AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Earl Bowlby Passes Away
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame sends its condolences to the family and friends of Earl Bowlby, a 10-time AMA national hillclimb champion, who passed away Saturday, Aug. 5. He was 90 years old.
Born on Oct. 27, 1933, in Hocking County, Ohio, Bowlby’s love for motorcycles began as a teenager as he rode his paper route aboard a Whizzer motorbike during the 1940s. Bowlby’s racing career didn’t get started until the late 1950s, but instead of hillclimb, he first dabbled in drag racing.
In 1960, Bowlby established his own motorcycle dealership in Logan, Ohio, and began to ramp up his racing activities. Bowlby tried a variety of disciplines, spanning from enduros to hare scrambles, but ultimately found his true calling: hillclimb.
Earning his pro license at 32 in 1966, it took only two years for Bowlby to claim his first national victory with a win in Muskegon, Mich., in 1968. From that point forward, Bowlby dominated the national hillclimb scene, claiming 10 national titles across his 25 years of professional racing, a record that stood until 2021.
In addition to his 10 national titles on the AMA hillclimb circuit, Bowlby also added six Canadian national championships to his trophy case during his career. In 1984, Bowlby became the first competitor to complete the triple crown of hillclimb by winning the national invitational at Muskegon while claiming the AMA and Canadian national titles.
As a result of his illustrious racing career, in which he captured more than 80 AMA national hillclimb wins, Bowlby was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999 and remained a steadfast supporter from that point forward. In February 2023, Bowlby donated his 1967 BSA 650 to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame collection.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.
Galvis crowned as inaugural FIM MiniGP Canada champion at Lombardy
Lombardy, ON – The first season of the FIM MiniGP Canada Series came to a nail-biting conclusion on Sunday, with three different winners in each of the three feature races helping crown Michael Galvis as the inaugural champion at Lombardy Karting Club.
Galvis entered the last championship weekend of the season with just a one-point title lead over Treston Morrison, with only another 22 points separating the duo from a red-hot Ben Hardwick, the winner of both races one weekend ago at Lombardy.
While the series returned again to Lombardy for the season finale only seven days later, this time it was on the reverse counter-clockwise layout, though the change didn’t seem to faze Hardwick as he squeezed out pole position from Galvis in second and Morrison on the end of the front row in third.
Race one quickly negated that grid position advantage, as Morrison snatched the holeshot with Hardwick and eleven-year-old Galvis close behind, the lead trio running only marginally ahead of Ashton Parker in fourth.
With Galvis unable to launch an attack on Hardwick for second, Morrison seemed to be on the verge of snatching the top championship spot, but that quickly turned to disaster as the 13-year-old crashed out of the lead early on lap five.
The heartbreaking mistake promoted the battle between Hardwick and Galvis to the front, but it didn’t completely ruin Morrison’s race as he managed to quickly remount and begin a charge back up the field, ultimately salvaging much-needed points in fourth.
Galvis kept sustained pressure on Hardwick right to the finish, but was unable to find an opening as the 14-year-old out of Sudbury, ON won his third race in a row, moving himself even further into the title mix.
Ben Hardwick (43) held off Michael Galvis (83) to take race one at Lombardy on Sunday, his third consecutive win at the circuit. Photo by Jeremy Fleming, courtesy FIM MiniGP Canada.
Parker would run a quietly solid race to a career-best third ahead of CSBK Scholarship rider Rhys McNutt in fifth, with Lincoln Scott closely behind in sixth from American newcomer Cooper Glover in seventh, with fellow debutant Cole Reimche and Mason Archer completing the field.
A short turnaround then led the MiniGP class into race two, where Hardwick again lost out on the start but this time to title leader Galvis. Hardwick would have more chaos into turn one, colliding not once but twice with Morrison as both riders got their elbows out in an aggressive early battle.
That opening showdown allowed Galvis to stretch out some breathing room, but it didn’t last long as Hardwick ultimately broke free of Morrison and began to reel in Galvis at the front, setting up another late battle for the race win.
Much like race one though, the buildup wouldn’t result in any last-lap heroics as Galvis would hold off Hardwick for his third win of the campaign, and a pivotal one that handed him a comfortable 17-point advantage after Morrison could only muster third.
Parker would continue his strong weekend in fourth with Scott moving up to fifth, while McNutt fended off Glover with Reimche and Archer again concluding the field.
The series then shifted it’s focus to the tenth and final points-paying race of the season, with Galvis hoping to avoid any drama and wrap up the title while Hardwick hunted down Morrison for the vice-champion spot and an invitation to the FIM MiniGP World Final in Valencia, Spain.
This time Hardwick would finally get a good launch, grabbing the holeshot as Galvis and Morrison bumped into turn one, the latter putting plenty of pressure on his former championship rival as he needed a spot in the top-two to preserve his standings advantage over Hardwick.
With the lead beginning to stretch, Morrison forced a daring move into the final corner that would unfortunately prove to be the final nail in the coffin of his weekend, crashing into the barriers and watching his Spanish hopes evaporate.
The drama didn’t end there, however, as a hard-charging Parker quickly caught the back of Hardwick and Galvis and promptly pulled off one of the most spectacular moves many in attendance had ever seen, taking both of the lead riders at once into turn one and moving from third to first.
Hardwick would put plenty of pressure back on Parker, but the weekend’s 14-year-old breakout star wouldn’t give an inch, snatching his first ever FIM MiniGP victory to close out the season, moving himself to fifth in the final standings in the process.
Ashton Parker (45) pulled off a stunning turn one move to beat Ben Hardwick (43), Michael Galvis (83), and Lincoln Scott (41) for his first career victory in race three on Sunday. Photo by Jeremy Fleming, courtesy FIM MiniGP Canada.
The celebration would quickly start further back, though, as Galvis did enough in third to clinch the inaugural Canadian championship and Hardwick narrowly moved his way into second overall, both earning a trip to Valencia in the process.
“I really wanted to go to Spain and race for Canada, so I was trying to protect my spot in the championship,” Galvis said. “Treston went down, and then Ashton passed Ben and I at once, so I didn’t know what would happen. But it was so much fun!”
After dueling all season, he and Hardwick will now plan to become teammates for their trip to Europe and the MotoGP paddock, where both are eager to be Canada’s first ever FIM MiniGP representatives.
“I was trying to take second and get a spot in Spain, so I had to make sure Treston didn’t get there, but I feel bad that he crashed after the season he had,” Hardwick said. “It means a lot to be able to represent Canada, and hopefully I can put us on top.”
A dejected Morrison would remount to finish ninth, holding onto third in the championship.
Fourth would go the way of Scott, who was part of a thrilling four-rider battle at the end to decide the victory, though a pair of late lunges weren’t enough to displace Galvis for the final podium spot. As a result, Scott will wind up sixth in the final standings, losing out to Parker as his last-race victory would prove to be the tiebreaker.
McNutt would hang onto fifth in race three and thus earn fourth in the overall standings aboard his CSBK Scholarship bike, while newcomers Reimche and Glover took sixth and seventh, respectively, with Archer eighth and taking seventh in the title fight.
Galvis and Hardwick will now prepare to represent the series internationally, as they head to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia on November 24-26 for the FIM MiniGP World Final.
Some teams and riders are testing Monday and Tuesday at Circuit of The Americas in preparation for the MotoAmerica race event scheduled there September 8-10.
Attending the test are Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne and Josh Hayes (with JD Beach expected to join the team as soon as he arrives from the AFT race in South Dakota), Progressive Insurance/Mission Foods Indian’s Tyler O’Hara and Jeremy McWilliams (on both their Indian Challenger King Of The Baggers and Indian FTR 1200 Super Hooligan machines), and Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Xavi Fores and Josh Herrin.
The weather forecast calls for excessive heat, with ambient temperatures expected to reach 107 degrees F Monday and 106 degrees F on Tuesday, and little chance of rain.
NorthEast Motorcycle Road Racing (NEMRR) Executive Director John Grush, age 63, has been hospitalized after suffering an off-track medical emergency during a NEMRR event Saturday, August 5 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, in Loudon, New Hampshire.
“John had just got off the bike. He was fine,” said Eric Wood, NEMRR Technical Director and a close friend of Grush. “He was literally walking around laughing, joking with people. He was still in his leathers. He went to walk to the media center in the middle of the paddock and just collapsed and smashed his head as he did it.
“I was in my garage and didn’t know it happened until I looked up and saw Noelle [Doucette, NEMRR Series Director] running towards me at a full sprint. ‘John fell! John fell!’
“She went and got the ambulance crew. I didn’t think anything of it at first. ‘John tripped and fell over and hit his head. He’ll be alright.’
“I walked over there and he was basically non-responsive, and I was like, ‘Uh-oh! That’s not good.’
“The ambulance showed up and treated him. They had to shock him [with a defibrillator] once, and they loaded him on the truck and shipped him out.
“He’s currently in the ICU [Intensive Care Unit at Concord Hospital, in Concord, New Hampshire] being cared for, and we’re waiting for the outcome of some tests. It’s going to be a few days before we know exactly what’s going on, but at this point we’re hopeful for a full recovery.”
Wood said Grush’s wife and both of his children were at his side at the hospital.
We will provide updates on Grush as new information becomes available.
Update: John Grush has regained consciousness and is talking to hospital staff and his family.
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Jared Mees (Ind), 28 laps
2. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -1.377 seconds
3. JD Beach (Yam), -1.477
4. Davis Fisher (Ind), -9.773
5. Cameron Smith (Yam), -11.590
6. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -12.222
7. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -12.920
8. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -13.294
9. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -14.601
10. Bronson Bauman (KTM), -15.792
11. Ben Lowe (Ind), -16.458
12. Briar Bauman (KTM), -18.993
13. Henry Wiles (Ind), -21.125
14. Kasey Sciscoe (Har), -21.634
15. Ryan Wells (Roy), -1 lap
16. Cody Johncox (Yam), -1 lap, 8.618
17. Scooter Vernon (Kaw), -1 lap, 9.687
18. Michael Hill (Yam), -1 lap, 10.760
19. Jimmy McAllister (KTM), -20 laps, DNF
Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Kody Kopp (KTM), 23 laps
2. Tom Drane (Yam), -0.227 second
3. Trent Lowe (Hon), -1.439 seconds
4. Max Whale (KTM), -1.535
5. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -2.788
6. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -2.793
7. Declan Bender (KTM), -7.433
8. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -7.790
9. Travis Petton (KTM), -8.133
10. Tarren Santero (Hon), -8.371
11. James Ott (Hus), -8.937
12. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -9.414
13. Chad Cose (Hus), -9.439
14. Hunter Bauer (Hon), -9.657
15. Aidan RoosEvans (Hon), -9.672
16. Tyler Raggio (Yam), -13.821
17. Logan Eisenhard (KTM), -14.719
18. Landen Smith (KTM), -14.799
19. Aidan Brown (Hon), -15.866
Provisional Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Zaria Martens (Roy), 8 laps
2. Morgan Monroe (Roy), -0.047 second
3. Shasta L’Heureux (Roy), -0.744
4. Kenzie Luker (Roy), -1.281 seconds
5. Makenna Hiatt (Roy), -6.078
6. Erin Ferris (Roy), -11.389
7. Morgan Piller (Roy), -12.307
8. Anna Serena (Roy), -13.337
9. Moriah Hummer (Roy), -28.123
10. Mia Reese (Roy), -1 lap
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track:
Mees Extends Title Lead with Dominant Black Hills Half-Mile
AFT SuperTwins main event winner Jared Mees (center), runner-up Dallas Daniels (left), and third-place finisher JD Beach (right). Photo courtesy AFT.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 6, 2023) – Reigning champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) fortified his Grand National Championship advantage with a trademark performance in The City of Sturgis Black Hills Half-Mile presented by Black Hills Harley-Davidson at Black Hills Speedway in Rapid City, South Dakota
Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, took the spotlight at the 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on Sunday night, and all of its superstars, Mees again shone the brightest. He looked nearly unbeatable entering the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Main and then proved those fears well founded as soon as the race began. He shot out into the lead from pole and stretched out a sizable gap within a matter of laps, extinguishing any hopes of an upset as he did so.
Drama-free at the front, the Main Event was anything but from second place on down the order. Despite being in desperate need of a runner-up finish to minimize the damage to his championship chances, Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) found himself in fourth behind JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke) and in danger of being displaced to fifth by Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750).
Fueled by that desperation, Daniels somehow thread the needle, splitting Beach and Bauman to emerge from fourth in second with eight minutes to go. He and Estenson Racing teammate Beach then separated from the fight for fourth and flew their Yamahas in formation from that point forward.
However, Beach didn’t appear to be content to merely follow Daniels to the flag, instead showing his teammate a wheel more than once as the race neared its conclusion. While Beach may have had some pace on Daniels, he was wise enough to hold off on anything but the cleanest of passes – an opportunity for which never showed itself.
As a result of Mees’ victory and Daniels’ runner-up, Mees now leads by 5 points (321-316) and has locked up the tiebreaker with just three races left to determine this year’s champion.
Mees said, “It was a good day for us. We knew we needed to come in and do exactly that. We were dominant all day long. Jimmy Wood had the Öhlins suspension so hooked up – the Indian was probably one of the most hooked up motorcycles on a Half-Mile that I’ve ever been on, honestly. And Kenny Tolbert had the thing tuned-up perfectly, obviously. We were solid right off the truck, and that was a big key to today – not having to search for the speed.”
Meanwhile, nine riders were in contention for fourth place in a wild fracas just behind the podium positions. Fourth and fifth, ultimately went to Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) and Cameron Smith (No. 34 Martin Trucking/Fredericktown Yamaha MT-07). Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) held on for sixth, while Bauman suffered the most in the fray, dropping all the way down to 12th by the time he took the checkered flag.
Seventh was taken by Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07) while Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750), and Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke) completed the top ten.
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Reigning Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champ Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) pulled off perhaps the most impressive of his seven race wins this season on Sunday at Black Hills Speedway.
Kopp not only had to work up through a talented field on a slick track after running as low as seventh early, he also had to somehow find a way around the race’s heavy pre-race favorite, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), to complete that epic charge to victory.
Kopp exploited a high line no one else could quite master to slash up from seventh to second. That strategy could take him only that far, however, as Drane was too fast and too smart to simply power around. Instead, the factory Red Bull KTM ace applied as much pressure as he possibly could and then pounced as soon as Drane made a slight mistake as the two leapt out of Turn 4 with just two laps remaining.
Once into first, Kopp kept it together and held on by 0.227 seconds at the checkered flag.
“That was probably the toughest race of my career,” Kopp said. “I really dug myself out of a hole after a terrible heat, but I knew we had the speed… (But) Tom made it so hard to do. I would roll him – I had a lot of entry speed into (Turn) 1 – but he would see me and come up and block, which is what you have to do at a track like this, and it would cost me all of my momentum. But he just slipped up once coming off 4, and that’s all it took.”
“Last year around this time, when we started thinking about the championship, I feel like I was settling for like fifths and sevenths. This year, I want to get eight wins like Dallas (Daniels did in 2020). This is huge for me and my team.”
The two were joined on the box by Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), who held off second factory KTM ace Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), by 0.096 seconds for the spot.
Early frontrunner and ‘22 Black Hills HM winner Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) finished in fifth, just 0.005 seconds ahead of Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).
Rookie Declan Bender (No. 216 Killer Bee Racing/Luczak Racing KTM 450 SX-F) earned the best finish of his Progressive AFT career in seventh. He was followed by Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), Travis Petton IV (No. 82 ECG Racing/3 Bros KTM 450 SX-F) and Tarren Santero (No. 75 Vinson Construction/Eric Hoyt Honda CRF450R) to round out the top ten.
Kopp now leads the championship by 49 points over Drane (298-249). Should he build that advantage by just a single point next weekend at his home race in Castle Rock, Washington, he’ll successfully complete his title defense a full two rounds early.
Next Up:
The battle for the 2023 Grand National Championship resumes in less than a week with the CertainTeed Castle Rock TT presented by Law Tigers at Castle Rock Race Park in Castle Rock, Washington, on Saturday, August 12. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/sdiracing/events/castle-rock-tt-59623 to reserve your tickets today.
For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.
FOX Sports coverage of The City of Sturgis Black Hills Half-Mile presented by Black Hills Harley-Davidson, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, August 13, at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)
More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:
KODY KOPP RACES TO THE TOP STEP OF THE AFT SINGLES PODIUM AT BLACK HILLS HALF-MILE
Round 15 – American Flat Track Championship
RAPID CITY, S. Dak. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Kody Kopp has returned to the top step of the podium in Round 15 of the 2023 American Flat Track Championship at the Black Hills Half-Mile, where teammate Max Whale charged to a fourth-place result in the AFT Singles Main Event.
After piloting his 450 SX-F to the third-fastest qualifying time, Kopp took a P4 finish in the opening Heat of the round as he initially struggled to find comfort on the Rapid City layout. The defending champion flipped a switch as the Main Event arrived, however, with the number one racing to a hard-fought victory and securing his seventh AFT Singles win of the season.
With his Black Hills Half-Mile victory, Kopp extends his advantage in the AFT Singles Championship to 49 points with three rounds remaining.
Kody Kopp (1). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Kody Kopp: “This Black Hills Half-Mile was one of the toughest races of my career. Qualified on the front row for the Heat, but I really had to dig myself out of a hole – I was too nice, because I had the speed, but just rode around in fourth, and really needed to find that comfort and aggression. In the Main Event, I got myself really hyped up and that result was huge for my championship! I wanted to win today’s race so bad after the difficulties of last weekend, so I’m ready to keep it rolling into the next race and finish strong.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Whale opened his race day with a time that saw him qualify in second position. The momentum would continue for the determined Australian, as he notched another P2 result in his Heat, which earned him a spot into the Dash-For-Cash, where he claimed fourth.
In making improvements throughout the event, Whale entered the Main Event with confidence on his side, though a steady opening few laps placed him in the mid-field. Coming alive in the mid-part of the race, he began his charge to the front, running the pace of the leaders and managing to place his 450 SX-F into P4 by race’s end. That result now sees him ranked fifth in the point-standings.
Max Whale (18). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Max Whale: “It was a decent day here at Black Hills. I qualified second, which adds to my run of good qualifiers over the last few rounds, so had a front row start, made it into the Dash, though felt I was chasing something all day long. The team and I made great changes throughout the round and by the Main Event, I felt great, just a slow opening few laps put me back, unfortunately. I charged hard from there and by the mid-point I was running the times of the leaders, but I just gave up too much time to begin with. Overall, I’m stoked with how I feel on the bike, I just need to be better early on.”
Next Race: Castle Rock TT – Castle Rock, WA – August 12, 2023
Round 15 Results
AFT Singles Main Event
1. Kody Kopp, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
2. Tom Drane, Yamaha
3. Trent Lowe, Honda
4. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
OTHER KTM
7. Declan Bender, KTM
8. Dalton Gauthier, KTM
9. Travis Petton IV, KTM
17. Logan Eisenhard, KTM
18. Landen Smith, KTM
2023 AFT Singles Point Standings
1. Kody Kopp, 298 points
2. Tom Drane, 249
3. Trevor Brunner, 248
OTHER KTM
5. Max Whale, 228
7. Dalton Gauthier, 214
11. Travis Petton IV, 97
14. Shayna Texter-Bauman, 69
19. Logan Eisenhard, 43
21. Declan Bender, 36
24. Landen Smith, 15
26. Hayden Gillim, 14
28. Clarke Morian V, 12
29. Olin Kissler, 10
30. Tanner Dean, 9
More, from a press release issued by Indian Motorcycle:
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING AND JARED MEES DOMINATE BLACK HILLS HALF-MILE
Mees Inches Closer to Record-Tying Ninth-Career Grand National Championship as Eighth Victory of the Season Extends Overall Points Lead to Five with Three Races Remaining
MINNEAPOLIS – Chasing his ninth-career Grand National Championship, which would tie Scottie Parker’s all-time record, reigning SuperTwins Champion and Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew rider Jared Mees is showing no signs of slowing down heading into the final stretch of the 2023 American Flat Track (AFT) season. Piloting his Indian FTR750, Mees rode to his eighth win of the season and extended his series points lead following a dominant performance at the Black Hills Half-Mile.
Starting the Main event from the pole position, Mees jumped on the throttle from the drop of the green flag – taking the hole shot and securing a sizable lead to complete a dominant wire-to-wire victory. The eighth win of the season not only gives Mees a five-point lead with three races remaining but secures the season’s tiebreaker.
“Jared’s a fierce competitor with incredibly high expectations and an unwavering drive to win,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology for Indian Motorcycle. “He’s been scratching and clawing his way back to the top of the leaderboard all season, consistently stringing together wins and podium finishes. With only three races remaining in less than a month, the team has the FTR750 dialed in and ready to compete for another championship.”
While Mees chases a record-tying ninth-career Grand National Championship, another title for the Indian FTR750 will mark seven-consecutive AFT SuperTwins championships for Indian Motorcycle Racing.
The 2023 AFT season continues next at Castle Rock TT on August 12. The season will conclude September 2-3 for a Springfield Mile doubleheader.
For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle Company is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
INDIAN and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC. Always wear a helmet, protective clothing and eyewear and insist your passenger does the same. Ride within the limits of the law and your own abilities. Read, understand and follow your owner’s manual. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
HONDA-POWERED HEROES WIN ACTION-PACKED EWC SUZUKA 8 HOURS FOR TEAM HRC
*Nagashima, Takahashi and Vierge combine to claim famous race for home outfit
*Despite delay F.C.C. TSR Honda France retakes points lead after YART Yamaha woe
*TOHO Racing and SDG Honda Racing complete podium following late rain shower
*Japan’s EWC round records a weekend spectator attendance of 42,000
*Coveted FIM EWC world title to go down to the wire in next month’s Bol d’Or
(6 August 2023): Team HRC proved unbeatable during a thrilling third round of the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship, the 44th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race, which finished at the iconic Japanese venue this evening (Sunday).
Its second Suzuka victory in as many years followed a lengthy delay for Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team and an early setback for F.C.C. TSR Honda France, all of which means the EWC title chase will go down to the wire in next month’s eagerly awaited Bol d’Or.
Despite its delay during the opening hour in Suzuka, F.C.C. TSR Honda France was able to retake the championship lead by fighting back to finish fourth. But its advantage over YART heading to the Circuit Paul Ricard finale from 14-17 September is just 14 points. And with points being multiplied by a factor of 1.5 for the fourth round of the season, the title race is wide open with a number of other teams also in contention.
For Spanish World Superbike rider Vierge, however, the focus is firmly on his debut EWC win alongside Japanese riders Takumi Takahashi and Tetsuta Nagashima, who recovered from a foot injury to take part having not raced since April.
“For me it’s amazing because it’s the first time I made this amazing race and to get this win just feels incredible,” said the 26-yea-old Vierge. “I need to say thank you so much to my team and also to my team-mates, they did an amazing job. I learn a lot from them during all of the week and finally we are able to have a good pace. It has not been easy because in my second stint I had the safety car and I was one of the last in my group [when the race restarted] and it was so difficult to overtake without making mistakes. And the last two hours for them were really difficult with the rain. But they just made the correct decisions in every moment. It was a perfect strategy, it’s such a pleasure and I’m so happy.”
Behind Team HRC with Japan Post, Yoshimura SERT Motul looked set to improve on its 2022 placing of third by claiming the runner-up spot, only for Gregg Black to crash nearing the seven-hour mark. Having led early on, Black’s Suzuki-powered team responded to late-race rain by switching the UK-born French rider onto wet weather tyres.
Returning to the track for what would have been a double stint in the hot and humid conditions, Black slid off at the ‘S’ Curves and eight minutes were lost in the pits while repairs were made. Sylvain Guintoli completed the race for the team in P12.
Yoshimura SERT Motul’s misfortunate let in TOHO Racing for second with Ikuhiro Enokido, Ryuichi Kiyonari and Takuma Kunimine onboard its Honda after it had clocked the third fastest time in Saturday afternoon’s Top 10 Trial. SDG Honda Racing placed third with riders Teppei Nagoe, Haruki Noguchi and Naomichi Uramoto coming through strongly towards the end.
AutoRace Ube Racing Team relied on two riders only – Dan Linfoot and Takuya Tsuda – following an injury to Hafizh Syahrin in pre-race testing to finish fifth behind F.C.C. TSR Honda France, which dropped out of contention with a sensor issue that contributed to a fall for Mike Di Meglio in the opening hour.
HOW THE CHASE FOR EWC GLORY UNFOLDED IN JAPAN
A rapid running start from Gregg Black in front of Suzuka’s packed main grandstand gave Yoshimura SERT Motul the early lead only for Niccolò Canepa to snatch top spot for Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team at the final chicane nearing the completion of lap three.
Having been muscled out of second place, Takumi Takahashi fought back from fifth to lead on lap seven aboard his Team HRC Honda. But Canepa, on the #7 Yamaha, responded only for Takahashi to retake an advantage who wouldn’t lose on lap 12.
And Team HRC’s gap to its rivals grew significantly when the #7 Yamaha, with Karel Hanika riding, stopped on track on the run out of Spoon Curve after one hour and 36 minutes.
With the help of two volunteer marshals, Hanika heroically pushed his stricken machine back towards the pits where an electrical issue was identified and fixed, albeit following a major time loss. A further pit visit to fix a loose fairing left YART in 40th position after four hours of racing. It crossed the finishing line in 23rd.
As well as several on-track battles for position, the focus of the final hours was on the expected rain, which materialised after six hours and 20 minutes of racing and led to several changes of position and myriad pit stops for tyre changes.
BMW Motorrrad World Endurance Team secured important EWC points in seventh, one place behind Honda Dream RT Sakurai Honda. Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Showa finished eighth followed by S-Pulse Dream Racing -ITEC and Astemo Honda Racing Dream SI Racing, which completed the provisional top 10.
Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar finished 13th after it was delayed by two unscheduled pitstops. Honda Viltaïs Racing came home 14th as Motobox Kremer Racing equalled its previous best finish of 25th. KM99 was delayed by more than 20 minutes, however, when its Yamaha ran out of fuel.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The Bol d’Or season decider takes place at Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, southern France, from 14-17 September when the FIM Endurance World Championship and FIM Endurance World Cup titles will be up for grabs.
Fermin Aldeguer won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Beta Tools SpeedUp Boscoscuro, the Spaniard won the 17-lap race by 2.546 seconds.
Aron Canet was the runner-up on is Pons Wegow Los40 Kalex, and Pedro Acosta finished third on a Red Bull KTM Ajo machine.
American Joe Roberts took fourth, less than three seconds behind Acosta, on his Italtrans Kalex.
Aleix Espargaro used a last-lap pass to win the FIM MotoGP World Championship race at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his factory Aprilia RS-GP, the Spaniard passed Francesco Bagnaia on the 20th and final lap to take the lead and the victory.
Defending Champion Bagnaia had to settle for the runner-up position – and 20 valuable points – just 0.215 second back on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici.
Brad Binder finished a close third, a mere 0.4 second behind Bagnaia, on his Red Bull KTM GP16.
Binder just held off CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team’s Miguel Oliveira, who made an incredible run up to fourth, and Espargaro’s teammate Maverick Vinales, who made it three Aprilias in the top five.
Rain began falling late in the race, causing some riders to come into the pits and switch to bikes fitted with rain tires. The top five riders did not pit.
Riders who crashed before the white rain flags came out were Joan Mir and pole-sitter Marco Bezzecchi. Riders who crashed after the white rain flags were displayed included Marc Marquez and Enea Bastianini.
Aleix Espargaro snatches victory in a last lap barnstormer at the British GP
The Aprilia rider pips Pecco to the post ahead of Binder, Oliveira and Viñales as Bezzecchi crashes out of contention
Aleix Espargaro (41) beat Francesco Bagnaia (behind Espargaro), Brad Binder (33), and Miguel Oliveira (88) to the checkered flag in the MotoGP race at Silverstone. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 06 August 2023
MotoGP™ came back with a bang as the Monster Energy British Grand Prix delivered an instant, last lap classic. With spots of rain falling towards the end of the race, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) mastered the changing conditions to put himself in the perfect position for a last-lap attack on Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). The Italian had led the majority of the race and withstood both serious pressure and the difficult conditions, but Espargaro studied his prey and pounced late on for Aprilia’s second ever premier class win. Reigning Champion Bagnaia will be happy to take 20 points, however, as his title rival Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) crashed out whilst following Bagnaia earlier in the race, with that dropping back to third overall.
For third in the race, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had his hands full with the Aprilias of Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) as the South African fought hard but got the job done to take that podium after it evaded him in Assen. Oliveira, meanwhile, took P4 as top Independent Team rider.
MotoGP™ springs back into life at Silverstone
The grid settled at Silverstone as the 2023 MotoGP™ rollercoaster of a season was set to return to action after a long summer break. The Monster Energy British Grand Prix marks the start of the second half of the season as the title trio prepared to resume battle, and the track was bone-dry but a chance of rain added to tension on the grid.
Bezzecchi started on pole position, but as the revs rose and the grid flew off the line it was a lightning start from Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) from the middle of the front row with Bezzecchi eyeing up a way through on the Aussie. Meanwhile, Bagnaia shot up to P3 from 4th on the grid as he had Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Viñales in his wheel-tracks.
Bagnaia did not hesitate in getting past his title rivals as he took his first opportunity to pass Bezzecchi, with his sights set on Miller in the lead. Bezzecchi wasn’t letting Bagnaia have it easy though as he fired it back up the inside. That ignited the fire in the Championship leader as Bagnaia pulled off an incredible move around the outside of Bezzecchi and used his momentum to take the lead away from Miller at the next corner.
Bezzecchi followed pursuit and pushed the Aussie back to P3 into the clutches of Alex Marquez, and once through Bagnaia and Bezzecchi began to break away, the title rivals locked together at the front.
Aleix Espargaro was a man on a mission with 16 laps remaining as the Aprilia rider pushed his way through on Marquez into 3rd place, however, and was the fastest rider on circuit.
Small error, big consequences
Bezzecchi had rushed into turn Stowe corner with 15 laps remaining, running himself slightly wide. If that was a warning it wasn’t heeded, as one lap later the VR46 rider made the same mistake, but this time the Silverstone Circuit wasn’t as kind to the title contender as he tucked the front and went down and out of the British Grand Prix. Rider ok, but with Bagnaia in the lead, this was proving to be a big dent in Bezzecchi’s Championship charge.
The Italian’s crash promoted Espargaro to 2nd place and Brad Binder up into 3rd, with the Spaniard putting the hammer down to reel in the number one plated Ducati out the front. Bagnaia did respond and upped the pace at the front, but the Aprilia was able to hang onto his coattails, initiating an intense battle for the victory that went right to the flag.
Rain flags and several plot twists…
Meanwhile, Viñales had made his way through on Binder with 11 laps to go, making it two Aprilias inside the top 3. Viñales then proceeded to catch the leading group with Binder latched onto his rear wheel. It became a true group of 4 at the front with seven laps remaining, and the white flags were displayed with light spots of rain dropping onto the Silverstone Circuit. And when the rain picked up at turn 15, the Aprilias backed off slightly allowing Binder to fly his way through as the South African was as committed as ever.
The yo-yo in the group continued though, and Espargaro made his way back through on Binder with 4 laps to go as Bagnaia was putting down a strong pace out the front. Espargaro was then able to latch back onto the Italian as Binder began to drop back, with Oliveira then throwing his name into the mix as he came out of seemingly nowhere to catch the leading group.
Oliveira wasted no time in getting past Binder and Viñales as the Portuguese rider pulled off an incredible two-in-one move to make his way into P3.
By last lap time, Binder had gotten the better of Oliveira to slot himself back into P3 as Bagnaia stretched out the group in the first sector, edging a few tenths ahead of Espargaro on the chase. Was there time left for a move? There was. Espargaro dug in and got back on terms with the Ducati before making an incredible move on the power at the exit of Copse Corner to blast past the Italian. The Spaniard went defensive down the Hangar straight too, with Bagnaia desperate to get past the Aprilia, but there was no way through. Espargaro left no room for the reigning Champion, leaving him forced to settle for 2nd place. A historic second win for Aprilia and a ninth different winner in a row at Silverstone, but an extended Championship lead for Pecco.
Binder also put on an impressive defensive display as he fended off Oliveira for the final podium spot. Viñales came home in 5th place, making it three Aprilias inside the top five after a storming Silverstone for the Noale factory. It’s also the first time Aprilia, Ducati and KTM have shared the podium.
Behind that fight, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) took P6 as he gained significant ground on Bezzecchi for P2 in the standings, the Pramac also having earlier been sent quite wide with Binder after the South African found himself in a Lap 1 sandwich.
Alex Marquez retired from the front group with a mechanical issue, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) pulled in to retire too after earlier contact in a crash for Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team).
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) put in a storming first half of the race from the back of the grid but then tangled with Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) before running over his own strewn fairing. He then pitted to change to his second bike on wets to try his luck, and did take the final point as a couple of others gambled too.
Marini took P7 just ahead of Miller, who was sent well wide in an earlier tangle with Viñales, with Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) in P9 ahead of Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) to make it all Aprilias in the top ten.
It was an important weekend for Aprilia Racing as the Noale manufacturer returned to victory at a Silverstone Circuit that has been both cruel and kind to Aleix Espargaro. But MotoGP™ now turns its attention to the Red Bull Ring in Austria for the CryptoDATA Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich set to take place from the 18th to the 20th of August… KTM home turf and Ducati’s happy hunting grounds. Can they hit back? We’ll find out soon!
Fermin Aldeguer (54) won the Moto2 race at Silverstone. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aldeguer takes first Grand Prix win with a Silverstone stunner
The number 54 pulls away for a stylish visit to the top step, with Canet second and Acosta completing the podium to take the Championship lead
Moto2™ delivered enthralling action at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix as Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) came out guns blazing with the heat turned up in Silverstone, taking his first Grand Prix win in style. The Spaniard got the better of Aron Canet (Pons Wegwow Los40) who had the bit between his teeth in 2nd place. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was fighting at the sharp end as always, and a British GP podium saw him take the Championship lead from Tony Arbolino (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team) who could only manage 10th place.
It was Aldeguer who took the holeshot down into turn 1, before being pushed back down the order to 4th place with teammate Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp), Acosta, and Canet hitting the front.
Meanwhile, it was a disaster home Grand Prix for Jake Dixon (Tensite GASGAS Aspar Team) who was looking for redemption in the race after crashing out of qualifying. Unfortunately, it was a similar fate for the Brit in the race as the Aspar rider went down and out of the race with 16 laps to go after a clash with Darryn Binder (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP).
Meanwhile, back at the front, Canet began to put the hammer down and pull away from Lopez, Acosta, and Aldeguer. The Spaniard had stretched out a one-second lead with 11 laps remaining.
One lap later there was drama still to come as Lopez went down. Out of the Grand Prix after dropping off the back of Acosta and Aldeguer, there would be no follow up to his dream first rostrum at the venue in 2022.
Aldeguer went on to put down a scintillating pace as he reeled in Canet, wasting no time to snatch the lead from his compatriot with 8 laps to go. Canet did all he could to hold on, but then was forced to drop a position to Acosta after overtaking under yellow flags.
The Boscoscuro of Aldeguer went on to pull away at the front, setting the fastest lap of the race on the penultimate lap with the only 2:04s of the weekend. The Spaniard’s pace was unmatched as he went on to take the win by 2.546s.
Canet then bounced back at Acosta, snatching 2nd place from his compatriot as the KTM Ajo rider was forced to settle for P3, but it did see him take hold of the Championship standings, now leading the way by 2 points.
Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing) picked up a great result in P4, ahead of Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Team) who carved through the field to round out the top 5 after being battered down out of points earlier in the race.
The attention now turns to the Red Bull Ring in Austria where Acosta will be looking to extend his newly gained Championship lead even further, and on KTM’s home turf. You can keep up to date with all the upcoming Moto2™ action at the CryptoDATA Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich on motogp.com, as well as the one-day test at Silverstone on Monday.
Colombian David Alonso (far right) made history in the Moto3 race. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Alonso makes history in all-time classic at Silverstone
The first Colombian Grand Prix winner is here, and his name is David Alonso
The Moto3™ showdown at Silverstone will live long in the memory, not least for first time Grand Prix winner David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team). The number 80 becomes the first Colombian Grand Prix winner in history, and after gaining a stunning 27 places from the back of the grid after a disastrous qualifying. It was a close, close fight at the front, however, and the finish is the second-closest top 15 in history.
Second place went to Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) as the Japanese rider’s run of podiums continued, moving him up into second overall as the rider who held that on the way in, Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) slid out of the lead early doors. Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) took third, however, minimising the damage from Sasaki’s recent charge.
There was immediate heartbreak for Scott Ogden (VisionTrack Racing Team) was unable to get off the line on the Warm Up lap. By the time the Brit had gotten his bike restarted he was behind the safety car and was forced to start his home Grand Prix from the back of the grid, instead of the front row.
When the lights went out it was a good start for Holgado, who snatched the holeshot from Masia into turn 1. Masia, who started from pole, bit straight back though as Holgado who was then pushed back to 4th place with Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Sasaki getting themselves stuck in on lap one.
Öncü led as they came across the line for the first time ahead of Masia and Holgado. The typical Moto3™ freight train then began to form as Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) joined the battle at the front.
With 13 laps still remaining it was a disaster for Masia as the Spaniard crashed out at Village corner, remounting straight away and firing himself back into the race, but with a mountain to climb to the top 15, he was unable to score a point.
Meanwhile at the front, Diogo Moreira (MT Helemts MSI) and Alonso had joined the party whilst Masia’s title rival Holgado was leading the freight train, with 20 riders locked together in victory contention. It was blink-and-miss-it stuff as the laps ticked away with the Moto3™ riders banging bars, swapping paintwork, and bashing elbows in a hard but fair battle for victory.
Alonso was looking racey with eight laps remaining as the youngster wasn’t shy of battling with the big names at the front. Romano Fenati (Rivacold Snipers Team) also threw his name into the mix with six laps to go, utilising his unique wide-swooping style to take the lead with an incredible round-the-outside move, but only to battered back down the order.
When last lap time came around, it was Holgado that led Alonso and Öncü with Ortola, Sasaki, and Moreira eager to break into the top 3. Alonso took the lead halfway around but it didn’t last long as Sasaki pushed his way to the front ahead of the final sector.
Alonso snatched the lead back on the hangar straight as Öncü jumped into P2 to then be pushed wide creating a gap in the group, this allowed the Colombian to hold onto the lead until the line as the youngster took his debut win in his rookie season at Grand Prix level, ahead of Sasaki who fended off Holgado to the line.
Ortola narrowly missed out on the podium in P4 as he fended off the menacing David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) who rounded out the top 5.
Ogden was a rider on a mission as he pushed his way into the top 20 with 12 laps remaining, tagging himself onto the back of the leading group. The Brit pushed his way into the points with 4 laps to go but dropped back to P16 in the closing stages, then classified one further back due to track limits on the last lap.
And so the standings change again as Sasaki continues his charge, and what do you know it’s a venue where, last year, he pulled off a stunning victory despite a double Long Lap. Can he keep the roll going? We’ll find out in two weeks as Moto3™ returns to the Red Bull Ring!
David Alonso won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Silverstone Circuit, in England. The Colombian won the 15-lap race by 0.152 second on his Gaviota Aspar M3 GASGAS.
Ayumu Sasaki was the runner-up on his Liqui Moly Intact GP Husqvarna, just 0.051 second ahead of third-place finisher – and Championship point leader – Daniel Holgado, who rode a Red Bull KTM Tech3 machine.
The top five finishers were covered by just 0.471 second, and the top 15 riders crossed the finish line within 1.572 seconds of each other.
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Earl Bowlby Passes Away
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame sends its condolences to the family and friends of Earl Bowlby, a 10-time AMA national hillclimb champion, who passed away Saturday, Aug. 5. He was 90 years old.
Born on Oct. 27, 1933, in Hocking County, Ohio, Bowlby’s love for motorcycles began as a teenager as he rode his paper route aboard a Whizzer motorbike during the 1940s. Bowlby’s racing career didn’t get started until the late 1950s, but instead of hillclimb, he first dabbled in drag racing.
In 1960, Bowlby established his own motorcycle dealership in Logan, Ohio, and began to ramp up his racing activities. Bowlby tried a variety of disciplines, spanning from enduros to hare scrambles, but ultimately found his true calling: hillclimb.
Earning his pro license at 32 in 1966, it took only two years for Bowlby to claim his first national victory with a win in Muskegon, Mich., in 1968. From that point forward, Bowlby dominated the national hillclimb scene, claiming 10 national titles across his 25 years of professional racing, a record that stood until 2021.
In addition to his 10 national titles on the AMA hillclimb circuit, Bowlby also added six Canadian national championships to his trophy case during his career. In 1984, Bowlby became the first competitor to complete the triple crown of hillclimb by winning the national invitational at Muskegon while claiming the AMA and Canadian national titles.
As a result of his illustrious racing career, in which he captured more than 80 AMA national hillclimb wins, Bowlby was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999 and remained a steadfast supporter from that point forward. In February 2023, Bowlby donated his 1967 BSA 650 to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame collection.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.
Inaugural FIM MiniGP Canada Series Champion Michael Galvis (83) trails rivals Treston Morrison (125) and Ben Hardwick (43) ahead of the rest of the field early in race one at Lombardy on Sunday. Photo Jeremy Fleming, courtesy FIM MiniGP Canada.
Galvis crowned as inaugural FIM MiniGP Canada champion at Lombardy
Lombardy, ON – The first season of the FIM MiniGP Canada Series came to a nail-biting conclusion on Sunday, with three different winners in each of the three feature races helping crown Michael Galvis as the inaugural champion at Lombardy Karting Club.
Galvis entered the last championship weekend of the season with just a one-point title lead over Treston Morrison, with only another 22 points separating the duo from a red-hot Ben Hardwick, the winner of both races one weekend ago at Lombardy.
While the series returned again to Lombardy for the season finale only seven days later, this time it was on the reverse counter-clockwise layout, though the change didn’t seem to faze Hardwick as he squeezed out pole position from Galvis in second and Morrison on the end of the front row in third.
Race one quickly negated that grid position advantage, as Morrison snatched the holeshot with Hardwick and eleven-year-old Galvis close behind, the lead trio running only marginally ahead of Ashton Parker in fourth.
With Galvis unable to launch an attack on Hardwick for second, Morrison seemed to be on the verge of snatching the top championship spot, but that quickly turned to disaster as the 13-year-old crashed out of the lead early on lap five.
The heartbreaking mistake promoted the battle between Hardwick and Galvis to the front, but it didn’t completely ruin Morrison’s race as he managed to quickly remount and begin a charge back up the field, ultimately salvaging much-needed points in fourth.
Galvis kept sustained pressure on Hardwick right to the finish, but was unable to find an opening as the 14-year-old out of Sudbury, ON won his third race in a row, moving himself even further into the title mix.
Ben Hardwick (43) held off Michael Galvis (83) to take race one at Lombardy on Sunday, his third consecutive win at the circuit. Photo by Jeremy Fleming, courtesy FIM MiniGP Canada.
Parker would run a quietly solid race to a career-best third ahead of CSBK Scholarship rider Rhys McNutt in fifth, with Lincoln Scott closely behind in sixth from American newcomer Cooper Glover in seventh, with fellow debutant Cole Reimche and Mason Archer completing the field.
A short turnaround then led the MiniGP class into race two, where Hardwick again lost out on the start but this time to title leader Galvis. Hardwick would have more chaos into turn one, colliding not once but twice with Morrison as both riders got their elbows out in an aggressive early battle.
That opening showdown allowed Galvis to stretch out some breathing room, but it didn’t last long as Hardwick ultimately broke free of Morrison and began to reel in Galvis at the front, setting up another late battle for the race win.
Much like race one though, the buildup wouldn’t result in any last-lap heroics as Galvis would hold off Hardwick for his third win of the campaign, and a pivotal one that handed him a comfortable 17-point advantage after Morrison could only muster third.
Parker would continue his strong weekend in fourth with Scott moving up to fifth, while McNutt fended off Glover with Reimche and Archer again concluding the field.
The series then shifted it’s focus to the tenth and final points-paying race of the season, with Galvis hoping to avoid any drama and wrap up the title while Hardwick hunted down Morrison for the vice-champion spot and an invitation to the FIM MiniGP World Final in Valencia, Spain.
This time Hardwick would finally get a good launch, grabbing the holeshot as Galvis and Morrison bumped into turn one, the latter putting plenty of pressure on his former championship rival as he needed a spot in the top-two to preserve his standings advantage over Hardwick.
With the lead beginning to stretch, Morrison forced a daring move into the final corner that would unfortunately prove to be the final nail in the coffin of his weekend, crashing into the barriers and watching his Spanish hopes evaporate.
The drama didn’t end there, however, as a hard-charging Parker quickly caught the back of Hardwick and Galvis and promptly pulled off one of the most spectacular moves many in attendance had ever seen, taking both of the lead riders at once into turn one and moving from third to first.
Hardwick would put plenty of pressure back on Parker, but the weekend’s 14-year-old breakout star wouldn’t give an inch, snatching his first ever FIM MiniGP victory to close out the season, moving himself to fifth in the final standings in the process.
Ashton Parker (45) pulled off a stunning turn one move to beat Ben Hardwick (43), Michael Galvis (83), and Lincoln Scott (41) for his first career victory in race three on Sunday. Photo by Jeremy Fleming, courtesy FIM MiniGP Canada.
The celebration would quickly start further back, though, as Galvis did enough in third to clinch the inaugural Canadian championship and Hardwick narrowly moved his way into second overall, both earning a trip to Valencia in the process.
“I really wanted to go to Spain and race for Canada, so I was trying to protect my spot in the championship,” Galvis said. “Treston went down, and then Ashton passed Ben and I at once, so I didn’t know what would happen. But it was so much fun!”
After dueling all season, he and Hardwick will now plan to become teammates for their trip to Europe and the MotoGP paddock, where both are eager to be Canada’s first ever FIM MiniGP representatives.
“I was trying to take second and get a spot in Spain, so I had to make sure Treston didn’t get there, but I feel bad that he crashed after the season he had,” Hardwick said. “It means a lot to be able to represent Canada, and hopefully I can put us on top.”
A dejected Morrison would remount to finish ninth, holding onto third in the championship.
Fourth would go the way of Scott, who was part of a thrilling four-rider battle at the end to decide the victory, though a pair of late lunges weren’t enough to displace Galvis for the final podium spot. As a result, Scott will wind up sixth in the final standings, losing out to Parker as his last-race victory would prove to be the tiebreaker.
McNutt would hang onto fifth in race three and thus earn fourth in the overall standings aboard his CSBK Scholarship bike, while newcomers Reimche and Glover took sixth and seventh, respectively, with Archer eighth and taking seventh in the title fight.
Galvis and Hardwick will now prepare to represent the series internationally, as they head to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia on November 24-26 for the FIM MiniGP World Final.
Circuit of The Americas. Photo courtesy Circuit of The Americas.
Some teams and riders are testing Monday and Tuesday at Circuit of The Americas in preparation for the MotoAmerica race event scheduled there September 8-10.
Attending the test are Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne and Josh Hayes (with JD Beach expected to join the team as soon as he arrives from the AFT race in South Dakota), Progressive Insurance/Mission Foods Indian’s Tyler O’Hara and Jeremy McWilliams (on both their Indian Challenger King Of The Baggers and Indian FTR 1200 Super Hooligan machines), and Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Xavi Fores and Josh Herrin.
The weather forecast calls for excessive heat, with ambient temperatures expected to reach 107 degrees F Monday and 106 degrees F on Tuesday, and little chance of rain.
NEMRR Executive Director John Grush (left) with Series Director Noelle Doucette (right). Photo by Sam Draiss, courtesy NEMRR.
NorthEast Motorcycle Road Racing (NEMRR) Executive Director John Grush, age 63, has been hospitalized after suffering an off-track medical emergency during a NEMRR event Saturday, August 5 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, in Loudon, New Hampshire.
“John had just got off the bike. He was fine,” said Eric Wood, NEMRR Technical Director and a close friend of Grush. “He was literally walking around laughing, joking with people. He was still in his leathers. He went to walk to the media center in the middle of the paddock and just collapsed and smashed his head as he did it.
“I was in my garage and didn’t know it happened until I looked up and saw Noelle [Doucette, NEMRR Series Director] running towards me at a full sprint. ‘John fell! John fell!’
“She went and got the ambulance crew. I didn’t think anything of it at first. ‘John tripped and fell over and hit his head. He’ll be alright.’
“I walked over there and he was basically non-responsive, and I was like, ‘Uh-oh! That’s not good.’
“The ambulance showed up and treated him. They had to shock him [with a defibrillator] once, and they loaded him on the truck and shipped him out.
“He’s currently in the ICU [Intensive Care Unit at Concord Hospital, in Concord, New Hampshire] being cared for, and we’re waiting for the outcome of some tests. It’s going to be a few days before we know exactly what’s going on, but at this point we’re hopeful for a full recovery.”
Wood said Grush’s wife and both of his children were at his side at the hospital.
We will provide updates on Grush as new information becomes available.
Update: John Grush has regained consciousness and is talking to hospital staff and his family.
The green flag being waved at the American Flat Track (AFT) Black Hills Half-Mile, in South Dakota, in 2023. Photo by Kristen Lassen, courtesy AFT.
American Flat Track
Black Hills Half-Mile
Black Hills Speedway
Rapid City, South Dakota
August 6, 2023
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Jared Mees (Ind), 28 laps
2. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -1.377 seconds
3. JD Beach (Yam), -1.477
4. Davis Fisher (Ind), -9.773
5. Cameron Smith (Yam), -11.590
6. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -12.222
7. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -12.920
8. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -13.294
9. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -14.601
10. Bronson Bauman (KTM), -15.792
11. Ben Lowe (Ind), -16.458
12. Briar Bauman (KTM), -18.993
13. Henry Wiles (Ind), -21.125
14. Kasey Sciscoe (Har), -21.634
15. Ryan Wells (Roy), -1 lap
16. Cody Johncox (Yam), -1 lap, 8.618
17. Scooter Vernon (Kaw), -1 lap, 9.687
18. Michael Hill (Yam), -1 lap, 10.760
19. Jimmy McAllister (KTM), -20 laps, DNF
Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Kody Kopp (KTM), 23 laps
2. Tom Drane (Yam), -0.227 second
3. Trent Lowe (Hon), -1.439 seconds
4. Max Whale (KTM), -1.535
5. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -2.788
6. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -2.793
7. Declan Bender (KTM), -7.433
8. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -7.790
9. Travis Petton (KTM), -8.133
10. Tarren Santero (Hon), -8.371
11. James Ott (Hus), -8.937
12. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -9.414
13. Chad Cose (Hus), -9.439
14. Hunter Bauer (Hon), -9.657
15. Aidan RoosEvans (Hon), -9.672
16. Tyler Raggio (Yam), -13.821
17. Logan Eisenhard (KTM), -14.719
18. Landen Smith (KTM), -14.799
19. Aidan Brown (Hon), -15.866
Provisional Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Zaria Martens (Roy), 8 laps
2. Morgan Monroe (Roy), -0.047 second
3. Shasta L’Heureux (Roy), -0.744
4. Kenzie Luker (Roy), -1.281 seconds
5. Makenna Hiatt (Roy), -6.078
6. Erin Ferris (Roy), -11.389
7. Morgan Piller (Roy), -12.307
8. Anna Serena (Roy), -13.337
9. Moriah Hummer (Roy), -28.123
10. Mia Reese (Roy), -1 lap
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track:
Mees Extends Title Lead with Dominant Black Hills Half-Mile
AFT SuperTwins main event winner Jared Mees (center), runner-up Dallas Daniels (left), and third-place finisher JD Beach (right). Photo courtesy AFT.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 6, 2023) – Reigning champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) fortified his Grand National Championship advantage with a trademark performance in The City of Sturgis Black Hills Half-Mile presented by Black Hills Harley-Davidson at Black Hills Speedway in Rapid City, South Dakota
Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, took the spotlight at the 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on Sunday night, and all of its superstars, Mees again shone the brightest. He looked nearly unbeatable entering the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Main and then proved those fears well founded as soon as the race began. He shot out into the lead from pole and stretched out a sizable gap within a matter of laps, extinguishing any hopes of an upset as he did so.
Drama-free at the front, the Main Event was anything but from second place on down the order. Despite being in desperate need of a runner-up finish to minimize the damage to his championship chances, Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) found himself in fourth behind JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke) and in danger of being displaced to fifth by Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750).
Fueled by that desperation, Daniels somehow thread the needle, splitting Beach and Bauman to emerge from fourth in second with eight minutes to go. He and Estenson Racing teammate Beach then separated from the fight for fourth and flew their Yamahas in formation from that point forward.
However, Beach didn’t appear to be content to merely follow Daniels to the flag, instead showing his teammate a wheel more than once as the race neared its conclusion. While Beach may have had some pace on Daniels, he was wise enough to hold off on anything but the cleanest of passes – an opportunity for which never showed itself.
As a result of Mees’ victory and Daniels’ runner-up, Mees now leads by 5 points (321-316) and has locked up the tiebreaker with just three races left to determine this year’s champion.
Mees said, “It was a good day for us. We knew we needed to come in and do exactly that. We were dominant all day long. Jimmy Wood had the Öhlins suspension so hooked up – the Indian was probably one of the most hooked up motorcycles on a Half-Mile that I’ve ever been on, honestly. And Kenny Tolbert had the thing tuned-up perfectly, obviously. We were solid right off the truck, and that was a big key to today – not having to search for the speed.”
Meanwhile, nine riders were in contention for fourth place in a wild fracas just behind the podium positions. Fourth and fifth, ultimately went to Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) and Cameron Smith (No. 34 Martin Trucking/Fredericktown Yamaha MT-07). Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) held on for sixth, while Bauman suffered the most in the fray, dropping all the way down to 12th by the time he took the checkered flag.
Seventh was taken by Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07) while Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750), and Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke) completed the top ten.
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Reigning Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champ Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) pulled off perhaps the most impressive of his seven race wins this season on Sunday at Black Hills Speedway.
Kopp not only had to work up through a talented field on a slick track after running as low as seventh early, he also had to somehow find a way around the race’s heavy pre-race favorite, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), to complete that epic charge to victory.
Kopp exploited a high line no one else could quite master to slash up from seventh to second. That strategy could take him only that far, however, as Drane was too fast and too smart to simply power around. Instead, the factory Red Bull KTM ace applied as much pressure as he possibly could and then pounced as soon as Drane made a slight mistake as the two leapt out of Turn 4 with just two laps remaining.
Once into first, Kopp kept it together and held on by 0.227 seconds at the checkered flag.
“That was probably the toughest race of my career,” Kopp said. “I really dug myself out of a hole after a terrible heat, but I knew we had the speed… (But) Tom made it so hard to do. I would roll him – I had a lot of entry speed into (Turn) 1 – but he would see me and come up and block, which is what you have to do at a track like this, and it would cost me all of my momentum. But he just slipped up once coming off 4, and that’s all it took.”
“Last year around this time, when we started thinking about the championship, I feel like I was settling for like fifths and sevenths. This year, I want to get eight wins like Dallas (Daniels did in 2020). This is huge for me and my team.”
The two were joined on the box by Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), who held off second factory KTM ace Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), by 0.096 seconds for the spot.
Early frontrunner and ‘22 Black Hills HM winner Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) finished in fifth, just 0.005 seconds ahead of Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).
Rookie Declan Bender (No. 216 Killer Bee Racing/Luczak Racing KTM 450 SX-F) earned the best finish of his Progressive AFT career in seventh. He was followed by Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), Travis Petton IV (No. 82 ECG Racing/3 Bros KTM 450 SX-F) and Tarren Santero (No. 75 Vinson Construction/Eric Hoyt Honda CRF450R) to round out the top ten.
Kopp now leads the championship by 49 points over Drane (298-249). Should he build that advantage by just a single point next weekend at his home race in Castle Rock, Washington, he’ll successfully complete his title defense a full two rounds early.
Next Up:
The battle for the 2023 Grand National Championship resumes in less than a week with the CertainTeed Castle Rock TT presented by Law Tigers at Castle Rock Race Park in Castle Rock, Washington, on Saturday, August 12. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/sdiracing/events/castle-rock-tt-59623 to reserve your tickets today.
For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.
FOX Sports coverage of The City of Sturgis Black Hills Half-Mile presented by Black Hills Harley-Davidson, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, August 13, at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)
More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:
KODY KOPP RACES TO THE TOP STEP OF THE AFT SINGLES PODIUM AT BLACK HILLS HALF-MILE
Round 15 – American Flat Track Championship
RAPID CITY, S. Dak. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Kody Kopp has returned to the top step of the podium in Round 15 of the 2023 American Flat Track Championship at the Black Hills Half-Mile, where teammate Max Whale charged to a fourth-place result in the AFT Singles Main Event.
After piloting his 450 SX-F to the third-fastest qualifying time, Kopp took a P4 finish in the opening Heat of the round as he initially struggled to find comfort on the Rapid City layout. The defending champion flipped a switch as the Main Event arrived, however, with the number one racing to a hard-fought victory and securing his seventh AFT Singles win of the season.
With his Black Hills Half-Mile victory, Kopp extends his advantage in the AFT Singles Championship to 49 points with three rounds remaining.
Kody Kopp (1). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Kody Kopp: “This Black Hills Half-Mile was one of the toughest races of my career. Qualified on the front row for the Heat, but I really had to dig myself out of a hole – I was too nice, because I had the speed, but just rode around in fourth, and really needed to find that comfort and aggression. In the Main Event, I got myself really hyped up and that result was huge for my championship! I wanted to win today’s race so bad after the difficulties of last weekend, so I’m ready to keep it rolling into the next race and finish strong.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Whale opened his race day with a time that saw him qualify in second position. The momentum would continue for the determined Australian, as he notched another P2 result in his Heat, which earned him a spot into the Dash-For-Cash, where he claimed fourth.
In making improvements throughout the event, Whale entered the Main Event with confidence on his side, though a steady opening few laps placed him in the mid-field. Coming alive in the mid-part of the race, he began his charge to the front, running the pace of the leaders and managing to place his 450 SX-F into P4 by race’s end. That result now sees him ranked fifth in the point-standings.
Max Whale (18). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Max Whale: “It was a decent day here at Black Hills. I qualified second, which adds to my run of good qualifiers over the last few rounds, so had a front row start, made it into the Dash, though felt I was chasing something all day long. The team and I made great changes throughout the round and by the Main Event, I felt great, just a slow opening few laps put me back, unfortunately. I charged hard from there and by the mid-point I was running the times of the leaders, but I just gave up too much time to begin with. Overall, I’m stoked with how I feel on the bike, I just need to be better early on.”
Next Race: Castle Rock TT – Castle Rock, WA – August 12, 2023
Round 15 Results
AFT Singles Main Event
1. Kody Kopp, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
2. Tom Drane, Yamaha
3. Trent Lowe, Honda
4. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
OTHER KTM
7. Declan Bender, KTM
8. Dalton Gauthier, KTM
9. Travis Petton IV, KTM
17. Logan Eisenhard, KTM
18. Landen Smith, KTM
2023 AFT Singles Point Standings
1. Kody Kopp, 298 points
2. Tom Drane, 249
3. Trevor Brunner, 248
OTHER KTM
5. Max Whale, 228
7. Dalton Gauthier, 214
11. Travis Petton IV, 97
14. Shayna Texter-Bauman, 69
19. Logan Eisenhard, 43
21. Declan Bender, 36
24. Landen Smith, 15
26. Hayden Gillim, 14
28. Clarke Morian V, 12
29. Olin Kissler, 10
30. Tanner Dean, 9
More, from a press release issued by Indian Motorcycle:
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING AND JARED MEES DOMINATE BLACK HILLS HALF-MILE
Mees Inches Closer to Record-Tying Ninth-Career Grand National Championship as Eighth Victory of the Season Extends Overall Points Lead to Five with Three Races Remaining
MINNEAPOLIS – Chasing his ninth-career Grand National Championship, which would tie Scottie Parker’s all-time record, reigning SuperTwins Champion and Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew rider Jared Mees is showing no signs of slowing down heading into the final stretch of the 2023 American Flat Track (AFT) season. Piloting his Indian FTR750, Mees rode to his eighth win of the season and extended his series points lead following a dominant performance at the Black Hills Half-Mile.
Starting the Main event from the pole position, Mees jumped on the throttle from the drop of the green flag – taking the hole shot and securing a sizable lead to complete a dominant wire-to-wire victory. The eighth win of the season not only gives Mees a five-point lead with three races remaining but secures the season’s tiebreaker.
“Jared’s a fierce competitor with incredibly high expectations and an unwavering drive to win,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology for Indian Motorcycle. “He’s been scratching and clawing his way back to the top of the leaderboard all season, consistently stringing together wins and podium finishes. With only three races remaining in less than a month, the team has the FTR750 dialed in and ready to compete for another championship.”
While Mees chases a record-tying ninth-career Grand National Championship, another title for the Indian FTR750 will mark seven-consecutive AFT SuperTwins championships for Indian Motorcycle Racing.
The 2023 AFT season continues next at Castle Rock TT on August 12. The season will conclude September 2-3 for a Springfield Mile doubleheader.
For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle Company is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
INDIAN and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC. Always wear a helmet, protective clothing and eyewear and insist your passenger does the same. Ride within the limits of the law and your own abilities. Read, understand and follow your owner’s manual. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
HONDA-POWERED HEROES WIN ACTION-PACKED EWC SUZUKA 8 HOURS FOR TEAM HRC
*Nagashima, Takahashi and Vierge combine to claim famous race for home outfit
*Despite delay F.C.C. TSR Honda France retakes points lead after YART Yamaha woe
*TOHO Racing and SDG Honda Racing complete podium following late rain shower
*Japan’s EWC round records a weekend spectator attendance of 42,000
*Coveted FIM EWC world title to go down to the wire in next month’s Bol d’Or
(6 August 2023): Team HRC proved unbeatable during a thrilling third round of the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship, the 44th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race, which finished at the iconic Japanese venue this evening (Sunday).
Its second Suzuka victory in as many years followed a lengthy delay for Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team and an early setback for F.C.C. TSR Honda France, all of which means the EWC title chase will go down to the wire in next month’s eagerly awaited Bol d’Or.
Despite its delay during the opening hour in Suzuka, F.C.C. TSR Honda France was able to retake the championship lead by fighting back to finish fourth. But its advantage over YART heading to the Circuit Paul Ricard finale from 14-17 September is just 14 points. And with points being multiplied by a factor of 1.5 for the fourth round of the season, the title race is wide open with a number of other teams also in contention.
For Spanish World Superbike rider Vierge, however, the focus is firmly on his debut EWC win alongside Japanese riders Takumi Takahashi and Tetsuta Nagashima, who recovered from a foot injury to take part having not raced since April.
“For me it’s amazing because it’s the first time I made this amazing race and to get this win just feels incredible,” said the 26-yea-old Vierge. “I need to say thank you so much to my team and also to my team-mates, they did an amazing job. I learn a lot from them during all of the week and finally we are able to have a good pace. It has not been easy because in my second stint I had the safety car and I was one of the last in my group [when the race restarted] and it was so difficult to overtake without making mistakes. And the last two hours for them were really difficult with the rain. But they just made the correct decisions in every moment. It was a perfect strategy, it’s such a pleasure and I’m so happy.”
Behind Team HRC with Japan Post, Yoshimura SERT Motul looked set to improve on its 2022 placing of third by claiming the runner-up spot, only for Gregg Black to crash nearing the seven-hour mark. Having led early on, Black’s Suzuki-powered team responded to late-race rain by switching the UK-born French rider onto wet weather tyres.
Returning to the track for what would have been a double stint in the hot and humid conditions, Black slid off at the ‘S’ Curves and eight minutes were lost in the pits while repairs were made. Sylvain Guintoli completed the race for the team in P12.
Yoshimura SERT Motul’s misfortunate let in TOHO Racing for second with Ikuhiro Enokido, Ryuichi Kiyonari and Takuma Kunimine onboard its Honda after it had clocked the third fastest time in Saturday afternoon’s Top 10 Trial. SDG Honda Racing placed third with riders Teppei Nagoe, Haruki Noguchi and Naomichi Uramoto coming through strongly towards the end.
AutoRace Ube Racing Team relied on two riders only – Dan Linfoot and Takuya Tsuda – following an injury to Hafizh Syahrin in pre-race testing to finish fifth behind F.C.C. TSR Honda France, which dropped out of contention with a sensor issue that contributed to a fall for Mike Di Meglio in the opening hour.
HOW THE CHASE FOR EWC GLORY UNFOLDED IN JAPAN
A rapid running start from Gregg Black in front of Suzuka’s packed main grandstand gave Yoshimura SERT Motul the early lead only for Niccolò Canepa to snatch top spot for Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team at the final chicane nearing the completion of lap three.
Having been muscled out of second place, Takumi Takahashi fought back from fifth to lead on lap seven aboard his Team HRC Honda. But Canepa, on the #7 Yamaha, responded only for Takahashi to retake an advantage who wouldn’t lose on lap 12.
And Team HRC’s gap to its rivals grew significantly when the #7 Yamaha, with Karel Hanika riding, stopped on track on the run out of Spoon Curve after one hour and 36 minutes.
With the help of two volunteer marshals, Hanika heroically pushed his stricken machine back towards the pits where an electrical issue was identified and fixed, albeit following a major time loss. A further pit visit to fix a loose fairing left YART in 40th position after four hours of racing. It crossed the finishing line in 23rd.
As well as several on-track battles for position, the focus of the final hours was on the expected rain, which materialised after six hours and 20 minutes of racing and led to several changes of position and myriad pit stops for tyre changes.
BMW Motorrrad World Endurance Team secured important EWC points in seventh, one place behind Honda Dream RT Sakurai Honda. Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Showa finished eighth followed by S-Pulse Dream Racing -ITEC and Astemo Honda Racing Dream SI Racing, which completed the provisional top 10.
Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar finished 13th after it was delayed by two unscheduled pitstops. Honda Viltaïs Racing came home 14th as Motobox Kremer Racing equalled its previous best finish of 25th. KM99 was delayed by more than 20 minutes, however, when its Yamaha ran out of fuel.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The Bol d’Or season decider takes place at Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, southern France, from 14-17 September when the FIM Endurance World Championship and FIM Endurance World Cup titles will be up for grabs.
Fermin Aldeguer won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Beta Tools SpeedUp Boscoscuro, the Spaniard won the 17-lap race by 2.546 seconds.
Aron Canet was the runner-up on is Pons Wegow Los40 Kalex, and Pedro Acosta finished third on a Red Bull KTM Ajo machine.
American Joe Roberts took fourth, less than three seconds behind Acosta, on his Italtrans Kalex.
Aleix Espargaro used a last-lap pass to win the FIM MotoGP World Championship race at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his factory Aprilia RS-GP, the Spaniard passed Francesco Bagnaia on the 20th and final lap to take the lead and the victory.
Defending Champion Bagnaia had to settle for the runner-up position – and 20 valuable points – just 0.215 second back on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici.
Brad Binder finished a close third, a mere 0.4 second behind Bagnaia, on his Red Bull KTM GP16.
Binder just held off CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team’s Miguel Oliveira, who made an incredible run up to fourth, and Espargaro’s teammate Maverick Vinales, who made it three Aprilias in the top five.
Rain began falling late in the race, causing some riders to come into the pits and switch to bikes fitted with rain tires. The top five riders did not pit.
Riders who crashed before the white rain flags came out were Joan Mir and pole-sitter Marco Bezzecchi. Riders who crashed after the white rain flags were displayed included Marc Marquez and Enea Bastianini.
Aleix Espargaro snatches victory in a last lap barnstormer at the British GP
The Aprilia rider pips Pecco to the post ahead of Binder, Oliveira and Viñales as Bezzecchi crashes out of contention
Aleix Espargaro (41) beat Francesco Bagnaia (behind Espargaro), Brad Binder (33), and Miguel Oliveira (88) to the checkered flag in the MotoGP race at Silverstone. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 06 August 2023
MotoGP™ came back with a bang as the Monster Energy British Grand Prix delivered an instant, last lap classic. With spots of rain falling towards the end of the race, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) mastered the changing conditions to put himself in the perfect position for a last-lap attack on Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). The Italian had led the majority of the race and withstood both serious pressure and the difficult conditions, but Espargaro studied his prey and pounced late on for Aprilia’s second ever premier class win. Reigning Champion Bagnaia will be happy to take 20 points, however, as his title rival Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) crashed out whilst following Bagnaia earlier in the race, with that dropping back to third overall.
For third in the race, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had his hands full with the Aprilias of Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) as the South African fought hard but got the job done to take that podium after it evaded him in Assen. Oliveira, meanwhile, took P4 as top Independent Team rider.
MotoGP™ springs back into life at Silverstone
The grid settled at Silverstone as the 2023 MotoGP™ rollercoaster of a season was set to return to action after a long summer break. The Monster Energy British Grand Prix marks the start of the second half of the season as the title trio prepared to resume battle, and the track was bone-dry but a chance of rain added to tension on the grid.
Bezzecchi started on pole position, but as the revs rose and the grid flew off the line it was a lightning start from Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) from the middle of the front row with Bezzecchi eyeing up a way through on the Aussie. Meanwhile, Bagnaia shot up to P3 from 4th on the grid as he had Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Viñales in his wheel-tracks.
Bagnaia did not hesitate in getting past his title rivals as he took his first opportunity to pass Bezzecchi, with his sights set on Miller in the lead. Bezzecchi wasn’t letting Bagnaia have it easy though as he fired it back up the inside. That ignited the fire in the Championship leader as Bagnaia pulled off an incredible move around the outside of Bezzecchi and used his momentum to take the lead away from Miller at the next corner.
Bezzecchi followed pursuit and pushed the Aussie back to P3 into the clutches of Alex Marquez, and once through Bagnaia and Bezzecchi began to break away, the title rivals locked together at the front.
Aleix Espargaro was a man on a mission with 16 laps remaining as the Aprilia rider pushed his way through on Marquez into 3rd place, however, and was the fastest rider on circuit.
Small error, big consequences
Bezzecchi had rushed into turn Stowe corner with 15 laps remaining, running himself slightly wide. If that was a warning it wasn’t heeded, as one lap later the VR46 rider made the same mistake, but this time the Silverstone Circuit wasn’t as kind to the title contender as he tucked the front and went down and out of the British Grand Prix. Rider ok, but with Bagnaia in the lead, this was proving to be a big dent in Bezzecchi’s Championship charge.
The Italian’s crash promoted Espargaro to 2nd place and Brad Binder up into 3rd, with the Spaniard putting the hammer down to reel in the number one plated Ducati out the front. Bagnaia did respond and upped the pace at the front, but the Aprilia was able to hang onto his coattails, initiating an intense battle for the victory that went right to the flag.
Rain flags and several plot twists…
Meanwhile, Viñales had made his way through on Binder with 11 laps to go, making it two Aprilias inside the top 3. Viñales then proceeded to catch the leading group with Binder latched onto his rear wheel. It became a true group of 4 at the front with seven laps remaining, and the white flags were displayed with light spots of rain dropping onto the Silverstone Circuit. And when the rain picked up at turn 15, the Aprilias backed off slightly allowing Binder to fly his way through as the South African was as committed as ever.
The yo-yo in the group continued though, and Espargaro made his way back through on Binder with 4 laps to go as Bagnaia was putting down a strong pace out the front. Espargaro was then able to latch back onto the Italian as Binder began to drop back, with Oliveira then throwing his name into the mix as he came out of seemingly nowhere to catch the leading group.
Oliveira wasted no time in getting past Binder and Viñales as the Portuguese rider pulled off an incredible two-in-one move to make his way into P3.
By last lap time, Binder had gotten the better of Oliveira to slot himself back into P3 as Bagnaia stretched out the group in the first sector, edging a few tenths ahead of Espargaro on the chase. Was there time left for a move? There was. Espargaro dug in and got back on terms with the Ducati before making an incredible move on the power at the exit of Copse Corner to blast past the Italian. The Spaniard went defensive down the Hangar straight too, with Bagnaia desperate to get past the Aprilia, but there was no way through. Espargaro left no room for the reigning Champion, leaving him forced to settle for 2nd place. A historic second win for Aprilia and a ninth different winner in a row at Silverstone, but an extended Championship lead for Pecco.
Binder also put on an impressive defensive display as he fended off Oliveira for the final podium spot. Viñales came home in 5th place, making it three Aprilias inside the top five after a storming Silverstone for the Noale factory. It’s also the first time Aprilia, Ducati and KTM have shared the podium.
Behind that fight, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) took P6 as he gained significant ground on Bezzecchi for P2 in the standings, the Pramac also having earlier been sent quite wide with Binder after the South African found himself in a Lap 1 sandwich.
Alex Marquez retired from the front group with a mechanical issue, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) pulled in to retire too after earlier contact in a crash for Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team).
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) put in a storming first half of the race from the back of the grid but then tangled with Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) before running over his own strewn fairing. He then pitted to change to his second bike on wets to try his luck, and did take the final point as a couple of others gambled too.
Marini took P7 just ahead of Miller, who was sent well wide in an earlier tangle with Viñales, with Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) in P9 ahead of Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) to make it all Aprilias in the top ten.
It was an important weekend for Aprilia Racing as the Noale manufacturer returned to victory at a Silverstone Circuit that has been both cruel and kind to Aleix Espargaro. But MotoGP™ now turns its attention to the Red Bull Ring in Austria for the CryptoDATA Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich set to take place from the 18th to the 20th of August… KTM home turf and Ducati’s happy hunting grounds. Can they hit back? We’ll find out soon!
Fermin Aldeguer (54) won the Moto2 race at Silverstone. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aldeguer takes first Grand Prix win with a Silverstone stunner
The number 54 pulls away for a stylish visit to the top step, with Canet second and Acosta completing the podium to take the Championship lead
Moto2™ delivered enthralling action at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix as Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) came out guns blazing with the heat turned up in Silverstone, taking his first Grand Prix win in style. The Spaniard got the better of Aron Canet (Pons Wegwow Los40) who had the bit between his teeth in 2nd place. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was fighting at the sharp end as always, and a British GP podium saw him take the Championship lead from Tony Arbolino (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team) who could only manage 10th place.
It was Aldeguer who took the holeshot down into turn 1, before being pushed back down the order to 4th place with teammate Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp), Acosta, and Canet hitting the front.
Meanwhile, it was a disaster home Grand Prix for Jake Dixon (Tensite GASGAS Aspar Team) who was looking for redemption in the race after crashing out of qualifying. Unfortunately, it was a similar fate for the Brit in the race as the Aspar rider went down and out of the race with 16 laps to go after a clash with Darryn Binder (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP).
Meanwhile, back at the front, Canet began to put the hammer down and pull away from Lopez, Acosta, and Aldeguer. The Spaniard had stretched out a one-second lead with 11 laps remaining.
One lap later there was drama still to come as Lopez went down. Out of the Grand Prix after dropping off the back of Acosta and Aldeguer, there would be no follow up to his dream first rostrum at the venue in 2022.
Aldeguer went on to put down a scintillating pace as he reeled in Canet, wasting no time to snatch the lead from his compatriot with 8 laps to go. Canet did all he could to hold on, but then was forced to drop a position to Acosta after overtaking under yellow flags.
The Boscoscuro of Aldeguer went on to pull away at the front, setting the fastest lap of the race on the penultimate lap with the only 2:04s of the weekend. The Spaniard’s pace was unmatched as he went on to take the win by 2.546s.
Canet then bounced back at Acosta, snatching 2nd place from his compatriot as the KTM Ajo rider was forced to settle for P3, but it did see him take hold of the Championship standings, now leading the way by 2 points.
Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing) picked up a great result in P4, ahead of Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Team) who carved through the field to round out the top 5 after being battered down out of points earlier in the race.
The attention now turns to the Red Bull Ring in Austria where Acosta will be looking to extend his newly gained Championship lead even further, and on KTM’s home turf. You can keep up to date with all the upcoming Moto2™ action at the CryptoDATA Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich on motogp.com, as well as the one-day test at Silverstone on Monday.
Colombian David Alonso (far right) made history in the Moto3 race. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Alonso makes history in all-time classic at Silverstone
The first Colombian Grand Prix winner is here, and his name is David Alonso
The Moto3™ showdown at Silverstone will live long in the memory, not least for first time Grand Prix winner David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team). The number 80 becomes the first Colombian Grand Prix winner in history, and after gaining a stunning 27 places from the back of the grid after a disastrous qualifying. It was a close, close fight at the front, however, and the finish is the second-closest top 15 in history.
Second place went to Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) as the Japanese rider’s run of podiums continued, moving him up into second overall as the rider who held that on the way in, Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) slid out of the lead early doors. Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) took third, however, minimising the damage from Sasaki’s recent charge.
There was immediate heartbreak for Scott Ogden (VisionTrack Racing Team) was unable to get off the line on the Warm Up lap. By the time the Brit had gotten his bike restarted he was behind the safety car and was forced to start his home Grand Prix from the back of the grid, instead of the front row.
When the lights went out it was a good start for Holgado, who snatched the holeshot from Masia into turn 1. Masia, who started from pole, bit straight back though as Holgado who was then pushed back to 4th place with Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Sasaki getting themselves stuck in on lap one.
Öncü led as they came across the line for the first time ahead of Masia and Holgado. The typical Moto3™ freight train then began to form as Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) joined the battle at the front.
With 13 laps still remaining it was a disaster for Masia as the Spaniard crashed out at Village corner, remounting straight away and firing himself back into the race, but with a mountain to climb to the top 15, he was unable to score a point.
Meanwhile at the front, Diogo Moreira (MT Helemts MSI) and Alonso had joined the party whilst Masia’s title rival Holgado was leading the freight train, with 20 riders locked together in victory contention. It was blink-and-miss-it stuff as the laps ticked away with the Moto3™ riders banging bars, swapping paintwork, and bashing elbows in a hard but fair battle for victory.
Alonso was looking racey with eight laps remaining as the youngster wasn’t shy of battling with the big names at the front. Romano Fenati (Rivacold Snipers Team) also threw his name into the mix with six laps to go, utilising his unique wide-swooping style to take the lead with an incredible round-the-outside move, but only to battered back down the order.
When last lap time came around, it was Holgado that led Alonso and Öncü with Ortola, Sasaki, and Moreira eager to break into the top 3. Alonso took the lead halfway around but it didn’t last long as Sasaki pushed his way to the front ahead of the final sector.
Alonso snatched the lead back on the hangar straight as Öncü jumped into P2 to then be pushed wide creating a gap in the group, this allowed the Colombian to hold onto the lead until the line as the youngster took his debut win in his rookie season at Grand Prix level, ahead of Sasaki who fended off Holgado to the line.
Ortola narrowly missed out on the podium in P4 as he fended off the menacing David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) who rounded out the top 5.
Ogden was a rider on a mission as he pushed his way into the top 20 with 12 laps remaining, tagging himself onto the back of the leading group. The Brit pushed his way into the points with 4 laps to go but dropped back to P16 in the closing stages, then classified one further back due to track limits on the last lap.
And so the standings change again as Sasaki continues his charge, and what do you know it’s a venue where, last year, he pulled off a stunning victory despite a double Long Lap. Can he keep the roll going? We’ll find out in two weeks as Moto3™ returns to the Red Bull Ring!
David Alonso won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Silverstone Circuit, in England. The Colombian won the 15-lap race by 0.152 second on his Gaviota Aspar M3 GASGAS.
Ayumu Sasaki was the runner-up on his Liqui Moly Intact GP Husqvarna, just 0.051 second ahead of third-place finisher – and Championship point leader – Daniel Holgado, who rode a Red Bull KTM Tech3 machine.
The top five finishers were covered by just 0.471 second, and the top 15 riders crossed the finish line within 1.572 seconds of each other.
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