Harry McPherson, R.I.P.

David Swarts

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June 28, 2023

On June 19th, 2023 Harry McPherson passed away peacefully at home at the age of 70. Harry was born on September 11, 1952 in Kansas City, MO to Alex and Thelma (Stafford) McPherson. He moved to Winfield, IL with his parents and his brother Brian in the 1960’s. He married Barbara, his wife of 45 years, in 1978.

His love of sales and interacting with people developed early. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own company, Cima International, selling Nolan helmets for over 35 years. He traveled frequently and did countless trade shows, always nurturing ties with people throughout the motorcycle industry. Those treasured friendships have lasted for many years.

His capacious mind was always seeking new products to market as well as personal interests to pursue. He was a lifelong learner and an eclectic collector. He was always an optimist.

Harry and Barbara took up scuba diving in the mid-80’s and went on yearly dive trips until his health made that impossible. They visited many tropical locales, developed a deep love of the ocean and made wonderful friends.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Thelma McPherson, and his brother, Brian McPherson. He is survived by his wife Barbara, as well as brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He will be missed by many.

Many thanks to the team at Northwestern Medicine for their care over the years. You make a difference every day. Thank you also to family and friends who have helped in so many ways. You are cherished.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northwestern Memorial Foundation P.O. Box 734985 Chicago, Illinois 60673-4985. Please make checks payable to “Northwestern Memorial Foundation” and include Harry McPherson in the memo line. Donations can also be made online at foundation.nm.org or over the phone at 833.443.8663. Your gift will support Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center in Warrenville.

Donations can also be made to Literacy DuPage, 2100 Manchester Rd., Suite 904, Wheaton, IL 60187 or at literacydupage.org or to the charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harry Stafford McPherson please visit our Tribute Store.

Yamaha Pulling Out Of Snowmobile Market

David Swarts

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June 28, 2023

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Yamaha Motor Announces Eventual Withdrawal from Snowmobile Business

Yamaha Motor announces today plans for an eventual withdrawal of the snowmobile business. Yamaha plans to end sales of snowmobiles in Japan through the 2022 model year*, in Europe through the 2024 model year, and in North America through the 2025 model year.

1. History of the Business and Reasons for Withdrawal

In 1968, Yamaha released its first snowmobile, the SL350, by applying small engine technology which it developed in the motorcycle business. Over the past 55 years, Yamaha developed snowmobiles for sports, leisure, and business use as a means of transportation mainly in snowy areas found in North America and Europe. Yamaha also aimed to grow the business through the early introduction of environmentally-friendly 4-stroke models and alliances with other companies. However, Yamaha has concluded it will be difficult to continue a sustainable business in the snowmobile market. Going forward, Yamaha will concentrate management resources on current business activities and new growth markets

2. Future Actions

Yamaha will ensure parts availability, service, and related customer satisfaction now and after the snowmobile final production run occurs.

Production of the recently introduced 2024 models is underway and scheduled for fall delivery. Yamaha distributors will be working closely with dealers to minimize impact and best position their business over the next 12 – 36 months.

3. Impact on Business Performance

Due to the exit schedule outlined above, the effect on consolidated business results will be minor.

Yamaha snowmobile dealers and customers throughout the world have proven to be among the most passionate. Yamaha thanks and cherishes all for their years of loyalty and shared enjoyment of this special winter pastime.

*The Japanese market currently continues to sell only in stock

American Flat Track: Black Hills Half-Mile Replacing Buffalo Chip TT

David Swarts

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June 28, 2023

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American Flat Track: Black Hills Half-Mile Replacing Buffalo Chip TT

Black Hills Half-Mile to Replace Buffalo Chip TT on Sunday, August 6 as Round 15 of the Progressive AFT Schedule

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 28, 2023) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, announced today that despite best efforts of all involved, the previously-announced Buffalo Chip TT will be replaced by the Black Hills Half-Mile at Black Hills Speedway on Sunday, August 6.

Producing the unique, purpose-built TT circuit planned for the Buffalo Chip Campgrounds requires a considerable amount of construction work to ensure the racing circuit would provide a safe and entertaining experience for both racers and fans. Unfortunately, inclement weather during key construction windows has prevented the initiation of the intensive construction schedule required to deliver a professional track suitable for hosting an AFT national.

Fortunately, the Black Hills Half-Mile will still give fans attending the 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally an opportunity to catch Progressive AFT while on their annual trek to Sturgis, S.D. The half-mile track in nearby Rapid City is known for playing host to some of the most incredible racing all season and has been a featured attraction on the AFT schedule 15 times since debuting on the series calendar in 1991.

In the spirit of cooperation, this season’s Black Hills Half-Mile will feature a twilight race schedule, starting earlier in the day and ending earlier in the evening, giving fans time to attend both the AFT race in Rapid City and still make it to Buffalo Chip Campground for the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert.

Progressive AFT is hopeful that the Buffalo Chip’s much-awaited return to the schedule will take place as early as 2024.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/black-hills-half-mile-73564 to reserve your seats to the Black Hills Half-Mile today.

General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $25 (kids 12 and under $5 with a paid adult GA ticket), while Premium General Admission Grandstand tickets are $35 (all ages). Enjoy the heart-pumping race action from an exclusive, premium indoor VIP viewing area. Food and beverage are included, and all VIP pass holders will receive a Pit Pass included with their VIP ticket purchase of $125 (all ages).

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.

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.

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

For more information on the Buffalo Chip Campground visit https://www.buffalochip.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.

Buell Unveils Freedom Edition Hammerhead 1190

David Swarts

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June 28, 2023

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Buell Unveils Freedom Edition Hammerhead 1190

Buell® Unveils 40th-anniversary Freedom Edition Hammerhead to Celebrate Independence and Company Milestone

Grand Rapids, MI – Buell Motorcycles, proud manufacturer of the only American-built sport bike lineup, announces the launch of a 40th-anniversary Freedom Edition Hammerhead 1190. With a striking paint scheme featuring red, white, and blue stars and stripes, it celebrates 40 years of Buell Motorcycles and the lifeblood of American freedom.

A close-up of the painted carbon-fiber bodywork on the Freedom Edition Buell Hammerhead. Photo courtesy Buell. — A close-up of the painted carbon-fiber bodywork on the Freedom Edition Buell Hammerhead 1190. Photo courtesy Buell.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the new Freedom paint scheme. Applied directly to the Hammerhead’s standard full carbon fiber bodywork, its design commemorates 40 years of Buell’s exciting journey and our enthusiasm for the next 40,” said Bill Melvin, CEO of Buell. “To us, the Freedom Edition represents our unwavering commitment to our heritage, our fans, and the freedom that comes with riding a Buell.”

The Buell Hammerhead 1190 boasts 185 horsepower, weighs 419 lbs., and delivers 102 foot-lbs. of torque. The first 40 Freedom Edition bikes will also feature a special four-year warranty and the underside of the bodywork will be autographed by the Buell factory family – Team Buell.

Starting July 1, 2023, enthusiasts can own this special edition priced at $24,990. Top-tier models are available at $26,775 for those seeking enhanced features and customization. The Freedom Edition can be purchased directly through the Buell website or from an authorized Premium and Display Service Center, promising a seamless, personalized buying experience.

“Our fans have been requesting a red, white, and blue color scheme for a long, long time. We listened. And we’re proud to deliver a design that truly reflects the fiercely independent spirit Buell shares with this great country,” continued Melvin.

WorldSBK: Lowes, Rea Ready For Home Round At Repaved Donington Park

David Swarts

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June 28, 2023

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WorldSBK: Lowes, Rea Ready For Home Round At Repaved Donington Park

HOME ROUND BECKONS FOR LOWES AND REA

Kawasaki Racing Team’s regular FIM Superbike World Championship duo of Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes are soon to participate in their home round at Donington Park. Track action will take place between 30 June to 2 July.

A month after the previous race weekend in Italy the sixth round of the 2023 WorldSBK championship will be held at the very circuit where WorldSBK first became a reality in 1988.

Both Rea and Lowes started their professional careers in the British Superbike paddock, which makes every return to Donington a happy event for them on a personal level. Lowes, originally from Lincolnshire, now lives just minutes from Donington Park.

The 4.023km long parkland circuit is one of the most widely used and popular WorldSBK venues, having hosted no fewer than 61 individual races.

Both KRT riders are enthused to get back into competitive action, particularly after a positive single day test, in hot conditions, at the Motorland Aragon circuit on Friday 23 June.

Donington has been one of Rea’s happy hunting grounds in recent seasons, having scored six race wins there since 2015. The six times WorldSBK Champion has secured four podiums this year, helping to place him in fourth place overall after five rounds and 15 races.

Lowes, a former British Superbike Champion, has taken four WorldSBK podium places at Donington and one Superpole qualifying ‘win’.

Despite the vast experience of the KRT squad at the UK’s established WorldSBK circuit there will be a new factor to evaluate this year, after a complete track resurfacing since the last round in 2022. The layout itself remains unchanged, with the first sector of the track featuring fast and flowing corners, while the last part features very hard braking areas, a tight chicane and two hairpins.

A busy month of July sees two more rounds taking place before the traditional August summer break. The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola race weekend takes place between 14-16 July and the Autodrom Most hosts the Czech Round between 28-30 July.

Jonathan Rea, stated: “Donington is a track I have been looking forward to racing at for a while now. It is a special one in the season because it’s a home race, with lots of family and friends there. Growing up in the BSB paddock some of the same fans turn out now just like they did then, so you feel like you know everyone. It really helps that we have had good success there in the past. This time of year the weather should be good so I expect a cool weekend with a lot of fans there. It helps that we had a test last week, trying to improve the package of the bike. We had some positive results from that. Some things we can use straight away and some things we hope to see in the future. The Donington track itself is a real challenge to set the bike up for, so it is important that we are productive on Friday. The first two sectors are fast and flowing in nature but the last sector is really unique. You want an agile bike that handles well – but also one that is very stable and stops well in the last sector. On top of that, the track has been resurfaced completely. We need to keep an eye on what challenges that throws us, and then just put the weekend together like normal. The target is the podium and it would be amazing to come away from Donington with a good haul of points. Standing on the podium at your home race would be very special.”

Alex Lowes (22). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.

Alex Lowes, stated: “It is a unique race weekend at Donington. We are now based not even ten minutes from the track. It is always nice to have some family and friends get to the event. And it’s great to race in front of the British crowd. Coming from BSB, I always feel a close connection with them. The track has been resurfaced so we need to check that on Friday, get a feel for it, as sometimes when a track is resurfaced it can be hard for tyre life. That’s something we need to consider. It is always a pleasure to race at home and I can’t wait to get started. Some of the stuff we tried in testing last week could help us. My plan is to fight for the podium places and that is what we are trying to achieve at our home race. I am really looking forward to it, aiming to enjoy the whole week and see how we get on.”

Kawasaki Puccetti Racing signed up the experienced Tito Rabat shortly before the most recent Misano round of WorldSBK. The 2014 Moto2 World Champion is now a ‘veteran’ of 34 WorldSBK race starts, including three at Donington Park in 2021.

Oliver König (Orelac Racing Movisio Kawasaki) should be fit to race at Donington Park having largely recovered from an ankle injury. Isaac Vinales (TPR by Vinales Racing Kawasaki) will head for Donington in search of championship points.

N2 Launches Online Auction To Benefit Roadracing World Action Fund

David Swarts

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June 28, 2023

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N2 Launches Online Auction To Benefit Roadracing World Action Fund

The 2023 N2 Air Fence Fund Raiser is LIVE!

Media, PA (June 2023) – N2 Track Days is proud to announce that the 2023 N2 Airfence fund-raiser event to benefit the Roadracing World Action Fund is LIVE online and will conclude at Road Atlanta on Saturday, July 1^st, 2023. The fundraiser will be held on Saturday evening during the two-day track day event both in-person as well as online starting today. N2 Track Days has been holding Airfence fund raiser events with the Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF) since 2014 and they have been wildly successful generating more than $131,000 to buy and deploy life-saving Airfence soft barriers. N2 is currently looking for partners, companies, sponsors, and individuals willing to donate products, memorabilia, and services for the auction.

The online auction can be found on BiddingOwl.com. Click on the link below to go to the N2 RRW auction site. You must create an account to place bids. When creating an account make sure to select the check box(es) to ‘receive notifications if out-bid’ or else you could miss out!

Bidding will close July 1st at 8pm EDT.

Auction Link: Bidding Owl – N2 RWAF Airfence fund raiser

If you or your company would like to donate items, services, or memorabilia to be auctioned for this amazing cause, please contact Chip Spalding at [email protected]

Here is a partial list of some of the amazing companies who have donated to the auction.

MORE ITEMS WILL BE ADDED SO CHECK BACK FREQUENTLY.

Current Auction Donors

Alpha Omega
Autographed Collectables
Barnes Brothers
Chicken Hawk Racing
Carbon Smith
Dainese
Hey Chef Eats
Highside Photo/Raul Jerez
Inline4 Designs
Karns Motorsports
Kustom Cockpits
KYT America
KWS Motorsports
Millennium Technologies
N2 Trackday
NJ MiniGP
PIt Bull Products
Pittsburgh International Raceway
REB Graphics
Rise Moto
Tri-State Powdercoating
Wiseco
Woodcraft CFM
Yamaha Champions Riding School
Yamaha Motor USA

About N2: N2 – Ride, Learn, Race.

Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing. N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.

The N2 National Endurance Series is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, Woodcraft Technologies, BobbleHeadMoto, WERA Road Racing, KYT Helmets America, R.E.B Graphics, Millennium Technologies, Wiseco Pistons, JE Pistons, Rise Moto, Ghetto Customs, Pit-Lane Moto and Yamaha Champions Riding School.

For more information: www.n2td.org

MotoAmerica: Beaubier Used New BMW Superbike Chassis To Win At Ridge (Updated)

David Swarts

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June 27, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Beaubier Used New BMW Superbike Chassis To Win At Ridge (Updated)

Five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier put an updated Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR Superbike to good use at Ridge Motorsports Park, setting a new Race Lap Record on his way to winning Race Two on Sunday.

But using the word “updated” may be understating the situation, as Beaubier’s machine featured a new frame and matching fuel tank and subframe that are the same as the ones used by ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team riders Scott Redding and Tom Sykes.

A close up of Cameron Beaubier's new BMW M 1000 RR Superbike shows extra welding on the frame spars. Photo by Brian J. Nelson. — A close up of Cameron Beaubier’s new BMW M 1000 RR Superbike shows extra welding on the frame spars. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

“From what I understand it’s identical to what the factory team is using,” said Beaubier’s Crew Chief and Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW Technical Director David Weaver.

The new frame, which was first used by Beaubier at Ridge Motorsports Park, features extensive bracing and gusseting and is visually much different than the frames on the BMWs of his teammates PJ Jacobsen and Corey Alexander.

Cameron Beaubier's new BMW M 1000 RR Superbike without its bodywork reveals extensive bracing and gusseting. Photo by Peter Hively. — Cameron Beaubier’s new BMW M 1000 RR Superbike without its bodywork reveals extensive bracing and gusseting. Photo by Peter Hively.

Cameron Beaubier's BMW M 1000 RR's frame as seen at the season-opener at Road Atlanta. Photo by Brian J. Nelson. — Cameron Beaubier’s BMW M 1000 RR’s frame as seen at the season-opener at Road Atlanta. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

The left side of the new frame on Cameron Beaubier's BMW M 1000 RR. Photo by Peter Hively. — The left side of the new frame on Cameron Beaubier’s BMW M 1000 RR. Photo by Peter Hively.

Under FIM rules: “The main frame may be altered by the addition of gussets, tubes or plates. The additions may be welded or bonded and their material is free. No gussets or tubes may be removed, other allowed modifications are detailed within the following section of these rules.”

Beaubier also used a new swingarm, but that unit is different than the swingarm used by the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, according to Weaver.

MRA: Thornton, Yee Extend Championship Leads At High Plains Raceway

David Swarts

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June 27, 2023

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MRA: Thornton, Yee Extend Championship Leads At High Plains Raceway

Byers, CO – The third race of the 2023 MRA Championship Series took place at High Plains Raceway over the weekend of June 24-25th. For the first and only time this season, racers used the two-mile West Course configuration.

The Race of the Rockies (RoR) Qualifying on Sunday was conducted under clear blue skies, which was a nice change from the previous round which saw mostly damp conditions. Ray Thornton claimed pole position with a best time of 1:23.75 followed by Mike Applegate (1:24.37) and James Wilkerson (1:25.15).

The Start of RoR saw Wilkerson get the holeshot going into turn one, Applegate was in close pursuit followed by Thornton and Brad Hendry. On the exit of Turn Five, a rider further back in the field suffered a highside, and unfortunately their bike was on the racing surface, which brought out a red flag on lap one. The second start of the race saw Wilkerson once again get an incredible start and secure the lead going into Turn One. Applegate was close behind and lined up his move nicely on the exit of Turn Three to take the lead going down the back straight. Applegate, Wilkerson, Hendry, and Thornton started to break away from the rest of the field as they all were clicking on times in the 1:25’s. At the halfway point, Hendry made his way through the pack and executed an excellent pass to take the lead from Applegate. However, on lap 10, Applegate fired back and reclaimed the lead from Hendry. Thornton was biding his time and on lap 12 he decided it was time to strike. Thornton seized his opportunity, took the lead, and stayed out front for the final two laps, claiming his third RoR GTO victory of the season. Applegate managed to maintain his second place, while Hendry took third, rounding off a tense and exciting race.

In Race of the Rockies (RoR) GTU, Ken Yee took the lead and was followed closely by Jeremiah Downing and Salvatore Rizzo. Downing was putting up a good fight and was doing his best to take the lead and prevent a third successive victory from Yee. Rizzo was maintaining his third position by throwing down some impressive lap times ensuring a sizable gap to fourth place. Downing was unable to pass Yee and maintained his second position until the final lap of the race when he ran off in Turn Eight. This moved Rizzo up to second position and Tyrel Diekmann to third. Diekmann fought hard with Dennis Stowers and just narrowly beat him across the finish line by three hundredths of a second. Yee was able to claim his third straight RoR GTU win of the season, followed by Rizzo in second, and Diekmann in third.

Next up, the MRA returns to High Plains Raceway in Byers, CO for Round 4 on July 15-16. The highly anticipated 4-hour endurance race will take place this weekend running on the full course configuration. There will be no Superstreet this weekend due to the endurance race. See https://www.mra-racing.org/racers/come-race-with-us/ for details.

RRW 2023 MRA Final Results Round 3

American Flat Track: Daniels Leads SuperTwins Heading To West Virginia

David Swarts

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June 27, 2023

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American Flat Track: Daniels Leads SuperTwins Heading To West Virginia

Progressive AFT Returns to Scenic West Virginia Motor Speedway

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 27, 2023) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, returns to West Virginia Motor Speedway for the first time in 17 years with this weekend’s All Seasons Powersports West Virginia Half-Mile in Mineral Wells, West Virginia, on Saturday July 1.

Renowned for its mountainside setting and high-speed 5/8-mile track, West Virginia Motor Speedway has hosted the Grand National Championship on eight previous occasions, all coming in the ‘90s outside of a return visit in 2006. During that run, a number of iconic riders claimed victory in the event, including the likes of Scott Parker (‘94), Ricky Graham (‘93), and Will Davis (‘92, ‘97, and ‘98). Following a multi-year closure, the track was resurrected, renovated, and reopened in 2021, paving the way for Progressive AFT’s triumphant return.

Despite the race’s proud history, the time between stops means it will be a new circuit on the tour for almost the entire field… but not the entire field.

Reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) finished fourth when the series last visited in ‘06. Back then, he had three Half-Mile victories to his name. Now he returns with 34 and looking to add one more in order to equal Parker for most in GNC history.

That was true this past weekend in Lima as well, and he’ll be facing a similar challenge. Mission SuperTwins points leader Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) has proven that he should be expected to contend for victory every single weekend as he comes in riding a ten-race podium streak.

Meanwhile, two-time Mission SuperTwins champion Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke) is also back in the business of winning. One of the sport’s all-time great Half-Milers himself, Bauman enjoyed a breakthrough ride this past weekend, hustling the Rick Ware Racing KTM 790 Duke to its maiden victory with an inspiring ride at the Lima Half-Mile.

Following a layoff of nearly two decades, not to mention recent track improvements, it’s difficult to predict exactly who’s bikes or styles might mesh best with West Virginia Motor Speedway. What is known is that JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) all have what it takes to beat anyone on the planet when everything is clicking in their favor.

The same can be said of Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke), who earned his best finish yet on the Fastrack KTM with a sixth-place finish at Lima. And don’t discount the chances of Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07), Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750), Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke), all of whom have finished inside the top five already this season.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Defending Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champion Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) was less than two years old the last time Progressive AFT came to Mineral Wells, while key rivals Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) were not even one year old. But now the three rank among the fastest rising dirt track stars in the world and more than capable of putting on a spectacular show.

Kopp put his title defense back in order with a clutch victory at the Lima Half-Mile, despite the best efforts of Drane, who has won two of the season’s most recent four races.

Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), meanwhile, is still seeking his maiden pro win despite several near misses that came in a run of five-consecutive podium finishes. His motivation was further amped up after that podium streak ended due to a mechanical DNF that left him much work to do in order to claw his way back up to Kopp in the points standings.

This trio of talented teens expect to be joined up front once again by the category’s contingent of more-experienced-but-still-young contenders, including Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), and James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450).

Meanwhile, the class’ most prominent riders old enough to have been alive during the race’s heydays in the ‘90s – namely Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450), and Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 450 SX-F) – all come into the weekend in need of a strong result if only to remind the field exactly what they’re capable of following some relatively quiet showings n recent weeks.

All Seasons Powersports, which is located just a mile-and-a-half from West Virginia Motor Speedway, will host a Pre-Event Open House Party at the dealership on Friday, June 30, from 4:00 p.m. ET to 7:00 p.m. ET. There fans can meet and greet Progressive AFT stars and partake in food and drinks to get the weekend started off right.

There will be plenty to keep fans entertained at the track on Saturday as well, including numerous vendors, expansive food and beverage options, and extensive motorcycle parking.

General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $40 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult GA ticket), and Single Day-General Admission Camping Passes can be purchased for Friday and Saturday at $25 per day.

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/west-virginia-half-mile-58480 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 All Seasons Powersports West Virginia Half-Mile, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, July 8, at 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 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.

WorldSBK: Series Heading To Donington Park

David Swarts

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June 27, 2023

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WorldSBK: Series Heading To Donington Park

Action-packed WorldSBK summer leg commences at Donington Park

Embarking on the summer chapter of the 2023 season, the Prosecco DOC UK Round will be held at Donington Park, the historic venue that witnessed the inaugural WorldSBK event 35 years ago. It will mark the first of three rounds scheduled for July.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ducati has won in all the tracks of the current calendar. They have won at least once as late as last year (excluding the returning Imola, where Ducati last won in 2017), but at Donington Park, their last win came in 2011 (Carlos Checa).

DONINGTON PARK’S HOT SPOTS WITH ALEX LOWES

T1/ “Donington is a track of two halves, but a great track – a lovely track to ride. I will just touch the limiter in fourth, and then go down to second gear for Redgate. As you brake you just let the bike slide a little bit so that the back of the bike goes into the entry of pit lane, just to open up the corner a little bit. The hardest part of Redgate is not to go in too early, as it has a late apex on the run down to Hollywood. You have to start tipping in just before the end of the white line at the pit exit, basically.”

T9-10/ “The straight has got a little jump in the middle, so you can’t relax too much there. I lean the bike as it wheelies, to stop it wheeling too much, and use a lot of rear brake. The Esses, just like the final corners, is all about hard braking. ”

T11/ “The straight into the hairpin is not a straight at all. It sort of goes around and then you have to make quite a lot of effort to go back to the left so that you are braking upright. Get it stopped, down to first, a little bit downhill and always a good place to pass. And always lots of action! ”

WorldSBK | KEY STAT

14

In Misano, Alvaro Bautista became the first rider in WorldSBK history to secure 14 wins out of the first 15 races of the Championship. With the second half of the season still to come, he is now aiming for the all-time season record of 17 wins currently held by Doug Polen (1991) and Jonathan Rea (2018 and 2019).

What to look out for in Donington Park

All eyes will be on Alvaro Bautista, the current Championship leader with an impressive 298 points. Bautista will be eager to extend his lead and continue his dominant form at Donington Park, a track where Ducati has not won since 2011. The 2022 WorldSBK Champion made the most out of the three-week break after Misano to ride the Desmosedici GP at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” during a two-day test in Italy as a reward for his 2022 WorldSBK title success.

Toprak Razgatlioglu, with just one win under his belt in the 2023 season, will be aiming to regain his form. Having won five of the last six races at Donington Park, the Turkish sensation will be eager to add more victories to his name in his final season with Yamaha.

Six-time WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea has yet to secure a victory this year. Racing on familiar territory with his Kawasaki ZX-10RR, Rea will be determined to put an end to his winless streak and make a statement in front of his home crowd. He participated in a private test at MotorLand Aragon prior to the UK Round.

Currently third in the Championship standings, Andrea Locatelli will be eager to overcome his previous struggles at Donington Park and secure a top 3 finish, with his last podium achieved at the Catalunya Round.

Donington Park has undergone significant work since last year. The resurfacing of the 2.5-mile circuit, the first in over 20 years, aimed to eliminate undulations, improve drainage, and enhance corner camber, while also promoting sustainability by repurposing materials for other areas of the circuit.

The start of a World Supersport race at Misano. Photo courtesy Dorna.

WorldSSP charges into Donington Park for Round 6 of the 2023 season

What to look out for in Donington Park

Leading the World Supersport Championship charge is Nicolo Bulega, who has been in strong form with four pole positions, six wins, and a strong podium record. Bulega established himself as the rider to beat at Donington Park, a track where he has never won so far.

Second in the Championship standings with 161 points, Stefano Manzi will race for the first time with Yamaha at Donington Park. Building on his recent triumph in the previous Misano race, he aims to secure his third WorldSSP race victory, and progressively close in on Bulega in the overall standings.

MV Agusta’s Marcel Schroetter will race for the first time at Donington Park with World Supersport. The German Rookie, who has displayed consistent performance in 2023 achieving several top positions, is still aiming for his first win in the category.

Harry McPherson, R.I.P.

June 28, 2023