MotoAmerica: Superbike Racing Returning To Mid-Ohio In August 2024

David Swarts

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September 20, 2023

MotoAmerica: Superbike Racing Returning To Mid-Ohio In August 2024

MotoAmerica: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Here We Come

For The First Time Since 2014, MotoAmerica Brings Superbikes Back To Mid-Ohio

IRVINE, CA (September 20, 2023) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is thrilled to announce that it will bring a round of the MotoAmerica Championship to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, August 16-18, for what will be the eighth round of the 2024 Medallia Superbike Championship.

The legendary Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a fan favorite since the first AMA Superbike Championship round was held there in 1983, hosted the AMA championship for 32 consecutive years. The venue first opened its doors in 1962.

The last time the AMA Superbike Championship visited Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course was in 2014 with then-21-year-old Cameron Beaubier winning race one with his then-39-year-old teammate Josh Hayes emerging victorious in race two. Beaubier is now a five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and Hayes, a four-time Superbike Champion, recently became the all-time win leader across all classes in AMA road racing.

“Since we started MotoAmerica in 2015, the one thing we consistently heard from our fans is ‘When is MotoAmerica coming to Mid-Ohio?’” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “It makes us extremely happy to be able to say that we will be bringing our series to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course next year and we’re looking forward to seeing all those people at the track.”

“We are thrilled to announce the return of MotoAmerica and Superbike racing back to Mid-Ohio in 2024,” said Craig Rust, president of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. “The series has long been a fan favorite in Ohio, and its return has been much anticipated since they last ran in 2014. I know all the avid motorcycle fans throughout the Midwest will join me in welcoming the high-speed bikes back to Mid-Ohio next summer.”

Hayes, who has seven AMA Superbike wins at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, is excited to see the series return to the track located just outside the village of Lexington, 60 miles north of Columbus and 75 miles south of Cleveland.

“From the time that I started racing, Mid-Ohio has been an iconic and regular stop on the calendar,” Hayes said. “All of us were sad to see such a cool racetrack not be a part of the series after 2014. The opportunity to bring that racetrack back into the fold is exciting and with any luck I will be back next year to so some more laps around the place myself.”

Tickets for the 2024 Mid-Ohio event will be available for purchase online at midohio.com and motoamerica.com at a later date.

The entire 2024 MotoAmerica Championship calendar will be released shortly.

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.

MotoAmerica: Raising The Bar For TV/Video Coverage And Sponsor Exposure

David Swarts

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September 19, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Raising The Bar For TV/Video Coverage And Sponsor Exposure

Back in the 2000s, AMA Pro Superbike racing was covered on cable TV by Speed (formerly known as Speedvision), which served the series, its sponsors, and its fans well for many years. The network was available to most cable TV subscribers at little or no extra cost; the races were usually broadcast live or same-day-tape-delayed; the coverage was good; and sponsors (primarily the four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers) bought commercials to support the broadcasts. Most people involved seemed happy.

But in 2014, Speed went away as a standalone network; Daytona Motorsports Group (DMG, which owned AMA Pro Road Racing at the time) failed to come up with a viable alternative broadcast plan; sponsorship and fan support for the series dwindled rapidly; and America’s premier motorcycle road racing series was hanging by a thread. DMG initially announced a four-round series of events (all east of the Mississippi River) and added a fifth-round at Laguna Seca at the last moment, but still with no TV coverage.

Seeing the writing on the wall for riders and teams that needed TV exposure to attract and retain sponsors, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. founder/Editor and Team Hammer, Inc. co-founder/CEO John Ulrich and his family quickly organized a three-round West Coast-based series of Superbike and Sportbike races called the GEICO Motorcycle Superbike Shootout Presented by Yamaha, and factory Superbike teams committed to running in the series. John and his son Chris put together a high-quality broadcast package that resulted in 36 hours of coverage on MAVTV, proving to sponsors and fans that a road racing series with its own TV package was a viable and valuable source of exposure for team, rider, and event sponsors and potential sponsors. Track owners and managers were soon asking how they could switch from AMA Pro to Superbike Shootout events. Expanding the Superbike Shootout Series to 10 rounds across the country was being discussed. But, says Ulrich, running the three-round series had been a lot of work in addition to running the family’s publishing company plus its separate racing company, and the idea of expanding nationwide was daunting.

The title graphics leading into a broadcast of the GEICO Motorcycle Superbike Shootout in 2014. Photo by David Swarts.

Then the KRAVE Group and partners Chuck Aksland, Terry Karges, Wayne Rainey, and Richard Varner came along at the end of 2014 with the concept of creating what is now known as MotoAmerica. “The sport, including the teams and riders, needed a professional series with TV,” Ulrich says. “We did the Superbike Shootout because nobody else was stepping up to do it. I’ve known Wayne and Chuck since they were young racers, and they’re good guys. They had access to the serious funding needed to start up and staff a professional national series, and I decided to support what they were doing and go back to concentrating on running my family’s magazine and race team businesses. And looking back, I’m glad I did.”

MotoAmerica quickly acquired the rights to run AMA and FIM-sanctioned professional motorcycle road racing in America, scheduled a full season of events, and started to broadcast those races on CBS Sports. The TV package wasn’t perfect, but it was significantly better than what DMG had in 2014 (which was nothing), and it helped keep the sport alive.

AMA President Rob Dingman (second from right) with KRAVE Group/MotoAmerica partners (from left) Terry Karges, Wayne Rainey, Chuck Aksland, and Richard Varner at the MotoAmerica awards banquet in 2018. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

In 2016, MotoAmerica partnered with a new broadcast partner, beIN Sports, which was best known at the time for its coverage of professional soccer. beIN Sports had just done a deal with Dorna and acquired the rights to broadcast MotoGP races in America, and Dorna urged beIN Sports to also broadcast MotoAmerica races.

beIN Sports and MotoAmerica partnered to share the costs of producing and broadcasting many races live, but although it was financially beneficial for fledgling MotoAmerica, it wasn’t a perfect situation. The beIN Sports network was not easy for fans to find or subscribe to, if at all, and MotoAmerica did not own all the rights to the footage that the partnership produced.

On-air commentators Jason Pridmore (left) and Greg White (right) shooting a segment for beIN Sports' coverage of MotoAmerica in 2018. Photo by David Swarts. — On-air commentators Jason Pridmore (left) and Greg White (right) shooting a segment for beIN Sports’ coverage of MotoAmerica in 2018. Photo by David Swarts.

So, in 2019 MotoAmerica made a crucial decision and huge investment to take all production of its TV coverage in-house. This meant that MotoAmerica was going to start paying hundreds of thousands of dollars each round to bring in dozens of video professionals and the special equipment necessary to capture, edit, and transmit coverage of its races. But in return, MotoAmerica would own all rights to the content it created and would be able to negotiate better deals with networks and platforms not just in the U.S. but all around the world.

“It was a little bit of a gamble,” said MotoAmerica Chief Operating Officer (COO) Chuck Aksland, “but certainly, it’s helped us to get where we are now.”

MotoAmerica coverage is now available on 10 different platforms, including linear networks like FOX Sports 1, MAVTV, and ESPN Latin America (LATAM); “fast networks” like MotoAmericaTV and MTRSPT1; and digital platforms like Latin America’s STAR+, YouTube and the MotoAmerica Live+ streaming subscription service. MTRSPT1 by itself is available free in 100 million households.

MotoAmerica coverage can now be found many places its never been before, including bars, restaurants, and hotels thanks to its "fast networks." Photo courtesy MotoAmerica. — MotoAmerica coverage can now be found many places it has never been before, (including bars, restaurants, and hotels) thanks to its “fast networks.” Photo courtesy MotoAmerica.

“People no longer have the excuse of ‘I couldn’t find it,’” said Aksland. “I mean, you have to almost miss it on purpose these days to not find it. I don’t think there’s very many motor sports probably in the world that have as broad a footprint as we have.”

Now, some MotoAmerica races are broadcast live on not just one but on multiple platforms, – MAVTV, YouTube, and MotoAmerica Live+, for instance – which may seem odd to some who have been following the sport for a while. But thanks to some forward thinking, MotoAmerica did this on purpose because the partners understand that not everyone consumes media the same way. Some watch via MAVTV and FOX Sports 1 on the big TV in their house, some watch via MotoAmerica Live+ on their laptop computer or tablet, and some may stream the races live via YouTube on their mobile phone.

“They all have different audiences,” said Aksland. “We get questions: ‘Why should I subscribe to MotoAmerica Live+ if I can watch the race for free on YouTube?’ Well, MotoAmerica Live+ is like 20 hours per weekend of live content. It’s not just a one-hour race where you don’t get all the behind-the-scenes stuff. It’s different, and it’s amazing how long people stay on Live+. Many of them basically watch every hour of every day.”

All of that has led MotoAmerica to becoming the third most watched motorsport content on YouTube, according to Aksland, behind only Formula One and MotoGP. And MotoAmerica currently has over three million followers across all of its social media platforms, where the series promotes its racing and athletes.

“We’ve gone from 100,000 subscribers to over 600,000 subscribers on YouTube in the last year and a half,” said Aksland. “On Instagram, we’re bigger than IndyCar and IMSA.”

MotoAmerica's video audience has grown rapidly since production was taken in-house. Photo by Brian J. Nelson. — MotoAmerica’s video audience has grown rapidly since production was taken in-house. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Those numbers are impressive, and the best part is that they have translated to sponsorship dollars for the series and its teams. Non-endemic sponsors like Fresh N Lean, Medallia, Mission Foods, Progressive Insurance, Steel Commander, and Vision Wheel are being attracted to the series due to its ever-increasing footprint and exposure.

“If you look at how much it costs to run a Superbike team compared to an IndyCar team or a NASCAR team the investment on the team side is minimal for the amount of exposure that you’re creating for a sponsor,” said Aksland. “So, I think unfortunately we’re still probably one of the best kept secrets in motorsport, but we are starting to get more interest from outside of motorcycle racing from sponsors and from other teams from other series that are looking at MotoAmerica as a great addition to what they’re already doing.”

MotoAmerica's expanded video coverage has attracted new, non-endemic sponsors, like Steel Commander. Photo by Brian J. Nelson. — MotoAmerica’s expanded video coverage has attracted new, non-endemic sponsors, like Steel Commander. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

And in addition to all the viewer, household, like, hit, click, share, and subscriber numbers it gets and shares with its riders, teams, and shareholders, Aksland said he has another simpler measuring stick for the success of MotoAmerica growing its exposure.

“At the beginning, my family and friends would ask, ‘When do you think you’re going to be successful?'” said Aksland. “And my answer has always been, ‘If I’m asked what do you do?” and my answer is, ‘I’m the COO of MotoAmerica,’ and if I don’t have to explain what MotoAmerica is, to me that equals success.”

MotoGP: Nakagami Renews With LCR Honda

David Swarts

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September 19, 2023

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LCR HONDA IDEMITSU AND TAKAAKI NAKAGAMI EXTEND CONTRACT FOR 2024
LCR Honda IDEMITSU proudly announces the renewal of Japanese rider Takaaki Nakagami for the 2024 season.

31-year-old Nakagami jumped into the MotoGP category alongside LCR Honda IDEMITSU, and since that moment, both the rider and the team have worked unceasingly to make the most out of every season. He is one of the riders who know the Honda best, and considering his experience, the team, and HRC have agreed with Nakagami for the next year to continue developing the bike and fighting for the positions that matter.

Through the time together, the Japanese confirmed his work capacity, commitment, and fighting spirit through these years, which perfectly matches LCR’s philosophy. Cheers to a brighter future together!

Lucio Cecchinello, LCR Honda Team Principal

“I’m proud to count on Nakagami for another year. He’s a fast rider who can get good results, and alongside HRC, we believe it’s time to keep pushing, as he’s one of the most experienced guys with this bike. We will give our best to fight for the positions we aim for”.

Takaaki Nakagami, LCR Honda IDEMITSU rider

“I feel LCR is part of my family, and of course, I’m excited to be with them for another season. I want to thank them and HRC for the opportunity, as I know we are a good match. Now it’s time to work even harder to be ready for the future”.

Ducati Presents New 2024 Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour (Includes Video)

David Swarts

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September 19, 2023

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Ducati Presents New 2024 Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour (Includes Video)

Editorial Note: Scroll down to watch video of the new Ducati Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour.

Ducati Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour: full optional travel

The most complete Multistrada V4 ever, for lovers of long-distance travel in maximum comfort and safety

Total peace of mind even on the most challenging journeys thanks to the reliability of the Multistrada V4 and the Roadside Assistance and Multistrada 4EVER programs

The Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour is arriving in dealerships in exclusive Grand Tour livery

Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 19 September 2023 – With the second episode of the 2024 World Première, Ducati presents the new Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour. A model dedicated to Ducatisti who love to travel without limits, in maximum comfort and safety. A Multistrada for travelers who pay attention to details, who always demand the best from their Ducati, even in style. A motorbike complete with all the accessories to travel long distances “in first class”. The Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour comes about during the celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the Multistrada, and encapsulates all the values and characteristics that have always made it a motorcycle ahead of its time.

The Multistrada is in fact the flagship on which Ducati has introduced innovations and technological developments, such as Riding Modes, which have redefined the standards of the motorcycle industry.

The Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour is a Full Optional motorcycle based on the S model with Travel & Radar setup. It is in fact equipped as standard with a radar system with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) to improve safety and riding comfort. Still regarding safety, the TPMS system, which shows the tire pressure on the dashboard, and additional LED lights (standard) to improve visibility at night and in fog, are fitted as standard on the Grand Tour.

The side panniers, standard on the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour, are integrated with the livery of the motorbike. Thanks to the overall volume of 60 liters, they allow you to take everything you need with you even on longer journeys. The central stand, included in the standard equipment, helps to make all operations on the cases easier and safer, from assembly and disassembly to opening and closing.

Comfort on the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour is also increased by the standard equipment of heated grips and rider and passenger seats. Furthermore, the presence of the hands-free fuel cap simplifies refueling, allowing you to always keep the motorbike key in your pocket.

Finally, the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour incorporates several updates adopted on the V4 Rally. The handlebar is in fact mounted rigidly on the steering head, without silent blocks, providing a more direct riding feeling without compromising comfort. The passenger seat is the model introduced on the V4 Rally, for optimal support on long journeys, and like that of the rider it is embellished with an external covering with dedicated graphics.

Furthermore, to improve thermal comfort, the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour adopts heat shields on the swingarm and on the left side of the rear subframe, and closable ducts in the leg area. The compartment dedicated to the smartphone is now ventilated.

As on all the motorbikes of the Multistrada V4 family, the Grand Tour is also equipped with the navigation system based on the Phone Mirroring solution which allows you to transform the 6.5″ TFT dashboard into a color map navigator with all the necessary information for riding the motorcycle.

On the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour there is the Minimum Preload function, which allows the rider to lower the motorbike when stopping and when travelling at low speed, reducing shock absorber preload to a minimum. The Easy Lift function, on the other hand, reduces the effort required to lift the motorbike from the side stand by opening the suspension hydraulics when the key is ON.

The Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour completes the family made up of the V4 Pikes Peak, designed for lovers of sporty riding, and the Multistrada V4 Rally, dedicated to Globetrotters who don’t stop even when the tarmac roads come to an end.

The Multistrada V4 is designed to allow Ducatisti to travel without limits in maximum peace of mind thanks to benchmark maintenance intervals (valve clearance check set every 60,000 km) and the 4EVER Ducati and Roadside Assistance programs. The former offers a warranty valid for 4 years with unlimited mileage*. The Roadside Assistance program, offered on all Multistrada V4s, adds roadside assistance, transport for rider and passenger, a replacement vehicle and overnight stay in a four-star hotel in the event of problems that should occur during the ride to the standard warranty coverage period. All this with the peace of mind offered by a network of more than 800 official Ducati dealers in over 90 countries around the world.

Styling

The Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour is enhanced by dedicated graphics, elegant and dynamic at the same time. The livery of the superstructures is reflected in the black color for the frame, swingarm, steering plates, side cases and handlebars. The rider and passenger seats are embellished with dedicated graphics.

Engine

The 1,158 cc V4 Granturismo engine delivers 170 hp (125 kW) at 10,500 rpm and 125 Nm (12.7 kgm) at 8,750 rpm, with a particularly linear torque curve to guarantee a smooth and progressive response at all speeds. The performance of this engine, combined with its total weight of just 66.7 kg, allows the V4 Granturismo to confirm itself as the category benchmark for power and lightness. These numbers are combined with refined technical solutions, such as the counter-rotating crankshaft, derived from the experience gained by Ducati Corse in MotoGP, which works “against” the gyroscopic inertia of the wheels. The results are a fluid delivery at low rpm, robust torque at medium speeds and power at high speeds.

Electronics

In addition to the systems already mentioned, the electronic package of the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour offers the state of the art in the motorcycle sector for safety, comfort, performance and connectivity. The inertial platform (IMU) manages the operation of ABS Cornering, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Lights (DCL) and Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), which makes restarting on inclined roads simple.

On the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour, the inertial platform also communicates continuously with the Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) semi-active suspension control system. This system is not only capable of analyzing riding conditions and adjusting the fork and shock absorber hydraulics instantly, but for the first time it also integrates the Autoleveling function.

Autoleveling recognizes the bike’s set-up and adjusts it autonomously to bring the seat back to the ideal height from the ground in the different riding configurations, adding to the (manual) options already available to the user: rider, rider plus cases, rider and passenger, rider and passenger plus cases.

Finally, the smartphone mirroring functions, implemented through the Ducati Connect system, allow you to control your phone and music in a simple and intuitive way.

Customization

However, the complete equipment of the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour offers ample margin for customization. To meet the ergonomic needs of the rider and passenger, the accessories catalogue offers a variety of saddles, a motorcycle lowering set and several options for the windshield.

Ducatisti who wish to further enhance the tourer qualities of the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour can adopt additional luggage solutions, designed for both the tank and the rear plate, such as a top case or soft bag.

It is also possible to make the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour sportier and embellish it with different carbon fiber trim components, levers and footrests machined from solid aluminum, dynamic LED indicators and brake and clutch fluid reservoirs machined from solid.

Apparel

Ducati has also specifically created some items of apparel to fully enjoy the touring possibilities of the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour. The Atacama C2 suit, for example, with large areas dedicated to ventilation, detachable sleeves and three independent layers, including thermal lining and waterproof membrane, to offer comfort in all weather conditions.

Alternatively, the Strada C5 suit, made of a comfortable, robust stretch fabric with modular thermal protection, thanks to the detachable internal Gore-Tex® membrane and an internal down jacket that can also be used on its own once the motorbike is parked.

Colours and availability

The new Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour will be available shortly in dealerships in the Ducati network in Grand Tour livery only.

Main standard equipment

1,158 cc Ducati V4 Granturismo engine with valve clearance check every 60,000 km

Aluminum monocoque frame, steel tube subframe and aluminum double-sided swingarm

Marzocchi Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evolution semi-active electronic suspension with Autoleveling, Minimum Preload and Easy Lift functions. Travel 170 – 180 mm

120/70-19” and 170/60-17” wheels with Pirelli SCORPION™ Trail II tyres

Bosch-Brembo ABS 10.3ME Cornering braking system

330 mm diameter front discs with Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial calipers

Full LED headlight with DRL and Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL)

Hands Free starting and tank cap

TPMS (Trie Pressure Monitoring System)

Dashboard with 6.5” full-TFT color screen

Ducati Connect with phone, music and map navigator applications

Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up&Down

Cruise control

Vehicle Hold Control (VHC)

Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)

Power Mode

Riding Mode

Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC)

Ducati Traction Control (DTC)

Side bags matching the bike

Additional LED lights

Radar with Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection functionality

Central stand

Heated grips

Heated rider and passenger seats

Heat shield on seat support frame and swingarm

Closable leg area ducts

Ventilated smartphone compartment

Heartland Motorsports Park Ceasing Operations And Closing

David Swarts

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September 19, 2023

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Heartland Motorsports Park Ceasing Operations And Closing

Heartland Motorsports Park, a multi-use motorsports facility located in Topeka, Kansas, will cease operations and close permanently at the end of the 2023 season.

According to a social media post made by the owners of the track, the primary reason the track is closing is ever-increasing property taxes accessed by Shawnee County, where the track is located.

Heartland Motorsports Park posted the following on its Facebook page earlier today:

Heartland Motorsports Park, which was originally known as Heartland Park, was opened in 1989. The 700-acre facility has an NHRA-certified quarter-mile drag strip, a 2.5-mile road course with multiple configurations, a 2.1-mile motocross track, a dirt oval track, and 23 acres of paved paddock that can accommodate autocross and drifting events.

MotoGP: Morbidelli Signs With Prima Pramac Ducati

David Swarts

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September 19, 2023

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MotoGP: Morbidelli Signs With Prima Pramac Ducati

FRANCO MORBIDELLI EMBARKS ON A NEW CHAPTER WITH DUCATI AND PRIMA PRAMAC RACING

Franco Morbidelli has signed an agreement with Ducati that will see the Roman rider join the Pramac Racing Team for the 2024 season alongside Jorge Martin, both riding the Desmosedici GP24.

Vice-World Champion in MotoGP in 2020, Moto2 World Champion in 2017, and European Superstock 600 Champion in 2013, Franco Morbidelli will bring the Italian flag back to the Pramac Racing team’s garage three seasons after Pecco Bagnaia.

Paolo Campinoti – Prima Pramac Racing Team Principal:

“I am very happy that Franco is joining our family for 2024. I have an excellent relationship with him, and he has proven to be a champion on many occasions. I am confident that in our team, he will find the right conditions to fight for the positions he deserves.”

Gino Borsoi – Prima Pramac Racing Team Manager:

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to work with a champion like Franco. I have great confidence in him and his talent. I am sure he will feel very comfortable in our team, and together, we will achieve great results.”

Luigi Dall’Igna – General Manager of Ducati Corse:

“It is a pleasure for us to welcome Franco Morbidelli to our factory-supported Pramac Racing team for the upcoming sports season, riding an official Desmosedici GP. Franco is a rider of great talent and experience, and on more than one occasion, he has demonstrated his strength and speed. It’s no coincidence that in 2020, he was the MotoGP vice-world champion, winning three Grand Prix races. We are confident that, together with the Prima Pramac Racing team and thanks to our support, he will be able to show his full potential. We look forward to embarking on this new exciting adventure together.”

MotoAmerica: Moore And Shedden Making Junior Cup Debuts At NJMP

David Swarts

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September 18, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Moore And Shedden Making Junior Cup Debuts At NJMP

2023 MotoAmerica Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Champion Mikayla Moore will be competing in MotoAmerica Junior Cup this coming weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

Moore will be joining forces with Elisa Gendron-Belen for the final round at New Jersey. This partnership started from a simple conversation at the Ruts to Racelines all-female track day event.

“We are elated to have Mikayla ride with us for her first event in Junior Cup,” said Karns Performance Racing Team Owner Jason Karns.

In addition, Jesse James Shedden is returning from racing in Italy and will be filling in for Chris Clark at the season finale. Jesse will be running the number 76. Keep your eye on this rising star.

“The team is very excited,” continued Karns. “We are looking forward to working with Jesse this upcoming weekend. He will be a welcomed addition to the team.”

Thank you to all our sponsors in helping to put this together: Karns Performance, Mecks Autobody, NG Brakes, Motorex oils, Armor body’s, Woodcraft cfm, TST industries, Vortex Racing.

MotoAmerica: WagBar MP13 Racing Fielding Rovelli, Sneed In Twins Cup At NJMP

David Swarts

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September 18, 2023

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MotoAmerica: WagBar MP13 Racing Fielding Rovelli, Sneed In Twins Cup At NJMP

WAGBAR MP13 RACING FIELDS TWO RACERS IN REV’IT! TWINS CUP!

Oceanside, CA (September 18, 2023) — The WagBar MP13 Racing Team is pleased to announce their plans for the MotoAmerica Season finale at New Jersey Motorsport Park this weekend.

Two riders will line up on the grid for the REV’IT! Twins Cup in Millville. Season-long WAGBAR MP13 racer Aiden Sneed (15) moves up from Junior Cup to try the larger displacement, higher horsepower class.

Italian sensation Filippo Rovelli also gets the call to return to the US. The 22-year-old made his MotoAmerica debut at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with a second-place finish. Both riders will be on MP13-prepared Yamaha R7’s.

Team Principal Melissa Paris said, “We are so happy to have an opportunity to move Aiden up to REV’IT! Twins Cup at New Jersey. The whole team has been so impressed with the work ethic, professionalism and determination he has shown all season in Junior Cup. With his height and skillset as a racer, we feel he is perfectly suited for Twins. And to have Rovelli, a proven podium contender, race with us this weekend gives the team a tremendous season-ending boost of enthusiasm. We are looking forward to a great Jersey round.”

Sneed says, “I’m super stoked to be racing in the Twins Cup class at New Jersey for the last MotoAmerica round. With twins being very competitive, I’ll be able to gain more knowledge from the different skill level of riders. I know the WagBar MP13 Yamaha R7 is very fast, and I’m hoping to show all of its potential.”

Rovelli commented, “I’m really excited to race in MotoAmerica for the last race of the Championship and really excited to do it with WagBar MP13 Racing team! I will do my best to do well, improve session from session knowing the track and get the feeling back with the Dunlop tires, and try to finish all the races in the podium!”

The WagBar MP13 Racing Team would like to thank WagBar, Great Lakes Supply, CSU One Cure, Yamaha, bLU cRU, Spears Enterprises, Beringer, Yoshimura, Capit, Ohlins, GHD Designs, Vortex, Attack Performance, SBS Brakes, Maxima, Dunlop, and J4rce.

MotoAmerica: Fans Won’t Want To Miss The Season Finale In New Jersey

David Swarts

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September 18, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Fans Won’t Want To Miss The Season Finale In New Jersey

The 2023 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Road Racing Series finale will be held September 22-24 on the 2.25-mile, 12-turn Thunderbolt Raceway at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP), in Millville, New Jersey. And while some of the Championship battles have already been decided, some others will still on the line at one of MotoAmerica’s most convenient venues.

NJMP has been hosting America’s premier motorcycle road racing series since 2009, shortly after it was opened at the end of 2008. It is located on 500 acres immediately adjacent to Millville Airport, which started out as Millville Army Airfield in 1941, at the onset of World War II (WWII). Here, U.S. Army pilots were trained to fly P-47 fighter planes, which were nicknamed Thunderbolts, hence the naming of NJMP’s primary course. NJMP also has a 1.9-mile track named Lightning Raceway, after the P-38 Lightning fighter plane from WWII, and the Liberator karting/mini-bike course, named after the B-24 Liberator bomber from WWII.

Thunderbolt Raceway at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy of NJMP. — Thunderbolt Raceway at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy NJMP.

Millville is a relatively small town located less than an hour from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 45 minutes from Atlantic City, New Jersey; 120 miles from New York City, New York; and about 140 miles from the Washington, D.C. area, making the track easily accessible for the many people who come to spectate — or operate their own vehicles during track days — at the venue each and every year.

Lodging choices for those traveling to NJMP abound, including overnight rentals in the Villas of Breighton and VIP Suites located right on NJMP property with trackside views, and hotels rooms to suit all tastes and budgets are just minutes away in Millville and its neighboring communities. Trackside RV camping and tent camping are also available for the MotoAmerica weekend.

Trackside Villas and Exotic Car Garages at New Jersey Motorsports Park, as seen from the racetrack. Photo courtesy NJMP.

Access to all the action starts with tickets to the MotoAmerica event, which range from General Admission (single-day to three-day), VIP Hospitality, Harley-Davidson 120^th Anniversary VIP, to the Dunlop ECSTAR Suzuki Two-Seat Superbike Experience ticket package, which includes a thrilling ride around the racetrack on the back of a Superbike piloted by retired Pro racer Chris Ulrich. Fans can also ride their own motorcycles around the track during the Harley-Davidson Parade Laps and the Cardo Parade Lap. U.S. military veterans are eligible for discounted prices on tickets, and kids 12 and under get into the event free with a paying adult. Restrictions apply.

Chris Ulrich giving a ride on the Dunlop ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R Superbike earlier this season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson. — Chris Ulrich giving a ride on the Dunlop ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R two-seat Superbike earlier this season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

One of the best things for fans attending races at NJMP is that all of the activities at the event are within a short walk of everything else and all within view of the racetrack. The race paddock, team garages, Victory Circle, vendors, demo rides, stunt shows, bike shows, concession stands, and Kids Zone featuring free carnival rides and games are all located within the perimeter of the track. And every MotoAmerica event includes the free Dunlop Hot Pit Walk and Autograph Session with all of the riders at one time on Sunday.

A young fan taking a photo with Superbike racer Josh Herrin earlier this season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

On the track, the Medallia Superbike, Supersport, Mission King Of The Baggers, Junior Cup, and REV’IT! Twins Cup classes will each have their final two races of 2023. The titles have been decided in Superbike (Jake Gagne), Supersport (Xavi Fores), and Junior Cup (Avery Dreher), but the hotly contested Championships in King Of The Baggers and Twins Cup will be decided at NJMP.

Kyle Wyman (33), Hayden Gillim (79), Travis Wyman (10), and the rest of the MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers field heads into Turn Five at Road America. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Harley-Davidson. — Kyle Wyman (33), Hayden Gillim (79), Travis Wyman (10), and the rest of the MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers field heads into Turn Five at Road America earlier this season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Harley-Davidson.

In King Of The Baggers, Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Harley-Davidson’s Hayden Gillim holds a slim two-point lead over his teammate James Rispoli and an 11-point lead over Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson’s 2021 Champion Kyle Wyman putting the title within reach of all three men. And while they are out of title contention, defending Champion Tyler O’Hara, his Progressive Insurance/Mission Foods Indian teammate Jeremy McWilliams, and Sac Mile/SDI Racing/Roland Sands Design Indian’s Bobby Fong will be looking to steal some of the Harley-Davidson riders’ glory at the finale.

In REV’IT! Twins Cup, Rodio Racing Powered by Robem Engineering Aprilia’s Gus Rodio, who lives just up the road in Hammonton, New Jersey, leads the standings by only eight points over N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha’s Blake Davis and by 14 points over his own teammate Rocco Landers with 50 points still available to earn in New Jersey. But the class, which features young talent hoping to showcase themselves and move up the racing hierarchy, will also include Jackson Blackmon, Ben Gloddy, Hayden Schultz, the class debut of Avery Dreher, and the return of American Flat Track (AFT) star Dallas Daniels at this round.

In addition, the MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup by Motul series will wrap up its 2023 season with a doubleheader event on the Liberator track this coming weekend.

The MotoAmerica action starts with practice and qualifying on Friday, followed by final qualifying sessions on Saturday morning and the first races on Saturday afternoon, and the final MotoAmerica races of 2023 take place on Sunday afternoon. Get tickets and more information HERE.

More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:

MotoAmerica’s Season Finale At New Jersey Motorsports Park Has It All

The Final Round Of The MotoAmerica Championship In New Jersey Is Brimming With Fan Activity, September 22-24

IRVINE, CA (September 18, 2023) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, will throw out its “Welcome” mat to fans one last time in 2023 with the series visiting New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey, for its finale, September 22-24.

MotoAmerica's season finale will take place at New Jersey Motorsports Park, September 22-24, and will be chock full of fan activity in addition to the on-track racing. Photo by Brian J. Nelson. — MotoAmerica’s season finale will take place at New Jersey Motorsports Park, September 22-24, and will be chock full of fan activity in addition to the on-track racing. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Inarguably the most fan-friendly motorsport championship in the country, MotoAmerica spectators are given the opportunity to roam freely between the paddock area (which is home to the teams that make up the series), and the abundance of spectator areas that the popular 2.25-mile Thunderbolt Raceway provides.

The open paddock is a fan’s delight as it allows spectators to roam freely from team to team where they can watch crews doing everything from complete rebuilds to fine tuning the motorcycles that compete in all five of the MotoAmerica classes racing at NJMP – Medallia Superbike, REV’IT! Twins Cup, Mission King Of The Baggers, Junior Cup and Supersport.

It’s also in the paddock where spectators get the chance to mingle with their favorite riders as they are out and about throughout the weekend and happy to catch up with their fans. If you miss them on Friday and Saturday, you can most definitely find them for a photo and/or an autographed poster during the popular Dunlop Hot Pit Walk and Autograph session that’s held on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Although you won’t find closer on-track racing than in the MotoAmerica Championship, including a Mission King Of The Baggers title chase that will likely not be decided until the last lap of the final race of the year on Sunday afternoon, there’s also plenty of rapid-fire entertainment off the track, and the activities at NJMP are the most plentiful of the season.

Here’s a rundown of the off-track activities at NJMP for the season finale:

Off-track action promises to be every bit as exciting with everything from DJ Vader spinning vinyl all three days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., which coincides with the Clutch Control Moto Show that will also be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all three days.

Friday will kick off three days of the 1 Wheel Revolution Stunt Show with three shows scheduled for Friday (12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.), Saturday (11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.).

Beginning on Saturday, MotoAmerica’s youngest fans can check out the free carnival that opens at 10 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

Demo rides from Yamaha and CF Moto will also take place on both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for licensed motorcyclists wanting to do more than just kick tires.

For those riding their own motorcycles to the track, the Harley-Davidson parade laps are scheduled for 11:45 a.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday with Cardo guests joining in on the Sunday ride. Staging for the rides will be at the turn-one end of the paddock near the medical center 45 minutes before the scheduled ride on Saturday (11 a.m.) and 30 minutes prior on Sunday (10:30 a.m.) at the same location.

The ShowoutBoyz Stunt Show gets rolling on Saturday with two shows scheduled for noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. On Sunday, the shows are slated for 10:30 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.

More kids’ stuff: the AllKidsBike Strider Zone will be open all three days, beginning on Friday from noon to 4 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, youngsters can ride the bikes again from Noon to 4 p.m.

Those wanting to check out the bikes in the V-Twin Visionary Show can do so throughout the weekend with judging taking place at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday with awards to be handed out an hour later at 3:30 p.m.

VIP Ticket Holders will get the chance to go out to the starting grid for the first of two Mission King Of The Baggers races on Saturday at 3:50 p.m. prior to the start of the race.

The mega Clutch Control Pool Party will take place at the Finish Line Pub from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday night and will feature music by DJ Vader. The party is open to the public and is hosted by the one and only Allen Lane.

The final day of racing on Sunday at NJMP will feature the Dunlop Hot Pit Walk and Autograph Session from 11 to 11:45 a.m.

VIP Ticket Holders will get another shot at a grid walk and this one will be held prior to Medallia Superbike race two at 2:50 p.m.

The weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park will conclude on Sunday afternoon with the series finale of the Mission King Of The Baggers Championship, and the race is scheduled to start at 4:05 p.m.

In addition to the five classes of MotoAmerica racing taking place on the big track, make sure you head over to the karting facility to watch the youngest of the MotoAmerica racers competing in the Mission Mini Cup By Motul races on Friday and Saturday afternoon. See if you can spot the next Superstar. Practice and qualifying takes place throughout the day with the youngsters starting their racing program at 3 p.m. on Friday and 2:20 p.m. on Saturday.

For the complete MotoAmerica fan-activity schedule, click HERE

For the complete MotoAmerica race schedule, click HERE

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.

MotoAmerica: Dreher Pulling Double Duty At New Jersey Motorsports Park

David Swarts

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September 18, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Dreher Pulling Double Duty At New Jersey Motorsports Park

Bad Boys Racing is excited to announce that 2023 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, Avery Dreher, will be pulling double duty at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Dreher will join in the MotoAmerica REV’IT! Twins Cup field on a Blackmon Racing/Finishline Machine-prepared Yamaha R7 for the season finale in addition to his Junior Cup duties on the Bad Boys Racking Kawasaki Ninja 400.

The 17-year-old Rockledge, Florida, native has a breakout year in 2023 with podium finishes in eight out of 10 Junior Cup races (including six wins) so far. Dreher successfully secured his first MotoAmerica Championship at the conclusion of Race Two in Pittsburg and is looking to prepare for a move up in classes next year!

John Ludwig – Team Manager of Bad Boys Racing: “We are crazy excited to be able to put this ride together for Avery. Honestly, I think we almost owe it to him after the stellar year he has had so far. Avery has worked extremely hard, on and off the track, to get his abilities to this level. With our 2023 championship in the books already, the timing is perfect to see what he can do next”

Avery Dreher: “I look forward to the challenge and am excited to learn a new machine. This wouldn’t be possible without Chuck and Jackson Blackmon prepping a bike for me on short notice. I also need to thank everyone who has supported me and gotten me to this point. Jersey is going to be a lot of fun this year.”

MotoAmerica: Superbike Racing Returning To Mid-Ohio In August 2024

September 20, 2023

Cameron Beaubier (2) leads Josh Hayes (4), Roger Hayden (95) and Martin Cardenas (36) at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in 2014. The MotoAmerica Championship will return to Mid-Ohio for its eighth round in 2024, August 16-18. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.