MotoAmerica: Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki Announces 2024 Riders

David Swarts

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March 4, 2024

MotoAmerica: Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki Announces 2024 Riders

VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI RETURNS FOR 2024, EXPANDS TO TWINS CUP CLASS

Six-Rider Team Will Race Suzuki GSX-Rs and GSX-8Rs

Brea, CA (March 4, 2024) – Team Hammer, Inc. and Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) will continue their racing partnership in the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship for the next two seasons. The team will race as Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki.

Long recognized for a winning tradition, both Suzuki and Team Hammer have a proud racing history. This season will be Team Hammer’s 44th straight in American motorcycle racing paddocks and promises to be one of the best yet.

In addition to the Supersport and Superbike classes racing Suzuki GSX-Rs, the team will also compete in the Twins Cup class in 2024 with the new Suzuki middleweight, parallel-twin-powered GSX-8R sportbike.

2020 Supersport Champion Richie Escalante (54) aims for 2024 to be a breakthrough year in Superbike. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

Two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch (96) looks to bring consistent results in his first full Superbike season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

Richie Escalante (54) and Brandon Paasch (96) will race again in the MotoAmerica Superbike class on Suzuki GSX-R1000R race bikes after showing remarkable promise in 2023. Tyler Scott and Teagg Hobbs both return as Supersport contestants after a season of vying for wins and podiums on Suzuki GSX-R750s. They will be joined in 2024 in Supersport by Joel Ohman. Young hotshot Rossi Moor will race in the Twins Cup class for the team, joining a long line of top young talent for Suzuki and Team Hammer.

Tyler Scott (70) looks to be in the mix for the 2024 Supersport championship aboard the Suzuki GSX-R750. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

Teagg Hobbs (79) anticipates continued progression in his second Supersport season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

“We are confident in the team we have assembled for our 44th season,” said Team Hammer’s Chris Ulrich. “We’re back with Suzuki again and we have had a lot of success together over the years. We have some great sponsors, suppliers, and partners, plus some very talented riders. We are all excited for 2024,” said Ulrich.

“Now, for the first time since winning the championship in 2019 and 2020, we are returning to the Twins Cup class with the new Suzuki GSX-8R and, for us, developing a new motorcycle is exciting. For Supersport, we’re continuing our development of the Suzuki GSX-R750 next-generation program, and our ride-by-wire system will now also be used in the Dutch Supersport Championship and in Germany in addition to the Isle of Man and BSB. We’ve also made some good gains in Superbike with the Suzuki GSX-R1000R and are looking forward to having two healthy riders back and ready to go into the season with momentum,” added Ulrich.

Vision Wheel returns as the team’s title sponsor. A leading aftermarket custom wheel supplier for many vehicle types, Vision Wheel strives to reach present and future customers through racing.

“We’re glad to extend our partnership with Team Hammer,” said Vision Wheel CEO Roger Minor. “We’ve already had a lot of success together and Vision Wheel is looking forward to continuing that momentum in MotoAmerica competition. Race fans are our customers, and we feel it’s important for Vision Wheel to have a strong presence with a successful organization.”

Mission Foods, a Texas-based maker of Mexican food products, also returns with the team for 2024.

Long-time exhaust partner M4 Performance Exhaust will once again support and supply the team. “M4 Performance Exhaust looks forward to another year of racing with Team Hammer,” said Vice President Kyle Martin. “The MotoAmerica series looks to be as competitive as ever, which brings extra excitement. After 26 years of this commitment together, we absolutely know this team will be a force to be reckoned with in 2024.”

ECSTAR is the global brand of Suzuki Genuine Oils & Chemicals, and supplies high-quality ECSTAR lubricants to the team again in 2024.

Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki will race in the 82nd Daytona 200 March 7-9, 2024, fielding Escalante, Paasch, Hobbs, and Scott on Supersport GSX-R750s, and Moor will make his team debut on a GSX-8R in Twins Cup at the storied speedway. Ohman will join the team starting with the second round of the series, at Road Atlanta April 19-21.

For Suzuki road racing news, results, and team updates, visit suzukicycles.com/racing/road-racing. For more information and updates on Team Hammer, visit teamhammer.com.

ABOUT TEAM HAMMER

The 2024 season marks Team Hammer’s 44th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Race bikes 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 wheels of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.

MotoAmerica And AFT Offering Special Daytona Combo Ticket Package

David Swarts

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March 4, 2024

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MotoAmerica And AFT Offering Special Daytona Combo Ticket Package

MotoAmerica/AFT Team Up To Offer Combined Ticket Package For Flat Track And Road Racing At Daytona

Exclusive Ticket Package Provides A One-Stop Shop For The Daytona Short Track Doubleheader And The 82nd Daytona 200

IRVINE, CA (March 4, 2024) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Progressive American Flat Track to, once again, offer the “America Super Ticket,” a combo ticket package that will give race fans admission to both series’ opening rounds at Daytona International Speedway, March 7-9.

Following the incredible reception to last year’s introduction, the America Super Ticket will again be priced at just $100. For that price, fans will have the opportunity to attend the epic twin-series season openers in full, including four classes of road racing at Daytona International Speedway, March 7-9, including the Daytona 200 and both nights of Progressive AFT at the Daytona Short Track on Thursday, March 7, and Friday, March 8.

MotoAmerica action inside Daytona International Speedway will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 9 with the opening practice session for the BellissiMoto Twins Cup class and will conclude at 4 p.m. with Mission Super Hooligan National Championship qualifying. On Friday, BellissiMoto Twins Cup will take to the track for qualifying at 9 a.m. and racing action will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship race followed in quick succession by BellissiMoto Twins Cup race one (2:10 p.m.) and Mission King Of The Baggers race one (3:10 p.m.). On Saturday, racing action will begin at 9:35 a.m. with the second of two Mission Super Hooligan National Championship races followed at 10:30 a.m. by the second BellissiMoto Twins Cup race. Next up is the Daytona 200 at 1:10 p.m. with Mission King Of The Baggers set to close out the weekend with its second race set to begin at 4 p.m.

Gates open at 3:00 p.m. both days at the Daytona Short Track, which is located outside NASCAR Turn 2 at the World Center of Racing, with opening ceremonies scheduled for 7 p.m. Along with the opening two rounds of the highly anticipated 2024 Mission AFT SuperTwins and Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER championships, the Progressive AFT action will include Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. (BTR) program, which highlights, celebrates, and encourages the involvement of women in racing, on Thursday and Friday.

“Last year was our first year of the Super Ticket and it was very successful,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Since a lot of our fans are also flat track fans and vice versa, it makes perfect sense to offer those fans a ticket that works for both. This season promises to be an exciting one for both MotoAmerica and AFT and starting it off with a bang at Daytona is ideal. We look forward to sharing MotoAmerica racing to the fans of AFT and we hope our fans take advantage of the Super Ticket to go watch the Daytona Short Track.”

“This is an incredible opportunity for fans to see the world’s greatest motorcycle dirt trackers and the nation’s elite road racers on a single weekend at one of the most famous motorsports venues in the United States,” said Gene Crouch, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “Last year’s introduction of the America Super Ticket was a huge success, and we’re thrilled to partner with MotoAmerica to kick off another season in landmark fashion – where and when it belongs – at Daytona Bike Week.”

The America Super Ticket is available for purchase now at Daytona International Speedway’s website. Get your America Super Ticket today at https://mpv.tickets.com/?agency=DISV_PL_MPV&orgid=53953&eventId=27638

For more information on MotoAmerica visit https://www.motoamerica.com.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.

MotoGP: Bagnaia Renews Contract With Ducati Through 2026

David Swarts

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March 4, 2024

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MotoGP: Bagnaia Renews Contract With Ducati Through 2026

Writing a Future Together: Ducati Corse and Francesco Bagnaia Sign Renewal for Another Two Seasons

The Italian Rider, Two-Time World Champion with the Ducati Lenovo Team, Will Ride the factory Desmosedici GP in 2025 and 2026 as Well

Just days before the start of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship, Ducati Corse and Francesco Bagnaia solidified their future together by putting pen to paper, announcing the signing of an agreement that binds the two-time MotoGP World Champion to the Borgo Panigale manufacturer for the 2025 and 2026 seasons as well.

The contract renewal ensures continuity for an all-Italian winning pair: a perfect combination of the technology and performance of the Desmosedici GP and the talent, passion, and determination of Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia.

Born in Turin in 1997 and residing in Pesaro, Bagnaia joined Ducati with Pramac Racing in 2019. With the extension of his current contract, he will further solidify his place in the history of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer, becoming the second rider to be linked with Ducati for a total of eight years.

Bagnaia made a name for himself in 2020 by securing his first MotoGP podium in his home race at Misano Adriatico, and in 2021, he was promoted to the factory team. During his first year riding the red Ducati Lenovo Team machine, he narrowly missed out on winning the World Title, finishing as the runner-up after an exhilarating season finale. The year 2022 marked Bagnaia’s breakthrough, as he clinched his first MotoGP Riders’ World Title, also becoming the first Italian to do so on an Italian bike: the Desmosedici GP. This victory marked Ducati’s second Riders’ World Title, following Casey Stoner’s success in 2007, 15 years earlier. With the number 1 on his bike’s front fairing, Bagnaia was again crowned World Champion in 2023, thanks to another remarkable season that saw him claim 15 podiums, 7 victories, and 7 pole positions.

Francesco Bagnaia (#1, Ducati Lenovo Team)

“I am so happy to continue racing with the team of my dreams! Wearing these colours is an honour for me. It’s fantastic and a source of pride. Together with Ducati, my team, and all the guys at Ducati Corse, we’ve achieved incredible things. In these three more years (including 2024) ahead of us, we’ll continue to give our best to achieve as much success as possible. I am overjoyed and ready to hit the track in Qatar for the first race of the year.”

Claudio Domenicali (CEO Ducati Motor Holding)

“Pecco is truly the perfect rider for Ducati. He represents our values at their best: style, elegance, and performance. Not only is he fast, determined, and tenacious on track, but he also stands out for his elegance and education off the track. I am very happy for this renewal, which I am sure Ducatisti all over the world will welcome with enthusiasm.”

Luigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Corse General Manager)

“We are extremely happy to have Bagnaia with us again for 2025 and 2026. Together, we have written an important page of motorcycling history: Pecco was the first Italian rider to win a World Title in MotoGP with an Italian bike, our Desmosedici GP. Together, we brought back a Riders’ World Title that had been missing for 15 years, and we did it again last year. He is a two-time World Champion and has proven on more than one occasion that he truly deserves the number 1 on the fairing of his bike. In addition to these results, Bagnaia continues to demonstrate that he is in perfect harmony with his bike and team. For all these reasons, it was natural for us to want to continue with him. Therefore, we look forward to this new chapter together, confident that we can achieve other important results.”

Statistics from 2019 to date

GP Starts with Ducati in MotoGP: 86

First GP: Qatar 2019

Wins: 18

First GP Win: Aragón 2021

Podiums: 35

First Podium: San Marino 2020

Pole Positions: 18

First Pole: Qatar 2021

Fastest Laps: 13

Points: 1085

World Titles: 2 (MotoGP 2023, MotoGP 2022)

Bagnaia and the Ducati Lenovo Team will hit the track for the opening Grand Prix of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship from March 8th to 10th at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar.

Suzuki Kicks Off 2024 National Demo Tour At Daytona Bike Week

David Swarts

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March 3, 2024

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Suzuki Kicks Off 2024 National Demo Tour At Daytona Bike Week

SUZUKI EXPANDS 2024 NATIONAL DEMO TOUR

Tour Kicks Off At Daytona Bike Week, Travels To Key Races, Rallies, and Suzuki Dealers Nationwide

BREA, CA (March 2, 2024) – Suzuki Motor USA LLC (Suzuki) has kicked off its 2024 Demo Tour with a full range of exciting 2024 models to demo ride and will be on the scene at some of motorcycling’s highest-profile events, as well as visiting Suzuki dealers nationwide.

The Tour gives riders a chance to throw their leg over and test-ride a wide range of awesome 2024 Suzuki motorcycles. The Tour launched at Bike Week at Daytona International Speedway March 1-9, 2024, in Daytona Beach, Florida.

You’ll have a great opportunity to test ride, experience, and learn more about Suzuki’s latest motorcycles on the Tour. Demo rides are available from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM EST every day of Daytona Bike Week.

Riders looking to experience Suzuki’s latest and greatest may visit the Suzuki display at Daytona International Speedway. There, riders may book a Suzuki demo ride in just minutes.

The 2024 Suzuki Demo Tour features Suzuki’s world-class GSX-R and Hayabusa sportbikes, V-STROM adventure tourers, high-performance GSX-S1000GT+ sport-tourers, power cruisers, dual sports, and more.

In addition, Suzuki will have on display many fully accessorized models, custom bikes, Suzuki racing bikes, and a selection of Genuine Suzuki Accessories. Pro rider autograph sessions at key stops are also planned.

The 2024 Suzuki demo tour offers licensed riders seat time on the latest Suzuki models including:

• GSX-8R sportbike

• GSX-8S

• V-STROM 800DE and 800 Adventure Tourers

• V-STROM 1050DE and 1050 Adventure Tourers

• Hayabusa – the ultimate sportbike

• Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition

• GSX-R1000R, GSX-R750, GSX-R600 sportbikes

• GSX-S1000GT+ high-performance sport-tourers

• GSX-S1000

• DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM Supermoto

• DR-650S DualSport

• M109R Power Cruisers and more

New for 2024, the Suzuki GSX-8R sportbike brings its spirited performance and fresh styling to Suzuki demo rides this year, starting with Daytona Bike Week. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

A key highlight of the Suzuki Demo Tour is the all-new Suzuki parallel-twin 800cc motorcycle range, headed up by the exciting new Suzuki GSX-8R sportbike, and including the GSX-8S standard as well as the V-STROM 800 range of adventure tourers.

The GSX-8R has been lauded by the press as the new standard in sport, and uses the powerful and compact new 776cc Suzuki parallel-twin engine cradled in a strong, compact frame. The GSX-8R rewards riders with performance, technology, and style to lead the middleweight class in rideability and fun.

With stellar performance and features, riders are sure to enjoy all the GSX-8R has to offer as well as the rest of the 800cc Suzuki middleweight line during Bike Week.

The Tour continues throughout 2024 with planned stops at key MotoAmerica races, the US round of MotoGP, displays at select NHRA drag races, key national and adventure rallies, and more. Not to mention tour stops at Suzuki dealerships around the US.

Visit SuzukiCycles.com/events for more information and to see the complete schedule of Suzuki demo ride events.

Demo riders interested in purchasing a new Suzuki will also find several aggressive retail offers entering the 2024 riding season by clicking to SuzukiCycles.com/offers. It’s never been easier than right now to demo and buy a phenomenal new Suzuki.

Click your browser or smartphone to SuzukiCycles.com often as demo events are added throughout the season. Be sure to keep an eye on Suzuki’s social media channels on Facebook, X, and Instagram @suzukicycles for information on upcoming events, locations, and times as more events are finalized.

There is no better way to explore and ride the new Suzuki you’ve been wanting than at a Suzuki Demo Tour event. Bring your gear and ride with us at the 2024 Suzuki Demo Tour at Daytona, or a Suzuki dealer or event near you.

AMA Supercross: Race Report And Video Highlights From Daytona

David Swarts

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March 3, 2024

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AMA Supercross: Race Report And Video Highlights From Daytona

Jett Lawrence Wins Daytona Supercross and Extends Points Lead

Tom Vialle Earns Career-First Supercross Victory on Challenging Track

Daytona Beach, Fla., (March 3, 2024) Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence took an impressive win, his third of the season, at Round 8 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship inside the Daytona International Speedway. Daytime rain and the soft soil of the track built into the speedway Trioval made for one of the most challenging Daytona Supercross tracks ever.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac scored a strong second place finish, ending his streak of five straight wins at the venue. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton led the pack at the start and finished up with a third-place finish in front of record-high attendance for Daytona Supercross. This marks four races in a row this season where record highs for attendance were set. In the Eastern Regional 250SX Class, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle earned his first Supercross victory in the United States.

Jett Lawrence. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.

“It felt great. I felt good all day, but like I said, we came here for business… I’m just happy to come out of here with a win. Now I only hope we can keep clicking them off. I improved on my mistakes from last weekend, so I’m pumped about that and I’m ready to go on to the next few… [This win] means the world. The first time coming here and already winning a Daytona, it’s awesome. It’s like a home race for me. I gotta thank the crowd, they’re wild.” – Jett Lawrence

“No, to be totally honest I didn’t look over at my pit board so I didn’t see anything, I didn’t feel anything, the motorcycle’s fine. There are treacherous conditions out there. For me, I’m on the clutch a lot and with the ruts that deep, obviously [those conditions] make the bike hot. But I powered through there. Thinking back to the race, [I’m] frustrated I didn’t do the quad; [that] cost me. So gotta take more risks next time. That’s that. So, yeah, second place.” [When asked more about not jumping the quad jump] “Yeah, that’s all what it came down to. And then I moved over to the right side and… the depth of the rut was a lot smaller, and [I’m] just bummed that I didn’t take that [line] earlier. But, ah, try to live and learn and go to the next one.” – Eli Tomac, when asked if he was aware of the smoke coming from his motorcycle during the second half of the race.

“It’s definitely a step in right direction. I’ve had a rough couple weeks with my hand being hurt… It was a good first couple laps. I was doing this section next to the tunnel jump pretty good. Then I started getting a little sketchy and stopped doing it, and I paid the price for it [with slower lap times]. So overall this is a building block, and we’ll go back to work this week. I finally got to ride this week with my [injured but healing] hand, and yeah, we’re not done yet. Just gotta keep building and keep moving forward.” – Chase Sexton

The Eastern Regional 250SX Class held its third round and Tom Vialle fought forward to earn his career-first Monster Energy AMA Supercross win. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo led early but a mistake sent him off track and into second place. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker rode strong on the challenging track to nab a third-place finish.

Tom Vialle. Photo credit Feld Motor Sports.

“It’s nice to grab that win. I had my first podium last weekend and first win today in Daytona. Track was tough. I actually feel good, I could have [ridden] like 30 minutes, I think. So, it’s pretty nice, bike was nice. I didn’t have a great start, but I passed a lot of guys and just feel so good. It’s amazing to win and I want to thank everyone – my team, everyone who works with me during the week, my trainer – really everyone who supports me; and all those fans, it’s amazing to ride here in Daytona, so thank you everyone.” – Tom Vialle

“Yeah, it was really about patience, and I think I did run out of a little bit of patience a couple times, and maybe [that] cost me that lead; but gosh, this was awesome. I love coming to Daytona… And just for the opportunity to be here and do what I love to do is awesome. I had a great time out there and we’re just going to keep plugging away…. This is a dream life that I get and I’m just so grateful for it. If you would’ve told Cameron McAdoo, even five years ago, that this would be his life, he would’ve laughed. So this is my dream, it’s coming true. I love what I get to do, and yeah, shout out to everyone, my family back home, my mom and dad, they didn’t get to make it out. Without them none of this is possible… I’m just grateful for the position I’m in and I’m excited to keep working at this.” – Cameron McAdoo, when asked if the Daytona race strategy was about patience.

“[I’m] stoked on that ride. Like you said, I got off to a pretty good start and me and Haiden were going at it for the first couple laps. He bobbled in the sand, got around him, and I was actually able to pull a gap on them, so that felt nice. I just kind of failed to hit my lines consistently, but yeah, [overall I’m] stoked on that ride here at Daytona.” – Seth Hammaker

The second Supercross Futures race of 2024 lined up the future stars of the sport. Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Drew Adams fought hard for the win. Troy Lee Designs GASGAS’s Cole Davies challenged for the top spot and crossed the line in a very close second place. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Casey Cochran fought forward from a poor start to grab the final spot on the SX Futures podium at Daytona.

“My arms got pumped up, [and then] it’s hard to pull the clutch in. Yeah, I had a few mishaps, and I was worried for the last two laps there. But I just rode solid the whole time, got a good start this time and had a great race. You know, it’s awesome to get [a win] here at Daytona. A little bit of wet dirt, something different this year, and it was a great time. And thank you to all the fans, I love you guys!” – Drew Adams when asked if he was having clutch issues after stalling his bike a couple times.

During the Daytona race, the dates and venues for the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and Final were announced. After 28 rounds of Monster Energy AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross conclude, the top 20 riders in combined points for both series will be seeded into the post-season racing. Riders who finish in positions 21-30 will compete in an LCQ at each event to round out the 22-rider field. Before post-season racing begins the points will be reset, with each rider retaining points for one round of racing based on their seeded position. Two Playoff races and one Final, each with increasing points payouts, will determine a SuperMotocross World Champion in both the 450cc and 250cc classes. The dates and venues are:

Next Saturday the series takes the Supercross racing to a new venue, Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. The event will pay points as Round 9 of both the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship.

Every race is available live through the PeacockTV app, with several races also broadcast or streamed via NBC, USA Network, CNBC, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app. For fans watching from outside the US, live and on-demand coverage with both English and Spanish commentary can be had through the SuperMotocross Video Pass (supermotocross.tv).

Tickets are available now for each remaining Monster Energy AMA Supercross event. For points standings, highlight videos, rider power rankings, broadcast-team insights, and to purchase tickets for an upcoming round, please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

Valentino Rossi Fourth In World Endurance Championship Sports Car Debut

Michael Gougis

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March 2, 2024

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Valentino Rossi Fourth In World Endurance Championship Sports Car Debut

On the weekend before the MotoGP 2024 season opener at Lusail International Circuit, nine-time motorcycle Grand Prix World Champion Valentino Rossi finished just off the podium in his World Endurance Championship sports car debut at the Qatar 1812km as the MotoGP legend geared up for racing in the classic 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Driving the factory Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 in the production-based LMGT3 class, Rossi and teammates Ahmad Al Harthy and Maxime Martin finished fourth, one lap down to the winning Porsche 911 GT3 R but only 12.647 seconds behind the Aston Martin Vantage AMR in third after nearly 10 hours of racing.

“It’s a good start to the season as finishing P4 is quite good but it’s a shame to be so close to the podium,” Rossi said. “It was a perfect race for us with no mistakes. The guys did an amazing job in the pits as well and we just missed a little bit of speed to make it to the podium.”

The fan experience for the WEC event at Lusail International Circuit included free bottled water, live bands, video arcades and viewing areas where spectators could lounge on beanbag chairs and watch the race on big-screen monitors. A double-decker shuttle bus carried spectators to three different viewing platforms around the outer perimeter of the track, giving them the chance to see the racing from several perspectives.

The WEC event and the MotoGP tickets were sold only as a package – individual event general admission tickets were not available. The two events were billed as the 2024 Lusail Speed Fest 2024. In addition to the amenities listed above, the package included free parking, free admission to the main straight grandstands and the Turn One “Lusail Hill” stands for three days of the WEC event and all three days of the MotoGP event for 200 Qatar riyal, approximately $55 U.S. dollars.

Video: Army Of Darkness Yamaha YZF-R1 Engine Rebuild, Part Two

David Swarts

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March 2, 2024

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Video: Army Of Darkness Yamaha YZF-R1 Engine Rebuild, Part Two

Army Of Darkness won the 2020 N2/WERA National Endurance Championship on a 2020-model Yamaha YZF-R1. They then went on to win the 2021 and 2022 championships, as well.

Eventually, the 2020 engine started jumping out of gear, which was going to require a complete tear down to rebuild the engine for the 2023 season.

Michael Godin at KWS Motorsports offered to inspect and rebuild it, so follow along we see how the valves, seats, pistons, rings, bearings, and clutch look after 4,000 miles at redline.

A close-up showing some of the wear inside Army of Darkness' Yamaha YZF-R1 engine. Photo courtesy Army of Darkness. — A close-up showing some of the wear inside Army of Darkness’ Yamaha YZF-R1 engine. Photo courtesy Army of Darkness.

There are also some fun photos of the team including Chris Peris, Cody Wyman and Ben Walters.

Please enjoy Part Two and subscribe to the channel!

In 2023, AOD was sponsored by: Army of Darkness, Dunlop, Yamaha Champions Riding School, Yamaha, Industry13, Chicken Hawk, Woodcraft, Hindle, Supersprox, N2, WERA, and Roadracing World.

March 2024

Magazine Issue

Trudy Ulrich

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March 1, 2024

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On the Front Cover: The Aprilia RS-GP24 may have the best aero package in MotoGP, but it takes more to win. The company is serious about using data from its factory squad and the American-owned Trackhouse Racing satellite team to do that. This is Miguel Oliveira (88) in pre-season testing. Gigi Soldano/DPPI photo.

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.

—

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Or call (909) 654-4779 to subscribe, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

Log in HERE to read the March 2024 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription.

MARCH 2024 ISSUE

FEATURES

Inside Info: BMW F-model Parallel Twins; winged Honda CBR600RR
Won’t Be Sold In The USA; seven Benelli Singles and Twins coming to
America; Ducati’s Pecco Bagnaia quickest in fi nal pre-season MotoGP
tests; Davide Brivio back in MotoGP, with Trackhouse Racing; Loris Baz
returns to MotoAmerica Superbike, and more…

Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1968 MV Agusta 500cc Triple

KTM Celebrates 30 Years Of DUKE Models, Stressing NO BS!

Intro: Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST, High-Performance Hog

Army Of Darkness: A Drowning Pool & Pole Positions

Hanging With: Troy Herfoss, Aussie Champ In MotoAmerica

RACING

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MotoAmerica: Vesrah Racing Fielding Gillim On A Suzuki In Daytona 200

David Swarts

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March 1, 2024

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MotoAmerica: Vesrah Racing Fielding Gillim On A Suzuki In Daytona 200

Vesrah Racing returns to professional motorcycle racing in the United States with MotoAmerica at the 82^nd running of the Daytona 200.

Vesrah Racing will compete in the 2024 MotoAmerica Daytona 200 held at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 7^th to 9^th. Hayden Gillim will be aboard the #95 Suzuki GSX-R750 for this one-of-a-kind event that uses both the infield and high banks of the circuit.

This effort is supported by Steel Commander Corp., Comstock Energy LLC, Maxima Racing Oils, Fast Line Track Days, KTech suspension, Skip at Orient Express, Dunlop, GB Racing, REB Graphics, and Amanda Plumbing Sewer & Drain.

Akihito Tamura – CEO Vesrah Co.: “I am pleased to have Vesrah returning to competition in the United States again in MotoAmerica at the highest level with this effort for the 82^nd Daytona 200. Racing is one of the best ways to showcase the performance of Vesrah Racing Pad XX and the return of the iconic yellow and black motorcycle now combined with the distinctive Japanese market pink color accenting the livery combines our history and future.”

Mark Junge – Team Principal: “One of the first racing ventures with Vesrah was to compete in the final 24-hour WERA endurance race held in America back in 2000 which we won by 26 laps and sparked the creation of the Vesrah Suzuki team that won 8 WERA national endurance titles. Vesrah has been on the podium at the Daytona 200 before with Cory West finishing 2^nd in 2011, and I look forward to seeing where we can end up in the 2024 edition of this prestigious event with Hayden Gillim.”

Hayden Gillim – Rider #95: “I’m really excited for another chance at the 200. It’s redemption time after ending 4^th last year. This year I’m feeling really good, especially flying the iconic Vesrah Racing colors! It’s an even more stacked field this year and I’m ready to get going at Daytona! I can’t thank everyone enough who’s making this possible.”

Moto2: Aldeguer Quickest, Roberts P2 Overall As Testing Concludes At Jerez

David Swarts

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March 1, 2024

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Moto2: Aldeguer Quickest, Roberts P2 Overall As Testing Concludes At Jerez

Editorial Note: The official Moto2 All-Time Lap Record for Jerez is a 1:40.640 by Aron Canet in 2023.

Unofficial Combined Moto2 Test Results (all on Pirelli tires):

Fermin Aldeguer, Spain (Boscoscuro), 1:40.307
Joe Roberts, USA (Kalex), 1:40.351
Manuel Gonzalez, Spain (Kalex), 1:40.385
Tony Arbolino, Italy (Kalex), 1:40.437
Aron Canet, Spain (Kalex), 1:40.441
Somkiat Chantra, Thailan (Kalex), 1:40.498
Marcos Ramirez, Spain (Kalex), 1:40.507
Alonso Lopez, Spain (Boscoscuro), 1:40.619
Zonta van den Goorbergh, Netherlands (Kalex), 1:40.662
Ai Ogura, Japan (Boscoscuro), 1:40.678
Celestino Vietti, Italy (Kalex), 1:40.801
Jake Dixon, UK (Kalex), 1:40.872
Sergio Garcia, Spain (Boscoscuro), 1:40.953
Bo Bendsneyder, Netherlands (Kalex), 1:41.014
Albert Arenas, Spain (Kalex), 1:41.023
Jeremy Alcoba, Spain (Kalex), 1:41.120
Barry Baltus, Belgium (Kalex), 1:41.137
Deniz Oncu, Turkey (Kalex), 1:41.161
Izan Guevara, Spain (Kalex), 1:41.313
Filip Salac, Czech Republic (Kalex), 1:41.325
Senna Agius, AUS (Kalex), 1:41.352
Diogo Moreira, Brazil (Kalex), 1:41.465
Dennis Foggia, Italy (Kalex), 1:41.506
Ayumu Sasaki, Japan (Kalex), 1:41.625
Alex Escrig, Spain (Forward), 1:41.651
Darryn Binder, South Africa (Kalex), 1:41.771
Jaume Masia, Spain (Kalex), 1:41.801
Xavi Cardelus, Andorra (Kalex), 1:42.105
Mario Aji, Indonesia (Kalex), 1:43.622
Xavier Artigas, Spain (Forward), 1:44.046

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Aldeguer and Rueda set searing pace in Jerez Test

The official pre-season test has now concluded, with some eye-popping times as the Pirelli era begins

Fermin Aldeguer (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Friday, 01 March 2024

The chequered flag has been waved at the 2024 Moto2™ and Moto3™ Jerez Test, and the Pirelli era has arrived with a bang. Heading into Qatar’s season opener at the top of the timesheets it’s Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp) in Moto2™ and Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in Moto3™, with searing unofficial lap records set by both riders.

Moto2™

Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) was the rider to beat on the opening two days in Andalucia, but the Spaniard’s 1:40.7 lap time was beaten on the final day as most riders set personal best laps. Aldeguer’s was the quickest of the lot, but it was tight – Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) was just 0.044s adrift in P2, with Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) 0.078s away in third. Aldeguer and Roberts did crash on the final day, but that didn’t do much to halt their progress with the top three all setting their best laps in the closing session.

In total, seven riders lapped under Canet’s 1:40.640 all-time intermediate class lap record around the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, as the field got to grips with their new machines and Pirelli’s tyres – a huge change for 2024 in Moto2™ and Moto3™.

2023’s runner-up Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) led the way for some of the final day, but it’s P4 at the close of play for the Italian. P5 on the combined timesheets went the way of Canet, with the fastest quintet just 0.134s apart as Moto2™ looks set to be fiercely competitive again. No surprises there!

Elsewhere, Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Deniz Öncü ended the three-day outing as the quickest rookie, the Turk set a 1:41.161 on Friday to sit an impressive 0.8s away from Aldeguer.

Jose Antonio Rueda (99). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Moto3™

David Alonso (CFMOTO Aspar Team) – much like Canet – was the pacesetter on Day 1 and Day 2, but fellow sophomore Rueda set a blistering 1:43.272, not far shy of two seconds quicker than Andrea Migno’s lap record, in the penultimate session of the test to climb to P1 overall. That time was 0.043s faster than Alonso’s Day 2 effort as the Spaniard and Colombian set mighty laps.

The rider closest to the leading duo was Ivan Ortola as he and MT Helmets – MSI teammate Ryusei Yamanaka set 1:43.6s on the final day to get within 0.4s of Rueda’s effort. They were joined in the top five by Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) as his Day 2 time means the Dutch star is P5, just over half a second away from the summit.

As for top rookie honours, that went the way of Red Bull GASGAS Tech3’s Jacob Roulstone. The Australian clocked a 1:44.538 on Thursday, with Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) a whisker shy of his rookie counterpart after the Italian set a 1:44.574 on the final day.

So that’s it for pre-season testing, check a look through the full results HERE! Next stop: Qatar. A fascinating year lies ahead in both Moto2™ and Moto3™, and the latest chapter begins very soon!

MotoAmerica: Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki Announces 2024 Riders

March 4, 2024

(From left) Richie Escalante, Brandon Paasch, Tyler Scott, and Teagg Hobbs. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.