Ducati rider Glenn Irwin aiming to consolidate his title bid.
The 34 year old from Northern Ireland has dropped to fourth in the standings following a couple of hefty crashes at both Brands Hatch and Thruxton in the two previous rounds, but hopes to reduce the 47-point gap to series leader Tommy Bridewell as the season heads for the Showdown stage.
Irwin has good reason to be confident as he won two races at the event last year, and finished second behind his then teammate Bridewell in the final outing so is relishing the opportunity to get back to winning ways and add to his six victories already this season.
After this weekend’s action, the scoring system changes slightly with more points on offer at the final three rounds, so Glenn is determined to put on a show for the biggest crowd of the season, and to defend his prestigious Cadwell Park ‘King of the Mountain’ crown which he won in 2023, as he bids to bolster his title hopes.
Glenn Irwin: “It’s always nice to go to Cadwell Park. We’ve had a small test at Knockhill since Thruxton, it was all pretty relaxed and we made excellent progress with the bike which will be key this weekend. I learned a little bit more about my riding so that will help us too. We arrive at Cadwell on the back of two difficult rounds but we know the bike works well there but we are taking nothing for granted. The team has been working hard and have all rallied round and I’m really looking forward to riding at a track which suits our strengths. I’m fully focussed and still have great belief so I’m looking forward to coming away with three solid results.”
Jordan Bird, Joint Team Owner: “Round eight is already upon us and the whole team can’t wait to head to Cadwell Park this weekend as it’s an event we all look forward to. The crowds are always great and the racing is even better. It’s no secret we have had a tough mid-season but it’s time to bounce back and show everyone what we’re made of. We won all three races at Cadwell Park last year and we’re all working harder than ever as it’s going to be an exciting final four rounds of the season. We are looking forward to seeing lots of you trackside this weekend.”
After a three-year hiatus, Harley-Davidson factory rider Kyle Wyman’s “Undeterred” video series returns with a new episode focused on the MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers round July 12-14 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
The MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers class will be back in action September 13-15 at Circuit of The Americas, in Austin, Texas.
Back to MotorLand: does another duel await in 2024?
MotoGP™ returns to the stage of some spectacular duels in recent seasons, with the scene set for a repeat performance. But which?
Monday, 26 August 2024
As the paddock arrived into MotorLand Aragon in 2021, now two-time MotoGP™ World Champion – and current Championship leader – Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) had never won a MotoGP™ race. That changed on Sunday as the then #63 duelled eight-time World Champion, home hero and anti-clockwise king Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) for the top step, repelling seven attacks over the final three laps to join the pantheon of premier class winners. Since that day, their respective paths have taken plenty of twists and turns – and next year they converge as teammates. But a big chapter of what could become one of the sport’s biggest long term rivalries started right here. So can we expect a throwdown?
Bagnaia is on a roll as the paddock heads back to Spain. He’s now equalled his maximum number of wins in a season already – seven – and arrives in Aragon from a double taken in style at Spielberg. He’s the rider to beat, the Championship leader, riding in enemy territory and now looking down the barrel of a 2025 teammate whose presence will have its own say on Bagnaia’s legacy. Incidentally, the same rider who has a corner named after them at this very track. Motivation and form don’t come in much more convincing packages than this.
Marquez, meanwhile, arrives in a scrappier run after two Sprint crashes and a more dramatic start to the Austrian GP. But his pace in Spielberg was dramatic in a different way. Might he have been able to stick with the red machine up ahead? No one else seemed likely to do so, and the stage seemed set for it too as the Bagnaia, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), Marc Marquez trio lined up on the front row. So now add in Aragon, the fact it’s anti-clockwise and home turf, and there could be fireworks this weekend – even without considering that a single centimetre more luck could have its own say in turning his run of form around.
Having said that, Martin can never be counted out. Over the last stint of 2023 the #89 learned to be both fast and consistent at the same time, and he’s carried that into 2024 to remain right in the fight at the front – also leading the way for much of the season – without needing to stage any grand comeback. He’s fast everywhere, he’s made relatively few unforced errors, and he’s only five points off the top. He’s also well versed in sticking with and overhauling his fellow key contenders. Finding that final tenth is something he’s done before and it would be no surprise to see him prove a key protagonist in the fight for victory.
And then there’s Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team). 2021 was not, of course, the last time Aragon welcomed MotoGP™. The last time it did, in 2022, it was another duel – but this time Bastianini vs Bagnaia, and with the Beast coming out on top. He lost a little ground in the Championship in Austria but his double at Silverstone was a reminder, if anyone needed one, how fast he is. He lurks in third in the title fight, clearly hasn’t given up on it, and is 61 points off the top. There’s a maximum of 333 points left on the table in 2024, and Bastianini is one of the riders, if not THE rider, who immediately comes to mind when thinking about 148 of them: Aragon, San Marino, Emilia-Romagna and Sepang. That stint starts here.
There were some positives for plenty in Austria though. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was back in the top five on their home turf, and teammate Jack Miller had plenty of speed to write home about, even if it came apart on Sunday. Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) had a solid weekend and took home a top six, and Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) had some real flashes of pace even if some dramas got in the way. At Aragon, we can also expect the return of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) to fight it out in a similar group too.
For Aprilia, meanwhile, Aragon should promise a little more. Spielberg saw Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) take a Tissot Sprint podium and then teammate Maverick Viñales lead the charge on Sunday in P7, but that doesn’t better their previous best at the venue. The very different MotorLand layout, plus their records at the track and the home turf aspect for the #12 and #41, should see the Noale factory back in the mix. Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez and Miguel Oliveira will also want plenty more on their 2024 RS-GPs and hope for a similar uptick.
Looking to rejoin that tight battle for the top five or more – and win it – are the likes of Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and, most especially, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3). The #73 took a top ten but had a tougher weekend, and the #31 had one of his toughest yet in MotoGP™, behind wildcard Pol Espargaro and with teammate Augusto Fernandez not far off nipping at his heels.
It was a tough one in Austria for a few. Some issues for Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team) and Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) – although the latter finished – affected their Sundays, although Honda did take two points thanks to a P14 nabbed on the very last lap by a charging Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR). Meanwhile Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) had a tougher one and will want more at Aragon in the Honda battle and the fight for points too. Of no one is that more true, however, than Yamaha.
Neither Fabio Quartararo nor Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ teammate Alex Rins scored in Austria, and they’ll want to put that right ASAP at Aragon. They also had a test in the meantime as work continues towards getting back into that fight at the front, and rather interestingly called on the talents of MotoGP™ Legend Andrea Dovizioso to join them on track for that as test rider Cal Crutchlow continues to recover from injury. That was at Misano, so could prove interesting at the events appearing on the horizon, but the first mission at MotorLand will be clear: points.
We’ve seen some true classics at this track and the 2024 season so far promises so much potential for another to thrill us as we return to the venue. With so more than points on the line as honour, reputation, glory and more go up for grabs, you don’t want to miss the Gran Premio GoPro de Aragón this weekend!
SHOWTIME
Saturday
Tissot Sprint: 15:00 (UTC +2)
Sunday
Grand Prix: 14:00 (UTC +2)
Moto2™: will the form book shuffle again in Aragon?
The Austrian GP was a weekend where the Moto2™ World Championship frontrunners endured tougher times – and one where nobody could match Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) on Sunday afternoon. The Italian won at the Red Bull Ring for a second year in succession as a trip to a different challenge in the form of MotorLand Aragon now beckons.
Vietti’s debut win in the famous Red Bull KTM Ajo colours was a dominant one. Two podiums on the spin have been a fantastic start to the second half of the season for the #13, as a second for Alonso Lopez (Sync SpeedUp) ended his mini podium drought. Jake Dixon’s (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) P3 was his third top three on the spin as the Briton continues to find great form, as Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) – a podium finisher at Aragon in 2022 – narrowly missed out on a podium.
Those four riders will be looking for more of the same performance in Aragon, but title chase leader Sergio Garcia, his MT Helmets – MSI teammate Ai Ogura, Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) and Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp) will be hungry for much more.
Garcia’s P14 saw him gain just two points – the gap now at 20 – on the luckless Ogura, with the Japanese star’s first crash of the season seeing him suffer a fracture in his right hand. Roberts’ quiet weekend saw him claw back some crucial points on Garcia, while Aldeguer’s P20 now sees him drop to P5 – behind his teammate – in the overall standings… how will the grid shuffle again at MotorLand?
Moto3™: Alonso looks to hammer home his advantage in Aragon
A showstopper from David Alonso in Spielberg saw the Colombian claim a phenomenal seventh win of the season, despite having to contend with a Long Lap penalty. The latest 25-point collection sees the CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team star land in Aragon with a whopping 71-point lead in the Moto3™ title race. The question now is: can anyone halt the #80’s incredible momentum?
Despite the drama that unfolded for Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) in Austria, the Spaniard remains Alonso’s chief Championship chaser. Sunday promised much more than a P9 for Ortola, as he was left to stew on stalling his bike as the riders rolled up to the grid. Still, that recovery ride was something pretty special, but now it’s all about beating Alonso at every opportunity.
2022 Aragon podium finisher, Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), bagged his first rostrum since Le Mans sees the #96 stay in P3 overall, as David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) nicked P2 from his grasp by just 0.005s in Austria. That result for Muñoz saw him move up to P5 in the Championship, one place behind Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) as the Dutch star hopes Aragon can be the place he wins for the first time since Jerez, because a P5 wasn’t what Veijer ordered from Austria.
Catch me if you can is the shout from Alonso – how will the chasers respond at MotorLand?
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
Ryde romps to third victory of the season in first Cadwell Park contest
OMG GRILLA Yamaha’s Kyle Ryde powered to the Bennetts British Superbike Race One win at Cadwell Park, as he beat local favourite Lee Jackson by 0.791secs in the opening battle of the weekend.
Ryde stormed past polesitter Jason O’Halloran as the pack headed into Coppice for the first time, and although the Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki rider moved back ahead at Charlies it wasn’t to last, as Ryde charged past to hit the front again at Park.
Behind, Charlie Nesbitt settled into third, just ahead of MasterMac Honda team-mate Jackson as the pack completed the opening lap – while disaster struck for Ryde’s team-mate Ryan Vickers, who was hit with a technical problem and forced to retire.
Up front, Ryde looked solid and in control as he took charge, quickly building a comfortable half second lead which proved untouchable as the race continued.
Behind, reigning champion Tommy Bridewell was on a charge. After starting in 12th position, he wasted no time in starting to pick off the riders ahead and after a move on the ROKiT Haslam Racing BMW Motorrad’s Leon Haslam, was up to sixth by the end of the fourth lap.
On lap six, Jackson passed Nesbitt to move third and started to reel in O’Halloran, passing him for second on lap 12 as behind, Bridewell was pressuring Hager PBM Ducati’s Glenn Irwin, passing him for fifth a lap later as Nesbitt also found his way past O’Halloran to move into third.
Irwin wasn’t to going to give up his spot easily and made a determined move back past his rival into the chicane, with Bridewell running subsequently on the grass briefly as the pair’s rivalry again ignited.
The top three wasn’t to change as the final five laps ticked by, but both Bridewell and Irwin were still fighting hard, Bridewell getting back ahead with a move up the inside at Park on the penultimate lap and this time, Irwin had no answer.
As the pack headed into the final lap, Ryde had around a second in hand and was in no danger, but O’Halloran lost out again, as both Bridewell and Irwin got past, dropping him to sixth.
Ryde crossed the line 0.791s clear of Jackson, as Nesbitt was third, Bridewell fourth, Irwin fifth and O’Halloran sixth.
FHO Racing BMW Motorrad’s Josh Brookes won the battle of the BMWs as he finished seventh ahead of Haslam in eighth, as Billy McConnell secured ninth for the C&L Fairburn Properties/Look Forward Racing Honda squad and Danny Buchan rounded out the top 10 on the DAO Racing Kawasaki.
Today’s result keeps Bridewell at the top of the championship standings, as Ryde remains second and Oxford Products Racing Ducati’s Christian Iddon holds onto third, despite a tough race where he was handed a two-second penalty for course-cutting, finishing 13th.
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) did not start race one after being declared unfit following a heavy crash in Free Practice 3, and will be reviewed by the BSB Medical Team tomorrow.
Kyle Ryde
OMG GRILLA Racing Yamaha
“I carried as much consistency as I could throughout the race. At one point I thought that my lap timer and dashboard had got stuck as I kept doing the same lap time!
“I’m buzzing really, after getting second twice last year, I think I deserved a win. It feels surreal, I didn’t think I’d be on the podium after Friday night, I was so far behind Ryan [Vickers], it was a bit scary. But I made a big step in qualifying which put me on the front row, and with Ryan and Tommy [Bridewell] not really setting a lap time, I knew I had to try and make the most of it and get as many points back as possible.
“It wasn’t that much, Tommy rode a great race to come from 14th or 15th back to fourth, so he’s going to be a big doer tomorrow, so will Lee [Jackson]. But after the start to the weekend, I’m over the moon just to be stood here talking to you, the win is just a massive bonus.”
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
The O Show banks Cadwell Pole in wet Omologato Superpole
Jason O’Halloran stormed to pole position in the closing seconds of Omologato Superpole at Cadwell Park, beating Kyle Ryde by 0.138secs.
It was a dramatic final few minutes in the session, held under the wet condition format after rain appeared during Speedy Hire Qualifying One, as the top spot swapped between a number of riders.
The drama started at the very beginning, as championship contender Ryan Vickers crashed his OMG GRILLA Yamaha before he’d even set a lap time, ruling him out of the rest of the session.
And moments later, defending champion Tommy Bridewell suffered a similar fate as he too crashed without banking a fast lap.
Billy McConnell was the first rider to top the timesheets on the C&L Fairburn/ Look Forward Racing Honda, but was quickly deposed by local favourite Lee Jackson on the MasterMac Honda, as the lap times settled around the mid 1m26s mark.
With eight minutes to go, OMG GRILLA Yamaha’s Ryde moved ahead as behind, the likes of DAO Racing Kawasaki’s Danny Buchan and Leon Haslam on the ROKiT Haslam Racing BMW found themselves in a battle for the front row, before Jackson moved back ahead with a 1m26.254s on his fifth lap.
With two minutes to go, Hager PBM Ducati’s Glenn Irwin, one of the three who made it through Speedy Hire Qualifying, jumped up to P1, but quickly dropped back to second as Ryde once again hit the top.
But the best was still to come, as Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki’s O’Halloran, who had been steadily running in the top six, stuck in an impressive 1min25.916s lap to hit the top – and stayed there.
O’Halloran will head the grid for Race One with Ryde second and Charlie Nesbitt – who set his best lap in the final moments – third as team-mate Jackson had to make do with fourth at the flag, with Irwin fifth.
Haslam will start sixth, ahead of Buchan, with FHO Racing BMW Motorrad’s Josh Brookes eighth, as McConnell and McAMS Racing Yamaha rider Danny Kent round out the top 10.
Oxford Products Racing Ducati’s Christian Iddon will line up 11th, ahead of Storm Stacey on the LKQ Euro Car Parts Kawasaki, as Bridewell and Vickers start 13th and 14th respectively.
It was a double blow for Honda Racing UK in qualifying as Andrew Irwin has been withdrawn from today’s action following a heavy crash in Free Practice 3. He was assessed by the BSB Medical Team and declared unfit following the crash and his situation will be reviewed no earlier than tomorrow morning.
Danny Kent has received three penalty points and will start 13th on the grid following a three position grid penalty for riding slowly on the racing line, which contributed to Andrew Irwin’s crash.
In this video, Roland Sands Design (RSD) looks back at the MotoAmerica Mission Super Hooligan action at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course with lots of behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
The RSD Mission Super Hooligan class will be back in action September 13-15 at Circuit of The Americas, in Austin, Texas.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR):
Vickers leads Jackson as race one beckons at Cadwell Park
Ryan Vickers was back at the top of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship Free Practice times at Cadwell Park as the OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing rider topped the combined times in changeable conditions in Lincolnshire.
The times tumbled in the afternoon session after the earlier rain halted, but by the end of Free Practice two the showers returned and it was a hectic final ten minutes as riders pushed to be inside the top 12 to automatically qualify for Omologato Superpole tomorrow.
Vickers hit the top of the times at the halfway point and then upped the pace to maintain his position ahead of his rivals with the battle for the top three switching constantly until the final five minutes when Lee Jackson surged into second on the MasterMac Honda.
Reigning champion Tommy Bridewell moved into third for Honda Racing UK, nudging Danny Buchan into fourth on the DAO Racing Kawasaki, whilst Jason O’Halloran launched into fifth in the closing stages on the Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki.
Andrew Irwin was sixth fastest ahead of Kyle Ryde, who left it late to surge into the top 12 on the second of the OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing R1s, with Christian Iddon completing the top eight.
Charlie Nesbitt held ninth position, making it both MasterMac Hondas in the top 12 ahead of Team LKQ Euro Car Parts Kawasaki’s Storm Stacey. Danny Kent and Josh Brookes were the riders completing the riders automatically heading into Omologato Superpole.
Leon Haslam and Peter Hickman were the first riders to narrowly miss out and will have to progress through tomorrow’s Speedy Hire Q1 session, as will Hager PBM Ducati’s Glenn Irwin in 19th position.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Cadwell Park, Combined Free Practice result:
1. Ryan Vickers (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing) 1m37.026s
2. Lee Jackson (MasterMac Honda) +0.620s
3. Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) +0.654s
4. Danny Buchan (DAO Racing Kawasaki) +0.792s
5. Jason O’Halloran (Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki) +1.067s
6. Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) +1.173s
7. Kyle Ryde (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing) +1.205s
8. Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +1.254s
9. Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda) +1.488s
10. Storm Stacey (LKQ Euro Car Parts Kawasaki) +1.539s
11. Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) +1.642s
12. Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +1.747s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Ryan Vickers
OMG GRILLA Racing Yamaha
“I am feeling really good here at Cadwell Park. We only did a few laps in the first session today as it was really wet and as we went to go for our second run it really started again so it was risk over reward and the rest of the weekend’s forecast is looking dry so we left it until FP2.
“It was wet again this afternoon, unfortunately it started dry and then rained again but we did get a drying track and I was feeling really good and the bike was great. We made some set-up changes between the sessions and the bike felt great. We were top of the timesheets by some margin and finished 0.6 quicker in all conditions so I am happy.
“I got into the 25s last night in the test during the dry conditions and quicker than what I thought we would be at on the first night as last year I was only a tenth quicker last year on the SCX tyre, so I thought it would be a bit harder.
“The bike is feeling great and we have improved it since last year and the team are working fantastic. We are seeing some great performance from both me and the bike so I am enjoying it and being here. The fans are out there no matter what the weather; whether it is 30 degrees or 10 degrees so fair play to them and I love seeing all their posts on social media from the Mountain!”
The USMCA Announces Wells Fargo’s Paul Puma as President
Temecula, California – The United States Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA) is excited to announce Paul Puma, Relationship Manager for Wells Fargo Inventory Finance’s Motorsports Division, as the new USMCA president, succeeding Christy LaCurelle. This transition marks a new chapter for the USMCA as it continues to champion excellence in motorcycle coaching and promote safety and skill development across the nation.
Puma, who has been an integral part of USMCA for two years, will bring a fresh vision to the role. Under Paul’s leadership, the USMCA aims to enhance its programs, expand coach outreach and strengthen its commitment to advancing the sport.
“It’s a tremendous honor that the USMCA board has selected me for this position,” said Puma. “I have been a motorcycle enthusiast since I was three years old, and my passion is to grow the motorsports industry. The USMCA is an amazing organization to facilitate this effort. I am so excited to work with the fantastic USMCA team and others in this sport to train enthusiasts of all ages. Our goal is to make better riders through our network of over 400 committed and certified coaches.”
Puma, an industry veteran with 25 years’ experience in finance, has worked in various leadership roles for outdoor products and motorsports division for Wells Fargo. Prior to joining Wells Fargo, Puma held leadership positions for General Electric working with companies’ needing floorplanning financing, which included motorsports and marine.
Christy LaCurelle, who has led the USMCA for the past four years, will continue to be a valued member of the USMCA board of directors and provide support during the transition period.
“The USMCA was born out of a need to have a trusted and consistent process that riders and parents of riders could rely on when selecting a coach. In the past seven years, we have brought the coaching number to over 400 coaches and created a great platform with the Motorcycle Coaching App to make it easier than ever to connect riders to coaches. Paul and the Wells Fargo team have been along for this ride and he knows how to continue this great work. I know the organization is in good hands with Paul and our amazing network of coaches. I’m excited for this next chapter and to continue to be part of the process that is growing our sport,” stated Christy LaCurelle, USMCA board member.
For more information about the USMCA and becoming a certified coach, please visit USMCA.org. If you are looking to get connected to a certified USMCA coach, download the MotorcycleCoaching.org mobile app.
About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $1.9 trillion in assets. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 34 on Fortune’s 2024 rankings of America’s largest corporations. In the communities we serve, the company focuses its social impact on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth, financial health, and a low-carbon economy. News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.
Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellsfargo
About the U.S. Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA)
USMCA is an association where riders and parents can connect to motorcycle coaches they can trust through the network, www.MotorcycleCoaching.org.
All USMCA Certified Coaches are required to adhere to a code of conduct, pass a background check and hold certifications in abuse prevention, CPR/First Aid, concussion protocol, heat illness & cardiac arrest training.
For more information on the USMCA or become a USMCA Certified Coach, visit www.USMCA.org.
Barber Vintage Festival Presented by BMW: 50 Days Until the 19th Annual Celebration of Motorcycle History
The unparalleled event features Kenny Roberts as the Grand Marshal
BIRMINGHAM, ALA – It’s time to gear up for the highly anticipated 19th annual Barber Vintage Festival presented by BMW! The event is just 50 days away and the excitement is building for one of the most prestigious and exhilarating motorcycle festivals of the year, taking place from October 11 – 13 at the world-renowned Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.
This year’s festival promises to be a landmark event featuring legendary motorcycle racer Kenny Roberts serving as the Grand Marshal. Roberts is the first American-born Grand Prix World Champion, and winner of three consecutive premier-class world titles, a two-time AMA Grand Slam winner, two-time AMA Grand National Champion, Daytona 200 winner, who along the way reinvented riding techniques and was a catalyst for rider safety. It’s no wonder they call him “King” Kenny. He will lead the festivities with special events throughout the weekend. The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is now home for his 1980 Yamaha YZR500 Championship motorcycle and Kenny Roberts Jr’s 2000 Suzuki RGV500 championship bike. Both will be on display in the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum inside the park.
Event Highlights:
“We are thrilled to have Kenny Roberts join us as Grand Marshal for this year’s Barber Vintage Festival,” said Brian Case, Executive Director of Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. “His contributions to motorcycle racing are legendary, and his presence will undoubtedly make this year’s event even more memorable for fans and participants alike.”
Event tickets are $45 per day on Friday and Saturday, and $30 on Sunday. Kids 15 and under get in free with a ticketed adult. Motorcycle parking is free and weekend car parking can be purchased for $40. Event tickets and parking can be purchased online at barbervintagefestival.org. For more information on event details, schedules, and ticketing, please visit the official festival website. Museum members access the museum for free, with daily $22 tickets for the museum, $40 weekend passes, and $60 memberships available for pre-sales at www.BarberMuseum.org.
Join us for a weekend of celebration, nostalgia, and high-octane excitement as we honor the rich heritage of motorcycling at the 19th Annual Barber Vintage Festival presented by BMW.
Ride On Motorcycle Training LLC (Ride On) will offer ChampStreet™ by Yamaha Champions Riding School at select Denver locations.
For the first time in the US, the Yamaha Champions Riding School (YCRS) has certified an outside motorcycle training organization to offer the popular ChampStreet™ program designed to drastically improve the safety and enjoyment of street riders.
ChampStreet™ is designed for street riders of all levels. The same “champions habits” apply to all students, whether commuters, tourers or weekend canyon riders; there are just differing degrees of application.
This curriculum is derived from the famed ChampSchool program offered around the United States and scaled to an eight-hour class designed to dramatically increase motorcycle control at real-world speeds. This is the same program taught to the United States Marine Corps in the USMC Level Three CRS training, and in ChampPD, the high-speed CRS training for police officers.
Yamaha Champions Riding School-certified Coach Jim Wilson (owner of Ride On) and YCRS senior instructor Mark Schellinger will launch the Ride On ChampStreet program to Denver area motorcycle riders later this month.
The first date for this class is Saturday, August 31 at the CODE 303 Douglas County Law Enforcement Track. The class size is limited to 16 students.
For more information about the course and to register, go to https://rideontraining.com/courses/champstreet-course
About Ride On Motorcycle Training
With shared customer service and quality values, Ride On is sponsored by two of Denver’s premier motorcycle dealerships, Fay Myers Motorcycle World and BMW of Denver. Ride On is also proud to be partnered with Yamaha Champions Riding School, Aurora Public Schools, CODE 303 Douglas County Emergency Vehicle Operation Training Center, and Thunder Valley Motocross Park. Ride On has multiple locations in the metro Denver area, with instructors certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) Program.
To learn about Ride On Motorcycle Training, our training locations, courses offered and more:
Visit our website: https://RideOnTraining.com , Call: (303) 838-2427, or email: [email protected]
About Yamaha Champions Riding School
Yamaha Champions Riding School is the nation’s premier motorcycle training program. YCRS is the evolution of the Freddie Spencer High-Performance Riding School and is led by racer, author, and former right-hand man of Spencer, Nick Ienatsch. YCRS uses “Champions Habits” to teach all riders the skills and techniques used by the top riders in the world to go faster, stay safer, or both while concentrating on the way in which modern motorcycles are designed to be ridden. YCRS is dedicated to making all motorcycle riders safer and more in control of their riding, regardless of their type of riding.
For more information visit http://www.champschool.com
Irwin Aiming To Bounce Back At Cadwell Park
Round eight of the 2024 Bennetts British Superbike Championship heads to Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire this Bank Holiday weekend with Hager PBM Ducati rider Glenn Irwin aiming to consolidate his title bid.
The 34 year old from Northern Ireland has dropped to fourth in the standings following a couple of hefty crashes at both Brands Hatch and Thruxton in the two previous rounds, but hopes to reduce the 47-point gap to series leader Tommy Bridewell as the season heads for the Showdown stage.
Irwin has good reason to be confident as he won two races at the event last year, and finished second behind his then teammate Bridewell in the final outing so is relishing the opportunity to get back to winning ways and add to his six victories already this season.
After this weekend’s action, the scoring system changes slightly with more points on offer at the final three rounds, so Glenn is determined to put on a show for the biggest crowd of the season, and to defend his prestigious Cadwell Park ‘King of the Mountain’ crown which he won in 2023, as he bids to bolster his title hopes.
Glenn Irwin: “It’s always nice to go to Cadwell Park. We’ve had a small test at Knockhill since Thruxton, it was all pretty relaxed and we made excellent progress with the bike which will be key this weekend. I learned a little bit more about my riding so that will help us too. We arrive at Cadwell on the back of two difficult rounds but we know the bike works well there but we are taking nothing for granted. The team has been working hard and have all rallied round and I’m really looking forward to riding at a track which suits our strengths. I’m fully focussed and still have great belief so I’m looking forward to coming away with three solid results.”
Jordan Bird, Joint Team Owner: “Round eight is already upon us and the whole team can’t wait to head to Cadwell Park this weekend as it’s an event we all look forward to. The crowds are always great and the racing is even better. It’s no secret we have had a tough mid-season but it’s time to bounce back and show everyone what we’re made of. We won all three races at Cadwell Park last year and we’re all working harder than ever as it’s going to be an exciting final four rounds of the season. We are looking forward to seeing lots of you trackside this weekend.”
