Moto3 FP1
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Dunlop Named Official Tire Of Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Dunlop Motorcycle Tires will be the Official Tire of the 2022 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, which takes place at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Ill., July 7-13.
“Everyone at Dunlop is thrilled about the resurgence of the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, and we are happy to be the Official Tire of the event,” said Dunlop Amateur Motocross/Flat Track Support Manager Rob Fox. “We recently extended our highly successful MX amateur Team Dunlop Elite support program to flat track enthusiasts, as we want to see flat track roots grow from the bottom up. The Flat Track Grand Championship is the perfect event to help grow the sport and show off our newly released 17-inch DT4 tires.”
For more than 100 years, Dunlop has led the industry in tire innovation, introducing the first use of Kevlar belts in motorcycle tires and producing the first original-equipment radial street tire. The company continues to lead the industry with revolutionary firsts.
Dunlop also holds over 100 national championships in many forms of motorcycle racing, such as AMA Supercross, motocross and off-road competition.
“Dunlop’s many championships, which include those won by both pro and amateur racers, are impressive, and we appreciate them supporting amateur flat track racing at the Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship this year,” said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant.
The AMA FTGC 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. This year’s event will feature AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and On Any Sunday star David Aldana as Grand Marshal. Aldana plans to strap on his own steel shoe to race the Du Quoin Mile, which will be his first time racing a Mile event since his On Any Sunday days.
AMA National No. 1 plates will be awarded to racers in each class who have the highest number of points across all four disciplines of flat track racing: Mile, Half-Mile, Short Track and TT.
Special awards that will be presented at the end of the event program include 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.
To learn more about Dunlop Tire, visit DunlopMotorcycleTires.com.
For more information on the upcoming AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, visit https://americanmotorcyclist.com/events-4/ama-flat-track-grand-championship/ and look for the latest event updates on AmericanMotorcyclist.com and the AMA’s social media channels.
Racers can pre-register for the event at https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/ftgc/.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
MotoGP: City Of Assen Honors Quartararo
Walk of Fame: Quartararo takes his place in Assen history
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) was on hand at a special ceremony to help unveil the City of Assen’s new Walk of Fame on Thursday. The walk, located in the city centre, will eventually feature large bronze plaques bearing the names of each of the riders who have taken victory in the Assen TT since it began way back in 1925.
From its beginnings as a long street circuit before it was part of the World Championship to the shorter but no less incredible track that exists today, there is no doubt Assen is a special part of the calendar – and it’s been part of it every year since 1949, barring its pandemic-obliged stint on the sidelines in 2020.
The first two plaques to have been laid are for Quartararo, who won last year’s race, and Piet van Wijngaarden, who won in 1925 and also 1926.
Eventually, the names of all of the riders who have triumphed in the Assen TT will be featured in bronze in what will form a walking route through the city. For now, two are located at the intersection of Kerkstraat and Torenlaan, and Quartararo was touched by the honour.
“That’s pretty cool,” said the 2021 World Champion. “I mean, it’s quite big. I saw before coming some pictures on social media, but I didn’t expect it to be that big. It was super nice and I was impressed by this plate. It will be a great memory and of course, it is a big pleasure because as a rider, to win in Assen is something big, something that for me means a lot and it’s only the first one. So, I hope I can win many more!”
MotoAmerica: Petrucci Undecided About 2023 Racing Plans
European media outlets are reporting that Danilo Petrucci, the current MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship leader, may join the Aruba.it Ducati World Superbike team next year, but the 31-year-old Italian says his 2023 racing plans are undecided.
“For sure, Ducati is following us really close [and] is helping us. I know that I am one of the riders on the list,” Petrucci exclusively told Roadracingworld.com Thursday in the paddock at Ridge Motorsports Park, site of this weekend’s MotoAmerica event. “I got the chance also last year, but last year after MotoGP I needed a bit of rest to, let’s say, take the level a little bit down. Not the riding but less pressure. For a rider, racing in [World] Superbike is like racing in MotoGP. I don’t want any more to have this kind of pressure.
“First of all, I want to win this Championship, and then I decide. I don’t think Ducati [is in a] hurry to know the name of the second rider, and especially from my point of view, I need to understand what I like to do.
“At the moment, to tell the truth, I have no idea about it. I really don’t know what Championship I will do next year, but it is something I don’t want to be in a hurry and take a decision now because I want to have a clear idea.
“Let’s see. I think I want to continue racing, but I don’t know in what Championship. For sure, I told the Ducati guys I will not go in the Dakar next year because it is too tough. If I want to, for example, [race in] MotoAmerica next year, going to the Dakar and the preparation and then leaving again for MotoAmerica, it’s too much. I am not any more a young boy. I need a bit of rest.”
MotoAmerica: Previews Of The Other Classes Racing At “The Ridge”
Ridge Support Class Preview: Herrin, Barry All Clear But The Rest Are Up For Grabs
MotoAmerica Support Classes Promise Intense Battles From Top To Bottom In Dynapac MotoAmerica Superbikes At The Ridge Event
IRVINE, CA (June 23, 2022) – Coincidentally, the only two of the five MotoAmerica Championships that aren’t close as the series heads to round five of the series at Ridge Motorsports Park in the Pacific Northwest feature identical 51-point leads for the two riders at the top. Those two championships are Supersport and Twins Cup. Those two riders are Josh Herrin and Jody Barry.
The closest of the championships heading to Washington State and the Dynapac MotoAmerica Superbikes At The Ridge event is the Yuasa Stock 1000 class with just six points separating first from second. In the Medallia Superbike class, just seven points separate Danilo Petrucci from his nearest pursuer Mathew Scholtz. In the SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup class, 17 points separate the top two.
Supersport – All Herrin. So Far.
With five podium finishes in the six races held thus far, Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC’s Josh Herrin has been dominant. Three of those podiums have been victories and his only non-podium was a fourth-place finish in race one at VIRginia International Raceway.
And it’s not that his pursuers have been slow. Quite the opposite, actually. In fact, four different riders have won races in 2022 on four different makes of motorcycles. What separates Herrin from the rest is a lack of consistency, not a lack of parity.
Landers Racing’s Rocco Landers sits second in the series point standings after six races with 73 points to Herrin’s 124. Landers has finished third on three occasions but was fourth and fifth in two of the other three. At the last round at Road America, Landers only managed to score a single point in race two.
And that single point was one more than the two also trying to chase down Herrin – the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki duo of Tyler Scott and Sam Lochoff – with both riders failing to finish race two at Road America.
Scott is third, just one point behind Landers and with three podiums and a victory on his scorecard. Just 16 years old, Scott can’t be faulted for making mistakes and he’s made two. But he should also be praised for scoring a victory in race one at Road America in what was just his fifth career Supersport race.
Thus far, Scott has outpaced his teammate Lochoff, but the South African has been riding injured. Still, Lochoff has two podiums to his credit and is just six points behind Scott.
Australian Luke Power is fifth in the title chase after his second-place finish in race two at Road America in iffy conditions. Power and his 3D Motorsports LLC Suzuki GSX-R750 are six points behind Lochoff and just one point ahead of N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto’s Kevin Olmedo, who has shown newfound consistency with finishes in each of the six races so far.
The two others to win Supersport races in 2022 are four-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes (race one at VIR) and Kawasaki ZX-6R-mounted Jason Farrell, who scored an upset victory in the rain in race two at Road America.
Yuasa Stock 1000 – Still Gillim
Just when it looked like Hayden Gillim was going to step up and take control of the Yuasa Stock 1000 Championship, the veteran’s Disrupt Racing Suzuki had a mechanical problem in the lone Stock 1000 race at Road America and his big lead in the championship was suddenly whittled down to just six points.
And there’s now a gaggle of riders in with a shot of contesting the championship as the series heads to Ridge Motorsports Park.
Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing’s Travis Wyman is at the top of the heap, just one point ahead of VisionWheel/DiscountTire/KWS’s Geoff May. Wyman’s teammate Corey Alexander arrives in Washington fresh off his second victory of the year at Road America and with a renewed sense of championship possibilities. The New Yorker is now just 13 points behind Gillim in the title chase.
SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup – Wyman In Charge
With his three race wins out of six races, Alpha Omega’s Cody Wyman heads the chasing pack in the SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup Championship by 17 points over Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing’s Gus Rodio, who is the only rider in the top six to score points in all six races.
Rodio, however, doesn’t have it easy as three racers are within eight points of his tenacious hold on second in the title chase. Those three are SportbikeTrackGear.com teammates Joseph LiMandri Jr. and Max Van and Altus Motorsports’ Kayla Yaakov.
With four podiums, including two wins, LiMandri is one point behind Rodio and one point ahead of his teammate with Van scoring two victories and one other podium thus far. Yaakov, meanwhile, has three podiums to her credit and is just six points behind Van and 12 ahead of Calshine Racing’s Aden Thao.
Twins Cup – Barry, Barry Good
There have been six Twins Cup races held thus far in 2022 and two of those were at Daytona International Speedway. Those were the only two races Jody Barry didn’t win.
Since Daytona, Barry and his Veloce Racing Aprilia RS 660 have been perfect with the youngster from Lake in the Hills, Illinois, winning four straight races as the series heads to Ridge Motorsports Park.
Oh, and he was also fifth and second in the two races he didn’t win at Daytona.
All that amounts to a 51-point lead in the championship over Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing’s Anthony Mazziotto, the New Jerseyan also mounted on an Aprilia RS 660.
While Barry thus far has had things all his way, the battle behind him is fierce as Mazziotto leads Cycle Tech’s Hayden Schultz by just 11 points, Daytona race-one winner Blake Davis and his N2 Racing/BobbleHead Moto Yamaha YZF-R7 by 16 points and Robem Engineering’s Teagg Hobbs by 17.
Mini Cup By Motul – Wide Open
With just one round and two races under their belts, the riders contesting the Mini Cup by Motul Championships are all in with a fighting chance.
As expected, the biggest of the classes is the 160 class and that is being led by American Racing’s Kensei Matsudaira, though the Californian hasn’t been perfect as Macc Racing/Broward Motorsports Tequesta’s Mac MacClugage also won a race in the series opener at Road America a few weeks ago. Matsudaira leads by nine points. Nathan Gouker Racing’s Nathan Gouker is just three points behind MacClugage and four ahead of Xtreme Autoglass Pros’ Ryder Davis.
Gouker, meanwhile, leads the way in the 110 class by 10 points over Anthony Lupo Jr. Racing’s Anthony Lupo Jr. after his two wins in Wisconsin. MacClugage is third in the 110 class after two podium finishes at Road America.
Jesses James Racing’s Jesse James Shedden was perfect in the 190 class in the series opener at Road America with the Californian topping Matsudaira both times out. American Racing’s Joshua Raymond finished third in the two races.
Ridge Motorsports Park Pre-Race Support Class Notes…
Sean Dylan Kelly won both of the Supersport races at Ridge last year, the Suzuki rider besting his rival Richie Escalante in both races en route to taking the championship. Kelly is now racing in the Moto2 World Championship and Escalante has made the move to the Medallia Superbike Championship with Kelly’s former team, Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki.
With two Yuasa Stock 1000 races scheduled for Ridge, this round of the championship could prove vital. If you predicted this year’s outcome on last year’s results, you’d have to pick Corey Alexander, the winner of both races a year ago in Washington. Alexander beat Jake Lewis in race one and Ashton Yates in race two.
Max Toth and eventual series champion Tyler Scott split wins in last year’s two SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup races at Ridge.
Jackson Blackmon was unstoppable with wins in both Twins Cup races a year ago at Ridge. Blackmon is currently recovering at home after suffering leg injuries in a crash at Road America.
In Mini Cup action from a year ago, Kensei Matsudaira was perfect in the two 110 class races and both of the 160 races. In the 190 class, Jesse James Shedden and Travis Horn split the two wins.
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes 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 on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
More, from a press release issued by Ducati North America:
MotoAmerica Supersport Round 4 – Josh Herrin in Dream Land as He Rides Into The Ridge
Josh Herrin is loving life on the Ducati Panigale V2 as the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship heads to The Ridge in Washington State for round four
Sunnyvale, Calif. – Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC) is in a purple patch of his distinguished career as he and his florescent red Ducati Panigale gel like dance partners on the racetracks of America in 2022.
The former AMA Superbike Champion heads to the round four of the series in command of the points table on 124, a substantial 51 clear of Yamaha’s Rocco Landers meaning he’s already more than a full round of points ahead of the chasing pack.
Following a test after Road America, Herrin and the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC team believe they have found the optimum set-up in this learning year for the Ducati V2 platform as they aim to take another round win as the series reaches its halfway point.
Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Ducati – #2):
“I’m stoked to ride the V2 at The Ridge and we have the right bike to be on,” Herrin said. “At some tracks we’ve had to take our time to get the set-up right as this is an all-new platform for us. But, with the MotoAmerica rules as they are for this year, I think a shorter, more technical circuit will suit the characteristics of the V2 perfectly. This year has been one of those years that reminds me why I wanted to be a motorcycle racer when I was growing up as a kid. I’m just hoping to keep that feeling going for the rest of the year.”
Round four of the 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship kicks off with practice on Friday, June 24 with race one scheduled for 2:10 pm (PDT) on Saturday, June 25. Race two is scheduled for 2:10 pm (PDT) on Sunday, June 26.
MotoGP: There Will Not Be Practice Friday Morning At Motegi
Grand Prix of Japan: Time Schedule changes
Thursday, 23 June 2022
The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports are obliged to announce changes to the Friday schedule at the Grand Prix of Japan.
Due to the logistical challenges posed by the Grand Prix being staged back-to-back with the Grand Prix of Aragon, as well as potential delays caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its effect on airspace, it has been decided to not run practice sessions for the Grand Prix classes – MotoGP™, Moto2™ and Moto3™ – on Friday morning.
Instead, Moto3™ FP1 will begin at 13:15 local time, Moto2™ at 14:10 and MotoGP™ at 15:05. This single MotoGP™ FP1 session that will now take place on Friday afternoon has been extended from 45 to 75 minutes. The time extension is for the premier class only.
The combined results for entry into Q1 and Q2 will be taken from FP1 and FP2 for all Grand Prix classes.
Fan activities will be planned with Grand Prix riders on Friday morning, giving fans at the track a chance to interact with their heroes as MotoGP™ returns to Japan for the first time since 2019.
There will also be track action at the Mobility Resort Motegi from 9:00 local time on Friday as the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup gets the race weekend underway with FP1, FP2 and qualifying for their third round of 2022.
After three years away, the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship looks forward to returning to race in Japan; on home turf for several MotoGP™ factories and in front of one of the most passionate, dedicated crowds on our calendar.
MotoGP: Assen Is A Special Track For Bagnaia & Miller
MotoGP arrives in the Netherlands at the TT Circuit Assen for the eleventh round of the 2022 season, before the summer break
Less than seven days after the German GP, the Ducati Lenovo Team riders are ready to return to the track in Assen for the Dutch GP, the eleventh round of the 2022 MotoGP season, before the summer break that will last until the end of July.
As always, the famous TT Circuit Assen, also known as The Cathedral of Speed and which has been on the calendar since 1949 – the debut year of the Championship – will be hosting the event. Ducati has only won at Assen on one occasion so far, in 2008 with Casey Stoner, while there are seven podiums in total and three pole positions taken by the Borgo Panigale manufacturer in Holland.
For Francesco Bagnaia, who suffered a crash in the German Grand Prix, the Dutch track is a place full of good memories. The Italian rider scored his first victory here in the 2016 Moto3 World Championship. Pecco is confident that he can be competitive this year in Holland and is aiming for a good race result with his Desmosedici GP. Jack Miller also returns to Assen to be among the weekend’s protagonists after his excellent performance last Sunday at the Sachsenring, where he finished third on the podium.
After the first ten Grands Prix of the season, Pecco Bagnaia and Jack Miller are sixth and seventh in the Championship, tied on points. Ducati leads the manufacturer’s standings, while the Ducati Lenovo Team is fourth in the team standings.
Francesco Bagnaia (#63 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 6th (81 points)
“I’m happy to be back on track this weekend at Assen: it’s a special track for me because it was here that I took my first win in the World Championship. I even have it tattooed on my arm! Unfortunately, we struggled a lot last year, but I am convinced that things will be different this year. Even in Germany, we were not among the favourites, but in the end, we were very competitive at the Sachsenring throughout the weekend. That’s why I’m even more disappointed about the crash in the race because up until then, everything had been perfect. I want to make up for it here in Holland and end on a positive note this first part of the season, before the summer break.”
Jack Miller (#43 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 7th (81 points)
“I’m excited to be racing in Holland again. I have great memories of this track, as I took my first MotoGP win here. After the Barcelona test, we took big steps forward, which helped me find a good feeling with the Desmosedici GP, allowing me to be competitive in the last race in Germany. I hope to find these sensations again here at Assen. The weather is predicting rain, so the track conditions will be decisive on Sunday. In any case, I’m ready to face the last GP of the first part of the season.”
The Ducati Lenovo Team will take to the track for FP1 at the TT Circuit Assen this Friday, 24th June, at 9:55am local time. The Dutch GP will get underway on Sunday, 26th June at 14:00 CEST, over a 26-lap distance.
Circuit information
Country: Netherlands
Name: TT Circuit Assen
Best lap: Quartararo (Yamaha), 1:32.869 (176.0 km/h) – 2021
Circuit record: Viñales (Yamaha), 1:31.814 (178.0 km/h) – 2021
Top speed: Iannone (Ducati), 319.8 km/h – 2015
Track length: 4.555 km
Race distance: 26 laps (118.1 km)
Corners: 18 (6 left, 12 right)
2021 results
Podium: 1° Quartararo (Yamaha), 2° Viñales (Yamaha), 3° Mir (Suzuki)
Pole Position: Viñales (Yamaha), 1:31.814 (178.0 km/h)
Fastest lap: Quartararo (Yamaha), 1:32.869 (176.0 km/h)
Rider Information
Francesco Bagnaia
Bike: Ducati Desmosedici GP
Race Number: 63
GPs Started: 162 (57 x MotoGP, 36 x Moto2, 69 x Moto3)
First GP: Qatar 2019 (MotoGP), Qatar 2017 (Moto2), Qatar 2013 (Moto3)
Wins: 16 (6 MotoGP + 8 Moto2 + 2 Moto3)
First GP win: Aragón 2021 (MotoGP), Qatar 2018 (Moto2), Olanda 2016 (Moto3)
Pole positions: 16 (9 MotoGP + 6 Moto2 + 1 Moto3)
First pole: Qatar 2021 (MotoGP), Francia 2018 (Moto2), Gran Bretagna 2016 (Moto3)
World Titles: 1 (Moto2, 2018)
Jack Miller
Bike: Ducati Desmosedici GP
Race Number: 43
GPs Started: 182 (127 x MotoGP, 49 x Moto3, 6 x 125 cc)
First GP: Qatar 2015 (MotoGP), Qatar 2012 (Moto3), Germania 2011 (125 cc)
Wins: 9 (3 MotoGP + 6 Moto3)
First GP win: Olanda 2016 (MotoGP), Qatar 2014 (Moto3)
Pole positions: 9 (1 MotoGP + 8 Moto3)
First pole: Argentina 2018 (MotoGP), America 2014 (Moto3)
World Titles: –
Championship Information
Riders’ Standings
Francesco Bagnaia (#63 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 6º (81 points)
Jack Miller (#43 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 7º (81 points)
Manufacturers’ Standings
Ducati – 1º (221 points)
Teams’ Standings
Ducati Lenovo Team – 4° (162 points)
UtahSBA: Norton Comes From Behind To Win Again
Round 3 of the Utah Motorcycle Law Masters of the Mountains series was held on June 18 at Utah Motorcycle Campus on the East track configuration.
In a replay of round two qualifying, King of the Mountain series points leader Anthony Norton would qualify his Apex Assassins ZX-10R on pole with a fast lap time of 1:36.7. When it was time to race, Norton would make life more difficult for himself by being late to pre-grid, forcing him to start from the hot pit.
As the pack roared into Turn One, it would be Dave Meyer in first with Cole Phillips and Alex Zinaich in second and third, respectively. Norton would be the last competitor through Turn One as a consequence of his hot-pit starting position. Norton’s dead-last placing would not last for long as he put his head down in a furious chase, moving all the way up to fifth by Turn Eight of lap two.
Norton’s pace would not relent as he moved up to third by the start of lap three and second on Turn Seven of the same lap. On lap four Norton would set the fastest lap of the race at 1:34.6 and secure a lead he would not relinquish for the rest of the race. Behind Norton, Meyer and Phillips would run unchallenged in second and third, respectively, for the remainder of the race.
After the race Norton was quick to credit Moto Station SLC for their Pirelli tire trackside service and their combined contribution to his race victory.
Behind the lead trio of Norton, Meyer, and Phillips, Remington Mathews would mount an impressive charge starting at half race distance. Beginning in seventh and passing racers Lee McNutt and Alex Zinaich to finish fourth overall. Kellen Birch would try a hair-raising pass on Kevin Dolan in Turn One of lap five that would ultimately prove unsuccessful. From there Birch would have to settle for eighth overall as Dolan finished seventh.
In the afternoon’s Vortex Open Superbike race Kevin Dolan would win the holeshot, with David Meyer hot on his heels and Stephen Marco trailing in third. Meyer would be in the lead by Turn Seven and Cole Phillips would move ahead of Marco. At the end of lap one the running order would be Meyer, Dolan, Phillips. Phillips and Kellen Birch would have a great battle for third, swapping spots multiple times before Phillips was able to break away and open a gap. By the midpoint of the race Phillips, at this point in third, had caught up to Dolan running second, and would pull through in Turn Eight. The running order now Meyer, Phillips, Dolan. Dolan’s hold on third place would prove precarious though, as Birch trailing in fourth would move past Dolan into third for a podium order of Meyer, Phillips, Birch.
As the track went cold, Utah Sport Bike Association racers gathered together for our traditional post-race BBQ to chew the fat and make plans for Round 4 being held July ninth at Utah Motorsports Campus on the West track configuration.
The Utah Sport Bike Association wants to wish the best of luck to racer Anthony Norton in his upcoming campaign with MotoAmerica, competing in their upcoming round at Ridge Motorsports Park.
As always, the Utah Sport Bike Association is able to race with the help of our families, volunteers, and of course our sponsors. We wish to express a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all of you who make our series possible. We can’t wait to see you all at Round 4!
The Utah Sport Bike Association is a Utah Non-Profit dedicated to promoting education, safe riding, and competition in the Intermountain West. You can find more information about the USBA, upcoming events, and schools at www.utahsba.com or find us on Facebook.
Results:
Motostation/Moto United KOM Overall:
1. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX-10R)
2. David Meyer (YAM YZF-R1)
3. Cole Phillips (KAW ZX-10R)
4. Remington Mathews (BMW S 1000 RR)
5. Alex Zinaich (YAM YZF-R1)
6. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)
Motostation KOM GTO:
1. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX-10R)
2. David Meyer (YAM YZF-R1)
3. Cole Phillips (KAW ZX-10R)
4. Remington Mathews (BMW S 1000 RR)
5. Alex Zinaich (YAM YZF-R1)
6. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)
Moto United KOM GTU:
1. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX-6R)
AZ Riding Academy Combined GTO
1. Joshua Snow (YAM YZF-R1)
2. Gilbert Gonzalez (KAW ZX-10R)
3. Jeff Taylor (YAM YZF-R1)
4. Christopher Mousley (YAM YZF-R1)
5. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)
6. Jake Ferdinand (APR RSV4)
Off Highway Van Combined GTU
1. Joshua Fisher (TRI 675R)
2. Chayce Lance (YAM YZF-R6)
3. Scott Christensen (YAM YZF-R6)
4. Brian Gerwe (HON CBR600RR)
5. Mario Fernandez (YAM YZF-R6)
6. Donald Rothfuss (YAM YZF-R6)
The Edge Powersports Deseret Dash – Expert
1. David Meyer (YAM YZF-R1)
2. Steven Marco (YAM YZF-R1)
3. Joshua Snow (YAM YZF-R1)
4. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)
5. Marshall Miller (BMW S 1000 RR)
6. Joshua Fisher (TRI 675R)
The Edge Powersports Deseret Dash – Novice
1. Mario Fernandez (YAM YZF-R6)
2. Brian Gerwe (HON CBR600RR)
3. Landon Mattson (SUZ GSX-R600)
4. Zach Jenson (YAM YZF-R6)
5. Russell Carpenter (YAM YZF-R6)
Harrison Eurosports Formula 40 – GTO
1. David Meyer (HON CBR1000RR)
2. Jeff Taylor (YAM YZF-R1)
3. Kevin Dolan (KAW ZX-10R)
4. Christopher Mousley (YAM YZF-R1)
Harrison Eurosports Formula 40 – GTU
1. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)
2. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX-6R)
3. Eliu Heredia (YAM YZF-R6)
4. Phil O’Bryan (KAW ZX-6R)
5. Dustin Lance (YAM YZF-R6)
Velosio Lightweight Superbike
1. Mark Taylor (KAW Ninja 400)
2. Raab Gisseman (HON RS125)
The Weekend Garage Middleweight Superbike
1. Joshua Fisher (TRI 675R)
2. Andrew Skov (HON CBR600RR)
Toxic Moto Racing Middleweight Superstock
1. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX-6R)
2. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)
3. Joshua Fisher (TRI 675R)
4. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX-6R)
5. Nicholas Koken (YAM YZF-R6)
6. Alex Hatfield (YAM YZF-R6)
The Mechanic Modern Vintage – GTO
1. Joshua Snow (YAM YZF-R1)
2. Kevin Dolan (SUZ GSX-R1000)
3. Marshall Miller (BMW S 1000 RR)
4. Dave Loynd (HON CBR1000RR)
5. Robert Jojola (DUC 999)
The Mechanic Modern Vintage – GTU
1. Joshua Fisher (TRI 675R)
2. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX-6R)
3. Stuart Clotworthy (YAM YZF-R6)
4. Daniel Bodon (KAW ZX-6R)
5. Phil O’Bryan (KAW ZX-6R)
6. Brian Gerwe (HON CBR600RR)
Karl Malone Powersports Moto 2
1. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX-6R)
2. Joshua Fisher (TRI 675R)
3. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX-6R)
4. Scott Christensen (YAM YZF-R6)
5. Nicholas Koken (YAM YZF-R6)
6. Landon Mattson (SUZ GSX-R600)
Redline Realty Moto 3
1. Mark Taylor (KAW Ninja 400)
2. Brian Gerwe (KAW Ninja 400)
3. Raab Gisseman (HON RS125)
4. Ian Jenson (YAM YZF-R3)
Legion of Speed Novice GTO
1. Jeff Taylor (YAM YZF-R1)
2. Christopher Mousley (YAM YZF-R1)
3. Jake Ferdinand (APR RSV4)
4. Scott Christensen (YAM YZF-R6)
5. Nolan Kiiskila(KAW ZX-6R)
6. Joseph Ruck (SUZ GSX-R1000)
Trackstar Novice GTU
1. Scott Christensen (YAM YZF-R6)
2. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX-6R)
3. Landon Mattson (SUZ GSX-R600)
4. Zach Jenson (YAM YZF-R6)
5. Mario Fernandez (YAM YZF-R6)
6. Eliu Heredia (YAM YZF-R6)
Vortex Open Superbike
1. David Meyer (YAM YZF-R1)
2. Cole Phillips (KAW ZX-10R)
3. Kellen Birch (YAM YZF-R1)
4. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)
5. Marshall Miller (BMW S 1000 RR)
6. Kevin Dolan (KAW ZX-10R)
MotoUnited Open Superstock
1. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX-10R)
3. Steven Marco (YAM YZF-R1)
3. Cole Phillips (KAW ZX-10R)
4. Kellen Birch (YAM YZF-R1)
5. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)
Karl Malone Powersports Open Twins
1. Joshua Fisher (TRI 675R)
2. Donald Rothfuss (DUC 848)
3. Robert Jojola (DUC 999)
4. Jared Baird (DUC 1299)
TruSolace Production 500
1. Mark Taylor (KAW Ninja 400)
2. Brian Gerwe (KAW Ninja 400)
3. Ian Jenson (YAM YZF-R3)
4. Raab Gisseman (HON RS125)
Monarch Powersports Sportsman
1. Eliu Heredia (YAM YZF-R6)
2. Robert Jojola (DUC 999)
3. Jordan DeJarnett (YAM YZF-R6)
4. Jared Baird (DUC 1299)
5. Raab Gisseman (HON RS125)
6. Daniel Bodon (KAW ZX-6R)
Napa Auto Parts Tooele Stock 1000
1. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX-10R)
5. Cole Phillips (KAW ZX-10R)
3. Steven Marco (YAM YZF-R1)
4. Kellen Birch (YAM YZF-R1)
5. Jeff Taylor (YAM YZF-R1)
6. Joshua Snow (YAM YZF-R1)
Carbonsmith Super Street Bike
1. Victor Arias (YAM YZF-R1)
2. Alex Zinaich (YAM FZ1)
3. Remington Mathews (KTM Super Duke 1290R)
4. Robert Jojola (DUC 1199)
R.I.P. Race Promoter, Track Owner, Auto Retailer Bruton Smith
LEGENDARY BUSINESSMAN, PHILANTHROPIST AND NASCAR HALL OF FAMER BRUTON SMITH PASSES AWAY
A visionary and transformative figure in both business and entertainment, Ollen Bruton Smith, the founder and executive chairman of Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH), Speedway Motorsports and Speedway Children’s Charities died today of natural causes. He was 95.
Born March 2, 1927, Smith was the youngest of nine children and grew up on a modest farm in Oakboro, North Carolina. As a member of the Greatest Generation, Smith learned the value of hard work early in life. With an inspiring determination and relentless optimism, Smith built a business empire through the automotive and motorsports industries and left a legacy to inspire generations of his family, friends and colleagues.
“My parents taught us what work was all about,” Smith said in 2008. “As I look back, that was a gift, even though I certainly didn’t think so at the time. A lot of people don’t have that gift because they didn’t grow up working. But if you are on a family farm, that’s what you do. Everything is hard work.”
Smith founded Speedway Motorsports by consolidating his motorsports holdings in December 1994, and in February 1995, he made it the first motorsports company to trade on the New York Stock Exchange. Today the company owns and operates 11 motorsports entertainment facilities: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, Texas Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway and Kentucky Speedway.
Speedway Motorsports also owns and operates subsidiaries SMI Properties, U.S. Legend Cars International, Performance Racing Network and zMAX Micro Lubricants.
In January of 1997, Smith founded Sonic Automotive and took it public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:SAH) in November of the same year. In just a few years, Smith grew Sonic into one of the nation’s largest companies, and in 2000 it was first officially recognized as a Fortune 500 company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Sonic Automotive is now a Fortune 300 company and one of the nation’s largest automotive retailers with over 160 retail dealerships in over 23 states, representing 25 automotive brands. Since inception, Sonic Automotive dealerships have received many nationally recognized awards and accolades for exceeding customer satisfaction and automotive retail brand performance standards.
In 2014, Smith’s passion for automotive retail continued with the creation of EchoPark Automotive. A subsidiary of Sonic Automotive, EchoPark Automotive is the company’s high growth segment rooted in providing high quality pre-owned vehicles, while delivering a world-class guest experience. The company currently operates over 40 EchoPark Automotive locations nationwide.
Smith’s first job outside the family farm came at age 12 when he went to work at a local saw mill. Two days after graduating from Oakboro High School, Smith took a job in a hosiery mill, before he eventually made a purchase that would lead him to two successful business careers.
“I bought a race car for $700. The whole idea at that time was that I was going to be a race car driver,” Smith once explained. “I learned to drive, but that career didn’t last long.” Smith’s mother had other ideas and prayed to a higher authority. “She started fighting dirty,” laughed Smith in a 2005 interview with Motorsport.com. “You can’t fight your mom and God, so I stopped driving.”
Smith sold his first car, a 1939 Buick sedan, for a small profit and continued to sell cars from his mother’s front yard. The young entrepreneur also promoted his first race before he was 18 years old.
“There was a whole lot of unrest with the drivers and car owners at that time,” Smith continued. “We had a meeting and I was unlucky enough to be appointed a committee of one to promote a race. I had never done that, but I promoted a race in Midland, North Carolina, and I made a little bit of money, so I thought I’d try it again.”
In his early 20s, Smith’s career as promoter and car salesman took a turn when he was drafted by the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Smith served two years stateside as a paratrooper, then returned to selling cars and promoting auto races featuring the burgeoning National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). Through a rough era for the sport, Smith was one of the first professional promoters to pay good purses, tend to the needs of the fans and find unique ways to promote events at speedways he leased around North Carolina.
“I’m a frustrated builder who had a knack for promoting races and it’s been fun to always try and push the sport to greater heights for the fans,” Smith told the Associated Press in 2015.
In 1959, he partnered with NASCAR driver Curtis Turner and built his first permanent motorsports facility, Charlotte Motor Speedway. The track opened in June 1960 with a 600-mile race, the longest ever in NASCAR’s history.
In the years that followed, Smith found success opening several automotive dealerships. Opened in 1966, his first dealership was Frontier Ford in Rockford, Ill, where he married and started a family. While growing his automotive business, Smith’s passion for auto racing never wavered.
“I love the racing business. I want to contribute more and more,” Smith said in 2015. “You hear us preach about ‘fan friendly.’ I think that is a driver for me to just do more things. I enjoy the contributions I’ve been able to make to the sport.”
Under Smith’s innovative direction, Speedway Motorsports facilities were the first in racing to add condominiums, fine-dining Speedway Clubs, superspeedway lighting and giant high-definition video screens.
“When you think about the Charlotte Motor Speedway and Bristol, and tracks like New Hampshire and Sonoma and Atlanta, he’s been the best,” 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee and fellow automobile dealer Roger Penske told NASCAR.com in 2016. “There’s no question. He set the bar.”
“His mind is racing all the time; he’s done so much for the sport,” said Rick Hendrick, an auto dealer and fellow NASCAR Hall of Famer, in a 2016 interview with NASCAR.com. “He’s so brave to step out and try things that have never been tried before. He helped build this sport.”
Following a 2021 victory at zMAX Dragway, John Force dedicated the win to Smith.
“I love this guy and everything he’s done for our sport,” said the 16-time NHRA champion. “I’m excited I get to send this trophy home to somebody I love—a guy who built our sport.”
“I learned from my own experience that when people go to an event – like a big race – they may know who won the race, but all the other stuff they don’t remember,” Smith once said.
“I want to put something on so regardless who won the race, it will be a memorable experience. We’re here to entertain fans, and I want them to go home with a memory that will last forever.”
A true entrepreneur at heart, Smith had a passion for growing people and business. His love of the automobile and racing businesses drove him to continually build and expand, all while taking care of his family and co-workers.
Among his accolades, Smith was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s 2016 class. In 2007, he was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and he became a member of the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame in 2006.
Even with his many accomplishments in motorsports, Smith often commented that the auto retail business was his first love and maintained his primary office at his Town & Country Ford dealership in Charlotte throughout his distinguished career.
“You have trophies, you have championships, you have wins, but friends are what really make the difference,” fellow NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Darrell Waltrip said about Smith in 2019. “Bruton Smith has been one of my heroes since I started racing in NASCAR in 1972.”
In addition to his business interests, Smith founded Speedway Children’s Charities in 1982 as a memoriam and legacy to his son, Bruton Cameron Smith, who passed away at a very young age. Given his experience, Smith became passionate about wanting to help children in need and Speedway Children’s Charities was created to focus on serving communities surrounding Speedway Motorsports race tracks. Speedway Children’s Charities chapters work with organizations to identify and resolve pressing issues ranging from learning disabilities and broken homes to hunger and childhood cancer.
Under Smith’s leadership, Speedway Children’s Charities has distributed more than $61 million to local organizations across the country that improve the quality of life for children in need.
Survivors include sons Scott, Marcus and David; his daughter, Anna Lisa; their mother, Bonnie Smith; and seven grandchildren. Information regarding funeral arrangements will be released at a later date.
Moto3: Munoz Leads Wet FP1 At Assen
MotoE: Granado On The Gas In Wet FP1 At Assen
Dunlop Named Official Tire Of Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Dunlop Motorcycle Tires will be the Official Tire of the 2022 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, which takes place at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Ill., July 7-13.
“Everyone at Dunlop is thrilled about the resurgence of the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, and we are happy to be the Official Tire of the event,” said Dunlop Amateur Motocross/Flat Track Support Manager Rob Fox. “We recently extended our highly successful MX amateur Team Dunlop Elite support program to flat track enthusiasts, as we want to see flat track roots grow from the bottom up. The Flat Track Grand Championship is the perfect event to help grow the sport and show off our newly released 17-inch DT4 tires.”
For more than 100 years, Dunlop has led the industry in tire innovation, introducing the first use of Kevlar belts in motorcycle tires and producing the first original-equipment radial street tire. The company continues to lead the industry with revolutionary firsts.
Dunlop also holds over 100 national championships in many forms of motorcycle racing, such as AMA Supercross, motocross and off-road competition.
“Dunlop’s many championships, which include those won by both pro and amateur racers, are impressive, and we appreciate them supporting amateur flat track racing at the Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship this year,” said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant.
The AMA FTGC 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. This year’s event will feature AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and On Any Sunday star David Aldana as Grand Marshal. Aldana plans to strap on his own steel shoe to race the Du Quoin Mile, which will be his first time racing a Mile event since his On Any Sunday days.
AMA National No. 1 plates will be awarded to racers in each class who have the highest number of points across all four disciplines of flat track racing: Mile, Half-Mile, Short Track and TT.
Special awards that will be presented at the end of the event program include 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.
To learn more about Dunlop Tire, visit DunlopMotorcycleTires.com.
For more information on the upcoming AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, visit https://americanmotorcyclist.com/events-4/ama-flat-track-grand-championship/ and look for the latest event updates on AmericanMotorcyclist.com and the AMA’s social media channels.
Racers can pre-register for the event at https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/ftgc/.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
MotoGP: City Of Assen Honors Quartararo
Walk of Fame: Quartararo takes his place in Assen history
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) was on hand at a special ceremony to help unveil the City of Assen’s new Walk of Fame on Thursday. The walk, located in the city centre, will eventually feature large bronze plaques bearing the names of each of the riders who have taken victory in the Assen TT since it began way back in 1925.
From its beginnings as a long street circuit before it was part of the World Championship to the shorter but no less incredible track that exists today, there is no doubt Assen is a special part of the calendar – and it’s been part of it every year since 1949, barring its pandemic-obliged stint on the sidelines in 2020.
The first two plaques to have been laid are for Quartararo, who won last year’s race, and Piet van Wijngaarden, who won in 1925 and also 1926.
Eventually, the names of all of the riders who have triumphed in the Assen TT will be featured in bronze in what will form a walking route through the city. For now, two are located at the intersection of Kerkstraat and Torenlaan, and Quartararo was touched by the honour.
“That’s pretty cool,” said the 2021 World Champion. “I mean, it’s quite big. I saw before coming some pictures on social media, but I didn’t expect it to be that big. It was super nice and I was impressed by this plate. It will be a great memory and of course, it is a big pleasure because as a rider, to win in Assen is something big, something that for me means a lot and it’s only the first one. So, I hope I can win many more!”
MotoAmerica: Petrucci Undecided About 2023 Racing Plans
European media outlets are reporting that Danilo Petrucci, the current MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship leader, may join the Aruba.it Ducati World Superbike team next year, but the 31-year-old Italian says his 2023 racing plans are undecided.
“For sure, Ducati is following us really close [and] is helping us. I know that I am one of the riders on the list,” Petrucci exclusively told Roadracingworld.com Thursday in the paddock at Ridge Motorsports Park, site of this weekend’s MotoAmerica event. “I got the chance also last year, but last year after MotoGP I needed a bit of rest to, let’s say, take the level a little bit down. Not the riding but less pressure. For a rider, racing in [World] Superbike is like racing in MotoGP. I don’t want any more to have this kind of pressure.
“First of all, I want to win this Championship, and then I decide. I don’t think Ducati [is in a] hurry to know the name of the second rider, and especially from my point of view, I need to understand what I like to do.
“At the moment, to tell the truth, I have no idea about it. I really don’t know what Championship I will do next year, but it is something I don’t want to be in a hurry and take a decision now because I want to have a clear idea.
“Let’s see. I think I want to continue racing, but I don’t know in what Championship. For sure, I told the Ducati guys I will not go in the Dakar next year because it is too tough. If I want to, for example, [race in] MotoAmerica next year, going to the Dakar and the preparation and then leaving again for MotoAmerica, it’s too much. I am not any more a young boy. I need a bit of rest.”
MotoAmerica: Previews Of The Other Classes Racing At “The Ridge”
Ridge Support Class Preview: Herrin, Barry All Clear But The Rest Are Up For Grabs
MotoAmerica Support Classes Promise Intense Battles From Top To Bottom In Dynapac MotoAmerica Superbikes At The Ridge Event
IRVINE, CA (June 23, 2022) – Coincidentally, the only two of the five MotoAmerica Championships that aren’t close as the series heads to round five of the series at Ridge Motorsports Park in the Pacific Northwest feature identical 51-point leads for the two riders at the top. Those two championships are Supersport and Twins Cup. Those two riders are Josh Herrin and Jody Barry.
The closest of the championships heading to Washington State and the Dynapac MotoAmerica Superbikes At The Ridge event is the Yuasa Stock 1000 class with just six points separating first from second. In the Medallia Superbike class, just seven points separate Danilo Petrucci from his nearest pursuer Mathew Scholtz. In the SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup class, 17 points separate the top two.
Supersport – All Herrin. So Far.
With five podium finishes in the six races held thus far, Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC’s Josh Herrin has been dominant. Three of those podiums have been victories and his only non-podium was a fourth-place finish in race one at VIRginia International Raceway.
And it’s not that his pursuers have been slow. Quite the opposite, actually. In fact, four different riders have won races in 2022 on four different makes of motorcycles. What separates Herrin from the rest is a lack of consistency, not a lack of parity.
Landers Racing’s Rocco Landers sits second in the series point standings after six races with 73 points to Herrin’s 124. Landers has finished third on three occasions but was fourth and fifth in two of the other three. At the last round at Road America, Landers only managed to score a single point in race two.
And that single point was one more than the two also trying to chase down Herrin – the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki duo of Tyler Scott and Sam Lochoff – with both riders failing to finish race two at Road America.
Scott is third, just one point behind Landers and with three podiums and a victory on his scorecard. Just 16 years old, Scott can’t be faulted for making mistakes and he’s made two. But he should also be praised for scoring a victory in race one at Road America in what was just his fifth career Supersport race.
Thus far, Scott has outpaced his teammate Lochoff, but the South African has been riding injured. Still, Lochoff has two podiums to his credit and is just six points behind Scott.
Australian Luke Power is fifth in the title chase after his second-place finish in race two at Road America in iffy conditions. Power and his 3D Motorsports LLC Suzuki GSX-R750 are six points behind Lochoff and just one point ahead of N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto’s Kevin Olmedo, who has shown newfound consistency with finishes in each of the six races so far.
The two others to win Supersport races in 2022 are four-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes (race one at VIR) and Kawasaki ZX-6R-mounted Jason Farrell, who scored an upset victory in the rain in race two at Road America.
Yuasa Stock 1000 – Still Gillim
Just when it looked like Hayden Gillim was going to step up and take control of the Yuasa Stock 1000 Championship, the veteran’s Disrupt Racing Suzuki had a mechanical problem in the lone Stock 1000 race at Road America and his big lead in the championship was suddenly whittled down to just six points.
And there’s now a gaggle of riders in with a shot of contesting the championship as the series heads to Ridge Motorsports Park.
Tytlers Cycle/RideHVMC Racing’s Travis Wyman is at the top of the heap, just one point ahead of VisionWheel/DiscountTire/KWS’s Geoff May. Wyman’s teammate Corey Alexander arrives in Washington fresh off his second victory of the year at Road America and with a renewed sense of championship possibilities. The New Yorker is now just 13 points behind Gillim in the title chase.
SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup – Wyman In Charge
With his three race wins out of six races, Alpha Omega’s Cody Wyman heads the chasing pack in the SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup Championship by 17 points over Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing’s Gus Rodio, who is the only rider in the top six to score points in all six races.
Rodio, however, doesn’t have it easy as three racers are within eight points of his tenacious hold on second in the title chase. Those three are SportbikeTrackGear.com teammates Joseph LiMandri Jr. and Max Van and Altus Motorsports’ Kayla Yaakov.
With four podiums, including two wins, LiMandri is one point behind Rodio and one point ahead of his teammate with Van scoring two victories and one other podium thus far. Yaakov, meanwhile, has three podiums to her credit and is just six points behind Van and 12 ahead of Calshine Racing’s Aden Thao.
Twins Cup – Barry, Barry Good
There have been six Twins Cup races held thus far in 2022 and two of those were at Daytona International Speedway. Those were the only two races Jody Barry didn’t win.
Since Daytona, Barry and his Veloce Racing Aprilia RS 660 have been perfect with the youngster from Lake in the Hills, Illinois, winning four straight races as the series heads to Ridge Motorsports Park.
Oh, and he was also fifth and second in the two races he didn’t win at Daytona.
All that amounts to a 51-point lead in the championship over Rodio Racing/Warhorse HSBK Racing’s Anthony Mazziotto, the New Jerseyan also mounted on an Aprilia RS 660.
While Barry thus far has had things all his way, the battle behind him is fierce as Mazziotto leads Cycle Tech’s Hayden Schultz by just 11 points, Daytona race-one winner Blake Davis and his N2 Racing/BobbleHead Moto Yamaha YZF-R7 by 16 points and Robem Engineering’s Teagg Hobbs by 17.
Mini Cup By Motul – Wide Open
With just one round and two races under their belts, the riders contesting the Mini Cup by Motul Championships are all in with a fighting chance.
As expected, the biggest of the classes is the 160 class and that is being led by American Racing’s Kensei Matsudaira, though the Californian hasn’t been perfect as Macc Racing/Broward Motorsports Tequesta’s Mac MacClugage also won a race in the series opener at Road America a few weeks ago. Matsudaira leads by nine points. Nathan Gouker Racing’s Nathan Gouker is just three points behind MacClugage and four ahead of Xtreme Autoglass Pros’ Ryder Davis.
Gouker, meanwhile, leads the way in the 110 class by 10 points over Anthony Lupo Jr. Racing’s Anthony Lupo Jr. after his two wins in Wisconsin. MacClugage is third in the 110 class after two podium finishes at Road America.
Jesses James Racing’s Jesse James Shedden was perfect in the 190 class in the series opener at Road America with the Californian topping Matsudaira both times out. American Racing’s Joshua Raymond finished third in the two races.
Ridge Motorsports Park Pre-Race Support Class Notes…
Sean Dylan Kelly won both of the Supersport races at Ridge last year, the Suzuki rider besting his rival Richie Escalante in both races en route to taking the championship. Kelly is now racing in the Moto2 World Championship and Escalante has made the move to the Medallia Superbike Championship with Kelly’s former team, Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki.
With two Yuasa Stock 1000 races scheduled for Ridge, this round of the championship could prove vital. If you predicted this year’s outcome on last year’s results, you’d have to pick Corey Alexander, the winner of both races a year ago in Washington. Alexander beat Jake Lewis in race one and Ashton Yates in race two.
Max Toth and eventual series champion Tyler Scott split wins in last year’s two SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup races at Ridge.
Jackson Blackmon was unstoppable with wins in both Twins Cup races a year ago at Ridge. Blackmon is currently recovering at home after suffering leg injuries in a crash at Road America.
In Mini Cup action from a year ago, Kensei Matsudaira was perfect in the two 110 class races and both of the 160 races. In the 190 class, Jesse James Shedden and Travis Horn split the two wins.
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes 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 on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
More, from a press release issued by Ducati North America:
MotoAmerica Supersport Round 4 – Josh Herrin in Dream Land as He Rides Into The Ridge
Josh Herrin is loving life on the Ducati Panigale V2 as the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship heads to The Ridge in Washington State for round four
Sunnyvale, Calif. – Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC) is in a purple patch of his distinguished career as he and his florescent red Ducati Panigale gel like dance partners on the racetracks of America in 2022.
The former AMA Superbike Champion heads to the round four of the series in command of the points table on 124, a substantial 51 clear of Yamaha’s Rocco Landers meaning he’s already more than a full round of points ahead of the chasing pack.
Following a test after Road America, Herrin and the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC team believe they have found the optimum set-up in this learning year for the Ducati V2 platform as they aim to take another round win as the series reaches its halfway point.
Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Ducati – #2):
“I’m stoked to ride the V2 at The Ridge and we have the right bike to be on,” Herrin said. “At some tracks we’ve had to take our time to get the set-up right as this is an all-new platform for us. But, with the MotoAmerica rules as they are for this year, I think a shorter, more technical circuit will suit the characteristics of the V2 perfectly. This year has been one of those years that reminds me why I wanted to be a motorcycle racer when I was growing up as a kid. I’m just hoping to keep that feeling going for the rest of the year.”
Round four of the 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship kicks off with practice on Friday, June 24 with race one scheduled for 2:10 pm (PDT) on Saturday, June 25. Race two is scheduled for 2:10 pm (PDT) on Sunday, June 26.
MotoGP: There Will Not Be Practice Friday Morning At Motegi
Grand Prix of Japan: Time Schedule changes
Thursday, 23 June 2022
The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports are obliged to announce changes to the Friday schedule at the Grand Prix of Japan.
Due to the logistical challenges posed by the Grand Prix being staged back-to-back with the Grand Prix of Aragon, as well as potential delays caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its effect on airspace, it has been decided to not run practice sessions for the Grand Prix classes – MotoGP™, Moto2™ and Moto3™ – on Friday morning.
Instead, Moto3™ FP1 will begin at 13:15 local time, Moto2™ at 14:10 and MotoGP™ at 15:05. This single MotoGP™ FP1 session that will now take place on Friday afternoon has been extended from 45 to 75 minutes. The time extension is for the premier class only.
The combined results for entry into Q1 and Q2 will be taken from FP1 and FP2 for all Grand Prix classes.
Fan activities will be planned with Grand Prix riders on Friday morning, giving fans at the track a chance to interact with their heroes as MotoGP™ returns to Japan for the first time since 2019.
There will also be track action at the Mobility Resort Motegi from 9:00 local time on Friday as the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup gets the race weekend underway with FP1, FP2 and qualifying for their third round of 2022.
After three years away, the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship looks forward to returning to race in Japan; on home turf for several MotoGP™ factories and in front of one of the most passionate, dedicated crowds on our calendar.
MotoGP: Assen Is A Special Track For Bagnaia & Miller
MotoGP arrives in the Netherlands at the TT Circuit Assen for the eleventh round of the 2022 season, before the summer break
Less than seven days after the German GP, the Ducati Lenovo Team riders are ready to return to the track in Assen for the Dutch GP, the eleventh round of the 2022 MotoGP season, before the summer break that will last until the end of July.
As always, the famous TT Circuit Assen, also known as The Cathedral of Speed and which has been on the calendar since 1949 – the debut year of the Championship – will be hosting the event. Ducati has only won at Assen on one occasion so far, in 2008 with Casey Stoner, while there are seven podiums in total and three pole positions taken by the Borgo Panigale manufacturer in Holland.
For Francesco Bagnaia, who suffered a crash in the German Grand Prix, the Dutch track is a place full of good memories. The Italian rider scored his first victory here in the 2016 Moto3 World Championship. Pecco is confident that he can be competitive this year in Holland and is aiming for a good race result with his Desmosedici GP. Jack Miller also returns to Assen to be among the weekend’s protagonists after his excellent performance last Sunday at the Sachsenring, where he finished third on the podium.
After the first ten Grands Prix of the season, Pecco Bagnaia and Jack Miller are sixth and seventh in the Championship, tied on points. Ducati leads the manufacturer’s standings, while the Ducati Lenovo Team is fourth in the team standings.
Francesco Bagnaia (#63 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 6th (81 points)
“I’m happy to be back on track this weekend at Assen: it’s a special track for me because it was here that I took my first win in the World Championship. I even have it tattooed on my arm! Unfortunately, we struggled a lot last year, but I am convinced that things will be different this year. Even in Germany, we were not among the favourites, but in the end, we were very competitive at the Sachsenring throughout the weekend. That’s why I’m even more disappointed about the crash in the race because up until then, everything had been perfect. I want to make up for it here in Holland and end on a positive note this first part of the season, before the summer break.”
Jack Miller (#43 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 7th (81 points)
“I’m excited to be racing in Holland again. I have great memories of this track, as I took my first MotoGP win here. After the Barcelona test, we took big steps forward, which helped me find a good feeling with the Desmosedici GP, allowing me to be competitive in the last race in Germany. I hope to find these sensations again here at Assen. The weather is predicting rain, so the track conditions will be decisive on Sunday. In any case, I’m ready to face the last GP of the first part of the season.”
The Ducati Lenovo Team will take to the track for FP1 at the TT Circuit Assen this Friday, 24th June, at 9:55am local time. The Dutch GP will get underway on Sunday, 26th June at 14:00 CEST, over a 26-lap distance.
Circuit information
Country: Netherlands
Name: TT Circuit Assen
Best lap: Quartararo (Yamaha), 1:32.869 (176.0 km/h) – 2021
Circuit record: Viñales (Yamaha), 1:31.814 (178.0 km/h) – 2021
Top speed: Iannone (Ducati), 319.8 km/h – 2015
Track length: 4.555 km
Race distance: 26 laps (118.1 km)
Corners: 18 (6 left, 12 right)
2021 results
Podium: 1° Quartararo (Yamaha), 2° Viñales (Yamaha), 3° Mir (Suzuki)
Pole Position: Viñales (Yamaha), 1:31.814 (178.0 km/h)
Fastest lap: Quartararo (Yamaha), 1:32.869 (176.0 km/h)
Rider Information
Francesco Bagnaia
Bike: Ducati Desmosedici GP
Race Number: 63
GPs Started: 162 (57 x MotoGP, 36 x Moto2, 69 x Moto3)
First GP: Qatar 2019 (MotoGP), Qatar 2017 (Moto2), Qatar 2013 (Moto3)
Wins: 16 (6 MotoGP + 8 Moto2 + 2 Moto3)
First GP win: Aragón 2021 (MotoGP), Qatar 2018 (Moto2), Olanda 2016 (Moto3)
Pole positions: 16 (9 MotoGP + 6 Moto2 + 1 Moto3)
First pole: Qatar 2021 (MotoGP), Francia 2018 (Moto2), Gran Bretagna 2016 (Moto3)
World Titles: 1 (Moto2, 2018)
Jack Miller
Bike: Ducati Desmosedici GP
Race Number: 43
GPs Started: 182 (127 x MotoGP, 49 x Moto3, 6 x 125 cc)
First GP: Qatar 2015 (MotoGP), Qatar 2012 (Moto3), Germania 2011 (125 cc)
Wins: 9 (3 MotoGP + 6 Moto3)
First GP win: Olanda 2016 (MotoGP), Qatar 2014 (Moto3)
Pole positions: 9 (1 MotoGP + 8 Moto3)
First pole: Argentina 2018 (MotoGP), America 2014 (Moto3)
World Titles: –
Championship Information
Riders’ Standings
Francesco Bagnaia (#63 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 6º (81 points)
Jack Miller (#43 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 7º (81 points)
Manufacturers’ Standings
Ducati – 1º (221 points)
Teams’ Standings
Ducati Lenovo Team – 4° (162 points)
UtahSBA: Norton Comes From Behind To Win Again
Round 3 of the Utah Motorcycle Law Masters of the Mountains series was held on June 18 at Utah Motorcycle Campus on the East track configuration.
In a replay of round two qualifying, King of the Mountain series points leader Anthony Norton would qualify his Apex Assassins ZX-10R on pole with a fast lap time of 1:36.7. When it was time to race, Norton would make life more difficult for himself by being late to pre-grid, forcing him to start from the hot pit.
As the pack roared into Turn One, it would be Dave Meyer in first with Cole Phillips and Alex Zinaich in second and third, respectively. Norton would be the last competitor through Turn One as a consequence of his hot-pit starting position. Norton’s dead-last placing would not last for long as he put his head down in a furious chase, moving all the way up to fifth by Turn Eight of lap two.
Norton’s pace would not relent as he moved up to third by the start of lap three and second on Turn Seven of the same lap. On lap four Norton would set the fastest lap of the race at 1:34.6 and secure a lead he would not relinquish for the rest of the race. Behind Norton, Meyer and Phillips would run unchallenged in second and third, respectively, for the remainder of the race.
After the race Norton was quick to credit Moto Station SLC for their Pirelli tire trackside service and their combined contribution to his race victory.
Behind the lead trio of Norton, Meyer, and Phillips, Remington Mathews would mount an impressive charge starting at half race distance. Beginning in seventh and passing racers Lee McNutt and Alex Zinaich to finish fourth overall. Kellen Birch would try a hair-raising pass on Kevin Dolan in Turn One of lap five that would ultimately prove unsuccessful. From there Birch would have to settle for eighth overall as Dolan finished seventh.
In the afternoon’s Vortex Open Superbike race Kevin Dolan would win the holeshot, with David Meyer hot on his heels and Stephen Marco trailing in third. Meyer would be in the lead by Turn Seven and Cole Phillips would move ahead of Marco. At the end of lap one the running order would be Meyer, Dolan, Phillips. Phillips and Kellen Birch would have a great battle for third, swapping spots multiple times before Phillips was able to break away and open a gap. By the midpoint of the race Phillips, at this point in third, had caught up to Dolan running second, and would pull through in Turn Eight. The running order now Meyer, Phillips, Dolan. Dolan’s hold on third place would prove precarious though, as Birch trailing in fourth would move past Dolan into third for a podium order of Meyer, Phillips, Birch.
As the track went cold, Utah Sport Bike Association racers gathered together for our traditional post-race BBQ to chew the fat and make plans for Round 4 being held July ninth at Utah Motorsports Campus on the West track configuration.
The Utah Sport Bike Association wants to wish the best of luck to racer Anthony Norton in his upcoming campaign with MotoAmerica, competing in their upcoming round at Ridge Motorsports Park.
As always, the Utah Sport Bike Association is able to race with the help of our families, volunteers, and of course our sponsors. We wish to express a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all of you who make our series possible. We can’t wait to see you all at Round 4!
The Utah Sport Bike Association is a Utah Non-Profit dedicated to promoting education, safe riding, and competition in the Intermountain West. You can find more information about the USBA, upcoming events, and schools at www.utahsba.com or find us on Facebook.
Results:
Motostation/Moto United KOM Overall:
1. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX-10R)
2. David Meyer (YAM YZF-R1)
3. Cole Phillips (KAW ZX-10R)
4. Remington Mathews (BMW S 1000 RR)
5. Alex Zinaich (YAM YZF-R1)
6. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)
Motostation KOM GTO:
1. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX-10R)
2. David Meyer (YAM YZF-R1)
3. Cole Phillips (KAW ZX-10R)
4. Remington Mathews (BMW S 1000 RR)
5. Alex Zinaich (YAM YZF-R1)
6. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)
Moto United KOM GTU:
1. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX-6R)
AZ Riding Academy Combined GTO
1. Joshua Snow (YAM YZF-R1)
2. Gilbert Gonzalez (KAW ZX-10R)
3. Jeff Taylor (YAM YZF-R1)
4. Christopher Mousley (YAM YZF-R1)
5. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)
6. Jake Ferdinand (APR RSV4)
Off Highway Van Combined GTU
1. Joshua Fisher (TRI 675R)
2. Chayce Lance (YAM YZF-R6)
3. Scott Christensen (YAM YZF-R6)
4. Brian Gerwe (HON CBR600RR)
5. Mario Fernandez (YAM YZF-R6)
6. Donald Rothfuss (YAM YZF-R6)
The Edge Powersports Deseret Dash – Expert
1. David Meyer (YAM YZF-R1)
2. Steven Marco (YAM YZF-R1)
3. Joshua Snow (YAM YZF-R1)
4. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)
5. Marshall Miller (BMW S 1000 RR)
6. Joshua Fisher (TRI 675R)
The Edge Powersports Deseret Dash – Novice
1. Mario Fernandez (YAM YZF-R6)
2. Brian Gerwe (HON CBR600RR)
3. Landon Mattson (SUZ GSX-R600)
4. Zach Jenson (YAM YZF-R6)
5. Russell Carpenter (YAM YZF-R6)
Harrison Eurosports Formula 40 – GTO
1. David Meyer (HON CBR1000RR)
2. Jeff Taylor (YAM YZF-R1)
3. Kevin Dolan (KAW ZX-10R)
4. Christopher Mousley (YAM YZF-R1)
Harrison Eurosports Formula 40 – GTU
1. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)
2. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX-6R)
3. Eliu Heredia (YAM YZF-R6)
4. Phil O’Bryan (KAW ZX-6R)
5. Dustin Lance (YAM YZF-R6)
Velosio Lightweight Superbike
1. Mark Taylor (KAW Ninja 400)
2. Raab Gisseman (HON RS125)
The Weekend Garage Middleweight Superbike
1. Joshua Fisher (TRI 675R)
2. Andrew Skov (HON CBR600RR)
Toxic Moto Racing Middleweight Superstock
1. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX-6R)
2. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)
3. Joshua Fisher (TRI 675R)
4. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX-6R)
5. Nicholas Koken (YAM YZF-R6)
6. Alex Hatfield (YAM YZF-R6)
The Mechanic Modern Vintage – GTO
1. Joshua Snow (YAM YZF-R1)
2. Kevin Dolan (SUZ GSX-R1000)
3. Marshall Miller (BMW S 1000 RR)
4. Dave Loynd (HON CBR1000RR)
5. Robert Jojola (DUC 999)
The Mechanic Modern Vintage – GTU
1. Joshua Fisher (TRI 675R)
2. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX-6R)
3. Stuart Clotworthy (YAM YZF-R6)
4. Daniel Bodon (KAW ZX-6R)
5. Phil O’Bryan (KAW ZX-6R)
6. Brian Gerwe (HON CBR600RR)
Karl Malone Powersports Moto 2
1. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX-6R)
2. Joshua Fisher (TRI 675R)
3. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX-6R)
4. Scott Christensen (YAM YZF-R6)
5. Nicholas Koken (YAM YZF-R6)
6. Landon Mattson (SUZ GSX-R600)
Redline Realty Moto 3
1. Mark Taylor (KAW Ninja 400)
2. Brian Gerwe (KAW Ninja 400)
3. Raab Gisseman (HON RS125)
4. Ian Jenson (YAM YZF-R3)
Legion of Speed Novice GTO
1. Jeff Taylor (YAM YZF-R1)
2. Christopher Mousley (YAM YZF-R1)
3. Jake Ferdinand (APR RSV4)
4. Scott Christensen (YAM YZF-R6)
5. Nolan Kiiskila(KAW ZX-6R)
6. Joseph Ruck (SUZ GSX-R1000)
Trackstar Novice GTU
1. Scott Christensen (YAM YZF-R6)
2. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX-6R)
3. Landon Mattson (SUZ GSX-R600)
4. Zach Jenson (YAM YZF-R6)
5. Mario Fernandez (YAM YZF-R6)
6. Eliu Heredia (YAM YZF-R6)
Vortex Open Superbike
1. David Meyer (YAM YZF-R1)
2. Cole Phillips (KAW ZX-10R)
3. Kellen Birch (YAM YZF-R1)
4. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)
5. Marshall Miller (BMW S 1000 RR)
6. Kevin Dolan (KAW ZX-10R)
MotoUnited Open Superstock
1. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX-10R)
3. Steven Marco (YAM YZF-R1)
3. Cole Phillips (KAW ZX-10R)
4. Kellen Birch (YAM YZF-R1)
5. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)
Karl Malone Powersports Open Twins
1. Joshua Fisher (TRI 675R)
2. Donald Rothfuss (DUC 848)
3. Robert Jojola (DUC 999)
4. Jared Baird (DUC 1299)
TruSolace Production 500
1. Mark Taylor (KAW Ninja 400)
2. Brian Gerwe (KAW Ninja 400)
3. Ian Jenson (YAM YZF-R3)
4. Raab Gisseman (HON RS125)
Monarch Powersports Sportsman
1. Eliu Heredia (YAM YZF-R6)
2. Robert Jojola (DUC 999)
3. Jordan DeJarnett (YAM YZF-R6)
4. Jared Baird (DUC 1299)
5. Raab Gisseman (HON RS125)
6. Daniel Bodon (KAW ZX-6R)
Napa Auto Parts Tooele Stock 1000
1. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX-10R)
5. Cole Phillips (KAW ZX-10R)
3. Steven Marco (YAM YZF-R1)
4. Kellen Birch (YAM YZF-R1)
5. Jeff Taylor (YAM YZF-R1)
6. Joshua Snow (YAM YZF-R1)
Carbonsmith Super Street Bike
1. Victor Arias (YAM YZF-R1)
2. Alex Zinaich (YAM FZ1)
3. Remington Mathews (KTM Super Duke 1290R)
4. Robert Jojola (DUC 1199)
R.I.P. Race Promoter, Track Owner, Auto Retailer Bruton Smith
LEGENDARY BUSINESSMAN, PHILANTHROPIST AND NASCAR HALL OF FAMER BRUTON SMITH PASSES AWAY
A visionary and transformative figure in both business and entertainment, Ollen Bruton Smith, the founder and executive chairman of Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH), Speedway Motorsports and Speedway Children’s Charities died today of natural causes. He was 95.
Born March 2, 1927, Smith was the youngest of nine children and grew up on a modest farm in Oakboro, North Carolina. As a member of the Greatest Generation, Smith learned the value of hard work early in life. With an inspiring determination and relentless optimism, Smith built a business empire through the automotive and motorsports industries and left a legacy to inspire generations of his family, friends and colleagues.
“My parents taught us what work was all about,” Smith said in 2008. “As I look back, that was a gift, even though I certainly didn’t think so at the time. A lot of people don’t have that gift because they didn’t grow up working. But if you are on a family farm, that’s what you do. Everything is hard work.”
Smith founded Speedway Motorsports by consolidating his motorsports holdings in December 1994, and in February 1995, he made it the first motorsports company to trade on the New York Stock Exchange. Today the company owns and operates 11 motorsports entertainment facilities: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, Texas Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway and Kentucky Speedway.
Speedway Motorsports also owns and operates subsidiaries SMI Properties, U.S. Legend Cars International, Performance Racing Network and zMAX Micro Lubricants.
In January of 1997, Smith founded Sonic Automotive and took it public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:SAH) in November of the same year. In just a few years, Smith grew Sonic into one of the nation’s largest companies, and in 2000 it was first officially recognized as a Fortune 500 company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Sonic Automotive is now a Fortune 300 company and one of the nation’s largest automotive retailers with over 160 retail dealerships in over 23 states, representing 25 automotive brands. Since inception, Sonic Automotive dealerships have received many nationally recognized awards and accolades for exceeding customer satisfaction and automotive retail brand performance standards.
In 2014, Smith’s passion for automotive retail continued with the creation of EchoPark Automotive. A subsidiary of Sonic Automotive, EchoPark Automotive is the company’s high growth segment rooted in providing high quality pre-owned vehicles, while delivering a world-class guest experience. The company currently operates over 40 EchoPark Automotive locations nationwide.
Smith’s first job outside the family farm came at age 12 when he went to work at a local saw mill. Two days after graduating from Oakboro High School, Smith took a job in a hosiery mill, before he eventually made a purchase that would lead him to two successful business careers.
“I bought a race car for $700. The whole idea at that time was that I was going to be a race car driver,” Smith once explained. “I learned to drive, but that career didn’t last long.” Smith’s mother had other ideas and prayed to a higher authority. “She started fighting dirty,” laughed Smith in a 2005 interview with Motorsport.com. “You can’t fight your mom and God, so I stopped driving.”
Smith sold his first car, a 1939 Buick sedan, for a small profit and continued to sell cars from his mother’s front yard. The young entrepreneur also promoted his first race before he was 18 years old.
“There was a whole lot of unrest with the drivers and car owners at that time,” Smith continued. “We had a meeting and I was unlucky enough to be appointed a committee of one to promote a race. I had never done that, but I promoted a race in Midland, North Carolina, and I made a little bit of money, so I thought I’d try it again.”
In his early 20s, Smith’s career as promoter and car salesman took a turn when he was drafted by the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Smith served two years stateside as a paratrooper, then returned to selling cars and promoting auto races featuring the burgeoning National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). Through a rough era for the sport, Smith was one of the first professional promoters to pay good purses, tend to the needs of the fans and find unique ways to promote events at speedways he leased around North Carolina.
“I’m a frustrated builder who had a knack for promoting races and it’s been fun to always try and push the sport to greater heights for the fans,” Smith told the Associated Press in 2015.
In 1959, he partnered with NASCAR driver Curtis Turner and built his first permanent motorsports facility, Charlotte Motor Speedway. The track opened in June 1960 with a 600-mile race, the longest ever in NASCAR’s history.
In the years that followed, Smith found success opening several automotive dealerships. Opened in 1966, his first dealership was Frontier Ford in Rockford, Ill, where he married and started a family. While growing his automotive business, Smith’s passion for auto racing never wavered.
“I love the racing business. I want to contribute more and more,” Smith said in 2015. “You hear us preach about ‘fan friendly.’ I think that is a driver for me to just do more things. I enjoy the contributions I’ve been able to make to the sport.”
Under Smith’s innovative direction, Speedway Motorsports facilities were the first in racing to add condominiums, fine-dining Speedway Clubs, superspeedway lighting and giant high-definition video screens.
“When you think about the Charlotte Motor Speedway and Bristol, and tracks like New Hampshire and Sonoma and Atlanta, he’s been the best,” 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee and fellow automobile dealer Roger Penske told NASCAR.com in 2016. “There’s no question. He set the bar.”
“His mind is racing all the time; he’s done so much for the sport,” said Rick Hendrick, an auto dealer and fellow NASCAR Hall of Famer, in a 2016 interview with NASCAR.com. “He’s so brave to step out and try things that have never been tried before. He helped build this sport.”
Following a 2021 victory at zMAX Dragway, John Force dedicated the win to Smith.
“I love this guy and everything he’s done for our sport,” said the 16-time NHRA champion. “I’m excited I get to send this trophy home to somebody I love—a guy who built our sport.”
“I learned from my own experience that when people go to an event – like a big race – they may know who won the race, but all the other stuff they don’t remember,” Smith once said.
“I want to put something on so regardless who won the race, it will be a memorable experience. We’re here to entertain fans, and I want them to go home with a memory that will last forever.”
A true entrepreneur at heart, Smith had a passion for growing people and business. His love of the automobile and racing businesses drove him to continually build and expand, all while taking care of his family and co-workers.
Among his accolades, Smith was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s 2016 class. In 2007, he was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and he became a member of the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame in 2006.
Even with his many accomplishments in motorsports, Smith often commented that the auto retail business was his first love and maintained his primary office at his Town & Country Ford dealership in Charlotte throughout his distinguished career.
“You have trophies, you have championships, you have wins, but friends are what really make the difference,” fellow NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Darrell Waltrip said about Smith in 2019. “Bruton Smith has been one of my heroes since I started racing in NASCAR in 1972.”
In addition to his business interests, Smith founded Speedway Children’s Charities in 1982 as a memoriam and legacy to his son, Bruton Cameron Smith, who passed away at a very young age. Given his experience, Smith became passionate about wanting to help children in need and Speedway Children’s Charities was created to focus on serving communities surrounding Speedway Motorsports race tracks. Speedway Children’s Charities chapters work with organizations to identify and resolve pressing issues ranging from learning disabilities and broken homes to hunger and childhood cancer.
Under Smith’s leadership, Speedway Children’s Charities has distributed more than $61 million to local organizations across the country that improve the quality of life for children in need.
Survivors include sons Scott, Marcus and David; his daughter, Anna Lisa; their mother, Bonnie Smith; and seven grandchildren. Information regarding funeral arrangements will be released at a later date.