Dorna begins work towards future MotoGP™ Grand Prix in India
Wednesday, 21 September 2022
Dorna Sports is delighted to announce that work has begun on a possible future Indian Grand Prix, with the target of bringing the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship to the Indian subcontinent in the near future.
Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has recently visited India to meet with authorities and potential event promoter Fairstreet Sports. The visit began at the spectacular Buddh International Circuit, right outside New Delhi, which would be the target venue to host the possible MotoGP™ event.
Thereafter, the delegation also travelled to Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, the region in which the circuit is located, to meet with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr Yogi Adityanath and Industrial Development Minister Mr Nand Gopal “Nandi”.
Finally the visit ended with a presentation in New Delhi to local media and representatives of the motorcycling industry, which showcased the great expectation the country has for MotoGP™.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta: “India is a huge country and market, and an especially important one for the two-wheeled industry and MotoGP as a sport. The Championship has a huge fan base there and being able to hold a MotoGP event in India would be both an incredible spectacle for our fans at the same time as allowing us to continue to grow the sport in the region, which is hugely important for our all our partners and the manufacturers in particular given the hundreds of millions of two-wheeled vehicles on its roads. We would love to be able to see this project through and bring these incredible MotoGP bikes to race in front of the Indian fans.
“At MotoGP we are committed to our fans and aim to make the sport accessible to all, regardless of where they are, who they are or their economic status. Motorcycles are an incredible tool for transportation and in many areas of the world they drive society, providing economic mobility and powering families around the world. Racing in India would be a reflection of our commitment to open the doors to the sport as widely as we can, and would be and an important achievement for the Championship.”
Union Sports Minister Shri Anurag Thakur, during the meeting with Fairstreet Sports team, added: “It’s a historical day for the sporting and automobile industry and a befitting tribute to the Azadai Ka Amrit Maha Utsav celebrations, marking India’s befitting arrival in the global platform of motorsport. India could potentially be one of MotoGP’s biggest markets in terms of viewership as well as revenue.
“MotoGP is a critical asset thanks to the viewer loyalty that the sport enjoys and the competitive nature it embodies, already reaching nearly half a billion homes around the world. Dorna Sports, the sole commercial and television rights holder, produces the world feed television coverage of each Grand Prix throughout the season, from acquisition to distribution, as part of a 360 degree event management philosophy.”
Mr Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh: “It is a matter of great pride for Uttar Pradesh to host such a globally prestigious mega sports event. Not only will the event boost the hospitality and tourism sectors, but it will also put UP on the global platform. Our government will provide all the necessary support to make this event a huge success.”
Shri Nand Gopal “Nandi”, Cabinet Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh for Industrial Development, Export Promotion, NRI, Investment Promotion, said, “The event will not only be a boon to motorcycle racing fans but also provide a major impetus to the economy by generating an influx of foreign investments and ushering in advancement in the personal transportation industry which would transcend into global investments and a preferred destination for OEM’s in the state of Uttar Pradesh.”
Here We Go: It’s Title Time At Barber Motorsports Park
Just Four Points Between Gagne And Petrucci, And It’s Time For The Season Finale At Barber Motorsports Park, September 23-25
IRVINE, CA (September 21, 2022) – All good things must come to an end, and such is the case with the 2022 MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship. But not before it all comes to a head at Barber Motorsports Park, September 23-25, in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an epic season.
And it all starts at the top as the season finale has turned into a winner-take-all battle for the Medallia Superbike Championship as one of two deserving men will be crowned champion on Sunday afternoon in Alabama.
The two protagonists couldn’t be any different.
One of them is from Colorado by way of California, the other is from Italy. One is the defending MotoAmerica Superbike Champion, the other comes from MotoGP via the Dakar Rally. One races a Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing YZF-R1, the other a Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Panigale V4 R.
Meet Jake Gagne and Danilo Petrucci.
With two races remaining in 2022, Gagne leads the championship by just four points after gaining three points on Petrucci at the New Jersey Motorsports Park round. Gagne rode to his 11th win on Saturday in the Jersey sunshine, but on Sunday Petrucci finally got the chance to show off his rain-riding prowess with his fifth victory of the year coming in a downpour. Petrucci was a struggling fourth on Saturday, Gagne a careful third on Sunday. Thus, the three-point gain for Gagne.
It’s obvious that Petrucci thrives in the rain and who can forget last year’s deluge at Barber Motorsports Park? But also remember that Gagne went into last year’s finale with the championship already wrapped up. He was careful in the rain because he could be in two of the three races (yes, three races last year), but he went out and won in the wet in the last race of the year for his 17th victory in 2021. Wet or dry, Gagne and Petrucci will go at it for the duration. They will have to.
Gagne’s teammate Cameron Petersen’s mouth starts to water at the thought of racing at Barber Motorsports Park, the site of his first-career Superbike win last year. He loves the place, and he could play a role in the outcome of the championship as he will obviously be helping Gagne if the need arises.
Petersen is third in the championship and will be looking to hold on to that spot with fellow South African Mathew Scholtz giving chase in fourth. Scholtz, who also won a race last year at Barber, is 17 points behind on his Westby Racing Yamaha YZF-R1. Petersen has nine podiums in 2022, including his victory in race two at Road America; Scholtz has 10 podiums, including his victory in race one in Wisconsin.
Fifth place in the championship looks like a lock for Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Hector Barbera with the Spaniard racking up solid points in every race bar two. His consistency has placed him 32 points clear of his teammate PJ Jacobsen with the latter crashing out of pole position in race two at NJMP for his fourth non-finish of the season. Jacobsen’s early-season run was also hampered when he was forced to miss both races at Road Atlanta with COVID-19.
Still, Jacobsen looks set to finish sixth in his first season with the upstart Tytlers Cycle Racing team as he goes into Barber with 15 points in hand over Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Jake Lewis with the Kentuckian fighting to beat his rookie teammate, Richie Escalante, in the championship. Lewis is nine points ahead of Escalante.
The man on the move in the standings is Disrupt Racing’s Hayden Gillim. After six strong finishes in a row in the Medallia Superbike class, Gillim finds himself just three points behind Escalante and 12 behind Lewis.
Tenth place is held by After Care Hayes Scheibe’s Ashton Yates, who crashed out of a battle with Gagne for third in race two at NJMP. Yates, who is currently 10th, could pass Gillim as he trails him by just five points.
Pre-Barber Superbike Notes…
While Danilo Petrucci has been fighting with a horde of Yamahas all season long in the form of Jake Gagne, Cameron Petersen and Mathew Scholtz, he will at least have a comrade in red with him for the final two races of the year at Barber Motorsports Park as he will be joined on a Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Panigale V4 R by newly crowned Supersport Champion Josh Herrin. How much help could Herrin be? Well, the 2013 AMA Superbike Champion has that title, and eight Superbike wins on his resume.
The Superbike Cup and the $25,000 that goes to the winner of the class within a class will go down to the wire at Barber with Danilo Lewis leading Brandon Paasch by just 11 points in a battle that looks like it will be between just those two. Paasch has five wins to his credit and Lewis has three.
There were three Superbike races held over the course of MotoAmerica’s final round a year ago and all three were entertaining with rain wreaking havoc. Race one was won by Cameron Petersen, the South African the first in recent memory to crash and still win a Superbike race. Petersen bested Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz, who had also crashed out of the lead only to remount and finish second. Third went to Ducati-mounted Loris Baz. In race two it was Scholtz who came away with victory over Baz and Jake Gagne. In Sunday afternoon’s third race of the weekend, Gagne scored a record-setting 17th win of the season over Scholtz and Baz.
Five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier is the Superbike lap record holder at Barber Motorsports Park with his best of 1:22.676 set during Superpole in 2020. Beaubier also holds the Superbike race lap record with his 1:23.403 coming in race two in 2020 on the 2.3-mile Barber circuit.
With his 28th Superbike win coming at New Jersey Motorsports Park in the ninth round of the championship, Jake Gagne now has 28 career AMA Superbike wins which places him in a tie for sixth with former AMA and World Superbike Champion Ben Spies. Next up for Gagne is Toni Elias and his 32 career victories in AMA Superbike racing.
Australian Mat Mladin has won more Superbike races at Barber Motorsports Park than any other racer with nine victories from 2004 to 2009. Josh Hayes is second on the Barber win list with seven Superbike wins – all in a row from 2012 to 2015. Cameron Beaubier has won five Superbike races in Alabama. The very first Superbike races held at Barber were in 2003 with Aaron Yates winning race one and Kurtis Roberts taking victory in race two.
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.
More, from a press release issued by Westby Racing:
Mathew Scholtz And Westby Racing Ready To Make It A Dozen At Barber Motorsports Park This Weekend
Mathew Scholtz (11). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Westby Racing.
Tulsa, OK – September 21, 2022 – The 10th and final round of the 2022 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship starts this Friday at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, and Mathew Scholtz and his Westby Racing team are looking for two more Superbike podium finishes to make it an even dozen on the year.
Mathew and the team are coming off a runner-up and third-place finish at round nine in New Jersey the weekend before last, and they are aiming to keep the momentum going this weekend in Alabama.
Currently ranked fourth in the season points standings, Mathew has a chance to take over third place in the rankings, and there is no better place than Barber Motorsports Park for him to do it. The 17-turn, 2.38-mile road course has always suited Mathew’s riding style as well as the power and handling characteristics of his #11 Westby Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike. In fact, Barber is the site of two of The Scholtz Kid’s five career Superbike victories. One of those wins came just last year during an unusual three-race weekend for MotoAmerica at Barber, and in each of the other two races, Mathew was runner-up.
What’s more, Mathew and the Westby Racing team have a six-race podium streak at Barber Motorsports Park extending all the way back to 2019.
“I can’t wait to race at Barber,” Mathew said. “It’s always been one of my favorite tracks, and it’s always been good for me and the Westby team. Last year, it rained, and I got some good results, but I’m looking forward to dry, sunny weather this weekend. I feel like we’re at a really good point with the bike and my riding. I know there’s a lot of attention around the Gagne and Petrucci championship battle, but I think, myself and the Westby team know what we’ve got to do. We’ll put our heads down, work hard, and try to bring home a win or two, finish off the season on a high note, and put us in good stride towards the 2023 season. So, it’s the final race weekend of the season, and a big thank you to the fans and everyone who have helped me and the Westby team to get where we are. It’s only going to get better from here.”
Superbike final qualifying is on Saturday morning at 10:15 a.m. CT. Superbike race one will go green on Saturday afternoon at 3:10 p.m. CT and will be broadcast via tape delay on FOX Sports 2 (FS2) Saturday night at 11:30 p.m. ET. Superbike race two is on Sunday afternoon, also at 3:10 p.m. CT and will be broadcast via tape delay on FS2 Sunday night at 9 p.m. ET.
For all the action from Barber Motorsports Park, as it happens, subscribe to MotoAmerica Live+, which is MotoAmerica’s live streaming and on-demand service.
Meet Mathew, Get An Autographed Poster, And More
Mathew will be available for autographs during the Dunlop Hot Pit Walk & Autograph Session, scheduled for 11 to 11:40 a.m. Sunday on pit lane at Barber Motorsports Park. He and the team will be handing out free posters and T-shirts, so don’t miss it.
Check Out The Westby Racing Sponsor Showcase
Attack Performance and Puig USA are the featured team sponsors on display in the Westby Racing paddock area this race weekend, so be sure to stop by to say hello and learn about some of the companies that support the team.
Also, follow “Westby Racing” on your favorite social media sites.
More, from a press release issued by Ducati North America:
It’s The Final Showdown For Danilo Petrucci and Ducati
Danilo Petrucci and Ducati ready to slug it out for an incredible rookie championship this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park
Danilo Petrucci. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati North America.
Sunnyvale, Calif., September 21, 2022 — After nine rounds and 18 races, it all comes down to this. The incredible Barber Motorsports Park will play host to the final round of the 2022 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship and will see a champion crowned in the form of Yamaha’s Jake Gage or Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC’s star Italian, Danilo Petrucci.
Former two-time MotoGP race winner Petrucci’s never-give-up style served him well at the previous round at New Jersey Motorsports Park, where a crucial victory pulled him to within four points of defending champion Gagne with two races and 50 points up for grabs at Barber.
It will be a winner-take-all encounter as the two star riders in this year’s championship go head-to-head one last time in 2022.
Petrucci is hoping to emulate fellow Ducati legend Troy Corser, the last rider to win an AMA/MotoAmerica Superbike Championship in red as a rookie and it would be the first title for an Italian on American soil.
Danilo Petrucci (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC – Ducati #9): “I’m feeling really good about this weekend,” Petrucci said. “I’ve been spending the time since New Jersey in America and I have had plenty of rest and good training to be as ready as possible for Barber. I’m happy, whatever way this weekend will go. We’ve been able to bring a lot of excitement to this championship and, for sure, we’re ready. We know we have to do everything at 101 percent because our opponents are really fast. We want to finish the year in the best possible way. It will be tough to win, but we will try as hard as possible. Barber is a small track for us, but I’m happy to have brought this fight to the end of the season.”
The final of the 2022 Medallia MotoAmerica Superbike from Barber Motorsports Park will start with Superbike action at 10:50 am CDT on Friday, September 23. Race one is scheduled for Saturday, September 24 at 3:10 pm and race two kicks off on Sunday, September 25 at 2:10 pm.
NHRA Champion Antron Brown Warns Congress That Motorsports Is At Risk
— Top Fuel Champion shares inspiring stories about the value and importance of racing, and why he is pushing for passage of the RPM Act —
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Just days after winning the NHRA Top Fuel Race in Indianapolis, Ind., Antron Brown made his way to Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to pass the SEMA-supported Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. On Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, the three-time Top Fuel world champion, who began his racing career nearly 40 years ago, appeared before Congress to share personal stories about the need for federal law to protect grassroots racing and tens of thousands of jobs in the motorsports parts industry.
With his two sons and wife at his side, Brown shared how motorsports taught him to set goals, work hard to achieve them, and other important life lessons. Representing a four-generation family of racing professionals, Brown talked about how he began racing motorcycles at the age of 4, has enjoyed a successful career with 70 NHRA wins, and became a team owner earlier this year. He continues to support and promote the NHRA to the community and youth groups, relaying the origins of the organization that was formed in 1951 to get hot rodders safely off the streets and onto the track.
“Americans all over the country enjoy the hobby of modifying vehicles into racecars,” said U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. “The bipartisan Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act would clarify that vehicles to be used solely for competition are not to be treated like the cars that drive on our nation’s roads. This legislation would ensure small businesses that help hobbyists who transition vehicles into racecars, which are not driven on the roads, are not unfairly punished or targeted through EPA enforcement. It was a pleasure to welcome champion driver Antron Brown today and hear his life’s story, which reinforces how the RPM Act would protect the future of motorsports by making clear those who want to pursue their passion can affordably do so without fear of Washington bureaucrats.”
Ranking Member Capito is amongst the 31 bipartisan co-sponsors of the RPM Act. First introduced in 2016, the bipartisan bill would enshrine in Federal law that it is legal to modify street vehicles into dedicated race vehicles.
“Racing is much more than just a pastime for me,” said Brown. “I have countless fond childhood memories and have learned many life lessons at the racetrack. I have built a life on the track and am building a business through AB Motorsports. I feel strongly that we must keep the path to entry into motorsports accessible to future racers.”
Brown explained that for amateur racers, modifying production vehicles is the only cost-effective way to get into racing. He testified that the converted motorcycle that he began racing cost about $5,000; a purpose-built vehicle would have been 10 times that amount.
This practice of converting street vehicles into dedicated race vehicles had gone unquestioned until 2015 when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a draft ruling stating that it is not legal to convert production vehicles into dedicated race vehicles. Although the ruling was never finalized, the EPA maintains its position that such conversions are not legal and continues to enforce against the production and sale of high-performance parts.
Brown emphasized during his testimony that the RPM Act is focused solely on dedicated race vehicles that are trailered to and from the racetrack. Opponents to the RPM Act acknowledged during the Senate hearing that such vehicles do not have a measurable or meaningful impact on the environment.
“Racing is important to many Arizonans – and it’s a part of our state’s legacy,” said U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ). “The RPM Act will help provide certainty to Arizona’s amateur racers and auto mechanics from EPA regulations, which could harm their ability to enjoy the hobby of motorsport.”
The RPM Act would not impede on the EPA’s ability to enforce clean air laws. Vehicles driven on public streets would continue to be governed by the federal Clean Air Act.
“For nearly 45 years, the Clean Air Act did not apply to dedicated race vehicles. The EPA’s recent interpretation of the law has thrown the motorsports industry into a state of uncertainty,” said Mike Spagnola, President and CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). “Now that the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has held a hearing on the RPM Act, we urge the committee to schedule a vote on the bill. SEMA is urging all racers, motorsports businesses, and fans to ask their elected officials to support and pass the RPM Act.”
“Racers and small businesses that manufacture, distribute, and sell race parts have waited long enough. It’s time to pass the RPM Act and give the racing community the clarity it needs and deserves,” said Spagnola.
The SaveOurRacecars.com website has resources to help identify and contact the appropriate policymakers about the RPM Act.
About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $50.9 billion specialty-automotive industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Association resources include market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, as well as leading trade shows such as the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, Ind. For more information, visit www.sema.org, www.semashow.com, or www.performanceracing.com.
Featured In the September 2022 issue of Roadracing World:
Pop Quiz: What brand has been producing motorcycles the longest?
The answer is Royal Enfield, which has been producing motorcycles non-stop since 1901. And Royal Enfield is also one of the largest-volume motorcycle manufacturers, currently producing 900,000 units annually.
Up until recently, however, very few of those motorcycles were being sold in the western hemisphere. But that is all changing quickly thanks to Royal Enfield North America (RENA), the company’s first direct distribution subsidiary outside of India…
—Shops: Royal Enfield, by David Swarts
The first Royal Enfield motorcycle was built in England in 1901. Since then, the company has morphed, survived the collapse of the British motorcycle industry and somehow wound up as one of the biggest motorcycle manufacturers in the world! Read the story of how Royal Enfield is making inroads into the U.S. market—it’s in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
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100,000 Scrambler Ducati colour the streets all over the world
100,000 Scrambler Ducati have been delivered to enthusiasts since 2015, a milestone reached in the year in which the 60th anniversary of the birth of the first historic model is celebrated
In collaboration with Carrera Eyewear an exclusive collection of sunglasses has been created in a limited edition of only 60 pieces, one to celebrate for each year
In the Ducati Museum, the temporary exhibition “Scrambler 60th” has illustrated and celebrated the history of the Land of Joy
Borgo Panigale, Bologna – The number of Scrambler Ducati bikes delivered to fans all over the world, an international community full of enthusiasm that shares and represents those values of freedom of expression and fun on two wheels typical of Scrambler Ducati, has now arrived at 100,000. An important milestone reached precisely in the year in which the 60th anniversary of the birth of the first historic model is celebrated.
Ducati relaunched the Scrambler project in 2015, taking all the ingredients of the original 1960s bike and giving life to a new world, called the Land of Joy, where values, experiences and ideals can be shared. A universe in which the real stars are not motorcycles and performance but people and their passions. Since the year of its arrival, Scrambler Ducati has represented a true benchmark, a new trend and a new interpretation of the motorcycle world.
Historically made at the request of the Berliner brothers, Ducati importers for the United States in the 1960s, who wanted a model that suited the tastes of American motorcyclists, the first Scrambler Ducati went into production in 1962 and ended in 1975. The bike immediately achieved great success due also to its technical characteristics but mainly thanks to a style and attitude capable of embodying the nonconformist and rebellious spirit of those years.
Ducati has proposed many different interpretations starting from 2015, including the first Scrambler Ducati Icon in Urban Enduro, Full Throttle, Street Classic and Classic versions, to which the Mach 2.0, the Italia Independent limited edition, the Flat Track PRO, the Café Racer, the Desert Sled, the Sixty2 and the Icon Dark were then added. Completing the Land of Joy family are the latest and more contemporary 1100 Tribute PRO, Urban Motard and Nightshift, which represent a real concentration of appeal and style.
To celebrate this important anniversary and these achievements, Scrambler Ducati has collaborated with Carrera Eyewear, already Official Partner of Ducati Corse for the Eyewear Collection, to create an iconic pair of sunglasses made for the occasion in a limited edition of only 60 pieces.
The style of the sunglasses reflects the Carrera aesthetic which is enriched by details of the Land of Joy brand, such as the Scrambler Ducati logo on the right lens and the finishes in the classic “62Yellow” colour. The double nose bridge bears the Scrambler Ducati signature and the logo celebrating the brand’s 60th anniversary appears on the right temple. All enriched by an exclusive packaging customized with the distinctive Scrambler Ducati marks present on the glasses.
The limited-edition model will be available from 1 October exclusively on Carrera e-commerce in Europe as well as in the United States, and on Ducati e-commerce in Europe.
In recent months, enthusiasts who have visited the Ducati Museum have been able to relive the history of the brand and its motorcycles through the temporary exhibition “Scrambler 60th”, open until the end of September. The themed area tells the history of the Land of Joy and its worlds: design, lifestyle, customization, exploration and self-expression. Visitors have also been able to leave their mark on the wall dedicated to the subject of self-expression, immediately recognizable because it is filled with coloured post-it notes that collect the thoughts, ideas and emotions of anyone who has seen the exhibition.
CMSBK stars Lalande, Hardwick joining MotoAmerica Mini Cup finale in Barber
Toronto, ON – The final round of the MotoAmerica Mini Cup series will have a pair of frontrunners from the “great white north” later this month, as Canadian Mini Superbike National Championship frontrunners Vincent Lalande and Benjamin Hardwick plan to join the grid at Barber Motorsports Park, September 23-25.
Lalande and Hardwick were the icons of the inaugural CMSBK season, finishing one-two in every race as 14-year-old Lalande captured the championship in the final round over 13-year-old Hardwick.
Both riders will be joining the 160cc class field at historic Barber, riding identical Super Sonic School GP-O 160 Ohvale machines – backed by former Pro racer Toni Sharpless – whilst they will also both be contesting the 190cc category aboard their own personal Ohvale GP-2 machines, with Lalande having just purchased his in the days leading up to the event.
“It will be a very good opportunity for our top Canada Cup National riders to see how they compare against the best the U.S. has to offer,” Sharpless said. “The MotoAmerica Mini Cup is the perfect chance for us to gauge how much work we still need to do as riders and as a series, but hopefully earn some strong results as well!”
The duo won’t be the first Canadians to head south for the Mini Cup, as St. Catherines, ON teenager Alessandro Giganti raced earlier this season in Road America and Pittsburgh, paving the way for the CMSBK frontrunners to follow his path.
While Giganti likely won’t be able to join them in Alabama, the future of Canadian racing will still be well represented in Lalande and Hardwick, who have earned praise from current Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship stars as they climb the ladder.
Lalande in particular may be making one of his last ever appearances aboard a MiniSBK machine, as he already appears set to join the CSBK paddock next season as arguably the most prized Canadian racing prospect since former World Superbike competitor Brett McCormick.
As for Hardwick, the 13-year-old will gain valuable experience towards his own CMSBK national championship bid next season, as he will take over as the overwhelming favourite for the 2023 Canadian crown after exiting Barber.
Both riders will join what should be an exciting finale in the MotoAmerica series, with championships still on the line in every category heading into the penultimate round at New Jersey, including in the feature Superbike class.
The 2022-2023 CVMA Winter Series Kicks off on September 24-25
Desert Center, CA – The 2022-2023 Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) 7-round winter season opener is this coming weekend, September 24-25. This will be the first competitive event on the newly resurfaced Chuckwalla Valley Raceway! CVMA is looking forward to another super competitive season with some of the fastest riders from all over the country coming out to enjoy the incredibly smooth surface and warm sunny weather all winter long.
The track has hosted a few motorcycle events on the new surface and the reviews are in: It’s fantastic!
“I Just had an epic day riding on the new surface at Chuckwalla! The track feels like it did 11 years ago when I first fell in love with this place! I have to give a huge shout-out to the entire CVR crew that spent countless hours during the summer working so diligently to make this track ready for the upcoming CVMA season,” said Dale Kieffer, three-time CVMA #1 plate-holder and owner of Racers Edge Performance, the Western U.S. Dunlop Race tire distributor.
Registration for round 1 is open at CVMAracing.com sign up now!
As previously announced, CVMA has an expanded purse program totaling more than $165,000 over the four Sunday Shootout races and Saturday Femmewalla races. CVMA has also added a lightweight twins shootout. All four Sunday Shootout races pay back to the fifth finishing position.
The CVMA Sunday Shootout purse payouts by finishing position are as follows:
Racers may enter multiple shootouts each Sunday but can only collect one purse to ensure that 20 racers will receive a check each round. Additionally, racers may be eligible for contingency programs from CVMA-partnered motorcycle manufacturers, tire suppliers, and aftermarket parts companies. Racers must purchase a CVMA Racing license, qualify and enter at least one race on Saturday to be eligible for a purse payout in the Shootouts on Sunday. For more details, please visit CVMAracing.com.
Beyond the new track surface, Chuckwalla has also installed new bleachers on both sides of the paddock for spectators, added a much larger podium, and upgraded the PA system significantly. Also, 14 more RV parking spots with 50-amp power supplies have been added to the paddock to keep rigs cool and tires warm. The total number of powered RV spots that can be reserved prior to each CVMA event is now up to 22.
CVMA offers two full days of racing every race weekend and also includes Saturday qualifying for grid position in all classes, amateur and expert, as well as a wide variety of classes to choose from.
Additionally, CVMA offers free reciprocity as a means of encouraging racers from other clubs to come out and compete. Log on to www.cvmaracing.com for more information.
The 2022-2023 Winter Series starts this weekend. Come on out for some of the most competitive racing with some of the fastest racers in the country!
Inaugural Cedar Lake Short Track Destined to Have Huge Progressive AFT Championship Implications
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 20, 2022) – Progressive American Flat Track returns to Wisconsin for the first time in nearly two decades for the inaugural Drag Specialties Cedar Lake Short Track at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wisconsin, on Saturday, September 24.
The round is guaranteed to have massive title implications, particularly in the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle category where 50 of the season’s final 100 points will be up for grabs in a single evening featuring two premier-class Main Events.
Despite being a new venue for the tour, Cedar Lake Speedway is well suited for its temporary status as the center of the two-wheeled dirt track world. The state-of-the art, ⅜-mile high-banked clay oval traces its history back nearly seven decades and is both situated only an hour away from Indian Motorcycle’s Minnesota-based headquarters and set in the home state of Harley-Davidson and Royal Enfield North America.
Reigning Mission SuperTwins champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) comes in with the points advantage, thanks to a trio of early-season wins and a steady second half in which he’s landed on the podium in five of the last six races.
That said, with chief rival Briar Bauman (No. 3 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) on form and only nine points out of first, and Estenson Racing teammates Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) still well within striking distance as well, the championship outlook could undergo a significant makeover by the conclusion of Saturday’s twin Main Events.
With no prior track history to lean on for insight, the potential for spoilers who could further impact the title fight seems especially rife. Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) is currently ranked fifth in the points and boasts a Main Event win this season. Meanwhile, Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) – who is still seeking a maiden Mission SuperTwins win – earned podium finishes at each of the season’s two previous Short Tracks, while Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) claimed his first win at the Laconia Short Track back in 2019.
Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines
With the recent addition of a second day of racing at the Mission Volusia Half-Mile Finale, Jesse Janisch (No. 33 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R) lost the chance to clinch Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines championship in his home state.
Nevertheless, he can still take major strides toward his first-career Progressive AFT championship with a strong showing as the home favorite.
Realistically, only a pair of mechanical issues this season have prevented Janisch from being in position to wrap things up early. Outside of those two aberrant outings, Janisch and his XG750R have been consistently at or near the front at Miles, Half-Miles, TTs, and Short Tracks alike, racking up six wins among eleven podiums this season. There’s little reason to expect things to be any different at Cedar Lake Speedway.
However, defending class champion Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07) made up some ground last time out, narrowing the deficit to 17 points with three races remaining. While he no longer controls his own destiny, Texter wouldn’t need much outside help if he were able to do his part.
Should Texter win the season’s final three races, Janisch would need to finish as runner-up in all three to avoid being overtaken in the points standings. It’s a tall order to ask Texter to apply the pressure on Janisch in such a sweeping manner, but it’s certainly not out of the question either.
Texter will most likely look to the likes of Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07), Michael Rush (No. 15 Hellipower Racing/Las Vegas Harley-Davidson XG750R), Cameron Smith (No. 34 Thee Cathy Gray/Al Barker Royal Enfield 650), Billy Ross (No. 109 Mission Foods/Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R), Nick Armstrong (No. 60 Competitive Racing Frames/Lessley Brothers Yamaha MT-07), and Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) for help, each one of whom has demonstrated the capacity to finish first or second at one point or another this season.
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
If any rider is going to leave Wisconsin with a shiny new #1 plate, it’s most likely going to be Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER star Kody Kopp (No. 12 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE).
In order to seal the championship two rounds early, Kopp only needs to add two points to his lead over Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R), while avoid surrendering more than three points to Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), nine to Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R), and 14 to Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE).
It sounds easy enough, but considering the aforementioned company, Kopp may need to win, or at least podium, to pull it off. The KTM ace does boast six wins and eight podiums on the year, but he’s finished off the box in four races running.
While no other rider has a mathematical shot at the crown, there’s still plenty of motivation further down the order. For example, Trent Lowe (No. 48 Mission Foods/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda CRF450R) and Chase Saathoff (No. 106 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) are each seeking a career-first Progressive AFT win, and both have flashed the potential to score elusive triumphs on more than one occasion in 2022. There are previous few opportunities left to stand atop the box this season, further ratcheting up the pressure with the season’s end in sight.
If two Mission SuperTwins Mains on top of your regularly scheduled Mission Production Twins and Parts Unlimited Singles Main Events weren’t enough race action, the Cedar Lake Short Track will also feature the penultimate round of Royal Enfield’s hugely popular BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. program and mark the Progressive AFT debut of the Flat Out Friday Hooligans.
There will be plenty to keep fans entertained off the track as well, including live music, numerous vendors, food and beverage options, the Kids Zone, and fireworks display to cap off the evening.
Visit https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3901/ to reserve your tickets today. General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $25 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult ticket), and fans are offered a variety of premium tickets and other options to choose from, including Reserved Grandstand and VIP Experience tickets, Reserved Trackside Parking Add-Ons and a number of Camping Pass options.
Paddock Access Upgrades are also available for purchase, which provide all-day access to the pits where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.
Gates will open for fans at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT, followed immediately by the evening’s first Mission SuperTwins Main Event. 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.
The Drag Specialties Cedar Lake Short Track will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, October 2, at 10:30 a.m. ET/8:00 a.m., including exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and expert commentary.
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.
The fight for the Championship arrives in Japan for the second round of the triple-header
Tuesday, 20 September 2022
The headlines overflowed at MotorLand Aragon, and now the paddock packs up and heads east for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan with three riders split by 17 points and everything to play for. Not since 2019 has MotoGP™ been able to race at the venue, which in some ways now seems like a different era. Three years on, the immediate memory that comes back bodes well for the luckless duo from Aragon: Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) vs Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™).
Quartararo now has only ten points in hand at the top of the table, but it was through no fault of his own and he’ll be more eager than ever to push to extend it again. He also arrives knowing that his last performance at Motegi, vs Marquez, was one of those that cemented his growing legend. So will that experience count? With action beginning on Friday afternoon, he will be hoping it helps him hit the ground running – as will Yamaha as they race on home turf for the first time in a few seasons.
Elsewhere at the Iwata marque there remains plenty to talk about. Cal Crutchlow (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™) was the first Yamaha home after that bad luck for Quartararo, and the Brit has therefore contributed Constructors’ points already – no mean feat as El Diablo was the scorer until Sunday. Crutchlow has plenty experience at the venue too. For Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), meanwhile, that was bad news – and he needs to find his way back into the form that’s seen him win races.
So, Honda. After the dust settled at MotorLand, we were left with even more questions about Marquez as the number 93 failed to make it out of Q1 due to yellow flags, and then failed to make it far into the race with that bad luck. Where would he have finished? There remain some cards close to the Repsol Honda rider’s chest and home turf for the factory is an interesting place to have to play them. As a true veteran now, Marquez knows the track better than everyone on the grid – so what can we expect? And can Pol Espargaro move forward on the other side of the garage?
Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol), meanwhile, Motegi has always been a good track and the number 73 has multiple wins in the smaller classes. But he’s also riding it for the first time in MotoGP™, as are many on the grid, so it will be an interesting one. There is also plenty on the line for Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) as he even races a race to fitness. Getting caught up in that early race crash has left him with an injured hand and he’ll need to pass a medical – but he also has some serious experience at Motegi. What can he do on home turf? There will be home representation too for Tetsuta Nagashima as he wildcards with HRC, and Takuya Tsuda will be replacing Joan Mir at Team Suzuki Ecstar as they face a bittersweet final weekend on home turf and Alex Rins looks to add another podium.
Meanwhile, Ducati march on. After the duel at Misano, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) did it again at MotorLand for another spectacular finish, and this time with Bastianini on top. But Motegi could be a different story as the ‘Beast’ rides the track for the first time in MotoGP™, and Bagnaia has only one outing in the premier class under his belt at the venue. That’s also true of Quartararo, but the two had very different races. How will that ten-point gap look this Sunday?
Elsewhere at the Borgo Panigale factory there are plenty of talking points as well. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) has solid experience of Motegi, and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) too but not with Ducati. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) will be heading in to taste the track for the first time in the premier class, as will Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team). With so much having changed since 2019, will that prove a sort of reset? Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) will hope it will as he looks to move forward again too, although the rookie continues impressing.
That phrase applies to Aprilia Racing and Aleix Espargaro even more. After a longer stint off the podium and watching that gap grow, MotorLand saw a return to the rostrum and after a weekend of ups and downs, too. That seems a statement of intent from the number 41 as he pulled it out the bag when needed on race day, and he’s back to within 17 points of those ahead. Will the lesser experience for everyone on the grid also play into their hands? The RS-GP is a newer bike, and Motegi leaves everyone in need of data on the machinery they return with. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) will also hope so, although the number 12 was caught up in avoiding that early race incident, he’ll most definitely want more from Japan after his recent podium pace took a dip.
KTM will be interesting to watch, too. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) put in a stunner at Aragon to come home fourth, and he held third for much of the race. That’s their best result since teammate Miguel Oliveira won in Indonesia, and they’ll want to back it up. Oliveira has ridden Motegi in the premier class and Binder hasn’t, but there could be some opportunity on the horizon again as returning to the track for the first time since 2019 promises a shuffle. Can the Mattighofen factory fight for the podium again?
Quartararo, Bagnaia and Aleix Espargaro are now split by just 17 points, Marquez remains a somewhat unknown quantity, and we’re heading onto home turf for Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki. There’s plenty at stake in the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, so make sure you don’t miss it as we go racing at 15:00 (GMT +9) local time on Sunday!
4 Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) – Ducati – 163
5 Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – 134
Ogura looks to fight back on home turf
Fernandez is now seven points clear, but next up it’s Mobility Resort Motegi…
MotorLand Aragon saw Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) back on the top step, Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) gain a little more ground Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) increase his lead over his closest rival, Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia), by three points heading into the flyaways. But that lead remains only seven, and now it’s time to race on Ogura’s home turf.
The Japanese rider is now an established presence at the front in Moto2™, and he’ll be keen to hit back and use experience to his advantage. Like many in the field – the majority – he hasn’t ridden Motegi in the intermediate class, but he knows his way around the track better than most with that home circuit knowledge. Can that make a key difference this weekend?
For many on the grid like Acosta, however, the track may also prove a clean slate. The likes of Canet and Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) have ridden there in Moto3™, but many on the grid never have so it’s a race to get up to speed. But not for everyone: Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) has scored points there in the class, and Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) and Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) have experience there. Jorge Navarro (Flexbox HP 40) was the top finisher of the returning Moto2™ field in 2019 in P5… but Fernandez was no slouch either with a top ten result. So will the duel with Ogura continue, or will the pack shuffle? We’ll find out on Sunday at 13:20 (GMT +9)!
2 Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) – Kalex – 207
3 Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) – Kalex – 177
Veterans vs rookies: will Motegi shuffle Moto3™?
A whole host of the grid have never ridden the track, putting Sasaki, Suzuki and their fellow veterans in the spotlight
Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) hammered home his advantage at MotorLand with another superb win, and it’s now a sizeable 33 point gap at the top as the paddock heads for Mobility Resort Motegi. But next it’s unchartered territory for the number 28 and his fellow fresh faces in the class, with the veterans looking to stamp some authority and two home heroes in particular lining up a win.
Guevara’s teammate Sergio Garcia will be the first looking to use experience to his advantage, closely followed by Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) as they both came away from Aragon almost empty handed. The likes of Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and John McPhee (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) will also want to make their previous knowledge pay. But the weekend will have all eyes on the home heroes as the grid returns to Japan, and two of them especially will want some home glory: Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing) and Ayumu Sasaki (Sterillgarda Husqvarna Max).
Suzuki has hit some good podium form this season and will most definitely want to replicate that on home turf as a minimum, but it’s Sasaki who’s really on a roll. despite some bad luck and trouble, the number 71 is homing in on the Championship top three and arrives back on home turf as a Grand Prix winner and consistent podium finisher. Can he take another victory at Motegi?
Tune in at 12:00 (GMT +9) as the second race of the triple-header gets in gear, with plenty of questions to be answered at Motegi.
Kevin Elliott, Jr., the son of ASRA/CCS President Kevin Elliott, died September 4 in Mesa, Arizona. The cause of death was not known at post time. He was 36.
Kevin Elliott, Sr. just learned of his son’s death on September 19. Elliott told Roadracingworld.com that the Maricopa County (Arizona) Sheriff’s Department failed to locate him for 14 days to notify him of his son’s death but a foundation that works with the homeless contacted him within 24 hours of being handed the task.
“He chose to live homeless,” Elliott said. “He had just spent two weeks in a hospital due to dehydration. Then he signed a release-against-medical-advice document, walked out of the hospital, and he was found dead a few days later.
“He was young and talented [musician and singer] and loved going to the races. He used to work for us back in the Formula USA days.
“He left an impression on everyone who met him, but he was fighting his demons. His demons won.”
Kevin Elliott, Jr. is survived by father Kevin Elliott, mother Janette Hoffer, stepfather Cliff Hoffer, paternal grandfather Carl Elliott, sister Jennifer Sims, brothers Nick Campbell and Billy Elliott, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service has been planned for October 21 in Mesa, Arizona.
Honorable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Aditya Nath (left), CEO Dorna Carmelo Ezpeleta (center), and Industrial Development Export & Investment Promotion & NRI Minister Mr. Nand "Nandi" Gopal Gupta (right). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Dorna begins work towards future MotoGP™ Grand Prix in India
Wednesday, 21 September 2022
Dorna Sports is delighted to announce that work has begun on a possible future Indian Grand Prix, with the target of bringing the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship to the Indian subcontinent in the near future.
Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has recently visited India to meet with authorities and potential event promoter Fairstreet Sports. The visit began at the spectacular Buddh International Circuit, right outside New Delhi, which would be the target venue to host the possible MotoGP™ event.
Thereafter, the delegation also travelled to Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, the region in which the circuit is located, to meet with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr Yogi Adityanath and Industrial Development Minister Mr Nand Gopal “Nandi”.
Finally the visit ended with a presentation in New Delhi to local media and representatives of the motorcycling industry, which showcased the great expectation the country has for MotoGP™.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta: “India is a huge country and market, and an especially important one for the two-wheeled industry and MotoGP as a sport. The Championship has a huge fan base there and being able to hold a MotoGP event in India would be both an incredible spectacle for our fans at the same time as allowing us to continue to grow the sport in the region, which is hugely important for our all our partners and the manufacturers in particular given the hundreds of millions of two-wheeled vehicles on its roads. We would love to be able to see this project through and bring these incredible MotoGP bikes to race in front of the Indian fans.
“At MotoGP we are committed to our fans and aim to make the sport accessible to all, regardless of where they are, who they are or their economic status. Motorcycles are an incredible tool for transportation and in many areas of the world they drive society, providing economic mobility and powering families around the world. Racing in India would be a reflection of our commitment to open the doors to the sport as widely as we can, and would be and an important achievement for the Championship.”
Union Sports Minister Shri Anurag Thakur, during the meeting with Fairstreet Sports team, added: “It’s a historical day for the sporting and automobile industry and a befitting tribute to the Azadai Ka Amrit Maha Utsav celebrations, marking India’s befitting arrival in the global platform of motorsport. India could potentially be one of MotoGP’s biggest markets in terms of viewership as well as revenue.
“MotoGP is a critical asset thanks to the viewer loyalty that the sport enjoys and the competitive nature it embodies, already reaching nearly half a billion homes around the world. Dorna Sports, the sole commercial and television rights holder, produces the world feed television coverage of each Grand Prix throughout the season, from acquisition to distribution, as part of a 360 degree event management philosophy.”
Mr Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh: “It is a matter of great pride for Uttar Pradesh to host such a globally prestigious mega sports event. Not only will the event boost the hospitality and tourism sectors, but it will also put UP on the global platform. Our government will provide all the necessary support to make this event a huge success.”
Shri Nand Gopal “Nandi”, Cabinet Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh for Industrial Development, Export Promotion, NRI, Investment Promotion, said, “The event will not only be a boon to motorcycle racing fans but also provide a major impetus to the economy by generating an influx of foreign investments and ushering in advancement in the personal transportation industry which would transcend into global investments and a preferred destination for OEM’s in the state of Uttar Pradesh.”
Danilo Petrucci (9) and Jake Gagne (1) are separated by four points in the MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship heading into the season finale at Barber Motorsports Park. Photos by Brian J. Nelson.
Here We Go: It’s Title Time At Barber Motorsports Park
Just Four Points Between Gagne And Petrucci, And It’s Time For The Season Finale At Barber Motorsports Park, September 23-25
IRVINE, CA (September 21, 2022) – All good things must come to an end, and such is the case with the 2022 MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship. But not before it all comes to a head at Barber Motorsports Park, September 23-25, in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an epic season.
And it all starts at the top as the season finale has turned into a winner-take-all battle for the Medallia Superbike Championship as one of two deserving men will be crowned champion on Sunday afternoon in Alabama.
The two protagonists couldn’t be any different.
One of them is from Colorado by way of California, the other is from Italy. One is the defending MotoAmerica Superbike Champion, the other comes from MotoGP via the Dakar Rally. One races a Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing YZF-R1, the other a Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Panigale V4 R.
Meet Jake Gagne and Danilo Petrucci.
With two races remaining in 2022, Gagne leads the championship by just four points after gaining three points on Petrucci at the New Jersey Motorsports Park round. Gagne rode to his 11th win on Saturday in the Jersey sunshine, but on Sunday Petrucci finally got the chance to show off his rain-riding prowess with his fifth victory of the year coming in a downpour. Petrucci was a struggling fourth on Saturday, Gagne a careful third on Sunday. Thus, the three-point gain for Gagne.
It’s obvious that Petrucci thrives in the rain and who can forget last year’s deluge at Barber Motorsports Park? But also remember that Gagne went into last year’s finale with the championship already wrapped up. He was careful in the rain because he could be in two of the three races (yes, three races last year), but he went out and won in the wet in the last race of the year for his 17th victory in 2021. Wet or dry, Gagne and Petrucci will go at it for the duration. They will have to.
Gagne’s teammate Cameron Petersen’s mouth starts to water at the thought of racing at Barber Motorsports Park, the site of his first-career Superbike win last year. He loves the place, and he could play a role in the outcome of the championship as he will obviously be helping Gagne if the need arises.
Petersen is third in the championship and will be looking to hold on to that spot with fellow South African Mathew Scholtz giving chase in fourth. Scholtz, who also won a race last year at Barber, is 17 points behind on his Westby Racing Yamaha YZF-R1. Petersen has nine podiums in 2022, including his victory in race two at Road America; Scholtz has 10 podiums, including his victory in race one in Wisconsin.
Fifth place in the championship looks like a lock for Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Hector Barbera with the Spaniard racking up solid points in every race bar two. His consistency has placed him 32 points clear of his teammate PJ Jacobsen with the latter crashing out of pole position in race two at NJMP for his fourth non-finish of the season. Jacobsen’s early-season run was also hampered when he was forced to miss both races at Road Atlanta with COVID-19.
Still, Jacobsen looks set to finish sixth in his first season with the upstart Tytlers Cycle Racing team as he goes into Barber with 15 points in hand over Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Jake Lewis with the Kentuckian fighting to beat his rookie teammate, Richie Escalante, in the championship. Lewis is nine points ahead of Escalante.
The man on the move in the standings is Disrupt Racing’s Hayden Gillim. After six strong finishes in a row in the Medallia Superbike class, Gillim finds himself just three points behind Escalante and 12 behind Lewis.
Tenth place is held by After Care Hayes Scheibe’s Ashton Yates, who crashed out of a battle with Gagne for third in race two at NJMP. Yates, who is currently 10th, could pass Gillim as he trails him by just five points.
Pre-Barber Superbike Notes…
While Danilo Petrucci has been fighting with a horde of Yamahas all season long in the form of Jake Gagne, Cameron Petersen and Mathew Scholtz, he will at least have a comrade in red with him for the final two races of the year at Barber Motorsports Park as he will be joined on a Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Panigale V4 R by newly crowned Supersport Champion Josh Herrin. How much help could Herrin be? Well, the 2013 AMA Superbike Champion has that title, and eight Superbike wins on his resume.
The Superbike Cup and the $25,000 that goes to the winner of the class within a class will go down to the wire at Barber with Danilo Lewis leading Brandon Paasch by just 11 points in a battle that looks like it will be between just those two. Paasch has five wins to his credit and Lewis has three.
There were three Superbike races held over the course of MotoAmerica’s final round a year ago and all three were entertaining with rain wreaking havoc. Race one was won by Cameron Petersen, the South African the first in recent memory to crash and still win a Superbike race. Petersen bested Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz, who had also crashed out of the lead only to remount and finish second. Third went to Ducati-mounted Loris Baz. In race two it was Scholtz who came away with victory over Baz and Jake Gagne. In Sunday afternoon’s third race of the weekend, Gagne scored a record-setting 17th win of the season over Scholtz and Baz.
Five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier is the Superbike lap record holder at Barber Motorsports Park with his best of 1:22.676 set during Superpole in 2020. Beaubier also holds the Superbike race lap record with his 1:23.403 coming in race two in 2020 on the 2.3-mile Barber circuit.
With his 28th Superbike win coming at New Jersey Motorsports Park in the ninth round of the championship, Jake Gagne now has 28 career AMA Superbike wins which places him in a tie for sixth with former AMA and World Superbike Champion Ben Spies. Next up for Gagne is Toni Elias and his 32 career victories in AMA Superbike racing.
Australian Mat Mladin has won more Superbike races at Barber Motorsports Park than any other racer with nine victories from 2004 to 2009. Josh Hayes is second on the Barber win list with seven Superbike wins – all in a row from 2012 to 2015. Cameron Beaubier has won five Superbike races in Alabama. The very first Superbike races held at Barber were in 2003 with Aaron Yates winning race one and Kurtis Roberts taking victory in race two.
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.
More, from a press release issued by Westby Racing:
Mathew Scholtz And Westby Racing Ready To Make It A Dozen At Barber Motorsports Park This Weekend
Mathew Scholtz (11). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Westby Racing.
Tulsa, OK – September 21, 2022 – The 10th and final round of the 2022 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship starts this Friday at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, and Mathew Scholtz and his Westby Racing team are looking for two more Superbike podium finishes to make it an even dozen on the year.
Mathew and the team are coming off a runner-up and third-place finish at round nine in New Jersey the weekend before last, and they are aiming to keep the momentum going this weekend in Alabama.
Currently ranked fourth in the season points standings, Mathew has a chance to take over third place in the rankings, and there is no better place than Barber Motorsports Park for him to do it. The 17-turn, 2.38-mile road course has always suited Mathew’s riding style as well as the power and handling characteristics of his #11 Westby Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike. In fact, Barber is the site of two of The Scholtz Kid’s five career Superbike victories. One of those wins came just last year during an unusual three-race weekend for MotoAmerica at Barber, and in each of the other two races, Mathew was runner-up.
What’s more, Mathew and the Westby Racing team have a six-race podium streak at Barber Motorsports Park extending all the way back to 2019.
“I can’t wait to race at Barber,” Mathew said. “It’s always been one of my favorite tracks, and it’s always been good for me and the Westby team. Last year, it rained, and I got some good results, but I’m looking forward to dry, sunny weather this weekend. I feel like we’re at a really good point with the bike and my riding. I know there’s a lot of attention around the Gagne and Petrucci championship battle, but I think, myself and the Westby team know what we’ve got to do. We’ll put our heads down, work hard, and try to bring home a win or two, finish off the season on a high note, and put us in good stride towards the 2023 season. So, it’s the final race weekend of the season, and a big thank you to the fans and everyone who have helped me and the Westby team to get where we are. It’s only going to get better from here.”
Superbike final qualifying is on Saturday morning at 10:15 a.m. CT. Superbike race one will go green on Saturday afternoon at 3:10 p.m. CT and will be broadcast via tape delay on FOX Sports 2 (FS2) Saturday night at 11:30 p.m. ET. Superbike race two is on Sunday afternoon, also at 3:10 p.m. CT and will be broadcast via tape delay on FS2 Sunday night at 9 p.m. ET.
For all the action from Barber Motorsports Park, as it happens, subscribe to MotoAmerica Live+, which is MotoAmerica’s live streaming and on-demand service.
Meet Mathew, Get An Autographed Poster, And More
Mathew will be available for autographs during the Dunlop Hot Pit Walk & Autograph Session, scheduled for 11 to 11:40 a.m. Sunday on pit lane at Barber Motorsports Park. He and the team will be handing out free posters and T-shirts, so don’t miss it.
Check Out The Westby Racing Sponsor Showcase
Attack Performance and Puig USA are the featured team sponsors on display in the Westby Racing paddock area this race weekend, so be sure to stop by to say hello and learn about some of the companies that support the team.
Also, follow “Westby Racing” on your favorite social media sites.
More, from a press release issued by Ducati North America:
It’s The Final Showdown For Danilo Petrucci and Ducati
Danilo Petrucci and Ducati ready to slug it out for an incredible rookie championship this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park
Danilo Petrucci. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati North America.
Sunnyvale, Calif., September 21, 2022 — After nine rounds and 18 races, it all comes down to this. The incredible Barber Motorsports Park will play host to the final round of the 2022 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship and will see a champion crowned in the form of Yamaha’s Jake Gage or Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC’s star Italian, Danilo Petrucci.
Former two-time MotoGP race winner Petrucci’s never-give-up style served him well at the previous round at New Jersey Motorsports Park, where a crucial victory pulled him to within four points of defending champion Gagne with two races and 50 points up for grabs at Barber.
It will be a winner-take-all encounter as the two star riders in this year’s championship go head-to-head one last time in 2022.
Petrucci is hoping to emulate fellow Ducati legend Troy Corser, the last rider to win an AMA/MotoAmerica Superbike Championship in red as a rookie and it would be the first title for an Italian on American soil.
Danilo Petrucci (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC – Ducati #9): “I’m feeling really good about this weekend,” Petrucci said. “I’ve been spending the time since New Jersey in America and I have had plenty of rest and good training to be as ready as possible for Barber. I’m happy, whatever way this weekend will go. We’ve been able to bring a lot of excitement to this championship and, for sure, we’re ready. We know we have to do everything at 101 percent because our opponents are really fast. We want to finish the year in the best possible way. It will be tough to win, but we will try as hard as possible. Barber is a small track for us, but I’m happy to have brought this fight to the end of the season.”
The final of the 2022 Medallia MotoAmerica Superbike from Barber Motorsports Park will start with Superbike action at 10:50 am CDT on Friday, September 23. Race one is scheduled for Saturday, September 24 at 3:10 pm and race two kicks off on Sunday, September 25 at 2:10 pm.
Three-time NHRA Top Fuel Champion Antron Brown testifying before Congress on September 7. Photo courtesy SEMA.
NHRA Champion Antron Brown Warns Congress That Motorsports Is At Risk
— Top Fuel Champion shares inspiring stories about the value and importance of racing, and why he is pushing for passage of the RPM Act —
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Just days after winning the NHRA Top Fuel Race in Indianapolis, Ind., Antron Brown made his way to Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to pass the SEMA-supported Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. On Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, the three-time Top Fuel world champion, who began his racing career nearly 40 years ago, appeared before Congress to share personal stories about the need for federal law to protect grassroots racing and tens of thousands of jobs in the motorsports parts industry.
With his two sons and wife at his side, Brown shared how motorsports taught him to set goals, work hard to achieve them, and other important life lessons. Representing a four-generation family of racing professionals, Brown talked about how he began racing motorcycles at the age of 4, has enjoyed a successful career with 70 NHRA wins, and became a team owner earlier this year. He continues to support and promote the NHRA to the community and youth groups, relaying the origins of the organization that was formed in 1951 to get hot rodders safely off the streets and onto the track.
“Americans all over the country enjoy the hobby of modifying vehicles into racecars,” said U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. “The bipartisan Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act would clarify that vehicles to be used solely for competition are not to be treated like the cars that drive on our nation’s roads. This legislation would ensure small businesses that help hobbyists who transition vehicles into racecars, which are not driven on the roads, are not unfairly punished or targeted through EPA enforcement. It was a pleasure to welcome champion driver Antron Brown today and hear his life’s story, which reinforces how the RPM Act would protect the future of motorsports by making clear those who want to pursue their passion can affordably do so without fear of Washington bureaucrats.”
Ranking Member Capito is amongst the 31 bipartisan co-sponsors of the RPM Act. First introduced in 2016, the bipartisan bill would enshrine in Federal law that it is legal to modify street vehicles into dedicated race vehicles.
“Racing is much more than just a pastime for me,” said Brown. “I have countless fond childhood memories and have learned many life lessons at the racetrack. I have built a life on the track and am building a business through AB Motorsports. I feel strongly that we must keep the path to entry into motorsports accessible to future racers.”
Brown explained that for amateur racers, modifying production vehicles is the only cost-effective way to get into racing. He testified that the converted motorcycle that he began racing cost about $5,000; a purpose-built vehicle would have been 10 times that amount.
This practice of converting street vehicles into dedicated race vehicles had gone unquestioned until 2015 when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a draft ruling stating that it is not legal to convert production vehicles into dedicated race vehicles. Although the ruling was never finalized, the EPA maintains its position that such conversions are not legal and continues to enforce against the production and sale of high-performance parts.
Brown emphasized during his testimony that the RPM Act is focused solely on dedicated race vehicles that are trailered to and from the racetrack. Opponents to the RPM Act acknowledged during the Senate hearing that such vehicles do not have a measurable or meaningful impact on the environment.
“Racing is important to many Arizonans – and it’s a part of our state’s legacy,” said U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ). “The RPM Act will help provide certainty to Arizona’s amateur racers and auto mechanics from EPA regulations, which could harm their ability to enjoy the hobby of motorsport.”
The RPM Act would not impede on the EPA’s ability to enforce clean air laws. Vehicles driven on public streets would continue to be governed by the federal Clean Air Act.
“For nearly 45 years, the Clean Air Act did not apply to dedicated race vehicles. The EPA’s recent interpretation of the law has thrown the motorsports industry into a state of uncertainty,” said Mike Spagnola, President and CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). “Now that the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has held a hearing on the RPM Act, we urge the committee to schedule a vote on the bill. SEMA is urging all racers, motorsports businesses, and fans to ask their elected officials to support and pass the RPM Act.”
“Racers and small businesses that manufacture, distribute, and sell race parts have waited long enough. It’s time to pass the RPM Act and give the racing community the clarity it needs and deserves,” said Spagnola.
The SaveOurRacecars.com website has resources to help identify and contact the appropriate policymakers about the RPM Act.
About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $50.9 billion specialty-automotive industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Association resources include market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, as well as leading trade shows such as the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, Ind. For more information, visit www.sema.org, www.semashow.com, or www.performanceracing.com.
The front space on the ground floor of company headquarters is now being used as a Royal Enfield Experience venue, showcasing motorcycle models, accessories, artwork, and memorabilia. The brand's best-selling model is the 411cc single-cylinder Himalayan seen parked in the foreground, with two twin-cylinder 650cc models on display pedestals.
Featured In the September 2022 issue of Roadracing World:
Pop Quiz: What brand has been producing motorcycles the longest?
The answer is Royal Enfield, which has been producing motorcycles non-stop since 1901. And Royal Enfield is also one of the largest-volume motorcycle manufacturers, currently producing 900,000 units annually.
Up until recently, however, very few of those motorcycles were being sold in the western hemisphere. But that is all changing quickly thanks to Royal Enfield North America (RENA), the company’s first direct distribution subsidiary outside of India…
—Shops: Royal Enfield, by David Swarts
The first Royal Enfield motorcycle was built in England in 1901. Since then, the company has morphed, survived the collapse of the British motorcycle industry and somehow wound up as one of the biggest motorcycle manufacturers in the world! Read the story of how Royal Enfield is making inroads into the U.S. market—it’s in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
PREVIEW the September 2022 Issue of Roadracing World!
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A 2022 Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard. Photo courtesy Ducati.
100,000 Scrambler Ducati colour the streets all over the world
100,000 Scrambler Ducati have been delivered to enthusiasts since 2015, a milestone reached in the year in which the 60th anniversary of the birth of the first historic model is celebrated
In collaboration with Carrera Eyewear an exclusive collection of sunglasses has been created in a limited edition of only 60 pieces, one to celebrate for each year
In the Ducati Museum, the temporary exhibition “Scrambler 60th” has illustrated and celebrated the history of the Land of Joy
Borgo Panigale, Bologna – The number of Scrambler Ducati bikes delivered to fans all over the world, an international community full of enthusiasm that shares and represents those values of freedom of expression and fun on two wheels typical of Scrambler Ducati, has now arrived at 100,000. An important milestone reached precisely in the year in which the 60th anniversary of the birth of the first historic model is celebrated.
Ducati relaunched the Scrambler project in 2015, taking all the ingredients of the original 1960s bike and giving life to a new world, called the Land of Joy, where values, experiences and ideals can be shared. A universe in which the real stars are not motorcycles and performance but people and their passions. Since the year of its arrival, Scrambler Ducati has represented a true benchmark, a new trend and a new interpretation of the motorcycle world.
Historically made at the request of the Berliner brothers, Ducati importers for the United States in the 1960s, who wanted a model that suited the tastes of American motorcyclists, the first Scrambler Ducati went into production in 1962 and ended in 1975. The bike immediately achieved great success due also to its technical characteristics but mainly thanks to a style and attitude capable of embodying the nonconformist and rebellious spirit of those years.
Ducati has proposed many different interpretations starting from 2015, including the first Scrambler Ducati Icon in Urban Enduro, Full Throttle, Street Classic and Classic versions, to which the Mach 2.0, the Italia Independent limited edition, the Flat Track PRO, the Café Racer, the Desert Sled, the Sixty2 and the Icon Dark were then added. Completing the Land of Joy family are the latest and more contemporary 1100 Tribute PRO, Urban Motard and Nightshift, which represent a real concentration of appeal and style.
To celebrate this important anniversary and these achievements, Scrambler Ducati has collaborated with Carrera Eyewear, already Official Partner of Ducati Corse for the Eyewear Collection, to create an iconic pair of sunglasses made for the occasion in a limited edition of only 60 pieces.
The style of the sunglasses reflects the Carrera aesthetic which is enriched by details of the Land of Joy brand, such as the Scrambler Ducati logo on the right lens and the finishes in the classic “62Yellow” colour. The double nose bridge bears the Scrambler Ducati signature and the logo celebrating the brand’s 60th anniversary appears on the right temple. All enriched by an exclusive packaging customized with the distinctive Scrambler Ducati marks present on the glasses.
The limited-edition model will be available from 1 October exclusively on Carrera e-commerce in Europe as well as in the United States, and on Ducati e-commerce in Europe.
In recent months, enthusiasts who have visited the Ducati Museum have been able to relive the history of the brand and its motorcycles through the temporary exhibition “Scrambler 60th”, open until the end of September. The themed area tells the history of the Land of Joy and its worlds: design, lifestyle, customization, exploration and self-expression. Visitors have also been able to leave their mark on the wall dedicated to the subject of self-expression, immediately recognizable because it is filled with coloured post-it notes that collect the thoughts, ideas and emotions of anyone who has seen the exhibition.
Vincent Lalande (13), the 2022 Canadian MiniSBK Champion. Photo by Colin Fraser, courtesy CSBK/PMP.
CMSBK stars Lalande, Hardwick joining MotoAmerica Mini Cup finale in Barber
Toronto, ON – The final round of the MotoAmerica Mini Cup series will have a pair of frontrunners from the “great white north” later this month, as Canadian Mini Superbike National Championship frontrunners Vincent Lalande and Benjamin Hardwick plan to join the grid at Barber Motorsports Park, September 23-25.
Lalande and Hardwick were the icons of the inaugural CMSBK season, finishing one-two in every race as 14-year-old Lalande captured the championship in the final round over 13-year-old Hardwick.
Both riders will be joining the 160cc class field at historic Barber, riding identical Super Sonic School GP-O 160 Ohvale machines – backed by former Pro racer Toni Sharpless – whilst they will also both be contesting the 190cc category aboard their own personal Ohvale GP-2 machines, with Lalande having just purchased his in the days leading up to the event.
“It will be a very good opportunity for our top Canada Cup National riders to see how they compare against the best the U.S. has to offer,” Sharpless said. “The MotoAmerica Mini Cup is the perfect chance for us to gauge how much work we still need to do as riders and as a series, but hopefully earn some strong results as well!”
The duo won’t be the first Canadians to head south for the Mini Cup, as St. Catherines, ON teenager Alessandro Giganti raced earlier this season in Road America and Pittsburgh, paving the way for the CMSBK frontrunners to follow his path.
While Giganti likely won’t be able to join them in Alabama, the future of Canadian racing will still be well represented in Lalande and Hardwick, who have earned praise from current Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship stars as they climb the ladder.
Lalande in particular may be making one of his last ever appearances aboard a MiniSBK machine, as he already appears set to join the CSBK paddock next season as arguably the most prized Canadian racing prospect since former World Superbike competitor Brett McCormick.
As for Hardwick, the 13-year-old will gain valuable experience towards his own CMSBK national championship bid next season, as he will take over as the overwhelming favourite for the 2023 Canadian crown after exiting Barber.
Both riders will join what should be an exciting finale in the MotoAmerica series, with championships still on the line in every category heading into the penultimate round at New Jersey, including in the feature Superbike class.
Ana Mata (77) leading fellow CVMA racer Alex Calloway during a recent track day at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway. Photo by CaliPhotography.com, courtesy CVMA.
The 2022-2023 CVMA Winter Series Kicks off on September 24-25
Desert Center, CA – The 2022-2023 Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) 7-round winter season opener is this coming weekend, September 24-25. This will be the first competitive event on the newly resurfaced Chuckwalla Valley Raceway! CVMA is looking forward to another super competitive season with some of the fastest riders from all over the country coming out to enjoy the incredibly smooth surface and warm sunny weather all winter long.
The track has hosted a few motorcycle events on the new surface and the reviews are in: It’s fantastic!
“I Just had an epic day riding on the new surface at Chuckwalla! The track feels like it did 11 years ago when I first fell in love with this place! I have to give a huge shout-out to the entire CVR crew that spent countless hours during the summer working so diligently to make this track ready for the upcoming CVMA season,” said Dale Kieffer, three-time CVMA #1 plate-holder and owner of Racers Edge Performance, the Western U.S. Dunlop Race tire distributor.
Registration for round 1 is open at CVMAracing.com sign up now!
As previously announced, CVMA has an expanded purse program totaling more than $165,000 over the four Sunday Shootout races and Saturday Femmewalla races. CVMA has also added a lightweight twins shootout. All four Sunday Shootout races pay back to the fifth finishing position.
The CVMA Sunday Shootout purse payouts by finishing position are as follows:
Racers may enter multiple shootouts each Sunday but can only collect one purse to ensure that 20 racers will receive a check each round. Additionally, racers may be eligible for contingency programs from CVMA-partnered motorcycle manufacturers, tire suppliers, and aftermarket parts companies. Racers must purchase a CVMA Racing license, qualify and enter at least one race on Saturday to be eligible for a purse payout in the Shootouts on Sunday. For more details, please visit CVMAracing.com.
Beyond the new track surface, Chuckwalla has also installed new bleachers on both sides of the paddock for spectators, added a much larger podium, and upgraded the PA system significantly. Also, 14 more RV parking spots with 50-amp power supplies have been added to the paddock to keep rigs cool and tires warm. The total number of powered RV spots that can be reserved prior to each CVMA event is now up to 22.
CVMA offers two full days of racing every race weekend and also includes Saturday qualifying for grid position in all classes, amateur and expert, as well as a wide variety of classes to choose from.
Additionally, CVMA offers free reciprocity as a means of encouraging racers from other clubs to come out and compete. Log on to www.cvmaracing.com for more information.
The 2022-2023 Winter Series starts this weekend. Come on out for some of the most competitive racing with some of the fastest racers in the country!
Jared Mees (1), Dallas Daniels (32), and JD Beach (95) as seen at Springfield Mile I. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy AFT.
Inaugural Cedar Lake Short Track Destined to Have Huge Progressive AFT Championship Implications
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 20, 2022) – Progressive American Flat Track returns to Wisconsin for the first time in nearly two decades for the inaugural Drag Specialties Cedar Lake Short Track at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wisconsin, on Saturday, September 24.
The round is guaranteed to have massive title implications, particularly in the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle category where 50 of the season’s final 100 points will be up for grabs in a single evening featuring two premier-class Main Events.
Despite being a new venue for the tour, Cedar Lake Speedway is well suited for its temporary status as the center of the two-wheeled dirt track world. The state-of-the art, ⅜-mile high-banked clay oval traces its history back nearly seven decades and is both situated only an hour away from Indian Motorcycle’s Minnesota-based headquarters and set in the home state of Harley-Davidson and Royal Enfield North America.
Reigning Mission SuperTwins champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) comes in with the points advantage, thanks to a trio of early-season wins and a steady second half in which he’s landed on the podium in five of the last six races.
That said, with chief rival Briar Bauman (No. 3 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) on form and only nine points out of first, and Estenson Racing teammates Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) still well within striking distance as well, the championship outlook could undergo a significant makeover by the conclusion of Saturday’s twin Main Events.
With no prior track history to lean on for insight, the potential for spoilers who could further impact the title fight seems especially rife. Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) is currently ranked fifth in the points and boasts a Main Event win this season. Meanwhile, Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) – who is still seeking a maiden Mission SuperTwins win – earned podium finishes at each of the season’s two previous Short Tracks, while Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) claimed his first win at the Laconia Short Track back in 2019.
Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines
With the recent addition of a second day of racing at the Mission Volusia Half-Mile Finale, Jesse Janisch (No. 33 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R) lost the chance to clinch Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines championship in his home state.
Nevertheless, he can still take major strides toward his first-career Progressive AFT championship with a strong showing as the home favorite.
Realistically, only a pair of mechanical issues this season have prevented Janisch from being in position to wrap things up early. Outside of those two aberrant outings, Janisch and his XG750R have been consistently at or near the front at Miles, Half-Miles, TTs, and Short Tracks alike, racking up six wins among eleven podiums this season. There’s little reason to expect things to be any different at Cedar Lake Speedway.
However, defending class champion Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07) made up some ground last time out, narrowing the deficit to 17 points with three races remaining. While he no longer controls his own destiny, Texter wouldn’t need much outside help if he were able to do his part.
Should Texter win the season’s final three races, Janisch would need to finish as runner-up in all three to avoid being overtaken in the points standings. It’s a tall order to ask Texter to apply the pressure on Janisch in such a sweeping manner, but it’s certainly not out of the question either.
Texter will most likely look to the likes of Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07), Michael Rush (No. 15 Hellipower Racing/Las Vegas Harley-Davidson XG750R), Cameron Smith (No. 34 Thee Cathy Gray/Al Barker Royal Enfield 650), Billy Ross (No. 109 Mission Foods/Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R), Nick Armstrong (No. 60 Competitive Racing Frames/Lessley Brothers Yamaha MT-07), and Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) for help, each one of whom has demonstrated the capacity to finish first or second at one point or another this season.
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
If any rider is going to leave Wisconsin with a shiny new #1 plate, it’s most likely going to be Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER star Kody Kopp (No. 12 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE).
In order to seal the championship two rounds early, Kopp only needs to add two points to his lead over Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R), while avoid surrendering more than three points to Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), nine to Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R), and 14 to Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE).
It sounds easy enough, but considering the aforementioned company, Kopp may need to win, or at least podium, to pull it off. The KTM ace does boast six wins and eight podiums on the year, but he’s finished off the box in four races running.
While no other rider has a mathematical shot at the crown, there’s still plenty of motivation further down the order. For example, Trent Lowe (No. 48 Mission Foods/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda CRF450R) and Chase Saathoff (No. 106 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) are each seeking a career-first Progressive AFT win, and both have flashed the potential to score elusive triumphs on more than one occasion in 2022. There are previous few opportunities left to stand atop the box this season, further ratcheting up the pressure with the season’s end in sight.
If two Mission SuperTwins Mains on top of your regularly scheduled Mission Production Twins and Parts Unlimited Singles Main Events weren’t enough race action, the Cedar Lake Short Track will also feature the penultimate round of Royal Enfield’s hugely popular BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. program and mark the Progressive AFT debut of the Flat Out Friday Hooligans.
There will be plenty to keep fans entertained off the track as well, including live music, numerous vendors, food and beverage options, the Kids Zone, and fireworks display to cap off the evening.
Visit https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3901/ to reserve your tickets today. General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $25 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult ticket), and fans are offered a variety of premium tickets and other options to choose from, including Reserved Grandstand and VIP Experience tickets, Reserved Trackside Parking Add-Ons and a number of Camping Pass options.
Paddock Access Upgrades are also available for purchase, which provide all-day access to the pits where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.
Gates will open for fans at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT, followed immediately by the evening’s first Mission SuperTwins Main Event. 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.
The Drag Specialties Cedar Lake Short Track will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, October 2, at 10:30 a.m. ET/8:00 a.m., including exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and expert commentary.
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.
The start of the MotoGP race at Motegi in 2019, the last time MotoGP raced at the Japanese track. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
17 points. 3 riders. Let’s go!
The fight for the Championship arrives in Japan for the second round of the triple-header
Tuesday, 20 September 2022
The headlines overflowed at MotorLand Aragon, and now the paddock packs up and heads east for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan with three riders split by 17 points and everything to play for. Not since 2019 has MotoGP™ been able to race at the venue, which in some ways now seems like a different era. Three years on, the immediate memory that comes back bodes well for the luckless duo from Aragon: Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) vs Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™).
Quartararo now has only ten points in hand at the top of the table, but it was through no fault of his own and he’ll be more eager than ever to push to extend it again. He also arrives knowing that his last performance at Motegi, vs Marquez, was one of those that cemented his growing legend. So will that experience count? With action beginning on Friday afternoon, he will be hoping it helps him hit the ground running – as will Yamaha as they race on home turf for the first time in a few seasons.
Elsewhere at the Iwata marque there remains plenty to talk about. Cal Crutchlow (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™) was the first Yamaha home after that bad luck for Quartararo, and the Brit has therefore contributed Constructors’ points already – no mean feat as El Diablo was the scorer until Sunday. Crutchlow has plenty experience at the venue too. For Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), meanwhile, that was bad news – and he needs to find his way back into the form that’s seen him win races.
So, Honda. After the dust settled at MotorLand, we were left with even more questions about Marquez as the number 93 failed to make it out of Q1 due to yellow flags, and then failed to make it far into the race with that bad luck. Where would he have finished? There remain some cards close to the Repsol Honda rider’s chest and home turf for the factory is an interesting place to have to play them. As a true veteran now, Marquez knows the track better than everyone on the grid – so what can we expect? And can Pol Espargaro move forward on the other side of the garage?
Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol), meanwhile, Motegi has always been a good track and the number 73 has multiple wins in the smaller classes. But he’s also riding it for the first time in MotoGP™, as are many on the grid, so it will be an interesting one. There is also plenty on the line for Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) as he even races a race to fitness. Getting caught up in that early race crash has left him with an injured hand and he’ll need to pass a medical – but he also has some serious experience at Motegi. What can he do on home turf? There will be home representation too for Tetsuta Nagashima as he wildcards with HRC, and Takuya Tsuda will be replacing Joan Mir at Team Suzuki Ecstar as they face a bittersweet final weekend on home turf and Alex Rins looks to add another podium.
Meanwhile, Ducati march on. After the duel at Misano, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) did it again at MotorLand for another spectacular finish, and this time with Bastianini on top. But Motegi could be a different story as the ‘Beast’ rides the track for the first time in MotoGP™, and Bagnaia has only one outing in the premier class under his belt at the venue. That’s also true of Quartararo, but the two had very different races. How will that ten-point gap look this Sunday?
Elsewhere at the Borgo Panigale factory there are plenty of talking points as well. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) has solid experience of Motegi, and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) too but not with Ducati. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) will be heading in to taste the track for the first time in the premier class, as will Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team). With so much having changed since 2019, will that prove a sort of reset? Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) will hope it will as he looks to move forward again too, although the rookie continues impressing.
That phrase applies to Aprilia Racing and Aleix Espargaro even more. After a longer stint off the podium and watching that gap grow, MotorLand saw a return to the rostrum and after a weekend of ups and downs, too. That seems a statement of intent from the number 41 as he pulled it out the bag when needed on race day, and he’s back to within 17 points of those ahead. Will the lesser experience for everyone on the grid also play into their hands? The RS-GP is a newer bike, and Motegi leaves everyone in need of data on the machinery they return with. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) will also hope so, although the number 12 was caught up in avoiding that early race incident, he’ll most definitely want more from Japan after his recent podium pace took a dip.
KTM will be interesting to watch, too. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) put in a stunner at Aragon to come home fourth, and he held third for much of the race. That’s their best result since teammate Miguel Oliveira won in Indonesia, and they’ll want to back it up. Oliveira has ridden Motegi in the premier class and Binder hasn’t, but there could be some opportunity on the horizon again as returning to the track for the first time since 2019 promises a shuffle. Can the Mattighofen factory fight for the podium again?
Quartararo, Bagnaia and Aleix Espargaro are now split by just 17 points, Marquez remains a somewhat unknown quantity, and we’re heading onto home turf for Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki. There’s plenty at stake in the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, so make sure you don’t miss it as we go racing at 15:00 (GMT +9) local time on Sunday!
4 Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) – Ducati – 163
5 Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – 134
Ogura looks to fight back on home turf
Fernandez is now seven points clear, but next up it’s Mobility Resort Motegi…
MotorLand Aragon saw Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) back on the top step, Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) gain a little more ground Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) increase his lead over his closest rival, Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia), by three points heading into the flyaways. But that lead remains only seven, and now it’s time to race on Ogura’s home turf.
The Japanese rider is now an established presence at the front in Moto2™, and he’ll be keen to hit back and use experience to his advantage. Like many in the field – the majority – he hasn’t ridden Motegi in the intermediate class, but he knows his way around the track better than most with that home circuit knowledge. Can that make a key difference this weekend?
For many on the grid like Acosta, however, the track may also prove a clean slate. The likes of Canet and Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) have ridden there in Moto3™, but many on the grid never have so it’s a race to get up to speed. But not for everyone: Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) has scored points there in the class, and Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) and Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) have experience there. Jorge Navarro (Flexbox HP 40) was the top finisher of the returning Moto2™ field in 2019 in P5… but Fernandez was no slouch either with a top ten result. So will the duel with Ogura continue, or will the pack shuffle? We’ll find out on Sunday at 13:20 (GMT +9)!
2 Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) – Kalex – 207
3 Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) – Kalex – 177
Veterans vs rookies: will Motegi shuffle Moto3™?
A whole host of the grid have never ridden the track, putting Sasaki, Suzuki and their fellow veterans in the spotlight
Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) hammered home his advantage at MotorLand with another superb win, and it’s now a sizeable 33 point gap at the top as the paddock heads for Mobility Resort Motegi. But next it’s unchartered territory for the number 28 and his fellow fresh faces in the class, with the veterans looking to stamp some authority and two home heroes in particular lining up a win.
Guevara’s teammate Sergio Garcia will be the first looking to use experience to his advantage, closely followed by Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) as they both came away from Aragon almost empty handed. The likes of Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and John McPhee (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) will also want to make their previous knowledge pay. But the weekend will have all eyes on the home heroes as the grid returns to Japan, and two of them especially will want some home glory: Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing) and Ayumu Sasaki (Sterillgarda Husqvarna Max).
Suzuki has hit some good podium form this season and will most definitely want to replicate that on home turf as a minimum, but it’s Sasaki who’s really on a roll. despite some bad luck and trouble, the number 71 is homing in on the Championship top three and arrives back on home turf as a Grand Prix winner and consistent podium finisher. Can he take another victory at Motegi?
Tune in at 12:00 (GMT +9) as the second race of the triple-header gets in gear, with plenty of questions to be answered at Motegi.
Kevin Elliott, Jr., circa 2012. R.I.P. Photo courtesy Kevin Elliott, Sr.
Kevin Elliott, Jr., the son of ASRA/CCS President Kevin Elliott, died September 4 in Mesa, Arizona. The cause of death was not known at post time. He was 36.
Kevin Elliott, Sr. just learned of his son’s death on September 19. Elliott told Roadracingworld.com that the Maricopa County (Arizona) Sheriff’s Department failed to locate him for 14 days to notify him of his son’s death but a foundation that works with the homeless contacted him within 24 hours of being handed the task.
“He chose to live homeless,” Elliott said. “He had just spent two weeks in a hospital due to dehydration. Then he signed a release-against-medical-advice document, walked out of the hospital, and he was found dead a few days later.
“He was young and talented [musician and singer] and loved going to the races. He used to work for us back in the Formula USA days.
“He left an impression on everyone who met him, but he was fighting his demons. His demons won.”
Kevin Elliott, Jr. is survived by father Kevin Elliott, mother Janette Hoffer, stepfather Cliff Hoffer, paternal grandfather Carl Elliott, sister Jennifer Sims, brothers Nick Campbell and Billy Elliott, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service has been planned for October 21 in Mesa, Arizona.
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www.roadracingworld.com
November 15, 2026
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