MotoAmerica: Gus Rodio Racing In Daytona 200, Gloddy Returns To Twins Cup

David Swarts

-

February 24, 2024

MotoAmerica: Gus Rodio Racing In Daytona 200, Gloddy Returns To Twins Cup

Gus Rodio to compete in Daytona 200 aboard Ducati Panigale V2, Gloddy to return to Twins Cup racing for Daytona round

Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering to field three Aprilia RS 660s in Twins Cup races at Daytona International Speedway in March

This year’s Daytona 200 will mark the MotoAmerica Supersport Class debut for Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering rider Gus Rodio. The 2023 MotoAmerica Twins Cup runner-up and 2022 MotoAmerica Junior Cup runner-up will compete aboard a Ducati Panigale V2 at the 82nd running of the event on March 7-9.

Rodio will have a busy weekend at Daytona International Speedway, as he’ll also take part in both MotoAmerica Twins Cup races aboard an Aprilia RS 660 as part of his quest to win that title after coming up just short in 2023.

Joining the team’s Twins Cup lineup for the Daytona round will be MotoAmerica veteran Ben Gloddy. The New Hampshirite raced with the team in 2022 and 2023 and will be back on an Aprilia RS 660s alongside Gus Rodio and Twins Cup rookie and 2022 Nicky Hayden AMA Road Race Horizon Award winner Alessandro Di Mario.

“I’ve been watching the [Daytona] 200 for years and always thought about giving it a shot,” Gus Rodio said. “When the team asked me if I wanted to do it, I thought about it for a little while and agreed. Who would argue about having over double the track time? Our primary focus is still obviously the Twins Cup. Since I’m used to the a twin-cylinder bike, Rodio Racing and Robem Engineering prepped a Ducati Panigale V2 for the Daytona 200. I’ve ridden the Panigale, and it feels a lot like my Robem Engineering Aprilia — but with a lot more power. I’m excited to get to Daytona and learn something new.”

After missing most of the 2023 MotoAmerica Twins Cup season due to an injury at the season-opening Daytona round, Gloddy returned to Twins Cup racing for the season finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park in September. He scored a fourth-place and a fifth-place finish despite not having competed on a Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660 in about six months.

Ben Gloddy (72). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Rodio Racing. — Ben Gloddy (72). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering.

“I am super excited that Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering has given me the opportunity to join them at Daytona for the first round of the MotoAmerica season,” Gloddy said. “After being away from the paddock for most of the 2023 season and after having a decent return at NJMP, I feel more ready than ever — both mentally and physically — to kick off this race season. I am not sure what the remainder 2024 season will look like for me after Daytona due to lack of funding. For now, all I am focused on is doing well at Daytona for both myself and the team.”

The season-opening MotoAmerica round at Daytona International Speedway takes place March 7-9, with the Twins Cup slated to race Friday afternoon and Saturday morning before the Daytona 200 gets underway at 1:10 p.m. on Saturday, March 9.

To tune in to all three races the Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering riders are set to compete in at Daytona, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming service, MotoAmerica Live Plus. Subscribers can watch races in all MotoAmerica classes live or on-demand, as well as view highlights, interviews and races from years past. To learn more about MotoAmerica Live Plus, visit http://motoamericaliveplus.com.

Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering’s technical partners for the 2024 season include Spellcaster Productions, Luxestar VIP, Geoscape Solar, MAR Contractors, Blud Lubricants, Spiegler Performance, Woodcraft Technologies, Dymag Performance Wheels, Millennium Technologies, Sprint Filter, Dunlop, SC Project, MVR Endeavor, GRG Designs, REB Graphics, NGK Spark Plugs, EvolveGT and N2 Racing.

Australian Superbike: Report From Race One At Phillip Island

David Swarts

-

February 24, 2024

0

Australian Superbike: Report From Race One At Phillip Island

Waters powers to season-opening ASBK Superbike victory at Phillip Island

Josh Waters’ affinity with the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit has continued this afternoon with the Victorian scoring an emphatic victory in race one of the season-opening 2024 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK).

Waters took maximum advantage of pole position on his On Ya Bike Adventures Ducati Panigale V4 R to scythe through the 12-lap race, finishing ahead of teammate and exceptionally gifted rookie Harrison Voight.

Reigning Australian Superbike champion Troy Herfoss was third in his debut for DesmoSport Ducati, followed by Yamaha Racing Team duo Cru Halliday and Mike Jones.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha) continued an imposing day for the teenage brigade with two runaway victories in the Michelin Supersport class, and the local Race and Road Supersport 300 brigade is yet to find a chink in the armour of Czech visitor Petr Svoboda (Kawasaki). The wildcard has now won two races from as many starts as he ramps up his preparation for the 2024 FIM Supersport World Championship.

All three ASBK Championship classes will again be in action on Sunday – two races for Australian Superbike and one apiece for Michelin Supersport and Race and Road Supersport 300 – as well as the World Superbike and Supersport classes with Aussies Remy Gardner, Oli Bayliss and Tom Toparis to feature.

mi-bike insurance Australian Superbike

After edging out Herfoss, Jones and Halliday in qualifying with a new Australian Superbike best lap of 1m30.379s, there was an air of inevitability when Waters blitzed the race one start and Herfoss struggled to get off the line.

Waters immediately set about putting the sword to the opposition – but it was early disaster for Ted Collins (BMW) whose race only lasted two corners before he was cannoned into by another rider and crashed out.

Meanwhile, Waters was in charge from Jones (YZF-R1), Voight (McMartin Racing Panigale V4 R), Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4 R) and 16-year-old rookie Cameron Dunker (Penrite Racing YZF-R1).

Voight was then, in his own words, “pushed and shoved” by his more experienced Australian Superbike rivals and ran wide at turn four on lap two as a result, dropping him back to sixth position.

The 17-year-old immediately rallied, though, initially battling with his old dirt track nemesis Dunker as he methodically worked his way back into second position by lap eight. He also set a new lap record (1:30.790) during his offensive.

Waters’ disappearing act saw him win the race – his sixth in the last nine Phillip Island races – by 1.250 seconds over Voight, followed by Herfoss, the slow-starting Halliday, Jones, Pearson, Anthony West (Addicted to Track YZF-R1) and Dunker.

“That was a really good race and a great reward for all the effort the team is putting in to continually improve every time we go out,” said Waters. “After I pulled out a good lead, I just played it safe as I had no idea how the tyres were going to wear.

“I’m really happy but we’ve got two races to go and I’m under no illusions how hard tomorrow is going to be. But for now, we’ll enjoy this one.”

Glenn Allerton (GT Racing M 1000 RR) and Max Stauffer (Penrite Racing YZF-R1) completed the top 10, while Arthur Sissis (Unitech Racing Yamaha YZF-R1) joined Collins on the DNF list.

Races two and three of the mi-bike insurance Australian Superbike program at Phillip Island will be held at 9:45am and 1:40pm tomorrow.

Michelin Supersport

Nahlous’ Michelin Supersport victories were achieved with absolute precision, defeating Mark Chiodo (Honda) in race one and last year’s No. 2 Olly Simpson (Yamaha) in the two 10-lappers.

The 17-year-old also set a new lap record of 1:34.682, obliterating Voight’s old mark of 1:34.979.

“I’m over the moon with my weekend so far,” said Nahlous. “Pole position, two wins and a new lap record is something that I am very proud of and a reward for all the hard work we’ve been putting in.

“The bike is riding on rails at the moment, and I can’t wait to get back out on track tomorrow.”

Race one saw Nahlous, from NSW, lead from start to finish on his way to a 4.573-second victory over Chiodo and Simpson.

Chiodo (Honda) moved into second place just before mid-race distance – his dive underneath Simpson at turn 10 a highlight – but by then Nahlous had already put the winning equation beyond doubt.

Nonetheless, an impressive return to Michelin Supersport for the CBR600RR, which was also extremely fast down Gardner Straight in the hands of not only Chiodo, but 2023 Supersport 300 champion Marcus Hamod.

Tom Bramich (Yamaha), back in action after injury cruelled his 2023 Supersport campaign, was also heavily involved in the scrap for second place early on before a gear shifter issue saw him fall through the pack and finish 11th.

Jack Mahaffy (Yamaha) was a solid fourth, well ahead of Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha) and Archie McDonald (Yamaha).

Race two saw Nahlous and Simpson scrap hard for the first half before the former pulled away for another easy win, with Mahaffy completing the trifecta from Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha), Hamod and Bramich, who was as far back as 12th in the opening laps.

Hayden Nelson (Kawasaki ZX-6R) and McDonald saw out the top eight.

Race three is at 11:25am on Sunday, as Nahlous looks to make it a clean sweep.

Race and Road Supersport 300

Two from two for Czech Petr Svoboda in the Race and Road Superport 300 class, with the FIM WorldSSP300 rider pulling clear of the pack in the final three laps to win by just over one second from fellow Kawasaki rider Josh Newman – the same 1-2 as Friday’s race one.

Ryan Larkin (Yamaha) put in a stirring final lap to finish third, just 0.03 seconds behind Newman. Mitch Simpson (Yamaha), Tara Morrison (Kawasaki), Valentino Knezovic (Yamaha), Harrison Watts (Kawasaki) and Ryder Gilbert (Yamaha) all flashed across the line in rapid succession to fill positions 3-8 in the eight-lapper.

Gilbert again set the fastest lap of the race, today’s 1:47.348 set in ideal conditions. The current lap record for Supersport 300 is of the oldest benchmarks at Phillip Island – Luke Jhonston’s 1:47.187 set in 2020.

Race three of the Race and Road Supersport 300 class will be held at 9:10am tomorrow.

WorldSBK: Race One Results From Phillip Island

David Swarts

-

February 24, 2024

0

WorldSBK: Race One Results From Phillip Island

Rookie Nicolo Bulega won FIM Superbike World Championship Race One – his career-first WorldSBK race – Saturday at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, in Australia. Bulega started from pole position, made his mandatory mid-race pit stop, and rode his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R to a 2.28-second margin of victory in the 20-lap race.

Andrea Locatelli was the runner-up on his Pata Yamaha by Prometeon YZF-R1 and just held off Andrea Iannone, who rode his Team Go Eleven Ducati to third in his first WorldSBK race and his first professional motorcycle road race of any kind in four years.

American Garrett Gerloff went from 14th on the grid to ninth at the finish on his Bonovo Action BMW.

WSBK R1
WSBK Points after R1

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Rookie sensation: Nicolo Bulega makes history with maiden win

Nicolo Bulega (11) leads WorldSBK Race One at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Nicolo Bulega achieved a remarkable feat by winning Race 1 at Phillip Island on his WorldSBK debut, becoming the first rider to accomplish this since Alvaro Bautista in 2019.
After four years away from racing, Andrea Iannone made a stunning return, leading the race and ultimately securing a podium finish.

Despite initially finishing in fourth place, Toprak Razgatlioglu received a penalty for a Pit Intervention Time infringement, which dropped him to fifth.

WorldSBK Race 1 at Phillip Island provided thrilling action and historic moments with intense battles among the leading riders and strategic maneuvers during the pit stop phase between Laps 9 and 11.

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) stole the show by claiming victory on his WorldSBK debut, achieving a remarkable feat as the first WorldSSP Reigning Champion to win on his first SBK race, marking an unprecedented accomplishment in the championship’s history.

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) displayed impressive pace and strategy to claim second place. Making a sensational return to racing, Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) secured third place after leading in the early stages of the race. Locatelli and Iannone completed an all-Italian podium sweep, echoing a milestone last achieved in 1993.

Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) demonstrated strong competitiveness, finishing in fourth position, followed closely by Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK), who initially crossed the line in fourth but was demoted to fifth.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) struggled to find his rhythm, ultimately finishing in 15th position after a crash, while Jonathan Rea’s (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) difficulties persisted as he crossed the line outside the points in 17th place. Australian Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK), encountered misfortune during the race, as a collision with another rider led to an early retirement.

World Supersport: Race One Results From Phillip Island

David Swarts

-

February 24, 2024

0

World Supersport: Race One Results From Phillip Island

Yari Montella won FIM Supersport World Championship Race One Saturday at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, in Australia. Riding his Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati Panigale V2, the Italian won the 18-lap race by 6.666 seconds.

Montella’s countryman Stefano Manzi was the runner-up on his Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing YZF-R6, just 0.302 second ahead of third-place finisher Marcel Schroetter, who rode a factory MV Agusta F3 800 RR.

Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise crashed his Evan Bros Yamaha shortly after the mandatory mid-race pit stop and Did Not Finish (DNF).

WSS R1
WSS Points after R1

WorldSBK: Rookie Bulega Breaks Lap Record, Takes Pole Position At Phillip Island

David Swarts

-

February 24, 2024

0

WorldSBK: Rookie Bulega Breaks Lap Record, Takes Pole Position At Phillip Island

Rookie sensation Nicolo Bulega took pole position during World Superbike Superpole qualifying Saturday at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, in Australia. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R on the newly repaved track, Bulega recorded a lap time of 1:27.916, which was not only good enough to top the 22-rider field and secure pole position it also eclipsed the All-Time Lap Record Bulega set, 1:28.716, during Free Practice Three (FP3) Saturday morning.

In his first professional racing event in four years, Andrea Iannone qualified second with a 1:28.154 on his Team Go Eleven Ducati. Alex Lowes did a 1:28.239 on his factory Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR to earn the third and final spot on the front row.

Row two starters include GYTR GRT Yamaha’s Dominique Aegerter (1:28.403), ROKiT BMW’s Toprak Razgatlioglu (1:28.520), and Pata Yamaha by Prometeon’s Andrea Locatelli (1:28.540).

American Garrett Gerloff qualified 14th with a 1:29.045 on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR.

WSBK SP Qual

MotoAmerica: Herrin Going For Third Daytona 200 Victory

David Swarts

-

February 23, 2024

0

MotoAmerica: Herrin Going For Third Daytona 200 Victory

Josh Herrin ready to defend the Daytona 200 title with Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati

Sunnyvale, Calif., February 23, 2024 — The time of America’s great race is fast approaching, and the defending champion, Josh Herrin, is ready to rumble.

Scheduled for March 7-9, 2024, the 2024 Daytona 200 is stacked with the most competitive field in years, with any number of riders capable of victory. However, they will all be after Herrin, who will reunite with the dominant Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V2 after a stellar 2023 season, finishing in second place while campaigning the Ducati Panigale V4 R in MotoAmerica Superbike.

Herrin’s record at Daytona speaks for itself. The number two took the Time Attack pole position in 2022 and 2023, claiming a historic victory for Ducati in 2023 to match his previous race success from 2010.

Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati – #2)

“The first year I took the MotoAmerica Supersport title on the V2 in 2022 was the bike’s first year in America, so there was lots of work to set it up correctly. Now we have a good base to work from, so I think we’ll have an even more competitive package than when we won the Daytona 200 in 2023. That gives me lots of confidence because I know it will be a fast race this year.

“It’s been a long off-season, and Daytona is my favorite race of the year. I always look forward to riding the high banks, the constant drafting in the race, the different tire manufacturers, and the overall race build-up. The Daytona 200 is getting bigger and bigger each year, and with the level of riders on the grid, the race is quickly getting back to the stature of when it was the biggest race in the world.”

Jason Chinnock – Chief Executive Officer, Ducati North America

“We are honored to support world-class motorcycle racing in North America, and the partnership with Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati and Josh Herrin at the Daytona 200 is a perfect opportunity to reaffirm our racing heritage at a circuit that not only has an American story but draws global attention,” said Chinnock.

On-track action for the 2024 Daytona 200 kicks off at 9:30 am EST on Thursday, March 7, with Herrin first set to ride at 11:25 am. Qualifying for the A Group will commence at 2:50 pm that same day.

The all-important Time Attack qualifying session is scheduled for 1:15 pm on Friday, March 8, while the big one, the 2024 Daytona 200, is scheduled for a 1:10 pm race start on Saturday, March 9.

MotoE: Garzo Quickest, Casadei Wins Race Simulation During Testing In Portugal

David Swarts

-

February 23, 2024

0

MotoE: Garzo Quickest, Casadei Wins Race Simulation During Testing In Portugal

MotoE™: Garzo fastest, Casadei wins race simulation as testing concludes

Three days of testing for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship see some familiar names take to the top

Friday, 23 February 2024

There’s one month to go until the 2024 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship begins at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in March, and the very same venue hosted the three-day pre-season test for the electric Championship. The gaps look as close as ever and some familiar names took to the top in testing, teasing another close season of competition on this parallel path of sustainable innovation.

2023 race winner Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) tops the overall timesheets with a 1:46.916 from Day 2, ahead of Nicolas Spinelli (Tech3 E-Racing) and 2019 Cup winner Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™), both also setting their best efforts on Thursday. Reigning World Champion Mattia Casadei, now with LCR E-Team, took some bragging rights as he won the seven-lap race simulation on Day 3 though, finishing ahead of now-teammate Eric Granado and Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse’s Kevin Manfredi. There, Garzo and Spinelli both slid out, the latter after leading for much of the race as some hurdles befell a number of competitors.

But back to the start. Day 1 saw the field focused on getting up to speed with the machinery and track – or both, for a number of returning or rookie competitors – as Portimão gets ready to debut on the electric calendar this season. Wednesday was the only fully dry outing too, leaving some looking to make more of an impression once the final test sessions take place on the Thursday just ahead of the season-opening Portuguese GP. Day 2 was the timesheet topper despite some damp tracktime, and Day 3 saw the race sim begin in the wet before the sun came out.

So, completing the overall top four behind Garzo, Spinelli, and Ferrari’s best laps from Day 2 comes a 1:47.231 set by Casadei on Day 3, ahead of an impressive full-time debut for Oscar Gutierrez (Axxis-MSI) in P5 overall, just thousandths behind the reigning Champion.

Alessandro Zaccone (Tech3 E-Racing) is next up, pipping Granado, with Kevin Zannoni (Openbank Aspar Team), the returning Lukas Tulovic (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) and Miquel Pons (Axxis-MSI) completing the top ten. Two-time Cup winner Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) is missing from that list, but he was only hundredths off Pons as the top ten is covered by only just over half a second.

He’ll be one of those looking for more next time out in that last Thursday test before the first race weekend begins, but the times are already tight and there are 16 races ahead worth 25 points each. So join us for the season opener at the Grande Prémio Tissot de Portugal as another incredible season of competition begins!

RESULTS – COMBINED TOP TEN

1 Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) 1:46.916

2 Nicolas Spinelli (Tech3 E-Racing) +0.120

3 Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) +0.170

4 Mattia Casadei (LCR E-Team) +0.315

5 Oscar Gutierrez (Axxis-MSI) +0.318

6 Alessandro Zaccone (Tech3 E-Racing) +0.378

7 Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) +0.397

8 Kevin Zannoni (Openbank Aspar Team) +0.480

9 Lukas Tulovic (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) +0.491

10 Miquel Pons (Axxis-MSI) +0.595

MotoAmerica: De Keyrel Riding 1-833-CJKNOWS Yamaha In Twins Cup At Daytona

David Swarts

-

February 23, 2024

0

MotoAmerica: De Keyrel Riding 1-833-CJKNOWS Yamaha In Twins Cup At Daytona

Kaleb De Keyrel to Race at Daytona International Speedway onboard a 1-833-CJKNOWS Accident and Injury Law Yamaha R7

Bradenton, FL February 23, 2024 – It’s with great excitement that Attorney CJ announces the return of Kaleb De Keyrel to the racetrack at the legendary Daytona International Speedway. De Keyrel, backed by CJ Czaia of Czaia Law, will pilot the 1-833-CJKNOWS Accident and Injury Law Yamaha R7 in a one-off appearance in the Twins Cup event on March 7-9, 2024.

A long-standing partnership between personal injury attorney and professional racer, CJ Czaia and Kaleb De Keyrel, dating back to 2014, has seen thrilling racing moments, including the 2020 season when De Keyrel raced the iconic “Big Pink Machine” Yamaha MT-07 to a second-place finish in the championship with nine podium finishes. This year, with CJ’s continued support, De Keyrel is set to ride the “Big Pink Machine 2.0” at Daytona.

Attorney CJ Czaia expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m thrilled to have Kaleb back on the track, especially at Daytona, a venue close to my heart. As a racer myself, I know the excitement and challenges Daytona brings. We’ve prepared a strong bike, and with Kaleb’s talent, I’m confident we’ll see a fantastic performance.”

De Keyrel, the 2021 Twins Cup Champion and 2023 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship runner-up, shared his anticipation for the upcoming race, saying, “I am looking forward to getting back on the Twin and seeing what I can do. I love Florida, it’s always a great time and going back to the iconic Daytona International Speedway is really special. I always go back and watch videos from when they raced on the beach. It’s pretty crazy! I can’t thank Attorney CJ enough for the opportunity to ride the Big Pink Machine again. After having the Pink Machine in 2020 and getting second in the championship, we knew we had to build the “2.0 version” for this round. CJ has fielded a pink bike in professional and amateur racing for quite some time now, so being able to continue that with him is really special. Thank you to CJ, and the entire 1-833-CJKnows crew for putting this on. I am looking forward to getting back to racing.”

Adding to the excitement, CJ Czaia of Czaia Law, 1-833-CJKNOWS, and AbogadoCJ will welcome a large crowd on Friday, including members of the Latin American Motorcycle Association (L.A.M.A.) from across the United States and beyond. L.A.M.A. Members will have the chance to experience the thrill of the track firsthand with Attorney CJ providing an adrenaline packed day for the motorcycle associations’ members.

Attorney CJ Czaia (center with solid black shirt and black hat) with members of the Latin American Motorcycle Association at Daytona in 2023. Photo Courtesy of Czaia Law. — Attorney CJ Czaia (left of center with solid black shirt and black hat) with members of the Latin American Motorcycle Association at Daytona in 2023. Photo Courtesy of Czaia Law.

For more information on Kaleb De Keyrel and CJ’s involvement at Daytona International Speedway, please visit www.1833CJKNOWS.com.

MotoAmerica: Rodio Racing Fielding Di Mario, Rodio In Twins Cup

David Swarts

-

February 23, 2024

0

MotoAmerica: Rodio Racing Fielding Di Mario, Rodio In Twins Cup

Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering to field Gus Rodio, Alessandro Di Mario in 2024 MotoAmerica Twins Cup

2023 Twins Cup runner-up, 2022 MotoAmerica Talent Cup champion to vie for Twins Cup title aboard Aprilia RS 660s

Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering riders finished second and third in the 2023 MotoAmerica Twins Cup standings, and the team is aiming to go one step higher in 2024 with returning rider Gus Rodio and accomplished Twins Cup rookie Alessandro Di Mario.

The team will field two Aprilia RS 660s at all six MotoAmerica Twins Cup rounds this year.

2023 marked Gus Rodio’s first full season competing in Twins Cup, and he put in a stellar rookie campaign. Despite adverse circumstances at a couple rounds, Rodio produced some very strong performances and finished the season with three wins and seven additional podium finishes in 14 races. The 19-year-old from Hammonton, N.J., also was the runner-up in the 2022 MotoAmerica Junior Cup.

“I’m super excited to be back with the Robem-Rodio team for 2024,” Gus Rodio said. “We had a lot of success in 2023, and things just clicked. Last year we just came up short on a championship, so I felt like it was the right move to have another go at it. I can’t wait to use everything I learned last season toward our championship effort this year.”

Though Di Mario is new to Twins Cup competition, the Lexington, Ky., resident boasts a formidable racing resume at just 15 years of age. He started road racing in 2019 and was named the 2020 AMA Youth Road Racer of the Year. He followed that accomplishment by earning the 2022 Nicky Hayden AMA Road Race Horizon Award and clinching the 2022 North American Talent Cup title. He made his MotoAmerica debut in the Junior Cup in 2023, scored two podium finishes at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex round and finished eighth in the class standings.

Alessandro Di Mario (79). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Rodio Racing.

“I’m really excited that I’ll be racing in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup series this year with Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering on an Aprilia RS 660,” Di Mario said. “I am very proud to race alongside Gus and be part of the team. Thank you to Matt [Spicer], Kevin [Rodio] and Aprilia for giving me this great opportunity. I will do my best to get the best results possible. This year, the Twins Cup will be a really competitive championship with a lot of fast riders. I will have to try my best every step of the way.”

The 2024 edition of the MotoAmerica Twins Cup features 12 races at six rounds. The season kicks off March 7-9 at the world-famous Daytona International Speedway, followed rounds at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga. (April 19-21), Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. (May 17-19), Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. (May 31-June 2), Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minn. (June 14-16) and Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas (Sept. 13-15).

To follow Rodio and Di Mario’s 2024 MotoAmerica Twins Cup title chase, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming service, MotoAmerica Live Plus. Subscribers can watch races in all MotoAmerica classes live or on-demand, as well as view highlights, interviews and races from years past. To learn more about MotoAmerica Live Plus, visit http://motoamericaliveplus.com.

Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering’s technical partners for the 2024 season include Spellcaster Productions, Luxestar VIP, Geoscape Solar, MAR Contractors, Blud Lubricants, Spiegler Performance, Woodcraft Technologies, Dymag Performance Wheels, Millennium Technologies, Sprint Filter, Dunlop, SC Project, MVR Endeavor, GRG Designs, REB Graphics, NGK Spark Plugs, EvolveGT and N2 Racing.

John Hopkins And Partners Acquire Ohvale USA

David Swarts

-

February 23, 2024

0

John Hopkins And Partners Acquire Ohvale USA

JMJ Moto is the new dealer of Ohvale in the USA

Ohvale Srl is excited to announce its new partnership with American Ex-MotoGP Racer
John “Hopper” Hopkins and Partners Matt Dill & John Louch from The W Training Facility,
who have officially formed JMJ Moto to takeover OhvaleUSA and now be in charge of
Distribution in the U.S.A.

Ohvale commenced its official expansion into the USA in 2018, thanks to Rise Moto. We
extend our sincere gratitude to Brandon Cretu for his belief in Ohvale’s capacity to nurture
young, talented riders and train professional riders in the United States.

JMJ Moto have very exciting plans & fresh, new ideas already in the works to enhance
visibility in the U.S. and finally start to show Americans what is classified by most, as the
#1 MiniGP Race Motorcycle around the world!

Those plans will include:

Large investments to enhance Promotion (largely targeting & infiltrating the very
successful Motocross Industry within the U.S.).

Stocking & Shipping all Bikes/Parts here within the U.S. to enhance Orders & Delivery
for fast, efficient service.

Showroom & Flagship Dealership based in the heart of Southern California handling
on-site Bikes/Parts sales with the intention to expand nationwide.

Riding Events/Exhibitions, Academy’s & Rider/Racer Camps including “Camp21” will be
set up in addition to the continued collaboration with the American Racing Academy
to attract New Riders & Competitively enhance Racers (all ages & skill levels)

Most importantly, plans to improve the FIM MiniGP US Series to make it more
accessible & affordable to participants across the country and increase cooperation
with MotoAmerica’s competitions.

John Hopkins: “I’m truly honored to be given this opportunity by Ohvale & to have such great partners by my side helping to make it all happen. Getting to play a big role
in potentially changing the sport (here in the U.S.) for the better has always been the biggest dream of mine! Without help from many throughout my young career, I would’ve
never dreamed of becoming a professional racer let alone successfully racing in MotoGP. This is the way I finally get to give back in a big way & I couldn’t be more excited!! There’s
NO shortage of talent on 2 wheels in America, now we just need to get them riding Ohvale’s with a good plan in place to do so…”

Valerio Da Lio, CEO of Ohvale: “I consider this new partnership with John Hopkins and his associates another important step forward for Ohvale projects, given their extensive experience in the motorsport industry. I am confident that the collaboration between Ohvale and JMJ Moto will provide a genuine opportunity for many young Americans to participate in a real professional growth path. Ohvale stands out for its choice of singlebrand motorcycles, equals for everyone, aiming to enhance the capabilities and skills of the rider. Ohvale embodies the dream of achieving a rewarding sports experience and becoming a professional rider in world competitions.”

MotoAmerica: Gus Rodio Racing In Daytona 200, Gloddy Returns To Twins Cup

February 24, 2024

Gus Rodio (96). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Rodio Racing.