In 2022, the Wyman brothers and the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Factory Team set out to defend the 2021 MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers championship victory.
See the brothers race the high banks of Daytona International Speedway again this weekend as we kick off the 2023 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers season during Daytona Bike Week.
MotoAmerica To Honor Kevin Elliott At Daytona International Speedway
Former CCS And ASRA President And Owner Will Be Remembered On March 11
Prior To The Daytona 200
IRVINE, CA (March 6, 2023) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, has announced that it will hold a moment of remembrance for the late Kevin Elliott Sr. prior to the warm-up lap of the 81st running of the Daytona 200. Elliott was the president and owner of Championship Cup Series (CCS) and American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA). He passed away on January 29 at the age of 64.
A commemorative green flag emblazoned with Elliott’s name will be used to start the warm-up lap and the flag will be presented to his family following the remembrance.
“I believe it’s important to acknowledge Kevin and the work he did in keeping the Daytona 200 going under difficult conditions, it’s only fitting to have Kevin help start the race a final time,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “We’re all headed to Daytona for the 81st running of the 200 and Kevin and his family will be in our thoughts and prayers throughout Bike Week.”
“In a time of transition for North American motorcycle road racing, Kevin Elliott and his team at ASRA/CCS stepped in to keep the tradition of the Daytona 200 going,” said Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher. “His contributions to motorcycle racing overall, and Daytona International Speedway in particular, cannot be overstated.”
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.
When the Motorcycle Roadracing Association (MRA) held its annual Board of Directors election in November of 2022, there wasn’t a candidate for the New Rider Director position. Jeff Brown stepped down as the MRA’s New Rider Director at the end of the 2022 season, after serving in that position for 12 years. As a result, the MRA Board of Directors conducted an internal search to find someone suitable for this important position.
After an extensive search and vetting process, the MRA is proud to announce the appointment of Dan Spurlock (#19) to the position of New Rider Director!
Dan first started racing in 2008, with the Willow Springs Motorcycle Club in Southern California, then with MotoWest Grand Prix in 2010, where he began instructing. After moving to Northern California in 2013, he began racing and instructing with Pacific Track Time (under Ken Casey). In 2016, Dan moved back to Colorado, and started racing with the MRA in 2017. Since that time, he has proven himself to be a top contender. In 2022, Dan finished 3rd in Open Superbike, 4th in Race of the Rockies GTO, and 8th in ROR Overall.
Dan has already started working on improvements to the curriculum, and the MRA is excited to see how he grows the role. Dan will be in the spotlight for his premiere event as New Rider Director on April 7-8, with the MRA’s Pre-Season New Racers’ School.
The Motorcycle Roadracing Association is dedicated to promoting safe and competitive motorcycle road racing events for enthusiasts in Colorado and the surrounding area. For more information go to http://www.mra-racing.org/.
Funeral services for Parts Unlimited Founder and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Fred Fox have been set.
A visitation will be held on Friday, April 21 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. local time at First Lutheran Church at 612 N. Randall Ave., Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 752-7434.
A funeral service will be held at the same location on Saturday, April 22 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The funeral service will be followed by a luncheon at the Holiday Inn Express at 3100 Wellington Place, Janesville, WI 53546 (608) 756-3100.
Those attending are asked to RSVP at https://forms.office.com/r/EkFpvyKfBv
Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected]
Fox passed away February 5, 2023, at the age of 86.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON FACTORY TEAM SET TO OPEN 2023 MOTOAMERICA KING OF THE BAGGERS SEASON AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
Factory Team Riders, Kyle Wyman and Travis Wyman, Ready to Chase a Championship
MILWAUKEE (March 6, 2023) – The Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® factory racing team is prepared to open the 2023 racing season March 9-11 at Daytona International Speedway, site of the first two rounds of the MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers road racing series. Kyle Wyman and his brother Travis Wyman return to ride the team’s race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® motorcycles powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight® 131 Performance Crate Engines. The Harley-Davidson factory team will leave nothing on the track as they fight to bring the championship title back to Milwaukee.
“In our 120th Anniversary year, we’re coming at it bigger and better than ever before, as we compete to win the championship and bring back the #1 plate to Milwaukee where it belongs,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “Our Screamin’ Eagle factory racing team is ready for the season – and with Kyle and Travis on the track, I’m excited for what is set to be a great season of racing for our community of racers and fans alike.”
The King Of The Baggers series offers exciting competition between American V-Twin touring motorcycles prepared for competition and equipped with a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags. The 2023 season will see the King Of The Baggers series expanded from seven to 14 races over seven double-header weekends held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike Series.
A fan feature for the 2023 season is the Harley-Davidson® 120th Anniversary VIP Ticket Package. Offered as a three-day or one-day package, these special VIP passes include admission with fan zone and paddock access, all the MotoAmerica races including the Mission King Of The Baggers practice sessions, qualifying and racing action. Each pass also includes access to premium parking reserved for Harley-Davidson motorcycles on all three days of the race weekend, and participation in Harley-Davidson parade laps around the track on Friday and Saturday.
For the 2023 season, the Harley-Davidson factory team will be sporting custom designed livery, honoring Harley-Davidson’s 120th anniversary aboard their race-modified Road Glide motorcycles, Milwaukee-Eight® 131 Performance Crate Engine. The team bikes also feature upgraded suspension components, including Screamin’ Eagle/Öhlins Remote Reservoir Rear Shocks, plus competition exhaust, race tires and lightweight bodywork.
Harley-Davidson invites you to kick off the 2023 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers season with some adrenaline pumping action. Today, Harley-Davidson is premiering ‘Push the Limit,’ a film that shares the story of defending champion Kyle Wyman, teammate Travis Wyman and the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle race team’s 2022 championship pursuit. Check it out on Harley-Davidson’s YouTube channel.
The Wyman Brothers
Travis Wyman, the owner of Travis Wyman Racing based in Las Vegas, finished second in points during the 2022 King Of The Baggers season, with one race win (Road America) and three second-place finishes. The 31-year-old racer returns for his second full season with the Harley-Davidson factory team.
“I am excited about my second season on the factory H-D team and ready for the expanded schedule this year,” said Travis. “My consistent finishes last year put me in contention for the title going into the last round. With the two-race format, if Saturday does not go well, you get another shot on Sunday rather than waiting for the next race weekend. As other teams get these bikes figured out, I expect the level of competition to be tougher this season. Our Harley team is going to need to be on its game at every race.”
Kyle Wyman, 33, won three 2022 King Of The Baggers races (Atlanta, Monterey and New Jersey) and had two other podium appearances to finish third in season points. Wyman began racing professionally in flat track aboard a Harley-Davidson® XR750 and formed Kyle Wyman Racing at the age of 21 to compete at the highest level of professional road racing in the United States. Kyle Wyman is the 2019 Daytona 200 winner. He was King Of The Baggers Champion in 2021, riding for the Harley-Davidson factory team.
“It will be an honor to represent the Harley-Davidson brand during this 120th Anniversary season,” said Kyle Wyman. “It is incredible to be a part of the enduring history of Harley-Davidson. I’ve spent much of the off-season working with the team to further develop our Road Glide race bikes, and I have a lot of confidence going into 2023. We will continue to see lap records fall this season, and everyone on the grid will be quicker.”
Available Support
In addition to competing in the series, the H-D Screamin’ Eagle team continues to work directly with MotoAmerica to promote the series by supporting all Harley-Davidson competitors. Select performance products developed for the 2022 factory team bikes are available to all qualified racers. Teams should reach out directly to their local Harley-Davidson® dealership for availability and pricing.
Top squads expected to run Harley-Davidson® bikes at the front of the field include the four-rider Team Saddlemen effort with returning veteran racers Cory West and Patricia Fernandez-West along with Frankie Garcia and class newcomer Jake Lewis, all competing on race-modified Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® motorcycles, prepared with the assistance of Hoban Brothers Racing. The Vance & Hines Racing team returns to the King of the Baggers series with proven series front runners James Rispoli and Hayden Gillim, also campaigning race-prepared Road Glide motorcycles.
MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers Contingency
Harley-Davidson will offer more than $185,000 in cash contingency for qualified Harley-Davidson racers competing in the Mission King Of The Baggers series, with a contingency payout from first to 10th place in all 14 races and a $35,000 series championship bonus. Terms and conditions apply; please see www.MotoAmerica.com for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.
About the Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight® 131 Performance Crate Engine: The Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight 131 is a powerful street-compliant performance engine offered by Harley-Davidson. Built from the bottom up in Milwaukee, this 131-cubic-inch (2147cc) Screamin’ Eagle® crate engine delivers 131 lbs.-ft. of torque to the rear wheel, and may be installed in 2017-later Harley-Davidson Touring models.
2023 Mission King of the Baggers Schedule
(Two full races each weekend)
March 9-11: Daytona International Raceway – Daytona Beach, Fla.
April 21-23: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta – Braselton, Ga.
June 2-4: Road America – Elkhart Lake, Wis.
July 7-9: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca – Monterey, Calif.
July 28-30: Brainerd International Raceway – Brainerd, Minn.
September 8-10: Circuit of The Americas – Austin, Texas
September 22-24: New Jersey Motorsports Park – Millville, N.J.
Harley-Davidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure and freedom for the soul. Go to H-D.com to learn more about the complete line of 2023 Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring, Sport, Adventure Touring, Cruiser and Trike motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Certified™ pre-owned motorcycles, Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories, Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® apparel and gear, and Harley-Davidson Financial Services.
Mission Foods Again Title Sponsor Of Mission King Of The Baggers
The World’s Leading Brand Of Tortillas And Wraps Set For Title Sponsorship Of Expanded 14-Race Series
IRVINE, CA (March 6, 2023) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing championship, is thrilled to announce that Mission Foods, the world’s leading brand of tortillas and wraps, will continue in its title sponsorship of the Mission King Of The Baggers series for the 2023 MotoAmerica Championship.
Two years ago, Mission Foods came onboard to be the title sponsor of an upstart three-round series known as the Mission King Of The Baggers. Two years later and the championship that features Indian and Harley-Davidson V-twin baggers is now a 14-race championship and a fan favorite of the MotoAmerica Championship.
The opening round of the 2023 Mission King Of The Baggers Championship is right around the corner with a doubleheader slated for Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 9-11. Following Daytona, the series will head to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta for round two, April 21-23, and the seven-round, 14-race championship will conclude at New Jersey Motorsports Park, September 22-24.
“Mission Foods has been a major supporter of our King Of The Baggers series since 2021 and we’re happy to announce that they will again be the title sponsor of the class in 2023,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Mission is committed to helping us continue to build the Mission King Of The Baggers Championship, which includes the Bagger dash for cash known as the Mission Challenge. and look how far we’ve come together in just a short period of time. The coming season gets started at Daytona International Speedway and watching last year’s Bagger race on the high banks of the Speedway was certainly a spectacle. We can’t wait to get rolling again.”
“We are proud to partner with MotoAmerica and continue as official title sponsor of the King Of The Baggers series,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “Mission King of the Baggers exemplifies our commitment to motorsport racing, and I believe that this partnership will create exciting moments for both racers and fans.”
2023 Mission King Of The Baggers Schedule
March 9-11 Daytona International Speedway Daytona Beach, FL
April 21-23 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta Braselton, GA
June 2-4 Road America Elkhart Lake, WI
July 7-9 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, CA
July 28-30 Brainerd International Raceway Brainerd, MN
Sept. 8-10 Circuit of The Americas Austin, TX
Sept. 22-24 New Jersey Motorsports Park Millville, New Jersey
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.
On the Front Cover: Racing Editor Chris Ulrich rides Tyler O’Hara’s MotoAmerica
King Of The Baggers Championship-winning Indian Challenger
at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in Desert Center, California.
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MARCH 2023 ISSUE
FEATURES
Inside Info: A New RSD Hot-Rod Buell; A 16,000-rpm Kawasaki 400cc
Four; Race Team Testing All Over, And More…
Historic Racebike Illustrations: The 50th Anniversary Of Yamaha TZ Racebikes
Racebike Test: Riding Tyler O’Hara’s MotoAmerica Championship-Winning Indian Challenger Bagger
Army Of Darkness: The Racing River Rolls On In 2022, Part Three
At Home: Racer/Team Owner/Sponsor/Collector Geoff Maloney
RACING
MotoGP Analysis: The Race To Catch Ducati; A Moto2 Crew Chief Says
Winning Requires Perfection
Racing History: When King Kenny Roberts Won A Title,
Lost a Testicle, And Shot Himself
Editor’s Scrapbook: King Kenny Roberts in 1984 and 1978
Numbers & Trivia: King Kenny Roberts’ Career
COLUMNS
Letters To The Editor: Turning Back Time in MotoGP, And 3D Photos
Editor’s Scrapbook: Riders Seen At AMA Pro National At Mid-Ohio, 1986
10 Years Ago, March 2013: Nicky Hayden On The Cover And Interviewed Inside; 30 Up-and-Comers Seen In The 17th Annual Young Guns Feature; Mat Oxley Looks
At Ducati’s Plan To Rescue Its Floundering MotoGP Program; And How
Steve McLaughlin Launched World Superbike
The Crash Page: Famous—Or Infamous—Fallers
New Products: Woodcraft Clip-On Adaptors, Pit Bull Helmet Holder
Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride
Classified Ads/Advertiser Index
High Performance Parts & Services Directory
Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: Baggers On The Racetrack
TIME TO ROLL OUT THE ‘RED’ CARPET: GASGAS FACTORY RACING PRIMED FOR MOTOGP™ 2023
As the clock ticks down and the revs climb towards the launch of 2023 MotoGP, GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 have whipped away the covers from the GASGAS RC16 race bikes to face this year’s landmark FIM World Championship.
The GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 team shredded slicks for the first time at the Valencia test in Spain last November and then several weeks ago at Sepang in Malaysia. Ahead of the final two days of pre-season prep work at the Algarve International Circuit in Portugal on March 11-12 (followed by the opening round of the 21-Grand Prix series at the same venue on the last weekend on the month), the team had the MotoGP paddock talking with their official presentation at the new Spanish GASGAS factory complex just outside of Barcelona.
The party saw Pol Espargaro (31 years old, Moto2™ World Champion in 2013, 52 GP podium finishes and 15 wins in two classes) and Augusto Fernandez (25, reigning Moto2 World Champion, 20 rostrums and 7 victories in Moto2) star with the crimson GASGAS RC16 and a gathering of guests, media and GASGAS fans as the crew popped the corks on their maiden MotoGP tilt.
Espargaro enters his tenth year of MotoGP having sprayed premier class podium Prosecco at least once in four of the last five seasons. He brings experience of having raced for two other manufacturers. He made his MotoGP debut with the Tech3 squad from 2014-2016. Fernandez is the sole rookie in the division but is floating on confidence after his ’22 Moto2 title success and has shown excellent signs of adaptation to the faster and more complicated MotoGP technology in the test outings so far.
GASGAS is the most exciting and dynamic new brand in the 74-year-old championship and promises to lay thick rubber on the 21 circuits that makes-up a ’23 campaign with the fresh Saturday ‘Sprints’ format to be introduced. GASGAS achieved international recognition and distinction as a manufacturer of title-winning Trial machinery. The marque then quickly shook the establishment in AMA Supercross, MXGP, Enduro and the DAKAR rally in the last three seasons and blitzed the 2021 and 2022 Moto3™ series – thanks to the dominant Aspar Racing Team – with a total of 14 victories and the world title last autumn pocketed by rising star Izan Guevara.
Pol Espargaro:
“I feel like I am coming back to my roots. With Tech3 and the new brand we have a GASGAS ‘mood’: friendly, close to people and we’re really hard workers, so I believe that if we fight and push together as a team we will be there. We will be right at the top. I think the potential is high on this bike. For sure we have a lot of work to do because the level in MotoGP right now is super-high but I think we can reach it. In Valencia for the first test I felt the DNA of the bike and when it matches your own DNA it makes you feel so good! The bike is almost ready to fight for something really great this year.”
Augusto Fernandez:
“Well, I’m jumping into MotoGP with this confidence of being world champion and it’s good but honestly I don’t know what to expect in terms of positions. I’m looking forward to being competitive soon and trying to be in the battle with my teammate. I think I am facing the most important year of my career but I know I need to be patient. I am discovering everything that it means to be a MotoGP rider, a factory rider. But it’s good to see how many people you have behind you and not just your team; the whole factory that is waiting for you and your results. Portugal is coming soon and I’m really looking forward to it and it’s a dream come true: my debut in MotoGP. I honestly can’t wait.”
Herve Poncharal, Team Principal:
“I have been in MotoGP for quite a while and I’ve experienced quite a few seasons and every new season is always a very exciting moment. To do it with GASGAS means a lot for me because I have been following this brand since it started in Trial – I love the name – and I’m excited. We always believe that experience and youth is a good mix. I am pretty sure that Pol is happy to be back and having Augusto with us is something very exciting because it is always perfect to receive the rookie rider as a Moto2 world champion. I am very happy, very proud and we are looking forward to creating positive vibes. Red vibes!”
Pit Beirer, GASGAS Motorsports Director:
“When we first put that Moto3 GASGAS bike on the grid – with our fantastic partner in the Aspar Racing Team – nobody was even dreaming of a MotoGP team two years later but here we are with our new baby and our new brand. I feel we have a strong combination. You have Augusto, the young one who is world champion and is hungry, looking up to the big boys but then you have a guy like Pol coming back to the family who is a fighter and who motivates the whole team and who, of course, brings some really good MotoGP experience. I feel it is a super-strong team. It is a new direction for our friends Tech3, and in terms of the structure we combined the best of the best. We enjoy these kinds of partnerships because in the long-term they make you very successful. I feel it is an exciting time, and with these two riders and this new brand; I feel we are ready to go.”
Hubert Trunkenpolz, Member of the Executive Board:
“If you want to create awareness for a motorcycle brand then MotoGP is the right platform. It’s where you reach the most people globally and where we can make GASGAS known and make the GASGAS brand more popular. If we also look to the GASGAS brand values then its young and vibrant and it’s clear that MotoGP with its demographics is also the right platform or us. Having two Spanish riders with our old friend Pol and with a rookie – Augusto – I think it is a perfect fit. In the future the GASGAS range will be enlarged and expanded with street motorcycles and MotoGP is preparing the ground for these products that will come year-by-year.”
Tomac Wins Daytona Supercross for Record Seventh Time
Hunter Lawrence Also Makes History with 250SX Class Win
Daytona Beach, Fla. – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac took a hard-earned Monster Energy AMA Supercross victory at the 53rd running of the Daytona Supercross, stretching his record number of wins at the venue to seven.
Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb was close but had to settle for second place at Round 8 on the unique track built into the trioval of the Daytona International Speedway. Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton had some close calls but no crashes to finish third on the high-speed Supercross track. In the fourth round of the 10-round Eastern Regional 250SX Class series, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence took the Daytona win in convincing style.
When the gate dropped for the 450SX Class Main Event, Tomac grabbed the Holeshot but Webb took an outside line in the second corner and snatched the lead. Sexton held third place with Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia applying pressure to take over the spot. After one lap Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson had made his way into fifth, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire sat sixth in his first 450SX Class Main Event after winning his Heat race.
With the rain coming down Webb held command of the race. Then approximately seven minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Webb and Tomac had a fierce exchange. The two racers traded the lead four times in one section, with Webb retaining the front spot after the two riders bumped entering a rutted, elevated corner. Tomac was sent wide, but not off the track. The incident allowed Sexton to close the gap and suddenly the top three in the points all had a shot at the Daytona win.
Nine minutes in, Webb hit neutral entering the high-speed rhythm just after the finish line. Tomac jumped past and locked down the lead. The front four, Tomac, Webb, Sexton, and Barcia were still close, with less than four seconds separating the four riders.
Then Sexton made a big mistake in one of the rutted rhythm sections. Barcia tried to capitalize, Sexton blocked, and the riders came together right before a triple jump. The contact sent Barcia off the track but not down. Less than a lap later Sexton stalled his bike braking for the tight, elevated corner. Barcia tried to jump past on the corner’s exit and the riders came together again. The second incident went worse for Barcia and he found himself down on the Florida soil. Barcia was able to remount in time to stay in front of Anderson in fifth.
In the late laps Webb made a push to get back to Tomac. The KTM rider closed the gap down to 1.4 seconds as the racers reached the white flag. But Tomac laid down a mistake-free final lap and kept his Yamaha up front. When Tomac crossed the checkers he stretched his all-time Daytona win record to seven and took sole possession of third in all-time 450SX Class wins, just one behind James Stewart who was in the broadcast booth calling the race alongside Ricky Carmichael and Daniel Blair.
In the Eastern Regional 250SX Class Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie jumped out in first with the Holeshot but down the first straight Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher took over the lead. One turn later Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle took the top spot from Thrasher. Lawrence was up near the front and as the racers went through the sand section for the first time he collided with Thrasher. Lawrence got the position and Thrasher went down and fell back to last place. Lawrence sped forward, blitzing past Vialle and into the lead on the first pass through the whoops.
Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin held third with Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Chris Blose behind and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan in fifth. Then Vialle crashed hard in the short rhythm after the whoops, giving up his second place spot. Four and a half minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race, with light rain coming down, Deegan moved confidently past Martin to take over third place. With 8:22 left on the race clock Thrasher reached tenth and looked to have the speed to reach the top five. Half a lap later Thrasher landed on a Tuff Blox, crashed hard, and looked out of the race; but Thrasher re-joined and worked his way back up to tenth by the finish.
The win by Lawrence matched his brother’s victory in 2022, making the Lawrence brothers the first in the sport’s history to each have a Daytona Supercross win. This augments their other ‘first’ this season as being the only brother duo to simultaneously lead both the Eastern and the Western Regional 250SX Class points. Anstie earned his second runner-up finish of 2023 and rookie Haiden Deegan earned his career-first podium finish in only his fourth professional Supercross race.
The series heads to Indianapolis next weekend where Lucas Oil Stadium will host Round 9 of both the 17-round 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season as well as the brand-new 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship series. The inaugural series incorporates Supercross, Pro Motocross, and three hybrid-style events to crown one SuperMotocross World Champion in each bike displacement class. The 2023 seasons combine for the largest total purse of any off-road motorcycle racing series with a 10 million dollar purse.
All 31 rounds are streamed live on Peacock. Select rounds will also show domestically on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. International coverage of all 31 events is provided through the SuperMotocross Video Pass at SuperMotocross.tv. For video highlights, race results, the full schedule, and ticket information please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.
450SX Class Results
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
4. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
5. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
6. Justin Cooper, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
7. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
8. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna
9. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
10. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
450SX Class Championship Standings
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (186)
2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (181)
3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (176)
4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (148)
5. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (138)
6. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (135)
7. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (132)
8. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (103)
9. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki (85)
10. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda (84)
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results
1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda
2. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda
3. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
4. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha
5. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha
6. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda
7. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki
8. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda
9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda
10. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings
1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (99)
2. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (85)
3. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (74)
4. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (71)
5. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (71)
6. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (70)
7. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda (60)
8. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (53)
9. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (53)
10. Michael Mosiman, Minneaola, Fla., GASGAS (51)
More, from a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:
Eli Tomac Elevates to “The King” of DAYTONA Supercross with Seventh Career Win at Daytona International Speedway
Hunter Lawrence claims Daytona 250SX Class victory as Haiden Deegan lands first podium in rookie season
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – With a flying pass in front of a packed Daytona International Speedway front stretch, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac became “The King” of DAYTONA Supercross as he bested his own overall record win total at the historic venue, also tying “The King” of NASCAR, Richard Petty, in overall marquee wins at the track.
It was a night of milestone wins for Tomac, who entered the race tied with Ricky Carmichael for third on the all-time Supercross wins list with 48, now holds third by himself at 49. It was also his fifth straight DAYTONA Supercross win – breaking a tie he held with Carmichael and Jeff Stanton for most consecutive victories at Daytona. And the seven overall wins matches Petty’s seven DAYTONA 500 championships.
“The best way to put it is that it just feels like home to me,” Tomac said after the race. “Earlier in the day I was wondering what the heck was going on, I was a second off during practice and was struggling to just find some general flow. Once the lights came on, I was a whole different dude.”
The 450SX Class podium was a familiar one for Monster Energy AMA Supercross fans this season as Tomac, Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb and Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton – who entered Round 8 with just a five-point gap between the three – finished in that order.
Webb and Tomac took off to a quick lead over the field, with Webb holding the advantage over Tomac through the opening nine minutes.
But a slight bobble from Webb as the pair entered the front stretch jumps following the finish line allowed Tomac to vault past him over the table top just before the halfway point of the race. Tomac was flawless after that on the Carmichael-designed course, never allowing Webb a chance to catch him.
“I made that mistake and somehow clicked neutral, and he got by me,” Webb conceded following the race. “I tucked right in behind him and I felt like I stayed right there on him, really hoping for a mistake. I think we left it all out there for sure.”
Sexton was third, while Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson rounded out the top five.
Tomac now holds a five-point lead over Webb in the 450SX Class points standings, 186 to 181, while Sexton remains in third with 176 points.
Hunter Lawrence wins 250SX Class
The 250SX Class of the 53rd running of DAYTONA Supercross produced a high-level of intense racing throughout the entire day, from the first Heat to the main event.
The action began with two Heats and a Last Chance Qualifier for the 250SX Class. Coming off a victory in Arlington last weekend, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher secured Heat 1 early in the evening to set the scene for the Main Event while Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence took the Heat 2 win. Josiah Natzke topped off the early evening action by finishing first in the Last Chance Qualifier.
The Main Event was tight from the moment the gate dropped as Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle, Thrasher and Lawrence battled it out for the Holeshot, but it wasn’t long before a collision between Lawrence and Thrasher caused a shift in momentum. Thrasher went down while Lawrence continued on, eventually turning his Heat win into an overall DAYTONA Supercross crown.
“You’re making split decisions out there,” said Lawrence, the newest 250SX Class Daytona champion. “I just want to be the best version of me when I ride and do well for the team. Obviously, they’re stoked and happy. It’s a cool time right now.”
Lawrence came across the finish line 9.127 seconds ahead of Fire Power Honda’s British rider Max Anstie, who finished second. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan rounded out the top three, securing his first professional career podium and becoming the second youngest podium finisher in Supercross history. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordan Smith finished fourth while Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin was fifth.
The 17-year-old 250 rider and son of former Supercross athlete Brian Deegan hoisted his trophy after only four races in his rookie season, an impressive feat.
Thrasher managed to work his way back up the standings, finishing tenth, while Vialle’s race came to an early end.
Tickets are on sale now the DAYTONA 200 and other events during Bike Week at The World Center of Racing. For more information, fans are encouraged to visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.
Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway via www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com, on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as the all-new NASCAR Tracks App, for the latest speedway news.
About Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a state-of-the-art motorsports facility and was awarded the SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in 2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of The Great American Race – the DAYTONA 500. Though the season-opening NASCAR Cup Series event garners most of the attention – as well as the largest audience in motorsports – the approximately 500-acre motorsports complex, also known as the World Center of Racing, boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe. Some of the exciting racing events include January’s Rolex 24 At DAYTONA and Roar Before The Rolex 24, February’s DAYTONA 500 and Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, March’s Bike Week At DAYTONA Presented By Monster Energy, featuring DAYTONA Supercross and the DAYTONA 200, the August Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend, and much more. The Speedway grounds are also used extensively for other events that include concerts (Welcome to Rockville, Heroes Honor Festival, etc.), sporting events (DAYTONA Soccer Fest, CLASH DAYTONA, etc.) civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing and police motorcycle training.
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Bautista wins shortened Race 2, Vierge claims maiden podium
The Ducati rider bounced back after his DNF in the Tissot Superpole Race to take the win ahead of Razgatlioglu and Vierge
Alvaro Bautista claimed his 37th WorldSBK win in an interrupted Race 2. He heads to the first European Round as the Championship leader with 87 points and a 37-point advantage in the standings.
P1 | | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“In Race 2, starting from tenth position was not easy especially because, on this track, it’s not easy to pass. In a normal situation, there aren’t a lot of points to overtake other riders but with this condition with only a small line of good grip, it’s almost impossible. I tried to remain focused at the beginning. When they showed the red flag, I started from fourth place and maybe the lines got a bit easier.
I had to start with the harder rear tyre because we didn’t have more softs. I had to choose between a hard with two laps on it or a soft with eight laps on. We put the hard tyre on and tried to adapt. I tried to stay calm at the beginning. When I saw Rinaldi go away, I thought he had a really good pace. It was a good reference for me to get some advantage on Toprak. I was catching him but at Turn 1 I made a mistake and went a bit wide. I lost more than one second, so I lost a lot of distance to Rinaldi. I didn’t think I could catch him but in the last laps I saw drop him a lot. I tried to keep my pace. When I caught him, my pace was much faster, but I didn’t want to risk an overtake. I waited a couple of laps just to be sure that, when I pass him, I did it in a safe place without risk for him or for me. I’m so happy because, from a really difficult start today, we came back and we showed that we are strong this year. I’m happier with this victory than the other ones.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu was second and 1.218s off Bautista. He moved up in the Championship standings to take second place with 55 points.
Xavi Vierge secured his maiden podium finish for Honda with third place, finishing 3.050s behind the race winner.
P3 | Xavi Vierge | Team HRC
“You can’t believe how happy I am, we have worked so hard since last year, but we always missed something to fight for that position! The start of the season in Australia was so hard but team supported me and here in Indonesia, they gave me a bike that I could recover the feeling and speed! During the weekend, we’ve improved. Finally, we’ve got it! The team had an amazing plan, and I could finish in third position, which is a victory for everyone at the moment. We gave it everything until the last lap.”
Jonathan Rea crashed out of the race after he crashed at Turn 7. The six-time World Champion was diagnosed with a right distal thigh deep abrasion following the crash.
WorldSBK Race 2 Report
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s visit to the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit for the Motul Indonesian Round featured another dramatic race in Race 2 as Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) fought back to claim victory in Indonesia in a red-flagged Race 2 after battling with teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi. It was also a memorable race for Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) as he claimed his first WorldSBK podium after a strong Indonesian Round.
The original race was red flagged at the start of Lap 8 after an incident at Turn 11 involving Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Philipp Oettl (Team GoEleven) with both riders retiring from the race and unable to take the restart. Van der Mark was taken to the medical centre for a check-up following the crash. The starting grid for the restarted race was based on the last completed timing point for every rider and the race distanced reduced to 14 laps for the restarted race.
Rinaldi started the restarted race from pole position and, despite losing momentum at the start, was able to hold that throughout the opening laps of the 14-lap race. The gap was at over one second at when Bautista passed Razgatlioglu before the reigning Champion started closing in on teammate and by Lap 11, he had closed the gap back down to a tenth. Bautista made the move on his teammate on Lap 13 of 14 at Turn 10 to move into the lead of the race. On the final lap, Rinaldi ran wide at Turn 10 and lost two positions to Razgatlioglu and Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) in third place with Vierge taking his first WorldSBK podium after claiming third place after he started the restarted race from third on the grid. He was running in the chasing group throughout Race 2 and was able to take advantage of Rinaldi running wide to move into the podium places behind Razgatlioglu, who had been fighting for the podium throughout the restarted race.
Rinaldi ended up in fourth place and less than a second clear of Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) in fifth place with the two Italians separated by just 0.780s at the end of the race. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) continued his impressive Indonesian Round with sixth place with Petrucci less than a second behind Locatelli in sixth place. Locatelli had briefly led the original race but lost ground shortly afterwards, dropping him down the order on the grid for the restarted race.
WorldSBK will return with the Pirelli Dutch Round taking place from the 21st to the 23rd of April at the TT Circuit Assen.
Read the full report from Race 2 on worldsbk.com
WorldSBK Race 2 Results
1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +1.218s
3. Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) +3.050s
4. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +4.068s
5. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +4.848
6. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +5.838s
WorldSBK Championship standings
1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 112 points
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) 75 points
3. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) 70 points
Tissot Superpole Race Results
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu / Yamaha
2. Andrea Locatelli / Yamaha / +1.110s
3. Alex Lowes / Yamaha / +1.372s
First victory since 2019 for Caricasulo after last-lap battle with Manzi
Federico Caricasulo took his first Supersport win since 2019 and his first one with Ducati in
Race 2. He is now fourth in the Championship standings, three points away from third place.
P1 | Federico Caricasulo | Althea Racing
“I’m super happy because the team did a very good job with the bike. From yesterday, it wasn’t easy to improve the bike. Sometimes we could be faster, other times slower. Today the bike was better. My front tyre was better for all the race and I could focus on riding. It was really difficult because the temperature was really high, and we had to push for 18 laps. In the end, I had something more than Manzi and when I tried to overtake him in the last lap and then I pushed in the last two sectors and we were able to win the race!”
Stefano Manzi recovered from tenth on the grid to fight at the front but was denied the win by Caricasulo in the last lap. He is second in the standings with 59 points.
Nicolo Bulega was third and remains the Championship leader as he leaves Mandalika with an 18-point advantage in the standings.
WorldSSP Race 2 Report
There was an incredible fight in the FIM Supersport World Championship during the Motul Indonesian Round at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit as Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) claimed his first win of the 2023 campaign. Caricasulo lead an Italian 1-2-3 in the 18-lap race to claim his first win since Portimao in 2019 as he ended a four-year wait for victories in WorldSSP.
At the start of the race, Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) were fighting for first position with the Turkish star making a move on Bulega at T1 on Lap 3. Oncu looked to break clear, but he was never more than a second away from the chasing pack and, on Lap 13, Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) passed Oncu into Turn 10 move into the lead of the race.
Manzi led until the final lap of the race but Caricasulo, who also battled past Oncu and Bulega at around the halfway stage of the race, made a move on his compatriot at Turn 10 to move into the lead of the race. Caricasulo was able to hold on to claim his first win in 68 WorldSSP races, as he took his seventh WorldSSP victory and 29th podium. Ducati claimed their third win in the 2023 season, equalling their previous best season in terms of wins which was in 2000. Manzi was able to come home in second place for his seventh WorldSSP podium, while Bulega was able to fight back on Oncu to return to the rostrum.
Oncu took fourth place after leading throughout the first half of the race, finishing more than 1.5 second down on the podium positions at the end of the race while he was also three seconds clear of rookie Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) in fifth place. Schroetter had an early-race battle with Niki Tuuli (Dynavolt Triumph) with the Finn taking sixth spot at the end of the race meaning five manufacturers were inside the top six in Race 2.
WorldSSP will return with the Pirelli Dutch Round taking place from the 21st to the 23rd of April at the TT Circuit Assen.
In 2022, the Wyman brothers and the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Factory Team set out to defend the 2021 MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers championship victory.
See the brothers race the high banks of Daytona International Speedway again this weekend as we kick off the 2023 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers season during Daytona Bike Week.
MotoAmerica To Honor Kevin Elliott At Daytona International Speedway
Former CCS And ASRA President And Owner Will Be Remembered On March 11
Prior To The Daytona 200
IRVINE, CA (March 6, 2023) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, has announced that it will hold a moment of remembrance for the late Kevin Elliott Sr. prior to the warm-up lap of the 81st running of the Daytona 200. Elliott was the president and owner of Championship Cup Series (CCS) and American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA). He passed away on January 29 at the age of 64.
A commemorative green flag emblazoned with Elliott’s name will be used to start the warm-up lap and the flag will be presented to his family following the remembrance.
“I believe it’s important to acknowledge Kevin and the work he did in keeping the Daytona 200 going under difficult conditions, it’s only fitting to have Kevin help start the race a final time,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “We’re all headed to Daytona for the 81st running of the 200 and Kevin and his family will be in our thoughts and prayers throughout Bike Week.”
“In a time of transition for North American motorcycle road racing, Kevin Elliott and his team at ASRA/CCS stepped in to keep the tradition of the Daytona 200 going,” said Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher. “His contributions to motorcycle racing overall, and Daytona International Speedway in particular, cannot be overstated.”
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.
When the Motorcycle Roadracing Association (MRA) held its annual Board of Directors election in November of 2022, there wasn’t a candidate for the New Rider Director position. Jeff Brown stepped down as the MRA’s New Rider Director at the end of the 2022 season, after serving in that position for 12 years. As a result, the MRA Board of Directors conducted an internal search to find someone suitable for this important position.
After an extensive search and vetting process, the MRA is proud to announce the appointment of Dan Spurlock (#19) to the position of New Rider Director!
Dan first started racing in 2008, with the Willow Springs Motorcycle Club in Southern California, then with MotoWest Grand Prix in 2010, where he began instructing. After moving to Northern California in 2013, he began racing and instructing with Pacific Track Time (under Ken Casey). In 2016, Dan moved back to Colorado, and started racing with the MRA in 2017. Since that time, he has proven himself to be a top contender. In 2022, Dan finished 3rd in Open Superbike, 4th in Race of the Rockies GTO, and 8th in ROR Overall.
Dan has already started working on improvements to the curriculum, and the MRA is excited to see how he grows the role. Dan will be in the spotlight for his premiere event as New Rider Director on April 7-8, with the MRA’s Pre-Season New Racers’ School.
The Motorcycle Roadracing Association is dedicated to promoting safe and competitive motorcycle road racing events for enthusiasts in Colorado and the surrounding area. For more information go to http://www.mra-racing.org/.
Funeral services for Parts Unlimited Founder and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Fred Fox have been set.
A visitation will be held on Friday, April 21 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. local time at First Lutheran Church at 612 N. Randall Ave., Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 752-7434.
A funeral service will be held at the same location on Saturday, April 22 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The funeral service will be followed by a luncheon at the Holiday Inn Express at 3100 Wellington Place, Janesville, WI 53546 (608) 756-3100.
Those attending are asked to RSVP at https://forms.office.com/r/EkFpvyKfBv
Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected]
Fox passed away February 5, 2023, at the age of 86.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON FACTORY TEAM SET TO OPEN 2023 MOTOAMERICA KING OF THE BAGGERS SEASON AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
Factory Team Riders, Kyle Wyman and Travis Wyman, Ready to Chase a Championship
MILWAUKEE (March 6, 2023) – The Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® factory racing team is prepared to open the 2023 racing season March 9-11 at Daytona International Speedway, site of the first two rounds of the MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers road racing series. Kyle Wyman and his brother Travis Wyman return to ride the team’s race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® motorcycles powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight® 131 Performance Crate Engines. The Harley-Davidson factory team will leave nothing on the track as they fight to bring the championship title back to Milwaukee.
“In our 120th Anniversary year, we’re coming at it bigger and better than ever before, as we compete to win the championship and bring back the #1 plate to Milwaukee where it belongs,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “Our Screamin’ Eagle factory racing team is ready for the season – and with Kyle and Travis on the track, I’m excited for what is set to be a great season of racing for our community of racers and fans alike.”
The King Of The Baggers series offers exciting competition between American V-Twin touring motorcycles prepared for competition and equipped with a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags. The 2023 season will see the King Of The Baggers series expanded from seven to 14 races over seven double-header weekends held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike Series.
A fan feature for the 2023 season is the Harley-Davidson® 120th Anniversary VIP Ticket Package. Offered as a three-day or one-day package, these special VIP passes include admission with fan zone and paddock access, all the MotoAmerica races including the Mission King Of The Baggers practice sessions, qualifying and racing action. Each pass also includes access to premium parking reserved for Harley-Davidson motorcycles on all three days of the race weekend, and participation in Harley-Davidson parade laps around the track on Friday and Saturday.
For the 2023 season, the Harley-Davidson factory team will be sporting custom designed livery, honoring Harley-Davidson’s 120th anniversary aboard their race-modified Road Glide motorcycles, Milwaukee-Eight® 131 Performance Crate Engine. The team bikes also feature upgraded suspension components, including Screamin’ Eagle/Öhlins Remote Reservoir Rear Shocks, plus competition exhaust, race tires and lightweight bodywork.
Harley-Davidson invites you to kick off the 2023 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers season with some adrenaline pumping action. Today, Harley-Davidson is premiering ‘Push the Limit,’ a film that shares the story of defending champion Kyle Wyman, teammate Travis Wyman and the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle race team’s 2022 championship pursuit. Check it out on Harley-Davidson’s YouTube channel.
The Wyman Brothers
Travis Wyman, the owner of Travis Wyman Racing based in Las Vegas, finished second in points during the 2022 King Of The Baggers season, with one race win (Road America) and three second-place finishes. The 31-year-old racer returns for his second full season with the Harley-Davidson factory team.
“I am excited about my second season on the factory H-D team and ready for the expanded schedule this year,” said Travis. “My consistent finishes last year put me in contention for the title going into the last round. With the two-race format, if Saturday does not go well, you get another shot on Sunday rather than waiting for the next race weekend. As other teams get these bikes figured out, I expect the level of competition to be tougher this season. Our Harley team is going to need to be on its game at every race.”
Kyle Wyman, 33, won three 2022 King Of The Baggers races (Atlanta, Monterey and New Jersey) and had two other podium appearances to finish third in season points. Wyman began racing professionally in flat track aboard a Harley-Davidson® XR750 and formed Kyle Wyman Racing at the age of 21 to compete at the highest level of professional road racing in the United States. Kyle Wyman is the 2019 Daytona 200 winner. He was King Of The Baggers Champion in 2021, riding for the Harley-Davidson factory team.
“It will be an honor to represent the Harley-Davidson brand during this 120th Anniversary season,” said Kyle Wyman. “It is incredible to be a part of the enduring history of Harley-Davidson. I’ve spent much of the off-season working with the team to further develop our Road Glide race bikes, and I have a lot of confidence going into 2023. We will continue to see lap records fall this season, and everyone on the grid will be quicker.”
Available Support
In addition to competing in the series, the H-D Screamin’ Eagle team continues to work directly with MotoAmerica to promote the series by supporting all Harley-Davidson competitors. Select performance products developed for the 2022 factory team bikes are available to all qualified racers. Teams should reach out directly to their local Harley-Davidson® dealership for availability and pricing.
Top squads expected to run Harley-Davidson® bikes at the front of the field include the four-rider Team Saddlemen effort with returning veteran racers Cory West and Patricia Fernandez-West along with Frankie Garcia and class newcomer Jake Lewis, all competing on race-modified Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® motorcycles, prepared with the assistance of Hoban Brothers Racing. The Vance & Hines Racing team returns to the King of the Baggers series with proven series front runners James Rispoli and Hayden Gillim, also campaigning race-prepared Road Glide motorcycles.
MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers Contingency
Harley-Davidson will offer more than $185,000 in cash contingency for qualified Harley-Davidson racers competing in the Mission King Of The Baggers series, with a contingency payout from first to 10th place in all 14 races and a $35,000 series championship bonus. Terms and conditions apply; please see www.MotoAmerica.com for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.
About the Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight® 131 Performance Crate Engine: The Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight 131 is a powerful street-compliant performance engine offered by Harley-Davidson. Built from the bottom up in Milwaukee, this 131-cubic-inch (2147cc) Screamin’ Eagle® crate engine delivers 131 lbs.-ft. of torque to the rear wheel, and may be installed in 2017-later Harley-Davidson Touring models.
2023 Mission King of the Baggers Schedule
(Two full races each weekend)
March 9-11: Daytona International Raceway – Daytona Beach, Fla.
April 21-23: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta – Braselton, Ga.
June 2-4: Road America – Elkhart Lake, Wis.
July 7-9: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca – Monterey, Calif.
July 28-30: Brainerd International Raceway – Brainerd, Minn.
September 8-10: Circuit of The Americas – Austin, Texas
September 22-24: New Jersey Motorsports Park – Millville, N.J.
Harley-Davidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure and freedom for the soul. Go to H-D.com to learn more about the complete line of 2023 Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring, Sport, Adventure Touring, Cruiser and Trike motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Certified™ pre-owned motorcycles, Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories, Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® apparel and gear, and Harley-Davidson Financial Services.
Mission Foods Again Title Sponsor Of Mission King Of The Baggers
The World’s Leading Brand Of Tortillas And Wraps Set For Title Sponsorship Of Expanded 14-Race Series
IRVINE, CA (March 6, 2023) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing championship, is thrilled to announce that Mission Foods, the world’s leading brand of tortillas and wraps, will continue in its title sponsorship of the Mission King Of The Baggers series for the 2023 MotoAmerica Championship.
Two years ago, Mission Foods came onboard to be the title sponsor of an upstart three-round series known as the Mission King Of The Baggers. Two years later and the championship that features Indian and Harley-Davidson V-twin baggers is now a 14-race championship and a fan favorite of the MotoAmerica Championship.
The opening round of the 2023 Mission King Of The Baggers Championship is right around the corner with a doubleheader slated for Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 9-11. Following Daytona, the series will head to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta for round two, April 21-23, and the seven-round, 14-race championship will conclude at New Jersey Motorsports Park, September 22-24.
“Mission Foods has been a major supporter of our King Of The Baggers series since 2021 and we’re happy to announce that they will again be the title sponsor of the class in 2023,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Mission is committed to helping us continue to build the Mission King Of The Baggers Championship, which includes the Bagger dash for cash known as the Mission Challenge. and look how far we’ve come together in just a short period of time. The coming season gets started at Daytona International Speedway and watching last year’s Bagger race on the high banks of the Speedway was certainly a spectacle. We can’t wait to get rolling again.”
“We are proud to partner with MotoAmerica and continue as official title sponsor of the King Of The Baggers series,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “Mission King of the Baggers exemplifies our commitment to motorsport racing, and I believe that this partnership will create exciting moments for both racers and fans.”
2023 Mission King Of The Baggers Schedule
March 9-11 Daytona International Speedway Daytona Beach, FL
April 21-23 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta Braselton, GA
June 2-4 Road America Elkhart Lake, WI
July 7-9 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, CA
July 28-30 Brainerd International Raceway Brainerd, MN
Sept. 8-10 Circuit of The Americas Austin, TX
Sept. 22-24 New Jersey Motorsports Park Millville, New Jersey
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.
On the Front Cover: Racing Editor Chris Ulrich rides Tyler O’Hara’s MotoAmerica
King Of The Baggers Championship-winning Indian Challenger
at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in Desert Center, California.
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MARCH 2023 ISSUE
FEATURES
Inside Info: A New RSD Hot-Rod Buell; A 16,000-rpm Kawasaki 400cc
Four; Race Team Testing All Over, And More…
Historic Racebike Illustrations: The 50th Anniversary Of Yamaha TZ Racebikes
Racebike Test: Riding Tyler O’Hara’s MotoAmerica Championship-Winning Indian Challenger Bagger
Army Of Darkness: The Racing River Rolls On In 2022, Part Three
At Home: Racer/Team Owner/Sponsor/Collector Geoff Maloney
RACING
MotoGP Analysis: The Race To Catch Ducati; A Moto2 Crew Chief Says
Winning Requires Perfection
Racing History: When King Kenny Roberts Won A Title,
Lost a Testicle, And Shot Himself
Editor’s Scrapbook: King Kenny Roberts in 1984 and 1978
Numbers & Trivia: King Kenny Roberts’ Career
COLUMNS
Letters To The Editor: Turning Back Time in MotoGP, And 3D Photos
Editor’s Scrapbook: Riders Seen At AMA Pro National At Mid-Ohio, 1986
10 Years Ago, March 2013: Nicky Hayden On The Cover And Interviewed Inside; 30 Up-and-Comers Seen In The 17th Annual Young Guns Feature; Mat Oxley Looks
At Ducati’s Plan To Rescue Its Floundering MotoGP Program; And How
Steve McLaughlin Launched World Superbike
The Crash Page: Famous—Or Infamous—Fallers
New Products: Woodcraft Clip-On Adaptors, Pit Bull Helmet Holder
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TIME TO ROLL OUT THE ‘RED’ CARPET: GASGAS FACTORY RACING PRIMED FOR MOTOGP™ 2023
As the clock ticks down and the revs climb towards the launch of 2023 MotoGP, GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 have whipped away the covers from the GASGAS RC16 race bikes to face this year’s landmark FIM World Championship.
The GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 team shredded slicks for the first time at the Valencia test in Spain last November and then several weeks ago at Sepang in Malaysia. Ahead of the final two days of pre-season prep work at the Algarve International Circuit in Portugal on March 11-12 (followed by the opening round of the 21-Grand Prix series at the same venue on the last weekend on the month), the team had the MotoGP paddock talking with their official presentation at the new Spanish GASGAS factory complex just outside of Barcelona.
The party saw Pol Espargaro (31 years old, Moto2™ World Champion in 2013, 52 GP podium finishes and 15 wins in two classes) and Augusto Fernandez (25, reigning Moto2 World Champion, 20 rostrums and 7 victories in Moto2) star with the crimson GASGAS RC16 and a gathering of guests, media and GASGAS fans as the crew popped the corks on their maiden MotoGP tilt.
Espargaro enters his tenth year of MotoGP having sprayed premier class podium Prosecco at least once in four of the last five seasons. He brings experience of having raced for two other manufacturers. He made his MotoGP debut with the Tech3 squad from 2014-2016. Fernandez is the sole rookie in the division but is floating on confidence after his ’22 Moto2 title success and has shown excellent signs of adaptation to the faster and more complicated MotoGP technology in the test outings so far.
GASGAS is the most exciting and dynamic new brand in the 74-year-old championship and promises to lay thick rubber on the 21 circuits that makes-up a ’23 campaign with the fresh Saturday ‘Sprints’ format to be introduced. GASGAS achieved international recognition and distinction as a manufacturer of title-winning Trial machinery. The marque then quickly shook the establishment in AMA Supercross, MXGP, Enduro and the DAKAR rally in the last three seasons and blitzed the 2021 and 2022 Moto3™ series – thanks to the dominant Aspar Racing Team – with a total of 14 victories and the world title last autumn pocketed by rising star Izan Guevara.
Pol Espargaro:
“I feel like I am coming back to my roots. With Tech3 and the new brand we have a GASGAS ‘mood’: friendly, close to people and we’re really hard workers, so I believe that if we fight and push together as a team we will be there. We will be right at the top. I think the potential is high on this bike. For sure we have a lot of work to do because the level in MotoGP right now is super-high but I think we can reach it. In Valencia for the first test I felt the DNA of the bike and when it matches your own DNA it makes you feel so good! The bike is almost ready to fight for something really great this year.”
Augusto Fernandez:
“Well, I’m jumping into MotoGP with this confidence of being world champion and it’s good but honestly I don’t know what to expect in terms of positions. I’m looking forward to being competitive soon and trying to be in the battle with my teammate. I think I am facing the most important year of my career but I know I need to be patient. I am discovering everything that it means to be a MotoGP rider, a factory rider. But it’s good to see how many people you have behind you and not just your team; the whole factory that is waiting for you and your results. Portugal is coming soon and I’m really looking forward to it and it’s a dream come true: my debut in MotoGP. I honestly can’t wait.”
Herve Poncharal, Team Principal:
“I have been in MotoGP for quite a while and I’ve experienced quite a few seasons and every new season is always a very exciting moment. To do it with GASGAS means a lot for me because I have been following this brand since it started in Trial – I love the name – and I’m excited. We always believe that experience and youth is a good mix. I am pretty sure that Pol is happy to be back and having Augusto with us is something very exciting because it is always perfect to receive the rookie rider as a Moto2 world champion. I am very happy, very proud and we are looking forward to creating positive vibes. Red vibes!”
Pit Beirer, GASGAS Motorsports Director:
“When we first put that Moto3 GASGAS bike on the grid – with our fantastic partner in the Aspar Racing Team – nobody was even dreaming of a MotoGP team two years later but here we are with our new baby and our new brand. I feel we have a strong combination. You have Augusto, the young one who is world champion and is hungry, looking up to the big boys but then you have a guy like Pol coming back to the family who is a fighter and who motivates the whole team and who, of course, brings some really good MotoGP experience. I feel it is a super-strong team. It is a new direction for our friends Tech3, and in terms of the structure we combined the best of the best. We enjoy these kinds of partnerships because in the long-term they make you very successful. I feel it is an exciting time, and with these two riders and this new brand; I feel we are ready to go.”
Hubert Trunkenpolz, Member of the Executive Board:
“If you want to create awareness for a motorcycle brand then MotoGP is the right platform. It’s where you reach the most people globally and where we can make GASGAS known and make the GASGAS brand more popular. If we also look to the GASGAS brand values then its young and vibrant and it’s clear that MotoGP with its demographics is also the right platform or us. Having two Spanish riders with our old friend Pol and with a rookie – Augusto – I think it is a perfect fit. In the future the GASGAS range will be enlarged and expanded with street motorcycles and MotoGP is preparing the ground for these products that will come year-by-year.”
Tomac Wins Daytona Supercross for Record Seventh Time
Hunter Lawrence Also Makes History with 250SX Class Win
Daytona Beach, Fla. – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac took a hard-earned Monster Energy AMA Supercross victory at the 53rd running of the Daytona Supercross, stretching his record number of wins at the venue to seven.
Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb was close but had to settle for second place at Round 8 on the unique track built into the trioval of the Daytona International Speedway. Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton had some close calls but no crashes to finish third on the high-speed Supercross track. In the fourth round of the 10-round Eastern Regional 250SX Class series, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence took the Daytona win in convincing style.
When the gate dropped for the 450SX Class Main Event, Tomac grabbed the Holeshot but Webb took an outside line in the second corner and snatched the lead. Sexton held third place with Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia applying pressure to take over the spot. After one lap Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson had made his way into fifth, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire sat sixth in his first 450SX Class Main Event after winning his Heat race.
With the rain coming down Webb held command of the race. Then approximately seven minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Webb and Tomac had a fierce exchange. The two racers traded the lead four times in one section, with Webb retaining the front spot after the two riders bumped entering a rutted, elevated corner. Tomac was sent wide, but not off the track. The incident allowed Sexton to close the gap and suddenly the top three in the points all had a shot at the Daytona win.
Nine minutes in, Webb hit neutral entering the high-speed rhythm just after the finish line. Tomac jumped past and locked down the lead. The front four, Tomac, Webb, Sexton, and Barcia were still close, with less than four seconds separating the four riders.
Then Sexton made a big mistake in one of the rutted rhythm sections. Barcia tried to capitalize, Sexton blocked, and the riders came together right before a triple jump. The contact sent Barcia off the track but not down. Less than a lap later Sexton stalled his bike braking for the tight, elevated corner. Barcia tried to jump past on the corner’s exit and the riders came together again. The second incident went worse for Barcia and he found himself down on the Florida soil. Barcia was able to remount in time to stay in front of Anderson in fifth.
In the late laps Webb made a push to get back to Tomac. The KTM rider closed the gap down to 1.4 seconds as the racers reached the white flag. But Tomac laid down a mistake-free final lap and kept his Yamaha up front. When Tomac crossed the checkers he stretched his all-time Daytona win record to seven and took sole possession of third in all-time 450SX Class wins, just one behind James Stewart who was in the broadcast booth calling the race alongside Ricky Carmichael and Daniel Blair.
In the Eastern Regional 250SX Class Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie jumped out in first with the Holeshot but down the first straight Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher took over the lead. One turn later Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle took the top spot from Thrasher. Lawrence was up near the front and as the racers went through the sand section for the first time he collided with Thrasher. Lawrence got the position and Thrasher went down and fell back to last place. Lawrence sped forward, blitzing past Vialle and into the lead on the first pass through the whoops.
Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin held third with Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Chris Blose behind and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan in fifth. Then Vialle crashed hard in the short rhythm after the whoops, giving up his second place spot. Four and a half minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race, with light rain coming down, Deegan moved confidently past Martin to take over third place. With 8:22 left on the race clock Thrasher reached tenth and looked to have the speed to reach the top five. Half a lap later Thrasher landed on a Tuff Blox, crashed hard, and looked out of the race; but Thrasher re-joined and worked his way back up to tenth by the finish.
The win by Lawrence matched his brother’s victory in 2022, making the Lawrence brothers the first in the sport’s history to each have a Daytona Supercross win. This augments their other ‘first’ this season as being the only brother duo to simultaneously lead both the Eastern and the Western Regional 250SX Class points. Anstie earned his second runner-up finish of 2023 and rookie Haiden Deegan earned his career-first podium finish in only his fourth professional Supercross race.
The series heads to Indianapolis next weekend where Lucas Oil Stadium will host Round 9 of both the 17-round 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season as well as the brand-new 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship series. The inaugural series incorporates Supercross, Pro Motocross, and three hybrid-style events to crown one SuperMotocross World Champion in each bike displacement class. The 2023 seasons combine for the largest total purse of any off-road motorcycle racing series with a 10 million dollar purse.
All 31 rounds are streamed live on Peacock. Select rounds will also show domestically on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. International coverage of all 31 events is provided through the SuperMotocross Video Pass at SuperMotocross.tv. For video highlights, race results, the full schedule, and ticket information please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.
450SX Class Results
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
4. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
5. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
6. Justin Cooper, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
7. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
8. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna
9. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
10. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
450SX Class Championship Standings
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (186)
2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (181)
3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (176)
4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (148)
5. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (138)
6. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (135)
7. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (132)
8. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (103)
9. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki (85)
10. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda (84)
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results
1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda
2. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda
3. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
4. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha
5. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha
6. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda
7. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki
8. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda
9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda
10. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings
1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (99)
2. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (85)
3. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (74)
4. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (71)
5. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (71)
6. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (70)
7. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda (60)
8. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (53)
9. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (53)
10. Michael Mosiman, Minneaola, Fla., GASGAS (51)
More, from a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:
Eli Tomac Elevates to “The King” of DAYTONA Supercross with Seventh Career Win at Daytona International Speedway
Hunter Lawrence claims Daytona 250SX Class victory as Haiden Deegan lands first podium in rookie season
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – With a flying pass in front of a packed Daytona International Speedway front stretch, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac became “The King” of DAYTONA Supercross as he bested his own overall record win total at the historic venue, also tying “The King” of NASCAR, Richard Petty, in overall marquee wins at the track.
It was a night of milestone wins for Tomac, who entered the race tied with Ricky Carmichael for third on the all-time Supercross wins list with 48, now holds third by himself at 49. It was also his fifth straight DAYTONA Supercross win – breaking a tie he held with Carmichael and Jeff Stanton for most consecutive victories at Daytona. And the seven overall wins matches Petty’s seven DAYTONA 500 championships.
“The best way to put it is that it just feels like home to me,” Tomac said after the race. “Earlier in the day I was wondering what the heck was going on, I was a second off during practice and was struggling to just find some general flow. Once the lights came on, I was a whole different dude.”
The 450SX Class podium was a familiar one for Monster Energy AMA Supercross fans this season as Tomac, Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb and Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton – who entered Round 8 with just a five-point gap between the three – finished in that order.
Webb and Tomac took off to a quick lead over the field, with Webb holding the advantage over Tomac through the opening nine minutes.
But a slight bobble from Webb as the pair entered the front stretch jumps following the finish line allowed Tomac to vault past him over the table top just before the halfway point of the race. Tomac was flawless after that on the Carmichael-designed course, never allowing Webb a chance to catch him.
“I made that mistake and somehow clicked neutral, and he got by me,” Webb conceded following the race. “I tucked right in behind him and I felt like I stayed right there on him, really hoping for a mistake. I think we left it all out there for sure.”
Sexton was third, while Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson rounded out the top five.
Tomac now holds a five-point lead over Webb in the 450SX Class points standings, 186 to 181, while Sexton remains in third with 176 points.
Hunter Lawrence wins 250SX Class
The 250SX Class of the 53rd running of DAYTONA Supercross produced a high-level of intense racing throughout the entire day, from the first Heat to the main event.
The action began with two Heats and a Last Chance Qualifier for the 250SX Class. Coming off a victory in Arlington last weekend, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher secured Heat 1 early in the evening to set the scene for the Main Event while Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence took the Heat 2 win. Josiah Natzke topped off the early evening action by finishing first in the Last Chance Qualifier.
The Main Event was tight from the moment the gate dropped as Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle, Thrasher and Lawrence battled it out for the Holeshot, but it wasn’t long before a collision between Lawrence and Thrasher caused a shift in momentum. Thrasher went down while Lawrence continued on, eventually turning his Heat win into an overall DAYTONA Supercross crown.
“You’re making split decisions out there,” said Lawrence, the newest 250SX Class Daytona champion. “I just want to be the best version of me when I ride and do well for the team. Obviously, they’re stoked and happy. It’s a cool time right now.”
Lawrence came across the finish line 9.127 seconds ahead of Fire Power Honda’s British rider Max Anstie, who finished second. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan rounded out the top three, securing his first professional career podium and becoming the second youngest podium finisher in Supercross history. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordan Smith finished fourth while Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin was fifth.
The 17-year-old 250 rider and son of former Supercross athlete Brian Deegan hoisted his trophy after only four races in his rookie season, an impressive feat.
Thrasher managed to work his way back up the standings, finishing tenth, while Vialle’s race came to an early end.
Tickets are on sale now the DAYTONA 200 and other events during Bike Week at The World Center of Racing. For more information, fans are encouraged to visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.
Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway via www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com, on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as the all-new NASCAR Tracks App, for the latest speedway news.
About Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a state-of-the-art motorsports facility and was awarded the SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in 2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of The Great American Race – the DAYTONA 500. Though the season-opening NASCAR Cup Series event garners most of the attention – as well as the largest audience in motorsports – the approximately 500-acre motorsports complex, also known as the World Center of Racing, boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe. Some of the exciting racing events include January’s Rolex 24 At DAYTONA and Roar Before The Rolex 24, February’s DAYTONA 500 and Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, March’s Bike Week At DAYTONA Presented By Monster Energy, featuring DAYTONA Supercross and the DAYTONA 200, the August Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend, and much more. The Speedway grounds are also used extensively for other events that include concerts (Welcome to Rockville, Heroes Honor Festival, etc.), sporting events (DAYTONA Soccer Fest, CLASH DAYTONA, etc.) civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing and police motorcycle training.
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Bautista wins shortened Race 2, Vierge claims maiden podium
The Ducati rider bounced back after his DNF in the Tissot Superpole Race to take the win ahead of Razgatlioglu and Vierge
Alvaro Bautista claimed his 37th WorldSBK win in an interrupted Race 2. He heads to the first European Round as the Championship leader with 87 points and a 37-point advantage in the standings.
P1 | | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“In Race 2, starting from tenth position was not easy especially because, on this track, it’s not easy to pass. In a normal situation, there aren’t a lot of points to overtake other riders but with this condition with only a small line of good grip, it’s almost impossible. I tried to remain focused at the beginning. When they showed the red flag, I started from fourth place and maybe the lines got a bit easier.
I had to start with the harder rear tyre because we didn’t have more softs. I had to choose between a hard with two laps on it or a soft with eight laps on. We put the hard tyre on and tried to adapt. I tried to stay calm at the beginning. When I saw Rinaldi go away, I thought he had a really good pace. It was a good reference for me to get some advantage on Toprak. I was catching him but at Turn 1 I made a mistake and went a bit wide. I lost more than one second, so I lost a lot of distance to Rinaldi. I didn’t think I could catch him but in the last laps I saw drop him a lot. I tried to keep my pace. When I caught him, my pace was much faster, but I didn’t want to risk an overtake. I waited a couple of laps just to be sure that, when I pass him, I did it in a safe place without risk for him or for me. I’m so happy because, from a really difficult start today, we came back and we showed that we are strong this year. I’m happier with this victory than the other ones.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu was second and 1.218s off Bautista. He moved up in the Championship standings to take second place with 55 points.
Xavi Vierge secured his maiden podium finish for Honda with third place, finishing 3.050s behind the race winner.
P3 | Xavi Vierge | Team HRC
“You can’t believe how happy I am, we have worked so hard since last year, but we always missed something to fight for that position! The start of the season in Australia was so hard but team supported me and here in Indonesia, they gave me a bike that I could recover the feeling and speed! During the weekend, we’ve improved. Finally, we’ve got it! The team had an amazing plan, and I could finish in third position, which is a victory for everyone at the moment. We gave it everything until the last lap.”
Jonathan Rea crashed out of the race after he crashed at Turn 7. The six-time World Champion was diagnosed with a right distal thigh deep abrasion following the crash.
WorldSBK Race 2 Report
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s visit to the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit for the Motul Indonesian Round featured another dramatic race in Race 2 as Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) fought back to claim victory in Indonesia in a red-flagged Race 2 after battling with teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi. It was also a memorable race for Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) as he claimed his first WorldSBK podium after a strong Indonesian Round.
The original race was red flagged at the start of Lap 8 after an incident at Turn 11 involving Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Philipp Oettl (Team GoEleven) with both riders retiring from the race and unable to take the restart. Van der Mark was taken to the medical centre for a check-up following the crash. The starting grid for the restarted race was based on the last completed timing point for every rider and the race distanced reduced to 14 laps for the restarted race.
Rinaldi started the restarted race from pole position and, despite losing momentum at the start, was able to hold that throughout the opening laps of the 14-lap race. The gap was at over one second at when Bautista passed Razgatlioglu before the reigning Champion started closing in on teammate and by Lap 11, he had closed the gap back down to a tenth. Bautista made the move on his teammate on Lap 13 of 14 at Turn 10 to move into the lead of the race. On the final lap, Rinaldi ran wide at Turn 10 and lost two positions to Razgatlioglu and Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) in third place with Vierge taking his first WorldSBK podium after claiming third place after he started the restarted race from third on the grid. He was running in the chasing group throughout Race 2 and was able to take advantage of Rinaldi running wide to move into the podium places behind Razgatlioglu, who had been fighting for the podium throughout the restarted race.
Rinaldi ended up in fourth place and less than a second clear of Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) in fifth place with the two Italians separated by just 0.780s at the end of the race. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) continued his impressive Indonesian Round with sixth place with Petrucci less than a second behind Locatelli in sixth place. Locatelli had briefly led the original race but lost ground shortly afterwards, dropping him down the order on the grid for the restarted race.
WorldSBK will return with the Pirelli Dutch Round taking place from the 21st to the 23rd of April at the TT Circuit Assen.
Read the full report from Race 2 on worldsbk.com
WorldSBK Race 2 Results
1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +1.218s
3. Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) +3.050s
4. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +4.068s
5. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +4.848
6. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +5.838s
WorldSBK Championship standings
1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 112 points
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) 75 points
3. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) 70 points
Tissot Superpole Race Results
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu / Yamaha
2. Andrea Locatelli / Yamaha / +1.110s
3. Alex Lowes / Yamaha / +1.372s
First victory since 2019 for Caricasulo after last-lap battle with Manzi
Federico Caricasulo took his first Supersport win since 2019 and his first one with Ducati in
Race 2. He is now fourth in the Championship standings, three points away from third place.
P1 | Federico Caricasulo | Althea Racing
“I’m super happy because the team did a very good job with the bike. From yesterday, it wasn’t easy to improve the bike. Sometimes we could be faster, other times slower. Today the bike was better. My front tyre was better for all the race and I could focus on riding. It was really difficult because the temperature was really high, and we had to push for 18 laps. In the end, I had something more than Manzi and when I tried to overtake him in the last lap and then I pushed in the last two sectors and we were able to win the race!”
Stefano Manzi recovered from tenth on the grid to fight at the front but was denied the win by Caricasulo in the last lap. He is second in the standings with 59 points.
Nicolo Bulega was third and remains the Championship leader as he leaves Mandalika with an 18-point advantage in the standings.
WorldSSP Race 2 Report
There was an incredible fight in the FIM Supersport World Championship during the Motul Indonesian Round at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit as Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) claimed his first win of the 2023 campaign. Caricasulo lead an Italian 1-2-3 in the 18-lap race to claim his first win since Portimao in 2019 as he ended a four-year wait for victories in WorldSSP.
At the start of the race, Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) were fighting for first position with the Turkish star making a move on Bulega at T1 on Lap 3. Oncu looked to break clear, but he was never more than a second away from the chasing pack and, on Lap 13, Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) passed Oncu into Turn 10 move into the lead of the race.
Manzi led until the final lap of the race but Caricasulo, who also battled past Oncu and Bulega at around the halfway stage of the race, made a move on his compatriot at Turn 10 to move into the lead of the race. Caricasulo was able to hold on to claim his first win in 68 WorldSSP races, as he took his seventh WorldSSP victory and 29th podium. Ducati claimed their third win in the 2023 season, equalling their previous best season in terms of wins which was in 2000. Manzi was able to come home in second place for his seventh WorldSSP podium, while Bulega was able to fight back on Oncu to return to the rostrum.
Oncu took fourth place after leading throughout the first half of the race, finishing more than 1.5 second down on the podium positions at the end of the race while he was also three seconds clear of rookie Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) in fifth place. Schroetter had an early-race battle with Niki Tuuli (Dynavolt Triumph) with the Finn taking sixth spot at the end of the race meaning five manufacturers were inside the top six in Race 2.
WorldSSP will return with the Pirelli Dutch Round taking place from the 21st to the 23rd of April at the TT Circuit Assen.
