AHRMA Vintage Racing: Daniel May Named Interim Executive Director

John Ulrich

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August 3, 2023

AHRMA Vintage Racing: Daniel May Named Interim Executive Director

AHRMA Announces New Leadership

(August 3, 2023, Knoxville, TN) An interim Executive Director and Special Committee Chairman have been appointed to lead the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA)

Daniel May will serve as interim Executive Director and will focus on AHRMA’s Road Racing and Dirt Track programs.

May, who collects, builds, and races vintage motorcycles has been an AHRMA member since 2011. He currently serves as the AHRMA Road Race points keeper and had served on the AHRMA Road Race Planning Committee. He was honored as the 2022 AHRMA Volunteer of the year. May is a retired entrepreneur who held executive-level positions in the computer software financial services industries.

May takes over the AHRMA helm from Craig Grantham who served as Executive Director since December 2021.

Ed Roman, a long-time AHRMA member (member number 425) and competitor who has also served as AHRMA’s Northeast Region Coordinator and event organizer, was appointed as Special Committee Chairman and will focus on AHRMA’s Vintage Motocross, Post Vintage MX, Next Gen MX Observed Trials, and Cross Country programs.

The AHRMA Board of Trustees appointed May and Roman during a special meeting held August 2.

“Both Dan and Ed bring years of successful business acumen and a thorough understanding of the AHRMA culture. Appointing two, experienced volunteer leaders to these key positions will significantly reduce our organizational overhead and position us for sustainability into the future,” said Carl Anderson, Chairman of the AHRMA Board of Trustees. “Daniel and Ed will work collaboratively to increase AHRMA membership and event participation in all of our racing and disciplines.”

Anderson said these leadership changes should not result in any changes to AHRMA’s remaining events during 2023 unless there are factors beyond AHRMA’s control.

“We also want to thank Craig Grantham for the long hours spent putting our accounting systems, policies and operating procedures in order,” Anderson said. “Thanks to his efforts, AHRMA has a solid foundation and a competent staff on which to build for the future.”

Anderson said the AHRMA Board of Trustees is looking forward to working with May and Roman, to provide AHRMA members with the best national vintage motorcycle competition experience possible in the current economically challenging environment.

About AHRMA:

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

MotoGP: Pol Espargaro Declared Fit To Ride At Silverstone

David Swarts

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August 3, 2023

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MotoGP: Pol Espargaro Declared Fit To Ride At Silverstone

POL GETS THE GREEN LIGHT FOR MOTOGP™ BRITISH GRAND PRIX RETURN!

2023 MotoGP news

GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 will at last welcome back their ‘captain’ as former world champ and multiple MotoGP podium finisher, Pol Espargaro, passed a compulsory fitness test today at Silverstone and will take part in the British Grand Prix – round nine of the series – this weekend.

The MotoGP star is feeling fit and strong and is ready to return to the saddle of the GASGAS RC16 for the first time in competition since the season-opening round in Portugal during March. Pol made decent progress in his recovery from a back injury and is now eager to re-join the GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 pitbox and his crew. #44 easily sailed through the medical checks at the historic British circuit that is one of the longest and fastest on the calendar and is pumped to tackle his first MotoGP Sprint on Saturday and Grand Prix dispute ‘in red’ on Sunday.

Pol’s presence and his competitive experience is sure to spread to rookie teammate Augusto Fernandez who has been learning and impressing at the ‘deep end’ of MotoGP racing so far. GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 will field their original rider roster for just the second time this year when Free Practice gets underway on Friday morning.

Pol Espargaro #44: “Finally! I’m really happy the day has arrived when I can get back in the paddock, see my team and get back on the bike. I’ve missed this part of my life a lot. I know it will not be easy this weekend, in fact, it will be like starting the pre-season again. I will have to listen to my body, understand the new bike and also get familiar with the format this year. I really want to thank everyone at the Pierer Mobility Group and all those who have been behind me and supporting me.”

AHRMA: Race Results From Gingerman Raceway

David Swarts

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August 2, 2023

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AHRMA: Race Results From Gingerman Raceway

Complete race results from the Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series event held July 29-30 at Gingerman Raceway, in South Haven, Michigan.

07 RRW 2023 Gingerman Raceway - Weekend Results (1)

American Matsudaira Finishes P4 In Yamaha R3 Cup In Thailand

David Swarts

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August 2, 2023

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American Matsudaira Finishes P4 In Yamaha R3 Cup In Thailand

American Kensei Matsudaira Makes Racing Debut in Thailand with Top 5 Finish

Japanese-American Kensei Matsudaira represented the US as a wildcard rider in the most recent Yamaha bLU cRU R3 Cup championship race held at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand. He was joined as a wildcard in the race by four Yamaha R3 racers from Japan.

Switching from the GP bikes he has been racing in Spain, Kensei rode the Yamaha R3 production bike for the first time in the sole free practice session of the weekend before qualifying in ninth place, 2.2 seconds behind pole position. Despite the change in riding style required for production bikes, Kensei got up to speed quickly and felt confident for the races.

In Race One, Kensei got a great launch off the line and was up to P4 by the first corner, and from there he fought his way up to the top of the leading group and raced in the first or second position for the majority of the race, setting the fastest lap of the race along the way. He was leading the race going into the final corner but was taken out by contact from the inside by another rider who was later penalized for the move. Kensei was still able to pick up the bike and finish in seventh place.

Unfortunately, Kensei injured his hand in the crash and was taken to the medical center. After an x-ray confirmed no broken bones, he was cleared to race again on Sunday.

Race Two unfolded in a similar way with Kensei racing in the top group, fighting for position with the top three Japanese riders despite being unable to push as hard as he would have like due to the injury on his right hand. Kensei finished the race in 4th, just 0.2 second being the race winner.

“I felt pretty good in Race One, I was struggling with the suspension being too stiff for me but I felt confident to win or at least get on the podium, so I was really disappointed to get taken out like I did. Luckily, I didn’t break anything so I could try again the next day,” Kensei said after the races. “In Race Two the pace was good but my injured hand meant I couldn’t brake as hard and the suspension chatter I struggled with all weekend prevented me from pushing harder. In the end I was quite happy to have been able to fight at the very front, which was mostly with the Japanese riders. I learned a lot with this bike, you definitely have to ride it differently than the GP style bikes, but at the end it’s a bike so what you need to go fast is pretty similar.”

Kensei and his family would like to thank Yamaha Thailand, TJ Corse, and Bilmola USA for this special opportunity to race in Thailand.

Kensei will resume his regular road racing schedule with Round 5 of the RFME ESBK championship will be held at Circuito de Navarra in Los Arcos, Spain on September 16-17, 2023.

Kensei and the Evike.com Nox#27 Racing Team would like to thank all of Kensei’s sponsors for their support this year:

Evike.com, Evike Europe, HJC Helmets, Dave Designs, Almassera El Teular, Orange Cat Racing, Iconic Motorbikes, Bison Track, Moto Tecnica, Karen E. Ott Photography, BSP Racing, American Racing Team & Academy, The Starting Grid, TJ Corse, VNM Sport, NLAB Studio, California Superbike School, MadLabs Minimoto, Hans King, 73 Moto Parts, D.I.D Chain, Galfer USA, Bickle Racing, Yoshimura R&D, Vortex Racing, Suspension Matters, Moto Survival School, Live 100 Moto, TechSpec, Landers Racing, Boyko Racing, Mini Moto Alliance

Results - Yamaha R3 bLU cRU Thailand Round 3

ASRA: Chapin, Hastings, Heckles, Townsend Win At NCBIKE

David Swarts

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August 2, 2023

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ASRA: Chapin, Hastings, Heckles, Townsend Win At NCBIKE

Round 13 of the 2023 ASRA racing series was held July 30-31 at NCBIKE, located in Garysburg, North Carolina, where ambient temperatures hovered around 100 degrees F each day.

Former World Superbike racer Mark Heckles, riding his Yamaha YZF-R1, won the nine-lap ASRA Superstock race by more than 11 seconds with a best lap time of 1:24.375.

Stephen Townsend (97) won the ASRA Sportbike race, while Jason Waters (678) placed third. Photo by Apex Pro Photo, courtesy ASRA.

Stephen Townsend rode his Yamaha R6 to victory in the 10-lap ASRA Sportbike race, topping the seven-rider field by 3.7 seconds and turning a best lap time of 1:28.486.

ASRA Thunderbike race winner Arnold Hastings (center) with runner-up Terry Ferguson (right) and third-place finisher John Greer (left). Photo courtesy ASRA.

Arnold Hastings used a 2023-model KTM Duke 790 shod in Triumph race bodywork to take first place in the nine-lap ASRA Thunderbike sprint, recording a best lap time of 1:29.686 and winning by more than 10 seconds.

Matthew Chapin (9). Photo by Apex Pro Photo, courtesy ASRA.

Matthew Chapin triumphed in the nine-lap ASRA 400 race, winning by over eight seconds on his Kawasaki Ninja 400. According to ASRA, Chapin is planning to make his MotoAmerica Junior Cup debut at Pittsburgh International Race Complex. For full results, visit www.asraracing.com.

American Flat Track: Mees Leads By One Point Heading To Black Hills HM

David Swarts

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August 2, 2023

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American Flat Track: Mees Leads By One Point Heading To Black Hills HM

Progressive AFT Title Fight Sturgis Bound for Black Hills Half-Mile

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 2, 2023) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is set to showcase its thrilling Grand National Championship title fight before a rapt audience of diehard motorcycle enthusiasts at this weekend’s The City of Sturgis Black Hills Half-Mile presented by Black Hills Harley-Davidson at Black Hills Speedway in Rapid City, South Dakota, on Sunday, August 6.

The high-profile event will be featured at this year’s 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally – which is expected to draw more than 500,000 attendees – and comes just a week removed from an explosive Peoria TT that had the potential to completely upset a raging Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle championship battle.

Ultimately, however, the dramatic affair resulted in just a three-point swing at the top of the order. That was enough, however, to move reigning class king Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) back into first, one point ahead of his young challenger, Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT).

While still very much either riders’ championship to win, the outcome in Peoria could still prove pivotal. Rather than looking to gain back ground at Black Hills Speedway, Mees is now operating from a position of strength at a venue he’s won at three times in the past (‘15, ‘17, and ‘18).

That, along with his status as the winningest Half-Miler in the history of the series, makes Mees the pre-race favorite coming into the weekend. However, Daniels did manage to upset Mees the last time the two squared off on a Half-Mile with his 0.095-second victory at the Drag Specialties Bridgeport Half-Mile a week-and-a-half-back.

Last year’s Black Hills Half-Mile saw its Mission SuperTwins Main rained out, but the lead-up to that point hinted at a clash featuring not just Mees and Daniels, but also Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke) and last weekend’s winner, JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT).

Due to the inclement weather, Bauman actually stands as the most recent winner of the race, having captured victory at Black Hills Speedway in 2019.

Several others have the potential to play the role of spoiler this weekend while sorting out their own championship disputes. Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) currently holds a small lead over Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) as they contend for fifth in the standings along with bragging rights as the top independent Indian.

Meanwhile, the likes of Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke), Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07), Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750), and Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) will continue to look for ways to make waves.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

While the commanding title lead of defending Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champ Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) and incredible second half of Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) have naturally made them the focus of attention, Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) has emerged a genuine force to be reckoned with.

Brunner has climbed to second in the championship order with three top-two finishes over his last four attempts, including his first victory of the season this past weekend in Peoria. The Estenson Racing pilot now carries that momentum into Black Hills Speedway where he won at a year ago.

Considering Kopp’s Half-Mile chops and Drane’s current form, they are obvious contenders for victory as well. Others to keep tabs on are the Turner Honda Racing trio of Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R). Saathoff is less than ten points removed from second in the championship having already netted seven podiums on the season, while Mischler and Lowe went 2-3 here a year ago.

Fourth place in last year’s race went to Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), who showed renewed speed with a run to fifth in Peoria.

Meanwhile, there are a pair of former Black Hills Half-Mile winners who are itching to make similar resurgences in Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 450 SX-F) and Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450), the duo having won here in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

There will be plenty to keep fans entertained at the track on Sunday as well, including numerous vendors and dedicated motorcycle parking.

General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $25 (kids 12 and under $5), with Premium General Admission Grandstand tickets only $10 more. VIP tickets, which offer access to an exclusive indoor viewing area and include food and beverage, are $125.

Pit Pass Upgrades are also available for purchase, which provide all-day access to the pits where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/black-hills-half-mile-73564 to reserve your seats today.

Gates will open for fans at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT).

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.

FOX Sports coverage of theThe City of Sturgis Black Hills Half-Mile presented by Black Hills Harley-Davidson, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, August 13, at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT).

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

MRA: Hendry, Rizzo Secure Their First Premier Class Wins Of 2023

David Swarts

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August 2, 2023

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MRA: Hendry, Rizzo Secure Their First Premier Class Wins Of 2023

Hendry and Rizzo Dominate at Pueblo Motorsports Park

Pueblo, CO – The fifth race of the 2023 MRA Championship Series took place at Pueblo Motorsports Park over the weekend of July 29-30^th on their 2.2 mile road course. Pueblo, Colorado is known for its hot and windy climate this time of year, and this weekend was no exception. Racers endured temperatures nearing 100 degrees and winds guts up to 20 mph throughout the weekend, which posed a significant challenge for some racers.

The Race of the Rockies Qualifying on Sunday was conducted under decent conditions as temperatures had not yet risen to the 90’s. Ray Thornton, staying true to his form, claimed pole position with a best time of (1:31.11) followed by James Wilkerson (1:31.23) and Brad Hendry (1:31.55).

The start of RoR did not go well for Thornton as his bike’s power shut off within 20 feet of the launch. Thornton power cycled his bike multiple times and finally got it going, but at this point he was 54 seconds behind the leader. Wilkerson led the opening lap and was looking very strong, but midway through lap two a mechanical issue caused him to retire from the race. This opened the door for Mike Applegate to take the lead at the end of the second lap, in close pursuit was Hendry and Jason Martinez. By lap three Hendry was all over Applegate and executed a perfect pass to take the lead. Once out in front Hendry put his head down and started clicking off consistent lap times in the 1:30’s and ultimately maintained his lead for the remainder of the race. Thornton was able to carve his way through the field, passing seven riders, which helped him salvage a few championship points. Hendry took his first RoR win of the season, with Applegate coming in second and Martinez in third. Despite coming in seventh place, Thornton maintains a sizable lead in the RoR championship.

In Race of the Rockies GTU, Salvatore Rizzo got an excellent start and led the opening four laps. Jared Dear, last year’s RoR GTU class champion, made it back for his first race of the year and was in close pursuit of Rizzo. By lap five, Dear took the lead and did his best to hold off a determined Rizzo. However, on lap 13, Rizzo seized his opportunity and took the lead back from Dear. Once out in front, Rizzo was able to pull a small gap on Dear and maintain his lead for the remainder of the race. Further back in the field, Tyrel Diekmann was sitting in a comfortable third, but Dennis Stowers was chipping away at the gap every lap. By lap 13 Stowers passed Diekmann for third place and managed to hold him off until the checkered flag. Rizzo secured his first RoR GTU win of the season, and with only two rounds remaining in the championship, he is within striking distance of Ken Yee’s points lead. Rounding out the podium was Dear in second, and Stowers in third.

Next up, the MRA heads to High Plains Raceway in Byers, CO for Round 6 on August 26-27 for a full weekend of racing including the SuperStreet event on Saturday afternoon. SuperStreet gives street riders the opportunity to experience motorcycle road racing with minimal cost and preparation. See https://www.mra-racing.org/superstreet/superstreet-information for details.

The MRA welcomes racers from other clubs across the nation. If you’re a currently licensed racer, we have several reciprocity agreements in place along with very competitive pricing on license & entries to our 20 classes. Click here for MRA membership & entry information.

The Motorcycle Roadracing Association is dedicated to promoting safe and competitive motorcycle road racing events for enthusiasts in Colorado and the surrounding area. For more information go to http://www.mra-racing.org/.

RRW 2023 MRA Final Results Round 5

BMW Motorrad Days Americas Debuting At Barber Motorsports Park

David Swarts

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August 2, 2023

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BMW Motorrad Days Americas Debuting At Barber Motorsports Park

BMW Motorrad USA announces BMW Motorrad Days Americas.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – Aug. 3, 2023…BMW Motorrad USA is proud to announce that, for the very first time, BMW Motorrad Days will be celebrated in the United States, and will be held in partnership with the Barber Vintage Festival in Birmingham, AL. Taking place from October 6-8, 2023, BMW Motorrad Days Americas will be a celebration of the storied 100 Year history of BMW motorcycles. BMW Motorrad looks forward to celebrating its very special centenary with not only BMW fans but with all motorcycling fans from all over the Americas. It will be a weekend not to be missed!

In December 1922, BMW chief designer Max Friz put the first full-scale BMW motorcycle on the drawing board. At its heart was a 494 cc, 8.5 hp, air-cooled two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer engine. The first BMW motorcycle, the R 32, was unveiled in September 1923 at the German Motor Show in Berlin. Production began that same month in an area of the BMW engine works on the edge of the Munich’s Oberwiesenfeld airfield. Just 56 motorcycles were built that first year. Those humble beginnings of BMW motorcycle production launched an unprecedented success story that would span a century.

For 15 years, thousands of fans from around the world have traveled to Germany to celebrate BMW Motorrad Days and finally, during this important year, the fans from all over the Americas will have an event of their own where they can gather to celebrate with friends, old and new.

“We are so very excited to have the opportunity to celebrate our 100 Year anniversary with our friends at the Barber Motorsports Park,” said Luciana Francisco, Head of Marketing and Product, BMW Motorrad USA. “After all, you only get to celebrate such a significant milestone once and you have to do it right. There is no better event than the Barber Vintage Festival to co-host the first ever BMW Motorrad Days Americas. We look forward to celebrating our centenary with the extended BMW enthusiast family from Canada to Argentina and from all of the amazing places in between.”

The Barber Vintage Festival, a three-day motorcycle festival, is one of the largest vintage festivals in the country. Each year, this event brings 65,000+ motorcycle fans from around the country.

“We are honored to have the first ever BMW Motorrad Days Americas take place at Barber Vintage Festival,” said George Dennis, President of ZOOM Motorsports, the exclusive promotor of Barber Motorsports Park. “This event is a must-see for any motorcycle fans or Birmingham residents.”

The three-day festival will include vintage racing, a fan zone with vendors and entertainment, a swap meet with hundreds of vendors selling vintage motorcycles and parts, demo rides, training experiences, family fun and of course, the world-famous Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.

Experiences will include:

Fan Zone: Product display, beer garden, live music, food trucks, partner displays, merchandise store, kid zone
Ride Experiences: Demo Rides of the latest motorcycles, Off Road demos led by BMW Performance Center, Electric demos with the CE 04 and more.
Stunt Shows: Chris McNeil performing awe inspiring stunts all weekend! (TBD)
Ride in Bike Show: Vintage and Custom motorcycles with special awards
Barber Museum Scavenger Hunt: explore the museum to find historic highlights
DoubleR Fest: Register to ride on-track with Nate Kern during DoubleR Fest, Monday Oct 9^th. You do not have to ride a BMW motorcycle, but seats are limited so register now! https://www.kerntrackdays.com/event-details/doublerfest-barber.

Discounted Festival Tickets through BMW Motorrad USA

Attendees can purchase Barber Vintage Festival tickets at a 20% discount by registering through BMW Motorrad Days Americas and they may pre-register for BMW Demo Rides by visiting the following link https://mdaysamericas.bmwmotorcyclesevents.com.

Event Information and Links

Dates: October 6-8

Location: Barber Motorsports Park

Address: 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Leeds, AL 35094

BMW Motorrad Days Americas Information

https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/experience/events/BMW-Motorrad-Days-Americas.html#/section-bmw-motorrad-100-years

Barber Vintage Festival Information

https://www.barbermuseum.org/barber-vintage-festival/

BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,146 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

www.bmwgroup.com and www.bmwmotorcycles.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BMWMotorradUSA

Twitter: www.facebook.com/BMWMotorradUSA

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@bmwmotorrad

WorldSBK: Jerez Hosting 2023 Season Finale

David Swarts

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August 2, 2023

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WorldSBK: Jerez Hosting 2023 Season Finale

Jerez to host the final round of the 2023 WorldSBK season

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship will be back at the iconic Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto for the 12th and final round of the 2023 season, on October 27th-29th. The Prometeon Spanish Round will replace the previously scheduled curtain-closer in Argentina.

The presence of Spain in WorldSBK began at Jerez in 1990 with the opening round of that season – the Championship returned to the Andalusian venue on several occasions – in the mid-2010s and more recently from 2019 to 2021. The Spanish venue has hosted 21 WorldSBK races in its history, with the latest held in September 2021.

With this latest update, the WorldSBK and WorldSSP seasons will conclude their respective campaigns at Jerez at the end of October. The WorldSSP300 season will finish as planned with the Pirelli Portuguese Round at Portimao from the 29th September to 1st October.

Arturo Bernal – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Junta of Andalusia:

“Our partnership with the FIM Superbike World Championship is long and lasting. We are happy to be able to announce this final event, which will surely attract many racing fans to the Circuito de Jerez. There is no better place than Andalusia to host this race. Our region is a guarantee of success in organising major sporting events. I want to thank the strong collaboration between the Junta de Andalucía, the Jerez City Council, and Dorna to give even more relevance to a city that is already known throughout the world for its link to motorsports.”

María José García Pelayo – Mayor, Jerez de la Frontera:

“It represents a great opportunity for Jerez and for the Circuit to see the return of WorldSBK. Jerez is once again positioning itself as a world motorcycling reference, as an emblematic circuit for riders, teams, and fans. A circuit that, with the return of WorldSBK, begins a new period of momentum. Hosting the round initially planned in Argentina at Jerez is a milestone, thanks to the collaboration of the City Council, the Junta de Andalusia, and Dorna. All three parties are aware that Jerez is an icon for world motorcycling, and that all the major motor racing events must go through the Circuito de Jerez.”

Gregorio Lavilla – WorldSBK Executive Director:

“We are delighted to bring the WorldSBK championship back to its roots at the legendary Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto for the final round of the 2023 season. Jerez holds a special place in the history of our sport, and it is only fitting that we conclude this remarkable season at a venue with such rich heritage. We look forward to witnessing the fierce competition and celebrating the sport’s legacy with the passionate fans in Andalusia.”

MotoGP: Rins Replacing Morbidelli At Monster Energy Yamaha

David Swarts

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August 2, 2023

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MotoGP: Rins Replacing Morbidelli At Monster Energy Yamaha

Yamaha Sign Alex Rins for the 2024 MotoGP Season as a Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Rider

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is delighted to announce that Alex Rins will be joining the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team for the 2024 season alongside Fabio Quartararo.

Silverstone (UK), 2nd August 2023

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce the signing of Alex Rins. He will be joining Yamaha‘s factory team rider line-up for the 2024 MotoGP season alongside Fabio Quartararo.

The vastly experienced Spaniard has many premier-class and lower-class race victories (6x MotoGP, 4x Moto2, 8x Moto3, 18 in total) and podiums (18x MotoGP, 17x Moto2, 23x Moto3, 58 in total) to his name. His vast experience and undeniable talent make him a fully qualified and welcome addition to the Yamaha rider line-up.

Following Rins‘ leg injury sustained in the 2023 Italian GP Sprint, MotoGP fans the world over eagerly anticipate his return to action. He underwent two surgeries and is working hard on making a full recovery.

LIN JARVIS
Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing

“We are delighted that Alex is joining the Yamaha line-up, and we warmly welcome him to the Yamaha MotoGP group.

“We expect Alex to be a great asset. He has vast experience as a MotoGP rider and is known to be a natural talent and a multi-time MotoGP class race winner. He already has experience with two other MotoGP manufacturers and has ridden bikes with similar characteristics to the YZR-M1, which should help him adapt quickly to our bike. His win in COTA earlier this year underlines his speed, hunger, and determination to succeed.

“Alex has been away from the MotoGP paddock for a while due to the injury he sustained at Mugello, but we are confident that he should be fully recovered and up to speed for the 2024 season. We are really looking forward to working with him and believe that he will collaborate well with Fabio and enhance the total performance of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team.”

Alex Rins, Personal Profile

Date of Birth: 08-12-1995

Place of Birth: Barcelona

Nationality: Spanish

Height: 176cm

Weight: 72 kg

Grand Prix Debut: 2012 Qatar GP

MotoGP Debut: 2017 Qatar GP

First GP Win: 2013 Americas GP (Moto3)

First Premier Class Win: 2019 Americas GP

GP Wins: 18 (6x MotoGP, 4x Moto2, 8x Moto3)

GP Podiums: 58 (18x MotoGP, 17x Moto2, 23x Moto3)

Poles: 17 (4x Moto2, 13x Moto3)

Alex Rins, Racing Career

2023 MotoGP World Championship (13th – 47 points) [Injured since the Italian GP Sprint]

2022 MotoGP World Championship (7th – 173 points)

2021 MotoGP World Championship (13th – 99 points)

2020 MotoGP World Championship (3rd – 139 points)

2019 MotoGP World Championship (4th – 205 points)

2018 MotoGP World Championship (5th– 169 points)

2017 MotoGP World Championship (16th – 59 points)

2016 Moto2 World Championship (3rd – 214 points)

2015 Moto2 World Championship (2nd – 234 points)

2014 Moto3 World Championship (3rd – 237 points)

2013 Moto3 World Championship (2nd – 311 points)

2012 Moto3 World Championship (5th – 141 points)

Alex Rins, Rider Biography

Alex Rins won the CEV in 2011 before moving up to the Moto3 World Championship in 2012 and gaining the title of Rookie of the Year. A title contender down to the last corner in 2013, with more wins and podiums, the Spaniard was just beaten to the crown by compatriot Maverick Viñales.

After a more difficult 2014 affected slightly by injury, Rins moved to Moto2 for 2015 and was Rookie of the Year, taking two wins in his debut season in the intermediate class. A title challenger in 2016, the former National Champion finished the season in third after more impressive wins and podiums and moved up to MotoGP in 2017 with Team Suzuki Ecstar.

Despite some trouble with injury and missed races, Rins was impressive and took some top-five results as a rookie – a good springboard for his sophomore season. He went on to take five podiums in 2018 and consistently fight at the front: another solid foundation for 2019. The next step was claiming a maiden MotoGP victory at the Americas GP before repeating the feat in Silverstone.

2020 was another outstanding year for the Spaniard as he claimed victory in the Aragon GP as well as podium finishes in the Catalan, Teruel, and European GPs, helping him achieve third overall in the Championship.

2021, however, was a year to forget for Rins, with crashes at crucial times costing him dearly. He had opportunities on no fewer than six occasions but only tasted podium success once, at the British GP.

The Spaniard bounced back in 2022, delivering some superb performances despite real adversity. Top of the championship after five rounds, Suzuki‘s planned exit hit the team hard, resulting in a dip in form. But magnificent wins at Phillip Island and Valencia saw Rins finish the season as the in-form man, giving him great confidence heading into a new adventure with LCR Honda.

He started this year strong, securing a dominant win at COTA, but a leg injury sustained in the Italian GP Sprint temporarily halted his 2023 campaign. Rins underwent two surgeries, missing the Italian, German, and Dutch GP.

More, from another press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:

Yamaha-Morbidelli Partnership to End After 2023 MotoGP Season

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announces that Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP and Franco Morbidelli will go their separate ways after the 2023 MotoGP season.

Silverstone (UK), 2nd August 2023

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announces that its partnership with Franco Morbidelli will be discontinued at the end of 2023 when Morbidelli will move on to new racing challenges.

Since Morbidelli joined Yamaha in 2019, the Italian achieved six podiums: three victories, one second, and two third places. He also claimed two pole positions and was MotoGP Vice World Champion in 2020. After a short break due to a knee injury during the 2021 season, Morbido made a comeback at the San Marino GP as part of the Yamaha Factory Racing Team. In total he contested 74 GPs as a Yamaha rider so far.

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Yamaha Motor Racing, and the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are extremely grateful for Morbidelli‘s contributions, never-diminishing motivation, and his positive mindset. They look forward to sharing more memorable moments during the remaining 12 MotoGP rounds of 2023.

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. wishes Morbidelli the very best in his future racing endeavours and reconfirms Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team‘s full support for him for the remainder of the season to end their partnership on a high note.

LIN JARVIS
Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing

“First and foremost, I want to thank Franky for his hard work and dedication ever since he started with the Factory Team and also long before that when he was a Satellite rider for Yamaha. The Yamaha and Morbidelli partnership led to some great results, including an outstanding vice-champion title in 2020.

“It‘s a shame that the last two years didn‘t play out the way we both wanted and hoped for. We discussed the possibilities to continue our partnership, but ultimately we decided that 2024 would be a moment to make a change, both for Yamaha and for Franky.

“The team will proceed to fully support Franky in every way we can to close out our time spent together in the best possible way.”

AHRMA Vintage Racing: Daniel May Named Interim Executive Director

August 3, 2023

New AHRMA Interim Executive Director Daniel May racing at Barber Motorsports Park. Photo by Craig Chawla.