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MotoAmerica: Even More From Brainerd International Raceway

David Swarts
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MotoAmerica: Even More From Brainerd International Raceway

Buyck Tops Close Racing At Brainerd BUILD. TRAIN. RACE.

Royal Enfield BTR Road Racing action returns at Brainerd MotoAmerica round in Minnesota.

Milwaukee, WI (Tuesday, August 2, 2022) – Round three of Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. Road Racing program brought the 2022 series to its halfway point. The BTR women were eager to take on the famous Brainerd International Raceway after an eight-week break in the championship. While the action in the class is drawing closer as the BTR ladies train and coach each other to quicker lap times, the end result was a familiar one, with lightning-quick Kayleigh Buyck besting the field for the third time in as many races. Chloe Peterson and Jenny Chancellor joined Buyck on the overall podium.

The Brainerd track proved to be a tough learning track for many of the BTR women—particularly turn 12 and the chicane. But the Royal Enfield ladies put in the work during limited practice time to learn the track and tune their Continental GT 650 motorcycles for race day.

A total of 12 women lined up for the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. main event. Patty Paul is still nursing a collarbone injury suffered at VIR, Bridgette LeBer hurt her hand in a recent dirt bike crash, and Kayla Theisler was out sick. But the Brainerd round did see the return of Cora Tennyson, who had a spectacular highside at VIR and consequently sat out Road America with a knee injury.

 

Chloe Petersen (55) and Kayleigh Buyck (16) battled for the MotoAmerica Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) race lead at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
Chloe Peterson (55) and Kayleigh Buyck (16) battled for the MotoAmerica Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) race lead at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.

 

Racing action was once again spectacular, and not without some drama. Kayleigh Buyck managed to lead all eight laps, but not without some steady pressure from Chloe Peterson. The number-55 kept the gap small, and waited for a mistake from Buyck that would never come. Meanwhile, the battle for third heated up with Crystal Martinez duking it out with Jenny Chancellor, but Martinez received a penalty flag for jump-starting. Martinez thought she had to pull off, and slowed down during the race, losing any chance at a podium finish.

“What a weekend!” exclaimed Chloe Peterson. “It’s great racing with the other women on the same Continental GT 650. When I see them going faster and braking harder than I do, I know I can do that, too. Battling with Kayleigh has pushed me beyond what I thought was capable on a motorcycle. I pushed hard on the brakes to try and get past Keyleigh but she was definitely not making it easy. I had a pucker moment in turn three on the last lap trying to take an outside line to try to get around her but I saved it. In the end, I put it on the box one step higher than the last time. I’m happy with the result, but hungry for more.”

“The battle with Chole Peterson was intense and pushed me to better myself,” said Kayleigh Buyck. “She is a phenomenal rider and I love having her to battle with. The remainder of the season will be amazing. All of the girls rode great this past weekend; the vibe in our put was the best yet. Everyone coming together to help one another really showed what this program is about.”

 

Jenny Chancellor (19) at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
Jenny Chancellor (19) at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.

 

“This weekend at Brainerd had a number of setbacks along the way,” commented Jenny Chancellor. “But the amount of confidence the BTR program has given me honestly makes me feel like I have a superpower to keep pushing forward. This weekend our whole team pushed forward through adversity and had a successful race. Every person on our team is getting better; I am excited to see the racing get closer and closer.”

 

MotoAmerica Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) race winner Kayleigh Buyck (center), runner-up Chloe Peterson (left), and third-place finisher Jenny Chancellor (19) on the podium at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
MotoAmerica Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) race winner Kayleigh Buyck (center), runner-up Chloe Peterson (left), and third-place finisher Jenny Chancellor (19) on the podium at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.

 

Royal Enfield and the Build. Train. Race. community send sincere condolences to the friends and family of Scott Briody. “Bittersweet is the only way to describe this past weekend,” said Kayleigh Buyck. “Scott Briody was such an amazing friend to have and left such a great impact on so many riders. Being able to put it on top of the box for him was exactly what I needed. He will be forever missed. Godspeed, Scott; until we ride again.”

 

Royal Enfield BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. Road Race

Brainerd Results

1. Kayleigh Buyck (#16)

2. Chloe Peterson (#55)

3. Jenny Chancellor (#19)

4. Crystal Martinez (#25)

5. Jessica Martin (#23)

6. Cora Tennyson (#95)

7. Ashley Truxal (#31)

8. Michaela Trumbull (#27)

9. Trisha Dahl (#44)

10. Alyssa Bridges (#30)

11. Nicole Pareso (#11)

12. Hannah Stockton (#62)

 

About Royal Enfield

The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.

 

Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 150 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the all-new Classic 350, Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.

 

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by SportbikeTrackGear.com:

Max Van Back to Form at Brainerd, Limandri on the Podium Again

 

Max Van (48) leads Gus Rodio (96), Joe LiMandri (62), Cody Wyman (34), Avery Dreher (99), and Kayla Yaakov (31) at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy SportbikeTrackGear.com.
Max Van (48) leads Gus Rodio (96), Joe LiMandri (62), Cody Wyman (34), Avery Dreher (99), and Kayla Yaakov (31) at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy SportbikeTrackGear.com.

 

Breaking an eight race dry spell, Max Van put his SportbikeTrackGear.com Ninja 400 on the top step of the podium in race two at Brainerd.

Race One also saw teammate Joseph LiMandri Jr. back on the box with a solid P2.

Despite the success, in racing the results only tell part of the story.  While both riders had to overcome struggles this weekend, nothing compared to the loss of friend and mentor Scott Briody, who succumbed to injuries sustained on track Friday during qualifying.

“The way Scott lived life, the man never had a bad day. His attitude always made me never want to skip a beat. The man passed doing what he loved. Living life to the fullest was his attitude,” Max said in a post-race interview.  Having Race One end prematurely as another rider crashed into him, Van had to dig deep for Race 2.

But even Race Two wasn’t without drama as a red-flag incident caused the race to be shuffled to the end of the day.  Using info from the first part for the restart, “I was able to regroup and figure out why I got shuffled back to fourth position. As I was riding I asked myself, ‘why waste my opportunities?’ and I answered that out on track.  This was a win for Scott.”

“Scott was one-of-a-kind. He was selfless and made sure others were taken care of before himself. He was taken too soon and he will be missed. My condolences go out to the Briody family,” Joe added.  “The season isn’t over and it’s time to fight, for him.”

The SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup championship has proven anything can and will happen in racing.   The championship chase continues for the final six races, with Joe sitting second and Max fifth in the points.

Catch the team live as the MotoAmerica series returns East with the next round at Pittsburgh International Race Complex on August 19th.

As always thanks to: All the SportbikeTrackGear.com customers, Helmet House, Bauce Racing, Cybersafe Solutions, Racing for a Reason, Vortex Racing, M4 Exhaust, REB Graphics, Armour Bodies, Woodcraft Technologies, Motul, Alpinestars, Shoei Helmets, RST, Arai Helmets, SportbikeTrackTime, Evolve GT Track Days, N2 Track Days, Gazebo Contracting, UTR/Torres Racing, Brake Tech USA, Ferodo Racing, Scott Powersports, Spiegler USA, Hanshaw Racing Engines, Precision Auto Works and Driven Racing.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by N2 Racing:

N2 Racing Scores Three Podiums at Brainerd International Raceway.

Media, PA – N2 Racing scored podium finishes in every race entered at Brainerd International Raceway, but the weekend was still somber after the death of fellow competitor Scott Briody. Blake Davis finished second in the only Twins Cup race of the weekend on his Yamaha YZF-R7. Fill-in rider Josh Hayes finished third in both Supersport Race One and Race Two on his Yamaha YZF-R6. Hayes and Davis battled up front in all three races showing the level of the team in the second half of the season with five podiums in the last two rounds.

Four-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion Josh Hayes was gracious enough to fill in for full-time Supersport rider Kevin Olmedo, who suddenly became ill after the team’s victory at Roebling Road Raceway in the N2/WERA National Endurance by Dunlop race. Kevin Olmedo is recovering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome at home in El Salvador. Kevin is hopeful to make a quick recovery but was unable to compete at Brainerd International Raceway. Josh stepped up on short notice and did a fantastic job.

 

Josh Hayes (4) at speed on the N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha at Brainerd. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.
Josh Hayes (4) at speed on the N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha YZF-R6 at Brainerd. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.

 

Josh and the team decided not to make wholesale changes to the N2 Racing YZF-R6, but to optimize the Olmedo setup to suit Josh. Hayes was able to qualify in second position, but the team was struggling with rear grip on corner entry. In Supersport Race One, Josh got a great start and tried to latch on to eventual winner Rocco Landers, but Landers’s pace was dominate. Josh battled with Josh Herrin for second, but rear grip was still an issue at the end of the race, and Hayes finished in the third position.

Supersport Race Two was hectic from the start with six riders fighting for second place after Race One winner Rocco Landers disappeared at the front. Hayes was in the middle of the fight throughout the race. On lap eleven, Josh made a mistake, drifting back to sixth and had to fight his way back to third with a last-lap pass on protégé Cory Ventura.

 

Blake Davis (22) at speed on the N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha YZF-R7 at Brainerd. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.
Blake Davis (22) at speed on the N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha YZF-R7 at Brainerd. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.

 

This was the team’s first visit to Brainerd International Raceway with the Yamaha YZF-R7 and the loss of Friday afternoon qualifying made set up difficult. The team made progress and Blake was able to match his best qualifying result of the year with a fourth-place starting position.

The Twins Cup Race on Saturday afternoon was a barnburner with Davis leading for most of the race with Cory Ventura, Anthony Mazziotto, and Hayden Schultz all fighting for the lead. Blake was very fast in the ultra-quick turn one/two section of the racetrack, but struggled with running wide in the tighter sections. The nail-biting last lap saw the leaders cross the finish line only .3 of a second apart with Blake finishing second to score his third podium of the year. Blake is currently third in the championship only 28 points back.

Blake Davis – “The weekend had highs and lows. Right off the bat, I missed Kevin not being there, then the loss of Scott Briody; it was all sad. Friday afternoon and evening were low key, Saturday the paddock got together and we prayed for Scott’s family. Then, the day’s racing got started. The highs were qualifying my best ever and then getting second place in my race.”

Josh Hayes – “I really enjoyed the weekend working with N2 Racing team. This is only the second time working with Shiloh and the crew after the endurance win and we really worked well together.  The races were exciting, and I tried to do the motorcycle justice like Kevin would do. It was fun to put on a good show with some last-lap passes, and it was awesome to get on the podium twice. I enjoyed the opportunity, and I was very glad I could help.”

Shiloh Salopek (Crew Chief) – “We really appreciate Josh standing in for Kevin as well as putting our Yamaha YZF-R6 on the podium twice.  We’re also very happy with the progress that we’re making on the YZF-R7 and to have Blake on the podium again.  We all missed Kevin and we hope he’s back with us soon.”

About N2: N2 – Ride, Race, Learn.

Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing. N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.

N2 Racing is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, BobbleHeadMoto, Karnes Performance, Trading Paint, GB Racing, Westby Racing, Attack Performance, Robem Engineering, Puig, Eazi Grip, ProBolt, SBS Brakes and Yamaha Champions Riding School.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Altus Motorsports:

MotoAmerica: Results from Brainerd for the Altus Motorsports WPS FLY Racing Team
 

(Brainerd, MN) – The MotoAmerica event at Brainerd International Raceway had a grievous start on Friday when a racer, Scott Briody, lost his life. The track was shut down and the afternoon schedule was canceled.

“We know this sport is dangerous – the risk of serious injury and death is always possible – but knowing that doesn’t make it any easier. This was a truly horrible loss that was felt in our pit, throughout the paddock, and across our sport,” said team owner George Nassaney

Superbike Cup & Stock 1000

It has been a tough year thus far for Brandon Paasch. After successful seasons on middleweight bikes, he has been struggling on the 1000. To make matters worse, the tragedy on Friday hit very close to home. The rider who lost his life was the father of Brandon’s girlfriend.

 

Brandon Paasch (96). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Brandon Paasch (96). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.

 

Through his grief, he managed to prove his mettle this weekend with his best results of 2022. In Stock 1000, he qualified 4th and spent the race in the battle at the front. Ultimately, he crossed the line in 2nd place. Paasch took the podium with mixed emotions. “I want to enjoy the moment – It’s my first podium. It’s been a hard season. And an even harder and very upsetting weekend,” said Brandon Paasch. “I really want to thank everyone for their support. Also, thanks to Shakey Byrne for his feedback at Laguna. He gave me some input that’s really helping me get better on the big bike. I’m really hoping we can build on this weekend for the rest of the season.”

In the Superbike Races, Brandon started Race 1 from 14th and finished 13th. He was the 2nd place Superbike Cup competitor. He started the second Superbike race in 12th and finished 9th but he was the top Superbike Cup racer. He currently sits third in the Superbike Cup, just 21 points out of first.

Supersport 

Jaret Nassaney arrived in Brainerd hoping to continue his progress toward the front of the Supersport races. Unfortunately, lack of track time due to some mechanical issues made for a challenging weekend. He started both Supersport races from 12th. He finished Saturday in 8th and Sunday in 9th.

 

Jaret Nassaney (59). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Jaret Nassaney (59). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.

 

“We had a difficult weekend at Brainerd. I came into the weekend ready to fight for some more Top 5 finishes but we fell behind when we missed the first practice due to some mechanical issues. We struggled to find a good setup in qualifying but we were able to salvage an 8th and a 9th in the races! Big thanks to my team and my mechanics for all the hard work! Hoping for better results in Pittsburgh,” said Jaret Nassaney.

Junior Cup

After a brutally disappointing round at Laguna Seca, Kayla Yaakov arrived in Minnesota ready for a “reset”, getting back to leading the pack and standing on the podium. Which she did. She was the fastest in the first practice. The first qualifying was canceled but Yaakov managed to be 2nd fastest in the sole qualifying session and started the races from the middle of the first row. On Saturday, in Race 1, Kayla collected her second win of the season. Race 2 ended up being rescheduled to a 5 lap sprint at the end of the day on Sunday. Yaakov crossed the line in second. Her success at Brainerd moved her into 3rd in the overall JR Cup standings, just 31 points out of first and 9 points from second.

 

Kayla Yaakov (31). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Kayla Yaakov (31). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.

 

“A great and very emotional weekend at Brainerd International Raceway. I was able to secure my second win of the season, as well as a second place in Race 2. It was great to come home with these points after a difficult weekend at Laguna. I now sit 3rd in the championship points standings, and I’m looking forward to the next round at Pittsburgh International Raceway (my home race). I’d also like to send my condolences to the family and friends of Scott Briody. I’d like to dedicate this weekend to them,” said Kayla Yaakov.

“This weekend was an emotional roller coaster. The team came together to support each other and everyone rode in Scott Briody’s memory. Brandon wanted to be on the box for Scott and when he succeeded, it was a very emotional moment, from the Nassaney’s and the entire Altus Motorsports Team we offer our deepest condolences to the Briody family,” said George Nassaney.

The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, FLY Racing WPS, Suzuki 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.

WorldSBK: Gagne Racing Yamaha As Wild Card At Portimao

David Swarts
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WorldSBK: Gagne Racing Yamaha As Wild Card At Portimao

Gagne to Make WorldSBK Wild Card Appearance at Portimao

Following the conclusion of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, Attack Performance will make a wild card appearance with Jake Gagne at the ninth round of the FIM Superbike World Championship at the Algarve International Circuit on October 7-9. Armed with their fast Attack Performance Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing R1s, the reigning MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and his team are eager to battle on the world stage.

Gagne, who has multiple titles to his resume, raced in the world championship for a few rounds in 2017 and the 2018 season. The reigning MotoAmerica Superbike Champion is looking forward to returning to the WorldSBK paddock as a wild card entry with the team he has enjoyed a lot of success in MotoAmerica’s premier class. Since his debut superbike win last year at the first round of the championship, the Colorado rider has amassed 25-career wins in the class. He clinched the crown a weekend early and broke many records, including an impressive 16-race win streak. Gagne took home another win at the final race of the season, scoring 17 victories out of 20 tries. So far in 2022, the champ has eight wins and, despite an unfortunate final race of the weekend at Brainerd International Raceway, is still within striking distance of the top spot in the standings.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to line up on the World Superbike grid,” said Gagne. “Portimao is a really cool track. It’s awesome to be going back, and I look forward to the challenge. I couldn’t ask for a better team and motorcycle, so we’ll go over and do the best we can and enjoy the process!”

Attack Performance owner and team manager, Richard Stanboli, is looking forward to the technical challenge and the learning experience of racing in a world championship. His team has had multiple wild card entries in both WorldSBK and MotoGP, scoring points at the Indianapolis Grand Prix in 2012 with Steve Rapp. So on September 23, after the final checkered flag of the 2022 MotoAmerica Superbike season flies at Barber Motorsports Park, the team will shift gears to the world championship and ship their bikes to Portugal for their debut wild card round overseas.

“Jake and the team are very excited to be invited to race World Superbike at Portimao,” Stanboli said. “Our plan is to wrap up the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship at Barber and then ship our bikes to Portugal. For sure it will be challenging, but when we have done a wild card entry in the past, whether it was World Superbike or MotoGP, we learned a lot and improved as a team. Fortunately, Jake has World Superbike experience at Portimao, and we will receive some technical assistance from our partners at Yamaha Europe. I would also like to thank Pirelli for the assistance and technical support they will bring to this effort. Our goal is to put on a good show and make our fans proud.”

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., is also excited to see the team make the wild card appearance after the conclusion of the MotoAmerica Superbike season.

“When Richard asked us if we would support Jake going over to do the wild card ride, we gave a big yes and let our YME (Yamaha Motor Europe) friends know what was happening,” said Tom Halverson, Yamaha Racing Assistant Department Manager for YMUS. “They were very supportive and excited to have Jake race in Portimao as well and offered as much assistance as needed.”

Andrea Dosoli, Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Manager, is delighted to be welcoming Gagne and the Attack Performance team to the WorldSBK paddock.

“We are looking forward to welcome Jake back to the World Superbike paddock,” Dosoli said. “After an amazing season in 2021, he’s once again fighting for the title this year, confirming his high level of performance. We are always looking to give riders who have been successful in their national series the opportunity to race on the world stage. After we had the winner of the British Superbike Championship, Tarran Mackenzie, wildcard at the Donington round, we’re glad that the reigning MotoAmerica Superbike champion will be able to join us at Portimao. We know that it won’t be an easy challenge, but we are ready to support him during the event, and wish him and the Attack Performance team all the best for the weekend.”

AMA Expresses Gratitude Following AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

David Swarts
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AMA Expresses Gratitude Following AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

AMA Thanks Partners, Supporters and Attendees Who Made 30th Running of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days a Roaring Success

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Royal Enfield — one of the biggest single-weekend summer events in all of motorcycling, including the country’s largest motorcycle swap meet — once again thrilled motorcyclists from around the country and the world who flooded to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, July 22-24, for three jam-packed days of riding, racing, and vintage-bike fun.

Organized and promoted by the American Motorcyclist Association, the annual event raises funds for the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps fund the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s mission to promote and preserve the history and heritage of motorcycling in America.

“Tens of thousands of motorcyclists came together at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days for a weekend of celebrating vintage motorcycles, spending time with friends, and enjoying the freedom offered by two wheels,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Each year the AMA takes great pride in organizing this weekend event, and none of it would be possible without a long list of partners, supporters and volunteers. We appreciate them all, and everyone who attends from motorcycling’s diverse community, to help us raise money for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. It’s one heck of a party!”

The Grand Marshal for the 30th running of the event was AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz, who spent time signing autographs, greeting fans and participating in Q&A sessions. He also led the Lap for History each day aboard a very special motorcycle, a custom-painted Suzuki GSX-R1000 done up in the Pepsi Racing livery he ran early in his Grand Prix career. The GSX-R is one of the two AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Raffle Bikes for 2023, the other being a tricked-out 1985 Suzuki GS750 with a host of Superbike-spec parts.

“Having Kevin there was a real treat,” said AMA Editorial Director Mitch Boehm, “for the fans, of course, as he’s a beloved figure in American road racing history, and Kevin is nothing if not fantastic with fans. But also because it was his first time attending VMD, and from what I could tell, he had a blast checking out all the cool stuff that is VMD. So thanks, Kevin, for being so gracious to the many attendees, for promoting the 2023 raffle bikes, which help fund the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, and for adding something really special to our event.”

AMA Business Development Manager Michael Kula thanked the many companies who provided financial support for the event.

“Huge thanks to Royal Enfield who stepped up as the Presenting Sponsor and had their demo bikes out in force,” Kula said. “Suzuki came in as our Associate Sponsor, and then GEICO Insurance, SSR Motorsports, EBC Brakes, Cycle Gear, Biltwell, B’laster, Iron Pony, Fast House, Old Bike Barn, Kenda Tire, Federal Motorcycle Transport, Design Engineering, Red Roof Inn, Arkansas Motorcycling, Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, Classic British Motorcycle Club of Cincinnati, STACYC, Wholesale Cycle, Motorcycle Sherpa, Whiteknuckler Brand, Skidmark Garage, Evil Coffee, Crawford Auto Aviation Museum, Central Powersports Distribution, Merla Moto, Green Leaf Industry Corp, Motorcycles and Coffee, Matt’s Sticks, MoTow USA and Total Energies all generously supported the event.”

“Our friends at Triumph and Indian,” Kula continued, “also had demo bikes for attendees to sample all weekend. We can’t thank these companies enough, because all the proceeds go to help the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”

In addition to sponsoring the event, Kenda Tire, along with STACYC and Iron Pony, also organized a kids’ area that included tracks for kids to experience STACYC’s electric bikes.

“Last, we can’t forget about the hundreds of vendors who make up the country’s largest motorcycle swap meet every year,” Kula added. “Not only do they provide financial support for the AMA Hall of Fame, but they provide a distinct and outright fun atmosphere that attendees simply won’t find anywhere else.”

AMA Director of Membership Marketing and Services Amanda Donchess said she appreciated the AMA members, chartered organizations, partner organizations and large number of volunteers who helped make the event successful this year.

“Vintage Motorcycle Days is always a great place to meet and hear from members,” Donchess said, “and this year AMA members deserve a huge thank-you for showing up in a big way. Between individual members, chartered organizations like the Christian Motorcyclist Association and partner organizations like Motorcycle Ohio, over one hundred volunteers committed their time and effort to make the event a success. AMA chartered Classic British Motorcycle Club, along with the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, returned with collections of vintage bikes that help VMD live up to its name.”

“Hundreds of new members joined over the weekend,” Donchess added, “and a few even earned AMA Charter Life Member status. As always, I’m already looking forward to next year and seeing familiar member faces and plenty of new ones.”

Vintage racing at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days draws thousands of race entries each year in vintage motocross, hare scrambles, trials, road racing and flat track.

“This year’s 30th running of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days was a big success,” said AMA Director or Racing Michael Pelletier, “and none of it could be accomplished without the support of our racing partners and volunteers. They provide the foundation needed to put on such a great event each year, and we are very appreciative of those efforts.”

“Among the most important racing partners is the Roadracing World Action Fund,” Pelletier continued, “and we appreciate them providing soft barriers for the road race course.”

Pelletier also thanked WERA for road race operations, BAJA MX Inc. for motocross operations, Rosanna Gzebinski in racing registration, Mandy Mastin for hare scrambles operations, Trials Inc. for the trials event, announcer Kevin Kelly, motocross track builder Jeff Beerbower/Log Road MX, MX Referee Ray Bergeron, the Christian Motorcycle Association for flagging duties, RaceLine Ministries (Mark and Dawn Merical) and Rapid 2-Way, Zack Eaton for installation and maintenance of soft barriers, and Brian Kozicki Events for the AV assistance.

Off-road racing volunteers included Chad Bailey, Tim McAdams, Tim Kennedy, John Starling, Mikah Cole, Doug Vann, Josh Miller, Roger Miller, Kris Kudla, James Rose, Trevor Barrick, Luke Sanford, Scott Denney, Greg Schlabach and Jon Martin.

AMA Chief Operating Officer James Holter acknowledged the work of the AMA’s most important operational partner for the event, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

“Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is our most critical partner for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days,” Holter said. “The entire Mid-Ohio team, led by Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course President Craig Rust, helped the AMA produce a smooth-running event in 2022. I’d like to specifically acknowledge the around-the-clock work of the safety crew, led by Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Safety Manager Brian Sipes, for keeping everyone safe and secure during one of the most eclectic and enthusiastic weekends in motorcycling.”

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is the country’s premier celebration of vintage motorcycles and one of the largest single-weekend motorcycle events each summer. To learn more about AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, read stories from the event and see photos, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

To ensure you stay up to date on the 2023 event, sign up for the sign up for the AMA VMD newsletter, follow the official event Facebook page, follow the AMA VMD Instagram page, and stay tuned to VintageMotorcycleDays.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

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

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

 

Pro 6 GP Series: Bergeron Takes Breakthrough Superbike Win At Calabogie

David Swarts
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Pro 6 GP Series: Bergeron Takes Breakthrough Superbike Win At Calabogie

Bergeron takes breakthrough Superbike win

Calabogie, ON – Anthony Bergeron of Racine, QC., earned his first career Pro Superbike Feature race victory at round four of the Pro 6 GP Series at Calabogie Motorsport Park, ON, the Pro Superbike powered by BMW Motorrad event.  BMW S1000RR mounted rookie Pro Bergeron seized the most significant win of his career after coming out on top of a three-rider fight for first around the rolling hills of the 5.3 kilometer long, 20 turn venue.

Yamaha YZF-R1 mounted early leader Ernest Bernhard, from Ste-Brigide-d’Iberville, QC, set the pace from the get-go, with Bergeron and the Ducati Panigale V4 of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, resident Christian Allard also part of the duel.  Bernhard traded the lead with Bergeron mid-race, including a daring pass by Bernhard up the inside into the Quarry Carousel.

However, that move encouraged Bergeron to push the pace, and the BMW racer eventually won the ten-lap main event by 1.778 seconds from Bernhard.  Allard, in his third career start on the Ducati, faded late in the race to net a solid third, 10.7 seconds behind the victorious Bergeron.

The Pro Sport Bike presented by Kawasaki opened with Honda CBR600RR mounted Louie Raffa of Sainte-Marthe-Sur-le-Lac, QC sprinting into first, chased by Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja mounted St Hyacinthe, Qc, resident Philippe Masse.  Pole sitter Masse shadowed Raffa for half of the eight lapper, then passed for the lead and pulled clear for a decisive win.

Eventually Bobby Desjardins of Ferme-Neuve, QC on a Suzuki GSX-R600 caught up to Raffa and the pair diced, Raffa taking second for good on the last lap.  Desjardins showed his potential in third, while Triumph triple pilot Sean Latta of Lyndhurst, ON, was fourth.

Cederic LeClair of St. Jerome, QC. took his Kawasaki ZX-10R to victory in Motul Amateur Superbike, after a great dice for first against the BMW of Longueil, QC, based rising star Marc Labossiere.  Close together throughout the eight laps, LeClair held off the best efforts of Labossiere to win by just .287 of a second at the line.  Alexandre Michel of Montreal, QC, fresh from a breakthrough Podium at the National the previous weekend on the east coast, placed ten seconds back for third on another Kawasaki.

DP Brakes Amateur Sport Bike was a two-horse race, with Desjardins jumping into first from the start, as Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja mounted Alexandre Michel stayed close in the draft.  18-year-old Pro 6 School product Michel repeatedly weighed up a move for first in turn one and made it stick mid-race, then held of Desjardins for the win by .7 of a second.

Yamaha’s Frederic Barnabe, from Levis, QC was a close third in Amateur middleweight, as Gloucester, ON. based Nolan Eadie, on another YZF-R6, netted fourth.  Eadie was back in action after two falls during the previous weekend’s CSBK National event at Atlantic Motorsport Park, Nova Scotia.

In Liqui Moly Pro-AM action, Evan Moriarity from Milton, ON, held off a challenge from Sean Kitchen of Gatineau, QC, by .6 of a second to win the Amateur division, both piloting Yamaha YZF-R3 twins.

First place in the pro division went to Istvan Hidvegi of Mississauga, ON.  Alan Burns of South Mountain, ON, was second in Pro, all four top Pro-AM racers Yamaha mounted.

The Pro 6 GP Tour wind will complete it’s 2022 campaign with the final event on Saturday, September 3 at the same facility.

MotoGP: Algarve International Circuit Will Host 2023 Season-Opener

David Swarts
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MotoGP: Algarve International Circuit Will Host 2023 Season-Opener

Portuguese GP to open 2023 season

The first Grand Prix of the 2023 season can now be revealed

Tuesday, 02 August 2022

The Portuguese Grand Prix will be the first event of the 2023 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship, with the stunning Autodromo Internacional do Algarve set to host the season opener from the 24th to the 26th of March 2023.

The full, provisional 2023 MotoGP™ calendar will be published by the FIM in due course, but the first event can already be confirmed. The 2023 Portuguese GP will mark the first time the MotoGP™ calendar has begun in Europe since 2006 and will be only the third season opener held in Europe in more than three decades. It will also be the first time Portugal has ever hosted the first race of the year, with expectation ahead of the new season set to hit full speed on the Algarve as the grid debut with their new colours and machinery, and the first trophies of the season are awarded.

There will also be official pre-season tests held at Portimão during the weeks before the event, the dates of which will be confirmed soon.

Following this announcement, fans can buy tickets to see the 2023 season roar into action on the rollercoaster here!

Kawasaki Announces Early Release Of Some 2023 Models

David Swarts
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Kawasaki Announces Early Release Of Some 2023 Models

2023 KAWASAKI STREET MOTORCYCLES

KAWASAKI ANNOUNCES SUMMER RELEASE OF 2023 STREET MOTORCYCLES

 

Kawasaki welcomes the return of several sport, retro sport, naked, cruiser, adventure touring, and dual-sport models to its street motorcycle lineup. These 2023 model year motorcycles are set to arrive in Kawasaki dealerships during the summer months so that riders can continue to “Let the good times roll®.”

 

SPORT

NINJA® 1000SX

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja® 1000SX is back with its refined sport-touring capabilities, combining the power of a supersport motorcycle with the feel of a comfortable upright sport motorcycle and the sporty styling that the Ninja® line of motorcycles are known for. Rider aides like Electronic Cruise Control and Integrated Riding Modes that combine KTRC and Power Modes are a plus, and compatibility with the Kawasaki RIDEOLOGY THE APP* makes it a must-have for any devoted touring rider. The Ninja 1000SX features a powerful 1,043cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke in-line four-cylinder engine, Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) and Kawasaki Intelligent Anti-Lock Braking System (KIBS), Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), 4.3” all-digital TFT color instrumentation and electronic cruise control. This year’s model will be offered in Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Graphite Gray with an MSRP of $13,199.

 

NINJA® 400 / NINJA® 400 ABS

The 2023 Ninja® 400 sport motorcycle offers the largest displacement in its category at 399cc with the sophistication of a twin-cylinder engine. Approachable power, superb ergonomics and class-leading performance offer a smooth, manageable ride that’s ideal for new riders while also alluring experienced riders, setting a new standard for everyday sport riding. A low seat height and aggressive styling with LED headlights make the Ninja 400 the ideal choice for riders looking to enter the sport-riding scene. The 2023 Ninja 400 features a compact 399cc twin-cylinder engine, Assist & Slipper Clutch, lightweight trellis frame, Uni-Trak® rear suspension, 310mm semi-floating petal front disc brake, twin LED headlights, and high-grade multifunction dash instrumentation. For 2023, the Ninja 400 and the Ninja 400 ABS are available in Metallic Carbon Gray / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray, Pearl Blizzard White / Metallic Carbon Gray, and Metallic Magnetic Dark Gray / Metallic Matte Twilight Blue. MSRP for the non-ABS models starts at $5,299. MSRP for the ABS models starts at $5,699. The Ninja 400 ABS KRT Edition is painted in a Lime Green / Ebony color scheme with an MSRP of $5,899 (ABS). The Ninja 400 KRT Edition without ABS will come in the same Lime Green / Ebony color scheme with an MSRP of $5,499.

 

HYPERNAKED

Z H2 / Z H2 SE

The 2023 Z H2 features a 998cc liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder balanced supercharged engine, effortless dog-ring transmission, specifically designed lightweight trellis frame, IMU electronics package, high-performance Showa suspension components, Brembo® Monobloc brake calipers, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), Electronic Cruise Control, Integrated Riding Modes, Assist & Slipper Clutch, all-digital TFT Color instrumentation, Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP, and all LED Lighting. For 2023, the Z H2 comes in Metallic Phantom Silver / Metallic Carbon Gray, with an MSRP of $18,500.

 

The Z H2 SE offers the same great features that come standard on the Z H2. Adding to the already polished base package is the Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) with Skyhook EERA Technology which adapts to road and riding conditions in real-time, providing the ideal amount of damping by combining high-level mechanical components with the latest electronic control technology, giving the rider a smoother ride as it continually adapts to the road surface in real-time. Superior engine power requires matched stopping power, and the 2023 Z H2 SE will once again come with Brembo® Stylema Monobloc brake calipers, a Brembo front brake master cylinder, and steel-braided lines, offering riders strong braking performance and enhanced control. This year, the Z H2 SE will be offered in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Ebony / Mirror Coated Black, with an MSRP of $20,700.

 

RETRO SPORT

Z900RS / Z900RS CAFE

Reigniting the classic style of the original Z1 900 motorcycle, the Kawasaki Z900RS retro-sport motorcycle calls upon timeless design elements with minimal bodywork and no fairing for a pure retro-style look. The Z900RS line is completed by a 948cc engine and modern technology for a classic yet modern ride. The 2023 Z900RS features a 948cc liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder engine, Assist & Slipper Clutch, horizontal back-link rear suspension, authentic retro styling, iconic teardrop fuel tank, tuned stainless steel exhaust system, round LED headlight, and bullet-shaped analog dials. For 2023, the Z900RS comes in a Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Imperial Red paint scheme with an MSRP of $11,949. The Z900RS CAFE adds café-racer styling, including front cowl and seat along with a drop handlebar and is available in Metallic Diablo Black with an MSRP of $12,399.

 

SUPERNAKED

Z400 ABS

A fiercely authentic naked sportbike, the Kawasaki Z400 exudes fresh street style and is immediately recognizable in a crowd with its compact chassis and aggressive styling. Comfortable, balanced and capable, the Z400 offers a visceral riding experience that’s sure to turn heads. The 2023 Z400 features a parallel-twin 399cc engine, Assist & Slipper Clutch, aggressive streetfighter styling, lightweight chassis, upright riding position, a low seat height, and ABS is standard. For 2023, the Z400 is available in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Metallic Spark Black and Pearl Robotic White / Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray with an MSRP of $5,399.

 

CRUISERS

VULCAN® S / VULCAN® S ABS / VULCAN® S CAFE

Unlike any other cruiser, the Kawasaki Vulcan® S and Vulcan® S CAFE sport cruiser motorcycles are geared to fit a wide range of riders with its exclusive ERGO-FIT® sizing system that includes 18 possible configurations. Never taking away from its vintage styling, this cruiser takes comfort, adjustability, Ninja®-derived power and performance to the next level. The 2023 Vulcan S and Vulcan S CAFE feature a 649cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin engine, sportbike-derived chassis and suspension, sporty handling, and the ability to find your fit with ERGO-FIT® technology. The 2023 Vulcan S CAFE also comes equipped with three-tone paint, signature tank badging, sport striping, and a dark-tinted windshield deflector. The Vulcan S cruiser is available in three configurations: the Vulcan S is available in a Metallic Flat Spark Black colorway with an MSRP of $7,349, while the Vulcan S ABS is offered in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Metallic Flat Spark Black with an MSRP of $7,899; the Vulcan S CAFE is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony with an MSRP of $8,099.

 

VULCAN® 900 CLASSIC / CLASSIC LT / CUSTOM

The Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 cruiser lineup has all the style and attitude of a one-of-a-kind build. From the detailed paint job to the intense exhaust, the Vulcan 900 is an artful expression of individuality. Enjoy the dynamic fusion of hand-built design and premium fit and finish of the Vulcan 900. It’s a tantalizing combination that could only come from Kawasaki. All three of the 2023 Vulcan 900 models feature a 903cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, V-twin engine and a low seat height. The Vulcan 900 Classic features rider floorboards with a heel/toe shifter, tank-mounted instrumentation, and a 180mm rear tire. The Vulcan 900 Classic LT features a comfortable seat with standard passenger backrest, studded seat, leather saddlebags and backrest, height-adjustable windscreen, and comes with a 24-month limited warranty. The Vulcan 900 Custom features wide drag bars and forward-mounted footpegs, low center of gravity for easy handling, custom styling with teardrop tank, parallel slash cut pipes, pinstripe wheels. For 2023, the Vulcan 900 Classic is available in Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Magnesium Gray with an MSRP of $8,999, Vulcan 900 Classic LT is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony with an MSRP of $9,999, and the Vulcan 900 Custom is available in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Flat Ebony with an MSRP of $9,499.

 

VULCAN® 1700 VOYAGER® ABS

The Vulcan® 1700 Voyager® touring cruiser is the king of Kawasaki cruisers, with show-stopping style and performance. A 1,700cc digitally fuel-injected V-twin engine plus Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology (K-ACT II) ABS and electronic cruise control help make the Vulcan 1700 Voyager the pinnacle of power and luxury on the open road. The 2023 Vulcan Voyager features a 1,700cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 52-degree V-twin engine, stylish frame-mounted fairing, intercom-headset compatible audio system, and integrated luggage. For 2023, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony with an MSRP of $19,299.

 

 

ADVENTURE TOURING

VERSYS®-X 300 / VERSYS®-X300 ABS

With a compact and responsive 296cc twin-cylinder engine, the Kawasaki Versys®-X 300 is a nimble-handling lightweight motorcycle that’s ready to take on any size adventure. Whether you’re commuting or touring, the Versys-X 300 is a willing companion, it’s your ticket to adventure. With a lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension, the possibilities are endless. The 2023 Versys-X 300 is available with and without ABS and features a Ninja®-derived 296cc twin-cylinder, DOHC, DFI engine, lightweight chassis, a low seat height, front cowling and tall windshield, and a convenient rear carrier. The 2023 Versys-X 300 is available in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray with an MSRP of $5,899, while the ABS model can be found in the same color scheme with an MSRP of $6,199.

 

DUAL-SPORT

KLR®650 / KLR®650 ABS

The KLR650 is built to empower the rider’s passion to escape and explore. A fuel-injected 652cc single-cylinder engine powers this dual-purpose legend that rides on a recently redesigned high-tensile double-cradle frame. Its LED headlight, all-digital multi-function instrumentation, optional ABS system, and 7.9” of front travel coupled with 7.3” of rear travel ensure that it’s ready to go for any journey on- and off-road. The 2023 KLR650 is available in three colorways with Pearl Storm Gray, Pearl Solar Yellow, and Candy Lime Green and has an MSRP of $6,899. The KLR650 ABS if offered in Pearl Storm Gray with an MSRP of $7,199.

 

KLR®650 ADVENTURE / KLR®650 ADVENTURE ABS

The KLR650 ADVENTURE model is built off of the standard KLR650 platform and designed for the adventurer who is looking for increased carrying capacity and convenience and features several Kawasaki Genuine Accessory parts. It comes equipped with factory-installed side cases, LED auxiliary light set, engine guards, tank pad, and both DC power outlet and USB socket. It’s available in both an ABS and non-ABS version. The 2023 KLR650 ADVENTURE is available in a Cypher Camo Gray colorway with an MSRP of $7,899, while the KLR650 ADVENTURE ABS also comes in a Cypher Camo Gray colorway with an MSRP of $8,199.

 

KLR®650 TRAVELER ABS

The KLR650 TRAVELER model consist of all the same great features found on the standard KLR650 as well as a factory-installed top case and both DC power outlet and USB socket. It comes equipped with ABS. The KLR650 TRAVELER ABS is offered in a Pearl Solar Yellow colorway with an MSRP of $7,599.

 

*RIDEOLOGY THE APP is not intended for use during vehicle operation. Only use RIDEOLOGY THE APP when the vehicle is not being operated and it is safe to do so.

 

 ABOUT KAWASAKI

Kawasaki started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. is committed to maintaining and furthering these strengths which will surely give birth to new legends.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. Kawasaki and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at Kawasaki’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

August 2022

Trudy Ulrich
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August 2022

On the Front Cover: Matteo Ferrari (11) on a spec Energica racebike in a one-brand
MotoE race at Assen. The Italian maker of electric sportbikes is pivoting from racing itself in Europe to racing against gasoline-powered racebikes in RSD Super Hooligan races with MotoAmerica in the U.S.A. Photo courtesy Energica.

 

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW. Or call (909) 654-4779 to subscribe, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

Log in HERE to read the August 2022 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription.

 

AUGUST 2022 ISSUE

FEATURES

Inside Info: 2023 Ducati Panigale V4; Harley-Davidson Enthusiast
Collection; Wayne Rainey Rides Again; Bagnaia’s DUI; Bautista and
Rea re-sign; Young Americans in Europe, and more…

Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1967 Honda CR450

MotoGP Analysis: How Aprilia Made The RS-GP A Winner

Intro: Energica’s Big Bet On The Experia Green Tourer

Interview: CEO Stefano Benatti, On Energica USA’s Racing Plans

Stefano Mesa’s Electric Adventure In Hooligans Racing

MV Agusta Factory Tour: The Phoenix Keeps Rising

Shops: Moto-D Racing

RACING

MotoGP At Assen: Quartararo Penalized For Crashing,
And Bagnaia Wins

MotoAmerica: Gagne Dominates At The Ridge

MotoAmerica: Gagne Wins Again At Laguna Seca

World Superbike: Razgatlioglu Triples At Donington

COLUMNS

Letters To The Editor: A Richard Chambers Fan; Objecting To
Bagger Racing; Larry Pegram Back In Superbike?

10 Years Ago, August 2012: Testing a WSBK Ducati Answers The Question,
How Did They Do That?; Why BSB Banned Advanced Electronics;
Shops, With Motion Pro

Back In The Day: Editor’s Scrapbook: With Old Racer Friends

Numbers & Trivia: Bautista’s Turnaround Season?

The Kids’ Page: : Mac MacClugage

The Crash Page: Fabio Quartararo Crashes, Punts Aleix Espargaró

New Products: Yoshimura RS-2 Racing Exhaust for Honda Navi,
Armour Bodies Supersport Bodywork Kit, and more…

Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride

ASRA/CCS Newsletter

High-Performance Parts & Services

Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer

NEMRR: Scott Greenwood Goes Eight-For-Eight

David Swarts
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NEMRR: Scott Greenwood Goes Eight-For-Eight

As NEMRR Round 4 took place at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the
paddock was reminded of both the incredible highs and lows that come
with our sport.  This June event incorporated a Memorial Ride to
celebrate of the life of Scott Mullin, a beloved NEMRR racer who passed
away at an NEMRR event one year ago.  Scott made an incredible impact on
our community during his life and will continue to give for years to
come through the charitable foundations that were set up in his honor.
The Memorial Ride culminated in a lap around New Hampshire Motor
Speedway that filled the entire 1.6-mile circuit with motorcycles 3-4
wide.  The support from the community and staff at Souhegan Valley
Motorsports was uplifting to all and continues to speak to the impact
that Scott Mullin made during his life.

The NEMRR community was dealt an emotional blow on Friday afternoon with
the news of the passing of Scott Briody.  Scott was racing in the
Superstock class at MotoAmerica at Brainerd International Raceway and
lost his life in a racing incident. Scott is survived by his wife Susan,
his sons Jarrett and Reese and daughter Darian, who was attending the
MotoAmerica event with her father.  As the wave of this news rolled
through the paddock, stories of the impact made by Scott Briody were
omnipresent.  The breadth and depth of his connection to riders
throughout the NEMRR paddock truly came to light, and was an incredible
ray of light shining through the somber cloud of news that fell upon the
speedway.  The fact the one man could have made such an indelible impact
on so many people in such a short time is the foundation of the legacy
that Scott Briody leaves behind.  As riders consoled and shared with
each other, it was a marvel to truly understand both his depth of
generosity both in sharing his material things and his time.  How could
one person spend meaningful time with such a huge portion of our paddock
on a regular basis?  Were there two or three Scott Briodys?  Upon
reflection, that answer is no. Perhaps the greatest part of road racing
(the part that we keep with us long after we stop churning laps) is the
incredible people we meet along the way.  There will only ever be one
Scott Briody, and those of us who had the good fortune to know him will
forever cherish the time we had together.

The weather over the weekend could only be described as near
perfection.  Scott Greenwood led the way over the weekend with a perfect
8/8 wins on his Argo Cycles Yamaha R6, highlighted by his victory in the
Michelin/Motorace $1500 dash for cash.  Greenwood is the reigning
champion and points leader in this Middleweight Grand Prix contest, and
as such his win did not come as a surprise to NEMRR regulars.  However,
the performance of 2nd place finisher Ben Gloddy had the paddock buzzing
after the race.  Riding his Moto America Twins Cup Aprilia RS660, built
by Robem Engineering, Gloddy made up for his deficit in horsepower with
some remarkably deep braking and high corner speed.  Gloddy started in
6th place and by the 4th lap had worked his way up to 2nd place.  He
made some small inroads into Greenwood’s lead but in the end the veteran
racer, long known for his ability to stay strong to the end, held on for
a solid win.

 

Eric Wood (4). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.
Eric Wood (4). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.

 

Two other riders scored 4 wins in 4 attempts over the weekend. Eric
Wood, also a long time NEMRR veteran, carded 4 wins on his Penguin
Racing/Woodcraft Kawasaki ZX-10R in the Unlimited class ranks.  He
emerged victorious over Souhegan Valley Motorsports rider David Dayon,
who put in a strong weekend with four runner up finishes on his Kawasaki
ZX10R.  The pair of riders hit their fastest lap times of the weekend
during the Sunday morning Orient Express Unlimited Supersport Class.
Wood set the fastest time of the weekend with a blazing 1:11.6 lap.
Renee Franco continues to impress in 2022 on her Penguin/Franco Racing
Kawasaki Ninja 400 as she also scored 4 victories in the Ultralight
ranks.  The 18 year old Connecticut native was challenged all weekend
long by fellow young rising star Adam Muscaro who was runner up in each
one of the races that he and Franco competed in.  The pair of young
riders put on a show in the Sport Bike Track Gear 500 Supersport class,
where they rocketed into the lead and caught a number of larger
displacement bikes running in the wave in front of them. Franco was able
to break into the high 1:17 range in nearly all of her races, and
Muscaro put in his best laps just a few tenths off that pace at a 1:18.1
in the Moto 3 contest.  We look for many more great races to come from
these to fine upstarts!

NEMRR will run round 5 of the of the 7-round series at New Hampshire
Motor Speedway on August 30-31.  Also announced on Saturday was the
effort to raise $100,000 in purse money for the 100th running of the
oldest running motorcycle race in America, the Loudon Classic, in June
of 2023.  The event will feature club racing on Friday and Sunday,
sandwiching a full pro day on Saturday that will feature 4 purse paying
professional classes that will be similar to the Moto America Junior
Cup, Twins Cup, Supersport and Hooligan classes.  The target prize for
winning the Loudon Classic, which will be run under Supersport class
rules, is $20,000!

MotoAmerica: More From Brainerd International Raceway

David Swarts
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MotoAmerica: More From Brainerd International Raceway

SUZUKI EXTENDS TOP FIVE SUPERSPORT STREAK IN MINNESOTA

Cory Ventura Battles to Fourth Place Finish Sunday

BREA, Calif., August 1, 2022 — Suzuki Motor USA and Team Hammer added another top-five result to close out a MotoAmerica weekend at Brainerd International Raceway in a race filled with battles for the podium positions.

After scoring double top-five finishes in the previous two MotoAmerica Supersport races, Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott and Cory Ventura showed the pace early to step that up to a double podium aboard their next-generation GSX-R750s.

However, that’s not how the race would play out. 16-year-old Scott charged hard early to close down on the leader and escape from the remainder of the pack behind him. Unfortunately, the rookie’s substantially improved pace went unrewarded when he crashed out of second while navigating lap five.

 

Even though his Race Two ended early, Tyler Scott (70) is looking forward to the next round in Pittsburgh. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA LLC.
Even though his Race Two ended early, Tyler Scott (70) is looking forward to the next round in Pittsburgh. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA LLC.

 

Scott explained, “I was going into the carousel and missed a downshift and then I just ran out of room. We learned a lot with the setup of the bike this weekend, and today’s race was turning out better than Saturday’s race. I am okay and looking forward to going to Pittsburgh for the next round.”

Scott’s misfortune elevated Ventura’s fight for a podium position into one for a runner-up result, a battle that would rage to the checkered flag. As many as five riders had a shot at second deep into the contest before three riders, including Cory Ventura, shook free.

 

Cory Ventura (24) took advantage of the opportunity this weekend to card back-to-back top-five finishes at Brainerd. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA LLC.
Cory Ventura (24) took advantage of the opportunity this weekend to card back-to-back top-five finishes at Brainerd. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA LLC.

 

With sharply contrasting strengths and weaknesses, there were many overtaking maneuvers among the podium contenders with Ventura spending a significant portion of the race claiming, holding, and reclaiming second. However, the thrilling up-and-down dogfight ended down for Ventura, as he was passed late on the final lap, displacing him from the final spot on the box in the process.

The fourth-place finish was a third consecutive top-five for Ventura in his short stint with Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki, replacing the injured Sam Lochoff. He said, “Personally, the race meant a lot to me. We had been making steady progress up until my crash on Saturday, and I was confident I could ride near the front because I had great momentum with the Suzuki GSX-R750.”

“The first laps in the race today felt really good and we made some good passes and battled for position. I knew I had a strong bike underneath me. I started to struggle a tiny bit in the end, but I was trying to ride my own race. Finishing fourth was a big step forward.”

 

A pair of top-10 results for Liam Grant (90) at Brainerd and he is looking to build on the momentum for Pittsburgh. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA LLC.
A pair of top-10 results for Liam Grant (90) at Brainerd and he is looking to build on the momentum for Pittsburgh. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA LLC.

 

In what has been a solid rookie season in the Supersport class, Liam Grant earned tenth on Sunday as the Colorado resident followed up his Saturday race with an identical result.

MotoAmerica Superbike rookie Richie Escalante registered another DNS due to his ankle injury in his Saturday qualifying crash. As a result, Jake Lewis was again the sole representative for Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki in Sunday’s premier-class contest.

 

With two top-10 finishes for the weekend, Jake Lewis (85) is looking to get back to racing shape in the next round. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA LLC.
With two top-10 finishes for the weekend, Jake Lewis (85) is looking to get back to racing shape in the next round. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA LLC.

 

The Kentuckian raced forward from his Row 4 starting position and even made a push for the fight for fifth aboard the team’s GSX-R1000R at mid-distance. However, Lewis, who is still on the mend and working his way back into race shape, ultimately, was forced to relent and accept a seventh-place result.

“This hasn’t been the easiest of weekends for me, but it’s nice to be back,” Lewis said. “Missing Laguna and watching from the couch was no fun at all. We’re continuing to make progress, and it’s fun to race in front of all these fans.”

Team Hammer will next travel to Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania, on August 19-21, for the next round of the 2022 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing championship season.

For the latest Suzuki racing news, updates on Team Hammer, and more, visit SuzukiCycles.com/Racing/Road-Racing.

ABOUT TEAM HAMMER 

The 2022 season marks Team Hammer’s 42nd consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 129 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 342 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport.) The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.

ABOUT VISION WHEEL

Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.

ABOUT SUZUKI

Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Tytlers Cycle Racing:

PJ Jacobsen races to P3, whilst Hector salvages a top five finish on Sunday

The Tytlers Cycle Racing team were back in action at Brainerd International Raceway this past weekend with riders PJ Jacobsen and Hector Barbera once again representing them in the 2022 MotoAmerica Superbike championship aboard the all-new BMW M1000 RR.

With no data at the circuit, it was a case of the entire team working together to achieve the best set up possible ahead of the two eighteen lap races. Steady improvements on Friday paved the way for encouraging lap times in qualifying with PJ qualifying seventh and Hector eighth.

Saturday’s opening race saw Hector Barbera start strongly but the #80 ran off track on lap one, and even though he re-joined he retired to the pits early on. PJ Jacobsen was involved in a race long battle for fifth, a battle that he came out on top of by just over a second.

Sunday morning’s rain shower meant no real chance of further tweaks but that didn’t dampen the spirits ahead of Race 2. An aggressive Jacobsen slotted into fourth at the start, running third briefly before conceding the place. A crash by the race leader elevated PJ back onto the podium in third, a position he would hold to the flag – securing the team’s third top three of the year. Hector Barbera ran closely behind his team mate in the early stages before running the remainder of the race a few seconds behind, the Spaniard involved in a titanic on track battle. He crossed the line fifth.

Stock1000 title contenders Corey Alexander and Travis Wyman were also in action on Saturday in the Superbike class. They finished eighth and eleventh, respectively.

 

PJ Jacobsen (66) leading Hayden Gillim (69) at Brainerd. Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle Racing.
PJ Jacobsen (66) leading Hayden Gillim (69) at Brainerd. Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle Racing.

 

PJ Jacobsen: “Race 1 was pretty good, and I ended up fifth. It was a new track for me, and we did the best job that we could. Sunday’s race went really well. We made some big changes and they seemed to work. It was great to be back on the podium, not just for me but for the team too as they’ve been working so hard all season and deserve it. We will continue to keep moving forward. I am happy with the pace, especially in the early stages, where I was able to lap faster than I did in qualifying.”

 

Hector Barbera (80). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle Racing.
Hector Barbera (80). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle Racing.

 

Hector Barbera: “I suffered a lot in Race 1 with the tyre. It was impossible to ride, and I had to retire after running off on lap one. Race 2 was also difficult. I had difficulty to enter the corner and the electronics were also not perfect. I am sad that we couldn’t show our full potential but focused on doing better in Pittsburgh.”

The entire Tytlers Cycle Racing team wish to extend their deepest condolences to the family, friends and team of Scott Briody who sadly passed away at the circuit on Friday. He will be missed.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing:

Sixth win of the season for Alexander as Wyman races at the front and Schumacher makes progress at BIR

Five from five – that’s what everyone is talking about after Corey Alexander powered his Tytlers Cycle Racing Ride powered by #RideHVMC BMW M1000 RR to another victory in the latest round of the 2022 MotoAmerica Stock1000 championship.

Qualifying third, Alexander, who by his own admission was not looking forward to racing at BIR as it not one of his favourites, rode sensibly in the first part of the race, content to take a podium spot rather than risk a crash. However, a red flag meant another chance and Alexander grabbed it with both hands, capitalising on the issues of his rivals to take another victory and in the process extend his championship lead to thirty-three points. His fifth win in a row is his sixth of the season and Alexander has not finished lower than first in the races he has finished – an incredible string of results and a new record in the class!

There was heartbreak however for Travis Wyman who crashed out of a podium place on the final lap. Despite the spill, Wyman remains third overall in the title race after once again showing that he is one of the strongest riders on the grid.

Zac Schumacher, the team’s third rider was also competing. He finished sixteenth, narrowly missing a championship point at another new circuit for the #90.

The pair will now regroup ahead of the next round of the Championship at the Pittsburgh international Race Complex over the weekend of 19-21 August.

 

Richie Alexander (23). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing.
Richie Alexander (23). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing.

 

Corey Alexander: “It was a positive weekend. I honestly didn’t expect to fight for the win at Brainerd as its not one of my favourites. We were in the mix in both parts of the race, and we were able to take advantage of the problems our rivals had. That’s racing and we will take it and move on to Pittsburgh where we will look to consolidate our points lead.”

 

Travis Wyman (10). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing.
Travis Wyman (10). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing.

 

Travis Wyman: “I don’t really have a lot to say. I was running inside the top five but felt good. The race was stopped and restarted and once again I was in the mix. I made some strong passes and went for second in the final sector and unfortunately lost the front. That’s racing and I will come back stronger in Pittsburgh.”

 

Zac Schumacher (90). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing.
Zac Schumacher (90). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing.

 

Zac Schumacher: “The race went quite well considering I have never raced at Brainerd before. The track is quite difficult, but I was able to qualify nineteenth. I decided to use the older Dunlop tyre for the race and so didn’t really have any set up time with it, but it was the right decision. I started well and passed a few people, but the race got red flagged. On the restart I was battling with the same guys as in the first part and finished P16. I am looking forward to the next round in three weeks.”

The entire Tytlers Cycle Racing powered by #RideHVMC team wish to extend their deepest condolences to the family, friends and team of Scott Briody who sadly passes away at the circuit on Friday. He will be missed.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Indian Motorcycle:

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING PRIVATEER BOBBY FONG WINS KING OF THE BAGGERS AT BRAINERD INTERNALTIONAL RACEWAY

Fong & Roland Sands Design Capture First King of the Baggers Win

 

Bobby Fong (right) with his crew in winner's circle at Brainerd. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Bobby Fong (right) with his crew in winner’s circle at Brainerd. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Indian Motorcycle.

 

Minneapolis, MN. (August 1, 2022) – Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Mission Foods, captured two King of the Baggers podium positions at Brainerd International Raceway. Privateer Bobby Fong, piloting Steve Delorenzi’s Sacramento Mile S&S-built RSD Indian Challenger, secured his first-career King on the Baggers win, while Indian Motorcycle Racing factory rider Tyler O’Hara rounded out the podium with a third-place finish.

The sixth King of the Baggers event of the season was nothing short of dramatic, as a red-flag restart rescheduled the event to end of the day and shortened it to five laps. Though during competition, rain on turn 3-4 ultimately caused race officials to call the race after just three laps.

Despite starting from the back row, Fong fought hard during the first lap to reach second. Without hesitation, Fong then made an aggressive move, as he dove inside and stood up O’Hara to make the pass and capture the lead and secure his first-ever King of the Baggers win.

“Congrats to Bobby and RSD on their first win. It was a well-deserved victory as the RSD race team works extremely hard to ensure those Indian Challengers are dialed-in and ready for competition,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology. “This has been fun, neck-and-neck battle throughout the entire season. With one race remaining, it’s all on the line, and we couldn’t be any more excited to head to New Jersey and give it all we got.”

The 2022 King of the Baggers season will conclude September 9-11, in the Millville, NJ, at New Jersey Motorsports Park. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Prior to the King of the Baggers race, on Friday July 29, MotoAmerica racer Scott Briody passed following a single-motorcycle crash. “Our condolences go out to Scott Briody’s friends and family, his team, and everyone in the MotorAmerica paddock,” said Gray.

ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®

Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Aprilia:

ANTHONY MAZZIOTTO NETS FIFTH PODIUM FINISH OF 2022 MOTOAMERICA TWINS CUP SEASON ABOARD APRILIA RS 660 AT BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

RODIO RACING/WARHORSE HSBK RACING RIDER NOW LEADS TWINS CUP POINTS STANDING, RESETS CLASS’ LAP RECORD AT MINNESOTA TRACK

 

Anthony Mazziotto (516). Photo by Sara Chappell, courtesy Aprilia.
Anthony Mazziotto (516). Photo by Sara Chappell, courtesy Aprilia.

 

BRAINERD, MN – At the start of this weekend’s MotoAmerica Superbikes at Minnesota round, Anthony Mazziotto was four points away of the MotoAmerica Twins Cup championship points lead. At the conclusion of the round’s single Twins Cup race on Saturday, the Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing rider had scored his fifth podium finish of this 2022 season aboard an Aprilia RS 660, set a new Twins Cup lap record, and assumed the championship lead.

Mazziotto, from Hammonton, N.J., was at the head of a trio of Aprilia riders who rounded out the top five in the Brainerd Twins Cup race. Finishing fourth was Veloce Racing rider and reigning Twins Cup champion Kaleb De Keyrel, and fifth was De Keyrel’s teammate and former championship leader Jody Barry.

Mazziotto also lowered the Twins Cup lap record that he set in MotoAmerica’s debut at Brainerd last year. He improved on his previous record time – a 1:36.984 that he set on Lap 11 of Twins Cup Race 2 in 2021 – to a 1:36.944 on Lap 5 of Saturday’s contest.

The current points standings feature three Aprilia riders in the top five, with Mazziotto one point ahead of Barry (156 points to 155) and De Keyrel in fifth with 109 points.

Success at Brainerd is nothing new for Mazziotto and De Keyrel, a Minnesotan, as the pair each recorded a win and runner-up finish at the 2.5-mile circuit last year.

Unfortunately, one of the front-running Aprilia teams – Robem Engineering — was forced to miss the Brainerd round due to mechanical problems with its transporter.

About one-third of the MotoAmerica Twins Cup field – 13 of 35 riders – were competing aboard Aprilia RS 660s.

The round started off with an Aprilia at the top of the time sheets, as Barry paced the field in Friday practice. De Keyrel finished that session fourth-fastest, and Mazziotto was sixth-fastest. Qualifying took place Saturday morning with De Keyrel emerging as the top-qualifying Aprilia rider. His best lap of 1:36.488 at his home track was a mere 0.023 seconds off the pole time. Mazziotto qualified in sixth and Barry in seventh.

The Twins Cup race got underway late Saturday afternoon with Mazziotto getting a good start and running in third place as the field entered the first turn. Mazziotto, De Keyrel and Barry finished Lap 1 in fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively, and Mazziotto moved up to third place on Lap 6. A couple laps later, Mazziotto had advanced to second place, and he finished Lap 8 of the 12-lap contest in the lead.

Though he’d fallen back to third by the end of Lap 9, Mazziotto was vying with two other riders for the race lead until Lap 11, when several lapped riders caused him to lose time. He had to settle for a third-place finish, 0.563 seconds behind the second-place rider. De Keyrel and Barry finished several seconds behind Mazziotto, and American Metalcraft Racing’s Eddie Neubauer gave Aprilia four riders in the top 10.

MotoAmerica had a two-week break before the next round, which is scheduled for Aug. 19-21 at Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pa. Championship Schedule, competitor information, and class rules can be found at https://motoamerica.com.

Anthony Mazziotto, Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing

“It was a solid weekend here on our Aprilia RS 660. It was a good points salvage, and I’m happy that I’m leading the championship as we’re heading to some racetracks that I really enjoy. I really like racing at Pittsburgh and New Jersey, and we’re just going to keep plugging away it. I felt like we had really good pace here at Brainerd. I was struggling a little bit in the first part of the track, but the Aprilia worked really well through the rest of the racetrack. I can’t thank my team enough for their efforts this weekend, as well as Aprilia, and I’m really looking forward to coming back to the East Coast.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Luke Power Racing:

Points make prizes… Luke Power closes in on MotoAmerica Supersport top five overall
Luke Power leaves the Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota with another double top eight points finish in the 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship, a result that moves him to within one point of fifth overall in the standings with three round and six races remaining.

Like at most circuits on the calendar this season, the Suzuki mounted charger had to contend with learning another new circuit well as finding an optimum setting at one of the fastest tracks on the schedule.

Improving in every session ahead of Saturday’s opening race Luke qualified on the third row of the grid and in typical fashion, involved himself in the battle at the front from the off. Despite losing touch with those involved in the podium fight as the race wore on, Luke continued to push hard, narrowly missing out on a top six finish at the flag. Sunday began with a wet warm up session which Luke elected not to participate in and ahead of the race the team opted for a different tyre which ultimately played a part, along with other set up factors that prevented an even better result on Sunday. Nevertheless, the #68 once again rode superbly, getting the most he could out of the situation. He finished a credible eighth ensuring that he remains in contention for a top four in the overall championship standings in his debut MotoAmerica season.

Luke wishes to pass on express his sincere condolences to the family, friends and team of Scott Briody who sadly succumbed to his injuries following a crash on Friday.

 

Luke Power (68). Photo courtesy Luke Power Racing.
Luke Power (68). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Luke Power Racing.

 

Luke Power: “Overall Race 1 was positive. My final position doesn’t reflect the pace I had but just like at Laguna Seca I struggled at the beginning. The pace we had late on was good and I was really hoping to capitalise on that on Sunday. I was only able to finish eighth in Race 2 which is frustrating after our Saturday race pace was not bad but sometimes races go like that. I learned a lot this weekend and thank the team’s efforts. We made some changes for Race 2 that didn’t pay off but overall, it was a solid weekend at another track that I have no experience at. In the championship we are only one point away from fifth and not a million miles from P4, so all things considered I can move on to Pittsburgh ready to push again.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Pure Attitude Racing:

Pure Attitude Racing’s thoughts are elsewhere after Brainerd

Pure Attitude Racing head to the final three rounds of the MotoAmerica Championship after an emotional and challenging weekend at Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota.

Looking to build on their successes at The Ridge and Laguna Seca it was an encouraging start to the weekend for team but all thoughts about what happened on track pails into insignificance following the tragic loss of fellow MotoAmerica competitor Scott Briody on Friday afternoon. The entire Pure Attitude team sends its deepest condolences to Scott’s family and friends, his team and the entire MotoAmerica paddock.

On track the team suffered a double DNF in Twins Cup with Liam MacDonald suffering a technical issue moments before lights out and Trevor Standish crashing out of P11 on the final lap. Both riders had shown pace with Liam especially looking as though a top eight challenge was possible. Chase Black qualified on the second row of the grid in Junior Cup. He raced to sixth in Saturday’s opener before he too was forced to retire on Sunday.

The team will now regroup ahead of the next event in Pittsburgh in three weeks.

 

Chase Black (14). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Chase Black (14). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.

 

Chase Black: “The result on Saturday was ok but I could have been on the podium and so I am a little disappointed. I got passed by four people off the start and although I was able to close the gap and run with the group, I couldn’t find a way through. On Sunday I started better but almost crashed and the chain came off. The race was red flagged due to another incident but because I was already out before the red flag I couldn’t restart later in the day. Not ideal but that’s racing. Thoughts are with Scott Briody’s family right now.”

 

Liam MacDonald (37). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Liam MacDonald (37). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.

Liam MacDonald: “Well that didn’t go to plan. The bike had been running as sweet as can be all weekend, no issues at all and then with minutes to go it just stopped. Kent, Dean and Todd have worked their buts off and I am gutted for them as much as me. On the grid after the sighting lap, it just lost power and despite our best efforts we had to pull off. It’s so disappointing after we had finally shown decent pace, but I am staying positive and moving on to the next one with my head held high. After what happened on Friday, nothing else really matters. Rest in Peace Scott.”

 

 

Trevor Standish. Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Trevor Standish. Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.

Trevor Standish: “I made a good start, and the race was going well, and I was really enjoying riding the bike. I was running eleventh but with half a lap to go I went. I am not entirely sure what happened, but I got run over and am a bit second hand. I want to thank the medical staff at the track and at the hospital and everyone who enquired about me. I will be back stronger but right now I want to send my prayers and thoughts to the Scott’s family. It’s been a tough weekend.”

REV’IT! Purchases Vircos

David Swarts
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0
REV’IT! Purchases Vircos

REV’IT! Announces Purchase Of Bespoke Italian Brand Vircos

Acquisition will strengthen presence at highest levels of motorcycle competition

OSS, Netherlands (Aug. 1, 2022) – Vircos has been manufacturing custom-tailored leather road racing suits of the highest quality in Italy for more than 30 years. REV’IT! Sport International began its collaboration with Vircos in 2007, a relationship founded on common values, with a shared passion for motorcycle racing.

REV’IT! and Vircos are solidifying this partnership by merging into a single company. With the acquisition of Vircos, REV’IT!, whose innovation and leadership in the adventure segment continues to raise the bar in design and performance, is gaining key expertise and knowledge to realize its ambitions to perform a leading role in motorsports.

“We are naturally attracted to people who share our values, a common vision of business and of life,” said Aldo De Agnoi, founder of Vircos. “We see REV’IT! as the perfect partner. That is why a merger between the two companies has been signed. We are sure this decision will be proven to be the right choice.”

“Vircos has been a loyal and trusted partner over the years,” said REV’IT! Managing Director Ivan Vos. “Securing a bright future for the company for many years to come is important for both Vircos and REV’IT!. In this new configuration, the strength of the REV’IT! brand and the skills and expertise of the Vircos team will amplify one another, taking us to new places.”

In acquiring Vircos, REV’IT! benefits from the decades of technical expertise that Vircos brings to the REV’IT! development team. This will significantly advance both the design and the manufacturing of custom-made, professional road-racing suits, as well as opening up a path for personalization — a growing trend in the sports market.

Together, Vircos and REV’IT! will continue to develop advanced, industry-leading products that enhance the performance and the protection for riders competing at the highest levels of national and international competition, driving their professions and their passions to higher levels and carrying the motorcycle community forward.

About REV’IT! Sport International

REV’IT! Sport International, with headquarters in Oss, the Netherlands, and offices in Denver, Colorado, is an industry leader in technical motorcycle apparel, expanding the boundaries of function and style for more than 25 years. The company continues its tradition of Design, Innovation, and Performance to improve standards of safety and sustainability for the global motorcycle community and to inspire motorcyclists everywhere to ride. Learn more at revitsport.com.

About Vircos

Born in 1982 as a leather apparel factory, Vircos debuted at the beginning of the 90s in the world of road racing, growing steadily year after year. Today Vircos’ exclusive activity is the design, development, and production of custom leather protective apparel both for professionals and amateurs. It is an acknowledged presence within MotoGP paddock and a class-leading brand in all the principal European racing competitions. Learn more at vircos.it

MotoAmerica: Even More From Brainerd International Raceway

Kayleigh Buyck (16) won the MotoAmerica Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) race at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
Kayleigh Buyck (16). Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.

Buyck Tops Close Racing At Brainerd BUILD. TRAIN. RACE.

Royal Enfield BTR Road Racing action returns at Brainerd MotoAmerica round in Minnesota.

Milwaukee, WI (Tuesday, August 2, 2022) – Round three of Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. Road Racing program brought the 2022 series to its halfway point. The BTR women were eager to take on the famous Brainerd International Raceway after an eight-week break in the championship. While the action in the class is drawing closer as the BTR ladies train and coach each other to quicker lap times, the end result was a familiar one, with lightning-quick Kayleigh Buyck besting the field for the third time in as many races. Chloe Peterson and Jenny Chancellor joined Buyck on the overall podium.

The Brainerd track proved to be a tough learning track for many of the BTR women—particularly turn 12 and the chicane. But the Royal Enfield ladies put in the work during limited practice time to learn the track and tune their Continental GT 650 motorcycles for race day.

A total of 12 women lined up for the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. main event. Patty Paul is still nursing a collarbone injury suffered at VIR, Bridgette LeBer hurt her hand in a recent dirt bike crash, and Kayla Theisler was out sick. But the Brainerd round did see the return of Cora Tennyson, who had a spectacular highside at VIR and consequently sat out Road America with a knee injury.

 

Chloe Petersen (55) and Kayleigh Buyck (16) battled for the MotoAmerica Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) race lead at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
Chloe Peterson (55) and Kayleigh Buyck (16) battled for the MotoAmerica Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) race lead at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.

 

Racing action was once again spectacular, and not without some drama. Kayleigh Buyck managed to lead all eight laps, but not without some steady pressure from Chloe Peterson. The number-55 kept the gap small, and waited for a mistake from Buyck that would never come. Meanwhile, the battle for third heated up with Crystal Martinez duking it out with Jenny Chancellor, but Martinez received a penalty flag for jump-starting. Martinez thought she had to pull off, and slowed down during the race, losing any chance at a podium finish.

“What a weekend!” exclaimed Chloe Peterson. “It’s great racing with the other women on the same Continental GT 650. When I see them going faster and braking harder than I do, I know I can do that, too. Battling with Kayleigh has pushed me beyond what I thought was capable on a motorcycle. I pushed hard on the brakes to try and get past Keyleigh but she was definitely not making it easy. I had a pucker moment in turn three on the last lap trying to take an outside line to try to get around her but I saved it. In the end, I put it on the box one step higher than the last time. I’m happy with the result, but hungry for more.”

“The battle with Chole Peterson was intense and pushed me to better myself,” said Kayleigh Buyck. “She is a phenomenal rider and I love having her to battle with. The remainder of the season will be amazing. All of the girls rode great this past weekend; the vibe in our put was the best yet. Everyone coming together to help one another really showed what this program is about.”

 

Jenny Chancellor (19) at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
Jenny Chancellor (19) at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.

 

“This weekend at Brainerd had a number of setbacks along the way,” commented Jenny Chancellor. “But the amount of confidence the BTR program has given me honestly makes me feel like I have a superpower to keep pushing forward. This weekend our whole team pushed forward through adversity and had a successful race. Every person on our team is getting better; I am excited to see the racing get closer and closer.”

 

MotoAmerica Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) race winner Kayleigh Buyck (center), runner-up Chloe Peterson (left), and third-place finisher Jenny Chancellor (19) on the podium at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
MotoAmerica Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) race winner Kayleigh Buyck (center), runner-up Chloe Peterson (left), and third-place finisher Jenny Chancellor (19) on the podium at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.

 

Royal Enfield and the Build. Train. Race. community send sincere condolences to the friends and family of Scott Briody. “Bittersweet is the only way to describe this past weekend,” said Kayleigh Buyck. “Scott Briody was such an amazing friend to have and left such a great impact on so many riders. Being able to put it on top of the box for him was exactly what I needed. He will be forever missed. Godspeed, Scott; until we ride again.”

 

Royal Enfield BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. Road Race

Brainerd Results

1. Kayleigh Buyck (#16)

2. Chloe Peterson (#55)

3. Jenny Chancellor (#19)

4. Crystal Martinez (#25)

5. Jessica Martin (#23)

6. Cora Tennyson (#95)

7. Ashley Truxal (#31)

8. Michaela Trumbull (#27)

9. Trisha Dahl (#44)

10. Alyssa Bridges (#30)

11. Nicole Pareso (#11)

12. Hannah Stockton (#62)

 

About Royal Enfield

The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.

 

Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 150 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the all-new Classic 350, Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.

 

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by SportbikeTrackGear.com:

Max Van Back to Form at Brainerd, Limandri on the Podium Again

 

Max Van (48) leads Gus Rodio (96), Joe LiMandri (62), Cody Wyman (34), Avery Dreher (99), and Kayla Yaakov (31) at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy SportbikeTrackGear.com.
Max Van (48) leads Gus Rodio (96), Joe LiMandri (62), Cody Wyman (34), Avery Dreher (99), and Kayla Yaakov (31) at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy SportbikeTrackGear.com.

 

Breaking an eight race dry spell, Max Van put his SportbikeTrackGear.com Ninja 400 on the top step of the podium in race two at Brainerd.

Race One also saw teammate Joseph LiMandri Jr. back on the box with a solid P2.

Despite the success, in racing the results only tell part of the story.  While both riders had to overcome struggles this weekend, nothing compared to the loss of friend and mentor Scott Briody, who succumbed to injuries sustained on track Friday during qualifying.

“The way Scott lived life, the man never had a bad day. His attitude always made me never want to skip a beat. The man passed doing what he loved. Living life to the fullest was his attitude,” Max said in a post-race interview.  Having Race One end prematurely as another rider crashed into him, Van had to dig deep for Race 2.

But even Race Two wasn’t without drama as a red-flag incident caused the race to be shuffled to the end of the day.  Using info from the first part for the restart, “I was able to regroup and figure out why I got shuffled back to fourth position. As I was riding I asked myself, ‘why waste my opportunities?’ and I answered that out on track.  This was a win for Scott.”

“Scott was one-of-a-kind. He was selfless and made sure others were taken care of before himself. He was taken too soon and he will be missed. My condolences go out to the Briody family,” Joe added.  “The season isn’t over and it’s time to fight, for him.”

The SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup championship has proven anything can and will happen in racing.   The championship chase continues for the final six races, with Joe sitting second and Max fifth in the points.

Catch the team live as the MotoAmerica series returns East with the next round at Pittsburgh International Race Complex on August 19th.

As always thanks to: All the SportbikeTrackGear.com customers, Helmet House, Bauce Racing, Cybersafe Solutions, Racing for a Reason, Vortex Racing, M4 Exhaust, REB Graphics, Armour Bodies, Woodcraft Technologies, Motul, Alpinestars, Shoei Helmets, RST, Arai Helmets, SportbikeTrackTime, Evolve GT Track Days, N2 Track Days, Gazebo Contracting, UTR/Torres Racing, Brake Tech USA, Ferodo Racing, Scott Powersports, Spiegler USA, Hanshaw Racing Engines, Precision Auto Works and Driven Racing.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by N2 Racing:

N2 Racing Scores Three Podiums at Brainerd International Raceway.

Media, PA – N2 Racing scored podium finishes in every race entered at Brainerd International Raceway, but the weekend was still somber after the death of fellow competitor Scott Briody. Blake Davis finished second in the only Twins Cup race of the weekend on his Yamaha YZF-R7. Fill-in rider Josh Hayes finished third in both Supersport Race One and Race Two on his Yamaha YZF-R6. Hayes and Davis battled up front in all three races showing the level of the team in the second half of the season with five podiums in the last two rounds.

Four-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion Josh Hayes was gracious enough to fill in for full-time Supersport rider Kevin Olmedo, who suddenly became ill after the team’s victory at Roebling Road Raceway in the N2/WERA National Endurance by Dunlop race. Kevin Olmedo is recovering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome at home in El Salvador. Kevin is hopeful to make a quick recovery but was unable to compete at Brainerd International Raceway. Josh stepped up on short notice and did a fantastic job.

 

Josh Hayes (4) at speed on the N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha at Brainerd. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.
Josh Hayes (4) at speed on the N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha YZF-R6 at Brainerd. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.

 

Josh and the team decided not to make wholesale changes to the N2 Racing YZF-R6, but to optimize the Olmedo setup to suit Josh. Hayes was able to qualify in second position, but the team was struggling with rear grip on corner entry. In Supersport Race One, Josh got a great start and tried to latch on to eventual winner Rocco Landers, but Landers’s pace was dominate. Josh battled with Josh Herrin for second, but rear grip was still an issue at the end of the race, and Hayes finished in the third position.

Supersport Race Two was hectic from the start with six riders fighting for second place after Race One winner Rocco Landers disappeared at the front. Hayes was in the middle of the fight throughout the race. On lap eleven, Josh made a mistake, drifting back to sixth and had to fight his way back to third with a last-lap pass on protégé Cory Ventura.

 

Blake Davis (22) at speed on the N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha YZF-R7 at Brainerd. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.
Blake Davis (22) at speed on the N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha YZF-R7 at Brainerd. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.

 

This was the team’s first visit to Brainerd International Raceway with the Yamaha YZF-R7 and the loss of Friday afternoon qualifying made set up difficult. The team made progress and Blake was able to match his best qualifying result of the year with a fourth-place starting position.

The Twins Cup Race on Saturday afternoon was a barnburner with Davis leading for most of the race with Cory Ventura, Anthony Mazziotto, and Hayden Schultz all fighting for the lead. Blake was very fast in the ultra-quick turn one/two section of the racetrack, but struggled with running wide in the tighter sections. The nail-biting last lap saw the leaders cross the finish line only .3 of a second apart with Blake finishing second to score his third podium of the year. Blake is currently third in the championship only 28 points back.

Blake Davis – “The weekend had highs and lows. Right off the bat, I missed Kevin not being there, then the loss of Scott Briody; it was all sad. Friday afternoon and evening were low key, Saturday the paddock got together and we prayed for Scott’s family. Then, the day’s racing got started. The highs were qualifying my best ever and then getting second place in my race.”

Josh Hayes – “I really enjoyed the weekend working with N2 Racing team. This is only the second time working with Shiloh and the crew after the endurance win and we really worked well together.  The races were exciting, and I tried to do the motorcycle justice like Kevin would do. It was fun to put on a good show with some last-lap passes, and it was awesome to get on the podium twice. I enjoyed the opportunity, and I was very glad I could help.”

Shiloh Salopek (Crew Chief) – “We really appreciate Josh standing in for Kevin as well as putting our Yamaha YZF-R6 on the podium twice.  We’re also very happy with the progress that we’re making on the YZF-R7 and to have Blake on the podium again.  We all missed Kevin and we hope he’s back with us soon.”

About N2: N2 – Ride, Race, Learn.

Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing. N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.

N2 Racing is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, BobbleHeadMoto, Karnes Performance, Trading Paint, GB Racing, Westby Racing, Attack Performance, Robem Engineering, Puig, Eazi Grip, ProBolt, SBS Brakes and Yamaha Champions Riding School.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Altus Motorsports:

MotoAmerica: Results from Brainerd for the Altus Motorsports WPS FLY Racing Team
 

(Brainerd, MN) – The MotoAmerica event at Brainerd International Raceway had a grievous start on Friday when a racer, Scott Briody, lost his life. The track was shut down and the afternoon schedule was canceled.

“We know this sport is dangerous – the risk of serious injury and death is always possible – but knowing that doesn’t make it any easier. This was a truly horrible loss that was felt in our pit, throughout the paddock, and across our sport,” said team owner George Nassaney

Superbike Cup & Stock 1000

It has been a tough year thus far for Brandon Paasch. After successful seasons on middleweight bikes, he has been struggling on the 1000. To make matters worse, the tragedy on Friday hit very close to home. The rider who lost his life was the father of Brandon’s girlfriend.

 

Brandon Paasch (96). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Brandon Paasch (96). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.

 

Through his grief, he managed to prove his mettle this weekend with his best results of 2022. In Stock 1000, he qualified 4th and spent the race in the battle at the front. Ultimately, he crossed the line in 2nd place. Paasch took the podium with mixed emotions. “I want to enjoy the moment – It’s my first podium. It’s been a hard season. And an even harder and very upsetting weekend,” said Brandon Paasch. “I really want to thank everyone for their support. Also, thanks to Shakey Byrne for his feedback at Laguna. He gave me some input that’s really helping me get better on the big bike. I’m really hoping we can build on this weekend for the rest of the season.”

In the Superbike Races, Brandon started Race 1 from 14th and finished 13th. He was the 2nd place Superbike Cup competitor. He started the second Superbike race in 12th and finished 9th but he was the top Superbike Cup racer. He currently sits third in the Superbike Cup, just 21 points out of first.

Supersport 

Jaret Nassaney arrived in Brainerd hoping to continue his progress toward the front of the Supersport races. Unfortunately, lack of track time due to some mechanical issues made for a challenging weekend. He started both Supersport races from 12th. He finished Saturday in 8th and Sunday in 9th.

 

Jaret Nassaney (59). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Jaret Nassaney (59). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.

 

“We had a difficult weekend at Brainerd. I came into the weekend ready to fight for some more Top 5 finishes but we fell behind when we missed the first practice due to some mechanical issues. We struggled to find a good setup in qualifying but we were able to salvage an 8th and a 9th in the races! Big thanks to my team and my mechanics for all the hard work! Hoping for better results in Pittsburgh,” said Jaret Nassaney.

Junior Cup

After a brutally disappointing round at Laguna Seca, Kayla Yaakov arrived in Minnesota ready for a “reset”, getting back to leading the pack and standing on the podium. Which she did. She was the fastest in the first practice. The first qualifying was canceled but Yaakov managed to be 2nd fastest in the sole qualifying session and started the races from the middle of the first row. On Saturday, in Race 1, Kayla collected her second win of the season. Race 2 ended up being rescheduled to a 5 lap sprint at the end of the day on Sunday. Yaakov crossed the line in second. Her success at Brainerd moved her into 3rd in the overall JR Cup standings, just 31 points out of first and 9 points from second.

 

Kayla Yaakov (31). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
Kayla Yaakov (31). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.

 

“A great and very emotional weekend at Brainerd International Raceway. I was able to secure my second win of the season, as well as a second place in Race 2. It was great to come home with these points after a difficult weekend at Laguna. I now sit 3rd in the championship points standings, and I’m looking forward to the next round at Pittsburgh International Raceway (my home race). I’d also like to send my condolences to the family and friends of Scott Briody. I’d like to dedicate this weekend to them,” said Kayla Yaakov.

“This weekend was an emotional roller coaster. The team came together to support each other and everyone rode in Scott Briody’s memory. Brandon wanted to be on the box for Scott and when he succeeded, it was a very emotional moment, from the Nassaney’s and the entire Altus Motorsports Team we offer our deepest condolences to the Briody family,” said George Nassaney.

The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, FLY Racing WPS, Suzuki 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.

WorldSBK: Gagne Racing Yamaha As Wild Card At Portimao

Jake Gagne (1) in action at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Jake Gagne (1). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Gagne to Make WorldSBK Wild Card Appearance at Portimao

Following the conclusion of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, Attack Performance will make a wild card appearance with Jake Gagne at the ninth round of the FIM Superbike World Championship at the Algarve International Circuit on October 7-9. Armed with their fast Attack Performance Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing R1s, the reigning MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and his team are eager to battle on the world stage.

Gagne, who has multiple titles to his resume, raced in the world championship for a few rounds in 2017 and the 2018 season. The reigning MotoAmerica Superbike Champion is looking forward to returning to the WorldSBK paddock as a wild card entry with the team he has enjoyed a lot of success in MotoAmerica’s premier class. Since his debut superbike win last year at the first round of the championship, the Colorado rider has amassed 25-career wins in the class. He clinched the crown a weekend early and broke many records, including an impressive 16-race win streak. Gagne took home another win at the final race of the season, scoring 17 victories out of 20 tries. So far in 2022, the champ has eight wins and, despite an unfortunate final race of the weekend at Brainerd International Raceway, is still within striking distance of the top spot in the standings.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to line up on the World Superbike grid,” said Gagne. “Portimao is a really cool track. It’s awesome to be going back, and I look forward to the challenge. I couldn’t ask for a better team and motorcycle, so we’ll go over and do the best we can and enjoy the process!”

Attack Performance owner and team manager, Richard Stanboli, is looking forward to the technical challenge and the learning experience of racing in a world championship. His team has had multiple wild card entries in both WorldSBK and MotoGP, scoring points at the Indianapolis Grand Prix in 2012 with Steve Rapp. So on September 23, after the final checkered flag of the 2022 MotoAmerica Superbike season flies at Barber Motorsports Park, the team will shift gears to the world championship and ship their bikes to Portugal for their debut wild card round overseas.

“Jake and the team are very excited to be invited to race World Superbike at Portimao,” Stanboli said. “Our plan is to wrap up the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship at Barber and then ship our bikes to Portugal. For sure it will be challenging, but when we have done a wild card entry in the past, whether it was World Superbike or MotoGP, we learned a lot and improved as a team. Fortunately, Jake has World Superbike experience at Portimao, and we will receive some technical assistance from our partners at Yamaha Europe. I would also like to thank Pirelli for the assistance and technical support they will bring to this effort. Our goal is to put on a good show and make our fans proud.”

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., is also excited to see the team make the wild card appearance after the conclusion of the MotoAmerica Superbike season.

“When Richard asked us if we would support Jake going over to do the wild card ride, we gave a big yes and let our YME (Yamaha Motor Europe) friends know what was happening,” said Tom Halverson, Yamaha Racing Assistant Department Manager for YMUS. “They were very supportive and excited to have Jake race in Portimao as well and offered as much assistance as needed.”

Andrea Dosoli, Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Manager, is delighted to be welcoming Gagne and the Attack Performance team to the WorldSBK paddock.

“We are looking forward to welcome Jake back to the World Superbike paddock,” Dosoli said. “After an amazing season in 2021, he’s once again fighting for the title this year, confirming his high level of performance. We are always looking to give riders who have been successful in their national series the opportunity to race on the world stage. After we had the winner of the British Superbike Championship, Tarran Mackenzie, wildcard at the Donington round, we’re glad that the reigning MotoAmerica Superbike champion will be able to join us at Portimao. We know that it won’t be an easy challenge, but we are ready to support him during the event, and wish him and the Attack Performance team all the best for the weekend.”

AMA Expresses Gratitude Following AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

A scene from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2022 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Photo by Gary Yasaki, courtesy AMA.
A scene from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2022 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Photo by Gary Yasaki, courtesy AMA.

AMA Thanks Partners, Supporters and Attendees Who Made 30th Running of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days a Roaring Success

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Royal Enfield — one of the biggest single-weekend summer events in all of motorcycling, including the country’s largest motorcycle swap meet — once again thrilled motorcyclists from around the country and the world who flooded to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, July 22-24, for three jam-packed days of riding, racing, and vintage-bike fun.

Organized and promoted by the American Motorcyclist Association, the annual event raises funds for the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps fund the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s mission to promote and preserve the history and heritage of motorcycling in America.

“Tens of thousands of motorcyclists came together at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days for a weekend of celebrating vintage motorcycles, spending time with friends, and enjoying the freedom offered by two wheels,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Each year the AMA takes great pride in organizing this weekend event, and none of it would be possible without a long list of partners, supporters and volunteers. We appreciate them all, and everyone who attends from motorcycling’s diverse community, to help us raise money for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. It’s one heck of a party!”

The Grand Marshal for the 30th running of the event was AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz, who spent time signing autographs, greeting fans and participating in Q&A sessions. He also led the Lap for History each day aboard a very special motorcycle, a custom-painted Suzuki GSX-R1000 done up in the Pepsi Racing livery he ran early in his Grand Prix career. The GSX-R is one of the two AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Raffle Bikes for 2023, the other being a tricked-out 1985 Suzuki GS750 with a host of Superbike-spec parts.

“Having Kevin there was a real treat,” said AMA Editorial Director Mitch Boehm, “for the fans, of course, as he’s a beloved figure in American road racing history, and Kevin is nothing if not fantastic with fans. But also because it was his first time attending VMD, and from what I could tell, he had a blast checking out all the cool stuff that is VMD. So thanks, Kevin, for being so gracious to the many attendees, for promoting the 2023 raffle bikes, which help fund the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, and for adding something really special to our event.”

AMA Business Development Manager Michael Kula thanked the many companies who provided financial support for the event.

“Huge thanks to Royal Enfield who stepped up as the Presenting Sponsor and had their demo bikes out in force,” Kula said. “Suzuki came in as our Associate Sponsor, and then GEICO Insurance, SSR Motorsports, EBC Brakes, Cycle Gear, Biltwell, B’laster, Iron Pony, Fast House, Old Bike Barn, Kenda Tire, Federal Motorcycle Transport, Design Engineering, Red Roof Inn, Arkansas Motorcycling, Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, Classic British Motorcycle Club of Cincinnati, STACYC, Wholesale Cycle, Motorcycle Sherpa, Whiteknuckler Brand, Skidmark Garage, Evil Coffee, Crawford Auto Aviation Museum, Central Powersports Distribution, Merla Moto, Green Leaf Industry Corp, Motorcycles and Coffee, Matt’s Sticks, MoTow USA and Total Energies all generously supported the event.”

“Our friends at Triumph and Indian,” Kula continued, “also had demo bikes for attendees to sample all weekend. We can’t thank these companies enough, because all the proceeds go to help the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”

In addition to sponsoring the event, Kenda Tire, along with STACYC and Iron Pony, also organized a kids’ area that included tracks for kids to experience STACYC’s electric bikes.

“Last, we can’t forget about the hundreds of vendors who make up the country’s largest motorcycle swap meet every year,” Kula added. “Not only do they provide financial support for the AMA Hall of Fame, but they provide a distinct and outright fun atmosphere that attendees simply won’t find anywhere else.”

AMA Director of Membership Marketing and Services Amanda Donchess said she appreciated the AMA members, chartered organizations, partner organizations and large number of volunteers who helped make the event successful this year.

“Vintage Motorcycle Days is always a great place to meet and hear from members,” Donchess said, “and this year AMA members deserve a huge thank-you for showing up in a big way. Between individual members, chartered organizations like the Christian Motorcyclist Association and partner organizations like Motorcycle Ohio, over one hundred volunteers committed their time and effort to make the event a success. AMA chartered Classic British Motorcycle Club, along with the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, returned with collections of vintage bikes that help VMD live up to its name.”

“Hundreds of new members joined over the weekend,” Donchess added, “and a few even earned AMA Charter Life Member status. As always, I’m already looking forward to next year and seeing familiar member faces and plenty of new ones.”

Vintage racing at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days draws thousands of race entries each year in vintage motocross, hare scrambles, trials, road racing and flat track.

“This year’s 30th running of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days was a big success,” said AMA Director or Racing Michael Pelletier, “and none of it could be accomplished without the support of our racing partners and volunteers. They provide the foundation needed to put on such a great event each year, and we are very appreciative of those efforts.”

“Among the most important racing partners is the Roadracing World Action Fund,” Pelletier continued, “and we appreciate them providing soft barriers for the road race course.”

Pelletier also thanked WERA for road race operations, BAJA MX Inc. for motocross operations, Rosanna Gzebinski in racing registration, Mandy Mastin for hare scrambles operations, Trials Inc. for the trials event, announcer Kevin Kelly, motocross track builder Jeff Beerbower/Log Road MX, MX Referee Ray Bergeron, the Christian Motorcycle Association for flagging duties, RaceLine Ministries (Mark and Dawn Merical) and Rapid 2-Way, Zack Eaton for installation and maintenance of soft barriers, and Brian Kozicki Events for the AV assistance.

Off-road racing volunteers included Chad Bailey, Tim McAdams, Tim Kennedy, John Starling, Mikah Cole, Doug Vann, Josh Miller, Roger Miller, Kris Kudla, James Rose, Trevor Barrick, Luke Sanford, Scott Denney, Greg Schlabach and Jon Martin.

AMA Chief Operating Officer James Holter acknowledged the work of the AMA’s most important operational partner for the event, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

“Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is our most critical partner for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days,” Holter said. “The entire Mid-Ohio team, led by Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course President Craig Rust, helped the AMA produce a smooth-running event in 2022. I’d like to specifically acknowledge the around-the-clock work of the safety crew, led by Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Safety Manager Brian Sipes, for keeping everyone safe and secure during one of the most eclectic and enthusiastic weekends in motorcycling.”

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is the country’s premier celebration of vintage motorcycles and one of the largest single-weekend motorcycle events each summer. To learn more about AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, read stories from the event and see photos, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

To ensure you stay up to date on the 2023 event, sign up for the sign up for the AMA VMD newsletter, follow the official event Facebook page, follow the AMA VMD Instagram page, and stay tuned to VintageMotorcycleDays.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

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

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

 

Pro 6 GP Series: Bergeron Takes Breakthrough Superbike Win At Calabogie

Rookie Pro Anthony Bergeron (41) scored his first Pro Superbike victory in the penultimate round of the Pro 6 GP championship at Calabogie. Photo by Colin Fraser, courtesy PMP.
Rookie Pro Anthony Bergeron (41) scored his first Pro Superbike victory in the penultimate round of the Pro 6 GP championship at Calabogie. Photo by Colin Fraser, courtesy PMP.

Bergeron takes breakthrough Superbike win

Calabogie, ON – Anthony Bergeron of Racine, QC., earned his first career Pro Superbike Feature race victory at round four of the Pro 6 GP Series at Calabogie Motorsport Park, ON, the Pro Superbike powered by BMW Motorrad event.  BMW S1000RR mounted rookie Pro Bergeron seized the most significant win of his career after coming out on top of a three-rider fight for first around the rolling hills of the 5.3 kilometer long, 20 turn venue.

Yamaha YZF-R1 mounted early leader Ernest Bernhard, from Ste-Brigide-d’Iberville, QC, set the pace from the get-go, with Bergeron and the Ducati Panigale V4 of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, resident Christian Allard also part of the duel.  Bernhard traded the lead with Bergeron mid-race, including a daring pass by Bernhard up the inside into the Quarry Carousel.

However, that move encouraged Bergeron to push the pace, and the BMW racer eventually won the ten-lap main event by 1.778 seconds from Bernhard.  Allard, in his third career start on the Ducati, faded late in the race to net a solid third, 10.7 seconds behind the victorious Bergeron.

The Pro Sport Bike presented by Kawasaki opened with Honda CBR600RR mounted Louie Raffa of Sainte-Marthe-Sur-le-Lac, QC sprinting into first, chased by Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja mounted St Hyacinthe, Qc, resident Philippe Masse.  Pole sitter Masse shadowed Raffa for half of the eight lapper, then passed for the lead and pulled clear for a decisive win.

Eventually Bobby Desjardins of Ferme-Neuve, QC on a Suzuki GSX-R600 caught up to Raffa and the pair diced, Raffa taking second for good on the last lap.  Desjardins showed his potential in third, while Triumph triple pilot Sean Latta of Lyndhurst, ON, was fourth.

Cederic LeClair of St. Jerome, QC. took his Kawasaki ZX-10R to victory in Motul Amateur Superbike, after a great dice for first against the BMW of Longueil, QC, based rising star Marc Labossiere.  Close together throughout the eight laps, LeClair held off the best efforts of Labossiere to win by just .287 of a second at the line.  Alexandre Michel of Montreal, QC, fresh from a breakthrough Podium at the National the previous weekend on the east coast, placed ten seconds back for third on another Kawasaki.

DP Brakes Amateur Sport Bike was a two-horse race, with Desjardins jumping into first from the start, as Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja mounted Alexandre Michel stayed close in the draft.  18-year-old Pro 6 School product Michel repeatedly weighed up a move for first in turn one and made it stick mid-race, then held of Desjardins for the win by .7 of a second.

Yamaha’s Frederic Barnabe, from Levis, QC was a close third in Amateur middleweight, as Gloucester, ON. based Nolan Eadie, on another YZF-R6, netted fourth.  Eadie was back in action after two falls during the previous weekend’s CSBK National event at Atlantic Motorsport Park, Nova Scotia.

In Liqui Moly Pro-AM action, Evan Moriarity from Milton, ON, held off a challenge from Sean Kitchen of Gatineau, QC, by .6 of a second to win the Amateur division, both piloting Yamaha YZF-R3 twins.

First place in the pro division went to Istvan Hidvegi of Mississauga, ON.  Alan Burns of South Mountain, ON, was second in Pro, all four top Pro-AM racers Yamaha mounted.

The Pro 6 GP Tour wind will complete it’s 2022 campaign with the final event on Saturday, September 3 at the same facility.

MotoGP: Algarve International Circuit Will Host 2023 Season-Opener

Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, Portugal. Photo courtesy Repsol CEV Press Office.
Autodromo Internacional do Algarve (a.k.a. Algarve International Circuit) in Portimão, Portugal. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Portuguese GP to open 2023 season

The first Grand Prix of the 2023 season can now be revealed

Tuesday, 02 August 2022

The Portuguese Grand Prix will be the first event of the 2023 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship, with the stunning Autodromo Internacional do Algarve set to host the season opener from the 24th to the 26th of March 2023.

The full, provisional 2023 MotoGP™ calendar will be published by the FIM in due course, but the first event can already be confirmed. The 2023 Portuguese GP will mark the first time the MotoGP™ calendar has begun in Europe since 2006 and will be only the third season opener held in Europe in more than three decades. It will also be the first time Portugal has ever hosted the first race of the year, with expectation ahead of the new season set to hit full speed on the Algarve as the grid debut with their new colours and machinery, and the first trophies of the season are awarded.

There will also be official pre-season tests held at Portimão during the weeks before the event, the dates of which will be confirmed soon.

Following this announcement, fans can buy tickets to see the 2023 season roar into action on the rollercoaster here!

Kawasaki Announces Early Release Of Some 2023 Models

The Ninja 1000 SX is one of the Kawasaki streetbikes returning for 2023. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
The Ninja 1000 SX is one of the Kawasaki streetbikes returning for 2023. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

2023 KAWASAKI STREET MOTORCYCLES

KAWASAKI ANNOUNCES SUMMER RELEASE OF 2023 STREET MOTORCYCLES

 

Kawasaki welcomes the return of several sport, retro sport, naked, cruiser, adventure touring, and dual-sport models to its street motorcycle lineup. These 2023 model year motorcycles are set to arrive in Kawasaki dealerships during the summer months so that riders can continue to “Let the good times roll®.”

 

SPORT

NINJA® 1000SX

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja® 1000SX is back with its refined sport-touring capabilities, combining the power of a supersport motorcycle with the feel of a comfortable upright sport motorcycle and the sporty styling that the Ninja® line of motorcycles are known for. Rider aides like Electronic Cruise Control and Integrated Riding Modes that combine KTRC and Power Modes are a plus, and compatibility with the Kawasaki RIDEOLOGY THE APP* makes it a must-have for any devoted touring rider. The Ninja 1000SX features a powerful 1,043cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke in-line four-cylinder engine, Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) and Kawasaki Intelligent Anti-Lock Braking System (KIBS), Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), 4.3” all-digital TFT color instrumentation and electronic cruise control. This year’s model will be offered in Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Graphite Gray with an MSRP of $13,199.

 

NINJA® 400 / NINJA® 400 ABS

The 2023 Ninja® 400 sport motorcycle offers the largest displacement in its category at 399cc with the sophistication of a twin-cylinder engine. Approachable power, superb ergonomics and class-leading performance offer a smooth, manageable ride that’s ideal for new riders while also alluring experienced riders, setting a new standard for everyday sport riding. A low seat height and aggressive styling with LED headlights make the Ninja 400 the ideal choice for riders looking to enter the sport-riding scene. The 2023 Ninja 400 features a compact 399cc twin-cylinder engine, Assist & Slipper Clutch, lightweight trellis frame, Uni-Trak® rear suspension, 310mm semi-floating petal front disc brake, twin LED headlights, and high-grade multifunction dash instrumentation. For 2023, the Ninja 400 and the Ninja 400 ABS are available in Metallic Carbon Gray / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray, Pearl Blizzard White / Metallic Carbon Gray, and Metallic Magnetic Dark Gray / Metallic Matte Twilight Blue. MSRP for the non-ABS models starts at $5,299. MSRP for the ABS models starts at $5,699. The Ninja 400 ABS KRT Edition is painted in a Lime Green / Ebony color scheme with an MSRP of $5,899 (ABS). The Ninja 400 KRT Edition without ABS will come in the same Lime Green / Ebony color scheme with an MSRP of $5,499.

 

HYPERNAKED

Z H2 / Z H2 SE

The 2023 Z H2 features a 998cc liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder balanced supercharged engine, effortless dog-ring transmission, specifically designed lightweight trellis frame, IMU electronics package, high-performance Showa suspension components, Brembo® Monobloc brake calipers, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), Electronic Cruise Control, Integrated Riding Modes, Assist & Slipper Clutch, all-digital TFT Color instrumentation, Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP, and all LED Lighting. For 2023, the Z H2 comes in Metallic Phantom Silver / Metallic Carbon Gray, with an MSRP of $18,500.

 

The Z H2 SE offers the same great features that come standard on the Z H2. Adding to the already polished base package is the Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) with Skyhook EERA Technology which adapts to road and riding conditions in real-time, providing the ideal amount of damping by combining high-level mechanical components with the latest electronic control technology, giving the rider a smoother ride as it continually adapts to the road surface in real-time. Superior engine power requires matched stopping power, and the 2023 Z H2 SE will once again come with Brembo® Stylema Monobloc brake calipers, a Brembo front brake master cylinder, and steel-braided lines, offering riders strong braking performance and enhanced control. This year, the Z H2 SE will be offered in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Ebony / Mirror Coated Black, with an MSRP of $20,700.

 

RETRO SPORT

Z900RS / Z900RS CAFE

Reigniting the classic style of the original Z1 900 motorcycle, the Kawasaki Z900RS retro-sport motorcycle calls upon timeless design elements with minimal bodywork and no fairing for a pure retro-style look. The Z900RS line is completed by a 948cc engine and modern technology for a classic yet modern ride. The 2023 Z900RS features a 948cc liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder engine, Assist & Slipper Clutch, horizontal back-link rear suspension, authentic retro styling, iconic teardrop fuel tank, tuned stainless steel exhaust system, round LED headlight, and bullet-shaped analog dials. For 2023, the Z900RS comes in a Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Imperial Red paint scheme with an MSRP of $11,949. The Z900RS CAFE adds café-racer styling, including front cowl and seat along with a drop handlebar and is available in Metallic Diablo Black with an MSRP of $12,399.

 

SUPERNAKED

Z400 ABS

A fiercely authentic naked sportbike, the Kawasaki Z400 exudes fresh street style and is immediately recognizable in a crowd with its compact chassis and aggressive styling. Comfortable, balanced and capable, the Z400 offers a visceral riding experience that’s sure to turn heads. The 2023 Z400 features a parallel-twin 399cc engine, Assist & Slipper Clutch, aggressive streetfighter styling, lightweight chassis, upright riding position, a low seat height, and ABS is standard. For 2023, the Z400 is available in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Metallic Spark Black and Pearl Robotic White / Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray with an MSRP of $5,399.

 

CRUISERS

VULCAN® S / VULCAN® S ABS / VULCAN® S CAFE

Unlike any other cruiser, the Kawasaki Vulcan® S and Vulcan® S CAFE sport cruiser motorcycles are geared to fit a wide range of riders with its exclusive ERGO-FIT® sizing system that includes 18 possible configurations. Never taking away from its vintage styling, this cruiser takes comfort, adjustability, Ninja®-derived power and performance to the next level. The 2023 Vulcan S and Vulcan S CAFE feature a 649cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin engine, sportbike-derived chassis and suspension, sporty handling, and the ability to find your fit with ERGO-FIT® technology. The 2023 Vulcan S CAFE also comes equipped with three-tone paint, signature tank badging, sport striping, and a dark-tinted windshield deflector. The Vulcan S cruiser is available in three configurations: the Vulcan S is available in a Metallic Flat Spark Black colorway with an MSRP of $7,349, while the Vulcan S ABS is offered in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Metallic Flat Spark Black with an MSRP of $7,899; the Vulcan S CAFE is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony with an MSRP of $8,099.

 

VULCAN® 900 CLASSIC / CLASSIC LT / CUSTOM

The Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 cruiser lineup has all the style and attitude of a one-of-a-kind build. From the detailed paint job to the intense exhaust, the Vulcan 900 is an artful expression of individuality. Enjoy the dynamic fusion of hand-built design and premium fit and finish of the Vulcan 900. It’s a tantalizing combination that could only come from Kawasaki. All three of the 2023 Vulcan 900 models feature a 903cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, V-twin engine and a low seat height. The Vulcan 900 Classic features rider floorboards with a heel/toe shifter, tank-mounted instrumentation, and a 180mm rear tire. The Vulcan 900 Classic LT features a comfortable seat with standard passenger backrest, studded seat, leather saddlebags and backrest, height-adjustable windscreen, and comes with a 24-month limited warranty. The Vulcan 900 Custom features wide drag bars and forward-mounted footpegs, low center of gravity for easy handling, custom styling with teardrop tank, parallel slash cut pipes, pinstripe wheels. For 2023, the Vulcan 900 Classic is available in Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Magnesium Gray with an MSRP of $8,999, Vulcan 900 Classic LT is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony with an MSRP of $9,999, and the Vulcan 900 Custom is available in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Flat Ebony with an MSRP of $9,499.

 

VULCAN® 1700 VOYAGER® ABS

The Vulcan® 1700 Voyager® touring cruiser is the king of Kawasaki cruisers, with show-stopping style and performance. A 1,700cc digitally fuel-injected V-twin engine plus Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology (K-ACT II) ABS and electronic cruise control help make the Vulcan 1700 Voyager the pinnacle of power and luxury on the open road. The 2023 Vulcan Voyager features a 1,700cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 52-degree V-twin engine, stylish frame-mounted fairing, intercom-headset compatible audio system, and integrated luggage. For 2023, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony with an MSRP of $19,299.

 

 

ADVENTURE TOURING

VERSYS®-X 300 / VERSYS®-X300 ABS

With a compact and responsive 296cc twin-cylinder engine, the Kawasaki Versys®-X 300 is a nimble-handling lightweight motorcycle that’s ready to take on any size adventure. Whether you’re commuting or touring, the Versys-X 300 is a willing companion, it’s your ticket to adventure. With a lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension, the possibilities are endless. The 2023 Versys-X 300 is available with and without ABS and features a Ninja®-derived 296cc twin-cylinder, DOHC, DFI engine, lightweight chassis, a low seat height, front cowling and tall windshield, and a convenient rear carrier. The 2023 Versys-X 300 is available in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray with an MSRP of $5,899, while the ABS model can be found in the same color scheme with an MSRP of $6,199.

 

DUAL-SPORT

KLR®650 / KLR®650 ABS

The KLR650 is built to empower the rider’s passion to escape and explore. A fuel-injected 652cc single-cylinder engine powers this dual-purpose legend that rides on a recently redesigned high-tensile double-cradle frame. Its LED headlight, all-digital multi-function instrumentation, optional ABS system, and 7.9” of front travel coupled with 7.3” of rear travel ensure that it’s ready to go for any journey on- and off-road. The 2023 KLR650 is available in three colorways with Pearl Storm Gray, Pearl Solar Yellow, and Candy Lime Green and has an MSRP of $6,899. The KLR650 ABS if offered in Pearl Storm Gray with an MSRP of $7,199.

 

KLR®650 ADVENTURE / KLR®650 ADVENTURE ABS

The KLR650 ADVENTURE model is built off of the standard KLR650 platform and designed for the adventurer who is looking for increased carrying capacity and convenience and features several Kawasaki Genuine Accessory parts. It comes equipped with factory-installed side cases, LED auxiliary light set, engine guards, tank pad, and both DC power outlet and USB socket. It’s available in both an ABS and non-ABS version. The 2023 KLR650 ADVENTURE is available in a Cypher Camo Gray colorway with an MSRP of $7,899, while the KLR650 ADVENTURE ABS also comes in a Cypher Camo Gray colorway with an MSRP of $8,199.

 

KLR®650 TRAVELER ABS

The KLR650 TRAVELER model consist of all the same great features found on the standard KLR650 as well as a factory-installed top case and both DC power outlet and USB socket. It comes equipped with ABS. The KLR650 TRAVELER ABS is offered in a Pearl Solar Yellow colorway with an MSRP of $7,599.

 

*RIDEOLOGY THE APP is not intended for use during vehicle operation. Only use RIDEOLOGY THE APP when the vehicle is not being operated and it is safe to do so.

 

 ABOUT KAWASAKI

Kawasaki started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. is committed to maintaining and furthering these strengths which will surely give birth to new legends.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. Kawasaki and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at Kawasaki’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

August 2022

August 2022 Issue
August 2022 Issue

On the Front Cover: Matteo Ferrari (11) on a spec Energica racebike in a one-brand
MotoE race at Assen. The Italian maker of electric sportbikes is pivoting from racing itself in Europe to racing against gasoline-powered racebikes in RSD Super Hooligan races with MotoAmerica in the U.S.A. Photo courtesy Energica.

 

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.

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AUGUST 2022 ISSUE

FEATURES

Inside Info: 2023 Ducati Panigale V4; Harley-Davidson Enthusiast
Collection; Wayne Rainey Rides Again; Bagnaia’s DUI; Bautista and
Rea re-sign; Young Americans in Europe, and more…

Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1967 Honda CR450

MotoGP Analysis: How Aprilia Made The RS-GP A Winner

Intro: Energica’s Big Bet On The Experia Green Tourer

Interview: CEO Stefano Benatti, On Energica USA’s Racing Plans

Stefano Mesa’s Electric Adventure In Hooligans Racing

MV Agusta Factory Tour: The Phoenix Keeps Rising

Shops: Moto-D Racing

RACING

MotoGP At Assen: Quartararo Penalized For Crashing,
And Bagnaia Wins

MotoAmerica: Gagne Dominates At The Ridge

MotoAmerica: Gagne Wins Again At Laguna Seca

World Superbike: Razgatlioglu Triples At Donington

COLUMNS

Letters To The Editor: A Richard Chambers Fan; Objecting To
Bagger Racing; Larry Pegram Back In Superbike?

10 Years Ago, August 2012: Testing a WSBK Ducati Answers The Question,
How Did They Do That?; Why BSB Banned Advanced Electronics;
Shops, With Motion Pro

Back In The Day: Editor’s Scrapbook: With Old Racer Friends

Numbers & Trivia: Bautista’s Turnaround Season?

The Kids’ Page: : Mac MacClugage

The Crash Page: Fabio Quartararo Crashes, Punts Aleix Espargaró

New Products: Yoshimura RS-2 Racing Exhaust for Honda Navi,
Armour Bodies Supersport Bodywork Kit, and more…

Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride

ASRA/CCS Newsletter

High-Performance Parts & Services

Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer

NEMRR: Scott Greenwood Goes Eight-For-Eight

Scott Greenwood (4). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.
Scott Greenwood (4). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.

As NEMRR Round 4 took place at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the
paddock was reminded of both the incredible highs and lows that come
with our sport.  This June event incorporated a Memorial Ride to
celebrate of the life of Scott Mullin, a beloved NEMRR racer who passed
away at an NEMRR event one year ago.  Scott made an incredible impact on
our community during his life and will continue to give for years to
come through the charitable foundations that were set up in his honor.
The Memorial Ride culminated in a lap around New Hampshire Motor
Speedway that filled the entire 1.6-mile circuit with motorcycles 3-4
wide.  The support from the community and staff at Souhegan Valley
Motorsports was uplifting to all and continues to speak to the impact
that Scott Mullin made during his life.

The NEMRR community was dealt an emotional blow on Friday afternoon with
the news of the passing of Scott Briody.  Scott was racing in the
Superstock class at MotoAmerica at Brainerd International Raceway and
lost his life in a racing incident. Scott is survived by his wife Susan,
his sons Jarrett and Reese and daughter Darian, who was attending the
MotoAmerica event with her father.  As the wave of this news rolled
through the paddock, stories of the impact made by Scott Briody were
omnipresent.  The breadth and depth of his connection to riders
throughout the NEMRR paddock truly came to light, and was an incredible
ray of light shining through the somber cloud of news that fell upon the
speedway.  The fact the one man could have made such an indelible impact
on so many people in such a short time is the foundation of the legacy
that Scott Briody leaves behind.  As riders consoled and shared with
each other, it was a marvel to truly understand both his depth of
generosity both in sharing his material things and his time.  How could
one person spend meaningful time with such a huge portion of our paddock
on a regular basis?  Were there two or three Scott Briodys?  Upon
reflection, that answer is no. Perhaps the greatest part of road racing
(the part that we keep with us long after we stop churning laps) is the
incredible people we meet along the way.  There will only ever be one
Scott Briody, and those of us who had the good fortune to know him will
forever cherish the time we had together.

The weather over the weekend could only be described as near
perfection.  Scott Greenwood led the way over the weekend with a perfect
8/8 wins on his Argo Cycles Yamaha R6, highlighted by his victory in the
Michelin/Motorace $1500 dash for cash.  Greenwood is the reigning
champion and points leader in this Middleweight Grand Prix contest, and
as such his win did not come as a surprise to NEMRR regulars.  However,
the performance of 2nd place finisher Ben Gloddy had the paddock buzzing
after the race.  Riding his Moto America Twins Cup Aprilia RS660, built
by Robem Engineering, Gloddy made up for his deficit in horsepower with
some remarkably deep braking and high corner speed.  Gloddy started in
6th place and by the 4th lap had worked his way up to 2nd place.  He
made some small inroads into Greenwood’s lead but in the end the veteran
racer, long known for his ability to stay strong to the end, held on for
a solid win.

 

Eric Wood (4). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.
Eric Wood (4). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.

 

Two other riders scored 4 wins in 4 attempts over the weekend. Eric
Wood, also a long time NEMRR veteran, carded 4 wins on his Penguin
Racing/Woodcraft Kawasaki ZX-10R in the Unlimited class ranks.  He
emerged victorious over Souhegan Valley Motorsports rider David Dayon,
who put in a strong weekend with four runner up finishes on his Kawasaki
ZX10R.  The pair of riders hit their fastest lap times of the weekend
during the Sunday morning Orient Express Unlimited Supersport Class.
Wood set the fastest time of the weekend with a blazing 1:11.6 lap.
Renee Franco continues to impress in 2022 on her Penguin/Franco Racing
Kawasaki Ninja 400 as she also scored 4 victories in the Ultralight
ranks.  The 18 year old Connecticut native was challenged all weekend
long by fellow young rising star Adam Muscaro who was runner up in each
one of the races that he and Franco competed in.  The pair of young
riders put on a show in the Sport Bike Track Gear 500 Supersport class,
where they rocketed into the lead and caught a number of larger
displacement bikes running in the wave in front of them. Franco was able
to break into the high 1:17 range in nearly all of her races, and
Muscaro put in his best laps just a few tenths off that pace at a 1:18.1
in the Moto 3 contest.  We look for many more great races to come from
these to fine upstarts!

NEMRR will run round 5 of the of the 7-round series at New Hampshire
Motor Speedway on August 30-31.  Also announced on Saturday was the
effort to raise $100,000 in purse money for the 100th running of the
oldest running motorcycle race in America, the Loudon Classic, in June
of 2023.  The event will feature club racing on Friday and Sunday,
sandwiching a full pro day on Saturday that will feature 4 purse paying
professional classes that will be similar to the Moto America Junior
Cup, Twins Cup, Supersport and Hooligan classes.  The target prize for
winning the Loudon Classic, which will be run under Supersport class
rules, is $20,000!

MotoAmerica: More From Brainerd International Raceway

The start of MotoAmerica Superbike Race One. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The start of MotoAmerica Superbike Race One. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

SUZUKI EXTENDS TOP FIVE SUPERSPORT STREAK IN MINNESOTA

Cory Ventura Battles to Fourth Place Finish Sunday

BREA, Calif., August 1, 2022 — Suzuki Motor USA and Team Hammer added another top-five result to close out a MotoAmerica weekend at Brainerd International Raceway in a race filled with battles for the podium positions.

After scoring double top-five finishes in the previous two MotoAmerica Supersport races, Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott and Cory Ventura showed the pace early to step that up to a double podium aboard their next-generation GSX-R750s.

However, that’s not how the race would play out. 16-year-old Scott charged hard early to close down on the leader and escape from the remainder of the pack behind him. Unfortunately, the rookie’s substantially improved pace went unrewarded when he crashed out of second while navigating lap five.

 

Even though his Race Two ended early, Tyler Scott (70) is looking forward to the next round in Pittsburgh. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA LLC.
Even though his Race Two ended early, Tyler Scott (70) is looking forward to the next round in Pittsburgh. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA LLC.

 

Scott explained, “I was going into the carousel and missed a downshift and then I just ran out of room. We learned a lot with the setup of the bike this weekend, and today’s race was turning out better than Saturday’s race. I am okay and looking forward to going to Pittsburgh for the next round.”

Scott’s misfortune elevated Ventura’s fight for a podium position into one for a runner-up result, a battle that would rage to the checkered flag. As many as five riders had a shot at second deep into the contest before three riders, including Cory Ventura, shook free.

 

Cory Ventura (24) took advantage of the opportunity this weekend to card back-to-back top-five finishes at Brainerd. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA LLC.
Cory Ventura (24) took advantage of the opportunity this weekend to card back-to-back top-five finishes at Brainerd. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA LLC.

 

With sharply contrasting strengths and weaknesses, there were many overtaking maneuvers among the podium contenders with Ventura spending a significant portion of the race claiming, holding, and reclaiming second. However, the thrilling up-and-down dogfight ended down for Ventura, as he was passed late on the final lap, displacing him from the final spot on the box in the process.

The fourth-place finish was a third consecutive top-five for Ventura in his short stint with Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki, replacing the injured Sam Lochoff. He said, “Personally, the race meant a lot to me. We had been making steady progress up until my crash on Saturday, and I was confident I could ride near the front because I had great momentum with the Suzuki GSX-R750.”

“The first laps in the race today felt really good and we made some good passes and battled for position. I knew I had a strong bike underneath me. I started to struggle a tiny bit in the end, but I was trying to ride my own race. Finishing fourth was a big step forward.”

 

A pair of top-10 results for Liam Grant (90) at Brainerd and he is looking to build on the momentum for Pittsburgh. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA LLC.
A pair of top-10 results for Liam Grant (90) at Brainerd and he is looking to build on the momentum for Pittsburgh. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA LLC.

 

In what has been a solid rookie season in the Supersport class, Liam Grant earned tenth on Sunday as the Colorado resident followed up his Saturday race with an identical result.

MotoAmerica Superbike rookie Richie Escalante registered another DNS due to his ankle injury in his Saturday qualifying crash. As a result, Jake Lewis was again the sole representative for Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki in Sunday’s premier-class contest.

 

With two top-10 finishes for the weekend, Jake Lewis (85) is looking to get back to racing shape in the next round. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA LLC.
With two top-10 finishes for the weekend, Jake Lewis (85) is looking to get back to racing shape in the next round. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA LLC.

 

The Kentuckian raced forward from his Row 4 starting position and even made a push for the fight for fifth aboard the team’s GSX-R1000R at mid-distance. However, Lewis, who is still on the mend and working his way back into race shape, ultimately, was forced to relent and accept a seventh-place result.

“This hasn’t been the easiest of weekends for me, but it’s nice to be back,” Lewis said. “Missing Laguna and watching from the couch was no fun at all. We’re continuing to make progress, and it’s fun to race in front of all these fans.”

Team Hammer will next travel to Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania, on August 19-21, for the next round of the 2022 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing championship season.

For the latest Suzuki racing news, updates on Team Hammer, and more, visit SuzukiCycles.com/Racing/Road-Racing.

ABOUT TEAM HAMMER 

The 2022 season marks Team Hammer’s 42nd consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 129 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 342 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport.) The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.

ABOUT VISION WHEEL

Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.

ABOUT SUZUKI

Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Tytlers Cycle Racing:

PJ Jacobsen races to P3, whilst Hector salvages a top five finish on Sunday

The Tytlers Cycle Racing team were back in action at Brainerd International Raceway this past weekend with riders PJ Jacobsen and Hector Barbera once again representing them in the 2022 MotoAmerica Superbike championship aboard the all-new BMW M1000 RR.

With no data at the circuit, it was a case of the entire team working together to achieve the best set up possible ahead of the two eighteen lap races. Steady improvements on Friday paved the way for encouraging lap times in qualifying with PJ qualifying seventh and Hector eighth.

Saturday’s opening race saw Hector Barbera start strongly but the #80 ran off track on lap one, and even though he re-joined he retired to the pits early on. PJ Jacobsen was involved in a race long battle for fifth, a battle that he came out on top of by just over a second.

Sunday morning’s rain shower meant no real chance of further tweaks but that didn’t dampen the spirits ahead of Race 2. An aggressive Jacobsen slotted into fourth at the start, running third briefly before conceding the place. A crash by the race leader elevated PJ back onto the podium in third, a position he would hold to the flag – securing the team’s third top three of the year. Hector Barbera ran closely behind his team mate in the early stages before running the remainder of the race a few seconds behind, the Spaniard involved in a titanic on track battle. He crossed the line fifth.

Stock1000 title contenders Corey Alexander and Travis Wyman were also in action on Saturday in the Superbike class. They finished eighth and eleventh, respectively.

 

PJ Jacobsen (66) leading Hayden Gillim (69) at Brainerd. Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle Racing.
PJ Jacobsen (66) leading Hayden Gillim (69) at Brainerd. Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle Racing.

 

PJ Jacobsen: “Race 1 was pretty good, and I ended up fifth. It was a new track for me, and we did the best job that we could. Sunday’s race went really well. We made some big changes and they seemed to work. It was great to be back on the podium, not just for me but for the team too as they’ve been working so hard all season and deserve it. We will continue to keep moving forward. I am happy with the pace, especially in the early stages, where I was able to lap faster than I did in qualifying.”

 

Hector Barbera (80). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle Racing.
Hector Barbera (80). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle Racing.

 

Hector Barbera: “I suffered a lot in Race 1 with the tyre. It was impossible to ride, and I had to retire after running off on lap one. Race 2 was also difficult. I had difficulty to enter the corner and the electronics were also not perfect. I am sad that we couldn’t show our full potential but focused on doing better in Pittsburgh.”

The entire Tytlers Cycle Racing team wish to extend their deepest condolences to the family, friends and team of Scott Briody who sadly passed away at the circuit on Friday. He will be missed.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing:

Sixth win of the season for Alexander as Wyman races at the front and Schumacher makes progress at BIR

Five from five – that’s what everyone is talking about after Corey Alexander powered his Tytlers Cycle Racing Ride powered by #RideHVMC BMW M1000 RR to another victory in the latest round of the 2022 MotoAmerica Stock1000 championship.

Qualifying third, Alexander, who by his own admission was not looking forward to racing at BIR as it not one of his favourites, rode sensibly in the first part of the race, content to take a podium spot rather than risk a crash. However, a red flag meant another chance and Alexander grabbed it with both hands, capitalising on the issues of his rivals to take another victory and in the process extend his championship lead to thirty-three points. His fifth win in a row is his sixth of the season and Alexander has not finished lower than first in the races he has finished – an incredible string of results and a new record in the class!

There was heartbreak however for Travis Wyman who crashed out of a podium place on the final lap. Despite the spill, Wyman remains third overall in the title race after once again showing that he is one of the strongest riders on the grid.

Zac Schumacher, the team’s third rider was also competing. He finished sixteenth, narrowly missing a championship point at another new circuit for the #90.

The pair will now regroup ahead of the next round of the Championship at the Pittsburgh international Race Complex over the weekend of 19-21 August.

 

Richie Alexander (23). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing.
Richie Alexander (23). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing.

 

Corey Alexander: “It was a positive weekend. I honestly didn’t expect to fight for the win at Brainerd as its not one of my favourites. We were in the mix in both parts of the race, and we were able to take advantage of the problems our rivals had. That’s racing and we will take it and move on to Pittsburgh where we will look to consolidate our points lead.”

 

Travis Wyman (10). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing.
Travis Wyman (10). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing.

 

Travis Wyman: “I don’t really have a lot to say. I was running inside the top five but felt good. The race was stopped and restarted and once again I was in the mix. I made some strong passes and went for second in the final sector and unfortunately lost the front. That’s racing and I will come back stronger in Pittsburgh.”

 

Zac Schumacher (90). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing.
Zac Schumacher (90). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing.

 

Zac Schumacher: “The race went quite well considering I have never raced at Brainerd before. The track is quite difficult, but I was able to qualify nineteenth. I decided to use the older Dunlop tyre for the race and so didn’t really have any set up time with it, but it was the right decision. I started well and passed a few people, but the race got red flagged. On the restart I was battling with the same guys as in the first part and finished P16. I am looking forward to the next round in three weeks.”

The entire Tytlers Cycle Racing powered by #RideHVMC team wish to extend their deepest condolences to the family, friends and team of Scott Briody who sadly passes away at the circuit on Friday. He will be missed.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Indian Motorcycle:

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING PRIVATEER BOBBY FONG WINS KING OF THE BAGGERS AT BRAINERD INTERNALTIONAL RACEWAY

Fong & Roland Sands Design Capture First King of the Baggers Win

 

Bobby Fong (right) with his crew in winner's circle at Brainerd. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Bobby Fong (right) with his crew in winner’s circle at Brainerd. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Indian Motorcycle.

 

Minneapolis, MN. (August 1, 2022) – Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Mission Foods, captured two King of the Baggers podium positions at Brainerd International Raceway. Privateer Bobby Fong, piloting Steve Delorenzi’s Sacramento Mile S&S-built RSD Indian Challenger, secured his first-career King on the Baggers win, while Indian Motorcycle Racing factory rider Tyler O’Hara rounded out the podium with a third-place finish.

The sixth King of the Baggers event of the season was nothing short of dramatic, as a red-flag restart rescheduled the event to end of the day and shortened it to five laps. Though during competition, rain on turn 3-4 ultimately caused race officials to call the race after just three laps.

Despite starting from the back row, Fong fought hard during the first lap to reach second. Without hesitation, Fong then made an aggressive move, as he dove inside and stood up O’Hara to make the pass and capture the lead and secure his first-ever King of the Baggers win.

“Congrats to Bobby and RSD on their first win. It was a well-deserved victory as the RSD race team works extremely hard to ensure those Indian Challengers are dialed-in and ready for competition,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology. “This has been fun, neck-and-neck battle throughout the entire season. With one race remaining, it’s all on the line, and we couldn’t be any more excited to head to New Jersey and give it all we got.”

The 2022 King of the Baggers season will conclude September 9-11, in the Millville, NJ, at New Jersey Motorsports Park. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Prior to the King of the Baggers race, on Friday July 29, MotoAmerica racer Scott Briody passed following a single-motorcycle crash. “Our condolences go out to Scott Briody’s friends and family, his team, and everyone in the MotorAmerica paddock,” said Gray.

ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®

Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Aprilia:

ANTHONY MAZZIOTTO NETS FIFTH PODIUM FINISH OF 2022 MOTOAMERICA TWINS CUP SEASON ABOARD APRILIA RS 660 AT BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

RODIO RACING/WARHORSE HSBK RACING RIDER NOW LEADS TWINS CUP POINTS STANDING, RESETS CLASS’ LAP RECORD AT MINNESOTA TRACK

 

Anthony Mazziotto (516). Photo by Sara Chappell, courtesy Aprilia.
Anthony Mazziotto (516). Photo by Sara Chappell, courtesy Aprilia.

 

BRAINERD, MN – At the start of this weekend’s MotoAmerica Superbikes at Minnesota round, Anthony Mazziotto was four points away of the MotoAmerica Twins Cup championship points lead. At the conclusion of the round’s single Twins Cup race on Saturday, the Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing rider had scored his fifth podium finish of this 2022 season aboard an Aprilia RS 660, set a new Twins Cup lap record, and assumed the championship lead.

Mazziotto, from Hammonton, N.J., was at the head of a trio of Aprilia riders who rounded out the top five in the Brainerd Twins Cup race. Finishing fourth was Veloce Racing rider and reigning Twins Cup champion Kaleb De Keyrel, and fifth was De Keyrel’s teammate and former championship leader Jody Barry.

Mazziotto also lowered the Twins Cup lap record that he set in MotoAmerica’s debut at Brainerd last year. He improved on his previous record time – a 1:36.984 that he set on Lap 11 of Twins Cup Race 2 in 2021 – to a 1:36.944 on Lap 5 of Saturday’s contest.

The current points standings feature three Aprilia riders in the top five, with Mazziotto one point ahead of Barry (156 points to 155) and De Keyrel in fifth with 109 points.

Success at Brainerd is nothing new for Mazziotto and De Keyrel, a Minnesotan, as the pair each recorded a win and runner-up finish at the 2.5-mile circuit last year.

Unfortunately, one of the front-running Aprilia teams – Robem Engineering — was forced to miss the Brainerd round due to mechanical problems with its transporter.

About one-third of the MotoAmerica Twins Cup field – 13 of 35 riders – were competing aboard Aprilia RS 660s.

The round started off with an Aprilia at the top of the time sheets, as Barry paced the field in Friday practice. De Keyrel finished that session fourth-fastest, and Mazziotto was sixth-fastest. Qualifying took place Saturday morning with De Keyrel emerging as the top-qualifying Aprilia rider. His best lap of 1:36.488 at his home track was a mere 0.023 seconds off the pole time. Mazziotto qualified in sixth and Barry in seventh.

The Twins Cup race got underway late Saturday afternoon with Mazziotto getting a good start and running in third place as the field entered the first turn. Mazziotto, De Keyrel and Barry finished Lap 1 in fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively, and Mazziotto moved up to third place on Lap 6. A couple laps later, Mazziotto had advanced to second place, and he finished Lap 8 of the 12-lap contest in the lead.

Though he’d fallen back to third by the end of Lap 9, Mazziotto was vying with two other riders for the race lead until Lap 11, when several lapped riders caused him to lose time. He had to settle for a third-place finish, 0.563 seconds behind the second-place rider. De Keyrel and Barry finished several seconds behind Mazziotto, and American Metalcraft Racing’s Eddie Neubauer gave Aprilia four riders in the top 10.

MotoAmerica had a two-week break before the next round, which is scheduled for Aug. 19-21 at Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pa. Championship Schedule, competitor information, and class rules can be found at https://motoamerica.com.

Anthony Mazziotto, Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing

“It was a solid weekend here on our Aprilia RS 660. It was a good points salvage, and I’m happy that I’m leading the championship as we’re heading to some racetracks that I really enjoy. I really like racing at Pittsburgh and New Jersey, and we’re just going to keep plugging away it. I felt like we had really good pace here at Brainerd. I was struggling a little bit in the first part of the track, but the Aprilia worked really well through the rest of the racetrack. I can’t thank my team enough for their efforts this weekend, as well as Aprilia, and I’m really looking forward to coming back to the East Coast.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Luke Power Racing:

Points make prizes… Luke Power closes in on MotoAmerica Supersport top five overall
Luke Power leaves the Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota with another double top eight points finish in the 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship, a result that moves him to within one point of fifth overall in the standings with three round and six races remaining.

Like at most circuits on the calendar this season, the Suzuki mounted charger had to contend with learning another new circuit well as finding an optimum setting at one of the fastest tracks on the schedule.

Improving in every session ahead of Saturday’s opening race Luke qualified on the third row of the grid and in typical fashion, involved himself in the battle at the front from the off. Despite losing touch with those involved in the podium fight as the race wore on, Luke continued to push hard, narrowly missing out on a top six finish at the flag. Sunday began with a wet warm up session which Luke elected not to participate in and ahead of the race the team opted for a different tyre which ultimately played a part, along with other set up factors that prevented an even better result on Sunday. Nevertheless, the #68 once again rode superbly, getting the most he could out of the situation. He finished a credible eighth ensuring that he remains in contention for a top four in the overall championship standings in his debut MotoAmerica season.

Luke wishes to pass on express his sincere condolences to the family, friends and team of Scott Briody who sadly succumbed to his injuries following a crash on Friday.

 

Luke Power (68). Photo courtesy Luke Power Racing.
Luke Power (68). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Luke Power Racing.

 

Luke Power: “Overall Race 1 was positive. My final position doesn’t reflect the pace I had but just like at Laguna Seca I struggled at the beginning. The pace we had late on was good and I was really hoping to capitalise on that on Sunday. I was only able to finish eighth in Race 2 which is frustrating after our Saturday race pace was not bad but sometimes races go like that. I learned a lot this weekend and thank the team’s efforts. We made some changes for Race 2 that didn’t pay off but overall, it was a solid weekend at another track that I have no experience at. In the championship we are only one point away from fifth and not a million miles from P4, so all things considered I can move on to Pittsburgh ready to push again.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Pure Attitude Racing:

Pure Attitude Racing’s thoughts are elsewhere after Brainerd

Pure Attitude Racing head to the final three rounds of the MotoAmerica Championship after an emotional and challenging weekend at Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota.

Looking to build on their successes at The Ridge and Laguna Seca it was an encouraging start to the weekend for team but all thoughts about what happened on track pails into insignificance following the tragic loss of fellow MotoAmerica competitor Scott Briody on Friday afternoon. The entire Pure Attitude team sends its deepest condolences to Scott’s family and friends, his team and the entire MotoAmerica paddock.

On track the team suffered a double DNF in Twins Cup with Liam MacDonald suffering a technical issue moments before lights out and Trevor Standish crashing out of P11 on the final lap. Both riders had shown pace with Liam especially looking as though a top eight challenge was possible. Chase Black qualified on the second row of the grid in Junior Cup. He raced to sixth in Saturday’s opener before he too was forced to retire on Sunday.

The team will now regroup ahead of the next event in Pittsburgh in three weeks.

 

Chase Black (14). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Chase Black (14). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.

 

Chase Black: “The result on Saturday was ok but I could have been on the podium and so I am a little disappointed. I got passed by four people off the start and although I was able to close the gap and run with the group, I couldn’t find a way through. On Sunday I started better but almost crashed and the chain came off. The race was red flagged due to another incident but because I was already out before the red flag I couldn’t restart later in the day. Not ideal but that’s racing. Thoughts are with Scott Briody’s family right now.”

 

Liam MacDonald (37). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Liam MacDonald (37). Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.

Liam MacDonald: “Well that didn’t go to plan. The bike had been running as sweet as can be all weekend, no issues at all and then with minutes to go it just stopped. Kent, Dean and Todd have worked their buts off and I am gutted for them as much as me. On the grid after the sighting lap, it just lost power and despite our best efforts we had to pull off. It’s so disappointing after we had finally shown decent pace, but I am staying positive and moving on to the next one with my head held high. After what happened on Friday, nothing else really matters. Rest in Peace Scott.”

 

 

Trevor Standish. Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Trevor Standish. Photo courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.

Trevor Standish: “I made a good start, and the race was going well, and I was really enjoying riding the bike. I was running eleventh but with half a lap to go I went. I am not entirely sure what happened, but I got run over and am a bit second hand. I want to thank the medical staff at the track and at the hospital and everyone who enquired about me. I will be back stronger but right now I want to send my prayers and thoughts to the Scott’s family. It’s been a tough weekend.”

REV’IT! Purchases Vircos

PJ Jacobsen (66). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle Racing.
REV'IT!-sponsored MotoAmerica Superbike racer PJ Jacobsen (66). Photo courtesy Tytlers Cycle Racing.

REV’IT! Announces Purchase Of Bespoke Italian Brand Vircos

Acquisition will strengthen presence at highest levels of motorcycle competition

OSS, Netherlands (Aug. 1, 2022) – Vircos has been manufacturing custom-tailored leather road racing suits of the highest quality in Italy for more than 30 years. REV’IT! Sport International began its collaboration with Vircos in 2007, a relationship founded on common values, with a shared passion for motorcycle racing.

REV’IT! and Vircos are solidifying this partnership by merging into a single company. With the acquisition of Vircos, REV’IT!, whose innovation and leadership in the adventure segment continues to raise the bar in design and performance, is gaining key expertise and knowledge to realize its ambitions to perform a leading role in motorsports.

“We are naturally attracted to people who share our values, a common vision of business and of life,” said Aldo De Agnoi, founder of Vircos. “We see REV’IT! as the perfect partner. That is why a merger between the two companies has been signed. We are sure this decision will be proven to be the right choice.”

“Vircos has been a loyal and trusted partner over the years,” said REV’IT! Managing Director Ivan Vos. “Securing a bright future for the company for many years to come is important for both Vircos and REV’IT!. In this new configuration, the strength of the REV’IT! brand and the skills and expertise of the Vircos team will amplify one another, taking us to new places.”

In acquiring Vircos, REV’IT! benefits from the decades of technical expertise that Vircos brings to the REV’IT! development team. This will significantly advance both the design and the manufacturing of custom-made, professional road-racing suits, as well as opening up a path for personalization — a growing trend in the sports market.

Together, Vircos and REV’IT! will continue to develop advanced, industry-leading products that enhance the performance and the protection for riders competing at the highest levels of national and international competition, driving their professions and their passions to higher levels and carrying the motorcycle community forward.

About REV’IT! Sport International

REV’IT! Sport International, with headquarters in Oss, the Netherlands, and offices in Denver, Colorado, is an industry leader in technical motorcycle apparel, expanding the boundaries of function and style for more than 25 years. The company continues its tradition of Design, Innovation, and Performance to improve standards of safety and sustainability for the global motorcycle community and to inspire motorcyclists everywhere to ride. Learn more at revitsport.com.

About Vircos

Born in 1982 as a leather apparel factory, Vircos debuted at the beginning of the 90s in the world of road racing, growing steadily year after year. Today Vircos’ exclusive activity is the design, development, and production of custom leather protective apparel both for professionals and amateurs. It is an acknowledged presence within MotoGP paddock and a class-leading brand in all the principal European racing competitions. Learn more at vircos.it

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