American Flat Track: Daniels Takes Championship Lead To The Sacramento Mile

David Swarts

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May 10, 2023

American Flat Track: Daniels Takes Championship Lead To The Sacramento Mile

Progressive AFT Speeds into the Mission Foods Legendary Sacramento Mile powered by Law Tigers

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 10, 2023) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, shifts gears as it heads into the first of its majestic Miles with one of the sport’s iconic races, the Mission Foods Legendary Sacramento Mile powered by Law Tigers at Cal Expo in Sacramento, California, this Saturday, May 13.

This year’s edition is the 57th in the history of a race that has helped build the reputations of some of dirt track’s biggest-ever names, going all the way back to the very first Sacramento Mile won by four-time Grand National Champion Carroll Resweber in 1959.

Following four Short Tracks in the season’s opening six races, the season now transitions into a high-speed run of three consecutive Miles. Upon the 2023 schedule’s unveiling, the upcoming section of the campaign was immediately identified as key to the title defense of reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750).

Mees has developed into an absolute master of the strategic Mile discipline, racking up a bevy of race victories that helped pave the way for his acquisition of four additional championships since joining forces with Indian Motorcycle in 2017. The Sacramento Mile certainly played a role in that success, as Mees scored four consecutive victories in the race from 2018-2021.

Now facing an early 24-point deficit, another Cal Expo triumph this weekend would be most timely. However, to do so he’ll have to overcome the rider he’s currently chasing in the standings, Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), who just so happened to win last year’s Sacramento Mile as a rookie.

Daniels is that much stronger in 2023 with a year of experience under his belt, building up his early advantage on the strength of three wins and three runner-ups.

Third-ranked JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) figures to be a factor as well. Beach demonstrated extraordinary speed on the Miles at times a year ago even if he was unable to parlay that pace into wins, largely due to poor luck. He’s driven to get that career-first Mile win, as it’s one of just two missing components in his ultimate ambition of collecting an “old school” Grand Slam of wins (ST, TT, HM, Mile, and Superbike).

Observers will also be keenly interested in the performance of Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 890 Duke). As expected, Bauman has been up-and-down as he adapts to, and develops, his new racebike. It’ll be fascinating to see how the machine performs when given a chance to run full-song around a big Mile racetrack.

The same is true of the factory Royal Enfields piloted by Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) and Ryan Wells (No. 94 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650). In its earliest, pre-premier class days, the bike avoided the Miles as the factory worked overtime to make up for an inherent horsepower disadvantage. However, the platform has come a long, long way from where it started. This will be the perfect opportunity to see exactly how it measures up against the best of the best on a Mile.

Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) headlines an accomplished group of highly competitive independent riders. The Pennsylvanian has had a tough opening third of the season, as he’s gotten beaten up by more than his share of falls already in 2023. The most recent came in the Ventura ST Main Event just days ago. And with precious little time to recover, the hope is that he’ll be ready to give it his all in Sacramento.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

While the factory Red Bull KTMs and Turner Hondas have largely monopolized the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER headlines early this season, a different pairing is poised to steal back some attention this weekend.

Estenson Racing Yamaha’s Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) comes into the race with an active three-race win streak at the Sacramento Mile – a streak that transcends teams and manufacturers.

Meanwhile, no rider in the class has been as historically great at the high-profile event as the category’s all-time winningest rider, Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 450 SX-F), who boasts a grand tally of four Sacramento Mile wins (2012, 2013, 2017, and 2019).

Brunner has had his moments this season, and he’s been running consistently inside the top five. However, he’s still looking to recapture last season’s second-half form in which he racked up six podiums in seven races at one point, including a win in Sacramento.

Texter-Bauman, meanwhile, has flashed her trademark speed as she transitions back to the class. That said, she could definitely use a superior performance this weekend as a springboard for the rest of the year.

The usual suspects of title fighters – led by defending champ and points leader Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) and followed closely by Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) – will have their say of course.

This weekend also serves as something of a second chance for 1st Impressions Husqvarna’s Golden State duo of James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) and Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) to impress in front of their home state fans after struggling through something of a down outing at Ventura Raceway.

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

There are a wide variety of ticketing options to select from, starting with Adult General Admission Tickets, which are just $25 if purchased in advance.

Visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/7818909 to purchase your tickets today!

Gates will open for fans at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 9:45 p.m. ET (6:45 p.m. PT).

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

FOX Sports coverage of the Legendary Sacramento Mile, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, May 27, at 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT).

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

About Progressive American Flat Track

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

Video: MotoAmerica Racer Rocco Landers Interviewed On New Podcast

David Swarts

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May 10, 2023

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Video: MotoAmerica Racer Rocco Landers Interviewed On New Podcast

MotoAmerica racer Rocco Landers is interviewed on the latest edition of the Tales From A Gemini podcast.

MotoGP: Quartararo & Zarco Lead Parade To Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 10, 2023

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MotoGP: Quartararo & Zarco Lead Parade To Le Mans

Editorial Note: Watch video from the ride here.

Vive la vitesse ! Quartararo & Zarco lead fabulous fan parade in Le Mans

From city to circuit, the home heroes head up a parade of 1000s of fans ahead of #GP1000

Wednesday, 10 May 2023

MotoGP™ celebrates the 1000th Grand Prix in history this weekend and the occasion got off to a fitting start in France as 1000s of fans joined their home heroes for a ride in. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) led the incredible convoy home, with the route starting in the centre of Le Mans and heading to the circuit – finishing up with a lap of the famous venue.

The parade began at Place du Jet d’Eau, with the riders getting suited and booted before taking to the fanzone stage for a quick Q&A to welcome the crowd. Then it was showtime as Quartararo and Zarco headed over to their bikes and got ready to lead the huge convoy off through the city.

Fabio Quartararo (20) taking a turn leading the parade of motorcycles to the Bugatti Circuit. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Johann Zarco (5) taking a turn leading the parade of motorcycles to the Bugatti Circuit. Photo courtesy Dorna.

With a police escort and fans lining the streets en route, the sound of 1000s of motorcycles made sure everyone knows MotoGP™ is in town this weekend. And with the 1000GP flags flying high, they all know history is about to be made!

On arrival at the circuit, the convoy headed onto the hallowed ground at Raccordement, the final corner complex, and then the fans set off for a very special lap behind their Grand Prix heroes.

The bikes kept streaming past the start-finish line even as the home duo got a fair few corners into the lap, making for quite a photo opportunity once they were all back on the main straight. With Quartararo and Zarco centre stage, flanked by our gendarmerie escort and a whole lotta fans, it’s a snapshot for the scrapbook as MotoGP™ prepares to make even more history this weekend.

Johann Zarco (left) and Fabio Quartararo (right) pose with thousands of fans on the front straightaway of the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Save the date, set your alarms and get ready for the Shark Grand Prix de France: Friday decides entrants to Q2, the Tissot Sprint starts on Saturday at 15:00 (GMT +2) and the Grand Prix race gets in gear at 14:00 on Sunday!

Voting Now Open For AMA Hall Of Fame Class Of 2023

David Swarts

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May 10, 2023

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Voting Now Open For AMA Hall Of Fame Class Of 2023

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Announces 2023 Nominees

Voting to determine the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2023 is now open

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the list of nominees for the Class of 2023, and that voting is now open.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame selection committees have put forward 16 nominees from eight areas of influence: Ambassadors & Industry, Design & Engineering, Dirt Track, Leadership & Rights, Motocross & Supercross, Off-Road, Road Racing and Specialty Competition.

Nominees include:

Competition:

Jim Belland (Dirt Track)

Ryan Dungey (Motocross & Supercross)

Eraldo Ferracci (Road Racing)

Barry Hawk (Off Road)

Grant Langston (Motocross & Supercross)

Brent Thompson (Dirt Track)

Ryan Young (Specialty Competition)

Non-Competition:

Rita Coombs (Ambassadors & Industry)

Robert Coy (Ambassadors & Industry)

Michael Czysz (Design & Engineering)

Travis Pastrana (Ambassadors & Industry)

Rodney Roberts (Leadership & Rights)

Paul Schlegel (Ambassadors & Industry)

Rick Sieman (Leadership & Rights)

Buddy Stubbs (Ambassadors & Industry)

Barry Willey (Design & Engineering)

“The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame nominees for 2023 include a diverse and accomplished group of men and women who’ve demonstrated exceptional achievements in competition, advocacy and promotion of the sport of motorcycling,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “They have contributed significantly to the advancement of motorcycling in various areas, from excelling in dirt track, motocross and road racing competition, to advocating for motorcyclists’ rights, to creating enduring events that have helped grow motorcycling, to creating innovative motorcycle designs. We’re honored to recognize this year’s nominees and eagerly anticipate announcing the Class of 2023 soon.”

Voting for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2023 is now open. Eligible voters include previous Hall of Fame inductees, members of the AMA and AMHF Boards of Directors, and members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Category Selection Committees. AMA Life Members with at least 25 years of consecutive membership are also eligible to vote but should update their contact information to receive the latest updates and announcements pertaining to the voting process.

Voting ends Sunday, June 18 at 11:59 p.m.

Voting results will be announced soon after voting closes, and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Sept. 15, in Pickerington, Ohio.

To vote on this year’s nominees, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/hall-of-fame-class-of-2023.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

MotoGP: Quartararo Says He Has Left The Jerez Drama Behind Him

David Swarts

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May 10, 2023

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MotoGP: Quartararo Says He Has Left The Jerez Drama Behind Him

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Prepped to Perform in French GP

Le Mans (France), 10th May 2023

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP teammates Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli are heading to France for the fifth round of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship, held at the Le Mans Bugatti Circuit this weekend.

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are ready to put up a fight at the Le Mans Bugatti Grand Prix race circuit during this weekend‘s Grand Prix de France, aiming to hear the fans screaming “Allez Les Bleus!”.

This round is especially important for home hero Fabio Quartararo, who finished here just off the podium last year and is keen to make up for it this weekend. The Bugatti track has traditionally been a strong circuit for Yamaha, so El Diablo is fully motivated to offer some stiff competition, like he did when he scored third place on his home soil in 2021. The local hero is currently 11th in the championship standings and determined to climb up in the rankings.

After four rounds, Morbidelli holds 12th in the championship order. Following the overall positive one-day IRTA test in Jerez that was held immediately after the Spanish GP, the number-21 rider‘s goal for this weekend is to confirm some of his findings again. The Le Mans track is a good place to do so: Morbido likes this circuit, as underlined by his 2017 Moto2 race win.

The Bugatti Grand Prix race circuit was built in 1965, just a few kilometres from the city of Le Mans. MotoGP made its first visit to the iconic French track in the late sixties, and it remained a fixture until 1996. After some safety modifications, the 4.2km-long circuit was added back to the calendar in 2000. Its layout of five left and nine right corners places the emphasis on late braking, hard acceleration, and rear-end traction, which makes for some great battles.

Those who want to watch some early Bugatti track action can watch MotoGP eSport rider Lorenzo Daretti navigate a very wet French circuit in this week‘s eLap video.

MASSIMO MEREGALLI

Team Director

We are now in Le Mans. We were able to try some items and settings at the Jerez Test. Ideally, we also want to try them here, but the weather forecasts so far predict we might have multiple wet sessions this weekend. Our pace was good in the wet at the Portuguese and Argentina GP earlier this season, so we will make sure to be ready either way. This is a very important race weekend for Fabio. The French fans wholeheartedly support him, and that will give us all an extra boost to give it our best shot and show our true potential.

FABIO QUARTARARO

I expected better results when I arrived in Jerez, so I‘m now looking forward to a rematch in Le Mans this weekend. We have left all the drama of the last race weekend behind us: I prefer to focus on the work we have to do and the goals that we want to achieve. It‘s my home GP, so I‘m looking forward to seeing and hearing the fans. I want to keep a positive mindset, do my best, and hopefully get some good results.

FRANCO MORBIDELLI

The Jerez Test was interesting for us, so I‘m curious to see if the things we found will also work in Le Mans. A dry weekend would be good for us in order to cross-check the data. But should it rain, that too could be interesting. I felt confident in the wet, especially in Argentina, so I‘m curious to see if in those conditions we can do a good job again. Either way, we want to avoid starting from too far back on the grid, so that‘s what we‘ll work on right from P1 on Friday.

MotoGP: Marc Marquez Will Be Back In Action At Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 10, 2023

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MotoGP: Marc Marquez Will Be Back In Action At Le Mans

Marc Marquez returns to full-strength Repsol Honda Team at historic 1000th GP in France

Marc Marquez makes his much-anticipated return to restore the Repsol Honda Team and re-join Joan Mir, both looking for stable weekends during a milestone event.

After breaking the first metacarpal on his right hand in Portugal, Marc Marquez will return to racing his Repsol Honda Team RC213V in France. Having consulted with three separate medical teams, all involved are satisfied with the healing of the bone and the #93 will be back on track in France. The primary focus of the weekend will be getting back into the flow of a Grand Prix weekend and picking up where Marquez and the Honda RC213V left off. Marquez has stood on the top step of the podium on three occasions in the premier class in Le Mans.

With a busy post-race test completed, Joan Mir arrives in Le Mans eager to find consistency and improvement. Having shown flashes of his potential during testing and the early races, there’s no doubt that Mir and the Honda RC213V have a lot more to give after a handful of trying rounds. Putting together a consistent weekend will be Mir’s primary focus, making the most of all the track time available. As always at Le Mans, the weather has the potential to turn the tides of any weekend but the forecast cooler conditions should suit the #36 better than the scorching conditions in Jerez.

Round five of the 2023 World Championship sees Grand Prix motorcycle racing cross a historic threshold, the French GP schedule to be the 1000th event. Starting in 1949, manufacturers and riders from across the world would begin to compete for the highest honour in two-wheeled racing. 1959 saw Honda take a first step into this world and take a maiden win two years later in 1961. Since then, the history of Honda and Grand Prix racing have been intertwined with Honda taking 817 victories across all Grand Prix classes to date.

The full-strength Repsol Honda Team will be back out on track at 10:45 Local Time for Free Practice 1 on Friday, May 12.

Marc Marquez

“I am really happy to be back with the Repsol Honda Team, about to ride my bike again. First of all I want to thank my medical team for their professionalism and advice over the past few weeks. Of course as a rider you always want to be back as soon as possible, but with an injury like this it was really important to allow it to heal. Now I am here and fully focused on riding, I have no worries about the injury since it’s fully healed. Let’s see what the French GP brings and most importantly, work to our maximum.”

Joan Mir

“Arriving in France, we come with an open mind. We had a busy Monday test where we were able to try some things, especially working on the base setting of the bike. I am hoping that we will be able to take profit of this during the weekend. The French GP always has the extra element of the weather, often it is cold or raining. At the moment it looks a bit colder, but these cooler conditions seem to suit us better this year, so we are aiming to make the most of the situation we have. No matter what, we keep working together.”

WERA: Canadian Kruger Wins Five At Roebling Road Raceway

David Swarts

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May 9, 2023

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WERA: Canadian Kruger Wins Five At Roebling Road Raceway

Editorial Note: Kruger won both Formula One races, both A Superstock races, and one A Superbike race during the double-header WERA Sportsman Series event.

5 Races, 5 Wins! The perfect weekend for the Nature Power Kawasaki Superbike Team at Roebling Raceway-AMA/WERA CHAMPIONSHIP

Canadian Dan Kruger won five races this past weekend, May 6-7, at the WERA Championship round held at Roebling Road Raceway, near Savannah, GA.

We came, we conquered, and we left. A couple of close races but Dan had full control over the weekend and a strong race pace as he also took pole position on both days and led all practice sessions.

“I am really pleased how my crew chief and I worked together to set up the race bike, selected the correct compound tires, and did what was needed to sweep the weekend. We had some sketchy weather in one race and thought about pulling off after the warm-up lap but fortunately decided to stay out and race. Looking back, I am pleased with our performance,” Dan commented.

On Saturday, we had a clutch issue and pulled in after the first lap. We also had an engine let go during the Friday practice, so the weekend was not without its challenges. We now have a lot of work ahead of us as we prepare for the doubleheader at Road Atlanta in a few weeks’ time. There will be a lot of points up for grabs and our team will do what we can to take as many of them as possible as we head into this round leading the AMA/WERA National Superbike Championship.

We also start the N2/WERA Endurance Championship that weekend so there will be lots of racing coming up. The team would like to thank all our sponsors that include Nature Power, Mototron, Pirelli, RK, EBC, HEL, Dainese, KYT, Motul, Ktech, SK Support, Hindle, and Kinetik Check us out at www.facebook.com/dankrugerracingteam to stay up to date on all our race results.

Video: “Agony And Ecstasy” Episode Three, Road Atlanta

David Swarts

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May 9, 2023

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Video: “Agony And Ecstasy” Episode Three, Road Atlanta

Follow The WagBar MP13 Racing Team, Team Owner Melissa Paris, and young riders Aiden Sneed and Kayla Yaakov as they take on the 2023 MotoAmerica motorcycle racing season.

North West 200: Dunlop Quickest In Superbike Qualifying

David Swarts

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May 9, 2023

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North West 200: Dunlop Quickest In Superbike Qualifying

Editorial Note: The American husband-and-wife duo of Cory West and Patricia Fernandez-West are competing with JMoC Roofing Racing at the North West 200. Fernandez-West qualified P41 in Superbike and P38 in Superstock on her Kawasaki ZX-10R and P40 in Supersport on a Yamaha YZF-R6. West, meanwhile, qualified P16 in Supertwins on a Kawasaki ER6 (a.k.a. Ninja 650).

MICHAEL DUNLOP FASTEST IN OPENING SUPERBIKE QUALIFYING SESSION AT 2023 fonaCAB AND NICHOLL OILS NORTH WEST 200

Local favourite Michael Dunlop topped the qualifying times in the Superbike class on his Hawk Racing Honda during the opening practice session for the 2023 fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200 today.

Dunlop, who has switched from BMW to Honda power in the big bike class this season, posted a lap of 122.943mph to finish 1.92 seconds quicker than Alastair Seeley. The 27-times NW200 winner topped the speed trap figures with a phenomenal 207.2mph on his Milwaukee BMW.

Lee Johnston was third fastest on his Ashcourt Racing Honda, 6.229 seconds slower than Dunlop as light rain began to fall during the final minutes of the session. Outright lap record holder around the 8.9-mile circuit, Peter Hickman, was fourth-quickest on the FHO Racing BMW with John McGuinness posting an impressive fifth-quickest lap on the Honda Racing Fireblade.

But it was a disappointing session for Glenn Irwin who struggled with the handling of his Beer Monster/PBM Ducati, finishing 8.14 seconds slower than Dunlop with the 8^th fastest speed.

“Always enjoyable on the north coast but not so much when you can’t go in a straight line,” Irwin, the frustrated winner of the last six NW200 Superbike races, posted on social media. “Roll on Thursday for FP2. The boys will digest the data and we go again.”

Dean Harrison (DAO Racing Kawasaki), Milenco Padgetts Honda teammates, Davey Todd and Conor Cummins plus newcomer Mike Browne (RK Racing/Burrows BMW) completed the top ten in the class on day one. Josh Brookes suffered a difficult opening session though as his FHO Racing BMW ground to a premature halt, preventing the Australian from posting a qualifying speed.

The day’s action had begun in bright sunshine as the newcomers took to the track in the opening qualifying session. Amongst the new recruits was David Datzer, a rostrum finisher in last year’s Macau Grand Prix, but it was Cork’s Mike Browne who topped the time sheets on the RK Racing/Burrows BMW.

Following a short delay to allow oil to be cleaned from the track at Magherabouy, the Supersport session followed with Alastair Seeley dominating proceedings on the Powertoolmate V2 Ducati ahead of BPE/Russell Racing Yamaha teammates, Richard Cooper and Dean Harrison. Michael Dunlop was fourth fastest on his MD Racing Yamaha ahead of Peter Hickman (Trooper Beer Triumph) and Lee Johnston (Ashcourt Racing Yamaha).

Alastair Seeley on his Powertoolmate Ducati Panigale V2. Photo by Pacemaker Press International, courtesy NW200 Press Office. — Alastair Seeley (34) on his Powertoolmate Ducati Panigale V2. Photo by Pacemaker Press International, courtesy NW200 Press Office.

The impressive Mike Browne (RK Racing/Burrows Yamaha) was eighth quickest behind Davey Todd (Milenco Padgetts Honda) with Paul Jordan (Prez Racing Yamaha) and Adam McLean (JMC Roofing Yamaha) completing the top ten. Veteran Jeremy McWilliams was 12^th quickest on the Wilson Craig Honda.

After a machine switch from a Bathams-backed R7 Yamaha to a KMR Kawasaki on the eve of qualifying, Richard Cooper posted a fastest speed in the Supertwins class 3.4 seconds quicker than Jeremy McWilliams (Bayview Paton). Cooper won both Twins races at the seaside event last year on a Farquhar-built Kawasaki ER6 before being disqualified because of a machine infringement.

Paul Jordan was third-fastest on a Prez Racing Kawasaki with Adam McLean (JMC Roofing Kawasaki), Michael Dunlop McAdoo Kawasaki) and Lee Johnston (Ashcourt Racing Aprilia) completing the top six. Last year’s top NW200 newcomer, Gary McCoy failed to qualify as did Maria Costello.

Rain fell as the final Superstock qualifying session began with Alastair Seeley (Synetiq BMW) eventually posting the fastest time, 1.96 seconds ahead of Michael Dunlop on his MD Racing Honda. Peter Hickman was over a second further adrift.

Hickman’s FHO Racing BMW teammate, Josh Brookes was seventh-quickest as John McGuinness outqualified his young Honda Racing teammate, Nathan Harrison, finishing 9^th fastest to the Manxman’s 11^th quickest speed.

Dominic Herbertson, Brian McCormack and Michael Rutter all failed to qualify.

After an incident-free opening session, the action resumes on Thursday morning when roads close at 9.15am for final qualifying.

Roads will re-open at 3.15pm before closing again between 5pm and 9pm on Thursday evening when the opening Strain Engineering Supersport, Briggs Equipment Superstock and Milltown Service Station Supertwins races all take place.

Editorial Note: Use the scroll and zoom tools in the PDF viewers to better see all of the results.

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American Flat Track: Daniels Takes Championship Lead To The Sacramento Mile

May 10, 2023

The one-mile track at the Cal Expo in Sacramento, California. Photo by Tim Lester, courtesy AFT.