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.
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!”.
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.
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.
Editorial Note: To listen to or download the podcast go here and to watch the video of the podcast scroll down.
Episode 7: Garrett Gerloff
More To Life Than Racing
May 24th, 2023 – Desert Center, California
MotoAmerica/American Flat Track Racers Corey Alexander and James Rispoli are pleased to release Episode 7 of their Pipe Dreams Podcast featuring two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and current World Superbike Racer for Bonovo Action BMW, Garrett Gerloff.
If you’re a fan of motorcycle road racing then it’s likely you’ve heard of the 27-year-old Texan by the name of Garrett Gerloff but it’s also likely you don’t really know him. Having left the USA at the end of 2019 with a goal to make it to the top of the sport, Garrett recently made a switch from Yamaha to BMW for the 2023 season which begins a new chapter for him after facing some very high & low points over the course of his first two seasons – ranging from WSBK podiums to MotoGP wildcards, and even his share of international drama.
You can follow Garrett on social media via @garrettgerloff and we highly suggest you check out his YouTube series which as been great thus far. You can also of course catch Garrett Racing live during any of the WSBK events in 2023.
Available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the seventh full episode with Garrett launches today. Video of the episode can be viewed on Spotify and YouTube.
About Pipe Dreams Podcast:
Pipe Dreams Podcast launched in 2023 by MotoAmerica and American Flat Track riders Corey Alexander and James Rispoli in an effort to share the stories of fellow racers and motorsport professionals around the world. The podcast releases twice per month for streaming on all major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube. Production and editing is curated by videographer Sam Thurman. Follow @pipedreams_pod on social media or visit https://anchor.fm/pipe-dreams to listen now.
MotoGP™ touches down at Goodwood! Festival of Speed set for spectacular celebration of motorcycle Grand Prix racing
Champions past and present will descend on the legendary event in 2023, including much of the current MotoGP™ grid
Wednesday, 24 May 2023
Ladies and gentlemen, SAVE THE DATE! The Goodwood Festival of Speed will welcome its biggest ever celebration of MotoGP™ from the 13th to the 16th of July, with much of the current grid set to debut on the fabled hillclimb. They’ll be joined by an array of MotoGP™ Legends too, including the likes of Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan, Kevin Schwantz and Casey Stoner – with more riders and teams still set to be confirmed.
The first ever Festival of Speed began with The Duke of Richmond heading up the Hill on a Ducati, and the 30th anniversary is the perfect occasion to put two wheels centre stage once again. Grand Prix riders and machinery will comprise the entirety of the motorbike contingent in 2023, with one almighty line-up ready to head up the Hill.
The teams from the current grid already confirmed at the event include Ducati Lenovo Team, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, LCR Honda and GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3, as well as GASGAS Aspar Moto2™ with British rider Jake Dixon.
They’ll be joined by an incredible line-up of famous faces, with Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan, Jorge Lorenzo, Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, Kevin Schwantz, Wayne Gardner, Kenny Roberts Jr, Alex Crivillé and Randy Mamola already confirmed – between them holding an incredible 35 World Championships.
The MotoGP™ contingent will be located in the Ballroom Paddock, a stone’s throw from the Drivers’ Club – the perfect showcase to allow fans an awesome overview of the teams prepping the machines.
The Festival of Speed has always been the place to see motorsport megastars. In 2022, Giacomo Agostini celebrated his 80th birthday at the event, and last year the Festival celebrated a different landmark moment as Wayne Rainey rode his 1992-championship-winning Yamaha YZR500 for the first time since his career-ending accident in 1993, joined on the Hill by Kenny Roberts, Kevin Schwantz and Mick Doohan.
Motorcycles have always been an integral part of the Festival of Speed. Fittingly, the motorcycle entry at the very first Festival was organised by a legend who himself bridges two worlds: John Surtees, the only person to be crowned World Champion in two- and four-wheeled Grand Prix racing.
The Duke of Richmond: “I am absolutely thrilled that the Festival of Speed will host its biggest-ever MotoGP celebration this year. My thanks to Dorna Sports, the teams and riders for including us in their busy schedules – it means so much to everyone at Goodwood and all our fans that they will be here to celebrate with us.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “We’re very proud to announce this celebration of MotoGP at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It’s an honour for us to play a key role in the 30th anniversary and be invited to showcase the best of our sport, sharing the stage with our fellow icons of speed. It will be something truly unique, and I want to thank our teams, riders and legends for showing such enthusiasm in attending. We hope we will be able to put on an incredible show for the fans – and for The Duke of Richmond! We are always honoured by his unwavering passion for our sport. Thank you for the invitation!
“We have recently celebrated the 1000th FIM Grand Prix, and next season will mark the 75th year since motorcycle racing became the first motorsport World Championship in 1949. At the same time, 2023 is a different kind of landmark year, with more MotoGP than ever as the Tissot Sprint debuts across the calendar. At this intersection of history and innovation, the 2023 Festival of Speed is the perfect opportunity to celebrate both the rich heritage of the sport and the heroes of the incredible spectacle we’re enjoying every weekend in this modern era.”
Former Pro racer Gary Fisher died at his home in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania on May 17 – his 73rd birthday.
Fisher, who was originally from Parkesburg, Pennsylvania, won the 1972 Loudon Classic at Bryar Motorsport Park on a Yamaha TR3 he had never ridden before the event. He also won the AMA National that same weekend in New Hampshire, beating Yvon Duhamel and King Kenny Roberts, among others.
Fisher was the son of Pro racer and motorcycle dealer Ed Fisher, who was also a Laconia Classic/Loudon Classic race winner. Ed and Gary Fisher remain the only father-and-son duo to have both won America’s oldest motorcycle road race.
Gary Fisher is survived by daughters Kimberly Anne Fisher, Heidi Lee Walls, and Elizabeth Lee Fisher; and three grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father Ed, who passed away August 4, 2022, at the age of 97.
According to Kimberly Fisher, a “remembrance gathering” to honor her father will be held later in 2023.
Godspeed, Gary Fisher.
LEGION MOTO TRACKDAYS ANNOUNCES CROWDSOURCE FOR SOFT BARRIER SAFETY FUND
Legion Moto Trackdays is opening additional sponsorship options as well as a crowd sourcing fund to assist in subsidizing the level and quality of safety equipment that road racers in America have come to expect. Equipment such as soft barrier from safety equipment provider, Norseman Inc. These barriers will help to mitigate risk to the riders and help the series to provide the safest motorsport experience that it possibly can.
Norseman, an industrial leader in custom safety solutions and based in Calgary, Canada has a focus on delivering an advanced and customizable industrial solution soft foam core barrier that meets and exceeds current standards for puncture and flame resistances, as well as reliability, and modularity. These proprietary designs are already being used in Canada.
Legion Moto Trackdays has set the modest goal of acquiring three new sections for the first year, and additional sections needed each year after. The first of the barriers will be used at tracks such as Pueblo Motorsports Park as well as Pikes Peak International Raceway in Colorado as these new events kick off for the first time.
If you would like to know more about the Legion Superbike Series coming in 2024, or information on how to participate in the sponsorships and safety barrier fund crowd source opportunities, please follow the provided links.
Please also note that all proposed race classes are fully updated with spec and hardware requirements. The 2024 rules book is also posted and can be quoted or shared with confidence as one looks to prepare for the new series!
https://www.legionmototrackdays.com
MotoAmerica Superbikes Return to Road America for an Exciting Weekend of
Racing and Festivities
ELKHART LAKE, Wis., May 23, 2023 – Road America, the premier racetrack located in the heart of Wisconsin, is poised and ready to host the MotoAmerica Series at America’s National Park of Speed June 2-4. The weekend event promises to be an exciting one, featuring a range of races and activities that will keep everyone entertained.
The three-day event will kick off on Friday, June 2, with practice and qualifying. The excitement will continue on Saturday and Sunday with all-day qualifying and racing, featuring seven classes of road racing, including Medallia Superbikes, Supersport, Yuasa Stock 1000, Junior Cup, Mission King of the Baggers, Royal Enfield Women’s Build. Train. Race., and Mission Mini Cup by Motul. Fans will have the opportunity to meet the riders in the open race paddock, and there will be camping, VIP, and Fan Lap packages available.
One of the highlights of the event will be the Vintage MotoFest, which will take place on Saturday, June 3. This event is regarded as the premier Wisconsin ride-in vintage motorcycle show and party and features an eclectic mix of Euro, Japanese, and American vintage motorcycles. All makes, and models are welcome, and motorcycle owners can enter their bikes upon arrival Saturday morning between 9-11 a.m. The Vintage MotoFest will also include live bands, axe throwing, and stunt shows.
Ride in and register your motorcycle upon arrival Saturday morning between 9-11 a.m., or pre-register today online at roadamerica.com. Classes include Café Racer, Rat Bike, Scooter, Chopper, Race/Sport Bike, Stock/Restored, Military Bike, Fan’s Choice, and Judge’s Choice.
Off the track, the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex will be open for public karting, and The Twin Stunts Stunt Show will also be performing in the North Paddock. There will also be a FREE gear check for those riding in and a Family Fun Zone for the kids on Saturday and Sunday.
On Friday night, fans can also check out the Dairyland Classic Flat Track Races at the Plymouth Fairgrounds. A FREE shuttle will be available starting at 5 p.m. at Gate 4 to transport campers and fans to and from the Plymouth Fairgrounds.
In addition to the racing action, fans with motorcycles are encouraged to pre-register for a unique ‘Salute to Cycles’ on-track riding experience. The Salute to Cycles provides participants with the rare chance to ride the repaved Road America circuit and develop a genuine appreciation for the undulating road course where pro racers battle it out for glory and fame.
Additional event details, ticket pricing, and camping information can be found at www.roadamerica.com or by calling 800-365-7223. Anyone 16 years old and under is FREE with a paying adult at the gate, making it an affordable and enjoyable family event. Racing runs rain or shine.
EUROPEAN TALENT CUP: AMERICAN KRISTIAN DANIEL JR BEST FINISH IN SERIES IN VALENCIA
Kristian Daniel Jr back into the points in the European Talent Cup
Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Spain
Kristian Daniel Jr and the MRE Talent team continued their journey in the 2023 FIM JuniorGP European Talent Cup season at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Spain. After a difficult start in Estoril, Portugal, they were determined to keep working.
The weekend kicked off with free practices on Thursday and Friday. Kristian, along with 60 other racers from around the world, took to the track to get their pace as close to qualifying time as possible. The team worked diligently on bike setup and found a set up that felt great for Kristian Jr.
Qualifying took place on Saturday, where Kristian aimed to finish in the top 14 which would qualify him to race on Sunday (only 30 out of the 61 riders would qualify for the race). Demonstrating his progress, Kristian secured a qualifying position of 12th (23rd overall), showcasing his continued growth and potential.
Sunday marked race day, and anticipation filled the air as the riders prepared to face off for two races. Kristian and the MRE Talent were determined to make their mark and improve upon their previous race results.
In Race One, Kristian had a strong start and demonstrated his racing prowess, overtaking several riders and holding his ground throughout the race.
Even after a long lap penalty for exceeding track limits, he crossed the finish line in an impressive 12th place. This accomplishment marked a significant step forward for him and the MRE Talent, highlighting their continuous improvement and ability to compete with the best riders in the championship.
In Race Two, Kristian had another great start but after making contact in the second corner on the first lap, crashed out of contention. He walked away unharmed.
The 12th place finish at Circuit Ricardo Tormo provided a valuable boost to Kristian’s overall standing in the championship, and it solidified the team’s confidence in their capabilities. The achievement serves as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the effective collaboration between Kristian and the MRE Talent.
As they reflect on their success, the team is motivated to further enhance their performance in the upcoming race in Jerez on June 4th. With the 2023 FIM JuniorGP European Talent Cup season unfolding, Kristian Daniel Jr and the MRE Talent are poised to continue their pursuit of top finishes and further establish themselves as formidable contenders in the championship.
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.
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!”.
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.
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.
Editorial Note: To listen to or download the podcast go here and to watch the video of the podcast scroll down.
Episode 7: Garrett Gerloff
More To Life Than Racing
May 24th, 2023 – Desert Center, California
MotoAmerica/American Flat Track Racers Corey Alexander and James Rispoli are pleased to release Episode 7 of their Pipe Dreams Podcast featuring two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and current World Superbike Racer for Bonovo Action BMW, Garrett Gerloff.
If you’re a fan of motorcycle road racing then it’s likely you’ve heard of the 27-year-old Texan by the name of Garrett Gerloff but it’s also likely you don’t really know him. Having left the USA at the end of 2019 with a goal to make it to the top of the sport, Garrett recently made a switch from Yamaha to BMW for the 2023 season which begins a new chapter for him after facing some very high & low points over the course of his first two seasons – ranging from WSBK podiums to MotoGP wildcards, and even his share of international drama.
You can follow Garrett on social media via @garrettgerloff and we highly suggest you check out his YouTube series which as been great thus far. You can also of course catch Garrett Racing live during any of the WSBK events in 2023.
Available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the seventh full episode with Garrett launches today. Video of the episode can be viewed on Spotify and YouTube.
About Pipe Dreams Podcast:
Pipe Dreams Podcast launched in 2023 by MotoAmerica and American Flat Track riders Corey Alexander and James Rispoli in an effort to share the stories of fellow racers and motorsport professionals around the world. The podcast releases twice per month for streaming on all major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube. Production and editing is curated by videographer Sam Thurman. Follow @pipedreams_pod on social media or visit https://anchor.fm/pipe-dreams to listen now.
MotoGP™ touches down at Goodwood! Festival of Speed set for spectacular celebration of motorcycle Grand Prix racing
Champions past and present will descend on the legendary event in 2023, including much of the current MotoGP™ grid
Wednesday, 24 May 2023
Ladies and gentlemen, SAVE THE DATE! The Goodwood Festival of Speed will welcome its biggest ever celebration of MotoGP™ from the 13th to the 16th of July, with much of the current grid set to debut on the fabled hillclimb. They’ll be joined by an array of MotoGP™ Legends too, including the likes of Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan, Kevin Schwantz and Casey Stoner – with more riders and teams still set to be confirmed.
The first ever Festival of Speed began with The Duke of Richmond heading up the Hill on a Ducati, and the 30th anniversary is the perfect occasion to put two wheels centre stage once again. Grand Prix riders and machinery will comprise the entirety of the motorbike contingent in 2023, with one almighty line-up ready to head up the Hill.
The teams from the current grid already confirmed at the event include Ducati Lenovo Team, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, LCR Honda and GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3, as well as GASGAS Aspar Moto2™ with British rider Jake Dixon.
They’ll be joined by an incredible line-up of famous faces, with Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan, Jorge Lorenzo, Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, Kevin Schwantz, Wayne Gardner, Kenny Roberts Jr, Alex Crivillé and Randy Mamola already confirmed – between them holding an incredible 35 World Championships.
The MotoGP™ contingent will be located in the Ballroom Paddock, a stone’s throw from the Drivers’ Club – the perfect showcase to allow fans an awesome overview of the teams prepping the machines.
The Festival of Speed has always been the place to see motorsport megastars. In 2022, Giacomo Agostini celebrated his 80th birthday at the event, and last year the Festival celebrated a different landmark moment as Wayne Rainey rode his 1992-championship-winning Yamaha YZR500 for the first time since his career-ending accident in 1993, joined on the Hill by Kenny Roberts, Kevin Schwantz and Mick Doohan.
Motorcycles have always been an integral part of the Festival of Speed. Fittingly, the motorcycle entry at the very first Festival was organised by a legend who himself bridges two worlds: John Surtees, the only person to be crowned World Champion in two- and four-wheeled Grand Prix racing.
The Duke of Richmond: “I am absolutely thrilled that the Festival of Speed will host its biggest-ever MotoGP celebration this year. My thanks to Dorna Sports, the teams and riders for including us in their busy schedules – it means so much to everyone at Goodwood and all our fans that they will be here to celebrate with us.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “We’re very proud to announce this celebration of MotoGP at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It’s an honour for us to play a key role in the 30th anniversary and be invited to showcase the best of our sport, sharing the stage with our fellow icons of speed. It will be something truly unique, and I want to thank our teams, riders and legends for showing such enthusiasm in attending. We hope we will be able to put on an incredible show for the fans – and for The Duke of Richmond! We are always honoured by his unwavering passion for our sport. Thank you for the invitation!
“We have recently celebrated the 1000th FIM Grand Prix, and next season will mark the 75th year since motorcycle racing became the first motorsport World Championship in 1949. At the same time, 2023 is a different kind of landmark year, with more MotoGP than ever as the Tissot Sprint debuts across the calendar. At this intersection of history and innovation, the 2023 Festival of Speed is the perfect opportunity to celebrate both the rich heritage of the sport and the heroes of the incredible spectacle we’re enjoying every weekend in this modern era.”
Former Pro racer Gary Fisher died at his home in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania on May 17 – his 73rd birthday.
Fisher, who was originally from Parkesburg, Pennsylvania, won the 1972 Loudon Classic at Bryar Motorsport Park on a Yamaha TR3 he had never ridden before the event. He also won the AMA National that same weekend in New Hampshire, beating Yvon Duhamel and King Kenny Roberts, among others.
Fisher was the son of Pro racer and motorcycle dealer Ed Fisher, who was also a Laconia Classic/Loudon Classic race winner. Ed and Gary Fisher remain the only father-and-son duo to have both won America’s oldest motorcycle road race.
Gary Fisher is survived by daughters Kimberly Anne Fisher, Heidi Lee Walls, and Elizabeth Lee Fisher; and three grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father Ed, who passed away August 4, 2022, at the age of 97.
According to Kimberly Fisher, a “remembrance gathering” to honor her father will be held later in 2023.
Godspeed, Gary Fisher.
LEGION MOTO TRACKDAYS ANNOUNCES CROWDSOURCE FOR SOFT BARRIER SAFETY FUND
Legion Moto Trackdays is opening additional sponsorship options as well as a crowd sourcing fund to assist in subsidizing the level and quality of safety equipment that road racers in America have come to expect. Equipment such as soft barrier from safety equipment provider, Norseman Inc. These barriers will help to mitigate risk to the riders and help the series to provide the safest motorsport experience that it possibly can.
Norseman, an industrial leader in custom safety solutions and based in Calgary, Canada has a focus on delivering an advanced and customizable industrial solution soft foam core barrier that meets and exceeds current standards for puncture and flame resistances, as well as reliability, and modularity. These proprietary designs are already being used in Canada.
Legion Moto Trackdays has set the modest goal of acquiring three new sections for the first year, and additional sections needed each year after. The first of the barriers will be used at tracks such as Pueblo Motorsports Park as well as Pikes Peak International Raceway in Colorado as these new events kick off for the first time.
If you would like to know more about the Legion Superbike Series coming in 2024, or information on how to participate in the sponsorships and safety barrier fund crowd source opportunities, please follow the provided links.
Please also note that all proposed race classes are fully updated with spec and hardware requirements. The 2024 rules book is also posted and can be quoted or shared with confidence as one looks to prepare for the new series!
https://www.legionmototrackdays.com
MotoAmerica Superbikes Return to Road America for an Exciting Weekend of
Racing and Festivities
ELKHART LAKE, Wis., May 23, 2023 – Road America, the premier racetrack located in the heart of Wisconsin, is poised and ready to host the MotoAmerica Series at America’s National Park of Speed June 2-4. The weekend event promises to be an exciting one, featuring a range of races and activities that will keep everyone entertained.
The three-day event will kick off on Friday, June 2, with practice and qualifying. The excitement will continue on Saturday and Sunday with all-day qualifying and racing, featuring seven classes of road racing, including Medallia Superbikes, Supersport, Yuasa Stock 1000, Junior Cup, Mission King of the Baggers, Royal Enfield Women’s Build. Train. Race., and Mission Mini Cup by Motul. Fans will have the opportunity to meet the riders in the open race paddock, and there will be camping, VIP, and Fan Lap packages available.
One of the highlights of the event will be the Vintage MotoFest, which will take place on Saturday, June 3. This event is regarded as the premier Wisconsin ride-in vintage motorcycle show and party and features an eclectic mix of Euro, Japanese, and American vintage motorcycles. All makes, and models are welcome, and motorcycle owners can enter their bikes upon arrival Saturday morning between 9-11 a.m. The Vintage MotoFest will also include live bands, axe throwing, and stunt shows.
Ride in and register your motorcycle upon arrival Saturday morning between 9-11 a.m., or pre-register today online at roadamerica.com. Classes include Café Racer, Rat Bike, Scooter, Chopper, Race/Sport Bike, Stock/Restored, Military Bike, Fan’s Choice, and Judge’s Choice.
Off the track, the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex will be open for public karting, and The Twin Stunts Stunt Show will also be performing in the North Paddock. There will also be a FREE gear check for those riding in and a Family Fun Zone for the kids on Saturday and Sunday.
On Friday night, fans can also check out the Dairyland Classic Flat Track Races at the Plymouth Fairgrounds. A FREE shuttle will be available starting at 5 p.m. at Gate 4 to transport campers and fans to and from the Plymouth Fairgrounds.
In addition to the racing action, fans with motorcycles are encouraged to pre-register for a unique ‘Salute to Cycles’ on-track riding experience. The Salute to Cycles provides participants with the rare chance to ride the repaved Road America circuit and develop a genuine appreciation for the undulating road course where pro racers battle it out for glory and fame.
Additional event details, ticket pricing, and camping information can be found at www.roadamerica.com or by calling 800-365-7223. Anyone 16 years old and under is FREE with a paying adult at the gate, making it an affordable and enjoyable family event. Racing runs rain or shine.
EUROPEAN TALENT CUP: AMERICAN KRISTIAN DANIEL JR BEST FINISH IN SERIES IN VALENCIA
Kristian Daniel Jr back into the points in the European Talent Cup
Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Spain
Kristian Daniel Jr and the MRE Talent team continued their journey in the 2023 FIM JuniorGP European Talent Cup season at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Spain. After a difficult start in Estoril, Portugal, they were determined to keep working.
The weekend kicked off with free practices on Thursday and Friday. Kristian, along with 60 other racers from around the world, took to the track to get their pace as close to qualifying time as possible. The team worked diligently on bike setup and found a set up that felt great for Kristian Jr.
Qualifying took place on Saturday, where Kristian aimed to finish in the top 14 which would qualify him to race on Sunday (only 30 out of the 61 riders would qualify for the race). Demonstrating his progress, Kristian secured a qualifying position of 12th (23rd overall), showcasing his continued growth and potential.
Sunday marked race day, and anticipation filled the air as the riders prepared to face off for two races. Kristian and the MRE Talent were determined to make their mark and improve upon their previous race results.
In Race One, Kristian had a strong start and demonstrated his racing prowess, overtaking several riders and holding his ground throughout the race.
Even after a long lap penalty for exceeding track limits, he crossed the finish line in an impressive 12th place. This accomplishment marked a significant step forward for him and the MRE Talent, highlighting their continuous improvement and ability to compete with the best riders in the championship.
In Race Two, Kristian had another great start but after making contact in the second corner on the first lap, crashed out of contention. He walked away unharmed.
The 12th place finish at Circuit Ricardo Tormo provided a valuable boost to Kristian’s overall standing in the championship, and it solidified the team’s confidence in their capabilities. The achievement serves as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the effective collaboration between Kristian and the MRE Talent.
As they reflect on their success, the team is motivated to further enhance their performance in the upcoming race in Jerez on June 4th. With the 2023 FIM JuniorGP European Talent Cup season unfolding, Kristian Daniel Jr and the MRE Talent are poised to continue their pursuit of top finishes and further establish themselves as formidable contenders in the championship.
