ASRA: A Fast Foreigner, And Honoring David Graham & Ray Hofman

John Ulrich

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June 18, 2025

ASRA: A Fast Foreigner, And Honoring David Graham & Ray Hofman

ASRA is coming off a string of four races, including events at PittRace, Summit Point, Blackhawk Farms and, last weekend, at VIR; ASRA officials said there were full grids and sold-out entries for featured classes at Summit and VIR.

Emanuel Aguilar traveled from Argentina to VIR and showed up with a Dunlop-equipped 2020 Kawasaki ZX-10R. In his first race at the track, Aguilar convincingly won the ASRA Superstock 1000 feature.

Emanuel Aguilar (19) came from Argentina and won during his first weekend at VIR. ASRA Photo.

The event at Summit Point included memorials for the late, long-time ASRA announcer David Graham with a lap of honor, a BBQ dinner, and tributes by his friends, and was attended by his life partner of 12 years Sue Sharp along with his son Colin and daughter Claire. David Graham died in October 2024 at age 69.

David Graham in the announcing booth at a motorcycle road race. Photo by Frank Angel.

The Blackhawk Farms event included tributes to the late racer Ray Hofman, 55, who died in April 2025 after an almost year-long battle with brain cancer. Young Jody Barry took a lap of honor on his racing mentor Hofman’s Aprilia RS 600 MotoAmerica Twins Cup racebike, and Hofman was remembered by his friends and fellow racers. His wife Brenda Hofman and her mom both attended.

The late Ray Hofman (171) in MotoAmerica Twins Cup action on his Aprilia RS 660.
Photo courtesy Jason Knudsen.

Featured ASRA results from VIR follow.

Day 1 Races - ASRA SUPERSTOCK 1000 (1)

Day 1 Races - ASRA THUNDERBIKE (1)

Day 1 Races - ASRA SUPERSPORT (1)

Day 1 Races - ASRA 500 CUP (1)

More photos from Summit Point, by Bob Hartman/etechphoto.com :

The BBQ line during the memorial for David Graham at Summit Point.

Another view of the BBQ serving station during the David Graham memorial activities at Summit Point.

Racer Eric Helmbach gives David Graham’s son Colin Graham a ride on a memorial lap.

Riders on a David Graham memorial lap at Summit Point.

Racer Mark Heckles and his youngest daughter Remy on a David Graham memorial lap at Summit Point. They started well after the other participants and finished their lap after the other riders were back in the pits.

Sue Sharp (left) with David Graham’s daughter Claire, who waved the checked flag for a memorial lap.

From left, racers Mark Dickerson and Jeff “Awesome” Atwell with long-time race official Diane Shepard Tribou at Summit Point.

MotoGP: Stats Ahead Of The Brembo Grand Prix Of Italy

Michael Gougis

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June 18, 2025

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MotoGP: Stats Ahead Of The Brembo Grand Prix Of Italy

Mugello hosted a Grand Prix for the first time in 1976 and this is the 39th GP held here, including 29 events in a row from 1991 to 2019. The events in 1976, 1978 and 1985 were the Nations GP and 1982, 1984, 1991 and 1993 were named the San Marino GP. Since 1994 it has been the home of the Italian GP.

The first MotoGP race here was won by MotoGP™ Legend Barry Sheene by the margin of 0.1 sec from Phil Read, in a race lasting over 62 minutes. The layout has been basically unchanged since then too, with the track length of 5.245 km (3.25 miles) remaining the same.

The MotoGP™ race at Mugello in 2004 is the shortest ever premier class Grand Prix race: six laps. The race was stopped due to rain and restarted for the remaining laps as per the rules at the time.

Loris Capirossi, Valentino Rossi, Andrea Dovizioso, Danilo Petrucci and Francesco Bagnaia are the only Italians with MotoGP wins at Mugello. Capirossi won after a race-long battle with Max Biaggi and Rossi, both of whom crashed late on.

The modern era victories since 2002 are shared by nine riders: Valentino Rossi (7 wins), Jorge Lorenzo (6) and Bagnaia (3) have the majority, and Dani Pedrosa, Casey Stoner, Marc Marquez, Dovizioso, Petrucci and Fabio Quartararo all have a single win at Mugello.

The winning margin for Lorenzo over Marc Marquez here in 2016 was just 0.019s, the eighth-closest finish of all time in the premier class.

MOTOGP™ WINNERS AT MUGELLO ON THE GRID

Francesco Bagnaia 3 (2022, 2023, 2024) – Fabio Quartararo 1 (2021) – Marc Marquez 1 (2014)

SPRINT WINNERS AT MUGELLO

Francesco Bagnaia 2 (2023, 2024)

FACTORIES AT MUGELLO: BEST RESULTS

GP wins Honda 16 – Yamaha 13 – Ducati 7 – Suzuki 2

Sprint wins Ducati 2

Honda ’s last MotoGP win at Mugello was Marc Marquez in 2014 from pole. Marquez has two more podiums, 2016 and 2019, both P2. 2019 is the last time there was a Honda on the MotoGP™ podium here. Yamaha ’s last MotoGP win at Mugello was with Quartararo in 2021 from pole. Yamaha have 13 MotoGP wins here, including five in a row with Rossi from 2004 to 2008 and five with Lorenzo: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016. Ducati have seven MotoGP™ wins here, with Bagnaia (2022, 2023, 2024), Petrucci (2019), Lorenzo (2018),
Dovizioso (2017); the first Italian to win on an Italian bike at the track in MotoGP, and Stoner (2009). In 2023 and 2024, Ducati scored a 1-2-3-4. Aprilia ’s best MotoGP result in Mugello is P3 with Jeremy McWilliams in 2000 and Aleix Espargaro in 2022 (part of
the run when Aprilia took four podiums in four MotoGP races in a row for the first time). In 1999, Tetsuya Harada became the only Aprilia rider so far to qualify on pole in Mugello in the class. KTM Miguel Oliveira finished P2 in Mugello in 2021, which is KTM’s best MotoGP result at the track.

EXTRA FACTS AND STATS

9 current riders have MotoGP podiums here: Marc Marquez (3), Bagnaia (3), Quartararo (2), Jorge Martin (2), Maverick Viñales (1), Oliveira (1), Joan Mir (1), Johann Zarco (1), Enea Bastianini (1).

6 have taken pole: M. Marquez (2), Bagnaia (1), Viñales (1), Quartararo (1), Fabio Di Giannantonio (1), Martin (1).

At Mugello in 2023, Brad Binder set a new MotoGP™ top speed record during the Sprint with 366.1 km/h (227.483 mph), equalled in 2024 in Practice by Pol Espargaro. Binder is scheduled to make his 100th MotoGP start at Mugello.

WHAT HAPPENS IF…

93 If Marc Marquez wins the Grand Prix race at the Italian GP, it will be his #93rd win across all classes.

89 If a Ducati qualifies in the top three, it will be the 89th consecutive GP that a Ducati starts on the front row, a run that stretches back to Valencia 2020.

75 Ducati are on a streak of 74 podiums in a row. Another will extend their own record to 75. The only manufacturer with more than 75 podiums in a row is Honda, who took 83 from the FIM GP 1993 to the Imola GP 1999.

20 Rookie Fermin Aldeguer will be 20 years and 78 days old on Sunday and would be second-youngest MotoGP winner after Marc Marquez (20 years and 63 days old in Austin, 2013), if he wins on Sunday.

8 If a rider other than Viñales (2017), Rossi (2018), Marc Marquez (2019), Quartararo (2021), Di Giannantonio (2022), Bagnaia (2023) or Martin (2024) qualifies on pole, they will be the eight different polesitter in the last eight Grands Prix at Mugello.

6 There are six riders on the grid who could take their maiden MotoGP win this weekend: Raul Fernandez, substitute rider Takaaki Nakagami, Pedro Acosta, and rookies Ai Ogura, Somkiat Chantra and Fermin Aldeguer.

1 KTM and Aprilia riders could give their factory a maiden premier class win in Mugello.

AHRMA: Roper Riding 1967 Four Cylinder 350cc Benelli At NJMP

John Ulrich

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June 18, 2025

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AHRMA: Roper Riding 1967 Four Cylinder 350cc Benelli At NJMP

Team Obsolete, the renowned vintage motorcycle racing team based in Brooklyn, New York, is thrilled to announce it participation in the upcoming American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) road races at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP). Taking place this coming weekend, June 20-22, the event promises to showcase some of the most exhilarating vintage motorcycle racing in the region.

The team, known for a commitment to preserving and racing classic motorcycles from a bygone era, will bring its expertise and passion to the track once again. For this event, the esteemed lineup will feature 3 machines with Isle of Man racing pedigree:

• The iconic ex-Renzo Pasolini 1967 Benelli 350/4, last run at the Classic TT at the Isle of Man in 2018. This legendary machine, ridden by the late Renzo Pasolini, embodies the spirit of historic racing excellence that Team Obsolete champions and will ridden by legendary American road racer Dave Roper.

• The “MJC Special” a racing sidecar built with a rich Isle of Man TT history. Originally campaigned by Maurice Candy, the “MJC Special” represents a significant chapter in sidecar racing, showcasing both innovation and tradition on the demanding Isle of Man TT course. The sidecar will be piloted by Randy Hoffman and Michelle LeClear-Fisher.

• The Bee Bee Racing BSA A75R which Malcolm Lucas campaigned in the Formula 750 races at the Isle of Man TT, will be ridden by Brian Larrabure.

The AHRMA road races at New Jersey Motorsports Park will feature a variety of classes and disciplines, each celebrating motorcycles that have left an indelible mark on the history of motor racing. Spectators can expect thrilling competition and a nostalgic journey through the evolution of motorcycle engineering and racing prowess.

Team Obsolete invites fans and fellow enthusiasts to join them at NJMP for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of racing and camaraderie.

Many thanks to our sponsors Vanson Leathers, Red Line Synthetic Oil, Heidenau Tires and Buchanan’s Spoke & Rim, Inc.

Texas MiniCup: Second Round In The Books At Cresson, Texas

Mathilde Gasnier

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June 17, 2025

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Texas MiniCup: Second Round In The Books At Cresson, Texas

The second round of the Texas Mini Cup was held on Saturday, June 14, at the KartMoto track in Cresson, Texas. Hot and humid weather made for strenuous conditions on the clockwise, .76 mile, 10 turn course. Morning practice and qualifying brought fast lap times from good sized grids despite the heat. The 6 lap sprint races ran first, with 10 lap GP races and two additional 12 lap GP races for the Supermotos and 300/400 Superstock classes finishing out the afternoon.

The MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup qualifier classes Star GP Academy Stock 50 MA, Stock 110 MA, Flo4law GP 110 MA, KYT Helmets GP 160 MA, GP 190 MA, Keystone Roofing Street GP MA, and 7 additional support classes had 42 entries for some good competitive racing. Maverick Johnson was a stand out once again in the Mini Cup Qualifiers, taking the wins in GP 110 MA, GP 160 MA, GP 190 MA.

In the supporting classes, Kellan Funkhouser ran back to back races three times, taking the wins in Super Mini, Unlimited Mini, and 300 Superstock.

The 450 Supermoto class put on a good show once again, with Matteo Traversa taking all three wins, David Roth Jr taking two seconds and a third to dominate the podium.

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support: Artisan’s Editions, Dunlop, FLo4law Racing, Keystone Roofing, KYT Helmets, Leather & Lace Racing Leather Repair, Pirelli, South Central Race Center, Star GP Academy, and The Hughes family.

A big thanks to the staff and volunteers for helping make the event a success – We couldn’t do it without you!

The final round will be held on July 12, 2025, at KartMoto in Cresson, Texas.

The results can be viewed in the pdf below.

Texas mini cup round 2 results

NEMRR: More From The Loudon Classic Weekend

Mathilde Gasnier

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June 17, 2025

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NEMRR: More From The Loudon Classic Weekend

The Loudon Classic Weekend is always the highlight of the season for NEMRR racers, with top riders from around the nation and thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from New England descending upon New Hampshire Motor Speedway to take part in the kickoff weekend for Laconia Motorcycle Week. While Saturday is typically reserved exclusively for
the pro classes, Friday and Sunday feature the NEMRR championship classes. On Friday in particular the visiting pro riders take part in the club races, allowing NEMRR Expert and Amateur racers to share the track with these top racers and measure their performance against them.

This June event was the 3rd of six championship NEMRR rounds, and was a captivating event to watch as the historic NEMRR “Fast Guys” went head to head with the visiting pros and a number of riders made some big strides in their riding and set some personal best lap times in the process. Opening the Expert races was the Middleweight Formula 40 race
in which veteran Paul Duval edged out fellow Yamaha rider Justin Landry for the win. Next up, the Unlimited Supersport class gave the crowd its first look at the visiting pros, as Tyler Scott took the victory over David Anthony and Jake Lewis while NEMRR regulars Ian Beam and Justin Landry topped the field in the Middleweight Supersport class right behind them. Shortly thereafter, visiting pro Joe Limandri took the victory over local NEMRR rider Eric Wood and fellow Moto America star Jake Lewis in the Unlimited Superbike race. In the Middleweight Supersport ranks, a battle of local talent features Jacob Crossman as he came from behind to snatch the victory from Paul Duval while Teagg Hobbs – who suffered a mechanical issue on his primary bike – jumped on a backup machine and felt out a new motorcycle on his way to third place finish.

At the end of the day, after the pro riders had come fully up to speed, the Heavyweight Superbike race featured a battle between New England local Eric Wood and the visiting pros Joe Limandri and Jake Lewis. Wood rocketed to the lead off the line as Limandri and Lewis worked their way through the field on lap one. The three riders streaked across the line clear of the field on lap one, with Wood holding a one second gap on the visiting challengers. By the halfway point, Wood had extended the lead to almost two seconds as all three riders lapped consistently in the low 1:11 lap time range. The trio held their positions to the end, surely focused on the qualifying sessions for the Classic event that were to follow.

Nathan Bettencourt (99). Phot by Sam Draiss.

Saturday featured the Loudon Classic pro classes, in which local riders made a strong showing. The 500 Superbike Pro Class was swept by local riders with Eli Block, Adam Muscaro and Nathan Bettencourt filling out the podium. Bettencourt, who is an aspiring professional racer competing in the Moto America Talent Cup races made some significant strides on Sunday – more on that later. The Pro Thunderbike Class featured an epic battle between local stars Jacob Crossman and Adam Guyer, with Guyer taking the victory by 0.671 seconds at the line. Visiting Canadian Pro Series star maverick Cyr took the final podium spot from Brett Guyer (Adam’s father) by a single bike length at the line. In the feature $100K Street Fighter Class presented by Ducati, visiting pro Dominic Doyle and local star (and fellow Moto America Pro) Teagg Hobbs fought nose to tail throughout the race in Yamaha versus Ducati battle, while expected local front runners Shane Narbonne and Eli Block recovered from an off track excursion on the opening lap. In the end Doyle was able to edge out Hobbs for the win, with fellow Moto America star Gus Rodio taking the final podium spot over the charging Narbonne.

In the feature $300K Loudon Classic presented by Dunlop Tires, local riders who participated in at least half of the 2024 events qualified for the local rider bonus that paid $10k for the top rider and had an additional bonus all the way back to 10th place. The top qualifiers who were eligible for this bonus were Eric Wood (qualified 4th), Ben Gloddy (qualified 6th) and Jacob Crossman (qualified 10th). The race, was a barn burner, with the top 5 riders (Tyler Scott, Joe Limandri, Jake Lewis, Shane Narbonne and Eric Wood) breaking away from the field and running nose-to-tail past the halfway point of the race. The top 5 stayed tight but orderly through the race, with only Narbonne and Lewis swapping positions back and forth in the latter stages of the event. A few bad breaks in traffic separated first Wood and then Narbonne from the lead trio, with Scott taking the victory in the end over Limandri and Lewis. Wood was credit with 4th at the end after Narbonne was assessed a 5 second penalty for a clear jump start at the Green Flag. Wood took the prize as the top local rider, followed by Ben Gloddy (7th overall) and Jacob Crossman (10th overall).

Sunday’s NEMRR races featured three standout racers. First up was Adam Guyer, who made a statement in his Thunderbike victory on Saturday and followed it up with solid victories in the GTL and Lightweight GP races. Guyer pushed his Aprilia RS660 into the 1:13 lap time range, entering a very exclusive club of riders who have ever hit that milestone on a lightweight machine at NEMRR. Guyer is aiming for multiple championships in 2025 as he aims to assume the role as the fastest Guyer at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Adams father Brett has been an incredibly successful racer over multiple decades at NEMRR and is one of the winningest riders in the history of the club. The father=son duo competes in many of the same classes and the younger Guyer is riding extremely well over the past couple seasons.

The second standout of Sunday was young Nathan Bettencourt, who also made a leap into an exclusive group of riders with his performances on Sunday. Bettencourt took victories in both the GT500 and Super Singles categories, and scored runner up finshes in the Ultralight Superbike and 500 Supersport classes (both of which were won by fellow young star Adam Muscaro). However, the noteworthy feat was that he dropped nearly two seconds from his average best time, culminating with a 1:16.0 lap in the 500 Supersport class while charging from the back in an attempt to catch Muscaro. Like the accomplishment of Guyer, this lap time puts the young star in a very exclusive club of riders and bodes extremely well for his prospects of becoming a Moto America professional in the future.

The weekend closed out with the Dash for Cash events, and in the Amateur division Charles Keighley held on to a hotly contested top podium spot over Joseph Townsend and Sean Keech. In the Expert division, Eric Wood jumped off of his Yamaha R6 Classic bike and got back on his usual Ducati Panigale V2. Wood scored dominant victories in the Unlimited Formula 40 and Unlimited Grand Prix races before putting an exclamation point on his weekend with a solid win in the Seacoast Sport Cycles Dash for cash over Paul Duval and Jacob Crossman.

Round four of the NEMRR series in July 12-13 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and there are opportunities for riders at all levels (Track Day riders through top Experts to participate). For more information please visit www.nemrr.com

FIM Flat Track: American Sammy Halbert Wins In Germany

Mathilde Gasnier

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June 17, 2025

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FIM Flat Track: American Sammy Halbert Wins In Germany

Defending champion Sammy Halbert stormed his way up the points table when he raced to victory at round two of the 2025 FIM Flat Track World Championship powered by HKC Koopmann, Anlas, Kineo and Blackburst at Meissen on Saturday evening.

FIM Flat Track World Championship travels to Meissen for round two
Defending champion Sammy Halbert on top in Germany
Czech hero Ervin Krajčovič maintains his slim series lead

The German town is world-famous for its exquisite porcelain, but the Speedwaystadion Meissen has forged its own proud reputation as a favourite destination on the Flat Track calendar and after repeating his 2024 victory there it is safe to say that the thirty-seven-year-old American star is a big fan of the facility. Halbert was playing catch-up after finishing fifth at last month’s opening round in Italybut was back to the top of his game in Meissen, although the evening did not start well for him.

Former champion Ervin Krajčovič (KTM) got the programme under way with victory in the opening eight-lap Heat ahead of Britain’s Tim Neave (Yamaha) before Ondřej Švédík (KTM) made it back-to-back wins for Czech riders with a win in the second Heat from Italy’s Kevin Corradetti (Yamaha), but a suspected technical issue saw Halbert at the back of the third Heat that was won by Austrian rider Max Hellmann (KTM) from Michele Guerra (Husqvarna).

Victory for Krajčovič from Švédík in the fourth Heat moved the thirty-four-year-old from Prague into a clear lead before Halbert defeated Corradetti and 2022 champion Gerard Bailo (Zaeta) from Spain took his first win of the evening ahead of German veteran Markus Jell (KTM).

With only the top ten riders following the Heats earning an automatic place in the Grand Final, the atmosphere moving into the second half of the programme was electric and when Švédík won his third Heat ahead of Dutch racer Menno Van Meer (Honda) and Krajčovič could only manage third behind Halbert and Daniele Tonelli (TM) from Italy there was a new leader.

Podium at 2025 FIM Flat Track World Championship in Meißen, Germany. Photo credit: Jesper Veldhuizen. — Podium at the 2025 FIM Flat Track World Championship round in Meißen, Germany, American winner Sammy Halbert (center) with second-place Ondrej Svedik (left) and third-place Ervin Krajcovic (right). Photo by Jesper Veldhuizen.

Neave also remained firmly in contention after winning his third Heat from Corradetti before the top ten was decided in the fourth block of racing with Švédík taking his third win to progress to the twelve-lap Grand Final in front.

Maintaining the Czech one-two, Krajčovič’s third win of the programme saw him safely through in second ahead of Corradetti, Neave and Tonelli who won his final Heat from Halbert who made the cut in sixth followed by Bailo, Argentina’s Santiago Arangio (Yamaha), Vít Janoušek from the Czech Republic and Britain’s Jack Bell (Honda).

The next ten riders went into the five-lap Last Chance Heat where Guerra and Van Meer picked up the two remaining places in the Grand Final that got away at the second attempt after Guerra was penalised for jumping the original start.

From the restart Švédík took an early lead from Halbert and Tonelli with Krajčovič and Neave in tow. Halbert then eased Švédík wide to move to the front on lap two and was never headed again as he used his years of top-level experience to coolly control the race from the front.

Švédík kept the pressure on Halbert – who also got the bonus point for posting the fastest lap in the Grand Final – all the way to the chequered flag with Krajčovič, who moved ahead of Neave just after half-distance, completing the podium as Tonelli kept his championship hopes very much alive in fifth.

Focus now shifts to Donji Kraljevec in Croatia on 12 July where Krajčovič will defend his slender two-point advantage over Švédík with Halbert ominously just a further point adrift in third.

To stay fully up to date with the 2025 FIM Flat Track World Championship powered by HKC Koopmann, Anlas, Kineo and Blackburst please download the Sportity App and use the password FIMFT to access Flat Track news.

Full results here: https://www.fimflattrack.com/2025-results-meissen-finals/

Roadracing World Young Guns 2025: Derek Sanchez

Mathilde Gasnier

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June 17, 2025

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Roadracing World Young Guns 2025: Derek Sanchez

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 29th 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 14 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 2025 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, based on the 2024 season. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.

We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.

Derek Sanchez:

Age: 15.

Current home: Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.

Current height/weight: 5’8”/120 pounds.

Current school grade level: 8th grade.

Began riding at age: 4 years old.

First road race: 2016, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, PeeWee 50, 3rd place.

Current racebike: Kramer APX-350MA.

Current tuners/mechanics: Darwin Rodriguez, Jose Sanchez (father).

Primary race series: MotoAmerica Talent Cup.

Top sponsors: Envy Racing, The Warhorse Group, Buell Motorcycles, Vortex, Arai, Dunlop, Trackside Parts Club, Robocop Racing, Boston Road Auto Mall, Breakneck Speed Co., Race SMEC, Miles Auto NYC.

Recent racing accomplishments: 2024 season, won Nicky Hayden AMA Road Race Horizon Award, won AMA 400 Grand Championship, won ASRA 400 GP National Championship, finished 13th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup debut at Mid-Ohio; 2023 season, placed fourth in FIM Mini Cup Ohvale 190 Championship (one podium finish); finished sixth in MotoAmerica Mini Cup Ohvale 190 Championship.

2025 racing goal: Win MotoAmerica Talent Cup Championship.

Racing career goal: Race in Europe.

Racing hero: Nicky Hayden.

Favorite track: Daytona.

Favorite hobby: Playing sports.

If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Playing another sport like football or baseball.

…..

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, 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and MotoAmerica Superbike podium finisher 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;

Former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;

Three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;

FIM JuniorGP World Championship point scorer and MotoAmerica podium finisher Torin Collins;

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 multi-time 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, 2023and 2024 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, and 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion, and four-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher 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 and 2024 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;

2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, Moto2 World Championship point scorer, MotoAmerica Superbike race winner 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, MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers race winner 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 two-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;

2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and powersports dealership owner Bryce Kornbau (nee Prince);

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;

2021 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion and multi-time MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Tyler Scott;

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;

FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship regular Max Toth;

Multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, former World Superbike competitor, and 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship runner-up Jayson Uribe;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup race winner and current Supersport regular Max Van;

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 2024 MotoAmerica Super Hooligan Champion Cory West;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup race winner and 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Cup Champion Ashton Yates;

Two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.

World Superbike: Michelin Exclusive Tire Supplier In 2027

Michael Gougis

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June 17, 2025

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World Superbike: Michelin Exclusive Tire Supplier In 2027

Michelin will become the exclusive official tyre supplier for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship from the 2027 season onwards.

The five-year partnership, running through to 2031, highlights the shared commitment of Michelin and the Championships to innovation, sustainability, safety, and ongoing development benefiting motorcycle users. Michelin will focus specifically on continuous improvement in tyre quality, durability, and safety, aligning closely with the Championship’s high technical standards and competitive spirit.

Michelin will supply tyres to all categories, including WorldSBK, WorldSSP, and the newly introduced World Sportbike (WorldSPB) class, as well as the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR).

Michelin’s extensive motorsport experience and technological know-how will ensure consistent performance across diverse conditions and the range of tracks featured on the Championship calendar, supporting teams and riders in maintaining a highly competitive field throughout the season.

Until then, Pirelli will remain the Official Tyre Supplier through to the close of the 2026 season, continuing to provide dedicated support to participants competing at the highest level while further developing its tyre line-up.

This will mark the end of a significant era, as Pirelli’s pioneering partnership with WorldSBK since 2004 established the Championship as the first global motorsport series to adopt a single tyre supplier, setting a standard later followed by other leading racing series.

MotoGP: Nakagami Substituting For Marini At Mugello

Michael Gougis

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June 17, 2025

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MotoGP: Nakagami Substituting For Marini At Mugello

A factory team debut for Takaaki Nakagami as Joan Mir aims to continue his form from Aragon at one of the MotoGP World Championship’s most iconic tracks.

Some 40 kilometres north of Florence, the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello holds an infamous place in the MotoGP World Championship as the home of Italian racing. Fast and flowing corners, a blisteringly quick straight and a legendary run to Turn 1, Mugello stands as a track which captures the hearts and minds of riders and fans alike.

With a well-earned seventh place last time out, Joan Mir travels to Italy aiming for more speed and more points. Consistently able to run inside the top ten throughout practice and qualifying this year, the #36 finally shook his Sunday luck to deliver a third top ten of the season. When mistakes and incidents are avoided, Mir clearly has the setup to fight for top Honda honours and continue pushing the RC213V forward. Having shown his clear speed and progress, the Italian GP will be the perfect opportunity to continue his ever-improving results. Third in 2021, the 2020 MotoGP World Champion is no stranger to excelling in Mugello.

Takaaki Nakagami will make his debut as a Honda HRC Castrol rider as he fills in for the recovering Luca Marini. Alongside his wildcard in Le Mans, the #30 has been hard at work with the Honda HRC Test Team to help plot the course for the future of the Honda RC213V and continues to clock up the testing miles. The Italian GP will give the Japanese test rider more valuable time on the bike in race conditions to help with further development and keep him sharp for future appearances. Fifth place in 2019 stands as Nakagami’s best premier class finish in Mugello.

Luca Marini continues to recover well; the Italian having returned home to Italy during the Aragon GP weekend. Eager to return as soon as possible and undergoing regular assessments on his condition, Marini and the team remain in constant contact about his return once full recovered.

Joan Mir

“Coming off our best Sunday of the year so far, I’m looking to make the most of Mugello. It’s a great circuit to ride and I am sure the battle there will be very tight. There are some areas where I think we can be quite strong, and it will be interesting to see how our bike does on the straight with the faster entry. It’s now a really busy part of the year so we need to work hard and keep our momentum up.”

Takaaki Nakagami

“First, I want to wish Luca all the best with his recovery. It’s a pleasure, an honour, to join the factory Honda HRC Castrol team – thank you to Honda HRC for opportunity. The Test Team and I have been working hard in Japan for the future but this weekend the focus will be a little bit different. I have enjoyed riding Mugello in the past and have gotten some strong results as well. Let’s see what we can do and how we can help the team during the Italian GP.”

MotoRACE Series: Daccache Takes Charge of The Regional Pros

Mathilde Gasnier

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June 16, 2025

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MotoRACE Series: Daccache Takes Charge of The Regional Pros

The second-ever event in the MotoRACE Series took place on Shannonville’s longest, 4.03 km layout on June 13-15, and reigning Regional Pro Champ Elie Daccache took all the major feature class wins aboard his potent Yamaha YZF-R1. Daccache won both Sprint Cup races, holding oT the Royal Distributing backed BMW of Michael Leon in both cases.

ON Saturday, both racers missed the start lights and had to ride into the lead group, with impressive BMW mounted Matt Vanderhorst holding first. Eventually Daccache would turn a lap at 1:46.6, while Leon got down to 1:48.2 and Vanderhorst lapped at 1:48.2 as well – a solid step.

Daccache rocketed into the lead Sunday in mid-days Sprint Cup, held in warm and sunny conditions, some of the best available so far anywhere in Canada this summer! Leon played catch up and got beside Daccache at one point but then ran oT track and settled for second. Daccache got down to a best lap at 1:46.2, but the pushing Leon was the pace setter at 1:45.9.

However, Daccache would turn the best lap of the weekend at 1:45.86 later in the program completing Pro Superbike race; Leon also close in pace with a tour at 1:45.89 in a strong showing of consistency.

The lap record for the big bikes is a 1:43.48 set by Alex Dumas at the National last summer aboard a Ducati v4.

In Superbike race action Saturday, Daccache won by almost nine seconds from Leon, while Ernest Berhard netted third on his Farnham Brewery Yamaha YZF-R1. Vanderhorst was a close fourth.

Daccache once again got the hole shot in Sunday’s second ten lap Lou-Anne Printing Pro Superbike Feature, and Leon took a while to clear traTic, eventually placing second, 1.7 seconds back from the slowing Daccache. In another repeat result, Bernhard held oT Vanderhorst for third.

Elie Daccache celebrates his second straight Lou-Ann Printing Pro Superbike victory at Shannonville’s second round of the RACE Moto Regional Championships aboard his No. 1 Milwaukee Tools Yamaha YZF-R1.

In Pro 6 Cycle Pro 600 Supersport, Yamaha mounted Rob Massicotte qualified second, then went on to win Saturday’s 8 lap race and Sunday post-lunch 12 lapper. Suzuki mounted Jordan Decarie scored second Saturday, pulling away from the Yamaha of rookie Pro Matt Hooper; on Sunday Hooper returned the favor and got clear for second, but no one could challenge the charging Massicotte.

Yamaha YZF-R6 mounted Alexis Beaudoin was quick in both middleweight and open class production action, starting his event with a win in Joe Rocket Amateur Supersport over the Kawasaki of Martin Perreault by a shocking 24 seconds, Rick Edwards third on another Yamah 600. In Superbike on Saturday, Beaudoin was first by 16 seconds from Perreault, while Ken Foley (Yam) earned third from Glen Brown.

Sunday’s 600 race was another Beaudoin benefit, the margin this time an amazing 31.57 seconds ahead of Perreault, who worked through a dicing fight for runner-up honors. Daniel Johnson got up to earn third.

In Sunday’s Amateur Superbike race, Beaudoin got the lead from the lights and looked set to win before making an uncharacteristic, unforced error in turn six, falling from first. Foley made his way to the lead and then held on for the win by .08 of a second over Perreault, Edwards claiming third in a busy race.

Veteran Jean-Pascal Schroeder pushed to success in Middleweight on his Kawasaki, winning Saturday by .8 of a second over favorite Istvan Hidvegi (Kaw) and third finisher Tyler Brewer. On Sunday, Schroeder was never headed, winning by 48 seconds after ten laps, Brewer second from Chris Carmichael. Hidvegi didn’t start.

Hidvegi won both the Lightweight class races on his immaculate Kawasaki, beating runner- up Andrea Purdy by 20 seconds in the opener, Carmichael not far back for third. On day two, Hidvegi won by only 12.8 seconds from Purdy, Carmichael .7 of a second behind the runner-up to net third.

Parker Sabine-Craig left Shannonville with the Novice Championship point lead, going 2/1 over the two days. Saturday’s Novice win went to Craig Foster, but Foster didn’t finish Sunday. Brennan Brown didn’t start Saturday but came back on day two for second place.

The Heavyweight division featured a small field but good action at the front, with rising Amateur star Beaudoin fighting for the win against National front runner Marco Sousa, who was rebuilding from a fall a week earlier in Nova Scotia. Beaudoin beat Sousa convincingly Saturday, but Souse rebounded to win by .57 of a second after an entertaining duel on Sunday.

ASRA: A Fast Foreigner, And Honoring David Graham & Ray Hofman

June 18, 2025

0725 ASRA Emanuel Aguilar action DSC_1742 — Emanuel Aguilar (19) of Argentina won in ASRA Superstock 1000 at VIR. Photo by Vae Vang/Noiseless Productions.

ASRA is coming off a string of four races, including events at PittRace, Summit Point, Blackhawk Farms and, last weekend, at VIR; ASRA officials said there were full grids and sold-out entries for featured classes at Summit and VIR.

Emanuel Aguilar traveled from Argentina to VIR and showed up with a Dunlop-equipped 2020 Kawasaki ZX-10R. In his first race at the track, Aguilar convincingly won the ASRA Superstock 1000 feature.

The event at Summit Point included memorials for the late, long-time ASRA announcer David Graham with a lap of honor, a BBQ dinner, and tributes by his friends, and was attended by his life partner of 12 years Sue Sharp along with his son Colin and daughter Claire. David Graham died in October 2024 at age 69.

The Blackhawk Farms event included tributes to the late racer Ray Hofman, 55, who died in April 2025 after an almost year-long battle with brain cancer. Young Jody Barry took a lap of honor on his racing mentor Hofman’s Aprilia RS 600 MotoAmerica Twins Cup racebike, and Hofman was remembered by his friends and fellow racers. His wife Brenda Hofman and her mom both attended.

Featured ASRA results from VIR follow.

Day 1 Races - ASRA SUPERSTOCK 1000 (1)

Day 1 Races - ASRA THUNDERBIKE (1)

Day 1 Races - ASRA SUPERSPORT (1)

Day 1 Races - ASRA 500 CUP (1)

More photos from Summit Point, by Bob Hartman/etechphoto.com :

MotoGP: Stats Ahead Of The Brembo Grand Prix Of Italy

June 18, 2025

Bagnaia_160122204_RB_1721_UC809512_High — Francesco Bagnaia (63). Photo courtesy Ducati Lenovo.

Mugello hosted a Grand Prix for the first time in 1976 and this is the 39th GP held here, including 29 events in a row from 1991 to 2019. The events in 1976, 1978 and 1985 were the Nations GP and 1982, 1984, 1991 and 1993 were named the San Marino GP. Since 1994 it has been the home of the Italian GP.

The first MotoGP race here was won by MotoGP™ Legend Barry Sheene by the margin of 0.1 sec from Phil Read, in a race lasting over 62 minutes. The layout has been basically unchanged since then too, with the track length of 5.245 km (3.25 miles) remaining the same.

The MotoGP™ race at Mugello in 2004 is the shortest ever premier class Grand Prix race: six laps. The race was stopped due to rain and restarted for the remaining laps as per the rules at the time.

Loris Capirossi, Valentino Rossi, Andrea Dovizioso, Danilo Petrucci and Francesco Bagnaia are the only Italians with MotoGP wins at Mugello. Capirossi won after a race-long battle with Max Biaggi and Rossi, both of whom crashed late on.

The modern era victories since 2002 are shared by nine riders: Valentino Rossi (7 wins), Jorge Lorenzo (6) and Bagnaia (3) have the majority, and Dani Pedrosa, Casey Stoner, Marc Marquez, Dovizioso, Petrucci and Fabio Quartararo all have a single win at Mugello.

The winning margin for Lorenzo over Marc Marquez here in 2016 was just 0.019s, the eighth-closest finish of all time in the premier class.

MOTOGP™ WINNERS AT MUGELLO ON THE GRID

Francesco Bagnaia 3 (2022, 2023, 2024) – Fabio Quartararo 1 (2021) – Marc Marquez 1 (2014)

SPRINT WINNERS AT MUGELLO

Francesco Bagnaia 2 (2023, 2024)

FACTORIES AT MUGELLO: BEST RESULTS

GP wins Honda 16 – Yamaha 13 – Ducati 7 – Suzuki 2

Sprint wins Ducati 2

Honda ’s last MotoGP win at Mugello was Marc Marquez in 2014 from pole. Marquez has two more podiums, 2016 and 2019, both P2. 2019 is the last time there was a Honda on the MotoGP™ podium here. Yamaha ’s last MotoGP win at Mugello was with Quartararo in 2021 from pole. Yamaha have 13 MotoGP wins here, including five in a row with Rossi from 2004 to 2008 and five with Lorenzo: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016. Ducati have seven MotoGP™ wins here, with Bagnaia (2022, 2023, 2024), Petrucci (2019), Lorenzo (2018),
Dovizioso (2017); the first Italian to win on an Italian bike at the track in MotoGP, and Stoner (2009). In 2023 and 2024, Ducati scored a 1-2-3-4. Aprilia ’s best MotoGP result in Mugello is P3 with Jeremy McWilliams in 2000 and Aleix Espargaro in 2022 (part of
the run when Aprilia took four podiums in four MotoGP races in a row for the first time). In 1999, Tetsuya Harada became the only Aprilia rider so far to qualify on pole in Mugello in the class. KTM Miguel Oliveira finished P2 in Mugello in 2021, which is KTM’s best MotoGP result at the track.

EXTRA FACTS AND STATS

9 current riders have MotoGP podiums here: Marc Marquez (3), Bagnaia (3), Quartararo (2), Jorge Martin (2), Maverick Viñales (1), Oliveira (1), Joan Mir (1), Johann Zarco (1), Enea Bastianini (1).

6 have taken pole: M. Marquez (2), Bagnaia (1), Viñales (1), Quartararo (1), Fabio Di Giannantonio (1), Martin (1).

At Mugello in 2023, Brad Binder set a new MotoGP™ top speed record during the Sprint with 366.1 km/h (227.483 mph), equalled in 2024 in Practice by Pol Espargaro. Binder is scheduled to make his 100th MotoGP start at Mugello.

WHAT HAPPENS IF…

93 If Marc Marquez wins the Grand Prix race at the Italian GP, it will be his #93rd win across all classes.

89 If a Ducati qualifies in the top three, it will be the 89th consecutive GP that a Ducati starts on the front row, a run that stretches back to Valencia 2020.

75 Ducati are on a streak of 74 podiums in a row. Another will extend their own record to 75. The only manufacturer with more than 75 podiums in a row is Honda, who took 83 from the FIM GP 1993 to the Imola GP 1999.

20 Rookie Fermin Aldeguer will be 20 years and 78 days old on Sunday and would be second-youngest MotoGP winner after Marc Marquez (20 years and 63 days old in Austin, 2013), if he wins on Sunday.

8 If a rider other than Viñales (2017), Rossi (2018), Marc Marquez (2019), Quartararo (2021), Di Giannantonio (2022), Bagnaia (2023) or Martin (2024) qualifies on pole, they will be the eight different polesitter in the last eight Grands Prix at Mugello.

6 There are six riders on the grid who could take their maiden MotoGP win this weekend: Raul Fernandez, substitute rider Takaaki Nakagami, Pedro Acosta, and rookies Ai Ogura, Somkiat Chantra and Fermin Aldeguer.

1 KTM and Aprilia riders could give their factory a maiden premier class win in Mugello.

AHRMA: Roper Riding 1967 Four Cylinder 350cc Benelli At NJMP

June 18, 2025

0625 Dave Roper On TO Benelli PYTcUi1O — Dave Roper (2) as seen aboard the ex-Pasolini 1967 350cc Benelli Four Cylinder Team Obsolete racebike he'll ride next weekend at NJMP. Team Obsolete photo.