New MotoAmerica Talent Cup Joins “Road To MotoGP” Program

David Swarts

-

June 14, 2024

New MotoAmerica Talent Cup Joins “Road To MotoGP” Program

MotoAmerica Opens A New Chapter In Youth Road Racing With The 2025 MotoAmerica Talent Cup

Racers Aged 14 To 21 To Race Purpose-Built Moto3 Krämer Racebikes “On The Road To MotoGP”

IRVINE, CA (June 14, 2024) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier road racing championship, is thrilled to announce a new path for America’s young road racers to reach the highest level of the sport as it is set to start a new chapter in American road racing in 2025 with the MotoAmerica Talent Cup. The MotoAmerica Talent Cup will be a part of the “Road To MotoGP” program.

The MotoAmerica Talent Cup takes the place of the current Junior Cup class at MotoAmerica’s Championship rounds with riders aged 14-21 doing battle on purpose-built Krämer racing motorcycles, which are race-ready and powered by 350cc KTM powerplants. The spec-racing class provides a better package for MotoAmerica’s young stars to hone their skills than the production-class motorcycles used in the Junior Cup class since 2018.

“We know racing high-performance motorcycles provides our young athletes more opportunities and better prepares them to race at higher levels on the ‘Road to MotoGP,’ ” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “This is the first time MotoAmerica has created a class for our young riders that’s on the same performance-level bike as other ‘Road to MotoGP’ Talent Cups worldwide. MotoAmerica was founded on the very idea of racing Moto3-type motorcycles, and now we’re finally making that concept a reality. I’m really excited because up to five riders will get an invitation to participate in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup selection. My MotoAmerica partners are also excited to provide our younger riders this opportunity.”

The MotoAmerica Talent Cup will consist of at least six events and one preseason test with one of those events to be held in conjunction with the 2025 Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.

The Krämer APX-350 MA makes over 50 horsepower and weighs under 255 pounds (115 kg) ready to race. The bike features a fully adjustable chassis and suspension and is managed by a Mectronik MKE5 racing ECU and the Krämer APX-350 MAs will be fitted with Dunlop tires. Full technical specs, details, and photos will be released in August.

“Krämer Motorcycles is proud to be the spec-bike supplier of the MotoAmerica Talent Cup and to help the next generation of American road racers on their path to the world stage,” said Jensen Beeler, CEO of Krämer Motorcycles USA. “Together with our partners in MotoAmerica, we believe we have created a machine that will elevate motorsport for American riders and be the tool that readies racers for the Red Bull Rookies Cup, FIM Moto3 World Championship, and beyond.”

“Like all of our motorcycles, the Krämer APX-350 MA is built with the single-minded purpose of winning on the racetrack, and without the compromises that come with a production-based machine,” said Markus Krämer, Founder of Krämer Motorcycles. “We believe this motorcycle is the ideal training platform for riders who are looking to advance to the international stage, and we will be proud to say one day that a World Champion started their career on a Krämer.”

The benefits of racing in the new MotoAmerica Talent Cup are deep. For starters, up to five MotoAmerica Talent Cup riders per year will receive invitations to try out for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup selection.

The Krämer APX-350 MA will sell for $22,495 with the bikes expected to arrive in the U.S. in mid-February of 2025. Registration for the waitlist for the APX-350 MAs will take place on the Krämer website at https://www.kramermotorcyclesusa.com/motoamerica-talent-cup

Riders competing in MotoAmerica Mini Cup will also have plenty of motivation to take the next step in their racing endeavors as the top GP160 and GP190 riders from the MotoAmerica Mini Cup National Championships will be provided free season entry in the Talent Cup. Additionally, the top 190cc and 160cc participants from the FIM MiniCUP Series will also be given a free season entry to the Talent Cup. In order to qualify for the free season entry, both FIM MiniCUP and MotoAmerica Mini Cup riders must comply with the age requirements of the Talent Cup.

“We’re very happy to welcome the new MotoAmerica Talent Cup to the Road to MotoGP,” says Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer at MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports. “America has a huge history in our sport, and we want to see more of that made in the future. The best way to do that, we know from experience across the Road to MotoGP, is to create an environment that provides valuable and relevant experience – but pairing it with the opportunity to progress. The new MotoAmerica Talent Cup will do that, providing a next step for those in the lower levels as well as the chance to move up and show their skills at the next level in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Selection Event. The Road to MotoGP is all about widening access to our sport and creating these kinds of opportunities, so we’re excited to see the Cup begin and look forward to welcoming the inaugural season alongside us at COTA next year.”

“The 2025 MotoAmerica Talent Cup will offer an excellent complement to MotoAmerica’s ongoing efforts to provide young North American road racers with the opportunities necessary to develop their skills to take on the next level of the sport,” said AMA and FIM North American President Rob Dingman. “The support of Krämer Motorcycles and all the series’ partners will elevate the series, remove barriers for young racers who want to pursue a racing career, and provide young talent with a chance to shine on the national stage.”

“I could not be happier then when I saw that finally we will have a real “Road to MotoGP” in the United States next year,” said FIM President Jorge Viegas. “We need more talented American pilots, and this is the way. MotoAmerica will allow young talents to climb all the steps until reaching MotoGP and the FIM can only applaud this initiative.”

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

MotoAmerica Talent Cup ready for launch in 2025

The all-new Cup will become the newest path on the Road to MotoGP™ next season – providing a new opportunity for young riders in North America

Friday, 14 June 2024

The all-new MotoAmerica Talent Cup will begin in 2025! This exciting addition to the Road to MotoGP™ programme is designed to provide a new, competitive platform for young riders in North America to hone their skills and get valuable racing experience.

The MotoAmerica Talent Cup takes the place of the current Junior Cup class at MotoAmerica’s Championship rounds and is for riders aged 14 to 21. The inaugural season will feature a pre-season test and a minimum of six events comprising 12 races. The majority of the events will be held alongside MotoAmerica, with one taking place alongside MotoGP™ at COTA.

Participants will race on Krämer APX-350 MA machines, featuring a Krämer chassis and a KTM 350 engine. The motorcycles will have a fully adjustable chassis and suspension, equipped with a Mectronik MKE5 racing ECU, and will run on Dunlop tyres. Riders will be responsible for purchasing and maintaining their bikes, with on-site technical assistance and spare parts provided by the manufacturer.

Age depending, the top 160cc and 190cc class riders from the MotoAmerica Mini Cup National Championships will be provided free season entry in the Talent Cup, as well as the top 190cc and 160cc participants from the FIM MiniCUP USA. Riders competing in MotoAmerica Talent Cup will also have plenty of opportunities to make the most of the Road to MotoGP™, with five places at the Selection Event for the Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup also available to MotoAmerica Talent Cup riders, providing access to another valuable platform to show their talent.

MotoAmerica is committed to fostering the next generation of racing talent, and the new MotoAmerica Talent Cup will be an incredible new addition to the Road to MotoGP™!

“We know racing high-performance motorcycles provides our young athletes more opportunities and better prepares them to race at higher levels on the Road to MotoGP,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “This is the first time MotoAmerica has created a class for our young riders that’s on the same performance-level bike as other Road to MotoGP Talent Cups worldwide. MotoAmerica was founded on the very idea of racing Moto3-type motorcycles, and now we’re finally making that concept a reality. I’m really excited because up to five riders will get an invitation to participate in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup selection. My MotoAmerica partners are also excited to provide our younger riders this opportunity.”

“Krämer Motorcycles is proud to be the spec-bike supplier of the MotoAmerica Talent Cup and to help the next generation of American road racers on their path to the world stage,” said Jensen Beeler, CEO of Krämer Motorcycles USA. “Together with our partners in MotoAmerica, we believe we have created a machine that will elevate motorsport for American riders and be the tool that readies racers for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, FIM Moto3 World Championship, and beyond.”

“Like all of our motorcycles, the Krämer APX-350 MA is built with the single-minded purpose of winning on the racetrack, and without the compromises that come with a production-based machine,” said Markus Krämer, Founder of Krämer Motorcycles. “We believe this motorcycle is the ideal training platform for riders who are looking to advance to the international stage, and we will be proud to say one day that a World Champion started their career on a Krämer.”

“We’re very happy to welcome the new MotoAmerica Talent Cup to the Road to MotoGP™,” added Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer at MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports. “America has a huge history in our sport, and we want to see more of that made in the future. The best way to do that, we know from experience across the Road to MotoGP, is to create an environment that provides valuable and relevant experience – but pairing it with the opportunity to progress. The new MotoAmerica Talent Cup will do that, providing a next step for those in the lower levels as well as the chance to move up and show their skills at the next level in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Selection Event. The Road to MotoGP is all about widening access to our sport and creating these kinds of opportunities, so we’re excited to see the Cup begin and look forward to welcoming the inaugural season alongside us at COTA next year.”

More, from a press release issued by Krämer Motorcycles:

Krämer Motorcycles Is Proud to Be the Spec-Bike Provider for the New MotoAmerica Talent Cup

IRVINE, CA (June 14, 2024) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier road racing championship, is thrilled to announce a new path for America’s young road racers to reach the highest level of the sport as it is set to start a new chapter in American road racing in 2025 with the MotoAmerica Talent Cup. The MotoAmerica Talent Cup will be a part of the “Road To MotoGP” program.

The MotoAmerica Talent Cup takes the place of the current Junior Cup class at MotoAmerica’s Championship rounds with riders aged 14-21 doing battle on purpose-built Krämer racing motorcycles, which are race-ready and powered by 350cc KTM powerplants. The spec-racing class provides a better package for MotoAmerica’s young stars to hone their skills than the production-class motorcycles used in the Junior Cup class since 2018.

“We know racing high-performance motorcycles provides our young athletes more opportunities and better prepares them to race at higher levels on the ‘Road to MotoGP,’ ” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “This is the first time MotoAmerica has created a class for our young riders that’s on the same performance-level bike as other ‘Road to MotoGP’ Talent Cups worldwide. MotoAmerica was founded on the very idea of racing Moto3-type motorcycles, and now we’re finally making that concept a reality. I’m really excited because up to five riders will get an invitation to participate in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup selection. My MotoAmerica partners are also excited to provide our younger riders this opportunity.”

The MotoAmerica Talent Cup will consist of at least six events and one preseason test with one of those events to be held in conjunction with the 2025 Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.

The Krämer APX-350 MA makes over 50 horsepower and weighs under 255 pounds (115 kg) ready to race. The bike features a fully adjustable chassis and suspension and is managed by a Mectronik MKE5 racing ECU and the Krämer APX-350 MAs will be fitted with Dunlop tires. Full technical specs, details, and photos will be released in August.

“Krämer Motorcycles is proud to be the spec-bike supplier of the MotoAmerica Talent Cup and to help the next generation of American road racers on their path to the world stage,” said Jensen Beeler, CEO of Krämer Motorcycles USA. “Together with our partners in MotoAmerica, we believe we have created a machine that will elevate motorsport for American riders and be the tool that readies racers for the Red Bull Rookies Cup, FIM Moto3 World Championship, and beyond.”

“Like all of our motorcycles, the Krämer APX-350 MA is built with the single-minded purpose of winning on the racetrack, and without the compromises that come with a production-based machine,” said Markus Krämer, Founder of Krämer Motorcycles. “We believe this motorcycle is the ideal training platform for riders who are looking to advance to the international stage, and we will be proud to say one day that a World Champion started their career on a Krämer.”

The benefits of racing in the new MotoAmerica Talent Cup are deep. For starters, up to five MotoAmerica Talent Cup riders per year will receive invitations to try out for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup selection.

The Krämer APX-350 MA will sell for $22,495 with the bikes expected to arrive in the U.S. in mid-February of 2025. Registration for the waitlist for the APX-350 MAs will take place on the Krämer website.

Riders competing in MotoAmerica Mini Cup will also have plenty of motivation to take the next step in their racing endeavors as the top GP160 and GP190 riders from the MotoAmerica Mini Cup National Championships will be provided free season entry in the Talent Cup. Additionally, the top 190cc and 160cc participants from the FIM MiniCUP Series will also be given a free season entry to the Talent Cup. In order to qualify for the free season entry, both FIM MiniCUP and MotoAmerica Mini Cup riders must comply with the age requirements of the Talent Cup.

“We’re very happy to welcome the new MotoAmerica Talent Cup to the Road to MotoGP,” says Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer at MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports. “America has a huge history in our sport, and we want to see more of that made in the future. The best way to do that, we know from experience across the Road to MotoGP, is to create an environment that provides valuable and relevant experience – but pairing it with the opportunity to progress. The new MotoAmerica Talent Cup will do that, providing a next step for those in the lower levels as well as the chance to move up and show their skills at the next level in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Selection Event. The Road to MotoGP is all about widening access to our sport and creating these kinds of opportunities, so we’re excited to see the Cup begin and look forward to welcoming the inaugural season alongside us at COTA next year.”

“The 2025 MotoAmerica Talent Cup will offer an excellent complement to MotoAmerica’s ongoing efforts to provide young North American road racers with the opportunities necessary to develop their skills to take on the next level of the sport,” said AMA and FIM North American President Rob Dingman. “The support of Krämer Motorcycles and all the series’ partners will elevate the series, remove barriers for young racers who want to pursue a racing career, and provide young talent with a chance to shine on the national stage.”

“I could not be happier then when I saw that finally we will have a real “Road to MotoGP” in the United States next year,” said FIM President Jorge Viegas. “We need more talented American pilots, and this is the way. MotoAmerica will allow young talents to climb all the steps until reaching MotoGP and the FIM can only applaud this initiative.”

Riders wanting to participate in the 2025 MotoAmerica Talent Cup should reserve their bike now, as quantities will be limited.

Krämer Motorcycles USA imports handbuilt, German-made, track-only road racing motorcycles into North America. More information is available at kramermotorcyclesusa.com.

MotoAmerica: Landers On Record Pace In Twins Cup FP1

David Swarts

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June 14, 2024

0

MotoAmerica: Landers On Record Pace In Twins Cup FP1

KurveyGirl.com brings you the results of this weekend’s events.

At our online motorcycle parts store, you’ll find a specialized selection of quarter turn “Dzus” fasteners, titanium hardware, premium tire valve stems, Vesrah racing brake pads, Brembo parts and accessories, and other unique hardware specifically designed for race and trackday motorcycles.

Rocco Landers was on record pace during MotoAmerica BellissiMoto Twins Cup Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Brainerd International Raceway, in Brainerd, Minnesota. Riding his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki GSX-8R on Dunlop control tires, the former class Champion lapped the 2.5-mile track in 1:36.611. Not only was that more than one second faster than anyone else, it was under Anthony Mazziotto’s Race Lap Record (1:36.944) and just shy of Cory Ventura’s All-Time Lap Record (1:36.465), both from 2022.

Rossi Moor was second-best with a 1:37.651 on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-8R, and Gus Rodio was third-fastest with a 1:37.871 on his Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660.

24_6_BIR_TWN_P1_res

World Supersport: Montella Takes Career-First Pole, At Misano

David Swarts

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June 14, 2024

0

World Supersport: Montella Takes Career-First Pole, At Misano

WSS SP Qual

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

First career pole position for Yari Montella

Superpole Highlights

Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed the first Superpole of his WorldSSP career (1’36.876). Montella, race winner at the opening round of the year in Australia, is second in the World Championship

It was an action-packed session for Championship leader Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team). The Spaniard suffered an early crash in the Superpole session but when he returned to the track, he looked like the rider to beat. Unfortunately, a track limits penalty cost him his fastest time and he had to settle for second on the grid

The top three in the championship standings will line-up together on the front row of the grid

Dutch Round race winner Glenn van Straalen (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) crashed during Superpole and qualified in 14th position

Simone Corsi (Renzi Corse) was the leading Supersport Challenge rider with the Italian qualifying in 11th position

P1 | Yari Montella | Barni Spark Racing Team

“This is my first pole position. To do this at home means it was a perfect day for us. I want to thank my team because we have worked throughout the tests and today for this result. We need to be strong and to stay focused on the race.”

MotoAmerica: Chapin Quickest In Junior Cup FP1 At Brainerd

David Swarts

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June 14, 2024

0

MotoAmerica: Chapin Quickest In Junior Cup FP1 At Brainerd

KurveyGirl.com brings you the results of this weekend’s events.

At our online motorcycle parts store, you’ll find a specialized selection of quarter turn “Dzus” fasteners, titanium hardware, premium tire valve stems, Vesrah racing brake pads, Brembo parts and accessories, and other unique hardware specifically designed for race and trackday motorcycles.

Matthew Chapin was quickest in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Brainerd International Raceway, in Brainerd, Minnesota. Riding his BARTCON Racing Kawasaki Ninja 400 on Dunlop control tires, Chapin lapped the 2.5-mile road course in 1:44.647 to lead the field of 21 riders.

24_6_BIR_JRC_P1_res

WorldWCR: Herrera Takes Series’ First Pole, At Misano

David Swarts

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June 14, 2024

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WorldWCR: Herrera Takes Series’ First Pole, At Misano

Editorial Note: American Mallory Dobbs, riding her Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team Yamaha YZF-R7, qualified 18th with a time of 1:53.026.

WCR Superpole Qual

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Maria Herrera takes the inaugural WorldWCR pole at Misano

Superpole Highlights:

It is Spaniard Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) who scores the first pole position (1’49.390) of this ground-breaking WorldWCR season aboard the Yamaha YZF-R7.
Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) and Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) finish a close second and third, coming within two tenths of a second of Herrera.
An impressive last lap by local hero Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) sees the Italian take fourth.
Representing South Africa and Chile respectively, Jessica Howden (Team Trasimeno) and Isis Carreno (AD78 FIM Latinoamerica by Team GP3) also put in a strong performance to round out the second row in fifth and sixth.
Earlier in the day, in cooler conditions, Sara Sanchez had topped free practice ahead of Maria Herrera, Ana Carrasco and Roberta Ponziani.
Mia Rusthen (Rusthen Racing), Mallory Dobbs (Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team) and Krystal Silfa (ITALIKA Racing FIMLA) each suffered a crash during the morning’s practice but were fortunately unhurt.

World Supersport: Huertas Under Race Record In FP1 At Misano

David Swarts

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June 14, 2024

0

World Supersport: Huertas Under Race Record In FP1 At Misano

Adrian Huertas was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli, in San Marino. Spaniard Huertas used his Pirelli-shod Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V2 to lap the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) circuit in 1:37.228, which was good enough to lead the field of 34 riders and was quicker than Federico Caricasulo’s 2023 Race Lap Record of 1:37.470.

Former MotoAmerica Supersport star Valentin Debise was fourth with a 1:38.098 on his Evan Bros Yamaha YZF-R6.

American Mallory Dobbs, riding her Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team Yamaha YZF-R7, was 17th out of 26 riders in FIM Women’s Circuit Racing (WCR) World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) at Misano.

WSS FP1

WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Dominates FP1 At Misano

David Swarts

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June 14, 2024

0

WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Dominates FP1 At Misano

Toprak Razgatlioglu topped FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli, in San Marino. Riding his ROKiT BMW Motorrad M 1000 RR on Pirelli control tires, the Turkish star lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) course in 1:33.448 to lead the field of 24 riders.

Alex Lowes was second-best with a 1:34.008 – 0.560 second slower than Razgatlioglu – on his factory Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR.

Rookie sensation Nicolo Bulega was third-fastest with a 1:34.029 on his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R.

American Garrett Gerloff was 18th in the session with a 1:34.978 on his Bonovo Action BMW.

WSBK FP1

WorldSBK: Alex Lowes Signs With Bimota By Kawasaki Racing Team

David Swarts

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June 14, 2024

0

WorldSBK: Alex Lowes Signs With Bimota By Kawasaki Racing Team

Lowes Signs For 2025 Bimota By Kawasaki Racing Team Project

After the announcement of the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team project for the 2025 season current KRT rider Alex Lowes has signed an agreement to race the new machine in the official team.

Lowes is currently a successful official Kawasaki rider in WorldSBK, having won two races at the opening round of the season in Australia. He is fourth in the championship on the eve of the fourth round, which will be held at the Misano World Circuit ‘Marco Simoncelli.’

Lowes’ participation delivers a high level of continuity for the otherwise new project as he will be working alongside many of the staff that he has built-up a strong personal and working relationship with, in what is now his fifth year inside KRT.

The exiting new initiative is another reason for Lowes to feel optimistic about his future, especially as his progress has been developing year-on-year inside the official KRT squad. Lowes is also the most experienced rider in the team this year and in response Alex has grown into his new role as the senior competitor in a highly positive and confident fashion. His two 2024 race wins so far have already proved that his trust in his team and the latest technical package have been well-placed.

With most of the 2024 season still ahead of him Lowes is ready to work hard to continue in the strong fashion he and the Ninja ZX-10RR have already demonstrated after three rounds of the 12-round championship. Nine rounds, including the imminent one at Misano, remain in the 2024 campaign.

Alex Lowes, stated: “I believe this opportunity has come at the correct time. Along with Bimota, Kawasaki are putting huge effort into this new project. Utilising Kawasaki’s nearly 40 years of Superbike racing knowledge and success and also my personal experience with different manufacturers I believe this gives us the best chance to start from the best possible position with the new bike. I have shown that I am still improving and still fast and competitive at the front of WorldSBK. A big thank you to KMC, Bimota and Provec Racing for the faith shown in me. I’m happy to continue to be part of our racing family! I’m enjoying my racing a lot and we still have a lot to focus on during 2024. We had a nice start to the season with a couple of race victories but now our focus is on Misano. It’s a track I really enjoy, we had a test here recently and I felt strong on the bike let’s work hard focus and see what results we can take this weekend. Arigato, Grazie Mille, Muchas Gracias and Thank you!”

Attending the Misano round of WorldSBK in person, Shigemi Tanaka, General Manager, Marketing & Sales Division, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. commented: “On behalf of Kawasaki and Bimota, we are delighted to secure the services of Alex Lowes for the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team. His experience and racecraft are considerable assets plus he has a positive and personal history with many of the staff he will work with on this exciting new racing project. Now Alex can concentrate on yet more success across the rest of the 2024 without distraction while preparations continue for the new team.”

Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager, stated: “With Alex we are on a great journey. We started in Covid times in a difficult season for him to get his racing rhythm, and in ‘21 and ‘22 he suffered various injuries that did not allow him to show his true potential. But he still showed his speed and other qualities in those years. Now is time to take consistency to a new level. Lately rule limitations did not allow us to extract all the potential of our ZX-10RR, but this season we had possibilities to upgrade certain areas on the bike and that has certainly helped Alex. He has a very good mind set, and he has become a good ambassador for Kawasaki. We want to continue with solid our structure next season, and we have next challenges to achieve with BbKRT project so we need all our best tools to make it good. Therefore we are super happy that Alex was positive to continue with us despite other offers he had. For sure now we all can move forward focused to finish 2024 season, and start making more history in 2025”.

MotoAmerica: Herfoss Leads Bagger Class Heading Into Brainerd

David Swarts

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June 13, 2024

0

MotoAmerica: Herfoss Leads Bagger Class Heading Into Brainerd

Nine Is The Number As It’s Tight At The Top In MotoAmerica Support Classes

Three Title Battles Are Separated By Just Nine Points, Two Others Less Than 15 Points Apart As Series Heads To Minnesota

IRVINE, CA (June 13, 2024) – All five of the MotoAmerica support classes that will be on display at Brainerd International Raceway, June 14-16, feature tight championship battles with the top two in all five separated by less than 15 points.

The biggest margin is 14 points in the Stock 1000 Championship with Hayden Gillim leading Bryce Prince by two touchdowns. The Supersport series is led by PJ Jacobsen by 12 over Mathew Scholtz and the remaining three classes racing at Brainerd all feature just nine-point margins with Rocco Landers leading Alessandro Di Mario by nine in BellissiMoto Twins Cup, Mathew Chapin ahead of Logan Cunnison by nine in Junior Cup and Troy Herfoss arrives in Minnesota with slim nine-point cushion over Kyle Wyman.

Mission King Of The Baggers – Herfoss vs. Wyman

Two riders have won the eight Mission King Of The Baggers races so far in 2024 and those two are well clear of the rest as the championship chase looks to be a mano a mano fight between S&S/Indian Motorcycle’s Troy Herfoss and Harley-Davidson Factory Racing’s Kyle Wyman.

Herfoss leads by nine points heading into the two races at Brainerd with the series stopping again at a racetrack that the Australian has never seen. So far, however, it hasn’t been a problem as the three-time Australian Superbike Champion has proven to be a quick study with four wins and four second-place finishes to start his rookie season. Herfoss will be doing double duty this weekend at Brainerd as he will ride a Tylers Cycle Racing BMW in the Steel Commander Superbike races as a fill-in rider for the injured Cameron Beaubier.

Wyman, on the other hand, has three top-five finishes in the three previous races held at BIR, including a runner-up finish in 2022.

Herfoss’ teammate Tyler O’Hara is third in the 2024 championship but sits 69 points behind the points leader. Wyman’s teammate James Rispoli is fourth, a further 19 points behind, and RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson’s defending King Of The Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim is fifth and seven points behind Rispoli.

BellissiMoto Twins Cup – Landers On Top

RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki’s Rocco Landers had every reason to leave Road America a happy young man. Landers not only won the second of two BellissiMoto Twins Cup races, but he also showed that he can race in the rain after finishing second in the downpour that was race one.

Oh, yes, and he’s also now leading the championship point standings over the up-and-coming Alessandro Di Mario and his Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660 by nine points, 135-126.

Giaccmoto Yamaha Racing’s Dominic Doyle, one of five riders to win a race so far in 2024, is third in the title chase, 25 points behind Landers.

Di Mario’s teammate Gus Rodio got off to a flying start in the 2024 championship with two wins, a second and a third to start the season. Since then, it’s gone a bit south for the New Jersian with two non-finishes at Road America pushing him back to fourth in the championship and 26 points behind Landers. Rodio will be looking to rebound at Brainerd.

Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Rossi Moor had his best weekend of the season at Road America, and it moved him to fifth in the championship. He’s just two points ahead of TopPro Racing’s Avery Dreher, who like Landers, Di Mario, Doyle and Rodio is a 2024 race winner.

Junior Cup – Chapin By Nine

The third championship that features just a nine-point gap from first to second is Junior Cup where Matthew Chapin leads Logan Cunnison by nine points after six races.

Speed Demon Racing’s Chapin has won three of the six races so far and that has him nine points ahead of BARTCON Racing’s Cunnison, who has two race wins to his credit. The difference between the two goes back to Road Atlanta when Chapin splashed his way to seventh in the rain while Cunnison was a non-finisher.

New York Safety Track Racing Yandel Medina was sailing along nicely and led the championship heading into Road America, but he struggled to 10th and ninth-place finishes in the two races and it’s dropped him to third in the title chase and 15 points behind Chapin.

BARTCON Racing’s Eli Block has two podium finishes and sits fourth in the championship, four points ahead of BPM’s Isaac Woodworth.

Supersport – A Superbike Battle In Supersport

PJ Jacobsen and Mathew Scholtz have both won MotoAmerica Superbike races and both consider themselves Superbike racers. As they should. But the fact that they are now doing battle at the front of the Supersport Championship is a bonus for the class and for the younger, like Blake Davis and Tyler Scott, who have the opportunity to learn from two of the best.

Separated by just 12 points, it seems inevitable that Jacobsen and Scholtz will take the championship battle to the bitter end. The question is if those behind them in the title chase can start to gain ground and make it more than a two-rider battle.

Between them, Jacobsen & Scholtz (sounds like a law firm) have won five of the six races and the closest to them is N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto’s Blake Davis, the youngster with a runner-up finish to Jacobsen in the series opener at Road Atlanta as his early season highlight. Davis is 65 points behind Jacobsen.

Veteran Jake Lewis is fourth heading to Brainerd with the Kentuckian landing on the podium twice so far in 2024. Lewis is tied for fourth with TopPro Racing’s Maxi Gerardo and is just one point ahead of Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott.

Scott is hot off his first victory of the year at Road America when he beat out Scholtz and Jacobsen in a photo finish. Scott is 61 points behind with two big crashes putting him out of two point-scoring opportunities.

Stock 1000 – 39 Is Fine

Thirty-nine riders will attempt to qualify for the two Stock 1000 races at Brainerd International Raceway and Real Steel Motorsports Hayden Gillim is atop the championship with two wins in two starts in 2024.

Gillim was picture-perfect in the late-starting Stock 1000 Championship opener at Barber Motorsports Park with two runaway victories on his Honda CBR1000RR-R SP. Those two wins put him 14 points clear of BPR Racing’s Bryce Prince, with the Californian returning to a full season and beginning his year with two podium finishes on his Yamaha YZF-R1M.

Third in the title chase heading to Brainerd is AMD Motorsport RK Racing’s Richard Kerr with the Irishman eighth and fourth in the two races in Alabama. Kerr is tied with Orange Cat Racing’s Jayson Uribe, another returning to run a full season of Stock 1000 racing.

Just a point behind Kerr and Uribe is GMR/Jones Honda’s Gabriel Da Silva who was second to Gillim in race one at Barber, but suffered a mechanical that took him out of race two. He is 30 points adrift of Gillim, the defending class champion.

Jones Honda’s Ashton Yates, BPR Racing’s Wyatt Farris and FLO4LAW Racing’s Benjamin Smith are covered by just four points with three riders tied for ninth – Visit Indiana/Tom Wood Powersports’ Nolan Lamkin, Orange Cat Racing’s Travis Wyman and BPR Racing’s Deion Campbell.

Pre-Race Brainerd Support Notes…

Hayden Gillim and Bobby Fong won the two Mission King Of The Baggers races last year at Brainerd International Raceway. Gillim beat Fong to win race one with Fong reversing the order in race two. James Rispoli was third in race one with Tyler O’Hara filling the podium in race two.

In Supersport action a year ago, Josh Hayes and Tyler Scott split wins with Hayes topping Rocco Landers and Scott in race one with Scott winning a day later over Hayes and Landers.

Hayden Gillim did the double in 2023 in the Stock 1000 class at BIR with the Kentuckian winning both races over Minnesota native Kaleb De Keyrel. Travis Wyman was third in race one with Benjamin Smith taking that spot in race two.

The two wins in the Junior Cup class a season ago at BIR went to Rossi Moor and Levi Badie with those two flipping the order in race two with Badie first and Moor second. Hayden Bicknese and Jayden Fernandez rounded out the podium in the two races.

The BellissiMoto Twins Cup didn’t compete at Brainerd International Raceway last year, but the twins will run two races this weekend.

With his first career Supersport win coming in race one at Barber Motorsports Park, Mathew Scholtz became the 20th rider to win a MotoAmerica Supersport race. The all-time MotoAmerica Supersport win leader is JD Beach with 32 career victories in the class. Two riders, Garrett Gerloff and Sean Dylan Kelly, are tied for second with 19 career wins in the class.

With every victory he scores in the BellissiMoto Twins Cup class, Rocco Landers pulls farther way on the all-time win list for the class. Landers has won 17 Twins Cup races – seven more than Kaleb De Keyrel.

With his two wins to open the Stock 1000 season at Barber Motorsports Park, Hayden Gillim took over as the all-time win leader in the class with 13 victories. He passed Corey Alexander, who sits on 12 wins but now races in the Supersport class.

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. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+

More, from a press release issued by Rahal Ducati Moto:

RACE PREVIEW: BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

BRAINERD, MN (6.13.2024) – The trio of Rahal Ducati Moto riders and crew have journeyed to Brainerd International Raceway, for Rounds 7 and 8 of competition.

Corey Alexander returns to the track this weekend on his No. 23 Roller Die + Forming Ducati Panigale V2 after being cleared to race following his crash at Barber Motorsports Park.

PJ Jacobsen looks to retain his status of Championship leader and land on the top step of the podium again this weekend with team boss, Graham Rahal, present for a celebration.

Kayla Yaakov also seeks her first Supersport podium finish of the year after winning previously at Brainerd in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup series in 2022.

Tomorrow’s schedule will host Practice and Qualifying 1, with Qualifying 2 and Race 1 on Saturday, followed by a warm-up and Race 2 on Sunday.

QUOTE BOARD:

PJ JACOBSEN (No. 15 XPEL Ducati Panigale V2): “I’m looking forward to Brainerd this weekend after another great finish at Road America. I got P1 and P2 last year, so I feel strong at Brainerd. We’ll see how the Panigale V2s perform – I think we can get some good results. Staying consistent is key for me. I’m focusing on trying to win more races. Hopefully, the weather is good and the rain stays away. Overall, I’m really looking forward to the weekend.”

KAYLA YAAKOV (No. 19 XPEL Ducati Panigale V2): “I’m eager to get the weekend going at Brainerd! It’s a track that is a lot different than the others on the calendar, with lots of tricky surface changes, but I’ve had pretty good luck there. The last time I raced at Brainerd, I was able to get a win, so I hope to carry that positive energy into the weekend and find more within myself and the chassis this weekend!”

COREY ALEXANDER (No. 23 Roller Die + Forming Ducati Panigale V2): “I’m super excited to be back with the team this coming weekend for Brainerd. Thankfully the fracture to my pelvis wasn’t as critical as initially thought and we were able to expedite the recovery period. I rode this week for the first time and felt good, so I’m hoping to pick up where we left off before the crash at Barber. Thanks to the team and everyone who supports me for checking in the last few weeks. Let’s get back to work.”

BEN SPIES (Team Principal): “Everyone is excited to come to Brainerd. It looks like the weather could be 50/50 again, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing for us. It will be nice for our team owner, Graham, to see what the project looks like and I hope we can get some good results for him. We are happy that Corey will be back on the bike and hopefully all three riders can put together a strong weekend!”

World Endurance: Zarco Riding With Team HRC At Suzuka 8-Hours

David Swarts

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June 13, 2024

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World Endurance: Zarco Riding With Team HRC At Suzuka 8-Hours

Team HRC with Japan Post to Compete in 2024 Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race 45th Tournament

Honda announced an overview of its main teams to compete in 2024 FIM*1 Endurance World Championship “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race 45th Tournament (Suzuka 8 Hours), to be held at the Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture, Japan, on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

Team HRC will once again partner with Japan Post Co, Ltd. to compete as Team HRC with Japan Post. The team will be represented by Takumi Takahashi, Teppei Nagoe and Johann Zarco. Nagoe and Zarco, new to the team, will be led by Takahashi who has won the last two editions of the race and is aiming for his sixth win, setting a new record for the event.

*1 FIM: Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme

Takumi Takahashi 30

(AGE: 34, SAITAMA)

I’m very happy to be racing once again with Team HRC with Japan Post in this year’s Suzuka 8 Hours. This is an important year, as victory will mark Team HRC’s third consecutive win and Honda’s 30th overall win. I’ll be working hard with my new teammates for a strong performance in the Suzuka 8 Hours, and personally, will be aiming to set the record for most wins in the event (6 wins to hold outright record). I hope you will cheer for Team HRC with Japan Post. Let’s fight this together.

Teppei Nagoe 30

(AGE: 26, TOKYO)

I will be racing for Team HRC with Japan Post in this year’s Suzuka 8 Hours. Although I have ridden Honda bikes for many years, I’m excited to be racing for Honda’s factory team for the first time. My teammates are Takumi “Mr. 8 Hours” Takahashi and MotoGP winner Johann Zarco, so we have a great team. By working together, I believe we can win this. I hope everyone supports Team HRC with Japan Post.

Johann Zarco 30

(AGE: 33, FRANCE)

I’m excited to be racing in the Suzuka 8 Hours. It is the biggest motorcycle race, and also it is an important race for Honda. Just like many MotoGP legends have won the Suzuka 8 Hours, I also would like to win as a Team HRC with Japan Post rider. I appreciate Honda and LCR for giving me this opportunity. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone in Suzuka.

New MotoAmerica Talent Cup Joins “Road To MotoGP” Program

June 14, 2024

A rendering of the 2025 Krämer APX-350 MA race bike that will power the MotoAmerica Talent Cup. Image courtesy MotoAmerica and Krämer.