Just 0.013 separate the two, with Bagnaia, Aleix Espargaro and Quartararo for close company as Bastianini misses the cut for Q2
Saturday, 15 October 2022
Since 2013, MotoGP™ Legend Jorge Lorenzo has been the fastest rider ever to lap Phillip Island, but no more. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) is the new all-time lap record holder at the Australian track, and by a mere smidge as Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) missed out by just 0.013. The number 93 also had a helping tow from Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) as the two lapped in tandem, with Pecco just pipped to it but still completing the front row.
Martin had been on the pace as soon as Q2 started, punching out a 1:28.112 out the gate – the fastest lap of the weekend to that point. He would hold onto that honour for just a lap as Bagnaia clocked a 1:28.054 next time through, and they were the top two at the end of the opening runs, with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) third on a 1:28.174. Marc Marquez sat fifth on a 1:28.313, having been forced into one of his trademark front-end saves exiting ‘MG’ on his second flying lap which saw him veer onto the grass.
With the second runs on in earnest, Johann Zarco jumped to the top with a 1:28.007 before Martin made it a Prima Pramac Racing one-two with the first lap of Phillip Island that was quicker than Lorenzo’s 1:27.899 in 2013.
Marquez then tagged on behind Bagnaia for the final few minutes of the session, and with the chequered flag about to come out, the number 63 moved up to second on a 1:27.953 but was beaten almost immediately by the Honda rider in his slipstream, who set a 1:27.780. That made for a top four of Martin, Marc Marquez, Bagnaia, and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), with Quartararo edging back up to fifth thanks to a 1:27.973 on his final lap.
When all’s said and done, Bagnaia is the first of the title contenders as a few stack up from third back, with Aleix Espargaro heading Row 2 in fourth and Championship leader Quartararo right alongside. Quartararo was the final rider in the 1:27s, with Zarco just into the 1:28 bracket. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) slots into seventh.
It was a tougher session for Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) as he’ll start eighth – although he did win from seventh at Motegi. For fellow challenger Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) it was an even tougher one, however, as the number 23 was in Q1 and then failed to make the cut – after also getting held up by Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). The Portuguese rider did a practice start too early and then was slow on the line, gaining a three-place grid penalty and a Long Lap.
Zarco was the quickest in Q1 and moved through alongside Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) as the two pipped Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) and Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) late in the session. The latter duo therefore line up P13 and P14.
Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) starts ninth as he joins Marini and Miller on an all-Ducati Row 3, with Rins forced to settle for tenth ahead of automatic Q2 graduate Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol).
Qualifying didn’t go to plan for Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and he’ll start P12. After topping the timesheets in FP4, ‘Top Gun’ will certainly be ready to move forward on race day.
With five riders in 40 points, there’s more and more at stake as the time to make a comeback gets shorter and shorter. Just three races now remain, and the first of those is sure to be a stunner as Phillip Island hosts for the first time since 2019. Make sure to tune in at 14:00 (GMT +11) to see who can tame the Island!
MotoGP™: TOP THREE
1 Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) – Ducati – 1’27.767
2 Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) – Honda – +0.013
3 Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – +0.186
Jorge Martin: “For sure, Lorenzo won’t be super-happy today now, but for sure, it’s time to beat those records because the bikes are much faster now. Yesterday, I was a bit lost because this track is so fast – it’s my first time here so I had to take the measurements – but finally today, I had good pace. I feel strong for the race also, and for time attack, I thought I could also be competitive – not that much, for sure. Making a 27, it’s amazing, but I’m feeling good and I think we can fight to the end tomorrow.”
Phillip Island names Turn 4 Miller Corner
In a ceremony on Saturday, Turn 4 of Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit was officially named ‘Miller Corner’. The Thriller and home hero himself, Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team), was of course in attendance, along with his parents and wife, Ruby.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta and IRTA CEO Mike Trimby joined the ceremony to congratulate the Australian, and another home hero was on hand in MotoGP™ Legend Mick Doohan. Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit owner Andrew Fox presented Miller with the plaque, alongside Australian Grand Prix Commission CEO Andrew Westacott.
The lap at Phillip Island now starts down the Gardner Straight, heads through Doohan, tackles the Southern Loop and then slides through Stoner before arriving into Miller.
Aldeguer heads Fernandez with new lap record, Ogura 13th
The Boscocuro rider pips the Championship leader by just 0.073, with Lopez completing the front row
Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) set a stunning new lap record at Phillip Island on Saturday as a 1:32.233 puts him on pole for the Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Championship leader Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) missed out by just 0.073, with Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) in third making it both Boscoscuros on the front row.
Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia), who trails Fernandez by just 1.5 points in the Championship, has qualified 13th after a tougher weekend so far, although the Japanese rider won from the same position at Motegi.
Buriram winner Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) heads the second row ahead of Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40), with Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) in sixth.
Manuel Gonzalez (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp) is an impressive seventh on an all-rookie Row 3, with Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Jeremy Alcoba (Liqui Moly Intact GP) alongside.
The remaining riders between Fernandez and Ogura are Filip Salač (Gresini Racing Moto2™), in 10th fresh from his first intermediate class podium, Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) in a solid P11 and Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) in P12. Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) is just behind Ogura, in P14 after a tougher Saturday.
After 17 races in the intermediate class, just 1.5 points separate Fernandez and Ogura with three rounds remaining. Another 25 are up for grabs on Sunday, so tune in from 12:20 (GMT +11) to see another chapter of incredible Moto2™ competition.
Fermin Aldeguer: “I’m so happy with my whole qualifying, because I pushed so much. It was a very good lap all the way round and I made the pole position, so it’s incredible to be here. Thank you to my team for their support in all the past races and my family and all the sponsors.”
Sasaki slams in new lap record for pole, Guevara seventh
Sasaki and Garcia end qualifying over half a second clear as Guevara lines up on Row 3 and Foggia Row 4
Another week, another new lap record! This time it’s Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) as the number 71 backed up his fastest lap on Friday with the fastest lap of Phillip Island ever, taking pole by nearly two tenths and putting in the only 1:35. Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) is the only other rider in Sasaki’s postcode, and he has a half-second gap behind him back to Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) as the rookie completes the front row.
Championship leader Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) heads up Row 3 in seventh place, giving him a reasonable launch position ahead of his first match point in the fight for the crown. He has an advantage of 49 points and needs more than 50 by the flag on Sunday to secure the Championship. Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing), now his closest challenger, lines up in P12 on Row 4 – his equal worst result of the season as he failed to improve late on.
Row 2 is Carlos Tatay (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP), Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) and Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team). Between Guevara in seventh and Foggia in 12th are Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) – for whom it’s a best ever qualifying – and David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports). In the session, one dash of spice saw Muñoz get a behaviour warning for getting a little close to Masia, too.
The first Championship of the season is on the line on Sunday, and the grid sets us up for a stunner. Tune in for Guevara’s first match point at 11:00 (GMT +11)!
3 Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) – Husqvarna – +0.725
Ayumu Sasaki: “Well, before qualifying, I knew that it’s going to be a group, as always, in Moto3™. So, my target was to put a new tyre on at the beginning and try to make a lap time. I went out quite far from the group, but I guess that group was slowing down in our out laps, so I could catch them perfectly in two laps, so that helped me a lot as well. But, a good two laps, I felt good on the bike, and after that, I thought there was no point using another tyre. I wanted to keep it for tomorrow. So, that was the plan, and I had good enough laps, so it went as a plan and it was good lap.
“As you can see, the last three races have been very good for me; we have consistency. I came here, the bike was working very well admittedly, so I didn’t change the set-up so much as well. I just felt good on the bike. Here, it’s always a big group in the race, but this year, top riders in Moto3™ seem to be at a higher level than the rest, so that’s why you can see may times this year that if someone gets to the front, we can separate the group. Here, I feel like I have the pace to pull the group, so that’s my plan. Last race, it was Foggia and we can see four or five riders every time that are competitive, can pull from the group, and I guess that I have the chance to do that, so hopefully we can make it a small group and fight for the win.”
Provisional Mission Production Twins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Jesse Janisch (Har), 25 laps
2. Dan Bromley (Yam), -00.088 seconds
3. Kolby Carlile (Har), -00.341
4. Michael Rush (Har), -00.421
5. Cole Zabala (Yam), -00.586
6. Cory Texter (Yam), -01.059
7. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -01.705
8. Nick Armstrong (Yam), -01.780
9. Cody Johncox (Yam), -02.119
10. James Rispoli (KTM), -02.368
11. Cameron Smith (Yam), -02.506
12. Ryan Wells (Kaw), -02.778
13. Billy Ross (Har), -02.879
14. Jordan Harris (KTM), -04.609
15. Jeffery Lowery (Yam), -04.868
16. Mitch Harvat (Har), -05.081
17. Michael Hill (Kaw), -6 laps, DNF
Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Kody Kopp (KTM), 25 laps
2. Trent Lowe (Hon), -01.873 seconds
3. Dalton Gauthier (Hon), -02.276
4. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -03.126
5. Max Whale (KTM), -04.813
6. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -04.908
7. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -05.118
8. James Ott (KTM), -05.319
9. Brandon Kitchen (Hus), -08.207
10. Tarren Santero (Hon), -13.411
11. Aidan RoosEvans (Hon), -13.590
12. Hunter Bauer (KTM), -14.068
13. Jared Lowe (Hon), -14.691
14. Damon Ream (KTM), -1 lap, -01.077
15. Logan McGrane (KTM), -1 lap, -01.357
16. Jordan Jean (Hon), -1 lap, -12.729
17. Chad Cose (Hon), -11 laps, DNF
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), 31 laps
2. Jared Mees (Ind), -00.390 seconds
3. Briar Bauman (Ind), -00.535
4. JD Beach (Yam), -01.900
5. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -01.960
6. Davis Fisher (Ind), -03.720
7. Bronson Bauman (Har), -06.115
8. Dan Bromley (PT) (Yam), -06.181
9. Brandon Price (Yam), -06.438
10. Ben Lowe (Ind), -06.724
11. Jesse Janisch (PT) (Har), -07.077
12. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -07.275
13. Jeffrey Carver (Har), -07.403
14. Michael Rush (PT) (Har), -07.952
15. Kolby Carlile (PT) (Har), -08.629
16. Robert Pearson (Ind), -10.165
17. Shayna Texter-Bauman (Ind), -14.118
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track (AFT):
Vanderkooi Steals the Show at Mission Volusia Half-Mile Finale I
Jarod Vanderkooi (20). Photo courtesy AFT.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 14, 2022) – Despite all the advance hype of a four-way title fight, Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) stole the show by earning his long-awaited maiden Progressive American Flat Track premier-class victory in Friday night’s Mission Volusia Half-Mile Finale I presented by Daytona Dodge and Zo CBD at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida.
After working past holeshot winner Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) approximately one minute into the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Main Event, ‘VDK’ spent the remainder of the race with the title contenders packed up close behind him, each one viewing him as a potential points buffer should they prove capable of slotting him between themselves and their rivals.
But after coming oh-so-close so often before, Vanderkooi refused to be their pawn and was instead the king, on this night at least.
“I’ll always remember getting my first win here in Barberville, Florida,” Vanderkooi said. “I’ve been racing here for a long, long time – 85s, 250s, 450s. I’ve got a lot of laps around this place, but that didn’t help my nerves any with two champions right behind me.
“That was awesome. Thank you to everyone who believed in me so much. My mechanic, my girlfriend, my parents, Ben Evans, everyone on the Mission Roof Systems team… I can’t wait to line them back up tomorrow – this was the spark I needed.”
Still, the championship complexion was altered drastically even with the 25-point prize off the board. Daniels ultimately crashed out of fourth with less than three minutes to go. Forced to start from the back of the staggered restart, the rookie ace could manage just 12th and was mathematically eliminated from title contention as a result.
At the same time, Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) pulled off a sensational, around-the-outside overtake on Briar Bauman (No. 3 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) to steal away runner-up honors in the race’s final corner, which all but eliminated Bauman as well.
Just behind, JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) took full advantage of the restart to leap up the order and then hold off Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) for fourth by 0.060 seconds at the checkered flag.
Due to Mees’ last-lap heroics, the reigning champ now leads Beach and Bauman by 23 and 25 points, respectively. That means Mees needs just a 16-place finish to take the title even in the event of a Beach victory. Meanwhile, Bauman’s only hope is to win and beat Mees via the tiebreaker in the unlikely chance that Mees goes home empty-handed tomorrow evening.
Davis Fisher (No. 67 Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) finished sixth. He was followed to the stripe by Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R), Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07), Brandon Price (No. 92 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07), and Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750), who rounded out the top ten.
Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines
Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines title leader Jesse Janisch (No. 33 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R) took a major step toward the acquisition of his first-career Progressive AFT championship by scoring his seventh win of the year on Friday night.
Janisch was hounded throughout – yet ultimately aided in his championship aspirations – by a hungry pack of decorated part-timers that consisted of Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07), Kolby Carlile (No. 36 KC36 Las Vegas Harley-Davidson XG750R), James Rispoli (No. 43 Wally Brown Racing/Haversack KTM 890 Duke), and Mikey Rush (No. 15 Helipower Racing/Las Vegas Harley-Davidson XG750R).
The Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson ace managed to fight off their advances, placing them between himself and his title rival, defending class champion Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07).
In the end, Texter could only muster a sixth-place finish in a race he really needed to win to retain realistic hopes at the crown. It could have been (slightly) worse. Rispoli crashed out of fourth late, bringing out a red flag and providing Texter another shot with a bunched up field. While he was unable to mount a charge, he did pick up one position due to Rispoli’s absence and still has an outside shot heading into tomorrow’s finale.
Just how far outside? Janisch now leads by 21 points (309-288), which means he needs just a 15th-place result on Saturday to secure the coveted #1 plate.
“Oh, this is a high,” Janisch said. “Today didn’t start well; we were 15th in practice and 10th in the first qualifying session. But the team was awesome. We just kept working at it and ended up getting on pole. I looked over (on the grid) and thought, ‘Today is an awesome day to have good friends,’ because I had a whole front row of people I’m friends with.
“We’re stoked. The Vance & Hines team is amazing. It’s been an unreal year. We’ve got one more. Let’s try to finish it off. Anything can happen, but we just need four more points.”
Runner-up Bromley continued his perfect podium streak on the season, notching up his seventh top-three in seven attempts. Meanwhile, Carlile’s third saw him return to the podium for the first time since the season’s second round after missing ten rounds while recovering from injury.
Rush came home fourth, followed by Bromley’s teammate, Cole Zabala (No. 51 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07), who kept Texter at bay for fifth.
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
With his championship campaign successfully done and dusted, recently crowned Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champion Kody Kopp (No. 12 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE) reminded the field exactly why he’s the category’s new master.
Freed up to once again push at his maximum, Kopp made a stunning restart from the second row following an early red flag, winding his way through tight quarters and all the way up into second. Moments later, he executed an aggressive inside strike on Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) to take control of the lead.
Once clear at the front, Kopp set sail toward his seventh victory of the season, moving him to within one of equaling Dallas Daniels’ single-season class record of eight. The triumph was not just Kopp’s first win in six races, but his first podium over that span full stop.
He said, “We went a long three-and-a-half months without a podium or a win. This feels so good. It’s really hard to race a championship and not think about the points. As much as I want to say I wasn’t, the whole time I was. We got that done last time out, and now we just won Volusia. Let’s do it again tomorrow.”
Just as the fight for second place in the championship continues to rage, so it did as well in Friday’s Main Event. Brunner battled hard but was ultimately displaced and left in the wake of Trent Lowe (No. 48 Mission Foods/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda CRF450R) and Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R).
In the end, Lowe edged Gauthier for the position, while Brunner picked up fourth less than a second back. Meanwhile, Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE) edged Chase Saathoff (No. 106 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) for fifth.
As a result, the struggle for second is only that much tighter. Brunner currently leads that effort with 237 points, followed closely by Mischer (233), Gauthier (230), and Whale (220).
The Mission Volusia Half-Mile Finale I will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, October 23, at 11:00 a.m. ET/8:00 a.m. PT, while the Mission Volusia Half-Mile Finale II will air one week later, on Sunday, October 30, at 10:30 a.m. ET/7:30 a.m. PT. Both broadcasts will include exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and expert commentary.
You can catch the livestream of all the weekend’s racing activities on FansChoice.tv. FansChoice.tv provides free-to-view livestreaming of Practice and Qualifying. FansChoice.tv subscribers will then be able to watch the drama unfold from Opening Ceremonies through the Semis, Main Events, and podium celebrations. FansChoice.tv offers two subscription options, granting unlimited access to premium AFT content. Monthly subscriptions start at just $7.99, while a six-month subscription is available for $44.99.
To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.
How to Watch:
FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2022 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.
Sam Lochoff’s MotoAmerica Supersport season was knocked off course by an injury, but the 20-year-old South African was able to close out 2022 by riding his Dunlop-shod Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki SA GSX-R750 to the overall and GTO class victories in the ASRA Team Challenge endurance race at Daytona International Speedway.
Originally scheduled for 55 laps, the race was shortened by two different red-flag incidents.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki SA, like other teams, gave Lochoff two new Dunlops and refueled his GSX-R750 during the red-flag stoppages, which left just one hour of racing before the event hit its two-hour maximum time limit. This meant that only one other pit stop would be required.
Early in the final restart, Lochoff held a modest lead for several laps, but he soon dropped his pace into the 1:51s and started pulling away from the rest of the field.
Lochoff pitted at the end of lap 31, got just a splash of fuel and a quick drink of water in 12.6 seconds, and re-entered the track without relinquishing his race lead. From there, Lochoff kept his nose clean to the finish and won the 40-lap race by 20.788 seconds.
“I was getting a little annoyed at the beginning,” said Lochoff, who rode his GSX-R750 in full MotoAmerica Supersport-spec, including spec VP Racing Fuel. “I felt like I could run a faster pace through the infield, but they kept catching up to me with the draft on the banking and then slowing me up. I just never let up, and I ended up running my fastest race pace ever here at Daytona.”
Lochoff’s 16-year-old teammate Tyler Scott fought for the lead early in the race but couldn’t maintain Lochoff’s pace and had to settle for second place on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki SPS GSX-R750.
Another MotoAmerica regular Joseph LiMandri, riding a Dunlop-equipped Bauce Racing Yamaha YZF-R6, was battling with Scott over second place right up until lap 32. That’s when LiMandri said he crashed while trying to avoid an erratic slower rider in the West Horseshoe on his pit-in lap.
LiMandri’s crash promoted Grease Monkey Racing’s Eric Helmbach and Stephen Hoffman to third overall and third in the GTO class on their Michelin-sponsored BMW S 1000 RR. The finish allowed them to claim the 2022 ASRA Team Challenge Overall and GTO class Championships. It was Grease Monkey Racing’s third straight overall title and the 10th overall Championship in the team’s history.
Editorial Note: Use the scroll and zoom tools in the bottom left corner of the PDF viewer to better see all of the race results.
American Brandon Paasch, riding a VisionTrack Suzuki GSX-R1000R, was 14th in British Superstock combined practice times Friday at Brands Hatch.
Anthony Mazziotto, riding a Luxestar VIP/Affinity Kawasaki ZX-6R, was 33rd in British Junior Superstock combined practice times.
Canadian and former MotoAmerica Junior Cup competitor Jack Roach, riding his Completely Motorbikes/Affinity Kawasaki Ninja 400, took pole position in British Junior Supersport.
MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up Gus Rodio qualified fifth in British Junior Supersport on his Luxestar VIP/Symcirrus Kawasaki Ninja 400.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
Ray leads the Bennetts BSB pack in practice ahead of Brands Hatch title decider
Bradley Ray remained at the top of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship SUPERPICKS Free Practice times at Brands Hatch today, with this morning’s opening action deciding the combined times as intermittent light showers hampered the afternoon’s session.
Ray claimed the leading position by 0.413s from Yamaha rival Jason O’Halloran as the local contender topped the times as he heads into his home round bidding for his first Championship title.
Danny Buchan missed out on second place by just 0.005s as he completed the top three for SYNETIQ BMW, just ahead of Peter Hickman on the FHO Racing BMW.
Tommy Bridewell held fifth place as the Oxford Products Racing Ducati rider narrowly edged out Glenn Irwin; the pair are separated by a single point ahead of this weekend’s three races, with the Honda Racing UK currently having the edge in the standings.
Danny Kent was seventh fastest on the Buildbase Suzuki, the previous Moto3 World Champion ensuring that five different manufacturers featured in the top seven positions.
Double champion Josh Brookes was the fastest of the MCE Ducati riders in eighth place, just ahead of Andrew Irwin and Ryan Vickers who completed the top ten.
Lee Jackson was eleventh fastest with Josh Owens claiming the final place in the top 12 for the Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki team.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, SUPERPICKS combined free practice result:
Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) 1m:24.899s
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +0.413s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMQ) +0.418s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +0.692s
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.824s
Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing UK) +0.895s
Danny Kent (Buildbase Suzuki) +0.964s
Josh Brookes (MCE Ducati) +1.017s
Andrew Irwin (SYNETIQ BMW) +1.098s
Ryan Vickers (FHO Racing BMW with Attis Sport) +1.117s
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Kawasaki) +1.141s
Josh Owens (Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki) +1.252s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Bradley Ray
Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha
“The first session was quite beneficial, we used both the softer and the harder tyre and did a run on both and it felt really good. I put a lap time in at the end and I actually went quicker in FP1 than in qualifying mid season, so it is looking quite positive for tomorrow.
“Hopefully we’ll have dry weather tomorrow and we can have a good dig and aim to get on the front two rows in qualifying which will make the sprint race easier.
“I’m feeling really good, the bike’s good we’re in a really good place and I’m looking forward to getting back out tomorrow. I am just chilled, I’ve just got to approach it like I have done every race, every qualifying session, what will be will be.
“W have had the same mentality all year round so we’ve just got to carry on the way we are and see what happens tomorrow afternoon.”
American Max Toth has been named Co-Champion of the 2022 CIV Aprilia RS 660 Cup.
At the season finale October 8-9 at Imola, Toth and title rival Francesco Mongiardo split the double-header round with Toth winning Race One and Mongiardo winning Race Two.
This left Toth and Mongiardo tied with 160 Championship points. It also left them tied with four wins and four second-place finishes each.
They had exactly the same points and race results throughout the season.
Initially, Mongiardo was awarded the Championship based upon him taking the most recent race win, but that decision has changed.
BK Corse, the organizer of the Aprilia RS 660 Cup, has issued a statement via social media stating Toth and Mongiardo will be Co-Champions for 2022.
“Having consulted the Race Directors, the Italian Motorcycle Federation, Aprilia Racing and all interested parties,” read a translation of the BK Corse statement, “it is with great pleasure that we communicate the unanimous decision to award the victory of the Aprilia RS 660 2022 Trophy ex aequo to both sporting and moral winners this season. Francesco Mongiardo and Maxwell Toth are equal winners of the Aprilia 2022 Trophy. This decision was made due to the exceptional result of the riders’ perfectly equal result and in compliance with the Regulations. We therefore congratulate both Champions and look forward to seeing them at EICMA 2022 for the official awards ceremony.”
Progressive AFT Announces Hurricane Ian Relief Efforts as Part of Mission Volusia Half-Mile Season Finale
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 14, 2022) – Progressive American Flat Track announced today a multifaceted initiative to raise funds toward Hurricane Ian relief and recovery efforts entered around the series’ high-profile season finale, the Mission Volusia Half-Mile Finale I & II presented by Daytona Dodge and Zo CBD, at Volusia Speedway Park, in Barberville, Florida, on Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15.
While Progressive AFT previously confirmed the venue suffered relatively minor damage in the storm, many others in the area were not nearly so fortunate. Based in nearby Daytona Beach, Progressive American Flat Track is dedicated to giving back to, and supporting, its local community, and thus announced the following actions:
$1 from every ticket sold will go to Hurricane Ian relief efforts
Every lap counts – $5 will be donated for every lap completed in practice, qualifying, Semis, and Main Events across the entire weekend (as determined by the lap leader in each session)
Continued encouragement of series partner donations, which are currently in excess of $8,000
50/50 raffle (half goes to fans, the other half is donated)
Organizing and accepting fan donations on site
Progressive American Flat Track is working in conjunction with Jeep Beach for proper distribution of the donations. With input and guidance from county and city officials in order to be both effective and intentional, all proceeds will be making direct impacts to those in dire need.
To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.
How to Watch
FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2022 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.
Just 0.013 separate the two, with Bagnaia, Aleix Espargaro and Quartararo for close company as Bastianini misses the cut for Q2
Saturday, 15 October 2022
Since 2013, MotoGP™ Legend Jorge Lorenzo has been the fastest rider ever to lap Phillip Island, but no more. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) is the new all-time lap record holder at the Australian track, and by a mere smidge as Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) missed out by just 0.013. The number 93 also had a helping tow from Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) as the two lapped in tandem, with Pecco just pipped to it but still completing the front row.
Martin had been on the pace as soon as Q2 started, punching out a 1:28.112 out the gate – the fastest lap of the weekend to that point. He would hold onto that honour for just a lap as Bagnaia clocked a 1:28.054 next time through, and they were the top two at the end of the opening runs, with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) third on a 1:28.174. Marc Marquez sat fifth on a 1:28.313, having been forced into one of his trademark front-end saves exiting ‘MG’ on his second flying lap which saw him veer onto the grass.
With the second runs on in earnest, Johann Zarco jumped to the top with a 1:28.007 before Martin made it a Prima Pramac Racing one-two with the first lap of Phillip Island that was quicker than Lorenzo’s 1:27.899 in 2013.
Marquez then tagged on behind Bagnaia for the final few minutes of the session, and with the chequered flag about to come out, the number 63 moved up to second on a 1:27.953 but was beaten almost immediately by the Honda rider in his slipstream, who set a 1:27.780. That made for a top four of Martin, Marc Marquez, Bagnaia, and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), with Quartararo edging back up to fifth thanks to a 1:27.973 on his final lap.
When all’s said and done, Bagnaia is the first of the title contenders as a few stack up from third back, with Aleix Espargaro heading Row 2 in fourth and Championship leader Quartararo right alongside. Quartararo was the final rider in the 1:27s, with Zarco just into the 1:28 bracket. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) slots into seventh.
It was a tougher session for Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) as he’ll start eighth – although he did win from seventh at Motegi. For fellow challenger Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) it was an even tougher one, however, as the number 23 was in Q1 and then failed to make the cut – after also getting held up by Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). The Portuguese rider did a practice start too early and then was slow on the line, gaining a three-place grid penalty and a Long Lap.
Zarco was the quickest in Q1 and moved through alongside Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) as the two pipped Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) and Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) late in the session. The latter duo therefore line up P13 and P14.
Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) starts ninth as he joins Marini and Miller on an all-Ducati Row 3, with Rins forced to settle for tenth ahead of automatic Q2 graduate Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol).
Qualifying didn’t go to plan for Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and he’ll start P12. After topping the timesheets in FP4, ‘Top Gun’ will certainly be ready to move forward on race day.
With five riders in 40 points, there’s more and more at stake as the time to make a comeback gets shorter and shorter. Just three races now remain, and the first of those is sure to be a stunner as Phillip Island hosts for the first time since 2019. Make sure to tune in at 14:00 (GMT +11) to see who can tame the Island!
MotoGP™: TOP THREE
1 Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) – Ducati – 1’27.767
2 Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) – Honda – +0.013
3 Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – +0.186
Jorge Martin: “For sure, Lorenzo won’t be super-happy today now, but for sure, it’s time to beat those records because the bikes are much faster now. Yesterday, I was a bit lost because this track is so fast – it’s my first time here so I had to take the measurements – but finally today, I had good pace. I feel strong for the race also, and for time attack, I thought I could also be competitive – not that much, for sure. Making a 27, it’s amazing, but I’m feeling good and I think we can fight to the end tomorrow.”
Phillip Island names Turn 4 Miller Corner
In a ceremony on Saturday, Turn 4 of Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit was officially named ‘Miller Corner’. The Thriller and home hero himself, Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team), was of course in attendance, along with his parents and wife, Ruby.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta and IRTA CEO Mike Trimby joined the ceremony to congratulate the Australian, and another home hero was on hand in MotoGP™ Legend Mick Doohan. Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit owner Andrew Fox presented Miller with the plaque, alongside Australian Grand Prix Commission CEO Andrew Westacott.
The lap at Phillip Island now starts down the Gardner Straight, heads through Doohan, tackles the Southern Loop and then slides through Stoner before arriving into Miller.
Aldeguer heads Fernandez with new lap record, Ogura 13th
The Boscocuro rider pips the Championship leader by just 0.073, with Lopez completing the front row
Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) set a stunning new lap record at Phillip Island on Saturday as a 1:32.233 puts him on pole for the Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Championship leader Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) missed out by just 0.073, with Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) in third making it both Boscoscuros on the front row.
Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia), who trails Fernandez by just 1.5 points in the Championship, has qualified 13th after a tougher weekend so far, although the Japanese rider won from the same position at Motegi.
Buriram winner Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) heads the second row ahead of Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40), with Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) in sixth.
Manuel Gonzalez (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp) is an impressive seventh on an all-rookie Row 3, with Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Jeremy Alcoba (Liqui Moly Intact GP) alongside.
The remaining riders between Fernandez and Ogura are Filip Salač (Gresini Racing Moto2™), in 10th fresh from his first intermediate class podium, Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) in a solid P11 and Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) in P12. Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) is just behind Ogura, in P14 after a tougher Saturday.
After 17 races in the intermediate class, just 1.5 points separate Fernandez and Ogura with three rounds remaining. Another 25 are up for grabs on Sunday, so tune in from 12:20 (GMT +11) to see another chapter of incredible Moto2™ competition.
Fermin Aldeguer: “I’m so happy with my whole qualifying, because I pushed so much. It was a very good lap all the way round and I made the pole position, so it’s incredible to be here. Thank you to my team for their support in all the past races and my family and all the sponsors.”
Sasaki slams in new lap record for pole, Guevara seventh
Sasaki and Garcia end qualifying over half a second clear as Guevara lines up on Row 3 and Foggia Row 4
Another week, another new lap record! This time it’s Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) as the number 71 backed up his fastest lap on Friday with the fastest lap of Phillip Island ever, taking pole by nearly two tenths and putting in the only 1:35. Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) is the only other rider in Sasaki’s postcode, and he has a half-second gap behind him back to Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) as the rookie completes the front row.
Championship leader Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) heads up Row 3 in seventh place, giving him a reasonable launch position ahead of his first match point in the fight for the crown. He has an advantage of 49 points and needs more than 50 by the flag on Sunday to secure the Championship. Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing), now his closest challenger, lines up in P12 on Row 4 – his equal worst result of the season as he failed to improve late on.
Row 2 is Carlos Tatay (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP), Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) and Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team). Between Guevara in seventh and Foggia in 12th are Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) – for whom it’s a best ever qualifying – and David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports). In the session, one dash of spice saw Muñoz get a behaviour warning for getting a little close to Masia, too.
The first Championship of the season is on the line on Sunday, and the grid sets us up for a stunner. Tune in for Guevara’s first match point at 11:00 (GMT +11)!
3 Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) – Husqvarna – +0.725
Ayumu Sasaki: “Well, before qualifying, I knew that it’s going to be a group, as always, in Moto3™. So, my target was to put a new tyre on at the beginning and try to make a lap time. I went out quite far from the group, but I guess that group was slowing down in our out laps, so I could catch them perfectly in two laps, so that helped me a lot as well. But, a good two laps, I felt good on the bike, and after that, I thought there was no point using another tyre. I wanted to keep it for tomorrow. So, that was the plan, and I had good enough laps, so it went as a plan and it was good lap.
“As you can see, the last three races have been very good for me; we have consistency. I came here, the bike was working very well admittedly, so I didn’t change the set-up so much as well. I just felt good on the bike. Here, it’s always a big group in the race, but this year, top riders in Moto3™ seem to be at a higher level than the rest, so that’s why you can see may times this year that if someone gets to the front, we can separate the group. Here, I feel like I have the pace to pull the group, so that’s my plan. Last race, it was Foggia and we can see four or five riders every time that are competitive, can pull from the group, and I guess that I have the chance to do that, so hopefully we can make it a small group and fight for the win.”
Provisional Mission Production Twins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Jesse Janisch (Har), 25 laps
2. Dan Bromley (Yam), -00.088 seconds
3. Kolby Carlile (Har), -00.341
4. Michael Rush (Har), -00.421
5. Cole Zabala (Yam), -00.586
6. Cory Texter (Yam), -01.059
7. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -01.705
8. Nick Armstrong (Yam), -01.780
9. Cody Johncox (Yam), -02.119
10. James Rispoli (KTM), -02.368
11. Cameron Smith (Yam), -02.506
12. Ryan Wells (Kaw), -02.778
13. Billy Ross (Har), -02.879
14. Jordan Harris (KTM), -04.609
15. Jeffery Lowery (Yam), -04.868
16. Mitch Harvat (Har), -05.081
17. Michael Hill (Kaw), -6 laps, DNF
Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Kody Kopp (KTM), 25 laps
2. Trent Lowe (Hon), -01.873 seconds
3. Dalton Gauthier (Hon), -02.276
4. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -03.126
5. Max Whale (KTM), -04.813
6. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -04.908
7. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -05.118
8. James Ott (KTM), -05.319
9. Brandon Kitchen (Hus), -08.207
10. Tarren Santero (Hon), -13.411
11. Aidan RoosEvans (Hon), -13.590
12. Hunter Bauer (KTM), -14.068
13. Jared Lowe (Hon), -14.691
14. Damon Ream (KTM), -1 lap, -01.077
15. Logan McGrane (KTM), -1 lap, -01.357
16. Jordan Jean (Hon), -1 lap, -12.729
17. Chad Cose (Hon), -11 laps, DNF
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), 31 laps
2. Jared Mees (Ind), -00.390 seconds
3. Briar Bauman (Ind), -00.535
4. JD Beach (Yam), -01.900
5. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -01.960
6. Davis Fisher (Ind), -03.720
7. Bronson Bauman (Har), -06.115
8. Dan Bromley (PT) (Yam), -06.181
9. Brandon Price (Yam), -06.438
10. Ben Lowe (Ind), -06.724
11. Jesse Janisch (PT) (Har), -07.077
12. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -07.275
13. Jeffrey Carver (Har), -07.403
14. Michael Rush (PT) (Har), -07.952
15. Kolby Carlile (PT) (Har), -08.629
16. Robert Pearson (Ind), -10.165
17. Shayna Texter-Bauman (Ind), -14.118
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track (AFT):
Vanderkooi Steals the Show at Mission Volusia Half-Mile Finale I
Jarod Vanderkooi (20). Photo courtesy AFT.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 14, 2022) – Despite all the advance hype of a four-way title fight, Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) stole the show by earning his long-awaited maiden Progressive American Flat Track premier-class victory in Friday night’s Mission Volusia Half-Mile Finale I presented by Daytona Dodge and Zo CBD at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida.
After working past holeshot winner Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) approximately one minute into the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Main Event, ‘VDK’ spent the remainder of the race with the title contenders packed up close behind him, each one viewing him as a potential points buffer should they prove capable of slotting him between themselves and their rivals.
But after coming oh-so-close so often before, Vanderkooi refused to be their pawn and was instead the king, on this night at least.
“I’ll always remember getting my first win here in Barberville, Florida,” Vanderkooi said. “I’ve been racing here for a long, long time – 85s, 250s, 450s. I’ve got a lot of laps around this place, but that didn’t help my nerves any with two champions right behind me.
“That was awesome. Thank you to everyone who believed in me so much. My mechanic, my girlfriend, my parents, Ben Evans, everyone on the Mission Roof Systems team… I can’t wait to line them back up tomorrow – this was the spark I needed.”
Still, the championship complexion was altered drastically even with the 25-point prize off the board. Daniels ultimately crashed out of fourth with less than three minutes to go. Forced to start from the back of the staggered restart, the rookie ace could manage just 12th and was mathematically eliminated from title contention as a result.
At the same time, Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) pulled off a sensational, around-the-outside overtake on Briar Bauman (No. 3 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) to steal away runner-up honors in the race’s final corner, which all but eliminated Bauman as well.
Just behind, JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) took full advantage of the restart to leap up the order and then hold off Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) for fourth by 0.060 seconds at the checkered flag.
Due to Mees’ last-lap heroics, the reigning champ now leads Beach and Bauman by 23 and 25 points, respectively. That means Mees needs just a 16-place finish to take the title even in the event of a Beach victory. Meanwhile, Bauman’s only hope is to win and beat Mees via the tiebreaker in the unlikely chance that Mees goes home empty-handed tomorrow evening.
Davis Fisher (No. 67 Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) finished sixth. He was followed to the stripe by Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R), Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07), Brandon Price (No. 92 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07), and Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750), who rounded out the top ten.
Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines
Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines title leader Jesse Janisch (No. 33 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R) took a major step toward the acquisition of his first-career Progressive AFT championship by scoring his seventh win of the year on Friday night.
Janisch was hounded throughout – yet ultimately aided in his championship aspirations – by a hungry pack of decorated part-timers that consisted of Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07), Kolby Carlile (No. 36 KC36 Las Vegas Harley-Davidson XG750R), James Rispoli (No. 43 Wally Brown Racing/Haversack KTM 890 Duke), and Mikey Rush (No. 15 Helipower Racing/Las Vegas Harley-Davidson XG750R).
The Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson ace managed to fight off their advances, placing them between himself and his title rival, defending class champion Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07).
In the end, Texter could only muster a sixth-place finish in a race he really needed to win to retain realistic hopes at the crown. It could have been (slightly) worse. Rispoli crashed out of fourth late, bringing out a red flag and providing Texter another shot with a bunched up field. While he was unable to mount a charge, he did pick up one position due to Rispoli’s absence and still has an outside shot heading into tomorrow’s finale.
Just how far outside? Janisch now leads by 21 points (309-288), which means he needs just a 15th-place result on Saturday to secure the coveted #1 plate.
“Oh, this is a high,” Janisch said. “Today didn’t start well; we were 15th in practice and 10th in the first qualifying session. But the team was awesome. We just kept working at it and ended up getting on pole. I looked over (on the grid) and thought, ‘Today is an awesome day to have good friends,’ because I had a whole front row of people I’m friends with.
“We’re stoked. The Vance & Hines team is amazing. It’s been an unreal year. We’ve got one more. Let’s try to finish it off. Anything can happen, but we just need four more points.”
Runner-up Bromley continued his perfect podium streak on the season, notching up his seventh top-three in seven attempts. Meanwhile, Carlile’s third saw him return to the podium for the first time since the season’s second round after missing ten rounds while recovering from injury.
Rush came home fourth, followed by Bromley’s teammate, Cole Zabala (No. 51 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07), who kept Texter at bay for fifth.
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
With his championship campaign successfully done and dusted, recently crowned Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champion Kody Kopp (No. 12 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE) reminded the field exactly why he’s the category’s new master.
Freed up to once again push at his maximum, Kopp made a stunning restart from the second row following an early red flag, winding his way through tight quarters and all the way up into second. Moments later, he executed an aggressive inside strike on Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) to take control of the lead.
Once clear at the front, Kopp set sail toward his seventh victory of the season, moving him to within one of equaling Dallas Daniels’ single-season class record of eight. The triumph was not just Kopp’s first win in six races, but his first podium over that span full stop.
He said, “We went a long three-and-a-half months without a podium or a win. This feels so good. It’s really hard to race a championship and not think about the points. As much as I want to say I wasn’t, the whole time I was. We got that done last time out, and now we just won Volusia. Let’s do it again tomorrow.”
Just as the fight for second place in the championship continues to rage, so it did as well in Friday’s Main Event. Brunner battled hard but was ultimately displaced and left in the wake of Trent Lowe (No. 48 Mission Foods/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda CRF450R) and Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R).
In the end, Lowe edged Gauthier for the position, while Brunner picked up fourth less than a second back. Meanwhile, Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE) edged Chase Saathoff (No. 106 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) for fifth.
As a result, the struggle for second is only that much tighter. Brunner currently leads that effort with 237 points, followed closely by Mischer (233), Gauthier (230), and Whale (220).
The Mission Volusia Half-Mile Finale I will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, October 23, at 11:00 a.m. ET/8:00 a.m. PT, while the Mission Volusia Half-Mile Finale II will air one week later, on Sunday, October 30, at 10:30 a.m. ET/7:30 a.m. PT. Both broadcasts will include exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and expert commentary.
You can catch the livestream of all the weekend’s racing activities on FansChoice.tv. FansChoice.tv provides free-to-view livestreaming of Practice and Qualifying. FansChoice.tv subscribers will then be able to watch the drama unfold from Opening Ceremonies through the Semis, Main Events, and podium celebrations. FansChoice.tv offers two subscription options, granting unlimited access to premium AFT content. Monthly subscriptions start at just $7.99, while a six-month subscription is available for $44.99.
To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.
How to Watch:
FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2022 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.
ASRA Team Challenge race winner Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki SA's Sam Lochoff (second from left), runner-up Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki SPS's Tyler Scott (far left), and Grease Monkey Racing's Stephen Hofmann (second from right) and Eric Helmbach (far right), who finished third in the race and won the ASRA Team Challenge overall Championship. Photo by David Swarts.
Sam Lochoff’s MotoAmerica Supersport season was knocked off course by an injury, but the 20-year-old South African was able to close out 2022 by riding his Dunlop-shod Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki SA GSX-R750 to the overall and GTO class victories in the ASRA Team Challenge endurance race at Daytona International Speedway.
Originally scheduled for 55 laps, the race was shortened by two different red-flag incidents.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki SA, like other teams, gave Lochoff two new Dunlops and refueled his GSX-R750 during the red-flag stoppages, which left just one hour of racing before the event hit its two-hour maximum time limit. This meant that only one other pit stop would be required.
Early in the final restart, Lochoff held a modest lead for several laps, but he soon dropped his pace into the 1:51s and started pulling away from the rest of the field.
Lochoff pitted at the end of lap 31, got just a splash of fuel and a quick drink of water in 12.6 seconds, and re-entered the track without relinquishing his race lead. From there, Lochoff kept his nose clean to the finish and won the 40-lap race by 20.788 seconds.
“I was getting a little annoyed at the beginning,” said Lochoff, who rode his GSX-R750 in full MotoAmerica Supersport-spec, including spec VP Racing Fuel. “I felt like I could run a faster pace through the infield, but they kept catching up to me with the draft on the banking and then slowing me up. I just never let up, and I ended up running my fastest race pace ever here at Daytona.”
Lochoff’s 16-year-old teammate Tyler Scott fought for the lead early in the race but couldn’t maintain Lochoff’s pace and had to settle for second place on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki SPS GSX-R750.
Another MotoAmerica regular Joseph LiMandri, riding a Dunlop-equipped Bauce Racing Yamaha YZF-R6, was battling with Scott over second place right up until lap 32. That’s when LiMandri said he crashed while trying to avoid an erratic slower rider in the West Horseshoe on his pit-in lap.
LiMandri’s crash promoted Grease Monkey Racing’s Eric Helmbach and Stephen Hoffman to third overall and third in the GTO class on their Michelin-sponsored BMW S 1000 RR. The finish allowed them to claim the 2022 ASRA Team Challenge Overall and GTO class Championships. It was Grease Monkey Racing’s third straight overall title and the 10th overall Championship in the team’s history.
Editorial Note: Use the scroll and zoom tools in the bottom left corner of the PDF viewer to better see all of the race results.
Bradley Ray (28). Photo courtesy Rich Energy OMG Racing Team.
Editorial Notes:
American Brandon Paasch, riding a VisionTrack Suzuki GSX-R1000R, was 14th in British Superstock combined practice times Friday at Brands Hatch.
Anthony Mazziotto, riding a Luxestar VIP/Affinity Kawasaki ZX-6R, was 33rd in British Junior Superstock combined practice times.
Canadian and former MotoAmerica Junior Cup competitor Jack Roach, riding his Completely Motorbikes/Affinity Kawasaki Ninja 400, took pole position in British Junior Supersport.
MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up Gus Rodio qualified fifth in British Junior Supersport on his Luxestar VIP/Symcirrus Kawasaki Ninja 400.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
Ray leads the Bennetts BSB pack in practice ahead of Brands Hatch title decider
Bradley Ray remained at the top of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship SUPERPICKS Free Practice times at Brands Hatch today, with this morning’s opening action deciding the combined times as intermittent light showers hampered the afternoon’s session.
Ray claimed the leading position by 0.413s from Yamaha rival Jason O’Halloran as the local contender topped the times as he heads into his home round bidding for his first Championship title.
Danny Buchan missed out on second place by just 0.005s as he completed the top three for SYNETIQ BMW, just ahead of Peter Hickman on the FHO Racing BMW.
Tommy Bridewell held fifth place as the Oxford Products Racing Ducati rider narrowly edged out Glenn Irwin; the pair are separated by a single point ahead of this weekend’s three races, with the Honda Racing UK currently having the edge in the standings.
Danny Kent was seventh fastest on the Buildbase Suzuki, the previous Moto3 World Champion ensuring that five different manufacturers featured in the top seven positions.
Double champion Josh Brookes was the fastest of the MCE Ducati riders in eighth place, just ahead of Andrew Irwin and Ryan Vickers who completed the top ten.
Lee Jackson was eleventh fastest with Josh Owens claiming the final place in the top 12 for the Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki team.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, SUPERPICKS combined free practice result:
Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) 1m:24.899s
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +0.413s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMQ) +0.418s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +0.692s
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.824s
Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing UK) +0.895s
Danny Kent (Buildbase Suzuki) +0.964s
Josh Brookes (MCE Ducati) +1.017s
Andrew Irwin (SYNETIQ BMW) +1.098s
Ryan Vickers (FHO Racing BMW with Attis Sport) +1.117s
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Kawasaki) +1.141s
Josh Owens (Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki) +1.252s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Bradley Ray
Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha
“The first session was quite beneficial, we used both the softer and the harder tyre and did a run on both and it felt really good. I put a lap time in at the end and I actually went quicker in FP1 than in qualifying mid season, so it is looking quite positive for tomorrow.
“Hopefully we’ll have dry weather tomorrow and we can have a good dig and aim to get on the front two rows in qualifying which will make the sprint race easier.
“I’m feeling really good, the bike’s good we’re in a really good place and I’m looking forward to getting back out tomorrow. I am just chilled, I’ve just got to approach it like I have done every race, every qualifying session, what will be will be.
“W have had the same mentality all year round so we’ve just got to carry on the way we are and see what happens tomorrow afternoon.”
Max Toth on top of the Aprilia RS 660 Cup at Mugello in 2022. Photo courtesy BK Corse.
American Max Toth has been named Co-Champion of the 2022 CIV Aprilia RS 660 Cup.
At the season finale October 8-9 at Imola, Toth and title rival Francesco Mongiardo split the double-header round with Toth winning Race One and Mongiardo winning Race Two.
This left Toth and Mongiardo tied with 160 Championship points. It also left them tied with four wins and four second-place finishes each.
They had exactly the same points and race results throughout the season.
Initially, Mongiardo was awarded the Championship based upon him taking the most recent race win, but that decision has changed.
BK Corse, the organizer of the Aprilia RS 660 Cup, has issued a statement via social media stating Toth and Mongiardo will be Co-Champions for 2022.
“Having consulted the Race Directors, the Italian Motorcycle Federation, Aprilia Racing and all interested parties,” read a translation of the BK Corse statement, “it is with great pleasure that we communicate the unanimous decision to award the victory of the Aprilia RS 660 2022 Trophy ex aequo to both sporting and moral winners this season. Francesco Mongiardo and Maxwell Toth are equal winners of the Aprilia 2022 Trophy. This decision was made due to the exceptional result of the riders’ perfectly equal result and in compliance with the Regulations. We therefore congratulate both Champions and look forward to seeing them at EICMA 2022 for the official awards ceremony.”
Volusia Speedway Park. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
Progressive AFT Announces Hurricane Ian Relief Efforts as Part of Mission Volusia Half-Mile Season Finale
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 14, 2022) – Progressive American Flat Track announced today a multifaceted initiative to raise funds toward Hurricane Ian relief and recovery efforts entered around the series’ high-profile season finale, the Mission Volusia Half-Mile Finale I & II presented by Daytona Dodge and Zo CBD, at Volusia Speedway Park, in Barberville, Florida, on Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15.
While Progressive AFT previously confirmed the venue suffered relatively minor damage in the storm, many others in the area were not nearly so fortunate. Based in nearby Daytona Beach, Progressive American Flat Track is dedicated to giving back to, and supporting, its local community, and thus announced the following actions:
$1 from every ticket sold will go to Hurricane Ian relief efforts
Every lap counts – $5 will be donated for every lap completed in practice, qualifying, Semis, and Main Events across the entire weekend (as determined by the lap leader in each session)
Continued encouragement of series partner donations, which are currently in excess of $8,000
50/50 raffle (half goes to fans, the other half is donated)
Organizing and accepting fan donations on site
Progressive American Flat Track is working in conjunction with Jeep Beach for proper distribution of the donations. With input and guidance from county and city officials in order to be both effective and intentional, all proceeds will be making direct impacts to those in dire need.
To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.
How to Watch
FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2022 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.
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