American Flat Track: Running Results From The Sacramento Mile (Updated Again)

David Swarts

-

May 13, 2023

0

Progressive American Flat Track (AFT)

Sacramento Mile

Sacramento, California

May 13, 2023

Mission AFT SuperTwins Provisional Free Practice 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Brandon Robinson (Ind), 39.634

2. JD Beach (Yam), 40.011

3. Briar Bauman (KTM), 40.017

4. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 40.100

5. Jared Mees (Ind), 40.107

6. Ben Lowe (Ind), 40.282

7. Davis Fisher (Ind), 40.369

8. Kolby Carlile (Yam), 40.453

9. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), 40.669

10. Bronson Bauman (KTM), 40.722

11. Ryan Wells (Roy), 40.757

12. Johnny Lewis (Roy), 40.769

13. Nick Armstrong (Yam), 41.160

14. Scooter Vernon (Kaw), 41.499

15. Kasey Sciscoe (Har), 42.285

16. Michael Hill (Kaw), 42.326

17. Jimmy McAllister (KTM), no time recorded

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Provisional Free Practice 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Chad Cose (Hus), 40.441

2. Chase Saathoff (Hon), 40.588

3. Trevor Brunner (Yam), 40.728

4. Cole Zabala (Hon), 40.731

5. Trent Lowe (Hon), 40.794

6. Tom Drane (Yam), 40.813

7. Max Whale (KTM), 40.864

8. Travis Petton (KTM), 40.875

9. Kody Kopp (KTM), 40.914

10. James Ott (Hus), 41.104

11. Tarren Santero (Hon), 41.341

12. Morgen Mischler (Hon), 41.420

13. Jared Lowe (Hon), 41.424

14. Tyler Raggio (Yam), 41.458

15. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), 41.491

16. Aidan RoosEvans (Hon), 41.535

17. Justin Jones (KTM), 41.545

18. Declan Bender (KTM), 41.554

19. Hunter Bauer (Hon), 41.556

20. Landen Smith (KTM), 41.770

21. Jacob Cascio (Hon), 42.119

22. Christian Spurgeon (Hon), 42.295

23. Blake Ash (Hus), 42.405

24. Logan McGrane (KTM), 42.991

25. Olin Kissler (KTM), 43.070

26. Reece Pottorf (Hon), 44.304

27. Shayna Texter-Bauman (KTM), no time recorded

Mission AFT SuperTwins Provisional Free Practice 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Jared Mees (Ind), 38.644

2. Kolby Carlile (Yam), 38.760

3. Briar Bauman (KTM), 38.816

4. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 38.864

5. Brandon Robinson (Ind), 38.892

6. JD Beach (Yam), 38.976

7. Bronson Bauman (KTM), 39.255

8. Ben Lowe (Ind), 39.461

9. Ryan Wells (Roy), 39.481

10. Davis Fisher (Ind), 39.488

11. Scooter Vernon (Kaw), 39.615

12. Johnny Lewis (Roy), 39.658

13. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), 39.931

14. Nick Armstrong (Yam), 40.092

15. Kasey Sciscoe (Har), 40.562

16. Michael Hill (Kaw), 41.129

17. Jimmy McAllister (KTM), 42.253

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Provisional Free Practice 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Chad Cose (Hus), 38.777

2. Travis Petton (KTM), 38.797

3. Morgen Mischler (Hon), 38.953

4. Shayna Texter-Bauman (KTM), 39.003

5. James Ott (Hus), 39.009

6. Cole Zabala (Hon), 39.112

7. Chase Saathoff (Hon), 39.125

8. Trent Lowe (Hon), 39.129

9. Trevor Brunner (Yam), 39.191

10. Tom Drane (Yam), 39.368

11. Declan Bender (KTM), 39.388

12. Max Whale (KTM), 39.420

13. Tarren Santero (Hon), 39.492

14. Kody Kopp (KTM), 39.552

15. Jared Lowe (Hon), 39.567

16. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), 39.595

17. Aidan RoosEvans (Hon), 39.691

18. Hunter Bauer (Hon), 39.695

19. Justin Jones (KTM), 39.735

20. Tyler Raggio (Yam), 40.141

21. Landen Smith (KTM), 40.448

22. Christian Spurgeon (Hon), 40.515

23. Jacob Cascio (Hon), 40.515

24. Blake Ash (Hus), 40.538

25. Reece Pottorf (Hon), 40.854

26. Olin Kissler (KTM), 40.875

27. Logan McGrane (KTM), 42.358

Mission AFT SuperTwins Provisional Qualifying 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Ben Lowe (Ind), 37.654

2. Kolby Carlile (Yam), 37.729

3. Briar Bauman (KTM), 37.758

4. Jared Mees (Ind), 37.951

5. Brandon Robinson (Ind), 38.014

6. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 38.035

7. JD Beach (Yam), 38.065

8. Davis Fisher (Ind), 38.088

9. Nick Armstrong (Yam), 38.104

10. Ryan Wells (Roy), 38.243

11. Scooter Vernon (Kaw), 38.254

12. Bronson Bauman (KTM), 38.704

13. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), 38.899

14. Johnny Lewis (Roy), 38.907

15. Michael Hill (Kaw), 39.348

16. Kasey Sciscoe (Har), 39.372

17. Jimmy McAllister (KTM), 41.324

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Provisional Qualifying 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Tom Drane (Yam), 38.002

2. Travis Petton (KTM), 38.279

3. Trevor Brunner (Yam), 38.294

4. Max Whale (KTM), 38.310

5. Chad Cose (Hus), 38.328

6. Trent Lowe (Hon), 38.343

7. Morgen Mischler (Hon), 38.435

8. Cole Zabala (Hon), 38.515

9. Chase Saathoff (Hon), 38.536

10. Kody Kopp (KTM), 38.594

11. Hunter Bauer (Hon), 38.632

12. Aidan RoosEvans (Hon), 38.722

13. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), 38.905

14. Shayna Texter-Bauman (KTM), 38.921

15. James Ott (Hus), 38.926

16. Jared Lowe (Hon), 38.960

17. Landen Smith (KTM), 39.269

18. Declan Bender (KTM), 39.269

19. Tyler Raggio (Yam), 39.372

20. Tarren Santero (Hon), 39.427

21. Justin Jones (KTM), 39.466

22. Jacob Cascio (Hon), 39.475

23. Blake Ash (Hus), 39.764

24. Christian Spurgeon (Hon), 39.874

25. Reece Pottorf (Hon), 40.144

26. Logan McGrane (KTM), 40.180

27. Olin Kissler (KTM), 40.371

Mission AFT SuperTwins Provisional Qualifying 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Jared Mees (Ind), 37.378

2. Davis Fisher (Ind), 37.645

3. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 37.736

4. Bronson Bauman (KTM), 37.795

5. Kolby Carlile (Yam), 37.800

6. Ben Lowe (Ind), 37.871

7. JD Beach (Yam), 37.885

8. Brandon Robinson (Ind), 37.966

9. Johnny Lewis (Roy), 37.985

10. Briar Bauman (KTM), 38.124

11. Ryan Wells (Roy), 38.328

12. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), 38.462

13. Nick Armstrong (Yam), 38.503

14. Scooter Vernon (Kaw), 38.978

15. Kasey Sciscoe (Har), 39.377

16. Michael Hill (Kaw), 39.573

17. Jimmy McAllister (KTM), 40.871

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Provisional Qualifying 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Tom Drane (Yam), 38.115

2. Chad Cose (Hus), 38.249

3. Trent Lowe (Hon), 38.286

4. Travis Petton (KTM), 38.359

5. James Ott (Hus), 38.472

6. Morgen Mischler (Hon), 38.492

7. Kody Kopp (KTM), 38.578

8. Trevor Brunner (Yam), 38.587

9. Chase Saathoff (Hon), 38.620

10. Max Whale (KTM), 38.719

11. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), 38.767

12. Aidan RoosEvans (Hon), 38.874

13. Shayna Texter-Bauman (KTM), 38.886

14. Cole Zabala (Hon), 39.060

15. Jared Lowe (Hon), 39.187

16. Landen Smith (KTM), 39.201

17. Tarren Santero (Hon), 39.237

18. Justin Jones (KTM), 39.243

19. Hunter Bauer (Hon), 39.261

20. Declan Bender (KTM), 39.280

21. Logan McGrane (KTM), 39.615

22. Tyler Raggio (Yam), 39.623

23. Christian Spurgeon (Hon), 39.750

24. Blake Ash (Hus), 39.788

25. Jacob Cascio (Hon), 39.885

26. Reece Pottorf (Hon), 40.074

27. Olin Kissler (KTM), 40.397

Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Heat 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Tom Drane (Yam), 8 laps

2. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -00.860 seconds

3. Kody Kopp (KTM), -03.029

4. Travis Petton (KTM), -03.065

5. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -06.037

6. Shayna Texter-Bauman (KTM), -06.080

7. Tyler Raggio (Yam), -08.003

8. Landen Smith (KTM), -09.570

9. Aidan RoosEvans (Hon), -09.641

10. Justin Jones (KTM), -09.982

11. Blake Ash (Hus), -16.541

12. Logan McGrane (KTM), -17.398

13. Olin Kissler (KTM), -17.910

14. Cole Zabala (Hon), -1 lap, -17.911

Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Heat 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Chase Saathoff (Hon), 8 laps

2. Trent Lowe (Hon), -00.002 seconds

3. Chad Cose (Hus), -00.040

4. Max Whale (KTM), -00.213

5. James Ott (Hus), -04.186

6. Declan Bender (KTM), -05.335

7. Hunter Bauer (Hon), -05.443

8. Jared Lowe (Hon), -05.743

9. Tarren Santero (Hon), -07.076

10. Jacob Cascio (Hon), -08.866

11. Christian Spurgeon (Hon), -15.075

12. Reece Pottorf (Hon), -15.934

13. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -5 laps, DNF

Provisional Mission SuperTwins Heat 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Jared Mees (Ind), 8 laps

2. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -00.793 seconds

3. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -04.522

4. Ben Lowe (Ind), -04.791

5. Nick Armstrong (Yam), -06.569

6. Scooter Vernon (Kaw), -09.661

7. Jimmy McAllister (KTM), -30.860

8. Bronson Bauman (KTM), -8 laps, DNF

9. Michael Hill (Kaw), -8 laps, DNF

Provisional Mission SuperTwins Heat 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Briar Bauman (KTM), 8 laps

2. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -01.051 seconds

3. Davis Fisher (Ind), -01.109

4. JD Beach (Yam), -02.208

5. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -05.925

6. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -06.691

7. Kasey Sciscoe (Har), -18.484

8. Ryan Wells (Roy), -3 laps, DNF

Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles LCQ Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), 8 laps

2. Tyler Raggio (Yam), -00.042 seconds

3. Hunter Bauer (Hon), -00.171

4. Jared Lowe (Hon), -00.480

5. Justin Jones (KTM), -00.890

6. Landen Smith (KTM), -01.083

7. Tarren Santero (Hon), -01.296

8. Cole Zabala (Hon), -03.309

9. Aidan RoosEvans (Hon), -05.854

10. Logan McGrane (KTM), -07.719

11. Christian Spurgeon (Hon), -07.939

12. Jacob Cascio (Hon), -07.988

13. Blake Ash (Hus), -07.991

14. Reece Pottorf (Hon), -08.179

15. Olin Kissler (KTM), -09.636

Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Challenge Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Tom Drane (Yam), 4 laps

2. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -00.013 seconds

3. Trent Lowe (Hon), -00.583

4. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -01.106

Provisional Mission SuperTwins Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Jared Mees (Ind), 4 laps

2. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -00.837 seconds

3. Briar Bauman (KTM), -02.646

4. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -03.130

Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Tom Drane (Yam), 18 laps

2. Trent Lowe (Hon), -00.005 seconds

3. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -00.036

4. Chad Cose (Hus), -00.101

5. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -01.503

6. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -01.784

7. Max Whale (KTM), -01.855

8. Shayna Texter-Bauman (KTM), -02.706

9. Travis Petton (KTM), -02.718

10. Kody Kopp (KTM), -03.115

11. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -04.423

12. Declan Bender (KTM), -11.246

13. James Ott (Hus), -11.257

14. Aidan RoosEvans (Hon), -11.397

15. Hunter Bauer (Hon), -11.633

16. Landen Smith (KTM), -12.953

17. Jared Lowe (Hon), -14.571

18. Tyler Raggio (Yam), -18.380

19. Justin Jones (KTM), -18.482

Provisional Mission SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Jared Mees (Ind), 24 laps

2. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -00.573 seconds

3. JD Beach (Yam), -07.545

4. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -07.566

5. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -07.931

6. Davis Fisher (Ind), -08.035

7. Briar Bauman (KTM), -11.674

8. Bronson Bauman (KTM), -15.753

9. Ben Lowe (Ind), -19.601

10. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -19.606

11. Nick Armstrong (Yam), -28.813

12. Kasey Sciscoe (Har), -2 laps

13. Jimmy McAllister (KTM), -2 laps, -27.570

14. Scooter Vernon (Kaw), -10 laps, DNF

15. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -24 laps, DNF

16. Ryan Wells (Roy), -24 laps, DNF

More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track (AFT):

Mees Gets His Revenge in Sacramento Mile Rematch

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 13, 2023) – Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) furthered his claim as the preeminent Mile rider currently competing in Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, with a pivotal victory in Saturday night’s 57th Legendary Mission Sacramento Mile powered by Law Tigers at Cal Expo in Sacramento, California.

Those bragging rights were brought into question after Mees was outscored 2-1 in Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Mile wins a year ago by then-rookie Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT). Their first Mile showdown of the season carried even greater significance than it otherwise would have with Daniels having arguably emerged the title favorite and leading reigning champion Mees in the points.

The race went to script with the two separating at the front and settling into a one-on-one fight to the flag. Just past mid-distance, Mees railed around the corners with his helmet down in an attempt to break Daniels’ challenge. While unable to sink Daniels’ hopes completely, the ploy granted Mees a few tenths which he successfully guarded all the way to the end.

The victory was the 24th Mile triumph of Mees’ illustrious career. That moves him ahead of Ricky Graham and into sole possession of fifth place on the all-time order and just one away from joining Bubba Shobert and Bryan Smith in a tie for third.

The result also drew Mees a bit closer to the championship lead. That said, Daniels is not doing him any favors in that regard, extending his season-long streak of top-two finishes. The gap is now 20 points (159-139) as the two continue to distance themselves from the remainder of a talented pack of contenders.

“I honestly was sweating coming into the Miles – last year I felt like we were a little down,” Mees admitted after earning his fifth-career Sacramento Mile win. “I didn’t know what to expect. But Kenny (Tolbert) worked really hard this winter to get us back some ponies, and Jimmy Wood really had that thing hooked up with the Öhlins suspension. I don’t think I’ve ever been that hooked up before. I could just go into the corner and mash the throttle. The Indian Motorcycle was phenomenal tonight.”

Daniels’ teammate, JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), solidified his hold on third in the championship order with his third podium of the season. It only came about following a final-lap duel with Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07), however, when Beach poked ahead by 0.021 seconds at the line.

Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) and Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) each had a shot at the box on the final lap as well, ultimately finishing fractionally behind in fifth and sixth, respectively.

Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke) earned a lonely seventh, although that description fails to adequately express the contour of his race. Bauman actually led more than once early in the contest before running wide on the powerful-yet-brutish KTM and dropping to fifth. He worked his way back up to third at one point before going off the groove again and fading out of podium contention.

Bauman was followed home by his brother, Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke), while Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750) and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) completed the top ten.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Australian phenom Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) scored his maiden Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER victory in breathtaking fashion in Sacramento.

A huge early train of 450s connected to the front slowly whittled away as the race progressed. The battle for the win at last took its final shape with just over a minute remaining when three-time Sacramento Mile winner Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) fell away from the lead group and into the clutches of a second group bursting with big names and title contenders.

With Brunner out of the fight, the checkered flag was set to be decided between Drane, Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450).

Lowe stormed past Drane as they opened the final lap, but the diminutive Aussie stormed back by on the back straight, confident he could out-run any and all slingshot attempts in the decisive drag race to the line.

He was proven correct, albeit only by just 0.005 seconds over Lowe and 0.036 seconds over Saathoff. Meanwhile, Cose finished just another 0.065 seconds back yet found himself left off the podium altogether.

Drane came into the season with serious hype and had endured something of a quiet start to the year when judged based on those lofty expectations. However, tonight’s victory put everything back in its proper perspective. Ultimately, the Estenson Racing Yamaha prodigy earned his first win just a month after turning 17 and competing in what was just his eighth Progressive AFT Main Event. Perhaps even more remarkably, it was the first Main Event at a Mile in Drane’s career.

He said, “I just can’t thank the team enough for all the work they do, all the hours. It’s amazing. This has boosted my confidence heaps, showing I can do it. I’m so happy.”

Fifth went to Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), who clawed his way up from outside the top ten after earning his slot on the grid via the LCQ.

He placed Brunner between himself and his primary title rivals in the process. Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) crossed the stripe in seventh, followed by Sacramento Mile legend Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 450 SX-F) and the impressive Travis Petton IV (No. 82 ECG Racing/3 Bros KTM 450 SX-F).

The final position in the top ten went to defending class champ Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F). Despite the uncharacteristic result, Kopp continues to lead in the standings with 137 points. Gauthier closed to within 14 points at 123, while Whale and Saathoff are now tied for third at 115.

Next Up:

Progressive American Flat Track will continue its run of spectacular Mile action with the Red Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington at the Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky, on May 27. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/red-mile-59131 to secure your tickets today.

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.

FOX Sports coverage of the Legendary Sacramento Mile, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, May 27, at 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT).

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

About Progressive American Flat Track

Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.

More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:

KODY KOPP CONTINUES TO LEAD AFT SINGLES POINTS AFTER SACRAMENTO MILE CHALLENGE

Round 7 – American Flat Track Championship

Kody Kopp (1). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo Kody Kopp and Max Whale endured a tough night of competition at Round 7 of the 2023 American Flat Track Championship, with Whale finishing in seventh position and Kopp 10th in the AFT Singles Main Event. Defending champion Kopp continues to lead the point standings following the Sacramento Mile.

After qualifying in seventh, defending champion Kopp made inroads between qualifying and the opening Heat of the event, powering his #1 KTM 450 SX-F to third position, setting himself up well for the Main Event. A more difficult 18-lap affair saw Kopp eventually cross the line in 10th position, retaining his lead in the AFT Singles series.

Kody Kopp: “Honestly, a little frustrated with how the weekend went, and a lot of things added up to the 10th-place finish here at the Sacramento Mile. We’re a team though, we’ll go back to work, we’ve got a two-week break and we’ll come back swinging in Kentucky.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Whale was 10th in qualifying at the Northern Californian venue, before crossing the finish line in fourth place for the second Heat of the event, just 0.213 off the race winner. The Australian fought hard during the Main Event, landing P7 and still sitting third in the championship overall.

Max Whale: “Definitely a tough day here in Sacramento. I feel as though I rode well, but just a few mistakes today – the team worked great, but I ended the night in P7, which isn’t great. It could’ve been much worse from where I was at one stage, we fought hard, and we’ll move on to the next one.”

Next Race: The Red Mile – Lexington, Kentucky – May 27, 2023

Round 7 Results

AFT Singles Main Event

1. Tom Drane, Yamaha

2. Trent Lowe, Honda

3. Chase Saathoff, Honda

OTHER KTM

5. Dalton Gauthier, KTM

7. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

8. Shayna Texter-Bauman, KTM

9. Travis Petton IV, KTM

10. Kody Kopp, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

12. Declan Bender, KTM

16. Landen Smith, KTM

19. Justin Jones, KTM

2023 AFT Singles Point Standings

1. Kody Kopp, 137 points

2. Dalton Gauthier, 123

3. Max Whale, 115

OTHER KTM

11. Justin Jones, 52

13. Travis Petton IV, 35

14. Shayna Texter-Bauman, 34

16. Logan Eisenhard, 27

22. Hunter Bauer, 16

23. Hayden Gillim, 14

24. Clarke Morian V, 10

25. Tanner Dean, 9

28. Declan Bender, 8

31. Landen Smith, 4

32. Olin Kissler, 4

More, from a press release issued by Indian Motorcycle:

Indian Motorcycle Racing & Jared Mees Win Sacramento Mile

Mees Pilots Indian FTR750 to Third Victory of the Season, Continues Hunt for Record-Tying Ninth Premier Class Championship

Jared Mees (1). Photo by Tim Lester, courtesy Indian Motorcycle.

MINNEAPOLIS – It was another exciting weekend of American Flat Track (AFT) racing, as Indian Wrecking Crew Rider and Reigning SuperTwins Champion Jared Mees wins the Sacramento Mile aboard his Indian FTR750. The win marked Mees’ third of the season, tying him for the most wins this season with Estenson Racing Yamaha rider Dallas Daniels.

Starting from the pole position, Mees staved off the competition as he rode hard across the finish line to his 24th-career Mile victory, moving him up in the record books with the fifth most Mile wins of all time. In typical Mees fashion, Mees delivered a clutch performance, as he and Daniels are in the thick of a head-to-head battle for the 2023 SuperTwins Championship.

“I honestly was sweating coming into the Miles – last year I felt like we were a little down,” Mees admitted. “I didn’t know what to expect. But Kenny (Tolbert) worked really hard this winter to get us back some ponies, and Jimmy Wood really had that thing hooked up with the Öhlins suspension. I don’t think I’ve ever been that hooked up before. I could just go into the corner and mash the throttle. The Indian Motorcycle was phenomenal tonight.”

With 139 points on the year, Mees sits securely in second – 24 points ahead of third (115) and 20 points behind Daniels (159). In addition to his three wins, Mees has secured a third-place podium finish, two fourth-place finishes and a P6. Meanwhile, Daniels has raced to a top-two finish in all seven races this season.

The AFT season continues with two more Mile races, the Red Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington on May 27, and the DuQuoin Mile on June 17.

For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®

Indian Motorcycle Company is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

INDIAN and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC. Always wear a helmet, protective clothing and eyewear and insist your passenger does the same. Ride within the limits of the law and your own abilities. Read, understand and follow your owner’s manual. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

North West 200: Saturday’s Race Results From Northern Ireland (Updated)

David Swarts

-

May 13, 2023

0

North West 200: Saturday’s Race Results From Northern Ireland (Updated)

Glenn Irwin, riding his BeerMonster Ducati Panigale V4 R, won both Superbike races Saturday at the North West 200 in Northern Ireland. The victories were Irwin’s seventh and eighth-consecutive Superbike victories at the event, according to a press release issued by his team.

Alastair Seeley followed up his win in Superstock Race One on May 11 with another win in Saturday’s Superstock Race Two on his SYNETIQ BMW M 1000 RR. It was 43-year-old Seeley’s 29th career win at the North West 200.

Davey Todd won Supersport Race Two on a Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles Honda CBR600RR, completing a sweep of both Supersport race wins at the event.

Richard Cooper won both of Saturday’s Supertwin races on his KMR Kawasaki ER6 (a.k.a. Ninja 650).

JMcC Roofing Racing’s American rider Patricia Fernandez-West finished 35th in Superbike Race One, 26th in Superbike Race Two, and 29th in Superstock Race Two on her Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. She also placed 22nd in Supersport Race Two on her Yamaha YZF-R6.

Fernandez-West’s teammate and husband Cory West, riding a Kawasaki ER6, finished 10th and seventh in Supertwin Race One and Race Two, respectively. West was also recognized as “Fastest Newcomer.”

Update: American Chris Sarbora riding a Moto-Hub.co.uk BMW, finished 17th and 24th in Superbike Race One and Two, respectively, and 24th in Superstock Race Two on Saturday. On Thursday, Sarbora took 30th in Superstock Race One.

Editorial Note: The PDFs of the race results below include results from each class for the entire event. So, you must scroll down several pages, just past the grid sheets, to see the results from Saturday’s races.

Superbike Race One Results
Superbike Race Two Results
Superstock Race Two Results
Supersport Race Two Results
Supertwin Race One
Supertwin Race Two

More, from a press release issued by NW200 Press Office:

GLENN IRWIN CLOSES IN ON NW200 SUPERBIKE RECORD

Glenn Irwin’s domination of superbike racing at the fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200 continued unabated last weekend when the 33 year old steered his PBM/Beer Monster Ducati V4 to victory in both of the premier class races.

That double means Irwin is the winner of the last eight superbike races at the event, a tally just one shy of the record of nine Superbike victories at the meeting shared by the late Joey Dunlop and Michael Rutter.

An off by Gerald Dath in the first race and separate crashes by James Hillier and Mike Browne in the second brought out the red flags after only three of the scheduled laps had been completed in each race.

Irwin was battling Davey Todd and Dean Harrison in the first encounter with only 1.5 secs covering the trio before Alastair Seeley was forced out of the race on the second lap with an overheating engine on his Milwaukee BMW- but not before a close encounter with Irwin at the Magic Roundabout.

“Glenn has come up the inside and has caught the wing.” Seeley explained.

“It was a bit of a risky move going into a high speed corner.”

Michael Dunlop set the fastest lap of the race at 122.712mph as he moved into the lead at Metropole on lap two on his new Hawk Racing Honda. A lap later he had retired.

Irwin, who later apologised to his Carrickfergus neighbour for the wing encounter, was holding off Todd and Harrison when the race was stopped. Victory came as a relief for the current BSB championship leader after Tuesday and Thursday’s troubled qualifying sessions with his Ducati.

“When I came here this week I knew what I wanted and I knew what we had.” Irwin, who limits his racing to the Superbike races at the North West, explained.

“It wasn’t what I wanted but to be fair to the boys they’ve went outside the budget to get me what I needed.”

“On Thursday I felt like I was riding like a maniac and I could never win the race. Today I felt like I was riding at 70%, pushing hard on some corners but I felt in control.”

With his confidence boosted by that win, Irwin was locked in battle with Seeley, Dunlop and Dean Harrison on the third lap of the second race when James Hillier’s crash brought out the red flags. The race was restarted and the Ducati rider moved into the lead at Mather’s chicane, crossing the line 1.06 seconds ahead of Seeley when the red flags came out for a second time after Mike Browne’s crash.

After some initial confusion and a lengthy wait as officials struggled to deal with red flags, opening roads and finalising the result, the local hero was finally declared the winner. Joining his jubilant fans in the packed grandstands for some crowd surfing duly followed.

“It’s an amazing feeling.” a relieved Irwin smiled after having spent the previous few weeks telling anyone who would listen that he would win big at his home race this year.

“It’s been a tough week.” he admitted.

“I’ve come in the best form ever and the guys gave me a great bike today.”

SEELEY’S SYNETIQ SMILE

Alastair Seeley’s rejuvenated racing career shows no sign of slowing down as the North West 200’s most successful racer notched up more wins and lap records at this year’s event.

The 43 year old has re-entered the British Superstock 1000 fray this season and is running at the front of the pack on the Synetiq BMW. Bringing that bike and pace to Portrush, Seeley smashed the lap record and claimed victory in both of this year’s NW200 stocker races.

The former double British champion added win number 28 and added the new 124.427mph record to his NW200 CV in the Thursday evening race, leading Davey Todd and his Milenco Padgett’s Honda home by a huge 10.3 seconds.

It also marked Seeley’s 15th victory around the 8.9 mile Northern Ireland roads circuit with Hector and Philip Neill’s TAS Racing team, the Moneymore-based squad that had prepared his machine.

“It is a match made in heaven.” Seeley smiled.

“It’s a great team, they are a great bunch of guys with a big family atmosphere and this year we are very happy and I keep saying a happy rider is a fast rider.”

Todd, the reigning British Superstock champion, held off Michael Dunlop and his MD Racing Honda by 0.3 seconds with Dean Harrison 20 seconds further back on the DAO Racing Kawasaki.

Earlier in the evening Seeley had to settle for second to Todd as he made his debut on the Powertoolmate Ducati V2 machine in the Supersport event. The Ulsterman had the consolation of setting a new Supersport lap record at 118.066mph as he finished 0.1 second behind the Milenco Padgett’s Honda.

Seeley then lost that record to Peter Hickman in Saturday’s Supersport race who raised the bar to 118.273mph as the Ducati racer finished sixth. His 29th North West win came in the Superstock contest as he took the lead on the opening lap and raised his two day old lap record to 124.484mph to lead Michael Dunlop home by 0.7 seconds from Dean Harrison. A runner-up finish in the feature Superbike race behind Glenn Irwin topped off a brilliant week for the diminutive veteran who revelled in his victories.

“They just keep coming.” Seeley smiled as he closes in on a 30th victory at the seaside event, double the number of the second most successful NW200 racer, the late, Robert Dunlop.

DAVEY’S DOUBLE

Davey Todd showed why he is road racing’s hottest prospect as he scored a brilliant Supersport double at the NW200 on his Milenco Padgett’s Honda. The 27 year old came out on top in a brilliant four way battle during Thursday evening’s first 600cc race with only 1.31 seconds covering the first six riders at the chequered flag.

Todd prevailed by 0.108 seconds over Alastair Seeley (Powertoolmate Ducati) ahead of Richard Cooper (BPE Russell Yamaha), Michael Dunlop (MD Racing Honda) and Dean Harrison (BPE Russell Yamaha).

It was Todd’s second NW200 win, his first coming in a wet 600cc race in 2019. Last year he had to settle for the runner-up spot four times.

“I didn’t want to let that one slip away.” he said after the thrilling battle.

“It was really hard to judge on the last lap but I’m over the moon and that’s a dream. I have a win in the wet on the 600 but this really means a lot.”

The lap record was broken in both North West Supersport races this year, first by Alastair Seeley in the opening race and then by Peter Hickman in the second as Todd doubled up after another frantic Supersport battle on Saturday. The English rider got the better of Richard Cooper again to take the win by 0.2 seconds with Peter Hickman third on the Trooper Beer Triumph and Dean Harrison fourth. Only 0.539 seconds covered the first four as they crossed the line.

“This one is even better.” Todd smiled after the fierce battle.

“I got a taste of winning on Thursday and I knew I was strong on the bike. The boys were going so hard, I wasn’t sure I was going to do it. I just about hung on and holding these guys off is hard. Each time someone came past me I tried to bite back and that’s the hardest I’ve rode here.”

COOPER’S REVENGE

Twelve months ago Richard Cooper’s North West 200 dream turned into a nightmare when the Nottingham racer’s Supertwin double was cancelled out because of a technical infringement on his KMR Kawasaki.

The Englishman unexpectedly rejoined the Dungannon bike builder in a last minute deal for this year’s event after the Bathams R7 Yamaha he had intended to race failed to materialise. Both Twins races were run on Saturday and Cooper dominated, setting a new lap record at 112.251mph to win the first encounter as he led local racers Paul Jordan (Prez Racing Kawasaki) and Adam McLean (JMcC Roofing Kawasaki) home.

McLean repeated his third place performance in the second event with 59 year old Jeremy McWilliams (Bayview Paton) finishing second, 4.8 seconds behind Cooper who had finally cancelled out the disappointment of 12 months ago.

“I had moved on but it was more difficult for Ryan.” Cooper explained.

“I told him the only way to get over it was to win so this is for Ryan and his family and I want to see a smile on his face.”

Cooper also enjoyed two podium finishes in the 600cc races with the BPE/Russell Racing Yamaha squad, finishing third in the Thursday race behind Davey Todd and Alastair Seeley before pushing Todd hard as he finished second in Saturday’s race.

DUNLOP AND HARRISON IMPRESS

Michael Dunlop and Dean Harrison posted a series of impressive North West 200 results this year ahead of next month’s TT races.

The Ballymoney man has switched to Honda power for the big bike classes this season, running a Hawk Racing Honda in the Superbike division alongside a stock spec Fireblade and R6 Yamaha in his own MD Racing colours.

He might not have won any races at this year’s NW200 but he was running at the front of the pack in all the races he contested.

Posting the fastest Superbike lap during the opening practice session, he finished in the top five in every race he started except the first Superbike event, when he was forced to retire because of issues with his rear Dunlop tyre. His best performances came in the two Superstock races where he was second and third on the MD Racing Honda.

Harrison claimed third place finishes on the DAO Racing Kawasakis in both of Saturday’s Superbike events plus a third and fourth in the two Superstock races. He also finished fourth and fifth on the BPE/Russell Yamaha R6 in both 600cc races at the seaside event.

“I felt most comfortable on the Superbike.” Harrison said.

“I am riding it the most and it was the same bike I ride at BSB. I felt like I was always there in both races. It was a shame the races were cut short because there was nothing in it between us and I had more to give.”

FHO RACING CONTROVERSY

The blistering race action at this year’s NW200 was overshadowed by the exclusion of the FHO Racing BMW team from Thursday evening’s Superstock race and the squad’s subsequent withdrawal from the event.

The team had run foul of the Motorcycling Union of Ireland rule book which prohibits the use of carbon fibre wheels fitted on the M1000RRs of Peter Hickman and Josh Brookes. Team principal, Faye Ho, immediately pulled her squad out of the event in protest.

The North West organisers responded by pointing out the ban on carbon fibre wheels is clearly stated in the event’s regulations.

“We thought the rules were the same but found out too late that they were not.” Peter Hickman, who remained at the meeting to compete on his own Supertwin and Supersport-spec machinery, later explained.

“As far as we as a team are concerned, we just want consistency.”

The real losers though were the NW200 fans. They were deprived of seeing the FHO BMW duo in action against Irwin, Seeley and Co in the Stocker and Superbike events, a prospect made even more mouth-watering after Brookes had raised Bruce Anstey’s fastest ever speed trap time of 209.8 mph to an incredible 212.4 mph during the final Superbike qualifying session.

DUNLOP TYRE WOES CONTINUE

Previously dominant in road racing, the Dunlop Tyre company suffered a nightmare at last year’s NW200 when tyres on Peter Hickman, Michael Dunlop and Davey Todd’s machines all delaminated at high speed. Problems resurfaced with the Dunlop rubber at this year’s event, forcing some Dunlop runners to request the organisers cut the race distance from six to five laps for the second Superstock and feature Superbike races.

NW200 INJURY TOLL

The current leader of the British Supersport series, Lee Johnston, suffered serious injuries when he crashed his Ashcourt Yamaha at Church corner during qualifying. The English-based Ulsterman was airlifted to hospital with a broken shoulder and femur.

New Honda signing, Nathan Harrison broke his wrist and collarbone when he crashed out of the Superstock race later the same day at Dhu Varren, ruining the young Manx hopeful’s TT start alongside veteran teammate, John McGuinness.

Michael Sweeney is another TT doubtful after crashing at the same spot in the opening Supertwin race on Saturday, breaking vertebrae, his collarbone and dislocating a knee.

Conor Cummins was ruled out of Saturday’s North West action on his Padgett’s Honda after damaging his knee when he clouted a kerb at Ballysally roundabout in Thursday’s Superstock race and both North West newcomer, Mike Browne and James Hillier escaped serious injury in crashes at Juniper Hill chicane.

MotoGP: Sprint Race Results From Le Mans (Updated)

David Swarts

-

May 13, 2023

0

MotoGP: Sprint Race Results From Le Mans (Updated)

Spaniard Jorge Martin won the MotoGP Sprint Race Saturday afternoon on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding his Prima Pramac Ducati Desmosedici, Martin won the 13-lap race by 1.840 seconds over Red Bull KTM Brad Binder. Defending World Champion Francesco Bagnaia was a close third on his Lenovo Ducati.

MotoGP Sprint Race
MotoGP points after Sprint race

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Absolute showstopper: Martin takes the spoils as Champions clash

The Spaniard stormed to his debut Tissot Sprint victory from Binder, ahead of a breathtaking battle between Bagnaia and Marquez

Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Saturday, 13 May 2023

We billed it as super Saturday and once again, we meant it. The Tissot Sprint at Le Mans was another jaw dropper throughout the field, and we have a new name in the history books as Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) put in an inch-perfect ride to take his first Sprint win in MotoGP™. Just behind him, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) fought his way through the pack to storm to another podium in second, and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) completed the podium.

‘Completed the podium’ isn’t quite the correct product description, however, as the #1 actually had a gloves-off melee with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) that was intense, spectacular, and left both giving some fantastic reviews of the sport they compete in.

Let’s rewind first. It was Bagnaia who stormed off the line to take the holeshot as the lights went out, whilst Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) shot into P2. Turn 2 came and Martin made an incredible around-the-outside move to take 2nd place from Miller though, and as the riders crossed the line for the first time it remained Bagnaia, Martin, Miller, shadowed by Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and Marquez in hot pursuit. Sector two came around and it was disappointment in the KTM camp though as Miller crashed out at Museum corner, by then promoting Marquez to P3. Some spirits were lifted for the Austrian manufacturer as Binder was on the move though, pushing his way past Marini to set the fastest lap and latch himself onto the back of the top 3.

With 11 laps to go, and it was a four-rider scrap for Tissot Sprint glory as Bagnaia led Martin, Marquez, and Binder respectively with Marini in a distant 5th. That didn’t last long, however, as Martin lunged up the inside of Bagnaia to take the lead away from the Ducati Lenovo rider. The number 89 then began to put the hammer down and pulled out 0.7s in just one lap. From there on out, he was untouchable. For the fight behind, a different word should be sought.

Marquez and Binder were queuing up behind Pecco, and a big reshuffle at the Dunlop chicane saw Binder take full advantage to go into P2, demoting Bagnaia to P3 and Marquez to P4. Marini then caught the battle as Bagnaia was struggling to hold onto the pace of the leaders, and it became a four-rider scrap. But Binder decided he was out, and the KTM started to edge away.

Brad Binder (33) leads Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, Luca Marini, and Aleix Espargaro at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Marquez pushed his way through at the Dunlop chicane with 8 laps to go, seeing Bagnaia drop to 5th behind Marquez and Marini. With the Italian clearly struggling he did his best to cling on, and snapped straight back at Marini. Next target: Marquez. Bagnaia was coming back at it, and made a move on the eight-time World Champion at the 200mph Turn 1 with 4 laps of racing still remaining.

The Italian then put the hammer down, and Marquez was unable to hang onto the coattails of the factory Ducati as the Spaniard faded slightly into the clutches of Marini. Martin crossed the line to take his first Sprint win as well as his first Grand Prix points at Le Mans, bouncing back in style as Binder took second to gain in the title fight, ahead of Bagnaia completing the podium.

After Bagnaia pulled away from the pack to defend his top 3, Marini got the better of Marquez to take 4th place. Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) was all over the rear of the battle for 4th in the last couple of laps, but lost ground after a crucial mistake in the closing stages halted his progress and saw the Frenchman settle for 6th.

Meanwhile, further back there was a gaggle of riders swapping paintwork as Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) got the better of the chasing Aprilia Racing riders of Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales to take 7th place with the Aprilias 8th and 9th respectively. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) completed the top ten.

The tough home Grand Prix for Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) continued as the Frenchman crashed out of the Sprint to the dismay of the home crowd. Rider perfectly ok. He’d made an absolutely charge up from 13th on the grid, but lost the chance to move forward to the podium battle.

If Saturday’s action at the SHARK Grand Prix de France is anything to go by, you do not want to miss any of the action on Sunday’s billing as the race gets underway at 14:00 local time (GMT +2)! Join us for more tomorrow!

QUOTES

JORGE MARTIN: “I finally made it. I’m super proud of my team, and proud of myself because I’ve finally come back to the first position. It’s been a long time. it’s only a Sprint race but at least I got that feeling of the leading of not making mistakes and keeping the hammer down. Making that gap with Brad wasn’t easy but finally, I could make those two laps a bit more relaxed and yeah, I enjoyed a lot those last corners to finish in first position!”

BRAD BINDER: “I knew this start was everything. If I could get a decent launch off the line, cut my way through, and just hang with the boys at the beginning I knew I could probably bring it home in a decent spot. So I gave my best out there today, I need to say thank you to my team they did an incredible job again. It’s clear what we can improve for tomorrow, so I’m really looking forward to it. I think we can do a much better job in the long race.”

QUOTES: BAGNAIA & MARQUEZ WEIGH IN

PECCO BAGNAIA: “The battle was fun, I was enjoying it, it was quite aggressive but it’s the way I like to race. So I don’t understand the way they judged it because two weeks ago I got a penalty. And I’m NOT asking for a penalty for Marc, I’m just asking why I got one, it was normal like mine was. I think it’s correct to follow this line! It was aggressive but I like it. Battles have to be aggressive, for me. I’d like to continue like this.

“When there’s contact you’re upset in that moment, with the adrenaline and tension. But for me the battles like this is normal and we have to keep it like this.”

MARC MARQUEZ: “For me we must stop speaking about these small things and overtakes. I spoke with Pecco and he wasn’t angry at me. More upset because he was penalised in Jerez and I wasn’t here. They’re different actions but… guys, this is MotoGP. It’s my 11th year in the category, I think. If you want to overtake it’ll always be a close overtake and I think it’s what the fans enjoy.

“Yesterday the Stewards were in the Safety Commission and I gave my opinion. My opinion on this year is that everything that’s happened in the races has been a racing incident – the only one that should be penalised was my one in Portimao, because it was a big mistake! That one must be penalised. The rest were racing incidents and what happened today at Turn 3 was completely normal.”

Lowes doubles down with second pole in two races, ahead of Lopez and Arbolino

Another race weekend, another record for Sam Lowes (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team)! The Brit followed up his demolition of the opposition in Jerez to take pole position at Le Mans, a couple of tenths clear. Alonso Lopez (Lightech SpeedUp) put in a strong effort to take P2 whilst the Marc VDS squad put both their riders on the front row with Tony Arbolino (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team) snatching P3.

Lowes’ lap record came in with a few minutes left on the clock, but neither Lopez nor Arbolino could topple it.

Where’s Pedro?

Now the Championship leader by virtue of his two wins to Arbolino’s one, and the two equal on points, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) starts off the front row in France… but not by too much. He’s just behind another impressive performance from Filip Salač (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™), with Celestino Vietti (Fantic Racing) sixth but stealing some limelight with a stunning save.

Somkiat Chantra (IDEMISTU Honda Team Asia) fronts the 3rd row of the grid ahead of Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar M2) who crashed out of Q2 to finish in P8 ahead of Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Mastercamp), with Barry Baltus (Fieten Olie Racing GP) rounding out the top 10.

The Moto2™ riders’ attention now turns to the race on Sunday, make sure not to miss any of the action as it commences at 12:15 local time (GMT +2)!

Ayumu Sasaki (71). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Sasaki snatches pole from Moreira and Holgado

Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) is back on top! After early season speed halted by some Sunday misfortunes, the Japanese rider put big points on the board in Jerez and backed it up with another pole position. He heads the field by three tenths, with Championship rivals Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) and Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) alongside.

Sasaki led the way as the riders came back to the pits for their final runs for a chance at pole, and the fast laps came flying in as the clock ran down. Andrea Migno (CIP Green Power), Holgado, and Moreira tried to threaten Sasaki’s time at the top but the Japanese rider held strong as he moved the goalposts by 0.4s on his final flying lap.

Moreira had a charge for pole at the end of the session but the young Brazilian fell short, still starting just ahead of Holgado, who’s in third. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) snatched 4th place on the grid and despite a crash for the Migno at the end of the session, the Italian’s lap time was enough for him to bag him a spot on the 2nd row as he finished 5th.

COTA and Jerez winner Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) put himself on the 2nd row in 6th, ad the third row is made up by Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing), Xavier Artigas (CFMOTO Racing PruestelGP), and Romano Fenati (Rivcold Snipers Team), as the rookie Syarifuddin Azman (MT Helmets – MSI) rounds out the top 10.

Make sure not to miss any of the Moto3™ action set to commence on Sunday at 11:00 local time (GMT +2)!

Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: Race One Results From Le Mans

David Swarts

-

May 13, 2023

0

Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: Race One Results From Le Mans

Piqueras robs Salmela in Le Mans Rookies Cup Race 1

Rising Finnish star Rico Salmela rode a perfect race ahead of the KTM pack and so nearly scored his 2nd Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup victory. But the 15-year-old was passed at the penultimate corner complex by Angel Piqueras.

Angel Piqueras (18) leads Rico Salmela (27) during Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Race One at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Red Bull.

So the 16-year-old points leader stood for the Spanish National Anthem for the 4th time this season with Ruche Moodley, the 16-year-old South African, joining them on the podium.

It was yet another fabulous race and while Salmela looked cool and confident in front the battle behind was incredibly intense, anyone of 8 or 10 riders could have made the podium and even the win as Piqueras demonstrated.

Piqueras sent it

“It’s true, I didn’t know how I managed to win. I just pushed very hard at the end, the last two laps, pushed at every corner.”

“I felt good at the end of the race, I was confident and I decided to take a chance. I pushed very hard, right on the limit and I almost crashed, I could have crashed, that was a real possibility but I didn’t. Maybe I will crash tomorrow, we’ll see.”

“It was a really hard race all the way, we were all pushing hard and it was only at the end that I felt that I could go and try and win, I felt really strong and felt I could try to catch Rico.”

“I won’t change anything on the bike for tomorrow, It is great. I felt I lacked a bit on the straight but maybe just because I am a bit bigger.”

Salmela so smooth

“Yes, It was a really good race, I was having some fun in the front. I think that I was doing quite a good pace in the lead.”

“In the last lap, I left a little gap and Piqueras took it. I tried to close it a bit but went too late on the brakes and went a little bit wide and Piqueras got the inside line.”

“I’m still quite happy with the work that I did today but I know that there are still some places that I can improve on for tomorrow. I like the bike, no need to change it at all but I think that one of the things I can do is probably push harder from the beginning and maybe make the last laps a bit better.”

Moodley made up places

“It was a really good race, quite difficult coming from 13th. I pushed really hard from the start and I knew I could get a good position. In the end, it was a podium so I am so happy.”

“Brad (Binder) was a big help, on Thursday he was showing me some lines. In practice though I still wasn’t feeling that confident until the end of Qualifying. Then today, I don’t know what happened,” he laughed.

“The bike felt good so I am not going to change anything, I hope for another good race tomorrow.”

Quiles 4th and cries foul

“It’s not fair,” stated the 15-year-old Spaniard after the race, visibly distressed. “Other riders in Jerez touch the green in Jerez many times and me, I touch it 3 and they give me a long lap and again here. It’s not correct but I am happy with the bike and the way I rode the race.”

Guido Pini not thrilled with 5th

“I’m not really happy because I was all the race in the lead group, 3rd or 4th position,” explained the 15-year-old Italian. “On the last lap I tried to do my best, but Piqueras passed me, I didn’t crash but almost high sided and Moodley passed me. Also, Maximo, I passed him but he passed me again so 5th position, I’m not really happy but tomorrow I think I can do better.”

Hakim Danish lost out after charge to the front

“I’m not happy because I made a lot of mistakes,” explained the 15-year-old Malaysian frankly after finishing 9th. “I slid off in the warm-up lap, luckily I could get up and still get in the race.”

“I had a good start in the race, I tried to follow the front group, I managed to do that. Then in the middle of the race I tried to pass one rider but I made a little mistake in Turn 7 and I almost hit the rider in front because I braked so late.”

“So then I had to catch the group again and I made another mistake in Turn 9, I braked too late and went straight. So a difficult race but I will improve for tomorrow.”

Marco Morelli frustrated with 13th from Pole

“A little bit of a bad race, I think.” said the 15-year-old Argentine. “I don’t know what to say but I am disappointed, I started from the pole and I finish 13, that’s not a great result.”

“But, I will learn from that, I need to close the door more, today I let too many riders through, gave them too much room.”

“I have one more opportunity to start from Pole and this is great. I am happy with the bike so it is just up to me.”

Session for FRA RookiesCup RAC1

MotoE: Race Two Results From Le Mans (Updated)

David Swarts

-

May 13, 2023

0

MotoE: Race Two Results From Le Mans (Updated)

Matteo Ferrari won MotoE World Championship Race Two Saturday on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding his Felo Gresini Ducati electric motorcycle, Ferrari won the eight-lap sprint by 0.712 second over Race One winner Jordi Torres, who rides an Openbank Aspar Team Ducati. Hector Garzo was a close third on his Dynavolt Intact GP Ducati.

All competitors ride Ducati electric motorcycles.

MotoE R2
MotoE points after R2

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Torres vs Garzo starts new MotoE™ era in style

The #81 comes out on top after a duel to the line as Ferrari slides out in Race 1 in France

Hector Garzo (4) leads Jordi Torres (81). Photo courtesy Dorna. — Hector Garzo (4) and Jordi Torres (81) fight for the lead in MotoE Race One. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Saturday, 13 May 2023

Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) started 2023 on top! The Spaniard duelled compatriot Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) right to the line for the first honours of the new era, coming out on top after a last lap duel. Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) crashed out of the fight at the front and has a Long Lap for Race 2 after a dramatic start, with Randy Krummenacher (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) coming through to complete the rostrum on his first electric start.

Garzo took the holeshot from Ferrari as the top two shot off the line, with Torres slotting into third from third on the grid. Nicolas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) moved up into fourth after a solid start too, with the rookie on the move and a gap forming behind the top four.

At the front, it was Garzo vs Ferrari, with the lead changing on Lap 2 and then again a lap later, and in some style. That wasn’t the end of the drama for either though, with Ferrari then suddenly crashing out with four to go… leaving Garzo with a little breathing space ahead of Torres.

The chasing group had also had a shake up, with Spinelli crashing out before both Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) and Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) went down at Turn 7 – just a lap before Ferrari did the same. That made it a duel for the win and huge group fight to complete the podium, with Krummenacher leading the train on the penultimate lap.

It also added more drama for Ferrari as the Yellow Flags were still out, and he was given a Long Lap penalty to serve in Race 2. The drama wasn’t done for Race 1 yet though: a Long Lap for Kevin Manfredi (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) after a shortcut ensured the Italian wouldn’t be on the rostrum, but he was still in the fight for it until the final lap.

That final lap saw Torres choose his moment to perfection, attacking into the chicane and then getting the hammer down to try and hold Garzo off. And that he did, with the number 81 able to hold on to the line, taking the first FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship victory by less than a tenth.

Behind Garzo, the podium fight saw Krummenacher come out on top as the Swiss rider makes his electric debut on the rostrum, ahead of Kevin Zannoni (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse). Hikari Okubo (Tech3 E-Racing) completed the top five.

Ferrari fights back with fabulous Race 2 charge for victory

Despite a Long Lap Penalty, the Italian couldn’t be stopped as Torres and Garzo complete the rostrum

Matteo Ferrari (11). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) came out swinging in Race 2 at Le Mans, overcoming a Long Lap penalty for a crash under yellows in Race 1 to charge back to the front and take the win. Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) was forced to settle for second but consolidated his points lead, with Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) leaving Le Mans with two podiums after another top finish in Race 2. Ferrari’s win was also a historic 200th podium in the Grand Prix paddock for the Gresini Team!

Garzo repeated his Race 1 heroics to nab the holeshot as the lights went out, with Ferrari slotting into second and Torres once again shadowing in third. Nicolas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) likewise made a good getaway to slot into fourth, with teammate Maria Casadei making quicker progress on take two, up into fifth.

Ferrari didn’t take long to strike for the lead, but just as he took over the Race Direction message came through: serve the Long Lap given for that Race 1 crash under yellows. The Italian pushed on to try and make the biggest gap possible before heading in though, and he was absolutely caning it. He took the penalty on the last chance lap to do so, re-emerging behind Torres as Garzo after the number 81 had grabbed the lead.

The mission was clear, and the mission was a success. First he stalked Garzo before finding a way through at Turn 1, and as the final corners dawned on the penultimate lap he was lining up a repeat. He pulled it off in style on Torres, able to stay just ahead over the final lap to take that first win of the year in style.

Torres’ second place was a tactical one as the Spaniard increased his points lead, however, and Garzo leaves with two podiums for second overall.The fight just behind saw Casadei dispatch teammate Spinelli as the Pons team locked out the top five, both sure to be looking for a little more in Mugello but putting some solid points on the board in Round 1.

Check out the full results and get ready to recharge for more as MotoE™ heads into the triple header in a few weeks!

North West 200: Patricia Fernandez-West And Cory West Make History

David Swarts

-

May 13, 2023

0

North West 200: Patricia Fernandez-West And Cory West Make History

Patricia and Cory- the first husband and wife race team of the fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200.

When Patricia Fernandez and Cory West tied the knot last year, the newly married American couple didn’t realise they would become the first husband and wife team to compete at the fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200.

Travelling from their Eureka Springs, Arkansas home to Portrush for this year’s event, the pair are racing with the JMcC Roofing squad. Patricia has entered the Supersport, Superstock and Superbike races while Cory makes his debut in the Supertwins events.

“Corey says he has saved all the crazy stuff for his wife,” Patricia smiled.

Although his new wife is the one with the road racing experience in the family, Cory enjoys an impressive record in bike sport during his 23 year career. In 2004 he was Rookie of the Year in the US Superbike series. During the years since he has competed in 250cc Grand Prix and finished runner-up in the prestigious Daytona 200 three times.

“That has been a real heartbreaker for me because I lost out twice on the win by just 0.2 seconds,” Cory recalls.

Competing in the American King of the Baggers and Super Hooligan series with Harley-Davidson, Cory has previously raced against NW200 riders like Richard Cooper, Alastair Seeley and Jeremy McWilliams which means a lot of the faces in the North West paddock are familiar to him. But the North West 200 course offers a completely new challenge for the American visitor.

“There are no smooth lines around here,” Cory smiles.

“It has given him a newfound respect for me because I didn’t realise how crazy road racing is,” Patricia agrees.

Mrs. Fernandez-West has been on something of a one-woman mission to promote road racing to an American audience, competing in Armoy road races and at the Ulster Grand Prix alongside her appearances at the North West.

“I truly love the sport and although safety is always my priority, I want to try to better my personal best times each year,” she explained.

Her newcomer husband’s horizons are a little less ambitious as he finds his feet around the 8.9-mile course amidst a field of road racing legends.

“I wasn’t that nervous ahead of the first practice before I realised I was sitting beside Michael Rutter on the grid!” he smiles. “I’ve heard all the stories and know what these guys have done so if I can learn from them in the first race and maybe do better in the second race I will be happy. I am here to have good fun but like any racer, I am competitive.”

During their visit to this year’s North West 200, the couple called into the Atlantic Hotel in Portrush, a business that has sponsored the north coast races for almost a decade.

“We have had a close relationship with Patricia since she started racing at the NW200 and have followed her career closely,” General Manager, Natasha Garrott, explained. “It is good to see her again and meet her new husband, Corey. We wish the both of them immense good luck for race week.”

Moto2: Sam Lowes Breaks Lap Record, Takes Pole At Le Mans

David Swarts

-

May 13, 2023

0

Moto2: Sam Lowes Breaks Lap Record, Takes Pole At Le Mans

Elf Marc VDS Racing Team’s Sam Lowes broke the lap record on his way to taking pole position during Moto2 qualifying Saturday on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding his Dunlop-shod Kalex, Lowes lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) circuit in 1:35.791, which eclipsed Pedro Acosta’s 2022 All-Time Lap Record of 1:35.803.

Americans Joe Roberts and Sean Dylan Kelly qualified 17th and 19th, respectively.

Moto2 Comb Qual

Moto3: Sasaki Takes Pole Position At Le Mans

David Swarts

-

May 13, 2023

0

Moto3: Sasaki Takes Pole Position At Le Mans

Ayumu Sasaki, riding his Liqui Moly Intact GP Husqvarna, took pole position during Moto3 qualifying Saturday on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. The Japanese rider lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) road course in 1:41.640 to top the 27-rider field.

Moto3 Comb Qual

MotoE: World Championship Race One Results From Le Mans

David Swarts

-

May 13, 2023

0

MotoE: World Championship Race One Results From Le Mans

Open Bank Aspar Team’s Jordi Torres won FIM MotoE World Championship Race One Saturday on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding a Ducati electric motorcycle, Torres won the eight-lap sprint by 0.092 second over Hector Garzo. Garzo’s Dynovolt Intact GP teammate Randy Krummenacher finished third.

MotoE R1
MotoE points after R1

MotoGP: Bagnaia Claims Pole Position At Le Mans

David Swarts

-

May 13, 2023

0

MotoGP: Bagnaia Claims Pole Position At Le Mans

MotoGP Comb Qual

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bagnaia vs Marquez: pole decided by just 0.058 at Le Mans

The reigning Champion leads the returning Marquez by half a tenth, with Marini and Miller on the chase as Quartararo misses out on Q2

Saturday, 13 May 2023

What’s 0.058 between World Champions? At the Shark Grand Prix de France it’s the difference between pole and the middle of the front row, with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) denying Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) in the very final seconds of a blockbuster Q2. It looked like the number 93 was on to make it two from two before the late attack, but Bagnaia had other ideas and brought Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) to the front row party. The number 10 starts third, with the best seat in the house for the Bagnaia-Marquez duel alongside.

Quartararo takes on home turf Q1

Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) seized early control of Q1 as he shot to the top with a 1:31.366, with Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) second before he was pipped by Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and the field started to turn the screw. They couldn’t get close to Quartararo though, with the Frenchman enjoying a gap of four tenths.

On the second runs, that changed. Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) put in a sublime effort to take over on top, piping Quartararo by hundredths, and then the red sectors started lighting up for Marini. The Italian kept it together and broke home hearts, crossing the line to depose Fernandez and, consequently, push Quartararo down to third in the session – and out of Q2. The 2021 Champion starts 13th.

A Q2 of two halves

The first runs were a drama free show of speed for Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) as the number 12 took provisional pole, but then the field filed back out for another shot at it… or they did except Viñales. Top Gun had an issue at pit exit and headed back to the box, able to get on track but rhythm then out of whack. It then went from bad to worse for Aprilia as Aleix Espargaro slid out in a fast crash, rider ok, and attention turned to the rest as the red sectors started to pile up.

Bagnaia was the first mover, deposing Marquez from second, but Viñales remained top until a duel attack from Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and… Marquez. The number 93 had done a quick lap alone for provisional second behind Viñales, but now he was tucked in behind the number 89. Martin took to the top before the Honda right behind him stole it immediately, making it a fairly spicy 1-2.

It looked like it could be job done there, but there were three riders left on threatening laps. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was the first but ‘Thriller’ could only split Marquez and Martin, before another duo shot across the the line. Marini just pushed the Aussie off the front row, and Bagnaia? The reigning Champion just had enough in the tank to deny Marquez by an infinitesimal 0.058, forcing the number 93 to settle for second and forfeit a 100% pole record in the events in which he’s competed in 2023. But what a lead duo to fight it out for the holeshot…

How the top 12 are set for the Tissot Sprint and GP race

Bagnaia heads Marquez and Marini, with Miller still in with a shout of a holeshot in fourth. Remember Jerez? Martin is forced to settle for fifth, with Viñales ultimately starting sixth after that late Q2 drama.

Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) launches from seventh after a fast Friday too, ahead of Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and home hero Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing).

Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had a tougher Q2 but slots into tenth, and has won a Tissot Sprint from 15th lest we remind, with Aleix Espargaro and Augusto Fernandez completing the fourth row ahead of Quartararo.

American Flat Track: Running Results From The Sacramento Mile (Updated Again)

May 13, 2023

The one-mile track at the Cal Expo in Sacramento, California. Photo by Tim Lester, courtesy AFT.