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AHRMA: Hall Wins Both Vintage Cup Races At Roebling Road (Updated)

David Swarts
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AHRMA: Hall Wins Both Vintage Cup Races At Roebling Road (Updated)

AHRMA 2024 Vintage Cup 350GP Season Opener dual wins by Rob Hall

(February 21, Knoxville, TN) – The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) kicked off the 2024 Vintage Cup series that highlights the 350 GP class February 17 and 18 at Roebling Road Raceway, in Bloomingdale, GA, as part of the 2024 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series. 

The Vintage Cup series was inaugurated in 2019 with the 350 GP class, followed by 500 Premier in 2021, Vintage Superbike Heavyweight in 2022, and finally Formula 750 in 2023.  This series was intended to rotate in this order, so for 2024, 350 GP starts out the next round of Vintage Cup classes.

Sponsored by Hagerty Insurance, Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2024 Vintage Cup features the 350 GP class which includes 350cc four-stroke and 250cc two-stroke powered machines built up to and including 1968.  Featured bikes from this era would include bikes such as the AJS 7R “Boy Racer”, 350 Manx Norton, Benelli 350-Four, Aermacchi 350 Road Racer, Yamaha TD2, and more.  350 GP is a true Grand Prix class from the “golden era” up until the early 1980s and was won by such great racers such as Giacomo Agostini, Jim Redmon, Mike Hailwood, John Surtees, and Geoff Duke to name a few. 

“Thanks to modern technology, I was able to follow the racing remotely on live timing using Speedhive.  Despite his youthful appearance, Rob Hall is a veteran tuner, having worked on all three podium bikes, and a racer extraordinaire who really put the screws to multi 350 GP and Vintage Cup champion Alex McLean each day, no easy task,” said Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton (nycnorton.com).  “It’s incredible to see such beautiful vintage motorcycles piloted by highly skilled riders on Grand Prix machinery and once again proves that the Vintage Cup meets its intended purpose.”

The start of Saturday’s race saw Rob Hall aboard Stu Carter’s 1965 AJS 7R coming from the third row to out brake Alex McLean, who was riding Rob McKeever’s 1967 Harley-Davidson Aermacchi Drixton, into Turn One taking the hole shot. 

McLean and Hall battled fiercely, exchanging leads several times throughout the race.  McLean finally took the lead until the last lap when he hit a false neutral entering Turn One, losing his momentum and the lead. Hall took over, increased the gap with McLean, and took the win. Christopher Spargo, on John Turner’s 1967 Yamaha TD2, stalled at the start but once launched, worked his way through the field. He closed on the leaders and took third several bike lengths behind McLean.

The balance of the grid in order of finish included: Vincent Borbone in fourth, on a 1967 Kawasaki A1, Jerry Duke in fifth on a 1967 Ducati 350 Scrambler, Craig Light sixth on a 1973 Bultaco, Larry Watts seventh on a 1968 Ducati 350, Doug Bowie in eighth on a 1968 Ducati Mach 1, and David Roper in ninth on a 1962 Matchless G-50.

On Sunday, McLean was able to get the hole shot into Turn One and held the lead with Hall in pursuit for several laps. Spargo battled it out with Eric Watts on a 1972 Ducati 350 for third place.  Hall took the lead mid-way through the race and diced with Mclean, finally able to make it stick after slicing through traffic on the last lap for the win. McLean was second, Spargo third and Watts fourth.

The balance of the grid, in order of finish was Jerry Duke in fifth position, Craig Light, seventh, and in eighth place was David Roper.

“These middleweight road racers from the late 60s look cool, sound cool and are the epitome of our vintage road racing program,” said Greg “GT” Tomlinson, 2024 Chairman of the AHRMA Board of Trustees.  “Plus, the parity of the bikes and the racers really put on a great show as we saw during the opening rounds of our Vintage Cup.  I can’t wait for our next round of racing as the competition is going to be fierce!”

Rounds three and four of the AHRMA National Road Race Series will be March 16-17 at Carolina Motorsports Park, in Kershaw, SC.

The annual Vintage Cup spotlights one of AHRMA’s road racing classes with extra attention on competitors in the selected class during each race event. Enhanced awards for the Vintage Cup competitors are presented separately from other class trophies during the Saturday awards ceremony at each AHRMA National Road Race event. Highlights from each Vintage Cup race will be reported in RoadracingWorld.com’s online edition. At the conclusion of each season, the perpetual Vintage Cup trophy will be engraved with the national champion winner’s name and presented to the winner at the National Awards Banquet to keep for one year.

 

2024 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series, 350GP – Vintage Cup Results

Saturday, February 17, 2024

1 – 270 Rob Hall, 1965 AJS 7R, Charlotte, NC

2 – 122 Alex McLean, 1967 Aermacchi Drixton, Jacksonville Beach, FL

3 – 19 Christopher Spargo, 1967 Yamaha TD2, Hopkins, MN

4 – 860 Vincent Borbone, 1967 Kawasaki A1, Hampstead, NH

5 – 9K Jerry Duke, 1967 Ducati 350 Scrambler, Florence, AL

6 – 79A Craig Light, 1973 Bultaco, Peachtree City, GA

7 – 141 Larry Watts, 1968 Ducati 350, Backlick, OH

8 – 350 Doug Bowie, 1968 Ducati Mach 1, Lilburn, GA

9 – 7 David Roper, 1962 Matchless G-50, Hicksville, NY

 

Sunday, February 18, 2024

1 – 270 Rob Hall, 1965 AJS 7R, Charlotte, NC

2 – 122 Alex McLean, 1967 Aermacchi Drixton, Jacksonville Beach, FL

3 – 19 Christopher Spargo, 1967 Yamaha TD2, Hopkins, MN

4 – 87 Eric Watts, 1972 Ducati 350, Blacklick, OH

5 – 9K Jerry Duke, 1967 Ducati 350 Scrambler, Florence, AL

6 – 79A Craig Light, 1973 Bultaco, Peachtree City, GA

7 – 7 David Roper, 1962 Matchless G-50, Hicksville, NY

 

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles.  With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Team Obsolete:

Team Obsolete attends AHRMA season opener at Roebling Raceway

Bloomingdale, GA,  February 16-18, 2024 – Team Obsolete is delighted to announce a successful weekend of racing at the AHRMA season opener hosted by Roebling Road Raceway in Bloomingdale, Georgia.

Our program for the weekend had two main objectives: Firstly, in support of the 2024 350 Premier class, we scheduled to run a different pedigree 350 Grand Prix machine at each event. These bikes span the entire classic era, from single-cylinder racers from the 50’s to the multi-cylinder bikes of the late 60’s.

For this event, we brought the most senior of the batch – a 1951 works AJS 7R piloted by Dave Roper.  This motorcycle exemplifies the cutting edge of British racing technology in the early years of the world championship. This weekend marked the first time this machine has been raced in six decades!  Our hope is that seeing and hearing bikes like this out on the track being used as intended inspires others to join the fray.  While certainly outgunned in the racing, Dave was out for every session, dicing it up and putting on a good show against much newer and faster machines.  Certainly, a good time was had by all.

 

Dave Roper (7) on Team Obsolete's 1951 works AJS 7R at Roebling Road Raceway. Photo by Peter Domorak, courtesy Team Obsolete.
Dave Roper (7) on Team Obsolete’s works 1951 AJS 7R at Roebling Road Raceway. Photo by Peter Domorak, courtesy Team Obsolete.

 

The second part of our program for the weekend was something particularly special: returning Randy Hoffman to the grid after a five-year hiatus due to a spinal injury, aboard the amazing MJC Special – a TT pedigree sidecar outfit featuring an engine designed and built by Maurice Candy (the renowned tuner and former Isle of Man TT competitor) housed in a chassis built by none other than the legendary Colin Seeley. This machine has a long history racing the TT with results from the early 60’s right through to 1973. This event marked the first time this rig has been run since.  While there were certainly all the expected troubles of such an endeavor, our technicians Seth Rosko and Cliff Godard worked tirelessly through the weekend. In the end, Randy finished second in class for his first race back, helped in no small part by the spirit and enthusiasm of his passenger, Michelle LeClear-Fisher.   A huge thanks to everyone who attended for their support and enthusiasm throughout the weekend.  This wasn’t just a team effort; it was the whole racing community banding together to make the seemingly impossible a reality.  A fitting salute to Randy and his years of tenacious work to get here!

 

Randy Hoffman and passenger Michelle LeClear-Fisher on Team Obsolete's MJC Special - a sidecar rig formerly raced at the Isle of Man TT. Photo by Peter Domorak, courtesy Team Obsolete.
Randy Hoffman and passenger Michelle LeClear-Fisher (14) on Team Obsolete’s MJC Special – a sidecar rig formerly raced at the Isle of Man TT. Photo by Peter Domorak, courtesy Team Obsolete.

 

What a great way to start 2024! We are very excited for the rest of the season. See you in the paddock!

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

 

Prince Wins CRA Pacific Utility Gold Cup Race At Willow Springs

David Swarts
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Prince Wins CRA Pacific Utility Gold Cup Race At Willow Springs

California Roadrace Association: Prince (Yam YZF-R1) Wins Pacific Utility Gold Cup At Willow Springs

Defending California Roadrace Association (CRA) Champion Bryce Prince ran away from the field to take the win in the California Roadrace Association’s headlining Pacific Utility Gold Cup race February 18 at Willow Springs International Raceway, in Rosamond, California.

A former MotoAmerica Superstock 600 National Champion, Prince took his BPR Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 to a best lap of 1:21.853 on his way to a 27.626-second margin of victory after 12 laps of the fast 2.5-mile circuit.

The fight for second was a much closer battle with Dominik Gajda on a Ducati Panigale V4 holding off the Yamaha YZF-R1 of Jason Rodriguez by just over a second after 30 miles of hard racing. Sahar Zvik, Anibal Arias and Orel Madar completed the top six in a field of 13 finishers.

Prince also won the Ryder Gear 1000 Supersport Expert race on Sunday, while Gajda won the Expert 1000 Superbike presented by Classic Cabinets race. Gajda won Saturday’s DTC/Pirelli 1000 GT race over Zvik and Arias, while Zvik won the Saturday Formula Extreme Presented by Classic Cabinets. The WSMC Formula 50 race, an homage to the days of the Willow Springs Motorcycle Club (WSMC), was won by John James.

Pacific Utility Installation is the title sponsor of the CRA, with Better Call Sy and Classic Cabinets presenting sponsors of the 2024 season. CRA would like to thank all of its sponsors, including VnM Sport, Lieto Factory, Ryder Gear, Compact Octane, RS Speedshop, Eyes Up Motorsports, 61 DTC/Pirelli, Fun Track Dayz, Let’s Ride Track Days, New Century Motorcycles, Kern County Motorsports, Moto4Life, Roadrace City/Bridgestone, Alpinestars, Capit Performance, Racer’s Edge/Dunlop, Tip In Racing, Remix Racing, The Heights Restaurant Bar & Grill, Cinepixel Productions and Suspension Matters.

 

RESULTS

SATURDAY:

61 DTC/Pirelli 1000 GT:

  1. Dominik Gajda (Duc Panigale V4 R)
  2. Anibal Arias (BMW M 1000 RR)
  3. Sean Williams (BMW S 1000 RR)
  4. John James (Kaw ZX-10R)
  5. Garrett Hazelton (BMW)

 

600 GT:

  1. Sahar Zvik (Kaw ZX-6R)
  2. Orel Madar (Kaw ZX-6R)
  3. Geiser Hernandez (Kaw ZX-6R)
  4. Alex Ricci (Kaw ZX-6R)
  5. Christopher Pineda (Yam YZF-R6)
  6. Jeremy Taubman (Yam YZF-R6)

 

TWINS GT:

  1. Justin Bordonaro (Apr RS 660)
  2. Jaycee Sterling (Yam YZF-R7)
  3. Ed Sorbo (Suz SV650)
  4. Jorge Gonzalez (Apr RS 660)
  5. Gene Frerichs (Apr RS 660)
  6. Joel Powell (Yam YZF-R7)

 

300 GT:

  1. Damian Doffo (KTM RC 390)
  2. Terrence Bisch (Yam YZF-R3)
  3. Herbert Carlos (Yam YZF-R3)
  4. Nolan Leupp (Kaw Ninja 300)
  5. Bonnie Tong (Yam YZF-R3)
  6. Jarrod Ellison (Yam YZF-R3)

 

400 GT:

  1. Alex George (Kaw Ninja 400)
  2. Brian Bartlow (Kaw Ninja 400)
  3. Shaughn Reid (Kaw Ninja 400)
  4. Erinn Merlo (Kaw Ninja)
  5. Haydn Meng (KTM RC 390)
  6. Aliki Karayan (Kaw Ninja 400)

 

FORMULA 40 HEAVYWEIGHT:

  1. Fabrice Vilder (Yam YZF-R1)
  2. Terry Heard (BMW S 1000 RR)
  3. Matt Testa (Yam YZF-R1)
  4. John James (Kaw ZX-10R)
  5. Jeff Whitmer (BMW S 1000 RR)
  6. Andy Edwards (Apr RSV4)

 

FORMULA 40 MIDDLEWEIGHT:

  1. Sahar Zvik (Kaw ZX-6R)
  2. Mookie Wilkerson (Yam YZF-R6)
  3. Jeff Rose (Kaw ZX-6R)
  4. Jeremy Taubman (Yam YZF-R6)
  5. Fernando Zorilla (Yam YZF-R6)
  6. Stuart Clotworthy (Yam YZF-R6)

 

LADIES OF CRA – PRESENTED BY LET’S RIDE TRACK DAYS:

  1. Krisztina Csecsi (Yam YZF-R7)

 

LADIES OF CRA ULTRALIGHT – PRESENTED BY LET’S RIDE TRACK DAYS:

  1. Erinn Merlo (Kaw Ninja)
  2. Aliki Karayan (Kaw Ninja 400)
  3. Bonnie Tong (Yam YZF-R3)

 

BST FORMULA 40 ULTRA LIGHT:

  1. Brian Bartlow (Kaw Ninja 400)
  2. Terrence Bisch (Yam YZF-R3)
  3. Aliki Karayan (Kaw Ninja 400)
  4. Rob Baggaley (KTM RC 390 R)
  5. Erinn Merlo (Kaw Ninja)
  6. Clinton Whitehouse (Yam RD400)

 

FORMULA 40 LIGHTWEIGHT:

  1. Robby Weaver (Apr RS 660)
  2. Ed Sorbo (Suz SV650)
  3. Jay Kinberger (Kramer)
  4. Joel Powell (Yam YZF-R7)
  5. Robert Morton (Yam YZF-R7)
  6. Santiago Avila (Yam YZF-R7)

 

AMERICAN IRON:

  1. Danny Spina (H-D Road Glide)
  2. Gilbert Conde (Ind FTR 1200)
  3. Eric Reyes (H-D Road Glide)
  4. Gary Thompson (H-D Dyna Glide)
  5. Carbon Merrill (Bue 1125R)
  6. David Lancaster (H-D)

 

 

MODERN VINTAGE:

  1. John James (Kaw ZX-10R)
  2. Jeremy Taubman (Yam YZF-R6)
  3. Stuart Clotworthy (Yam YZF-R6)
  4. Blake Gentry (Suz GSX-R600)
  5. Edward Hearn (Yam YZF-R6)

 

FUN TRACK DAYZ 600 SUPERSPORT EXPERT:

  1. Sahar Zvik (Kaw ZX-6R)
  2. Mookie Wilkerson (Yam YZF-R6)
  3. Alex Ricci (Kaw ZX-6R)
  4. Orel Madar (Kaw ZX-6R)
  5. Geiser Hernandez (Kaw ZX-6R)
  6. Terry Heard (Suz GSX-R600)

 

FUN TRACK DAYZ 600 SUPERSPORT AMATEUR:

  1. Jeff Rose (Kaw ZX-6R)
  2. Tyler Crozier (Tri 675R)
  3. Mujamid Umar (Kaw ZX-6R)
  4. Blake Gentry (Suz GSX-R600)
  5. Rafael Chavez (Yam YZF-R6)
  6. Jona Schuman (Hon CBR600RR)

 

RYDER GEAR 1000 SUPERSPORT EXPERT:

  1. Dominik Gajda (Duc Panigale V4 R)
  2. Sean Williams (BMW S 1000 RR)
  3. Anibal Arias (BMW M 1000 RR)
  4. Byron Garay (Yam YZF-R1)

 

LIETO FACTORY 1000 SUPERSPORT AMATEUR:

  1. Raul Becerra (Duc Panigale V4 S)
  2. Anthony Huizer (Suz GSX-R1000)
  3. Miguel Romero (Duc Panigale V4)
  4. Garrett Hazelton (BMW)
  5. John Yarbrough (BMW S 1000 RR)

 

TWINS GRAND PRIX – PRESENTED BY RS SPEEDSHOP:

  1. Justin Bordonaro (Apr RS 660)
  2. Mookie Wilkerson (Apr RS 660)
  3. Ed Sorbo (Suz SV650)
  4. Alex George (Kaw Ninja 400)
  5. Jaycee Sterling (Yam YZF-R7)
  6. Danny Spina (H-D Road Glide)

 

FORMULA EXTREME PRESENTED BY CLASSIC CABINETS:

  1. Sahar Zvik (Kaw ZX-6R)
  2. Orel Madar (Kaw ZX-6R)
  3. Geiser Hernandez (Kaw ZX-6R)

 

WSMC FORMULA 50:

  1. John James (Kaw ZX-10R)
  2. Fabrice Vilder (Yam YZF-R1)
  3. Jeff Whitmer (BMW S 1000 RR)
  4. Ed Sorbo (Suz SV650)
  5. Andy Edwards (Apr RSV4)
  6. Clinton Whitehouse (Yam RD400)

 

SUNDAY:

RYDER GEAR 1000 SUPERSPORT EXPERT:

  1. Bryce Prince (Yam YZF-R1)
  2. Dominik Gajda (Duc Panigale V4 R)
  3. Jason Rodriguez (Yam YZF-R1)
  4. Matt Testa (Yam YZF-R1)
  5. Byron Garay (Yam YZF-R1)
  6. Andy Edwards (Apr RSV4)

 

LIETO FACTORY 1000 SUPERSPORT AMATEUR:

  1. Anthony Huizer (Suz GSX-R1000)
  2. Miguel Romero (Duc Panigale V4)
  3. Garrett Hazelton (BMW)
  4. John Yarbrough (BMW S 1000 RR)

 

FUN TRACK DAYZ 600 SUPERSPORT EXPERT:

  1. Sahar Zvik (Kaw ZX-6R)
  2. Geiser Hernandez (Kaw ZX-6R)
  3. Mookie Wilkerson (Yam YZF-R6)
  4. Orel Madar (Kaw ZX-6R)
  5. Alex Ricci (Kaw ZX-6R)
  6. Terry Heard (Suz GSX-R600)

 

FUN TRACK DAYZ 600 SUPERSPORT AMATEUR:

  1. Jeff Rose (Kaw ZX-6R)
  2. Mujahid Umar (Kaw ZX-6R)
  3. Blake Gentry (Suz GSX-R600)
  4. Yi-Wei Pan (Tri 675R)
  5. Jona Schuman (Hon CBR600RR)
  6. John Yarbrough (Yam YZF-R6)

 

BATTLE OF THE TWINS – PRESENTED BY EYES UP MOTORSPORTS:

  1. Justin Bordonaro (Apr RS 660)
  2. Mookie Wilkerson (Apr RS 660)
  3. Jaycee Sterling (Yam YZF-R7)
  4. Alex George (Kaw Ninja 400)
  5. Jorge Gonzalez (Apr RS 660)
  6. Ed Sorbo (Suz SV650)

 

300 SUPERSPORT AMATEUR:

  1. Garrett Hazelton (Hon NSF250R)
  2. Haydn Meng (KTM RC 390)
  3. Herberg Carlos (Yam YZF-R3)
  4. Nolan Leupp (Kaw Ninja 300)
  5. Jarrod Ellison (Yam YZF-R3)

 

300 SUPERSPORT EXPERT:

  1. Rob Baggaley (KTM RC 390 R)
  2. Antlee Terry (Yam YZF-R3)
  3. Tom Nichols (Kaw Ninja 300)

 

400 SUPERSPORT EXPERT:

  1. Brian Bartlow (Kaw Ninja 400)
  2. Shaughn Reid (Kaw Ninja 400)
  3. Aliki Karayan (Kaw Ninja 400)
  4. Erinn Merlo (Kaw Ninja)
  5. Clinton Whitehouse (Yam RD400)

 

PACIFIC UTILITY GOLD CUP:

  1. Bryce Prince (Yam YZF-R1)
  2. Dominik Gajda (Duc Panigale V4 R)
  3. Jason Rodriguez (Yam YZF-R1)
  4. Sahar Zvik (Kaw ZX-6R)
  5. Anibal Arias (BMW M 1000 RR)
  6. Orel Madar (Kaw ZX-6R)

 

AMERICAN IRON:

  1. Eric Reyes (H-D Road Glide)
  2. Michael Vital (H-D Road Glide)
  3. Carbon Merrill (Bue 1125R)
  4. Gary Thompson (H-D Dyna Glide)
  5. Douglas Darrah (H-D)
  6. David Lancaster (H-D)

 

MODERN VINTAGE:

  1. John James (Kaw ZX-10R)
  2. Jeremy Taubman (Yam YZF-R6)
  3. Blake Gentry (Suz GSX-R600)
  4. Stuart Clotworthy (Yam YZF-R6)
  5. Stefan Alger (Suz GSX-R750)

 

600 SUPERBIKE AMATEUR:

  1. Blake Gentry (Suz GSX-R600)
  2. Jeff Rose (Kaw ZX-6R)
  3. Mujahid Umar (Kaw ZX-6R)
  4. Fernando Zorilla (Yam YZF-R6)
  5. Jona Schuman (Hon CBR600RR)

 

600 SUPERBIKE EXPERT:

  1. Sahar Zvik (Kaw ZX-6R)
  2. Orel Madar (Kaw ZX-6R)
  3. Geiser Hernandez (Kaw ZX-6R)
  4. Alex Ricci (Kaw ZX-6R)
  5. Wilfido Calderon (Yam YZF-R6)
  6. Fatih Buyuksonmez (Kaw ZX-4R)

 

1000 SUPERBIKE AMATEUR:

  1. Miguel Romero (Duc Panigale V4)
  2. Anthony Huizer (Suz GSX-R1000)
  3. Garrett Hazelton (BMW)

 

1000 SUPERBIKE EXPERT PRESENTED BY CLASSIC CABINETS:

  1. Dominik Gajda (Duc Panigale V4 R)
  2. Jesus Andrade-Gomez (Yam YZF-R1)
  3. Anibal Arias (BMW M 1000 RR)
  4. Jason Rodriguez (Yam YZF-R1)
  5. Matt Testa (Yam YZF-R1)
  6. Seam Williams (BMW S 1000 RR)

 

300 SUPERBIKE AMATEUR:

  1. Haydn Meng (KTM RC 390)
  2. Herbert Carlos (Yam YZF-R3)
  3. Nolan Leupp (Kaw Ninja 300)
  4. Jarrod Ellison (Yam YZF-R3)

 

300 SUPERBIKE EXPERT:

  1. Antlee Terry (Yam YZF-R3)
  2. Rob Baggaley (KTM RC 390 R)
  3. Tom Nichols (Kaw Ninja 300)

 

COMPACT OCTANE EXPERT 400 SUPERBIKE:

  1. Alex George (Kaw Ninja 400)
  2. Brian Bartlow (Kaw Ninja 400)
  3. Shaughn Reid (Kaw Ninja 400)
  4. Aliki Karayan (Kaw Ninja 400)
  5. Erinn Merlo (Kaw Ninja)
  6. Clinton Whitehouse (Yam RD400)

 

FORMULA 40 HEAVYWEIGHT:

  1. Terry Heard (BMW S 1000 RR)
  2. John James (Kaw ZX-10R)
  3. Byron Garay (Yam YZF-R1)

 

FORMULA 40 MIDDLEWEIGHT:

  1. Mookie Wilkerson (Yam YZF-R6)
  2. Geiser Hernandez (Kaw ZX-6R)
  3. Stuart Clotworthy (Yam YZF-R6)
  4. Fernando Zorilla (Yam YZF-R6)
  5. Stefan Alger (Suz GSX-R750)

 

FORMULA 40 ULTRA LIGHT:

  1. Brian Bartlow (Kaw Ninja 400)
  2. Erinn Merlo (Kaw Ninja)
  3. Aliki Karayan (Kaw Ninja 400)
  4. Tom Nichols (Kaw Ninja 300)
  5. Antlee Terry (Yam YZF-R3)

 

FORMULA 40 LIGHTWEIGHT:

  1. Robby Weaver (Apr RS 660)
  2. Jaycee Sterling (Yam YZF-R7)
  3. Robert Morton (Yam YZF-R7)
  4. Shaughn Reid (Kaw Ninja 400)
  5. Santiago Avila (Yam YZF-R7)
  6. Ed Guzman (Apr RS 660)

MotoAmerica: Daytona 200 Entries Include 67 Riders From 13 Countries

David Swarts
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MotoAmerica: Daytona 200 Entries Include 67 Riders From 13 Countries

Editorial Note: MotoAmerica originally sent only one page of the Daytona 200 entry list. This post has now been updated with page two of the entry list. 

 

67 Entries From 13 Countries Set For The 82nd Running Of The Daytona 200

The World Is Coming To Daytona International Speedway For The Great American Race, March 7-9

IRVINE, CA (February 21, 2024) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road race series, is proud to announce that the March 9 running of the Daytona 200 at Daytona International Speedway has attracted 67 entries for the 82nd edition of the legendary race.

Although it’s affectionately called “The Great American Motorcycle Race,” this year’s Daytona 200 should more accurately be referred to as “The Great Global Motorcycle Race.”

For the 82nd running of the Daytona 200, which takes place March 7 through 9 on the 3.51-mile, 12-turn road course at Daytona International Speedway, a full 28 riders – nearly half of the 67 riders on the entry list – are from countries outside the United States.

The list of nations represented reads like a global competition akin to the Olympic Games, and the level of talent includes three past Daytona 200 winners (Josh Herrin, Brandon Paasch, and Danny Eslick), the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion (Xavi Forés), the two-time FIM World Endurance Championship-winning team of riders (Niccolò Canepa, Marvin Fritz, and Karel Hanika), a 13-time Isle of Man TT winner and all-time lap record holder (Peter Hickman), a four-time AMA Superbike Champion (Josh Hayes), a three-time Canadian Superbike Champion (Ben Young), and a two-time British Superstock 1000 Champion (Richard Cooper), just to name a few.

Here’s the rundown of the 13 countries represented:

Australia

Brazil

Canada

Colombia

Czech Republic

Germany

Guyana

Mexico

Portugal

Spain

Switzerland

United Kingdom

United States

“We are really pleased with the number of entries for this year’s Daytona 200, and also with the amount of foreign riders who are coming to race,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “It shows how popular the Daytona 200 is as one of the biggest races in the world. We’re excited to start our 10th year of MotoAmerica, this year at Daytona, and we wish all our riders the best of luck. It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch.”

For the 2024 Daytona 200 Entry List, scroll down.

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.

 

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Moto Guzzi Engineer, Dentist, Veteran Dr. John Wittner, R.I.P.

David Swarts
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Moto Guzzi Engineer, Dentist, Veteran Dr. John Wittner, R.I.P.

John A. Wittner

A legendary innovator for Moto Guzzi and driving force in the motorcycle community, Dr. John A. Wittner, DMD, age 78, of West Chester, PA, passed away on February 15, 2024. He was the son of Howard Wittner and Victoria (Shenker) Wittner, and brother to Ken Wittner, who pre-deceased him. “Dr. John,” as known to friends, colleagues, patients, and members of the motorcycle community, was intensely dedicated to his craft, whether it was complex dentistry without pain — or mechanical innovation and next-level mastery in motorcycle engineering.

Studying mechanical engineering at Lehigh University (always with a love of fixing things), he applied his inherent talent and skills to help improve human performance, and graduated from University of Pennsylvania Dental School, as DMD, and was partner to Dr. Bill Deal, in Deal-Wittner Dental Health Group for many years. But for decades, he kept on building engines for motorcycle racing, channeling the magic into Moto Guzzis that won and won and won.

One day, he reached a turning point while working on a friend and patient in the dental chair – who encouraged him to take motorcycle racing from the local to the big time. And that’s how the legendary Dr. John’s Team Moto Guzzi was launched and went from an experienced, dominant group of regional racers to winning and dominating the 1984 AMA National Endurance Racing Championship at the Daytona Firecracker 400. And went on to design and engineer unique marques for Moto Guzzi in Italy, leaving an historic legacy for motorcycle racing.

Dr. John was a Vietnam veteran, loyal friend, and independent individual who always rose to a challenge and who’d rather be burning rubber than anything else.

Services and Interment are Private. 

Buell Bringing Super Cruiser Prototype To Daytona Bike Week

David Swarts
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Buell Bringing Super Cruiser Prototype To Daytona Bike Week

Buell® Motorcycles to Unveil Super Cruiser Prototypes and SuperTouring® Preproduction Model at Daytona Bike Week

Grand Rapids, MI – Buell Motorcycles, manufacturer of the highest-performing superbikes in America, is gearing up for its premier showcase at Daytona Bike Week, March 1-10, 2024. The event’s highlight will be the debut of the highly anticipated Super Cruiser prototypes, marking a milestone in Buell’s relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to eager fans.

Following the resounding success of its Super Cruiser concept bike in 2023, Buell is thrilled to present the exciting evolution of their production intent prototypes. These represent our engineering and design teams’ ingenuity and Buell’s dedication to redefining the riding experience.

In addition to the Super Cruiser prototypes, Buell will unveil their preproduction 185hp 1190 SuperTouring modular superbike featuring several refinements from the version showcased at last year’s Daytona event. Set to hit the market in late 2024, the SuperTouring model promises to elevate the standard of touring motorcycles and become the world’s fastest adaptive motorcycle.

Attendees at Daytona Bike Week can also expect an exciting lineup of 2023 and 2024
Hammerhead and SX models, including exclusive one-off paint schemes created especially for the occasion. Buell enthusiasts are invited to visit the Buell tent located along Destination Daytona to see these remarkable machines up close and talk shop with our team members.

Commenting on the upcoming event, Bill Melvin, CEO of Buell Motorcycles, expressed his
excitement: “Daytona Bike Week is a super fun highlight to start our 2024 calendar, and this year’s going to be awesome showing off company growth, innovations, and the hot energy for the Super Cruisers. Buell’s committed to pushing the boundaries of performance and design, while fulfilling the needs of the American biker community.”

As Buell continues to lead the charge in high-performance American motorcycles, Daytona Bike Week is a testament to our dedication to excellence and innovation. For more information about Buell Motorcycles and our latest developments, visit buellmotorcycle.com and join us on social media.

About Buell Motorcycles:

Buell Motorcycles is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its rich heritage, exceptional performance, and unwavering commitment to rider satisfaction. With 40 years of experience, Buell Motorcycles continues to push boundaries and deliver exhilarating two-wheeled experiences.

For more information, please visit www.buellmotorcycle.com, and connect with us on social media for the latest updates and news.

AHRMA: Race Results From Roebling Road Raceway

David Swarts
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AHRMA: Race Results From Roebling Road Raceway
RRW 2024 Roebling Road - Weekend Results

MotoAmerica: Josh Hayes Racing CSU One Cure Yamaha In Daytona 200

David Swarts
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MotoAmerica: Josh Hayes Racing CSU One Cure Yamaha In Daytona 200

Josh Hayes to compete in Daytona 200 aboard CSU One Cure Yamaha R6

Oceanside, CA: Josh Hayes will compete in the 82nd running of the Daytona 200 aboard the CSU One Cure Yamaha YZF-R6. Already the winningest rider in American road racing history, Josh will be fighting to finally take the top step at the historic race while also promoting CSU One Cure’s mission to fight cancer in both humans and their pets.

Josh Hayes comes to Daytona after a fantastic 2023 season in MotoAmerica’s ultra competitive Supersport class where he secured third place in the championship with two wins and eight total visits to the podium. While he currently has no solid plans for racing in 2024, he hasn’t ruled it out if the opportunity arrives.

Josh Hayes:

“I think by now it’s clear that I love racing motorcycles and I’m grateful for every opportunity I get to race my Yamaha YZF-R6. I’m excited to grid up and see if we can make it to the front in 200 miles. It’s an honor to help promote the mission of CSU One Cure along the way. I’ve taken my training very seriously this winter and I know I’m arriving in Daytona with the same preparation as when I was a factory Superbike racer.”

 

Dr. Christine Hardy, One Cure Program Lead, Flint Animal Cancer Center:

“One Cure is deeply committed to conquering cancer in all species. The only way we can do that is through cutting-edge clinical trials that push for better diagnostics, treatments, and ultimately, outcomes for people and pets. Two Wheels One Cure is helping us race toward a cure by raising awareness and funds for this work. We simply could not do this without the support of our friends who dare to reach new speeds and milestones. We thank the entire team for racing with us.”

Besides One Cure, Josh would also like to thank all the other people and organizations that have made this adventure possible: The Pierce Family, The Trails Preservation Alliance, J4orce Training, Maxima, Dunlop Tires, Evan Steel Performance, Yamaha, RS Taichi, Arai, TCX, Speedcell, GHD Designs, Quinn Knives, and M4 Performance Exhausts.

About CSU One Cure:

The One Cure program is founded on the principle that cancer affects all creatures and that breakthroughs come when scientists, veterinarians, and doctors collaborate on treatments for both people and pets. One Cure’s goal is to raise awareness and funding to support the Flint Animal Cancer Center’s clinical trials program and other comparative oncology research. 
The One Cure clinical trials program is one of the largest in veterinary medicine and includes seven dedicated staff members. In 2023, the program managed 31 clinical trials to study more effective therapies for a variety of cancer types including osteosarcoma, lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and more.

Video: New Jersey Motorsports Park Renovation Phase One Nearing Completion

David Swarts
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Video: New Jersey Motorsports Park Renovation Phase One Nearing Completion

Multi-Million Dollar Repaving and Renovation Project Phase 1 Nears Completion

NJMP’s Thunderbolt Receives Final Preparations for Season Opening

With over 2.25 miles of new pavement, upgraded curbing and runoff, fresh paint, and a wider entry to Turn 1, the major repave and renovation of New Jersey Motorsports Park’s Thunderbolt Circuit will be ready to open the 2024 motorsports season for a members-only debut March 2nd and 3rd 2024.

And with an action-packed schedule of events announced for 2024, there will be new track records set, personal bests achieved, and many smiles ahead for drivers, riders, and spectators on the completely renovated yet classic road racing venue.

As work continues aggressively ahead of opening day, NJMP’s Director of Track Operations Mike Murphy and veteran driver Tom Smith took to the track in the NJMP Ciocca Corvettes for a filming session, to inspect the track, and to share their observations.

 

 

Murphy, who joined NJMP after a number of years with the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), said as he came off the track:  “I’ve had the opportunity to drive many world-class circuits around the country, and today’s experience on Thunderbolt was the best one yet – taking the first hot laps around its 2.25 miles is something I’ll remember the rest of my life.  As I drove down the new pit lane and entered the track, there was immediately a different feeling.”

Smith agreed.  “While there is still curbing and landscaping work underway, and a slick ‘green’ new track covered with the dust and debris, after pushing for a number of laps I can say with confidence I will be going faster around Thunderbolt in 2024 than ever before.  The grip will be fantastic as the track gets rubber laid down and cleaned off when drivers take to it in earnest.”

In its 16 seasons of motorsports activities – beginning in August 2008 with the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Supercar Life 250 race – New Jersey Motorsports Park’s Thunderbolt circuit has been enjoyed by professional automobile and motorcycle drivers and riders, by grassroots racing clubs with national and regional events, by NJMP Drivers and Riders Club members, and it has played a role in driver and rider education through the many schools and development days held there.

“The buzz around here has been incredible since we broke ground on the project four months ago,” commented Brad Scott, President and COO of New Jersey Motorsports Park.  “The construction equipment, trucks, and people, the designers and engineers and quality testing, every day has been a new challenge and a new milestone met.”

He also highlighted the ongoing nature of the project.  “It’s like completing a new construction house.  There’s landscaping which will need to come in.  Paint and accessories to be finished up.  Details to be addressed once we move in, as it were.  And Phase 2 with the new track configurations ahead beyond that.”

Phase 1 has included the milling and removal of the track surface, followed by the base paving and surface paving of the original Thunderbolt circuit layout, pit lane, and chicanes.  Select curbing has been removed and renovated based on the input of a panel of riders, drivers, and partners.  

The entry to Turn 1 has been improved.  The front straight no longer narrows approaching Turn 1, eliminating the prior funneling effect, and setting up for more racing and passing both braking into and accelerating out of Turn 1. 

Murphy noted the improved visibility through Turn 1, from both the racetrack and for cars exiting the pits.  

Smith agreed.  “Having driven thousands of laps around Thunderbolt since 2008, today was like seeing it for the first time again.  Something totally new to experience, while still the classic Thunderbolt lap.”

“This project is an investment to sustain NJMP far into the future.  Everyone on the team is committed to delivering the best product possible.  I know I speak for many people when I say this – I can’t wait to see the first cars hit the track on opening day on the new Thunderbolt,” Scott concluded.

American Flat Track: Halbert Racing Harley-Davidson At Daytona Short Track

David Swarts
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American Flat Track: Halbert Racing Harley-Davidson At Daytona Short Track

Sammy Halbert Set to Race Daytona Short Track with Dodge Bros. Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Veteran Mission SuperTwins ace Sammy Halbert will contest the season-opening Daytona Short Track I & II , along with other select rounds of the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track championship, aboard a Dodge Bros. Racing/Castrol Harley-Davidson XR750. 

The union pairs championship-winning team owners Tony and Andy Dodge with the highly decorated Halbert, who boasts an overall AMA Pro Flat Track Championship, a Grand National Singles Championship, and an X Games gold medal, among his many racing accomplishments. 

Dodge Bros. Racing is well known for its immaculately prepared and beautiful Harley XR750s. Teaming with Halbert provides a unique opportunity to see one of the sport’s top riders compete aboard history’s most iconic flat track bike in what could potentially prove to be its last, best chance to battle up front in Grand National Championship competition. 

Halbert who runs the number 69 in honor of his late brother Jethro, is the winningest rider of the Daytona Short Track with four wins to his credit. Along with the double Daytona opener, Halbert is already committed to racing at the Silver Dollar Short Track in Chico, California, and the Ventura Short Track, in Ventura, California. 

“At this point in my career, I’m racing very select events and having fun with it,” said Halbert. “The opportunity to race the Dodge Bros. XRs makes perfect sense for me. It’s the bike that I had the most success on in my career, and I’m excited to give the old girl another ride at the big dance.” 

Tony Dodge said, “We’re really looking forward to going racing with Sammy on the XR750. It’s always a great time working with him. We’ve got the bikes looking brand new and we’re ready to represent for all the Harley XR750 fans out there.” 

Sammy Halbert’s racing efforts are supported by the following partners: Castrol, Cardo Systems, Martin Trucking, 6D Helmets, Kibblewhite, Penske, Shimano, Pro Plates, Mika, Enerlon, Saddlemen, RSRK10-J2Motorsports, Regina Chain, Boswell’s Harley-Davidson, Oakley, CTI, MS, Fly Racing, Lightshoe, Motion Pro, Access Media Lab, Hathaway Racing, Fredericktown Cycles 

MotoGP: Bagnaia Ends Qatar Test With New Lap Record

Michael Gougis
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MotoGP: Bagnaia Ends Qatar Test With New Lap Record

Defending MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia shattered the lap record in Qatar, the only rider in the 1:50 range as he led a factory Ducati 1-2 on the second and last day of the final pre-season test.

Bagnaia’s 1:50.952 was 0.120 seconds faster than Lenovo Ducati teammate Enea Bastianini, and ominously for the rest of the field, the 2024 version of the Desmosedici already seems faster than the fully-sorted and Championship-winning 2023 machine. Bagnaia was more than eight-tenths of a second clear of the 1:51.762 set last year by Luca Marini.

Most of the field had gone through the new parts and features by the end of Monday, leaving Tuesday free for refining the setup on the bike configuration they had chosen for the first race of the year, also at Lusail International Circuit. Times were dramatically quicker than during last year’s race weekend, with the top 11 going faster than the previous outright best lap.

Italian machines dominated the top of the time sheet, with factory Aprilia rider Aleix Espargaro third, 0.308 seconds down. “We were flying,” Espargaro said. “It is the best bike I have ever had.” Eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez spent the first day of the test talking down his chances, saying he still was learning to ride the 2023 Gresini Ducati he is set to campaign this season after years on the Honda RC213V. Then he went out on the second day and set the fourth-fastest time, 0.383 seconds from the top on a track he says is not one of his best. Marquez’s test ended with a crash in Turn Four, which left him uninjured. “It was time to increase the risk,” he said.

Fifth went to Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez, still not at 100 percent after his injury in a crash at the prior test in Malaysia and riding a 2023 version of the Aprilia RS-GP. The American-based team’s 2024 machine is in the hands of Miguel Oliveira, who struggled most of the test but recovered to 12th on the final day of testing.

Sixth went to the factory Aprilia of Maverick Vinales, just ahead of Jorge Martin on the Prima Pramac Ducati. Last year’s title runner-up finisher, Martin complained of a vibration with his machine and could not match the speed of Bagnaia and Bastianini, finishing 0.514 seconds off the pace.

The best non-Italian motorcycle was the factory KTM of Brad Binder, who finished the test ninth and just ahead of Marco Bezzecchi.

Practice for the season-opening Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar is set for March 8.

Bastianini Qatar 2
Enea Bastianini (23) was second-quickest and suggested that there was more performance to come from the factory Desmosedici GP24. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Aleix Qatar 2
Aleix Espargaro (41) called his 2024 Aprilia RS-GP the best racebike he’s ever had. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Marc Qatar 2
Marc Marquez (93) said it was time to up the risk factor, crashed but still finished fourth. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Raul Qatar 2
Raul Fernandez (25) took his 2023 Trackhouse Racing Aprilia to fifth overall. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Classification - Tuesday

AHRMA: Hall Wins Both Vintage Cup Races At Roebling Road (Updated)

Rob Hall (270) leads Alex McLean (122) in an AHRMA Vintage Cup race at Roebling Road Raceway. Photo by etechphoto.com, courtesy AHRMA.
Rob Hall (270) leads Alex McLean (122) in an AHRMA Vintage Cup race at Roebling Road Raceway. Photo by etechphoto.com, courtesy AHRMA.

AHRMA 2024 Vintage Cup 350GP Season Opener dual wins by Rob Hall

(February 21, Knoxville, TN) – The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) kicked off the 2024 Vintage Cup series that highlights the 350 GP class February 17 and 18 at Roebling Road Raceway, in Bloomingdale, GA, as part of the 2024 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series. 

The Vintage Cup series was inaugurated in 2019 with the 350 GP class, followed by 500 Premier in 2021, Vintage Superbike Heavyweight in 2022, and finally Formula 750 in 2023.  This series was intended to rotate in this order, so for 2024, 350 GP starts out the next round of Vintage Cup classes.

Sponsored by Hagerty Insurance, Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2024 Vintage Cup features the 350 GP class which includes 350cc four-stroke and 250cc two-stroke powered machines built up to and including 1968.  Featured bikes from this era would include bikes such as the AJS 7R “Boy Racer”, 350 Manx Norton, Benelli 350-Four, Aermacchi 350 Road Racer, Yamaha TD2, and more.  350 GP is a true Grand Prix class from the “golden era” up until the early 1980s and was won by such great racers such as Giacomo Agostini, Jim Redmon, Mike Hailwood, John Surtees, and Geoff Duke to name a few. 

“Thanks to modern technology, I was able to follow the racing remotely on live timing using Speedhive.  Despite his youthful appearance, Rob Hall is a veteran tuner, having worked on all three podium bikes, and a racer extraordinaire who really put the screws to multi 350 GP and Vintage Cup champion Alex McLean each day, no easy task,” said Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton (nycnorton.com).  “It’s incredible to see such beautiful vintage motorcycles piloted by highly skilled riders on Grand Prix machinery and once again proves that the Vintage Cup meets its intended purpose.”

The start of Saturday’s race saw Rob Hall aboard Stu Carter’s 1965 AJS 7R coming from the third row to out brake Alex McLean, who was riding Rob McKeever’s 1967 Harley-Davidson Aermacchi Drixton, into Turn One taking the hole shot. 

McLean and Hall battled fiercely, exchanging leads several times throughout the race.  McLean finally took the lead until the last lap when he hit a false neutral entering Turn One, losing his momentum and the lead. Hall took over, increased the gap with McLean, and took the win. Christopher Spargo, on John Turner’s 1967 Yamaha TD2, stalled at the start but once launched, worked his way through the field. He closed on the leaders and took third several bike lengths behind McLean.

The balance of the grid in order of finish included: Vincent Borbone in fourth, on a 1967 Kawasaki A1, Jerry Duke in fifth on a 1967 Ducati 350 Scrambler, Craig Light sixth on a 1973 Bultaco, Larry Watts seventh on a 1968 Ducati 350, Doug Bowie in eighth on a 1968 Ducati Mach 1, and David Roper in ninth on a 1962 Matchless G-50.

On Sunday, McLean was able to get the hole shot into Turn One and held the lead with Hall in pursuit for several laps. Spargo battled it out with Eric Watts on a 1972 Ducati 350 for third place.  Hall took the lead mid-way through the race and diced with Mclean, finally able to make it stick after slicing through traffic on the last lap for the win. McLean was second, Spargo third and Watts fourth.

The balance of the grid, in order of finish was Jerry Duke in fifth position, Craig Light, seventh, and in eighth place was David Roper.

“These middleweight road racers from the late 60s look cool, sound cool and are the epitome of our vintage road racing program,” said Greg “GT” Tomlinson, 2024 Chairman of the AHRMA Board of Trustees.  “Plus, the parity of the bikes and the racers really put on a great show as we saw during the opening rounds of our Vintage Cup.  I can’t wait for our next round of racing as the competition is going to be fierce!”

Rounds three and four of the AHRMA National Road Race Series will be March 16-17 at Carolina Motorsports Park, in Kershaw, SC.

The annual Vintage Cup spotlights one of AHRMA’s road racing classes with extra attention on competitors in the selected class during each race event. Enhanced awards for the Vintage Cup competitors are presented separately from other class trophies during the Saturday awards ceremony at each AHRMA National Road Race event. Highlights from each Vintage Cup race will be reported in RoadracingWorld.com’s online edition. At the conclusion of each season, the perpetual Vintage Cup trophy will be engraved with the national champion winner’s name and presented to the winner at the National Awards Banquet to keep for one year.

 

2024 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series, 350GP – Vintage Cup Results

Saturday, February 17, 2024

1 – 270 Rob Hall, 1965 AJS 7R, Charlotte, NC

2 – 122 Alex McLean, 1967 Aermacchi Drixton, Jacksonville Beach, FL

3 – 19 Christopher Spargo, 1967 Yamaha TD2, Hopkins, MN

4 – 860 Vincent Borbone, 1967 Kawasaki A1, Hampstead, NH

5 – 9K Jerry Duke, 1967 Ducati 350 Scrambler, Florence, AL

6 – 79A Craig Light, 1973 Bultaco, Peachtree City, GA

7 – 141 Larry Watts, 1968 Ducati 350, Backlick, OH

8 – 350 Doug Bowie, 1968 Ducati Mach 1, Lilburn, GA

9 – 7 David Roper, 1962 Matchless G-50, Hicksville, NY

 

Sunday, February 18, 2024

1 – 270 Rob Hall, 1965 AJS 7R, Charlotte, NC

2 – 122 Alex McLean, 1967 Aermacchi Drixton, Jacksonville Beach, FL

3 – 19 Christopher Spargo, 1967 Yamaha TD2, Hopkins, MN

4 – 87 Eric Watts, 1972 Ducati 350, Blacklick, OH

5 – 9K Jerry Duke, 1967 Ducati 350 Scrambler, Florence, AL

6 – 79A Craig Light, 1973 Bultaco, Peachtree City, GA

7 – 7 David Roper, 1962 Matchless G-50, Hicksville, NY

 

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles.  With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Team Obsolete:

Team Obsolete attends AHRMA season opener at Roebling Raceway

Bloomingdale, GA,  February 16-18, 2024 – Team Obsolete is delighted to announce a successful weekend of racing at the AHRMA season opener hosted by Roebling Road Raceway in Bloomingdale, Georgia.

Our program for the weekend had two main objectives: Firstly, in support of the 2024 350 Premier class, we scheduled to run a different pedigree 350 Grand Prix machine at each event. These bikes span the entire classic era, from single-cylinder racers from the 50’s to the multi-cylinder bikes of the late 60’s.

For this event, we brought the most senior of the batch – a 1951 works AJS 7R piloted by Dave Roper.  This motorcycle exemplifies the cutting edge of British racing technology in the early years of the world championship. This weekend marked the first time this machine has been raced in six decades!  Our hope is that seeing and hearing bikes like this out on the track being used as intended inspires others to join the fray.  While certainly outgunned in the racing, Dave was out for every session, dicing it up and putting on a good show against much newer and faster machines.  Certainly, a good time was had by all.

 

Dave Roper (7) on Team Obsolete's 1951 works AJS 7R at Roebling Road Raceway. Photo by Peter Domorak, courtesy Team Obsolete.
Dave Roper (7) on Team Obsolete’s works 1951 AJS 7R at Roebling Road Raceway. Photo by Peter Domorak, courtesy Team Obsolete.

 

The second part of our program for the weekend was something particularly special: returning Randy Hoffman to the grid after a five-year hiatus due to a spinal injury, aboard the amazing MJC Special – a TT pedigree sidecar outfit featuring an engine designed and built by Maurice Candy (the renowned tuner and former Isle of Man TT competitor) housed in a chassis built by none other than the legendary Colin Seeley. This machine has a long history racing the TT with results from the early 60’s right through to 1973. This event marked the first time this rig has been run since.  While there were certainly all the expected troubles of such an endeavor, our technicians Seth Rosko and Cliff Godard worked tirelessly through the weekend. In the end, Randy finished second in class for his first race back, helped in no small part by the spirit and enthusiasm of his passenger, Michelle LeClear-Fisher.   A huge thanks to everyone who attended for their support and enthusiasm throughout the weekend.  This wasn’t just a team effort; it was the whole racing community banding together to make the seemingly impossible a reality.  A fitting salute to Randy and his years of tenacious work to get here!

 

Randy Hoffman and passenger Michelle LeClear-Fisher on Team Obsolete's MJC Special - a sidecar rig formerly raced at the Isle of Man TT. Photo by Peter Domorak, courtesy Team Obsolete.
Randy Hoffman and passenger Michelle LeClear-Fisher (14) on Team Obsolete’s MJC Special – a sidecar rig formerly raced at the Isle of Man TT. Photo by Peter Domorak, courtesy Team Obsolete.

 

What a great way to start 2024! We are very excited for the rest of the season. See you in the paddock!

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

 

Prince Wins CRA Pacific Utility Gold Cup Race At Willow Springs

Bryce Prince demolished the field in the California Roadrace Association (CRA) Pacific Utility Gold Cup race at Willow Springs International Raceway. Photo by caliphotography.com, courtesy CRA.
Bryce Prince demolished the field in the California Roadrace Association (CRA) Pacific Utility Gold Cup race at Willow Springs International Raceway. Photo by caliphotography.com, courtesy CRA.

California Roadrace Association: Prince (Yam YZF-R1) Wins Pacific Utility Gold Cup At Willow Springs

Defending California Roadrace Association (CRA) Champion Bryce Prince ran away from the field to take the win in the California Roadrace Association’s headlining Pacific Utility Gold Cup race February 18 at Willow Springs International Raceway, in Rosamond, California.

A former MotoAmerica Superstock 600 National Champion, Prince took his BPR Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 to a best lap of 1:21.853 on his way to a 27.626-second margin of victory after 12 laps of the fast 2.5-mile circuit.

The fight for second was a much closer battle with Dominik Gajda on a Ducati Panigale V4 holding off the Yamaha YZF-R1 of Jason Rodriguez by just over a second after 30 miles of hard racing. Sahar Zvik, Anibal Arias and Orel Madar completed the top six in a field of 13 finishers.

Prince also won the Ryder Gear 1000 Supersport Expert race on Sunday, while Gajda won the Expert 1000 Superbike presented by Classic Cabinets race. Gajda won Saturday’s DTC/Pirelli 1000 GT race over Zvik and Arias, while Zvik won the Saturday Formula Extreme Presented by Classic Cabinets. The WSMC Formula 50 race, an homage to the days of the Willow Springs Motorcycle Club (WSMC), was won by John James.

Pacific Utility Installation is the title sponsor of the CRA, with Better Call Sy and Classic Cabinets presenting sponsors of the 2024 season. CRA would like to thank all of its sponsors, including VnM Sport, Lieto Factory, Ryder Gear, Compact Octane, RS Speedshop, Eyes Up Motorsports, 61 DTC/Pirelli, Fun Track Dayz, Let’s Ride Track Days, New Century Motorcycles, Kern County Motorsports, Moto4Life, Roadrace City/Bridgestone, Alpinestars, Capit Performance, Racer’s Edge/Dunlop, Tip In Racing, Remix Racing, The Heights Restaurant Bar & Grill, Cinepixel Productions and Suspension Matters.

 

RESULTS

SATURDAY:

61 DTC/Pirelli 1000 GT:

  1. Dominik Gajda (Duc Panigale V4 R)
  2. Anibal Arias (BMW M 1000 RR)
  3. Sean Williams (BMW S 1000 RR)
  4. John James (Kaw ZX-10R)
  5. Garrett Hazelton (BMW)

 

600 GT:

  1. Sahar Zvik (Kaw ZX-6R)
  2. Orel Madar (Kaw ZX-6R)
  3. Geiser Hernandez (Kaw ZX-6R)
  4. Alex Ricci (Kaw ZX-6R)
  5. Christopher Pineda (Yam YZF-R6)
  6. Jeremy Taubman (Yam YZF-R6)

 

TWINS GT:

  1. Justin Bordonaro (Apr RS 660)
  2. Jaycee Sterling (Yam YZF-R7)
  3. Ed Sorbo (Suz SV650)
  4. Jorge Gonzalez (Apr RS 660)
  5. Gene Frerichs (Apr RS 660)
  6. Joel Powell (Yam YZF-R7)

 

300 GT:

  1. Damian Doffo (KTM RC 390)
  2. Terrence Bisch (Yam YZF-R3)
  3. Herbert Carlos (Yam YZF-R3)
  4. Nolan Leupp (Kaw Ninja 300)
  5. Bonnie Tong (Yam YZF-R3)
  6. Jarrod Ellison (Yam YZF-R3)

 

400 GT:

  1. Alex George (Kaw Ninja 400)
  2. Brian Bartlow (Kaw Ninja 400)
  3. Shaughn Reid (Kaw Ninja 400)
  4. Erinn Merlo (Kaw Ninja)
  5. Haydn Meng (KTM RC 390)
  6. Aliki Karayan (Kaw Ninja 400)

 

FORMULA 40 HEAVYWEIGHT:

  1. Fabrice Vilder (Yam YZF-R1)
  2. Terry Heard (BMW S 1000 RR)
  3. Matt Testa (Yam YZF-R1)
  4. John James (Kaw ZX-10R)
  5. Jeff Whitmer (BMW S 1000 RR)
  6. Andy Edwards (Apr RSV4)

 

FORMULA 40 MIDDLEWEIGHT:

  1. Sahar Zvik (Kaw ZX-6R)
  2. Mookie Wilkerson (Yam YZF-R6)
  3. Jeff Rose (Kaw ZX-6R)
  4. Jeremy Taubman (Yam YZF-R6)
  5. Fernando Zorilla (Yam YZF-R6)
  6. Stuart Clotworthy (Yam YZF-R6)

 

LADIES OF CRA – PRESENTED BY LET’S RIDE TRACK DAYS:

  1. Krisztina Csecsi (Yam YZF-R7)

 

LADIES OF CRA ULTRALIGHT – PRESENTED BY LET’S RIDE TRACK DAYS:

  1. Erinn Merlo (Kaw Ninja)
  2. Aliki Karayan (Kaw Ninja 400)
  3. Bonnie Tong (Yam YZF-R3)

 

BST FORMULA 40 ULTRA LIGHT:

  1. Brian Bartlow (Kaw Ninja 400)
  2. Terrence Bisch (Yam YZF-R3)
  3. Aliki Karayan (Kaw Ninja 400)
  4. Rob Baggaley (KTM RC 390 R)
  5. Erinn Merlo (Kaw Ninja)
  6. Clinton Whitehouse (Yam RD400)

 

FORMULA 40 LIGHTWEIGHT:

  1. Robby Weaver (Apr RS 660)
  2. Ed Sorbo (Suz SV650)
  3. Jay Kinberger (Kramer)
  4. Joel Powell (Yam YZF-R7)
  5. Robert Morton (Yam YZF-R7)
  6. Santiago Avila (Yam YZF-R7)

 

AMERICAN IRON:

  1. Danny Spina (H-D Road Glide)
  2. Gilbert Conde (Ind FTR 1200)
  3. Eric Reyes (H-D Road Glide)
  4. Gary Thompson (H-D Dyna Glide)
  5. Carbon Merrill (Bue 1125R)
  6. David Lancaster (H-D)

 

 

MODERN VINTAGE:

  1. John James (Kaw ZX-10R)
  2. Jeremy Taubman (Yam YZF-R6)
  3. Stuart Clotworthy (Yam YZF-R6)
  4. Blake Gentry (Suz GSX-R600)
  5. Edward Hearn (Yam YZF-R6)

 

FUN TRACK DAYZ 600 SUPERSPORT EXPERT:

  1. Sahar Zvik (Kaw ZX-6R)
  2. Mookie Wilkerson (Yam YZF-R6)
  3. Alex Ricci (Kaw ZX-6R)
  4. Orel Madar (Kaw ZX-6R)
  5. Geiser Hernandez (Kaw ZX-6R)
  6. Terry Heard (Suz GSX-R600)

 

FUN TRACK DAYZ 600 SUPERSPORT AMATEUR:

  1. Jeff Rose (Kaw ZX-6R)
  2. Tyler Crozier (Tri 675R)
  3. Mujamid Umar (Kaw ZX-6R)
  4. Blake Gentry (Suz GSX-R600)
  5. Rafael Chavez (Yam YZF-R6)
  6. Jona Schuman (Hon CBR600RR)

 

RYDER GEAR 1000 SUPERSPORT EXPERT:

  1. Dominik Gajda (Duc Panigale V4 R)
  2. Sean Williams (BMW S 1000 RR)
  3. Anibal Arias (BMW M 1000 RR)
  4. Byron Garay (Yam YZF-R1)

 

LIETO FACTORY 1000 SUPERSPORT AMATEUR:

  1. Raul Becerra (Duc Panigale V4 S)
  2. Anthony Huizer (Suz GSX-R1000)
  3. Miguel Romero (Duc Panigale V4)
  4. Garrett Hazelton (BMW)
  5. John Yarbrough (BMW S 1000 RR)

 

TWINS GRAND PRIX – PRESENTED BY RS SPEEDSHOP:

  1. Justin Bordonaro (Apr RS 660)
  2. Mookie Wilkerson (Apr RS 660)
  3. Ed Sorbo (Suz SV650)
  4. Alex George (Kaw Ninja 400)
  5. Jaycee Sterling (Yam YZF-R7)
  6. Danny Spina (H-D Road Glide)

 

FORMULA EXTREME PRESENTED BY CLASSIC CABINETS:

  1. Sahar Zvik (Kaw ZX-6R)
  2. Orel Madar (Kaw ZX-6R)
  3. Geiser Hernandez (Kaw ZX-6R)

 

WSMC FORMULA 50:

  1. John James (Kaw ZX-10R)
  2. Fabrice Vilder (Yam YZF-R1)
  3. Jeff Whitmer (BMW S 1000 RR)
  4. Ed Sorbo (Suz SV650)
  5. Andy Edwards (Apr RSV4)
  6. Clinton Whitehouse (Yam RD400)

 

SUNDAY:

RYDER GEAR 1000 SUPERSPORT EXPERT:

  1. Bryce Prince (Yam YZF-R1)
  2. Dominik Gajda (Duc Panigale V4 R)
  3. Jason Rodriguez (Yam YZF-R1)
  4. Matt Testa (Yam YZF-R1)
  5. Byron Garay (Yam YZF-R1)
  6. Andy Edwards (Apr RSV4)

 

LIETO FACTORY 1000 SUPERSPORT AMATEUR:

  1. Anthony Huizer (Suz GSX-R1000)
  2. Miguel Romero (Duc Panigale V4)
  3. Garrett Hazelton (BMW)
  4. John Yarbrough (BMW S 1000 RR)

 

FUN TRACK DAYZ 600 SUPERSPORT EXPERT:

  1. Sahar Zvik (Kaw ZX-6R)
  2. Geiser Hernandez (Kaw ZX-6R)
  3. Mookie Wilkerson (Yam YZF-R6)
  4. Orel Madar (Kaw ZX-6R)
  5. Alex Ricci (Kaw ZX-6R)
  6. Terry Heard (Suz GSX-R600)

 

FUN TRACK DAYZ 600 SUPERSPORT AMATEUR:

  1. Jeff Rose (Kaw ZX-6R)
  2. Mujahid Umar (Kaw ZX-6R)
  3. Blake Gentry (Suz GSX-R600)
  4. Yi-Wei Pan (Tri 675R)
  5. Jona Schuman (Hon CBR600RR)
  6. John Yarbrough (Yam YZF-R6)

 

BATTLE OF THE TWINS – PRESENTED BY EYES UP MOTORSPORTS:

  1. Justin Bordonaro (Apr RS 660)
  2. Mookie Wilkerson (Apr RS 660)
  3. Jaycee Sterling (Yam YZF-R7)
  4. Alex George (Kaw Ninja 400)
  5. Jorge Gonzalez (Apr RS 660)
  6. Ed Sorbo (Suz SV650)

 

300 SUPERSPORT AMATEUR:

  1. Garrett Hazelton (Hon NSF250R)
  2. Haydn Meng (KTM RC 390)
  3. Herberg Carlos (Yam YZF-R3)
  4. Nolan Leupp (Kaw Ninja 300)
  5. Jarrod Ellison (Yam YZF-R3)

 

300 SUPERSPORT EXPERT:

  1. Rob Baggaley (KTM RC 390 R)
  2. Antlee Terry (Yam YZF-R3)
  3. Tom Nichols (Kaw Ninja 300)

 

400 SUPERSPORT EXPERT:

  1. Brian Bartlow (Kaw Ninja 400)
  2. Shaughn Reid (Kaw Ninja 400)
  3. Aliki Karayan (Kaw Ninja 400)
  4. Erinn Merlo (Kaw Ninja)
  5. Clinton Whitehouse (Yam RD400)

 

PACIFIC UTILITY GOLD CUP:

  1. Bryce Prince (Yam YZF-R1)
  2. Dominik Gajda (Duc Panigale V4 R)
  3. Jason Rodriguez (Yam YZF-R1)
  4. Sahar Zvik (Kaw ZX-6R)
  5. Anibal Arias (BMW M 1000 RR)
  6. Orel Madar (Kaw ZX-6R)

 

AMERICAN IRON:

  1. Eric Reyes (H-D Road Glide)
  2. Michael Vital (H-D Road Glide)
  3. Carbon Merrill (Bue 1125R)
  4. Gary Thompson (H-D Dyna Glide)
  5. Douglas Darrah (H-D)
  6. David Lancaster (H-D)

 

MODERN VINTAGE:

  1. John James (Kaw ZX-10R)
  2. Jeremy Taubman (Yam YZF-R6)
  3. Blake Gentry (Suz GSX-R600)
  4. Stuart Clotworthy (Yam YZF-R6)
  5. Stefan Alger (Suz GSX-R750)

 

600 SUPERBIKE AMATEUR:

  1. Blake Gentry (Suz GSX-R600)
  2. Jeff Rose (Kaw ZX-6R)
  3. Mujahid Umar (Kaw ZX-6R)
  4. Fernando Zorilla (Yam YZF-R6)
  5. Jona Schuman (Hon CBR600RR)

 

600 SUPERBIKE EXPERT:

  1. Sahar Zvik (Kaw ZX-6R)
  2. Orel Madar (Kaw ZX-6R)
  3. Geiser Hernandez (Kaw ZX-6R)
  4. Alex Ricci (Kaw ZX-6R)
  5. Wilfido Calderon (Yam YZF-R6)
  6. Fatih Buyuksonmez (Kaw ZX-4R)

 

1000 SUPERBIKE AMATEUR:

  1. Miguel Romero (Duc Panigale V4)
  2. Anthony Huizer (Suz GSX-R1000)
  3. Garrett Hazelton (BMW)

 

1000 SUPERBIKE EXPERT PRESENTED BY CLASSIC CABINETS:

  1. Dominik Gajda (Duc Panigale V4 R)
  2. Jesus Andrade-Gomez (Yam YZF-R1)
  3. Anibal Arias (BMW M 1000 RR)
  4. Jason Rodriguez (Yam YZF-R1)
  5. Matt Testa (Yam YZF-R1)
  6. Seam Williams (BMW S 1000 RR)

 

300 SUPERBIKE AMATEUR:

  1. Haydn Meng (KTM RC 390)
  2. Herbert Carlos (Yam YZF-R3)
  3. Nolan Leupp (Kaw Ninja 300)
  4. Jarrod Ellison (Yam YZF-R3)

 

300 SUPERBIKE EXPERT:

  1. Antlee Terry (Yam YZF-R3)
  2. Rob Baggaley (KTM RC 390 R)
  3. Tom Nichols (Kaw Ninja 300)

 

COMPACT OCTANE EXPERT 400 SUPERBIKE:

  1. Alex George (Kaw Ninja 400)
  2. Brian Bartlow (Kaw Ninja 400)
  3. Shaughn Reid (Kaw Ninja 400)
  4. Aliki Karayan (Kaw Ninja 400)
  5. Erinn Merlo (Kaw Ninja)
  6. Clinton Whitehouse (Yam RD400)

 

FORMULA 40 HEAVYWEIGHT:

  1. Terry Heard (BMW S 1000 RR)
  2. John James (Kaw ZX-10R)
  3. Byron Garay (Yam YZF-R1)

 

FORMULA 40 MIDDLEWEIGHT:

  1. Mookie Wilkerson (Yam YZF-R6)
  2. Geiser Hernandez (Kaw ZX-6R)
  3. Stuart Clotworthy (Yam YZF-R6)
  4. Fernando Zorilla (Yam YZF-R6)
  5. Stefan Alger (Suz GSX-R750)

 

FORMULA 40 ULTRA LIGHT:

  1. Brian Bartlow (Kaw Ninja 400)
  2. Erinn Merlo (Kaw Ninja)
  3. Aliki Karayan (Kaw Ninja 400)
  4. Tom Nichols (Kaw Ninja 300)
  5. Antlee Terry (Yam YZF-R3)

 

FORMULA 40 LIGHTWEIGHT:

  1. Robby Weaver (Apr RS 660)
  2. Jaycee Sterling (Yam YZF-R7)
  3. Robert Morton (Yam YZF-R7)
  4. Shaughn Reid (Kaw Ninja 400)
  5. Santiago Avila (Yam YZF-R7)
  6. Ed Guzman (Apr RS 660)

MotoAmerica: Daytona 200 Entries Include 67 Riders From 13 Countries

The 82nd running of the Daytona 200 has attracted 67 entries with nearly half of those coming from countries outside the United States. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy MotoAmerica.
The 82nd running of the Daytona 200 has attracted 67 entries with nearly half of those coming from countries outside the United States. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy MotoAmerica.

Editorial Note: MotoAmerica originally sent only one page of the Daytona 200 entry list. This post has now been updated with page two of the entry list. 

 

67 Entries From 13 Countries Set For The 82nd Running Of The Daytona 200

The World Is Coming To Daytona International Speedway For The Great American Race, March 7-9

IRVINE, CA (February 21, 2024) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road race series, is proud to announce that the March 9 running of the Daytona 200 at Daytona International Speedway has attracted 67 entries for the 82nd edition of the legendary race.

Although it’s affectionately called “The Great American Motorcycle Race,” this year’s Daytona 200 should more accurately be referred to as “The Great Global Motorcycle Race.”

For the 82nd running of the Daytona 200, which takes place March 7 through 9 on the 3.51-mile, 12-turn road course at Daytona International Speedway, a full 28 riders – nearly half of the 67 riders on the entry list – are from countries outside the United States.

The list of nations represented reads like a global competition akin to the Olympic Games, and the level of talent includes three past Daytona 200 winners (Josh Herrin, Brandon Paasch, and Danny Eslick), the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion (Xavi Forés), the two-time FIM World Endurance Championship-winning team of riders (Niccolò Canepa, Marvin Fritz, and Karel Hanika), a 13-time Isle of Man TT winner and all-time lap record holder (Peter Hickman), a four-time AMA Superbike Champion (Josh Hayes), a three-time Canadian Superbike Champion (Ben Young), and a two-time British Superstock 1000 Champion (Richard Cooper), just to name a few.

Here’s the rundown of the 13 countries represented:

Australia

Brazil

Canada

Colombia

Czech Republic

Germany

Guyana

Mexico

Portugal

Spain

Switzerland

United Kingdom

United States

“We are really pleased with the number of entries for this year’s Daytona 200, and also with the amount of foreign riders who are coming to race,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “It shows how popular the Daytona 200 is as one of the biggest races in the world. We’re excited to start our 10th year of MotoAmerica, this year at Daytona, and we wish all our riders the best of luck. It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch.”

For the 2024 Daytona 200 Entry List, scroll down.

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.

 

Daytona200Entries_2024_1
 Daytona200Entries_pg2

Moto Guzzi Engineer, Dentist, Veteran Dr. John Wittner, R.I.P.

Dr. John Wittner (fourth from right) at Daytona in 1985. Photo by Larry Lawrence/The Rider Files.
Dr. John Wittner (fourth from right) at Daytona in 1985. Photo by Gary Van Voorhis, courtesy The Rider Files.

John A. Wittner

A legendary innovator for Moto Guzzi and driving force in the motorcycle community, Dr. John A. Wittner, DMD, age 78, of West Chester, PA, passed away on February 15, 2024. He was the son of Howard Wittner and Victoria (Shenker) Wittner, and brother to Ken Wittner, who pre-deceased him. “Dr. John,” as known to friends, colleagues, patients, and members of the motorcycle community, was intensely dedicated to his craft, whether it was complex dentistry without pain — or mechanical innovation and next-level mastery in motorcycle engineering.

Studying mechanical engineering at Lehigh University (always with a love of fixing things), he applied his inherent talent and skills to help improve human performance, and graduated from University of Pennsylvania Dental School, as DMD, and was partner to Dr. Bill Deal, in Deal-Wittner Dental Health Group for many years. But for decades, he kept on building engines for motorcycle racing, channeling the magic into Moto Guzzis that won and won and won.

One day, he reached a turning point while working on a friend and patient in the dental chair – who encouraged him to take motorcycle racing from the local to the big time. And that’s how the legendary Dr. John’s Team Moto Guzzi was launched and went from an experienced, dominant group of regional racers to winning and dominating the 1984 AMA National Endurance Racing Championship at the Daytona Firecracker 400. And went on to design and engineer unique marques for Moto Guzzi in Italy, leaving an historic legacy for motorcycle racing.

Dr. John was a Vietnam veteran, loyal friend, and independent individual who always rose to a challenge and who’d rather be burning rubber than anything else.

Services and Interment are Private. 

Buell Bringing Super Cruiser Prototype To Daytona Bike Week

Buell Super Cruiser prototypes being prepared at the factory in Michigan, before heading to Daytona Bike Week. Photo courtesy Buell Motorcycles.
Buell Super Cruiser prototypes being prepared at the factory in Michigan, before heading to Daytona Bike Week. Photo courtesy Buell Motorcycles.

Buell® Motorcycles to Unveil Super Cruiser Prototypes and SuperTouring® Preproduction Model at Daytona Bike Week

Grand Rapids, MI – Buell Motorcycles, manufacturer of the highest-performing superbikes in America, is gearing up for its premier showcase at Daytona Bike Week, March 1-10, 2024. The event’s highlight will be the debut of the highly anticipated Super Cruiser prototypes, marking a milestone in Buell’s relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to eager fans.

Following the resounding success of its Super Cruiser concept bike in 2023, Buell is thrilled to present the exciting evolution of their production intent prototypes. These represent our engineering and design teams’ ingenuity and Buell’s dedication to redefining the riding experience.

In addition to the Super Cruiser prototypes, Buell will unveil their preproduction 185hp 1190 SuperTouring modular superbike featuring several refinements from the version showcased at last year’s Daytona event. Set to hit the market in late 2024, the SuperTouring model promises to elevate the standard of touring motorcycles and become the world’s fastest adaptive motorcycle.

Attendees at Daytona Bike Week can also expect an exciting lineup of 2023 and 2024
Hammerhead and SX models, including exclusive one-off paint schemes created especially for the occasion. Buell enthusiasts are invited to visit the Buell tent located along Destination Daytona to see these remarkable machines up close and talk shop with our team members.

Commenting on the upcoming event, Bill Melvin, CEO of Buell Motorcycles, expressed his
excitement: “Daytona Bike Week is a super fun highlight to start our 2024 calendar, and this year’s going to be awesome showing off company growth, innovations, and the hot energy for the Super Cruisers. Buell’s committed to pushing the boundaries of performance and design, while fulfilling the needs of the American biker community.”

As Buell continues to lead the charge in high-performance American motorcycles, Daytona Bike Week is a testament to our dedication to excellence and innovation. For more information about Buell Motorcycles and our latest developments, visit buellmotorcycle.com and join us on social media.

About Buell Motorcycles:

Buell Motorcycles is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its rich heritage, exceptional performance, and unwavering commitment to rider satisfaction. With 40 years of experience, Buell Motorcycles continues to push boundaries and deliver exhilarating two-wheeled experiences.

For more information, please visit www.buellmotorcycle.com, and connect with us on social media for the latest updates and news.

AHRMA: Race Results From Roebling Road Raceway

Jeff Hargis (84) leads Tony Read (50) and Mark Morrow (9X) during a Formula 750 race at Roebling Road Raceway. Photo by etechphoto.com, courtesy AHRMA.
Jeff Hargis (84) leads Tony Read (50) and Mark Morrow (9X) during a Formula 750 race at Roebling Road Raceway. Photo by etechphoto.com, courtesy AHRMA.
RRW 2024 Roebling Road - Weekend Results

MotoAmerica: Josh Hayes Racing CSU One Cure Yamaha In Daytona 200

Josh Hayes, the winningest rider in AMA Pro/MotoAmerica history. Photo courtesy CSU One Cure Yamaha Racing.
Josh Hayes, the winningest rider in AMA Pro/MotoAmerica history. Photo courtesy CSU One Cure Yamaha Racing.

Josh Hayes to compete in Daytona 200 aboard CSU One Cure Yamaha R6

Oceanside, CA: Josh Hayes will compete in the 82nd running of the Daytona 200 aboard the CSU One Cure Yamaha YZF-R6. Already the winningest rider in American road racing history, Josh will be fighting to finally take the top step at the historic race while also promoting CSU One Cure’s mission to fight cancer in both humans and their pets.

Josh Hayes comes to Daytona after a fantastic 2023 season in MotoAmerica’s ultra competitive Supersport class where he secured third place in the championship with two wins and eight total visits to the podium. While he currently has no solid plans for racing in 2024, he hasn’t ruled it out if the opportunity arrives.

Josh Hayes:

“I think by now it’s clear that I love racing motorcycles and I’m grateful for every opportunity I get to race my Yamaha YZF-R6. I’m excited to grid up and see if we can make it to the front in 200 miles. It’s an honor to help promote the mission of CSU One Cure along the way. I’ve taken my training very seriously this winter and I know I’m arriving in Daytona with the same preparation as when I was a factory Superbike racer.”

 

Dr. Christine Hardy, One Cure Program Lead, Flint Animal Cancer Center:

“One Cure is deeply committed to conquering cancer in all species. The only way we can do that is through cutting-edge clinical trials that push for better diagnostics, treatments, and ultimately, outcomes for people and pets. Two Wheels One Cure is helping us race toward a cure by raising awareness and funds for this work. We simply could not do this without the support of our friends who dare to reach new speeds and milestones. We thank the entire team for racing with us.”

Besides One Cure, Josh would also like to thank all the other people and organizations that have made this adventure possible: The Pierce Family, The Trails Preservation Alliance, J4orce Training, Maxima, Dunlop Tires, Evan Steel Performance, Yamaha, RS Taichi, Arai, TCX, Speedcell, GHD Designs, Quinn Knives, and M4 Performance Exhausts.

About CSU One Cure:

The One Cure program is founded on the principle that cancer affects all creatures and that breakthroughs come when scientists, veterinarians, and doctors collaborate on treatments for both people and pets. One Cure’s goal is to raise awareness and funding to support the Flint Animal Cancer Center’s clinical trials program and other comparative oncology research. 
The One Cure clinical trials program is one of the largest in veterinary medicine and includes seven dedicated staff members. In 2023, the program managed 31 clinical trials to study more effective therapies for a variety of cancer types including osteosarcoma, lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and more.

Video: New Jersey Motorsports Park Renovation Phase One Nearing Completion

NJMP staffers sampling the new pavement on Thunderbolt Raceway ahead of a members-only open house in March. Photo courtesy New Jersey Motorsports Park.
NJMP staffers sampling the new pavement on Thunderbolt Raceway ahead of a members-only open house in March. Photo courtesy New Jersey Motorsports Park.

Multi-Million Dollar Repaving and Renovation Project Phase 1 Nears Completion

NJMP’s Thunderbolt Receives Final Preparations for Season Opening

With over 2.25 miles of new pavement, upgraded curbing and runoff, fresh paint, and a wider entry to Turn 1, the major repave and renovation of New Jersey Motorsports Park’s Thunderbolt Circuit will be ready to open the 2024 motorsports season for a members-only debut March 2nd and 3rd 2024.

And with an action-packed schedule of events announced for 2024, there will be new track records set, personal bests achieved, and many smiles ahead for drivers, riders, and spectators on the completely renovated yet classic road racing venue.

As work continues aggressively ahead of opening day, NJMP’s Director of Track Operations Mike Murphy and veteran driver Tom Smith took to the track in the NJMP Ciocca Corvettes for a filming session, to inspect the track, and to share their observations.

 

 

Murphy, who joined NJMP after a number of years with the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), said as he came off the track:  “I’ve had the opportunity to drive many world-class circuits around the country, and today’s experience on Thunderbolt was the best one yet – taking the first hot laps around its 2.25 miles is something I’ll remember the rest of my life.  As I drove down the new pit lane and entered the track, there was immediately a different feeling.”

Smith agreed.  “While there is still curbing and landscaping work underway, and a slick ‘green’ new track covered with the dust and debris, after pushing for a number of laps I can say with confidence I will be going faster around Thunderbolt in 2024 than ever before.  The grip will be fantastic as the track gets rubber laid down and cleaned off when drivers take to it in earnest.”

In its 16 seasons of motorsports activities – beginning in August 2008 with the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Supercar Life 250 race – New Jersey Motorsports Park’s Thunderbolt circuit has been enjoyed by professional automobile and motorcycle drivers and riders, by grassroots racing clubs with national and regional events, by NJMP Drivers and Riders Club members, and it has played a role in driver and rider education through the many schools and development days held there.

“The buzz around here has been incredible since we broke ground on the project four months ago,” commented Brad Scott, President and COO of New Jersey Motorsports Park.  “The construction equipment, trucks, and people, the designers and engineers and quality testing, every day has been a new challenge and a new milestone met.”

He also highlighted the ongoing nature of the project.  “It’s like completing a new construction house.  There’s landscaping which will need to come in.  Paint and accessories to be finished up.  Details to be addressed once we move in, as it were.  And Phase 2 with the new track configurations ahead beyond that.”

Phase 1 has included the milling and removal of the track surface, followed by the base paving and surface paving of the original Thunderbolt circuit layout, pit lane, and chicanes.  Select curbing has been removed and renovated based on the input of a panel of riders, drivers, and partners.  

The entry to Turn 1 has been improved.  The front straight no longer narrows approaching Turn 1, eliminating the prior funneling effect, and setting up for more racing and passing both braking into and accelerating out of Turn 1. 

Murphy noted the improved visibility through Turn 1, from both the racetrack and for cars exiting the pits.  

Smith agreed.  “Having driven thousands of laps around Thunderbolt since 2008, today was like seeing it for the first time again.  Something totally new to experience, while still the classic Thunderbolt lap.”

“This project is an investment to sustain NJMP far into the future.  Everyone on the team is committed to delivering the best product possible.  I know I speak for many people when I say this – I can’t wait to see the first cars hit the track on opening day on the new Thunderbolt,” Scott concluded.

American Flat Track: Halbert Racing Harley-Davidson At Daytona Short Track

Sammy Halbert (69). Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
Sammy Halbert (69). Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

Sammy Halbert Set to Race Daytona Short Track with Dodge Bros. Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Veteran Mission SuperTwins ace Sammy Halbert will contest the season-opening Daytona Short Track I & II , along with other select rounds of the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track championship, aboard a Dodge Bros. Racing/Castrol Harley-Davidson XR750. 

The union pairs championship-winning team owners Tony and Andy Dodge with the highly decorated Halbert, who boasts an overall AMA Pro Flat Track Championship, a Grand National Singles Championship, and an X Games gold medal, among his many racing accomplishments. 

Dodge Bros. Racing is well known for its immaculately prepared and beautiful Harley XR750s. Teaming with Halbert provides a unique opportunity to see one of the sport’s top riders compete aboard history’s most iconic flat track bike in what could potentially prove to be its last, best chance to battle up front in Grand National Championship competition. 

Halbert who runs the number 69 in honor of his late brother Jethro, is the winningest rider of the Daytona Short Track with four wins to his credit. Along with the double Daytona opener, Halbert is already committed to racing at the Silver Dollar Short Track in Chico, California, and the Ventura Short Track, in Ventura, California. 

“At this point in my career, I’m racing very select events and having fun with it,” said Halbert. “The opportunity to race the Dodge Bros. XRs makes perfect sense for me. It’s the bike that I had the most success on in my career, and I’m excited to give the old girl another ride at the big dance.” 

Tony Dodge said, “We’re really looking forward to going racing with Sammy on the XR750. It’s always a great time working with him. We’ve got the bikes looking brand new and we’re ready to represent for all the Harley XR750 fans out there.” 

Sammy Halbert’s racing efforts are supported by the following partners: Castrol, Cardo Systems, Martin Trucking, 6D Helmets, Kibblewhite, Penske, Shimano, Pro Plates, Mika, Enerlon, Saddlemen, RSRK10-J2Motorsports, Regina Chain, Boswell’s Harley-Davidson, Oakley, CTI, MS, Fly Racing, Lightshoe, Motion Pro, Access Media Lab, Hathaway Racing, Fredericktown Cycles 

MotoGP: Bagnaia Ends Qatar Test With New Lap Record

Bagnaia Qatar Day 2
Francesco Bagnaia (1) smashed the lap record and topped the final day of MotoGP pre-season testing. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Defending MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia shattered the lap record in Qatar, the only rider in the 1:50 range as he led a factory Ducati 1-2 on the second and last day of the final pre-season test.

Bagnaia’s 1:50.952 was 0.120 seconds faster than Lenovo Ducati teammate Enea Bastianini, and ominously for the rest of the field, the 2024 version of the Desmosedici already seems faster than the fully-sorted and Championship-winning 2023 machine. Bagnaia was more than eight-tenths of a second clear of the 1:51.762 set last year by Luca Marini.

Most of the field had gone through the new parts and features by the end of Monday, leaving Tuesday free for refining the setup on the bike configuration they had chosen for the first race of the year, also at Lusail International Circuit. Times were dramatically quicker than during last year’s race weekend, with the top 11 going faster than the previous outright best lap.

Italian machines dominated the top of the time sheet, with factory Aprilia rider Aleix Espargaro third, 0.308 seconds down. “We were flying,” Espargaro said. “It is the best bike I have ever had.” Eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez spent the first day of the test talking down his chances, saying he still was learning to ride the 2023 Gresini Ducati he is set to campaign this season after years on the Honda RC213V. Then he went out on the second day and set the fourth-fastest time, 0.383 seconds from the top on a track he says is not one of his best. Marquez’s test ended with a crash in Turn Four, which left him uninjured. “It was time to increase the risk,” he said.

Fifth went to Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez, still not at 100 percent after his injury in a crash at the prior test in Malaysia and riding a 2023 version of the Aprilia RS-GP. The American-based team’s 2024 machine is in the hands of Miguel Oliveira, who struggled most of the test but recovered to 12th on the final day of testing.

Sixth went to the factory Aprilia of Maverick Vinales, just ahead of Jorge Martin on the Prima Pramac Ducati. Last year’s title runner-up finisher, Martin complained of a vibration with his machine and could not match the speed of Bagnaia and Bastianini, finishing 0.514 seconds off the pace.

The best non-Italian motorcycle was the factory KTM of Brad Binder, who finished the test ninth and just ahead of Marco Bezzecchi.

Practice for the season-opening Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar is set for March 8.

Bastianini Qatar 2
Enea Bastianini (23) was second-quickest and suggested that there was more performance to come from the factory Desmosedici GP24. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Aleix Qatar 2
Aleix Espargaro (41) called his 2024 Aprilia RS-GP the best racebike he’s ever had. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Marc Qatar 2
Marc Marquez (93) said it was time to up the risk factor, crashed but still finished fourth. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Raul Qatar 2
Raul Fernandez (25) took his 2023 Trackhouse Racing Aprilia to fifth overall. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Classification - Tuesday
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