Z2 Track Days: Ride To Laguna Seca In October

Mathilde Gasnier

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August 29, 2025

Z2 Track Days: Ride To Laguna Seca In October

Thanks to everyone who responded to our survey. We got enough positive responses that we’re going ahead with the event in partnership with TrackMasters Racing. Once again, here’s the high level info:

* October 11-12

* 105db sound limit

* 4 car groups and 1 bike group (extremely limited availability)

* 5 bike sessions per day

* A/B riders only (NO Novice)

* Bikes are done by 2:45pm both days

* $450 per person per day

Here’s the proposed schedule:

SPECIAL BONUS! sign up for both days on the same reservation and save $75. Use code: Laguna_75 at checkout. CODE IS ONLY VALID IF BOTH DAYS ARE IN YOUR CART WHEN YOU CHECK OUT! Code is only good for one person, both days. Two people for one day does not qualify for the discount. Not valid for other events either. Yes, we check.

Interested in driving too? All car reservations are handled by Track Masters Racing.

No paddock camping available for this event. For local camping or garage rentals, contact the track directly: https://weathertechraceway.com/

(you may need to log into your account first in order to see these new events)

SIGN UP HERE

AFT: Singles Ace Drane Makes His Case

Mathilde Gasnier

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August 29, 2025

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The AFT Singles presented by KICKER title fight is on the cusp of being decided on the most high-profile stage possible as Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, arrives at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois for the Springfield Mile I & II presented by Drag Specialties, on Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31.

The evidence continues to mount in support of Tom Drane’s (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) claim as one of the greatest riders the category has ever seen.

The Australian now ranks third all-time in AFT Singles race wins, a tally he upped to 16 last time out in Peoria. That same victory also saw him become just the third ever rider to complete the AFT Singles Grand Slam.

Additionally, the triumph increased his active podium streak to nine – a number that equaled the all-time record… which also happened to be posted by Drane in a run that started last season and ended earlier this year.

The Estenson Racing star led the class in Main Event wins a year ago (seven) and has a shot at bettering that number this year. If he wins out this season, he’ll both tie Dallas Daniels and Kody Kopp for most wins in a single season (eight) and Shayna Texter-Bauman for second in career wins (19) in the process.

There’s really only one major goal he has yet to accomplish in the class – the AFT Singles national championship. And he is on the verge of doing that at this weekend’s Springfield Mile, a race he has won three times running.

The Magic Numbers

Only two riders – second-ranked Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R) and third-ranked Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) – remain within even 100 points of Drane let alone still technically in contention for the throne.

Drane’s advantage currently stands at 42 points over Saathoff and 60 over Brunner.

Should he lead both by 50 points or more following Saturday’s Springfield Mile I, he will officially be the 2025 AFT Singles champion. That minimum margin drops to just 25 points following Sunday’s Springfield Mile II.

And since Saathoff is still on the mend and won’t be able to compete in either race this weekend, he is effectively eliminated from contention as well.

In other words, the chances of it happening not just in Springfield, but on Saturday, are extremely strong.

Drane only needs to pick up nine points for the remainder of the year to extinguish Brunner, even in the event the Turner Honda pilot goes 1-1-1 down the stretch. Nine points can be acquired any number of ways – including a 15-15-15 conclusion to the season – or via a single eighth-place outing.

Keep in mind that Drane finished top three in nine consecutive races, then fourth, and then top three again for nine more races in succession. 

No matter what the math says, don’t look for Drane to go cruising around for 15ths or even an eighth. There are still wins and podium records that require breaking.

Still in Play

As mentioned above, Drane has won the three most recent Springfield Miles. However, those were all certified barnburners. 

In the first of those three, nine riders finished within 0.637 seconds of the win. In the second, four riders were within 0.147 seconds of victory. And in the most recent, five riders took the checkered flag within 0.770 seconds of the win.

So, in any event, the racing this weekend figures to be fantastic.

And while the championship fight has nearly been put to bed, there’s still much to sort out down the order.

Behind Drane, Saathoff, and Brunner we have:

144 points: Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Honda CRF450R)

131 points: Kage Tadman (No. 288 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450)

123 points: Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Hannum’s HD/Pfanders Racing KTM 450 SX-F)

123 points: Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust/ATV’s and More Yamaha YZ450F)

115 points: Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R/Little Debbie Racing Honda CRF450R)

As close as they are and with a strong likelihood of a massive lead pack, there’s going to be a lot of opportunity for movement in Springfield.

Neither Santero nor RoosEvans enjoyed particularly strong DuQuoin Miles, but both are rolling quite nicely now.

Tadman, meanwhile, still has a shot at fourth despite not taking part in the opening three rounds of the season. While he struggled even more mightily in DuQuoin than Santero or RoosEvans, the rookie has an opportunity to show what he learned given another shot at a Mile.

He’ll also do so on a 1st Impressions Husqvarna after signing with the team prior to the Peoria TT. Last season, 1st Impressions-built-and-tuned Husqvarnas finished on the podium at a Mile on three occasions, including twice in Springfield courtesy of Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450).

Speaking of Cose, despite not being included on that list of riders fighting for fourth above, he could easily prove the spoiler of all spoilers this weekend.

Grand National Atmosphere

Bring the family and enjoy not only the greatest spectacle on two wheels, but also live music, big-screen viewing, vendor displays, dedicated motorcycle parking, and a variety of food and beverage options.

All ticketholders will have access to the AMCA Motorcycle Swap Meet taking place both days in the infield. In fact, there will be three bike shows in all – the Infield Bike Show as part of the AMCA Motorcycle Swap Meet, the Flat Track Racing Showat the entrance of the grandstands, and the Vintage Iron Rider’s Motorcycle Club display.

At the Springfield Mile, Bikes and Tickets Move Fast

And you had better move fast too because tickets are $10 off if purchased prior to Wednesday. 

Act now and Infield tickets are still just $20 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult), while Reserved Grandstand tickets start at $35 (all ages).

For $150, fans also have the opportunity to receive a VIP Experience that provides an upgraded Reserved Grandstandticket of their choice, food and beverage in the VIP area, and all day access to the pits.

All ticket holders will have access to the Swap Meet Show taking place on the infield. Camping is also available through the Illinois State Fairgrounds campgrounds. For reservations or any questions, please call (217) 725-0120. 

To purchase Springfield Mile I tickets, click HERE.   

To purchase Springfield Mile II tickets, click HERE.  

And to save an additional $5 by purchasing Saturday and Sunday tickets together for the Springfield Mile I & II, click HERE. 

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Mees Promotions by phone (217) 632-0277 or email: [email protected]. 

Gates will open for fans at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT) both days, with Opening Ceremonies set to begin at 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT) on Saturday and Sunday.

How to Watch

FloRacing

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2025. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.

FS1

FOX Sports coverage of the Springfield Mile I presented by Drag Specialties, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, September 6, at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT). The Springfield Mile IIpresented by Drag Specialties will air the following Saturday, September 13, at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT)

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

FIM Motorcycle Land Speed World Records Set At Bonneville

John Ulrich

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August 29, 2025

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FIM Motorcycle Land Speed World Records Set At Bonneville

New FIM Land Speed World Records set at Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials

The Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials (BMST) – part of the FIM Land Speed World Records (LSWR) discipline – concluded on Thursday (28 August) following a six-day stay on the world-famous Bonneville Salt Flats in the American state of Utah.

Four FIM Land Speed World Records set on world-famous Bonneville Salt Flats

Adverse weather conditions halt Chris Rivas’ attempt on FIM-accredited absolute Land Speed World Record

Lisa Cipolla from Washington State crowned ‘world’s fastest librarian’

Out of all the disciplines on the FIM calendar, LSWR is possibly the most weather-dependant and intermittent rain, unpredictable temperatures and occasional strong winds conspired to limit the number of new FIM World Records that were set during the course of the event and forced the cancellation of Monday’s entire program due to standing water on the eight-kilometer access road.

However, while the conditions ensured that the FIM-accredited absolute Land Speed World Record could not be attempted, four new FIM World Records – that are currently subject to official ratification – were set by three daring riders.

The BMST is based around two courses – the Mountain Track and the longer International Track – and although rainfall was relatively light and irregular during the week, there was not always sufficient sun to dry pooling water which forced the closure of the International Track for safety reasons for parts of the event and for the entire final day.

This meant that without the essential long run-up and slow-down sections, the fastest machines – including Denis Manning’s BUB Seven Streamliner that Chris Rivas was aiming to break the FIM-accredited absolute Land Speed World Record of 376.156mph (605.697km/h) in – were unable to even attempt to reach record-breaking speeds.

Chris Rivas’ record attempt was thwarted by the weather. Photo by Sean Lawless/courtesy FIM.

Despite the disappointment, Rivas – a champion Drag Racer – remained philosophical.

“The goal, maybe not at the end of this week, but at the end of this project is 400mph,” he said. “Nobody is in a big push because safety is first so we’re not going to rush anything and, as you can see, everybody is pretty laid back, but very focused.”

HR Manager Liane Langlois set a new record at Bonneville. Photo by Sean Lawless/courtesy FIM.

However, the action on the Mountain Track came thick and fast and the first new FIM World Record was set on Tuesday morning by Liane Langlois, a fifty-year-old HR Manager from Alberta, Canada.

All record categories are gender-neutral and determined by the method by which the motorcycle is propelled, body kit, power source, capacity and number of cylinders.

Riders are measured over both a timed mile and a timed kilometre and after their initial down run they have two hours to complete a return run with the times combined and an average calculated to determine the official speed and Langlois piloted her unfaired, three-cylinder 2012 JKR Powersports 2295cc Triumph Rocket 111 Roadster with weighted sidecar to an FIM World Record of 136.331mph (219.404km/h) over the timed kilometre.

“It’s pretty cool,” said Langlois, who has been a BMST regular since 2014. “We did a shakedown pass a couple of days ago and I ran 130mph and it felt bumpy, but my down run today felt better. On my return run I wasn’t feeling a lot of traction, but I managed to keep it above 135mph for the world record. I’m really excited.”

Dale Zlock, who together with his brother Dan owns Zlock Racing LCC, has been travelling to Bonneville Salt Flats from his home in Washington State since 2014 and holds multiple FIM World Records.

On Tuesday, racing his partially streamlined, twin-cylinder 2004 Zlock Racing LCC 600cc Suzuki SV, the sixty-nine-year-old achieved a top speed of 151.100mph (243.172km/h) over the timed kilometre to break his own FIM World Record by an impressive 22.681mph (36.501km/h).

“The bike worked just as I had envisioned it would,” he said. “You go through the gears and get it up to sixth. I know it won’t pull all the way to the red line in sixth until you turn on the nitrous, so when you hit sixth and the revs drop you hit the NOS. It kicks in and you can really feel it. We got the gearing spot on because it pulled all the way up to my power peak and just stayed there. It’s not my first record, but it feels pretty good.”

The final two FIM World Records were achieved by fifty-six-year-old Lisa Cipolla, a Youth Services Librarian from Washington State on her four-cylinder 2012 Zlock Racing LCC 600cc Kawasaki ZX6R.

On Tuesday she set a new FIM World Record with a top speed of 146.799mph (236.251km/h) over the timed kilometre with her machine partially streamlined before returning the next day, removing her bodywork and achieving an unfaired FIM World Record of 135.466mph (217.979km/h) over the timed kilometre.

“It always feels magnificent on the salt, but I was very nervous [on Tuesday],” she said. “It felt so good on the down run, but on the return run it didn’t feel as settled on the salt – I don’t know if the wind had picked up – so I was trying to feather the throttle. I really, really wanted 160mph, but that’s okay.

“I like doing new stuff and I’ve never ridden an unfaired bike so I didn’t know how the wind would affect me, but the down run was so much fun, except I messed up and shifted up into fifth when I didn’t have the RPMs. On the return run I did better because I just left it in fourth gear and got it up to 13,000rpm by the time I hit the measured mile.

“The faired bikes are like riding a bullet, but this was much more like riding a motorcycle. We’re already planning to come next year with a naked bike and nitrous!”

Michael Garcia, at the 2025 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials. Photo by Sean Lawless/courtesy FIM.

With competitors traveling from as far away as Japan and Australia to race, but unable to set new FIM World Records due to the unfavorable conditions, a despondent atmosphere might have been expected in the paddock. However, nothing could have been further from the truth and the unique ‘spirit of Bonneville’ was perfectly summed up by Michael Garcia who had made the long journey from Alaska to race.

Garcia holds two FIM World Records – including one set in Bolivia that stands at 265.037mph. He had travelled to Utah intent on breaking Jamie Williams’ FIM World Record of 226.667 (364.785km/h) for a partially streamlined, multi-cylinder 2000cc machine with his Garcia/Sims Racing Suzuki Hayabusa, but was thwarted by the closure of the International Track.

“It’s a passion, I just love to do it,” he said. “We couldn’t run on the long course because of weather conditions, but you take what you can get and race on the track that you can and count yourself blessed that you can at least go racing.”

ABOUT THE FIM (www.fim-moto.com)

The FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) founded in 1904, is the governing body for motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling. The FIM is an independent association formed by 123 National Federations throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Among its 50 FIM World Championships the main events are MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, SuperMoto,Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country, Speedway and E-Bikes. Furthermore, the FIM is also active and involved in the following areas: public affairs, road safety, touring and protection of the environment. The FIM was the first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994.

WSBK: Razgatlioglu vs Bulega – The Chase Continues

Mathilde Gasnier

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August 29, 2025

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WSBK: Razgatlioglu vs Bulega – The Chase Continues

Championship standings

Entering the second part of the season, Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) leads the standings with 407 points, holding a 26-point advantage over Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) with now four rounds to go.
The dominant duo is followed by Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) on 233 points, 148 behind Bulega.
Italian Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) remains in contention for a top-three finish, sitting just 15 points behind Petrucci. He is the highest-placed Yamaha rider in the standings.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) completes the top five, only one point adrift of
Locatelli.

A new face

Sergio García will join the Honda HRC line-up alongside Xavi Vierge, stepping in for Iker Lecuona, in recovery from surgery to his left forearm. García already gained valuable track time with Honda during a test at MotorLand Aragon.

Historical performance

Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) holds the record for the most wins at Magny-Cours (9), but Championship leader Toprak Razgatlioglu is closing in fast, with eight victories to his name at the French venue so far. The Turkish rider is also just three wins short of matching his personal season record of 18 wins.
Razgatlioglu was forced to miss the 2024 event after sustaining an injury during Free Practice. That year, Nicolo Bulega claimed two wins out of three, while Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) secured his most recent WorldSBK victory in Race 1.

2026 grid

Danilo Petrucci has announced he will switch manufacturers in 2026, joining the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.
Iker Lecuona will line up alongside Nicolo Bulega at Aruba.It Racing – Ducati, while Alvaro Bautista will move to the Barni Spark Racing Team.
Jonathan Rea has announced that he will retire from racing at the end of the current season. The six-time WorldSBK Champion leaves behind a legacy that has marked the history of the Championship.

ChampionshipStandings

2025_WorldSBK_FRA_Event_Schedule_19Aug

WorldSSP title battle resumes in France with Manzi on top.

Championship standings

Having won the last race before the summer break, Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) heads to Magny-Cours still leading the Championship with 294 points.
Second-placed Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) now lies 59 points behind the Italian.
The battle for third place on the championship podium is close, with rookie Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) currently completing the WorldSSP top three on 191 points, 44 behind Oncu.
Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) is fourth with 188 points, while Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) stands fifth with 172 points.

Historical performance

From the current grid, Lucas Mahias (GMT94-YAMAHA) has the most wins at Magny-Cours, with two victories among his five podium finishes at the French circuit. Niki Tuuli (QJMOTOR Factory Racing) is also a race winner there, having claimed his last WorldSSP victory at the track in 2024.
Despite several podium finishes, current championship leader Stefano Manzi has yet to take a win at Magny-Cours. His main rival, Can Oncu, has only stood on the podium once at the venue — back in 2021.

ChampionshipStandings wssp

One-point gap at the top as WorldSSP300 heads to France

Championship standings

Benat Fernandez (Team#109 Retro Traffic Kove) arrives in France as the Championship leader with 134 points.
Just one point behind is Julio Garcia, while two-time WorldSSP300 Champion Jeffrey Buis (Freudenberg KTM-Paligo Racing) completes the current top three with 114 points. Garcia will miss the French round due to a recent training injury.

Historical performance

Jeffrey Buis holds the win record at Magny-Cours with four victories at the French track, the most recent coming in Race 2 in 2024.
Unai Calatayud (ARCO MotoR University Team) and Matteo Vannucci (PATA AG Motorsport Italia WorldSSP300) are the other current riders to have taken WorldSSP300 race wins at Magny-Cours.

Grid updates

Loris Veneman rejoins the WorldSSP300 field, stepping in for Mirko Gennai at MTM Kawasaki. Gennai, in turn, moves to Prodina Kawasaki Racing Sport to replace Julio Garcia.

ChampionshipStandings wssp300

Track Days: Three-Day Events Taking Off

John Ulrich

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August 28, 2025

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Precision Track Days is calling its three-day takeover of VIRginia International Raceway earlier this month an exhausting, exhilarating success, with riders taking full advantage of the unique opportunity to ride all three of the track’s configurations on the same weekend.

“Everyone was excited. The tire guys left because people bought so many tires they ran out!” said Fahad Khan, co-founder with Kevin Courtemanche of the Dalton, Georgia-based track day provider.

The organization’s Friday, August 8th day took place on the 3.27-mile full course, and more than 150 riders attended that day. The Saturday and Sunday took place on the 2.25-mile North Course and the 1.65-mile South Course simultaneously. Riders could select either course when their group came up.

Riders on the South Course at VIR. Photo by Joshua Barnett/Apex Pro Photo.

And just to add to the intensity, the group sessions were staggered so that a rider could ride the North Course, pull in for gas and a drink, then head out for a session on the South Course during the same rotation. In theory, a rider could do 21 sessions on Saturday and Sunday alone, and many did, Khan said.

In addition, the event demonstrated the importance and value of soft barriers provided by the Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF). Two riders hit soft barriers deployed at the track on the weekend, and both walked away unscathed, Khan said.

Precision Track Days riders on the full course at VIR. Photo by Joshua Barnett/Apex Pro Photo.

The track day organizer also has held three-day events on the same course at various tracks, and has another three-day, single-course event this coming weekend, starting on Friday and continuing on Saturday and Sunday at NCM (National Corvette Museum) Motorsports Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Meanwhile, Sportbike Track Time (STT) is holding three-day, single-course events on Saturday August 30th, Sunday August 31st, and Monday (Labor Day) September 1st at both Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama and at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois. Sportbike Track Girl is also running at the Barber event.

STT is running on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (Labor Day) at Barber Motorsports Park. 129 Photo courtesy STT.

Former MotoAmerica Racer Caroline Olsen Fighting Cancer

John Ulrich

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August 28, 2025

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Former MotoAmerica Racer Caroline Olsen Fighting Cancer

Caroline Olsen poses with her Loxy-sponsored Suzuki GSX-R600 at Road Atlanta in April, 2016, at Road Atlanta. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Former (2011) Norwegian 600cc Superstock National Champion and MotoAmerica racer Caroline Olsen with Ole Bjorn and sons Dennis (age 2) and Mikkel (age 1), at the couple’s wedding on August 2, 2025. Photo by Emely Hansen.

Caroline Olsen, 35, is now in the biggest race of her life, battling cancer. The 2011 Norwegian Champion and 2013-2019 MotoAmerica contender was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of this year. She and her partner Ole Bjorn got married August 2nd, and she told Roadracing World this month, “I got diagnosed with breast cancer. So an eventful summer. I’m due for 6 months of chemo, then surgery followed by radiation; 1 year of treatment but I’m supposed to get cancer free by the end.”

On July 22, Caroline had posted on her social media, “Exactly 3 weeks ago we learned I had breast cancer with spreading to lymph (nodes). A bullet in my right chest that I thought was dense mammals turned out to be a large tumor. Today I donated my hair and had my first dose of chemo. It has gone by fast and it feels good to get started. We are prepared for the next year to be tough, but the most important thing is that I will recover fully ❤️.

“With some help from family and friends, we’ve had a nice couple of weeks camping with the boys, which I really appreciate.

“In the end; if you know something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. I hope this post can be the little nudge you need.”

Caroline Olsen as seen in a social media post dated August 26, 2025.

On August 26th, she posted, “Then the hair was completely gone, and it will be like that for a while to come. I will honestly admit that it was a little tougher than I had thought. The difference between 3mm hair and the whole bald is felt enormous. Fortunately, it’s only temporary, and the hair grows back; we also enter the autumn season with a lot of hats, it won’t go wrong either.

“As (son) Dennis so nicely pointed out: ‘Mom, you don’t have hair’

“No, but I’m still me. I share openly about my illness because it makes it easier for me and those around me to talk about cancer. Cancer is still a scary word for so many. Maybe through transparency we can make it a little less scary for those who will one day go through the same thing? What do you think?

“I choose to believe so.”

Follow Caroline’s cancer journey on her new Instagram: carolineoplassen

Caroline Olsen with her boys, on a recent family camping trip.

Caroline Olsen and Ole Bjorn with their kids on their family camping trip.

Caroline Olsen cut her hair and donated much of it after her cancer diagnoses.

Another shot of Caroline Olsen and Ole Bjorn.

Caroline Olsen (43) in action during the 2016 MotoAmerica season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Pipe Dreams Podcast: JD Beach – Racing is Life

Mathilde Gasnier

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August 27, 2025

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Pipe Dreams Podcast: JD Beach – Racing is Life

Pipe Dreams Podcast is pleased to release Episode 31 with JD Beach taking us through a compelling ride—from being gifted a motorcycle before he was born by his racer father, to battling for championships across road and dirt tracks.

Born in Snoqualmie, Washington and now based in Philpot, Kentucky, JD has carved out a rare level of success, winning the 2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, claiming the AMA Pro Supersport East title in 2010 with a Moto2 wildcard in 2011 and going on to become a MotoAmerica Supersport Champion in 2015 and 2018.

From skipping traditional school to launching into racing at a young age, JD shares how racing was his only priority as a kid. After his parents divorced, he spent ages 10–13 mostly living on his own, eventually moving in with the Gillim family in Owensboro, Kentucky, which gave him the stability he needed to thrive.

JD reflects on his personal life such as his relationship with his mother and memories of playing Xbox with Casey Stoner overseas. We also explore JD’s ongoing journey, his current resurgence aboard the Real Steal Honda CBR1000RR-R in Stock 1000 and his drive to complete the elusive Grand Slam, victories across the full breadth of American motorcycle disciplines, just one dirt-mile race away.

Available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the full episode is out now. Video of the episode can also be viewed on Spotify or YouTube.

Keep up with JD and his dogs on Instagram via @jdbeach95

We hope you enjoy!

Oxley Bom Podcast: Press ‘START’ for Mario MotoGP

Mathilde Gasnier

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August 27, 2025

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Oxley Bom Podcast: Press ‘START’ for Mario MotoGP

“Balaton 2025 – Press ‘START’ for Mario MotoGP”

In this episode, Mat Oxley and Peter Bom look at the debut of Hungary’s new Balaton circuit—a track so wild they call it “Mario Kart MotoGP.” Fun, chaotic, and controversial, they ask if it’s the future of racing or just too much.

About the podcast:

The Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast brings together legendary MotoGP journalist Mat Oxley and former crew chief Peter Bom. Each week, they share insider stories, expert analysis, and a good dose of humor from the world of motorcycle racing.

Click here to listen to the episode: https://oxleybom.buzzsprout.com/2181509/episodes/17724576-balaton-2025-press-start-for-mario-motogp

Tire Warmers: Chicken Hawk Announces New Two-Year Warranty

John Ulrich

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August 27, 2025

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Tire Warmers: Chicken Hawk Announces New Two-Year Warranty

Chicken Hawk Racing Announces Updated Warranty & Repair Policy

Chicken Hawk Racing Inc. is proud to announce a New 2-Year Warranty on all Tire Warmers sold after September 1st, 2025!

Chicken Hawk Racing founder David Podolsky said, “In the past 10 years our company has grown through our Industrial Division, Custom Heaters, and Research. The clients we are serving are in some very technical industries such as aerospace, pharmaceuticals, semi-conductor, and the U.S. Military.

“This has enabled us to automate more and develop some very reliable & temperature accurate heaters, which in this case trickles down the motorsports division!

“We all know that tire warmers truly take a beating in the paddock but feel glad to be able to offer this new 2-year Warranty to our customers.”

Chicken Hawk Racing will continue to offer in-house repairs for tire warmers which are in the warranty period, but as of September 1st will no longer offer repair service for tire warmers which are beyond the warranty period.

If a Tire Warmer which is out of Warranty needs to be replaced, Chicken Hawk Racing will generously offer a Repeat-Customer Trade-In for any Chicken Hawk Tire Warmer model.

MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Transitions To Superbike Cup For 2026

Mathilde Gasnier

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August 26, 2025

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MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Transitions To Superbike Cup For 2026

New Format Puts Riders Head-To-Head With Premier Superbike Field For 2026 MotoAmerica Championship.

IRVINE, CA (August 26, 2025) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, has announced that its Stock 1000 class will no longer be a standalone race as it will be merged into the MotoAmerica Superbike class in 2026 and renamed the MotoAmerica Superbike Cup.

The reason for the change is two-fold: It will help grow the premier MotoAmerica Superbike grid while also bringing more attention and opportunities to riders competing in the Superbike Cup.

Racers in the Superbike Cup will earn points for both championships, and the class will also get podium recognition. Having the Superbike Cup in the Superbike class also provides a scenario where a Superbike Cup rider could end up standing on both the Superbike and Superbike Cup podiums.

Balancing rules will also be in effect for the Superbike Cup with lower-performing motorcycles given more allowances than the higher-performing motorcycles.

“We know that this change will be a good one as it will not only give us more motorcycles on our Superbike grids but also create a more competitive, tightly packed field thanks to the allowances granted to the Stock machines,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “With the level of the current production motorcycles, there will be tracks where the Superbike Cup racers could run close to the front of the Superbike class. Having the Superbike Cup class in the Superbike class also gives the Cup racers the opportunity to compete at all nine of our venues and in all 20 of our Superbike races.”

MotoAmerica has also announced that its current Superbike rules package will remain in effect through the 2027 season.

Provisional rules for the 2026 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship can be found HERE

About MotoAmerica:

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

Z2 Track Days: Ride To Laguna Seca In October

August 29, 2025

Thanks to everyone who responded to our survey. We got enough positive responses that we’re going ahead with the event in partnership with TrackMasters Racing. Once again, here’s the high level info:

* October 11-12

* 105db sound limit

* 4 car groups and 1 bike group (extremely limited availability)

* 5 bike sessions per day

* A/B riders only (NO Novice)

* Bikes are done by 2:45pm both days

* $450 per person per day

Here’s the proposed schedule:

SPECIAL BONUS! sign up for both days on the same reservation and save $75. Use code: Laguna_75 at checkout. CODE IS ONLY VALID IF BOTH DAYS ARE IN YOUR CART WHEN YOU CHECK OUT! Code is only good for one person, both days. Two people for one day does not qualify for the discount. Not valid for other events either. Yes, we check.

Interested in driving too? All car reservations are handled by Track Masters Racing.

No paddock camping available for this event. For local camping or garage rentals, contact the track directly: https://weathertechraceway.com/

(you may need to log into your account first in order to see these new events)

SIGN UP HERE

AFT: Singles Ace Drane Makes His Case

August 29, 2025

Tom Drane (59) leads the field into turn one during the AFT Singles presented by KICKER Main Event in Peoria. Photo by Tim Lester / courtesy American Flat Track.