Evans Brasfield, the Editor-In-Chief at Motorcycle.com and a well-liked and respected member of the powersports media community, died from injuries he sustained in an accident September 13. He was 61 years old.
The news was posted today on Facebook by his wife Karin.
“Dear friends and family, we wanted to let you know that we have suffered a great loss. Evans was in an accident yesterday and did not survive. He was our rock, our beloved, worlds’ best Dad and my life partner for over 30 years. His absence leaves a gaping hole in our hearts. We are honestly not sure how we will live without him. You may have questions; unfortunately, we have no answers at this point. We would appreciate your love and prayers at this time. If you’d like to help, our friends have setup a Meal Train (see comments for the link). Details about a service will be pending.”
In addition to his wife Karin, Brasfield is survived by daughters Minna and Georgia.
We will provide more information as it becomes available.
Guintoli takes Yoshimura SERT Motul to the top in first Bol d’Or EWC qualifying
Sylvain Guintoli was a step above for Yoshimura SERT Motul as the Suzuki-powered rider completed the four-stage First Qualifying for the Bol d’Or – the deciding round of the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship – in a fastest time of 1m51.695s.
Part of the 2021 Bol d’Or winning line-up, Guintoli clocked his best effort in the 20-minute Yellow Rider session on the 5.673-kilometre Circuit Paul Ricard.
He bettered Markus Reiterberger’s quickest time of 1m51.890s from the Blue Rider group for BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and Alan Techer’s Red Rider best of 1m51.707s for F.C.C. TSR Honda France.
But with qualifying results based on the average time of the fastest two riders at the completion of the final Second Qualifying session, it means the starting order for the 86th Bol d’Or won’t be known until mid-morning Friday with the action due to get under way at 09h00 CET.
How First Qualifying unfolded
Markus Reiterberger picked up where his BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team left off in Free Practice by going quickest in the Blue Rider group. The German set a best time of 1m51.890s, a mere 0.002s faster than Gregg Black managed for Yoshimura SERT Motul. Josh Hook, on his comeback from surgery following a training injury in late July, was third quickest on a 1m52.654s with Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team’s Niccolo Canepà fourth ahead of Lucas Mahias (KM99) and Randy de Puniet (Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar). French Superbike championship leader Kenny Foray was quickest among the Dunlop Superstock Trophy contenders for Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team with Sébastien Suchet and Lorenzo Gabellini second and third for National Motos Honda and Honda No Limits respectively.
Sylvain Guintoli was fastest of the Yellow Rider pack with the Frenchman posting a 1m51.695s for Suzuki-powered Yoshimura SERT Motul. Mike Di Meglio (F.C.C. TSR Honda France) was second quickest with Illya Mykhalchyk (BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team) third. Marvin Fritz (Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team) was fourth with Xavi Forés fifth for ERC Endurance Ducati and Florian Marino sixth on KM99’s Yamaha. National Motos Honda rider Valentin Suchet was the pacesetting Dunlop Superstock Trophy rider followed by category rivals Loïc Arbel (Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team) and Axel Maurin (Team 18 Sapeurs Pompiers CMS Motostore). The session was halted before eventually restarting after a mechanical failure for Roberto Tamburini’s Team Moto-Ain entry left oil on sections of the start/finish straight.
2023 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Xavi Fores (6) on the ERC Endurance Ducati Panigale V4 R at the Bol d’Or 24-hour race. Photo courtesy FIM EWC.
Alan Techer, who is still chasing his first Bol d’Or podium, was the racer to beat out of the Red Rider group on a 1m51.707s for F.C.C. TSR Honda France. The Frenchman was a full 1.307s quicker than Yoshimura SERT Motul’s Étienne Masson. Karel Hanika was third for Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team, one place ahead of Grégory Leblanc (Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar). Bol d’Or rookie Leandro Mercado was set for a top-six time for Honda Viltaïs Racing, last year’s winner, but slipped to eighth in the final moments as Jérémy Guarnoni (BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team) and Bastien Mackels (KM99) took fifth and sixth places respectively. Kevin Manfredi set the Dunlop Superstock Trophy pace for Wójcik Racing Team, closely followed by Guillaume Raymond (National Motos Honda) and EWC newcomer Alessandro Delbianco (OG Motorsport World Endurance Team).
World Superbike star Loris Baz was the best-performing reserve in the Green Rider session on a 1m52.705s for BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. He headed Japan’s Cocoro Atsumi, who has joined Yoshimura SERT Motul for the EWC season decider to take on a new reserve rider role having impressed for OG Motorsport World Endurance Team in the Dunlop Superstock Trophy. Robin Mulhauser was third for Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team, while EWC newcomer Nelson Major was fourth fastest and quickest Superstock rider for Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, only to stop on track late in the session. James Westmoreland (Honda Viltaïs Racing) and Wójcik Racing Team’s teenage star Jurand Kuśmierczyk were fifth and sixth followed by F.C.C. TSR Honda France’s new Japanese recruit Hikari Okubo.
Riders will get to experience Circuit Paul Ricard under the cover of darkness when the one-hour Night Free Practice takes place from the new time of 20h30.
Oulton Park opens the Showdown as the Bennetts BSB title fight intensifies
The Bennetts British Superbike Championship season reaches the crucial stage this weekend (September 15/16/17) as Oulton Park hosts the opening round of the Showdown, with the points value increased, the title contenders can’t afford to give an inch in Cheshire.
There are 16 riders who remain in mathematical contention ahead of the Showdown, with a maximum of 255 points available from the final three rounds. However, to be in with a shot at the title at the Brands Hatch season finale in October, riders will need to be within 105 points of the standings leader ahead of the final round as a win points’ value increases to 35 for the final three races.
The BeerMonster Ducatis lead the way at the top of the standings as they aim to maintain their advantage and continue the legacy of team owner Paul Bird, who sadly passed away earlier this month.
A double win at Cadwell Park put Glenn Irwin closer to Tommy Bridewell at the top of the standings with 14.5 points separating the pair ahead of this weekend’s three races, but Kyle Ryde has also been back in podium contention for reigning champions LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha.
Jason O’Halloran’s treble win at Thruxton fired him back into contention for McAMS Yamaha and the Australian is hoping he can repeat some of his previous winning success at the Cheshire circuit, whilst Leon Haslam holds fifth in the standings knowing he came close to victory earlier in the year.
Lee Jackson will be pushing to close down the deficit too at the circuit where he claimed his first ever Bennetts BSB race win last season for the Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki team and FHO Racing BMW Motorrad contender Josh Brookes needs a repeat of his win from earlier in the season to get his title bid back on track.
Ryan Vickers lost ground with a crash at Cadwell Park, which left him with a wrist injury so he will want to try to bounce back this weekend with Christian Iddon and Jack Kennedy completing the current top ten in the standings.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:
Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) 303
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) 288.5
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 252
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 248.5
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) 227
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) 216.5
Josh Brookes (FHO BMW Motorrad) 202
Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 189
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 186
Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Racing Yamaha) 116
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Tommy Bridewell
BeerMonster Ducati
“This weekend, I go into it like any other weekend and that is to do the best job I possibly can for myself, the team and of course for Paul.
“I feel like what we’ve been doing this year has been good enough, there is a reason why we’ve managed to win seven races, and another seven podiums along the way as well.
“Cadwell Park was a tough weekend but getting the bike bang on for the last race gave me the same feeling I had when I won at Snetterton and Brands Hatch.
“All I’m focused on is winning races and if I carry on doing what I’ve done all year then the championship should take care of itself.”
For 2024, the team led by Luca Gresini has decided to gamble again on a Spanish rider. It will be Albert Arenas the new standard bearer in the intermediate category, with Team Moto2 QJMOTOR GRESINI RACING raising the bar to be among the protagonists from the get-go.
Albert Arenas, who was crowned Moto3 World Champion in 2020, has already shown good things in what is a challenging category – Moto2 – and the podium finish scored at Barcelona is proof of consistent growth for the #75, who will look for confirmation in what will be his fourth year in the class.
The Pirelli test at Barcelona have already shown signs of an incredible level. If a good day starts in the morning… welcome!
ALBERT ARENAS #75
“It’s an honor for me to join a squad with such history, with world championship titles and such an important MotoGP effort. There’s still half a season left and the goal is to stay focused and keep growing as a rider, in order to get to 2024 in the best possible situation. I would like to thank Nadia and the whole of Gresini Racing for this great opportunity.”
LUCA GRESINI – TEAM MANAGER QJMOTOR GRESINI MOTO2
“We wanted a top rider also in Moto2 and I think with Albert we will be a reference point also in this category. The #75 is a veteran in Moto2, one capable of winning races and titles. We want the best and why not, we can dream of a Moto2 title with him.”
A Lighter, Slimmer, Sharper Enduro Ready to Dominate the Trail
MARIETTA, Ga. – Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, is proud to introduce the all-new 2024 WR450F aimed at setting a new benchmark for open-class enduro performance. Based on recent changes made to Yamaha’s best-in-class YZ450F motocrosser, the new WR450F is now slimmer, lighter, faster and more tractable than before with longer, stronger pulling power.
But that’s not all, significant adjustments have been made to the entire machine to produce unique WRF characteristics. Yamaha engineers and testers paid special attention to tuning the bike for its intended use as a fast enduro machine, which means that while the WR450F may be based on its MX cousin, the power delivery, handling and suspension are unique to this model and developed specifically for enduro performance.
The numerous changes made to the 2024 WR450F combine to reduce weight, improve handling and increase tractability, leading to a more user-friendly machine for the fast enduro rider. The end result is an enduro weapon that’s easy to ride fast, extremely capable in technical situations and more versatile than ever.
The 2024 Yamaha WR450F comes with a lighter, more powerful engine. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Lighter, More Powerful Engine
The all-new engine is shared with the current YZ450F. It features larger 39mm-diameter intake valves, a new piston, conrod, revised bearings, optimized crank mass inertia and a dry sump oil tank with integrated generator cover. Many components are lighter including the piston, cylinder, crank assembly, cam chain, con rod bearings and lubrication system, which results in an engine that’s 2.4 pounds lighter. In addition, the 2024 WR450F features an ECU tuned specifically to offer tractability at low speeds and high power at medium to fast-speeds.
New Transmission
The drivetrain runs the new YZ450F lightweight disc-spring clutch which is more compact with a lighter feel and a more positive engagement point. The wide-ratio five-speed gearbox now features wider main shaft gears for reduced weight and increased strength, with ratios specifically developed for enduro racing.
Lower Center of Gravity
The advanced aluminum bilateral beam frame has a 15mm lower head pipe joint, allowing the frame rail and tension pipe to sit lower, moving the center of gravity down for enhanced handling. The chassis also has a revised rigidity balance developed specifically for the WR450F. The frame was developed with a focus on flex characteristics and the engine mounts are specially tuned for this model to allow excellent cornering, bump absorption and overall handling. A new compact fuel tank features a larger lower area and lower fuel pump location, and a shorter muffler further increases mass centralization.
Revised KYB suspension
New KYB suspension features tool-free compression damping adjustment on top of the forks. With a seat height 10mm lower than the YZ450F and with a lower center of gravity, the new WR450F runs 11.8 inches of front suspension travel and 12 inches rear suspension travel for precise control over varied terrain. This also assists in increasing grip on the front and traction at the rear for a more planted feel. These changes also increase the tight turning ability of the machine which increases confidence while riding singletrack.
The 2024 Yamaha WR450F comes with new KYB suspension. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Slimmer Bodywork with Improved Ergos
A generous flow of clean air is now fed from the rear of the bike which allows for a slimmer body. The overall shroud width has been made significantly narrower and the shape of its side surfaces are smoother. This allows riders to move their legs forward more easily, contributing to the lighter and more agile handling feel. A new seat is flatter and narrower with rounded edges, further increasing ease of movement. The riding position is also improved, with 10mm more leg room and handlebars positioned slightly closer for a more natural position.
The 2024 Yamaha WR450F comes with slimmer bodywork and updated ergonomics. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Additional Lightweight Components
Other lightweight components include the rear wheel and rear braking system. A three spoke pattern joins the blue anodized Excel rim to a lighter hub, and a new YZ450F-spec rear brake system sheds further weight. The 2024 WR450F also has a lightweight lithium-ion battery, lighter footpeg bracket and even lighter throttle cables for an overall weight savings of more than 4 pounds.
Additional New Features
A new skid plate is fitted that enhances the protection of the lower frame, engine covers and coolant hoses. There’s also new multifunction switchgear on the left-hand side of the handlebars, new multifunction meter display showing speed, trip distance, low fuel and engine warning lights, new water-resistant PVC handlebar pad, new rear fender with a grab area, and redesigned fork seals for improved life.
A 2024 Yamaha WR450F at speed. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
2024 WR450F Features & Benefits
New fuel-injected 450cc engine is lighter, more compact and more powerful
Model-specific ECU produces tractability at low speeds and full power at medium to high speeds
Model-specific suspension settings tuned for enduro performance
New toolless front fork compression damping adjusters
Flatter seat with more rounded edges makes it easy to move about while riding
New air flow management system allows a more compact body including 50mm narrower shrouds
Lower center of gravity assists in negotiating tight corners
Mass centralized fuel tank and muffler
New lighter clutch and revised wide-ratio gearbox
Lighter rear wheel, hub and brake assembly
New multi-function switchgear
New full protection skid plate
New rear fender with handy grab area
New water-resistant bar pad
Lighter lithium-ion battery, footpeg bracket, throttle cables and more
The new 2024 WR450F will be offered in Team Yamaha Blue and will be available from dealers in November for $10,199 MSRP. Additionally, the WR250F returns unchanged for 2024, offered in Team Yamaha Blue and available from dealers this in November for $8,999 MSRP.
A 2024 Yamaha WR250F. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Yamaha bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program
All 2024 Yamaha Motocross and Cross Country models are eligible for Yamaha’s current bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, which features nearly $7 million for Yamaha bLU cRU riders competing in off-road motorcycle racing. Riders can earn contingency payouts via a bLU cRU debit card, receive a 10 percent rebate on GYTR parts and accessory purchases of up to $1,000, and receive a bLU cRU swag bag.
For complete details on how to register for the bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, along with specific information on which racing series, events, and classes are included, visit the Off-Road Racing Contingency page on the Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, website at: https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/blucru-registration.
Learn more about Yamaha’s complete Motocross and Cross-Country lineup, as well as other Yamaha products at: www.yamahamotorsports.com.
Find a range of Genuine Yamaha Accessories, apparel and more at: www.yamaha-motor.com/shop.
For more information related to all Yamaha products, visit: www.yamahamotorsports.com.
Follow Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, through your favorite social media site:
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About Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company (YMSC) with divisions Bennett Marine (Florida), Kracor Systems (Wisconsin) and Siren Marine, Inc. (Rhode Island), Skeeter Boats (Texas), with division G3 Boats (Missouri), and Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana).
Joyce and Turpin share wins and spills at Talladega GP
(September 13, 2023, Knoxville, TN) Shane Turpin and Tim Joyce tested, and exceeded, the limit in their chase for the 2023 American Historic Racing Motorcycle (AHRMA) championship.
Sponsored by Hagerty Insurance, Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2023 Vintage Cup features the Formula 750 (F750) class which includes 750cc two and four-stroke powered machines built up to 1972.
Rounds 17 and 18 of the Vintage Cup were held on September 9 and 10, 2023 in conjunction with the Bridgestone Tires AHRMA National Roadracing series at Talladega Gran Prix.
It’s a hot time in Alabama even in September. Going into Talladega, the Vintage Cup championship race was narrowed down to two riders: Shane Turpin and Tim Joyce.
Going into the Talladega Gran Prix rounds, Joyce, who races a NYC Norton 1968 Seeley NRE 750, was leading the points in the Vintage Cup series. Turpin, on a 1972 Ducati Imola, sponsored by Larrabure Framing and VeeTwo, joined the series mid-season and has raced himself into contention for the championship.
The rounds at Talladega were pivotal for either rider, and certain to affect the final championship outcome.
On Saturday, the race started with Joyce leading until the first corner where he was shoulder-to-shoulder with Turpin. Joyce pulled ahead and was well into the first lap when he realized Turpin had suffered a mechanical failure and had left the race. Joyce kept his head down and won the race, which was his 10th Vintage Cup victory and earned him enough points to possibly win the 2023 Vintage Cup championship.
Dan Sokolich on a 1977 Yamaha RD400 finishing second, Ben Schmitt rounding out the podium on his NYC Norton 1968 Seeley Commando in third, Bucky (James) Sexton on his 1970 BMW R75/5 in fourth, and Al Charles, AHRMA’s Road Race Director on a 1970 Triumph T-150 in fifth.
Turpin returned Sunday with a repaired motorcycle and took his grid position next to Joyce on the front row. The start was a repeat of Saturday’s with Turpin and Joyce again shoulder-to-shoulder going through the first turn with Turpin taking the advantage on the exit. Joyce passed Turpin entering the second turn, but Turpin went underneath Joyce into the next corner forcing Joyce to lean the bike harder to make it through the famous decreasing-radius turn.
Joyce accelerated hard, slid the rear wheel which then regained grip and launched Joyce in a spectacular high side and out of the race. Joyce walked away relatively unscathed as Turpin rode his Ducati to victory.
Sokolich was second place, with Justin Hebbel riding a 1972 BMW R75/5 in third, with AHRMA Road Race director Al Charles rounding out the grid.
“It has been a season of grueling competition and that began to show as some top riders began to deal with mechanical issues in practice,” said Carl Anderson, AHRMA’s 2023 Chairman of the Board. “Tim Joyce and the NYC Norton team seemed to do the best job of dealing with adversity and came out on top Saturday but crashed on Sunday while attempting to claim another win.”
Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton, said, “We came into Talladega with two riders and teams going head-to-head, and it was anyone’s guess what the outcome of these two races would be. Talladega is one of the shortest tracks on the schedule, but it brings some of the best race excitement. This weekend was no exception. Congratulations to Shane and Tim for your wins this weekend.”
Cummings reflected on the roller-coaster weekend, “As team owner and sponsor, I’m very happy with our outcome, but I must give credit where credit is due. The Larrabure/Turpin Ducati is a force to be reckoned with and we hope to see some good race action heading into our final rounds at Barber.”
The annual Vintage Cup spotlights one of AHRMA’s road racing classes with extra attention on competitors in the selected class during each race event. Enhanced awards for the Vintage Cup competitors are presented separately from other class trophies during the Saturday awards ceremony at each AHRMA National Road Race event.
Highlights from each Vintage Cup race will be reported in RoadracingWorld.com’s online edition. At the conclusion of each season, the perpetual Vintage Cup trophy will be engraved with the national champion winner’s name and presented to the winner at the National Awards Banquet to keep for one year.
2023 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series, Formula 750 – Vintage Cup Results
Saturday, September 9, 2023
1. Tim Joyce, 1968 Seeley NRE 750, Springfield, VT
2. Dan Sokolich, 1977 Yamaha RD400, Washington, MO
3. Ben Schmitt, 1970 Norton Commando, Kearney, MO
4. Bucky (James) Sexton, 1970 BMW R75/5, York, PA
5. Albert Charles, 1970 Triumph T-150, Thornville, OH
Sunday, September 10, 2023
1. Shane Turpin, 1972 Ducati Imola, Scottsdale, AZ
2. Dan Sokolich, 1977 Yamaha RD400, Washington, MO
3. Justin Hebbel, 1972 BMW R75/5, Baltimore, MD
4. Albert Charles, 1970 Triumph T-150, Thornville, OH
About AHRMA:
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage machines along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.
Economy Lube and Tire announces Ducati team of Dion, Cooney for 2024
Toronto, ON – Economy Lube and Tire is pleased to confirm they will support a two-rider race team in the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship for 2024, featuring Trevor Dion and Andrew Cooney both aboard factory-supported Ducati machinery.
Dion, CSBK’s reigning Pro Sport Bike champion and a current Pro Superbike star, will ride a Panigale V4 R Superbike machine, while current top amateur Cooney will step up to the Pro ranks aboard a former HSBK-owned Panigale V2.
Both riders are expected to debut the project at the final round of the 2023 season this weekend at Shannonville Motorsport Park, as the team aims to end the year on a high note while familiarizing themselves for 2024.
As part of the program, both riders will also enter the famed Daytona 200 next spring aboard two former HSBK Ducati V2 machines, originally built By Warhorse Ducati out of New York. While both riders will be making their first trip to Daytona, they will be doing so aboard the same base machine with which Josh Herrin won the 200 to begin 2023.
Each rider tested a Ducati at the most recent SOAR regional round at the Grand Bend Motorplex, enjoying great results in their first stint on the machine. Dion in particular broke the regional lap record three times across the weekend, while Cooney finished fourth in his debut despite starting from the back of the grid.
Also joining the project will be Scott Miller, one of North America’s most renowned engine builders, who will be leading the team on the mechanical side next season.
Current Amateur frontrunner Andrew Cooney (left) will be joining Trevor Dion on a new team for the 2024 season. The pair are expected to debut the team and Ducati machines this weekend at the CSBK season finale. Photo by Kira McWilliams, courtesy CSBK.
Feature sponsor Economy Lube and Tire will be supporting the program thanks to owner Stephen Moxey, who will supply the bikes for 2024.
“I fully understand the challenges a rider will face, and I want to give them the opportunity to get to the highest level while increasing the awareness of the sport at the same time,” said Moxey, a former rookie pro himself and national racer as recently as the start of 2023.
“Riders in Canada have so much potential to expend their talents if placed with the right equipment and teams to compete at other venues,” he continued. “With Scott Miller’s help and the talent of our two riders, I’m sure we will be challenging for #1 plates right away.”
Dion currently sits eleventh overall in the feature Pro Superbike class but firmly in the hunt for the Rookie of the Year award, scoring a podium in Grand Bend. As for Cooney, he sits just four points away from the Amateur Superbike crown entering the final round.
Ducati has not yet scored a point in the Superbike class for 2023, sitting fifth of six teams in the Constructors, though they have secured one pro win thanks to Elliot Vieira’s runaway victory at CTMP in the Sport Bike category.
The Economy Lube and Tire Ducati team will debut at the SMP finale this weekend, September 15-17, just east of Belleville, Ontario.
Racing Editor Chris Ulrich went to Jerez, Spain to test the new 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 R & RS models. Watch him in action and hear his initial impressions here, and you can read his full review in the April 2023 print edition of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology.
Complete race results from the Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series event held September 8-10 at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, in Munford, Alabama.
Use the scroll and zoom tools in the corner of the PDF viewer to better see all of the race results.
THE NEW SPORTY VERSION OF THE BEST-SELLER FROM MANDELLO UNVEILED IN MANDELLO IN FRONT OF THOUSANDS OF FANS WHO TURNED OUT FOR OPEN HOUSE 2023
STRONGLY REMINISCENT OF THE LEGENDARY V7, A TIMELESS SPORTINESS, AND THE MAGICAL ATMOSPHERE OF THE RACES OF YESTERYEAR
THE V7 STONE RANGE ALSO RENEWS WITH THE ARRIVAL OF THE VERDE CAMO COLOUR SCHEME
Mandello del Lario (Lecco) – An emblem of the Italian motorcycle for almost seventy years, Moto Guzzi V7 continues to reinvent itself, maintaining its unmistakeable features and an authenticity that make it unique.
The most recent interpretation of the legendary V7, the new Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Corsa, was unveiled as a surprise during Moto Guzzi Open House 2023, capturing the attention of the thousands of fans who turned out in Mandello for the most eagerly awaited event by Guzzisti all over the world.
A Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Corsa. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi.
Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Corsa represents a bold return to a classic sportiness. Its soft lines stand out straight away, flowing from the top fairing and the single-seater style saddle, both bringing to mind the exciting atmosphere of races from days gone by.
Vibrations that emanate from authentic motorcycling, animated by genuine passion, and which have come back to life since 2019 in the Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance, the single-brand trophy that gives many riders the chance to race on the track, having fun astride their own V7 machines, highlighting its unexpected racing features.
The new V7 Stone Corsa stands out with its brand new two-tone livery, also a tribute to the golden age of motorcycle racing. The metallic grey colour scheme is livened up by an aggressive red stripe that runs vertically along the top fairing, then continuing along the lower part of the fuel tank and on the side panels. Colour coded to match the body, the hard cover for the rear portion of the saddle is available as an accessory, making it a true single-seater in pure racing style.
A Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Corsa. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi.
The equipment package also includes “bar end” rear-view mirrors, which give the V7 Stone Corsa an even sleeker and more dynamic profile, as well as the billet black anodised aluminium fuel cap. In line with the minimalist look, which is the distinctive trait of all V7 versions, the front fork has no bellows, whereas a plate on the handlebar riser identifies the special edition.
Moto Guzzi V7 Stone was also unveiled at Open House 2023 in the new Verde Camo colour scheme, which will be available alongside the Rosso Rovente, Grigio Alluminio, Giallo Metallico, and Nero Ruvido colour schemes.
A Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Corsa. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi.
Evans Brasfield, the Editor-In-Chief at Motorcycle.com and a well-liked and respected member of the powersports media community, died from injuries he sustained in an accident September 13. He was 61 years old.
The news was posted today on Facebook by his wife Karin.
“Dear friends and family, we wanted to let you know that we have suffered a great loss. Evans was in an accident yesterday and did not survive. He was our rock, our beloved, worlds’ best Dad and my life partner for over 30 years. His absence leaves a gaping hole in our hearts. We are honestly not sure how we will live without him. You may have questions; unfortunately, we have no answers at this point. We would appreciate your love and prayers at this time. If you’d like to help, our friends have setup a Meal Train (see comments for the link). Details about a service will be pending.”
In addition to his wife Karin, Brasfield is survived by daughters Minna and Georgia.
We will provide more information as it becomes available.
Sylvain Guintoli (12) at speed on the Yoshimura SERT Motul Suzuki GSX-R1000R in France. Photo courtesy Yoshimura SERT Motul.
Guintoli takes Yoshimura SERT Motul to the top in first Bol d’Or EWC qualifying
Sylvain Guintoli was a step above for Yoshimura SERT Motul as the Suzuki-powered rider completed the four-stage First Qualifying for the Bol d’Or – the deciding round of the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship – in a fastest time of 1m51.695s.
Part of the 2021 Bol d’Or winning line-up, Guintoli clocked his best effort in the 20-minute Yellow Rider session on the 5.673-kilometre Circuit Paul Ricard.
He bettered Markus Reiterberger’s quickest time of 1m51.890s from the Blue Rider group for BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and Alan Techer’s Red Rider best of 1m51.707s for F.C.C. TSR Honda France.
But with qualifying results based on the average time of the fastest two riders at the completion of the final Second Qualifying session, it means the starting order for the 86th Bol d’Or won’t be known until mid-morning Friday with the action due to get under way at 09h00 CET.
How First Qualifying unfolded
Markus Reiterberger picked up where his BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team left off in Free Practice by going quickest in the Blue Rider group. The German set a best time of 1m51.890s, a mere 0.002s faster than Gregg Black managed for Yoshimura SERT Motul. Josh Hook, on his comeback from surgery following a training injury in late July, was third quickest on a 1m52.654s with Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team’s Niccolo Canepà fourth ahead of Lucas Mahias (KM99) and Randy de Puniet (Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar). French Superbike championship leader Kenny Foray was quickest among the Dunlop Superstock Trophy contenders for Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team with Sébastien Suchet and Lorenzo Gabellini second and third for National Motos Honda and Honda No Limits respectively.
Sylvain Guintoli was fastest of the Yellow Rider pack with the Frenchman posting a 1m51.695s for Suzuki-powered Yoshimura SERT Motul. Mike Di Meglio (F.C.C. TSR Honda France) was second quickest with Illya Mykhalchyk (BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team) third. Marvin Fritz (Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team) was fourth with Xavi Forés fifth for ERC Endurance Ducati and Florian Marino sixth on KM99’s Yamaha. National Motos Honda rider Valentin Suchet was the pacesetting Dunlop Superstock Trophy rider followed by category rivals Loïc Arbel (Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team) and Axel Maurin (Team 18 Sapeurs Pompiers CMS Motostore). The session was halted before eventually restarting after a mechanical failure for Roberto Tamburini’s Team Moto-Ain entry left oil on sections of the start/finish straight.
2023 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Xavi Fores (6) on the ERC Endurance Ducati Panigale V4 R at the Bol d’Or 24-hour race. Photo courtesy FIM EWC.
Alan Techer, who is still chasing his first Bol d’Or podium, was the racer to beat out of the Red Rider group on a 1m51.707s for F.C.C. TSR Honda France. The Frenchman was a full 1.307s quicker than Yoshimura SERT Motul’s Étienne Masson. Karel Hanika was third for Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team, one place ahead of Grégory Leblanc (Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar). Bol d’Or rookie Leandro Mercado was set for a top-six time for Honda Viltaïs Racing, last year’s winner, but slipped to eighth in the final moments as Jérémy Guarnoni (BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team) and Bastien Mackels (KM99) took fifth and sixth places respectively. Kevin Manfredi set the Dunlop Superstock Trophy pace for Wójcik Racing Team, closely followed by Guillaume Raymond (National Motos Honda) and EWC newcomer Alessandro Delbianco (OG Motorsport World Endurance Team).
World Superbike star Loris Baz was the best-performing reserve in the Green Rider session on a 1m52.705s for BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. He headed Japan’s Cocoro Atsumi, who has joined Yoshimura SERT Motul for the EWC season decider to take on a new reserve rider role having impressed for OG Motorsport World Endurance Team in the Dunlop Superstock Trophy. Robin Mulhauser was third for Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team, while EWC newcomer Nelson Major was fourth fastest and quickest Superstock rider for Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, only to stop on track late in the session. James Westmoreland (Honda Viltaïs Racing) and Wójcik Racing Team’s teenage star Jurand Kuśmierczyk were fifth and sixth followed by F.C.C. TSR Honda France’s new Japanese recruit Hikari Okubo.
Riders will get to experience Circuit Paul Ricard under the cover of darkness when the one-hour Night Free Practice takes place from the new time of 20h30.
Action from a British Superbike race at Oulton Park. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Oulton Park opens the Showdown as the Bennetts BSB title fight intensifies
The Bennetts British Superbike Championship season reaches the crucial stage this weekend (September 15/16/17) as Oulton Park hosts the opening round of the Showdown, with the points value increased, the title contenders can’t afford to give an inch in Cheshire.
There are 16 riders who remain in mathematical contention ahead of the Showdown, with a maximum of 255 points available from the final three rounds. However, to be in with a shot at the title at the Brands Hatch season finale in October, riders will need to be within 105 points of the standings leader ahead of the final round as a win points’ value increases to 35 for the final three races.
The BeerMonster Ducatis lead the way at the top of the standings as they aim to maintain their advantage and continue the legacy of team owner Paul Bird, who sadly passed away earlier this month.
A double win at Cadwell Park put Glenn Irwin closer to Tommy Bridewell at the top of the standings with 14.5 points separating the pair ahead of this weekend’s three races, but Kyle Ryde has also been back in podium contention for reigning champions LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha.
Jason O’Halloran’s treble win at Thruxton fired him back into contention for McAMS Yamaha and the Australian is hoping he can repeat some of his previous winning success at the Cheshire circuit, whilst Leon Haslam holds fifth in the standings knowing he came close to victory earlier in the year.
Lee Jackson will be pushing to close down the deficit too at the circuit where he claimed his first ever Bennetts BSB race win last season for the Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki team and FHO Racing BMW Motorrad contender Josh Brookes needs a repeat of his win from earlier in the season to get his title bid back on track.
Ryan Vickers lost ground with a crash at Cadwell Park, which left him with a wrist injury so he will want to try to bounce back this weekend with Christian Iddon and Jack Kennedy completing the current top ten in the standings.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:
Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) 303
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) 288.5
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 252
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 248.5
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) 227
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) 216.5
Josh Brookes (FHO BMW Motorrad) 202
Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 189
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 186
Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Racing Yamaha) 116
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Tommy Bridewell
BeerMonster Ducati
“This weekend, I go into it like any other weekend and that is to do the best job I possibly can for myself, the team and of course for Paul.
“I feel like what we’ve been doing this year has been good enough, there is a reason why we’ve managed to win seven races, and another seven podiums along the way as well.
“Cadwell Park was a tough weekend but getting the bike bang on for the last race gave me the same feeling I had when I won at Snetterton and Brands Hatch.
“All I’m focused on is winning races and if I carry on doing what I’ve done all year then the championship should take care of itself.”
Albert Arenas (left) and Luca Gresini (right). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.
ARENAS TO JOIN GRESINI FAMILY FROM 2024
For 2024, the team led by Luca Gresini has decided to gamble again on a Spanish rider. It will be Albert Arenas the new standard bearer in the intermediate category, with Team Moto2 QJMOTOR GRESINI RACING raising the bar to be among the protagonists from the get-go.
Albert Arenas, who was crowned Moto3 World Champion in 2020, has already shown good things in what is a challenging category – Moto2 – and the podium finish scored at Barcelona is proof of consistent growth for the #75, who will look for confirmation in what will be his fourth year in the class.
The Pirelli test at Barcelona have already shown signs of an incredible level. If a good day starts in the morning… welcome!
ALBERT ARENAS #75
“It’s an honor for me to join a squad with such history, with world championship titles and such an important MotoGP effort. There’s still half a season left and the goal is to stay focused and keep growing as a rider, in order to get to 2024 in the best possible situation. I would like to thank Nadia and the whole of Gresini Racing for this great opportunity.”
LUCA GRESINI – TEAM MANAGER QJMOTOR GRESINI MOTO2
“We wanted a top rider also in Moto2 and I think with Albert we will be a reference point also in this category. The #75 is a veteran in Moto2, one capable of winning races and titles. We want the best and why not, we can dream of a Moto2 title with him.”
A Lighter, Slimmer, Sharper Enduro Ready to Dominate the Trail
MARIETTA, Ga. – Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, is proud to introduce the all-new 2024 WR450F aimed at setting a new benchmark for open-class enduro performance. Based on recent changes made to Yamaha’s best-in-class YZ450F motocrosser, the new WR450F is now slimmer, lighter, faster and more tractable than before with longer, stronger pulling power.
But that’s not all, significant adjustments have been made to the entire machine to produce unique WRF characteristics. Yamaha engineers and testers paid special attention to tuning the bike for its intended use as a fast enduro machine, which means that while the WR450F may be based on its MX cousin, the power delivery, handling and suspension are unique to this model and developed specifically for enduro performance.
The numerous changes made to the 2024 WR450F combine to reduce weight, improve handling and increase tractability, leading to a more user-friendly machine for the fast enduro rider. The end result is an enduro weapon that’s easy to ride fast, extremely capable in technical situations and more versatile than ever.
The 2024 Yamaha WR450F comes with a lighter, more powerful engine. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Lighter, More Powerful Engine
The all-new engine is shared with the current YZ450F. It features larger 39mm-diameter intake valves, a new piston, conrod, revised bearings, optimized crank mass inertia and a dry sump oil tank with integrated generator cover. Many components are lighter including the piston, cylinder, crank assembly, cam chain, con rod bearings and lubrication system, which results in an engine that’s 2.4 pounds lighter. In addition, the 2024 WR450F features an ECU tuned specifically to offer tractability at low speeds and high power at medium to fast-speeds.
New Transmission
The drivetrain runs the new YZ450F lightweight disc-spring clutch which is more compact with a lighter feel and a more positive engagement point. The wide-ratio five-speed gearbox now features wider main shaft gears for reduced weight and increased strength, with ratios specifically developed for enduro racing.
Lower Center of Gravity
The advanced aluminum bilateral beam frame has a 15mm lower head pipe joint, allowing the frame rail and tension pipe to sit lower, moving the center of gravity down for enhanced handling. The chassis also has a revised rigidity balance developed specifically for the WR450F. The frame was developed with a focus on flex characteristics and the engine mounts are specially tuned for this model to allow excellent cornering, bump absorption and overall handling. A new compact fuel tank features a larger lower area and lower fuel pump location, and a shorter muffler further increases mass centralization.
Revised KYB suspension
New KYB suspension features tool-free compression damping adjustment on top of the forks. With a seat height 10mm lower than the YZ450F and with a lower center of gravity, the new WR450F runs 11.8 inches of front suspension travel and 12 inches rear suspension travel for precise control over varied terrain. This also assists in increasing grip on the front and traction at the rear for a more planted feel. These changes also increase the tight turning ability of the machine which increases confidence while riding singletrack.
The 2024 Yamaha WR450F comes with new KYB suspension. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Slimmer Bodywork with Improved Ergos
A generous flow of clean air is now fed from the rear of the bike which allows for a slimmer body. The overall shroud width has been made significantly narrower and the shape of its side surfaces are smoother. This allows riders to move their legs forward more easily, contributing to the lighter and more agile handling feel. A new seat is flatter and narrower with rounded edges, further increasing ease of movement. The riding position is also improved, with 10mm more leg room and handlebars positioned slightly closer for a more natural position.
The 2024 Yamaha WR450F comes with slimmer bodywork and updated ergonomics. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Additional Lightweight Components
Other lightweight components include the rear wheel and rear braking system. A three spoke pattern joins the blue anodized Excel rim to a lighter hub, and a new YZ450F-spec rear brake system sheds further weight. The 2024 WR450F also has a lightweight lithium-ion battery, lighter footpeg bracket and even lighter throttle cables for an overall weight savings of more than 4 pounds.
Additional New Features
A new skid plate is fitted that enhances the protection of the lower frame, engine covers and coolant hoses. There’s also new multifunction switchgear on the left-hand side of the handlebars, new multifunction meter display showing speed, trip distance, low fuel and engine warning lights, new water-resistant PVC handlebar pad, new rear fender with a grab area, and redesigned fork seals for improved life.
A 2024 Yamaha WR450F at speed. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
2024 WR450F Features & Benefits
New fuel-injected 450cc engine is lighter, more compact and more powerful
Model-specific ECU produces tractability at low speeds and full power at medium to high speeds
Model-specific suspension settings tuned for enduro performance
New toolless front fork compression damping adjusters
Flatter seat with more rounded edges makes it easy to move about while riding
New air flow management system allows a more compact body including 50mm narrower shrouds
Lower center of gravity assists in negotiating tight corners
Mass centralized fuel tank and muffler
New lighter clutch and revised wide-ratio gearbox
Lighter rear wheel, hub and brake assembly
New multi-function switchgear
New full protection skid plate
New rear fender with handy grab area
New water-resistant bar pad
Lighter lithium-ion battery, footpeg bracket, throttle cables and more
The new 2024 WR450F will be offered in Team Yamaha Blue and will be available from dealers in November for $10,199 MSRP. Additionally, the WR250F returns unchanged for 2024, offered in Team Yamaha Blue and available from dealers this in November for $8,999 MSRP.
A 2024 Yamaha WR250F. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Yamaha bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program
All 2024 Yamaha Motocross and Cross Country models are eligible for Yamaha’s current bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, which features nearly $7 million for Yamaha bLU cRU riders competing in off-road motorcycle racing. Riders can earn contingency payouts via a bLU cRU debit card, receive a 10 percent rebate on GYTR parts and accessory purchases of up to $1,000, and receive a bLU cRU swag bag.
For complete details on how to register for the bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, along with specific information on which racing series, events, and classes are included, visit the Off-Road Racing Contingency page on the Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, website at: https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/blucru-registration.
Learn more about Yamaha’s complete Motocross and Cross-Country lineup, as well as other Yamaha products at: www.yamahamotorsports.com.
Find a range of Genuine Yamaha Accessories, apparel and more at: www.yamaha-motor.com/shop.
For more information related to all Yamaha products, visit: www.yamahamotorsports.com.
Follow Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, through your favorite social media site:
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About Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company (YMSC) with divisions Bennett Marine (Florida), Kracor Systems (Wisconsin) and Siren Marine, Inc. (Rhode Island), Skeeter Boats (Texas), with division G3 Boats (Missouri), and Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana).
Tim Joyce (309), Shane Turpin (14), Dan Sokolich (77Z), Al Charles (424), and Justin Hebbel (107) prepare for the start of an AHRMA Vintage Cup race at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway. Photo by Kenny Cummings, courtesy AHRMA.
Joyce and Turpin share wins and spills at Talladega GP
(September 13, 2023, Knoxville, TN) Shane Turpin and Tim Joyce tested, and exceeded, the limit in their chase for the 2023 American Historic Racing Motorcycle (AHRMA) championship.
Sponsored by Hagerty Insurance, Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2023 Vintage Cup features the Formula 750 (F750) class which includes 750cc two and four-stroke powered machines built up to 1972.
Rounds 17 and 18 of the Vintage Cup were held on September 9 and 10, 2023 in conjunction with the Bridgestone Tires AHRMA National Roadracing series at Talladega Gran Prix.
It’s a hot time in Alabama even in September. Going into Talladega, the Vintage Cup championship race was narrowed down to two riders: Shane Turpin and Tim Joyce.
Going into the Talladega Gran Prix rounds, Joyce, who races a NYC Norton 1968 Seeley NRE 750, was leading the points in the Vintage Cup series. Turpin, on a 1972 Ducati Imola, sponsored by Larrabure Framing and VeeTwo, joined the series mid-season and has raced himself into contention for the championship.
The rounds at Talladega were pivotal for either rider, and certain to affect the final championship outcome.
On Saturday, the race started with Joyce leading until the first corner where he was shoulder-to-shoulder with Turpin. Joyce pulled ahead and was well into the first lap when he realized Turpin had suffered a mechanical failure and had left the race. Joyce kept his head down and won the race, which was his 10th Vintage Cup victory and earned him enough points to possibly win the 2023 Vintage Cup championship.
Dan Sokolich on a 1977 Yamaha RD400 finishing second, Ben Schmitt rounding out the podium on his NYC Norton 1968 Seeley Commando in third, Bucky (James) Sexton on his 1970 BMW R75/5 in fourth, and Al Charles, AHRMA’s Road Race Director on a 1970 Triumph T-150 in fifth.
Turpin returned Sunday with a repaired motorcycle and took his grid position next to Joyce on the front row. The start was a repeat of Saturday’s with Turpin and Joyce again shoulder-to-shoulder going through the first turn with Turpin taking the advantage on the exit. Joyce passed Turpin entering the second turn, but Turpin went underneath Joyce into the next corner forcing Joyce to lean the bike harder to make it through the famous decreasing-radius turn.
Joyce accelerated hard, slid the rear wheel which then regained grip and launched Joyce in a spectacular high side and out of the race. Joyce walked away relatively unscathed as Turpin rode his Ducati to victory.
Sokolich was second place, with Justin Hebbel riding a 1972 BMW R75/5 in third, with AHRMA Road Race director Al Charles rounding out the grid.
“It has been a season of grueling competition and that began to show as some top riders began to deal with mechanical issues in practice,” said Carl Anderson, AHRMA’s 2023 Chairman of the Board. “Tim Joyce and the NYC Norton team seemed to do the best job of dealing with adversity and came out on top Saturday but crashed on Sunday while attempting to claim another win.”
Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton, said, “We came into Talladega with two riders and teams going head-to-head, and it was anyone’s guess what the outcome of these two races would be. Talladega is one of the shortest tracks on the schedule, but it brings some of the best race excitement. This weekend was no exception. Congratulations to Shane and Tim for your wins this weekend.”
Cummings reflected on the roller-coaster weekend, “As team owner and sponsor, I’m very happy with our outcome, but I must give credit where credit is due. The Larrabure/Turpin Ducati is a force to be reckoned with and we hope to see some good race action heading into our final rounds at Barber.”
The annual Vintage Cup spotlights one of AHRMA’s road racing classes with extra attention on competitors in the selected class during each race event. Enhanced awards for the Vintage Cup competitors are presented separately from other class trophies during the Saturday awards ceremony at each AHRMA National Road Race event.
Highlights from each Vintage Cup race will be reported in RoadracingWorld.com’s online edition. At the conclusion of each season, the perpetual Vintage Cup trophy will be engraved with the national champion winner’s name and presented to the winner at the National Awards Banquet to keep for one year.
2023 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series, Formula 750 – Vintage Cup Results
Saturday, September 9, 2023
1. Tim Joyce, 1968 Seeley NRE 750, Springfield, VT
2. Dan Sokolich, 1977 Yamaha RD400, Washington, MO
3. Ben Schmitt, 1970 Norton Commando, Kearney, MO
4. Bucky (James) Sexton, 1970 BMW R75/5, York, PA
5. Albert Charles, 1970 Triumph T-150, Thornville, OH
Sunday, September 10, 2023
1. Shane Turpin, 1972 Ducati Imola, Scottsdale, AZ
2. Dan Sokolich, 1977 Yamaha RD400, Washington, MO
3. Justin Hebbel, 1972 BMW R75/5, Baltimore, MD
4. Albert Charles, 1970 Triumph T-150, Thornville, OH
About AHRMA:
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage machines along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.
Trevor Dion (20) riding the Economy Lube and Tire Ducati Panigale V4 R Superbike last weekend during a SOAR regional event at Grand Bend Motorplex. Photo by Amy Ross/SSTrackside.ca, courtesy CSBK.
Economy Lube and Tire announces Ducati team of Dion, Cooney for 2024
Toronto, ON – Economy Lube and Tire is pleased to confirm they will support a two-rider race team in the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship for 2024, featuring Trevor Dion and Andrew Cooney both aboard factory-supported Ducati machinery.
Dion, CSBK’s reigning Pro Sport Bike champion and a current Pro Superbike star, will ride a Panigale V4 R Superbike machine, while current top amateur Cooney will step up to the Pro ranks aboard a former HSBK-owned Panigale V2.
Both riders are expected to debut the project at the final round of the 2023 season this weekend at Shannonville Motorsport Park, as the team aims to end the year on a high note while familiarizing themselves for 2024.
As part of the program, both riders will also enter the famed Daytona 200 next spring aboard two former HSBK Ducati V2 machines, originally built By Warhorse Ducati out of New York. While both riders will be making their first trip to Daytona, they will be doing so aboard the same base machine with which Josh Herrin won the 200 to begin 2023.
Each rider tested a Ducati at the most recent SOAR regional round at the Grand Bend Motorplex, enjoying great results in their first stint on the machine. Dion in particular broke the regional lap record three times across the weekend, while Cooney finished fourth in his debut despite starting from the back of the grid.
Also joining the project will be Scott Miller, one of North America’s most renowned engine builders, who will be leading the team on the mechanical side next season.
Current Amateur frontrunner Andrew Cooney (left) will be joining Trevor Dion on a new team for the 2024 season. The pair are expected to debut the team and Ducati machines this weekend at the CSBK season finale. Photo by Kira McWilliams, courtesy CSBK.
Feature sponsor Economy Lube and Tire will be supporting the program thanks to owner Stephen Moxey, who will supply the bikes for 2024.
“I fully understand the challenges a rider will face, and I want to give them the opportunity to get to the highest level while increasing the awareness of the sport at the same time,” said Moxey, a former rookie pro himself and national racer as recently as the start of 2023.
“Riders in Canada have so much potential to expend their talents if placed with the right equipment and teams to compete at other venues,” he continued. “With Scott Miller’s help and the talent of our two riders, I’m sure we will be challenging for #1 plates right away.”
Dion currently sits eleventh overall in the feature Pro Superbike class but firmly in the hunt for the Rookie of the Year award, scoring a podium in Grand Bend. As for Cooney, he sits just four points away from the Amateur Superbike crown entering the final round.
Ducati has not yet scored a point in the Superbike class for 2023, sitting fifth of six teams in the Constructors, though they have secured one pro win thanks to Elliot Vieira’s runaway victory at CTMP in the Sport Bike category.
The Economy Lube and Tire Ducati team will debut at the SMP finale this weekend, September 15-17, just east of Belleville, Ontario.
Racing Editor Chris Ulrich at speed on a 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS at Jerez. Photo courtesy Triumph.
Racing Editor Chris Ulrich went to Jerez, Spain to test the new 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 R & RS models. Watch him in action and hear his initial impressions here, and you can read his full review in the April 2023 print edition of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology.
Talladega Gran Prix Raceway. Photo courtesy Talladega Gran Prix Raceway.
Complete race results from the Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series event held September 8-10 at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, in Munford, Alabama.
Use the scroll and zoom tools in the corner of the PDF viewer to better see all of the race results.
A Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Corsa. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi.
MOTO GUZZI V7 STONE CORSA
THE NEW SPORTY VERSION OF THE BEST-SELLER FROM MANDELLO UNVEILED IN MANDELLO IN FRONT OF THOUSANDS OF FANS WHO TURNED OUT FOR OPEN HOUSE 2023
STRONGLY REMINISCENT OF THE LEGENDARY V7, A TIMELESS SPORTINESS, AND THE MAGICAL ATMOSPHERE OF THE RACES OF YESTERYEAR
THE V7 STONE RANGE ALSO RENEWS WITH THE ARRIVAL OF THE VERDE CAMO COLOUR SCHEME
Mandello del Lario (Lecco) – An emblem of the Italian motorcycle for almost seventy years, Moto Guzzi V7 continues to reinvent itself, maintaining its unmistakeable features and an authenticity that make it unique.
The most recent interpretation of the legendary V7, the new Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Corsa, was unveiled as a surprise during Moto Guzzi Open House 2023, capturing the attention of the thousands of fans who turned out in Mandello for the most eagerly awaited event by Guzzisti all over the world.
A Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Corsa. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi.
Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Corsa represents a bold return to a classic sportiness. Its soft lines stand out straight away, flowing from the top fairing and the single-seater style saddle, both bringing to mind the exciting atmosphere of races from days gone by.
Vibrations that emanate from authentic motorcycling, animated by genuine passion, and which have come back to life since 2019 in the Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance, the single-brand trophy that gives many riders the chance to race on the track, having fun astride their own V7 machines, highlighting its unexpected racing features.
The new V7 Stone Corsa stands out with its brand new two-tone livery, also a tribute to the golden age of motorcycle racing. The metallic grey colour scheme is livened up by an aggressive red stripe that runs vertically along the top fairing, then continuing along the lower part of the fuel tank and on the side panels. Colour coded to match the body, the hard cover for the rear portion of the saddle is available as an accessory, making it a true single-seater in pure racing style.
A Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Corsa. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi.
The equipment package also includes “bar end” rear-view mirrors, which give the V7 Stone Corsa an even sleeker and more dynamic profile, as well as the billet black anodised aluminium fuel cap. In line with the minimalist look, which is the distinctive trait of all V7 versions, the front fork has no bellows, whereas a plate on the handlebar riser identifies the special edition.
Moto Guzzi V7 Stone was also unveiled at Open House 2023 in the new Verde Camo colour scheme, which will be available alongside the Rosso Rovente, Grigio Alluminio, Giallo Metallico, and Nero Ruvido colour schemes.
A Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Corsa. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi.
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November 14, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
