Defending MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin will miss the first two rounds of the 2025 season after suffering a second preseason training injury and undergoing surgery, Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola said.
“For sure he won’t be in Argentina. And then we will see. We want to have him in very good shape. I don’t want to rush his recovery,” Rivola said ahead of the season-opening round in Buriram, which Martin will miss as well.
Martin crashed heavily on the first day of 2025 testing in Sepang, injuring his left foot and right hand. Just before leaving for Buriram, he was training on a supermotard when he crashed again, injuring his left hand. He underwent surgery on Feb. 25th. Martin will be replaced in Buriram by test rider Lorenzo Savadori.
The Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team is prepared to open the 14-race 2025 MotoAmerica™ Mission Foods King of the Baggers road racing series on March 6-8 on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. For 2025, the team will field three riders on race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® motorcycles. Kyle Wyman returns for his fifth season with the Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team, joined by James Rispoli in his second year with the team, and a newcomer to the team and series, English road racing and MotoGP veteran, Bradley Smith.
Race fans can preview the season with a new Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team launch video featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the team and bar-to-bar, bag-to-bag racing action from the Mission Foods King of the Baggers series. The video debuts today on the Harley-Davidson YouTube Channel and other social channels.
“The Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Race Team is anticipating another season of intense King of the Baggers competition,” said Harley-Davidson Racing Director Jason Kehl. “There are some very talented riders and incredibly fast bagger motorcycles in this class, which makes for great racing for our fans. We are excited to have a talent like Bradley Smith bring his road racing experience to the team. With Kyle, Bradley, and James I think we have the most dynamic team of riders in the series to win races and the 2025 championship title.”
The Mission Foods King of The Baggers series offers exciting competition between American V-Twin touring motorcycles prepared for competition and equipped with stock frames and a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags. The 2025 King of The Baggers series features 14 races over seven doubleheader weekends held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series. Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team Road Glide® motorcycles are powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight® 131 Performance Crate Engines. The team bikes also feature upgraded suspension components, including Screamin’ Eagle/Öhlins Remote Reservoir Rear Shocks, plus competition exhaust, race tires and lightweight bodywork.
Dynojet Research Inc. joins the Harley-Davidson® Factory Race Team partner roster for the 2025 season which also includes Rockford Fosgate®, Mission® Foods, Brembo®, Öhlins®, Akrapovič, SYN3® lubricants, and Screamin’ Eagle® Performance Parts and Accessories.
Kyle Wyman (#33) rode a Harley-Davidson® Factory Race Team Road Glide motorcycle to six race victories and finished on the podium seven times in the 18-race 2024 Mission Foods King of the Baggers road racing series. He finished the season second in series points. Since joining the team 2021, Wyman leads the series with 18 race victories and claimed the 2021 championship. Wyman began racing professionally in flat track aboard a Harley-Davidson XR750, formed KWR Racing at the age of 21 and won the 2019 Daytona 200. His KWR team fields race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Pan America® 1250 Special motorcycles in the Mission Foods Super Hooligan Championship.
“Riding for the H-D Factory Team has been a dream, and I’m so happy to continue on with them in my fifth season,” said Wyman. “Each year the series continues to grow, and we keep working hard as a team to get the best results possible. I look forward to the opportunity to chase the #1 plate once again and bring it home to Milwaukee.”
Bradley Smith (#38) brings a wealth of road racing experience to the Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team. Road racing as a professional since 2006, Smith has placed on the podium in all four classes of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, with top-three finishes in the 125/Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP, and MotoE World Cup. He raced in the premier MotoGP class for eight seasons and a combined 119 starts with Monster Tech3 Yamaha, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, and Aprilia Racing Team. In 2024, Smith was a test rider for the BMW Motorrad Motorsport WorldSBK team. He is a founder with racer Claudio Corti of #Project 109, a race team built to coach, train and guide riders and racers.
“It’s great to be welcomed into the Factory Harley-Davidson Race Team,” said Smith. “I am very excited to be racing in the US and joining King of the Baggers. The class has gone from strength to strength over the last four years and Harley-Davidson and its factory riders have done a tremendous job since the project began in creating a great motorcycle. I hope my knowledge and experience from around the world will help to bring the bike back to Victory Lane in 2025/2026.”
James Rispoli (#43) scored four podium finishes and placed sixth in Mission Foods King of the Baggers season points in 2024, his first with the Harley-Davidson® Factory Race Team. In 2023, Rispoli won two races and was second in Mission Foods King of the Baggers season points while racing for the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team. Rispoli began racing in flat track as a teenager and earned the nickname “Hogspoli” while winning the 2020 American Flat Track Production Twins championship aboard a Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R. He won back-to-back AMA Pro Racing Supersport championships in 2011-2012. Rispoli will be a full-time test rider for the Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team in 2025 and is expected to compete in select races, including Daytona and Road America. He will also be aboard a race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Pan America® 1250 Special motorcycle for KWR Racing in the 2025 Mission Foods Super Hooligan Championship.
“I’m so stoked to be back with the factory H-D team,” said Rispoli “I’ll do everything possible to win races and have a Harley win the championship. I’m also very excited with the new challenge of gunning for the title in the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship riding KWR H-D Pan America race bikes.”
Harley-Davidson also announced a new sponsorship of MotoAmerica’s 2025 Mission Super Hooligan National Championship. The class, which features 750cc+ twin cylinder, up to 900cc triples, and electric bikes, all with a claimed 128 horsepower or less, with no bodywork, and high-handlebars, was created by Roland Sands Design in conjunction with MotoAmerica. The Super Hooligan National Championship will be “Powered by Harley-Davidson and the Championship-Winning Pan America ST – Official Motorcycle of SHNC.” Two Harley-Davidson factory supported Super Hooligan teams will compete in the series aboard Pan America ST-based race bikes: Saddlemen Racing, and Kyle Wyman Racing (KWR). Saddemen Racing has the defending National Champion in the Super Hooligan Series, Cory West (#1), who will be joined by Jake Lewis (#85), and Travis Wyman (#10). KWR will field Cody Wyman (#34), Hayden Schultz (#49), and new addition to the team and class, James Rispoli (#43).
MP13 Racing is thrilled to announce Aiden Sneed’s return to Supersport and welcomes rising star Ella Dreher to the team for the 2025 MotoAmerica Talent Cup Championship.
MP13 Racing, a growing team in the MotoAmerica series, has confirmed that Aiden Sneed will return for his third consecutive year with the team, and second season in Supersport, while promising talent Ella Dreher will join the squad to compete in the 2025 MotoAmerica Talent Cup. This announcement marks a significant step for MP13 Racing as they continue with the focus of developing new talent in US roadracing.
Sneed will once again race the highly competitive MV Agusta F3-800 in the Supersport Next Generation class. With a best finish of 11th in 2024, Sneed spent his off season hard at work training alongside Champions Josh Hayes and Jason Pridmore. Early results look promising with his best times at the official MotoAmerica test at Podium Club within a half a second of the quickest Supersport time. He had this to say about the opportunity to continue with MP13 Racing, “I’m grateful to my whole team for the continued support over the last two seasons. I am super motivated to get the results that I know we are capable of”.
Ella Dreher will join MP13 Racing to compete in the 2025 MotoAmerica Talent Cup. Photo courtesy MP13 Racing Team.
Ella Dreher, an up-and-coming rider who gained attention with impressive results in her maiden season of MotoAmerica’s Junior Cup in 2024 (three visits to the podium), is set to make her debut in the MotoAmerica Talent Cup aboard the all new Kramer APX-350 with MP13 Racing. Dreher has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects in the sport. “I’m super excited to be joining MP13 Racing for the 2025 season. Melissa and I have been talking about doing something like this for years now and I am so happy that we are finally making it happen. My goal for 2025 is to win a championship and I can’t think of a better opportunity to do that than with MP13 Racing.” stated Dreher.
Team Principal Melissa Paris had this to say: “I can’t say I’ve ever been this excited heading into a race season. I’ve had my eye on Ella since she was racing on mini-bikes and I knew she would be a force on the racetrack. I’m thankful for her trust in my team and I’m looking forward to getting to work with her.” She continued. “Likewise, seeing Aiden grow up with our team has been a privilege. He has impressed me this winter with his work ethic. I can honestly say I don’t think there are many other riders who are putting in the work I’ve seen from him over the last few months. I am absolutely sure he’ll be seeing the results of that effort soon”.
With Aiden Sneed’s return and the addition of Ella Dreher, MP13 Racing is poised for a strong and competitive 2025 MotoAmerica season. Both riders are committed to pushing their limits and representing the team with pride as they aim for success on the track.
The team looks forward to making an exciting sponsor announcement soon.
MP13 Racing is a premier motorsports team competing in the MotoAmerica series. With their commitment to the sport and fostering young talent, MP13 Racing aims to be a leading force in the sport of motorcycle racing. With a history of success and a forward-thinking approach, MP13 Racing remains dedicated to achieving podium finishes and nurturing future champions.
Pop-up museum to document legendary touring model’s rich history
Schedule includes a host of customer-focused activities
Also planned: demo rides with Gold Wings and other Honda on-road bikes
American Honda has announced an expanded activation area at the upcoming Bike Week event in Daytona Beach, Florida, celebrating 50 Years of Flight with the Gold Wing touring bike. Situated outside Daytona Speedway from February 28 to March 9, the space will cover a total of nearly 32,000 square feet and will include a massive display tent and a demo-ride staging area.
Earlier this month, Honda unveiled the 2025 Gold Wing platform, which features special colors and logos commemorating the iconic model’s half-century milestone. Originally offered in 1975, the Gold Wing arguably invented the touring category, inspiring a dedicated culture and community that has participated in the model’s progression over the years.
The tent will house a pop-up museum displaying each milestone generation of the Gold Wing, as well as historic images and memorabilia documenting both the evolution of the model and the ways that it has been used by customers. Attendees are welcome to explore the museum on their own, or to participate in periodic guided walkthroughs.
Honda is organizing an extensive series of activities at the display. Among them: Several “story-time” and Q&A sessions with Lee Edmunds and Matthew Miles, creators of a beautiful new coffee-table book celebrating five decades of the Gold Wing (a limited number of autographed editions of the book will be available for sale, as will a commemorative 1:12 scale tabletop model featuring the original 1975 GL1000 Gold Wing on one side and the 2025 GL1800 Gold Wing Tour on the other); live appearances by Japanese artist Makoto Endo, who will use chopsticks to create a truly unique image of the Gold Wing; and more. Of course, Honda will have a long list of current powersports models on display as well.
In the demo area, Honda will also stage for customer rides on a local route with the 2025 50th Anniversary Gold Wing (standard and Tour versions), along with many other on-road motorcycles, including the Rebel 1100 and 500 cruisers; Africa Twin, Transalp NC750 and NX500 adventure bikes; CBR650R and CBR1000RR sport bikes; CB650R naked bike; and CRF300L dual-sport bike. In addition, a roller demo will give attendees a chance to try Honda’s E-Clutch technology.
“The Gold Wing is an extremely significant model in Honda’s history—particularly in the U.S.—and we’re excited for our customers to help us celebrate its 50th birthday,” said Colin Miller, Manager of Experiential Marketing at American Honda. “Over the past five decades, enthusiasts have helped guide the Gold Wing’s development as they used it to celebrate their love of motorcycle touring. What better way to mark this important milestone than by gathering together, and what better place than Daytona Bike Week?”
About American Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the United States. American Honda’s Power Sports & Products Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.
Waters sizzles from start to finish in 2025 ASBK Championship opener
Josh Waters has made light work of his opposition with a brilliant clean sweep in round one of the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Phillip Island.
Waters won all three races in the SW-MOTECH Superbike class, with two of them coming on Sunday as he completed a flawless season opener on the McMartin Racing Ducati.
Waters’ fellow hard-nosed veterans Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) and Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha) were second and third overall in round one, while Archie McDonald (Stop and Seal Yamaha) and Scott Nicholson (Kawasaki) were the leading point-scorers in the Kawasaki Supersport and Race and Road Supersport 300 classes after three days of scintillating high-speed action.
“I could not be happier with how this weekend has gone, although it certainly wasn’t as easy as it looked,” said Waters. “But I was super happy with how my McMartin Ducati performed, and this result has certainly put down a very solid foundation for the 2025 season. Racing is still a huge passion for me, and I enjoy competing – and celebrating success – with family and friends.”
The ASBK Championship opener was held in conjunction with the FIM Superbike World Championship, providing local fans the chance to cheer on Aussies Remy Gardner, Luke Power, Oli Bayliss and Harrison Voight in the international categories under brilliant Phillip Island sunshine.
Round two of the 2025 ASBK Championship will be held under lights at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 28-29, with the Superbike Masters and bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup categories also joining the fray for the first time this season.
SW-MOTECH Superbike
Josh Waters’ 17th and 18th SW-MOTECH Superbike victories at Phillip were achieved with brutal efficiency, as he sling-shotted off the line on both occasions and then immediately knuckled down to building unassailable leads.
Waters’ three wins and a pole position saw him bank a maximum 76pts (there’s a bonus point for pole position) in round one, from Mike Jones (58), Anthony West (56), Max Stauffer (Yamaha Racing Team 43) and John Lytras (Yamaha).
In race two, Waters was again in runaway mode, but this time Jones turned the tables on West as Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati) edged out race one faller Cameron Dunker (MotoGo Yamaha) in a gripping battle for fourth. Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati), Stauffer and Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Yamaha) completed the top eight.
Mike Jones (#46) and Anthony West (#13) were really this far apart in all three Superbike races. RbMotoLens photo.
It only took about 10 seconds into race three for the first flashpoint, with Pearson – who came home with a wet sail in race two – going down at turn one after being clipped and forced wide. Halliday (flat tire) and Allerton (mechanical) also failed to finish race three, leaving Waters, Jones and West to be followed home in the 11-lapper by the fast-starting Dunker, Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha), Lytras, Stauffer and Ryan Yanko (Addicted to Track Yamaha).
Kawasaki Supersport
In a sometimes wild and woolly Kawasaki Supersport finale, Jack Mahaffy snapped Stop and Seal Yamaha teammate Archie McDonald’s two-race winning streak to bring up his third win in the category.
The start of the race saw Olly Simpson (BCperformance Kawasaki), Mahaffy, McDonald and Tom Bramich (Yamaha) constantly swap positions, and on lap seven Mahaffy and McDonald nearly collided at turn four.
That was the trigger point to take a deep breath and, with Simpson soon losing the tow, it boiled down to a race of three.
Jack Mahaffy leads Olly Simpson, Tom Bramich and Archie McDonald. RbMotoLens photo.
Bramich then cooked his goose on the final lap, crashing three corners from home, with a delighted Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki) filling the void. Meanwhile, Mahaffy held off McDonald to win by 0.619 seconds, with both riders on the limit as they set their fastest laps on the final lap. Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha) and Simpson were fourth and fifth, followed by Declan van Rosmalen (Yamaha) and rookies Cameron Swain (Yamaha) and Will Nassif (Yamaha).
Archie McDonald enjoys the Supersport podium. RbMotoLens photo.
McDonald (71pts) takes the championship lead into round two at Sydney Motorsport Park, followed by Mahaffy (65), Simpson (51), Farnsworth (46) and Van Rosmalen (43).
Archie McDonald enjoys the Supersport spoils
Race and Road Supersport 300
Sam Drane’s already a junior dirt track star, and now he’s a Race and Road Supersport 300 winner! The 14-year-old – yes, you read correctly – won another extraordinarily tight battle in Sunday’s third and final race on his Yamaha to make it three different winners across the round. Again, the race came down to precious millimeters as 18 riders flashed across the finish line 2.2 seconds apart.
After being in the mix in the first two races without quite getting the job done, this time Drane wouldn’t be denied as he inched his way to the front on the second last lap and then kept down the shutters.
Scott Nicholson (39) uses his Kawasaki Ninja 400 to lead Jordy Simpson (33, Yamaha) and the Supersport 300 Race Three pack while Kawasaki riders Tara Morrison (95) and Mitch Simpson (66), and Yamaha pilot Hudson Thompson give chase. RbMotoLens photo.
Scott Nicholson (Kawasaki) was second from 15-year-old Hudson Thompson, followed by Jordy Simpson (Yamaha), Tara Morrison (Kawasaki) and Valentino Knezovic (Yamaha).
Simpson (2-3-4) was the overall round winner from Nicholson (3-3-2), who defeated Morrison (1-6-5) on a countback after they both finished on the same points. Thompson (5-2-3) and Drane (8-8-1) saw out the top five.
Editorial Note: Yamaha’s next generation R9 racebike won in its World Supersport debut last weekend. But it won’t be racing in the Daytona 200, because World Supersport electronics are not compatible with MotoAmerica rules and MotoAmerica-legal electronics are not yet available; other racing parts are not yet available; and bikes for most Yamaha support teams were late arriving in the U.S. The R9 will make its MotoAmerica debut at Barber Motorsports Park on the weekend of April 4-6. Meanwhile, R9 streetbikes may not be imported into the U.S. and available for purchase from dealers until the third quarter of 2025.
From a press release issued by Yamaha Racing:
Race Win for Yamaha R9 on WorldSSP Debut as Manzi Victorious in Phillip Island
History was made in Australia as Stefano Manzi took the all-new Yamaha R9 to a maiden victory in its debut outing in the FIM Supersport World Championship at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
It was poetic for Yamaha, as Manzi opened the R9’s World Championship account with victory just 126 days after closing the iconic R6’s chapter in the history books with a win in Jerez back in October.
It hasn’t been a straightforward week ‘down under’ for the Italian, who struggled initially in the two-day official test but, working hard with the Pata Yamaha Ten Kate team, he made progress session by session. The twice vice-champion qualified eighth for the R9’s debut race but being on the third row of the grid didn’t hinder Manzi as he launched off the line to join the battle for the podium on the opening lap.
It was Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Racing’s Can Öncü who took the holeshot from fourth on the grid, with Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) holding his third-place starting position in the opening exchanges.
As the race reached the halfway point with the mandatory pit stop window opening, it was Öncü, Manzi and Jaume Masia fighting for the lead. Entering the pits on the same lap, Masia seemed to gain an edge on the two R9s on the restart but was later handed a 3.5 second penalty for leaving pit lane too early.
Following the pit stops, Marcel Schroetter and Tom Booth-Amos joined the fight for the lead making it a five-way scrap at the front. Manzi asserted himself at the head of the field, but was unable to make a break, leading to a dogged battle with Masia in the closing stages. A pass at the bottom of Lukey Heights was enough to secure the Italian enough breathing room to cross the line first and make history with the R9’s maiden win on its race debut.
Öncü crossed the line fifth for Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Racing, with 2017 champion Lucas Mahias completing his race in ninth. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (GMT94 Yamaha), who had looked to have pace to fight for a podium, retired with a technical issue on lap six.
Having shown impressive pace as a rookie, reigning WorldSSP300 champion Aldi Satya Mahendra’s (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Racing) WorldSSP debut came to an early end as he crashed unhurt at turn ten on the opening lap.
In WorldSSP, the grid for the second race is set by the fastest laps in the opening race meaning Manzi, who set the third fastest lap, will start from the front row. Mahias moves to sixth on the grid with Öncü ninth.
Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) – 1st
“It is amazing to open the era of the new R9 with a win! There are not many words at the moment, I need to thank Yamaha and the team as they have put a lot of effort in to this project to make this possible. It was not easy, because it was a hard fight and the pit stop also made things challenging, but I am happy to be able to say I finished first! In the winter tests in Spain, the test earlier this week and even yesterday I was not super quick, but in the end we were able to close the gap. When we left the pits and Masia had a gap on me, I thought either I’ve done something wrong, or he did something wrong, so my only goal was to catch him and win. It was a hard fight, like always in this class, but I am a fighter, so in the end it was good for me!”
Niccolò Canepa – Road Racing Sporting Manager, Yamaha Motor Europe
“This is an incredible result for Yamaha, for the R9 to take the win in its first WorldSSP race is a dream. We felt confident in the package heading into the season, but pre-season testing was hampered by bad weather and our WorldSSP teams participated in private tests away from their rivals. Since we arrived in Australia, our teams have made progress session after session and fighting for the podium was our target. Stefano rode an incredible race in true ‘Manzi style’ and he will now go down in history as the last winner on the R6 and first on the R9. Congratulations to him, the Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing team and all of the engineers who have worked so hard on this project over the last year. We still have work to do, but we could not have made a better start!”
More, from another press release issued by Yamaha Racing:
Manzi Completes Successful Debut for Yamaha R9 with Second on Sunday in Phillip Island
After taking victory in the opening race of the season, Stefano Manzi rounded out a successful debut weekend for the new Yamaha R9 in the FIM Supersport World Championship with a second-place finish in Race 2.
Conditions for Sunday’s 18-lap race were cooler and wind speeds were higher, presenting different challenges for the Supersport riders but Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) got off to a good start to lead into the first corner from third on the grid. Fellow R9 rider Can Öncü slotted in behind the Italian.
Stefano Manzi (62) in Supersport World Championship Race Two at Phillip Island. Yamaha photo.
By the time of the pit stops at mid-race distance, Manzi and Öncü had lost some ground. Öncü returned to the track in sixth but Manzi lost more positions in the pits, returning to the track tenth. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (GMT94) was one of the biggest benefactors of a slick stop as he joined the battle for the lead in the second half of the race, even taking the number one spot when Marcel Schroetter crashed out of the lead.
A close battle ensued, but ultimately it was Manzi and Tom Booth-Amos who came through to fight for the win. Manzi took the lead at turn one on lap 14, but the British rider fought back hard. The duo exchanged the lead several times in the closing laps. Booth-Amos had built a small gap with two laps to go, but Manzi looked to have a chance of closing this down until a mistake at the hairpin made the gap insurmountable with the Italian crossing the line 0.6 seconds from the winner.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi’s pace paid off with a fourth-place finish while GMT94 Yamaha team-mate Lucas Mahias, who had lost time after he’d got caught up in another rider’s crash, finished sixth.
Can Öncü (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Racing) crashed out while battling for a top four finish on the final lap, but rookie team-mate Aldi Satya Mahendra enjoyed better fortune on Sunday as he secured his first WorldSSP points in 13th.
Manzi’s 1-2 scorecard sees him leave Australia joint championship leader with Booth-Amos on 45 points. Mahias sits sixth, Rinaldi eighth and Öncü ninth.
The second round of the season takes place between 28-30 March at the Autodrómo Internacional do Algarve, Portimão.
“I can say in the end it has been a great, great weekend with the win yesterday and second today. Today I was struggling a little bit more, especially with the wind, but it was good to finish second and I was close to first but one mistake on the last lap, when I hit a false neutral, meant I couldn’t fight for the win in the last few corners. It is a good start, but there is still room for improvement so this is encouraging as I think the team and Yamaha can further improve the bike and hopefully we will be in a strong position as we return to Europe.”
BMW Manufacturing Continues as the Largest Automotive Exporter by Value in the U.S.
Export Value in 2024 Totaled $10.1 Billion.
From 2014-2024, BMW’s Export Value Totaled $104.1 Billion.
Plant Preparing to Assemble Fully Electric BMWs in 2026.
By 2030, the BMW Group Will Assemble At Least Six Fully Electric Vehicles in the U.S.
Spartanburg, S.C. – February 26, 2025… BMW Manufacturing has confirmed that it was the leading automotive exporter by value in the United States in 2024, according to data released this month by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Plant Spartanburg exported nearly 225,000 BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes last year with an export value of more than $10 billion. Moreover, since 2014, the South Carolina plant has exported more than 2.7 million BMWs – about 63 percent of total production – with an export value of more than $104 billion.
In 2024 BMW exported 225,000+ SUVs and cars built in South Carolina, with an export value of more than $10 billion. Will that be enough to stave off U.S. tariffs on imported BMW motorcycles?
The BMWs assembled at the South Carolina plant were exported primarily through the Port of Charleston, SC, as well as through four additional ports: Brunswick, GA; Jacksonville, FL; Everglades, FL; and Baltimore, MD. Nearly 15,000 BMWs were exported via rail. The top export markets from Plant Spartanburg were Germany, South Korea, China, Canada, and Great Britain.
“Plant Spartanburg has been an important location in our production network for over 30 years and is now the largest BMW Group plant globally,” explained Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production. “The strong export share of our plant underlines the importance of free trade for the USA. Not only does this benefit our plant, but also the strong supplier network in the region.”
“When the first BMW rolled off the assembly line in 1994, it was the beginning of a great legacy for Plant Spartanburg in the United States. Our dedicated associates have assembled nearly seven million BMWs, and because of our export success, millions of customers around the world experience the innovative technology and premium quality of our X vehicles,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “Our achievement as the country’s leading automotive exporter demonstrates BMW’s trusted partnership with this state and our continued commitment to the United States.”
Plant Highlights from 2024.
The team at BMW Manufacturing assembled 396,117 Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes last year. As part of that total, more than 57,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles were assembled, which made up more than 14 percent of the plant’s total volume. Nearly 50 percent of all BMWs sold in the U.S. were assembled at Plant Spartanburg. Other plant highlights from 2024 include:
–Associates successfully launched the fourth-generation BMW X3, boasting greater sporting appeal, visual impact, and versatility than ever. The X3 is one of the best-selling BMWs in America.
–While celebrating the 30th anniversary of Plant Spartanburg, BMW opened its first press shop in North America. The state-of-the-art press shop stamps parts for the BMW X3, including hang-on parts such as the vehicle’s four doors, fenders, lift gate, and exterior body sides.
–The expansion of the X3/X4 assembly hall continued as Plant Spartanburg prepares to assemble fully electric vehicles. Construction is complete, and most tooling and equipment has been installed. This assembly hall has increased by nearly 50 percent to more than 2.4 million square feet. The first electric vehicle will be shipped in late 2026, and by 2030, the BMW Group will assemble at least six fully electric models in the U.S.
–Construction started at Plant Woodruff, BMW’s new $700 million high-voltage battery assembly plant. Tooling and equipment are being installed with all work substantially completed by the end of March 2025. Associates at the one million square foot facility will assemble the sixth-generation batteries to supply fully electric vehicles at Plant Spartanburg.
–Construction on a 300,000-square-foot expansion to the main body shop was completed, and an additional 300+ robots have been installed.
–Construction on a new eight-story body shop stacker for vehicle storage was completed.
“South Carolina’s position as a stronghold for the United States’ automotive industry can be traced directly to BMW’s success in our state. The BMW models assembled at Plant Spartanburg are in global demand — shipping to markets around the world,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. “We are proud to have a company as committed to the prosperity of its community, the success of its employees, and the innovation of its industry right here in South Carolina. We look forward to celebrating many more milestones with BMW in the years ahead.”
“Over the past decade, much of BMW’s global success can be traced to the strength of Plant Spartanburg, where world-class advanced automotive manufacturing, employee upskilling, and research and development are happening in real-time,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “South Carolina is proud of its legacy companies, like BMW, and S.C. Commerce remains a steadfast champion for the success of all businesses, no matter where they fall in their legacy journey. We are proud to be home to one of the most dynamic automotive industries in the nation, thanks to leaders like BMW.”
Since 1992, the BMW Group has invested more than $14.8 billion in its South Carolina operations. BMW Manufacturing is the largest BMW Group plant in the world, assembling more than 1,500 vehicles each day. The plant is an important part of BMW’s global production network and plays a critical role in meeting the high demand for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes in the U.S. and around the world. Nearly 57 percent of its vehicles are shipped to about 120 global markets, making BMW the largest automotive exporter by value in the United States for more than a decade. In 2024, nearly 50 percent of BMW vehicles sold in the U.S. came from Plant Spartanburg. The model portfolio includes six top-selling BMW X models, four Motorsport X models, and two plug-in hybrid electric vehicle X models. The factory has an annual production capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles and employs more than 11,000 people.
BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC
BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC is a subsidiary of BMW AG in Munich, Germany, and assembles the BMW X3, X5, X5 M, X7, and XM Sports Activity Vehicles and the BMW X4, X4 M, X6 and X6 M Sports Activity Coupes. In addition to the South Carolina manufacturing facility, BMW Group North American subsidiaries include sales, marketing, and financial services operations in the United States, Canada and Latin America; a manufacturing plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico; and a design firm and technology office in California. For more information on BMW Manufacturing, visit www.bmwusfactory.com.
BMW Group in the United States.
BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles and motorcycles in the U.S. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.
Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.
BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled nearly 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.
The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 350 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.
Pipe Dreams Podcast is back for Episode 26 with the polarizing former MotoGP star, John Hopkins. Tune in for an in-depth, over four-hour conversation with “Hopper” as he shares his incredible journey through the world of motorcycle racing—one that has cemented his larger-than-life legacy both on and off the track.
Hopkins started riding at just four years old and quickly made a name for himself, winning the 2000 AMA 750cc Supersport Championship at 17 years old and becoming the AMA Formula Xtreme Champion the following year. His raw talent propelled him onto the MotoGP stage in 2002 with Red Bull Yamaha, where he rode 500cc machinery before switching to Suzuki’s four-stroke GSV-R in 2003.
Hopkins later raced for Kawasaki, battling through injuries before the manufacturer’s MotoGP exit in 2009. However, it wasn’t until 2011 that he truly showcased his talent again—this time in the British Superbike Championship, where he fought for the title all season, only to lose in a dramatic last-lap clash, finishing runner-up for the year.
Beyond the track, Hopkins opens up about the physical and mental toll of professional racing, his battles with injuries, and how they ultimately led to struggles with addiction. He shares his path to recovery, the lessons he’s learned, and the motivation behind writing his book, “Leathered,” where he tells his story in full.
John Hopkins and his mother Linda (R.I.P.), celebrating his birthday in 2009. Photo courtesy Hopkins family.
Now focused on mentoring the next generation of racers, most notably American Moto2 rider Joe Roberts, Hopkins discusses his passion for guiding young riders through the sport with the support and mentorship he wished he had. Most recently, he has taken on a new challenge as co-owner of Apex Racing Center in Perris, California, working to revitalize the popular supermoto and karting track.
From left, Corey Alexander, James Rispoli and John Hopkins recording the podcast at Apex Racing Center.
Available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the twenty-sixth full episode with Hopper is out now. Video of the episode can also be viewed on Spotify or YouTube (link below).
The American broadcasting giant will show Sprints and Grand Prix races live from 2025
MotoGP will be broadcast on FOX Sports in the USA from 2025. A new multiyear deal sees Tissot Sprints and Grand Prix races broadcast live on FS1 or FS2, putting the most exciting sport on Earth alongside some of the biggest properties in American sports broadcasting.
22 Grands Prix visiting 19 countries makes the 2025 season the biggest yet for MotoGP and it starts this weekend with the Thai GP, which will be shown on FS1. After the Grand Prix of Argentina, MotoGP then returns to the USA as the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX, hosts a home round. Fans can tune in for their home Sprint on FS2 and the Grand Prix on Fox Business. In addition, all races are available via the FOX Sports app, with select races available on FOX Deportes.
As well as live coverage throughout the upcoming season, this new deal will also see FOX Sports show repeats during the week following each event for those who didn’t catch it first time round.
Bill Wanger, FOX Sports EVP, Head of Programming & Scheduling: “FOX Sports is thrilled to be the new home to the best two-wheel racing in the world. We will carry every race of the international series live, giving race fans true appointment viewing for MotoGP.”
Dan Rossomondo, Chief Commercial Officer of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports: “We’re happy to see MotoGP join the incredible line up on FOX Sports. This is the most exciting sport on Earth and we want to see it on the biggest stage possible, most especially in markets where there is so much untapped potential. That’s true of the US, where we have a loyal following and an impressive legacy for MotoGP, but so much scope to expand once people see what this sport is all about. We’re looking forward to working with FOX Sports on that mission.”
Dunlop will serve as the title sponsor for the 2025 Loudon Classic, America’s oldest motorcycle road race. This year’s event promises to set new records, with an astonishing $400,000 purse allocated across four classes during the festivities scheduled for June 13-15.
Following the historic milestone of the 100th Classic in 2023, which featured an unprecedented $250,000 purse, and the subsequent $300,000 purse in 2024, the upcoming 102nd Loudon Classic is poised to elevate American road racing to new heights. John Grush, Executive Director of NEMRR, remarked, “We aim to foster growth in our sport by providing an unparalleled platform for both professional and local racers. The record-setting purse draws substantial media interest, allowing us to spotlight our riders and teams while supporting their racing endeavors throughout the season. We take great pride in offering such a valuable opportunity for positive exposure within the sport.”
The highlight of this three-day event will be the four premier races featured on Saturday. The Classic Main event is set to award $285,000, showcasing the NEMRR’s top Middleweight GP class along with Moto America Supersport Gen 2 bikes. The top 32 qualifiers will compete, with the champion of the 2025 Classic receiving a historic $60,000 prize.
The podium after the featured race at the 2024 Loudon Classic, with winner Hayden Gillim flanked by third-place Bobby Fong (left) and second-place Ty Scott (right). Photo courtesy NEMRR.
In an exciting development for 2025, the Streetfighter class, dedicated to naked twin and three-cylinder motorcycles will complete with a noteworthy $100,000 purse. Additionally, the overall purse for the Classic and Streetfighter classes includes $25,000 and $10,000, respectively, in bonus incentives for local participants. NEMRR will also reintroduce the popular Pro Thunderbike and 500 Superbike classes, with each offering a $7,500 purse.
Dunlop is pleased to announce that they will provide trackside support for both technical assistance and sales. Furthermore, racers can conveniently purchase Sportmax Slick tires through www.dunlopracing.com. Dunlop is committed to ensuring that racers have access to their quality products and expert guidance.
Please note that entries are limited to 60 riders for the Loudon Classic and 48 riders for the new Streetfighter class. To register, riders can visit https://nemrr.volarehq.com/, contact NEMRR at 603-738-2190, or via email at [email protected].
Dunlop looks forward to an exciting 2025 Loudon Classic and officially supporting this prestigious event!
Defending MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin will miss the first two rounds of the 2025 season after suffering a second preseason training injury and undergoing surgery, Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola said.
“For sure he won’t be in Argentina. And then we will see. We want to have him in very good shape. I don’t want to rush his recovery,” Rivola said ahead of the season-opening round in Buriram, which Martin will miss as well.
Martin crashed heavily on the first day of 2025 testing in Sepang, injuring his left foot and right hand. Just before leaving for Buriram, he was training on a supermotard when he crashed again, injuring his left hand. He underwent surgery on Feb. 25th. Martin will be replaced in Buriram by test rider Lorenzo Savadori.
Bradley Smith (38). Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
The Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team is prepared to open the 14-race 2025 MotoAmerica™ Mission Foods King of the Baggers road racing series on March 6-8 on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. For 2025, the team will field three riders on race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® motorcycles. Kyle Wyman returns for his fifth season with the Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team, joined by James Rispoli in his second year with the team, and a newcomer to the team and series, English road racing and MotoGP veteran, Bradley Smith.
Race fans can preview the season with a new Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team launch video featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the team and bar-to-bar, bag-to-bag racing action from the Mission Foods King of the Baggers series. The video debuts today on the Harley-Davidson YouTube Channel and other social channels.
“The Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Race Team is anticipating another season of intense King of the Baggers competition,” said Harley-Davidson Racing Director Jason Kehl. “There are some very talented riders and incredibly fast bagger motorcycles in this class, which makes for great racing for our fans. We are excited to have a talent like Bradley Smith bring his road racing experience to the team. With Kyle, Bradley, and James I think we have the most dynamic team of riders in the series to win races and the 2025 championship title.”
The Mission Foods King of The Baggers series offers exciting competition between American V-Twin touring motorcycles prepared for competition and equipped with stock frames and a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags. The 2025 King of The Baggers series features 14 races over seven doubleheader weekends held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series. Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team Road Glide® motorcycles are powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight® 131 Performance Crate Engines. The team bikes also feature upgraded suspension components, including Screamin’ Eagle/Öhlins Remote Reservoir Rear Shocks, plus competition exhaust, race tires and lightweight bodywork.
Dynojet Research Inc. joins the Harley-Davidson® Factory Race Team partner roster for the 2025 season which also includes Rockford Fosgate®, Mission® Foods, Brembo®, Öhlins®, Akrapovič, SYN3® lubricants, and Screamin’ Eagle® Performance Parts and Accessories.
Kyle Wyman (#33) rode a Harley-Davidson® Factory Race Team Road Glide motorcycle to six race victories and finished on the podium seven times in the 18-race 2024 Mission Foods King of the Baggers road racing series. He finished the season second in series points. Since joining the team 2021, Wyman leads the series with 18 race victories and claimed the 2021 championship. Wyman began racing professionally in flat track aboard a Harley-Davidson XR750, formed KWR Racing at the age of 21 and won the 2019 Daytona 200. His KWR team fields race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Pan America® 1250 Special motorcycles in the Mission Foods Super Hooligan Championship.
“Riding for the H-D Factory Team has been a dream, and I’m so happy to continue on with them in my fifth season,” said Wyman. “Each year the series continues to grow, and we keep working hard as a team to get the best results possible. I look forward to the opportunity to chase the #1 plate once again and bring it home to Milwaukee.”
Bradley Smith (#38) brings a wealth of road racing experience to the Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team. Road racing as a professional since 2006, Smith has placed on the podium in all four classes of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, with top-three finishes in the 125/Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP, and MotoE World Cup. He raced in the premier MotoGP class for eight seasons and a combined 119 starts with Monster Tech3 Yamaha, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, and Aprilia Racing Team. In 2024, Smith was a test rider for the BMW Motorrad Motorsport WorldSBK team. He is a founder with racer Claudio Corti of #Project 109, a race team built to coach, train and guide riders and racers.
“It’s great to be welcomed into the Factory Harley-Davidson Race Team,” said Smith. “I am very excited to be racing in the US and joining King of the Baggers. The class has gone from strength to strength over the last four years and Harley-Davidson and its factory riders have done a tremendous job since the project began in creating a great motorcycle. I hope my knowledge and experience from around the world will help to bring the bike back to Victory Lane in 2025/2026.”
James Rispoli (#43) scored four podium finishes and placed sixth in Mission Foods King of the Baggers season points in 2024, his first with the Harley-Davidson® Factory Race Team. In 2023, Rispoli won two races and was second in Mission Foods King of the Baggers season points while racing for the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team. Rispoli began racing in flat track as a teenager and earned the nickname “Hogspoli” while winning the 2020 American Flat Track Production Twins championship aboard a Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R. He won back-to-back AMA Pro Racing Supersport championships in 2011-2012. Rispoli will be a full-time test rider for the Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team in 2025 and is expected to compete in select races, including Daytona and Road America. He will also be aboard a race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Pan America® 1250 Special motorcycle for KWR Racing in the 2025 Mission Foods Super Hooligan Championship.
“I’m so stoked to be back with the factory H-D team,” said Rispoli “I’ll do everything possible to win races and have a Harley win the championship. I’m also very excited with the new challenge of gunning for the title in the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship riding KWR H-D Pan America race bikes.”
Harley-Davidson also announced a new sponsorship of MotoAmerica’s 2025 Mission Super Hooligan National Championship. The class, which features 750cc+ twin cylinder, up to 900cc triples, and electric bikes, all with a claimed 128 horsepower or less, with no bodywork, and high-handlebars, was created by Roland Sands Design in conjunction with MotoAmerica. The Super Hooligan National Championship will be “Powered by Harley-Davidson and the Championship-Winning Pan America ST – Official Motorcycle of SHNC.” Two Harley-Davidson factory supported Super Hooligan teams will compete in the series aboard Pan America ST-based race bikes: Saddlemen Racing, and Kyle Wyman Racing (KWR). Saddemen Racing has the defending National Champion in the Super Hooligan Series, Cory West (#1), who will be joined by Jake Lewis (#85), and Travis Wyman (#10). KWR will field Cody Wyman (#34), Hayden Schultz (#49), and new addition to the team and class, James Rispoli (#43).
Aiden Sneed will return for his third consecutive year with MP13 Racing. Photo courtesy MP13 Racing Team.
MP13 Racing is thrilled to announce Aiden Sneed’s return to Supersport and welcomes rising star Ella Dreher to the team for the 2025 MotoAmerica Talent Cup Championship.
MP13 Racing, a growing team in the MotoAmerica series, has confirmed that Aiden Sneed will return for his third consecutive year with the team, and second season in Supersport, while promising talent Ella Dreher will join the squad to compete in the 2025 MotoAmerica Talent Cup. This announcement marks a significant step for MP13 Racing as they continue with the focus of developing new talent in US roadracing.
Sneed will once again race the highly competitive MV Agusta F3-800 in the Supersport Next Generation class. With a best finish of 11th in 2024, Sneed spent his off season hard at work training alongside Champions Josh Hayes and Jason Pridmore. Early results look promising with his best times at the official MotoAmerica test at Podium Club within a half a second of the quickest Supersport time. He had this to say about the opportunity to continue with MP13 Racing, “I’m grateful to my whole team for the continued support over the last two seasons. I am super motivated to get the results that I know we are capable of”.
Ella Dreher will join MP13 Racing to compete in the 2025 MotoAmerica Talent Cup. Photo courtesy MP13 Racing Team.
Ella Dreher, an up-and-coming rider who gained attention with impressive results in her maiden season of MotoAmerica’s Junior Cup in 2024 (three visits to the podium), is set to make her debut in the MotoAmerica Talent Cup aboard the all new Kramer APX-350 with MP13 Racing. Dreher has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects in the sport. “I’m super excited to be joining MP13 Racing for the 2025 season. Melissa and I have been talking about doing something like this for years now and I am so happy that we are finally making it happen. My goal for 2025 is to win a championship and I can’t think of a better opportunity to do that than with MP13 Racing.” stated Dreher.
Team Principal Melissa Paris had this to say: “I can’t say I’ve ever been this excited heading into a race season. I’ve had my eye on Ella since she was racing on mini-bikes and I knew she would be a force on the racetrack. I’m thankful for her trust in my team and I’m looking forward to getting to work with her.” She continued. “Likewise, seeing Aiden grow up with our team has been a privilege. He has impressed me this winter with his work ethic. I can honestly say I don’t think there are many other riders who are putting in the work I’ve seen from him over the last few months. I am absolutely sure he’ll be seeing the results of that effort soon”.
With Aiden Sneed’s return and the addition of Ella Dreher, MP13 Racing is poised for a strong and competitive 2025 MotoAmerica season. Both riders are committed to pushing their limits and representing the team with pride as they aim for success on the track.
The team looks forward to making an exciting sponsor announcement soon.
MP13 Racing is a premier motorsports team competing in the MotoAmerica series. With their commitment to the sport and fostering young talent, MP13 Racing aims to be a leading force in the sport of motorcycle racing. With a history of success and a forward-thinking approach, MP13 Racing remains dedicated to achieving podium finishes and nurturing future champions.
Honda is celebrating 50 years of Gold Wing flight at Daytona. Honda photo.
Pop-up museum to document legendary touring model’s rich history
Schedule includes a host of customer-focused activities
Also planned: demo rides with Gold Wings and other Honda on-road bikes
American Honda has announced an expanded activation area at the upcoming Bike Week event in Daytona Beach, Florida, celebrating 50 Years of Flight with the Gold Wing touring bike. Situated outside Daytona Speedway from February 28 to March 9, the space will cover a total of nearly 32,000 square feet and will include a massive display tent and a demo-ride staging area.
Earlier this month, Honda unveiled the 2025 Gold Wing platform, which features special colors and logos commemorating the iconic model’s half-century milestone. Originally offered in 1975, the Gold Wing arguably invented the touring category, inspiring a dedicated culture and community that has participated in the model’s progression over the years.
The tent will house a pop-up museum displaying each milestone generation of the Gold Wing, as well as historic images and memorabilia documenting both the evolution of the model and the ways that it has been used by customers. Attendees are welcome to explore the museum on their own, or to participate in periodic guided walkthroughs.
Honda is organizing an extensive series of activities at the display. Among them: Several “story-time” and Q&A sessions with Lee Edmunds and Matthew Miles, creators of a beautiful new coffee-table book celebrating five decades of the Gold Wing (a limited number of autographed editions of the book will be available for sale, as will a commemorative 1:12 scale tabletop model featuring the original 1975 GL1000 Gold Wing on one side and the 2025 GL1800 Gold Wing Tour on the other); live appearances by Japanese artist Makoto Endo, who will use chopsticks to create a truly unique image of the Gold Wing; and more. Of course, Honda will have a long list of current powersports models on display as well.
In the demo area, Honda will also stage for customer rides on a local route with the 2025 50th Anniversary Gold Wing (standard and Tour versions), along with many other on-road motorcycles, including the Rebel 1100 and 500 cruisers; Africa Twin, Transalp NC750 and NX500 adventure bikes; CBR650R and CBR1000RR sport bikes; CB650R naked bike; and CRF300L dual-sport bike. In addition, a roller demo will give attendees a chance to try Honda’s E-Clutch technology.
“The Gold Wing is an extremely significant model in Honda’s history—particularly in the U.S.—and we’re excited for our customers to help us celebrate its 50th birthday,” said Colin Miller, Manager of Experiential Marketing at American Honda. “Over the past five decades, enthusiasts have helped guide the Gold Wing’s development as they used it to celebrate their love of motorcycle touring. What better way to mark this important milestone than by gathering together, and what better place than Daytona Bike Week?”
About American Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the United States. American Honda’s Power Sports & Products Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.
Josh Waters (#1) gets the jump in Australian Superbike race three from Mike Jones (#46), Cameron Dunker (#3) and Anthony West (#13). RbMotoLens photo.
Waters sizzles from start to finish in 2025 ASBK Championship opener
Josh Waters has made light work of his opposition with a brilliant clean sweep in round one of the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Phillip Island.
Waters won all three races in the SW-MOTECH Superbike class, with two of them coming on Sunday as he completed a flawless season opener on the McMartin Racing Ducati.
Waters’ fellow hard-nosed veterans Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) and Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha) were second and third overall in round one, while Archie McDonald (Stop and Seal Yamaha) and Scott Nicholson (Kawasaki) were the leading point-scorers in the Kawasaki Supersport and Race and Road Supersport 300 classes after three days of scintillating high-speed action.
“I could not be happier with how this weekend has gone, although it certainly wasn’t as easy as it looked,” said Waters. “But I was super happy with how my McMartin Ducati performed, and this result has certainly put down a very solid foundation for the 2025 season. Racing is still a huge passion for me, and I enjoy competing – and celebrating success – with family and friends.”
The ASBK Championship opener was held in conjunction with the FIM Superbike World Championship, providing local fans the chance to cheer on Aussies Remy Gardner, Luke Power, Oli Bayliss and Harrison Voight in the international categories under brilliant Phillip Island sunshine.
Round two of the 2025 ASBK Championship will be held under lights at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 28-29, with the Superbike Masters and bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup categories also joining the fray for the first time this season.
SW-MOTECH Superbike
Josh Waters’ 17th and 18th SW-MOTECH Superbike victories at Phillip were achieved with brutal efficiency, as he sling-shotted off the line on both occasions and then immediately knuckled down to building unassailable leads.
Waters’ three wins and a pole position saw him bank a maximum 76pts (there’s a bonus point for pole position) in round one, from Mike Jones (58), Anthony West (56), Max Stauffer (Yamaha Racing Team 43) and John Lytras (Yamaha).
In race two, Waters was again in runaway mode, but this time Jones turned the tables on West as Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati) edged out race one faller Cameron Dunker (MotoGo Yamaha) in a gripping battle for fourth. Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati), Stauffer and Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Yamaha) completed the top eight.
Mike Jones (#46) and Anthony West (#13) were really this far apart in all three Superbike races. RbMotoLens photo.
It only took about 10 seconds into race three for the first flashpoint, with Pearson – who came home with a wet sail in race two – going down at turn one after being clipped and forced wide. Halliday (flat tire) and Allerton (mechanical) also failed to finish race three, leaving Waters, Jones and West to be followed home in the 11-lapper by the fast-starting Dunker, Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha), Lytras, Stauffer and Ryan Yanko (Addicted to Track Yamaha).
Kawasaki Supersport
In a sometimes wild and woolly Kawasaki Supersport finale, Jack Mahaffy snapped Stop and Seal Yamaha teammate Archie McDonald’s two-race winning streak to bring up his third win in the category.
The start of the race saw Olly Simpson (BCperformance Kawasaki), Mahaffy, McDonald and Tom Bramich (Yamaha) constantly swap positions, and on lap seven Mahaffy and McDonald nearly collided at turn four.
That was the trigger point to take a deep breath and, with Simpson soon losing the tow, it boiled down to a race of three.
Jack Mahaffy leads Olly Simpson, Tom Bramich and Archie McDonald. RbMotoLens photo.
Bramich then cooked his goose on the final lap, crashing three corners from home, with a delighted Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki) filling the void. Meanwhile, Mahaffy held off McDonald to win by 0.619 seconds, with both riders on the limit as they set their fastest laps on the final lap. Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha) and Simpson were fourth and fifth, followed by Declan van Rosmalen (Yamaha) and rookies Cameron Swain (Yamaha) and Will Nassif (Yamaha).
Archie McDonald enjoys the Supersport podium. RbMotoLens photo.
McDonald (71pts) takes the championship lead into round two at Sydney Motorsport Park, followed by Mahaffy (65), Simpson (51), Farnsworth (46) and Van Rosmalen (43).
Archie McDonald enjoys the Supersport spoils
Race and Road Supersport 300
Sam Drane’s already a junior dirt track star, and now he’s a Race and Road Supersport 300 winner! The 14-year-old – yes, you read correctly – won another extraordinarily tight battle in Sunday’s third and final race on his Yamaha to make it three different winners across the round. Again, the race came down to precious millimeters as 18 riders flashed across the finish line 2.2 seconds apart.
After being in the mix in the first two races without quite getting the job done, this time Drane wouldn’t be denied as he inched his way to the front on the second last lap and then kept down the shutters.
Scott Nicholson (39) uses his Kawasaki Ninja 400 to lead Jordy Simpson (33, Yamaha) and the Supersport 300 Race Three pack while Kawasaki riders Tara Morrison (95) and Mitch Simpson (66), and Yamaha pilot Hudson Thompson give chase. RbMotoLens photo.
Scott Nicholson (Kawasaki) was second from 15-year-old Hudson Thompson, followed by Jordy Simpson (Yamaha), Tara Morrison (Kawasaki) and Valentino Knezovic (Yamaha).
Simpson (2-3-4) was the overall round winner from Nicholson (3-3-2), who defeated Morrison (1-6-5) on a countback after they both finished on the same points. Thompson (5-2-3) and Drane (8-8-1) saw out the top five.
Stefano Manzi and his crew celebrate winning the next-generation Yamaha R9's debut race in the Supersport World Championship. Yamaha photo.
Editorial Note: Yamaha’s next generation R9 racebike won in its World Supersport debut last weekend. But it won’t be racing in the Daytona 200, because World Supersport electronics are not compatible with MotoAmerica rules and MotoAmerica-legal electronics are not yet available; other racing parts are not yet available; and bikes for most Yamaha support teams were late arriving in the U.S. The R9 will make its MotoAmerica debut at Barber Motorsports Park on the weekend of April 4-6. Meanwhile, R9 streetbikes may not be imported into the U.S. and available for purchase from dealers until the third quarter of 2025.
From a press release issued by Yamaha Racing:
Race Win for Yamaha R9 on WorldSSP Debut as Manzi Victorious in Phillip Island
History was made in Australia as Stefano Manzi took the all-new Yamaha R9 to a maiden victory in its debut outing in the FIM Supersport World Championship at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
It was poetic for Yamaha, as Manzi opened the R9’s World Championship account with victory just 126 days after closing the iconic R6’s chapter in the history books with a win in Jerez back in October.
It hasn’t been a straightforward week ‘down under’ for the Italian, who struggled initially in the two-day official test but, working hard with the Pata Yamaha Ten Kate team, he made progress session by session. The twice vice-champion qualified eighth for the R9’s debut race but being on the third row of the grid didn’t hinder Manzi as he launched off the line to join the battle for the podium on the opening lap.
It was Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Racing’s Can Öncü who took the holeshot from fourth on the grid, with Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) holding his third-place starting position in the opening exchanges.
As the race reached the halfway point with the mandatory pit stop window opening, it was Öncü, Manzi and Jaume Masia fighting for the lead. Entering the pits on the same lap, Masia seemed to gain an edge on the two R9s on the restart but was later handed a 3.5 second penalty for leaving pit lane too early.
Following the pit stops, Marcel Schroetter and Tom Booth-Amos joined the fight for the lead making it a five-way scrap at the front. Manzi asserted himself at the head of the field, but was unable to make a break, leading to a dogged battle with Masia in the closing stages. A pass at the bottom of Lukey Heights was enough to secure the Italian enough breathing room to cross the line first and make history with the R9’s maiden win on its race debut.
Öncü crossed the line fifth for Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Racing, with 2017 champion Lucas Mahias completing his race in ninth. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (GMT94 Yamaha), who had looked to have pace to fight for a podium, retired with a technical issue on lap six.
Having shown impressive pace as a rookie, reigning WorldSSP300 champion Aldi Satya Mahendra’s (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Racing) WorldSSP debut came to an early end as he crashed unhurt at turn ten on the opening lap.
In WorldSSP, the grid for the second race is set by the fastest laps in the opening race meaning Manzi, who set the third fastest lap, will start from the front row. Mahias moves to sixth on the grid with Öncü ninth.
Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) – 1st
“It is amazing to open the era of the new R9 with a win! There are not many words at the moment, I need to thank Yamaha and the team as they have put a lot of effort in to this project to make this possible. It was not easy, because it was a hard fight and the pit stop also made things challenging, but I am happy to be able to say I finished first! In the winter tests in Spain, the test earlier this week and even yesterday I was not super quick, but in the end we were able to close the gap. When we left the pits and Masia had a gap on me, I thought either I’ve done something wrong, or he did something wrong, so my only goal was to catch him and win. It was a hard fight, like always in this class, but I am a fighter, so in the end it was good for me!”
Niccolò Canepa – Road Racing Sporting Manager, Yamaha Motor Europe
“This is an incredible result for Yamaha, for the R9 to take the win in its first WorldSSP race is a dream. We felt confident in the package heading into the season, but pre-season testing was hampered by bad weather and our WorldSSP teams participated in private tests away from their rivals. Since we arrived in Australia, our teams have made progress session after session and fighting for the podium was our target. Stefano rode an incredible race in true ‘Manzi style’ and he will now go down in history as the last winner on the R6 and first on the R9. Congratulations to him, the Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing team and all of the engineers who have worked so hard on this project over the last year. We still have work to do, but we could not have made a better start!”
More, from another press release issued by Yamaha Racing:
Manzi Completes Successful Debut for Yamaha R9 with Second on Sunday in Phillip Island
After taking victory in the opening race of the season, Stefano Manzi rounded out a successful debut weekend for the new Yamaha R9 in the FIM Supersport World Championship with a second-place finish in Race 2.
Conditions for Sunday’s 18-lap race were cooler and wind speeds were higher, presenting different challenges for the Supersport riders but Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) got off to a good start to lead into the first corner from third on the grid. Fellow R9 rider Can Öncü slotted in behind the Italian.
Stefano Manzi (62) in Supersport World Championship Race Two at Phillip Island. Yamaha photo.
By the time of the pit stops at mid-race distance, Manzi and Öncü had lost some ground. Öncü returned to the track in sixth but Manzi lost more positions in the pits, returning to the track tenth. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (GMT94) was one of the biggest benefactors of a slick stop as he joined the battle for the lead in the second half of the race, even taking the number one spot when Marcel Schroetter crashed out of the lead.
A close battle ensued, but ultimately it was Manzi and Tom Booth-Amos who came through to fight for the win. Manzi took the lead at turn one on lap 14, but the British rider fought back hard. The duo exchanged the lead several times in the closing laps. Booth-Amos had built a small gap with two laps to go, but Manzi looked to have a chance of closing this down until a mistake at the hairpin made the gap insurmountable with the Italian crossing the line 0.6 seconds from the winner.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi’s pace paid off with a fourth-place finish while GMT94 Yamaha team-mate Lucas Mahias, who had lost time after he’d got caught up in another rider’s crash, finished sixth.
Can Öncü (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Racing) crashed out while battling for a top four finish on the final lap, but rookie team-mate Aldi Satya Mahendra enjoyed better fortune on Sunday as he secured his first WorldSSP points in 13th.
Manzi’s 1-2 scorecard sees him leave Australia joint championship leader with Booth-Amos on 45 points. Mahias sits sixth, Rinaldi eighth and Öncü ninth.
The second round of the season takes place between 28-30 March at the Autodrómo Internacional do Algarve, Portimão.
“I can say in the end it has been a great, great weekend with the win yesterday and second today. Today I was struggling a little bit more, especially with the wind, but it was good to finish second and I was close to first but one mistake on the last lap, when I hit a false neutral, meant I couldn’t fight for the win in the last few corners. It is a good start, but there is still room for improvement so this is encouraging as I think the team and Yamaha can further improve the bike and hopefully we will be in a strong position as we return to Europe.”
The 2025 BMW M 1000 RR, which is imported into the U.S.A. Photo courtesy BMW.
BMW Manufacturing Continues as the Largest Automotive Exporter by Value in the U.S.
Export Value in 2024 Totaled $10.1 Billion.
From 2014-2024, BMW’s Export Value Totaled $104.1 Billion.
Plant Preparing to Assemble Fully Electric BMWs in 2026.
By 2030, the BMW Group Will Assemble At Least Six Fully Electric Vehicles in the U.S.
Spartanburg, S.C. – February 26, 2025… BMW Manufacturing has confirmed that it was the leading automotive exporter by value in the United States in 2024, according to data released this month by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Plant Spartanburg exported nearly 225,000 BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes last year with an export value of more than $10 billion. Moreover, since 2014, the South Carolina plant has exported more than 2.7 million BMWs – about 63 percent of total production – with an export value of more than $104 billion.
In 2024 BMW exported 225,000+ SUVs and cars built in South Carolina, with an export value of more than $10 billion. Will that be enough to stave off U.S. tariffs on imported BMW motorcycles?
The BMWs assembled at the South Carolina plant were exported primarily through the Port of Charleston, SC, as well as through four additional ports: Brunswick, GA; Jacksonville, FL; Everglades, FL; and Baltimore, MD. Nearly 15,000 BMWs were exported via rail. The top export markets from Plant Spartanburg were Germany, South Korea, China, Canada, and Great Britain.
“Plant Spartanburg has been an important location in our production network for over 30 years and is now the largest BMW Group plant globally,” explained Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production. “The strong export share of our plant underlines the importance of free trade for the USA. Not only does this benefit our plant, but also the strong supplier network in the region.”
“When the first BMW rolled off the assembly line in 1994, it was the beginning of a great legacy for Plant Spartanburg in the United States. Our dedicated associates have assembled nearly seven million BMWs, and because of our export success, millions of customers around the world experience the innovative technology and premium quality of our X vehicles,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “Our achievement as the country’s leading automotive exporter demonstrates BMW’s trusted partnership with this state and our continued commitment to the United States.”
Plant Highlights from 2024.
The team at BMW Manufacturing assembled 396,117 Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes last year. As part of that total, more than 57,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles were assembled, which made up more than 14 percent of the plant’s total volume. Nearly 50 percent of all BMWs sold in the U.S. were assembled at Plant Spartanburg. Other plant highlights from 2024 include:
–Associates successfully launched the fourth-generation BMW X3, boasting greater sporting appeal, visual impact, and versatility than ever. The X3 is one of the best-selling BMWs in America.
–While celebrating the 30th anniversary of Plant Spartanburg, BMW opened its first press shop in North America. The state-of-the-art press shop stamps parts for the BMW X3, including hang-on parts such as the vehicle’s four doors, fenders, lift gate, and exterior body sides.
–The expansion of the X3/X4 assembly hall continued as Plant Spartanburg prepares to assemble fully electric vehicles. Construction is complete, and most tooling and equipment has been installed. This assembly hall has increased by nearly 50 percent to more than 2.4 million square feet. The first electric vehicle will be shipped in late 2026, and by 2030, the BMW Group will assemble at least six fully electric models in the U.S.
–Construction started at Plant Woodruff, BMW’s new $700 million high-voltage battery assembly plant. Tooling and equipment are being installed with all work substantially completed by the end of March 2025. Associates at the one million square foot facility will assemble the sixth-generation batteries to supply fully electric vehicles at Plant Spartanburg.
–Construction on a 300,000-square-foot expansion to the main body shop was completed, and an additional 300+ robots have been installed.
–Construction on a new eight-story body shop stacker for vehicle storage was completed.
“South Carolina’s position as a stronghold for the United States’ automotive industry can be traced directly to BMW’s success in our state. The BMW models assembled at Plant Spartanburg are in global demand — shipping to markets around the world,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. “We are proud to have a company as committed to the prosperity of its community, the success of its employees, and the innovation of its industry right here in South Carolina. We look forward to celebrating many more milestones with BMW in the years ahead.”
“Over the past decade, much of BMW’s global success can be traced to the strength of Plant Spartanburg, where world-class advanced automotive manufacturing, employee upskilling, and research and development are happening in real-time,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “South Carolina is proud of its legacy companies, like BMW, and S.C. Commerce remains a steadfast champion for the success of all businesses, no matter where they fall in their legacy journey. We are proud to be home to one of the most dynamic automotive industries in the nation, thanks to leaders like BMW.”
Since 1992, the BMW Group has invested more than $14.8 billion in its South Carolina operations. BMW Manufacturing is the largest BMW Group plant in the world, assembling more than 1,500 vehicles each day. The plant is an important part of BMW’s global production network and plays a critical role in meeting the high demand for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes in the U.S. and around the world. Nearly 57 percent of its vehicles are shipped to about 120 global markets, making BMW the largest automotive exporter by value in the United States for more than a decade. In 2024, nearly 50 percent of BMW vehicles sold in the U.S. came from Plant Spartanburg. The model portfolio includes six top-selling BMW X models, four Motorsport X models, and two plug-in hybrid electric vehicle X models. The factory has an annual production capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles and employs more than 11,000 people.
BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC
BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC is a subsidiary of BMW AG in Munich, Germany, and assembles the BMW X3, X5, X5 M, X7, and XM Sports Activity Vehicles and the BMW X4, X4 M, X6 and X6 M Sports Activity Coupes. In addition to the South Carolina manufacturing facility, BMW Group North American subsidiaries include sales, marketing, and financial services operations in the United States, Canada and Latin America; a manufacturing plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico; and a design firm and technology office in California. For more information on BMW Manufacturing, visit www.bmwusfactory.com.
BMW Group in the United States.
BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles and motorcycles in the U.S. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.
Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.
BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled nearly 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.
The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 350 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.
John Hopkins (21) leading Valentino Rossi, Randy de Puniet (14), Toni Elias (24), Colin Edwards (5), Nicky Hayden (1), and Marco Melandri (33) in MotoGP at Catalunya, 2007. Photo by DPPI Media.
Pipe Dreams Podcast is back for Episode 26 with the polarizing former MotoGP star, John Hopkins. Tune in for an in-depth, over four-hour conversation with “Hopper” as he shares his incredible journey through the world of motorcycle racing—one that has cemented his larger-than-life legacy both on and off the track.
Hopkins started riding at just four years old and quickly made a name for himself, winning the 2000 AMA 750cc Supersport Championship at 17 years old and becoming the AMA Formula Xtreme Champion the following year. His raw talent propelled him onto the MotoGP stage in 2002 with Red Bull Yamaha, where he rode 500cc machinery before switching to Suzuki’s four-stroke GSV-R in 2003.
Hopkins later raced for Kawasaki, battling through injuries before the manufacturer’s MotoGP exit in 2009. However, it wasn’t until 2011 that he truly showcased his talent again—this time in the British Superbike Championship, where he fought for the title all season, only to lose in a dramatic last-lap clash, finishing runner-up for the year.
Beyond the track, Hopkins opens up about the physical and mental toll of professional racing, his battles with injuries, and how they ultimately led to struggles with addiction. He shares his path to recovery, the lessons he’s learned, and the motivation behind writing his book, “Leathered,” where he tells his story in full.
John Hopkins and his mother Linda (R.I.P.), celebrating his birthday in 2009. Photo courtesy Hopkins family.
Now focused on mentoring the next generation of racers, most notably American Moto2 rider Joe Roberts, Hopkins discusses his passion for guiding young riders through the sport with the support and mentorship he wished he had. Most recently, he has taken on a new challenge as co-owner of Apex Racing Center in Perris, California, working to revitalize the popular supermoto and karting track.
From left, Corey Alexander, James Rispoli and John Hopkins recording the podcast at Apex Racing Center.
Available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the twenty-sixth full episode with Hopper is out now. Video of the episode can also be viewed on Spotify or YouTube (link below).
The 2024 MotoGP Race in Barcelona. Photo courtesy Dorna.
MotoGP™ lands on FOX Sports in the USA
The American broadcasting giant will show Sprints and Grand Prix races live from 2025
MotoGP will be broadcast on FOX Sports in the USA from 2025. A new multiyear deal sees Tissot Sprints and Grand Prix races broadcast live on FS1 or FS2, putting the most exciting sport on Earth alongside some of the biggest properties in American sports broadcasting.
22 Grands Prix visiting 19 countries makes the 2025 season the biggest yet for MotoGP and it starts this weekend with the Thai GP, which will be shown on FS1. After the Grand Prix of Argentina, MotoGP then returns to the USA as the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX, hosts a home round. Fans can tune in for their home Sprint on FS2 and the Grand Prix on Fox Business. In addition, all races are available via the FOX Sports app, with select races available on FOX Deportes.
As well as live coverage throughout the upcoming season, this new deal will also see FOX Sports show repeats during the week following each event for those who didn’t catch it first time round.
Bill Wanger, FOX Sports EVP, Head of Programming & Scheduling: “FOX Sports is thrilled to be the new home to the best two-wheel racing in the world. We will carry every race of the international series live, giving race fans true appointment viewing for MotoGP.”
Dan Rossomondo, Chief Commercial Officer of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports: “We’re happy to see MotoGP join the incredible line up on FOX Sports. This is the most exciting sport on Earth and we want to see it on the biggest stage possible, most especially in markets where there is so much untapped potential. That’s true of the US, where we have a loyal following and an impressive legacy for MotoGP, but so much scope to expand once people see what this sport is all about. We’re looking forward to working with FOX Sports on that mission.”
The start of the 2024 Loudon Classic, with Tyler Scott (70) leading Teagg Hobbs (79), and Bobby Fong (50) with winner Hayden Gillim in fifth. Photo courtesy NEMRR.
Dunlop will serve as the title sponsor for the 2025 Loudon Classic, America’s oldest motorcycle road race. This year’s event promises to set new records, with an astonishing $400,000 purse allocated across four classes during the festivities scheduled for June 13-15.
Following the historic milestone of the 100th Classic in 2023, which featured an unprecedented $250,000 purse, and the subsequent $300,000 purse in 2024, the upcoming 102nd Loudon Classic is poised to elevate American road racing to new heights. John Grush, Executive Director of NEMRR, remarked, “We aim to foster growth in our sport by providing an unparalleled platform for both professional and local racers. The record-setting purse draws substantial media interest, allowing us to spotlight our riders and teams while supporting their racing endeavors throughout the season. We take great pride in offering such a valuable opportunity for positive exposure within the sport.”
The highlight of this three-day event will be the four premier races featured on Saturday. The Classic Main event is set to award $285,000, showcasing the NEMRR’s top Middleweight GP class along with Moto America Supersport Gen 2 bikes. The top 32 qualifiers will compete, with the champion of the 2025 Classic receiving a historic $60,000 prize.
The podium after the featured race at the 2024 Loudon Classic, with winner Hayden Gillim flanked by third-place Bobby Fong (left) and second-place Ty Scott (right). Photo courtesy NEMRR.
In an exciting development for 2025, the Streetfighter class, dedicated to naked twin and three-cylinder motorcycles will complete with a noteworthy $100,000 purse. Additionally, the overall purse for the Classic and Streetfighter classes includes $25,000 and $10,000, respectively, in bonus incentives for local participants. NEMRR will also reintroduce the popular Pro Thunderbike and 500 Superbike classes, with each offering a $7,500 purse.
Dunlop is pleased to announce that they will provide trackside support for both technical assistance and sales. Furthermore, racers can conveniently purchase Sportmax Slick tires through www.dunlopracing.com. Dunlop is committed to ensuring that racers have access to their quality products and expert guidance.
Please note that entries are limited to 60 riders for the Loudon Classic and 48 riders for the new Streetfighter class. To register, riders can visit https://nemrr.volarehq.com/, contact NEMRR at 603-738-2190, or via email at [email protected].
Dunlop looks forward to an exciting 2025 Loudon Classic and officially supporting this prestigious event!
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