American Flat Track: Race Results From Springfield Mile II (Updated)

David Swarts

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September 3, 2023

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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).

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com

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.

Round 18 Results

AFT Singles Main Event

1. Tom Drane, Yamaha

2. Chase Saathoff, Honda

3. Kody Kopp, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

OTHER KTM

7. Declan Bender, KTM

9. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

12. Shayna Texter-Bauman, KTM

13. Travis Petton IV, KTM

16. Dalton Gauthier, KTM

19. Landen Smith, KTM

2023 AFT Singles Point Standings

1. Kody Kopp, 351 points

2. Tom Drane, 310

3. Trevor Brunner, 305

OTHER KTM

5. Max Whale, 266

7. Dalton Gauthier, 247

11. Travis Petton IV, 113

14. Shayna Texter-Bauman, 84

17. Declan Bender, 65

20. Logan Eisenhard, 43

22. Tanner Dean, 27

26. Landen Smith, 16

27. Hayden Gillim, 14

28. Olin Kissler, 14

30. Clarke Morian V, 12

Yamaha R7 Cup: Kayla Yaakov Wins Race Two At Circuit De Navarra

David Swarts

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September 3, 2023

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Yamaha R7 Cup: Kayla Yaakov Wins Race Two At Circuit De Navarra

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.

MotoGP: World Championship Race Results From Catalunya (Updated)

David Swarts

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September 3, 2023

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MotoGP: World Championship Race Results From Catalunya (Updated)

Aleix Espargaro won the FIM MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain. Riding his factory Aprilia RS-GP, the Spaniard won the restarted 23-lap race by just 0.377 second.

Espargaro’s Aprilia teammate Maverick Vinales was the runner-up, and Jorge Martin finished third, 2.831 seconds behind Espargaro, on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati Desmosedici.

The race was marred by two incidents on the original start. First, several riders crashed in a chain-reaction incident in Turn One. Then seconds later, Francesco Bagnaia highsided coming out of Turn Two and his right leg was run over by another rider.

Crashers between the two incidents included Bagnaia, Enea Bastianini, Marco Bezzecchi, Brad Binder, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Alex Marquez, and Johann Zarco.

Bagnaia and Bastianini did not make the restart. Bagnaia was taken to a local hospital to get more detailed scans of his injured leg.

MotoGP Race
MotoGP Points after Race

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Aleix grabs victory in an Aprilia duel after early drama in Barcelona

The “Captain” overhauls Viñales, Martin takes third after early race drama sees Bagnaia suffer huge highside out the lead but escape relatively unscathed

Aleix Espargaro (41) and Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Sunday, 03 September 2023

Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) made history at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya as he led a historic Aprilia 1-2 over the line. Teammate Maverick Viñales led for much of the race before being caught, stalked and then passed by his teammate, but it marked a milestone day for the Noale factory. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) completed the podium.

Before that, drama on a first start saw a multiple-rider crash at Turn 1, right before a highside out the lead for reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) couldn’t avoid the #1 fully but after examination at the medical centre and the General Hospital of Catalunya, Bagnaia was confirmed to have suffered no fractures in the incident.

Unfortunately, teammate Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) was found to have injured his hand and ankle in the Turn 1 crash, and he was penalised for his part in the incident too. Bagnaia’s highside and the incident at Turn 1 saw the Red Flag come out and the race restart with neither lining up on the grid.

A dramatic first start

As the lights went out for the first time, Bastianini went a bit too hot into Turn 1 and had nowhere to go as the field tipped in. The Italian caught the rear end of Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) seeing them both go down and ending in a multi-rider pile-up at the Turn 1 gravel trap, including Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and both Gresini machines of Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio.

Just seconds later Bagnaia’s crash happened just a few metres ahead. On the exit of Turn 2 the Italian highsided out, with most avoiding both man and machine and only Binder caught up, also crashing out. That confirmed a red flag for the first start as both Bagnaia and Bastianini were then taken to the medical centre.

Pressing the reset button

With pole position empty and no Bagnaia, Martin took the holeshot this time around but Viñales came out the blocks guns blazing too, hitting the front quickly with a firm first-lap move. The number 12 led the way ahead of Martin, with Aleix Espargaro sitting in third with his hands full with Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team).

Viñales began to stretch out a few bike lengths on Martin as Aleix Espargaro was determined to make sure his teammate didn’t break away and proceeded to push his way past Martin with 21 laps to go. Oliveira then decided to strike whilst the iron was hot and followed, moving up into third to create a historic Aprilia 1-2-3.

Lap by lap, Aleix Espargaro bridged the gap to his teammate, stalking him once he arrived on the scene.

Just behind, Oliveira was unable to hold onto the factory duo, and the Portuguese rider started to fade back into the clutches of Martin. The Pramac rider pounced on the RNF machine with 14 laps remaining.

After piling on the pressure, Aleix Espargaro then dropped back a few tenths after a mistake with 12 laps to go. But the number 41 dug back in and inched his way back onto the rear wheel of Viñales up ahead, setting up another shot at taking over in front.

With four laps to go, Aleix Espargaro then made his move. Side by side along the main straight, he then pounced on Maverick at Turn 1 and parked his RSGP up this inside of the #12. Brutal, fair, or both at once, Viñales was sent wide and through the long lap loop as Aleix pulled away in the lead.

The roles were now reversed, with Viñales on the back foot once back on track and looking to home back in on the lead. It looked impossible, then implausible, but by the final lap the number 12 was starting to get close enough to cause his teammate a sweat if he’d had a rear view mirror. But the metres were running out, and Aleix Espargaro kept it cool and collected under the pressure to shoot over the line and make some serious amends for his 2022 lap count mistake. Viñales, although not on the top step, made it a truly historic day for Aprilia as he came up just 0.377s short in second for that 1-2.

Martin crossed the line in a lonelier third place, off the Aprilias but ahead of his teammate Johann Zarco two seconds back in fourth. Oliveira slipped down to fifth place by the time the chequered flag came out, with a battle for sixth place being won by Alex Marquez a further 3 seconds back.

The Spaniard got the better of Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) who finished in seventh and eighth respectively. Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) bagged P9 with a last gasp move on Fabio Di Giannantionio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), who rounded out the top 10.

Luca Marini won a duel against teammate Bezzecchi for P11, just ahead of Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). Binder was a notable retirement, suffering a technical issue and DNF after the restart.

At the head of the field, it was a weekend to remember for Aleix Espargaro and for Aprilia Racing. Not only did Aleix take both the Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix victories, but the Noale manufacturer came away with both their factory machines securing top 3 finishes in both events. MotoGP™ now turns its attention to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Italy for the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini from the 8th – 10th of September.

Jake Dixon (96) held off Aron Canet (40) to win the Moto2 race. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Dixon fends off Canet for statement win

The duel for the win goes to the wire as Moto2™ delivers a classic in Catalunya

Jake Dixon (Asterius GASGAS Aspar Team) showed he means business in the title fight as he put in a Moto2™ masterclass to take victory at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya. The Brit was involved in a race-long tussle with Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo), but Acosta dropped back from the podium fight as Albert Arenas (Red Bull KTM Ajo) emerged in a late charge to take third in the closing stages.

The lights went out in Barcelona and it was Dixon who held the lead through the first sector from pole. The Brit led the opening laps as he had Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp) and Canet for company. Gonzalez then took over the lead with 17 laps remaining whilst Acosta was climbing up the order after starting from ninth on the grid.

Acosta joined the leading trio with twelve laps to go. Canet then took the lead from Gonzalez into Turn 1 as Acosta snatched third from Dixon. However, it wasn’t long before the Championship leader made his move on Gonzalez with Dixon following pursuit shortly after.

Whilst the top three continued to scrap it out, Gonzalez had fallen into the clutches of Arenas, who demoted his compatriot to fourth and latched on to the leading trio.

The gloves were off with five laps remaining as Acosta, Canet and Dixon swapped and changed positions. Acosta then began to fade as the Spaniard dropped back to fifth behind Gonzalez and Arenas, but it soon went from bad to worse for the Championship leader as the Spaniard ran off at Turn 1 and was forced to run go through the long lap loop and rejoin behind Sergio Garcia (Pons Wegow Los40), down in sixth.

The group had stretched out on the penultimate lap as Dixon led Canet, with Arenas in a distant third, and as the last lap started, it was clear it would be a straight shoot-out for victory between Dixon and Canet.

The Brit went defensive into Turn 1 as he could feel the Spaniard breathing down his neck, and held it round the first sectors. He also had his line covered into Turn 10 as they barrelled into the final sector, with Canet then getting squiggly and losing a few metres. The Spaniard seemed to consider a move at the final corner, but Dixon had it covered once again for a second Grand Prix win.

Canet was forced to settle for second, with Arenas taking third and that first podium in the class. Garcia made serious progress to make it up to fourth, with Gonzalez then managing to fend off Acosta for fifth. The Championship leader took sixth.

Closest rival Tony Arbolino (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team), however, concluded a tougher weekend with no points. Acosta now leads the Italian by 22 points with Dixon another 22 back in 3rd.

The attention now turns to Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Italy where Acosta will be fully aware of title threats coming from both the home hero Arbolino and the on-form Dixon. Get ready for more Moto2™ action at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini from the 8th – 10th of September!

David Alonso (80) beat a swarm of Moto3 riders to the finish line. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Alonso back on top as Holgado crashes and Öncü gets into a final corner tangle

The Colombian bounces back in style ahead of Masia, with Rueda taking a maiden podium as key title contenders suffer drama in Barcelona

Moto3™ delivered an absolute barnstormer in Barcelona as there was action everywhere you looked on the final lap, and plenty of drama too. David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) took the spoils by just 0.076s after an incredible final corner overtake saw three riders squeezed up onto the apex, with Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) taking second but bringing home 20 crucial points as Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) crashed out earlier on the last lap.

Classified third, Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) picked up his first Grand Prix podium after a final corner clash ahead saw Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) make contact with David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), earning the Turkish rider a penalty dropping him from P3 to P12. Amidst it all, Ayumu Sasaki’s (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) podium run may have come to an end as he took P4… but given Holgado’s crash the Japanese rider is now just 13 points off the top.

Öncü took the holeshot as he snatched the lead from Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) into Turn 1. Joel Kelso (CFMoto Racing Pruestel GP) stayed firm in P3 at first, until Masia eagerly pushed his way through as they barrelled into the final sector for the first time.

It didn’t take long for Masia to take the lead as he slotted up the inside of Öncü with 16 laps remaining to lead the freight train, and the battle for victory began to take shape with a gaggle of riders snapping at the Leopard rider’s heels.

The group proceeded to swap paintwork and bang handlebars as a mix of fresh talent and proven Moto3™ big hitters got their elbows out. Holgado hit the front with 12 laps to go and a pattern began to form as Öncü, Masia, and Holgado consistently kept themselves in the top 3 despite challenges from the chasing pack.

Alonso, Muñoz, and Rueda all fancied their chances as they kept themselves consistently in the hunt, making some big moves in the leading group, with Sasaki the key player in the title fight looking set to lose ground – at that point.

Holgado led across the line to begin the last lap before Masia charged through from fourth to the lead, but when the last sector came around, the gloves came off as chaos unfolded. They were four abreast down into the hard braking Turn 10, and Masia defended as Alonso, Muñoz, and Öncü were all looking for a way through.

Masia ran wide allowing Alonso and Muñoz past, meaning it was all down to the final corner. But disaster then came for Holgado as he lost the at front Turn 10, with his title rivals still very much in the leading battle.

Back at the front, Muñoz led into the last turn as they went three abreast into a corner once deemed impossible to make an overtake. Now, it was going to be a double.

Alonso dived up the inside of Muñoz as Masia also tried to squeeze through, and both riders did make it stick. Alonso came out on top and held the victory to the line ahead of Masia. But just behind came the drama.

After losing out in those moves, Muñoz lost drive onto the front straight and Öncü was coming through the final corner. The Turk kept in pinned and then made contact with Muñoz… seeing the Spaniard bumped off and out into the gravel on the outside of the corner. Rider ok, drama still not done. Öncü crossed the line in 3rd but a 6s penalty for the last-corner incident demoted the number 53 to 12th place… promoting Rueda, who’d been right on their tail, to his first Grand Prix podium.

Behind all that came Sasaki, who was ultimately classified fourth to move within just 13 points of Holgado’s lead, and a little further back, Masia moves above Öncü. Which way will the cards fall next time out? Find out at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini next up from the 8th -10th of September!

Moto2: World Championship Race Results From Catalunya

David Swarts

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September 3, 2023

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Moto2: World Championship Race Results From Catalunya

Jake Dixon won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain. Riding his Asterius GASGAS Aspar Team Kalex, the Brit won the 21-lap race by 0.205 second.

Aron Canet was the runner-up on his Pons Wegow Los40 Kalex, and Albert Arenas finished a close third, 1.027 seconds behind Dixon, on his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex.

American Joe Roberts placed 11th on his Italtrans Racing Kalex, 9.476 seconds behind the winner.

American Sean Dylan Kelly did not ride at Catalunya. He and his American Racing Team split up just before the weekend.

Moto2 Race
Moto2 Points

Moto3: World Championship Race Results From Catalunya

David Swarts

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September 3, 2023

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Moto3: World Championship Race Results From Catalunya

David Alonso won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain. Riding his Gaviota Aspar Team GASGAS, the Colombian won the 18-lap race by just 0.076 second.

Jaume Masia was second on his Leopard Racing Honda, and Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Jose Antonio Rueda got third.

The top top 11 finishers were separated by just 1.3 seconds at the end.

Rueda’s teammate Deniz Oncu crossed the finish line third, but he was given a six-second penalty for irresponsible riding that dropped him from third to 12th.

Championship point leader David Holgado crashed his Red Bull KTM Tech3 machine, remounted, and finished 22nd, out of the points.

Moto3 Race
Moto3 Points

American Flat Track: Race Results From Springfield Mile I (Updated)

David Swarts

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September 2, 2023

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Progressive American Flat Track (AFT) Championship

Springfield Mile I

Springfield, Illinois

September 2, 2023

Provisional Mission SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Jared Mees (Ind), 25 laps

2. Briar Bauman (KTM), -0.340 second

3. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -4.348 seconds

4. JD Beach (Yam), -4.412

5. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -5.734

6. Davis Fisher (Ind), -5.992

7. Ben Lowe (Ind), -15.060

8. Jarod Vanderkooi (KTM), -15.371

9. Henry Wiles (Ind), -17.820

10. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -18.200

11. Bronson Bauman (KTM), -24.325

12. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -24.445

13. Brandon Price (Yam), -24.508

14. Dan Bromley (Yam), -35.357

15. Jeffery Lowery (Yam), -36.758

16. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), -9 laps, DNF

17. Cameron Smith (Yam), -10 laps, DNF

18. Ryan Wells (Roy), -12 laps, DNF

19. Nick Armstrong (Yam), -17 laps, DNF

Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Kody Kopp (KTM), 18 laps

2. Tom Drane (Yam), -0.010 second

3. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -0.092

4. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -0.486

5. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -0.638

6. Declan Bender (KTM), -0.676

7. James Ott (Hus), -5.500 seconds

8. Trent Lowe (Hon), -5.505

9. Max Whale (KTM), -5.609

10. Chad Cose (Hus), -5.742

11. Travis Petton (KTM), -7.605

12. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -7.857

13. Shayna Texter-Bauman (KTM), -8.736

14. Tarren Santero (Hon), -8.947

15. Aidan RoosEvans (Hon), -14.359

16. Hunter Bauer (Hon), -14.571

17. Tyler Raggio (Yam), -14.692

18. Jared Lowe (Hon), -26.114

19. Jordan Jean (Hon), -8 laps, DNF

More, from a press release issued by AFT:

Mees Closes on Crown, Kopp Defends Title with Springfield Mile I Triumphs

Jared Mees (1) leading the field at Springfield Mile I. Photo courtesy AFT.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 2, 2023) – Reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) took a huge step toward yet another premier-class crown with a triumphant performance in the Mission Springfield Mile I presented by Drag Specialties.

While fans of Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, flocked to the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois, in anticipation of a showdown for Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle supremacy featuring Mees and challenger Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), Saturday’s contest instead delivered a flashback to Grand National Championships past.

As it was, Mees was pushed to the checkered flag by long-time rival Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke) after the two shook free from a six-rider pack to decide the race between them. The factory Indian star dug in with two laps remaining and ripped open a late 0.340-second margin as he moved that much closer to completing another successful title defense.

Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) finished third after coming on strong in the early going, running around the outside of Daniels, JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), Bauman, and Mees in quick succession to briefly claim the lead three minutes into the race.

Robinson then ran in close formation with Mees and Bauman before fading to a distant third over the final five minutes, ultimately surviving a last-gasp assault from Beach to claim final place on the podium.

Meanwhile, for the first – and least opportune – time this season, Daniels simply lacked podium pace. He did what he could to cling on to the lead group but was dropped from contention by the race’s halfway point. From there forward, it became all about damage limitation, which he managed by fending off Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) for fifth position.

Even so, what had been a one-point championship deficit is now 11 (367-356). As Mees holds the tiebreaker, that means even if Daniels turns his fortunes around overnight and wins on Sunday, Mees needs only finish sixth or better to add yet another championship trophy to his already expansive collection.

While nothing is guaranteed, that seems like a relatively modest task for the winner of six of the last Springfield Miles.

After claiming his ninth victory of the year, Mees said, “It was the most technical Springfield Mile I’ve ever raced. There wasn’t much grip out there, and you really had to let the motorcycle hook up. If you got just a little bit excited you buzzed it up. Honestly, it’s probably the very first Springfield Mile that you were better off leading the race because you could be timid, and if the guy behind you wanted to wick it up, it would spin up.

“I’ve got a phenomenal team, and we’re working really hard to get this thing done… It feels really good, but there’s one more tomorrow. Anything can happen, and we’ve got to bring it.”

Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750) finished seventh just ahead of KTM-mounted Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Wally Brown Racing/JMC Motorsports KTM 790 Duke), while Henry Wiles (No. 17 BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750) and Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) completed the top ten.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) had every opportunity to cruise around to a safe fifth, which is all he needed to do to successfully defend his Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER title. Instead, he orchestrated a breathtaking 0.010-second victory to lock down the #1 plate for the second consecutive year in supreme style.

Kopp ran third for much of the race, tucked in close behind a back-and-forth dogfight waged by fellow prodigies Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).

The reigning champ began to slot into second here and there as the minutes ticked away. With two minutes to go, the race bunched up to a six-rider affair as second-ranked Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), rookie ace Declan Bender (No. 216 Killer Bee Racing/Luczak Racing KTM 450 SX-F), and veteran pilot Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) all closed to within striking distance.

But even in close quarters, the battle for victory still looked to be decided between Drane and Saathoff. Drane led to open the final lap, Saathoff powered by as they navigated Turn 2, and Drane dove back into the lead entering 3. But right there was Kopp in the shadow of the Australian, perfectly positioned to pounce as they sprinted to the line.

Kopp pulled out of the draft and nudged ahead by inches at the last possible moment. The 0.01-second victory saw the factory Red Bull KTM star simultaneously become just the category’s second two-time champion, earn his first-career Mile triumph, and match Dallas Daniels’ class single-season victory record with his eighth win on the year.

“I don’t even know what to say,” said Kopp. “It’s no secret that the KTM team was struggling on the Miles this year, but we’ve got some guys in our corner that don’t give up. The guys on the team want to win as badly as I do, and they built us a heck of a runner this weekend. Second championship… I’m speechless. It’s insane.”

Drane came away with his ninth podium in his last 11 attempts in second, while Saathoff will carry his pursuit of a maiden victory over to Sunday after finishing third, just 0.092 seconds off the Saturday win.

Brunner and Mischler rounded out the top five, finishing just ahead of Bender, who made a huge push for Rookie of the Year honors by finishing sixth, less than seven-tenths back of Kopp in first.

While Kopp has now clinched the crown with 333 points, the fight for second is yet to be decided. Brunner stands a mere four points ahead of his Estenson Racing teammate Drane (289-285) for the honor, while Saathoff holds an outside shot himself at 270.

Next Up:

The 2023 Progressive American Flat Track season will conclude with Sunday’s Mission Springfield Mile II presented by Drag Specialties at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/meespromotions/events/springfield-mile-ii-61313 to reserve your tickets now.

For those that can’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 starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night 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).

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:

KODY KOPP AND RED BULL KTM CLINCH SECOND-STRAIGHT AFT SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP WITH SPRINGFIELD MILE VICTORY

Round 17 – American Flat Track Championship

Kody Kopp, after winning his second straight AFT Singles Championship. Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kody Kopp has clinched a second-consecutive AFT Singles Championship with a round to spare, after charging to his eighth American Flat Track Main Event victory of the 2023 season on Saturday at the Springfield Mile double-header.

In what has been a dominant season onboard his KTM 450 SX-F, Kopp has raced to a total of eight race wins across the 17 rounds contested, with one more race to run in Springfield tomorrow. This year’s title marks the Washington native’s second crown in just three seasons since stepping up to the AFT Singles ranks, with the 18-year-old once again displaying his winning form by sealing the championship on top of the podium.

Requiring a 10th-place finish or better to secure the 2023 title, Kopp demonstrated true championship caliber as he posted the third-fastest qualifying time, before racing to P3 in his Heat Race. After starting the Main Event from the second row of the grid, the defending champion put any pressure of earning back-to-back titles out of his mind, slicing his way through the field and eventually edging his way into P1, which is where he would take the checkered flag by just 0.010s for his eighth win of the season and another AFT Singles Championship.

Kody Kopp: “We were in the hunt all day long here in Springfield! We entered with a new motor that the team back at the shop have been working on and I’d say that’s the strongest Mile motor I’ve ever ridden with in my life. We put ourselves in a good position, I knew what was needed for the championship, although I wanted there to be no questions asked, so we ended up going out there and winning the thing. It feels amazing to match Dallas [Daniels] on total single season wins with eight, and then to also wrap up another championship. We’ll charge for another win tomorrow, but we will soak this in first! A massive thank you to the team for giving me all the tools necessary all season long to get the job done.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Max Whale endured a difficult day out in Springfield, with the Australian posting a P5 result in qualifying. After experiencing an unfortunate non-finish during his Heat Race, Whale qualified into the Main Event through the LCQ, which resulted in a poor starting position for the 18-lap affair.

Equipped with his KTM 450 SX-F, Whale put in an impressive charge through the pack, powering his way to ninth place by race’s end, despite the one-lined nature of the circuit, and he maintains fifth-place in the 2023 season standings.

Max Whale: “I felt really good here in Springfield. The bike was awesome as soon as we hit the track and I was running up front in all sessions, before an issue in the Heat Race sent me to the LCQ. I fought from the back of the grid in the LCQ to second, and then in the Main Event I was way back with the grid position, but tried as hard as I could and managed to come back to ninth place. We’ve been trying all season long, so we’ll line up and give it another shot tomorrow!”

Next Race: Springfield Mile II – Springfield, IL – September 3, 2023

Round 17 Results

AFT Singles Main Event

1. Kody Kopp, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

2. Tom Drane, Yamaha

3. Chase Saathoff, Honda

OTHER KTM

6. Declan Bender, KTM

9. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

11. Travis Petton IV, KTM

12. Dalton Gauthier, KTM

13. Shayna Texter-Bauman, KTM

2023 AFT Singles Point Standings

1. Kody Kopp, 333 points

2. Trevor Brunner, 289

3. Tom Drane, 285

OTHER KTM

5. Max Whale, 255

7. Dalton Gauthier, 243

11. Travis Petton IV, 106

15. Shayna Texter-Bauman, 76

19. Declan Bender, 52

20. Logan Eisenhard, 43

22. Tanner Dean, 27

26. Landen Smith, 15

27. Hayden Gillim, 14

28. Olin Kissler, 14

30. Clarke Morian V, 12

MotoAmerica: Mission Mini Cup By Motul Race Results From NJMP (Updated)

David Swarts

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September 2, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Mission Mini Cup By Motul Race Results From NJMP (Updated)

The MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Presented by Motul series held four rounds of racing Saturday on the kart track at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP), in Millville, New Jersey. This was a makeup round for an event from earlier this season that was postponed due to inclement weather.

Race winners included: Beastmode Racing’s Christian Berlowitz (Stock 50 Race One and Four), Jacobsen Motorcycle Training/Bettencourt Racing’s Nathan Bettencourt (Stock 125 Race One, Two, Three, and Four), Ryan Clark Racing’s Ryan Clark (Stock 110 Race One, Two, and Three), Alpha Omega’s Ryder Davis (190 Ohvale Race One, Two, Three, and Four), Stadler America’s Nathan Gouker (160 Ohvale Race Three and Four), WrenchRite Racing’s Joel Laub (Stock 110 Race Four), American Racing’s Connor Raymond (160 Ohvale Race One), Historic GP’s Mahdi Salem (160 Ohvale Race Two), and Cory Texter Racing/Roof Systems’ Cruise Texter (Stock 50 Race Two and Three).

Below are PDFs of the race results. The first PDF shows the Race One results for each of the five classes, the second PDF shows the Race Two results for each class, etc. Use the scroll and zoom tools in the PDFs to better see the results.

23_8_NJMPMC_MCP_R1_res
23_8_NJMPMC_MCP_R2_res
23_8_NJMPMC_MCP_R3_res
23_8_NJMPMC_MCP_R4_res

More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:

Action Aplenty In Make-Up Mini Cup Round At New Jersey Motorsports

The Minis Are Back In Action At NJMP In Advance Of The Season Finale In New Jersey

MILLVILLE, NJ (September 3, 2023) – The make-up round for the previously rained-out MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup by Motul and FIM Mini Cup races at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP) from July 15-16 were held on Saturday, September 2 at NJMP with three different riders tasting victory in the Ohvale 160 classes while one rider dominated the four Ohvale 190 races.

It was Alpha Omega’s Ryder Davis who stood above the rest after winning both of the Mission Mini Cup by Motul Ohvale 190 races while also taking victories in the pair of FIM Mini Cup Ohvale 190 finals. American Racing’s Joshua Raymond played second fiddle in the two Mission Mini Cup races and also finished second in the two FIM 190 races. American Racing’s Connor Raymond finished third in all four 190 races.

Davis holds down a 45-point lead in the FIM 190 point standings over Raymond and a 55-point lead over Joshua Raymond in the Mission Mini Cup by Motul standings.

The Ohvale 160 races had a bit more parity with Connor Raymond, Historic GP’s Mahdi Salem and Stadler America’s Nathan Gouker all scoring victories on Saturday.

Raymond and Salem split wins in the FIM Mini Cup Ohvale 160 races with Gouker winning the pair of Mission Mini Cup by Motul 160 races. Gouker leads the FIM point standings by just nine points over Salem going into the series finale, September 22-24, at NJMP. In the Mission Mini Cup by Motul title chase, Gouker is 69 points clear of Reese Frankenfield.

In Stock 125 action, Jacobsen Motorcycle Training/Bettencourt Racing’s Nathan Bettencourt won all four races to improve his perfect race-win record to 20 victories in a row. Sinister Minis Squad’s Logan Barrow, meanwhile, made his Stock 125 debut a successful one with four second-place finishes on the day. Bettencourt has a perfect 500 points on his 2023 scorecard.

Two riders came away with victories in the Stock 110 class with Ryan Clark Racing’s Ryan Clark taking three of the four wins only to be topped in the final race by WrenchRite Racing’s Joel Laub. Varnes Racing’s Cole Varnes and Cole Peterman split third-place finishes on the day with two apiece.

The Stock 50 races featured two wins by Beastmode Racing’s Christian Berlowitz and two wins by runaway championship points leader Cruise Texter. Cory Texter Racing/Roof Systems-backed Texter holds a 121-point lead heading into the finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

The Mission Mini Cup by Motul series will complete its season, September 22-24, at New Jersey Motorsports Park in conjunction with the series finale of the MotoAmerica Championship.

Canadian Superbike: Dion And Szoke Part Ways

David Swarts

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September 2, 2023

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Canadian Superbike: Dion And Szoke Part Ways

Kawasaki confirms Szoke, Dion split ahead of SMP finale

Toronto, ON – The much-anticipated factory Kawasaki program of Jordan Szoke and Trevor Dion has come to an early end, as the two have finalized plans to run a separate effort at the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship finale in Shannonville later this month.

The split has been described as amicable, with both parties agreeing to go in their own direction for round five of the GP Bikes Pro Superbike class and beyond.

Szoke will maintain the status quo aboard his factory ZX-10R Ninja machine, though with a change in sponsorship as he continues with the official Canadian Kawasaki program from SMP. The 14-time champion currently sits fifth in the overall standings, scoring a podium in round one.

The biggest change comes for Dion, who will remain mounted on Kawasaki machinery for the season finale but now as a privateer with continued support from LDS Consultants.

The 21-year-old will run a privately owned 2019 ZX-10R Ninja in the feature Superbike category, a bike he has tested on throughout the 2023 campaign between national rounds, but perhaps more notably will also return to the Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike grid for the season finale.

Dion won the Sport Bike championship a year ago aboard a privateer LDS Consultants Kawasaki, becoming the first rookie in class history to do so and the third-youngest champion ever, before joining forces with Szoke prior to this season for his first full Superbike effort.

While it’s been a frustrating year at times for the feature class rookie, sitting eleventh in the overall standings, Dion has shown flashes of brilliance – including a podium finish at Grand Bend – and remains in the thick of the Brooklin Cycle Racing Pro Rookie of the Year battle, trailing John Fraser and Paul Macdonell by only eight points.

Both Dion and Szoke will continue to play a pivotal role in the Constructors Championship for Kawasaki, where the brand looks to erase their 32-point deficit to Yamaha for third in the overall standings.

Jordan Szoke will continue with the official Kawasaki program at the CSBK series finale at Shannonville Motorsport Park two weeks from now. Photo by Rob O'Brien, photo courtesy CSBK. — Jordan Szoke will continue with the official Kawasaki program at the CSBK series finale at Shannonville Motorsport Park two weeks from now. Photo by Rob O’Brien, photo courtesy CSBK.

Aside from his changing Superbike plans, Dion’s return to the Sport Bike class will be his first appearance since capturing his #1 plate at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park a year ago – a number he’ll now get to put on his ZX-6R Ninja machine.

“Having earned it last season, I’m pretty excited to be able to run the number-one plate at a national event, even if it’s for only one round,” Dion said. “Obviously Superbike is still going to be my main focus of the weekend, but I’m excited to hop on a Sport Bike again and have some fun after having some of the best races of my career in that class last season.”

The reigning champ won’t be able to defend his title but could play a significant role in deciding the 2023 crown, where David MacKay currently leads Matt Simpson by just 16 points. Ironically, it was MacKay who came closest to Dion one year ago, losing out on the championship by just eight points after a last-round comeback fell short.

The final round of the Bridgestone CSBK season is scheduled for September 15-17 at Shannonville Motorsport Park, just east of Belleville, Ontario, with a Superbike tripleheader on tap to decide the 2023 crown.

MotoE: World Championship Race Results From Catalunya

David Swarts

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September 2, 2023

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MotoE: World Championship Race Results From Catalunya

MotoE R1
MotoE R2
MotoE Points

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Race 1: Mantovani denies Casadei, last lap drama for Torres

The RNF rider grabs the win from Casadei after last lap contact between the number 40 and the Championship leader

Andrea Mantovani (9) won MotoE Race One. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Saturday, 02 September 2023

Classic last-lap action at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya saw a determined Andrea Mantovani (RNF MotoE™ Team) snatch victory in Race 1, taking his second win of the season in style. Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) led the way on the last lap but made contact early on that lap with title rival Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team), dropping Torres down to P7 as Casadei duelled Mantovani. Ultimately, Casadei was able to close in on Torres’ Championship lead with an important 2nd place, with Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) fully in the mix as well as he rounded out the podium.

The lights went out for Race 1 in Barcelona and it was poleman Torres that led the way through Turn 1, but the Championship leader had Casadei glued to his rear wheel. The battle was about to commence and the heat was soon turned right up for the front four as Torres, Casadei, Mantovani, and Garzo scrapped it out for the top spots and the last lap quickly came around.

The drama then unfolded at Turn 1: Casadei was desperate to hit the front ahead of Torres and the Italian moved ahead of the Spaniard, taking a tight defensive line into the corner. That saw the title-fighting duo cross paths, forcing Torres to sit up and run on at Turn 1. He slotted back in, but the fight for the win was done.

Casadei led the way but it was Mantovani’s time to shine as he pushed his way past his compatriot to take an incredible victory, with Garzo forced to watch on in third. Ferrari came home in fourth, ahead of Nicholas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) and Randy Krummenacher (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™), whol held on in front of Torres.

Race 2: Casadei takes huge title boost as Torres crashes out

The Italian took victory to snatch the Championship lead from Torres, with pulling 21 points clear with just one round remaining

Mattia Casadei (40) won MotoE Race Two at Catalunya. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) now leads the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship by 21 points after an intense fight for victory ended with another win, and just as title rival Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) made a first mistake of the year with a crash out of contention. Andrea Mantovani (RNF MotoE™ Team) took second in Race 2, just pipped by Casadei, as Nicholas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) got back on the podium with a stunning final corner move on Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™).

With just one round remaining, Casadei now has the upper hand but the title could still go one of three ways as Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) now sits one point behind Torres.

Casadei meant business as the lights went out in Barcelona for the second time, and the Italian got the perfect launch as he led Mantovani and the at-the-time Championship leader Torres through Turn 1. Casadei kept the lead as the race began to settle but had a fight on his hands with his closest Championship rival, Torres, as the duo swapped paintwork and both took turns leading the way. There was a gaggle of riders following the leaders though as Race 2 became a group battle for glory.

The final couple of laps came around quickly, and that’s when the drama hit: a small mistake for Torres had big Championship consequences as he suddenly crashed out of the lead at Turn 5. That left Casadei to battle it out with Mantovani and that he did, muscling into the lead on the final lap and Mantovani unable to launch a late attack.

Not so Spinelli, as the number 29 channeled the number 46 and pulled off a final corner wonder to take third and get back on the podium, picking Garzo’s pocket right at the flag.

Ferrari was forced to settle for fifth in Race 2 but still moves to within a single point of Torres in the standings. However, the two are now both more than 20 points adrift of Casadei, and Misano is right around the corner. Tune in for the deciding season finale at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini!

MotoGP: Sprint Race Results From Catalunya

David Swarts

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September 2, 2023

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MotoGP: Sprint Race Results From Catalunya

Aleix Espargaro won the MotoGP World Championship Sprint Race Saturday afternoon at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain. Riding his factory Aprilia RS-GP, Espargaro won the 12-lap race by 1.989 seconds.

Defending World Champion and current World Championship point leader Francesco Bagnaia was the runner-up on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici.

Espargaro’s teammate Maverick Vinales finished a close third.

MotoGP Sprint Race
MotoGP Points after Sprint

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Aleix Espargaro storms past Bagnaia to take Sprint win in Barcelona

Aprilia make it double podium delight as “the Captain” becomes the sixth different Sprint winner, with Bagnaia forced to defend hard against Viñales

Aleix Espargaro (41) won Saturday's MotoGP Sprint Race over Francesco Bagnaia (1), Maverick Vinales (12), and Brad Binder (33). Photo courtesy Dorna. — Aleix Espargaro (41) won Saturday’s MotoGP Sprint Race over Francesco Bagnaia (1), Maverick Vinales (12), and Brad Binder (33). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Saturday, 02 September 2023

How’s that for the statement? Local hero Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) sealed victory in the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya Tissot Sprint with a storming ride at the front, becoming the sixth different Saturday winner of the season so far. The “Captain” got the better of Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) as the World Championship leader had no answer for the flying Aprilia ahead, instead forced to defend against the next one: Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing). The number one plated Ducati was the meat in the Aprilia sandwich but just held on to deny Aprilia a 1-2 as Viñales looked for a way through on the final lap.

The Captain vs The Champion

Tensions were rocketing as the grid got off onto their warm lap with spots of rain beginning to threaten the Catalan GP Tissot Sprint. Wet bikes were being prepared but the time had come for lights out and there was no looking back now. The weather, luckily, held firm.

As the lights went out, it was a clean start for Bagnaia and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), and Bagnaia defended the lead from pole as, nevertheless, the two Aprilias fended off the fast-starting Pramac machine. Viñales almost immediately shot through into second past Martin, and Bagnaia, Viñales, Espargaro was the order as they crossed the line for the first time. Espargaro then took over from his teammate at Turn 1 though, the Captain beginning his charge.

Bagnaia powered on though, the odd drop of rain not affecting the track conditions. But the number 41 Aprilia was soon locked on and the duo began to pull away from the rest of the field.

Viñales was initially left to defend 3rd place as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) were snapping at the Spaniard’s heels.

With six laps to go, it was game on in Barcelona as Aleix Espargaro attacked for the lead. And he took it, immediately putting the hammer down in an attempt to break away from the Ducati. Bagnaia had no answer as the Aprilia stretched out half a second in one lap, doing a Bagnaia – of late – on Bagnaia.

Espargaro proved to be untouchable at the front as he went on to take the Sprint victory by just under two seconds, putting down a pace that not even the reigning World Champion could match. He had his hands full elsewhere.

Viñales was catching the Championship leader as the laps ticked down, and he was bringing Binder with him. Sure enough, Bagnaia fell into the clutches of the chasing Viñales with two laps remaining as it became a Ducati vs Aprillia scrap for 2nd place.

As the last lap arrived, Viñales was riding pillion to Bagnaia as he desperately looked for a way through. Bagnaia put in an incredible defensive performance, however, and was simply too strong on the brakes to allow the Aprilia a chance. He did consider it at the final corner, but no dice.

Binder did all he could to stay in the fight but found himself eight-tenths back from the top three by the time the chequered flag dropped.

Battles all the way through the field

Slightly further back, Martin bagged P5 after an eventful Sprint. The Spaniard pushed his way past Oliveira after dropping down the field early on following a run off round Turn 2. Oliveira took sixth, and will be gunning for more on Sunday.

Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing), meanwhile, was almost two seconds back from Oliveira in P7, but he nabbed that late as he pulled a VR46 on Mooney VR46 rider Marco Bezzecchi at the final corner.

Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) picked up the final Sprint point in P9, as the Italian made some more steps back towards his brilliant best.

One early moment saw Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) come together in a mid-pack sandwich at Turn 1, with MM93 winning out and the latter duo sent wide. Alex Marquez came back to P10, just ahead of Marc.

Check out the full results and then get ready for the MotoGP™ race at 14:00 local time (GMT+2), with more history on the cards. Aprilia have never had two bikes on the premier class Grand Prix podium… can they achieve the feat on Sunday? Can Aleix do the double, or Viñales take that third win with a third different MotoGP™ machine? Or is Bagnaia ready to ride for some revenge? Make sure to come back on Sunday for a MONSTER Catalan Grand Prix!

American Flat Track: Race Results From Springfield Mile II (Updated)

September 3, 2023

The Springfield Mile, in Springfield, Illinois. Photo by Tim Lester, courtesy AFT.