American Flat Track: Season Opens March 10-11 In Florida

David Swarts

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March 8, 2022

American Flat Track: Season Opens March 10-11 In Florida

Progressive AFT Set for Epic Daytona Bike Week Opener at Mission Volusia Half-Mile Doubleheader

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 8, 2022) – One of the most anticipated seasons in Progressive American Flat Track history is only days away as the 2022 campaign is set to kick off in an epic Daytona Bike Week doubleheader. The 18-round fight featuring the world’s most elite motorcycle dirt track racers vying for the historic championship will begin this Thursday, March 10 and Friday, March 11 with the Mission Volusia Half-Mile I & II at Volusia Speedway Park in De Leon Springs, Florida.

The upcoming season will provide the latest chapter in what’s already established as one of the all-time great rivalries in a sport that has been defined by them over the decades. Over the past three seasons, former mentor Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) and protégé Briar Bauman (No. 3 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) have waged a titanic battle for supremacy that couldn’t possibly be any more evenly matched.

Since 2017, reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Champion Mees has collected 932 points, 20 victories, and one championship. Bauman, for his part, has collected 932 points, 14 victories, and two championships. Already among the most talented, accomplished, and determined riders in recent memory, their rivalry fuels them both to ever greater heights.

That’s not to suggest the emergence of additional championship threats is out of the question. For long stretches of each of the past three seasons, Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) has looked every bit the equal of Mees and Bauman, and he has the potential to put an entire season together at that level. Robinson’s Mission Roof Systems teammate, Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), meanwhile, has another year of seasoning and experience on the Indian FTR750 under his belt. Last year, Vanderkooi notched up four runner-up results in his quest for a maiden Mission SuperTwins win, and it was a relatively rare occurrence he didn’t finish in the top four.

The Estenson Racing Yamaha effort is expected to be more formidable than ever in 2022. JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) took a big step forward a year ago, starting with his runner-up result in the season opener at Volusia Speedway Park and ending with a fifth-placed championship ranking. With a leveled playing field working in his favor, Beach has all the tools necessary to crash the party.

That same reasoning extends to Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) as well. Bauman is only a couple seasons removed from finishing third in the Grand National Championship and will be well motivated to put Harley-Davidson back up front.

And we’d be remiss if we failed to mention the class’ most recent winner, Davis Fisher (No. 67 Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), who claimed a maiden premier-class victory in stunning fashion at the ‘21 season finale.

Adding considerable excitement to this year’s Mission SuperTwins class is the addition of two riders who already rank as among the most decorated and popular riders in the sport. Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) – the all-time winningest rider in Parts Unlimited AFT Singles history – and Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) – that same class’ only back-to-back champion – are set to graduate to premier-class duty in equally high-profile fashion this season.

Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines

2022 marks the swansong season for the Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines category before it merges with Mission SuperTwins in 2023. That fact only increases its relevance this season, as it’ll serve as a preview for the premier-class production-based ruleset moving forward.

And those rules will be tested on track with the exciting introduction of the Mission Production Twins Challenge, in which the top four finishers in the Mission Production Twins Main Event gain entry into the Mission SuperTwins Main as well.

Even without that tie to the premier class, the ‘22 Mission Production Twins championship offers an abundance of intrigue. Persistent class power and defending champion Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Mission Foods Yamaha MT-07) will put the #1 plate on the line as he looks to continue to rack up race wins along the way. Texter is long past his underdog days with the ‘19 and ‘21 championships on his résumé and last year’s season-long domination still fresh in his opponents’ collective memory.

He’ll face a multi-brand challenge right from the start with proven Mission Production Twins race winners representing three makes other than his own, including Chad Cose (No. 49 DPC Racing/Voodoo Ranger Harley-Davidson XG750R), Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield Twins FT), Jesse Janisch (No. 33 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R), Ryan Varnes (No. 68 Schaeffer’s Motorsports/Rausch Fuel & Oil KTM 890 Duke) and Kolby Carlile (No. 36 KC36 Las Vegas Harley-Davidson XG750R).

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

With the aforementioned Daniels and Texter-Bauman having graduated to Mission SuperTwins, this year’s Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER promises to be a wide-open affair.

Two-time championship runner-up Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE) will do everything in his power to prevent that from happening; his ‘21 form suggests the Australian could be tough for the competition to deal with if he continues on his current trajectory.

That said, last year’s Rookie of the Year, Kody Kopp (No. 12 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE), is on an equally steep trajectory and comes armed with equal equipment.

There were times in 2021 when the American Honda-backed Turner Racing bikes looked to have speed on everyone else in the field. Riding the fleet of fast CRF450Rs in ‘22 is an all-new, ultra-talented trio in ‘19 class champ Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R), last year’s third-ranked Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R), and heralded rookie Chase Saathoff (No. 106 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R).

Fast rising Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) – who won a pair of races for American Honda a year ago – was signed by Estenson Racing to fill the seat of reigning champion Daniels and represent Yamaha in the hotly contested class.

And Brandon Kitchen (No. 80 Vance & Hines/Husqvarna Motorcycles FC450), Trent Lowe (No. 48 Mission Foods/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda CRF450R), and Ferran Cardús (No. 377 Roof Systems of Dallas/Bullet Strong Racing Honda CRF450R) are just small sampling of other riders who harbor genuine race-winning aspirations in a class that consistently delivers fireworks.

Buy your tickets in advance for the Mission Volusia Half-Mile I & II at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3666. General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $40 and kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Upgraded options include Reserved Grandstand, Premium Reserved Grandstand, and the Turn 1 Paddock Grandstand offering, granting fans all-day access to the pits along with exclusive access to the trackside grandstand located just outside Turn 1.

New for 2022, Paddock Access Upgrades are also available for purchase, providing 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. Get a double dose of Progressive AFT action and save some cash with the Doubleheader Discount, which knocks $10 off a pair of Thursday and Friday tickets when purchased together.

Gates will open for fans at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT on both days with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT ahead the evenings’ Main Event programs. You can catch the livestream of all the weekend’s racing activities free via Facebook up until Opening Ceremonies. Fans can then purchase access to watch Opening Ceremonies, Semis, Main Events, and podium celebrations via Facebook Paid Online Events for $3.99 if purchased 24 hours or more in advance, or $4.99 if purchased on the day of the event.

The Mission Volusia Half-Mile I & II will premiere in back-to-back one-hour telecasts on FS1 on Sunday, March 20, starting at 11:00 a.m. ET/8:00 a.m. PT., including exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and expert commentary.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com. To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.

How to Watch:

FOX Sports and Facebook are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2022 season, all 18 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. Viewers can watch livestream coverage of every round in the Facebook mobile app, Facebook desktop site or on the Facebook Watch mobile app. To watch the livestream on TV, fans can download the Facebook Watch TV app, or cast to a TV from the Facebook mobile app. Facebook Watch is available through Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and Xbox One.

MotoAmerica: DiBrino Racing KTM Again In RSD Super Hooligan

David Swarts

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March 8, 2022

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MotoAmerica: DiBrino Racing KTM Again In RSD Super Hooligan

Andy DiBrino to race RSD Super Hooligan Series with support from KTM USA

Two-time RSD Super Hooligan National Champion Andy DiBrino, of Tualatin, Oregon, will be racing in the 2022 RSD Super Hooligan National Championship in conjunction with MotoAmerica. The 3-round series kicks off this week March 10-12 at Daytona International Speedway. Andy will be racing the 2022 KTM 890 Duke R this season.

“I’m really exited that MotoAmerica is bringing the Super Hooligan class back as a mini-series this season,” said DiBrino. “It’s a fun class to race and it will be nice to spend more time in the MotoAmerica paddock this season. I’m really thankful for the support KTM USA has given me this season, as well as all my sponsors. Looking forward to hitting the high banks at Daytona for the first time and seeing some KTM fans this season!”

Follow Andy on social media to keep in the loop on his racing and endeavors:

Instagram: @andy_dibrino
YouTube: Andy DiBrino
Facebook: Andy DiBrino Racing
TikTok: @andy_dibrino

dibrinoracing.com

MotoGP: Indonesian President To Join Rider Parade In Jakarta

David Swarts

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March 8, 2022

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MotoGP: Indonesian President To Join Rider Parade In Jakarta

MotoGP™ set for Jakarta parade ahead of Mandalika

20 riders are set to ride through the Indonesian capital before the paddock heads to Lombok

Tuesday, 08 March 2022

It’s 25 years since the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship raced in Indonesia, and the time has almost come for the engines to fire up for the inaugural Grand Prix event at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit: the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia. Indonesian Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir recently confirmed that race day tickets for the Grand Prix have already sold out – with a limited number of extras now made available to cater to the high demand – and the stage is set for a truly spectacular Indonesian GP.

Before the paddock heads for Lombok, however, the festivities will begin in the capital city of Jakarta on Wednesday the 16th of March. An incredible 20-strong line-up of riders will take part in a unique parade, starting and ending at the Merdeka Palace. President Jokowi will welcome the riders at the Palace, including some of the sport’s biggest stars, as well as some local heroes. The President will then join the parade and ride with them.

The parade will feature a host of Champions and Grand Prix winners:

Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team)

Pol Espargaró (Repsol Honda Team)

Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar)

Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar)

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team)

Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team)

Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™)

Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™)

Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing)

Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing)

Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol)

Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu)

Andrea Dovizioso (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team)

Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team)

Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team)

Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team)

Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team)

Gabriel Rodrigo (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team)

Mario Aji (Honda Team Asia)

Veda Ega Pratama (Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup)

Stay tuned for more as MotoGP™ prepares to head east to Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, with the parade in Jakarta sure to get the paddock in gear for a stunning weekend of racing in one of the sport’s most passionate markets.

Kopp Wins Chicken Hawk Racing Tire Warmers In Survey P4

David Swarts

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March 8, 2022

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Kopp Wins Chicken Hawk Racing Tire Warmers In Survey P4

Matthew Kopp, of Manorville, New York, is the winner of a set of Chicken Racing Hawk Professional Digital Tire Warmers in Roadracing World 2022 Reader Survey, Part 4.

Chicken Hawk Racing’s Professional Digital Tire Warmers offer a full-coverage heating element design that provides uniform heating across the entire surface of tires. Nomex/Kevlar insulation ensure maximum heat retention. The Gentex aluminized Kevlar exterior provides insulation as well as water and tear resistance, while the Dupont Fiber melt-proof inner liner has temperature-sensitive dye to show malfunction or misuse. Elastic side panels provide a tight fight, further enhancing heat retention and protection from cooling winds. Each warmer has a Micro-Processor Temperature Controller with a digital display to adjust the heating temperature, the heating mode (Normal or Slow), and to check elapsed time. The warmers are available in a variety of sizes to fit different wheels and tires and are available in 120V or 230/240V (for an additional charge). Chicken Hawk Racing Professional Digital Tire Warmers are available from dealers or directly from Chicken Hawk Racing for $755.

Survey results are used to improve content for readers and marketing for our advertisers. Name and address required for prize drawing. Entrants will automatically receive a free three-issue trial subscription to Roadracing World magazine with no obligation. No mailing list or confidential individual information is shared with third parties. Roadracing World’s privacy policy can be viewed here. To sign up to receive upcoming, short installments of future Roadracing World reader surveys and other promotional e-mails from Roadracing World, CLICK HERE.

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MotoE: Aegerter Quickest On Day One Of Testing At Jerez

David Swarts

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March 7, 2022

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MotoE: Aegerter Quickest On Day One Of Testing At Jerez

Aegerter fastest as MotoE™ gets back on track at Jerez

Energica bring a new battery for 2022 as the opening day of testing in Jerez ends with the Swiss rider on top

Monday, 07 March 2022

Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) has ended the first day of the Official FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup Test at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto top of the timesheets thanks to a 1:48.634, opening a gap at the top. Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) was second fastest as he changes team, the Brazilian’s best time a 1:48.925, with inaugural Cup winner Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) third quickest out the blocks.

Day 1 consisted of three sessions, the first of which was 15 minutes long and the latter two 20 minutes each. One big headline saw the riders and teams get to grips with Energica’s new battery for the 2022 season, with lower weight a key aim of the evolution.

Two-time and defending MotoE World Cup Champion Jordi Torres (40). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Behind the top three, Xavi Cardelus (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) and 2020 and 2021 Cup winner Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) were the riders completing the fastest five runners on Monday, but there are still two more days of track action ahead in Andalucia.

It was a warm welcome back to MotoE™ action for Bradley Smith (WithU GRT RNF MotoE™ Team), his teammate Niccolo Canepa and Hector Garzo (Tech3 E-Racing) too, the trio all returning to the fold after at least a year away from the electric class.

The only rider from the 2022 line-up that was absent was sophomore Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) after the Spaniard had to undergo surgery due to appendicitis.

Make sure to stay up to date with highlights and interviews on motogp.com throughout the three days of testing in Jerez!

DAY 1: TOP THREE

1 Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) – Energica – 1:48.634

2 Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) – Energica – +0.291

3 Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) – Energica – +0.596

MotoAmerica: Yamaha Bringing “Spirit Of Challenge” To Daytona 200

David Swarts

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March 7, 2022

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MotoAmerica: Yamaha Bringing “Spirit Of Challenge” To Daytona 200

Yamaha Celebrates its “Spirit of Challenge” with Return to the Iconic Daytona International Speedway

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., makes its official return to the high banks of the iconic Daytona International Speedway, with MotoAmerica partnering with the venue to host the 80th running of the renowned Daytona 200 on March 10-12. Leading the campaign for the top honors is the Attack Performance Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing team with defending MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne and Cameron Petersen aboard Attack Performance Yamaha R6 machines sporting special 60th Anniversary red-and-white livery.

Yamaha’s deep-rooted “Spirit of Challenge” was born from the company’s first racing success in 1955 at the Mt. Fuji Ascent Race in Japan, which amazingly occurred just weeks after its first product, the YA-1, was introduced to the world.

Then, in 1972, a young Californian, Don Emde, son of 1948 Daytona 200 winner Floyd Emde, took his Yamaha TR3 road racer to a stunning victory on the high banks, marking the first Daytona 200 victory for Yamaha and beginning a 13-year streak for the brand. In addition to that debut victory 50 years ago, Yamaha riders swept the podium. The brand has gone on to record the most wins of any manufacturer at the historic event, amassing a total of 27 victories over the past five decades.

“March 12, 1972, holds a true lifetime memory for my entire family and myself, as working together, we took that little TR3 Yamaha giant-killer to victory,” said Don Emde. “I took the checkered flag about five or six bike lengths ahead of the second-place rider, and the feeling of that victory 50 years ago remains fresh to this very day! I still must credit my dad, who instilled in me that my biggest goal in racing was always very possible, and that day proved him right.”

Yamaha looks to carry on that winning tradition as it returns to racing at Daytona International Speedway in 2022.

“Yamaha is very proud to have the most wins by a manufacturer in the renowned Daytona 200,” said Tom Halverson, Yamaha Racing Assistant Department Manager for YMUS. “Many of these wins were legendary, and none came easy. We are very excited that Attack Performance decided to take on this challenge in which every team member is actively involved. We are looking forward to getting back to the Beach!”

MotoAmerica makes its debut at the iconic venue in Daytona Beach, Florida, for the first time since it took stewardship of the U.S. AMA National Road Racing Championship in 2015. So, although it will be the first Daytona 200 for the team that fields Yamaha’s factory-supported effort in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, Attack Performance owner and Team Manager Richard Stanboli has enjoyed success in his previous endeavors.

“We couldn’t be more excited for the new Attack Performance Yamaha Racing team to reach for this goal of winning the re-energized Daytona 200,” said Stanboli. “The Daytona 200 is unlike any other race where team strategy, coordination, and above all, a passion to win makes the difference. I’m confident that our team and our Yamaha R6 is up to the task!”

Jake Gagne is also looking forward to returning to Daytona International Speedway for another shot at the Daytona 200 victory after an eight-year absence.

“I’m excited to get back to the high banks for the Daytona 200!” said Gagne. “Yamaha has always had great performances at Daytona, so I look forward to getting back on an R6 and going racing. I’m sure the field will be deep, and it’s always interesting throwing some pit stops in there.”

The team’s newest addition, Cameron Petersen, will make his debut at the legendary racing venue and looks for a top result.

“It’s my first time racing the Daytona 200,” said Petersen. “It’s a race that I’ve wanted to compete in since I first heard about it as a kid, and to finally have the opportunity to line up with the guys is awesome. I can’t wait to get up on the banking for the first time and feel the sensation. I know Yamaha has a rich history at this event, and I would love to be able to give them another win, and I know that is possible with a team backing me like Attack Yamaha!”

MotoAmerica: Westby Racing Supporting N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto

David Swarts

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March 7, 2022

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MotoAmerica: Westby Racing Supporting N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto

Westby Racing Providing Support For N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto And Rider Blake Davis For 2022 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship

Tulsa, OK – March 7, 2022 – Westby Racing is proud to announce that they will be providing support for N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto and 15-year-old rider Blake Davis for the 2022 MotoAmerica season. Blake will race the #22 N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha YZF-R7 in the 2022 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship. The announcement was made by Tryg Westby, team owner of Westby Racing.

“We’re delighted to be able to support the N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto team this year and help promising young rider Blake Davis advance his road racing career in the 2022 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship,” Tryg said. “We worked with N2 Racing and BobbleHeadMoto last year in the Junior Cup Championship, and it’s been a really good relationship. Blake will be aboard the new Yamaha R7, and we’re excited to help him and his team develop the bike in the Twins Cup series.”

As part of the support program, Westby Racing technician Dustin Meador will be embedded with the N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto team throughout the 2022 MotoAmerica season, and he’ll work alongside crew chief Shiloh Salopek.

Shiloh said, “I am very excited to be working together with Westby Racing for contention in the 2022 Twins Cup. Chuck Giacchetto and the whole Westby Racing crew have helped me since I began working in the MotoAmerica paddock in 2018. Chuck has personally had a huge impact on my quick development, and to be working with people that you look up to is a great feeling. We are confident in the program that we have put together, and l am looking forward to seeing how we stack up against this very competitive field.”

A former AMA Youth Road Racer of the Year and winner of the Nicky Hayden AMA Road Race Horizon Award, Blake has had a lot of road racing success despite only being 15 years old. He joined the MotoAmerica series in 2020 right after turning 14 and becoming age-eligible for the Junior Cup Championship, and last year, in his first full season of MotoAmerica competition, the Lynchburg, Virginia-based rider finished sixth in the championship. For 2022, Blake moves up to the highly competitive Twins Cup Championship.

“I’m really happy to be working with Westby Racing, Blake commented. “They have a ton of knowledge and have been a huge help in getting the R7 set up. With Yamaha, N2 Racing, BobbleHeadMoto, and Westby Racing all on board, this is shaping up to be an amazing season”

Look for Blake on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway later this week as he makes his MotoAmerica Twins Cup debut with N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto. Twins Cup race one will go green on Friday, March 11 at 2 p.m. ET, and race two is at 11:15 a.m. ET on Saturday, March 12. Both races will be streamed on MotoAmerica Live+.

For more updates about Westby Racing, including news, photos, and videos, visit http://www.WestbyRacing.com

Be sure to follow “Westby Racing” on your favorite social media sites.

MotoE: Michelin To Remain Control Tire Supplier Through 2024

David Swarts

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March 7, 2022

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MotoE: Michelin To Remain Control Tire Supplier Through 2024

Michelin to remain sole tyre supplier to the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup

The iconic French brand will continue as tyre supplier to MotoE™ until at least 2024

Monday, 07 March 2022

Dorna Sports is pleased to confirm that Michelin will remain the sole, official tyre supplier to the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup until at least 2024, extending a partnership that has bred success and close competition since it began – both on-track and off.

Michelin has been a partner of MotoE™ since its inception in 2019, playing a vital role in the creation of the Cup’s identity as a fast, ultra-competitive motorcycle series racing alongside the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship. Michelin’s racing DNA is already showcased to perfection by the company’s ongoing tenure as sole tyre supplier to the MotoGP™ class, which began in 2016, and their commitment to quality and competition has continued shining through in MotoE™ since the series began.

Michelin’s commitment to MotoE™ goes beyond competition, with the company achieving increased and ever-increasing sustainability in their MotoE™ tyres, including the use of recycled and bio-sourced materials. The front tyres are composed of 33% sustainable resources and the rear tyres 40%, including materials such as lemon and orange peel, pine resin, sunflower oil, worn car and truck tyres, and scrap steel.

This seamless intersection between sustainability and performance makes Michelin the perfect match for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup. This new agreement until 2024 strengthens the partnership between Dorna and Michelin yet further, maintaining the iconic tyre brand’s presence across MotoGP™, MotoE™ and the MotoGP™ eSport Championship, of which it was also a founding partner.

Maria Esperanza Gaspar Aguilon, Michelin Senior Vice President Business Line 2 Wheels Worldwide: “Michelin is investing significantly in all the forms of motorsport that place the emphasis on sustainability and forward-looking technologies. Such series include the FIM MotoE World Cup. For three years now, it has provided Michelin with an invaluable laboratory for the development of tyres that contain a high proportion of bio-sourced, recycled and regenerated sustainable materials. We are delighted today to be extending our commitment to MotoE and to see the trust its players have in Michelin. For us, MotoE serves as a first-class opportunity to work hand in hand not only with Dorna Sports, but also with the teams and riders to take our innovations forward for the benefit of all Michelin road tyres in the future.”

Marc Saurina, Senior Director of Commercial Partnerships at Dorna Sports: “We’re very proud to confirm that Michelin will continue as the tyre supplier for MotoE. Since the Cup began, the close competition has been a calling card for the series and Michelin is a cornerstone of that, with exceptional performance. Their proven commitment to increased sustainability is also vital to MotoE, and a perfect fit for the Cup. Racing is one of the best laboratories to develop new technologies and solutions, and we’re very proud that Michelin has committed to MotoE as the perfect place to develop, test and assess what will likely become the tyre technology of the future for millions of vehicles.”

Tucker Powersports Named Exclusive Distributor Of FUELL E-Bikes

David Swarts

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March 7, 2022

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Tucker Powersports Named Exclusive Distributor Of FUELL E-Bikes

FUELL and Tucker Powersports Announce Ambitious Partnership in the US.

March 7th, 2022 – New York, Fort Worth – FUELL Inc. and Tucker Powersports are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership that kicks off in March of 2022.

This powerful new collaboration will feature Tucker as the exclusive distributor of FUELL’s premium products to the powersports industry for the USA.

As part of this multi-year, renewable partnership, Tucker will distribute the complete line of FUELL’s premium Flluid e-Bikes as well as FUELL’s branded accessories and replacement parts.

Tucker Powersports is a world-class distributor with more than 50 years of experience serving thousands of dealers in the United States and Canada. With a support team of nearly 100 regional sales staff, 7,000 active dealers and strong marketing capabilities, Tucker is the ideal partner for FUELL to bring the brand to a wider audience and develop the brand, while adding a US premium brand to its portfolio of e-vehicles.

This is an exciting time for electric bikes as the worldwide electric bike industry has experienced tremendous growth and is expected to grow by over 50% to reach nearly $70 billion by 2027.

“This new partnership is a real success for both brands. Providing desirable products through an exceptional dealer network that provides outlets and service near every rider has been Tucker’s forte for a long time. FUELL’s strengths are in innovative product design and manufacture. In the exploding marketplace for electric mobility, this makes a dream pairing for enthusiasts who want cutting edge designs but need solid local support. Tucker’s leadership team has the breadth of knowledge and experience to go full bore into this emerging marketplace, and the leadership at FUELL is very excited for the future together” ~ Erik Buell – CTO at FUELL Inc.

“Our dealers have been tremendously receptive to having ePower products in their dealerships. They will absolutely love the addition of FUELL e-bicycles to our offering. The outstanding performance and stunning design of FUELL Flluid, along with the personal touch offered by Tucker dealers is a great combination to offer consumers looking for an electric bicycle” ~ Jamie Kempinski – Director of Business Development at Tucker Powersports

Everyone at FUELL and Tucker Powersports are excited about this new partnership and looking forward to many years of success for both brands.

MotoE: Official Test Starts Monday At Jerez

David Swarts

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March 6, 2022

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MotoE: Official Test Starts Monday At Jerez

ENERGICA READY FOR FIRST OFFICIAL MOTOE TEST OF 2022 AT JEREZ

Single Manufacturer Energica is ready to tackle the first of two official tests for the 2022 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup, starting tomorrow (7th of March 2022) at the ‘Circuito de Jerez’ in southern Spain. Three days and nine practice sessions await this year’s competitors, who will be able to get to grips with the Energica Ego Corsa machines around the iconic Andalusian track, which also hosts the traditional season opener (29 April – 1 May).

This year’s MotoE field is as competitive as ever, with last season’s protagonists squaring off against returning riders as well as some high calibre rookies. Two-time reigning and defending MotoE World Cup champion Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) is eager to defend his crown once more, following the dramatic 2021 season finale which saw him lifting the ultimate prize after a fierce battle against Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt IntactGP MotoE). Torres will team up this year with MotoE podium finisher Mattia Casadei, who joins the team led by Sito Pons after three years spent with team Ongetta Sic58 Squadracorse (who instead hired Kevin Zannoni).

2019 title winner Matteo Ferrari will once again take to the track with Gresini Racing, while multiple race winner Eric Granado joins the LCR E-Team and Miquél Pons, with the latter looking forward to making good use of the experience gathered last year. After showing flashes of great speed in 2021, Japan’s Hikari Okubo returns to MotoE with the same Avant Ajo MotoE team he raced with last year. Xavi Cardelus is also back in action, once again with team Avintia Esponsorama Racing.

Speaking of welcome returns, three former protagonists are coming back to the fold after some time away from the series: Bradley Smith and Niccolò Canepa team up with WithU GRT RNF MotoE, while Hector Garzó re-joins Tech 3 E-Racing.

This season will also see new faces getting in the mix, including former MotoGP and WorldSBK rider Javier ‘Xavi’ Forés and former World Supersport rider Kevin Manfredi, both racing with the Octo Pramac MotoE Team.

The opening free practice session will get underway tomorrow at 9:30 local time (GMT +1).

ABOUT ENERGICA MOTOR COMPANY S.p.A

Energica Motor Company is the first Italian manufacturer of high-performing electric motorcycles and is the single manufacturer chosen by Dorna for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup. Energica Motorcycles are on sale worldwide.

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Action from the AFT Mission SuperTwins main event, with Briar Bauman (1) leading, at the Volusia Half-Mile II. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT. — Action from the AFT Mission SuperTwins main event, with Briar Bauman (1) leading, at the Volusia Half-Mile II in 2021. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.