AHRMA: Joyce And Turpin Trade Vintage Cup Wins And DNFs At Talladega

David Swarts

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September 13, 2023

AHRMA: Joyce And Turpin Trade Vintage Cup Wins And DNFs At Talladega

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.

Canadian Superbike: Economy Lube And Tire Ducati Team Announced

David Swarts

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September 13, 2023

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Canadian Superbike: Economy Lube And Tire Ducati Team Announced

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.

Video: 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS Ride and Review

David Swarts

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September 13, 2023

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Video: 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS Ride and Review

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.

AHRMA: Race Results From Talladega Gran Prix Raceway

David Swarts

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September 13, 2023

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AHRMA: Race Results From 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.

09 RRW 2023 Taladega Raceway - Weekend Results

Moto Guzzi Unveils V7 Stone Corsa

David Swarts

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September 13, 2023

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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.

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.

Moto3: Red Bull KTM Ajo Signs Rueda And Zurutuza

David Swarts

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September 13, 2023

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Moto3: Red Bull KTM Ajo Signs Rueda And Zurutuza

RED BULL KTM AJO LOOK TOWARDS MORE MOTO3™ SUPREMACY AND DEVELOPMENT WITH JOSE RUEDA AND XABI ZURUTUZA LOCKED FOR 2024

Red Bull KTM Ajo have already walked the top of the Moto3 podium on more than one occasion in 2023 to-date and are targeting more distinction next year with a KTM GP Academy rider roster of Jose Antonio Rueda and rookie Xabi Zurutuza.

Aki Ajo’s crew have used their long-established Red Bull KTM Moto3 program to not only bring Grand Prix podium finishes, wins and championships to the brand but also develop the brightest talents from feeder series like the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, FIM JuniorGP and the Northern Talent Cup for the next stages of their careers at the highest level.

Red Bull KTM Ajo’s preparation and education of young prospects as well as their custody of KTM’s RC4 motorcycle have created consistently lofty standards. Their team history since the invention of the Moto3 class in 2012 (and even further back with KTM’s 2-stroke technology) involves a glittering list of MotoGP names and athletes that have gone on to major success.

In 2023 Deniz Öncü has claimed race wins and is vying for the team’s fourth Moto3 title. Alongside the Turk, Jose Antonio Rueda has been learning the demands of Moto3. The Spaniard, and former FIM JuniorGP and Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup champion, has been the picture of consistency with eight top ten finishes in twelve rounds, a maiden podium appearance at the Catalan Grand Prix and holds 8th spot in the current Moto3 standings.

The 17-year-old from Sevilla has been progressing with promise but will be the spearhead for the 2024 Moto3 campaign, as well as the reference for another red-hot rookie in the form of Zurutuza. The Basque comes into the squad – and the category – having taken two victories in the 2023 FIM JuniorGP series and is fast becoming one of the standout figures on the European scene.

Jose Antonio Rueda: “I am very happy to continue with the team next year. This season we are making a lot of progress and I have adapted well to the team and Aki’s working methodology. We are very motivated to continue doing well and to move a little further forward, fighting more for good results. Our goal is to be at the front and consolidate all the progress we are making.”

Xabi Zurutuza: “I am very happy to be part of this great family. Red Bull KTM Ajo are a team that I have followed since I was little. Making my debut in the World Championship is every rider’s dream and I have the opportunity to do it with KTM and Aki Ajo’s team. I can’t wait to start working, improve and have a good feeling with the team. The goal is to go race-by-race and enjoy myself, which is the important thing.”

Aki Ajo, Team Principal: “Moto3 has been really enjoyable for us this year so far, as we have a combination of Deniz’s extensive experience in the class and Jose Antonio as a rookie rider. They are working really well, both the riders and the whole team in general. I feel that we have really improved all the time during the season. Of course, for us it is always important to develop our riders for the next step and it’s part of the job. We are really happy to have this pair of riders for next season, as they are part of a young generation with a lot of enthusiasm and good results in smaller categories. Jose Antonio Rueda and Xabi Zurutuza will be a dynamic duo for 2024.”

Canadian Superbike: Tripleheader At Shannonville To Decide Title

David Swarts

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September 12, 2023

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Canadian Superbike: Tripleheader At Shannonville To Decide Title

Superbike Preview: Dumas, Young to decide 2023 crown with tripleheader grudge match at SMP

Toronto, ON – It’s the exact scenario many expected when the 2023 Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship season began, but that won’t make it any less exciting when Alex Dumas and Ben Young face off in the title-deciding final round of the GP Bikes Pro Superbike class this weekend at Shannonville Motorsport Park, September 15-17.

Nothing has separated the two rivals through the first seven races of the season, with 2021 champion Dumas taking three wins and a perfect seven podiums while reigning champion Young has countered with four wins and six podiums on the year.

Despite all the twists and turns along the way, just three points will be the margin entering the final round of the campaign, effectively wiping the slate clean and producing a tripleheader shootout to decide the 2023 Canada Cup.

While Dumas is the one with that slight advantage, it’s Young who carries all the momentum into the “long track” configuration of SMP, which makes its return to the schedule for the first time since 2006.

Looking to erase a 36-point deficit in round four, Young swept the tripleheader in comfortable fashion and saw Dumas settle for third on each occasion, drawing the title chase practically even despite his early season misfortune aboard the Van Dolder’s Home Team BMW.

Young has looked like the outright faster rider for parts of the season, besting Dumas in all but one practice or qualifying session, but the Purple Skull Brewing/Liqui Moly Suzuki rider has looked far more consistent on race day, including in round one at SMP.

While that was on the different “pro track” layout, Dumas simply looked unmatched over a full race distance, perhaps owed to his experience teaching at Shannonville for the FAST Riding School.

Young will be quick to point out his bizarre rear fairing issue that left him sixth in race two, but Dumas would counter that argument by saying he was already alone at the front when that malfunction occurred.

Regardless of how that weekend played out, it will have little effect on what battles are to come on the new configuration. Dumas and Young should both be able to run at the front once more, which could set up the fiercest clash either rider has seen since their rivalry began.

Ben Young (1) clawed back huge points during round four in his bid for a second straight CSBK championship with three more GP Bikes Pro Superbike races to come. Photo by Rob O'Brien, courtesy CSBK. — Ben Young (1) clawed back huge points during round four in his bid for a second straight CSBK championship with three more GP Bikes Pro Superbike races to come. Photo by Rob O’Brien, courtesy CSBK.

What remains the X-factor is the question that will be in the back of Dumas’ mind after round four at CTMP: who can play spoiler?

The runaway favourite of the bunch is Sam Guerin, who was indirectly the best wingman Young could have hoped for last time out. The EFC Group BMW rider finished ahead of Dumas in all three races, and firmly established himself as the closest challenger to the two title rivals.

Dumas will also remember it was Guerin who gave him the biggest difficulty last time at SMP, leading race one in the rain before crashing out. While he may not want to get in the way of either rider’s championship fight, Guerin will still be chasing his own maiden victory and also has a responsibility to BMW in the Constructors Championship, meaning he can’t afford to be too kind at the final round either.

Guerin won’t be the only one hoping to capitalize on the chaos and secure their first Superbike win, though, as Tomas Casas has continued to creep towards the front amidst a breakthrough year for the Parts Canada Yamaha team.

Finishes of fourth, fifth, and fourth at CTMP were made even more impressive by his lack of straight-line speed compared to the higher-horsepower machines of Dumas and Guerin, something that shouldn’t be as much of a concern around the tighter, 15-turn “long track” layout of Shannonville as Casas eyes a long-awaited feature class win.

Another rider who will show little care for the title battle is 14-time champion Jordan Szoke, who is chasing an emotional victory of his own. Easily the winningest rider in CSBK history, Szoke hasn’t gone a full season he’s entered without a win since 2005, and will be running out of options to extend that streak in the final round of the year.

The drought has been understandable given Szoke’s unfortunate injuries and lengthy recovery, but given that race three would be his 150th career Superbike race start and rumours continue to swirl about his 2024 plans, the 44-year-old will be eager to celebrate the milestone from the top of the box.

Regardless of what happens on-track for Szoke, fans will notice a change of scenery in his pit box this weekend, as the news of his and Trevor Dion’s split has been met by the announcement that Connor Campbell will take his place on the second ZX-10R Ninja.

Campbell – a race winner at Shannonville in the Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike class – will carry his B&T MacFarlane/Kubota sponsorship with him despite entering as Szoke’s teammate, as he looks to get a headstart on his Superbike development prior to 2024.

Dion will now run a separate effort, and one that will look very different as the LDS Consultants-backed rider is set to debut an Economy Lube & Tire Ducati. The reigning Sport Bike champion does own both Kawasaki and BMW privateer machinery, but is now expected to trial the V4 Panigale as Ducati remains without a points finish this season.

Regardless of what machine Dion rides, the 21-year-old will be eyeing a return to the podium to cap off what’s been a difficult 2023 campaign, as he appears to be the key piece in many manufacturer rumours for a second consecutive year.

The final round of the season will also see the return of Trevor Daley to the fold, though hardly at 100% as he recovers from a crash in round three at Atlantic Motorsport Park.

The OneSpeed Suzuki rider may have a tough time staying with the lead group across three 14-lap races given his injuries, but even at less than full-strength is capable of scoring key points for Suzuki and running inside the podium mix.

The full schedule for the final round of the 2023 Pro Superbike season can be found on the series’ official website at CSBK.ca.

N2/WERA National Endurance: Army Of Darkness Wins Again, At Summit Point

David Swarts

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September 12, 2023

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N2/WERA National Endurance: Army Of Darkness Wins Again, At Summit Point

Army Of Darkness Wins Overall And Heavyweight Class at the WERA/N2 National Endurance Race by Dunlop at Summit Point, West Virginia

Taylor Knapp raced with Army Of Darkness (AOD) in 2014. Nine years later he rejoined the team to co-pilot the AOD bike alongside Hunter Dunham and Ben Walters on a wild and eventful journey to the top step of the podium.

AOD led for most of the race but multiple red flags kept taking the hard-earned leads away from the team. Both Dunham and Knapp had to take the bike into the dirt at least once to avoid collisions with slower riders. And the closing stages of the race saw a hard charging Blake Davis on an R1 threatening to run down AOD, however, lightning strikes ended the race with AOD a scant 1.7 seconds in the lead.

Ironically, AOD lost the overall race in the season opener when a red flag ended the race on the lap AOD’s Cody Wyman had passed for the lead. At Summit, AOD received a benefit from the arbitrary and unpredictable nature of red flags.

“The AOD bike is super easy to ride and I felt comfortable immediately,” said Knapp. “It was really fun to be back with the team after all these years and, of course, the Dunlop tires are really great. We kept stretching out a lead in the race but then red flags kept resetting the scoring to even again. The competition was really strong this race so I was relieved when the fourth red flag ended the race with the scoring showing us in P1. I’m not sure that I would have been able to hold off Blake Davis in the last three laps, so the lightning was a bit of a relief for us!”

Hunter Dunham (99) piloting the AOD R1 to the podium at Summit Point. Photo by Vae Vang/Noiseless Productions, courtesy Army of Darkness. — Hunter Dunham (99) piloting the AOD R1 to the podium at Summit Point. Photo by
Vae Vang/Noiseless Productions, courtesy Army of Darkness.

Dunham, who put in the fastest lap for the team, said, “I’ve never been to Summit Point before, so Sam sketched out a track map on cardboard to show me the secrets and gears to use. It really helped so I was up to speed right away and able to put in a few heaters. It was really frustrating to put in all the hard work and then lose the edge to red flags, but I always like taking race starts and at least the red flags gave me plenty of opportunity to launch into clear track.”

The win is the fifth consecutive heavyweight class win for the year and extends the team’s lead in the overall championship to over 35 points going into the final round at Barber in October.

AOD is sponsored by: Army of Darkness, Dunlop, Yamaha Champions Riding School, Industry 13, Woodcraft, Hindle, Supersprox, Thermosman, N2, WERA, Roadracing World.

More, from a press release issued by N2 Racing:

Army of Darkness wins N2/WERA National Endurance by Dunlop at Summit Point.

Hunter Dunham (99) on the Army of Darkness Yamaha. Photo by Noiseless Productions courtesy N2 Racing.

Media, PA (September 2023) – The Army of Darkness (AOD) won the 4-hour N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop on a Yamaha YZF-R1 at Summit Point Raceway. Army of Darkness has been dominant this season, winning every race but one. Army of Darkness didn’t have it easy at Summit with stiff competition from a stacked N2 Endurance Team. In all, 55 teams competed in all classes for the lucrative purse and championship bonuses.

The race started on a hot West Virginia Saturday with N2 Endurance Team’s Emerson Amaya on pole. Emerson led for the first seven laps before being passed by AOD’s Taylor Knapp. Army of Darkness and N2 Endurance battled the entire race on two very fast Dunlop-equipped Yamaha YZF-R1’s. Each team had fast pit stops and extremely fast riders. In the end, N2 Endurance’s Blake Davis passed AOD’s Hunter Dunham for the lead with 5 minutes to go, but the race was almost immediately red flagged for lightning. The results reverted a lap giving AOD the win with riders Ben Walters, Taylor Knapp, and Hunter Dunham. N2 Endurance finished second with Blake Davis, Emerson Amaya, CJ Crosslin and Brandon Cretu. Team Kustom Cockpits finished third with riders Anthony Sabbatino, Tom Delegram, and Allen Kersey.

Eziah Davis (38) on the Alpha Omega Yamaha. Photo by Noiseless Productions, courtesy N2 Racing.

Summit Point saw the return of Kevin Olmedo to racing. Kevin is one of the nicest and most well-liked riders in the world. Kevin has been suffering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome for over a year and at one point was completely paralyzed. Kevin’s recovery has been remarkable and his return to racing started with a victory in the middleweight class with the Alpha Omega Endurance Team. Alpha Omega won the Middleweight class race on a Dunlop-shod Yamaha YZF-R6 with Kevin and his teammate Eziah Davis. Top Box Racing was the picture of consistency to finish second with riders Caleb Odom, Dylan Yelton, and Tony McKnight. Wiseco-sponsored Motor Drone Racing finished third with riders Shane Maggs, and Gary Yancoskie.

MotoAmerica Lightweight Twins Champions Robem Engineering won the Lightweight Class with young gun Alessandro DiMario and endurance veteran Keith Buris on an Aprilia RS 660. The family team of Brown Town Racing finished second on a Suzuki SV650 with riders Reese Brown, Chase Brown, and dad David Brown. RBoM Racing led by the legendary Russell Masecar finished third with riders Giacomo Manera and Ryan Wolfe piloting their Suzuki SV650.

Ready To Race's Ryne Snooks (13). Photo by Noiseless Productions, courtesy N2 Racing. — Ready To Race’s Ryne Snooks (13). Photo by Noiseless Productions, courtesy N2 Racing.

The Ultra Lightweight 2-Hour Endurance featured 23 teams on a variety of motorcycles. Ready to Ride’s Ryne Snooks won by a little over 43 seconds over Luigi Racing. Vossberg Racing finished third with Hank Vossberg.

The Relay Class is a unique exhibition class intended to get teams into endurance racing without jumping into the expense of building a dedicated endurance bike. Each rider on the team can use their own bikes and switch transponders with their teammates instead of performing complete pit stops. Nature Power Superbike dominated the relay class with riders Jason Waters and Dan Kruger. C Speed Moto finished second and We R1 Endurance Race Team finished third.

About N2: N2 – Ride, Learn, Race.

Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing. N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.

The N2 National Endurance Series is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, Woodcraft Technologies, BobbleHeadMoto, WERA Road Racing, KYT Helmets America, R.E.B Graphics, Millennium Technologies, Wiseco Pistons, JE Pistons, Rise Moto, Ghetto Customs, Pit-Lane Moto and Yamaha Champions Riding School.

For more information:
www.n2td.org

NEMRR: Block Wins Feature Race At Penultimate Round

David Swarts

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September 12, 2023

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NEMRR: Block Wins Feature Race At Penultimate Round

NEMRR Round 6 – New Hampshire Motor Speedway, September 9-10

The penultimate round of the 2023 NEMRR series marked the return of several top riders who has been away preparing and competing at MotoAmerica events. The two-day event was run under a variety of weather conditions that produced some exciting racing that saw some new faces on top of the podium in several classes. NEMRR also had the opportunity to honor the memory of long time competitor and NEMRRR/LRRS official Larry Hanlon. Larry was a tenacious racer who raced at the club level for many years, as well as competing in some national level events. He was a pioneer bike builder and changed the landscape of lightweight racing in New England as he built the first “motard” machines using the venerable CR500 engine, which he both ran in the dirt bike chassis and grafted into the frames of Grand Prix machines. Larry was paralyzed in a racing incident but continued serving the racing community as the assistant starter for many years. In keeping with his competitive sprit, Larry continued to win championships as his “Larry Lap” fundraisers led him to be the top donor to the NH Brain Injury association – a major supporter of people with spinal cord injuries. The ashes of Larry were carried by close friend Kevin Buck on a final lap around New Hampshire Motor Speedway Saturday afternoon.

Larry Hanlon, R.I.P. Photo courtesy Martin Hanlon/NEMRR.

The weekend started off with bright sun, temperatures in the 80’s and a flurry of first time winners in the Expert ranks. The four GT endurance races are always among the first to run each NEMRR weekend, and the only 2023 repeat winner was Renee Franco, returning from her maiden MotoAmerica event at PittRace to win the GT500 class. In GTL, Adam Guyer carded his first win of the season after his previously undefeated father Brett had some late race difficulties. In GTO, Chris Arrighi took his Aprilia RSV4 to win the first Expert GTO race of his career after a race long battle with Yamaha R6 mounted Bill Coolahan. Similarly, Geoffrey ‘Frenchie” Bonnard scored the first Expert GTU victory of his career over young upstart Micheal Lee.

In the Amateur ranks the standout for the weekend was David Lacroix, who collected wins in both the wet and the dry over the course of the event. Lacroix powered to victory in Unlimited Superbike, Unlimited GP, Formula 40 Middleweight and the Middleweight Grand Prix Class, where he picked up the purse money for as the top Amateur performer. In the process he ran times that qualify him for Expert status, which he may choose to advance for the final weekend or to postpone to the start of the 2024 season. Congratulations on a job well done.

NEMRR also features a Super Street class, which is a half step between track days and racing. Riders who have participated in a track day in 2024 can join the regular NEMRR racers in their own class, which allows riders on track day prepped machinery to experience a NEMRR weekend. This weekend’s Super Street classes were won by Randy Morissette, who showed remarkable adaptability as he powered to victory on a borrowed Suzuki GSXR machine in both the dry race on Saturday and on the wet race on Sunday.

The premier Michelin/MotoRace Dash for cash was another great contest this weekend as Eli Block returned from his MotoAmerica effort at PittRace to rejoin the championship battle at NEMRR. With 4 different victors in the first 5 events, the anticipation was palpable as the racers took to the starting line. At the green flag, it was again the mighty Triumph of Ian Beam that led the field into turn one, followed closely by Harlan Hildebrand. As the first lap unfolded Eli Block rocketed past 3rd place Paul Duval and past Hildebrand to cross the line in 2nd place. NEMRR #1 plate holder Rick Doucette continued his streak of abysmal launches and found himself again buried deep in the pack. Block settled behind Beam for the first half of the race, sizing up the best place to make his move, as the Kawasaki of Hildebrand hung in closely in third place. Meanwhile, Doucette was making his characteristic charge through the pack in hopes to catch the lead trio in time to make a move. After the halfway point Block made his way past Beam on the brakes and then set the fastest laps of the race as he stretched out the lead. Meanwhile, Doucette had caught the leaders and made his way to the back wheel of Beam, but in a repeat performance of week 5 could not find a way through on the last lap and settled for the final podium spot.

The final round of the 2024 NEMRR season will take place on September 30th – October 1st at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and will feature double points for all classes. Race licenses are discounted for all participants joining the series for the first time, and all classes, including the Super Street class will be run. Following the races on Sunday there is also a NEMM (New England Mini Moto) planned that allows kids of all ages (3 years old and up) to experience riding a motorcycle on the track. For more information visit www.NEMRR.com.

Moto2: Deniz Öncü And Vietti Riding For Red Bull KTM Ajo In 2024

David Swarts

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September 12, 2023

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Moto2: Deniz Öncü And Vietti Riding For Red Bull KTM Ajo In 2024

2024 MOTO2™ REFRESH FOR RED BULL KTM AJO AS DENIZ ÖNCÜ TAKES HIS NEXT STEPS WITH THE KTM GP ACADEMY AND CELESTINO VIETTI JOINS THE PROGRAM

The prolific Moto2 Red Bull KTM Ajo team will welcome two new riders into the race structure for the 2024 world championship with Deniz Öncü transitioning from the Moto3™ set-up, and promising Italian Grand Prix winner Celestino Vietti comes into the KTM GP Academy for his third term in the intermediate category.

Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Moto2 project boasts a comprehensive list of talent and success since 2015, and from 2017 Aki Ajo’s squad have formed a crucial development role for the KTM GP Academy. Names like Miguel Oliveira, Brad Binder, Jorge Martin, Tetsuta Nagashima, Remy Gardner, Raul Fernandez, Augusto Fernandez and Pedro Acosta have won races and championships (in 2021 and 2022, and Acosta currently leads the 2023 competition) with ‘orange’ machinery in that six-and-a-half-year period. Six of those riders listed have gone on to race in MotoGP™ and the premier class.

Deniz Öncü, 20 years old and a former Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup race winner, celebrated his first Grand Prix victories with the team and the KTM RC4 in Moto3 this year. The fast, aggressive Turk has already notched 11 podium finishes in the division and 2023 has been his third campaign of world championship education. He is currently 4th in the Moto3 series and part of the close chase for the title. Deniz’ ability, physicality, attitude and burgeoning experience means he is eager to take his career to the next level.

Celestino Vietti, 21 years old, already has six GP wins from both the Moto3 and Moto2 categories and has been learning the intricacies of Moto2 in 2022 and 2023. Last year his three triumphs marked a clear capacity to set the pace in the championship and he has again risen to the top of the podium during 2023 to-date. Vietti has been part of Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Academy effort and now joins the KTM scheme to achieve the next goals of his career.

Deniz Öncü: “I’m very happy to be moving up to Moto2 with Red Bull KTM Ajo. The main goal this season is to improve in Moto3 and get good results to fight for the title. We are doing really well together and have victories in Germany and Austria so far. I just want to thank Aki, KTM and Red Bull for their confidence in me and for this opportunity. Thanks also to my manager, Kenan Sofuoğlu, for always supporting me.”

Celestino Vietti signing his new contract with KTM. Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

Celestino Vietti: “I’m super-excited. It’s a great opportunity for me so I am very happy about the news. I have to say thanks to KTM and Aki Ajo for believing in me. Also, thanks to VR46 Riders Academy Management, as without them none of this would be possible. We still have a way to go before the end of this season, so I have to finish this one the best way with my current team. They helped me to achieve many great results this year. It will also enable me to have the confidence to start the new season well. Thank you so much and see you in 2024.”

Aki Ajo, Team Principal: “The last few years in Moto2 have been very successful for us and of course we have enjoyed working with all these different riders. This year with Pedro and Albert [Arenas] has been very intense and enjoyable; both have improved a lot, we have achieved many podiums and we are even top of the standings. Next year we have a new line-up: Deniz Öncü and Celestino Vietti. I have to say that we are excited to have a great mix of experience in this class and young talent with Deniz, who we already know. I think this kind of combination is a really good chance for us to be very successful in Moto2 next year. Celestino has shown in the last seasons that he is one of the top riders in the class. Of course, we are very happy to have him on our team alongside Deniz, who is one of the fastest riders in Moto3. The combination will be great, and we are excited about it.”

AHRMA: Joyce And Turpin Trade Vintage Cup Wins And DNFs At Talladega

September 13, 2023

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.