American Flat Track: Progressive Insurance Renews As Title Sponsor

David Swarts

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March 8, 2023

American Flat Track: Progressive Insurance Renews As Title Sponsor

Progressive and American Flat Track Announce Multi-Year Partnership Renewal

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 8, 2023) – AMA Pro Racing is pleased to announce that Progressive Insurance® will continue to serve as the title sponsor of American Flat Track in the seasons ahead thanks to a new multi-year renewal of their landmark sponsorship.

Founded in 1937, Progressive is the nation’s leading motorcycle insurer. That status was earned through decades of supporting the two-wheeled and motorsports communities, granting it a unique understanding on how to best meet the needs of motorcyclists.

Progressive was first named Title Sponsor and Official Insurance Company of Progressive AFT in 2020 and has expanded their support of the sport over the years through digital and experiential activations at events.

“Progressive has played an integral role in accelerating American Flat Track’s growth over the last few years and we truly appreciate their continued partnership,” said Gene Crouch, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “It’s great to work with a brand that shares the same values that we have; we are likeminded in the desire to engage with our customers in entertaining and memorable ways. We’re excited to kick off the next chapter of our partnership and working together with Progressive to make our races and the stars of the sport as memorable as the stars of Progressive’s ad campaigns.”

“We are thrilled to continue our support in growing this sport by serving as the title sponsor of American Flat Track,” said Todd Matthews, Progressive Acquisition Specialist. “As the No.1 motorcycle insurer, we recognize the passion, enthusiasm and commitment riders possess, and we are excited to see what’s in store in the seasons ahead.”

The 2023 Progressive American Flat Track season will launch with the hugely anticipated return of the DAYTONA Short Track I & II at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10. Get your tickets now at https://www.tixr.com/promoters/americanflattrack.

For those that can’t catch the live action from Daytona International Speedway, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.

FOX Sports coverage, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 from the Daytona Short Track I on March 18 at 10:30 a.m. ET (7:30 a.m. PT) and Daytona Short Track II on March 19 at 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT).

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

About Progressive American Flat Track

Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.

MotoAmerica Previews The 2023 Season-Opener At Daytona

David Swarts

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March 8, 2023

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MotoAmerica Previews The 2023 Season-Opener At Daytona

Ready, Set Go: The MotoAmerica Series Kicks Off With The Daytona 200

It’s Go Time With The 81st Running Of The 200 Slated For March 11 At Daytona International Speedway

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (March 8, 2023) – Margin of victory is described as the difference between the winner and the loser in a sporting event. The margin of victory in the six MotoAmerica races held at Daytona International Speedway in 2022? A combined .615 of a second. Thus, the average difference between winners and losers in the five races was .102 of a second.

Brandon Paasch and Josh Hayes have won three Daytona 200s between them and are two of the favorites for the 81st running of the race on March 11. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
Or, quite literally, the blink of an eye.

Apparently, there are now three certainties in life: Death, taxes, and close finishes at Daytona, especially when it comes to the Daytona 200, which was the closest of the five MotoAmerica races held at the World Center of Racing in 2022.

So how close was Brandon Paasch’s victory over Cameron Petersen a year ago? A very scant .007 of a second after 200 miles of racing. Other forms of motor racing… eat your heart out.

And now it’s time for more with seven MotoAmerica races scheduled for March 9-11 at the World Center of Racing: Mission King Of The Baggers (two races), REV’IT! Twins Cup (two races), Mission Super Hooligan National Championship (two races) and, of course, the granddaddy of them all – the Daytona 200, sponsored in part by Pirelli and Bridgestone.

Daytona 200

With 52 riders from 16 countries entered in the 81st running of the Daytona 200, the race is truly back to where it once was as far as international riders choosing to start their racing seasons in Florida.

The list of favorites is plentiful, but it begins as it should with two-time defending Daytona 200 Champion Brandon Paasch and his TOBC Racing Triumph Street Triple RS, the same bike he raced to victory last year. A victory in this year’s 200 would make Paasch the first rider in history to win three Daytona 200s in a row.

To find Paasch’s main competition, you only have to look at last year’s results. The man Paasch beat by .007 of a second is back for a second career Daytona 200 and aiming to use what he learned in his debut to put himself on the top step in Victory Lane. That rider is Attack Performance Yamaha’s Cameron Petersen. If losing by .007 of a second doesn’t make you hungry then you’re in the wrong business.

Petersen will be going it alone in the Attack team with his teammate and two-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne opting not to take part in the 200.

Petersen’s fellow South African who now calls Portugal home, Sheridan Morais, was another who likely learned when not to lead the Daytona 200 as he was also passed by Paasch on the run to the finish line and ended up third – just .057 of a second from victory. Morais will again be racing a Yamaha YZF-R6, this time under the R2CL Racing by Penz13 banner.

Four-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes was fourth in last year’s 200 and just .126 of a second from victory (you read that right – the top four were separated by just .126 of a second) so you know the bitter taste of defeat still lingers with Hayes. Thus, he’s back for more on the same Squid Hunter Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 and searching for his first Daytona 200 victory.

Daytona Fact #1: Although qualifying for the 200 is important, it’s not the be-all and end-all. Case in point: Hayes. A technical infraction during qualifying led to a penalty that resulted in Hayes being gridded dead last and 13 rows behind pole sitter Josh Herrin and his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Panigale V2. Yet he was able to fight his way through to the lead pack and end up fourth, again just .126 of a second from victory.

The top four in last year’s race did manage to break away with Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante finishing fifth but a tick over 46 seconds behind Paasch. And Escalante was well clear of sixth-placed Danny Eslick, the four-time winner of the Daytona 200. Eslick, who will be back for another crack at win number five on his TOBC Racing Triumph, beat Harry Truelove to the finish line by just .074 of a second to take the spot.

Daytona Fact #2: Although it doesn’t happen as often as you think, things can go wrong during pit stops, riders crash (even on the opening lap, believe it or not), and motorcycles have mechanical failures. So, although it’s normally the drafting battle that decides the 200, there’s always drama prior to that final run to the flag that thins the herd.

Last year’s pole sitter Herrin should also be ranked among the favorites in what will be his only Supersport appearance of the season. Last year it was a Herrin/team miscue that cost them a shot at the victory when Herrin ran out of gas prior to the first pit stop. He battled on to finish 10th. Herrin will be joined this year in the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC squad by Spaniard Xavi Fores, the Spaniard who will represent the team in the battle for the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport crown. It will mark Fores’ first foray in the Daytona 200, but he’s got plenty of experience and should be up to speed quickly.

Escalante will be joined in this year’s 200 by two teammates on the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team – Teagg Hobbs and Tyler Scott, the latter winning his first career Supersport race last year en route to finishing third in the title chase.

Others who could be considered favorites for the race include Celtic/Tytlers Cycle/TSE Racing’s PJ Jacobsen, Disrupt Racing’s Hayden Gillim, and his Disrupt Racing teammate for the 200, veteran Geoff May.

The 52 riders attempting to qualify for the 81st Daytona 200 will do so on six brands of motorcycles: Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Ducati, Triumph and MV Agusta.

Mission King Of The Baggers

Last year’s debut of the Mission King Of The Baggers on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway set the tone for what was an exciting season of Baggers racing with the title chase going down to the very last round.

The rider who emerged with the title was Indian Motorcycle/Progressive/Mission Food’s Tyler O’Hara and it was at Daytona where O’Hara got things rolling with a victory in race one by just .200 of a second over H-D Screamin’ Eagle’s Travis Wyman and by only .235 of a second over Travis’ brother, teammate and defending champion Kyle Wyman.

The other race winner from last year’s pair of races was O’Hara’s teammate Jeremy McWilliams, the 59-year-old Ulsterman taking race two by just .025 of a second over O’Hara with Bobby Fong third and just .160 of a second from victory in what was an Indian sweep of the podium.

With his win and runner-up finish in the two races, O’Hara led the title chase as MotoAmerica left Florida and headed to Road Atlanta for round two, but it would be a fight for the duration of the championship between the Indian and Harley-Davidson factory teams.

Expect more of that in 2023 with the big four factory riders (O’Hara, McWilliams and the Wyman brothers) expected to be at the front in every race that they take part in. But it won’t be just the four of them as Fong, who won a race last year, will be back on his Sac Mile/SDI Racing/Roland Sands Design Indian Challenger. But wait, there’s more.

Others who are capable of winning races at Daytona and beyond are series newcomer Jake Lewis, the former Superbike racer set to make his Mission King Of The Baggers debut on a Team Saddlemen Harley-Davidson and his teammates on the four-rider team – Cory West, Frankie Garcia and Patricia Fernandez.

Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson will feature Hayden Gillim, in his return to the class, and sophomore King Of The Baggers racer James Rispoli.

Lewis isn’t the only Superbike racer who will make his debut on a Bagger in 2023 as popular privateer Max Flinders joins the show on an M3/Revolution Performance Indian Challenger.

REV’IT! Twins Cup

The 2023 MotoAmerica REV’IT! Twins Cup Championship will get rolling with two races set for the Speedway. Last year Blake Davis started his championship-winning season with a victory in race one at Daytona with the N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto-backed Virginian topping Teagg Hobbs by a scant .065 of a second.

Davis is back to defend his title on a Biothermal/Blake Davis Racing Yamaha and will also make his debut in the Daytona 200, which means two races for the youngster.

Davis will be joined by 37 other riders who have entered the series opener, including last year’s race-two winner Hayden Schultz. Schultz bested Jody Barry in 2022’s race two by just .241 of a second. Schultz will be back for more on his Cycle Tech Yamaha YZF-R7. Ditto for Barry who will ride an Optimum Performance Motorsports Aprilia RS 660.

Others expected to be at or near the front include Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering’s Ben Gloddy, his teammate for Gus Rodio, Trackday Winner/Blackmon Racing’s Jackson Blackmon, Team ISO’s Dominic Doyle, Wrench Motorcycles’ Cody Wyman, and Altus Motorsports’ Joseph LiMandri Jr.

Kayla Yaakov, meanwhile, will also make her much-anticipated REV’IT! Twins Cup debut on the MP13 Racing Yamaha YZF-R7. Yaakov comes to Daytona a bit beaten up after a testing crash the weekend prior to the race.

Mission Super Hooligan National Championship

Last year the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship consisted of one race at Daytona International Speedway. This year there will be two.

Like the rest of the races in 2022, the Hooligan race was a thrill-fest with just .077 of a second separating winner Andy DiBrino from Cory West with Tyler O’Hara a shadow third – just .272 of a second behind DiBrino.

Expect double of that in 2023 at the Speedway as 34 riders will attempt to qualify, including DiBrino and his DiBrino Racing KTM 890 Duke R, Team Saddlemen’s West and defending class champion O’Hara on his Indian Motorcycle/Progressive/Mission Foods Indian FTR1200.

Three-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong will make his Hooligan debut at Daytona on a Roland Sands Design/Indian-backed FTR1200 and will certainly make his presence felt in the lead pack.

Ditto for Jeremy McWilliams, the Northern Irelander set for a full season of Mission Super Hooligan National Championship competition as O’Hara’s teammate.

West will also have a teammate on Team Saddlemen – his wife, Patricia Fernandez-West, who finished fifth in last year’s race.

Daytona Pre-Race Notes

Yamaha is the winningest brand by far in the Daytona 200 with 27 trips to the top step in Victory Lane since the first-ever Daytona 200 was held in January of 1937 on the old beach circuit. The winner of that first Daytona 200 was Ed Kretz, who was riding an Indian. Harley-Davidson sits second on the-all time manufacturer win list in the 200 with 16 victories, the last of which was Cal Rayborn’s victory in 1969. The third highest win total goes to Honda with 11 victories in the 200 with Jake Zemke the last rider to win the race on a Honda in 2006.

Brandon Paasch’s second consecutive victory in 2022 was Triumph’s fifth in the Daytona 200.

Paasch set the fastest lap of last year’s Daytona 200 en route to victory with the New Jerseyan lapping at 1:49.959 on the 42nd lap. He was the only rider to crack into the 1:49s and his best race lap was actually quicker than the fastest lap in qualifying set by Josh Herrin at 1:50.088. Paasch started the race from row two after qualifying fourth.

The first Daytona 200 to be run at Daytona International Speedway was in 1961 with Roger Reiman taking victory on his Harley-Davidson.

The Daytona 200 switched to Superbikes in 1985 with Freddie Spencer winning his one and only Daytona 200 on a Honda. Superbikes were featured in the 200 until 2005 when 600cc Formula Xtreme bikes took over. The FX class ran in the 200 until 600cc Daytona SportBikes were used beginning in 2009 with Ben Bostrom’s victory on a Yamaha YZF-R6.

This year’s 200 will mark the beginning of MotoAmerica’s second season of using the FIM’s “Supersport Next Generation” rules, with the class featuring Yamaha’s YZF-R6, Ducati’s Panigale V2, Suzuki’s GSX-R750 and GSX-R600, Kawasaki’s ZX-6R, Triumph’s Speed Triple RS and, new for 2023, MV Agusta’s F3RR.

Yamaha again leads the way in manufacturer representation in the Daytona 200 with 25 of the 52 riders entered on Yamaha YZF-Rs. Kawasaki and Suzuki both have nine bikes entered with Ducati fielding nine of its Panigale V2s. There will be two Triumph Street Triple RSs in the race and the lone MV Agusta.

Three former winners of the Daytona 200 will line up for this year’s race with four-time victor Danny Eslick leading the win list over two-time winner Brandon Paasch and one-time winner Josh Herrin. A victory by Eslick in this year’s race would give him five Daytona 200 wins and that would tie him with Scott “Mr. Daytona” Russell and Miguel Duhamel. Russell, incidentally, will be a spectator at Daytona, camping out with family and friends in the infield.

All five of Russell’s wins (1992, 1994, 1995, 1997 and 1998) in the Daytona 200 came when the class featured Superbikes; Miguel Duhamel won four 200s on Superbikes (’91, ‘96, ’99, 2003) and one on a 600cc Formula Xtreme bike (2005). Eslick’s four wins all came in the 600cc Daytona SportBike/Supersport era.

Four-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes will again race in the Daytona 200 on a Squid Hunter Yamaha YZF-R6 after finishing a close fourth in the four-ride scrap that went to the finish line last year. Hayes was just .126 of a second from victory. Hayes has never won a 200, though he did cross the finish line first in 2008. Hayes’ Honda CBR600RR, however, didn’t pass its post-race technical inspection and the race instead went to Chaz Davies.

Welshman Davies is the last non-American to win the Daytona 200 with Americans winning 65 of the 80 Daytona 200s.

With America leading the way in victories (65) in the Daytona 200, Canada is second with five wins – all thanks to five-time winner Miguel Duhamel. Australia is third on the list with three wins and, again, it was one rider who won the races – Mat Mladin.

Finland (Jarno Saarinen), Italy (Giacomo Agostini), Venezuela (Johnny Cecotto), France (Patrick Pons), New Zealand (Graeme Crosby) and Great Britain (Chaz Davies) all have one win apiece in the 200 and are the other foreigners to win the race.

Thirty-eight riders have entered the REV’IT! Twins Cup races for Daytona with four manufacturers represented: Yamaha, Aprilia, Suzuki, and Kawasaki.

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.

MotoE: Granado Quickest At Weather-Affected Test At Jerez

David Swarts

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March 8, 2023

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MotoE: Granado Quickest At Weather-Affected Test At Jerez

MotoE™ starts new era with emphatic lap record from Granado

It was a successful three days at Jerez for the electric field as Ducati begin their new adventure in style – with some seriously tight timesheets in the top ten

Wednesday, 08 March 2023

Lights out for the first ever FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship is getting ever closer, and the first track action for the class of 2023 has now concluded at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto. From Monday to Wednesday, the grid had four 15-minute sessions of track action each day as the new era begins, giving them time to get familiar with their new machinery and prep for the biggest season yet! So who was fastest and what did we learn?

DAY BY DAY

Monday saw the field greeted by rain, and there were a couple of riders missing as they travelled back from the recent WorldSBK round in Indonesia, including expected contender Eric Granado (LCR E-Team). The first rider out was Kevin Zannoni (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) but not by much, with everyone eager for their first taste of the new Ducati. By the second session the weather was improving before more rain at the end of play.

Tuesday began with some rain and cloudy skies, but the weather finally started to improve and the slicks came out to play. The 1:54 barrier was first bested by Mattia Casadei (Pons Racing 40) on Tuesday morning, before the Italian was joined there by compatriot – and rookie – Luca Salvadori (Prettl Pramac MotoE), as well as two-time Cup winner Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team).

By the last session of the day, it was lap record time as the weather was finally dry enough to let the riders really push. Granado set the quickest lap of the test, and there were ten riders under the 1:48 barrier by the end of the day: Granado, Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™), Nicolas Spinelli (Pons Racing 40), Casadei, rookie Randy Krummenacher (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™), Hikari Okubo (Tech 3 E-Racing), Torres, Kevin Manfredi (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse), Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) and Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team).

Wednesday saw the rain return for the first session, and the second was given over to long runs. By the third session of the day, it was improving once again and the field headed out in earnest as the sun came out. The final session was good for slicks too, with a few damper patches but the riders able to use the full 15 minutes for a little more information gathering.

Still, no one beat Granado’s new lap record from Tuesday – and the field won’t be returning to Jerez to race this season, so that will stand for some time!

THE COMBINED TIMESHEETS

The combined timesheets are pretty much just Tuesday’s running, and Granado leads the way with some time in hand as his new record of a 1:47.053 sits top of the pile. Second overall it’s 2019 Cup winner Ferrari, with rookie Spinelli impressing in third and taking the honour of top rookie.

From Spinelli’s third place down to Garzo in ninth, no gap is bigger than a tenth. Casadei is 0.026 down on Spinelli, Krummenacher 0.020 off Casadei, Okubo 0.002 off Krummenacher, Torres 0.022 off Okubo, Manfredi 0.090 off Torres and Garzo 0.057 off Manfredi. Pons, in P10, is 0.115 further back, just ahead of Tito Rabat (Prettl Pramac MotoE).

As new eras go, that’s pretty close – and there is still another three-day test for the field to learn more. They’ll be hoping for better weather for that at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, so tune in for more from the 3rd to the 5th of April!

Check out the Tuesday combined times thanks to the Circuito de Jerez: here.

TIME SCHEDULE: 2023 ROUNDS

Follow MotoE™’s new social media channels!

The FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship now has its own presence across a number of social media platforms! With an action-packed content plan coming your way in 2023, make sure to follow the electric World Championship by clicking on the icons below… and we can also be found on TikTok @motoe!

MotoAmerica: How To Watch All The Action From Daytona

David Swarts

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March 8, 2023

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MotoAmerica: How To Watch All The Action From Daytona

MotoAmerica: How To Watch the Daytona 200

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

Everything you need to know to watch all the racing from Daytona International Speeedway!

Isle Of Man TT: Brookes Returns With FHO Racing BMW

David Swarts

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March 8, 2023

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Isle Of Man TT: Brookes Returns With FHO Racing BMW

JOSH BROOKES RETURNS TO THE ISLE OF MAN TT WITH FHO RACING

FHO Racing is delighted to announce that Josh Brookes will take part in this year’s Isle of Man TT Races on BMW machinery, as he returns to the famous 37.73-mile Mountain course after a five-year hiatus.

Making his long-awaited comeback to the Isle of Man, Josh will contest both Superstock races, as well as the Superbike TT and the blue-riband Senior TT aboard the BMW M 1000 RR, alongside teammate and nine-time TT winner Peter Hickman.

Josh made his debut at the TT in 2013 where he set a new fastest newcomers lap record (127.726mph), finishing 10th in the Superbike race. In 2014 he bettered his result in the Senior race finishing seventh, as well as securing 10th in the Superbike TT. With a small break between years, Josh headed back to the TT in 2017 and 2018, where in ’18 he scored his highest placed result in the Senior coming home fifth.

Faye Ho’s squad, FHO Racing is the official BMW Motorrad UK supported team on the Roads, as well as in the British Superbike Championship. In 2022 making its TT debut, the team celebrated a hat-trick of wins with Peter Hickman in the Superbike, Senior and Superstock races.

The Isle of Man TT Races gets underway, with first practice taking place on Monday 29 May. With a new-look schedule for 2023, the RST Superbike race is schedule for Sunday 4 June, the two RL360 Superstock races on 6th and 9th June and the Milwaukee Senior TT taking place on Saturday 10th June, click here for the full schedule.

Josh Brookes:

“I’m pleased it’s now out there and we can announce my return to the TT. It’s one of the most common subjects I get asked throughout the year at BSB, the fans always want to know; ‘are you coming back to the TT?’, will you ever be back?’, and ‘do you want to come back?’ It’s good to have the box ticked and now be able to say it’s happening!”

“Like all the other times I’ve been to the TT I’m both nervous and excited. It’s a big event and it’s thrilling, but it does create nerves and it’s full of emotion. FHO Racing has a great background at the event with all they achieved last year, I also have both the perfect and potentially the worst teammate with Pete.”

“The event has changed a little since I last raced in 2018, with the new schedule for this season with the change in the practice format and the Senior moved to the final Saturday, but I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and riding the Mountain course once again.”

Faye Ho – Team Principal:

“I’m very excited to have Josh joining us for the TT this year, he has a good history at the event securing the fastest newcomer lap in 2013 and he’s also achieved some good results, especially in the Senior TT having finished fifth previously.”

“Although BSB is our main priority with Josh for this season, he was keen to return to the TT after a five-year break and we were happy to support him in the Superbike, Senior and Superstock races on the M 1000 RR. I can’t wait to see him in action out there, and I think alongside Pete, we will have a strong presence at the TT.”

American Flat Track: 2023 Season Kicks Off March 9-10 At Daytona

David Swarts

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March 8, 2023

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American Flat Track: 2023 Season Kicks Off March 9-10 At Daytona

Progressive AFT Primed to Shine as ‘23 Season Launches with Daytona Bike Week Doubleheader

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The world’s greatest motorcycle dirt trackers are now just days away from kicking their 2023 Progressive American Flat Track campaigns off in supreme style, as the series revives a hallowed Daytona Bike Week tradition. The chase for the Championship is set to begin in electric fashion as the sport takes center stage under the lights of the Flat Track at Daytona International Speedway not once, but twice, with the DAYTONA Short Track I & II presented by Daytona Dodge on Thursday, March 9, and Friday, March 10, in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The return of the DAYTONA Short Track season launch reconnects the series with a previous era. Progressive AFT made 0.25-mile circuits in Daytona Beach the annual home for its opener from 1989 through 2016, first at Municipal Stadium, before moving to the DIS Flat Track – located just outside NASCAR Turn 2 at the World Center of Racing – in 2010. The event’s return is an apt way to open what promises to be a special season, featuring jammed packed entry lists loaded up with an incredible array of talent and equipment.

Over the decades, the DAYTONA Short Track opener shined a spotlight on flat track’s most legendary riders, with Hall of Famers Scott Parker, Chris Carr, Will Davis, and Kenny Coolbeth all standing atop the podium. One of the sport’s all-time greats who has yet to triumph at the venue, however, is reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750). As a result, Mees will be properly motivated to add the DAYTONA Short Track to his extensive list of career victories while simultaneously kickstarting his title defense.

He’ll need to conquer a 25-rider deep pool of challengers that’s absolutely brimming with talent. Headlining that list is two-time series champion and ‘22 runner-up Briar Bauman (No. 3 Rick Ware Racing KTM 890 Duke). Bauman comes in just days removed from the major announcement that he’ll be competing aboard KTM equipment, backed by the powerhouse Rick Ware Racing operation that enters the sport after previously making its mark in NASCAR, IndyCar, IMSA, NHRA, and AMA and FIM Supercross, among others.

Other expected frontrunners include Estenson Racing teammates Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), who come into the season looking to take yet another step forward following a breakthrough ‘22 campaign, and Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), who has taken multiple wins in each of the past four seasons.

Another rider to keep tabs on this week is Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Martin Trucking/Castrol Yamaha MT-07). While no longer a full-time series contender, Halbert owns a sparkling history at the venue, boasting four prior DAYTONA ST wins.

While no one will be shocked if any of the aforementioned six stand atop the podium this week, the DAYTONA Short Track is also famous for delivering massive upsets to start the year. In fact, before they were established title fighters, Bauman and Robinson each earned their first career premier-class wins at the event.

There’s a long list of dark horse picks to back, even if it’s not exactly accurate to cast the likes of Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750), Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing KTM 890 Duke), Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), Mikey Rush (No. 15 Maxwell Industries/Triumph Bob Harley-Davidson XG750R), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), and Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07) as underdogs.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

2022 Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champion Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE) will brandish the #1 plate for the first time at the DAYTONA Short Track where the prodigy’s prospects for successfully defending his crown will immediately be put to the test.

The class field is 44 riders deep and stocked up with the best 450cc dirt trackers the world has to offer, representing six different nations with a bevy of titles to their names.

Kopp’s biggest rival might just be his teammate, Australian Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE), a two-time championship runner-up.

Meanwhile, Whale’s compatriot, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), is widely expected to be an instant contender as flashing incredible speed in limited appearances last season, as he joins multi-race winner Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) at Estenson Racing.

That international flair is further enhanced this week by the entrances of the reigning FIM Flat Track World Champion, Spaniard Gerard Bailo (No. 317 Asap Risk Brokers/Noyes Camp Honda CRF450R) and the world’s third-ranked rider, Ervín Krajčovič (No. 341 Moto Racing Group Honda CRF450R) from the Czech Republic, along with Briton Gary Birtwistle (No. 111 Happy Trails Racing/Jeffrey Carver Husqvarna FC450), the defending UK DTRA Pro Singles and Twins champion, and Canadian Hunter Bauer (No. 24 KTM 450 SX-F), who scored his maiden Progressive AFT podium last season.

The most imposing threat of all may hail from closer to home, however, as the American Honda-backed Turner Racing squad goes from strength to strength. It will once again field a talented trio, adding Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) to holdovers Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).

2019 Parts Unlimited AFT Singles champion and ‘22 runner-up Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) will be a championship favorite again in 2023, while 2018 class king Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Corbin/Vinson Construction Yamaha YZ450F) is doing double duty in DAYTONA, competing in both classes.

Of course, fans will be thrilled to witness the return of the class’ all-time winningest rider, Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Rick Ware Racing KTM 450 SX-F), who will look to add to her historic Parts Unlimited AFT wins tally immediately.

Meanwhile, Texter-Bauman’s brother Cory Texter has graduated to management duties this season as he oversees a revamped 1st Impressions Race Team that will field Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) and James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450).

Considering the full list of realistic podium hopefuls – many of whom have gone unmentioned – just making the Main Event will be an accomplishment of its own this week.

No matter how it all shakes down, the season is guaranteed to open on a high note as ‘22 champions Mees and Kopp will be awarded their handcrafted championship rings custom designed by Thom Duma Fine Jewelers (TDFJ) during Thursday’s Opening Ceremonies.

The action will be further enhanced by the inclusion of the Grand National Hooligan Championship on Thursday with the Astros Invitational adding to the show on Friday.

There will be plenty to keep fans entertained off the track as well, including numerous vendors, plenty of food and beverage options, live music, and extensive motorcycle parking.

Upper Rim Road – Standing Room Only tickets are just $25 (kids 12 and under just $5), while Reserved Grandstand tickets start at $40. Purchasing tickets for both days in advance provides a Multi-Day Discount that takes $10 off the final ticket price.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/daytona-short-track-i-59082 to purchase tickets for the DAYTONA Short Track I presented by Daytona Dodge.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/daytona-short-track-ii-59083 to purchase tickets for the DAYTONA Short Track II presented by Daytona Dodge.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/daytona-short-track-i-and-ii-59081 to purchase tickets for both rounds in order to take advantage of the Multi-Day Discount.

Additionally, Progressive AFT has teamed up with MotoAmerica to offer the America Super Ticket, which provides race fans admission to the DAYTONA Short Track I & II and the DAYTONA 200 for $100. You can purchase the America Super Ticket at https://bit.ly/3XSrSaj.

Paddock Access Upgrades are also available for purchase, which provide all-day access to the pits where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.

Gates will open for fans at 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT on both days. You can catch the livestream of all the weekend’s racing activities on FansChoice.tv. FansChoice.tv provides free-to-view livestreaming of Practice and Qualifying. FansChoice.tv subscribers will then be able to watch the drama unfold from Opening Ceremonies through the Heats, LCQs, Main Events, and podium celebrations. FansChoice.tv offers two subscription options, granting unlimited access to premium AFT content. Monthly subscriptions start at just $7.99, while a six-month subscription is available for $44.99.

FOX Sports coverage, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 from the Daytona Short Track I on March 18 at 10:30 a.m. ET (7:30 a.m. PT) and Daytona Short Track II on March 19 at 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT).

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

About Progressive American Flat Track

Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.

Daytona 200: Now For Something Completely Different

David Swarts

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March 8, 2023

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Daytona 200: Now For Something Completely Different

FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

By Nick Ienatsch

A Racer’s Trip to Daytona

Moto-poetry of racing’s challenges

The rig knifed through the Texas gloom just before one am

A truck and trailer stuffed with bikes…and a kid with a plan.

The kid held the wheel easily, his brain fastened on Daytona’s track

With some thoughts for Road Atlanta and then Elkhart Lake after that.

As his eyes scanned the road and checked the left mirror

His heart leapt to his throat: the trailer axle was on fire!

Panicked eyes wide he swerved onto the shoulder

Leapt out of the cab while the axle continued to smolder.

The kid slumped against the trailer because he was still 14 hours out

Louisiana and Florida weren’t happening tonight and the whole weekend was in doubt.

He fished out his phone but cell service was gone

Interstate 10 was practically empty and he stood there alone.

His dad and uncle were flying into Daytona today

Planning to prep and get the kid underway.

He’d been to the high banks and had amateur success

But this was the year he’d fight the nation’s best.

As he squatted by the smoking axle he saw the bearing still red

He’d experienced trailer issues and knew that axle was dead.

The kid knew what do to, get his pit scooter and helmet

And ride as fast as possible to the nearest settlement.

But at that moment he heard a huge roar

And from the west came a semi-truck running full bore.

The huge Peterbilt started braking as the driver downshifted

Veering onto the shoulder, illuminating the kid’s arms uplifted.

With a whoosh of air the big Pete’s brakes were set

And down from the tow-truck cab jumped a man quick and adept.

As the kid shook his hand he eyed the driver’s huge black machine

It was the nicest rig on the road…low, mean and clean.

“Saw your campfire from the other lane,” this driver drawled with an easy smile,

“Trailers only break in the middle of the night with no help for miles.”

The tow-truck driver was only a few years older than the kid

But brought confidence and composure to the teenager’s recent skid.

“I’ve got a trailer full of bikes, I’m headed to the Daytona 200 race,

Tomorrow is signup and setup and I’m stuck in this place.”

The kid’s eyes narrowed in frustration and lost chances

As he outlined his plans to his recent acquaintance.

The driver nodded and his easy smile reappeared,

“I’m a dealer for these axles…let me see what you’ve got here.”

The kid had a flicker of hope but then slumped to his knees

“I can’t miss practice, my bikes are all new to me.”

“I’m up against the factories,” the kid’s words tumbled out.

“We’re strong privateers but I need laps, no doubt.

We repacked the bearings of this trailer last week

We’ve never been more prepared, but now things look bleak.”

The tow-truck driver glanced up to the skies

Thinking of time and distance and the challenge of lapping Daytona with the front guys.

“I hear what you’re sayin’,” he said with a sigh,

“My family’s done a little racin’…I know the lows and the highs.”

The driver snapped his fingers and pointed at the kid.

“Hey, climb up in my truck and take the left bed,

I’ll look over this sitch as you get rested

Maybe we can get this axle fixed and tested.”

The kid had never imagined a truck like this one tonight,

He climbed in and found the bed and was soon out like a light.

As he fell asleep, he heard the sound of a pneumatic jack and gun

The previous panic and dashed dreams…could this fix be done?

The kid woke to the rumble and roar of the Pete,

Peering into the cab to see the driver at speed.

The needle said 105 mph as they flashed through the dark

Halfway through Louisiana already, like a 30-ton dart.

“Welcome back to the world,” the driver drawled over the growl of the stacks,

“I’m testing your rig, it’s hooked onto the back.”

The sound and the speed and the flair of the driver

Gave the kid hope, even though it was just a sliver.

He’d put it all on the line for this year’s racing

A life of sacrifice, aimed at a year-end top placing.

It was do or die because this year was the decider,

He needed a string of success to become a factory rider.

He dozed back to sleep as the rig shredded the dawn

Greeting the sun with the Cat engine at full song.

He dreamed of championships in his near future

As the driver guided the kid’s mind and the Pete with the touch of a master.

The kid popped awake to a complete lack of sound

Stumbling out of the cab to see his own rig off the hook and on the ground.

The tow-truck driver was checking his work

Looking up from the trailer after affirming the torque.

“You are all set, get your ass in the truck,

The high banks are waiting and I’m wishing you luck.”

The kid, not yet fully awake, blustered into the morning air,

“Where are we and what do I owe you for the night of repair?”

The driver reached in and started the kid’s truck

“We’re in Tallahassee and you’re only four hours from the track.

I’m turning north to Kentucky so I’ll drop you right here,

The axles were under warranty so our ledger is clear.”

The kid was speechless as he stared at his savior.

“But you’ve saved my Daytona…I’d never have made it without your work on my trailer.

And then you towed me through Louisiana, driving all night

I don’t know what I’d have done without you.” Tears made the kid’s eyes bright.

The driver stepped closer and clasped the kid’s hand,

“You have a chance to live a life few others can.

Not many have the talent, the chance, the money and inner resolve

To race at the front in a sport so involved.”

The driver stared into the distance and then back to the kid,

He stepped in close and the young man’s focus was riveted.

“I don’t care what brand of bike is in the trailer, they can all be the best,

It’s what’s in here that makes all the difference,” tapping the kid’s chest.

“I’ve seen great bikes ridden slowly and bad bikes dominate,

I’ve seen passion and desire overcome money and names supposedly great.

It’s when you’re all-in that racing becomes magic

When you put it all on the line, overcoming obstacles that for some are tragic.”

“Can you run it in deep to gain that position,

Can you look at the weather and make the right decision?

Are you able to take big chances on that first lap

Or push shagged tires when you get the white flag?

Is your warrior spirit alive and strong

Are you confident enough to prove your critics wrong?

Do you hate to lose and almost die when you do,

Is winning what makes up the man that is you?”

The driver spun on his heel and headed for his Pete

His words hanging in the air, hitting the kid way down deep.

“I can’t thank you enough Sir!” the kid cried out quickly.

“You don’t have to call me Sir, kid…the whole world calls me Nicky.”

In memory of our friend and World Champion, Nicky Hayden.

Nicky Hayden, circa 2001. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

GASGAS Is Looking For A Street Ambassador

David Swarts

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March 8, 2023

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GASGAS Is Looking For A Street Ambassador

GASGAS IS ON THE HUNT FOR A NEW STREET AMBASSADOR!

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO SHOWCASE OUR NEW GASGAS SM 700?

Who’s ready to become a GASGAS street ambassador? After taking our first steps onto the street with the launch of our SM 700 in 2022, we’re now looking to hook someone up with a brand-new, customized bike (an SM 700, of course!), a spare parts budget, some cool, custom-made GASGAS leathers, as well as exclusive invites to GASGAS events. Sound good? Think you’re the right person for the job? Well, what we need is someone who’s just as passionate about riding as we are. Someone with the ability to film and create content featuring all the good times they’re guaranteed to have with the SM 700. If that’s you, get ready, fire up the ‘gram, and show us your skills and creativity.

GASGAS is looking for a new street ambassador

Ride a customized SM 700 for one year

Represent GASGAS while doing what you love!

Read all of our requirements, right here!

Representing GASGAS while riding an SM 700 is what this is all about. We’re looking for someone who loves street riding and all that it represents, someone that enjoys good times on two wheels (any day on a bike is better than a good day at work, right?), and most of all is passionate about recording and sharing their unique and fun experiences. We want someone that’s super enthusiastic, bursting with energy, and has the courage to do things their way.

For aspiring, or maybe established content creators, here’s exactly what we’re looking for. We’re after a one-minute video that really catches the attention of anyone watching, as this is the kinda content we’ll want from the lucky person who gets their hands on an awesome SM 700. Tell us who you are, what GASGAS means to you, and give a flavor of your ideas in the most creative way possible while showing us your riding skills. And who knows, it could be you we call up in a few weeks’ time.

So, do you think you have what it takes to become an ambassador for our SM 700? If you do, hit this link for all the essential details and to register, then upload your content to your channels using #GASGASStreetAmbassador and maybe, just maybe, an SM 700 will be on its way to you very, very soon!

Head to the website now and move one step closer to becoming our GASGAS street ambassador!

Daytona 200: Top Teams Hold Shakedown Test At Roebling Road Raceway

David Swarts

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March 7, 2023

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Daytona 200: Top Teams Hold Shakedown Test At Roebling Road Raceway

In preparation for the MotoAmerica Daytona 200 and its support races, several top teams held a shakedown test March 6-7 at Roebling Road Raceway, near Savannah, Georgia, which is about 230 miles north of Daytona Beach, Florida.

Riding on the fast and flowing two-mile road course in decent weather conditions were:

Celtic Racing/Tytlers Cycle/TSE Racing Yamaha’s PJ Jacobsen, who is racing in his first Daytona 200 since 2011;

Indian Motorcycle/Progressive/Mission Foods’ Jeremy McWilliams and Tyler O’Hara, who tested both their Indian Challenger King Of The Baggers racebikes and their Indian FTR 1200 Super Hooligan machines but travel problems limited McWilliams to just one day of riding;

Defending Champion Tyler O'Hara (1) on his Indian FTR 1200 Super Hooligan racebike. Photo by Lisa Theobald. — Defending Champion Tyler O’Hara (1) on his Indian FTR 1200 Super Hooligan racebike. Photo by Lisa Theobald.

MP13 Racing Yamaha’s Kayla Yaakov, who rode her YZF-R7 Twins Cup racer;

Squid Hunter Racing Yamaha’s Josh Hayes, who is coming back from a broken leg suffered in September 2022 and is shooting for his first Daytona 200 win and MotoAmerica/AMA career win #87, which will be the most all-time;

Josh Hayes (4) will be looking to make history at Daytona. Photo by Lisa Theobald.

Team Saddlemen’s Patricia Fernandez-West, Frankie Garcia, Jake Lewis, and Cory West, whose Harley-Davidson Road Glide baggers and Pan America 1250 Super Hooligan racebikes showed up late, limiting them to only one day of riding on Tuesday;

TOBC Racing Triumph’s Danny Eslick and Brandon Paasch, who are looking for their fifth and third Daytona 200 victories, respectively;

Danny Eslick (69) is going for his fifth Daytona 200 win. Photo by Lisa Theobald.

TSE/Truelove Brothers Racing Yamaha’s Matt Truelove, who is making his second appearance in the Daytona 200 after finishing 12th in 2022;

Richie Escalante (54) at speed on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750. Photo by Lisa Theobald.

Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante, Teagg Hobbs, and Tyler Scott, who will be riding their Next-Generation Supersport GSX-R750s at Daytona;

Teagg Hobbs (79) will be making his debut for Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki at Daytona. Photo by Lisa Theobald.

Tyler Scott (70), age 17, will be making his Daytona 200 debut. Photo by Lisa Theobald.

Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York’s Xavi Fores and Josh Herrin, with Herrin spending time on both the Panigale V2 he will race in the Daytona 200 and the Panigale V4 R he will race later this year in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship.

Xavi Fores (12) at speed on his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York Panigale V2. Photo by Lisa Theobald.

Josh Herrin (2) took advantage of the test to get some seat time on his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York Panigale V4 R Superbike. Photo by Lisa Theobald.

No lap times were available as it was a semi-private test with no official timing and scoring equipment running.

Triumph Reports Record-Breaking Global Sales In 2022

David Swarts

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March 7, 2023

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Triumph Reports Record-Breaking Global Sales In 2022

2022: A Record-Breaking Year For Triumph Motorcycles

Triumph Motorcycles, the original British Motorcycle Brand, closed 2022 with record-breaking global sales results. Since 2020 Triumph’s sales have increased by a record 31% with 83,389 riders worldwide purchasing a Triumph motorcycle in 2022, enabling the Hinckley-based brand to break every previous retail-sales record.

This was achieved with Triumph’s premium dealer network increasing to more than 740 dealers worldwide, representing a 6% growth over 2021.

In 2022 Triumph fans and customers enthusiastically welcomed the stunning new Speed Triple 1200 RR and the all-new Tiger Sport 660, which was nominated Bike of The Year 2022 by Motorcycle News with nearly 7,000 bikes sold within the year. Adventure riders were also gifted with the launch of the class-leading Tiger 1200, which was highly praised by the worldwide motorcycling press. Since its arrival in March through the end of 2022, the all-new Tiger 1200 had been trusted and chosen by almost 6,800 customers, breaking all previous Tiger 1200 sales records achieved in any 12-month period.

Triumph then launched the stunning Chrome Collection, available for one year only, bringing a unique, bold and beautiful new take on the latest generation of Triumph’s legendary modern classic Bonneville line-up and world leading Rocket 3. Triumph’s iconic Modern Classics range played a crucial role in the 2022 results, with more than 30,000 customers around the world choosing the new Bonneville family.

To close 2022 Triumph also launched a new Street Triple 765, with R and RS versions as well as a stunning Moto2™ Limited Edition, which is nearly sold out ahead of its arrival in June.

Some incredible partnerships were also key factors in making 2022 the best year ever for Triumph. The year started with the announcement of a partnership with Breitling watches, which saw the development of a truly unique and premium limited edition of Triumph’s class-leading Speed Twin and Breitling’s distinctive Top Time watch. All 270 Speed Twin Breitling Limited Edition bikes were sold out within minutes from the reveal.

Triumph also embarked in a unique collaboration with Gibson Guitars which resulted the development of a one-off custom edition Les Paul Standard Reissue and Bonneville T120, featuring a host of beautiful hand-detailed custom touches designed and applied in the Triumph factory workshop. Both the unique T120 and Les Paul guitar were given as the main prize for the 2022 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride’s highest fundraiser.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride also represented another record in 2022 which Triumph contributed to as the main partner. The event took place in its pre-COVID format, breaking the previous fundraising record. 93,456 riders in 802 cities, spread across 104 countries, dressed dapper and rode their classic motorcycles, raising close to $6M USD to support prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. Compared to the last pre-COVID edition in 2019, the 2022 DGR raised 4% more, which was 47% higher than achieved in 2021.

2022 also marked the 60^th anniversary of James Bond, and being the official motorcycle partner, Triumph Motorcycles celebrated it with the creation of 60 Limited Edition Speed Triple 1200 RR motorcycles, which were sold out within minutes from the reveal. In addition, there was also an auction at Christie’s of an original Scrambler 1200 XE used in the latest Bond movie “No Time to Die”, which sold for £138,600.

During 2022 Triumph also set pivotal milestones in its racing history with the announcement of its entry into the MXGP and SuperMotocross paddocks starting in 2024. Triumph’s racing commitment was further strengthened by what is now the company’s established presence as exclusive Moto2™ engines supplier, which has been redefining the category since 2019 setting one record after another, with 72 race and outright lap records, 21 different race winners, with 8 different winners in 2022 alone, 300km/h top speed reached at least once in each season, and over one million kms raced, a milestone that was achieved during the last race weekend of 2022 in Valencia proving the 765 triple engine’s outstanding performance and reliability.

Paul Stroud – Triumph Chief Commercial Officer

“2022 was an incredible year for us at Triumph and despite some supply chain challenges we were able to deliver to our customers a record number of motorcycles.

Italy and Spain led the way in Europe with their respective +18% and +22% growth on 2021 and France confirmed itself to be Europe’s biggest market for Triumph, with more than 10,600 bikes sold and a 5% growth on 2021.

North America totalled almost 15,000 bikes sold, and grew 2% on the previous year, whilst Brazil had an outstanding 8% growth compared to 2021.

The record growth that we have achieved in the last two years is a testament to the global commitment of the Triumph team at our headquarters in Hinckley, in our factories and in every single subsidiary and dealership around the world.”

Nick Bloor – Triumph CEO

“Everyone working within the Triumph family should be incredibly proud, and I would like to thank everyone within the team, including our global dealer partners, for their great achievements.

Such record-breaking results can only be achieved when everyone is giving their best to provide our customers with, as we say in our mission, The Perfect Ride.

I can’t think of a better way to close the year in which we celebrated our 120^th Anniversary.”

American Flat Track: Progressive Insurance Renews As Title Sponsor

March 8, 2023

Progressive Insurance will continue as the title sponsor of the American Flat Track (AFT) series for several years to come. Photo courtesy AFT. — Progressive Insurance has signed a multi-year renewal to continue as the title sponsor of the American Flat Track (AFT) series. Photo courtesy AFT.