More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
Ryde overcomes the opposition in frantic Bennetts BSB season opener at Silverstone
Tommy Bridewell (46) leads Kyle Ryde (77), Jason O’Halloran (22), Glenn Irwin (2), and the rest during Race One at Silverstone. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Kyle Ryde triumphed in the opening Bennetts British Superbike Championship race of the season at Silverstone, claiming a hard-fought victory in the Bennetts BikeSocial Sprint Race for the LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha team.
Ryde had initially launched to the front of the pack on the opening lap from his front row grid position, but Tommy Bridewell stormed into the lead as the pack reached Brooklands for the first time, with Josh Brookes, Jason O’Halloran and Glenn Irwin the leading contenders.
Bridewell was then pushing to hold onto the lead, but Ryde reclaimed the position two laps later with a move at Copse, but his BeerMonster Ducati rival fired back ahead on the same lap.
O’Halloran was on the move too and he had pushed up the order into second by the fourth lap behind Bridewell as Ryde was relegated to third in the early stages.
By lap six, O’Halloran had gained control of the lead as the McAMS Yamaha rider moved ahead of Bridewell, Ryde, Brookes and Glenn Irwin with reigning Quattro Group British Supersport Champion Jack Kennedy also joining the battle for the leading positions.
O’Halloran was leading the pack, but Brookes and Bridewell were dicing with Ryde for second place, before the LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha rider moved back to the front of the group with a move on the Australian.
Ryde maintained the lead in the final dash to the chequered flag despite pressure from Bridewell in the closing stages to take the first victory of the season, but the battle for the podium wasn’t complete and Brookes snatched third place with a last lap move on O’Halloran.
Glenn Irwin completed the top five as he held off Leon Haslam on the ROKiT BMW Motorrad and Kennedy, who equalled his best result on his move back into Bennetts BSB with Mar-Train Yamaha.
Andrew Irwin was able to progress into eighth over the final laps for Honda Racing UK ahead of Danny Kent on the Lovell Kent Racing Honda and Danny Buchan completed the top ten for SYNETIQ BMW.
The battle for the rookies was led by Charlie Nesbitt in twelfth, with Tim Neave in 16th and Bradley Perie in 19th. Reigning Pirelli National Junior Superstock Champion Max Cook was 20th ahead of Davey Todd with Jack Scott in 23rd.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Silverstone, Bennetts BikeSocial Sprint Race:
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha)
Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) +0.436s
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +1.664s
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +1.867s
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) +2.541s
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team) +2.764s
Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Yamaha) +3.224s
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) +8.919s
Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda) +9.187s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +9.307s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings after Silverstone, Bennetts BikeSocial Sprint Race:
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 18
Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) 16
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) 14
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 12
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) 11
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team) 10
Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Yamaha) 9
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) 8
Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda Racing UK) 7
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) 6
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Kyle Ryde
LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha
“That was a great race! It was definitely the hardest, but most enjoyable races I’ve had since I started in BSB.
“I was pushing because I just wanted to get to the front because I knew I had a little bit more pace than what the lap time was saying.
“It was very clean and good fun to ride – there was a lot of moves in turn one from me, I must’ve made about 15 moves but none of them stuck! I had to work, so for me it’s been a great weekend so far.
“We’ve had a great pace all weekend and been strong, the only thing that went wrong was to have a silly little crash in qualifying and that did hinder me a bit for the race. It took me ages to get going again to know where the braking marker was and Josh and Tommy kept passing me.
“I’m really happy to get the win; I think over the winter and everything we’ve done so far, I feel like we deserve it, so I’m very proud of myself.”
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed North America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 27th consecutive year of showcasing what is actually an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 12 MotoAmerica/AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (12 times);
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more — and younger — racers with higher levels of accomplishments are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2023 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
2022 AMA Nicky Hayden Road Race Horizon Award winner Alessandro Di Mario is up for AMA Athlete of the Year: Grand Championship. Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy AMA.
Alessandro Di Mario
Age: 14.
Current home: Lexington, Kentucky.
Current height/weight: 5’8”/130 pounds.
Current school grade level: 9th grade.
Began riding at age: 5 years.
First road race: 2019, Garrettsville, Ohio, WERA, Clubman Novice, 3rd.
Current racebikes: Aprilia RS250 SP2, Aprilia RS 660, Yamaha YZF-R3.
Current tuners/mechanics: Chad Wells, Luigi Di Mario (father).
Primary race series: MotoAmerica Junior Cup, N2 WERA National Endurance.
Top sponsors: Altus Motorsports, Robem Engineering, KYT Helmets, Chad Wells Tuning.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2022 season, won AMA Nicky Hayden Road Race Horizon Award, won North America Talent Cup Championship (4 wins, 11 total podiums in 14 races), won 3 AMA Grand Championships (Lightweight Twins Superstock, Lightweight Twins Superbike, E Superstock), won 2 WERA Sportsman National Championships (Lightweight Twins Superstock, E Superstock); 2021 season, won WERA Sportsman F Superstock Expert National Championship (3 race wins, 14 total podiums with WERA); 2020 season, won E Superstock Novice AMA Grand Championship, won 2 WERA Sportsman Novice National Championships (won 28 WERA races).
2023 racing goals: Win the MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship, win N2/WERA Endurance race, be selected for 2024 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
Racing career goal: Win MotoGP World Championship.
Racing hero: Danilo Petrucci.
Favorite tracs: Barber Motorsports Park.
Favorite hobby: Skiing
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: A motorcycle mechanic.
Some of the riders who have graduated from Roadracing World Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);
2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Corey Alexander;
AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);
2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and AFT SuperTwins race winner J.D. Beach;
MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;
former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;
three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;
former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;
2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;
2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;
four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);
Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;
two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;
2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;
2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and two-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;
two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2018 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship runner-up Hayden Gillim;
2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);
2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;
eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;
2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;
MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner Teagg Hobbs;
AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;
2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;
2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike podium finisher Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;
2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and current Moto2 World Championship competitor Sean Dylan Kelly;
Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;
two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;
2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;
MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;
MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;
AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;
Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;
AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and two-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;
2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;
2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;
2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;
2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and current powersports dealership owner Bryce Prince;
AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;
two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers race winner James Rispoli;
2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;
former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;
three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;
multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;
MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;
2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;
Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;
former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory West;
MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;
and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.
Indonesia was a struggle bus of a weekend for us as you’ll see! With Loris breaking his leg and me struggling with horrific food poisoning, it was far from ideal but actually we made big progress from Saturday to Sunday with the bike and I ended the weekend finishing the closest that I’ve been this year to the winner, so there were some positives! Hope you guys enjoy the video! And we still love you Indonesia, thanks for the memories.
Like, comment, and subscribe – more videos coming soon
Shot & edited by Brad Schwartzrock (@bradschwartzrock)
Massive New Bridge Positioned Over Iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
MONTEREY, Calif., April 7, 2023 – The new Start/Finish bridge that connects parking and hospitality areas with the race paddock was placed into position today signaling a visual progression of improvements underway at the 66-year-old WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Granite Construction’s enormous 350-ton All Terrain Crane hoisted the 160-foot, 71-ton main span section and accompanying 20-ton approach span to the cheers of onlooking Monterey County elected officials and staff, Granite Construction management, local media and the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca team.
“The new bridge at Laguna Seca is a long overdue investment,” said Luis Alejo, Chair of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. “This shows a true commitment by the Board of Supervisors to properly maintain our world-renowned race track so that we continue to attract premier racing events and tourism to Monterey County and our entire region.”
Five months since the project was approved by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, the final section of the new pedestrian / cart bridge was delicately placed after extensive preparation work. The multi-million-dollar project, which began November 2022, fell behind schedule due to the near-record rainfall, erosion and flooding. But through the continuing support of the Board of Supervisors, County staff, and Granite Construction, the project accelerated with double shifts to be ready in time to host the first two events of the season: Trans Am SpeedFest May 5-7, and the Motul Course de Monterey, powered by Hyundai N that will be broadcast live on the NBC Network May 12-14.
The track will close again May 16 to begin the full track resurfacing. The entire project will be fully completed, cured and ready for America’s premier motorcycle series, MotoAmerica Superbike SpeedFest July 7-9.
“Only shadowed by the renowned Corkscrew and famous Andretti Hairpin, the Laguna Seca Start/Finish Bridge is a preeminent feature of the Laguna Seca Raceway,” said Bryan Flores, chief of parks with Public Works, Facilities & Parks for the County of Monterey. “The replacement of the aged wooden bridge will serve to provide a safe and efficient path of travel for our visitors and spectators from around the globe. Without the support by the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors, this project would never have come to fruition and for that, the world racing community is sincerely grateful.”
This project is the largest improvement development at the iconic race track since the Hospitality Pavilion was built in 2006, and the last repaving in 2007.
“It has been a privilege to be a part of the significant improvements being made to the Laguna Seca track and facilities,” commented Jim Hovde, project manager for Granite Construction. “It was clear from the start that this was a schedule driven project and we would need to perform flawlessly in order to complete the project on time. Enter the winter of 2022/2023, and the increased challenges caused by working between seemingly endless rain events, yet we have continued to set milestones and celebrate our accomplishments one day at a time. The tireless efforts of the entire project team add to the rich history of this historic track and its legacy.”
According to John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, “It is difficult to adequately express how thankful we are of the support from the Supervisors and County staff to persevere with this project after facing unprecedented Monterey County weather-related emergencies over the last three months. Their confidence in the Laguna Seca Recreation Area and its positive economic impact on the region’s businesses strengthens the importance this facility makes within our incredible destination.”
For daily or weekend VIP Hospitality ticket packages and campground information, call the Tickets and Accommodation Specialists on 831-242-8200 or visit WeatherTechRaceway.com.
Editorial Note: Jim Doll died of natural causes on March 24. He was 66.
It is with a heavy heart that I am sharing the passing of my good friend Jim Doll. Many of you, if you knew me, you also knew Jim.
I don’t know if I can think of anybody with a kinder giving nature than Jim. Those who were lucky enough to know him also know he was very pragmatic which could make him seem cold but nothing could have been farther from the truth. I was always glad to call him my friend and I will miss him and his kindness in today’s world.
Jim is survived by his brother Daryl Doll (wife April), sister Linda Clanton (husband Bob) and 7 nieces & nephews.
Jim started working in the motorcycle industry (before the word Powersports was created!). Jim began his industry journey at a place called Campbell Motorcycle Accessories in Campbell, CA until about 1979 and [then] went to work at Rocky Cycle Company in Sunnyvale, until 1985, when he moved on to Sierra Motorcycle Supply in Sacramento, CA. He worked there until joining Fred Fox’s team at LeMans Corp in 1988. Jim worked for Lemans (Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties, Moose Racing) for 32 years retiring in 2020.
When Jim stopped racing himself, he sponsored Nancy Delgado, and they chased a championship. He later also sponsored Michael Himmelsbach. During that time, Jim ran the SBS race support for several years, including a season when every factory team ran their brake pads.
He touched the lives of many people and did so much more than this simple writing can convey. We will miss him.
Jim Doll 1956-2023
Per the family’s request, there are no services scheduled at this time. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
O’Halloran heads the opening day of 2023 Bennetts BSB from Haslam
Jason O’Halloran in action Friday at Silverstone. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Jason O’Halloran launched his McAMS Yamaha to the top of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship free practice times as the 2023 season kicked off at Silverstone today.
The McAMS Yamaha rider toppled previous Champion Leon Haslam from the top by 0.040s in an incredibly close opening day, which ended with the top 22 riders covered by just 0.959s as tomorrow’s eBay Qualifying and Bennetts BikeSocial Sprint Race beckons.
Leon Haslam. Photo courtesy MSVR.
O’Halloran set the benchmark time in the closing stages of the second session ahead of Haslam, but Kyle Ryde was also consistently pushing his rivals and he completed the top three for the defending title-winners, LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha.
Josh Brookes made it both previous Bennetts BSB Champions inside the top four as he led the FHO Racing BMW Motorrad charge after the opening two free practice sessions, narrowly ahead of Christian Iddon on the Oxford Products Racing Ducati.
Kyle Ryde (77). Photo courtesy MSVR.
Glenn Irwin was the fastest of the BeerMonster Ducatis in sixth place just ahead of his teammate Tommy Bridewell, but just 0.050s separated the pair at the chequered flag.
Danny Buchan missed out on splitting the teammates by just 0.006s to finish eighth fastest for SYNETIQ BMW, ahead of Honda Racing UK’s Andrew Irwin, who crashed unhurt in the afternoon session at Maggotts.
Jack Kennedy rounded out the top ten with a positive opening day for the Mar-Train Yamaha team to lead the Support Class Champions ahead of Danny Kent and Peter Hickman, who completed the top 12 riders progressing directly into tomorrow’s eBay Qualifying 2 session.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Silverstone, Combined Free Practice result:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 53.756s
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) +0.040s
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.146s
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +0.227s
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.237s
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) +0.225s
Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) +0.305s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.311s
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) +0.321s
Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Yamaha) +0.355s
Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda +0.443s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +0.495s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Jason O’Halloran
McAMS Yamaha
“It has been a great first day after a long winter. We’re lucky we got a few years’ worth of settings and data, so we weren’t too stressed.
“We knew we would be somewhere or somewhere near with the bike, but we still have got a few new things to test and get through.
“We haven’t got the complete package as I’d want it just yet, but we are working our way towards that.
“I felt comfortable enough to have a push at the end for a lap time and I think we’ve got a pretty good plan for tomorrow.”
APRILIA UNVEILS LIMITED EDITION RS 660 TROFEO BUILT BY APRILIA RACING
Aprilia’s track-only version of its middleweight RS 660 is now available to order and features top-of-the-line performance upgrades straight from Aprilia Racing
The race-ready, limited-edition Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo comes with Pirelli Supercorsa V3 SC1 tires. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
NEW YORK, N.Y. – April 7, 2023 – Aprilia USA has announced a limited-edition run of RS 660 Trofeo motorcycles designed and built by the team at Aprilia Racing. Powered by 54 world championships worth of engineering expertise, the RS 660 Trofeo is fully equipped with everything a track-focused rider or racer would need.
The race-ready, limited-edition Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo is shod in fiberglass race bodywork that helps reduce its weight to just 337 pounds and even comes with a front brake lever guard. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
The RS 660 Trofeo has been built for race use only and includes upgraded electronics with wheelie control, traction control and engine braking adjustment, all accessible from the TFT display located behind the proprietary fiberglass front fairing. In Trofeo trim, the RS 660’s inline twin-cylinder engine combined with a titanium SC-Project exhaust system produces 105 horsepower. It is mounted in an upgraded chassis that implements a lower rider position with a racing triple clamp that allows for clip-on adjustment, as well as adjustable rearsets. Without fluids, the RS 660 Trofeo weighs just 337.3 lbs.
The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo comes with adjustable rearsets and engine case guards. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Aprilia Racing left no stone unturned with upgrades extending into the suspension, including front forks with Misano by Andreani cartridges and a rear Öhlins AP948 remote reservoir shock. Both allow for compression, rebound damping and preload adjustment for granular handling customization. Additional high-performance upgrades like the Brembo braking system and Pirelli Supercorsa V3 SC1 tires take the Trofeo past the realms of traditional street legal bikes with precision handling and stopping power.
The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo’s front forks are upgraded with Misano by Andreani cartridges. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo comes with an Öhlins AP948 remote reservoir shock and an SC-Project exhaust system that helps boost horsepower to 105. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Built upon the street-legal RS 660 platform, the Trofeo is a cut-above designed for riders seeking performance and exclusivity. Truly a race-ready motorcycle, the RS 660 Trofeo is tactfully built by Aprilia Racing and will be released in a limited quantity. MSRP for RS 660 Trofeo will be $21,000 USD. For more information or to place an order for the new RS 660 Trofeo, visit https://storeusa.aprilia.com/ starting at 11 a.m. EST, April 11, 2023.
The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo features a racing top triple clamp that allows adjustment of the clip-on handlebars, which are fitted with buttons to control other features like a pit lane speed limiter and rider aids. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
MotoAmerica: Mike Pond joins Altus Team for 2023. Norton Steps in for Paasch at Road Atlanta.
(Altus, OK) – Altus Motorsports has announced that MotoAmerica veteran Mike Pond has joined the team as the Crew Chief for the Stock 1000 and Supersport efforts, replacing the late Eric Gray. Pond’s vast experience and success make him a valuable addition to the team.
“We are extremely lucky to bring Mike Pond on board,” said team owner George Nassaney. “Losing Eric was a massive blow, but Pond’s arrival will ensure that the team’s performance remains at the highest level.”
However, unfortunate news comes as Brandon Paasch broke his back while training on a motocross bike in late March. This left the team without a pilot for the Stock 1000 bike for at least the Road Atlanta race.
“We are hoping for a speedy recovery for Paasch,” said Nassaney, “but I told him not to rush it. He needs to be fully recovered before he gets back on the bike. His long-term health is way more important.”
In place of Paasch at Road Atlanta, Anthony Norton will be stepping in to ride the Suzuki GSX-R1000R. Norton has had a successful club racing career on the west coast. He has taken a Supersport Open championship and holds the overall #2 at CVMA. He has also done endurance racing with MRA, holds a lap record at Podium Club with ASMA, and ran the two West Coast rounds of MotoAmerica last year as a privateer.
“I am super bummed for Brandon. After the way he ended last season, I really thought this would be his year,” said Anthony Norton. “But I am honored to have the opportunity to join the grid with the Altus team. I’ve never ridden Road Atlanta, but with Mike Pond and Mike Castro’s support, I know the bike will be dialed. I have huge shoes to fill, but I am ready for the challenge.”
Team owner George Nassaney said “2023 has definitely thrown our team some massive challenges. It’s been difficult, but what I have learned from the late Eric Gray you must push through the challenges to get the big prize. We have a great team of riders and excellent mechanics under our tent. This year is dedicated to Eric and we will be ready for round one in a couple weeks.”
The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, FLY Racing WPS, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Motor Corporation, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Barnett, Maxima Racing Oils, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed North America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 27th consecutive year of showcasing what is actually an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 12 MotoAmerica/AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (12 times);
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more — and younger — racers with higher levels of accomplishments are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2023 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
Top Sponsors: N2 Racing BobbleHeadMoto, Westby Racing, Yamaha, Yamalube, Dainese, KYT Helmets, Bran Supply Company, Better Investing, Fire Code Compliance, Cornerspin, Biothermal, Robem Engineering.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2022 season, won MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship (3 wins, 6 total podiums), 3 N2/WERA National Endurance class race wins; 2021 season, finished 6th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (15 top-10 finishes in 18 races, best race finish was 4th), co-rode to win 4 out of 5 N2/WERA National Endurance Utralightweight races and the class Championship; 2020 season, placed 9th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (best race finish was sixth – three times), won 6 WERA Sportsman races; 2019 season, won AMA Nicky Hayden Road Racing Horizon Award, won Lightweight Twins Superstock Expert and Formula Two Expert WERA National Challenge Championships, won D Superstock Expert WERA Sportsman National Championship, won 7 WERA Sportsman Regional Championships (won 20 WERA races); 2018 season, named AMA Youth Road Racer of the Year, won AMA 300 Superstock Grand Championship, won 3 WERA National Challenge Championships, won 13 WERA Sportsman Regional Championships, won 41 of 60 WERA races started; 2017 season, won 3 WERA Sportsman Regional Championships.
2023 racing goals: Win another MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship, finish in the top 10 in all MotoAmerica Supersport races.
Racing career goal: Race on the world stage.
Racing hero: Scott Russell.
Favorite track: Inde Motorsports Ranch.
Favorite hobbies: Riding anything on two wheels, mountain biking.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Maybe competing in triathlons or mountain bike races.
Some of the riders who have graduated from Roadracing World Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);
2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Corey Alexander;
AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);
2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and AFT SuperTwins race winner J.D. Beach;
MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;
former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;
three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;
former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;
2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;
2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;
four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);
Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;
two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;
2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;
2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and two-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;
two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2018 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship runner-up Hayden Gillim;
2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);
2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;
eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;
2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;
MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner Teagg Hobbs;
AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;
2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;
2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike podium finisher Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;
2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and current Moto2 World Championship competitor Sean Dylan Kelly;
Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;
two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;
2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;
MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;
MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;
AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;
Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;
AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and two-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;
2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;
2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;
2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;
2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and current powersports dealership owner Bryce Prince;
AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;
two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers race winner James Rispoli;
2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;
former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;
three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;
multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;
MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;
2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;
Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;
former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory West;
MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;
and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
Ryde overcomes the opposition in frantic Bennetts BSB season opener at Silverstone
Tommy Bridewell (46) leads Kyle Ryde (77), Jason O’Halloran (22), Glenn Irwin (2), and the rest during Race One at Silverstone. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Kyle Ryde triumphed in the opening Bennetts British Superbike Championship race of the season at Silverstone, claiming a hard-fought victory in the Bennetts BikeSocial Sprint Race for the LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha team.
Ryde had initially launched to the front of the pack on the opening lap from his front row grid position, but Tommy Bridewell stormed into the lead as the pack reached Brooklands for the first time, with Josh Brookes, Jason O’Halloran and Glenn Irwin the leading contenders.
Bridewell was then pushing to hold onto the lead, but Ryde reclaimed the position two laps later with a move at Copse, but his BeerMonster Ducati rival fired back ahead on the same lap.
O’Halloran was on the move too and he had pushed up the order into second by the fourth lap behind Bridewell as Ryde was relegated to third in the early stages.
By lap six, O’Halloran had gained control of the lead as the McAMS Yamaha rider moved ahead of Bridewell, Ryde, Brookes and Glenn Irwin with reigning Quattro Group British Supersport Champion Jack Kennedy also joining the battle for the leading positions.
O’Halloran was leading the pack, but Brookes and Bridewell were dicing with Ryde for second place, before the LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha rider moved back to the front of the group with a move on the Australian.
Ryde maintained the lead in the final dash to the chequered flag despite pressure from Bridewell in the closing stages to take the first victory of the season, but the battle for the podium wasn’t complete and Brookes snatched third place with a last lap move on O’Halloran.
Glenn Irwin completed the top five as he held off Leon Haslam on the ROKiT BMW Motorrad and Kennedy, who equalled his best result on his move back into Bennetts BSB with Mar-Train Yamaha.
Andrew Irwin was able to progress into eighth over the final laps for Honda Racing UK ahead of Danny Kent on the Lovell Kent Racing Honda and Danny Buchan completed the top ten for SYNETIQ BMW.
The battle for the rookies was led by Charlie Nesbitt in twelfth, with Tim Neave in 16th and Bradley Perie in 19th. Reigning Pirelli National Junior Superstock Champion Max Cook was 20th ahead of Davey Todd with Jack Scott in 23rd.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Silverstone, Bennetts BikeSocial Sprint Race:
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha)
Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) +0.436s
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +1.664s
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +1.867s
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) +2.541s
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team) +2.764s
Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Yamaha) +3.224s
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) +8.919s
Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda) +9.187s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +9.307s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings after Silverstone, Bennetts BikeSocial Sprint Race:
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 18
Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) 16
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) 14
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 12
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) 11
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team) 10
Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Yamaha) 9
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) 8
Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda Racing UK) 7
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) 6
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Kyle Ryde
LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha
“That was a great race! It was definitely the hardest, but most enjoyable races I’ve had since I started in BSB.
“I was pushing because I just wanted to get to the front because I knew I had a little bit more pace than what the lap time was saying.
“It was very clean and good fun to ride – there was a lot of moves in turn one from me, I must’ve made about 15 moves but none of them stuck! I had to work, so for me it’s been a great weekend so far.
“We’ve had a great pace all weekend and been strong, the only thing that went wrong was to have a silly little crash in qualifying and that did hinder me a bit for the race. It took me ages to get going again to know where the braking marker was and Josh and Tommy kept passing me.
“I’m really happy to get the win; I think over the winter and everything we’ve done so far, I feel like we deserve it, so I’m very proud of myself.”
Alessandro Di Mario (7). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos.
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed North America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 27th consecutive year of showcasing what is actually an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 12 MotoAmerica/AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (12 times);
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more — and younger — racers with higher levels of accomplishments are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2023 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
2022 AMA Nicky Hayden Road Race Horizon Award winner Alessandro Di Mario is up for AMA Athlete of the Year: Grand Championship. Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy AMA.
Alessandro Di Mario
Age: 14.
Current home: Lexington, Kentucky.
Current height/weight: 5’8”/130 pounds.
Current school grade level: 9th grade.
Began riding at age: 5 years.
First road race: 2019, Garrettsville, Ohio, WERA, Clubman Novice, 3rd.
Current racebikes: Aprilia RS250 SP2, Aprilia RS 660, Yamaha YZF-R3.
Current tuners/mechanics: Chad Wells, Luigi Di Mario (father).
Primary race series: MotoAmerica Junior Cup, N2 WERA National Endurance.
Top sponsors: Altus Motorsports, Robem Engineering, KYT Helmets, Chad Wells Tuning.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2022 season, won AMA Nicky Hayden Road Race Horizon Award, won North America Talent Cup Championship (4 wins, 11 total podiums in 14 races), won 3 AMA Grand Championships (Lightweight Twins Superstock, Lightweight Twins Superbike, E Superstock), won 2 WERA Sportsman National Championships (Lightweight Twins Superstock, E Superstock); 2021 season, won WERA Sportsman F Superstock Expert National Championship (3 race wins, 14 total podiums with WERA); 2020 season, won E Superstock Novice AMA Grand Championship, won 2 WERA Sportsman Novice National Championships (won 28 WERA races).
2023 racing goals: Win the MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship, win N2/WERA Endurance race, be selected for 2024 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
Racing career goal: Win MotoGP World Championship.
Racing hero: Danilo Petrucci.
Favorite tracs: Barber Motorsports Park.
Favorite hobby: Skiing
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: A motorcycle mechanic.
Some of the riders who have graduated from Roadracing World Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);
2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Corey Alexander;
AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);
2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and AFT SuperTwins race winner J.D. Beach;
MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;
former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;
three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;
former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;
2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;
2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;
four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);
Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;
two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;
2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;
2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and two-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;
two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2018 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship runner-up Hayden Gillim;
2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);
2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;
eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;
2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;
MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner Teagg Hobbs;
AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;
2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;
2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike podium finisher Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;
2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and current Moto2 World Championship competitor Sean Dylan Kelly;
Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;
two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;
2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;
MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;
MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;
AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;
Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;
AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and two-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;
2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;
2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;
2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;
2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and current powersports dealership owner Bryce Prince;
AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;
two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers race winner James Rispoli;
2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;
former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;
three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;
multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;
MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;
2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;
Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;
former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory West;
MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;
and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.
Garrett Gerloff (31) in action in Indonesia. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
Indonesia was a struggle bus of a weekend for us as you’ll see! With Loris breaking his leg and me struggling with horrific food poisoning, it was far from ideal but actually we made big progress from Saturday to Sunday with the bike and I ended the weekend finishing the closest that I’ve been this year to the winner, so there were some positives! Hope you guys enjoy the video! And we still love you Indonesia, thanks for the memories.
Like, comment, and subscribe – more videos coming soon
Shot & edited by Brad Schwartzrock (@bradschwartzrock)
The 160-foot, 71-ton main section of the new Start/Finish bridge is lifted into place at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Photo by TM Hill Photographer.
Massive New Bridge Positioned Over Iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
MONTEREY, Calif., April 7, 2023 – The new Start/Finish bridge that connects parking and hospitality areas with the race paddock was placed into position today signaling a visual progression of improvements underway at the 66-year-old WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Granite Construction’s enormous 350-ton All Terrain Crane hoisted the 160-foot, 71-ton main span section and accompanying 20-ton approach span to the cheers of onlooking Monterey County elected officials and staff, Granite Construction management, local media and the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca team.
“The new bridge at Laguna Seca is a long overdue investment,” said Luis Alejo, Chair of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. “This shows a true commitment by the Board of Supervisors to properly maintain our world-renowned race track so that we continue to attract premier racing events and tourism to Monterey County and our entire region.”
Five months since the project was approved by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, the final section of the new pedestrian / cart bridge was delicately placed after extensive preparation work. The multi-million-dollar project, which began November 2022, fell behind schedule due to the near-record rainfall, erosion and flooding. But through the continuing support of the Board of Supervisors, County staff, and Granite Construction, the project accelerated with double shifts to be ready in time to host the first two events of the season: Trans Am SpeedFest May 5-7, and the Motul Course de Monterey, powered by Hyundai N that will be broadcast live on the NBC Network May 12-14.
The track will close again May 16 to begin the full track resurfacing. The entire project will be fully completed, cured and ready for America’s premier motorcycle series, MotoAmerica Superbike SpeedFest July 7-9.
“Only shadowed by the renowned Corkscrew and famous Andretti Hairpin, the Laguna Seca Start/Finish Bridge is a preeminent feature of the Laguna Seca Raceway,” said Bryan Flores, chief of parks with Public Works, Facilities & Parks for the County of Monterey. “The replacement of the aged wooden bridge will serve to provide a safe and efficient path of travel for our visitors and spectators from around the globe. Without the support by the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors, this project would never have come to fruition and for that, the world racing community is sincerely grateful.”
This project is the largest improvement development at the iconic race track since the Hospitality Pavilion was built in 2006, and the last repaving in 2007.
“It has been a privilege to be a part of the significant improvements being made to the Laguna Seca track and facilities,” commented Jim Hovde, project manager for Granite Construction. “It was clear from the start that this was a schedule driven project and we would need to perform flawlessly in order to complete the project on time. Enter the winter of 2022/2023, and the increased challenges caused by working between seemingly endless rain events, yet we have continued to set milestones and celebrate our accomplishments one day at a time. The tireless efforts of the entire project team add to the rich history of this historic track and its legacy.”
According to John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, “It is difficult to adequately express how thankful we are of the support from the Supervisors and County staff to persevere with this project after facing unprecedented Monterey County weather-related emergencies over the last three months. Their confidence in the Laguna Seca Recreation Area and its positive economic impact on the region’s businesses strengthens the importance this facility makes within our incredible destination.”
For daily or weekend VIP Hospitality ticket packages and campground information, call the Tickets and Accommodation Specialists on 831-242-8200 or visit WeatherTechRaceway.com.
Editorial Note: Jim Doll died of natural causes on March 24. He was 66.
It is with a heavy heart that I am sharing the passing of my good friend Jim Doll. Many of you, if you knew me, you also knew Jim.
I don’t know if I can think of anybody with a kinder giving nature than Jim. Those who were lucky enough to know him also know he was very pragmatic which could make him seem cold but nothing could have been farther from the truth. I was always glad to call him my friend and I will miss him and his kindness in today’s world.
Jim is survived by his brother Daryl Doll (wife April), sister Linda Clanton (husband Bob) and 7 nieces & nephews.
Jim started working in the motorcycle industry (before the word Powersports was created!). Jim began his industry journey at a place called Campbell Motorcycle Accessories in Campbell, CA until about 1979 and [then] went to work at Rocky Cycle Company in Sunnyvale, until 1985, when he moved on to Sierra Motorcycle Supply in Sacramento, CA. He worked there until joining Fred Fox’s team at LeMans Corp in 1988. Jim worked for Lemans (Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties, Moose Racing) for 32 years retiring in 2020.
When Jim stopped racing himself, he sponsored Nancy Delgado, and they chased a championship. He later also sponsored Michael Himmelsbach. During that time, Jim ran the SBS race support for several years, including a season when every factory team ran their brake pads.
He touched the lives of many people and did so much more than this simple writing can convey. We will miss him.
Jim Doll 1956-2023
Per the family’s request, there are no services scheduled at this time. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
O’Halloran heads the opening day of 2023 Bennetts BSB from Haslam
Jason O’Halloran in action Friday at Silverstone. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Jason O’Halloran launched his McAMS Yamaha to the top of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship free practice times as the 2023 season kicked off at Silverstone today.
The McAMS Yamaha rider toppled previous Champion Leon Haslam from the top by 0.040s in an incredibly close opening day, which ended with the top 22 riders covered by just 0.959s as tomorrow’s eBay Qualifying and Bennetts BikeSocial Sprint Race beckons.
Leon Haslam. Photo courtesy MSVR.
O’Halloran set the benchmark time in the closing stages of the second session ahead of Haslam, but Kyle Ryde was also consistently pushing his rivals and he completed the top three for the defending title-winners, LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha.
Josh Brookes made it both previous Bennetts BSB Champions inside the top four as he led the FHO Racing BMW Motorrad charge after the opening two free practice sessions, narrowly ahead of Christian Iddon on the Oxford Products Racing Ducati.
Kyle Ryde (77). Photo courtesy MSVR.
Glenn Irwin was the fastest of the BeerMonster Ducatis in sixth place just ahead of his teammate Tommy Bridewell, but just 0.050s separated the pair at the chequered flag.
Danny Buchan missed out on splitting the teammates by just 0.006s to finish eighth fastest for SYNETIQ BMW, ahead of Honda Racing UK’s Andrew Irwin, who crashed unhurt in the afternoon session at Maggotts.
Jack Kennedy rounded out the top ten with a positive opening day for the Mar-Train Yamaha team to lead the Support Class Champions ahead of Danny Kent and Peter Hickman, who completed the top 12 riders progressing directly into tomorrow’s eBay Qualifying 2 session.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Silverstone, Combined Free Practice result:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 53.756s
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) +0.040s
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.146s
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +0.227s
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.237s
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) +0.225s
Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) +0.305s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.311s
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) +0.321s
Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Yamaha) +0.355s
Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda +0.443s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +0.495s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Jason O’Halloran
McAMS Yamaha
“It has been a great first day after a long winter. We’re lucky we got a few years’ worth of settings and data, so we weren’t too stressed.
“We knew we would be somewhere or somewhere near with the bike, but we still have got a few new things to test and get through.
“We haven’t got the complete package as I’d want it just yet, but we are working our way towards that.
“I felt comfortable enough to have a push at the end for a lap time and I think we’ve got a pretty good plan for tomorrow.”
The race-ready, limited-edition Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
APRILIA UNVEILS LIMITED EDITION RS 660 TROFEO BUILT BY APRILIA RACING
Aprilia’s track-only version of its middleweight RS 660 is now available to order and features top-of-the-line performance upgrades straight from Aprilia Racing
The race-ready, limited-edition Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo comes with Pirelli Supercorsa V3 SC1 tires. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
NEW YORK, N.Y. – April 7, 2023 – Aprilia USA has announced a limited-edition run of RS 660 Trofeo motorcycles designed and built by the team at Aprilia Racing. Powered by 54 world championships worth of engineering expertise, the RS 660 Trofeo is fully equipped with everything a track-focused rider or racer would need.
The race-ready, limited-edition Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo is shod in fiberglass race bodywork that helps reduce its weight to just 337 pounds and even comes with a front brake lever guard. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
The RS 660 Trofeo has been built for race use only and includes upgraded electronics with wheelie control, traction control and engine braking adjustment, all accessible from the TFT display located behind the proprietary fiberglass front fairing. In Trofeo trim, the RS 660’s inline twin-cylinder engine combined with a titanium SC-Project exhaust system produces 105 horsepower. It is mounted in an upgraded chassis that implements a lower rider position with a racing triple clamp that allows for clip-on adjustment, as well as adjustable rearsets. Without fluids, the RS 660 Trofeo weighs just 337.3 lbs.
The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo comes with adjustable rearsets and engine case guards. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Aprilia Racing left no stone unturned with upgrades extending into the suspension, including front forks with Misano by Andreani cartridges and a rear Öhlins AP948 remote reservoir shock. Both allow for compression, rebound damping and preload adjustment for granular handling customization. Additional high-performance upgrades like the Brembo braking system and Pirelli Supercorsa V3 SC1 tires take the Trofeo past the realms of traditional street legal bikes with precision handling and stopping power.
The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo’s front forks are upgraded with Misano by Andreani cartridges. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo comes with an Öhlins AP948 remote reservoir shock and an SC-Project exhaust system that helps boost horsepower to 105. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Built upon the street-legal RS 660 platform, the Trofeo is a cut-above designed for riders seeking performance and exclusivity. Truly a race-ready motorcycle, the RS 660 Trofeo is tactfully built by Aprilia Racing and will be released in a limited quantity. MSRP for RS 660 Trofeo will be $21,000 USD. For more information or to place an order for the new RS 660 Trofeo, visit https://storeusa.aprilia.com/ starting at 11 a.m. EST, April 11, 2023.
The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo features a racing top triple clamp that allows adjustment of the clip-on handlebars, which are fitted with buttons to control other features like a pit lane speed limiter and rider aids. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Anthony Norton. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
MotoAmerica: Mike Pond joins Altus Team for 2023. Norton Steps in for Paasch at Road Atlanta.
(Altus, OK) – Altus Motorsports has announced that MotoAmerica veteran Mike Pond has joined the team as the Crew Chief for the Stock 1000 and Supersport efforts, replacing the late Eric Gray. Pond’s vast experience and success make him a valuable addition to the team.
“We are extremely lucky to bring Mike Pond on board,” said team owner George Nassaney. “Losing Eric was a massive blow, but Pond’s arrival will ensure that the team’s performance remains at the highest level.”
However, unfortunate news comes as Brandon Paasch broke his back while training on a motocross bike in late March. This left the team without a pilot for the Stock 1000 bike for at least the Road Atlanta race.
“We are hoping for a speedy recovery for Paasch,” said Nassaney, “but I told him not to rush it. He needs to be fully recovered before he gets back on the bike. His long-term health is way more important.”
In place of Paasch at Road Atlanta, Anthony Norton will be stepping in to ride the Suzuki GSX-R1000R. Norton has had a successful club racing career on the west coast. He has taken a Supersport Open championship and holds the overall #2 at CVMA. He has also done endurance racing with MRA, holds a lap record at Podium Club with ASMA, and ran the two West Coast rounds of MotoAmerica last year as a privateer.
“I am super bummed for Brandon. After the way he ended last season, I really thought this would be his year,” said Anthony Norton. “But I am honored to have the opportunity to join the grid with the Altus team. I’ve never ridden Road Atlanta, but with Mike Pond and Mike Castro’s support, I know the bike will be dialed. I have huge shoes to fill, but I am ready for the challenge.”
Team owner George Nassaney said “2023 has definitely thrown our team some massive challenges. It’s been difficult, but what I have learned from the late Eric Gray you must push through the challenges to get the big prize. We have a great team of riders and excellent mechanics under our tent. This year is dedicated to Eric and we will be ready for round one in a couple weeks.”
The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, FLY Racing WPS, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Motor Corporation, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Barnett, Maxima Racing Oils, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed North America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 27th consecutive year of showcasing what is actually an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 12 MotoAmerica/AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (12 times);
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more — and younger — racers with higher levels of accomplishments are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2023 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
Top Sponsors: N2 Racing BobbleHeadMoto, Westby Racing, Yamaha, Yamalube, Dainese, KYT Helmets, Bran Supply Company, Better Investing, Fire Code Compliance, Cornerspin, Biothermal, Robem Engineering.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2022 season, won MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship (3 wins, 6 total podiums), 3 N2/WERA National Endurance class race wins; 2021 season, finished 6th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (15 top-10 finishes in 18 races, best race finish was 4th), co-rode to win 4 out of 5 N2/WERA National Endurance Utralightweight races and the class Championship; 2020 season, placed 9th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (best race finish was sixth – three times), won 6 WERA Sportsman races; 2019 season, won AMA Nicky Hayden Road Racing Horizon Award, won Lightweight Twins Superstock Expert and Formula Two Expert WERA National Challenge Championships, won D Superstock Expert WERA Sportsman National Championship, won 7 WERA Sportsman Regional Championships (won 20 WERA races); 2018 season, named AMA Youth Road Racer of the Year, won AMA 300 Superstock Grand Championship, won 3 WERA National Challenge Championships, won 13 WERA Sportsman Regional Championships, won 41 of 60 WERA races started; 2017 season, won 3 WERA Sportsman Regional Championships.
2023 racing goals: Win another MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship, finish in the top 10 in all MotoAmerica Supersport races.
Racing career goal: Race on the world stage.
Racing hero: Scott Russell.
Favorite track: Inde Motorsports Ranch.
Favorite hobbies: Riding anything on two wheels, mountain biking.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Maybe competing in triathlons or mountain bike races.
Some of the riders who have graduated from Roadracing World Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);
2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Corey Alexander;
AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);
2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and AFT SuperTwins race winner J.D. Beach;
MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;
former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;
three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;
former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;
2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;
2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;
four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);
Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;
two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;
2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;
2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and two-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;
two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2018 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship runner-up Hayden Gillim;
2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);
2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;
eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;
2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;
MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner Teagg Hobbs;
AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;
2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;
2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike podium finisher Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;
2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and current Moto2 World Championship competitor Sean Dylan Kelly;
Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;
two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;
2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;
MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;
MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;
AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;
Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;
AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and two-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;
2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;
2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;
2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;
2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and current powersports dealership owner Bryce Prince;
AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;
two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers race winner James Rispoli;
2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;
former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;
three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;
multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;
MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;
2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;
Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;
former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory West;
MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;
and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.
A “press release” is promotional text issued by a rider, team, company or organization to inform
the public about an event, product, or service from the issuer’s own point of view, and if deemed
to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers.
A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. When a post is labeled with the words “press release”, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Not all press releases are posted and Roadracingworld.com may reject press releases if the content is too heavy on commercial promotion with little or no news value or if the press release contains obvious errors.
Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
November 14, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
