Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 28th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 13 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2024 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
First road race: 2019, Rosamond, California, UMRA, 65cc Grand Prix, 1st place.
Current racebikes: Honda NSF250R, KTM RC 390, Ohvale GP-2 190cc.
Current tuner/mechanic: JJ Matters/Suspension Matters.
Primary race series: CIV PreMoto3 National Championship, CVMA, AMA Supermoto.
Top sponsors: Bierreti Racing, Fresh N Lean, Dunlop, Suspension Matters, Alpinestars, KYT Helmets, TechSpec, Mithos, ASV inventions, Maxima, Throttle Syndicate, Galfer, VNM Sports, Cardiff, Yoshimura, and Anthony’s Leather Works.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2023 season, placed 3rd in CIV Junior Aprilia Sport Production Championship (3 wins, 5 total podiums in 10 races), placed 18th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (2 top-seven finishes in 2 races started); 2022 season, finished runner-up in North America Talent Cup (6 wins, 11 total podiums in 14 races), finished 3rd in MotoAmerica Mini Cup 190cc class (3 wins, 4 total podiums); 2021 season, won MotoAmerica Mini Cup 190cc Championship (5 wins, 7 total podiums), finished 2nd in MotoAmerica Mini Cup 160cc Championship (1 win, 5 total podiums), finished 14th in the World MiniGP in Valencia, Spain; 2020 season, won Mini 80 WERA West Sportsman Championship (2 wins, 6 total podiums), finished 2nd in MotoAmerica Mini Cup 190cc Championship (3 podium finishes), placed 3rd in MotoAmerica Mini Cup 160cc Championship (1 podium finish).
2024 racing goals: Win CIV PreMoto3 National Championship.
Racing career goal: To make it to MotoGP World Championship.
Racing hero: Josh Herrin.
Favorite track: Road America.
Favorite hobby: Video gaming.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Playing tennis.
…
Some of the riders who have graduated from Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);
2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Corey Alexander;
AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);
2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner J.D. Beach;
five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and Moto2 World Championship point scorer Cameron Beaubier;
MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;
former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;
three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;
former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;
2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;
2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;
four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);
Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;
two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;
2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;
2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;
two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2023 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim;
2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);
2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;
eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;
2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and three-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;
MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner Teagg Hobbs;
AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;
2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;
2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;
2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, Moto2 World Championship point scorer, and MotoAmerica Superbike racer Sean Dylan Kelly;
Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;
two-time MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2020 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up Rocco Landers;
two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;
2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;
MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;
MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;
AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;
Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;
AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and three-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;
2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;
2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;
2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;
AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;
two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Championship runner-up James Rispoli;
2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;
2022 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up and 2023 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship runner-up Gus Rodio;
former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;
three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;
multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;
MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;
2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;
Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;
former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and MotoAmerica Super Hooligan race winner Cory West;
MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;
and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.
SUPER73 ANNOUNCES COLLECTION OF MODEL YEAR 24 E-BIKES HIGHLIGHTED BY SPECIAL AND LIMITED EDITION MODELS
SUPER73 Utilized Rider-Inspired Feedback to Upgrade the Look and Feel Of the Latest Lineup of Premium E-Bikes While Debuting a New Retail Store at Irvine Headquarters
IRVINE, CA – SUPER73, the American lifestyle adventure brand specializing in electric motorbikes, today announced its model year 2024 e-bike lineup which features more durable throttles, UL-compliant batteries in a range of capacities, refreshed colors to the core lineup, and Special Edition (SE) and Limited Edition (LE) trims. On display in their new retail store at its Irvine, CA headquarters, SUPER73 will debut the new models featuring exclusive badging to differentiate each SE & LE e-bike, along with three new colorways, including:
● Bandit SE – A 1970’s muscle car-inspired black with gold touches can be found on the SUPER73-Z Series and the SUPER73-R Adventure.
● Palladium SE – A masterclass in style and sophistication, Palladium is painted a deep and rich gray complemented by a brown vinyl seat that can be found on the SUPER73-Z Series and the SUPER73-R Adventure.
● Speedway LE – A nod to motorsports nostalgia, this silvery satin gray evokes speed and is featured on the SUPER73-Z Miami, SUPER73-ZX and SUPER73-R Adventure.
Playing up the premium quality of the SE and LE models for e-bike enthusiasts and collectors alike, SUPER73 introduces exclusive badging on stem caps for clear delineation of bike type. Further showcasing the unique nature of the LE models, SUPER73 individually numbered each bike up to 500 depending on model, providing riders with a unique opportunity to connect with the brand.
“We’ve listened closely to our riders’ experiences and aspirations, and are thrilled to unveil the latest enhancements and colorways of our new 2024 lineup,” said LeGrand Crewse, SUPER73 co-founder and CEO. “Every upgrade is a testament to our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences and exceeding the expectations of our loyal and passionate customers, while also adding exclusive numbered badging for all of our limited and special edition bikes starting this year, adding a touch of exclusivity and pride to every ride.”
In an effort to create battery compatibility across the lineup, these new models will be fitted with three new tiers of batteries, each with labels to help identify them. These batteries can be interchanged between all of SUPER73’s newer models, allowing the rider to choose the power and range they desire.
In addition, they carry the UL 2271 compliance seal, meaning they have been tested to nationally recognized safety and sustainability standards and passed accordingly.
For riders new to the e-bike space, the Z-series collection features a lineup of some of the most convenient and effortless models, perfect for anyone looking to explore in comfort and style. This year’s bikes will see upgrades including a brand new throttle, the addition of 48v headlight and taillights to the Z Miami and ZX models and 500 / 750 PRO batteries based on model and edition type. Additionally, they will have multiple new colorways; whether you’re seeking classic elegance or a pop of personality, our color options are here to turn heads.
● The Z Miami will feature Panthro Blue, SE Astro Orange, SE Palladium, SE Bandit, and LE Speedway featuring Gray Trooper Tires.
● The ZX will come in Panthro Blue with SE’s in Bandit and Palladium, and the LE in Speedway.
● Rounding out the lineup, SUPER73’s Z-Adventure will keep Sandstorm as a standard colorway, highlighting Bandit and Palladium in SE.
For the urban adventurer, the best selling SUPER73-S2 will now come standard with the new throttle, 500 PRO battery, Tektro hydraulic HD-E350 2-piston brakes, and co-branded Maxxis SuperSucker tires.
● The S2 will come in Sandstorm and Panthro Blue, which sports a brown seat, a nod and throwback to the popular Hudson Blue colorway.
The model year 2024 SUPER73-R Adventure has colorway and rider-inspired updates. All R Adventure bikes will come standard with the new throttle and the 1000 PRO battery. Featured within the SE and LE models, riders can experience a new standard with Fox rear suspension and Magura Hydraulic MT5e brakes.
● The SUPER73-R Adventure will come standard in Sandstorm while offering Bandit and Palladium as SE colors and Speedway in LE.
To cap off the Model Year 24 launch and build excitement around the brand, SUPER73 officially moved its retail store to the company’s headquarters located in Irvine, California. This location is designed to showcase the latest innovations and product lines while providing customers with an immersive experience that highlights the quality, creativity, and overall retro-futuristic aesthetic the brand is known for. At the forefront of its headquarters, this retail store not only serves as a hub to showcase the SUPER73 brand but also will be the template for future brick-and-mortar stores. SUPER73’s team created an atmosphere that embodies adventurous vibes through its contemporary SoCal-inspired design and laid-back ambiance, inviting customers to immerse themselves in the brand’s vision.
For full details on the new showroom and latest model year 2024 lineups that will be available starting mid-May 2024, visit SUPER73.com and follow along on Instagram®, YouTube® and TikTok®.
ABOUT SUPER73®
SUPER73® is an American lifestyle adventure brand based in Orange County, CA that develops products to help fuse motorcycle heritage with youth culture. Founded in 2016, SUPER73 has quickly grown into one of the most recognizable electric vehicle brands in the world with a passionate customer base including A-list celebrities, professional athletes, and many more. For more information, visit super73.com or @super73 on social media
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Enjoys Double Podium at Superbike Opener
Jake Gagne and Cameron Petersen finish first and third, respectively, in MotoAmerica Superbike Race 2 at Road Atlanta
MARIETTA, Ga. – April 22, 2024 – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne executed a superb race in tricky conditions to return to the top step of the podium yesterday in MotoAmerica Superbike Race 2 in Braselton, Georgia. The reigning three-time premier class champion’s 2-1 finish at the opening round at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta puts him tied at the top with 45 points on the weekend. His teammate Cameron Petersen bounced back from a tough Race 1 with a third-place finish for an emotional return to the podium in his first race weekend after months of being sidelined with injury.
In contrast to Saturday’s hot, greasy track conditions, riders were met with wet conditions on Sunday with steady rain at the 2.5-mile track in Braselton, Georgia. However, just before the start of the second Superbike race, the clouds lightened up, and the rain stopped, but the track was still pretty wet. When the lights went green, Gagne got a flying start from the second row of the grid to grab the holeshot and have a bit of a gap up front. Around the halfway mark, it was once again a three-rider fight at the front. The Colorado rider was shuffled to the runner-up spot on Lap 9, but a couple of laps later, the lead group came upon some lapped traffic, and Gagne positioned to reclaim the lead. As the track continued to dry out, the Colorado rider rode superbly in the tricky conditions. In the final laps, he kept cool under pressure and held off his title rival to take his first win of the season and his 41st career MotoAmerica Superbike victory. Gagne leaves the opening round tied at the top with 45 points.
After a tough race on Saturday, Petersen was looking to rebound and put his Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing R1 in the winner’s circle at Road Atlanta. Not comfortable in the tricky conditions, the South African didn’t get the start he was looking for and was seventh after the first lap. A few laps into the race, he started to find his comfort zone and made his way into the top five and then to fourth a couple of laps after the halfway mark. With four laps to go, Petersen advanced to the final podium spot after a rider ahead crashed. He continued to ride a smart race in the tricky, mixed conditions to give the team a double podium with his third-place finish.
The Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing team returns to action next month for a MotoAmerica Superbike Tripleheader at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama, on May 17- 19.
Richard Stanboli – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager
“Jake earned that one 100%. It puts us pretty even now in the championship going into a track we really like – Barber. For Cameron, it was his first race back where he’s been competitive, so I think it was good for him too, especially after being off the bike so long. So I think it was mission accomplished for us to leave here without a points deficit on a track where guys with horsepower can do well because of that back straight away. We’re pretty happy with this result.”
Jake Gagne (1). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Yamaha.
Jake Gagne – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #1
“At the first round, the priority is always not do anything stupid – get some podiums, get some points, and we did that. The Yamaha was perfect. It was really tricky conditions out there. It was pretty wet, but the track started drying really quickly. These conditions have been tricky for me in the past, but the bike was really working great. It came down to the last lap, which I figured it would. I just kept the door closed and luckily held off Cam (Beaubier); I didn’t want the same thing happening as yesterday. It’s a great way to start the season, and now we are rolling into Barber for a tripleheader at a track that’s always good to us. It’s just nice to get the year started after testing and the off-season; it’s good to get into the swing of it.”
Cameron Petersen (45). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Yamaha.
Cameron Petersen – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #45
“It feels good to get this podium. It’s been a rough nine months. A few weeks ago, I didn’t even know if I was going to be able to do this. So to bounce back after the day I had yesterday and get back on the podium – it just feels so good. I’m very thankful to Yamaha and everyone in my corner who trusted in me, trusted in the process, and never gave up on me. Here we are back on the podium. I’m just looking forward to the rest of the season. I think we’re up to the challenge, and I’m ready to do it in the dry.”
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, three corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company (YMSC) with divisions Bennett Marine (Florida), Kracor Systems (Wisconsin) and Siren Marine, Inc. (Rhode Island), Skeeter Boats (Texas), with division G3 Boats (Missouri), and Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana).
Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, U.S.A. (Yamaha Financial Services), an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., offering financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha customers nationwide. Yamaha Financial Services provides retail and commercial financing for the diverse line of Yamaha brand motor products based out of Cypress, CA and Marietta, GA.
More, from a press release issued by Tytlers Cycles Racing:
Cameron Beaubier and JD Beach lead in MotoAmerica SBK season opener as Stefano Mesa bags solid points in Supersport
It was an almost perfect start for the Tytlers Cycle Team who thanks to a win in the season opener and valiant performance to finish second on race two leave Road Atlanta as joint leaders of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship.
With forty-five points on the board Cameron Beaubier was on fine form and despite having missed the final part of the 2023 season through injury the former champion was almost unstoppable as 2024 began.
Mixed conditions saw both Beaubier and his new team mate JD Beach qualify well – in fifth and eighth positions respectively, the pair at the sharp end on both Saturday and Sunday.
With the #6 taking the win in race one, for JD – who returns full time to the series this year – it was a strong seventh at the flag after a race long nineteen lap battle with Loris Baz and Richie Escalante.
Sunday saw early rain soak the 2.5-mile circuit but as the second race got underway a rapidly drying line appeared. At the front JD Beach made the most of a fast start, latching onto the early race leader. As the race progressed the #95 seized the advantage, as team mate Beaubier closed on the duo out front. Relinquishing the lead as the trio lapped slower traffic JD went down yet despite the crash, he was able to remount and recover to take a well-deserved fourth at the flag. With JD out of podium contention all eyes were on Cameron Beaubier who despite applying pressure in the final laps to race leader Jake Gagne, had to be content with second at the flag.
In Supersport Stefano Mesa qualified x before powering his Kawasaki ZX6R to eighth in the opening race of the season. He failed to finish Sunday’s second race.
Cameron Beaubier: “I am pretty happy coming out of Atlanta with a 1-2. My bike felt great all weekend with a good base from first practice. Sunday was the first day I rode the BMW in the wet and I didn’t get the best feeling in warm up. After a slow start to the race, I started feeling comfortable and was able to mount a challenge. A big thanks to the team for working as hard as they do. I am looking forward to Barber so see you all there.”
JD Beach: “The first race weekend with the Tytlers BMW team had its difficulties and I’m glad to get the first one out of the way. The goal for race one was just to try to move forward and finish the race and get a feeling of how the BMW was over a race distance. The result wasn’t quite what we hoped for, but we gained some good knowledge and track time. On Sunday in morning warm up I was feeling good from the start in the rain. I knew the start of the race was going to be important to put myself up front to try and fight for the win. I had a good battle all race long with Jake (Gagne) and Cam B. I took the lead but got slowed up by some lappers and dropped down to third. From there I was trying to charge back forward but hit a wet patch and had a big high side. I slid probably 150 feet but ran to the bike and remounted for fourth. Thanks to the team for all their efforts. Let’s see what we can do at Barber!”
Stefano Mesa: “It was the weekend of the season in Atlanta with the new crew and whilst not the weekend we were all hoping for, the team worked hard to try and get me feeling comfortable on the bike and give me the best bike they could but we could never find a good feeling. We ended race one with a P8 and unfortunately suffered a crash in race two. The Supersport class is stacked, and the bikes are fast this year so we will do our homework and come back stronger at Barber.”
More, from a press release issued by Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.:
ROCCO LANDERS CARDS THE NEW SUZUKI GSX-8R’S FIRST RACE WIN
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki’s Rocco Landers took pole position and raced the new Suzuki GSX-8R to its first-ever Twins Cup victory. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.
Brea, CA, April 22, 2024 — Suzuki Motor USA (Suzuki) and its lead road racing teams – Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki and RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki – showcased their obvious potential as the 2024 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship season kicked off at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia.
The Sunday weather and some racing misfortune each conspired to limit many of the final results. The bright spot though was Rocco Landers (97) winning Saturday’s Twins Cup race, marking the new Suzuki GSX-8R’s first-ever victory in only its second race weekend in competition.
Race Highlights:
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki
Twins CupRocco Landers translated pole position into the historic maiden victory for the Suzuki GSX-8R.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki
Supersport
Tyler Scott was blisteringly quick in qualifying but unable to fully capitalize on his pole-winning pace.
Teagg Hobbs fought his way to a pair of top-ten results.
Joel Ohman debuted with Team Hammer in the class.
Twins Cup
Rossi Moor bounced back from a Saturday fall to finish seventh in wet conditions on Sunday.
Superbike
Richie Escalante suffered an injury moments after finishing eighth in Superbike Race 1 on Saturday.
A luckless Brandon Paasch endured a double DNF on the weekend.
Rocco Landers’ (97) victory in Saturday’s Twins Cup race was the bright spot of the Road Atlanta weekend. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki ace Rocco Landers made good on the all-new Suzuki GSX-8R’s immense racing promise, securing both pole position and the motorcycle’s maiden MotoAmerica win with a spirited and scrappy ride on Saturday. Wet conditions prevented the former class champ from doubling up on Sunday, but Landers still negotiated the tricky conditions to eighth place points in Race 2.
“Things came together a bit late in the offseason, but everyone on the team busted their tails to have us ready,” Landers said. “Getting this first podium on the GSX-8R at Daytona was nice, but to win this race at my favorite track is another level beyond that. It was such a fun race after having to fight hard and work my way up from third. I’m stoked and really can’t thank everyone enough at RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines and Suzuki,” added Landers.
Rossi Moor (92) qualified strong on the GSX-8R and came back to a top-ten result in Race Two. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s talented new young gun Rossi Moor (92) posted the second-best time to Landers to officially put the GSX-8Rs 1-2 in the qualifying order. Unfortunately, Moor suffered a high-speed crash in the session and was not medically cleared to make the start. He came back on Sunday to register a brave seventh place finish.
Tyler Scott (70) won pole position in Supersport to kick off the weekend, bringing the GSX-R750 home in sixth despite challenging weather on Sunday. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.
Road Atlanta marked the opening of the 2024 MotoAmerica Supersport championship, with March’s fabled Daytona 200 serving as a standalone, non-points-paying race. Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott (70) looked to get his title push off to a quick start, throwing down a pole-winning performance aboard his next-generation GSX-R750, qualifying nearly a half-second quicker than any other rider could manage. Unfortunately, Scott crashed out of Saturday’s race on lap 12 of 18 shortly after passing his way into the lead and making a break at the front. He bounced back with a sixth-place ride in treacherous wet conditions on Sunday.
“We started off sunny and happy with good times. We were close to the class’s outright track record. I felt good in the first race, but I lost the front at the top of the hill. I hit the ground abruptly and suddenly. It was a sudden, quick, and violent flip to the ground. The second race went fairly well, considering we had a big crash Saturday, and the normal issues after that. We got through them the best we could and got some points.”
Scott’s teammate and fellow title hopeful Teagg Hobbs (79), also struggled to take full advantage of his outright pace at Road Atlanta. The second year Supersport ace left the weekend with a pair of solid tenth-place results aboard his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750 and is eager to improve next time out.
Teagg Hobbs (79) delivered a pair of top-ten results in Supersport. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.
“My weekend wasn’t as tough as my teammates’ weekend, but it wasn’t what we are looking to do either,” said Hobbs. “In the dry, we had a lot of pace but couldn’t really put it all together. In Race 1, we had an issue causing us to lose time every lap. Sunday was just a wet mess. At a certain point, I was just trying to bring home a shiny bike and get what points we could. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to the next round.”
Joel Ohman (92), Team Hammer’s newest rider made his team debut in Supersport at Road Atlanta. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki newcomer Joel Ohman (92) rounded out the team’s Supersport efforts, claiming 23rd- and 26th-place finishes in his racing debut with the squad.
“It was my first experience on a team like this. It’s no surprise I went faster than I have ever have before, by like 3.5 seconds,” said Ohman. ”In some ways, it was a tough weekend for everyone, but I know what to work on for the next round. We made changes to the bike for me that I felt were big improvements. My goal is to win one day, and this was a good first step.”
Richie Escalante (54) raced to eighth in Race 1 on Saturday, but was injured in a post-race incident. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.
The run of bad luck that permeated the team’s overall efforts was most apparent in the premier Superbike class. Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante (54) crashed in a two-rider incident just moments after finishing Saturday’s season opener in eighth place. Despite walking away from the crash under his own power, Escalante was later diagnosed with a left wrist fracture and compression fractures of the L1, L2, and L4 vertebrae. After spending the night at a local hospital, Escalante was released to fly home to Mexico for further medical evaluation and treatment.
Brandon Paasch (96) had a tough race weekend and looks forward to bouncing back at Barber Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.
Teammate Brandon Paasch (96) had a difficult weekend of his own. Paasch crashed out of a top-ten position aboard his GSX-R1000R early in Saturday’s dry Superbike contest and then suffered another DNF the following day in challenging, variable conditions.
“It was a rough weekend for our team. I had never ridden a Superbike before here and I figured I would just jump on and go. It didn’t quite work out that way, and I struggled to get up to speed,” said Paasch. “In Race 1, I crashed on my own, trying to hang with the group and pushed a little harder than the conditions allowed. Sunday, we had an issue and I crashed again with about five laps to go.”
Suzuki Motor USA (Suzuki) will have another opportunity to make good on its full podium potential when the MotoAmerica season returns to action at Barber Motorsports Park, in Birmingham, Alabama, on May 17-19.
The 2024 season marks Team Hammer’s 44th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 133 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 361 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
More, from a press release issued by Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering:
Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering rider Gus Rodio scores two podiums, increases championship lead at MotoAmerica Twins Cup round at Road Atlanta
Twins Cup rookie Di Mario scores second podium in four races at April 19-21 event
BRASELTON, Ga. – It was another positive step for Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering rider Gus Rodio toward claiming his first MotoAmerica Twins Cup title Saturday and Sunday at Road Atlanta. The 2023 Twins Cup runner-up’s hard-earned second- and third-place finishes in the weekend’s two Twins Cup races allowed him to grow his advantage in class standings from 19 points to 22.
Rodio’s teammate – Twins Cup rookie Alessandro Di Mario – struggled a little in Sunday’s wet conditions, but his dry-weather pace was on full display as he challenged Rodio for second place in the closing stages of that race and scored his second podium finish of the year.
Neither Rodio nor Di Mario went out for the very wet Friday morning practice session but were near the top of the time sheets for Friday afternoon’s Qualifying 1. Rodio wrapped up that session third fastest – and the quickest of the Aprilia riders – while Di Mario ended up fifth-fastest. Saturday morning’s Qualifying 2 saw Rodio drop one position in the qualifying order to secure fourth place on the starting grid, and Di Mario held onto a fifth place starting spot for the round’s two Twins Cup contests.
Race 1 had an unusual start, as flickering starting lights caused the race to be quickly red-flagged and reduced from 13 laps to eight. When competition did get underway, Rodio made the most of a good launch off the line and was running right behind the race leader at the first corner. Di Mario held onto fifth place as the field navigated the tight first few corners of the Road Atlanta circuit, and both Rodio and Di Mario were part of a four-rider group that broke away from the remainder of the field at the front. Rodio led the race during Lap 2, though he slipped to third place for several laps before finishing the race in second place. Di Mario eventually worked his way up to third and even showed his teammate a wheel on the last lap. He finished in third place — just 0.107 seconds behind Rodio – to give Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering two riders on the podium.
Wet conditions were the order of the day for Sunday’s Race 2, and Rodio came back from a so-so start to clinch a hard-fought second podium finish of the weekend. Both Rodio and Di Mario slipped down the running order several positions off the start, and Rodio and Di Mario ended their first laps running in sixth and 10th, respectively. Di Mario managed to move up one place on Lap 8 and finished the race in ninth, while Rodio had moved up two positions by the end of Lap 4 and methodically closed the gap to the third-place rider in the remaining six laps. A pass at the last corner on the last lap allowed Rodio to secure his second podium finish of the weekend by a margin of just 0.214 seconds.
With Rodio’s closest championship rival scoring a win Saturday but finishing in eighth place Sunday, Rodio was able to grow his lead in the Twins Cup standings by three points. He now holds a 22-point advantage with eight races remaining this season. Di Mario’s podium Saturday limited the damage to his championship challenge, and he now sits fourth in the points standings after his first four races in the Twins Cup.
Gus Rodio (96). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering.
Gus Rodio / No. 96
“I had a great Race 1. I was a little off the pace coming into the race, so I knew I had to make some changes with my riding to run at the front. I was super happy to have been fighting for the win the whole race. I knew the rain was going to be a challenge on Sunday, but I kept focused on staying smooth and consistent. Overall, it was a great weekend to work on keeping our points lead given the circumstances. I’m super excited to be heading to Barber Motorsports Park next.”
Alessandro Di Mario (27). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering.
Alessandro Di Mario / No. 27
“Race 1 went pretty well. I want to thank my team and all my mechanics for the changes they made to my Aprilia RS 660 – it felt amazing during the race. It was really exciting to fight for the podium and be up there with all the fast riders in this class. I knew racing in the rain wasn’t going to be easy, but I concentrated on not making any mistakes and bringing home some points. Barber is one of my favorite tracks, so I’m really looking forward to going there next.”
Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering’s technical partners for the 2024 season include Spellcaster Productions, Luxestar VIP, Geoscape Solar, MAR Contractors, Blud Lubricants, Spiegler Performance, Woodcraft Technologies, Dymag Performance Wheels, Millennium Technologies, Sprint Filter, Dunlop, SC Project, MVR Endeavor, GRG Designs, REB Graphics, NGK Spark Plugs, EvolveGT, Bitubo Suspension and N2 Racing.
More, from a press release issued by Indian Motorcycle:
Indian Motorcycle Factory Rider Troy Herfoss Overtakes Championship Leaderboard Following Perfect Performance at Road Atlanta
The King Of The Baggers Race Two podium: winner Troy Herfoss (center), Tyler O’Hara (left), and third-place finisher Max Flinders (right). Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Three-Time Australian Superbike Champion & King of the Baggers Rookie Troy Herfoss Secures Back-to-Back Wins in Atlanta
Indian Challenger Sweeps Race 2 Podium, as Indian Motorcycle Factory Rider Tyler O’Hara Takes Second & Mad Monkey Privateer Max Flinders Rounds Out Podium
MINNEAPOLIS, MN. (April 22, 2024) – In its third race stop at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, it was again three-time Australian Superbike Champion and King of the Baggers (KOTB) rookie Troy Herfoss turning heads. The Indian Motorcycle factory rider saw continued success, gaining momentum and even more familiarity with his S&S Indian Challenger, as he piloted his championship-winning race bike to a perfect performance – winning back-to-back races and overtaking the championship leaderboard.
Starting the weekend off strong, Herfoss captured the Mission Foods Challenge and its $5,000 prize for the second consecutive week. While only time would tell, the Challenge would just be the beginning of a truly dominate performance. Starting on the pole for Race 1, Herfoss battled with Harley-Davidson’s Kyle Wyman, as the two exchanged passes throughout a tight race. Despite never racing Road Atlanta, Herfoss proved victorious and secured his second career KOTB win.
“It has been absolutely incredible to witness Troy’s success, as each and every track is brand new to him,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “Troy’s early success is a testament to our team in S&S, as they have done an incredible job of dialing in the Indian Challenger and allowing Troy to go out, focus on the track, and showcase his skills.”
With a wet track, Race 2 relied on a calculated risk. Rather than run rain tires like most of the field, the S&S-Indian Motorcycle factory team chose to run Dunlop Sportmax slicks instead. While this proved to be the winning choice, as Herfoss and O’Hara finished 1-2, Herfoss’ enormous 13-second win likely means he would have been in contention regardless of tire selection.
Completing the Indian Challenger podium sweep was Mad Monkey Privateer Max Flinders. Despite sustaining an injury in the Superbike race, Flinders was able to hold off reigning KOTB Champion Hayden Gillim and earn his first podium of the 2024 KOTB season.
Securing three wins and three second-place finishes through six races, Herfoss has taken command of the KOTB Championship Leaderboard, as he owns track records for bagger racing at Daytona International Speedway and now Road Atlanta. His 135 points leads Wyman by nine. For O’Hara, a fourth-place finish in Race 1 and a second-place finish in Race 2 moves him up to third overall with 79 points.
MotoAmerica’s Mission King of the Baggers season continues at Road America May 31-June 2.
A special thanks to Indian Motorcycle Racing sponsors: S&S®, Progressive Insurance®, Mission® Foods, Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties® and Performance Finance. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, X and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle Company is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
INDIAN and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC. Always wear a helmet, protective clothing and eyewear and insist your passenger does the same. Ride within the limits of the law and your own abilities. Read, understand and follow your owner’s manual. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
ABOUT S&S® CYCLE
S&S® Cycle was born from a passion for racing and has spent over six decades building performance for the powersports market. Their unwavering focus on quality, reliability and top shelf power has made S&S® Cycle the absolute leader in high performance on the street and track.
More, from a press release issued by Altus Motorsports:
MotoAmerica: Altus Motorsports Results from Road Atlanta
(Braselton, GA) After some significant off-season changes and extensive winter testing, the Altus Motorsports team rolled into the Road Atlanta paddock with high hopes and excitement. Since the final round of the 2023 season, the team acquired a new rig, built an impressive three-rider roster, brought back Team Manager/Crew Chief Boyd Brunner, New Data Engineer Murph, and decided to focus their efforts on a single MotoAmerica class.
For 2024, the team has consolidated its efforts and will run three Suzuki GSX-R750s in the MotoAmerica Supersport class. This strategic decision will streamline the team’s operations, enhancing knowledge and optimizing parts utilization. The MotoAmerica Supersport class is stacked with talent this year with many former MotoAmerica Superbike and international racers.
The weekend was filled with highs and lows for the team. Despite significant laps of winter testing, two of the three bikes suffered from electrical issues during Round 1. Unfortunately, the problems impacted both practice time and race results for Jaret Nassaney and Torin Collins. On the positive side, Jake Lewis garnered a podium finish for the team in Race 2 on Sunday.
Jaret Nassaney qualified 14th out of 39 competitors. In Race 1, he got a good start and slotted into 10th heading into the first corner. Unfortunately in turn 7 he hit a false neutral which caused him to lose the front and crash. He picked the bike up, brought it back to the pits, and was able to rejoin the race and finish after some quick repairs. Sadly, he was too far down the standings to salvage any points. The morning warm-up on Sunday was wet and Nassaney touched the paint and had a crash. Another great start in Race 2 was spoiled by an electrical issue that shut the bike off as he rolled into turn 1 and forced him to retire from the race.
Jaret Nassaney (59). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Jaret Nassaney: “It was a pretty rough weekend. We left Round 1 with no points and nothing to show the work we put in over the off-season. In Race 1, I got a great start and was fully committed. The bike went into first but then popped out and went into neutral causing me to lose the front. I got the bike up and back to the pit for them to fix some body work and finished the race but was too far back to salvage any points. Sunday, I got another amazing start in Race 2 When I went to open the gas to exit Turn 1, the bike shut off. Electrical gremlins took me out of Race 2. Super frustrating weekend.”
Every time Jake Lewis rolled out onto the track at Road Atlanta, he got more comfortable on the Altus GSX-R750 and went faster. He qualified an impressive 4th and finished Race 1 in 6th. On Sunday in Race 2, Lewis showed his tenacity and skill in the rain. By the halfway point of the race, he worked his way up to 3rd. With two laps to go, he had caught the 2nd place rider, but opted not to do anything risky in the rain and settled for the final podium spot.
Jake Lewis (85). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Jake Lewis: “I am happy with the weekend. Saturday didn’t go exactly as I expected, but it was nice to reward the Altus Motorsports team with a 3rd on Sunday. Big thank you to George and Janette and the whole Altus crew for giving me the opportunity to ride the Supersport class again. The team gave me a great bike to ride and we keep making it better.”
The latest addition to the Altus squad, Torin Collins, faced a challenging weekend. Friday’s P1 marked his debut on the Road Atlanta circuit. Just as he was getting acquainted with the track, a mechanical issue halted his progress after just four laps. The setbacks continued in the second qualifying session, as a new battery was installed Friday evening and it failed during Q2 further limited his track time. He was able to get the bike back during the session and his crew installed another battery. Despite these obstacles, Collins impressively secured the 15th spot on the grid, showcasing his potential amidst stiff competition. In Race 1, he worked his way up to 11th. Just as he was about to make a move into the top 10, he ran off into the gravel and crashed. He did remount, but ended up finishing out of the points. In the second of the weekend’s Supersport races, Collins had another electrical issue on lap 11 and was forced to retire from the race.
Torin Collins (171). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Torin Collins: “It was a really disappointing race weekend for me and the team with all the mechanical issues and bad luck we had. The results definitely do not show how hard the team and I have worked so far this season. I am staying focused and motivated for the next round. We have a lot of good times ahead.”
George Nassaney: “Definitely mixed emotions about this past weekend. As proud as I am that Jake got on the box on Sunday, I am extremely frustrated with the issues Jaret and Torin faced. We worked very hard over the winter and set a goal to show up to each round with three competitive and reliable motorcycles. Before the next round, our crew chief and data engineer are going to come to Oklahoma and go through the bikes. We will do an additional on-track test. We will continue to improve our procedures and work with our vendors to give our racers the machines they need to go out and show their talent.”
Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, WPS, Firepower, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Buy A Jet From Steve Main, Barnett, Evol Technology, Maxima Oils, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., Pit Bull Products, GB Racing, Ohlins, Puig Racing, RS Taichi, Arai, Core Moto, Pro Bolt, Chicken Hawk Tire Warmers, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing
Next stop Spain: who’s coming out on top at the carnival?
A fiesta like no other awaits as the hillsides of Jerez prepare to come alive with MotoGP™
Monday, 22 April 2024
COTA promised a lot and it certainly delivered, but maybe not in the way most were expecting. After the rollercoaster ignited the Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) vs Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) rivalry, saw Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) get on the podium AND Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) head into Round 3 with a very nice lead indeed as heartbreak hit for Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), it seemed Texas could stage a showdown between a few candidates. But the biggest answer of all after drama on the Algarve came from Viñales, who came out the blocks with an almighty advantage in Austin. And he converted that into a triple: pole, Tissot Sprint win and Grand Prix victory, becoming the first rider in the MotoGP™ era to win with three different factories. Chapeau.
So as we head for Batmav’s home turf at Jerez, he’s most definitely the rider in the spotlight, looking to show it’s not just Portimao, and not just COTA. But those on the chase are most definitely looking to change that, because the threat from Viñales is fast becoming very real – if not for those 20 points that went begging in Portimao, he’d be second overall.
THE LEAD IS NOT ENOUGH
Still, he’d be second to Martin, and the number #89 could be forgiven for arriving into the Gran Premio Estrella Galicia 0,0 de España feeling a little overlooked after Sunday in Texas. Still, there are plenty of positives from his slightly under-the-radar but well-paying weekend in the Lone Star State. First, after he led the title fight for a day in 2023, he’s still got that lead and it’s still a healthy 21 points, weeks later. He also bounced back well after a slightly disastrous qualifying that saw him crash twice. But a Sprint podium and a good haul of points on Sunday won’t be enough now we’re heading into Jerez, with the home, partisan crowd packed into the stands.
Leading, but not winning, and podiums, but not winning? That’s also not enough for Acosta, it seems. The rookie put in a stunner in Texas – as if Qatar and Portimao weren’t impressive enough – and led for the first time. And not just once, he fought for it. And only one of the most memorable winning rides of all time was enough to deny him the victory. He must have margin too, because he’s not crashing, so the rest must be wondering what exactly the GASGAS rider might have in the locker on home turf… where there’s even more incentive to rip it up. Final corner of 2013, anyone?
Speaking of, Marc Marquez also arrives into his first home GP of the year wanting to make an impression. A Sprint podium at COTA was a good start, but an issue and a crash out the lead of the big race? That will have the #93 fired up to prove some points, and there’s no better place than in front of the hillsides of Jerez that have loved him since before he even spun a lap on a MotoGP™ bike. It’s where fate intervened once and changed the course of his career – and it would be perfect turf to write another, healing chapter of it.
FORM RIDERS vs THE FORM BOOK
If Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) has anything to do with it, none of the above will be reigning the Spanish GP. The ‘Beast’ had a start in Qatar that didn’t raise too many eyebrows, but he moved forward in Portimao to second Ducati home on Sunday, and went one better in Texas to turn the tables on Martin and deny his old rival a podium. It was top Ducati though, now the aim is the top step. Can he upset the home heroes? The spotlight will be on his teammate Bagnaia too after the reigning Champion made Jerez a real statement Sunday win in 2023, with plenty now looking to the #1 to prove if the last two races are a blip, a dip, or something that could last a little longer as he looks for his mojo. Somehow he always finds it though, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Jerez stage a serious comeback for Bagnaia.
Two more looking for a comeback, and who impressed last season at Jerez, are Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and teammate Jack Miller. In 2023 the duo were the sliding, sideways rebellion against Bagnaia’s serene showing at the front, and it was a serious show for the grandstands as well as a showcase for KTM. It also leaves plenty of questions to be answered coming into the event this season. Can they do it again after a tougher Texas on the way in this time round? And maybe the biggest question for many watching 2024 so far… can they do it in front of Acosta? The stakes don’t even end there either. Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) wants a big step forward, but while there’s a superstar rookie on one other RC16, there’ll be a MotoGP™ Legend on another as Dani Pedrosa returns for a wildcard. Jerez 2023 was impressive. At Misano he was top KTM, and nearly on the podium…
RESET RELOAD RACE
There are plenty of fast faces looking to make Jerez a turning point for themselves too. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) has never got on well with COTA, but a solid result as his teammate steamrollered the field still isn’t quite enough. He’ll be pushing hard to remind everyone there’s more than one black Aprilia capable of fighting at the front. The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team duo will be trying to make an impression too after a tougher season so far for both Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Di Giannantonio, and Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) even more so. The now two-time Sprint winner has been AWOL from a top finish for some time, but he’s been a master of Jerez before in his career. So too has Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing), who has made his way into the ballpark after missing the whole of preseason, but now needs a finish and some solid points, if nothing else because the progress from FP1 in Qatar to now really does deserve it.
In MotoGP™, Master of Jerez has also been true of Fabio Quartararo. The tougher run continues for both El Diablo and new Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ teammate Alex Rins, but Jerez is a track that should be a little kinder for their bike, if track records are anything to go by. It’s also somewhere Quartararo especially has absolutely made his own, one of those where his name was penciled in next to victory before even arriving at the venue a few years ago. Is the fight for the top ten, top six or more on the cards for Yamaha in 2024? That’s also the kind of postcode the Trackhouse Racing squad will be aiming for. Miguel Oliveira had a tougher Texas, but Raul Fernandez managed to take a top ten. Can the duo get their elbows out for more? There’s also Aprilia Racing test rider Lorenzo Savadori wildcarding, so the Noale factory information gathering mission will be in full swing.
LOOKING FOR MORE
The information gathering will also continue at Honda. After some rumblings emerged over the last weekend that maybe the direction wasn’t paying off quite how it was expected, the race is on for the Japanese giants to find some more progress. The time going in to the project – including private testing and a wildcard for Stefan Bradl at Jerez this weekend – speaks to serious commitment to improve, and the season is young, but the points remain out of reach for the moment. Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) will want to be attacking his home round for a little more reward, but continues to set the Honda pace, whereas teammate Luca Marini is still trying to find his feet. Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) is maybe further ahead on that project, but the experience of Takaaki Nakagami (Idemitsu Honda LCR) is still seeing him in the mix with his fellow RC213Vs. Can they take a step forward at Jerez?
The Gran Premio Estrella Galicia 0,0 de España is ready to light up the hillsides of Jerez, welcoming MotoGP™ back to a true icon on the calendar. Home heroes. Rookies. Veterans. Wildcards. All coming together in the world’s most exciting sport. Are you ready?
TISSOT SPRINT: 15:00 (UTC +2) on Saturday
GRAND PRIX RACE: 14:00 on Sunday
What’s happening at the #SpanishGP
On Thursday morning, the event gets in gear with a visit to the Real Betis stadium, the Estadio Benito Villamarín, for Marc Marquez and Gresini Racing MotoGP™ teammate Alex Marquez, where they’ll meet some famous faces including Betis Legend Joaquin.
Then, at the track, the first Press Conference gets underway at 16:00 welcoming Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), second overall Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) and third overall, Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), fresh from his awesome display at COTA.
The second line up at 16:35 is rookie superstar Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), racing on home turf for the first time, joined by reigning Champion Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Marc Marquez.
Thursday evening will then host the first part of the Jerez City Hall Motor Awards ceremony (Entrega de Premios del Motor del Ayuntamiento de Jerez), which will take place at the Alameda Cristina in the city centre. Two of those rewarded will be reigning Champion Bagnaia and Ducati Corse General Manager Luigi “Gigi” Dall’Igna. A part two for the ceremony will then take place on the MotoGP™ grid on Sunday as Carlos Sainz Jr, Ferrari F1 driver and multiple F1 winner, will be awarded alongside WRC and Dakar legend Carlos Sainz Sr.
Once the track action concludes on Sunday, the party will then continue with a DJ as Indira Paganotto returns to the podium show following a first appearance in 2023. She’ll also wave the chequered flag on Sunday, after Joaquin takes the honour for the Tissot Sprint.
Moto2™: Jerez promises another race to remember
Three races, three different winners. Moto2™’s unpredictability continued at the Americas GP as Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) claimed a debut win in the class, with the Spaniard now heading to the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto atop the Championship table.
There isn’t much in it though. Garcia’s classy win at the Circuit of The Americas saw him narrowly beat home hero Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing), as the Californian claimed P2 to sit just two points adrift of Garcia ahead of the Spanish GP. Neither of the top two have stood on a Moto2™ rostrum in Jerez, but both will be looking to change that this time around.
They’ll have an array of competition though. Garcia’s teammate Ai Ogura was a winner in Jerez back in 2022, with Portuguese GP victor Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) second to the Japanese rider a couple of years ago. The pair will be hoping Jerez treats them a little kinder than Austin did, while the same can be said for Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Aspar Team). The Briton bagged a P3 in Jerez in 2023 and after a crash at COTA, the #96 desperately needs points on the board to kickstart his season.
Then there’s the SpeedUp duo. Fermin Aldeguer claimed his first rostrum of the season last time out and heads for home ground seeking a 25-point haul, with teammate Alonso Lopez hunting a return to the podium following a P4 in Austin and a crash in Portimao. The Spanish duo will be heavily tipped for success in Jerez. Tune in for the Spanish GP to see if the intermediate class has another twist in the tale!
Moto3™: the race is on to catch Holgado and Alonso
David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) hit back in a big way at COTA, disappearing at the front for a statement win and putting himself back within just two points of Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3). Now, the two are also a whopping 35 points clear of everyone on the chase led by Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports), so the race is on at the Gran Premio Estrella Galicia 0,0 de España for the field to try and play catch up.
It won’t be easy as the duo have been the class of the field so far, but it’s been a mix of bad luck and trouble for a few fast faces tipped to challenge them. Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) has had one podium and then played victim and perpetrator, respectively, in two doses of race day drama, and Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) has had a mixed bag too, making a mistake in Qatar that also took down Ortola and then being sidelined from taking his second place on the grid in Texas after getting appendicitis. Both are just looking for a smooth race weekend, and both have speed.
Meanwhile, Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) has started the season needing to pass medicals twice to compete in the full set of GPs, but once back at COTA, staged a duel to remember with Holgado and took a rookie podium at only his third GP. He didn’t test at Jerez in pre-season due to those injury issues, but he’s won there in junior categories including both JuniorGP™ and the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup on his way to steamrollering both titles last season. Much is expected, and at COTA, plenty was served.
Tune in to see more incredible action from Moto3™ this weekend at Jerez, and see if anyone can catch the two at the top!
Yamaha To Be Presenting Sponsor of 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Legendary motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha will be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, which will occur July 26-28, 2024, at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
“AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days carries extra weight this year with it being the key celebration of the AMA’s 100th anniversary, and having Yamaha as the presenting sponsor makes perfect sense as they conclude their year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the legendary YZ,” said AMA Director of Marketing & Communications Joy Burgess.
Yamaha, initially founded in 1887, began producing motorcycles in 1955 with the YA-1 motorcycle. Since then, Yamaha has grown into one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, while fostering a healthy community of vintage Yamaha riders.
This is the first year Yamaha will serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the three-day event, and the brand is planning many exciting activities and looks forward to being at the event as the AMA celebrates its centennial.
“Yamaha looks forward to being a part of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days as the presenting sponsor,” said Jennifer Davie, Motorsports Experiential Marketing and Events Manager. “As we conclude our year-long celebration of 50 years of the Yamaha YZ, we’re excited to put a bow on those efforts by celebrating with the AMA and their 100th anniversary celebration and the thousands of vintage motorcycle enthusiasts that attend the event.”
Yamaha will be on site with historic bikes, street and ADV demo rides, and will have a variety of Yamaha champions — many of them AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers — to sign autographs and engage with fans at the event.
As the AMA celebrates its 100th anniversary, 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha is expected to be the biggest celebration of the vintage motorcycling lifestyle yet. Featuring vintage road and off-road racing, the biggest motorcycle swap meet in North America, bike shows and vendor displays and much more, there will be a little something for everybody at VMD this year.
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Correa, Surowiak and Brown nab victories at Navarra
The 2024 BTC gets underway with three classic showdowns in Spain at Round 1
Monday, 22 April 2024
The 2024 British Talent Cup campaign kicked off under sunny but cool conditions at the Circuito de Navarra, in the North of Spain, with a bumper triple-header weekend and a total of 75 points available.
After the 2024 Class Photo was taken and testing wrapped up, it was Julian Correa (Microlise Cresswell Racing) who carried his good momentum from last season to the first pole position of the year. He was joined on the front row for Race 1 by Lucas Brown (Sencat Talent Team / Mortimer Racing) and Amanuel Brinton (Kovara Projects / RS Racing), the top rider from the 2023 season returning this year.
Correa took a solid start into turn 1 but Jack Burrows (Burrows Engineering / RK Racing) came out faster to lead the first lap, with Charlie Huntingford (Mototechniks) and Filip Surowiak (Team City Lifting/RS Racing ) jostling to work their way through the grid.
A mistake between Burrows and Josh Bannister (Fibre Tec Honda) saw them fall down the standings, allowing Correa to take the lead into lap 2, with Brown and Surowiak following him close behind and Brinton contesting for a podium position.
A hard-fought battle between Brown and Correa briefly saw the Sencat rider take to the front but Correa used the slipstream down the home straight and recovered the lead into the third lap – a foreshadowing of things to come.
Brinton pressed the leaders hard, overtaking Brown with a sharp inside move, moving into second as the leading pack began to pull away, with Mason Foster (BRP Racing) completing the top five.
A late lap 7 tussle between the front three allowed Brown to jump both Brinton and Correa, the polesitter dropping into third, but Brinton took the slipstream down the straight, overtaking Brown, and allowing Correa to retake the lead and Surowiak to take second.
By lap 9, an 11-second gap had formed behind the top five, Surowiak showing slipstream potential to take the lead from Correa but the Microlise Cresswell Racing rider looked in control, fending off attacks to retain his lead.
Lap 10 brought drama that would determine the outcome of the race; an error by Brinton saw him lose the front and go down, taking Surowiak and Foster with him, leaving Correa and Brown alone at the front and Ryan Frost (Fibre Tec Honda), some 15 seconds adrift, thrust into podium places chased by Clayton Edmunds (City lifting). All riders ok.
From here on in Correa worked to keep Brown at arm’s length to secure his first BTC victory, but the SENCAT Talent Team – Mortimer Racing rider wasn’t going to give in easy, taking a bold lunge up the inside of Correa into the penultimate turn of the final lap but Correa had the straightline speed and slipstream to carry him over the line first, just 0.046 seconds ahead of Brown in second, with Frost rounding out the Race 1 podium.
If at all possible, Race 2 was an even more dramatic affair, with Surowiak getting off the line fastest but Correa able to work the outside lines of turn 2 and 3 and cut inside into turn 4, snatching the lead from the Team City Lifting/RS Racing rider. Brown then edged his way past Surowiak and used the home straight slipstream to contest the lead into lap 2, going P1 out of turn 3.
In an almost repeat of Race 1, Correa, Brown, Brinton, Surowiak and Foster began to work a gap ahead of Frost.
With Lucas Brown in the lead, the front three began to break away, Brinton clearing the line into lap 4 over half a second faster than Surowiak, who was working hard to claw himself back into podium contention.
A crash at the final corner of lap 4 brought out the red flags. Josh Bannister suffered a highside just ahead of Samuel Munson (Wilson Racing) who had nowhere to go also going down, safely avoided by the trailing pack. All riders okay.
Once the track had been cleared, the riders lined back up on the grid for a reduced 8-lap Race 2, with Brown leading Correa and Brinton on the front row, and Surowiak and Foster on row 2, joined by Edmunds who was some 5 seconds adrift when the red flags came out.
Surowiak took a great launch from the line to take the lead, chased closely by Brown through turns 3 and 4, and Correa dropping down to 4th. Surowiak tried to pull the pin and break away, building a 0.3 second lead over Brown into the second lap. Brown, Correa and Brinton tightened up in the competition for the podium, exchanging places throughout the second lap.
Brinton took advantage of the slipstream to take the lead into lap 3 and Correa came flying up the outside through turns 1 and 2, demoting Surowiak to third.
By the halfway stage of the restarted race, Correa was back in the lead, setting up a familiar front battle with Brinton, Surowiak, Brown, and Foster.
Surowiak did a stellar job of snatching the lead, which he maintained for a solid two laps before Correa, in excellent form, cut up the inside heading into lap 7, and Brinton also siezing the opportunity to take a lunge for second.
Into the final lap of the race and Brinton piled the pressure on Correa, culminating in a brave overtake for the front. But the lead wasn’t to last for long as Correa took the inside line out of the final turn leading to a drag race to the line – Surowiak then able to dive past the pair to win by just 0.077 of a second. Correa took second and Brinton bounced back from Race 1 woes to stand on the third step. Brown and Foster rounded out the Race 2 top five.
The third and final race of the triple-header weekend was a far quieter affair but the racing at the sharp end was as tight and engaging as ever. Surowiak got a solid start to lead out of the first corner. Correa got outdragged by Brown whilst Frost launched himself from the third row into the fight at the front.
Through the final turn of the first lap Correa took a lunge up the inside of Brown but the Sencat Talent Team rider was having none of it and brushed him off before taking off down the straight after Surowiak.
An exchange of positions between Brown and Surowiak allowed Correa and Brinton to advance into the thick of the front four fight, with Correa eventually overtaking both Brown and Surowiak to lead.
Further back, some 4 seconds behind the lead group, Edmunds, Frost and Ollie Walker (Fibre Tec Honda) were rubbing shoulders, hoping to secure the final top 10 spots of the weekend.
Lucas Brown with the slipstream on the back straight of lap 7 overtook Correa with a late braking maneuver, taking the lead which he held until the home straight where Correa, once again, showed the straight line speed of his Honda engine.
But disaster struck for the American, a third podium was not going to be for Julian Correa as a technical problem with his bike brought an end to the race on the ninth lap, leaving Brown, Brinton and Surowiak to power down the straight without him, and the melee further back between Frost and Walker suddenly becoming a top 5 fight.
Brown saw this as an opportunity to pull the pin and try to make a break out at the front, but Brinton, who had one of the fastest single lap times of the weekend, was determined to take it down to the wire.
Down the straight into the penultimate lap, Brinton showed his straight-line speed, taking Surowiak and Foster with him in his wake, relegating Brown to the back of the lead group. Surowiak took the lead through the first two corners and Brown did a brilliant job of creeping up the inside of both Foster and Brinton. By turn 7, Brown regained the lead, but all four riders, clear from the rest, proved they were contenders for the top step.
The drag down the straight into the final lap saw Surowiak head into turn 1 first, going on to run wide at turn 6 allowing Brown to shoot through the inside to re-take the lead.
Brinton, meanwhile, had a plan of his own as he picked off Surowiak to go up into second out of the back straight and waited until the final corner to pounce on Brown but ran it deep allowing the Sencat Talent Team rider to recover his position for a thrilling four-rider sprint down to the finish line. Brown clinched the victory from Brinton by just 0.08 of a second and Foster snatched P3 from Surowiak on his BTC debut weekend.
After this victory, Brown leads the championship standings, 13 points ahead of a likely frustrated Correa. Surowiak is third, trailing by 20 points, with Frost in fourth and Brinton rounding out the top five, the pre-season favourite now 22 points behind.
The R&G British Talent Cup will return on May 19th for its first of two visits to Donington Park, promising more thrilling, down-to-the-wire racing on the Road to MotoGP™!
The United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA) kicks off the 2024 road racing season with its first visit to the historic Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park (TSMP) for the 2024 United States Vintage Grand Prix on May 20th & 21st
Thompson, Connecticut, April 2024 – The United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA), the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the U.S., is excited to kick off the 2024 road racing season at the famed 1.7-mile Thompson Speedway road course.
Bringing motorcycle racing back to the legendary course after 47 years, this event promises the very best in vintage and modern motorcycle and sidecar racing.
Spectators are welcome and admission for the two-day event is $20. For more information on the event visit www.race-uscra.com.
About the United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA) www.race-uscra.com
The USCRA is the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the United States and includes over 400 active members. The club promotes four general types of events: Road racing on both proprietary built road race circuits and real roads courses (Gunstock® and the Streets of Laconia®), as well as Observed Trials, Motogiro USA® and Pewter Run® touring events held on open public roads.
Originally opened in 1938, the “Indianapolis of the North”, Thompson Speedway was the first asphalt-paved racing oval track in the United States. In 2013 the track was reconstructed and is now under the American-Canadian Tour and Pro All Star Series (ACT/PASS) banners. Each year, Thompson hosts “The Sunoco World Series of Speedway Racing”, highlighted by the Monaco Modified Tri-Track Series and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Additionally, the circuit hosts NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, as well as various SCCAsports car races.
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 28th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 13 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2024 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
First road race: 2016, Road Atlanta, Georgia, WERA, Formula Three, 1st place.
Current racebike: Suzuki GSX-R750.
Current tuners/mechanics: Barry McMahan, Dustin Cyr.
Primary race series: MotoAmerica Supersport.
Top sponsors: Vision Wheel, M4 Performance Exhausts, ECSTAR, Suzuki, Mission Foods, Arai, RST, R&G, Shorai, Hotbodies Racing, Vortex, EK Chains, TechSpec, Cordona, SportbikeTrackGear.com, HEL, 1-833-CJ-KNOWS Accident and Injury Law, Roadracingworld.com, Team Hammer, Alpinestars, Roof Systems, Evolve GT.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2023 season, placed 2nd in MotoAmerica Supersport Championship (4 wins, 11 total podium finishes), won the 100th Loudon Classic earning the largest cash prize ever in U.S. motorcycle road racing history $55,000; 2022 season, finished 3rd in MotoAmerica Supersport Championship (1 win, 9 total podiums); 2021 season, won MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (11 wins and 15 total podiums in 18 races); 2020 season, raced in FIM CEV European Talent Cup (Best race finish was 16th at Valencia), win 2 CCS Atlantic Regional Championships (Thunderbike, Lightweight Superbike), won 26 CCS races; 2019 season, finished 23rd in Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup (best race finish was 11th at Assen), competed in European Talent Cup; 2018 season, selected to join the 2019 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, finished 3rd in ASRA Moto3 and Thunderbike National Championships (6 wins, 8 podium finishes from 8 starts), won 5 CCS Regional Championships (34 race wins), won 3 WERA races; 2017 season, won AMA Moto3 Grand Championship, won WERA Formula Three National Challenge Championship, won 2 WERA Sportsman Regional Class Championships (16 wins, 24 podiums with WERA), won 3 AMA Flat Track Grand National Championships, named AMA Flat Track Youth Rider of the Year; 2016 season, won 3 AMA Flat Track Grand Championships, named AMA Flat Track Youth Rider of the Year.
2024 racing goal: Win MotoAmerica Supersport Championship.
Racing career goals: Race against Marc Marquez, win MotoGP World Championship.
Racing hero: Nicky Hayden.
Favorite track: Mugello.
Favorite hobby: Riding mountain bikes.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Competing in bicycle races.
…
Some of the riders who have graduated from Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);
2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Corey Alexander;
AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);
2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner J.D. Beach;
five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and Moto2 World Championship point scorer Cameron Beaubier;
MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;
former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;
three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;
former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;
2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;
2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;
four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);
Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;
two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;
2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;
2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;
two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2023 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim;
2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);
2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;
eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;
2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and three-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;
MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner Teagg Hobbs;
AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;
2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;
2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;
2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, Moto2 World Championship point scorer, and MotoAmerica Superbike racer Sean Dylan Kelly;
Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;
two-time MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2020 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up Rocco Landers;
two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;
2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;
MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;
MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;
AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;
Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;
AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and three-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;
2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;
2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;
2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;
AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;
two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Championship runner-up James Rispoli;
2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;
2022 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up and 2023 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship runner-up Gus Rodio;
former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;
three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;
multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;
MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;
2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;
Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;
former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and MotoAmerica Super Hooligan race winner Cory West;
MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;
and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.
EUROPEAN TOUR ON! RED BULL GASGAS TECH3 HEADS TO ICONIC JEREZ CIRCUIT FOR SPANISH GRAND PRIX
It is time for the 2024 MotoGP™ World Championship to start its European tour, and the first stop of Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 will be nowhere else than at the iconic Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, which will host the Gran Premio de España, the fourth round of an already thrilling 2024 campaign.
Already making history in the premier class after he became in Austin the youngest ever rider to take back-to-back podiums at 19 years old and 325 days, a big round awaits rookie star Pedro Acosta this week in Jerez as he is set to race for the first time in MotoGP™ on home soil. One thing is sure, there will be many Spanish fans eager to witness the little wonder do his things on track, after three first rounds more than impressive,as the Shark already counts two podiums on Sunday and a front row start. Pierer Mobility will aim high this weekend, knowing that Brad Binder and Jack Miller were on the podium in both sprint and race in 2023. In addition, the test team including Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro have been working hard since the start of the season in Andalusia, and all this put together will give extra confidence to Pedro Acosta as he heads to a circuit where he finished second last season in Moto2™ .
On the other side, Augusto Fernandez will be looking forward to heading back to Europe on layouts he knows much more, starting with Jerez. After a difficult start to his season, the number 37 has tried to change a few things in Austin, changes which he hopes will turn into decent progress in Jerez, a track that he enjoys a lot. Texas was tricky and challenging, but he still managed to bring home points with a fourteenth place on Sunday. In 2023, the Spaniard took the thirteenth place, a result that he will be looking to improve, knowing that the bike performs well in Jerez.
Don’t miss out on another action-packed weekend as MotoGP™ stops for the first time of the season in Spain. Our full Spanish line up will hit the track on Friday with Free Practice at 10:45 local time (GMT+2), followed in the afternoon by the one hour Practice at 15:00. Very quickly, Super Saturday will be just around the corner with the qualifying sessions at 10:50, shortly after Free Practice 2. Pedro Acosta and Augusto Fernandez will then line up on the grid for the fourth Tissot Sprint of 2024 at 15:00. Finally, big points will be at stake again as the premier class lines up on Sunday for the main race of the Gran Premio de España, at 14:00.
Pedro Acosta
Championship: 4th
Points: 54
“The first race at home arrives and it comes at a very good time. We have just made two podiums in a row and I am looking forward to racing in Jerez. I have no pressure, what I have is the desire to go out on the track in front of what are probably the best fans in the world. Our objectives for this weekend remain the same as always, to enjoy ourselves to the fullest and try to continue with this work dynamic. It is true that Jerez is one of my favorite circuits, and in addition, our test team has trained here a lot so I am sure that the bike will do well. We also know as a fact that the RC16 does well in Jerez looking at 2023 results, and it motivates me even more to go out and give it my all since Friday in the first session. We’ll see what happens, I’ll see you all there!”
Augusto Fernandez
Championship: 16th
Points: 7
“Austin was a difficult weekend, because even though we scored points, we wanted much more, so I am looking forward to a new race week in Jerez. We have in mind that our bike works well on this track, and our test team has been working a lot, with positive results, so it is an extra boost for us. We are back racing in Europe, in front of our Spanish fans, which I am really excited about. Jerez is one of my favorite weekends of the calendar, so let’s try to enjoy and get a bit closer to the top guys.”
Nicolas Goyon
Team Manager
“It is now time for us to start the main European part of the MotoGP World Championship, as we are heading to the famous Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, for the Gran Premio de España. This Andalusian layout is very well known by all riders, as there is always a lot of testing going on at this track. Pierer Mobility will have high expectations, after we saw Brad Binder and Jack Miller take the podium in both sprint and race last year, so we know that the RC16 is working well there. From the Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 side, Pedro Acosta has been doing an excellent start of the season, with already two podiums and a front row start, and it is now quite clear that he is already riding at a high level in the premier class. Last season in Moto2, he was on the podium, so it is a layout that he enjoys, and we are excited to see what he can do this week on home soil. Augusto Fernandez has initiated some changes in his working method in Austin, and even if the results did not come right away, I am sure that the sun will start to shine in Spain for him. Expectations are high for the Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 squad, and we are excited for a new weekend full of action and excitement.”
Troy Herfoss won MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers Race Two Sunday at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, in Braselton, Georgia. Herfoss chose to use Dunlop Sportmax Slicks on his S&S Indian Challenger in spite of the track being damp-but-drying at the start of the race, but that gamble paid off with him running away to win the eight-lap race by nearly 14 seconds.
Herfoss’ teammate Tyler O’Hara also chose slicks, but he got off to a slower start and had to settle for the runner-up spot.
Fan favorite Max Flinders crashed at the end of the Superbike race, and almost immediately had to jump onto his Mad Monkey Motorsports Indian, which was fitted with rain tires. Flinders battled with defending Champion Hayden Gillim, who also chose rain tires, throughout the race, but Flinders won the slippery duel to capture third and the final spot on the podium.
Gillim finished fourth on his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson, and Kyle Wyman rounded out the top five on his Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Road Glide.
Jacobsen, Herfoss Perfect At Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
PJ Jacobsen Leads A Rahal One-Two And Troy Herfoss Takes Over King Of The Baggers Championship Lead In Georgia
PJ Jacobsen (15) leads teammate Corey Alexander (23) and Blake Davis (22) in Sunday’s Supersport race at Road Atlanta, Jacobsen won for the second time on the weekend with Alexander finishing second. Davis crashed out of the battle. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
BRASELTON, GA (April 21, 2024) – It was a breakthrough weekend for Rahal Ducati Moto. The brand-new Supersport team had some teething pains at Daytona, but it all came together for them at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
First, it was Corey Alexander who earned provisional pole in Friday’s first qualifying. Then, on Saturday, PJ Jacobsen got the team’s first victory of the season aboard his bright-yellow Ducati Panigale V2.
In Sunday’s Supersport race two, the riders faced an additional challenge of a fully rain-soaked racetrack. Jacobsen handled the conditions well, and in fact, the New Yorker led all 15 laps to get the double win. Alexander, who finished just off the podium in fourth on Saturday, was second for a one-two Ducati Rahal Moto finish. Altus Motorsports Suzuki rider Jake Lewis completed the podium in third.
“I feel like it was a very fast race,” Jacobsen said. “Between the three of us, I think our pace was super-fast, to be honest. I kept looking down at my lap timer, and I’m being caught instead of opening a gap, which is not a good sign. Then Corey (Alexander) has Jake (Lewis) doing the same behind him, so that’s not a good sign. So, you just keep pushing and pushing. I feel like our lap times were really fast. I felt like near the limit. I don’t know how they felt. But they were pushing me and kept pushing me. It was a really good race. If we were going out in superbike right now, we’d be out there doing the same thing, all three of us. I got the W again today so it’s really good to have it in the dry and in the wet. It’s kind of a perfect weekend. You don’t really get these. I guess I’m on a high right now. I’m just going to wait for the low weekend, but I’ll just keep on riding this out right now. The team has done a great job, the whole Rahal Ducati team. We have great sponsors, XPEL and Roller Die. It’s been great, and then having Richie come on board and also getting help from Bobby and Simone at Ducati Corse. So, it’s been a huge thing for the whole entire team. I think that we made a huge step with the right people behind us and getting everything organized and in the right direction. So, it’s been a really positive weekend for us over there.”
Mission King Of The Baggers – All Herfoss
If those racing for the Mission King Of The Baggers Championship weren’t already worried about Troy Herfoss prior to the Road Atlanta round, they most definitely are now. Herfoss rode his S&S/Indian Motorcycles Challenger to a runaway victory in Sunday’s race held on drying pavement, beating his teammate Tyler O’Hara by 13.887 seconds.
Troy Herfoss (17) ran away with the Mission King Of The Baggers race on Sunday at Road Atlanta and the win vaulted him into the championship points lead. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The two factory Indian riders’ choice of using slick tires instead of full rains pretty much sealed the victory for Herfoss. The Australian took off from the start and motored away from the field, with O’Hara taking a bit more time to work his way to the runner-up spot.
Third place, and the first rider using rain tires, was the ever-popular Max Flinders on his Mad Monkey Motorsports Indian Challenger with the New Hampshire resident putting in maximum effort to keep RevZilla/Motul/Harley-Davidson’s Hayden Gillim behind him to score the final podium spot.
After three rounds and six races, Herfoss is now leading the championship by nine points over Harley-Davidson Factory Racing’s Kyle Wyman, who was fifth today.
“I was very confident it would be slicks, but I was unsure of the ruling whether I could start from pit lane,” Herfoss said. “We’ve got two bikes in Australia. I haven’t had a one-bike rule… Or one bike only. I don’t know if it’s a rule or not, but we’ve got one bike. So, that made me a little bit more cautious. But once we established, we had a lot of time to change the tires on the grid, I figured definitely I was going to go slicks but roll out in the wets. Take a nice slow lap, look at the track, get a bit of an idea of the guys going around pit lane. You can usually see what the confidence levels are like. It was slicks all the way. The only problem was two laps to go there was a couple of specks of rain. So, if the skies would have opened one to go, a big gap can come down. It was a weird race for me. I got a really big gap in the first two laps. The first lap especially, three seconds. Then it said five after lap two. I had already slowed down in my mind, and I assumed that everyone was on wets. Dane took the pit board down after the gap went out and just had the lap count. So, I was like, ‘Okay, the gap is going out a long way.’ Then when I hear Tyler’s (O’Hara) on slicks, I’m like, ‘Wow. I was way too cautious. He could have been coming fast.’ That’s what it was like. I’ve never been in that situation where I’ve literally gone off the start and in my mind, it was like, ‘Okay, I’ve won the race. Just don’t mess up.’ You’ve got no idea how nerve-racking that is when you’re in that position. How good is this? Indian one, two, and three. It’s a perfect weekend for me. I never would have dreamed that. A perfect weekend in this championship at all, let alone third weekend in the championship. So, it’s a real credit to the team that they can give me a bike that I can just concentrate on racing on and learning tracks. That’s the reason I’m able to be so competitive. So, I want to say thank you to them.
Junior Cup – Medina’s First
Sunday dawned with rain in the forecast, and the riders in Junior Cup were first up with their feature race, which was shortened by two laps due to the prodigious precipitation. Yandel Medina, who was third in Saturday’s race one, was hoping for a wet race, and that’s exactly what he got. And, he made the best of it, as the New York Safety Track Racing rider notched the first win of his MotoAmerica career. Meanwhile, Ryan Wolfe followed up his runner-up result on Saturday with another second-place finish in Sunday’s race two. BARTCON Racing’s Eli Block, who won both Junior Cup races in the rain at New Jersey Motorsports Park last year, rounded out the podium in third.
Yandel Medina (39) led every lap en route to taking his first MotoAmerica victory in Sunday’s Junior Cup race at Road Atlanta. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“You were just holding your breath for the whole race, especially being in the front,” Medina said. “I didn’t get passed the whole race. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, nobody is passing me.’ I would just hear bikes right there in the end of 10A. I’m like, ‘Oh, they’re coming.’ I was thinking about yesterday when everybody just swooped in with the draft. But other than that, it was just keep your head down and go. I didn’t know what was going on. I tried to communicate, but my team didn’t understand what I was trying to say. But it all went well. I’m happy. Finally got first place. Everything went well. I’m happy with the results.”
BellissiMoto Twins Cup – Doyle In the Wet
South African Dominic Doyle has paid his dues in the BellissiMoto Twins Cup Championship. Doyle, who raced for a different team last year and finished fourth in the 2023 Twins Cup Championship, got the win in Sunday’s race two aboard his Giaccmoto Racing Yamaha YZF-R7.
Jack Roach (112) leads eventual BellissiMoto Twins Cup race winner Dominic Doyle (25), Rocco Landers (97) and the rest of the pack. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
British rider, by way of Canada, Jack Roach powered his Wrench Motorcycles Yamaha to second place, albeit a little over three seconds behind Doyle. Twins Cup Championship leader Gus Rodio completed the podium in third after finishing second on Saturday aboard his Rodio Racing – Powered By Robem Engineering Aprilia.
“I got an okay start,” Doyle said. “Jack (Roach) came around me. I just tried to see what kind of pace the other guys had. I felt like I could roll up on them a little bit. So, I made the move in the last turn and kind of just put my head down and tried to ride my own race and click off the same laps I was doing in warmup, like 50, 51. I could kind of stay in that range. I saw my pit board. Got up to about sixth. I came down to three, so I just tried to stay on the same pace. It went back up to four and I had two laps to go. So, I just kind of cruised around and rode my own race. No real problems. Had one little problem in turn one going up the hill. Lost the rear a little bit. But pretty smooth race other than that.”
Jesse James Shedden (9). Photo by Stephen Tripp Photography.
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 28th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 13 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2024 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
First road race: 2019, Rosamond, California, UMRA, 65cc Grand Prix, 1st place.
Current racebikes: Honda NSF250R, KTM RC 390, Ohvale GP-2 190cc.
Current tuner/mechanic: JJ Matters/Suspension Matters.
Primary race series: CIV PreMoto3 National Championship, CVMA, AMA Supermoto.
Top sponsors: Bierreti Racing, Fresh N Lean, Dunlop, Suspension Matters, Alpinestars, KYT Helmets, TechSpec, Mithos, ASV inventions, Maxima, Throttle Syndicate, Galfer, VNM Sports, Cardiff, Yoshimura, and Anthony’s Leather Works.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2023 season, placed 3rd in CIV Junior Aprilia Sport Production Championship (3 wins, 5 total podiums in 10 races), placed 18th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (2 top-seven finishes in 2 races started); 2022 season, finished runner-up in North America Talent Cup (6 wins, 11 total podiums in 14 races), finished 3rd in MotoAmerica Mini Cup 190cc class (3 wins, 4 total podiums); 2021 season, won MotoAmerica Mini Cup 190cc Championship (5 wins, 7 total podiums), finished 2nd in MotoAmerica Mini Cup 160cc Championship (1 win, 5 total podiums), finished 14th in the World MiniGP in Valencia, Spain; 2020 season, won Mini 80 WERA West Sportsman Championship (2 wins, 6 total podiums), finished 2nd in MotoAmerica Mini Cup 190cc Championship (3 podium finishes), placed 3rd in MotoAmerica Mini Cup 160cc Championship (1 podium finish).
2024 racing goals: Win CIV PreMoto3 National Championship.
Racing career goal: To make it to MotoGP World Championship.
Racing hero: Josh Herrin.
Favorite track: Road America.
Favorite hobby: Video gaming.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Playing tennis.
…
Some of the riders who have graduated from Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);
2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Corey Alexander;
AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);
2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner J.D. Beach;
five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and Moto2 World Championship point scorer Cameron Beaubier;
MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;
former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;
three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;
former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;
2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;
2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;
four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);
Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;
two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;
2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;
2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;
two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2023 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim;
2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);
2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;
eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;
2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and three-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;
MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner Teagg Hobbs;
AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;
2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;
2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;
2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, Moto2 World Championship point scorer, and MotoAmerica Superbike racer Sean Dylan Kelly;
Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;
two-time MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2020 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up Rocco Landers;
two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;
2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;
MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;
MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;
AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;
Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;
AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and three-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;
2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;
2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;
2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;
AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;
two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Championship runner-up James Rispoli;
2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;
2022 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up and 2023 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship runner-up Gus Rodio;
former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;
three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;
multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;
MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;
2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;
Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;
former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and MotoAmerica Super Hooligan race winner Cory West;
MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;
and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.
2024-model SUPER73 e-bikes (from left) a SUPER73-Z Miami Speedway LE, a SUPER73-R Adventure Palladium SE, and a SUPER73-R Adventure Sandstorm. Photo courtesy SUPER73.
SUPER73 ANNOUNCES COLLECTION OF MODEL YEAR 24 E-BIKES HIGHLIGHTED BY SPECIAL AND LIMITED EDITION MODELS
SUPER73 Utilized Rider-Inspired Feedback to Upgrade the Look and Feel Of the Latest Lineup of Premium E-Bikes While Debuting a New Retail Store at Irvine Headquarters
IRVINE, CA – SUPER73, the American lifestyle adventure brand specializing in electric motorbikes, today announced its model year 2024 e-bike lineup which features more durable throttles, UL-compliant batteries in a range of capacities, refreshed colors to the core lineup, and Special Edition (SE) and Limited Edition (LE) trims. On display in their new retail store at its Irvine, CA headquarters, SUPER73 will debut the new models featuring exclusive badging to differentiate each SE & LE e-bike, along with three new colorways, including:
● Bandit SE – A 1970’s muscle car-inspired black with gold touches can be found on the SUPER73-Z Series and the SUPER73-R Adventure.
● Palladium SE – A masterclass in style and sophistication, Palladium is painted a deep and rich gray complemented by a brown vinyl seat that can be found on the SUPER73-Z Series and the SUPER73-R Adventure.
● Speedway LE – A nod to motorsports nostalgia, this silvery satin gray evokes speed and is featured on the SUPER73-Z Miami, SUPER73-ZX and SUPER73-R Adventure.
Playing up the premium quality of the SE and LE models for e-bike enthusiasts and collectors alike, SUPER73 introduces exclusive badging on stem caps for clear delineation of bike type. Further showcasing the unique nature of the LE models, SUPER73 individually numbered each bike up to 500 depending on model, providing riders with a unique opportunity to connect with the brand.
“We’ve listened closely to our riders’ experiences and aspirations, and are thrilled to unveil the latest enhancements and colorways of our new 2024 lineup,” said LeGrand Crewse, SUPER73 co-founder and CEO. “Every upgrade is a testament to our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences and exceeding the expectations of our loyal and passionate customers, while also adding exclusive numbered badging for all of our limited and special edition bikes starting this year, adding a touch of exclusivity and pride to every ride.”
In an effort to create battery compatibility across the lineup, these new models will be fitted with three new tiers of batteries, each with labels to help identify them. These batteries can be interchanged between all of SUPER73’s newer models, allowing the rider to choose the power and range they desire.
In addition, they carry the UL 2271 compliance seal, meaning they have been tested to nationally recognized safety and sustainability standards and passed accordingly.
For riders new to the e-bike space, the Z-series collection features a lineup of some of the most convenient and effortless models, perfect for anyone looking to explore in comfort and style. This year’s bikes will see upgrades including a brand new throttle, the addition of 48v headlight and taillights to the Z Miami and ZX models and 500 / 750 PRO batteries based on model and edition type. Additionally, they will have multiple new colorways; whether you’re seeking classic elegance or a pop of personality, our color options are here to turn heads.
● The Z Miami will feature Panthro Blue, SE Astro Orange, SE Palladium, SE Bandit, and LE Speedway featuring Gray Trooper Tires.
● The ZX will come in Panthro Blue with SE’s in Bandit and Palladium, and the LE in Speedway.
● Rounding out the lineup, SUPER73’s Z-Adventure will keep Sandstorm as a standard colorway, highlighting Bandit and Palladium in SE.
For the urban adventurer, the best selling SUPER73-S2 will now come standard with the new throttle, 500 PRO battery, Tektro hydraulic HD-E350 2-piston brakes, and co-branded Maxxis SuperSucker tires.
● The S2 will come in Sandstorm and Panthro Blue, which sports a brown seat, a nod and throwback to the popular Hudson Blue colorway.
The model year 2024 SUPER73-R Adventure has colorway and rider-inspired updates. All R Adventure bikes will come standard with the new throttle and the 1000 PRO battery. Featured within the SE and LE models, riders can experience a new standard with Fox rear suspension and Magura Hydraulic MT5e brakes.
● The SUPER73-R Adventure will come standard in Sandstorm while offering Bandit and Palladium as SE colors and Speedway in LE.
To cap off the Model Year 24 launch and build excitement around the brand, SUPER73 officially moved its retail store to the company’s headquarters located in Irvine, California. This location is designed to showcase the latest innovations and product lines while providing customers with an immersive experience that highlights the quality, creativity, and overall retro-futuristic aesthetic the brand is known for. At the forefront of its headquarters, this retail store not only serves as a hub to showcase the SUPER73 brand but also will be the template for future brick-and-mortar stores. SUPER73’s team created an atmosphere that embodies adventurous vibes through its contemporary SoCal-inspired design and laid-back ambiance, inviting customers to immerse themselves in the brand’s vision.
For full details on the new showroom and latest model year 2024 lineups that will be available starting mid-May 2024, visit SUPER73.com and follow along on Instagram®, YouTube® and TikTok®.
ABOUT SUPER73®
SUPER73® is an American lifestyle adventure brand based in Orange County, CA that develops products to help fuse motorcycle heritage with youth culture. Founded in 2016, SUPER73 has quickly grown into one of the most recognizable electric vehicle brands in the world with a passionate customer base including A-list celebrities, professional athletes, and many more. For more information, visit super73.com or @super73 on social media
Jake Gagne (1) leads JD Beach (95) and Cameron Beaubier (6) in MotoAmerica Superbike Race Two at Road Atlanta. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Yamaha.
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Enjoys Double Podium at Superbike Opener
Jake Gagne and Cameron Petersen finish first and third, respectively, in MotoAmerica Superbike Race 2 at Road Atlanta
MARIETTA, Ga. – April 22, 2024 – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne executed a superb race in tricky conditions to return to the top step of the podium yesterday in MotoAmerica Superbike Race 2 in Braselton, Georgia. The reigning three-time premier class champion’s 2-1 finish at the opening round at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta puts him tied at the top with 45 points on the weekend. His teammate Cameron Petersen bounced back from a tough Race 1 with a third-place finish for an emotional return to the podium in his first race weekend after months of being sidelined with injury.
In contrast to Saturday’s hot, greasy track conditions, riders were met with wet conditions on Sunday with steady rain at the 2.5-mile track in Braselton, Georgia. However, just before the start of the second Superbike race, the clouds lightened up, and the rain stopped, but the track was still pretty wet. When the lights went green, Gagne got a flying start from the second row of the grid to grab the holeshot and have a bit of a gap up front. Around the halfway mark, it was once again a three-rider fight at the front. The Colorado rider was shuffled to the runner-up spot on Lap 9, but a couple of laps later, the lead group came upon some lapped traffic, and Gagne positioned to reclaim the lead. As the track continued to dry out, the Colorado rider rode superbly in the tricky conditions. In the final laps, he kept cool under pressure and held off his title rival to take his first win of the season and his 41st career MotoAmerica Superbike victory. Gagne leaves the opening round tied at the top with 45 points.
After a tough race on Saturday, Petersen was looking to rebound and put his Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing R1 in the winner’s circle at Road Atlanta. Not comfortable in the tricky conditions, the South African didn’t get the start he was looking for and was seventh after the first lap. A few laps into the race, he started to find his comfort zone and made his way into the top five and then to fourth a couple of laps after the halfway mark. With four laps to go, Petersen advanced to the final podium spot after a rider ahead crashed. He continued to ride a smart race in the tricky, mixed conditions to give the team a double podium with his third-place finish.
The Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing team returns to action next month for a MotoAmerica Superbike Tripleheader at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama, on May 17- 19.
Richard Stanboli – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager
“Jake earned that one 100%. It puts us pretty even now in the championship going into a track we really like – Barber. For Cameron, it was his first race back where he’s been competitive, so I think it was good for him too, especially after being off the bike so long. So I think it was mission accomplished for us to leave here without a points deficit on a track where guys with horsepower can do well because of that back straight away. We’re pretty happy with this result.”
Jake Gagne (1). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Yamaha.
Jake Gagne – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #1
“At the first round, the priority is always not do anything stupid – get some podiums, get some points, and we did that. The Yamaha was perfect. It was really tricky conditions out there. It was pretty wet, but the track started drying really quickly. These conditions have been tricky for me in the past, but the bike was really working great. It came down to the last lap, which I figured it would. I just kept the door closed and luckily held off Cam (Beaubier); I didn’t want the same thing happening as yesterday. It’s a great way to start the season, and now we are rolling into Barber for a tripleheader at a track that’s always good to us. It’s just nice to get the year started after testing and the off-season; it’s good to get into the swing of it.”
Cameron Petersen (45). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Yamaha.
Cameron Petersen – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #45
“It feels good to get this podium. It’s been a rough nine months. A few weeks ago, I didn’t even know if I was going to be able to do this. So to bounce back after the day I had yesterday and get back on the podium – it just feels so good. I’m very thankful to Yamaha and everyone in my corner who trusted in me, trusted in the process, and never gave up on me. Here we are back on the podium. I’m just looking forward to the rest of the season. I think we’re up to the challenge, and I’m ready to do it in the dry.”
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, three corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company (YMSC) with divisions Bennett Marine (Florida), Kracor Systems (Wisconsin) and Siren Marine, Inc. (Rhode Island), Skeeter Boats (Texas), with division G3 Boats (Missouri), and Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana).
Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, U.S.A. (Yamaha Financial Services), an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., offering financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha customers nationwide. Yamaha Financial Services provides retail and commercial financing for the diverse line of Yamaha brand motor products based out of Cypress, CA and Marietta, GA.
More, from a press release issued by Tytlers Cycles Racing:
Cameron Beaubier and JD Beach lead in MotoAmerica SBK season opener as Stefano Mesa bags solid points in Supersport
It was an almost perfect start for the Tytlers Cycle Team who thanks to a win in the season opener and valiant performance to finish second on race two leave Road Atlanta as joint leaders of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship.
With forty-five points on the board Cameron Beaubier was on fine form and despite having missed the final part of the 2023 season through injury the former champion was almost unstoppable as 2024 began.
Mixed conditions saw both Beaubier and his new team mate JD Beach qualify well – in fifth and eighth positions respectively, the pair at the sharp end on both Saturday and Sunday.
With the #6 taking the win in race one, for JD – who returns full time to the series this year – it was a strong seventh at the flag after a race long nineteen lap battle with Loris Baz and Richie Escalante.
Sunday saw early rain soak the 2.5-mile circuit but as the second race got underway a rapidly drying line appeared. At the front JD Beach made the most of a fast start, latching onto the early race leader. As the race progressed the #95 seized the advantage, as team mate Beaubier closed on the duo out front. Relinquishing the lead as the trio lapped slower traffic JD went down yet despite the crash, he was able to remount and recover to take a well-deserved fourth at the flag. With JD out of podium contention all eyes were on Cameron Beaubier who despite applying pressure in the final laps to race leader Jake Gagne, had to be content with second at the flag.
In Supersport Stefano Mesa qualified x before powering his Kawasaki ZX6R to eighth in the opening race of the season. He failed to finish Sunday’s second race.
Cameron Beaubier: “I am pretty happy coming out of Atlanta with a 1-2. My bike felt great all weekend with a good base from first practice. Sunday was the first day I rode the BMW in the wet and I didn’t get the best feeling in warm up. After a slow start to the race, I started feeling comfortable and was able to mount a challenge. A big thanks to the team for working as hard as they do. I am looking forward to Barber so see you all there.”
JD Beach: “The first race weekend with the Tytlers BMW team had its difficulties and I’m glad to get the first one out of the way. The goal for race one was just to try to move forward and finish the race and get a feeling of how the BMW was over a race distance. The result wasn’t quite what we hoped for, but we gained some good knowledge and track time. On Sunday in morning warm up I was feeling good from the start in the rain. I knew the start of the race was going to be important to put myself up front to try and fight for the win. I had a good battle all race long with Jake (Gagne) and Cam B. I took the lead but got slowed up by some lappers and dropped down to third. From there I was trying to charge back forward but hit a wet patch and had a big high side. I slid probably 150 feet but ran to the bike and remounted for fourth. Thanks to the team for all their efforts. Let’s see what we can do at Barber!”
Stefano Mesa: “It was the weekend of the season in Atlanta with the new crew and whilst not the weekend we were all hoping for, the team worked hard to try and get me feeling comfortable on the bike and give me the best bike they could but we could never find a good feeling. We ended race one with a P8 and unfortunately suffered a crash in race two. The Supersport class is stacked, and the bikes are fast this year so we will do our homework and come back stronger at Barber.”
More, from a press release issued by Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.:
ROCCO LANDERS CARDS THE NEW SUZUKI GSX-8R’S FIRST RACE WIN
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki’s Rocco Landers took pole position and raced the new Suzuki GSX-8R to its first-ever Twins Cup victory. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.
Brea, CA, April 22, 2024 — Suzuki Motor USA (Suzuki) and its lead road racing teams – Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki and RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki – showcased their obvious potential as the 2024 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship season kicked off at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia.
The Sunday weather and some racing misfortune each conspired to limit many of the final results. The bright spot though was Rocco Landers (97) winning Saturday’s Twins Cup race, marking the new Suzuki GSX-8R’s first-ever victory in only its second race weekend in competition.
Race Highlights:
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki
Twins CupRocco Landers translated pole position into the historic maiden victory for the Suzuki GSX-8R.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki
Supersport
Tyler Scott was blisteringly quick in qualifying but unable to fully capitalize on his pole-winning pace.
Teagg Hobbs fought his way to a pair of top-ten results.
Joel Ohman debuted with Team Hammer in the class.
Twins Cup
Rossi Moor bounced back from a Saturday fall to finish seventh in wet conditions on Sunday.
Superbike
Richie Escalante suffered an injury moments after finishing eighth in Superbike Race 1 on Saturday.
A luckless Brandon Paasch endured a double DNF on the weekend.
Rocco Landers’ (97) victory in Saturday’s Twins Cup race was the bright spot of the Road Atlanta weekend. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki ace Rocco Landers made good on the all-new Suzuki GSX-8R’s immense racing promise, securing both pole position and the motorcycle’s maiden MotoAmerica win with a spirited and scrappy ride on Saturday. Wet conditions prevented the former class champ from doubling up on Sunday, but Landers still negotiated the tricky conditions to eighth place points in Race 2.
“Things came together a bit late in the offseason, but everyone on the team busted their tails to have us ready,” Landers said. “Getting this first podium on the GSX-8R at Daytona was nice, but to win this race at my favorite track is another level beyond that. It was such a fun race after having to fight hard and work my way up from third. I’m stoked and really can’t thank everyone enough at RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines and Suzuki,” added Landers.
Rossi Moor (92) qualified strong on the GSX-8R and came back to a top-ten result in Race Two. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s talented new young gun Rossi Moor (92) posted the second-best time to Landers to officially put the GSX-8Rs 1-2 in the qualifying order. Unfortunately, Moor suffered a high-speed crash in the session and was not medically cleared to make the start. He came back on Sunday to register a brave seventh place finish.
Tyler Scott (70) won pole position in Supersport to kick off the weekend, bringing the GSX-R750 home in sixth despite challenging weather on Sunday. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.
Road Atlanta marked the opening of the 2024 MotoAmerica Supersport championship, with March’s fabled Daytona 200 serving as a standalone, non-points-paying race. Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott (70) looked to get his title push off to a quick start, throwing down a pole-winning performance aboard his next-generation GSX-R750, qualifying nearly a half-second quicker than any other rider could manage. Unfortunately, Scott crashed out of Saturday’s race on lap 12 of 18 shortly after passing his way into the lead and making a break at the front. He bounced back with a sixth-place ride in treacherous wet conditions on Sunday.
“We started off sunny and happy with good times. We were close to the class’s outright track record. I felt good in the first race, but I lost the front at the top of the hill. I hit the ground abruptly and suddenly. It was a sudden, quick, and violent flip to the ground. The second race went fairly well, considering we had a big crash Saturday, and the normal issues after that. We got through them the best we could and got some points.”
Scott’s teammate and fellow title hopeful Teagg Hobbs (79), also struggled to take full advantage of his outright pace at Road Atlanta. The second year Supersport ace left the weekend with a pair of solid tenth-place results aboard his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750 and is eager to improve next time out.
Teagg Hobbs (79) delivered a pair of top-ten results in Supersport. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.
“My weekend wasn’t as tough as my teammates’ weekend, but it wasn’t what we are looking to do either,” said Hobbs. “In the dry, we had a lot of pace but couldn’t really put it all together. In Race 1, we had an issue causing us to lose time every lap. Sunday was just a wet mess. At a certain point, I was just trying to bring home a shiny bike and get what points we could. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to the next round.”
Joel Ohman (92), Team Hammer’s newest rider made his team debut in Supersport at Road Atlanta. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki newcomer Joel Ohman (92) rounded out the team’s Supersport efforts, claiming 23rd- and 26th-place finishes in his racing debut with the squad.
“It was my first experience on a team like this. It’s no surprise I went faster than I have ever have before, by like 3.5 seconds,” said Ohman. ”In some ways, it was a tough weekend for everyone, but I know what to work on for the next round. We made changes to the bike for me that I felt were big improvements. My goal is to win one day, and this was a good first step.”
Richie Escalante (54) raced to eighth in Race 1 on Saturday, but was injured in a post-race incident. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.
The run of bad luck that permeated the team’s overall efforts was most apparent in the premier Superbike class. Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante (54) crashed in a two-rider incident just moments after finishing Saturday’s season opener in eighth place. Despite walking away from the crash under his own power, Escalante was later diagnosed with a left wrist fracture and compression fractures of the L1, L2, and L4 vertebrae. After spending the night at a local hospital, Escalante was released to fly home to Mexico for further medical evaluation and treatment.
Brandon Paasch (96) had a tough race weekend and looks forward to bouncing back at Barber Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, Inc.
Teammate Brandon Paasch (96) had a difficult weekend of his own. Paasch crashed out of a top-ten position aboard his GSX-R1000R early in Saturday’s dry Superbike contest and then suffered another DNF the following day in challenging, variable conditions.
“It was a rough weekend for our team. I had never ridden a Superbike before here and I figured I would just jump on and go. It didn’t quite work out that way, and I struggled to get up to speed,” said Paasch. “In Race 1, I crashed on my own, trying to hang with the group and pushed a little harder than the conditions allowed. Sunday, we had an issue and I crashed again with about five laps to go.”
Suzuki Motor USA (Suzuki) will have another opportunity to make good on its full podium potential when the MotoAmerica season returns to action at Barber Motorsports Park, in Birmingham, Alabama, on May 17-19.
The 2024 season marks Team Hammer’s 44th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 133 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 361 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
More, from a press release issued by Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering:
Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering rider Gus Rodio scores two podiums, increases championship lead at MotoAmerica Twins Cup round at Road Atlanta
Twins Cup rookie Di Mario scores second podium in four races at April 19-21 event
BRASELTON, Ga. – It was another positive step for Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering rider Gus Rodio toward claiming his first MotoAmerica Twins Cup title Saturday and Sunday at Road Atlanta. The 2023 Twins Cup runner-up’s hard-earned second- and third-place finishes in the weekend’s two Twins Cup races allowed him to grow his advantage in class standings from 19 points to 22.
Rodio’s teammate – Twins Cup rookie Alessandro Di Mario – struggled a little in Sunday’s wet conditions, but his dry-weather pace was on full display as he challenged Rodio for second place in the closing stages of that race and scored his second podium finish of the year.
Neither Rodio nor Di Mario went out for the very wet Friday morning practice session but were near the top of the time sheets for Friday afternoon’s Qualifying 1. Rodio wrapped up that session third fastest – and the quickest of the Aprilia riders – while Di Mario ended up fifth-fastest. Saturday morning’s Qualifying 2 saw Rodio drop one position in the qualifying order to secure fourth place on the starting grid, and Di Mario held onto a fifth place starting spot for the round’s two Twins Cup contests.
Race 1 had an unusual start, as flickering starting lights caused the race to be quickly red-flagged and reduced from 13 laps to eight. When competition did get underway, Rodio made the most of a good launch off the line and was running right behind the race leader at the first corner. Di Mario held onto fifth place as the field navigated the tight first few corners of the Road Atlanta circuit, and both Rodio and Di Mario were part of a four-rider group that broke away from the remainder of the field at the front. Rodio led the race during Lap 2, though he slipped to third place for several laps before finishing the race in second place. Di Mario eventually worked his way up to third and even showed his teammate a wheel on the last lap. He finished in third place — just 0.107 seconds behind Rodio – to give Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering two riders on the podium.
Wet conditions were the order of the day for Sunday’s Race 2, and Rodio came back from a so-so start to clinch a hard-fought second podium finish of the weekend. Both Rodio and Di Mario slipped down the running order several positions off the start, and Rodio and Di Mario ended their first laps running in sixth and 10th, respectively. Di Mario managed to move up one place on Lap 8 and finished the race in ninth, while Rodio had moved up two positions by the end of Lap 4 and methodically closed the gap to the third-place rider in the remaining six laps. A pass at the last corner on the last lap allowed Rodio to secure his second podium finish of the weekend by a margin of just 0.214 seconds.
With Rodio’s closest championship rival scoring a win Saturday but finishing in eighth place Sunday, Rodio was able to grow his lead in the Twins Cup standings by three points. He now holds a 22-point advantage with eight races remaining this season. Di Mario’s podium Saturday limited the damage to his championship challenge, and he now sits fourth in the points standings after his first four races in the Twins Cup.
Gus Rodio (96). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering.
Gus Rodio / No. 96
“I had a great Race 1. I was a little off the pace coming into the race, so I knew I had to make some changes with my riding to run at the front. I was super happy to have been fighting for the win the whole race. I knew the rain was going to be a challenge on Sunday, but I kept focused on staying smooth and consistent. Overall, it was a great weekend to work on keeping our points lead given the circumstances. I’m super excited to be heading to Barber Motorsports Park next.”
Alessandro Di Mario (27). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering.
Alessandro Di Mario / No. 27
“Race 1 went pretty well. I want to thank my team and all my mechanics for the changes they made to my Aprilia RS 660 – it felt amazing during the race. It was really exciting to fight for the podium and be up there with all the fast riders in this class. I knew racing in the rain wasn’t going to be easy, but I concentrated on not making any mistakes and bringing home some points. Barber is one of my favorite tracks, so I’m really looking forward to going there next.”
Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering’s technical partners for the 2024 season include Spellcaster Productions, Luxestar VIP, Geoscape Solar, MAR Contractors, Blud Lubricants, Spiegler Performance, Woodcraft Technologies, Dymag Performance Wheels, Millennium Technologies, Sprint Filter, Dunlop, SC Project, MVR Endeavor, GRG Designs, REB Graphics, NGK Spark Plugs, EvolveGT, Bitubo Suspension and N2 Racing.
More, from a press release issued by Indian Motorcycle:
Indian Motorcycle Factory Rider Troy Herfoss Overtakes Championship Leaderboard Following Perfect Performance at Road Atlanta
The King Of The Baggers Race Two podium: winner Troy Herfoss (center), Tyler O’Hara (left), and third-place finisher Max Flinders (right). Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Three-Time Australian Superbike Champion & King of the Baggers Rookie Troy Herfoss Secures Back-to-Back Wins in Atlanta
Indian Challenger Sweeps Race 2 Podium, as Indian Motorcycle Factory Rider Tyler O’Hara Takes Second & Mad Monkey Privateer Max Flinders Rounds Out Podium
MINNEAPOLIS, MN. (April 22, 2024) – In its third race stop at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, it was again three-time Australian Superbike Champion and King of the Baggers (KOTB) rookie Troy Herfoss turning heads. The Indian Motorcycle factory rider saw continued success, gaining momentum and even more familiarity with his S&S Indian Challenger, as he piloted his championship-winning race bike to a perfect performance – winning back-to-back races and overtaking the championship leaderboard.
Starting the weekend off strong, Herfoss captured the Mission Foods Challenge and its $5,000 prize for the second consecutive week. While only time would tell, the Challenge would just be the beginning of a truly dominate performance. Starting on the pole for Race 1, Herfoss battled with Harley-Davidson’s Kyle Wyman, as the two exchanged passes throughout a tight race. Despite never racing Road Atlanta, Herfoss proved victorious and secured his second career KOTB win.
“It has been absolutely incredible to witness Troy’s success, as each and every track is brand new to him,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “Troy’s early success is a testament to our team in S&S, as they have done an incredible job of dialing in the Indian Challenger and allowing Troy to go out, focus on the track, and showcase his skills.”
With a wet track, Race 2 relied on a calculated risk. Rather than run rain tires like most of the field, the S&S-Indian Motorcycle factory team chose to run Dunlop Sportmax slicks instead. While this proved to be the winning choice, as Herfoss and O’Hara finished 1-2, Herfoss’ enormous 13-second win likely means he would have been in contention regardless of tire selection.
Completing the Indian Challenger podium sweep was Mad Monkey Privateer Max Flinders. Despite sustaining an injury in the Superbike race, Flinders was able to hold off reigning KOTB Champion Hayden Gillim and earn his first podium of the 2024 KOTB season.
Securing three wins and three second-place finishes through six races, Herfoss has taken command of the KOTB Championship Leaderboard, as he owns track records for bagger racing at Daytona International Speedway and now Road Atlanta. His 135 points leads Wyman by nine. For O’Hara, a fourth-place finish in Race 1 and a second-place finish in Race 2 moves him up to third overall with 79 points.
MotoAmerica’s Mission King of the Baggers season continues at Road America May 31-June 2.
A special thanks to Indian Motorcycle Racing sponsors: S&S®, Progressive Insurance®, Mission® Foods, Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties® and Performance Finance. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, X and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle Company is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
INDIAN and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC. Always wear a helmet, protective clothing and eyewear and insist your passenger does the same. Ride within the limits of the law and your own abilities. Read, understand and follow your owner’s manual. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
ABOUT S&S® CYCLE
S&S® Cycle was born from a passion for racing and has spent over six decades building performance for the powersports market. Their unwavering focus on quality, reliability and top shelf power has made S&S® Cycle the absolute leader in high performance on the street and track.
More, from a press release issued by Altus Motorsports:
MotoAmerica: Altus Motorsports Results from Road Atlanta
(Braselton, GA) After some significant off-season changes and extensive winter testing, the Altus Motorsports team rolled into the Road Atlanta paddock with high hopes and excitement. Since the final round of the 2023 season, the team acquired a new rig, built an impressive three-rider roster, brought back Team Manager/Crew Chief Boyd Brunner, New Data Engineer Murph, and decided to focus their efforts on a single MotoAmerica class.
For 2024, the team has consolidated its efforts and will run three Suzuki GSX-R750s in the MotoAmerica Supersport class. This strategic decision will streamline the team’s operations, enhancing knowledge and optimizing parts utilization. The MotoAmerica Supersport class is stacked with talent this year with many former MotoAmerica Superbike and international racers.
The weekend was filled with highs and lows for the team. Despite significant laps of winter testing, two of the three bikes suffered from electrical issues during Round 1. Unfortunately, the problems impacted both practice time and race results for Jaret Nassaney and Torin Collins. On the positive side, Jake Lewis garnered a podium finish for the team in Race 2 on Sunday.
Jaret Nassaney qualified 14th out of 39 competitors. In Race 1, he got a good start and slotted into 10th heading into the first corner. Unfortunately in turn 7 he hit a false neutral which caused him to lose the front and crash. He picked the bike up, brought it back to the pits, and was able to rejoin the race and finish after some quick repairs. Sadly, he was too far down the standings to salvage any points. The morning warm-up on Sunday was wet and Nassaney touched the paint and had a crash. Another great start in Race 2 was spoiled by an electrical issue that shut the bike off as he rolled into turn 1 and forced him to retire from the race.
Jaret Nassaney (59). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Jaret Nassaney: “It was a pretty rough weekend. We left Round 1 with no points and nothing to show the work we put in over the off-season. In Race 1, I got a great start and was fully committed. The bike went into first but then popped out and went into neutral causing me to lose the front. I got the bike up and back to the pit for them to fix some body work and finished the race but was too far back to salvage any points. Sunday, I got another amazing start in Race 2 When I went to open the gas to exit Turn 1, the bike shut off. Electrical gremlins took me out of Race 2. Super frustrating weekend.”
Every time Jake Lewis rolled out onto the track at Road Atlanta, he got more comfortable on the Altus GSX-R750 and went faster. He qualified an impressive 4th and finished Race 1 in 6th. On Sunday in Race 2, Lewis showed his tenacity and skill in the rain. By the halfway point of the race, he worked his way up to 3rd. With two laps to go, he had caught the 2nd place rider, but opted not to do anything risky in the rain and settled for the final podium spot.
Jake Lewis (85). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Jake Lewis: “I am happy with the weekend. Saturday didn’t go exactly as I expected, but it was nice to reward the Altus Motorsports team with a 3rd on Sunday. Big thank you to George and Janette and the whole Altus crew for giving me the opportunity to ride the Supersport class again. The team gave me a great bike to ride and we keep making it better.”
The latest addition to the Altus squad, Torin Collins, faced a challenging weekend. Friday’s P1 marked his debut on the Road Atlanta circuit. Just as he was getting acquainted with the track, a mechanical issue halted his progress after just four laps. The setbacks continued in the second qualifying session, as a new battery was installed Friday evening and it failed during Q2 further limited his track time. He was able to get the bike back during the session and his crew installed another battery. Despite these obstacles, Collins impressively secured the 15th spot on the grid, showcasing his potential amidst stiff competition. In Race 1, he worked his way up to 11th. Just as he was about to make a move into the top 10, he ran off into the gravel and crashed. He did remount, but ended up finishing out of the points. In the second of the weekend’s Supersport races, Collins had another electrical issue on lap 11 and was forced to retire from the race.
Torin Collins (171). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Torin Collins: “It was a really disappointing race weekend for me and the team with all the mechanical issues and bad luck we had. The results definitely do not show how hard the team and I have worked so far this season. I am staying focused and motivated for the next round. We have a lot of good times ahead.”
George Nassaney: “Definitely mixed emotions about this past weekend. As proud as I am that Jake got on the box on Sunday, I am extremely frustrated with the issues Jaret and Torin faced. We worked very hard over the winter and set a goal to show up to each round with three competitive and reliable motorcycles. Before the next round, our crew chief and data engineer are going to come to Oklahoma and go through the bikes. We will do an additional on-track test. We will continue to improve our procedures and work with our vendors to give our racers the machines they need to go out and show their talent.”
Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, WPS, Firepower, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Buy A Jet From Steve Main, Barnett, Evol Technology, Maxima Oils, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., Pit Bull Products, GB Racing, Ohlins, Puig Racing, RS Taichi, Arai, Core Moto, Pro Bolt, Chicken Hawk Tire Warmers, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing
Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto, in Spain. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Next stop Spain: who’s coming out on top at the carnival?
A fiesta like no other awaits as the hillsides of Jerez prepare to come alive with MotoGP™
Monday, 22 April 2024
COTA promised a lot and it certainly delivered, but maybe not in the way most were expecting. After the rollercoaster ignited the Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) vs Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) rivalry, saw Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) get on the podium AND Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) head into Round 3 with a very nice lead indeed as heartbreak hit for Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), it seemed Texas could stage a showdown between a few candidates. But the biggest answer of all after drama on the Algarve came from Viñales, who came out the blocks with an almighty advantage in Austin. And he converted that into a triple: pole, Tissot Sprint win and Grand Prix victory, becoming the first rider in the MotoGP™ era to win with three different factories. Chapeau.
So as we head for Batmav’s home turf at Jerez, he’s most definitely the rider in the spotlight, looking to show it’s not just Portimao, and not just COTA. But those on the chase are most definitely looking to change that, because the threat from Viñales is fast becoming very real – if not for those 20 points that went begging in Portimao, he’d be second overall.
THE LEAD IS NOT ENOUGH
Still, he’d be second to Martin, and the number #89 could be forgiven for arriving into the Gran Premio Estrella Galicia 0,0 de España feeling a little overlooked after Sunday in Texas. Still, there are plenty of positives from his slightly under-the-radar but well-paying weekend in the Lone Star State. First, after he led the title fight for a day in 2023, he’s still got that lead and it’s still a healthy 21 points, weeks later. He also bounced back well after a slightly disastrous qualifying that saw him crash twice. But a Sprint podium and a good haul of points on Sunday won’t be enough now we’re heading into Jerez, with the home, partisan crowd packed into the stands.
Leading, but not winning, and podiums, but not winning? That’s also not enough for Acosta, it seems. The rookie put in a stunner in Texas – as if Qatar and Portimao weren’t impressive enough – and led for the first time. And not just once, he fought for it. And only one of the most memorable winning rides of all time was enough to deny him the victory. He must have margin too, because he’s not crashing, so the rest must be wondering what exactly the GASGAS rider might have in the locker on home turf… where there’s even more incentive to rip it up. Final corner of 2013, anyone?
Speaking of, Marc Marquez also arrives into his first home GP of the year wanting to make an impression. A Sprint podium at COTA was a good start, but an issue and a crash out the lead of the big race? That will have the #93 fired up to prove some points, and there’s no better place than in front of the hillsides of Jerez that have loved him since before he even spun a lap on a MotoGP™ bike. It’s where fate intervened once and changed the course of his career – and it would be perfect turf to write another, healing chapter of it.
FORM RIDERS vs THE FORM BOOK
If Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) has anything to do with it, none of the above will be reigning the Spanish GP. The ‘Beast’ had a start in Qatar that didn’t raise too many eyebrows, but he moved forward in Portimao to second Ducati home on Sunday, and went one better in Texas to turn the tables on Martin and deny his old rival a podium. It was top Ducati though, now the aim is the top step. Can he upset the home heroes? The spotlight will be on his teammate Bagnaia too after the reigning Champion made Jerez a real statement Sunday win in 2023, with plenty now looking to the #1 to prove if the last two races are a blip, a dip, or something that could last a little longer as he looks for his mojo. Somehow he always finds it though, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Jerez stage a serious comeback for Bagnaia.
Two more looking for a comeback, and who impressed last season at Jerez, are Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and teammate Jack Miller. In 2023 the duo were the sliding, sideways rebellion against Bagnaia’s serene showing at the front, and it was a serious show for the grandstands as well as a showcase for KTM. It also leaves plenty of questions to be answered coming into the event this season. Can they do it again after a tougher Texas on the way in this time round? And maybe the biggest question for many watching 2024 so far… can they do it in front of Acosta? The stakes don’t even end there either. Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) wants a big step forward, but while there’s a superstar rookie on one other RC16, there’ll be a MotoGP™ Legend on another as Dani Pedrosa returns for a wildcard. Jerez 2023 was impressive. At Misano he was top KTM, and nearly on the podium…
RESET RELOAD RACE
There are plenty of fast faces looking to make Jerez a turning point for themselves too. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) has never got on well with COTA, but a solid result as his teammate steamrollered the field still isn’t quite enough. He’ll be pushing hard to remind everyone there’s more than one black Aprilia capable of fighting at the front. The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team duo will be trying to make an impression too after a tougher season so far for both Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Di Giannantonio, and Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) even more so. The now two-time Sprint winner has been AWOL from a top finish for some time, but he’s been a master of Jerez before in his career. So too has Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing), who has made his way into the ballpark after missing the whole of preseason, but now needs a finish and some solid points, if nothing else because the progress from FP1 in Qatar to now really does deserve it.
In MotoGP™, Master of Jerez has also been true of Fabio Quartararo. The tougher run continues for both El Diablo and new Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ teammate Alex Rins, but Jerez is a track that should be a little kinder for their bike, if track records are anything to go by. It’s also somewhere Quartararo especially has absolutely made his own, one of those where his name was penciled in next to victory before even arriving at the venue a few years ago. Is the fight for the top ten, top six or more on the cards for Yamaha in 2024? That’s also the kind of postcode the Trackhouse Racing squad will be aiming for. Miguel Oliveira had a tougher Texas, but Raul Fernandez managed to take a top ten. Can the duo get their elbows out for more? There’s also Aprilia Racing test rider Lorenzo Savadori wildcarding, so the Noale factory information gathering mission will be in full swing.
LOOKING FOR MORE
The information gathering will also continue at Honda. After some rumblings emerged over the last weekend that maybe the direction wasn’t paying off quite how it was expected, the race is on for the Japanese giants to find some more progress. The time going in to the project – including private testing and a wildcard for Stefan Bradl at Jerez this weekend – speaks to serious commitment to improve, and the season is young, but the points remain out of reach for the moment. Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) will want to be attacking his home round for a little more reward, but continues to set the Honda pace, whereas teammate Luca Marini is still trying to find his feet. Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) is maybe further ahead on that project, but the experience of Takaaki Nakagami (Idemitsu Honda LCR) is still seeing him in the mix with his fellow RC213Vs. Can they take a step forward at Jerez?
The Gran Premio Estrella Galicia 0,0 de España is ready to light up the hillsides of Jerez, welcoming MotoGP™ back to a true icon on the calendar. Home heroes. Rookies. Veterans. Wildcards. All coming together in the world’s most exciting sport. Are you ready?
TISSOT SPRINT: 15:00 (UTC +2) on Saturday
GRAND PRIX RACE: 14:00 on Sunday
What’s happening at the #SpanishGP
On Thursday morning, the event gets in gear with a visit to the Real Betis stadium, the Estadio Benito Villamarín, for Marc Marquez and Gresini Racing MotoGP™ teammate Alex Marquez, where they’ll meet some famous faces including Betis Legend Joaquin.
Then, at the track, the first Press Conference gets underway at 16:00 welcoming Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), second overall Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) and third overall, Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), fresh from his awesome display at COTA.
The second line up at 16:35 is rookie superstar Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), racing on home turf for the first time, joined by reigning Champion Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Marc Marquez.
Thursday evening will then host the first part of the Jerez City Hall Motor Awards ceremony (Entrega de Premios del Motor del Ayuntamiento de Jerez), which will take place at the Alameda Cristina in the city centre. Two of those rewarded will be reigning Champion Bagnaia and Ducati Corse General Manager Luigi “Gigi” Dall’Igna. A part two for the ceremony will then take place on the MotoGP™ grid on Sunday as Carlos Sainz Jr, Ferrari F1 driver and multiple F1 winner, will be awarded alongside WRC and Dakar legend Carlos Sainz Sr.
Once the track action concludes on Sunday, the party will then continue with a DJ as Indira Paganotto returns to the podium show following a first appearance in 2023. She’ll also wave the chequered flag on Sunday, after Joaquin takes the honour for the Tissot Sprint.
Moto2™: Jerez promises another race to remember
Three races, three different winners. Moto2™’s unpredictability continued at the Americas GP as Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) claimed a debut win in the class, with the Spaniard now heading to the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto atop the Championship table.
There isn’t much in it though. Garcia’s classy win at the Circuit of The Americas saw him narrowly beat home hero Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing), as the Californian claimed P2 to sit just two points adrift of Garcia ahead of the Spanish GP. Neither of the top two have stood on a Moto2™ rostrum in Jerez, but both will be looking to change that this time around.
They’ll have an array of competition though. Garcia’s teammate Ai Ogura was a winner in Jerez back in 2022, with Portuguese GP victor Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) second to the Japanese rider a couple of years ago. The pair will be hoping Jerez treats them a little kinder than Austin did, while the same can be said for Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Aspar Team). The Briton bagged a P3 in Jerez in 2023 and after a crash at COTA, the #96 desperately needs points on the board to kickstart his season.
Then there’s the SpeedUp duo. Fermin Aldeguer claimed his first rostrum of the season last time out and heads for home ground seeking a 25-point haul, with teammate Alonso Lopez hunting a return to the podium following a P4 in Austin and a crash in Portimao. The Spanish duo will be heavily tipped for success in Jerez. Tune in for the Spanish GP to see if the intermediate class has another twist in the tale!
Moto3™: the race is on to catch Holgado and Alonso
David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) hit back in a big way at COTA, disappearing at the front for a statement win and putting himself back within just two points of Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3). Now, the two are also a whopping 35 points clear of everyone on the chase led by Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports), so the race is on at the Gran Premio Estrella Galicia 0,0 de España for the field to try and play catch up.
It won’t be easy as the duo have been the class of the field so far, but it’s been a mix of bad luck and trouble for a few fast faces tipped to challenge them. Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) has had one podium and then played victim and perpetrator, respectively, in two doses of race day drama, and Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) has had a mixed bag too, making a mistake in Qatar that also took down Ortola and then being sidelined from taking his second place on the grid in Texas after getting appendicitis. Both are just looking for a smooth race weekend, and both have speed.
Meanwhile, Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) has started the season needing to pass medicals twice to compete in the full set of GPs, but once back at COTA, staged a duel to remember with Holgado and took a rookie podium at only his third GP. He didn’t test at Jerez in pre-season due to those injury issues, but he’s won there in junior categories including both JuniorGP™ and the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup on his way to steamrollering both titles last season. Much is expected, and at COTA, plenty was served.
Tune in to see more incredible action from Moto3™ this weekend at Jerez, and see if anyone can catch the two at the top!
An aerial view of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course during AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days in 2021. Photo courtesy AMA.
Yamaha To Be Presenting Sponsor of 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Legendary motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha will be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, which will occur July 26-28, 2024, at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
“AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days carries extra weight this year with it being the key celebration of the AMA’s 100th anniversary, and having Yamaha as the presenting sponsor makes perfect sense as they conclude their year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the legendary YZ,” said AMA Director of Marketing & Communications Joy Burgess.
Yamaha, initially founded in 1887, began producing motorcycles in 1955 with the YA-1 motorcycle. Since then, Yamaha has grown into one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, while fostering a healthy community of vintage Yamaha riders.
This is the first year Yamaha will serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the three-day event, and the brand is planning many exciting activities and looks forward to being at the event as the AMA celebrates its centennial.
“Yamaha looks forward to being a part of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days as the presenting sponsor,” said Jennifer Davie, Motorsports Experiential Marketing and Events Manager. “As we conclude our year-long celebration of 50 years of the Yamaha YZ, we’re excited to put a bow on those efforts by celebrating with the AMA and their 100th anniversary celebration and the thousands of vintage motorcycle enthusiasts that attend the event.”
Yamaha will be on site with historic bikes, street and ADV demo rides, and will have a variety of Yamaha champions — many of them AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers — to sign autographs and engage with fans at the event.
As the AMA celebrates its 100th anniversary, 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha is expected to be the biggest celebration of the vintage motorcycling lifestyle yet. Featuring vintage road and off-road racing, the biggest motorcycle swap meet in North America, bike shows and vendor displays and much more, there will be a little something for everybody at VMD this year.
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
American Julian Correa (40) won British Talent Cup Race One over Lucas Brown (29). Photo courtesy British Talent Cup.
Correa, Surowiak and Brown nab victories at Navarra
The 2024 BTC gets underway with three classic showdowns in Spain at Round 1
Monday, 22 April 2024
The 2024 British Talent Cup campaign kicked off under sunny but cool conditions at the Circuito de Navarra, in the North of Spain, with a bumper triple-header weekend and a total of 75 points available.
After the 2024 Class Photo was taken and testing wrapped up, it was Julian Correa (Microlise Cresswell Racing) who carried his good momentum from last season to the first pole position of the year. He was joined on the front row for Race 1 by Lucas Brown (Sencat Talent Team / Mortimer Racing) and Amanuel Brinton (Kovara Projects / RS Racing), the top rider from the 2023 season returning this year.
Correa took a solid start into turn 1 but Jack Burrows (Burrows Engineering / RK Racing) came out faster to lead the first lap, with Charlie Huntingford (Mototechniks) and Filip Surowiak (Team City Lifting/RS Racing ) jostling to work their way through the grid.
A mistake between Burrows and Josh Bannister (Fibre Tec Honda) saw them fall down the standings, allowing Correa to take the lead into lap 2, with Brown and Surowiak following him close behind and Brinton contesting for a podium position.
A hard-fought battle between Brown and Correa briefly saw the Sencat rider take to the front but Correa used the slipstream down the home straight and recovered the lead into the third lap – a foreshadowing of things to come.
Brinton pressed the leaders hard, overtaking Brown with a sharp inside move, moving into second as the leading pack began to pull away, with Mason Foster (BRP Racing) completing the top five.
A late lap 7 tussle between the front three allowed Brown to jump both Brinton and Correa, the polesitter dropping into third, but Brinton took the slipstream down the straight, overtaking Brown, and allowing Correa to retake the lead and Surowiak to take second.
By lap 9, an 11-second gap had formed behind the top five, Surowiak showing slipstream potential to take the lead from Correa but the Microlise Cresswell Racing rider looked in control, fending off attacks to retain his lead.
Lap 10 brought drama that would determine the outcome of the race; an error by Brinton saw him lose the front and go down, taking Surowiak and Foster with him, leaving Correa and Brown alone at the front and Ryan Frost (Fibre Tec Honda), some 15 seconds adrift, thrust into podium places chased by Clayton Edmunds (City lifting). All riders ok.
From here on in Correa worked to keep Brown at arm’s length to secure his first BTC victory, but the SENCAT Talent Team – Mortimer Racing rider wasn’t going to give in easy, taking a bold lunge up the inside of Correa into the penultimate turn of the final lap but Correa had the straightline speed and slipstream to carry him over the line first, just 0.046 seconds ahead of Brown in second, with Frost rounding out the Race 1 podium.
If at all possible, Race 2 was an even more dramatic affair, with Surowiak getting off the line fastest but Correa able to work the outside lines of turn 2 and 3 and cut inside into turn 4, snatching the lead from the Team City Lifting/RS Racing rider. Brown then edged his way past Surowiak and used the home straight slipstream to contest the lead into lap 2, going P1 out of turn 3.
In an almost repeat of Race 1, Correa, Brown, Brinton, Surowiak and Foster began to work a gap ahead of Frost.
With Lucas Brown in the lead, the front three began to break away, Brinton clearing the line into lap 4 over half a second faster than Surowiak, who was working hard to claw himself back into podium contention.
A crash at the final corner of lap 4 brought out the red flags. Josh Bannister suffered a highside just ahead of Samuel Munson (Wilson Racing) who had nowhere to go also going down, safely avoided by the trailing pack. All riders okay.
Once the track had been cleared, the riders lined back up on the grid for a reduced 8-lap Race 2, with Brown leading Correa and Brinton on the front row, and Surowiak and Foster on row 2, joined by Edmunds who was some 5 seconds adrift when the red flags came out.
Surowiak took a great launch from the line to take the lead, chased closely by Brown through turns 3 and 4, and Correa dropping down to 4th. Surowiak tried to pull the pin and break away, building a 0.3 second lead over Brown into the second lap. Brown, Correa and Brinton tightened up in the competition for the podium, exchanging places throughout the second lap.
Brinton took advantage of the slipstream to take the lead into lap 3 and Correa came flying up the outside through turns 1 and 2, demoting Surowiak to third.
By the halfway stage of the restarted race, Correa was back in the lead, setting up a familiar front battle with Brinton, Surowiak, Brown, and Foster.
Surowiak did a stellar job of snatching the lead, which he maintained for a solid two laps before Correa, in excellent form, cut up the inside heading into lap 7, and Brinton also siezing the opportunity to take a lunge for second.
Into the final lap of the race and Brinton piled the pressure on Correa, culminating in a brave overtake for the front. But the lead wasn’t to last for long as Correa took the inside line out of the final turn leading to a drag race to the line – Surowiak then able to dive past the pair to win by just 0.077 of a second. Correa took second and Brinton bounced back from Race 1 woes to stand on the third step. Brown and Foster rounded out the Race 2 top five.
The third and final race of the triple-header weekend was a far quieter affair but the racing at the sharp end was as tight and engaging as ever. Surowiak got a solid start to lead out of the first corner. Correa got outdragged by Brown whilst Frost launched himself from the third row into the fight at the front.
Through the final turn of the first lap Correa took a lunge up the inside of Brown but the Sencat Talent Team rider was having none of it and brushed him off before taking off down the straight after Surowiak.
An exchange of positions between Brown and Surowiak allowed Correa and Brinton to advance into the thick of the front four fight, with Correa eventually overtaking both Brown and Surowiak to lead.
Further back, some 4 seconds behind the lead group, Edmunds, Frost and Ollie Walker (Fibre Tec Honda) were rubbing shoulders, hoping to secure the final top 10 spots of the weekend.
Lucas Brown with the slipstream on the back straight of lap 7 overtook Correa with a late braking maneuver, taking the lead which he held until the home straight where Correa, once again, showed the straight line speed of his Honda engine.
But disaster struck for the American, a third podium was not going to be for Julian Correa as a technical problem with his bike brought an end to the race on the ninth lap, leaving Brown, Brinton and Surowiak to power down the straight without him, and the melee further back between Frost and Walker suddenly becoming a top 5 fight.
Brown saw this as an opportunity to pull the pin and try to make a break out at the front, but Brinton, who had one of the fastest single lap times of the weekend, was determined to take it down to the wire.
Down the straight into the penultimate lap, Brinton showed his straight-line speed, taking Surowiak and Foster with him in his wake, relegating Brown to the back of the lead group. Surowiak took the lead through the first two corners and Brown did a brilliant job of creeping up the inside of both Foster and Brinton. By turn 7, Brown regained the lead, but all four riders, clear from the rest, proved they were contenders for the top step.
The drag down the straight into the final lap saw Surowiak head into turn 1 first, going on to run wide at turn 6 allowing Brown to shoot through the inside to re-take the lead.
Brinton, meanwhile, had a plan of his own as he picked off Surowiak to go up into second out of the back straight and waited until the final corner to pounce on Brown but ran it deep allowing the Sencat Talent Team rider to recover his position for a thrilling four-rider sprint down to the finish line. Brown clinched the victory from Brinton by just 0.08 of a second and Foster snatched P3 from Surowiak on his BTC debut weekend.
After this victory, Brown leads the championship standings, 13 points ahead of a likely frustrated Correa. Surowiak is third, trailing by 20 points, with Frost in fourth and Brinton rounding out the top five, the pre-season favourite now 22 points behind.
The R&G British Talent Cup will return on May 19th for its first of two visits to Donington Park, promising more thrilling, down-to-the-wire racing on the Road to MotoGP™!
USCRA racers Matt Camillieri (83) and Vin Borbone (860) in action. Photo by Scott Hussey/www.scotthussey.com, courtesy USCRA.
The United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA) kicks off the 2024 road racing season with its first visit to the historic Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park (TSMP) for the 2024 United States Vintage Grand Prix on May 20th & 21st
Thompson, Connecticut, April 2024 – The United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA), the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the U.S., is excited to kick off the 2024 road racing season at the famed 1.7-mile Thompson Speedway road course.
Bringing motorcycle racing back to the legendary course after 47 years, this event promises the very best in vintage and modern motorcycle and sidecar racing.
Spectators are welcome and admission for the two-day event is $20. For more information on the event visit www.race-uscra.com.
About the United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA) www.race-uscra.com
The USCRA is the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the United States and includes over 400 active members. The club promotes four general types of events: Road racing on both proprietary built road race circuits and real roads courses (Gunstock® and the Streets of Laconia®), as well as Observed Trials, Motogiro USA® and Pewter Run® touring events held on open public roads.
Originally opened in 1938, the “Indianapolis of the North”, Thompson Speedway was the first asphalt-paved racing oval track in the United States. In 2013 the track was reconstructed and is now under the American-Canadian Tour and Pro All Star Series (ACT/PASS) banners. Each year, Thompson hosts “The Sunoco World Series of Speedway Racing”, highlighted by the Monaco Modified Tri-Track Series and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Additionally, the circuit hosts NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, as well as various SCCAsports car races.
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 28th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 13 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2024 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
First road race: 2016, Road Atlanta, Georgia, WERA, Formula Three, 1st place.
Current racebike: Suzuki GSX-R750.
Current tuners/mechanics: Barry McMahan, Dustin Cyr.
Primary race series: MotoAmerica Supersport.
Top sponsors: Vision Wheel, M4 Performance Exhausts, ECSTAR, Suzuki, Mission Foods, Arai, RST, R&G, Shorai, Hotbodies Racing, Vortex, EK Chains, TechSpec, Cordona, SportbikeTrackGear.com, HEL, 1-833-CJ-KNOWS Accident and Injury Law, Roadracingworld.com, Team Hammer, Alpinestars, Roof Systems, Evolve GT.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2023 season, placed 2nd in MotoAmerica Supersport Championship (4 wins, 11 total podium finishes), won the 100th Loudon Classic earning the largest cash prize ever in U.S. motorcycle road racing history $55,000; 2022 season, finished 3rd in MotoAmerica Supersport Championship (1 win, 9 total podiums); 2021 season, won MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (11 wins and 15 total podiums in 18 races); 2020 season, raced in FIM CEV European Talent Cup (Best race finish was 16th at Valencia), win 2 CCS Atlantic Regional Championships (Thunderbike, Lightweight Superbike), won 26 CCS races; 2019 season, finished 23rd in Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup (best race finish was 11th at Assen), competed in European Talent Cup; 2018 season, selected to join the 2019 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, finished 3rd in ASRA Moto3 and Thunderbike National Championships (6 wins, 8 podium finishes from 8 starts), won 5 CCS Regional Championships (34 race wins), won 3 WERA races; 2017 season, won AMA Moto3 Grand Championship, won WERA Formula Three National Challenge Championship, won 2 WERA Sportsman Regional Class Championships (16 wins, 24 podiums with WERA), won 3 AMA Flat Track Grand National Championships, named AMA Flat Track Youth Rider of the Year; 2016 season, won 3 AMA Flat Track Grand Championships, named AMA Flat Track Youth Rider of the Year.
2024 racing goal: Win MotoAmerica Supersport Championship.
Racing career goals: Race against Marc Marquez, win MotoGP World Championship.
Racing hero: Nicky Hayden.
Favorite track: Mugello.
Favorite hobby: Riding mountain bikes.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Competing in bicycle races.
…
Some of the riders who have graduated from Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);
2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Corey Alexander;
AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);
2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner J.D. Beach;
five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and Moto2 World Championship point scorer Cameron Beaubier;
MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;
former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;
three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;
former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;
2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;
2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;
four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);
Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;
two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;
2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;
2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;
two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2023 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim;
2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);
2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;
eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;
2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and three-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;
MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner Teagg Hobbs;
AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;
2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;
2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;
2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, Moto2 World Championship point scorer, and MotoAmerica Superbike racer Sean Dylan Kelly;
Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;
two-time MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2020 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up Rocco Landers;
two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;
2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;
MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;
MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;
AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;
Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;
AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and three-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;
2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;
2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;
2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;
AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;
two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Championship runner-up James Rispoli;
2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;
2022 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up and 2023 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship runner-up Gus Rodio;
former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;
three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;
multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;
MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;
2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;
Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;
former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and MotoAmerica Super Hooligan race winner Cory West;
MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;
and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.
Pedro Acosta (31). Photo courtesy Red Bull Tech3 GASGAS.
EUROPEAN TOUR ON! RED BULL GASGAS TECH3 HEADS TO ICONIC JEREZ CIRCUIT FOR SPANISH GRAND PRIX
It is time for the 2024 MotoGP™ World Championship to start its European tour, and the first stop of Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 will be nowhere else than at the iconic Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, which will host the Gran Premio de España, the fourth round of an already thrilling 2024 campaign.
Already making history in the premier class after he became in Austin the youngest ever rider to take back-to-back podiums at 19 years old and 325 days, a big round awaits rookie star Pedro Acosta this week in Jerez as he is set to race for the first time in MotoGP™ on home soil. One thing is sure, there will be many Spanish fans eager to witness the little wonder do his things on track, after three first rounds more than impressive,as the Shark already counts two podiums on Sunday and a front row start. Pierer Mobility will aim high this weekend, knowing that Brad Binder and Jack Miller were on the podium in both sprint and race in 2023. In addition, the test team including Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro have been working hard since the start of the season in Andalusia, and all this put together will give extra confidence to Pedro Acosta as he heads to a circuit where he finished second last season in Moto2™ .
On the other side, Augusto Fernandez will be looking forward to heading back to Europe on layouts he knows much more, starting with Jerez. After a difficult start to his season, the number 37 has tried to change a few things in Austin, changes which he hopes will turn into decent progress in Jerez, a track that he enjoys a lot. Texas was tricky and challenging, but he still managed to bring home points with a fourteenth place on Sunday. In 2023, the Spaniard took the thirteenth place, a result that he will be looking to improve, knowing that the bike performs well in Jerez.
Don’t miss out on another action-packed weekend as MotoGP™ stops for the first time of the season in Spain. Our full Spanish line up will hit the track on Friday with Free Practice at 10:45 local time (GMT+2), followed in the afternoon by the one hour Practice at 15:00. Very quickly, Super Saturday will be just around the corner with the qualifying sessions at 10:50, shortly after Free Practice 2. Pedro Acosta and Augusto Fernandez will then line up on the grid for the fourth Tissot Sprint of 2024 at 15:00. Finally, big points will be at stake again as the premier class lines up on Sunday for the main race of the Gran Premio de España, at 14:00.
Pedro Acosta
Championship: 4th
Points: 54
“The first race at home arrives and it comes at a very good time. We have just made two podiums in a row and I am looking forward to racing in Jerez. I have no pressure, what I have is the desire to go out on the track in front of what are probably the best fans in the world. Our objectives for this weekend remain the same as always, to enjoy ourselves to the fullest and try to continue with this work dynamic. It is true that Jerez is one of my favorite circuits, and in addition, our test team has trained here a lot so I am sure that the bike will do well. We also know as a fact that the RC16 does well in Jerez looking at 2023 results, and it motivates me even more to go out and give it my all since Friday in the first session. We’ll see what happens, I’ll see you all there!”
Augusto Fernandez
Championship: 16th
Points: 7
“Austin was a difficult weekend, because even though we scored points, we wanted much more, so I am looking forward to a new race week in Jerez. We have in mind that our bike works well on this track, and our test team has been working a lot, with positive results, so it is an extra boost for us. We are back racing in Europe, in front of our Spanish fans, which I am really excited about. Jerez is one of my favorite weekends of the calendar, so let’s try to enjoy and get a bit closer to the top guys.”
Nicolas Goyon
Team Manager
“It is now time for us to start the main European part of the MotoGP World Championship, as we are heading to the famous Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, for the Gran Premio de España. This Andalusian layout is very well known by all riders, as there is always a lot of testing going on at this track. Pierer Mobility will have high expectations, after we saw Brad Binder and Jack Miller take the podium in both sprint and race last year, so we know that the RC16 is working well there. From the Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 side, Pedro Acosta has been doing an excellent start of the season, with already two podiums and a front row start, and it is now quite clear that he is already riding at a high level in the premier class. Last season in Moto2, he was on the podium, so it is a layout that he enjoys, and we are excited to see what he can do this week on home soil. Augusto Fernandez has initiated some changes in his working method in Austin, and even if the results did not come right away, I am sure that the sun will start to shine in Spain for him. Expectations are high for the Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 squad, and we are excited for a new weekend full of action and excitement.”
Troy Herfoss won MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers Race Two Sunday at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, in Braselton, Georgia. Herfoss chose to use Dunlop Sportmax Slicks on his S&S Indian Challenger in spite of the track being damp-but-drying at the start of the race, but that gamble paid off with him running away to win the eight-lap race by nearly 14 seconds.
Herfoss’ teammate Tyler O’Hara also chose slicks, but he got off to a slower start and had to settle for the runner-up spot.
Fan favorite Max Flinders crashed at the end of the Superbike race, and almost immediately had to jump onto his Mad Monkey Motorsports Indian, which was fitted with rain tires. Flinders battled with defending Champion Hayden Gillim, who also chose rain tires, throughout the race, but Flinders won the slippery duel to capture third and the final spot on the podium.
Gillim finished fourth on his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson, and Kyle Wyman rounded out the top five on his Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Road Glide.
Jacobsen, Herfoss Perfect At Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
PJ Jacobsen Leads A Rahal One-Two And Troy Herfoss Takes Over King Of The Baggers Championship Lead In Georgia
PJ Jacobsen (15) leads teammate Corey Alexander (23) and Blake Davis (22) in Sunday’s Supersport race at Road Atlanta, Jacobsen won for the second time on the weekend with Alexander finishing second. Davis crashed out of the battle. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
BRASELTON, GA (April 21, 2024) – It was a breakthrough weekend for Rahal Ducati Moto. The brand-new Supersport team had some teething pains at Daytona, but it all came together for them at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
First, it was Corey Alexander who earned provisional pole in Friday’s first qualifying. Then, on Saturday, PJ Jacobsen got the team’s first victory of the season aboard his bright-yellow Ducati Panigale V2.
In Sunday’s Supersport race two, the riders faced an additional challenge of a fully rain-soaked racetrack. Jacobsen handled the conditions well, and in fact, the New Yorker led all 15 laps to get the double win. Alexander, who finished just off the podium in fourth on Saturday, was second for a one-two Ducati Rahal Moto finish. Altus Motorsports Suzuki rider Jake Lewis completed the podium in third.
“I feel like it was a very fast race,” Jacobsen said. “Between the three of us, I think our pace was super-fast, to be honest. I kept looking down at my lap timer, and I’m being caught instead of opening a gap, which is not a good sign. Then Corey (Alexander) has Jake (Lewis) doing the same behind him, so that’s not a good sign. So, you just keep pushing and pushing. I feel like our lap times were really fast. I felt like near the limit. I don’t know how they felt. But they were pushing me and kept pushing me. It was a really good race. If we were going out in superbike right now, we’d be out there doing the same thing, all three of us. I got the W again today so it’s really good to have it in the dry and in the wet. It’s kind of a perfect weekend. You don’t really get these. I guess I’m on a high right now. I’m just going to wait for the low weekend, but I’ll just keep on riding this out right now. The team has done a great job, the whole Rahal Ducati team. We have great sponsors, XPEL and Roller Die. It’s been great, and then having Richie come on board and also getting help from Bobby and Simone at Ducati Corse. So, it’s been a huge thing for the whole entire team. I think that we made a huge step with the right people behind us and getting everything organized and in the right direction. So, it’s been a really positive weekend for us over there.”
Mission King Of The Baggers – All Herfoss
If those racing for the Mission King Of The Baggers Championship weren’t already worried about Troy Herfoss prior to the Road Atlanta round, they most definitely are now. Herfoss rode his S&S/Indian Motorcycles Challenger to a runaway victory in Sunday’s race held on drying pavement, beating his teammate Tyler O’Hara by 13.887 seconds.
Troy Herfoss (17) ran away with the Mission King Of The Baggers race on Sunday at Road Atlanta and the win vaulted him into the championship points lead. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The two factory Indian riders’ choice of using slick tires instead of full rains pretty much sealed the victory for Herfoss. The Australian took off from the start and motored away from the field, with O’Hara taking a bit more time to work his way to the runner-up spot.
Third place, and the first rider using rain tires, was the ever-popular Max Flinders on his Mad Monkey Motorsports Indian Challenger with the New Hampshire resident putting in maximum effort to keep RevZilla/Motul/Harley-Davidson’s Hayden Gillim behind him to score the final podium spot.
After three rounds and six races, Herfoss is now leading the championship by nine points over Harley-Davidson Factory Racing’s Kyle Wyman, who was fifth today.
“I was very confident it would be slicks, but I was unsure of the ruling whether I could start from pit lane,” Herfoss said. “We’ve got two bikes in Australia. I haven’t had a one-bike rule… Or one bike only. I don’t know if it’s a rule or not, but we’ve got one bike. So, that made me a little bit more cautious. But once we established, we had a lot of time to change the tires on the grid, I figured definitely I was going to go slicks but roll out in the wets. Take a nice slow lap, look at the track, get a bit of an idea of the guys going around pit lane. You can usually see what the confidence levels are like. It was slicks all the way. The only problem was two laps to go there was a couple of specks of rain. So, if the skies would have opened one to go, a big gap can come down. It was a weird race for me. I got a really big gap in the first two laps. The first lap especially, three seconds. Then it said five after lap two. I had already slowed down in my mind, and I assumed that everyone was on wets. Dane took the pit board down after the gap went out and just had the lap count. So, I was like, ‘Okay, the gap is going out a long way.’ Then when I hear Tyler’s (O’Hara) on slicks, I’m like, ‘Wow. I was way too cautious. He could have been coming fast.’ That’s what it was like. I’ve never been in that situation where I’ve literally gone off the start and in my mind, it was like, ‘Okay, I’ve won the race. Just don’t mess up.’ You’ve got no idea how nerve-racking that is when you’re in that position. How good is this? Indian one, two, and three. It’s a perfect weekend for me. I never would have dreamed that. A perfect weekend in this championship at all, let alone third weekend in the championship. So, it’s a real credit to the team that they can give me a bike that I can just concentrate on racing on and learning tracks. That’s the reason I’m able to be so competitive. So, I want to say thank you to them.
Junior Cup – Medina’s First
Sunday dawned with rain in the forecast, and the riders in Junior Cup were first up with their feature race, which was shortened by two laps due to the prodigious precipitation. Yandel Medina, who was third in Saturday’s race one, was hoping for a wet race, and that’s exactly what he got. And, he made the best of it, as the New York Safety Track Racing rider notched the first win of his MotoAmerica career. Meanwhile, Ryan Wolfe followed up his runner-up result on Saturday with another second-place finish in Sunday’s race two. BARTCON Racing’s Eli Block, who won both Junior Cup races in the rain at New Jersey Motorsports Park last year, rounded out the podium in third.
Yandel Medina (39) led every lap en route to taking his first MotoAmerica victory in Sunday’s Junior Cup race at Road Atlanta. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“You were just holding your breath for the whole race, especially being in the front,” Medina said. “I didn’t get passed the whole race. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, nobody is passing me.’ I would just hear bikes right there in the end of 10A. I’m like, ‘Oh, they’re coming.’ I was thinking about yesterday when everybody just swooped in with the draft. But other than that, it was just keep your head down and go. I didn’t know what was going on. I tried to communicate, but my team didn’t understand what I was trying to say. But it all went well. I’m happy. Finally got first place. Everything went well. I’m happy with the results.”
BellissiMoto Twins Cup – Doyle In the Wet
South African Dominic Doyle has paid his dues in the BellissiMoto Twins Cup Championship. Doyle, who raced for a different team last year and finished fourth in the 2023 Twins Cup Championship, got the win in Sunday’s race two aboard his Giaccmoto Racing Yamaha YZF-R7.
Jack Roach (112) leads eventual BellissiMoto Twins Cup race winner Dominic Doyle (25), Rocco Landers (97) and the rest of the pack. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
British rider, by way of Canada, Jack Roach powered his Wrench Motorcycles Yamaha to second place, albeit a little over three seconds behind Doyle. Twins Cup Championship leader Gus Rodio completed the podium in third after finishing second on Saturday aboard his Rodio Racing – Powered By Robem Engineering Aprilia.
“I got an okay start,” Doyle said. “Jack (Roach) came around me. I just tried to see what kind of pace the other guys had. I felt like I could roll up on them a little bit. So, I made the move in the last turn and kind of just put my head down and tried to ride my own race and click off the same laps I was doing in warmup, like 50, 51. I could kind of stay in that range. I saw my pit board. Got up to about sixth. I came down to three, so I just tried to stay on the same pace. It went back up to four and I had two laps to go. So, I just kind of cruised around and rode my own race. No real problems. Had one little problem in turn one going up the hill. Lost the rear a little bit. But pretty smooth race other than that.”
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