American Flat Track: Race Report From The Red Mile (Updated)

David Swarts

-

May 27, 2023

American Flat Track: Race Report From The Red Mile (Updated)

Mees Keeps On Rolling with Red Mile Triumph

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 27, 2023) – Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) earned his 25th-career Grand National Championship Mile victory in split-second fashion in Saturday night’s Red Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington at the Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky.

The triumph proved to be the latest round in a season of Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, that has taken shape as a heavyweight title fight between reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle champ Mees and his ascending challenger, points leader Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT).

The two broke free from the start and spent the next 14 minutes plus two laps testing each other in preparation for the decisive final lap. The cagey Mees sat in tight formation behind his young rival during the waning laps before finally striking as the two sprinted into Turn 3 for the final time.

He then struck and, despite suffering a couple small slides on exit, had the steam to hold on to the checkered flag by a minuscule 0.042 seconds.

The victory was Mees’ fifth in six attempts at the Red Mile. It also saw him join legends Bubba Shobert and Bryan Smith for third all-time in career Mile wins.

Mees said, “We were playing cat-and-mouse a little bit, and he was definitely strong in some areas…I just knew what I wanted to do there on the last lap and made it work, really. It’s good to win those Miles like old school where it’s there right at the line.”

For Daniels, it was the fourth time this season he’s finished a close second to Mees. But any sense of frustration that may have otherwise started to creep in was overcome by the reality that he continues to hold the points advantage due to a season-long run of firsts and seconds that he kept intact.

The fight for third was a spirited four-way affair, involving Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750).

Bauman again showed off an ideal pace nearly on par with that of Mees and Daniels when everything worked just perfectly aboard an unruly machine that made that perfection impossible to attain with any consistency. Still, its impressive motor provided him with the tools necessary to secure a third podium of 2023 with Beach fractionally behind in fourth, followed by Fisher and Vanderkooi.

Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07), who ran third on the opening laps, rebounded from an early mistake to overhaul Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) for seventh by 0.050 seconds at the stripe.

Jeffrey Lowrey (No. 223 Lowery Racing/Gray Hogs Yamaha MT-07) and Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke) completed the top ten.

While Mees chipped off another four points, Daniels still boasts a 16-point advantage (180-164). Third-ranked Bauman is nearly two full races back of first at 131.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) added more evidence to support the old racing adage that a rider’s second win comes a whole lot easier than their first with a triumphant run in Saturday’s Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER pack war.

A seesawing battle that expanded to a nine-rider lead pack as the pivotal final two laps opened, the race for the win appeared almost certain to be decided amongst Turner Honda teammates Lowe and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and the Estenson Racing Yamaha duo of Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F).

Sacramento winner Drane looked like the odds-on favorite due to his optimal blend of high-speed chops, low-pro aerodynamics, ultra-light weight, and big-time horsepower. However – despite repeatedly demonstrating the capacity to blast up to first from three or four positions back seemingly at will – the Aussie’s last-lap strategy was blown up by a lapped rider as the huge lead group dove into Turn 3 for the final time.

As a result, Drane could finish no better than third with Lowe and Saathoff handing Honda a hard-earned 1-2.

Whether or not Drane might have been able to run the Hondas down with a cleaner run is as impossible to guess as it is irrelevant at this point. Ultimately, Lowe put himself in the perfect position to capitalize in the chaos and scoop his second-career victory.

“It feels so great to come out on top,” Lowe said. “I knew I had to keep my corner speed up and that was the one thing I had going for me. Leading and going into (Turn) 3 was definitely my best option. I’m happy for the whole Turner Racing team. Everyone has put in so much effort. It’s unreal to think about the time that people put in and the dedication that they have.”

Brunner finished just 0.057 seconds back off his teammate but once again came up just short of the podium He was followed home by Red Bull KTM teammates Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) and Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) – Kopp closing in from a distant ninth to make himself a factor late.

Kopp continues to lead in his title defense with 151 points to his credit. However, Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) was shuffled back to seventh in the melee, a development that allowed Saathoff to join him level at 136 points. Whale is fourth at 130, followed by Brunner (123), Lowe (117), and Drane (105).

Next Up:

Progressive American Flat Track will conclude its midseason run of three consecutive Miles with the much-awaited return of the DuQuoin Mile at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds on June 17 in DuQuoin, Illinois.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/trackenterprises/events/duquoin-mile-70363 to reserve your seats today.

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

FOX Sports coverage of the Red Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, June 11, at 10:30 a.m. ET (7:30 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.

More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:

RED BULL KTM’S KODY KOPP EXTENDS AFT SINGLES POINTS LEAD AFTER SIXTH IN KENTUCKY

Round 8 – American Flat Track Championship

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Kody Kopp (1) and Max Whale (18). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing. — Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kody Kopp (1) and Max Whale (18). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo Kody Kopp and Max Whale charged hard at Round 8 of the 2023 American Flat Track Championship, with Whale finishing in fifth position and Kopp sixth in the AFT Singles Main Event. That result allowed defending champion Kopp extended his points lead to 15 following The Red Mile in Kentucky.

After qualifying in ninth, Kopp powered his KTM 450 SX-F to a fourth-place finish in the second Heat race of the event, with his sights set on the night’s Main Event. A challenging 18-lap affair saw Kopp cross the line in sixth position, while managing to extend his lead in the AFT Singles series in the process.

Kody Kopp: “Had an up and down day here in Kentucky, struggled with a few things during the weekend, but as a team we worked hard together to try our best and we ended up with a sixth place. Considering where I was with seven laps to go, sixth is a positive – just need to keep chipping away and work hard over the three-week break.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Whale finished qualifying in third position, before crossing the finish line in second place for the opening Heat race of the event, earning a place in the Dash-for-Cash, where the Australian would finish in P4. A measured ride in the Main Event resulted in a fifth-place result, which has the number 18 sitting fourth in the standings with 10 rounds remaining.

Max Whale: “We made huge improvements here for the Kentucky Red Mile. We worked super-hard in the week and a half off, and I can’t thank the team enough for all the work they do. Started out today on the back foot, but we came through with third in qualifying, second in the Heat, and made it through to the Dash, which is great for extra track time. Then ended up with fifth in the Main after a few mistakes on my end, but I’m happy with the progress we’ve made, and we’ll come out swinging in a few weeks.”

Next Race: DuQuoin Mile – Du Quoin, Illinois – June 17, 2023

Round 8 Results

AFT Singles Main Event

1. Trent Lowe, Honda

2. Chase Saathoff, Honda

3. Tom Drane, Yamaha

OTHER KTM

5. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

6. Kody Kopp, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

7. Dalton Gauthier, KTM

13. Landen Smith, KTM

14. Shayna Texter-Bauman, KTM

15. Travis Petton IV, KTM

18. Declan Bender, KTM

19. Logan Eisenhard, KTM

2023 AFT Singles Point Standings

1. Kody Kopp, 151 points

2. Dalton Gauthier, 136

3. Chase Saathoff, 136

4. Max Whale, 130

OTHER KTM

11. Justin Jones, 52

12. Shayna Texter-Bauman, 40

13. Travis Petton IV, 40

16. Logan Eisenhard, 28

22. Hunter Bauer, 16

23. Hayden Gillim, 14

24. Landen Smith, 11

25. Declan Bender, 10

26. Clarke Morian V, 10

27. Tanner Dean, 9

32. Olin Kissler, 4

KTM Group North America Partners With Pro Motocross Championship

David Swarts

-

May 27, 2023

0

KTM Group North America Partners With Pro Motocross Championship

KTM Group North America Embarks on Multi-Year Partnership with Pro Motocross Championship

Talent-Laden Lineup of Racers Set to Represent KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS for 2023 Season

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – MX Sports Pro Racing has announced that KTM Group North America, the North American subsidiary of KTM AG comprised of manufacturers KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS, has established a multi-year partnership in support of the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. The support will be highlighted by title sponsorship of Saturday’s season-opening KTM Fox Raceway National, from Southern California’s Fox Raceway at Pala on May 27.

Additionally, the group will be featured throughout the summer during broadcasts of the championship on Peacock, NBC, and USA Network. The “KTM Keys to the Moto” will preface the start of each pair of motos in the 450 Class and 250 Class, analysts James Stewart and Ricky Carmichael will bring attention to the most critical elements to success in each race.

The KTM Group will field three factory race teams for Pro Motocross. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will welcome the anticipated return of Cooper Webb to the outdoors alongside Aaron Plessinger, while 2022 MX2 World Champion Tom Vialle, of France, will embark on his first season of American motocross in the 250 Class with Max Vohland.

Cooper Webb (2) will make his highly anticipated returnto Pro Motocross for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. Photo by Align Media, courtesy MX Sports. — Cooper Webb (2) will make his highly anticipated return
to Pro Motocross for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. Photo by Align Media, courtesy MX Sports.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing will await the return of its 450 Class duo of Christian Craig and Malcolm Stewart, which will place the spotlight on its 250 Class trio led by former winners RJ Hampshire and Jalek Swoll with rookie Talon Hawkins.

RJ Hampshire (24) will lead Rockstar EnergyHusqvarna Factory Racing into action in the 250 Class. Photo by Align Media, courtesy MX Sports. — RJ Hampshire (24) will lead Rockstar Energy
Husqvarna Factory Racing into action in the 250 Class. Photo by Align Media, courtesy MX Sports.

Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing finds itself in a similar position in the 450 Class as Justin Barcia prepares to return from injury, which positions Michael Mosiman as the flag bearer in the 250 Class, joined by newly announced fill-in rider Caden Braswell, the 2022 AMA Nicky Hayden Motocross Horizon Award winner who is joining in Pierce Brown’s absence.

Michael Mosiman (31) will spearhead the efforts in the 250 Class for Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing. Photo by Align Media, courtesy MX Sports.

The 2023 Pro Motocross Championship will get underway Saturday, May 25, in Southern California with the KTM Fox Raceway National. Coverage from Pala will be streamed live exclusively on Peacock, starting with Race Day Live at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET and followed by all four motos across the 450 Class and 250 Class, beginning at 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET.

WorldSBK: Championship Heading To Misano June 2-4

David Swarts

-

May 27, 2023

0

WorldSBK: Championship Heading To Misano June 2-4

WorldSBK Revs Up for Round Five at Misano World Circuit

Misano is one of the classic WorldSBK venues with the Championship having visited the Italian track consistently over the decades, with first-time winners, home-heroes and epic final lap battles shaping the headlines.

Alvaro Bautista navigating the final corner at Misano World Circuit - Marco Simoncelli during a test earlier this year. Photo courtesy Dorna. — Alvaro Bautista navigating the final corner at Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli during a test earlier this year. Photo courtesy Dorna.

DID YOU KNOW?

Jonathan Rea, the most successful WorldSBK rider of all-time, is the most successful rider at Misano, upping his tally to eight. He also got his maiden win at Misano, in Race 2 in 2009.

Jonathan Rea (65). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Other first-time winners at the track include Michael Ruben Rinaldi from Race 1, 2021, Andrew Pitt from Race 2, 2006 and Mauro Lucchiari from Race 1, 1995.

MISANO’S HOT SPOTS WITH MICHAEL RUBEN RINALDI

T1-2: “The first section of Misano is really fun but also tricky at the same time. If you make a mistake into T1, you keep that mistake until T3, because it is a sequence. You must brake very hard in T1, but do not go too wide because you need to keep the bike at the centre of the track for T2. If you go too wide you cannot turn well at T2 and you miss the perfect line for T3.”

T8: “I really like this corner because I take a particular line. If you see my race of 2021, I was the only one that stayed really, tight when exiting. I was able to cover a fewer metres and didn’t lose too much speed, so in the end I was faster doing my ‘strange’ line. Some other top riders started taking – not the exact same line – but tighter than they were doing before. It is a cool corner, and a hotspot for overtaking as well.”

T14: “Before the Curva del Carro, you do not need to push a lot on the throttle because if you do it right, you carry a lot of speed from the turn before. It is strange to interpret a section like this, but it is really fun to do. Carro is one of the slowest corners on the track, and you arrive from one of the fastest corners. You need to keep speed between them all – so it is strange.”

WorldSBK | KEY STAT

89 – podium placements for Ducati riders at Misano are an all-time record.

What to look out for in Misano

A Supported Test took place at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” after the Catalunya Round.

Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista’s race pace was once again strong at the Misano Test, where he was lapping consistently in the low 1’34s and 1’33s, faster than his pace from last year’s full races. He was setting all-time lap record pace towards the end of the first morning.

Toprak Razgatlioglu also had a strong pace during the Supported Test, preparing for Round 5 of 2023 where he will hope to challenge Bautista during the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round. He made the headlines ahead of the event, announcing he will switch from Yamaha to BMW from 2024.

Teammate Andrea Locatelli will also be aiming for solid results on home soil, having confirmed that he will remain in blue for the forthcoming two seasons. He’s never had a podium at Misano in World Superbike.

Bautista’s teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi’s pace during the Misano test was also impressive, and whilst not quite as fast as Bautista, he has the potential for a podium, with him setting 1’34s rather comfortably.

Italian rider Lorenzo Baldassarri had a solid test at Misano and will be one to look out for during the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round, with Axel Bassani also looking to make a strong impression at his home round. He and Michael Ruben Rinaldi will renew their fierce rivalry after their Barcelona fallout, one of the key on-track talking points.

Royal Enfield Named Presenting Sponsor Of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

David Swarts

-

May 26, 2023

0

Royal Enfield Named Presenting Sponsor Of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

Royal Enfield Named Presenting Sponsor of 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Royal Enfield, a renowned motorcycle manufacturer with over 120 years of history, has been named the Presenting Sponsor of the 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, summer’s most highly anticipated vintage motorcycle event, which takes place July 21-23, 2023, at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

Following a successful partnership in 2022, Royal Enfield returns as the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s event, showcasing its commitment to the vintage motorcycle community and its passion for preserving the heritage and legacy of classic motorcycles.

“Royal Enfield is thrilled to once again be a part of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days,” said Nathan Kolbe, Marketing Lead for the Americas Region at Royal Enfield. “Last year’s event was a fantastic experience, and we were overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from attendees. As a brand that cherishes heritage and authenticity, we are delighted to be returning to the event and showcasing our latest offerings to our devoted fans and motorcycle enthusiasts.”

The Hunter 350 will be a key-model highlight of Royal Enfield’s presence at the event. Additionally, Royal Enfield will offer exclusive product displays, interactive activities, and special promotions, providing attendees with an unforgettable experience.

The 2023 event will feature a range of exciting activities, including vintage roadracing and off-road racing, the biggest motorcycle swap meet in North America, bike shows, AMA Hall of Fame exhibits and much more. AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Steve Wise will be the Grand Marshal for the event and will be on hand to sign autographs, speak to enthusiasts from the AMA Soundstage, and participate in a Lap For History each day.

“We’re excited to have Royal Enfield return as the Presenting Sponsor for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days,” said Mitch Boehm, AMA Editorial Director. “The brand’s dedication to preserving the heritage and legacy of classic motorcycles is evident in everything they do, and we are looking forward to see what they have in store for this year’s event.”

One of the pillars of VMD is vintage racing, and racers who want get in on the heart-pounding action can do so by registering at VintageMotorcycleDays.com/page/racing/.

To learn more about Royal Enfield, visit their website at RoyalEnfield.com. For more information on the 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Royal Enfield, visit VintageMotorcycleDays.com or follow #AMAVMD on social media channels.

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.

Isle Of Man TT: Monster Energy Sponsoring FHO Racing BMW

David Swarts

-

May 26, 2023

0

Isle Of Man TT: Monster Energy Sponsoring FHO Racing BMW

MONSTER ENERGY BECOMES TITLE SPONSOR FOR FHO RACING BMW AT THE ISLE OF MAN TT RACES

FHO Racing is excited to announce that Monster Energy will be the team’s title sponsor at this year’s Isle of Man TT Races, with Peter Hickman and Josh Brookes tackling the 37.73-mile Mountain Course, aboard the BMW M 1000 RR.

The new partnership will see Monster Energy’s logo adorn the M 1000 RR machines at the iconic event, as well as branding present on the rider leathers, garage boarding, team clothing and the official FHO merchandise.

Arriving at this year’s races, the Monster Energy by FHO Racing BMW team are hot favourites and leading the teams’ charge is nine-time TT winner and outright lap record holder Hickman, who at last year’s event scored a hat-trick of wins in the Superbike, Superstock and blue-riband Senior TT.

Teammate Brookes is also no stranger to the TT course. Making his debut in 2013 he took the accolade of fastest newcomer (127.726mph) and went to finish 10th in his first-ever Superbike race. Heading back to the event in 2014 and 2017, it was in 2018 where he scored his highest place result in the Senior TT finishing fifth.

The Monster Energy by FHO Racing BMW team will be in action on Monday 29 May with the first practice sessions of 2023 taking place. Practice week continues through to Friday 2 June, and with an all-new schedule for this year, the six-lap RST Superbike Race is scheduled to take place on Sunday 4 June. The first RL360 Superstock race will be held on Tuesday 6 June, with the second Superstock race on Thursday 4 June and the grand finale, the Milwaukee Senior TT will be on Saturday 10 June. For the full schedule click here.

Peter Hickman:

“I’m super excited to get back to the TT this year, everyone keeps telling me the sun will be shining so fingers crossed that is the case. The BMW looks unbelievable with the Monster Energy sponsorship, and I can’t wait to ride it around the course – it’s going to be epic. Everything about the team is good, the bike is fast, we’re all working well together and having Josh as a teammate is exciting, I think he’s going to surprise a few people. The TT is the biggest event on the calendar for us and it’s constantly changing, improving and they’re working to make it as safe as possible, but to be honest as a rider we’re not too focused on that we just want to go there and ride!”

Josh Brookes:

“To be honest until now I’ve not given much attention to the TT, mainly as BSB has been the primary focus, but now with Donington behind us I can focus on the TT. I think it goes without saying that everyone on the entry list is going to be excited to get there and get going. I think it’s probably the best circuit we go to, in a different way than BSB obviously, but for the thrill, the excitement and the buzz, it’s got all the peak ingredients and a huge draw to get there and get going. I do feel like I’ve got a little bit of anxiety; I know what I’m about to go and do and that it’s a big deal. I also want to do well and represent the team, all the supporters – everybody. So, I’ve got that expectation and pressure to perform as that’s what I want to do, but having five years away adds a little more pressure. I know I can do a job and I know I can ride well, that I can learn the track and all that will happen. I’m looking forward to first practice and getting a few laps in on the BMW.”

Faye Ho – Team Principal:

“The TT is one of my favourite events on the racing calendar and I’m always so excited to get there, but this year with Monster Energy as our title sponsor it’s just got even more exciting! Monster Energy have such a presence in motorsport and to have them as a title sponsor for my team at the TT is just incredible. It’s a credit to the team and the riders for all the hard work that goes in, on and off track, being recognised by such a high-profile corporation like Monster Energy wanting to get involved and support us.

We’ve got a really strong team this year with Pete and Josh, and with Pete’s achievements last year we’re going in strong. I’d like to wish all the riders and teams’ good luck for this year’s event, here’s to a safe and fast TT 2023!”

SuperMotocross World Championship Continues May 27 In Pala, California

David Swarts

-

May 25, 2023

0

SuperMotocross World Championship Continues May 27 In Pala, California

SuperMotocross World Championship Hits Midway Point of Inaugural Season as Pro Motocross Begins this Saturday in Pala, California

Supercross Caps Banner Season with Key Milestones

Peacock and SuperMotocross Video Pass to Showcase Pro Motocross Championship with Uninterrupted Race Coverage

ELLENTON, Fla./MORGANTOWN W.Va., (May 25, 2023) – The inaugural 31-event series of the SuperMotocross World Championship hits the midway point as the focus now turns toward the outdoor Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. Round 1 of the 11-round summer season of racing (Round 18 of the SMX World Championship) gets underway this Saturday, May 27, in Pala, Calif. with the Fox Raceway National.

The indoor-stadium season of Supercross concluded recently in Salt Lake City with Chase Sexton capping off a spectacular season with six wins and the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, giving Team Honda HRC its first 450 premier class title in 20 years. Sexton enters the Pro Motocross season currently seeded number one in the SuperMotocross World Championship points standings with 372 points.

Chase Sexton celebrating with Team Honda HRC after winning his first Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.

Adding to the list of accolades for Team Honda HRC, Australian brothers Jett and Hunter Lawrence both won their respective 250SX Class championships, with Jett winning the Western Regional title and Hunter winning the Eastern Regional title. Despite his success in Supercross, Jett will begin the summer at a significant disadvantage in the SMX World Championship standings as he makes the move up to the 450 Class and will start with zero points. As a result of Jett’s graduation, Hunter becomes the top-seeded 250cc racer in the SMX World Championship with 224 points and will continue in the 250 Class for Pro Motocross, where he will be in search of his first AMA National Championship.

Jett and Hunter Lawrence speaking to the media at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Jett won the Western Regional 250SX Class title and Hunter won the Eastern Regional 250SX Class title. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.

The 17-round Supercross season witnessed record attendance across the board as more than 850K fans made their way through the turnstiles for the races and over 343K came early for pre-race FanFest across the 16 different markets. The season featured four sellout races (Anaheim Opener, Anaheim 2, San Diego, Salt Lake City) and record high attendance in five other markets, including Glendale, Ariz., Indianapolis, Ind., and Arlington, Texas. Overall, live event attendance increased by 5% YOY, and combined with FanFest, it saw a 15% increase YOY.

Television and streaming viewership also showed strong signs of growth across NBC, Peacock, and USA Network. NBC Sports’ multi-year rights extension with Feld Motor Sports laid the groundwork for Peacock to serve as the home of Supercross, Pro Motocross and the SuperMotocross World Championship this year and into the coming years. Peacock exclusively streamed 12 Supercross races this season, with consumption up nearly 100% vs. 2022. The five rounds that aired on NBC and USA Network reached more than 5 million total viewers.

The SuperMotocross Video Pass, allows international streaming of every round of the SMX World Championship, including the Pro Motocross Championship for the first time. Over the past five years, the streaming service has seen 30% growth globally and in 2023, a new partnership with Endeavor Streaming gives international fans premium access with expanded service and even greater service reliability. The full season package is now available to all countries and territories outside the United States, making SuperMotocross one of the most accessible sports on the planet.

The top 10 countries for international streaming include Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, and Mexico, all of which have their best talent competing in the series leading to international intrigue, tune-in, and global audience interest.

As the SuperMotocross World Championship continues with the Pro Motocross Championship, fans from across the globe can continue to tune in via Peacock and the SuperMotocross Video Pass as the entirety of the 11-round championship will be streamed live, with four and a half hours of live racing with uninterrupted coverage of all four combined 450 Class and 250 Class motos.

In addition to the most extensive streaming coverage to date for Pro Motocross, network broadcast coverage will bring the action into millions of homes during select rounds of the season. NBC will air live network showcases of the opening motos from the Crestview Construction Southwick National, on July 8, and the second motos from the Honda Unadilla National, on August 12, while USA Network will broadcast Sunday re-airs of the final motos from the FXR Spring Creek National, on July 16, and the Yamaha Racing Budds Creek National, on August 20. Encore presentations of the second motos from all 11 rounds will also air on CNBC every Monday following a National.

Bringing the action to the passionate Pro Motocross audience will be host and lead commentator Jason Weigandt, the longtime voice of American motocross, alongside the Hall of Fame tandem of multi-time AMA Champions Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart. These former on-track rivals have become two of the most knowledgeable and savvy color analysts in motorsports, each boasting a racing résumé that made them icons of the sport. Trackside insights will once again feature former racer Jason Thomas in addition to longtime reporter Will Christien during the NBC broadcasts.

2023 Pro Motocross Broadcast and Streaming Schedule:

Kicking off each National over the course of the summer season will be the addition of Race Day Live, presented by MotoSport.com, the official pre-race show of both Monster Energy AMA Supercross and now the Pro Motocross Championship. This one-hour preview will live-stream the final timed qualifying sessions of the 450 Class and 250 Class, which will set the stage for the afternoon battle for victory each weekend.

Storylines abound for the SuperMotocross World Championship as the series heads into the Pro Motocross season as Sexton, Lawrence, and Adam Cianciarulo all look to keep the momentum going into the summer. Additionally, several key athletes will make their return from injuries as the season unfolds – Cooper Webb, Justin Barcia, Jason Anderson, Dylan Ferrandis, Christian Craig, Malcolm Stewart, Michael Mosiman, Pierce Brown, Jalek Swoll, and others.

For the first time in the sport’s 50-plus year history, athletes have an additional incentive to keep racing as they accumulate points towards the SMX World Championship. The top 20 athletes in combined Supercross and Pro Motocross points (both classes) will be automatically seeded into the SMX Playoffs and World Championship Final. In addition to racing for the sport’s ultimate title, the best athletes in the world will also be competing for the sport’s biggest prize – $5.5M spread across the final three races ($10M spread across the SMX series).

All roads lead towards the SuperMotocross World Championship as Playoff 1 will take place on Saturday, September 9 at zMAX Dragway in Concord, N.C. and Playoff 2 is set for Saturday, September 16 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., followed by the SuperMotocross World Championship Final on Saturday, September 23 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Calif.

SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and Final Schedule:

SuperMotocross Playoff 1 – zMAX Dragway – September 9, 2023
SuperMotocross Playoff 2 – Chicagoland Speedway – September 16, 2023
SuperMotocross World Championship Final – LA Memorial Coliseum – September 23, 2023

Domestically, Peacock continues to be the exclusive streaming home for all SuperMotocross World Championship action, including 11 rounds of Pro Motocross, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, two SuperMotocross playoff races and then the SuperMotocross World Championship Final.

Internationally, the SuperMotocross Video Pass (Supermotocross.tv) is the go-to platform for all 31 events across the SMX World Championship. With it being the midway point in the series fans can take advantage of a current price reduction.

Mere days remain until the roar of 40-rider gates greet the most enthusiastic fans in motorsports for another memorable summer of the Pro Motocross Championship. The 11-round season will travel to 10 different states, with visits to the hallowed grounds of Fox Raceway, Hangtown, Thunder Valley Motocross Park, High Point Raceway, RedBud MX, The Wick 338, Spring Creek MX Park, Washougal MX Park, Unadilla MX, Budds Creek Motocross Park, and Ironman Raceway.

For more information about the 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship series, the Pro Motocross Championship, tickets, and streaming options, visit Peacock and supermotocross.com.

ASRA/CCS: Kevin Elliott Memorial Planned May 28 At Summit Point

David Swarts

-

May 25, 2023

0

ASRA/CCS: Kevin Elliott Memorial Planned May 28 At Summit Point

A memorial to honor longtime President and owner of Championship Cup Series (CCS) and American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA) Kevin Elliott, Sr. is planned to take place at lunchtime on Sunday, May 28 during the ASRA/CCS event this coming weekend May 27-29 at Summit Point Motorsports Park, in West Virginia.

Elliott died from liver failure January 29, 2023, at the age of 64.

And remember, ASRA/CCS races Saturday through Memorial Day Monday at Summit Point.

WorldSBK: Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Signs Rabat To Replace Sykes

David Swarts

-

May 25, 2023

0

WorldSBK: Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Signs Rabat To Replace Sykes

Tito Rabat joins Kawasaki Puccetti Racing

A little over a week before the start of round five of the Superbike World Championship, set to take place at the Misano World Circuit, and Kawasaki Puccetti Racing has announced it will field Tito Rabat aboard the team’s Ninja ZX-10RR for the remainder of the 2023 season.

Having concluded its collaboration with Tom Sykes, the responsibility now falls on the 2014 Moto2 World Champion for what will be a welcome return for the team’s home round at Misano. Tito Rabat has in fact already raced with Kawasaki Puccetti Racing, competing in three rounds in 2021 (Portimao, San Juan Villicum and Mandalika) and one in 2022, at the same Misano World Circuit.

Tito Rabat was born in Barcelona on 25 May 1989 and began to race in the CEV 125 in 2004 before moving up to the world championship, in the same category, in 2006. During the 2011 season, he competed in Moto2, amassing twelve wins and thirty-three podiums over the five years he spent in the intermediate class. He was crowned world champion in 2014. 2016 saw him move to MotoGP, where he remained until 2021. He then decided to switch to WorldSBK, a championship in which he has contested 35 races to date, scoring a total of 53 points. This season he is competing in both the MotoE World Championship and the Spanish ESBK 1000, in which he finished as champion in 2022.

Manuel Puccetti

“I’m pleased to announce the return of Tito Rabat to our team. In both 2021 and 2022, the Spaniard was tasked with standing in for an injured rider, which is never easy, and he raced without having chance to test, so without knowing our bike. Despite that, Tito always proved to be the consummate professional, with significant experience under his belt in both the Moto2 and MotoGP championship. It will be a pleasure for us to have him back on the team for this home round of Misano, where our goal will be to continue developing the bike and try to improve on the results scored thus far.”

Tito Rabat

“I’m pleased to return to Team Puccetti and Kawasaki. This is a great opportunity for me to return to WorldSBK but also keep up the race pace, because this year I’m competing in MotoE where there are not so many races. I’ll try to make the most of this opportunity and help Manuel Puccetti’s team as they continue to develop their bike. I have had some great times with this team and there is much respect both ways, so I think this is a good time to rejoin them and achieve more success. I want to have fun of course, and give it my all, but also complete all the races in order to collect as much data as possible. See you all at Misano!”.

N2/WERA Endurance: BrownTown Racing Defending Lightweight Title

David Swarts

-

May 25, 2023

0

N2/WERA Endurance: BrownTown Racing Defending Lightweight Title

BrownTown Racing, based in Lincolnton, North Carolina, is the 2022 N2/WERA Lightweight Endurance Championship winners. They are looking to defend the title this weekend at the opening round at Road Atlanta.

Don’t let their small amount of endurance experience trick you, the riders on this family team have a combined 30+ years of racing experience.

Father/Owner of BrownTown Racing David Brown has raced motorcycles on the track for over 28 years. He has won many national championships and races including the WERA 750 Superbike Expert national race, 2016 WERA Triple Crown aboard his Suzuki 750, then getting second place in the 2017 WERA Triple Crown aboard his Yamaha R1 and select 2013 AMA Superstock 600 races.

Oldest son Reese Brown is back from injury and ready to race this weekend aboard the Suzuki SV650. Reese Brown has won multiple WERA 2021 regional and national Novice championships aboard a similarly built SV650. He has also tested his Suzuki against the Pros at select East Coast MotoAmerica races.

Youngest son Chase Brown is the youngest in the family but he does not lack the skill and experience to be a top runner in the championship. Chase has plenty of experience on a road racing bike. He has been ranked highly in many regional and national expert races aboard a Suzuki SV650 and Yamaha R6. He placed second in the AMA Superbike 1000 race. He has also been racing the MotoAmerica Twins cup series aboard his Aprilla RS 660, with a top finish of 11th at Barber Motorsports park.

BrownTown Racing is a team to look out for at the opening round in Atlanta. BrownTown racing says they are confident going into Atlanta because they know Brandon Cole with PowerSport Supply and Michael Copoulos have their Suzuki dialed in.

N2 Trackdays has a practice/trackday event on Thursday May 25th before the first 4-hour race of the N2/WERA National Endurance series kicks off at 1:00pm Eastern Time on Friday May 26th. The weather forecast could not be better and BrownTown Racing expects to defend their national championship.

MotoAmerica: Aprilia Renews Series Sponsorship

David Swarts

-

May 24, 2023

0

MotoAmerica: Aprilia Renews Series Sponsorship

Aprilia Set For MotoAmerica Sponsorship As It Sets Its Sights On 2023 Twins Cup Title

Italian Marque Has Won Five Of The First Six Races Of The Season In The 2023 REV’IT! Twins Cup Championship

IRVINE, CA (May 24, 2023) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is proud to announce that Aprilia will again be an official partner of the 2023 MotoAmerica Championship with its RS 660 also a major player in the REV’IT Twins Cup title chase.

Aprilia and its RS 660 won the 2021 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship, and the Italian marque is hoping to re-gain the title in 2023 with nine riders signed up to compete in the REV’IT! Twins Cup title chase on RS 660s. So far so good for the brand as Aprilia RS 660-mounted racers have won five of the first six races of the season with victories at Daytona International Speedway, Road Atlanta and Barber Motorsports Park to start the season.

Aprilia, which is headquartered in Noale, Italy, has been a major player in international racing, winning 54 World titles (38 in Grand Prix, seven in World Superbike, and nine in off-road disciplines). Aprilia produces four sportbike models (RS 660, Tuono 660, RSV4, Tuono V4) and an adventure bike (Tuareg 660). The company also produces the RS-GP, a MotoGP race winner, and World Championship contender.

“Aprilia’s history in motorcycle road racing speaks for itself,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “They are a true racing company, and it shows in their products. The RS 660 had a big impact on our REV’IT! Twins Cup class and was a winner right out of the box. This year’s series promises to be a fight to the very end and Aprilia is definitely in that fight. We look forward to some exciting racing this season and are very appreciative of Aprilia’s continued support of the MotoAmerica series.”

“We are pleased to continue our participation in MotoAmerica with Aprilia, and the REV’IT! Twins Cup Championship with the RS 660,” said Marco d’Acunzo, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas. “The series provides the perfect platform to showcase the abilities of the RS 660, which offers competitors a winning combination of performance and precision. The capability of the RS 660 is inherent from the race history of Aprilia, which has a heritage of producing championship bikes and riders, and with MotoAmerica Aprilia has the ability to support a new age of racers who can grow through the brand here in the U.S.”

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.

American Flat Track: Race Report From The Red Mile (Updated)

May 27, 2023

Jared Mees (1) leads Dallas Daniels (32) and Briar Bauman (3) at The Red Mile. Photo courtesy AFT.