Oceanside, CA — The WagBar MP13 Racing Team and racer Kayla Yaakov have terminated their 2023 contract agreement amicably. The team would like to wish Kayla much success as she pursues a new competitive opportunity in a different class on another motorcycle brand for the remaining two rounds of the 2023 MotoAmerica Series season at Circuit of The Americas and New Jersey Motorsports Park.
After successful preseason tests with Yaakov, the WagBar MP13 Racing team looked forward to attacking the seven-round, 14-race MotoAmerica REV’IT! Twin’s Cup Championship with the promising 16-year-old Pennsylvania native riding its proven, race-winning Yamaha YZF-R7.
A testing crash one week before the season-opening round at Daytona International Speedway dashed title-winning hopes for Yaakov and the team. Yaakov recovered from her injuries and returned to the series two rounds later at Barber Motorsports Park. In her return, she scored an astonishing two podium finishes in her first competitive outing on the Yamaha R7.
“While we always hope to finish what we start, the goal of my team has been to give opportunities to up-and-coming racers,” said Melissa Paris, owner of the WagBar MP13 Racing Team. “Kayla feels this is a chance she can’t pass up, and we don’t want to stand in her way.”
Paris continued, “Even though we will be watching and cheering for Kayla from the Supersport sidelines, the WagBar MP13 Racing Team will be back to business as usual at New Jersey Motorsports Park. We will field our Yamaha YZF-R3 in Junior Cup and our YZF-R7 in the REV’IT! Twins Cup. As always, we aim to be fighting at the front. The team will announce a replacement rider for the final round soon.”
The WagBar MP13 Racing Team would like to thank all of its partners for their support throughout the 2023 season: WagBar, Great Lakes Supply, CSU One Cure, Yamaha, bLU cRU, Spears Enterprises, Beringer, Yoshimura, Capit, Ohlins, GHD Designs, Vortex, Attack Performance, SBS Brakes, Maxima, Dunlop, and J4rce.
Birch Racing’s DJ Birch and Joe LiMandri took the overall and GTU class wins in the two-hour, 75-lap ASRA Team Challenge endurance race September 2 at New Jersey Motorsports Park, in Millville, New Jersey.
Off The Couch Racing’s Mark Heckles and Ricky O’Hare finished second overall and first in the GTO division, and third place overall and second place in GTO went to Nice Guys Racing’s Nikolay Zakharyan and Munis Saiyed.
Nicolò Bulega aboard the Ducati Panigale V4R of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team in the 2024 WorldSBK season
Aruba.it Racing – Ducati is pleased to announce the agreement with Nicolò Bulega: the current Supersport World Championship leader (9 wins and 13 podiums in the season so far) will defend the colors of the official Team in the 2024 WorldSBK season aboard the Ducati Panigale V4R.
At the same time, the Team would like to thank Michael Ruben Rinaldi for what they have done together in these years: from the SuperStock 1000 championship win achieved in 2017, to the successes (3 victories and 16 podiums total) obtained with Aruba.it Racing – Ducati in WorldSBK, with the certainty of celebrating other podiums in the next rounds of the current championship.
Stefano Cecconi (Team Principal Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“Nicolò is a choice that makes us proud because it confirms the quality of the project we undertook two years ago in the SuperSport World Championship. His growth has been steady and we expect him to continue on this path riding a Panigale V4R, as he has proven he can be very fast with this bike during testing. From the beginning, we have believed in the talent of Nicolò who, moreover, in this year and a half has shown great professionalism and attachment to the colors of the Team. I would also like to address a big thank you to Michael Ruben Rinaldi with whom the professional and human relationship has always been very strong. Even if our paths separate he will always be part of our family. Good luck Michael!”
Luigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Corse General Manager).
“We are pleased to welcome Nicolò Bulega to the official Superbike team. Since last season, Nicolò has been able to give us immense delight. He is a very talented rider, and his experience (despite his young age) could be a determining factor in facing this fascinating and demanding challenge. During the test held with the Ducati Panigale V4R machine, he has shown that he has the potential to compete with the best riders in the WorldSBK Championship, and sharing the garage with Alvaro Bautista will only help him grow. However, it will be important for him to stay focused on his WorldSSP season. The Aruba.it Racing team had the merit last year to think about Bulega and involve him in a completely new project that Ducati cares so much about. We hope he can wrap up his last season in Supersport in the best possible way”.
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WSSP #11)
“I want to be honest: this is a dream coming true. Racing for an official team is the desire of every rider. Therefore, before I talk about my emotions and expectations, I want to thank Ducati and Aruba.it Racing. And I am also extremely grateful for the opportunity I was given already last season by Aruba.it and Feel Racing and especially by Stefano Cecconi, Serafino Foti and Daniele Casolari. They chose me to ride a fantastic Ducati Panigale V2, on which I felt immediately comfortable. I know how important this opportunity is and I will always give my best to improve myself, day after day, with the only goal of getting the best possible results. I say it again: thank you for the trust. Thinking about the history of this Team, where great champions have always raced, I feel proud to be able to defend the same colors. Also, I am very happy to be able to share the box with Alvaro Bautista. Having him as a teammate will be a big plus: I will try to absorb every information I can learn from him.”
Nicolò Bulega was born in Montecchio Emilia on October 16, 1999, and began racing in 2007 in the Italian Minibike Championship. In 2011 he was the Italian and European MiniGP Junior 50 champion, in the following season, he became the Italian PreGP 125 champion, while in 2013 he won the PreGP 250 category championship. In 2014 he took part to the Spanish championship (CEV), Moto3 category, finishing the season in sixth place; the same year he also participated in several CIV Moto3 races. In the 2015 CEV season, he got three third places, three-second places, and a victory, conquering the title in the last race in Valencia. His debut in the Moto3 class of MotoGP came in 2015, in the Grand Prix of the Valencian Community with the SKY Racing Team VR46: it is with this team that he will conquer the first podium in 2016, at the end of the Japanese Grand Prix. From the 2019 season, Bulega participated in the Moto2 championship obtaining as best result seventh place in the Czech Republic Grand Prix. In the 2022 season, the moved to the World Supersport Championship with the Aruba.it Racing team and the Ducati Panigale V2 with which he achieved 9 podiums finishing fourth in the standings.
Two motorcycle riding techniques to save crashes and drop lap times
Riding How To’s
This video covers two techniques that any rider can use to improve both your traction and confidence on corner entry. @gasonbikeup-motorcycles produces videos to show how the same techniques that are used by MotoGP and World Superbike riders can translate to all riders, track or street. If you’re interested in road racing, track days, or simply how to get the most out of your sport bike this video is for you! You’ll learn from Eric Wood, the head coach for the oldest motorcycle track training school in the United States. In this video, we discuss a common problem that affects both top racers and street riders when they need to stop the bike as quickly as they can. The solutions to better braking may surprise you!
The Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame has announced that Dan “Otis” Turner is one of the 12 inductees to be honored during the 2023 Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
With a career spanning almost 40 years including eight Motorcycle Roadracing Association (MRA) Race of the Rockies Championships and #1 plates, 1994 AMA Superbike Rookie of the Year, and one of only a few MRA racers to ever podium at an AMA National Event, Turner will be inducted along with Bill Yalotz, Dave Savage, Dick Heikes, Doris Reimer, Frank Denning, Jack Nugent, Junior Reeder, Patrick Bourke, Sherry Graham, Robert Sutherland, and Stacey Cook.
Turner will join previous motorcycle racing inductees Ricky Orlando, Korry Hogan, Davey Durrelle, Donnie Hough, Bruce Sass, Shannon Moham, Arlo Englund, Jim Cole, Dennis Durmas, the Vickery Family, and the MRA.
Hall of Fame inductees come from all facets of motorsports: drivers, builders, mechanics, owners, facility operators and non-profit organizations. And, whether they come from being involved with racing on land, air or water, they all have the same pedigree: a passion for speed, competition, and perfection.
The induction ceremonies will be at the Infinity Park Event Center in Glendale, Colorado, on October 13, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. MST. Tickets for the 2022 Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony are now available at https://coloradomotorsportshalloffame.com/
Pirelli is satisfied with the first Moto2™ and Moto3™ test
At the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, the riders and teams of the two World Championships were able to test the Pirelli tyres – which they will use from 2024, for the very first time
Today the Circuit of Barcelona-Catalunya hosted the first ever Pirelli test for Moto2™ and Moto3™. The riders of the two World Championships, considered to be the most important breeding ground for talent in two-wheeled motorsport on a global level, were able to test for the very first time the tyres that they will use starting from next season, when Pirelli will become the official and exclusive supplier for both classes.
A Pirelli technician listening to American Moto2 rider Joe Roberts (not visible in photo) at Catalunya. Photo courtesy Pirelli.
Testing began at 10 in the morning and ended at 5.30 pm and the riders of each of the two classes completed three sessions for a total of over three hours on the track with asphalt temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees Celsius and sunny weather.
Both the Moto2™ and Moto3™ riders used DIABLO™ Superbike slick tyres in soft and medium compounds for both the front and rear. In Moto2™ in size 125/70 R17 front and 200/65 R17 rear, in Moto3™ 100/70 R17 front and 120/70 R17 rear.
No official lap times were provided but the sensors on the start/finish straight were active and each team was therefore able to record their own times.
Giorgio Barbier (right) with Loris Capirossi (left) at Catalunya. Photo courtesy Pirelli.
Giorgio Barbier
Motorcycle Racing Director
“For Pirelli, the balance of this first test with Moto2™ and Moto3™ teams and riders is certainly very positive. The Montmelò circuit is quite demanding for the tyres, therefore, it was an excellent testing ground to carry out the first test and immediately verify the goodness of our product. Even in the absence of official lap times, we have seen that we are already very fast and that the wear levels are very good, above all if we consider that today was a very first test in plug&play conditions, i.e. without the possibility of setting the bike also in consideration of the race that will take place at Misano over the weekend. We know we have a very high performance and solid product and the positive comments we received today from riders and insiders confirmed this. In addition to the grip and pure performance, the extremely intuitive behaviour, the immediate ease of use and the feeling of confidence expressed by the front thanks also to the good balance between the two axles were appreciated. The riders were able to push hard right from the start thanks to the control and precision that our tyres were able to guarantee, in other words they immediately perceived a feeling of great safety. And these were unanimous comments, there were no dissenting voices. An excellent start and I am convinced that when the machines will be set up for our tyres in the best possible way, they will be able to fully exploit their full potential”.
Jonathan Rea to Race for Yamaha in WorldSBK from 2024
Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to announce that six-time FIM Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea will race alongside Andrea Locatelli in the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Official Team in 2024, having secured a two-year agreement with the Ulsterman.
Rea is the most successful WorldSBK rider of all time, winning six consecutive titles in an incredible period of dominance between 2015 and 2020. The records don’t stop there, as he also holds the highest number of victories in the class with 119, the most podiums (256), and fastest laps (102), all from a history-making 401 starts.
The Northern Irishman has also scored more points than anyone else in WorldSBK and has amassed over 6,000 since stepping up to the premier production class in 2008. On top of this, Rea also holds the record for the longest time between his first (Misano 2009) and last (Most 2023) wins, has 41 pole positions to his name and has been ever-present in the top three in the final WorldSBK Championship standings since 2014.
Despite his phenomenal career, Rea’s hunger for success has not diminished, and his aim is clear, to add to his record-breaking tally of victories and become the first rider to win seven WorldSBK titles.
Yamaha Motor Europe is delighted to have secured his services in a two-year deal. The new agreement will see Rea form a formidable partnership alongside Italian teammate Andrea Locatelli, with the duo competing onboard the highly competitive Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK R1 together until 2025.
Eric de Seynes: President & CEO, Yamaha Motor Europe
“We are very happy to welcome Jonathan to the Yamaha family and we are very much motivated to collaborate with him for the future. We have the same motivation to win, and the same passion for WorldSBK. Like him we have been world champions in recent years and we want to be back on the top of the box once again. Jonathan’s drive, determination and hunger for success have been constants throughout his career and these attributes will contribute to our future common success. We truly believe that Jonathan can add to his world championship tally, writing his name even larger in the history books, and we are equally confident that he can achieve this together with us. We are working hard to improve further our race proven Yamaha R1, to ensure that we provide Jonathan with exactly what he needs to achieve his and Yamaha’s goals in 2024 and 2025.”
More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki:
Jonathan Rea To Leave KRT
Six time WorldSBK Champion, Jonathan Rea, will leave the Kawasaki Racing Team at the end of the 2023 season
Formally contracted for both the current and 2024 seasons, Rea will be released from this agreement by mutual consent at the end of the racing season. During his time riding for the official factory team, 36 year old Rea achieved an unprecedented haul of six WorldSBK titles as well as accruing a slew of other records including all-time WorldSBK records for Championships, Race Wins, Podiums, Fastest Laps and Overall Points Scored.
Speaking of Rea’s departure, Guim Roda, Team Manager of KRT, said:
“In life as well as racing, priorities define the path to follow. I am very happy and proud that during these nine years Johnny has defined his priorities with KRT and has given us so many successes. I consider myself, our team, Kawasaki and all our fans worldwide, privileged to have been part of this journey. Whichever direction he goes in the future, I hope he can continue to grow as a rider. The task we have now is to finish the 2023 season as best we can with the tools we have been able to forge this year. As always, we will continue to look for improvements and seek advantage wherever possible. KRT is committed to putting on a good show with Johnny during his last four races on the formidable and impressive Ninja ZX-10RR that he has become synonymous with”.
Jonathan Rea reflected on his time at KRT saying:
“I want to thank everyone at KMC and KRT for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to prove myself at the highest level. I have learnt and grown so much as a person and a rider since the first day throwing my leg over the factory Ninja ZX-10R superbike.
Winning six consecutive WorldSBK Championships will always be the most obvious highlight of my time with Kawasaki; but it will also be the amazing memories, the life lessons and the laughs that I will take with me into the future. And, for sure, it’s our mission to complete the 2023 season as strongly and with as much commitment as we have always shown.
Now, looking back on our journey, it fills me with pride at the joy and happiness we have brought Kawasaki fans and Kawasaki owners around the world. This is not a goodbye, because you don’t say goodbye to family, but it is simply the end of this incredible chapter. I wish everyone at KRT the best of luck for the chapters that will surely follow. See you at the track”
Power cruisers started hitting the market right about the time I started riding motorcycles,. At first, they were standard-style Inline-4s with higher bars and a lot more power out of the box than traditional V-Twin cruisers. Then came a wave of V-4s, with even more power. They all followed a similar theme: Street style and reasonable handling, with big chunks of tire-shredding torque. Lap times weren’t the goal. The idea was to make the rider feel like they were launching off the line at the drag strip–and to look totally badass while doing it.
The Indian FTR R Carbon is long and low, and its big V-Twin engine generates considerable thrust. Premium suspension components from Öhlins are adjustable. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Indian lists its 2023 FTR R Carbon in its Standards lineup, but riding it reminded me of those days when it was all about the kick in the butt caused by a twist of the wrist. To be sure, it handles, brakes, and generally behaves way better than those beasts of yesteryear. But get on the gas on the Indian, pretty much in any gear, at any rpm, and fun stuff starts to happen. The fact that the FTR successfully blends retro and modern styling, that it makes all the right sounds, and that it comes with advanced electronic rider aids that make riding the bike more fun is all great, to be sure. But an Indian FTR is really all about a surge of speed, accelerating with enough grunt to make the rider grin.
Technical Details
Indian engineers didn’t dumb it down when it came to the FTR. The engine is a liquid-cooled, four-valves-per-cylinder 1,203cc V-Twin with a bore and stroke of 102mm x 73.6mm, dual overhead cams, and a compression ratio of 12.5:1. A pair of 60mm throttle bodies handle intake chores, while a 2-1 exhaust with a catalytic converter routes the exhaust gasses to the rear. Indian marketeers claim the engine makes 120 horsepower, which with typical losses to the rear wheel on the dyno is right in the ballpark with the 112.07 bhp we found at 7,870 rpm on the dyno at Mickey Cohen Motorsports (1961 E Miraloma Ave Unit B, Anaheim Hills, CA 92870, (714) 993-5000, www.cohenmotorsports.com). Of more importance is the torque, which peaks at 82.16 lbs.-ft. at 6,000 rpm and comes on strong from the very bottom of the rpm range.
Indian routes that power through a six-speed transmission with an assisted/slipper clutch, and helps the rider manage it with a comprehensive suite of electronic rider aids. The machine comes with three ride modes (Rain, Standard, Sport), and Lean Angle Sensitive anti-lock brakes and stability control are standard. Traction control is standard, as is front lift (or wheelie) control plus rear wheel lift control and cruise control. The styling may be traditional, but the electronics are modern-spec for a street bike. For those who want a little more retro in their riding experience, the TC and the “wheelie mitigation” systems can be switched off.
The Indian FTR’s 1203cc V-Twin builds torque from the bottom of the rpm range and pulls strongly to redline. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Speaking of retro, the chassis is about as retro as it comes among modern motorcycles. It’s a steel-tube trellis frame with a steel swingarm as well. In the tradition of the power cruiser, the wheelbase is long, at 60 inches (1,524mm). And the seat height is a moderate 30.7 inches, not cruiser-low, but comfortably low among modern machines.
The carbon-fiber front fender may attract attention, but equally impressive are the Öhlins forks and Brembo brakes. Metzeler M9 RR tires provide excellent grip for anything on the street. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Braking is top-shelf, with 320mm (12.6-inch) dual discs in the front and a single 260mm (10.2-inch) rotor in the rear. Brembo four-piston calipers are mounted up front, with a twin-piston Brembo caliper operating on the back wheel.
Öhlins makes a custom feedback reservoir rear shock for the Indian FTR. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Suspension is a high specification as well. Up front, the 43mm inverted Öhlins cartridge forks are adjustable for spring preload plus compression and rebound damping. In the back, a single Öhlins shock with a piggyback reservoir is equally adjustable. Wheel travel is 120mm (4.7 inches) front and rear.
The ancillaries are all thoroughly modern, including the four-inch touchscreen display screen, the Bluetooth compatibility, the LED lighting all the way around. And the carbon-fiber components are stylish and set the FTR apart from other machines in its class, if, really, there are any. There are big V-Twins and sport-naked machines, but none really combine these elements the way the FTR does.
A round dash says retro, the touch screen capability and array of information that the rider can customize to their needs says modern. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
The Riding Experience
Fire it up, and the FTR is remarkably civil at idle. The exhaust note is distinctive and speaks the language of power, but it is not obnoxious. It’s easy to throw a leg over the reasonable seat height. The riding position, Indian says, is derived from its FTR750 flat track racer. I call it Modern Hooligan; the bars are low but not clip-ons; the pegs far enough back that the rider is canted a bit forward, as though prepared for the wheelie that they know is coming!
While its looks may be derived from the flat track world, it’s clear that Indian’s engineers have done their job on making the FTR rideable in the real world. The vibration is what you’d expect and want from a big V-Twin, more a rumble rather than a buzz. It’s actually a pleasant part of the riding experience, and the mirrors remain clear and usable. The clutch pull is reasonable, the brakes effective without being touchy. There’s no excessive heat, and little in the way of mechanical noise. It’s a pretty civil place to operate from around town and in traffic.
The FTR isn’t a lightweight, but the trellis frame keeps it flickable and stable at enthusiastic street speeds. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Twist the throttle hard, and the FTR remains civil–but stuff is hurtling back at you, fast. It’s like everyone else on the road suddenly slowed! The response from the torquey engine is immediate, ample, and satisfying. And the electronic rider aids work as intended, keeping the party from going out of bounds unless you decide that’s what you want to happen.
Metzeler Sportec M9 RR tires provide plenty of traction for anything reasonably responsible on the street, and the Öhlins suspension performs as expected. The tubular bars provide good leverage, but the bike isn’t overly heavy to begin with, so flicking it from side to side is relatively easy and precise. If I had any complaint, it’s that the seating position sort of crouched me into the wind blast, and the combination of wind and seating position wore on me more quickly than I’d have liked on a longer ride.
But let’s face it: Nobody will buy this thing to cover continents. It’s for short bursts of motorcycling madness, and it absolutely delivers thrills when you get, shall we say–enthusiastic!. Whether it’s firing off the line at an intersection or whipping through a twisty road, the bike accelerates hard, handles well, and brakes with alacrity. The best part, though, is that the bike tells the rider, loudly and clearly, that it is doing all of these things. The rider feels the riding experience on the FTR, and for the type of riding most FTR owners will be doing, that is exactly what they want.
To the non-motorcyclist, the FTR looks retro. To the informed eye, the FTR screams up-to-date. Indian has done a remarkable job in hitting both targets and, of bringing new life into the power cruiser category. How could that possibly be anything other than awesome?
A swingarm-mounted license plate holder makes the FTR look like a custom, but is not everyone’s preferred style. For non-fans of that look, Indian offers a kit to relocate the license plate underneath the seat. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
P.S. For some, Indian’s decision to hang the license plate off the end of the swingarm is aesthetically unpleasant. For those customers, Indian offers a kit for $299.99 that, along with the $99.99 accessory mounting kit, allows the owner to relocate the license plate and rear turn signals under the seat. It’s nice when a manufacturer offers that kind of styling flexibility…
Progressive Insurance American Flat Track (AFT) Championship Series
Springfield Mile II
Springfield, Illinois
September 3, 2023
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Briar Bauman (KTM), 25 laps
2. Jared Mees (Ind), -0.075 second
3. Davis Fisher (Ind), -5.575 seconds
4. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -5.599
5. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -5.836
6. JD Beach (Yam), -6.132
7. Bronson Bauman (KTM), -15.726
8. Ben Lowe (Ind), -15.960
9. Henry Wiles (Ind), -15.973
10. Jarod Vanderkooi (KTM), -17.949
11. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -18.055
12. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -31.672
13. Jeffery Lowery (Yam), -33.460
14. Dan Bromley (Yam), -35.279
15. Kevin Stollings (Kaw), -1 lap
16. Kasey Sciscoe (Har), -13 laps, DNF
17. Brandon Price (Yam), -15 laps, DNF
18. Cody Johncox (Yam), -17 laps, DNF
19. Cameron Smith (Yam), -25 laps, DNS
Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Tom Drane (Yam), 18 laps
2. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -0.043 second
3. Kody Kopp (KTM), -0.159
4. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -0.203
5. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -0.325
6. Trent Lowe (Hon), -0.481
7. Declan Bender (KTM), -0.587
8. James Ott (Hus), -0.603
9. Max Whale (KTM), -0.637
10. Cole Zabala (Hon), -2.934 seconds
11. Tarren Santero (Hon), -4.637
12. Shayna Texter-Bauman (KTM), -10.671
13. Travis Petton (KTM), -10.751
14. Chad Cose (Hus), -14.048
15. Tyler Raggio (Hon), -14.272
16. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -14.305
17. Hunter Bauer (Hon), -14.356
18. Jared Lowe (Hon), -15.864
19. Landen Smith (KTM), -24.075
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track (AFT):
Bauman Wins Springfield Mile II, Mees Adds to His Legend with Ninth Grand National Championship
Briar Bauman (3) held off Jared Mees (1) to win the AFT SuperTwins race at the Springfield Mile II. Photo by Tim Lester, courtesy AFT.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 3, 2023) – Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) strengthened his case for consideration as the greatest rider in the history of Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, securing a third consecutive Grand National Championship in Sunday’s season-ending Mission Springfield Mile II presented by Drag Specialties at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois.
Mees’ hopes of ending his spectacular 2023 atop the podium were foiled, however, by two-time Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle champ Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke), who edged his great rival to the season’s final checkered flag by 0.075 seconds.
Bauman and Mees slipped free first from title challenger Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and then Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) to settle into a two-rider duel for the contest’s second half. The back-and-forth affair remained in question right up to that last charge to the stripe where Bauman earned his first-career Springfield Mile victory and Mees added to his legend. While the season belonged to Mees, Bauman’s stunning finale served as an enticing sneak preview of what could be in store for the series in 2024.
Bauman said, “The team had a never-quit attitude. It’s always different when you’re in a position to wrap up a championship, which Jared was, so he might have been doing things a little bit different, but nonetheless, it’s a win to me. Life has been a little bit different recently. We lost my mom eight months ago and she hasn’t missed a race in five years. Lima kind of snuck up on me – I was surprised we won – but today when I came across the checkered flag, the emotions rolled out of me.”
Despite having been pit up against multiple generations of dirt track titans over the past two decades – from Chris Carr to Kenny Coolbeth to Jake Johnson to Brad Baker to Bryan Smith to Bauman and now Daniels – Mees has stacked up a résumé that stands alongside any previously assembled in the 70-year history of the championship. The factory Indian superstar now boasts an incredible nine Grand National Championships (2009, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023), equaling the great Scott Parker for most all time.
Mees said, “It’s what you wake up for every day. It’s what you train for. Hats off to Scottie Parker – that’s the guy that keeps me going. He kept me going year after year, race after race. He’s still the best in my book, and it’s an honor to match something that he did.
“So many people contributed to this. I’m a little lost for words for once. I had a really good feeling we were going to get it – we were really fast all weekend long. I wanted to try to win that last one. But I went into that last lap and when Briar ran up underneath me, I was like, ‘Dude, I’m bringing it home.’ I just followed him right off the corner and he brought me to the line, and that was good enough for me. We’re going to let this one soak in.”
Some five seconds back, Daniels tracked down Robinson while simultaneously being reeled in by JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750). From there a four-rider fight for third was waged to the end.
The same way a tenth victory would have been a fitting conclusion to Mees’ season, a 16th podium would have been a natural way to end Daniels’ remarkable sophomore campaign. Of course, the racing gods aren’t often supporters of such contrivances, and thus Fisher earned the last step on the podium by 0.024 seconds ahead of Daniels with Robinson and Beach just behind in fifth and sixth, respectively.
Fisher’s second top three of the season allowed him to secure a spot in the championship top five (257) behind Mees (388), Daniels (372), Beach (301), and Bauman (299), and end the year as the top independent Indian.
Daniels, meanwhile, completes 2023 with a five-win, 15-podium runner-up season and now armed with plenty of motivation and hard-earned experience heading into 2024.
Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke) finished seventh on Sunday, with Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750), Henry Wiles (No. 17 BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750), and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) completing the finale top ten.
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Even though Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) locked up a repeat Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER crown a day early, the class did not lack for drama in its final outing of the year.
Nine riders ran in contention for victory for the full ten laps and two minutes of the epic finale, running five wide and swapping positions all the while.
As unpredictable as it was, throughout it all the top three positions were dominated by the usual suspects: Kopp, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).
Drane took the white flag in the lead with Kopp on his rear wheel. But before any Saturday flashbacks could fully materialize, Saathoff blew past Kopp and dove under his Aussie rival entering Turn 3 for the final time.
The Honda ace leapt out of Turn 4 with his maiden victory in his sights, but his ascension to Progressive AFT winner status was cruelly delayed once again when Drane powered ahead to steal the win at the line by 0.043 seconds.
The victory was Drane’s fourth of the season and more than enough to leapfrog his teammate and Sunday fourth-place finisher Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) for second position in the final standings.
Drane said, “This means a lot to do it here, at Springfield, with some Aussie fans out there. My career pretty much started at this track. I can’t thank my whole team enough for all their effort to get us here.”
The near miss was Saathoff’s ninth podium of the season and his sixth runner-up. Meanwhile, two-time champion Kopp finished third to round out his incredible eight-win season with an 11th podium.
Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Declan Bender (No. 216 Killer Bee Racing/Luczak Racing KTM 450 SX-F), and James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) finished fractions of a second back in fifth through eighth, respectively.
Kopp’s teammate, Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), crossed the stripe as the final rider in the lead pack, registering a ninth-place result despite finishing only 0.637 seconds off the victory. The result was still stout enough to hold onto a championship top-five ranking, however, with an ultimate class order of Kopp (351), Drane (310), Brunner (305), Saathoff (291), and Whale (266).
Next Up:
For those that didn’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action from the entire season, which is available to watch on demand at https://www.fanschoice.tv.
FOX Sports coverage of Mission Springfield Mile I & II presented by Drag Specialties featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere back-to-back on FS1 on Sunday, September 10, starting at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT).
More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:
TWO-TIME CHAMPION KODY KOPP FINISHES 2023 AFT SINGLES SEASON WITH SPRINGFIELD PODIUM
Round 18 – American Flat Track Championship
Kody Kopp (1). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Newly-crowned two-time champion Kody Kopp has concluded the 2023 American Flat Track Championship by securing a third-place result in the AFT Singles Class at the final round of the season at Springfield Mile II, just one day after clinching back-to-back titles in the penultimate round.
The championship pressure was lifted from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kopp as he entered Round 18, going on to record the fifth-fastest qualifying time. Third place in his Heat Race earned him a transfer into the Main Event, where the number one would battle hard all race long, crossing the line in third position, just 0.159s outside of victory.
Kopp’s 2023 campaign marked an ultra-successful outing onboard his KTM 450 SX-F, with the 18-year-old defending his AFT Singles Championship, while also racing to eight race wins across the season, marking one of the more dominant seasons in AFT Singles Class history.
Kody Kopp: “The season comes to an end here in Springfield! We pulled another podium finish, which is pretty crazy considering how we started the year with the Miles, so it’s a testament to how hard the team has worked throughout the year to get us to where we are now. The pressure was lifted today after the championship was wrapped up yesterday, so it was a fun race to enjoy, and we ended up just a little short in third place. Stoked on the season though and already looking forward to defending this thing next year!”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Max Whale sat one position ahead of Kopp in qualifying by posting the fourth-fastest time, before racing to third place in his Heat Race. A stacked Main Event with the top 10 fighting for position saw Whale conclude his 2023 season with a ninth-place ride in Springfield, completing the season P5 in the final AFT Singles Class standings.
Max Whale: “All in all things went fairly well this season, as it’s the first time in a while I’ve made it through all rounds healthy. Lots of learnings and takeaways this year, but I feel like I have a lot more to give, so we’ll come back next year stronger and faster. My race here was good, first through 10th were in a super-tight battle, we were all there at the front of the pack, and I ended up ninth. Congratulations to Kody and the whole team, job well done to those guys, and we’ll be up for the fight again next year.”
KTM-supported racer Briar Bauman finished the 2023 American Flat Track Championship by claiming an impressive SuperTwins Class victory at Springfield Mile II, which marks his second win of the season and ninth podium finish equipped with the KTM 790 DUKE. Bauman was ranked P4 in the final championship standings.
American Kayla Yaakov, age 16, dominated Yamaha R7 bLU cRU Cup Race Two Sunday at Circuit de Navarra, in Spain.
Heavy rain and flooding on Saturday forced the entire program to be run on Sunday.
Yaakov was fourth in the wet qualifying session Sunday morning.
Race One was then run in wet-but-drying conditions. Yaakov was fighting for a podium position when she was “taken out,” according to her father, former racer David Yaakov.
Then in Race Two, Kayla Yaakov checked out. She won the 13-lap race by 9.5 seconds.
American Kayla Yaakov with her team in Spain. Photo courtesy David Yaakov.
Kayla Yaakov (131) at speed on her The WagBar MP13 Racing Team Yamaha YZF-R7 at Pittsburgh International Race Complex. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
WAGBAR MP13 RACING AND KAYLA YAAKOV PART WAYS
Oceanside, CA — The WagBar MP13 Racing Team and racer Kayla Yaakov have terminated their 2023 contract agreement amicably. The team would like to wish Kayla much success as she pursues a new competitive opportunity in a different class on another motorcycle brand for the remaining two rounds of the 2023 MotoAmerica Series season at Circuit of The Americas and New Jersey Motorsports Park.
After successful preseason tests with Yaakov, the WagBar MP13 Racing team looked forward to attacking the seven-round, 14-race MotoAmerica REV’IT! Twin’s Cup Championship with the promising 16-year-old Pennsylvania native riding its proven, race-winning Yamaha YZF-R7.
A testing crash one week before the season-opening round at Daytona International Speedway dashed title-winning hopes for Yaakov and the team. Yaakov recovered from her injuries and returned to the series two rounds later at Barber Motorsports Park. In her return, she scored an astonishing two podium finishes in her first competitive outing on the Yamaha R7.
“While we always hope to finish what we start, the goal of my team has been to give opportunities to up-and-coming racers,” said Melissa Paris, owner of the WagBar MP13 Racing Team. “Kayla feels this is a chance she can’t pass up, and we don’t want to stand in her way.”
Paris continued, “Even though we will be watching and cheering for Kayla from the Supersport sidelines, the WagBar MP13 Racing Team will be back to business as usual at New Jersey Motorsports Park. We will field our Yamaha YZF-R3 in Junior Cup and our YZF-R7 in the REV’IT! Twins Cup. As always, we aim to be fighting at the front. The team will announce a replacement rider for the final round soon.”
The WagBar MP13 Racing Team would like to thank all of its partners for their support throughout the 2023 season: WagBar, Great Lakes Supply, CSU One Cure, Yamaha, bLU cRU, Spears Enterprises, Beringer, Yoshimura, Capit, Ohlins, GHD Designs, Vortex, Attack Performance, SBS Brakes, Maxima, Dunlop, and J4rce.
(From left) Off The Couch Racing's Mark Heckles and Ricky O'Hare, Birch Racing's Joe LiMandri Jr. and DJ Birch, and Nice Guys Racing's Nikolay Zakharyan and Munis Saiyed. Photo courtesy ASRA.
Birch Racing’s DJ Birch and Joe LiMandri took the overall and GTU class wins in the two-hour, 75-lap ASRA Team Challenge endurance race September 2 at New Jersey Motorsports Park, in Millville, New Jersey.
Off The Couch Racing’s Mark Heckles and Ricky O’Hare finished second overall and first in the GTO division, and third place overall and second place in GTO went to Nice Guys Racing’s Nikolay Zakharyan and Munis Saiyed.
Nicolò Bulega aboard the Ducati Panigale V4R of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team in the 2024 WorldSBK season
Aruba.it Racing – Ducati is pleased to announce the agreement with Nicolò Bulega: the current Supersport World Championship leader (9 wins and 13 podiums in the season so far) will defend the colors of the official Team in the 2024 WorldSBK season aboard the Ducati Panigale V4R.
At the same time, the Team would like to thank Michael Ruben Rinaldi for what they have done together in these years: from the SuperStock 1000 championship win achieved in 2017, to the successes (3 victories and 16 podiums total) obtained with Aruba.it Racing – Ducati in WorldSBK, with the certainty of celebrating other podiums in the next rounds of the current championship.
Stefano Cecconi (Team Principal Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“Nicolò is a choice that makes us proud because it confirms the quality of the project we undertook two years ago in the SuperSport World Championship. His growth has been steady and we expect him to continue on this path riding a Panigale V4R, as he has proven he can be very fast with this bike during testing. From the beginning, we have believed in the talent of Nicolò who, moreover, in this year and a half has shown great professionalism and attachment to the colors of the Team. I would also like to address a big thank you to Michael Ruben Rinaldi with whom the professional and human relationship has always been very strong. Even if our paths separate he will always be part of our family. Good luck Michael!”
Luigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Corse General Manager).
“We are pleased to welcome Nicolò Bulega to the official Superbike team. Since last season, Nicolò has been able to give us immense delight. He is a very talented rider, and his experience (despite his young age) could be a determining factor in facing this fascinating and demanding challenge. During the test held with the Ducati Panigale V4R machine, he has shown that he has the potential to compete with the best riders in the WorldSBK Championship, and sharing the garage with Alvaro Bautista will only help him grow. However, it will be important for him to stay focused on his WorldSSP season. The Aruba.it Racing team had the merit last year to think about Bulega and involve him in a completely new project that Ducati cares so much about. We hope he can wrap up his last season in Supersport in the best possible way”.
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WSSP #11)
“I want to be honest: this is a dream coming true. Racing for an official team is the desire of every rider. Therefore, before I talk about my emotions and expectations, I want to thank Ducati and Aruba.it Racing. And I am also extremely grateful for the opportunity I was given already last season by Aruba.it and Feel Racing and especially by Stefano Cecconi, Serafino Foti and Daniele Casolari. They chose me to ride a fantastic Ducati Panigale V2, on which I felt immediately comfortable. I know how important this opportunity is and I will always give my best to improve myself, day after day, with the only goal of getting the best possible results. I say it again: thank you for the trust. Thinking about the history of this Team, where great champions have always raced, I feel proud to be able to defend the same colors. Also, I am very happy to be able to share the box with Alvaro Bautista. Having him as a teammate will be a big plus: I will try to absorb every information I can learn from him.”
Nicolò Bulega was born in Montecchio Emilia on October 16, 1999, and began racing in 2007 in the Italian Minibike Championship. In 2011 he was the Italian and European MiniGP Junior 50 champion, in the following season, he became the Italian PreGP 125 champion, while in 2013 he won the PreGP 250 category championship. In 2014 he took part to the Spanish championship (CEV), Moto3 category, finishing the season in sixth place; the same year he also participated in several CIV Moto3 races. In the 2015 CEV season, he got three third places, three-second places, and a victory, conquering the title in the last race in Valencia. His debut in the Moto3 class of MotoGP came in 2015, in the Grand Prix of the Valencian Community with the SKY Racing Team VR46: it is with this team that he will conquer the first podium in 2016, at the end of the Japanese Grand Prix. From the 2019 season, Bulega participated in the Moto2 championship obtaining as best result seventh place in the Czech Republic Grand Prix. In the 2022 season, the moved to the World Supersport Championship with the Aruba.it Racing team and the Ducati Panigale V2 with which he achieved 9 podiums finishing fourth in the standings.
Eric Wood (4). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.
Two motorcycle riding techniques to save crashes and drop lap times
Riding How To’s
This video covers two techniques that any rider can use to improve both your traction and confidence on corner entry. @gasonbikeup-motorcycles produces videos to show how the same techniques that are used by MotoGP and World Superbike riders can translate to all riders, track or street. If you’re interested in road racing, track days, or simply how to get the most out of your sport bike this video is for you! You’ll learn from Eric Wood, the head coach for the oldest motorcycle track training school in the United States. In this video, we discuss a common problem that affects both top racers and street riders when they need to stop the bike as quickly as they can. The solutions to better braking may surprise you!
Dan "Otis" Turner (1) leading Rob Christman (19) during a MRA race in 2013. Photo by Jim Browning, courtesy Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame.
The Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame has announced that Dan “Otis” Turner is one of the 12 inductees to be honored during the 2023 Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
With a career spanning almost 40 years including eight Motorcycle Roadracing Association (MRA) Race of the Rockies Championships and #1 plates, 1994 AMA Superbike Rookie of the Year, and one of only a few MRA racers to ever podium at an AMA National Event, Turner will be inducted along with Bill Yalotz, Dave Savage, Dick Heikes, Doris Reimer, Frank Denning, Jack Nugent, Junior Reeder, Patrick Bourke, Sherry Graham, Robert Sutherland, and Stacey Cook.
Turner will join previous motorcycle racing inductees Ricky Orlando, Korry Hogan, Davey Durrelle, Donnie Hough, Bruce Sass, Shannon Moham, Arlo Englund, Jim Cole, Dennis Durmas, the Vickery Family, and the MRA.
Hall of Fame inductees come from all facets of motorsports: drivers, builders, mechanics, owners, facility operators and non-profit organizations. And, whether they come from being involved with racing on land, air or water, they all have the same pedigree: a passion for speed, competition, and perfection.
The induction ceremonies will be at the Infinity Park Event Center in Glendale, Colorado, on October 13, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. MST. Tickets for the 2022 Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony are now available at https://coloradomotorsportshalloffame.com/
Pirelli tires being fitted during a test Monday at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Photo courtesy Pirelli.
Pirelli is satisfied with the first Moto2™ and Moto3™ test
At the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, the riders and teams of the two World Championships were able to test the Pirelli tyres – which they will use from 2024, for the very first time
Today the Circuit of Barcelona-Catalunya hosted the first ever Pirelli test for Moto2™ and Moto3™. The riders of the two World Championships, considered to be the most important breeding ground for talent in two-wheeled motorsport on a global level, were able to test for the very first time the tyres that they will use starting from next season, when Pirelli will become the official and exclusive supplier for both classes.
A Pirelli technician listening to American Moto2 rider Joe Roberts (not visible in photo) at Catalunya. Photo courtesy Pirelli.
Testing began at 10 in the morning and ended at 5.30 pm and the riders of each of the two classes completed three sessions for a total of over three hours on the track with asphalt temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees Celsius and sunny weather.
Both the Moto2™ and Moto3™ riders used DIABLO™ Superbike slick tyres in soft and medium compounds for both the front and rear. In Moto2™ in size 125/70 R17 front and 200/65 R17 rear, in Moto3™ 100/70 R17 front and 120/70 R17 rear.
No official lap times were provided but the sensors on the start/finish straight were active and each team was therefore able to record their own times.
Giorgio Barbier (right) with Loris Capirossi (left) at Catalunya. Photo courtesy Pirelli.
Giorgio Barbier
Motorcycle Racing Director
“For Pirelli, the balance of this first test with Moto2™ and Moto3™ teams and riders is certainly very positive. The Montmelò circuit is quite demanding for the tyres, therefore, it was an excellent testing ground to carry out the first test and immediately verify the goodness of our product. Even in the absence of official lap times, we have seen that we are already very fast and that the wear levels are very good, above all if we consider that today was a very first test in plug&play conditions, i.e. without the possibility of setting the bike also in consideration of the race that will take place at Misano over the weekend. We know we have a very high performance and solid product and the positive comments we received today from riders and insiders confirmed this. In addition to the grip and pure performance, the extremely intuitive behaviour, the immediate ease of use and the feeling of confidence expressed by the front thanks also to the good balance between the two axles were appreciated. The riders were able to push hard right from the start thanks to the control and precision that our tyres were able to guarantee, in other words they immediately perceived a feeling of great safety. And these were unanimous comments, there were no dissenting voices. An excellent start and I am convinced that when the machines will be set up for our tyres in the best possible way, they will be able to fully exploit their full potential”.
Jonathan Rea (65) in action at Autodrom Most. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Jonathan Rea to Race for Yamaha in WorldSBK from 2024
Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to announce that six-time FIM Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea will race alongside Andrea Locatelli in the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Official Team in 2024, having secured a two-year agreement with the Ulsterman.
Rea is the most successful WorldSBK rider of all time, winning six consecutive titles in an incredible period of dominance between 2015 and 2020. The records don’t stop there, as he also holds the highest number of victories in the class with 119, the most podiums (256), and fastest laps (102), all from a history-making 401 starts.
The Northern Irishman has also scored more points than anyone else in WorldSBK and has amassed over 6,000 since stepping up to the premier production class in 2008. On top of this, Rea also holds the record for the longest time between his first (Misano 2009) and last (Most 2023) wins, has 41 pole positions to his name and has been ever-present in the top three in the final WorldSBK Championship standings since 2014.
Despite his phenomenal career, Rea’s hunger for success has not diminished, and his aim is clear, to add to his record-breaking tally of victories and become the first rider to win seven WorldSBK titles.
Yamaha Motor Europe is delighted to have secured his services in a two-year deal. The new agreement will see Rea form a formidable partnership alongside Italian teammate Andrea Locatelli, with the duo competing onboard the highly competitive Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK R1 together until 2025.
Eric de Seynes: President & CEO, Yamaha Motor Europe
“We are very happy to welcome Jonathan to the Yamaha family and we are very much motivated to collaborate with him for the future. We have the same motivation to win, and the same passion for WorldSBK. Like him we have been world champions in recent years and we want to be back on the top of the box once again. Jonathan’s drive, determination and hunger for success have been constants throughout his career and these attributes will contribute to our future common success. We truly believe that Jonathan can add to his world championship tally, writing his name even larger in the history books, and we are equally confident that he can achieve this together with us. We are working hard to improve further our race proven Yamaha R1, to ensure that we provide Jonathan with exactly what he needs to achieve his and Yamaha’s goals in 2024 and 2025.”
More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki:
Jonathan Rea To Leave KRT
Six time WorldSBK Champion, Jonathan Rea, will leave the Kawasaki Racing Team at the end of the 2023 season
Formally contracted for both the current and 2024 seasons, Rea will be released from this agreement by mutual consent at the end of the racing season. During his time riding for the official factory team, 36 year old Rea achieved an unprecedented haul of six WorldSBK titles as well as accruing a slew of other records including all-time WorldSBK records for Championships, Race Wins, Podiums, Fastest Laps and Overall Points Scored.
Speaking of Rea’s departure, Guim Roda, Team Manager of KRT, said:
“In life as well as racing, priorities define the path to follow. I am very happy and proud that during these nine years Johnny has defined his priorities with KRT and has given us so many successes. I consider myself, our team, Kawasaki and all our fans worldwide, privileged to have been part of this journey. Whichever direction he goes in the future, I hope he can continue to grow as a rider. The task we have now is to finish the 2023 season as best we can with the tools we have been able to forge this year. As always, we will continue to look for improvements and seek advantage wherever possible. KRT is committed to putting on a good show with Johnny during his last four races on the formidable and impressive Ninja ZX-10RR that he has become synonymous with”.
Jonathan Rea reflected on his time at KRT saying:
“I want to thank everyone at KMC and KRT for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to prove myself at the highest level. I have learnt and grown so much as a person and a rider since the first day throwing my leg over the factory Ninja ZX-10R superbike.
Winning six consecutive WorldSBK Championships will always be the most obvious highlight of my time with Kawasaki; but it will also be the amazing memories, the life lessons and the laughs that I will take with me into the future. And, for sure, it’s our mission to complete the 2023 season as strongly and with as much commitment as we have always shown.
Now, looking back on our journey, it fills me with pride at the joy and happiness we have brought Kawasaki fans and Kawasaki owners around the world. This is not a goodbye, because you don’t say goodbye to family, but it is simply the end of this incredible chapter. I wish everyone at KRT the best of luck for the chapters that will surely follow. See you at the track”
The 2023 Indian FTR R Carbon looks traditional to the non-motorcyclist, but to the aficionado of modern motorcycling, evidence of sophistication and top-shelf equipment is everywhere one looks. Photo by Michael Gougis.
By Michael Gougis
Power cruisers started hitting the market right about the time I started riding motorcycles,. At first, they were standard-style Inline-4s with higher bars and a lot more power out of the box than traditional V-Twin cruisers. Then came a wave of V-4s, with even more power. They all followed a similar theme: Street style and reasonable handling, with big chunks of tire-shredding torque. Lap times weren’t the goal. The idea was to make the rider feel like they were launching off the line at the drag strip–and to look totally badass while doing it.
The Indian FTR R Carbon is long and low, and its big V-Twin engine generates considerable thrust. Premium suspension components from Öhlins are adjustable. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Indian lists its 2023 FTR R Carbon in its Standards lineup, but riding it reminded me of those days when it was all about the kick in the butt caused by a twist of the wrist. To be sure, it handles, brakes, and generally behaves way better than those beasts of yesteryear. But get on the gas on the Indian, pretty much in any gear, at any rpm, and fun stuff starts to happen. The fact that the FTR successfully blends retro and modern styling, that it makes all the right sounds, and that it comes with advanced electronic rider aids that make riding the bike more fun is all great, to be sure. But an Indian FTR is really all about a surge of speed, accelerating with enough grunt to make the rider grin.
Technical Details
Indian engineers didn’t dumb it down when it came to the FTR. The engine is a liquid-cooled, four-valves-per-cylinder 1,203cc V-Twin with a bore and stroke of 102mm x 73.6mm, dual overhead cams, and a compression ratio of 12.5:1. A pair of 60mm throttle bodies handle intake chores, while a 2-1 exhaust with a catalytic converter routes the exhaust gasses to the rear. Indian marketeers claim the engine makes 120 horsepower, which with typical losses to the rear wheel on the dyno is right in the ballpark with the 112.07 bhp we found at 7,870 rpm on the dyno at Mickey Cohen Motorsports (1961 E Miraloma Ave Unit B, Anaheim Hills, CA 92870, (714) 993-5000, www.cohenmotorsports.com). Of more importance is the torque, which peaks at 82.16 lbs.-ft. at 6,000 rpm and comes on strong from the very bottom of the rpm range.
Indian routes that power through a six-speed transmission with an assisted/slipper clutch, and helps the rider manage it with a comprehensive suite of electronic rider aids. The machine comes with three ride modes (Rain, Standard, Sport), and Lean Angle Sensitive anti-lock brakes and stability control are standard. Traction control is standard, as is front lift (or wheelie) control plus rear wheel lift control and cruise control. The styling may be traditional, but the electronics are modern-spec for a street bike. For those who want a little more retro in their riding experience, the TC and the “wheelie mitigation” systems can be switched off.
The Indian FTR’s 1203cc V-Twin builds torque from the bottom of the rpm range and pulls strongly to redline. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Speaking of retro, the chassis is about as retro as it comes among modern motorcycles. It’s a steel-tube trellis frame with a steel swingarm as well. In the tradition of the power cruiser, the wheelbase is long, at 60 inches (1,524mm). And the seat height is a moderate 30.7 inches, not cruiser-low, but comfortably low among modern machines.
The carbon-fiber front fender may attract attention, but equally impressive are the Öhlins forks and Brembo brakes. Metzeler M9 RR tires provide excellent grip for anything on the street. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Braking is top-shelf, with 320mm (12.6-inch) dual discs in the front and a single 260mm (10.2-inch) rotor in the rear. Brembo four-piston calipers are mounted up front, with a twin-piston Brembo caliper operating on the back wheel.
Öhlins makes a custom feedback reservoir rear shock for the Indian FTR. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Suspension is a high specification as well. Up front, the 43mm inverted Öhlins cartridge forks are adjustable for spring preload plus compression and rebound damping. In the back, a single Öhlins shock with a piggyback reservoir is equally adjustable. Wheel travel is 120mm (4.7 inches) front and rear.
The ancillaries are all thoroughly modern, including the four-inch touchscreen display screen, the Bluetooth compatibility, the LED lighting all the way around. And the carbon-fiber components are stylish and set the FTR apart from other machines in its class, if, really, there are any. There are big V-Twins and sport-naked machines, but none really combine these elements the way the FTR does.
A round dash says retro, the touch screen capability and array of information that the rider can customize to their needs says modern. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
The Riding Experience
Fire it up, and the FTR is remarkably civil at idle. The exhaust note is distinctive and speaks the language of power, but it is not obnoxious. It’s easy to throw a leg over the reasonable seat height. The riding position, Indian says, is derived from its FTR750 flat track racer. I call it Modern Hooligan; the bars are low but not clip-ons; the pegs far enough back that the rider is canted a bit forward, as though prepared for the wheelie that they know is coming!
While its looks may be derived from the flat track world, it’s clear that Indian’s engineers have done their job on making the FTR rideable in the real world. The vibration is what you’d expect and want from a big V-Twin, more a rumble rather than a buzz. It’s actually a pleasant part of the riding experience, and the mirrors remain clear and usable. The clutch pull is reasonable, the brakes effective without being touchy. There’s no excessive heat, and little in the way of mechanical noise. It’s a pretty civil place to operate from around town and in traffic.
The FTR isn’t a lightweight, but the trellis frame keeps it flickable and stable at enthusiastic street speeds. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Twist the throttle hard, and the FTR remains civil–but stuff is hurtling back at you, fast. It’s like everyone else on the road suddenly slowed! The response from the torquey engine is immediate, ample, and satisfying. And the electronic rider aids work as intended, keeping the party from going out of bounds unless you decide that’s what you want to happen.
Metzeler Sportec M9 RR tires provide plenty of traction for anything reasonably responsible on the street, and the Öhlins suspension performs as expected. The tubular bars provide good leverage, but the bike isn’t overly heavy to begin with, so flicking it from side to side is relatively easy and precise. If I had any complaint, it’s that the seating position sort of crouched me into the wind blast, and the combination of wind and seating position wore on me more quickly than I’d have liked on a longer ride.
But let’s face it: Nobody will buy this thing to cover continents. It’s for short bursts of motorcycling madness, and it absolutely delivers thrills when you get, shall we say–enthusiastic!. Whether it’s firing off the line at an intersection or whipping through a twisty road, the bike accelerates hard, handles well, and brakes with alacrity. The best part, though, is that the bike tells the rider, loudly and clearly, that it is doing all of these things. The rider feels the riding experience on the FTR, and for the type of riding most FTR owners will be doing, that is exactly what they want.
To the non-motorcyclist, the FTR looks retro. To the informed eye, the FTR screams up-to-date. Indian has done a remarkable job in hitting both targets and, of bringing new life into the power cruiser category. How could that possibly be anything other than awesome?
A swingarm-mounted license plate holder makes the FTR look like a custom, but is not everyone’s preferred style. For non-fans of that look, Indian offers a kit to relocate the license plate underneath the seat. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
P.S. For some, Indian’s decision to hang the license plate off the end of the swingarm is aesthetically unpleasant. For those customers, Indian offers a kit for $299.99 that, along with the $99.99 accessory mounting kit, allows the owner to relocate the license plate and rear turn signals under the seat. It’s nice when a manufacturer offers that kind of styling flexibility…
The Springfield Mile, in Springfield, Illinois. Photo by Tim Lester, courtesy AFT.
Progressive Insurance American Flat Track (AFT) Championship Series
Springfield Mile II
Springfield, Illinois
September 3, 2023
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Briar Bauman (KTM), 25 laps
2. Jared Mees (Ind), -0.075 second
3. Davis Fisher (Ind), -5.575 seconds
4. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -5.599
5. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -5.836
6. JD Beach (Yam), -6.132
7. Bronson Bauman (KTM), -15.726
8. Ben Lowe (Ind), -15.960
9. Henry Wiles (Ind), -15.973
10. Jarod Vanderkooi (KTM), -17.949
11. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -18.055
12. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -31.672
13. Jeffery Lowery (Yam), -33.460
14. Dan Bromley (Yam), -35.279
15. Kevin Stollings (Kaw), -1 lap
16. Kasey Sciscoe (Har), -13 laps, DNF
17. Brandon Price (Yam), -15 laps, DNF
18. Cody Johncox (Yam), -17 laps, DNF
19. Cameron Smith (Yam), -25 laps, DNS
Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Tom Drane (Yam), 18 laps
2. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -0.043 second
3. Kody Kopp (KTM), -0.159
4. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -0.203
5. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -0.325
6. Trent Lowe (Hon), -0.481
7. Declan Bender (KTM), -0.587
8. James Ott (Hus), -0.603
9. Max Whale (KTM), -0.637
10. Cole Zabala (Hon), -2.934 seconds
11. Tarren Santero (Hon), -4.637
12. Shayna Texter-Bauman (KTM), -10.671
13. Travis Petton (KTM), -10.751
14. Chad Cose (Hus), -14.048
15. Tyler Raggio (Hon), -14.272
16. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -14.305
17. Hunter Bauer (Hon), -14.356
18. Jared Lowe (Hon), -15.864
19. Landen Smith (KTM), -24.075
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track (AFT):
Bauman Wins Springfield Mile II, Mees Adds to His Legend with Ninth Grand National Championship
Briar Bauman (3) held off Jared Mees (1) to win the AFT SuperTwins race at the Springfield Mile II. Photo by Tim Lester, courtesy AFT.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 3, 2023) – Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) strengthened his case for consideration as the greatest rider in the history of Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, securing a third consecutive Grand National Championship in Sunday’s season-ending Mission Springfield Mile II presented by Drag Specialties at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois.
Mees’ hopes of ending his spectacular 2023 atop the podium were foiled, however, by two-time Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle champ Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke), who edged his great rival to the season’s final checkered flag by 0.075 seconds.
Bauman and Mees slipped free first from title challenger Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and then Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) to settle into a two-rider duel for the contest’s second half. The back-and-forth affair remained in question right up to that last charge to the stripe where Bauman earned his first-career Springfield Mile victory and Mees added to his legend. While the season belonged to Mees, Bauman’s stunning finale served as an enticing sneak preview of what could be in store for the series in 2024.
Bauman said, “The team had a never-quit attitude. It’s always different when you’re in a position to wrap up a championship, which Jared was, so he might have been doing things a little bit different, but nonetheless, it’s a win to me. Life has been a little bit different recently. We lost my mom eight months ago and she hasn’t missed a race in five years. Lima kind of snuck up on me – I was surprised we won – but today when I came across the checkered flag, the emotions rolled out of me.”
Despite having been pit up against multiple generations of dirt track titans over the past two decades – from Chris Carr to Kenny Coolbeth to Jake Johnson to Brad Baker to Bryan Smith to Bauman and now Daniels – Mees has stacked up a résumé that stands alongside any previously assembled in the 70-year history of the championship. The factory Indian superstar now boasts an incredible nine Grand National Championships (2009, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023), equaling the great Scott Parker for most all time.
Mees said, “It’s what you wake up for every day. It’s what you train for. Hats off to Scottie Parker – that’s the guy that keeps me going. He kept me going year after year, race after race. He’s still the best in my book, and it’s an honor to match something that he did.
“So many people contributed to this. I’m a little lost for words for once. I had a really good feeling we were going to get it – we were really fast all weekend long. I wanted to try to win that last one. But I went into that last lap and when Briar ran up underneath me, I was like, ‘Dude, I’m bringing it home.’ I just followed him right off the corner and he brought me to the line, and that was good enough for me. We’re going to let this one soak in.”
Some five seconds back, Daniels tracked down Robinson while simultaneously being reeled in by JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750). From there a four-rider fight for third was waged to the end.
The same way a tenth victory would have been a fitting conclusion to Mees’ season, a 16th podium would have been a natural way to end Daniels’ remarkable sophomore campaign. Of course, the racing gods aren’t often supporters of such contrivances, and thus Fisher earned the last step on the podium by 0.024 seconds ahead of Daniels with Robinson and Beach just behind in fifth and sixth, respectively.
Fisher’s second top three of the season allowed him to secure a spot in the championship top five (257) behind Mees (388), Daniels (372), Beach (301), and Bauman (299), and end the year as the top independent Indian.
Daniels, meanwhile, completes 2023 with a five-win, 15-podium runner-up season and now armed with plenty of motivation and hard-earned experience heading into 2024.
Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke) finished seventh on Sunday, with Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750), Henry Wiles (No. 17 BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750), and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) completing the finale top ten.
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Even though Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) locked up a repeat Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER crown a day early, the class did not lack for drama in its final outing of the year.
Nine riders ran in contention for victory for the full ten laps and two minutes of the epic finale, running five wide and swapping positions all the while.
As unpredictable as it was, throughout it all the top three positions were dominated by the usual suspects: Kopp, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).
Drane took the white flag in the lead with Kopp on his rear wheel. But before any Saturday flashbacks could fully materialize, Saathoff blew past Kopp and dove under his Aussie rival entering Turn 3 for the final time.
The Honda ace leapt out of Turn 4 with his maiden victory in his sights, but his ascension to Progressive AFT winner status was cruelly delayed once again when Drane powered ahead to steal the win at the line by 0.043 seconds.
The victory was Drane’s fourth of the season and more than enough to leapfrog his teammate and Sunday fourth-place finisher Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) for second position in the final standings.
Drane said, “This means a lot to do it here, at Springfield, with some Aussie fans out there. My career pretty much started at this track. I can’t thank my whole team enough for all their effort to get us here.”
The near miss was Saathoff’s ninth podium of the season and his sixth runner-up. Meanwhile, two-time champion Kopp finished third to round out his incredible eight-win season with an 11th podium.
Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Declan Bender (No. 216 Killer Bee Racing/Luczak Racing KTM 450 SX-F), and James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) finished fractions of a second back in fifth through eighth, respectively.
Kopp’s teammate, Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), crossed the stripe as the final rider in the lead pack, registering a ninth-place result despite finishing only 0.637 seconds off the victory. The result was still stout enough to hold onto a championship top-five ranking, however, with an ultimate class order of Kopp (351), Drane (310), Brunner (305), Saathoff (291), and Whale (266).
Next Up:
For those that didn’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action from the entire season, which is available to watch on demand at https://www.fanschoice.tv.
FOX Sports coverage of Mission Springfield Mile I & II presented by Drag Specialties featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere back-to-back on FS1 on Sunday, September 10, starting at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT).
More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:
TWO-TIME CHAMPION KODY KOPP FINISHES 2023 AFT SINGLES SEASON WITH SPRINGFIELD PODIUM
Round 18 – American Flat Track Championship
Kody Kopp (1). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Newly-crowned two-time champion Kody Kopp has concluded the 2023 American Flat Track Championship by securing a third-place result in the AFT Singles Class at the final round of the season at Springfield Mile II, just one day after clinching back-to-back titles in the penultimate round.
The championship pressure was lifted from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kopp as he entered Round 18, going on to record the fifth-fastest qualifying time. Third place in his Heat Race earned him a transfer into the Main Event, where the number one would battle hard all race long, crossing the line in third position, just 0.159s outside of victory.
Kopp’s 2023 campaign marked an ultra-successful outing onboard his KTM 450 SX-F, with the 18-year-old defending his AFT Singles Championship, while also racing to eight race wins across the season, marking one of the more dominant seasons in AFT Singles Class history.
Kody Kopp: “The season comes to an end here in Springfield! We pulled another podium finish, which is pretty crazy considering how we started the year with the Miles, so it’s a testament to how hard the team has worked throughout the year to get us to where we are now. The pressure was lifted today after the championship was wrapped up yesterday, so it was a fun race to enjoy, and we ended up just a little short in third place. Stoked on the season though and already looking forward to defending this thing next year!”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Max Whale sat one position ahead of Kopp in qualifying by posting the fourth-fastest time, before racing to third place in his Heat Race. A stacked Main Event with the top 10 fighting for position saw Whale conclude his 2023 season with a ninth-place ride in Springfield, completing the season P5 in the final AFT Singles Class standings.
Max Whale: “All in all things went fairly well this season, as it’s the first time in a while I’ve made it through all rounds healthy. Lots of learnings and takeaways this year, but I feel like I have a lot more to give, so we’ll come back next year stronger and faster. My race here was good, first through 10th were in a super-tight battle, we were all there at the front of the pack, and I ended up ninth. Congratulations to Kody and the whole team, job well done to those guys, and we’ll be up for the fight again next year.”
KTM-supported racer Briar Bauman finished the 2023 American Flat Track Championship by claiming an impressive SuperTwins Class victory at Springfield Mile II, which marks his second win of the season and ninth podium finish equipped with the KTM 790 DUKE. Bauman was ranked P4 in the final championship standings.
American Kayla Yaakov on top of the Yamaha bLU cRU R7 Cup podium at Circuit de Navarra, in Spain. Photo courtesy David Yaakov.
American Kayla Yaakov, age 16, dominated Yamaha R7 bLU cRU Cup Race Two Sunday at Circuit de Navarra, in Spain.
Heavy rain and flooding on Saturday forced the entire program to be run on Sunday.
Yaakov was fourth in the wet qualifying session Sunday morning.
Race One was then run in wet-but-drying conditions. Yaakov was fighting for a podium position when she was “taken out,” according to her father, former racer David Yaakov.
Then in Race Two, Kayla Yaakov checked out. She won the 13-lap race by 9.5 seconds.
American Kayla Yaakov with her team in Spain. Photo courtesy David Yaakov.
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