MotoAmerica: LaRoche, Mazziotto Racing NECO Yamahas In Supersport

David Swarts

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February 15, 2023

MotoAmerica: LaRoche, Mazziotto Racing NECO Yamahas In Supersport

Montoursville, PA. February 15 2023 – North East Cycle Outlet Racing is excited to announce this year’s two-rider lineup for MotoAmerica’s “Next Gen” Supersport class. CJ LaRoche will now return for his third season with NECO and will be joined by teammate Anthony Mazziotto. Anthony will be returning full time to the SuperSport racing for the first time in five years. He has had great success the past two years, with 11 podium finishes including four race wins, finishing third overall in MotoAmerica’s Twins Cup in 2022.

Anthony Mazziotto (516). Photo courtesy North East Cycle Outlet Racing.

Anthony Mazziotto: “Can’t be more excited to be back on the Yamaha R6 again with some of the people that really started it all for me. I’ve known Mark (Markbilt Racebikes) Kyle (Northeast Cycle Outlet) and Ken (Ken Hill Coaching) for many years now and it’s such a great thing to be working with them all now under one canopy. It’s been quite a while since my last crack at it in the Supersport class but I think with the right tools and mindset the team and I can get the blue machine to the front.”

CJ LaRoche (20). Photo courtesy North East Cycle Outlet Racing.

CJ LaRoche: “I’m really looking forward to my third season with Kyle and North East Cycle Outlet. We’ve been building the last two years and toward the end of last year, Ken and I had bit of breakthrough with my riding and I can’t wait to get on my Graves Motorsport R6 and run at the front. Plus, we now have Mazz under the tent and it’s been great to already do some training with him. Overall, I can’t wait for the season to start, especially with the longer endurance rounds!

Ken Hill: “Our 2023 MotoAmerica season started the day after the last Barber round and everyone has been wide open preparing. I’ve never seen CJ so motivated and he’s been training like a beast! We’ve been working together with Graves Motorsports on the 2023 bike and together with CJ’s training, we feel confident on running up front. And, very stoked to be back with Anthony this year. Anthony is a front runner and a great addition to the overall team. Look for the Northeast Cycle R6 up front!

Team owner Kyle Alexander: “I am very excited to see what 2023 has in store for us! Anthony has proven to be an excellent rider, with great work ethic and drive. I can’t wait to see what he can do on our North East Cycle Oultet/Markbilt Racebikes Yamaha R6. With proven podium potential, I think Mazz will be in the fight for front every round! Each year CJ has exponentially improved – and this year is no different. At our first few tests at Jennings, CJ blew me away! He has absolutely been putting in the afterhours work and training with Ken. I think the fans will be consistently seeing two North East Cycle Outlet Yamaha R6’s finishing up front this year! I also want to thank you to all of our sponsors that have come on board this year, your support is very much appreciated! Let’s get 2023 rolling!

About NECO: At North East Cycle Outlet, it is our mission to get you back on the road/track as quickly as possible by providing quality, discounted, new and used, OEM and Aftermarket parts. We want your experience to be hassle-free so you can spend time where you want, on your bike! We curate, professionally clean and test every part that comes through our shop. We understand buying used parts online can sometimes be tricky and deceptive. We strive to provide detailed photos and information about each motorcycle part we’re selling so you can feel confident you will receive what you need. Our shop is located in Montoursville, Pennsylvania where we ship daily offering domestic and international shipping.

American Flat Track: Arai Named Official Helmet Of AFT For Sixth Straight Year

David Swarts

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February 15, 2023

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American Flat Track: Arai Named Official Helmet Of AFT For Sixth Straight Year

Arai Named Official Helmet of Progressive AFT for Sixth Consecutive Year

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 15, 2023) – Progressive American Flat Track is proud to confirm that Arai Helmet, Inc. will continue in its role as the series’ Official Helmet for a sixth straight season in 2023.

Producing motorcycle helmets for more than 70 years, Arai is globally recognized as the world’s premier helmet manufacturer. And despite its remarkable motorsports successes over the decades – including numerous titles across Progressive AFT, Formula 1, and MotoGP among countless other series – it remains a small, family-owned company.

“Arai’s roots in American racing actually began in flat track, with our very first U.S. sponsored racer in the late ‘70s,” said Brian Weston, Managing Director of Arai Helmet, Inc. “Arai first began racing support to learn and improve, and even after more than 40 years we continue to apply lessons learned on the racetrack to the helmets we make for our customers. We make only one level of helmet for all of our customers – racers and street riders alike – the very best helmet we can make for rider protection. Arai proudly puts their family name on every helmet we make.”

For generations, Arai has provided two- and four-wheeled competitors and enthusiasts unparalleled comfort, technology, and style and continually seeks ways to improve rider protection. Over that time, its mission has remained unchanged: protection without compromise. Each helmet Arai produces is meticulously handmade, providing unmatched quality and craftsmanship while featuring exclusive materials and technology. And to ensure the helmets live up to their name, each one is rigorously double inspected before being shipped.

“Helmet safety is the first order of business in motorcycle racing and no manufacturer can meet the demands of our sport and the desires of our riders better than Arai,” said Gene Crouch, COO of AMA Pro Racing. “Arai has set the standard for decades and is fully deserving of its many accolades. Its unwavering commitment to safety, craftsmanship, and quality is remarkable.”

The 2023 Progressive American Flat Track season will launch with the hugely anticipated return of the DAYTONA Short Track I & II at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10.

For more information on Arai Helmet visit https://www.araiamericas.com/.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

How to Watch:

FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2023 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.

About Arai Helmet

Founded as a helmet maker on October 13th, 1950, Arai Helmet was the first manufacturer of 2-wheel helmets in Japan. As for the high level of protection for motorcycles, touring riders of course needed it and Arai Helmet also received overwhelming endorsement from racers using the helmet in severe conditions. Mr. Michio Arai was born in 1938 in Tokyo and took over the Arai family business in 1986 from his father, Mr. Hirotake Arai. See more at www.araiamericas.com.

About Progressive American Flat Track

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

MotoGP: Anscheidt, Dovizioso To Be Named MotoGP Legends

David Swarts

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February 15, 2023

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MotoGP: Anscheidt, Dovizioso To Be Named MotoGP Legends

Andrea Dovizioso and Hans-Georg Anscheidt to be named MotoGP™ Legends

The Italian and the German will each be inducted into the MotoGP™ Hall of Fame in 2023

Wednesday, 15 February 2023

Andrea Dovizioso and Hans-Georg Anscheidt will each be named MotoGP™ Legends in 2023. Italian rider Dovizioso will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at Mugello and German rider Anscheidt at the Sachsenring, each taking their place in the Legend books!

Dovizioso won the 125cc World Championship in 2004, moved up to become a consistent challenger in the 250 class and then made his MotoGP™ debut in 2008, taking his first premier class podium as a rookie. The following season Dovizioso took his first premier class win and until his departure from Honda at the end of 2011, was a consistent podium threat. His next season saw him debut with Yamaha Tech3, where he again took a number of rostrums, before a move to the Ducati factory team for 2013 saw the two begin a long journey to the top.

Andrea Dovizioso (04) had many duels with Marc Marquez (93) in MotoGP. This one is from Qatar in 2019. Photo courtesy Dorna.

In 2014 Dovizioso garnered two podiums, in 2015 five and in 2016 another five – including a history-making win in the Malaysian Grand Prix, his first since 2009. That kicked off a renaissance of incredible frontrunning form as Dovizioso was Championship runner up in 2017, 2018 and 2019, taking 12 wins across just three seasons. His final win came in his final season with Ducati at the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix.

After a brief sabbatical, Dovizioso returned to competition in the latter part of 2021 as an Independent Team rider with Yamaha before retiring after Misano in 2022. His final hurrah saw the paddock come out to applaud both the achievements and class of a key figure in the modern era. Now, he’ll take his place as a MotoGP™ Legend.

German rider Hans-Georg Anscheidt was born in Königsberg (now Kaliningrad) in 1935 and would become one of the most successful 50cc riders in the first decade of the 50cc World Championship. He started riding Enduro in 1955 before switching to Speedway in 1957, then taking on the new challenge of 50cc circuit racing from 1959.

After European level success, Anscheidt continued racing for Kreidler when the 50cc class officially debuted as a World Championship in 1962, winning the first race of the season at Montjuïc and taking a second Grand Prix win at Monza in the Nations Grand Prix. He finished the year runner up overall, a feat he repeated in 1963 as he took another three Grand Prix victories. He ended 1964 in third place overall, taking another win, before a tougher 1965 ahead of a switch to Suzuki.

Hans-Georg Anscheidt (201) on a 50cc Suzuki in 1966. Photo courtesy Dorna.

That switch saw Anscheidt begin an incredible winning run. He took his first 50cc World Championship in 1966 and it didn’t stop there as the German won an impressive three titles in a row from 1966 to 1968. Remarkably, the first two saw Anscheidt compete as a factory Suzuki rider, but in 1968 he won his final Championship as a privateer. With his name in the history books as a three-time World Champion and winner of 14 Grands Prix, Anscheidt retired as the reigning Champion at the end of 1968.

Now, Dovizioso and Anscheidt will be named MotoGP™ Legends, joining a long list of greats that includes Valentino Rossi, Giacomo Agostini, Hugh Anderson, Kork Ballington, Max Biaggi, Alex Crivillé, Mick Doohan, Stefan Dörflinger, Geoff Duke, Wayne Gardner, Mike Hailwood, Nicky Hayden, Jorge Lorenzo, Daijiro Kato, Eddie Lawson, Marco Lucchinelli, Randy Mamola, Anton Mang, Jorge ‘Aspar’ Martinez, Angel Nieto, Dani Pedrosa, Wayne Rainey, Phil Read, Jim Redman, Kenny Roberts, Kenny Roberts Jr, Jarno Saarinen, Kevin Schwantz, Barry Sheene, Marco Simoncelli, Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, John Surtees, Luigi Taveri, Carlo Ubbiali and Franco Uncini.

Andrea Dovizioso: “When they told me, I was really surprised. Reading the list of Legends it’s a nice feeling to know my name is now going to be added. I had a long career but didn’t expect to be named a Legend – and certainly not so soon – but it’s really an honour.

“I’m looking forward to coming back to the paddock to visit, and to be inducted at the Italian Grand Prix makes it really special. I’m surprised and very happy, happy to become a MotoGP Legend. So thank you very much!”

Hans-Georg Anscheidt: “It is a great pleasure for me to become a MotoGP Legend. I did not expect it, as the 50cc class came years after the other classes of the World Championship had started and is long gone. I am very happy, and I will do all I can to come to the Sachsenring together with my son.

“The 50cc class was very special for me as I was racing bigger offroad bikes before and had to learn to handle these tiny, wobbly beasts with their narrow power band and narrow two-inch tires that had no margin for error.

“When the 50cc Moto Cup started in 1959, they had an average of 100 km/h. In 1960 it was already 110 km/h. In 1961 the topspeed of our Kreidler in the European Championship was around 140 km/h, when I last raced at Spa in 1968, my Suzuki went up to 205 km/h. It was an amazing development in these early years.

“I have not been in the paddock for a very long time., so I am very excited to see the World Championship again. I know from TV that the races are very close!”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “We’re very proud to induct Andrea and Hans-Georg into the MotoGP Hall of Fame. Two riders who achieved a lot, and two riders who were emblematic of the eras in which they competed. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming them back to the paddock to be named Legends.

“Andrea was already a World Champion early in his career and years later was still thrilling us as a key part of some of the best battles in the modern era of MotoGP. It was a pleasure for us to watch him compete and take some of the closest MotoGP victories I can remember. He is undoubtedly a legend!

“Hans-Georg was hugely successful in the 50cc class and won three titles back-to-back, which is a special achievement few have managed. He has an important place in history and was a key figure of that second decade of Grand Prix competition, making us all proud to name him a MotoGP Legend today.”

WorldSBK: Combined Rider/Machine Weight Limit Ruled Out

David Swarts

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February 15, 2023

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WorldSBK: Combined Rider/Machine Weight Limit Ruled Out

FIM Superbike & Supersport World Championships

Changes to the FIM Superbike and Supersport World Championships Regulations

The Superbike Commission, composed of MM. Gregorio LAVILLA (Dorna, WorldSBK Executive Director), Paul KING (Director of the FIM Circuit Racing Commission), Biense BIERMA (General Secretary of the MSMA), coordinated by Paul DUPARC (Manager of the FIM Circuit Racing Commission – SBK Secretary of the Commission), in the presence of Ludovic REIGNIER (FIM WorldSBK Technical Director), Dominique HEBRARD (FIM CTI Technical Manager) and Roland BERGER (FIM CTI Director) met on numerous occasions in recent weeks and took the following decisions:

The WorldSBK Championship is now mature. It is necessary to ensure the continuity of this category and to maintain the technical rules that have made its current success. The question of a minimum combined weight (Rider/Machine) has been ruled out by the “SBK Permanent Bureau”.

The Supersport and Supersport Next Generation category will see their 2022 technical rules maintained for an additional year. This postponement will allow current manufacturers under the Supersport rules to work during this season to meet the base of technical/balancing rules for the 2024 Supersport Next Generation, mandatory for all manufacturers.

At the end of the 2023 season, a study establishing the performance balancing results will be drawn up in order to establish the performance balancing in this series for 2024.

On the specific sporting side, a testing restriction has been established. It is now prohibited for riders and teams contracted to compete in the World Supersport & World Supersport 300 World Championships to test, practice or race at the same location as an FIM World Superbike World Championship event during the 11 days preceding the day of
first practice of this event.

Considering that the minimum age of WorldSSP300 riders had been increased, and that such riders have to practice for participating in higher class, it was approved that Flag to flag races would be put in place in this category (as existing in WorldSSP and WorldSBK): For all classes, a race will not be interrupted for climatic reasons except for extraordinary events. Riders who wish to change tyres or make adjustments will have to enter the pits and do so during the actual race.

In line with all FIM disciplines (initiated by GP classes), the meaning of the yellow flag with red stripes (change of adherence) will be as follows: “The adhesion on this section of the track could be affected by any reason other than rain, giving unexpected surface conditions. This can include isolated damp patches on a dry track, oil, gravel, grass or other debris”.

The FIM is continuing its mission of improving riders’ equipment and developing helmets. In line with this policy, only FIM homologated helmets (with a valid FIM Homologation Label) will be allowed with the following deadlines:

• Until the 31/12/2025: FRHPhe-01 & FRHPhe-02

• As from 01/01/2026: FRHPhe-02 only

A list of FIM Homologated helmets is available on www.frhp.org.

The resolutions of this Superbike Commission have been approved by the Permanent Bureau.

A regularly updated version of the FIM SBK Regulations which contains the detailed text of the regulation changes may be viewed shortly on the FIM website.

Andreani USA Opens Suspension Headquarters In North Carolina

David Swarts

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February 14, 2023

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Andreani USA Opens Suspension Headquarters In North Carolina

Noted Italian Distributor of Performance Motorcycle and Bicycle Suspension Products Opens US Distribution Arm

Hendersonville, NC – Andreani, known throughout Europe as the premier distributor of motorcycle and bicycle suspension products, announced today the opening of their first US office and distribution center, located in Hendersonville, NC. The facility is building a stock of products from their own lines as well as well-known brands that will be distributed to US bicycle shops and motorcycle dealerships.

The Andreani USA facility is a 10,000 square foot distribution center and houses the offices for Andreani USA. The company currently employs four people in the US and expects that number to increase as business grows. Andreani USA currently distributes products from SKF, Intek, Kayaba, Showa, and Ohlins, as well as its own Andreani line of suspensions for motorcycles and bicycles.

“The Andreani Group is thrilled to open our operations in the United States. The US market is a tremendous opportunity for our company. We believe that our approach to high performance two-wheelers, which is to provide great products and help technicians by offering comprehensive training, will have a significant impact on bicycle and motorcycle riders in the USA,” said President of Andreani USA Luciano Ubaldini.

Andreani USA President Luciano Ubaldini. Photo courtesy Andreani USA.

Andreani Group International was founded in Pesaro, Italy in 1987 by Giuseppe Andreani, a former motorcycle racing champion. Initially focused on supporting the performance needs of motorcycle riders and racers, Andreani quickly realized that the science of vehicle suspension was not well understood by riders and technicians in the motorcycle world. Andreani worked with industry experts and built a training program, which became the premier resource for technicians and tuners in Europe to get the most out of their motorcycles.

Andreani founder Giuseppe Andreani back in the day. Photo courtesy Andreani USA.

Andreani USA will begin offering this type of training in the United States later this year and will encourage technicians from their customers’ dealerships to attend, along with tuners from some of the top road racing and motocross teams in the industry. The company will also offer training for mountain bike racing teams and technicians, leveraging the company’s deep roots in all types of performance two-wheelers.

The company expects the staff in Hendersonville to grow to 10-15 employees by the end of 2023 and will expand to offer more products and more top brands of motorcycle and bicycle suspension products.

Royal Enfield BTR Enlists Freddie Spencer, Is Now Accepting Applications

David Swarts

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February 14, 2023

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Royal Enfield BTR Enlists Freddie Spencer, Is Now Accepting Applications

Royal Enfield BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. Now Accepting Applications for 2023

Freddie Spencer to join Royal Enfield’s innovative BTR program

Milwaukee, WI (Tuesday, February 14, 2023) – Royal Enfield is proud to announce the return of its signature BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. (BTR) program to both American Flat Track and MotoAmerica national championships. This groundbreaking program continues to welcome aspiring women into the racing community and provides the opportunity to travel the country and race within a national championship. Royal Enfield is currently accepting applications from women riders (new and experienced) looking to take part in both BTR Road Racing and BTR Flat Track programs for 2023.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN AT BUILDTRAINRACE.COM. APPLY NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 26!

Royal Enfield is thrilled to announce Motorsports Hall of Famer Freddie Spencer as part of the MotoAmerica BTR team. The three-time Grand Prix world champion will serve as a mentor and riding coach to the BTR Road Racing paddock, bringing his legendary expertise to the women of the 2023 program.

Three-time World Champion Freddie Spencer will serve as a mentor and riding coach for the 2023 Royal Enfield BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. road race program. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.

“It’s exciting for me to return to the MotoAmerica paddock, especially at a grassroots level like this,” said Freddie Spencer. “Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. program is unique in that it brings racing back to the basics: technique, talent and most importantly, passion. That’s the true soul of racing, and I’m looking forward to fostering that with the BTR women, and hopefully we can continue to encourage people everywhere to get out on the track and give racing a try, and most importantly, just experience the enjoyment of what motorcycling gives you.”

Royal Enfield’s BTR program guides aspiring racers through the process of building a race bike from a stock Royal Enfield motorcycle—INT650 in BTR Flat Track and Continental GT 650 in BTR Road Racing—learning technique and race craft on the track, and finally racing within a national championship. The 2023 season will consist of two separate programs: a four-round series within American Flat Track, and a four-round series within MotoAmerica. Racing begins with BTR Flat Track on April 22, and BTR Road Racing on May 20.

Twelve-rider grids in each series will consist of both returning members and new riders. Applications are currently being accepted, and will close Sunday, February 26. Apply now, or let your lady rider friends know about this unique opportunity to come racing with Royal Enfield in 2023! For more on Royal Enfield BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. and details on how to apply, visit BuildTrainRace.com.

“BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. has become a hallmark of Royal Enfield’s global culture, and we are very proud to usher BTR into its fourth year with American Flat Track, and third year with MotoAmerica,” said Adrian Sellers, Royal Enfield Head – Custom & Motorsport. “The inclusion and encouragement of the BTR program is truly inspiring, and the opportunity to welcome new and returning racers, the support of our sponsors, and now with the legendary Freddie Spencer is an honor. We look forward to another season of exciting racing.”

Royal Enfield's BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. flat track race program is returning for a fourth year with American Flat Track (AFT). Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America. — Royal Enfield’s BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. flat track race program is returning for a fourth year with American Flat Track (AFT). Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.

BTR Flat Track Racing Schedule

April 22 (Rnd 1) Dallas Half-Mile, Mesquite, TX

May 6 (Rnd 2) Ventura Short Track, Ventura, CA

July 1 (Rnd 3) West Virginia Half-Mile, Mineral Wells, WV

July 22 (Rnd 4) Bridgeport Half-Mile, Swedesboro, NJ

BTR Road Racing Schedule

June 2-4 (Rnd 1) Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI

June 23-24 (Rnd 2) Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

July 28-30 (Rnd 3) Brainerd Int’l Raceway, Brainerd, MN

August 18-20 (Rnd 4) Pittsburgh Int’l Race Complex, Wampum, PA

Think you have what it takes? Apply now for Royal Enfield BTR 2023!

The BTR program guides women of all experience levels through the process of building, training and racing a Royal Enfield 650 motorcycle.

About Royal Enfield

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

Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 150 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S. and Canada. RENA currently offers the all-new Scram 411, Classic 350, Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.

For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.

MotoAmerica: Disrupt Racing Fielding Gillim And May In Daytona 200

David Swarts

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February 14, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Disrupt Racing Fielding Gillim And May In Daytona 200

Disrupt Racing to field Geoff May along side of Hayden Gillim for 2023 Daytona 200.

“We are happy to announce that Geoff May will be joining our Daytona 200 campaign for this year along side of Hayden. Geoff is a capable contender to win the 200 and has loads of experience around that track. Things just sort of aligned up perfectly to put this combination together so we are all excited to have him on board our Suzuki GSX-R” said Disrupt Racing’s team owner Jesse Hwilka.

“I’m really excited to be racing the Daytona 200 with Disrupt Racing. This is a unique opportunity to blend my crew of Michael Godin, Will Gawler, and Fred Turner with the successful team of Disrupt Racing. I’m looking forward to being teammates with Hayden Gillim and believe we will work well together, to take our Suzuki GSX-R’s to the front. I’d like to personally thank Jesse of Disrupt for this opportunity,” said Geoff May.

“I have a lot of love for Geoff and his guys. We’ve worked together in the past and have had a great relationship, so we all are looking forward to this. Geoff has done a lot for our sport and our series. I have a ton of respect for him as a rider and as an individual, and he still has what it takes to run up front, especially at Daytona. As an added bonus, Hayden and Geoff also have a good relationship, so they are going to be a strong duo to compete against and have the potential to both be on the box after 200 miles. Either way it’s going to be a lot of fun and we’re looking forward to it!” said Jesse Hwilka.

MotoAmerica: Yamaha Posts $15,300 In Contingency In New Mini Cup Classes

David Swarts

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February 14, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Yamaha Posts $15,300 In Contingency In New Mini Cup Classes

Yamaha To Post Contingency For Mission Mini Cup By Motul Series

$15,300 Up For Grabs In Stock 50, Stock 110 And Stock 125 Classes For 2023 Season

IRVINE, CA (February 14, 2023) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that Yamaha Motor USA is offering a contingency program for the 2023 Mission Mini Cup By Motul series.

Yamaha is offering a contingency program for the 2023 Mission Mini Cup By Motul.
Yamaha will post a total of $15,300 for the series that features MotoAmerica’s youngest racers, aged six to 14, with a payout of $425 per event in the newest classes in the championship – Stock 50, Stock 110 and Stock 125.

A top-three finish in any of those three classes will pay $250 to the winner, $125 to second place and $50 to third.

“It’s really cool to have contingency involvement for these young racers in our Mission Mini Cup By Motul series for 2023,” said Cory Texter, Mission Mini Cup By Motul Series Manager. “Yamaha is a top manufacturer in our series on the big bikes and with this contingency program, I think we will see a lot of blue bikes at the front in our Stock classes for Mission Mini Cup By Motul as well. It’s going to be a really fun year.”

Yamaha’s contingency program for the Mission Mini Cup By Motul series is a first for the championship by a manufacturer.

The Mission Mini Cup By Motul series will kick off its season with a round at the Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina, on May 5-6, and will conclude with the MotoAmerica season finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey, September 23-24.

In between will be rounds with MotoAmerica at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama (May 19-20), Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin (June 2-3) and Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania (August 18-19) with a second standalone Mini Cup round at New Jersey Motorsports Park (July 15-16).

2023 MotoAmerica Mini Cup Presented By Motul Schedule

May 5-6 Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw SC

May 19-20 Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL*

June 2-3 Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI*

July 15-16 New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ

August 18-19 Pittsburgh International Race Complex, Wampum, PA*

Sept. 22-23 New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ*

*In conjunction with MotoAmerica

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.

WorldSBK: Honda Officially Launches Its 2023 Team (Includes Video & More)

David Swarts

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February 14, 2023

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WorldSBK: Honda Officially Launches Its 2023 Team (Includes Video & More)

Editorial Note: Scroll down to see the official launch video. The actual video doesn’t start until about the 10:00 mark.

Team HRC outlines its plans and expectations for the 2023 WorldSBK season

The factory Team HRC has virtually opened the doors to its pit garages, the sacred space in which the team and HRC track engineers focus their efforts during every test and race weekend so as to provide riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge with the best possible CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE with which to battle against the fierce World Superbike field.

And while the 2023 livery of the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE welcomes PT Astra Honda Motor to the line-up of official sponsors, the team has concentrated on what lies beneath the fairings in the limited time it has had between the end of the 2022 season and the imminent 2023 season-opener in Australia.

Team Manager Leon Camier and riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge have spoken about what they learned last season and what they aspire to now, aware that the level of competition in 2023 will be higher than ever.

In addition to the virtual presentation, Honda and WorldSBK fans will be able to visit Team HRC’s paddock home on wsbk.hondaracingcorporation.com at any time throughout the year. This area will be constantly updated with new content and information about the team and rider activities, and will remain available to all the passionate fans around the world.

Iker Lecuona's CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP racebike. Photo courtesy Team HRC. — Iker Lecuona’s CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP racebike. Photo courtesy Team HRC.

Iker Lecuona 7

“We learned a lot last year and achieved some strong results, like pole position in Barcelona and a podium at Assen, which we weren’t really expecting as that was only the second race. Definitely a very positive year overall, and it helped me get to grips with a lot of things, like how to manage the situation in every race and at every track, also with the Pirelli tyres that were very difficult to understand at first. I plan to harness all that I learned in 2022 in the year to come. Over the winter, the team and everyone back in the Honda factory have worked really hard to provide us with a better bike. We still have two days of testing in Australia before the first race, so we have time to understand the new material and find the best setup in order to exploit it as best we can. We start with the two rounds that I wasn’t able to compete in last season, but I like both tracks, feel good, and am ready to give it my all.”

Xavi Vierge's CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP racebike. Photo courtesy Team HRC. — Xavi Vierge’s CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP racebike. Photo courtesy Team HRC.

Xavi Vierge 97

“This is my second year in WorldSBK and so we’ll benefit from not having to start from scratch. We now know many of the tracks and understand how the tyres and electronics work, while it was all a big challenge for me last year. 2022 wasn’t an easy season but we scored some good results and demonstrated our potential. They’ve been working hard in Japan and so we’ve had a lot of work to do and elements to test over the winter. I am really pleased with how that all’s gone and now we just need to identify our base setup for the season. Testing is great but it doesn’t compare to racing. Luckily, this year we start early and there’s no better places than Australia and Indonesia. I love those tracks, especially Phillip Island. It’s the first time I’m heading there in February, which is summertime, so I’m looking forward to getting there and beginning what should be an amazing season.”

Leon Camier

Team Manager, Team HRC

“The 2022 World Superbike season was a good foundation year for our two young rookies. Throughout the season, we were able to see what they are both capable of and were impressed by the way in which they were able to quickly adapt to new circuits and different situations. Now that we’ve done a lot of the learning, we can aim to focus on race performance right from FP1. We’ve worked hard in a lot of areas and improved in many aspects. 2023 starts now, and we’re ready to go. The goal is to improve globally, both with the bike on the team’s side, and working to take another step more generally speaking. Our top speed has always been really good with the Fireblade, but we must keep working to improve in every area. When you bring a new spec of a given component to improve in one area, you sometimes find this sets you back in another area. This is something that Honda have been working very hard on in Japan and we are confident that this year we will make another step in the right direction. To expect to go from where we were last season to aiming for a title win will be very difficult, but this is essentially our goal, and one that we will keep working towards until we achieve it.”

MotoAmerica: Electric Vs. Gas – Mesa Racing Energica In RSD Super Hooligan

David Swarts

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February 14, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Electric Vs. Gas – Mesa Racing Energica In RSD Super Hooligan

ENERGICA EVA RIBELLE BRINGS ELECTRIC TO THE SUPER HOOLIGAN SERIES

An Energica Eva Ribelle streetfighter will be racing in the 2023 edition of the RSD Super Hooligan National Championship with MotoAmerica. It will be entered by Tytlers Cycle Racing and ridden by Colombia’s Stefano Mesa #137.

The Modena-based manufacturer, coming off a four-year stint as the single manufacturer in the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup, will be making history once again as the first electric motorcycle brand to have a bike compete full time in a motorcycle racing series against more conventional, internal-combustion-engine counterparts.

The racing season will begin on March 9-11 at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, a racetrack that is famed for its long and high banking, which will be a new challenge for an electric motorcycle to overcome.

The series will consist of four rounds and eight individual races – running as part of the famed MotoAmerica Championship – with the other three events to be held at Ridge Motorsports Park (June 23-25), Laguna Seca (July 7-9) and COTA (September 8-10).

Based in Wisconsin, Tytlers Cycle Racing is one of the up-and-coming teams in the MotoAmerica series, having claimed the STK1000 title in their debut season last year as well as multiple podium finishes in the Superbike class.

Energica electric motorcycles have been made in the famous Motor Valley of Italy since 2014 and are available for sale at 135 dealers and importers worldwide. Since April 2022, Energica Motor Company has been part of Ideanomics, a global group that aims at accelerating the commercial adoption of electric vehicles.

ABOUT ENERGICA MOTOR COMPANY S.p.A

Energica Motor Company, leading company of high-performing electric motorcycle and system integration for EVs. Energica Motorcycles are on sale worldwide.

MotoAmerica: LaRoche, Mazziotto Racing NECO Yamahas In Supersport

February 15, 2023

North East Cycle Outlet (NECO) Racing's CJ LaRoche (left) and Anthony Mazziotto (right). Photo courtesy North East Cycle Outlet Racing.

Montoursville, PA. February 15 2023 – North East Cycle Outlet Racing is excited to announce this year’s two-rider lineup for MotoAmerica’s “Next Gen” Supersport class. CJ LaRoche will now return for his third season with NECO and will be joined by teammate Anthony Mazziotto. Anthony will be returning full time to the SuperSport racing for the first time in five years. He has had great success the past two years, with 11 podium finishes including four race wins, finishing third overall in MotoAmerica’s Twins Cup in 2022.

Anthony Mazziotto: “Can’t be more excited to be back on the Yamaha R6 again with some of the people that really started it all for me. I’ve known Mark (Markbilt Racebikes) Kyle (Northeast Cycle Outlet) and Ken (Ken Hill Coaching) for many years now and it’s such a great thing to be working with them all now under one canopy. It’s been quite a while since my last crack at it in the Supersport class but I think with the right tools and mindset the team and I can get the blue machine to the front.”

CJ LaRoche: “I’m really looking forward to my third season with Kyle and North East Cycle Outlet. We’ve been building the last two years and toward the end of last year, Ken and I had bit of breakthrough with my riding and I can’t wait to get on my Graves Motorsport R6 and run at the front. Plus, we now have Mazz under the tent and it’s been great to already do some training with him. Overall, I can’t wait for the season to start, especially with the longer endurance rounds!

Ken Hill: “Our 2023 MotoAmerica season started the day after the last Barber round and everyone has been wide open preparing. I’ve never seen CJ so motivated and he’s been training like a beast! We’ve been working together with Graves Motorsports on the 2023 bike and together with CJ’s training, we feel confident on running up front. And, very stoked to be back with Anthony this year. Anthony is a front runner and a great addition to the overall team. Look for the Northeast Cycle R6 up front!

Team owner Kyle Alexander: “I am very excited to see what 2023 has in store for us! Anthony has proven to be an excellent rider, with great work ethic and drive. I can’t wait to see what he can do on our North East Cycle Oultet/Markbilt Racebikes Yamaha R6. With proven podium potential, I think Mazz will be in the fight for front every round! Each year CJ has exponentially improved – and this year is no different. At our first few tests at Jennings, CJ blew me away! He has absolutely been putting in the afterhours work and training with Ken. I think the fans will be consistently seeing two North East Cycle Outlet Yamaha R6’s finishing up front this year! I also want to thank you to all of our sponsors that have come on board this year, your support is very much appreciated! Let’s get 2023 rolling!

About NECO: At North East Cycle Outlet, it is our mission to get you back on the road/track as quickly as possible by providing quality, discounted, new and used, OEM and Aftermarket parts. We want your experience to be hassle-free so you can spend time where you want, on your bike! We curate, professionally clean and test every part that comes through our shop. We understand buying used parts online can sometimes be tricky and deceptive. We strive to provide detailed photos and information about each motorcycle part we’re selling so you can feel confident you will receive what you need. Our shop is located in Montoursville, Pennsylvania where we ship daily offering domestic and international shipping.

American Flat Track: Arai Named Official Helmet Of AFT For Sixth Straight Year

February 15, 2023

Arai Named Official Helmet of Progressive AFT for Sixth Consecutive Year

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 15, 2023) – Progressive American Flat Track is proud to confirm that Arai Helmet, Inc. will continue in its role as the series’ Official Helmet for a sixth straight season in 2023.

Producing motorcycle helmets for more than 70 years, Arai is globally recognized as the world’s premier helmet manufacturer. And despite its remarkable motorsports successes over the decades – including numerous titles across Progressive AFT, Formula 1, and MotoGP among countless other series – it remains a small, family-owned company.

“Arai’s roots in American racing actually began in flat track, with our very first U.S. sponsored racer in the late ‘70s,” said Brian Weston, Managing Director of Arai Helmet, Inc. “Arai first began racing support to learn and improve, and even after more than 40 years we continue to apply lessons learned on the racetrack to the helmets we make for our customers. We make only one level of helmet for all of our customers – racers and street riders alike – the very best helmet we can make for rider protection. Arai proudly puts their family name on every helmet we make.”

For generations, Arai has provided two- and four-wheeled competitors and enthusiasts unparalleled comfort, technology, and style and continually seeks ways to improve rider protection. Over that time, its mission has remained unchanged: protection without compromise. Each helmet Arai produces is meticulously handmade, providing unmatched quality and craftsmanship while featuring exclusive materials and technology. And to ensure the helmets live up to their name, each one is rigorously double inspected before being shipped.

“Helmet safety is the first order of business in motorcycle racing and no manufacturer can meet the demands of our sport and the desires of our riders better than Arai,” said Gene Crouch, COO of AMA Pro Racing. “Arai has set the standard for decades and is fully deserving of its many accolades. Its unwavering commitment to safety, craftsmanship, and quality is remarkable.”

The 2023 Progressive American Flat Track season will launch with the hugely anticipated return of the DAYTONA Short Track I & II at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10.

For more information on Arai Helmet visit https://www.araiamericas.com/.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

How to Watch:

FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2023 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.

About Arai Helmet

Founded as a helmet maker on October 13th, 1950, Arai Helmet was the first manufacturer of 2-wheel helmets in Japan. As for the high level of protection for motorcycles, touring riders of course needed it and Arai Helmet also received overwhelming endorsement from racers using the helmet in severe conditions. Mr. Michio Arai was born in 1938 in Tokyo and took over the Arai family business in 1986 from his father, Mr. Hirotake Arai. See more at www.araiamericas.com.

About Progressive American Flat Track

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

MotoGP: Anscheidt, Dovizioso To Be Named MotoGP Legends

February 15, 2023

Andrea Dovizioso (4) leading Valentino Rossi (46) and Toni Elias (24) on his way to his first MotoGP victory, at Donington Park in 2009. Photo courtesy Dorna.