BRL Bagger Class Added To AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days At Mid-Ohio

David Swarts

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April 4, 2024

BRL Bagger Class Added To AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days At Mid-Ohio

Bagger Class Added to Packed Vintage Road Racing Schedule at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

AMA Amateur National Bagger Championship class in partnership with Bagger Racing League running Saturday

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Classic racing motorcycles from decades past will command the freshly repaved curves of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, during 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 26-28. America’s grandest celebration of vintage motorcycles will honor eras old and new with national championship racing on one of the country’s favorite road courses.

“Mid-Ohio’s 2.4-mile road course, with its legendary Keyhole and Carousel sections, has a fresh coat of asphalt and is ready to welcome a full slate of vintage road racing during VMD,” said AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier. “Classes will include hand-shifted pre-war racers, non-current superbikes, modern machines and everything in between — even sidecar rigs. The AMA appreciates our organizing partner WERA Motorcycle Roadracing and their efforts in growing and supporting the program.”

This year, the program will shake the ground in a new way with the addition of big V-twin engines and the visual spectacle of full-faired bagger motorcycles at speed. For the first time, the AMA Amateur National Bagger Champion will be crowned at Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, and it’s certain to be a highlight of Saturday’s on-track action.

AMA-chartered promoter Bagger Racing League (BRL) is partnering with the AMA and WERA to promote and operate the amateur championship class.

“Baggers were built to tour, but in the right hands and with the right modifications they become some of the wildest racing machines on the planet,” said BRL founder Rob Buydos. “The roar they make, how they move around and attack the corners is amazing to watch, and race fans are in for a serious thrill at Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days this year. BRL is thrilled to bring this fabulous racing action to VMD for the first time during the 100th year celebration of the AMA itself.”

Amateur road racing entry information will be available soon. It will be posted, along with rules and additional competitor information at www.VintageMotorcycleDays.com/racing/road-racing/.

Staged at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features vintage and post-vintage competition in motocross, trials, hare scrambles, road racing and dirt track. In addition to demo rides of current production bikes, the event includes North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, bike shows, motorcycling seminars, the Crossroads and more.

Coinciding with the AMA’s 100th Anniversary, the 2024 event is poised to be the biggest ever, with early interest at unprecedented levels and more new events to be announced soon.

AMA members can purchase discounted tickets and secure tent camping spots through the AMA at www.VintageMotorcycleDays.com/tickets/. Tent camping is for non-reserved, non-self-contained units only, and spaces are first-come, first-served. RV passes are required for an RV or self-contained unit and are on sale, alongside non-AMA member tickets, at www.midohio.com/.

Proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days support the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The AMHF raises money for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which celebrates and preserves the rich tradition of motorcycling in America. Its exhibits honor the distinguished men and women whose competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship have played a vital role in shaping the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling. For more information, call (614) 856-2222 or visit www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com/hall-of-fame/.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. Names New President

David Swarts

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April 4, 2024

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Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. Names New President

KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A. APPOINTS NEW PRESIDENT

Foothill Ranch, Calif. – Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. welcomes Naoki Kawaguchi to the role of President effective immediately. Mr. Kawaguchi has a long history with Kawasaki most recently serving as the Executive Vice President, 4-Wheel Business at Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. where he oversaw continued sales growth and the highly successful launches of both the Kawasaki Teryx KRX®4 1000 and Kawasaki RIDGE® side x side vehicles.

Mr. Kawaguchi started with Kawasaki 30 years ago as an engineer and has built a diverse background in a variety of roles including Vice President (Factory Manager) at Kawasaki Motors Enterprise Co., LTD in Thailand, various roles within Marketing & Sales as well as Business Planning divisions with Kawasaki Motors, LTD in Japan, and President of Kawasaki Motores do Brazil Ltda. all prior to coming to the United States in 2022.

After leading Kawasaki’s U.S. operations through a global pandemic and helping the company achieve record retail sales, Mr. Eigo Konya will return to Kawasaki Motors, LTD. in Japan where he will serve as Deputy General Manager of Sales & Marketing, Senior Manager of Sales Planning Division, and Manager of Accessories Section.

“This is a very exciting time for Kawasaki,” said Mr. Kawaguchi. “My time dedicated to growing our 4-wheel business culminated with the successful launch of the Kawasaki RIDGE and we have big goals to continue to grow our side x side business along with building on our successful 2-wheel and Jet Ski® heritage. Kawasaki is fortunate to have the best dealer network in the industry and the future is looking very bright.”

Roadracing World Young Guns 2024: Matthew Chapin

David Swarts

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April 4, 2024

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Roadracing World Young Guns 2024: Matthew Chapin

Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 28th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.

Roadracing World Young Guns have won:

FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;

MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 13 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;

A KTM RC Cup World Final race;

WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;

ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;

AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;

USGPRU National Championships;

Many regional and local titles.

The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.

We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2024 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.

The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.

We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.

The entire Roadracing World Young Guns, Class of 2024 is featured in the April 2024 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine.

Matthew Chapin

Age: 16.

Current home: Damascus, Maryland.

Current height/weight: 5’5”/115 pounds.

Current school grade level: 10^th grade.

Began riding at age: 4 years.

First road race: 2018, NJminiGP, Millville, New Jersey, Spec 50, 3^rd place.

Current racebike: Kawasaki Ninja 400.

Current tuners/mechanics: Mike Skowronek, Phillip Chapin (father).

Primary race series: MotoAmerica Junior Cup, N2/WERA National Endurance Championship, ASRA.

Top sponsors: BARTCON Racing, Bison, Sportbike Track Gear, KYT, Woodcraft, Blud Lubricants, Triple Strong Racing, JT Motorsports, Spears Racing, Vortex, NJminiGP, GLS Autobody, Kings Valley Painting & Drywall, Commonground Custom T’s, Savage Viking Coffee & Beard Oil, Historic GP, GPR.

Recent racing accomplishments: 2023 season, took 2 top-10 finishes in MotoAmerica Junior Cup debut at Pittsburgh International Race Complex (a.k.a. PittRace), won E Superstock Expert WERA National Challenge Championship, won D Superstock and E Superstock Expert WERA Sportsman National Championships (8 race wins with WERA), won 3 ASRA Regional Class Championships (400 Superbike, 400 GT Expert, 400 GP Expert); 2022 season, placed 13^th in FIM North America Talent Cup Championship (best finish was 5^th at PittRace); 2021 season, won 4 DMVminiGP Championships; 2020 season, won 4 DMVminiGP Championships.

2024 racing goal: Win MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship.

Racing career goal: Make a living racing motorcycles for a professional team.

Racing hero: Marc Marquez.

Favorite track: Pittsburgh International Race Complex (a.k.a. PittRace).

Hobby: Fishing and hunting with friends.

If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Playing football and lacrosse.

…

Some of the riders who have graduated from Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);

2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Corey Alexander;

AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);

2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner J.D. Beach;

five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and Moto2 World Championship point scorer Cameron Beaubier;

MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;

former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;

three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;

former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;

2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;

2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;

four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);

Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;

two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;

2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;

2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;

two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2023 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim;

2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);

2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;

eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;

2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and three-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;

MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner Teagg Hobbs;

AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;

2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;

2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;

2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, Moto2 World Championship point scorer, and MotoAmerica Superbike racer Sean Dylan Kelly;

Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;

two-time MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2020 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up Rocco Landers;

two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;

2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;

MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;

MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;

AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;

Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;

AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and three-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;

2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;

2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;

2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;

2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and powersports dealership owner Bryce Prince;

AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;

two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Championship runner-up James Rispoli;

2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;

2022 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up and 2023 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship runner-up Gus Rodio;

former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;

three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;

multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;

2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;

Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;

former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and MotoAmerica Super Hooligan race winner Cory West;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;

and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.

N2 Track Days Sponsoring 2024 N2/WERA National Endurance Series

David Swarts

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April 3, 2024

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N2 Track Days Sponsoring 2024 N2/WERA National Endurance Series

N2 Track Days to Title Sponsor the 2024 N2/WERA National Endurance Series.

Media, PA (April 2024) – N2 Track Days will be the title sponsor for the 2024 N2/WERA National Endurance Series providing the “Base Purse” for the series. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing will continue to sanction the series and provide race direction. Dunlop will continue to support the series as a contingency sponsor, on top of the “Base Purse” provided by N2. Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. will continue as a series sponsor.

“Since reviving the national endurance series in 2017 we have seen tremendous growth year after year,” said N2 Director of Racing Chris Kubricky. “In 2017, we had 63 unique teams register to run our races. In 2023, we had 283 unique teams, and we expect to break that record in 2024. This incredible growth has been in large part due to our partners at Dunlop, and we are grateful that Dunlop will continue to support our teams with an amazing $50,000 contingency program.”

N2 is currently in negotiations with sponsors for individual round title sponsorships. N2 will be issuing a purse structure in the coming weeks. “When companies sponsor the N2 National Endurance Series, 100% of the sponsorship goes to the teams in the form of purse money and championship bonuses,” said N2 CEO James Curtis. “We will have a strong ‘Base Purse’ structure this year, and we are continuing our ‘Who Will Endure’ YouTube series with Coop DeVille Productions and commentary from World Superbike announcer Michael Hill at select rounds. We have an amazing group of teams and riders committed to the series, and we are excited to get the season started.”

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities with the N2 National Endurance Series, N2 Track Days, and N2 Racing in MotoAmerica, please reach out to Chip Spalding at [email protected].

About N2: N2 – Ride, Learn, Race.

Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing. N2 successfully resurrected motorcycle endurance racing in America partnering with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro racing series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.

The N2 National Endurance Series is proudly sponsored by: N2 Track Days, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, Woodcraft Technologies, BobbleHeadMoto, WERA Motorcycle Roadracing, KYT Helmets America, R.E.B Graphics, Millennium Technologies, Wiseco Pistons, JE Pistons, Rise Moto, Ghetto Customs, Pit-Lane Moto and Yamaha Champions Riding School.

For more information:
www.n2td.org

AHRMA Spotlighting 500 Premier Class In 2025 Vintage Cup

David Swarts

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April 3, 2024

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AHRMA Spotlighting 500 Premier Class In 2025 Vintage Cup

Bikes from the Golden Age of GP Racing Featured in 2025 AHRMA Vintage Cup

(April 3, 2024) A Golden Age of Grand Prix motorcycle racing is coming to tracks across the country during 2025.

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association’s (AHRMA) 2025 Vintage Cup will highlight the 500 Premier class which was AHRMA’s first and undoubtedly the most historically significant post-war racing series.

Sponsored by Hagerty Insurance, Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2025 Vintage Cup features the 500 Premier class which includes any fully kitted 500cc OHV/OHC or 750cc side-valve four-stroke machine built before December 31, 1968.

“When the Vintage Cup concept was presented to me several years ago, the 500 Premier class was the first thing on my mind that we should feature as these motorcycles were the pinnacle of grand prix racing performance and the bikes nearest and dearest to my heart,” said Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton, 2025 Vintage Cup sponsor.

“Many of these bikes have been put away for years, becoming ornaments in people’s homes and the whole intent of this class was to bring these bikes out of retirement to the national stage with heavy competition,” Cummings said. “I couldn’t be happier to see these beautiful machines racing in anger at some of the greatest racetracks in the country. NYC Norton has been a proud sponsor of this class for years and is happy that AHRMA is hosting it yet again, for the Vintage Cup. Let’s bring them out, people!”

Typical AHRMA 500 Premier grids include wide variety motorcycles from Norton Manx, Matchless G50, 500 Triton, Honda, Ducati, Gilero, MV Agusta, and more.

“For a lot of racers and race fans, when you ask them to imagine ‘vintage’ road racers, they think of 500cc bikes from the mid to late 60s,” said Greg Tomlinson, 2024 Chair of the AHRMA Board of Trustees. “Unfortunately, those same bikes that stir the imagination aren’t seen or heard much anymore. Fortunately, putting the 2025 Vintage Cup spotlight on them will bring them back to the track.”

“AHRMA continues to do its part providing a series for people to ride historic racebikes on the track, where they can be seen and heard in action. Roadracing World is happy to be involved with the Vintage Cup program in 2025. “Go out and have some fun on old bikes!” said John Ulrich, Founder & Editor of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine.

The Vintage Cup will be highlighted during and after each of the 2025 AHRMA National road races. Added enhancements for the 2025 season include:

Enhanced trophies throughout the season.
Special awards for series champion.
Articles and photos on Roadracingworld.com to spotlight the class.
Roadracing World print magazine enhanced exposure for AHRMA and 500 Premier.
Discounted race entry fees.
Racer spotlight features in AHRMA MAG.
Class champion on cover of the AHRMA MAG.

Motorcycles eligible for AHRMA’s 500 Premier class must have been built before December 31, 1968, or be based on a like design and may have up to a 500cc air-cooled four-stroke engine with overhead valves and cams or a 750cc side-valve engine. A list of eligible machines can be found in the AHRMA Handbook in Section 10.2.1 (www.ahrma.org/ahrma-handbook).

The first American to win a race at the Isle of Man TT, Dave Roper, who is also a multi-time AHRMA champion and frequent 500 Premier competitor, shared the following: “The 500cc class has been the premier class in World Championship road racing since at least the end of WWI to 2002 when the MotoGP four stroke era was introduced. The Isle of Man TT established the 500cc limit for the Senior Class in 1912 and it continued until 1984. Between the world wars, there was no formal World Championship and the European Championship was based on a single race which rotated from country to country. Norton dominated in this period with riders Stanley Woods, Freddy Frith, Harold Daniel, ‘Crasher’ White, Wal Handley, and Jimmy Guthrie. Toward the end of this period, BMW and Gilera made inroads into Norton’s dominance.

“After WWII and with the establishment of the World Championship in 1949, Britain continued to lead with the AJS Porcupine then the Norton Featherbed,” Roper continued. “But, then the Italians took over, first with Gilera and Geoff Duke, then with MV and John Surtees, Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini, and Phil Reed. In 1975, the two-strokes took over, first with Ago on the Yamaha, then the RG 500 Suzuki with Barry Sheene, back to Yamaha with Kenny Roberts, back to Suzuki with Lucchinelli and Uncini, then to Honda with Freddie Spencer and Yamaha with Eddie Lawson. In 1987, Wayne Gardner interrupted a string of American World Champions, with Lawson and Wayne Rainey and Kevin Schwantz following. Australian Mick Doohan followed with five successive World Championships for Honda, Criville giving Honda one more. Suzuki had one year with Kenny Roberts, Jr., then the Valentino Rossi period began on the 500cc two stroke Honda and making the transition into the MotoGP four-stroke era.

“500 Premier was one of AHRMA’s inaugural classes and the championship has been won mostly on Matchless G-50 and Norton Manx, but also with a 500 Triton, Honda 450 based machine, and even a 350 Aermacchi.”

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.

Video: Harley-Davidson’s MotoAmerica Baggers Docuseries Returns

David Swarts

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April 3, 2024

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Video: Harley-Davidson’s MotoAmerica Baggers Docuseries Returns

HARLEY-DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES PUSH THE LIMIT: HARLEY-DAVIDSON RACING SEASON 2 DEBUT ON YOUTUBE

Dramatic Six-Episode Docuseries Provides Behind-the-Scenes Perspective of the 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Race Season

MILWAUKEE (April 3, 2024) – Harley-Davidson® has today released a preview of Push the Limit: Harley-Davidson Racing Season 2, a dramatic new docuseries on YouTube that follows the Harley-Davidson Factory Race Team and other racers during the 2023 season of the MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers series. The adrenaline-fueled docuseries puts fans behind the scenes and right in the middle of the wheel-to-wheel action, showcasing the excitement of King Of The Baggers racing and providing a behind-the-scenes perspective of the immense effort these racers and teams make to achieve victory. The six-episode docuseries will be released episodically, with a new episode debuting each week, beginning Friday, April 5 at 10:00 a.m. CT on the Harley-Davidson App for members, followed by a YouTube release on Monday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m. CT.

Push the Limit: Harley-Davidson Racing Season 2 follows select King Of The Baggers racers throughout the 2023 season, including the most successful racer in MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers history, Factory Harley-Davidson pilot Kyle Wyman. Wyman won seven races during the 2023 King Of The Baggers season and finished third in the season championship. Wyman has won 14 of 26 events since the start of the series in 2021 and earned the 2021 championship. King Of The Baggers 2023 and defending champion Hayden Gillim, and racers James Rispoli, Travis Wyman, Cory West, Jake Lewis, Patricia Fernandez-West, Frankie Garcia, and others also appear in the docuseries.

The MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers series offers exciting competition between American V-Twin touring motorcycles prepared for competition and equipped with a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags. The 2024 season was expanded to 18 races over nine double-header weekends held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike Series. The season’s first races were held in Daytona the first weekend of March.

For the 2024 season, the Harley-Davidson® Factory Race Team is sponsored by Mission® Foods, Rockford Fosgate®, Brembo®, Öhlins®, Protolabs®, SYN3® lubricants, and Screamin’ Eagle® Performance Parts and Accessories.

2024 MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers Remaining Schedule

(Two races each weekend)

April 12-13: Circuit of The Americas – Austin, Texas (Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas)

April 19-21: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta – Braselton, Ga.

May 31-June 2: Road America – Elkhart Lake, Wis.

June 14-16: Brainerd International Raceway – Brainerd, Minn.

July 12-14: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca – Monterey, Calif.

August 16-18: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course – Lexington, Ohio

September 13-15: Circuit of The Americas – Austin, Texas

September 27-29: New Jersey Motorsports Park – Millville, N.J.

Isle Of Man TT: Supersport Starting Numbers Announced

David Swarts

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April 3, 2024

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Isle Of Man TT: Supersport Starting Numbers Announced

JORDAN FIRST AWAY IN MONSTER ENERGY SUPERSPORT RACES

With just over 50 days to go until the start of the 2024 Isle of Man TT Races the first set of start numbers have been released, with Jackson Racing’s Paul Jordan taking the number 1 plate for the first time in the opening Monster Energy Supersport Race.

It’s the first time the Northern Irishman has had the honour of carrying the number 1 plate, and he’ll be looking to continue his progression in the middleweight class having joined the renowned Jackson Racing team for 2024.

Hot on his heels will be double and reigning Privateers’ champion, Jamie Coward, who moves up to number 2 having started from two places lower twelve months ago. And, despite lapping at close to 128mph and securing a pair of top five positions in the Supersport category last year, Coward and the KTS team have opted to make the switch from Yamaha to Triumph power for 2024.

Following Coward will be fellow Yorkshireman, Dean Harrison. The third fastest rider in the class, it’s the first time since 2018 that Harrison hasn’t started second on the road so he’ll be hoping that change, along with the headline move to Honda Racing UK, will help him repeat his Supersport success of 2018.

TT returnee and 7-time Supersport race winner, Ian Hutchinson, reunites with the Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles team and assumes his favoured number 4 slot. James Hillier, a 5-time podium finisher in the class, is another to reunite with a former team and starts ten seconds later.

However, all eyes will doubtless be on Michael Dunlop who starts from his usual number 6 slot. After a phenomenal four victories in 2023, the opening Supersport Race will be his first opportunity to draw level with Joey Dunlop and the record tally of 26 TT wins. With 11 wins in the class including the last four to be held, the class lap record holder will undoubtedly be favourite for top honours.

Josh Brookes is back on the Supersport entry for the first time since 2018 with the Boyce Precision Engineering by Russell Racing Yamaha and must be considered a threat from number 7. The same applies to the next starter, Davey Todd, who will provide a thunderous soundtrack to proceedings on the Powertoolmate Ducati Panigale V2.

Craig Neve’s strong performances of 2023 have been rewarded with his first ever top-10 position, with the Bathams Racing rider starting at number 9 on a Triumph 765 RS identical in spec to that of the rider starting ten seconds behind him – Peter Hickman.

Next to go at 11 and 12 will be Conor Cummins (Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles – Honda) and David Johnson (Platinum Club Racing – Kawasaki) with 2019 winner Lee Johnston reverting to his usual number 13 – the Ashcourt Racing rider another to switch to Triumph.

Mike Browne follows Johnston on the second Boyce Precision Engineering by Russell Racing Yamaha, with Rob Hodson (SMT Racing – Yamaha) and Dominic Herbertson (Burrows Engineering/RK Racing – Yamaha) next to go at numbers 15 and 16 respectively.

Former Supersport Race winner Gary Johnson (NL Motorcycle/Astro Van Centre – Suzuki) starts at number 17 with Shaun Anderson (Butterfields of Skipton – Suzuki), James Hind (North Lincs Components – Suzuki) and Manxman Michael Evans (Smith Racing – Triumph) completing the top twenty. All three riders are seeded once again with Hind, riding a Suzuki GSX-R750 prepared by fan favourite Guy Martin, one to watch having taken a sixth-place finish in 2023.

The complete top 20 for the two 4-lap Monster Energy Supersport Races at the 2024 Isle of Man TT Races is:

Paul Jordan – 600 Honda, Jackson Racing
Jamie Coward – 765 Triumph, KTS Racing powered by Stanley Stewart Racing
Dean Harrison – 600 Honda, Honda Racing UK
Ian Hutchinson – 600 Honda, Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles
James Hillier – 600 Kawasaki, Bournemouth Kawasaki Racing
Michael Dunlop – 600 Yamaha, MD Racing
Josh Brookes – 600 Yamaha, Boyce Precision Engineering by Russell Racing
Davey Todd – 955 Ducati, Powertoolmate Ducati
Craig Neve – 765 Triumph, Bathams Racing
Peter Hickman – 765 Triumph, K2 Trooper Triumph by PHR
Conor Cummins – 600 Honda, Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles
David Johnson – 600 Kawasaki, Platinum Club Racing Kawasaki
Lee Johnston – 765 Triumph, Ashcourt Racing
Mike Browne – 600 Yamaha, Boyce Precision Engineering by Russell Racing
Rob Hodson – 600 Yamaha, SMT/Vehicle Recovery Services
Dom Herbertson – 600 Yamaha, Burrows Engineering by RK Racing
Gary Johnson – 750 Suzuki, NL Motorcycles/Astro Van Centre
Shaun Anderson – 750 Suzuki, Butterfields of Skipton with ARD
James Hind – 750 Suzuki, North Lincs Components
Michael Evans – 765 Triumph, Smith Racing

Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: MotoGP – No Need For Introductions

David Swarts

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April 3, 2024

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Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: MotoGP – No Need For Introductions

Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom have started “The Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast,” which will be focused on the FIM MotoGP World Championship.

This podcast is “MotoGP – No Need For Introductions.”

The original podcast can be found on BuzzSprout.com or listened to via other places you get podcasts.

From the Oxley Bom Podcast:

No new race this week, but we’ve got plenty to talk about as we gear up for Portugal. Mat says his goodbyes to the late Gary Taylor, former Suzuki team manager, and Peter explains why not all lessons learned at Qatar are applicable to the rest of the season.

That said, one thing that probably will carry over to the next race are the ambitions of Pedro Acosta. Last week, he aimed to make an impression. Well Pedro, the good news is you succeeded; the bad news is that Mat and Peter now have high expectations. Good luck!
Oh, and stay tuned for a chat about chattering, and a whole bunch of other topics. Cheers!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman’s Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Roadracing World Young Guns 2024: Chase Black

David Swarts

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April 3, 2024

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Roadracing World Young Guns 2024: Chase Black

Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 28th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.

Roadracing World Young Guns have won:

FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;

MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 13 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;

A KTM RC Cup World Final race;

WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;

ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;

AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;

USGPRU National Championships;

Many regional and local titles.

The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.

We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2024 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.

The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.

We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.

The entire Roadracing World Young Guns, Class of 2024 is featured in the April 2024 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine.

Chase Black

Age: 17.

Current home: Round Rock, Texas.

Current height/weight: 5’10″/150 pounds.

Current school grade level: 11th grade.

Began riding at age: 2.5 years.

First road race: 2017, Katy, Texas, Texas Mini Grand Prix, 12 & Under, 3rd place.

Current racebike: Ducati Panigale V2.

Current tuners/mechanics: Josh Newby, Jordan Rhodes, Dennis Black (father), Glenn Miller.

Primary race series: MotoAmerica Supersport.

Top sponsors: International Power Services, International Turbine Services, Superbike Unlimited, Ducati Austin, The Cup Cake Guys, Michael Griffin, Spears Racing, RideSmart, RideNow PowerSports, Evol Technology, Oilcheck Racing, Drippin’ Wet, Bison, Arai Americas, Actions on Purpose, GoPro, Ogio.

Recent racing accomplishments: 2023 season, placed 15^th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (2 top-five finishes), 2 race wins with CMRA; 2022 season, placed 9^th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (12 top-10 finishes, best race finish was 5^th); 2021 season, placed 15th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (4 top-10 finishes, best race result was 8^th), finished 2^nd in CMRA 500 GP Expert Championship (3 wins); 2020 season, 11 CMRA Novice race wins, 2 Texas Mini Grand Prix (TMGP) race wins; 2019 season, won CMRA F5 and F6 Championships (10 wins), won 10 TMGP Championships (30 wins), won 2 American Super Mini GP Championships (2 wins); 2018 season, finished 5^th in Ohvale Talent Cup Championship.

2024 racing goal: Finish in top 10 consistently in MotoAmerica Supersport.

Racing career goals: Compete in Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and Moto3 World Championship.

Racing hero: Dennis Black (father).

Favorite track: VIR.

Favorite hobbies: Riding motocross, e-racing, bowling.

If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Bowling.

MotoAmerica: Brother-And-Sister Team Contesting Junior Cup Championship

David Swarts

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April 2, 2024

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MotoAmerica: Brother-And-Sister Team Contesting Junior Cup Championship

Fernandez Racing Siblings Gear Up for 2024 MotoAmerica Junior Cup

Fernandez Racing is more than a team—it’s a passion. Founded by their parents, Alan and Carolyn Fernandez in 2019, the team embodies passion, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

“Racing is in our blood,” team owner Alan Fernandez reflects on his racing experience as he sees the same passion for racing in his children.

Jayden and Juliana Fernandez carry the torch forward, racing not only for themselves but for the love of family and the thrill of the track.

Title sponsor Inspection Specialties owner Mike Rinow states, “This will be an exciting year for the team, and I am excited to see Jayden and Juliana ride on the track together. Jayden has been focused and training hard this year, and Juliana I believe is going to do great!”

The sibling riders raced together in the 2020 and 2021 MotoAmerica Mini Cup series, and Jayden raced in the 2022 MotoAmerica North America Talent Cup. The dynamic brother-and-sister duo is set to ignite the racetracks once again in the 2024 MotoAmerica Junior Cup. With a shared passion for speed, adrenaline, and family camaraderie, Jayden and Juliana confident to leave their tire marks on the track.

Jayden Fernandez (13). Photo by CaliPhotography.com, courtesy Fernandez Racing.

Jayden Fernandez, the seasoned 16-year-old rider, returns to the MotoAmerica Junior Cup after an impressive sixth-place Championship finish last year. His Kawasaki Ninja 400 sped across the finish line, securing two podiums late in the season last year and earning the respect of fellow competitors and spectators. Jayden’s determination and strategic skill promise an exciting season ahead.

“I am looking forward to another great year riding in the Junior Cup series, and I am excited to fight for the top spot of the box!” says Jayden.

Last year’s close calls fuel his hunger for the podium’s top step. Armed with experience and a finely tuned Kawasaki, he aims to outpace his rivals and rewrite his story this year.

Juliana Fernandez (19). Photo by CaliPhotography.com, courtesy Fernandez Racing.

Juliana Fernandez, at just 14 years old, steps into the spotlight as the team’s rookie sensation this year after winning two championships last year with MRA. Her initial journey in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup is a testament to her raw talent and relentless drive in the sport. She’s ready to carve her own path on the asphalt and make a name for herself and for the team. Juliana’s debut this year is a symphony of nerves and excitement.

“I am excited to ride on new tracks this year and learn more about them. I am also excited to see my race friends again and ride alongside them,” states Juliana.

As one of the youngest riders on the grid, she embraces the challenge.

The 2024 season promises heart-pounding action, and Fernandez Racing is primed for battle.

“We still have a lot of work to do but the kids have been putting in laps. We’ve been testing bikes and working hard to kick start the season right. We have high expectations going into the season, and I believe we put together a winning package this year,” says Alan.

The MotoAmerica Junior Cup schedule features six rounds, each a crucible of skill, strategy, and adrenaline. From New Jersey Motorsports Park to the legendary Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, the Fernandez siblings will chase victory lap after lap.

Follow Fernandez Racing on social media as they share behind-the-scenes glimpses, heart-stopping race moments, and the unbreakable bond that fuels their quest. Witness the sibling synergy, the roar of engines, and the taste of victory.

For more information about the series or team visit: www.motoamerica.com or www.fernandez-racing.com

BRL Bagger Class Added To AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days At Mid-Ohio

April 4, 2024

Bagger Racing League racer Benny Carlson. Photo courtesy BRL and AMA.