MotoAmerica: John Ashmead (R.I.P.) To Be Honored At Daytona 200

David Swarts

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February 28, 2023

MotoAmerica: John Ashmead (R.I.P.) To Be Honored At Daytona 200

John Ashmead To Be Honored Prior To The 81st Running Of The Daytona 200

Michael Barnes Will Take A Lap In Honor Of The 1989 Daytona 200 Winner

IRVINE, CA (February 28, 2023) – MotoAmerica has announced that 1989 Daytona 200 winner John Ashmead will be honored prior to the start of the 81st running of the Daytona 200 on March 11, with 2016 Daytona 200 winner Michael Barnes set to take a memorial lap of Daytona International Speedway to honor his fallen friend. Ashmead passed away in October of 2022 after a brief bout with cancer at the age of 59.

In addition to winning the 1989 Daytona 200 on his privateer Honda VFR750, Ashmead is the all-time race mileage record holder with 4573 miles completed from his 34 Daytona 200 starts. Ashmead’s 34 starts in the Daytona 200 includes a run of 28 consecutive appearances in the race, a mark that ties him with Rick Shaw and Wayne Sherwood.

Ashmead’s upset victory in 1989 also marked the last AMA Superbike victory for Honda’s legendary VFR750 while his win also put Ashmead in the history books as the first rider from Florida to win the Daytona 200.

Ashmead was as surprised as anyone with his victory.

“I looked up and saw my number on top,” Ashmead said after taking a look at the scoreboard on the final lap. “I thought it was a mistake, I couldn’t believe it.”

In addition to his Daytona 200 victory on March 12, 1989, Ashmead also won an AMA Superbike National at Laguna Seca in 1985.

“Since John won the Daytona 200 in 1989, I’ve always thought about how special it was for him to do that,” said Barnes. “And then for me to become the next Floridian to do it in 2016, so many years later, and to share it with him was special. John and I spent a lot of miles on the road together traveling to various races and he was a dear friend who is greatly missed. For me to be able to do this lap to honor him means the world to me.”

“Without hesitation, everyone I talked to about doing a lap of honor for John (Ashmead) said, ‘absolutely, let’s make it happen,'” said Bridgestone’s Warren Dunham [who initiated the memorial project]. “I’d like to thank MotoAmerica’s Chuck Aksland and Daytona International Speedway’s Andrew Gertis, along with Roadracing World’s John Ulrich and Paul Schwemmer. Also, Bridgestone Tire for giving me the resources and the flexibility in my schedule to make this happen. Most of all, I want to thank Michael Barnes for coming out of retirement to do this honorary lap and to pay tribute to one of the Daytona 200’s and Florida’s finest road racing legends – Mr. John Ashmead.”

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.

Mission Foods Sponsoring AMA Flat Track Grand Championship

David Swarts

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February 28, 2023

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Mission Foods Sponsoring AMA Flat Track Grand Championship

Mission Foods Returns as Title Sponsor of AMA Flat Track Grand Championship

Enters second year of three-year title sponsorship supporting amateur flat track racing

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Mission Foods, the world’s leading manufacturer of tortillas, wraps and tortilla chips, and a top supporter of motorcycle racing, will return for the second year in a row as title sponsor of the 2023 AMA Flat Track Grand Championship (FTGC), which will take place at Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Ill., June 14-20.

The Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship has served as the premier amateur flat track event since the mid-1970s and is the only race in the country where you can earn an AMA National No. 1 plate in amateur flat track racing.

Throughout the past few years, Mission Foods has passionately supported motorsports of all types, specifically backing flat track racing and riders at both the amateur and pro levels. Mission Foods CEO Juan Gonzalez, a motorcycle enthusiast and ex-racer, has been key in the company’s commitment to supporting motorcycle racing at every level.

“We are pleased to continue as official title sponsor of the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “It exemplifies our commitment to motorsports, and we are proud to support these young racers as they pursue their passion for motorcycle racing.”

The AMA appreciates Mission Foods’ continued backing of amateur flat track.

“Mission Foods continues to be instrumental in energizing flat track at every level,” said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. “The AMA is proud to have them back for the second year running as our title sponsor for the week-long event.”

Providing seven days of the best amateur flat track action in the country, the event includes all four disciplines of flat track racing: Mile, Half-Mile, Short Track and TT. Racers in each class who have the highest number of points will be awarded AMA National No. 1 plates.

At the end of the event program, special awards will be presented, including the prestigious Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award, AMA Fast Brain Award, AMA Vet/Senior Racer of the Year and AMA Youth Racer of the Year.

Stayed tuned for a Grand Marshal announcement, event schedule, and news on pre-registration. For more information on the upcoming AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/flat-track-racing/.

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.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas, and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

MotoAmerica: Rodio Racing And Robem Engineering Merge

David Swarts

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February 28, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Rodio Racing And Robem Engineering Merge

Rodio Racing & Robem Engineering Join Forces for the MotoAmerica Rev’it Twins Cup Championship in 2023.

February 28, 2023 – The successful merger of Rodio Racing and Robem Engineering yielded a virtual tie for the Junior Cup Championship and another tie for 2nd place in the Rev’It Twins Cup Championship in 2022. Following those results the two teams simply had to explore a partnership for the 2023 season.

The new coalition is dubbed “Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering” and their racers Gus Rodio and Ben Gloddy are in the hunt for the 2023 Rev’It Twins Cup Championship.

Ben Gloddy (72). Photo by Sara Chappell, courtesy Rodio Racing.

Ben Gloddy: “I am very excited to be racing for Robem Engineering again this year in the Rev’it Twins Cup and super excited that Robem and Rodio Racing have joined forces. Gus and I have been racing together since our NJMiniGP days and I am close with the Rodio Family. Gus and I have always been very competitive with each other and are always pushing each other to go faster and be better from MiniGP to Junior Cup and now Twins. It’s going to be an exciting season!”

Gus Rodio (96). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Rodio Racing.

Gus Rodio: “I’m stoked to be a part of the team and excited to keep working towards our goals. I appreciate Rodio Racing and Robem Engineering for the opportunity to show what we have. Having Ben as a teammate is awesome. I’ve been riding with him forever and I think we work really well together.”

Matthew Spicer, Principal, Robem Engineering: “We were able to build a relationship with Rodio Racing during the 2022 season and excited to continue support in 2023 and showcase the potential of the Aprilia RS 660 in MotoAmerica with Ben and Gus. Working with Rodio Racing will allow us to focus on continuing development at a faster pace for the Aprilia platform for us and other Aprilias in the paddock.”

Kevin Rodio, Owner, Rodio Racing: “Everyone knows that Robem Engineering builds some of the most advanced Aprilia’s on the grid and we’re fortunate to forge this relationship with them. They really came through for us last season and have already gone above and beyond with their innovations for the upcoming season. I’m also excited to see Ben and Gus team up as well. They’re two really talented racers who have put in the work and it shows.”

Rodio and Gloddy just wrapped up a testing weekend at Jennings GP, in Florida after turning some of the fastest laps ever on their Robem built Aprilia RS660s. The team now enters its final stages in preparation for the Motoamerica Rev’it Twins Cup Season Opener at Daytona International Speedway, March 9-11, 2023. You can also find the team competing in most rounds of the WERA/N2 National endurance series as well.

Buell Showcasing RSD Super Cruiser At Daytona Bike Week

David Swarts

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February 28, 2023

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Buell Showcasing RSD Super Cruiser At Daytona Bike Week

Buell’s® Daytona Bike Week Lineup will Showcase New Super Cruiser, the Bike Everyone is Talking About

Grand Rapids, MI, February 28, 2023 – Buell Motorcycles and Roland Sands Design have announced the first public preview of the 2025 Buell Super Cruiser. Making its East Coast debut at Daytona Bike Week, Friday, March 3 – Sunday, March 12, 2023, the Super Cruiser will star in Buell’s lineup along Destination Daytona’s main drag, showing off their high-performance, American-made superbikes and touting their latest updates.

The Super Cruiser, first revealed at a private event on February 10 at the Roland Sands Design facility in Long Beach, CA, has been well-received by both the media and fans. As eager riders continue to place unprecedented preorders on the Buell website, the Super Cruiser is exceeding expectations and generating significant buzz.

“It’s the design of this bike that’s got everyone going crazy,” said Buell’s CEO, Bill Melvin. “The response we’ve seen so far is overwhelming. It’s clear there’s a tremendous demand for a high-performance cruiser, and we’re thrilled to meet it. We always knew a Buell cruiser would be big, but it needed Buell features and had to be the highest-performing American production bike ever made. Lucky for us, we were the ones who innovated the kick-ass technology of the 1190 platform. So, we didn’t need to reinvent the wheel. We just needed to take what was already ideal and build a cruiser around it. Refining things like steering angle, rake, wheels, tires, brakes, and chassis – Roland Sands was the genius to pull all that together.”

Of course, Buell’s Daytona lineup would be incomplete without its flagship bikes, the Hammerhead and 1190 SX, featuring small but important improvements since last year. Notable changes include carbon bodywork, tires and throttle-body balancing refinement.

Also on display will be the latest refinements to Buell’s 1190 SuperTouring® modular superbike, slated for 2025 production.

The Buell 1190 SuperTouring model. Photo courtesy Buell Motorcycles.

“The ST provided a great opportunity for us to hear and engage with our fanbase,” said Jacob Stark, Buell’s Engineering Specialist. “It led to exploring new ideas, experimenting, and using the ST platform to stretch our comfort zone.”

Created in collaboration with award-winning designer J. Ruiter to thrill supersport fans and tourers alike, the SuperTouring is the world’s fastest adaptive motorcycle, easily converting to a track bike in under an hour. Its latest modifications include a new modular front faring with headlamp assembly, higher handlebars, foot-forward controls, and a new seat and bags.

“We can’t wait for Bike Week 2023. Buell is back and building a strong reputation as a small, responsive company building bikes to order and providing a unique customer experience,” said Melvin. ” We’ve tuned our approach to match customer feedback and will continue making the changes that deliver the best riding experience possible.”

WorldSBK: Championship Returning To Imola In 2023

David Swarts

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February 28, 2023

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WorldSBK: Championship Returning To Imola In 2023

2023 calendar update: WorldSBK returns to Imola for the first time since 2019

The FIM, the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) are delighted to announce a new agreement that will see the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship race at the iconic Italian circuit in 2023.

Imola will host the Italian Round as it returns to the WorldSBK calendar after three seasons away with the legendary venue hosting the seventh round of the 2023 season from the 14th to the 16th of July. All three classes will take to the track at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola, including Italian Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK), Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) but also Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Lorenzo Baldassarri (GMT94 Yamaha) who will make their debuts in 2023, competing in the Superbike class.

Featured on the calendar for the first time back in 2001, the iconic circuit was the scene of unforgettable moments such as the season finale between Colin Edwards and Troy Bayliss in 2002 and Bayliss’s title in 2006. The 2023 Italian Round also promises to be a thrilling event with Ducati rider Alvaro Bautista who will be fighting to retain his title.

Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director:

“After three seasons away, we are thrilled to welcome back Imola to the calendar in 2023. This second round in Italy confirms the popularity of the Championship amongst the Italian fans as there is a lot of passion for our sport there with many Italian riders and teams in our Paddock. Imola has an illustrious history within World Superbike, and we look forward to the 2023 Italian Round which promises to be an exciting event for the fans.”

Pietro Benvenuti, Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola General Director:

“It is with great satisfaction that we announce this agreement with Dorna WSBK Organization, which brings Imola back to the prestigious WorldSBK calendar. We know that there are many fans who wouldn’t miss this event for anything as Imola always had strong ties with this series. Not to mention that a World Champion on a Ducati will take to the track, undoubtedly a great incentive for many of the “Rossa” to watch on from trackside. Opting for the month of July is also strategic for the region as it will open business opportunities during a period when local accommodation options are not at full capacity, confirming the role of the circuit as a driving force of the local economy. It’s a great result made possible thanks to the full support of the Municipal Administration, which strongly wanted the return of Superbike to Imola.”

American Matsudaira Moving Up To Moto4 Spanish National Championship

David Swarts

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February 27, 2023

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American Matsudaira Moving Up To Moto4 Spanish National Championship

American Kensei Matsudaira Moving Up to Moto4 in RFME ESBK Spanish Superbike Championship

February 27, 2023

12-year-old Japanese-American Kensei Matsudaira is excited to announce his full-season entry in the 2023 RFME ESBK (Campeonato de España de Superbike) Moto4 championship.

He will be racing on BeOn Automotive machinery with the Evike.com Nox#27 Racing Team, a privateer team supported by Kensei’s family, friends, and personal sponsors.

Kensei Matsudaira:

“Moving up to the Moto4 category will be another big challenge for me, but I’m ready and excited for it. I had a lot of fun racing at the GP circuits last year in Moto5, and I’m looking forward to racing this year in ESBK with the fastest 12-13-year-olds in the world. I’m really happy to be able to continue this year with my team that I’ve been with since 2019 and we’re all super excited for the season to start next month. Spending the off-season at home training and riding with friends has been great and I’m ready to start the season now in Spain, focused on this new challenge.”

Kensei is a three-time MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul Champion, taking the 110cc and 160cc crowns in 2021 and the Ohvale GP-2 190cc crown in 2022. He is the first FIM MiniGP World Series North America champion, and has also been racing at the national level in Spain since 2019. In 2022 Kensei moved up to the highly competitive Moto5 category in Spain and in his first year racing the 250cc GP bikes in the eight-race RFME Copa de España de MiniVelocidad championship, he scored four podiums in a row, including a race win, and completed the Spanish National Championship in second place. He also finished fifth in the 14-race Cuna de Campeones Moto5 Spanish Championship despite missing two races due to schedule conflicts with MotoAmerica.

The 2023 RFME ESBK Championship begins with an official test on March 18 at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto in Andalusia, Spain, followed by Round One at the same venue on March 30.

The team will be announcing new sponsors and partnerships for the season leading up to the start of the championship. There are still opportunities to join Kensei and his team – please direct any sponsorship inquires to: [email protected]

Daytona 200: Paasch On Personal Mission To Promote Iconic Race

David Swarts

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February 27, 2023

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Daytona 200: Paasch On Personal Mission To Promote Iconic Race

Although his racing plans have not been officially announced, two-time and defending Daytona 200 Champion Brandon Paasch is on a personal mission to promote the upcoming Daytona 200 March 9-11 at Daytona International Speedway.

“I was kind of sitting at home [in Melbourne, Florida] and saw that the Daytona 500 was coming up,” 21-year-old Paasch told Roadracingworld.com. “I was like, you know what? I haven’t seen anybody post anything about going to the Daytona 500 in recent years, not any Daytona 200 winners, not anyone trying to promote the Daytona 200 at the Daytona 500. I was like, why the **** not. It just confuses me why no one has tried to reach out and make the connection and try to grow our sport a little bit.”

Paasch called MotoAmerica and, with their assistance, arranged media passes for him, his fiancé Darian Briody, and his two videographer friends and did some last-minute coordination with Daytona International Speedway.

Two-time Daytona 200 Champion Brandon Paasch with the Daytona 500 trophy at Daytona International Speedway. Photo courtesy Brandon Paasch.

“I just wanted to do some kind of promotion for the race and get some more people in the stands and make it a bigger event,” said Paasch. “I did a live TV interview with FOX35 out of Orlando. I got to hang out with Conor Daly, an IndyCar driver, [NASCAR driver] Justin Allgaier, all kinds of people. Jeff Weil from Arai was introducing me to people, showing me around. It was sweet. I got to talk to so many cool people. It was a really bad ass experience.

Brandon Paasch with country music star Dierks Bentley, who preformed prior to the Daytona 500. Photo courtesy Brandon Paasch. — Brandon Paasch with country music star Dierks Bentley, who performed a concert at Daytona International Speedway prior to the Daytona 500. Photo courtesy Brandon Paasch.

“We met Travis Pastrana. I walked up to him. He was about to race the Xfinity race, I think it was, the night before the 500. We started talking and I told him I did the Daytona 200. He said, ‘No sh*t? That’s so cool! I used to watch that all the time growing up.’ Then he told me about watching Scott Russell crash in front of him and then picking it up and winning the race.

Brandon Paasch with Travis Pastrana on pit lane at Daytona International Speedway. Photo courtesy Brandon Paasch.

“These people know all about the race. They knew about Anthony Mazziotto hitting the wall last year. They do pay attention. They just don’t have the faces with the names.”

Brandon Paasch doing a live TV interview with FOX35 Orlando prior to the Daytona 500. Photo courtesy Brandon Paasch.

And Paasch isn’t stopping his efforts to promote the Daytona 200.

“We’re supposed to be going to the Daytona Supercross this coming weekend and then the IndyCar race in St. Petersburg the next day. So, we’re going to both of those events to do some more interviews and promotion stuff. And we’re making social media posts and YouTube videos out of everything. I’m doing it all myself, me and my friends. I’m just trying to promo the sport, trying to get more eyes on us and make it worth everybody’s time.”

American Flat Track: Robinson Spearheads Three-Rider JCS Racing Effort

David Swarts

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February 27, 2023

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Robinson Spearheads Three-Rider JCS Racing Effort

DALLAS, TX. (February 27, 2023) – JCS Racing with support from Mission Foods, Liqui Moly, and Hudson Roofing, is pleased to announce their sponsored talent lineup for the 2023 Progressive American Flat Track season.

JCS Racing will proudly continue its partnership with Brandon Robinson as he campaigns for the 2023 Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle title aboard Mission Foods-fueled Indian Motorcycle FTR750s.

Robinson has enjoyed great success over the past three seasons with the team, dominating on a variety of tracks and finishing out ‘22 with three victories, including the season finale at Volusia Speedway.

“I’m really happy to continue with JCS Racing for another year,” said Robinson. “The whole team has been like family since day one, and I’m looking forward to building on the success we have had over the past three years together. Hopefully we can pick right back off where we ended last season come Daytona!”

“It’s always a pleasure working with Brandon,” said JCS Racing owner Jerry Stinchfield. “He’s a great asset to the team and always keeps up a positive morale around the pits, win or lose. We are thrilled to have him compete with us again for the fourth consecutive season.”

Wrenching on Robinson’s machines this season will be returning mechanic Ben Evans. Stinchfield said, “I’m very pleased to have Ben with us again this year. He’s been working tirelessly in the offseason to carry through that winning combination we ended last season with.”

In addition to Robinson, JCS Racing will also be supporting satellite rider Ben Lowe who will be piloting Rackley Racing Indian Motorcycle FTR750s this season. Lowe has been a part of the JCS team since the 2019 season, making a name for himself in the Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines class. There he scored his maiden Progressive AFT victory at the 2020 Indy Mile among eleven career podiums in the class. He stepped up to the premier class part way through the ‘22 season and secured a top-five finish among eighth top tens.

JCS Racing and Mission Foods will continue their support of rising star Billy “The Kid” Ross, as he graduates to Mission SuperTwins duty in 2023. Ross had a breakout season in 2022, earning his first career national win in the Mission Production Twins Main Event at the Laconia Short Track.

“I am very proud of the roster we’ve put together for this season,” said Stinchfield. “Last year, each of our riders made huge accomplishments, and we couldn’t have done any of it without the support of Mission Foods. I cannot thank Juan Gonzalez, CEO of Mission Foods, enough for partnering with us and providing our team, along with many others in the sport, the support we needed for a successful season. Along with Mission Foods, our partnerships with Liqui Moly and Hudson Roofing keep our team going. We look forward to continuing these partnerships this year and fueling our team to success in the months ahead.”

About Progressive American Flat Track

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

Daytona 200: Pirelli Sponsoring Event And Paasch, Petersen, & Morais

David Swarts

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February 27, 2023

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Daytona 200: Pirelli Sponsoring Event And Paasch, Petersen, & Morais

Pirelli Returns as Sponsor and Defending Champions of the Daytona 200 Presented by MotoAmerica

DIABLO Superbike Slicks Set Sights on Fourth Consecutive Victory

ATLANTA (February 27, 2023) – Pirelli Tire North America is set to return to the 81^st running of the Daytona 200 hosted by MotoAmerica as the three-time defending champions. America’s most iconic motorcycle race has always been a priority for Pirelli, who boasts a deep racing heritage. For 2023, the brand continues to show its unwavering support for racing by coming on board as a sponsor of the Daytona 200 that will take place March 9-11. Pirelli’s championship-winning run at Daytona International Speedway began with Kyle Wyman in 2019 and was followed by Brandon Paasch in 2021-22. No race was held in 2020.

Pirelli riders delivered a photo finish at the 2022 Daytona 200. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pirelli.

Pirelli will once again bring its high-performance DIABLO Superbike slick range to the grid for 2023, consisting of the DIABLO Superbike SC1 and DIABLO Superbike SC2 for front options and the DIABLO Superbike in a special compound developed specifically for Daytona on the rear. Paasch relied on the performance of Pirelli’s 120/70R17 DIABLO Superbike SC2 front and 190/60R17 Daytona rear tires to set the fastest lap and take the victory in 2022.

“The Daytona 200 is such a special race for the Pirelli brand,” said Oscar Solis, Senior Racing Manager, Pirelli. “It’s unique compared to any other race, putting the ultimate test to performance and durability, which has really benefitted our DIABLO Superbike slicks. The results from the last several years speak for themselves. When racers have been given a choice, as we see at Daytona, they choose Pirelli.”

Pirelli's DIABLO Superbike lineup has its sights set on a fourth consecutive Daytona victory. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pirelli. — Pirelli’s DIABLO Superbike lineup has its sights set on a fourth consecutive Daytona victory. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pirelli.

“Pirelli has a successful history with the Daytona 200, and we are delighted that they continue to support the event as an official sponsor,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “This unique event brings the top tire manufacturers together to battle it out every year in one of the toughest events in motorcycle road racing. Pirelli is the defending champions as they won last year’s race with the TOBC team and Brandon Paasch. We look forward to watching them take on the challenge of defending their title and the competition that it will bring from them and their competitors. This year’s Daytona 200 promises to be every bit as exciting as last year’s, and we can’t wait to get started.”

“I am really excited to get back to Daytona and go after my third straight win,” said Brandon Paasch, defending champion of the Daytona 200. “Having Pirelli back on board with my program is huge. We’ve had some great success together this last couple of years, and I credit a lot of it to the performance of the Pirelli tires and the strategy of their trackside support team.”

Pirelli swept the podium in 2022 with Brandon Paasch (center), Cam Petersen (right), and Sheridan Morais (left). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pirelli.

In 2022, Pirelli racers swept the podium in dominating fashion at Daytona, led by two-time defending champion and TOBC rider Brandon Paasch who captured the victory by just 0.007 seconds in a 57-lap shootout over Attack Yamaha’s Cam Petersen. Sheridan Morais completed the podium in third aboard his Syntainics / Penz 13 racing machine, just 0.057 seconds behind the race winner. Six out of the top eight positions and more than half of the grid went to racers competing on Pirelli’s DIABLO Superbike slicks.

As the focus shifts to a fourth consecutive victory, Pirelli brings a star-studded lineup to this year’s grid, which includes Paasch, Petersen, Morais, and more.

Kicking off the Daytona festivities on Wednesday, March 8, Pirelli will be presenting the 2023 Daytona 200 Monument of Champions, which will take place at the boardwalk and honor the racing career of special guest Michael Barnes and the late ASRA/CCS president Kevin Elliott Sr. at the world center of racing. As the winner of the 2016 Daytona 200, Barnes has played a tremendous role in the history of the Daytona 200. In addition to serving as an event sponsor, Pirelli will also sponsor the Pit Stop Challenge, held at Daytona’s victory lane the Friday before the race and features five teams competing for their shot at clocking the quickest pit stop ahead of Saturday’s race.

Pirelli’s local trackside racing vendor, Mark Tenn Motorsports, will again offer a first-place prize to any rider who wins on Pirelli tires. For complete details and eligibility, contact Mark Tenn Motorsports.

Click Here to learn more about the Daytona 200.

For more information about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com

DIABLO^TM is a registered trademark of Pirelli Tire S.p.A

MotoAmerica: Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki Running Escalante, Scott, & Hobbs In 81st Daytona 200

John Ulrich

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February 27, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki Running Escalante, Scott, & Hobbs In 81st Daytona 200

Richie Escalante Joins Tyler Scott and Teagg Hobbs on GSX-R750s

The 2023 MotoAmerica season kicks off with the 81st Daytona 200, March 9-11 at the Daytona International Speedway. Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki will field a three-rider effort for the famous race, with the team’s Superbike pilot and former MotoAmerica Supersport champion Richie Escalante joining Supersport regulars Tyler Scott and Teagg Hobbs on the team’s Suzuki GSX-R750 race bikes.

“I am ready and very excited to race the Daytona 200,” said Escalante. “To be honest, I was super happy when the team gave me the chance to race the 200 with the Suzuki GSX-R750. I can’t wait to see what will happen. It is a long race with pit stops. With the draft, it is difficult to plan a strategy. We will work on pit stops and see what happens on the last laps. Also, I lost weight to help the Supersport effort on the straights. After the race, I will return to the Superbike mentality.

“I intend to battle for the win. I have ridden the bike and think the GSX-R750 is a great bike to contest the 200,” said Escalante. “It has great handling but with more power. The Daytona 200 is a very historic race and only one Latin American racer has won it, Johnny Cecotto. Of course, I first represent the team and Suzuki, but also it would be nice to be the second Latin American rider and first Mexican to win it.”

Tyler Scott (70), a Supersport race winner in his rookie season, is one of the top competitors in the class. The Pennsylvania-based racer will attempt to kick off his second season in the class with a top result.

“I am super excited for the season to start. I have been training every day, preparing for a long season. I can’t wait to get back with the team and start collaborating with a new crew chief this year, Jeremy Toye,” said Scott. “I’m ready to go for it and to see what happens. I plan to feel it out in the early laps and having a good pace, and of course, the goal is to win. We did the Race of Champions last fall so I’ve done something similar to a 200-mile race on a middleweight Supersport bike. It is going to be fun, and I am ready.”

Teagg Hobbs (79) has joined Team Hammer this season and the promising racer will also join the competitive Supersport fray.

“I am more than excited to be entering the Daytona 200 with Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki,” said Hobbs. “This will be my second Daytona 200. I learned much in my first attempt and am looking forward to applying it for a second go. Going to the first race of 2023 with a prestigious and well-oiled team like Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki is a dream come true. I am looking forward to giving my all for the team. I have been giving training everything I’ve got, and I am ready for anything the 200-mile race throws at me.”

For more racing news, results, and special team content please visit https://suzukicycles.com/racing/road-racing .

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 dive

rsified 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.

ABOUT TEAM HAMMER

The 2023 season marks Team Hammer’s 43rd consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Race bikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 129 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 345 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.

MotoAmerica: John Ashmead (R.I.P.) To Be Honored At Daytona 200

February 28, 2023

John Ashmead (37) back in the day on his Honda VFR750 Superbike. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

John Ashmead To Be Honored Prior To The 81st Running Of The Daytona 200

Michael Barnes Will Take A Lap In Honor Of The 1989 Daytona 200 Winner

IRVINE, CA (February 28, 2023) – MotoAmerica has announced that 1989 Daytona 200 winner John Ashmead will be honored prior to the start of the 81st running of the Daytona 200 on March 11, with 2016 Daytona 200 winner Michael Barnes set to take a memorial lap of Daytona International Speedway to honor his fallen friend. Ashmead passed away in October of 2022 after a brief bout with cancer at the age of 59.

In addition to winning the 1989 Daytona 200 on his privateer Honda VFR750, Ashmead is the all-time race mileage record holder with 4573 miles completed from his 34 Daytona 200 starts. Ashmead’s 34 starts in the Daytona 200 includes a run of 28 consecutive appearances in the race, a mark that ties him with Rick Shaw and Wayne Sherwood.

Ashmead’s upset victory in 1989 also marked the last AMA Superbike victory for Honda’s legendary VFR750 while his win also put Ashmead in the history books as the first rider from Florida to win the Daytona 200.

Ashmead was as surprised as anyone with his victory.

“I looked up and saw my number on top,” Ashmead said after taking a look at the scoreboard on the final lap. “I thought it was a mistake, I couldn’t believe it.”

In addition to his Daytona 200 victory on March 12, 1989, Ashmead also won an AMA Superbike National at Laguna Seca in 1985.

“Since John won the Daytona 200 in 1989, I’ve always thought about how special it was for him to do that,” said Barnes. “And then for me to become the next Floridian to do it in 2016, so many years later, and to share it with him was special. John and I spent a lot of miles on the road together traveling to various races and he was a dear friend who is greatly missed. For me to be able to do this lap to honor him means the world to me.”

“Without hesitation, everyone I talked to about doing a lap of honor for John (Ashmead) said, ‘absolutely, let’s make it happen,'” said Bridgestone’s Warren Dunham [who initiated the memorial project]. “I’d like to thank MotoAmerica’s Chuck Aksland and Daytona International Speedway’s Andrew Gertis, along with Roadracing World’s John Ulrich and Paul Schwemmer. Also, Bridgestone Tire for giving me the resources and the flexibility in my schedule to make this happen. Most of all, I want to thank Michael Barnes for coming out of retirement to do this honorary lap and to pay tribute to one of the Daytona 200’s and Florida’s finest road racing legends – Mr. John Ashmead.”

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.

Mission Foods Sponsoring AMA Flat Track Grand Championship

February 28, 2023

Action from the 2022 AMA Flat Track Grand Championship. Photo by Annaleice Birdsong, courtesy AMA.