KurveyGirl.com brings you the results of this weekend’s events.
Hayden Bicknese, riding his Bicknese Racing Kawasaki Ninja 400, was fastest in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Free Practice One (FP1) at Barber Motorsports Park, in Birmingham, Alabama.
Bicknese turned a lap time of 1:37.124 to top the 31-rider field. That time was well short of Rocco Landers’ All-Time and Race Lap Record of 1:34.782 from 2020, but the track surface was very green from overnight rain.
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Tight at the top: Four points separate the top three ahead of Donington Park
The Bennetts British Superbike Championship returns to Donington Park this weekend for the third round of the title fight with just four points separating the top three contenders with Glenn Irwin leading the charge for BeerMonster Ducati.
Four different riders have celebrated victory from the opening six races with five title challengers claiming podium finishes ahead of this weekend’s action on the Grand Prix circuit.
Irwin is already a double winner in 2023 and with a further three podiums to his credit, he has the slight edge ahead of this weekend’s three races heading to a track where he has celebrated victory in recent years.
Double Champion Josh Brookes holds joint second after excelling so far this season after switching to the FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team. The Australian has equaled Irwin’s winning tally and claimed a further two podiums to prove he is back to his title-fighting best.
Arriving at Donington Park level on points to share second place in the standings is Tommy Bridewell on the second of the BeerMonster Ducatis. Bridewell claimed his first victory of the season last time out at Oulton Park, further fueling the return of Paul Bird’s PBM team to winning ways.
However, the leading trio have Leon Haslam for close company and the 2018 Champion is gathering momentum after scoring his first podium finish for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team at the previous round. The ‘Pocket Rocket’ has an incredible history at the Leicestershire circuit and where better for the team to take their first Bennetts BSB race win, than at their home round…
Kyle Ryde is also targeting glory at his home round as the LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha rider bids to add to his winning tally after returning to the podium last time out in Cheshire, with just three points separating him from Haslam.
Andrew Irwin holds sixth in the standings ahead of Donington Park, but the Honda Racing UK rider knows that this circuit has proven to be a happy hunting ground for him in the past and he will be determined to try and make history repeat itself this weekend.
Jason O’Halloran leads the McAMS Yamaha bid in seventh place; the Australian celebrated victory at the circuit last season and will be hoping that he can finally overcome the tribulations of the opening two rounds this weekend to get his title challenge firmly back on track.
Jack Kennedy continues to impress on his move into the Superbike class with the Mar-Train Racing Yamaha team; the reigning Quattro Group British Supersport Champions have delivered some strong performances already and a single point separates them from their Yamaha rivals ahead in the standings.
Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki’s Lee Jackson and Lovell Kent Racing Honda complete the top ten in the standings ahead of this weekend and both will be determined to climb the order in the standings at Donington Park.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Glenn Irwin – Championship leader
BeerMonster Ducati
“Oulton Park seems like a few weeks ago now, it was nice to leave there on a high and I feel in a great moment; the team are working fantastic. The atmosphere, moral and passion is really, really high – that is so refreshing. It’s a big part of our success so far this year I think.
“It helps when you have a great motorbike and it is what you need to win a British Championship. We have seen last year the Yamaha was dominant, but I think this year we clearly have a package that is capable of winning the title, although we can’t turn this into talking about that this early in the season.
“I am looking forward to it and I am excited to ride Donington Park with the new tarmac as it is one of my favourite tracks on the calendar and one where I have had success in the past. One of my best moments came there last year, when we completed the race with one footpeg and I was fighting at the time with my new teammate Tommy Bridewell, so great memories of it. Roll on Donington Park.”
Leon Haslam
ROKiT BMW Motorrad
“Donington Park is next and is obviously my home round, which is always nice. Oulton Park was a fantastic event for me and the team, with two seconds and a third already with the BMW and where we are at the moment.
“I am quite happy and positive with how it has gone so far. We should have a few more little steps and things to look forward to for Donington Park so we will keep pushing on.
“The break since Oulton Park has been pretty good to go through some things and now I am looking forward to the home round and hopefully we can build on what we did at Oulton Park.”
AMA Announces New Government Relations Director Nick Haris
Restructures and evolves its Government Relations Department to better serve members across the nation
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association has appointed Nick Haris as Government Relations Director, while also restructuring and evolving its Government Relations Department to better serve members and support its mission: to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.
“The AMA Government Relations Department stands on the front lines in the defense of motorcyclists’ rights, and we are committed to continuing our investment in a team that ensures the effectiveness of these efforts,” said AMA Present and CEO Rob Dingman. “Nick has a long record of success working in our Government Relations Department and will bring skilled leadership to his new role as the Government Relations Director.”
Nick Haris, previously the Western States Representative in the Government Relations Department, has held an advocacy role with the AMA since 2001. Haris also serves on the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Commission for Mobility, is a member of the California Motorcycle Safety Program advisory committee, and sits on the California Outdoor Recreation Foundation board of directors.
As Haris steps into his new role as Director, the Government Relations Department will also have a new structure that refocuses the team’s efforts to better represent motorcyclists at all levels of government: federal, regional, state and local.
As part of this evolution, the team will bring on board an experienced Washington Representative to monitor and influence policies and programs at the federal level. To increase representation at the regional and state level, the AMA is adding Central States and Eastern States Representatives to the team, while Haris will concurrently work as the Western States Representative along with his director duties. At the local level, the AMA will hire a Grassroots Specialist to coordinate and support government relations activities of local members, clubs and affiliates across the country.
Haris expressed his enthusiasm for leading the newly restructured department.
“I’m encouraged that we are adjusting the way we do government relations,” Haris said, “structuring it to better meet the needs of our members and engage with elected officials. Regionalization of the department allows our team to better establish and cultivate relationships with legislators and State Motorcyclist Rights Organizations. This restructure allows our team to be more responsive and agile when it comes to taking action on behalf of our members in a timely manner.”
The AMA is the largest and most influential motorcycling organization in the nation, with more than 214,000 members who ride for fun, sport, travel work or adventure. Its members are part of a diverse and passionate community of riders who love the freedom and thrill of riding and racing. The AMA Government Relations Department makes sure that motorcyclists can enjoy riding without unnecessary hassles or restrictions from the government, while advocating for laws and funding that expand riding opportunities.
To read more from new AMA Government Relations Director Nick Haris on the restructured department, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/big-changes-bigger-opportunities
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.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Carl Cox Motorsport New Zealand Sidecar Team attending the AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ of Monterey
MONTEREY, Calif., May 18, 2023 – The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) announces the participation of the All Ladies Carl Cox Motorsport New Zealand Sidecar Team during the AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ of Monterey this coming July.
The Team comes to the historic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca track at the invitation of Laroque Motorsports and AMA Hall of Fame Inductee Larry Coleman.
The Sidecar Racing Association describes this high-speed sport as “using 3-wheeled motorcycles that can hit speeds of 160mph. This is the only form of motorsport where the passenger and driver both steer the vehicle. Between the incredible cornering speed and the acrobatics of the passengers, sidecars are the most amazing sight on the racing circuit.”
“We are very excited to have the world class New Zealand sidecar team of Tracey Bryan and Jo Franzen accept our invitation to travel to the U.S. to experience the historic Laguna Seca course,” said Maurice Laroque-Turgeau, President Laroque Motorsports. “Tracey and Jo recently completed the New Zealand National Series and have also just won the New Zealand Grand Prix. Their sponsor, Carl Cox Motorsport, is a major supporter of two-wheeled motorsports around the globe and we’re glad to welcome them to compete against some of our finest teams. Special thanks to sidecar champion and huge supporter of the sport Larry Coleman for his introductions and support. We’d also like to thank Barnett Clutches and Cables for being their U.S. sponsor for the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca event.”
AHRMA will feature sidecar practice on Friday and racing on Saturday and Sunday, July 14-16.
A full array of ticket packages is available from camping to single or multiple day admission tickets for the AHRMA Classic MotoFest of Monterey. For ticket information, go here.
About WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-renowned 2.238-mile traditional road course that was built in 1957 and was known at the time as Laguna Seca Raceway. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is owned by the County of Monterey and operated by A&D Narigi Consulting, LLC.
The 2023 premier event schedule includes the MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest July 7-9, the AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ of Monterey July 14-16, the Monterey Pre-Reunion August 12-13, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 16-19, Corkscrew Hillclimb & Community Day August 20, the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey September 8-10 and the Porsche Rennsport Reunion 7 September 28 – October 1.
ABOUT AHRMA
American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and competing on historic motorcycles. With more than 3,000 members, AHRMA is the leading historic motorcycle racing group in North America and one of the largest in the world. The association’s enthusiastic membership reflects this country’s strong interest in classic bikes.
MotoAmerica: How To Watch MotoAmerica Superbikes at Barber
It’s All Here: How To Not Miss A Bit Of The Action
Everything you need to know to watch the MotoAmerica Superbikes at Barber Motorsports Park.
N2/WERA National Endurance Series Announces 2023 Purse Structure and Sponsors
Media, PA (May 2023) – N2, in association with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing, is proud to announce the purse and sponsors for the 2023 N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is proud to announce a lucrative contingency, bonus, and purse pay out for all participating teams and riders. The total purse for all six rounds is $116,000 and each class champion will even receive a host of championship bonuses from Wiseco, Millennium Technologies, JE Pistons, KYT Helmets, REB Graphics, Ghetto Customs, Pit Lane Moto, Woodcraft Technologies and more! The series will be officiated by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing and will be held in conjunction with WERA Sportsman Series events.
The 2023 N2/WERA Endurance Series by Dunlop will consist of six rounds starting on May 26th at Road Atlanta and ending on October 20th at the WERA Grand National Finals at Barber Motorsports Park. All events except the GNF will consist of a N2 track day followed by N2 Endurance and WERA Sprint Racing. N2 Endurance events will consist of two endurance races. The first will be a 2-hour Endurance race for ultralightweight machines such as Yamaha YZF-R3, Kawasaki Ninja 400, KTM RC 390 and others. The main event will be a 4-hour or 6-hour endurance race for the traditional heavyweight, middleweight, and lightweight machines. New for 2023 will be a 6-hour race at Pittsburgh International Race Complex on August 12th. The super popular Road Race Relay Class, primarily meant for first time endurance racers, will return for 2023 and will be held during the 4-hour or 6-hour main event.
“We are extremely excited to announce the 2023 N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop,” said N2 Race Series Director Chris Kubricky. “The Endurance Series was built for racers. Every dollar of sponsorship goes back to the teams in the form of purse and bonuses. 2023 season has several great surprises planned and we hope that racers and teams can join us to see how much fun endurance racing really is. I want to thank N2 for the opportunity to be a part of the team and grow the series. I’m looking forward to exploring how we can expand while welcoming new partners, sponsors, and competitors into the series for years to come. Thank you to Dunlop, Yamaha, WERA and all of our sponsors and competitors for the continued support.”
2023 Endurance Schedule:
May 26, 2023 – Road Atlanta
June 10, 2023 – Carolina Motorsports Park
July 15, 2023 – Roebling Road Raceway
August 12, 2023 – Pittsburgh International Race Complex (6-Hour)
September 9, 2023 – Summit Point Motorsports Park
October 20, 2023 – Barber Motorsports Park (WERA GNF)
Tentative per race purse payouts (subject to increase with additional sponsorship) are as follows:
Heavyweight Endurance Per Class Purse:
1st – $2500
2nd – $1500
3rd – $750
Middleweight and Lightweight Endurance Per Class Purse:
1st – $2000
2nd – $1500
3rd – $750
4th – $500
5th – $250
Ultralightweight Endurance Class Purse:
1st – $1500
2nd – $750
3rd – $500
4th – $250
5th – $100
Road Race Relay Class Purse:
1st – $750
2nd – $500
3rd – $250
In addition to cash purse opportunities, there are currently over $20,000 in bonuses and products available from companies like KYT Helmets, Yamaha Motor USA, Woodcraft Technologies, Pit Lane Moto REB Graphics, Wiseco Pistons, JE Pistons, Millennium Technologies, Rise Moto, Ghetto Customs and more.
For more information on the N2 National Endurance Series by Dunlop as well as specifics on rules, classes, sponsors, contingency, and purse, please go to https://www.n2td.org/endurance/ .
If you are interested in becoming involved as a sponsor, please contact Chip Spalding at [email protected]
About N2: N2 – Ride, Learn, Race.
Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing. N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.
The N2 National Endurance Series is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, BobbleHeadMoto, WERA Road Racing, KYT Helmets America, R.E.B Graphics, Millennium Technologies, Wiseco Pistons, JE Pistons, Rise Moto, Ghetto Customs, Pit-Lane Moto and Yamaha Champions Riding School.
Moto Morini, the Iconic Italian Motorcycle Brand, names Scott Greenwood as Eastern Sales Director.
(Irvine, CA) Moto Morini, the iconic Italian motorcycle brand founded in 1937 with a history of innovation, exceptional Italian design, master craftsmanship, high performance, and premium quality, is pleased to announce the hiring of industry veteran Scott Greenwood as their Eastern Regional Sales Director.
Scott’s motorcycle industry career began in 1991 at the parts counter of the local dealer. Scott expanded his dealership experience by working in all departments at serval dealerships over the years. Scott has also held a Sales Director position with an OEM, further strengthening his connection with dealers. Scott’s combined knowledge of dealership inner workings and OEM experience makes him the ideal choice to lead Moto Morini expansion in the Eastern states.
Scott is also an accomplished road racer with the AMA, Formula USA, CCS and internationally with a win in Uruguay. Scott’s passion for motorcycles and the motorcycle industry runs deep.
“I am very happy to join the Moto Morini team.” says Scott Greenwood. “The motorcycles are great, from the style, design, fit and finish, the overall high quality as well as the exceptional price points. Moto Morini is an exciting brand that is going to make a major impact with dealers and riders. Dealers will want to offer Moto Morini Motorcycles in their stores and will find the ease of doing business with our brand is second to none.”
“We are excited to welcome Scott Greenwood to the Moto Morini family” says Chris McGee, COO. “It is our goal at Moto Morini to build strong partnerships with our dealers. With Scott’s great connections with dealers across the East, we will be able to connect with and service more dealers with a personal touch”.
With their headquarters in Irvine, California, Moto Morini serves dealers nationwide with world class support. Learn more and see the full line of high-quality, high-performance Moto Morini motorcycles at MotoMoriniUSA.com.
Become a dealer today by contacting Scott Greenwood at [email protected] or calling 949-620-5025.
ABOUT MOTO MORINI MOTORCYCLES
Moto Morini, with European headquarters in Milan, is an iconic Italian motorcycle brand founded in 1937 by the famed motorcycle designer Alfonso Morini and has long been the symbol of Italian innovation and performance. With a heritage of producing some of the most extraordinary motorcycles in Europe, Moto Morini brings decades of master craftsmanship, exceptional Italian design, premium quality and unparalleled performance to their line of inspiring motorcycles that meet and exceed the demands of today’s riders on and off the road. From their American headquarters in Irvine California, Moto Morini provides dealers in North America with premium quality, impeccably designed, high performance motorcycles and exceptional accessories with famous Italian style. Learn more and see the complete Moto Morini line at MotoMoriniUSA.com
Josh Herrin and Xavi Forés Head to Barber Motorsports Park Determined to Build on Their Sensational Start to the 2023 MotoAmerica Superbike and Supersport Championship Season
Sunnyvale, Calif. — The fastest riders in the country descend on Barber Motorsports Park for the second round of the 2023 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship this weekend with Josh Herrin ready to continue his superb form shown in round one at Road Atlanta.
The 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Herrin took the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Ducati Panigale V4 R into the fight against the Yamahas and BMWs in Road Atlanta, and now sits third in the championship standings as he heads to one of his favorite racetracks in the country at Barber Motorsports Park.
For Xavi Forés, the kickoff to his MotoAmerica Supersport Championship season couldn’t have gone better with two race wins at Road Atlanta, landing the popular Spaniard on a perfect 50 points heading into Barber’s round two.
This round will also mark a change for the Supersport contingent with the first-ever “extended” single race format. Scheduled to run over a single 37 lap race on Saturday with a mandatory pit stop, this format should suit Forés down to the ground after a career doing long stints in the Endurance World Championship (EWC), as well as WorldSBK and MotoGP.
Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC – Ducati Panigale V4 R – #2):
“Barber is one of my favorite tracks on the schedule so I’m really looking forward to going and spinning some laps on my V4 R,” Herrin said. “I’m getting really comfortable on the bike, comfortable with the team, and we had a good test in Wisconsin so I’m just super hungry to get out there and fight for a win again, just like in race two at Road Atlanta.”
Xavi Forés (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC – Ducati Panigale V2 – #12)
“I’m really excited for the upcoming weekend at Barber,” Forés said. “The track is completely new for me—I’ve never seen it in my life—but I’m pretty confident we can have a solid weekend and fight for the win again. We made some good steps on the bike for race two in Atlanta and we will be trying again to build a strong package for Barber. This weekend’s format with a long single race with a pit stop is also interesting. We saw at Daytona that the team works well on the quick tire changes so we’re all highly motivated to start the weekend.”
On track action for the second round of the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship kicks off at 9:00 am CDT. Forés will take to the track for Supersport FP1 at 9:40 am on Friday, May 19, while Herrin will be on track for Superbike FP1 at 10:20 am.
Editorial Note: This article originally appeared in the January 2021 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine.
By David Swarts
Inspiration, innovation, and perspiration are just three of the many ingredients necessary to start and grow a manufacturing business. Scott Schafer didn’t invent lightweight lithium-ion batteries, and wasn’t in the battery business. But when he bought (and liked) a lightweight lithium-ion battery and it quickly died, he decided to do something about it. As a result he started and grew his new company, Antigravity Batteries, into a literal powerhouse in the powersports industry.
A native of California, Schafer rode motorcycles from the age of 10 and even did a little bit of motocross racing. In 2008, Schafer, originally a general contractor, got into riding at track days on his Ducati Hypermotard 1100.
“Back in 2009, I bought one of the first [lightweight] lithium batteries on the market,” said Schafer. “It was like this hand-built one by some guy on the internet, and I was like, ‘Wow! This is an incredible idea.’ I really liked it. It lasted about two or three months before it failed and didn’t work.
“In the meantime, I had a friend who was a battery engineer for SBC Global. He took a look at it, and said, ‘If we did this, this, and this, we could make this product really work well.’ So, we did what he suggested, and we produced those in 2010. We started selling them to our track day friends. And what happened was, he was completely on point and the products really worked.”
Schafer spent the next year building his lithium-ion Antigravity Batteries (named for their weight savings, up to 80% compared to some lead-acid batteries) in his garage at home and things went well. The four small-case battery models Schafer and his friend (who left the company early on) developed for motorsports applications were popular then and continue to be some of the company’s best sellers.
Antigravity Batteries expanded its offerings from the small-case motorsports batteries to lightweight lithium-ion batteries in cases sized to serve as direct OEM replacements on streetbikes and the new crop of off-road bikes with electric start, but it was the original batteries that inspired Schafer to come up with Antigravity’s next big product line.
“I had accidentally left my truck on at the track and needed to jump start it,” said Schafer. “All we had was the small-case batteries out of the bikes. I took one of those, and it easily turned over the truck. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh! If our smallest battery will turn over a truck, why don’t we make a small product that can have that [capability] encapsulated with the ability to charge lap tops, phones and USB devices?’”
And so, the Antigravity Batteries Micro-Start line of portable power supplies was born. “We were arguably the first brand to market in 2013,” said Schafer. “We were almost a year ahead of anyone else, so we had tremendous success with that product. We sold 500,000 the first year. It was so crazy.”
Since then, Schafer has learned a lot about batteries and especially lithium-ion batteries. He’s now his own battery engineer, designing and developing specifications for more innovative products, resulting in the new Re-Start line of batteries for cars and motorcycles.
“Over the last five years, we’ve progressed from motorcycles to car batteries, and from car batteries we’ve developed the internal Battery Management System (BMS),” said Schafer. “We’re the first company to bring a comprehensive battery management system to market.
“What the BMS does is protect the battery from being overcharged or over-discharged. Say you over-discharge it by leaving your lights on; it will shut off and still retain enough energy to start your bike or car about four more times. So, you’ll never be stranded by a dead battery again.”
Anyone who has turned their motorcycle’s ignition key past Off and accidentally turned on the parking lights knows how easy it is to accidently drain a bike’s battery. But Schafer said alarm systems and aftermarket engine electronics are sometimes installed in a way that is constantly draining batteries. And whenever you drain a battery — any battery – too low, is suffers irreversible damage, according to Schafer.
“If you allow a lead-acid battery to discharge below 10.5 volts it gets damaged and won’t have the capacity or the power it once had,” said Schafer. “Once it drops into the 4-volt range then it’s really damaged severely.”
To make Re-Start batteries even more convenient, the reserve power in automotive units can be activated without even opening the hood. All the owner needs to do is press a button on the supplied key fob, which is nice because some newer cars like the 2020 Chevy Corvette have batteries that are not easily accessible. Re-Start batteries for motorcycles require a button on the battery to be pushed to activate its power reserve.
Antigravity Batteries is carrying this technology over into its new line of deep-cycle batteries. That’s right, 100 Ah (amp-hour) deep-cycle, lithium-ion batteries that weigh about 60 pounds less than a comparable lead-acid battery and come with wireless monitoring via Bluetooth. “So even if the batteries are in the hull of your RV [or boat],” said Schafer, “you’ll be able to check the voltage.”
Keeping up with technology is one of the challenges faced by Antigravity Batteries, but another is educating the market to cultivate demand for advanced battery products, says Schafer. In response, Schafer has started a YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-Lh_lKT9g5mkMTh-HW4xw) where he creates and posts videos highlighting his products, their technology, and lithium-ion batteries, in general.
Schafer shoots his videos and does product development and testing at his home in Ojai, California, where he has an office/studio and a motocross track. Then twice each week he commutes 90 miles south to Antigravity Batteries’ primary location in Gardena (south of Los Angeles).
There, the company’s 12 employees assemble, label, and package the four small-case battery models; receive the Re-Start batteries, Micro-Starts, and other products from manufacturing partners in China; do quality control testing and warranty service; and market, sell, and distribute the products to consumers and dealers.
And aside from a few employees working remotely and the remainder working socially distant in their 12,000-square-foot facility, Antigravity Batteries’operations (an essential business due to its position in the transportation sector) have continued without a hiccup during the pandemic.
“We stayed busy during COVID because we can make some of our stuff here in the USA and we have a large stock of all of our products,” said Schafer. “I think that’s one of the important things. We stock a lot more of our product than a lot of our competitors. That’s how we work. So, that’s actually boosted our name during this period. Sales have really gone up, and that’s because a lot of people were out of batteries and we had product ready to ship.”
Antigravity Batteries started small with its founder Scott Schafer building lightweight lithium-ion batteries for motorcycles by hand in his garage, but he had a vision of where the technology could go. Now, 10 years, a lot of hard work, creative thinking, and smart business decisions later, Antigravity Batteries has become one of the strongest brands in its segment. The motorcyclist-led company isn’t letting off the gas anytime soon.
MacKay the favourite once again despite plenty of challengers at SMP
Toronto, ON – The 2022 Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship season will seem difficult to top in many classes, but perhaps none more so than the Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike category. However, it appears the fun may just be starting in the middleweight class when they begin their 2023 charge at Shannonville Motorsport Park this weekend, May 18-21.
After a stretch of dominant one-man-effort seasons in the Sport Bike ranks, 2022 saw five different first-time winners and a stunning rookie champion in Trevor Dion, becoming the most nail-biting class in the paddock – and 2023 will likely be its encore.
Entering unfamiliar territory for most of the young field, a return to Shannonville and the start of the Bridgestone tire era will bring back fond memories for some and a strange new challenge for others.
No active rider in this group has ever won a Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike race at SMP, with the last battle there having featured a hectic fight for the win that saw then-champion Tomas Casas take out future champion Sebastian Tremblay, opening the door for first time race winner and eventual title victor Will Hornblower.
Now with a vacant crown – Dion having graduated full-time to the Superbike class – the grid will want to separate themselves quickly and waste no time in establishing a favourite, though there may appear to be one already.
David MacKay will enter 2023 with another betting line in his favour, having been a title favourite in the previous handful of seasons and again falling painfully short by just eight points in 2022. However, his track record of success is not just limited to other tracks, bringing easily the most convincing resumé in his class to SMP.
Having finished third in 2018 and second the last time the series was there in 2019, the former serving as his first ever pro national podium, it’s safe to say MacKay will enjoy the return aboard his Snow City Cycle Kawasaki. His adjustment to the new Bridgestone tires hasn’t been as smooth as his rivals, but that is thus far the only thing preventing MacKay from being the slam-dunk favourite in at least the first two rounds.
Should he falter, however, there will be no shortage of competitors there to make him pay for it, and tops amongst them is a familiar face in Elliot Vieira. Fresh off an excellent Daytona 200 debut and having won the last race of 2022 to finish third overall, it would be easy to put all the momentum in the Guyanese stars favour.
The question mark surrounding Vieira will instead be his new machine, having switched from his long-time Yamaha partnership to the GP Bikes Ducati program for 2023, with the class now opening up the restrictions to include the V2 Panigale. His transition hasn’t been seamless, but the fourth-place finisher from SMP in 2019 should be a safe bet for at least a podium as he works out the kinks, if not a challenge for the win.
The biggest wildcard may be the sudden emergence of Matt Simpson, having stolen the spotlight in his home round at CTMP with a shocking race one victory that helped him finish fourth in the overall standings. The Blackstock Motorsports Yamaha rider has loved the switch to Bridgestone rubber, consistently running in the top-three both at the Winter Test and the recent Super Series regional opener.
Another storyline to follow will be the anticipated return of Connor Campbell, a dark horse championship threat in 2022 that saw his season cut short by a terrifying crash on the east coast. Now fully healthy, the B&T MacFarlane/Kubota Kawasaki rider will look to recapture the momentum he had early last season, though he will still be making his pro debut at SMP (finishing fifth in Amateur Sport Bike in 2019).
As for the new dark horse taking his place, the mantle appeared to be going to Vincent Levillain after his breakthrough weekend in the Winter Test, topping the timesheets out of nowhere aboard his SpeedFactory67 Kawasaki.
However, a heroic recent performance from Brad Macrae at the Super Series regional has put his name into the ring of dark horse threats, the local rider qualifying second to MacKay aboard his Colron Excavating Yamaha before winning race one on Saturday.
Despite the faster pace of the names above, the return after four years away from SMP will likely play largely on experience, and no one will have more than veteran Louie Raffa around this circuit. His switch to a Mohawk Gas Bar Ducati has thus far proved to be a tough adjustment, but the long-time Honda rider has consistently proved himself at Shannonville before, finishing fifth in both 2017 and 2018 as well as fourth in 2016.
Contrasting that experience will be the large crop of competitive rookies debuting in 2023, led by graduating Scorpion EXO Amateur Sport Bike champion Paul Etienne Courtois. The Ironhold Kawasaki rider – like all his fellow graduates – has never raced nationally at SMP, but proved his consistency is unmatched after scoring a podium in every race last season.
His closest rival from a year ago will also be making the step up, however, with Alex Michel piloting his own SpeedFactory67 Kawasaki after winning the last race of the season at CTMP, finishing 12 points shy of the title to Courtois.
Other rookies to watch include Lean Angle Motorsports Ducati rider Nathan Playford, who went fourth-fastest in the class at the Winter Test, or the pair of Grand Bend specialists in Sebastian Hothaza (KSR Yamaha) and Zoltan Frast (Eurorace Kawasaki).
Notably joining the Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike class on-track will also be the debut of the all-new Pro Twins class, which will line up behind the main grid and score separately as the category develops.
The full Twins breakdown can be found in the support class preview, where former top pro Jeff Williams will look to threaten the bigger-displacement machines ahead of him at his home track.
The full schedule for this weekend’s Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike action – as well as the feature GP Bikes Pro Superbike class and the support classes – can be found on the series official website.
KurveyGirl.com brings you the results of this weekend’s events.
Hayden Bicknese, riding his Bicknese Racing Kawasaki Ninja 400, was fastest in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Free Practice One (FP1) at Barber Motorsports Park, in Birmingham, Alabama.
Bicknese turned a lap time of 1:37.124 to top the 31-rider field. That time was well short of Rocco Landers’ All-Time and Race Lap Record of 1:34.782 from 2020, but the track surface was very green from overnight rain.
23_4_BARBER_JRC_P1_res
Tight at the top: Four points separate the top three ahead of Donington Park
The Bennetts British Superbike Championship returns to Donington Park this weekend for the third round of the title fight with just four points separating the top three contenders with Glenn Irwin leading the charge for BeerMonster Ducati.
Four different riders have celebrated victory from the opening six races with five title challengers claiming podium finishes ahead of this weekend’s action on the Grand Prix circuit.
Irwin is already a double winner in 2023 and with a further three podiums to his credit, he has the slight edge ahead of this weekend’s three races heading to a track where he has celebrated victory in recent years.
Double Champion Josh Brookes holds joint second after excelling so far this season after switching to the FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team. The Australian has equaled Irwin’s winning tally and claimed a further two podiums to prove he is back to his title-fighting best.
Arriving at Donington Park level on points to share second place in the standings is Tommy Bridewell on the second of the BeerMonster Ducatis. Bridewell claimed his first victory of the season last time out at Oulton Park, further fueling the return of Paul Bird’s PBM team to winning ways.
However, the leading trio have Leon Haslam for close company and the 2018 Champion is gathering momentum after scoring his first podium finish for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team at the previous round. The ‘Pocket Rocket’ has an incredible history at the Leicestershire circuit and where better for the team to take their first Bennetts BSB race win, than at their home round…
Kyle Ryde is also targeting glory at his home round as the LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha rider bids to add to his winning tally after returning to the podium last time out in Cheshire, with just three points separating him from Haslam.
Andrew Irwin holds sixth in the standings ahead of Donington Park, but the Honda Racing UK rider knows that this circuit has proven to be a happy hunting ground for him in the past and he will be determined to try and make history repeat itself this weekend.
Jason O’Halloran leads the McAMS Yamaha bid in seventh place; the Australian celebrated victory at the circuit last season and will be hoping that he can finally overcome the tribulations of the opening two rounds this weekend to get his title challenge firmly back on track.
Jack Kennedy continues to impress on his move into the Superbike class with the Mar-Train Racing Yamaha team; the reigning Quattro Group British Supersport Champions have delivered some strong performances already and a single point separates them from their Yamaha rivals ahead in the standings.
Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki’s Lee Jackson and Lovell Kent Racing Honda complete the top ten in the standings ahead of this weekend and both will be determined to climb the order in the standings at Donington Park.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Glenn Irwin – Championship leader
BeerMonster Ducati
“Oulton Park seems like a few weeks ago now, it was nice to leave there on a high and I feel in a great moment; the team are working fantastic. The atmosphere, moral and passion is really, really high – that is so refreshing. It’s a big part of our success so far this year I think.
“It helps when you have a great motorbike and it is what you need to win a British Championship. We have seen last year the Yamaha was dominant, but I think this year we clearly have a package that is capable of winning the title, although we can’t turn this into talking about that this early in the season.
“I am looking forward to it and I am excited to ride Donington Park with the new tarmac as it is one of my favourite tracks on the calendar and one where I have had success in the past. One of my best moments came there last year, when we completed the race with one footpeg and I was fighting at the time with my new teammate Tommy Bridewell, so great memories of it. Roll on Donington Park.”
Leon Haslam
ROKiT BMW Motorrad
“Donington Park is next and is obviously my home round, which is always nice. Oulton Park was a fantastic event for me and the team, with two seconds and a third already with the BMW and where we are at the moment.
“I am quite happy and positive with how it has gone so far. We should have a few more little steps and things to look forward to for Donington Park so we will keep pushing on.
“The break since Oulton Park has been pretty good to go through some things and now I am looking forward to the home round and hopefully we can build on what we did at Oulton Park.”
AMA Announces New Government Relations Director Nick Haris
Restructures and evolves its Government Relations Department to better serve members across the nation
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association has appointed Nick Haris as Government Relations Director, while also restructuring and evolving its Government Relations Department to better serve members and support its mission: to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.
“The AMA Government Relations Department stands on the front lines in the defense of motorcyclists’ rights, and we are committed to continuing our investment in a team that ensures the effectiveness of these efforts,” said AMA Present and CEO Rob Dingman. “Nick has a long record of success working in our Government Relations Department and will bring skilled leadership to his new role as the Government Relations Director.”
Nick Haris, previously the Western States Representative in the Government Relations Department, has held an advocacy role with the AMA since 2001. Haris also serves on the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Commission for Mobility, is a member of the California Motorcycle Safety Program advisory committee, and sits on the California Outdoor Recreation Foundation board of directors.
As Haris steps into his new role as Director, the Government Relations Department will also have a new structure that refocuses the team’s efforts to better represent motorcyclists at all levels of government: federal, regional, state and local.
As part of this evolution, the team will bring on board an experienced Washington Representative to monitor and influence policies and programs at the federal level. To increase representation at the regional and state level, the AMA is adding Central States and Eastern States Representatives to the team, while Haris will concurrently work as the Western States Representative along with his director duties. At the local level, the AMA will hire a Grassroots Specialist to coordinate and support government relations activities of local members, clubs and affiliates across the country.
Haris expressed his enthusiasm for leading the newly restructured department.
“I’m encouraged that we are adjusting the way we do government relations,” Haris said, “structuring it to better meet the needs of our members and engage with elected officials. Regionalization of the department allows our team to better establish and cultivate relationships with legislators and State Motorcyclist Rights Organizations. This restructure allows our team to be more responsive and agile when it comes to taking action on behalf of our members in a timely manner.”
The AMA is the largest and most influential motorcycling organization in the nation, with more than 214,000 members who ride for fun, sport, travel work or adventure. Its members are part of a diverse and passionate community of riders who love the freedom and thrill of riding and racing. The AMA Government Relations Department makes sure that motorcyclists can enjoy riding without unnecessary hassles or restrictions from the government, while advocating for laws and funding that expand riding opportunities.
To read more from new AMA Government Relations Director Nick Haris on the restructured department, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/big-changes-bigger-opportunities
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.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Carl Cox Motorsport New Zealand Sidecar Team attending the AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ of Monterey
MONTEREY, Calif., May 18, 2023 – The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) announces the participation of the All Ladies Carl Cox Motorsport New Zealand Sidecar Team during the AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ of Monterey this coming July.
The Team comes to the historic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca track at the invitation of Laroque Motorsports and AMA Hall of Fame Inductee Larry Coleman.
The Sidecar Racing Association describes this high-speed sport as “using 3-wheeled motorcycles that can hit speeds of 160mph. This is the only form of motorsport where the passenger and driver both steer the vehicle. Between the incredible cornering speed and the acrobatics of the passengers, sidecars are the most amazing sight on the racing circuit.”
“We are very excited to have the world class New Zealand sidecar team of Tracey Bryan and Jo Franzen accept our invitation to travel to the U.S. to experience the historic Laguna Seca course,” said Maurice Laroque-Turgeau, President Laroque Motorsports. “Tracey and Jo recently completed the New Zealand National Series and have also just won the New Zealand Grand Prix. Their sponsor, Carl Cox Motorsport, is a major supporter of two-wheeled motorsports around the globe and we’re glad to welcome them to compete against some of our finest teams. Special thanks to sidecar champion and huge supporter of the sport Larry Coleman for his introductions and support. We’d also like to thank Barnett Clutches and Cables for being their U.S. sponsor for the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca event.”
AHRMA will feature sidecar practice on Friday and racing on Saturday and Sunday, July 14-16.
A full array of ticket packages is available from camping to single or multiple day admission tickets for the AHRMA Classic MotoFest of Monterey. For ticket information, go here.
About WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-renowned 2.238-mile traditional road course that was built in 1957 and was known at the time as Laguna Seca Raceway. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is owned by the County of Monterey and operated by A&D Narigi Consulting, LLC.
The 2023 premier event schedule includes the MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest July 7-9, the AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ of Monterey July 14-16, the Monterey Pre-Reunion August 12-13, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 16-19, Corkscrew Hillclimb & Community Day August 20, the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey September 8-10 and the Porsche Rennsport Reunion 7 September 28 – October 1.
ABOUT AHRMA
American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and competing on historic motorcycles. With more than 3,000 members, AHRMA is the leading historic motorcycle racing group in North America and one of the largest in the world. The association’s enthusiastic membership reflects this country’s strong interest in classic bikes.
MotoAmerica: How To Watch MotoAmerica Superbikes at Barber
It’s All Here: How To Not Miss A Bit Of The Action
Everything you need to know to watch the MotoAmerica Superbikes at Barber Motorsports Park.
N2/WERA National Endurance Series Announces 2023 Purse Structure and Sponsors
Media, PA (May 2023) – N2, in association with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing, is proud to announce the purse and sponsors for the 2023 N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is proud to announce a lucrative contingency, bonus, and purse pay out for all participating teams and riders. The total purse for all six rounds is $116,000 and each class champion will even receive a host of championship bonuses from Wiseco, Millennium Technologies, JE Pistons, KYT Helmets, REB Graphics, Ghetto Customs, Pit Lane Moto, Woodcraft Technologies and more! The series will be officiated by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing and will be held in conjunction with WERA Sportsman Series events.
The 2023 N2/WERA Endurance Series by Dunlop will consist of six rounds starting on May 26th at Road Atlanta and ending on October 20th at the WERA Grand National Finals at Barber Motorsports Park. All events except the GNF will consist of a N2 track day followed by N2 Endurance and WERA Sprint Racing. N2 Endurance events will consist of two endurance races. The first will be a 2-hour Endurance race for ultralightweight machines such as Yamaha YZF-R3, Kawasaki Ninja 400, KTM RC 390 and others. The main event will be a 4-hour or 6-hour endurance race for the traditional heavyweight, middleweight, and lightweight machines. New for 2023 will be a 6-hour race at Pittsburgh International Race Complex on August 12th. The super popular Road Race Relay Class, primarily meant for first time endurance racers, will return for 2023 and will be held during the 4-hour or 6-hour main event.
“We are extremely excited to announce the 2023 N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop,” said N2 Race Series Director Chris Kubricky. “The Endurance Series was built for racers. Every dollar of sponsorship goes back to the teams in the form of purse and bonuses. 2023 season has several great surprises planned and we hope that racers and teams can join us to see how much fun endurance racing really is. I want to thank N2 for the opportunity to be a part of the team and grow the series. I’m looking forward to exploring how we can expand while welcoming new partners, sponsors, and competitors into the series for years to come. Thank you to Dunlop, Yamaha, WERA and all of our sponsors and competitors for the continued support.”
2023 Endurance Schedule:
May 26, 2023 – Road Atlanta
June 10, 2023 – Carolina Motorsports Park
July 15, 2023 – Roebling Road Raceway
August 12, 2023 – Pittsburgh International Race Complex (6-Hour)
September 9, 2023 – Summit Point Motorsports Park
October 20, 2023 – Barber Motorsports Park (WERA GNF)
Tentative per race purse payouts (subject to increase with additional sponsorship) are as follows:
Heavyweight Endurance Per Class Purse:
1st – $2500
2nd – $1500
3rd – $750
Middleweight and Lightweight Endurance Per Class Purse:
1st – $2000
2nd – $1500
3rd – $750
4th – $500
5th – $250
Ultralightweight Endurance Class Purse:
1st – $1500
2nd – $750
3rd – $500
4th – $250
5th – $100
Road Race Relay Class Purse:
1st – $750
2nd – $500
3rd – $250
In addition to cash purse opportunities, there are currently over $20,000 in bonuses and products available from companies like KYT Helmets, Yamaha Motor USA, Woodcraft Technologies, Pit Lane Moto REB Graphics, Wiseco Pistons, JE Pistons, Millennium Technologies, Rise Moto, Ghetto Customs and more.
For more information on the N2 National Endurance Series by Dunlop as well as specifics on rules, classes, sponsors, contingency, and purse, please go to https://www.n2td.org/endurance/ .
If you are interested in becoming involved as a sponsor, please contact Chip Spalding at [email protected]
About N2: N2 – Ride, Learn, Race.
Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing. N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.
The N2 National Endurance Series is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, BobbleHeadMoto, WERA Road Racing, KYT Helmets America, R.E.B Graphics, Millennium Technologies, Wiseco Pistons, JE Pistons, Rise Moto, Ghetto Customs, Pit-Lane Moto and Yamaha Champions Riding School.
Moto Morini, the Iconic Italian Motorcycle Brand, names Scott Greenwood as Eastern Sales Director.
(Irvine, CA) Moto Morini, the iconic Italian motorcycle brand founded in 1937 with a history of innovation, exceptional Italian design, master craftsmanship, high performance, and premium quality, is pleased to announce the hiring of industry veteran Scott Greenwood as their Eastern Regional Sales Director.
Scott’s motorcycle industry career began in 1991 at the parts counter of the local dealer. Scott expanded his dealership experience by working in all departments at serval dealerships over the years. Scott has also held a Sales Director position with an OEM, further strengthening his connection with dealers. Scott’s combined knowledge of dealership inner workings and OEM experience makes him the ideal choice to lead Moto Morini expansion in the Eastern states.
Scott is also an accomplished road racer with the AMA, Formula USA, CCS and internationally with a win in Uruguay. Scott’s passion for motorcycles and the motorcycle industry runs deep.
“I am very happy to join the Moto Morini team.” says Scott Greenwood. “The motorcycles are great, from the style, design, fit and finish, the overall high quality as well as the exceptional price points. Moto Morini is an exciting brand that is going to make a major impact with dealers and riders. Dealers will want to offer Moto Morini Motorcycles in their stores and will find the ease of doing business with our brand is second to none.”
“We are excited to welcome Scott Greenwood to the Moto Morini family” says Chris McGee, COO. “It is our goal at Moto Morini to build strong partnerships with our dealers. With Scott’s great connections with dealers across the East, we will be able to connect with and service more dealers with a personal touch”.
With their headquarters in Irvine, California, Moto Morini serves dealers nationwide with world class support. Learn more and see the full line of high-quality, high-performance Moto Morini motorcycles at MotoMoriniUSA.com.
Become a dealer today by contacting Scott Greenwood at [email protected] or calling 949-620-5025.
ABOUT MOTO MORINI MOTORCYCLES
Moto Morini, with European headquarters in Milan, is an iconic Italian motorcycle brand founded in 1937 by the famed motorcycle designer Alfonso Morini and has long been the symbol of Italian innovation and performance. With a heritage of producing some of the most extraordinary motorcycles in Europe, Moto Morini brings decades of master craftsmanship, exceptional Italian design, premium quality and unparalleled performance to their line of inspiring motorcycles that meet and exceed the demands of today’s riders on and off the road. From their American headquarters in Irvine California, Moto Morini provides dealers in North America with premium quality, impeccably designed, high performance motorcycles and exceptional accessories with famous Italian style. Learn more and see the complete Moto Morini line at MotoMoriniUSA.com
Josh Herrin and Xavi Forés Head to Barber Motorsports Park Determined to Build on Their Sensational Start to the 2023 MotoAmerica Superbike and Supersport Championship Season
Sunnyvale, Calif. — The fastest riders in the country descend on Barber Motorsports Park for the second round of the 2023 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship this weekend with Josh Herrin ready to continue his superb form shown in round one at Road Atlanta.
The 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Herrin took the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Ducati Panigale V4 R into the fight against the Yamahas and BMWs in Road Atlanta, and now sits third in the championship standings as he heads to one of his favorite racetracks in the country at Barber Motorsports Park.
For Xavi Forés, the kickoff to his MotoAmerica Supersport Championship season couldn’t have gone better with two race wins at Road Atlanta, landing the popular Spaniard on a perfect 50 points heading into Barber’s round two.
This round will also mark a change for the Supersport contingent with the first-ever “extended” single race format. Scheduled to run over a single 37 lap race on Saturday with a mandatory pit stop, this format should suit Forés down to the ground after a career doing long stints in the Endurance World Championship (EWC), as well as WorldSBK and MotoGP.
Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC – Ducati Panigale V4 R – #2):
“Barber is one of my favorite tracks on the schedule so I’m really looking forward to going and spinning some laps on my V4 R,” Herrin said. “I’m getting really comfortable on the bike, comfortable with the team, and we had a good test in Wisconsin so I’m just super hungry to get out there and fight for a win again, just like in race two at Road Atlanta.”
Xavi Forés (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC – Ducati Panigale V2 – #12)
“I’m really excited for the upcoming weekend at Barber,” Forés said. “The track is completely new for me—I’ve never seen it in my life—but I’m pretty confident we can have a solid weekend and fight for the win again. We made some good steps on the bike for race two in Atlanta and we will be trying again to build a strong package for Barber. This weekend’s format with a long single race with a pit stop is also interesting. We saw at Daytona that the team works well on the quick tire changes so we’re all highly motivated to start the weekend.”
On track action for the second round of the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship kicks off at 9:00 am CDT. Forés will take to the track for Supersport FP1 at 9:40 am on Friday, May 19, while Herrin will be on track for Superbike FP1 at 10:20 am.
Editorial Note: This article originally appeared in the January 2021 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine.
By David Swarts
Inspiration, innovation, and perspiration are just three of the many ingredients necessary to start and grow a manufacturing business. Scott Schafer didn’t invent lightweight lithium-ion batteries, and wasn’t in the battery business. But when he bought (and liked) a lightweight lithium-ion battery and it quickly died, he decided to do something about it. As a result he started and grew his new company, Antigravity Batteries, into a literal powerhouse in the powersports industry.
A native of California, Schafer rode motorcycles from the age of 10 and even did a little bit of motocross racing. In 2008, Schafer, originally a general contractor, got into riding at track days on his Ducati Hypermotard 1100.
“Back in 2009, I bought one of the first [lightweight] lithium batteries on the market,” said Schafer. “It was like this hand-built one by some guy on the internet, and I was like, ‘Wow! This is an incredible idea.’ I really liked it. It lasted about two or three months before it failed and didn’t work.
“In the meantime, I had a friend who was a battery engineer for SBC Global. He took a look at it, and said, ‘If we did this, this, and this, we could make this product really work well.’ So, we did what he suggested, and we produced those in 2010. We started selling them to our track day friends. And what happened was, he was completely on point and the products really worked.”
Schafer spent the next year building his lithium-ion Antigravity Batteries (named for their weight savings, up to 80% compared to some lead-acid batteries) in his garage at home and things went well. The four small-case battery models Schafer and his friend (who left the company early on) developed for motorsports applications were popular then and continue to be some of the company’s best sellers.
Antigravity Batteries expanded its offerings from the small-case motorsports batteries to lightweight lithium-ion batteries in cases sized to serve as direct OEM replacements on streetbikes and the new crop of off-road bikes with electric start, but it was the original batteries that inspired Schafer to come up with Antigravity’s next big product line.
“I had accidentally left my truck on at the track and needed to jump start it,” said Schafer. “All we had was the small-case batteries out of the bikes. I took one of those, and it easily turned over the truck. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh! If our smallest battery will turn over a truck, why don’t we make a small product that can have that [capability] encapsulated with the ability to charge lap tops, phones and USB devices?’”
And so, the Antigravity Batteries Micro-Start line of portable power supplies was born. “We were arguably the first brand to market in 2013,” said Schafer. “We were almost a year ahead of anyone else, so we had tremendous success with that product. We sold 500,000 the first year. It was so crazy.”
Since then, Schafer has learned a lot about batteries and especially lithium-ion batteries. He’s now his own battery engineer, designing and developing specifications for more innovative products, resulting in the new Re-Start line of batteries for cars and motorcycles.
“Over the last five years, we’ve progressed from motorcycles to car batteries, and from car batteries we’ve developed the internal Battery Management System (BMS),” said Schafer. “We’re the first company to bring a comprehensive battery management system to market.
“What the BMS does is protect the battery from being overcharged or over-discharged. Say you over-discharge it by leaving your lights on; it will shut off and still retain enough energy to start your bike or car about four more times. So, you’ll never be stranded by a dead battery again.”
Anyone who has turned their motorcycle’s ignition key past Off and accidentally turned on the parking lights knows how easy it is to accidently drain a bike’s battery. But Schafer said alarm systems and aftermarket engine electronics are sometimes installed in a way that is constantly draining batteries. And whenever you drain a battery — any battery – too low, is suffers irreversible damage, according to Schafer.
“If you allow a lead-acid battery to discharge below 10.5 volts it gets damaged and won’t have the capacity or the power it once had,” said Schafer. “Once it drops into the 4-volt range then it’s really damaged severely.”
To make Re-Start batteries even more convenient, the reserve power in automotive units can be activated without even opening the hood. All the owner needs to do is press a button on the supplied key fob, which is nice because some newer cars like the 2020 Chevy Corvette have batteries that are not easily accessible. Re-Start batteries for motorcycles require a button on the battery to be pushed to activate its power reserve.
Antigravity Batteries is carrying this technology over into its new line of deep-cycle batteries. That’s right, 100 Ah (amp-hour) deep-cycle, lithium-ion batteries that weigh about 60 pounds less than a comparable lead-acid battery and come with wireless monitoring via Bluetooth. “So even if the batteries are in the hull of your RV [or boat],” said Schafer, “you’ll be able to check the voltage.”
Keeping up with technology is one of the challenges faced by Antigravity Batteries, but another is educating the market to cultivate demand for advanced battery products, says Schafer. In response, Schafer has started a YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-Lh_lKT9g5mkMTh-HW4xw) where he creates and posts videos highlighting his products, their technology, and lithium-ion batteries, in general.
Schafer shoots his videos and does product development and testing at his home in Ojai, California, where he has an office/studio and a motocross track. Then twice each week he commutes 90 miles south to Antigravity Batteries’ primary location in Gardena (south of Los Angeles).
There, the company’s 12 employees assemble, label, and package the four small-case battery models; receive the Re-Start batteries, Micro-Starts, and other products from manufacturing partners in China; do quality control testing and warranty service; and market, sell, and distribute the products to consumers and dealers.
And aside from a few employees working remotely and the remainder working socially distant in their 12,000-square-foot facility, Antigravity Batteries’operations (an essential business due to its position in the transportation sector) have continued without a hiccup during the pandemic.
“We stayed busy during COVID because we can make some of our stuff here in the USA and we have a large stock of all of our products,” said Schafer. “I think that’s one of the important things. We stock a lot more of our product than a lot of our competitors. That’s how we work. So, that’s actually boosted our name during this period. Sales have really gone up, and that’s because a lot of people were out of batteries and we had product ready to ship.”
Antigravity Batteries started small with its founder Scott Schafer building lightweight lithium-ion batteries for motorcycles by hand in his garage, but he had a vision of where the technology could go. Now, 10 years, a lot of hard work, creative thinking, and smart business decisions later, Antigravity Batteries has become one of the strongest brands in its segment. The motorcyclist-led company isn’t letting off the gas anytime soon.
MacKay the favourite once again despite plenty of challengers at SMP
Toronto, ON – The 2022 Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship season will seem difficult to top in many classes, but perhaps none more so than the Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike category. However, it appears the fun may just be starting in the middleweight class when they begin their 2023 charge at Shannonville Motorsport Park this weekend, May 18-21.
After a stretch of dominant one-man-effort seasons in the Sport Bike ranks, 2022 saw five different first-time winners and a stunning rookie champion in Trevor Dion, becoming the most nail-biting class in the paddock – and 2023 will likely be its encore.
Entering unfamiliar territory for most of the young field, a return to Shannonville and the start of the Bridgestone tire era will bring back fond memories for some and a strange new challenge for others.
No active rider in this group has ever won a Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike race at SMP, with the last battle there having featured a hectic fight for the win that saw then-champion Tomas Casas take out future champion Sebastian Tremblay, opening the door for first time race winner and eventual title victor Will Hornblower.
Now with a vacant crown – Dion having graduated full-time to the Superbike class – the grid will want to separate themselves quickly and waste no time in establishing a favourite, though there may appear to be one already.
David MacKay will enter 2023 with another betting line in his favour, having been a title favourite in the previous handful of seasons and again falling painfully short by just eight points in 2022. However, his track record of success is not just limited to other tracks, bringing easily the most convincing resumé in his class to SMP.
Having finished third in 2018 and second the last time the series was there in 2019, the former serving as his first ever pro national podium, it’s safe to say MacKay will enjoy the return aboard his Snow City Cycle Kawasaki. His adjustment to the new Bridgestone tires hasn’t been as smooth as his rivals, but that is thus far the only thing preventing MacKay from being the slam-dunk favourite in at least the first two rounds.
Should he falter, however, there will be no shortage of competitors there to make him pay for it, and tops amongst them is a familiar face in Elliot Vieira. Fresh off an excellent Daytona 200 debut and having won the last race of 2022 to finish third overall, it would be easy to put all the momentum in the Guyanese stars favour.
The question mark surrounding Vieira will instead be his new machine, having switched from his long-time Yamaha partnership to the GP Bikes Ducati program for 2023, with the class now opening up the restrictions to include the V2 Panigale. His transition hasn’t been seamless, but the fourth-place finisher from SMP in 2019 should be a safe bet for at least a podium as he works out the kinks, if not a challenge for the win.
The biggest wildcard may be the sudden emergence of Matt Simpson, having stolen the spotlight in his home round at CTMP with a shocking race one victory that helped him finish fourth in the overall standings. The Blackstock Motorsports Yamaha rider has loved the switch to Bridgestone rubber, consistently running in the top-three both at the Winter Test and the recent Super Series regional opener.
Another storyline to follow will be the anticipated return of Connor Campbell, a dark horse championship threat in 2022 that saw his season cut short by a terrifying crash on the east coast. Now fully healthy, the B&T MacFarlane/Kubota Kawasaki rider will look to recapture the momentum he had early last season, though he will still be making his pro debut at SMP (finishing fifth in Amateur Sport Bike in 2019).
As for the new dark horse taking his place, the mantle appeared to be going to Vincent Levillain after his breakthrough weekend in the Winter Test, topping the timesheets out of nowhere aboard his SpeedFactory67 Kawasaki.
However, a heroic recent performance from Brad Macrae at the Super Series regional has put his name into the ring of dark horse threats, the local rider qualifying second to MacKay aboard his Colron Excavating Yamaha before winning race one on Saturday.
Despite the faster pace of the names above, the return after four years away from SMP will likely play largely on experience, and no one will have more than veteran Louie Raffa around this circuit. His switch to a Mohawk Gas Bar Ducati has thus far proved to be a tough adjustment, but the long-time Honda rider has consistently proved himself at Shannonville before, finishing fifth in both 2017 and 2018 as well as fourth in 2016.
Contrasting that experience will be the large crop of competitive rookies debuting in 2023, led by graduating Scorpion EXO Amateur Sport Bike champion Paul Etienne Courtois. The Ironhold Kawasaki rider – like all his fellow graduates – has never raced nationally at SMP, but proved his consistency is unmatched after scoring a podium in every race last season.
His closest rival from a year ago will also be making the step up, however, with Alex Michel piloting his own SpeedFactory67 Kawasaki after winning the last race of the season at CTMP, finishing 12 points shy of the title to Courtois.
Other rookies to watch include Lean Angle Motorsports Ducati rider Nathan Playford, who went fourth-fastest in the class at the Winter Test, or the pair of Grand Bend specialists in Sebastian Hothaza (KSR Yamaha) and Zoltan Frast (Eurorace Kawasaki).
Notably joining the Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike class on-track will also be the debut of the all-new Pro Twins class, which will line up behind the main grid and score separately as the category develops.
The full Twins breakdown can be found in the support class preview, where former top pro Jeff Williams will look to threaten the bigger-displacement machines ahead of him at his home track.
The full schedule for this weekend’s Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike action – as well as the feature GP Bikes Pro Superbike class and the support classes – can be found on the series official website.
