Kawasaki Celebrating 70 Years Of Making Motorcycles

David Swarts

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August 10, 2023

Kawasaki Celebrating 70 Years Of Making Motorcycles

Kawasaki Celebrates 70 Years of Motorcycles

Milestones through the Decades

Foothill Ranch, Calif. – In September of 2023, Kawasaki Motors celebrates its 70th anniversary of making motorcycles, first making its forays into the motorcycle business in 1953. After the end of World War II, Kawasaki produced motorcycle engines under the name of “Kawasaki Machine Works.” Since then, Kawasaki has continued to Let the Good Times Roll® and has strived to share “Fun to Ride” motorcycles with our customers around the world. Today, Kawasaki motorcycles are sold in more than 90 countries and regions.

To commemorate Kawasaki Motorcycles’ 70-year anniversary, a special exhibition will be held at Kawasaki USA Heritage Hall in Foothill Ranch, California as well as Kawasaki Good Times World in Kobe, Japan starting in September 2023. The display will focus on the history of the motorcycle business in the U.S. market, which marked a major turning point in Kawasaki’s overseas strategy. It will be the first in a series of events to commemorate this special anniversary.

Working toward upholding our mission statement of “Working for the happiness and joy of all those whose lives Kawasaki touches,” Kawasaki aims to keep moving forward and growing into the future.

A 1953 Kawasaki KE-1 motorcycle engine. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

Kawasaki’s Motorcycle Business in the U.S. Market

Kawasaki’s path to success in the motorcycle industry, which began with the launch of the KE-1 motorcycle engine in 1953, was not a smooth one. Several efforts were made to try to expand sales, including working with trading companies to expand to overseas markets, in addition to a business alliance and subsequent merger with the Meguro Manufacturing Company. However, each of these efforts failed to produce the sales results that Kawasaki had hoped for.

It was decided that selling directly to dealers would be the better business model, so in 1966 American Kawasaki Motors was established. Kawasaki’s US operations began with only 10 employees and adopted an innovative policy of “localism” before going on to develop motorcycles like the Kawasaki A1 Samurai 250, Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III and iconic Kawasaki Z1 900 for the U.S. market. Early on, Kawasaki USA launched a new kind of sales policy aimed at expansion that included the industry’s first model year system and worked to strengthen relationships with dealers by setting up branches in every region of the U.S., thereby consolidating its base in the U.S. market.

A 1968 Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

In 1974, Kawasaki made a $20 million investment to build a manufacturing plant in Lincoln, Nebraska to be in-line with a coming shift to a floating exchange rate in the U.S. Kawasaki’s Lincoln plant became the first plant built by any Japanese auto or motorcycle manufacturer in the U.S., and it remains Kawasaki’s main plant to this day. It is where all Kawasaki Jet Ski® personal watercrafts and side x sides including the Teryx® and MULE™ are still manufactured today.

A 1972 Kawasaki Z1 900. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

Along with this year marking the 70th anniversary of Kawasaki Motorcycles, two other well-known brands in the U.S. market the KX™ and Jet Ski® brand will mark their 50-year anniversaries, while next year the American-born Ninja® brand will mark its 40th anniversary.

ABOUT KAWASAKI

Kawasaki started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. is committed to maintaining and furthering these strengths which will surely give birth to new legends.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at KMC’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the Good Times Roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com

RideSmart Adds MotoAmerica-Only Sessions To Sept. 2-3 Track Days At COTA

David Swarts

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August 10, 2023

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RideSmart Adds MotoAmerica-Only Sessions To Sept. 2-3 Track Days At COTA

Editorial Note: Under MotoAmerica rules, only some competitors are allowed to test at a MotoAmerica race venue within 30 days prior to a race event. Refer to the 2023 MotoAmerica rulebook or call MotoAmerica to see if you are allowed to ride in this event.

Ridesmart Motorcycle School has an exciting announcement for the upcoming Labor Day COTA event!

With MotoAmerica racing the weekend of Sept 8th, many MotoAmerica racers will be attending the RideSmart Labor Day Event. Due to this we have added a “MotoAmerica Only” level. This level addition will have minimal impact on everyone else’s day, everyone still gets 6 full sessions. To accomplish this, we worked with COTA to add 2 more hours of riding. The track will go hot at 8am, we will ride through lunch, and will end at 6pm. This MotoAmerica Only level was added to ensure everyone enjoys their day in the safest possible environment. You must be a licensed MotoAmerica rider to register in this special group. We have moved those MotoAmerica riders that responded to our prior emails concerning this adjustment.

Spaces for both days in most levels are open now on our website.

MotoGP: Bautista Racing As Wild Card At Sepang

David Swarts

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August 10, 2023

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MotoGP: Bautista Racing As Wild Card At Sepang

Alvaro Bautista to contest the MotoGP Grand Prix of Malaysia at Sepang aboard the Ducati Desmosedici GP of the Aruba.it Racing team

Alvaro Bautista and the Aruba.it Racing team will fly to Malaysia from 10th-12th November 2023 to take part in the Grand Prix of Malaysia, which will be held at Sepang International Circuit two weeks after the conclusion of the Superbike World Championship, from 27th-29th October, at Jerez de la Frontera (Spain).

For Ducati, it will be the third Wild Card of the 2023 season after participating in the two Italian Grands Prix with Michele Pirro at Mugello in May and the upcoming San Marino GP in Misano on the next 8th-10th September. Since last year, Ducati has further strengthened its partnership with Aruba.it by contesting three MotoGP events with the same liveries as the factory Panigale V4 R machine of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team in the WorldSBK Championship.

Following two recent tests at Misano aboard the Ducati Desmosedici GP – which provided convincing feedback – reigning World Champion and current WorldSBK Championship leader Alvaro Bautista will return to contest a MotoGP race after his last appearance in Valencia (Spain) in 2018.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #1)

“I’m really happy to be able to race in MotoGP as a Wild Card at Sepang, a track that I really like and that I’m happy to be back at since it’s not on the WorldSBK calendar. The tests with the Ducati Desmosedici GP gave positive feedback: the feeling was good, and I had fun. I want to sincerely thank Ducati and Aruba.it because, without them, it would have been impossible to have this opportunity. At the same time, I would like to say that this MotoGP race will be a bonus for me and not a priority. That’s why we must stay focused on the WorldSBK Championship, which is the only thing that matters now. I want to stay focused for this last part of the season, which will be very demanding, with many races in a short time. The feeling with the Panigale V4 R machine is good, and I hope to continue on this path. Then, when the season ends, we’ll think about going to Malaysia and having fun. Now I’ll have a little holiday, and then we’ll be back at Magny-Cours.”

MotoGP: Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing, And Ducati Continuing Together In 2024

David Swarts

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August 10, 2023

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MotoGP: Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing, And Ducati Continuing Together In 2024

ALEX AND GRESINI TOGETHER ALSO IN 2024

GRESINI RACING EXTENDS ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH DUCATI

Few days ago at Silverstone, Alex Marquez scored his maiden MotoGP race win adding to his tally of one podium and a pole position in just a few months with Team Gresini Racing MotoGP. There was no chance this series of results would not have led to the partnership extension between the Faenza-based team and the two-time world champion.

Not only results on the plate for the Italian-Spanish combination, but also an incredible potential that was shown on several occasion already – with the new goal of being among the protagonists on a consistent basis in 2024.

Team Gresini Racing also made official a new agreement with Ducati Corse for the two-year period 2024-2025. The tally consists of five wins already, three podiums, three pole positions and 355 points bagged in less than two seasons.

ALEX MARQUEZ

“I’m very happy to continue with the team. I’ve always expressed this desire of mine and when things go the right way it’s even easier to understand each other. To continue together for the next season is key in order to keep growing with this bike, and with this team everything is going to be easier. I would like to thank Nadia first and foremost, and then the whole team who made me feel at home from day one. We’ll keep growing and surprising.”

NADIA PADOVANI GRESINI – TEAM OWNER

“Alex is first of all a wonderful person and it was a pleasure to welcome him in our Gresini Family. The results speak for themselves and it was a logical step for us to continue together and raise the bar some more. He already scored a race win and a pole position in his debut year with Ducati, showing he could battle with the best from the get-go. We will now try to find some continuity together in the next season. I would like to thank the whole Ducati family as we’ll continue with them for the next two years; we already showed we are a good combination this year as well as in 2022… so the goal is to continue to excite and be excited.”

LUIGI DALL’IGNA – DUCATI CORSE GENERAL MANAGER

“We are delighted to continue to have the Gresini Racing MotoGP team in the Ducati family for two more seasons. They are an extremely professional outfit and, over the years, have shown that they have the potential to aspire to great results. Last year they scored four beautiful victories with our Desmosedici GP machine, and this season they clinched a podium, a pole position, and a win in the last GP Sprint with Alex Marquez. We are sure that together we will achieve more success in the future and continue to grow race by race”.

American Flat Track: Tight Championship Fight Heads To Castle Rock TT

David Swarts

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August 9, 2023

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Storylines Collide as Progressive AFT Invades Castle Rock

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 9, 2023) – A year ago, Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, made its long-awaited return to Castle Rock Race Park in glorious, sell-out fashion. This weekend, the series will only build on that success by bringing twin A1 stories to the 29th CertainTeed Castle Rock TT presented by Law Tigers in Castle Rock, Washington, on Saturday, August 12.

The headliners are obvious. Last year’s winner and Washington native, JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), arrives at the venue where he grew up racing with designs on winning a ninth TT in his most recent 10 attempts.

Meanwhile, reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle king Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) comes to Castle Rock holding a mere five-point advantage over up-and-coming challenger Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) in their season-long struggle for the 2023 Grand National Championship.

Those two storylines are intertwined as Beach’s TT excellence potentially positions him as a points buffer should either Mees or Daniels manage to get in front of him to slot between themself and their title rival. Such an outcome could prove the difference this season, particularly for Daniels who is desperate to make up the deficit ahead of September’s Springfield doubleheader finale.

Daniels showed the outright pace to seriously challenge Beach at Castle Rock a year ago, only to have his chances end when his bike stalled off the start. Despite being forced to line up on the back row for the restart, the ascendant ace somehow slashed his way up to fourth on a track that proved extremely difficult to overtake on.

Mees, meanwhile, used that fact to his advantage, holding another TT extraordinaire, Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke), at bay to finish as the ‘22 race runner-up.

Bauman, meanwhile, leads an impressive line-up of potential spoilers who could yet play a pivotal role in the championship battle. Others who have demonstrated the chops to run up front this weekend include another Washingtonian, three-time Castle Rock TT winner Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Martin Trucking/Castrol Yamaha MT-07), and Henry Wiles (No. 17 BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750), the series’ all-time winningest TT rider.

Meanwhile, Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke) and Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750) all registered top-ten results here a year ago and will no doubt look to push their way even further up the order in the ‘23 rematch.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

This weekend, Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) will be presented with the rare opportunity to earn his first-career TT victory, tie Dallas Daniels’ record for most wins in a single Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER, and sew up his second-consecutive championship, all in front of his home crowd.

All he has to do now is go out and win. If he does, all of the above are guaranteed to happen. Easier said than done, however. Kopp showcased the speed and style to stand atop the box here a year ago, but poor starts and a costly crash prevented it from transpiring. Now he returns motivated, confident, and boasting a 49-point advantage to work with.

Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) took the victory and will be a favorite to fight up front again this time around. So too will Estenson Racing teammates, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), who currently rank 2-3 in the points, respectively, after finishing 1-2 in the opposite order a couple weeks back at the Peoria TT.

Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450), Aiden RoosEvans (No. 26 A1R Racing/FRA Trust Honda CRF450R), and James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) all enjoyed strong outings at Castle Rock a year ago and there’s no reason to think they won’t be factors again this time around.

Another rider to keep tabs on is the ultra-versatile Ryan Sipes (No. 264 Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull GASGAS MC 450F), who makes his Progressive AFT return following a near-two-year absence. The multi-discipline hero already boasts two prior TT wins on his Hall of Fame worthy résumé and would only add to his legend by securing a third this weekend.

There will be plenty to keep fans entertained at the track on Saturday as well, including numerous vendors and free motorcycle parking.

General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $40 (kids 12 and under $5), and there are a variety of General Admission Parking and Multi-Day Camping Passes options to select from.

Pit Pass 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.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/sdiracing/events/castle-rock-tt-59623 to reserve your seats today.

Gates will open for fans at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT).

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

FOX Sports coverage of CertainTeed Castle Rock TT presented by Law Tigers, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, August 20, at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT).

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

American Shedden P2 In Aprilia Sport Production Race In Italy

David Swarts

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August 9, 2023

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American Shedden P2 In Aprilia Sport Production Race In Italy

American Jesse James Shedden took pole position and finished second at Round Four of the FMI (Federazione Motociclistica Italiana) Aprilia Sport Production CIV Junior Aprilia SP2 Championship series August 5-6 at Circuito Tazio Nuvolari, in Cervesina, Italy.

Shedden was slow off the line but took the lead early in Race One. Battling in a lead pack of four riders, Shedden turned the fastest lap of the race (1:30.463) on lap six of nine, but the Californian was drafted from the final corner to the finish line and finished second, 0.136 second behind winner Alessandro Aquilar.

Shedden battled for the lead again in Race Two, but contact with another rider pushed him wide, caused him to lose several positions, and relegated him to a fifth-place finish. The race was won by Ivan Spada with Shedden just 0.700 second behind him.

Still, Shedden was able to leave the event third in the Championship point standings, just 12 points behind leader Spada.

American Jesse James Shedden (9) at speed in Italy. Photo by GP Agency, courtesy Jesse James Shedden Racing.

“That was some fun racing in those battles,” Shedden said via an email. “I’m not happy with being pushed out in the second race, but I am happy with my podium position in the first race.”

The FMI Aprilia Sport Production CIV Junior Aprilia SP2 Championship concludes with a fifth and final round September 16-17 at Autodromo Riccardo Paletti, near Varano, Italy.

Qualifying Results:

Race One Results:

civ_junior_risultati_gare_round5_cervesina Race 1

Race Two Results:

civ_junior_risultati_gare_round5_cervesina Race 2

Championship Point Standings (after 5 of 6 rounds):

civ_junior_standings

MotoAmerica: Herrin Tops Testing In Texas

David Swarts

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August 9, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Herrin Tops Testing In Texas

Former AMA Superbike Champion Josh Herrin was the quickest rider Tuesday, August 8 and quickest overall during a private two-day test at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), near Austin, Texas. Riding his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R with an R5-compound rear Dunlop Sportmax Slick, Herrin did a one-lap time attack on the 3.4-mile, 20-turn road course during the cooler conditions of the morning that resulted in a 2:09.966.

“I’m super happy with what we were able to accomplish at the test,” Herrin wrote in a text message to Roadracingworld.com. “We started with settings that were very difficult to be fast on and we worked very well together as a team to find a good setup. It was important for us to come and get some testing in since we haven’t ridden the bike much this year on a non-race weekend. To be fastest is a huge bonus because I’m not normally fast in testing. That means we should be very strong on the race weekend!”

Two-time and defending MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne was quickest on Day One with a 2:10.358 on his Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha YZF-R1 and improved that to a 2:10.065 on Tuesday, but that was unofficially second-best. Gagne’s Team Owner Richard Stanboli said they focused on doing long runs on old tires and that Gagne “lived in the low-2:10s” on both R5- and R7-compound Dunlop tires with double-race-distance on them.

Substituting for Gagne’s injured teammate Cameron Petersen at the test were four-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes, who raced for the team at Brainerd International Raceway, and former-full-time-road-racer-turned-full-time-dirt-tracker JD Beach, who will race for the team at Pittsburgh International Race Complex (PittRace).

Hayes did only a few laps on Tuesday with a best lap at 2:12.259, which was slightly slower than he went on Monday, 2:11.830, while Beach improved a huge amount from the 2:14.239 he did on Day One to a 2:10.922 on Day Two.

Beach told Roadracingworld.com that he started off riding on Hayes’ setup on Monday and then migrated toward Gagne’s setup on Tuesday. The two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion said he cannot wait to go racing in PittRace and he’s very grateful for Yamaha giving him the opportunity.

For comparison, Gagne qualified on pole position for the last MotoAmerica Superbike race at COTA in 2022 with a 2:08.450, and Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci turned the fastest race lap at 2:08.648 on his way to a pair of victories.

Herrin’s teammate Xavi Fores, the sole Supersport rider at the test, did a 2:14.954 on Monday and a 2:14.470 on Tuesday on his Ducati Panigale V2. Fores currently leads the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship.

Progressive Insurance/Mission Foods Indian’s Tyler O’Hara and Jeremy McWilliams left their Indian FTR 1200 Super Hooligan machines parked for most of Tuesday and focused on testing their Indian Challenger King Of The Baggers (KOTB) machines. O’Hara was fastest with a 2:17.248, which was significantly better than the 2:18.637 he did on Day One. McWilliams’ best lap Tuesday was a 2:19.511, also an improvement on the 2:20.473 he recorded Monday on his Indian Challenger.

McWilliams also did a 2:18.881 on his Super Hooligan machine Tuesday, surpassing the 2:20.263 he did on Monday.

Ambient temperatures Tuesday at COTA reached a peak of 104 degrees F (40 C) at the end of the day with track temperatures approaching 140 degrees F (60 C), according to Stanboli.

MotoAmerica will hold a standalone event at COTA September 8-10 with the Medallia Superbike, Supersport, Steel Commander Stock 1000, Mission King Of The Baggers, and Mission Super Hooligan classes slated to have two races each. It will be the season finale for Stock 1000 and Super Hooligan.

The most of the other MotoAmerica classes wrap up their Championships September 22-24 at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

Tuesday’s Unofficial Test Times (as provided by Speedhive/MyLaps):

Superbike:

Josh Herrin (Duc), 2:09.966

Jake Gagne (Yam), 2:10.065

JD Beach (Yam), 2:10.922

Josh Hayes (Yam), 2:12.259

Supersport:

Xavi Fores (Duc), 2:14.470

King Of The Baggers:

Tyler O’Hara (Ind), 2:17.248

Jeremy McWilliams (Ind), 2:19.511

Super Hooligan:

Jeremy McWilliams (Ind), 2:18.881

Tyler O’Hara (Ind), no lap time recorded

Canadian Superbike: Two-Time Champion Martin Returning To Race At CTMP

David Swarts

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August 9, 2023

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Canadian Superbike: Two-Time Champion Martin Returning To Race At CTMP

Francis Martin returning to CSBK for round four at CTMP

Toronto, ON – Francis Martin, the three-time Canadian national champion and one of the most renowned riders of the 1990s and 2000s, will make a comeback to the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship in round four at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park after a twelve-year absence.

Having concluded his last season in 2011 with the private BMW team Couturier, Martin is thrilled to announce his return to the prestigious Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike middleweight category, renewing his partnership with Suzuki Canada – Martin’s brand over eight successful seasons.

A two-time Pro Superbike champion, Martin won feature titles with Kawasaki in 1999 and Suzuki in 2005, adding an Open Sport Bike category championship for Suzuki in 2002. He totaled seven Superbike victories and 38 podiums in his career, the latter ranking inside the top-five of all-time.

Thanks to the invaluable support from Patrice Goyette in preparing his bike, Martin will team up with Pro Superbike championship leader Alex Dumas in the Purple Skull Brewing/Liqui Moly Suzuki effort.

Martin will proudly ride a GSX-R600 machine, offering a perfect combination of power and maneuverability for this thrilling racing category.

During his twelve-year hiatus, Francis ventured into entrepreneurship with great success. He founded two flourishing companies, one specializing in the construction industry and the other focused on motorcycle performance enhancement.

The latter company, known as MPG Moto, was created in partnership with his associates David Anctil and Goyette, with the help of their loyal employee from the very beginning, Bobby Dorman.

Martin expresses his gratitude to his many valuable partners and sponsors who supported him throughout his career and into this new adventure, including MPG Moto, Suzuki Canada, Importation Thibault, Scorpion Helmets, Liqui Moly, Bridgestone, Hindle Exhaust, GBRacing, Vortex, Hot Bodies, Braketech, G2 Domino, Fast Riding School, and Purple Skull Brewing for their trust and support.

Don’t miss the opportunity to support Martin and the team during his spectacular comeback in the Pro Sport Bike category, scheduled for August 18-20 at CTMP just north of Bowmanville, ON. Stay connected for more information and follow the latest news about Francis Martin on social media.

More From FIM MiniGP Canada: A Kid And His Mom Go Racing

David Swarts

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August 9, 2023

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More From FIM MiniGP Canada: A Kid And His Mom Go Racing

FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

By Misti Hurst

Ashton’s FIM MiniGP Canada win

On Sunday, I watched my 14-year-old son, Ashton Parker, win the final race of the FIM MiniGP Canada Series, and it was more exciting and emotion-filled than anything I ever felt when competing in road racing.

Ashton Parker (45) taking a victory lap at Lombardy Karting Club, in Lombardy, Ontario, Canada. Photo by Misti Hurst.

I couldn’t even process the emotions colliding in my head as I watched the race. Unless you have kids yourself, it’s nearly impossible to convey the depth of love you have for a child. You’d do anything to protect your children, except you can’t.

I taught him to ride his first dirt bike at four years old and took him mini road racing at six. I’ve picked him up and dusted him off more times than I can count. I’ve wiped tears, spent nights at the hospital, and put in hundreds of travel miles just so the kid can race.

Riding instructor and former Pro racer Misti Hurst holding an umbrella over her 14-year-old son Ashton Parker prior to a race. Photo courtesy Misti Hurst.

Sometimes I question why I do it. The long, hot, exhausting days, the early mornings, the packing and unpacking and loading and unloading, making food, buying water, registering for races, organizing, logistics, and hours and hours of driving.

But then I experienced a day like Sunday. It was absolutely priceless, and I mean it. I watched him come into his own over the weekend when he listened to me as “Coach Misti” instead of just “Mom” and spent time improving his riding. I watched him discover a new ability within himself. I watched him realize that coaching helps.

Ashton Parker (45) leading Michael Galvis (83) on track. Photo by Colin Fraser.

He got the fastest time in one of the practice sessions, and that caused a spark to form, a belief in himself that maybe he could win, that maybe he did deserve to be there as much as the other kids.

Then I watched him ride like a bat outta hell. He was several bikelengths from the two leaders, Ben Hardwick and Michael Galvis, when Lincoln Scott, in fourth place, passed him to take over third. Ashton didn’t like that and grabbed the position back with a sly pass.

Then it was as if someone lit a fire under his arse. He put his head down and turned some of the fastest laps of the race to close the gap before pulling an insane pass on Hardwick and Galvis into the tight left hairpin off the front straight. I was terrified, proud, excited, and shocked that he was now winning the race!

Everything in my entire being wanted him to love that moment. I know what it feels like, I silently tried to tell him as I shook my fists and yelled, “Common kid, you’ve got this!” We were in the stands, and I wanted him so badly to feel all the emotions of what it’s like to lead and win a motorcycle road race. I felt so much pride that he was mine and that I
KNEW what he was experiencing, even though there was also so much fear. Fear he might get hurt, fear he might NOT win. No mom wants her son to feel disappointment and heartache. I wanted him to win so badly I could hardly contain my excitement.

Misti Hurst with her race-winning son Ashton Parker. Photo courtesy Misti Hurst.

He rode incredibly, from a coach’s, a racer’s and a mom’s perspective and took the win like a boss. As the stands erupted, we all screamed for him and jumped up and down before I ran to hug him and congratulate him. To see such growth, maturity, race-craft, determination, and some super-talented riding in my kid made me the proudest mom in the world. There really is nothing better than sharing your passion with your children and watching them experience success, especially in something as cool and exciting as motorcycle road racing!

Ashton Parker (center) standing on top of the FIM MiniGP Canada podium with runner-up Ben Hardwick (left) and third-place finisher Michael Galvis (right). Galvis won the inaugural 2023 FIM MiniGP Canada Championship. Photo by Collin Fraser.

Kawasaki Celebrating 70 Years Of Making Motorcycles

August 10, 2023

A 1966 Kawasaki A1 Samurai. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

Kawasaki Celebrates 70 Years of Motorcycles

Milestones through the Decades

Foothill Ranch, Calif. – In September of 2023, Kawasaki Motors celebrates its 70th anniversary of making motorcycles, first making its forays into the motorcycle business in 1953. After the end of World War II, Kawasaki produced motorcycle engines under the name of “Kawasaki Machine Works.” Since then, Kawasaki has continued to Let the Good Times Roll® and has strived to share “Fun to Ride” motorcycles with our customers around the world. Today, Kawasaki motorcycles are sold in more than 90 countries and regions.

To commemorate Kawasaki Motorcycles’ 70-year anniversary, a special exhibition will be held at Kawasaki USA Heritage Hall in Foothill Ranch, California as well as Kawasaki Good Times World in Kobe, Japan starting in September 2023. The display will focus on the history of the motorcycle business in the U.S. market, which marked a major turning point in Kawasaki’s overseas strategy. It will be the first in a series of events to commemorate this special anniversary.

Working toward upholding our mission statement of “Working for the happiness and joy of all those whose lives Kawasaki touches,” Kawasaki aims to keep moving forward and growing into the future.

Kawasaki’s Motorcycle Business in the U.S. Market

Kawasaki’s path to success in the motorcycle industry, which began with the launch of the KE-1 motorcycle engine in 1953, was not a smooth one. Several efforts were made to try to expand sales, including working with trading companies to expand to overseas markets, in addition to a business alliance and subsequent merger with the Meguro Manufacturing Company. However, each of these efforts failed to produce the sales results that Kawasaki had hoped for.

It was decided that selling directly to dealers would be the better business model, so in 1966 American Kawasaki Motors was established. Kawasaki’s US operations began with only 10 employees and adopted an innovative policy of “localism” before going on to develop motorcycles like the Kawasaki A1 Samurai 250, Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III and iconic Kawasaki Z1 900 for the U.S. market. Early on, Kawasaki USA launched a new kind of sales policy aimed at expansion that included the industry’s first model year system and worked to strengthen relationships with dealers by setting up branches in every region of the U.S., thereby consolidating its base in the U.S. market.

In 1974, Kawasaki made a $20 million investment to build a manufacturing plant in Lincoln, Nebraska to be in-line with a coming shift to a floating exchange rate in the U.S. Kawasaki’s Lincoln plant became the first plant built by any Japanese auto or motorcycle manufacturer in the U.S., and it remains Kawasaki’s main plant to this day. It is where all Kawasaki Jet Ski® personal watercrafts and side x sides including the Teryx® and MULE™ are still manufactured today.

Along with this year marking the 70th anniversary of Kawasaki Motorcycles, two other well-known brands in the U.S. market the KX™ and Jet Ski® brand will mark their 50-year anniversaries, while next year the American-born Ninja® brand will mark its 40th anniversary.

ABOUT KAWASAKI

Kawasaki started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. is committed to maintaining and furthering these strengths which will surely give birth to new legends.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at KMC’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the Good Times Roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com

RideSmart Adds MotoAmerica-Only Sessions To Sept. 2-3 Track Days At COTA

August 10, 2023

RideSmart instructors in action in 2021. Photo courtesy RideSmart.

Editorial Note: Under MotoAmerica rules, only some competitors are allowed to test at a MotoAmerica race venue within 30 days prior to a race event. Refer to the 2023 MotoAmerica rulebook or call MotoAmerica to see if you are allowed to ride in this event.

Ridesmart Motorcycle School has an exciting announcement for the upcoming Labor Day COTA event!

With MotoAmerica racing the weekend of Sept 8th, many MotoAmerica racers will be attending the RideSmart Labor Day Event. Due to this we have added a “MotoAmerica Only” level. This level addition will have minimal impact on everyone else’s day, everyone still gets 6 full sessions. To accomplish this, we worked with COTA to add 2 more hours of riding. The track will go hot at 8am, we will ride through lunch, and will end at 6pm. This MotoAmerica Only level was added to ensure everyone enjoys their day in the safest possible environment. You must be a licensed MotoAmerica rider to register in this special group. We have moved those MotoAmerica riders that responded to our prior emails concerning this adjustment.

Spaces for both days in most levels are open now on our website.

MotoGP: Bautista Racing As Wild Card At Sepang

August 10, 2023

Defending Superbike World Champion Alvaro Bautista (19) testing a Desmosedici MotoGP bike at Misano. Photo courtesy Ducati.

Alvaro Bautista to contest the MotoGP Grand Prix of Malaysia at Sepang aboard the Ducati Desmosedici GP of the Aruba.it Racing team

Alvaro Bautista and the Aruba.it Racing team will fly to Malaysia from 10th-12th November 2023 to take part in the Grand Prix of Malaysia, which will be held at Sepang International Circuit two weeks after the conclusion of the Superbike World Championship, from 27th-29th October, at Jerez de la Frontera (Spain).

For Ducati, it will be the third Wild Card of the 2023 season after participating in the two Italian Grands Prix with Michele Pirro at Mugello in May and the upcoming San Marino GP in Misano on the next 8th-10th September. Since last year, Ducati has further strengthened its partnership with Aruba.it by contesting three MotoGP events with the same liveries as the factory Panigale V4 R machine of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team in the WorldSBK Championship.

Following two recent tests at Misano aboard the Ducati Desmosedici GP – which provided convincing feedback – reigning World Champion and current WorldSBK Championship leader Alvaro Bautista will return to contest a MotoGP race after his last appearance in Valencia (Spain) in 2018.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #1)

“I’m really happy to be able to race in MotoGP as a Wild Card at Sepang, a track that I really like and that I’m happy to be back at since it’s not on the WorldSBK calendar. The tests with the Ducati Desmosedici GP gave positive feedback: the feeling was good, and I had fun. I want to sincerely thank Ducati and Aruba.it because, without them, it would have been impossible to have this opportunity. At the same time, I would like to say that this MotoGP race will be a bonus for me and not a priority. That’s why we must stay focused on the WorldSBK Championship, which is the only thing that matters now. I want to stay focused for this last part of the season, which will be very demanding, with many races in a short time. The feeling with the Panigale V4 R machine is good, and I hope to continue on this path. Then, when the season ends, we’ll think about going to Malaysia and having fun. Now I’ll have a little holiday, and then we’ll be back at Magny-Cours.”

MotoGP: Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing, And Ducati Continuing Together In 2024

August 10, 2023

Alex Marquez (73). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.

ALEX AND GRESINI TOGETHER ALSO IN 2024

GRESINI RACING EXTENDS ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH DUCATI

Few days ago at Silverstone, Alex Marquez scored his maiden MotoGP race win adding to his tally of one podium and a pole position in just a few months with Team Gresini Racing MotoGP. There was no chance this series of results would not have led to the partnership extension between the Faenza-based team and the two-time world champion.

Not only results on the plate for the Italian-Spanish combination, but also an incredible potential that was shown on several occasion already – with the new goal of being among the protagonists on a consistent basis in 2024.

Team Gresini Racing also made official a new agreement with Ducati Corse for the two-year period 2024-2025. The tally consists of five wins already, three podiums, three pole positions and 355 points bagged in less than two seasons.

ALEX MARQUEZ

“I’m very happy to continue with the team. I’ve always expressed this desire of mine and when things go the right way it’s even easier to understand each other. To continue together for the next season is key in order to keep growing with this bike, and with this team everything is going to be easier. I would like to thank Nadia first and foremost, and then the whole team who made me feel at home from day one. We’ll keep growing and surprising.”

NADIA PADOVANI GRESINI – TEAM OWNER

“Alex is first of all a wonderful person and it was a pleasure to welcome him in our Gresini Family. The results speak for themselves and it was a logical step for us to continue together and raise the bar some more. He already scored a race win and a pole position in his debut year with Ducati, showing he could battle with the best from the get-go. We will now try to find some continuity together in the next season. I would like to thank the whole Ducati family as we’ll continue with them for the next two years; we already showed we are a good combination this year as well as in 2022… so the goal is to continue to excite and be excited.”

LUIGI DALL’IGNA – DUCATI CORSE GENERAL MANAGER

“We are delighted to continue to have the Gresini Racing MotoGP team in the Ducati family for two more seasons. They are an extremely professional outfit and, over the years, have shown that they have the potential to aspire to great results. Last year they scored four beautiful victories with our Desmosedici GP machine, and this season they clinched a podium, a pole position, and a win in the last GP Sprint with Alex Marquez. We are sure that together we will achieve more success in the future and continue to grow race by race”.

American Flat Track: Tight Championship Fight Heads To Castle Rock TT

August 9, 2023