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American Flat Track: Arai Continues As Official Helmet Of AFT

Progressive AFT and Arai Helmet Renew Official Partnership

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 4, 2022) – Progressive American Flat Track announced today that Arai Helmet, Inc. will be the Official Helmet of Progressive AFT for a fifth consecutive season in 2022.

Arai is widely recognized as the world’s premier helmet manufacturer, and its innumerable motorsports successes across such championships as Progressive AFT, Formula 1, and MotoGP attest to that fact. Arai has provided elite two- and four-wheeled athletes with unparalleled safety, comfort, technology, and style for generations.

“Arai has been the helmet of choice by flat track racers for decades,” said Gene Crouch, COO of Progressive AFT. “There’s nothing more important in racing than proper helmet safety, and no manufacturer better understands the needs and desires of riders better than Arai. Arai’s dedication to safety, craftsmanship, and quality is truly impressive.”

Arai Helmet is a three-generation, family-owned Japanese company that specializes in manufacturing high-quality motorcycle helmets. Its mission is simple and has remained unchanged since it was founded by Mr. Hirotake Arai in the 1950s: protection without compromise. To this day, and for more than seven decades, Arai has been accumulating gains in protection one-by-one, even if just a little. Rather than seeking a profit, Arai is driven by a desire to produce a better helmet to protect their fellow riders.

Each helmet is meticulously handmade with exclusive materials and technology and rigorously double-inspected before being shipped. That’s the Arai difference: quality and craftsmanship for the protection of motorcycle enthusiasts. You can learn more here in their “Value of Arai” video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO7lBYsxhMw.

Progressive AFT will kick off the 2022 season with the Mission Volusia Half-Mile I & II doubleheader during Daytona Bike Week on Thursday, March 10 and Friday, March 11 at Volusia Speedway Park. Secure your tickets to the season opener now at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3666.

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 back-to-back on FS1 on Sunday, March 20, starting at 11:00 a.m. ET/8:00 a.m. PT.

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.

Learn more about Arai helmets here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDy9x5KaggJqC3Sk9O0uanqcWEADdl1i2.

 

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.

About Arai Helmet

Founded as a helmet maker on October 13th, 1950, Arai Helmet was the first manufacturer of 2-wheel helmets in Japan. As for the high level of protection for motorcycles, touring riders of course needed it and Arai Helmet also received overwhelming endorsement from racers using the helmet in severe conditions. Mr. Michio Arai was born in 1938 in Tokyo and took over the Arai family business in 1986 from his father, Mr. Hirotake Arai.

 

About Progressive American Flat Track

Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.

Calvin & CJ Crosslin To Be Inducted To Daytona 200 Monument Mar. 9

The father-and-son racing team of Calvin (Cal) and Christian (CJ) Crosslin to be inducted to the Daytona 200 Monument on Wednesday, March 9th at 10:00 a.m.

In 2015, the 74th running of the United States’ most prestigious endurance race, the Daytona 200, this father-and-son duo fulfilled a lifelong dream of racing and completing the classic race at the World Center of racing.  And, they got to do so together. They are the first father and son to complete the Daytona 200 in the same race since the event moved from the beach to the speedway in 1961.

 

CJ (left) and Calvin (right) Crosslin in Victory Lane at Daytona International Speedway. Photo courtesy Calvin Crosslin.
CJ (left) and Calvin (right) Crosslin in Victory Lane at Daytona International Speedway. Photo courtesy Calvin Crosslin.

 

Their TOBC Racing teammate Danny Eslick also won that race. This marked Eslick’s second win and also made TOBC Racing’s new team owner, Michelle Lindsay, the first female team owner to win the historic race.

It was an emotional victory for everyone involved as it was in honor of their late founder Jon Couch, who had passed just six months prior to the event.

Cal began racing in the early 90’s and spent most of his time cultivating his passion as a coach and director of various track day organizations.  One career highlight was winning the AMA Amateur Superbike 1000 National Championship at Virginia International Raceway (VIR).

CJ quickly followed suit for his father’s passion and began racing in 2011 and became an AMA/MotoAmerica Pro in 2014

Some notable highlights of his career, so far, include a top-five finish at VIR in 600 Superstock and a top-10 finish in the series points despite only competing in a few rounds.

Calvin and CJ began endurance racing with TOBC in 2012.  The team enjoyed a great deal of success, winning several national endurance and sprint championships in various classes while having an enormous amount of fun in the process.

Endurance racing can be far more challenging and rewarding than sprint racing due to all the variables involved.  The Daytona 200 remains one of the world’s most premier endurance races, and Cal and CJ always dreamed of competing together.  CJ finished 18th and Cal finished 31st, both riding TOBC Racing-prepared Suzuki GSX-R600s.

The duo pays homage to each other when racing by using each other’s birthday as their competition numbers, 409 and 428. As well as 166 and 66 in honor of the late Jon Couch, the original owner and creator of TOBC Racing.  Currently, the two are partnered up with Ned (Peanut) Brown Racing under the Crosslin Racing/N2 Escape umbrella.

“It is such an honor to be added to the Daytona 200 monument, amongst so many prolific names in road racing,” said Cal Crosslin. “There is a story behind each of these plaques and we are grateful to add our endeavor to it.”

British Superbike: Haslam, Sykes Return To BSB

Clash of the Champions: 2022 Bennetts British Superbike entry list confirmed

The 2022 Bennetts British Superbike Championship provisional entry list has been released by series promoter and organiser MSVR, with a stellar line up confirmed ahead of the season opener at Silverstone this Easter (15-17 April).

Tarran Mackenzie leads the entry as the reigning champion, returning to defend his number one plate, in a bid to emulate his father Niall once more by claiming consecutive championship victories. However, it has not been the easiest pre-season for Bennetts BSB’s reigning title winner, as he continues his recovery from a pre-season injury ahead of the opening three races at Silverstone.

Mackenzie faces a formidable list of rivals, all bidding to snatch away his crown. The new season marks the much-anticipated return of 2013 Superbike World Champion Tom Sykes and 2018 British Champion Leon Haslam from the world stage, and both will be determined to stamp their authority.

Josh Brookes is another former champion on this year’s grid. His tenacity has driven him to two Bennetts BSB title in 2015 and 2020, and the Australian contender remains the most successful rider of the series’ current grid.

Fierce competition will also come from last year’s runner-up Tommy Bridewell, who had his strongest campaign to date in 2021, and third-placed Jason O’Halloran. The ‘O’Show’ was imperious in the early stages of last season, outscoring his rivals for race wins and podium finishes, but missed out in the Showdown and that is something the Australian is determined to make amends for in 2022.

No fewer than 15 previous Bennetts BSB race winners are set to compete for Britain’s biggest motorsport title this year, with experienced title challengers lining up alongside a host of season rookies, including reigning Pirelli National Superstock champion Tom Neave.

2022 Bennetts British Superbike Championship entry list:

No. Name Nationality  Team/Manufacturer 
1 Tarran Mackenzie GBR McAMS Yamaha
2 Glenn Irwin GBR Honda Racing UK
4 Dan Linfoot GBR iForce BMW
5 Dean Harrison GBR DAO Racing Kawasaki
7 Ryan Vickers GBR FHO Racing BMW with Attis Sports
10 Joe Sheldon-Shaw GBR NP Racing BMW
11 Rory Skinner GBR FS-3 Racing Kawasaki
12 Luke Mossey GBR TAG Racing Honda
13 Takumi Takahashi JPN Honda Racing UK
14 Lee Jackson GBR FS-3 Racing Kawasaki
16 Luke Hopkins GBR Black Onyx Security Honda
18 Andrew Irwin GBR SYNETIQ BMW Motorrad
21 Christian Iddon GBR Buildbase Suzuki
22 Jason O’Halloran AUS McAMS Yamaha
25 Josh Brookes AUS MCE Ducati
27 Bjorn Estment RSA Powerslide/Catfoss Racing Suzuki
28 Bradley Ray GBR Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha
31 Sam Cox GBR NP Racing BMW
34 Liam Delves GBR Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki
44 Dan Jones GBR iForce BMW
46 Tommy Bridewell GBR Oxford Products Racing Ducati
52 Danny Kent GBR Buildbase Suzuki
55 Leon Jeacock GBR Specsavers Suzuki
60 Peter Hickman GBR FHO Racing BMW
65 Josh Owens GBR Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki
66 Tom Sykes GBR MCE Ducati
68 Tom Neave GBR Honda Racing UK
69 Chrissy Rouse GBR Crowe Performance BMW
77 Kyle Ryde GBR Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha
79 Storm Stacey GBR Team LKQ Euro Car Parts Kawasaki
83 Danny Buchan GBR SYNETIQ BMW Motorrad
89 Fraser Rogers GBR iForce BMW
88 Ryo Mizuno JPN Honda Racing UK
91 Leon Haslam GBR VisionTrack Kawasaki

For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com

WorldSBK: Gerloff Within 0.074 Second Of Razgatlioglu At Aragon (Updated)

Yamaha test mechanical components and chase acceleration improvements at Aragon test

Five riders from three teams hit the MotorLand Aragon venue for testing as reigning Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu topped the timesheets

Three Yamaha teams headed to MotorLand Aragon to continue their preparations for the 2022 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK were joined on track by GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team and Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha at the Spanish venue. Originally scheduled for Thursday and Friday, the threat of bad weather meant all three teams took to the track on Wednesday for some brief running before the rain fell.

Reigning Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) continued his off-season testing ahead of his title defense by topping the timesheets in Alcañiz with a 1’49.746s. The Turkish star completed 84 laps on Thursday throughout the day, adding to his 26 laps from Wednesday for a total of 110. Razgatlioglu’s fastest lap was faster than any race lap from the 2021 Aragon Round and quicker than any previous Yamaha race lap at the venue.

Teammate Andrea Locatelli was third fastest, two tenths away from his teammate, but put in the most laps of everybody at the test as he racked up 30 on Wednesday and 85 on Thursday for a total of 115. Pata Yamaha were mostly working on the mechanical side of their Yamaha YZF-R1 machine throughout the test, including electronic changes, as well as looking to improve the acceleration of the bike to help improve the all-round performance of the engine and spent the entire test using Pirelli’s SC0 tyre. Locatelli’s side of the garage were also working on the suspension of his machine including different links.

It was a strong test for Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) on his, and the team’s, first test of the 2022 off-season. The American posted a time of 1’49.820s, only 0.074s away from Razgatlioglu’s pace setting time and racked up 106 laps across the two days of testing: 21 on Wednesday and 85 on Thursday. Gerloff will be hoping his strong pace in testing transfers into racing when the action gets underway at Aragon as he goes in search of more rostrum visits throughout his third year of WorldSBK action.

Gerloff’s teammate, Kohta Nozane, was fourth fastest as he made his first appearance in 2022 testing with a time of 1’51.238s. The Japanese rider, entering his second season in WorldSBK, completed 90 laps; 16 on Wednesday before adding 74 on Thursday. GRT Yamaha were able to test the same tank that Razgatlioglu was using in the Portimao test with their main focus throughout the two days on rider position and the balance of the bike.

Christophe Ponsson rounded out the field for Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha as the Frenchman completed 84 laps across the two days, adding 74 on day two of the test to the 10 he completed on Wednesday. Now in his second season with the family-run team, Ponsson posted a best time of 1’52.341s throughout the test as he goes in search of consistent top-10 finishes.

WorldSBK times from Aragon test

1 Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) 1’49.746s, 110 laps

2. Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’49.820s, 106 laps

3. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) 1’50.021s, 115 laps

4. Kohta Nozane (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’51.238s, 90 laps

5. Christophe Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha) 1’52.341s, 84 laps

Follow all the action from WorldSBK in 2022 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team:

GERLOFF AND NOZANE COMPLETE TWO PRODUCTIVE DAYS OF TEST IN ARAGÓN

The GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team completed his first outing of 2022 season with two days of test in Aragón. Plans changed a bit when arrived in Spain due to unpredictable weather forcing the team to review the schedule and anticipate action from 2nd March already.

With massive rain expected on Friday (4th March), Kohta Nozane and Garrett Gerloff went on track from Wednesday to finally begin their 2022 campaign after being far from their bikes for such a long time. The first day served both to regain feeling and confidence, over than planning their future steps.

Anyway, the GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team could not take full benefits from Day 1 due to tough weather condition. With track open from 13:00 local time, Gerloff and Nozane were able to make some laps but soft rain forced them to stop after a couple of hours.

Both riders tried to come back on track late afternoon as track seemed to drying up, but then more rain fell again obliging the team to finish the first day of test. So, at the end Garrett was able to make 21 laps with a best of 1.51.381 while Kohta made 16 laps with 1.53.465 as fastest lap.

On the second and last day, things were much better with a full sunny Thursday. Air and asphalt condition were good and both Nozane and Gerloff could have a lot of laps. The GRT Yamaha WorldSBK tested new parts brought by Yamaha, such as tank and seat, having a positive feedback. 1.49.820 was Gerloff’s fastest time (85 laps in total), while 1.51.238 was Nozane’s one (74 laps in total)

Gerloff and Nozane will not then come back on track on 4th March as weather predictions plan a lot of rain on the circuit. That is why the GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team decided to cancel that day of testing.

The next pre-season test sessions are scheduled for 16th-17th March in Misano.

 

Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy GRT Yamaha.
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy GRT Yamaha.

Garrett Gerloff: “It’s so epic and nice to be back on my Yamaha R1 after a long time. Yesterday when I rode again the bike it was quite a shock! Today it was so cool to have a full dry day. We tried a bunch of new stuff, including new brakes, and didn’t touch suspension or geometry. I’m just focusing on myself getting rhythm and those things. During the off-season I worked a lot on myself to improve every aspect, from physical one to mental one. I’m feeling in a really good place and glad to be back. Now, let’s keep working and see how the things go at another track like Misano.”

 

Kohta Nozane (3). Photo courtesy GRT Yamaha.
Kohta Nozane (3). Photo courtesy GRT Yamaha.

Kohta Nozane: “Finally, we are back. It was such a long time! We had many test items and it was not easy to manage all the job, but at the end we are satisfied and the job done was good. It’s cool we had the possibility to make a lot of laps today, it’s a good start for 2022 season. Now let’s move to Misano. I like a lot the circuit and I cannot wait to be there. Italy is like my second home!”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:

Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK Make Steps Forward at Aragón Test

 

Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

The Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK team ramped up their preparations for the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship season at MotorLand Aragón (2-3 March), with the team, supported by Yamaha’s engineers, continuing to assess electronic strategy and mechanical upgrades across engine and chassis components.

With unpredictable weather scheduled throughout the week in the Teruel region, the decision was made to run for the afternoon only on Wednesday, while Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Andrea Locatelli were able to complete a full day’s running in perfect conditions on Thursday.

The Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK duo combined for 225 laps of the 5.078 km Spanish circuit, which the team used to find improvements at a track that hasn’t previously played to the Yamaha R1 WorldSBK’s strengths. This target was achieved, with both riders showing considerably better pace than ever before at Aragon.

For the second test of 2022, Razgatlıoğlu was quickly up and running on Wednesday afternoon, completing 26 laps, as rain interrupted some of the session. On Thursday, the reigning WorldSBK champion was able to run 84 laps, with his best time of 1’49.746 marking Yamaha’s best ever Superbike lap at the Alcañiz venue – backed up by many laps in the high 1’49s and low 1’50s bracket, all set on standard Pirelli race tires.

Riding at the circuit he made his WorldSBK race debut at in 2021, Locatelli was pleased with the work completed across the test. The Italian completed a busy Thursday schedule, turning 85 laps, having run 30 the day before. He ended the test just 0.267s behind his teammate on a 1’50.021, further demonstrating the improvements he and Yamaha have already made at this circuit.

Next for the Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK squad will be the Barcelona test on 25-26 March, where the team will run in their 2022 livery for the first time.

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu: 110 laps – 1’49.746

“We had a great test in Aragon, I am surprised! Yesterday we had sun then some rain, not so many laps, but today we are very lucky with perfect weather all day. This is maybe not my best track but we were very fast and consistent, so for this I am happy! Today my feeling was like a test rider, so many things to try, but also we are fast and I enjoyed it! Yamaha and the team are working a lot, we made a big improvement compared to ‘21… a 1’49 with SC0 tire is not so bad! Maybe now Aragon is coming a better track for me! Next test is Catalunya, we will put together the best package from the testing parts and electronics and try again to improve.”

Andrea Locatelli: 115 laps – 1’50.021

“We are very happy because we did a lot of laps and we also had good grip here at Aragón. The feeling is coming back better now after Portimão. Today we worked around the set-up of the bike and now the feeling is really good. Now, we will continue the development before we arrive to the Barcelona test. I’m also happy because I’ve not been able to ride as much as I did today at this track. The team did a great job and we made no mistakes. Now we look forward to the next one, my level is improving and so is the R1.”

 

 

American Flat Track: Arai Continues As Official Helmet Of AFT

AFT SuperTwins racer JD Beach wearing his Arai helmet. Photo courtesy AFT.
AFT SuperTwins racer JD Beach wearing his Arai helmet. Photo courtesy AFT.

Progressive AFT and Arai Helmet Renew Official Partnership

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 4, 2022) – Progressive American Flat Track announced today that Arai Helmet, Inc. will be the Official Helmet of Progressive AFT for a fifth consecutive season in 2022.

Arai is widely recognized as the world’s premier helmet manufacturer, and its innumerable motorsports successes across such championships as Progressive AFT, Formula 1, and MotoGP attest to that fact. Arai has provided elite two- and four-wheeled athletes with unparalleled safety, comfort, technology, and style for generations.

“Arai has been the helmet of choice by flat track racers for decades,” said Gene Crouch, COO of Progressive AFT. “There’s nothing more important in racing than proper helmet safety, and no manufacturer better understands the needs and desires of riders better than Arai. Arai’s dedication to safety, craftsmanship, and quality is truly impressive.”

Arai Helmet is a three-generation, family-owned Japanese company that specializes in manufacturing high-quality motorcycle helmets. Its mission is simple and has remained unchanged since it was founded by Mr. Hirotake Arai in the 1950s: protection without compromise. To this day, and for more than seven decades, Arai has been accumulating gains in protection one-by-one, even if just a little. Rather than seeking a profit, Arai is driven by a desire to produce a better helmet to protect their fellow riders.

Each helmet is meticulously handmade with exclusive materials and technology and rigorously double-inspected before being shipped. That’s the Arai difference: quality and craftsmanship for the protection of motorcycle enthusiasts. You can learn more here in their “Value of Arai” video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO7lBYsxhMw.

Progressive AFT will kick off the 2022 season with the Mission Volusia Half-Mile I & II doubleheader during Daytona Bike Week on Thursday, March 10 and Friday, March 11 at Volusia Speedway Park. Secure your tickets to the season opener now at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3666.

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 back-to-back on FS1 on Sunday, March 20, starting at 11:00 a.m. ET/8:00 a.m. PT.

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.

Learn more about Arai helmets here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDy9x5KaggJqC3Sk9O0uanqcWEADdl1i2.

 

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.

About Arai Helmet

Founded as a helmet maker on October 13th, 1950, Arai Helmet was the first manufacturer of 2-wheel helmets in Japan. As for the high level of protection for motorcycles, touring riders of course needed it and Arai Helmet also received overwhelming endorsement from racers using the helmet in severe conditions. Mr. Michio Arai was born in 1938 in Tokyo and took over the Arai family business in 1986 from his father, Mr. Hirotake Arai.

 

About Progressive American Flat Track

Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.

Calvin & CJ Crosslin To Be Inducted To Daytona 200 Monument Mar. 9

The Daytona 200 Monument in Daytona Beach, Florida. Photo by Michelle A. Lindsay.
The Daytona 200 Monument in Daytona Beach, Florida. Photo by Michelle A. Lindsay, R.I.P.

The father-and-son racing team of Calvin (Cal) and Christian (CJ) Crosslin to be inducted to the Daytona 200 Monument on Wednesday, March 9th at 10:00 a.m.

In 2015, the 74th running of the United States’ most prestigious endurance race, the Daytona 200, this father-and-son duo fulfilled a lifelong dream of racing and completing the classic race at the World Center of racing.  And, they got to do so together. They are the first father and son to complete the Daytona 200 in the same race since the event moved from the beach to the speedway in 1961.

 

CJ (left) and Calvin (right) Crosslin in Victory Lane at Daytona International Speedway. Photo courtesy Calvin Crosslin.
CJ (left) and Calvin (right) Crosslin in Victory Lane at Daytona International Speedway. Photo courtesy Calvin Crosslin.

 

Their TOBC Racing teammate Danny Eslick also won that race. This marked Eslick’s second win and also made TOBC Racing’s new team owner, Michelle Lindsay, the first female team owner to win the historic race.

It was an emotional victory for everyone involved as it was in honor of their late founder Jon Couch, who had passed just six months prior to the event.

Cal began racing in the early 90’s and spent most of his time cultivating his passion as a coach and director of various track day organizations.  One career highlight was winning the AMA Amateur Superbike 1000 National Championship at Virginia International Raceway (VIR).

CJ quickly followed suit for his father’s passion and began racing in 2011 and became an AMA/MotoAmerica Pro in 2014

Some notable highlights of his career, so far, include a top-five finish at VIR in 600 Superstock and a top-10 finish in the series points despite only competing in a few rounds.

Calvin and CJ began endurance racing with TOBC in 2012.  The team enjoyed a great deal of success, winning several national endurance and sprint championships in various classes while having an enormous amount of fun in the process.

Endurance racing can be far more challenging and rewarding than sprint racing due to all the variables involved.  The Daytona 200 remains one of the world’s most premier endurance races, and Cal and CJ always dreamed of competing together.  CJ finished 18th and Cal finished 31st, both riding TOBC Racing-prepared Suzuki GSX-R600s.

The duo pays homage to each other when racing by using each other’s birthday as their competition numbers, 409 and 428. As well as 166 and 66 in honor of the late Jon Couch, the original owner and creator of TOBC Racing.  Currently, the two are partnered up with Ned (Peanut) Brown Racing under the Crosslin Racing/N2 Escape umbrella.

“It is such an honor to be added to the Daytona 200 monument, amongst so many prolific names in road racing,” said Cal Crosslin. “There is a story behind each of these plaques and we are grateful to add our endeavor to it.”

British Superbike: Haslam, Sykes Return To BSB

The British Superbike Championship is racing at Snetterton this coming weekend, Sept. 3-5. Photo courtesy MSVR.
The final "Title Fighters" for the 2022 British Superbike Championship will be decided this weekend at Snetterton Circuit. Photo courtesy MSVR.

Clash of the Champions: 2022 Bennetts British Superbike entry list confirmed

The 2022 Bennetts British Superbike Championship provisional entry list has been released by series promoter and organiser MSVR, with a stellar line up confirmed ahead of the season opener at Silverstone this Easter (15-17 April).

Tarran Mackenzie leads the entry as the reigning champion, returning to defend his number one plate, in a bid to emulate his father Niall once more by claiming consecutive championship victories. However, it has not been the easiest pre-season for Bennetts BSB’s reigning title winner, as he continues his recovery from a pre-season injury ahead of the opening three races at Silverstone.

Mackenzie faces a formidable list of rivals, all bidding to snatch away his crown. The new season marks the much-anticipated return of 2013 Superbike World Champion Tom Sykes and 2018 British Champion Leon Haslam from the world stage, and both will be determined to stamp their authority.

Josh Brookes is another former champion on this year’s grid. His tenacity has driven him to two Bennetts BSB title in 2015 and 2020, and the Australian contender remains the most successful rider of the series’ current grid.

Fierce competition will also come from last year’s runner-up Tommy Bridewell, who had his strongest campaign to date in 2021, and third-placed Jason O’Halloran. The ‘O’Show’ was imperious in the early stages of last season, outscoring his rivals for race wins and podium finishes, but missed out in the Showdown and that is something the Australian is determined to make amends for in 2022.

No fewer than 15 previous Bennetts BSB race winners are set to compete for Britain’s biggest motorsport title this year, with experienced title challengers lining up alongside a host of season rookies, including reigning Pirelli National Superstock champion Tom Neave.

2022 Bennetts British Superbike Championship entry list:

No. Name Nationality  Team/Manufacturer 
1 Tarran Mackenzie GBR McAMS Yamaha
2 Glenn Irwin GBR Honda Racing UK
4 Dan Linfoot GBR iForce BMW
5 Dean Harrison GBR DAO Racing Kawasaki
7 Ryan Vickers GBR FHO Racing BMW with Attis Sports
10 Joe Sheldon-Shaw GBR NP Racing BMW
11 Rory Skinner GBR FS-3 Racing Kawasaki
12 Luke Mossey GBR TAG Racing Honda
13 Takumi Takahashi JPN Honda Racing UK
14 Lee Jackson GBR FS-3 Racing Kawasaki
16 Luke Hopkins GBR Black Onyx Security Honda
18 Andrew Irwin GBR SYNETIQ BMW Motorrad
21 Christian Iddon GBR Buildbase Suzuki
22 Jason O’Halloran AUS McAMS Yamaha
25 Josh Brookes AUS MCE Ducati
27 Bjorn Estment RSA Powerslide/Catfoss Racing Suzuki
28 Bradley Ray GBR Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha
31 Sam Cox GBR NP Racing BMW
34 Liam Delves GBR Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki
44 Dan Jones GBR iForce BMW
46 Tommy Bridewell GBR Oxford Products Racing Ducati
52 Danny Kent GBR Buildbase Suzuki
55 Leon Jeacock GBR Specsavers Suzuki
60 Peter Hickman GBR FHO Racing BMW
65 Josh Owens GBR Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki
66 Tom Sykes GBR MCE Ducati
68 Tom Neave GBR Honda Racing UK
69 Chrissy Rouse GBR Crowe Performance BMW
77 Kyle Ryde GBR Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha
79 Storm Stacey GBR Team LKQ Euro Car Parts Kawasaki
83 Danny Buchan GBR SYNETIQ BMW Motorrad
89 Fraser Rogers GBR iForce BMW
88 Ryo Mizuno JPN Honda Racing UK
91 Leon Haslam GBR VisionTrack Kawasaki

For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com

MotoGP: Rins Under Race Lap Record In FP2 In Qatar

Alex Rins. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Alex Rins, as seen during pre-season testing at Mandalika International Street Circuit. Photo courtesy Dorna.
MotoGP FP2

Moto2: Fernandez Leads, Beaubier Top American At P9 In FP2 In Qatar

Cameron Beaubier (6). Photo courtesy American Racing Team.
Cameron Beaubier (6), as seen during pre-season testing. Photo courtesy American Racing Team.
Moto2 FP2

Moto3: Guevara Under Race Lap Record In FP2 In Qatar

Izan Guevara (28), as seen during pre-season testing. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Moto3 FP2

MotoGP: Brad Binder Best, Right On Race Pace In FP1 In Qatar

Brad Binder (33). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Brad Binder (33), as seen during pre-season testing in Indonesia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
MotoGP FP1

Moto2: Fernandez P1, Beaubier Top American At P11 In FP1 In Qatar

Augusto Fernandez (37). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Augusto Fernandez (37), as seen during pre-season testing. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Moto2 FP1

Moto3: Foggia Fastest In FP1 In Qatar

Dennis Foggia (7), as seen during pre-season testing. Photo courtesy Leopard Racing Team.
Dennis Foggia (7), as seen during pre-season testing. Photo courtesy Leopard Racing Team.
Moto3 FP1

WorldSBK: Gerloff Within 0.074 Second Of Razgatlioglu At Aragon (Updated)

Garrett Gerloff (31) in action at Motorland Aragon. Photo courtesy GRT Yamaha.
Garrett Gerloff (31) in action at Motorland Aragon. Photo courtesy GRT Yamaha.

Yamaha test mechanical components and chase acceleration improvements at Aragon test

Five riders from three teams hit the MotorLand Aragon venue for testing as reigning Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu topped the timesheets

Three Yamaha teams headed to MotorLand Aragon to continue their preparations for the 2022 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK were joined on track by GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team and Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha at the Spanish venue. Originally scheduled for Thursday and Friday, the threat of bad weather meant all three teams took to the track on Wednesday for some brief running before the rain fell.

Reigning Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) continued his off-season testing ahead of his title defense by topping the timesheets in Alcañiz with a 1’49.746s. The Turkish star completed 84 laps on Thursday throughout the day, adding to his 26 laps from Wednesday for a total of 110. Razgatlioglu’s fastest lap was faster than any race lap from the 2021 Aragon Round and quicker than any previous Yamaha race lap at the venue.

Teammate Andrea Locatelli was third fastest, two tenths away from his teammate, but put in the most laps of everybody at the test as he racked up 30 on Wednesday and 85 on Thursday for a total of 115. Pata Yamaha were mostly working on the mechanical side of their Yamaha YZF-R1 machine throughout the test, including electronic changes, as well as looking to improve the acceleration of the bike to help improve the all-round performance of the engine and spent the entire test using Pirelli’s SC0 tyre. Locatelli’s side of the garage were also working on the suspension of his machine including different links.

It was a strong test for Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) on his, and the team’s, first test of the 2022 off-season. The American posted a time of 1’49.820s, only 0.074s away from Razgatlioglu’s pace setting time and racked up 106 laps across the two days of testing: 21 on Wednesday and 85 on Thursday. Gerloff will be hoping his strong pace in testing transfers into racing when the action gets underway at Aragon as he goes in search of more rostrum visits throughout his third year of WorldSBK action.

Gerloff’s teammate, Kohta Nozane, was fourth fastest as he made his first appearance in 2022 testing with a time of 1’51.238s. The Japanese rider, entering his second season in WorldSBK, completed 90 laps; 16 on Wednesday before adding 74 on Thursday. GRT Yamaha were able to test the same tank that Razgatlioglu was using in the Portimao test with their main focus throughout the two days on rider position and the balance of the bike.

Christophe Ponsson rounded out the field for Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha as the Frenchman completed 84 laps across the two days, adding 74 on day two of the test to the 10 he completed on Wednesday. Now in his second season with the family-run team, Ponsson posted a best time of 1’52.341s throughout the test as he goes in search of consistent top-10 finishes.

WorldSBK times from Aragon test

1 Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) 1’49.746s, 110 laps

2. Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’49.820s, 106 laps

3. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) 1’50.021s, 115 laps

4. Kohta Nozane (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’51.238s, 90 laps

5. Christophe Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha) 1’52.341s, 84 laps

Follow all the action from WorldSBK in 2022 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team:

GERLOFF AND NOZANE COMPLETE TWO PRODUCTIVE DAYS OF TEST IN ARAGÓN

The GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team completed his first outing of 2022 season with two days of test in Aragón. Plans changed a bit when arrived in Spain due to unpredictable weather forcing the team to review the schedule and anticipate action from 2nd March already.

With massive rain expected on Friday (4th March), Kohta Nozane and Garrett Gerloff went on track from Wednesday to finally begin their 2022 campaign after being far from their bikes for such a long time. The first day served both to regain feeling and confidence, over than planning their future steps.

Anyway, the GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team could not take full benefits from Day 1 due to tough weather condition. With track open from 13:00 local time, Gerloff and Nozane were able to make some laps but soft rain forced them to stop after a couple of hours.

Both riders tried to come back on track late afternoon as track seemed to drying up, but then more rain fell again obliging the team to finish the first day of test. So, at the end Garrett was able to make 21 laps with a best of 1.51.381 while Kohta made 16 laps with 1.53.465 as fastest lap.

On the second and last day, things were much better with a full sunny Thursday. Air and asphalt condition were good and both Nozane and Gerloff could have a lot of laps. The GRT Yamaha WorldSBK tested new parts brought by Yamaha, such as tank and seat, having a positive feedback. 1.49.820 was Gerloff’s fastest time (85 laps in total), while 1.51.238 was Nozane’s one (74 laps in total)

Gerloff and Nozane will not then come back on track on 4th March as weather predictions plan a lot of rain on the circuit. That is why the GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team decided to cancel that day of testing.

The next pre-season test sessions are scheduled for 16th-17th March in Misano.

 

Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy GRT Yamaha.
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy GRT Yamaha.

Garrett Gerloff: “It’s so epic and nice to be back on my Yamaha R1 after a long time. Yesterday when I rode again the bike it was quite a shock! Today it was so cool to have a full dry day. We tried a bunch of new stuff, including new brakes, and didn’t touch suspension or geometry. I’m just focusing on myself getting rhythm and those things. During the off-season I worked a lot on myself to improve every aspect, from physical one to mental one. I’m feeling in a really good place and glad to be back. Now, let’s keep working and see how the things go at another track like Misano.”

 

Kohta Nozane (3). Photo courtesy GRT Yamaha.
Kohta Nozane (3). Photo courtesy GRT Yamaha.

Kohta Nozane: “Finally, we are back. It was such a long time! We had many test items and it was not easy to manage all the job, but at the end we are satisfied and the job done was good. It’s cool we had the possibility to make a lot of laps today, it’s a good start for 2022 season. Now let’s move to Misano. I like a lot the circuit and I cannot wait to be there. Italy is like my second home!”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:

Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK Make Steps Forward at Aragón Test

 

Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

The Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK team ramped up their preparations for the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship season at MotorLand Aragón (2-3 March), with the team, supported by Yamaha’s engineers, continuing to assess electronic strategy and mechanical upgrades across engine and chassis components.

With unpredictable weather scheduled throughout the week in the Teruel region, the decision was made to run for the afternoon only on Wednesday, while Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Andrea Locatelli were able to complete a full day’s running in perfect conditions on Thursday.

The Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK duo combined for 225 laps of the 5.078 km Spanish circuit, which the team used to find improvements at a track that hasn’t previously played to the Yamaha R1 WorldSBK’s strengths. This target was achieved, with both riders showing considerably better pace than ever before at Aragon.

For the second test of 2022, Razgatlıoğlu was quickly up and running on Wednesday afternoon, completing 26 laps, as rain interrupted some of the session. On Thursday, the reigning WorldSBK champion was able to run 84 laps, with his best time of 1’49.746 marking Yamaha’s best ever Superbike lap at the Alcañiz venue – backed up by many laps in the high 1’49s and low 1’50s bracket, all set on standard Pirelli race tires.

Riding at the circuit he made his WorldSBK race debut at in 2021, Locatelli was pleased with the work completed across the test. The Italian completed a busy Thursday schedule, turning 85 laps, having run 30 the day before. He ended the test just 0.267s behind his teammate on a 1’50.021, further demonstrating the improvements he and Yamaha have already made at this circuit.

Next for the Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK squad will be the Barcelona test on 25-26 March, where the team will run in their 2022 livery for the first time.

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu: 110 laps – 1’49.746

“We had a great test in Aragon, I am surprised! Yesterday we had sun then some rain, not so many laps, but today we are very lucky with perfect weather all day. This is maybe not my best track but we were very fast and consistent, so for this I am happy! Today my feeling was like a test rider, so many things to try, but also we are fast and I enjoyed it! Yamaha and the team are working a lot, we made a big improvement compared to ‘21… a 1’49 with SC0 tire is not so bad! Maybe now Aragon is coming a better track for me! Next test is Catalunya, we will put together the best package from the testing parts and electronics and try again to improve.”

Andrea Locatelli: 115 laps – 1’50.021

“We are very happy because we did a lot of laps and we also had good grip here at Aragón. The feeling is coming back better now after Portimão. Today we worked around the set-up of the bike and now the feeling is really good. Now, we will continue the development before we arrive to the Barcelona test. I’m also happy because I’ve not been able to ride as much as I did today at this track. The team did a great job and we made no mistakes. Now we look forward to the next one, my level is improving and so is the R1.”

 

 

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