MotoAmerica: More Road Atlanta Previews (Updated)

David Swarts

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April 20, 2023

MotoAmerica: More Road Atlanta Previews (Updated)

Mathew Scholtz And Westby Racing Are Ready For Their 2023 Season Debut This Weekend At Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

Tulsa, OK – The opening round of the 2023 MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship starts this Friday at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia, and rider Mathew Scholtz, along with the entire Westby Racing team, are poised to reap the rewards of their productive preseason testing program.

Several new upgrades were made to the team’s #11 Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike over the past few months—including electronics, engine, suspension, and chassis—and Mathew and the team are excited the see how they stack up against the stiff competition in MotoAmerica, which is one of the world’s premier national motorcycle road racing organizations.

“I can’t wait to get this season started,” Mathew said. “We had a very productive off-season with the new software package, as well as all the other upgrades to the bike. Road Atlanta is one of my favorite tracks. I’ve got neighbors and friends coming out to watch me race, so it’s always special there. The weather looks like it’s going to be pretty good, so I’m excited to get out there and mix it up with the boys and see how everyone fares up. And we’ll take the season from there. I’m very confident that we’ll be battling up at the sharp end of the field.”

Superbike final qualifying is on Saturday morning at 10:25 a.m. ET, Superbike race one will go green on Saturday afternoon at 3:10 p.m. ET, and Superbike race two is on Sunday afternoon also at 3:10 p.m. ET. Both races will be broadcast live on MotoAmerica’s YouTube Channel.

For all the action from Road Atlanta, as it happens, subscribe to MotoAmerica Live+, which is MotoAmerica’s live streaming and on-demand service.

Meet Mathew, Get An Autographed Poster, And More

Mathew will be available for autographs during the Dunlop Hot Pit Walk & Autograph Session, scheduled for 11 to 11:40 a.m. Sunday on pit lane at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. He and the team will be handing out free posters and T-shirts, so don’t miss it.

Check Out The Westby Racing Sponsor Showcase

Superbike Unlimited and Suter Racing Products are the featured team sponsors on display in the Westby Racing paddock area this race weekend, so be sure to stop by to say hello and learn about some of the companies that support the team.

For more updates about Westby Racing, including news, photos, and videos, visit www.WestbyRacing.com

Also, follow “Westby Racing” on your favorite social media sites.

More, from a press release issued by Ducati:

A new era dawns with Josh Herrin and Xavi Fores lining up for Ducati as MotoAmerica 2023 kicks off at Road Atlanta this weekend

Sunnyvale, Calif. — The preseason talking stops this weekend as a new era dawns for the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC team with riders Josh Herrin and Xavi Fores.

2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Herrin will debut in red in the premier MotoAmerica Superbike Championship as he begins an attempt at taking a second American Superbike Championship crown to go with his first triumph in 2013.

The Georgian will be on home ground this weekend at Road Atlanta, a track he knows like the back of his hand and one that should suit the ultra-fast nature of the factory-prepared Ducati Panigale V4 R, and he’ll be looking to continue the trend he started one month ago when he took a famous victory in the 2023 Daytona 200.

For international racing veteran Xavi Fores, he will make his long-awaited debut in the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship this weekend when he takes to the grid on the championship-winning Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Ducati Panigale V2.

Spaniard Fores, who can count on his experience in almost every major international road racing championship on his resume including MotoGP, WorldSBK, MotoE and EWC, has only victory on his mind and despite being a rookie in the series, will surely go in as one of the hot favorites for the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport title.

Josh Herrin (1) riding a Ducati Panigale V2 Supersport bike at Daytona. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.

Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Ducati Panigale V4 R – Ducati #2)

“Everybody on the team is really excited to get going at Road Atlanta this weekend,” Herrin said. “I think we’re going into it with a lot of confidence after taking the Supersport championship last year on the Panigale V2, we got the Daytona 200 win recently, and we just completed a really productive test at Jersey Motorsports Park last week, so things are looking really positive. I’m not going to put a ton of pressure on myself—I know I’ve been putting in all the work possible in the off-season and I’m ready for it.”

Xavi Fores (12). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.

Xavi Fores (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Ducati Panigale V2 – Ducati #12)

“Yes, I’m really excited to start the season properly,” Fores said from the hospital while clutching his newborn. “The excitement of seeing my new baby will help a lot with the adrenaline! I’ve been to Road Atlanta, but it was a really long time ago in 2004, so at least I know the layout and it won’t be too strange to be back there. This is the start of a huge year for me, my new family and the team and we’re ready to fight for some big results.”

Round one of the 2023 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship will be held at Road Atlanta on April 21-23, 2023.

Metzeler Named Official Tire Of The Isle Of Man TT

David Swarts

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April 20, 2023

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Metzeler Named Official Tire Of The Isle Of Man TT

Editorial Note: This is an event sponsorship deal, not a spec or one-make tire deal. Riders will be able to compete on any brand of approved tires.

Metzeler Appointed as the Official Tire of the Isle of Man TT

Metzeler Will be the Sole Official Tire of the Most Iconic Motorcycle Road Race Until 2027

The Metzeler tire brand has been selected by the Department for Enterprise of the Isle of Man as Official Tire with a sponsorship contract for the TT Races for the five-year period 2023-2027.

Paul Phillips, Head of Motorsport – Isle of Man Department for Enterprise: “Metzeler are a welcome addition to the line-up of official sponsoring brands for this year’s Isle of Man TT Races. Our commercial objective is to work collaboratively with our Official partners to add value to the TT experience for everyone involved in the event. Metzeler is already integrally associated with the TT and is the tire of choice for many teams competing in the event, with a proven performance track record. We are sure that this will be a successful partnership that will grow in strength over the years to come.”

Francesco Pietrangeli, Motorcycle Marketing Director Metzeler brand: “The Isle of Man TT is one of the oldest and best known motorcycle races in the world and has a unique and timeless appeal. Metzeler tires have been involved in Road Racing for some time and over the years have contributed to the successes of many riders by supporting them and making our RACETEC RR tires available to them. We are very delighted with the agreement which represents the natural evolution of our commitment to Road Racing and it is also the best way to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the birth of our brand”.

The Tourist Trophy has been run since 1907 on the road circuit of the Snaefell Mountain Course, a 60.720 km track on the Isle of Man. Over the years it has become an iconic competition characterized by charm, tradition, glory, passion and adrenaline, values also shared by those choosing Metzeler tires, a brand that boasts a history of over a century and a half full of motorsport successes and technology.

The Metzeler RACETEC RR tires already used by the riders have been developed thanks to Metzeler’s experience in Road Racing competitions which, as is known, do not take place on circuits but on roads which are open to the public throughout the year and where all the situations that any motorcyclist may have to face on a daily basis can be found. And it is precisely for this reason that road racing has always been the testing and development ground for Metzeler tires. Thanks to its participation in Road Racing activities and to the acquired know-how, Metzeler tire range has enriched by giving life to successful tires, including the sporty SPORTEC M9 RR.

Video: Chasing 9 – Jared Mees’ Record-Tying Charge To 9 Titles

David Swarts

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April 20, 2023

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Video: Chasing 9 – Jared Mees’ Record-Tying Charge To 9 Titles

One more title will see reigning 8x American Flat Track Super Twins champion Jared Mees tie the all-time great, Scott Parker’s 1998 9x record. Watch Jared kick-off the 2023 chase in Daytona.

#indianmotorcycle

For more information, visit: https://www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/

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

Aprilia All Stars 2023 Scheduled May 27 At Misano

David Swarts

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April 20, 2023

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APRILIA ALL STARS 2023

SATURDAY 27 MAY APRILIA ALL STARS IS BACK: MISANO WORLD CIRCUIT TO HOST APRILIA’S BIG PARTY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

THE ENTIRE APRILIA RACING WORLD WILL ATTEND: THE MOTOGP AND OFF ROAD RIDERS, THE GREAT CHAMPIONS OF THE PAST AND FUTURE, PERFORMING ON THEIR BIKES AND MEETING WITH THE PUBLIC

A CELEBRATION OF MOTORCYCLING AND MORE. PURE FUN FOR A UNIQUE SHOW WITH FREE ENTRY: TRACK SHOWS, RIDING COURSES, TEST RIDES, NEW AND HISTORIC BIKES, AND GAMES WITH THE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT OF RADIO DEEJAY AND M2O

FOR APRILIA OWNERS THERE WILL BE A FINAL PROCESSION WHICH HOLDS A GREAT SURPRISE THIS YEAR

Milan – Saturday 27 May is the date to mark on your calendar so you don’t make any other plans. The event is set to take place at the Misano circuit which will host the 2023 edition of Aprilia’s huge party with their bikes and greatest champions. It will be a day of festivities and love for bikes and for Italian motorcycling with entry free of charge at the Misano World Circuit, as per tradition. The offer of fun suitable for all this year will be richer than ever before. In fact, the schedule is jam packed with events, not only on the track, but also off track, thanks to the area dedicated entirely to off road and the Tuareg 660. Expert Enduro Republic instructors will be on hand to share the secrets of off-road riding on the Tuareg 660, just as they do during the Tuareg Experience days, held by Enduro Republic in some of the most beautiful locations for enduro bikes, including North Africa.

It will be a day of unforgettable fun where the public will be the true protagonist in celebrating one of the most victorious brands of motorcycling, its heritage, and its champions. All the Aprilia Racing riders who race in MotoGP and off road will be attending: Aleix Espargaró, Maverick Viñales, Lorenzo Savadori, and this year Miguel Oliveira and Raúl Fernandez as well, Aprilia Racing team RNF riders. Riders Jacopo Cerutti and Francesco Montanari will also be on hand, from the fledgling Aprilia Racing team which won at its début astride a Tuareg 660 tuned by GCorse and Aprilia Racing in the Italian Motorally Championship. In addition, of course, to the champions who have made Aprilia the Italian and European brand with the most wins in World Championship Grand Prix racing with their victories, such as Max Biaggi, Loris Capirossi, and many others, all happy and willing to meet the fans. The jewels of Aprilia will be on display – the racing bikes that have earned 54 championship titles for the manufacturer from Veneto, as well as the current range, of course, available for test rides on the local roads.

The schedule promises to be extremely full, conceived to involve the public in the paddock in an exceptional series of activities, all to the soundtrack of Radio Deejay and M2O, present in Misano. All the riders who arrive astride their Aprilia bikes will be the absolute stars of the most thrilling moment, the great procession with the champions which will also continue off track this year, to make the grand finale even more spectacular.

The complete Aprilia All Stars schedule of events will soon be available online at Aprilia.com.

Roadracing World Young Guns 2023: Mikey Lou Sanchez

David Swarts

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April 20, 2023

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Roadracing World Young Guns 2023: Mikey Lou Sanchez

Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed North America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 27th consecutive year of showcasing what is actually an abundance of new talent.

Roadracing World Young Guns have won:

FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;

MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 12 MotoAmerica/AMA Pro Superbike Championships;

A KTM RC Cup World Final race;

The Daytona 200 (12 times);

WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;

ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;

USGPRU National Championships;

Many regional and local titles.

The competition has continually become more intense as more — and younger — racers with higher levels of accomplishments are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.

We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2023 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.

The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.

We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.

The entire Roadracing World Young Guns, Class of 2023 is featured in the April 2023 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine.

Mikey Lou Sanchez

Age: 12.

Current home: McDade, Texas (currently living in Alicante, Spain).

Current height/weight: 4′ 9″/79 pounds.

Current school grade level: 6th grade.

Began riding at age: 3 years.

First road race: 2018, Katy Texas, Texas Mini Grand Prix, Jr. Motard, 1st place.

Current racebike: BeOn PreMoto3.

Current tuner/mechanic: MRE Talent.

Primary race series: RFME ESBK PreMoto3 Spanish National Championship.

Top sponsors: Roadway Traffic Control, Texas Motorcycle Academy at Harris Hill, San Marcos Iron Doors, Williams Custom Painting, 212 Decals, Corsa Werks, Harris Hill Flattrackers, Moto Liberty, Paul Stamper, Mark Niemi, Ben Fondu, Stacy Pawelek, Theo Bick.

Recent racing accomplishments: 2022 season, placed 6^th in RFME ESBK Moto4 Spanish National Championship (1 win, 2 total podiums, 5 top-five finishes), placed 2^nd in CIV Moto4 Spanish Championship (6 podium finishes); 2021 season, finished 9th in Cuna de Campeones Moto5 Championship (1 podium, 4 top-5 finishes in 13 races), won CAV Moto5 National Championship race at Jerez, won multiple CMRA races; 2020 season, won MotoAmerica Mini Cup 110 and 160 National Championships, won 3 Texas Mini Grand Prix Championships, won 2 Mad Dog Flat Track Championships at Colin Edwards’ Texas Tornado Boot Camp; won a CMRA Formula 2 Novice race; 2019 season, won 45 Texas Mini Grand Prix races, won 11 American Super Mini GP races, won 7 CMRA races, won 8 Mad Dog Flat Track races.

2023 racing goals: Win RFME ESBK PreMoto3 races, finish in the top 3 in the Championship.

Racing career goal: Win the MotoGP World Championship.

Racing heroes: Kevin Schwantz, Colin Edwards, Ben Spies.

Favorite track: Circuit of The Americas.

Favorite hobby: Classic cars.

If I wasn’t racing I would be…: A cowboy.

Some of the riders who have graduated from Roadracing World Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);

2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Corey Alexander;

AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);

2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and AFT SuperTwins race winner J.D. Beach;

five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier;

MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;

former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;

three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;

former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;

2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;

2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;

four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);

Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;

two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;

2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;

2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and two-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;

two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2018 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship runner-up Hayden Gillim;

2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);

2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;

eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;

2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;

MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner Teagg Hobbs;

AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;

2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;

2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike podium finisher Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;

2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and current Moto2 World Championship competitor Sean Dylan Kelly;

Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;

two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;

2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;

MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;

MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;

AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;

Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;

AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and two-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;

2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;

2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;

2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;

2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and current powersports dealership owner Bryce Prince;

AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;

two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers race winner James Rispoli;

2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;

former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;

three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;

multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;

2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;

Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;

former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory West;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;

and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.

MotoAmerica: Mesa Subbing For Yaakov On MP13 Yamaha Again, At Road Atlanta

David Swarts

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April 19, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Mesa Subbing For Yaakov On MP13 Yamaha Again, At Road Atlanta

Stefano Mesa will once again ride in place of injured Kayla Yaakov in MotoAmerica REV’IT! Twins Cup this coming weekend at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

Yaakov, the first female to ever win a MotoAmerica race, was testing her Yamaha at Roebling Road Raceway on March 7, ahead of the Twins Cup season-opener at Daytona International Speedway, when she crashed and was struck by her motorcycle.

In addition to soft tissue damage to her right leg and knee, Yaakov suffered a fracture in her right fibula that is keeping her sidelined.

“It was a more aggressive fracture, and that’s the thing holding me back right now,” Yaakov told RoadracingWorld.com. “We just have some issues with my knee and my fibula, and right now the biggest thing is making sure my fibula is healed. My knee is doing really good. I have more and more strength each week…each day, even. We’ll be ready to go for Barber [May 19-21].”

Kayla Yaakov. Photo courtesy Kayla Yaakov. — Kayla Yaakov announced on social media that she will miss Road Atlanta. Photo courtesy Kayla Yaakov.

Journeyman racer Mesa, who filled in for Yaakov at Daytona and won Twins Cup Race Two there, will replace the injured 15-year-old again in Georgia, according to MP13 Racing Yamaha owner Melissa Paris.

This means that Mesa will pull double duty again, competing on the MP13 Racing Yamaha in Twins Cup and his Tytlers Cycle Racing Kawasaki in Supersport.

Mesa raced in Twins Cup and Super Hooligan at Daytona.

Yaakov said she will still attend the MotoAmerica event at Road Atlanta and will spend her time supporting her team as well as working on the MotoAmerica broadcasts during some of the races.

WorldSBK: Baz Will Try To Race At Assen

David Swarts

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April 19, 2023

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Start of the European season in WorldSBK: BMW Motorrad Motorsport travels to the ‘Cathedral of Speed’.

Assen is the venue for round three of the FIM Superbike World Championship 2023.
Home outing for Michael van der Mark from the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.
Loris Baz from the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team plans to return to action following his injury at Assen.

Munich. After a break of a few weeks, the European leg of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) begins this weekend for BMW Motorrad Motorsport. The iconic TT Circuit at Assen (NED) will host round three of WorldSBK 2023 from 21st to 23rd April. The races at the ‘Cathedral of Speed’ are a home outing for Michael van der Mark (NED) from the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. The headquarters of the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team, in the town of Cuxhaven in northern Germany, is also just two and a half hours down the motorway from Assen.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport has used the break in action to make more progress with the new BMW M 1000 RR. At the end of March, both teams attended tests at Barcelona, where they were able to evaluate various components and set-up solutions. The riders in action were van der Mark and Scott Redding (GBR) for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, and Garrett Gerloff (USA) for the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team.

Loris Baz (FRA) was unable to take part in the test, due to the injuries he sustained to his right leg at the second round of the season at Mandalika (IDN) at the start of March. However, he plans to return to the Assen grid, if the race doctors give him the green light to do so.

Gerloff travels straight to Assen from his native USA. Last weekend, he visited the MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin (USA), where he performed a demonstration run on the new BMW M 1000 RR MotoGP Safety Bike.

Quotes ahead of the Assen round.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “The break after the double-header in Australia and Indonesia was a long one, and you get the feeling that the season is now really getting underway. We saw a significant upward trend at Mandalika, but for various reasons were not always able to convert it into corresponding results. We have upped our game again during the break and evaluated various updates for the BMW M 1000 RR. Our goal is to cut the gap to the front-runners again at Assen, and thus to lay the foundation for a strong European season. Assen is something very special – the history, the atmosphere, the passionate fans. There is still some doubt about what weather we can expect, but we have to be prepared for everything. It is great that Loris feels ready for action again after his injuries, and that he will start if the doctors allow it. He will definitely still be impaired, but it is important for us all to also have his feedback for the set-up of the bikes.”

Garrett Gerloff, #31 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “I’m really excited to head to Assen this weekend straight from MotoGP at Austin. I had a great weekend at the Grand Prix with BMW, doing some PR stuff, but I’m obviously looking forward to getting back to racing myself. We had a test with the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team at Assen not so long ago and it was really good and productive. I had the feeling we figured out a bunch of stuff that we can use for the race weekend. So, I’m looking forward to it and will just try to go fast.”

Scott Redding, #45 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “Assen is a circuit that has been good for us in the past. I did not too bad there last year and hopefully we can improve a little bit. We have had a bit of time off which has been nice to regroup a little bit. Now let’s see what we can do. You never know what the weather will do at Assen, that is always a tricky one, but we will be there to do our best anyway.”

Michael van der Mark, #60 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “I am obviously happy to be racing again. It has been a long break since Indonesia but for me it was good to cure my injured fingers. It takes some time and is still not perfect but it will be no problem when riding. So it’s great to race again, especially at Assen in front of the Dutch fans. This year I am much fitter than last year so I am looking forward to it. The weather seems to be perfect so I can’t wait to go fast in front of my home fans.”

Loris Baz, #76 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “I was trying everything to be in Assen. I got the final approval from the surgeon on Friday morning, so all is good on this side. Now it’s all about how I’ll feel on the bike and we will see how it’s going to be. For sure, I have a lack of movement on the ankle and the knee, so especially in the right corners, I have to see how it’s going to be. It’s definitely not dangerous at all, there is no risk, at least no more risk than normal. I am training and working as hard as I can with the physio and all the people around me. I’m really looking forward to being in Assen. I really love that track! It would have been a heartbreak for me not to be at Assen. I’ll just do the best I can. If I feel good, I’ll push as hard as I can to go and improve the bike. If the ankle is a bit of a problem on Friday, then we’ll maybe decide to just take it more easy. At the moment it’s very hard to understand what to expect, but I’m just really happy to be back on the bike. It’s been a tough six weeks, but we were lucky with the calendar.”

Honda Confirms Returning miniMOTO, Scooter, And Trials Models

David Swarts

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April 19, 2023

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Honda Confirms Returning miniMOTO, Scooter and Trials Models

ALPHARETTA, Georgia

Trail125 receives engine updates for 2023 model year

Also returning: Ruckus, Metropolitan and Montesa Cota

In an announcement today, American Honda confirmed the return of a number of two-wheel products for model-years 2023 and 2024. A diverse range of categories is represented, highlighting Honda’s commitment to producing high-quality machines for casual riders, nostalgia-driven customers and niche-focused enthusiasts.

Honda’s retro-inspired Trail125 receives a new engine and a new color for 2023. The efficiency-focused advancements align the popular model with its miniMOTO relatives, especially the Super Cub. Returning for the 2024 model year, the iconic Ruckus and classic Metropolitan scooters continue to provide approachable and practical urban transportation. On the trials front, the two Montesa Cota 4RT models are back for 2023, following another incredible season of FIM World Trials competition in which Repsol Honda’s Toni Bou captured his record 32nd world title (16 indoor, 16 outdoor).

“Each of these models has a rich history and a loyal following, so we’re pleased to continue offering them for our customers,” said Brandon Wilson, American Honda Manager of Sports & Experiential. “From the affordable and user-friendly Trail125, Ruckus and Metropolitan to the highly specialized Montesa Cota 4RT models, Honda takes great pride in serving all types of two-wheel enthusiasts, regardless of how they choose to pursue their particular adventure.”

Trail125

Honda’s Trail125 is proof that classics never go out of style. Inspired by the original Honda CT models of the 1960s, the model has an authentic, vintage look, evoking the “You Meet the Nicest People On a Honda” ethos for which the brand has always been known. Hidden behind its classic aesthetic is state-of-the-art technology that enables confidence-inspiring performance and modern riding comfort. As the rugged cousin of the Super Cub, the Trail125 is well-suited for everything from urban adventures to casual off-road treks. Approachable, fun and versatile, this nostalgic miniMOTO delivers on all fronts.

MSRP: $3,999

Color: Pearl Organic Green

Available: April

Info

Ruckus

While a diminutive stature is one of the most noticeable attributes of Honda’s Ruckus, discounting it on those grounds would be a mistake. After all, this character-rich model has launched an entire subculture of scooter customization and group rides. Its exposed frame, dual round headlights, affordable price and ease of use make it a great option for unique around-town transportation, with some owners content to leave it in stock form, while others opt to personalize it to their desired look and application. Either way, the Ruckus is guaranteed to turn heads wherever it goes.

MSRP: $2,899

Colors: Black; Beige

Available: April

Info

Metropolitan

Purchase considerations for around-town transportation don’t get much more practical than affordability and reliability—both of which Honda’s Metropolitan offers in spades. Still, that doesn’t mean style can’t be a factor, as evidenced by this scooter’s European-inspired like sleek, rounded bodywork. It also boasts utility-focused features including in-dash and under-seat storage compartments, as well as a convenient hook for securing a bag. From daily commuting to enjoying a Sunday coffee-shop outing, the Metropolitan makes getting around a lot more fun.

MSRP: $2,649

Color: Matte Armored Green Metallic; Blue Metallic

Available: May

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Montesa Cota

Designed, developed and produced in Barcelona, Spain—the unofficial capital of trials, and the home of Montesa’s factory—the Cota models are elite machines that are capable of tackling the most impossible sections imaginable. That’s why Montesa (a subsidiary of Honda) is the choice of perennial FIM World Trials Champion Toni Bou, who was heavily involved in the development of the 4RT301RR and 4RT260R. Together, this pair of models addresses the needs of any trials rider.

MSRP

2023 Montesa Cota 4RT260R: $9,299

2023 Montesa Cota 4RT301: $11,899

2023 Montesa Cota 4RT301RR: $11,899

Colors:

2023 Montesa Cota 4RT260R: Red

2023 Montesa Cota 4RT301: Blue Metallic

2023 Montesa Cota 4RT301RR: White

Available: May

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MotoAmerica: Hayes Chasing Historic Win At Road Atlanta

David Swarts

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April 19, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Hayes Chasing Historic Win At Road Atlanta

Veterans, Newbies, Known Names, New Names Are Ready To Roll at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

Plenty Of New Faces And Established Stars Set For MotoAmerica’s Opening Round In Georgia

IRVINE, CA (April 19, 2023) – While two MotoAmerica Championships got their start in early March at Daytona International Speedway, three more classes will join the premier Medallia Superbike class in getting their fresh beginning of a new season with those title chases kicking off at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, April 21-23.

Mission King Of The Baggers and REV’IT! Twins Cup got their seasons rolling in Florida as support classes for the non-points-paying Daytona 200 (which features Supersport-class motorcycles), but Stock 1000, Junior Cup and Supersport will open their championships at the iconic Road Atlanta this weekend.

Supersport – A New Champion Guaranteed

With Josh Herrin making a return to the Medallia Superbike Championship, the only thing we can count on is that the Supersport title will go to a new champion in 2023 in what promises to be a wide-open affair between young guns and seasoned veterans.

With four of the top five from last year’s championship not entered in the opening round of the series at Road Atlanta, others have come from other classes and/or have changed teams.

The ex-Herrin Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Panigale V2 may be the most coveted ride in the class, and it falls this year to Spaniard Xavi Forés. Forés made his debut on the bike at Daytona, but a mechanical problem thwarted his progress before it really got going as it put him out of the 200 early. Thus, his season really begins at Road Atlanta. If he’s like any of the Europeans who have come before him, those first laps of Road America will open his eyes.

There is no more of a veteran in the class than four-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes. Though he’s not sure of how many races he and the Squid Hunter Racing team will partake in this season, Road Atlanta is a definite and Hayes will be attempting to put his name into the record books as his next MotoAmerica victory will be his 87th and it will make him the winningest rider in AMA road racing history across all classes.

On the other end of the spectrum is Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott, the youngster finishing third in last years’ title chase while winning the first race of his promising career at Road America. Scott will be back on the same Suzuki GSX-R750 for the same team and will start the championship as one of the favorites. Scott will be joined on the team by another youngster, Teagg Hobbs.

Michael Gilbert Racing’s Michael Gilbert returns to the Supersport ranks after several seasons in the Stock 1000 class. Gilbert will be racing a Team Hammer built Suzuki GSX-R750.

While Hayes may be the most veteran of those in Supersport, Stefano Mesa would come close to matching him in miles raced. Journeyman racer Mesa is slated to ride a Tytlers Cycle Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R in the series.

Cory Ventura moves to the Disrupt Racing team for 2023 after a few quality outings as a fill-in rider last year on the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team. Ventura will likely benefit from being under the same awning as veteran Hayden Gillim, who will ride Disrupt Racing Suzukis in the Superbike and Stock 1000 classes.

Others looking to make an impact on the class include the two-rider North East Cycle Outlet Racing team of CJ LaRoche and Anthony Mazziotto, Team Brazil’s Danilo Lewis, Altus Motorsports’ Jaret Nassaney, and Gilbert’s teammate Alejandro Thermiotis.

Stock 1000 – Too Many To Choose From

Forty-one Stock 1000 riders will attempt to qualify for the two races in the series opener and, again, the 2022 class champion isn’t among them. While series champ Corey Alexander will focus his efforts on the Medallia Superbike Championship in 2023, last year’s runner-up Hayden Gillim will again do double duty on his pair of Disrupt Racing Suzukis and will compete in both Stock 1000 and Medallia Superbike. And Gillim, with five wins in 2022, will most definitely start the season as the favorite in Stock 1000.

Travis Wyman Racing’s Travis Wyman, who finished third in the 2022 championship, is also returning with his BMW M 1000 RR after a six-podium season a year ago. Not as fortunate is Brandon Paasch with the New Jerseyan out of action at least for the early part of the year after breaking a bone in his back in a motocross training accident. Paasch’s spot on the Altus Motorsports Suzuki has been taken over by Anthony Norton.

Orange Cat Racing will field two riders in the Stock 1000 class – Ezra Beaubier and Kaleb De Keyrel. Beaubier raced for the team last year and ended the year ranked ninth while De Keyrel is new to the class after finishing fourth in the REV’IT! Twins Cup Championship in 2022 a season after earning the title in the class.

Whether or not Road Atlanta marks the final race of a great career for Geoff May remains to be seen, but the veteran is entered to compete in the Stock 1000 class in his native Georgia. May is entered on the same Geoff May Racing Honda CBR1000RR-R SP that he rode to fifth in last year’s championship.

Junior Cup – Fresh Faces

There are lots of new faces set to do battle in the Junior Cup class with 24 riders entered for the opener at Road Atlanta.

New faces? Well, for starters, Max Van is the only rider entered for this weekend’s two Junior Cup races who finished in the top five in last year’s championship. Last year’s champion Cody Wyman? Gone to REV’IT! Twins Cup. Ditto for Gus Rodio, Kayla Yaakov and Joe LiMandri Jr.

Beyond Max Van, the next highest finishing rider in the class from 2022 who is returning is Bad Boys Racing’s Avery Dreher, who ended up seventh a year ago. Bicknese Racing’s Hayden Bicknese (eighth last year) also returns along with 3D Motorsports’ Chase Black (ninth in 2022) and Yandel Racing’s Yandel Medina (11th).

Headlining the list of new faces is Fairium NGRT – Gray Area Racing’s Rossi Moor, the dominant Mini Cup by Motul rider from the 2021 season. In addition to being new to the class, Moor will also be riding the only KTM RC 390 R in this year’s series. Remember, however, that Tyler Scott rode a KTM to the title in 2021.

The only other non-Kawasaki Ninja 400 in this year’s title chase is the Yamaha YZF-R3, which will be ridden by MP13 Racing’s Aiden Sneed.

REV’IT! Twins Cup – The Champ Is Back

REV’IT Twins Cup is one of the classes where last year’s champion will be back to try and defend his title. That rider is N2/BobbleHeadMoto’s Blake Davis, the young Virginian who came away with the title after his six-podium, three-victory effort a season ago on his Yamaha YZF-R7.

And REV’IT! Twins Cup is also one of two classes that started its championship at Daytona with a two-race opening round. The two races were won by Rodio Racing – Powered By Robem Engineering Aprilia’s Gus Rodio and by Stefano Mesa who was filling in for the injured Kayla Yaakov on the MP13 Racing Yamaha.

Davis, who finished with a pair of fourths at Daytona, is already under the gun as many of the riders he battled with a year ago are back for another crack at the title chase.

Optimum Performance Motorsports’ Jody Barry is likely one of the hungriest after a stellar early 2022 season had him atop the point standings for most of the season. However, a less-than-stellar late season pushed him down to second in the title chase and tied with Anthony Mazziotto, who has moved to the Supersport class for 2023. Barry started his season with sixth- and seventh-place finishes.

Of the riders moving up to REV’IT! Twins Cup, it was Rodio who started with a bang at Daytona, winning race one and finishing second in race two, he leads the championship by nine points over Jackson Blackmon.

Blackmon had a great weekend at Daytona, especially so, considering it was his first race back from a badly broken ankle that kept him out of most of the races a year ago. Blackmon rode his Track Day Winner/Blackmon Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 to second and third at Daytona.

Another nine points behind Rodio after leaving Daytona with third-and fifth-place finishes is Cycle Tech’s Hayden Schultz, who is just one point ahead of Davis.

Other riders expected to challenge in the REV’IT! Twins Cup class are non-defending Junior Cup Champion Cody Wyman, Altus Motorsports Joe LiMandri Jr., Rodio’s teammate Ben Gloddy and Team Iso’s Dominic Doyle with the latter two having Daytonas they’d rather forget. Doyle crashed twice, taking Gloddy with him the first time and leaving Gloddy injured and unable to take part in race two. Both are entered to compete at Road Atlanta.

Mission King Of The Baggers – Let The War Resume

The first of what will be a season-long war between Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle riders in the Mission King Of The Baggers Championship got their start at Daytona International Speedway in early March and round one went to Harley-Davidson – though probably not to the Harley-Davidsons you expected.

The man at the top of the championship as the series pulls into Road Atlanta for round two is Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson’s James Rispoli, the New Yorker who now calls Florida home winning his first-career Baggers race in race one at Daytona and finishing second in race two. That adds up to a nice little haul of 45 points.

Second in the title chase after Daytona? Well, that would be Rispoli’s Vance & Hines teammate Hayden Gillim by virtue of his second-and third-place finishes. Third in the championship after Daytona? Still not a factory Harley-Davidson or Indian, but instead Team Saddlemen Harley-Davidson’s Cory West with his pair of fourths from Daytona.

Then came the big guns – 2021 Mission King Of The Baggers Champion Kyle Wyman and 2022 Champion Tyler O’Hara of the H-D Screamin’ Eagle and Indian Motorcycle/Progressive/Mission Foods Indian teams in fourth and fifth, respectively.

Kyle Wyman was a non-finisher in race one and then dominated race two; O’Hara was third in race one and a rather remarkable 11th in race two despite tire issues.

O’Hara’s teammate Jeremy McWilliams also struggled with a fifth in race one and similar tire woes pushing him back to an even more impressive eighth in race two.

The second of the Wyman brothers on the factory Harley team, Travis Wyman, is likely looking forward to Road Atlanta more than anyone in the class as mechanical issues forced him out of both Daytona races. He arrives in Georgia with zero points – 45 points behind Rispoli.

Road Atlanta Support Class Notes

Kyle Wyman won last year’s Mission King Of The Baggers race at Road Atlanta with the 2021 class champion besting James Rispoli and Tyler O’Hara.

Kyle Wyman’s fastest lap in the race was also the fastest lap of the weekend for a Bagger with his 1:31.789 making him the only rider to dip into the 1:31s. Wyman also had the fastest lap from Q1 with a 1:31.874.

The lone Stock 1000 race last year at Road Atlanta was won by Corey Alexander by just .001 of a second over Michael Gilbert. Travis Wyman finished third.

Josh Herrin got his Supersport season off to a perfect start a year ago at Road Atlanta with the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC-backed Panigale V2 rider taking victories in both races. Herrin beat Sam Lochoff and Benjamin Smith in race one and topped Lochoff and Rocco Landers in race two.

Jody Barry beat Teagg Hobbs by just .073 of a second to win the REV’IT! Twins Cup race in Braselton in 2022 with Ben Gloddy finishing third.

In Junior Cup action, it was Cody Wyman besting Max Van and Joe LiMandri Jr. in race one with Max Van beating Aden Thao and Kayla Yaakov in race two.

Fourteen Mission King Of The Baggers races have been held, including the very first invitational race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in 2020, and there have been six different winners in series history. Kyle Wyman, the 2021 class champion, leads the way with six wins, followed by defending class champion Tyler O’Hara’s four victories. Jeremy McWilliams, Travis Wyman, Bobby Fong and James Rispoli each have a victory.

While on the subject of parity, the REV’IT! Twins Cup series has plenty of it with 21 different winners in a class that started its sixth season at Daytona in March with two new winners – Gus Rodio and Stefano Mesa. The all-time leader in class victories is Kaleb De Keyrel with 10 wins. For 2023, De Keyrel moves to the Stock 1000 class on an Orange Cat Racing BMW M 1000 RR.

About MotoAmerica

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

Pipe Dreams Podcast (And Video): Episode Five – Briar Bauman

David Swarts

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April 19, 2023

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Pipe Dreams Podcast (And Video): Episode Five – Briar Bauman

Editorial Note: Scroll down to watch the video of the podcast.

Back To Eating Cold Soup

April 19th, 2023 – Deland, Florida

MotoAmerica / American Flat Track Racers Corey Alexander and James Rispoli are pleased to release Episode 5 of their Pipe Dreams Podcast featuring two-time American Flat Track SuperTwins Champion and pilot of the Rick Ware Racing KTM in 2023, Briar Bauman.

Briar is a 27-year-old California native now splitting his time between Florida and Pennsylvania. He and his brother Bronson together have chased the same dream of becoming American Flat Track champions for nearly their entire lives, even sharing the opportunity to ride for a factory team alongside each other in 2021.

After reaching the pinnacle of the sport and battling with one of the all time greats, Jared Mees, Briar is facing a new challenge in 2023 as he has given up his factory seat to pursue championships as a privateer yet again alongside his wife and fellow racer, Shayna Texter.

Briar shares with us his long and trying journey to the top, the struggle to stay there, and now the next chapter of his career aboard an unproven machine. He also offers some insight into his personal life at home this past off-season which he feels was the hardest of his career.

You can follow Briar on social media via @briarbauman or of course watch him in action at an American Flat Track race near you.

Listen Now

Available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the fifth full episode with Briar launches today. Video of the episode can be viewed on Spotify and YouTube.

About Pipe Dreams Podcast:

Pipe Dreams Podcast launched in 2023 by MotoAmerica and American Flat Track riders Corey Alexander and James Rispoli in an effort to share the stories of fellow racers and motorsport professionals around the world. The podcast releases twice per month for streaming on all major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube. Production and editing is curated by videographer Sam Thurman. Follow @pipedreams_pod on social media or visit https://anchor.fm/pipe-dreams to listen now.

MotoAmerica: More Road Atlanta Previews (Updated)

April 20, 2023

Mathew Scholtz (11). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Westby Racing.