Learning Curves Racing School Closes Down

John Ulrich

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February 18, 2025

Learning Curves Racing School Closes Down

A Message From Rick and Lora Breuer of Learning Curves Racing:

Learning Curves Racing (LCR) would like to take this opportunity to thank the students, racers, families, friends, and everyone who has recommended us over the years. Since 1989, LCR has conducted and hosted race licensing schools, clinics, and specialty classes at numerous racetracks nationwide.

We have been blessed to inspire new riders to be safe and fast on the track. It has been an honor to be a part of so many of the new racers’ journeys along the way and call many of them friends and family.

A special shoutout to all the excellent instructors and advocates over the years: Kevin Elliott (RIP), Dave Doe, Mark Erickson, Brian McLaughlin, Scott Zampach, Dean Hagemann (RIP), Todd Evans, Jason D’Amico, Doug Lincoln, Megan Ryan, Scotty Ryan, Aaron Stein and most recently, Kevin Van Engen, and Jon White. We could not have done this without you!

Unfortunately, ASRA decided to take a different approach to licensing new racers. As a result, Learning Curves Racing has officially ceased operations on February 7th, 2025. It has been an incredible ride for the last 35 seasons. Thank you for trusting us to help you with your motorcycle training needs! We wish you all the best in the future.

Additionally, we are grateful to the new ASRA owners for allowing us to continue our respective roles for the past two years. Along with the above, we are parting ways with ASRA as part of this “different direction.” We will miss being an integral part of your racing journey. Lora and I have dedicated ourselves as Race Officials for the past 13 race seasons. I have served as Race Director, while Lora has held many positions, including Head Registrar for the Midwest Region and the Daytona events. Her most recent role was working the ASRA Help Desk.

We have been fortunate to serve as Race Director and Head Registrar for the six Daytona 200 race weekends run by ASRA. This was a dream come true for me as a former racer. The Daytona 200 is an iconic race I have followed since purchasing my first street bike. I sincerely appreciate the late Kevin Elliott for making this opportunity possible.

The most significant recognition goes to the exceptional staff who have dedicated their time, weekends, families, and friends for years to ensure the safety and professionalism of the events for the racers. Their unwavering commitment is the foundation of the exceptional region we serve.

We extend our best wishes to all of you as you embark on the future.

FAST and SAFE!

Rick Breuer
Former ASRA Race Director and owner of Learning Curves Racing Ltd.

ASRA Names Motovid Official Track Day/Performance Clinic Training Partner

John Ulrich

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February 18, 2025

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ASRA Names Motovid Official Track Day/Performance Clinic Training Partner

ASRA Announces Motovid as Official 2025 Track Day/Performance Clinic Training Partner

The American Superbike Racing Association (ASRA) is thrilled to announce Motovid.com as the official Track Day/Performance Clinic Training Partner for the 2025 season. This partnership will bring an enhanced level of rider development through a series of training clinics, online educational programs, and dedicated practice sessions leading up to every ASRA race round at Blackhawk Farms Raceway.

As part of this collaboration, ASRA and Motovid.com will offer a variety of track-focused training opportunities, including:

● On-Site Training Clinics – Expert-led rider development sessions at select Motovid and ASRA events.

● Online Educational Content – Virtual learning modules designed to improve rider skills and racecraft.

● Friday Practice & Test and Tune Days – Exclusive pre-race track sessions before every ASRA round at Blackhawk Farms Raceway, giving racers critical time to prepare for competition.

“We are excited to partner with Motovid.com to bring high-quality rider education and structured practice opportunities to ASRA competitors,” said Alex Spellman, President of ASRA. “Their proven expertise in track day training will ensure our riders have the best resources to refine their skills and perform at their highest level.”

ASRA racers at Blackhawk Farms. Photo courtesy ASRA.

Motovid.com, known for its commitment to safe and professional track riding experiences, brings years of instructional expertise to ASRA’s competitive environment. “Our mission has always been to provide riders with the tools they need to succeed on track,” said Michael Casey, General Manager, Motovid.com. “This partnership allows us to expand our reach and directly support ASRA racers in their pursuit of excellence.”

With a shared vision of fostering talent and growing the sport of motorcycle road racing, ASRA and Motovid.com look forward to an exciting 2025 season filled with valuable training opportunities and competitive action.

For more information about the 2025 ASRA season and Motovid.com training programs, visit www.asraracing.com and www.motovid.com.

About ASRA

The American Superbike Racing Association (ASRA) is dedicated to promoting and organizing premier motorcycle road racing events across the United States. With a focus on competitive excellence and rider development, ASRA provides a professional platform for racers of all skill levels.

About Motovid.com

Since 2004, Motovid.com is a leader in track day training and performance riding development, offering structured programs designed to provide the most conducive environment for skills enhancement, rider safety, and performance on the racetrack. With a commitment to quality coaching and structured learning, Motovid.com helps riders of all levels achieve their full potential.

World Superbike: Injured Rea May Miss Portimao Round

Michael Gougis

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February 17, 2025

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World Superbike: Injured Rea May Miss Portimao Round

Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) will take no further part in either the Official Test or the Australian Round after being declared unfit with multiple fractures to his left foot. The #65 crashed at Turn 2 during Free Practice 1 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship which brought out the red flags, while Rea was taken to the medical centre for a check-up. Following further evaluation and assessment, the Ulsterman was declared unfit for the remainder of the Official Test and the Australian Round which takes place next week.

Rea finished FP1 in 15th place although had been running on the fringes of the top ten before his crash and other riders finding time. His best time was a 1’30.885s and he’d completed 20 laps prior to his fall which has now ruled him out of the season-opener at Phillip Island at the weekend. Rea will undergo treatment on his return to Europe.

A statement from Yamaha said: “Jonathan Rea will miss the opening round of the 2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship after a crash on the first day of testing at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Rea fell on the exit of Turn 2 in the closing stages of Monday’s first two-hour test session. He was taken to the circuit medical centre, before being transferred to Cowes for further assessment where it was confirmed he had sustained multiple fractures to the left foot. He will take no further part in testing or the upcoming race weekend.”

Speaking after the day’s action concluded, Pata Maxus Yamaha Team Principal, Paul Denning, said: “It wasn’t an easy day on Jonathan’s side and a bitterly disappointing day for him and his crew and for everybody in the Yamaha WorldSBK project. We’ve had such a step over the winter with Jonathan and his confidence and comfort on the R1, and his ability to be consistent and smooth and get the best out of the bike. Everything was looking normal today, but Phillip Island has a habit of biting you quite hard sometimes. It’s a fast and very high grip circuit, but such a high grip circuit means when the grid releases… we’ve seen today many quite violent accidents, and Jonathan got unlucky with his left foot getting caught up in the bike and he’s broken some bones in the left foot. The next steps aren’t exactly clear, but the basic plan is to get back to the UK as quickly as possible and to have some surgery and start the recovery process.”

Denning also discussed whether Portimao was a realistic target for Rea’s return, saying: “At this stage, it’s difficult to say. I’d prefer not to say. He’s seeing a specialist here on Wednesday before he goes home to get, let’s say, a full initial report and understanding of the injury. After we have that and after surgery is planned, let’s see, but Portimao is not so far away so I think it’s going to be a big challenge.”

World Superbike: Bulega Fastest In Australia Testing

Michael Gougis

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February 17, 2025

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World Superbike: Bulega Fastest In Australia Testing

Day 1 of testing in Australia had a little bit of everything to keep fans on their toes as the grid prepares for the season opener this weekend

Day 1 of the final round of testing at Australia’s Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit gave the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship grid a much-needed dry-running opportunity after a preseason which has been hampered by wet weather so far. Day 1 featured a strong showing from the Ducati riders, occupying four of the top 5 spots with Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claiming P1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) had a nasty highside crash in FP1, however returned to claim P3 on the day, while Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) was declared unfit after his own FP1 fall.

Bulega put on another commanding display this preseason, claiming P1 by a margin of over three tenths of a second. His fastest lap of the day, a 1’28.765s trip around the circuit, was only two tenths of a second slower than the track’s all-time fastest race lap, a record he himself set last year in Race 1. Behind him, Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) claimed P2, having set a 1’29.263s lap with 47 laps under his belt, 24 fewer than Bulega. In P4 was Iannone’s rival, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team), who finished with a1’29.721s fastest lap, .361s behind Razgatlioglu. Alvaro Bautista claimed P5 with a 1’29.828s lap, competitive as ever and seemingly growing more comfortable on the bike. Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) impressed in his first-ever WorldSBK test day in Australia, the rookie landing a competitive P8 with a fastest lap of 1’29.982s. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) was the next up of the Ducati riders, finishing 12th on a 1’30.150s fastest lap. Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) landed a P15 finish, the English rider in his first season back atop a Ducati with a 1’30.412s personal best lap on the day although he did have a technical issue towards the end of FP2. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) rounded out the last of the Ducati bikes with a P18 finish, 1’30.989s as his fastest lap in FP1.

Razgatlioglu saw his FP1 ended after just two laps due to highside crash, sending him to the garage for the rest of the first session while they tended to his damaged bike. He was able to hit the track in FP2 later on, culminating in a P3 finish after a 1’29.334s personal fastest lap. Teammate Michael van der Mark finished in the middle of the pack on the day, landing a P11 finish on the back of a 1’30.009s lap.

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was the fastest of the Bimota riders in Day 1, earning a P6 finish with a best time of 1’29.883s. Lowes excelled here at Phillip Island last year with his ZX-10RR Ninja back when he was racing with the Kawasaki Racing Team, he’s commented before how already this off-season he feels like he’s picking up on the momentum he ended last year with. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) looked slightly slower but still competitive, finishing P14 on the back of a 1’30.287s personal fastest lap.

Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) crashed in FP1 on his 21st lap of the session, prompting a red flag and a visit to the medical centre before he was diagnosed with multiple fractures on his left foot. The injury will see him miss this weekend’s season-opening action. Prior to the injury, in FP1 Rea was in P15, having recorded a fastest lap for the session of 1’30.885s. Teammate Andrea Locatelli was up to his typical Phillip Island activities looking fast and highly competitive, ending the day with a fastest lap of 1’30.256s, only one thousandth of a second slower than Garrett Gerloff in FP1. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha Racing Team) continued what has looked like a positive preseason so far at Australia’s test Day 1, he laid down a fastest lap of 1’30.223s to earn him P13. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha Racing Team) looks to be continuing his work with Yamaha’s new adjustments to their bike, placing P19 from a 1’31.185s lap recorded in FP1. Tito Rabat (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) finished in P16, running uncharacteristically few laps for his standards with 59, his fastest lap clocking in at 1’30.951s. Among the Yamaha riders, WorldSBK Rookie Bahattin Sofuoglu (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) finished the lowest, placing P23, the #99 placing as such after a session-best lap for the Turkish rider of 1’31.674s as he rode the bike for the first time since undergoing surgery on his collarbone that he injured at Portimao.

Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) continues his Jerez and Portimao momentum down under as he lands a P9 finish on the back of a 1’30.023s fastest lap. His teammate, Iker Lecuona is still not medically 100% after an off-season on injuries ranging from his foot to his shoulder, and with a lap of 1’31.573s from FP1 placed in P22 on the day. Tarran Mackenzie was his team’s sole rider at Australia’s Day 1, finishing P21 thanks to a fastest lap of 1’31.371s.

The Texan rider continues to try to find his groove in green as he landed a P10 finish thanks to a 1’30.048s lap in FP2, the fastest of his 71 laps on the day. His time today was slightly slower than the times he recorded in Race 1 and Race 2 at Phillip Island last year, 1’29.113s and 1’29.221s respectively. As the year goes on, the American rider will look to improve his pace compared to last year as he settles in with a new manufacturer, a new bike, and a new team.

The top six from Day 1’s testing action!

1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’28.765s, 71 laps

2. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) +0.498s, 53 laps

3. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.569s, 34 laps

4. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.947s, 54 laps

5. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +1.063s, 80 laps

6. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +1.118s, 59 laps

KYT Launches Spirit of Speed Initiative

John Ulrich

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February 17, 2025

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KYT Americas is proud to announce an exciting initiative for ALL United States, Canadian Superbike Championship, and Racing Bike Mexico Racers. Any riders racing with a recognized racing organization (CRA, WERA, CRA, ASRA, MRA, CVMA, AFM, etc.) are eligible to win a special edition Campeone TT-REVO helmet, an additional TT-REVO, and a special edition KYT Spirit of Speed Campeone hat.

A KYT special edition Campeone TT-REVO helmet.

All a racer has to do is apply using this form: https://forms.gle/WEwkVN7Ja9AxTnP48

This initiative is to showcase grassroots racing. Win a championship in any class, this includes amateur classes, and be recognized for your Spirit of Speed. Winners will be showcased at KYTAmericas.com as Spirit of Speed winners with a photo and what class and organization they achieved victory in.

We decided to do this, because KYT Americas staffers started club racing as amateurs like every other racer with dedication for the sport. All racers, from amateur to seasoned professional, share the same love and passion for two wheels. We want to share and celebrate this passion with our fellow racers.

OFFICIAL RULES

Each entrant is eligible to win once; winning multiple championships does not increase the amount of winnings received.

Must wear a KYT helmet during all races.

Must make at least 1 social media post (instagram, facebook, tiktok) within 7 days of each race round. Post must have a photo of racer and helmet with logo visible and you must tag KYT Americas in post. By entering this initiative racer gives KYT Americas the rights to post images for promotional purposes.

Results of races and class championships must be accessible to the public ex.Organizations website with official results.

You will receive an email confirming whether you are eligible or not. There will be a special helmet replacement program for those accepted to the Spirit of Speed initiative in the event of a crash.

All details subject to change.

MotoGP: Trackhouse Racing Co-Owner Pitbull Leaves Team

Michael Gougis

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February 16, 2025

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MotoGP: Trackhouse Racing Co-Owner Pitbull Leaves Team

Entertainer Pitbull, a.k.a. “Mr. Worldwide,” has ended his ownership interest in Trackhouse Racing, the American-based racing enterprise that competes in MotoGP.

“We have made the decision to terminate our partnership with Trackhouse Racing, effective immediately,” said the entertainer, whose legal name is Armando Christian Perez.

The entertainer joined Trackhouse Racing as a co-owner in 2021, and was co-owner when the team joined the MotoGP series with Raul Fernandez and Miguel Oliveira for the 2024 season.

Trackhouse racing is set to compete in MotoGP in 2025 with Fernandez and Moto2 World Champion Ai Ogura.

MotoAmerica: Top Pro Racing Loses Investor, But Vows To Continue

John Ulrich

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February 16, 2025

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MotoAmerica: Top Pro Racing Loses Investor, But Vows To Continue

A Statement from Alex Arango, CEO,
Top Pro Motorsports Racing Team

Our team never stops fighting.

We did everything possible to continue racing in Superbike this year, but
unfortunately, one of our investors did not fulfill the commitment made for a
minimum period of two years. The news came to us late, after the commitment
had already been reaffirmed with much of the team, leaving us in a difficult
position to secure the necessary resources in such a short time. As everyone
knows, competing in Superbike requires a significant investment, and although
we worked tirelessly to find a solution, we were unable to secure sponsorship in
time.

Because of this, SDK will be racing with Suzuki this year, and we send him a big
hug and all our best energy. More than just a rider, he will always be part of our
family.

TopPro Racing rider/co-owner Alex Arango (left) and rider Sean Dylan Kelly (right). Photo courtesy TopPro Racing. — TopPro Racing CEO/rider/co-owner Alex Arango (left) with Superbike race winner Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK). Photo courtesy TopPro Racing.

Our team is still in MotoAmerica 2025. We will be competing in Stock 1000 and
possibly Supersport categories, and very soon, we will announce the riders who
will represent our colors. To everyone who has asked about our future, we
sincerely appreciate your support. This dream is still alive, and if God allows, we
will work relentlessly to return to Superbike next year.

Every step, even the toughest ones, is part of the journey. And we keep moving
forward with the same passion as always. Thank you for being part of this
journey with us! See you on the track.

World Superbike: Preview Of The Final Pre-Season Test

Michael Gougis

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February 16, 2025

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World Superbike: Preview Of The Final Pre-Season Test

Australia’s pre-round testing will provide the final pre-season window for teams to prepare their bikes and riders for the upcoming MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship

Poor weather conditions limited the running across first Jerez’s pair of testing days, and then similar dreary conditions affected riders’ ability to push their bikes at Portimao as well. It looks like Monday and Tuesday, the 17th and 18th of February and the final pre-season test days that will be held in Australia will finally provide the teams a chance to run their bikes unaffected by wet weather, providing a tremendous opportunity for the teams.

With Toprak Razgatlioglu back in action after his broken finger suffered during the offseason, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team are back to full strength after Michael van der Mark was the sole grid rider representing BMW at Jerez. Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) is back on Ducati Machinery, and so far in this preseason, the change seems to be agreeing with him. Fellow Ducati-machinery independent riders will be joining Redding and the others on the track for testing, such as Andrea Iannone and 2024 Top Independent Rider Danilo Petrucci. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) has been similarly impressive throughout the albeit-limited preseason testing so far, even beating the returning Toprak Razgatlioglu for fastest lap in Portimao’s Day 2, and Ducati-independent rookie, Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) will begoing to his first WorldSBK trip to Australia in his career so far. For the new manufacturer Bimota, Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani have impressed many around the paddock with how competitive they and their brand new Bimota KB998 Rimini have been so far in testing. Marcel Duinker, Bassani’s Crew Chief spoke at Bimota’s team launch event and praised Bassani for his improvement in his Tissot Superpole times on the SCQ tire.

Remy Gardner’s (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) preseason has been fast so far as well, and now ahead of his third WorldSBK season, the Australian rider will hope to start his season strong on home soil. Teammate Dominique Aegerter stated that after Portimao’s testing, he was still feeling pain in his shoulder, which still had a metal plate reinforcing it after a bad mountain bike crash in August 2024. He has since had the plate removed in early February 2025 and is looking forward to racing pain-free. Joining them in blue, Six-time Rider’s Champion Jonathan Rea and his Pata Maxus Yamaha team’s work this offseason looks to be paying off so far from what we’ve seen so far from this preseason. Rea is flanked by teammate Andrea Locatelli, who has been consistently fast throughout the preseason however Australia’s two day of testing may provide him an opportunity to make progress on his setup. Rookie Bahattin Sofuoglu (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) suffered a crash at Portimao Day 2, requiring him to go to a local hospital with what is suspected to be a collarbone injury.

Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) has seemingly adapted quickly to his team’s ZX-10RR Ninja after his move from BONOVO Action BMW to Kawasaki this offseason. He consistently placed well throughout the preseason testing days so far, and perhaps dry weather in Australia’s testing days will allow the Texan to show his true potential with the bike, which in his words, will be “fighting at the front”. One of the preseason’s surprises this year has been Team HRC’s fast pace in testing so far. Xavi Vierge has consistently been in the top 10 positions throughout the various testing days, and Iker Lecuona registered a P7 despite still recovering from his broken rib suffered this offseason. The pair of Spanish Team HRC riders will hope to continue to settle in atop their bikes with the final preseason testing days and continue to acclimate to their bike’s new Ohlins suspension.

While he technically made his WorldSBK debut back in 2022 with his appearance at the MOTUL Czech Round, Ryan Vickers is one of the grid’s four rookies this year. He looked fast at testing in Portimao, however rainy conditions across Portimao and Jerez have left many guessing as to how he will fare this year. In the offseason, Barni Spark Racing Team expanded to add a new rider in the form of fellow Italian and WorldSBK rookie, Yari Montella. Montella has looked competitive so far, placing P3 in Jerez’s rainy Day 1. Lastly but not least, Zaqhwan Zaidi joined PETRONAS MIE Honda Racing Team this offseason and will partake in his first preseason testing event on Monday 17th in Australia

The FIM Supersport World Championship will be preparing for their own season start just hours before the WorldSBK grid take to the track, and riders like last year’s runner up Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing), Debise Valentin (Renzi Corse), Marcel Schroetter (WRP Racing) and veteran Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME air racing) are raring to get the racing season underway. The WorldSSP grid is further supplemented by big names from other Championships such as: Phillip Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) and Michael Rinaldi (GMT94-YAMAHA) are joining the WorldSSP grid from WorldSBK, and Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) and Aldi Mahendra (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) are joining from Moto2™ and WorldSupersport300, respectively.

Supercross: Results From Detroit

John Ulrich

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February 15, 2025

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Cooper Webb Takes Detroit Supercross and Ties Points Chase

Levi Kitchen Comes Out On Top of 250SX Main Event Shake-Up

Detroit, Mich., (February 15, 2025) Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb grabbed the win in a thrilling Detroit Supercross at Ford Field. Webb’s first win of the season put the two-time champion into a point tie for the title just six races into the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship.

Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen jumped into the lead on the first lap and led the field for most of the 20-minute plus one lap Main Event. He defended several attacks by Webb throughout the race but gave up the top spot in the final minutes. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton got stuck in the starting gate then crashed on the opening lap, but from there he put in blistering laps and passed his way up to a third-place finish. Sexton retains the red plate but now stands in a point tie with Cooper Webb in both the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the SMX World Championship™. In round two of the Eastern Divisional 250SX Class, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen nabbed the win after a late-race re-start tightened up the field.

First place 450SX Class, Cooper Webb #2

“I really liked where I was by lap three, when I got around Aaron [Plessinger] and was with Kenny. I knew he was riding well today so it was going to be a good pace, and we had some good laps… He felt the pressure and rode well all through the Main Event. I was trying hard, and he picked up on some of my lines. It was a tough Main Event… I’ve been in that position before and it felt great. I’m stoked to get that first win, get the red plate. It just felt awesome.” – Cooper Webb, when asked at what point he felt he had the win.

Second place 450SX Class, Ken Roczen #94

“It was a really fun race… I kept my cool the whole time even though he was revving behind me. I didn’t let anything faze me. I know the stigma of when we go to battle and him getting me toward the end, but I just tried to do what I could; it’s honest work… I’m happy with a podium, I really am, even though we only got two points closer [to the points lead], I’m doing whatever I can out there and we’re executing our plans that we have coming into the [racing].” – Ken Roczen

Third place 450SX Class, Chase Sexton #4

“I was dead last, and I was like, ‘Well, time to send it!’ I felt like I rode really well; probably the best ride of the season, but it’s obviously not the result we wanted. But I made the most of a bad situation… I was smashing the whoops and that’s more like it for me. I’m looking forward to keeping this season going; that ride was fun.” – Chase Sexton (#4 in photo above)

The 250SX Class created excitement of its own when a red flag came out late in the race. Levi Kitchen, running seven seconds behind the leader in second place, used incredible sprint speed to take over the lead just two laps before the checkered flag came out. Prior to the re-start, last weekend’s winner, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Max Anstie, grabbed the lead early and pulled out a comfortable gap. After several side-by-side racing moments with Kitchen in the final laps, Anstie eventually settled for second. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire fought into third place, even recovering from a fall. Hampshire tried to capitalize on the staggered-start re-start but wasn’t able to better his spot.

Note: The AMA’s re-start procedure after a red flag was updated prior to the 2024 season. The rule states that if the leader has completed at least three laps, and if there is any time remaining on the race clock, the riders line up in a staggered-position on the start straight. A green flag re-starts the race, and the remaining race duration will be, at minimum, three laps.

First place 250SX Class, Levi Kitchen #47

“Max rode so good in the beginning of that event… then the red flag came out and I was like, ‘It’s time to reset and I can capitalize on this.’ I took a few deep breaths and just treated it like I was doing a two-lap sprint at Sandbox [Training Facility]. I sent it, made a pretty aggressive pass, and was able to get that [triple jump] out of the turn and got a little gap. We’ll take that. I had to bounce back after last weekend… [After the re-start] I knew it was [going to be] green flag, white flag, checkers, so I tried to plan to get a pass and get some room, and that’s what I did.” – Levi Kitchen

Second place 250SX Class, Max Anstie #31

“That red flag threw a bit of a spanner into the plan there. I was in a tough spot, because I knew Levi was fast, and the track was quite open. There were a lot of places to send it down the inside, and I would have done the same thing… I had it in the bag. I was literally cruising around the last two laps, and then the red flag [came out]. It is what it is. Big picture: I’m solid, I feel really good, I’m fast, I’m comfy where I’m at so, yeah, what a bummer.” – Max Anstie

Third place 250SX Class. RJ Hampshire

“We needed a podium so bad after last weekend. There was no one that pulled a worse card than me last weekend [getting the bike stuck on a track marker]… We came up with a pretty good setting for that Main Event and that’s the best I felt all day. We’ll take it. If you noticed, on the re-start I was hanging back a little bit. I didn’t want to throw it away for no reason.” – RJ Hampshire

***

Bidding has opened for two golf-foursome spots in the 2nd Annual Love Moto Stop Cancer Golf Tournament. Winners will golf with Supercross racers, legends, and industry professionals then receive a VIP treatment experience at the Supercross season Final in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 10th. For information, to bid, and to learn more about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, please go to SupercrossLIVE.com/st-jude.

Nothing beats attending a Monster Energy AMA Supercross in person, but live viewing is also available everywhere across the globe. Each event streams live and on-demand on Peacock. Additionally, select events can be viewed on NBC, CNBC, USA Network, and NBC Sports digital platforms. CNBC airs an encore presentation of each round on the Monday following the race at 1:00p.m. ET. A live Spanish-language presentation is available for every round on Telemundo Deportes’ Facebook and YouTube channels. Live International coverage can be accessed through the SuperMotocross Video Pass (supermotocross.tv) in English, Spanish and French language broadcasts. Races can also be heard live on NBC Sports Audio on SiriusXM Channel 85.

AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas hosts Round 7 next Saturday night, February 22nd. The Military Appreciation-themed event will bring back the Western Divisional 250SX Class Championship for its fifth round, and both the 450SX and 250SX Class racers will face their second Triple Crown-formatted event of the year. Like each Supercross race, the event will pay championship points toward both the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship as well as the SMX World Championship series. Tickets are available now for the Arlington Supercross and each remaining round of the championships, including FanFest and camping options for the post-season SMX World Championship events. For video highlights, race schedules, results, news, and to purchase tickets please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium (riders left to right) Ken Roczen, Cooper Webb, and Chase Sexton.

250SX Class podium (riders left to right) RJ Hampshire, Levi Kitchen, and Max Anstie.

Race_Result_5685544

Race_Result_5685413

Daytona 200: Hickman, Cooper Racing Factory Triumphs

Michael Gougis

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February 15, 2025

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Daytona 200: Hickman, Cooper Racing Factory Triumphs

The Triumph factory-supported PHR Performance Team is set to return to the USA this March for the Daytona 200, with Peter Hickman and Richard Cooper once again taking on the 57-lap, 200 mile race aboard their Triumph Street Triple 765 RS machines.

Now in its 83rd year, the legendary race attracts riders from all over the world. In 2024, Cooper returned to the Daytona 200 for the first time since 2008 and was a frontrunner for much of the race, briefly leading before an unfortunate crash ended his charge. Hickman, making his Daytona debut, was caught in an early incident through no fault of his own, dropping him down the order. The Isle of Man TT star fought his way back through the field and made strong progress so is keen to redress the balance this year.

The experienced duo will be looking to make amends this March as they return to the “World Center of Racing” to battle for victory on their PHR Performance Street Triples.

The British team will be in action at the Daytona International Speedway, on 6 – 8 March 2025. The lights go out for the main event at 13.10 local time, Saturday 8 March.

Steve Sargent, Triumph’s Chief Product Officer: “The Daytona 200 holds a special place in Triumph’s racing history, with Brandon Paasch taking victory in 2022 on the Street Triple 765’s debut. We’re excited to once again support Peter Hickman and Richard Cooper as they fly the Triumph flag in this iconic Florida event. Coopes and the PHR Performance team had a fantastic year in the inaugural National Sportbike Championship last year, securing the title on the Triumph Daytona 660. We’re looking forward to seeing them back in action on the Street Triple 765s as they push for victory in 2025.”

Peter Hickman, PHR Performance Team Owner and Rider: “Really excited to have backing from Triumph again for the Daytona 200 as the Triumph supported entrants. It’s great to have these strong links for PHR Performance. We had a really good year last year qualifying 6th and 7th. Daytona is a really unique place to ride and set the bikes up for and in our first year we had a pretty good year. It’s obviously a shame the race didn’t go to plan but we’re looking forward to getting back there and making amends. It’s great having Richard Cooper on the team again, he’s super experienced and a really nice guy who fits in so well with the PHR Performance team. The Street Triple 765 is working really well. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to develop the new parts with the next generation rules, working closely with Triumph. We’re supporting a couple of other teams as well including TOBC who won the Daytona 200 with our PHR Performance built engines in 2022. I’m really excited about this race and I cannot wait to get back and have a good go.”

Richard Cooper, PHR Performance Team Rider: “I’m super excited that PHR and Triumph have asked me to go back to the Daytona 200 this year. With the experience that we’ve gained, not just myself as a rider, but also as a team and the crew around me, I feel that we are in a much better position going into it this year. The PHR boys have been working hard to get the best out of the bike for us and we’ve got a great package underneath us. To finish first, first you must finish – we were fast last year, we led the race, but we weren’t there when it counted at the end. This year I will approach it more calmly and level, then there’s no reason why we can’t be competitive and fight for strong results. I’d love to say we can go there and win, we can, but we’ll also need a little bit of luck on our side. I feel that Peter and I can learn from our mistakes from last year and better the results this year. I’m really appreciative of the opportunity from PHR and Triumph to ask me to race at Daytona again in 2025 and I can’t wait to go back.”

Learning Curves Racing School Closes Down

February 18, 2025

RickYellowBike — Rick Breuer (44) in action during his years racing with ASRA. Photo courtesy Learning Curves.