Young racers from 17 states and four countries will converge on Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, this weekend for the second annual MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup National Final featuring three days of heated action, with the majority of the racers having qualified via more than 20 regional events.
Like last year’s inaugural Mission Mini Cup National Final, racing action will take place on two different track layouts of the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex located near turns nine and 10 of the immaculate four-mile Road America circuit.
Racers will do battle in six classes – Stock 50 (ages 6-8), Stock 110 (ages 8-12), GP 110 (ages 8-12), GP 160 (ages 9-14), GP 190 (ages 11-14) and Street GP (ages 14 and up).
The battles for championships will consist of four races per class over the course of the weekend with two races on Saturday and two on Sunday. Each race will pay points, and the rider with the highest number of points in each class will be awarded the number-one plates. Six AMA National Champions will be crowned at the completion of Sunday’s races.
With practice set for Friday, qualifying sessions will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday with an action-packed day of racing set to begin at 12:45 p.m. with the first GP 190 race. A full day of racing will conclude with Race 2 of the GP 110 class at 4:40 p.m. Sunday’s schedule will be identical to Saturday’s, with racing again getting underway at 12:45 p.m. (all times are Central).
In addition to the AMA awarding its coveted number-one plates to class champions, Mission Mini Cup National Final sponsors have stepped up to present the winning racers with a plethora of championship awards. For the GP 110, GP 160 and GP 190 Class Champions, Dunlop will present its Championship Guitars, like those given to MotoAmerica Champions. Additionally, the podium finishers in the Stock 50, Stock 110, GP 110, GP 160 and GP 190 classes will be up for consideration for the Team Dunlop Road Racing Elite program for 2026.
In the other classes, champions will receive Thom Duma Fine Jewelers Championship pendants, Arai helmets, and Motion Pro gift packs.
“We’re really happy with how far our Mission Mini Cup National Final has come in just its second year,” said MotoAmerica’s COO Chuck Aksland. “We have tripled our entries with racers coming to Road America from all over the country, and there are also some international racers. The Finals are really developing into a great annual event with young racers and their families making the commitment to race against the very best. It’s going to be a lot of fun, and we’re looking forward to a great weekend of racing at one of our favorite places.”
MotoAmerica has also announced that the event will be featured on MotoAmerica Live+ with live streaming and video on-demand of Saturday and Sunday’s race action with commentary from the MotoAmerica Live+ commentary team of Roger Hayden and Jamie Howe. MotoAmerica Live+ will start streaming at 1 p.m. (Central Time) on Saturday and Sunday and will conclude at 4:30 p.m. (Central Time) both days.
MotoAmerica would like to thank the following sponsors for their participation in the Mission Mini Cup National Final: Mission Foods, Dunlop, Arai, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, Motion Pro, and Thom Duma Fine Jewelers.
Danny Kent led his Bennetts British Superbike Championship opposition in the Free Practice times at Thruxton as the McAMS Racing Yamaha rider maintained his position at the top ahead of Storm Stacey with just 0.924s covering the top 16 riders!
Kent carried his momentum from Brands Hatch last time out into his home round, having the edge over Bathams AJN Racing BMW’s Stacey, who surged into second in the closing moments of the afternoon session.
Tommy Bridewell had also given the home fans something to cheer about as he fired the Honda Racing UK team into third place, having led the times earlier in the session. At the chequered flag just 0.004s separated him and his 2024 sparring partner Kyle Ryde ahead of tomorrow’s opening race.
Rory Skinner led the Ducati contenders in fifth place for Cheshire Mouldings Ducati, holding off Josh Brookes and Charlie Nesbitt, whilst championship leader Bradley Ray posted the eighth fastest time after the opening two Free Practice sessions.
Max Cook had also had a spell at the top of the times, but ended the day in ninth place ahead of his AJN Steelstock Kawasaki teammate Christian Iddon.
Scott Swann had a strong start to the weekend for the SendMyBag Racing by IWR Honda team in eleventh place, whilst Scott Redding completed the riders progressing directly through to Bandero Café Shoot Out Qualifying two for Hager PBM Ducati.
Glenn Irwin was 14th fastest on his debut with Nitrous Competitions Racing Yamaha after returning from his Snetterton injury, 0.792s adrift of Kent’s pacesetting lap.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Thruxton, Free Practice combined times:
Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) 1m:14.907s
Storm Stacey (Bathams AJN Racing BMW) +0.256s
Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) +0.271s
Kyle Ryde (Nitrous Competitions Racing Yamaha) +0.275s
Rory Skinner (Cheshire Mouldings Ducati) +0.308s
Josh Brookes (DAO Racing Honda) +0.321s
Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda) +0.440s
Bradley Ray (Raceways Yamaha) +0.489s
Max Cook (AJN Steelstock Kawasaki) +0.495s
Christian Iddon (AJN Steelstock Kawasaki) +0.509s
Scott Swann (SendMyBag Racing by IWR Honda) +0.622s
Scott Redding (Hager PBM Ducati) +0.734s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
DANNY KENT – MCAMS RACING YAMAHA
“It’s been a great start to the weekend, off the back of three good results at Brands Hatch. It’s always nice to come to Thruxton and start the weekend off strong. It’s always been a track that I’ve loved and everyone knows the Yamaha works really well around here.
“There’s still a few areas we need to work on, but overall I’m happy with my one lap pace and our race pace seems to be really good too. I’m looking at the pace at the moment, it looks a bit faster than it was last year.
“We still need to look at some data and there’s a few areas that I need to work on but other than that, thank you to McAMS Racing.”
LuxeStar VIP Suzuki are thrilled to confirm that American rider Gus Rodio will compete aboard the MP RACING Suzuki GSX-8R in the Sportbike class at the upcoming British Superbike Championship (BSB) rounds at Donington Park and Brands Hatch.
Rodio, hailing from Hammonton, New Jersey, brings a wealth of racing experience and a proven track record at the highest levels of competitive sportbike racing. Over the past two seasons, he has been a standout performer in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup, securing the runner-up spot both years and notching multiple race victories—including career defining back-to-back wins at the iconic Daytona International Speedway by over 11 seconds each.
This won’t be Gus’s first outing on British soil—he previously competed at Brands Hatch, where he delivered an impressive Top 5 performance that impressed fans and teams alike.
Gus Rodio at Daytona, in 2024. Photo courtesy LuxeStar VIP Suzuki.
Now, set to return with LuxeStar VIP Suzuki, he’s eager to take on the challenges of BSB’s renowned circuits and showcase the capabilities of the GSX-8R in the BSB Sportbike class.
“I’m excited to be joining LuxeStar VIP Suzuki for the Donington and Brands Hatch rounds,” said Rodio. “British Superbikes has always been something I’ve admired, and I’m looking forward to giving it everything I’ve got on the MP RACING Suzuki GSX-8R and represent the USA.”
“I’m also excited to bring Gus back to BSB racing,” said Scott Rehl, Founder of LuxeStar VIP and the associated team. “It’s been one of my goals to elevate US racers into international series and bring back a title, like I did with Brandon Paasch in 2019. Working with MP RACING has been fantastic, and I have to thank my UK business partner David Howard for helping organize this opportunity.”
In the meantime, Gus continues to compete in MotoAmerica Supersport on his Rodio Performance Ducati V2.
Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the BSB Donington round.
Highly Decorated Rider Coaches to Mentor 26 Elite Prospects One Week Removed from 2025 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship.
With the 2025 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, set to begin its stretch run, the third and final event for SMX Next – Motocross will host 26 elite amateur prospects to Indiana’s Ironman Raceway for the Scouting Moto Combine Presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare. This group of promising talent will kick off the race weekend at the Tucker Freight Lines Ironman National one week removed from a memorable 44th running of the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship from Tennessee’s famed Loretta Lynn Ranch, the ultimate showcase of amateur talent on the planet.
“The timing of the third and final Scouting Moto Combine for SMX Next – Motocross could not be more ideal, as this crop of elite prospects are in peak form coming off a competitive week of racing at Loretta Lynn’s,” said Jim Perry, Program Director for the Scouting Moto Combine. “The Ironman gathering will mark the first time in the brief history of SMX Next and the Scouting Moto Combine that the newly crowned Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award winner will compete. We’ll also welcome the newly awarded AMA Amateur Rider of the Year in addition to another pair of Loretta Lynn’s champions. As a result, there will certainly be a greater level of interest in how the action unfolds on Friday afternoon.”
Newly minted Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award recipient Enzo Temmerman will headline the field of racers at the Ironman Combine. Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Working in conjunction with competing manufacturers GASGAS, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha, this hand-selected group of invited prospects will consist of 26 top A & B class riders. The lineup features a mix of racers with prior SMX Next experience in addition to new talent that will make their SMX Next debuts. Notably, Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Enzo Temmerman, whose 250 Pro Sport and Open Pro Sport titles at Loretta Lynn’s earned him the Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award, and KTM Orange Brigade’s Deacon Denno, winner of the 250B and Schoolboy 2 titles who was named 2025 AMA Amateur Rider of the Year, will compete against one another for the first time. They’ll be joined by fellow Loretta Lynn’s champions and Altus Motorsports BLU CRU Yamaha riders Owen Covell (450 B) and McKayden Fitch (250 B Limited). A pair of 25-minute, plus two-lap motos await the Combine field on Friday afternoon.
A trio of AMA Hall of Fame members will anchor an incredibly decorated group of rider coaches at Ironman. Leading the way is Class of 2000 inductee Broc Glover, who has embraced this leadership role at every single Combine event since the program’s inception. He’ll be joined by Class of 2024 inductee Kevin Windham and Class of 2025 inductee Chad Reed, in addition the winning team manager from Team Australia at the 2024 FIM Motocross of Nations, Michael Byrne, and the most recent winning rider coach from RedBud, former racer and highly regarded trainer Gareth Swanepoel. This group is also the most geographically diverse to date, with a trio of international coaches joining a pair of Americans. Collectively, these fives coaches will lend their immense knowledge and expertise to benefit these young athletes both on and off the track.
Additional support at Ironman will come from Mike Bonacci, Team Manager of Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX Yamaha, and Christina Denney, the SMX Next – Motocross Event Coordinator, WMX Championship Coordinator, Team USA Motocross of Nations Coordinator, and a longtime SMX team manager.
Deacon Denno, the 2025 AMA Amateur Rider of the Year, will look to build on the momentum of winning two Loretta Lynn’s titles one week ago. Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
The 2025 season alone has showcased the successful impact SMX Next continues to have on the sport as both Temmerman and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Kayden Minear have tested their mettle at multiple Pro Motocross races this summer. Adding his name to the list this weekend will be Altus Motorsports BLU CRU Yamaha rider Kade Johnson, who will make his pro debut at Ironman after a runner-up effort in Open Pro Sport at Loretta Lynn’s. These riders join an already decorated contingent of SMX Next graduates finding success at the sport’s highest level, headlined by reigning Pro Motocross 250 Class Champion, back-to-back 250cc SMX World Champion, and current 250 Class points lead Haiden Deegan. This group also includes SMX race winners like Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies, and Honda HRC Progressive’s Chance Hymas, along with top contenders like Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Drew Adams, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Daxton Bennick, Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing’s Casey Cochran, Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFrancesco, Muc-Off/ClubMX/Yamaha’s Alexander Fedortsov, and Phoenix Racing Honda’s Gavin Towers, all of whom were also past SMX Next winners.
While the pair of motos will be the focal point of Friday’s Ironman Combine, participants will also receive education surrounding other important aspects of the sport that occur away from the racetrack, including training, nutrition, and guidance on how to navigate the various layers of media engagement. These classroom-style sessions provide the foundation for the gathering, before racers line up behind the starting gate to determine who will prevail at Ironman Raceway.
Landon Gibson has been at the forefront of each SMX Next – Motocross event this summer and will look to break through for his first Combine victory. Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Part 3 of a series, reprinted from the April 2011 edition of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology Magazine. Copyright 2011, 2015, 2020, 2024, 2025. All rights reserved. www.roadracingworld.com
Editorial Note: Earl Hayden died in December, 2021. His son (and 2006 MotoGP World Champion) Nicky Hayden died in May, 2017.
EARL HAYDEN—Professional Road Racing’s Most Successful Father:
The RIGHT Way To Take Kids Racing
Former dirt track racer Earl Hayden is a unique parent. He has three sons with successful careers in professional motorcycle racing: Tommy, Nicky and Roger. His two daughters, Jenny and Kathleen, raced for fun. Nobody knows more about going racing with kids, starting at young age.
Asked about the right way and the wrong way to take kids racing, Hayden says, “I’ve seen it all, parents yelling and cussing and hitting their kids, especially in the PeeWee days. I about got my butt whipped a few times when I tried to talk to them, but I have had a few of them come back later and say they were happy I said something to them.
“When parents spend a lot of money and everything they expect the kids to do really well. There was a referee way back who said something that stuck in my mind. He said, ‘Listen, at the end of the day, kids, you hug your mom and dad, and Mom and Dad, you hug your kids.’ I don’t ever want to go to bed being mad at one of my kids, and I don’t want them to go to bed being mad at me. If you put that kind of pressure on them that’s what is going to happen.
“One time at Daytona Tommy got into Turn One dead last about five or six times in a row. I said to him, ‘Tommy, I’m gonna put my leathers on and I’m gonna beat somebody to the first turn. I don’t know if I’m gonna make the corner, but I’m gonna beat somebody.’ He said, ‘Dad, no matter how bad you want me to get to the first corner first, I want to get there first more than you do.’
Tommy Hayden (22) comes in from taking a victory lap after winning an AMA Pro Superbike race at Barber Motorsports Park, 2010. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“The kids, all they want to do is make Mom and Dad happy. Yelling at them isn’t going to do anything but burn them out, and it’s definitely not going to make them go faster. You’ve got to be the coach, the cheerleader, the financial person who puts all the money in, and you have to be Mom or Dad. But the kids have to put out the same level of effort that Mom and Dad are putting in. If the parents want it more than the kid, you better quit. The kid’s got to want it as bad as Mom and Dad.
“People used to think I pushed the kids. They would ask me, ‘Do you make them race?’ I said, ‘Listen, the only thing I make them do is brush their teeth, go to school, and their mom might make them take a bath.’ There’s not one time I made them race. I was usually begging for a weekend off. ‘Let’s don’t go to Texas this weekend.’ And their favorite saying was, ‘Dad, you can rest when you die.’
“Most parents want to buy their kids’ way down the straightaway and this and that. If I could go back I would probably add weight to their bikes to make them ride the corners and stuff better, because when they have to line up against Valentino Rossi they better know how to use the brakes and how to get through a corner.
“Most parents want to buy them down the straightaway. Most of the kids who got that kind of treatment didn’t end up a World Champion or even a National Champion.
“The most important thing is practice, practice, practice, but you’ve got to keep it fun. So we would have play races every day. We would use the flags, the starting system, and I would let the winner carry the checkered flag around. We were playing around, but they raced hard. The next thing you know three or four hours went by and they had fun the whole time. But if you’re out there pushing on them and kicking on them it’s not gonna be fun. Parents pushing on the kids takes all the fun away.
“There’s no shortcuts. I started the boys on 50s, then 60s, then 80s, then 125s, then 250s and built that foundation. We had kids come in to race us and the dad would be yelling at them for getting beat. I’ve seen parents hit their kids so hard they knocked their faceshield off. ‘We came all the way from California to come here and you get beat by them?’ That parent never even thought about we had been racing six, seven, eight years longer than their kid and no one expected him to beat us. He’s not supposed to beat us.
“You have to be careful when parents are really, really mad, but when they’ve gotten through yelling I’ve gone up to the dad. I don’t go telling him he’s doing everything wrong, but I say, ‘Can I just tell you something I hope as a favor? Not that I’m any smarter than you, but please don’t do that to the little kids. All they want to do is please you and make you happy.’ And I’ve had parents come back later and say thank you, because it does kind of make them think a little.
“It’s easy to get caught up in it. You might be at the AMA Grand Championships and your little kid falls down and loses the Championship.
“And if you’re just at a local race or a regional race, nobody knows what happened except you and your family. So there’s no reason to get all worked up. Nobody’s gonna know your kid got sixth instead of second or third in that club race. So there’s no reason to get all worked up. And what happens when your kid is 11 years old isn’t going to make the difference in whether you get a factory ride or not. You want to win all the races and all the awards coming up the ladder, because it does show you’re progressing, but not winning everything is not the end of the world.
“Kids are going to make mistakes, a lot of mistakes. They are going to crash and do it all, but at the end of the day you have to stop and ask, ‘Did we get better?’ Because you’ve got to keep getting better.”
Earl Hayden’s first sponsor, George “JR” Boone, poses with a racebike and the Hayden kids (from left) Jenny, Tommy, Roger, Nicky, and Kathleen, circa 1993. Photo courtesy Hayden family.
Asked what he did when racing and school conflicted, Hayden said, “No drugs, no alcohol and stay in school. My boys had to stay in school or they could not race. With my kids I left Friday after school—unless we had Friday practice, and then I left Thursday. Then I would drive all night to get back, and they would be in school on Monday morning. Jake Lewis, this kid I help now, he gets all A grades in school. When you get all A grades you can miss a Friday and the teachers will work with you. But it’s funny sometimes because you can go miss a week to go to a cheerleading camp or whatever, but if you want to take a week off to go race motorcycles at Daytona they don’t see it the same way.
“And kids have got to respect each other. They don’t have to like each other, but they’ve got to respect each other, especially on the track. Two dead-equal riders, teams are gonna take the kid who is a good, respectful kid who looks like he is having fun over a kid who is a problem or has bad behavior or has dropped out of school.
“I put on a dirt track one time. I had 150 riders come out, and 149 of them were complaining the whole time. But I had one kid come up and thank me for putting on the race. I used to have my kids go up to the organizers and thank them for providing them a place to race.
“I really believe in doing it as a family. It can be a great family sport. I love this sport, and I love little kids. I wish every parent could have the feeling I had when Nicky won the World Championship. Winning the National Championships are great, too.
“Above all, when you take your kids racing, it’s got to be fun. If it’s not fun, why do it?”
Check back for the next installment of Taking Kids Racing.
There’s no time to rest at the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. With the dirt barely settled following this week’s dramatic Short Track doubleheader, the 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, resumes tomorrow with the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT at the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota, on Friday, August 8.
As a result, there’s been almost no time for the tension to dissipate after the intensity of an already red-hot Grand National Championship battle was ratcheted up significantly at the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track II.
It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s… Super TT!
By definition, TTs tend to spice things up by adding a righthand corner and a jump in contrast to the series’ more conventional oval races. A “Super TT” uses that base as a starting point and adds from there.
Friday’s race marks the fourth race in Progressive AFT history to get the Super TT moniker. The three prior – the 2019 Arizona Super TT, 2021 Atlanta Super TT, and 2023 Arizona Super TT – set themselves apart by adding either extra jumps or rights or via the inclusion of pavement sections.
A couple of other TTs could have easily been adorned with the “Super” prefix (think the DAYTONA TT that incorporated the track’s high banks or last year’s Sturgis TT, which wove through downtown), so we won’t attempt to get overly scientific with our labeling. But just understand that it means this week’s track will not feature a run-of-the-mill layout by anyone’s definition.
Pavement sections, multiple righthanders, and a wide variety of corner radii will put the world’s elite motorcycle dirt trackers to the test.
All three prior Super TTs were won by JD Beach, who ranks as among history’s greatest TTers with an ideal blend of flat track and roadracing expertise.
While Beach will be an observer this time around, Super TTs also happen to be right in the wheelhouse of this year’s Mission AFT SuperTwins title fighters.
But really, what tracks aren’t?
Bauman vs. Daniels
At various points in the sport’s past, the TTs provided non-championship contenders a chance to step forward and shine. Versatile riders hailing from other two-wheeled disciplines, armed with serious experience negotiating righthand turns and passing under brakes, could sometimes steal the spotlight.
This is not one of the points.
The series’ leading oval racers also happen to be its most well rounded.
In the three prior Super TTs, championship leader Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R) logged finishes of second, third, and third.
Meanwhile, second-ranked Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) finished as runner-up to teammate Beach at the ‘23 Arizona Super TT – his only attempt in the category as a premier-class pilot.
The ‘19 Arizona Super TT took place before he had turned 16. However, Daniels was able to properly showcase the skills that earned him both the 2018 Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track and Road RaceHorizon Awards at the ‘21 Atlanta Super TT. There the Estenson Racing star doubled up with wins in AFT Singles presented by KICKER and Mission Production Twins.
This week’s circuit also includes pavement sections, a fact that could make him tough to beat.
Head-to-head, Bauman and Daniels have proven well matched at TTs – just as they have virtually everywhere else.
Since Daniels stepped up to the premier class in 2022, he has the edge over Bauman in terms of wins (1-0) when pit against one another in direct TT competition. Bauman, meanwhile, owns the advantage in terms of podiums (4-3). Daniels missed both of last year’s TTs due to injury, and while he was away, Bauman snared 1-2 results.
Already considered the clear co-favorites who were likely to do battle at the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT, that likelihood carries all the more significance following their hugely consequential clash on Tuesday, which left Daniels with an expanded championship deficit to contend with and in serious need of turning the tables back in his favor.
Spoiler Alert
Just because Bauman and Daniels stand as the firm favorites, that doesn’t eliminate the possibility of a spoiler or two springing a surprise.
During the aforementioned span (2022-present), Jarod VanDerKooi (No. 20 Fastrack Racing/Wally Brown Racing KTM 790 Duke) is the only other rider competing this weekend in the premier class to have earned a TT podium (third at last year’s pavement-centric Sturgis TT). VDK has been a consistently strong TT contender, finishing in the top five on five occasions over that time period.
Of course, the field also includes the sport’s all-time winningest TT rider. Henry Wiles (No. 911 DL Racing/HYMMC Yamaha MT-06) boasts 19 career TT wins, albeit the vast majority coming at Peoria and the most recent of those seven years back. But Wiles was on the Mission AFT SuperTwins podium earlier this season and finished 4th in the 2023 Castle Rock TT, so there’s plenty of evidence to suggest he could be a player come Friday.
While not generally considered a TT standout, Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke) did finish fourth in last year’s Sturgis TT.
Davis Fisher (67) during Tuesday night’s Mission AFT SuperTwins Main Event. Photo by Tim Lester / courtesy American Flat Track
A similar caveat can be made regarding Tuesday winner Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R). TTs have long been considered the weak point in his otherwise championship-caliber game, however, Robinson has steadily improved in the discipline over the years to the point that he managed to break into the top five at last year’s race in Peoria.
And don’t forget about Max Whale (No. 18 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) and Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Suzuki GSX-8S), a pair of riders who demonstrated strong TT skills prior to stepping up to the premier-class ranks.
AFT Singles Presented by KICKER
Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) continued his assault on the AFT Singles record books with an inspiring come-from-behind victory in Tuesday’s Jackpine Gypsies Short Track II despite competing while under the weather.
The Australian, who has opened up a rather commanding championship advantage – already ranks third in career class wins, fourth in Short Track wins, and has followed up the longest podium streak in AFT Singles history (eight) with another (six and counting) that stands third best all-time.
Besides the #1 plate, one of the few major accomplishments yet eluding Drane is his inclusion among the class’ Grand Slammers. He could rectify that as early as Friday, and his road racing background makes him a huge threat to do precisely that at the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT.
Standing In His Path…
If Drane succeeds in that achievement, he’ll become just the sixth rider to ever do it.
Looking to prevent him from joining the list is a field that includes more than half the riders to have already completed the AFT Singles Grand Slam: second-ranked Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R), third-ranked Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and 2019 class champ Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Parts Bros Worldwide/D&D Cycles KTM 450 SX-F).
They are far from the only riders who could make things difficult for Drane on Friday. Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Honda CRF450R), has shown himself to be an excellent TT rider, and Friday’s track should play to the strengths of Supermoto ace Bronson Pearce (No. 132 Mike Helm/Scott Cason Yamaha YZ450F).
And who knows what to expect from this year’s breakout crop of rookies, led by two-time winner and four-time podium finisher Kage Tadman (No. 288 Roof Systems/Old Oak Ranch KTM 450 SX-F)?
We will find out soon enough.
AFT AdventureTrackers™
Don’t look now, but the 2025 AFT AdventureTrackers championship race that only just left the starting blocks and is already halfway complete.
The title fight now comes down to two decisive TTs.
That’s good news for co-championship leader Dan Bromley (No. 62 Big Momma and Daddy Deep Pockets Suzuki V-Strom 1050) – a fine TTer – and even better news for the rider he’s tied with, Jesse Janisch (No. 33 WFOracingonline.com/Öhlins Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250), who stands as among the best TT riders to come up through the ranks in recent memory.
Despite their credentials, this is unlikely to be a two-rider show. The AFT AdventureTrackers field is loaded with certified and potential TT aces.
Right on their heels is third-ranked Austin Luczak (No. 188 Memphis Shades/Black Hills Powersports Honda Africa Twin), who backed up an impressive fourth on Monday by scoring his first-career Progressive AFT podium in third on Tuesday.
And as already stated, no one has won more TTs in the sport’s history than Henry Wiles (No. 911 Walter Bros. Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250), while Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Triumph Racing Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro) has proven he has the goods as well.
Meanwhile, Danny Eslick (No. 164 Saddlemen Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250) and Brandon Paasch(No. 196 Triumph Racing Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro) might just have an edge on pavement and on the brakes due to their extensive roadracing backgrounds.
However it shakes out, with the spotlight shining down on 500+ pounds of versatile big-bore Dual Adventure equipment, it’s destined to be very interesting and highly entertaining.
There Ain’t No Party Like a Sturgis Party…
The 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has already delivered, and Friday’s action at the track will only add to what’s been an incredible week of festivities.
Once again, the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club will host a Fan Party – complete with a Rider Q&A session – leading up to Opening Ceremonies each night. Friday’s spectators will also be treated to big-screen coverage of all the race action, DJ’d music to maintain the energy all day and night, numerous vendors, designated motorcycle parking, a variety of food and beverage options, and fireworks.
And don’t miss the Ride-In Bike Show hosted by V-Twin Daily. Show off your bike and see if you can’t claim some of the $2500 in cash put for grabs courtesy of Bell Helmets, with awards going out for Best of Show, Best Paint, Best Bagger, Best Clubstyle, and AFT Best Tracker.
Get Your Tickets Now
H.O.G. members can purchase a H.O.G. Membership Ticket for $45 (all ages), which grants access to both a dedicated parking area and reserved seating, along with a special event lanyard and H.O.G. “Championship Bell.”
Fans also have the option to select Portable Stadium Chair Seating for $70 (all ages), which includes a complimentary stadium chair complete with the event logo that can be used in a tiered seating area along the front stretch of the track.
Finally, the VIP Ticket ($99 all ages) provides access to a tented area that overlooks the track, complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, beer for purchase, and Reserved Grandstand seating.
Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.
How to Watch
FloRacing
For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2025. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.
FS1
FOX Sports coverage of the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, August 24, at 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT).
Beyond the Dyno: Buell’s Super Cruiser Embarks on its Final, Multi-Week Test Trip.
Behind every brilliant machine is a team of dedicated individuals who pour their passion and countless hours into its creation and refinement. For Buell Motorcycle Co., that machine is the Super Cruiser.
For the first time ever, our engineers are embarking on a multi-week, cross-country expedition in a last bid to push Super Cruiser prototypes to their absolute limits – a critical phase that will include tests in hot fuel handling, overheating, and durability under diverse and extreme conditions.
“It’s done. The Super Cruiser is out on the open road, undergoing the last tests before debuting to the market. Our team has poured so much time and attention into developing a motorcycle that’s built with love and tempered by the miles, and we can’t wait to deliver this thrilling machine to the public.“– Bill Melvin, CEO, Buell Motorcycle Co.
Thanks to all involved, this cross-country testing expedition has been mapped over thousands of miles, covering extreme temperatures, elevation, and terrain from Michigan to the California border and back, with the route taking our Super Cruisers through scapes like Pikes Peak, Death Valley, Mount Charleston, Davis Dam, and more.
The data collected during this cross-country journey will be the final cap on the Super Cruiser’s endurance and specs, ensuring it exceeds expectations upon the final debut day at the end of this year. We can’t wait to see this baby joining the Hammerhead 1190 and 1190SX in local markets, and we can’t wait for you to confirm the capabilities of this bike!
The Buell Super Cruiser™ motorcycle. Photo courtesy Buell Motorcycle Co.
Here’s a breakdown of our engineers’ testing schedule:
Week 1: Speed, Fuel & Heat in Arizona
The “Send It ‘Til It’s Baked” Test
The Buell team’s first test spot is slotted for the handling course and oval track of the Toyota Proving Grounds. Here, our engineers will assess fuel metering and overall hot fuel performance, including fuel slosh and system performance on the track.
Focus will be prioritized on the intricate stability and control of the Super Cruiser’s fuel system in high-temperature environments.
Altitude testing at varying temperatures will also be made to confirm fuel stability and control.
Week 2: Pressure & Elevation in Colorado
Attitude and Altitude
Following a handful of days for travel, the Super Cruisers will trade the desert’s embrace for the lung-testing altitudes of Colorado, tackling Pikes Peak, Denver City, Eisenhower Pass, and Silverthorne. Pikes Peak, reaching an altitude of 14,115 feet, will serve as the highest elevation test point for altitude testing, while the Eisenhower Tunnel will allow for high-speed evaluations at altitude.
Denver and Silverthorne will provide the traffic heat and slow crawl city riding necessary for certain altitude simulations, including idle and cold starts. Overall, the focus for this week is on evaluating different fuels and pressure testing.
Week 3: Urban & Extreme Hot Fuel Endurance along the Nevada Border
Temp, Traffic, Torque, Repeat
The Super Cruisers and their team of engineers will begin this week with multiple ascents of Davis Dam for fuel level evaluation and two-up simulations to maximize load on the Super Cruiser at high temperatures. Davis Dam will also be the preferred location for hot soaks (stopping the bikes at the mountain’s summit, allowing them to thoroughly heat soak before a rigorous restart and run).
The team will then navigate the Las Vegas Strip during rush hour, testing slow-crawl performance in extreme heat, followed right after by high-speed tests on the highway to Mount Charleston, which will provide some of the most extreme heat simulations with multiple runs, different fuel configurations, and two-up simulations.
Later, a pivotal stop in Death Valley will allow for continued elevation testing from sea level to nearly 5,000 feet. A final test on hot fuel with switchbacks, linear inclines, and higher-speed altitude runs will conclude at Palm Springs, concluding Week 3 of the Super Cruiser’s final test run.
Week 4: Dust Intrusion on the California Border
Optimal Airflow, and Home Again.
The final week of testing will focus on dust intrusion, with the team heading to Lake Havasu and Yucca; here, the Super Cruisers will be ridden hard to validate performance on dusty dirt roads and in long stretches of harsh, often mucky conditions.
Focus for this week will be set on measuring cooling fan limits and ensuring that our carbon canister does not draw dusty air into the filter – a small, but still crucial bit of information for our service manual as we ready this bike for local markets and beyond.
We are closer than ever to delivering this exceptional motorcycle and look forward to publishing the results of the Super Cruiser’s final simulations. Soon, this time-proven machine will emerge to embark on its ultimate adventure: The open road, with you.
Don’t forget our #BITW challenge is still live! Spot our Super Cruisers in the wild, snap a photo, and post it on social media with #BuellInTheWild for your chance to win exclusive merch!
For more information on #BITW, the Super Cruiser Test Expedition, or to get in touch with a member of the Buell team, visit our website at Buellmotorcycle.com.
About Buell Motorcycles:
Buell Motorcycles is an American motorcycle manufacturer known for its distinctive styling and high-performance motorcycles. With a focus on sourcing domestically where possible and delivering an unparalleled riding experience, Buell continues to push the boundaries of motorcycle design and true American manufacturing.
Buell’s team is thoroughly dedicated to the superior care of both the machine and the wild soul that rides it.
The Buell Super Cruiser™ motorcycle. Photo courtesy Buell Motorcycle Co.
Meet the Super Cruiser Test Expedition Team :
Our engineers’ insights, specialties, and relentless commitment are what will deliver the Super Cruiser our community has been waiting for, so of course it is our pleasure to introduce them to you.
Remi Gaubert, Calibration and Test Engineer
Remi has been a constant presence throughout the Super Cruiser’s journey, serving as primary lead and rider on rotation for Week 1 (Speed, Fuel & Heat), Week 2 (Speed & Elevation), and Week 3 (Urban & Extreme Hot Fuel Endurance) tests.
Specialties: Remi’s expertise lies in fine-tuning engine calibration and conducting rigorous performance tests. He’s the guy who understands how every sensor reading translates into real-world rideability, ensuring optimal power delivery and efficiency across the spectrum of operating environments.
“Every mile on these prototypes requires constant attention, and this final trip’s calibration points are about perfecting the relationship between Super Cruiser and rider. It’ll be great to see how these results translate for our riders when the Super Cruiser finally hits markets.”
Emily Reid-Barker, Certification and Validation Engineer
As the Certification and Validation Lead, Emily plays a pivotal support role across all four weeks of the test trip. Emily’s oversight is crucial for documenting data, ensuring testing protocols are met, and confirming that the Super Cruiser exceeds all expectations.
Specialties: Emily’s expertise lies in the meticulous world of regulatory compliance and comprehensive system validation. She’s the guardian of standards, ensuring that every component and system not only performs but also meets the stringent requirements for market readiness. Her work is about translating raw data into certified performance.
“Validation is something we don’t want to cut corners on, ever. It’s why we have brought so many engineers on this test expedition. The Super Cruiser has so much capability, but this expedition is about pushing boundaries safely and responsibly.”
Matt Laurent, Technical Lead Engineer
Matt is a cornerstone of the riding and support team, actively participating in the high-speed maneuverability tests in Week 1, and then continuing his critical riding and support duties through Week 2 (Altitude) and Week 3 (Urban & Extreme Hot Fuel Endurance). His technical leadership has provided invaluable guidance to the team, especially when addressing complex on-road simulations
Specialties: As a Technical Lead, Matt’s expertise spans the breadth of motorcycle engineering, with a particular focus on chassis dynamics, handling, and overall vehicle integration. He’s the team member who can feel the subtle nuances of a bike’s behavior and translate them into actionable engineering adjustments, ensuring a balanced and confidence-inspiring bike.
“In design it is all about making assumptions and not getting lost in all the weeds of complicated physics. Testing is where you see how good your assumptions in design were; motorcycles mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people, and we must try and account for all of that. As an engineering team we are really excited about closing this learning loop and ensuring that the product we are putting out there will perform as intended.”
Nick Kapela, Senior Product Development Engineer
Nick is a support member during Week 1’s intensive high-speed maneuverability and stability tests at the Toyota Proving Grounds. His direct involvement in these early, high-performance evaluations is crucial in setting the baseline for the Super Cruiser’s dynamic capabilities.
Specialties: Nick’s focus as a Product Development Engineer is on bringing concepts to tangible reality, often specializing in component design, integration, and initial performance validation – all instrumental in ensuring that the theoretical design translates into a functional and robust physical product.
“It’s so rewarding to take a design like the Super Cruiser from concept to real-world results. The team is throwing everything into this ride, and it’s amazing seeing the Super Cruiser respond like it has. It’s also been great getting to see how the new Fox Factory suspension system behaves with all the terrain we’ve been covering.”
John Trautmann, Engineer/Technician
John is a dedicated rider and support member, joining the team for Week 2’s demanding altitude tests and continuing through Week 3’s extreme urban and hot fuel endurance challenges. His hands-on technical skills are invaluable for on-the-fly adjustments and data acquisition in challenging environments.
Specialties: Combining engineering knowledge with practical technical skills, John excels at problem-solving in the field. He’s adept at diagnosing issues, performing necessary adjustments, and ensuring the test bikes remain operational and data-logging accurately, even in the most remote or extreme locations.
“There’s so much that’s gone into the Super Cruiser’s development, and diagnostics have been the best way to keep improving on the way to production. This trip is huge, and we’re shoving a lot into the three weeks we have, but the payoff will be so worth the while.”
Sean Eurich, Senior CAD Designer
Sean enters a crucial riding and support position for Week 2’s altitude tests and Week 3’s extreme urban and hot fuel endurance tests. He flips to a primary riding role in Week 4’s dust intrusion testing for a unique perspective from the design side directly into performance validation.
Specialties: As a Senior CAD Designer, Sean’s expertise lies in the intricate world of computer-aided design, translating engineering concepts into precise digital models. His participation in testing provides invaluable feedback for design optimization, especially concerning component fit, airflow, and environmental sealing.
“It’s been great seeing the Super Cruiser perform under such extreme conditions, especially in the heat and altitude. We’re leaving no stone unturned in this final test trip.”
Matthew Carpenter, Product Development Engineer
Matthew joins the team as a rider for Week 4’s critical dust intrusion testing. His fresh perspective and focused expertise as a product development engineer are vital for evaluating how the Super Cruiser’s systems handle pervasive particulate matter in real-world riding conditions.
Specialties: Matthew, as a Product Development Engineer, specializes in the lifecycle of components, from initial concept to manufacturing and testing. His keen eye for material science and environmental resilience is particularly valuable during the dust ingress evaluations.
“One of the best parts about testing a Super Cruiser is that our team really puts the bike through its paces; we won’t pansy around on this expedition, we’re going to try to push the Super Cruiser beyond its limits, and the results will mean a badass bike for the community.”
XE and XB are the first in a series of new models introduced under Zero’s All Access initiative.
Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in electric motorcycles and powertrains, today announced the first wave of X Line deliveries. Customers around the world began receiving their XE and XB motorcycles, marking a momentous occasion for X Line reservation holders and Zero Motorcycles as a whole.
“The delivery of the first X Line bikes is a major milestone for Zero and for the future of off-road EV performance,” said Sam Paschel, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “It’s the start of a new chapter in how adventure riding is experienced. With the XB and XE, we’re making electric motorcycles more accessible and approachable for riders everywhere.”
Designed for riders who demand power, agility, and range beyond the pavement, the X Line introduces a new standard for electric adventure and trail riding. Blending Zero’s industryleading technology with lightweight chassis designs and easily swappable batteries, the X Line is the company’s most versatile off-road platform to date.
The Zero XB is available in the United States at a category-leading price of $4,395 while the Zero XE is available for a competitive $6,495. New reservations placed from today onward will have an estimated delivery in Fall 2025.
For more information on the X Line, or to place a reservation, visit www.zeromotorcycles.com
About Zero Motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles was founded in 2006, operates in over 40 countries, and has 10 full-sized consumer models built on three different platforms for both street and dual-sport use. With models specifically designed for fleet use and currently deployed by over 240 US-based agencies and scores more worldwide, Zero outfits more fleets than any other two-wheeled EV manufacturer in the world.
Holidays are over: the Ducati Lenovo Team back on track at Balaton Park with the Panigale V4 S together with all the Ducati Corse MotoGP teams.
The holidays ended prematurely for the Ducati Lenovo Team and the other Ducati Corse MotoGP teams. Marc Márquez and Francesco Bagnaia, together with the riders from VR46 Racing Team and Gresini Racing Team, headed to Balaton Park for a day of testing on the Ducati Panigale V4 S.
It was a busy Tuesday, a team-building event with seven riders on track (together with Marc and Pecco, also Fabio Di Giannantonio, Franco Morbidelli, Alex Márquez, Fermín Aldeguer and Michele Pirro) to get used to the Hungarian track, which will host the Hungarian GP for the first time the weekend of August 22-24. A total of approximately 70 laps between Pecco and Marc and a more than positive feedbacks ahead of the imminent return to racing (next track event – August 15-17, Austrian GP at Spielberg).
Pecco Bagnaia. Photo courtesy Ducati Lenovo Team
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team #63) “Getting back on the bike after the holidays is always nice. My first impressions of the Balaton track are good. The track is small, you have to be careful in the chicanes, but I’m satisfied. The layout is unique, and we’re having fun. It will be different with the Desmosedici GP, but for now I’m enjoying it with the Panigale V4, even trying to slide it”.
Marc Márquez. Photo courtesy Ducati Lenovo Team
Marc Márquez (Ducati Lenovo Team #93) “A great day on track with the entire Ducati Corse Squad. I’m happy; the track layout is unique and unusual. It will require a slightly different riding style; it’s a stop and go track and you’ll need to adapt. The faster you get into the rhythm, the better it gets, and you can really enjoy the speed. The tarmac is good; they did a great job. I can’t wait to race here with the MotoGP bike”.
Team Obsolete is excited to announce our participation in the Vintage Road Racing Association’s upcoming Vintage Festival taking place at Mosport, Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. This event will feature not only sprint and endurance motorcycle races but also a swap meet and Concours d’Elegance. More info on these at: https://cvmg.ca/VFest
We have committed to bringing five pedigree historic racing machines with us to be raced and paraded by our team.
The machines:
1. 1968 Benelli 350/4 ex-Renzo Pasolini, to be paraded by Dave Lloyd, a former Grand Prix rider who actually raced against Pasolini and the Benelli at the Isle of Man TT in 1968!
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1972 MV Agusta 500/3 ex-Giacomo Agostini
2. 1972 MV Agusta 500/3 ex-Giacomo Agostini, to be paraded by VRRA stalwart Ian McQueen
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Walt Fulton on a Team Obsolete 1973 Harley Davidson XR750TT
3. 1973 Harley Davidson XR750TT to be raced and paraded by ex-Harley Davidson Factory Team rider Walt Fulton III
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1959 Matchless G50
4. 1959 Matchless G50, to be raced by Ian McQueen
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Seth Rosko and Michelle Le Clear-Fisher on a Team Obsolete 1963 Seeley TT racing sidecar outfit “MJC Special”
5. 1963 Seeley “MJC Special” sidecar outfit, to be raced by team riders, Seth Rosko and Michelle Le Clear-Fisher, in honor of our team mate the late Randy Hoffman. The return of this outfit to the circuits by Team Obsolete was instrumental in Randy’s revival in History Racing.
We are pleased to announce the expansion of the Team Obsolete VRRA Vintage Festival program at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Dave Roper will be racing his 1950 Moto Guzzi 500 Falcone Special and the 1960 Surtees AJS Special 350. This was the late Michelle Duff’s favorite ride. In the late Michelle Duff’s honor, Dave will also be parading the Surtees 7R.
We are very excited about this event. See you in the paddock!
Many thanks to the VRRA Organizers, and to our sponsors:
Vanson Leathers, Red Line Synthetic Oil, Heidenau Tires and Buchanan’s Spoke & Rim
It’s go-time for the best of the best. The Mission Mini Cup National Final is coming to Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, this weekend, August 8-10. Photo by Larry Lawrence.
Young racers from 17 states and four countries will converge on Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, this weekend for the second annual MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup National Final featuring three days of heated action, with the majority of the racers having qualified via more than 20 regional events.
Like last year’s inaugural Mission Mini Cup National Final, racing action will take place on two different track layouts of the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex located near turns nine and 10 of the immaculate four-mile Road America circuit.
Racers will do battle in six classes – Stock 50 (ages 6-8), Stock 110 (ages 8-12), GP 110 (ages 8-12), GP 160 (ages 9-14), GP 190 (ages 11-14) and Street GP (ages 14 and up).
The battles for championships will consist of four races per class over the course of the weekend with two races on Saturday and two on Sunday. Each race will pay points, and the rider with the highest number of points in each class will be awarded the number-one plates. Six AMA National Champions will be crowned at the completion of Sunday’s races.
With practice set for Friday, qualifying sessions will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday with an action-packed day of racing set to begin at 12:45 p.m. with the first GP 190 race. A full day of racing will conclude with Race 2 of the GP 110 class at 4:40 p.m. Sunday’s schedule will be identical to Saturday’s, with racing again getting underway at 12:45 p.m. (all times are Central).
In addition to the AMA awarding its coveted number-one plates to class champions, Mission Mini Cup National Final sponsors have stepped up to present the winning racers with a plethora of championship awards. For the GP 110, GP 160 and GP 190 Class Champions, Dunlop will present its Championship Guitars, like those given to MotoAmerica Champions. Additionally, the podium finishers in the Stock 50, Stock 110, GP 110, GP 160 and GP 190 classes will be up for consideration for the Team Dunlop Road Racing Elite program for 2026.
In the other classes, champions will receive Thom Duma Fine Jewelers Championship pendants, Arai helmets, and Motion Pro gift packs.
“We’re really happy with how far our Mission Mini Cup National Final has come in just its second year,” said MotoAmerica’s COO Chuck Aksland. “We have tripled our entries with racers coming to Road America from all over the country, and there are also some international racers. The Finals are really developing into a great annual event with young racers and their families making the commitment to race against the very best. It’s going to be a lot of fun, and we’re looking forward to a great weekend of racing at one of our favorite places.”
MotoAmerica has also announced that the event will be featured on MotoAmerica Live+ with live streaming and video on-demand of Saturday and Sunday’s race action with commentary from the MotoAmerica Live+ commentary team of Roger Hayden and Jamie Howe. MotoAmerica Live+ will start streaming at 1 p.m. (Central Time) on Saturday and Sunday and will conclude at 4:30 p.m. (Central Time) both days.
MotoAmerica would like to thank the following sponsors for their participation in the Mission Mini Cup National Final: Mission Foods, Dunlop, Arai, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, Motion Pro, and Thom Duma Fine Jewelers.
Danny Kent (52) riding his McAMS Racing Yamaha at Donington Park. Photo courtesy McAMS Racing Team.
Danny Kent led his Bennetts British Superbike Championship opposition in the Free Practice times at Thruxton as the McAMS Racing Yamaha rider maintained his position at the top ahead of Storm Stacey with just 0.924s covering the top 16 riders!
Kent carried his momentum from Brands Hatch last time out into his home round, having the edge over Bathams AJN Racing BMW’s Stacey, who surged into second in the closing moments of the afternoon session.
Tommy Bridewell had also given the home fans something to cheer about as he fired the Honda Racing UK team into third place, having led the times earlier in the session. At the chequered flag just 0.004s separated him and his 2024 sparring partner Kyle Ryde ahead of tomorrow’s opening race.
Rory Skinner led the Ducati contenders in fifth place for Cheshire Mouldings Ducati, holding off Josh Brookes and Charlie Nesbitt, whilst championship leader Bradley Ray posted the eighth fastest time after the opening two Free Practice sessions.
Max Cook had also had a spell at the top of the times, but ended the day in ninth place ahead of his AJN Steelstock Kawasaki teammate Christian Iddon.
Scott Swann had a strong start to the weekend for the SendMyBag Racing by IWR Honda team in eleventh place, whilst Scott Redding completed the riders progressing directly through to Bandero Café Shoot Out Qualifying two for Hager PBM Ducati.
Glenn Irwin was 14th fastest on his debut with Nitrous Competitions Racing Yamaha after returning from his Snetterton injury, 0.792s adrift of Kent’s pacesetting lap.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Thruxton, Free Practice combined times:
Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) 1m:14.907s
Storm Stacey (Bathams AJN Racing BMW) +0.256s
Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) +0.271s
Kyle Ryde (Nitrous Competitions Racing Yamaha) +0.275s
Rory Skinner (Cheshire Mouldings Ducati) +0.308s
Josh Brookes (DAO Racing Honda) +0.321s
Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda) +0.440s
Bradley Ray (Raceways Yamaha) +0.489s
Max Cook (AJN Steelstock Kawasaki) +0.495s
Christian Iddon (AJN Steelstock Kawasaki) +0.509s
Scott Swann (SendMyBag Racing by IWR Honda) +0.622s
Scott Redding (Hager PBM Ducati) +0.734s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
DANNY KENT – MCAMS RACING YAMAHA
“It’s been a great start to the weekend, off the back of three good results at Brands Hatch. It’s always nice to come to Thruxton and start the weekend off strong. It’s always been a track that I’ve loved and everyone knows the Yamaha works really well around here.
“There’s still a few areas we need to work on, but overall I’m happy with my one lap pace and our race pace seems to be really good too. I’m looking at the pace at the moment, it looks a bit faster than it was last year.
“We still need to look at some data and there’s a few areas that I need to work on but other than that, thank you to McAMS Racing.”
Gus Rodio as seen during the 2025 Loudon Classic. Photo courtesy Rodio Racing.
LuxeStar VIP Suzuki are thrilled to confirm that American rider Gus Rodio will compete aboard the MP RACING Suzuki GSX-8R in the Sportbike class at the upcoming British Superbike Championship (BSB) rounds at Donington Park and Brands Hatch.
Rodio, hailing from Hammonton, New Jersey, brings a wealth of racing experience and a proven track record at the highest levels of competitive sportbike racing. Over the past two seasons, he has been a standout performer in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup, securing the runner-up spot both years and notching multiple race victories—including career defining back-to-back wins at the iconic Daytona International Speedway by over 11 seconds each.
This won’t be Gus’s first outing on British soil—he previously competed at Brands Hatch, where he delivered an impressive Top 5 performance that impressed fans and teams alike.
Gus Rodio at Daytona, in 2024. Photo courtesy LuxeStar VIP Suzuki.
Now, set to return with LuxeStar VIP Suzuki, he’s eager to take on the challenges of BSB’s renowned circuits and showcase the capabilities of the GSX-8R in the BSB Sportbike class.
“I’m excited to be joining LuxeStar VIP Suzuki for the Donington and Brands Hatch rounds,” said Rodio. “British Superbikes has always been something I’ve admired, and I’m looking forward to giving it everything I’ve got on the MP RACING Suzuki GSX-8R and represent the USA.”
“I’m also excited to bring Gus back to BSB racing,” said Scott Rehl, Founder of LuxeStar VIP and the associated team. “It’s been one of my goals to elevate US racers into international series and bring back a title, like I did with Brandon Paasch in 2019. Working with MP RACING has been fantastic, and I have to thank my UK business partner David Howard for helping organize this opportunity.”
In the meantime, Gus continues to compete in MotoAmerica Supersport on his Rodio Performance Ducati V2.
Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the BSB Donington round.
26 of the most talented prospects in amateur motocross will take to the track at Ironman Raceway for the last SMX Next – Motocross Scouting Moto Combine of 2025.
Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Highly Decorated Rider Coaches to Mentor 26 Elite Prospects One Week Removed from 2025 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship.
With the 2025 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, set to begin its stretch run, the third and final event for SMX Next – Motocross will host 26 elite amateur prospects to Indiana’s Ironman Raceway for the Scouting Moto Combine Presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare. This group of promising talent will kick off the race weekend at the Tucker Freight Lines Ironman National one week removed from a memorable 44th running of the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship from Tennessee’s famed Loretta Lynn Ranch, the ultimate showcase of amateur talent on the planet.
“The timing of the third and final Scouting Moto Combine for SMX Next – Motocross could not be more ideal, as this crop of elite prospects are in peak form coming off a competitive week of racing at Loretta Lynn’s,” said Jim Perry, Program Director for the Scouting Moto Combine. “The Ironman gathering will mark the first time in the brief history of SMX Next and the Scouting Moto Combine that the newly crowned Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award winner will compete. We’ll also welcome the newly awarded AMA Amateur Rider of the Year in addition to another pair of Loretta Lynn’s champions. As a result, there will certainly be a greater level of interest in how the action unfolds on Friday afternoon.”
Newly minted Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award recipient Enzo Temmerman will headline the field of racers at the Ironman Combine. Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Working in conjunction with competing manufacturers GASGAS, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha, this hand-selected group of invited prospects will consist of 26 top A & B class riders. The lineup features a mix of racers with prior SMX Next experience in addition to new talent that will make their SMX Next debuts. Notably, Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Enzo Temmerman, whose 250 Pro Sport and Open Pro Sport titles at Loretta Lynn’s earned him the Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award, and KTM Orange Brigade’s Deacon Denno, winner of the 250B and Schoolboy 2 titles who was named 2025 AMA Amateur Rider of the Year, will compete against one another for the first time. They’ll be joined by fellow Loretta Lynn’s champions and Altus Motorsports BLU CRU Yamaha riders Owen Covell (450 B) and McKayden Fitch (250 B Limited). A pair of 25-minute, plus two-lap motos await the Combine field on Friday afternoon.
A trio of AMA Hall of Fame members will anchor an incredibly decorated group of rider coaches at Ironman. Leading the way is Class of 2000 inductee Broc Glover, who has embraced this leadership role at every single Combine event since the program’s inception. He’ll be joined by Class of 2024 inductee Kevin Windham and Class of 2025 inductee Chad Reed, in addition the winning team manager from Team Australia at the 2024 FIM Motocross of Nations, Michael Byrne, and the most recent winning rider coach from RedBud, former racer and highly regarded trainer Gareth Swanepoel. This group is also the most geographically diverse to date, with a trio of international coaches joining a pair of Americans. Collectively, these fives coaches will lend their immense knowledge and expertise to benefit these young athletes both on and off the track.
Additional support at Ironman will come from Mike Bonacci, Team Manager of Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX Yamaha, and Christina Denney, the SMX Next – Motocross Event Coordinator, WMX Championship Coordinator, Team USA Motocross of Nations Coordinator, and a longtime SMX team manager.
Deacon Denno, the 2025 AMA Amateur Rider of the Year, will look to build on the momentum of winning two Loretta Lynn’s titles one week ago. Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
The 2025 season alone has showcased the successful impact SMX Next continues to have on the sport as both Temmerman and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Kayden Minear have tested their mettle at multiple Pro Motocross races this summer. Adding his name to the list this weekend will be Altus Motorsports BLU CRU Yamaha rider Kade Johnson, who will make his pro debut at Ironman after a runner-up effort in Open Pro Sport at Loretta Lynn’s. These riders join an already decorated contingent of SMX Next graduates finding success at the sport’s highest level, headlined by reigning Pro Motocross 250 Class Champion, back-to-back 250cc SMX World Champion, and current 250 Class points lead Haiden Deegan. This group also includes SMX race winners like Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies, and Honda HRC Progressive’s Chance Hymas, along with top contenders like Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Drew Adams, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Daxton Bennick, Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing’s Casey Cochran, Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFrancesco, Muc-Off/ClubMX/Yamaha’s Alexander Fedortsov, and Phoenix Racing Honda’s Gavin Towers, all of whom were also past SMX Next winners.
While the pair of motos will be the focal point of Friday’s Ironman Combine, participants will also receive education surrounding other important aspects of the sport that occur away from the racetrack, including training, nutrition, and guidance on how to navigate the various layers of media engagement. These classroom-style sessions provide the foundation for the gathering, before racers line up behind the starting gate to determine who will prevail at Ironman Raceway.
Landon Gibson has been at the forefront of each SMX Next – Motocross event this summer and will look to break through for his first Combine victory. Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Earl Hayden in 2006, the year Nicky Hayden won the MotoGP World Championship. Photo by DPPI.
Part 3 of a series, reprinted from the April 2011 edition of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology Magazine. Copyright 2011, 2015, 2020, 2024, 2025. All rights reserved. www.roadracingworld.com
Editorial Note: Earl Hayden died in December, 2021. His son (and 2006 MotoGP World Champion) Nicky Hayden died in May, 2017.
EARL HAYDEN—Professional Road Racing’s Most Successful Father:
The RIGHT Way To Take Kids Racing
Former dirt track racer Earl Hayden is a unique parent. He has three sons with successful careers in professional motorcycle racing: Tommy, Nicky and Roger. His two daughters, Jenny and Kathleen, raced for fun. Nobody knows more about going racing with kids, starting at young age.
Asked about the right way and the wrong way to take kids racing, Hayden says, “I’ve seen it all, parents yelling and cussing and hitting their kids, especially in the PeeWee days. I about got my butt whipped a few times when I tried to talk to them, but I have had a few of them come back later and say they were happy I said something to them.
“When parents spend a lot of money and everything they expect the kids to do really well. There was a referee way back who said something that stuck in my mind. He said, ‘Listen, at the end of the day, kids, you hug your mom and dad, and Mom and Dad, you hug your kids.’ I don’t ever want to go to bed being mad at one of my kids, and I don’t want them to go to bed being mad at me. If you put that kind of pressure on them that’s what is going to happen.
“One time at Daytona Tommy got into Turn One dead last about five or six times in a row. I said to him, ‘Tommy, I’m gonna put my leathers on and I’m gonna beat somebody to the first turn. I don’t know if I’m gonna make the corner, but I’m gonna beat somebody.’ He said, ‘Dad, no matter how bad you want me to get to the first corner first, I want to get there first more than you do.’
Tommy Hayden (22) comes in from taking a victory lap after winning an AMA Pro Superbike race at Barber Motorsports Park, 2010. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“The kids, all they want to do is make Mom and Dad happy. Yelling at them isn’t going to do anything but burn them out, and it’s definitely not going to make them go faster. You’ve got to be the coach, the cheerleader, the financial person who puts all the money in, and you have to be Mom or Dad. But the kids have to put out the same level of effort that Mom and Dad are putting in. If the parents want it more than the kid, you better quit. The kid’s got to want it as bad as Mom and Dad.
“People used to think I pushed the kids. They would ask me, ‘Do you make them race?’ I said, ‘Listen, the only thing I make them do is brush their teeth, go to school, and their mom might make them take a bath.’ There’s not one time I made them race. I was usually begging for a weekend off. ‘Let’s don’t go to Texas this weekend.’ And their favorite saying was, ‘Dad, you can rest when you die.’
“Most parents want to buy their kids’ way down the straightaway and this and that. If I could go back I would probably add weight to their bikes to make them ride the corners and stuff better, because when they have to line up against Valentino Rossi they better know how to use the brakes and how to get through a corner.
“Most parents want to buy them down the straightaway. Most of the kids who got that kind of treatment didn’t end up a World Champion or even a National Champion.
“The most important thing is practice, practice, practice, but you’ve got to keep it fun. So we would have play races every day. We would use the flags, the starting system, and I would let the winner carry the checkered flag around. We were playing around, but they raced hard. The next thing you know three or four hours went by and they had fun the whole time. But if you’re out there pushing on them and kicking on them it’s not gonna be fun. Parents pushing on the kids takes all the fun away.
“There’s no shortcuts. I started the boys on 50s, then 60s, then 80s, then 125s, then 250s and built that foundation. We had kids come in to race us and the dad would be yelling at them for getting beat. I’ve seen parents hit their kids so hard they knocked their faceshield off. ‘We came all the way from California to come here and you get beat by them?’ That parent never even thought about we had been racing six, seven, eight years longer than their kid and no one expected him to beat us. He’s not supposed to beat us.
“You have to be careful when parents are really, really mad, but when they’ve gotten through yelling I’ve gone up to the dad. I don’t go telling him he’s doing everything wrong, but I say, ‘Can I just tell you something I hope as a favor? Not that I’m any smarter than you, but please don’t do that to the little kids. All they want to do is please you and make you happy.’ And I’ve had parents come back later and say thank you, because it does kind of make them think a little.
“It’s easy to get caught up in it. You might be at the AMA Grand Championships and your little kid falls down and loses the Championship.
“And if you’re just at a local race or a regional race, nobody knows what happened except you and your family. So there’s no reason to get all worked up. Nobody’s gonna know your kid got sixth instead of second or third in that club race. So there’s no reason to get all worked up. And what happens when your kid is 11 years old isn’t going to make the difference in whether you get a factory ride or not. You want to win all the races and all the awards coming up the ladder, because it does show you’re progressing, but not winning everything is not the end of the world.
“Kids are going to make mistakes, a lot of mistakes. They are going to crash and do it all, but at the end of the day you have to stop and ask, ‘Did we get better?’ Because you’ve got to keep getting better.”
Earl Hayden’s first sponsor, George “JR” Boone, poses with a racebike and the Hayden kids (from left) Jenny, Tommy, Roger, Nicky, and Kathleen, circa 1993. Photo courtesy Hayden family.
Asked what he did when racing and school conflicted, Hayden said, “No drugs, no alcohol and stay in school. My boys had to stay in school or they could not race. With my kids I left Friday after school—unless we had Friday practice, and then I left Thursday. Then I would drive all night to get back, and they would be in school on Monday morning. Jake Lewis, this kid I help now, he gets all A grades in school. When you get all A grades you can miss a Friday and the teachers will work with you. But it’s funny sometimes because you can go miss a week to go to a cheerleading camp or whatever, but if you want to take a week off to go race motorcycles at Daytona they don’t see it the same way.
“And kids have got to respect each other. They don’t have to like each other, but they’ve got to respect each other, especially on the track. Two dead-equal riders, teams are gonna take the kid who is a good, respectful kid who looks like he is having fun over a kid who is a problem or has bad behavior or has dropped out of school.
“I put on a dirt track one time. I had 150 riders come out, and 149 of them were complaining the whole time. But I had one kid come up and thank me for putting on the race. I used to have my kids go up to the organizers and thank them for providing them a place to race.
“I really believe in doing it as a family. It can be a great family sport. I love this sport, and I love little kids. I wish every parent could have the feeling I had when Nicky won the World Championship. Winning the National Championships are great, too.
“Above all, when you take your kids racing, it’s got to be fun. If it’s not fun, why do it?”
Check back for the next installment of Taking Kids Racing.
Briar Bauman (3), Brandon Robinson (44), and Dallas Daniels (32) during Qualifying Tuesday night at the Jackpine Gypsies MC in Sturgis. Photo by Tim Lester / courtesy American Flat Track.
There’s no time to rest at the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. With the dirt barely settled following this week’s dramatic Short Track doubleheader, the 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, resumes tomorrow with the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT at the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota, on Friday, August 8.
As a result, there’s been almost no time for the tension to dissipate after the intensity of an already red-hot Grand National Championship battle was ratcheted up significantly at the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track II.
It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s… Super TT!
By definition, TTs tend to spice things up by adding a righthand corner and a jump in contrast to the series’ more conventional oval races. A “Super TT” uses that base as a starting point and adds from there.
Friday’s race marks the fourth race in Progressive AFT history to get the Super TT moniker. The three prior – the 2019 Arizona Super TT, 2021 Atlanta Super TT, and 2023 Arizona Super TT – set themselves apart by adding either extra jumps or rights or via the inclusion of pavement sections.
A couple of other TTs could have easily been adorned with the “Super” prefix (think the DAYTONA TT that incorporated the track’s high banks or last year’s Sturgis TT, which wove through downtown), so we won’t attempt to get overly scientific with our labeling. But just understand that it means this week’s track will not feature a run-of-the-mill layout by anyone’s definition.
Pavement sections, multiple righthanders, and a wide variety of corner radii will put the world’s elite motorcycle dirt trackers to the test.
All three prior Super TTs were won by JD Beach, who ranks as among history’s greatest TTers with an ideal blend of flat track and roadracing expertise.
While Beach will be an observer this time around, Super TTs also happen to be right in the wheelhouse of this year’s Mission AFT SuperTwins title fighters.
But really, what tracks aren’t?
Bauman vs. Daniels
At various points in the sport’s past, the TTs provided non-championship contenders a chance to step forward and shine. Versatile riders hailing from other two-wheeled disciplines, armed with serious experience negotiating righthand turns and passing under brakes, could sometimes steal the spotlight.
This is not one of the points.
The series’ leading oval racers also happen to be its most well rounded.
In the three prior Super TTs, championship leader Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R) logged finishes of second, third, and third.
Meanwhile, second-ranked Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) finished as runner-up to teammate Beach at the ‘23 Arizona Super TT – his only attempt in the category as a premier-class pilot.
The ‘19 Arizona Super TT took place before he had turned 16. However, Daniels was able to properly showcase the skills that earned him both the 2018 Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track and Road RaceHorizon Awards at the ‘21 Atlanta Super TT. There the Estenson Racing star doubled up with wins in AFT Singles presented by KICKER and Mission Production Twins.
This week’s circuit also includes pavement sections, a fact that could make him tough to beat.
Head-to-head, Bauman and Daniels have proven well matched at TTs – just as they have virtually everywhere else.
Since Daniels stepped up to the premier class in 2022, he has the edge over Bauman in terms of wins (1-0) when pit against one another in direct TT competition. Bauman, meanwhile, owns the advantage in terms of podiums (4-3). Daniels missed both of last year’s TTs due to injury, and while he was away, Bauman snared 1-2 results.
Already considered the clear co-favorites who were likely to do battle at the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT, that likelihood carries all the more significance following their hugely consequential clash on Tuesday, which left Daniels with an expanded championship deficit to contend with and in serious need of turning the tables back in his favor.
Spoiler Alert
Just because Bauman and Daniels stand as the firm favorites, that doesn’t eliminate the possibility of a spoiler or two springing a surprise.
During the aforementioned span (2022-present), Jarod VanDerKooi (No. 20 Fastrack Racing/Wally Brown Racing KTM 790 Duke) is the only other rider competing this weekend in the premier class to have earned a TT podium (third at last year’s pavement-centric Sturgis TT). VDK has been a consistently strong TT contender, finishing in the top five on five occasions over that time period.
Of course, the field also includes the sport’s all-time winningest TT rider. Henry Wiles (No. 911 DL Racing/HYMMC Yamaha MT-06) boasts 19 career TT wins, albeit the vast majority coming at Peoria and the most recent of those seven years back. But Wiles was on the Mission AFT SuperTwins podium earlier this season and finished 4th in the 2023 Castle Rock TT, so there’s plenty of evidence to suggest he could be a player come Friday.
While not generally considered a TT standout, Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke) did finish fourth in last year’s Sturgis TT.
Davis Fisher (67) during Tuesday night’s Mission AFT SuperTwins Main Event. Photo by Tim Lester / courtesy American Flat Track
A similar caveat can be made regarding Tuesday winner Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R). TTs have long been considered the weak point in his otherwise championship-caliber game, however, Robinson has steadily improved in the discipline over the years to the point that he managed to break into the top five at last year’s race in Peoria.
And don’t forget about Max Whale (No. 18 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) and Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Suzuki GSX-8S), a pair of riders who demonstrated strong TT skills prior to stepping up to the premier-class ranks.
AFT Singles Presented by KICKER
Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) continued his assault on the AFT Singles record books with an inspiring come-from-behind victory in Tuesday’s Jackpine Gypsies Short Track II despite competing while under the weather.
The Australian, who has opened up a rather commanding championship advantage – already ranks third in career class wins, fourth in Short Track wins, and has followed up the longest podium streak in AFT Singles history (eight) with another (six and counting) that stands third best all-time.
Besides the #1 plate, one of the few major accomplishments yet eluding Drane is his inclusion among the class’ Grand Slammers. He could rectify that as early as Friday, and his road racing background makes him a huge threat to do precisely that at the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT.
Standing In His Path…
If Drane succeeds in that achievement, he’ll become just the sixth rider to ever do it.
Looking to prevent him from joining the list is a field that includes more than half the riders to have already completed the AFT Singles Grand Slam: second-ranked Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R), third-ranked Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and 2019 class champ Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Parts Bros Worldwide/D&D Cycles KTM 450 SX-F).
They are far from the only riders who could make things difficult for Drane on Friday. Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Honda CRF450R), has shown himself to be an excellent TT rider, and Friday’s track should play to the strengths of Supermoto ace Bronson Pearce (No. 132 Mike Helm/Scott Cason Yamaha YZ450F).
And who knows what to expect from this year’s breakout crop of rookies, led by two-time winner and four-time podium finisher Kage Tadman (No. 288 Roof Systems/Old Oak Ranch KTM 450 SX-F)?
We will find out soon enough.
AFT AdventureTrackers™
Don’t look now, but the 2025 AFT AdventureTrackers championship race that only just left the starting blocks and is already halfway complete.
The title fight now comes down to two decisive TTs.
That’s good news for co-championship leader Dan Bromley (No. 62 Big Momma and Daddy Deep Pockets Suzuki V-Strom 1050) – a fine TTer – and even better news for the rider he’s tied with, Jesse Janisch (No. 33 WFOracingonline.com/Öhlins Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250), who stands as among the best TT riders to come up through the ranks in recent memory.
Despite their credentials, this is unlikely to be a two-rider show. The AFT AdventureTrackers field is loaded with certified and potential TT aces.
Right on their heels is third-ranked Austin Luczak (No. 188 Memphis Shades/Black Hills Powersports Honda Africa Twin), who backed up an impressive fourth on Monday by scoring his first-career Progressive AFT podium in third on Tuesday.
And as already stated, no one has won more TTs in the sport’s history than Henry Wiles (No. 911 Walter Bros. Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250), while Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Triumph Racing Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro) has proven he has the goods as well.
Meanwhile, Danny Eslick (No. 164 Saddlemen Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250) and Brandon Paasch(No. 196 Triumph Racing Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro) might just have an edge on pavement and on the brakes due to their extensive roadracing backgrounds.
However it shakes out, with the spotlight shining down on 500+ pounds of versatile big-bore Dual Adventure equipment, it’s destined to be very interesting and highly entertaining.
There Ain’t No Party Like a Sturgis Party…
The 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has already delivered, and Friday’s action at the track will only add to what’s been an incredible week of festivities.
Once again, the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club will host a Fan Party – complete with a Rider Q&A session – leading up to Opening Ceremonies each night. Friday’s spectators will also be treated to big-screen coverage of all the race action, DJ’d music to maintain the energy all day and night, numerous vendors, designated motorcycle parking, a variety of food and beverage options, and fireworks.
And don’t miss the Ride-In Bike Show hosted by V-Twin Daily. Show off your bike and see if you can’t claim some of the $2500 in cash put for grabs courtesy of Bell Helmets, with awards going out for Best of Show, Best Paint, Best Bagger, Best Clubstyle, and AFT Best Tracker.
Get Your Tickets Now
H.O.G. members can purchase a H.O.G. Membership Ticket for $45 (all ages), which grants access to both a dedicated parking area and reserved seating, along with a special event lanyard and H.O.G. “Championship Bell.”
Fans also have the option to select Portable Stadium Chair Seating for $70 (all ages), which includes a complimentary stadium chair complete with the event logo that can be used in a tiered seating area along the front stretch of the track.
Finally, the VIP Ticket ($99 all ages) provides access to a tented area that overlooks the track, complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, beer for purchase, and Reserved Grandstand seating.
Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.
How to Watch
FloRacing
For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2025. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.
FS1
FOX Sports coverage of the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, August 24, at 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT).
The Buell Super Cruiser™ motorcycle. Photo courtesy Buell Motorcycle Co.
Beyond the Dyno: Buell’s Super Cruiser Embarks on its Final, Multi-Week Test Trip.
Behind every brilliant machine is a team of dedicated individuals who pour their passion and countless hours into its creation and refinement. For Buell Motorcycle Co., that machine is the Super Cruiser.
For the first time ever, our engineers are embarking on a multi-week, cross-country expedition in a last bid to push Super Cruiser prototypes to their absolute limits – a critical phase that will include tests in hot fuel handling, overheating, and durability under diverse and extreme conditions.
“It’s done. The Super Cruiser is out on the open road, undergoing the last tests before debuting to the market. Our team has poured so much time and attention into developing a motorcycle that’s built with love and tempered by the miles, and we can’t wait to deliver this thrilling machine to the public.“– Bill Melvin, CEO, Buell Motorcycle Co.
Thanks to all involved, this cross-country testing expedition has been mapped over thousands of miles, covering extreme temperatures, elevation, and terrain from Michigan to the California border and back, with the route taking our Super Cruisers through scapes like Pikes Peak, Death Valley, Mount Charleston, Davis Dam, and more.
The data collected during this cross-country journey will be the final cap on the Super Cruiser’s endurance and specs, ensuring it exceeds expectations upon the final debut day at the end of this year. We can’t wait to see this baby joining the Hammerhead 1190 and 1190SX in local markets, and we can’t wait for you to confirm the capabilities of this bike!
The Buell Super Cruiser™ motorcycle. Photo courtesy Buell Motorcycle Co.
Here’s a breakdown of our engineers’ testing schedule:
Week 1: Speed, Fuel & Heat in Arizona
The “Send It ‘Til It’s Baked” Test
The Buell team’s first test spot is slotted for the handling course and oval track of the Toyota Proving Grounds. Here, our engineers will assess fuel metering and overall hot fuel performance, including fuel slosh and system performance on the track.
Focus will be prioritized on the intricate stability and control of the Super Cruiser’s fuel system in high-temperature environments.
Altitude testing at varying temperatures will also be made to confirm fuel stability and control.
Week 2: Pressure & Elevation in Colorado
Attitude and Altitude
Following a handful of days for travel, the Super Cruisers will trade the desert’s embrace for the lung-testing altitudes of Colorado, tackling Pikes Peak, Denver City, Eisenhower Pass, and Silverthorne. Pikes Peak, reaching an altitude of 14,115 feet, will serve as the highest elevation test point for altitude testing, while the Eisenhower Tunnel will allow for high-speed evaluations at altitude.
Denver and Silverthorne will provide the traffic heat and slow crawl city riding necessary for certain altitude simulations, including idle and cold starts. Overall, the focus for this week is on evaluating different fuels and pressure testing.
Week 3: Urban & Extreme Hot Fuel Endurance along the Nevada Border
Temp, Traffic, Torque, Repeat
The Super Cruisers and their team of engineers will begin this week with multiple ascents of Davis Dam for fuel level evaluation and two-up simulations to maximize load on the Super Cruiser at high temperatures. Davis Dam will also be the preferred location for hot soaks (stopping the bikes at the mountain’s summit, allowing them to thoroughly heat soak before a rigorous restart and run).
The team will then navigate the Las Vegas Strip during rush hour, testing slow-crawl performance in extreme heat, followed right after by high-speed tests on the highway to Mount Charleston, which will provide some of the most extreme heat simulations with multiple runs, different fuel configurations, and two-up simulations.
Later, a pivotal stop in Death Valley will allow for continued elevation testing from sea level to nearly 5,000 feet. A final test on hot fuel with switchbacks, linear inclines, and higher-speed altitude runs will conclude at Palm Springs, concluding Week 3 of the Super Cruiser’s final test run.
Week 4: Dust Intrusion on the California Border
Optimal Airflow, and Home Again.
The final week of testing will focus on dust intrusion, with the team heading to Lake Havasu and Yucca; here, the Super Cruisers will be ridden hard to validate performance on dusty dirt roads and in long stretches of harsh, often mucky conditions.
Focus for this week will be set on measuring cooling fan limits and ensuring that our carbon canister does not draw dusty air into the filter – a small, but still crucial bit of information for our service manual as we ready this bike for local markets and beyond.
We are closer than ever to delivering this exceptional motorcycle and look forward to publishing the results of the Super Cruiser’s final simulations. Soon, this time-proven machine will emerge to embark on its ultimate adventure: The open road, with you.
Don’t forget our #BITW challenge is still live! Spot our Super Cruisers in the wild, snap a photo, and post it on social media with #BuellInTheWild for your chance to win exclusive merch!
For more information on #BITW, the Super Cruiser Test Expedition, or to get in touch with a member of the Buell team, visit our website at Buellmotorcycle.com.
About Buell Motorcycles:
Buell Motorcycles is an American motorcycle manufacturer known for its distinctive styling and high-performance motorcycles. With a focus on sourcing domestically where possible and delivering an unparalleled riding experience, Buell continues to push the boundaries of motorcycle design and true American manufacturing.
Buell’s team is thoroughly dedicated to the superior care of both the machine and the wild soul that rides it.
The Buell Super Cruiser™ motorcycle. Photo courtesy Buell Motorcycle Co.
Meet the Super Cruiser Test Expedition Team :
Our engineers’ insights, specialties, and relentless commitment are what will deliver the Super Cruiser our community has been waiting for, so of course it is our pleasure to introduce them to you.
Remi Gaubert, Calibration and Test Engineer
Remi has been a constant presence throughout the Super Cruiser’s journey, serving as primary lead and rider on rotation for Week 1 (Speed, Fuel & Heat), Week 2 (Speed & Elevation), and Week 3 (Urban & Extreme Hot Fuel Endurance) tests.
Specialties: Remi’s expertise lies in fine-tuning engine calibration and conducting rigorous performance tests. He’s the guy who understands how every sensor reading translates into real-world rideability, ensuring optimal power delivery and efficiency across the spectrum of operating environments.
“Every mile on these prototypes requires constant attention, and this final trip’s calibration points are about perfecting the relationship between Super Cruiser and rider. It’ll be great to see how these results translate for our riders when the Super Cruiser finally hits markets.”
Emily Reid-Barker, Certification and Validation Engineer
As the Certification and Validation Lead, Emily plays a pivotal support role across all four weeks of the test trip. Emily’s oversight is crucial for documenting data, ensuring testing protocols are met, and confirming that the Super Cruiser exceeds all expectations.
Specialties: Emily’s expertise lies in the meticulous world of regulatory compliance and comprehensive system validation. She’s the guardian of standards, ensuring that every component and system not only performs but also meets the stringent requirements for market readiness. Her work is about translating raw data into certified performance.
“Validation is something we don’t want to cut corners on, ever. It’s why we have brought so many engineers on this test expedition. The Super Cruiser has so much capability, but this expedition is about pushing boundaries safely and responsibly.”
Matt Laurent, Technical Lead Engineer
Matt is a cornerstone of the riding and support team, actively participating in the high-speed maneuverability tests in Week 1, and then continuing his critical riding and support duties through Week 2 (Altitude) and Week 3 (Urban & Extreme Hot Fuel Endurance). His technical leadership has provided invaluable guidance to the team, especially when addressing complex on-road simulations
Specialties: As a Technical Lead, Matt’s expertise spans the breadth of motorcycle engineering, with a particular focus on chassis dynamics, handling, and overall vehicle integration. He’s the team member who can feel the subtle nuances of a bike’s behavior and translate them into actionable engineering adjustments, ensuring a balanced and confidence-inspiring bike.
“In design it is all about making assumptions and not getting lost in all the weeds of complicated physics. Testing is where you see how good your assumptions in design were; motorcycles mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people, and we must try and account for all of that. As an engineering team we are really excited about closing this learning loop and ensuring that the product we are putting out there will perform as intended.”
Nick Kapela, Senior Product Development Engineer
Nick is a support member during Week 1’s intensive high-speed maneuverability and stability tests at the Toyota Proving Grounds. His direct involvement in these early, high-performance evaluations is crucial in setting the baseline for the Super Cruiser’s dynamic capabilities.
Specialties: Nick’s focus as a Product Development Engineer is on bringing concepts to tangible reality, often specializing in component design, integration, and initial performance validation – all instrumental in ensuring that the theoretical design translates into a functional and robust physical product.
“It’s so rewarding to take a design like the Super Cruiser from concept to real-world results. The team is throwing everything into this ride, and it’s amazing seeing the Super Cruiser respond like it has. It’s also been great getting to see how the new Fox Factory suspension system behaves with all the terrain we’ve been covering.”
John Trautmann, Engineer/Technician
John is a dedicated rider and support member, joining the team for Week 2’s demanding altitude tests and continuing through Week 3’s extreme urban and hot fuel endurance challenges. His hands-on technical skills are invaluable for on-the-fly adjustments and data acquisition in challenging environments.
Specialties: Combining engineering knowledge with practical technical skills, John excels at problem-solving in the field. He’s adept at diagnosing issues, performing necessary adjustments, and ensuring the test bikes remain operational and data-logging accurately, even in the most remote or extreme locations.
“There’s so much that’s gone into the Super Cruiser’s development, and diagnostics have been the best way to keep improving on the way to production. This trip is huge, and we’re shoving a lot into the three weeks we have, but the payoff will be so worth the while.”
Sean Eurich, Senior CAD Designer
Sean enters a crucial riding and support position for Week 2’s altitude tests and Week 3’s extreme urban and hot fuel endurance tests. He flips to a primary riding role in Week 4’s dust intrusion testing for a unique perspective from the design side directly into performance validation.
Specialties: As a Senior CAD Designer, Sean’s expertise lies in the intricate world of computer-aided design, translating engineering concepts into precise digital models. His participation in testing provides invaluable feedback for design optimization, especially concerning component fit, airflow, and environmental sealing.
“It’s been great seeing the Super Cruiser perform under such extreme conditions, especially in the heat and altitude. We’re leaving no stone unturned in this final test trip.”
Matthew Carpenter, Product Development Engineer
Matthew joins the team as a rider for Week 4’s critical dust intrusion testing. His fresh perspective and focused expertise as a product development engineer are vital for evaluating how the Super Cruiser’s systems handle pervasive particulate matter in real-world riding conditions.
Specialties: Matthew, as a Product Development Engineer, specializes in the lifecycle of components, from initial concept to manufacturing and testing. His keen eye for material science and environmental resilience is particularly valuable during the dust ingress evaluations.
“One of the best parts about testing a Super Cruiser is that our team really puts the bike through its paces; we won’t pansy around on this expedition, we’re going to try to push the Super Cruiser beyond its limits, and the results will mean a badass bike for the community.”
Zero Motorcycles X Line. Photo courtesy Zero Motorcycles
XE and XB are the first in a series of new models introduced under Zero’s All Access initiative.
Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in electric motorcycles and powertrains, today announced the first wave of X Line deliveries. Customers around the world began receiving their XE and XB motorcycles, marking a momentous occasion for X Line reservation holders and Zero Motorcycles as a whole.
“The delivery of the first X Line bikes is a major milestone for Zero and for the future of off-road EV performance,” said Sam Paschel, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “It’s the start of a new chapter in how adventure riding is experienced. With the XB and XE, we’re making electric motorcycles more accessible and approachable for riders everywhere.”
Designed for riders who demand power, agility, and range beyond the pavement, the X Line introduces a new standard for electric adventure and trail riding. Blending Zero’s industryleading technology with lightweight chassis designs and easily swappable batteries, the X Line is the company’s most versatile off-road platform to date.
The Zero XB is available in the United States at a category-leading price of $4,395 while the Zero XE is available for a competitive $6,495. New reservations placed from today onward will have an estimated delivery in Fall 2025.
For more information on the X Line, or to place a reservation, visit www.zeromotorcycles.com
About Zero Motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles was founded in 2006, operates in over 40 countries, and has 10 full-sized consumer models built on three different platforms for both street and dual-sport use. With models specifically designed for fleet use and currently deployed by over 240 US-based agencies and scores more worldwide, Zero outfits more fleets than any other two-wheeled EV manufacturer in the world.
Francesco Bagnaia on track at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy Ducati Lenovo Team.
Holidays are over: the Ducati Lenovo Team back on track at Balaton Park with the Panigale V4 S together with all the Ducati Corse MotoGP teams.
The holidays ended prematurely for the Ducati Lenovo Team and the other Ducati Corse MotoGP teams. Marc Márquez and Francesco Bagnaia, together with the riders from VR46 Racing Team and Gresini Racing Team, headed to Balaton Park for a day of testing on the Ducati Panigale V4 S.
It was a busy Tuesday, a team-building event with seven riders on track (together with Marc and Pecco, also Fabio Di Giannantonio, Franco Morbidelli, Alex Márquez, Fermín Aldeguer and Michele Pirro) to get used to the Hungarian track, which will host the Hungarian GP for the first time the weekend of August 22-24. A total of approximately 70 laps between Pecco and Marc and a more than positive feedbacks ahead of the imminent return to racing (next track event – August 15-17, Austrian GP at Spielberg).
Pecco Bagnaia. Photo courtesy Ducati Lenovo Team
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team #63) “Getting back on the bike after the holidays is always nice. My first impressions of the Balaton track are good. The track is small, you have to be careful in the chicanes, but I’m satisfied. The layout is unique, and we’re having fun. It will be different with the Desmosedici GP, but for now I’m enjoying it with the Panigale V4, even trying to slide it”.
Marc Márquez. Photo courtesy Ducati Lenovo Team
Marc Márquez (Ducati Lenovo Team #93) “A great day on track with the entire Ducati Corse Squad. I’m happy; the track layout is unique and unusual. It will require a slightly different riding style; it’s a stop and go track and you’ll need to adapt. The faster you get into the rhythm, the better it gets, and you can really enjoy the speed. The tarmac is good; they did a great job. I can’t wait to race here with the MotoGP bike”.
Dave Roper on a Team Obsolete 1968 Benelli 350/4, ex-Renzo Pasolini.
Team Obsolete is excited to announce our participation in the Vintage Road Racing Association’s upcoming Vintage Festival taking place at Mosport, Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. This event will feature not only sprint and endurance motorcycle races but also a swap meet and Concours d’Elegance. More info on these at: https://cvmg.ca/VFest
We have committed to bringing five pedigree historic racing machines with us to be raced and paraded by our team.
The machines:
1. 1968 Benelli 350/4 ex-Renzo Pasolini, to be paraded by Dave Lloyd, a former Grand Prix rider who actually raced against Pasolini and the Benelli at the Isle of Man TT in 1968!
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1972 MV Agusta 500/3 ex-Giacomo Agostini
2. 1972 MV Agusta 500/3 ex-Giacomo Agostini, to be paraded by VRRA stalwart Ian McQueen
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Walt Fulton on a Team Obsolete 1973 Harley Davidson XR750TT
3. 1973 Harley Davidson XR750TT to be raced and paraded by ex-Harley Davidson Factory Team rider Walt Fulton III
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1959 Matchless G50
4. 1959 Matchless G50, to be raced by Ian McQueen
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Seth Rosko and Michelle Le Clear-Fisher on a Team Obsolete 1963 Seeley TT racing sidecar outfit “MJC Special”
5. 1963 Seeley “MJC Special” sidecar outfit, to be raced by team riders, Seth Rosko and Michelle Le Clear-Fisher, in honor of our team mate the late Randy Hoffman. The return of this outfit to the circuits by Team Obsolete was instrumental in Randy’s revival in History Racing.
We are pleased to announce the expansion of the Team Obsolete VRRA Vintage Festival program at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Dave Roper will be racing his 1950 Moto Guzzi 500 Falcone Special and the 1960 Surtees AJS Special 350. This was the late Michelle Duff’s favorite ride. In the late Michelle Duff’s honor, Dave will also be parading the Surtees 7R.
We are very excited about this event. See you in the paddock!
Many thanks to the VRRA Organizers, and to our sponsors:
Vanson Leathers, Red Line Synthetic Oil, Heidenau Tires and Buchanan’s Spoke & Rim
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“It’s been a great start to the weekend, off the back of three good results at Brands Hatch. It’s always nice to come to Thruxton and start the weekend off strong. It’s always been a track that I’ve loved and everyone knows the Yamaha works really well around here.
