Royal Enfield Announces Borderless Warranty Program

David Swarts

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July 31, 2024

Royal Enfield Announces Borderless Warranty Program

ROYAL ENFIELD LAUNCHES BORDERLESS WARRANTY PROGRAM

First Indian Automotive brand to offer a global warranty, backed by a network of over 3000+ Royal Enfield authorised service touch points in 70+ countries

Chennai (India), July 31, 2024: Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size (250-750cc) motorcycle segment, announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind consumer programme, ‘Borderless Warranty Program’, offering riders unprecedented freedom to ride and conquer new horizons. Breaking barriers and redefining adventure, Royal Enfield becomes the first Indian automotive brand to introduce a global warranty initiative, encouraging Royal Enfield owners across the globe to rev up, ride more and explore without limits.

Designed to inspire worry-free explorations, Borderless Warranty program from Royal Enfield enable the riders to avail the benefit across many countries, underscoring Royal Enfield’s commitment to rider satisfaction and, further amplifying the brand’s ‘pure motorcycling’ ethos.

With the Royal Enfield Borderless Warranty Program, riders can now embark on their journeys with greater confidence, knowing that their Royal Enfield motorcycles are backed by an extensive warranty program that transcends borders. This warranty program is applicable for all the motorcycles currently under warranty and for all the new motorcycles purchased from Royal Enfield authorised stores across the globe. Backed by a network of 3000+ Royal Enfield authorised service touch points across 2605 cities in 70+ countries (including India), Royal Enfield encourages riders to explore new horizons, discover diverse cultures, and forge unforgettable memories on their Royal Enfield motorcycles, without the burden of maintenance concerns.

Commenting on the launch of the ‘Borderless Warranty’ program, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Chief Commercial Officer, Royal Enfield, said, “At Royal Enfield, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant global community of riders who share our passion for exploration and adventure. With the introduction of the Royal Enfield Borderless Warranty Program, we aim to redefine customer experience by offering unprecedented levels of support and assurance to riders across the world.“

The Borderless Warranty Program reaffirms Royal Enfield’s position as a pioneering force in the global mid-size motorcycle industry, setting new standards for customer care and satisfaction. With this initiative, Royal Enfield continues to inspire riders worldwide to ride more, explore more, and embrace the spirit of adventure on their trusted Royal Enfield motorcycles.

For more details, please visit www.royalenfield.com/borderless-warranty/

About Royal Enfield:

The oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, Royal Enfield has created beautifully crafted motorcycles since 1901. From its British roots, a manufacturing plant was established in Madras in 1955, a foothold from which Royal Enfield spearheaded the growth of India’s mid-sized two-wheeler segment. Royal Enfields are engaging, uncomplicated, accessible and fun to ride; a vehicle for exploration and self-expression. It’s an approach the brand calls Pure Motorcycling.

Canadian Superbike: Moto2 Racer Aubrie Coming To CTMP

David Swarts

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July 31, 2024

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Canadian Superbike: Moto2 Racer Aubrie Coming To CTMP

Charles Aubrie to wildcard in Superbike class at CTMP

Hamilton, ON – The Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship will welcome another high-profile wildcard to the paddock this season, as Charles Aubrie is expected to join the feature GP Bikes Pro Superbike class at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

The 22-year-old from France has enjoyed a successful career in his home continent, having graduated through the French Superbike Championship (FSBK) to join the Moto2 European Championship in 2022, the direct feeder series of the Moto2 grand prix class.

Aubrie finished 28th in the championship in 2023, scoring his first career FIM points in Catalunya, and has progressed to 24th in the current 2024 standings with another points finish in Portimao, riding for Team JEG Racing aboard a Kalex machine.

The Saint-Aubin-de-Médoc native will join the Turcotte Performance garage at CTMP for his Canadian debut, hopping aboard a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R with support from KYT Canada, Team33 Accessories, Accessbk.fr, and Meritorious International.

His wildcard appearance will come with the help of friend and current CSBK Superbike rider Guillaume Fortin, as well as the entire Turcotte Performance team, whom Fortin currently rides for aboard a Ducati V4R.

“I met Guillaume in Spain while we were training in December, and when he told me about CSBK I immediately wanted to take part in a race this year,” Aubrie said. “I’m taking advantage of the two-month break in the Moto2 European Championship to participate at CTMP, and I’d like to thank Guillaume as well as the Turcotte Performance team for allowing me to experience this adventure.”

Aubrie will be the first Frenchman to compete in the CSBK paddock since Vincent Levillian in 2022, a former Turcotte Performance rider himself, and the first rider in series’ history with Moto2 European Championship experience.

His debut will be another boost to Kawasaki, who try to hunt down BMW in the Constructors Championship with the likes of Jordan Szoke, Torin Collins, Connor Campbell, and now Aubrie.

The wildcard appearance will come just two rounds after the debut of Collins, a graduate of the JuniorGP European Championship within the same FIM umbrella as Aubrie.

More information can be found on the series’ official website.

American Flat Track: Richard Rawlings Named Grand Marshal Of Sturgis TT

David Swarts

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July 31, 2024

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American Flat Track: Richard Rawlings Named Grand Marshal Of Sturgis TT

Richard Rawlings Named Arrowhead Sturgis TT Grand Marshal

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 31, 2024) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is excited to announce that Richard Rawlings of Gas Monkey Garage will serve as the Grand Marshal for the historic Arrowhead Sturgis TT presented by Rick Ware Racing & The CAT Rental Store, which will take place in the Streets of Downtown Sturgis, South Dakota, on Sunday, August 11.

Rawlings comments, “It’s an absolute honor that American Flat Track chose me to be their Grand Marshal for this historical event, especially now that I’ve hung a shingle in Sturgis. It means a lot.”

A nationally known media personality and entrepreneur, Rawlings is a larger-than-life personality who turned his lifelong enthusiasm for cars into an empire. He founded Gas Monkey Garage in 2004 to restore classic cars to their former glory while turning them into jaw-dropping custom creations. Catching the attention of Discovery Channel, Gas Monkey Garage was brought to the masses in 2012 with the introduction of the Fast N’ Loud television program. Airing for more than 400 episodes, which still run today, Fast N’ Loud showcases Rawlings and the Gas Monkey crew’s passion for finding forgotten and abandoned classic cars and transforming them into masterpieces.

Now featured on GasMonkeyGarage.com, with multiple new episodes dropping per week on Facebook and the Gas Monkey Garage YouTube Channel, Rawlings and company will have a huge presence at the 84th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with the opening of the all-new Gas Monkey Sturgis Bar & N’ Grill. Open year-round, it’s a full-service bar and restaurant offering a Texas Roadhouse-style menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner and official Gas Monkey Sturgis merchandise.

Rawlings has also owned multiple restaurants, released his own tequila and energy drink, sponsored motorsports teams, authored a memoir, and established the Gas Monkey Foundation, which has donated more than a million dollars to charities around the globe.

Attendance for the inaugural Arrowhead Sturgis TT presented by Rick Ware Racing & The CAT Rental Store is free of charge.

The Arrowhead Sturgis TT pre-race show will air on FS2 on Saturday, August 17, at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT), immediately followed by the race broadcast on FOX at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT). The complete two-hour pre-race and race package will then re-air on FS1 later that evening, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT).

For more information on the Sturgis TT, visit https://sturgistt.com

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

Evolve GT Hosting First Motorcycle Track Day At Ozarks International Raceway

David Swarts

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July 31, 2024

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Evolve GT Hosting First Motorcycle Track Day At Ozarks International Raceway

Motorcyclists in the Midwest are about to get a new option to scratch their track riding — and possibly racing — itch thanks to Evolve GT School and Track Days (Evolve GT) and Ozarks International Raceway (OIR).

Situated on 364 rolling acres near the popular Lake of the Ozarks resort area in central Missouri, OIR features multiple road course layouts, including a 19-turn 3.97-mile course, a 2.5-mile layout, and a 1.4-mile configuration.

Motorcyclists who visited the track shortly after it opened reported via social media that it was built for cars with too many hard barriers close to the track and it wasn’t suitable for motorcycle riding or racing. On-board video footage shot from cars driving the track appeared to back up these claims, and as a result, no motorcycle groups scheduled any track days or races at the brand new facility even though Missouri had no other road course and few viable road course options within hundreds of miles.

Then, OIR owner JR Pesek reached out to Evolve GT and ASRA and invited them to come see his track firsthand. Evolve GT partner Bill Sink made the two-day drive from Pennsylvania, unloaded his Yamaha MT-10, and started ripping laps around the undulating new track.

“We were riding around the [3.9-mile] full track,” Sink told Roadracingworld.com, “and there’s one section where you make a lefthand corner and you are right next to a concrete wall for, I mean, like a quarter-mile. And I was like, there’s nothing we can do here, man. And I was getting really depressed.

“Then JR goes, ‘Let’s try the other layout.’ I tried the outside loop layout, and the minute I tried that, I’m like, ‘Holy ****! We have it. This is it. This is gonna work.’

“This outside loop will work for motorcycles. It gets rid of that [wall-lined] section. That was extremely dangerous for motorcycles. But all the people who came there never tried the outer loop. They always wanted to run the full course.

“So, I started getting real excited. I did a ton of laps on it. It’s probably the best track I think I’ve been on. It is an absolutely incredible place, a world-class facility.

“It has all the infrastructure. You name it, man. They’ve got [signaling] lights on all the corners. They got Wi-Fi at all the corner stations, timing loops on the track and pit lane. The big, long garage building has 58 bays and has access to both tracks, the inner and the outer. The race control room is state of the art with TV monitors with all the information coming in from all the corners, just like at Barber.

“I can’t believe nobody is going there. Well, it’s going to change soon. That place will be a destination that people will travel from all over the country to ride on.”

Based on Sink’s assessment, Evolve GT has scheduled a track day at OIR on September 13. And based on feedback, data, and other information gathered during that event, more Evolve GT track days could be scheduled along with possibly some ASRA race events in the future.

Stay tuned.

Update: Based on Bill Sink’s report on Ozark International Raceway and its potential viability as a motorcycle road racing venue, we reached out to MotoAmerica Chief Operating Officer Chuck Aksland to see if there has been any contact between the track and MotoAmerica.

“They have reached out in the past,” Aksland told Roadracingworld.com. “We haven’t had the proper opportunity to go out there and make a visit, but it is our plan to get out there and make a visit some time soon.”

AHRMA: Pro Challenge Returning To Barber Vintage Festival

David Swarts

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July 30, 2024

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AHRMA: Pro Challenge Returning To Barber Vintage Festival

AHRMA Brings Pro Challenge to Barber Vintage Festival

(July 30, 2024 Knoxville, TN) Pro racers will once again add to the sights, sounds, and smells of the upcoming Barber Vintage Festival.

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is hosting the third annual running of the Pro Challenge on October 12, 2024, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL. The event will take place during the 19th Annual Barber Vintage Festival as part of the 2024 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series.

The Pro Challenge will feature an array of today’s most exciting racing motorcycles being ridden by professional racers and qualifying AHRMA racers. There will also be a cash purse that will be announced soon.

To be eligible, a Pro Challenge racer must meet the following criteria:

Be a licensed AHRMA member/competitor.
Be in compliance with the AHRMA Barber Racer Eligibility Requirements (found at ahrma.org/schedules-results).
Take part in the Friday practice (Thursday optional).
Take part in a 20-minute timed qualifying session on Friday afternoon.
Be registered in the “Pro Challenge” race on Saturday.
Be capable of racing at a competitive pace within the Pro Challenge race (based on lap times during the Friday qualifying session).
Compete on a race bike which conforms to the Formula Thunder class machine requirements (refer to ahrma.org/ahrma-handbook).

Select FIM professional licensed road racers may obtain a special waiver from AHRMA for the competition. Waivers must be submitted through the online AHRMA Barber Waiver Request Form no later than Saturday, September 30th at 12pm CDT).

In addition to FIM professional licensed road racers, any AHRMA member pre-qualified to race at the 2024 Barber event with AHRMA may register for the Pro Challenge but must participate in qualifying and meet the qualifying criteria.

The opening of race registration will be announced at a future date.

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage machines 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.

Kayla Yaakov Racing As Wild Card In Italian Supersport At Mugello

David Swarts

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July 30, 2024

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Kayla Yaakov Racing As Wild Card In Italian Supersport At Mugello

MotoAmerica star Kayla Yaakov is planning to race as a wild card in Round Five of the CIV/Italian National Supersport Championship August 29 – September 1 at the Mugello Circuit, in Italy.

Young Gun Yaakov, age 17, will swap her Rahal Ducati Moto w/XPEL Panigale V2 for a Barni Racing Team Ducati Panigale V2 for the event.

Both series race on Dunlop spec tires, but the Dunlops used in MotoAmerica are made in Buffalo, New York, and the Dunlops used in the CIV series are made in Europe.

According to her father, ex-racer David Yaakov, Kayla has ridden at Mugello before, a track day on the Yamaha YZF-R7 Cup bike she raced occasionally in 2023.

“I am so happy to announce that I will be racing with The Barni Racing Team as a wild card in Campionato Italiano Velocità Supersport for Round 5 of the Italian Championship at The Mugello Circuit! Racing on a Ducati Panigale V2,” Yaakov, the first female to finish on the podium in a MotoAmerica Supersport race. “I will be representing the United States overseas once again from August 29th – September 1st. The races will take place during the break between the MotoAmerica rounds of Mid-Ohio and COTA. Big thanks to my Rahal Ducati Moto team for embracing this opportunity for me and allowing me to take on this challenge. I can’t wait!! Thank you to those who have made this possible, and let’s go have some fun!!”

MotoGP: Trackhouse Racing Aprilias Getting Upgrades For Silverstone

David Swarts

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July 30, 2024

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MotoGP: Trackhouse Racing Aprilias Getting Upgrades For Silverstone

Trackhouse Racing – Fired up for Silverstone

Preview: 2024 Monster Energy BRITISH GRAND PRIX – Round 10 of the MotoGP World Championship

August 1 – August 4: Silverstone Circuit, United Kingdom: Track length: 3.67 miles / 5.9 kilometers

After a three-week gap between the last race at Sachsenring in Germany and this weekend’s British Grand Prix, Trackhouse Racing has been busy and arrives at the ultra-fast sweeps of Silverstone with a new aerodynamic upgrade package for its Aprilia RS-GP24 bikes. From the start of track action on Friday, the new specification will used by both Trackhouse team riders, #88 Miguel Oliveira and by #25 Raul Fernandez – bringing him up to the same equipment level as his teammate and Aprilia Racing riders, Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales. For Raul, this step represents an opportunity not only for increased performance but, crucially, gives the benefit of sharing the same data sets, providing the engineers more information and seeing directly comparative performance overlays with Miguel and the Aprilia Racing Team. Raul now has a new bike to look forward to at Silverstone and two more years with Trackhouse Racing, having signed a new agreement with the American organization immediately after the German Grand Prix.

The new aero package on the #88 and #25 RS-GP24’s will get an immediate workout at Silverstone. One of the fastest tracks of the season, the flowing nature of the former airforce base puts an emphasis on efficient aerodynamics and corner stability. With an average lap speed over 110 miles per hour (177 kilometers per hour) Silverstone is also a power circuit with its corners divided between four significant length straight-aways. Clockwise in layout, the lap starts with a challenging right hander leading into a left sweeper before braking to negotiate a tight right-left. The key to a lap time is strong corner exit and getting out onto the National straight smoothly is vital ahead of the heavy braking zone and slow series of corners at the Brooklands and Luffield complex. The old start-finish straight sets up the next part of the lap with the ultra-fast Copse right-hander and then the adrenalin pumping, decreasing radius left, right, left sweeps before the riders head out onto the expansive Hangar Straight. Maximum speed into the braking area for the long, over-crest Stowe right is around 211 miles per hour (340 kilometers per hour) and the lap finishes with a heavy braking zone and double right corners leading back onto the start-finish straight. At over 3.6 miles (5.9 kilometers) the riders face 20 laps of Silverstone for Sunday’s main British Grand Prix and half that distance for the Sprint race on Saturday.

#88 Miguel Oliveira comes to Silverstone, from the break since Germany, with good reason to be confident. After a very strong weekend at the Sachsenring, achieving the front row – 2nd place – in Qualifying, Miguel finished 2nd in the Sprint and 6th in the main German Grand Prix, showing real speed and consistency through the weekend. A 4th place finish in the Grand Prix at Silverstone last year and the promise that comes with the aerodynamic upgrade package on his Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP24 points to the potential for a competitive weekend in England.

Raul Fernandez also returns to action off a positive practice and qualifying in Germany on his #25 RS-GP23. Finishing Q2 just one spot behind Miguel, in 3rd position and matching his best front row starting spot in Catalunya, Raul did not get the result he was looking for in the Sprint, coming home 14th with grip issues, while Sunday’s 10th place finish in the Grand Prix hinted at the pace he had shown earlier in the weekend. Raul’s move to the Aprilia RS-GP24 bike and starting immediately from the moment the new aero package arrives will give the young man from Madrid every reason to want improvements in performance around the open expanses of Silverstone.

At Silverstone this weekend, MotoGP celebrates 75 years of the Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship which kicked off at the Isle of Man TT in 1949. It is the oldest motorsport world championship and its place in history will be celebrated on Sunday, for the British Grand Prix, with every team in the MotoGP class running a historically themed livery design on their bikes. Trackhouse have something particularly special planned – watch out for the unveiling on Thursday, August 1st.

Track action for Trackhouse Racing, at Silverstone, starts with morning Free Practice 1 on Friday, August 2nd. Keep an eye on the local starting time of the British Grand Prix:

Saturday, August 3rd SPRINT RACE – 10 Laps

3pm (Local time BST) 4pm (CEST) 10am (US Eastern Time) 7am (US Pacific Time)

Sunday, August 4th GRAND PRIX – 20 Laps

1pm (Local time BST) 2pm (CEST) 8am (US Eastern Time) 5am (US Pacific Time)

MIGUEL OLIVEIRA

“Silverstone was a good experience for me last year with a very strong result and close to the podium. We come back here after a decent summer break where there was time to rest and to get more in shape for the next part of the season. Therefore, I’m looking forward to reuniting with the team, getting back on the Aprilia with its upgrades and have some fun in Great Britain.”

Championship standing: 13th – 51 points

RAUL FERNANDEZ

“I’m really looking forward to getting to Silverstone and happy to arrive there with a clear idea about my future. Staying with the team for the next two years was really important to know in order to be super relaxed and focused for this second part of the year. The weekend won’t be easy, we have a lot of work to do – first of all, to find the feeling on the bike again after the last three weeks without riding. Secondly, we will work with a new bike and we don’t have a lot of practice time so we need to understand everything quickly to be ready for the races and then try to enjoy Silverstone. It is usually a good track for our bike and I’m happy to come back and get there having security in my mind.”

Championship standing: 14th – 46 points

WILCO ZEELENBERG – TEAM MANAGER

“After nine races and three weekends away we are obviously looking forward to restarting. Silverstone has been good to us last season and with Miguel especially as he had a great race over here. Saying that, for this year, Raul will have his 2024 bike for Silverstone ready, so we are looking forward to seeing how capable he will be adjusting to the new machine. Apart from this, we have a 75th anniversary livery for Sunday, which I think will be a great surprise and it will be a quite spectacular event, not only because we should be able to perform well in Silverstone but also because there is a lot going on besides. We are really looking forward to starting again!”

Trackhouse Racing – Team Championship standing: 8th – 97 points

www.trackhouse.com – #Welcometothehouse

Bagger Racing League: Gilmore Wins At Mid-Ohio

David Swarts

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July 30, 2024

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Bagger Racing League: Gilmore Wins At Mid-Ohio

Cody Gilmore Clinches Victory at the 2024 AMA Pro-Stock Bagger Championship at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

Lexington, Ohio – The 2024 AMA Pro-Stock Bagger Championship took center stage at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course during the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, drawing over 40,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to the historic venue. The weekend was filled with excitement as fans marveled at the hand-crafted race machines on display in the paddock, setting the stage for a thrilling competition.

The event kicked off on Friday with racers hitting the course for practice sessions before enjoying the myriad of entertainment options available at Vintage Motorcycle Days. The excitement continued on Saturday morning with a competitive qualifying session, where Cody Gilmore secured the pole position, setting the tone for the highly anticipated race.

As the clock approached 4:30 PM, the roar of V-Twin American horsepower filled the air, signaling the start of the main event. Cody Gilmore, riding for Suburban Motors HD/Bridgestone, took an early lead, followed closely by former champion Arnie Wells and Australian contender Jake Masters. The crowd watched in awe as the riders navigated the challenging track, showcasing their skills and the power of their custom-built baggers.

After six intense laps, Gilmore emerged victorious, clinching the 2024 AMA Pro-Stock Bagger Championship title. Wells put in a strong performance to secure second place, while Masters, a rising star from Australia, finished third and established himself as a formidable competitor for the next season.

The final race results are as follows:

1. Cody Gilmore

2. Arnie Wells

3. Jake Masters

4. Kurt “Hurt” Wilbur

5. Carl Schlacht

6. Joe Sanderson

This year’s championship was a spectacular showcase of talent, engineering, and the enduring appeal of bagger racing. Fans and participants alike are already looking forward to the 2025 season, where new rivalries and challenges await.

For more information on the Bagger Racing League and upcoming events, please visit www.baggerracingleague.com

American Flat Track: Sturgis TT Sponsors Named

David Swarts

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July 30, 2024

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American Flat Track: Sturgis TT Sponsors Named

Arrowhead Brass, Rick Ware Racing and The CAT Rental Store Named Title and Presenting Sponsors of Sturgis TT

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 30, 2024) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is excited to announce Arrowhead Brass, Rick Ware Racing, and The CAT Rental Store as the title and presenting sponsors for the inaugural Arrowhead Sturgis TT presented by Rick Ware Racing & The CAT Rental Store.

The groundbreaking event will take the Mission AFT SuperTwins title fight for the Grand National Championship and the battle for the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER crown to the Streets of Downtown Sturgis, South Dakota, on Sunday, August 11. Adding to its historic nature will be the hugely anticipated introduction of the AFT AdventureTrackers™ class as part of an action-packed and free to attend day of Progressive AFT action at the 84th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Founded in 1936, Arrowhead Brass offers over 1,000 lead-free residential and commercial products that strictly adhere to the Safe Drinking Water Act’s requirements. Among Arrowhead’s American-made products are its lines of fixtures, fittings, adapters and repair kits, all designed with top-quality materials and a commitment to excellence.

Rick Ware Racing (RWR) has already become a household name among fans of the series since joining the Progressive AFT paddock in 2023, after previously doing the same across a number of leading motorsports series, including the NASCAR Cup Series, IndyCar, NHRA (Top Fuel), IMSA (LMP2), AMA Supercross and FIM World Supercross. RWR currently fields two-time Grand National Champion Briar Bauman, defending Parts Unlimited AFT Singles champion Kody Kopp, and 19-time race winner Shayna Texter-Bauman.

The Official Heavy Equipment Provider of Progressive AFT, The Cat® Rental Store maintains the largest construction equipment fleet in the world, featuring Caterpillar’s best-in-class earth-moving equipment and other critical equipment including light towers and generators. The Cat Rental Store and its vast dealer network have been an essential resource for Progressive AFT since the beginning of the collaboration in 2019, called upon time and again to source the equipment required to prepare and maintain world-class racetracks for America’s Original Extreme Sport.

You can catch the livestream of all the Arrowhead Sturgis TT presented by Rick Ware Racing & The CAT Rental Store action on FloRacing. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2024. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.

Arrowhead Sturgis TT presented by Rick Ware Racing & The CAT Rental Store pre-race show will air on FS2 on Saturday, August 17, at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT), immediately followed by the race broadcast on FOX at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT). The complete two-hour pre-race and race package will then re-air on FS1 later that evening, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT).

For more information on the Sturgis TT visit https://sturgistt.com.

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

More, from another press release issued by American Flat Track:

Progressive American Flat Track Unveils Sturgis TT Track Map

A rendering of the track layout to be used for the Sturgis TT. Image courtesy AFT.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 30, 2024) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing and in collaboration with Øuterkind, AFT Events and the City of Sturgis, has unveiled the track map for the highly anticipated Sturgis TT, which will take place in the streets of downtown Sturgis, South Dakota, on Sunday, August 11.

Measuring at just over a quarter of a mile, the combined dirt and asphalt course evokes the origins of the Grand National Championship while following the more recent precedent set by the DAYTONA TT and Atlanta Super TT, which incorporated paved sections of the tri-ovals at Daytona International Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway alongside the more traditional dirt aspects.

The Sturgis TT is also unique unto itself, featuring a layout, backdrop, and vibe that simply could not be replicated anywhere else in the world. Set in the heart of downtown Sturgis during the 84th Annual City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the track starts and ends on Main Street right in front of the Harley-Davidson Rally Point, features lefthand turns onto 3rd and then Sherman, before hitting the dirt section that includes left- and right-handers plus a jump, before powering onto the legendary Harley-Davidson Way with its decisive final corner back onto Main Street.

This layout lives up to the event’s stated intent to honor the rich heritage and tradition of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Progressive American Flat Track while producing a modern-day spectacle that points to the future of both. That tantalizing prospect has garnered significant advance interest in the event, including a prime television slot on FOX on Saturday, August 17 at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT), the series’ first to be aired on a major broadcast network.

For more information on the Sturgis TT visit https://sturgistt.com.

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

A Short History Of Vanson Leathers

David Swarts

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July 30, 2024

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Once Upon a Time…

Vanson Leathers – celebrating its 50th anniversary this year – is a company that has continued to handcraft motorcycle riding and racing apparel in Massachusetts, USA, since 1974. During these 50 years, Vanson has become known for delivering “heirloom quality” motorcycle garments you can pass on to future generations.

The men behind Vanson Leathers are Mike van der Sleesen (left) and James Goodson (right). Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers. — The men behind Vanson Leathers are Mike van der Sleesen (left) and Jamie Goodson (right). Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.

Mike was born in San Francisco but moved to Holland with his Dutch father and American mother. Jamie was born in Cambridge, England to an American father and English mother.

Bicycles, motorbikes and Europe all went together in a two-wheel world of adventure and independence for Mike and Jamie.

At age 16 Jamie and Mike graduated to small road machines and were able to travel great distances. Jamie rode to Morocco and Czechoslovakia on his Suzuki 50cc.

Mike van der Sleesen rode to Switzerland and Italy, England and France on his Garelli Monza 50cc. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers. — Mike van der Sleesen rode to Switzerland, Italy, England, and France on his Garelli Monza 50cc. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.

In 1970, van der Sleesen and Goodson moved to Paris to attend University. They were growing up, so to speak, and graduated to BSA Lightnings, Norton Commandos and Honda CB750s. While in Paris Mike picked up part-time work, uncrating and setting-up new Nortons, at MotoBritannique, a “Brit Bike” shop located outside Versailles.

Jamie (left) and Mike (right) also helped out the owner of MotoBritannique, Mike Harper-Smith, by traveling to London to buy used bikes, parts and accessories for the shop. In those days there were no open borders and so riding these old bikes into France from England, loaded with parts and bits, was always a border-crossing customs adventure. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.

Returning to San Francisco in 1972 Mike continued to import motorcycle parts from his British connections to sell to dealers stateside. Late in 1973, he moved to Boston. Jamie moved to Boston in 1974 and Vanson Associates (Vanson is a portmanteau of van der Sleesen and Goodson) was formed.

The original Vanson Leathers factory. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.

Vanson rented a 3,500-sq.-ft. loft for $175.00 per month, then filled it with used cutting and sewing equipment. The company wasn’t an instant success. At one point, Mike and Jamie gave up their apartment and moved into the workshop for 18 months.

Mike van der Sleesen and the original Vanson Leathers company car. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.

During these early years recruiting dealers across the nation (pre-internet, pre cellphone) was a challenge, requiring many, many weeks of travel. Identifying dealer prospects required driving from region to region across the U.S., with frequent stops at a Howard Johnson’s or Denny’s, for a cup of coffee and to ‘borrow’ their copy of the local Yellow Pages to start calling on the local dealers.

A Vanson Leathers win ad featuring Dale Singleton. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.

Vanson’s first big break came in 1979 when they made the racing leathers for Dale Singleton. Dale was a self-proclaimed “famous pig-farming privateer” who beat all the factory race teams not just once but twice, winning the Daytona 200 in 1979 and 1981. The second win was when Vanson supported 1979 AMA Grand National Champion Steve Eklund. Over the years there have been many notable riders who have worn a Vanson. Here are but just a few, Antron Brown, Freddie Spencer, Giacomo Agostini, Mario Duhamel, Dave Roper, Mike Hale, Nicky Hayden, Angie & Matt Smith, Dave Schultz and many others.

The ’80s and early ’90s were a period of steady growth and change for Vanson. Jamie and Mike split up in 1983, with Mike wanting to continue to manufacture domestically and Jamie preferring an import path.

Club racing was flourishing and the interest in motorbikes just kept growing. Buell, Suzuki, H-D were among the companies that ordered jackets, pants and racing suits from Vanson.

The Vanson Leathers factory floor circa 2020. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.

It was during this period that manufacturing changed, government restrictions became tougher and imports into the USA really took off. Many companies were driven out of business, or at least out of the USA as a viable production site. Every supply-chain resource that had been commonly available throughout the USA became harder to find, essentially industrial clusters are an ecosystem, and if one aspect gets out of balance, it impacts the whole.

As the market has changed for US producers, the through-put volumes have decreased. We at Vanson embrace lower volumes so we can concentrate on the special and custom orders. This philosophy of striving to be the best is reflected in the Patents covering features such as ventilation and protection.

A Vanson Leathers employee hand-cutting leather at the factory. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.

This DNA: Innovation, Heirloom Quality, Made-in-USA, individually crafted and numbered, keeps Vanson as a Brand relevant in the Motorbike, Race and Fashion markets.

At Vanson Leathers quality has become an obsession with painstaking attention to detail — traits that are the primary reason why we have survived and even thrived for the past 50 years.

A closeup of a Vanson Leathers jacket. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.

Designed, engineered, cut, and produced in the U.S.A. of imported and domestic materials, sewn by hand in our workshop in Fall River, MA, USA.

Mike van der Sleesen in recent times. Photo courtesy Vanson Leathers.

Thank you for reading.

Royal Enfield Announces Borderless Warranty Program

July 31, 2024

A 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 in the deserts of India. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield.

ROYAL ENFIELD LAUNCHES BORDERLESS WARRANTY PROGRAM

First Indian Automotive brand to offer a global warranty, backed by a network of over 3000+ Royal Enfield authorised service touch points in 70+ countries

Chennai (India), July 31, 2024: Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size (250-750cc) motorcycle segment, announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind consumer programme, ‘Borderless Warranty Program’, offering riders unprecedented freedom to ride and conquer new horizons. Breaking barriers and redefining adventure, Royal Enfield becomes the first Indian automotive brand to introduce a global warranty initiative, encouraging Royal Enfield owners across the globe to rev up, ride more and explore without limits.

Designed to inspire worry-free explorations, Borderless Warranty program from Royal Enfield enable the riders to avail the benefit across many countries, underscoring Royal Enfield’s commitment to rider satisfaction and, further amplifying the brand’s ‘pure motorcycling’ ethos.

With the Royal Enfield Borderless Warranty Program, riders can now embark on their journeys with greater confidence, knowing that their Royal Enfield motorcycles are backed by an extensive warranty program that transcends borders. This warranty program is applicable for all the motorcycles currently under warranty and for all the new motorcycles purchased from Royal Enfield authorised stores across the globe. Backed by a network of 3000+ Royal Enfield authorised service touch points across 2605 cities in 70+ countries (including India), Royal Enfield encourages riders to explore new horizons, discover diverse cultures, and forge unforgettable memories on their Royal Enfield motorcycles, without the burden of maintenance concerns.

Commenting on the launch of the ‘Borderless Warranty’ program, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Chief Commercial Officer, Royal Enfield, said, “At Royal Enfield, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant global community of riders who share our passion for exploration and adventure. With the introduction of the Royal Enfield Borderless Warranty Program, we aim to redefine customer experience by offering unprecedented levels of support and assurance to riders across the world.“

The Borderless Warranty Program reaffirms Royal Enfield’s position as a pioneering force in the global mid-size motorcycle industry, setting new standards for customer care and satisfaction. With this initiative, Royal Enfield continues to inspire riders worldwide to ride more, explore more, and embrace the spirit of adventure on their trusted Royal Enfield motorcycles.

For more details, please visit www.royalenfield.com/borderless-warranty/

About Royal Enfield:

The oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, Royal Enfield has created beautifully crafted motorcycles since 1901. From its British roots, a manufacturing plant was established in Madras in 1955, a foothold from which Royal Enfield spearheaded the growth of India’s mid-sized two-wheeler segment. Royal Enfields are engaging, uncomplicated, accessible and fun to ride; a vehicle for exploration and self-expression. It’s an approach the brand calls Pure Motorcycling.

Canadian Superbike: Moto2 Racer Aubrie Coming To CTMP

July 31, 2024

Moto2 European Championship rider Charles Aubrie (9) will join a deep Pro Superbike field at CTMP, making his Bridgestone CSBK debut as a wildcard in round five. Photo courtesy CSBK and Charles Aubrie via Anthony Ahunon Munoz.