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

David Swarts
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World Supersport: Montella Takes Career-First Pole, At Misano
WSS SP Qual

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

First career pole position for Yari Montella

Superpole Highlights

Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed the first Superpole of his WorldSSP career (1’36.876). Montella, race winner at the opening round of the year in Australia, is second in the World Championship
 
It was an action-packed session for Championship leader Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team). The Spaniard suffered an early crash in the Superpole session but when he returned to the track, he looked like the rider to beat. Unfortunately, a track limits penalty cost him his fastest time and he had to settle for second on the grid
 
The top three in the championship standings will line-up together on the front row of the grid
 
Dutch Round race winner Glenn van Straalen (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) crashed during Superpole and qualified in 14th position
 
Simone Corsi (Renzi Corse) was the leading Supersport Challenge rider with the Italian qualifying in 11th position

P1 | Yari Montella | Barni Spark Racing Team

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

MotoAmerica: Chapin Quickest In Junior Cup FP1 At Brainerd

David Swarts
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MotoAmerica: Chapin Quickest In Junior Cup FP1 At Brainerd

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

 

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

 

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

 

24_6_BIR_JRC_P1_res

WorldWCR: Herrera Takes Series’ First Pole, At Misano

David Swarts
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WorldWCR: Herrera Takes Series’ First Pole, At Misano

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

 

WCR Superpole Qual

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Maria Herrera takes the inaugural WorldWCR pole at Misano

Superpole Highlights:

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

More on worldsbk.com

P1 | Maria Herrera | Klint Forward Factory Team | 1’49.390
“I’m really pleased to be on pole. I couldn’t actually see my pit board, so I didn’t know until we were finished that I was in front! I’m still adapting to the bike and have only had today’s sessions because we had no opportunity to test, so I’m really happy, both for me and the team who supports me on this new adventure. It’s been hard work to arrange everything but we’re here! I was nervous because we hadn’t had time to try the bike before coming here and I knew the field would be competitive. I know my potential, but the limited track time means that we’re still learning. I think tomorrow’s race will be a hard battle, but we will work hard and do our best to win.”

P2 | Sara Sanchez | 511 Terra&Vita Racing Team | 1’49.441
“I made a good start today and set the fastest time in free practice. We then made some refinements before Superpole and were able to place second in that qualifying phase. I think we did a really good job, but we want to do more to improve ahead of tomorrow. I’m proud to be here and on the front row of the grid at this first championship round and think I have a chance to win tomorrow’s race. A big thank you to my team, sponsors and family.”

P3 | Ana Carrasco | Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team | 1’49.514
“I’m happy with this first day, and a front row start is important. I knew this round would be a tough one as many riders know the Misano track and know how to be fast here. Conditions were hotter this afternoon, but the biggest problem for me today was the wind, actually. We have good pace I think, but the slipstream is also important here. I think we’re in for a hard-fought race, and probably a last lap battle between four or five riders, so I’ll do my best to be in a good position. I’m working well with the team and have good confidence. There’s not so much we can modify on the bike, but my team are doing all they can to help. As for this inaugural round of the WorldWCR, it’s great to have so many countries represented and so many riders on the grid.”

World Supersport: Huertas Under Race Record In FP1 At Misano

David Swarts
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World Supersport: Huertas Under Race Record In FP1 At Misano

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

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

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

 

WSS FP1

WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Dominates FP1 At Misano

David Swarts
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WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Dominates FP1 At Misano

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

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

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

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

 

WSBK FP1

WorldSBK: Alex Lowes Signs With Bimota By Kawasaki Racing Team

David Swarts
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WorldSBK: Alex Lowes Signs With Bimota By Kawasaki Racing Team

Lowes Signs For 2025 Bimota By Kawasaki Racing Team Project

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MotoAmerica: Herfoss Leads Bagger Class Heading Into Brainerd

David Swarts
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MotoAmerica: Herfoss Leads Bagger Class Heading Into Brainerd

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

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

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

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

Mission King Of The Baggers – Herfoss vs. Wyman

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

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

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

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

BellissiMoto Twins Cup – Landers On Top

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

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

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

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

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

Junior Cup – Chapin By Nine

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

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

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

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

Supersport – A Superbike Battle In Supersport

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

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

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

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

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

Stock 1000 – 39 Is Fine

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

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

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

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

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

Pre-Race Brainerd Support Notes…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About MotoAmerica

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

 

 

 

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

RACE PREVIEW:  BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
  

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

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

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

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

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

QUOTE BOARD:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*1 FIM: Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme

Takumi Takahashi  30

(AGE: 34, SAITAMA) 

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

Teppei Nagoe  30

(AGE: 26, TOKYO) 

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

Johann Zarco  30

(AGE: 33, FRANCE) 

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

Video: RSD Creates Ed Kretz-Inspired Indian Scout, Forged P1

David Swarts
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Video: RSD Creates Ed Kretz-Inspired Indian Scout, Forged P1

Utilizing the all-new Indian Scout as the base, Indian Motorcycle has tapped three renowned builders to fabricate one-of-a-kind custom bikes – each pulling inspiration from legendary stories of iconic Indian Scout riders.   

Kicking off the series is Roland Sands and RSD, followed by Brittney Olsen, a champion American antique motorcycle racer and founder of 20th Century Racing, and closing with renowned Swedish build shop, Unique Custom Cycles.

 

 

With a reputation for high-performance custom motorcycles, RSD turned to the storied racing history of Indian Motorcycle and Ed Kretz to inspire their Forged build. Kretz, most famous for his victory at the inaugural Daytona 200 in 1937 aboard his Indian Scout, is admired by Sands not only as a fellow racer and builder of many high-performance Indian Motorcycle race bikes but also for his spirit of never giving up, an attitude that earned him the moniker of ‘Iron Man.’

Choosing the new Indian Sport Scout as the basis for their build, RSD discussed bringing their Indian FTR racing experience to the project to create a street version of a SuperHooligan racer, while keeping it rideable for everyday use.

Indian Motorcycle’s Forged custom build series highlights how customization and personalization was at the forefront when Indian Motorcycle designers and engineers began developing the next evolution of Indian Scout. The Scout’s new steel tube frame delivers an approachable platform for customization, as the tank, fenders and subframe can be easily removed and replaced.

Indian Motorcycle’s Forged custom build program is a six-part video series highlighting three unique interpretations of the all-new 2025 Indian Scout, inspired by the stories and personalities that have made the Scout such an icon for more than a century. Each design and development video will roll out in the coming weeks, while final reveals will take place later this summer. 

For more information, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

MotoGP: Bastianini And Vinales Sign With Red Bull KTM Orange

David Swarts
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MotoGP: Bastianini And Vinales Sign With Red Bull KTM Orange

BASTIANINI & VIÑALES TO BRING FIERCE MOTOGP™ SPEED AS TECH3 PIVOT TO RED BULL KTM ORANGE FOR 2025

A potent line-up and fresh color scheme will mark a new era for KTM’s MotoGP™ factory presence in 2025. The re-branded Red Bull KTM Tech3 squad will complement the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team with two stellar names in Grand Prix winners Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales.

The Italian, 26 from Rimini, and the Spaniard, 29 from Roses, will be equipped with full-factory KTM RC16 machinery in 2025 as part of a multi-year agreement and will form a Red Bull orange quartet with stars Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta in the adjacent set-up.

Bastianini made his world championship debut ten years ago (after also ruling races in the Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup) with a KTM RC4. He claimed six victories and more than 30 podiums in both Moto3™ and Moto2™ through a seven-season education phase where he also improved to grasp the 2020 crown in the intermediate class. Enea entered MotoGP™ in 2021 at the age of 23 and has logged 5 wins and 12 podiums through the course of his three and a half years in the division to-date. Noted for his natural ability and excellence for maximizing his technical ‘package’ across the full race distance, ‘La Bestia’ will be a formidable asset for the Red Bull KTM Tech3 outfit.

Already a race winner in 2024, and the first rider in the MotoGP™-era to triumph with three different brands; Maverick Viñales brings outstanding experience and talent to the team. #12 was actually KTM’s second-ever Moto3™ world champion back in 2013 for what was the then-teenager’s third term in Grand Prix and a career spell where four seasons in both Moto3™ and Moto2™ resulted in four consecutive top-three championship finishes. He joined the premier class in 2015 and registered the first of his 10 MotoGP™ successes (35 podium appearances) the following campaign. Viñales has banked two championship bronze medals in his decade tenure and has won at least one Grand Prix in seven of those ten years in MotoGP™. Maverick’s acute feeling, pace and fitness make him one of the leading names on the MotoGP™ grid.

 

NICOLAS GOYON

TECH3 RACING MOTOGP TEAM MANAGER

“We are delighted to announce that Enea and Maverick will be with us next year as we convert back to KTM. We cannot forget our first MotoGP wins were taken in orange! We are proud that these two talented riders have decided to ride our bikes. It shows we’ve followed the right road, and our technology can fight at the front for the championship. We would like to thank Pierer Mobility AG for the quality of their support. Our collaboration has reached the top level this year and I’m sure it will keep growing in the future. We’d also like to thank Red Bull for their dedication with us. We have a clear commitment towards victory and that’s why Enea and Maverick have decided to join the program.”

PIT BEIRER

KTM MOTORSPORTS DIRECTOR

“We’re very happy we could bring both Enea and Maverick into our MotoGP project and give them full factory backing and support to keep following their goals and to reach their maximum performance. It’s clear we are talking about two of the fastest riders in the world right now and it is a compliment that they trust us and the first-class operation we’ve created together with Red Bull KTM Tech3. The team’s label for 2025 says it all: it is time to strengthen the KTM name again and we couldn’t think of a better way to bring this kind of value to the company than for Enea and Maverick to go full Red Bull orange. Let’s push on for the rest of 2024 now and then look forward to this new start for next year.”

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

Yari Montella (55). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Yari Montella (55). Photo courtesy Dorna.
WSS SP Qual

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

First career pole position for Yari Montella

Superpole Highlights

Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed the first Superpole of his WorldSSP career (1’36.876). Montella, race winner at the opening round of the year in Australia, is second in the World Championship
 
It was an action-packed session for Championship leader Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team). The Spaniard suffered an early crash in the Superpole session but when he returned to the track, he looked like the rider to beat. Unfortunately, a track limits penalty cost him his fastest time and he had to settle for second on the grid
 
The top three in the championship standings will line-up together on the front row of the grid
 
Dutch Round race winner Glenn van Straalen (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) crashed during Superpole and qualified in 14th position
 
Simone Corsi (Renzi Corse) was the leading Supersport Challenge rider with the Italian qualifying in 11th position

P1 | Yari Montella | Barni Spark Racing Team

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

MotoAmerica: Chapin Quickest In Junior Cup FP1 At Brainerd

Matthew Chapin (95). Photo from Road America by Brian J. Nelson.
Matthew Chapin (95). Photo from Road America by Brian J. Nelson.

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

 

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

 

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

 

24_6_BIR_JRC_P1_res

WorldWCR: Herrera Takes Series’ First Pole, At Misano

Maria Herrera (6). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Maria Herrera (6). Photo courtesy Dorna.

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

 

WCR Superpole Qual

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Maria Herrera takes the inaugural WorldWCR pole at Misano

Superpole Highlights:

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

More on worldsbk.com

P1 | Maria Herrera | Klint Forward Factory Team | 1’49.390
“I’m really pleased to be on pole. I couldn’t actually see my pit board, so I didn’t know until we were finished that I was in front! I’m still adapting to the bike and have only had today’s sessions because we had no opportunity to test, so I’m really happy, both for me and the team who supports me on this new adventure. It’s been hard work to arrange everything but we’re here! I was nervous because we hadn’t had time to try the bike before coming here and I knew the field would be competitive. I know my potential, but the limited track time means that we’re still learning. I think tomorrow’s race will be a hard battle, but we will work hard and do our best to win.”

P2 | Sara Sanchez | 511 Terra&Vita Racing Team | 1’49.441
“I made a good start today and set the fastest time in free practice. We then made some refinements before Superpole and were able to place second in that qualifying phase. I think we did a really good job, but we want to do more to improve ahead of tomorrow. I’m proud to be here and on the front row of the grid at this first championship round and think I have a chance to win tomorrow’s race. A big thank you to my team, sponsors and family.”

P3 | Ana Carrasco | Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team | 1’49.514
“I’m happy with this first day, and a front row start is important. I knew this round would be a tough one as many riders know the Misano track and know how to be fast here. Conditions were hotter this afternoon, but the biggest problem for me today was the wind, actually. We have good pace I think, but the slipstream is also important here. I think we’re in for a hard-fought race, and probably a last lap battle between four or five riders, so I’ll do my best to be in a good position. I’m working well with the team and have good confidence. There’s not so much we can modify on the bike, but my team are doing all they can to help. As for this inaugural round of the WorldWCR, it’s great to have so many countries represented and so many riders on the grid.”

World Supersport: Huertas Under Race Record In FP1 At Misano

Adrian Huertas (99). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Adrian Huertas (99). Photo courtesy Dorna.

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

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

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

 

WSS FP1

WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Dominates FP1 At Misano

Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.

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

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

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

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

 

WSBK FP1

WorldSBK: Alex Lowes Signs With Bimota By Kawasaki Racing Team

Alex Lowes. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Europe.
Alex Lowes. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Europe.

Lowes Signs For 2025 Bimota By Kawasaki Racing Team Project

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MotoAmerica: Herfoss Leads Bagger Class Heading Into Brainerd

The Mission King Of The Baggers will be led into Brainerd International Raceway by championship points leader Troy Herfoss (17). The Australian will be pulling double duty this weekend as he will also race in the Steel Commander Superbike class. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Troy Herfoss (17), as seen earlier this season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

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

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

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

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

Mission King Of The Baggers – Herfoss vs. Wyman

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

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

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

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

BellissiMoto Twins Cup – Landers On Top

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

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

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

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

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

Junior Cup – Chapin By Nine

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

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

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

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

Supersport – A Superbike Battle In Supersport

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

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

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

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

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

Stock 1000 – 39 Is Fine

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

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

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

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

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

Pre-Race Brainerd Support Notes…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About MotoAmerica

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

 

 

 

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

RACE PREVIEW:  BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
  

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

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

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

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

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

QUOTE BOARD:

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

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

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

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

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

Johann Zarco. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Johann Zarco. Photo courtesy Dorna.

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

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

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

*1 FIM: Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme

Takumi Takahashi  30

(AGE: 34, SAITAMA) 

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

Teppei Nagoe  30

(AGE: 26, TOKYO) 

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

Johann Zarco  30

(AGE: 33, FRANCE) 

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

Video: RSD Creates Ed Kretz-Inspired Indian Scout, Forged P1

A 2025 Indian Sport Scout. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
A 2025 Indian Sport Scout. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.

Utilizing the all-new Indian Scout as the base, Indian Motorcycle has tapped three renowned builders to fabricate one-of-a-kind custom bikes – each pulling inspiration from legendary stories of iconic Indian Scout riders.   

Kicking off the series is Roland Sands and RSD, followed by Brittney Olsen, a champion American antique motorcycle racer and founder of 20th Century Racing, and closing with renowned Swedish build shop, Unique Custom Cycles.

 

 

With a reputation for high-performance custom motorcycles, RSD turned to the storied racing history of Indian Motorcycle and Ed Kretz to inspire their Forged build. Kretz, most famous for his victory at the inaugural Daytona 200 in 1937 aboard his Indian Scout, is admired by Sands not only as a fellow racer and builder of many high-performance Indian Motorcycle race bikes but also for his spirit of never giving up, an attitude that earned him the moniker of ‘Iron Man.’

Choosing the new Indian Sport Scout as the basis for their build, RSD discussed bringing their Indian FTR racing experience to the project to create a street version of a SuperHooligan racer, while keeping it rideable for everyday use.

Indian Motorcycle’s Forged custom build series highlights how customization and personalization was at the forefront when Indian Motorcycle designers and engineers began developing the next evolution of Indian Scout. The Scout’s new steel tube frame delivers an approachable platform for customization, as the tank, fenders and subframe can be easily removed and replaced.

Indian Motorcycle’s Forged custom build program is a six-part video series highlighting three unique interpretations of the all-new 2025 Indian Scout, inspired by the stories and personalities that have made the Scout such an icon for more than a century. Each design and development video will roll out in the coming weeks, while final reveals will take place later this summer. 

For more information, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

MotoGP: Bastianini And Vinales Sign With Red Bull KTM Orange

Maverick Vinales (left) and KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer (right). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Tech3.
Maverick Vinales (left) and KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer (right). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Orange.

BASTIANINI & VIÑALES TO BRING FIERCE MOTOGP™ SPEED AS TECH3 PIVOT TO RED BULL KTM ORANGE FOR 2025

A potent line-up and fresh color scheme will mark a new era for KTM’s MotoGP™ factory presence in 2025. The re-branded Red Bull KTM Tech3 squad will complement the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team with two stellar names in Grand Prix winners Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales.

The Italian, 26 from Rimini, and the Spaniard, 29 from Roses, will be equipped with full-factory KTM RC16 machinery in 2025 as part of a multi-year agreement and will form a Red Bull orange quartet with stars Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta in the adjacent set-up.

Bastianini made his world championship debut ten years ago (after also ruling races in the Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup) with a KTM RC4. He claimed six victories and more than 30 podiums in both Moto3™ and Moto2™ through a seven-season education phase where he also improved to grasp the 2020 crown in the intermediate class. Enea entered MotoGP™ in 2021 at the age of 23 and has logged 5 wins and 12 podiums through the course of his three and a half years in the division to-date. Noted for his natural ability and excellence for maximizing his technical ‘package’ across the full race distance, ‘La Bestia’ will be a formidable asset for the Red Bull KTM Tech3 outfit.

Already a race winner in 2024, and the first rider in the MotoGP™-era to triumph with three different brands; Maverick Viñales brings outstanding experience and talent to the team. #12 was actually KTM’s second-ever Moto3™ world champion back in 2013 for what was the then-teenager’s third term in Grand Prix and a career spell where four seasons in both Moto3™ and Moto2™ resulted in four consecutive top-three championship finishes. He joined the premier class in 2015 and registered the first of his 10 MotoGP™ successes (35 podium appearances) the following campaign. Viñales has banked two championship bronze medals in his decade tenure and has won at least one Grand Prix in seven of those ten years in MotoGP™. Maverick’s acute feeling, pace and fitness make him one of the leading names on the MotoGP™ grid.

 

NICOLAS GOYON

TECH3 RACING MOTOGP TEAM MANAGER

“We are delighted to announce that Enea and Maverick will be with us next year as we convert back to KTM. We cannot forget our first MotoGP wins were taken in orange! We are proud that these two talented riders have decided to ride our bikes. It shows we’ve followed the right road, and our technology can fight at the front for the championship. We would like to thank Pierer Mobility AG for the quality of their support. Our collaboration has reached the top level this year and I’m sure it will keep growing in the future. We’d also like to thank Red Bull for their dedication with us. We have a clear commitment towards victory and that’s why Enea and Maverick have decided to join the program.”

PIT BEIRER

KTM MOTORSPORTS DIRECTOR

“We’re very happy we could bring both Enea and Maverick into our MotoGP project and give them full factory backing and support to keep following their goals and to reach their maximum performance. It’s clear we are talking about two of the fastest riders in the world right now and it is a compliment that they trust us and the first-class operation we’ve created together with Red Bull KTM Tech3. The team’s label for 2025 says it all: it is time to strengthen the KTM name again and we couldn’t think of a better way to bring this kind of value to the company than for Enea and Maverick to go full Red Bull orange. Let’s push on for the rest of 2024 now and then look forward to this new start for next year.”

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