Another new Cup joins the FIM MiniGP World Series on the Road to MotoGP™
Friday, 11 March 2022
The newest Cup to join the FIM MiniGP World Series can now be announced: the FIM MiniGP India Series. India joins Australia, Austria, Indonesia, Japan and Qatar as additions for 2022, adding to the 10 Series that began in 2021: Alpe Adria, France, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, North America, Portugal, Spain and the UK.
The FIM MiniGP World Series is designed as the first step on the Road to MotoGP™, aiming to create an equal platform for young riders around the world to begin their motorcycle racing careers. India is the world’s second most populous country and has a huge number of two-wheeled vehicles, meaning motorcycles already form part of the daily life of millions of people.
The FIM MiniGP India Series will serve an established appetite for racing, creating an economically viable and equal environment in which young riders can begin to compete, gain experience and sharpen their skills. The 2022 FIM MiniGP India Series will comprise six rounds, with competition split between Bangalore and Hyderabad.
As ever, the best riders will qualify for the FIM MiniGP World Final alongside the top riders from each Series, with the possibility of promotions up for grabs on the Road to MotoGP™.
According to MotoAmerica, Friday’s schedule has been revised in order to maximize the available dry track time and get the races in as soon as possible.
Developing a V8 high-performance hydrogen engine under commission from longtime partner Toyota Motor Corporation
Yamaha Motor has been commissioned by Toyota Motor Corporation to develop a 5.0-liter V8 engine for automobiles that is fueled entirely by hydrogen. In Japan, Toyota and other automotive-related companies are about to begin a collaborative effort to expand the range of fuel options for internal combustion engines.
As Yamaha “Motor,” the Internal Combustion Engine Is Dear to Us
“We are working toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050,” explained Yamaha Motor president Yoshihiro Hidaka. “At the same time, ‘Motor’ is in our company name and we accordingly have a strong passion for and level of commitment to the internal combustion engine.”
In November last year, the five companies of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Subaru Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, Mazda Motor Corporation, and Yamaha Motor jointly announced they would begin discussions for conducting collaborative research into possible avenues for expanding the range of fuel options for internal combustion engines in the quest for carbon neutrality. And at the announcement venue, the V8 hydrogen engine shown above, which was developed by Yamaha for Toyota, was unveiled to the public. The unit is based on the 5.0-liter engine in the Lexus RC F luxury sport coupe, with modifications made to the injectors, cylinder heads, intake manifold, and more, and delivers up to 450 hp at 6,800 rpm and a maximum 540 Nm of torque of at 3,600 rpm.
“Hydrogen engines house the potential to be carbon-neutral while keeping our passion for the internal combustion engine alive at the same time,” proclaimed President Hidaka at the venue. “Teaming up with companies with different corporate cultures and areas of expertise as well as growing the number of partners we have is how we want to lead the way into the future.”
Please find additional information about this collaborative research here.
The Merits of Hydrogen: Not a Stand-In for Gasoline
Yamaha began developing a hydrogen engine for automobiles about five years ago. Takeshi Yamada from the Technical Research & Development Center’s Automotive Development Section is a member of the hydrogen engine development team and he began to sense the depth of potential in the powerplant as the project progressed.
“I started to see that engines using only hydrogen for fuel actually had very fun, easy-to-use performance characteristics,” he explains. “Hydrogen engines have an innately friendly feel that makes them easy to use even without resorting to electronic driving aids. Everyone who came to test-drive the prototype car would start off somewhat skeptical, but emerged from the car with a big smile on their face at the end. As I watched this, I started to believe that there is actually enormous potential in the characteristics unique to hydrogen engines instead of simply treating it as a substitute for gasoline.”
Another thing that Yamada and the team value in the development process is Kanno Seino, meaning sensual or exhilarating performance. One example is the harmonic high-frequency exhaust note produced by the engine’s 8-into-1 exhaust manifold. “This is a challenge we can sink our teeth into as engineers and I personally want to pursue not just performance but also a new allure for the internal combustion engine that the world has yet to see,” declares Yamada.
What he and his fellow engineers believe in is the potential of a fully hydrogen-powered engine. Working together with his gradually expanding network of partners, Yamada undoubtedly feels they have one hand on the door to unlocking that potential.
In his first day ever riding at Daytona International Speedway, Cameron Petersen claimed the provisional pole position for the 80th Daytona 200 during qualifying Thursday.
Riding his Pirelli-shod Attack Performance Yamaha YZF-R6, the 27-year-old South African lapped the 3.51-mile infield road course with a time of 1:50.544 to top the field of 50 riders.
“I am just as surprised as anybody, I think,” said Petersen. “We had a few little issues in the first session, so we didn’t get too many laps. I knew that there was a high possibility of rain tomorrow [Friday] and this might be out only dry qualifying. So, I stayed out the whole session and tried to learn the track and hit my marks and figure out where to come off the banking and all that stuff.
Cameron Petersen (45). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“I was pretty lucky. I’m not going to lie. Sheridan Morais came past me in the infield and absolutely smoked me. He was ripping. I followed him for a lap, and I just ended up in the perfect place. I got the perfect tow all the way around the whole lap. So, I think I was a little bit lucky being in the right place at the right time.
“I’m having so much fun. The first time being up on the banking was crazy but so much fun. I just plan to keep building on this and see where it takes us.”
Morais, another South African, ended up second-best in qualifying with a 1:50.854 on his Pirelli-fitted SYNTAINICS Racing Team Yamaha YZF-R6. Morais said he hasn’t ridden much lately, just focused on doing as many laps as possible Thursday, and was surprised he got up to speed so quickly.
Four-time AMA Superbike Championship Josh Hayes was third-quickest with a 1:50.956 on his Dunlop-backed Squid Hunter Racing Yamaha YZF-R6. Hayes, who turns 47 in April, said, “I thought it was a great day. Our bike is plenty competitive, and I’m feeling good on the bike. I’m confident I’ll be there for the race distance.”
Josh Herrin, who was fourth in provisional qualifying with a 1:51.048, said his Dunlop-equipped Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Panigale V2 felt really good but he said he wasn’t too confident in his winning potential. “If I had to draft someone on the last lap to win the race I couldn’t do it right now. We’re having to work pretty hard on our gearing for it to work right with our rev limit.”
Josh Herrin (2). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
2021 Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch (1:51.313) and his TOBC Racing Triumph teammate, four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick (1:51.472), worked together late in the qualifying session to end up fifth and sixth, respectively. The Pirelli-shod and factory-supported Triumph Street Triple RS 765s of Paasch and Eslick looked especially strong getting out of the final corner of the infield and onto the West banking.
Kevin Olmedo, a 21-year-old from El Salvador, ended Thursday seventh on the time sheet with a 1:51.632 on his Dunlop-shod BobbleHeadMoto/N2 Racing Yamaha YZF-R6, the same bike he raced with at Daytona in 2021. He used Pirelli tires in that race, however. “The consistency of the Dunlops is very good. My slowest lap was only 0.2 second slower than my fastest lap,” Olmedo told Roadracingworld.com. “The track is a little green with all the rain, so there’s not much grip. That was the biggest thing today.”
Petersen’s teammate Jake Gagne, the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion, was eighth-fastest with a 1:52.121. He said, “The biggest thing is getting my head around riding a 600 again. Before today, I only did 15-20 laps on it during a test at Buttonwillow. I wasn’t super comfortable on the bike today. The chassis and suspension were off, but we have a direction to go for tomorrow.”
Jake Gagne (32). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Geoff May, riding his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R600 on Pirellis, ranked ninth on Thursday with a 1:52.344. “We’re working on some stuff,” said May, “but we’re right there.”
Geoff May (99). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
May’s 19-year-old South African teammate Sam Lochoff ended up 10th with a 1:52.391 on his Dunlop-equipped Suzuki GSX-R600, right behind May and one place ahead of his other teammate Richie Escalante (1:52.732).
Sam Lochoff (44). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Lochoff said he felt really good while doing a race-distance stint during provisional qualifying and that his race pace while riding solo is as good as anyone. For Escalante it was a day of learning as he had only ridden at Daytona once before, eight years ago, and he is still new to the Suzuki GSX-R600.
Richie Escalante (54). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Mike Selpe, of Orange, New Jersey, rounded out the top 12 provisional qualifiers with a 1:52.840 on his Martinez Motorsports Ducati Panigale V2.
Final qualifying for the Daytona 200 is scheduled to take place between 10:10 and 11:20 a.m. local time Friday morning, and then the top 12 riders will compete for the front spots on the grid during a 15-minute “Time Attack” at 4:00 p.m.
More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:
Petersen On Provisional Pole For Daytona 200
Daytona First-Timer Leads The Way On Thursday At Daytona International Speedway
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (March 10, 2022) – Cameron Petersen had never seen Daytona International Speedway and he hasn’t raced a 600cc middleweight motorcycle in seven years, but it didn’t stop him from emerging from a day of ever-changing weather to record the fastest lap on Thursday in preparation for Saturday’s 80th running of the Daytona 200.
Attack Performance Yamaha’s Petersen lapped the 3.56-mile road course in 1:50.544 to nab provisional pole position for Saturday’s 200 on his Yamaha YZF-R6. Petersen led a South African one-two on Thursday with SYNTAINICS Racing Team’s Sheridan Morais ending the session in second, just .310 of a second behind. Squid Hunter Yamaha’s Josh Hayes was the last rider in the 1:50s as he completed the provisional front row with a 1:50.956.
“It’s a trip, honestly,” Petersen said of his first time lapping the high banks of Daytona International Speedway. “My first session out, I left the pits with all the fast guys and the first thing they did was go to the top of the bank, so I went up there with them. It took me a good two laps to hold it wide open through there. It’s a bit of a trip. Honestly, it’s just so fun. I’m having so much fun around this place. It’s a very easy track but so much fun.”
Petersen was obviously surprised at taking provisional pole on his first day at the Speedway.
“I came in and I know that they’ve had some issues with timing and scoring and stuff today, so I came in and saw my number at the top of the board,” Petersen said. “I was just like… something’s wrong, Even Richard (team owner, Stanboli) said, ‘There’s no way, there’s no way you’re quickest.’ They confirmed it and I still can’t believe it. I just put myself in the right place and got the perfect lap and the perfect tow behind Shez (Morais). It was good and I’m looking forward to the rest of it.”
Josh Herrin made his Warhorse HSBK Ducati NYC debut at the Speedway today and ended the qualifying session in fourth just ahead of the defending Daytona 200 Champion Brandon Paasch and his TOBC Triumph teammate Danny Eslick, with the four-time Daytona 200 winner ending the day in sixth.
BobbleHeadMoto/N2 Racing’s Kevin Olmedo, Attack Performance Yamaha’s Jake Gagne, and Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki teammates Geoff May and Samuel Lochoff rounded out the top 10.
The Mission King Of The Baggers class was rained out of its first qualifying session, but that was after defending series champion Kyle Wyman led morning practice over his H-D Screamin’ Eagle factory teammate and brother, Travis Wyman. Kyle Wyman lapped at a best of 1:57.814, .846 of a second faster than Travis.
Vance & Hines Racing’s James Rispoli was third-fastest followed by Mission Foods/S&S Cycle/Indian Challenger Team’s Jeremy McWilliams and Roland Sands Design’s Bobby Fong.
Mission Volusia Half-Mile I Rescheduled for Saturday, March 12 due to Weather
Friday’s Mission Volusia Half-Mile II planned to run as originally scheduled.
DE LEON SPRINGS, Fla. (March 10, 2021) – Due to inclement weather, the Mission Volusia Half-Mile I scheduled for today, Thursday, March 10, has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 12. Tickets purchased for today’s Volusia Half-Mile I are redeemable for the rescheduled event on Saturday, March 12.
Tomorrow’s Mission Volusia Half-Mile II is planned to run as originally scheduled on Friday, March 11.
For both Friday and Saturday, gates are scheduled to open for fans at 3:30 p.m., track-activity commencing at 4:20 p.m. and Opening Ceremonies scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE CELEBRATES ITS FLAT TRACK RACING LEGACY WITH NEW FTR CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION
Limited-Edition FTR Commemorates Five-Consecutive American Flat Track® Championships with Authentic Race Livery, Carbon Fiber Finishes & Premium Components
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – March 10, 2022 – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today celebrates its flat track racing legacy with the launch of the FTR Championship Edition. With only 400 available globally, the limited-edition FTR allows race fans from around the world to join the Indian Wrecking Crew in celebration of the team’s five-consecutive American Flat Track championships.
The 2022 FTR Championship Edition displays the company’s five AFT Championship-winning seasons. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Inspired by the sport’s preeminent flat track race machine, the FTR750, the FTR Championship Edition touts an authentic race paint scheme and a commemorative Indian Motorcycle Racing bezel with each championship season on display. But more than a show piece, the limited-edition FTR features premium components, including a titanium Akrapovič Exhaust and fully adjustable front forks and piggyback shock. Carbon fiber parts, including a seat cowl, front fender, airbox covers and headlight nacelle, complete the bike’s premium design.
The 2022 Indian FTR Championship Edition has a carbon fiber headlight nacelle and airbox cover. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
“Since the FTR’s debut in 2019, riders around the world have expressed their passion and enthusiasm for the FTR’s flat track-inspired design,” said Aaron Jax, Indian Motorcycle Vice President. “While the 2022 FTR lineup optimizes the FTR’s on-road performance, the FTR Championship Edition reignites our flat track racing legacy and celebrates the Wrecking Crew’s historic success. Although this limited-edition bike is a commemorative show piece, it’s also an on-road ripper that performs in the twisties as well as turns heads on city streets.”
Adding to its flat track-inspired design are a host of premium features and ride-enhancing technologies, including three ride modes, wheelie control with rear lift mitigation, stability control, traction control and cornering ABS. The FTR Championship Edition also touts a 4.3-inch digital touchscreen display and a 1203cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine that produces 120 horsepower and 87 ft-lbs of torque. The limited-edition FTR is equipped with a race-inspired wheel combination of a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel – wrapped in Dunlop® street tires with flat track-inspired tread. Radially mounted dual front disc Brembo brakes offer exceptional control and stopping power, while ProTaper® flat tracker aluminum handlebars complete the race bike look.
The 2022 Indian FTR Championship Edition comes with Brembo brake calipers, flat track-inspired Dunlop tires, and a carbon-fiber front fender. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Indian Motorcycle Racing, the winner of the last five Manufacturer’s Championships, returned to professional flat track racing in 2017. Since the debut of the FTR750, an Indian Motorcycle Racing factory rider has won the championship every year in the sport’s premiere class. The 2022 Indian Wrecking Crew, consisting of 2021 SuperTwins Champion Jared Mees, two-time champion Briar Bauman and the team’s newest member, the winningest rider in American Flat Track Singles history, Shayna Texter-Bauman, will look to defend its title at the season opener on March 10 at the Volusia Half-Mile.
The FTR Championship LE will begin shipping to Indian Motorcycle dealers around the world starting April. Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com, or by following along on FacebookSM, Twitter SM and Instagram SM.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
Pablo Olivares-Rodriguez (46), Izan Rodriguez-Alvarez (44), Josh O'Brien (22, behind Rodriguez-Alvarez), and Cristian Borrelli (24) battle for the lead of an FIM MiniGP World Final race at Valencia in 2021. Photo courtesy Dorna.
FIM MiniGP India Series to begin in 2022
Another new Cup joins the FIM MiniGP World Series on the Road to MotoGP™
Friday, 11 March 2022
The newest Cup to join the FIM MiniGP World Series can now be announced: the FIM MiniGP India Series. India joins Australia, Austria, Indonesia, Japan and Qatar as additions for 2022, adding to the 10 Series that began in 2021: Alpe Adria, France, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, North America, Portugal, Spain and the UK.
The FIM MiniGP World Series is designed as the first step on the Road to MotoGP™, aiming to create an equal platform for young riders around the world to begin their motorcycle racing careers. India is the world’s second most populous country and has a huge number of two-wheeled vehicles, meaning motorcycles already form part of the daily life of millions of people.
The FIM MiniGP India Series will serve an established appetite for racing, creating an economically viable and equal environment in which young riders can begin to compete, gain experience and sharpen their skills. The 2022 FIM MiniGP India Series will comprise six rounds, with competition split between Bangalore and Hyderabad.
As ever, the best riders will qualify for the FIM MiniGP World Final alongside the top riders from each Series, with the possibility of promotions up for grabs on the Road to MotoGP™.
The finish line at Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Align Media, courtesy Pirelli.
According to MotoAmerica, Friday’s schedule has been revised in order to maximize the available dry track time and get the races in as soon as possible.
Developing a V8 high-performance hydrogen engine under commission from longtime partner Toyota Motor Corporation
Yamaha Motor has been commissioned by Toyota Motor Corporation to develop a 5.0-liter V8 engine for automobiles that is fueled entirely by hydrogen. In Japan, Toyota and other automotive-related companies are about to begin a collaborative effort to expand the range of fuel options for internal combustion engines.
As Yamaha “Motor,” the Internal Combustion Engine Is Dear to Us
“We are working toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050,” explained Yamaha Motor president Yoshihiro Hidaka. “At the same time, ‘Motor’ is in our company name and we accordingly have a strong passion for and level of commitment to the internal combustion engine.”
In November last year, the five companies of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Subaru Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, Mazda Motor Corporation, and Yamaha Motor jointly announced they would begin discussions for conducting collaborative research into possible avenues for expanding the range of fuel options for internal combustion engines in the quest for carbon neutrality. And at the announcement venue, the V8 hydrogen engine shown above, which was developed by Yamaha for Toyota, was unveiled to the public. The unit is based on the 5.0-liter engine in the Lexus RC F luxury sport coupe, with modifications made to the injectors, cylinder heads, intake manifold, and more, and delivers up to 450 hp at 6,800 rpm and a maximum 540 Nm of torque of at 3,600 rpm.
“Hydrogen engines house the potential to be carbon-neutral while keeping our passion for the internal combustion engine alive at the same time,” proclaimed President Hidaka at the venue. “Teaming up with companies with different corporate cultures and areas of expertise as well as growing the number of partners we have is how we want to lead the way into the future.”
Please find additional information about this collaborative research here.
The Merits of Hydrogen: Not a Stand-In for Gasoline
Yamaha began developing a hydrogen engine for automobiles about five years ago. Takeshi Yamada from the Technical Research & Development Center’s Automotive Development Section is a member of the hydrogen engine development team and he began to sense the depth of potential in the powerplant as the project progressed.
“I started to see that engines using only hydrogen for fuel actually had very fun, easy-to-use performance characteristics,” he explains. “Hydrogen engines have an innately friendly feel that makes them easy to use even without resorting to electronic driving aids. Everyone who came to test-drive the prototype car would start off somewhat skeptical, but emerged from the car with a big smile on their face at the end. As I watched this, I started to believe that there is actually enormous potential in the characteristics unique to hydrogen engines instead of simply treating it as a substitute for gasoline.”
Another thing that Yamada and the team value in the development process is Kanno Seino, meaning sensual or exhilarating performance. One example is the harmonic high-frequency exhaust note produced by the engine’s 8-into-1 exhaust manifold. “This is a challenge we can sink our teeth into as engineers and I personally want to pursue not just performance but also a new allure for the internal combustion engine that the world has yet to see,” declares Yamada.
What he and his fellow engineers believe in is the potential of a fully hydrogen-powered engine. Working together with his gradually expanding network of partners, Yamada undoubtedly feels they have one hand on the door to unlocking that potential.
In his first day ever riding at Daytona International Speedway, Cameron Petersen claimed the provisional pole position for the 80th Daytona 200 during qualifying Thursday.
Riding his Pirelli-shod Attack Performance Yamaha YZF-R6, the 27-year-old South African lapped the 3.51-mile infield road course with a time of 1:50.544 to top the field of 50 riders.
“I am just as surprised as anybody, I think,” said Petersen. “We had a few little issues in the first session, so we didn’t get too many laps. I knew that there was a high possibility of rain tomorrow [Friday] and this might be out only dry qualifying. So, I stayed out the whole session and tried to learn the track and hit my marks and figure out where to come off the banking and all that stuff.
Cameron Petersen (45). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“I was pretty lucky. I’m not going to lie. Sheridan Morais came past me in the infield and absolutely smoked me. He was ripping. I followed him for a lap, and I just ended up in the perfect place. I got the perfect tow all the way around the whole lap. So, I think I was a little bit lucky being in the right place at the right time.
“I’m having so much fun. The first time being up on the banking was crazy but so much fun. I just plan to keep building on this and see where it takes us.”
Morais, another South African, ended up second-best in qualifying with a 1:50.854 on his Pirelli-fitted SYNTAINICS Racing Team Yamaha YZF-R6. Morais said he hasn’t ridden much lately, just focused on doing as many laps as possible Thursday, and was surprised he got up to speed so quickly.
Four-time AMA Superbike Championship Josh Hayes was third-quickest with a 1:50.956 on his Dunlop-backed Squid Hunter Racing Yamaha YZF-R6. Hayes, who turns 47 in April, said, “I thought it was a great day. Our bike is plenty competitive, and I’m feeling good on the bike. I’m confident I’ll be there for the race distance.”
Josh Herrin, who was fourth in provisional qualifying with a 1:51.048, said his Dunlop-equipped Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Panigale V2 felt really good but he said he wasn’t too confident in his winning potential. “If I had to draft someone on the last lap to win the race I couldn’t do it right now. We’re having to work pretty hard on our gearing for it to work right with our rev limit.”
Josh Herrin (2). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
2021 Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch (1:51.313) and his TOBC Racing Triumph teammate, four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick (1:51.472), worked together late in the qualifying session to end up fifth and sixth, respectively. The Pirelli-shod and factory-supported Triumph Street Triple RS 765s of Paasch and Eslick looked especially strong getting out of the final corner of the infield and onto the West banking.
Kevin Olmedo, a 21-year-old from El Salvador, ended Thursday seventh on the time sheet with a 1:51.632 on his Dunlop-shod BobbleHeadMoto/N2 Racing Yamaha YZF-R6, the same bike he raced with at Daytona in 2021. He used Pirelli tires in that race, however. “The consistency of the Dunlops is very good. My slowest lap was only 0.2 second slower than my fastest lap,” Olmedo told Roadracingworld.com. “The track is a little green with all the rain, so there’s not much grip. That was the biggest thing today.”
Petersen’s teammate Jake Gagne, the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion, was eighth-fastest with a 1:52.121. He said, “The biggest thing is getting my head around riding a 600 again. Before today, I only did 15-20 laps on it during a test at Buttonwillow. I wasn’t super comfortable on the bike today. The chassis and suspension were off, but we have a direction to go for tomorrow.”
Jake Gagne (32). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Geoff May, riding his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R600 on Pirellis, ranked ninth on Thursday with a 1:52.344. “We’re working on some stuff,” said May, “but we’re right there.”
Geoff May (99). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
May’s 19-year-old South African teammate Sam Lochoff ended up 10th with a 1:52.391 on his Dunlop-equipped Suzuki GSX-R600, right behind May and one place ahead of his other teammate Richie Escalante (1:52.732).
Sam Lochoff (44). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Lochoff said he felt really good while doing a race-distance stint during provisional qualifying and that his race pace while riding solo is as good as anyone. For Escalante it was a day of learning as he had only ridden at Daytona once before, eight years ago, and he is still new to the Suzuki GSX-R600.
Richie Escalante (54). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Mike Selpe, of Orange, New Jersey, rounded out the top 12 provisional qualifiers with a 1:52.840 on his Martinez Motorsports Ducati Panigale V2.
Final qualifying for the Daytona 200 is scheduled to take place between 10:10 and 11:20 a.m. local time Friday morning, and then the top 12 riders will compete for the front spots on the grid during a 15-minute “Time Attack” at 4:00 p.m.
More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:
Petersen On Provisional Pole For Daytona 200
Daytona First-Timer Leads The Way On Thursday At Daytona International Speedway
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (March 10, 2022) – Cameron Petersen had never seen Daytona International Speedway and he hasn’t raced a 600cc middleweight motorcycle in seven years, but it didn’t stop him from emerging from a day of ever-changing weather to record the fastest lap on Thursday in preparation for Saturday’s 80th running of the Daytona 200.
Attack Performance Yamaha’s Petersen lapped the 3.56-mile road course in 1:50.544 to nab provisional pole position for Saturday’s 200 on his Yamaha YZF-R6. Petersen led a South African one-two on Thursday with SYNTAINICS Racing Team’s Sheridan Morais ending the session in second, just .310 of a second behind. Squid Hunter Yamaha’s Josh Hayes was the last rider in the 1:50s as he completed the provisional front row with a 1:50.956.
“It’s a trip, honestly,” Petersen said of his first time lapping the high banks of Daytona International Speedway. “My first session out, I left the pits with all the fast guys and the first thing they did was go to the top of the bank, so I went up there with them. It took me a good two laps to hold it wide open through there. It’s a bit of a trip. Honestly, it’s just so fun. I’m having so much fun around this place. It’s a very easy track but so much fun.”
Petersen was obviously surprised at taking provisional pole on his first day at the Speedway.
“I came in and I know that they’ve had some issues with timing and scoring and stuff today, so I came in and saw my number at the top of the board,” Petersen said. “I was just like… something’s wrong, Even Richard (team owner, Stanboli) said, ‘There’s no way, there’s no way you’re quickest.’ They confirmed it and I still can’t believe it. I just put myself in the right place and got the perfect lap and the perfect tow behind Shez (Morais). It was good and I’m looking forward to the rest of it.”
Josh Herrin made his Warhorse HSBK Ducati NYC debut at the Speedway today and ended the qualifying session in fourth just ahead of the defending Daytona 200 Champion Brandon Paasch and his TOBC Triumph teammate Danny Eslick, with the four-time Daytona 200 winner ending the day in sixth.
BobbleHeadMoto/N2 Racing’s Kevin Olmedo, Attack Performance Yamaha’s Jake Gagne, and Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki teammates Geoff May and Samuel Lochoff rounded out the top 10.
The Mission King Of The Baggers class was rained out of its first qualifying session, but that was after defending series champion Kyle Wyman led morning practice over his H-D Screamin’ Eagle factory teammate and brother, Travis Wyman. Kyle Wyman lapped at a best of 1:57.814, .846 of a second faster than Travis.
Vance & Hines Racing’s James Rispoli was third-fastest followed by Mission Foods/S&S Cycle/Indian Challenger Team’s Jeremy McWilliams and Roland Sands Design’s Bobby Fong.
The American Flat Track paddock at Volusia Speedway Park, in Florida, as seen in 2020. Photo courtesy AFT.
Mission Volusia Half-Mile I Rescheduled for Saturday, March 12 due to Weather
Friday’s Mission Volusia Half-Mile II planned to run as originally scheduled.
DE LEON SPRINGS, Fla. (March 10, 2021) – Due to inclement weather, the Mission Volusia Half-Mile I scheduled for today, Thursday, March 10, has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 12. Tickets purchased for today’s Volusia Half-Mile I are redeemable for the rescheduled event on Saturday, March 12.
Tomorrow’s Mission Volusia Half-Mile II is planned to run as originally scheduled on Friday, March 11.
For both Friday and Saturday, gates are scheduled to open for fans at 3:30 p.m., track-activity commencing at 4:20 p.m. and Opening Ceremonies scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
A 2022 Indian FTR Championship Edition. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE CELEBRATES ITS FLAT TRACK RACING LEGACY WITH NEW FTR CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION
Limited-Edition FTR Commemorates Five-Consecutive American Flat Track® Championships with Authentic Race Livery, Carbon Fiber Finishes & Premium Components
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – March 10, 2022 – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today celebrates its flat track racing legacy with the launch of the FTR Championship Edition. With only 400 available globally, the limited-edition FTR allows race fans from around the world to join the Indian Wrecking Crew in celebration of the team’s five-consecutive American Flat Track championships.
The 2022 FTR Championship Edition displays the company’s five AFT Championship-winning seasons. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Inspired by the sport’s preeminent flat track race machine, the FTR750, the FTR Championship Edition touts an authentic race paint scheme and a commemorative Indian Motorcycle Racing bezel with each championship season on display. But more than a show piece, the limited-edition FTR features premium components, including a titanium Akrapovič Exhaust and fully adjustable front forks and piggyback shock. Carbon fiber parts, including a seat cowl, front fender, airbox covers and headlight nacelle, complete the bike’s premium design.
The 2022 Indian FTR Championship Edition has a carbon fiber headlight nacelle and airbox cover. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
“Since the FTR’s debut in 2019, riders around the world have expressed their passion and enthusiasm for the FTR’s flat track-inspired design,” said Aaron Jax, Indian Motorcycle Vice President. “While the 2022 FTR lineup optimizes the FTR’s on-road performance, the FTR Championship Edition reignites our flat track racing legacy and celebrates the Wrecking Crew’s historic success. Although this limited-edition bike is a commemorative show piece, it’s also an on-road ripper that performs in the twisties as well as turns heads on city streets.”
Adding to its flat track-inspired design are a host of premium features and ride-enhancing technologies, including three ride modes, wheelie control with rear lift mitigation, stability control, traction control and cornering ABS. The FTR Championship Edition also touts a 4.3-inch digital touchscreen display and a 1203cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine that produces 120 horsepower and 87 ft-lbs of torque. The limited-edition FTR is equipped with a race-inspired wheel combination of a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel – wrapped in Dunlop® street tires with flat track-inspired tread. Radially mounted dual front disc Brembo brakes offer exceptional control and stopping power, while ProTaper® flat tracker aluminum handlebars complete the race bike look.
The 2022 Indian FTR Championship Edition comes with Brembo brake calipers, flat track-inspired Dunlop tires, and a carbon-fiber front fender. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Indian Motorcycle Racing, the winner of the last five Manufacturer’s Championships, returned to professional flat track racing in 2017. Since the debut of the FTR750, an Indian Motorcycle Racing factory rider has won the championship every year in the sport’s premiere class. The 2022 Indian Wrecking Crew, consisting of 2021 SuperTwins Champion Jared Mees, two-time champion Briar Bauman and the team’s newest member, the winningest rider in American Flat Track Singles history, Shayna Texter-Bauman, will look to defend its title at the season opener on March 10 at the Volusia Half-Mile.
The FTR Championship LE will begin shipping to Indian Motorcycle dealers around the world starting April. Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com, or by following along on FacebookSM, Twitter SM and Instagram SM.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
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