This Week in Powersports – The week of March 5, 2023
Scott Lukaitis
Powersports, Motorsports & Racer Marketing, Management, and Media - Director of Sales and Marketing with Engine Ice at KOST USA, Inc.
RACING
Rick Ware Racing Joins the American Flat Track Championship
Rick Ware Racing?will field two entries in the?Progressive American Flat Track?Championship for the 2023 season. The series kicks off with a double-header event at Daytona International Speedway on March 9 & 10.
Former Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Champion?Briar Bauman?and?Shayna Texter-Bauman, the winningest rider in Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER history, have signed on with the team. Bauman will compete with a KTM 890 Duke R in the Mission SuperTwins class, while Shayna will campaign a KTM 450 SX-F in the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Class.
This adds another element to the expansion efforts of RWR as it continues to grow its motorsport platform. Currently, it fields entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, IndyCar, NHRA (Top Fuel), IMSA (LMP2), AMA Supercross and FIM World Supercross Championships. These respective schedules will see RWR compete in seven different countries all over the world.
“This is another step for RWR in growing our marketing value and expanding with new sponsors.” said Rick Ware. “We’re looking forward to joining the AFT series and chasing wins with Championship-caliber riders. Shayna and Briar are welcome additions to the existing RWR driver/rider roster and we can’t wait to see what they can do.”
“We won a FIM World Supercross Championship last year in our first foray back into two-wheel racing in over a decade. My expectation is for this program to be just as successful.”
Progressive AFT is sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, whose primary investor is Jim France, CEO of NASCAR, and headed up by newly-named CEO, Gene Crouch.
“We’d like to extend a warm welcome to Rick Ware Racing as they join the Progressive AFT family,” said Gene Crouch, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “RWR is an extremely successful and professional operation, and there’s destined to be a great deal of excitement as they enter the sport backing two of our most popular and talented riders in Briar and Shayna.”
COOPER WEBB AND RED BULL KTM KEEP 450SX PRESSURE ON WITH SECOND AT DAYTONA
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb has maintained pressure in the 2023 AMA Supercross Championship 450SX title race, scoring his fourth-consecutive podium finish with second place at Daytona, as team-mate Aaron Plessinger rode to ninth. In 250SX East, Tom Vialle was in podium contention but ultimately ended his night with a crash in the Main Event.
Posting the seventh fastest time in qualifying, Webb was inside the top three during the opening lap of Heat 2. Swiftly making his way up to second, the two-time premier class champion narrowly missed out on victory at the conclusion of the outing onboard his 2023 KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION.
A strong start in the 450SX Main Event saw Webb charge to the early lead, setting the pace throughout much of the opening half of the race. Despite being regulated to second soon after, he kept his head down and rode to a commendable runner-up result, taking the checkered flag just 1.791s from the win. That finish sees him maintain second in the standings, just five points from the red plate.
Cooper Webb:?“Daytona has always been good to me, I’ve been on the podium here every time I have raced and been close [to the win] twice now. It’s been good competition for sure, we [Webb, Eli Tomac, and Chase Sexton] each have our strengths and I think we are elevating Supercross at the moment. I am sure we will all look back in 10 years and relish it, but right now, it’s every man for themselves. Moving forward, I really like Indy, Detroit, Seattle, and Salt Lake, so a lot of good rounds coming up.”
A 10th-fastest qualifying lap provided Plessinger with a decent platform to launch into Heat?1 and showing solid pace throughout the race he worked his way up to fourth. The 2023 KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION rider was seventh after lap one of the Main Event, eventually finishing the race in ninth position.
Aaron Plessinger:?“Daytona was looking to be fun and I enjoyed the track. I qualified 10th and it actually went pretty well – I felt good throughout the day. In the Heat race, I got an alright start and worked my way into fourth. In the Main Event, I got an okay start and was trying to move forward, but I lost my flow and kind of struggled throughout the rest of the main. We will go back, do some homework, figure out what I did wrong, and come out swinging for Indianapolis.”
Daytona marked the fourth round of the 250SX Eastern Regional series, with Vialle sixth fastest at the conclusion of qualifying, in his first visit to Daytona International Speedway. Grabbing the early lead in Heat 1, the French rookie onboard his 2023 KTM 250 SX-F went on to secure a solid P2 finish to commence the night show.
After a great start to the Main Event, Vialle’s?maiden appearance?at Daytona was unfortunately brought to a premature end when a heavy fall while running in second position ruled him out of contention. The double MX2 World Champion?was unable to complete the race.
Tom Vialle:?“First time for me in Daytona was pretty good, I felt great in the practice and qualified sixth. I had a great start, I was first in the Heat on the start and I finished second, felt good. I had another great start in the Main Event and when Hunter Lawrence passed me, I was sitting well in second position, but on lap three I tipped over on a triple – I landed a little bit short and just tipped over. For sure, that was frustrating because I feel like we could have delivered a?strong result, but that is how it is and we are going to do a great week with training and be ready for next weekend.”
Next Race:?March 11 – Indianapolis, Indiana
Results 450SX Class – Daytona
1. Eli Tomac (USA), Yamaha, 17 laps
2. Cooper Webb (USA), KTM, +1.791s
3. Chase Sexton (USA), Honda, +12.046s
OTHER KTM
9. Aaron Plessinger (USA), KTM
12. Justin Hill (USA), KTM
15. Josh Hill (USA), KTM
Standings 450SX Class 2023 after 8 of 17 rounds
1. Eli Tomac, 186 points
2. Cooper Webb, 181
3. Chase Sexton, 176
OTHER KTM
6. Aaron Plessinger, 135
14. Justin Hill, 73
17. Josh Hill, 42
Results 250SX East Class – Daytona
1. Hunter Lawrence (AUS), Honda, 13 laps
2. Max Anstie (UK), Honda, +9.127s
3. Haiden Deegan (USA), Yamaha, +24.514s
OTHER KTM
17. Jack Chambers (USA), KTM
22. Tom Vialle (FRA), KTM
Standings 250SX East Class 2023 after 4 of 9 rounds
1. Hunter Lawrence, 99 points
2. Max Anstie, 85
3. Haiden Deegan, 74
OTHER KTM
8. Tom Vialle, 53
26. Jack Chambers, 17
Tomac Wins Daytona Supercross for Record Seventh Time
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac took a hard-earned Monster Energy AMA Supercross victory at the 53rd?running of the Daytona Supercross, stretching his record number of wins at the venue to seven.
Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb was close but had to settle for second place at Round 8 on the unique track built into the trioval of the Daytona International Speedway. Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton had some close calls but no crashes to finish third on the high-speed Supercross track. In the fourth round of the 10-round Eastern Regional 250SX Class series, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence took the Daytona win in convincing style.
When the gate dropped for the 450SX Class Main Event, Tomac grabbed the Holeshot but Webb took an outside line in the second corner and snatched the lead. Sexton held third place with Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia applying pressure to take over the spot. After one lap Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson had made his way into fifth, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire sat sixth in his first 450SX Class Main Event after winning his Heat race.
With the rain coming down Webb held command of the race. Then approximately seven minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Webb and Tomac had a fierce exchange. The two racers traded the lead four times in one section, with Webb retaining the front spot after the two riders bumped entering a rutted, elevated corner. Tomac was sent wide, but not off the track. The incident allowed Sexton to close the gap and suddenly the top three in the points all had a shot at the Daytona win.
Nine minutes in, Webb hit neutral entering the high-speed rhythm just after the finish line. Tomac jumped past and locked down the lead. The front four, Tomac, Webb, Sexton, and Barcia were still close, with less than four seconds separating the four riders.
Then Sexton made a big mistake in one of the rutted rhythm sections. Barcia tried to capitalize, Sexton blocked, and the riders came together right before a triple jump. The contact sent Barcia off the track but not down. Less than a lap later Sexton stalled his bike braking for the tight, elevated corner. Barcia tried to jump past on the corner’s exit and the riders came together again. The second incident went worse for Barcia and he found himself down on the Florida soil. Barcia was able to remount in time to stay in front of Anderson in fifth.
In the late laps Webb made a push to get back to Tomac. The KTM rider closed the gap down to 1.4 seconds as the racers reached the white flag. But Tomac laid down a mistake-free final lap and kept his Yamaha up front. When Tomac crossed the checkers he stretched his all-time Daytona win record to seven and took sole possession of third in all-time 450SX Class wins, just one behind James Stewart who was in the broadcast booth calling the race alongside Ricky Carmichael and Daniel Blair.
In the Eastern Regional 250SX Class Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie jumped out in first with the Holeshot but down the first straight Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher took over the lead. One turn later Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle took the top spot from Thrasher. Lawrence was up near the front and as the racers went through the sand section for the first time he collided with Thrasher. Lawrence got the position and Thrasher went down and fell back to last place. Lawrence sped forward, blitzing past Vialle and into the lead on the first pass through the whoops.
Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin held third with Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Chris Blose behind and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan in fifth. Then Vialle crashed hard in the short rhythm after the whoops, giving up his second place spot. Four and a half minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race, with light rain coming down, Deegan moved confidently past Martin to take over third place. With 8:22 left on the race clock Thrasher reached tenth and looked to have the speed to reach the top five. Half a lap later Thrasher landed on a Tuff Blox, crashed hard, and looked out of the race; but Thrasher re-joined and worked his way back up to tenth by the finish.
The win by Lawrence matched his brother’s victory in 2022, making the Lawrence brothers the first in the sport’s history to each have a Daytona Supercross win. This augments their other ‘first’ this season as being the only brother duo to simultaneously lead both the Eastern and the Western Regional 250SX Class points. Anstie earned his second runner-up finish of 2023 and rookie Haiden Deegan earned his career-first podium finish in only his fourth professional Supercross race.
The series heads to Indianapolis next weekend where Lucas Oil Stadium will host Round 9 of both the 17-round 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season as well as the brand-new 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship series. The inaugural series incorporates Supercross, Pro Motocross, and three hybrid-style events to crown one SuperMotocross World Champion in each bike displacement class. The 2023 seasons combine for the largest total purse of any off-road motorcycle racing series with a 10 million dollar purse.
All 31 rounds are streamed live on Peacock. Select rounds will also show domestically on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. International coverage of all 31 events is provided through the SuperMotocross Video Pass at?SuperMotocross.tv. For video highlights, race results, the full schedule, and ticket information please go to?SupercrossLIVE.com.
450SX Class Results
450SX Class Championship Standings
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings
JUSTIN BARCIA NARROWLY MISSES PODIUM FINISH AT DAYTONA SUPERCROSS
Bike Week and a visit to Daytona International Speedway always bring a little extra excitement to the AMA Supercross season and adds a bit of extra motivation to the riders on the Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing Team.
450SX
With a P6 in qualifying and a third-place finish in his heat race, it was clear that Justin Barcia was on the gas and feeling good aboard his MC 450F Factory Edition at Daytona. After rounding the first turn in the main event, Justin was among the leaders and maintained close contact with them in pursuit of a podium spot. After one off-track excursion and a close encounter that momentarily put him on the ground, he ultimately finished fourth on the night.
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Justin Barcia:?"This was my best practice and qualifying of the year. That was awesome, and I ended up P6. Very happy with that. In the heat race, I didn’t get the best start but had some of the fastest lap times and moved up to third. In the main event, I got a good start and was running fourth. I had the leaders in front of me, and tried to make a pass and got a little tangled. Then I came back, tried to make another pass, and got tangled again. Fourth was all it wrote. I’m really disappointed. It definitely was a podium night with my speed and the bike was really good. I really like Indy. It’s a good vibe there and a good stadium. I do well there, and I want to be on the podium.”
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250SX East
With a P4 qualifying effort, Michael Mosiman went into the evening’s racing with a positive outlook. He also scored a fourth in his heat race despite a minor tip-over. A poor start had Michael charging forward from 11th?to sixth before a hard crash ended his night.
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Michael Mosiman:?“You know what? Today had a lot of positives. I was riding a lot better. I felt like my bike was in a good spot. I felt fast and in control. I felt good in my heat race, and just felt racy. In the main event, I didn’t have the best gate pick and slid off the gate. I made the most of it, got banged around a little bit, and just tried to make my way up through the pack. I think I was in sixth, catching fifth, and I caught a haybale and got bit. It’s super tough to end my night on a crash. I’m not stoked on that. But I can’t let the sour ending take the place of so many of the positives. So, we’re going to focus on the positives, focus on the good riding, and try to carry that momentum into the next one.”
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Next Event (Round 9):?March 11, 2023 – Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
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Results – 2023?AMA Supercross Championship,?Round?Eight
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250SX East – Main Event Results
1. Hunter Lawrence (Honda) 13 laps; 2. Max Anstie (Honda) +09.127; 3. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) +24.514 …?21. Michael Mosiman (GASGAS)
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450SX – Main Event Results
1. Eli Tomac (Yamaha) 17 laps; 2. Cooper Webb (KTM) +01.791; 3. Chase Sexton (Honda) +12.046 …?4. Justin Barcia (GASGAS)?+23.001;?18. Justin Starling (GASGAS)
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Championship Standings – After?Six Rounds
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250SX East
1. Hunter Lawrence (Honda) 99 points; 2. Max Anstie (Honda) 85;?3.?Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) …?10. Michael Mosiman (GASGAS) 51
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450SX
1. Eli Tomac (Yamaha) 139 points; 2. Cooper Webb 132; 3. Chase Sexton (Honda) 132; 3. Cooper Webb (KTM) 83 …?7. Justin Barcia (GASGAS)?97;?21. Justin Starling (GASGAS)?18
RJ HAMPSHIRE IMPRESSES IN 450 GUEST APPEARANCE AT DAYTONA SUPERCROSS
It’s not uncommon to see experienced 250 riders make a guest appearance in the 450 class when the AMA Supercross series moves to Daytona International Speedway for Bike Week. This time around it was RJ Hampshire’s turn to make the jump up for a sample of 450 action at the World Center of Racing, and he made a quick impression on the tough circuit aboard his FC 450 Rockstar Edition.
450MX
When the gate dropped for the second 450 heat of the night, it was RJ Hampshire jumping into the lead, followed by his Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate, Christian Craig. RJ held the lead until the finish, trailed by of a trio of championship contenders; with Craig finishing fifth. In the main event, both riders battled in the top ten, with Hampshire ultimately finishing eighth, and Craig tenth.
“Man, it was an awesome day, and an awesome experience,”?Hampshire?said.?“Murph pushed hard for it, believed I could do it, and we got all the other guys on board. I was just happy I was able to prove myself today. We were solid from the beginning of the day, really. My qualifying times were decent, P5. I holeshot the heat, led a few laps, and then reality hit that I might win this thing. I won my first heat, my first time ever trying to do it, and first ever race on a 450, so that was awesome. The main event start was decent and I just kind of rode my own race. I didn’t really race anyone hard and wanted to finish in the top ten of my first main and I did that. I’m just really stoked on our whole day and like I said, for the team giving me a chance to come out here and race tonight.”
250 MX
In the 250 class, Talon Hawkins showed improved qualifying speed aboard his FC250, trimming about ten positions from his average position. He also moved from 18th?to 11th?in his heat race, and ultimately qualified for the main event via the LCQ. In the main, he ran as high as eighth position before a crash dropped him to 18th?in the final result.
“Daytona was pretty good,” said Hawkins. “I got my best qualifying position so far, so that’s definitely something to be happy about. I ended up in the LCQ after the heat race…I just had a little spill, so I have some corrections to make and some stuff to work on. But I was running P8 in the main and had a little mishap and went down. That caused a little bike problem…my fault. I’ve got to stay off the ground and keep on keeping on. I know what to work on, so we’ll get back to Baker’s Factory and make something happen next weekend.”
Next Event (Round 9):?March 11, 2023 – Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
Round Eight Results: Daytona
250MX East Results
1. Hunter Lawrence (Honda)
2. Max Anstie (Honda)
3. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha)
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13. Hardy Munoz (Husqvarna)
18. Talon Hawkins – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
450MX Results
1. Eli Tomac (Yamaha)
2. Cooper Webb (KTM)
3. Chase Sexton (Honda)
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8. RJ Hampshire – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
10. Christian Craig?– Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
250MX East Rider Point Standings
1. Hunter Lawrence – 99 points
2. Max Anstie – 85 points
3. Haiden Deegan – 75 points
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14. Hardy Munoz – 31
31. Talon Hawkins – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – 31 points
450MX Rider Point Standings
1. Eli Tomac – 186 points
2. Cooper Webb – 181 points
3. Chase Sexton – 176 points
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8. Christian Craig – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – 103 points
25. RJ Hampshire – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing –15 points
26. Malcolm Stewart – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing –15 points
Hetrick Goes 1-1 at 2023 ATVSX Inside Daytona International Speedway
Daytona Beach, Fla. (March 10, 2023) - The first round of racing for the AMA Pro ATV and Pro Sport racers in the 2023 ATV Motocross National Championship (ATVMX), an AMA National Championship, was greeted with warm sunshine as the season kicked off in grand style within the high banks of the Daytona International Speedway. It did not take long for the riders in the Pro ranks to show their pleasure with this year’s track which featured enough challenges to keep everyone honest while giving them the room they needed to make the necessary passes. With a very strong spectator turnout, the days racing was soon underway as cheers and support rang out from the bleachers.
Returning champion, Phoenix Racing Yamaha’s Joel Hetrick had all the attention as he worked the Daytona track securing the fastest lap time of the day. Hetrick’s history here has been built on success and on the agony of defeat as things spiraled out of control, however this season he left with nothing but success as he captured his heat win and would race unchallenged to take the victory in the main. Leaving Daytona with a dominating victory has many discussing his success will carry him to another number one plate at seasons end.
One rider that has his sights set squarely on taking back the championship is that of Wienen Motorsports/Maxxis/SSi Decals/Fly Racing/Yamaha’s Chad Wienen who also would claim his heat race win and would come up just short as he solidly took second in the main. Wienen looked great and showed explosive speed on a very rough track. His ability to out muscle Hetrick has been a strength, however he left Daytona once again in the shadow of Hetrick. This season’s points war is now underway, and the technician of many championship seasons will have to put together a very serious plan to strike down his number one competitor.
Ford Brothers Racing/Fly/SSi Decals/Maxxis’ Bryce Ford was already having a solid day and would find him upfront in second as the main got underway. Ford settled into third and put in an impressive ride, landing him on the podium with a well-earned third. Look for Ford to have several rounds where we could see him battling for a win as the young Texan is hungry to leave his mark this season.
Fourth place is where Rastrelli Racing/FXR/Rocket Machine Design’s Jeffrey Rastrelli was when the race ended, and he was hungry for more. Rastrelli has had his struggles that have set back his program but his will to win has never wavered. Leaving Daytona healthy and facing another Florida track at round two, look for Rastrelli to once again be on the hunt for the podium.
GennUSA Racing/Integrated Financial Concepts/CST Tires’ Nick Gennusa would round out the top five earning fifth and while he wanted more, he seemed satisfied with his efforts, especially after falling ill and suffering through the race. Gennusa should be yet another rider we see in the top five at every round this season.
Usually, the racers get a gap in the schedule after the opening round however a week and a half are all that separates the first two rounds forcing any racer on the mend to do so quickly. The first page in the 2023 season has been written but the story remains untold!
For more information on the ATV Motocross National Championship, visit the series official website at?www.atvmotocross.com?or call (304) 284-0101. Join the conversation on the series social media channels, along with receiving the most up-to-date news and exclusive content.
Daytona ATV Supercross Results and Points Standings
Daytona Beach, Florida
Round 1 of 10
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
AMA Pro Class Event Results:
Overall National Championship Standings:
BUSINESS
Indian Motorcycle & Jack Daniel’s Celebrate American Craftsmanship with Old No.7-Inspired, Limited-Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse
Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, and Jack Daniel’s?, America’s first registered distillery, have once again partnered for a celebration of American craftsmanship with the creation of the 2023 Jack Daniel’s?Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse. The seventh limited-edition offering from the two iconic American brands, and developed in partnership with?Klock Werkssm?Kustom Cycles, the latest model draws its inspiration from Jack Daniel’s??legendary Old No. 7?Tennessee Whiskey.
Hand painted and highly exclusive, Indian Motorcycle will produce only 177 units for global distribution. Building upon the Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse’s mechanical style, where its steel-tube frame and powerful Thunderstroke 116 motor take center stage, the Jack Daniel’s??Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse includes several fine-touch details that make the bike truly one of a kind. The bike features Jack Daniel’s??branding throughout, and, for the first time ever, real Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7??whiskey mixed directly within the bike’s Super Graphite Metallic paint.
“The Jack Daniel’s??Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse is yet another powerful and dynamic representation of the quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail that is core to both of our brands,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President for Indian Motorcycle. “This time, we decided to pay homage to Jack Daniel’s??iconic Old No. 7??– the most iconic of Jack Daniel’s?whiskeys – pairing it with the Chief Bobber Dark Horse. Both products are timeless American originals that share a combination of no-nonsense simplicity and premium quality.”
With a mean attitude and old-school muscle, the 2023 Jack Daniel’s??Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse features several design elements that make this bike truly exclusive. Jack Daniel’s??branding will be found throughout the bike including the front and rear fenders, stamped on its solo seat, and on a Montana Silversmiths? Badge with each bike’s unique serial number. For ultimate exclusivity, Jack Daniel’s??signature can be found on the rear fender and etched into the exhaust. The 2023 Jack Daniel’s? Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse touts a tank with a single Indian Motorcycle Script “I” along both sides. The Thunderstroke 116 engine features non-machined highlighted cylinders and heads, Cloud Silver painted rockers and pushrod tubes – giving it a throwback style that delivers a raw metal look.
The limited-edition motorcycle also features white center rims, a solo-saddle seat, a tinted Klock Werkssm?Flared Deflector, a Pathfinder 5 ? Adaptive LED Headlight, which monitors the bike’s lean angle to maximize nighttime illumination, three ride modes, and a four-inch touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND with Bluetooth?, weather and traffic overlays, turn-by-turn navigation, and more.
“At Jack Daniel’s??we live by the motto, ‘Every day we make it, we’ll make it the best we can.’ Indian Motorcycle shares that philosophy, which is why this partnership has been such a success,” said Greg Luehrs, Director of Sponsorships and Partnerships for Jack Daniel’s?. “To think that a handshake agreement has given way to seven years of incredible limited-edition motorcycles is truly amazing, and it’s only appropriate to honor Jack’s tried and true Old No. 7, with this seventh collaborative offering.”
For Jack Daniel’s? and Indian Motorcycle, craftsmanship is about the fundamentals. And no two products better represent the fundamentals than Old No. 7??and the Indian Chief. For the Indian Chief, the fundamental element is the frame. When designing this bike, it was important to get the stance right and maintain a simple, mechanical design. The Chief’s no-nonsense design is a modern homage to the glory days of American motorcycling with iconic V-twin style, combined with modern performance and ride-enhancing technology. For Old No. 7, the fundamental element is cave spring water from Lynchburg, TN– clean, pure, crisp, and a constant 56-degrees – the very lifeblood of Jack Daniel’s? Tennessee whiskey.
Starting at $24,499, the Jack Daniel’s??Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse is exclusively available through Indian Motorcycle?dealerships. The order window opens March 14, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. EST, and will close once all bikes are sold. The Jack?Daniel’s??Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse will begin shipping to Indian Motorcycle dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada in March 2023. Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, by visiting?IndianMotorcycle.com, or by following along on?Facebook,?Twitter?and?Instagram.
Harley-Davidson Factory Team set to open 2023 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers season at Daytona International Speedway
The Harley-Davidson? Screamin’ Eagle? factory racing team is prepared to open the 2023 racing season March 9-11 at Daytona International Speedway, site of the first two rounds of the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers roadracing series. Kyle Wyman and his brother Travis Wyman return to ride the team’s race-prepared Harley-Davidson? Road Glide? motorcycles powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle? Milwaukee-Eight? 131 Performance Crate Engines. The Harley-Davidson factory team will leave nothing on the track as they fight to bring the championship title back to Milwaukee.
“In our 120th Anniversary year, we’re coming at it bigger and better than ever before, as we compete to win the championship and bring back the #1 plate to Milwaukee where it belongs,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “Our Screamin’ Eagle factory racing team is ready for the season – and with Kyle and Travis on the track, I’m excited for what is set to be a great season of racing for our community of racers and fans alike.”
The King of the Baggers series offers exciting competition between American V-Twin touring motorcycles prepared for competition and equipped with a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags. The 2023 season will see the King of the Baggers series expanded from seven to 14 races over seven double-header weekends held in conjunction with the?MotoAmerica Superbike Series.
A fan?feature for the 2023 season is the?Harley-Davidson? 120th Anniversary VIP Ticket Package. Offered as a three-day or one-day package, these special VIP passes include admission with fan zone and paddock access, all the MotoAmerica races including the Mission King of the Baggers practice sessions, qualifying and racing action. Each pass also includes access to premium parking reserved for Harley-Davidson motorcycles on all three days of the race weekend, and participation in Harley-Davidson parade laps around the track on Friday and Saturday.
For the 2023 season, the Harley-Davidson factory team will be sporting custom designed livery, honoring Harley-Davidson’s 120th anniversary aboard their race-modified Road Glide motorcycles, Milwaukee-Eight? 131 Performance Crate Engine. The team bikes also feature upgraded suspension components, including?Screamin’ Eagle/?hlins Remote Reservoir Rear Shocks, plus competition exhaust, race tires and lightweight bodywork.
Harley-Davidson invites you to kick off the 2023 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers season with some adrenaline pumping action. Today, Harley-Davidson is premiering ‘Push the Limit,’ a film that shares the story of defending champion Kyle Wyman, teammate Travis Wyman and the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle race team’s 2022 championship pursuit. Check it out on Harley-Davidson’s?YouTube?channel.
The Wyman Brothers
Travis Wyman,?the owner of Travis Wyman Racing based in Las Vegas, finished second in points during the 2022 King of the Baggers season, with one race win (Road America) and three second-place finishes. The 31-year-old racer returns for his second full season with the Harley-Davidson factory team.
“I am excited about my second season on the factory H-D team and ready for the expanded schedule this year,” said Travis. “My consistent finishes last year put me in contention for the title going into the last round. With the two-race format, if Saturday does not go well, you get another shot on Sunday rather than waiting for the next race weekend. As other teams get these bikes figured out, I expect the level of competition to be tougher this season. Our Harley team is going to need to be on its game at every race.”
Kyle Wyman, 33, won?three 2022 King of the Baggers races (Atlanta, Monterey and New Jersey) and had two other podium appearances to finish third in season points. Wyman began racing professionally in flat track aboard a Harley-Davidson? XR750 and formed Kyle Wyman Racing at?the age of 21 to compete at the highest level of professional road racing in the United States. Kyle Wyman is the 2019 Daytona 200 winner. He was King of the Baggers champion in 2021, riding for the Harley-Davidson factory team.
“It will be an honor to represent the Harley-Davidson brand during this 120th Anniversary season,”?said Kyle Wyman. “It is incredible to be a part of the enduring history of Harley-Davidson. I’ve spent much of the off season working with the team to further develop our Road Glide race bikes, and I have a lot of confidence going into 2023. We will continue to see lap records fall this season, and everyone on the grid will be quicker.”?
Available Support
In addition to competing in the series, the H-D Screamin’ Eagle team continues to work directly with MotoAmerica to promote the series by supporting all Harley-Davidson competitors. Select performance products developed for the 2022 factory team bikes are available to all qualified racers. Teams should reach out directly to their local?Harley-Davidson? dealership?for availability and pricing.
Top squads expected to run Harley-Davidson? bikes at the front of the field include the four-rider Team Saddlemen effort with returning veteran racers Cory West and Patricia Fernandez-West along with Frankie Garcia and class newcomer Jake Lewis, all competing on race-modified Harley-Davidson? Road Glide? motorcycles, prepared with the assistance of?Hoban Brothers Racing. The Vance & Hines Racing team returns to the King of the Baggers series with proven series front runners James Rispoli and Hayden Gillim, also campaigning race-prepared Road Glide motorcycles.
MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers Contingency
Harley-Davidson will offer more than $185,000 in cash contingency for qualified Harley-Davidson racers competing in the Mission King of the Baggers series, with a contingency payout from first to 10th place in all 14 races and a $35,000 series championship bonus. Terms and conditions apply; please see?www.MotoAmerica.com?for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.
About the Screamin’ Eagle? Milwaukee-Eight? 131 Performance Crate Engine:?The Screamin’ Eagle? Milwaukee-Eight 131 is a powerful street-compliant performance engine offered by Harley-Davidson. Built from the bottom up in Milwaukee, this 131-cubic-inch (2147cc) Screamin’ Eagle? crate engine delivers 131 ft-lb of torque to the rear wheel, and may be installed in 2017-later Harley-Davidson Touring models.
2023 Mission King of the Baggers Schedule
(Two full races each weekend)
March 9-11: Daytona International Raceway – Daytona Beach, Fla.
April 21-23: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta – Braselton, Ga.
June 2-4: Road America – Elkhart Lake, Wis.
July 7-9: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca – Monterey, Calif.
July 28-30: Brainerd International Raceway – Brainerd, Minn.
September 8-10: Circuit of the Americas – Austin, Texas
领英推荐
September 22-24: New Jersey Motorsports Park – Millville, N.J.
Harley-Davidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure and freedom for the soul. Go to?H-D.com?to learn more about the complete line of 2023 Harley-Davidson? Grand American Touring, Sport, Adventure Touring, Cruiser and Trike motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Certified? pre-owned motorcycles, Harley-Davidson? Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories, Harley-Davidson? MotorClothes? apparel and gear, and Harley-Davidson Financial Services.
Hunter Lawrence Takes Daytona Supercross 250SX East Win
For the third time in the four rounds run thus far, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence scored the 250SX East victory on Saturday night. This time it was at legendary Daytona International Speedway, and it extended his lead in the title chase to 14 points. Meanwhile, Chase Sexton qualified fastest and notched his seventh podium result in eight 450SX rounds, keeping him in title contention.
The 250SX East main-event start saw Lawrence exit turn 1 in third place and quickly put an aggressive pass on Nate Thrasher before taking the lead from Tom Vialle just before the end of lap 1. From there, the Australian powered his CRF250R to the win, finishing with a cushion of nearly 10 seconds on fellow Red Rider Max Anstie, of the Fire Power Honda squad. After completing lap 1 in 17th?place, Lawrence’s teammate Chance Hymas put on an inspired charge through the pack, eventually finishing an impressive sixth—the best result of his young career.
In the 450SX main event, Sexton exited turn 1 in third place and fought hard throughout the race, holding the position to the finish.
NOTES
Chase Sexton?23
“Speedways are cool to come to. You have to be very precise, but you can also gain a lot of speed and push the rhythm at the speed you’re comfortable with. Daytona is just a different animal though. My speed’s good; I’ve just got to limit the mistakes. I’ve got to keep pushing and get to these guys at the front. It’s good to be on the podium, but we all want to win.”
Colt Nichols?45
“It was a tough day at work in Daytona. I took a hit in Q1 and landed on my noggin pretty good. The team and I decided it would be best to sit out the rest of the day and get myself right. Thank you to my team and the people in my corner. It’s been a rough few weeks, but I’ll be back.”
Hunter Lawrence?96
“The bike was great; we didn’t really change anything all day. It’s cool when you can just trust in your setup and not try to reinvent the wheel. Early in the main, I just kept getting roosted in the sand and had to race hard to get to the front. I just didn’t look back after that. This was where I got my first heat-race win too [in 2021], so it’s pretty cool to capture a main-event win here.”
Chance Hymas?832
“Today was alright. I qualified third in the first practice, but they made a ton of changes during the day and it felt like a new track. I got to run up front with Hunter in the heat race, which gave me some confidence. In the main, I got bottled up on the inside in the first corner and was basically dead last at that point. I’m happy to have worked my way up to sixth by the end of the race. Overall, my riding was good and improvements were made, even if we aren’t where we want to be yet.”
Lars Lindstrom
Team Manager
“It was a busy week, testing down at the riders’ facilities and trying to make improvements. It was successful and we learned a lot, which should help us the rest of the series. Once again, we qualified fastest in both classes which was awesome. Unfortunately, Colt had a pretty hard get-off, and it made sense to let have him take the night off, which I know was a bitter pill for him to swallow. Hunter crushed it in the main, and it was great to see Chance ride through the pack and be strong the entire race. I think Chase once again had everything he needed to win, and he was clearly the fastest on the track, but he couldn’t get into a rhythm and settled for third, which is still great to be on the podium.”
MONSTER ENERGY??KAWASAKI’S JASON ANDERSON SECURES FIFTH PLACE FINISH AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
The iconic Daytona International Speedway played host to the world’s premier supercross racers for Round 8 of the Monster Energy??AMA Supercross Championship where?Monster Energy Kawasaki?rider Jason Anderson secured his third consecutive top-five finish. In the 250SX Class,?Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s?Chris Blose displayed an impressive come-from-behind performance to secure a season-best seventh place.?
When qualifying sessions began, a motivated Anderson was one of the first riders to hit the Daytona race course. The No.21?KX?450SR?rider showed impressive pace while focusing his time on track to explore various lines and generate a sense of how track conditions will deteriorate throughout the day. In the final session, Anderson applied the knowledge gained from earlier in the day to secure the third fastest lap time (1:12.889) in 450SX qualifying.
In 450SX Heat 2, Anderson launched out the gate running in fifth and masterfully moved up to fourth through the first rhythm section. The New Mexico-born rider continued to race forward after taking control of fourth and within two laps was challenging at the front of the field. Anderson then displayed the superior cornering ability of his KX450SR by skillfully executing an inside line pass in Turn 1 to advance into third. The No.21 rode consistent laps until a last-lap pass moved him back to fourth. Despite his best efforts to regain the position, Anderson crossed the line fourth.???
As light showers began to fall at the start of the 450SX Main Event, Anderson emerged from the first turn in seventh before quickly advancing to fifth as he reached the infamous Daytona sand. Once in fifth position, Anderson settled into a comfortable pace and steadily extended his advantage over sixth place. As racing progressed, the No.21 Kawasaki momentarily mounted a challenge for fourth but was unable to close in on the competition to attempt a pass and ultimately finished the race in fifth. Anderson's top-five finish solidifies his hold over fourth place in the championship points standings.?
“The track layout this year was nearly identical to the Daytona track we raced on last year, so our bike setup was very similar to last year’s settings. However, this track broke down differently and became a lot deeper which made it difficult to get comfortable. The rain we had leading up to the Main Event also made the dirt very slick in some spots. I tried my best to adjust to the changing track conditions throughout the race but, to be honest, I just couldn’t get myself in a rhythm. Overall, we still had a solid weekend and earned valuable championship points.”?
- Jason Anderson
As 250SX qualifying began, Blose deployed a calculated plan of attack as he elected to give space between himself and the rest of the field. The open track allowed Blose to locate his preferred lines before attempting a fast lap. Blose’s strategy proved to be beneficial as he improved his lap times with each time on track to log the 10th fastest lap in 250SX qualifying despite the rapidly deteriorating track conditions.
When the gate dropped on 250SX Heat 1, Blose executed a well-timed jump to emerge from the first turn in seventh. Amidst all the chaos of the opening lap, the No.57?KX?250?rider managed to latch onto the rear wheel of the rider ahead and challenge for sixth. Blose’s relentless pressure intimidated the rider ahead, allowing him to gain control of sixth by the midway point. Looking for more, the Arizona native closed in on another competitor as he continued to link together consistent laps. With only a minute of racing left, Blose made the pass for fifth stick and maintained track position to the finish.??
In the 250SX Main Event, Blose again launched out to a seventh-place start and with a combination of clever line selection and veteran experience, the No.57 swiftly moved into fifth by the third corner of the opening lap. Running in fifth, Blose looked ready to secure his first top-five finish of his season until a mistake near the mechanic’s area resulted in a tip-over. Despite a quick remount, Blose was shuffled back outside the top 10. As racing continued, the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider proved his racecraft by climbing up the running order with each lap. Blose achieved his impressive come-from-behind performance through consistent riding and the ability to capitalize on the mistakes of others to finish seventh when the checkered flag flew.??
“Even though I’ve only been with the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team for a short amount of time, I feel like I’m starting to find my stride and confidence. From the start of the first practice to the Main Event, I felt extremely comfortable on the KX250 and that showed in my riding tonight. Even with a tip-over in the sand section during the main I was still able to move up the field and finish in seventh, my best result of the season so far. I’m looking forward to another week of practice with the team and feel like we can be in the hunt for a top-five finish soon.”???
- Chris Blose
Tomac Reigns Supreme with Seventh Daytona Supecross Victory
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac continues to add to his legacy, both in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and at the Daytona International Speedway, scoring his seventh win last night at the iconic race track in Daytona Beach, Florida. It was another epic battle between 450SX championship rivals, with Tomac scoring his fifth win of the season and strengthening his points lead. Rookie Justin Cooper earned a career-best finish in sixth. Dylan Ferrandis was hoping to return to racing but, unfortunately, wasn’t feeling 100% and ultimately withdrew from the night show.
Although Tomac wasn’t in his comfort zone during the day, he had a good qualifying result in fourth. Once the racing got underway, the reigning 450SX champ came out swinging with the heat race win. In the main event, he grabbed the holeshot, and although he was shuffled to the runner-up spot behind his title rival, he reclaimed the lead around the halfway mark. Tomac kept cool under pressure and rode on to his seventh win at the Daytona International Speedway. The victory not only broke the record he set last year for Daytona Supercross wins but also tied NASCAR legend Richard Petty for overall wins at the venue. Tomac’s 49th-premier class win in Supercross also moves him closer to James Stewart who sits in runner-up spot on the all-time win list with 50 victories.?
In his final 450 race of the season, Cooper was looking to keep learning and to earn his best result before switching gears to preparing for the outdoor season aboard the YZ250F. The New Yorker had a solid qualifying result in ninth and was fifth in his heat race. One of the most demanding tracks on the calendar had an extra element of challenge when it started to rain off and on during the main events. Cooper got a good start inside of the top 10 and was able to make his way forward from ninth to sixth despite the tricky track conditions. He had his sites set on a top five and looked to make the pass but ultimately settled with a career-best result in the 450 class and crossed the line sixth.?
The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team heads to Indianapolis, Indiana, on Saturday, March 11, for Round 9 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and ththe SuperMotocross World Championship Series at the Lucas Oil Stadium.
?
Eli Tomac
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“It was an excellent night of racing for us. Daytona literally just feels like home to me. Every time the lights come on here, I just basically become one with the track. We went to battle again with Cooper (Webb) there in the main event.?A lot of lines were changing throughout the race. Then at one point, we even made contact and then I finally got into the lead and just felt really?good on the motorcycle. This was one of the best times that I’ve felt on a motorcycle racing here, so that was awesome. It’s pretty crazy to be tied with the NASCAR Champion, Richard Petty, with seven wins here. That’s a cool thing, and I’m just thankful for everything.”
Justin Cooper
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“It was tough like I expected. We even got a little bit of rain for the main event. The track definitely deteriorated, but they fixed some parts of the track that would have been really bad if they didn’t touch them after the 250 main. We just ticked off the laps. I had a really good pace going in the beginning and made a bunch of passes. Then I settled in behind Jason (Anderson), and I started running his pace. From there on, I had a couple of close calls with him, and I got alongside him a couple of times, but he was able to hold me back there. I was definitely pushing for that fifth spot but came up a little bit short and got sixth. It’s a career-best for me, so all in all, it was a great night. Now we get ready for the outdoors.?
Jeremy Coker
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team Manager
“It was a great night for the team. I don’t exactly want to say that Eli struggled earlier in the day, but he wasn’t in his comfort zone. When it was time to race, it was incredible. At the end of the day, it’s the race that matters, not qualifying. He rode phenomenally tonight, and to get seven wins here is amazing. Unfortunately, Dylan wasn’t quite feeling back to 100% yet. He’s going to keep working on getting ready to come back.”
Deegan Breaks Through for First 250 Podium in Daytona
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan rode to his first career 250SX podium finish at the fourth round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250SX East Championship at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. After being so close twice this season, the 17-year-old claimed third in the main event, moving up to third in the championship standings. Teammate Jordon Smith also rode strong on the unique track to finish a few seconds behind Deegan in fourth. Last weekend’s winner Nate Thrasher overcame a few mishaps in the main event to climb back from next to last to 10th.
With this being his first trip to Daytona, Deegan utilized the qualifying time to get comfortable with the track and found himself eighth overall after the two sessions. The Californian’s strong start in the opening heat race helped him stay with the front pack and finish third. When the gate dropped for the main event, Deegan grabbed a decent start and funneled into seventh after the opening lap. He moved up to fourth by the third lap and made the pass to third on the following lap. Deegan ticked off the laps and held on to claim his first career podium in only his fourth professional race.
Smith has enjoyed success at the famed Daytona Supercross, and he carried that confidence all day, starting with a solid qualifying session where he finished third. He was quick off the start in his heat race and led the first three laps before moving into second, where he would finish. In the main event, Smith found himself just behind his teammate Deegan in eighth off the start. He followed Deegan through the pack and even was able to get around him briefly before settling into fourth, where he would cross the finish line. Smith is now tied for fourth in the points standings.
Notoriously confident at speedway-style race tracks, Thrasher started the day in quick fashion as the second-fastest rider in timed qualifying. He carried that speed into the heat race, where he claimed his second heat race win of the season. With another good start in the main event, Thrasher was trying to make quick work to the front but went down in the sand section and got going again in 20th. He made up ground in the following laps but went down again and fell back to 20th. With less time than before to make up positions, Thrasher put his head down and picked off half the field by the end of the race, finishing a hard-fought 10th. Thrasher moved a few spots in the championship standings and is now sixth.
The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team heads to Indianapolis, Indiana, on Saturday, March 11, for Round 5 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250SX East Championship and the ninth round of the SuperMotocross World Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium.
?
Haiden Deegan
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“Daytona was a good one for me. Qualifying went alright, and we ended up where we usually would be. Daytona is definitely a ‘man’s track,’ so you had to adapt to it, and it was rough. My heat race was good. I had a few passes and ended up third. Then in the main event, I didn’t get a great start, but I knew I had the speed for a podium. I put my head down and started charging, ending up in third. Jordon (Smith) and I had a couple of good battles - it was fun racing.”
Jordon Smith
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“Daytona was a little bit up and down for me. We battled from a bad start in the main to finish fourth. I’m looking forward to Indianapolis!”
Nate Thrasher
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“The day started off well. I was P2 in qualifying and got the heat race win. I was feeling pretty good and felt my speed was there. I got a good start in the main, but unfortunately, I went down in the sand and then was coming back through the pack and went down again. We’re going to put it behind us and come back stronger at Indy.”
Jensen Hendler
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team Manager
“Overall, the weekend was great. Haiden ended up with his first podium with a third-place finish, and Jordon was just off the podium in fourth. Although some unfortunate things happened to Nate in the main, he never quit and came back to finish 10th. We’re excited to get back in the stadiums next weekend. Also, it was great to see Justin get sixth, which was a career-best for him on the 450. It was a great ride on a really tough track. We’re excited to take that momentum into the outdoors with him on the 250.”
Suzuki Racers Light Up Daytona Supercross
Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki's Ken Roczen and his Suzuki RM-Z450 delivered a top ten result and retained fifth overall in points at the Daytona Supercross, round eight of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. Twisted Tea Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance's Shane McElrath delivered his best result of the season aboard his Suzuki RM-Z450 on a track built into the trioval of Daytona International Speedway. And 250 class racer, Twisted Tea Suzuki's Marshal Weltin, earned enough points to advance his Suzuki RM-Z250 three positions in the 250 East standings.
Ken Roczen's qualifying speed earned him the first gate pick in heat one. Emerging from the first corner in fifth place, Roczen put his Suzuki RM-Z450 into second place before the third turn and battled for the lead throughout the race. Unfortunately, a poor start in the main, in fifteenth place, put the German racer's speed to the test. Roczen put his Suzuki's power to the ground and quickly picked off riders to deliver a top ten result.
"I was up on the board pretty much every practice, I had a really good heat race, but unfortunately messed up the start in the main," said Roczen. "With a better start, my result could have been a lot better. What I'm most excited about is that I haven't really done any bike adjustments today. I could simply just ride the track and ride my bike. I’m really excited to be there. Our result doesn't really show how good we've been in the last week and we're going to continue working hard. I'm looking forward to Indy already."
Shane McElrath was also on the gas in the daytime qualifying sessions, landing his best qualifying spot so far this year on what's considered the most challenging track on the schedule. McElrath matched his best heat race finish for a direct transfer to the main. In the main, he demonstrated the progress he and the team have made and brought his Suzuki RM-Z450 in with his best result of the season.
"What a day it was today," exclaimed McElrath. "We're continuing to learn and continuing to get better. I'm super happy with the progress. I'm happy with how I rode tonight. My heat race was fairly good, I stayed with the guys ahead of me consistently. In the main, I didn't have a good start, but I fought hard for most of the race. That's the longest and the hardest that I've fought. I'm excited about it. We're in a good place to keep growing and to keep making strides and I'm excited."
Marshal Weltin was up to the challenge of the varying dirt conditions of the rutted and rough track. After earning a direct transfer to the main through his heat race, Weltin advanced his Suzuki RM-Z250 six positions throughout the main event and crossed the finish line with his best result thus far in 2023.
"Every session we progressed. I'm comfortable on the bike and learning, so we went into the night show feeling great," said Weltin. "My body's feeling good. We ended up ninth in the heat. Going into the main I had a good mindset, thinking I'm going to give everything I have and lay it all out there. There was a lot of carnage. It's tough here with the lights creating shadows; it was slick and then it started raining a little bit. I'm happy to come away with my personal best with an eleventh place. It's close to a top ten and it just feels nice to make progress week to week."
"It was a pretty good day," was how Twisted Tea/H.E.P. Motorsports/Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance's Team Manager Larry Books summed up Daytona 2023. "We've been working really hard on Roczen's bike, and we made some big improvements. The result in the main event wasn't as good as we were expecting because of a bad start, but it just happens sometimes. He finished seventh in the main event. Shane McElrath finished thirteenth. His speed was better, his riding was better, so we're thinking bigger and better things are ahead for him. In the 250 class, Marshal Weltin finished eleventh. It was a good ride for Marshal. His start was terrible, so he had to come from behind and he outlasted the field; he was able to pass a lot of guys at the end. Eleventh is not bad, and I think we will build on that. We missed Kyle Chisholm. He had a crash during the week and was unable to race today, but we think he's going to be back at Indy next week."
The Suzuki riders and team members travel to Indianapolis for round nine of the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. The track will return to a traditional supercross-style layout inside Lucas Oil Stadium. The location bodes well for the team – Ken Roczen won all three rounds inside the stadium in 2021 during the three-race Indianapolis residency of that season.
For more team news, and the latest from the Supercross season and SMX World Championship series, please visit?SuzukiCycles.com/Racing/Motocross?and?HEPMotorsports.com.
Photos by BrownDogWilson Photography
AMA Pro Racing Names Bryan Smith as the Series Director of Progressive American Flat Track
AMA Pro Racing?is pleased to announce the appointment of?Bryan Smith?as the?Series Director?of?Progressive American Flat Track. Smith will transition immediately from his current role as the Director of Industry Relations to the expanded role of AFT Series Director.
“Over the last year, Bryan has consistently demonstrated the leadership capabilities that are necessary to take on even greater responsibilities with the series,” said Gene Crouch, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “Bryan’s ability to leverage the knowledge he’s gained over the course of his motorcycle racing career as both a factory rider and championship-winning privateer will also be critically important as we form future strategies for the sport.”
Smith first joined AMA Pro Racing in 2022 following a decades-long career as one of the sport’s leading competitors. His accolades include winning the Grand National Championship as a Kawasaki-mounted privateer in 2016 before becoming a Factory rider, racing on the Indian Motorcycle and Harley-Davidson squads in subsequent seasons. His understanding of the sport as a competitor, tactician, historian, mechanically minded rider, and now series’ staffer make him uniquely well suited to tackle his new role as Series Director.
“When I joined the Progressive AFT management team a year ago, I said my goals were to give back to the sport and see it grow,” said Smith. “That’s even more true today. I’m encouraged by what we’ve accomplished already, and I’m excited to embrace this new opportunity to create an even greater impact. I feel certain we’re on the right path to take the sport to the next level.”
In his new role, Smith will be responsible for managing all competition aspects of Progressive AFT, including season calendar and event planning, event operations, safety and track prep and series rules development. Smith will also continue to manage rider & team relationships and new rider evaluation.
“We are very excited to move Bryan into this new role,” said Kevin Crowther, Chief Competition Officer of AMA Pro Racing. “Bryan has a wealth of knowledge from all levels of competition, and the experience he gained last year working with the paddock and the Progressive AFT staff has given him the tools that he needs to make a positive impact on the sport.”
The 2023 Progressive American Flat Track season will launch with the hugely anticipated return of the?DAYTONA Short Track I & II?at?Daytona International Speedway?on?Thursday, March 9?and?Friday, March 10. Get your tickets now at?https://www.tixr.com/promoters/americanflattrack.
For those that can’t catch the live action from Daytona International Speedway,?FansChoice.tv?is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at?https://www.fanschoice.tv.
FOX Sports?coverage, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on?FS1?from the?Daytona Short Track I on March 18 at 10:30am ET?(7:30am PT) and?Daytona Short Track II on March 19 at 12:30pm ET?(9:30am PT).
For more information on Progressive AFT visit?https://www.americanflattrack.com.
Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York To Return To Daytona With a Two-Rider Line-Up
The Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York team will bring the heat to Daytona International Speedway’s high banks in Daytona Beach, Florida, with both Josh Herrin and Xavi Forés set to compete on Ducati Panigale V2 machinery.
Herrin’s 2023 Daytona 200 will be one in which he hopes to add to his 2010 race victory. Should he do so, he would join a select group of established stars to have taken a victory in the great race on two different brands and capacities.
For journeyman Forés, the Daytona 200 will signal yet another new race in his arsenal ahead of his MotoAmerica Supersport Championship debut at Road Atlanta on April 21-23. The Spaniard spent 2022 competing in select rounds of the WorldSBK Championship for Barni Ducati, alongside a full season of the FIM Enel MotoE World Championship for Pramac Racing, and the Endurance World Championship (EWC) for Team ERC Endurance Ducati. Xavi will be aboard his Warhorse HSBK V2, displaying the World Endurance Team ERC livery.?He will also have his team ERC crew members who will be assisting Xavi’s fight for the 200 win.
Xavi Forés?(Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York – Ducati #12)
“It’s going to be my first time at Daytona and I’m really excited,” Forés said. “I really hope to do well because I was racing in the Endurance World Championship the past few years so I’m used to long races with pitstops. My endurance team will come to Daytona to help, which will be a bonus for everyone on the HSBK team,” said Forés. “I’ve been riding the Ducati Panigale V2 in Spain this last month and I feel really strong on this bike. I’ve been able to do some fast lap times but I know racing in America will be a new challenge. I will return to Spain after Daytona as my partner and I are expecting a new baby soon, and then all three of us will move to America for the season, so this year will be very exciting.”
Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York – Ducati #2)
“I’m super pumped about returning to Daytona,” Herrin said.?“It’s going to be a really exciting race. “The 200 is one of my favorite events. I feel we’ve always done well there, but it’s a big effort and not just a short 20-lap race. There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle to win there—lots of drafting and pit stops, and it’s such a hard place on the bike with forces you don’t get anywhere else,” Herrin said. “I’m excited to get a second chance on the V2 before I ride in MotoAmerica Superbike, and having Xavi Forés in the team will be really cool. After seeing how the V2 performed last year, I know we’ll be in the mix. I’ve been putting in a lot of work on the bicycle over the past three months and have dropped 15 pounds from where I was last year, so I’m feeling great, I know the bike will be fast, and I can’t wait to get going.”
The 81st running of the Daytona 200 is scheduled for March 9-11, 2023.
Polaris Leads a New Era in Off-Road Racing with Industry’s First Comprehensive Factory Racing Program & Purpose-Built Race UTV
BUSINESS
Polaris Unleashes Revolutionary New Generation of the RZR XP – The Industry’s Best-Selling Sport Side-By-Side
Polaris Off Road, the leader in off-road vehicle innovation, today unleashed the next generation of the industry’s best-selling sport side-by-side, the RZR XP. The all-new 2024 RZR XP has been completely redesigned from the ground up to raise the industry standard for sport side-by-sides to an entirely new level – delivering class-leading durability, comfort and performance.
Stronger than ever before, the Polaris RZR XP chassis provides improved trail agility and rugged durability in rough conditions. It showcases a new, aggressive style, with integrated doors, LED accent lights and an upgraded level of fit and finish delivering a premium experience. A newly designed, reinforced driveline withstands rough terrain with stronger half shafts, prop shaft, and bearings. The RZR XP’s optimally-tuned Walker Evans Racing? Needle Shocks, with 16-position adjustability, provide a plush ride, while a redesigned cockpit improves legroom and line of sight for drivers and passengers. Featuring responsive acceleration thanks to an all-new ProStar 1000 Gen 2, 114-horsepower engine, the RZR XP also provides extra traction through technical terrain via Polaris’ fast engaging on-demand All Wheel Drive system.
“The multi-terrain category is the largest segment in the performance side-by-side industry, and we’re proud to deliver an all-new vehicle that’s head and shoulders above anything else available today,” said?Reid Wilson, Vice President, Polaris Off Road Recreation. “In 2014, the RZR XP 1000 started it all for multi-terrain sport side-by-sides, and now, we’re building upon that legacy – taking what has long been the standard and making it even better in every possible way.”
Inspiring riders to break free from the mundane, the RZR XP delivers a rugged design, all-day comfort, and the legendary performance that unlocks new experiences. With over 60 all-new accessories, the RZR XP offers engineered customization options for riders who like to navigate the trails or get off the beaten path.?Plus, Pro Armor will be the only aftermarket brand with a full range of launch-ready accessories like cages, doors, storage, seats, bumpers and more.
Rugged Design
Featuring an all-new rugged design, the 2024 RZR XP is designed to keep riders out with their crew even longer. A stronger, redesigned chassis increases strength and stiffness, providing improved agility, while a redesigned driveline from front to back results in stronger half shafts, prop shaft and bearings that allows riders to stay out all day long.
In addition, an integrated front bumper and full-coverage skid plate provide durable protection to the front of the vehicle, the driveline, and engine components. The RZR XP also offers toolless access and a removable rear bin for easy maintenance work, while new mounting and ducting create a cooler running CVT that increases belt life.
Built with a purposeful design, the RZR XP comes with a new mounting location for the Pro HD 4,500 LB winch, allowing it to take center stage with an integrated fairlead that doubles as a styled cover. Also available to the RZR XP is a pivoting spare tire carrier, with a strategic mounting location in the rear that does not sacrifice cargo space. With accessory options available for seamless integration, riders can enjoy full coverage fender flares and a stamped aluminum roof that adds increased strength and a unique design element.
All-Day Comfort
To enhance the experience and keep the ride fun for all riders, the RZR XP delivers a smooth ride with optimally-tuned shocks and a redesigned cabin. Tuned for customers most used speeds and terrain, the Walker Evans Racing? Needle Shocks’ available 20.5 inches of usable travel provide a comfortable ride to keep you out with your crew longer.
Featuring all-new, in-cab ergonomics, Polaris fully maximized seating by adjusting the front seats one-inch lower and 1.5-inches back – resulting in a sportier driving position with increased leg room. By elevating the rear seats by 2 inches, the sight line is improved for rear passengers.
Adding convenience, Polaris redesigned the RZR XP’s cargo space to keep items secure, but within reach for easy accessibility. The all-new RZR XP also features full doors, an available roof, new LED lights that illuminate the trails, and new illuminated in-cab switches for easy visibility at night.
To extend the ride across terrains and seasons, the RZR XP accommodates upgraded upper doors with a molded sealing surface between the front and rear doors to keep the heat in and the cold out. Riders can enjoy a more comfortable ride by adding a heater and windshield wiper kit to dial in temperature control and increase visibility while riding. Pack all the essentials with RZR’s first tonneau cover, which allows riders to turn the entire bed into a storage box. Additional storage upgrades for the RZR XP includes nesting cargo boxes and coolers, as well as in-cab storage bags to keep the essentials close.
Legendary Performance
Built to unlock outdoor experiences, the 2024 RZR XP delivers responsive power and control.
Packing an all-new 999cc, 114-horsepower engine, RZR XP delivers power to the ground quickly for responsive acceleration from corner to corner.
With fast engaging all-wheel drive and a lower-geared transmission, riders receive extra traction and smooth, responsive power that improves handling through technical terrain. New body styling provides an improved line of sight over the hood, allowing drivers to easily pick their line during technical riding.
Designed with customization in mind, the RZR XP offers six plug-and-play Polaris PULSE ports and is factory prewired throughout the vehicle. An available 900W charging system provides plenty of power to run all electronic accessories added to the machine.
To maximize the experience, riders can crank up the volume with a Stage 5 Audio Upgrade from Rockford Fosgate? – complete with four 100W speakers and a 12″ 400W subwoofer. With a focus on better sealing and visibility for windshield offerings, the RZR XP cage includes a contoured A-pillar for the first time ever and a dash pocket that helps reduce dust intrusion and wind noise. With a flat viewing area and tight seal, the Lock & Ride poly rear panel offers maximum rearward visibility and reduces rear air swirl in the cab.
Shipping to dealers in April, RZR XP is available in two and four-seat configurations in three trims: Sport, Premium and Ultimate.
RZR XP 1000 Sport:
Starting at?$20,999?US MSRP, riders can get into the RZR XP 1000 Sport, featuring in-mold color, 29″ Trailmaster X/T, color-matched seats and springs, LED headlights, illuminated in-cab switches, and a new digital display.
RZR XP 1000 Premium:
The RZR XP 1000 Premium starts at?$22,999?US MSRP, and includes a painted body with premium graphics, 30-inch Trailmaster X/T 2.0, color-matched dash, seats and springs, PMX head unit, a Rockford Fosgate? Stage 1 Audio, a poly roof and four-point harnesses.
RZR XP 1000 Ultimate:
Rounding out the lineup is the RZR XP 1000 Ultimate, starting at?$25,999?US MSRP. Available with a premium painted body and two premium color and graphics options, RZR XP 1000 Ultimate offers Polaris’ industry-leading seven-inch touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND, a Rockford Fosgate? Stage 2 Audio, 900W operating system, along with front and rear LED accent lighting.
Also created specifically for the RZR XP are four rider inspired accessory collections, built for a variety of riding terrains that include trail, mud, backcountry and all-season.
To learn more, please visit?Polaris.com/RZR?or join the conversation and follow on?Facebook?sm,?Instagram?sm,?YouTube?sm?and?Twitter?sm.
Polaris Announces 2024 Snowmobile Lineup Featuring New Deep Snow Innovation and SnowCheck Ship Guarantee Program
With today’s introduction of its?2024 snow lineup, Polaris Inc. (NYSE:?PII) is building on its comprehensive snowmobile and snow bike portfolio with new and enhanced rider-driven innovations and features that deliver performance, control, and agility, including the new Series 9 325 track and Timbersled’s new RIOT Gen 2 system. The 2024 lineup is complemented by more than 250 new parts, apparel and accessories that provide even more personalization options. This year, Polaris is making its?SnowCheck program?even more compelling with the launch of a SnowCheck Ship Guarantee*, which promises all 2024 SnowCheck orders will ship by November 30, 2023.
“Everything we do starts with our riders in mind,” said Jenny Nack, vice president and general manager, Polaris Snow. “The 2024 Polaris snowmobile and Timbersled lineup is one of our most refined and complete in recent years. And our new Ship Guarantee will give SnowCheck customers confidence that their customized snowmobile will not only deliver the best riding experience but will also arrive in time for winter.”
Building on an industry-leading snowmobile portfolio, the 2024 lineup offers new options for deep snow riders, along with feature and performance enhancements for trail riders. Highlights include:
Polaris is introducing an all-new?Series 9 325 track, the largest in the industry, that further elevates Polaris RMK to the top of the mountain. A SnowCheck exclusive option, the new 3.25″ track propels riders through the deepest powder with a design that spools up instantly and delivers a new level of traction and lift. The Series 9 325 track is joined by other SnowCheck-exclusive features including the factory-mod power of the Patriot 9R and the turbocharged Patriot Boost.
As the newest engine, the four-stroke?ProStar S4?offers enhanced efficiency and durability across INDY, Voyageur, and Titan snowmobiles. From its smooth throttle response, to less maintenance and easier ownership, it continues to deliver spirited performance, with the capability and fun to hit the trails, haul gear, and enjoy the winter.
The 2024 lineup boasts an optional 7-inch display powered by?RIDE COMMAND?technology. The Polaris-exclusive offering, RIDE COMMAND is the sport’s first and most dedicated GPS mapping and rider connectivity technology without needing cellular connection. RIDE COMMAND continues to set the standard allowing riders to plan routes, organize and track riding groups, and offers industry-leading Bluetooth??connectivity on a full color, glove-friendly touchscreen 7S Display.
“We never stop looking for ways to improve the riding experience,” said Nack. “Whether through bold, game-changing innovations like Patriot 9R and the Matryx platform, or our ongoing efforts to tune and enhance quality and performance, the passion and commitment of our team to continually raise the bar is always there.”
To complement the 2024 lineup, Polaris is launching nearly 250 new accessories, parts and apparel. Mountain riders can discover increased comfort and customization options with our new handlebar gauntlets, new colors in our backcountry handguards, and new options in our signature Lock & Ride Flex Storage bags. Trail riders have expanded auxiliary lighting options, as well as added accent lights to enable even more personalization. Those looking for extra storage needs may be interested in the new towable Adventure trailer, featuring independent suspension and a taillight.
SnowCheck?– the industry’s most comprehensive customization spring order program – launched for 2024 snowmobile model ordering on March 6 and will run through March 29.?This year, exclusivity and customization remain at the forefront with models, engine options, technology features, and specific colors available only through the pre-order program. Riders that order through the 2024 Polaris SnowCheck program will also receive up to a three-year extended warranty and a shipment guarantee that provides riders with the confidence their sled will ship by November 30, 2023 or customers receive $1,500 off at purchase.
Full details on the 2024 lineup of Polaris snowmobiles, along with the SnowCheck spring order program and associated Ship Guarantee, can be found at?PolarisSnowmobiles.com.
2024 TIMBERSLED UNLOCKS MORE RIDING FREEDOM
Timbersled is long regarded as the industry leader that revolutionized the sport of snow biking. The 2024 lineup demonstrates continued innovation, providing riders the ultimate in control, performance, and agility.
For 2024, that evolution of ultimate riding freedom continues with the introduction of the RIOT Gen 2. The RIOT Gen 2 system will join the technical terrain focused ARO on the Gen 2 platform, and both will be available in Premium and Pro trim levels. The new system features a narrowed rail stance, a new lightweight track, and an overall weight reduction, making the new RIOT more agile and more responsive. Available exclusively in the Pro package, RIOT Gen 2 also features responsive QDT belt drive technology. These options along with the youth focused Timbersled Ripper and exclusive color choices easily makes the 2024 Timbersled lineup the most extensive in the industry.
Discover the complete 2024 lineup at?Timbersled.com, along with the latest in partnered accessories and details for the SnowCheck spring order program.
EagleRider Secures Exclusive Deal to be the Only Company to Offer Rentals and Tours on the New Harley Davidson Pan America in United States
EagleRider, in partnership with Harley-Davidson, announced today that the company has been chosen as the exclusive provider of rentals and tours of the?H-D Pan America?in the United States.
Motorcycle enthusiasts have been praising the Pan America, which?Hot Cars?named “one of the most badass motorcycles Harley Davidson has ever made,” due to its high-tech features and impressive power, making it comfortable for distance riding in all types of terrain.
Adventure seeking travelers who want to be one of the first to experience how Pan America feels on the road can now?sign-up?to ride this coveted bike for any one of the three newly launched EagleRider tours rolling out in Alaska.
“EagleRider customers and Club Members continue to benefit from our rich partnership with Harley Davidson,” said Shawn Fechter, SVP of Strategic Growth & Marketing for EagleRider. “It’s an incredible opportunity to be one of the first people in the world to experience riding the new H-D Pan America on an itinerary of this level that travels the last great Western Frontier.”
With Pan America Alaska tours lasting anywhere from 7 – 15 days depending on the tour, these adventures are literally built for travelers who want to be the first to checkoff “bucket list” travel experiences such as flying over the Arctic Circle with a stop in one of Alaska’s most remote villages, to enjoying some of the freshest salmon in the world at a traditional Salmon Bake, and to riding one of the most iconic destinations in Alaska, Denali National Park, and its peak that rises to an elevation of 20,300 feet.
The tour also includes a chance to ride two of the most remote stretches of paved roads in Canada, Yukon, and Alaska, the famed Alaskan Highway and the Tok Highway, which offers long stretches in between remote towns and true frontier wilderness.
To be one of the first to secure these amazing experiences, interested traveler seekers should visit:
Suzuki Announces Returning Motorcycles to Round Out 2023 Line-up
Suzuki Motor USA is proud to announce three popular motorcycles to complete the 2023 model lineup: the GSX-S750Z ABS, GSX-S750Z, and GSX250R ABS. These models feature proven designs and advanced technology, making each ideal for riders of all skill levels looking for some excitement in style.
The 2023 GSX-S750Z/ABS models blend GSX-R750-derived engine performance with aggressive naked sportbike styling that’s ready to turn heads as the performance leader in its class. The 2023 GSX-S750Z ABS features a Metallic Oort Gray No. 3 and Glass Sparkle Black color scheme, while the GSX-S750Z comes in a vivid Pearl Brilliant White and Champion Yellow No. 2 combination.
Key Features:?
2023 Suzuki GSX-S750Z ABS
MSRP $9,149
2023 Suzuki GSX-S750Z
MSRP $8,649
The confidence-inspiring GSX250R ABS sportbike features a new, two-tone Metallic Diamond Red and Pearl Nebular Black color scheme bringing big bike impact to the 250 class. The fully faired, quarter-liter sportbike delivers easy-to-control performance, great fuel efficiency, nimble handling, and modern styling inspired by Suzuki’s championship-winning sportbike heritage.
Key Features:?
2023 Suzuki GSX250R ABS
MSRP $4,999
Suzuki is excited to bring back these fan-favorite motorcycles to the 2023 Suzuki lineup. With Suzuki’s engineering excellence, impressive handling, and striking design elements, the GSX-S750Z ABS, GSX-S750Z, and GSX250R ABS are sure to provide riders with an unforgettable sportbike experience.
With a comprehensive 12-month unlimited mileage limited warranty and longer coverage periods with other benefits available through Suzuki Extended Protection (SEP), these 2023 Suzukis may be personalized with a wide range of Genuine Suzuki Accessories available at Suzuki dealers.?For more information, please visit?SuzukiCycles.com.
Note: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION reserves the right to add any improvement to change the design or to discontinue any Suzuki Genuine Accessories at any time without notice. Some Suzuki Genuine Accessories might not be compatible with local standards or statutory requirements. Please check with your local AUTHORIZED SUZUKI DEALER for details at the time of ordering.
*The Traction Control System is not a substitute for the rider’s throttle control. It cannot prevent loss of traction due to excessive speed when the rider enters a turn and/or applies the brakes. Traction control cannot prevent the front wheel from losing grip.
**Depending on road surface conditions, such as wet, loose, or uneven roads, braking distance for an ABS-equipped vehicle may be longer than for a vehicle not equipped with ABS. ABS cannot prevent wheel skidding caused by braking while cornering. Please drive carefully and do not overly rely on ABS.
***Suzuki’s fuel economy estimates are based on EPA exhaust emission measurement tests conducted by Suzuki and are intended for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage may vary depending on how you ride and maintain your vehicle, road and driving conditions, tire pressure, engine break-in, accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.