American Flat Track: Races Will Be Broadcast On FOX Sports 1

David Swarts

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March 6, 2024

American Flat Track: Races Will Be Broadcast On FOX Sports 1

Progressive AFT Announces 2024 Broadcast Schedule; Spirit of Sturgis TT to Air on FOX

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 6, 2024) – Progressive American Flat Track is proud to announce a new multi-year agreement with FOX Sports and unveil the broadcast schedule for the 2024 Progressive AFT season.

All races will air in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The sole exception is the Spirit of Sturgis TT, which will be featured in a one-hour telecast on the FOX broadcast network. This event will mark the first occasion a Progressive AFT race has aired on a major broadcast network in three decades.

“FOX Sports has been a tremendous broadcaster, allowing us to showcase the incredible action, captivating storylines, and compelling personalities of the sport to millions of viewers,” said Gene Crouch, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “This renewal is an exciting step forward, one which provides us an amazing opportunity to put Progressive American Flat Track and the Spirit of Sturgis TT in front of FOX’s massive network audience.”

FOX Sports coverage of the 2024 Progressive AFT season will deliver in-depth coverage from all 16 events, starting with the season opening doubleheader at Daytona International Speedway on March 7 and 8. For tickets and more information, please visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

2024 Television Schedule for Progressive AFT:

Saturday, March 16 – Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I – 9:30 a.m. ET (6:30 a.m. PT)

Sunday, March 17 – Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA II – 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT)

Saturday, March 31 – Yamaha Senoia Short Track – 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT)

Sunday, May 5 – Mission Texas Half-Mile – 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)

Sunday, May 12 – Silver Dollar Short Track – 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT)

Sunday, May 19 – Ventura Short Track – 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT)

Sunday, June 23 – Orange County Half-Mile – 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)

Saturday, June 29 – Bridgeport Half-Mile – 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT)

Saturday, July 6 – Lima Half-Mile – 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT)

Sunday, July 14 – DuQuoin Mile – 10:30 a.m. ET (7:30 a.m. PT)

Sunday, August 4 – Peoria TT – 1:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT)

Sunday, August 11 – Black Hills Half-Mile – 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT)

Saturday, August 17 – Spirit of Sturgis TT – 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT)

Sunday, September 8 – Springfield Mile I – 7:00 a.m. ET (4:00 a.m. PT)

Sunday, September 8 – Springfield Mile II – 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)

Sunday, September 15 – TBA Season Finale – 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT)

How to Watch:

FOX Sports and FloRacing are home to Progressive American Flat Track programming. For the 2024 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 or FOX during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FloRacing provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at https://flosports.link/aft.

About Progressive American Flat Track

Progressive American Flat Track 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. Progressive American Flat Track is televised on FOX Sports and streams live via FloRacing. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on X, and check us out on Instagram.

MotoAmerica: The List Of Potential Daytona 200 Winners Is Long

David Swarts

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March 6, 2024

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MotoAmerica: The List Of Potential Daytona 200 Winners Is Long

Daytona Preview: The 200? It’s Anybody’s Guess

The 82^nd Daytona 200, Mission King Of The Baggers, BellissiMoto Twins Cup and Mission Super Hooligan National Championships Highlight MotoAmerica’s Daytona Bike Week, March 7-9

IRVINE, CA (March 6, 2024) – Welcome to the phenomenon that is the Daytona 200. Sixty-eight riders will attempt to qualify for the 82^nd running of the “Great American Motorcycle Race,” two of those MotoAmerica racers are women, and one of them is half of a married couple who will compete against her husband. Additionally, five different brands of motorcycles will be on the starting grid at Daytona International Speedway and 13 countries will be represented.

Did we mention that the race is 200 miles long and features pit stops? And that three different tire manufacturers will battle for bragging rights in one of the few races left in road racing that doesn’t require the use of one tire brand?

Oh, it’s also worth noting that the margin of victory in the past three 200s was a combined .108 of a second.

All those things combined make the 200 an aberration. It really is like no other motorcycle race in the world.

82nd Daytona 200 – All In

The list of potential winners in the Daytona 200 is lengthy, but it must begin with the defending race champion Josh Herrin and his OnlyFans Racing Warhorse Ducati Panigale V2. Herrin won a drafting war to the finish line of last year’s 200 on his Ducati to beat four-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes by just .070 of a second as five riders crossed the line separated by less than half a second.

Four of those five riders from a season ago will be back for another shot in the 200, led by Hayes who will go to battle on his CSU One Cure/J4orce Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 in what may end up being his only race of the 2024 MotoAmerica Championship. Hayes has yet to win a Daytona 200.

Cameron Petersen won’t be defending his third-place finish in last year’s 200 as he continues to rehab his wrist injury and is focusing on being 100 percent when the MotoAmerica Steel Commander Superbike series begins at Road Atlanta in April. Although the South African won’t be on the grid at the Speedway, his Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing YZF-R6 will be in the capable hands of Xavi Forés, the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion.

Like Hayes, Daytona might be Forés’s only MotoAmerica race with the Spaniard failing to land a ride for 2024 despite carrying the number-one plate as the series champion.

Hayden Gillim and PJ Jacobsen are the other top-five finishers returning for another crack at Daytona 200 glory. Gillim will be Suzuki GSX-R750-mounted but for a different team – Vesrah Racing – in this year’s race. Ditto for PJ Jacobsen as the New Yorker will be in the race on a different bike and a different team as he and teammates Kayla Yaakov and Corey Alexander will make their Rahal Ducati Moto Panigale V2 debuts at the Speedway.

With foreign riders aplenty, the list must start with the three-rider YART-ProKASRO team that is the defending World Endurance Champion. They are led by Italian Niccoló Canepa, who now calls Switzerland home, German Marvin Fritz, and Czech Karel Hanika.

Britain will be represented in this year’s Daytona 200 by 13-time Isle of Man TT winner Peter Hickman and his PHR Performance Triumph teammate Richard Cooper.

There’s also a horde of 11 Canadian racers making the trip south, led by three-time defending Canadian Superbike Champion Ben Young. Young and his countrymen will be trying to become the first Canadian to win the 200 since Miguel Duhamel in 2005.

There’s also an Australian entered with Tom Toparis making the trip to ride a ASTRO MAR Suzuki GSX-R750. Toparis, who finished 10th and 18th in the two World Supersport races at Phillip Island recently, is hoping to be the first Australian to win the 200 since Mat Mladin won in 2000 and 2001.

The MotoAmerica regulars mentioned earlier will be joined by the likes of Bobby Fong (Wrench Motorcycles Suzuki); Stefano Mesa (Boulder Motor Sports Ducati); Richie Escalante (Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki) and his teammates Brandon Paasch, Tyler Scott and Teagg Hobbs; Gus Rodio (Rodio Racing – Powered By Robem Engineering Ducati); David Anthony (Wrench Motorcycles Suzuki); and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick (TOBC Racing Triumph) with any of them capable of scoring victory.

Mission King Of The Baggers – Let The Battle Begin

Sixteen of the best Mission King Of The Baggers motorcycles will be ridden by the 16 best King Of The Baggers racers at Daytona International Speedway this weekend with the championship set to begin with two races at the Speedway.

Led by defending champion Hayden Gillim and his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Road Glide, there is no questioning the depth of the field in the season opener.

And there are plenty of new faces amongst the 16, beginning with Gillim’s new teammate Rocco Landers, the 19-year-old set to make his Baggers debut on the high banks of Daytona.

Joining Landers in making his debut at the Speedway is three-time Australian Superbike Champion and Supermoto phenom Troy Herfoss, who will join one of the founding fathers of the class Tyler O’Hara (the 2022 King Of The Baggers Champion) on the pair of factory S&S/Indian Motorcycle Indian Challengers.

The Harley-Davidson Factory Racing team will again feature 2021 champion Kyle Wyman, the winningest Baggers racer with 12 victories (the next closest are O’Hara, Gillim and Bobby Fong with three wins apiece), and former Vance & Hines teamster James Rispoli.

Rispoli and Kyle Wyman won the two races at Daytona last year with Rispoli winning race one and finishing second in race two while Wyman had a DNF in race one before winning race two.

Saddlemen/Harley-Davidson will field three riders with former Harley factory rider Travis Wyman joined on the team by incumbents Cory West and Jake Lewis.

Andorran Rubén Xaus comes to the Baggers series with a thick racing resume that includes stints in World Superbike (including 11 wins), World Supersport (two wins) and MotoGP (a podium finish in the Grand Prix of Qatar) and he and his Feuling Parts team have definitely put in the time and effort with its Harley-Davidson Road Glide.

Fong, and his three career Mission King Of The Baggers victories, returns for more with the SDI/Roland Sands Racing/Indian Motorcycle Indian Challenger. Fong is a proven winner in the class and the only MotoAmerica Superbike race winner in the Baggers series.

Others who have stepped up their programs for 2024 are Suburban Motors H-D/Slyfox/Trask Performance’s Jesse Janisch, Nowaskey Extreme Performance’s Danny Eslick, RydFast Racing’s Kyle Ohnsorg, Mad Monkey Motorsports’ Max Flinders, and Trask Performance’s Shane Narbonne.

BellissiMoto Twins Cup – Welcome To The Jungle

With a 25-riders strong grid, the opening round of the BellissiMoto Twins Cup series should be another barnburner and it will be so without defending series champion Blake Davis, who will focus his efforts on the Supersport (and Daytona 200) series with his N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha YZF-R6.

As for the rest, most of the gang is back for more, including last year’s series runner-up Gus Rodio and his Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660. Rodio won three races en route to second in the championship, including a victory in race one at Daytona last year.

Rodio will be joined on the Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering two-rider team by Italian Alessandro Di Mario.

Rocco Landers returns to the BellissiMoto Twins Cup after his six-win 2023 season netted him third in the title chase. Landers has switched teams and will race the new Suzuki GSX-8R for the new RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki team.

South African Dominic Doyle stood on four podiums last year, including a victory at Ridge Motorsports Park. Doyle will race a Yamaha YZF-R7 for the Giaccmoto Yamaha Racing team that will also include former Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. competitor Sonya Lloyd.

Last year’s Junior Cup Champion Avery Dreher moves up to the Twins Cup class on a TopPro Racing Team Aprilia RS 660 and Rossi Moor is another MotoAmerica youngster making a new home in Twins Cup, and he will do so on a Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-8R.

Another to watch is 1-833-CJKNOWS Accident and Injury Law’s Kaleb De Keyrel, who returns to BellissiMoto Twins Cup racing on a Yamaha YZF-R7. De Keyrel won the Twins Cup title in 2021 and has 10 career wins in the class.

Ditto for Ben Gloddy who will get at least a one-off ride for Daytona on a third Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660.

Wrench Motorcycles is also fielding a Yamaha YZF-R7 for former Junior Cupper Jack Roach.

Mission Super Hooligan National Championship – A Baker’s Dozen?

The big news for the opening round of the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship is actually the motorcycles themselves as 11 different manufacturers (and a total of 13 different individual motorcycle models) will be represented in the field of 35. Who knew?

Let’s see. There’s at least one of each of the following: Indian FTR1200s, BMW R nine T, Harley-Davidson XR1200 Pan America, KTM 890 DUKE R, Yamaha MT-09 SP, Suzuki SV1000, Ducati Monster SP and Hypermotard, Energica Eva Ribelle RS, Aprilia Tuono, Buell XB12XT and Victory Vegas.

Making its debut at Daytona will be the Yamaha MT-09 SP, a three-cylinder motorcycle that will be ridden by three different riders, including World Endurance Champion Niccoló Canepa.

Canepa and the rest will have to deal with defending class champion Tyler O’Hara and his new S&S/Indian FTR1200-mounted teammate Troy Herfoss, the three-time Australian Superbike Champion, Stefano Mesa on the electric Tytlers Cycle Energica Eva Ribelle RS and Andy DiBrino on the Competition Werkes/Gray Area KTM 890 Duke R.

DiBrino finished third in last year’s championship behind O’Hara and his then-teammate Jeremy McWilliams with Mesa ending up fourth in the title chase.

Pre-Daytona Notes…

Josh Herrin earned pole position for last year’s Daytona 200 with his 1:48.741 set during the Time Attack qualifying session. Herrin’s best was .254 of a second faster than PJ Jacobsen’s best of 1:49.005 with Herrin the only rider to crack into the 1:48s. Tyler Scott completed the front row with his 1:49.027.

The fastest lap in the race went to two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch with his 1:49.981. Paasch ended up 11th in the race after being docked 15 seconds for a pit-lane violation.

Yamaha and Suzuki lead the way in entries for the Daytona 200 with both companies represented by 17 riders each. Kawasaki is next up with 16 entries, followed by Ducati with 10 and Triumph with eight.

Yamaha is the winningest brand by far in Daytona victories with 27 wins since the first Daytona 200 was held on the old beach circuit in 1937. The winner of that first Daytona 200 was Ed Kretz, who was riding an Indian. Harley-Davidson sits second on the all-time manufacturer win list in the 200 with 16 victories, the last of which was Cal Rayborn’s victory in 1969. The third highest win total goes to Honda with 11 victories with Jake Zemke the last rider to win on a Honda in 2006.

The first Daytona 200 to be run at Daytona International Speedway was in 1961 with Roger Reiman taking victory on his Harley-Davidson.

The Daytona 200 switched to Superbikes in 1985 with Freddie Spencer winning his one and only Daytona 200 on a Honda. Superbikes were featured in the 200 until 2005 when 600cc Formula Xtreme bikes took over. The FX class ran in the 200 until 600cc Daytona SportBikes were used beginning in 2009 with Ben Bostrom’s victory on a Yamaha YZF-R6.

This year’s 200 will mark the start of MotoAmerica’s third season of using the FIM’s “Supersport Next Generation” rules, with the class featuring Yamaha’s YZF-R6, Ducati’s Panigale V2, Suzuki’s GSX-R750 and GSX-R600, Kawasaki’s ZX-6R, and Triumph’s Speed Triple RS. Last year, MV Agusta’s F3RR also made some appearances but there are no MVs entered in this year’s 200.

Thirteen countries will be represented in this year’s Daytona 200 so it’s worth noting that Welshman Chaz Davies is the last non-American to win the Daytona 200 in 2008 with Americans winning 65 of the 81 Daytona 200s.

With America leading the way in victories (65) in the Daytona 200, Canada is second with five wins – all thanks to five-time winner Miguel Duhamel. Australia is third on the list with three wins and, again, it was one rider who won the races – Mat Mladin.

Finland (Jarno Saarinen), Italy (Giacomo Agostini), Venezuela (Johnny Cecotto), France (Patrick Pons), New Zealand (Graeme Crosby) and Great Britain (Chaz Davies) all have one win apiece in the 200 and are the other foreigners to win the race.

Sixteen Mission King Of The Baggers riders will take part in the opening round of the championship with two races slated for Daytona International Speedway. Eleven of those will be racing Harley-Davidsons with five aboard Indian Challengers.

About MotoAmerica

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

ASRA: Kawasaki Posts Over $200,000 In Contingency For 2024 (Updated)

David Swarts

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March 6, 2024

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ASRA: Kawasaki Posts Over $200,000 In Contingency For 2024 (Updated)

This upcoming 2024 season. Kawasaki is happy to announce they will be offering over 200K for racer contingency. Click the link here to see what races you can enter to be eligible for said prize money.

Race Registration is now open for the 2024 season

2024 SEASON SCHEDULE DOWNLOAD

Join the ASRA crew, Chef Eatz and Mario Faraone at Carolina Motorsports Park on April 6th for a special racer’s appreciation dinner to bid the 2023 season farewell and bring in the new 2024 season!

We will have an incredible BBQ buffet, some music jamming, and a few exciting announcements for the 2024 season!

Be sure to stick around after the races, and bring your family and friends to help celebrate YOU!”

Pirelli Challenge Middleweight and Unlimited classes

These will run at CMP and NJMP for rounds 2 and 3 these races will run at the end of the day Saturday Open to all Amateurs and Experts

1st $300

2nd $200

3rd $100

paid out in Expert and Amateur classes

Round 2

April 6-7

CMP

Friday practice day hosted by EvolveGT

Entry to the event starts 6pm Thursday

Race schedule

1st round for the National Endurance/Team Challenge series please note the changes to the formats

Tech for race weekend starts 6pm Friday evening.

Garages for Friday through Sunday available here

Atlantic / Mid Atlantic BBQ cook out at CMP during the April 5-7 event and the NJMP event April 27-28.

Start time a festivities announced next week.

Any changes to your emergency contact info? Please make changes to your profile.

ASRA ENDURANCE AND TEAM CHALLENGE SERIES

Changing things up a little bit for 2024.

Race length, 2 hours. This will be the standard. 2 of the six events planned to go longer.

What is the difference between a Team Challenge and an Endurance entry?

Team Challenge series will refer to “multiple bikes and riders” competing as a team utilizing a single transponder, swapped from bike to bike in a relay fashion.

Endurance series will refer to a single or team of riders using a single bike utilizing a single transponder.

Team Challenge entries will be limited to 4 teams per class

CLASSES for both Endurance and Team Challenge

GTO – 1000cc

GTU – 600 with next gen bikes eligible

GTL – twins class

Reminder – all grid positions are based on qualifying times.

2024 National Endurance and Team Challenge series schedule

April 6-7 Carolina Motorsports park

May 25-27 Summit Point Motorsports Park

July 6-7 NCBIKE

August 17-18 Pittsburgh International Race Complex

August 29 Sept 30 New Jersey Motorsports Park

October 17-20 Daytona International Speedway

Classes, details and rules are in the updated rulebook.

Round 3

April 27-28

NJMP

Friday practice day hosted by Riders club

Entry to the event starts 6pm Thursday

Race schedule

Tech for race weekend starts 7pm Friday evening.

Garages for Saturday/Sunday coming soon

Atlantic / Mid Atlantic 2023 trophies at NJMP event April 27-28.

Any changes to your emergency contact info?

Round 4

MAY 3-5

PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL RACE COMPLEX

Friday practice day hosted by EVOLVEGT

2nd round of the ASRA National Sprint series with Pirelli
classes

ASRA

400

TWINS

SUPERSPORT

SUPERSTOCK

OUTLAW BAGGER

Entry to the event starts 6pm Thursday

Race schedule coming soon

Tech for race weekend starts 7pm Friday evening.

Outlaw Bagger

Exclusively tailored to American V-twin motorcycles. The Outlaw Bagger class promises to showcase the capabilities of the American V-Twin machines.

2024 Season Schedule

May 4-5 Pittsburgh International Race Complex

May 25-27 Summit Point Motorsports Park

June 8-9 New Hampshire Motor Speedway (101st Loudon Classic)

July 13-14 Blackhawk Farms Raceway

August 17-18 Pittsburgh International Race Complex

October 17-20 Daytona International Speedway (Championship Round)

In partnership with the NEMRR, the 101st Loudon Classic will be the largest Bagger purse race ever.

Vintage / Classic / Sidecar Series

This series is a nod to motorcycle racing history. This class welcomes bikes 2006 and older along with 2 strokes and sidecars.

2024 Season Schedule

May 25-27 Summit Point Motorsports Park

July 13-14 Blackhawk Farms Raceway

August 17-18 Pittsburgh International Race Complex

October 17-20 Daytona International Speedway (Championship Round)

Classes, details and rules in the updated rulebook.

REGISTRATION

Registration closes 7:40 AM for Saturday races, 7:40 AM for SUNDAY races
Registration is done online, not in tech. **IMPORTANT ** Once the Friday trackday / racer practice is complete we will open tech – check in from 6PM – 7PM. When coming to tech, please stop at the sign and wait to be motioned over to the transponder loop. Once your transponder pings and matches to you, your machine and the races you entered, you will proceed forward for inspection. Please have your machine turned off or in accessory position if needed for transponder. Transponder will have to be charged to work when crossing the check in loop and match you and your machine or your scoring will be thrown out along with qualifying times. If there is a problem, you will be directed to the help desk in the classroom – not the tech area. Running double transponders on one bike will be an automatic DQ for the event. Not racing in your race by registering for the incorrect race then showing up on the wrong grid will also be an automatic DQ. We can’t stress how important this is for saving everyones time – be prepared please or you will cause yourself undo delays, and possibly miss racing. Please help spread the word to save everyones frustration. Once registration closes, there will be no changes in the system. Changing transponders, borrowing transponders or switching between machines will cause your points and scoring to be thrown out.

DAILY EVENT INFO

Different tracks have different types of PA (loudspeakers). Some have FM. Hearing your calls for practice of races can be frustrating if missed. We will post here the FM frequencies if available and or how we will be making calls. There is a new platform we have been experimenting showing some promise through push notifications. In a perfect world we will work toward using all 3 simultaneously to alleviate all the pains associated with this.

TIMING

We are using MyLaps timing equiment and transponders. Please make sure you are on this system for 2023. We will have some for sale at a few events but will not be renting them. They are currently very reasonable and shipping fast. Go to MYLAPS to get yours.

Video: Army Of Darkness Yamaha YZF-R1 Engine Rebuild, Part Three

David Swarts

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March 6, 2024

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Video: Army Of Darkness Yamaha YZF-R1 Engine Rebuild, Part Three

Army Of Darkness won the 2020 N2/WERA National Endurance Championship on a 2020-model Yamaha YZF-R1. They then went on to win the 2021 and 2022 championships, as well.

Eventually, the 2020 engine started jumping out of gear, which was going to require a complete tear down to rebuild the engine for the 2023 season.

Michael Godin at KWS Motorsports offered to inspect and rebuild it, so follow along we see how the valves, seats, pistons, rings, bearings, and clutch look after 4,000 miles at redline.

00:57 Clutch Plates

01:34 Metal tailings in oil pan

03:33 Worn transmission dogs! (the cause of our problems!)

05:06 Crossplane Crankshaft explained

08:45 Shiftshaft mechanism

10:57 Discussion of engine building philosophy with AOD slideshow

18:06 Chris Peris and Ben Walters lap Barber on AOD bikes

Part 3 takes a deep dive into the bottom end to examine the bearings, clutch, crankshaft, cylinders and transmission gears.

There is also some fun photos of the team and a nice lap of Barber Motorsports Park by Chris Peris and Ben Walters at the end of the video.

Please enjoy Part Three and subscribe to the channel!

In 2023, AOD was sponsored by: Army of Darkness, Dunlop, Yamaha Champions Riding School, Yamaha, Industry13, Chicken Hawk, Woodcraft, Hindle, Supersprox, N2, WERA, and Roadracing World.

MotoGP: Michelin Previews The Season-Opening Round In Qatar

Uncategorized

David Swarts

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March 6, 2024

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MotoGP: Michelin Previews The Season-Opening Round In Qatar

The 2024 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship begins on one of the most abrasive track surfaces of the season

• The Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar returns as the season opener.

• Resurfaced in 2023, the circuit is characterized by highly abrasive asphalt which impacts tyre strategy.

• The Sprint race (7:00 p.m. start) and the Grand Prix (8:00 p.m. start) take place in the evening, with cooler track conditions than during the day.

Taking place towards the end of last season due to renovation work on the circuit (the penultimate race on the calendar), the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar reopens hostilities this year, as was always the case in the past. The bikes have evolved significantly compared to 2023 with even more aerodynamics, many top riders have changed teams and the 2023 Moto2 champion, Pedro Acosta, is now at Red Bull GASGAS Tech 3, Michelin tyres sport new rubber compounds and a new ‘HARD+’ front specification will be available for several Grands Prix this season. The list of new features for 2024 is therefore long, so the anticipation for this first race is strong in the hearts of all racing enthusiasts… and even among paddock professionals.

For 20 years, the Emirate of Qatar has hosted the MotoGP World Championship at the Lusail International Circuit, located just a few kilometres from the capital Doha. Also visited by other world-class disciplines such as Formula 1 and the FIA-WEC, the venue received a substantial makeover in 2023. Now, in addition to offering new, more welcoming buildings, version 2.0 of the 5.38 km circuit, features its renewed surface. Last year this Grand Prix represented a leap into the unknown for the teams and Michelin because the characteristics of the new asphalt remained to be discovered, but this year we know from our data that the new surface is fast… but very abrasive. The size and shape of the stones which constitute the upper layer of asphalt (what we call macro-roughness) provide a good level of grip, but affect the consistency and longevity of even the most durable tyres.

In 2023 the riders selected the hard MICHELIN Power Slicks at the front and rear, and these worked well in both the Sprint and Grand Prix without incident, with new lap record times being set.

In terms of weather, the return of the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar in March favours meteorological stability, as last November intense storms drenched the region during the evenings. As is always the case, the Sprint race and the Grand Prix will take place after sunset, with a 7:00 p.m. start (local time) for the Sprint (11 laps) and an 8:00 p.m. start for the Grand Prix (22 laps).

To navigate the 16 corners of the Lusail International Circuit, including 10 right-handers, and reach top speeds in excess of 330 km/h on the pit straight, MotoGP riders have at their disposal an allocation consisting of three compounds of symmetrical front tyres (SOFT, MEDIUM and HARD) and two compounds for the rear (SOFT and MEDIUM), with the SOFT being asymmetrical – featuring a reinforced right side. Regarding the MICHELIN Power Rain range, Michelin has brought SOFT and MEDIUM compounds to Qatar for both the front (symmetrical) and the rear (asymmetrical, with a reinforced right side).

“We refined the tyre allocation for Qatar during the official tests in February,” says Piero Taramasso, Michelin two-wheel competition manager. “We now know the characteristics of the new Lusail asphalt, which compared to last year has made our task easier, particularly when choosing the compounds. In addition to the abrasiveness of this track, we must take into account that the test and qualification sessions will take place during the day on a very hot track (over 45°C), which should direct the riders towards harder tyres, probably with a SOFT back-up choice for qualifying. The Sprint race and the Grand Prix are scheduled for the evening, and the SOFT rear tyre could be an option, particularly for the 11 laps of the Sprint. The final parameter to consider in the tyre strategy is the sand blown in by the wind, which is likely to amplify the already high abrasiveness, while significantly reducing the overall level of grip. Due to the evolution of the bikes and the increased performance displayed during official tests by the new 2024 Michelin rubber compounds, if conditions permit, we expect to add more new records to our already extensive tally.”

On the Lusail circuit, the MotoGP riders will take to the track for a first 45-minute free practice session on Friday 8 March at 3:45 p.m. (local time). A second session, this time one hour long and counting towards qualifying, will take place at 8 p.m. and this will allow the 10 fastest riders to move directly to Q2. On Saturday, the action will take place from 2 p.m., with a 30-minute free practice session followed by Q1 and Q2 qualifying (15 minutes each), then the 11-lap Sprint race at 7 p.m. The Grand Prix (22 laps) will take place on Sunday at 8 p.m., after a 10-minute warm-up scheduled for the afternoon.

About Michelin

Michelin’s ambition is to sustainably improve its customers’ mobility. The leader in the mobility sector, Michelin designs, manufactures, and distributes the tires best suited to their requirements and uses as well as services and solutions to improve transport efficacy. Michelin also puts forward offers that allow its customers to enjoy unique moments when traveling. Michelin also develops high-technology equipment intended for multiple fields. Based in Clermont-Ferrand, Michelin is present in 175 countries, employs 132,200 people and operates 67 tire factories that, together, produced approximately 167 million tires in 2022. (www.michelin.com).

British Superbike: Glenn Irwin Re-Signs To Ride Paul Bird Motorsport Ducati

David Swarts

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March 6, 2024

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British Superbike: Glenn Irwin Re-Signs To Ride Paul Bird Motorsport Ducati

Irwin To Front PBM Title Defence In Bennetts BSB

Nine times and defending Bennetts British Superbike champions PBM will return to the grid in 2024 with Glenn Irwin looking to go one better after finishing runner-up for the past two seasons.

The 33-year-old from Carrickfergus finished an agonising half point behind teammate Tommy Bridewell last season and returns with the PBM team which is now fronted by Jordan and Frank Bird as they continue their father Paul’s legacy following his untimely passing last year.

Jordan and her twin brother have spent the winter finalising plans for the 32-race Bennetts BSB season ahead with Irwin as the sole rider aboard the Ducati V4R, on which he will contest the International North West 200 too.

Last season, the PBM team won 18 races and finished on the podium a further 18 times also, of which Irwin won ten races and podiumed eight times additionally, so the Ulsterman goes in search of his maiden crown which would be an unprecedented tenth title for Britian’s most successful team.

Over a 23-year involvement in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, as well as their nine titles with riders including Steve Hislop, Shane Byrne, Scott Redding, Josh Brookes, and Tommy Bridewell, PBM have won 138 races, secured an additional 175 podium finishes and claimed 98 pole positions.

PBM has a new title sponsor for the 2024 Bennetts BSB season which will be revealed shortly prior to the opening test weekend at Donington Park on April 6/7. The season gets underway at Navarra in Spain with two races over the weekend of April 20/21.

Glenn Irwin (left) and Jordan Bird (right). Photo courtesy Paul Bird Motorsport.

Glenn Irwin: “For the people reading this it must be a relief as I have been inundated with messages from fans asking me about what I am doing this season, which has been really nice, and I am so grateful for their support. It might sound like a cliché, but there was never really anywhere else I wanted to be, despite interest from elsewhere when there was some uncertainty, my heart and attention was always to remain with PBM. To touch on last year, we had an amazing season working together, and after four years apart we came back together, and I think in that time I have grown up and matured. The team went through a lot last year, but it was also an amazing year, and the championship was one of the most exciting in history and I am extremely grateful to have been a part of that. It didn’t work out in my favour as such, but it doesn’t take any of the sweetness away from it because we had great success. I believe and fully expect myself to be fighting for the championship from the off, but we also have to understand some changes and we will have to adapt. It certainly isn’t just a case of roll the dice like last year, we have a lot of work to do, and I think it is important that we are not complacent. We do our work, and then I think we can certainly be in for a lot of race wins and success ahead. I started my Superbike career with PBM and as much as it is a new era with Jordan and Frank as my bosses now, I will never separate the first part of the PBM chapter to this one. I had my first pole position, first podium and first win with the team, but there are a few things I want to achieve. First off, it is to win the British Superbike Championship and secondly to retain it, they are the two things I want to achieve with PBM.”

Team Owners Jordan and Frank Bird Junior: “We are delighted to confirm that the PBM team will be back on the grid this season. It has obviously been a real emotional rollercoaster for us, and we are so proud of what the whole team achieved last year, ending the season on a high with a one-two in the standings. The PBM team remain fully committed to the championship and after a lot of uncertainty over the last few months we are delighted that Glenn returns as we begin the next chapter for PBM. He has a long-standing history with the team – from making his Superbike debut, to a first podium and his first race win in the championship. We hope that together we can add a Championship title to that this season! We want to take this opportunity to thank our partners and fans for their continued support and we are now looking forward to the future of PBM and keeping Dad’s memory alive.”

Video: Garrett Gerloff “My Worst Weekend EVER (Almost) – Australia”

David Swarts

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March 5, 2024

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Video: Garrett Gerloff “My Worst Weekend EVER (Almost) – Australia”

PHILLIP ISLAND GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT

WE’RE BACK BABY! New season, new haircut, same dream team! The weekend was a rollercoaster, I hope y’all enjoy the ride! It was a bit too stressful for me though, I want the next round to be a bit easier on us 😆 We’re trying to get the videos out to y’all as soon as possible after the race weekends so y’all give some love to Brad for getting it done! And a “Like” and comment always help us out with that algorithm to reach more of y’all! Much love amigos 🤙🏽

MotoCalifornia Luxury Motorcycle Tours: 👉🏽 https://bit.ly/MotoCalifornia

Watch all the World SuperBike action LIVE here! 👉🏽 https://bit.ly/WorldSBK31

My Official Merch! 10% off with discount code: GG31 👉🏽 https://bit.ly/DefyAllOddsGG31Collab

Official Garrett Gerloff Website: 👉🏽 https://www.garrettgerloff.com/

Race Helmet: https://bit.ly/HJCHelmetsGG31

Race Leathers: https://bit.ly/AlpinestarsLeathersGG31

Race Gloves: https://bit.ly/AlpinestarsGlovesGG31

Race Boots: https://bit.ly/AlpinestarsBootsGG31

Shot & edited by Brad Schwartzrock (@bradschwartzrock)

#GG31 #WorldSBK #bmwm1000rr

00:00 Aussie Intro

00:24 Pit Stop Anxiety

02:26 Friday Panic Attack

03:11 Saturday Revival

04:49 No Need to Panic

05:45 Race 1

07:07 SUNDAY

08:42 Race 2

11:27 Outro

12:04 MotoCalifornia Ad

13:01 Bloopers, Yikes

MotoAmerica: Kyle Wyman Racing Returns With Super Hooligan Team

David Swarts

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March 5, 2024

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MotoAmerica: Kyle Wyman Racing Returns With Super Hooligan Team

KWR Returns with a Harley-Davidson® Pan America™ Racing Team for the 2024 Mission Super Hooligan National Championship, Presented by Gator Harley

(Daytona Beach, Fla.) – Kyle Wyman Racing (KWR) announces its return to MotoAmerica to field a two-rider team for the 2024 Mission Super Hooligan National Championship, featuring the iconic Harley-Davidson® Pan America™ motorcycle. Cody Wyman (#34) and Hayden Schultz (#49) will make their Super Hooligan debut for KWR this coming weekend at Daytona International Speedway with weekend-title sponsor Gator Harley-Davidson of Leesburg, Fla..

Super Hooligan racing has electrified the MotoAmerica championship, featuring heavily modified sport, cruiser, and adventure touring bikes that reach speeds of 170 MPH. The Harley-Davidson Pan America sheds its ADV clothing to compete in this class and this new KWR effort will add another H-D supported team the MotoAmerica paddock in 2024.

“Bagger and Hooligan racing have taken MotoAmerica by storm in recent years, and my goal in this program is to expand on that and strengthen the Harley-Davidson Racing footprint within our series,” said Kyle Wyman, who competes full-time for the Harley-Davidson Factory Race Team in Mission King Of The Baggers. “I want to extend a special acknowledgment to our tech lead, Gene Burcham, for his exceptional hard work building these bikes, and to Harley-Davidson for supporting another new team in the paddock. This is a fun project to be a small part of, and I look forward to watching it grow and improve throughout the year.”

Wyman and Schultz each bring unique experience to the team. Cody, making his Super Hooligan debut, currently serves as a test rider for the Harley-Davidson Factory Race Team. With numerous podium finishes and a championship in other MotoAmerica classes, Cody’s expertise promises a successful season.

Cody Wyman (34). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy KWR.

“I’m really excited to compete on a Harley-Davidson in MotoAmerica,” Cody Wyman said. “I can’t thank the team and sponsors enough for all the hard work and preparation, so let’s kick things off at Daytona this weekend!”

Hayden Schultz, also making his Super Hooligan debut, will race a Harley-Davidson for the first time since the Vance & Hines/Harley-Davidson XR1200 series concluded in 2014. His enthusiasm and expertise in handling Harley-Davidson bikes make him a valuable addition to the KWR lineup.

Hayden Schultz (49). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy KWR.

“It’s always really cool starting the season on the high banks,” Schultz said. “I’m really looking forward to getting to Daytona, and after getting some laps on the Harley-Davidson Pan America, I know we have a strong base and a good platform. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of results we can put in to open the season and building on it throughout the year.”

KWR would like to extend its thanks to sponsors Gator Harley, KATO Fastening, Blud Lubricants, SC Project, Motovation Accessories, Accossato, Rizoma, Dymag, Renthal, Roller Die & Forming, and Alpinestars.

The team is gearing up for their debut at the first round of the 2024 Mission Super Hooligan National Championship, starting this coming weekend at Daytona International Speedway from March 7-9.

KWR is proud to announce Gator Harley as the title sponsor for the Daytona round.

As the team embarks on this renewed journey, KWR invites fans, sponsors, and enthusiasts alike to join them. Stay tuned for an action-packed season that promises to be an exciting chapter in the annals of SuperHooligan racing.

Be sure to follow along at @kwr_harley and www.kylewyman.com for news and updates.

Suzuki Manufacturing Of America Becomes Subsidiary Of Suzuki Motor USA

David Swarts

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March 5, 2024

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Suzuki Manufacturing Of America Becomes Subsidiary Of Suzuki Motor USA

SUZUKI MANUFACTURING OF AMERICA CORPORATION BECOMES SUBSIDIARY OF
SUZUKI MOTOR USA, LLC

Brea, CA (March 5, 2024) – Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (SMO) announces that Suzuki Manufacturing of America Corporation, (SMAC) has become a 100% subsidiary of SMO effective, March 1, 2024.

SMAC, founded in 2001 and based in Rome, Georgia, is Suzuki’s All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) manufacturing facility. For over two decades, all Suzuki adult KingQuad ATVs have been manufactured at this location. Suzuki ATVs are sold in the United States, Canada, and nearly 25 countries worldwide.

SMAC stock is currently owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) (20%) and Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI) (80%). SMAI, owned by SMC, is the holding company of Suzuki companies operating in the United States.

SMO officials cited several reasons for the organizational change. First and foremost, by consolidating its ATV sales and production arms, the company looks to strengthen its overall ATV business in the United States and globally.

Suzuki is credited with offering the first four-wheel ATV in 1982 with the introduction of the Suzuki LT125. That product created an all-new category of off-road recreational and utility vehicles. Since then, Suzuki has offered a full line of ATV vehicles. Suzuki’s current flagship ATV is the KingQuad 750AXi.

Masami Haga, President of SMO, commented on the new structure. “One of the primary goals of this change is to expand our commitment to the growth of our entire powersports business. This evolution will also enable us to build on our relationships with Suzuki dealers and SMAC vendor partners.” Haga noted that strengthening the supply chain and purchasing policies for locally sourced parts are objectives of the move as well.

By becoming a group company with integrated production and sales functions, SMO and SMAC leaders expect to improve their responsiveness to the ATV market by more accurately linking production to sales demand. Specifically, SMO looks to improve inventory management for both the company and its dealer body. This will help protect sales margins, flooring costs, and ultimately the profitability of both groups. ATV industry sales are generally steady throughout the calendar year with demand typically increasing in the fall months.

Additional benefits of the move are better, more direct communication between SMO and SMAC resulting in improved staff interaction between the two companies. “We will create a more collaborative environment between the production and sales groups of Suzuki ATVs and foster better connection between the Rome- and Brea-based teams,” said Haga.

Suzuki’s United States distribution headquarters are in Brea, California. Suzuki relocated there in 1981 after first coming to the United States in 1963.

Haga added that SMAC becoming a subsidiary of SMO sets the stage for new Suzuki ATV offerings and enhancements to existing products in the future.

Chef Eatz Offering Meal Package Delivery To Races And Track Days

David Swarts

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March 5, 2024

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Chef Eatz Offering Meal Package Delivery To Races And Track Days

Chef Eatz Prepares for Iconic Daytona 200

As the famous Daytona 200 nears, Chef Eatz prepares by offering free delivery of meal packages to racers, their teams, and families alike!

Chef Eatz has quickly become a staple in the motorcycle community over the last year by offering healthy, high-quality meals that can be reheated in just a few minutes in a microwave or portable lunch box heater.

Owner Jeff Servin explains how this vision came to be: “I was at the track training for the 2023 season, and we hit our lunch break. I sat in line for about 15 minutes, the food took about 20 minutes to get to me, and after finally getting to sit down and eat, I was ready to get back out on track for my first session after lunch. When I got back in, I felt like I weighed a thousand pounds. I could feel the greasy french fry oil pouring out of my forehead and felt like I had a gallon of grease settled in my gut. I felt like crap. I rode like crap. It just wasn’t fun after that. I had to figure out a new way to eat at track, and here we are now, offering vending at tracks, sponsorships, and more. I can’t believe we are in a place to do it, and couldn’t be prouder to be an integral part of this industry.”

It was at that moment that the Chef Eatz business model started to transform. They say that if you find a job that you love, you won’t work a day in your life. So, the Servin family started focusing on how they could bring their delicious and healthy meals to the racetrack for riders, racers, teams, and family during race weekends and track day events.

Fast forward only one year later, Chef Eatz can be found in almost every paddock across the eastern United States. At some events, you can find the Chef Eatz race bikes and vending tents that offer a variety of meals as well as microwaves for easy heating, drinks, and the Servin family doing what they love – offering healthy meals and riding motorcycles!

That’s not all! Chef Eatz opened an incredible sponsorship program in 2024 that not only offers discounts for their riders and racers, but also offers an affiliate “1010” discount code that they can share among their fans, friends and family and earn revenue for their race program! Chef Eatz offers a 10% discount for the racer’s fans, friends and family and matches that discount and sends CASH directly to the racer! This new sponsorship program seems to be one-of-a-kind, especially coming from a small, family-owned business that truly puts their money where their mouth is!

“I’m sure this program is only for the Pros.”

WRONG!

While Chef Eatz does partner with some huge names like JD Beach, Max Van, Avery Dreher, and more, they also partner with amateur racers and track day riders as well! This company really cares about the industry and has shown a true effort in helping with the rising costs of enjoying a motorcycle at the racetrack!

As Daytona 200 approaches, Chef Eatz has offered free, hand-delivered orders for pickup at Daytona in the infield on March 8th!

You can order at ChefEatz.Bottle.com and select Daytona 200 Pickup, and they’ll see you at the track!

Next time you see a Chef Eatz tent, stop and say hello! You’re likely to not only see Jeff running around, but the entire family!

American Flat Track: Races Will Be Broadcast On FOX Sports 1

March 6, 2024

Briar Bauman (3), Jared Mees (1), Dallas Daniels (32), and JD Beach (behind Daniels) launch off the line at the 2023 Springfield Mile II. Photo by Kristin Lassen, courtesy AFT.