Funeral arrangements have been set for longtime race mechanic and former racer Eric Gray, who was found dead in his home in Cache, Oklahoma, on March 21.
A viewing will be held 3:00-5:00 p.m. local time Sunday, March 26 at Becker-Rabon Funeral Home, 1502 NW Fort Sill Blvd., Lawton, OK 73507. The funeral service will be held at the same location at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 27.
The service will be streamed on the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home website.
NOW OPEN at the Petersen Automotive Museum
Around the World on Two Wheels: Highlights from the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Featuring motorcycles from the world’s largest collection, the exclusive exhibit highlights their development, from early origins as a simple means of personal transportation to their modern-day global prominence
Select bikes from one of the most comprehensive and internationally recognized motorcycle collections in the world is now on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Founded in 1995 by former racing driver and automobile collector George Barber, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, based in Birmingham, Alabama, features motorcycles built by nearly 200 different manufacturers from 20 countries around the globe. It represents nearly every facet of motorcycle history, from popular production street bikes to rare one-off Grand Prix racers.
This exhibit, which is held in the Richard Varner Family Gallery and located on the museum’s second floor, draws from the Barber Museum’s extensive holdings to highlight the motorcycle’s development, from its early origins as a means of personal transportation to its modern-day prominence around the world as a vehicle whose style, popularity and utility parallel those of its four-wheeled counterparts.
Motorcycles on display include the 1928 Sunbeam Model 80 TT, the 1961 Yamaha RR250 “Yellow Tanker,” the 2008 Honda CBR600RR raced by Jake Zemke and the 1905 Indian Single.
The exhibit will be open through March 2, 2025.
The Petersen Automotive Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036.
The Bagger Racing League is heading to Pittsburgh International Race Complex for Round 1 & 2 of our highly anticipated Drag Specialties Battle of the Baggers 2023 season. Join us May 6-7th for a doubleheader weekend and the opportunity to see the world’s only Harley-Davidson Vs. Indian racing series presented by New Castle Harley-Davidson.
Expect a jam-packed weekend of Harley Vs. Indian road racing with six classes, vendor row, New Racer School, BRL Speed Shop and much more!
Race registration at Baggerracingleague.com and spectator tickets coming soon!
Follow us at Baggerracingleague on social media for all race updates.
Can’t make it to our Pittsburgh doubleheader? Our 2023 calendar is now live!
Catch us in South Beloit, Illinois at Blackhawk Farms Raceway, an hour outside Milwaukee, during Harley-Davidson’s 120th H-D Homecoming weekend, July 15th and 16th 2023!
Last but not least, join us on the West Coast at Willow Springs International Raceway, in Rosamond, California [Nov. 18-19], for our 2023 Bagger Racing League World Championship!
Don’t miss out on any of the action; we’ll see you in Pittsburgh!!
VORTEX RACING ACQUIRED IN PRIVATE EQUITY DEAL
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Vortex Racing, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of aftermarket parts and accessories for motorcycles, revealed today that on November 30, 2021, it reached an agreement with a private equity firm [River Birch Capital Partners] for the racing brand. Vortex founder Matt Griffin has agreed to stay on with a focus on product development for an unspecified amount of time.
The new entity, Vortex Racing LLC, is seeking to acquire additional motorsports industry brands that meet certain performance, qualitative and geographical criteria. If you feel that your company could meet the metrics and you are interested in learning more about an opportunity, please email [email protected] for consideration.
ABOUT VORTEX RACING: Founded by Matt Griffin in 1995 with an alchemy of grit, determination, and a relentless desire to succeed, Vortex has become an international brand synonymous with winning. To learn more about Vortex Racing, please visit www.vortexracing.com.
Bubba Pollard Named Grand Marshal for Yamaha Senoia Short Track
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 23, 2023) – Progressive American Flat Track is excited to announce that short track racing icon Bubba Pollard will serve as the Grand Marshal for the Yamaha Senoia Short Track on Saturday, March 25, at Senoia Raceway in Senoia, Georgia.
Pollard is one of the most popular and successful asphalt super late model and dirt car late model drivers in the nation, boasting 150 late model victories along with more than a dozen major championships. Among his long list of achievements include high-profile triumphs at the All American 400, Rattler 250, Oxford 250, and American Freedom 300.
In addition to managing a grassroots racing career that is openly envied by some of NASCAR’s biggest names, Pollard has a unique tie to Senoia Raceway. His grandfather, Hence Pollard, originally built the facility in 1969, and the Pollard family recently reacquired the venue with Bubba as co-owner.
“We are excited to welcome the Progressive American Flat Track series to Senoia Raceway,” Pollard said. “Their reputation within the motorsports industry is second to none and they always produce great racing. We are honored to have them put on a show for our fans and welcome new ones to our facility.”
Gates will open for fans at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT).
Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/yamaha-senoia-short-track-61409 to purchase your tickets today.
For those that can’t catch the live action from Senoia Raceway, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.
FOX Sports coverage, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 from the Yamaha Senoia Short Track on April 1 at 7:00 a.m. ET (4:00 a.m. PT).
For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com
About Progressive American Flat Track
Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.
California Roadrace Association (CRA) Announces the Departure of One of its Founding Members and Managing Partners
Los Angeles, CA, March 22, 2023 – CRA announces the unfortunate departure of one of its founding members. Dustin Coyner will leave his role as a managing member of the company to focus on his Talkin’ Motorbikes show and podcasts that air at least weekly on YouTube and Spotify.
“I would like to thank Dustin for his many great contributions over the past three years with CRA and particularly for continuing to grow the sport of road racing; which has always been the company’s main mission. As a result, we are in a strong position to continue to grow the sport of road racing,” says Daniel Mole.
Dustin Coyner commented: “I am very proud to have been involved in the birth of CRA and integral in its initial growth. Over the past few months, the popularity of my YouTube show and podcast has grown significantly. With more and more pro racers and industry moguls reaching out for interviews, creating and maintaining content is now taking almost all of my bandwidth. Truth is, there’s just not enough time to have a day job, record and edit multiple shows and clips each week, manage a track day organization, and be involved in the day-to-day running of a race series. Something had to give. Sadly, it is CRA. But I know I leave it in good hands. I love CRA and I’ll still be out on the grid as a racer.”
Lyle Geoffrey Brown (aka LGB) adds, “Dustin and I have been friends for over 20 years and still have work to do together for the future. I will always support the TrackDaz brand and my friend indefinitely.”
The continuing partners of CRA, Daniel Mole, Lyle Geoffrey Brown “LGB”, and Gigi Chow all wish Dustin well for the future and wholeheartedly support him in his future endeavors.
CRA Round 2 of 2023 will be held on April 28 – April 30, 2023, at The Podium Club in Casa Grande, AZ. For more information on CRA visit their website at www.race-cra.com.
CRA is a growing organization with the mission to cultivate a well-rounded and refined racing environment for all levels of expertise. A purpose driven organization created to educate, promote and support the California road racing community.
CRA would like to thank their sponsors for their support:
CTML Consultants, Better Call Sy, Empowered Transportation, Feel Like a Pro, Track Daz, Let’s Ride Track Days, Rocket Cams, Inc., 61DTC, Blood x Sweat x Tears Vodka, Racer’s Edge Performance, Pirelli, VnM Sport, Dunlop, Carter’s @ The Track, Fun Track Dayz, Eyes Up Motorsports, Motorsport Exotica, Kern County Powersports, Lieto Factory, Eyes Up Motorsports, RS Speedshop, Catalyst Reaction Tuning, KYT Helmets, Capit Americas, The Heights Bar & Grill (Upland, CA), Maria Cid – Farmer’s Insurance, Cinepixel Productions, New Century Motorcycles, Moto4Life, Pacific Utility, Twilio, Boxo USA, Mithos USA, Suspension Matters, Road Race City, Bridgestone, Ryder Gear
Roberts Beats an International Variety of Bikes in AHRMA 2023 Vintage Cup Formula 750 Rounds 3 and 4
(March 22, Knoxville, TN) – The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) delivered on its promise to put a mile-wide variety of bikes on the track as part of the 2023 Vintage Cup.
Motorcycles from three different manufacturers and three different countries topped the podium during the third and fourth rounds of the AHRMA Vintage Cup held March 18 and 19 at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, SC as part of the 2023 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series.
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.
“While I had some suspicions, and even hopes, about the bikes that would be campaigned in the F750 class this year, I’m very pleasantly surprised and decidedly psyched at the variety of machines and riders who are showing up,” said Kenny Cummings from NYC Norton.
At the start of Saturday’s race, Rob Hall on a 1975 Triumph 750 jumped into an early lead, with Colton Roberts, campaigning a 1976 Yamaha RD400, and Jeff Hargis, on his 1972 Yamaha XS 650, battling for second.
With just one lap left, a piston failure sent Hall backwards through the field, allowing Roberts to take the lead and the victory with Hargis second.
The final podium spot was contested by Tony Read, on his 1973 Triumph Bonneville, and Brian Larrabure, riding a 1972 Ducati Imola 750SS. Read ultimately held off Larrabure to take third.
The balance of the grid was a dizzying array of early to late 1970s machines with an equally dizzying array of engine displacements. Jim Hinshaw was on a 1970 Kawasaki H1 500; Michael Wilson raced a 1977 Yamaha RD400; Daniel May, Stan Miller, and Justin Hebbel all raced BMW R75/5s; Greyson Rogers raced a 1976 Yamaha RD400, Vincent Borbone was on a 1972 Kawasaki H2; and Mark Williams raced a 1974 Kawasaki H1.
Sunday’s race saw Roberts take an early lead, which he held through the checkered flag. Hall had changed machines and on Sunday rode the Hall’s Custom Vintage 1967 Triumph 650 to second place. In a repeat of Sunday’s action, Larrabure and Read battled to round out the podium, with Larrabure finishing third.
With four rounds completed, Roberts is the current points leader.
“AHRMA is all about celebrating different eras in motorcycle racing, putting different kinds of bikes on the track and really seeing what they can do,” said Carl Anderson, AHRMA’s 2023 Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “The latest rounds of our F750 Vintage Cup take this to another level with two-strokes, parallel twins, ‘L-twins,’ horizontally-opposed twins all going at it at the same time. Great stuff!”
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 select AHRMA road racing events.
Highlights from each Formula 750 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, March 18, 2023
1 – Colton Roberts, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Pawnee, IL
2 – Jeff Hargis, 1972 Yamaha XS 650, Battle Creek, MI
3 – Tony Read, 1973 Triumph Bonneville, Charlotte, TN
4 – Brian Larrabure, 1972 Ducati Imola 750SS, Calabasas, CA
5 – Jim Hinshaw, 1970 Kawasaki H1 500, Gainesville, GA
6 – Michael Wilson, 1977 Yamaha RD400, Maylene, AL
7 – Daniel May, 1972 BMW R75/5, Wilmette, IL
8 – Greyson Rogers, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Denver, NC
9 – Vincent Borbone, 1972 Kawasaki H2, Hampstead, NY
10 – Stan Miller, 1973 BMW R75/5, St. Petersburg, FL
11 – Justin Hebbel, 1972 BMW R75/5, Baltimore, MD
12 – Rob Hall, 1975 Triumph 750, Charlotte, NC
13 – Mark Williams, 1974 Kawasaki H1 500, Gainesville, GA
Sunday, March 19, 2023
1 – Colton Roberts, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Pawnee, IL
2 – Rob Hall, 1967 Triumph 650, Charlotte, NC
3 – Brian Larrabure, 1972 Ducati Imola 750SS, Calabasas, CA
4 – Tony Read, 1973 Triumph Bonneville, Charlotte, TN
5 – Jim Hinshaw, 1970 Kawasaki H1 500, Gainesville, GA
6 – Michael Wilson, 1977 Yamaha RD400, Maylene, AL
7 – Justin Hebbel, 1972 BMW R75/5, Baltimore, MD
8 – Greyson Rogers, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Denver, NC
9 – Stan Miller, 1973 BMW R75/5, St. Petersburg, FL
10 – Daniel May, 1972 BMW R75/5, Wilmette, IL
11 – Mark Williams, 1974 Kawasaki H-1 500, Gainesville, GA
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.
Take a closer look (and listen) at the all-new 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR 399cc inline four-cylinder sportbike.
Look for more on this exciting new machine in an upcoming issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine.
TOBC Racing team owner Michelle A. Lindsay and husband Miles Wilson had a son, Holden Dean Wilson, via a surrogate March 21, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Lindsay has been battling pancreatic cancer for several years.
NEW BOARD OFFICERS ELECTED TO LEAD MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY COUNCIL
DEREK BROOKS OF YAMAHA, JOHN HINZ OF KTM TO SERVE AS CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR
IRVINE, Calif. – The Motorcycle Industry Council Board of Directors elected new officers to lead the powersports industry in 2023. Derek Brooks, motorcycle product line manager, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., was appointed chair; John Hinz, CEO of KTM North America, Inc., was appointed vice chair; and Jim Woodruff, CEO of National Powersport Auctions, will remain secretary and treasurer. MIC also welcomes new board members Bill Savino, senior manager of sales support for American Honda Motor Co., Inc., replacing Chuck Boderman, who retired this year; and Eric Sievers, director, sales planning and analysis at Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA, replacing Bill Jenkins, who also retired this year.
“It’s a great honor to be elected chair of MIC,” Brooks said. “Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen encouraging growth in our industry, no doubt spurred by the pandemic as people looked for new ways to recreate. We need to continue nurturing these new and returning riders, keeping them excited and engaged so they can pass their love and enthusiasm on to friends and family. This means I will be keenly focused on policy and market issues facing our industry, including ensuring motorized two-wheelers have a voice in transportation plans, and that riders have access to OHV spaces. I also want to thank out-going Chair Chuck Boderman for his leadership and his unwavering support of the powersports industry and for MIC as its industry association.”
“This is truly a time of opportunity,” said Hinz. “MIC’s market expansion effort, Ride With Us, has shown great results, inspiring more people to consider motorcycling on the dirt or on the street. I look forward to continuing this effort and supporting MIC as we find more ways to open the doors to motorcycling to even more people.”
“Together, we have done a remarkable job navigating the past few years, which were filled with unprecedented obstacles and surprises,” said Woodruff. “While our industry, like all others, will continue to face challenges, we are well-positioned at the MIC to serve the needs of our powersports industry —manufacturers, aftermarket, dealers, services, and of course, our riders and customers. I look forward to continuing my role as Secretary/Treasurer.”
The MIC Board of Directors includes representation from across powersports. Serving the 2023 term are:
Chair of the Board: Derek Brooks, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Vice Chair: John Hinz, KTM North America, Inc.
Secretary/Treasurer: Jim Woodruff, National Powersport Auctions
Directors
Jeff Brown, EagleRider
Tim Calhoun, Tim Calhoun Powersports Consulting
Kerry Graeber, Suzuki Motor USA, LLC
Robin Hartfiel, Dealernews
Erik Larson, Piaggio Group Americas
Joey Lindahl, Polaris, Inc.
Rod Lopusnak, Triumph Motorcycles America
Marc McAllister, Tucker Powersports
Shawn McLean, BMW Motorrad USA
Jeff Proctor, BRP, Inc.
Bill Savino, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.*
Eric Sievers, Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA*
*=New board member
ABOUT THE MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY COUNCIL
The Motorcycle Industry Council, under its marquee market expansion brand, Ride With Us, is working to introduce everyone to the incomparable thrill of riding a motorcycle. The MIC is a not-for-profit trade association representing motorcycle manufacturers, distributors, aftermarket companies, dealers, retailers, and a variety of related organizations providing vital support to the powersports industry. The MIC advocates for fair policy and regulatory environments, works to deliver valuable data to the industry, and strives to bring the joy of riding to everyone, everywhere.
Established in 1914, the MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. Keep up with the industry association on Twitter @followMIC, online at MIC.org, and through the weekly MIC RideReport.
Funeral arrangements have been set for longtime race mechanic and former racer Eric Gray, who was found dead in his home in Cache, Oklahoma, on March 21.
A viewing will be held 3:00-5:00 p.m. local time Sunday, March 26 at Becker-Rabon Funeral Home, 1502 NW Fort Sill Blvd., Lawton, OK 73507. The funeral service will be held at the same location at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 27.
The service will be streamed on the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home website.
NOW OPEN at the Petersen Automotive Museum
Around the World on Two Wheels: Highlights from the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Featuring motorcycles from the world’s largest collection, the exclusive exhibit highlights their development, from early origins as a simple means of personal transportation to their modern-day global prominence
Select bikes from one of the most comprehensive and internationally recognized motorcycle collections in the world is now on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Founded in 1995 by former racing driver and automobile collector George Barber, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, based in Birmingham, Alabama, features motorcycles built by nearly 200 different manufacturers from 20 countries around the globe. It represents nearly every facet of motorcycle history, from popular production street bikes to rare one-off Grand Prix racers.
This exhibit, which is held in the Richard Varner Family Gallery and located on the museum’s second floor, draws from the Barber Museum’s extensive holdings to highlight the motorcycle’s development, from its early origins as a means of personal transportation to its modern-day prominence around the world as a vehicle whose style, popularity and utility parallel those of its four-wheeled counterparts.
Motorcycles on display include the 1928 Sunbeam Model 80 TT, the 1961 Yamaha RR250 “Yellow Tanker,” the 2008 Honda CBR600RR raced by Jake Zemke and the 1905 Indian Single.
The exhibit will be open through March 2, 2025.
The Petersen Automotive Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036.
The Bagger Racing League is heading to Pittsburgh International Race Complex for Round 1 & 2 of our highly anticipated Drag Specialties Battle of the Baggers 2023 season. Join us May 6-7th for a doubleheader weekend and the opportunity to see the world’s only Harley-Davidson Vs. Indian racing series presented by New Castle Harley-Davidson.
Expect a jam-packed weekend of Harley Vs. Indian road racing with six classes, vendor row, New Racer School, BRL Speed Shop and much more!
Race registration at Baggerracingleague.com and spectator tickets coming soon!
Follow us at Baggerracingleague on social media for all race updates.
Can’t make it to our Pittsburgh doubleheader? Our 2023 calendar is now live!
Catch us in South Beloit, Illinois at Blackhawk Farms Raceway, an hour outside Milwaukee, during Harley-Davidson’s 120th H-D Homecoming weekend, July 15th and 16th 2023!
Last but not least, join us on the West Coast at Willow Springs International Raceway, in Rosamond, California [Nov. 18-19], for our 2023 Bagger Racing League World Championship!
Don’t miss out on any of the action; we’ll see you in Pittsburgh!!
VORTEX RACING ACQUIRED IN PRIVATE EQUITY DEAL
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Vortex Racing, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of aftermarket parts and accessories for motorcycles, revealed today that on November 30, 2021, it reached an agreement with a private equity firm [River Birch Capital Partners] for the racing brand. Vortex founder Matt Griffin has agreed to stay on with a focus on product development for an unspecified amount of time.
The new entity, Vortex Racing LLC, is seeking to acquire additional motorsports industry brands that meet certain performance, qualitative and geographical criteria. If you feel that your company could meet the metrics and you are interested in learning more about an opportunity, please email [email protected] for consideration.
ABOUT VORTEX RACING: Founded by Matt Griffin in 1995 with an alchemy of grit, determination, and a relentless desire to succeed, Vortex has become an international brand synonymous with winning. To learn more about Vortex Racing, please visit www.vortexracing.com.
Bubba Pollard Named Grand Marshal for Yamaha Senoia Short Track
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 23, 2023) – Progressive American Flat Track is excited to announce that short track racing icon Bubba Pollard will serve as the Grand Marshal for the Yamaha Senoia Short Track on Saturday, March 25, at Senoia Raceway in Senoia, Georgia.
Pollard is one of the most popular and successful asphalt super late model and dirt car late model drivers in the nation, boasting 150 late model victories along with more than a dozen major championships. Among his long list of achievements include high-profile triumphs at the All American 400, Rattler 250, Oxford 250, and American Freedom 300.
In addition to managing a grassroots racing career that is openly envied by some of NASCAR’s biggest names, Pollard has a unique tie to Senoia Raceway. His grandfather, Hence Pollard, originally built the facility in 1969, and the Pollard family recently reacquired the venue with Bubba as co-owner.
“We are excited to welcome the Progressive American Flat Track series to Senoia Raceway,” Pollard said. “Their reputation within the motorsports industry is second to none and they always produce great racing. We are honored to have them put on a show for our fans and welcome new ones to our facility.”
Gates will open for fans at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT).
Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/yamaha-senoia-short-track-61409 to purchase your tickets today.
For those that can’t catch the live action from Senoia Raceway, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.
FOX Sports coverage, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 from the Yamaha Senoia Short Track on April 1 at 7:00 a.m. ET (4:00 a.m. PT).
For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com
About Progressive American Flat Track
Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.
California Roadrace Association (CRA) Announces the Departure of One of its Founding Members and Managing Partners
Los Angeles, CA, March 22, 2023 – CRA announces the unfortunate departure of one of its founding members. Dustin Coyner will leave his role as a managing member of the company to focus on his Talkin’ Motorbikes show and podcasts that air at least weekly on YouTube and Spotify.
“I would like to thank Dustin for his many great contributions over the past three years with CRA and particularly for continuing to grow the sport of road racing; which has always been the company’s main mission. As a result, we are in a strong position to continue to grow the sport of road racing,” says Daniel Mole.
Dustin Coyner commented: “I am very proud to have been involved in the birth of CRA and integral in its initial growth. Over the past few months, the popularity of my YouTube show and podcast has grown significantly. With more and more pro racers and industry moguls reaching out for interviews, creating and maintaining content is now taking almost all of my bandwidth. Truth is, there’s just not enough time to have a day job, record and edit multiple shows and clips each week, manage a track day organization, and be involved in the day-to-day running of a race series. Something had to give. Sadly, it is CRA. But I know I leave it in good hands. I love CRA and I’ll still be out on the grid as a racer.”
Lyle Geoffrey Brown (aka LGB) adds, “Dustin and I have been friends for over 20 years and still have work to do together for the future. I will always support the TrackDaz brand and my friend indefinitely.”
The continuing partners of CRA, Daniel Mole, Lyle Geoffrey Brown “LGB”, and Gigi Chow all wish Dustin well for the future and wholeheartedly support him in his future endeavors.
CRA Round 2 of 2023 will be held on April 28 – April 30, 2023, at The Podium Club in Casa Grande, AZ. For more information on CRA visit their website at www.race-cra.com.
CRA is a growing organization with the mission to cultivate a well-rounded and refined racing environment for all levels of expertise. A purpose driven organization created to educate, promote and support the California road racing community.
CRA would like to thank their sponsors for their support:
CTML Consultants, Better Call Sy, Empowered Transportation, Feel Like a Pro, Track Daz, Let’s Ride Track Days, Rocket Cams, Inc., 61DTC, Blood x Sweat x Tears Vodka, Racer’s Edge Performance, Pirelli, VnM Sport, Dunlop, Carter’s @ The Track, Fun Track Dayz, Eyes Up Motorsports, Motorsport Exotica, Kern County Powersports, Lieto Factory, Eyes Up Motorsports, RS Speedshop, Catalyst Reaction Tuning, KYT Helmets, Capit Americas, The Heights Bar & Grill (Upland, CA), Maria Cid – Farmer’s Insurance, Cinepixel Productions, New Century Motorcycles, Moto4Life, Pacific Utility, Twilio, Boxo USA, Mithos USA, Suspension Matters, Road Race City, Bridgestone, Ryder Gear
Roberts Beats an International Variety of Bikes in AHRMA 2023 Vintage Cup Formula 750 Rounds 3 and 4
(March 22, Knoxville, TN) – The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) delivered on its promise to put a mile-wide variety of bikes on the track as part of the 2023 Vintage Cup.
Motorcycles from three different manufacturers and three different countries topped the podium during the third and fourth rounds of the AHRMA Vintage Cup held March 18 and 19 at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, SC as part of the 2023 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series.
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.
“While I had some suspicions, and even hopes, about the bikes that would be campaigned in the F750 class this year, I’m very pleasantly surprised and decidedly psyched at the variety of machines and riders who are showing up,” said Kenny Cummings from NYC Norton.
At the start of Saturday’s race, Rob Hall on a 1975 Triumph 750 jumped into an early lead, with Colton Roberts, campaigning a 1976 Yamaha RD400, and Jeff Hargis, on his 1972 Yamaha XS 650, battling for second.
With just one lap left, a piston failure sent Hall backwards through the field, allowing Roberts to take the lead and the victory with Hargis second.
The final podium spot was contested by Tony Read, on his 1973 Triumph Bonneville, and Brian Larrabure, riding a 1972 Ducati Imola 750SS. Read ultimately held off Larrabure to take third.
The balance of the grid was a dizzying array of early to late 1970s machines with an equally dizzying array of engine displacements. Jim Hinshaw was on a 1970 Kawasaki H1 500; Michael Wilson raced a 1977 Yamaha RD400; Daniel May, Stan Miller, and Justin Hebbel all raced BMW R75/5s; Greyson Rogers raced a 1976 Yamaha RD400, Vincent Borbone was on a 1972 Kawasaki H2; and Mark Williams raced a 1974 Kawasaki H1.
Sunday’s race saw Roberts take an early lead, which he held through the checkered flag. Hall had changed machines and on Sunday rode the Hall’s Custom Vintage 1967 Triumph 650 to second place. In a repeat of Sunday’s action, Larrabure and Read battled to round out the podium, with Larrabure finishing third.
With four rounds completed, Roberts is the current points leader.
“AHRMA is all about celebrating different eras in motorcycle racing, putting different kinds of bikes on the track and really seeing what they can do,” said Carl Anderson, AHRMA’s 2023 Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “The latest rounds of our F750 Vintage Cup take this to another level with two-strokes, parallel twins, ‘L-twins,’ horizontally-opposed twins all going at it at the same time. Great stuff!”
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 select AHRMA road racing events.
Highlights from each Formula 750 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, March 18, 2023
1 – Colton Roberts, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Pawnee, IL
2 – Jeff Hargis, 1972 Yamaha XS 650, Battle Creek, MI
3 – Tony Read, 1973 Triumph Bonneville, Charlotte, TN
4 – Brian Larrabure, 1972 Ducati Imola 750SS, Calabasas, CA
5 – Jim Hinshaw, 1970 Kawasaki H1 500, Gainesville, GA
6 – Michael Wilson, 1977 Yamaha RD400, Maylene, AL
7 – Daniel May, 1972 BMW R75/5, Wilmette, IL
8 – Greyson Rogers, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Denver, NC
9 – Vincent Borbone, 1972 Kawasaki H2, Hampstead, NY
10 – Stan Miller, 1973 BMW R75/5, St. Petersburg, FL
11 – Justin Hebbel, 1972 BMW R75/5, Baltimore, MD
12 – Rob Hall, 1975 Triumph 750, Charlotte, NC
13 – Mark Williams, 1974 Kawasaki H1 500, Gainesville, GA
Sunday, March 19, 2023
1 – Colton Roberts, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Pawnee, IL
2 – Rob Hall, 1967 Triumph 650, Charlotte, NC
3 – Brian Larrabure, 1972 Ducati Imola 750SS, Calabasas, CA
4 – Tony Read, 1973 Triumph Bonneville, Charlotte, TN
5 – Jim Hinshaw, 1970 Kawasaki H1 500, Gainesville, GA
6 – Michael Wilson, 1977 Yamaha RD400, Maylene, AL
7 – Justin Hebbel, 1972 BMW R75/5, Baltimore, MD
8 – Greyson Rogers, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Denver, NC
9 – Stan Miller, 1973 BMW R75/5, St. Petersburg, FL
10 – Daniel May, 1972 BMW R75/5, Wilmette, IL
11 – Mark Williams, 1974 Kawasaki H-1 500, Gainesville, GA
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.
Take a closer look (and listen) at the all-new 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR 399cc inline four-cylinder sportbike.
Look for more on this exciting new machine in an upcoming issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine.
TOBC Racing team owner Michelle A. Lindsay and husband Miles Wilson had a son, Holden Dean Wilson, via a surrogate March 21, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Lindsay has been battling pancreatic cancer for several years.
NEW BOARD OFFICERS ELECTED TO LEAD MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY COUNCIL
DEREK BROOKS OF YAMAHA, JOHN HINZ OF KTM TO SERVE AS CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR
IRVINE, Calif. – The Motorcycle Industry Council Board of Directors elected new officers to lead the powersports industry in 2023. Derek Brooks, motorcycle product line manager, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., was appointed chair; John Hinz, CEO of KTM North America, Inc., was appointed vice chair; and Jim Woodruff, CEO of National Powersport Auctions, will remain secretary and treasurer. MIC also welcomes new board members Bill Savino, senior manager of sales support for American Honda Motor Co., Inc., replacing Chuck Boderman, who retired this year; and Eric Sievers, director, sales planning and analysis at Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA, replacing Bill Jenkins, who also retired this year.
“It’s a great honor to be elected chair of MIC,” Brooks said. “Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen encouraging growth in our industry, no doubt spurred by the pandemic as people looked for new ways to recreate. We need to continue nurturing these new and returning riders, keeping them excited and engaged so they can pass their love and enthusiasm on to friends and family. This means I will be keenly focused on policy and market issues facing our industry, including ensuring motorized two-wheelers have a voice in transportation plans, and that riders have access to OHV spaces. I also want to thank out-going Chair Chuck Boderman for his leadership and his unwavering support of the powersports industry and for MIC as its industry association.”
“This is truly a time of opportunity,” said Hinz. “MIC’s market expansion effort, Ride With Us, has shown great results, inspiring more people to consider motorcycling on the dirt or on the street. I look forward to continuing this effort and supporting MIC as we find more ways to open the doors to motorcycling to even more people.”
“Together, we have done a remarkable job navigating the past few years, which were filled with unprecedented obstacles and surprises,” said Woodruff. “While our industry, like all others, will continue to face challenges, we are well-positioned at the MIC to serve the needs of our powersports industry —manufacturers, aftermarket, dealers, services, and of course, our riders and customers. I look forward to continuing my role as Secretary/Treasurer.”
The MIC Board of Directors includes representation from across powersports. Serving the 2023 term are:
Chair of the Board: Derek Brooks, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Vice Chair: John Hinz, KTM North America, Inc.
Secretary/Treasurer: Jim Woodruff, National Powersport Auctions
Directors
Jeff Brown, EagleRider
Tim Calhoun, Tim Calhoun Powersports Consulting
Kerry Graeber, Suzuki Motor USA, LLC
Robin Hartfiel, Dealernews
Erik Larson, Piaggio Group Americas
Joey Lindahl, Polaris, Inc.
Rod Lopusnak, Triumph Motorcycles America
Marc McAllister, Tucker Powersports
Shawn McLean, BMW Motorrad USA
Jeff Proctor, BRP, Inc.
Bill Savino, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.*
Eric Sievers, Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA*
*=New board member
ABOUT THE MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY COUNCIL
The Motorcycle Industry Council, under its marquee market expansion brand, Ride With Us, is working to introduce everyone to the incomparable thrill of riding a motorcycle. The MIC is a not-for-profit trade association representing motorcycle manufacturers, distributors, aftermarket companies, dealers, retailers, and a variety of related organizations providing vital support to the powersports industry. The MIC advocates for fair policy and regulatory environments, works to deliver valuable data to the industry, and strives to bring the joy of riding to everyone, everywhere.
Established in 1914, the MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. Keep up with the industry association on Twitter @followMIC, online at MIC.org, and through the weekly MIC RideReport.
