MV Agusta to Focus on Growing US Market

MV Agusta has announced its plan to grow the Italian motorcycle manufacturer’s presence in the USA, which includes strengthening the US dealer network, “enhancing connections” with existing customers, and increasing marketing investments.

To help implement these goals, MV Agusta has turned to E.I.M. for interim and permanent executive management solutions. MV Agusta also announced its intention for similar plans in Brazil, Asia, and select European counties (read: Germany, France, and the UK).

“MV Agusta is the most exclusive motorcycle brand with a long history of racing, exceptional design, and great product distributed all over the globe. Over recent years, we have supported our growth through a strong product development pipeline launching exceptional technically advanced products across many segments”, said Giovanni Castiglioni, Chairman and President of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A.

“Now, with the right products available to meet consumer demand, we are investing our efforts in restarting and restructuring our on-the-ground operations in the USA and other selected markets.”

“We are pleased to announce that we are on track to appropriately strengthen our important markets. Recently, we have secured new leadership in the USA as well as UK and France” said Gabriele Galeani, Global Commercial Director. “We are pleased to announce that Helen Vasilevski will join us in the USA. She comes with experience at Ducati and BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products). We are finalizing plans in the other markets.”

The news should be met with enthusiasm by American MV Agusta fans, as the Italian brand has long-suffered from a mismanaged dealer network in the United States. Sparse dealership coverage and long turnaround times on parts, have soured MV Agusta’s reputation in the US, and abroad.

With MV Agusta’s best opportunities residing outside the borders of Italy, the company’s future growth is reliant on MV Agusta’s ability to make headway on other European, American, and Asian markets — especially now that MV Agusta has broadened its range of machines to include the machines like the F3, Rivale, and Turismo Veloce.

Source: MV Agusta

Source : asphaltandrubber[dot]com

AMASBK: Date Set for 74th Running of the Daytona 200 (Video)

AMA Pro Racing Press Release:

The 74th DAYTONA 200, which will showcase the return of the AMA Pro SuperBike class to America’s most historic motorcycle race, will be held on Saturday, March 14. Tickets go on sale Monday, Aug. 4 at 9 a.m.

Earlier this year, AMA Pro Racing announced that its premier AMA Pro SuperBike class will return to the DAYTONA 200 in 2015. The season-opening event will be a 69-lap race contested on Daytona International Speedway’s 2.91-mile short course.

Since 2005, the smaller-displacement motorcycles of Formula Xtreme and GoPro Daytona SportBike have been showcased in the prestigious event. With the 2015 return of the AMA Pro SuperBikes, the top teams and riders will again headline the historic event.

“The DAYTONA 200 has a long and storied history on both the sands of Daytona Beach and on the high banks of the Speedway,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “We’re looking forward to witnessing a new chapter in the event’s history as the powerful SuperBikes from AMA’s premier class return to compete in motorcycle’s most historic and demanding race.”

2014 DAYTONA 200 FULL Race (HD) – AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike – Daytona International Speedway:

In addition to the Daytona 200, the Speedway will host a full complement of AMA Pro Road Racing classes March 12-14 with the GoPro Daytona SportBike and the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series. The AMA Pro Flat Track doubleheader is scheduled for March 12-13.

The roots of the DAYTONA 200 can be traced back to the sands of Daytona Beach with Ed Kretz Sr. winning the inaugural event back in 1937 aboard an Indian. The DAYTONA 200 moved to Daytona International Speedway in 1961 and is the only endurance race on the AMA Pro schedule.

Triumph rider Danny Eslick dominated the 2014 edition of the DAYTONA 200. Eslick became the first rider to win the DAYTONA 200 aboard a Triumph since the late Gary Nixon in 1967 and joined a long list of motorcycle legends that have conquered the grueling race including Scott Russell, Miguel Duhamel, Mat Mladin, Kenny Roberts and Dick Klamforth.

Kicking off DAYTONA 200 Week on Saturday night, March 7 will be the prestigious Daytona Supercross- the only AMA Supercross event in Florida in 2015. The tough and challenging course will once again be designed by Supercross legend Ricky Carmichael.

Following the Daytona Supercross will be the sixth annual Ricky Carmichael Amateur Supercross on Sunday, March 8 and Monday, March 9 where amateur Supercross racers will have an opportunity to test their skills on the same course used in the Daytona Supercross.

Tickets for all motorcycle racing events are available HERE

For more information: www.amaproracing.com

Source : cycleworld[dot]com

2014 Indian Motorcycle Sturgis Rally Event Schedule Announced

Indian Motorcycle Press Release:

Hot on the heels of the exciting reveal of the new Indian Roadmaster luxury touring motorcycle, is the announcement of additional activities and motorcycling celebrities participating in Indian motorcycle activities at the 74th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

The new Indian Roadmaster will be a featured demo ride motorcycle in the demo fleet located at Exit 30 of Interstate 90 in Sturgis. In addition the full palate of 2015 two-tone, Chief Classic, Chief Vintage and Chieftain motorcycles will be available for demo rides.

Roland Sands has built a stunning custom motorcycle that will be reveal on stage at the Buffalo Chip between concert on Sunday August 3rd (appx 9:30-10:30 pm). Roland is keeping details close to the vest – but offers a tantalizing peek at the completed bike.

John Munro, Son of legendary Indian Motorcycle racer Burt Munro will attend the rally on behalf of Indian Motorcycle. John Munro has worked to keep his father’s legacy alive with events such as the Munro Challenge in New Zealand. Traveling from Invercargill, New Zealand, Munro will meet fans and tell stories of his father’s travels, exploits and dedication to his beloved 1920 Indian Scout. John will see the “Spirit of Munro” Tribute motorcycle for the first time live in the Michael Lichter display at the Buffalo Chip. Munro is also in Sturgis to kick off the Munro Collection of Apparel that will debut in Sturgis.  Munro will join the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group ride on Sunday August 3rd and appear in several locations including:

- Saturday 8/2 – Autograph Session – 1-4pm 3rd & Lazelle / Indian Motorcycle Display

- Sunday 8/3 – Michael Lichter Event – Sturgis Buffalo Chip, Lichter Gallery  6-9pm

- Tuesday, 8/5 – Event at Indian Motorcycle Sturgis Dealership (2106 Lazelle St)5-7pm – Autograph Session

- Friday, 8/8 – Autograph Session 1-4pm, 3rd & Lazelle / Indian Motorcycle Display

Motorcycle artist Lee Bivens will be on hand in the Indian Motorcycle display completing an original painting commissioned by Indian Motorcycle that depicts the historic reveal of the 2014 Indian Motorcycle line up last year. Bivens is commemorating this important event on canvas that will be donated to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum during the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame breakfast on August 7th. Bivens will appear at the Indian Motorcycle display in Sturgis on the following schedule:

- Wednesday 8/6  3-5pm
- Thursday 8/7  – 9-5pm
- Friday 8/8 – 9-5pm

The Indian Motorcycle display at 3rd and Lazelle will feature a complete display of the new models including apparel and accessory displays and will host the American Motordrome that features vintage Indian 101 Scouts and is the most authentic “Wall of Death” show on tour. Daily shows will thrill audiences as they have done for decades as the vintage motorcycles defy gravity and deliver heart-stopping performances.

For more information: www.indianmotorcycle.com

Source : cycleworld[dot]com

Honda Grom + Ducati Monster = Gromcati

Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali has made it pretty clear that he has no plans to take Ducati into the realm of small-displacement motorcycles, and he has flat-out squashed the chances Ducati making a scooter.

This could make thigns difficult for the Italian brand, especially as the hot regions for growth in the motorcycle industry are teeming with machines under 500cc in engine displacement — markets like Southeast Asia, India, China, and the countries of South America.

So what are Ducati fans in these countries to do? Well, where there is a will, there is a way…and for some Thai riders, that will manifests itself in a big way. Taking one perfectly good Honda Grom monkey bike, add in some impressively downsized Ducati Monster bodywork, and well…we introduce to you the Gromcati.

The above machine is the work of X-Speed Motorland, a mega-dealer in Thailand, and it looks like the Gromcati has been quite the evolution – starting as a simple graphic kit, and becoming the more elaborate example you see here.

When we see fan-made projects like these, it’s always a sign that there’s an opportunity here for to be capitalized on by an OEM.

Countries like Thailand are filled with rabid motorcycle fans, but with incredibly high tariffs on imported motorcycles, and super-low wages that preclude the bulk of the population from ever affording even Ducati’s “budget-priced” Monster 821, Ducati fans in emerging markets will continue to show their colors, in perhaps more creative ways.

Source: X-Speed Motorland

Source : asphaltandrubber[dot]com

HRC and Red Bull Expand MotoGP Partnership

Honda Racing and Red Bull have announced an enhancement to their collaboration in MotoGP through the Repsol Honda team, which sees the energy drink company’s logo featured on Honda’s factory team starting in the 2015 season, as it becomes the official energy drink for the team as well.

The two parties have collaborated over the last nine years, but the Red Bull logo has never before been featured on the Repsol Honda machinery, despite Red Bull supporting both Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa with personal sponsorships.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to grow our partnership with Red Bull,” said Shuhei Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of HRC.

“It is an iconic global brand with whom we’ve worked alongside for nine years, so this was the logical next step. I’m sure that this new partnership will increase our visibility, not only as Honda, but also MotoGP on a whole to a wider global audience, which can only be good for the sport.”

The news is the latest move in the escalating sugar-water war that is brewing inside MotoGP, which has seen Red Bull, Monster Energy, Rockstar, and other brands competing for placement in the premier class.

Today’s announcement also makes Red Bull’s investment into the Repsol Honda team a positive sign for MotoGP’s viability as a prominent marketing avenue for international brands, as the Austrian company continues to invest further and further into the sport with rider, team, and event sponsorships.

It will be interesting to see if other energy drink brands follow Red Bull’s suit, and increase their exposure as well, much in the same way we saw the tobacco industry compete for sponsorship contracts in the 500GP days.

Source: Honda

Source : asphaltandrubber[dot]com

WSBK Announces Tender Offer for Spec-Tire Supplier

World Superbike’s spec-tire contract with Pirelli comes to a conclusion after the 2015 season, and as such the Dorna WSBK Organization, in agreement with the FIM, has announced that it is taking bids from companies who are willing to be the sole-tire supplier of the World Superbike Championship from 2016 onwards. Interested parties will have to contact Gregorio Lavilla, the WSBK Sporting Director, and have their offers in by August 25th.

So far, no manufacturer has been hotly linked to takeover the spec-tire duties, so it’s possible that Pirelli could remain in the WSBK fray. With MotoGP set to have Michelin take over as its spec-tire supplier in 2016 as well, it is interesting to see the tire contracts for the two top international motorcycle racing series expiring as both series make sweeping rule changes.

Whomever takes over the World Superbike tire contract, they will have to build a tire around what is now the EVO spec of machinery, which will have less horsepower than the current crop of superbikes, and thus have different tire demands.

Source: WorldSBK

Source : asphaltandrubber[dot]com

Enduro: Round #7 Beta Motorcycles Race Report – Cross Fork

Beta Motorcycles Press Release:

This past weekend, Beta USA’s National Enduro team headed to Cross Fork, PA for Round 7 of the National Enduro Series. The terrain provided sweeping grass track, loamy woods and a nasty rock section in the final test. Justin Sode carried the team this weekend with the absence of Cory Buttrick who is currently healing from injury.

Sode reflects on the event saying, “The beginning of the day went pretty well, with a minor brake problem in test #1. After fixing the brake issue I had consistent times throughout the day on my 300 RR. In the last test I had a few minor crashes and couldn’t get a groove. Now it’s time to do some more testing on the 300 RR to get ready for Colorado.” Ultimately, Sode finished 12th in the Pro class.

Round 8 of the National Enduro Series resumes on August 10th in Grand Junction, Colorado where Justin Sode, Max Gerston, and Cody Webb will compete aboard Factory Beta USA motorcycles.

1    JESSE GROEMM    KTM
2    STEWARD BAYLOR JR KTM
3    ANDREW DELONG    HSQ
4    MICHAEL LAFFERTY KTM
5    GRANT BAYLOR    KTM
6    PADDY HOLLOWAY    KTM
7    BRAD BAKKEN    YAM
8    RYDER LAFFERTY    HSQ
9    NICK FAHRINGER    HSQ
10    KYLE MCDONAL    KTM
11    NICK DAVIS    KTM
12    JUSTIN SODE    BET

For more information: www.betausa.com

Source : cycleworld[dot]com

Ducati Sales Up 3% for the First Six-Months of 2014

Could 2014 be another record year of sales for Ducati? If the first six months are any indication, maybe so, as the Bologna brand has reported a 3% increase in sales thus far for the year.

Ducati has sold 26,740 motorcycles so far this year, worldwide, and is aiming to top its all-time record of 44,287 units by the end of the year. Additionally, orders for the month of June were up 11%, causing Ducati to be optimistic about its performance in 2014.

If Ducati does continue on its trend, a 3% increase for 2014 would mimic the company’s sales figures for the third year in a row, with three consecutive years in the low forty-four thousands, volume-wise.

Releasing the new Monster 1200 and Monster 821 so far this year, as well as updating the Ducati Diavel and Hypermotard SP, Ducati has been keeping its lineup fresh, though perhaps not as alluring as it has in the past.

Time will tell if bikes like the Ducati Scrambler can continue the forward momentum the Italians had through the recession, or if 2014 will mark a trend in Ducati’s sales stagnation.

Source: Ducati

Source : asphaltandrubber[dot]com

First Photos of the Polaris Slingshot

Polaris is about to release a three-wheeler for the sporting public, named the Polaris Slingshot. We’ve already gotten a pretty good look at the Slingshot ahead of its debut, and now just a few hours before its official release we have our first actual photos.

Technically a motorcycle, along the same vein as the Campagna Motors T-REX, riders will need a motorcycle license to operate the Slingshot, despite its car-like form factor, which includes seat belts.

At $20,000 for the base model ($24,000 for the SL model), the Polaris Slingshot is either an expensive toy, or a moderately priced sport car…depending on how you look at it. Helping cloud that distinction is the 2.4L GM Ecotec four-cylinder engine, which is good for 173hp and 166 lbs•ft of torque, and is mated to a five-speed stick-shift gearbox.

Standard on both the base and SL models are anti-locking brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control, whereas the Slingshot SL comes with larger forged wheels (the base model’s are cast) and bigger low-profile tires. As such the SL weight 1684 lbs, to the base model’s 1666 lbs.

Like BRP’s Can-Am Spyder three-wheeler, what remains to be seen is how big the market is for something like the Polaris Slingshot. With the economy slowly recovering, motorcycle sales are starting to pick-up. However, we doubt many motorcyclists will accept the Slingshot as one of their own, with the machine likely to pique the interest of car enthusiasts, much like the KTM X-Bow.

How big that specialty market is remains to be seen, especially with such a hefty price tag. It does look fun to drive though, right?

Source: Polaris; Photos: Adventure Motorsports of NWF (Facebook)

Source : asphaltandrubber[dot]com

AMAMX: Round #9 Race Report – Washougal (Video)

Motocross Media Press Release:

The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, returned to the west coast on Saturday afternoon with its annual visit to the Pacific Northwest and Washougal MX Park for the Washougal National. For the second time in the last three rounds, Red Bull KTM‘s Ryan Dungey topped the 450 Class, posting his first 1-1 sweep of the season for his third overall victory of 2014 and gaining significant ground in the championship standings. In the 250 Class, Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin duplicated the efforts of his premier class teammate, earning the first 1-1 sweep of his career en route to his first win of the season.

Toyota/Yamaha/N-FAB/JGRMX’s Justin Brayton was first out of the turn in the opening 450 Class moto, securing the Hole-shot Award just ahead of Dungey. The KTM rider wasted little time in making his move on Brayton and took over control of the lead on the opening lap while his closest rivals, Ken Roczen and Eli Tomac, battled from behind. With a clear track ahead of him, Dungey was able to consistently pull away but the battled behind him proved to be the highlight of the moto.

Roczen was able to pass Trey Canard for second on Lap 4 and looked to settle into the position, but Tomac was on a charge through the field following an 11th-place start. The Honda rookie and winner at the previous round methodically moved his way forward and had Roczen in his sights after taking over third on Lap 5. In the ensuing laps Tomac steadily closed the gap on his fellow rookie and after about five laps of pursuit, made the move for the runner-up spot on Lap 10.

Out front, Dungey took the moto win by nearly 14 seconds with Tomac second and Roczen third. Canard followed in fourth while Brett Metcalfe rounded out the top five.

Brayton once again put himself at the forefront of the field at the start of Moto 2, sweeping the afternoon’s Hole-shot Awards. Metcalfe and Andrew Short rounded out the top three off the start, with Dungey in fourth. Tomac slotted in a few spots behind Dungey in about seventh, while Roczen was forced to battle his way from a start outside the top 10.

As he did in the first moto, Dungey seized the opportunity on the opening lap and jumped from fourth to first in one corner, immediately pulling away. Tomac wasted little time following Dungey through, moving into the top three, picking off multiple riders to secure second by Lap 2. While the lead duo checked out, Roczen was doing his part by fighting his way into a podium position. While he had to do battle with Metcalfe over the course of several laps for third, Roczen eventually made the pass stick and asserted himself in the final podium spot.

The top three stayed the same through to the finish, with Dungey crossing the line over eight seconds ahead of Tomac. Roczen was a distant third.

“Today was just about coming in and not worrying about the championship. There’s a lot of racing left [this season],” said Dungey, who won for the fourth time in five tries in the 450 Class at Washougal. “We just tried to put out our best effort and we did that. We got great starts and Eli [Tomac] kept us honest in that second moto, but I just really tried to put the hammer down and extend the gap. Fortunately we did that. I love it here [at Washougal] and this just feels awesome.”

Dungey’s win was a landmark one, marking the 30th of his 450 Class career and his 37th combined victory (including the 250 Class) in the Pro Motocross Championship. Tomac followed in second (2-2) with Roczen completing the podium in third (3-3). Metcalfe posted a season-best finish in fourth (5-4), while Short rounded out the top five (6-5).

“You always want to be up front, but it was another weekend of work for us,” said Roczen. “It’ll be good to have an off weekend and recharge the batteries. Ryan [Dungey] rode really well today and congrats to him. I’ll take some time to regroup and get some rest in. I really want to keep that red plate [as the points leader]. All that matters is who’s on top in the end, and we aren’t there just yet.”

With 10 points in Dungey’s favor on Saturday, Roczen’s lead in the 450 Class standings now sits at 14 points. Canard sits third, 77 points behind.

In the 250 Class, Valli Motorsports Yamaha‘s Christophe Pourcel led the field into the first turn in Moto 1, claiming the Hole-shot Award ahead of Yamalube/Star Racing Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin. The French rider fended off the current championship points leader for a brief period, but Martin soon made his way around and set a solid pace. Behind them, Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin took advantage of a third-place start to challenge the two Yamaha’s ahead of him. He passed his fellow Frenchman Pourcel on Lap 1 and went to work on Martin for three laps before ultimately moving into first. Once out front, Musquin pulled away and was never threatened.

While Musquin established his dominance, the battle behind him turned into a captivating five-rider battle between Pourcel and Martin, in addition to Blake Baggett, Jason Anderson and Cooper Webb. A mistake forced Martin to drop from second to fifth, putting the battle for second between Pourcel and Baggett. Eventually Baggett made the pass on Pourcel, but gave the position back just one lap later.

Anderson began to put pressure on Baggett for third but suffered a big crash and dropped deep into the field. That allowed Webb to assume the position after passing his teammate and soon all four riders were separated by just over a second. As he looked to close in again on Pourcel, Baggett went down and fell to fifth, while the Star Yamaha teammates of Webb and Martin swapped third on multiple occasions.

In the end, Musquin cruised to his first moto win of the season by over eight seconds ahead of Pourcel while a late pass by Webb with two laps to go awarded him third over Martin. Baggett soldiered home to finish fifth.

Pourcel raced to his fourth straight Hole-shot Award in the final moto, with GEICO Honda’s Justin Bogle on his rear fender. Bogle took advantage of the strong start to pass Pourcel on the opening lap and assume control of the moto. Behind them, Musquin and Baggett also were looking to make the most of their strong starts, while Martin and Webb jockeyed for position deeper in the field.

While Bogle maintained a strong pace out front, Musquin made the move on Pourcel for second and set his sights on the lead. Pourcel continued to lose positions and eventually dropped out of contention up front. Bogle was impressive in his defense of the position and was able to keep Musquin at bay for the majority of the moto. However, on Lap 9 the Frenchman made his move and easily pulled away once out front. Bogle then fell into the clutches of Baggett, who rebounded from his misfortune in the opening moto to put himself in podium contention. Baggett methodically wore Bogle down and the Honda rider soon tipped over to put Baggett into second. Bogle quickly recovered to hold on to third, but then had to fight off Martin for the position in the final stages of the moto.

Musquin maintained his lead on Baggett through to the finish, while Bogle was able to hold on for third. The victory was Musquin’s first since the fourth round of the 2013 season and comes off his best finish of the season a week ago. He now has four career wins in the 250 Class.

“I’m so glad, that was a perfect day. I was fastest qualifying and got both moto wins,” said Musquin. “It was my first time in American going 1-1 [in motos]. My teammate Ryan [Dungey] went 1-1 and I wanted to join him. I found an outside line that helped me make passes all day and I’m really happy to know I got some good starts and was able to make the passes I needed to get into the lead.”

Baggett’s runner-up effort in the final moto helped him finish second overall (5-2), while Martin (4-4) edged out his teammate Webb (3-5) for third, needing a tiebreaker to finish on the podium. Bogle completed the top five (7-3).

“I’m pumped,” exclaimed Martin. “Last year I went 29-12 at Washougal and this year I went 4-4, so I’m super, super happy. I was able to get some good starts, find some good lines and get into a rhythm.”

Martin retained control of his lead in the 250 Class standings, with a 43-point lead over Webb. Baggett sits third, 54 points back.

Washougal Motocross Animated Track Map (Rider’s POV):

The 2014 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will take a week off before returning to action on Saturday, August 9, with the 10th round of the season from Unadilla in New Berlin, N.Y. Action for the Red Bull Unadilla National begins at 1 p.m. ET.

Results:

Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship
Motosport.com Washougal National
Washougal MX Park – Washougal, Washington
July 26, 2014
Round 9 of 12

450 Class (Moto Finish)

Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM (1-1)
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda (2-2)
Ken Roczen, Germany, KTM (3-3)
Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Kawasaki (5-4)
Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM (6-5)
Weston Peick, Wildomar, Calif., Suzuki (7-6)
Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda (4-11)
Fredrik Noren, Sweden, Honda (9-7)
Justin Brayton, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Yamaha (8-8)
Christian Craig, Plymouth, Minn., Honda (10-12)

450 Class Championship Standings:

Ken Roczen, Germany, KTM, 407
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 393
Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda, 330
Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Kawasaki, 256
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki, 226
Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 218
Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM, 218
Weston Peick, Wildomar, Calif., Suzuki, 217
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 212
Chad Reed, Australia, Kawasaki, 156

250 Class (Moto Finish)

Marvin Musquin, France, KTM (1-1)
Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki (5-2)
Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha (4-4)
Cooper Webb, Morehead City, N.C., Yamaha (3-5)
Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda (7-3)
Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., KTM (6-7)
Dean Wilson, Scotland, Kawasaki (8-6)
Christophe Pourcel, France, Yamaha (2-15)
Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Honda (9-9)
Jessy Nelson, Paso Robles, Calif., Honda (11-10)

250 Class Championship Standings:

Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha, 377
Cooper Webb, Morehead City, N.C., Yamaha, 334
Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki, 323
Marvin Musquin, France, KTM, 291
Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda, 274
Christophe Pourcel, France, Yamaha, 274
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., KTM, 236
Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Honda, 212
Jessy Nelson, Paso Robles, Calif., Honda, 185
Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha, 156

For more information: www.mxsportsproracing.com

Source : cycleworld[dot]com

AMAMX: Round #9 KTM 450X Race Report – Washougal

KTM USA Press Release:

Red Bull KTM Factory rider Ryan Dungey earned both moto wins at the ninth round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross National Series in the 450 MX class to claim the overall victory alongside his teammate Marvin Musquin who earned the same result in the 250 MX class creating a historic moment for the KTM brand.

Fresh off a podium finish at his hometown race in Millville, MN the weekend before Dungey was ready to show his speed once more as the rider’s lined up for the morning qualifying sessions at Washougal MX Park. After two sessions, it was Dungey who topped the leaderboard with a time almost 1 second faster than the next closest rider. His top time earned him first gate pick for the main event. His teammate and series points leader, Ken Roczen, earned the 4th fastest time for a decent gate pick at the start of moto one.

Dungey had a great start off the line and quickly moved into the lead by the end of the first lap. Dungey led every moto of the sixteen lap race to take the overall win. Meanwhile, Roczen started around 10th place off the line and steadily worked his way up to 3rd place by the end of the race.

“I felt good out there,” stated Roczen. “But my thumb started to swell at the end of the moto. I’m not sure what from but it definitely hindered my performance.”

In the second moto, Dungey earned another great start and once again found himself in the lead before the completion of lap one. He again led every lap to take the win by 8 seconds.

Washougal Motocross Animated Track Map (Rider’s POV):

“I think I just got to a point after last week where I just got sick of not riding to my full potential this season,” commented Dungey. “To work so hard and not win really hurts so I came into this weekend wanting to ride my best and I think that is what I did. Everything just clicked today and I am happy to have made up 10 points on Kenny toward the championship.”

Roczen also repeated his first moto result and earned another 3rd place finish in the second moto. His 3-3 scores earned him 3rd overall for the day.

“I was just a bit off my game today,” said Roczen after the final moto. “We have an off-weekend coming up so I will use that to recover and come back stronger at Unadilla.”

The Red Bull KTM teammates remain 1st and 2nd in the overall point standings. With three rounds remaining, Roczen now leads by 14 points over Dungey.

Next Event: New Berlin, NY – August 9, 2014 (Unadilla)

Overall Results:

1.    Ryan Dungey – 1-1 (KTM)
2.    Eli Tomac – 2-2
3.    Ken Roczen – 3-3 (KTM)
4.    Brett Metcalfe – 5-4
5.    Andrew Short – 6-5 (KTM)
6.    Weston Peick – 7-6
7.    Trey Canard – 4-11
8.    Fredrik Noren – 9-7
9.    Justin Brayton – 8-8
10.    Christian Craig – 10-12
11.    Tommy Weeck – 16-9
12.    Tommy Hahn – 15-10
13.    Ben Lamay – 13-13
14.    Matthew Goerke – 12-17 (KTM)
15.    Chad Reed – 11-35
16.    Evgeny Mikhaylov – 17-16 (KTM)
17.    Jimmy Albertson – 19-15 (KTM)
18.    Kellian Rusk – 23-14
19.    Ryan Sipes – 14-39 (KTM)
20.    Tevin Tapia – 18-20

Overall Point Standings:

1.    Ken Roczen – 407
2.    Ryan Dungey – 393
3.    Trey Canard – 330

For more information: www.ktmusa.com

Source : cycleworld[dot]com

AMASBK: Round #5 Yamaha Race Report – Mid-Ohio (Video)

Yamaha Motor Press Release:

Three-time AMA Pro SuperBike Champion Josh Hayes came into Mid-Ohio with a 40-point lead in the 2014 SuperBike Championship. On the strength of his second-place finish in Race 1 and his breathtaking photo-finish victory in Race 2, the “Mississippi Madman” left Mid-Ohio with the same 40-point lead. And, with just one round and two SuperBike races remaining in the season, he is on the brink of his fourth title in five years.

Watch as Josh talks about the memorable weekend he had at Mid-Ohio aboard his Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha YZF-R1 SuperBike:

For more information: www.yamaha-racing.com

Source : cycleworld[dot]com

How to Watch the Suzuka 8-Hour Endurance Race

I was trying to think this week how to frame how important the Suzuka 8-Hour Endurance Race is for Japanese motorcycle enthusiasts and Japanese motorcycle manufacturers. It’s certainly more prestigious than any single MotoGP or WSBK round, and I would hazard that it is as big of a deal to the Japanese as the Isle of Man TT is to the Manx.

A race known for seeing factory teams staked with the top riders from around the world, this year’s Suzuka 8-Hours sees some of Japan’s finest joined by the likes of Kevin Schwantz, Jonathan Rea, Randy de Puniet, Josh Brookes, and Josh Waters. It can be hard to follow the race in Japan though, but we’ve got you covered for this year’s event.

The Suzuka Circuit puts up a live stream of the racing sessions on Ustream, and the link is right here. There is also an official Twitter feed in English which you should follow. We have embedded the Ustream into this post as well…because the internet is awesome.

Suzuka 8-Hour Live Stream Schedule — All Time PDT:

Friday
0900 - 1100 – Free Practice 3
1350 - 1420 – 1st Rider Qualification
1435 – 1505 – 2nd Rider Qualification
1520 – 1550 – 3rd Rider Qualification
1800 – 1930 – Free Practice 4 (Night Session)

Saturday
1415 – 1500 – Free Practice 5
1530 – 1645 – Superpole (Top 10 Teams Only)

Sunday
0830 – 0915 – Warm-up
1130 – 1930 – Race

Source: Ustream

Source : asphaltandrubber[dot]com

Victory Motorcycles Revs Up For Sturgis

Victory Motorcycles Press Release:

Victory Motorcycles® has packed the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally schedule with special events, with a major focus on activities exclusively for Victory owners attending the legendary Black Hills rally. Victory’s Sturgis action includes the annual Victory Owners Ride and Party, celebrity meet-and-greets, military salutes, free 2015 Victory demo rides at three different locations, and the chance to win a spectacular Cory Ness Cross Country custom and matching guitar.

Activities are planned in and around the Sturgis area from Saturday, Aug. 2 through Saturday, Aug. 9.

FREE 2015 Victory Demo Rides – Now in 3 Locations!:

Aug. 2-9   9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily

At Hersrud’s of Sturgis (I-90 Exit 30), the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads, and Rice Victory in Rapid City

Victory has expanded its demos with two new locations to make it easier than ever to take free demo rides on the new 2015 Victory models. Along with the familiar location at Hersrud’s of Sturgis, Victory has added demo ride sites at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads and at Rice Victory in Rapid City.

It’s kickstands up for each day’s first ride at 9 a.m., and each day’s final ride rolls out at 4:30 p.m. All riders must be at least 18 years of age, show a valid motorcycle endorsement and wear a helmet and appropriate riding attire.

Rice Victory:

301 Cambell St.
Rapid City, SD 57701.

(Take Exit 60 off I-90.)

Victory Performance Garage
Aug. 2-9   9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily

- Third & Lazelle Streets

Plan to spend a lot of time, on multiple days, at the new Victory Performance Garage, the hub of action in the heart of downtown Sturgis. Register on-site and get a wristband that serves as your registration in a drawing for a special new 2015 Victory bagger. Get the wristband scanned at various display stations within Victory’s downtown location and you qualify for equipment upgrades to the grand prize bike.

There will be special activities every day, and non-stop action, including:

– “Sweet 16 Saturday” with a Victory 16th anniversary celebration, Aug. 2

– Meet & Greet world-renowned custom builder Rick Fairless, Aug. 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

– Tribute Tuesday with special gifts for first responders and military personnel and veterans, Aug. 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

– Autograph sessions featuring “Gunny,” R. Lee Ermey, Aug. 5, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.

– Win It Wednesday with special prize give-aways every hour, Aug. 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

– Live Victory Custom Bike Builds featuring the crew from HotVic.com (Aug. 6), Lloydz Motorworkz (Aug. 7), and Conquest Customs (Aug. 8)

– In the Victory Custom Garage, check out the Victory Accessories collection and learn – in hands-on fashion – which accessories suit your riding and your style

– Purchase Victory Apparel, including the exclusive, limited-edition 2014 Victory Sturgis Tee

– See incredible precision riding demonstrations by the Victory Police Motorcycles team

– Meet the legendary Arlen Ness family at a meet-and-greet on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 1 – 3 p.m.

– All the 2015 Victory models will be on display so you can take a seat and learn which fits you and your riding style

– Victory owners can also pick up their 2014 Victory Owners Pin

Activities For Victory Owners Only:

Victory Owners Sturgis Guided Rides, Led by EagleRider – Aug. 4 & Aug. 6 :
EagleRider Tent at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads
Check in at 9 a.m.; Kickstands up at 10 a.m.

Add to your Sturgis experience by joining fellow Victory owners for a Sturgis Guided Ride led by the professional guides of EagleRider. As you enjoy 70 miles of scenic area roads on your Victory, you’ll discover new views of the Black Hills that you never knew existed. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited, so register today HERE.

Riders will check in and start the ride at the EagleRider display in the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads.

Aug. 7  Victory Owners Ride and Party:

Ride from Deadwood to the Buffalo Chip; Party at the Buffalo Chip
Ride starts at 3:30 pm.; Party runs 5:30-8 p.m.

These special events exclusively for Victory riders feature a self-guided ride from The Lodge in Deadwood to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip®, where the annual Victory Owners Party will be held.

Victory Owners Ride:

Victory riders can check in at The Lodge in Deadwood from 2-3:30 p.m. Victory representatives will welcome riders at 3 p.m., take a group photo, then ride to the party with kickstands up at 3:30 p.m.

Victory Owners Party:

This annual gathering of the Victory family of riders will feature prize give-aways, presentations from Victory officials, great food, and live entertainment. Among the prizes: Two Victory owners will be selected as finalists for that evening’s Sturgis Rider Sweepstakes grand prize drawing. The finalists will appear onstage during that night’s Buffalo Chip concert, where the winner’s name will be drawn for the Cross Country 8-Ball customized by Cory Ness – with a matching Les Paul Studio Epiphone guitar.

Register for the Owners Ride and Party HERE.

Register online for your chance to win the Sturgis Rider Sweepstakes. No purchase necessary HERE.

Ride One and You’ll Own One – Victory Motorcycles:

For more information: www.victorymotorcycles.com

Source : cycleworld[dot]com

MotoGP: Leon Camier in for Nicky Hayden at Indy & Brno

After his seat in the IODA Racing team fell through due to a lack of funds, Leon Camier is to race in MotoGP in 2014 after all. The Englishman is to replace Nicky Hayden on the Drive M7 Aspar Honda RCV1000R for both the Indianapolis and Brno rounds of MotoGP.

Hayden had surgery last week to remove a row of bones in his right hand, including the scaphoid he injured in a crash in 2011. On Tuesday, Hayden was examined for the first time after surgery, and although his recovery is going well, he will require an extended period of rehabilitation before he is ready to return to race.

As a result, Hayden will be forced to skip both the Indianapolis and Brno rounds of MotoGP, in the hope of returning to action at Silverstone at the end of August.

In the meantime, Camier is to ride his production RCV1000R for the two rounds, making his debut in the premier class at last. The Englishman will face an uphill task at Indianapolis, acclimatizing to the Bridgestone tires at a notoriously difficult circuit, and one which he has never ridden.

A week later, Camier will face a slightly easier challenge, racing at Brno which he knows from his time in World Superbikes.

Since learning that the IODA Racing team did not have the funds to field a second Aprilia RSV4 for Camier, the Englishman has been filling in as a replacement rider in World Superbikes. He took the seat of Sylvain Barrier on the BMW S1000RR EVO bike, and replaced the injured Claudio Corti on the MV Agusta F4RR.

He was also on standby to replace Nicky Hayden earlier in the year, after Hayden suffered a flare up of the wrist injury, but Hayden continued to race. Camier will now get his chance to ride Hayden’s bike, since the American decided to opt for surgery to fix the problem.

Source: Drive M7 Aspar; Photo: © 2014 Scott Jones / Photo.GP – All Rights Reserved

Source : asphaltandrubber[dot]com

Flat Track: Round #8 Race Preview – Sacramento Mile (Video)

AMA Pro Racing Press Release:

The Sacramento Mile is already a premier event on the AMA Pro Flat Track schedule, but the stop has the potential to be absolutely huge for one Grand National Championship title contender.

Bryan Smith, and his Kawasaki, will try to race into the record books and take control of the championship chase Saturday on the famous mile course at the Cal Expo. Smith, a three-time defending Sacramento Mile winner, can become the first ever four-time winner in the event’s history.

Smith was second to Jared Mees and his Harley-Davidson last weekend at the Grays Harbor Half-Mile, but he’s reeled off three straight podiums – including a win at the Hagerstown Half-Mile. Mees leads the title hunt, and has won two of the last three races, but his advantage over Smith is a scant five points.

Mees’ thrilling win in Washington came with a margin of just .369 seconds, further evidence that practically nothing is separating the two Michigan riders this season.

At last year’s Sacramento Mile, Smith beat Mees to the finish line by just .083 seconds, and the top five all crossed the line within less than a quarter of a second.

In fact, since the return of the Sacramento Mile to the AMA Pro Flat Track schedule in 2011, every main event has been won by less than a tenth of a second, so history suggests fans can expect an epic finish.

2014 Grays Harbor Half-Mile – Grand National Championship Main Event – AMA Pro Flat Track:

While Mees and Smith are the two hottest GNC riders as the season nears its midpoint, Jake Johnson is right on their heels, just one point behind Smith for second in points, six back of Mees (127-122-121). Johnson has been consistent all season, finishing no worse than sixth since taking 10th in the opener at Daytona, but he’s still searching for his first victory of the season.

Kenny Coolbeth can’t be counted out either having two wins this year and could have had more if not for a little bad luck. He’s fourth in points, but just 13 off the lead and still among the favorites for the overall championship.

Sammy Halbert rounds out the top five in points entering the Sacramento Mile. Halbert is looking for his first win of the season still, but he’s shown pace to run in the front and is capable of winning every time the hits the track.

Brandon Robinson and Henry Wiles entry sit sixth and seventh, respectively, in the title hunt, easily within striking distance of the leaders if they are able to put together some strong finishes starting with Saturday’s event.

In the Pro Singles class, the title chase is even tighter. Two riders are tied atop the standings and a third is just a point back.

Kyle Johnson and Davis Fisher are knotted with 99 points apiece. Ryan Wells is third with 98 points.

It was Jarod Vanderkooi, who was too young to start the season as a pro at Daytona, who took the checkered flag at Grays Harbor. That victory snapped a run of three straight for Kyle Johnson.

Last season, Shayna Texter won the Pro Singles main event, and has since moved up to the Expert class, where she will compete Saturday.

How to Watch :

FansChoice.tv will be the official home for live streaming coverage of AMA Pro Flat Track and AMA Pro Road Racing events in 2014. The site will also provide coverage of IMSA’s development and single-make series, and NASCAR’s touring and weekly series.

For more information: www.amaproracing.com

Source : cycleworld[dot]com

Photo: Ducati Scrambler Caught at WDW 2014

Ducati has just finished up the desmodromic orgy that is World Ducati Week 2014, where thousands of Ducatisti gather to celebrate all things Ducati. One of the highlights of the festival this year was Borgo Panigale’s showing of the Ducati Scrambler.

A mix of yellow shipping containers, cabanas, and sand, the Scrambler reveals were held for about a dozen Ducati fanatics at at time, in a controlled room where no cellphones were allowed.

It’s hard to say whether Ducati thought it could prevent photos from the event from leaking onto the internet despite these measures, or if the Italian motorcycle company just likes putting up a good front for its marketing buzz. Either way, some images have come out from the event.

Here’s the first such image, showing the Ducati Scrambler in its retro-yellow paint scheme. Clear from the photos are the final lines of the tank, and the exhaust header routing. Also visible is the forward cylinder of the air-cooled v-twin engine, as we’ve seen from other spy photos.

There are obvious cues in the design to the Ducati Scrambler from the 1960′s and 1970′s, though Ducati has made some departures from the original, namely with its two-cylinder engine and lack of wire-spoked wheels.

From the marketing, Ducati seems to be targeting a younger demographic not currently found in the brand. It will be interesting to see how the Scrambler is received by Ducatisti and non-Ducatisti alike, and we imagine pricing will be a critical factor in the bike’s success. Thanks for the tip Angelo!

Photo: Ducati Corse (Unofficial Facebook Page)

Source : asphaltandrubber[dot]com

WSBK: Official World Superbike Test Report – Portimao

wSBK Press Release:

The two day official DWO test drew to a close today at Portimao’s Autodromo International do Algarve with Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) the quickest rider thanks to his 1’42.719s lap time set this morning. The reigning champion and his teammate Loris Baz mainly focused on fine-tuning their ZX-10R as well as testing new items, whilst KRT EVO peer David Salom tried out new parts developed for what will be next year’s Kawasaki machine.

Tom Sykes:

“It was a useful test. In the first day the track was not in perfect conditions but we managed to make some progress with the ZX-10R anyway. We started the second day a bit late, we had still some items to try but we had not enough time. Anyway we tried different geometries and improved the overall feeling on the bike. We could make changes that were impossible to do during the race weekends. The lap times were not our biggest concern but it is always nice to finish on top. Now I am going to enjoy the summer break back in the UK and hopefully sort out my hand/wrist problem. I feel we have the right package to be competitive in the final part of the season.”

Aprilia Racing Team’s Marco Melandri and Sylvain Guintoli had the chance to evaluate a range of things that were left to be tested from earlier on in the season, but their on track duties were affected by crashes, fortunately with no major injuries. The Italian rider, who had a high speed fall yesterday, was able to return to action today and made for the time lost on the first day by completing 75 laps. Guintoli’s test was brought to an early end today in the final minutes of the morning’s session, as the rear of his RSV4 Factory came around throwing him to the ground. Despite no major consequences, Guintoli chose not to return to the track after being checked by the medical staff.

The Ducati Superbike Team concentrated their efforts on practicing starts with both Davide Giugliano and Chaz Davies, also testing previously developed solutions that the team could not try out during the racing weekends completed so far.

After missing the last round at Laguna Seca due to the injuries sustained one week before at Portimao, Claudio Corti proved to be back on form by lapping the Portuguese track 93 times over the course of the two days.

Other EVO riders Alessandro Andreozzi and Jeremy Guarnoni made good use of the track time available to further gel with their EVO ZX-10R machines.

All riders also had the chance to try new development compounds brought by the SBK Official Tire Supplier Pirelli, designed to increase tire performance and durability in the hottest rounds of the season, starting from next year’s season opener at Phillip Island.

The World Superbike riders will now enjoy a six week summer break before the tenth round of the season, which takes place on September 7-9 at Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.

Times:

1. Sykes (Kawasaki) 1’42.719 average 160.936 kph
2. Guintoli (Aprilia) 1’42.954
3. Baz (Kawasaki) 1’43.110
4. Melandri (Aprilia) 1’43.315
5. Giugliano (Ducati) 1’43.592
6. Davies (Ducati) 1’43.742
7. Corti (MV Agusta) 1’44.485
8. Salom (Kawasaki) 1’44.487
9. Andreozzi (Kawasaki) 1’44.924
10. Guarnoni (Kawasaki) 1’45.109

For more information: www.worldsbk.com

Source : cycleworld[dot]com