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R.I.P. Kevin Elliott Jr., Son Of ASRA/CCS President Kevin Elliott

Kevin Elliott, Jr., the son of ASRA/CCS President Kevin Elliott, died September 4 in Mesa, Arizona. The cause of death was not known at post time. He was 36.

Kevin Elliott, Sr. just learned of his son’s death on September 19. Elliott told Roadracingworld.com that the Maricopa County (Arizona) Sheriff’s Department failed to locate him for 14 days to notify him of his son’s death but a foundation that works with the homeless contacted him within 24 hours of being handed the task.

“He chose to live homeless,” Elliott said. “He had just spent two weeks in a hospital due to dehydration. Then he signed a release-against-medical-advice document, walked out of the hospital, and he was found dead a few days later.

“He was young and talented [musician and singer] and loved going to the races. He used to work for us back in the Formula USA days.

“He left an impression on everyone who met him, but he was fighting his demons. His demons won.”

Kevin Elliott, Jr. is survived by father Kevin Elliott, mother Janette Hoffer, stepfather Cliff Hoffer, paternal grandfather Carl Elliott, sister Jennifer Sims, brothers Nick Campbell and Billy Elliott, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service has been planned for October 21 in Mesa, Arizona.

MotoAmerica: New Partnership Produces AI-Powered Video Highlights

WSC Sports Brings High-Tech Video Capabilities To MotoAmerica

Fast Video Highlights To Fans, Racers And Teams Equals A Better Content Experience For Everyone

IRVINE, CA (September 20, 2022) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is thrilled to announce its partnership with sports video technology company WSC Sports to bring AI-powered video highlights to its fans while also providing its racers and teams with the technology to share MotoAmerica highlights with their fans and sponsors as well.

WSC Sports is the global leader in AI sports video technology, which allows highlights and content to be automatically pushed to MotoAmerica’s digital and social media properties while also giving riders and teams the option of doing the same on their own platforms. The system also allows MotoAmerica to readily share content with its broadcast and sponsorship partners. MotoAmerica began using the WSC Sports technology earlier this season and has already seen the benefits.

“Since we started using WSC Sports’ technology to provide highlights and content, we’ve already seen big audience gains on our platforms as well as our riders,’ ” said MotoAmerica Director of Content and Production Doug Hamann. “We’ve gained 200,000-plus subscribers on YouTube thus far in 2022 and we will surpass 100 million views in 2022, compared to 23.4 million views in 2021. A lot of those gains have come from our use of WSC Sports’ highlights platform. In addition to MotoAmerica being able to get the highlights to our fans quickly, it also allows our riders and teams to do the same with their fan bases. The system works well and is easy to use. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

The WSC Sports platform is efficient in that through AI, it automatically finds, indexes, and tags each defined moment into highlights that can be shared automatically and at scale. MotoAmerica, its riders and teams can then easily use the highlights on social platforms as well as sharing with their current and prospective sponsors.

“MotoAmerica is WSC Sports’ first road race motorcycle client and gives us a great opportunity to continue to showcase our tech in the motorsport industry,” said Amir Gelman, head of business development, Americas at WSC Sports. “MotoAmerica’s innovation in distribution and smart strategy of owning all its rights enables the unique use case of real-time content availability for riders and partners – a strategy more rights holders should consider.”

Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing’s Corey Alexander is proof that the WSC Sports platform works well as a recent highlight of him in action at a MotoAmerica race garnered 64,000 views on his Instagram account.

“I’m not only just a rider but also a team owner, so attracting partners for our team to continue operating is crucial,” said Alexander, who recently won the MotoAmerica Yuasa Stock 1000 Championship. “I’ve leaned heavily on social media to help broaden our appeal to both inside and outside industry brands. With that being said, content creation without a large team isn’t an easy task. MotoAmerica’s partnership with WSC Sports helps tremendously with that because it allows them to provide us with highlight-type reels from each event. In turn, it has proven to be a way in which we can tap into large viewership numbers that are available through the reach of video social content.”

WSC Sports also has partnerships with the NBA, NASCAR, MLS, ESPN, IndyCar and more.

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes 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 on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

KTM To Distribute, Promote, Service MV Agusta In North America

MV Agusta and KTM AG collaborate on distribution of MV Agusta motorcycles in North America

Varese, 20 September 2022 – MV Agusta and KTM AG, a subsidiary of PIERER Mobility AG, have signed a commercial agreement for the distribution of the iconic Schiranna motorcycles in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

The deal, extending over several years, focuses on the distribution, the promotion and customer service of the MV Agusta range of motorcycles by KTM AG’s North American subsidiary. On one hand, the strength of the brand and the exclusivity of its motorcycles, a symbol of Italy’s design and engineering excellence, and on the other hand KTM AG’s extensive and solid commercial organization, will support the growth of MV Agusta in the North American region.

The agreement is part of MV Agusta’s strategic plan, which envisions a significant growth in the coming years. KTM AG group will create a dedicated US-based legal entity, which will be in charge of all MV Agusta operations in North America. Going forward, MV Agusta motorcycles will be distributed through both, select KTM AG dealers as well as existing and new MV Agusta stores.

Timur Sardarov, CEO at MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. commented: “I am thrilled by this agreement between two historic European motorcycle manufacturers. I am confident that KTM’s extensive and professional sales organization paired with the strong appeal of our brand in the region will bring great benefits to both companies. Thanks to our cooperation we will create synergies that will enable us to accelerate our growth strategy in North America.”

Hubert Trunkenpolz, Member of the Executive Board at KTM AG, said: “We are extremely excited to start a new partnership with such a historic motorcycle brand. Our brands are going from strength to strength everywhere in the world, particularly in North America where we will exceed 100,000-unit sales in 2022 with the KTM, Husqvarna and GASGAS motorcycle brands. Taking on the distribution of the MV Agusta brand will complement our extensive premium motorcycle range.  With the addition of the most iconic Italian luxury motorcycle brand to our KTM North America operations, we are able to ensure support to all North American motorcycle enthusiasts as well as bringing exciting new business opportunities to existing and new dealers.”

Australian Superbike: Hook, Schrotter, Voight Teaming With Miller At Finale

Jack Miller Bringing Friends to The Bend Grand Finale

It was always unlikely that Jack Miller would be the sole rider in the Thriller Motorsport garage, and today the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) is excited to announce some additional riders set to descend upon The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia as part of the 2022 finale from 25-27 November.

The riders:

 

Josh Hook. Photo courtesy ASBK.
FIM Endurance World Champion Josh Hook. Photo courtesy ASBK.

 

Josh Hook: the newly crowned 2022 Endurance World Champion was at The Bend in 2021 and will be back again, this time alongside good friend Jack Miller. “Hooky” will race in the Alpinestars Superbike category.

 

Marcel Schrotter (23). Photo courtesy ASBK.
Marcel Schrotter (23). Photo courtesy ASBK.

 

Marcel Schrötter: The Twenty-nine-year-old German motorcycle racer is currently with Liqui Moly Intact GP competing in Moto2 where he is a regular top ten finisher. Marcel will also compete in the Alpinestars Superbike class at The Bend finale.

 

Harrison Voight (29). Photo courtesy ASBK.
Harrison Voight (29). Photo courtesy ASBK.

 

Harrison Voight: The sixteen-year-old Queenslander recently raced in Moto3 at the San Marino GP event, finishing 23rd. His regular race category is the Red Bull Rookies Cup where he is a top ten contender. Harry will compete in the Michelin Supersport 600 class at The Bend Finale.

For Peter Doyle, CEO of Motorcycling Australia, the growing numbers in the Thriller Motorsport team is a boost to the event and the finale: “Last year Jack came back to- as he put it; have some fun with his mates, and the three riders announced today shows he’s really continuing that commitment to the event and to having fun!

“It will be great to welcome back Josh (Hook) and Harrison (Voight) to the ASBK paddock and for Marcel (Schrötter) I am sure it will be an interesting debut in both the Championship and a first time at the world-class Bend circuit”

“I want to commend Jack for his efforts to bring these quality riders to our event and for fans of Australian motorsport, there’s no better reason to come along or tune in to see what will be an epic finale to season 2022!”

Tickets to the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) finale at The Bend are on sale now via Outix.com.au, thebend.com.au or asbk.com.au

For more information, news and updates on the ASBK Championship, see asbk.com.au

WorldSBK: Rinaldi Signs Extension With Aruba.it Racing Ducati

The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team with Michael Rinaldi aboard the factory Ducati Panigale V4 R also in the 2023 WorldSBK season

The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team is pleased to announce the contract extension of Michael Rinaldi who will ride the official Ducati Panigale V4 R also in the 2023 WorldSBK season

The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team thus completes its line-up that will see the Italian rider alongside Alvaro Bautista in the upcoming World Superbike Championship.

Michael Ruben Rinaldi was born in Rimini on 21st December 1995 and started racing with the minimoto when he was 7 years old, winning the Italian championship in 2006. After winning the Italian Sport Production Championship in 2011, in 2014 he faced his first international experience in the European Superstock 600 championship, which closed as runner-up in 2015. In 2016 Rinaldi rode the Ducati Panigale R of the Aruba.it Racing – Junior team in the SuperStock 1000 FIM championship, finishing sixth and then conquering the European Champion title at the end of the following season. With the Aruba.it Racing – Junior team, Michael Ruben Rinaldi also made his WorldSBK debut in the 2018 season, racing only in European rounds and then competing in all events of the 2019 Championship with the Barni Racing Team. In 2020 Rinaldi achieved his first WorldSBK success with the Panigale V4R of the Go Eleven team in Race 1 at Aragon, a weekend that also saw him on the podium in the Superpole Race (P3) and in Race 2 (P2).

The 2021 season saw the Italian rider as the absolute protagonist of Misano round, with two victories ( Race 1 and SPR) and a second place (Race 2). Rinaldi then took his third win in Race 2 in Barcelona, ending the 2021 season in fifth place in the Superbike World Championship standings.

In this season Rinaldi has finished twice on the podium in Misano, and once in the last race held in Magny-Cours: this second place during the French Round got him to the fourth place of the WorldSBK current standings.

Stefano Cecconi (Team Principal – Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)

“Michael has the potential to be one of the fastest riders in the World Superbike Championship and he has been able to prove it on several occasions. Our long journey together will be extended at least until the end of 2023, thus giving continuity and preserving the current team set-up that is also allowing us to be first in the manufacturer and team championships. We believe 2023 will be for  Michael the year of definitive consecration; at the same time, we are confident that during this second part of the season we’ll reap the benefits of the work done so far, in terms of satisfaction and consistency of results”.

Paolo Ciabatti (Ducati Corse Sporting Director)

“Michael Rinaldi is a young rider who grew up in Superbike with Ducati and has proven time and time again that he is very fast and knows how to make the most of the potential of the Panigale V4 R machine. That’s why we are also happy to count on him for the next Championship. With an extra year of experience with the official Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, we are convinced that he will be able to aspire to even more important results in 2023”

Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)

“I am very happy to race again next year for Aruba.it Racing – Ducati because I firmly believe in this project. I am very confident that in 2023 we can reap everything we have sown together with the team. I will be the first to work even harder, both in training and on track, to get better results and have the consistency that has been lacking so far. I want to thank Stefano Cecconi, Claudio Domenicali, Luigi Dall’Igna, Paolo Ciabatti, Serafino Foti, and all the people who trusted in me. I can’t wait to be in Barcelona to get a good result and repay this confidence. And I am sure that 2023 will be a great year for us.”

2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+: 2,400 Street Miles + 25 Track Laps = Five Crazy Days!

Featured In the September 2022 issue of Roadracing World:

 

2022 GSX-S1000GT+: Suzuki’s Long-Haul Sport-Tourer (Excerpt)

By Michael Gougis

         “I should have been terrified, but being young and dumb blinds you to things. Case in point: Getting caught in a freezing rainstorm on the Grapevine, a mountain pass connecting Central and Southern California, coming back from one of my first long motorcycle rides. Soaked to the bone, riding a decrepit Honda CB550 with bald tires and a chain and sprocket well past their recycle-bin due date, I was riding on the shoulder, watching semi-trailer rigs splash and slide their way past on my left. There were plenty of ways to die in that moment, and I look back and just shake my head. 

        “I was thinking about that ride on my way to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Suzuki’s sport-touring 2022 GSX-S1000GT+. Getting caught in a downpour in downtown Portland during morning rush hour brought back those memories—the rain dumped down so hard that visibility was nearly nonexistent. I focused on the less-soaked tire tracks left behind by cars, aiming precisely at the center of the left tire’s narrow footprint and focusing on the taillights of the car ahead.

        “The reason I thought about that earlier ride was the difference between then and what I was experiencing at that moment in Portland…”

Editor at Large Michael Gougis rode the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ 1,200 miles each way from Los Angeles County to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and back, with a stop at Buttonwillow Raceway Park for an on-track riding impression from racer Jeremy Toye, in five crazy days. Read all about the journey in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

 

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NEMRR: Franco, Greenwood, Guyer, Paganis, Wood Take Multiple Wins

NEMRR Round 6 – September 17-18, New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

September in New Hampshire is known for having some of the best “go fast” conditions of the season, and mother nature did not disappoint for NEMRR’s round 6.  Saturday featured clear sunny skies and temperatures hovering around 70 degrees, making for a near-perfect combination of bikes that make great power and asphalt that has excellent grip.  The result was dozens of riders logging personal-best lap times and some excellent racing to boot!

The top racers in each category nearly all set season-best times.  Renee Franco won three feature races on her Kawasaki Ninja 400, setting personal record 1:16.3 in the SportbikeTrackGear.com 500 Supersport class.  NEMRR has not seen times like that since MotoAmerica Junior Cup top riders Eli Block and Ben Gloddy were racing at NHMS.  The future is bright for this 18-year-old young lady!  Also starring in the small division was Adam Muscaro, another up-and-coming teen who ran a personal best 1:17.3 and won the Rising Sun Cycles Moto 3 class.

The top performer of the weekend in the lightweight classes was Brett Guyer and his Aprilia RS 660.  The veteran Seacoast Sport Cycle rider won four races over the course of the weekend, highlighted by his season-best 1:14.0 lap time during the Lightweight GP, which is fittingly also sponsored by Seacoast Sport Cycle.  The only riders to best Guyer over the weekend were young gun Eli Block on his Manchester Honda KTM 450 in the Robert Pease GTL class, and fellow veteran Tim Hogan on his Superbike Services Ducati 749 in the red-flag-shortened Thunderbike class.

The featured middleweight races were again dominated by the ever fast and smooth Scott Greenwood, who tallied an impressive eight victories.  The veteran Argo Cycles Yamaha rider is known for his relaxed riding style, where he has the appearance of going on a Sunday ride while running away from the field.  During the feature Michelin-Motorace Middleweight GP $1500, Greenwood ran a season best 1:12.1 to secure his victory.  In the feature race, Eli Block grabbed the holeshot and Greenwood got caught up on the inside, leaving Turn One in third place.  He passed the resurgent Paul Duval on lap one and visibly set off to chase down the leader.  Greenwood made his move on the brakes into the banked Turn Six and ran off a string of mid to low 1:12 lap times.  Block held on strong through the halfway point but was unable to match the pace of the veteran as the laps wore on.  Greenwood congratulated his young rival during his victory speech and noted that he’ll very likely be pushed by the rising star in the years to come.

The unlimited displacement races featured the Penguin Racing/Woodcraft Kawasaki ZX-10R of Eric Wood, who won four races over the course of the weekend.  Wood logged a season -best 1:11.0 during the Superbike Services 44 Unlimited Grand Prix race.  This time marked the fastest lap logged at NEMRR since it took over management of the series from New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2020.

 

Nik Paganis (492). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.
Nik Paganis (492). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.

In the Novice ranks, first-year rider Nik Paganis won three classes and ran his personal best 1:22.0 in the Formula Two class class on Saturday.  His only runner-up finish of the weekend was in the Formula One event, where he lost a dogfight with Johnathan McCluskey.  Both riders may have earned their “bump” into the Amateur class for the final event of the season.  The ever popular (and growing) Super Street races were dominated by Josh Stewart on his Aprilia RSV1000.  Josh won both Super Street Unlimited races and looks poised to launch an assault on NEMRR Rookie of the Year honors in 2023!

 

Josh Stewart (932). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.
Josh Stewart (932). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.

NEMRR will run the final round of the 2022 series at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on October 1-2.  For information please go to www.nemrr.com.

KTM Introduces Upgraded 890 Adventure R

DO YOU DARE? THE 2023 KTM 890 ADVENTURE R BREAKS NEW GROUND
 

MURRIETA, Calif. – For all those who dare to adventure, KTM North America, Inc. introduces the new KTM 890 ADVENTURE R, here to break travel barriers on or off the beaten track. Featuring a host of technical upgrades, this reworked machine enters a new era of rally-inspired aesthetics and performance.

Harnessing attributes of KTM’s pure READY TO RACE legacy, the hyper-focused development goals of the new KTM 890 ADVENTURE R are clear: further offroad excellence, dependability and suitability for whatever lies on the road ahead. Launched in the diverse landscape of western Idaho at the 2022 KTM Adventure Rider Rally, the next-level capability and mettle of the reshaped KTM 890 ADVENTURE R was witnessed in the heart of the Idaho mountains by adventurers from all over the world.

Taking cues from the KTM 450 RALLY setup, the WP suspension package on the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R, with fully-adjustable WP XPLOR forks and a WP XPLOR PDS rear shock, was retuned to provide improved feeling and damping to ensure riders reach the end of each stage with reduce fatigue. Further influence from the Factory Rally bike is evident in the redesigned bodywork with a new fairing, fuel tank and cowling, improving aerodynamics and ergonomics, respectively enhancing protection from the elements and the bike’s already amazing agility. The fact that the 2023 KTM 890 ADVENTURE R is ready for action is also made clear through the new lower windshield, high front fender and engine protector, for those tricky technical moments.

The new 5” TFT display—equipped with USB-C connecters— features a completely new appearance with colored pictograms and intuitive graphics that allow for easy navigation through the menus. In addition, the latest upgrades include a developed turn-by-turn plus navigation system that allows riders to select their preferred destination from the bike’s menu. A new phone call-out function also allows a favorites call option, with a maximum of 10 numbers, or the option to call one of the 10 last numbers called.

To take the software and hardware potential of the electronics suite to new levels, KTM has also included the next generation of ABS control unit that takes readings from the 6D sensor — which continually informs the CMU on the angle, pitch, speed and general behavior of the motorcycle — to apply the correct amount of braking force for any given situation. Riders opting to try the bike’s potential off the beaten track can count on OFFROAD ABS as an integrated element of OFFROAD MODE, or the optional RALLY MODE, without the need to select the OFFROAD ABS separately.

When the trail widens and the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R wants to clock the miles, the 2023 edition provides comfort through the single-piece seat with new colors, which still emphasizes mobility and grip. Adventurers can also be seen with new LED style indicators that complement the revitalized graphic set for 2023.

KTM has taken advantage of the growing electronic capacity of the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R to install a new DEMO MODE, seen for the first time on this 2023 model. The new KTM 890 ADVENTURE R will allow riders to take advantage of all the specs and options for the first 1,500 kilometers, before the rider decides which pack or features to acquire. Thanks to the DEMO MODE setting, adventurers can feel and experience the areas of the bike they prefer or rely on while in the thick of throttle-wringing action.

2023 KTM 890 ADVENTURE R – HIGHLIGHTS

Reworked bodywork and fairing inspired by the KTM 450 RALLY

New windshield offering improved airflow

Reworked suspension settings for reduced long-distance fatigue

Upgraded 5” TFT display with USB connection

Improved ABS components with new modulator (9.3 MP)

OFFROAD ABS linked with OFFROAD MODE and (optional) RALLY MODE

Updated turn-by-turn plus navigation system

Introducing the DEMO MODE functionality

Handlebar switch with hazard warning

New LED indicators

New engine protector

The 2023 KTM 890 ADVENTURE R pushes extremes a little further while inviting riders from across the world to #Dare2ADV.

This new model will be available at authorized KTM dealers from December onward. For further information, go to KTM.com.

Japanese Superbike: Nakasuga Clinches Championship At Okayama

Yamaha factory rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga clinched the 2022 MFJ Japanese Superbike (JSB1000) Championship with a convincing victory September 18 at Okayama International Circuit. It is Nakasuga’s 11th Japanese Superbike Championship. Nakasuga, age 41, has won every race so far this season.

JSB1000 Result

MotoAmerica Benefit For Roadracing World Action Fund Raises Nearly $75,000 For Soft Barriers

2022 Rainey’s Ride To The Races A Success

The Second Annual Ride To WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Raises Nearly $75,000 For Roadracing World Action Fund

IRVINE, CA (September 19, 2022) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that the second annual Rainey’s Ride To The Races at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca was again a rousing success as it raised nearly $75,000 for the Roadracing World Action Fund.

The 100-mile ride through the scenic backroads of Monterey County sold out for the second year in a row with 35 riders enjoying a grand finish, including two laps of Laguna Seca and a behind-the-scenes question-and-answer session with Hall of Famers Kenny Roberts, Wayne Rainey, Eddie Lawson, and Bubba Shobert. Nearly $75,000 was raised during the Ride to benefit the Roadracing World Action Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that promotes motorcycle racing safety through the installation of soft barriers at racing events.

“I really appreciate all the riders who made the second annual Rainey’s Ride To The Races a big success,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “The money raised goes to a really good cause as the soft barriers offer racers the best protection from off-track incidents. My thanks also go out to Kenny, Eddie, and Bubba for coming out for the ride and joining in the fun of an incredibly successful Moto America weekend at Laguna Seca.”

 

The MotoAmerica Superbike field races past several sections of inflatable Alpina soft barriers provided by the Roadracing World Action Fund. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The MotoAmerica Superbike field races past several sections of inflatable Alpina soft barriers provided by the Roadracing World Action Fund. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

“Soft barriers made by Airfence and Alpina can save lives and reduce serious injuries by absorbing impact energy when riders crash and slide or fly into hard objects surrounding racetracks,” said John Ulrich, Founder & President, Roadracing World Action Fund, Inc. “MotoAmerica has been great and is fully committed to deploying soft barriers to help protect riders, and to helping the Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF) raise money to buy and deploy more soft barrier sections. The latest Rainey’s Ride To The Races event demonstrates MotoAmerica’s commitment to rider safety, and RWAF is proud to work with Wayne Rainey, his MotoAmerica partners, and everyone who supports the series and comes to the races.”

About The Roadracing World Action Fund

The Roadracing World Action Fund, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to motorcycle racing safety education. Its mission is to help save lives and prevent injuries on the racetrack by encouraging and facilitating soft barrier deployment at racetracks across the U.S.

R.I.P. Kevin Elliott Jr., Son Of ASRA/CCS President Kevin Elliott

Kevin Elliott, Jr., circa 2012. R.I.P. Photo courtesy Kevin Elliott, Sr.
Kevin Elliott, Jr., circa 2012. R.I.P. Photo courtesy Kevin Elliott, Sr.

Kevin Elliott, Jr., the son of ASRA/CCS President Kevin Elliott, died September 4 in Mesa, Arizona. The cause of death was not known at post time. He was 36.

Kevin Elliott, Sr. just learned of his son’s death on September 19. Elliott told Roadracingworld.com that the Maricopa County (Arizona) Sheriff’s Department failed to locate him for 14 days to notify him of his son’s death but a foundation that works with the homeless contacted him within 24 hours of being handed the task.

“He chose to live homeless,” Elliott said. “He had just spent two weeks in a hospital due to dehydration. Then he signed a release-against-medical-advice document, walked out of the hospital, and he was found dead a few days later.

“He was young and talented [musician and singer] and loved going to the races. He used to work for us back in the Formula USA days.

“He left an impression on everyone who met him, but he was fighting his demons. His demons won.”

Kevin Elliott, Jr. is survived by father Kevin Elliott, mother Janette Hoffer, stepfather Cliff Hoffer, paternal grandfather Carl Elliott, sister Jennifer Sims, brothers Nick Campbell and Billy Elliott, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service has been planned for October 21 in Mesa, Arizona.

MotoAmerica: New Partnership Produces AI-Powered Video Highlights

MotoAmerica Stock 1000 point leader Corey Alexander (23). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Corey Alexander (23). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

WSC Sports Brings High-Tech Video Capabilities To MotoAmerica

Fast Video Highlights To Fans, Racers And Teams Equals A Better Content Experience For Everyone

IRVINE, CA (September 20, 2022) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is thrilled to announce its partnership with sports video technology company WSC Sports to bring AI-powered video highlights to its fans while also providing its racers and teams with the technology to share MotoAmerica highlights with their fans and sponsors as well.

WSC Sports is the global leader in AI sports video technology, which allows highlights and content to be automatically pushed to MotoAmerica’s digital and social media properties while also giving riders and teams the option of doing the same on their own platforms. The system also allows MotoAmerica to readily share content with its broadcast and sponsorship partners. MotoAmerica began using the WSC Sports technology earlier this season and has already seen the benefits.

“Since we started using WSC Sports’ technology to provide highlights and content, we’ve already seen big audience gains on our platforms as well as our riders,’ ” said MotoAmerica Director of Content and Production Doug Hamann. “We’ve gained 200,000-plus subscribers on YouTube thus far in 2022 and we will surpass 100 million views in 2022, compared to 23.4 million views in 2021. A lot of those gains have come from our use of WSC Sports’ highlights platform. In addition to MotoAmerica being able to get the highlights to our fans quickly, it also allows our riders and teams to do the same with their fan bases. The system works well and is easy to use. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

The WSC Sports platform is efficient in that through AI, it automatically finds, indexes, and tags each defined moment into highlights that can be shared automatically and at scale. MotoAmerica, its riders and teams can then easily use the highlights on social platforms as well as sharing with their current and prospective sponsors.

“MotoAmerica is WSC Sports’ first road race motorcycle client and gives us a great opportunity to continue to showcase our tech in the motorsport industry,” said Amir Gelman, head of business development, Americas at WSC Sports. “MotoAmerica’s innovation in distribution and smart strategy of owning all its rights enables the unique use case of real-time content availability for riders and partners – a strategy more rights holders should consider.”

Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing’s Corey Alexander is proof that the WSC Sports platform works well as a recent highlight of him in action at a MotoAmerica race garnered 64,000 views on his Instagram account.

“I’m not only just a rider but also a team owner, so attracting partners for our team to continue operating is crucial,” said Alexander, who recently won the MotoAmerica Yuasa Stock 1000 Championship. “I’ve leaned heavily on social media to help broaden our appeal to both inside and outside industry brands. With that being said, content creation without a large team isn’t an easy task. MotoAmerica’s partnership with WSC Sports helps tremendously with that because it allows them to provide us with highlight-type reels from each event. In turn, it has proven to be a way in which we can tap into large viewership numbers that are available through the reach of video social content.”

WSC Sports also has partnerships with the NBA, NASCAR, MLS, ESPN, IndyCar and more.

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes 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 on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

KTM To Distribute, Promote, Service MV Agusta In North America

A 2022-model MV Agusta F3 RR at speed. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
A 2022-model MV Agusta F3 RR at speed. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.

MV Agusta and KTM AG collaborate on distribution of MV Agusta motorcycles in North America

Varese, 20 September 2022 – MV Agusta and KTM AG, a subsidiary of PIERER Mobility AG, have signed a commercial agreement for the distribution of the iconic Schiranna motorcycles in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

The deal, extending over several years, focuses on the distribution, the promotion and customer service of the MV Agusta range of motorcycles by KTM AG’s North American subsidiary. On one hand, the strength of the brand and the exclusivity of its motorcycles, a symbol of Italy’s design and engineering excellence, and on the other hand KTM AG’s extensive and solid commercial organization, will support the growth of MV Agusta in the North American region.

The agreement is part of MV Agusta’s strategic plan, which envisions a significant growth in the coming years. KTM AG group will create a dedicated US-based legal entity, which will be in charge of all MV Agusta operations in North America. Going forward, MV Agusta motorcycles will be distributed through both, select KTM AG dealers as well as existing and new MV Agusta stores.

Timur Sardarov, CEO at MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. commented: “I am thrilled by this agreement between two historic European motorcycle manufacturers. I am confident that KTM’s extensive and professional sales organization paired with the strong appeal of our brand in the region will bring great benefits to both companies. Thanks to our cooperation we will create synergies that will enable us to accelerate our growth strategy in North America.”

Hubert Trunkenpolz, Member of the Executive Board at KTM AG, said: “We are extremely excited to start a new partnership with such a historic motorcycle brand. Our brands are going from strength to strength everywhere in the world, particularly in North America where we will exceed 100,000-unit sales in 2022 with the KTM, Husqvarna and GASGAS motorcycle brands. Taking on the distribution of the MV Agusta brand will complement our extensive premium motorcycle range.  With the addition of the most iconic Italian luxury motorcycle brand to our KTM North America operations, we are able to ensure support to all North American motorcycle enthusiasts as well as bringing exciting new business opportunities to existing and new dealers.”

Australian Superbike: Hook, Schrotter, Voight Teaming With Miller At Finale

Jack Miller (43) at The Bend Motorsport Park in 2021. Photo courtesy ASBK.
Jack Miller (43) at The Bend Motorsport Park in 2021. Photo courtesy ASBK.

Jack Miller Bringing Friends to The Bend Grand Finale

It was always unlikely that Jack Miller would be the sole rider in the Thriller Motorsport garage, and today the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) is excited to announce some additional riders set to descend upon The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia as part of the 2022 finale from 25-27 November.

The riders:

 

Josh Hook. Photo courtesy ASBK.
FIM Endurance World Champion Josh Hook. Photo courtesy ASBK.

 

Josh Hook: the newly crowned 2022 Endurance World Champion was at The Bend in 2021 and will be back again, this time alongside good friend Jack Miller. “Hooky” will race in the Alpinestars Superbike category.

 

Marcel Schrotter (23). Photo courtesy ASBK.
Marcel Schrotter (23). Photo courtesy ASBK.

 

Marcel Schrötter: The Twenty-nine-year-old German motorcycle racer is currently with Liqui Moly Intact GP competing in Moto2 where he is a regular top ten finisher. Marcel will also compete in the Alpinestars Superbike class at The Bend finale.

 

Harrison Voight (29). Photo courtesy ASBK.
Harrison Voight (29). Photo courtesy ASBK.

 

Harrison Voight: The sixteen-year-old Queenslander recently raced in Moto3 at the San Marino GP event, finishing 23rd. His regular race category is the Red Bull Rookies Cup where he is a top ten contender. Harry will compete in the Michelin Supersport 600 class at The Bend Finale.

For Peter Doyle, CEO of Motorcycling Australia, the growing numbers in the Thriller Motorsport team is a boost to the event and the finale: “Last year Jack came back to- as he put it; have some fun with his mates, and the three riders announced today shows he’s really continuing that commitment to the event and to having fun!

“It will be great to welcome back Josh (Hook) and Harrison (Voight) to the ASBK paddock and for Marcel (Schrötter) I am sure it will be an interesting debut in both the Championship and a first time at the world-class Bend circuit”

“I want to commend Jack for his efforts to bring these quality riders to our event and for fans of Australian motorsport, there’s no better reason to come along or tune in to see what will be an epic finale to season 2022!”

Tickets to the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) finale at The Bend are on sale now via Outix.com.au, thebend.com.au or asbk.com.au

For more information, news and updates on the ASBK Championship, see asbk.com.au

WorldSBK: Rinaldi Signs Extension With Aruba.it Racing Ducati

Michael Rinaldi (21). Photo courtesy Ducati.
Michael Rinaldi (21). Photo courtesy Ducati.

The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team with Michael Rinaldi aboard the factory Ducati Panigale V4 R also in the 2023 WorldSBK season

The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team is pleased to announce the contract extension of Michael Rinaldi who will ride the official Ducati Panigale V4 R also in the 2023 WorldSBK season

The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team thus completes its line-up that will see the Italian rider alongside Alvaro Bautista in the upcoming World Superbike Championship.

Michael Ruben Rinaldi was born in Rimini on 21st December 1995 and started racing with the minimoto when he was 7 years old, winning the Italian championship in 2006. After winning the Italian Sport Production Championship in 2011, in 2014 he faced his first international experience in the European Superstock 600 championship, which closed as runner-up in 2015. In 2016 Rinaldi rode the Ducati Panigale R of the Aruba.it Racing – Junior team in the SuperStock 1000 FIM championship, finishing sixth and then conquering the European Champion title at the end of the following season. With the Aruba.it Racing – Junior team, Michael Ruben Rinaldi also made his WorldSBK debut in the 2018 season, racing only in European rounds and then competing in all events of the 2019 Championship with the Barni Racing Team. In 2020 Rinaldi achieved his first WorldSBK success with the Panigale V4R of the Go Eleven team in Race 1 at Aragon, a weekend that also saw him on the podium in the Superpole Race (P3) and in Race 2 (P2).

The 2021 season saw the Italian rider as the absolute protagonist of Misano round, with two victories ( Race 1 and SPR) and a second place (Race 2). Rinaldi then took his third win in Race 2 in Barcelona, ending the 2021 season in fifth place in the Superbike World Championship standings.

In this season Rinaldi has finished twice on the podium in Misano, and once in the last race held in Magny-Cours: this second place during the French Round got him to the fourth place of the WorldSBK current standings.

Stefano Cecconi (Team Principal – Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)

“Michael has the potential to be one of the fastest riders in the World Superbike Championship and he has been able to prove it on several occasions. Our long journey together will be extended at least until the end of 2023, thus giving continuity and preserving the current team set-up that is also allowing us to be first in the manufacturer and team championships. We believe 2023 will be for  Michael the year of definitive consecration; at the same time, we are confident that during this second part of the season we’ll reap the benefits of the work done so far, in terms of satisfaction and consistency of results”.

Paolo Ciabatti (Ducati Corse Sporting Director)

“Michael Rinaldi is a young rider who grew up in Superbike with Ducati and has proven time and time again that he is very fast and knows how to make the most of the potential of the Panigale V4 R machine. That’s why we are also happy to count on him for the next Championship. With an extra year of experience with the official Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, we are convinced that he will be able to aspire to even more important results in 2023”

Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)

“I am very happy to race again next year for Aruba.it Racing – Ducati because I firmly believe in this project. I am very confident that in 2023 we can reap everything we have sown together with the team. I will be the first to work even harder, both in training and on track, to get better results and have the consistency that has been lacking so far. I want to thank Stefano Cecconi, Claudio Domenicali, Luigi Dall’Igna, Paolo Ciabatti, Serafino Foti, and all the people who trusted in me. I can’t wait to be in Barcelona to get a good result and repay this confidence. And I am sure that 2023 will be a great year for us.”

2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+: 2,400 Street Miles + 25 Track Laps = Five Crazy Days!

Racer Jeremy Toye and the GSX-S1000GT+ on track at Buttonwillow Raceway Park. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Racer Jeremy Toye and the GSX-S1000GT+ on track at Buttonwillow Raceway Park. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Featured In the September 2022 issue of Roadracing World:

 

2022 GSX-S1000GT+: Suzuki’s Long-Haul Sport-Tourer (Excerpt)

By Michael Gougis

         “I should have been terrified, but being young and dumb blinds you to things. Case in point: Getting caught in a freezing rainstorm on the Grapevine, a mountain pass connecting Central and Southern California, coming back from one of my first long motorcycle rides. Soaked to the bone, riding a decrepit Honda CB550 with bald tires and a chain and sprocket well past their recycle-bin due date, I was riding on the shoulder, watching semi-trailer rigs splash and slide their way past on my left. There were plenty of ways to die in that moment, and I look back and just shake my head. 

        “I was thinking about that ride on my way to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Suzuki’s sport-touring 2022 GSX-S1000GT+. Getting caught in a downpour in downtown Portland during morning rush hour brought back those memories—the rain dumped down so hard that visibility was nearly nonexistent. I focused on the less-soaked tire tracks left behind by cars, aiming precisely at the center of the left tire’s narrow footprint and focusing on the taillights of the car ahead.

        “The reason I thought about that earlier ride was the difference between then and what I was experiencing at that moment in Portland…”

Editor at Large Michael Gougis rode the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ 1,200 miles each way from Los Angeles County to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and back, with a stop at Buttonwillow Raceway Park for an on-track riding impression from racer Jeremy Toye, in five crazy days. Read all about the journey in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

 

PREVIEW  the September 2022 Issue of Roadracing World!

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NEMRR: Franco, Greenwood, Guyer, Paganis, Wood Take Multiple Wins

Eli Block (9) leads Scott Greenwood (1) in the Michelin-Motorace Middleweight GP at NHMS. Greenwood won the race, and Block was the runner-up. Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.
Eli Block (9) leads Scott Greenwood (4) in the Michelin-Motorace Middleweight GP at NHMS. Greenwood won the race. Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.

NEMRR Round 6 – September 17-18, New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

September in New Hampshire is known for having some of the best “go fast” conditions of the season, and mother nature did not disappoint for NEMRR’s round 6.  Saturday featured clear sunny skies and temperatures hovering around 70 degrees, making for a near-perfect combination of bikes that make great power and asphalt that has excellent grip.  The result was dozens of riders logging personal-best lap times and some excellent racing to boot!

The top racers in each category nearly all set season-best times.  Renee Franco won three feature races on her Kawasaki Ninja 400, setting personal record 1:16.3 in the SportbikeTrackGear.com 500 Supersport class.  NEMRR has not seen times like that since MotoAmerica Junior Cup top riders Eli Block and Ben Gloddy were racing at NHMS.  The future is bright for this 18-year-old young lady!  Also starring in the small division was Adam Muscaro, another up-and-coming teen who ran a personal best 1:17.3 and won the Rising Sun Cycles Moto 3 class.

The top performer of the weekend in the lightweight classes was Brett Guyer and his Aprilia RS 660.  The veteran Seacoast Sport Cycle rider won four races over the course of the weekend, highlighted by his season-best 1:14.0 lap time during the Lightweight GP, which is fittingly also sponsored by Seacoast Sport Cycle.  The only riders to best Guyer over the weekend were young gun Eli Block on his Manchester Honda KTM 450 in the Robert Pease GTL class, and fellow veteran Tim Hogan on his Superbike Services Ducati 749 in the red-flag-shortened Thunderbike class.

The featured middleweight races were again dominated by the ever fast and smooth Scott Greenwood, who tallied an impressive eight victories.  The veteran Argo Cycles Yamaha rider is known for his relaxed riding style, where he has the appearance of going on a Sunday ride while running away from the field.  During the feature Michelin-Motorace Middleweight GP $1500, Greenwood ran a season best 1:12.1 to secure his victory.  In the feature race, Eli Block grabbed the holeshot and Greenwood got caught up on the inside, leaving Turn One in third place.  He passed the resurgent Paul Duval on lap one and visibly set off to chase down the leader.  Greenwood made his move on the brakes into the banked Turn Six and ran off a string of mid to low 1:12 lap times.  Block held on strong through the halfway point but was unable to match the pace of the veteran as the laps wore on.  Greenwood congratulated his young rival during his victory speech and noted that he’ll very likely be pushed by the rising star in the years to come.

The unlimited displacement races featured the Penguin Racing/Woodcraft Kawasaki ZX-10R of Eric Wood, who won four races over the course of the weekend.  Wood logged a season -best 1:11.0 during the Superbike Services 44 Unlimited Grand Prix race.  This time marked the fastest lap logged at NEMRR since it took over management of the series from New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2020.

 

Nik Paganis (492). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.
Nik Paganis (492). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.

In the Novice ranks, first-year rider Nik Paganis won three classes and ran his personal best 1:22.0 in the Formula Two class class on Saturday.  His only runner-up finish of the weekend was in the Formula One event, where he lost a dogfight with Johnathan McCluskey.  Both riders may have earned their “bump” into the Amateur class for the final event of the season.  The ever popular (and growing) Super Street races were dominated by Josh Stewart on his Aprilia RSV1000.  Josh won both Super Street Unlimited races and looks poised to launch an assault on NEMRR Rookie of the Year honors in 2023!

 

Josh Stewart (932). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.
Josh Stewart (932). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.

NEMRR will run the final round of the 2022 series at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on October 1-2.  For information please go to www.nemrr.com.

KTM Introduces Upgraded 890 Adventure R

An upgraded 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R in action. Photo courtesy KTM.
An upgraded 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R in action. Photo courtesy KTM.

DO YOU DARE? THE 2023 KTM 890 ADVENTURE R BREAKS NEW GROUND
 

MURRIETA, Calif. – For all those who dare to adventure, KTM North America, Inc. introduces the new KTM 890 ADVENTURE R, here to break travel barriers on or off the beaten track. Featuring a host of technical upgrades, this reworked machine enters a new era of rally-inspired aesthetics and performance.

Harnessing attributes of KTM’s pure READY TO RACE legacy, the hyper-focused development goals of the new KTM 890 ADVENTURE R are clear: further offroad excellence, dependability and suitability for whatever lies on the road ahead. Launched in the diverse landscape of western Idaho at the 2022 KTM Adventure Rider Rally, the next-level capability and mettle of the reshaped KTM 890 ADVENTURE R was witnessed in the heart of the Idaho mountains by adventurers from all over the world.

Taking cues from the KTM 450 RALLY setup, the WP suspension package on the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R, with fully-adjustable WP XPLOR forks and a WP XPLOR PDS rear shock, was retuned to provide improved feeling and damping to ensure riders reach the end of each stage with reduce fatigue. Further influence from the Factory Rally bike is evident in the redesigned bodywork with a new fairing, fuel tank and cowling, improving aerodynamics and ergonomics, respectively enhancing protection from the elements and the bike’s already amazing agility. The fact that the 2023 KTM 890 ADVENTURE R is ready for action is also made clear through the new lower windshield, high front fender and engine protector, for those tricky technical moments.

The new 5” TFT display—equipped with USB-C connecters— features a completely new appearance with colored pictograms and intuitive graphics that allow for easy navigation through the menus. In addition, the latest upgrades include a developed turn-by-turn plus navigation system that allows riders to select their preferred destination from the bike’s menu. A new phone call-out function also allows a favorites call option, with a maximum of 10 numbers, or the option to call one of the 10 last numbers called.

To take the software and hardware potential of the electronics suite to new levels, KTM has also included the next generation of ABS control unit that takes readings from the 6D sensor — which continually informs the CMU on the angle, pitch, speed and general behavior of the motorcycle — to apply the correct amount of braking force for any given situation. Riders opting to try the bike’s potential off the beaten track can count on OFFROAD ABS as an integrated element of OFFROAD MODE, or the optional RALLY MODE, without the need to select the OFFROAD ABS separately.

When the trail widens and the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R wants to clock the miles, the 2023 edition provides comfort through the single-piece seat with new colors, which still emphasizes mobility and grip. Adventurers can also be seen with new LED style indicators that complement the revitalized graphic set for 2023.

KTM has taken advantage of the growing electronic capacity of the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R to install a new DEMO MODE, seen for the first time on this 2023 model. The new KTM 890 ADVENTURE R will allow riders to take advantage of all the specs and options for the first 1,500 kilometers, before the rider decides which pack or features to acquire. Thanks to the DEMO MODE setting, adventurers can feel and experience the areas of the bike they prefer or rely on while in the thick of throttle-wringing action.

2023 KTM 890 ADVENTURE R – HIGHLIGHTS

Reworked bodywork and fairing inspired by the KTM 450 RALLY

New windshield offering improved airflow

Reworked suspension settings for reduced long-distance fatigue

Upgraded 5” TFT display with USB connection

Improved ABS components with new modulator (9.3 MP)

OFFROAD ABS linked with OFFROAD MODE and (optional) RALLY MODE

Updated turn-by-turn plus navigation system

Introducing the DEMO MODE functionality

Handlebar switch with hazard warning

New LED indicators

New engine protector

The 2023 KTM 890 ADVENTURE R pushes extremes a little further while inviting riders from across the world to #Dare2ADV.

This new model will be available at authorized KTM dealers from December onward. For further information, go to KTM.com.

Japanese Superbike: Nakasuga Clinches Championship At Okayama

Katsuyuki Nakasuga in action at Okayama International Circuit. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Katsuyuki Nakasuga in action at Okayama International Circuit. Photo by Kohei Hirota.

Yamaha factory rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga clinched the 2022 MFJ Japanese Superbike (JSB1000) Championship with a convincing victory September 18 at Okayama International Circuit. It is Nakasuga’s 11th Japanese Superbike Championship. Nakasuga, age 41, has won every race so far this season.

JSB1000 Result

MotoAmerica Benefit For Roadracing World Action Fund Raises Nearly $75,000 For Soft Barriers

MotoAmerica racer Avery Dreher (99) impacts inflatable Alpina soft barriers provided by the Roadracing World Action Fund. Photo by Brain J. Nelson.
MotoAmerica racer Avery Dreher (99) slides into inflatable Alpina soft barriers provided by the Roadracing World Action Fund. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

2022 Rainey’s Ride To The Races A Success

The Second Annual Ride To WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Raises Nearly $75,000 For Roadracing World Action Fund

IRVINE, CA (September 19, 2022) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that the second annual Rainey’s Ride To The Races at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca was again a rousing success as it raised nearly $75,000 for the Roadracing World Action Fund.

The 100-mile ride through the scenic backroads of Monterey County sold out for the second year in a row with 35 riders enjoying a grand finish, including two laps of Laguna Seca and a behind-the-scenes question-and-answer session with Hall of Famers Kenny Roberts, Wayne Rainey, Eddie Lawson, and Bubba Shobert. Nearly $75,000 was raised during the Ride to benefit the Roadracing World Action Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that promotes motorcycle racing safety through the installation of soft barriers at racing events.

“I really appreciate all the riders who made the second annual Rainey’s Ride To The Races a big success,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “The money raised goes to a really good cause as the soft barriers offer racers the best protection from off-track incidents. My thanks also go out to Kenny, Eddie, and Bubba for coming out for the ride and joining in the fun of an incredibly successful Moto America weekend at Laguna Seca.”

 

The MotoAmerica Superbike field races past several sections of inflatable Alpina soft barriers provided by the Roadracing World Action Fund. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The MotoAmerica Superbike field races past several sections of inflatable Alpina soft barriers provided by the Roadracing World Action Fund. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

“Soft barriers made by Airfence and Alpina can save lives and reduce serious injuries by absorbing impact energy when riders crash and slide or fly into hard objects surrounding racetracks,” said John Ulrich, Founder & President, Roadracing World Action Fund, Inc. “MotoAmerica has been great and is fully committed to deploying soft barriers to help protect riders, and to helping the Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF) raise money to buy and deploy more soft barrier sections. The latest Rainey’s Ride To The Races event demonstrates MotoAmerica’s commitment to rider safety, and RWAF is proud to work with Wayne Rainey, his MotoAmerica partners, and everyone who supports the series and comes to the races.”

About The Roadracing World Action Fund

The Roadracing World Action Fund, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to motorcycle racing safety education. Its mission is to help save lives and prevent injuries on the racetrack by encouraging and facilitating soft barrier deployment at racetracks across the U.S.

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