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WorldSBK: PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team Launched At Phillip Island

David Swarts
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WorldSBK: PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team Launched At Phillip Island

PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team officially launched on Phillip Island

Just ahead of the opening WorldSBK and WorldSSP rounds at Phillip Island circuit in Australia, the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team has released a special launch video that showcases the new-look CBR1000RR-R and CBR600RR machines with which it will compete during the 2024 season.

Relaunching a two-pronged attack in the production-derived series, the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team will fight in World Superbike, with Malaysian Adam Norrodin and British rider Tarran Mackenzie – both of whom move up from WorldSSP – and in World Supersport, where it will field Malaysian rider Khairul Idham Bin Pawi and Japanese rider Kaito Toba.

Young, hungry, and talented, all four riders are rookies in their respective category and express both their enthusiasm and gratitude to Team Principal Midori Moriwaki and title sponsor PETRONAS for their ongoing support. Moriwaki and PETRONAS share the mission to facilitate the growth path of young Asian riders on the world stage, and so it is no coincidence that the team’s riders represent both Malaysia and Japan, as well as the UK.

The 2024 livery is front and centre in the launch video released today, as the team gears up for the opening round of the production-derived championship. This year, the stunning PETRONAS green colour scheme incorporates a distinctive gold line to mark the company’s 50th anniversary. The MIE Racing mission aligns with the spirit of Petronas’ remarkable 50-year journey, for a partnership that transcends the world of racing and is dedicated to making a difference.

Keen to build on last season’s performance, the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team is eager to embark on this latest challenge and will kickstart its 2024 campaign this very weekend, when the opening round of the WorldSBK and WorldSSP championships is staged at the Phillip Island Circuit in Australia.

Midori Moriwaki – PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team Owner

“I am happy and proud to present the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team SBK and the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team SSP, along with the four incredibly strong riders who will represent them. Adam and Tarran have demonstrated their significant talent and competitive spirit by scoring points at every opportunity and securing the team’s first victory in the SSP category before moving to SBK this year. Khairul and Kaito need no introduction, both with prestigious international racing experience, including the MotoGP World Championship where they have both reached the podium and won races in the Moto3 category. I am confident they will represent the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team colors admirably. In addition to our immediate racing endeavours, we plan to expand our focus towards comprehensive, enduring projects. Central to this commitment is the establishment of an innovative academy program. This program signifies a collaborative effort between partners to leverage WorldSBK and WorldSSP as pivotal platforms, catalysing a Malaysian talent development initiative. The primary objective is to foster and elevate the skills of emerging riders.”

Tarran Mackenzie – WorldSBK Rider #95

“Last year was my first season in the WorldSBK paddock. Not an easy season and it brought ups and downs but there were obvious highs, like victory at Most of course, a first win for both me and the team. After a tough start, that was a fantastic achievement. And now I’m excited to get going this season. Although I have a little SBK experience, I’m essentially a category rookie this season, and Adam too, so we know we’re in for a challenge. I basically just want to get riding, as we haven’t had a lot of test time with the 2024 machine. I don’t have any particular expectations right now; the main aim is to settle into it and keep progressing round by round, closing the gap to the front. We need to get comfortable and find a solid base setting that we can exploit at different tracks. As for Phillip Island, I’ve competed there twice before but never with a Superbike, so the pre-race test was useful. It’s a fun track, fast and flowing, though you never know what the weather’s going to bring. Australia’s one of my favourite countries too, so I’m looking forward to it. It’s great to be wearing PETRONAS colours and representing such an iconic global brand. The bike livery and my leathers look cool, and I can’t wait to get the kit on and try our best for everyone involved.” 

Adam Norrodin – WorldSBK Rider #27

“Firstly, I want to thank the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team for giving me the opportunity to compete in WorldSBK. The 2023 Supersport season was tough at times, but we scored some solid results, particularly a top five at Most, and the team always did its best, fighting hard throughout the year. This year I jump up to the 1000cc bike, which marks the start of a new chapter for me. It’s an exciting challenge and I will work very hard to learn and progress, round by round. I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself, as this is my rookie season in what is a very high-level category. There will be many things to understand, not least the bike itself, but I know the team will do a great job and, if I can improve weekend by weekend, then I’ll be happy. As for Phillip Island, I really like the track layout and we were able to score points last year. The weather is an unknown, but we’ll take what comes – I don’t mind rain actually! Lastly, I want to thank PETRONAS for its valuable support. It’s an honour to be part of this family for another season, and especially in what is PETRONAS’ 50th anniversary year. We will do our very best to represent on track.”

Khairul Idham Bin Pawi – WorldSSP Rider #89

“I’m really looking forward to getting out on track at Phillip Island for the first of the season’s Supersport races. Our tests at Almeria and also here have gone well and have allowed me to get to know the new bike and team. It’s all been quite positive so far, and we’ve already improved a little in terms of top speed, though we still have a lot to do of course. We will continue to work step by step to improve both the bike and the riding. I’m very happy to be part of the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team and thank everybody involved for their hard work and support. I’m excited to really get started this weekend!”

Kaito Toba – WorldSSP Rider #27

“There is some nervous anticipation as we prepare for the first races at Phillip Island. I know the circuit well and hope that we can continue to build on the progress made during the recent tests. We’ve already identified some positives with the 2024 bike, but we need to keep working so that we can be competitive and fight in the races. I’m happy with the way the team is working, and I want to thank everybody for all their help so far. I hope to be able to repay the efforts of the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team with my performance on track. For now, we turn our attention to the first Phillip Island round.”

WorldSBK: Dodge Challenger SRT Is New Official Safety Car

David Swarts
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WorldSBK: Dodge Challenger SRT Is New Official Safety Car

Dodge and WorldSBK team up to unleash their muscle for 2024

Dorna WSBK Organization proudly welcomes Dodge as the Official Car and Official Safety Car for the 2024 season. The iconic American automotive brand is set to join an exclusive roster of partners, adding a new dimension of power and style to the world’s leading production motorcycle racing series.

Dodge will take centre stage as the 2024 WorldSBK Official Car & Official Safety Car. The partnership showcases the perfect fusion of character and speed, with Dodge muscle cars serving as the ultimate 4-wheel counterparts to WorldSBK machinery.

Dodge’s rich history of power and performance, both on the track and the drag strip, will resonate with WorldSBK fans as the thrilling roar of the new Official Safety Car is unleashed.

Two Dodge Challenger SRTs, equipped with the iconic 6.2L HEMI V8 engine producing 717 Hp, will patrol the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship rounds, providing a perfect match to the racing Superbikes. This level of performance not only allows for precise assessment of track conditions but also ensures officials can always intervene swiftly.

Completing the Dodge WorldSBK fleet are Durango SUVs, serving as the Race Direction and FIM Safety Officer official cars. The Durango combines high efficiency with practicality, making it an ideal workhorse for the championship. Two specs will be deployed on track: a Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat with a 6.2L V8 engine delivering over 710 Hp and Dodge Durango SRT featuring a 6.4L Hemi V8 producing 475 Hp.

The pinnacle of victory will be marked by the presence of the Dodge brand on the top step of the podium during the prize-giving ceremonies, symbolizing the rider’s triumph – a distinctive moment of unparalleled excitement and pure motorsport essence. A third Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye powered by the 807 Hp 6.2L Hemi V8 will also be on display next to the podium.

The Dodge Official WorldSBK fleet is poised to make its debut at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, marking the first European round of the 2024 season. As the engines rev and the partnership unfolds, Dodge and WorldSBK are set to redefine the standards of speed, power, and performance on and off the track.

Domenico Gostoli, Head of RAM & Dodge Brands Enlarged Europe

“As Dodge Europe, we have worked hard on this Project and we are proud to start this exciting new cooperation, the first for Dodge Brand in EU: the partnership with WorldSBK is built on a common “performance and race” spirit and fits perfectly with a fan world and an audience of enthusiasts for our Brand. At Dodge we always aim to exceed our limits and reach new heights, putting daily a winning attitude, grit and determination into our work.”

Francesco Valentino, Head of WorldSBK Commercial & Marketing Department

“Built to take on the road in style, Dodge muscle cars deliver on the promise of their looks with power and acceleration under the hood to match. We are proud and thrilled to welcome Dodge and bring it together with WorldSBK. As a production-based motorcycling series, we identify with Dodge’s tradition of high-performance cars, and the alignment of our values makes for an exciting brand association.”

MotoAmerica: Mini Cup Qualifiers Scheduled In Southern California

David Swarts
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MotoAmerica: Mini Cup Qualifiers Scheduled In Southern California

Two Wheels Track Days (a.k.a. 2 Wheels Track Days) Will Host Three Mini Cup Qualifiers In Southern California

Mini Cup Racers In Southern California Will Have Three Local Qualifying Events For Mission
Mini Cup By Motul National Final

IRVINE, CA (February 22, 2024) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that Two Wheels Track Days will host three Mission Mini Cup By Motul qualifiers at two different racetracks in Southern California.

Two Wheels Track Days will host two series qualifiers at Willow Springs’ Horse Thief Mile in Rosamond, California (April 13 and May 11) and a third at Apex Racing Center in Perris, California (March 30-31).

The Mission Mini Cup By Motul National Final will be held at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 9-11.

The Two Wheels Track Days Series qualifiers will run the full slate of Mission Mini Cup By Motul classes: GP160, GP190, Street GP, Stock 50, Stock 110 and Stock 125.

“We’re excited to be a part of the MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup By Motul qualifiers,” said Two Wheel Track Days President Sergio Florez. “Horse Thief Mile and Apex Racing Center are quality racetracks and it will be great to watch our young racers as they try to qualify for the National Final.”

For more information, visit https://www.2wheelstrackdays.com/mini-racing

For more information about the Mini Cup series or club participation, please contact [email protected]

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.

WorldSBK: Tire Changes Mandated, Races Shortened At Phillip Island

David Swarts
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0
WorldSBK: Tire Changes Mandated, Races Shortened At Phillip Island

Phillip Island races to feature compulsory pit-stop

Ahead of the Grand Bridge Brewery Australian Round, it has been decided that the WorldSBK and WorldSSP races will take place under flag-to-flag rules, with a mandatory entry to the pits to change tyres for all bikes.

Based on the information gathered following the WorldSBK and WorldSSP tests at Phillip Island earlier this week and a report from the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Technical Director, the Race Direction together with the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) have decided that to ensure the safety of all participants, rear tyres shouldn’t be used for more than 11 laps for the WorldSBK class and 10 laps for the WorldSSP class.

Additionally, the race distance for the WorldSBK Race 1 and 2 has been reduced to 20 laps and two extra sets of tyres have been allocated for each rider in both classes.

Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director:

“The circuit has performed admirably with the new asphalt. While rubber is gradually laid down track conditions evolve, which present some challenges. Since the tyres were shipped out in late November to arrive for this opening round, there wasn’t enough time to develop specific tyres tailored to the current asphalt conditions. We have carefully assessed the situation, considering the early track activity following the asphalt’s being laid out and the two days of testing we conducted earlier this week. While conditions have certainly improved, they may not have improved enough, especially considering the challenging, fast-paced nature of this circuit layout. In such circumstances, we, in collaboration with Race Direction, the FIM and the Phillip Island GP Circuit, must opt for the safest option, which is of paramount importance.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Pirelli:

Pirelli: the new asphalt at Phillip Island is record-breaking but extremely abrasive

Based on the evidence that emerged over the two days of testing, and to protect the safety of the riders, Dorna, FIM, Race Direction and Pirelli have agreed to carry out races with mandatory pit stops

Over the two days of testing carried out at the Australian circuit of Phillip Island, which will host the first round of the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship over the weekend, several riders significantly improved on the lap records in both classes: Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was the fastest in WorldSBK, setting an absolute best time of 1’28.511 at the end of FP2 on Tuesday afternoon, while in WorldSSP it was Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) who set a best time of 1’31.881 during FP2 on Monday.
 
The new asphalt provides much more grip than the previous surface and has played a key role in obtaining these results. On the other hand, it has proven to be extremely aggressive on the tyres, bringing the tread compound to operating temperatures never recorded before and significantly accentuating tyre degradation.

While Monday’s WorldSSP sessions took place in relatively cool conditions, with air temperatures of 19 degrees and track temperatures between 23 and 30 degrees, on Tuesday the WorldSBK riders ran in slightly higher temperatures, while the asphalt was close to 50 degrees and this further highlighted wear problems over long runs.
 
For this reason, following a discussion between Dorna, FIM, Race Direction and Pirelli, it was decided that the races of both classes will take place with a mandatory pit stop to allow for a tyre change.

Giorgio Barbier

Motorcycle Racing Director

The safety of the riders must always be the priority
 

“We know this track very well, nevertheless every year it’s a whole other story because at Phillip Island the variables that can influence tyre behaviour are many and often unpredictable. This year the most critical element is represented by the new asphalt which has almost completely reset the references we had. I remind everyone that the tyres for this race were shipped from Europe at the end of November while the resurfacing of the circuit was completed only a few weeks ago. Therefore, in the absence of data on which to base ourselves, we thought it appropriate to rely on the racing solutions used successfully in the last two seasons. We have seen in the tests that the asphalt offers a lot of grip, to the advantage of the flying lap time, but on the other hand it is very aggressive with the tyres, especially at high temperatures, causing unusual peaks in tread compound temperature on the left side with consequent tyre degradation: we detected up to 160 degrees Celsius in pit lane which we estimate could reach operative peaks of more than 200 degrees. Considering this evidence, in agreement with Dorna, FIM and Race Direction, we have decided that for the races of both classes it will be mandatory to make a pit stop to change tyres. It was a difficult decision to take, also because, as always happens in these cases, some teams would have wanted to try racing over the full distance. However, Pirelli believes that the safety of the riders must be the absolute priority in such circumstances.”

·     Tyre allocation: riders of both classes have at their disposal standard SC1 and SC2 tyres for the front and standard SC1 for the rear. In addition, WorldSBK riders can use two tyres in SC0 compound at the rear only for qualifying. In consideration of the new race format with pit stops, with respect to the standard allocation the use of two more sets of tyres is allowed.
 

·     Race distance: WorldSBK Race 1 and Race 2 have been reduced from 22 to 20 laps while the Superpole Race is confirmed over a 10-lap race distance. The WorldSSP races will take place as originally scheduled over 18 laps.
 

·     Pit-stop window: in both classes the riders will have a three-lap window in which to change tyres, with a fixed time in the pit lane. In WorldSBK the window will be between laps 9 and 11 while in WorldSSP between laps 8 and 10. It is mandatory for all riders to change the rear tyre while they will be able to decide whether or not to replace the front tyre also based on the tyres each rider has remaining.
 

·     Weather: lower asphalt temperatures, below 30 degrees Celsius, can positively influence tyre degradation. On the contrary, higher temperatures, in line with those recorded in tests on Tuesday, would have a negative impact on the tyre life. Another typical factor at Phillip Island is the wind: if it were particularly strong it would disturb the riders’ trajectories, making them slide more and increasing tyre wear.

MotoAmerica: Combat-Wounded Veteran Snooks Racing In Daytona 200

David Swarts
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MotoAmerica: Combat-Wounded Veteran Snooks Racing In Daytona 200

READY TO RIDE OWNER RYNE SNOOKS TO RACE AT DAYTONA 200 ON KTECH TRDS-R EQUIPPED YAMAHA R6

[Jacksonville, NC] — Ready to Ride Racing proudly announces that team owner Ryne Snooks will take to the track at the prestigious Daytona 200 aboard a Yamaha R6 equipped with K-Tech TRDS-R Suspension. This marks a significant moment for the team as Snooks steps back into the spotlight after an outstanding season, which saw him clinch the N2/WERA Ultra Lightweight National Endurance Championship aboard a Ready to Ride Kawasaki Ninja 400.

As a U.S. Marine combat-wounded veteran, Snooks’ journey embodies resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His passion for motorsports and unwavering dedication to success have been driving forces behind Ready to Ride Racing’s rise in the industry.

The decision to race at Daytona on the Yamaha R6 with K-Tech TRDS-R Suspension reflects Snooks’ commitment to pushing boundaries and achieving peak performance. The TRDS-R Suspension, renowned for its precision engineering and ability to enhance handling and control, further solidifies Snooks’ competitive edge as he gears up for the challenge ahead.

“I am honored to represent Ready to Ride at the Daytona 200, especially on the motorcycle we had Brandon Paasch ride at Loudon with an impressive fourth-place finish,” said Ryne Snooks, owner and racer of Ready to Ride Racing Team. “This opportunity to compete on the Yamaha R6 with K-Tech TRDS Suspension is a testament to our team’s dedication to excellence. As a Marine veteran, I approach every race with the same passion and determination that has driven me throughout my career.”

Snooks’ success both on and off the track underscores the values of Ready to Ride Racing – perseverance, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. With his sights set on Daytona, Snooks is poised to deliver a standout performance that reflects the team’s ethos and determination to succeed.

For more information about Ready to Ride Racing and its participation in the Daytona 200, please visit ReadytoRide-NC.com.

About the Ready to Ride Racing Team

Ready to Ride LLC is a premier motorsports store, shop and team founded by combat-wounded veteran Ryne Snooks. With a passion for motorsports and a commitment to excellence, Ready to Ride strives to push the boundaries of performance and achieve podium finishes at the highest level of competition.

American Flat Track: Royal Enfield Sponsoring Series And Daytona Short Track

David Swarts
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American Flat Track: Royal Enfield Sponsoring Series And Daytona Short Track

 Royal Enfield North America Named Official OEM Partner of Progressive AFT, Title Sponsor for DAYTONA Opener

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 21, 2024) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is proud to confirm that its expansive partnership with Royal Enfield North America (RENA) will continue for a fifth consecutive year in 2024, and that the manufacturer will also serve as the title sponsor of the season-opening Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA.

The world’s oldest global motorcycle brand in continuous production, Royal Enfield has proven to be an ideal Official OEM Partner of America’s Original Extreme Sport since making its splashy debut in the paddock in 2020. Over that time, Royal Enfield has made a wide embrace of the sport, both developing its Twins FT racebike into a legitimate force at the sport’s highest level while fostering the growth of motorcycle dirt track racing in North America at a grassroots level.

After proving itself a race winner in the now retired Mission Production Twins category, Royal Enfield stepped up to full-time duty in the premier Mission SuperTwins class in 2023. Despite the heightened level of difficulty that comes with competing against the fastest and most accomplished competitors and equipment in the world, Royal Enfield managed to score double-digit top-ten finishes, including a pair of top fives.

The bike’s front-running potential was demonstrated most convincingly by the brand’s lead rider, Johnny Lewis, who took the Twins FT to victory in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge at last year’s Orange County Half-Mile over the Grand National Championship’s title contenders. Lewis will again spearhead Royal Enfield’s effort in 2024 as its exhaustive developmental program continues to reap greater rewards year after year.

The 2024 campaign will open at Daytona International Speedway in doubleheader fashion on March 7 and 8 with the additional highlight of the marque standing as the event’s title sponsor. Along with competing at the same short track venue at which Lewis earned the brand’s its first-ever Progressive AFT victory in 2020, Royal Enfield will be spotlighted in Daytona in a significant way via an impressive vendor display and demo rides that will be offered throughout the entirety of Daytona Bike Week.

Additionally, Royal Enfield will showcase its enormously successful and popular Build. Train. Race. (BTR) program on both days at the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA, along with other select Progressive AFT rounds in the season ahead. Since its introduction, BTR has injected new talent and excitement into the series as highlights, celebrates, and encourages the involvement of women in flat track racing. The program invites both experienced and beginner racers to race-prep customized Royal Enfield INT650s, hone their riding skills, and then compete at Progressive AFT national events.

“We’re looking forward to continuing our relationship with Progressive American Flat Track through the 2024 season,” said Adrian Sellers, Royal Enfield Head – Custom & Motorsport. “Royal Enfield is a 123-year old brand with so much yet to offer in North American moto racing. We’ve seen tremendous growth in the past year, introducing several all-new models and continuing our groundbreaking programs that open doors to new riders and racers. We look forward to sharing another milestone year with Progressive AFT and its fans.”

The 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season will open with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 7 and Friday, March 8.

To purchase DAYTONA Short Track I tickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/daytona-short-track-i-86846.

To purchase DAYTONA Short Track II tickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/daytona-short-track-ii-86992.

And to save $10 by purchasing Thursday and Friday tickets together via the Multi-Day Discount for the DAYTONA Short Track I & II, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/daytona-short-track-i-and-ii-86845.

For more information on Royal Enfield North America visit https://www.royalenfield.com/us/en/home.

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

Progressive AFT series merchandise is available via the official merchandise store at https://aftmerch.com/.

About Progressive American Flat Track

Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter , check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.

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. 

WorldSBK: PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team Launched At Phillip Island

The PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team with Team Owner Midori Moriwaki (front center) and riders (from left) Tarran Mackenzie, Kaito Toba, Khairul Idham Bin Pawi, and Adam Norrodin. Photo courtesy PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team.
The PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team with Team Owner Midori Moriwaki (front center) and riders (from left) Tarran Mackenzie, Kaito Toba, Khairul Idham Bin Pawi, and Adam Norrodin. Photo courtesy PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team.

PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team officially launched on Phillip Island

Just ahead of the opening WorldSBK and WorldSSP rounds at Phillip Island circuit in Australia, the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team has released a special launch video that showcases the new-look CBR1000RR-R and CBR600RR machines with which it will compete during the 2024 season.

Relaunching a two-pronged attack in the production-derived series, the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team will fight in World Superbike, with Malaysian Adam Norrodin and British rider Tarran Mackenzie – both of whom move up from WorldSSP – and in World Supersport, where it will field Malaysian rider Khairul Idham Bin Pawi and Japanese rider Kaito Toba.

Young, hungry, and talented, all four riders are rookies in their respective category and express both their enthusiasm and gratitude to Team Principal Midori Moriwaki and title sponsor PETRONAS for their ongoing support. Moriwaki and PETRONAS share the mission to facilitate the growth path of young Asian riders on the world stage, and so it is no coincidence that the team’s riders represent both Malaysia and Japan, as well as the UK.

The 2024 livery is front and centre in the launch video released today, as the team gears up for the opening round of the production-derived championship. This year, the stunning PETRONAS green colour scheme incorporates a distinctive gold line to mark the company’s 50th anniversary. The MIE Racing mission aligns with the spirit of Petronas’ remarkable 50-year journey, for a partnership that transcends the world of racing and is dedicated to making a difference.

Keen to build on last season’s performance, the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team is eager to embark on this latest challenge and will kickstart its 2024 campaign this very weekend, when the opening round of the WorldSBK and WorldSSP championships is staged at the Phillip Island Circuit in Australia.

Midori Moriwaki – PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team Owner

“I am happy and proud to present the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team SBK and the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team SSP, along with the four incredibly strong riders who will represent them. Adam and Tarran have demonstrated their significant talent and competitive spirit by scoring points at every opportunity and securing the team’s first victory in the SSP category before moving to SBK this year. Khairul and Kaito need no introduction, both with prestigious international racing experience, including the MotoGP World Championship where they have both reached the podium and won races in the Moto3 category. I am confident they will represent the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team colors admirably. In addition to our immediate racing endeavours, we plan to expand our focus towards comprehensive, enduring projects. Central to this commitment is the establishment of an innovative academy program. This program signifies a collaborative effort between partners to leverage WorldSBK and WorldSSP as pivotal platforms, catalysing a Malaysian talent development initiative. The primary objective is to foster and elevate the skills of emerging riders.”

Tarran Mackenzie – WorldSBK Rider #95

“Last year was my first season in the WorldSBK paddock. Not an easy season and it brought ups and downs but there were obvious highs, like victory at Most of course, a first win for both me and the team. After a tough start, that was a fantastic achievement. And now I’m excited to get going this season. Although I have a little SBK experience, I’m essentially a category rookie this season, and Adam too, so we know we’re in for a challenge. I basically just want to get riding, as we haven’t had a lot of test time with the 2024 machine. I don’t have any particular expectations right now; the main aim is to settle into it and keep progressing round by round, closing the gap to the front. We need to get comfortable and find a solid base setting that we can exploit at different tracks. As for Phillip Island, I’ve competed there twice before but never with a Superbike, so the pre-race test was useful. It’s a fun track, fast and flowing, though you never know what the weather’s going to bring. Australia’s one of my favourite countries too, so I’m looking forward to it. It’s great to be wearing PETRONAS colours and representing such an iconic global brand. The bike livery and my leathers look cool, and I can’t wait to get the kit on and try our best for everyone involved.” 

Adam Norrodin – WorldSBK Rider #27

“Firstly, I want to thank the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team for giving me the opportunity to compete in WorldSBK. The 2023 Supersport season was tough at times, but we scored some solid results, particularly a top five at Most, and the team always did its best, fighting hard throughout the year. This year I jump up to the 1000cc bike, which marks the start of a new chapter for me. It’s an exciting challenge and I will work very hard to learn and progress, round by round. I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself, as this is my rookie season in what is a very high-level category. There will be many things to understand, not least the bike itself, but I know the team will do a great job and, if I can improve weekend by weekend, then I’ll be happy. As for Phillip Island, I really like the track layout and we were able to score points last year. The weather is an unknown, but we’ll take what comes – I don’t mind rain actually! Lastly, I want to thank PETRONAS for its valuable support. It’s an honour to be part of this family for another season, and especially in what is PETRONAS’ 50th anniversary year. We will do our very best to represent on track.”

Khairul Idham Bin Pawi – WorldSSP Rider #89

“I’m really looking forward to getting out on track at Phillip Island for the first of the season’s Supersport races. Our tests at Almeria and also here have gone well and have allowed me to get to know the new bike and team. It’s all been quite positive so far, and we’ve already improved a little in terms of top speed, though we still have a lot to do of course. We will continue to work step by step to improve both the bike and the riding. I’m very happy to be part of the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team and thank everybody involved for their hard work and support. I’m excited to really get started this weekend!”

Kaito Toba – WorldSSP Rider #27

“There is some nervous anticipation as we prepare for the first races at Phillip Island. I know the circuit well and hope that we can continue to build on the progress made during the recent tests. We’ve already identified some positives with the 2024 bike, but we need to keep working so that we can be competitive and fight in the races. I’m happy with the way the team is working, and I want to thank everybody for all their help so far. I hope to be able to repay the efforts of the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team with my performance on track. For now, we turn our attention to the first Phillip Island round.”

WorldSBK: Dodge Challenger SRT Is New Official Safety Car

The Dodge Challenger SRT is the new Official Safety Car of the FIM Superbike World Championship. Image courtesy Dorna.
The Dodge Challenger SRT is the new Official Safety Car of the FIM Superbike World Championship. Image courtesy Dorna.

Dodge and WorldSBK team up to unleash their muscle for 2024

Dorna WSBK Organization proudly welcomes Dodge as the Official Car and Official Safety Car for the 2024 season. The iconic American automotive brand is set to join an exclusive roster of partners, adding a new dimension of power and style to the world’s leading production motorcycle racing series.

Dodge will take centre stage as the 2024 WorldSBK Official Car & Official Safety Car. The partnership showcases the perfect fusion of character and speed, with Dodge muscle cars serving as the ultimate 4-wheel counterparts to WorldSBK machinery.

Dodge’s rich history of power and performance, both on the track and the drag strip, will resonate with WorldSBK fans as the thrilling roar of the new Official Safety Car is unleashed.

Two Dodge Challenger SRTs, equipped with the iconic 6.2L HEMI V8 engine producing 717 Hp, will patrol the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship rounds, providing a perfect match to the racing Superbikes. This level of performance not only allows for precise assessment of track conditions but also ensures officials can always intervene swiftly.

Completing the Dodge WorldSBK fleet are Durango SUVs, serving as the Race Direction and FIM Safety Officer official cars. The Durango combines high efficiency with practicality, making it an ideal workhorse for the championship. Two specs will be deployed on track: a Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat with a 6.2L V8 engine delivering over 710 Hp and Dodge Durango SRT featuring a 6.4L Hemi V8 producing 475 Hp.

The pinnacle of victory will be marked by the presence of the Dodge brand on the top step of the podium during the prize-giving ceremonies, symbolizing the rider’s triumph – a distinctive moment of unparalleled excitement and pure motorsport essence. A third Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye powered by the 807 Hp 6.2L Hemi V8 will also be on display next to the podium.

The Dodge Official WorldSBK fleet is poised to make its debut at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, marking the first European round of the 2024 season. As the engines rev and the partnership unfolds, Dodge and WorldSBK are set to redefine the standards of speed, power, and performance on and off the track.

Domenico Gostoli, Head of RAM & Dodge Brands Enlarged Europe

“As Dodge Europe, we have worked hard on this Project and we are proud to start this exciting new cooperation, the first for Dodge Brand in EU: the partnership with WorldSBK is built on a common “performance and race” spirit and fits perfectly with a fan world and an audience of enthusiasts for our Brand. At Dodge we always aim to exceed our limits and reach new heights, putting daily a winning attitude, grit and determination into our work.”

Francesco Valentino, Head of WorldSBK Commercial & Marketing Department

“Built to take on the road in style, Dodge muscle cars deliver on the promise of their looks with power and acceleration under the hood to match. We are proud and thrilled to welcome Dodge and bring it together with WorldSBK. As a production-based motorcycling series, we identify with Dodge’s tradition of high-performance cars, and the alignment of our values makes for an exciting brand association.”

MotoAmerica: Mini Cup Qualifiers Scheduled In Southern California

Young racers of all ages can now attempt to qualify for the Mission Mini Cup By Motul National Final via qualifiers at two different racetracks in Southern California with Two Wheel Track Days. Photo courtesy of Two Wheel Track Days.
Young racers of all ages can now attempt to qualify for the Mission Mini Cup By Motul National Final via qualifiers at two different racetracks in Southern California with 2 Wheel Track Days. Photo courtesy of Two Wheel Track Days.

Two Wheels Track Days (a.k.a. 2 Wheels Track Days) Will Host Three Mini Cup Qualifiers In Southern California

Mini Cup Racers In Southern California Will Have Three Local Qualifying Events For Mission
Mini Cup By Motul National Final

IRVINE, CA (February 22, 2024) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that Two Wheels Track Days will host three Mission Mini Cup By Motul qualifiers at two different racetracks in Southern California.

Two Wheels Track Days will host two series qualifiers at Willow Springs’ Horse Thief Mile in Rosamond, California (April 13 and May 11) and a third at Apex Racing Center in Perris, California (March 30-31).

The Mission Mini Cup By Motul National Final will be held at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 9-11.

The Two Wheels Track Days Series qualifiers will run the full slate of Mission Mini Cup By Motul classes: GP160, GP190, Street GP, Stock 50, Stock 110 and Stock 125.

“We’re excited to be a part of the MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup By Motul qualifiers,” said Two Wheel Track Days President Sergio Florez. “Horse Thief Mile and Apex Racing Center are quality racetracks and it will be great to watch our young racers as they try to qualify for the National Final.”

For more information, visit https://www.2wheelstrackdays.com/mini-racing

For more information about the Mini Cup series or club participation, please contact [email protected]

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.

WorldSBK: Tire Changes Mandated, Races Shortened At Phillip Island

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Phillip Island races to feature compulsory pit-stop

Ahead of the Grand Bridge Brewery Australian Round, it has been decided that the WorldSBK and WorldSSP races will take place under flag-to-flag rules, with a mandatory entry to the pits to change tyres for all bikes.

Based on the information gathered following the WorldSBK and WorldSSP tests at Phillip Island earlier this week and a report from the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Technical Director, the Race Direction together with the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) have decided that to ensure the safety of all participants, rear tyres shouldn’t be used for more than 11 laps for the WorldSBK class and 10 laps for the WorldSSP class.

Additionally, the race distance for the WorldSBK Race 1 and 2 has been reduced to 20 laps and two extra sets of tyres have been allocated for each rider in both classes.

Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director:

“The circuit has performed admirably with the new asphalt. While rubber is gradually laid down track conditions evolve, which present some challenges. Since the tyres were shipped out in late November to arrive for this opening round, there wasn’t enough time to develop specific tyres tailored to the current asphalt conditions. We have carefully assessed the situation, considering the early track activity following the asphalt’s being laid out and the two days of testing we conducted earlier this week. While conditions have certainly improved, they may not have improved enough, especially considering the challenging, fast-paced nature of this circuit layout. In such circumstances, we, in collaboration with Race Direction, the FIM and the Phillip Island GP Circuit, must opt for the safest option, which is of paramount importance.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Pirelli:

Pirelli: the new asphalt at Phillip Island is record-breaking but extremely abrasive

Based on the evidence that emerged over the two days of testing, and to protect the safety of the riders, Dorna, FIM, Race Direction and Pirelli have agreed to carry out races with mandatory pit stops

Over the two days of testing carried out at the Australian circuit of Phillip Island, which will host the first round of the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship over the weekend, several riders significantly improved on the lap records in both classes: Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was the fastest in WorldSBK, setting an absolute best time of 1’28.511 at the end of FP2 on Tuesday afternoon, while in WorldSSP it was Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) who set a best time of 1’31.881 during FP2 on Monday.
 
The new asphalt provides much more grip than the previous surface and has played a key role in obtaining these results. On the other hand, it has proven to be extremely aggressive on the tyres, bringing the tread compound to operating temperatures never recorded before and significantly accentuating tyre degradation.

While Monday’s WorldSSP sessions took place in relatively cool conditions, with air temperatures of 19 degrees and track temperatures between 23 and 30 degrees, on Tuesday the WorldSBK riders ran in slightly higher temperatures, while the asphalt was close to 50 degrees and this further highlighted wear problems over long runs.
 
For this reason, following a discussion between Dorna, FIM, Race Direction and Pirelli, it was decided that the races of both classes will take place with a mandatory pit stop to allow for a tyre change.

Giorgio Barbier

Motorcycle Racing Director

The safety of the riders must always be the priority
 

“We know this track very well, nevertheless every year it’s a whole other story because at Phillip Island the variables that can influence tyre behaviour are many and often unpredictable. This year the most critical element is represented by the new asphalt which has almost completely reset the references we had. I remind everyone that the tyres for this race were shipped from Europe at the end of November while the resurfacing of the circuit was completed only a few weeks ago. Therefore, in the absence of data on which to base ourselves, we thought it appropriate to rely on the racing solutions used successfully in the last two seasons. We have seen in the tests that the asphalt offers a lot of grip, to the advantage of the flying lap time, but on the other hand it is very aggressive with the tyres, especially at high temperatures, causing unusual peaks in tread compound temperature on the left side with consequent tyre degradation: we detected up to 160 degrees Celsius in pit lane which we estimate could reach operative peaks of more than 200 degrees. Considering this evidence, in agreement with Dorna, FIM and Race Direction, we have decided that for the races of both classes it will be mandatory to make a pit stop to change tyres. It was a difficult decision to take, also because, as always happens in these cases, some teams would have wanted to try racing over the full distance. However, Pirelli believes that the safety of the riders must be the absolute priority in such circumstances.”

·     Tyre allocation: riders of both classes have at their disposal standard SC1 and SC2 tyres for the front and standard SC1 for the rear. In addition, WorldSBK riders can use two tyres in SC0 compound at the rear only for qualifying. In consideration of the new race format with pit stops, with respect to the standard allocation the use of two more sets of tyres is allowed.
 

·     Race distance: WorldSBK Race 1 and Race 2 have been reduced from 22 to 20 laps while the Superpole Race is confirmed over a 10-lap race distance. The WorldSSP races will take place as originally scheduled over 18 laps.
 

·     Pit-stop window: in both classes the riders will have a three-lap window in which to change tyres, with a fixed time in the pit lane. In WorldSBK the window will be between laps 9 and 11 while in WorldSSP between laps 8 and 10. It is mandatory for all riders to change the rear tyre while they will be able to decide whether or not to replace the front tyre also based on the tyres each rider has remaining.
 

·     Weather: lower asphalt temperatures, below 30 degrees Celsius, can positively influence tyre degradation. On the contrary, higher temperatures, in line with those recorded in tests on Tuesday, would have a negative impact on the tyre life. Another typical factor at Phillip Island is the wind: if it were particularly strong it would disturb the riders’ trajectories, making them slide more and increasing tyre wear.

MotoAmerica: Combat-Wounded Veteran Snooks Racing In Daytona 200

Ryne Snooks (270). Photo courtesy Ready To Ride Racing.
Ryne Snooks (270). Photo courtesy Ready To Ride Racing.

READY TO RIDE OWNER RYNE SNOOKS TO RACE AT DAYTONA 200 ON KTECH TRDS-R EQUIPPED YAMAHA R6

[Jacksonville, NC] — Ready to Ride Racing proudly announces that team owner Ryne Snooks will take to the track at the prestigious Daytona 200 aboard a Yamaha R6 equipped with K-Tech TRDS-R Suspension. This marks a significant moment for the team as Snooks steps back into the spotlight after an outstanding season, which saw him clinch the N2/WERA Ultra Lightweight National Endurance Championship aboard a Ready to Ride Kawasaki Ninja 400.

As a U.S. Marine combat-wounded veteran, Snooks’ journey embodies resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His passion for motorsports and unwavering dedication to success have been driving forces behind Ready to Ride Racing’s rise in the industry.

The decision to race at Daytona on the Yamaha R6 with K-Tech TRDS-R Suspension reflects Snooks’ commitment to pushing boundaries and achieving peak performance. The TRDS-R Suspension, renowned for its precision engineering and ability to enhance handling and control, further solidifies Snooks’ competitive edge as he gears up for the challenge ahead.

“I am honored to represent Ready to Ride at the Daytona 200, especially on the motorcycle we had Brandon Paasch ride at Loudon with an impressive fourth-place finish,” said Ryne Snooks, owner and racer of Ready to Ride Racing Team. “This opportunity to compete on the Yamaha R6 with K-Tech TRDS Suspension is a testament to our team’s dedication to excellence. As a Marine veteran, I approach every race with the same passion and determination that has driven me throughout my career.”

Snooks’ success both on and off the track underscores the values of Ready to Ride Racing – perseverance, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. With his sights set on Daytona, Snooks is poised to deliver a standout performance that reflects the team’s ethos and determination to succeed.

For more information about Ready to Ride Racing and its participation in the Daytona 200, please visit ReadytoRide-NC.com.

About the Ready to Ride Racing Team

Ready to Ride LLC is a premier motorsports store, shop and team founded by combat-wounded veteran Ryne Snooks. With a passion for motorsports and a commitment to excellence, Ready to Ride strives to push the boundaries of performance and achieve podium finishes at the highest level of competition.

American Flat Track: Royal Enfield Sponsoring Series And Daytona Short Track

Johnny Lewis (10) on his Royal Enfield AFT Twins racebike at Daytona Short Track I in 2023. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
Johnny Lewis (10) on his Royal Enfield AFT Twins racebike at Daytona Short Track I in 2023. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.

 Royal Enfield North America Named Official OEM Partner of Progressive AFT, Title Sponsor for DAYTONA Opener

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 21, 2024) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is proud to confirm that its expansive partnership with Royal Enfield North America (RENA) will continue for a fifth consecutive year in 2024, and that the manufacturer will also serve as the title sponsor of the season-opening Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA.

The world’s oldest global motorcycle brand in continuous production, Royal Enfield has proven to be an ideal Official OEM Partner of America’s Original Extreme Sport since making its splashy debut in the paddock in 2020. Over that time, Royal Enfield has made a wide embrace of the sport, both developing its Twins FT racebike into a legitimate force at the sport’s highest level while fostering the growth of motorcycle dirt track racing in North America at a grassroots level.

After proving itself a race winner in the now retired Mission Production Twins category, Royal Enfield stepped up to full-time duty in the premier Mission SuperTwins class in 2023. Despite the heightened level of difficulty that comes with competing against the fastest and most accomplished competitors and equipment in the world, Royal Enfield managed to score double-digit top-ten finishes, including a pair of top fives.

The bike’s front-running potential was demonstrated most convincingly by the brand’s lead rider, Johnny Lewis, who took the Twins FT to victory in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge at last year’s Orange County Half-Mile over the Grand National Championship’s title contenders. Lewis will again spearhead Royal Enfield’s effort in 2024 as its exhaustive developmental program continues to reap greater rewards year after year.

The 2024 campaign will open at Daytona International Speedway in doubleheader fashion on March 7 and 8 with the additional highlight of the marque standing as the event’s title sponsor. Along with competing at the same short track venue at which Lewis earned the brand’s its first-ever Progressive AFT victory in 2020, Royal Enfield will be spotlighted in Daytona in a significant way via an impressive vendor display and demo rides that will be offered throughout the entirety of Daytona Bike Week.

Additionally, Royal Enfield will showcase its enormously successful and popular Build. Train. Race. (BTR) program on both days at the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA, along with other select Progressive AFT rounds in the season ahead. Since its introduction, BTR has injected new talent and excitement into the series as highlights, celebrates, and encourages the involvement of women in flat track racing. The program invites both experienced and beginner racers to race-prep customized Royal Enfield INT650s, hone their riding skills, and then compete at Progressive AFT national events.

“We’re looking forward to continuing our relationship with Progressive American Flat Track through the 2024 season,” said Adrian Sellers, Royal Enfield Head – Custom & Motorsport. “Royal Enfield is a 123-year old brand with so much yet to offer in North American moto racing. We’ve seen tremendous growth in the past year, introducing several all-new models and continuing our groundbreaking programs that open doors to new riders and racers. We look forward to sharing another milestone year with Progressive AFT and its fans.”

The 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season will open with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 7 and Friday, March 8.

To purchase DAYTONA Short Track I tickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/daytona-short-track-i-86846.

To purchase DAYTONA Short Track II tickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/daytona-short-track-ii-86992.

And to save $10 by purchasing Thursday and Friday tickets together via the Multi-Day Discount for the DAYTONA Short Track I & II, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/daytona-short-track-i-and-ii-86845.

For more information on Royal Enfield North America visit https://www.royalenfield.com/us/en/home.

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

Progressive AFT series merchandise is available via the official merchandise store at https://aftmerch.com/.

About Progressive American Flat Track

Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter , check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.

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. 

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