MotoAmerica: Collins Racing Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki In Supersport At COTA

David Swarts

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September 6, 2023

MotoAmerica: Collins Racing Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki In Supersport At COTA

TORIN COLLINS TO RACE SUPERSPORT WITH VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI
IN TEXAS

BREA, CA, September 6, 2023 — Team Hammer is excited to confirm that FIM JuniorGP pilot Torin Collins will compete in the 2023 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship aboard a Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750 in Austin, Texas.

The 18-year-old Collins has established himself as one of North America’s most promising young road racers. Originally hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Collins started racing at the age of five and has made a rapid ascent up the ladder ever since.

The “Canadian Storm” stepped up to international competition in 2019 when he first entered the British Talent Cup. He then progressed to the European Talent Cup and later to his current full-time series, the FIM JuniorGP World Championship, which competes under Moto3 regulations and is recognized as the class’s primary feeder series.

The JuniorGP’s summer break has provided Collins, who is now based in Barcelona, Spain, with an opportunity to return to North America to gain experience aboard production-based equipment and test himself against some of the best Supersport pilots in the world.

Collins will compete alongside Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki regulars Tyler Scott – who ranks second in the MotoAmerica Supersport standings on the strength of two wins and eight podiums – and Teagg Hobbs, who ranks fifth with two podiums in his rookie season.

“I’m really looking forward to this new challenge,” said Collins. “Learning this new bike and working with a new team is always fun and I’m excited. It won’t be easy but I think we can do great.”

“Our team has a long history of cultivating young talent and this was another opportunity to work with a rider who is motivated to succeed and make a name for himself,” said Chris Ulrich, Team Hammer Vice President of Operations. “Torin has a lot of experience in Europe but this series and the bike are new to him. Our equipment is competitive and our two regular young riders have been successful on it this season. We think we can help Torin earn a good result in Austin.”

Collins will race for Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki at this weekend’s penultimate round of the 2023 MotoAmerica season at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, on September 8-10.

ABOUT TEAM HAMMER

The 2023 season marks Team Hammer’s 43rd consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 131 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 355 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.

ABOUT VISION WHEEL

Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.

ABOUT SUZUKI

Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.

MotoAmerica: How To Watch All The Action From COTA On TV And Online

David Swarts

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September 6, 2023

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MotoAmerica: How To Watch All The Action From COTA On TV And Online

MotoAmerica: How To Watch MotoAmerica Superbikes at Texas

It’s All Here: How To Not Miss A Bit Of The Action

Everything you need to know to watch the MotoAmerica Superbikes in Austin.

(Scroll down for the MotoAmerica Live+ broadcast schedule.)

UtahSBA: Childree Spoils Norton’s Perfect Season

David Swarts

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September 6, 2023

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UtahSBA: Childree Spoils Norton’s Perfect Season

The Utah Motorcycle Law Masters of the Mountain race series held its season finale on September 2 at Utah Motorsports Campus’ West Track configuration. Come race morning there were two questions on everyone’s mind. First, would series points leader Anthony Norton be able to maintain his unbeaten streak and wrap up a perfect season? And second, would Norton’s quest to post a sub 1:30 lap time finally come to fruition?

Cool temperatures morning temperatures during qualifying for the Moto United/Moto Station King of the Mountains race meant that the answer to question number two would likely be no, at least until track temps climbed in the afternoon. Unable to match his qualifying pace of round 3, Norton was forced to settle for a qualifying time of 1:32.15 but was able to secure the pole position as a consolation prize. In the second qualifying session, Tyler Bengford put in a valiant effort, putting pressure on Norton and clocking a time of 1:32.235. Third place qualifier Brian Childree handed in a time of 1:32.45, meaning the top three qualifiers were separated by just .3 seconds!

When the red lights went out at race time the Norton lead the pack through Turn One. Childree got a better jump than Bengford and took possession of second. In Turn Five of the opening lap Bengford attempted unsuccessfully to take back second. At the start of lap two the top three positions had shuffled with Norton still in the lead and Childree in second and Bengford in third behind. Later that same lap Childree was able to overtake Norton in Turn Five for the lead. Norton would lose another position in Turn Seven to Benford and drop back to third. On lap five Bengford did the fastest lap of the race at 1:30.8 and the lead duo of Childree and Bengford had opened a gap on third place rider Norton, who had lost the pace by this point. Bengford attempted a pass for the lead in Turn Ten multiple times but was re-buffed by race leader Childree each time before Childree was finally able to secure the win. The final top three order being Childree, Bengford, and Norton.

“Qualifying was close between Anthony, Ty and myself so I was looking forward to KOM. At the start I was able to tuck in behind Anthony going into the first turn and Ty was right behind me. In the first lap I could see Anthony was having some bike issues, so I needed to get past him soon before Ty made a pass on me. Lap 2 I passed Anthony into the Blackrock hairpin and put my head down, setting my fastest lap of the race. My pace was good, but Ty was right with me the whole time. With about 3 laps to go I made a mistake going into the last turn and Ty passed me on the inside, but I was able to cut back on the exit and hang onto the lead and eventually the win,” said Childree. “It was a fantastic race and really well run event by the Utah Sportbike Association. I want to thank the club and volunteers for putting on a great event and my sponsors: Resultrics, Apex Trackdays, Beyond Health Consulting, Canyon Chasers and Big Picture Color for their support,” Childree concluded.

Thankfully Norton’s earlier race wins had established enough of a points lead to secure the overall championship. Of his race round and season Norton commented, “Coming into this round, I was fortunate to have built up quite a lead in my championships, because it was one thing after another preventing me from putting my best foot forward today! I gave it all I had considering the circumstances but the bike did not cooperate. We’ve been flawless all year until this, and that’s what it takes to bring home the #1 plate which I’m proud to have done! Special thanks to club sponsors, Chris from CrossBeam Builders and Dustin from Utah Motorcycle Law for their support for the club and to me personally! Also I couldn’t have done it without my better half Stacey, Richard of Apex Assassins, Dustin of LegalRide NV and Dale, Ian, and Ryan for the support on the new Dunlops this summer. Thankful for this season and the support from all my fellow racers, friends and family!”

Although unable to secure the race win, round four runner up Bengford echoed Norton’s optimism. “I am really happy with the pace we showed this weekend. We were able to live in the 1:30’s for a while after some setup changes with advice from Michael Castro with FuziMoto. Unfortunately with Anthony having some chassis issues, it left a two horse race for lead. I felt as if I had the pace to win, racing smart through the entire race. Brian (Childree) rode with an incredible defensive effort to hold me off in the final laps. Overall the season went well with progress every round, and coming home with a #2 plate behind Anthony means a lot to me and those who support me. I would like to say thank you to Gigi with 61 DTC Pirelli for providing tires at a moments notice. Chris Mousley with Crossbeam Builders for supporting the program mid season. Bryce Prince with BPR Racing for building an amazing motorcycle. Richard Findlay and Travis Peterson with Apex Assassins for all their support throughout the years. And last, but definitely not least, my crew chief and future wife, Rainey for all her love and encouragement through every peak and valley!” said Bengford.

At the conclusion of our 2023 season the UtahSBA would like to say thank you to all of our generous sponsors, volunteers, and members. The board would also like to say a special thank you to Garrett, Jen, Terry, and the staff of the Utah Motorsports Campus. We couldn’t do it without you. We look forward to racing with you all again next year!

The Utah Sport Bike Association is a Utah Non-Profit dedicated to promoting education, safe riding, and competition in the Intermountain West. You can find more information about the USBA, upcoming events, and schools at www.utahsba.com or find us on Facebook.

USBA Round 4 – UMC West – September 2nd, 2023

Motostation/Moto United KOM Overall:

1. Brian Childree (APR RSV4)

2. Tyler Bengford (YAM R1)

3. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX10R)

4. David Meyer (YAM R1)

5. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

6. Christopher Mousley (YAM R1)

Motostation KOM GTO:

1. Brian Childree (APR RSV4)

2. Tyler Bengford (YAM R1)

3. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX10R)

4. David Meyer (YAM R1)

5. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

6. Christopher Mousley (YAM R1)

Moto United KOM GTU:

1. Josh Fisher (KAW ZX6R)

2. Lee McNutt (YAM R6)

3. Justin Delong (YAM R6)

4. Kinzer Naylor (KAW ZX6R)

5. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

6. Zach Jenson (YAM R6)

AZ Riding Academy Combined GTO:

1. Steven Marco (YAM R1)

2. John McKown (YAM R1)

3. Aubrey Credaroli (YAM R6)

4. Max Tseng (YAM R1)

5. Jared Baird (DUC 1299)

6. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR600)

Off Highway Van Combined GTU:

1. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX6R)

2. Alisson Melo (KAW ZX6R)

3. Belisario Arango (KAW ZX6R)

4. Phil O’Bryan (KAW ZX6R)

5. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR600)

6. Brian Gerwe (HON CBR600RR)

The Edge Powersports Deseret Dash – Expert

1. Steven Marco (YAM R1)

2. Alban Bonilla (BMW S1000RR)

3. Joshua Fisher (KAW ZX6R)

4. Geiser Hernandez (KAW ZX6R)

5. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

6. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR600)

The Edge Powersports Deseret Dash – Novice

1. Alisson Melo (KAW ZX6R)

2. Jordan DeJarnett (YAM R6)

3. Mario Fernandez (YAM R6)

4. Miguel Alamillo (SUZ GSXR1000)

5. Jared Baird (DUC 1299)

6. Michael Hicks (YAM R1)

Eurosports Utah Formula 40 – GTO

1. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

2. Christopher Mousley (YAM R1)

3. Jeff Taylor (YAM R1)

4. Dave Loynd (HON CBR1000RR)

5. John McKown (YAM R1)

6. Jason Redman (BMW S1000RR)

Eurosports Utah Formula 40 – GTU

1. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX6R)

2. Lee McNutt (YAM R6)

3. Sahar Zvik (KAW ZX6R)

4. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX6R)

5. Phil O’Bryan (KAW ZX6R)

6. Belisario Arango (KAW ZX6R)

Velosio Lightweight Superbike

1. Jasn Parkinson (YAM R7)

2. Daniel Christiani (YAM R7)

3. Ian Nielsen (KTM RC390)

4. Kyle Kacprzynski (KAW 400)

5. Brad Moore (YAM R3)

6. Raab Gisseman (YAM R3)

The Weekend Garage Middleweight Superbike

1. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX6R)

2. Sahar Zvik (KAW ZX6R)

3. Joshua Fisher (KAW ZX6R)

4. Christopher Mousley (KAW ZX6R)

5. Scott Christensen (YAM R6)

6. Geiser Hernandez (YAM R6)

Toxic Moto Racing Middleweight Superstock

1. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX6R)

2. Joshua Fisher (KAW ZX6R)

3. Justin Delong (YAM R6)

4. Kinzer Naylor (KAW ZX6R)

5. Sahar Zvik (KAW ZX6R)

6. Christopher Mousley (KAW ZX6R)

MC & Associates Modern Vintage – GTO

1. Kevin Dolan (SUZ GSXR1000)

2. Dave Loynd (HON CBR1000RR)

3. Kohl Burmester (BMW S1000RR)

4. Chris Golmon (SUZ GSXR1000)

5. Cameron Holladay (YAM R1)

MC & Associates Modern Vintage – GTU

1. Justin Delong (YAM R6)

2. Belisario Arango (KAW ZX6R)

3. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

4. Peter Hofpointner (YAM R6)

5. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX6R)

6. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR600)

Karl Malone Powersports Moto 2

1. Kinzer Naylor (KAW ZX6R)

2. Joshua Fisher (KAW ZX6R)

3. Christopher Mousley (KAW ZX6R)

4. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

5. Zach Jenson (YAM R6)

6. Nolan Kiiskila (KAW ZX6R)

Redline Realty Moto 3

1. Ian Nielsen (KTM RC390)

2. Raab Gisseman (YAM R3)

3. Kyle Kacprzynski (KAW 400)

4. Brad Moore (YAM R3)

Legion of Speed Novice GTO

1. Nolan Kiiskila (KAW ZX10R)

2. Jordan DeJarnett (YAM R6)

3. Jared Baird (DUC 1299)

4. Mario Fernandez (YAM R6)

5. Ray Vernon (DUC 899)

6. Owen Austad (KAW ZX6R)

MC & Associates Novice GTU

1. Alisson Melo (KAW ZX6R)

2. Nolan Kiiskila (KAW ZX6R)

3. Mario Fernandez (YAM R6)

4. Jordan DeJarnett (YAM R6)

5. Joseph Ruck (YAM R6)

6. Ian Jenson (YAM R6)

Vortex Racing Open Superbike

1. Tyler Bengford (YAM R1)

2. David Meyer (YAM R1)

3. Alban Bonilla (BMW S1000RR)

4. Steven Marco (YAM R1)

6. John McKown (YAM R1)

6. Kevin Dolan (SUZ GSXR1000)

MotoUnited Open Superstock

1. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX10R)

2. Brian Childree (APR RSV4)

3. Tyler Bengford (YAM R1)

4. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

5. Jeff Taylor (YAM R1)

6. Christopher Mousley (YAM R1)

Crossbeam Builders Open Twins

1. Jason Johnson (DUC 848)

2. Jared Baird (DUC 1299)

3. Ray Vernon (DUC 899)

4. Lucas Brown (TRI 675R)

5. Jasn Parkinson (YAM R7)

6. Ryan Richardson (YAM R7)

Karl Malone Powersports Production 500

1. Ian Nielsen (KTM RC390)

2. Kyle Kacprzynski (KAW 400)

3. Raab Gisseman (YAM R3)

4. Brad Moore (YAM R3)

Trackstar Stock 1000

1. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX10R)

2. Tyler Bengford (YAM R1)

3. Gilbert Gonzalez (KAW ZX10R)

4. Alban Bonilla (BMW S1000RR)

5. Alex Zinaich (YAM R1)

6. Geiser Hernandez (KAW ZX6R)

Carbonsmith Super Street Bike

1. Cameron Holladay (YAM R1)

2. Chris Golmon (BMW S1000RR)

3. Robert Jojola (DUC S2R)

MotoAmerica: Will Gagne Be Tougher To Beat With The Championship Clinched?

David Swarts

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September 6, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Will Gagne Be Tougher To Beat With The Championship Clinched?

Title In Hand, Gagne Heads To Circuit Of The Americas Ready To Battle

The Eighth Round Of The Medallia Superbike Championship is Ready To Roll At The Circuit Of The Americas, September 8-10

IRVINE, CA (September 6, 2023) – With Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne wrapping up his third straight MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship a few weeks ago at Pittsburgh International Race Complex with two rounds and four races left to run, it begs the question: Will he be more dangerous with the championship clinched and the freedom of having the title already in his back pocket?

What Gagne closed with at the end of the post-race press conference at PittRace might have his rivals lying awake at night and collectively thinking, “Oh, oh.” With an ear-to-ear grin, Gagne ended the conversation in the media center with this nugget: “I’m looking forward to going to the last couple of rounds and just duking it out with these guys with nothing else to worry about.”

Oh, oh is right.

Gagne heads to the Circuit of The Americas in Austin this week with an insurmountable Texas-sized championship lead of 101 points after nine wins and a total of 15 podiums thus far in 2023. He also arrives in Texas with 38 career AMA Superbike wins on his resume. If there really is such a thing as having “nothing else to worry about,” Gagne has found it.

Gagne has been beaten a total of seven times in 2023 and one of the three other winners is Cameron Beaubier, who won’t be racing at COTA. After three massive crashes, including the most horrific of the three coming in race two at PittRace, Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Beaubier has opted out of the two remaining rounds of the championship to “look at the bigger picture” after sustaining concussions and some knee trouble from his crashes at the Brainerd and PittRace rounds.

The two other men who won when Gagne didn’t are Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC’s Josh Herrin and Beaubier’s Tytlers teammate PJ Jacobsen. Herrin won the sixth race of the year at Road America with Jacobsen winning his lone race at Brainerd International Raceway. Those two will be at COTA and will be ready to attack.

Herrin is second in the title chase after posting 11 podium finishes (including his victory) thus far in 2023 and he’s also a former Superbike race winner at COTA. Herrin is 32 points ahead of Jacobsen in the battle for second in the championship, so any wrong step could cost him the runner-up spot.

Jacobsen comes to the Lone Star State with seven podiums and that 32-point deficit to Herrin. The New Yorker leads his teammate Beaubier by just a single point, but with Beaubier out of action for the final two rounds Jacobsen will be out to not only catch Herrin but also be wary of keeping Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz behind him

Scholtz, who has also tasted Superbike victory at COTA, is 20 points behind Jacobsen after landing on the podium seven times in the first 16 races. Scholtz has come alive in the past two rounds with three podiums and a fourth-place finish in the four races.

Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante almost ruined his perfect run of finishing every Medallia Superbike race this season at PittRace when he crashed in the closing laps of race one. Escalante, however, was able to remount and score two points for finishing 14th. Thus, he and Disrupt Racing’s Hayden Gillim, who is seventh in the championship, remain the only two riders in the top 10 without a DNF.

The third of the Tytlers Cycle Racing Superbike men in the championship is Corey Alexander with the New Yorker sitting eighth in the point standings and six points adrift of Gillim. Alexander has had it difficult of late with three non-finishes in the last five races. He will be hoping to reverse that trend in the final four races of the season.

Aftercare Scheibe Racing’s Ashton Yates completes the top 10 as the series heads to COTA with the Georgian nine points ahead of Thrashed Bike Racing’s Max Flinders. Those two are under threat from Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Brandon Paasch, with the New Jersey resident scoring solid points in seven of the eight races since joining the team at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca round in July. Paasch is eight points behind Flinders and 17 behind Yates.

Wrench Motorcycles’ Bobby Fong has also inserted himself in the mix after joining the David Anthony-owned team at Laguna Seca with three top-five finishes in the past five rounds. Fong is 10 points adrift of Paasch.

With Beaubier opting to sit out the final two rounds of the season, the Tytlers Cycle Racing team has announced that its Supersport rider Stefano Mesa will forego the rest of the middleweight series to take over Beaubier’s BMW M 1000 RR for the final two rounds of the Medallia Superbike Championship. COTA will be the site of Mesa’s Superbike debut, though the Colombian does have big-bike experience as he has competed in Stock 1000.

Speaking of replacement riders, JD Beach will get another two rounds on the Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing YZF-R1 vacated by the injured Cameron Petersen. Beach finished seventh, fifth and sixth on the Yamaha in the tripleheader round at PittRace.

The two 12-lap Medallia Superbike races at the Circuit of The Americas will be held at 3:10 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

COTA Pre-Race Superbike Notes…

Although the facility is called the Circuit of The Americas, Americans haven’t fared so well in the MotoAmerica rounds held at the immaculate facility on the outskirts of Austin. Twelve MotoAmerica Superbike races have been held at COTA and non-Americans have won nine of them. The all-time win leader at COTA is Toni Elias, the now-retired Spaniard winning six races in Texas. The rider with the second most victories at COTA is Danilo Petrucci with the Italian winning both races last year. The third foreigner to win at COTA is Mathew Scholtz with the South African winning race one in 2018 for Westby Racing. The last American to win at COTA was Josh Herrin, who got the victory in race two in 2019 on a Yoshimura Suzuki.

The first-ever MotoAmerica Superbike race at COTA was won by four-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes in race one in 2015. Race two in 2015 was won by five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier.

Danilo Petrucci copied Toni Elias in winning in his MotoAmerica debut last year at the Circuit of The Americas. Elias won both Superbike races in his MotoAmerica debut in 2016 on his Yoshimura Suzuki and Petrucci won the first two races of his MotoAmerica season last year on the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Panigale V4 R.

MotoAmerica Live+ commentator Roger Hayden is still the Superbike lap record holder at the 3.4-mile, 20-turn Circuit of The Americas with his lap of 2:08.184 set in 2019 on his Yoshimura Suzuki.

Jake Gagne earned pole position for both of the Medallia Superbike races at COTA last year with a lap of 2:08.450.

While Petrucci won both races last year at COTA, it was Mathew Scholtz who was second best in both. Cameron Petersen was third in race one with Jake Gagne filling the podium in race two.

Suzuki is the manufacturer with the most MotoAmerica Superbike wins at COTA with seven. Yamaha has three victories in Austin with Ducati earning its first two wins in Texas last year.

Jake Gagne’s two victories at Pittsburgh International Race Complex a few weeks ago were the 37th and 38th of his MotoAmerica Superbike career. Gagne is fourth on the all-time AMA Superbike win list behind Mat Mladin (82), Josh Hayes (61) and Cameron Beaubier (59).

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.

MotoGP: World Championship Goes Back-To-Back With Misano GP

David Swarts

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September 6, 2023

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MotoGP: World Championship Goes Back-To-Back With Misano GP

Destination Misano: MotoGP™ saddles up for San Marino

Who can take the spoils as MotoGP™ touches down on the Adriatic?

Wednesday, 06 September 2023

As the dust settles after the Catalan GP, there is a LOT to talk about. And first, it has to be reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) after that huge highside out the lead, from which he escaped with no fractures and relatively unscathed. Still, the #1 has to be passed fit to race at Misano, so it’ll be an important Thursday check for the Ducati rider.

If he is able to race – and he appeared adamant even before he left Barcelona that he was going to try – we can expect him to be fast. But as fast? The home crowd will be cheering him on but it could be a tougher weekend, and that could leave the door to the win ajar at the very least.

HOME GLORY

There are a few out for some home glory. But first, let’s talk about Aprilia. It’s not a home race for the riders – they just took a historic 1-2 in that – but it is for the Noale factory, and there’s no better way to arrive than that. It was just 0.377 between the two, too, so a close contest. Could Misano be a re-run? Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) will be full of confidence, and teammate Maverick Viñales has won at the venue. That was on a different machine, but he is also the rider with Aprilia’s only podium at the venue so far…

Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) also had some great pace in Barcelona on the 2022 RS-GP – the very bike that took that podium with Viñales – and arrives fresh from a first front row with Aprilia and another top five. What can he do? And can teammate Raul Fernandez turn flashes of speed into a sustained attack?

Meanwhile, at Mooney VR46, it’s a home race three times over: for the riders, for the team, and for their machinery. For Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) it wasn’t an ideal precursor at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya though, as he wasn’t quite at the front before that Turn 1 incident then more than compounded a tougher weekend. He finished with some points but rode through the pain barrier. Teammate Luca Marini, meanwhile, didn’t make it out of Q1 after a weekend out of sorts compared to his form so far in 2023. He beat ‘Bez’ by just over a tenth, but both want to be fighting for much more at Misano. Marini also came fourth last year.

At Gresini Racing MotoGP™ it’s another home race for the team and machinery, and for Fabio Di Giannantonio, who’ll be looking to consolidate some of his speed from Barcelona. Alex Marquez, meanwhile, will want to see the last Grand Prix as more of a blip after a tougher – by his 2023 standards – finish. Can he fight for some home glory for the team?

Home glory for the team is also on the cards for Prima Pramac racing, and after an Austrian Grand Prix to forget, the Jorge Martin – Johann Zarco combo came out swinging in the Catalan GP. They took third and fourth. Good for Zarco, and even better for Martin as he made a 16-point gain after the early race drama. Now it’s enemy territory in terms of his biggest title rivals – VR46 Academy local heroes Pecco and Bezzecchi – so can he make the weekend for Pramac but spoil the party for those key contenders?

One thing we do know is that Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) will sit it out. With a stunning record at Misano, that could prove a reprieve for his rivals as he recovers from that Turn 1 incident, his part in which also earned him a penalty to be served on his return. Michele Pirro won’t be stepping in though as he is on wildcard duty with the Aruba.it squad once again, so it’s a one-bike Ducati Lenovo entry heading in.

Franco Morbidelli, meanwhile, is another home hero and VR46 academy alumnus. He’ll want a lot more from Misano than he got at Catalunya, as he scored points – the other rider, along with Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3), to have done that in every GP so far this year – but came home a way off teammate Fabio Quartararo. Morbidelli was further off his teammate than Quartararo was off the victory. Can he find more as his races with Yamaha start to tick down?

LOOKING TO SPOIL THE PARTY

There were some positives to be found for the aforementioned Quartararo in Barcelona. The Frenchman won at the venue last year and this time around seventh may not sound like much, but he was just on the heels of Alex Marquez and pipped Miller to the flag. Misano is another venue that should suit the machinery, so as Quartararo awaits an important test for the Iwata marque on Monday, could it be a more positive weekend again?

KTM will be an interesting watch at Misano. And where could Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) have finished the Catalan GP? After that early contact with Bagnaia left his machine forced to pull out on the restart, we can’t know. But we do know he’ll be looking to fight back at Misano. Teammate Jack Miller had a much better finish than Austria too, so that was a positive, AND the factory squad will be joined by Dani Pedrosa in another wildcard appearance for the Little Samurai. Jerez was a stunner, so can he make life hard for the Austrian factory’s rivals again at Misano?

Meanwhile, Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) wants more after a damp squib end to the Catalan GP, but Augusto Fernandez took more points and remains one of only two riders to have scored in every GP race this season. It was a top ten too, overhauling Diggia.

At Honda, there were some more points for Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) on home turf in Barcelona. Now, we’re heading into one of the most partisan crowds of the season, and not in his favour, but the venue where Marquez took that most recent win at the Emilia-Romagna GP in 2021. Can we expect another step forward? And as the rumour mill keeps swirling around his future, what will we see unveiled at a crucial Misano test as MM93 looks for Honda to bring something to make a real difference?

Teammate Joan Mir needs that too, after a very tough weekend in Barcelona. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) will have a compatriot in the garage too as Takumi Takahashi subs for Alex Rins, with Iker Lecuona back on WorldSBK duty at Magny-Cours. Finally, Honda also have a wildcard for Stefan Bradl. As that test arrives on the horizon, it makes sense that the now-veteran German would be out on track for the Grand Prix – and his feedback could be key.

With so many fast faces, enough narratives to fill a decade and another Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix race just around the corner, tune in for a pivotal race weekend at the stunning Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli!

SHOWTIME FOR SAN MARINO

The Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini has MotoGP™ last on the menu:

Tissot Sprint: Saturday 15:00 (GMT +2)

Grand Prix Race: Sunday 14:00 (GMT +2)

Moto2: Sean Dylan Kelly Tests – And May Race – With Forward Racing (Updated)

David Swarts

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September 5, 2023

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Moto2: Sean Dylan Kelly Tests – And May Race – With Forward Racing (Updated)

Just days after his split with American Racing Team, Sean Dylan Kelly rode for Forward Racing during the Moto2 and Moto3 Pirelli tire test Monday, September 4 at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (a.k.a. Catalunya).

On August 31, ahead of the MotoGP World Championship event at Catalunya, Kelly announced that he and American Racing Team were splitting up due to a disagreement over his recovery from a second arm pump surgery, which he underwent during the mid-season break.

American Racing Team brought in Marcos Ramirez (who started the season with Forward Racing) to race Kelly’s bike at Silverstone and Red Bull Ring, the two rounds immediately after the break, while Kelly continued to recover. But according to Kelly, he was ready to race.

“After respecting the recovery time, I felt and was 100% ready to come back after Silverstone,” Kelly posted on Instagram on August 31, “but I have to be honest and say that this is where the team and I have differing opinions.”

American Racing Team co-owner Eitan Butbul did not respond to a request for comment from Roadracingworld.com prior to post time.

On Sunday, September 3, Kelly said he got a call to come testing Monday with Forward Racing alongside Moto2 veteran Simone Corsi and World Supersport racer Bahattin Sofuoglu.

“I did a solid 40 laps, which I’m super happy about considering I hadn’t been on a Moto2 bike since Assen,” Kelly wrote in a message to Roadracingworld.com. “My arm felt amazing, and I’m really happy about that.”

With regular rider Alex Escrig out due to injury and Ramirez gone to American Racing Team, Forward Racing has two seats to fill. Sofuoglu seems likely to get one of the seats, and Kelly is hoping he will be back on the Forward Racing machine for next weekend’s race at Misano, if not longer.

As for what the Pirelli tires were like, Kelly said all riders at the test were asked not to speak about the Pirellis.

Pirelli is replacing Dunlop as the new official Moto2 and Moto3 control tire supplier starting in 2024.

Update: On September 6, American Racing Team posted the following on its Facebook page:

“Sean Dylan Kelly and the American Racing Team have come to a mutual agreement to part ways for the remainder of 2023.

“We want to thank Sean for being a part of our history, for the great times and memories and we wish him the very best for the future.”

Video: See Triumph’s New 250cc Motocross Bike In Action

David Swarts

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September 5, 2023

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Video: See Triumph’s New 250cc Motocross Bike In Action

Editorial Note: Scroll down to see all three videos in Triumph’s Vision to Reality series.

FINAL TEST OF TRIUMPH’S NEW 250CC MOTOCROSS captured ON FILM

Triumph Motorcycles has released the last in its series of films, ‘Vision to Reality’, in which Ricky Carmichael performs the final test of Triumph’s new 250cc motocross bike.

Ricky is joined by amateur motocross sensation, Evan Ferry, who has been involved in the testing program of the new bike, alongside numerous professional riders, as it reached the final stage of development.

In the latest film, Ricky Carmichael is heard talking to Evan: “The chassis is really good, it’s super nimble, it’s plush. When you see a line, boom, you can do it.” With Evan Ferry adding: “They found something special with the frame. I don’t think I’ve ever felt something like that.”

The films have been released by Triumph in the run-up to the reveal of the new 250cc Motocross bike and go behind the scenes to meet members of the project team, share details of the all-new aluminium chassis, and engine and witness the final test.

The full reveal date is yet to be announced.

#ForTheRide #TriumphMotocross #TriumphRacing #Motocross

MotoGP: Bastianini Undergoes Surgery, Will Miss Several Races

David Swarts

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September 5, 2023

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MotoGP: Bastianini Undergoes Surgery, Will Miss Several Races

Ducati Lenovo Team rider Enea Bastianini will miss the next three MotoGP races after having surgery to repair broken bones in his left hand and left ankle on Monday, September 4, in Italy.

Bastianini suffered the injuries when he crashed in Turn One during the original start of the MotoGP race Sunday, September 3 at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain.

Ducati Corse reported Bastianini underwent successful surgery, but the Italian rider will miss the races at Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli, in San Marino (9/8-10); Buddh International Circuit, in India (9/22-24); and Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan (9/29-10/1).

Enea Bastianini post-crash. Photo courtesy Ducati. — Enea Bastianini post-crash and pre-surgery. Photo courtesy Ducati.

REV’IT! Introduces First Airbag System – Avertum Tech-Air

David Swarts

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September 5, 2023

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REV’IT! Introduces First Airbag System – Avertum Tech-Air

REV’IT! presents its first airbag: Avertum Tech-Air®

REV’IT! presents the all-new Avertum Tech-Air® airbag. As the brand’s first autonomous airbag vest, the Avertum Tech-Air® is a step forward in assuring rider safety as much as possible while simultaneously making sure comfort is always maintained.

Made to be worn under a regular riding jacket or suit, the lightweight and highly ventilated Avertum Tech-Air® boosts impact protection by deploying a large protective airbag in the event of a crash. Detected by A.I. and deployed within 40 milliseconds, the Avertum Tech-Air® offers up to 95% impact force reduction compared to passive protection – that is equivalent to 18 CE-level 1 back protectors.

With Avertum Tech-Air®, REV’IT! adds a whole new product type to its range of protective motorcycle clothing collections across the Adventure, Urban, Commuter, and Race segments. The Avertum Tech-Air® has been designed, developed, and engineered at REV’IT!’s Dutch headquarter in Oss to take rider safety to a new level in each of these rider categories.

A collaboration in rider safety

By utilizing Alpinestars’ tried-and-tested Tech-Air® air bag technology – a collaboration in rider safety – REV’IT! is able to offer a top-tier autonomous airbag vest that follows the brand’s guiding principles of integrating Design, Performance, and Innovation into every product that bears the REV’IT! name and Shield logo.

The Avertum Tech-Air® airbag will be available for purchase from official REV’IT! dealers and www.revitsport.com for Fall-Winter 2023.

For further details on pricing and availability, please refer to your local authorized REV’IT! dealers or www.revitsport.com.

MotoAmerica: Kayla Yaakov Riding Tytlers Cycle Racing Kawasaki In Supersport

David Swarts

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September 5, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Kayla Yaakov Riding Tytlers Cycle Racing Kawasaki In Supersport

Kayla Yaakov switches to Supersport with immediate effect – first race at COTA

Tytlers Cycle Racing is delighted to announce that Kayla Yaakov will join their Supersport program with immediate effect, competing in her first race in the upcoming MotoAmerica event at COTA. She will also compete for the squad at the season finale in New Jersey.

Yaakov, who finished third overall in last year’s Junior Cup series after a stunning season that saw her stand atop the podium four times, currently sits seventh overall in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup series having achieved a maiden podium in the class at the Barber Motorsports Park round.

She has also previously had success in Europe, racing to the podium in the bLU cRU finale at Portimao in Portugal, a support race to WorldSBK last year and has recently achieved success in Spain, winning several races in the R7 Cup!

Tytlers Cycle Racing are understandably excited to have been able to secure Kayla’s talents for the final two rounds of the Supersport season and look forward to seeing her on track in their colours for the first time later this week.

Michael Kiley: “It’s a privilege to have Kayla take the Supersport seat for Tytler’s Cycle Racing and to have her close out the season with us. Our intent was to allow Stefano to concentrate on Superbike and to give an opportunity to someone upcoming in the final rounds of the season. I know all of us will be watching and supporting her on track. Her accomplishments speak for themselves, and so it’s great to work with her and her family. After what she has already achieved, I am sure she is destined for more success.”

Michael Godin – Crew Chief for the Tytlers Racing Supersport Program: “Firstly, I want to wish Stefano the best of luck on the BMW M 1000 RR Superbike. We’re coming off our best weekend of the year and look forward to keeping up the momentum with Kayla on board as we finish out the season. I’ve been watching Kayla’s racing for many years and look forward to getting her acclimated to our program and watching her at work in the Supersport class.”

Kayla Yaakov: “I am extremely excited to be joining the Tytlers Cycle Racing Team for the final two rounds of the MotoAmerica Supersport season. This opportunity came completely out of the blue and I am so thankful for this chance to try the Supersport bike in this stacked class. Next weekend won’t be easy, learning a new track and a new bike but I know I have a strong team around me, and I am ready for the challenge and what lies ahead. The decision to jump off the Twins Cup bike and pursue Supersport so late in the season was difficult, but after a lot of thought about my progression and my future in the sport, myself, The WagBar MP13 Racing Team and Yamaha have come to a mutual decision in allowing me to dedicate the rest of the year to the Tytlers Cycle Supersport program. I want to thank everyone that has made this possible. See you all at COTA!”

Dave Yaakov: “Kayla and I are extremely excited to be joining the Tytlers Cycle Racing team for the remainder of the MotoAmerica Season. Supersport has been her goal and something she’s been aiming for. This opportunity will allow her to acclimatise to the class a little early. I want to personally say a big thank you to Michael for giving Kayla this opportunity and seeing potential in her. I look forward to formally meeting the entire Tytlers team this weekend and having a great time at the track. I would also like to thank MP13 and Yamaha for allowing Kayla to take advantage of this opportunity. Yamaha has and still does play a key role in Kayla’s success so it was with only their approval that we could take part in joining Tytlers Cycle Racing to finish out the MotoAmerica season.”

MotoAmerica: Collins Racing Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki In Supersport At COTA

September 6, 2023

Torin Collins. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.