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MotoAmerica: Second Extended Supersport Race Happening At Laguna (Updated)

David Swarts
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MotoAmerica: Second Extended Supersport Race Happening At Laguna (Updated)

Mission King Of The Baggers, Extended Supersport Race And More Highlight MotoAmerica At WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

Four Support Class Races To Accompany Three Medallia Superbike Races At
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

 

IRVINE, CA (July 6, 2023) – The fireworks expected from the four support classes to the three Medallia Superbike races at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca should rival any from the Fourth Of July as Mission King Of The Baggers, an “extended” Supersport race with its mandatory pit stop, REV’IT! Twins Cup and Mission Super Hooligan National Championship will highlight a race weekend that will feature 10 races on the iconic racetrack located a few miles east of Monterey, California, July 7-9.

Mission King Of The Baggers – Back To The Birthplace

The inaugural Mission King Of The Baggers race was held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca as an invitational event in October of 2020 and it was a rousing success. Now, three years later, the fourth round of a six-round (12 races) championship will kick off the second half of the season for the popular Baggers.

H-D Screamin’ Eagle’s Kyle Wyman, the 2021 Mission King Of The Baggers Champion, leads the championship point standings after a one-month hiatus and following the third round of the series in Wisconsin. Wyman and his four victories on his Harley-Davidson Road Glide gives him a 13-point lead over Vance & Hines/Mission/Harley-Davidson’s James Rispoli, who in turn is just one point ahead of his teammate Hayden Gillim.

Defending Mission King Of The Baggers Champion Tyler O’Hara has yet to win a race this year, but has three runner-up finishes in 2023 as he attempts to defend his title. O’Hara is currently fourth and 35 points behind Wyman.

Three riders have won races in 2023 and Sac Mile/SDI Racing/Roland Sands/Indian’s Bobby Fong was the latest to join that list (Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli) with a victory in race two at Road America. Fong is 53 points behind Wyman and 18 points behind O’Hara.

Supersport – Extended Again

Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Xavi Fores is a perfect seven-for-seven in the 2023 Supersport Championship, including his victory in the first-ever “Extended” Supersport race at Barber Motorsports Park back in May. Five of those seven races were won on racetracks that Fores had never seen before., but that won’t be the case at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

With the second “Extended” Supersport race scheduled for WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca this weekend, there’s no reason to expect anything less than victory from Fores and his team in the race that will feature a mandatory pit stop. After all, Fores has not only raced at Laguna before in the World Superbike Championship, but he also likes it. And that might be double trouble for those trying to thwart his perfect season.

Fores, who is hoping to be able to throw his leg over a second Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R if he clinches the title early, has a 76-point lead going into this weekend’s extended 38-lap race that will pay double points.

Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Stefano Mesa has been the best of the rest so far in 2023 with four runner-up finishes behind Fores. Mesa is 76 points behind the Spaniard and 12 clear of Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott with the youngster standing on the podium three times this season.

Nine points behind Scott is Squid Hunter Racing’s Josh Herrin, the veteran crashing out of the last race at Ridge Motorsports Park to mar his perfect record of point-scoring races in the first seven races. Hayes has four podiums on his scorecard.

Scott’s teammate Teagg Hobbs had his best weekend of the season at Ridge with two third-place finishes. He sits fifth in the title chase but is a whopping 117 points behind Fores.

REV’IT Twins Cup – Tight At The Top

Five riders – Blake Davis, Rocco Landers, Stefano Mesa, Gus Rodio and Dominic Doyle – have won REV’IT Twins Cup races in 2023 and that parity has led to the top five being separated by just 40 points after eight races.

Defending REV’IT! Twins Cup Champion Blake Davis is atop the championship point standings on his N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto-backed Yamaha YZF-R7, but he’s just 11 points clear of the fast-closing Rocco Landers and his Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660.

Landers has won four of the past five races in his return to the class he dominated in 2021. Landers is just two points ahead of his pseudo teammate Gus Rodio, who has one victory and four other podiums on his scorecard.

Cycle Tech’s Hayden Schultz and Trackday Winner/Blackmon Racing’s Jackson Blackmon round out the top five as the series heads to California.

Mission Super Hooligan National Championship – Still O’Hara

Despite being DQ’d from the most recent round of the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship round after crossing the finish line one-two at Ridge Motorsports Park, defending champion Tyler O’Hara and Jeremy McWilliams still occupy the top two spots in the championship as the series readies for round three in Monterey.

With his three wins to McWilliams’s two, O’Hara holds down a 19-point lead over his Indian Motorcycle/Progressive/Mission Foods teammate with McWilliams and his Indian FTR1200 just four two points ahead of Andy DiBrino Racing’s Andy DiBrino, who inherited the race-two victory at Ridge Motorsports Park when the two Indian FTR1200s of McWilliams and O’Hara were DQ’d with the technical infraction.

DiBrino and his KTM 890 Duke R, meanwhile, are only seven points ahead of Roland Sands Design/Indian Motorcycle’s Bobby Fong, who in turn is just one point ahead of fifth-placed Cory West and his Team Saddlemen Harley-Davidson Pan America.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Pre-Race Support Class Notes…

Josh Herrin was perfect last year at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with his two Supersport class victories on the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V2. The podium was identical in both races with Tyler Scott and Rocco Landers finishing second and third in both races. Herrin has moved up to the Medallia Superbike Championship for 2023.

Kyle Wyman won the Mission King Of The Baggers race at Laguna last year with the Screamin’ Eagle Harley rider besting his brother Travis and Vance & Hines Harley’s James Rispoli.

Last year’s REV’IT! Twins Cup race was won by Cory Ventura over eventual class champion Blake Davis and then-defending champion Kaleb De Keyrel. Ventura won’t be racing at WeatherTech Raceway this year as he recovers at home from a badly broken leg suffered at Barber Motorsports Park.

Garrett Gerloff, who currently races in the World Supersport Championship, is still the lap record holder at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in the Supersport class with his 1:25.406 dating back to 2017. With the racetrack being completely repaved for this year’s event, that long-standing record might finally be in danger of being broken.

About MotoAmerica

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

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Ducati:

Ducati’s Dynamic Duo Heads to the Happy Hunting Ground of Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca

Sunnyvale, Calif. — There are many famous racing venues in the United States but few hold the aura of Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Nestled in the Salinas hillside, the iconic 2.23 mile circuit that’s home to one of the most famous corners in racing—The Corkscrew—will once again hear the sound of America’s fastest road racers as MotoAmerica heads to its only Californian stop on its national tour.

If the first four rounds are anything to go by, round five of the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship will be a feast for Xavi Forés (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Ducati – Panigale V2). Laguna Seca is one of the few tracks on the 2023 calendar Forés has competed at, the Spaniard carding a pair of sixth-place finishes the last time WorldSBK took to the venue in 2018.

Undefeated in 2023 so far, Forés knows this weekend will throw up a unique challenge with the second of the year’s long-distance races, the first of which he dominated at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama back in May.

For Herrin, the Georgian native will look forward to his first race on the Panigale V4 R at a track he knows and loves. The current MotoAmerica Supersport Champion is still the Superbike lap record holder at 1:22.908, set in Superpole in 2018.

Third in the MotoAmerica Superbike series points, Herrin knows Laguna Seca represents one of his best opportunities to close the points gap to leader Jake Gagne and will be putting it all on the line in front of the many Ducatisti expected to show up and cheer the factory team on.

 

Xavi Fores (12). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.
Xavi Fores (12). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.

 

Xavi Forés (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Ducati – Panigale V2 – #12):

“This race is the one I have been waiting for!” Forés enthused. “I know the track well and I really like it. I have always had good races there in WSBK, so I’m really looking forward to start the weekend. The long distance race again this weekend will be good fun and important with double points. The plan is to keep the winning momentum even if it gets harder and harder every time. I’m the rider everyone wants to beat, but I will do my best to ensure that doesn’t happen!”

 

Josh Herrin (2). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.
Josh Herrin (2). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.

 

Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC – Ducati Panigale V4 R – Ducati #2):

“I’m really excited about this weekend,” Herrin said. “We gained a lot of confidence on the V4 R at The Ridge and although it was a bummer that we crashed on Saturday, we could still salvage some really good finishes in both races. I’m a lot more comfortable on the motorcycle now. Going to Laguna Seca, which is the track I hold the lap record at, I think we’ll continue to have some good success. I’m really looking forward to spending time with my team. It’s a home race for us, it’s the 4th of July weekend, so I think it’s going to be a good one.”

On track action for the fifth round of the MotoAmerica Superbike and Supersport Championship will begin at 9:15 am PST on Friday, July 7. Forés will be the first of the Warhorse crew to hit the track at 10:05 am in Supersport with Herrin’s first ride at 10:45 am.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Team Iso:

Filippo Rovelli Joins Team Iso For WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Round

 

Filippo Rovelli (27) on his R7 Cup racebike in Europe. Photo courtesy Team Iso.
Filippo Rovelli (27) on his R7 Cup racebike in Europe. Photo courtesy Team Iso.

 

Monterey, CA – July 7, 2023 – Team Iso has brought in Italian rider Filippo Rovelli for this weekend’s MotoAmerica round at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Rovelli joins incumbent rider Dominic Doyle on the team, and both riders will race Giaccmoto LLC-prepared Yamaha YZF-R7s in this weekend’s two REV’IT! Twins Cup races. The announcement was made by Nobi Iso, owner of Team Iso.

Rovelli, who is from Gallarate, Italy, has previously raced a Yamaha YZF-R3 in the FIM World Supersport300 Championship, and last year, he competed in Italy’s Yamaha R7 Cup and earned an opportunity to race in the Yamaha R7 SuperFinale this past September at Circuit de Barcelona in Catalunya. Rovelli qualified on the front row for that weekend’s two races.

In race one, Rovelli scored a dramatic last-to-first victory. He was moved to the back of the grid after a penalty. Starting from 27th, he was inside the top six after the opening lap. By lap two, he had already made his way into the lead, but the pack behind continued to hound the Italian. As the top four pulled clear, Rovelli timed his run perfectly and moved out front on the final lap to take the win.

“The main purpose of this program with Team Iso is to provide activation for the awesome Yamaha YZF-R7,” commented Giaccmoto principal Chuck Giacchetto. “When we were asked to host the wildcard entry with Filippo, we proudly accepted the offer, especially since he is a part of the Yamaha global family. Huge thanks to Nobi Iso for hosting Filippo and also congratulations to him and all of Team Iso for the great work they’re already doing with Dominic Doyle.”

Team Iso’s riders Doyle and Rovelli will practice on Friday morning at 9:15 PT, followed by provisional qualifying at 3:55 PT in the afternoon. Final qualifying is Saturday morning at 9:15 PT and race one is Saturday afternoon at 2:10 PT. Race two starts on Sunday at 2:10 PT.

Along with Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., and Giaccmoto LLC, Team Iso is supported by Westby Racing, SE Composites, Attack Performance, Superbike Unlimited, Bitubo Italy, Vesrah, Galespeed, aRacer USA, Core Moto USA, RK Excel America, Suter Racing Products, Spears Enterprises, Yoshimura R&D of America, 5zero4 Designs, and Arai Helmet, Inc.

MotoAmerica: Next-Gen Supersport Technical Rules Balanced…Again

David Swarts
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MotoAmerica: Next-Gen Supersport Technical Rules Balanced…Again

One month after adjusting the balancing regulations in its Next-Generation Supersport class, MotoAmerica has made another adjustment to the technical rules governing the class just ahead of this weekend’s event at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Prior to the round at Road America in June, MotoAmerica FIM/AMA North America adjusted the rules for the Ducati Panigale V2 and the Suzuki GSX-R750, detuning both slightly with new required mapping in their spec Engine Control Units (ECUs).

Now on the Thursday prior to a race event, MotoAmerica FIM/AMA North America has decided to allow the Yamaha YZF-R6 to have ported and polished cylinder heads, including the combustion chamber, and the announcement is effective immediately.

Below is the Technical Bulletin issued by MotoAmerica FIM/AMA North America today, July 6.

 

Technical Bulletin 07-2023

British Superbike: BeerMonster Ducati Team All Set For Snetterton

David Swarts
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British Superbike: BeerMonster Ducati Team All Set For Snetterton

BeerMonster Ducati All Set For Snetterton

Round five of the 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Championship heads east to Norfolk this coming weekend when championship leaders BeerMonster Ducati hope to increase their advantage at Snetterton.

Wiltshire-based Tommy Bridewell leads the standings following the opening four rounds which has seen him take seven podiums and a single victory to emerge with an eight-point advantage over Yamaha’s Kyle Ryde. Bridewell is riding as well as he has done in recent years and is making a habit of racking up solid points at each round.

In third place just three points down on Ryde is Northern Ireland’s Glenn Irwin who has won four races for Paul Bird’s Penrith-based team so far this season. Irwin has backed his victories up with four more podiums and would have been on top of the table had it not been for a crash at Knockhill when leading the second race of the weekend.

Both riders arrive at Snetterton with good records in the recent past, with Irwin’s victory in 2020 backed up by two podiums whereas Bridewell has an incredible nine podium finishes to his name, including being on the podium for the past four years, but is still in search of a first victory at the track.

Tommy Bridewell: “I’m looking forward to Snetterton as it’s a track that really suits my style, unlike the last round at Knockhill. That said, for me to come away with two podiums and an increased lead from one of our weaker tracks isn’t too shabby but the focus is now on this weekend. I have a great record of podiums around Snetterton so it’s about time I won a race round there, so that’s the aim this weekend. The team and the bike are working brilliantly for me, so there’s no reason why we can’t look to increase that lead at the head of the table.”

Glenn Irwin: “I’ve enjoyed a holiday with my family since Knockhill so I’m feeling refreshed and ready to continue the battle at Snetterton. It’s been a good journey  with the team so far and we have a great set-up with a fantastic work ethic. Those efforts mean I’m excited and hopefully, we will have some upgrades to try this weekend also. I enjoy racing at Snetterton, it’s traditionally a strong track for Ducati and I’ve had some good results there too. Let’s continue the hard work and hopefully get some more wins as I’m fully focused on this championship.”

For further information on BeerMonster please visit https://beermonster.com and the new PBM website, www.pbmuk.net. For all details on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, please visit www.britishsuperbike.com.

MotoGP: Your Chance To Be Marc Marquez’s Overnight Guest At Catalunya

David Swarts
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MotoGP: Your Chance To Be Marc Marquez’s Overnight Guest At Catalunya

Team Up with Marc Marquez for an Exclusive MotoGP™ Stay

  • Grand Prix motorcycle racer Marc Márquez is revved up and ready to host an overnight stay in his team’s motorhome in the heart of the action at the MotoGP™ race in Catalonia, Spain, just in time for the second half of the season.
  • For the first time ever, racing fans will be able to sleep in the paddock, in an area normally reserved for professional riders, alongside Marc Márquez’s private trailer and meters away from other elite racers.
  • Highlights from the stay include a ride on the MotoGP™ simulator, VIP seating to watch the race, and a personal guided tour of the never-before-experienced pit boxes.

 

Some of Marc Marquez's riding gear decorates the entry. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.
Some of Marc Marquez’s riding gear decorates the entry. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.

 

Trading two wheels for four, legendary motorcycle racer, Marc Márquez, has listed his team’s motorhome on Airbnb for a stay during the Catalan Grand Prix. The 8-time world champion is the Host of his team motorhome in the heart of the GP action, offering motor racing fans ‘pole position’ in the paddock area of the legendary event.

 

Marc Marquez relaxes on the couch in the living area of the special trailer. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.
Marc Marquez relaxes on the couch in the living area of the specially decorated trailer. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.

 

Márquez #93 is one of the most talented motorcycle racers, with a spectacular style loved by millions around the world. Now he’s revved up and ready to add Airbnb Host to his repertoire, offering fans the unprecedented opportunity to live like a MotoGP™ racer for a day: trackside access to the paddock – MotoGP™’s backstage area, where guests will see racing champions and witness the most adrenaline-fueled moments before the race with their own eyes.

 

The living area includes a kitchen and a dining/workshop space. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.
The living area includes a kitchen and a dining/workshop space. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.

 

“The motorhomes space during a Grand Prix is exclusively reserved for riders and their teams. Guests will live a once-in-a-lifetime experience, not available to anyone else. This is the most exciting motorsport championship in the world and hosting in my home city really raises the stakes for me”, says Márquez. “Guests are in for the ride of their lives – this is a rare peek behind the scenes at the world of professional racing.”

 

The specially decorated trailer will accommodate two guests for one night. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.
The specially decorated trailer will accommodate two guests for one night. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.

 

About the Stay

Márquez will host a one-night stay for up to two people in his team’s motorhome occurring September 2, 2023 for only 93 euros per night*, a nod to Márquez’s racing number. Highlights include:

  • A night in the Márquez team’s motorhome, located next to Márquez’s private trailer in a trackside area that is only accessible to the riders.
  • A closer look at some of the rider’s memorabilia, including his most iconic (and beloved) helmets and race suits – and even a selection of his most treasured championship trophies!
  • The perfect VIP village seats to view the race in addition to pit lane access to witness the start of the Grand Prix.
  • Entry to the circuit and VIP passes for exclusive amenities and services on Sunday and Saturday.
  • The opportunity to feel like a pro with a ride on the MotoGP™ simulator.
  • A personal guided tour of the paddock area including the pit boxes: the ‘backstage’ of the MotoGP™ reserved for racers and their team.

 

Another view of the sleeping area showing some of the memorabilia on display. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.
Another view of the sleeping area showing some of the memorabilia on display. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.

 

How to Book

Motorheads can request to book this stay beginning July 19, 2023 at 19:00 PM CEST at airbnb.com/motogp. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Montmeló, just outside of Barcelona (Spain).

 

 

 

MotoGP: Goodwood Festival Of Speed Rider Lineup Confirmed

David Swarts
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MotoGP: Goodwood Festival Of Speed Rider Lineup Confirmed

Goodwood Festival of Speed: full MotoGP™ line-up confirmed!

Heroes past and present get ready to take on the Hill

Wednesday, 05 July 2023

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is now just over a week away and the legendary event is preparing to welcome its biggest ever celebration of MotoGP™. From the 13th to the 16th of July, heroes from the current grid will join a whole host of MotoGP™ Legends to take on the fabled hillclimb – and the full line-up can now be revealed!

FRESH FROM THE TRACK

Ducati

In the red corner, there are three well-known faces from the MotoGP™ paddock as the Bologna bullets bring some serious star power. Reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia will be joined by Ducati Lenovo teammate Enea Bastianini on both Saturday and Sunday, and test rider and popular wildcard Michele Pirro will kick off the festivities on Thursday and Friday for the Borgo Panigale marque, too.

KTM

In the orange corner, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing also get their weekend underway with long-time test rider Mika Kallio as the Finnish rider represents on Thursday and Friday. Then, 2023 Championship contender Brad Binder takes the reins over the weekend as the South African hits the Hill on both Saturday and Sunday for the Austrian factory.

GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 have a very special Thursday and Friday at the Festival as Pol Espargaro makes his long-awaited return to the saddle – taking the next step and getting back on the bike after a flying visit to Assen to surprise his team. On Saturday and Sunday, rookie teammate Augusto Fernandez will then take over, making his debut at the event as his MotoGP™ debut likewise continues to impress.

Aprilia

Aprilia Racing also touch down at Goodwood this year, with their RS-GP in the hands of faithful test rider Lorenzo Savadori fresh from his wildcard at Assen. He’ll be on the Hill on Thursday and Friday. CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team also saddle up as part of the Noale contingent at the show, with multiple MotoGP™ winner Miguel Oliveira heading out on Saturday and teammate Raul Fernandez taking the reins on Sunday.

Honda

LCR Honda round out the heroes of the now, with the Americas GP winners set to attend the 2023 festival. Sadly, they’ll be without Alex Rins as the Spaniard continues his recovery from that crash at Mugello, but their iconic livery will be there to join in the festivities and take to the Hill.

THE LEGENDS

If that wasn’t enough firepower, the legends line-up brings together some defining figures from history. Paired with the current grid, the full contingent at the Festival of Speed will provide a truly unique cross section of the heroes who made the sport what it is – and those who continue to make it the world’s most exciting motorsport.

Giacomo Agostini

Mick Doohan

Freddie Spencer

Casey Stoner

Kevin Schwantz

Wayne Gardner

Kenny Roberts Jr

Alex Crivillé

Randy Mamola

 

WHERE TO FIND US & HOW TO WATCH

On site, the MotoGP™ delegation will be based in the Ballroom Paddock near the Drivers’ Club – the perfect showcase to allow fans an awesome overview of the teams prepping the machines. And if you can’t make it? We’ll have incredible coverage of the event.

First, MotoGP™’s hillclimb action will be live streamed on motogp.com and across our social media channels, making sure fans around the world can get involved in this unique celebration of the sport. There will also be a selection of photos and round-ups of the action made available each day of the festival, including exclusive quotes and reactions from the riders and legends taking to the Hill.

Watch this space and join us at Goodwood on the 13th to the 16th of July – or from wherever you are in the world!

About the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard

First staged in 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard is the world’s largest automotive garden party; set against the spectacular backdrop of Goodwood House in West Sussex, UK. Over 600 cars and motorcycles spanning the phenomenal history of motoring and motorsport take part along with legendary figures from the automotive world. Highlights include Future Lab presented by Randox, Electric Avenue presented by bp pulse, Forest Rally Stage, Michelin Supercar Paddock, Michelin Supercar Run, F1 Pit Lane presented by Sky, Drivers’ Club, GAS Arena, Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance and Bonhams Auction.

About MotoGP™ & Dorna Sports

The FIM Grand Prix World Championship, MotoGP™, is the world’s most exciting motorsport. 22 of the fastest riders compete on purpose-built prototype motorcycles on some of the world’s greatest racetracks, creating one of the most thrilling shows on Earth. Since it was inaugurated in 1949, the sport has grown to comprise 20 Grands Prix across five continents, with the television broadcast reaching hundreds of millions around the world.

Dorna Sports became the sole commercial and television rights holder of the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship in 1991. Based in Madrid, Spain, with premises in Barcelona and a subsidiary in Rome, the Dorna Group is a leader in sports management, marketing and media, and has seen continued growth over the years; expanding from solely MotoGP™ to include other leading motorcycle racing championships across the globe.

Recent Wedding: Draik Beauchamp – Melanie Huffstetler

David Swarts
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Recent Wedding: Draik Beauchamp – Melanie Huffstetler

Former racers Draik Beauchamp and Melanie Huffstetler were married July 4 in Deals Gap, Tennessee. MotoAmerica/WERA Chaplain Mark Merical of RaceLine Ministry officiated the wedding.

 

Draik Beauchamp and Melanie Huffstetler. Photo by Patrick Strzelecki/129Photos.com.
Draik Beauchamp and Melanie Huffstetler. Photo by Patrick Strzelecki/129Photos.com.

 

MotoAmerica: Superbike Tripleheader Coming To Laguna Seca

David Swarts
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0
MotoAmerica: Superbike Tripleheader Coming To Laguna Seca

Tripleheader Round At WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Awaits Superbike Men

Jake Gagne And Cameron Beaubier Take Their Title Fight To California For The MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey Tripleheader
 

IRVINE, CA (July 5, 2023) – With its three races and 75 points up for grabs, the fifth round of the MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, July 7-9, has the potential to be the most important round of the series thus far and in September when all is said and done, the tripleheader may go down as the most important of the season.

After four rounds and eight races, the nine-round, 20-race 2023 MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship has turned into a two-man battle between Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne and Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Cameron Beaubier, though it’s probably a tad early to discard Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Josh Herrin from the conversation.

Those are the three men who have won Medallia Superbike races this season and those are the three men who sit atop the championship point standings.

Gagne is where he has found himself for the past two years – atop the championship standings. The two-time and defending Medallia Superbike Champion has won four of the eight races held so far, including three in a row until Beaubier put a stop to that in race one at Road America. What’s different about the 2023 season is that Gagne has been beaten in a straight fight twice by Beaubier – in the first race of the season at Road Atlanta and in race two at Ridge Motorsports Park two weeks ago. Beaubier’s third race win was the aforementioned Road America race, but Gagne suffered a mechanical failure in what was a fairly horrible weekend for the Yamaha team.

Both Gagne and Beaubier have suffered a mechanical DNF with Beaubier also having a race crash to blemish his record. But fortunately, when he crashed at Ridge in race one while hounding Gagne, the race was red flagged, and the five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion was credited with seventh place and the nine important championship points that came with it.

As surprised as many are that Beaubier and his Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR have had the speed to run at the very front since the first race of the season, Gagne isn’t one of them. Mention Beaubier to Gagne at any time during any weekend and he will give you much the same response. “I never count that guy out.”

Herrin’s lone win came in Road America’s second race with the Ducati man holding off Beaubier’s teammate PJ Jacobsen for the win. By that point, Beaubier’s BMW had expired, and Gagne was third in what was a forgettable weekend for both him and the Attack team. Although Herrin was thrilled at Road America with his first win since 2019, he also knew he hadn’t beaten the other two when they were at their best.

The Ridge Motorsports Park round looked like it would be the place where Herrin would do just that as he qualified on pole position and looked to have the pace to run with Gagne and Beaubier in the two races. Shortly after nabbing pole, however, Herrin had a huge crash that left him battered and bruised and with a right foot that was later diagnosed with a fracture. Although the injuries put a damper on his chance to run at the very front, Herrin bravely rode to two third-place finishes that may pay dividends later in the season.

Herrin sits third in the championship standings, 11 behind Beaubier and 34 behind Gagne.

Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz had scored points in every race until he suffered a crash in Sunday’s race two at Ridge Motorsports Park – a day after he’d finished second to Gagne in race one. That was the fourth podium of the year for the South African who finds himself fourth in the title chase, but 55 points behind Gagne.

Jacobsen had a dismal (by his standards) round in Washington with sixth- and seventh-place finishes on his Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR. The New Yorker sits fifth in the championship heading to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, 10 points behind Scholtz and just three points ahead of Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante.

Escalante is off to a great start in the championship with double-digit points scored in six of the eight races so far. With three fourth-place finishes, it seems to be only a matter of time before the youngster from Tizayuca Hidalgo, Mexico, finds himself on the podium of a MotoAmerica Superbike race.

The number-three man on the Tytlers Cycle Racing team was the number-two man on the team at Ridge Motorsports Park with Corey Alexander having a career-best Superbike weekend with fifth-and fourth-place finishes on the weekend as he continues to improve with each and every race. Alexander is 13 points behind Escalante and eight ahead of Gagne’s Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing teammate Cameron Petersen.

Petersen would like to completely forget the first half of the season. A second-place finish in race one at Barber Motorsports Park is the only bright spot in his season so far as his scorecard is marred by three non-finishes. Still, the South African has the speed and the team behind him to make big gains in the second half of the season.

Disrupt Racing’s Hayden Gillim and Toni Elias, who announced his retirement immediately after finishing fifth in race two at Road America, round out the top 10 in the championship heading into WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

The first of the three Medallia Superbike races on the Monterey Peninsula will take place at 3:10 on Saturday afternoon with race two and race three slated for Sunday at 12:10 and 3:10 p.m., respectively.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Pre-Race Notes…

Last year the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca race was round six of the 2022 MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship, and the two races were won by Jake Gagne, who would go on to earn his second straight Medallia Superbike title. Gagne’s fastest race lap came in race two with his 1:23.443.

The MotoAmerica Superbike lap record at WeatherTech Laguna Seca is still held by Josh Herrin, who set the mark at 1:22.908 during Superpole in 2018. The Superbike race lap record is held by Cameron Beaubier who clicked off a 1:23.185 in race three in 2020, the only other time MotoAmerica has held a Superbike tripleheader at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna.

Last year, Gagne beat his teammate Cameron Petersen and Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci in race one and then came back to beat Petrucci and Petersen in race two a day later. The two wins at Laguna were the sixth and seventh wins for Gagne on the season and he left California with the points lead for the first time, albeit by just three over Petrucci.

With his fourth win of the season and 33rd of his career coming in race one at Ridge Motorsports Park two weeks ago, Jake Gagne moved out of a tie with Toni Elias and Miguel Duhamel for fourth on the all-time AMA Superbike win list. Gagne trails all-time leader Mat Mladin and his 82 victories, Josh Hayes and his 61 wins and Cameron Beaubier, who has 57 AMA Superbike wins on his resume.

Josh Hayes, meanwhile, continues to chase history as his next win in any class will put him alone at the top of the all-time AMA road race win record as he is currently tied with Miguel Duhamel with 86 wins across all classes. Hayes will be aboard his Squid Hunter Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 in the extended Supersport race scheduled for Saturday afternoon at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. With his race-two Superbike win at Ridge two weeks ago, Cameron Beaubier, meanwhile, lurks in fourth on the all-time list with 78 wins – eight behind Duhamel and Hayes.

Brandon Paasch will make his MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike debut at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with the New Jerseyan set to race the ex-Toni Elias Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R in the three Superbike races at Laguna and for the rest of the season.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca has a long history of hosting AMA Superbike races with the first-ever Superbike race at the track on the Monterey Peninsula taking place in 1976 and won by Reg Pridmore.

Dunlop hosted several of the top-tier Superbike racers to turn laps on the recently repaved WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca track on July 4. Though the track was extremely “green” on the morning of the test, racers reported that it was getting better as more laps were completed and rubber was put onto the racing surface. There was also a chance that a second test day would be held on the Thursday prior to Friday’s official practice and qualifying sessions.

About MotoAmerica

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

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Westby Racing:

Three Through The Corkscrew For Mathew Scholtz And Westby Racing This Weekend

 

Mathew Scholtz (11). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Westby Racing.
Mathew Scholtz (11). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Westby Racing.

 

Tulsa, OK – July 5, 2023 – Round five of the 2023 MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship is this weekend, and it’s a special one not only because Mathew Scholtz and the Westby Racing team will be competing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, one of the world’s most distinctive and iconic tracks, but also because there are three Superbike races on the weekend schedule, with one on Saturday and the other two on Sunday.

In addition, the 11-turn, 2.238-mile road course and “home of the Corkscrew” has been completely repaved. Like Road America’s complete repaving earlier this season, the track surface improvements should yield fast lap times as the weekend progresses.

Mathew and the team participated in a test session on Tuesday of this week, in order to help Dunlop assess which tires are best on the brand-new asphalt, while also putting some grip-improving rubber down on the surface.

“Laguna Seca is one of my favorite tracks on the schedule,” Mathew said. “It’s a place that has so much history. This year, there was some doubt about the brand-new pavement, but after the test, everything is positive, and we all have a really good feeling about the tires. I struggled with the new Dunlops at Road America, but we made a few changes for Laguna, and it has made a difference for us. We’re going to continue working in the same direction with the bike, and I’m sure we’ll be battling up front. I can’t wait to get out there and push the Westby Racing Yamaha R1 as far as we possibly can.”

Superbike final qualifying is on Saturday morning at 10:35 PT, Superbike race one will go green on Saturday afternoon at 3 PT, Superbike race two is on Sunday morning at Noon PT, and the weekend-concluding Superbike race two will start at 3 PT. All three races will be shown live on MotoAmerica’s YouTube Channel.

For all the action from WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, as it happens, subscribe to MotoAmerica Live+, which is MotoAmerica’s live streaming and on-demand service.

Meet Mathew, Get An Autographed Poster, And More

Mathew will be available for autographs during the Dunlop Hot Pit Walk & Autograph Session, scheduled for 10:15 to 11:10 a.m. Sunday on pit lane at Laguna Seca. He and the team will be handing out free posters and T-shirts, so don’t miss it.

Check Out The Westby Racing Sponsor Showcase

GB Racing; Motorex USA; Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA; and Yoshimura R&D of America, Inc. are the featured team sponsors on display in the Westby Racing paddock area this race weekend, so be sure to stop by to say hello and learn about some of the companies that support the team.

For more updates about Westby Racing, including news, photos, and videos, visit www.WestbyRacing.com

Also, follow “Westby Racing” on your favorite social media sites.

More On The Passing Of Hall Of Famer Peter Starr

David Swarts
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More On The Passing Of Hall Of Famer Peter Starr

RIP, Peter Starr

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 5, 2023) – AMA Pro Racing offers its condolences to the family and friends of Peter Starr, who died Monday, July 3, following a long battle with cancer at the age of 80. Starr was a pioneer across film, television, and motorcycling who played a central role in bringing motorcycle racing to the masses.

Originally, hailing from the United Kingdom, Starr moved to the United States in the ‘60s where he pursued a career as a DJ, record producer, and eventually filmmaker. It was through the last of these in which he started down the path that saw him become one of motorcycling’s most influential and beloved ambassadors.

Starr first spread the gospel of two wheels on a large scale via his documentary filmmaking, most notably the award-winning documentary, “Take it to the Limit,” which provided viewers a glimpse into the lives of some of the world’s greatest motorcycle racers, including Grand National Champions Kenny Roberts, Jay Springsteen, Ricky Graham, and Bubba Shobert.

Starr was also an innovating force in motorcycle racing television production, introducing and developing some of the techniques still used today to effectively communicate the speed, grace, and excitement of the sport. He was the first to mount a film camera on a racebike during the 1980 AMA National from Laguna Seca, and later the first to produce live video from a motorcycle during a race at the 1985 DuQuoin Mile.

He also spearheaded the creation of the Stroh’s Mile National Dirt Track Championship, which aired on TNN and USA Network in 1985 and 1986. This served as a “series inside a series” as part of the larger Progressive American Flat Track championship. It utilized the Grand National Championship’s Miles as the basis for a televised series that paid its own points and bonus money with support from the national advertising partner that Starr attracted in Stroh’s Brewery.

Starr created, produced, and/or hosted dozens of other motorcycle related programs over the decades, including the first national motorcycle TV show, “The Peter Starr Motorcycle Show,” which aired on TNN in the early ‘80s. He was also a racer and stunt performer himself, whose work was featured in a number of Hollywood hit movies.

Starr never stopped breaking new ground, creating the MotoStarr podcast and YouTube Channel, in which he interviewed a number of motorcycle racing titans, in recent years.

He was inducted into the Trailblazers Hall of Fame in 2011 and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2017.

Starr is survived by his sister, Lynn Greer, and his nephews, Stuart and Richard Greer.

About AMA Pro Racing:

AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by American Motorcyclist Association (AMA):

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Peter Starr Passes

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame offers its condolences to the family and friends of Peter Starr — motorcycle racer, author, TV producer and filmmaker, whose work includes dozens of productions about motorcycles and motorcycling. Starr passed away on July 3 at the age of 80.

Born on Nov. 2, 1942, in Coventry, England, Starr began riding motorcycles at a young age, later raced Nortons, Ariels and Triumphs, and then turned that passion into a four-year job with Triumph in the early 1960s.

Starr moved to the United States in the mid-1960s working as a DJ and later in record production before returning to his love of motorcycles as a filmmaker. His first film, titled Bad Rock, was funded by Hodaka and Penzoil and was distributed across the United States. Later, his film Take it to the Limit would become his most famous creation, starring riders at the top of their sport and a string of hit songs on its soundtrack.

Along with his films, Starr also directed over 50 television specials on motorcycling and motorsports. It was Starr who had the first film camera mounted on a motorcycle and later did the first live broadcast from a motorcycle in competition for ABC’s Wide World of Sports in 1985 at the AMA National on the Du Quoin Magic Mile.

In recent years, Starr became a global ambassador for motorcycling, and after being inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2017 became an ardent supporter of the Hall of Fame and its annual induction ceremony.

“Peter Starr was a fixture in the motorcycling community for decades,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Peter was a man who always strove to highlight our sport to both enthusiasts and non-riders, and was also incredibly supportive of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and its mission. Seeing him inducted in 2017 was inspiring. His energy and positive outlook on the sport we all love will be missed.”

Starr battled cancer for many years. Despite his diagnosis, he lived a full and vibrant life and remained tirelessly active in motorcycling.

“When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2004,” Starr previously told the AMA, “I spent a lot of time thinking about dealing with aging, and I concluded that it required living a purposeful life.”

“For me, motorcycles were always a theme of my life,” he continued. “The concept for me became looking forward, and creating something with motorcycling that was very important to me … and being a rider gives you something to always look forward to.”

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.

American Flat Track: Series Heading To New York For Orange County Half-Mile

David Swarts
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American Flat Track: Series Heading To New York For Orange County Half-Mile

Progressive AFT Returns to Orange County Fair Speedway for First Time in 35 Years This Weekend

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 5, 2023) – There’s some remarkable symmetry at play as Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, comes into this weekend’s Orange County Half-Mile at Orange County Fair Speedway, in Middletown, New York, on Saturday, July 8.

The Grand National Championship last visited the venue in July of 1988. And on that day, the iconic Scott Parker took the victory, one of the record-setting 35 Half-Mile wins of his Hall of Fame career. And now 35 years later, Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) storms in having just earned his 35th career Half-Mile win to match Parker’s mark and poised to claim sole possession of the all-time lead.

The reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle king is on an absolute tear, boasting four wins in his last five races and six on the season. Despite that form, he’s still trying to claw his way back to the top of the championship order. While he’s now just five points shy of doing so, it’s been a difficult task that doesn’t figure to get any easier due to the unwavering performance of second-year Mission SuperTwins ace Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT).

Daniels hasn’t finished off the podium all season long with three wins, six runner-ups, and two thirds representing his 2023 tally to date. That said, the Estenson Racing pilot is looking for answers of his own, as he’s now six races removed from his most recent win and with his once healthy title advantage under threat of disappearing altogether.

What had been a two-man, two-manufacturer duel at the front has since taken on a new look. Two-time Grand National Champion Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke) has battled for race wins aboard the increasingly potent Rick Ware Racing KTM three weekends in succession and seems likely to make a strong run down the stretch.

JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), and Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Corbin/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) were all in the podium hunt this past weekend in West Virginia and will look to pick up right where they left off in New York. It was somewhat surprising that Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) was not, although he’s proven time and again he can stand atop the podium on any given weekend.

And Robinson is not the only potential frontrunner looking to return to the top five at Orange County Fair Speedway with prior premier-class winners Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750), Henry Wiles (No. 17 BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750), Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), and Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke) all lining this weekend’s stacked Mission SuperTwins entry list.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Just a few weeks ago, the pack was closing in around Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER points leader Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F). That’s no longer the case. The defending champ comes into this weekend working a two-race win streak while having opened his title lead up from just nine points to 40 with those back-to-back triumphs.

Rather than look behind, Kopp can now look ahead as he eyes a goal he narrowly missed achieving during last season’s successful title run. In 2022, the factory KTM ace racked up seven wins, one short of Dallas Daniels’ single-season class record.

Kopp already owns five on the 2023 season with several venues well suited to his strengths fast approaching on the schedule, including this weekend’s trip to Orange County Fair Speedway.

While Kopp has won nearly half of the year’s 11 Main Events, the other six wins have gone to a collective consisting of second-ranked Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), fifth-ranked Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), sixth-ranked Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and seventh-ranked Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F).

That said, three of the hottest riders in the class are still seeking their first… of the season in the case of Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and of their careers for Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450).

Meanwhile, some of the category’s biggest names – namely Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450), Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 450 SX-F) – are just looking to get back on track following some uncharacteristically quiet outings.

There will be plenty to keep fans entertained at the track on Saturday as well, including numerous vendors, live music, free motorcycle parking, and fireworks following the conclusion of the Mission SuperTwins Main Event.

General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $40 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult GA ticket), with Reserved Grandstand tickets are just $10 more. Upgraded options include Indoor Suite Reservations, Party Deck tables, and Multi-Day Camping Passes.

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

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/orange-county-half-mile-61333 to reserve your seats today.

Gates will open for fans at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT).

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

FOX Sports coverage of the Orange County Half-Mile, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, July 16, at 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT).

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

About Progressive American Flat Track

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

MotoAmerica: How To Watch All The Action From Laguna Seca

David Swarts
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MotoAmerica: How To Watch All The Action From Laguna Seca

MotoAmerica: How To Watch MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey

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

Everything you need to know to watch the MotoAmerica Superbikes in California.

 

 

MotoAmerica Live+: MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey 

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

Everything you need to know to watch the MotoAmerica Superbikes in California.

 

MotoAmerica: Second Extended Supersport Race Happening At Laguna (Updated)

Xavi Fores (12), as seen during the first extended Supersport race at Barber Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Mission King Of The Baggers, Extended Supersport Race And More Highlight MotoAmerica At WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

Four Support Class Races To Accompany Three Medallia Superbike Races At
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

 

IRVINE, CA (July 6, 2023) – The fireworks expected from the four support classes to the three Medallia Superbike races at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca should rival any from the Fourth Of July as Mission King Of The Baggers, an “extended” Supersport race with its mandatory pit stop, REV’IT! Twins Cup and Mission Super Hooligan National Championship will highlight a race weekend that will feature 10 races on the iconic racetrack located a few miles east of Monterey, California, July 7-9.

Mission King Of The Baggers – Back To The Birthplace

The inaugural Mission King Of The Baggers race was held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca as an invitational event in October of 2020 and it was a rousing success. Now, three years later, the fourth round of a six-round (12 races) championship will kick off the second half of the season for the popular Baggers.

H-D Screamin’ Eagle’s Kyle Wyman, the 2021 Mission King Of The Baggers Champion, leads the championship point standings after a one-month hiatus and following the third round of the series in Wisconsin. Wyman and his four victories on his Harley-Davidson Road Glide gives him a 13-point lead over Vance & Hines/Mission/Harley-Davidson’s James Rispoli, who in turn is just one point ahead of his teammate Hayden Gillim.

Defending Mission King Of The Baggers Champion Tyler O’Hara has yet to win a race this year, but has three runner-up finishes in 2023 as he attempts to defend his title. O’Hara is currently fourth and 35 points behind Wyman.

Three riders have won races in 2023 and Sac Mile/SDI Racing/Roland Sands/Indian’s Bobby Fong was the latest to join that list (Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli) with a victory in race two at Road America. Fong is 53 points behind Wyman and 18 points behind O’Hara.

Supersport – Extended Again

Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Xavi Fores is a perfect seven-for-seven in the 2023 Supersport Championship, including his victory in the first-ever “Extended” Supersport race at Barber Motorsports Park back in May. Five of those seven races were won on racetracks that Fores had never seen before., but that won’t be the case at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

With the second “Extended” Supersport race scheduled for WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca this weekend, there’s no reason to expect anything less than victory from Fores and his team in the race that will feature a mandatory pit stop. After all, Fores has not only raced at Laguna before in the World Superbike Championship, but he also likes it. And that might be double trouble for those trying to thwart his perfect season.

Fores, who is hoping to be able to throw his leg over a second Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R if he clinches the title early, has a 76-point lead going into this weekend’s extended 38-lap race that will pay double points.

Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Stefano Mesa has been the best of the rest so far in 2023 with four runner-up finishes behind Fores. Mesa is 76 points behind the Spaniard and 12 clear of Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott with the youngster standing on the podium three times this season.

Nine points behind Scott is Squid Hunter Racing’s Josh Herrin, the veteran crashing out of the last race at Ridge Motorsports Park to mar his perfect record of point-scoring races in the first seven races. Hayes has four podiums on his scorecard.

Scott’s teammate Teagg Hobbs had his best weekend of the season at Ridge with two third-place finishes. He sits fifth in the title chase but is a whopping 117 points behind Fores.

REV’IT Twins Cup – Tight At The Top

Five riders – Blake Davis, Rocco Landers, Stefano Mesa, Gus Rodio and Dominic Doyle – have won REV’IT Twins Cup races in 2023 and that parity has led to the top five being separated by just 40 points after eight races.

Defending REV’IT! Twins Cup Champion Blake Davis is atop the championship point standings on his N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto-backed Yamaha YZF-R7, but he’s just 11 points clear of the fast-closing Rocco Landers and his Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660.

Landers has won four of the past five races in his return to the class he dominated in 2021. Landers is just two points ahead of his pseudo teammate Gus Rodio, who has one victory and four other podiums on his scorecard.

Cycle Tech’s Hayden Schultz and Trackday Winner/Blackmon Racing’s Jackson Blackmon round out the top five as the series heads to California.

Mission Super Hooligan National Championship – Still O’Hara

Despite being DQ’d from the most recent round of the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship round after crossing the finish line one-two at Ridge Motorsports Park, defending champion Tyler O’Hara and Jeremy McWilliams still occupy the top two spots in the championship as the series readies for round three in Monterey.

With his three wins to McWilliams’s two, O’Hara holds down a 19-point lead over his Indian Motorcycle/Progressive/Mission Foods teammate with McWilliams and his Indian FTR1200 just four two points ahead of Andy DiBrino Racing’s Andy DiBrino, who inherited the race-two victory at Ridge Motorsports Park when the two Indian FTR1200s of McWilliams and O’Hara were DQ’d with the technical infraction.

DiBrino and his KTM 890 Duke R, meanwhile, are only seven points ahead of Roland Sands Design/Indian Motorcycle’s Bobby Fong, who in turn is just one point ahead of fifth-placed Cory West and his Team Saddlemen Harley-Davidson Pan America.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Pre-Race Support Class Notes…

Josh Herrin was perfect last year at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with his two Supersport class victories on the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V2. The podium was identical in both races with Tyler Scott and Rocco Landers finishing second and third in both races. Herrin has moved up to the Medallia Superbike Championship for 2023.

Kyle Wyman won the Mission King Of The Baggers race at Laguna last year with the Screamin’ Eagle Harley rider besting his brother Travis and Vance & Hines Harley’s James Rispoli.

Last year’s REV’IT! Twins Cup race was won by Cory Ventura over eventual class champion Blake Davis and then-defending champion Kaleb De Keyrel. Ventura won’t be racing at WeatherTech Raceway this year as he recovers at home from a badly broken leg suffered at Barber Motorsports Park.

Garrett Gerloff, who currently races in the World Supersport Championship, is still the lap record holder at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in the Supersport class with his 1:25.406 dating back to 2017. With the racetrack being completely repaved for this year’s event, that long-standing record might finally be in danger of being broken.

About MotoAmerica

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

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Ducati:

Ducati’s Dynamic Duo Heads to the Happy Hunting Ground of Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca

Sunnyvale, Calif. — There are many famous racing venues in the United States but few hold the aura of Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Nestled in the Salinas hillside, the iconic 2.23 mile circuit that’s home to one of the most famous corners in racing—The Corkscrew—will once again hear the sound of America’s fastest road racers as MotoAmerica heads to its only Californian stop on its national tour.

If the first four rounds are anything to go by, round five of the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship will be a feast for Xavi Forés (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Ducati – Panigale V2). Laguna Seca is one of the few tracks on the 2023 calendar Forés has competed at, the Spaniard carding a pair of sixth-place finishes the last time WorldSBK took to the venue in 2018.

Undefeated in 2023 so far, Forés knows this weekend will throw up a unique challenge with the second of the year’s long-distance races, the first of which he dominated at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama back in May.

For Herrin, the Georgian native will look forward to his first race on the Panigale V4 R at a track he knows and loves. The current MotoAmerica Supersport Champion is still the Superbike lap record holder at 1:22.908, set in Superpole in 2018.

Third in the MotoAmerica Superbike series points, Herrin knows Laguna Seca represents one of his best opportunities to close the points gap to leader Jake Gagne and will be putting it all on the line in front of the many Ducatisti expected to show up and cheer the factory team on.

 

Xavi Fores (12). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.
Xavi Fores (12). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.

 

Xavi Forés (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Ducati – Panigale V2 – #12):

“This race is the one I have been waiting for!” Forés enthused. “I know the track well and I really like it. I have always had good races there in WSBK, so I’m really looking forward to start the weekend. The long distance race again this weekend will be good fun and important with double points. The plan is to keep the winning momentum even if it gets harder and harder every time. I’m the rider everyone wants to beat, but I will do my best to ensure that doesn’t happen!”

 

Josh Herrin (2). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.
Josh Herrin (2). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.

 

Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC – Ducati Panigale V4 R – Ducati #2):

“I’m really excited about this weekend,” Herrin said. “We gained a lot of confidence on the V4 R at The Ridge and although it was a bummer that we crashed on Saturday, we could still salvage some really good finishes in both races. I’m a lot more comfortable on the motorcycle now. Going to Laguna Seca, which is the track I hold the lap record at, I think we’ll continue to have some good success. I’m really looking forward to spending time with my team. It’s a home race for us, it’s the 4th of July weekend, so I think it’s going to be a good one.”

On track action for the fifth round of the MotoAmerica Superbike and Supersport Championship will begin at 9:15 am PST on Friday, July 7. Forés will be the first of the Warhorse crew to hit the track at 10:05 am in Supersport with Herrin’s first ride at 10:45 am.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Team Iso:

Filippo Rovelli Joins Team Iso For WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Round

 

Filippo Rovelli (27) on his R7 Cup racebike in Europe. Photo courtesy Team Iso.
Filippo Rovelli (27) on his R7 Cup racebike in Europe. Photo courtesy Team Iso.

 

Monterey, CA – July 7, 2023 – Team Iso has brought in Italian rider Filippo Rovelli for this weekend’s MotoAmerica round at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Rovelli joins incumbent rider Dominic Doyle on the team, and both riders will race Giaccmoto LLC-prepared Yamaha YZF-R7s in this weekend’s two REV’IT! Twins Cup races. The announcement was made by Nobi Iso, owner of Team Iso.

Rovelli, who is from Gallarate, Italy, has previously raced a Yamaha YZF-R3 in the FIM World Supersport300 Championship, and last year, he competed in Italy’s Yamaha R7 Cup and earned an opportunity to race in the Yamaha R7 SuperFinale this past September at Circuit de Barcelona in Catalunya. Rovelli qualified on the front row for that weekend’s two races.

In race one, Rovelli scored a dramatic last-to-first victory. He was moved to the back of the grid after a penalty. Starting from 27th, he was inside the top six after the opening lap. By lap two, he had already made his way into the lead, but the pack behind continued to hound the Italian. As the top four pulled clear, Rovelli timed his run perfectly and moved out front on the final lap to take the win.

“The main purpose of this program with Team Iso is to provide activation for the awesome Yamaha YZF-R7,” commented Giaccmoto principal Chuck Giacchetto. “When we were asked to host the wildcard entry with Filippo, we proudly accepted the offer, especially since he is a part of the Yamaha global family. Huge thanks to Nobi Iso for hosting Filippo and also congratulations to him and all of Team Iso for the great work they’re already doing with Dominic Doyle.”

Team Iso’s riders Doyle and Rovelli will practice on Friday morning at 9:15 PT, followed by provisional qualifying at 3:55 PT in the afternoon. Final qualifying is Saturday morning at 9:15 PT and race one is Saturday afternoon at 2:10 PT. Race two starts on Sunday at 2:10 PT.

Along with Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., and Giaccmoto LLC, Team Iso is supported by Westby Racing, SE Composites, Attack Performance, Superbike Unlimited, Bitubo Italy, Vesrah, Galespeed, aRacer USA, Core Moto USA, RK Excel America, Suter Racing Products, Spears Enterprises, Yoshimura R&D of America, 5zero4 Designs, and Arai Helmet, Inc.

MotoAmerica: Next-Gen Supersport Technical Rules Balanced…Again

Josh Hayes (4). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Josh Hayes (4). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

One month after adjusting the balancing regulations in its Next-Generation Supersport class, MotoAmerica has made another adjustment to the technical rules governing the class just ahead of this weekend’s event at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Prior to the round at Road America in June, MotoAmerica FIM/AMA North America adjusted the rules for the Ducati Panigale V2 and the Suzuki GSX-R750, detuning both slightly with new required mapping in their spec Engine Control Units (ECUs).

Now on the Thursday prior to a race event, MotoAmerica FIM/AMA North America has decided to allow the Yamaha YZF-R6 to have ported and polished cylinder heads, including the combustion chamber, and the announcement is effective immediately.

Below is the Technical Bulletin issued by MotoAmerica FIM/AMA North America today, July 6.

 

Technical Bulletin 07-2023

British Superbike: BeerMonster Ducati Team All Set For Snetterton

Glenn Irwin (2). Photo courtesy MSVR.
BeerMonster Ducati rider Glenn Irwin (2). Photo courtesy MSVR.

BeerMonster Ducati All Set For Snetterton

Round five of the 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Championship heads east to Norfolk this coming weekend when championship leaders BeerMonster Ducati hope to increase their advantage at Snetterton.

Wiltshire-based Tommy Bridewell leads the standings following the opening four rounds which has seen him take seven podiums and a single victory to emerge with an eight-point advantage over Yamaha’s Kyle Ryde. Bridewell is riding as well as he has done in recent years and is making a habit of racking up solid points at each round.

In third place just three points down on Ryde is Northern Ireland’s Glenn Irwin who has won four races for Paul Bird’s Penrith-based team so far this season. Irwin has backed his victories up with four more podiums and would have been on top of the table had it not been for a crash at Knockhill when leading the second race of the weekend.

Both riders arrive at Snetterton with good records in the recent past, with Irwin’s victory in 2020 backed up by two podiums whereas Bridewell has an incredible nine podium finishes to his name, including being on the podium for the past four years, but is still in search of a first victory at the track.

Tommy Bridewell: “I’m looking forward to Snetterton as it’s a track that really suits my style, unlike the last round at Knockhill. That said, for me to come away with two podiums and an increased lead from one of our weaker tracks isn’t too shabby but the focus is now on this weekend. I have a great record of podiums around Snetterton so it’s about time I won a race round there, so that’s the aim this weekend. The team and the bike are working brilliantly for me, so there’s no reason why we can’t look to increase that lead at the head of the table.”

Glenn Irwin: “I’ve enjoyed a holiday with my family since Knockhill so I’m feeling refreshed and ready to continue the battle at Snetterton. It’s been a good journey  with the team so far and we have a great set-up with a fantastic work ethic. Those efforts mean I’m excited and hopefully, we will have some upgrades to try this weekend also. I enjoy racing at Snetterton, it’s traditionally a strong track for Ducati and I’ve had some good results there too. Let’s continue the hard work and hopefully get some more wins as I’m fully focused on this championship.”

For further information on BeerMonster please visit https://beermonster.com and the new PBM website, www.pbmuk.net. For all details on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, please visit www.britishsuperbike.com.

MotoGP: Your Chance To Be Marc Marquez’s Overnight Guest At Catalunya

Two lucky fans will get to be Marc Marquez's overnight guests in a specially built trailer in the paddock during the MotoGP event weekend at Catalunya. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.
Two lucky fans will get to be Marc Marquez's overnight guests in a specially built trailer in the paddock during the MotoGP event weekend at Catalunya. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.

Team Up with Marc Marquez for an Exclusive MotoGP™ Stay

  • Grand Prix motorcycle racer Marc Márquez is revved up and ready to host an overnight stay in his team’s motorhome in the heart of the action at the MotoGP™ race in Catalonia, Spain, just in time for the second half of the season.
  • For the first time ever, racing fans will be able to sleep in the paddock, in an area normally reserved for professional riders, alongside Marc Márquez’s private trailer and meters away from other elite racers.
  • Highlights from the stay include a ride on the MotoGP™ simulator, VIP seating to watch the race, and a personal guided tour of the never-before-experienced pit boxes.

 

Some of Marc Marquez's riding gear decorates the entry. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.
Some of Marc Marquez’s riding gear decorates the entry. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.

 

Trading two wheels for four, legendary motorcycle racer, Marc Márquez, has listed his team’s motorhome on Airbnb for a stay during the Catalan Grand Prix. The 8-time world champion is the Host of his team motorhome in the heart of the GP action, offering motor racing fans ‘pole position’ in the paddock area of the legendary event.

 

Marc Marquez relaxes on the couch in the living area of the special trailer. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.
Marc Marquez relaxes on the couch in the living area of the specially decorated trailer. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.

 

Márquez #93 is one of the most talented motorcycle racers, with a spectacular style loved by millions around the world. Now he’s revved up and ready to add Airbnb Host to his repertoire, offering fans the unprecedented opportunity to live like a MotoGP™ racer for a day: trackside access to the paddock – MotoGP™’s backstage area, where guests will see racing champions and witness the most adrenaline-fueled moments before the race with their own eyes.

 

The living area includes a kitchen and a dining/workshop space. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.
The living area includes a kitchen and a dining/workshop space. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.

 

“The motorhomes space during a Grand Prix is exclusively reserved for riders and their teams. Guests will live a once-in-a-lifetime experience, not available to anyone else. This is the most exciting motorsport championship in the world and hosting in my home city really raises the stakes for me”, says Márquez. “Guests are in for the ride of their lives – this is a rare peek behind the scenes at the world of professional racing.”

 

The specially decorated trailer will accommodate two guests for one night. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.
The specially decorated trailer will accommodate two guests for one night. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.

 

About the Stay

Márquez will host a one-night stay for up to two people in his team’s motorhome occurring September 2, 2023 for only 93 euros per night*, a nod to Márquez’s racing number. Highlights include:

  • A night in the Márquez team’s motorhome, located next to Márquez’s private trailer in a trackside area that is only accessible to the riders.
  • A closer look at some of the rider’s memorabilia, including his most iconic (and beloved) helmets and race suits – and even a selection of his most treasured championship trophies!
  • The perfect VIP village seats to view the race in addition to pit lane access to witness the start of the Grand Prix.
  • Entry to the circuit and VIP passes for exclusive amenities and services on Sunday and Saturday.
  • The opportunity to feel like a pro with a ride on the MotoGP™ simulator.
  • A personal guided tour of the paddock area including the pit boxes: the ‘backstage’ of the MotoGP™ reserved for racers and their team.

 

Another view of the sleeping area showing some of the memorabilia on display. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.
Another view of the sleeping area showing some of the memorabilia on display. Photo by David Vilanova, courtesy Airbnb.

 

How to Book

Motorheads can request to book this stay beginning July 19, 2023 at 19:00 PM CEST at airbnb.com/motogp. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Montmeló, just outside of Barcelona (Spain).

 

 

 

MotoGP: Goodwood Festival Of Speed Rider Lineup Confirmed

Defending MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (1) will ride in front of the fans at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Defending MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (1) will ride in front of the fans at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Photo courtesy Ducati.

Goodwood Festival of Speed: full MotoGP™ line-up confirmed!

Heroes past and present get ready to take on the Hill

Wednesday, 05 July 2023

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is now just over a week away and the legendary event is preparing to welcome its biggest ever celebration of MotoGP™. From the 13th to the 16th of July, heroes from the current grid will join a whole host of MotoGP™ Legends to take on the fabled hillclimb – and the full line-up can now be revealed!

FRESH FROM THE TRACK

Ducati

In the red corner, there are three well-known faces from the MotoGP™ paddock as the Bologna bullets bring some serious star power. Reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia will be joined by Ducati Lenovo teammate Enea Bastianini on both Saturday and Sunday, and test rider and popular wildcard Michele Pirro will kick off the festivities on Thursday and Friday for the Borgo Panigale marque, too.

KTM

In the orange corner, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing also get their weekend underway with long-time test rider Mika Kallio as the Finnish rider represents on Thursday and Friday. Then, 2023 Championship contender Brad Binder takes the reins over the weekend as the South African hits the Hill on both Saturday and Sunday for the Austrian factory.

GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 have a very special Thursday and Friday at the Festival as Pol Espargaro makes his long-awaited return to the saddle – taking the next step and getting back on the bike after a flying visit to Assen to surprise his team. On Saturday and Sunday, rookie teammate Augusto Fernandez will then take over, making his debut at the event as his MotoGP™ debut likewise continues to impress.

Aprilia

Aprilia Racing also touch down at Goodwood this year, with their RS-GP in the hands of faithful test rider Lorenzo Savadori fresh from his wildcard at Assen. He’ll be on the Hill on Thursday and Friday. CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team also saddle up as part of the Noale contingent at the show, with multiple MotoGP™ winner Miguel Oliveira heading out on Saturday and teammate Raul Fernandez taking the reins on Sunday.

Honda

LCR Honda round out the heroes of the now, with the Americas GP winners set to attend the 2023 festival. Sadly, they’ll be without Alex Rins as the Spaniard continues his recovery from that crash at Mugello, but their iconic livery will be there to join in the festivities and take to the Hill.

THE LEGENDS

If that wasn’t enough firepower, the legends line-up brings together some defining figures from history. Paired with the current grid, the full contingent at the Festival of Speed will provide a truly unique cross section of the heroes who made the sport what it is – and those who continue to make it the world’s most exciting motorsport.

Giacomo Agostini

Mick Doohan

Freddie Spencer

Casey Stoner

Kevin Schwantz

Wayne Gardner

Kenny Roberts Jr

Alex Crivillé

Randy Mamola

 

WHERE TO FIND US & HOW TO WATCH

On site, the MotoGP™ delegation will be based in the Ballroom Paddock near the Drivers’ Club – the perfect showcase to allow fans an awesome overview of the teams prepping the machines. And if you can’t make it? We’ll have incredible coverage of the event.

First, MotoGP™’s hillclimb action will be live streamed on motogp.com and across our social media channels, making sure fans around the world can get involved in this unique celebration of the sport. There will also be a selection of photos and round-ups of the action made available each day of the festival, including exclusive quotes and reactions from the riders and legends taking to the Hill.

Watch this space and join us at Goodwood on the 13th to the 16th of July – or from wherever you are in the world!

About the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard

First staged in 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard is the world’s largest automotive garden party; set against the spectacular backdrop of Goodwood House in West Sussex, UK. Over 600 cars and motorcycles spanning the phenomenal history of motoring and motorsport take part along with legendary figures from the automotive world. Highlights include Future Lab presented by Randox, Electric Avenue presented by bp pulse, Forest Rally Stage, Michelin Supercar Paddock, Michelin Supercar Run, F1 Pit Lane presented by Sky, Drivers’ Club, GAS Arena, Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance and Bonhams Auction.

About MotoGP™ & Dorna Sports

The FIM Grand Prix World Championship, MotoGP™, is the world’s most exciting motorsport. 22 of the fastest riders compete on purpose-built prototype motorcycles on some of the world’s greatest racetracks, creating one of the most thrilling shows on Earth. Since it was inaugurated in 1949, the sport has grown to comprise 20 Grands Prix across five continents, with the television broadcast reaching hundreds of millions around the world.

Dorna Sports became the sole commercial and television rights holder of the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship in 1991. Based in Madrid, Spain, with premises in Barcelona and a subsidiary in Rome, the Dorna Group is a leader in sports management, marketing and media, and has seen continued growth over the years; expanding from solely MotoGP™ to include other leading motorcycle racing championships across the globe.

Recent Wedding: Draik Beauchamp – Melanie Huffstetler

Draik Beauchamp and Melanie Huffstetler. Photo by Patrick Strzelecki/129Photos.com.
Draik Beauchamp and Melanie Huffstetler. Photo by Patrick Strzelecki/129Photos.com.

Former racers Draik Beauchamp and Melanie Huffstetler were married July 4 in Deals Gap, Tennessee. MotoAmerica/WERA Chaplain Mark Merical of RaceLine Ministry officiated the wedding.

 

Draik Beauchamp and Melanie Huffstetler. Photo by Patrick Strzelecki/129Photos.com.
Draik Beauchamp and Melanie Huffstetler. Photo by Patrick Strzelecki/129Photos.com.

 

MotoAmerica: Superbike Tripleheader Coming To Laguna Seca

Jake Gagne (1) comes to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with a 23-point lead over Cameron Beaubier (6) with 75 points up for grabs in the tripleheader weekend in Monterey. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Jake Gagne (1) comes to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with a 23-point lead over Cameron Beaubier (6) with 75 points up for grabs in the tripleheader weekend in Monterey. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Tripleheader Round At WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Awaits Superbike Men

Jake Gagne And Cameron Beaubier Take Their Title Fight To California For The MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey Tripleheader
 

IRVINE, CA (July 5, 2023) – With its three races and 75 points up for grabs, the fifth round of the MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, July 7-9, has the potential to be the most important round of the series thus far and in September when all is said and done, the tripleheader may go down as the most important of the season.

After four rounds and eight races, the nine-round, 20-race 2023 MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship has turned into a two-man battle between Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne and Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Cameron Beaubier, though it’s probably a tad early to discard Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Josh Herrin from the conversation.

Those are the three men who have won Medallia Superbike races this season and those are the three men who sit atop the championship point standings.

Gagne is where he has found himself for the past two years – atop the championship standings. The two-time and defending Medallia Superbike Champion has won four of the eight races held so far, including three in a row until Beaubier put a stop to that in race one at Road America. What’s different about the 2023 season is that Gagne has been beaten in a straight fight twice by Beaubier – in the first race of the season at Road Atlanta and in race two at Ridge Motorsports Park two weeks ago. Beaubier’s third race win was the aforementioned Road America race, but Gagne suffered a mechanical failure in what was a fairly horrible weekend for the Yamaha team.

Both Gagne and Beaubier have suffered a mechanical DNF with Beaubier also having a race crash to blemish his record. But fortunately, when he crashed at Ridge in race one while hounding Gagne, the race was red flagged, and the five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion was credited with seventh place and the nine important championship points that came with it.

As surprised as many are that Beaubier and his Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR have had the speed to run at the very front since the first race of the season, Gagne isn’t one of them. Mention Beaubier to Gagne at any time during any weekend and he will give you much the same response. “I never count that guy out.”

Herrin’s lone win came in Road America’s second race with the Ducati man holding off Beaubier’s teammate PJ Jacobsen for the win. By that point, Beaubier’s BMW had expired, and Gagne was third in what was a forgettable weekend for both him and the Attack team. Although Herrin was thrilled at Road America with his first win since 2019, he also knew he hadn’t beaten the other two when they were at their best.

The Ridge Motorsports Park round looked like it would be the place where Herrin would do just that as he qualified on pole position and looked to have the pace to run with Gagne and Beaubier in the two races. Shortly after nabbing pole, however, Herrin had a huge crash that left him battered and bruised and with a right foot that was later diagnosed with a fracture. Although the injuries put a damper on his chance to run at the very front, Herrin bravely rode to two third-place finishes that may pay dividends later in the season.

Herrin sits third in the championship standings, 11 behind Beaubier and 34 behind Gagne.

Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz had scored points in every race until he suffered a crash in Sunday’s race two at Ridge Motorsports Park – a day after he’d finished second to Gagne in race one. That was the fourth podium of the year for the South African who finds himself fourth in the title chase, but 55 points behind Gagne.

Jacobsen had a dismal (by his standards) round in Washington with sixth- and seventh-place finishes on his Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR. The New Yorker sits fifth in the championship heading to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, 10 points behind Scholtz and just three points ahead of Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante.

Escalante is off to a great start in the championship with double-digit points scored in six of the eight races so far. With three fourth-place finishes, it seems to be only a matter of time before the youngster from Tizayuca Hidalgo, Mexico, finds himself on the podium of a MotoAmerica Superbike race.

The number-three man on the Tytlers Cycle Racing team was the number-two man on the team at Ridge Motorsports Park with Corey Alexander having a career-best Superbike weekend with fifth-and fourth-place finishes on the weekend as he continues to improve with each and every race. Alexander is 13 points behind Escalante and eight ahead of Gagne’s Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing teammate Cameron Petersen.

Petersen would like to completely forget the first half of the season. A second-place finish in race one at Barber Motorsports Park is the only bright spot in his season so far as his scorecard is marred by three non-finishes. Still, the South African has the speed and the team behind him to make big gains in the second half of the season.

Disrupt Racing’s Hayden Gillim and Toni Elias, who announced his retirement immediately after finishing fifth in race two at Road America, round out the top 10 in the championship heading into WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

The first of the three Medallia Superbike races on the Monterey Peninsula will take place at 3:10 on Saturday afternoon with race two and race three slated for Sunday at 12:10 and 3:10 p.m., respectively.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Pre-Race Notes…

Last year the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca race was round six of the 2022 MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship, and the two races were won by Jake Gagne, who would go on to earn his second straight Medallia Superbike title. Gagne’s fastest race lap came in race two with his 1:23.443.

The MotoAmerica Superbike lap record at WeatherTech Laguna Seca is still held by Josh Herrin, who set the mark at 1:22.908 during Superpole in 2018. The Superbike race lap record is held by Cameron Beaubier who clicked off a 1:23.185 in race three in 2020, the only other time MotoAmerica has held a Superbike tripleheader at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna.

Last year, Gagne beat his teammate Cameron Petersen and Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci in race one and then came back to beat Petrucci and Petersen in race two a day later. The two wins at Laguna were the sixth and seventh wins for Gagne on the season and he left California with the points lead for the first time, albeit by just three over Petrucci.

With his fourth win of the season and 33rd of his career coming in race one at Ridge Motorsports Park two weeks ago, Jake Gagne moved out of a tie with Toni Elias and Miguel Duhamel for fourth on the all-time AMA Superbike win list. Gagne trails all-time leader Mat Mladin and his 82 victories, Josh Hayes and his 61 wins and Cameron Beaubier, who has 57 AMA Superbike wins on his resume.

Josh Hayes, meanwhile, continues to chase history as his next win in any class will put him alone at the top of the all-time AMA road race win record as he is currently tied with Miguel Duhamel with 86 wins across all classes. Hayes will be aboard his Squid Hunter Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 in the extended Supersport race scheduled for Saturday afternoon at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. With his race-two Superbike win at Ridge two weeks ago, Cameron Beaubier, meanwhile, lurks in fourth on the all-time list with 78 wins – eight behind Duhamel and Hayes.

Brandon Paasch will make his MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike debut at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with the New Jerseyan set to race the ex-Toni Elias Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R in the three Superbike races at Laguna and for the rest of the season.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca has a long history of hosting AMA Superbike races with the first-ever Superbike race at the track on the Monterey Peninsula taking place in 1976 and won by Reg Pridmore.

Dunlop hosted several of the top-tier Superbike racers to turn laps on the recently repaved WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca track on July 4. Though the track was extremely “green” on the morning of the test, racers reported that it was getting better as more laps were completed and rubber was put onto the racing surface. There was also a chance that a second test day would be held on the Thursday prior to Friday’s official practice and qualifying sessions.

About MotoAmerica

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

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Westby Racing:

Three Through The Corkscrew For Mathew Scholtz And Westby Racing This Weekend

 

Mathew Scholtz (11). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Westby Racing.
Mathew Scholtz (11). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Westby Racing.

 

Tulsa, OK – July 5, 2023 – Round five of the 2023 MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship is this weekend, and it’s a special one not only because Mathew Scholtz and the Westby Racing team will be competing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, one of the world’s most distinctive and iconic tracks, but also because there are three Superbike races on the weekend schedule, with one on Saturday and the other two on Sunday.

In addition, the 11-turn, 2.238-mile road course and “home of the Corkscrew” has been completely repaved. Like Road America’s complete repaving earlier this season, the track surface improvements should yield fast lap times as the weekend progresses.

Mathew and the team participated in a test session on Tuesday of this week, in order to help Dunlop assess which tires are best on the brand-new asphalt, while also putting some grip-improving rubber down on the surface.

“Laguna Seca is one of my favorite tracks on the schedule,” Mathew said. “It’s a place that has so much history. This year, there was some doubt about the brand-new pavement, but after the test, everything is positive, and we all have a really good feeling about the tires. I struggled with the new Dunlops at Road America, but we made a few changes for Laguna, and it has made a difference for us. We’re going to continue working in the same direction with the bike, and I’m sure we’ll be battling up front. I can’t wait to get out there and push the Westby Racing Yamaha R1 as far as we possibly can.”

Superbike final qualifying is on Saturday morning at 10:35 PT, Superbike race one will go green on Saturday afternoon at 3 PT, Superbike race two is on Sunday morning at Noon PT, and the weekend-concluding Superbike race two will start at 3 PT. All three races will be shown live on MotoAmerica’s YouTube Channel.

For all the action from WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, as it happens, subscribe to MotoAmerica Live+, which is MotoAmerica’s live streaming and on-demand service.

Meet Mathew, Get An Autographed Poster, And More

Mathew will be available for autographs during the Dunlop Hot Pit Walk & Autograph Session, scheduled for 10:15 to 11:10 a.m. Sunday on pit lane at Laguna Seca. He and the team will be handing out free posters and T-shirts, so don’t miss it.

Check Out The Westby Racing Sponsor Showcase

GB Racing; Motorex USA; Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA; and Yoshimura R&D of America, Inc. are the featured team sponsors on display in the Westby Racing paddock area this race weekend, so be sure to stop by to say hello and learn about some of the companies that support the team.

For more updates about Westby Racing, including news, photos, and videos, visit www.WestbyRacing.com

Also, follow “Westby Racing” on your favorite social media sites.

More On The Passing Of Hall Of Famer Peter Starr

Peter Starr, R.I.P. Photo courtesy MotoStarr.
Peter Starr, R.I.P. Photo courtesy MotoStarr.

RIP, Peter Starr

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 5, 2023) – AMA Pro Racing offers its condolences to the family and friends of Peter Starr, who died Monday, July 3, following a long battle with cancer at the age of 80. Starr was a pioneer across film, television, and motorcycling who played a central role in bringing motorcycle racing to the masses.

Originally, hailing from the United Kingdom, Starr moved to the United States in the ‘60s where he pursued a career as a DJ, record producer, and eventually filmmaker. It was through the last of these in which he started down the path that saw him become one of motorcycling’s most influential and beloved ambassadors.

Starr first spread the gospel of two wheels on a large scale via his documentary filmmaking, most notably the award-winning documentary, “Take it to the Limit,” which provided viewers a glimpse into the lives of some of the world’s greatest motorcycle racers, including Grand National Champions Kenny Roberts, Jay Springsteen, Ricky Graham, and Bubba Shobert.

Starr was also an innovating force in motorcycle racing television production, introducing and developing some of the techniques still used today to effectively communicate the speed, grace, and excitement of the sport. He was the first to mount a film camera on a racebike during the 1980 AMA National from Laguna Seca, and later the first to produce live video from a motorcycle during a race at the 1985 DuQuoin Mile.

He also spearheaded the creation of the Stroh’s Mile National Dirt Track Championship, which aired on TNN and USA Network in 1985 and 1986. This served as a “series inside a series” as part of the larger Progressive American Flat Track championship. It utilized the Grand National Championship’s Miles as the basis for a televised series that paid its own points and bonus money with support from the national advertising partner that Starr attracted in Stroh’s Brewery.

Starr created, produced, and/or hosted dozens of other motorcycle related programs over the decades, including the first national motorcycle TV show, “The Peter Starr Motorcycle Show,” which aired on TNN in the early ‘80s. He was also a racer and stunt performer himself, whose work was featured in a number of Hollywood hit movies.

Starr never stopped breaking new ground, creating the MotoStarr podcast and YouTube Channel, in which he interviewed a number of motorcycle racing titans, in recent years.

He was inducted into the Trailblazers Hall of Fame in 2011 and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2017.

Starr is survived by his sister, Lynn Greer, and his nephews, Stuart and Richard Greer.

About AMA Pro Racing:

AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by American Motorcyclist Association (AMA):

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Peter Starr Passes

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame offers its condolences to the family and friends of Peter Starr — motorcycle racer, author, TV producer and filmmaker, whose work includes dozens of productions about motorcycles and motorcycling. Starr passed away on July 3 at the age of 80.

Born on Nov. 2, 1942, in Coventry, England, Starr began riding motorcycles at a young age, later raced Nortons, Ariels and Triumphs, and then turned that passion into a four-year job with Triumph in the early 1960s.

Starr moved to the United States in the mid-1960s working as a DJ and later in record production before returning to his love of motorcycles as a filmmaker. His first film, titled Bad Rock, was funded by Hodaka and Penzoil and was distributed across the United States. Later, his film Take it to the Limit would become his most famous creation, starring riders at the top of their sport and a string of hit songs on its soundtrack.

Along with his films, Starr also directed over 50 television specials on motorcycling and motorsports. It was Starr who had the first film camera mounted on a motorcycle and later did the first live broadcast from a motorcycle in competition for ABC’s Wide World of Sports in 1985 at the AMA National on the Du Quoin Magic Mile.

In recent years, Starr became a global ambassador for motorcycling, and after being inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2017 became an ardent supporter of the Hall of Fame and its annual induction ceremony.

“Peter Starr was a fixture in the motorcycling community for decades,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Peter was a man who always strove to highlight our sport to both enthusiasts and non-riders, and was also incredibly supportive of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and its mission. Seeing him inducted in 2017 was inspiring. His energy and positive outlook on the sport we all love will be missed.”

Starr battled cancer for many years. Despite his diagnosis, he lived a full and vibrant life and remained tirelessly active in motorcycling.

“When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2004,” Starr previously told the AMA, “I spent a lot of time thinking about dealing with aging, and I concluded that it required living a purposeful life.”

“For me, motorcycles were always a theme of my life,” he continued. “The concept for me became looking forward, and creating something with motorcycling that was very important to me … and being a rider gives you something to always look forward to.”

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.

American Flat Track: Series Heading To New York For Orange County Half-Mile

Dallas Daniels (32) still holds the AFT Twins point lead heading into the Orange County Half-Mile. Photo by Tim Lester, courtesy AFT.
Dallas Daniels (32) still holds the AFT Mission SuperTwins point lead heading into the Orange County Half-Mile. Photo by Tim Lester, courtesy AFT.

Progressive AFT Returns to Orange County Fair Speedway for First Time in 35 Years This Weekend

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 5, 2023) – There’s some remarkable symmetry at play as Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, comes into this weekend’s Orange County Half-Mile at Orange County Fair Speedway, in Middletown, New York, on Saturday, July 8.

The Grand National Championship last visited the venue in July of 1988. And on that day, the iconic Scott Parker took the victory, one of the record-setting 35 Half-Mile wins of his Hall of Fame career. And now 35 years later, Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) storms in having just earned his 35th career Half-Mile win to match Parker’s mark and poised to claim sole possession of the all-time lead.

The reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle king is on an absolute tear, boasting four wins in his last five races and six on the season. Despite that form, he’s still trying to claw his way back to the top of the championship order. While he’s now just five points shy of doing so, it’s been a difficult task that doesn’t figure to get any easier due to the unwavering performance of second-year Mission SuperTwins ace Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT).

Daniels hasn’t finished off the podium all season long with three wins, six runner-ups, and two thirds representing his 2023 tally to date. That said, the Estenson Racing pilot is looking for answers of his own, as he’s now six races removed from his most recent win and with his once healthy title advantage under threat of disappearing altogether.

What had been a two-man, two-manufacturer duel at the front has since taken on a new look. Two-time Grand National Champion Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke) has battled for race wins aboard the increasingly potent Rick Ware Racing KTM three weekends in succession and seems likely to make a strong run down the stretch.

JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), and Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Corbin/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) were all in the podium hunt this past weekend in West Virginia and will look to pick up right where they left off in New York. It was somewhat surprising that Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) was not, although he’s proven time and again he can stand atop the podium on any given weekend.

And Robinson is not the only potential frontrunner looking to return to the top five at Orange County Fair Speedway with prior premier-class winners Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750), Henry Wiles (No. 17 BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750), Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), and Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke) all lining this weekend’s stacked Mission SuperTwins entry list.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Just a few weeks ago, the pack was closing in around Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER points leader Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F). That’s no longer the case. The defending champ comes into this weekend working a two-race win streak while having opened his title lead up from just nine points to 40 with those back-to-back triumphs.

Rather than look behind, Kopp can now look ahead as he eyes a goal he narrowly missed achieving during last season’s successful title run. In 2022, the factory KTM ace racked up seven wins, one short of Dallas Daniels’ single-season class record.

Kopp already owns five on the 2023 season with several venues well suited to his strengths fast approaching on the schedule, including this weekend’s trip to Orange County Fair Speedway.

While Kopp has won nearly half of the year’s 11 Main Events, the other six wins have gone to a collective consisting of second-ranked Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), fifth-ranked Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), sixth-ranked Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and seventh-ranked Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F).

That said, three of the hottest riders in the class are still seeking their first… of the season in the case of Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and of their careers for Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450).

Meanwhile, some of the category’s biggest names – namely Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450), Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 450 SX-F) – are just looking to get back on track following some uncharacteristically quiet outings.

There will be plenty to keep fans entertained at the track on Saturday as well, including numerous vendors, live music, free motorcycle parking, and fireworks following the conclusion of the Mission SuperTwins Main Event.

General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $40 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult GA ticket), with Reserved Grandstand tickets are just $10 more. Upgraded options include Indoor Suite Reservations, Party Deck tables, and Multi-Day Camping Passes.

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

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/orange-county-half-mile-61333 to reserve your seats today.

Gates will open for fans at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT).

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

FOX Sports coverage of the Orange County Half-Mile, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, July 16, at 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT).

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

About Progressive American Flat Track

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

MotoAmerica: How To Watch All The Action From Laguna Seca

Jake Gagne (1), Danilo Petrucci (9), Mathew Schotz (11) and Cameron Petersen (45) lead the MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike race off the start on Saturday at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
Jake Gagne (1), Danilo Petrucci (9), Mathew Schotz (11) and Cameron Petersen (45) lead MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Race One off the start on Saturday at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

MotoAmerica: How To Watch MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey

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

Everything you need to know to watch the MotoAmerica Superbikes in California.

 

 

MotoAmerica Live+: MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey 

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

Everything you need to know to watch the MotoAmerica Superbikes in California.

 

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