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World Supersport: New Honda CBR600RR Granted Homologation Waiver
Statement on HONDA WorldSSP (CBR600RR)
The FIM and Dorna WSBK organization would like to provide the following clarification on the situation of the HONDA WorldSSP (CBR600RR) machines due to race at Phillip Island and Mandalika in the first two rounds of the 2023 Motul FIM Supersport World Championship.
As a result of a logistical and customs problem, it was impossible for Honda to present the engine (and the other mandatory parts) in time to proceed with the FIM Phase 2 Homologation. Although the FIM Phase 2 Homologation is in progress it is very unlikely that this motorcycle can be homologated in time.
The FIM Permanent Bureau has decided to grant a waiver to Honda provided that all manufacturers involved in the 2023 Motul FIM Supersport World Championship agree.
The unanimous agreement confirmed today by the MSMA will allow Honda and its Petronas MIE-MS Racing HONDA WorldSSP team to participate in the first two rounds of the 2023 Championship.
All points scored by the Petronas MIE-MS Racing HONDA WorldSSP team will remain pending until phase 2 of the FIM homologation is completed at the latest before the first European round to be held in Assen from April 21-23.
WorldSBK: Stars Offer Candid Comments Ahead Of Opener At Phillip Island
Outspoken ahead of Phillip Island
For the final time before track action commences for the 2023 WorldSBK season, riders took to the microphone and as usual, didn’t hold back
The 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is revving up and with less than 24 hours to go until the first green light of the year, the feeling in the paddock is a special one. What is set to be one of the most action-packed seasons ever is on the horizon, but what did the key stars ahead of the season make of it all? Here are some of the biggest headlines from Thursday’s debriefs.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “I don’t think I am the favourite…”
“I don’t think I am the favourite. There are a lot of very fast riders especially in the Championship. I feel like the #1 is a personal motivation, a personal challenge, so I feel strong to defend the title with the #1. Defending the Championship is more difficult. When you are fighting for the Championship, you go to beat the other riders. Now you are the one to beat. I loved ‘The Return’ because it’s a really nice story from my 2022 but also having some memories from my beginnings, when it was really hard for me to start in the World Championship. I felt a lot of emotion when I watched it every time. I didn’t watch it just once; I watched it many times. It’s very emotional to watch it every time!”
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK): “We still have a lot of work to do… #1 is heavy”
“The conditions we faced in November where we were very strong are much different to what we face now. Through the winter, we haven’t been able to test with more than 40 degrees on the track and that’s what we’re facing out there with internal tyre temperatures being even higher than normal, so we just need to see. I feel like I can be in the battle for the podium and if we can put a good weekend together, we should be able to at least fight for that, but we still have a lot of work to do, and I am looking forward to seeing where we actually are.
“Alvaro’s a professional guy and managed 2022 very well. I know from experience that the #1 is heavy; I had a great season in 2015 and then 2016 was a disaster. Alvaro’s a lot older than I was and he has a great package, so he should be OK. The expectation is to be there; you’re ‘the guy’ and not the underdog and there’s a feeling that you have to keep being there. You’re at the top and the only way is down; that pressure is tough. It almost becomes about the fear of losing again. Sometimes, it can work for you or against, but I’m sure he’s got it all sorted.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK): “The situation is very bad in Turkey… I went for two days to help”
“I feel the biggest improvement has been corner exit and acceleration, as we need this for 2023. Last year, I felt pressure with the #1 but I’m happy to be back with the #54. The situation is very bad in Turkey at the moment and again, yesterday, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake. I don’t understand why it won’t stop. I hope that this weekend, we can win and maybe I can share my bonus in Turkey. I went for two days to help, and I was sleeping in the car because all the houses were destroyed and there are no hotels. Although you see it on the TV, I directly saw that everywhere is destroyed. It’s not easy for me either; I am here and it’s not possible to help.”
Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “First couple of tests were quite difficult… I live for the racing”
“The first couple of tests were quite difficult here at Phillip Island was kind of hard, just trying to find the feeling again with the new bike was difficult. I was taking it very gently. It’s only testing, and the race is coming and it’s always different. We tried a lot of things on the bike with electronics and setup and stuff like that but, to be honest, we came back to our base at the end of last year. It’s good and bad. It means the progress is not as much as we want but we have as good a package as last year. The updates we have with the fairing, engine and stuff is going to help us especially in hotter conditions. Overall, just happy to get underway and get testing done. I live for racing.”
Iker Lecuona (Team HRC): “I don’t know if we are ready to race”
“Finally, we have a race weekend but, if I’m honest, I don’t know if we are ready to race. We struggled a lot during the winter. We improved a little, but we don’t know exactly what the level is until now. We will see during this weekend how we’re doing. We improved a lot over race distance. Last year, we struggled a lot at the end of the race with the tyre. We always destroyed the tyre and overheated it. This year, in the winter, we worked a lot in this area. All the new material we have helped us to give this level, especially at the end of the race. For now, we can’t have a fast lap. I always had seven or eight tenths with a new tyre if I pushed like crazy but now, I don’t feel like this; I feel like I can only improve three or four tenths but pushing over the limit and maybe you can have a mistake or a crash. We are on the limit with a new tyre a little but so we need to understand why.”
Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team): “No better place to start than at home”
“It’s been a good pre-season and I enjoyed riding the bike. There’s no better place to start than at home so I’m really looking forward to it. The strong points are, I think, the bike turns pretty well at the front and it’s a good braking bike. I think it’s missing a little bit of traction and a little bit of engine compared to the other manufacturers. It’s a good bike, really happy with it. There’s still a lot more potential I can get out of it. It’s another thing that I need to get used to and learn. This week’s going to be a big learning curve for me. Three races are definitely something very new and I’m just taking it step by step. I think being in the top six or seven can be possible.”
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team): “I always wanted to come to race in WorldSBK!”
“I always wanted to come one day to race in WorldSBK! The Championship is getting stronger and the fight for the title last year was huge. I said to myself, ‘why don’t I watch the races closer?’, so I decided to join this Championship and I am really happy. I’m still worried about the single lap time with the new tyre. The race simulation was OK; managing the tyre was quite a big challenge but I felt good. I was used to giving all I had in one race in MotoGP™, so that on one night, I could enjoy my team and friends and have two or three beers! Then last year, I went to MotoAmerica, and I said, ‘oh no! I have one more race!’ and now, we have three!”
Oli Bayliss (D34G Racing): “If we can come away with a top five, I think it’ll be a good weekend!”
“I’m really happy with the team. I’m comfortable and they’ve been very welcoming. We’re at my home round, I’ve done a lot of laps here, but we’re racing against some very experienced guys. I think the goal for me, and the team would be that if we can come away with a top five, I think it’ll be a good weekend for us. Of course, I want to do more, but I have to be realistic. Working with Davide, he always has some little tips and tricks – it’s kind of like working with my dad! Giovanni Crupi has a lot of experience on the technical side so it’s good looking over the data with him. The goal for the year is high. I want to be fighting in the top six, if not the top eight, in every race.”
Five riders from the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship ventured to the beach to enjoy some surfing with local surf legend Glyndon “Ringa” Ringrose.
Home heroes Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and Oli Bayliss (D34G Racing) led the way down at Smith Beach with Eric Granado (MIE Racing Honda Team), Garrett Gerloff (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team), Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) and Andrea Mantovani (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) joining them in switching the track for water and their bikes for a surfboard.
Lurie Named Triumph North America Racing Manager
TRIUMPH APPOINTS NORTH AMERICAN OFF ROAD PRODUCT & RACE SUPPORT MANAGER LURIE TO FOCUS ON OFF-ROAD PROGRAMS AND TRIUMPH FACTORY RACING SUPPORT
Triumph Motorcycles has welcomed former racer and riding coach, Zach Lurie to manage future Off Road models as well as support Triumph Racing activity in North America.
Lurie brings combined 25 years racing experience as an athlete, riding coach, and industry expert. As a child, Zach competed in BMX in the Grand National and World BMX events. He transitioned into Motocross racing at the age of 12 where he competed in Local and National Amateur Events before graduating to racing Professional Motocross, Arenacross, and Supercross.
After his time on the track, Lurie used his experience to prepare the next generation of riders. Zach became the owner operator of a performance oriented off-road training facility, offering athlete management and rider coaching.
Lurie’s appointment to this newly created role reflects Triumph’s commitment and growing investment in the Off-Road and Dual Sport segments as well as motorcycle racing. He will support the recently announced Triumph Factory Supercross and Motocross team in the US. He will additionally focus on building Triumph off road and race support programs for the future.
Rod Lopusnak – General Manager, Triumph North America:
“We have an incredible focus on continuing our drive to build a team of Industry Leading professionals committed to the Triumph Brand, our Dealers and Customers. Zach brings a competitive and winning attitude to the organization, along with the experience to back it up. With his knowledge of racing, and his passion for the off-road industry as whole, I look forward to the growth that Zach will bring to Triumph North America.”
Zach Lurie – Triumph Racing Manager, Triumph North America:
“Whether it was chasing my personal dreams as a racing athlete, coaching new talent to new heights, or building a training facility from the ground up, I’ve dedicated my life to the racing industry. I see true passion in every employee I’ve met at Triumph motorcycles. Mixing that passion with the iconic team we are putting together is a recipe for greatness when we go racing. Triumph is known globally as a premium motorcycle company, and I feel incredibly blessed to join the team on a journey to build the next generation of racing.”
Steve Wise Named Grand Marshal Of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2023
Steve Wise Named Grand Marshal of 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
31st Annual AMA VMD event to highlight Wise’s AMA Superbike, AMA Supercross, AMA Motocross and Superbikers victories, along with featured marque Honda
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and multi-talented road, motocross, AMA Supercross and Superbikers racer Steve Wise will be the Grand Marshal for the 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days event July 21-23 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
With National wins in a wide variety of professional racing disciplines, Wise is one of the most multi-talented racers in history, and still the only National-class motocross winner to ever win an AMA Superbike National (Mid-Ohio, in ’83).
To put an exclamation point on that dual-threat distinction, Wise is also a two-time winner of the prestigious ABC Wide World of Sports Superbikers event at Carlsbad Raceway, beating an impressive field of world-class racers in ’80 and ’81. Wise was named AMA Pro Athlete of the Year in 1982 and was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2001.
To help celebrate Wise’s many achievements, a couple of Honda 50th and 40th Anniversary motorcycles will be featured at this year’s Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days celebration, including two that figured prominently in Wise’s stellar career — Honda’s CR250 Elsinore (introduced in 1973) and VF750F Interceptor (introduced in 1983).
To augment the production-spec Hondas that will be highlighted at the weekend event, AMA Superbike collector Brian O’Shea will bring a few of his race- and championship-winning Honda Interceptors to Mid-Ohio, including AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Freddie Spencer’s Daytona-winner from 1985 and one of Hall of Famer Fred Merkel’s factory AMA Superbikes. And to cap off the display, American Honda is planning to have Wise’s actual Superbikers-winning factory RC400 on display.
“I’m honored to be Grand Marshal at this year’s AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days event,” Wise said, “especially at the track on which I won my first AMA Superbike event. I remember that weekend in 1983 like it was yesterday, and being able to go back there and enjoy such a wide range of racing, historical and just-plain-fun motorcycle stuff that happens at VMD will be memorable, I’m sure. I’m excited about the opportunity!”
While there, Wise will sign autographs, speak to enthusiasts from the AMA Soundstage, participate in a Lap For History each day (and lead event attendees around the legendary Mid-Ohio circuit), drop the starting gate for a motocross event, and much more.
Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is the preeminent — and longest-running — vintage motorcycle event in the country, with over 40,000 attendees each year enjoying off-road and road racing, bike shows, AMA Hall of Fame exhibits, camping, Laps For History on the legendary Mid-Ohio circuit and, of course, the country’s largest motorcycle swap meet.
“We are over-the-moon to have Steve Wise as this year’s Grand Marshal at VMD,” said AMA Editorial and Communications Director Mitch Boehm. “A large percentage of motorcycle enthusiasts ride on-road and off, which makes Wise’s incredible racing accomplishments on asphalt and dirt especially compelling. And to have a handful of historically important Anniversary Hondas on display? Well, it’s going to be really special.”
For more information visit https://www.vintagemotorcycledays.com, sign up for the AMA VMD newsletter or follow #AMAVMD on social media channels. To purchase tickets, visit midohio.com/tickets or AMA members can purchase discounted tickets at vintagemotorcycledays.com/tickets/.
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.
World Endurance: Mercado Joins Honda Viltaïs Racing
Mercado chooses EWC for new career chapter
*Argentine completes Honda Viltaïs Racing’s Formula EWC attack for 2023
*He joins Bol d’Or-winning team’s existing riders Alt, Odendaal and Westmoreland
*Team boss Lucot impressed by Mercado’s human qualities and willingness to adapt
Argentine Leandro Mercado has chosen the FIM Endurance World Championship to open the latest chapter of his career following successful stints in the FIM Superbike World Championship.
The 31-year-old is joining Yannick Lucot’s Honda Viltaïs Racing for the 2023 EWC season when he will partner Florian Alt, Steven Odendaal and fourth rider James Westmoreland on the French team’s new-for-2023 #333 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade.
It will be Marcado’s first experience in the EWC while his signing brings a rider from South America to the all-action championship for the first time in recent memory.
Nicknamed ‘Tati’, Mercado began his career in 2008 in the Red Bull AMA US Rookies Cup and he underlined his potential the following year by becoming AMA Supersport champion.
He moved to Europe in 2010 to compete in the Italian CIV Speed Championship before he stepped up to the FIM Superbike World Championship in 2012 for a partial campaign.
Mercado claimed the European Superstock 1000 Cup title in 2014 on a privately-run Ducati ahead of a return to the Superbike World Championship for 2015. A year of consistent finishing earned him a strong eighth place in the final order.
After a year back on Superstock machinery, albeit as an official Ducati rider, Mercado returned to the World Superbike arena for 2017. But he did so on top form after he scored three wins and one podium from eight starts in European Superstock, missing the 2016 title by four points.
Having completed a six-year unbroken stint in World Superbikes, including two years riding with Honda power, Mercado will make his EWC debut in 2023 with the Bol d’Or-winning Viltaïs team, starting with the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans from 13-16 April.
“For me it’s the start of new chapter on my career, and I’m very happy to make it with the Viltaïs family,” said Córdoba-born Mercado. “I could see the values and the strength of the team, the focusing to archive the goals. It’s a big challenge, and I am really motivated. I know I have to learn many things about Endurance, but I’m ready to give my 100 per cent to archive the goals. I had the opportunity to know all the people of the team in a great atmosphere and great determination. This year the team switch to Honda which I know the bike from the last two years, and I’ll give to the team all my experience. I want to say thanks to Yannick and the whole team for believing in me, and I can’t wait to start this new chapter.”
Honda Viltaïs Racing Team Manager Yannick Lucot said: “Tati knows the Honda well, but the first thing that catches our attention at Viltaïs is the human qualities. During our interview for a recruitment, I was accompanied by our physical and mental trainer in order to understand the psychology of the candidates. We saw several riders and the contact we had with Tati went very well. His willingness to adapt to a new team, to adhere to a common project and to prepare himself for this discipline that he is discovering, were decisive elements. If he succeeds in integrating quickly, we will definitely be there from the beginning of the 2023 season.”
MotoAmerica: Pit Stop Challenge Returns With $16,000 Purse
Pit Stop Challenge Set For Day Prior To The Daytona 200
The Top Teams Will Face Off To See Who Can Perform The Quickest Pit Stop
IRVINE, CA (February 23, 2023) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that the second annual Pit Stop Challenge will be held on Friday, March 10 – a day prior to the 81st running of the Daytona 200 at Daytona International Speedway, sponsored in part by Pirelli and Bridgestone.
The Pit Stop Challenge gives spectators a close-up look at what goes into a winning pit stop in the Daytona 200 as they witness the top-five qualifying riders and their teams perform their high-speed magic as they change both wheels, simulate filling the motorcycle with gas and then see that team push their motorcycle across the timing strip for the fastest time. But it’s not just about speed as teams forgetting to tighten an axle nut will be disqualified.
Last year’s inaugural Pit Stop Challenge was a popular addition to MotoAmerica’s activities at the Speedway with five teams challenging for glory and the lion’s share of the $16,000 purse, which ultimately went to the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York team and Josh Herrin’s Panigale V2.
The Pit Stop Challenge will be held at the conclusion of on-track activity at the Speedway with teams heading for Victory Lane where the competition will be held in front of a packed grandstand.
“Last year’s inaugural Pit Stop Challenge was a lot of fun to watch,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “The fans loved it, the teams really got into the competition of it all, and the event was a complete success. For those who can’t be there in person, the contest will be broadcast on MotoAmerica Live+ with Michael Hill again calling the action and getting the crowd pumped up in Victory Lane.”
With 100 percent of the funds donated by sponsors going directly to the purse, the winning team from the Pit Stop Challenge will take home $7,500 plus another $1,000 worth of VP Fuel. The second-place squad will earn $5,000; while the team who finishes third will get a payout of $3,500.
MotoAmerica would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the second annual Pit Stop Challenge: Pirelli, Bridgestone, QJmotor, Coatzymoto/LatinME, Cometic Gaskets, Mission Foods, Motion Pro, Castrol, SBS Brakes, SportbikeTrackGear.com, Lyndall Brakes and Barnett Clutches.
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.
MotoAmerica: Gagne Tops Rain-Affected Day Two At Buttonwillow Test (Updated)
MotoAmerica Pre-Season Test
Buttonwillow Raceway Park (Config 26 CCW)
Buttonwillow, California
February 22, 2023
Day Two Best Lap Times (all on Dunlop tires, lap times courtesy Attack Yamaha):
- Jake Gagne (Yam), 1:42.179
- Cameron Beaubier (BMW), 1:43.645
- Mathew Scholtz (Yam), 1:44.151
- PJ Jacobsen (BMW), 1:44.529
- Richie Escalante (Suz), 1:45.038
- Toni Elias (Suz), 1:45.064
- Corey Alexander (BMW), 2:00.747
More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:
Weather Wreaks Havoc On Buttonwillow Superbike Test
Wind, Hail and Rain Hits South Central California And Puts An Early Stop To Testing On Day Two
IRVINE, CA (February 22, 2023) – Inclement weather cut short the second of two days of MotoAmerica Superbike testing at Buttonwillow Raceway Park with rain finally putting a stop to the proceedings at the racetrack in California’s central valley by 2 p.m. on Wednesday.
With even the most diehard of the seven Superbike testers only turning in 18 laps, it was again Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne with the fastest lap of the day, though his 1:42.179 lap was almost a second slower than his best from Tuesday when the weather cooperated – well, at least until the wind showed up in the late afternoon.
“It was windy right away in the morning and we got like two or three sessions in,” Gagne said. “Then it started sprinkling on us and we were just waiting around to see if it was going to stop raining and then it rained again in the afternoon. There was no time for the track to dry after that.”
It was again Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Cameron Beaubier who was second best to Gagne with his 1:43.645. Beaubier was also off his best from Tuesday, lapping 1.532 seconds slower with the limited amount of dry track time.
Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz was third fastest today – 1.8 seconds off his best from Tuesday with Wednesday’s 1:44.151. Then came Beaubier’s teammate PJ Jacobsen with his 1:44.529 and almost two seconds slower than Tuesday though he did move up a spot to lead Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante. Escalante’s best on Wednesday was a 1:45.038, a day after turning in a 1:42.918.
Toni Elias had his second day on the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki and ended it with a best lap of 1:45.064.
Corey Alexander, meanwhile, battled mechanical woes and only completed three laps on his Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR.
Overall Best Times
Jake Gagne (Yamaha) 1:41.274
Cameron Beaubier (BMW) 1:42.113
Mathew Scholtz (Yamaha) 1:42.322
Richie Escalante (Suzuki) 1:42.322
PJ Jacobsen (BMW) 1:43.813
Toni Elias (Suzuki) 1:43.962
Corey Alexander (BMW) 1:45.824
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.
More, from a press release issued by Westby Racing:
Westby Racing And Rider Mathew Scholtz Complete Preseason Test At Buttonwillow
Tulsa, OK – February 23, 2023 – It was a long haul out to the West Coast for MotoAmerica Superbike team Westby Racing and its rider Mathew Scholtz, but track time is precious, especially during the winter months, and the team took full advantage of the invitation extended to them by the Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing team to participate in a two-day test on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week at Buttonwillow Raceway Park in Buttonwillow, California.
A few weeks ago, Mathew and the team participated in a “shakedown” test of sorts at Buttonwillow, but that test was mostly used to get Mathew back up to speed after not having been on the #11 Westby Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 since the final round of the 2022 MotoAmerica season at Barber Motorsports Park last September. Also, the team upgraded the bike’s Marelli ECU with a new, upgraded software version, and the first task was to make sure all systems were ‘go’ with the motorcycle, the rider, and the crew.
For this latest test yesterday and the day before, Mathew and the team worked diligently on the bike’s setup as it relates to the new software. On Tuesday, Mathew was able to complete a total of 30 laps, and even though quick lap times weren’t the ultimate goal, he did manage to go third-fastest of the seven MotoAmerica Superbike riders who participated in the test. His fastest lap of 1:42.322 was just .209 of a second behind five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and recent FIM Moto2 competitor Cameron Beaubier, and only .839 of a second behind two-time Superbike Champion Jake Gagne, who was the fastest rider at the test.
On Wednesday, the weather became uncooperative, with temperatures in the low 40s and sleet limiting Mathew to only 10 laps around Buttonwillow Raceway. All four teams and all seven riders decided to call it a day due to the unfavorable weather conditions.
“The first day was positive for us,” Mathew said at the end of day two. “Just getting to understand and work out the new system and figure out the new added channels and the software, what’s working, where and how it affects the chassis, and just understanding the system as a whole. On day two, the weather didn’t really play into our hands. We only got about 10 laps in, so we weren’t able to try a few things that we had planned. But overall, it’s pretty clear for us to see that the new system has a lot more benefits for us and a lot more tools that we’re able to use to kind of see through some of the problems we had last year.
“I really want to say ‘thank you’ to the Westby guys. Obviously, traveling way out to the West Coast is quite a commitment for us, but it’s always good to do testing and to be around some of the other Superbike guys who we’ll be racing against. We’re looking forward to the next test that we’ll have here in a few weeks and just getting the bike closer to where we need it to be for the first round of the season at Road Atlanta. I’m very happy to be back on the bike and testing, and I think the 2023 season will be a good one for us.”
Mathew and the Westby Racing team will test again at Buttonwillow on March 22 and 23. For more updates about Westby Racing, including news, photos, and videos, visit http://www.WestbyRacing.com
Also, follow “Westby Racing” on your favorite social media sites.
Graft Releases 34-Horsepower, 110-Pound Electric Off-Road Bike
EV startup Graft has begun commercial production of its carbon-rim electric motorcycle, featuring fully interchangeable battery pack
● Electric Vehicle (EV) startup, Graft, has begun taking orders of EO.12, its first high-performance electric motorbike designed for off-road trail riding, competitive enduro and motocross.
● With a maximum output of 25 kW (34 hp) and weighing just 50 kg / 110 lbs. (battery inclusive), the bike has the highest known power-to-weight ratio in the off-road e-bike market and is the first in the world to feature carbon fiber wheels.
● The EO.12 is priced in packages ranging from $8,500-$12,500 USD (depending on set-up and battery size) and is the first in Graft’s fleet of off-road recreational vehicles that will share fully interchangeable battery packs.
SAN FRANCISCO, TAIPEI – FEB 22, 2022 – Following two years of development and comprehensive testing, EV startup Graft has begun commercial production of its first high-performance, off-road electric motorcycle. Designed, developed and manufactured in-house by a team of passionate engineers and riders, EO.12 dirt bikes will be hand built in monthly, made-to-order batches and shipped worldwide from the company’s production workshop in Taipei, Taiwan.
The EO.12 is the first off-road motorbike across both gasoline and electric markets to feature carbon fibre wheels, delivering 25% weight saving against the average motorbike wheel and comprising a total vehicle weight of 50 kg / 110 lbs. (battery inclusive). The ultra-light construction ensures excellent maneuverability and easy recovery on challenging, technical trails, and with a maximum output of 25 kW (34 hp) the bike has the highest known power-to-weight ratio for an off-road electric motorbike. By marrying impressive power with manageable weight and removing the need for gear changes, the bike is easy to handle, making it as inviting for athletes as it is for dirt bike novices.
Featuring a large wheel size (53.34 cm/21 inch), EO.12 utilizes a user-friendly seat height homologated for the average American or European rider. Engineered to meet optimized traction and durability specifications, Graft has selected high-quality materials and components that exponentially elevate riding experiences including a luxury touchscreen display, motorcycle-grade suspension (produced by BOS with 3-way adjustability), and a hydraulic bump stop for additional shock absorption.
Parts of the drivetrain are 3D-printed in titanium to handle its torque of 440 Nm (324 lbs.-ft.) at the back wheel, and the frame has been CNC machined in-house from 6061-T6 aluminum billet with a brushed, anodized finish. Graft is the only manufacturer in the world making motorcycles with billet CNC-machined frames, a production method that offers additional strength and precision, avoiding any of the distortion seen in welded frames. Rated IP67 water resistant and featuring a permanently lubricated chain, the machine requires extremely little maintenance between rides.
The bike is the first in a family of off-road, recreational vehicles (including motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs) currently being developed by Graft since its launch in 2020. Addressing a common concern among e-bike riders that battery packs can quickly become obsolete as a result of changing designs in later iterations, Graft has designed each of its vehicles to be compatible with the same lithium-ion battery pack that is entirely swappable between models and future vehicle generations. This 10-year pledge on battery pack format is designed not only to increase the long-term usability of Graft’s vehicles but to reduce waste creation and the brand’s overall environmental impact.
The company’s owner and lead engineer, Azizi Tucker, said of the launch: “Although Graft was founded just two years ago in 2020, it really emerged out of a lifetime of passion in racing on two and four wheels combined with a 15-year career working in the electric vehicle industry. Our EO.12 bike represents a desire to converge those experiences to fully realize the potential of recreational EVs and the instant torque, easy control, and zero maintenance that the technology has to offer. Most importantly, it represents Graft’s mission to make vehicles that are ground-breaking and fun to ride.”
EO.12 comes with a 15A charger (220V) that takes 1.5 hours to complete a full charge. Available with full service upgrades, Graft provides a choice between a standard Base Model and Factory Team model, with the latter offering upgraded power specifications and components, including Vibracore lightweight handlebars and a full titanium bolt kit. With complete aftermarket support and service part availability, Graft has invested heavily in ensuring a seamless after-purchase experience. EO.12 is priced in packages ranging from $8500-$12500 USD (depending on set-up and battery size) and is available now at Graft-EV.com.
Specifications
● Weight: 110 lbs. / 50 kg
● Torque: 440Nm / 324 lbs.-ft.
● Top speed: 50 mph / 70 kph
● Peak Power: 34 hp / 25 kW
● Charge time: 1.5 hours
● Range: 3 hours (varies due to terrain and riding style)
● Swingarm: Billet CNC machined 6061-T6 Aluminium
● Wheelbase: 53.8 in / 1,366 mm
● Shock absorber: 3-way Adjustable Air Shock with Hydraulic Bump Stop
● Front Suspension: 3-way adjustable 42mm Inverted Fork with Hydraulic Bump Stop
● Battery Type: Lithium-ion
● Battery Pack Voltage: 80 V
● Battery Pack Capacity 2.7 KWh
● Battery Pack Life Cycle: 2000 Charge Cycles
● MSRP: $8,500-$12,500 USD
ABOUT GRAFT
Built by riders for riders, Graft is an EV startup, dedicated to manufacturing high-quality, best-in-class electric motorcycles and recreational vehicles. Founded by American-born engineer and power sports enthusiast, Azizi Tucker, Graft combines decades of experience, creative exploration, and tinkering in the motorsports, electric vehicle and manufacturing fields. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan to take advantage of the burgeoning supply chain of the Pacific Rim as well as the whole World, Graft’s small team of engineers handcraft vehicles fully in-house, pouring their attention to detail and passion for driving into each and every build.
AHRMA: Race Results From Roebling Road Raceway
Editorial Note: Use the scroll and zoom tools in the PDF viewer to better see all of the race results.
01 RRW 2023 Roebling Road - Weekend ResultsWorld Supersport: Manzi Tops Opening Practice At Phillip Island
World Supersport: New Honda CBR600RR Granted Homologation Waiver
Statement on HONDA WorldSSP (CBR600RR)
The FIM and Dorna WSBK organization would like to provide the following clarification on the situation of the HONDA WorldSSP (CBR600RR) machines due to race at Phillip Island and Mandalika in the first two rounds of the 2023 Motul FIM Supersport World Championship.
As a result of a logistical and customs problem, it was impossible for Honda to present the engine (and the other mandatory parts) in time to proceed with the FIM Phase 2 Homologation. Although the FIM Phase 2 Homologation is in progress it is very unlikely that this motorcycle can be homologated in time.
The FIM Permanent Bureau has decided to grant a waiver to Honda provided that all manufacturers involved in the 2023 Motul FIM Supersport World Championship agree.
The unanimous agreement confirmed today by the MSMA will allow Honda and its Petronas MIE-MS Racing HONDA WorldSSP team to participate in the first two rounds of the 2023 Championship.
All points scored by the Petronas MIE-MS Racing HONDA WorldSSP team will remain pending until phase 2 of the FIM homologation is completed at the latest before the first European round to be held in Assen from April 21-23.
WorldSBK: Stars Offer Candid Comments Ahead Of Opener At Phillip Island
Outspoken ahead of Phillip Island
For the final time before track action commences for the 2023 WorldSBK season, riders took to the microphone and as usual, didn’t hold back
The 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is revving up and with less than 24 hours to go until the first green light of the year, the feeling in the paddock is a special one. What is set to be one of the most action-packed seasons ever is on the horizon, but what did the key stars ahead of the season make of it all? Here are some of the biggest headlines from Thursday’s debriefs.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “I don’t think I am the favourite…”
“I don’t think I am the favourite. There are a lot of very fast riders especially in the Championship. I feel like the #1 is a personal motivation, a personal challenge, so I feel strong to defend the title with the #1. Defending the Championship is more difficult. When you are fighting for the Championship, you go to beat the other riders. Now you are the one to beat. I loved ‘The Return’ because it’s a really nice story from my 2022 but also having some memories from my beginnings, when it was really hard for me to start in the World Championship. I felt a lot of emotion when I watched it every time. I didn’t watch it just once; I watched it many times. It’s very emotional to watch it every time!”
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK): “We still have a lot of work to do… #1 is heavy”
“The conditions we faced in November where we were very strong are much different to what we face now. Through the winter, we haven’t been able to test with more than 40 degrees on the track and that’s what we’re facing out there with internal tyre temperatures being even higher than normal, so we just need to see. I feel like I can be in the battle for the podium and if we can put a good weekend together, we should be able to at least fight for that, but we still have a lot of work to do, and I am looking forward to seeing where we actually are.
“Alvaro’s a professional guy and managed 2022 very well. I know from experience that the #1 is heavy; I had a great season in 2015 and then 2016 was a disaster. Alvaro’s a lot older than I was and he has a great package, so he should be OK. The expectation is to be there; you’re ‘the guy’ and not the underdog and there’s a feeling that you have to keep being there. You’re at the top and the only way is down; that pressure is tough. It almost becomes about the fear of losing again. Sometimes, it can work for you or against, but I’m sure he’s got it all sorted.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK): “The situation is very bad in Turkey… I went for two days to help”
“I feel the biggest improvement has been corner exit and acceleration, as we need this for 2023. Last year, I felt pressure with the #1 but I’m happy to be back with the #54. The situation is very bad in Turkey at the moment and again, yesterday, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake. I don’t understand why it won’t stop. I hope that this weekend, we can win and maybe I can share my bonus in Turkey. I went for two days to help, and I was sleeping in the car because all the houses were destroyed and there are no hotels. Although you see it on the TV, I directly saw that everywhere is destroyed. It’s not easy for me either; I am here and it’s not possible to help.”
Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “First couple of tests were quite difficult… I live for the racing”
“The first couple of tests were quite difficult here at Phillip Island was kind of hard, just trying to find the feeling again with the new bike was difficult. I was taking it very gently. It’s only testing, and the race is coming and it’s always different. We tried a lot of things on the bike with electronics and setup and stuff like that but, to be honest, we came back to our base at the end of last year. It’s good and bad. It means the progress is not as much as we want but we have as good a package as last year. The updates we have with the fairing, engine and stuff is going to help us especially in hotter conditions. Overall, just happy to get underway and get testing done. I live for racing.”
Iker Lecuona (Team HRC): “I don’t know if we are ready to race”
“Finally, we have a race weekend but, if I’m honest, I don’t know if we are ready to race. We struggled a lot during the winter. We improved a little, but we don’t know exactly what the level is until now. We will see during this weekend how we’re doing. We improved a lot over race distance. Last year, we struggled a lot at the end of the race with the tyre. We always destroyed the tyre and overheated it. This year, in the winter, we worked a lot in this area. All the new material we have helped us to give this level, especially at the end of the race. For now, we can’t have a fast lap. I always had seven or eight tenths with a new tyre if I pushed like crazy but now, I don’t feel like this; I feel like I can only improve three or four tenths but pushing over the limit and maybe you can have a mistake or a crash. We are on the limit with a new tyre a little but so we need to understand why.”
Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team): “No better place to start than at home”
“It’s been a good pre-season and I enjoyed riding the bike. There’s no better place to start than at home so I’m really looking forward to it. The strong points are, I think, the bike turns pretty well at the front and it’s a good braking bike. I think it’s missing a little bit of traction and a little bit of engine compared to the other manufacturers. It’s a good bike, really happy with it. There’s still a lot more potential I can get out of it. It’s another thing that I need to get used to and learn. This week’s going to be a big learning curve for me. Three races are definitely something very new and I’m just taking it step by step. I think being in the top six or seven can be possible.”
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team): “I always wanted to come to race in WorldSBK!”
“I always wanted to come one day to race in WorldSBK! The Championship is getting stronger and the fight for the title last year was huge. I said to myself, ‘why don’t I watch the races closer?’, so I decided to join this Championship and I am really happy. I’m still worried about the single lap time with the new tyre. The race simulation was OK; managing the tyre was quite a big challenge but I felt good. I was used to giving all I had in one race in MotoGP™, so that on one night, I could enjoy my team and friends and have two or three beers! Then last year, I went to MotoAmerica, and I said, ‘oh no! I have one more race!’ and now, we have three!”
Oli Bayliss (D34G Racing): “If we can come away with a top five, I think it’ll be a good weekend!”
“I’m really happy with the team. I’m comfortable and they’ve been very welcoming. We’re at my home round, I’ve done a lot of laps here, but we’re racing against some very experienced guys. I think the goal for me, and the team would be that if we can come away with a top five, I think it’ll be a good weekend for us. Of course, I want to do more, but I have to be realistic. Working with Davide, he always has some little tips and tricks – it’s kind of like working with my dad! Giovanni Crupi has a lot of experience on the technical side so it’s good looking over the data with him. The goal for the year is high. I want to be fighting in the top six, if not the top eight, in every race.”
Five riders from the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship ventured to the beach to enjoy some surfing with local surf legend Glyndon “Ringa” Ringrose.
Home heroes Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and Oli Bayliss (D34G Racing) led the way down at Smith Beach with Eric Granado (MIE Racing Honda Team), Garrett Gerloff (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team), Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) and Andrea Mantovani (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) joining them in switching the track for water and their bikes for a surfboard.
Lurie Named Triumph North America Racing Manager
TRIUMPH APPOINTS NORTH AMERICAN OFF ROAD PRODUCT & RACE SUPPORT MANAGER LURIE TO FOCUS ON OFF-ROAD PROGRAMS AND TRIUMPH FACTORY RACING SUPPORT
Triumph Motorcycles has welcomed former racer and riding coach, Zach Lurie to manage future Off Road models as well as support Triumph Racing activity in North America.
Lurie brings combined 25 years racing experience as an athlete, riding coach, and industry expert. As a child, Zach competed in BMX in the Grand National and World BMX events. He transitioned into Motocross racing at the age of 12 where he competed in Local and National Amateur Events before graduating to racing Professional Motocross, Arenacross, and Supercross.
After his time on the track, Lurie used his experience to prepare the next generation of riders. Zach became the owner operator of a performance oriented off-road training facility, offering athlete management and rider coaching.
Lurie’s appointment to this newly created role reflects Triumph’s commitment and growing investment in the Off-Road and Dual Sport segments as well as motorcycle racing. He will support the recently announced Triumph Factory Supercross and Motocross team in the US. He will additionally focus on building Triumph off road and race support programs for the future.
Rod Lopusnak – General Manager, Triumph North America:
“We have an incredible focus on continuing our drive to build a team of Industry Leading professionals committed to the Triumph Brand, our Dealers and Customers. Zach brings a competitive and winning attitude to the organization, along with the experience to back it up. With his knowledge of racing, and his passion for the off-road industry as whole, I look forward to the growth that Zach will bring to Triumph North America.”
Zach Lurie – Triumph Racing Manager, Triumph North America:
“Whether it was chasing my personal dreams as a racing athlete, coaching new talent to new heights, or building a training facility from the ground up, I’ve dedicated my life to the racing industry. I see true passion in every employee I’ve met at Triumph motorcycles. Mixing that passion with the iconic team we are putting together is a recipe for greatness when we go racing. Triumph is known globally as a premium motorcycle company, and I feel incredibly blessed to join the team on a journey to build the next generation of racing.”
Steve Wise Named Grand Marshal Of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2023
Steve Wise Named Grand Marshal of 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
31st Annual AMA VMD event to highlight Wise’s AMA Superbike, AMA Supercross, AMA Motocross and Superbikers victories, along with featured marque Honda
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and multi-talented road, motocross, AMA Supercross and Superbikers racer Steve Wise will be the Grand Marshal for the 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days event July 21-23 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
With National wins in a wide variety of professional racing disciplines, Wise is one of the most multi-talented racers in history, and still the only National-class motocross winner to ever win an AMA Superbike National (Mid-Ohio, in ’83).
To put an exclamation point on that dual-threat distinction, Wise is also a two-time winner of the prestigious ABC Wide World of Sports Superbikers event at Carlsbad Raceway, beating an impressive field of world-class racers in ’80 and ’81. Wise was named AMA Pro Athlete of the Year in 1982 and was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2001.
To help celebrate Wise’s many achievements, a couple of Honda 50th and 40th Anniversary motorcycles will be featured at this year’s Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days celebration, including two that figured prominently in Wise’s stellar career — Honda’s CR250 Elsinore (introduced in 1973) and VF750F Interceptor (introduced in 1983).
To augment the production-spec Hondas that will be highlighted at the weekend event, AMA Superbike collector Brian O’Shea will bring a few of his race- and championship-winning Honda Interceptors to Mid-Ohio, including AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Freddie Spencer’s Daytona-winner from 1985 and one of Hall of Famer Fred Merkel’s factory AMA Superbikes. And to cap off the display, American Honda is planning to have Wise’s actual Superbikers-winning factory RC400 on display.
“I’m honored to be Grand Marshal at this year’s AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days event,” Wise said, “especially at the track on which I won my first AMA Superbike event. I remember that weekend in 1983 like it was yesterday, and being able to go back there and enjoy such a wide range of racing, historical and just-plain-fun motorcycle stuff that happens at VMD will be memorable, I’m sure. I’m excited about the opportunity!”
While there, Wise will sign autographs, speak to enthusiasts from the AMA Soundstage, participate in a Lap For History each day (and lead event attendees around the legendary Mid-Ohio circuit), drop the starting gate for a motocross event, and much more.
Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is the preeminent — and longest-running — vintage motorcycle event in the country, with over 40,000 attendees each year enjoying off-road and road racing, bike shows, AMA Hall of Fame exhibits, camping, Laps For History on the legendary Mid-Ohio circuit and, of course, the country’s largest motorcycle swap meet.
“We are over-the-moon to have Steve Wise as this year’s Grand Marshal at VMD,” said AMA Editorial and Communications Director Mitch Boehm. “A large percentage of motorcycle enthusiasts ride on-road and off, which makes Wise’s incredible racing accomplishments on asphalt and dirt especially compelling. And to have a handful of historically important Anniversary Hondas on display? Well, it’s going to be really special.”
For more information visit https://www.vintagemotorcycledays.com, sign up for the AMA VMD newsletter or follow #AMAVMD on social media channels. To purchase tickets, visit midohio.com/tickets or AMA members can purchase discounted tickets at vintagemotorcycledays.com/tickets/.
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.
World Endurance: Mercado Joins Honda Viltaïs Racing
Mercado chooses EWC for new career chapter
*Argentine completes Honda Viltaïs Racing’s Formula EWC attack for 2023
*He joins Bol d’Or-winning team’s existing riders Alt, Odendaal and Westmoreland
*Team boss Lucot impressed by Mercado’s human qualities and willingness to adapt
Argentine Leandro Mercado has chosen the FIM Endurance World Championship to open the latest chapter of his career following successful stints in the FIM Superbike World Championship.
The 31-year-old is joining Yannick Lucot’s Honda Viltaïs Racing for the 2023 EWC season when he will partner Florian Alt, Steven Odendaal and fourth rider James Westmoreland on the French team’s new-for-2023 #333 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade.
It will be Marcado’s first experience in the EWC while his signing brings a rider from South America to the all-action championship for the first time in recent memory.
Nicknamed ‘Tati’, Mercado began his career in 2008 in the Red Bull AMA US Rookies Cup and he underlined his potential the following year by becoming AMA Supersport champion.
He moved to Europe in 2010 to compete in the Italian CIV Speed Championship before he stepped up to the FIM Superbike World Championship in 2012 for a partial campaign.
Mercado claimed the European Superstock 1000 Cup title in 2014 on a privately-run Ducati ahead of a return to the Superbike World Championship for 2015. A year of consistent finishing earned him a strong eighth place in the final order.
After a year back on Superstock machinery, albeit as an official Ducati rider, Mercado returned to the World Superbike arena for 2017. But he did so on top form after he scored three wins and one podium from eight starts in European Superstock, missing the 2016 title by four points.
Having completed a six-year unbroken stint in World Superbikes, including two years riding with Honda power, Mercado will make his EWC debut in 2023 with the Bol d’Or-winning Viltaïs team, starting with the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans from 13-16 April.
“For me it’s the start of new chapter on my career, and I’m very happy to make it with the Viltaïs family,” said Córdoba-born Mercado. “I could see the values and the strength of the team, the focusing to archive the goals. It’s a big challenge, and I am really motivated. I know I have to learn many things about Endurance, but I’m ready to give my 100 per cent to archive the goals. I had the opportunity to know all the people of the team in a great atmosphere and great determination. This year the team switch to Honda which I know the bike from the last two years, and I’ll give to the team all my experience. I want to say thanks to Yannick and the whole team for believing in me, and I can’t wait to start this new chapter.”
Honda Viltaïs Racing Team Manager Yannick Lucot said: “Tati knows the Honda well, but the first thing that catches our attention at Viltaïs is the human qualities. During our interview for a recruitment, I was accompanied by our physical and mental trainer in order to understand the psychology of the candidates. We saw several riders and the contact we had with Tati went very well. His willingness to adapt to a new team, to adhere to a common project and to prepare himself for this discipline that he is discovering, were decisive elements. If he succeeds in integrating quickly, we will definitely be there from the beginning of the 2023 season.”
MotoAmerica: Pit Stop Challenge Returns With $16,000 Purse
Pit Stop Challenge Set For Day Prior To The Daytona 200
The Top Teams Will Face Off To See Who Can Perform The Quickest Pit Stop
IRVINE, CA (February 23, 2023) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that the second annual Pit Stop Challenge will be held on Friday, March 10 – a day prior to the 81st running of the Daytona 200 at Daytona International Speedway, sponsored in part by Pirelli and Bridgestone.
The Pit Stop Challenge gives spectators a close-up look at what goes into a winning pit stop in the Daytona 200 as they witness the top-five qualifying riders and their teams perform their high-speed magic as they change both wheels, simulate filling the motorcycle with gas and then see that team push their motorcycle across the timing strip for the fastest time. But it’s not just about speed as teams forgetting to tighten an axle nut will be disqualified.
Last year’s inaugural Pit Stop Challenge was a popular addition to MotoAmerica’s activities at the Speedway with five teams challenging for glory and the lion’s share of the $16,000 purse, which ultimately went to the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York team and Josh Herrin’s Panigale V2.
The Pit Stop Challenge will be held at the conclusion of on-track activity at the Speedway with teams heading for Victory Lane where the competition will be held in front of a packed grandstand.
“Last year’s inaugural Pit Stop Challenge was a lot of fun to watch,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “The fans loved it, the teams really got into the competition of it all, and the event was a complete success. For those who can’t be there in person, the contest will be broadcast on MotoAmerica Live+ with Michael Hill again calling the action and getting the crowd pumped up in Victory Lane.”
With 100 percent of the funds donated by sponsors going directly to the purse, the winning team from the Pit Stop Challenge will take home $7,500 plus another $1,000 worth of VP Fuel. The second-place squad will earn $5,000; while the team who finishes third will get a payout of $3,500.
MotoAmerica would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the second annual Pit Stop Challenge: Pirelli, Bridgestone, QJmotor, Coatzymoto/LatinME, Cometic Gaskets, Mission Foods, Motion Pro, Castrol, SBS Brakes, SportbikeTrackGear.com, Lyndall Brakes and Barnett Clutches.
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.
MotoAmerica: Gagne Tops Rain-Affected Day Two At Buttonwillow Test (Updated)
MotoAmerica Pre-Season Test
Buttonwillow Raceway Park (Config 26 CCW)
Buttonwillow, California
February 22, 2023
Day Two Best Lap Times (all on Dunlop tires, lap times courtesy Attack Yamaha):
- Jake Gagne (Yam), 1:42.179
- Cameron Beaubier (BMW), 1:43.645
- Mathew Scholtz (Yam), 1:44.151
- PJ Jacobsen (BMW), 1:44.529
- Richie Escalante (Suz), 1:45.038
- Toni Elias (Suz), 1:45.064
- Corey Alexander (BMW), 2:00.747
More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:
Weather Wreaks Havoc On Buttonwillow Superbike Test
Wind, Hail and Rain Hits South Central California And Puts An Early Stop To Testing On Day Two
IRVINE, CA (February 22, 2023) – Inclement weather cut short the second of two days of MotoAmerica Superbike testing at Buttonwillow Raceway Park with rain finally putting a stop to the proceedings at the racetrack in California’s central valley by 2 p.m. on Wednesday.
With even the most diehard of the seven Superbike testers only turning in 18 laps, it was again Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne with the fastest lap of the day, though his 1:42.179 lap was almost a second slower than his best from Tuesday when the weather cooperated – well, at least until the wind showed up in the late afternoon.
“It was windy right away in the morning and we got like two or three sessions in,” Gagne said. “Then it started sprinkling on us and we were just waiting around to see if it was going to stop raining and then it rained again in the afternoon. There was no time for the track to dry after that.”
It was again Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Cameron Beaubier who was second best to Gagne with his 1:43.645. Beaubier was also off his best from Tuesday, lapping 1.532 seconds slower with the limited amount of dry track time.
Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz was third fastest today – 1.8 seconds off his best from Tuesday with Wednesday’s 1:44.151. Then came Beaubier’s teammate PJ Jacobsen with his 1:44.529 and almost two seconds slower than Tuesday though he did move up a spot to lead Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante. Escalante’s best on Wednesday was a 1:45.038, a day after turning in a 1:42.918.
Toni Elias had his second day on the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki and ended it with a best lap of 1:45.064.
Corey Alexander, meanwhile, battled mechanical woes and only completed three laps on his Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR.
Overall Best Times
Jake Gagne (Yamaha) 1:41.274
Cameron Beaubier (BMW) 1:42.113
Mathew Scholtz (Yamaha) 1:42.322
Richie Escalante (Suzuki) 1:42.322
PJ Jacobsen (BMW) 1:43.813
Toni Elias (Suzuki) 1:43.962
Corey Alexander (BMW) 1:45.824
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.
More, from a press release issued by Westby Racing:
Westby Racing And Rider Mathew Scholtz Complete Preseason Test At Buttonwillow
Tulsa, OK – February 23, 2023 – It was a long haul out to the West Coast for MotoAmerica Superbike team Westby Racing and its rider Mathew Scholtz, but track time is precious, especially during the winter months, and the team took full advantage of the invitation extended to them by the Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing team to participate in a two-day test on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week at Buttonwillow Raceway Park in Buttonwillow, California.
A few weeks ago, Mathew and the team participated in a “shakedown” test of sorts at Buttonwillow, but that test was mostly used to get Mathew back up to speed after not having been on the #11 Westby Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 since the final round of the 2022 MotoAmerica season at Barber Motorsports Park last September. Also, the team upgraded the bike’s Marelli ECU with a new, upgraded software version, and the first task was to make sure all systems were ‘go’ with the motorcycle, the rider, and the crew.
For this latest test yesterday and the day before, Mathew and the team worked diligently on the bike’s setup as it relates to the new software. On Tuesday, Mathew was able to complete a total of 30 laps, and even though quick lap times weren’t the ultimate goal, he did manage to go third-fastest of the seven MotoAmerica Superbike riders who participated in the test. His fastest lap of 1:42.322 was just .209 of a second behind five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and recent FIM Moto2 competitor Cameron Beaubier, and only .839 of a second behind two-time Superbike Champion Jake Gagne, who was the fastest rider at the test.
On Wednesday, the weather became uncooperative, with temperatures in the low 40s and sleet limiting Mathew to only 10 laps around Buttonwillow Raceway. All four teams and all seven riders decided to call it a day due to the unfavorable weather conditions.
“The first day was positive for us,” Mathew said at the end of day two. “Just getting to understand and work out the new system and figure out the new added channels and the software, what’s working, where and how it affects the chassis, and just understanding the system as a whole. On day two, the weather didn’t really play into our hands. We only got about 10 laps in, so we weren’t able to try a few things that we had planned. But overall, it’s pretty clear for us to see that the new system has a lot more benefits for us and a lot more tools that we’re able to use to kind of see through some of the problems we had last year.
“I really want to say ‘thank you’ to the Westby guys. Obviously, traveling way out to the West Coast is quite a commitment for us, but it’s always good to do testing and to be around some of the other Superbike guys who we’ll be racing against. We’re looking forward to the next test that we’ll have here in a few weeks and just getting the bike closer to where we need it to be for the first round of the season at Road Atlanta. I’m very happy to be back on the bike and testing, and I think the 2023 season will be a good one for us.”
Mathew and the Westby Racing team will test again at Buttonwillow on March 22 and 23. For more updates about Westby Racing, including news, photos, and videos, visit http://www.WestbyRacing.com
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Graft Releases 34-Horsepower, 110-Pound Electric Off-Road Bike
EV startup Graft has begun commercial production of its carbon-rim electric motorcycle, featuring fully interchangeable battery pack
● Electric Vehicle (EV) startup, Graft, has begun taking orders of EO.12, its first high-performance electric motorbike designed for off-road trail riding, competitive enduro and motocross.
● With a maximum output of 25 kW (34 hp) and weighing just 50 kg / 110 lbs. (battery inclusive), the bike has the highest known power-to-weight ratio in the off-road e-bike market and is the first in the world to feature carbon fiber wheels.
● The EO.12 is priced in packages ranging from $8,500-$12,500 USD (depending on set-up and battery size) and is the first in Graft’s fleet of off-road recreational vehicles that will share fully interchangeable battery packs.
SAN FRANCISCO, TAIPEI – FEB 22, 2022 – Following two years of development and comprehensive testing, EV startup Graft has begun commercial production of its first high-performance, off-road electric motorcycle. Designed, developed and manufactured in-house by a team of passionate engineers and riders, EO.12 dirt bikes will be hand built in monthly, made-to-order batches and shipped worldwide from the company’s production workshop in Taipei, Taiwan.
The EO.12 is the first off-road motorbike across both gasoline and electric markets to feature carbon fibre wheels, delivering 25% weight saving against the average motorbike wheel and comprising a total vehicle weight of 50 kg / 110 lbs. (battery inclusive). The ultra-light construction ensures excellent maneuverability and easy recovery on challenging, technical trails, and with a maximum output of 25 kW (34 hp) the bike has the highest known power-to-weight ratio for an off-road electric motorbike. By marrying impressive power with manageable weight and removing the need for gear changes, the bike is easy to handle, making it as inviting for athletes as it is for dirt bike novices.
Featuring a large wheel size (53.34 cm/21 inch), EO.12 utilizes a user-friendly seat height homologated for the average American or European rider. Engineered to meet optimized traction and durability specifications, Graft has selected high-quality materials and components that exponentially elevate riding experiences including a luxury touchscreen display, motorcycle-grade suspension (produced by BOS with 3-way adjustability), and a hydraulic bump stop for additional shock absorption.
Parts of the drivetrain are 3D-printed in titanium to handle its torque of 440 Nm (324 lbs.-ft.) at the back wheel, and the frame has been CNC machined in-house from 6061-T6 aluminum billet with a brushed, anodized finish. Graft is the only manufacturer in the world making motorcycles with billet CNC-machined frames, a production method that offers additional strength and precision, avoiding any of the distortion seen in welded frames. Rated IP67 water resistant and featuring a permanently lubricated chain, the machine requires extremely little maintenance between rides.
The bike is the first in a family of off-road, recreational vehicles (including motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs) currently being developed by Graft since its launch in 2020. Addressing a common concern among e-bike riders that battery packs can quickly become obsolete as a result of changing designs in later iterations, Graft has designed each of its vehicles to be compatible with the same lithium-ion battery pack that is entirely swappable between models and future vehicle generations. This 10-year pledge on battery pack format is designed not only to increase the long-term usability of Graft’s vehicles but to reduce waste creation and the brand’s overall environmental impact.
The company’s owner and lead engineer, Azizi Tucker, said of the launch: “Although Graft was founded just two years ago in 2020, it really emerged out of a lifetime of passion in racing on two and four wheels combined with a 15-year career working in the electric vehicle industry. Our EO.12 bike represents a desire to converge those experiences to fully realize the potential of recreational EVs and the instant torque, easy control, and zero maintenance that the technology has to offer. Most importantly, it represents Graft’s mission to make vehicles that are ground-breaking and fun to ride.”
EO.12 comes with a 15A charger (220V) that takes 1.5 hours to complete a full charge. Available with full service upgrades, Graft provides a choice between a standard Base Model and Factory Team model, with the latter offering upgraded power specifications and components, including Vibracore lightweight handlebars and a full titanium bolt kit. With complete aftermarket support and service part availability, Graft has invested heavily in ensuring a seamless after-purchase experience. EO.12 is priced in packages ranging from $8500-$12500 USD (depending on set-up and battery size) and is available now at Graft-EV.com.
Specifications
● Weight: 110 lbs. / 50 kg
● Torque: 440Nm / 324 lbs.-ft.
● Top speed: 50 mph / 70 kph
● Peak Power: 34 hp / 25 kW
● Charge time: 1.5 hours
● Range: 3 hours (varies due to terrain and riding style)
● Swingarm: Billet CNC machined 6061-T6 Aluminium
● Wheelbase: 53.8 in / 1,366 mm
● Shock absorber: 3-way Adjustable Air Shock with Hydraulic Bump Stop
● Front Suspension: 3-way adjustable 42mm Inverted Fork with Hydraulic Bump Stop
● Battery Type: Lithium-ion
● Battery Pack Voltage: 80 V
● Battery Pack Capacity 2.7 KWh
● Battery Pack Life Cycle: 2000 Charge Cycles
● MSRP: $8,500-$12,500 USD
ABOUT GRAFT
Built by riders for riders, Graft is an EV startup, dedicated to manufacturing high-quality, best-in-class electric motorcycles and recreational vehicles. Founded by American-born engineer and power sports enthusiast, Azizi Tucker, Graft combines decades of experience, creative exploration, and tinkering in the motorsports, electric vehicle and manufacturing fields. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan to take advantage of the burgeoning supply chain of the Pacific Rim as well as the whole World, Graft’s small team of engineers handcraft vehicles fully in-house, pouring their attention to detail and passion for driving into each and every build.
AHRMA: Race Results From Roebling Road Raceway
Editorial Note: Use the scroll and zoom tools in the PDF viewer to better see all of the race results.
01 RRW 2023 Roebling Road - Weekend Results