AMA Supercross: Race Report And Video Highlights From Daytona

David Swarts

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March 3, 2024

AMA Supercross: Race Report And Video Highlights From Daytona

Jett Lawrence Wins Daytona Supercross and Extends Points Lead

Tom Vialle Earns Career-First Supercross Victory on Challenging Track

Daytona Beach, Fla., (March 3, 2024) Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence took an impressive win, his third of the season, at Round 8 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship inside the Daytona International Speedway. Daytime rain and the soft soil of the track built into the speedway Trioval made for one of the most challenging Daytona Supercross tracks ever.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac scored a strong second place finish, ending his streak of five straight wins at the venue. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton led the pack at the start and finished up with a third-place finish in front of record-high attendance for Daytona Supercross. This marks four races in a row this season where record highs for attendance were set. In the Eastern Regional 250SX Class, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle earned his first Supercross victory in the United States.

Jett Lawrence. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.

“It felt great. I felt good all day, but like I said, we came here for business… I’m just happy to come out of here with a win. Now I only hope we can keep clicking them off. I improved on my mistakes from last weekend, so I’m pumped about that and I’m ready to go on to the next few… [This win] means the world. The first time coming here and already winning a Daytona, it’s awesome. It’s like a home race for me. I gotta thank the crowd, they’re wild.” – Jett Lawrence

“No, to be totally honest I didn’t look over at my pit board so I didn’t see anything, I didn’t feel anything, the motorcycle’s fine. There are treacherous conditions out there. For me, I’m on the clutch a lot and with the ruts that deep, obviously [those conditions] make the bike hot. But I powered through there. Thinking back to the race, [I’m] frustrated I didn’t do the quad; [that] cost me. So gotta take more risks next time. That’s that. So, yeah, second place.” [When asked more about not jumping the quad jump] “Yeah, that’s all what it came down to. And then I moved over to the right side and… the depth of the rut was a lot smaller, and [I’m] just bummed that I didn’t take that [line] earlier. But, ah, try to live and learn and go to the next one.” – Eli Tomac, when asked if he was aware of the smoke coming from his motorcycle during the second half of the race.

“It’s definitely a step in right direction. I’ve had a rough couple weeks with my hand being hurt… It was a good first couple laps. I was doing this section next to the tunnel jump pretty good. Then I started getting a little sketchy and stopped doing it, and I paid the price for it [with slower lap times]. So overall this is a building block, and we’ll go back to work this week. I finally got to ride this week with my [injured but healing] hand, and yeah, we’re not done yet. Just gotta keep building and keep moving forward.” – Chase Sexton

The Eastern Regional 250SX Class held its third round and Tom Vialle fought forward to earn his career-first Monster Energy AMA Supercross win. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo led early but a mistake sent him off track and into second place. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker rode strong on the challenging track to nab a third-place finish.

Tom Vialle. Photo credit Feld Motor Sports.

“It’s nice to grab that win. I had my first podium last weekend and first win today in Daytona. Track was tough. I actually feel good, I could have [ridden] like 30 minutes, I think. So, it’s pretty nice, bike was nice. I didn’t have a great start, but I passed a lot of guys and just feel so good. It’s amazing to win and I want to thank everyone – my team, everyone who works with me during the week, my trainer – really everyone who supports me; and all those fans, it’s amazing to ride here in Daytona, so thank you everyone.” – Tom Vialle

“Yeah, it was really about patience, and I think I did run out of a little bit of patience a couple times, and maybe [that] cost me that lead; but gosh, this was awesome. I love coming to Daytona… And just for the opportunity to be here and do what I love to do is awesome. I had a great time out there and we’re just going to keep plugging away…. This is a dream life that I get and I’m just so grateful for it. If you would’ve told Cameron McAdoo, even five years ago, that this would be his life, he would’ve laughed. So this is my dream, it’s coming true. I love what I get to do, and yeah, shout out to everyone, my family back home, my mom and dad, they didn’t get to make it out. Without them none of this is possible… I’m just grateful for the position I’m in and I’m excited to keep working at this.” – Cameron McAdoo, when asked if the Daytona race strategy was about patience.

“[I’m] stoked on that ride. Like you said, I got off to a pretty good start and me and Haiden were going at it for the first couple laps. He bobbled in the sand, got around him, and I was actually able to pull a gap on them, so that felt nice. I just kind of failed to hit my lines consistently, but yeah, [overall I’m] stoked on that ride here at Daytona.” – Seth Hammaker

The second Supercross Futures race of 2024 lined up the future stars of the sport. Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Drew Adams fought hard for the win. Troy Lee Designs GASGAS’s Cole Davies challenged for the top spot and crossed the line in a very close second place. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Casey Cochran fought forward from a poor start to grab the final spot on the SX Futures podium at Daytona.

“My arms got pumped up, [and then] it’s hard to pull the clutch in. Yeah, I had a few mishaps, and I was worried for the last two laps there. But I just rode solid the whole time, got a good start this time and had a great race. You know, it’s awesome to get [a win] here at Daytona. A little bit of wet dirt, something different this year, and it was a great time. And thank you to all the fans, I love you guys!” – Drew Adams when asked if he was having clutch issues after stalling his bike a couple times.

During the Daytona race, the dates and venues for the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and Final were announced. After 28 rounds of Monster Energy AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross conclude, the top 20 riders in combined points for both series will be seeded into the post-season racing. Riders who finish in positions 21-30 will compete in an LCQ at each event to round out the 22-rider field. Before post-season racing begins the points will be reset, with each rider retaining points for one round of racing based on their seeded position. Two Playoff races and one Final, each with increasing points payouts, will determine a SuperMotocross World Champion in both the 450cc and 250cc classes. The dates and venues are:

Next Saturday the series takes the Supercross racing to a new venue, Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. The event will pay points as Round 9 of both the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship.

Every race is available live through the PeacockTV app, with several races also broadcast or streamed via NBC, USA Network, CNBC, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app. For fans watching from outside the US, live and on-demand coverage with both English and Spanish commentary can be had through the SuperMotocross Video Pass (supermotocross.tv).

Tickets are available now for each remaining Monster Energy AMA Supercross event. For points standings, highlight videos, rider power rankings, broadcast-team insights, and to purchase tickets for an upcoming round, please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

Valentino Rossi Fourth In World Endurance Championship Sports Car Debut

Michael Gougis

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March 2, 2024

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Valentino Rossi Fourth In World Endurance Championship Sports Car Debut

On the weekend before the MotoGP 2024 season opener at Lusail International Circuit, nine-time motorcycle Grand Prix World Champion Valentino Rossi finished just off the podium in his World Endurance Championship sports car debut at the Qatar 1812km as the MotoGP legend geared up for racing in the classic 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Driving the factory Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 in the production-based LMGT3 class, Rossi and teammates Ahmad Al Harthy and Maxime Martin finished fourth, one lap down to the winning Porsche 911 GT3 R but only 12.647 seconds behind the Aston Martin Vantage AMR in third after nearly 10 hours of racing.

“It’s a good start to the season as finishing P4 is quite good but it’s a shame to be so close to the podium,” Rossi said. “It was a perfect race for us with no mistakes. The guys did an amazing job in the pits as well and we just missed a little bit of speed to make it to the podium.”

The fan experience for the WEC event at Lusail International Circuit included free bottled water, live bands, video arcades and viewing areas where spectators could lounge on beanbag chairs and watch the race on big-screen monitors. A double-decker shuttle bus carried spectators to three different viewing platforms around the outer perimeter of the track, giving them the chance to see the racing from several perspectives.

The WEC event and the MotoGP tickets were sold only as a package – individual event general admission tickets were not available. The two events were billed as the 2024 Lusail Speed Fest 2024. In addition to the amenities listed above, the package included free parking, free admission to the main straight grandstands and the Turn One “Lusail Hill” stands for three days of the WEC event and all three days of the MotoGP event for 200 Qatar riyal, approximately $55 U.S. dollars.

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

David Swarts

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March 2, 2024

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

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.

A close-up showing some of the wear inside Army of Darkness' Yamaha YZF-R1 engine. Photo courtesy Army of Darkness. — A close-up showing some of the wear inside Army of Darkness’ Yamaha YZF-R1 engine. Photo courtesy Army of Darkness.

There are also some fun photos of the team including Chris Peris, Cody Wyman and Ben Walters.

Please enjoy Part Two 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.

March 2024

Magazine Issue

Trudy Ulrich

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March 1, 2024

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On the Front Cover: The Aprilia RS-GP24 may have the best aero package in MotoGP, but it takes more to win. The company is serious about using data from its factory squad and the American-owned Trackhouse Racing satellite team to do that. This is Miguel Oliveira (88) in pre-season testing. Gigi Soldano/DPPI photo.

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.

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MARCH 2024 ISSUE

FEATURES

Inside Info: BMW F-model Parallel Twins; winged Honda CBR600RR
Won’t Be Sold In The USA; seven Benelli Singles and Twins coming to
America; Ducati’s Pecco Bagnaia quickest in fi nal pre-season MotoGP
tests; Davide Brivio back in MotoGP, with Trackhouse Racing; Loris Baz
returns to MotoAmerica Superbike, and more…

Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1968 MV Agusta 500cc Triple

KTM Celebrates 30 Years Of DUKE Models, Stressing NO BS!

Intro: Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST, High-Performance Hog

Army Of Darkness: A Drowning Pool & Pole Positions

Hanging With: Troy Herfoss, Aussie Champ In MotoAmerica

RACING

MotoGP Analysis: In MotoGP, Nothing Succeeds Like Excess…

COLUMNS

Letters To The Editor: : Cornerworkers, Future Aerodynamics, 12,000 rpm in
1976, and Pirelli Moto2/3 Tires

10 Years Ago, March 2014: Chris Ulrich rides a Boulder Motorsports Ducati 1199 Panigale S racebike on the cover of the March 2014 issue; Josh Herrin talks about his disastrous Moto2 season; Mat Oxley Talks to Honda NSR500 designer Youichi Oguma; American Brad Baker beats Marc Marquez to win the Superprestigio flat-track race in Spain with American Kenny Noyes third; Army of Darkness shows what it takes to turn a streetbike into a
winning endurance racebike, and more…

New Products: Pit Bull helmet holder, Monkeygripp custom-fit grips,
No-Mar Moto Lift

The Crash Page: Kyle Wyman At New Jersey

Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride

Classified Ads/Advertiser Index

High Performance Parts & Services Directory

Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: The Path to Grand Prix Racing

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MotoAmerica: Vesrah Racing Fielding Gillim On A Suzuki In Daytona 200

David Swarts

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March 1, 2024

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MotoAmerica: Vesrah Racing Fielding Gillim On A Suzuki In Daytona 200

Vesrah Racing returns to professional motorcycle racing in the United States with MotoAmerica at the 82^nd running of the Daytona 200.

Vesrah Racing will compete in the 2024 MotoAmerica Daytona 200 held at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 7^th to 9^th. Hayden Gillim will be aboard the #95 Suzuki GSX-R750 for this one-of-a-kind event that uses both the infield and high banks of the circuit.

This effort is supported by Steel Commander Corp., Comstock Energy LLC, Maxima Racing Oils, Fast Line Track Days, KTech suspension, Skip at Orient Express, Dunlop, GB Racing, REB Graphics, and Amanda Plumbing Sewer & Drain.

Akihito Tamura – CEO Vesrah Co.: “I am pleased to have Vesrah returning to competition in the United States again in MotoAmerica at the highest level with this effort for the 82^nd Daytona 200. Racing is one of the best ways to showcase the performance of Vesrah Racing Pad XX and the return of the iconic yellow and black motorcycle now combined with the distinctive Japanese market pink color accenting the livery combines our history and future.”

Mark Junge – Team Principal: “One of the first racing ventures with Vesrah was to compete in the final 24-hour WERA endurance race held in America back in 2000 which we won by 26 laps and sparked the creation of the Vesrah Suzuki team that won 8 WERA national endurance titles. Vesrah has been on the podium at the Daytona 200 before with Cory West finishing 2^nd in 2011, and I look forward to seeing where we can end up in the 2024 edition of this prestigious event with Hayden Gillim.”

Hayden Gillim – Rider #95: “I’m really excited for another chance at the 200. It’s redemption time after ending 4^th last year. This year I’m feeling really good, especially flying the iconic Vesrah Racing colors! It’s an even more stacked field this year and I’m ready to get going at Daytona! I can’t thank everyone enough who’s making this possible.”

Moto2: Aldeguer Quickest, Roberts P2 Overall As Testing Concludes At Jerez

David Swarts

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March 1, 2024

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Moto2: Aldeguer Quickest, Roberts P2 Overall As Testing Concludes At Jerez

Editorial Note: The official Moto2 All-Time Lap Record for Jerez is a 1:40.640 by Aron Canet in 2023.

Unofficial Combined Moto2 Test Results (all on Pirelli tires):

Fermin Aldeguer, Spain (Boscoscuro), 1:40.307
Joe Roberts, USA (Kalex), 1:40.351
Manuel Gonzalez, Spain (Kalex), 1:40.385
Tony Arbolino, Italy (Kalex), 1:40.437
Aron Canet, Spain (Kalex), 1:40.441
Somkiat Chantra, Thailan (Kalex), 1:40.498
Marcos Ramirez, Spain (Kalex), 1:40.507
Alonso Lopez, Spain (Boscoscuro), 1:40.619
Zonta van den Goorbergh, Netherlands (Kalex), 1:40.662
Ai Ogura, Japan (Boscoscuro), 1:40.678
Celestino Vietti, Italy (Kalex), 1:40.801
Jake Dixon, UK (Kalex), 1:40.872
Sergio Garcia, Spain (Boscoscuro), 1:40.953
Bo Bendsneyder, Netherlands (Kalex), 1:41.014
Albert Arenas, Spain (Kalex), 1:41.023
Jeremy Alcoba, Spain (Kalex), 1:41.120
Barry Baltus, Belgium (Kalex), 1:41.137
Deniz Oncu, Turkey (Kalex), 1:41.161
Izan Guevara, Spain (Kalex), 1:41.313
Filip Salac, Czech Republic (Kalex), 1:41.325
Senna Agius, AUS (Kalex), 1:41.352
Diogo Moreira, Brazil (Kalex), 1:41.465
Dennis Foggia, Italy (Kalex), 1:41.506
Ayumu Sasaki, Japan (Kalex), 1:41.625
Alex Escrig, Spain (Forward), 1:41.651
Darryn Binder, South Africa (Kalex), 1:41.771
Jaume Masia, Spain (Kalex), 1:41.801
Xavi Cardelus, Andorra (Kalex), 1:42.105
Mario Aji, Indonesia (Kalex), 1:43.622
Xavier Artigas, Spain (Forward), 1:44.046

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Aldeguer and Rueda set searing pace in Jerez Test

The official pre-season test has now concluded, with some eye-popping times as the Pirelli era begins

Fermin Aldeguer (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Friday, 01 March 2024

The chequered flag has been waved at the 2024 Moto2™ and Moto3™ Jerez Test, and the Pirelli era has arrived with a bang. Heading into Qatar’s season opener at the top of the timesheets it’s Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp) in Moto2™ and Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in Moto3™, with searing unofficial lap records set by both riders.

Moto2™

Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) was the rider to beat on the opening two days in Andalucia, but the Spaniard’s 1:40.7 lap time was beaten on the final day as most riders set personal best laps. Aldeguer’s was the quickest of the lot, but it was tight – Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) was just 0.044s adrift in P2, with Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) 0.078s away in third. Aldeguer and Roberts did crash on the final day, but that didn’t do much to halt their progress with the top three all setting their best laps in the closing session.

In total, seven riders lapped under Canet’s 1:40.640 all-time intermediate class lap record around the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, as the field got to grips with their new machines and Pirelli’s tyres – a huge change for 2024 in Moto2™ and Moto3™.

2023’s runner-up Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) led the way for some of the final day, but it’s P4 at the close of play for the Italian. P5 on the combined timesheets went the way of Canet, with the fastest quintet just 0.134s apart as Moto2™ looks set to be fiercely competitive again. No surprises there!

Elsewhere, Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Deniz Öncü ended the three-day outing as the quickest rookie, the Turk set a 1:41.161 on Friday to sit an impressive 0.8s away from Aldeguer.

Jose Antonio Rueda (99). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Moto3™

David Alonso (CFMOTO Aspar Team) – much like Canet – was the pacesetter on Day 1 and Day 2, but fellow sophomore Rueda set a blistering 1:43.272, not far shy of two seconds quicker than Andrea Migno’s lap record, in the penultimate session of the test to climb to P1 overall. That time was 0.043s faster than Alonso’s Day 2 effort as the Spaniard and Colombian set mighty laps.

The rider closest to the leading duo was Ivan Ortola as he and MT Helmets – MSI teammate Ryusei Yamanaka set 1:43.6s on the final day to get within 0.4s of Rueda’s effort. They were joined in the top five by Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) as his Day 2 time means the Dutch star is P5, just over half a second away from the summit.

As for top rookie honours, that went the way of Red Bull GASGAS Tech3’s Jacob Roulstone. The Australian clocked a 1:44.538 on Thursday, with Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) a whisker shy of his rookie counterpart after the Italian set a 1:44.574 on the final day.

So that’s it for pre-season testing, check a look through the full results HERE! Next stop: Qatar. A fascinating year lies ahead in both Moto2™ and Moto3™, and the latest chapter begins very soon!

MotoAmerica: 11 Canadians Entered In Daytona 200

David Swarts

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March 1, 2024

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MotoAmerica: 11 Canadians Entered In Daytona 200

Record eleven Canadians set for Daytona 200

Hamilton, ON – The 82nd running of the annual Daytona 200 event will feature a record number of Canadians when it gets underway in the Florida sun next week, March 7-9, with a full display of Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship talent set to make the trip to the historic Daytona International Speedway.

While some will be returning for another 57-lap battle around the famed 3.51-mile (5.65 km) circuit, others will be making their first appearance at the “World Center of Racing,” a unique test of both rider and machine durability.

Below is a quick look at each of the eleven names that will represent Canada when the lights go out in Daytona, listed in order of last year’s pro championship standings.

Ben Young – Team BATTLAX Suzuki

The two-time defending Canada Cup champion is back for another try at Daytona, and it’s hard not to think of him as Canada’s best chance at victory since Miguel Duhamel’s last triumph in 2005. Young put together a strong showing one year ago despite riding a problem-filled Yamaha, dragging the underpowered machine into the top-ten before crashing out in the final laps.

Now aboard a much more capable Suzuki GSX-R750 and with full Bridgestone support, the 30-year-old Young will look to follow up his sensational 2023 championship run by adding a new piece of hardware to his trophy case, in what is his fourth (and potentially last) appearance at the historic 200-mile event.

Sam Guerin – Original Garage Premont HD Kawasaki

The fan-favourite will be making his first appearance at the Daytona 200, but Guerin’s career has demonstrated that he can ride anything – and anywhere – at a high level, taking away most of the uncertainty around his switch to the ZX-6R Ninja at an unfamiliar venue.

Guerin has all the tools to be a surprise contender at this year’s event, bringing an elite blend of physical endurance and tire management to pair with strong outright pace. The Quebec City native will be at a slight disadvantage amongst a group of frontrunners with more Daytona experience, but he won’t need long to get up to speed and match the big names at the top.

Trevor Dion – Warhorse HSBK Ducati

Dion will also be a Daytona 200 rookie, but if his end to 2023 was any indication, he may be a threat to win it all. The 22-year-old switched from Kawasaki to Ducati and found instant chemistry with the V4R, scoring three consecutive podiums to end the year and matching the pace of champions Young and Alex Dumas.

He will need to ride the lesser-powered V2 Panigale this time around but will do so with the help of MotoAmerica heavyweights Warhorse HSBK, who just so happen to be the defending champions with 2023 winner Josh Herrin. And while Dion has yet to contest the Daytona 200, it won’t be his first time at the venue, having won the ASRA finale there last season – a result that can’t be overlooked by any of the frontrunners.

Trevor Daley – Team BATTLAX Suzuki

Partnering Young in the BATTLAX Suzuki tent will be his good friend and on-track rival Daley, who stays with Suzuki but aboard a new GSX-R750 machine. Daley will make his Daytona 200 debut after finishing eighth in last year’s Superbike championship, a spot that would have been higher if not for a mid-season femur injury.

The Mississauga, Ontario native shouldn’t be dismissed as just Young’s rear gunner, either, as he has proven throughout his career that he is capable of getting up to speed quickly at any track and on any machine. Watch for both BATTLAX riders to turn heads early and often throughout the weekend in Daytona.

Sebastien Tremblay – Turcotte Performance Kawasaki

After one of the most dominant two-year runs in Sport Bike history, Tremblay shifted his focus to Superbike in 2022 before entering a semi-retirement. That hiatus lasted just one round before he returned to the Sport Bike mix, and he quickly reminded the world just how competitive he is on middleweight machinery, winning three times and scoring five podiums in seven races.

He will now get a chance to showcase that expertise in Daytona, reuniting with the ZX-6R Ninja that brought him his 2021 championship. Tremblay gave Dion a spectacular fight to finish second at the ASRA finale last year, and his trademark consistency and tire management will be a valuable asset to have across the 57-lap event.

Matt Simpson – Evans Racing Yamaha

The Sport Bike championship runner-up from a year ago will be making his debut appearance south of the border, and it may be a fairy-tale scenario for the man without a ride for 2024. The 22-year-old Simpson is unsure of his plans post-Daytona, but his presence at the Florida venue will definitely be felt.

Simpson won his first career Pro race in 2022 by being patient and opportunistic behind the lead group – a core ingredient of the Daytona 200 – and he backed that up with further consistency in 2023. His unfamiliarity with the circuit will be a tough challenge, but Simpson may be one of the biggest dark horses in the field if he can get up to speed quickly.

Elliot Vieira – EV 33Racing Ducati

After partnering Young on miscast Yamaha’s a year ago, Vieira will also return in 2024 aboard a new machine, this time his own Ducati V2 Panigale. The Guyanese rider and fan-favourite managed a very respectable 15th in his debut last season, and a second go-around on a more familiar machine will make him tough to beat.

The only challenge for Vieira will be reliability, after numerous mechanical issues plagued him throughout 2023 – something that will be put to the most extreme test in Daytona. However, the 26-year-old is unbelievably fast when he can finish, evidenced by his runaway win and four consecutive podiums to close out last season.

Alex Michel – SpeedFactory67 Kawasaki

One of the most underappreciated riders of 2023, Michel delivered a quietly spectacular rookie season with a podium in CTMP and six top-eight finishes. The 20-year-old is a fast learner and very smart rider, two things that come in handy across a 57-lap race with plenty of uncertainty.

Michel is poised to turn plenty of heads in 2024 regardless, but a strong showing at Daytona would go a long way in boosting the confidence of the Kawasaki rider as he enters his sophomore pro CSBK season.

Brad Macrae – Mac Racing Yamaha

The second Yamaha rider in the group will also be making his debut at Daytona, as Brad Macrae heads south to join his paddock pals Young and Daley. The former Amateur champion scored a sensational victory early in 2023 and nearly did so again in the final round, but injuries limited him to seventh in the year-end Sport Bike table.

Now fully healthy and reenergized from the offseason, Macrae will hope to learn from his BATTLAX Suzuki counterparts and make an immediate impact aboard his R6 machine, while also besting some of his other Canadian rivals in attendance.

Alex Coelho – MTRS Coelho Racing Kawasaki

A frequent visitor to Daytona in recent years, Coelho made his return to CSBK in 2023 and made an immediate impact in doing so. The former championship runner-up led for majority of the opening race in the rain at Shannonville, and while he won’t get the chance to flash that wet-weather expertise in Daytona, he will return with a bit more confidence under his belt.

The Kawasaki rider finished one spot behind Vieira in 16th last season and could find himself in a similar spot even despite a stiffer field, as he demonstrated once again last season that he can hang with the best of the best in national racing.

Mavrick Cyr – R2R Canada/Rizzin Racing Triumph

The lone rookie pro to enter Daytona, Cyr will be making just his second career professional start when the lights go out in Daytona. While that inexperience can’t be ignored, neither can his raw talent, as the 19-year-old made a name for himself last season as one of the best young riders in North America.

A near-perfect amateur season was followed up with a spectacular debut in the final Pro Sport Bike race of the year, as Cyr didn’t need long to acclimate himself against a stronger field. He will have to do that again in Daytona, but aboard a proven Triumph machine that won with Brandon Paasch just two years ago.

American Flat Track: Vanderkooi Signs With JMC Motorsports

David Swarts

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February 29, 2024

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American Flat Track: Vanderkooi Signs With JMC Motorsports

Jarod Vanderkooi and Fairway Ford Ohio Back with JMC Motorsports in 2024

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 29, 2024) – JMC Motorsports is excited to announce the return of Jarod Vanderkooi as pilot and Fairway Ford Ohio as title sponsor to battle for the Mission SuperTwins championship aboard an Indian FTR750 during the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season.

‘24 marks the fourth consecutive season Vanderkooi and team owner Jay Maloney have worked in unison, starting as rider and crew chief 2021. During that span, the duo has secured a total of ten premier-class podium finishes, including nine top twos, highlighted by Vanderkooi’s maiden victory and Progressive Triple Crown triumph at the end of the ‘22 season.

Canfield Ohio-based Fairway Ford Ohio came aboard as title sponsor in Maloney’s return to team owner a year ago. The team came out swinging in 2023, scoring a runner-up result during the season-opening doubleheader, before ultimately securing 15 top tens en route to a seventh-place Grand National Championship ranking.

Building on that experience, the ambition is to achieve even greater success in ‘24.

Jay Maloney, Team Owner:

“JMC Motorsports is looking to significantly up our results from last year. We had a few results that showed where we belong, but it felt like the majority of the year we battled through bad luck and flat-out bad results, and we plan to put behind us. Back with Jarod and the Fairway Ford family, there’s no reason we shouldn’t be fighting for the top step of the podium with regularity this season.

“We had an outpouring of support from the Progressive AFT community to support our 2024 efforts. Floyd Tapp, a long-time supporter of Jarod, helped tremendously in pushing those efforts forward. For that, we’re very appreciative, and plan to take full advantage of the opportunity before us.”

Jarod Vanderkooi, #20:

“Going into the 2024 season honestly the best word to use is, grateful. This will be my fourth year working with Jay. Last year we branched out under our own tent, and we learned so much that will set us up to be that much stronger and hungrier than ever before.

“I can’t thank Bob and Robbie Davis at Fairway Ford enough for coming back on board in a big way, and I’d also like to say a big thank you to Floyd Tapp Racing and everyone from the racing community that chipped in to support our effort. The people in my corner never quit, and for that I’m thankful. Their generosity and support are the only reason we’re able to do what we love. I feel like I have a lot to prove this year, and I’m ready to get it going.”

Bob and Robbie Davis, Owners of Fairway Ford Ohio:

“We are thrilled to once again stand behind Jarod Vanderkooi and JMC Motorsports as their title sponsor for a second consecutive season. Jarod is not only an incredibly talented racer, but also a local Ohioan, making our support for him and his team even more special. We have been supporting Jarod since his early days in racing and watching his growth and success has been truly inspiring.

“Jarod has exceptional skill and unwavering determination. We’re proud to support such a talented and dedicated rider.”

In addition to Fairway Ford Ohio, JMC Motorsports is supported by Floyd Tapp Racing, Ben Evans Racing, Arai, 4SR, Klotz Synthetic Lubricants, Avila Racing, Level 10 Transmissions, Vortex, Rekluse Clutches, Motion Pro, Goon Glass, and Lowery Racing.

Intro: Suzuki GSX-8R: Fun, Friendly, SPORTY! In The February Issue

Trudy Ulrich

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February 29, 2024

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Intro: Suzuki GSX-8R: Fun, Friendly, SPORTY! In The February Issue

Featured In the February 2024 issue of Roadracing World:

“I was in a room full of North American-based moto-journalists and Suzuki executives as a stream of Japanese engineers got up one by one and talked about the part of the new Suzuki GSX-8R they were responsible for designing and developing.

“The presence of the delegation sent a very loud message that the GSX-8R is an important motorcycle for Suzuki globally. Otherwise, Suzuki would not be investing tens of millions of dollars in developing, producing, and releasing new motorcycles like the GSX-8R.

“Nor would the company have sent the entire design team to the United States (and then on to Europe) to present and gain feedback on the new model. The brand also remains committed to the other products like the GSX-R line, which is still marketed and sold in the U.S.A. and other countries where the motorcycles meet emission standards…”

“Intro: Suzuki GSX-8R,” by Racing Editor Chris Ulrich

Racing Editor Chris Ulrich puts it simply: “I’m a racing guy and I like racebikes,” he says. So he considers the R model the flagship of Suzuki’s new parallel-Twin lineup, and he got to flog one on the racetrack. Read his impressions in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.

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MotoAmerica: Daytona 200 Pit Stop Challenge Returns March 8

David Swarts

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February 29, 2024

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MotoAmerica: Daytona 200 Pit Stop Challenge Returns March 8

Friday Night Lights: Pit Stop Challenge Set For Day Prior To The Daytona 200

The Third Annual Pit Stop Challenge Will Take Place On Friday, March 8 In Victory Lane At Daytona International Speedway

IRVINE, CA (February 29, 2024) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, will host the third annual Pit Stop Challenge on Friday, March 8, in advance of the 82nd running of the Daytona 200 at Daytona International Speedway on March 9.

With weather forcing last year’s event to be moved to the FanZone, this year’s Pit Stop Challenge will relocate back to the original and popular site in the friendly confines of the Speedway’s iconic Victory Lane.

The pit crews from the five fastest qualifiers for Saturday’s Daytona 200 will go at it in the team vs. team Pit Stop Challenge with the winning team walking away with the lion’s share of the $15,000 purse.

While giving the teams the opportunity to do battle, the Pit Stop Challenge also allows spectators to get a close-up look at what goes into a winning pit stop in the Daytona 200 as the teams change both wheels, simulate filling the motorcycle with gas and then push their motorcycles across the timing strip for the fastest time. Make a mistake and the penalty is harsh with teams facing disqualification if an axle nut isn’t tightened.

“The Pit Stop Challenge has proven to be popular with the fans, and the teams also enjoy the competition with their peers,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “The teams get a nice payout and bragging rights for a year, and the fans get to see up close exactly what goes into a Daytona 200 pit stop.”

The winning team will take home $7500 with second place paying $4500 and third getting $3000. In addition to the cash, the winning team will also get $1000 worth of VP fuel and $1000 worth of Cardo’s new Edge DUO and two Edgephones.

MotoAmerica would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the third annual Pit Stop Challenge: Dunlop, Pirelli, Motion Pro, Millennium Technologies, Coatzy Moto, San Jose BMW, Liqui Moly, E3 Spark Plugs, Mission Foods, REV’IT!, S&S Cycle, Parts Unlimited, R&G Racing, Honda Red Rider Rewards, Cometic Gaskets, VP Racing and Cardo.

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+

AMA Supercross: Race Report And Video Highlights From Daytona

March 3, 2024

In perfect celebration of the 50th anniversary season of AMA Supercross racing, the Daytona International Speedway is the only venue to host a Supercross race every season, uninterrupted, since the start of the series. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.