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American Honda Introduces CB750 & CB1000 Hornet SP, NT1100 DCT Sport Tourer Models

 
 
  • Offerings represent strong contenders in naked-bike, sport touring categories
  • Also updated: Rebel 300, Rebel 500, CRF300L and CRF300L Rally
  • Announcement includes 16 models for 2025 and 2026 model years

Continuing its legacy of innovation and excellence in the two-wheel on-road powersports market, American Honda has unveiled three new additions for the 2025 model year—the CB750 Hornet and CB1000 Hornet SP naked bikes, and the NT1100 DCT sport-touring machine. Already popular in Europe, these three models offer a mix of performance and style that is sure to be a hit in the U.S. The CB750 Hornet and CB1000 Hornet SP have earned praise for their thrilling performance and head-turning design, while the NT1100 DCT adds a great option for exhilarating touring experiences.

“We know American customers have been eager to see these exciting new models in the U.S., and we’re pleased to finally be able to confirm their availability here,” said Colin Miller, Manager of Experiential Marketing at American Honda. “The CB750 Hornet and CB1000 Hornet SP carry on the legacy of the legendary CB name in the U.S., and we’re confident that our customers will be captivated by their capabilities. In addition, as the most popular sport-touring bike in Europe, the NT1100 DCT will extend and expand the tradition of touring Honda offerings.”

The same Honda announcement revealed updates to popular models including the Rebel 300 and 500 cruisers, as well as the CRF300L, and CRF300L Rally dual-sport machines. In addition, the returns of nine other on-road motorcycle models were also confirmed.

2025 Honda CB750 Hornet Matte Black Metallic RF34
2025 Honda CB750 Hornet Matte Black Metallic RF34

2025 CB750 Hornet
To the glee of eager American customers, Honda’s CB750 Hornet is available in the U.S. market for the 2025 model year and is ready to Shake Up the Hive. Featuring responsive handling and a parallel-twin engine with a competitive power-to-weight ratio, three riding modes and electronic rider aids, this middleweight streetfighter is ideal for cruising to work or enjoying zipping around on a day off. The CB750 Hornet is a fresh option for riders seeking everyday practicality and thrilling performance.

  • Colors: Matte Black Metallic; Matte Pearl White
  • MSRP: $7,999
  • Available: May
  • Info
2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP Matte Black Metallic RF34
2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP Matte Black Metallic RF34

2025 CB1000 Hornet SP
When a motorcycle’s description includes characteristics like a CBR1000RR-derived engine, a nimble chassis, Öhlins shock and eye-popping styling, “value” isn’t the first word that comes to mind. Yet, that’s a very appropriate adjective for the CB1000 Hornet SP, which grows Honda’s powersports family with a machine that’s entirely worthy of the heritage that goes with the CB name—but that comes with an extremely attractive MSRP. Taking all that into account, the all-new naked bike Stings Harder Than Ever, and is sure to take the U.S. market by swarm.

  • Color: Matte Black Metallic
  • MSRP: $10,999
  • Available: April
  • Info
25 Honda NT1100 DCT Pearl Hawkeye Blue RF34
2025 Honda NT1100 DCT Pearl Hawkeye Blue RF34

2025 NT1100 DCT
The NT1100 is a straightforward sport-touring machine, with a full feature list and a sporty edge to its performance—the sort of bike that deals with the weekday commute efficiently and is also ready for an extended tour, fully loaded. Designed to appeal to those with a memory of similar Honda machines from the past, but also to attract a much younger rider, it employs the frame and parallel-twin engine of the Africa Twin as a base, ensuring characterful, engaging performance, and it packs in features and technology that broaden any motorcycle’s appeal.

  • Color: Pearl Hawkeye Blue
  • MSRP: $11,899
  • Available: May
  • Info
25 Honda Rebel 300
2025 Honda Rebel 300

2025 Rebel 300
Among the best-selling entry-level cruiser models in the powersports industry, Honda’s Rebel 300 offers a blend of approachability, affordability, modern features and a classic aesthetic, all of which combine to make it a great machine for entering the world of on-road motorcycling. Powered by a smooth, manageable 286cc single-cylinder engine, and offering a low, 27.2-inch seat height, a narrow cockpit and a feathery overall weight, the timeless, maneuverable Rebel 300 is a great option for daily commuting and casual weekend rides. For 2025, it features an updated handlebar position, a more comfortable seat and a front paint-matched fender.

  • Color: Matte Black Metallic
  • MSRP: $4,849
  • Available: April
  • Info
25 Honda Rebel 500 beauty 4
2025 Honda Rebel 500

2025 Rebel 500
One of the most popular choices for new riders, Honda’s Rebel 500 is practical, approachable, and just plain fun, a cruiser that combines style-focused features like a hip design with a powerful-yet-smooth 471cc engine. With its lightweight design, low seat height and relaxed riding position, it’s nimble and easy to maneuver. Whether the intent is just getting into riding, stepping up from a smaller bike, or experiencing the thrills and adventure of a small cruiser, the Rebel 500 is a great fit. For 2025, it features an updated handlebar position, a more comfortable seat and a front paint-matched fender.

  • Colors
    • Rebel 500: Matte Black Metallic
    • Rebel 500 ABS: Matte Black Metallic; Pearl Beige
    • Rebel 500 ABS SE: Pearl Blue
  • MSRP
    • Rebel 500: $6,499
    • Rebel 500 ABS: $6,799
    • Rebel 500 ABS SE: $6,999
  • Available: April
  • Info
2025 Honda SCL500
2025 Honda SCL500

2025 SCL500
Combining modern technology with timeless style, the SCL500 is inspired by Honda’s iconic scramblers of the ’60s, capturing the charm of those classic machines in a package that’s tailored toward modern riders and roads. Powered by the same 471cc parallel-twin engine from the proven Rebel 500, the SCL500 offers a balanced combination of power and fuel efficiency, suitable for both city commuting and weekend adventures. The lightweight frame, plush suspension and slipper clutch deliver comfort and performance, for maximum enjoyment.

  • Color: Matte Black Metallic
  • MSRP: $6,799
  • Available: May
  • Info
2025 Honda CB650R Pearl Smoky Gray
2025 Honda CB650R Pearl Smoky Gray

2025 CB650R
Developed to combine the performance of a sport bike and the style of a naked bike, Honda’s CB650R delivers performance, durability and practicality in an exciting package. With a 649cc engine, a high-quality Showa Separate Function Big Piston fork and high-tech Honda E-Clutch technology, this versatile middleweight machine lets riders feel confident while commuting through the city or winding through the canyons. The CB650R combines performance and practicality to create a riding experience that is perfect for a wide variety of rider types.

  • Color: Pearl Smoky Gray
  • MSRP: $9,399
  • Available: April
  • Info
2025 Honda CBR650R Grand Prix Red
2025 Honda CBR650R Grand Prix Red

2025 CBR650R
Combining the thrill of a middleweight sport motorcycle with the ease and convenience of Honda E-Clutch technology, Honda’s CBR650R delivers an exciting experience while offering the comfort and reliability for which Honda is known. The 649cc inline four-cylinder engine delivers strong, enjoyable power, while the E-Clutch lets the rider change gears with ease. With Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), a Showa Separate Function Big Piston fork and a comfortable cockpit position, the CBR650R is a well-rounded motorcycle with an ideal balance of style, performance and everyday practicality—equally adept at ripping through the canyons and cruising through morning traffic.

  • Color: Grand Prix Red
  • MSRP: $9,899
  • Available: April
  • Info
2025 Honda CRF300L RR34
2025 Honda CRF300L 

2025 CRF300L
Versatile, reliable, approachable and fun, the CRF300L is one of the most popular dual-sport motorcycles on the market. Featuring a 286cc single-cylinder engine with a focus on balancing performance with ease of use and fuel efficiency, this machine is incredibly budget-friendly. Built to deliver a comfortable ride on the road and an adventure on the trails, the CRF300L features updated suspension for 2025, and it’s still available in two configurations—standard and the LS (low seat) version—both of which come with ABS.

  • Colors
    • CRF300L: Red
    • CRF300LS: Swift Gray
  • MSRP: $5,749
  • Available: May
  • Info
2025 Honda CRF300L Rally
2025 Honda CRF300L Rally

2025 CRF300L Rally
Adventure riding meets dual-sport in Honda’s budget-friendly, efficient CRF300L Rally. Based on the popular, reliable CRF300L, the Rally is an approachable, affordable means of experiencing adventure and, for the 2025 model year, it gets improved suspension settings. To maximize enjoyment on extended outings, there’s a large-capacity fuel tank, a tall windscreen and an extra-coverage fairing, but the CRF300L Rally is also a great option for around-town transportation.

  • Color: Red
  • MSRP: $6,499
  • Available: May
  • Info
2026 Honda CBR600RR Deep Pearl Gray
2026 Honda CBR600RR Deep Pearl Gray

2026 CBR600RR
A weapon on the track and a capable commuter, Honda’s CBR600RR is built for riders to test their limits without the fear of crossing them. Combining high-revving inline four-cylinder performance with highly responsive handling, this legendary sportbike can carve canyons and lower lap times. With a lightweight, compact middleweight package, the CBR600RR has an impeccable reputation as an enjoyable, stable ride for a variety of experience levels, and it’s available in ABS and non-ABS versions.

  • Color: Deep Pearl Gray
  • MSRP
    • CBR600RR: $12,199
    • CBR600RR ABS: $13,199
  • Available: July
  • Info
2026 Honda CBR1000RR Pearl White
2026 Honda CBR1000RR Pearl White

2026 CBR1000RR
A high-performance superbike with an impeccable pedigree, Honda’s CBR1000RR is built to make any commute feel like a track day. Combining impressive power and torque with agile, responsive handling, this iconic supersport machine was designed with racing in mind, offering an exhilarating riding experience with capable performance. Available in ABS and non-ABS versions, the CBR1000RR continues to be the industry standard for road-going superbike motorcycles.

  • Color: Pearl White
  • MSRP
    • CBR1000RR: $16,999
    • CBR1000RR ABS: $17,299
  • Available: July
  • Info
2026 Honda Grom Candy Blue
2026 Honda Grom Candy Blue

2026 Grom
Oozing personality, Honda’s Grom is built to maximize enjoyment, and as a bonus, it’s one of the most approachable motorcycles on the market in terms of both ease of use and affordability. Combining a low curb weight, a compact frame, and usable power, the Grom gives riders the tools needed for a fun ride. While it has developed a dedicated cult following of hardcore fans, the Grom is also a great option for the first-time buyer. Whether it’s for zipping through traffic on the commute, or enjoying a weekend outing, the Grom delivers an exhilarating experience in a small, yet highly capable package.

  • Colors
    • Grom: Candy Blue; Pearl White; Cherry Red
    • Grom ABS: Pearl White
    • Grom SP: Matte Black Metallic
  • MSRP
    • Grom: $3,599
    • Grom ABS: $3,799
    • Grom SP: $3,699
  • Available: June
  • Info
2025 Honda PCX Pearl Gray
2025 Honda PCX Pearl Gray

2025 PCX
Known for its sleek, stylish design, Honda’s 157cc PCX is designed to navigate the city with ease. With convenient features such as a spacious under-seat storage compartment, LED lighting and a USB-C socket, this popular scooter is as practical as they come. Dependable and fun without breaking the bank, the PCX is an appealing option for riders looking for a comfortable, enjoyable commute.

  • Color: Pearl Gray
  • MSRP: $4,249
  • Available: May
  • Info
26 Honda ADV160 Pearl Smoky Gray
26 Honda ADV160 Pearl Smoky Gray

2026 ADV160
Versatile, convenient and a delight to zoom around with, Honda’s ADV160 is a dynamic scooter at an affordable price. Compact and nimble enough to make riders feel confident while navigating traffic, yet powerful enough to make any commute a thrill, the ADV160 truly earns its adventurous moniker. Equipped with ample under-seat storage, an advanced digital instrument cluster and a USB charging port, the ADV160 combines the practicality of urban commuting with the excitement of a new experience on every ride, making it the ideal two-wheel companion.

  • Color: Pearl Smoky Gray
  • MSRP: $4,499
  • Available: June
  • Info
2026 Honda Metropolitan Red
2026 Honda Metropolitan Red

2026 Metropolitan
Cute and compact, Honda’s Metropolitan is the ideal scooter for navigating urban environments with ease. With its automatic transmission and efficient 49cc four-stroke engine, beginners can feel confident mastering the basics. Lightweight, comfortable, and with plenty of storage, the Metropolitan is built for convenient, stylish around-town transportation for riders of any skill level.

  • Color: Denim Blue Metallic; Red
  • MSRP: $2,649
  • Available: June
  • Info

 

About American Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the United States. American Honda’s Power Sports & Products Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.

MotoGP Rookies Cup: Flooding In Spain Forces Test Rescheduling At A New Venue

Editorial Note: Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto has released a statement that read, “Despite the damages suffered…the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto guarantees the celebration of the Spanish MotoGP Grand Prix… After the passage of an intense storm…that caused numerous incidents in the rural area near the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, as well as in the circuit itself, work has begun…on the preparation of the facilities to resume the activity as soon as possible.”

Flooding forces Rookies Cup test switch to Aragón

Torrential rain has caused flooding in Jerez and forced the cancellation of the preseason test for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup planned for March 26/27/28.


The test to kick off the 19th Rookies Cup season will now take place in Motorland Aragón on April 4/5/6.

Revised Provisional Calendar

TEST: April 4-6 – Aragón (SPA)

RD 1: April 26-27 – Jerez (SPA)

RD 2: May 10-11 – Le Mans (FRA)

RD 3: June 7-8 – Aragón (SPA)

RD 4: June 21-22 – Mugello (ITA)

RD 5: July 12-13 – Sachsenring (GER)

RD 6: August 16-17 – Spielberg (AUT)

RD 7: September 13-14 – Misano (SMR)

Provisional Entry List

4 Sullivan Mounsey (Great Britain GBR)

5 Leo Rammerstorfer (Austria AUT)

7 Beñat Fernandez (Spain SPA)

9 Luca Agostinelli (Vietnam VNM)

11 David González (Spain SPA)

13 Hakim Danish (Malaysia MAL)

16 Joel Pons (Spain SPA)

17 Yaroslav Karpushin (Kyrgyzstan KGZ)

22 Alejandra Fernández (Spain SPA)

24 Guillem Planques (France FRA)

29 Lucas Brown (Great Britain GBR)

31 Giulio Pugliese (Italy ITA)

32 Kiandra Ramadhipa (Indonesia INA)

34 Zen Mitani (Japan JPN)

36 Jurrien van Crugten (Netherlands NED)

40 Gabriel Tesini (San Marino SMR)

45 Kgopotso Mononyane (South Africa RSA)

48 Lenoxx Phommara (Switzerland SUI)

50 Carter Thompson (Australia AUS)

51 Brian Uriarte (Spain SPA)

54 Veda Pratama (Indonesia INA)

70 Kristian Daniel Jr. (United States USA)

72 David Da Costa (France FRA)

77 Kerman Tinez (Venezuela VEN)

85 Kiattisak Singhapong (Thailand THA)

95 Marco Morelli (Argentina ARG)

SSR Introduces New XD250 Dirt Bike

SSR MOTORSPORTS RELEASES ALL NEW 2025 XD250 DIRT BIKE

SSR Motorsports continues to push the boundaries of off-road excitement with the all-new XD250, the latest addition to the brand’s highly anticipated XD line-up. With its bold and modern design and powerful performance, the XD250 joins its sibling, the XD150, to form a formidable duo in the mid-size dirt bike category.

The XD250 is built for riders who demand more from their off-road adventures. Featuring a 223cc air-cooled, electric start engine, the XD250 delivers impressive power and torque, making it a great contender for tackling trails, tracks, and tough terrain. The bike’s adjustable front and rear suspensions ensure a smooth and controlled ride, while its 19” / 16” alloy wheels provide superior traction and stability across varying landscapes.

Whether you’re an experienced rider or an enthusiast looking to elevate your off-road game, this bike promises an exhilarating experience at an unbeatable price point. With an MSRP of just $2,799, the XD250 offers an exceptional value for riders seeking high performance without breaking the bank. Paired with the nimble XD150, the two models create a dynamic duo that sets a new standard in the mid-size dirt bike segment.

SSR Motorsports was established in 2002 to import and distribute powersports products in the United States. We provide products that are fun to ride, with cutting-edge design, superior engineering and well-managed quality control. Our Mission Statement: Provide Quality Powersports Products at an Affordable Price with Premier Customer Service.

We believe every enthusiast should be able to afford a brand-new powersport product that is backed by a manufacturer warranty, comprehensive dealer network, premier customer service and a West Coast distribution center stocked with readily available replacement parts. For more information, go to: https://www.ssrmotorsports.com/

2025 Daytona 200 Full Race Video (And Press Conference)

The 83rd running of the iconic Daytona 200 came down to a battle at the front between Josh Herrin (Ducati #2), Richie Escalante (Suzuki #54) and Tyler Scott (Suzuki #70).

 

 

Official Daytona 200 results.

The post-race Daytona 200 and Mission King Of The Baggers press conferences:

History was made in the 83rd running of the Daytona 200, so check out the post-race press conference featuring the race winner, runner-up, and third-place finisher. Also watch and listen to the post-race comments from the podium finishers in the Daytona Bike Week-concluding Mission King Of The Baggers Race 2.

https://www.motoamerica.com/video-daytona-200-mission-king-of-the-baggers-race-two-press-conferences/

MotoAmerica: Mini Cup Qualifier At Sonoma Postponed Due To Storm

UPDATE: Promotor Tyler O’Hara says the MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifier scheduled for Sonoma Raceway on March 15th has been postponed to July 19-20th due to an approaching major rain storm. The forecast is for an atmospheric river to drench Northern California on the original date. Contact the promoter for more information.

(The original post on this event, seen below, was posted on February 5th, 2025.)

Tyler O’Hara To Host A MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifier At Sonoma Raceway

MotoAmerica Star Will Organize And Host A Qualifying Round On March 15

MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is proud to announce that 2022 Mission King Of The Baggers Champion and 2023 Super Hooligan National Champion Tyler O’Hara, along with Hawk Mazzotta Moto Camp and NNKC Minimoto, will organize and host a MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifier at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California, on March 15. The Qualifier will be for the Mission Mini Cup National Final, which will be held for the second consecutive year at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 8-10. O’Hara has contracted NNKC Minimoto to officiate the racing action.

Qualifiers at the Sonoma event will be held for all six classes: Stock 50 (ages 6-8); Stock 110 (ages 8-12); GP 110 (ages 8-12); GP 160 (ages 10-14); GP 190 (ages 10-14); and Street GP (ages 14 and up).

The Sonoma event will also feature a Hawk Mazzotta Moto Camp, with the MotoAmerica racer providing motorcycle training and lessons to all levels of riders/racers.

Additionally, former MotoGP star John Hopkins will be on hand with Ohvale USA and will have Ohvale 160 and 190 and 110s racebikes available for rent. The rentals are $250 per bike with a $500 deposit. Ohvale USA will also pay contingency money for the top three finishers in races that meet the minimum Ohvale 5-rider requirement.

“It’s great to see Tyler stepping up and supporting the future of our sport by helping young racers from Northern California qualify for the National Final,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Tyler’s dedication to helping up-and-coming talent is awesome, and he’s bringing some great ideas to the table, like having Hawk Mazzotta provide basic schooling for the young racers. We’re excited to see how his first event turns out and hope it sets the groundwork for many more to come.”

“I’m stoked to be promoting and hosting a Mission MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifier,” O’Hara said. “Helping others get started in motorcycling and motorcycle racing is something I enjoy and giving young racers in my area the chance to qualify and ultimately race in the National Final at Road America is cool. There have been a ton of racers from Northern California who have gone on to great things in motorcycle racing and we’d like to see that continue. With help from Hawk Mazzotta and his camp, and also Ohvale USA’s John Hopkins, we’re excited to work with MotoAmerica and can’t wait for March 15. With Hopkins bringing Ohvales to the event for racers to rent, we’re hopeful that youngsters from outside the area will travel to Sonoma to compete without having to bring their motorcycles.”

To register for the Mission Mini Cup qualifier at Sonoma Raceway, visit https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/missionminicup/?event=1

For more information and to pre-register for the Hawk Mazzotta Moto Camp, email [email protected]

For more information on the Sierra Nevada Moto Championship, visit https://www.nnkcminimoto.com/

To reserve a rental Ohvale, visit www.minicupusa.com or email [email protected]

For more information about the MotoAmerica Mini Cup series or club participation in the series, please contact [email protected]

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

 

More, from a press release issued by GP World Cup organizers Tyler O’Hara and Hawk Mazzotta:

Tyler O’Hara and Hawk Mazzotta to host GP World Cup alongside Mission MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifier

Nine support classes scheduled for the MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifier at Sonoma Raceway on March 15

In addition to hosting a qualifying round for the Mission Mini Cup National Final at Road America in Elkhart Lake, 2022 Mission King Of The Baggers Champion and 2023 Super Hooligan National Champion, Tyler O’Hara, along with Hawk Mazzotta Moto Camp and NNKC Minimoto, will be hosting a bumper undercard on March 15 at Sonoma Raceway, CA, that includes the Parts Unlimited GP World Cup, Metzeler Supermoto Pro and DTX19 Class.

The GP World Cup feeds off the burgeoning popularity of sub-500cc twin-cylinder motorcycles ridden at kart tracks such as the Kawasaki Ninja 500, Yamaha YZF-R3, and KTM 390 Duke. A minimum age of 15 is mandatory for all competitors, as is a valid AMA membership.

GP World Cup is for riders on bikes formerly seen in Junior Cup races.

With MotoAmerica moving away from production machines to specialized Krämer APX-350 MA machines for the 2025 MotoAmerica Talent Cup, O’Hara’s and Mazzotta’s GP World Cup is the perfect opportunity for racers to continue to campaign the machines previously seen in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup.

Supermoto competitors have not been left out with the Supermoto Pro category for two-stroke machines 175cc-350cc, four-stroke machines from 250cc-550cc, and electric machines such as the Stark Varg eligible to compete.

Supermoto bikes are included in the event at Sonoma.

The Parts Unlimited GP World Cup field will be eligible for a $1500 purse while the Metzeler Supermoto Pro class will be eligible for a $1000 purse.

Other classes featured on the Mission MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifier weekend include Supermoto Amateur (running the same engine sizes as Supermoto Pro), the DTX19 Class for dirt track machines running 19-inch wheels and tires that run a front brake (again, running the same engine sizes as Supermoto Pro), SM3 Supermini for 12 year old and up riders, Supermoto Mini for 10 year old and up riders, Junior Class for riders six to 12 years old, Micromoto for four to eight year old riders, and a Stacyc category for riders two to five years old on the Stacyc 12 and 16 inch models.

 

Classes for young kids riding Stacyc electric bikes are also included.

O’Hara and Mazzotta will be teaming with former MotoGP podium finisher and Ohvale importer, John Hopkins, to offer rental racebikes in 190cc, 160cc and 110cc capacities for the MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifier.

Rumble Strip Rentals will also be offering race-ready Yamaha YZF-R3 machines for the GP World Cup class.

“I’m really pleased to be helping the sport grow by hosting the next generation of road racers, but I also wanted to give back to the local community of racers, which is why we’ve got such a massive program scheduled,” said Tyler O’Hara. “There’s going to be a class for almost anyone to compete in, and I especially feel the GP World Cup will be a great one to watch as there are a lot of riders who use these machines as the perfect training tool for road racing.

“I come from Supermoto, so I couldn’t host an event that didn’t have my roots in there! Supermoto is coming back in America quickly and we’ve got some world class riders who will be in attendance. We’ve got almost every aspect of tarmac competition covered, right down to the Stacyc class for the little rippers. It’s going to be an amazing weekend.”

To register for the Mission Mini Cup qualifier at Sonoma Raceway, visit https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/missionminicup/?event=1

For more information on the Mini Cup, head to www.minicupusa.com

For more information on John Hopkins’ Ohvale race rental program, email [email protected]

For more information on the Yamaha YZF-R3s provided by Rumble Strip Rentals, email [email protected] or visit www.rumblestriprentals.com

For more information and to pre-register for the Hawk Mazzotta Moto Camp, email [email protected]

For more information on the Sierra Nevada Moto Championship, visit https://www.nnkcminimoto.com/

Ducati Desmo250 MX Racebike Finishes Third In Italian Debut

Campionato Italiano MX – Brilliant Podium Finish on Debut for the Ducati Desmo250 MX

•The brand-new bike from the Borgo Panigale company was put to the test on the treacherous sands of Ottobiano and immediately demonstrated great competitiveness and reliability.

•The Desmo250 MX passes the first test of the season, taking third place in the Italian Prestige MX2 Championship with a strong Alessandro Lupino.

It took just a few weeks for the Ducati Desmo250 MX, raced by Team Beddini Factory Racing, to conquer the first Italian podium of its very young career. Despite a painful and swollen wrist, the reigning Italian MX1 Champion managed to get on the podium at the first attempt, demonstrating all his fight and tenacity.

It had been 10 years since Alessandro Lupino had ridden a 250 4-stroke, and the first round of the Italian Prestige Motocross MX2 Championship was also the occasion for him to debut in a class he had never competed in before in the Italian series. The nine-time Italian Motocross Champion, with 44 podiums to his name in MX1, riding the Ducati Desmo250 MX for its debut, also achieved his first personal top three in the Prestige MX2 Championship.

First in his group at the end of official practice on Saturday, Alessandro also recorded the best time in the subsequent timed session, earning the second gate pick for the two motos on Sunday.

At the start of race one, the 34-year-old began just outside the top five, moving into fourth after one lap. By the next lap, he was in third, maintaining an excellent pace and quickly closing the gap to second, eventually taking the position. However, his rival’s response was clumsy, and after making contact, Lupino was sent to the ground with a sore wrist and the bike severely damaged. The Italian didn’t give up, though, and admirably gritted his teeth to cross the finish line in 10th.

Then, in the second moto, Alessandro was fifth out of the first corner and, after three laps, was in second, as he superbly found his flow. From there, nothing stood between the Desmo250 MX and the third step of the podium, which served as a fitting reward for a brilliant moto.

After the first round of the championship, Lupino is third in the standings with 290 points. The next round of the Italian Prestige Championship will be held at the Mantova circuit on March 29 and 30, a track where, a year ago, Alessandro rode the Desmo450 MX for its debut.

Alessandro Lupino: “I’m happy once again, we did a great job, and I have to congratulate the team at Ducati, who performed a miracle. The Desmo250 MX has only been running for three weeks, and today we came for a test day. However, if I hadn’t been taken out, we could have secured two second-place finishes. As a rider, I’m pleasantly surprised to have made it onto the podium and to already have such a competitive bike on our first outing.”

Daytona: More From Teams And Riders

Daytona 200:

From a press release issued by Rodio Racing:

Gus Rodio Achieves Impressive 12th Place Finish in His First Daytona 200

In a remarkable debut at the iconic Daytona 200, Gus Rodio finished 12th, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination throughout the race. Competing for Rodio Racing, Gus qualified P7 in both qualifying sessions and secured P8 in the Time Attack, setting the stage for an exciting race day.

The Daytona 200, known for its challenging conditions and fierce competition, marked a significant milestone in Rodio’s racing career. His impressive qualifying times showcased his talent and preparation, positioning him well among seasoned competitors. Despite facing unexpected electronics issues during the race, Gus displayed resilience and focus, navigating through the challenges to achieve a commendable finish in his first Daytona 200.

“I’m thrilled to have competed in my first Daytona 200 and to finish 12th among such a talented field,” said Gus Rodio. “It was a learning experience, and while the electronics issues were frustrating, I believe we showed great potential. I’m grateful for the support from my team and can’t wait to build on this performance in future races.”

Team owner Kevin Rodio expressed pride in Gus’s debut and the team’s efforts. “This was a significant race for Gus, and he handled it with great poise. We faced some hurdles, but I am confident that with every race, we will grow stronger. Our focus now is on analyzing the race and ensuring we are better prepared for the next challenges ahead.”

Rodio Racing remains committed to excellence and continuous improvement as they head to Barber Motorsports Park with Motoamerica April 4-6, 2025

For more information about Gus Rodio and Rodio Racing, please visit www.rodioracing.com or follow us on social media.

Gus Rodio (113) at Daytona. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

From a press release issued by Dunlop:

Dunlop Riders Sweep the top Six at Daytona 200 with Josh Herrin on top once again!

Josh Herrin and Ducati once again triumphed at the 83rd edition of the Daytona 200, with five more competitors on Dunlop tires close behind!

This year’s Daytona 200 celebrated its 83rd anniversary, known for delivering unparalleled racing excitement. With an exceptional lineup of talent from all over the world, the 2025 race upheld this tradition. Josh Herrin, representing Celtic/Economy Lube+Tire/Warhorse HSBK Ducati, started from the first row, successfully building on his previous 2023 and 2024 victories aboard his Dunlop-supported Ducati Panigale V2. This win locks him in the record books as the first rider ever to win the Daytona 200 three years in a row and four in total, all on Dunlop tires. 

Trailing Herrin by 5.33 seconds were fellow Dunlop riders Richie Escalante on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki, his teammate and pole-sitter Tyler Scott; Peter Hickman on his PHR Performance Triumph; and then the TOBC Racing teammates Brandon Paasch and Danny Eslick, all claiming the top six positions, each on Dunlop tires!

Thanks to the efforts of MotoAmerica, the Daytona 200 continues to thrive, drawing top competitors such as Pirelli and Bridgestone, all competing for victory at one of the most challenging and revered events of the year. Dunlop’s steadfast commitment to excellence and winning remains evident, making success a foreseeable outcome. While Dunlop supports tire control programs, Dunlop eagerly awaits the next chance to showcase Dunlop’s unrivaled quality. This year, Dunlop has again demonstrated that its technology and performance are second to none, especially with the continuation of the Sportmax Slick line of race slicks.

Dunlop’s deep passion for success, along with a firm dedication to technological advancement and thorough testing, has cemented its reputation in the industry. As the exclusive tire supplier for the MotoAmerica Championship, Dunlop has leveraged their extensive racing experience and engineering expertise to develop tires capable of securing championships.

About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires:

Dunlop is the number one selling and largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in North America. For more information, visit www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com. Follow @ridedunlop on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) for the latest Dunlop news. Use #RideDunlop and/or #RaceDunlop to share your Dunlop moments.

 

Twins Cup:

From a press release issued by Aprilia:

APRILIA RS 660 RIDER DI MARIO OPENS MOTOAMERICA TWINS CUP TITLE DEFENSE WITH A PAIR OF SECOND PLACE FINISHES AT DAYTONA

ROBEM ENGINEERING RIDER LEAVES MARCH 6-8 ROUND AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY SECOND IN TWINS CUP POINTS STANDINGS

Defending MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion and Aprilia rider Alessandro Di Mario picked up right where he left off in 2024 at the season-opening round at Daytona International Speedway. Di Mario and his Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660 were the bike-rider tandem that the rest of the field was chasing in practice and qualifying, and Di Mario wrapped up the opening round with two hard-fought second place results.

The Kentuckian — who won the 2024 Twins Cup title as a rookie in the class — was the top-finishing Aprilia rider in both races, narrowly missing out on winning Friday and Saturday’s races by a combined 0.106 seconds. Di Mario leaves the Daytona round sitting second in the points standings ahead of the Twins Cup’s next round at one of his favorite tracks.

Di Mario was by far the fastest rider in Thursday morning practice. His best lap time — a 1:58.619 — was more than 1.2 seconds faster than the next-fastest rider. Three other Aprilia riders finished in the top 10 in Thursday morning practice – Andrew Weyh of Weyh Racing was sixth-fastest, Celtic HSBK’s Mavrick Cyr was ninth-fastest and 2018 Twins Cup Champion Chris Parrish was tenth-fastest on his Ghetto Customs-sponsored RS 660.

The first of two qualifying sessions took place later Thursday and concluded with Di Mario on provisional pole. Di Mario improved his best lap time by more than a second, and Weyh and Speeddemon Racing’s Logan Cunnison finished that session in sixth place and ninth place, respectively. Qualifying wrapped up Friday morning with Di Mario having cemented his grasp on pole position for the weekend’s two Twins Cup races. Other Aprilia riders who qualified in the top 10 include Weyh in sixth, Cunnison in seventh and Cyr in tenth.

Later Saturday in Race 1, Di Mario ended up being one of four riders to break away from the rest of the field early in the race. Di Mario led the race several times as the pack of four continually drafted past each other on Daytona’s high banks for nine hard-fought laps. On the run to the finish line, Di Mario made a valiant effort to fight to the front and missed out on clinching his first win at Daytona by a mere 0.087 seconds. The other Aprilia rider who finished in the top 10 was Cunnision in seventh place.

Saturday morning’s Race 2 was very similar to Friday’s race, as Di Mario spent the whole of the race duking it out with a small group at the front. Though there was an additional rider in the front-running pack, each rider took turns leading the race until the last lap. Though Di Mario was running in fourth place as the front-runners navigated NASCAR Turns 3 and 4 for the last time, he nearly drafted his way to a victory. He ended up finishing 0.019 seconds behind the race winner but still secured his second runner-up finish of the round. Weyh finished Race 2 in sixth place and Cunnison in tenth.

Of the 35 riders signed up to race in the MotoAmerica Twin Cup races at Daytona International Speedway, 14 were registered to compete aboard Aprilia RS 660’s.

The MotoAmerica Twins Cup is back in action April 4-6 when the series makes its annual visit to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.

Alessandro Di Mario / No. 1

“The races were pretty good. The team did a perfect job by making sure the bike was at its best the whole weekend. I’m happy I was able to get as many points as possible here at Daytona, which is a track I struggle at. I am very excited for the next round at Barber, since it’s my favorite track.”

From a press release issued by Robem Engineering:

If Alessandro Di Mario is due for a sophomore slump in MotoAmerica Twins Cup, it wasn’t on display at the season-opening round at Daytona International Speedway. The teenage phenom who rode an Aprilia RS 660 to a Twins Cup title as a rookie last year was the fastest rider in practice and qualifying at the March 6-8 Daytona round – and came up slivers of a second short of winning each race.

Alessandro Di Mario (1). Photo by Sara Chappell.

After two races, the Lexington, Ky., resident Di Mario left Daytona Beach a close second place in the Twins Cup points standings.

Di Mario’s pace in practice and qualifying at the Daytona International Speedway round was simply blistering. He started the round by posting a best lap time in Thursday morning practice that was more than a second faster than the next-best time and was on provisional pole when Thursday afternoon’s Qualifying 1 session came to a close. When the Qualifying 2 session wrapped up on Friday morning, Di Mario had secured pole position for the rounds’ two Twins Cup races by a margin of 0.349 seconds.

In Friday afternoon’s Twins Cup Race 1, Di Mario got a decent start and was one of four riders who quickly established themselves as the front runners. Di Mario took the lead on several occasions during the nine-lap race as the pack of four riders used the draft to repeatedly slingshot past each other. On the run to the finish line, Di Mario did his best to be at the front and came up just 0.087 second short of winning the first race of the 2025 season.

Saturday morning’s Race 2 ended up being a near clone of Friday’s race, as a small group of riders made an early break from the rest of the field and spent almost all of the nine-lap race drafting and re-drafting each other for position. Though Di Mario was in a less-than-ideal fourth position as the frontrunning pack began its final run to the tri-oval, Di Mario craftly used the draft to nearly claim the win. He finished in second place again – a mere 0.019 seconds behind the race winner.

The Robem Engineering team will be back in action at the next MotoAmerica Twins Cup round, which is slated to take place April 4-6 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.

Robem Engineering’s technical partners for the 2025 season include Accossato, Aprilia Racing, Blud Lubricants, Bitubo Suspension, Essex Parts, Millennium Technologies, NGK, NTK, Piaggio North America, Sara Chappell Photos, SC Project and Sprint Filters.

 

From a press release issued by Karns TST Industries

The Daytona 200 weekend was great, mixed with some adversity. All of the Karns TST Industries riders were quick out of the gate. Isaac Woodworth and Levi Badie were solidly in the top 10, after making improvements to the team’s Suzuki GSX-8Rs all weekend. Isaac used the draft to his advantage in both races, nipping Levi at the line, and they are now sitting 6th and 7th in the championship points going into Barber. We have some work to do and a game plan for there.

The Karns Performance/TST Industries pit area at Daytona.

Elisa Gendron-Belen had a great weekend qualifying for the race and making some key moves and passes improving her lap times and finishing position significantly from 26th to 17th.

“I feel we had a very successful first weekend in the new class with some of the best riders in the class. There were definitely some ups and downs. We learned a bunch and are looking forward to Barber,” said Jason Karns, Team principal.

A HUGE thank you goes out to TST Industries, Meck’s Auto Body, Adrenaline Engineering, Andreani USA / Nitron Suspension, NG Brakes, Speigler Brake Lines, Blumanstock Machine, M4 Exhaust, Blud Lubricants, Woodcraft Technologies.

 

 

Mission King Of The Baggers and Mission Super Hooligan:

From a press release issued by Harley-Davidson:

HARLEY-DAVIDSON® X DYNOJET FACTORY RACER KYLE WYMAN DOMINATES MISSION KING OF THE BAGGERS SEASON OPENER AT DAYTONA

Harley-Davidson Racers Sweep Super Hooligan National Championship Podiums Aboard Pan America STs

Kyle Wyman (right) won Mission King Of The Baggers Race One with Bradley Smith (left) finishing second. Brian J, Nelson photo.

Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team rider Kyle Wyman scored a perfect weekend of racing in the opening round of the 2025 Mission King of the Baggers road racing series at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Fla. Wyman rode a race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® motorcycle to a new track lap record to top qualifying, won the Mission King of the Baggers Challenge sprint race, and won both Mission King of the Baggers feature races on Friday and Saturday. Wyman has won five consecutive Mission King of the Baggers races at Daytona dating back to 2023 and Saturday’s win gave him 20 total victories in the class. Wyman’s Road Glide carried the all-new team livery which debuted at Daytona earlier in the week with the all-new 2025 CVO™ Road Glide® RR.

“I love racing here at Daytona and there’s no better place to be than victory lane,” said Wyman after Saturday’s win. “It was such a game out there today. The Harley-Davidson Dynojet team put a really fast Road Glide under me and I had the power it took to win twice.”

Harley-Davidson® Pan America® 1250 ST riders took all six podium spots in the two opening races of the 2025 Mission Super Hooligan National Championship Presented By Roland Sands Designs and Powered by Harley-Davidson. Saddlemen Racing Performance riders Cory West, and Jake Lewis each scored a narrow race win, with their Saddlemen teammate Travis Wyman finishing second in both races by a combined total of .081-seconds. KWR rider James Rispoli finished third in race one.

Kyle Wyman Dominates

Wyman led all Mission King of the Baggers qualifiers with a new lap record time of 1:49.383 around the 3.56-mile, 12-turn Daytona International Speedway road course. In first action with the Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team, former MotoGP rider Bradley Smith qualified fourth, while teammate James Rispoli qualified fifth. Wyman won the two-lap Mission King of the Baggers Challenge race on Saturday, ahead of second-place Rispoli by 0.238 seconds.

Wyman led the 13-bike field at the start of the first eight-lap Mission King of the Baggers race on Friday. In the first turn, Rispoli and S&S/Indian Motorcycle rider Loris Baz touched wheels and both riders went off the course and did not return to the race. Wyman turned a blistering opening lap at 1:49.672 to open a gap on S&S/Indian Motorcycle rider Troy Herfoss and Smith. Herfoss left the track on lap 4 and was able to continue. Wyman crossed the finish line 2.602 seconds clear of second-place Smith. Cam Petersen was third on the SDI Racing Indian.

On Saturday, Wyman, Herfoss, Rispoli, and Baz paced the field at the start of the race, with Wyman and Herfoss trading the lead multiple times. Rispoli ran off track in the infield portion of the track on lap 5 and was unable to continue. Wyman and Herfoss raced wheel-to-wheel in the closing three laps. Wyman took the lead on the final lap as the riders entered the high-bank oval portion of the track and then used a great drive out of the backstraight chicane to open a gap on Herfoss with Wyman and his Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® crossing the finish line 0.056 seconds ahead of Herfoss. Baz finished third, 0.884 seconds behind Wyman.

After 2 of 14 rounds in the 2024 MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series, Wyman leads in series points with 50, followed by Herfoss with 28 points, Smith with 26, S&S/Indian rider Tyler O’Hara with 23, TAB Performance Indian rider Kyle Ohnsorg with 22, RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Rocco Landers with 20, and Saddlemen Racing Performance rider Jake Lewis with 19 points.

The Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team returns to action May 2-4 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia.

The Mission King of the Baggers series features race-prepared American V-Twin touring motorcycles competing in 14 races over seven doubleheader weekends held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series. Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team Road Glide® motorcycles are powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight® 131 Performance Crate Engines. The team bikes also feature upgraded suspension components, including Screamin’ Eagle/Öhlins Remote Reservoir Rear Shocks, plus competition exhaust, race tires and lightweight bodywork.

The Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team is sponsored by Rockford Fosgate®, Mission® Foods, Brembo®, Öhlins®, Akrapovič, SYN3® lubricants, and Screamin’ Eagle® Performance Parts and Accessories.

MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers Race Results – Daytona Race 1

1. Kyle Wyman (H-D) Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team

2. Bradley Smith (H-D) Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team

3. Cameron Petersen (Ind) SDI Racing

4. Kyle Ohnsorg (Ind) TAB Performance Racing

5. Jake Lewis (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance

6. Tyler O’Hara (Ind) S&S/Indian Motorcycle

7. Rocco Landers (H-D) RevZilla/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson

8. Troy Herfoss (Ind) S&S/Indian Motorcycle

MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers Race Results – Daytona Race 2

  1. Kyle Wyman (H-D) Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team

2. Troy Herfoss (Ind) S&S/Indian Motorcycle

3. Loris Baz (Ind) S&S/Indian Motorcycle

4. Tyler O’Hara (Ind) S&S/Indian Motorcycle

5. Rocco Landers (H-D) RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson

6. Hayden Gillim (H-D) RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson

7.Kyle Ohnsorg (Ind) TAB Performance Racing

8. Jake Lewis (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance

9.Cory West (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance

10.Bradley Smith (H-D) Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team

Saddlemen/Harley-Davidson Riders Dominate Mission Super Hooligan Opener

Saddlemen Racing Performance riders Cory West and Jake Lewis won the opening rounds of the 2025 Mission Super Hooligan Championship aboard race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Pan America® 1250 ST motorcycles. West, the defending series champion, was the top qualifier for the double-header session with a time of 1:51.032 around the Daytona road course. On Friday, West opened his championship defense by leading all six race laps and holding off a last-lap charge by his Saddlemen Racing Performance teammate Travis Wyman to take the win by 0.042 seconds. James Risopli was third aboard the KWR Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST. The Saturday race was a classic Daytona drafting duel, with six riders exiting the backstretch chicane in a pack and charging elbow-to-elbow at 170+ mph for the finish. Lewis moved from sixth place to the lead, drafting past West, KWR Harley-Davidson riders Cody Wyman and, Rispoli, and Yamaha rider Dominic Doyle to catch Travis Wyman at the finish line and win by 0.039 seconds. West finished third, 0.286 second back, to complete a Saddlemen Racing Performance/Harley-Davidson lock on the podium.

After two of 10 races in the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship Presented By Roland Sands Designs and Powered by Harley-Davidson®, West leads with 41 points, followed by Travis Wyman with 40 points, Lewis with 32 points, Rispoli with 27 points and Cody Wyman with 26 points. The Mission Super Hooligan championship resumes May 2-4 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia.

Mission Super Hooligan Race Results – Daytona Race 1 (Top 10)

  1. Cory West (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance
  2. Travis Wyman (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance
  3. James Rispoli (H-D) KWR Harley-Davidson
  4. Cody Wyman (H-D) KWR Harley-Davidson
  5. Jason Waters (Tri) Edge Racing
  6. Hawk Mazzotta (Yam) Strack Racing
  7. Hayden Schultz (H-D) KWR Harley-Davidson
  8. Andy DiBrino (Tri) Competition Werkes Racing
  9. Jake Lewis (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance
  10. Josh Baird (Tri) 210 SpeedLab Racing

Mission Super Hooligan Race Results – Daytona Race 2 (Top 10)

1.Jake Lewis (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance

2. Travis Wyman (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance

3. Cory West (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance

4. Cody Wyman (H-D) KWR Harley-Davidson

5. James Rispoli (H-D) KWR Harley-Davidson

6. Dominic Doyle (Yam) Giaccmoto Yamaha Racing

7. Corey Alexander (Arc) ARCH Racing

8. Hayden Schultz (H-D) KWR Harley-Davidson

9. Andy DiBrino (Tri) Competition Werkes Racing

10. Hawk Mazzotta (Yam) Strack Racing

About Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at www.harley-davidson.com.

AHRMA Bringing Pro Challenge Back To Barber Vintage Festival

AHRMA Brings Pro Challenge to Barber Vintage Festival

Pro racers will once again add to the sights, sounds, and smells of the Barber Vintage Festival.

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is hosting the fourth annual Pro Challenge set for October 4, 2025, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL. This event will occur during the 20th Annual Barber Vintage Festival as part of the 2025 AHRMA Roadracing Series presented by Motobilia.

The Pro Challenge will showcase a diverse lineup of today’s most dynamic racing motorcycles, piloted by pro racers and eligible AHRMA competitors. A cash purse, to be revealed soon, will also be part of the excitement.

“We are excited to feature one of AHRMA’s most popular modern race classes for the 2025 AHRMA Pro Challenge at the legendary Barber Vintage Festival. Last year, Sound of Thunder 2 had over 120 unique individual racers participate, with more than 400 race entries across the season.” said Leasha Overturf, AHRMA’s Road Race Director. “AHRMA’s unique class structure brings out a wide mix of machines from Ducati, Triumph, BMW, Aprilia, Kramer and others. I look forward to welcoming everyone running in the SOT2 Pro Challenge this year!”

To be eligible, a Pro Challenge racer must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be a licensed AHRMA member/competitor.

2. Be in compliance with the AHRMA Barber Racer Eligibility Requirements (found at ahrma.org/schedules-results).

3. Take part in the Friday practice (Thursday optional).

4. Take part in a 20-minute timed qualifying session on Friday afternoon.

5. Be registered in the “Pro Challenge” race on Saturday.

6. Be capable of racing at a competitive pace within the Pro Challenge race (based on lap times during the Friday qualifying session).

Eligible machines include liquid-cooled twins to 900cc; unlimited air-cooled twins; triples up to 765cc; and two-strokes to 250cc. Please see the AHRMA Handbook for full details regarding the Sound of Thunder 2 class at ahrma.org/ahrma-handbook/

Select FIM professional licensed road racers may obtain a special waiver from AHRMA for the competition. Waivers must be submitted through the online AHRMA Barber Road Race Waiver Request Form no later than September 19th at 12pm CDT. https://www.ahrma.org/barber-vintage-festival-waiver-request-form/

In addition to FIM professional licensed road racers, any AHRMA member pre-qualified to race at the 2025 Barber event with AHRMA may register for the Pro Challenge but must participate in qualifying and meet the qualifying criteria.

The opening of race registration will be announced at a future date.

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage machines along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

 

MotoAmerica Daytona 200: Podium Teams Report

Josh Herrin makes history with an incredible fourth Daytona 200 victory on the Panigale V2

Josh Herrin etched his and Ducati’s name in the history books by securing his fourth Daytona 200 victory and third consecutive win for Ducati, marking the first time in the race’s history that a rider and manufacturer have achieved this feat.

The 2025 Daytona 200 was disrupted by two red flags: one for rain just before the halfway point and another for a crash during the restart. However, regardless of the challenges faced by the red number 2 Ducati, Herrin rose to the occasion.

Herrin’s blistering speed through the infield remained a cornerstone of his attack as he consistently gapped his opponents before the first banking. At that point, the Celtic/Economy Lube & Tire by Warhorse HSBK Ducati Panigale V2 took over to keep him at the front of the pack.

The last quarter of the race saw Herrin at his best performance by setting a phenomenal new lap record of 1:47.879 on lap 51. He leveraged his experience to maneuver around lapped riders, breaking free from any potential slipstream created by the pursuing riders and securing a controlled 5.33-second victory over Escalante and Scott.

The 2025 victory puts Herrin tied for third with Danny Eslick on the all-time Daytona 200 win list with four triumphs, with only AMA legends Miguel Duhamel and Scott Russell ahead on five wins each.

2025 Daytona 200 Results

1. Josh Herrin (Ducati)

2. Richie Escalante +5.330

3. Tyler Scott +5.338

4. Peter Hickman +35.963

5. Brandon Paasch +44.906

Josh Herrin makes history with an incredible fourth Daytona 200 victory on the Panigale V2

Josh Herrin (Celtic/Economy Lube & Tire by Warhorse HSBK Ducati – #2)

“Man, what a crazy weekend,” Herrin said with enthusiasm. “It’s my fourth win and third with Ducati; it doesn’t get much better than this. I see this as the biggest race in the United States and one of the largest in the world. Being the only person to win three in a row and rank in the top four of all-time wins is incredibly special.

“It’s a very difficult race to win once, let alone four times, and we’ve had some problems here in the past so it shows you need a bit of luck on your side. The bike felt incredible all weekend and I have an amazing crew behind me, so I really need to thank the whole Warhorse HSBK racing Ducati team, Brew Watch Co., Economy Lube and Tire, Ducati USA, and Ducati in Italy. I am so happy to be on the Panigale V2, and hopefully, we’ll see a surge in 2025 Panigale V2 sales!”

 

More, From Suzuki Motor USA:

SUZUKI TAKES ON DAYTONA AS ESCALANTE, SCOTT, AND CHAPIN SHINE

Suzuki Enjoys Strong Season Opener with Pole Position, Podium Finishes, and Twins Cup Sweep

Suzuki Motor USA kicked off the 2025 MotoAmerica season in outstanding fashion, with the Suzuki GSX-R750 claiming pole position and two podium positions in the 83rd Daytona 200 and the Suzuki GSX-8R sweeping both Twins Cup victories.

 

Richie Escalante achieved a hard-fought second-place finish in the legendary Daytona 200. Photo by Brian J. Nelson/Suzuki

Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Superbike regular Richie Escalante capped off a near-flawless weekend for the team by earning second-place in the iconic Daytona 200 aboard the team’s next-generation Suzuki GSX-R750 Supersport machine. Escalante was in the mix, at or near the front throughout despite a rain delay and second red flag stoppage due to a crash. The Mexican born racer was calm and fast, aided by his team’s pit stop acumen that earlier won the squad the Pitstop Challenge victory. He ultimately edged teammate Tyler Scott for the runner-up position by a scant 0.08-second margin at the checkered flag.

“Honestly, it was a difficult weekend for us,” Escalante admitted. “I didn’t have the best feeling during the weekend, especially during the Time Attack. I wasn’t confident this morning, so I said, ‘Okay, let’s go back to the setting from last year.’ And I was very strong in the race. I felt really good, and we battled with so many different riders.

“I’m happy to finish on the podium. Of course, I want to win, but that’s not always possible. I’m super happy. Big thanks to my entire Team Hammer Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki crew.”

Tyler Scott delivered another strong performance in the Daytona 200, battling at the front. Photo by Brian J. Nelson/Suzuki

Scott finished on the podium after earlier taking the Suzuki GSX-R750 to pole for the second consecutive season. He led at the start and at several other points along the way before crossing the stripe side-by-side with his teammate in third.

He said, “It was a difficult day for sure with the rain and everything, but the whole Vision Wheel M4 Suzuki team put in so much effort from the end of last season to today. A lot of hard work, so much training, and a lot of testing. The bike we have here today is a way better motorcycle than we had last year, and I’m more fit than last year.

“Overall, it was a very good race. The pit stops were perfect. I can’t give enough thanks to all my guys. I’m really excited because the bike feels amazing going into the first round of the MotoAmerica Supersport championship.”

Making an electrifying Twins Cup debut, Matthew Chapin claimed to back-to-back victories aboard the Suzuki GSX-8R. Photo by Brian J. Nelson/Suzuki

Reigning Junior Cup champion Matthew Chapin scored a pair of dramatic Twins Cup victories in his first race outing aboard the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki GSX-8R. Chapin came out on top of a four-rider scrap to win on Friday by a narrow .087-second margin and then upped the stakes with a five-rider, 0.019-second triumph on Saturday.

Chapin said, “I think my whole plan was just to be patient until the last lap let those guys fight it out at the front. I didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks; I knew I had the bike underneath me to do it. So I just used the draft at the end and got it done.

“Huge thanks to everyone at RevZilla, Motul, and Vance & Hines for believing in me.”

 

About Team Hammer
The 2025 season marks Team Hammer’s 45th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 134 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 375 times and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol and won four F-USA Championships.

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

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

New Zealand Superbike: Mitch & Tony Rees Top Round 3

HONDA SUPERBIKE FAMILY AFFAIR CONTINUES AT PACE

MARCH 9, 2025: Is there no stopping the Bay of Plenty-based Honda Team Rees juggernaut in this season’s New Zealand Superbike Championships?

When the third round of four in the annual motorcycle road-racing series wrapped up at the Hampton Downs circuit, just north of Hamilton, on Sunday afternoon, it was again 32-year-old Mitch Rees unbeaten and on the top step of the podium in the premier 1000cc Superbike class, with his 57-year-old father Tony Rees climbing up to join him, on the second step. Christchurch’s Alastair Hoogenboezem was forced to settle for the third podium spot on Sunday.

In terms of the series points, however, it is Mitch Rees comfortably in front, a massive 68 points ahead of Hoogenboezem, with Tony Rees in third overall, now just one point further adrift.

Every post was a winning one for Mitch Rees at the weekend, the man from Whakatane qualifying his Honda CBR1000 on pole – that achievement also worth one additional competition point – before he then went out and turned that incredible pace into a hat-trick of wins, the two-time former New Zealand champion also setting a new Hampton Downs lap record in the process.

Not unsurprisingly, Mitch Rees also claimed the Tourist Trophy (TT) title, an additional prize bestowed upon the various winners of the third and final race in each class at Hampton Downs.

In total, Mitch Rees has now won eight races from nine starts in this series and his only “failure” was his finishing runner-up to Christchurch’s Dale Finch in one of his three races at round two at Timaru last month.

Evergreen multi-time former New Zealand champion Tony Rees said he was thrilled to be able to again join his son on the podium and, depending on what transpires at the fourth and final round at Taupo next weekend, the championships may well end up a 1-2 finish for the family.

“It was a perfect weekend I suppose you could say,” said Mitch Rees afterwards. “I have a good points buffer now and can possibly wrap up the title with a solid result in the first of my three races at Taupo’s finale next weekend.

“I actually had an issue to deal with regarding the bike in race one at Hampton Downs. It had rained midway through the day, and so we changed tyres after practice. Somehow the wheel rim got a dent in it, and this affected the bike’s handling in race one. I managed to ride around the problem.

“Dad did magnificently to finish where he did at Hampton Downs too, especially considering he wasn’t feeling 100 percent. He just has so much experience that racing is second nature to him.

“It’s going to be a busy weekend at Taupo next week and the aim now is to make it a Rees family 1-2 for the championship. I like the Taupo track and hold the lap record there, so that’s a positive omen.”

Meanwhile, other national championship class and TT title winners at Hampton Downs at the weekend included Christchurch man Jake Lewis (Supersport 600 class and TT title); Auckland’s Cameron Leslie (Supersport 300 class and TT title); Taupiri’s Billee Fuller (Pro Twins 650 class and TT title); Hokitika’s Luke Ryder (Super Twins and TT title); Silverdale’s Tyler King (Superlites class); Taupo’s Karl Hooper (Superlites class TT title); Lower Hutt’s Nixon Frost (Supersport 150 class); Christchurch’s Hunter Charlett (Supersport 150 class TT title), Gisborne’s Phillip Law with Angus Ravenwood (sidecars class); Palmerston North’s Barry Smith with Auckland’s Stu Dawe (sidecars class TT title).

The series wraps up with round four at Taupo next weekend, on March 15-16.

DATES FOR 2025 NZ SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS SEASON:

Round 1, Feb 7-9, 2025, Teretonga Park, Invercargill (part of Burt Munro Challenge week);

Round 2, Feb 14-15 (Friday and Saturday), 2025, Levels International Motor Raceway, Timaru;

Round 3, March 8-9, 2025, Hampton Downs (MotoFest);

Round 4, March 15-16, 2025, Taupo (MotoMania).

American Honda Introduces CB750 & CB1000 Hornet SP, NT1100 DCT Sport Tourer Models

CB750 Hornet, CB1000 Hornet SP, NT1100 DCT
CB750 Hornet, CB1000 Hornet SP, NT1100 DCT
 
 
  • Offerings represent strong contenders in naked-bike, sport touring categories
  • Also updated: Rebel 300, Rebel 500, CRF300L and CRF300L Rally
  • Announcement includes 16 models for 2025 and 2026 model years

Continuing its legacy of innovation and excellence in the two-wheel on-road powersports market, American Honda has unveiled three new additions for the 2025 model year—the CB750 Hornet and CB1000 Hornet SP naked bikes, and the NT1100 DCT sport-touring machine. Already popular in Europe, these three models offer a mix of performance and style that is sure to be a hit in the U.S. The CB750 Hornet and CB1000 Hornet SP have earned praise for their thrilling performance and head-turning design, while the NT1100 DCT adds a great option for exhilarating touring experiences.

“We know American customers have been eager to see these exciting new models in the U.S., and we’re pleased to finally be able to confirm their availability here,” said Colin Miller, Manager of Experiential Marketing at American Honda. “The CB750 Hornet and CB1000 Hornet SP carry on the legacy of the legendary CB name in the U.S., and we’re confident that our customers will be captivated by their capabilities. In addition, as the most popular sport-touring bike in Europe, the NT1100 DCT will extend and expand the tradition of touring Honda offerings.”

The same Honda announcement revealed updates to popular models including the Rebel 300 and 500 cruisers, as well as the CRF300L, and CRF300L Rally dual-sport machines. In addition, the returns of nine other on-road motorcycle models were also confirmed.

2025 Honda CB750 Hornet Matte Black Metallic RF34
2025 Honda CB750 Hornet Matte Black Metallic RF34

2025 CB750 Hornet
To the glee of eager American customers, Honda’s CB750 Hornet is available in the U.S. market for the 2025 model year and is ready to Shake Up the Hive. Featuring responsive handling and a parallel-twin engine with a competitive power-to-weight ratio, three riding modes and electronic rider aids, this middleweight streetfighter is ideal for cruising to work or enjoying zipping around on a day off. The CB750 Hornet is a fresh option for riders seeking everyday practicality and thrilling performance.

  • Colors: Matte Black Metallic; Matte Pearl White
  • MSRP: $7,999
  • Available: May
  • Info
2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP Matte Black Metallic RF34
2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP Matte Black Metallic RF34

2025 CB1000 Hornet SP
When a motorcycle’s description includes characteristics like a CBR1000RR-derived engine, a nimble chassis, Öhlins shock and eye-popping styling, “value” isn’t the first word that comes to mind. Yet, that’s a very appropriate adjective for the CB1000 Hornet SP, which grows Honda’s powersports family with a machine that’s entirely worthy of the heritage that goes with the CB name—but that comes with an extremely attractive MSRP. Taking all that into account, the all-new naked bike Stings Harder Than Ever, and is sure to take the U.S. market by swarm.

  • Color: Matte Black Metallic
  • MSRP: $10,999
  • Available: April
  • Info
25 Honda NT1100 DCT Pearl Hawkeye Blue RF34
2025 Honda NT1100 DCT Pearl Hawkeye Blue RF34

2025 NT1100 DCT
The NT1100 is a straightforward sport-touring machine, with a full feature list and a sporty edge to its performance—the sort of bike that deals with the weekday commute efficiently and is also ready for an extended tour, fully loaded. Designed to appeal to those with a memory of similar Honda machines from the past, but also to attract a much younger rider, it employs the frame and parallel-twin engine of the Africa Twin as a base, ensuring characterful, engaging performance, and it packs in features and technology that broaden any motorcycle’s appeal.

  • Color: Pearl Hawkeye Blue
  • MSRP: $11,899
  • Available: May
  • Info
25 Honda Rebel 300
2025 Honda Rebel 300

2025 Rebel 300
Among the best-selling entry-level cruiser models in the powersports industry, Honda’s Rebel 300 offers a blend of approachability, affordability, modern features and a classic aesthetic, all of which combine to make it a great machine for entering the world of on-road motorcycling. Powered by a smooth, manageable 286cc single-cylinder engine, and offering a low, 27.2-inch seat height, a narrow cockpit and a feathery overall weight, the timeless, maneuverable Rebel 300 is a great option for daily commuting and casual weekend rides. For 2025, it features an updated handlebar position, a more comfortable seat and a front paint-matched fender.

  • Color: Matte Black Metallic
  • MSRP: $4,849
  • Available: April
  • Info
25 Honda Rebel 500 beauty 4
2025 Honda Rebel 500

2025 Rebel 500
One of the most popular choices for new riders, Honda’s Rebel 500 is practical, approachable, and just plain fun, a cruiser that combines style-focused features like a hip design with a powerful-yet-smooth 471cc engine. With its lightweight design, low seat height and relaxed riding position, it’s nimble and easy to maneuver. Whether the intent is just getting into riding, stepping up from a smaller bike, or experiencing the thrills and adventure of a small cruiser, the Rebel 500 is a great fit. For 2025, it features an updated handlebar position, a more comfortable seat and a front paint-matched fender.

  • Colors
    • Rebel 500: Matte Black Metallic
    • Rebel 500 ABS: Matte Black Metallic; Pearl Beige
    • Rebel 500 ABS SE: Pearl Blue
  • MSRP
    • Rebel 500: $6,499
    • Rebel 500 ABS: $6,799
    • Rebel 500 ABS SE: $6,999
  • Available: April
  • Info
2025 Honda SCL500
2025 Honda SCL500

2025 SCL500
Combining modern technology with timeless style, the SCL500 is inspired by Honda’s iconic scramblers of the ’60s, capturing the charm of those classic machines in a package that’s tailored toward modern riders and roads. Powered by the same 471cc parallel-twin engine from the proven Rebel 500, the SCL500 offers a balanced combination of power and fuel efficiency, suitable for both city commuting and weekend adventures. The lightweight frame, plush suspension and slipper clutch deliver comfort and performance, for maximum enjoyment.

  • Color: Matte Black Metallic
  • MSRP: $6,799
  • Available: May
  • Info
2025 Honda CB650R Pearl Smoky Gray
2025 Honda CB650R Pearl Smoky Gray

2025 CB650R
Developed to combine the performance of a sport bike and the style of a naked bike, Honda’s CB650R delivers performance, durability and practicality in an exciting package. With a 649cc engine, a high-quality Showa Separate Function Big Piston fork and high-tech Honda E-Clutch technology, this versatile middleweight machine lets riders feel confident while commuting through the city or winding through the canyons. The CB650R combines performance and practicality to create a riding experience that is perfect for a wide variety of rider types.

  • Color: Pearl Smoky Gray
  • MSRP: $9,399
  • Available: April
  • Info
2025 Honda CBR650R Grand Prix Red
2025 Honda CBR650R Grand Prix Red

2025 CBR650R
Combining the thrill of a middleweight sport motorcycle with the ease and convenience of Honda E-Clutch technology, Honda’s CBR650R delivers an exciting experience while offering the comfort and reliability for which Honda is known. The 649cc inline four-cylinder engine delivers strong, enjoyable power, while the E-Clutch lets the rider change gears with ease. With Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), a Showa Separate Function Big Piston fork and a comfortable cockpit position, the CBR650R is a well-rounded motorcycle with an ideal balance of style, performance and everyday practicality—equally adept at ripping through the canyons and cruising through morning traffic.

  • Color: Grand Prix Red
  • MSRP: $9,899
  • Available: April
  • Info
2025 Honda CRF300L RR34
2025 Honda CRF300L 

2025 CRF300L
Versatile, reliable, approachable and fun, the CRF300L is one of the most popular dual-sport motorcycles on the market. Featuring a 286cc single-cylinder engine with a focus on balancing performance with ease of use and fuel efficiency, this machine is incredibly budget-friendly. Built to deliver a comfortable ride on the road and an adventure on the trails, the CRF300L features updated suspension for 2025, and it’s still available in two configurations—standard and the LS (low seat) version—both of which come with ABS.

  • Colors
    • CRF300L: Red
    • CRF300LS: Swift Gray
  • MSRP: $5,749
  • Available: May
  • Info
2025 Honda CRF300L Rally
2025 Honda CRF300L Rally

2025 CRF300L Rally
Adventure riding meets dual-sport in Honda’s budget-friendly, efficient CRF300L Rally. Based on the popular, reliable CRF300L, the Rally is an approachable, affordable means of experiencing adventure and, for the 2025 model year, it gets improved suspension settings. To maximize enjoyment on extended outings, there’s a large-capacity fuel tank, a tall windscreen and an extra-coverage fairing, but the CRF300L Rally is also a great option for around-town transportation.

  • Color: Red
  • MSRP: $6,499
  • Available: May
  • Info
2026 Honda CBR600RR Deep Pearl Gray
2026 Honda CBR600RR Deep Pearl Gray

2026 CBR600RR
A weapon on the track and a capable commuter, Honda’s CBR600RR is built for riders to test their limits without the fear of crossing them. Combining high-revving inline four-cylinder performance with highly responsive handling, this legendary sportbike can carve canyons and lower lap times. With a lightweight, compact middleweight package, the CBR600RR has an impeccable reputation as an enjoyable, stable ride for a variety of experience levels, and it’s available in ABS and non-ABS versions.

  • Color: Deep Pearl Gray
  • MSRP
    • CBR600RR: $12,199
    • CBR600RR ABS: $13,199
  • Available: July
  • Info
2026 Honda CBR1000RR Pearl White
2026 Honda CBR1000RR Pearl White

2026 CBR1000RR
A high-performance superbike with an impeccable pedigree, Honda’s CBR1000RR is built to make any commute feel like a track day. Combining impressive power and torque with agile, responsive handling, this iconic supersport machine was designed with racing in mind, offering an exhilarating riding experience with capable performance. Available in ABS and non-ABS versions, the CBR1000RR continues to be the industry standard for road-going superbike motorcycles.

  • Color: Pearl White
  • MSRP
    • CBR1000RR: $16,999
    • CBR1000RR ABS: $17,299
  • Available: July
  • Info
2026 Honda Grom Candy Blue
2026 Honda Grom Candy Blue

2026 Grom
Oozing personality, Honda’s Grom is built to maximize enjoyment, and as a bonus, it’s one of the most approachable motorcycles on the market in terms of both ease of use and affordability. Combining a low curb weight, a compact frame, and usable power, the Grom gives riders the tools needed for a fun ride. While it has developed a dedicated cult following of hardcore fans, the Grom is also a great option for the first-time buyer. Whether it’s for zipping through traffic on the commute, or enjoying a weekend outing, the Grom delivers an exhilarating experience in a small, yet highly capable package.

  • Colors
    • Grom: Candy Blue; Pearl White; Cherry Red
    • Grom ABS: Pearl White
    • Grom SP: Matte Black Metallic
  • MSRP
    • Grom: $3,599
    • Grom ABS: $3,799
    • Grom SP: $3,699
  • Available: June
  • Info
2025 Honda PCX Pearl Gray
2025 Honda PCX Pearl Gray

2025 PCX
Known for its sleek, stylish design, Honda’s 157cc PCX is designed to navigate the city with ease. With convenient features such as a spacious under-seat storage compartment, LED lighting and a USB-C socket, this popular scooter is as practical as they come. Dependable and fun without breaking the bank, the PCX is an appealing option for riders looking for a comfortable, enjoyable commute.

  • Color: Pearl Gray
  • MSRP: $4,249
  • Available: May
  • Info
26 Honda ADV160 Pearl Smoky Gray
26 Honda ADV160 Pearl Smoky Gray

2026 ADV160
Versatile, convenient and a delight to zoom around with, Honda’s ADV160 is a dynamic scooter at an affordable price. Compact and nimble enough to make riders feel confident while navigating traffic, yet powerful enough to make any commute a thrill, the ADV160 truly earns its adventurous moniker. Equipped with ample under-seat storage, an advanced digital instrument cluster and a USB charging port, the ADV160 combines the practicality of urban commuting with the excitement of a new experience on every ride, making it the ideal two-wheel companion.

  • Color: Pearl Smoky Gray
  • MSRP: $4,499
  • Available: June
  • Info
2026 Honda Metropolitan Red
2026 Honda Metropolitan Red

2026 Metropolitan
Cute and compact, Honda’s Metropolitan is the ideal scooter for navigating urban environments with ease. With its automatic transmission and efficient 49cc four-stroke engine, beginners can feel confident mastering the basics. Lightweight, comfortable, and with plenty of storage, the Metropolitan is built for convenient, stylish around-town transportation for riders of any skill level.

  • Color: Denim Blue Metallic; Red
  • MSRP: $2,649
  • Available: June
  • Info

 

About American Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the United States. American Honda’s Power Sports & Products Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.

MotoGP Rookies Cup: Flooding In Spain Forces Test Rescheduling At A New Venue

Torrential rain and flooding at Jerez has forced the Red Bull Rookies Cup pre-season test to be rescheduled at Aragon on April 4th-5th-6th. This Rookies Cup photo was taken before the rain and flooding.

Editorial Note: Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto has released a statement that read, “Despite the damages suffered…the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto guarantees the celebration of the Spanish MotoGP Grand Prix… After the passage of an intense storm…that caused numerous incidents in the rural area near the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, as well as in the circuit itself, work has begun…on the preparation of the facilities to resume the activity as soon as possible.”

Flooding forces Rookies Cup test switch to Aragón

Torrential rain has caused flooding in Jerez and forced the cancellation of the preseason test for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup planned for March 26/27/28.


The test to kick off the 19th Rookies Cup season will now take place in Motorland Aragón on April 4/5/6.

Revised Provisional Calendar

TEST: April 4-6 – Aragón (SPA)

RD 1: April 26-27 – Jerez (SPA)

RD 2: May 10-11 – Le Mans (FRA)

RD 3: June 7-8 – Aragón (SPA)

RD 4: June 21-22 – Mugello (ITA)

RD 5: July 12-13 – Sachsenring (GER)

RD 6: August 16-17 – Spielberg (AUT)

RD 7: September 13-14 – Misano (SMR)

Provisional Entry List

4 Sullivan Mounsey (Great Britain GBR)

5 Leo Rammerstorfer (Austria AUT)

7 Beñat Fernandez (Spain SPA)

9 Luca Agostinelli (Vietnam VNM)

11 David González (Spain SPA)

13 Hakim Danish (Malaysia MAL)

16 Joel Pons (Spain SPA)

17 Yaroslav Karpushin (Kyrgyzstan KGZ)

22 Alejandra Fernández (Spain SPA)

24 Guillem Planques (France FRA)

29 Lucas Brown (Great Britain GBR)

31 Giulio Pugliese (Italy ITA)

32 Kiandra Ramadhipa (Indonesia INA)

34 Zen Mitani (Japan JPN)

36 Jurrien van Crugten (Netherlands NED)

40 Gabriel Tesini (San Marino SMR)

45 Kgopotso Mononyane (South Africa RSA)

48 Lenoxx Phommara (Switzerland SUI)

50 Carter Thompson (Australia AUS)

51 Brian Uriarte (Spain SPA)

54 Veda Pratama (Indonesia INA)

70 Kristian Daniel Jr. (United States USA)

72 David Da Costa (France FRA)

77 Kerman Tinez (Venezuela VEN)

85 Kiattisak Singhapong (Thailand THA)

95 Marco Morelli (Argentina ARG)

SSR Introduces New XD250 Dirt Bike

The SSR XD250 is a 223cc air-cooled, electric-start dirt bike with power and torque for riding on trails, tracks, and tough terrain.

SSR MOTORSPORTS RELEASES ALL NEW 2025 XD250 DIRT BIKE

SSR Motorsports continues to push the boundaries of off-road excitement with the all-new XD250, the latest addition to the brand’s highly anticipated XD line-up. With its bold and modern design and powerful performance, the XD250 joins its sibling, the XD150, to form a formidable duo in the mid-size dirt bike category.

The XD250 is built for riders who demand more from their off-road adventures. Featuring a 223cc air-cooled, electric start engine, the XD250 delivers impressive power and torque, making it a great contender for tackling trails, tracks, and tough terrain. The bike’s adjustable front and rear suspensions ensure a smooth and controlled ride, while its 19” / 16” alloy wheels provide superior traction and stability across varying landscapes.

Whether you’re an experienced rider or an enthusiast looking to elevate your off-road game, this bike promises an exhilarating experience at an unbeatable price point. With an MSRP of just $2,799, the XD250 offers an exceptional value for riders seeking high performance without breaking the bank. Paired with the nimble XD150, the two models create a dynamic duo that sets a new standard in the mid-size dirt bike segment.

SSR Motorsports was established in 2002 to import and distribute powersports products in the United States. We provide products that are fun to ride, with cutting-edge design, superior engineering and well-managed quality control. Our Mission Statement: Provide Quality Powersports Products at an Affordable Price with Premier Customer Service.

We believe every enthusiast should be able to afford a brand-new powersport product that is backed by a manufacturer warranty, comprehensive dealer network, premier customer service and a West Coast distribution center stocked with readily available replacement parts. For more information, go to: https://www.ssrmotorsports.com/

2025 Daytona 200 Full Race Video (And Press Conference)

Josh Herrin (2) leads Tyler Scott (70), Richie Escalante (54) and the rest of the field during a restart of the 2025 Daytona 200. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

The 83rd running of the iconic Daytona 200 came down to a battle at the front between Josh Herrin (Ducati #2), Richie Escalante (Suzuki #54) and Tyler Scott (Suzuki #70).

 

 

Official Daytona 200 results.

The post-race Daytona 200 and Mission King Of The Baggers press conferences:

History was made in the 83rd running of the Daytona 200, so check out the post-race press conference featuring the race winner, runner-up, and third-place finisher. Also watch and listen to the post-race comments from the podium finishers in the Daytona Bike Week-concluding Mission King Of The Baggers Race 2.

https://www.motoamerica.com/video-daytona-200-mission-king-of-the-baggers-race-two-press-conferences/

MotoAmerica: Mini Cup Qualifier At Sonoma Postponed Due To Storm

MotoAmerica star Tyler O'Hara gives advice to Haydn Meng. O'Hara will host a MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifier at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California, on March 15. Photo courtesy Tyler O'Hara.

UPDATE: Promotor Tyler O’Hara says the MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifier scheduled for Sonoma Raceway on March 15th has been postponed to July 19-20th due to an approaching major rain storm. The forecast is for an atmospheric river to drench Northern California on the original date. Contact the promoter for more information.

(The original post on this event, seen below, was posted on February 5th, 2025.)

Tyler O’Hara To Host A MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifier At Sonoma Raceway

MotoAmerica Star Will Organize And Host A Qualifying Round On March 15

MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is proud to announce that 2022 Mission King Of The Baggers Champion and 2023 Super Hooligan National Champion Tyler O’Hara, along with Hawk Mazzotta Moto Camp and NNKC Minimoto, will organize and host a MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifier at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California, on March 15. The Qualifier will be for the Mission Mini Cup National Final, which will be held for the second consecutive year at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 8-10. O’Hara has contracted NNKC Minimoto to officiate the racing action.

Qualifiers at the Sonoma event will be held for all six classes: Stock 50 (ages 6-8); Stock 110 (ages 8-12); GP 110 (ages 8-12); GP 160 (ages 10-14); GP 190 (ages 10-14); and Street GP (ages 14 and up).

The Sonoma event will also feature a Hawk Mazzotta Moto Camp, with the MotoAmerica racer providing motorcycle training and lessons to all levels of riders/racers.

Additionally, former MotoGP star John Hopkins will be on hand with Ohvale USA and will have Ohvale 160 and 190 and 110s racebikes available for rent. The rentals are $250 per bike with a $500 deposit. Ohvale USA will also pay contingency money for the top three finishers in races that meet the minimum Ohvale 5-rider requirement.

“It’s great to see Tyler stepping up and supporting the future of our sport by helping young racers from Northern California qualify for the National Final,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Tyler’s dedication to helping up-and-coming talent is awesome, and he’s bringing some great ideas to the table, like having Hawk Mazzotta provide basic schooling for the young racers. We’re excited to see how his first event turns out and hope it sets the groundwork for many more to come.”

“I’m stoked to be promoting and hosting a Mission MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifier,” O’Hara said. “Helping others get started in motorcycling and motorcycle racing is something I enjoy and giving young racers in my area the chance to qualify and ultimately race in the National Final at Road America is cool. There have been a ton of racers from Northern California who have gone on to great things in motorcycle racing and we’d like to see that continue. With help from Hawk Mazzotta and his camp, and also Ohvale USA’s John Hopkins, we’re excited to work with MotoAmerica and can’t wait for March 15. With Hopkins bringing Ohvales to the event for racers to rent, we’re hopeful that youngsters from outside the area will travel to Sonoma to compete without having to bring their motorcycles.”

To register for the Mission Mini Cup qualifier at Sonoma Raceway, visit https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/missionminicup/?event=1

For more information and to pre-register for the Hawk Mazzotta Moto Camp, email [email protected]

For more information on the Sierra Nevada Moto Championship, visit https://www.nnkcminimoto.com/

To reserve a rental Ohvale, visit www.minicupusa.com or email [email protected]

For more information about the MotoAmerica Mini Cup series or club participation in the series, please contact [email protected]

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

 

More, from a press release issued by GP World Cup organizers Tyler O’Hara and Hawk Mazzotta:

Tyler O’Hara and Hawk Mazzotta to host GP World Cup alongside Mission MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifier

Nine support classes scheduled for the MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifier at Sonoma Raceway on March 15

In addition to hosting a qualifying round for the Mission Mini Cup National Final at Road America in Elkhart Lake, 2022 Mission King Of The Baggers Champion and 2023 Super Hooligan National Champion, Tyler O’Hara, along with Hawk Mazzotta Moto Camp and NNKC Minimoto, will be hosting a bumper undercard on March 15 at Sonoma Raceway, CA, that includes the Parts Unlimited GP World Cup, Metzeler Supermoto Pro and DTX19 Class.

The GP World Cup feeds off the burgeoning popularity of sub-500cc twin-cylinder motorcycles ridden at kart tracks such as the Kawasaki Ninja 500, Yamaha YZF-R3, and KTM 390 Duke. A minimum age of 15 is mandatory for all competitors, as is a valid AMA membership.

GP World Cup is for riders on bikes formerly seen in Junior Cup races.

With MotoAmerica moving away from production machines to specialized Krämer APX-350 MA machines for the 2025 MotoAmerica Talent Cup, O’Hara’s and Mazzotta’s GP World Cup is the perfect opportunity for racers to continue to campaign the machines previously seen in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup.

Supermoto competitors have not been left out with the Supermoto Pro category for two-stroke machines 175cc-350cc, four-stroke machines from 250cc-550cc, and electric machines such as the Stark Varg eligible to compete.

Supermoto bikes are included in the event at Sonoma.

The Parts Unlimited GP World Cup field will be eligible for a $1500 purse while the Metzeler Supermoto Pro class will be eligible for a $1000 purse.

Other classes featured on the Mission MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifier weekend include Supermoto Amateur (running the same engine sizes as Supermoto Pro), the DTX19 Class for dirt track machines running 19-inch wheels and tires that run a front brake (again, running the same engine sizes as Supermoto Pro), SM3 Supermini for 12 year old and up riders, Supermoto Mini for 10 year old and up riders, Junior Class for riders six to 12 years old, Micromoto for four to eight year old riders, and a Stacyc category for riders two to five years old on the Stacyc 12 and 16 inch models.

 

Classes for young kids riding Stacyc electric bikes are also included.

O’Hara and Mazzotta will be teaming with former MotoGP podium finisher and Ohvale importer, John Hopkins, to offer rental racebikes in 190cc, 160cc and 110cc capacities for the MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifier.

Rumble Strip Rentals will also be offering race-ready Yamaha YZF-R3 machines for the GP World Cup class.

“I’m really pleased to be helping the sport grow by hosting the next generation of road racers, but I also wanted to give back to the local community of racers, which is why we’ve got such a massive program scheduled,” said Tyler O’Hara. “There’s going to be a class for almost anyone to compete in, and I especially feel the GP World Cup will be a great one to watch as there are a lot of riders who use these machines as the perfect training tool for road racing.

“I come from Supermoto, so I couldn’t host an event that didn’t have my roots in there! Supermoto is coming back in America quickly and we’ve got some world class riders who will be in attendance. We’ve got almost every aspect of tarmac competition covered, right down to the Stacyc class for the little rippers. It’s going to be an amazing weekend.”

To register for the Mission Mini Cup qualifier at Sonoma Raceway, visit https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/missionminicup/?event=1

For more information on the Mini Cup, head to www.minicupusa.com

For more information on John Hopkins’ Ohvale race rental program, email [email protected]

For more information on the Yamaha YZF-R3s provided by Rumble Strip Rentals, email [email protected] or visit www.rumblestriprentals.com

For more information and to pre-register for the Hawk Mazzotta Moto Camp, email [email protected]

For more information on the Sierra Nevada Moto Championship, visit https://www.nnkcminimoto.com/

Ducati Desmo250 MX Racebike Finishes Third In Italian Debut

The Ducati Desmo250 MX finishes third in an Italian Prestige MX2 Championship race, ridden by Alessandro Lupino.

Campionato Italiano MX – Brilliant Podium Finish on Debut for the Ducati Desmo250 MX

•The brand-new bike from the Borgo Panigale company was put to the test on the treacherous sands of Ottobiano and immediately demonstrated great competitiveness and reliability.

•The Desmo250 MX passes the first test of the season, taking third place in the Italian Prestige MX2 Championship with a strong Alessandro Lupino.

It took just a few weeks for the Ducati Desmo250 MX, raced by Team Beddini Factory Racing, to conquer the first Italian podium of its very young career. Despite a painful and swollen wrist, the reigning Italian MX1 Champion managed to get on the podium at the first attempt, demonstrating all his fight and tenacity.

It had been 10 years since Alessandro Lupino had ridden a 250 4-stroke, and the first round of the Italian Prestige Motocross MX2 Championship was also the occasion for him to debut in a class he had never competed in before in the Italian series. The nine-time Italian Motocross Champion, with 44 podiums to his name in MX1, riding the Ducati Desmo250 MX for its debut, also achieved his first personal top three in the Prestige MX2 Championship.

First in his group at the end of official practice on Saturday, Alessandro also recorded the best time in the subsequent timed session, earning the second gate pick for the two motos on Sunday.

At the start of race one, the 34-year-old began just outside the top five, moving into fourth after one lap. By the next lap, he was in third, maintaining an excellent pace and quickly closing the gap to second, eventually taking the position. However, his rival’s response was clumsy, and after making contact, Lupino was sent to the ground with a sore wrist and the bike severely damaged. The Italian didn’t give up, though, and admirably gritted his teeth to cross the finish line in 10th.

Then, in the second moto, Alessandro was fifth out of the first corner and, after three laps, was in second, as he superbly found his flow. From there, nothing stood between the Desmo250 MX and the third step of the podium, which served as a fitting reward for a brilliant moto.

After the first round of the championship, Lupino is third in the standings with 290 points. The next round of the Italian Prestige Championship will be held at the Mantova circuit on March 29 and 30, a track where, a year ago, Alessandro rode the Desmo450 MX for its debut.

Alessandro Lupino: “I’m happy once again, we did a great job, and I have to congratulate the team at Ducati, who performed a miracle. The Desmo250 MX has only been running for three weeks, and today we came for a test day. However, if I hadn’t been taken out, we could have secured two second-place finishes. As a rider, I’m pleasantly surprised to have made it onto the podium and to already have such a competitive bike on our first outing.”

Daytona: More From Teams And Riders

Rodio Racing's Gus Rodio (#113). Photo by Brian J. Nelson

Daytona 200:

From a press release issued by Rodio Racing:

Gus Rodio Achieves Impressive 12th Place Finish in His First Daytona 200

In a remarkable debut at the iconic Daytona 200, Gus Rodio finished 12th, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination throughout the race. Competing for Rodio Racing, Gus qualified P7 in both qualifying sessions and secured P8 in the Time Attack, setting the stage for an exciting race day.

The Daytona 200, known for its challenging conditions and fierce competition, marked a significant milestone in Rodio’s racing career. His impressive qualifying times showcased his talent and preparation, positioning him well among seasoned competitors. Despite facing unexpected electronics issues during the race, Gus displayed resilience and focus, navigating through the challenges to achieve a commendable finish in his first Daytona 200.

“I’m thrilled to have competed in my first Daytona 200 and to finish 12th among such a talented field,” said Gus Rodio. “It was a learning experience, and while the electronics issues were frustrating, I believe we showed great potential. I’m grateful for the support from my team and can’t wait to build on this performance in future races.”

Team owner Kevin Rodio expressed pride in Gus’s debut and the team’s efforts. “This was a significant race for Gus, and he handled it with great poise. We faced some hurdles, but I am confident that with every race, we will grow stronger. Our focus now is on analyzing the race and ensuring we are better prepared for the next challenges ahead.”

Rodio Racing remains committed to excellence and continuous improvement as they head to Barber Motorsports Park with Motoamerica April 4-6, 2025

For more information about Gus Rodio and Rodio Racing, please visit www.rodioracing.com or follow us on social media.

Gus Rodio (113) at Daytona. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

From a press release issued by Dunlop:

Dunlop Riders Sweep the top Six at Daytona 200 with Josh Herrin on top once again!

Josh Herrin and Ducati once again triumphed at the 83rd edition of the Daytona 200, with five more competitors on Dunlop tires close behind!

This year’s Daytona 200 celebrated its 83rd anniversary, known for delivering unparalleled racing excitement. With an exceptional lineup of talent from all over the world, the 2025 race upheld this tradition. Josh Herrin, representing Celtic/Economy Lube+Tire/Warhorse HSBK Ducati, started from the first row, successfully building on his previous 2023 and 2024 victories aboard his Dunlop-supported Ducati Panigale V2. This win locks him in the record books as the first rider ever to win the Daytona 200 three years in a row and four in total, all on Dunlop tires. 

Trailing Herrin by 5.33 seconds were fellow Dunlop riders Richie Escalante on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki, his teammate and pole-sitter Tyler Scott; Peter Hickman on his PHR Performance Triumph; and then the TOBC Racing teammates Brandon Paasch and Danny Eslick, all claiming the top six positions, each on Dunlop tires!

Thanks to the efforts of MotoAmerica, the Daytona 200 continues to thrive, drawing top competitors such as Pirelli and Bridgestone, all competing for victory at one of the most challenging and revered events of the year. Dunlop’s steadfast commitment to excellence and winning remains evident, making success a foreseeable outcome. While Dunlop supports tire control programs, Dunlop eagerly awaits the next chance to showcase Dunlop’s unrivaled quality. This year, Dunlop has again demonstrated that its technology and performance are second to none, especially with the continuation of the Sportmax Slick line of race slicks.

Dunlop’s deep passion for success, along with a firm dedication to technological advancement and thorough testing, has cemented its reputation in the industry. As the exclusive tire supplier for the MotoAmerica Championship, Dunlop has leveraged their extensive racing experience and engineering expertise to develop tires capable of securing championships.

About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires:

Dunlop is the number one selling and largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in North America. For more information, visit www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com. Follow @ridedunlop on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) for the latest Dunlop news. Use #RideDunlop and/or #RaceDunlop to share your Dunlop moments.

 

Twins Cup:

From a press release issued by Aprilia:

APRILIA RS 660 RIDER DI MARIO OPENS MOTOAMERICA TWINS CUP TITLE DEFENSE WITH A PAIR OF SECOND PLACE FINISHES AT DAYTONA

ROBEM ENGINEERING RIDER LEAVES MARCH 6-8 ROUND AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY SECOND IN TWINS CUP POINTS STANDINGS

Defending MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion and Aprilia rider Alessandro Di Mario picked up right where he left off in 2024 at the season-opening round at Daytona International Speedway. Di Mario and his Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660 were the bike-rider tandem that the rest of the field was chasing in practice and qualifying, and Di Mario wrapped up the opening round with two hard-fought second place results.

The Kentuckian — who won the 2024 Twins Cup title as a rookie in the class — was the top-finishing Aprilia rider in both races, narrowly missing out on winning Friday and Saturday’s races by a combined 0.106 seconds. Di Mario leaves the Daytona round sitting second in the points standings ahead of the Twins Cup’s next round at one of his favorite tracks.

Di Mario was by far the fastest rider in Thursday morning practice. His best lap time — a 1:58.619 — was more than 1.2 seconds faster than the next-fastest rider. Three other Aprilia riders finished in the top 10 in Thursday morning practice – Andrew Weyh of Weyh Racing was sixth-fastest, Celtic HSBK’s Mavrick Cyr was ninth-fastest and 2018 Twins Cup Champion Chris Parrish was tenth-fastest on his Ghetto Customs-sponsored RS 660.

The first of two qualifying sessions took place later Thursday and concluded with Di Mario on provisional pole. Di Mario improved his best lap time by more than a second, and Weyh and Speeddemon Racing’s Logan Cunnison finished that session in sixth place and ninth place, respectively. Qualifying wrapped up Friday morning with Di Mario having cemented his grasp on pole position for the weekend’s two Twins Cup races. Other Aprilia riders who qualified in the top 10 include Weyh in sixth, Cunnison in seventh and Cyr in tenth.

Later Saturday in Race 1, Di Mario ended up being one of four riders to break away from the rest of the field early in the race. Di Mario led the race several times as the pack of four continually drafted past each other on Daytona’s high banks for nine hard-fought laps. On the run to the finish line, Di Mario made a valiant effort to fight to the front and missed out on clinching his first win at Daytona by a mere 0.087 seconds. The other Aprilia rider who finished in the top 10 was Cunnision in seventh place.

Saturday morning’s Race 2 was very similar to Friday’s race, as Di Mario spent the whole of the race duking it out with a small group at the front. Though there was an additional rider in the front-running pack, each rider took turns leading the race until the last lap. Though Di Mario was running in fourth place as the front-runners navigated NASCAR Turns 3 and 4 for the last time, he nearly drafted his way to a victory. He ended up finishing 0.019 seconds behind the race winner but still secured his second runner-up finish of the round. Weyh finished Race 2 in sixth place and Cunnison in tenth.

Of the 35 riders signed up to race in the MotoAmerica Twin Cup races at Daytona International Speedway, 14 were registered to compete aboard Aprilia RS 660’s.

The MotoAmerica Twins Cup is back in action April 4-6 when the series makes its annual visit to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.

Alessandro Di Mario / No. 1

“The races were pretty good. The team did a perfect job by making sure the bike was at its best the whole weekend. I’m happy I was able to get as many points as possible here at Daytona, which is a track I struggle at. I am very excited for the next round at Barber, since it’s my favorite track.”

From a press release issued by Robem Engineering:

If Alessandro Di Mario is due for a sophomore slump in MotoAmerica Twins Cup, it wasn’t on display at the season-opening round at Daytona International Speedway. The teenage phenom who rode an Aprilia RS 660 to a Twins Cup title as a rookie last year was the fastest rider in practice and qualifying at the March 6-8 Daytona round – and came up slivers of a second short of winning each race.

Alessandro Di Mario (1). Photo by Sara Chappell.

After two races, the Lexington, Ky., resident Di Mario left Daytona Beach a close second place in the Twins Cup points standings.

Di Mario’s pace in practice and qualifying at the Daytona International Speedway round was simply blistering. He started the round by posting a best lap time in Thursday morning practice that was more than a second faster than the next-best time and was on provisional pole when Thursday afternoon’s Qualifying 1 session came to a close. When the Qualifying 2 session wrapped up on Friday morning, Di Mario had secured pole position for the rounds’ two Twins Cup races by a margin of 0.349 seconds.

In Friday afternoon’s Twins Cup Race 1, Di Mario got a decent start and was one of four riders who quickly established themselves as the front runners. Di Mario took the lead on several occasions during the nine-lap race as the pack of four riders used the draft to repeatedly slingshot past each other. On the run to the finish line, Di Mario did his best to be at the front and came up just 0.087 second short of winning the first race of the 2025 season.

Saturday morning’s Race 2 ended up being a near clone of Friday’s race, as a small group of riders made an early break from the rest of the field and spent almost all of the nine-lap race drafting and re-drafting each other for position. Though Di Mario was in a less-than-ideal fourth position as the frontrunning pack began its final run to the tri-oval, Di Mario craftly used the draft to nearly claim the win. He finished in second place again – a mere 0.019 seconds behind the race winner.

The Robem Engineering team will be back in action at the next MotoAmerica Twins Cup round, which is slated to take place April 4-6 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.

Robem Engineering’s technical partners for the 2025 season include Accossato, Aprilia Racing, Blud Lubricants, Bitubo Suspension, Essex Parts, Millennium Technologies, NGK, NTK, Piaggio North America, Sara Chappell Photos, SC Project and Sprint Filters.

 

From a press release issued by Karns TST Industries

The Daytona 200 weekend was great, mixed with some adversity. All of the Karns TST Industries riders were quick out of the gate. Isaac Woodworth and Levi Badie were solidly in the top 10, after making improvements to the team’s Suzuki GSX-8Rs all weekend. Isaac used the draft to his advantage in both races, nipping Levi at the line, and they are now sitting 6th and 7th in the championship points going into Barber. We have some work to do and a game plan for there.

The Karns Performance/TST Industries pit area at Daytona.

Elisa Gendron-Belen had a great weekend qualifying for the race and making some key moves and passes improving her lap times and finishing position significantly from 26th to 17th.

“I feel we had a very successful first weekend in the new class with some of the best riders in the class. There were definitely some ups and downs. We learned a bunch and are looking forward to Barber,” said Jason Karns, Team principal.

A HUGE thank you goes out to TST Industries, Meck’s Auto Body, Adrenaline Engineering, Andreani USA / Nitron Suspension, NG Brakes, Speigler Brake Lines, Blumanstock Machine, M4 Exhaust, Blud Lubricants, Woodcraft Technologies.

 

 

Mission King Of The Baggers and Mission Super Hooligan:

From a press release issued by Harley-Davidson:

HARLEY-DAVIDSON® X DYNOJET FACTORY RACER KYLE WYMAN DOMINATES MISSION KING OF THE BAGGERS SEASON OPENER AT DAYTONA

Harley-Davidson Racers Sweep Super Hooligan National Championship Podiums Aboard Pan America STs

Kyle Wyman (right) won Mission King Of The Baggers Race One with Bradley Smith (left) finishing second. Brian J, Nelson photo.

Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team rider Kyle Wyman scored a perfect weekend of racing in the opening round of the 2025 Mission King of the Baggers road racing series at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Fla. Wyman rode a race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® motorcycle to a new track lap record to top qualifying, won the Mission King of the Baggers Challenge sprint race, and won both Mission King of the Baggers feature races on Friday and Saturday. Wyman has won five consecutive Mission King of the Baggers races at Daytona dating back to 2023 and Saturday’s win gave him 20 total victories in the class. Wyman’s Road Glide carried the all-new team livery which debuted at Daytona earlier in the week with the all-new 2025 CVO™ Road Glide® RR.

“I love racing here at Daytona and there’s no better place to be than victory lane,” said Wyman after Saturday’s win. “It was such a game out there today. The Harley-Davidson Dynojet team put a really fast Road Glide under me and I had the power it took to win twice.”

Harley-Davidson® Pan America® 1250 ST riders took all six podium spots in the two opening races of the 2025 Mission Super Hooligan National Championship Presented By Roland Sands Designs and Powered by Harley-Davidson. Saddlemen Racing Performance riders Cory West, and Jake Lewis each scored a narrow race win, with their Saddlemen teammate Travis Wyman finishing second in both races by a combined total of .081-seconds. KWR rider James Rispoli finished third in race one.

Kyle Wyman Dominates

Wyman led all Mission King of the Baggers qualifiers with a new lap record time of 1:49.383 around the 3.56-mile, 12-turn Daytona International Speedway road course. In first action with the Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team, former MotoGP rider Bradley Smith qualified fourth, while teammate James Rispoli qualified fifth. Wyman won the two-lap Mission King of the Baggers Challenge race on Saturday, ahead of second-place Rispoli by 0.238 seconds.

Wyman led the 13-bike field at the start of the first eight-lap Mission King of the Baggers race on Friday. In the first turn, Rispoli and S&S/Indian Motorcycle rider Loris Baz touched wheels and both riders went off the course and did not return to the race. Wyman turned a blistering opening lap at 1:49.672 to open a gap on S&S/Indian Motorcycle rider Troy Herfoss and Smith. Herfoss left the track on lap 4 and was able to continue. Wyman crossed the finish line 2.602 seconds clear of second-place Smith. Cam Petersen was third on the SDI Racing Indian.

On Saturday, Wyman, Herfoss, Rispoli, and Baz paced the field at the start of the race, with Wyman and Herfoss trading the lead multiple times. Rispoli ran off track in the infield portion of the track on lap 5 and was unable to continue. Wyman and Herfoss raced wheel-to-wheel in the closing three laps. Wyman took the lead on the final lap as the riders entered the high-bank oval portion of the track and then used a great drive out of the backstraight chicane to open a gap on Herfoss with Wyman and his Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® crossing the finish line 0.056 seconds ahead of Herfoss. Baz finished third, 0.884 seconds behind Wyman.

After 2 of 14 rounds in the 2024 MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series, Wyman leads in series points with 50, followed by Herfoss with 28 points, Smith with 26, S&S/Indian rider Tyler O’Hara with 23, TAB Performance Indian rider Kyle Ohnsorg with 22, RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Rocco Landers with 20, and Saddlemen Racing Performance rider Jake Lewis with 19 points.

The Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team returns to action May 2-4 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia.

The Mission King of the Baggers series features race-prepared American V-Twin touring motorcycles competing in 14 races over seven doubleheader weekends held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series. Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team Road Glide® motorcycles are powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight® 131 Performance Crate Engines. The team bikes also feature upgraded suspension components, including Screamin’ Eagle/Öhlins Remote Reservoir Rear Shocks, plus competition exhaust, race tires and lightweight bodywork.

The Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team is sponsored by Rockford Fosgate®, Mission® Foods, Brembo®, Öhlins®, Akrapovič, SYN3® lubricants, and Screamin’ Eagle® Performance Parts and Accessories.

MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers Race Results – Daytona Race 1

1. Kyle Wyman (H-D) Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team

2. Bradley Smith (H-D) Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team

3. Cameron Petersen (Ind) SDI Racing

4. Kyle Ohnsorg (Ind) TAB Performance Racing

5. Jake Lewis (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance

6. Tyler O’Hara (Ind) S&S/Indian Motorcycle

7. Rocco Landers (H-D) RevZilla/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson

8. Troy Herfoss (Ind) S&S/Indian Motorcycle

MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers Race Results – Daytona Race 2

  1. Kyle Wyman (H-D) Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team

2. Troy Herfoss (Ind) S&S/Indian Motorcycle

3. Loris Baz (Ind) S&S/Indian Motorcycle

4. Tyler O’Hara (Ind) S&S/Indian Motorcycle

5. Rocco Landers (H-D) RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson

6. Hayden Gillim (H-D) RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson

7.Kyle Ohnsorg (Ind) TAB Performance Racing

8. Jake Lewis (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance

9.Cory West (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance

10.Bradley Smith (H-D) Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team

Saddlemen/Harley-Davidson Riders Dominate Mission Super Hooligan Opener

Saddlemen Racing Performance riders Cory West and Jake Lewis won the opening rounds of the 2025 Mission Super Hooligan Championship aboard race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Pan America® 1250 ST motorcycles. West, the defending series champion, was the top qualifier for the double-header session with a time of 1:51.032 around the Daytona road course. On Friday, West opened his championship defense by leading all six race laps and holding off a last-lap charge by his Saddlemen Racing Performance teammate Travis Wyman to take the win by 0.042 seconds. James Risopli was third aboard the KWR Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST. The Saturday race was a classic Daytona drafting duel, with six riders exiting the backstretch chicane in a pack and charging elbow-to-elbow at 170+ mph for the finish. Lewis moved from sixth place to the lead, drafting past West, KWR Harley-Davidson riders Cody Wyman and, Rispoli, and Yamaha rider Dominic Doyle to catch Travis Wyman at the finish line and win by 0.039 seconds. West finished third, 0.286 second back, to complete a Saddlemen Racing Performance/Harley-Davidson lock on the podium.

After two of 10 races in the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship Presented By Roland Sands Designs and Powered by Harley-Davidson®, West leads with 41 points, followed by Travis Wyman with 40 points, Lewis with 32 points, Rispoli with 27 points and Cody Wyman with 26 points. The Mission Super Hooligan championship resumes May 2-4 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia.

Mission Super Hooligan Race Results – Daytona Race 1 (Top 10)

  1. Cory West (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance
  2. Travis Wyman (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance
  3. James Rispoli (H-D) KWR Harley-Davidson
  4. Cody Wyman (H-D) KWR Harley-Davidson
  5. Jason Waters (Tri) Edge Racing
  6. Hawk Mazzotta (Yam) Strack Racing
  7. Hayden Schultz (H-D) KWR Harley-Davidson
  8. Andy DiBrino (Tri) Competition Werkes Racing
  9. Jake Lewis (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance
  10. Josh Baird (Tri) 210 SpeedLab Racing

Mission Super Hooligan Race Results – Daytona Race 2 (Top 10)

1.Jake Lewis (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance

2. Travis Wyman (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance

3. Cory West (H-D) Saddlemen Racing Performance

4. Cody Wyman (H-D) KWR Harley-Davidson

5. James Rispoli (H-D) KWR Harley-Davidson

6. Dominic Doyle (Yam) Giaccmoto Yamaha Racing

7. Corey Alexander (Arc) ARCH Racing

8. Hayden Schultz (H-D) KWR Harley-Davidson

9. Andy DiBrino (Tri) Competition Werkes Racing

10. Hawk Mazzotta (Yam) Strack Racing

About Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at www.harley-davidson.com.

AHRMA Bringing Pro Challenge Back To Barber Vintage Festival

Seen in Sound of Thunder 2 during the 2024 Barber Vintage Festival are Paul Canale (9R), Conner Dylan (198), Maxon McLaughlin (713), Eric Burrell (6E), John Waverka (647), Nicolas de Sena (806), Brian Lowe (73), Landen Smith (786), Jim Barker (59), Shawn Velsz (901), and Peter Nicolosi (447). Photo by Etechphoto.com

AHRMA Brings Pro Challenge to Barber Vintage Festival

Pro racers will once again add to the sights, sounds, and smells of the Barber Vintage Festival.

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is hosting the fourth annual Pro Challenge set for October 4, 2025, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL. This event will occur during the 20th Annual Barber Vintage Festival as part of the 2025 AHRMA Roadracing Series presented by Motobilia.

The Pro Challenge will showcase a diverse lineup of today’s most dynamic racing motorcycles, piloted by pro racers and eligible AHRMA competitors. A cash purse, to be revealed soon, will also be part of the excitement.

“We are excited to feature one of AHRMA’s most popular modern race classes for the 2025 AHRMA Pro Challenge at the legendary Barber Vintage Festival. Last year, Sound of Thunder 2 had over 120 unique individual racers participate, with more than 400 race entries across the season.” said Leasha Overturf, AHRMA’s Road Race Director. “AHRMA’s unique class structure brings out a wide mix of machines from Ducati, Triumph, BMW, Aprilia, Kramer and others. I look forward to welcoming everyone running in the SOT2 Pro Challenge this year!”

To be eligible, a Pro Challenge racer must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be a licensed AHRMA member/competitor.

2. Be in compliance with the AHRMA Barber Racer Eligibility Requirements (found at ahrma.org/schedules-results).

3. Take part in the Friday practice (Thursday optional).

4. Take part in a 20-minute timed qualifying session on Friday afternoon.

5. Be registered in the “Pro Challenge” race on Saturday.

6. Be capable of racing at a competitive pace within the Pro Challenge race (based on lap times during the Friday qualifying session).

Eligible machines include liquid-cooled twins to 900cc; unlimited air-cooled twins; triples up to 765cc; and two-strokes to 250cc. Please see the AHRMA Handbook for full details regarding the Sound of Thunder 2 class at ahrma.org/ahrma-handbook/

Select FIM professional licensed road racers may obtain a special waiver from AHRMA for the competition. Waivers must be submitted through the online AHRMA Barber Road Race Waiver Request Form no later than September 19th at 12pm CDT. https://www.ahrma.org/barber-vintage-festival-waiver-request-form/

In addition to FIM professional licensed road racers, any AHRMA member pre-qualified to race at the 2025 Barber event with AHRMA may register for the Pro Challenge but must participate in qualifying and meet the qualifying criteria.

The opening of race registration will be announced at a future date.

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage machines along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

 

MotoAmerica Daytona 200: Podium Teams Report

Josh Herrin and his family celebrate his 4th Daytona 200 win with fans and his team, Celtic/Economy Lube & Tire by Warhorse HSBK Ducati. Ducati photo.

Josh Herrin makes history with an incredible fourth Daytona 200 victory on the Panigale V2

Josh Herrin etched his and Ducati’s name in the history books by securing his fourth Daytona 200 victory and third consecutive win for Ducati, marking the first time in the race’s history that a rider and manufacturer have achieved this feat.

The 2025 Daytona 200 was disrupted by two red flags: one for rain just before the halfway point and another for a crash during the restart. However, regardless of the challenges faced by the red number 2 Ducati, Herrin rose to the occasion.

Herrin’s blistering speed through the infield remained a cornerstone of his attack as he consistently gapped his opponents before the first banking. At that point, the Celtic/Economy Lube & Tire by Warhorse HSBK Ducati Panigale V2 took over to keep him at the front of the pack.

The last quarter of the race saw Herrin at his best performance by setting a phenomenal new lap record of 1:47.879 on lap 51. He leveraged his experience to maneuver around lapped riders, breaking free from any potential slipstream created by the pursuing riders and securing a controlled 5.33-second victory over Escalante and Scott.

The 2025 victory puts Herrin tied for third with Danny Eslick on the all-time Daytona 200 win list with four triumphs, with only AMA legends Miguel Duhamel and Scott Russell ahead on five wins each.

2025 Daytona 200 Results

1. Josh Herrin (Ducati)

2. Richie Escalante +5.330

3. Tyler Scott +5.338

4. Peter Hickman +35.963

5. Brandon Paasch +44.906

Josh Herrin makes history with an incredible fourth Daytona 200 victory on the Panigale V2

Josh Herrin (Celtic/Economy Lube & Tire by Warhorse HSBK Ducati – #2)

“Man, what a crazy weekend,” Herrin said with enthusiasm. “It’s my fourth win and third with Ducati; it doesn’t get much better than this. I see this as the biggest race in the United States and one of the largest in the world. Being the only person to win three in a row and rank in the top four of all-time wins is incredibly special.

“It’s a very difficult race to win once, let alone four times, and we’ve had some problems here in the past so it shows you need a bit of luck on your side. The bike felt incredible all weekend and I have an amazing crew behind me, so I really need to thank the whole Warhorse HSBK racing Ducati team, Brew Watch Co., Economy Lube and Tire, Ducati USA, and Ducati in Italy. I am so happy to be on the Panigale V2, and hopefully, we’ll see a surge in 2025 Panigale V2 sales!”

 

More, From Suzuki Motor USA:

SUZUKI TAKES ON DAYTONA AS ESCALANTE, SCOTT, AND CHAPIN SHINE

Suzuki Enjoys Strong Season Opener with Pole Position, Podium Finishes, and Twins Cup Sweep

Suzuki Motor USA kicked off the 2025 MotoAmerica season in outstanding fashion, with the Suzuki GSX-R750 claiming pole position and two podium positions in the 83rd Daytona 200 and the Suzuki GSX-8R sweeping both Twins Cup victories.

 

Richie Escalante achieved a hard-fought second-place finish in the legendary Daytona 200. Photo by Brian J. Nelson/Suzuki

Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Superbike regular Richie Escalante capped off a near-flawless weekend for the team by earning second-place in the iconic Daytona 200 aboard the team’s next-generation Suzuki GSX-R750 Supersport machine. Escalante was in the mix, at or near the front throughout despite a rain delay and second red flag stoppage due to a crash. The Mexican born racer was calm and fast, aided by his team’s pit stop acumen that earlier won the squad the Pitstop Challenge victory. He ultimately edged teammate Tyler Scott for the runner-up position by a scant 0.08-second margin at the checkered flag.

“Honestly, it was a difficult weekend for us,” Escalante admitted. “I didn’t have the best feeling during the weekend, especially during the Time Attack. I wasn’t confident this morning, so I said, ‘Okay, let’s go back to the setting from last year.’ And I was very strong in the race. I felt really good, and we battled with so many different riders.

“I’m happy to finish on the podium. Of course, I want to win, but that’s not always possible. I’m super happy. Big thanks to my entire Team Hammer Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki crew.”

Tyler Scott delivered another strong performance in the Daytona 200, battling at the front. Photo by Brian J. Nelson/Suzuki

Scott finished on the podium after earlier taking the Suzuki GSX-R750 to pole for the second consecutive season. He led at the start and at several other points along the way before crossing the stripe side-by-side with his teammate in third.

He said, “It was a difficult day for sure with the rain and everything, but the whole Vision Wheel M4 Suzuki team put in so much effort from the end of last season to today. A lot of hard work, so much training, and a lot of testing. The bike we have here today is a way better motorcycle than we had last year, and I’m more fit than last year.

“Overall, it was a very good race. The pit stops were perfect. I can’t give enough thanks to all my guys. I’m really excited because the bike feels amazing going into the first round of the MotoAmerica Supersport championship.”

Making an electrifying Twins Cup debut, Matthew Chapin claimed to back-to-back victories aboard the Suzuki GSX-8R. Photo by Brian J. Nelson/Suzuki

Reigning Junior Cup champion Matthew Chapin scored a pair of dramatic Twins Cup victories in his first race outing aboard the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki GSX-8R. Chapin came out on top of a four-rider scrap to win on Friday by a narrow .087-second margin and then upped the stakes with a five-rider, 0.019-second triumph on Saturday.

Chapin said, “I think my whole plan was just to be patient until the last lap let those guys fight it out at the front. I didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks; I knew I had the bike underneath me to do it. So I just used the draft at the end and got it done.

“Huge thanks to everyone at RevZilla, Motul, and Vance & Hines for believing in me.”

 

About Team Hammer
The 2025 season marks Team Hammer’s 45th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 134 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 375 times and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol and won four F-USA Championships.

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

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

New Zealand Superbike: Mitch & Tony Rees Top Round 3

Mitch Rees (Team Rees Honda CBR1000), has dominated the premier class at all three rounds thus far in the 2025 New Zealand Superbike Championships, winning convincingly in Invercargill, Timaru and now Hampton Downs. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

HONDA SUPERBIKE FAMILY AFFAIR CONTINUES AT PACE

MARCH 9, 2025: Is there no stopping the Bay of Plenty-based Honda Team Rees juggernaut in this season’s New Zealand Superbike Championships?

When the third round of four in the annual motorcycle road-racing series wrapped up at the Hampton Downs circuit, just north of Hamilton, on Sunday afternoon, it was again 32-year-old Mitch Rees unbeaten and on the top step of the podium in the premier 1000cc Superbike class, with his 57-year-old father Tony Rees climbing up to join him, on the second step. Christchurch’s Alastair Hoogenboezem was forced to settle for the third podium spot on Sunday.

In terms of the series points, however, it is Mitch Rees comfortably in front, a massive 68 points ahead of Hoogenboezem, with Tony Rees in third overall, now just one point further adrift.

Every post was a winning one for Mitch Rees at the weekend, the man from Whakatane qualifying his Honda CBR1000 on pole – that achievement also worth one additional competition point – before he then went out and turned that incredible pace into a hat-trick of wins, the two-time former New Zealand champion also setting a new Hampton Downs lap record in the process.

Not unsurprisingly, Mitch Rees also claimed the Tourist Trophy (TT) title, an additional prize bestowed upon the various winners of the third and final race in each class at Hampton Downs.

In total, Mitch Rees has now won eight races from nine starts in this series and his only “failure” was his finishing runner-up to Christchurch’s Dale Finch in one of his three races at round two at Timaru last month.

Evergreen multi-time former New Zealand champion Tony Rees said he was thrilled to be able to again join his son on the podium and, depending on what transpires at the fourth and final round at Taupo next weekend, the championships may well end up a 1-2 finish for the family.

“It was a perfect weekend I suppose you could say,” said Mitch Rees afterwards. “I have a good points buffer now and can possibly wrap up the title with a solid result in the first of my three races at Taupo’s finale next weekend.

“I actually had an issue to deal with regarding the bike in race one at Hampton Downs. It had rained midway through the day, and so we changed tyres after practice. Somehow the wheel rim got a dent in it, and this affected the bike’s handling in race one. I managed to ride around the problem.

“Dad did magnificently to finish where he did at Hampton Downs too, especially considering he wasn’t feeling 100 percent. He just has so much experience that racing is second nature to him.

“It’s going to be a busy weekend at Taupo next week and the aim now is to make it a Rees family 1-2 for the championship. I like the Taupo track and hold the lap record there, so that’s a positive omen.”

Meanwhile, other national championship class and TT title winners at Hampton Downs at the weekend included Christchurch man Jake Lewis (Supersport 600 class and TT title); Auckland’s Cameron Leslie (Supersport 300 class and TT title); Taupiri’s Billee Fuller (Pro Twins 650 class and TT title); Hokitika’s Luke Ryder (Super Twins and TT title); Silverdale’s Tyler King (Superlites class); Taupo’s Karl Hooper (Superlites class TT title); Lower Hutt’s Nixon Frost (Supersport 150 class); Christchurch’s Hunter Charlett (Supersport 150 class TT title), Gisborne’s Phillip Law with Angus Ravenwood (sidecars class); Palmerston North’s Barry Smith with Auckland’s Stu Dawe (sidecars class TT title).

The series wraps up with round four at Taupo next weekend, on March 15-16.

DATES FOR 2025 NZ SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS SEASON:

Round 1, Feb 7-9, 2025, Teretonga Park, Invercargill (part of Burt Munro Challenge week);

Round 2, Feb 14-15 (Friday and Saturday), 2025, Levels International Motor Raceway, Timaru;

Round 3, March 8-9, 2025, Hampton Downs (MotoFest);

Round 4, March 15-16, 2025, Taupo (MotoMania).

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