Editorial Note: The Grand Prix of Kazakhstan was originally scheduled June 14-16, 2024.
Grand Prix of Kazakhstan postponed until later in 2024
Friday, 03 May 2024
The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports announce that the Grand Prix of Kazakhstan has been postponed until later in 2024.
Unprecedented weather conditions have led to flooding across Central Asia, causing a national emergency in Kazakhstan and displacing much of the population. It would not be responsible for MotoGP™ to add any additional burden on the authorities or services as they work to help the tens of thousands of people affected across the country.
Sokol International Racetrack will therefore not host MotoGP™ on the dates previously announced, and any further updates will be published once confirmed.
As our utmost priority, MotoGP™ sends our condolences and support to the people of Kazakhstan and all those affected by the flooding in Central Asia. We hope the nation, region and communities affected can recover as soon as possible.
$50,000 Dunlop Dollars Up for Grabs in N2/WERA Endurance Racing!
Rancho Cucamonga, CA: Dunlop Motorcycle Tires is proud to announce $50,000 in contingency for the N2/WERA Endurance Racing Series. Riders who finish fifth or better in the heavy, middle, light and ultra-light weight classes are eligible to earn Dunlop Dollars!
“Since reviving the national endurance series in 2017 we have seen tremendous growth year after year,” said N2 Director of Racing, Chris Kubricky. “This incredible growth has been in large part due to our partners at Dunlop, and we are grateful that Dunlop will continue to support our teams with an amazing contingency program.”
The 2024 N2/WERA Endurance Racing five-event Series by Dunlop will start May 24 at Road Atlanta, then June 8 at Carolina Motorsports Park, then to Roebling Road Raceway on July 13, Pittsburgh International Race Complex on August 10, take a brief summer break, then end on October 18 at Barber Motorsports Park.
“We are grateful for N2’s commitment to the motorcycle community and for the riders who support N2. Your loyalty inspires us to keep striving for excellence,” said Cori Maynard, Motorsports Logistics Coordinator for Dunlop Motorcycle Tires.
To be eligible competitors simply must use the approved Dunlop tires both front and rear, display a minimum 10-inch Dunlop decal on each side of the motorcycle (fairing) and a vertical Dunlop decal on each side of the front fender. In addition, competitors must wear Dunlop patches on their leathers, one on each side of their shoulder and one large patch on their lower back. Plus, Dunlop must be listed as a sponsor on the rider’s entry form.
All awards will be paid as Dunlop Tire Certificates to be used with the purchase of Dunlop tires. Certificates will only be issued when races have a minimum of eight starters. Certificates will be issued by Dunlop only on receipt of Official Results from N2/WERA and expired or lost certificates will not be honored or replaced.
The new Sportmax Slick is available now in multiple sizes from dunlopracing.com or your local trusted Dunlop trackside vendor.
About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires:
Dunlop is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S.A. For more information, visit www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com. Follow @ridedunlop on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X for the latest Dunlop news. Use #RideDunlop and/or #RaceDunlop to share your Dunlop moments.
WorldSBK and TT Circuit Assen extend partnership until 2031
Following the thrilling 2024 Pirelli Dutch Round, the TT Circuit Assen and WorldSBK are delighted to announce the extension of their agreement, securing the venue as a host circuit until 2031. This extension promises continued excitement for motorsport fans and ensures a Dutch Round in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship calendar for a further six years.
The 2024 event attracted 56,734 attendees over three days, showcasing the circuit’s appeal and its importance to the community and the championship. The Dutch Round remains a pivotal event, especially for home-grown talents like Michael van der Mark, Jeffrey Buis, and up-and-coming riders such as Loris Veneman, and Glenn van Straalen, the latter clinching his first WorldSSP victory this year.
The agreement builds on a strong tradition of racing at the TT Circuit Assen, known affectionately as the ‘Cathedral of Speed’. Having hosted WorldSBK since 1992, the circuit’s role is further underscored with the renewed commitment with MotoGP™, also extended until 2031. This double commitment underlines TT Circuit Assen’s prominent role in both world-class motorcycle racing championships.
Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director:
“We are proud to announce the continuation of TT Circuit Assen as a staple venue in the WorldSBK calendar through 2031. TT Circuit Assen, with its rich history and thrilling racing, remains an essential part of the WorldSBK heritage. We are excited to keep delivering outstanding racing experiences to our fans.”
Arjan Bos, Chairman of TT Circuit Assen:
“WorldSBK is such an important fixture on our calendar. Because of the constant interaction with the fans, young and old, we can continue to grow our fanbase for motorsport in general. World Superbike always gets a lot of appreciation from riders and public alike. We are very proud to continue as a location for this major event.”
BMW Motorrad presents the Automated Shift Assistant (ASA)
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 2, 2024 . . . With the new Automated Shift Assistant (ASA), BMW Motorrad presents an innovative technical solution that makes riding simpler and more comfortable. True to the motto “Simplify your ride”, the riding experience is enhanced by automation of the clutch and gear shifting process, without sacrificing the emotionally important dynamics of shifting.
The Automated Shift Assistant features a clever functional design in which two electromechanical actuators automate the clutch and gearshift of the six-speed transmission, which is the main difference to a conventional shift assistant. There is no need for a hand lever to operate the clutch manually. Starting, stopping, and maneuvering are all made easy with the Automated Shift Assistant.
BMW’s new Automated Shift Assistant (ASA) completes eliminates the need for a clutch lever while retaining the option of manual shifting by the rider. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad USA.
In manual shift mode “M”, the rider can move the gearshift lever in the desired direction in the usual way. If the revs in the desired target gear are within the maximum or minimum rev range, the shift is made directly. If the engine revs fall below a gear-dependent minimum speed, downshifts are performed automatically in manual mode. This prevents the engine from stalling.
In shift mode “D” the gears are changed automatically depending on the riding mode, engine revs, throttle position and lean angle parameters. Gears are shifted according to the riding situation and dynamic requirements.
A D/M button on the left handlebar allows BMW riders to select between fully automatic shifting (D) and clutchless manual shifting by the rider (M). Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad USA.
The benefits of the Automatic Shift Assistant (ASA):
Completely eliminates the need for the rider to operate the clutch.
Dynamic and comfortable gear changes for more riding pleasure.
Choice of manual or automatic gear shifting.
Automatically adapts gear shifts to the rider’s dynamic preferences in D mode.
Eliminates the possibility of engine stalling during gear shifts.
BMW Group in America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,145 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Silver Dollar Short Track Rescheduled for Saturday, May 18 Due to Inclement Weather
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 2, 2024) – This weekend’s Silver Dollar Short Track, scheduled for Saturday, May 4 at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California, has been postponed due to inclement weather. The event has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 18.
“While we regret having to postpone the event, we’re excited that we still have the opportunity to bring motorcycle racing back to Northern California just two weeks later than we had originally planned,” said Brad Sweet, renowned sprint car champion and co-promoter of the event. “We are looking forward to delivering an entertaining event with exceptional racing on May 18 and appreciate the community’s understanding and support.”
Significant rainfall is expected to begin Friday night and continue through early Sunday morning, necessitating the postponement of the event which was originally scheduled for this Saturday, as round 5 of the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.
Co-promoters SLC Promotions and AFT Events have confirmed that all previously purchased tickets will be honored on the new date. Fans who haven’t purchased tickets yet can buy theirs today at https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/silver-dollar-short-track-89147. Gates will open for fans at 6:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT).
The 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, will continue next weekend in southern California with the Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track, scheduled for Saturday, May 11 at Ventura Speedway.
Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. Progressive American Flat Track is televised on FOX Sports and streams live via FloRacing. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on X, and check us out on Instagram.
The legacy will continue as the TT Circuit Assen is confirmed to host the world’s most exciting sport for a further five seasons
Thursday, 02 May 2024
A new agreement between MotoGP™ and the TT Circuit Assen confirms the classic Dutch venue on the MotoGP™ calendar until 2031, extending its previous agreement that ran until 2026.
Assen is a fan favourite thanks to its incredible layout, fantastic atmosphere and unique final chicane, the latter of which has been the stage for many of the sport’s most iconic moments, then and now. It’s also MotoGP™s longest-serving venue, having hosted Grand Prix motorcycle racing since the inaugural 1949 season – a unique feat on the modern calendar.
2025 will be another milestone year as Assen celebrates the centenary of the very first TT. Nearly a century after the event began and 75 years since Grand Prix racing first visited the area, the permanent TT Circuit Assen of today only continues to build its legend, maintaining the spirit that fuelled its origins but reimagining it into a modern, safe and spectacular racetrack.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta (left) with Arjan Bos, Chairman of TT Circuit Assen (right). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Arjan Bos, Chairman of TT Circuit Assen: “We are incredibly pleased with this contract extension, especially now that MotoGP is developing strongly. It reaffirms the status of the TT Assen as a highlight on the MotoGP calendar. We are proud to continue building the future of motorsport together.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports: “We’re very happy to announce Assen’s long-term future on the calendar. It was part of the very first season of Grand Prix racing in 1949 and nowhere else has been with us across these 75 years of racing we celebrate in 2024. That’s unique, but we don’t return only for the history or statistics. Racing at Assen, even 100 years after the first races held in the area, is still something special and it only gets better. It’s a fantastic, modern venue that continues to gives us incredible races and iconic moments, and there is no better mixture than the world’s most exciting sport racing at one of its greatest venues.”
Each year as we put together our annual Roadracing World Trackday Directory we gather photos of products that we use and recommend for those looking to go to the racetrack. One such product is the Sport Chock designed by NASA engineer-turned-racer William “Chip” Mayfield and built by his company Baxley by Providence in Alabama.
In case you don’t know, the Sport Chock (and its larger, original sibling the L.A. Chock) capture the front wheel of a sportbike, holding the motorcycle in place upright all by itself. It’s very helpful when getting off a racebike or trackday bike without a sidestand. And it’s even more useful when loading and securing a motorcycle into a truck, van, or trailer. The chocks are also often used to display bikes at events, dealerships, and in collections.
Baxley Sport Chocks in use at a California Superbike School. Photo courtesy California Superbike School.
Going through photos, we came across a shot of a track day participant using a chock that closely resembled a Baxley Sport Chock. At a glance, it was easy to mistake the imitation chock with the real thing. So, in the interest of saving someone from potentially buying an imitation chock when they intended to purchase a Baxley Sport Chock, we asked Mayfield what people should look for to ensure they get the real thing.
Because imitation chocks are shipped from overseas and shipping space is at a premium, imitation chocks are shipped in pieces and bolted together somewhere along the line. Baxley Sport Chocks, meanwhile, are welded together at the factory and shipped as a single, assembled piece.
Imitation chocks use some small-diameter, round tubing and sometimes rectangular sections of painted metal pieces, but Baxley Sport Chocks are made entirely from 1.5-inch diameter steel tubing with a durable powdercoat finish.
All Baxley Sport Chocks have four rubber footings to prevent them from sliding when a bike is loaded into it.
And finally, all Baxley Sport Chocks have a plate riveted prominently to them that states “The Baxley Sport Chock, Made In The USA” among other things.
Every Baxley Sport Chock has a plate riveted to it stating who made it and where. Photo by David Swarts.
And if there’s still any doubt, potential buyers of Baxley Sport Chocks – or any of their other chock or trailer products – can contact the company directly at (888) 988-8833, www.baxleybyprovidence.com, and on social media.
The American Superbike Racing Association (ASRA) and Evolve GT School and Track Days are waiving gate fees for this coming weekend’s event May 3-5 at Pittsburgh International Race Complex (a.k.a. PittRace) and instead is asking for donations to the Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF) to gain admission.
At the gate, participants, racers, crew members, etc. will be given the opportunity to make a donation using a QR code or by adding cash to a donation jar, according to ASRA President Alex Spellman.
Gate passes to ASRA events typically cost between $40-50 per person.
In addition to the Evolve GT School and Track Day on Friday, the event at PittRace includes Round Two of the ASRA National Sprint Series with Pirelli, a round of the new ASRA Outlaw Bagger Series, and ASRA regional races.
The Roadracing World Action Fund is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping prevent rider injuries at racetracks, road race and dirt track, nationwide by purchasing and deploying soft barriers made by Airfence and Alpina. Since its founding in 2001, the Roadracing World Action Fund has raised over $3 million for this purpose through donations and fund-raising efforts by racing and track day organizations.
To donate directly to the Roadracing World Action Fund, go HERE.
Former racebike builder and tuner Charles Larry “Motorman” Brown died April 7 in Decatur, Georgia. He was 69.
Brown, a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard, built engines and motorcycles during the 1980s for racers such as Paul Bray, Mike Harth, Kevin Rentzell, Scott Russell, and Deano Swims out of his shop Cycle Performance Racing.
Brown is survived by brother Steve Brown, daughter Jamie Lee Brown, son Charles Edward Brown, and two grandsons.
Larry Brown, circa 2015. Photo courtesy Larry Brown Collection.
A Celebration of Life has been scheduled May 5 (2:00 – 6:00 p.m. local time) at 2000 Highway 42 North, McDonough, Georgia 30253.
A second Celebration of Life has tentatively been scheduled May 18 in LaFayette, Georgia, with details still pending.
Here are complete race results from the ASRA event held April 27-28 at the repaved Thunderbolt Raceway at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP), in Millville, New Jersey.
According to ASRA, Frankie Babuska set a new lap record during the Unlimited Grand Prix. Babuska’s 1:22:382 on lap two of the race eclipsed the mark of 1:22:657 set by Mark Heckles in 2020.
Race results are in separate PDFs below. Depending on your connection speed it may take time for all of the PDFs to load.
For more information on ASRA, go to www.asraracing.com.
Sokol International Racetrack, in Kazakhstan. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Editorial Note: The Grand Prix of Kazakhstan was originally scheduled June 14-16, 2024.
Grand Prix of Kazakhstan postponed until later in 2024
Friday, 03 May 2024
The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports announce that the Grand Prix of Kazakhstan has been postponed until later in 2024.
Unprecedented weather conditions have led to flooding across Central Asia, causing a national emergency in Kazakhstan and displacing much of the population. It would not be responsible for MotoGP™ to add any additional burden on the authorities or services as they work to help the tens of thousands of people affected across the country.
Sokol International Racetrack will therefore not host MotoGP™ on the dates previously announced, and any further updates will be published once confirmed.
As our utmost priority, MotoGP™ sends our condolences and support to the people of Kazakhstan and all those affected by the flooding in Central Asia. We hope the nation, region and communities affected can recover as soon as possible.
Cody Wyman (99) on the Army of Darkness (AOD) Yamaha YZF-R1 at Road Atlanta. Photo by AKHUGHES Sports Media, courtesy AOD.
$50,000 Dunlop Dollars Up for Grabs in N2/WERA Endurance Racing!
Rancho Cucamonga, CA: Dunlop Motorcycle Tires is proud to announce $50,000 in contingency for the N2/WERA Endurance Racing Series. Riders who finish fifth or better in the heavy, middle, light and ultra-light weight classes are eligible to earn Dunlop Dollars!
“Since reviving the national endurance series in 2017 we have seen tremendous growth year after year,” said N2 Director of Racing, Chris Kubricky. “This incredible growth has been in large part due to our partners at Dunlop, and we are grateful that Dunlop will continue to support our teams with an amazing contingency program.”
The 2024 N2/WERA Endurance Racing five-event Series by Dunlop will start May 24 at Road Atlanta, then June 8 at Carolina Motorsports Park, then to Roebling Road Raceway on July 13, Pittsburgh International Race Complex on August 10, take a brief summer break, then end on October 18 at Barber Motorsports Park.
“We are grateful for N2’s commitment to the motorcycle community and for the riders who support N2. Your loyalty inspires us to keep striving for excellence,” said Cori Maynard, Motorsports Logistics Coordinator for Dunlop Motorcycle Tires.
To be eligible competitors simply must use the approved Dunlop tires both front and rear, display a minimum 10-inch Dunlop decal on each side of the motorcycle (fairing) and a vertical Dunlop decal on each side of the front fender. In addition, competitors must wear Dunlop patches on their leathers, one on each side of their shoulder and one large patch on their lower back. Plus, Dunlop must be listed as a sponsor on the rider’s entry form.
All awards will be paid as Dunlop Tire Certificates to be used with the purchase of Dunlop tires. Certificates will only be issued when races have a minimum of eight starters. Certificates will be issued by Dunlop only on receipt of Official Results from N2/WERA and expired or lost certificates will not be honored or replaced.
The new Sportmax Slick is available now in multiple sizes from dunlopracing.com or your local trusted Dunlop trackside vendor.
About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires:
Dunlop is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S.A. For more information, visit www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com. Follow @ridedunlop on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X for the latest Dunlop news. Use #RideDunlop and/or #RaceDunlop to share your Dunlop moments.
TT Circuit Assen will remain on the FIM Superbike World Championship calendar through 2031. Photo courtesy Dorna.
WorldSBK and TT Circuit Assen extend partnership until 2031
Following the thrilling 2024 Pirelli Dutch Round, the TT Circuit Assen and WorldSBK are delighted to announce the extension of their agreement, securing the venue as a host circuit until 2031. This extension promises continued excitement for motorsport fans and ensures a Dutch Round in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship calendar for a further six years.
The 2024 event attracted 56,734 attendees over three days, showcasing the circuit’s appeal and its importance to the community and the championship. The Dutch Round remains a pivotal event, especially for home-grown talents like Michael van der Mark, Jeffrey Buis, and up-and-coming riders such as Loris Veneman, and Glenn van Straalen, the latter clinching his first WorldSSP victory this year.
The agreement builds on a strong tradition of racing at the TT Circuit Assen, known affectionately as the ‘Cathedral of Speed’. Having hosted WorldSBK since 1992, the circuit’s role is further underscored with the renewed commitment with MotoGP™, also extended until 2031. This double commitment underlines TT Circuit Assen’s prominent role in both world-class motorcycle racing championships.
Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director:
“We are proud to announce the continuation of TT Circuit Assen as a staple venue in the WorldSBK calendar through 2031. TT Circuit Assen, with its rich history and thrilling racing, remains an essential part of the WorldSBK heritage. We are excited to keep delivering outstanding racing experiences to our fans.”
Arjan Bos, Chairman of TT Circuit Assen:
“WorldSBK is such an important fixture on our calendar. Because of the constant interaction with the fans, young and old, we can continue to grow our fanbase for motorsport in general. World Superbike always gets a lot of appreciation from riders and public alike. We are very proud to continue as a location for this major event.”
A schematic showing the new BMW Automated Shift Assistant (ASA) components in a Boxer engine/transmission. Image courtesy BMW Motorrad USA.
BMW Motorrad presents the Automated Shift Assistant (ASA)
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 2, 2024 . . . With the new Automated Shift Assistant (ASA), BMW Motorrad presents an innovative technical solution that makes riding simpler and more comfortable. True to the motto “Simplify your ride”, the riding experience is enhanced by automation of the clutch and gear shifting process, without sacrificing the emotionally important dynamics of shifting.
The Automated Shift Assistant features a clever functional design in which two electromechanical actuators automate the clutch and gearshift of the six-speed transmission, which is the main difference to a conventional shift assistant. There is no need for a hand lever to operate the clutch manually. Starting, stopping, and maneuvering are all made easy with the Automated Shift Assistant.
BMW’s new Automated Shift Assistant (ASA) completes eliminates the need for a clutch lever while retaining the option of manual shifting by the rider. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad USA.
In manual shift mode “M”, the rider can move the gearshift lever in the desired direction in the usual way. If the revs in the desired target gear are within the maximum or minimum rev range, the shift is made directly. If the engine revs fall below a gear-dependent minimum speed, downshifts are performed automatically in manual mode. This prevents the engine from stalling.
In shift mode “D” the gears are changed automatically depending on the riding mode, engine revs, throttle position and lean angle parameters. Gears are shifted according to the riding situation and dynamic requirements.
A D/M button on the left handlebar allows BMW riders to select between fully automatic shifting (D) and clutchless manual shifting by the rider (M). Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad USA.
The benefits of the Automatic Shift Assistant (ASA):
Completely eliminates the need for the rider to operate the clutch.
Dynamic and comfortable gear changes for more riding pleasure.
Choice of manual or automatic gear shifting.
Automatically adapts gear shifts to the rider’s dynamic preferences in D mode.
Eliminates the possibility of engine stalling during gear shifts.
BMW Group in America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,145 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Just before the start of the AFT Mission SuperTwins main event at the Mission Texas Half-Mile with Briar Bauman (3), Jared Mees (1), Dallas Daniels (32), and Brandon Robinson (44) on the front row. Photo by Kristen Lassen, courtesy AFT.
Silver Dollar Short Track Rescheduled for Saturday, May 18 Due to Inclement Weather
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 2, 2024) – This weekend’s Silver Dollar Short Track, scheduled for Saturday, May 4 at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California, has been postponed due to inclement weather. The event has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 18.
“While we regret having to postpone the event, we’re excited that we still have the opportunity to bring motorcycle racing back to Northern California just two weeks later than we had originally planned,” said Brad Sweet, renowned sprint car champion and co-promoter of the event. “We are looking forward to delivering an entertaining event with exceptional racing on May 18 and appreciate the community’s understanding and support.”
Significant rainfall is expected to begin Friday night and continue through early Sunday morning, necessitating the postponement of the event which was originally scheduled for this Saturday, as round 5 of the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.
Co-promoters SLC Promotions and AFT Events have confirmed that all previously purchased tickets will be honored on the new date. Fans who haven’t purchased tickets yet can buy theirs today at https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/silver-dollar-short-track-89147. Gates will open for fans at 6:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT).
The 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, will continue next weekend in southern California with the Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track, scheduled for Saturday, May 11 at Ventura Speedway.
Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. Progressive American Flat Track is televised on FOX Sports and streams live via FloRacing. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on X, and check us out on Instagram.
TT Circuit Assen will remain on the MotoGP World Championship calendar through at least 2031. Photo courtesy Dorna.
MotoGP™ to race at Assen until 2031
The legacy will continue as the TT Circuit Assen is confirmed to host the world’s most exciting sport for a further five seasons
Thursday, 02 May 2024
A new agreement between MotoGP™ and the TT Circuit Assen confirms the classic Dutch venue on the MotoGP™ calendar until 2031, extending its previous agreement that ran until 2026.
Assen is a fan favourite thanks to its incredible layout, fantastic atmosphere and unique final chicane, the latter of which has been the stage for many of the sport’s most iconic moments, then and now. It’s also MotoGP™s longest-serving venue, having hosted Grand Prix motorcycle racing since the inaugural 1949 season – a unique feat on the modern calendar.
2025 will be another milestone year as Assen celebrates the centenary of the very first TT. Nearly a century after the event began and 75 years since Grand Prix racing first visited the area, the permanent TT Circuit Assen of today only continues to build its legend, maintaining the spirit that fuelled its origins but reimagining it into a modern, safe and spectacular racetrack.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta (left) with Arjan Bos, Chairman of TT Circuit Assen (right). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Arjan Bos, Chairman of TT Circuit Assen: “We are incredibly pleased with this contract extension, especially now that MotoGP is developing strongly. It reaffirms the status of the TT Assen as a highlight on the MotoGP calendar. We are proud to continue building the future of motorsport together.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports: “We’re very happy to announce Assen’s long-term future on the calendar. It was part of the very first season of Grand Prix racing in 1949 and nowhere else has been with us across these 75 years of racing we celebrate in 2024. That’s unique, but we don’t return only for the history or statistics. Racing at Assen, even 100 years after the first races held in the area, is still something special and it only gets better. It’s a fantastic, modern venue that continues to gives us incredible races and iconic moments, and there is no better mixture than the world’s most exciting sport racing at one of its greatest venues.”
A genuine Baxley Sport Chock manufactured by Baxley by Providence in Alabama. Photo by David Swarts.
Each year as we put together our annual Roadracing World Trackday Directory we gather photos of products that we use and recommend for those looking to go to the racetrack. One such product is the Sport Chock designed by NASA engineer-turned-racer William “Chip” Mayfield and built by his company Baxley by Providence in Alabama.
In case you don’t know, the Sport Chock (and its larger, original sibling the L.A. Chock) capture the front wheel of a sportbike, holding the motorcycle in place upright all by itself. It’s very helpful when getting off a racebike or trackday bike without a sidestand. And it’s even more useful when loading and securing a motorcycle into a truck, van, or trailer. The chocks are also often used to display bikes at events, dealerships, and in collections.
Baxley Sport Chocks in use at a California Superbike School. Photo courtesy California Superbike School.
Going through photos, we came across a shot of a track day participant using a chock that closely resembled a Baxley Sport Chock. At a glance, it was easy to mistake the imitation chock with the real thing. So, in the interest of saving someone from potentially buying an imitation chock when they intended to purchase a Baxley Sport Chock, we asked Mayfield what people should look for to ensure they get the real thing.
Because imitation chocks are shipped from overseas and shipping space is at a premium, imitation chocks are shipped in pieces and bolted together somewhere along the line. Baxley Sport Chocks, meanwhile, are welded together at the factory and shipped as a single, assembled piece.
Imitation chocks use some small-diameter, round tubing and sometimes rectangular sections of painted metal pieces, but Baxley Sport Chocks are made entirely from 1.5-inch diameter steel tubing with a durable powdercoat finish.
All Baxley Sport Chocks have four rubber footings to prevent them from sliding when a bike is loaded into it.
And finally, all Baxley Sport Chocks have a plate riveted prominently to them that states “The Baxley Sport Chock, Made In The USA” among other things.
Every Baxley Sport Chock has a plate riveted to it stating who made it and where. Photo by David Swarts.
And if there’s still any doubt, potential buyers of Baxley Sport Chocks – or any of their other chock or trailer products – can contact the company directly at (888) 988-8833, www.baxleybyprovidence.com, and on social media.
An ASRA starting grid at Pittsburgh International Race Complex (a.k.a. PittRace) in 2023. Photo by Mark Lienhard, courtesy ASRA.
The American Superbike Racing Association (ASRA) and Evolve GT School and Track Days are waiving gate fees for this coming weekend’s event May 3-5 at Pittsburgh International Race Complex (a.k.a. PittRace) and instead is asking for donations to the Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF) to gain admission.
At the gate, participants, racers, crew members, etc. will be given the opportunity to make a donation using a QR code or by adding cash to a donation jar, according to ASRA President Alex Spellman.
Gate passes to ASRA events typically cost between $40-50 per person.
In addition to the Evolve GT School and Track Day on Friday, the event at PittRace includes Round Two of the ASRA National Sprint Series with Pirelli, a round of the new ASRA Outlaw Bagger Series, and ASRA regional races.
The Roadracing World Action Fund is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping prevent rider injuries at racetracks, road race and dirt track, nationwide by purchasing and deploying soft barriers made by Airfence and Alpina. Since its founding in 2001, the Roadracing World Action Fund has raised over $3 million for this purpose through donations and fund-raising efforts by racing and track day organizations.
To donate directly to the Roadracing World Action Fund, go HERE.
Larry Brown (far left) with Kevin Rentzell (second from left) and Randy Renfrow (far right) on the grid before the 1987 Daytona 200. Photo courtesy Larry Brown Collection.
Former racebike builder and tuner Charles Larry “Motorman” Brown died April 7 in Decatur, Georgia. He was 69.
Brown, a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard, built engines and motorcycles during the 1980s for racers such as Paul Bray, Mike Harth, Kevin Rentzell, Scott Russell, and Deano Swims out of his shop Cycle Performance Racing.
Brown is survived by brother Steve Brown, daughter Jamie Lee Brown, son Charles Edward Brown, and two grandsons.
Larry Brown, circa 2015. Photo courtesy Larry Brown Collection.
A Celebration of Life has been scheduled May 5 (2:00 – 6:00 p.m. local time) at 2000 Highway 42 North, McDonough, Georgia 30253.
A second Celebration of Life has tentatively been scheduled May 18 in LaFayette, Georgia, with details still pending.
New Jersey Motorsports Park's Thunderbolt Raceway. Photo by David Swarts.
Here are complete race results from the ASRA event held April 27-28 at the repaved Thunderbolt Raceway at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP), in Millville, New Jersey.
According to ASRA, Frankie Babuska set a new lap record during the Unlimited Grand Prix. Babuska’s 1:22:382 on lap two of the race eclipsed the mark of 1:22:657 set by Mark Heckles in 2020.
Race results are in separate PDFs below. Depending on your connection speed it may take time for all of the PDFs to load.
For more information on ASRA, go to www.asraracing.com.
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July 26, 2025
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