More, from a press release issued by Isle of Man TT:
PETER HICKMAN WINS BENNETTS SUPERTWIN TT RACE
Peter Hickman (10), as seen during the Supertwin TT. Photo courtesy Isle of Man TT Press Office.
Peter Hickman claimed his third win of the 2022 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy, and his eighth in total after taking victory in Wednesday afternoon’s Bennetts Supertwin TT Race, his first ever victory in the class.
Riding the VAS Engine Racing Paton, Hickman had been locked into battle with the similarly mounted Michael Dunlop for the first two laps but when the Ulsterman went out a third of the way into the final lap, he had a clear run to the end eventually winning by a clear 1 minute 40 seconds from Lee Johnston (Ashcourt Racing) with Paul Jordan (PreZ Racing by Prosper2) taking his first ever TT podium in third.
With bright sunshine at the Grandstand but damp patches remaining in the north of the Island, particularly Kerromoar, Glen Duff and the Ramsey Hairpin after heavy overnight rain, Dunlop led through Glen Helen on the opening lap with Hickman just 0.8 seconds behind.
Jamie Coward (KTS Racing powered by Steadplan) was only a further 0.9 seconds adrift and they were followed by a flying James Hind (Team ILR/Mark Coverdale), Johnston and Frenchman Pierre Yves Bian on the second VAS Engine Racing Paton.
Taking the jump at Ballaugh Bridge for the first time, Hickman had turned his deficit into a 0.8 second advantage and the two Patons had opened up a 5.2 second gap over Coward, who in turn had opened up a similar distance to Hind. Johnston and Bian remained in fifth and sixth but Gary Johnson (Dafabet Racing) was out having retired at the famous landmark.
At Ramsey Hairpin, Dunlop had cut Hickman’s lead down to half a second and it looked to be a two-horse race with Coward now 8.2 seconds in arrears. He was more than 11 seconds clear of Hind though with the latter coming under pressure from Johnston with just 1.3 seconds covering the two riders.
Dunlop edged ahead at the Bungalow by just 0.08 seconds and an opening lap of 120.303mph meant he led Hickman by 0.6 seconds as the riders made their mandatory pit stop at the end of lap one. Coward was now 13.7 seconds further back in third with Johnston having overhauled Hind for fourth and Bian holding station in a good sixth. Jordan, Rob Hodson, Michael Rutter and Stefano Bonetti occupied seventh to tenth.
Coward had the quickest pit stops of the leading contenders at 29.7s but whilst he continued to lead on the road, he was still in third at Glen Helen on lap two and he was now 16.9s behind second placed Dunlop with Hickman back in front albeit by only 0.8s. Further back, Bian had overtaken Hind to move up into fifth.
As the lap progressed, there remained nothing between Hickman and Dunlop and the latter led at Ballaugh by the tiny margin of 0.04 seconds, a gap that had stretched at Ramsey Hairpin but only up to 0.8 seconds. That was halved when both riders crossed the tramlines at the Bungalow for the second time.
However, Coward was out with the Kawasaki having expired just after the 11th Milestone and that promoted Johnston into third and the final podium position – albeit almost a minute behind the race leader – with Bian, Jordan and Hind now the running order behind him.
Back at the front and as the riders flashed along Glencrutchery Road to start their final lap, there’d been yet another leader change with Hickman back ahead of Dunlop, the gap between the two still only half a second. Johnston was now 1 minutes 10 seconds behind Dunlop but the Aprilia man was in a safe third being more than 20 seconds ahead of Bian. Jordan moved up to fifth and had closed to within 3.8 seconds of the Frenchman.
Drama soon came though with Dunlop slowing through Laurel Bank and Hickman’s lead at Glen Helen was a whopping 57 seconds, the Englishman having overtaken his rival on the road. Johnston and Bian were still in third and fourth but now had Dunlop firmly in their sights, on time at least.
Dunlop was then reported to have stopped to make adjustments only to be black flagged and whilst Hickman had a huge lead over Johnston, third place was still anyone’s with just a handful of seconds covering Bian, Jordan, Hind, Hodson and Rutter.
Hickman had no issues going up and down the Mountain for the final time and, with the fastest lap of the race, 121.293mph, cruised to his third win of the week, taking the chequered flag 1 minute 49 seconds clear of Johnston. A delighted Jordan took the third position from Ramsey, holding on until the end for a debut TT podium finish.
Fourth was still a superb result for Bian in his first TT and Rutter and Hodson followed him home with Hind, Dominic Herbertson, Michael Evans and Xavier Denis completing the top ten. For the latter two, it was their best ever TT results.
The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team is more than ready for the fourth round of the season at the Misano World Circuit ‘Marco Simoncelli’, with Garrett Gerloff and Kohta Nozane back in action after a three weeks’ break.
Previously in Estoril, Nozane scored his first points of the season and enjoyed a solid race weekend. The Japanese ace made it into the top 15 in both feature-length races, showing good speed and is eager to make further improvements on Italian soil.
On the other side of the box, Gerloff was unfortunately forced to miss out all three races due to an injury last time out. Following a crash in the FP3, the American suffered a deep wound on his left knee, which denied him the chance to race after a promising showing during Friday’s Free Practice sessions.
The 26-year old focused on his recovery during the break and is set to be ready to race in Misano, where he showed strong pace at the pre-season test.
Race 1 will get underway at 14:00 local time (GMT+2) on Saturday, while Race 2 has moved to 15:15 the following day. Between them, Sunday’s Superpole Race will start as usual at 11:00.
Garrett Gerloff #31
“My knee feels fine and I’m good to go! I’m looking forward to Misano and I cannot wait to be back out on the race track. In the pre-season test here, we enjoyed some positive running, proving to be very fast, so we’re eager to put in a good performance this weekend.”
Kohta Nozane #3
“I’m really looking forward to Misano! The winter test was a good one and things seem to be picking up after a strong Estoril round. It will not be easy to manage this weekend as I’m expecting high temperatures, but I’m confident we can be fast there.”
More, from another press release issued by GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team:
FORD TRUCKS ITALIA RACE ALONGSIDE THE GYTR GRT YAMAHA WORLDSBK TEAM
For the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship, the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team can count on the great support of Ford Trucks Italia, official partner of the ongoing season.
Placed as one of the main player in the vehicles industrial world, Ford Trucks is inside the market since over 50 years, offering his experience and developing skills on their products.
Starting from 2022, Ford Trucks Italia helps GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team with his vehicles; thereby, the team could reach relevant results starting from the departure to the circuits all over the world. The trucks will be two newfangled F-MAX, which has been awarded in 2019 as “International Trucks of the Year”.
The Ford Trucks branding will feature on both GRT Yamaha’s R1 bikes, as well as Gerloff and Nozane’s leathers, while it will also appear inside the team’s pit box.
LORENZO BOGHICH, CEO Ford Trucks Italia
“Finding a partner who shares our values and vision is always a big challenge. So, we’re really proud to announce a new parthership with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team and we cannot wait to support them in every round of the FIM Superbike World Championship with our F-MAX, Ford Trucks’ spearhead.”
FILIPPO CONTI, Team Manager GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team
“We’re extremely happy to announce our partnership with Ford Trucks Italia. They will surely help us a lot throughout the whole season in every FIM World Superbike Championship round. Thanks to their F-MAX our equipment will travel safely to every circuit around the world. We’d like to thank the whole Ford Trucks staff for choosing us and for the massive support they’ll give to us during the season.”
STATEMENT ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE ISLE OF MAN TT RACES
On Saturday 4th June during the opening lap of the first Sidecar Race of the 2022 Isle of Man TT Races, an accident at Ago’s Leap involving outfit number 21 of César Chanal and Olivier Lavorel resulted in the death of one of the competitors.
The race was stopped with the deployment of full-course red flags, and medical personnel, a Travelling Marshal, and the emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene.
One of the competitors sustained injuries that would not support life and was sadly declared dead at the scene. The second competitor was unconscious with severe injuries.
The injured competitor was treated at the roadside before being transferred to Noble’s Hospital, and then airlifted to a specialist hospital in Liverpool to receive treatment.
An initial identification procedure was conducted using established procedures and would appear to have resulted in a mistaken identification.
We now believe it was César Chanal who died at the scene of the accident on Saturday 4th June. Olivier remains in a critical condition and continues to receive treatment.
Both competitors’ families have been informed.
A thorough review of the processes relating to the identification of competitors will take place in due course.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of both Olivier and César at this truly devastating time.
We ask that people do not speculate on social media.
CODY LAMAR KITCHENS RACES TO PODIUM FINISH IN YAMAHA R6 CUP IN SPANISH C.I.V. SERIES OPENER AT JEREZ
Texan Cody Lamar Kitchens raced his Andifer Racing Team Yamaha R6 to a well-earned third place finish at Circuito de Jerez at Round One of the Yamaha R6 Cup on Sunday in the Rookies division.
Cody got up to speed quickly during practice, getting acquainted with the bike, the team, the Michelin spec tires and the track. Qualifying didn’t go as he had planned, and he ended up starting from the sixth row. A good start got him into a position to run with the front runners, and Cody made his way forward.
“I got a good start, there were a few crashes on the first couple of laps, and I ended up closing on the third place rider,” said Cody. “I got around him after a couple of laps and pulled away, then maintained the gap to the guys ahead of me.”
Cody, 16, moved to Fortuna, Spain in July of 2020 from Houston, Texas, but the Covid-19
pandemic caused the Spanish race series to be cancelled, also for the 2021 series. In the
interim, Cody has been training with the Pakosta37 Riders Factory, riding on both dirt and
pavement, and doing track days on his personal Yamaha R6.
Cody’s next event of the 2022 Yamaha R6 Cup series is at the Navarra Circuit in Northern
Spain on July 1-3, 2022.
For the 2022 season, Cody Kitchens is proud to be sponsored by Three Chihuahua Racing
(www.threechihuahuaracing.com)
Army Of Darkness Returns to Defend Title at Opening Round of WERA/N2 Endurance Series at Carolina Motorsports Park This Weekend.
AOD takes to the tarmac to launch their attempt to win their 6th straight Heavyweight Championship and 18th Endurance championship. Piloting the AOD R1 will once again be Chris Peris (AOD Class of 2005) and Ben Walters (AOD Class of 2003), who are joined this year by new team member Cody Wyman. The Yamaha Champions School instructors will be able to put their lessons to the test aboard the team’s Yamaha R1s prepared and nurtured by long-time team members Tim Gooding, newly minted YouTube star Melissa Berkoff, YT Lechner, Chris Manfrin, and Anthony Consorte.
The entire group will once again be loosely coordinated by Team Captain Sam Fleming.
“Each year the competition improves so we have to keep innovating to try to stay a couple tenths of a second ahead. We had to do a lot of development work when we switched from BMW to Yamaha but we managed to squeak out the title in 2020. Then we had another learning curve when we adopted the Pirellis, but we managed to win again in 2021. This year we expect the competition to be even stronger and we are fortunate to have such a veteran team of riders and mechanics. Often endurance racing is as much about avoiding mistakes as about fast laps and we are hoping that our collective wisdom of age overcompensates for all the bad backs.” – Tim Gooding
AOD is sponsored by: Army of Darkness, Yamaha Champions Riding School, Yamaha, Pirelli, Industry13, Chicken Hawk, Wood Craft, Hindle, Fast Frank Racing, Supersprox, Thermosman, N2, WERA, Roadracing World.
Former racer and race tire distributor Jerry Jirkovsky died June 6 in a hospice in Tucson, Arizona. He was 63.
Jirkovsky was a former Willow Springs Motorcycle Club (WSMC) class Champion, but he was best known as the Pirelli and Bridgestone race tire distributor for the southwestern U.S. for a significant period of time.
Jirkovsky had been battling colon cancer for over two years.
He is survived by brothers Jim and Tom.
Plans are still pending, but the burial service will take place in Omaha, Nebraska, according to Tom Jirkovsky
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE LIMITED-EDITION, ‘ELITE’ BAGGERS COMBINE SHOW-STOPPING STYLE WITH SOPHISTICATION & RELIABILITY
New Indian Challenger & Chieftain Elite Deliver the Ultimate in Style & Exclusivity
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (June 7, 2022) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today unveiled two new limited-edition baggers within its premiere “Elite” class. With limited availability, and an exclusive, custom-inspired design, the 2022 Indian Challenger Elite and 2022 Chieftain Elite deliver the ultimate in style and exclusivity.
“From factory-custom details to premium amenities, and advanced ride-enhancing technology, we left no stone unturned when designing our new Elite baggers,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle. “Whether you prefer the liquid-cooled power and performance of the Indian Challenger, or the more organic growl and unmatched air-cooled power of the Chieftain, these two Elites elevate both platforms with gorgeous custom-inspired design elements straight from the factory.”
A 2022 Indian Challenger Elite. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Indian Challenger Elite
With only 200 available worldwide, 2022 marks the debut for the Indian Challenger Elite. Its muscle car-inspired styling turns heads, while class-leading performance provides unmatched passing power. Premium amenities and advanced ride-enhancing technology combine for a comfortable ride – whether cruising city streets or touring backroads.
Muscle Car-Inspired Styling
The Challenger Elite’s Stealth Gray and Black Metallic paint with Indy Red accents screams American muscle. A red stitched seat and color-matched Elite badging complete the bike’s performance-inspired design.
Class-Leading Performance
At the heart of the Indian Challenger Elite is the liquid-cooled, 108 cubic-inch PowerPlus engine. With best-in-class 122 horsepower and 128 ft-lbs. of torque, the Indian Challenger Elite delivers incredible V-twin performance with unmatched passing power.
With three ride modes, riders can customize the bike’s throttle mapping by selecting from Rain, Standard or Sport mode – resulting in one motorcycle with three distinct performance personalities. Each ride mode has been engineered with its own distinct traction control setting to align with each mode’s specific throttle mapping.
Premium Amenities & Ride-Enhancing Technology
With loads of premium amenities and advanced ride-enhancing technology, riders will have no problems traversing hundreds of miles a day. Electronically adjustable rear suspension preload from Fox® allows riders to conveniently dial in their bike to account for extra cargo or two-up riding, while intuitive Smart Lean Technology keeps riders confidently grounded. Back lit switch cubes improve the rider’s ability to see the bike’s controls at night, while an adaptive LED Headlight, along with LED driving lights, deliver superior illumination, as the adaptive headlight adjusts light spread based on the bike’s lean angle. An adjustable flare windscreen, select floorboards, and heated grips contribute to a comfortable ride experience.
In addition, an upgraded and fully integrated 400-watt PowerBand audio system, including saddlebag speakers, produce crystal-clear sound quality at any speed. The bike’s industry-leading seven-inch touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND offers Apple CarPlay®, GPS with turn-by-turn navigation and a complementary year of RIDE COMMAND+ connected features, which includes live traffic and weather overlays, and a vehicle locator feature that allows riders to track their bike’s last location where it was powered on. Standard features aboard the Indian Challenger Elite include, ABS, keyless ignition, tire pressure monitoring, as well as weatherproof and remote-locking saddlebags with more than 18 gallons of storage.
A 2022 Indian Chieftain Elite. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Chieftain Elite
Designed for discerning riders who demand the best of the best, the 2022 Chieftain Elite combines a sophisticated design with custom-inspired details straight from the factory. With only 150 globally available, the Chieftain Elite is highly exclusive.
Custom-Inspired Style
It’s all in the details, as the Chieftain Elite’s eye-catching Heavy Metal Smoke paint is complemented by premium bronze finishes, including the tank’s Indian Motorcycle headdress, saddlebag latches, center console, primary cover and airbox. Oil-rubbed bronze finishes across the engine’s push rod tubes, horn cover, and cam cover take the Chieftain Elite’s style to an entirely new level straight from the factory.
The Chieftain Elite’s streamlined fairing, slammed saddlebags with sharp lines and hard edges contribute to the bike’s aggressive demeanor. In addition, LED saddlebag lights, a two-up comfort seat, low suspension, precision machined wheels, and premium blacked-out finishes complete the Chieftain Elite’s head-turning style.
Unmatched, Air-Cooled Performance
Packing the most powerful Indian Motorcycle air-cooled engine, the Thunderstroke 116, the Chieftain Elite delivers class-leading performance with 126 ft-lbs of torque. Rear cylinder deactivation improves rider comfort when riding through slower traffic, while three selectable ride modes, including Tour, Standard and Sport, allow riders to adjust the bike’s throttle response to match their riding style.
Premium Amenities & Ride-Enhancing Technology
As standard equipment, the 2022 Chieftain Elite packs premium amenities, including an Adaptive Pathfinder LED headlight, an adjustable and tinted flare windscreen, spacious aluminum select floorboards, rear saddlebag LED lights, backlit switch cubes, and an integrated 400-watt PowerBand audio system. Like the Indian Challenger Elite, the Chieftain Elite features the seven-inch touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND with Apple CarPlay®, GPS with navigation, and RIDE COMMAND+ features, like live traffic and weather overlays, and a vehicle locator feature. Standard features include, ABS, keyless ignition, tire pressure monitoring, as well as weatherproof and remote-locking saddlebags with more than 18 gallons of storage.
Riders looking to personalize their Indian Challenger Elite or Chieftain Elite can do so with a variety of style, comfort and touring accessory upgrades. Indian Challenger Elite riders can add even more custom style to the rear with Pathfinder LED Saddlebag Lights, while Chieftain Elite riders can add even more lighting up-front with Pathfinder S LED Driving Lights. Elite riders can also take their comfort to the next level with the ClimaCommand Heated and Cooled two-up seat that features individual controls for rider and passenger. Riders of either model can enjoy longer rides with the versatile Spirit Lake Luggage Collection, color-matched Hard Lower Fairings, a color-matched Trunk and up to 800 watts of PowerBand audio.
Pricing for the Indian Challenger Elite starts at $34,999, while the Chieftain Elite begins at $32,999. Both models will begin shipping to dealers this month.
To learn more about Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE
Indian Motorcycle Company is America’s First Motorcycle Company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
Apple CARPLAY® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.; FOX® is a registered trademark of Fox Factory Inc.; Facebooksm is a service trademark of Facebook, Inc.; Twittersm is a service trademark of Twitter, Inc.; Instagramsm is a service trademark of Instagram, LLC; Unless noted trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC
Support classes prepped for wide-open 2022 season as CSBK returns to Grand Bend this weekend
Toronto, ON – While several familiar names are expected to headline the feature Pro Superbike category in 2022, the support classes in the Canadian Superbike Championship are instead gearing up for the first round of what is expected to be a wide-open campaign this weekend at the Grand Bend Motorplex, June 9-12.
The most intriguing battle of the group will be in the Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike category, which will have no returning champion for the first time since 2017 as Sebastian Tremblay chooses to focus solely on his Superbike program. The perennial frontrunner captured his first Pro title in dominant fashion last season, winning every race from pole position, but will now relinquish his crown heading into Grand Bend.
The grid won’t be without a former champion entirely, however, as the season is expected to bring the return of 2019 title winner Will Hornblower. A regular frontrunner in his own right, Hornblower managed two victories and a podium in all seven races to capture a dream championship two seasons ago, but his return has been put on hold for a number of factors.
The privateer Yamaha rider suffered rib and shoulder injuries in a brutal preseason crash while prepping for the 2020 campaign, with his recovery keeping him on the sidelines throughout 2021. Now mostly healthy, Hornblower will return as the presumptive favourite for a second career title, but recent regional racing has proved that won’t come easy.
Leading the charge in the SOAR series, notably hosted at Grand Bend, is former lightweight star Trevor Dion, who has adjusted quickly to the bigger bikes and put that expertise on full display by finishing second in his only appearance at CTMP last season. The LDS Consultants Kawasaki rider will have another local challenger to deal with, and another aboard Kawasaki machinery, as 2021 national runner-up David Mackay has also looked strong aboard his Mack Attack Racing machine.
The Quebec contingent will also have plenty to say in 2022, as the Pro 6 GP regional series welcomed the frontrunning trio of Phillippe Masse, Vincent Levillian, and Louie Raffa back to Calabogie Motorsports Park last weekend.
Masse – the third overall finisher from last season – was the eventual winner in that race, but the Turcotte Performance Kawasaki rider had to deal heavily with the SpeedFactory67 Kawasaki of Levillian, who finished just one spot behind Masse in the 2021 standings and one spot clear of Raffa, who wound up fifth overall aboard his Raffa Racing Honda.
The category will also feature a pair of young Yamaha wildcards that could play heavily into the championship equation, as former Guyanese champion Elliott Vieira and teenage star Jake Leclair are both expected to return full-time in 2022.
Vieira pushed Tremblay perhaps more than anyone else last season but continues to be plagued by mechanical issues within his Snow City Racing program, while Leclair flashed strong pace to begin the 2021 campaign and again showed that pace last weekend by battling with Masse and Levillian for the win in Calabogie aboard his Yamaha Canada machine.
Outside of the Pro ranks, the series is expected to feature just as much unpredictability and excitement in the Amateur Superbike, Sport Bike, and Lightweight classes, which are all likely to see unknown challengers emerge over the course of the season.
Leading the return in the AIM Insurance Amateur Superbike category will be an East-coast sensation and a pair of Quebecois talents, as John Fraser leads the way for Yamaha ahead of last year’s fifth-overall finisher Marc Labossiere (BMW) and sixth-place rider Guillaume Lavallee (Yamaha), the latter of which earned a pair of podiums but did not enter round two at CTMP.
Another pair of frontrunners expected to return are Suzuki-mounted William Degrasse and Aprilia-backed Erick Gosselin, both of whom entered the final round with a chance at a top-three finishing spot before Degrasse crashed out and Gosselin did not enter.
As for the Amateur Sport Bike category, a pair of young talents are expected to front the title battle in 2022, as Fraser does double-duty for Yamaha against former Lightweight star Mackenzie Weil, who is moving up to the Amateur ranks.
Fraser turned plenty of heads in his one-off appearance at CTMP last season, challenging eventual champion Brad Macrea en route to a second-place finish, and is expected to return for the full campaign this year – including a long-awaited return to his home race in Shubenacadie this July.
Weil, meanwhile, conquered the first four races of the Lightweight championship last season before a crash in Calabogie dashed his title hopes, though his focus has now shifted to a larger Yamaha machine as he aims to become the latest teenage star to graduate to the Pro ranks for 2023.
Fraser and Weil won’t be alone at the top, however, as they will have to worry about a pair of returning frontrunners in the form of Honda’s Nathan Playford and Yamaha’s Nolan Eadie, both of whom enjoyed exceptional 2021 campaigns and could have turned Pro if not for a DNF in the final round by both riders.
With Weil departing the Super Sonic Race School Lightweight category, the junior class will be open for plenty of intrigue in 2022, with reigning champion Harvey Renaud’s title defence uncertain for Kawasaki.
Perennial frontrunner Jacob Black is expected to return, also Kawasaki-mounted, but will likely have to deal with Honda challenger Paul Etienne Courtois, who finished third overall in last years championship but only 26 points off the front.
Another presumptive favourite will be the returning Istvan Hidvegi, who dominated the Pro 6 GP aboard his Yamaha machine and impressed in his only appearance at CTMP last season.
The 2022 campaign will also bring the introduction of the Pro/Am Lightweight class, a more “relaxed” version of the Lightweight category which will likely feature a group of former Pro riders sporting their new smaller machines, including the talented brother pairing of Cameron and Jared Walker.
The full schedule of events and additional information for round one at the Grand Bend Motorplex can be found on the series’ official website at www.csbk.ca.
VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI FOCUSES ON POSITIVES FROM MIXED WEEKEND
Supersport Pole Position and Race Victory followed by Disappointing Finale
BREA, Calif. — After a stellar start to the weekend, Suzuki Motor USA and Team Hammer experienced mixed conditions and mixed results as the Road America round of the 2022 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing season concluded on Sunday in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
One day after securing a maiden MotoAmerica Supersport victory in remarkable fashion, Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott was once again a force at the front of the class despite dealing with inclement weather.
After some trouble in Race 2, Tyler Scott (70) is looking forward to building off the win in Race 1 and take it to the next round at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
The 16-year-old earned the holeshot from pole and then settled into a battle for the podium in the treacherous wet conditions aboard his GSX-R750. That fight went deep into the contest with Scott mounting a charge with three laps remaining, diving up into third position in Turn 5 with less than three laps remaining.
However, he was nearly pushed off track by another rider in an errant encounter a few corners later. Off line in the slick conditions, the youngster suffered a fall in the very next corner.
“The race started pretty well,” Scott said. “Then I got shuffled back a few spots and I was trying to concentrate on the riders I am battling with in the championship. The guys at the front had an outstanding pace going for the conditions and the race was going very well for me as I was trying to keep up with the group.”
“Another rider put an aggressive move on me, and I got off my line. The rear came around on me in the next corner and that was it. I had a great weekend, got a win, and once again I learned a lot.”
Sam Lochoff (44) had some misfortune in his warm-up lap in Race 2 but is building off the experience from Road America. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Scott’s Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki teammate, Sam Lochoff, had a difficult day as well; his race ended before it ever started due to an ECU problem that appeared on the warm-up lap.
However, Suzuki still made its presence felt on the Supersport podium as 3D Motorsports LLC Suzuki’s Luke Power expertly guided his all-new next-generation GSX-R750 to second position. The young Australian’s Suzuki benefiting from an electronic throttle assembly and other components developed by Team Hammer and Suzuki for the new class structure.
Coming off his second MotoAmerica Supersport top ten finish of the year on Saturday, young racer Liam Grant managed to battle at tricky and wet Road America on Sunday, earning the checkered flag and 16th place for his efforts. Grant has already shown steady progress in his first season with Team Hammer as he continues to advance his skills.
The MotoAmerica Superbike race was then contested in arguably even more tricky conditions as the track proved too wet for slicks initially but steadily dried throughout the contest.
After a seventh-place finish in Race 2 for Jake Lewis (85), he is looking forward to improving the bike settings in the coming weeks. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Jake Lewis positioned himself as high as fourth early before ultimately keeping his GSX-R1000R upright and bringing it home in seventh position. “It was a tough race because the conditions were mixed,” said Lewis. “I usually like that but the track dried so fast, three laps in I thought my tire was gone. The result isn’t what I or the team wanted but we played it safe and got some points. I’m looking forward to us working hard these next few weeks, so we improve going into the Ridge.”
Superbike class rookie teammate Richie Escalante, meanwhile, was sixth in the first corner before claiming 15th at the checkered flag.
Richie Escalante (54) rode his GSX-R1000R Superbike in adverse weather for the first time at Road America. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Escalante said, “Overall the weekend was difficult for me. After our test in Pittsburgh, I came into the weekend looking to take the next step. I was happy to finish these races, but I had never ridden a Superbike in wet conditions before and that was difficult today.”
“The team is working very hard to help me, especially with the changes to the bike,” the Superbike rookie continued. “Even a small change makes a big difference. I am very happy with the team and the bike but feel I need more experience to keep improving. I will keep training and pushing to go faster. I am really looking forward to the next race.”
Team Hammer will be back in action later this month as the MotoAmerica season resumes at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington, on June 24-26.
ABOUT TEAM HAMMER
The 2022 season marks Team Hammer’s 42nd consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 128 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 332 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport.) The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
ABOUT SUZUKI
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
More, from a press release issued by Rodio Warhorse HSBK Racing:
Double Deuce and a Nickel at Road America
Rodio Warhorse HSBK Racing Twins Cup rider Anthony Mazziotto and Junior Cup rider Gus Rodio missed race wins by 0.423 and 0.006 seconds respectively in Saturday’s thrilling races, both ultimately finishing in 2nd place. In Sunday’s wet Junior Cup race, shortened to four laps due to delays, Gus managed to bring it home safely in 5th.
Never underestimating his opponents Mazziotto advanced through the field from a 7th place grid position to 2nd place on lap one, and then swapped position with the lead group throughout the race until finally taking an extremely close 2nd at the checkered flag.
Twins Cup leaders battling for the podium. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Rodio Warhorse HSBK Racing.
Anthony Mazziotto: “Had to dig super deep for this one, fell pretty far back from a podium position in the last few laps but we never give up. Can’t thank the team enough for believing in me. Next up is one of my favorite tracks, let’s see what we can do!”
Expecting the unexpected Rodio started Saturday’s race from 3rd on the grid, fighting with the leaders for six of the eight laps. Dropping to 6th place on lap seven as the pack shuffled for podium spots Rodio made his move on the final lap to take the lead only to be nipped at the finish line.
Junior Cup race 1 finish. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Rodio Warhorse HSBK Racing.
In Sunday’s wet and shortened race the mission was to finish the race and collect championship points. After a red flag and restart a 5th place finish was the result.
Gus Rodio: “Coming to Road America I had a lot of confidence with my results from last year. I wanted to bring home another victory two years in a row, but we just came up an inch too short. I’m really looking forward to getting to the West Coast and pushing my Rodio Warhorse HSBK Racing Ninja 400 to the front.”
Mazziotto’s performance advanced him to 2rd place in the Twins Cup championship standings and likewise Rodio’s results advanced him to 2nd place in the Junior Cup championship. Both riders look forward to more action at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington in three weeks.
More, from a press release issued by Geoff May Racing:
Team Vision Wheel/Discount Tire/Amsoil/KWS/Honda
Road America , Round 4
Geoff May (99). Photo courtesy Geoff May Racing.
Road America has always been a favorite track for riders and fan’s alike. This is no
exception for Team Vision Wheel/ Discount Tire/KWS/Amsoil/Honda. The weekend
started off with tricky conditions for the riders with high winds. Geoff was able to get
up to pace quickly, as expected with his experience at Road America. Q1 Geoff
struggled to find the pace from the previous year, with posting a lap time only good
enough for 5th place. Something seemed off with the bike. Mike Godin and Geoff
compared all the notes from 2021 to the current settings of the CBR1000RRR. There
was a discrepancy that was found. Saturday proved to be a completely different day.
Geoff was able to knock over 2 seconds off his time from Friday to earn a front row
start. With renewed pace and confidence he was able to get the hole shot into turn
one. Cory Alexander was able to make the pass in turn 3. Geoff then set out after
chasing Cory, but he didn’t have enough speed to keep his pace. Travis Wyman was
able to draft by, relegating Geoff to 3rd where he stayed for the remainder of the
race. The retirement of Hayden Gilliam earlier in the race, gave the team the
opportunity to make up some valuable points that were lost after Road Atlanta.
Hayden is the current points leader, followed by Travis Wyman six points back and
Geoff seven points back. The championship is tight now and there is some exciting races to come! The next race will be at The Ridge in Washington state. It will be a double header round.
“I am really happy with our performance and a 3rd place finish. I rode my best with
zero mistakes and that’s all you can do. I had obviously hoped for a win at one of my
favorite tracks, but it wasn’t in the cards this weekend. The CBR is progressing every
weekend and I can’t wait for the next Round. It was also amazing to see so many
spectators back in the stands. I cannot thank everyone involved in this program
enough for this opportunity.” Geoff commented.
Geoff May Racing would also like to thank all our supporting and technical sponsors for their contributions and long-standing relationships as well. The Team is currently sponsored by SBS Brakes, Arata Exhaust, Evol Technologies, Ktech Suspension, Orient Express, Thermosman, Arai Helmets, Dainese, BikeSports Oldsmar, Flex Racing, T13, and Rob Pippins Design.
We are always looking for supporting and technical sponsors to partner with. Please send sponsorship inquiries to [email protected]
More, from a press release issued by N2 Racing:
N2 Racing Scores Top Five at Road America.
Media, PA – June 2022 – N2 Racing scores a top five finish with Blake Davis and two top ten finishes with Kevin Olmedo. Blake Davis scored a hard fought fourth place in the only Twins Cup Race at Road America. Kevin Olmedo scored a sixth-place finish in Supersport race one and an eighth-place finish in a very wet Supersport race two after almost not making the event at all.
This was almost a race that didn’t happen for Kevin Olmedo. Kevin flew into Miami from his home in El Salvador on and due to lost passport, didn’t make it to Wisconsin until after 1am on Thursday night. After a very short night sleep, Kevin had a fantastic qualifying day starting on the outside of row two. In Supersport race one Kevin got a great start and was fighting in the lead group, ultimately finishing sixth. Supersport race two was only Kevin’s third time racing in the rain and it was a challenge with only a couple of laps of preparation due to shortened warm up session. Again, Kevin got a great start, but took time to get comfortable with the track and the Dunlop rain tires. Kevin turned his fastest laps at the end of the race to finish eighth and get some valuable points. Kevin is currently sixth in the Championship.
Twins Cup only had one race on Saturday at Road America and it was a good one. Blake was struggling with a lack of track time in qualifying and ended up starting ninth. The race was held in perfect conditions and Blake was able to latch on to the lead group straight away. After race long battle for the podium, Blake brough the N2 Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 home in fourth place. Blake is fourth in the Championship standings.
Blake Davis (22). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.
Blake Davis – “It was kind of a slow start to the weekend, but I was able to find some competitive pace by the race. The Yamaha YZF-R7 is a new platform for me and I was very happy with how the team set the bike up for Road America. I am very much looking forward to The Ridge as it is one of my favorite tracks. My main goal is to get up to speed quickly to fight with the lead guys.”
Kevin Olmedo (16). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.
Kevin Olmedo – “It was a good weekend with solid results. The team is working great and the bike is getting better for me every event. We are getting closer and closer to the podium and with a few small tweaks we will be there. I love The Ridge, so hopefully that will be good event for us.”
Shiloh Salopek (Crew Chief) – “I am happy with our results from Road America given the tricky weather conditions. I know both Kevin and Blake are looking forward to the Ridge as they both like that track. We will take the points we collected at this round and keep pushing forward onto The Ridge Motorsports Park.”
About N2: N2 – Ride, Race, Learn.
Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing. N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.
N2 Racing is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, BobbleHeadMoto, Karnes Performance, Trading Paint, GB Racing, Westby Racing, Attack Performance, Robem Engineering, Puig, Eazi Grip, ProBolt, and Yamaha Champions Riding School.
More, from a press release issued by Pure Attitude Racing:
Road America brings best result of season for Pure Attitude Racing as they field their first Academy rider in MotoAmerica too
Pure Attitude Racing leave Road America, the venue for the latest round of the 2022 MotoAmerica Championship with all three riders Chase Black, Liam MacDonald and Trevor Standish claiming points in every race for the first time this season.
In Twins Cup it was Trevor Standish who produced the best result of the weekend, the #16 crossing the line in eleventh after a race long fight with several other riders, to achieve his and the team’s best result of the year. The result could have been even better had it not been for a shift linkage issue. Liam MacDonald once again proved he’s a fighter when the lights go out. The Kiwi battling hard from the sixth row of the grid to P14 at the flag, ensuring he has now scored points in all races since Daytona – an impressive achievement.
The Junior Cup championship is always a frenetic affair but as we saw in VIR, teenager Chase Black is developing his on-track skills nicely. Qualifying on row three he finished ninth on Saturday before riding a sensible race on Sunday as the rain began to fall around the four-mile Road America circuit.
The team was also more than pleased with the progress of their Academy rider Brycen Stein, who in only his second MotoAmerica appearance qualified mid-pack before bringing it home in a more than respectable twenty-seventh after a small mistake on the opening lap prevented what could have easily been a top twenty finish.
Trevor Standish (16). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Trevor Standish: “I was pretty frustrated after the race even after getting mine and the team’s best result of the year in Twins Cup, I honestly felt we could and should have been in the top ten. I wasn’t able to change gear properly right from the start and I am sure with the pace we had we could have been ninth. It’s all part of the learning curve and we know the issue. The team is working so hard to make us more competitive and we have a game plan to make life easier for both Liam and me. On the bright side we had more pace this weekend and we are getting closer every race. The bike handles like a dream and once we get those few extra horse powers, we can show our true potential on the Yamaha.”
Liam MacDonald (37). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Liam MacDonald: “I am happy with the weekend. It’s the first time I think I have ever raced that hard in any championship. I was three wide with the people I was battling with and can leave Road America happy that I was riding well in the corners, we are just losing a bit on top speed which we knew before the weekend even began. The good news is that the team are working hard, and we were certainly more competitive here than we were at the start of the year, so I want to say a big thanks to them for continuing to push to find those extra ponies. I am quite excited for The Ridge as the bike will hopefully be even better and we wont need as much top speed there but I’m a racer and I always want to be at the front.”
Chase Black (14). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Chase Black: “Overall the first race didn’t go to plan. I was honestly hoping and expecting more. I made a mistake at Turn 1 on the opening lap and lost the group immediately. I gave it everything and so in the end had to settle for ninth. It was raining for Race 2 which was a good race and much better than I expected especially as I don’t have that much wet weather experience. I was in the fight for P4 but hit the white line and almost went down but I had so much fun and am looking forward to the next race in Washington.”
Brycen Stein: “I felt good all race long. I could have the pace to run with the group ahead, but I made a mistake on the opening lap which left me in a battle with a couple of riders whose bikes were faster. It was a bit frustrating as I was much quicker in the corners. The bike felt good, and we finally got it to turn. It was a great experience being able to work with Pure Attitude, I am super happy to be part of their Academy program. They’re a great bunch of people and they definitely helped me this weekend. On one hand I am a little disappointed, but you can only do what you can do with the tools you have, and this is only my second ever race at this level, so I have to look at the positives, of which there are many. I hope to be back on the MotoAmerica grid before the end of the year and look forward to making more progress.”
More, from a press release issued by 3D Motorsports LLC:
3D Motorsports rider Power claims maiden MotoAmerica Supersport podium Sunday in first race aboard Suzuki GSX-R750
Mariniello scores come-from-behind fourth place in Sunday Junior Cup race at Road America
Luke Power. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy 3D Motorsports LLC.
ELKHART LAKE, Wis. – Luke Power didn’t think of himself as a top-notch wet weather rider heading into Sunday’s damp conditions for the second MotoAmerica Supersport race of the weekend. And despite it being his first time racing at Road America – and his first weekend piloting a 3D Motorsports LLC GSX-R750 – the Australian scored a fourth place and a runner-up finish at the June 3-5 event.
Power’s 3D Motorsports teammate – fellow Australian Joe Mariniello – put in a strong performance in Sunday’s wet MotoAmerica Junior Cup race. He came up one position short of claiming his first MotoAmerica podium after a race stoppage erased his first charge up the running order. The team’s third rider for the weekend, Steven Shakespeare, put in a gritty performance in the round’s lone Stock 1000 race.
Power’s excellent results at Road America helped him to move up from eighth to fifth in the Supersport points standings.
The weekend started well for all three 3D Motorsports LLC riders. Power’s first session of the weekend aboard the newly-homologated-for-2022 GSX-R750 saw him finish 11th-fastest in Friday practice. He ended Friday’s Qualifying 1 session in seventh place and wrapped up qualifying Saturday morning in ninth.
Mariniello was down on pace at the start of his first weekend racing at Road America. He was 16th in Friday practice, 14th in Qualifying 1 and ended up qualifying 14th for the round’s two Junior Cup races. Shakespeare finished Friday’s Stock 1000 practice session 30th out of 42 riders and was 31st in Friday’s Qualifying 1. When Stock 1000 qualifying concluded on Saturday, Shakespeare had improved his qualifying position to 29th for Saturday’s noontime Stock 1000 contest.
Power had a great start to Saturday’s Supersport race. Starting from ninth, he moved up two positions in the first few corners when a couple front runners crashed out. Power then advanced another three positions up the running order by the end of Lap 1. He spent the remainder of the 11-lap race in a multi-rider battle for the last step on the podium, running as high as third before having to settle for a fourth-place finish by a margin of 0.243 seconds.
Mariniello finished the Saturday Supersport race one position lower than he started it but was promoted to 14th after the race due to a penalty being assessed to another rider. Shakespeare put in a valiant effort to overcome an early race mishap, as he fell to the back of the field during Lap 2. Undeterred, Shakespeare made up one position per lap for the following five laps and finished the race in 27th.
Power’s podium finish in Sunday’s wet Supersport race was in part thanks to his superb start. He got a great launch off the line and was running in third by the time the field reached the first corner. Though he ran in fourth place for the first few laps, Power gradually reeled in two of the front runners. He made his moves up to third and second on Lap 4 and clinched a lonely runner-up finish.
Marinello’s fourth place in Sunday’s Junior Cup race is impressive because he made up nine or more positions in two laps – twice. He got a good jump at the initial start of the shortened four-lap race and steadily worked his way up the running order on the opening lap. He finished Lap 1 in sixth and was running in fifth on Lap 2 when the race was stopped due to an on-track incident. Mariniello had to take the restart from his original grid position of 14th with two laps to go, yet he had moved up to fifth place by the end of Lap 1. Though he wasn’t able to catch up to the front runners before they broke away from the rest of the field, Mariniello battled for the best finish he could and crossed the line in fourth by a margin of 0.052 seconds.
The 3D Motorsports LLC team will be back in action in three weeks for the next MotoAmerica round, which is slated for June 24-26 at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Wash.
Luke Power / No. 68
“I am super happy and so stoked to have made it onto the podium in Race 2. It was an awesome race, and the track was in good shape despite the rain. The 3D Motorsports team did an excellent job all weekend, as did K-Tech Suspension. We had a great setup this weekend. I was disappointed to not get on the box Saturday, but I’m glad I was able to get the job done Sunday. I can’t wait to carry this momentum into the Ridge and see all the fans there too. I am loving life in MotoAmerica and want to thank everyone who has helped me get here.”
Joe Mariniello / No. 88
“Overall, it was a really strong weekend for the team. We struggled a little bit at the start of the weekend, as this was a new track for me. Starting from 14th wasn’t ideal, but I knew I could get past some other riders during the race. We got some valuable championship points with our fourth-place finish, and hopefully we get to transfer what we learned Sunday to our dry race setup and get up on the podium. I can’t thank 3D Motorsports enough for how well they set the bike up for me, especially the wet setup on Sunday. I’m looking forward to the next round at the Ridge.”
3D Motorsports’ sponsors for the 2022 MotoAmerica season include Orient Express, K-Tech, BTEC Turbines, 4SR USA, Blud Lubricants, CG Law, Evol Technologies, AF1 Racing, Southern Adrenaline, M4 Exhaust, Valor Farms, LS2, Raceworx, Motorcycle Dealer Services and DrippinWet.
More, from a press release issued by Royal Enfield North America:
ROYAL ENFIELD BTR LEAVING ROAD AMERICA WITH MIXED EMOTIONS
BUILD. TRAIN. RACE Road Race round two sees complicated results after last-lap drama unfolds at Road America
The start of the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. race at Road America. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
Milwaukee, WI – Changing conditions, a shuffled program and last-lap drama made for a complicated weekend at Road America for Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. (BTR) Road Racing program. At the second round of the 2022 season, the overall results appeared similar to the opening round at VIR, with Kayleigh Buyck leading the way, but after the action was settled, it was Jenny Chancellor who was awarded the winner’s points and the championship lead.
The Road America round of MotoAmerica started on a challenging note for BTR racers due to changing weather at the Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin facility. Inclement weather on Sunday morning, following the schedule changes due to Saturday’s delayed program, left the BTR women gridding up on Sunday afternoon. The shifting weather made it difficult to predict conditions for the main race, and the BTR Continental GT 650 motorcycles headed out on a drying track on rain tires.
After qualifying on the pole, Kayleigh Buyck jumped out to an early lead in the four-lap race with Chloe Peterson and Crystal Martinez giving chance. The lead trio broke away, where the battle heated up when Martinez got around Peterson for second, closing on Buyck. The three-rider contest for the lead turned into a two-way battle when Peterson dropped away in a low-side crash, and moments later Martinez overtook Buyck for the lead.
The sprint to the finish was on between Buyck and Martinez, until a crash involving Kayla Theisler and Jessica Martin (running fourth and fifth at the time), prompted a red flag, ending the race midway through the final lap. Despite the red flags, Buyck and Martinez continued to hammer away for the lead in a side-by-side battle in the final stretches, seemingly unaware that the race had been halted.
With results reverted to the previous lap, per MotoAmerica rules, Buyck and Martinez recorded first and second place, respectively. But due to their failure to observe the red flags, both riders were sanctioned by MotoAmerica and denied any championship points.
Third-place finisher Jenny Chancellor was awarded the championship points for the win, with Theisler and Martin collecting second- and third-place points, respectively. Both riders were okay after their final-lap incident.
“This was a complicated weekend for us,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing and Communications Lead – Royal Enfield Americas. “We pride ourselves on being able to showcase the Build. Train. Race. program in a premier championship, and we do understand that this is a process for riders who are new to the competition aspect of road racing. We like to avoid errors but unfortunately, they do happen in racing. This further highlights the importance of Build and Train along with the Race aspect of the program, and BTR accepts the responsibility of ensuring all racers understand the rules of racing that every MotoAmerica athlete is expected to follow.
“While we’re leaving Road America with mixed emotions, we also will not let this discourage our program or its goals. I am proud of our BTR racers who rode phenomenally in what were very tricky conditions. Our goal is to grow the sport through providing opportunity and encouragement to those who have the confidence to get out there. It’s not always an easy road, but growth comes through embracing the entire experience, the mistakes and the successes—that’s what racing is about.”
Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Road Racing is looking forward to the full grid of 15 racers returning to action for round three at Brainerd International Raceway on July 29-30.
The 2022 Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. programs (Road Race and Flat Track) are made possible by the participation of these generous sponsors. Our continued thanks to all our supporting companies behind BTR.
2022 Build. Train. Race. Sponsors
Parts Unlimited
Harris Performance
S&S Cycle
Dunlop
Maxima Racing Oils
BOXO USA
Öhlins USA Suspension
Arai Helmets
More, from a press release issued by Altus Motorsports:
MotoAmerica: Results from Road America for the Altus Motorsports WPS FLY Racing Team
(Elkhart Lake, WI) Mixed weather conditions made for an interesting weekend at Road America. Friday and Saturday were sunny and perfect but Sunday brought intermittent rain showers making track conditions and tire choices tricky.
“Road America is one of my personal favorite tracks. The weather didn’t cooperate this weekend, but our riders made the best of it,” said team owner, George Nassaney “and, big thanks to BrakeTech coming on board as a sponsor with rotors for the entire team.”
Superbike Cup & Stock 1000
Brandon Paasch is still adapting to the liter bike after moving up from a few years on a 600. Unfortunately, some mechanical issues hampered his progress in Wisconsin. The MotoAmerica round at Road America has only a single running of the Stock 1000 race making race condition feedback more limited. Paasch started from 22nd but unfortunately, a mechanical issue forced him to retire from the race. Meanwhile, with only 120 minutes before the Superbike race, the team worked quickly to rectify the problem but missed the race start by just 10 minutes. Drying pavement with rain tires made the Sunday Superbike race challenging for all the competitors. Brandon was able to bring the Altus GSX-R1000 home in 11th overall and as the 5th Superbike Cup racer.
Brandon Paasch (96). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“The weekend was a bit frustrating. I struggled in the first practice with setup. Up until now, we haven’t been making big changes on the bike. I’ve just been trying to understand the 1000. This weekend we started to try some new things. We made changes for Q1 and the bike got better and I dropped a chunk of time. We made changes for Q2 but we took a step backward. I went faster but not by much. For the Stock 1000 race, we had an unfortunate mechanical issue and I had to pull off. The team worked their butts off to get us out for the Superbike race but we didn’t quite make the start,” said Brandon Paasch “the Sunday race was actually really good. Like everyone else, we were on rain tires in drying conditions. The bike was moving all over the place. It really boosted my confidence to understand how the bike feels when it gets loose. I was able to race with and pass a lot of my competition. It was fun. I think those laps really helped me confidence-wise. Looking forward to the Ridge in a few weeks”
Supersport
Jaret Nassaney came to Wisconsin planning to build on his success at VIR. A small tip over at the beginning of the first qualifying session left him with work to do in Q2. He put in some good laps and was able to qualify 8th. After a poor start in the Saturday race, Jaret spent most of the laps climbing back through the pack. He fought back to 8th but then was drafted to the finish line and ended up in 9th. Nassaney missed the morning warmup on Sunday due to some electrical issues. As a result, he had to figure out the level of traction on the damp surface during the second race. He got a better start and was able to get faster each lap as he acclimated to the conditions. He ran his fastest time on the last lap and crossed the line in 7th
Jaret Nassaney (59). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“I felt really good throughout the race and continued to go faster every lap. I ended up finishing 7th which I am happy with. I think we could have been even further up if we had run the morning session. We scored some good points and I am happy with how my riding is progressing,” said Jaret Nassaney
Justin Jones is still getting accustomed to the Altus Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R. This was compounded by the fact that he’d never been to Road America before. He qualified in 17th for both races. On Saturday, he took the checkered flag in 14th place, and on Sunday, in the damp conditions, he got his first top 10 finish.
Justin Jones (75). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“This was my first time at Road America so I was focused on getting as many laps as I could to try to learn the track. Every session I managed to drop a bunch of time. By Q2, I was able to get down to a very competitive pace and knew I had more time to drop in the race. We made a change for the first race but it was the wrong direction so I struggled a bit and went slower. The Sunday race, in spite of the crappy weather, was actually a lot of fun. I was able to enjoy myself and worked my way up into 10th place. All-in-all, a very positive weekend,” said Justin Jones.
Junior Cup
Kayla Yaakov continues to impress. It is impossible to tell based on her results but this was her first visit to Road America. Kayla qualified 7th and managed to take 3rd in both races. On Saturday her tenacity kept her in the front group consistently putting pressure on the leaders. A big crash in Sunday warm-up left both the rider and the bike a bit worse for the wear. The team pulled together to get the Altus Ninja400 back together with minutes to spare and, in spite of being a bit banged up, Kalya through her leg over in time to grid up. The Sunday race was shortened by race direction for time, weather, and then for a red flag. Eventually, it ended up as a short sprint race. Knowing there was no time to waste, Kayla took the lead early and tried to pull a gap. Unfortunately, the long run to the line allowed her competitors an opportunity to draft past her. She took third by a margin of thousandths of a second.
Kayla Yaakov (31). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“Overall, this past weekend at Road America was fantastic! This track was a new one for me, and to be on the podium in both races was absolutely amazing. After a few minor setbacks in qualifying and warm up, my whole Altus Motorsports crew was able to give me a great bike that was capable of two great results. I’m very happy with the pace that I was able to run in both races, and coming out of the weekend with the most laps led is a great feeling. I’m hoping to carry this momentum and confidence into the next round at Ridge Motorsports Park!,” said Kayla Yaakov
“What a nail-biting weekend. Kayla’s battles for two 3rd place finishes, Jaret two top ten finishes, Justin finishing 10th in race two, and Brandon even with a mechanical kept his head up and fought to an impressive 11th in Superbike two race. The riders are such professionals and our Crew Chief and mechanics are top-notch. Team Work is paying off!” said team owner George Nassaney.
The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, FLY Racing WPS, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Barnett, Maxima Racing Oils, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.
0.053 splits Quartararo, Bagnaia and Zarco at Barcelona test
There’s almost nothing in it on the timesheets and plenty to see in pitlane at the one-day official test
Monday, 06 June 2022
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™’s Fabio Quartararo flexed his speed around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya once again on Monday, putting in the fastest lap of the Official Catalunya Test just one day on from victory at the track. The Frenchman’s 1:39.447 in the opening part of the eight-hour Official Test was enough for him to cling on to top spot by the narrowest of margins, with Ducati Lenovo Team’s Francesco Bagnaia only 0.004 seconds adrift in second. Completing the top three was Prima Pramac Racing’s Johann Zarco, who, despite claiming the final podium place on Sunday, nevertheless completed a whopping 93 laps during the day.
A small crash at Turn 2 didn’t deter Aprilia Racing’s Aleix Espargaro, as he quickly put Sunday’s embarrassment behind him by finishing the day fourth on the timesheets and only a tenth away from his title rival Quartararo. Repsol Honda will be hopeful they’ve managed to make a breakthrough on the new RC213V after Pol Espargaro grabbed the final place inside a top five split by only a quarter of a second.
Ducati Lenovo Team’s Jack Miller posted a 1:39.742 inside the opening hour to end up sixth, half a tenth clear of Aprilia Racing’s Maverick Viñales. Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™’s Franco Morbidelli suffered a crash late in the day at Turn 5 but showed positive signs of improvement by closing out the Official Test in eighth. Completing the top ten was the Gresini Racing duo of Enea Bastianini and Fabio Di Giannantonio, while top KTM was Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in eleventh, ahead of the top, and only, Suzuki present: Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar).
All six factories unveiled a raft of brand-new parts throughout the course of the day as they look to springboard themselves towards glory in the pivotal middle part of the 2022 World Championship. Here’s what was spotted in pitlane at the Catalunya Test.
YAMAHA
Fresh from the top step, Quartararo was focussing his work on a revised swingarm – the one he used to great effect in Sunday’s race. The Frenchman was swapping between the updated version and the one he started the year on as Yamaha’s search for more rear grip continues. Speaking afterwards, Quartararo and team boss Maio Meregalli confirmed that ‘El Diablo’ has permanently reverted back to the original 2022 aero package and will not use the upgrade first seen at Mugello for the rest of the season.
WithU Yamaha RNF’s Andrea Dovizioso was also seen with the latest swingarm, plus the aerodynamic upgrade as they try to get the Italian comfortable on the Yamaha M1. Morbidelli, meanwhile, was working with a carbon swingarm, plus continued to use the upgraded aerodynamics package.
Francesco Bagnaia with new bodywork on his Ducati. Photo courtesy Dorna.
DUCATI
As ever, there was a lot going on down at Ducati and one interesting innovation was a rather different chassis spotted on test rider Michele Pirro’s GP22 and, even more interestingly, Johann Zarco’s Prima Pramac Ducati. Both the Frenchman and Davide Tardozzi neglected to confirm whether we could see the chassis in action at some stage through 2022 or whether it was early work on the GP23…
Bagnaia and Miller, plus Bastianini, were all seen testing a slightly revised aerodynamics package, with the Bologna factory yet to use their one allowed upgrade for the 2022 campaign. There was also a black fairing on display, pictured with Bagnaia above.
Johann Zarco (5). Photo courtesy Dorna.
APRILIA
Aleix Espargaro (41) with a new front wing on his Aprilia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aprilia had the entirety of pitlane talking when they rolled out a radical new side fairing, pictured below. Both Viñales and Aleix Espargaro tried it throughout the course of the day. Espargaro was also spotted trying the new rear wing that Lorenzo Savadori first used in Mugello. Viñales had a slightly different chassis to try during the day, plus the pair worked on an upgraded engine that Technical Director Romano Albesiano confirmed they hoped to be able to use at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Maverick Vinales (12) with a new aero package on his Aprilia RS-GP. Photo courtesy Dorna.
HONDA
The importance of the test was evidenced by the fact nobody did more laps of the Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya than Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) as he got close to a full century, and that despite his Saturday crash. The 2014 Moto3™ and 2019 Moto2™ World Champion had two different chassis to try during the day, plus got the chance to try the swingarm first seen on brother Marc Marquez’s Repsol Honda Team bike in Mugello. Pol Espargaro was seen with a third different chassis that had carbon bonded to the main beam.
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy Dorna.
KTM
The Austrian factory will be hoping they’ve made a step forward at the Catalunya Test and they had plenty of items to try. Team boss Francesco Guidotti confirmed they were trying new parts, doing further work on current parts even re-evaluating last year’s parts. Slight changes to the chassis and switching between aero packages were the most notable things from the orange part of pitlane, which was coy as ever.
KTM’s Brad Binder (33). Photo courtesy Dorna.
SUZUKI
Riding solo as teammate Alex Rins is sidelined following the Turn 1 crash on Sunday, Mir had two different aerodynamic packages to try. One had side pods added to the current version, and the second was a totally new design. The 2020 World Champion confirmed he would be using one of them from the Sachsenring onwards… and on that segue, join us then as the Liqui Moly Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland gets in gear from the 17th to the 19th of June!
More, from a press release issued by Isle of Man TT:
PETER HICKMAN WINS BENNETTS SUPERTWIN TT RACE
Peter Hickman (10), as seen during the Supertwin TT. Photo courtesy Isle of Man TT Press Office.
Peter Hickman claimed his third win of the 2022 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy, and his eighth in total after taking victory in Wednesday afternoon’s Bennetts Supertwin TT Race, his first ever victory in the class.
Riding the VAS Engine Racing Paton, Hickman had been locked into battle with the similarly mounted Michael Dunlop for the first two laps but when the Ulsterman went out a third of the way into the final lap, he had a clear run to the end eventually winning by a clear 1 minute 40 seconds from Lee Johnston (Ashcourt Racing) with Paul Jordan (PreZ Racing by Prosper2) taking his first ever TT podium in third.
With bright sunshine at the Grandstand but damp patches remaining in the north of the Island, particularly Kerromoar, Glen Duff and the Ramsey Hairpin after heavy overnight rain, Dunlop led through Glen Helen on the opening lap with Hickman just 0.8 seconds behind.
Jamie Coward (KTS Racing powered by Steadplan) was only a further 0.9 seconds adrift and they were followed by a flying James Hind (Team ILR/Mark Coverdale), Johnston and Frenchman Pierre Yves Bian on the second VAS Engine Racing Paton.
Taking the jump at Ballaugh Bridge for the first time, Hickman had turned his deficit into a 0.8 second advantage and the two Patons had opened up a 5.2 second gap over Coward, who in turn had opened up a similar distance to Hind. Johnston and Bian remained in fifth and sixth but Gary Johnson (Dafabet Racing) was out having retired at the famous landmark.
At Ramsey Hairpin, Dunlop had cut Hickman’s lead down to half a second and it looked to be a two-horse race with Coward now 8.2 seconds in arrears. He was more than 11 seconds clear of Hind though with the latter coming under pressure from Johnston with just 1.3 seconds covering the two riders.
Dunlop edged ahead at the Bungalow by just 0.08 seconds and an opening lap of 120.303mph meant he led Hickman by 0.6 seconds as the riders made their mandatory pit stop at the end of lap one. Coward was now 13.7 seconds further back in third with Johnston having overhauled Hind for fourth and Bian holding station in a good sixth. Jordan, Rob Hodson, Michael Rutter and Stefano Bonetti occupied seventh to tenth.
Coward had the quickest pit stops of the leading contenders at 29.7s but whilst he continued to lead on the road, he was still in third at Glen Helen on lap two and he was now 16.9s behind second placed Dunlop with Hickman back in front albeit by only 0.8s. Further back, Bian had overtaken Hind to move up into fifth.
As the lap progressed, there remained nothing between Hickman and Dunlop and the latter led at Ballaugh by the tiny margin of 0.04 seconds, a gap that had stretched at Ramsey Hairpin but only up to 0.8 seconds. That was halved when both riders crossed the tramlines at the Bungalow for the second time.
However, Coward was out with the Kawasaki having expired just after the 11th Milestone and that promoted Johnston into third and the final podium position – albeit almost a minute behind the race leader – with Bian, Jordan and Hind now the running order behind him.
Back at the front and as the riders flashed along Glencrutchery Road to start their final lap, there’d been yet another leader change with Hickman back ahead of Dunlop, the gap between the two still only half a second. Johnston was now 1 minutes 10 seconds behind Dunlop but the Aprilia man was in a safe third being more than 20 seconds ahead of Bian. Jordan moved up to fifth and had closed to within 3.8 seconds of the Frenchman.
Drama soon came though with Dunlop slowing through Laurel Bank and Hickman’s lead at Glen Helen was a whopping 57 seconds, the Englishman having overtaken his rival on the road. Johnston and Bian were still in third and fourth but now had Dunlop firmly in their sights, on time at least.
Dunlop was then reported to have stopped to make adjustments only to be black flagged and whilst Hickman had a huge lead over Johnston, third place was still anyone’s with just a handful of seconds covering Bian, Jordan, Hind, Hodson and Rutter.
Hickman had no issues going up and down the Mountain for the final time and, with the fastest lap of the race, 121.293mph, cruised to his third win of the week, taking the chequered flag 1 minute 49 seconds clear of Johnston. A delighted Jordan took the third position from Ramsey, holding on until the end for a debut TT podium finish.
Fourth was still a superb result for Bian in his first TT and Rutter and Hodson followed him home with Hind, Dominic Herbertson, Michael Evans and Xavier Denis completing the top ten. For the latter two, it was their best ever TT results.
American Garrett Gerloff (31) with new Ford Trucks sponsorship logos photoshopped onto his GYTR GRT Yamaha YZF-R1. Photo courtesy GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team.
MISANO AWAITS GYTR GRT YAMAHA WORLDSBK TEAM DUO
The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team is more than ready for the fourth round of the season at the Misano World Circuit ‘Marco Simoncelli’, with Garrett Gerloff and Kohta Nozane back in action after a three weeks’ break.
Previously in Estoril, Nozane scored his first points of the season and enjoyed a solid race weekend. The Japanese ace made it into the top 15 in both feature-length races, showing good speed and is eager to make further improvements on Italian soil.
On the other side of the box, Gerloff was unfortunately forced to miss out all three races due to an injury last time out. Following a crash in the FP3, the American suffered a deep wound on his left knee, which denied him the chance to race after a promising showing during Friday’s Free Practice sessions.
The 26-year old focused on his recovery during the break and is set to be ready to race in Misano, where he showed strong pace at the pre-season test.
Race 1 will get underway at 14:00 local time (GMT+2) on Saturday, while Race 2 has moved to 15:15 the following day. Between them, Sunday’s Superpole Race will start as usual at 11:00.
Garrett Gerloff #31
“My knee feels fine and I’m good to go! I’m looking forward to Misano and I cannot wait to be back out on the race track. In the pre-season test here, we enjoyed some positive running, proving to be very fast, so we’re eager to put in a good performance this weekend.”
Kohta Nozane #3
“I’m really looking forward to Misano! The winter test was a good one and things seem to be picking up after a strong Estoril round. It will not be easy to manage this weekend as I’m expecting high temperatures, but I’m confident we can be fast there.”
More, from another press release issued by GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team:
FORD TRUCKS ITALIA RACE ALONGSIDE THE GYTR GRT YAMAHA WORLDSBK TEAM
For the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship, the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team can count on the great support of Ford Trucks Italia, official partner of the ongoing season.
Placed as one of the main player in the vehicles industrial world, Ford Trucks is inside the market since over 50 years, offering his experience and developing skills on their products.
Starting from 2022, Ford Trucks Italia helps GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team with his vehicles; thereby, the team could reach relevant results starting from the departure to the circuits all over the world. The trucks will be two newfangled F-MAX, which has been awarded in 2019 as “International Trucks of the Year”.
The Ford Trucks branding will feature on both GRT Yamaha’s R1 bikes, as well as Gerloff and Nozane’s leathers, while it will also appear inside the team’s pit box.
LORENZO BOGHICH, CEO Ford Trucks Italia
“Finding a partner who shares our values and vision is always a big challenge. So, we’re really proud to announce a new parthership with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team and we cannot wait to support them in every round of the FIM Superbike World Championship with our F-MAX, Ford Trucks’ spearhead.”
FILIPPO CONTI, Team Manager GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team
“We’re extremely happy to announce our partnership with Ford Trucks Italia. They will surely help us a lot throughout the whole season in every FIM World Superbike Championship round. Thanks to their F-MAX our equipment will travel safely to every circuit around the world. We’d like to thank the whole Ford Trucks staff for choosing us and for the massive support they’ll give to us during the season.”
Sidecar pilot César Chanel (39) was killed June 4 at the Isle of Man TT. Passenger Olivier Lavorel has now passed away nearly five months later from injuries he sustained in the same crash. Photo courtesy Isle of Man TT Press Office.
STATEMENT ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE ISLE OF MAN TT RACES
On Saturday 4th June during the opening lap of the first Sidecar Race of the 2022 Isle of Man TT Races, an accident at Ago’s Leap involving outfit number 21 of César Chanal and Olivier Lavorel resulted in the death of one of the competitors.
The race was stopped with the deployment of full-course red flags, and medical personnel, a Travelling Marshal, and the emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene.
One of the competitors sustained injuries that would not support life and was sadly declared dead at the scene. The second competitor was unconscious with severe injuries.
The injured competitor was treated at the roadside before being transferred to Noble’s Hospital, and then airlifted to a specialist hospital in Liverpool to receive treatment.
An initial identification procedure was conducted using established procedures and would appear to have resulted in a mistaken identification.
We now believe it was César Chanal who died at the scene of the accident on Saturday 4th June. Olivier remains in a critical condition and continues to receive treatment.
Both competitors’ families have been informed.
A thorough review of the processes relating to the identification of competitors will take place in due course.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of both Olivier and César at this truly devastating time.
We ask that people do not speculate on social media.
CODY LAMAR KITCHENS RACES TO PODIUM FINISH IN YAMAHA R6 CUP IN SPANISH C.I.V. SERIES OPENER AT JEREZ
Texan Cody Lamar Kitchens raced his Andifer Racing Team Yamaha R6 to a well-earned third place finish at Circuito de Jerez at Round One of the Yamaha R6 Cup on Sunday in the Rookies division.
Cody got up to speed quickly during practice, getting acquainted with the bike, the team, the Michelin spec tires and the track. Qualifying didn’t go as he had planned, and he ended up starting from the sixth row. A good start got him into a position to run with the front runners, and Cody made his way forward.
“I got a good start, there were a few crashes on the first couple of laps, and I ended up closing on the third place rider,” said Cody. “I got around him after a couple of laps and pulled away, then maintained the gap to the guys ahead of me.”
Cody, 16, moved to Fortuna, Spain in July of 2020 from Houston, Texas, but the Covid-19
pandemic caused the Spanish race series to be cancelled, also for the 2021 series. In the
interim, Cody has been training with the Pakosta37 Riders Factory, riding on both dirt and
pavement, and doing track days on his personal Yamaha R6.
Cody’s next event of the 2022 Yamaha R6 Cup series is at the Navarra Circuit in Northern
Spain on July 1-3, 2022.
For the 2022 season, Cody Kitchens is proud to be sponsored by Three Chihuahua Racing
(www.threechihuahuaracing.com)
Ben Walters (99) on the Army of Darkness Yamaha YZF-R1. Photo by Photos by Marty, courtesy Army of Darkness.
Army Of Darkness Returns to Defend Title at Opening Round of WERA/N2 Endurance Series at Carolina Motorsports Park This Weekend.
AOD takes to the tarmac to launch their attempt to win their 6th straight Heavyweight Championship and 18th Endurance championship. Piloting the AOD R1 will once again be Chris Peris (AOD Class of 2005) and Ben Walters (AOD Class of 2003), who are joined this year by new team member Cody Wyman. The Yamaha Champions School instructors will be able to put their lessons to the test aboard the team’s Yamaha R1s prepared and nurtured by long-time team members Tim Gooding, newly minted YouTube star Melissa Berkoff, YT Lechner, Chris Manfrin, and Anthony Consorte.
The entire group will once again be loosely coordinated by Team Captain Sam Fleming.
“Each year the competition improves so we have to keep innovating to try to stay a couple tenths of a second ahead. We had to do a lot of development work when we switched from BMW to Yamaha but we managed to squeak out the title in 2020. Then we had another learning curve when we adopted the Pirellis, but we managed to win again in 2021. This year we expect the competition to be even stronger and we are fortunate to have such a veteran team of riders and mechanics. Often endurance racing is as much about avoiding mistakes as about fast laps and we are hoping that our collective wisdom of age overcompensates for all the bad backs.” – Tim Gooding
AOD is sponsored by: Army of Darkness, Yamaha Champions Riding School, Yamaha, Pirelli, Industry13, Chicken Hawk, Wood Craft, Hindle, Fast Frank Racing, Supersprox, Thermosman, N2, WERA, Roadracing World.
Former racer and race tire distributor Jerry Jirkovsky died June 6 in a hospice in Tucson, Arizona. He was 63.
Jirkovsky was a former Willow Springs Motorcycle Club (WSMC) class Champion, but he was best known as the Pirelli and Bridgestone race tire distributor for the southwestern U.S. for a significant period of time.
Jirkovsky had been battling colon cancer for over two years.
He is survived by brothers Jim and Tom.
Plans are still pending, but the burial service will take place in Omaha, Nebraska, according to Tom Jirkovsky
A 2022 Indian Challenger Elite. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE LIMITED-EDITION, ‘ELITE’ BAGGERS COMBINE SHOW-STOPPING STYLE WITH SOPHISTICATION & RELIABILITY
New Indian Challenger & Chieftain Elite Deliver the Ultimate in Style & Exclusivity
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (June 7, 2022) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today unveiled two new limited-edition baggers within its premiere “Elite” class. With limited availability, and an exclusive, custom-inspired design, the 2022 Indian Challenger Elite and 2022 Chieftain Elite deliver the ultimate in style and exclusivity.
“From factory-custom details to premium amenities, and advanced ride-enhancing technology, we left no stone unturned when designing our new Elite baggers,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle. “Whether you prefer the liquid-cooled power and performance of the Indian Challenger, or the more organic growl and unmatched air-cooled power of the Chieftain, these two Elites elevate both platforms with gorgeous custom-inspired design elements straight from the factory.”
A 2022 Indian Challenger Elite. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Indian Challenger Elite
With only 200 available worldwide, 2022 marks the debut for the Indian Challenger Elite. Its muscle car-inspired styling turns heads, while class-leading performance provides unmatched passing power. Premium amenities and advanced ride-enhancing technology combine for a comfortable ride – whether cruising city streets or touring backroads.
Muscle Car-Inspired Styling
The Challenger Elite’s Stealth Gray and Black Metallic paint with Indy Red accents screams American muscle. A red stitched seat and color-matched Elite badging complete the bike’s performance-inspired design.
Class-Leading Performance
At the heart of the Indian Challenger Elite is the liquid-cooled, 108 cubic-inch PowerPlus engine. With best-in-class 122 horsepower and 128 ft-lbs. of torque, the Indian Challenger Elite delivers incredible V-twin performance with unmatched passing power.
With three ride modes, riders can customize the bike’s throttle mapping by selecting from Rain, Standard or Sport mode – resulting in one motorcycle with three distinct performance personalities. Each ride mode has been engineered with its own distinct traction control setting to align with each mode’s specific throttle mapping.
Premium Amenities & Ride-Enhancing Technology
With loads of premium amenities and advanced ride-enhancing technology, riders will have no problems traversing hundreds of miles a day. Electronically adjustable rear suspension preload from Fox® allows riders to conveniently dial in their bike to account for extra cargo or two-up riding, while intuitive Smart Lean Technology keeps riders confidently grounded. Back lit switch cubes improve the rider’s ability to see the bike’s controls at night, while an adaptive LED Headlight, along with LED driving lights, deliver superior illumination, as the adaptive headlight adjusts light spread based on the bike’s lean angle. An adjustable flare windscreen, select floorboards, and heated grips contribute to a comfortable ride experience.
In addition, an upgraded and fully integrated 400-watt PowerBand audio system, including saddlebag speakers, produce crystal-clear sound quality at any speed. The bike’s industry-leading seven-inch touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND offers Apple CarPlay®, GPS with turn-by-turn navigation and a complementary year of RIDE COMMAND+ connected features, which includes live traffic and weather overlays, and a vehicle locator feature that allows riders to track their bike’s last location where it was powered on. Standard features aboard the Indian Challenger Elite include, ABS, keyless ignition, tire pressure monitoring, as well as weatherproof and remote-locking saddlebags with more than 18 gallons of storage.
A 2022 Indian Chieftain Elite. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Chieftain Elite
Designed for discerning riders who demand the best of the best, the 2022 Chieftain Elite combines a sophisticated design with custom-inspired details straight from the factory. With only 150 globally available, the Chieftain Elite is highly exclusive.
Custom-Inspired Style
It’s all in the details, as the Chieftain Elite’s eye-catching Heavy Metal Smoke paint is complemented by premium bronze finishes, including the tank’s Indian Motorcycle headdress, saddlebag latches, center console, primary cover and airbox. Oil-rubbed bronze finishes across the engine’s push rod tubes, horn cover, and cam cover take the Chieftain Elite’s style to an entirely new level straight from the factory.
The Chieftain Elite’s streamlined fairing, slammed saddlebags with sharp lines and hard edges contribute to the bike’s aggressive demeanor. In addition, LED saddlebag lights, a two-up comfort seat, low suspension, precision machined wheels, and premium blacked-out finishes complete the Chieftain Elite’s head-turning style.
Unmatched, Air-Cooled Performance
Packing the most powerful Indian Motorcycle air-cooled engine, the Thunderstroke 116, the Chieftain Elite delivers class-leading performance with 126 ft-lbs of torque. Rear cylinder deactivation improves rider comfort when riding through slower traffic, while three selectable ride modes, including Tour, Standard and Sport, allow riders to adjust the bike’s throttle response to match their riding style.
Premium Amenities & Ride-Enhancing Technology
As standard equipment, the 2022 Chieftain Elite packs premium amenities, including an Adaptive Pathfinder LED headlight, an adjustable and tinted flare windscreen, spacious aluminum select floorboards, rear saddlebag LED lights, backlit switch cubes, and an integrated 400-watt PowerBand audio system. Like the Indian Challenger Elite, the Chieftain Elite features the seven-inch touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND with Apple CarPlay®, GPS with navigation, and RIDE COMMAND+ features, like live traffic and weather overlays, and a vehicle locator feature. Standard features include, ABS, keyless ignition, tire pressure monitoring, as well as weatherproof and remote-locking saddlebags with more than 18 gallons of storage.
Riders looking to personalize their Indian Challenger Elite or Chieftain Elite can do so with a variety of style, comfort and touring accessory upgrades. Indian Challenger Elite riders can add even more custom style to the rear with Pathfinder LED Saddlebag Lights, while Chieftain Elite riders can add even more lighting up-front with Pathfinder S LED Driving Lights. Elite riders can also take their comfort to the next level with the ClimaCommand Heated and Cooled two-up seat that features individual controls for rider and passenger. Riders of either model can enjoy longer rides with the versatile Spirit Lake Luggage Collection, color-matched Hard Lower Fairings, a color-matched Trunk and up to 800 watts of PowerBand audio.
Pricing for the Indian Challenger Elite starts at $34,999, while the Chieftain Elite begins at $32,999. Both models will begin shipping to dealers this month.
To learn more about Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE
Indian Motorcycle Company is America’s First Motorcycle Company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
Apple CARPLAY® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.; FOX® is a registered trademark of Fox Factory Inc.; Facebooksm is a service trademark of Facebook, Inc.; Twittersm is a service trademark of Twitter, Inc.; Instagramsm is a service trademark of Instagram, LLC; Unless noted trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC
Former champion Will Hornblower (47) will be one of many title contenders in a wide-open Pro Sport Bike class entering the 2022 CSBK opener in Grand Bend. Photo by Rob O’Brien, courtesy CSBK.
Support classes prepped for wide-open 2022 season as CSBK returns to Grand Bend this weekend
Toronto, ON – While several familiar names are expected to headline the feature Pro Superbike category in 2022, the support classes in the Canadian Superbike Championship are instead gearing up for the first round of what is expected to be a wide-open campaign this weekend at the Grand Bend Motorplex, June 9-12.
The most intriguing battle of the group will be in the Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike category, which will have no returning champion for the first time since 2017 as Sebastian Tremblay chooses to focus solely on his Superbike program. The perennial frontrunner captured his first Pro title in dominant fashion last season, winning every race from pole position, but will now relinquish his crown heading into Grand Bend.
The grid won’t be without a former champion entirely, however, as the season is expected to bring the return of 2019 title winner Will Hornblower. A regular frontrunner in his own right, Hornblower managed two victories and a podium in all seven races to capture a dream championship two seasons ago, but his return has been put on hold for a number of factors.
The privateer Yamaha rider suffered rib and shoulder injuries in a brutal preseason crash while prepping for the 2020 campaign, with his recovery keeping him on the sidelines throughout 2021. Now mostly healthy, Hornblower will return as the presumptive favourite for a second career title, but recent regional racing has proved that won’t come easy.
Leading the charge in the SOAR series, notably hosted at Grand Bend, is former lightweight star Trevor Dion, who has adjusted quickly to the bigger bikes and put that expertise on full display by finishing second in his only appearance at CTMP last season. The LDS Consultants Kawasaki rider will have another local challenger to deal with, and another aboard Kawasaki machinery, as 2021 national runner-up David Mackay has also looked strong aboard his Mack Attack Racing machine.
The Quebec contingent will also have plenty to say in 2022, as the Pro 6 GP regional series welcomed the frontrunning trio of Phillippe Masse, Vincent Levillian, and Louie Raffa back to Calabogie Motorsports Park last weekend.
Masse – the third overall finisher from last season – was the eventual winner in that race, but the Turcotte Performance Kawasaki rider had to deal heavily with the SpeedFactory67 Kawasaki of Levillian, who finished just one spot behind Masse in the 2021 standings and one spot clear of Raffa, who wound up fifth overall aboard his Raffa Racing Honda.
The category will also feature a pair of young Yamaha wildcards that could play heavily into the championship equation, as former Guyanese champion Elliott Vieira and teenage star Jake Leclair are both expected to return full-time in 2022.
Vieira pushed Tremblay perhaps more than anyone else last season but continues to be plagued by mechanical issues within his Snow City Racing program, while Leclair flashed strong pace to begin the 2021 campaign and again showed that pace last weekend by battling with Masse and Levillian for the win in Calabogie aboard his Yamaha Canada machine.
Outside of the Pro ranks, the series is expected to feature just as much unpredictability and excitement in the Amateur Superbike, Sport Bike, and Lightweight classes, which are all likely to see unknown challengers emerge over the course of the season.
Leading the return in the AIM Insurance Amateur Superbike category will be an East-coast sensation and a pair of Quebecois talents, as John Fraser leads the way for Yamaha ahead of last year’s fifth-overall finisher Marc Labossiere (BMW) and sixth-place rider Guillaume Lavallee (Yamaha), the latter of which earned a pair of podiums but did not enter round two at CTMP.
Another pair of frontrunners expected to return are Suzuki-mounted William Degrasse and Aprilia-backed Erick Gosselin, both of whom entered the final round with a chance at a top-three finishing spot before Degrasse crashed out and Gosselin did not enter.
As for the Amateur Sport Bike category, a pair of young talents are expected to front the title battle in 2022, as Fraser does double-duty for Yamaha against former Lightweight star Mackenzie Weil, who is moving up to the Amateur ranks.
Fraser turned plenty of heads in his one-off appearance at CTMP last season, challenging eventual champion Brad Macrea en route to a second-place finish, and is expected to return for the full campaign this year – including a long-awaited return to his home race in Shubenacadie this July.
Weil, meanwhile, conquered the first four races of the Lightweight championship last season before a crash in Calabogie dashed his title hopes, though his focus has now shifted to a larger Yamaha machine as he aims to become the latest teenage star to graduate to the Pro ranks for 2023.
Fraser and Weil won’t be alone at the top, however, as they will have to worry about a pair of returning frontrunners in the form of Honda’s Nathan Playford and Yamaha’s Nolan Eadie, both of whom enjoyed exceptional 2021 campaigns and could have turned Pro if not for a DNF in the final round by both riders.
With Weil departing the Super Sonic Race School Lightweight category, the junior class will be open for plenty of intrigue in 2022, with reigning champion Harvey Renaud’s title defence uncertain for Kawasaki.
Perennial frontrunner Jacob Black is expected to return, also Kawasaki-mounted, but will likely have to deal with Honda challenger Paul Etienne Courtois, who finished third overall in last years championship but only 26 points off the front.
Another presumptive favourite will be the returning Istvan Hidvegi, who dominated the Pro 6 GP aboard his Yamaha machine and impressed in his only appearance at CTMP last season.
The 2022 campaign will also bring the introduction of the Pro/Am Lightweight class, a more “relaxed” version of the Lightweight category which will likely feature a group of former Pro riders sporting their new smaller machines, including the talented brother pairing of Cameron and Jared Walker.
The full schedule of events and additional information for round one at the Grand Bend Motorplex can be found on the series’ official website at www.csbk.ca.
Jake Lewis (85) at speed on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R. Photo courtesy Team Suzuki Press Office.
VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI FOCUSES ON POSITIVES FROM MIXED WEEKEND
Supersport Pole Position and Race Victory followed by Disappointing Finale
BREA, Calif. — After a stellar start to the weekend, Suzuki Motor USA and Team Hammer experienced mixed conditions and mixed results as the Road America round of the 2022 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing season concluded on Sunday in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
One day after securing a maiden MotoAmerica Supersport victory in remarkable fashion, Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott was once again a force at the front of the class despite dealing with inclement weather.
After some trouble in Race 2, Tyler Scott (70) is looking forward to building off the win in Race 1 and take it to the next round at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
The 16-year-old earned the holeshot from pole and then settled into a battle for the podium in the treacherous wet conditions aboard his GSX-R750. That fight went deep into the contest with Scott mounting a charge with three laps remaining, diving up into third position in Turn 5 with less than three laps remaining.
However, he was nearly pushed off track by another rider in an errant encounter a few corners later. Off line in the slick conditions, the youngster suffered a fall in the very next corner.
“The race started pretty well,” Scott said. “Then I got shuffled back a few spots and I was trying to concentrate on the riders I am battling with in the championship. The guys at the front had an outstanding pace going for the conditions and the race was going very well for me as I was trying to keep up with the group.”
“Another rider put an aggressive move on me, and I got off my line. The rear came around on me in the next corner and that was it. I had a great weekend, got a win, and once again I learned a lot.”
Sam Lochoff (44) had some misfortune in his warm-up lap in Race 2 but is building off the experience from Road America. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Scott’s Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki teammate, Sam Lochoff, had a difficult day as well; his race ended before it ever started due to an ECU problem that appeared on the warm-up lap.
However, Suzuki still made its presence felt on the Supersport podium as 3D Motorsports LLC Suzuki’s Luke Power expertly guided his all-new next-generation GSX-R750 to second position. The young Australian’s Suzuki benefiting from an electronic throttle assembly and other components developed by Team Hammer and Suzuki for the new class structure.
Coming off his second MotoAmerica Supersport top ten finish of the year on Saturday, young racer Liam Grant managed to battle at tricky and wet Road America on Sunday, earning the checkered flag and 16th place for his efforts. Grant has already shown steady progress in his first season with Team Hammer as he continues to advance his skills.
The MotoAmerica Superbike race was then contested in arguably even more tricky conditions as the track proved too wet for slicks initially but steadily dried throughout the contest.
After a seventh-place finish in Race 2 for Jake Lewis (85), he is looking forward to improving the bike settings in the coming weeks. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Jake Lewis positioned himself as high as fourth early before ultimately keeping his GSX-R1000R upright and bringing it home in seventh position. “It was a tough race because the conditions were mixed,” said Lewis. “I usually like that but the track dried so fast, three laps in I thought my tire was gone. The result isn’t what I or the team wanted but we played it safe and got some points. I’m looking forward to us working hard these next few weeks, so we improve going into the Ridge.”
Superbike class rookie teammate Richie Escalante, meanwhile, was sixth in the first corner before claiming 15th at the checkered flag.
Richie Escalante (54) rode his GSX-R1000R Superbike in adverse weather for the first time at Road America. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Escalante said, “Overall the weekend was difficult for me. After our test in Pittsburgh, I came into the weekend looking to take the next step. I was happy to finish these races, but I had never ridden a Superbike in wet conditions before and that was difficult today.”
“The team is working very hard to help me, especially with the changes to the bike,” the Superbike rookie continued. “Even a small change makes a big difference. I am very happy with the team and the bike but feel I need more experience to keep improving. I will keep training and pushing to go faster. I am really looking forward to the next race.”
Team Hammer will be back in action later this month as the MotoAmerica season resumes at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington, on June 24-26.
ABOUT TEAM HAMMER
The 2022 season marks Team Hammer’s 42nd consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 128 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 332 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport.) The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
ABOUT SUZUKI
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
More, from a press release issued by Rodio Warhorse HSBK Racing:
Double Deuce and a Nickel at Road America
Rodio Warhorse HSBK Racing Twins Cup rider Anthony Mazziotto and Junior Cup rider Gus Rodio missed race wins by 0.423 and 0.006 seconds respectively in Saturday’s thrilling races, both ultimately finishing in 2nd place. In Sunday’s wet Junior Cup race, shortened to four laps due to delays, Gus managed to bring it home safely in 5th.
Never underestimating his opponents Mazziotto advanced through the field from a 7th place grid position to 2nd place on lap one, and then swapped position with the lead group throughout the race until finally taking an extremely close 2nd at the checkered flag.
Twins Cup leaders battling for the podium. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Rodio Warhorse HSBK Racing.
Anthony Mazziotto: “Had to dig super deep for this one, fell pretty far back from a podium position in the last few laps but we never give up. Can’t thank the team enough for believing in me. Next up is one of my favorite tracks, let’s see what we can do!”
Expecting the unexpected Rodio started Saturday’s race from 3rd on the grid, fighting with the leaders for six of the eight laps. Dropping to 6th place on lap seven as the pack shuffled for podium spots Rodio made his move on the final lap to take the lead only to be nipped at the finish line.
Junior Cup race 1 finish. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Rodio Warhorse HSBK Racing.
In Sunday’s wet and shortened race the mission was to finish the race and collect championship points. After a red flag and restart a 5th place finish was the result.
Gus Rodio: “Coming to Road America I had a lot of confidence with my results from last year. I wanted to bring home another victory two years in a row, but we just came up an inch too short. I’m really looking forward to getting to the West Coast and pushing my Rodio Warhorse HSBK Racing Ninja 400 to the front.”
Mazziotto’s performance advanced him to 2rd place in the Twins Cup championship standings and likewise Rodio’s results advanced him to 2nd place in the Junior Cup championship. Both riders look forward to more action at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington in three weeks.
More, from a press release issued by Geoff May Racing:
Team Vision Wheel/Discount Tire/Amsoil/KWS/Honda
Road America , Round 4
Geoff May (99). Photo courtesy Geoff May Racing.
Road America has always been a favorite track for riders and fan’s alike. This is no
exception for Team Vision Wheel/ Discount Tire/KWS/Amsoil/Honda. The weekend
started off with tricky conditions for the riders with high winds. Geoff was able to get
up to pace quickly, as expected with his experience at Road America. Q1 Geoff
struggled to find the pace from the previous year, with posting a lap time only good
enough for 5th place. Something seemed off with the bike. Mike Godin and Geoff
compared all the notes from 2021 to the current settings of the CBR1000RRR. There
was a discrepancy that was found. Saturday proved to be a completely different day.
Geoff was able to knock over 2 seconds off his time from Friday to earn a front row
start. With renewed pace and confidence he was able to get the hole shot into turn
one. Cory Alexander was able to make the pass in turn 3. Geoff then set out after
chasing Cory, but he didn’t have enough speed to keep his pace. Travis Wyman was
able to draft by, relegating Geoff to 3rd where he stayed for the remainder of the
race. The retirement of Hayden Gilliam earlier in the race, gave the team the
opportunity to make up some valuable points that were lost after Road Atlanta.
Hayden is the current points leader, followed by Travis Wyman six points back and
Geoff seven points back. The championship is tight now and there is some exciting races to come! The next race will be at The Ridge in Washington state. It will be a double header round.
“I am really happy with our performance and a 3rd place finish. I rode my best with
zero mistakes and that’s all you can do. I had obviously hoped for a win at one of my
favorite tracks, but it wasn’t in the cards this weekend. The CBR is progressing every
weekend and I can’t wait for the next Round. It was also amazing to see so many
spectators back in the stands. I cannot thank everyone involved in this program
enough for this opportunity.” Geoff commented.
Geoff May Racing would also like to thank all our supporting and technical sponsors for their contributions and long-standing relationships as well. The Team is currently sponsored by SBS Brakes, Arata Exhaust, Evol Technologies, Ktech Suspension, Orient Express, Thermosman, Arai Helmets, Dainese, BikeSports Oldsmar, Flex Racing, T13, and Rob Pippins Design.
We are always looking for supporting and technical sponsors to partner with. Please send sponsorship inquiries to [email protected]
More, from a press release issued by N2 Racing:
N2 Racing Scores Top Five at Road America.
Media, PA – June 2022 – N2 Racing scores a top five finish with Blake Davis and two top ten finishes with Kevin Olmedo. Blake Davis scored a hard fought fourth place in the only Twins Cup Race at Road America. Kevin Olmedo scored a sixth-place finish in Supersport race one and an eighth-place finish in a very wet Supersport race two after almost not making the event at all.
This was almost a race that didn’t happen for Kevin Olmedo. Kevin flew into Miami from his home in El Salvador on and due to lost passport, didn’t make it to Wisconsin until after 1am on Thursday night. After a very short night sleep, Kevin had a fantastic qualifying day starting on the outside of row two. In Supersport race one Kevin got a great start and was fighting in the lead group, ultimately finishing sixth. Supersport race two was only Kevin’s third time racing in the rain and it was a challenge with only a couple of laps of preparation due to shortened warm up session. Again, Kevin got a great start, but took time to get comfortable with the track and the Dunlop rain tires. Kevin turned his fastest laps at the end of the race to finish eighth and get some valuable points. Kevin is currently sixth in the Championship.
Twins Cup only had one race on Saturday at Road America and it was a good one. Blake was struggling with a lack of track time in qualifying and ended up starting ninth. The race was held in perfect conditions and Blake was able to latch on to the lead group straight away. After race long battle for the podium, Blake brough the N2 Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 home in fourth place. Blake is fourth in the Championship standings.
Blake Davis (22). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.
Blake Davis – “It was kind of a slow start to the weekend, but I was able to find some competitive pace by the race. The Yamaha YZF-R7 is a new platform for me and I was very happy with how the team set the bike up for Road America. I am very much looking forward to The Ridge as it is one of my favorite tracks. My main goal is to get up to speed quickly to fight with the lead guys.”
Kevin Olmedo (16). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy N2 Racing.
Kevin Olmedo – “It was a good weekend with solid results. The team is working great and the bike is getting better for me every event. We are getting closer and closer to the podium and with a few small tweaks we will be there. I love The Ridge, so hopefully that will be good event for us.”
Shiloh Salopek (Crew Chief) – “I am happy with our results from Road America given the tricky weather conditions. I know both Kevin and Blake are looking forward to the Ridge as they both like that track. We will take the points we collected at this round and keep pushing forward onto The Ridge Motorsports Park.”
About N2: N2 – Ride, Race, Learn.
Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing. N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.
N2 Racing is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, BobbleHeadMoto, Karnes Performance, Trading Paint, GB Racing, Westby Racing, Attack Performance, Robem Engineering, Puig, Eazi Grip, ProBolt, and Yamaha Champions Riding School.
More, from a press release issued by Pure Attitude Racing:
Road America brings best result of season for Pure Attitude Racing as they field their first Academy rider in MotoAmerica too
Pure Attitude Racing leave Road America, the venue for the latest round of the 2022 MotoAmerica Championship with all three riders Chase Black, Liam MacDonald and Trevor Standish claiming points in every race for the first time this season.
In Twins Cup it was Trevor Standish who produced the best result of the weekend, the #16 crossing the line in eleventh after a race long fight with several other riders, to achieve his and the team’s best result of the year. The result could have been even better had it not been for a shift linkage issue. Liam MacDonald once again proved he’s a fighter when the lights go out. The Kiwi battling hard from the sixth row of the grid to P14 at the flag, ensuring he has now scored points in all races since Daytona – an impressive achievement.
The Junior Cup championship is always a frenetic affair but as we saw in VIR, teenager Chase Black is developing his on-track skills nicely. Qualifying on row three he finished ninth on Saturday before riding a sensible race on Sunday as the rain began to fall around the four-mile Road America circuit.
The team was also more than pleased with the progress of their Academy rider Brycen Stein, who in only his second MotoAmerica appearance qualified mid-pack before bringing it home in a more than respectable twenty-seventh after a small mistake on the opening lap prevented what could have easily been a top twenty finish.
Trevor Standish (16). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Trevor Standish: “I was pretty frustrated after the race even after getting mine and the team’s best result of the year in Twins Cup, I honestly felt we could and should have been in the top ten. I wasn’t able to change gear properly right from the start and I am sure with the pace we had we could have been ninth. It’s all part of the learning curve and we know the issue. The team is working so hard to make us more competitive and we have a game plan to make life easier for both Liam and me. On the bright side we had more pace this weekend and we are getting closer every race. The bike handles like a dream and once we get those few extra horse powers, we can show our true potential on the Yamaha.”
Liam MacDonald (37). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Liam MacDonald: “I am happy with the weekend. It’s the first time I think I have ever raced that hard in any championship. I was three wide with the people I was battling with and can leave Road America happy that I was riding well in the corners, we are just losing a bit on top speed which we knew before the weekend even began. The good news is that the team are working hard, and we were certainly more competitive here than we were at the start of the year, so I want to say a big thanks to them for continuing to push to find those extra ponies. I am quite excited for The Ridge as the bike will hopefully be even better and we wont need as much top speed there but I’m a racer and I always want to be at the front.”
Chase Black (14). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pure Attitude Racing.
Chase Black: “Overall the first race didn’t go to plan. I was honestly hoping and expecting more. I made a mistake at Turn 1 on the opening lap and lost the group immediately. I gave it everything and so in the end had to settle for ninth. It was raining for Race 2 which was a good race and much better than I expected especially as I don’t have that much wet weather experience. I was in the fight for P4 but hit the white line and almost went down but I had so much fun and am looking forward to the next race in Washington.”
Brycen Stein: “I felt good all race long. I could have the pace to run with the group ahead, but I made a mistake on the opening lap which left me in a battle with a couple of riders whose bikes were faster. It was a bit frustrating as I was much quicker in the corners. The bike felt good, and we finally got it to turn. It was a great experience being able to work with Pure Attitude, I am super happy to be part of their Academy program. They’re a great bunch of people and they definitely helped me this weekend. On one hand I am a little disappointed, but you can only do what you can do with the tools you have, and this is only my second ever race at this level, so I have to look at the positives, of which there are many. I hope to be back on the MotoAmerica grid before the end of the year and look forward to making more progress.”
More, from a press release issued by 3D Motorsports LLC:
3D Motorsports rider Power claims maiden MotoAmerica Supersport podium Sunday in first race aboard Suzuki GSX-R750
Mariniello scores come-from-behind fourth place in Sunday Junior Cup race at Road America
Luke Power. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy 3D Motorsports LLC.
ELKHART LAKE, Wis. – Luke Power didn’t think of himself as a top-notch wet weather rider heading into Sunday’s damp conditions for the second MotoAmerica Supersport race of the weekend. And despite it being his first time racing at Road America – and his first weekend piloting a 3D Motorsports LLC GSX-R750 – the Australian scored a fourth place and a runner-up finish at the June 3-5 event.
Power’s 3D Motorsports teammate – fellow Australian Joe Mariniello – put in a strong performance in Sunday’s wet MotoAmerica Junior Cup race. He came up one position short of claiming his first MotoAmerica podium after a race stoppage erased his first charge up the running order. The team’s third rider for the weekend, Steven Shakespeare, put in a gritty performance in the round’s lone Stock 1000 race.
Power’s excellent results at Road America helped him to move up from eighth to fifth in the Supersport points standings.
The weekend started well for all three 3D Motorsports LLC riders. Power’s first session of the weekend aboard the newly-homologated-for-2022 GSX-R750 saw him finish 11th-fastest in Friday practice. He ended Friday’s Qualifying 1 session in seventh place and wrapped up qualifying Saturday morning in ninth.
Mariniello was down on pace at the start of his first weekend racing at Road America. He was 16th in Friday practice, 14th in Qualifying 1 and ended up qualifying 14th for the round’s two Junior Cup races. Shakespeare finished Friday’s Stock 1000 practice session 30th out of 42 riders and was 31st in Friday’s Qualifying 1. When Stock 1000 qualifying concluded on Saturday, Shakespeare had improved his qualifying position to 29th for Saturday’s noontime Stock 1000 contest.
Power had a great start to Saturday’s Supersport race. Starting from ninth, he moved up two positions in the first few corners when a couple front runners crashed out. Power then advanced another three positions up the running order by the end of Lap 1. He spent the remainder of the 11-lap race in a multi-rider battle for the last step on the podium, running as high as third before having to settle for a fourth-place finish by a margin of 0.243 seconds.
Mariniello finished the Saturday Supersport race one position lower than he started it but was promoted to 14th after the race due to a penalty being assessed to another rider. Shakespeare put in a valiant effort to overcome an early race mishap, as he fell to the back of the field during Lap 2. Undeterred, Shakespeare made up one position per lap for the following five laps and finished the race in 27th.
Power’s podium finish in Sunday’s wet Supersport race was in part thanks to his superb start. He got a great launch off the line and was running in third by the time the field reached the first corner. Though he ran in fourth place for the first few laps, Power gradually reeled in two of the front runners. He made his moves up to third and second on Lap 4 and clinched a lonely runner-up finish.
Marinello’s fourth place in Sunday’s Junior Cup race is impressive because he made up nine or more positions in two laps – twice. He got a good jump at the initial start of the shortened four-lap race and steadily worked his way up the running order on the opening lap. He finished Lap 1 in sixth and was running in fifth on Lap 2 when the race was stopped due to an on-track incident. Mariniello had to take the restart from his original grid position of 14th with two laps to go, yet he had moved up to fifth place by the end of Lap 1. Though he wasn’t able to catch up to the front runners before they broke away from the rest of the field, Mariniello battled for the best finish he could and crossed the line in fourth by a margin of 0.052 seconds.
The 3D Motorsports LLC team will be back in action in three weeks for the next MotoAmerica round, which is slated for June 24-26 at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Wash.
Luke Power / No. 68
“I am super happy and so stoked to have made it onto the podium in Race 2. It was an awesome race, and the track was in good shape despite the rain. The 3D Motorsports team did an excellent job all weekend, as did K-Tech Suspension. We had a great setup this weekend. I was disappointed to not get on the box Saturday, but I’m glad I was able to get the job done Sunday. I can’t wait to carry this momentum into the Ridge and see all the fans there too. I am loving life in MotoAmerica and want to thank everyone who has helped me get here.”
Joe Mariniello / No. 88
“Overall, it was a really strong weekend for the team. We struggled a little bit at the start of the weekend, as this was a new track for me. Starting from 14th wasn’t ideal, but I knew I could get past some other riders during the race. We got some valuable championship points with our fourth-place finish, and hopefully we get to transfer what we learned Sunday to our dry race setup and get up on the podium. I can’t thank 3D Motorsports enough for how well they set the bike up for me, especially the wet setup on Sunday. I’m looking forward to the next round at the Ridge.”
3D Motorsports’ sponsors for the 2022 MotoAmerica season include Orient Express, K-Tech, BTEC Turbines, 4SR USA, Blud Lubricants, CG Law, Evol Technologies, AF1 Racing, Southern Adrenaline, M4 Exhaust, Valor Farms, LS2, Raceworx, Motorcycle Dealer Services and DrippinWet.
More, from a press release issued by Royal Enfield North America:
ROYAL ENFIELD BTR LEAVING ROAD AMERICA WITH MIXED EMOTIONS
BUILD. TRAIN. RACE Road Race round two sees complicated results after last-lap drama unfolds at Road America
The start of the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. race at Road America. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
Milwaukee, WI – Changing conditions, a shuffled program and last-lap drama made for a complicated weekend at Road America for Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. (BTR) Road Racing program. At the second round of the 2022 season, the overall results appeared similar to the opening round at VIR, with Kayleigh Buyck leading the way, but after the action was settled, it was Jenny Chancellor who was awarded the winner’s points and the championship lead.
The Road America round of MotoAmerica started on a challenging note for BTR racers due to changing weather at the Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin facility. Inclement weather on Sunday morning, following the schedule changes due to Saturday’s delayed program, left the BTR women gridding up on Sunday afternoon. The shifting weather made it difficult to predict conditions for the main race, and the BTR Continental GT 650 motorcycles headed out on a drying track on rain tires.
After qualifying on the pole, Kayleigh Buyck jumped out to an early lead in the four-lap race with Chloe Peterson and Crystal Martinez giving chance. The lead trio broke away, where the battle heated up when Martinez got around Peterson for second, closing on Buyck. The three-rider contest for the lead turned into a two-way battle when Peterson dropped away in a low-side crash, and moments later Martinez overtook Buyck for the lead.
The sprint to the finish was on between Buyck and Martinez, until a crash involving Kayla Theisler and Jessica Martin (running fourth and fifth at the time), prompted a red flag, ending the race midway through the final lap. Despite the red flags, Buyck and Martinez continued to hammer away for the lead in a side-by-side battle in the final stretches, seemingly unaware that the race had been halted.
With results reverted to the previous lap, per MotoAmerica rules, Buyck and Martinez recorded first and second place, respectively. But due to their failure to observe the red flags, both riders were sanctioned by MotoAmerica and denied any championship points.
Third-place finisher Jenny Chancellor was awarded the championship points for the win, with Theisler and Martin collecting second- and third-place points, respectively. Both riders were okay after their final-lap incident.
“This was a complicated weekend for us,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing and Communications Lead – Royal Enfield Americas. “We pride ourselves on being able to showcase the Build. Train. Race. program in a premier championship, and we do understand that this is a process for riders who are new to the competition aspect of road racing. We like to avoid errors but unfortunately, they do happen in racing. This further highlights the importance of Build and Train along with the Race aspect of the program, and BTR accepts the responsibility of ensuring all racers understand the rules of racing that every MotoAmerica athlete is expected to follow.
“While we’re leaving Road America with mixed emotions, we also will not let this discourage our program or its goals. I am proud of our BTR racers who rode phenomenally in what were very tricky conditions. Our goal is to grow the sport through providing opportunity and encouragement to those who have the confidence to get out there. It’s not always an easy road, but growth comes through embracing the entire experience, the mistakes and the successes—that’s what racing is about.”
Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Road Racing is looking forward to the full grid of 15 racers returning to action for round three at Brainerd International Raceway on July 29-30.
The 2022 Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. programs (Road Race and Flat Track) are made possible by the participation of these generous sponsors. Our continued thanks to all our supporting companies behind BTR.
2022 Build. Train. Race. Sponsors
Parts Unlimited
Harris Performance
S&S Cycle
Dunlop
Maxima Racing Oils
BOXO USA
Öhlins USA Suspension
Arai Helmets
More, from a press release issued by Altus Motorsports:
MotoAmerica: Results from Road America for the Altus Motorsports WPS FLY Racing Team
(Elkhart Lake, WI) Mixed weather conditions made for an interesting weekend at Road America. Friday and Saturday were sunny and perfect but Sunday brought intermittent rain showers making track conditions and tire choices tricky.
“Road America is one of my personal favorite tracks. The weather didn’t cooperate this weekend, but our riders made the best of it,” said team owner, George Nassaney “and, big thanks to BrakeTech coming on board as a sponsor with rotors for the entire team.”
Superbike Cup & Stock 1000
Brandon Paasch is still adapting to the liter bike after moving up from a few years on a 600. Unfortunately, some mechanical issues hampered his progress in Wisconsin. The MotoAmerica round at Road America has only a single running of the Stock 1000 race making race condition feedback more limited. Paasch started from 22nd but unfortunately, a mechanical issue forced him to retire from the race. Meanwhile, with only 120 minutes before the Superbike race, the team worked quickly to rectify the problem but missed the race start by just 10 minutes. Drying pavement with rain tires made the Sunday Superbike race challenging for all the competitors. Brandon was able to bring the Altus GSX-R1000 home in 11th overall and as the 5th Superbike Cup racer.
Brandon Paasch (96). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“The weekend was a bit frustrating. I struggled in the first practice with setup. Up until now, we haven’t been making big changes on the bike. I’ve just been trying to understand the 1000. This weekend we started to try some new things. We made changes for Q1 and the bike got better and I dropped a chunk of time. We made changes for Q2 but we took a step backward. I went faster but not by much. For the Stock 1000 race, we had an unfortunate mechanical issue and I had to pull off. The team worked their butts off to get us out for the Superbike race but we didn’t quite make the start,” said Brandon Paasch “the Sunday race was actually really good. Like everyone else, we were on rain tires in drying conditions. The bike was moving all over the place. It really boosted my confidence to understand how the bike feels when it gets loose. I was able to race with and pass a lot of my competition. It was fun. I think those laps really helped me confidence-wise. Looking forward to the Ridge in a few weeks”
Supersport
Jaret Nassaney came to Wisconsin planning to build on his success at VIR. A small tip over at the beginning of the first qualifying session left him with work to do in Q2. He put in some good laps and was able to qualify 8th. After a poor start in the Saturday race, Jaret spent most of the laps climbing back through the pack. He fought back to 8th but then was drafted to the finish line and ended up in 9th. Nassaney missed the morning warmup on Sunday due to some electrical issues. As a result, he had to figure out the level of traction on the damp surface during the second race. He got a better start and was able to get faster each lap as he acclimated to the conditions. He ran his fastest time on the last lap and crossed the line in 7th
Jaret Nassaney (59). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“I felt really good throughout the race and continued to go faster every lap. I ended up finishing 7th which I am happy with. I think we could have been even further up if we had run the morning session. We scored some good points and I am happy with how my riding is progressing,” said Jaret Nassaney
Justin Jones is still getting accustomed to the Altus Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R. This was compounded by the fact that he’d never been to Road America before. He qualified in 17th for both races. On Saturday, he took the checkered flag in 14th place, and on Sunday, in the damp conditions, he got his first top 10 finish.
Justin Jones (75). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“This was my first time at Road America so I was focused on getting as many laps as I could to try to learn the track. Every session I managed to drop a bunch of time. By Q2, I was able to get down to a very competitive pace and knew I had more time to drop in the race. We made a change for the first race but it was the wrong direction so I struggled a bit and went slower. The Sunday race, in spite of the crappy weather, was actually a lot of fun. I was able to enjoy myself and worked my way up into 10th place. All-in-all, a very positive weekend,” said Justin Jones.
Junior Cup
Kayla Yaakov continues to impress. It is impossible to tell based on her results but this was her first visit to Road America. Kayla qualified 7th and managed to take 3rd in both races. On Saturday her tenacity kept her in the front group consistently putting pressure on the leaders. A big crash in Sunday warm-up left both the rider and the bike a bit worse for the wear. The team pulled together to get the Altus Ninja400 back together with minutes to spare and, in spite of being a bit banged up, Kalya through her leg over in time to grid up. The Sunday race was shortened by race direction for time, weather, and then for a red flag. Eventually, it ended up as a short sprint race. Knowing there was no time to waste, Kayla took the lead early and tried to pull a gap. Unfortunately, the long run to the line allowed her competitors an opportunity to draft past her. She took third by a margin of thousandths of a second.
Kayla Yaakov (31). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“Overall, this past weekend at Road America was fantastic! This track was a new one for me, and to be on the podium in both races was absolutely amazing. After a few minor setbacks in qualifying and warm up, my whole Altus Motorsports crew was able to give me a great bike that was capable of two great results. I’m very happy with the pace that I was able to run in both races, and coming out of the weekend with the most laps led is a great feeling. I’m hoping to carry this momentum and confidence into the next round at Ridge Motorsports Park!,” said Kayla Yaakov
“What a nail-biting weekend. Kayla’s battles for two 3rd place finishes, Jaret two top ten finishes, Justin finishing 10th in race two, and Brandon even with a mechanical kept his head up and fought to an impressive 11th in Superbike two race. The riders are such professionals and our Crew Chief and mechanics are top-notch. Team Work is paying off!” said team owner George Nassaney.
The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, FLY Racing WPS, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Barnett, Maxima Racing Oils, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.
0.053 splits Quartararo, Bagnaia and Zarco at Barcelona test
There’s almost nothing in it on the timesheets and plenty to see in pitlane at the one-day official test
Monday, 06 June 2022
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™’s Fabio Quartararo flexed his speed around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya once again on Monday, putting in the fastest lap of the Official Catalunya Test just one day on from victory at the track. The Frenchman’s 1:39.447 in the opening part of the eight-hour Official Test was enough for him to cling on to top spot by the narrowest of margins, with Ducati Lenovo Team’s Francesco Bagnaia only 0.004 seconds adrift in second. Completing the top three was Prima Pramac Racing’s Johann Zarco, who, despite claiming the final podium place on Sunday, nevertheless completed a whopping 93 laps during the day.
A small crash at Turn 2 didn’t deter Aprilia Racing’s Aleix Espargaro, as he quickly put Sunday’s embarrassment behind him by finishing the day fourth on the timesheets and only a tenth away from his title rival Quartararo. Repsol Honda will be hopeful they’ve managed to make a breakthrough on the new RC213V after Pol Espargaro grabbed the final place inside a top five split by only a quarter of a second.
Ducati Lenovo Team’s Jack Miller posted a 1:39.742 inside the opening hour to end up sixth, half a tenth clear of Aprilia Racing’s Maverick Viñales. Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™’s Franco Morbidelli suffered a crash late in the day at Turn 5 but showed positive signs of improvement by closing out the Official Test in eighth. Completing the top ten was the Gresini Racing duo of Enea Bastianini and Fabio Di Giannantonio, while top KTM was Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in eleventh, ahead of the top, and only, Suzuki present: Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar).
All six factories unveiled a raft of brand-new parts throughout the course of the day as they look to springboard themselves towards glory in the pivotal middle part of the 2022 World Championship. Here’s what was spotted in pitlane at the Catalunya Test.
YAMAHA
Fresh from the top step, Quartararo was focussing his work on a revised swingarm – the one he used to great effect in Sunday’s race. The Frenchman was swapping between the updated version and the one he started the year on as Yamaha’s search for more rear grip continues. Speaking afterwards, Quartararo and team boss Maio Meregalli confirmed that ‘El Diablo’ has permanently reverted back to the original 2022 aero package and will not use the upgrade first seen at Mugello for the rest of the season.
WithU Yamaha RNF’s Andrea Dovizioso was also seen with the latest swingarm, plus the aerodynamic upgrade as they try to get the Italian comfortable on the Yamaha M1. Morbidelli, meanwhile, was working with a carbon swingarm, plus continued to use the upgraded aerodynamics package.
Francesco Bagnaia with new bodywork on his Ducati. Photo courtesy Dorna.
DUCATI
As ever, there was a lot going on down at Ducati and one interesting innovation was a rather different chassis spotted on test rider Michele Pirro’s GP22 and, even more interestingly, Johann Zarco’s Prima Pramac Ducati. Both the Frenchman and Davide Tardozzi neglected to confirm whether we could see the chassis in action at some stage through 2022 or whether it was early work on the GP23…
Bagnaia and Miller, plus Bastianini, were all seen testing a slightly revised aerodynamics package, with the Bologna factory yet to use their one allowed upgrade for the 2022 campaign. There was also a black fairing on display, pictured with Bagnaia above.
Johann Zarco (5). Photo courtesy Dorna.
APRILIA
Aleix Espargaro (41) with a new front wing on his Aprilia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aprilia had the entirety of pitlane talking when they rolled out a radical new side fairing, pictured below. Both Viñales and Aleix Espargaro tried it throughout the course of the day. Espargaro was also spotted trying the new rear wing that Lorenzo Savadori first used in Mugello. Viñales had a slightly different chassis to try during the day, plus the pair worked on an upgraded engine that Technical Director Romano Albesiano confirmed they hoped to be able to use at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Maverick Vinales (12) with a new aero package on his Aprilia RS-GP. Photo courtesy Dorna.
HONDA
The importance of the test was evidenced by the fact nobody did more laps of the Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya than Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) as he got close to a full century, and that despite his Saturday crash. The 2014 Moto3™ and 2019 Moto2™ World Champion had two different chassis to try during the day, plus got the chance to try the swingarm first seen on brother Marc Marquez’s Repsol Honda Team bike in Mugello. Pol Espargaro was seen with a third different chassis that had carbon bonded to the main beam.
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy Dorna.
KTM
The Austrian factory will be hoping they’ve made a step forward at the Catalunya Test and they had plenty of items to try. Team boss Francesco Guidotti confirmed they were trying new parts, doing further work on current parts even re-evaluating last year’s parts. Slight changes to the chassis and switching between aero packages were the most notable things from the orange part of pitlane, which was coy as ever.
KTM’s Brad Binder (33). Photo courtesy Dorna.
SUZUKI
Riding solo as teammate Alex Rins is sidelined following the Turn 1 crash on Sunday, Mir had two different aerodynamic packages to try. One had side pods added to the current version, and the second was a totally new design. The 2020 World Champion confirmed he would be using one of them from the Sachsenring onwards… and on that segue, join us then as the Liqui Moly Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland gets in gear from the 17th to the 19th of June!
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