World Superbike: Bulega Fastest In Australia Testing

Michael Gougis

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February 17, 2025

World Superbike: Bulega Fastest In Australia Testing

Day 1 of testing in Australia had a little bit of everything to keep fans on their toes as the grid prepares for the season opener this weekend

Day 1 of the final round of testing at Australia’s Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit gave the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship grid a much-needed dry-running opportunity after a preseason which has been hampered by wet weather so far. Day 1 featured a strong showing from the Ducati riders, occupying four of the top 5 spots with Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claiming P1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) had a nasty highside crash in FP1, however returned to claim P3 on the day, while Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) was declared unfit after his own FP1 fall.

Bulega put on another commanding display this preseason, claiming P1 by a margin of over three tenths of a second. His fastest lap of the day, a 1’28.765s trip around the circuit, was only two tenths of a second slower than the track’s all-time fastest race lap, a record he himself set last year in Race 1. Behind him, Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) claimed P2, having set a 1’29.263s lap with 47 laps under his belt, 24 fewer than Bulega. In P4 was Iannone’s rival, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team), who finished with a1’29.721s fastest lap, .361s behind Razgatlioglu. Alvaro Bautista claimed P5 with a 1’29.828s lap, competitive as ever and seemingly growing more comfortable on the bike. Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) impressed in his first-ever WorldSBK test day in Australia, the rookie landing a competitive P8 with a fastest lap of 1’29.982s. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) was the next up of the Ducati riders, finishing 12th on a 1’30.150s fastest lap. Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) landed a P15 finish, the English rider in his first season back atop a Ducati with a 1’30.412s personal best lap on the day although he did have a technical issue towards the end of FP2. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) rounded out the last of the Ducati bikes with a P18 finish, 1’30.989s as his fastest lap in FP1.

Razgatlioglu saw his FP1 ended after just two laps due to highside crash, sending him to the garage for the rest of the first session while they tended to his damaged bike. He was able to hit the track in FP2 later on, culminating in a P3 finish after a 1’29.334s personal fastest lap. Teammate Michael van der Mark finished in the middle of the pack on the day, landing a P11 finish on the back of a 1’30.009s lap.

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was the fastest of the Bimota riders in Day 1, earning a P6 finish with a best time of 1’29.883s. Lowes excelled here at Phillip Island last year with his ZX-10RR Ninja back when he was racing with the Kawasaki Racing Team, he’s commented before how already this off-season he feels like he’s picking up on the momentum he ended last year with. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) looked slightly slower but still competitive, finishing P14 on the back of a 1’30.287s personal fastest lap.

Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) crashed in FP1 on his 21st lap of the session, prompting a red flag and a visit to the medical centre before he was diagnosed with multiple fractures on his left foot. The injury will see him miss this weekend’s season-opening action. Prior to the injury, in FP1 Rea was in P15, having recorded a fastest lap for the session of 1’30.885s. Teammate Andrea Locatelli was up to his typical Phillip Island activities looking fast and highly competitive, ending the day with a fastest lap of 1’30.256s, only one thousandth of a second slower than Garrett Gerloff in FP1. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha Racing Team) continued what has looked like a positive preseason so far at Australia’s test Day 1, he laid down a fastest lap of 1’30.223s to earn him P13. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha Racing Team) looks to be continuing his work with Yamaha’s new adjustments to their bike, placing P19 from a 1’31.185s lap recorded in FP1. Tito Rabat (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) finished in P16, running uncharacteristically few laps for his standards with 59, his fastest lap clocking in at 1’30.951s. Among the Yamaha riders, WorldSBK Rookie Bahattin Sofuoglu (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) finished the lowest, placing P23, the #99 placing as such after a session-best lap for the Turkish rider of 1’31.674s as he rode the bike for the first time since undergoing surgery on his collarbone that he injured at Portimao.

Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) continues his Jerez and Portimao momentum down under as he lands a P9 finish on the back of a 1’30.023s fastest lap. His teammate, Iker Lecuona is still not medically 100% after an off-season on injuries ranging from his foot to his shoulder, and with a lap of 1’31.573s from FP1 placed in P22 on the day. Tarran Mackenzie was his team’s sole rider at Australia’s Day 1, finishing P21 thanks to a fastest lap of 1’31.371s.

The Texan rider continues to try to find his groove in green as he landed a P10 finish thanks to a 1’30.048s lap in FP2, the fastest of his 71 laps on the day. His time today was slightly slower than the times he recorded in Race 1 and Race 2 at Phillip Island last year, 1’29.113s and 1’29.221s respectively. As the year goes on, the American rider will look to improve his pace compared to last year as he settles in with a new manufacturer, a new bike, and a new team.

The top six from Day 1’s testing action!

1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’28.765s, 71 laps

2. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) +0.498s, 53 laps

3. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.569s, 34 laps

4. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.947s, 54 laps

5. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +1.063s, 80 laps

6. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +1.118s, 59 laps

KYT Launches Spirit of Speed Initiative

John Ulrich

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February 17, 2025

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KYT Americas is proud to announce an exciting initiative for ALL United States, Canadian Superbike Championship, and Racing Bike Mexico Racers. Any riders racing with a recognized racing organization (CRA, WERA, CRA, ASRA, MRA, CVMA, AFM, etc.) are eligible to win a special edition Campeone TT-REVO helmet, an additional TT-REVO, and a special edition KYT Spirit of Speed Campeone hat.

A KYT special edition Campeone TT-REVO helmet.

All a racer has to do is apply using this form: https://forms.gle/WEwkVN7Ja9AxTnP48

This initiative is to showcase grassroots racing. Win a championship in any class, this includes amateur classes, and be recognized for your Spirit of Speed. Winners will be showcased at KYTAmericas.com as Spirit of Speed winners with a photo and what class and organization they achieved victory in.

We decided to do this, because KYT Americas staffers started club racing as amateurs like every other racer with dedication for the sport. All racers, from amateur to seasoned professional, share the same love and passion for two wheels. We want to share and celebrate this passion with our fellow racers.

OFFICIAL RULES

Each entrant is eligible to win once; winning multiple championships does not increase the amount of winnings received.

Must wear a KYT helmet during all races.

Must make at least 1 social media post (instagram, facebook, tiktok) within 7 days of each race round. Post must have a photo of racer and helmet with logo visible and you must tag KYT Americas in post. By entering this initiative racer gives KYT Americas the rights to post images for promotional purposes.

Results of races and class championships must be accessible to the public ex.Organizations website with official results.

You will receive an email confirming whether you are eligible or not. There will be a special helmet replacement program for those accepted to the Spirit of Speed initiative in the event of a crash.

All details subject to change.

MotoGP: Trackhouse Racing Co-Owner Pitbull Leaves Team

Michael Gougis

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February 16, 2025

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MotoGP: Trackhouse Racing Co-Owner Pitbull Leaves Team

Entertainer Pitbull, a.k.a. “Mr. Worldwide,” has ended his ownership interest in Trackhouse Racing, the American-based racing enterprise that competes in MotoGP.

“We have made the decision to terminate our partnership with Trackhouse Racing, effective immediately,” said the entertainer, whose legal name is Armando Christian Perez.

The entertainer joined Trackhouse Racing as a co-owner in 2021, and was co-owner when the team joined the MotoGP series with Raul Fernandez and Miguel Oliveira for the 2024 season.

Trackhouse racing is set to compete in MotoGP in 2025 with Fernandez and Moto2 World Champion Ai Ogura.

MotoAmerica: Top Pro Racing Loses Investor, But Vows To Continue

John Ulrich

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February 16, 2025

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MotoAmerica: Top Pro Racing Loses Investor, But Vows To Continue

A Statement from Alex Arango, CEO,
Top Pro Motorsports Racing Team

Our team never stops fighting.

We did everything possible to continue racing in Superbike this year, but
unfortunately, one of our investors did not fulfill the commitment made for a
minimum period of two years. The news came to us late, after the commitment
had already been reaffirmed with much of the team, leaving us in a difficult
position to secure the necessary resources in such a short time. As everyone
knows, competing in Superbike requires a significant investment, and although
we worked tirelessly to find a solution, we were unable to secure sponsorship in
time.

Because of this, SDK will be racing with Suzuki this year, and we send him a big
hug and all our best energy. More than just a rider, he will always be part of our
family.

TopPro Racing rider/co-owner Alex Arango (left) and rider Sean Dylan Kelly (right). Photo courtesy TopPro Racing. — TopPro Racing CEO/rider/co-owner Alex Arango (left) with Superbike race winner Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK). Photo courtesy TopPro Racing.

Our team is still in MotoAmerica 2025. We will be competing in Stock 1000 and
possibly Supersport categories, and very soon, we will announce the riders who
will represent our colors. To everyone who has asked about our future, we
sincerely appreciate your support. This dream is still alive, and if God allows, we
will work relentlessly to return to Superbike next year.

Every step, even the toughest ones, is part of the journey. And we keep moving
forward with the same passion as always. Thank you for being part of this
journey with us! See you on the track.

World Superbike: Preview Of The Final Pre-Season Test

Michael Gougis

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February 16, 2025

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World Superbike: Preview Of The Final Pre-Season Test

Australia’s pre-round testing will provide the final pre-season window for teams to prepare their bikes and riders for the upcoming MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship

Poor weather conditions limited the running across first Jerez’s pair of testing days, and then similar dreary conditions affected riders’ ability to push their bikes at Portimao as well. It looks like Monday and Tuesday, the 17th and 18th of February and the final pre-season test days that will be held in Australia will finally provide the teams a chance to run their bikes unaffected by wet weather, providing a tremendous opportunity for the teams.

With Toprak Razgatlioglu back in action after his broken finger suffered during the offseason, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team are back to full strength after Michael van der Mark was the sole grid rider representing BMW at Jerez. Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) is back on Ducati Machinery, and so far in this preseason, the change seems to be agreeing with him. Fellow Ducati-machinery independent riders will be joining Redding and the others on the track for testing, such as Andrea Iannone and 2024 Top Independent Rider Danilo Petrucci. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) has been similarly impressive throughout the albeit-limited preseason testing so far, even beating the returning Toprak Razgatlioglu for fastest lap in Portimao’s Day 2, and Ducati-independent rookie, Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) will begoing to his first WorldSBK trip to Australia in his career so far. For the new manufacturer Bimota, Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani have impressed many around the paddock with how competitive they and their brand new Bimota KB998 Rimini have been so far in testing. Marcel Duinker, Bassani’s Crew Chief spoke at Bimota’s team launch event and praised Bassani for his improvement in his Tissot Superpole times on the SCQ tire.

Remy Gardner’s (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) preseason has been fast so far as well, and now ahead of his third WorldSBK season, the Australian rider will hope to start his season strong on home soil. Teammate Dominique Aegerter stated that after Portimao’s testing, he was still feeling pain in his shoulder, which still had a metal plate reinforcing it after a bad mountain bike crash in August 2024. He has since had the plate removed in early February 2025 and is looking forward to racing pain-free. Joining them in blue, Six-time Rider’s Champion Jonathan Rea and his Pata Maxus Yamaha team’s work this offseason looks to be paying off so far from what we’ve seen so far from this preseason. Rea is flanked by teammate Andrea Locatelli, who has been consistently fast throughout the preseason however Australia’s two day of testing may provide him an opportunity to make progress on his setup. Rookie Bahattin Sofuoglu (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) suffered a crash at Portimao Day 2, requiring him to go to a local hospital with what is suspected to be a collarbone injury.

Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) has seemingly adapted quickly to his team’s ZX-10RR Ninja after his move from BONOVO Action BMW to Kawasaki this offseason. He consistently placed well throughout the preseason testing days so far, and perhaps dry weather in Australia’s testing days will allow the Texan to show his true potential with the bike, which in his words, will be “fighting at the front”. One of the preseason’s surprises this year has been Team HRC’s fast pace in testing so far. Xavi Vierge has consistently been in the top 10 positions throughout the various testing days, and Iker Lecuona registered a P7 despite still recovering from his broken rib suffered this offseason. The pair of Spanish Team HRC riders will hope to continue to settle in atop their bikes with the final preseason testing days and continue to acclimate to their bike’s new Ohlins suspension.

While he technically made his WorldSBK debut back in 2022 with his appearance at the MOTUL Czech Round, Ryan Vickers is one of the grid’s four rookies this year. He looked fast at testing in Portimao, however rainy conditions across Portimao and Jerez have left many guessing as to how he will fare this year. In the offseason, Barni Spark Racing Team expanded to add a new rider in the form of fellow Italian and WorldSBK rookie, Yari Montella. Montella has looked competitive so far, placing P3 in Jerez’s rainy Day 1. Lastly but not least, Zaqhwan Zaidi joined PETRONAS MIE Honda Racing Team this offseason and will partake in his first preseason testing event on Monday 17th in Australia

The FIM Supersport World Championship will be preparing for their own season start just hours before the WorldSBK grid take to the track, and riders like last year’s runner up Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing), Debise Valentin (Renzi Corse), Marcel Schroetter (WRP Racing) and veteran Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME air racing) are raring to get the racing season underway. The WorldSSP grid is further supplemented by big names from other Championships such as: Phillip Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) and Michael Rinaldi (GMT94-YAMAHA) are joining the WorldSSP grid from WorldSBK, and Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) and Aldi Mahendra (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) are joining from Moto2™ and WorldSupersport300, respectively.

Supercross: Results From Detroit

John Ulrich

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February 15, 2025

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Cooper Webb Takes Detroit Supercross and Ties Points Chase

Levi Kitchen Comes Out On Top of 250SX Main Event Shake-Up

Detroit, Mich., (February 15, 2025) Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb grabbed the win in a thrilling Detroit Supercross at Ford Field. Webb’s first win of the season put the two-time champion into a point tie for the title just six races into the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship.

Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen jumped into the lead on the first lap and led the field for most of the 20-minute plus one lap Main Event. He defended several attacks by Webb throughout the race but gave up the top spot in the final minutes. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton got stuck in the starting gate then crashed on the opening lap, but from there he put in blistering laps and passed his way up to a third-place finish. Sexton retains the red plate but now stands in a point tie with Cooper Webb in both the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the SMX World Championship™. In round two of the Eastern Divisional 250SX Class, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen nabbed the win after a late-race re-start tightened up the field.

First place 450SX Class, Cooper Webb #2

“I really liked where I was by lap three, when I got around Aaron [Plessinger] and was with Kenny. I knew he was riding well today so it was going to be a good pace, and we had some good laps… He felt the pressure and rode well all through the Main Event. I was trying hard, and he picked up on some of my lines. It was a tough Main Event… I’ve been in that position before and it felt great. I’m stoked to get that first win, get the red plate. It just felt awesome.” – Cooper Webb, when asked at what point he felt he had the win.

Second place 450SX Class, Ken Roczen #94

“It was a really fun race… I kept my cool the whole time even though he was revving behind me. I didn’t let anything faze me. I know the stigma of when we go to battle and him getting me toward the end, but I just tried to do what I could; it’s honest work… I’m happy with a podium, I really am, even though we only got two points closer [to the points lead], I’m doing whatever I can out there and we’re executing our plans that we have coming into the [racing].” – Ken Roczen

Third place 450SX Class, Chase Sexton #4

“I was dead last, and I was like, ‘Well, time to send it!’ I felt like I rode really well; probably the best ride of the season, but it’s obviously not the result we wanted. But I made the most of a bad situation… I was smashing the whoops and that’s more like it for me. I’m looking forward to keeping this season going; that ride was fun.” – Chase Sexton (#4 in photo above)

The 250SX Class created excitement of its own when a red flag came out late in the race. Levi Kitchen, running seven seconds behind the leader in second place, used incredible sprint speed to take over the lead just two laps before the checkered flag came out. Prior to the re-start, last weekend’s winner, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Max Anstie, grabbed the lead early and pulled out a comfortable gap. After several side-by-side racing moments with Kitchen in the final laps, Anstie eventually settled for second. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire fought into third place, even recovering from a fall. Hampshire tried to capitalize on the staggered-start re-start but wasn’t able to better his spot.

Note: The AMA’s re-start procedure after a red flag was updated prior to the 2024 season. The rule states that if the leader has completed at least three laps, and if there is any time remaining on the race clock, the riders line up in a staggered-position on the start straight. A green flag re-starts the race, and the remaining race duration will be, at minimum, three laps.

First place 250SX Class, Levi Kitchen #47

“Max rode so good in the beginning of that event… then the red flag came out and I was like, ‘It’s time to reset and I can capitalize on this.’ I took a few deep breaths and just treated it like I was doing a two-lap sprint at Sandbox [Training Facility]. I sent it, made a pretty aggressive pass, and was able to get that [triple jump] out of the turn and got a little gap. We’ll take that. I had to bounce back after last weekend… [After the re-start] I knew it was [going to be] green flag, white flag, checkers, so I tried to plan to get a pass and get some room, and that’s what I did.” – Levi Kitchen

Second place 250SX Class, Max Anstie #31

“That red flag threw a bit of a spanner into the plan there. I was in a tough spot, because I knew Levi was fast, and the track was quite open. There were a lot of places to send it down the inside, and I would have done the same thing… I had it in the bag. I was literally cruising around the last two laps, and then the red flag [came out]. It is what it is. Big picture: I’m solid, I feel really good, I’m fast, I’m comfy where I’m at so, yeah, what a bummer.” – Max Anstie

Third place 250SX Class. RJ Hampshire

“We needed a podium so bad after last weekend. There was no one that pulled a worse card than me last weekend [getting the bike stuck on a track marker]… We came up with a pretty good setting for that Main Event and that’s the best I felt all day. We’ll take it. If you noticed, on the re-start I was hanging back a little bit. I didn’t want to throw it away for no reason.” – RJ Hampshire

***

Bidding has opened for two golf-foursome spots in the 2nd Annual Love Moto Stop Cancer Golf Tournament. Winners will golf with Supercross racers, legends, and industry professionals then receive a VIP treatment experience at the Supercross season Final in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 10th. For information, to bid, and to learn more about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, please go to SupercrossLIVE.com/st-jude.

Nothing beats attending a Monster Energy AMA Supercross in person, but live viewing is also available everywhere across the globe. Each event streams live and on-demand on Peacock. Additionally, select events can be viewed on NBC, CNBC, USA Network, and NBC Sports digital platforms. CNBC airs an encore presentation of each round on the Monday following the race at 1:00p.m. ET. A live Spanish-language presentation is available for every round on Telemundo Deportes’ Facebook and YouTube channels. Live International coverage can be accessed through the SuperMotocross Video Pass (supermotocross.tv) in English, Spanish and French language broadcasts. Races can also be heard live on NBC Sports Audio on SiriusXM Channel 85.

AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas hosts Round 7 next Saturday night, February 22nd. The Military Appreciation-themed event will bring back the Western Divisional 250SX Class Championship for its fifth round, and both the 450SX and 250SX Class racers will face their second Triple Crown-formatted event of the year. Like each Supercross race, the event will pay championship points toward both the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship as well as the SMX World Championship series. Tickets are available now for the Arlington Supercross and each remaining round of the championships, including FanFest and camping options for the post-season SMX World Championship events. For video highlights, race schedules, results, news, and to purchase tickets please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium (riders left to right) Ken Roczen, Cooper Webb, and Chase Sexton.

250SX Class podium (riders left to right) RJ Hampshire, Levi Kitchen, and Max Anstie.

Race_Result_5685544

Race_Result_5685413

Daytona 200: Hickman, Cooper Racing Factory Triumphs

Michael Gougis

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February 15, 2025

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Daytona 200: Hickman, Cooper Racing Factory Triumphs

The Triumph factory-supported PHR Performance Team is set to return to the USA this March for the Daytona 200, with Peter Hickman and Richard Cooper once again taking on the 57-lap, 200 mile race aboard their Triumph Street Triple 765 RS machines.

Now in its 83rd year, the legendary race attracts riders from all over the world. In 2024, Cooper returned to the Daytona 200 for the first time since 2008 and was a frontrunner for much of the race, briefly leading before an unfortunate crash ended his charge. Hickman, making his Daytona debut, was caught in an early incident through no fault of his own, dropping him down the order. The Isle of Man TT star fought his way back through the field and made strong progress so is keen to redress the balance this year.

The experienced duo will be looking to make amends this March as they return to the “World Center of Racing” to battle for victory on their PHR Performance Street Triples.

The British team will be in action at the Daytona International Speedway, on 6 – 8 March 2025. The lights go out for the main event at 13.10 local time, Saturday 8 March.

Steve Sargent, Triumph’s Chief Product Officer: “The Daytona 200 holds a special place in Triumph’s racing history, with Brandon Paasch taking victory in 2022 on the Street Triple 765’s debut. We’re excited to once again support Peter Hickman and Richard Cooper as they fly the Triumph flag in this iconic Florida event. Coopes and the PHR Performance team had a fantastic year in the inaugural National Sportbike Championship last year, securing the title on the Triumph Daytona 660. We’re looking forward to seeing them back in action on the Street Triple 765s as they push for victory in 2025.”

Peter Hickman, PHR Performance Team Owner and Rider: “Really excited to have backing from Triumph again for the Daytona 200 as the Triumph supported entrants. It’s great to have these strong links for PHR Performance. We had a really good year last year qualifying 6th and 7th. Daytona is a really unique place to ride and set the bikes up for and in our first year we had a pretty good year. It’s obviously a shame the race didn’t go to plan but we’re looking forward to getting back there and making amends. It’s great having Richard Cooper on the team again, he’s super experienced and a really nice guy who fits in so well with the PHR Performance team. The Street Triple 765 is working really well. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to develop the new parts with the next generation rules, working closely with Triumph. We’re supporting a couple of other teams as well including TOBC who won the Daytona 200 with our PHR Performance built engines in 2022. I’m really excited about this race and I cannot wait to get back and have a good go.”

Richard Cooper, PHR Performance Team Rider: “I’m super excited that PHR and Triumph have asked me to go back to the Daytona 200 this year. With the experience that we’ve gained, not just myself as a rider, but also as a team and the crew around me, I feel that we are in a much better position going into it this year. The PHR boys have been working hard to get the best out of the bike for us and we’ve got a great package underneath us. To finish first, first you must finish – we were fast last year, we led the race, but we weren’t there when it counted at the end. This year I will approach it more calmly and level, then there’s no reason why we can’t be competitive and fight for strong results. I’d love to say we can go there and win, we can, but we’ll also need a little bit of luck on our side. I feel that Peter and I can learn from our mistakes from last year and better the results this year. I’m really appreciative of the opportunity from PHR and Triumph to ask me to race at Daytona again in 2025 and I can’t wait to go back.”

MotoAmerica: SDI Racing Indian Baggers With Petersen

Michael Gougis

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February 15, 2025

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MotoAmerica: SDI Racing Indian Baggers With Petersen

SDI Racing, LLC is excited to announce the signing of MotoAmerica Superbike veteran Cameron Petersen to pilot the Indian Motorcycle factory-supported SDI Racing Indian Challenger for the 2025 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers race season.

California based South African rider, Cameron Petersen is a seasoned competitor in the MotoAmerica paddock, boasting multiple wins and numerous podium finishes in the Superbike Championship series. Known for his skill, consistency, grit and professionalism, Petersen brings a wealth of experience to SDI Racing as he makes his debut in the highly competitive King of the Baggers series.

Cameron Petersen, No. 45:

“I’m extremely excited to get this opportunity with SDI and Indian Motorcycle. I feel like my style fits perfectly with the team and I can’t wait to get to work with everyone. Let’s go hurt some feelings!”

For the 2025 season, SDI Racing has strengthened its program, assembling a premier crew of seasoned experts, led by Crew Chief Robert Ward, Team Manager Cameron Brewer, Lead Tuner Bubba Bently and Engine Development by Kenny Tolbert.

Steve Delorenzi, SDI Racing Team Owner:

“We’re excited for the 2025 season and grateful to Gary Gray from Indian Motorcycle, along with Jeff Bailey and Dean Young from S&S, for the opportunity to be part of their factory support program. We’re thrilled to have Cameron join our team and make his King of the Baggers debut on the SDI Racing Bagger. The team has been working tirelessly in the off-season, and we’re looking forward to kicking things off at Daytona.”

SDI Racing continues its strong partnership with title sponsors Indian Motorcycle and S&S, with additional support from Dunlop, Drag Specialties/Parts Unlimited, Mission Foods, Motion Pro, Klotz Oil, K-Tech Suspension, and new partners Law Tigers, Cameron Ashley and RMR Construction for the 2025 race season. More exciting partnerships will be announced soon.

The 2025 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers season kicks off March 6th on the high banks of the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. For more information regarding the King of the Baggers series, visit MotoAmerica.com.

MotoAmerica: Herfoss, O’Hara, Baz On Indian “Wrecking Crew” In 2025

Michael Gougis

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February 14, 2025

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MotoAmerica: Herfoss, O’Hara, Baz On Indian “Wrecking Crew” In 2025

The Indian Motorcycle “Wrecking Crew” is one of the most iconic aspects of American motorcycle history, thanks to the dominance of the original Wrecking Crew in the 1950s and the modern flat track Wrecking Crew, led by Jared Mees, from 2017-2024. Now Indian Motorcycle is embarking on a new bagger-racing chapter in the Wrecking Crew story. Today, Indian Motorcycle announced the expansion of its Indian Motorcycle-S&S® Cycle factory team, adding French MotoGP® veteran Loris Baz to the lineup, joining 2024 King of the Baggers® Champion Troy Herfoss and two-time King of the Baggers® Champion Tyler O’Hara. Once again, the team will do battle aboard the Indian Challenger, powered by the unparalleled overhead-cam, liquid-cooled PowerPlus motor.

After another historic season in 2024, highlighted by the rapid emergence and dominance of Herfoss, the three-time Australian Superbike champion, Indian Motorcycle is putting even more emphasis and momentum behind its bagger-racing program for 2025, expanding the team and effectively creating the newest iteration of its historic Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew.

“The Wrecking Crew has long been a cornerstone of our brand, synonymous with the racing DNA that has been a part of our company since it was founded by two racers back in 1901, and we’re thrilled to continue that historic legacy with our factory team in the King of the Baggers series,” said Gary Gray, Vice President of Product Technology, Racing, and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “Loris Baz is a proven winner, with experience at the highest levels of global road racing, but with critical experience in MotoAmerica and the tracks we run throughout the season. He’s been impressive on the Indian Challenger in our early testing sessions, and we’re excited by the notion of now having three amazing riders aboard the Indian Challenger at every race this season as we collectively chase another championship.”

Armed with the ultimate performance bagger platform, the Indian Challenger, Indian Motorcycle is proving that there is indeed a replacement for displacement. Thanks to sophistication of the overhead cam, liquid-cooled PowerPlus 112 motor, Indian Motorcycle is the first brand to win three King of the Baggers championships, consistently outpacing bigger-bore competitive motors with larger displacement. Its contemporary design, a 60-degree V-Twin featuring four valves per cylinder, delivers high horsepower and high torque – optimizing acceleration across the entire rev range.

Returning to defend his King of the Baggers crown is Indian Motorcycle-S&S® No. 1 rider Troy Herfoss. In his first year piloting the S&S® Indian Challenger, the three-time Australian Superbike champion podiumed all but three races in 2024, securing a class-leading seven wins, seven second-place finishes, and one third-place finish.

Returning for his sixth season aboard the S&S® Indian Challenger is No. 29 Tyler O’Hara. A two-time King of the Baggers champion, O’Hara won the class’ inaugural race in 2020 and repeated as champion in 2022. O’Hara’s fearless approach and seasoned experience racing baggers makes him a fierce competitor in this year’s King of the Baggers field.

Rounding out the Indian Wrecking Crew is French road racer Loris Baz. Baz’s dynamic riding style and proven resume makes him a formidable force on the track. The Frenchman has competed in premier series such as MotoGP®, World Superbike, and most recently within MotoAmerica’s Superbike class. He’s earned a reputation as a versatile and skilled rider, known for his adaptability. Baz has achieved success across various racing disciplines, including his time in the European Superstock 1000 Championship, where he clinched the title in 2008. With his international pedigree and history of success, Baz is set to make a powerful impact in King of the Baggers.

“The King of the Baggers series has had my attention since it began, and to be a part of it as a member of the legendary Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew is truly an honor,” said Baz. “Racing Superbike, I’ve seen first-hand what Troy and Tyler have accomplished aboard the S&S® Indian Challenger, and I’m thrilled to be joining this championship team as we chase another title together in 2025.”

Adding to its factory efforts, Indian Motorcycle is supporting two satellite teams for 2025. Steve Delorenzi has enlisted Cameron Petersen to pilot the SDI Racing Indian Challenger, while Kyle Ohnsorg will compete on the TAB Performance Racing Indian Challenger.

For 2025, Indian Motorcycle is offering more than $80,000 and a brand-new 2025 Indian Challenger Dark Horse for its privateer contingency. Indian Motorcycle Racing welcomes S&S® as title sponsor and is presented by Progressive Insurance® and Mission® Foods, with additional support from Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties®, Performance Finance, and Min Hsiang.

The King of the Baggers season begins March 6 at the Daytona International Speedway. For more information on the 2025 King of the Baggers series, visit MotoAmerica.com.

MotoAmerica: Saddlemen Running Lewis & West In Baggers And Hooligans

John Ulrich

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February 14, 2025

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MotoAmerica: Saddlemen Running Lewis & West In Baggers And Hooligans

Saddlemen is gearing up for a big 2025 season with an exciting announcement about their participation in the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers and Mission Super Hooligans series. Building on the momentum from the 2024 season, Saddlemen is set to bring some serious heat with talented riders, Cory West (#13), and Jake Lewis (#85) both of whom will be piloting Saddlemen-built 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide® Limited motorcycles.

Defending the National Championship for the Super Hooligan Series, Cory West (#1), Jake Lewis (#85) and Travis Wyman(#10), with a powerful partnership with Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle, Mission Foods, and a number of other key sponsors, Saddlemen is fully equipped to take on the competition. The inclusion of the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 bikes for the Super Hooligan Series shows they’re bringing innovation to the table with custom modifications and cutting-edge carbon-fiber bodywork.

Participating in everything from Flat Track to Land Speed Record attempts is a solid way to push the limits of the products and gain real-world feedback. It’s clear that Saddlemen’s focus on testing new products through racing is an important part of their strategy to maintain their reputation as “Gel Seat Experts” and continue providing riders with the best in comfort and performance.

It looks like an exciting year ahead for Saddlemen in both the King of the Baggers and Super Hooligan series!

World Superbike: Bulega Fastest In Australia Testing

February 17, 2025

Bulega australia test day one 1750_jdr_action_test_pi25_full — Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo courtesy WorldSBK.com.