Roadracing World Young Guns 2023: Nathan Gouker

David Swarts

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April 12, 2023

Roadracing World Young Guns 2023: Nathan Gouker

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.

Nathan Gouker

Age: 11.

Current home: Lexington, North Carolina.

Current height/weight: 4’7”/78 pounds.

Current school grade level: 5^th grade.

Began riding at age: 4 years.

First road race: 2018, Alton, VA, SFLminiGP, Spec 50, 3^rd place.

Current racebikes: Ohvale 110, Ohvale 160, Moriwaki 250, Honda NSF250R.

Current tuners/mechanics: Dale Quarterley, Phillip Gouker (father).

Primary race series: MotoAmerica Mini Cup, ASRA/CCS, WERA.

Top sponsors: CP Motorsports, Stadler America LLC, 1/4ley Racing, KYT Americas, VO2 Leathers, Cornerspin, Ohvale USA, Fast Glass Media, Motul USA, 35 Motorsports, 64 Degree Racing, Elite Garageworkz, Carolina Supermoto, Daniels Tire, Ride Supermoto.

Recent racing accomplishments: 2022 season, won MotoAmerica Mini Cup 110 and 160 National Championships, finished 12^th overall in FIM MiniGP World Finals at Valencia, won 10 WERA Sportsman Regional Novice Championships (won 29 races from 32 starts with WERA).

2023 racing goals: Win MotoAmerica Mini Cup 160 Championship again, win more WERA Championships.

Racing career goal: To make a living racing at the highest level I can.

Racing hero: Jack Miller.

Favorite track: Road Atlanta.

Favorite hobby: Riding my One Wheel.

If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Racing my One Wheel.

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.

Lightning: Recharging Nearly As Quickly As Filling A Tank

David Swarts

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April 11, 2023

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Lightning: Recharging Nearly As Quickly As Filling A Tank

By Michael Gougis

Range and charge time–those are the biggest concerns for riders who are considering electric motorcycles. Lightning Motorcycles says that its newest vehicles have slashed the charge time for an electric bike, with less than 10 minutes required to pour enough power into the bike to go 135 miles.

Lightning Motorcycles CEO and founder Richard Hatfield said in a video call this week that the latest technology batteries from Enevate Corp. for the Lightning Strike sportbike hold more energy, but more importantly, allow dramatically quicker charge times. This makes the Strike more useful for day-to-day use, and makes longer rides more practical.

Lightning Motorcycles CEO and founder Richard Hatfield. Photos courtesy Lightning Motorcycles.

The breakthrough, Hatfield says, is due to a change in the battery construction. The Enevate battery uses a silicon anode cell that holds 15 to 20% more energy than current battery constructions, and can accept the charge more rapidly. Re-engineering all of the components involved in the charging process allowed the company to take advantage of the rapid charging rate, he says.

“The cells will hold more energy than most of the cells that are available right now, and they allow us to push in a lot more energy more quickly. We can use the same Level Three chargers that the cars use and charge three, four, five times faster than the cars,” Hatfield says. “When we achieved the point where we could push that kind of power into the battery, then we had to look at all the components in that chain and ensure that they were capable of doing that on a continuous basis.

“Once we had the cells, then we had to consider the thermal management of the cells and all of the components between the Level Three fast charger and the cells–the interconnections of the cells, the cabling from the cells, the contacts, the connectors, the fuses.”

Just having better batteries isn’t enough. The rest of the vehicle has to be re-engineered to take advantage of the additional capabilities, Hatfield says.

“If you think about this as a racebike, if you have more power in the engine, then it creates a lot of other issues in the chassis, and in using that power. Each time you push it forward, you find new bottlenecks that have to be addressed,” he says.

One of the biggest challenges in trying to recharge batteries more quickly is heat management. Hatfield says the company relies on airflow management and advanced software to tailor the flow of energy during recharging to keep the cells below 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

“You have to remove that heat or components start to fail. Also the algorithms as far as how we charge, how we taper the charge, all of that’s important to optimize the charge feed,” Hatfield says.

Because the cells are in limited production currently, they are approximately 20% more expensive than existing batteries, Hatfield says. But in full production, they are expected to be cheaper than current batteries.

And the rapid recharge rate makes it possible to look at different market segments for electic vehicles. Hatfield says his company already has modeled the performance of an electric motorcycle with the size and performance of a big tourer–and estimates that one could be built with a 300-mile range between charges!

MotoGP: Pirro Riding In Place Of Bastianini At COTA

David Swarts

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April 11, 2023

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MotoGP: Pirro Riding In Place Of Bastianini At COTA

Enea Bastianini to miss the Americas GP

After completing a few laps at Misano with the Panigale V4S, the Ducati Lenovo Team rider underwent a further check-up in Forlì at Dr Porcellini’s clinic, who confirmed that Bastianini will still need a few more weeks to fully recover from the right shoulder injury sustained in the Portuguese GP.

Enea will therefore continue his rehabilitation with the aim of returning to the track in Jerez and will be replaced in Texas by Michele Pirro.

MotoAmerica: CW Moto Signs Benjamin Smith For Superbike

David Swarts

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April 11, 2023

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MotoAmerica: CW Moto Signs Benjamin Smith For Superbike

CW Moto Racing announces step up to Superbike with Benjamin Smith; welcomes Track Day Winner as sponsor

April 11, 2023

Benjamin Smith #78 joins CW Moto Racing Yamaha R1 for MotoAmerica Superbike for 2023; CW also supporting Mallory Dobbs Racing

Seattle, WA – CW Moto Racing is pleased to announce that Benjamin Smith will pilot the team’s Yamaha R1 Superbike for the 2023 season. The team is also excited to welcome Track Day Winner as a sponsor for the early season of our Superbike program.

Team owner and crew chief Chris Lobkovich made the call to step up to Superbike when this season’s schedule and location changes for Stock 1000 were published. After a lengthy search for rider talent, which yielded strong potential collaboration possibilities the team is excited about for the future, CW Moto selected Smith for this year’s rider talent.

“Ben’s such a great athlete and talented rider,” said Lobkovich. “We noticed and admire his work ethic and what he was able to accomplish last season with the North East Cycle Outlet Team in Supersport. We had an opportunity to spend some time with Ben in Chuckwalla this off-season and were able to get him comfortable on the CW Moto Yamaha R1 quickly. He actually got up to speed on the bike really quickly, and worked well both with us and our extended team. Ben has a lot of support in the paddock, and we’re really excited to work with him this season.”

“Rising through the ranks, I’ve been able to steadily improve my knowledge and skills, collecting a national championship and numerous podiums along the way,” Smith added. “I’m ready to make the jump to the Superbike class in 2023, which is something I have been working towards since the beginning of my career. Having CW Moto supporting me is an honor, and I know they will put a great program together for me. I think we have an opportunity to open some eyes this season!”

Lobkovich and the team made the call to step up from Stock 1000 to Superbike when the 2023 event calendar was released.

“We totally understand why MotoAmerica made the changes to the schedule they did,”said Lobkovich. “We looked at the schedule and after much deliberation, decided that as a team and business based on the West Coast, with the support of the incredible racing community and our sponsors out here, we had to choose a class operating at the Ridge and Laguna Seca. We’re excited about the challenge: it’s always been our goal to end up in Superbike. We’re always learning, and we might as well compete with and learn from the best in the country.”

CW Moto is also thrilled to welcome Track Day Winner and owner John Cook as a round sponsor for this season’s events at Atlanta, Barber, and COTA. Started almost as a “dare” in 2011, Track Day Winner now has over 4,000 members and operates mostly in the eastern/southeastern USA. TDW works hard to provide a safe and memorable track day experience for everyone, always serving up a great meal every Saturday night to encourage our members to interact off the track and build the “family” atmosphere that the organization promotes.

“Track Day Winner has been working with and sponsoring numerous talented clubman level and professional level riders for many years now,” according to John Cook, founder and owner of Track Day Winner. “Being a part of his efforts for the past few years, Benjamin Smith has always shown himself to be a very dedicated and super skilled rider, so it was a natural step for TDW to continue helping him live his dream. He’s always had his eye on Superbike, and we believe that this incredible opportunity with CW Moto will be a perfect match for both rider and team!”

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with someone who’s been a part of and supporter of the sport as long as John and TDW have. We couldn’t make the move into Superbike happen without this kind of support. John and TDW have been long-time supporters of Ben, and we’re really grateful John and Track Day Winner are able to support this collaboration,” Lobkovich added.

In addition, CW Moto is very proud to be providing technical support for Mallory Dobbs Racing, in support of Mallory’s two-class program in MotoAmerica this season. Mallory is riding the Ducati Richmond Hypermotard (built by CW Moto) in the Super Hooligans class, and is privateering her own SuperSport program this season.

Mallory Dobbs (36) . Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy CW Moto Racing.

“We got to know Mallory in the WMRRA (Washington Motorcycle Road Racing) paddock last season, and saw her grit, talent, and potential,” said CW Moto Co-Owner, Sara Lobkovich. “It’s been rewarding to watch Mallory put in so much effort over the off-season both on her riding and carving out her role as a professional in the sport. She surprised me with her season opener at Daytona, and I’m really looking forward to seeing her turn some heads this season.”

Last, the team would like to thank RayJen Motorsports for providing transportation for our MotoAmerica program this season. RayJen is based in Washington State and handling transportation for the full season and between rounds by arrangement (including a possible spot for an East Coast team who needs a one-bike transport to and from the West Coast for the Ridge Motorsports Park and Laguna Seca rounds). For more information, contact [email protected].

About Benjamin Smith

Benjamin Smith, 22, of Glenmoore Pennsylvania is an accomplished road racer with seven seasons of MotoAmerica competition under his belt. Smith finished 4th overall in the 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship, and is a multi-time regional championship club racer, 2017 KTM RC Cup Champion, and a KTM RC Cup world finale competitor. He balances his racing career with attending Penn State University, where he will complete his degree in strategic communications in May.

About Track Day Winner

Track Day Winner is a rider-focused track day organization operating in the eastern/southeastern USA. We provide excellent coaching and host some of the safest and FUN track day events for every skill level. Visit our website at www.trackdaywinner.com or like and follow us on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/trackdaywinner/

About Mallory Dobbs Racing

Mallory Dobbs, 29, is an Olympia Washington native who rode her first motorcycle in 2016 and started her road racing career in 2017 with an impressive resume for such a short amount of time. This will be her first full season with MotoAmerica, with two top 15 finishes in Supersport at her debut at The Ridge Motorsports Park in 2022. She finished 6th overall for the WMRRA season in 2022 with multiple class wins and has continued to hone her skills this winter racing at the Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) where she is currently leading the Supersport Middleweight championship. For the 2023 season, she owns and will be managing her personal racing team while maintaining her day job as a civil engineer. Connect with Mallory via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maldobbs126/ or Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/MalloryDobbsRacing .

About CW Moto Racing

CW Moto Racing is a Seattle, Washington-based race team and race shop focused on excellence and innovation: we build fast bikes for serious riders. In addition to the CW Moto Racing program, the team provides race prep and track-oriented services for committed riders who need trusted help achieving their motorsports goals, and support for heritage race and street bikes, and collection restoration. Again this year, our individual supporters have access to a growing exclusive behind-the-scenes community that’s as close to the paddock as you can get from home. For more information, visit http://cwmoto.com or follow us on Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter at @cw_moto.

MotoAmerica: Scholtz Says Latest Test Unlocked More Performance

David Swarts

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April 11, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Scholtz Says Latest Test Unlocked More Performance

Westby Racing Completes Preseason Test Schedule On A High Note

Tulsa, OK – April 11, 2023 – Last week at Buttonwillow Raceway Park in Buttonwillow, California, Westby Racing and its rider Mathew Scholtz completed their fourth and final preseason test in the lead up to round one of the MotoAmerica Superbike season, which will take place on April 21-23 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia.

According to Westby Racing crew chief Ed Sullivan, it was the best and most-productive test so far for Mathew and the team. Not only were the weather conditions favorable, but everything the team had been working on over the previous three tests came to fruition, with updates to the #11 Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike’s electronics, engine, front and rear suspension, chassis settings, and new-spec Dunlop tires all working in harmony to help make Mathew comfortable and fast leading into the 2023 MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship.

In addition to the positive changes on the bike, Ed mentioned that the addition of data technician Freddy Carswell of Superbike Unlimited and chassis technician Quentin Wilson has enabled Westby Racing to jell quickly as a cohesive unit with incumbent members Robert Jensen, Olli Rajasaari, and of course, team manager Chuck Giacchetto and team owner Tryg Westby.

“The final Buttonwillow test was our best one this year,” Mathew said. “We have a really good understanding of the new electronics package, and I now feel like I can ride the bike in a manner that better suits my style. Our testing has opened up a new level of performance, and it’s also increased my level of trust in the bike. I’m excited to see how everything works and feels next week at Road Atlanta.”

Mathew and the Westby Racing team are ready to make their season debut at round one of the 2023 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship at Road Atlanta next weekend. Be sure to join them there and/or subscribe to MotoAmerica Live+ for streaming coverage of practices, qualifying, and two feature races.

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

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

MotoGP: Marc Marquez Not Racing At COTA

David Swarts

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April 11, 2023

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Marc Marquez to miss Americas GP and continue recovery

Following a final CAT scan, Marc Marquez and his medical team, led by Dr. Ignacio Roger de Oña, at the Ruber Internacional Hospital in Madrid have confirmed the first metacarpal is still in the healing process. After close collaboration with the Repsol Honda Team and HRC, all involved have elected to let the injury fully heal and avoid any unnecessary risks.

Marquez will continue to work through his rehabilitation program at home in order to return at full fitness as soon as possible.

New Indian Pursuit Elite Joins Chieftain Elite In 2023 Lineup

David Swarts

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April 11, 2023

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New Indian Pursuit Elite Joins Chieftain Elite In 2023 Lineup

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE DELIVERS SOPHISTICATED STYLE & BEST-IN-CLASS V-TWIN TOURING PERFORMANCE WITH NEW INDIAN PURSUIT ELITE, ANNOUNCES RETURN OF HIGHLY EXCLUSIVE CHIEFTAIN ELITE

Crafted as the Ultimate in American V-Twin Style & Exclusivity, Indian Pursuit Elite & Chieftain Elite Combine Eye-Catching Style with Premium Componentry

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (April 11, 2023) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today introduced the Indian Pursuit to its limited-edition Elite class of motorcycles and announced the return of its ultra-premium Chieftain Elite. Featuring premium componentry, each Elite model is crafted as the ultimate in American V-Twin style and exclusivity.

“When we first introduced the 2018 Chieftain Elite, we wanted to create an offering that was not just limited in quantity, but exclusive in nature with custom details straight from the factory,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle. “Today, with jewel-like finishes, our Elite line of baggers and touring models truly represent the best-of-the-best and deliver a statement like nothing else on the road.”

Indian Pursuit Elite

With only 150 units available worldwide, 2023 marks the debut for the Indian Pursuit Elite. Known as the most capable and refined American touring machine on the road, the Indian Pursuit Elite offers sophisticated style and unparalleled comfort and performance. Designed for riders who value the journey as much as the destination, the Indian Pursuit Elite is packed with premium amenities and advanced ride-enhancing technology to achieve a more comfortable ride.

Sophisticated Style

The Pursuit Elite’s premium Super Graphite Metallic and Black Metallic paint with Shadow Bronze Chrome accents exude sophistication. Color-matched Elite badging and premium components complete the bike’s beautiful design.

Best-In-Class Performance

Taking center stage of the Indian Pursuit Elite is the 108 cubic-inch, liquid cooled PowerPlus engine. With best-in-class 122 horsepower and 128 ft-lbs. of torque, the Indian Pursuit Elite delivers incredible V-twin touring performance with unmatched passing power.

Premium Amenities & Ride Enhancing Technology

The Indian Pursuit Elite allows riders to enjoy long, epic rides in comfort and style. Electronically adjustable rear suspension preload from Fox® allows riders to adjust their preload for optimal comfort and handling under varying conditions. Whether riding solo, two-up or carrying more cargo – the electronically adjustable rear suspension preload is managed from the convenience of the bike’s infotainment system. Plus, the Indian Pursuit Elite offers Smart Lean Technology using a Bosch® Inertial Measurement Unit to tune traction control, ABS, and torque for even more control and unsurpassed handling. Backlit switch cubes improve the rider’s ability to see the bike’s controls at night, while the Pathfinder Adaptive LED Headlight combined with Pathfinder S LED driving lights and saddlebag lights deliver improved visibility and more eye-catching style in dark conditions. Providing a luxurious ride experience, both rider and passenger get a heated seat with adjustable controls on the seat and infotainment system, and premium styling.

In addition, each Indian Pursuit Elite is equipped with an industry-leading seven-inch touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND and offers Apple CarPlay® integration, turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth® connectivity, one year of RIDE COMMAND+ connected features and more. Riders can cut through road and engine noise with Powerband Audio which works seamlessly with the RIDE COMMAND system to set the mood for the trip. Built-in amplifiers, a 9-band equalizer, and 16 speakers provide crystal clear sound at any speed. Equipped with remote-locking storage, riders can keep all cargo protected inside the spacious, weatherproof saddlebags and trunk. For riders looking to achieve further customization, a quick release low profile trunk is available as a color-matched accessory.

Chieftain Elite

Designed for riders who demand the best of the best and want to stand out from the crowd, the 2023 Chieftain Elite features meaner and more aggressive styling with custom-inspired details straight from the factory. With only 175 units available globally the Chieftain Elite is a limited build and highly exclusive.

Custom-Inspired Style

The new Chieftain Elite’s eye-catching paint scheme featuring Super Graphite Smoke is complemented by premium Shadow Bronze chrome finishes and Indian Motorcycle headdress floorboards.

Offering an even more custom look, the Chieftain Elite’s open fender showcases a new 10-spoke precision machined front wheel. Standard to the Chieftain Elite is fender-to-fender, as the Adaptive Pathfinder LED headlight and rear saddlebag LED lights provide head-turning style at night. An adjustable tinted flare windshield raises or lowers to the rider’s preferred position with the push of a handlebar-mounted button for ultimate comfort.

Unmatched, Air-Cooled Performance

Packing the most powerful Indian Motorcycle air-cooled engine, the Thunderstroke 116, the Chieftain Elite delivers 126 ft-lbs of torque. Rear cylinder deactivation improves rider comfort when riding through slower traffic, while three selectable ride modes, including Tour, Standard and Sport, allow riders to adjust the bike’s throttle response to match their riding style.

Premium Amenities & Ride-Enhancing Technology

Like the Indian Pursuit Elite, the Chieftain Elite features the seven-inch touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND with Apple CarPlay®, GPS with navigation, and RIDE COMMAND+ features, like live traffic and weather overlays, and a vehicle locator feature. As standard equipment, the 2023 Chieftain Elite features backlit switch cubes, an integrated PowerBand audio system, and includes ABS, keyless ignition, tire pressure monitoring, as well as weatherproof and remote-locking saddlebags with more than 18 gallons of storage. For riders looking to personalize their ride, color matched accessories are available including a quick release touring and low-profile trunk, as well as hard lower fairings.

Pricing for Indian Pursuit Elite and Chieftain Elite begin at $39,999 and $35,499, respectively, and will begin shipping to dealers around the world in spring 2023.

Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com, or by following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth Sig, Inc.

Apple CARPLAY® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

BOSCH® is registered to Robert Bosch GmbH

FOX® is a registered trademark of Fox Factory Inc.

Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC

ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE

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 is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

Roadracing World Young Guns 2023: Ben Gloddy

David Swarts

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April 11, 2023

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Roadracing World Young Guns 2023: Ben Gloddy

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.

Ben Gloddy

Age: 17.

Current home: Northfield, New Hampshire.

Current height/weight: 6’0”/165 pounds.

Current school grade level: 12^th grade.

Began riding at age: 4 years.

First road race: 2018, Canaan, New Hampshire, NESBC, Formula 300 Class, 3rd place.

Current racebike: Aprilia RS 660.

Current tuners/mechanics: Robem Engineering.

Primary race series: MotoAmerica Twins Cup, NEMRR.

Top sponsors: Robem Engineering, The Center for Plastic Surgery, Aprilia, The Big S, Arai Helmets, American Supercamp, Penguin Racing School, MotoLiberty/RS Taichi, Woodcraft Technologies, Atlantic Cruising Yachts, Fast By Ferracci, Stump Racing Kids.

Recent racing accomplishments: 2022 season, placed 8^th in MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship (3 podium finishes), finished 8^th in Italian CIV Aprilia RS 660 Trophy Cup race at Vallelunga, set a new NEMRR Lightweight Lap Record of 1:12.183 at New Hampshire International Speedway; 2021 season, finished 2^nd in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (4 wins and 16 total podium finishes in 18 races); 2020 season, finished 4^th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (8 podium finishes); 2019 season, finished 9^th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup (competed in 11 of 17 races, 1 podium, 3 top-5 finishes), won 2 LRRS Championships (12 race wins), won NESBC Lights Championship; 2018 season, named LRRS Rookie of the Year (youngest to ever receive the award), won 24 LRRS races and earned 46 podium finishes, won NESBC Intermediate B Championship; 2017 season, named NJMiniGP Rookie of the Year.

2023 racing goal: Win MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship.

Racing career goal: Make it to Superbike World Championship.

Racing hero: Jamison Minor.

Favorite track: Barber Motorsports Park.

Favorite hobby: Downhill mountain biking.

If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Downhill mountain biking.