Editorial Note: Nearly every year Road America makes enhancements to its historic facility, and here are a few new things awaiting fans in 2023.
Road America has worked to improve the experience since 1955
The overall vision of Road America grew out of the dreams of Clif Tufte, a highway engineer, who chose 525 acres of Wisconsin farmland outside the Village of Elkhart Lake for the track. The natural topography of the glacial Kettle Moraine area was utilized for the track and for fan viewing areas, sweeping around rolling hills and plunging through ravines. While countless facility improvements have been made over the years, the 4.048-mile, 14-turn road course itself is virtually the same today as it was when it was first laid out. Now in 2023, an entirely new surface stands ready for racers and enthusiasts alike. You can read more about the repaving of America’s National Park of Speed here.
Road America’s original 4.0-mile road course has been completely repaved (except for The Bend chicane used by MotoAmerica) for 2023. Photo courtesy Road America.
New facility improvements to experience during the 2023 season
In addition to the new racing surface, there are numerous new facility improvements to check out when you visit Road America this season. From Wood Carvings to Paddock lighting to the Carousel Viewing Trail, there is no shortage of exciting new features to explore.
One of the most striking additions to Road America is the wood carvings located throughout the property. These beautiful pieces of art are the work of artist Ben Buschke, from Manawa, Wisconsin, who has been creating wood carvings for many years. From bears to eagles to wolves, Ben’s carvings capture the spirit of the Wisconsin wilderness and add a unique and memorable touch to the Road America experience.
Some of the new wood carvings on display around Road America. Photos courtesy Road America.
Another exciting improvement to Road America is the paddock lighting provided by Wisconsin Lighting Lab. This innovative lighting system illuminates the pit lane and the paddock area, providing a safe and inviting environment for drivers, teams, and fans alike. With its bright and energy-efficient LED lights, the paddock lighting system is a testament to Road America’s commitment to sustainability and safety.
But perhaps the most exciting new addition to Road America is the Carousel Trail. This walking path (also golf cart accessible) circumnavigates turns nine and ten, providing fans with an unparalleled view of the action. Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or just looking for a fun and unique way to experience the beauty of Road America, the Carousel Trail is not to be missed.
The new Carousel Trail is a pedestrian and golf cart path that goes around the Carousel to “The Beach” viewing area at Turn 11. Photo courtesy Road America.
Lastly, the newest and most popular attraction is “The Beach,” a casual and relaxed sandy escape located near Turn 11. With its comfortable grandstand seating, palm trees, and excellent vantage point, The Beach is the perfect spot to soak up the sun and experience the thrill of the race.
Five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier and wife Shelby had a son, Brody Charles Beaubier, May 23 in Sacramento, California.
From Cameron Beaubier’s Facebook page: “Brody Charles Beaubier was born on Thursday 5/25/23. Shelby did amazing and I’m so proud. Brody scared us a little and had to spend a couple days being looked after in the NICU, but he is doing great now and we brought him home today.”
Army Of Darkness Battles Back from Self-inflicted Setbacks To Win the Heavyweight Endurance Race at Road Atlanta N2/WERA National Endurance Championship by Dunlop Season-Opener
Reigning champions Army Of Darkness’ (AOD) offseason of preparation and planning all came to an abrupt end when they threw a rod on their new endurance engine at a test 10 days before qualifying for the season opener. The loss of the engine meant the last few days before the first race would be filled with the mad scramble of preparation well known to every motorsports team since time immemorial.
Josh Hayes rallied from a training accident the day before practice to provide new engine mapping insights, and geometry and set up numbers for the AOD team to deploy on their well worn 2020 Yamaha R1. Cody Wyman quickly adapted to the new set up, posting a series of personal best lap times.
Dunlop’s Tony Romo, a veteran crew chief and race bike builder, not only contributed tire set up information but also collaborated with AOD Crew Chief (and birthday boy) Tim Gooding and strategized with Team Captain Sam Fleming.
It all led to a commanding pole position for qualifying and, at the race start, Cody Wyman set about the task of lapping the entire field before the first hour mark, putting AOD a lap up at the first pit stop.
Then, red flags began to intrude on the progress of the race. On one of the restarts Josh Hayes arrived at the not quite entirely cleaned up oil spill in turn 10B a second before any other rider and, despite a valiant effort to save it on his knee, had a low side spill. As the long suffering AOD R1 slid across the outside concrete, the right foot peg bent up. Hayes picked the bike up out of the gravel and returned to the track and was still the fastest bike on the track despite the compromised ergonomics. Another red flag offered an opportunity to closely inspect the damage to the footpeg and consider whether, and how, to address it.
Josh Hayes (99) on the Army of Darkness (AOD) Yamaha YZF-R1 at Road Atlanta. Photo by AKHUGHES Sports Media, courtesy AOD.
In an abundance of caution, after that restart AOD pulled the bike in for repairs and lost four minutes to changing out the rear set. That set the stage for Cody Wyman to try to make up an entire lap on Alpha Omega, a veteran middleweight team. Cody set about turning a set of the fastest laps of the entire race and making up three seconds a lap. With fifteen minutes left in the race, Cody had finally caught the Alpha team in turn six when a fourth red flag came out in turn seven, ending the race and awarding the overall win to Alpha Omega and the class win to AOD.
AOD is sponsored by: Army of Darkness, Dunlop, Yamaha Champions Riding School, Yamaha, Industry 13, Woodcraft, Hindle, Supersprox, Thermosman, N2, WERA, Roadracing World.
Video: A Look Back at Brad Ray’s Yamaha WorldSBK Debut
The Dutch TT of Assen saw Britain’s Bradley Ray take his first steps in the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship with the Yamaha MotoXRacing WorldSBK Team, and we were there with the cameras to follow him behind-the-scenes through every moment.
Ray is participating in all the European rounds of this year’s WorldSBK Championship, and he is clearly adapting quickly; on just his second outing he had already scored points in three out of six races contested. Last year he sailed to the 2022 British Superbike Championship crown with nine wins on board a Yamaha R1, and the 25-year-old has a wealth of experience in various championships from his beginnings in the Red Bull Rookies Cup to a wildcard WorldSBK appearance at Donington Park in 2018.
With his ever-present smile and happy-go-lucky attitude, Ray explained: “I’m making progress all the time, understanding the bike and electronics. I’m feeling happy, I’m not feeling any pressure from the team or from Yamaha, and I already know where I want to be. As a racer I obviously want to be as high up as possible, but I’m keeping my goals realistic.”
Assen was the perfect place for the rider from Kent in England to debut with his new team, having already raced there in the British Superbikes. We followed him from Media Day on Thursday, through all the practice sessions and into the races, taking time to regularly catch up with Brad for chats and hear his thoughts and hopes.
After a slightly disappointing start with a DNF in Race 2 and two non-point scoring finishes at Assen, the Brit is primed for the coming rounds thanks to a solid weekend at the second round in Barcelona where he scored 13th, 14th, and 15th in the three races. “I’m feeling more and more comfortable on the bike with every session” states Ray. His adaptation to the new team, bike and paddock have been impressive so far, and we can’t wait to see what he has in store as the season continues.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 27, 2023) – Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) earned his 25th-career Grand National Championship Mile victory in split-second fashion in Saturday night’s Red Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington at the Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky.
The triumph proved to be the latest round in a season of Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, that has taken shape as a heavyweight title fight between reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle champ Mees and his ascending challenger, points leader Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT).
The two broke free from the start and spent the next 14 minutes plus two laps testing each other in preparation for the decisive final lap. The cagey Mees sat in tight formation behind his young rival during the waning laps before finally striking as the two sprinted into Turn 3 for the final time.
He then struck and, despite suffering a couple small slides on exit, had the steam to hold on to the checkered flag by a minuscule 0.042 seconds.
The victory was Mees’ fifth in six attempts at the Red Mile. It also saw him join legends Bubba Shobert and Bryan Smith for third all-time in career Mile wins.
Mees said, “We were playing cat-and-mouse a little bit, and he was definitely strong in some areas…I just knew what I wanted to do there on the last lap and made it work, really. It’s good to win those Miles like old school where it’s there right at the line.”
For Daniels, it was the fourth time this season he’s finished a close second to Mees. But any sense of frustration that may have otherwise started to creep in was overcome by the reality that he continues to hold the points advantage due to a season-long run of firsts and seconds that he kept intact.
The fight for third was a spirited four-way affair, involving Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750).
Bauman again showed off an ideal pace nearly on par with that of Mees and Daniels when everything worked just perfectly aboard an unruly machine that made that perfection impossible to attain with any consistency. Still, its impressive motor provided him with the tools necessary to secure a third podium of 2023 with Beach fractionally behind in fourth, followed by Fisher and Vanderkooi.
Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07), who ran third on the opening laps, rebounded from an early mistake to overhaul Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) for seventh by 0.050 seconds at the stripe.
Jeffrey Lowrey (No. 223 Lowery Racing/Gray Hogs Yamaha MT-07) and Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke) completed the top ten.
While Mees chipped off another four points, Daniels still boasts a 16-point advantage (180-164). Third-ranked Bauman is nearly two full races back of first at 131.
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) added more evidence to support the old racing adage that a rider’s second win comes a whole lot easier than their first with a triumphant run in Saturday’s Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER pack war.
A seesawing battle that expanded to a nine-rider lead pack as the pivotal final two laps opened, the race for the win appeared almost certain to be decided amongst Turner Honda teammates Lowe and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and the Estenson Racing Yamaha duo of Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F).
Sacramento winner Drane looked like the odds-on favorite due to his optimal blend of high-speed chops, low-pro aerodynamics, ultra-light weight, and big-time horsepower. However – despite repeatedly demonstrating the capacity to blast up to first from three or four positions back seemingly at will – the Aussie’s last-lap strategy was blown up by a lapped rider as the huge lead group dove into Turn 3 for the final time.
As a result, Drane could finish no better than third with Lowe and Saathoff handing Honda a hard-earned 1-2.
Whether or not Drane might have been able to run the Hondas down with a cleaner run is as impossible to guess as it is irrelevant at this point. Ultimately, Lowe put himself in the perfect position to capitalize in the chaos and scoop his second-career victory.
“It feels so great to come out on top,” Lowe said. “I knew I had to keep my corner speed up and that was the one thing I had going for me. Leading and going into (Turn) 3 was definitely my best option. I’m happy for the whole Turner Racing team. Everyone has put in so much effort. It’s unreal to think about the time that people put in and the dedication that they have.”
Brunner finished just 0.057 seconds back off his teammate but once again came up just short of the podium He was followed home by Red Bull KTM teammates Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) and Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) – Kopp closing in from a distant ninth to make himself a factor late.
Kopp continues to lead in his title defense with 151 points to his credit. However, Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) was shuffled back to seventh in the melee, a development that allowed Saathoff to join him level at 136 points. Whale is fourth at 130, followed by Brunner (123), Lowe (117), and Drane (105).
Next Up:
Progressive American Flat Track will conclude its midseason run of three consecutive Miles with the much-awaited return of the DuQuoin Mile at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds on June 17 in DuQuoin, Illinois.
For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.
FOX Sports coverage of the Red Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, June 11, at 10:30 a.m. ET (7:30 a.m. PT).
Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.
More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:
RED BULL KTM’S KODY KOPP EXTENDS AFT SINGLES POINTS LEAD AFTER SIXTH IN KENTUCKY
Round 8 – American Flat Track Championship
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kody Kopp (1) and Max Whale (18). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo Kody Kopp and Max Whale charged hard at Round 8 of the 2023 American Flat Track Championship, with Whale finishing in fifth position and Kopp sixth in the AFT Singles Main Event. That result allowed defending champion Kopp extended his points lead to 15 following The Red Mile in Kentucky.
After qualifying in ninth, Kopp powered his KTM 450 SX-F to a fourth-place finish in the second Heat race of the event, with his sights set on the night’s Main Event. A challenging 18-lap affair saw Kopp cross the line in sixth position, while managing to extend his lead in the AFT Singles series in the process.
Kody Kopp: “Had an up and down day here in Kentucky, struggled with a few things during the weekend, but as a team we worked hard together to try our best and we ended up with a sixth place. Considering where I was with seven laps to go, sixth is a positive – just need to keep chipping away and work hard over the three-week break.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Whale finished qualifying in third position, before crossing the finish line in second place for the opening Heat race of the event, earning a place in the Dash-for-Cash, where the Australian would finish in P4. A measured ride in the Main Event resulted in a fifth-place result, which has the number 18 sitting fourth in the standings with 10 rounds remaining.
Max Whale: “We made huge improvements here for the Kentucky Red Mile. We worked super-hard in the week and a half off, and I can’t thank the team enough for all the work they do. Started out today on the back foot, but we came through with third in qualifying, second in the Heat, and made it through to the Dash, which is great for extra track time. Then ended up with fifth in the Main after a few mistakes on my end, but I’m happy with the progress we’ve made, and we’ll come out swinging in a few weeks.”
Next Race: DuQuoin Mile – Du Quoin, Illinois – June 17, 2023
KTM Group North America Embarks on Multi-Year Partnership with Pro Motocross Championship
Talent-Laden Lineup of Racers Set to Represent KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS for 2023 Season
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – MX Sports Pro Racing has announced that KTM Group North America, the North American subsidiary of KTM AG comprised of manufacturers KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS, has established a multi-year partnership in support of the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. The support will be highlighted by title sponsorship of Saturday’s season-opening KTM Fox Raceway National, from Southern California’s Fox Raceway at Pala on May 27.
Additionally, the group will be featured throughout the summer during broadcasts of the championship on Peacock, NBC, and USA Network. The “KTM Keys to the Moto” will preface the start of each pair of motos in the 450 Class and 250 Class, analysts James Stewart and Ricky Carmichael will bring attention to the most critical elements to success in each race.
The KTM Group will field three factory race teams for Pro Motocross. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will welcome the anticipated return of Cooper Webb to the outdoors alongside Aaron Plessinger, while 2022 MX2 World Champion Tom Vialle, of France, will embark on his first season of American motocross in the 250 Class with Max Vohland.
Cooper Webb (2) will make his highly anticipated return to Pro Motocross for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. Photo by Align Media, courtesy MX Sports.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing will await the return of its 450 Class duo of Christian Craig and Malcolm Stewart, which will place the spotlight on its 250 Class trio led by former winners RJ Hampshire and Jalek Swoll with rookie Talon Hawkins.
RJ Hampshire (24) will lead Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing into action in the 250 Class. Photo by Align Media, courtesy MX Sports.
Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing finds itself in a similar position in the 450 Class as Justin Barcia prepares to return from injury, which positions Michael Mosiman as the flag bearer in the 250 Class, joined by newly announced fill-in rider Caden Braswell, the 2022 AMA Nicky Hayden Motocross Horizon Award winner who is joining in Pierce Brown’s absence.
Michael Mosiman (31) will spearhead the efforts in the 250 Class for Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing. Photo by Align Media, courtesy MX Sports.
The 2023 Pro Motocross Championship will get underway Saturday, May 25, in Southern California with the KTM Fox Raceway National. Coverage from Pala will be streamed live exclusively on Peacock, starting with Race Day Live at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET and followed by all four motos across the 450 Class and 250 Class, beginning at 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET.
WorldSBK Revs Up for Round Five at Misano World Circuit
Misano is one of the classic WorldSBK venues with the Championship having visited the Italian track consistently over the decades, with first-time winners, home-heroes and epic final lap battles shaping the headlines.
Alvaro Bautista navigating the final corner at Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli during a test earlier this year. Photo courtesy Dorna.
DID YOU KNOW?
Jonathan Rea, the most successful WorldSBK rider of all-time, is the most successful rider at Misano, upping his tally to eight. He also got his maiden win at Misano, in Race 2 in 2009.
Jonathan Rea (65). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Other first-time winners at the track include Michael Ruben Rinaldi from Race 1, 2021, Andrew Pitt from Race 2, 2006 and Mauro Lucchiari from Race 1, 1995.
Michael Rinaldi. Photo courtesy Dorna.
MISANO’S HOT SPOTS WITH MICHAEL RUBEN RINALDI
T1-2: “The first section of Misano is really fun but also tricky at the same time. If you make a mistake into T1, you keep that mistake until T3, because it is a sequence. You must brake very hard in T1, but do not go too wide because you need to keep the bike at the centre of the track for T2. If you go too wide you cannot turn well at T2 and you miss the perfect line for T3.”
T8: “I really like this corner because I take a particular line. If you see my race of 2021, I was the only one that stayed really, tight when exiting. I was able to cover a fewer metres and didn’t lose too much speed, so in the end I was faster doing my ‘strange’ line. Some other top riders started taking – not the exact same line – but tighter than they were doing before. It is a cool corner, and a hotspot for overtaking as well.”
T14: “Before the Curva del Carro, you do not need to push a lot on the throttle because if you do it right, you carry a lot of speed from the turn before. It is strange to interpret a section like this, but it is really fun to do. Carro is one of the slowest corners on the track, and you arrive from one of the fastest corners. You need to keep speed between them all – so it is strange.”
WorldSBK | KEY STAT
89 – podium placements for Ducati riders at Misano are an all-time record.
What to look out for in Misano
A Supported Test took place at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” after the Catalunya Round.
Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista’s race pace was once again strong at the Misano Test, where he was lapping consistently in the low 1’34s and 1’33s, faster than his pace from last year’s full races. He was setting all-time lap record pace towards the end of the first morning.
Toprak Razgatlioglu also had a strong pace during the Supported Test, preparing for Round 5 of 2023 where he will hope to challenge Bautista during the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round. He made the headlines ahead of the event, announcing he will switch from Yamaha to BMW from 2024.
Teammate Andrea Locatelli will also be aiming for solid results on home soil, having confirmed that he will remain in blue for the forthcoming two seasons. He’s never had a podium at Misano in World Superbike.
Bautista’s teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi’s pace during the Misano test was also impressive, and whilst not quite as fast as Bautista, he has the potential for a podium, with him setting 1’34s rather comfortably.
Italian rider Lorenzo Baldassarri had a solid test at Misano and will be one to look out for during the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round, with Axel Bassani also looking to make a strong impression at his home round. He and Michael Ruben Rinaldi will renew their fierce rivalry after their Barcelona fallout, one of the key on-track talking points.
More on worldsbk.com
WorldSSP returns with Round 5 at Misano with Italian Nicolo Bulega leading the standings
Point leader Nicolo Bulega (11) and Federico Caricasulo (64) lead the World Supersport field into a corner earlier this season. Photo courtesy Dorna.
What to look out for in Misano
Nicolo Bulega arrives in Misano at the top of the Riders’ Championship standings, with 152 points. The Ducati rider enjoyed two private tests ahead of the fifth round of 2023, the first one at Misano and the second one at Mugello. In 2022, he finished both races in third place meaning he will aim for his first win at Misano.
Two podiums for Marcel Schroetter in Barcelona means he now sits in second place in the standings, 33 points behind Bulega. It will be the German’s first appearance at Misano with WorldSSP.
Italian riders Stefano Manzi and Federico Caricasulo, respectively third and fourth in the standings, will also aim for solid results at their home round. Manzi will target a podium finish which he has been missing in 2022, whilst Caricasulo will be hoping to repeat his 2018 victory.
Bahattin Sofuoglu, fresh off his first WorldSSP win in Barcelona, will be aiming for a solid weekend for MV Agusta’s home round.
WorldSSP300 ready for Round 3 in Italy
Humberto Maier (12) leads the World Supersport 300 field earlier this season. Photo courtesy Dorna.
What to look out for in Misano
With 69 points, Petr Svoboda arrives in Misano leading WorldSSP300 standings. The Czech rider will aim for solid results at the Italian circuit where he has never finished in the top ten.
He will face the competition of Italian rider Mirko Gennai, fresh from two podium places in Barcelona, including a win, who will be racing at home.
Third in the standings 19 points behind Svoboda, Samuel Di Sora will aim for solid results in Misano, where he finished two times on the podium in the past two years.
Italian rider Matteo Vannucci, who took his first WorldSSP300 win in Misano back in 2022, will be one to look out for having claimed two podium places in the last four races.
Royal Enfield Named Presenting Sponsor of 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Royal Enfield, a renowned motorcycle manufacturer with over 120 years of history, has been named the Presenting Sponsor of the 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, summer’s most highly anticipated vintage motorcycle event, which takes place July 21-23, 2023, at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
Following a successful partnership in 2022, Royal Enfield returns as the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s event, showcasing its commitment to the vintage motorcycle community and its passion for preserving the heritage and legacy of classic motorcycles.
“Royal Enfield is thrilled to once again be a part of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days,” said Nathan Kolbe, Marketing Lead for the Americas Region at Royal Enfield. “Last year’s event was a fantastic experience, and we were overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from attendees. As a brand that cherishes heritage and authenticity, we are delighted to be returning to the event and showcasing our latest offerings to our devoted fans and motorcycle enthusiasts.”
The Hunter 350 will be a key-model highlight of Royal Enfield’s presence at the event. Additionally, Royal Enfield will offer exclusive product displays, interactive activities, and special promotions, providing attendees with an unforgettable experience.
The 2023 event will feature a range of exciting activities, including vintage roadracing and off-road racing, the biggest motorcycle swap meet in North America, bike shows, AMA Hall of Fame exhibits and much more. AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Steve Wise will be the Grand Marshal for the event and will be on hand to sign autographs, speak to enthusiasts from the AMA Soundstage, and participate in a Lap For History each day.
“We’re excited to have Royal Enfield return as the Presenting Sponsor for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days,” said Mitch Boehm, AMA Editorial Director. “The brand’s dedication to preserving the heritage and legacy of classic motorcycles is evident in everything they do, and we are looking forward to see what they have in store for this year’s event.”
One of the pillars of VMD is vintage racing, and racers who want get in on the heart-pounding action can do so by registering at VintageMotorcycleDays.com/page/racing/.
To learn more about Royal Enfield, visit their website at RoyalEnfield.com. For more information on the 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Royal Enfield, visit VintageMotorcycleDays.com or follow #AMAVMD on social media channels.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
MONSTER ENERGY BECOMES TITLE SPONSOR FOR FHO RACING BMW AT THE ISLE OF MAN TT RACES
FHO Racing is excited to announce that Monster Energy will be the team’s title sponsor at this year’s Isle of Man TT Races, with Peter Hickman and Josh Brookes tackling the 37.73-mile Mountain Course, aboard the BMW M 1000 RR.
The new partnership will see Monster Energy’s logo adorn the M 1000 RR machines at the iconic event, as well as branding present on the rider leathers, garage boarding, team clothing and the official FHO merchandise.
Arriving at this year’s races, the Monster Energy by FHO Racing BMW team are hot favourites and leading the teams’ charge is nine-time TT winner and outright lap record holder Hickman, who at last year’s event scored a hat-trick of wins in the Superbike, Superstock and blue-riband Senior TT.
Teammate Brookes is also no stranger to the TT course. Making his debut in 2013 he took the accolade of fastest newcomer (127.726mph) and went to finish 10th in his first-ever Superbike race. Heading back to the event in 2014 and 2017, it was in 2018 where he scored his highest place result in the Senior TT finishing fifth.
The Monster Energy by FHO Racing BMW team will be in action on Monday 29 May with the first practice sessions of 2023 taking place. Practice week continues through to Friday 2 June, and with an all-new schedule for this year, the six-lap RST Superbike Race is scheduled to take place on Sunday 4 June. The first RL360 Superstock race will be held on Tuesday 6 June, with the second Superstock race on Thursday 4 June and the grand finale, the Milwaukee Senior TT will be on Saturday 10 June. For the full schedule click here.
Peter Hickman:
“I’m super excited to get back to the TT this year, everyone keeps telling me the sun will be shining so fingers crossed that is the case. The BMW looks unbelievable with the Monster Energy sponsorship, and I can’t wait to ride it around the course – it’s going to be epic. Everything about the team is good, the bike is fast, we’re all working well together and having Josh as a teammate is exciting, I think he’s going to surprise a few people. The TT is the biggest event on the calendar for us and it’s constantly changing, improving and they’re working to make it as safe as possible, but to be honest as a rider we’re not too focused on that we just want to go there and ride!”
Josh Brookes:
“To be honest until now I’ve not given much attention to the TT, mainly as BSB has been the primary focus, but now with Donington behind us I can focus on the TT. I think it goes without saying that everyone on the entry list is going to be excited to get there and get going. I think it’s probably the best circuit we go to, in a different way than BSB obviously, but for the thrill, the excitement and the buzz, it’s got all the peak ingredients and a huge draw to get there and get going. I do feel like I’ve got a little bit of anxiety; I know what I’m about to go and do and that it’s a big deal. I also want to do well and represent the team, all the supporters – everybody. So, I’ve got that expectation and pressure to perform as that’s what I want to do, but having five years away adds a little more pressure. I know I can do a job and I know I can ride well, that I can learn the track and all that will happen. I’m looking forward to first practice and getting a few laps in on the BMW.”
Faye Ho – Team Principal:
“The TT is one of my favourite events on the racing calendar and I’m always so excited to get there, but this year with Monster Energy as our title sponsor it’s just got even more exciting! Monster Energy have such a presence in motorsport and to have them as a title sponsor for my team at the TT is just incredible. It’s a credit to the team and the riders for all the hard work that goes in, on and off track, being recognised by such a high-profile corporation like Monster Energy wanting to get involved and support us.
We’ve got a really strong team this year with Pete and Josh, and with Pete’s achievements last year we’re going in strong. I’d like to wish all the riders and teams’ good luck for this year’s event, here’s to a safe and fast TT 2023!”
SuperMotocross World Championship Hits Midway Point of Inaugural Season as Pro Motocross Begins this Saturday in Pala, California
Supercross Caps Banner Season with Key Milestones
Peacock and SuperMotocross Video Pass to Showcase Pro Motocross Championship with Uninterrupted Race Coverage
ELLENTON, Fla./MORGANTOWN W.Va., (May 25, 2023) – The inaugural 31-event series of the SuperMotocross World Championship hits the midway point as the focus now turns toward the outdoor Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. Round 1 of the 11-round summer season of racing (Round 18 of the SMX World Championship) gets underway this Saturday, May 27, in Pala, Calif. with the Fox Raceway National.
The indoor-stadium season of Supercross concluded recently in Salt Lake City with Chase Sexton capping off a spectacular season with six wins and the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, giving Team Honda HRC its first 450 premier class title in 20 years. Sexton enters the Pro Motocross season currently seeded number one in the SuperMotocross World Championship points standings with 372 points.
Chase Sexton celebrating with Team Honda HRC after winning his first Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.
Adding to the list of accolades for Team Honda HRC, Australian brothers Jett and Hunter Lawrence both won their respective 250SX Class championships, with Jett winning the Western Regional title and Hunter winning the Eastern Regional title. Despite his success in Supercross, Jett will begin the summer at a significant disadvantage in the SMX World Championship standings as he makes the move up to the 450 Class and will start with zero points. As a result of Jett’s graduation, Hunter becomes the top-seeded 250cc racer in the SMX World Championship with 224 points and will continue in the 250 Class for Pro Motocross, where he will be in search of his first AMA National Championship.
Jett and Hunter Lawrence speaking to the media at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Jett won the Western Regional 250SX Class title and Hunter won the Eastern Regional 250SX Class title. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.
The 17-round Supercross season witnessed record attendance across the board as more than 850K fans made their way through the turnstiles for the races and over 343K came early for pre-race FanFest across the 16 different markets. The season featured four sellout races (Anaheim Opener, Anaheim 2, San Diego, Salt Lake City) and record high attendance in five other markets, including Glendale, Ariz., Indianapolis, Ind., and Arlington, Texas. Overall, live event attendance increased by 5% YOY, and combined with FanFest, it saw a 15% increase YOY.
Television and streaming viewership also showed strong signs of growth across NBC, Peacock, and USA Network. NBC Sports’ multi-year rights extension with Feld Motor Sports laid the groundwork for Peacock to serve as the home of Supercross, Pro Motocross and the SuperMotocross World Championship this year and into the coming years. Peacock exclusively streamed 12 Supercross races this season, with consumption up nearly 100% vs. 2022. The five rounds that aired on NBC and USA Network reached more than 5 million total viewers.
The SuperMotocross Video Pass, allows international streaming of every round of the SMX World Championship, including the Pro Motocross Championship for the first time. Over the past five years, the streaming service has seen 30% growth globally and in 2023, a new partnership with Endeavor Streaming gives international fans premium access with expanded service and even greater service reliability. The full season package is now available to all countries and territories outside the United States, making SuperMotocross one of the most accessible sports on the planet.
The top 10 countries for international streaming include Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, and Mexico, all of which have their best talent competing in the series leading to international intrigue, tune-in, and global audience interest.
As the SuperMotocross World Championship continues with the Pro Motocross Championship, fans from across the globe can continue to tune in via Peacock and the SuperMotocross Video Pass as the entirety of the 11-round championship will be streamed live, with four and a half hours of live racing with uninterrupted coverage of all four combined 450 Class and 250 Class motos.
In addition to the most extensive streaming coverage to date for Pro Motocross, network broadcast coverage will bring the action into millions of homes during select rounds of the season. NBC will air live network showcases of the opening motos from the Crestview Construction Southwick National, on July 8, and the second motos from the Honda Unadilla National, on August 12, while USA Network will broadcast Sunday re-airs of the final motos from the FXR Spring Creek National, on July 16, and the Yamaha Racing Budds Creek National, on August 20. Encore presentations of the second motos from all 11 rounds will also air on CNBC every Monday following a National.
Bringing the action to the passionate Pro Motocross audience will be host and lead commentator Jason Weigandt, the longtime voice of American motocross, alongside the Hall of Fame tandem of multi-time AMA Champions Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart. These former on-track rivals have become two of the most knowledgeable and savvy color analysts in motorsports, each boasting a racing résumé that made them icons of the sport. Trackside insights will once again feature former racer Jason Thomas in addition to longtime reporter Will Christien during the NBC broadcasts.
2023 Pro Motocross Broadcast and Streaming Schedule:
Kicking off each National over the course of the summer season will be the addition of Race Day Live, presented by MotoSport.com, the official pre-race show of both Monster Energy AMA Supercross and now the Pro Motocross Championship. This one-hour preview will live-stream the final timed qualifying sessions of the 450 Class and 250 Class, which will set the stage for the afternoon battle for victory each weekend.
Storylines abound for the SuperMotocross World Championship as the series heads into the Pro Motocross season as Sexton, Lawrence, and Adam Cianciarulo all look to keep the momentum going into the summer. Additionally, several key athletes will make their return from injuries as the season unfolds – Cooper Webb, Justin Barcia, Jason Anderson, Dylan Ferrandis, Christian Craig, Malcolm Stewart, Michael Mosiman, Pierce Brown, Jalek Swoll, and others.
For the first time in the sport’s 50-plus year history, athletes have an additional incentive to keep racing as they accumulate points towards the SMX World Championship. The top 20 athletes in combined Supercross and Pro Motocross points (both classes) will be automatically seeded into the SMX Playoffs and World Championship Final. In addition to racing for the sport’s ultimate title, the best athletes in the world will also be competing for the sport’s biggest prize – $5.5M spread across the final three races ($10M spread across the SMX series).
All roads lead towards the SuperMotocross World Championship as Playoff 1 will take place on Saturday, September 9 at zMAX Dragway in Concord, N.C. and Playoff 2 is set for Saturday, September 16 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., followed by the SuperMotocross World Championship Final on Saturday, September 23 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Calif.
SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and Final Schedule:
SuperMotocross Playoff 1 – zMAX Dragway – September 9, 2023
SuperMotocross Playoff 2 – Chicagoland Speedway – September 16, 2023
SuperMotocross World Championship Final – LA Memorial Coliseum – September 23, 2023
Domestically, Peacock continues to be the exclusive streaming home for all SuperMotocross World Championship action, including 11 rounds of Pro Motocross, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, two SuperMotocross playoff races and then the SuperMotocross World Championship Final.
Internationally, the SuperMotocross Video Pass (Supermotocross.tv) is the go-to platform for all 31 events across the SMX World Championship. With it being the midway point in the series fans can take advantage of a current price reduction.
Mere days remain until the roar of 40-rider gates greet the most enthusiastic fans in motorsports for another memorable summer of the Pro Motocross Championship. The 11-round season will travel to 10 different states, with visits to the hallowed grounds of Fox Raceway, Hangtown, Thunder Valley Motocross Park, High Point Raceway, RedBud MX, The Wick 338, Spring Creek MX Park, Washougal MX Park, Unadilla MX, Budds Creek Motocross Park, and Ironman Raceway.
For more information about the 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship series, the Pro Motocross Championship, tickets, and streaming options, visit Peacock and supermotocross.com.
"The Beach," a new spectator viewing area at Turn 11, is one of several new enhancements at Road America for 2023. Photo courtesy Road America.
Editorial Note: Nearly every year Road America makes enhancements to its historic facility, and here are a few new things awaiting fans in 2023.
Road America has worked to improve the experience since 1955
The overall vision of Road America grew out of the dreams of Clif Tufte, a highway engineer, who chose 525 acres of Wisconsin farmland outside the Village of Elkhart Lake for the track. The natural topography of the glacial Kettle Moraine area was utilized for the track and for fan viewing areas, sweeping around rolling hills and plunging through ravines. While countless facility improvements have been made over the years, the 4.048-mile, 14-turn road course itself is virtually the same today as it was when it was first laid out. Now in 2023, an entirely new surface stands ready for racers and enthusiasts alike. You can read more about the repaving of America’s National Park of Speed here.
Road America’s original 4.0-mile road course has been completely repaved (except for The Bend chicane used by MotoAmerica) for 2023. Photo courtesy Road America.
New facility improvements to experience during the 2023 season
In addition to the new racing surface, there are numerous new facility improvements to check out when you visit Road America this season. From Wood Carvings to Paddock lighting to the Carousel Viewing Trail, there is no shortage of exciting new features to explore.
One of the most striking additions to Road America is the wood carvings located throughout the property. These beautiful pieces of art are the work of artist Ben Buschke, from Manawa, Wisconsin, who has been creating wood carvings for many years. From bears to eagles to wolves, Ben’s carvings capture the spirit of the Wisconsin wilderness and add a unique and memorable touch to the Road America experience.
Some of the new wood carvings on display around Road America. Photos courtesy Road America.
Another exciting improvement to Road America is the paddock lighting provided by Wisconsin Lighting Lab. This innovative lighting system illuminates the pit lane and the paddock area, providing a safe and inviting environment for drivers, teams, and fans alike. With its bright and energy-efficient LED lights, the paddock lighting system is a testament to Road America’s commitment to sustainability and safety.
But perhaps the most exciting new addition to Road America is the Carousel Trail. This walking path (also golf cart accessible) circumnavigates turns nine and ten, providing fans with an unparalleled view of the action. Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or just looking for a fun and unique way to experience the beauty of Road America, the Carousel Trail is not to be missed.
The new Carousel Trail is a pedestrian and golf cart path that goes around the Carousel to “The Beach” viewing area at Turn 11. Photo courtesy Road America.
Lastly, the newest and most popular attraction is “The Beach,” a casual and relaxed sandy escape located near Turn 11. With its comfortable grandstand seating, palm trees, and excellent vantage point, The Beach is the perfect spot to soak up the sun and experience the thrill of the race.
Brody Charles Beaubier. Photo courtesy Cameron Beaubier.
Five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier and wife Shelby had a son, Brody Charles Beaubier, May 23 in Sacramento, California.
From Cameron Beaubier’s Facebook page: “Brody Charles Beaubier was born on Thursday 5/25/23. Shelby did amazing and I’m so proud. Brody scared us a little and had to spend a couple days being looked after in the NICU, but he is doing great now and we brought him home today.”
Cody Wyman (99) on the Army of Darkness (AOD) Yamaha YZF-R1 at Road Atlanta. Photo by AKHUGHES Sports Media, courtesy AOD.
Army Of Darkness Battles Back from Self-inflicted Setbacks To Win the Heavyweight Endurance Race at Road Atlanta N2/WERA National Endurance Championship by Dunlop Season-Opener
Reigning champions Army Of Darkness’ (AOD) offseason of preparation and planning all came to an abrupt end when they threw a rod on their new endurance engine at a test 10 days before qualifying for the season opener. The loss of the engine meant the last few days before the first race would be filled with the mad scramble of preparation well known to every motorsports team since time immemorial.
Josh Hayes rallied from a training accident the day before practice to provide new engine mapping insights, and geometry and set up numbers for the AOD team to deploy on their well worn 2020 Yamaha R1. Cody Wyman quickly adapted to the new set up, posting a series of personal best lap times.
Dunlop’s Tony Romo, a veteran crew chief and race bike builder, not only contributed tire set up information but also collaborated with AOD Crew Chief (and birthday boy) Tim Gooding and strategized with Team Captain Sam Fleming.
It all led to a commanding pole position for qualifying and, at the race start, Cody Wyman set about the task of lapping the entire field before the first hour mark, putting AOD a lap up at the first pit stop.
Then, red flags began to intrude on the progress of the race. On one of the restarts Josh Hayes arrived at the not quite entirely cleaned up oil spill in turn 10B a second before any other rider and, despite a valiant effort to save it on his knee, had a low side spill. As the long suffering AOD R1 slid across the outside concrete, the right foot peg bent up. Hayes picked the bike up out of the gravel and returned to the track and was still the fastest bike on the track despite the compromised ergonomics. Another red flag offered an opportunity to closely inspect the damage to the footpeg and consider whether, and how, to address it.
Josh Hayes (99) on the Army of Darkness (AOD) Yamaha YZF-R1 at Road Atlanta. Photo by AKHUGHES Sports Media, courtesy AOD.
In an abundance of caution, after that restart AOD pulled the bike in for repairs and lost four minutes to changing out the rear set. That set the stage for Cody Wyman to try to make up an entire lap on Alpha Omega, a veteran middleweight team. Cody set about turning a set of the fastest laps of the entire race and making up three seconds a lap. With fifteen minutes left in the race, Cody had finally caught the Alpha team in turn six when a fourth red flag came out in turn seven, ending the race and awarding the overall win to Alpha Omega and the class win to AOD.
AOD is sponsored by: Army of Darkness, Dunlop, Yamaha Champions Riding School, Yamaha, Industry 13, Woodcraft, Hindle, Supersprox, Thermosman, N2, WERA, Roadracing World.
Video: A Look Back at Brad Ray’s Yamaha WorldSBK Debut
The Dutch TT of Assen saw Britain’s Bradley Ray take his first steps in the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship with the Yamaha MotoXRacing WorldSBK Team, and we were there with the cameras to follow him behind-the-scenes through every moment.
Ray is participating in all the European rounds of this year’s WorldSBK Championship, and he is clearly adapting quickly; on just his second outing he had already scored points in three out of six races contested. Last year he sailed to the 2022 British Superbike Championship crown with nine wins on board a Yamaha R1, and the 25-year-old has a wealth of experience in various championships from his beginnings in the Red Bull Rookies Cup to a wildcard WorldSBK appearance at Donington Park in 2018.
With his ever-present smile and happy-go-lucky attitude, Ray explained: “I’m making progress all the time, understanding the bike and electronics. I’m feeling happy, I’m not feeling any pressure from the team or from Yamaha, and I already know where I want to be. As a racer I obviously want to be as high up as possible, but I’m keeping my goals realistic.”
Assen was the perfect place for the rider from Kent in England to debut with his new team, having already raced there in the British Superbikes. We followed him from Media Day on Thursday, through all the practice sessions and into the races, taking time to regularly catch up with Brad for chats and hear his thoughts and hopes.
After a slightly disappointing start with a DNF in Race 2 and two non-point scoring finishes at Assen, the Brit is primed for the coming rounds thanks to a solid weekend at the second round in Barcelona where he scored 13th, 14th, and 15th in the three races. “I’m feeling more and more comfortable on the bike with every session” states Ray. His adaptation to the new team, bike and paddock have been impressive so far, and we can’t wait to see what he has in store as the season continues.
Jared Mees (1) leads Dallas Daniels (32) and Briar Bauman (3) at The Red Mile. Photo courtesy AFT.
Mees Keeps On Rolling with Red Mile Triumph
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 27, 2023) – Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) earned his 25th-career Grand National Championship Mile victory in split-second fashion in Saturday night’s Red Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington at the Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky.
The triumph proved to be the latest round in a season of Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, that has taken shape as a heavyweight title fight between reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle champ Mees and his ascending challenger, points leader Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT).
The two broke free from the start and spent the next 14 minutes plus two laps testing each other in preparation for the decisive final lap. The cagey Mees sat in tight formation behind his young rival during the waning laps before finally striking as the two sprinted into Turn 3 for the final time.
He then struck and, despite suffering a couple small slides on exit, had the steam to hold on to the checkered flag by a minuscule 0.042 seconds.
The victory was Mees’ fifth in six attempts at the Red Mile. It also saw him join legends Bubba Shobert and Bryan Smith for third all-time in career Mile wins.
Mees said, “We were playing cat-and-mouse a little bit, and he was definitely strong in some areas…I just knew what I wanted to do there on the last lap and made it work, really. It’s good to win those Miles like old school where it’s there right at the line.”
For Daniels, it was the fourth time this season he’s finished a close second to Mees. But any sense of frustration that may have otherwise started to creep in was overcome by the reality that he continues to hold the points advantage due to a season-long run of firsts and seconds that he kept intact.
The fight for third was a spirited four-way affair, involving Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750).
Bauman again showed off an ideal pace nearly on par with that of Mees and Daniels when everything worked just perfectly aboard an unruly machine that made that perfection impossible to attain with any consistency. Still, its impressive motor provided him with the tools necessary to secure a third podium of 2023 with Beach fractionally behind in fourth, followed by Fisher and Vanderkooi.
Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07), who ran third on the opening laps, rebounded from an early mistake to overhaul Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) for seventh by 0.050 seconds at the stripe.
Jeffrey Lowrey (No. 223 Lowery Racing/Gray Hogs Yamaha MT-07) and Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke) completed the top ten.
While Mees chipped off another four points, Daniels still boasts a 16-point advantage (180-164). Third-ranked Bauman is nearly two full races back of first at 131.
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) added more evidence to support the old racing adage that a rider’s second win comes a whole lot easier than their first with a triumphant run in Saturday’s Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER pack war.
A seesawing battle that expanded to a nine-rider lead pack as the pivotal final two laps opened, the race for the win appeared almost certain to be decided amongst Turner Honda teammates Lowe and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and the Estenson Racing Yamaha duo of Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F).
Sacramento winner Drane looked like the odds-on favorite due to his optimal blend of high-speed chops, low-pro aerodynamics, ultra-light weight, and big-time horsepower. However – despite repeatedly demonstrating the capacity to blast up to first from three or four positions back seemingly at will – the Aussie’s last-lap strategy was blown up by a lapped rider as the huge lead group dove into Turn 3 for the final time.
As a result, Drane could finish no better than third with Lowe and Saathoff handing Honda a hard-earned 1-2.
Whether or not Drane might have been able to run the Hondas down with a cleaner run is as impossible to guess as it is irrelevant at this point. Ultimately, Lowe put himself in the perfect position to capitalize in the chaos and scoop his second-career victory.
“It feels so great to come out on top,” Lowe said. “I knew I had to keep my corner speed up and that was the one thing I had going for me. Leading and going into (Turn) 3 was definitely my best option. I’m happy for the whole Turner Racing team. Everyone has put in so much effort. It’s unreal to think about the time that people put in and the dedication that they have.”
Brunner finished just 0.057 seconds back off his teammate but once again came up just short of the podium He was followed home by Red Bull KTM teammates Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) and Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) – Kopp closing in from a distant ninth to make himself a factor late.
Kopp continues to lead in his title defense with 151 points to his credit. However, Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) was shuffled back to seventh in the melee, a development that allowed Saathoff to join him level at 136 points. Whale is fourth at 130, followed by Brunner (123), Lowe (117), and Drane (105).
Next Up:
Progressive American Flat Track will conclude its midseason run of three consecutive Miles with the much-awaited return of the DuQuoin Mile at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds on June 17 in DuQuoin, Illinois.
For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.
FOX Sports coverage of the Red Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, June 11, at 10:30 a.m. ET (7:30 a.m. PT).
Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.
More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:
RED BULL KTM’S KODY KOPP EXTENDS AFT SINGLES POINTS LEAD AFTER SIXTH IN KENTUCKY
Round 8 – American Flat Track Championship
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kody Kopp (1) and Max Whale (18). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo Kody Kopp and Max Whale charged hard at Round 8 of the 2023 American Flat Track Championship, with Whale finishing in fifth position and Kopp sixth in the AFT Singles Main Event. That result allowed defending champion Kopp extended his points lead to 15 following The Red Mile in Kentucky.
After qualifying in ninth, Kopp powered his KTM 450 SX-F to a fourth-place finish in the second Heat race of the event, with his sights set on the night’s Main Event. A challenging 18-lap affair saw Kopp cross the line in sixth position, while managing to extend his lead in the AFT Singles series in the process.
Kody Kopp: “Had an up and down day here in Kentucky, struggled with a few things during the weekend, but as a team we worked hard together to try our best and we ended up with a sixth place. Considering where I was with seven laps to go, sixth is a positive – just need to keep chipping away and work hard over the three-week break.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Whale finished qualifying in third position, before crossing the finish line in second place for the opening Heat race of the event, earning a place in the Dash-for-Cash, where the Australian would finish in P4. A measured ride in the Main Event resulted in a fifth-place result, which has the number 18 sitting fourth in the standings with 10 rounds remaining.
Max Whale: “We made huge improvements here for the Kentucky Red Mile. We worked super-hard in the week and a half off, and I can’t thank the team enough for all the work they do. Started out today on the back foot, but we came through with third in qualifying, second in the Heat, and made it through to the Dash, which is great for extra track time. Then ended up with fifth in the Main after a few mistakes on my end, but I’m happy with the progress we’ve made, and we’ll come out swinging in a few weeks.”
Next Race: DuQuoin Mile – Du Quoin, Illinois – June 17, 2023
KTM Factory Racing rider Aaron Plessinger (7) in action at Fox Raceway in 2022. Photo by Align Media, courtesy KTM.
KTM Group North America Embarks on Multi-Year Partnership with Pro Motocross Championship
Talent-Laden Lineup of Racers Set to Represent KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS for 2023 Season
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – MX Sports Pro Racing has announced that KTM Group North America, the North American subsidiary of KTM AG comprised of manufacturers KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS, has established a multi-year partnership in support of the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. The support will be highlighted by title sponsorship of Saturday’s season-opening KTM Fox Raceway National, from Southern California’s Fox Raceway at Pala on May 27.
Additionally, the group will be featured throughout the summer during broadcasts of the championship on Peacock, NBC, and USA Network. The “KTM Keys to the Moto” will preface the start of each pair of motos in the 450 Class and 250 Class, analysts James Stewart and Ricky Carmichael will bring attention to the most critical elements to success in each race.
The KTM Group will field three factory race teams for Pro Motocross. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will welcome the anticipated return of Cooper Webb to the outdoors alongside Aaron Plessinger, while 2022 MX2 World Champion Tom Vialle, of France, will embark on his first season of American motocross in the 250 Class with Max Vohland.
Cooper Webb (2) will make his highly anticipated return to Pro Motocross for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. Photo by Align Media, courtesy MX Sports.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing will await the return of its 450 Class duo of Christian Craig and Malcolm Stewart, which will place the spotlight on its 250 Class trio led by former winners RJ Hampshire and Jalek Swoll with rookie Talon Hawkins.
RJ Hampshire (24) will lead Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing into action in the 250 Class. Photo by Align Media, courtesy MX Sports.
Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing finds itself in a similar position in the 450 Class as Justin Barcia prepares to return from injury, which positions Michael Mosiman as the flag bearer in the 250 Class, joined by newly announced fill-in rider Caden Braswell, the 2022 AMA Nicky Hayden Motocross Horizon Award winner who is joining in Pierce Brown’s absence.
Michael Mosiman (31) will spearhead the efforts in the 250 Class for Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing. Photo by Align Media, courtesy MX Sports.
The 2023 Pro Motocross Championship will get underway Saturday, May 25, in Southern California with the KTM Fox Raceway National. Coverage from Pala will be streamed live exclusively on Peacock, starting with Race Day Live at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET and followed by all four motos across the 450 Class and 250 Class, beginning at 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET.
Misano World Circuit - Marco Simoncelli. Photo courtesy Dorna.
WorldSBK Revs Up for Round Five at Misano World Circuit
Misano is one of the classic WorldSBK venues with the Championship having visited the Italian track consistently over the decades, with first-time winners, home-heroes and epic final lap battles shaping the headlines.
Alvaro Bautista navigating the final corner at Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli during a test earlier this year. Photo courtesy Dorna.
DID YOU KNOW?
Jonathan Rea, the most successful WorldSBK rider of all-time, is the most successful rider at Misano, upping his tally to eight. He also got his maiden win at Misano, in Race 2 in 2009.
Jonathan Rea (65). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Other first-time winners at the track include Michael Ruben Rinaldi from Race 1, 2021, Andrew Pitt from Race 2, 2006 and Mauro Lucchiari from Race 1, 1995.
Michael Rinaldi. Photo courtesy Dorna.
MISANO’S HOT SPOTS WITH MICHAEL RUBEN RINALDI
T1-2: “The first section of Misano is really fun but also tricky at the same time. If you make a mistake into T1, you keep that mistake until T3, because it is a sequence. You must brake very hard in T1, but do not go too wide because you need to keep the bike at the centre of the track for T2. If you go too wide you cannot turn well at T2 and you miss the perfect line for T3.”
T8: “I really like this corner because I take a particular line. If you see my race of 2021, I was the only one that stayed really, tight when exiting. I was able to cover a fewer metres and didn’t lose too much speed, so in the end I was faster doing my ‘strange’ line. Some other top riders started taking – not the exact same line – but tighter than they were doing before. It is a cool corner, and a hotspot for overtaking as well.”
T14: “Before the Curva del Carro, you do not need to push a lot on the throttle because if you do it right, you carry a lot of speed from the turn before. It is strange to interpret a section like this, but it is really fun to do. Carro is one of the slowest corners on the track, and you arrive from one of the fastest corners. You need to keep speed between them all – so it is strange.”
WorldSBK | KEY STAT
89 – podium placements for Ducati riders at Misano are an all-time record.
What to look out for in Misano
A Supported Test took place at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” after the Catalunya Round.
Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista’s race pace was once again strong at the Misano Test, where he was lapping consistently in the low 1’34s and 1’33s, faster than his pace from last year’s full races. He was setting all-time lap record pace towards the end of the first morning.
Toprak Razgatlioglu also had a strong pace during the Supported Test, preparing for Round 5 of 2023 where he will hope to challenge Bautista during the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round. He made the headlines ahead of the event, announcing he will switch from Yamaha to BMW from 2024.
Teammate Andrea Locatelli will also be aiming for solid results on home soil, having confirmed that he will remain in blue for the forthcoming two seasons. He’s never had a podium at Misano in World Superbike.
Bautista’s teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi’s pace during the Misano test was also impressive, and whilst not quite as fast as Bautista, he has the potential for a podium, with him setting 1’34s rather comfortably.
Italian rider Lorenzo Baldassarri had a solid test at Misano and will be one to look out for during the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round, with Axel Bassani also looking to make a strong impression at his home round. He and Michael Ruben Rinaldi will renew their fierce rivalry after their Barcelona fallout, one of the key on-track talking points.
More on worldsbk.com
WorldSSP returns with Round 5 at Misano with Italian Nicolo Bulega leading the standings
Point leader Nicolo Bulega (11) and Federico Caricasulo (64) lead the World Supersport field into a corner earlier this season. Photo courtesy Dorna.
What to look out for in Misano
Nicolo Bulega arrives in Misano at the top of the Riders’ Championship standings, with 152 points. The Ducati rider enjoyed two private tests ahead of the fifth round of 2023, the first one at Misano and the second one at Mugello. In 2022, he finished both races in third place meaning he will aim for his first win at Misano.
Two podiums for Marcel Schroetter in Barcelona means he now sits in second place in the standings, 33 points behind Bulega. It will be the German’s first appearance at Misano with WorldSSP.
Italian riders Stefano Manzi and Federico Caricasulo, respectively third and fourth in the standings, will also aim for solid results at their home round. Manzi will target a podium finish which he has been missing in 2022, whilst Caricasulo will be hoping to repeat his 2018 victory.
Bahattin Sofuoglu, fresh off his first WorldSSP win in Barcelona, will be aiming for a solid weekend for MV Agusta’s home round.
WorldSSP300 ready for Round 3 in Italy
Humberto Maier (12) leads the World Supersport 300 field earlier this season. Photo courtesy Dorna.
What to look out for in Misano
With 69 points, Petr Svoboda arrives in Misano leading WorldSSP300 standings. The Czech rider will aim for solid results at the Italian circuit where he has never finished in the top ten.
He will face the competition of Italian rider Mirko Gennai, fresh from two podium places in Barcelona, including a win, who will be racing at home.
Third in the standings 19 points behind Svoboda, Samuel Di Sora will aim for solid results in Misano, where he finished two times on the podium in the past two years.
Italian rider Matteo Vannucci, who took his first WorldSSP300 win in Misano back in 2022, will be one to look out for having claimed two podium places in the last four races.
A Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
Royal Enfield Named Presenting Sponsor of 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Royal Enfield, a renowned motorcycle manufacturer with over 120 years of history, has been named the Presenting Sponsor of the 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, summer’s most highly anticipated vintage motorcycle event, which takes place July 21-23, 2023, at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
Following a successful partnership in 2022, Royal Enfield returns as the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s event, showcasing its commitment to the vintage motorcycle community and its passion for preserving the heritage and legacy of classic motorcycles.
“Royal Enfield is thrilled to once again be a part of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days,” said Nathan Kolbe, Marketing Lead for the Americas Region at Royal Enfield. “Last year’s event was a fantastic experience, and we were overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from attendees. As a brand that cherishes heritage and authenticity, we are delighted to be returning to the event and showcasing our latest offerings to our devoted fans and motorcycle enthusiasts.”
The Hunter 350 will be a key-model highlight of Royal Enfield’s presence at the event. Additionally, Royal Enfield will offer exclusive product displays, interactive activities, and special promotions, providing attendees with an unforgettable experience.
The 2023 event will feature a range of exciting activities, including vintage roadracing and off-road racing, the biggest motorcycle swap meet in North America, bike shows, AMA Hall of Fame exhibits and much more. AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Steve Wise will be the Grand Marshal for the event and will be on hand to sign autographs, speak to enthusiasts from the AMA Soundstage, and participate in a Lap For History each day.
“We’re excited to have Royal Enfield return as the Presenting Sponsor for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days,” said Mitch Boehm, AMA Editorial Director. “The brand’s dedication to preserving the heritage and legacy of classic motorcycles is evident in everything they do, and we are looking forward to see what they have in store for this year’s event.”
One of the pillars of VMD is vintage racing, and racers who want get in on the heart-pounding action can do so by registering at VintageMotorcycleDays.com/page/racing/.
To learn more about Royal Enfield, visit their website at RoyalEnfield.com. For more information on the 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Royal Enfield, visit VintageMotorcycleDays.com or follow #AMAVMD on social media channels.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Monster Energy FHO Racing BMW’s Peter Hickman (left) and Josh Brookes (right). Photo courtesy of FHO Racing.
MONSTER ENERGY BECOMES TITLE SPONSOR FOR FHO RACING BMW AT THE ISLE OF MAN TT RACES
FHO Racing is excited to announce that Monster Energy will be the team’s title sponsor at this year’s Isle of Man TT Races, with Peter Hickman and Josh Brookes tackling the 37.73-mile Mountain Course, aboard the BMW M 1000 RR.
The new partnership will see Monster Energy’s logo adorn the M 1000 RR machines at the iconic event, as well as branding present on the rider leathers, garage boarding, team clothing and the official FHO merchandise.
Arriving at this year’s races, the Monster Energy by FHO Racing BMW team are hot favourites and leading the teams’ charge is nine-time TT winner and outright lap record holder Hickman, who at last year’s event scored a hat-trick of wins in the Superbike, Superstock and blue-riband Senior TT.
Teammate Brookes is also no stranger to the TT course. Making his debut in 2013 he took the accolade of fastest newcomer (127.726mph) and went to finish 10th in his first-ever Superbike race. Heading back to the event in 2014 and 2017, it was in 2018 where he scored his highest place result in the Senior TT finishing fifth.
The Monster Energy by FHO Racing BMW team will be in action on Monday 29 May with the first practice sessions of 2023 taking place. Practice week continues through to Friday 2 June, and with an all-new schedule for this year, the six-lap RST Superbike Race is scheduled to take place on Sunday 4 June. The first RL360 Superstock race will be held on Tuesday 6 June, with the second Superstock race on Thursday 4 June and the grand finale, the Milwaukee Senior TT will be on Saturday 10 June. For the full schedule click here.
Peter Hickman:
“I’m super excited to get back to the TT this year, everyone keeps telling me the sun will be shining so fingers crossed that is the case. The BMW looks unbelievable with the Monster Energy sponsorship, and I can’t wait to ride it around the course – it’s going to be epic. Everything about the team is good, the bike is fast, we’re all working well together and having Josh as a teammate is exciting, I think he’s going to surprise a few people. The TT is the biggest event on the calendar for us and it’s constantly changing, improving and they’re working to make it as safe as possible, but to be honest as a rider we’re not too focused on that we just want to go there and ride!”
Josh Brookes:
“To be honest until now I’ve not given much attention to the TT, mainly as BSB has been the primary focus, but now with Donington behind us I can focus on the TT. I think it goes without saying that everyone on the entry list is going to be excited to get there and get going. I think it’s probably the best circuit we go to, in a different way than BSB obviously, but for the thrill, the excitement and the buzz, it’s got all the peak ingredients and a huge draw to get there and get going. I do feel like I’ve got a little bit of anxiety; I know what I’m about to go and do and that it’s a big deal. I also want to do well and represent the team, all the supporters – everybody. So, I’ve got that expectation and pressure to perform as that’s what I want to do, but having five years away adds a little more pressure. I know I can do a job and I know I can ride well, that I can learn the track and all that will happen. I’m looking forward to first practice and getting a few laps in on the BMW.”
Faye Ho – Team Principal:
“The TT is one of my favourite events on the racing calendar and I’m always so excited to get there, but this year with Monster Energy as our title sponsor it’s just got even more exciting! Monster Energy have such a presence in motorsport and to have them as a title sponsor for my team at the TT is just incredible. It’s a credit to the team and the riders for all the hard work that goes in, on and off track, being recognised by such a high-profile corporation like Monster Energy wanting to get involved and support us.
We’ve got a really strong team this year with Pete and Josh, and with Pete’s achievements last year we’re going in strong. I’d like to wish all the riders and teams’ good luck for this year’s event, here’s to a safe and fast TT 2023!”
The SuperMotocross World Championship moves outdoors starting May 27 in Pala, California. This is a photo from the Supercross round at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
SuperMotocross World Championship Hits Midway Point of Inaugural Season as Pro Motocross Begins this Saturday in Pala, California
Supercross Caps Banner Season with Key Milestones
Peacock and SuperMotocross Video Pass to Showcase Pro Motocross Championship with Uninterrupted Race Coverage
ELLENTON, Fla./MORGANTOWN W.Va., (May 25, 2023) – The inaugural 31-event series of the SuperMotocross World Championship hits the midway point as the focus now turns toward the outdoor Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. Round 1 of the 11-round summer season of racing (Round 18 of the SMX World Championship) gets underway this Saturday, May 27, in Pala, Calif. with the Fox Raceway National.
The indoor-stadium season of Supercross concluded recently in Salt Lake City with Chase Sexton capping off a spectacular season with six wins and the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, giving Team Honda HRC its first 450 premier class title in 20 years. Sexton enters the Pro Motocross season currently seeded number one in the SuperMotocross World Championship points standings with 372 points.
Chase Sexton celebrating with Team Honda HRC after winning his first Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.
Adding to the list of accolades for Team Honda HRC, Australian brothers Jett and Hunter Lawrence both won their respective 250SX Class championships, with Jett winning the Western Regional title and Hunter winning the Eastern Regional title. Despite his success in Supercross, Jett will begin the summer at a significant disadvantage in the SMX World Championship standings as he makes the move up to the 450 Class and will start with zero points. As a result of Jett’s graduation, Hunter becomes the top-seeded 250cc racer in the SMX World Championship with 224 points and will continue in the 250 Class for Pro Motocross, where he will be in search of his first AMA National Championship.
Jett and Hunter Lawrence speaking to the media at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Jett won the Western Regional 250SX Class title and Hunter won the Eastern Regional 250SX Class title. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.
The 17-round Supercross season witnessed record attendance across the board as more than 850K fans made their way through the turnstiles for the races and over 343K came early for pre-race FanFest across the 16 different markets. The season featured four sellout races (Anaheim Opener, Anaheim 2, San Diego, Salt Lake City) and record high attendance in five other markets, including Glendale, Ariz., Indianapolis, Ind., and Arlington, Texas. Overall, live event attendance increased by 5% YOY, and combined with FanFest, it saw a 15% increase YOY.
Television and streaming viewership also showed strong signs of growth across NBC, Peacock, and USA Network. NBC Sports’ multi-year rights extension with Feld Motor Sports laid the groundwork for Peacock to serve as the home of Supercross, Pro Motocross and the SuperMotocross World Championship this year and into the coming years. Peacock exclusively streamed 12 Supercross races this season, with consumption up nearly 100% vs. 2022. The five rounds that aired on NBC and USA Network reached more than 5 million total viewers.
The SuperMotocross Video Pass, allows international streaming of every round of the SMX World Championship, including the Pro Motocross Championship for the first time. Over the past five years, the streaming service has seen 30% growth globally and in 2023, a new partnership with Endeavor Streaming gives international fans premium access with expanded service and even greater service reliability. The full season package is now available to all countries and territories outside the United States, making SuperMotocross one of the most accessible sports on the planet.
The top 10 countries for international streaming include Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, and Mexico, all of which have their best talent competing in the series leading to international intrigue, tune-in, and global audience interest.
As the SuperMotocross World Championship continues with the Pro Motocross Championship, fans from across the globe can continue to tune in via Peacock and the SuperMotocross Video Pass as the entirety of the 11-round championship will be streamed live, with four and a half hours of live racing with uninterrupted coverage of all four combined 450 Class and 250 Class motos.
In addition to the most extensive streaming coverage to date for Pro Motocross, network broadcast coverage will bring the action into millions of homes during select rounds of the season. NBC will air live network showcases of the opening motos from the Crestview Construction Southwick National, on July 8, and the second motos from the Honda Unadilla National, on August 12, while USA Network will broadcast Sunday re-airs of the final motos from the FXR Spring Creek National, on July 16, and the Yamaha Racing Budds Creek National, on August 20. Encore presentations of the second motos from all 11 rounds will also air on CNBC every Monday following a National.
Bringing the action to the passionate Pro Motocross audience will be host and lead commentator Jason Weigandt, the longtime voice of American motocross, alongside the Hall of Fame tandem of multi-time AMA Champions Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart. These former on-track rivals have become two of the most knowledgeable and savvy color analysts in motorsports, each boasting a racing résumé that made them icons of the sport. Trackside insights will once again feature former racer Jason Thomas in addition to longtime reporter Will Christien during the NBC broadcasts.
2023 Pro Motocross Broadcast and Streaming Schedule:
Kicking off each National over the course of the summer season will be the addition of Race Day Live, presented by MotoSport.com, the official pre-race show of both Monster Energy AMA Supercross and now the Pro Motocross Championship. This one-hour preview will live-stream the final timed qualifying sessions of the 450 Class and 250 Class, which will set the stage for the afternoon battle for victory each weekend.
Storylines abound for the SuperMotocross World Championship as the series heads into the Pro Motocross season as Sexton, Lawrence, and Adam Cianciarulo all look to keep the momentum going into the summer. Additionally, several key athletes will make their return from injuries as the season unfolds – Cooper Webb, Justin Barcia, Jason Anderson, Dylan Ferrandis, Christian Craig, Malcolm Stewart, Michael Mosiman, Pierce Brown, Jalek Swoll, and others.
For the first time in the sport’s 50-plus year history, athletes have an additional incentive to keep racing as they accumulate points towards the SMX World Championship. The top 20 athletes in combined Supercross and Pro Motocross points (both classes) will be automatically seeded into the SMX Playoffs and World Championship Final. In addition to racing for the sport’s ultimate title, the best athletes in the world will also be competing for the sport’s biggest prize – $5.5M spread across the final three races ($10M spread across the SMX series).
All roads lead towards the SuperMotocross World Championship as Playoff 1 will take place on Saturday, September 9 at zMAX Dragway in Concord, N.C. and Playoff 2 is set for Saturday, September 16 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., followed by the SuperMotocross World Championship Final on Saturday, September 23 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Calif.
SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and Final Schedule:
SuperMotocross Playoff 1 – zMAX Dragway – September 9, 2023
SuperMotocross Playoff 2 – Chicagoland Speedway – September 16, 2023
SuperMotocross World Championship Final – LA Memorial Coliseum – September 23, 2023
Domestically, Peacock continues to be the exclusive streaming home for all SuperMotocross World Championship action, including 11 rounds of Pro Motocross, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, two SuperMotocross playoff races and then the SuperMotocross World Championship Final.
Internationally, the SuperMotocross Video Pass (Supermotocross.tv) is the go-to platform for all 31 events across the SMX World Championship. With it being the midway point in the series fans can take advantage of a current price reduction.
Mere days remain until the roar of 40-rider gates greet the most enthusiastic fans in motorsports for another memorable summer of the Pro Motocross Championship. The 11-round season will travel to 10 different states, with visits to the hallowed grounds of Fox Raceway, Hangtown, Thunder Valley Motocross Park, High Point Raceway, RedBud MX, The Wick 338, Spring Creek MX Park, Washougal MX Park, Unadilla MX, Budds Creek Motocross Park, and Ironman Raceway.
For more information about the 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship series, the Pro Motocross Championship, tickets, and streaming options, visit Peacock and supermotocross.com.
A “press release” is promotional text issued by a rider, team, company or organization to inform
the public about an event, product, or service from the issuer’s own point of view, and if deemed
to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers.
A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. When a post is labeled with the words “press release”, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Not all press releases are posted and Roadracingworld.com may reject press releases if the content is too heavy on commercial promotion with little or no news value or if the press release contains obvious errors.
Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
April 21, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
