American Flat Track: Race Results From The Bridgeport Half-Mile (Updated)

David Swarts

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July 22, 2023

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American Flat Track: Race Results From The Bridgeport Half-Mile (Updated)

Progressive American Flat Track (AFT) Bridgeport Half-Mile

Bridgeport Speedway

Swedesboro, New Jersey

July 22, 2023

Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Challenge Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Tom Drane (Yam), 4 laps

2. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -0.585 seconds

3. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -0.880

4. Jared Lowe (Hon), -1.352 seconds

Provisional Mission SuperTwins Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Davis Fisher (Ind), 4 laps

2. Jared Mees (Ind), -0.055 second

3. JD Beach (Yam), -0.283

4. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -0.314

Provisional Hooligans Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Shawn Baer (BMW), 8 laps

2. Raun Wood (Har), -3.576 seconds

3. George Price (Har), -5.063

4. Shane Livingston (Har), -6.044

5. Ben Ludlow (Tri), -11.030

6. Andrew Morano (Har), -15.110

7. Robert Reese (Yam), -15.718

8. Eric Yurejefcic (Har), -17.771

9. Bryan Ames (Har), -1 lap

10. Frank DiSantis (Har), -1 lap, 9.237 seconds

11. Kevin Maloney (Har), -5 laps, DNF

12. Beau Woodrick (Har), -8 laps, DNF

Provisional Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Morgan Monroe (Roy), 8 laps

2. Zaria Martens (Roy), -3.636 seconds

3. Kenzie Luker (Roy), -5.402

4. Shasta L’Heureux (Roy), -5.468

5. Makenna Hiatt (Roy), -7.344

6. Erin Ferris (Roy), -14.287

7. Anna Serena (Roy), -15.992

8. Morgan Piller (Roy), -16.984

9. Moriah Hummer (Roy), -1 lap

10. Mia Reese (Roy), -1 lap, 13.760 seconds

11. Justine Marsh (Roy), -8 laps, DNF

Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Tom Drane (Yam), 26 laps

2. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -0.827 second

3. Max Whale (KTM), -1.930 seconds

4. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -2.005

5. Trent Lowe (Hon), -3.156

6. Kody Kopp (KTM), -5.214

7. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -5.254

8. Chad Cose (Hus), -6.230

9. Jared Lowe (Hon), -6.667

10. Shayna Texter-Bauman (KTM), -7.367

11. Travis Petton (KTM), -8.399

12. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -8.950

13. Cole Zabala (Hon), -9.515

14. Tarren Santero (Hon), -9.700

15. Aidan RoosEvans (Hon), -12.202

16. James Ott (Hus), -12.326

17. Justin Jones (KTM), -13.650

18. Damon Ream (KTM), -15.721

19. Aidan Brown (Hon), -1 lap

Provisional Mission SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 32 laps

2. Jared Mees (Ind), -0.095 second

3. JD Beach (Yam), -0.423

4. Davis Fisher (Ind), -0.812

5. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -2.224 seconds

6. Briar Bauman (KTM), -3.282

7. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -6.885

8. Henry Wiles (Ind), -9.659

9. Ben Lowe (Ind), -10.517

10. Cameron Smith (Yam), -10.799

11. Bronson Bauman (KTM), -14.594

12. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -14.624

13. Brandon Price (Yam), -15.518

14. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -16.496

15. Dan Bromley (Yam), -1 lap

16. Jordan Harris (KTM), -1 lap, 19.403 seconds

17. Billy Ross (Kaw), -8 laps, DNF

18. Cody Johncox (Yam), -14 laps, DNF

19. Ryan Wells (Roy), -25 laps, DNF

More, from a press release issued by AFT:

Daniels Strikes Back at Bridgeport Half-Mile

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 22, 2023) – Rising star Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) claimed a cathartic victory in the Drag Specialties Bridgeport Half-Mile as Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, made an unforgettable debut at Bridgeport Speedway in Swedesboro, New Jersey.

Daniels’ triumph came by a scant 0.095 seconds over his Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle title rival, Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750), with JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), and Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) all in contention for a win.

The victory couldn’t have been better timed for the Estenson Racing ace, as he simultaneously halted Mees’ momentum and reclaimed the title lead, if only by two points (280-278). The outcome was arguably even more important for his psyche after he’d wound up second in a series of prior head-to-head matchups with the legendary rider.

Mees, who controlled the middle portion of the race after getting past early leader Beach, was unable to drop the pack the way he did last time out. That’s in part due to the fact that Beach, Daniels, and Fisher – all desperate to prevent that escape from transpiring – continued to attempt to slide underneath Mees. Those attempts would occasionally see a rider other than Mees sneak into first momentarily but never in a way that the lead change stuck.

That is until Daniels worked out a high line that allowed him to roll through the corners and power down the straights. That line eventually allowed him to storm past Mees and immediately open a small advantage.

But the cagey Mees adapted and closed back in for one last strike. That came in the race’s final corner, where the champ attempted a slide up on the leader’s flank, but Daniels kept it pinned and held Mees at bay by just fractions of a second at the line.

The win was Daniels’ first-ever Half-Mile triumph in the premier class, moving him to within a TT win of the Grand Slam. It also saw him up his season-long podium streak to 13 in the process.

“It’s been one heckuva year,” a jubilant Daniels said. “These Half-Miles are kind of the kryptonite for the Yamaha and for me on a twin. I remember on the 450, I won like six Half-Miles in a row in 2020, but when I got on a twin, it was kind of difficult.

“Jared has just been kicking our butt. He won every Mile and almost all the Half-Miles. This is his forte right here. I had to reach back and grab that one. I was so nervous. That top – you’ve really got to roll it. It’s all about momentum. For a couple laps, I was just trying to get in the lead so I could do it. I knew once I cleared their front, I could roll. It just feels so good. It’s so awesome.”

Beach, Fisher, and Robinson finished third through fifth, respectively, with Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke) leading the second half of the top-ten in sixth.

Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) came home in seventh, followed by Henry Wiles (No. 17 BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750), Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750), and Cameron Smith (No. 34 Martin Trucking/Fredericktown Yamaha MT-07).

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) continued the torrid start to his Progressive AFT career, scoring a third Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER victory in just 14 attempts.

After dominating his heat and Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Challenge, the young Aussie came into the Main Event as the strong favorite to end the evening atop the box. And while that ultimately proved true, he had to earn it.

Drane found himself mired in fifth following a less than ideal opening lap. He then had to work to erase the gap and systematically fight his way through Jared Lowe (No. 63 Mission Foods/Helmet House Honda CRF450R), Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450), and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) before finally shifting his sights to the race-long leader.

That happened to be his teammate, Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), who had pulled more than a second on the field in his bid to secure a first win of the season.

Drane pushed Brunner’s hope back at least another weekend. He reeled in his Estenson Racing stablemate and then threw a series of slide jobs at him before finally overhauling him in a pass that saw the two make contact mid-corner.

Once out front, the Drane freight train continued full steam ahead and he took the checkered flag with nearly a second in hand.

Drane said, “I was just working the whole race, trying to catch up. And then right towards the end I got close enough to make the move – I didn’t mean to run into him, but that’s just racing. I can’t thank the whole team for all the work they put in throughout the day. Their work makes this all possible. I’m going to keep it going, keep the confidence up, and go into the next race just like this one.”

Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) made it two Aussies in the top three, finishing off his charge up from seventh with a last-corner overtake of Saathoff to steal away the final spot on the podium.

Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) executed an impressive climb of his own, battling his way from the LCQ and an early 13th-place position to round out the top five.

Lowe’s run up through the field came at the expense of reigning class champion Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), who was a tick off his usual form most of the night.

The Red Bull KTM star finished sixth after winning the previous three races. But despite the minor dip in form, Kopp still boasts a commanding championship lead, which now stands at 45 points (255-210) over Saathoff. Brunner is a close third with 208 points, while the surging Drane has closed to within striking distance of second as well at 207.

Next Up:

The stars of Progressive American Flat Track will now tackle one of the most renowned races in two-wheel motorsport with this year’s edition of the famed SC2 Peoria TT at the Peoria Motorcycle Club in Peoria, Illinois, on Sunday, July 30. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/peoriamotorcycleclub/events/peoria-tt-60731 to reserve your seats today.

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 the Drag Specialties Bridgeport Half-Mile, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, July 30, at 1:30 p.m. ET (10:30 a.m. PT).

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

About Progressive American Flat Track

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

More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:

AFT SINGLES PODIUM FINISH FOR RED BULL KTM AND MAX WHALE AT BRIDGEPORT HALF-MILE

Round 13 – American Flat Track Championship

BRIDGEPORT, N.J. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Max Whale returned to the podium in the AFT Singles Class in Round 13 of the 2023 American Flat Track Championship at the Bridgeport Half-Mile, claiming a third-place result, as teammate Kody Kopp finished the Main Event with sixth position.

Whale was up to speed as soon as his 450 SX-F’s wheels hit the track in New Jersey, with the Australian topping both qualifying sessions to secure P1 heading into the race program.

A third-place score in the first Heat of the night earned him a direct transfer into the Main Event, where he would battle all race long to secure a hard-fought P3 and, as a result, climbed to sixth-place in the 2023 standings with five rounds remaining.

Max Whale (18). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

Max Whale: “The Bridgeport Half-Mile started off unreal for me. I was fastest through the practice and qualifying sessions – everything felt really good straight away. I sat on pole in the Heat Race and rode well in that early on, before I just began to over-ride the track a little bit, and ended with P3. I was disappointed to miss out on a front row start for the main, which is huge in our sport, but lined up on the second row and ended up in ninth by the opening lap. Charged hard and made the move into third on the last lap, and I actually think I caught the leaders too. A little sweet and sour, based off the potential, although I’ll take a P3 and a podium finish tonight.”

Defending AFT Singles Champion Kopp experienced a more difficult day at the races, with a fall in the second practice session hampering his comfort for the remainder of the event. In a gritty performance, however, Kopp qualified eighth, before making it into the Main Event via a fourth-place result in his Heat Race.

The Main Event would see Kopp post a measured ride, crossing the finish line in sixth position for the Bridgeport event, and keeping his championship lead of 45 points over the chasing pack.

Kody Kopp (1). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

Kody Kopp: “Tough night tonight for me in New Jersey. Hit the ground in practice, which really set the tone for the night – I had to dig myself out of a pretty deep hole with my comfort levels, getting back on the track again. I’ll chalk it up to a learning experience, we have those, although with the sixth-place finish we’re still up 45 points in the championship, so we’ll keep our head down from here. We’re ready to finish strong!”

Next Race: Peoria TT – Peoria, IL – July 30, 2023

Round 13 Results

AFT Singles Main Event

1. Tom Drane, Yamaha

2. Trevor Brunner, Yamaha

3. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

OTHER KTM

6. Kody Kopp, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

10. Shayna Texter-Bauman, KTM

11. Travis Petton IV, KTM

12. Dalton Gauthier, KTM

17. Justin Jones, KTM

18. Damon Ream, KTM

2023 AFT Singles Point Standings

1. Kody Kopp, 255 points

2. Chase Saathoff, 210

3. Trevor Brunner, 208

OTHER KTM

6. Max Whale, 196

7. Dalton Gauthier, 187

11. Travis Petton IV, 78

12. Shayna Texter-Bauman, 69

17. Justin Jones, 55

18. Hunter Bauer, 49

19. Logan Eisenhard, 40

23. Declan Bender, 21

24. Hayden Gillim, 14

25. Landen Smith, 13

27. Clarke Morian V, 12

29. Tanner Dean, 9

33. Olin Kissler, 4

British Superbike: Race One Results From Brands Hatch

David Swarts

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July 22, 2023

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British Superbike: Race One Results From Brands Hatch

LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha rider Ryan Vickers took the victory in Bennetts British Superbike Race One Saturday at rainy Brands Hatch. It was Vickers’ career-first British Superbike win.

The race was stopped prematurely due to a red flag brought out by “track contamination,” according to the series’ official website, and because the race did not reach two-thirds distance only half points were awarded.

Lovell Kent Racing Honda’s Danny Kent was the runner-up, and Christian Iddon finished third on his Oxford Products Racing Ducati.

Americans Julian Correa and Eli Banish finished sixth and 12th, respectively, in wet R&G British Talent Cup Race One Saturday at Brands Hatch.

Julian Correa (40). Photo by Michael Hallam, courtesy Michael Correa.

BSB R1
BSB Points after R1

More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:

Vickers celebrates first Bennetts BSB win as Kent and Iddon claim first podiums in 2023

Ryan Vickers claimed his first Bennetts British Superbike Championship race win at Brands Hatch this afternoon in the BikeSocial Sprint race as the LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha rider held off Danny Kent before a red flag for track contamination. The race was not restarted and half points were awarded as two-thirds race distance had not been completed.

At the start, championship leader Tommy Bridewell launched into the lead, but Vickers was determined and as the BeerMonster Ducati rider had a big moment, he took advantage and made his move at Stirlings.

Kent was in close contention too and as the leading trio crossed the line for the start of lap three, he was able to get better drive out of Clearways to take second and ease Bridewell back into third place.

Vickers and Kent were controlling the race at the front, with a slight edge over their rivals as the pair, both fighting for their first Bennetts BSB race win, made a break from the chasing pack.

Vickers had a few moments, but he was able to keep Kent at bay, but behind Christian Iddon had moved his way into third and he was bidding to close down the pair. However, the race was red flagged for track contamination, and was not restarted due to track conditions.

That meant Vickers became the sixth different race winner in 2023 Bennetts BSB with Kent and Iddon sealing podiums for the first time this season, making it nine different riders to score top three finishes so far this year and the first in the series for the Lovell Kent Racing Honda team.

Jack Kennedy and the Mar-Train Racing Yamaha team also took advantage of the conditions, with the reigning Quattro Group British Supersport champion celebrating his best result in Bennetts BSB with a fourth place, edging just ahead of Jason O’Halloran and McAMS Yamaha.

Leon Haslam was sixth for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team, meanwhile Bridewell dropped to seventh, but still maintains his championship lead with 26.5 points now separating him from his BeerMonster Ducati teammate Glenn Irwin who finished in tenth place.

Storm Stacey was eighth after a hard-fought performance for Starline Racing Kawasaki ahead of Peter Hickman who led the FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team effort.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, BikeSocial Sprint Race result:

Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha)
Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda) +0.152s
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +2.173s
Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Racing Yamaha) +3.431s
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +4.566s
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team) +4.941s
Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) +5.817s
Storm Stacey (Starline Racing Kawasaki) +17.412s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +17.501s
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) +17.814s

Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:

Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) 221.5
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) 195
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 171.5
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team) 169.5
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) 169
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 138.5
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) 125
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 115
Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 113
Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Racing Yamaha) 85

For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com

Ryan Vickers

LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha

“I am so happy to have taken my first win and I can’t thank the team enough. It is an amazing feeling. There have been times in the last couple of years when I didn’t think winning would happen again, but I had people who believed in me, and with this team and package I am in a really good place.

“It is difficult to know what a rider is doing behind you, especially in the wet as Danny was stronger in some areas, but then I was stronger in others. You don’t know when someone will make a move, but I was riding my own comfortable pace. There was one corner that was tricky, but I was consistent and I just was hitting my markers and was focused on my own race.

“I felt comfortable leading and I felt happier being there, especially in wet conditions. I could see my pit board was +0.1 and it was difficult – I just tried to make no mistakes. We feel in a good place for tomorrow, I need to thank everyone who has supported me as without them over the last few years I wouldn’t be able to experience this amazing moment and I am going to enjoy every minute of it.”

British Superbike: Bridewell Takes Pole Position At Brands Hatch

David Swarts

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July 22, 2023

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British Superbike: Bridewell Takes Pole Position At Brands Hatch

Tommy Bridewell took pole position during Bennetts British Superbike qualifying Saturday at Brands Hatch, in England. Riding his BeerMonster Ducati Panigale V4 R, Bridewell lapped the wet 2.43-mile course in 1:37.523 to top Qualifying Two and secure pole position.

Americans Eli Banish and Julian Correa qualified 14th and 15th, respectively, in R&G British Talent Cup.

BSB Comb Qual

Canadian Superbike: Round Three Cancelled Due To Flooding In Nova Scotia

David Swarts

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July 22, 2023

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Canadian Superbike: Round Three Cancelled Due To Flooding In Nova Scotia

URGENT: CSBK cancels AMP round three due to extreme flooding

Shubenacadie, NS – The third round of the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship at Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia has been officially cancelled, effective immediately.

CSBK officials made the difficult decision early Saturday morning, July 22, to cancel the event for the remainder of the weekend due to a “force majeure” situation regarding extreme rainfall and flooding in the area, specifically resulting in catastrophic damage to the roadway and bridge area in and out of the facility.

The safety of all participants, staff, and fans on site remains the top priority of all CSBK officials, and anyone on site is advised to shelter-in-place while local authorities work to repair the road surface exiting the racetrack.

More rainfall is expected throughout Saturday and Sunday, with evacuation warnings in some nearby areas due to potential flash flooding, including nearby Elmsdale, Nova Scotia just outside the facility.

“This week has offered extremely challenging circumstances due to persistent rain, and local flooding is a major concern,” CSBK founder Colin Fraser said. “It has rained non-stop for the last 18 hours, and most of the staff and local racers could not access the venue due to the many damaged roads and bridges.”

“We want to thank all of our competitors and fans for their patience during this unprecedented time, and we look forward to round four at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park,” Fraser added.

It will be determined at a later date if and/or how the race and broadcast schedule for each of the seven national classes will be affected moving forward.

More details will be provided when available.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Adds To Management Staff

David Swarts

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July 22, 2023

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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Adds To Management Staff

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Strengthens Management Team with Three Key Hires

MONTEREY, Calif. — Three experienced professionals are joining the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca management team as the 2023 season drives into high gear. This comes mid-season as the track continues to break attendance records from previous years. The track welcomes Kevin Allen as Director of Finance, April Morris as Director of Operations, and Danny Borum as Volunteer Coordinator.

“We’re grateful we’ve been able to attract such high caliber individuals to join our already dedicated but team,” says President and General Manager John Narigi, “The depth of professional experience among them can only translate into strengthening the foundation with new ideas and inspiration for the future of our entire organization which continues to improve.”

Kevin Allen was previously vice president of corporate finance managing teams in the U.S. and in India, as well as supporting functions in the Philippines, Australia, and Canada. Additionally, he brings more than 30 years of experience and skills in management, corporate finance, operations, controls, reporting, and forecasting. He is also a big race fan and has been on track with Hooked on Driving as a club participant.

April Morris was recently at Kahn Media and brings a wealth of experience in compliance, operations, sales, logistics, marketing, sponsorships, and communications. Prior to that, Morris was Senior Marketing & Sponsorship Manager at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club where she was intimately involved with The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering and The Quail Motorcycle Gathering. She has twice been nominated for the Excellence in Hospitality Award by the Monterey County Hospitality Association.

Danny Borum brings a strong background in project and program management, financial management, organization, leadership, training and mentorship, quality assurance and risk assessment. He is currently employed at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Borum spent 20-plus years in the Navy and was part of the leadership that supported multi-billion-dollar enterprises with critical goals and objectives. In addition, he has been a member of the Laguna Seca Volunteer Association.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca welcomes Kevin, April and Danny and looks forward to their contribution as event season is in full swing wrapping up back to back Motorcycle racing weekends, while the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is straight ahead August 16 – 19. Tickets are still available for the esteemed Legends Club which provides expansive views from the hospitality pavilion, features a catered breakfast and lunch from local favorites Baja Cantina and Turn 12, and the opportunity to meet racing legends who are in town for the event each day. For tickets visit WeatherTechRaceway.com or call 831-242-8200.

Canadian Superbike: Qualifying Cancelled, Dumas Awarded Pole At AMP

David Swarts

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July 21, 2023

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Canadian Superbike: Qualifying Cancelled, Dumas Awarded Pole At AMP

Qualifying cancelled at AMP; Dumas awarded Superbike pole

Shubenacadie, NS – Most of the scheduled afternoon qualifying sessions at Atlantic Motorsport Park won’t ensue on Friday, as persistent rain disrupted the start to the third round of the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship, presented by Pro Cycle and Kawasaki.

After a dry start to the day provided clean practice sessions, the rain began to fall just moments after the conclusion of Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike qualifying at AMP, the only timed qualifying session to get underway prior to the weather change.

The full recap of Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike qualifying can be found here.

As is customary, CSBK officials recognized that the five remaining national classes had not been given any wet practice time to prepare for their scheduled time attacks, and elected to replace the afternoon qualifying sessions with additional practice.

Following that precedent, the grids for this weekend’s doubleheader races will be determined based on dry morning practice, a possibility that was issued to all competitors ahead of time, though no qualifying points will be awarded.

As a result, Alex Dumas will see his top time from FP1 converted into provisional pole position, earning his first BS Battery Pole Award since AMP one year ago.

The full recap of that session, which will now reflect the provisional grid for this weekend, can be found here.

The Purple Skull Brewing/Liqui Moly Suzuki rider narrowly beat rival Ben Young to the top of the timesheets, though Young will take some relief in knowing he won’t lose an extra point to Dumas in their championship battle.

Joining the duo on the front row this weekend will be 18-year-old rookie John Fraser, who went third-fastest in FP1. The home favourite bettered that in the wet afternoon practice session, topping the timesheets ahead of Dumas.

The other cancelled qualifying sessions will see Mavrick Cyr awarded pole position in both AIM Insurance Amateur Superbike and Scorpion EXO Amateur Sport Bike, having paced each of the morning practice sessions.

The Rizzin Racing Triumph star finished over a half-second clear of fellow teenager Mack Weil in both instances, as he looks to continue his perfect run of the amateur ranks on Saturday.

The final two grids of the weekend will both be led off by Vincent Lalande, as he took the top honours in the Super Sonic Race School Amateur Lightweight class and the EBC Brakes Lightweight Pro/Am category.

Lalande put a comfortable gap between himself and local favourite Vincent Wilson in both classes aboard his SpeedFactory67 Kawasaki, as he already approached lap record pace in his first official day at AMP.

Full results from the morning sessions can be found on the series’ official website at CSBK.ca, while race grids are expected to be posted Friday evening.

Yamaha Motor Europe Selling R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary Models

David Swarts

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July 21, 2023

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Yamaha Motor Europe Selling R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary Models

Yamaha Commemorate 25 Years of the Iconic R1 with Exclusive Race Developed Performance Package

To mark the 25th Anniversary of the iconic R1, Yamaha Motor Europe through their GYTR PRO Shop network, will offer customers the unique opportunity to experience world championship winning performance, courtesy of a range of Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR®) PRO performance parts developed alongside Yamaha’s World Superbike and Endurance World Championship race programs.

The R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary track-only bike. Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Europe.

Designed by the same engineers at Yamaha Motor Research & Development Europe (YMRE) responsible for the development of the World Championship winning R1 WorldSBK machine, the range of GYTR PRO performance parts makes WorldSBK performance available to Yamaha customers for the first time.

The range of GYTR PRO performance parts for the R1 includes but is not limited to an ultra-strong and lightweight carbon rear subframe that has been designed to accommodate both a modified fuel tank with a lower centre of gravity and the Magneti Marelli ECU. Öhlins FGR front forks and a TTX rear shock with pneumatic preload adjuster offer more predicable handling and the same level of suspension adjustment available to Yamaha’s professional road racers. An underslung swingarm, developed specifically for Yamaha’s WorldSBK race program, improves maximum lean angle and rear grip, while Brembo braking components front and rear provide the ultimate stopping power. The carbon fibre bodywork is ultra-strong, lightweight and has been designed together with the screen to offer optimal aerodynamic performance.

The R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary track-only bike comes with a long list of special parts, including an Ohlins rear shock, an underslung rear swingarm, and lightweight wheels. Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Europe. — The R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary track-only bike comes with a long list of special parts, including an Öhlins TTX rear shock, an underslung rear swingarm, and lightweight wheels. Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Europe.

Also available is a GYTR PRO Electronic System (GPES) module, a state-of-the-art package for engine control and data acquisition developed by YMRE in WorldSBK and the FIM Endurance World Championship. The GPES features the most up-to-date electronic software rider aids, such as anti-wheelie, launch control, engine braking management, adjustable fuelling, and traction control, and is supplied with a ready-to-go base setting that provides an excellent starting point for finetuning on track.

The R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary track-only bike comes with a long list of special features, including Ohlins forks and advanced electronics. Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Europe. — The R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary track-only bike comes with a long list of special features, including Öhlins FGR front forks and advanced electronics. Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Europe.

Creating such a range of unique performance parts has taken years of development at the very highest level, with Yamaha WorldSBK riders Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Andrea Locatelli, along with test rider Niccolò Canepa, all playing crucial roles in the development process. Fittingly, Yamaha Ambassador, and nine-time World Champion, Valentino Rossi, was presented with an R1 equipped with a selection of GYTR PRO performance parts during the introduction of the GYTR PRO concept at EICMA.

To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the R1, Yamaha Motor Europe has commissioned an exclusive run of 25 R1 machines that will be hand built from the chassis up and will feature the full range of GYTR PRO performance parts. The R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary will be assembled exclusively by experienced technicians in one of the the 25 GYTR PRO Shops across Europe and will be immediately identifiable as the ultimate track day tool courtesy of the special commemorative livery adorning the race developed carbon fibre bodywork.

The R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary track-only bike comes with a carbon-fiber rear subframe and carbon-fiber bodywork. Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Europe.

The R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary, which boasts a specification as close to that of Yamaha’s world championship race bikes as it is possible to get, is only available to order online, with customers also able to specify at which GYTR Pro Shop the bike will be prepared to their exact requirements.

To ensure that they can fully realise the incredible potential of their R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary machines, each of the 25 owners will also spend a day at a race circuit with a team of dedicated Yamaha technicians. After initial set-up at the track, owners will be run through exactly the same process that Yamaha’s world championship teams use with riders such as Toprak Razgatlıoğlu to fine tune the settings of the bike to match their specific riding style.

This combination of the exclusive, race proven specification of the R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary edition and the technical expertise available through Yamaha’s GYTR PRO Shops, provides a unique opportunity for Yamaha customers to own what is, without doubt, the ultimate R1.

With only a limited number of 25 bikes available, potential owners will need to move fast if they are not to miss out. Click here to get the full details, and register your reservation, where you will select the GYTR PRO SHOP at which your R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary edition will be hand built to your exact requirements.

Andrea Dosoli: Road Racing Manager, Yamaha Motor Europe

“We have developed the range of GYTR PRO performance parts alongside our World Superbike and Endurance World Championship race programs, to enable us to offer our customers the opportunity to experience a level of performance that is truly unique. To mark the 25th Anniversary of the R1 we have brought together the bike, the full range of GYTR PRO performance parts and the knowledge and experience of our GYTR Pro Shops to provide a turn-key solution for those Yamaha customers who demand the very best. With the R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniverary edition our customers have the opportunity to enjoy a unique bike; a bike that is as close to the specification of our world championship race machines as it is possible to experience without having a Yamaha contract to race in WorldSBK or EWC.”

Eric de Seynes: President and CEO, Yamaha Motor Europe

“The launch of the GYTR PRO range of performance parts is a proud moment for everyone at Yamaha Motor Europe. Now we are able to offer technology developed in tandem with our WorldSBK and EWC race programs directly to our customers. Designed by our WorldSBK race engineers and tested by our professional riders, the GYTR PRO range represents the pinnacle of what is possible when it comes to making our race developed technology available to our customers. The turn-key package we are offering to mark the 25th Anniversary of the R1, which I had the great pleasure of unveiling during the Yamaha Racing Experience in Mugello, is also unique. Each of the exclusive R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary edition units will be hand built with the full range of GYTR PRO performance parts by the experienced technicians at one of our GYTR PRO Shops, who will also provide technical support during a dedicated set up day at the racetrack. This is a process that few people, other than our professional racers, ever get to experience.”

For more information, go to the Yamaha Motor Europe website here.

British Superbike: Vickers Fastest In FP2 At Brands Hatch

David Swarts

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July 21, 2023

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British Superbike: Vickers Fastest In FP2 At Brands Hatch

Editorial Note: Americans Eli Banish and Julian Correa were 17th and 18th, respectively, in R&G British Talent Cup combined practice times Friday at Brands Hatch.

BSB FP1 + FP2

More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:

Vickers storms ahead by just 0.081s to lead opening action at Brands Hatch

Ryan Vickers surged to the top of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship Free Practice times at Brands Hatch this afternoon, with the LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha rider setting the benchmark lap on combined times in the final three minutes of the session.

Tommy Bridewell had been the target earlier in the session, but the final five minutes of the second Free Practice became an intense dash to the finish, with Josh Brookes first moving ahead before Danny Kent subsequently displaced him.

The session would still feature a shake up and Vickers moved to the top of the times with three minutes remaining as Bridewell launched into second on the BeerMonster Ducati, missing out on the top spot by just 0.081s at the chequered flag.

Jason O’Halloran had elevated himself up to third in the closing minutes, the McAMS Yamaha rider edging ahead of Kent, who in turn was just 0.003s ahead of Brookes at the end of the session, making it four manufacturers inside the top five.

Lee Jackson held sixth position on the leading Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki, holding off Christian Iddon and the returning Danny Buchan in eighth place. Peter Hickman and Leon Haslam completed the top ten, with Glenn Irwin and Kyle Ryde making the final cut of riders automatically progressing into tomorrow’s Omologato Superpole start list.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, combined Free Practice result:

Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 1m25.138s
ommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) +0.081s
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +0.098s
Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda) +0.113s
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +0.116s
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +0.293s
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.381s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW Motorrad) +0.414s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +0.460s
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team) +0.494s
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) +0.509s
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.665s

For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com

Ryan Vickers

LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha

“We were a bit unlucky at Snetterton, but it was nice to finish the weekend strong and so we have come into Brands Hatch feeling confident and good. Brands Hatch is weirdly my worst circuit on paper in my Superbike career so far! I love the circuit but it has never really clicked for me and it seems that we have come here and the guys have made changes today and we made a huge step in the second session and I felt amazing on the bike.

“I am really enjoying riding around here, it is one of my favourite circuits with a bit of everything. The Yamaha gives me the feeling. I felt comfortable with that fast lap; it’s actually funny as we have had a problem with the lap timer on the bike all day and I have not known any of the lap times I have done, so the team started putting it on the pit board for me. I learnt that maybe I should look at my lap timer less and concentrate more on what I am doing!

“The battle is going to be immense in the races here. The bikes all have strong and weak points at this circuit and I think the Yamaha seems the most balanced. I think we can have a really good chance of battling for the win and the podium definitely – there should be some great battles and hopefully we can be at the front of that.”

Honda Begins Production Of Full-Size ATVs In North Carolina

David Swarts

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July 21, 2023

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Honda Begins Production Of Full-Size ATVs In North Carolina

Honda North Carolina Manufacturing Begins ATV Production

July 21, 2023 — SWEPSONVILLE, N. C.

Production of ATVs increases manufacturing efficiency and productivity at Honda North Carolina Manufacturing

Transfer of ATV production from Honda facility in South Carolina kickstarts Carolinas teamwork in powersports production

Cumulative investment of more than $380 million in Honda North Carolina facility

Associates at Honda North Carolina Manufacturing (NCM) in Swepsonville today welcomed a new model to the production lineup. A first for the longtime power equipment facility, a FourTrax Rancher all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rolled off the assembly line, launching a new powersports era in North Carolina.

NCM will become the exclusive production source for Honda ATVs in North America, joining with Honda South Carolina Manufacturing (SCM) in Timmonsville, S.C., which is the only facility in the world to build Honda side-by-sides. NCM will produce Honda FourTrax and TRX series ATV models.*

Youth-sized model production began at NCM in late April, with production of the TRX90, signaling the initial transition to Honda ATV production to North Carolina. Currently, the work being carried out by NCM is primarily focused on assembly until weld and paint equipment for ATV production is transferred from SCM in the coming months. Construction for weld and paint departments at NCM will begin this fall.

“We’re excited to bring ATV production to Honda North Carolina Manufacturing, and this team has done an incredible job working as one team with Honda associates in South Carolina to make it happen,” said David Werden, assistant vice president and production division lead at NCM. “Flexibility in manufacturing has always been key to our ability to meet the needs of Honda customers and it’s important that we continue to evolve our business to prepare for the future.”

Since beginning lawn mower production in 1984, associates at NCM have built over 700 million Honda power equipment products, constantly evolving their production capabilities and products to meet customer needs. Over nearly 40 years of production, NCM has manufactured a variety of Honda products including snow blowers, string trimmers, mini-tillers, water pumps, pressure washers, generators and general-purpose engines.

By the end of September, NCM will discontinue production of lawnmowers due to market forces such as stricter environmental regulations and shifting customer preferences to become the sole producer of Honda ATVs in North America, enabling SCM to expand Honda side-by-side production to meet increasing customer demand for Honda’s popular Pioneer and Talon sports models.

The transition of ATV production to NCM aligns with shifts in Honda’s business focus that will result in greater manufacturing efficiencies and increased productivity.

“The associates at Honda North Carolina Manufacturing have been a critical part of our ability to maintain a versatile product lineup for nearly four decades and that will continue in the future,” said Hank Real, vice president, Powersports & Products, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Transitioning ATV production to NCM will leverage our facility’s manufacturing experience and talented Honda associates to ensure we continue to supply the high quality our customers expect from a Honda ATV.”

NCM currently employs more than 600 associates at the 700,000-square-foot plant, which represents a cumulative investment of more than $380 million in North Carolina.

About Honda Manufacturing in America

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for over 40 years, beginning in November 1982 with the start of automobile production at the Marysville Auto Plant. Honda established manufacturing operations in America in 1979 with the start of motorcycle production in Marysville, Ohio, and today has one of the largest and most diverse U.S. manufacturing footprints of any international company. More than 23,000 U.S. associates support the company’s 12 manufacturing plants in America, supporting operations that have an annual capacity of more than 1.27 million automobiles, 1.52 million engines, 500,000 power equipment products and 300,000 powersports products, as well as the HondaJet advanced light jet and GE Honda HF120 turbofan engines. Cumulatively, Honda has invested $19 billion in its U.S. manufacturing operations, including more than $3.6 billion over the past five years alone. The company also works with 600 U.S. original equipment suppliers, with U.S.-sourced parts purchases of approximately $492 billion since 1979.

Learn more at https://hondainamerica.com/.

More information about Honda is available in the Digital FactBook.

About Honda Powersports & Products

Honda offers a full range of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides in the United States, conducting the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers.

Honda also markets a complete range of outdoor power equipment, including generators, pumps, snow blowers, tillers, string trimmers, outboard marine engines and small, general-purpose engines for residential, commercial and rental applications. Honda engines supply smooth and dependable power for thousands of different product applications including pressure washers, lawn mowers, rescue and construction equipment. Additionally, Honda engines are some of the quietest and easiest to start of their kind, even in harsh commercial and construction environments. Such attributes have made Honda engines the popular choice for original equipment manufacturers looking to add value to their own brands. Many Honda power equipment products are researched, designed and developed by Honda engineers in

WorldSBK: Shoulder Surgery Sidelines Bradley Ray

David Swarts

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July 21, 2023

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WorldSBK: Shoulder Surgery Sidelines Bradley Ray

Bradley Ray Will Miss Most as Decision is Taken for Shoulder Surgery

After consultation with his team, medical professionals and Yamaha Motor Europe, Motoxracing’s Bradley Ray will sit out the upcoming eighth round of the FIM World Superbike Championship in Most, Czech Republic in order to undergo shoulder surgery.

The decision was made despite the recent excellent performances from the British rider, who scored a season-best sixth place last time out in Imola, as Ray needs to undergo surgery to his right shoulder as soon as possible in order to use the summer break as time to heal and recover. The operation will take place on July 26th. The rider from the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team has been suffering with intermittent discomfort in his shoulder throughout the season, which has prevented him from feeling 100% when he needs to push hard, and therefore it was mutually decided between all parties that he should miss Most in order to feel fully recovered for Magny-Cours in early September.

Bradley Ray

“After such an amazing weekend in Imola I’ve taken the decision along with Yamaha and my team to undergo surgery for a troublesome intermittent shoulder problem I’ve been suffering with. Whilst it’s not particularly debilitating, it has sometimes hampered my performances when it comes to pushing hard, and after Imola and the previous few rounds have given me the opportunity to show that I fully deserve to be here in the World Superbike Championship I want to go into the second part of the season stronger than ever. Obviously, I’m disappointed to be missing out on going to the Czech Republic and the Most circuit, but now I’ll have lots of time to recover, and once this operation is done I plan to deliver even better results. I’d personally like to thank Andrea Dosoli, the whole team at Yamaha Motor Europe and of course all my Motoxracing Team for the understanding, and I look forward to seeing you all after the break.”

American Flat Track: Race Results From The Bridgeport Half-Mile (Updated)

July 22, 2023