MotoAmerica: “Rainey Ride To The Races” Returning To Laguna Seca

David Swarts

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May 9, 2022

MotoAmerica: “Rainey Ride To The Races” Returning To Laguna Seca

Second Annual “Rainey Ride To The Races” Set For MotoAmerica’s WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Round

Join Motorcycle Racing Legends Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Bubba Shobert On July 8 For A Day On The Monterey Peninsula That You Won’t Forget

IRVINE, CA (May 9, 2022) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that the “Rainey Ride To The Races” is back and bigger than ever with three-time World Champion Kenny Roberts, four-time World Champion Eddie Lawson and three-time AMA Grand National Champion Bubba Shobert set to join three-time World Champion Wayne Rainey for his second-annual ride day on the Monterey Peninsula. The ride will take place on Friday, July 8 in conjunction with the GEICO MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, July 8-10.

The Rainey Ride To The Races will again benefit the Roadracing World Action Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes motorcycle racing safety with the facilitation of soft air barrier systems at racing events.

The ride will begin at the Moto Talbott Motorcycle Museum at 4 E Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley, California, and will tour the best parts of the Monterey Peninsula, including in and around the Santa Lucia Mountain ranges, the Salinas Valley foothills, local wineries, and the stunning Steinbeck country. The ride will conclude at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with lunch and a Q&A session with legends Rainey, Roberts, Lawson and Shobert.

An added benefit for 2022 is that Rainey Ride To The Races participants will get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take their motorcycles for two laps around the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca at the conclusion of the ride.

“Last year’s ride brought in close to $150,000 for the Roadracing World Action Fund and the 2022 ride promises to be even bigger and better,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “Last year we had Eddie on the ride and this year we’ve added Kenny and Bubba. Hanging out with those guys for a day will be a treat for all of us. It’s also cool that this year we’re giving participants in the ride the opportunity to take two laps of the Laguna Seca track. It’s going to be a great day and a great weekend of racing, and I can’t wait to see everyone there.”

The ride will be limited to 35 riders who purchase the special $325 Premium Rainey Ride To The Races ticket.

The Rainey Ride To The Races will be conducted at a relaxed, easy pace and no one will be left behind with Gordon McCall, a local motorcycle enthusiast and good friend of MotoAmerica, leading the ride. In addition, there will be a sweep, two rovers and, in the event of unforeseen mechanical issues, a sag wagon with a trailer that can transport motorcycles back to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The ride will take approximately two to two and a half hours from start to completion.

Funds raised from last year’s Rainey’s Ride To The Races helped in the purchase of 20 new Alpina soft barrier systems and 36 Airfence non-inflatable “dog box” sections that will be used for the first time at the VIRginia International Raceway round of the MotoAmerica series, May 20-22.

For more information or to purchase the Premium ticket, visit https://motoamerica.tixonlinenow.com/superbikeslaguna/?_ga=2.49901028.316319477.1652104127-622682377.1573599008

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner. For more information on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Aprilia RS 660 Cup: Toth P2 In Photo Finish At Vallelunga

David Swarts

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May 8, 2022

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Aprilia RS 660 Cup: Toth P2 In Photo Finish At Vallelunga

race results

Francesco Mongiardo (49) edged out Max Toth (27) by 0.005 second at the finish of the Aprilia RS 660 Cup race at Vallelunga, in Italy. Photo courtesy BK Corse.

Aprilia All Stars Draw 10,000+ Fans

David Swarts

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May 8, 2022

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APRILIA ALL STARS MEETS ITS AUDIENCE AGAIN

OVER 10 THOUSAND PEOPLE AT MISANO TO CELEBRATE APRILIA, ITS CHAMPIONS AND ITS GREAT MOTOGP SEASON

ALEIX ESPARGARÓ, MAVERICK VIÑALES AND LORENZO SAVADORI PUT ON A SHOW ON THE TRACK TOGETHER WITH CHAMPIONS AND LEGENDS SUCH AS MAX BIAGGI, ROBERTO LOCATELLI, LORIS CAPIROSSI, ALEX GRAMIGNI, MATTIA PASINI AND ANDREA IANNONE

FANS WERE ABLE TO TRY OUT THE APRILIA RANGE IN FREE TEST RIDES WHILE THE MUSIC OF RADIO DEEJAY AND M2O WITH VIC AND VITTORIA HYDE AND THE EXTRAORDINARY LIVE PERFORMANCE OF ALBERTINO, LIVENED UP THE PADDOCK

Misano – More than 10 thousand enthusiasts came to Misano for Aprilia’s big party.

Aprilia All Stars 2022 finally met its audience, who had been crowding the paddock and grandstands since the morning to enjoy the spectacle on track.

Aleix Espargaró, Maverick Viñales and Lorenzo Savadori, Aprilia Racing’s factory and test riders, welcomed the great Aprilia legends such as world champions Max Biaggi, Roberto Locatelli, Loris Capirossi, Alex Gramigni and with them Mattia Pasini and Andrea Iannone. Together they put on a show, riding the unforgettable 250 2-stroke Grand Prix bikes or RSV4s, while Alex Gramigni celebrated 30 years of his 125 World Championship title, Aprilia’s first in Grand Prix motorcycle racing, taking his legendary 1992 RS 125 onto the track.

Maverick Vinales (12) and Aleix Espargaro (41) doing exhibition laps on their Aprilia RS-GP MotoGP racebikes. Photo courtesy Aprilia.

The highlight for MotoGP fans was of course the track parade of the RS-GP 2022, Aprilia’s MotoGP revelation of this first phase of the season. Aleix Espargaró, with a win and two other podiums, is one of the leading riders in the world championship, while Maverick Viñales continues to gain more and more confidence with the new bike.

For everyone, motorbike enthusiasts, groups of friends and even the many families who came along, it was a day of celebration and entertainment, ranging from the testing of the 2022 Aprilia bikes (RS 660, Tuono 660, Tuareg 660 and the 125 range) to the fantastic entertainment provided by the stars of Radio Deejay and M2O on the big stage throughout the day. There was also a live performance by Dj Albertino, who got the whole paddock dancing, and a prize draw for the lucky winner of a brand new Aprilia Tuono 660.

Max Biaggi with his World Championship-winning Aprilia 250cc Grand Prix racebike. Photo courtesy Aprilia.

The great and spectacular parade of Aprilia motorbikes, brought onto the track by the motorcyclists who flocked to Misano, and led by Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales riding RSV4s, closed the 2022 edition of Aprilia All Stars.

For all lovers of beautiful Italian motorbikes, the appointment is for the 2023 edition.

American Toth On Pole Position In Aprilia RS 660 Cup At Vallelunga

David Swarts

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May 7, 2022

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American Toth On Pole Position In Aprilia RS 660 Cup At Vallelunga

0209Q2ARIE

MCE Ducati Previews The North West 200

David Swarts

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May 7, 2022

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Brookes Confident Ahead of North West 200

Following the recent announcement that Josh Brookes will contest this year’s Fona Cab and Nicholl Oils International North West 200 aboard a factory-supported MCE Ducati Panigale V4R, all plans are in place for Paul Bird’s Lake District-based team to take on the challenge.

The 39-year-old Australian returns to the 8.9-mile Portrush-Portstewart-Coleraine closed roads triangle for the first time since 2014, hot on the heels of a fourth-place finish at the most recent round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park last week, where he just missed out on a podium, after qualifying on the front row of the grid.

The Bedfordshire-based double BSB champion made his debut at the North West 200 in 2013 where he was the fastest newcomer before setting a new outright Superbike lap record the following year on his way to second place on a Yamaha. Brookes also scored a Supersport podium the same year too.

Paul Bird’s team has a good record at the event which includes Glenn Irwin winning three of his last four Superbike races on a PBM Ducati so Brookes will be hoping to add another piece of silverware to Britain’s most successful motorcycle racing team’s trophy cabinet.

Josh Brookes: “We didn’t have any plans to contest the North West 200 originally as part of my deal with PBM and the MCE Ducati Racing Team this year, but it came as a pleasant, last-minute surprise when the opportunity arose. The question everyone is asking is just how competitive the MCE Ducati will be around the NW200 track and that’s a question I can’t answer until I’ve ridden it. But I have no reasons to believe we can’t do well, or really well in fact. The Ducati is known to be fast and although we are missing a couple of tenths in BSB, I don’t think that will be a problem with the very nature of the event. I’ve every confidence in the bike and the team, and although I’ve not ridden there since 2014, remember I nearly won the Superbike race and set a new lap record at the time. So, our expectations are high and I’m really looking forward to it and seeing the fans back after the past couple of years. I spent a lot of years living over in Northern Ireland so it will be good to see some familiar faces and hopefully the weather will be kind and we can get all the planned track time in.”

Brookes will only be contesting the North West 200, there are no plans for him or the MCE Ducati Racing Team to compete at this year’s Isle of Man TT Races.

The Fona Cab and Nicholl Oils 2022 International North West 200 commences Tuesday 10th May. For further information, please visit the team’s website, www.pbmuk.net. Details of the event are at www.northwest200.org

Mission Sponsoring AMA Flat Track Grand Championship

Uncategorized

David Swarts

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May 7, 2022

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Mission Sponsoring AMA Flat Track Grand Championship

Mission Foods Named Title Sponsor of AMA Flat Track Grand Championship

Signs three-year title sponsorship deal supporting amateur flat track racing

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Mission Foods — the world’s leading manufacturer of tortillas, wraps and tortilla chips, and a proud supporter of flat track racing — will be the title sponsor of the 2022 AMA Flat Track Grand Championship (FTGC) at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Ill., July 7-13.

Over the past several years, Mission Foods has been a passionate supporter of motorsports, specifically backing flat track racing and riders on both the pro and amateur levels. Much of this support stems from the fact that Mission Foods CEO Juan Gonzalez is a motorcycle enthusiast and an ex-racer himself.

“We are excited to partner with the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud to be able to support these up-and-coming racers, and I strongly believe that our partnership will create some unforgettable moments for all race fans.”

The AMA FTGC has served as the premier amateur flat track event since the mid-1970s and is the only race in the country where you can earn an AMA National No. 1 plate in amateur flat track racing. This year’s event will feature AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and On Any Sunday star David Aldana as Grand Marshal. Aldana plans to strap on his own steel shoe to race the Du Quoin Mile, which will be his first time racing a Mile event since his On Any Sunday days.

“It’s going to be exciting,” said Aldana of his participation, “because Mile racing is really different from the other disciplines. It’s been a while for me,” he added with a grin, “so I’m hoping I didn’t forget how it’s done!”

“Mission Foods has been instrumental in bringing significant energy to flat track at every level of the sport,” said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. “We’re proud to have them on board as our title sponsor for seven days of the best amateur flat track action in the country.”

AMA National No. 1 plates will be awarded to racers in each class who have the highest number of points across all four disciplines of dirt track racing: Mile, Half-Mile, Short Track and TT.

Special awards that will be presented at the end of the event program include the prestigious Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award, AMA Fast Brain Award, AMA Vet/Senior Racer of the Year and AMA Youth Racer of the Year.

The Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship schedule includes:

Event Schedule

Thursday, July 7 — Group 2 TT

Friday, July 8 — Group 1 TT

Saturday, July 9 — Group 2/Vets/Vintage Mile

Sunday, July 10 — Group 1/Vintage Half Mile

Monday, July 11 — Group 2 Half Mile

Tuesday, July 12 — Group 1 & 2 Short Track

Wednesday, July 13 — Group 1 (Youth classes only) Short Track

For more information on Mission Foods, visit https://www.missionfoods.com/.

For more information on the upcoming AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, visit https://americanmotorcyclist.com/events-4/ama-flat-track-grand-championship/ and look for the latest event updates in American Motorcyclist magazine, on americanmotorcyclist.com and the AMA’s social media channels.

Racers can pre-register for the event at https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/ftgc/.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

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

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

What’s Up At The Harley-Davidson Museum In May?

David Swarts

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May 6, 2022

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What’s Up At The Harley-Davidson Museum In May?

May at the Harley-Davidson Museum is sure to get your motor running

Bike Nights and Saturday demos return, Mother’s Day celebrations, new displays and so much more coming to the crossroads of 6th & Canal this month

MILWAUKEE, USA – Did you miss Harley-Davidson Museum’s Bike Night Concert Series as much as we did? Have you spent countless hours shining the chrome on your bike as you counted down the days until the first Thursday of May? Your patience is rewarded this week when Bella Cain kicks off the season on May 5. All wheels are welcome to roll down to campus every Thursday to enjoy free live music from some of Milwaukee’s favorite bands, drool-worthy rolling sculptures, and tasty treats hot off the grill and ice-cold beverages.

And if you’re looking to throw a leg over the latest Harley-Davidson® motorcycle to experience the fun and freedom that only H-D can deliver, mark your calendars for May 7 (and nearly every Saturday this summer) for the H-D Museum’s Saturday Demo Rides powered by Harley-Davidson® Insurance. Choose from a dozen of the newest models and take a cruise through the neighboring Menomonee Valley. And yes, it’s offered for free at the H-D Museum.

Plus, make sure you show mom some love on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8. Roll two-up or bring down the whole family and take advantage of our Annual Pass perks for discounted admission, gifts at The Shop and meals at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant. On Mother’s Day, spend $150 or more at The Shop and receive a free bracelet. And make sure you fuel up at MOTOR’s Mother’s Day Brunch. Raise a glass to mom with Bottomless Mimosa’s for $14.95 or our Bloody Mary Bar for $12.95. Be sure to look out for complimentary carnations for moms and temporary tattoos for kids (while supplies last). Reservations are highly encouraged by calling MOTOR at 414-287-2778.

And the annual Armed Forces Day Celebration lands at the Harley-Davidson Museum on Saturday, May 21. Join the Harley-Davidson Museum and active military and veterans as we honor the brave individuals serving in the United States Armed Forces. Together with the Milwaukee Armed Services Committee, the H-D Museum invites everyone to show your support for our troops on Armed Forces Day.

PROGRAMMING / EVENTS

H-D Museum™ Bike Night Concert Series powered by Budweiser® King of Beers and Bulleit® Bourbon, Thursdays, 5 – 9 p.m.

All wheels unite every Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Join riders (and non-riders) for free live music from some of Milwaukee’s favorite bands, fun, drool-worthy rolling sculptures and outdoor food and beverage. The Bike Night Koozie Special is back. Enjoy $3 Busch Light all-season long.

5/5 Bella Cain

5/12 Big Al Wetzel Band

5/19 Ten Feet Tall

5/26 Mighty Miss Erica

Saturday Demos powered by H-D® Insurance, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Visit the Museum campus on Saturdays to experience the fun and freedom of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. Visitors with their motorcycle endorsement/license will be able to choose from a dozen of the latest and greatest #FreedomMachines from Harley-Davidson, including Touring, Softail® and Sportster® models. A pre-determined scenic route through the Menomonee Valley will give riders the chance to explore the Museum’s surrounding neighborhoods. Sign-up is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Riders and passengers must be at least 18 years of age. All riders (and passengers) must wear a helmet, eye protection, shirt, long pants and closed-toe shoes with heel strap. All riders and passengers must bring their own riding gear.

Mother’s Day at the Harley-Davidson Museum, Sunday, May 8, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Celebrate the most important woman in your life by giving her an unforgettable experience at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Spend the day touring the collection and campus, including The Shop, where you can find a special gift just for her. Bonus, spend $150 or more at The Shop and receive a free bracelet. Take a self-guided audio tour of the H-D Museum and if you bring the kids, make sure to check out the newly reopened Imagination Station! Enjoy brunch at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and raise a glass to mom with Bottomless Mimosas for $14.95 or our Bloody Mary Bar for $12.95. Don’t forget to score a complimentary carnation for mom and a temporary tattoo for the kids (while supplies last). Reservations are highly encouraged by calling MOTOR at 414.287.2778. Looking for a Mother’s Day gift that keeps on giving? Our Annual Pass offers Individual, Family and VIP options to fit her lifestyle. End your visit by taking in the sights of our beautiful 20-acre, park-like campus on our walking tour. It’s the mother of all Mother’s Day celebrations and it’s only found at the crossroads of 6th & Canal.

Armed Forces Day Celebration, Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Join the Harley-Davidson Museum and active military and veterans as we honor the brave individuals serving in the United States Armed Forces. Together with the Milwaukee Armed Services Committee, the H-D Museum invites everyone to show your support for our troops on Armed Forces Day. Military equipment and interactive displays are available for attendees to see and experience. This free event offers a unique experience to talk with all branches of the military to learn about their experiences and the challenges they face maintaining our freedom. Please note that military discounts are found throughout campus. New this year, the Wisconsin Warrior Challenge. Open to kids and young adults ages 7-18, participants will join one of six teams and compete in a series of activities for the title of Wisconsin Warrior Champions. Activities will include obstacle courses, survival skills, drills and marching, and more! Sign up to participate in advance on the Milwaukee Armed Forces Week website.

Annual Pass

Looking for interesting things to do and ways to fully enjoy our programs and exhibits? The Harley-Davidson Museum’s new Annual Pass offers individual, family and VIP levels to fit your lifestyle. Just some of the perks of the new Annual Pass include: virtual access to the H-D Museum with various Harley history topics covered in our Virtual Gallery Talk series, admission discounts, free admission for children under age 18, merchandise discounts at The Shop, dining discounts at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and more. Visit H-D Museum.com for details and other terms and conditions.

Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.)

All scouts are welcome to come earn their Engineering Merit Badge at the Harley-Davidson Museum! This experience will be launched by our merit badge counselor. Then, scouts will explore the history of Harley-Davidson as well as the engineering of motorcycles as they complete the nine merit badge requirements. Advance registration is required. Program registration closes one week prior to the scheduled program date.

Ticket includes: downloadable activity booklet used for the program, partially facilitated program, blue card signed by the facilitator (one blue card per scout registration) and an exclusive H-D Museum™ patch.

Scout Virtual Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.)
This new 90-minute online program is open to scouts from all over the country. Our program facilitator will guide the troops and explore the role an engineer plays while creating a Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle. Nine requirements for the Engineering Merit Badge will be discussed during this virtual, interactive program. Advance registration is required. Program Fee: $20 per Scout, which includes an activity booklet used during the program and a special H-D® patch upon completion of the program.

MUST-SEE EXHIBITS AND INSTALLATIONS

1977 FLH “Blackula” (on display beginning May 13)

Milwaukee man about town Freddie Franklin purchased his Electra Glide from its original owner, 95-year-old Wallace Brzezinski, with only 4,500 miles on its odometer. And in short order, he completely re-envisioned the bike to reflect his timeless style. The motorcycle incorporates some hallmarks of Franklin’s disparate tastes. A dash of the Coney Island-style bikes – decked out with lights and reflectors – he adored mixed in with elements of Willie G.’s seminal Knucklehead and topped off with details that harken to the 1970s blaxploitation films Franklin watched back in the day. A clear statement of Black pride via the language of vintage motorcycles, this is a bike you must see in-person.

Keith Brammer (Die Kreuzen) leather jacket (on display now)

Perhaps no other genre of music is so closely associated with the classic black leather jacket than punk rock. Keith Brammer, of Milwaukee’s hardcore punk band Die Kreuzen, has graciously lent his well-worn leather to the H-D Museum. The jacket was purchased in New York City in the 1980s and was a constant companion for Brammer throughout his touring days. Check out the Custom Culture gallery to view this piece of Milwaukee music history.

Revolution® Max Engine (on display now)

The brand-new Revolution® Max 1250cc engine powers a new generation of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. See the liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin that delivers for the Pan America™ adventure touring model and the performance cruiser Sportster® S motorcycle. On view in the Museum lobby.

Clubs & Competition (on display now)

In the early part of the 20th century, motorcycle culture was a homegrown phenomenon. It grew out of the passion of riders for their evolving sport. The camaraderie that developed around riding and attending competitive events led to the formation of motorcycle clubs that hosted destination rides, family picnics with motorcycle games and other riding competitions.

The newly reinstalled display case in the Clubs & Competition gallery highlights clothing from club members from primarily the 1930s and 1940s. The clothing selections on view include full dress uniforms, shirts, sweaters, jackets and caps, customized by the owners with their club’s name and logo, and pins or patches indicating membership in the American Motorcyclist Association. The H-D Archives collection includes Motorclothes® apparel sold in H-D® product catalogs but also non-H-D produced clothing items that have been proudly customized by riders.

Harley Fox (on display now)

Gail Anderson’s 1986 Softail® Custom motorcycle, “Harley Fox,” built by her partner Bob Burrows, took top prize at the first Ladies of Harley® (LOH) ride-in show during Daytona Beach Bike Week in 1987. With her custom bike and themed riding gear, Anderson presented a striking image that fit the growing visibility and exciting new options for women riders in the 1980s.

Alfonso Sotomayor’s 1957 Model FL (on display now)

The Harley-Davidson Museum is proud to announce its collection has recently grown with the addition of a 1957 Model FL that was ridden by famed Mexican stunt rider and racer Alfonso Sotomayor Canales.

Harley-Davidson’s history in Mexico dates back to at least 1913. In the 1920s, the brand was more frequently spotted throughout Mexico City as the motorcycles proved popular with the local traffic police who would also perform stunts with their Harley-Davidson® bikes. After racing from the 1930s into the 1960s, Sotomayor launched his own stunt riding career by performing the famed “Salto de la Muerte” or Jump of Death. Learn more about Sotomayor’s feats of derring-do and Harley-Davidson’s early entry into Mexico with this new display located in the Custom Culture area.

“Off-Road Harley-Davidson” (on display now)

In the decades before America paved its highways, early riders had to be prepared for all sorts of terrain: sand, clay or dirt – and wandering those makeshift byways were Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Today, it’s called off-road or adventure touring; back then it was just called riding. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson® motorcycles proved their toughness by riding over wooded hills, through stone-choked creek beds and up mountain sides. “Off-Road Harley-Davidson” tells the history of motorcycles designed for rough roads, the people who rode them and the adventures they shared.

“Building a Milwaukee Icon: Harley-Davidson’s Juneau Avenue Factory” (on display now)

A recently recovered cache of architectural drawings includes plans for the original Juneau Avenue facility. The pencil drawings, along with archival photographs, demonstrate the whirlwind pace of the company’s early growth. While building an international business—going from producing just over 1,000 motorcycles in 1909 to manufacturing 27,000 motorcycles in 1920—the company’s Milwaukee factory experienced near-constant expansion. Construction through this relatively brief period created the buildings that today, a century later, are still the proud home of Harley-Davidson.

“Building a Milwaukee Icon” provides a snapshot of Harley-Davidson’s formative years and illustrates a chapter of Milwaukee history when the city was known as the “Machine Shop to the World.”

Google Arts & Culture, Bring a 1919 Window Display to Life (on display now)
We scoured the Harley-Davidson Archives to identify the colorful pamphlets used to catch the attention of those passing by this dealership window.

THE SHOP

The Shop at the Harley-Davidson Museum is the place to find exclusive apparel, collectibles and accessories inspired by the H-D Archives. Check out new items that are arriving daily! Please check the H-D Museum website and social channels for updates related to The Shop hours and upcoming closures as we move from our current location the new location.

MOTOR® BAR & RESTAURANT

Mother’s Day Brunch. May monthly specials. A revamped kids menu that includes a take-home flying disc. Expanded hours – on Bike Nights and weekends, no less (Sun – Wed, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thu – Sat, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.). Maybe it’s time to take all your meals at MOTOR and find a new use for your kitchen.

Beginning this week – and all month long – enjoy the Balsamic Chicken entrée (marinated and grilled balsamic chicken, on a bed of ancient grain salad with tomatoes, onions, spinach, asparagus, and olives, $20.95), the Brew City Burger (8-oz, hand-packed ground chuck stacked with sliced bratwurst, Clock Shadow Creamery cheese curds, grilled onions and ranch dressing on a pretzel bun. Served with French fries and pickle spear, $20.95) or the Tres Leches Cake dessert (an ultra-light sponge cake soaked in a sweet-milk mixture, topped with whipped cream, strawberries, and toasted coconut $8.95).

And who wants to make mom cook on her special day? Bring her down for the Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 8 (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.). Selecting one item from our mouth-watering lineup of brunch entrees, includes access to our chef’s carving station featuring juicy, slow-cooked pit ham and 14-hour slow-smoked brisket as well as a bountiful buffet of fresh fruit and desserts. Toast to mom with Bottomless Mimosas for $14.95 or our Bloody Mary Bar for $12.95. Complimentary carnations for moms and temporary tattoos for kids (while supplies last). Call 414-287-2778 to reserve your table.

And shaking what your momma gave you at the Bike Night Concert Series works up a thirst. MOTOR’s got you covered all season long with the Bike Night Koozie Special ($3 for Busch Light). Mark your calendars for the May 12 Bike Night when MOTOR partners with VISIT Milwaukee to launch their Cheese Curd Pass with promos, prizes and more.

Finally, don’t forget about the fun to be found every Saturday at BBQ & Blues from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

MOTOR Bar & Restaurant will be hosting a job fair on Wednesday, May 11th from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Come and apply for positions like banquet bartenders, servers and managers, as well as marketing manager, sales coordinator, and client-experience positions. Can’t make it in? You can also apply online!

About the Harley-Davidson Museum

Discover culture and history through stories and interactive exhibits that celebrate expression, camaraderie, and love for the sport at the Harley-Davidson Museum. A visit to the H-D Museum is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. With an unrivaled collection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and memorabilia, a 20-acre, park-like campus, and a calendar full of activities, the H-D Museum is one of Milwaukee’s top tourist destinations for visitors from around the globe. Make your plans to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum at H-DMuseum.com.

President Biden Recognizes May As Motorcycle Awareness Month

David Swarts

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May 6, 2022

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President Biden Recognizes May As Motorcycle Awareness Month

President Biden Officially Recognizes May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

First presidential acknowledgment of MSAM comes after AMA’s work with MIC and MSF to request White House recognition

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The White House and President Biden officially released a letter acknowledging May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. This comes less than three months after the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) met with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Buttigieg requesting White House recognition of the month and addressing other motorcycle industry priorities.

Last year, the AMA also worked with the MIC and MSF on a letter, joining their existing effort urging the White House to recognize Motorcycle Safety Awareness month, highlighting the organizations’ — and DOT’s — annual public-awareness campaigns.

“For millions of Americans, riding a motorcycle is more than a mode of transportation — it’s a way of life,” President Biden said in the letter. “A motorcycle offers freedom, recreation, and the opportunity to explore our great Nation coast-to-coast. But unfortunately, riding is not without risk. Each year, thousands of motorcycles are killed on our Nation’s roads and highways … My administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of everyone who rides a motorcycle and all who travel across our Nation.”

President Biden also addressed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and its plan to modernize highways, roads, and bridges used by motorcyclists across the country. That same law also reauthorized the Motorcycle Advisory Council (MAC) to advise the Department of Transportation on motorcycle safety issues.

The most recent iteration of the MAC was chaired by the AMA’s Director of Government Relations Michael Sayre from 2017 until 2020 when the MAC submitted its recommendations to the Department of Transportation. The MAC’s recommendations addressed concerns with roadside barrier design, roadway design, construction, and maintenance practices along with concerns with emerging intelligent transportation technologies.

“We’re eagerly waiting for the new MAC to be seated,” Sayre said, “and to begin its work. The AMA and other motorcycling organizations worked hard to expand the membership of the MAC as well as require multiple rounds of recommendations and provide more representative and exhaustive feedback from the motorcycling community. We also look forward to the administration working with the motorcycle community to advance safety for our roads.”

“The AMA also calls upon the Biden administration to follow through on this statement and the requirements set forth in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” Sayre continued, “including motorcycles in the testing and standards for advanced driver assistance systems and automated vehicles, a safety benefit the recently proposed update to the New Car Assessment Program acknowledges, but fails to do.”

Stay tuned to AmericanMotorcyclist.com and the AMA’s social media channels throughout the month of May for more information and tips surrounding motorcycle safety and awareness.

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.

How Much Do World Championship Racers Earn And How Do They Earn It?

David Swarts

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May 6, 2022

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How Much Do World Championship Racers Earn And How Do They Earn It?

By David Swarts

How much money do MotoGP and Superbike World Championship riders earn? It’s not an easy question to answer accurately for a variety of reasons, but we’re going to try to do it.

In most professional sports leagues the salaries of the athletes are made known when their new contracts are done, but it’s not like this in professional motorcycle racing. In most two-wheel racing series there is specific language in contracts forbidding riders and their managers from disclosing the financial terms of their deals.

It’s believed that teams and manufacturers do this in order to keep rider salaries as low as possible and prevent each up-and-coming new star from demanding a higher salary than the star that came before them, like athletes do in other professional sports.

As a result of all of this, very few people truly know what two-wheel heroes are paid to risk life and limb to win races.

Maverick Vinales was almost struck by what was left of a crashed motorcycle during the MotoGP race at the first Austrian Grand Prix of 2020. Photo courtesy Dorna.

There are some websites on the internet that list MotoGP rider salaries, but this information is mostly based on rumors, hearsay, and guesses. For example, one website in 2021 listed then-Aprilia test rider Bradley Smith making a higher salary than Aprilia factory racer Aleix Espargaro.

In an effort to replace this cyber guesswork with real information and lift the shroud of mystery over what current riders actually earn and how they earn it, Roadracing World reached out to trusted sources within the MotoGP and Superbike World Championship paddocks. These sources are riders, rider managers, and team leaders – people who have actually negotiated and signed contracts in recent seasons, but due to the sensitive and confidential nature of this information they must remain anonymous and we’ve tried to avoid associating specific numbers with specific riders.

MotoGP

The range of a MotoGP rider’s base salary obviously varies due to a variety of reasons with proven success or lack thereof and popularity/marketability in key markets being the predominant factors. Top factory riders who have won races and are Championship contenders can command a salary of about €6-8 million Euros ($6.3-8.4 million USD, at early-May exchange rates). That, however, does not include six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez, who is paid about double that, approximately €15 million (about $16 million USD) per season.

MotoGP riders who have the potential to finish on the podium and maybe win a race can earn between €1-€5 million ($1.05-$5.23 million USD) in base salary, and a rider who just came up from Moto2 and/or is getting a shot with a satellite or independent team may only earn €250,000-€500,000 ($263,000-$527,000 USD). According to our sources, no one in the MotoGP World Championship is currently paying for their ride with their own money or a personal sponsor’s money.

A factory MotoGP rider who has won races and the World Championship, like Joan Mir, can command an annual salary between $7-9 million USD. Photo courtesy Team Suzuki ECSTAR. — A factory MotoGP rider who has won races and the World Championship, like Joan Mir, can command an annual salary between $6-8 million USD. Photo courtesy Team Suzuki ECSTAR.

These numbers then vary among riders of an equal caliber because some riders go with a larger guaranteed salary and a smaller bonus structure, while other riders bet on themselves and accept a lower base salary with the potential to earn even more with large bonuses. For instance, a rider who went with a low salary might get a bonus of €250,000 ($263,000 USD) for winning a MotoGP race, while a rider with a large salary might only get €10,000 ($10,500 USD) for a win. The same holds true for Championship bonuses, which can be worth €1 million ($1.05 million USD) or more.

Darryn Binder (40). Photo courtesy Dorna. — Even a MotoGP rookie like Darryn Binder (40) is commands a six-figure salary plus endorsements and bonuses. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Bonuses can be earned for race wins, podium finishes, pole positions, lap records, front-row qualifying results, Championship points scored, and final Championship finishing position. Bonuses can also be earned from a rider’s personal sponsors.

As far as personal sponsors go, riders can negotiate space for their sponsors’ logos on the motorcycle, their leathers, and their helmets, but at the higher team and salary levels this available space is minimal and limited to one spot on the upper chest (which usually goes to the rider’s helmet sponsor) and sometimes a space on one or both arms of the leather suit.

Helmet deals, what a helmet manufacturer pays the rider to wear and endorse their helmet, can vary in value by brand as well as the resume of the rider. A rider who chooses to go with a premium helmet brand may do so for less money than he could get from an emerging brand that stands to benefit more from the exposure the rider would bring. At the top of the food chain, a rider can earn €600,000-€700,000 ($630,000-$738,000 USD) per season from his helmet manufacturer and €300,000-€400,000 ($316,000-$421,000 USD) from their leathers supplier.

A rider gets paid by helmet and leather manufacturers to wear and endorse their bransd. Fabio Quartararo is backed by Alpinestars and Scorpion helmets, among others. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha. — A rider gets paid by helmet and leather manufacturers to wear and endorse their brands. Fabio Quartararo is backed by Alpinestars and Scorpion helmets, among others. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.

The value of personal sponsorship stickers on a rider’s helmet also varies widely based on the size and location of the sticker. At the high end, an energy drink company may pay €1 million ($1.05 million USD) — or more if your name is Valentino Rossi – to put a large logo on the side of a rider’s helmet. Smaller stickers placed elsewhere on a rider’s helmet cost a minimum of €25,000 ($26,338 USD) per season and goes up to €200,000 ($211,000 USD) or more for something on the chin bar, but we are told that there are some riders in the World Championships who still put stickers on their helmet in exchange for free product and to be affiliated with premier global brands they like. Think Oakley or Nike.

The sponsor logos on a rider's helmet usually go to the rider and can be worth up to $1 million USD. Photo courtesy Dorna. — The sponsor logos on a rider’s helmet usually go to the rider and can be worth up to $1 million USD. This is Johann Zarco, who is sponsored by Red Bull, among others. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Riders also get paid or otherwise compensated for endorsement deals that are never even seen on their bike, leathers, or helmets, much like the kind of deals other professional athletes do away from the field of competition. An example of this would be appearing in a TV commercial or at a special event in exchange for cash or use a luxury car for a year.

MotoGP riders do not pay for their travel expenses. Most riders have all of their travel expenses taken care of. The teams make and pay for all of the travel arrangements, including two Business-class airline tickets to every test, race, and official personal appearance. And it’s interesting to note that personal appearances are one of the most heavily negotiated items when doing MotoGP rider contracts.

MotoGP riders further back on the grid may make their own travel arrangements and pay for them out of an allocated travel budget, which may or may not be enough for two Business-class tickets everywhere they go.

Most MotoGP riders are supported by a personal assistant (the person seen on camera carrying around their helmet bag, drink bottle, etc.), a riding coach, a personal trainer, a physical therapist, a nutritionist, and maybe more people behind the scenes. Some rider deals include an allowance for a personal assistant and a team may provide a physical therapist or massage therapist at the races, but most of the time a rider pays all of these support personnel out of their salary.

Aleix Espargaro on the grid at Jerez. Photo courtesy Aprilia Gresini Racing. — Aleix Espargaro on the grid at Jerez. Photo courtesy Aprilia.

When it comes to medical expenses, the rider receives free care from Clinica Mobile for anything while at the races and is provided health insurance coverage through IRTA (International Road Racing Teams Association) that covers their care whether it’s for an injury suffered while racing at an official event or an injury suffered while training on a motocross bike at their home in between races. Some riders, however, supplement this with additional health insurance, disability insurance, and life insurance coverage.

World Superbike

The compensation earned by riders in the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) are understandably scaled down. For instance, most factory WorldSBK riders who have the potential to compete for top spots can make about €500,000-€600,000 ($527,000-$632,000 USD) per season, but riders can earn a salary of up to €1 million ($1.05 million USD), or more, if they win enough World Championships.

Jonathan Rea (65). Photo courtesy Kawasaki. — Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea (65) is understandably one of the highest paid riders in the series. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.

At the bottom end of the scale, a rider with the right resume can buy a full-time ride on a Superbike. This price varies, obviously, but around €300,000 ($316,000 USD) will probably put a rider on a Superbike for a season. And believe it or not, that’s less than it costs to buy a Moto3 World Championship ride with a top team – approximately €400,000 ($421,000 USD). Having said that, there are top riders in Moto3 and Moto2 who are getting paid good money, including Americans Cameron Beaubier and Joe Roberts.

The same kinds of bonuses found in MotoGP are also available in WorldSBK, but again, they are scaled down and some riders may not get any bonuses for some significant accomplishments. At least one manufacturer doesn’t pay bonuses for winning one of the short Superpole races, for instance, and bonuses for qualifying results are rare.

WorldSBK riders still get paid to wear and endorse helmets and leathers, and a good deal with a helmet company can be worth €150,000 ($158,000 USD) with leathers companies paying top riders slightly less than that each season. An energy drink logo on the helmet of a top rider can bring another €150,000 ($158,000 USD) or more, while smaller logos on the helmet can pay the rider €10,000-€50,000 ($10,535-$52,676 USD).

Toprak Razgatlioglu (1). Photo courtesy Yamaha. — Reigning Superbike World Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu’s (1) deals with Shoei, Alpinestars, and Red Bull are likely smaller than deals given to similarly successful MotoGP riders. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

How travel expenses are handled varies widely between teams and riders. Factory riders typically have their travel expenses paid for albeit they may not always fly with a companion or in Business Class, but surprisingly at least one top rider pays for all of their travel expenses out of their salary. Other racers are allocated a travel budget to work with. Riders who pay to be on a team, obviously, also pay for their own travel expenses.

Like in MotoGP, the people who support a rider (personal assistant, rider coach, trainer, etc.) are paid by the rider out of their salary. Also like in MotoGP, WorldSBK riders are provided some level of medical insurance.

Joe Roberts (16). Photo courtesy Dorna. — Some Moto2 riders like American Joe Roberts (16) make money racing, while others must bring money to get a ride. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Adding up salaries, helmet and leathers deals, and personal sponsorships, top MotoGP racers (aside from Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi) can make between €7,475,000-€10,350,000 ($7,875,000-$10,900,000 USD) before bonuses and top WorldSBK riders can earn between €730,000-€1,475,000 ($769,000-$1,554,000 USD) before bonuses.

Unfortunately, we cannot tell you exactly how much each rider earns in salary, bonuses, and endorsement deals, but hopefully the information provided here will help you understand how well your favorite rider is doing. And hopefully it will also continue to fuel the dreams of all those aspiring racers out there, because there still are pots of gold at the end of some of those racing rainbows.

Isle Of Man TT: Streaming Video Pass Is On Sale Now

David Swarts

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May 5, 2022

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Isle Of Man TT: Streaming Video Pass Is On Sale Now

TT+ LIVE PASS NOW ON SALE

The TT+ Live Pass is Now Available to Purchase

The 2022 Isle of Man TT Races is just around the corner and on Sunday 29 May the TT Mountain Course will once again come alive with breath-taking racing action taking place across the TT fortnight.

As racing returns to the legendary course, for the first time in the event’s 115-year history the Isle of Man TT Races will be broadcast live around the globe, bringing all the action and excitement straight to the fans.

Launching today is the TT Live Pass, which is available through the TT+ streaming platform with a one-off payment of £14.99 (€21.99 (EUR) / $24.99 (USD)/ $31.99 (CAD)/ $34.99 (AUD), which will give access to every qualifying session and race at TT 2022, as well as all the insight and analysis that goes with it.

If you haven’t already, sign-up to TT+ here, or if you have already signed up, you can now purchase the Live Pass and get set to experience the TT like never before.

To sign up for TT+ and receive TT content at your fingertips 24/7 visit: ttplus.iomttraces.com

MotoAmerica: “Rainey Ride To The Races” Returning To Laguna Seca

May 9, 2022

(Clockwise from top left) Eddie Lawson, King Kenny Roberts, Bubba Shobert will join host Wayne Rainey for "Rainey's Ride To The Races," July 9, on the Monterey Peninsula in conjunction with the GEICO MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Photos by Gold & Goose and Henny Ray Abrams, courtesy MotoAmerica. — (Clockwise from top left) Eddie Lawson, King Kenny Roberts, and Bubba Shobert will join host Wayne Rainey for "Rainey Ride To The Races," July 9, on the Monterey Peninsula in conjunction with the GEICO MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Photos by Gold & Goose and Henny Ray Abrams, courtesy MotoAmerica.