Sakakura Retires After 43 Years At Yoshimura

David Swarts

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January 6, 2023

Sakakura Retires After 43 Years At Yoshimura

Longtime industry figure Don Sakakura has retired from his role as President of Yoshimura Racing LLC, ending a 43-year career with Yoshimura.

Sakakura started working for Yoshimura R&D of America, Inc. in January 1980 as a race mechanic. That year, he helped Wes Cooley win the second of his two AMA Superbike Championships.

Sakakura went on to become the Sr. Vice President of Yoshimura R&D of America, Inc. a position he held from 2005 until 2018, when Yusaku Yoshimura was appointed CEO/COO of Yoshimura R&D of America, Inc.

Sakakura then moved into an advisory role with Yoshimura R&D of America, Inc. and continued as President of Yoshimura Racing LLC, a position he held from 2002 until his retirement at the end of December 2022.

During much of his time at Yoshimura, Sakakura oversaw not only the company’s activity in professional racing (road racing, Supercross/motocross, ATV, and more) but he also led the company’s parts manufacturing business.

In Sakakura’s tenure at Yoshimura, the brand won 24 AMA Pro road racing Championships (14 in Superbike, six in 750 Supersport/Superstock, three in Supersport, and one in Formula Xtreme) and 294 races road races (208 in Superbike, 57 in 750 Supersport/Superstock, 24 in Supersport, and five in Formula Xtreme), according to the company.

A custom plaque given to Don Sakakura by Yoshimura. Photo courtesy Yoshimura R&D of America, Inc.

Canadian Superbike: Economy Lube And Tire Sponsoring Broadcasts

David Swarts

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January 6, 2023

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Canadian Superbike: Economy Lube And Tire Sponsoring Broadcasts

Economy Lube and Tire Joins CSBK TSN Coverage as Presenting Sponsor

Toronto, ON – Southwestern Ontario auto service specialists Economy Lube and Tire will sponsor the 2023 coverage of the Bridgestone CSBK Canadian National Championship National Road racing series on The Sports Network – TSN. Economy Lube and Tire will be a presenting sponsor on a minimum of 20 episodes covering the feature Pro Superbike class and Liquid Moly Pro Sport Bike middleweight division on TSN in 2023.

The Superbike National series was first broadcast on TSN in 1995, with five episodes. Last year, TSN presented 17 separate broadcasts, plus repeats, covering each race in both the Pro Superbike and Pro Sport Bike Championship chase.

“Economy Lube and Tire are excited to partner with CSBK at a time of significant growth in the National motorcycle series,” confirmed Economy Lube and Tire founder Stephen Moxey. “I have been involved in the series as far back as the 1987 and know we can support the dedicated fans of the series with the ever-improving TSN coverage.”

Economy Lube and Tire is the place to go for oil changes, tire replacement and brake service. The chain of stores features no appointment fast service for customer convenience. Started more than 30 years ago by Moxey, Economy Lube and Tire was established to provide more cost-effective oil changes and tire service in southern Ontario.

Economy Lube and Tire have already serviced over five million customers at their various locations.

Economy Lube and Tire grew to more than 13 stores under multiple brands and is now run by Vice President of Operations Chris Muter, as founder Moxey retired. President and partner Muter, as well as Moxey, are long time motorcycle sport enthusiasts.

“We are excited about our new partnership with Economy Lube and Tire,” confirms CSBK founder Colin Fraser of Professional Motor Sports Productions in Toronto. “We are fortunate to have huge growth with TSN recently both in episodes and viewership, and our talented camera and production staff are focused on improving the quality of our broadcast. Economy Lube and Tire will support our various broadcast projects.”

The first 2023 event for Bridgestone CSBK competitors is a tire test scheduled for JenningsGP in north Florida on March 15 and 16. The 2023 Canadian National tour opens at Shannonville Motorsport Park in southeastern Ontario on the Victoria Day weekend, May 19-21.

Please go to Economylube.com to find your closest location.

R.I.P. Motorsports Photographer Andrew Wheeler

David Swarts

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January 5, 2023

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R.I.P. Motorsports Photographer Andrew Wheeler

Motorsports photographer Andrew Wheeler has died, according to a post by his friend Rocky Wingwalker (a.k.a. Rachel Wilken), who reported on social media that she found Wheeler deceased earlier today at his home near Austin, Texas. He was 60.

Wheeler was recovering from a “mini stroke” he suffered while covering the MotoGP races at Sepang and Phillip Island and was dealing with partial paralysis and balance issues.

Wheeler photographed MotoGP races since 2005 for a variety of media outlets, including Roadracing World and Cycle World.

Wheeler was preceded in death by his wife Emily, who died from cancer in 2014.

We will update this with more information as it becomes available.

Video: Stuman Rides: Steering A Motorcycle

David Swarts

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January 5, 2023

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Video: Stuman Rides: Steering A Motorcycle

In this edition of Stuman Rides, Stuart Smith talks about how to steer a motorcycle for performance riding, some different ways you can steer a motorcycle, the effect of weighting the pegs vs. moving your upper body vs. counter-steering, and more.

More Details On New Jersey Motorsports Park’s Repaving & Renovation

David Swarts

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January 5, 2023

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More Details On New Jersey Motorsports Park’s Repaving & Renovation

Additional Designs and Details Released For Renovation: New Jersey Motorsports Park’s Classic Thunderbolt Circuit

New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP) announced in October that their classic Thunderbolt road course will be repaved, including the creation of interesting and exciting new course configurations.

The original announcement, available here, has been met with great interest and positive feedback.

“When you make an announcement of this size – a multi-million-dollar investment that both preserves and adds to our Thunderbolt racetrack – you are definitely anxious to hear and read how it is received in the motorsports community,” commented Brad Scott, President, and Chief Operating Officer at NJMP. “I am thrilled with the support and enthusiasm people have for our project. It reinforces our direction and decisions.”

Additional details and designs are now available to share.

The project will begin the second week of October 2023, starting with the milling and paving itself to complete that in the first few weeks, allowing for the longest possible cure time before being put into use. Then the focus will turn to work on the curbing throughout the circuit, as well as the changes and enhancements to the areas surrounding the track described below. The entire project will be completed by the beginning of February 2024 with first rentals starting in March 2024.

“The new course configurations got a lot of attention and fun, positive feedback,” shared Scott. “We’ve been working with our partners at Technical Track Design to refine the designs and details.”

The most significant changes and additions for the new Thunderbolt are in the area of Turn 7 through Turn 11. Two new layouts will be created alongside the original complex – the Paperclip, and The 90 – along with a new gravel pit and the expanded runoff, guardrail relocation, layered tire bundles, and mobile tire bundles required for the new course configurations.

The plan for Thunderbolt Raceway's Turn 5 through Turn 11 with the Paperclip, The 90, and safety infrastructure. Image courtesy New Jersey Motorsports Park. — The plan for Thunderbolt Raceway’s Turn Five through Turn 11 showing the new Paperclip and The 90 configurations and the safety infrastructure. Image courtesy New Jersey Motorsports Park.

Additionally, Thunderbolt will see changes in the Turn 1 area for greater runoff and safety. The guardrail will be moved back, with more asphalt and gravel runoff, additional tire bundles, and the inside curbing relocated to the right to widen the turn and provide more racing room.

The plan for Thunderbolt Raceway's Turn One. Image courtesy New Jersey Motorsports Park. — The plan for Thunderbolt Raceway’s Turn One. Image courtesy New Jersey Motorsports Park.

The Thunderbolt Classic and Classic with Chicane laps will remain at 2.25 miles. The Paperclip option sits at 2.15 miles, and The 90 at 2.1 miles. Relative to the Classic, the Paperclip is expected to be about 4 seconds/lap quicker, and The 90 another 4 seconds/lap quicker based on simulations using an FIA GT3 specification car in the model. The chicane adds 2 seconds/lap to any of the available options.

“Once this project is completed, it will be exciting to see how the different layouts are used,” Scott concluded. What do the riders in our Riders Club like the most, what do the drivers in our Drivers Club prefer, which course options our renters, race organizations, and schools choose – the 2024 season will look like none before!”

BMW Motorrad USA Reports Record Sales In 2022

David Swarts

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January 5, 2023

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BMW Motorrad USA Reports Record Sales In 2022

New Motorcycle Sales, BMW Motorrad USA, Q4 & Full Year 2022.

BMW Motorrad USA reported 3,459 motorcycles sold for the fourth quarter of 2022 which is an increase of 232 units and 7.2% vs. Q4 2021 retail sales. Our Motorcycle supply has significantly improved and fueled continued strong demand for BMW Motorcycles across the US.

For the full year 2022, Motorrad USA retail sales are 17,690 retail units which is an increase of 1,660 units and 10.4% over 2021 and the best year of retail sales in BMW Motorrad USA history.

On the strength of a freshened product lineup of new models like the all-new R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental, BMW Motorrad USA dealers continue to out-perform the overall industry and have increased retail sales for the year well ahead of the industry average. BMW Motorrad demand continues to be strong due to continued dominance of core models like the R 1250 GS Adventure and GS models as well as continued strong performance of the S 1000 RR and M 1000 RR that continue to dominate the market in retail sales and market share. BMW Motorrad USA dealers are poised for continued significant growth in sales and market share in the new year on the strength of new products that will continue to drive demand and produce a record year of retail sales for Motorrad USA in 2023.

Track Time Track Days & Moto Pilot Training Schools Schedules Released

David Swarts

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January 5, 2023

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Track Time Track Days & Moto Pilot Training Schools Schedules Released

Track Time announces its 2023 schedule along with the inaugural Ken Hill Moto Pilot Training School

Olympia WA – January 2023

Track Time is pleased to release its 2023 track day schedule, along with the first Ken Hill Moto Pilot Training school, held at Ridge Motorsports Park. Track Time is holding 10 events scheduled from late May through early September, with dates on both Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Alan Schwen, co-owner of Track Time, states, “We had a solid 2022 and listened to what our clients wanted more of, so we added more rental bikes, another Sunday/Monday event, as well as more Moto Pilot-certified coaches. With the addition of the school, we are really looking forward to a great riding year at ‘The Ridge.’”

Ken Hill, also co-owner, talks about the new Moto Pilot Training School. “I’ve been involved with quite a few schools in different formats and the MPTS is the first time I’ve utilized all my concepts and methodology in a school format. We’ve done some beta testing with the curriculum over the last few years, and I am beyond stoked to get this launched here at Track Time.”

To sign up for the Track Time track days or the Moto Pilot Training School, visit their website at www.tracktime.bike.

– May 28-29 Sunday – Monday (Memorial Day)

– June 19-20 Monday – Tuesday

– July 16-17 Sunday – Monday

– July 24-25 Monday – Tuesday (SCHOOL)

– August 14-15 Monday – Tuesday

– Sept 3-4 Sunday – Monday (Labor Day)

Voting Now Open For 2022 AMA Racing Awards

David Swarts

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January 4, 2023

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Voting Now Open For 2022 AMA Racing Awards

AMA members may now vote for AMA Athlete of the Year categories

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association recently announced the nominees for the 2022 AMA Racing Awards, which recognize individuals excelling in AMA-sanctioned competition and recreational activity over the past year.

“We’re grateful to take the opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of racers, volunteers, and advocates across the nation,” said AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier. “Congratulations to this year’s national and regional champs, and we look forward to recognizing clubs, individuals and organizers who have gone above and beyond to help the AMA in its goal of supporting and protecting the motorcycling lifestyle.”

AMA members are invited to help select winners in competition categories, including the prestigious AMA Athlete of the Year awards. Members may cast their votes for the 2022 AMA Racing Awards by visiting SurveyMonkey.com. Voting will end on Jan. 17 at midnight.

Award winners will be announced soon after voting closes.

2022 AMA Racing Award Nominees

AMA Athlete of the Year: National Championship

Jordan Ashburn — Grand National Cross Country Series XC1 Open Pro Bike Champion

Grant Baylor — National Enduro Pro1 Champion (5 wins)

Billy Janniro — Speedway National Championship Series Champion

Dante Oliveira — National Grand Prix Pro Class Champion

Kyle Peters — Arenacross National Championship Series Pro Sport Champion (23 moto wins out of 24)

Dalton Shirey — National Hare & Hound Pro Class Champion

Pat Smage — NATC MotoTrials Pro Champion (6 out of 6 wins)

AMA Athlete of the Year: Grand Championship

Caden Braswell — Motocross Horizon Award Winner, National Motocross 250 Pro Sport Champion, 2nd in Open Pro Sport

Alessandro Di Mario — Road Race Horizon Award Winner, North America Talent Cup Champion, Road Race Grand Championship 400cc Superstock Expert, Lightweight Twins Superbike Expert, Lightweight Twins Superstock Expert Class Champion

Trystan Hart — Tennessee Knockout – Extreme Enduro Champion

Clarke Morian V — Flat Track Horizon Award Winner, Flat Track Grand Championship 2nd place 250cc – Open Singles (12+)

Chris Spoonogle — Vintage Grand Champion

Cullen Vice — Hillclimb Racer of the Year, Hillclimb Grand Championship 125cc Class Champion

ATV Athlete of the Year

Parker Guoan — Ice Race Grand Championship ATV Quad 450A, Open A & Shootout Champion

Brycen Neal — Grand National Cross Country Series XC1 Pro – ATV Class Champion

Kinsey Osborn — ATVMX WMX & Women 15+ Class Champion

Jason Vanberg — ATV Hillclimb Racer of the Year, Hillclimb Grand Championship ATV Open Class Champion

AMA Veteran/Senior Racer of the Year

Jason Braun — Vet/Senior Hillclimb Racer of the Year, Hillclimb Grand Championship Masters (40+) Class Champion

Michael Brown — National Motocross Vet/Senior Racer of the Year

Fred Hoess — Two-time FIM International Vintage Trophy Overall champion (29 ISDE career events)

Dallas Mayer — Flat Track Grand Championship Vet/Senior Racer of the Year, Flat Track Grand Championship Masters (60+) and Senior (40+) Class Champion

Steve McSwain — National Enduro, 50+ Champion (6 overall wins)

Lightning Weppler — Senior Vintage Grand Champion

AMA Youth Racer of the Year

Casey Cochran — National Motocross Youth Racer of the Year, 5/6 moto wins, National Motocross 125 Jr. (12-17) B/C and Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C Class Champion

Sam Drane — Flat Track Grand Championship Youth Racer of the Year, 85cc Modified (9-11), 85cc Modified (9-13), and 85cc Production (9-13) Class Champion

Nathan Gouker — FIM North America Mini Cup 110 and 160 Champion

Kaidin Tvergyak — ATVMX Schoolboy Jr. (12-15), 90cc Open (8-13), and 90cc Shifter (8-13) Class Champion

Junior Motocross World Champions — Tace Morgan, Maddox Temmerman, Carson Wood, Seth Dennis, Landon Gibson, Casey Cochran, Collin Allen

AMA Female Racer of the Year

Rachael Archer — Grand National Cross Country Series WXC Bike Class Champion

Brooklyn Caudillo — National Hare and Hound Jr. Girls Class Champion; National Grand Prix Championship Girls Jr. (9-12) Class Champion

Madeleine Hoover — NATC MotoTrials Women’s Pro Champion (4 out of 4 wins)

Mackenzie Tricker — National Enduro Women’s Elite Champion (5 wins)

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Bridgestone Names New Race Tire Distributor In Canada

David Swarts

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January 4, 2023

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Bridgestone Names New Race Tire Distributor In Canada

Bridgestone Motorcycle Announced Importations Thibault Ltée as

Exclusive Motorcycle Race Tire Distributor in Canada

· Bridgestone Motorcycle is proud to announce Importations Thibault Ltée as the exclusive distributor for competition road race tires in Canada.

· This comes nearly three months after Bridgestone was chosen as the exclusive tire supplier and title sponsor of the Canadian Superbike Championship Series.

· This partnership aligns with the “Emotion” value of the Bridgestone E8 Commitment.

Sherbrooke, QC (January 4, 2023) – Bridgestone Canada Inc. (Bridgestone) and Importations Thibault Ltée (Thibault) announced today that Thibault will become the exclusive distributor for competition road race tires (non-DOT) in Canada. This announcement comes approximately three months after The Canadian Superbike Championship Series (CSBK) chose Bridgestone as the exclusive tire supplier and title sponsor of the series.

Bridgestone is a supplier of premium race tires for several international racing series including the FIM Endurance World Championship Series (EWC) where it has won an astounding 15 consecutive times at the legendary Suzuka 8 Hours race. Thibault is excited to distribute the same Bridgestone Battlax V02 and Battlax R11 tires that will be used in Canada’s own CSBK series.

“As a passionate supporter of motorcycle racing and our increased racing presence in Canada with CSBK, this move with Thibault ensures that road racers will be able to find Bridgestone road race tires more efficiently than ever,” confirmed Jared Williams, general manager, Bridgestone Motorcycle Tire Business in the United States and Canada. “Due to the long-standing relationship that we have with Thibault and their own passion for motorcycle racing, opening race tire distribution to Thibault is the best way to support the Canadian road racing community.”

“As a long-time partner with Bridgestone, we are really excited to add their road race tires to Thibault’s portfolio,” explained Thibault Director of Business Development Dave Oakley. “By leveraging Thibault’s passion for powersports and nationwide reach, it will be easier than ever for motorcycle road racers to access Bridgestone race tires.”

These partnerships with Thibault and CSBK align with the Bridgestone’s commitment to connect to consumers through Emotion, one of the eight Bridgestone-like values starting with the letter “E” (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease, and Empowerment) known as the Bridgestone E8 Commitment to realize a sustainable society.

Thibault will begin receiving Bridgestone motorcycle road race tires in March in time for the upcoming 2023 racing season.

About Bridgestone Canada Inc:

Bridgestone Canada Inc. (BSCA) is a member of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) and a direct subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM), whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. BSCA and BATO develop, manufacture and market Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. They are focused on retail, wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off road, agricultural and other tires to their customers in Canada and the United States, respectively.

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Bridgestone Americas employs more than 45,000 people across its worldwide operations. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.

About Importations Thibault Ltée:

Since 1981, the primary mission of Importations Thibault is to offer Canadian powersport dealers outstanding customer service with an experienced and dedicated team, quality products and competitive prices. With over 40 years of service, Importations Thibault continues to increase its presence in the Canadian market & has become a major distributor in the powersports industry in Canada. Importations Thibault “Service you can trust.”

MotoGP: Pre-Season Testing Begins In February At Sepang

David Swarts

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January 4, 2023

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MotoGP: Pre-Season Testing Begins In February At Sepang

MotoGP World Championship pre-season testing starts in February at the Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia.

The first action will be a “shakedown test” February 5-7. This test is designed for official MotoGP test riders to do last-minute evaluations and check over the 2023-spec machines before handing them off to the contracted racers.

The “shakedown test” is also open to MotoGP rookies, or rookie, as Tech3 GASGAS rider Augusto Fernandez is the only rookie in 2023.

The full MotoGP field will then be unleashed on the 3.4-mile (5.4 km) Malaysian road course for three days of testing February 10-12.

This will be followed by a second — and the final — official MotoGP pre-season test March 11-12 at Portugal’s Algarve International Circuit, site of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship season-opener March 24-26.

There will also be two, post-race MotoGP tests in the middle of the 2023 season – May 1 at Jerez and September 11 at Misano.

Sean Dylan Kelly (4) in action during Moto2 testing at Jerez. Photo courtesy Sean Dylan Kelly. — Sean Dylan Kelly (4) in action during Moto2 testing at Jerez in early 2022. Photo courtesy American Racing Team.

Moto2 and Moto3 teams are allowed to do limited private testing with their contracted racers, but there will also be official pre-season tests. Jerez will host Moto3 teams for testing March 9-10 and Moto2 teams on March 14-15.

Moto2 and Moto3 teams will then have a shared test March 17-19 at Algarve International Circuit.

There will also be two in-season tests for Moto2 and Moto3 teams – May 2 at Jerez and August 7 at Silverstone.

Sakakura Retires After 43 Years At Yoshimura

January 6, 2023

Don Sakakura (right) with Toni Elias (left) at New Jersey Motorsports Park after Elias won the 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Longtime industry figure Don Sakakura has retired from his role as President of Yoshimura Racing LLC, ending a 43-year career with Yoshimura.

Sakakura started working for Yoshimura R&D of America, Inc. in January 1980 as a race mechanic. That year, he helped Wes Cooley win the second of his two AMA Superbike Championships.

Sakakura went on to become the Sr. Vice President of Yoshimura R&D of America, Inc. a position he held from 2005 until 2018, when Yusaku Yoshimura was appointed CEO/COO of Yoshimura R&D of America, Inc.

Sakakura then moved into an advisory role with Yoshimura R&D of America, Inc. and continued as President of Yoshimura Racing LLC, a position he held from 2002 until his retirement at the end of December 2022.

During much of his time at Yoshimura, Sakakura oversaw not only the company’s activity in professional racing (road racing, Supercross/motocross, ATV, and more) but he also led the company’s parts manufacturing business.

In Sakakura’s tenure at Yoshimura, the brand won 24 AMA Pro road racing Championships (14 in Superbike, six in 750 Supersport/Superstock, three in Supersport, and one in Formula Xtreme) and 294 races road races (208 in Superbike, 57 in 750 Supersport/Superstock, 24 in Supersport, and five in Formula Xtreme), according to the company.

Canadian Superbike: Economy Lube And Tire Sponsoring Broadcasts

January 6, 2023

TSN Studio action, as host Frank Wood and Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike class color commentator and Bridgestone Pro Superbike front runner Michael Leon prepare for a recording session. Photo by Colin Fraser, courtesy CSBK/PMP. — TSN Studio action, as host Frank Wood (left) and Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike class color commentator and Bridgestone Pro Superbike front runner Michael Leon (right) prepare for a recording session. Photo by Colin Fraser, courtesy CSBK/PMP.