This week in Powersports - The week of January 12, 2025
Scott Lukaitis
Powersports, Motorsports & Racer Marketing, Management, and Media - Director of Sales and Marketing with Engine Ice at KOST USA, Inc.
HISTORIC PODIUM FOR TRIUMPH FACTORY RACING AT ANAHEIM 1
Triumph Factory Racing launched its second term in AMA Supercross with an incredible podium finish – the first for the British manufacturer – in front of a sold-out crowd. Jordon Smith and Stilez Robertson represented the team in the 250SX West class at Anaheim's Angel Stadium.
Smith, who qualified into the main event via a brilliant second place in his heat, started the race well on his TF 250-X. Positioned to battle for the victory, he fought on the cusp of the podium for some time until an unfortunate tip over on lap five. Down but not out, and undeterred, he remounted and quickly climbed from sixth to fourth before reclaiming third place with just over a lap remaining. His remarkable charge secured Triumph Factory Racing's first AMA Supercross podium, marking a historic milestone for the team.
Making his return to racing after multiple injury setbacks, Robertson transferred straight into the main event. Getting caught on a tuff block early on made his experience tricky, but he persevered and made a lot of progress before some additional mistakes hindered him further. '325' was eventually classified in 20th.
For Smith and Robertson, a chance at further success will arise in just seven days. The second event of 2025 AMA Supercross, held at San Diego's Snapdragon Stadium, will occur on January 18.
?Jordon Smith
"Overall, today was good! The track was pretty dry and hard pack, so we learnt a lot about the bike and confirmed some stuff that we already knew. The starts were really good – there were so many positives! I was happy to be able to fight back after a mistake in the main event. To capture Triumph's first podium in AMA Supercross is an honour and just amazing."
Stilez Robertson
"The day started off okay. I hit a tuff block in the main event, got going from last and climbed to around 13th. I made some mistakes after that – I have not raced supercross in a long time. No excuses though. We will keep building and be better."
Jeremy Coker – General Manager, Triumph Racing America
“Tonight was a historic one for Triumph with our first supercross podium. That is very special to be a part of and I am so proud of each and every single person involved on this team; they have worked their butts off. Jordon rode an amazing race tonight and, without one small tip over, I believe we would have battled for the win. Stilez put together a solid 15-minute race and will be making steps in the correct direction each and every week. I truly believe we have only scratched the surface tonight. The sky is the limit for how this team and brand will perform. We will go back to work this week and come back even stronger.”
Nick Bloor – CEO, Triumph Motorcycles
“What a way to see the team open their 2025 season. To secure a podium result in only our 11th Supercross race is a phenomenal achievement and testament to the dedication of everyone who is involved in our racing and OEM programmes. I can’t wait to see how the team build on Jordon’s third place through the rest of the season.”
?250SX Results: 2025 AMA Supercross, Round One – Anaheim 1
1. Jo Shimoda (Honda) 2. Julien Beaumer (KTM) 3. Jordon Smith (Triumph) 4. Ryder DiFrancesco (GASGAS) 5. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) 20. Stilez Robertson (Triumph)
250SX Standings: 2025 AMA Supercross, Round One – Anaheim 1
1. Jo Shimoda (Honda) 25pts 2. Julien Beaumer (KTM) 22pts 3. Jordon Smith (Triumph) 20pts 4. Ryder DiFrancesco (GASGAS) 18pts 5. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) 17pts 20. Stilez Robertson (Triumph) 2pts
STRONG DEBUT FOR ROCKSTAR ENERGY GASGAS FACTORY RACING TEAM AT ANAHEIM 1
Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing?charger?Justin Barcia has started his 2025 AMA Supercross Championship campaign with a solid 450SX points haul, finishing an action-packed night of racing in sixth position. In 250SX West, Ryder DiFrancesco?opened his?account strongly by racing to a career-best P4 result.
After a quiet qualifying session, Bam Bam came out firing in his heat race onboard the GASGAS MC 450F Factory Edition , making a late pass and holding off an intense challenge for position to take P3.
Despite a mid-pack start to the Main Event, Barcia went to work on the riders ahead of him, pushing his way into the top-five during the 20-minute encounter before dropping a position on the final lap and finishing P6.
Justin Barcia: “A1 was a bit of a stressful day. I think this was the 12th or 13th time I’ve lined up for Anaheim, but the nerves never go away. I was riding like a goon in practice and qualifying, but I had a good heat race and rode really well. I didn’t get the greatest start in the Main Event, but I got myself up to fifth with a really good ride. Unfortunately, I got passed at the end of the race and brought it home in sixth. All in all, we turned the day around. I’m not happy with sixth, but to get out of Anaheim healthy and with the bike working well, I’m looking forward to San Diego.”
Ryder D was impressive all day at Anaheim’s Angel Stadium. After posting the third-fastest qualifying time aboard the GASGAS MC 250F Factory Edition, the 19-year-old put in a convincing performance to finish P3 in his Heat.
In the Main Event, DiFrancesco worked his way through the pack early after a tricky start, steadily picking off the guys ahead of him to ultimately finish with a career-best fourth-place result.
Ryder DiFrancesco: “I had good qualifying sessions and I was near the top of the board in every session. My Heat race was good and in the Main Event I ran third until a lap and a half to go. We’re close! This was a huge confidence gain tonight and I’m excited for San Diego.”
Next Race: January 18 – San Diego, California
Results 450SX Class – Anaheim
1. Chase Sexton (KTM)
2. Ken Roczen (Suzuki)
3. Jason Anderson (Kawasaki)
6. Justin Barcia (Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing)
9. Aaron Plessinger (KTM)
10. Malcolm Stewart (Husqvarna)
Standings 450SX Class 2025 after 1 of 17 rounds
1. Chase Sexton, 25 points
2. Ken Roczen, 22
3. Jason Anderson, 20
6. Justin Barcia, 15
9. Aaron Plessinger, 12
10. Malcolm Stewart, 11
Results 250SX West Class – Anaheim
1. Jo Shimoda (Honda)
2. Julien Beaumer (KTM)
3. Jordon Smith (Triumph)
4. Ryder DiFrancesco (Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing)
Standings 250SX West Class 2025 after 1 of 10 rounds
1. Jo Shimoda, 25 points
2. Julien Beaumer, 22
3. Jordon Smith, 20
4. Ryder DiFrancesco, 18
Malcolm Stewart leads Rockstar Energy Husqvarna into Anaheim 1 top 10
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider Malcolm Stewart put a dramatic Heat Race crash behind him to take a top 10 resulti in the opening round of the 2025 AMA Supercross Championship at Anaheim 1.
The Floridian posted the seventh-quickest qualifying time and had worked his way into P3 in his Heat when a heavy crash resulted in a DNF. Banged up and bruised, Stewart progressed to the Main after finishing P2 in the Last Chance Qualifier on his Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition.
An outside gate pick for the Main Event then forced him to work his way through the 450SX pack over the duration the 20-minute race, taking the checkered flag in a hard-earned 10th position.
Malcolm Stewart: "A1 was a mystery for me. I honestly felt good all day, in the Heat Race I was sitting third and made a mistake in the sand, and the next thing you know I got whipped and went flying. I hit the ground pretty hard and beat myself up, but when you hit the ground like that it’s to be expected that you don’t bounce back the way you want. I got checked out and I got the green light to go racing, so I went into the LCQ and salvaged what we had. In the Main Event I thought if I could top 10, that’d feel like a win. Sure enough, we got 10th, so we leave on a really high note due to the circumstances and how I feel. I’ll take a couple of days off now to regroup and get ready for San Diego."
Next Race: January 18 – San Diego, California Results 450SX Class – Anaheim 1. Chase Sexton (KTM) 2. Ken Roczen (Suzuki) 3. Jason Anderson (Kawasaki) 6. Justin Barcia (GASGAS) 9. Aaron Plessinger (KTM) 10. Malcolm Stewart (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) Standings 450SX Class 2025 after 1 of 17 rounds 1. Chase Sexton, 25 points 2. Ken Roczen, 22 3. Jason Anderson, 20 6. Justin Barcia, 15 9. Aaron Plessinger, 12 10. Malcolm Stewart, 11
RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING'S CHASE SEXTON SPRINTS TO ANAHEIM 1 SUPERCROSS VICTORY
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Chase Sexton have started their 2025 AMA Supercross Championship in spectacular form by taking victory in the Anaheim 1 season-opening round, on a night where teammate Julien Beaumer earned the runner-up result in 250SX West.
After qualifying third-fastest, Sexton and his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION were unstoppable for the rest of the night, as the reigning Pro Motocross Champion took the holeshot and comfortably won his heat race by more than seven seconds. Quick moves in the Main Event saw the 25-year-old Sexton surge into the lead during the opening laps. From there, he managed the race and claimed his first-ever Anaheim 1 victory.
Chase Sexton: "I’m still kind of processing tonight. It’s cool to win Anaheim 1 since it’s a pretty hyped race! I’ve come close in the past, so it was nice to come out on top tonight. I had a lot of fun riding today, had a good time on the track, which was really busy, and I think that kind of plays into my favor. We put a lot of work in during the off-season to get back to where I need to be, so it’s been a long road, but it makes this win feel even better."
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450SX teammate Aaron Plessinger experienced a steady night on his way to ninth in the Main Event. The 28-year-old qualified ninth fastest, then finished his Heat Race in P6. A chaotic start to the final saw Plessinger have to fight his way forward from near the back of the field, eventually crossing the finish line in P9.
Aaron Plessinger: "Anaheim 1 didn't go the way I wanted it to, but we’re walking out healthy. I was kind of sluggish all day, and I didn’t get off to a very good start in the Main Event, which made things harder for me. I’m going to go back and do some more testing this week, do some work, and come into San Diego with an improved feeling and aim to get back on the box."
It was also an exceptional opening round for Beaumer in the 250SX West division. Equipped with the KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, the 18-year-old charged to the top of the qualifying leaderboards, then won his Heat with a well-timed pass late in the race. A strong start to the Main Event saw him quickly slot into P2 and he put in a series of calculated, fast laps to end his night with a well-deserved runner-up result – signifying his first career Supercross podium.
Julien Beaumer: "We’re in a lot better space mentally and physically than we were last year, and I have a lot more belief in myself that I can go the distance. Today I concentrated on minimizing the mistakes on race day, I rode with a lot more maturity than I did last season. I rode calmly, smoothly and tried to ride like I do at the test track. I feel like I achieved that and showed that I’m one of the title contenders this year."
Next Race: January 18 – San Diego, California
Results 450SX Class – Anaheim 1. Chase Sexton (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) 2. Ken Roczen (Suzuki) 3. Jason Anderson (Kawasaki) 6. Justin Barcia (GASGAS) 9. Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) 10. Malcolm Stewart (Husqvarna) Standings 450SX Class 2025 after 1 of 17 rounds 1. Chase Sexton, 25 points 2. Ken Roczen, 22 3. Jason Anderson, 20 6. Justin Barcia, 15 9. Aaron Plessinger, 12 10. Malcolm Stewart, 11
Results 250SX West Class – Anaheim 1. Jo Shimoda (Honda) 2. Julien Beaumer (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) 3. Jordon Smith (Triumph) 4. Ryder DiFrancesco (GASGAS) Standings 250SX West Class 2025 after 1 of 10 rounds 1. Jo Shimoda, 25 points 2. Julien Beaumer, 22 3. Jordon Smith, 20 4. Ryder DiFrancesco, 18
Yamaha Motor to Change Corporate Logo Design and Unveils Commemorative 70th Anniversary Logo
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 7272) announced today that it will be changing the design of its corporate logo for the first time in 27 years this year, which also marks the 70th anniversary of Yamaha Motor’s founding in 1955. The new corporate logo was designed with digital applications in mind and uses a flat (2D) Tuning Fork Mark for greater conspicuity. Starting this month, the Company will gradually begin transitioning over to the new design.
Yamaha Motor?has also created a special logo to commemorate its 70th anniversary. Designed under the concept of “Everything Begins with a Challenge,” the logo was based on the racing number plates used in the Company’s first motorcycle race shortly after it was founded. The 70th anniversary logo will be used in various events, marketing tools, and corporate items throughout the year to publicize this milestone internally and externally.
Amidst the major changes occurring around the world, Yamaha Motor’s business is also shifting from a focus on selling products to offering value through both products and services. As we adapt to these changes, Yamaha Motor will carry on the traditions and record of achievements we have written over the last 70 years and continue taking on new challenges under our new corporate banner.
Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals Kicks Off New Race Season with Brand Refresh and Continued Commitment to Performance
Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals proudly introduces a bold new brand identity that underscores its commitment to professional-grade quality and unmatched performance. Trusted by professionals and designed for everyone who rides, Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals delivers products that empower every rider to get the most out of their Honda.
Anchored by the new tagline, Empower Your Passion, the refreshed Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals branding celebrates the company’s mission to enhance every ride. The redesigned logo—a striking dual “P” graphic—represents both the professional quality of the products and the people who rely on them. Its modern, italicized typeface evokes forward motion and innovation, reflecting Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals’ dedication to keeping engines running clean and riders moving forward.
Race-Tested. Rider-Approved
The AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross series serve as ideal platforms to highlight Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals’ race-proven performance. Trusted by Honda HRC Progressive riders Jett and Hunter Lawrence, Chance Hymas and Jo Shimoda, these oils and chemicals are engineered to handle the grueling demands of the world’s toughest races. The same products the champions use on track are available to every rider, ensuring reliability and peace of mind no matter the adventure.
New Look, Same Legendary Formula
Though the branding has evolved to better stand out on shelves, the products inside remain the same championship-winning formulas. Blended specifically for Honda machines, Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals are pro-grade products meticulously crafted to enhance engine performance, extend longevity and keep every ride worry-free. This focus on precision and reliability continues to set the standard for powersports enthusiasts around the globe.
Empower Your Passion Pro Honda Custom Motocompacto Giveaway
To celebrate the rebranding, Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals is giving away four custom Honda Motocompactos this AMA Supercross season. Starting at the season-opener in Anaheim and ending at the final round in Salt Lake City, fans can scan QR codes throughout the various venues to enter for a chance to win this innovative, foldable electric personal mobility machine. Like Pro Honda Oils, the Motocompacto embodies Honda’s commitment to precision, innovation, and forward-thinking. Fans won’t want to miss this exciting opportunity to experience the energy of Pro Honda Oils’ refreshed look and professional-grade performance.
About Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals
Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals is the trusted choice for professional-grade performance and reliability. Designed specifically for Honda machines and race-proven in the most demanding environments, our products empower riders to pursue their passion with confidence. For more information, visit the Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals page.
2025 SMX World Championship Playoffs and Final Announced
During today’s SMX World Championship season opening press conference in Anaheim, CA, the SMX LeaugeTM announced that zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway, The Dome at America’s Center, and The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway will host the 2025 SMX World Championship Playoffs and Final in September.
Last year’s historical season saw two of the sport’s youngest and brightest stars cement their place in the history books as both defended their inaugural year championships and won. At just 18, Haiden Deegan earned his second 250cc World Championship while Australian generational-talent Jett Lawrence, at 21, became the first-ever repeat 450cc World Champion in the premier class.
SMX World Championship Playoff 1 will take place on Saturday, September 6 at zMAX Dragway in Concord, N.C. and Playoff 2 will take place on Saturday, September 13 at the Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Mo. The SMX World Championship Final will take place on Saturday, September 20 at The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas after a very successful return to the city for last year’s championship final.
zMAX Dragway is situated adjacent to Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. and its world famous four-lane dragstrip and dual grandstands provide the perfect backdrop to host an SMX World Championship Playoff round. The Charlotte area is a hotbed for fans of the sport and is an easy city to get to from most points in the Eastern region. 2025 will mark the third year in a row for the city and venue to host the opening round of the playoffs.
Situated in the middle of the country, the Dome at America’s Center will be a perfect Midwest backdrop to host the second round of the playoffs. St. Louis is no stranger to the sport as the city has hosted 26 Monster Energy Supercross races since 1996 and has been a consistent host market on the schedule since. The venue has gone through several name changes over the years, but the Dome at America’s Center has long been lauded as having the best “dirt” in the world. The domed stadium and adjacent exhibition hall combined feature an impressively large footprint with which the master track builders will use to create a one-of-a-kind “motocross-inspired” SMX World Championship caliber track. The combination of event spaces will also provide a unique fan viewing experience unlike any other indoor stadium race.
Aptly named, The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is conveniently located just twenty minutes away from the world-famous Las Vegas strip. Last year’s sold-out event proved that fans were eager to get back to the “entertainment capital of the world” and enjoyed a plethora of unique VIP experiences that could only be concocted in a market like Las Vegas.
“The Strip” is one of the most iconic dragstrips in the country and joins zMAX Dragway as being one of just two dragstrips in the nation to feature four-wide racing. This expansive footprint allowed our master track builders to get very imaginative last year in creating the final SMX World Championship track and they will be eager to outdo themselves this year. Situated right across the street from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the Strip is home to more than 50 events a year and provides an intimate viewing experience from the grandstands and suites while also offering fans the ability to “line the fence”, similar to what is done at a Pro Motocross event.
A variety of travel packages will be available to fans for the SMX World Championship Final. Please visit SMX World Championship Final Travel Packages for more details. Fans can purchase hotel and camping accommodations that include many ticketing and VIP experience options.
The SMX World Championship Playoffs and Final will feature the best athletes in the world as the top 20 in combined Supercross and Pro Motocross points are automatically seeded into the playoff rounds. As in other sport playoffs, athletes will be competing for the sport’s ultimate World Championship title, and the prestige that comes from overcoming adversity through a 28-round, dual-discipline (indoor and outdoor) season, plus two SMX Playoffs and a Final.
All 17 rounds of the 2025 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship are on sale. Tickets for the SMX World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final will go on pre-sale, Tuesday, January 28, followed by public on-sale Tuesday, February 4. Friday FanFest, Saturday FanFest and camping options for each round and venue will be announced later in the season.
Chase Sexton Dominates Supercross Opener in Anaheim
A sold out Angel Stadium was alive with the excitement and anticipation of Round 1 of the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, part of the SMX World ChampionshipTM series. Red Bull KTM Racing’s Chase Sexton took his first opening round win in convincing fashion. Even with a brief stall near the midpoint, Sexton never relinquished the lead after taking it less than four minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap Main Event.
Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen also battled forward, reaching second place early and holding the spot to the finish. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson managed to avoid first-turn chaos and found himself in the lead on the first lap. After intense battles with Sexton and Roczen he finished the race on the podium with third place. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac crashed on the opening lap while leading. The defending champion, Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence, had two big mistakes in the opening laps and was only able to climb back to 12th spot. In the 250SX West class, Honda HRC Progressive’s Joe Shimoda rode a nearly flawless race and led every lap to take the victory.
“I kind of knew where I was at coming in here. I knew I had good speed. I feel more like myself in 2023 when I was fast, but I feel like I’m a little more mature now and I can get out front and kind of run my own laps and not make mistakes, so it was a fun race. [I] had Kenny behind me, and also Jason, and it was just a good ride. Honestly, I had so much fun on this track tonight. I can’t give it up to the team enough. They put in so much hard work this off-season to get me comfortable, knowing that I wasn’t comfortable last year; and coming in now we’re back where we need to be. We still have lots to improve; it’s only one race in and there’s 16 left, but we’re off to a good start and first time winning A1 feels pretty good.” – Chase Sexton, after winning the A1 Main Event following his Heat Race victory.
“My practices have been terrible, and then [in] the last one I was 13th. And It’s not like I’m stoked about it, but I told Larry [Brooks, Team Manager], I said, ‘I’m so not worried about that, you know? Because I know: I just was calm. Like, I had the calmness inside of me. I’ve done this a lot now and it showed. Again, we executed tonight. It was a little bit of mayhem on the start; I locked bars with a bunch of people and then I just rode such a solid race. And I know this sounds stupid, but in the bus earlier, in my head, I said, ‘I really want to get a second tonight. I think that’s perfect because first, you know, I don’t know, not on the first one. But second is like the perfect spot.’ And I made that happen; so, this is probably going to be the only race where I’m hoping for a second. What a night! Awesome night, bike worked great, I had a solid Main Event and I couldn’t be more stoked about the second place.” – Ken Roczen, on the podium, when asked about his slow start earlier in the daytime qualifying sessions.
“The whole Monster Energy Kawasaki team, we’ve been putting in a lot of work. I’m thankful to have them behind me and, yeah, that Main Event was crazy. That first corner, I went in there and I tangled with about everyone. I don’t know how I survived. [The contact] ripped some spokes out and I could just see them, like, ticking on my fork. And I’m so lucky that it [the wheel] survived the Main. Yeah, felt pretty good out there, had a lot of moments, and hoping to clean it up?and see if we can stay up here on the podium. So, excited for the season.” – Jason Anderson, when asked what it takes to show up with the speed for a Supercross podium.
“Talk about a high and a low; I mean, oh my gosh, I just couldn’t believe it, you know?… [I] made the pass for the lead over the triple there. I’m like, ‘Okay, you know, here we go! Let’s put this great 20 minutes in…’ And just like that, it ended. I just tucked my front end there in that 90 degree corner. Good Ol’ Anaheim, gets slick in the evening, and didn’t respect it. So all these years I’ve done it and just, you know, barely made that mistake. I had a good come back, getting to that fifth. I’m excited [about] the way I rode the rest of the main there, so thank you… I was feeling just like I should, and what I know I can do, the whole day there. So great qualifying and a good quarter lap, but we’re going to come back. [laughs]” – Eli Tomac, when asked to describe his emotions after crashing out of the lead on the first lap.
In 250SX Class racing, Joe Shimoda took the win without being challenged throughout the 15-minute plus 1 lap Main Event. It was Shimoda’s first opening round podium finish. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer put in a strong performance; Beaumer was the fastest qualifier and won his heat race. He held close to Shimoda for much of the race but never got close enough to make a run at the lead. Triumph Racing Factory Team’s Jordon Smith recovered brilliantly from a tip-over in a left-hand turn. With just 11 seconds on the race clock he reached third place and held the spot to the end.
“This is the start I was looking for every single year. And I think I was honestly sleeping on the gate [in previous seasons]. [Laughs] But we came out with a good start and just put in some consistent laps, you know, and never looked back. All this happened because of my team behind it. I’d just like to thank everyone at Honda, my trainer, mechanic and everybody… Thank you so much. Thank you, I love you guys.” – Jo Shimoda, when asked on the podium how it feels to start the season with a strong performance.
“I think obviously I was fast in the off-season, but I haven’t translated that to a race yet. So, I had to show myself that tonight, and I think I did that. I believe I can be in the hunt for this championship and win these races. So, I’m going to get back to work this week and be ready for next weekend.” – Julien Beaumer, when asked about his impressive speed preparing for 2025 and what his first Supercross podium finish tells him.
“I’m really happy with my riding tonight. I caught a [Tuff Blox] in that lefthander over there with my clutch and tipped over. I was feeling really good in the Main. I’ve just got to give it up to the whole Triumph Racing team… Going from the Star Yamaha team that I was on last year then moving over to the Triumph team, there’s so many question marks, right? But I have full belief in everyone over there. We put in the work this off-season. It was every day we had a better part, or a better this, or a better suspension setting. I mean, we couldn’t do it without all the guys that are there… It’s just a full team effort and it’s awesome to give them their first Supercross podium. Hopefully we can put it on top of the box here soon.” – Jordon Smith earning Triumph their first podium result in Supercross.
“Not really happy to get interviewed for fifth, but better than last year. We’ll take the positive. Obviously not a great start. It happens, [I] went down, [then] fought my heart out and made my way back up to fifth and that’s all I could do. But congrats to the boys, obviously the light should be shined on them and all we can do is come out swinging at the next race.” – Haiden Deegan, when asked about his impressive charge to fifth place.
The Anaheim broadcast began with a heartfelt message from play-by-play commentator Leigh Diffey, “And as we come on the air, the people of the Los Angeles area are still dealing with the extreme wildfires that ravaged the region this week… And our thoughts are with all who have been affected. And tonight, here in Anaheim, not too far down the road, hopefully the sport of SuperMotocross can serve as a source of light entertainment for those seeking it, and perhaps needing it.” A second message during the event encouraged fans to support the Red Cross’ disaster relief efforts by going to redcross.org, by calling 800-RED-CROSS, or by texting REDCROSS to 90999.
The 2025 Anaheim Opener pays points toward both the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercoss season as well as toward the SMX World Championship. The SMX League? starts its third year in an exciting race format that combines both the Monster Energy Supercross season, the AMA Pro Motocross season, two SMX Playoff rounds and the SMX World Championship Final.
Every round of the 2025 Monster Energy Supercross season is available live and on-demand on Peacock. Select races will also be broadcast or streamed, live or encore, on NBC, CNBC, USA Network, and NBC Sports digital platforms. CNBC will air an encore presentation of each round on the Monday following the race at 1:00p.m. ET. Spanish-language coverage is available live for every round on Telemundo Deportes’ Facebook and YouTube channels. International coverage is available through the SMX Video Pass (supermotocross.tv) with live coverage of each round giving viewers the option of English, Spanish and French language broadcast teams. Live audio coverage can be heard for each race on NBC Sports Audio on SiriusXM Channel 85. Race Day Live pre-event and daytime qualifying coverage is also available live for each round on Peacock. This allows fans to see each Monster Energy Supercross round from nearly anywhere on the globe.
Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California hosts Round 2 of the 2025 season. The racing starts at 8:30p.m. ET. Tickets are available now for the San Diego Supercross as well as every race of the 17-round Monster Energy Supercross season. For more information, race results, video highlights, or to purchase tickets please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.
Tickets for the SMX World Championship Playoffs in Concord, NC and St. Louis, MO, plus the Final in Las Vegas, NV will go on pre-sale, Tuesday, January 28, followed by public on-sale Tuesday, February 4. Friday FanFest, Saturday FanFest and camping options for each SMX event will be announced later in the season.
Ducati and Troy Lee Designs join forces in the AMA Supercross paddock to prepare for the Desmo450 MX’s arrival in North America
In a historic moment for both Ducati and American off-road racing, Ducati and Troy Lee Designs have announced a groundbreaking partnership, marking the Borgo Panigale company’s intention to enter Supercross off-road racing in the USA with the Ducati Desmo450 MX, a first for the company. This also marks the Desmo450 MX’s first public appearance in the United States, setting the stage for an iconic chapter in Ducati’s off-road racing history.
The first step in this partnership is the presence of the Troy Lee Designs team in Ducati Red at eight rounds of the 2025 AMA Supercross Championship, starting from Anaheim on January 11.? The team will also have a special display at COTA MotoGP on Ducati Island, an exclusive fan experience that serves as a hub for Ducatista during the US-based MotoGP race. The American team will exhibit a protoype of Desmo450 MX ?in the Supercross paddock, with special graphics created by the well-known Californian designer.
“We are super stoked to be partnering with Ducati, one of the most prestigious brands in motorcycling,” stated Troy Lee, founder of Troy Lee Designs. “Racing is core to our brand and enables us to develop our products for safety at the highest performance levels. I look forward to making history together with this partnership.”
For this pivotal moment in supercross history, nine-time MX World Champion, Ducati rider, and brand ambassador Tony Cairoli will join Ducati Corse Off-Road General Manager Paolo Ciabatti and other members of the Ducati team for this groundbreaking announcement over the weekend.
Representatives of Ducati North America will also be present at each stop of this “tour,” where they will be able to provide the public with information on the first “made in Borgo Panigale” motocross bike, which will be available on the North American market starting in July 2025.
A Unique Bike in the Motocross Segment
The Desmo450 MX is the only motocross bike in the world equipped with a Desmodromic valve timing system. This system, also used by Ducati in MotoGP and WorldSBK, allows for higher RPM than a traditional spring system. This enables riders to reduce the number of gear changes between corners and, more importantly, at the start—a critical phase of the race where advantages can be made. Another unique feature of the Desmo450 MX is its extremely advanced electronics, derived from that used by Ducati in MotoGP, which represents a unique innovation in off-road competition.
Troy Lee Designs Ducati – Tour schedule
For more information, please visit Ducati.com.
Royal Enfield Returns as Official OEM Partner of Progressive American Flat Track, Title Sponsor for DAYTONA Season Opener
Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with Royal Enfield (RE) for the 2025 season. For the sixth consecutive year, Royal Enfield will serve as an Official OEM Partner of Progressive AFT. Additionally, the manufacturer will return as the event entitlement sponsor for the highly anticipated Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA, scheduled for Thursday, March 6 and Friday, March 7, in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Royal Enfield has been a key supporter of Progressive American Flat Track since 2020, contributing to the growth and excitement of the series. The brands involvement has been marked by achievements on and off the racetrack, including the development of the Twins FT racebike, which has showcased its competitiveness at the highest levels of the sport while fostering the growth of motorcycle dirt track racing in North America at a grassroots level.
The Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA will once again serve as a spectacular doubleheader kickoff to the 2025 Progressive AFT season at Daytona International Speedway, promising thrilling action for fans and racers alike. Along with competing at the same short track venue at which Johnny Lewis earned the brand its first-ever Progressive AFT victory in 2020, Royal Enfield will be spotlighted in a significant way during the entirety of?Daytona Bike Week. Fans can visit the midway at Daytona International Speedway to explore Royal Enfield's impressive vendor display and demo the full Royal Enfield motorcycle lineup, including its latest 650cc twin cylinder models, the Super Meteor, Shotgun, and Bear.
Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. (BTR) program will return to Progressive AFT events in 2025, kicking off with both days at the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA along with other select rounds in the season ahead. This initiative, which highlights and celebrates women in flat track racing, has become a cornerstone of Royal Enfield’s involvement with the series. Utilizing customized Royal Enfield INT650 motorcycles, the program combines hands-on motorcycle preparation, skill development, and national-level competition.
For more information on Royal Enfield visit https://www.royalenfield.com/us/en/home.
The 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season will launch with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA?at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 6 and Friday, March 7.
To purchase Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I tickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/daytona-short-track-i-118986.
To purchase Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA II tickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/daytona-short-track-ii-119108.
And to save $10 by purchasing Thursday and Friday tickets together via the Multi-Day Discount for the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/daytona-short-track-i-and-ii-118862.
To purchase the American Super Ticket, visit: https://bit.ly/4eBHQ1N.
For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, tickets and streaming options, visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.?
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s 450 Team Starts Strong at Supercross Opener
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb and Eli Tomac finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in the 450SX Main Event on a wild night of racing at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season opener in Anaheim, California. Justin Cooper joined them in the top 10, finishing seventh as the 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship got underway in front of a packed house for Anaheim 1 Supercross at Angel Stadium.
Webb continued to make progress throughout the day, qualifying eighth and finishing fourth in his heat race. In ninth after the start of the main event, the North Carolina rider once again showed grit and determination, fighting his way to fourth before the halfway mark. Webb kept pushing throughout the race and had the final podium position within sight. Although he finished just shy of the podium in fourth, he scored valuable points at the first round of the 17-round 450SX title fight.
Tomac started the season opener strong, topping both qualifying sessions to earn the fastest qualifier honors in the 450 class. Although he didn’t get the start he was looking for in his heat race, he showed speed and fought his way from 10th to a fifth-place finish. In the main event, he got a much better start and quickly claimed the lead, but unfortunately lost the front on the opening lap and rejoined towards the back. Tomac quickly went to work and made his way through the field, ultimately making a pass for fifth on the final lap.
Cooper qualified 12th in the tricky conditions and showed strength in the night show with two great starts. The New Yorker led the opening lap of his heat race and ultimately finished third. In the main event, he got another great start but unfortunately, was shuffled back to fifth early and then to 10th before the halfway point as riders jockeyed for position. Undeterred, Cooper continued to fight and made his way back to seventh for a strong beginning to his sophomore season in the premier class.?
Next on the schedule for the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing squad is Round 2 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the SuperMotocross World Championship Series at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, on January 18.
Rich Simmons – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team Manager “The weekend went well overall. Eli was strong all day and unfortunately went down while leading the race, but put in a strong ride to come back to fifth. Webb got better as the day went on, just missing the podium, but he showed his late-race speed and grit in the main. Justin put himself in a great position with good starts and learned a lot about racing up front. It was a great team effort, and we’re looking forward to San Diego.”
Cooper Webb – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #2 “Anaheim 1 is always a crazy race. It was an up-and-down day and an up-and-down off-season, but I’m happy. That was a good race. Obviously, being in the top five is important, but I wanted to be on the podium and felt like I was riding good enough to be up front. We need to get our starts a little bit better and be in the mix for next week. It was definitely a good starting point. We’re right in the fight, which is great.”
Eli Tomac – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #3 “It was a night of a lot of emotions. We put ourselves in a great position there right at the start of the main event and made it to the lead off the triple. It was a pretty cool feeling, and then two turns later, I ended up washing the front. It’s a mistake that just happens, so it’s very frustrating to do that on the first lap because it usually puts you in last. I just had to recover, make my way forward, and make as many passes as I could. I was actually happy to get to fifth. That was important for us with the points, especially since we were nearly last at one point. Other than that, it was a very good day. I had a good qualifying and had good speed, so I’m excited to get the season going.”
Justin Cooper – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #32 “It was a good night. I had two good starts. In the heat race, I was able to lead for a lap and had a good finish there to set me up for a good gate pick in the main. Then I got another really good start but got shuffled back pretty quickly to fourth or fifth. I was in a pretty intense battle out there and kind of lost the flow. I had to be aggressive – attacking while being defensive with the guys behind me – which ended up costing me. So there was a little bit of a slump in the middle, but I was able to finish strong and come away with seventh. It was a good start to the season, and I’m looking to keep it going.”?
Deegan Charges Back to Fifth at Anaheim 1
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan charged back to score a top-five finish at the opening round of the 2025 Monster Energy AMA Supercross and SuperMotocross World Championship in Anaheim, California. It was a drama-filled 250SX West Main Event in front of a sold-out crowd at Angel Stadium, with rookie Cole Davies making an impressive pro debut and recovering from a first-lap crash to finish eighth. Michael Mosiman overcame adversity as well, and salvaged points with a 15th-place result.
Deegan hit the ground running at his home Supercross race and showed speed from the start. After qualifying runner-up, the newly turned 19-year-old fired the first shot with the first heat race win of the evening. Unfortunately, he crashed after the start of the main event and found himself 19th. The defending back-to-back SuperMotocross World 250SMX Champion immediately went to work and fought to the finish, claiming fifth in the final moments of the race.?
Rookie Davies turned heads with an impressive pro debut at Anaheim 1. After qualifying sixth, he grabbed the holeshot in his heat race and went on to finish runner-up. ?Unfortunately, the 17-year-old New Zealander crashed at the start of the main event, collecting his teammate Mosiman in the process. Davies rejoined in 20th and threw down some fast laps to make his way to eighth.
Mosiman had a strong first race back, qualifying ninth as he worked to find his comfort zone. The Californian didn’t get the start he was hoping for in his heat race but came back from 10th to sixth. Amidst the chaos in the run to the first turn, he found himself at the back of the field after getting collected by his teammate in a crash at the start of the main event. Undeterred, Mosiman made his way to 12th and tried to advance to 11th on the final lap but was caught up in another crash and finished 15th.?
The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 team will be back in action next weekend for Round 2 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the SuperMotocross World Championship Series at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, on January 18.
领英推荐
Jensen Hendler – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team Manager “Even though the results don’t show it on paper, it was a great first round for the team. All three guys qualified well, giving us some good gate picks. Haiden was fast all day and won his heat race. Unfortunately, he crashed after the start of the main and had to come from way back, but he kept fighting and finished fifth. So it was not what we were hoping for, but a good result and some good points.?
“We’re really proud of Cole. He got the holeshot and finished second behind Haiden in the heat race, which was great. Unfortunately, it was just a crazy main event. Cole and Michael also crashed after the start and had to come from the back. Cole finished eighth in his first pro race and showed the speed to run up front, and it was a good first race back for Michael, just some bad luck. We’ll get back to work this week and come back stronger in San Diego.”
Haiden Deegan – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing ?#38 “It was a solid first round and a lot better than last year. We got a top-five and are not sitting 16th. I’m not super happy that we biffed it on the start, but that's racing. It happens. All we can do is go back to work and come back swinging next week.”
Cole Davies – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #100 “My pro debut at Anaheim 1 was a positive day. I learned a lot of race craft and felt good on the bike. I ended up sixth in qualifying and got second in the heat, but I went down on the first lap of the main and came from last to eighth. It’s time to build off that and get ready for San Diego!”
Michael Mosiman – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #93 “It was quite a day. I think in the main event, we were all bouncing off of each other, and I got the wrong end of the stick. The start was tight. It kind of just spits you out and puts everyone together, and then you have everyone trying to jump and get to the front. It was carnage, but we got through it. I think I have good speed and have a lot to offer, it’s just a matter of putting it all together. I haven't raced in a while, so it’s going to take a little bit of time, but I’m just excited to build from here.”?
Shimoda Opens 2025 Season With 250SX West Win
?The 2025 AMA Supercross season kicked off on Saturday at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, with Honda HRC Progressive rider Jo Shimoda claiming the first 250SX West main event of the season with a wire-to-wire victory. Meanwhile, his teammates, Hunter and Jett Lawrence, both experienced misfortune in the 450SX main and notched frustrating results just outside the top 10, but they expect to bounce back next weekend in San Diego.
Shimoda delivered an outstanding performance in the 250SX West class, leading from start to finish aboard his CRF250RWE to secure a dominant victory and the red plate heading into round 2. Other than a few small mistakes early on, Jo rode smooth, consistent laps until finishing 4.7 seconds ahead of the runner-up rider.
In the 450SX main event, Jett and Hunter Lawrence encountered difficulties on a tricky track that caught out many riders throughout the night. Jett became caught in the Tuff Blocks off the start and rounded the first turn in last place. He began working his way forward, only to fall again a couple of laps later, this time in the sand. That put him in last place once again–this time with a larger gap to the front. He did his best to mitigate the damage but could only climb to 12th before the checkered flag flew.
Meanwhile, Hunter had started in sixth, and he advanced to fourth by about the midway point. Unfortunately, the sand that had claimed his brother also caused Hunter to fall, but he remounted and managed to finish just ahead of Jett, in 11th. The showing was obviously not what the brothers or team had hoped or worked for, but they nonetheless remain optimistic for the season ahead. Quadlock Honda Racing’s Shane McElrath had a respectable showing in the main event to finish in 13th.
NOTES
450SX Results
—
11. Hunter Lawrence (Hon)
12. Jett Lawrence (Hon)
13. Shane McElrath (Hon)
15. Vince Friese (Hon)
19. Ryan Breece (Hon)
21. Joey Savatgy (Hon)
450SX Championship Points (after 1 of 17 rounds)
—
11. Hunter Lawrence (11)
12. Jett Lawrence (10)
13. Shane McElrath (9)
15. Vince Friese (7)
19. Ryan Breece (3)
21. Joey Savatgy (0)
250SX West Region Results
—
17. Parker Ross (Hon)
18. Noah Viney (Hon)
19. Gavin Towers (Hon)
250SX West Region Championship Points (after 1 of 10 rounds)
—
17. Parker Ross (5)
18. Noah Viney (4)
19. Gavin Towers (3)
?
Jett Lawrence ?1
“That wasn’t ideal, but the only way to go from here is up. We’ll go back, work hard, do some testing, and come back better. We always do.”
Hunter Lawrence ?96
“It was a frustrating end result, but there were a lot of positives throughout the day and night show. I’m eager to get back to work with the team to come back swinging in San Diego.”
Jo Shimoda ?30
“We got a win tonight at the first round, which is really cool. I’m really stoked with the improvements we made during the day. It was a good confidence booster for the upcoming rounds, and a good start for the team."
Lars Lindstrom
Team Manager
“I’m not sure how many of these bittersweet nights we’ve had in the past, but it was a familiar feeling to have one rider have a great night, and then others have a really poor one. In my opinion, our performance was actually better than it seems, with Hunter moving his way forward in the beginning until his unfortunate crash, and Jett having the fastest lap time by almost a second in the heat race. We definitely need to make some improvements, but at the same time, I don’t think we need to panic about our results. It’s a long series, so it’s time to trust in ourselves and come back strong in San Diego.”
RumbleOn, Inc. Announces Leadership Changes
RumbleOn, Inc.?(NASDAQ: RMBL) (the “Company” or “RumbleOn”), the largest powersports retailer in North America, today announced the following leadership changes, each effective as of January 13, 2025:
Mr. Quartieri is a tenured C-suite executive with significant leadership and strategic planning experience, in addition to having strong financial acumen and corporate governance expertise. Ms. Polak is a seasoned executive and board advisor who brings a demonstrable record of driving business strategy and execution, as well as technology transformation. Ms. Polak stated, “On behalf of the Board, I am extremely excited to have Mike Quartieri serve as RumbleOn’s next CEO. As a key member of the Board, Mike has had a tremendous impact on our financial planning, recent?recapitalization efforts and the continuation of the development of our business strategy. Together with Cameron, an industry veteran with operational expertise, we believe that they have the experience, capabilities and strategic vision to accelerate RumbleOn’s success into the future.”
Cameron Tkach has more than 15 years of experience in the powersports industry and is a life-long enthusiast having grown up in the dealership environment. He rose through the ranks at RideNow Powersports, holding key operational positions such as Sales Manager, Finance Manager, General Manager and Operations Director, where he ensured high standards in customer service, sales and operational efficiency. After?RumbleOn’s acquisition of RideNow in 2021, Mr. Tkach continued to hold a variety of leadership positions, including Vice President of Retail Operations where he focused on optimizing retail performance through business strategy and customer focus. Mr. Tkach said, “I am excited to serve as Chief Operating Officer of the Company and leverage my unique operational and strategic expertise. I look forward to working with Mike Quartieri and the leadership team as we continue striving towards operational excellence and market leadership in the powersports industry.”
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Mike Kennedy for his contributions and dedication to RumbleOn. We are grateful for his leadership and wish him well in all of his future endeavors,” said Mr. Quartieri. “With the payoff of our convertible notes earlier this month, we have made significant progress in strengthening our balance sheet. As we move forward, my focus will be on driving growth, improving profitability and producing strong cash flow.”
About RumbleOn
RumbleOn, Inc. (NASDAQ: RMBL), operates through two operating segments: our Powersports dealership group and Wholesale Express, LLC, an asset-light transportation services provider focused on the automotive industry. Our Powersports group is the largest powersports retail group in the United States (as measured by reported revenue, major unit sales and dealership locations), offering over 500 powersports franchises representing 50 different brands of products. Our Powersports group sells a wide selection of new and pre-owned products, including parts, apparel, accessories, finance & insurance products and services, and aftermarket products. We are the largest purchaser of pre-owned powersports vehicles in the United States and utilize RideNow’s Cash Offer to acquire vehicles directly from consumers.
For more information on RumbleOn, please visit rumbleon.com.
Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
The Company’s press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s leadership transition. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continues,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “hopes,” “may,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “should,” “targets,” “would” and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from current expectations and beliefs, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to: the Company’s ability to implement a smooth leadership transition; the impact of general economic, industry or political conditions in the United States or internationally, as well as the other risk factors set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in the registration statement, as amended, and in RumbleOn’s Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 and in any other subsequent filings made with the SEC by RumbleOn. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and RumbleOn specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Parts Unlimited Is The Title Sponsor Of The New MotoAmerica Talent Cup
MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that global powersports distributor Parts Unlimited will be the title sponsor of the new and highly anticipated MotoAmerica Parts Unlimited Talent Cup.
The Parts Unlimited Talent Cup, a championship designed to prepare young North American racers who have the desire and talent to compete on the world stage of MotoGP, will make its debut at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, March 28-30.
“We’re excited to be the title sponsor of the new Parts Unlimited Talent Cup,” said Hylton Beattie, Parts Unlimited’s Global Motorsports Director. “We share the same vision as MotoAmerica in that we want to see Americans compete on the world stage and we think the Talent Cup is the first step in making that a reality. The racing is going to be topnotch, and it will be exciting to see these young racers develop their talents as the season progresses.”
Parts Unlimited is the world’s largest distributor of aftermarket accessories in the powersports industry and is owned by LeMans Corporation, which is headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin. Parts Unlimited sells to over 12,000 dealerships worldwide and continues to expand its market penetration with its sister companies, Parts Canada, Parts Europe and Drag Specialties.
“MotoAmerica’s relationship with Parts Unlimited goes back to the very beginning of our series,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “We’re excited to create a new path for young racers that puts them on the Road to MotoGP? with Parts Unlimited’s help. It’s great that they want to support the Talent Cup. We’re looking forward to getting to COTA in March and seeing the debut of the new class as the 2025 season should be the best yet.”
2025 MotoAmerica Parts Unlimited Talent Cup Schedule
March 28 – 30Circuit of The AmericasAustin, TXApril 4 – 6Barber Motorsports ParkBirmingham, ALMay 30 – June 1Road AmericaElkhart Lake, WI*July 25 – 27Mid-Ohio Sports Car CourseLexington, OHAugust 1 – 3VIRginia International RacewayAlton, VASeptember 12 – 14Circuit of The AmericasAustin, TXSeptember 25 – 28New Jersey Motorsports ParkMillville, NJ
With Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas *With AMA Motorcycle Vintage Days
Piaggio Group Americas Returns to AIMExpo with Expanded Lineup from Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, and Vespa Brands
AIMExpo is excited to have Piaggio Group Americas, the Italian-headquartered company, return to the Las Vegas Convention Center with its diverse lineup of motorcycles and scooters from their iconic brands Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, and Vespa. In addition to showcasing its expansive, innovative product lineup, Piaggio will also discuss upcoming models and its growing dealer network while at the show, February 5-7.
“Over the last five years, we have changed everything about the way we do business in North America,” said Michael Angeli, Vice President of Sales, North America, Piaggio Group Americas. “AIMExpo gives us an opportunity to spend more time face-to-face with our industry partners to discuss the robust and exciting vehicles we offer from our brands, the resources we have optimized to support our dealers, and the endless opportunities to create more future business.”
2025 is a big year across Piaggio Group brands, with many updated models recently announced and arriving within the first two quarters. Piaggio representatives at AIMExpo will discuss the newest models and model ranges with an industry that has helped bolster growth with Aprilia and Moto Guzzi motorcycles, while continuing to cement the importance of high- quality scooter options for North Americans in the Vespa and Piaggio brands.
Representatives will be on site for the duration of the three-day show, available to talk about its expanding dealer network and latest developments with upcoming models, reinforcing the message of the brands that make up some of the most diverse and exciting offerings in the industry today.
“There is no better way to connect with people than face-to-face,” said Cinnamon Kernes, Vice President of Market Expansion at the Motorcycle Industry Council. “For our industry to thrive, it’s imperative that premier companies like Piaggio have a platform where they can connect with their dealers and industry partners, have meaningful conversations, and showcase their newest motorcycles and scooters — in person. The Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, and Vespa brands bring tremendous value to AIMExpo, and we are proud to continue this relationship and support Piaggio Group’s strategic goals in engaging with the greater powersports industry.”
For more information about Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, or Vespa please visit the brand websites. Aprilia.com MotoGuzzi.com Piaggio.com Vespa.com
AIMExpo 2025 will have the best of powersports showcased in over 300,000 square feet of space at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Registration is open and free for dealers. The show has also partnered with Connections Housing to provide discounted rates at the Renaissance Las Vegas, Sahara Las Vegas, The Westgate, and The Las Vegas Marriott. Go to?www.AIMExpoUSA.com to register and for more information.
ProTaper Announces Key Racing Sponsorships for 2025 Supercross Season
ProTaper, the industry leader in handlebars and grips, is proud to continue its broad support program for motocross athletes and several teams involved in Supercross and amateur motocross programs for the 2025 seasons. The company has secured partnerships with top teams and riders across the professional and amateur ranks, solidifying its commitment to promote all aspects of the sport.
In 2025, ProTaper will be supporting top riders like Haiden Deegan, Malcolm Stewart, RJ Hampshire, Justin Barcia, Ryder DiFrancesco, Casey Cochran, Eli Tomac, Cooper Webb, and Justin Cooper, as well as many talented young riders in the amateur ranks.
“These partnerships demonstrate ProTaper’s commitment to providing the best equipment to riders at all levels of off-road racing,” said ProTaper Brand Manager Paul O’Brien. “We’re as excited to work with our amateur partners as we are with the expansive list of professionals who are riding with ProTaper products.”
Factory Powerhouses Lead the Charge
ProTaper is proud to continue its longstanding relationships with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team, the Rockstar Energy Gas Gas Factory Racing team and the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing Team. These factory powerhouses boast some of the most recognizable names in Supercross, and ProTaper will join them on their chase for wins and championships.
ProTaper Fosters Tomorrow’s Champions
ProTaper understands the importance of nurturing young talent. The company’s sponsorships extend to the amateur ranks with partnerships with the Orange Brigade KTM Team and the EBR Performance Amateur Team.
“At ProTaper, we’re passionate about motocross and committed to supporting the athletes who push the sport forward,” continued O’Brien. “This is a great start for 2025, and we anticipate expanding our support programs as we enter the outdoor racing season.”
Moto Morini, the Iconic Italian Motorcycle Brand, Names Chris Peterman as VP of Sales and Dealer Development.
Moto Morini, the legendary Italian motorcycle brand founded in 1937 with a history of innovation, master craftsmanship, exceptional Italian design, and premium quality, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Peterman as VP of Sales and Dealer Development.
Chris comes to Moto Morini with a wealth of knowledge and nearly 30 years of leadership experience in the motorcycle industry. His extensive background includes management experience with Yamaha and CF Moto as well as being a dealership General Manager. Chris’s dealer development insight and industry knowledge make him the ideal leader to accelerate the growth of Moto Morini nationwide.
“I believe Moto Morini is well positioned for major expansion in the US market.” Says Chris Peterman. “Moto Morini is an iconic Italian brand that offers a tremendous line of high-quality motorcycles and accessories. The tradition of the brand combined with the great Italian design, performance, and high quality makes Moto Morini a stand-out brand. I look forward to growing the family of Moto Morini dealers.”
“We are excited to have Chris Peterman on the Moto Morini team.” Say, Chris McGee, COO of Moto Morini. “Chris has a great deal of experience connecting with dealers to help strengthen their businesses. Chris will continue the Moto Morini mission of industry-leading dealer support and cultivating long-lasting partnerships.”
Become a Moto Morini dealer today by contacting Chris Peterman at [email protected] Learn more and see the full line of high-quality, high-performance Moto Morini motorcycles at
KTM USA ANNOUNCES DARIAN SANAYEI AS INCOMING AMATEUR RACING MANAGER
KTM North America Inc. is pleased to welcome Darian Sanayei as its Amateur Racing Manager entering the 2025 season, taking on an instrumental role within the group to assist in fostering the sport's finest up and coming talent into the future.
KTM USA's longstanding official amateur development platform – KTM Orange Brigade – is recognized as the premier program in motocross, and Sanayei's personal experience in competing as both an amateur and professional racer himself will help him guide the next generation. He will also cooperate with former amateur team manager Nathan Ramsey.
Darian Sanayei, KTM USA Amateur Racing Manager: "I'm excited to take on the role of Amateur Racing Manager with such a respected group. Having come up through the amateur ranks myself, I understand the challenges and dedication it takes to succeed at every level. I'm looking forward to using my experience to guide and support the team, helping each rider reach their full potential as we work together toward success."
Nathan Ramsey: "We are excited to welcome Darian Sanayei into the amateur racing program as the new Amateur Racing Manager. I am confident that Darian will bring a wealth of knowledge to this role, having successfully navigated the amateur racing ladder himself and made the transition to a professional career. His experience will be invaluable in helping guide our young athletes as they begin their own journeys. Darian is a great fit for the team and I look forward to working closely with him both this year and for many years to come."
KTM North America Inc. extends its thanks to previous KTM Orange Brigade Amateur Racing Manager Daniel Blair for his success and contributions to the amateur program over the past two years.
Polaris Releases New Purpose-Built Additions to the 2025 ATV Lineup
Building off the MY25 ATV lineup announced in July 2024, Polaris Off Road, the world leader in powersports and off-road innovation, today announced six new 2025 purpose-built ATV models, highlighted by the 850 and XP 1000 Mud Edition, Scrambler 850, Scrambler XP 1000 S, and Sportsman Touring 850 and Touring XP 1000. The new models feature upgrades that give riders the confidence to explore the outdoors and enable all-day comfort, while elevating the off-road mudding and sport experience. Whether riders are powering through mud pits, or tackling challenging trails, the new offerings take riders further for smooth, strong and versatile performance.
“Polaris is at the forefront of rider-driven innovation and continues to enhance riding experiences so owners can tackle the outdoors with confidence,” said Brandon Kraemer, Vice President of Product Portfolio of Off-Road Vehicles, Polaris. “From mudding to trail riding, these models deliver purpose-built features that give riders the opportunity to experience next-level power, control, and performance.”
Sportsman 850 and XP 1000 Mud Edition
Mud and trail-tested, riders can tackle the mud with reliable features and key updates with the 850 and XP 1000 Mud Edition.
Key Features:
The 850 comes in Titanium Metallic and the XP 1000 comes in a new Onyx Black with Performance Red Accents colorway, with models starting at $12,499 MSRP. To learn more about the 2025 Mud Editions, visit here.
Scrambler 850
The Scrambler 850 is engineered for exhilaration, delivering next-level power, comfort and control.
Key Features:
The Scrambler 850 starts at $12,999 MSRP.
Scrambler XP 1000 S
Built for thrill seekers, the new Scrambler XP 1000 S is the ultimate performance machine to conquer tough trails with confidence and control.
Key Features:
The Scrambler XP 1000 starts at $17,999 MSRP.
Sportsman Touring 850 and XP 1000
The new Touring 850 and XP 1000, designed to go the distance with premium performance and passenger seating, allows riders to tackle the trails together.
Key Features:
To learn more about the complete 2-Up lineup, visit here. The Sportsman Touring 850 and XP 1000 starts at $13,799 MSRP.
The 2025 ATV models start shipping to dealers in January 2025. To learn more, please visit https://www.polaris.com/en-us/off-road/sportsman/#launch or join the conversation and follow on?Facebooksm,?Instagramsm,?YouTubesm, and Xsm.
Hitting 2025 on the Podium
Page, AZ — RPM Racing KTM hit the ground running at the first round of the AMA West Hare Scramble Series, held at an exciting new venue in Page, Arizona. With its sandy trails and striking red rock terrain, this location offered a one-of-a-kind challenge, testing riders' adaptability and skill in conditions unlike any other on the circuit.
Rachel Stout delivered an impressive performance, showcasing her consistency and determination. Running in 3rd place from the drop of the flag, she maintained her position throughout the race, battling the challenging terrain and stiff competition to secure a well-earned podium finish. Her strong start to the season sets a positive tone for the rounds ahead.
J.J., RPM Racing KTM's newest addition to the team, made his debut in the highly competitive 250A class. He bolted into 2nd place during the opening lap, demonstrating his speed and potential. While a tough second lap saw him slip to 4th, J.J. rode consistently to finish strong in 4th place. This promising start underscores his potential for growth and success as the season progresses.
Returning for his second season with RPM Racing KTM, Jaden faced a steep learning curve on the unfamiliar sandy and rocky terrain, a stark contrast to the trails of his native Washington. Despite struggling to find his rhythm, Jaden pushed through to finish 5th. His grit and determination preserved crucial championship points, keeping him in the fight as the season unfolds.
LiveWire Announces All-new S2 Alpinista Electric Sport Standard
LiveWire, a leader in electric motorcycles, is excited to announce the launch of the all-new S2 Alpinista, now available for purchase with inventory available at North American and European dealers. The Alpinista is LiveWire’s first sport standard, equipped with 17” wheels and tires, blending the best of street, sport, and hyper-tourer characteristics.
Priced at an MSRP of $15,999 USD** S2 Alpinista is available for purchase immediately.
Experience & Equipment
As LiveWire’s sport standard, the Alpinista is designed for personalization, practicality, and performance. Alpinista reimagines the S2 by combining the urban agility of a supermoto with the do-it-all nature of a touring bike, creating a practical and thrilling sport standard.
A standout feature of this model is its 17″ wheels, which improve riding capability while also reducing the seat height by 1.1 inches compared to the S2 Del Mar. In combination with the equipped Dunlop? Roadsmart IV tires, this package optimizes the motorcycle for street riding with impressive lean angles of 52.1° left and 44.2° right delivering greater comfort and handling for both daily commutes and spirited rides through winding roads.
Alpinista is equipped with a 6-axis IMU from Bosch providing cornering enhanced antilock braking and cornering enhanced traction control systems, in addition to four preset ride modes and two custom modes, allowing the performance and response of the bike to be rider-defined, creating accessible and thrilling riding experiences for everyone from newcomers to expert riders.
Performance & Charging
The Alpinista is built on LiveWire’s S2 platform, showcasing the same high-performance characteristics as the S2 Del Mar and S2 Mulholland. Weighing 434 pounds, the Alpinista accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds, powered by 84 horsepower and 194 lb-ft of torque.
Equipped with a 10.5 kWh battery pack, it delivers a range of up to 120 miles in the city and 71 miles on the highway*. Like the Del Mar and Mulholland, the Alpinista features standard Level 1 and Level 2 charging capabilities, ensuring convenience and flexibility for riders.
Charging Times L1, 20-80% 5.9hrs L2, 20-80% 78 min
Accessories
A variety of Alpinista accessories are set to launch throughout Q1 and Q2, including a sport seat, windscreen, soft and hard bags, luggage racks, and cosmetic enhancements. These additions are designed to elevate the riding experience and enhance the distinctive style of the Alpinista.
World Premier & Availability
The new sport standard, S2 Alpinista, is now available in North America and Europe. Customers can purchase the Alpinista at LiveWire retail partner locations or configure their preferred colors and accessories online and be connected directly to the nearest retail partner.
For a complete presentation of S2 Alpinista features and specifications, please visit https://www.livewire.com/.
To locate you nearest LiveWire dealer, please visit https://www.livewire.com/locations.
NPDA elects Bob Kee Chairman of the Board of Directors
The National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA) Board of Directors has elected Bob Kee as Chairman during its officer elections to start the year.
Formerly Vice Chairman, Kee is a Co-Founder of the NPDA and begins the role as fellow Co-Founder and Chairman Bob Althoff takes his seat as Immediate Past Chairman. Althoff guided the NPDA to momentous steps during his tenure as the inaugural Chairman since its 2021 founding.
“It has been an honor to serve my Brother and Sister Dealers and I look to continue that work in my new position, ” Althoff said. “Bob Kee will do a phenomenal job leading the NPDA. Please join me in congratulating BK. And please join the NPDA!”
Kee and his partner, Jason Herod, own Destination Cycle in Kerrville, Texas. Kee also sits on the Board of Directors of the Texas Motorcycle Dealers Association. His role as Vice Chairman since the NPDA’s founding has prepared him well for his new duties at the helm of the NPDA.
“Bob has been a tremendous mentor to me over the last several years, ” Kee said. “With his continued counsel and our incredibly strong Board of Directors, I look forward to being able to move NPDA forward in 2025.”
Jayson Davis, Owner of Powersports of Greenville in South Carolina, was elected Vice Chairman, while NPDA Co-Founder Kim Harrison, Owner of Coleman Powersports in Virginia, was re-elected to her position of Secretary/Treasurer.
All four positions comprise the NPDA Executive Committee and include a one-year term.
Since its founding in 2021, the NPDA continues to grow thanks to the association’s efforts to Promote, Unite, Represent and Educate dealership owners.
For more information about the NPDA, please visit www.npda.org