Friday, November 29, 2013

AMA Pro Flat Track News & Happenings: Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. to Zanotti Racing, Brad Baker Gets Harley-Davidson Factory Ride & Ted McDermitt Splits from 3-Time AMA Grand National Championship-Winning Zanotti Racing Team





















A plethora of news, changes and rider and team changes and partings hit the followers, teams and fans of the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship Series over the course of the last five days, which affected the falling of dominoes throughout what will be the new and updated paddock and team scene for the 2014 version of The Rolling Thunder Show.

One of the first changes to hit the airwaves was the parting of 3-Time AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Twins Series Champion Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. from the Harley-Davidson Motor Company factory team after the end of the regular season.

Actually announced before the final round at Pomona back on October 12, it was known that The King of Cool would be parting ways with the factory team after eight seasons riding the factory XR750s out of Milwaukee, but it wasn't known for sure until late Monday evening of this week for sure where he would land for the 2014 campaign, although the rumor mill had been at full throttle on what that distinct possibility would be.

After speaking with one of Zanotti Racing's pr reps late Monday evening, who held me to silence in making any announcement until after the official press release hit the airwaves by Kenny on Tuesday. It was then confirmed  by Coolbeth on Tuesday that he would be joining forces with the 3-Time AMA Grand National Championship-winning team for the Twins Series part of the schedule for the upcoming year. Coolbeth made it 'official' when he released his press release to the masses announcing that move for next season, which will see him also return to riding Hondas under the Zanotti fold after campaigning Chaplin Kawasakis in the Singles Series since the beginning of the 2011 season.

Also making the move along with Coolbeth to the Zanotti Racing team will be 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship-winning tuner Dave Atherton, who will take over the wrenching duties for Coolbeth with the also-just announced parting of former Zanotti wrench Ted McDermitt (see more below on that move.)

In the shot above in one of his last rides for the H-D factory squad, Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. leads the team out during rider intros at the Springfield Mile I at round 10 of the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles Grand National Championship on August 31. Rider/coach and former AMA Grand National #67 Mike Hacker rolls the #2 Harley-Davidson Motor Co/Screamin Eagle/Traxxas-sponsored factory XR750 out (in all it's 110th Anniversary livery splendor) while Kenny's Dad, Kenny, Sr. brings up the rear. Coolbeth went on to finish in the 6th-place spot on the day, and wrapped the doubleheader weekend at the Illinois State Fairgrounds with a 4th-place finish on Sunday at the Springfield Mile II event.






























Earlier on Monday, the official announcement came out that 2013 AMA Grand National Champion Brad 'The Bullet' Baker would be filling that empty seat left vacant by Coolbeth's departure/release from the Milwaukee-based factory team.

Baker, hot off his third season as an Expert-ranked rider, and after winning the first two Grand National races of his career at Hagerstown and Pomona, clinched the 2013 AMA Grand National Championship at the end of the season after leading the overall point standings since his breakout first win of his career in early July.

Baker's worst finish of the season came at the Colonial Downs round the week before the Labor Day weekend doubleheader at Springfield when he lost a motor in the National main and finished a season and career-worst 19th. With his two wins on the year and his 12 top-5 finishes of the season, Baker took the championship over title rival Bryan Smith by 10 points at Pomona after railing back to the lead in what was considered one of the best races of the season.

In the shot above, Baker awaits the first round of practice at the Indy Mile on August 17 in round 8 of the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles Grand National Championship at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Also seen next to Baker on the #12 Dodge Brothers Racing/Sefnco Communications/Specialty Fabrication Inc-backed XR750 is 2013 AMA Grand National Championship-winning tuner Dave Atherton, who as was announced above will be spinning the wrenches for Zanotti Racing's new signee Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. for the 2014 season.






















And in the final announcement of changes this week in the greatest racing series on two wheels in the world, 2-Time AMA Pro Flat Track Mechanic of the Year Ted McDermitt announced that he would be leaving the Zanotti Racing fold after seven seasons of spinning the wrenches as the crew chief for the California-based team.
 
In the official announcement also out on Monday, McDermitt stated that there 'was no bad blood' between himself and the team and it was a 'mutual agreement' between himself and the Zanotti Racing squad.
 
McDermitt, who was largely responsible for guiding Zanotti and Jake Johnson to the 2010-2011 AMA Grand National Championship, will surely land with a strong team as his years of experience and expertise will be a great asset to any number of teams in the paddock looking to step it up a notch for the 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship.
 
Zanotti Racing's other Grand National Championship came in the late '70s when Dave's father, Mario, guided '76 AMA Pro Flat Track Rookie of the Year and the late Steve Eklund to the championship during the 1979 season.
 
In the shot above, McDermitt can be seen warming up the motor on Jake Johnson's #1 Zanotti Racing/Schaeffer's H-D/Boughner Racing-sponsored XR750 while team owner Dave Zanotti removes the starter unit and Jersey Jake slips on his gloves and gets ready to step aboard the pristine mount as he gets ready to head out for the first practice round at the Springfield Mile I during round 4 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship season on May 27.

While the official schedule has yet to be released for the 2014 season, the rumor mill runs rampant across the internet boards and throughout several postings over the course of the last 10 or so days on Facebook.

While we do know that Daytona will once again kick-off the 2014 season on March 13-14, and that the Basic Twins Series will return to the Springfield Mile I on May 25, those are the only 'confirmed' dates on the calendar for the upcoming season.

We have heard that Springfield will return, again (of course!) for it's annual Labor Day outing, and that Peoria and Indy are being swapped around in terms of dates to better accommodate the MotoGP schedule in Indianapolis for next summer. There is talk that Lima will be back on the schedule at the end of June in spite of the retirement of long time promoter Dean Gallup, there is rampant speculation that Grays Harbor in Elma, Washington will get another shot at running a half-mile in the Great Northwest in spite of their stinging pull-out from the schedule this season just nine days before the scheduled event, and Sacramento, Pomona, Colonial Downs, Santa Rosa, Castle Rock and Hagerstown will all return to the schedule again.

There is also talk of a return to Knoxville, Iowa, home of the National Sprint Car Museum, in spite of not being able to put any sizeable crowd in the stands for the two races run in the 2011-2012 seasons, and a round in Swartz Creek, MI. has been mentioned as well as a return to the Sturgis Half-Mile in August during the big Sturgis outing in South Dakota.

Of course, until the powers that be on Fentress Boulevard in Daytona make anything official, it's still purely conjecture for most of these events, but at least something to chew on until the hammer drops when the schedule does roll out.

We expect the official schedule to be released sometime in the next couple of weeks, as the 2011 schedule was released on December 17, 2010, the 2012 schedule on December 21, 2011 and the 2013 schedule on December 10, 2012.

And we're just as anxious as anyone to see what's on tap for 2014 and will have the announcement as soon as it hits our inbox!









 

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Geico Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing Announces Shortened Event Weekends for Selected 2014 Events









Alternate Two-Day Event Format Announced for Select 2014 AMA Pro Road Racing Events
 
New Format Created in Coordination with Teams, Manufacturers and Event Promoters as Cost-Containment Effort

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 26, 2013) - AMA Pro Racing announced today a new format for AMA Pro Road Racing event weekends which will be in effect during select events scheduled as part of the 2014 season. This alternate weekend schedule was created as a cost-containment effort in coordination with the teams, manufacturers and promoters.  
 
"Although the weekend format will be condensed at certain events in 2014, fans can still expect the same great racing action and entertainment value from our valued promoter partners," said Michael Gentry, Chief Operating Officer of AMA Pro Racing. "We're thankful for the valuable input we have received from our major stakeholders as we have formulated this plan and look forward to debuting the new format to the fans next season."
 
Of the events already announced as part of the 2014 AMA Pro Road Racing calendar, New Jersey Motorsports Park will feature the new format, and the track is already working on plans to deliver the same excellent fan experience to those in attendance. 
 
 
 
 
 
Martin Cardenas on the #36 Yoshimura Factory Suzuki GSX-R1000 leads the field during race one of the AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Series at NJMP on September 14, 2013. New Jersey Motorsports Park will host one of the 'abbreviated' race weekends as announced today for the 2014 season. AMA Pro Road Racing photo by Brian J. Nelson.
 
 
 
 
"New Jersey Motorsports Park is excited to be a part of this new weekend format which will allow our fans to take part in non-stop racing excitement condensed into two days," said Brad Scott, Chief Operating Officer / GM of New Jersey Motorsports Park. "This unique doubleheader race weekend will be packed with both on-track and off-track activities from Saturday morning to late Sunday afternoon." 
 
The 2014 AMA Pro Road Racing season will kick off once again at Daytona International Speedway. The event is scheduled for March 13 - 15, 2014 and will have the same three-day format featured in recent years, highlighted by the 73rd running of the DAYTONA 200 on Saturday afternoon.  For tickets and information, please visit http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com
 
About AMA Pro Road Racing:
 
AMA Pro Road Racing is the premier motorcycle road racing series in North America and is universally regarded as one of the most competitive road racing organizations in the world. The 2013 schedule consists of nine rounds of competition on the country's finest road courses. The Series is comprised of four production-based classes: AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike, AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike, AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com SuperSport and the AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series.
 
Learn more about AMA Pro Road Racing at www.amaproracing.com/rr/.
 
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines.  Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.  

For additional information contact:
 
AMA Pro Racing Communications, (386) 492-1014, communications@amaproracing.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday, November 24, 2013

AMA Pro Flat Track: IMDA Announces Return of Basic Twins Class to Springfield Mile I for May 25, 2014 Event












The IMDA announced on Friday that the Basic Twins Class will be returning to the program for the Springfield Mile I over the Memorial Day weekend on May 25, 2014 as part of the annual spring trek to the Illinois State Fairgrounds by AMA Pro Flat Track.

The series, which was announced originally back in April '13, incorporates a 'slimmed down' version of the Twins Series class as seen and raced by the Experts. It made it's debut during the Springfield Mile I & II rounds over the Labor Day weekend and proved to be a very competitive series (after you take away the runaway wins by Pro Singles phenom Shayna Texter on the Crosley Radio/Racing Unlimited Kawasaki.)

In the shot above, Shayna on the #25A Crosley Radio/Racing Unlimited Kawasaki leads Justin Zeigler on the #89F Ben Breece Harley-Davidson/Zeigler's Garage-sponsored XR750 with eventual 2nd-place finisher Cody Johncox on the #96B Sunnyside Cycle/Top Gun Construction-backed XR working to keep Streaking Shayna in sight during heat race 1 at the Springfield Mile II on September 1. The series made it's debut during rounds 10 & 11 of the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles Grand National Championship.























3rd-place finisher Jason Isennock, Shayna Texter and 2nd-place finisher Cody Johncox stand on the podium while Johncox is interviewed by AMA Pro Flat Track announcer Barry Boone after the 12-lap main event in the Basic Twins Class in race two of the series' debut at the Springfield Mile doubleheader round over the Labor Day Weekend.

Texter took her two-off ride on the #25A Racing Unlimited Kawasaki and turned the wick up for both wins over the weekend to show she more than has what it takes to compete on a big bike after campaigning the Pro Singles Championship series in the last five seasons.

You can check out the full press release below courtesy of the IMDA, and make sure to get the date set on your calendar for what will be another great weekend at the mecca of speed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds mile oval as The Rolling Thunder Show returns for another season of racing in the fight for the 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship.


Press release courtesy of the IMDA

AMA Pro Flat Track Set to Bring Back Basic Twins Class on May 25, 2014 for Springfield Mile

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (November 22, 2013) - It wouldn't be a complete season if AMA Pro Flat Track didn't visit Springfield, Ill. The legendary Springfield Mile has served as one of the most historic venues and is considered to be one of the most coveted wins on the circuit. In addition to the usual AMA Pro Grand National Experts races set to be held, the AMA Pro Basic Twins class will also roll off the trucks at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on May 25, 2014, and this go-around is sure to add even more excitement to the legacy of the storied event.

Last season marked the debut of the AMA Pro Basic Twins class. A class specifically designed for Pro Singles riders that have the aspiration of one day competing at the Grand National Expert level. The stepping stone division provides a way for the Pro Singles riders to get a feel for the powerful twin-cylinder motorcycles at the professional level without the added pressure of competing against the already proven Grand National Experts.
 
In both of her opportunities, Shayna Texter excelled in AMA Pro Basic Twins competition, winning both races by a combined 15.691 seconds on her Crosley Radio Kawasaki. Texter's monster victories proved it's only a matter of time before the female phenomenon graduates to the elite Grand National Expert level.

Texter's domination in Basic Twins at Springfield last season was partially overshadowed by Brandon Robinson's two Grand National Expert victories at the iconic venue. Robinson's sweep also came on a Kawasaki and the Oxford, Penn. native catapulted himself into the championship picture as the 2013 season came to a close.

Though Robinson came up a little short in the Grand National Championship, finishing third in the overall final point standings, his two victories at Springfield last season, along with his early-season win at Daytona to start the year, helped him collect more wins than any Grand National Expert rider in 2013.

The event will be the first of two scheduled races at Springfield, with the second set to run on Labor Day Weekend of 2014. For tickets and more information, please visit http://www.illinoismda.com/ or call 217-753-8866.














2013 AMA Championship Banquet Award Nominees Announced






AMA announces award nominees for 2013 AMA Championship Banquet

AMA Members invited to vote for AMA Athletes of the Year

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- November 24, 2013 --The American Motorcyclist Association is announcing the nominees for 2013 year-end awards honoring standout individuals and organizations in AMA-sanctioned competition and recreational events, as well as inviting all AMA members to help select the recipients of the prestigious AMA Athlete of the Year honors.

The awards will be presented at the 2013 AMA Championship Banquet on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Aladdin Shrine Event & Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio.

 "AMA-sanctioned events are the gold standard of organized motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle competition, and represent the greatest grassroots motorsports disciplines in the world," said AMA Vice President of Operations Jeff Massey. "The organizers and individuals nominated for these special awards have gone above and beyond to represent their clubs, their regions, their fellow competitors and the AMA with poise, dignity and excellence. They have all advanced the AMA's mission to promote and protect the motorcycling lifestyle.

"We're particularly excited to invite AMA members to help us select the AMA Athletes of the Year for 2013," Massey added. "With the GEICO AMA EnduroCross Series just wrapping up with a thrilling finale in Las Vegas, the ballot is now complete. AMA members should vote now for the top racer in each category."

AMA members can vote at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Racing/RacerVote.aspx through Sunday, Dec. 1. All AMA members who vote will be entered in a random drawing to win tickets to premier AMA-sanctioned events and AMA-branded gear.

The AMA's highest competitive honor, the AMA Athlete of the Year, recognizes two categories of outstanding AMA racers. One award honors an athlete who stands atop an AMA National Championship Series. Another recognizes one of the amateur racers who has proven his or her mettle at an AMA Grand Championship event.

All honorees will be announced at the 2013 banquet. The program -- which will include dinner, door prizes, refreshments and a bike show -- will honor hundreds of top competitors in disciplines ranging from land-speed racing to motocross to woods racing and everything in between.
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jeffrey Lowery, winner of the 2013 AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award, is one of six nominees in the 2013 AMA Athlete of the Year Award in the Amateur Grand Championship category. Photo courtesy of AMA Racing.
 
 
 
 
 
Class champions will receive medals and No. 1 plates at the banquet, while second- and third-place finishers also will receive awards.

Columbus' Aladdin Center, located a short distance from the expansive Easton Town Center shopping complex and only 20 minutes from AMA headquarters and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, offers free parking, easy access to Interstate 270 and is a short drive from Port Columbus International Airport.
 
For event and registration information, see www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Racing/RacingBanquet.aspx.
AMA Athlete of the Year Award Nominees

AMA Athlete of the Year: National Championship Series
  • Taddy Blazusiak, Champion, AMA EnduroCross National Championship Series
  • Tyler Bowers, Champion, AMA Arenacross National Championship Series
  • Kurt Caselli, Champion, AMA Hare & Hound National Championship Series
  • Jedediah Haines, Champion, AMA East Hare Scrambles Championship Series
  • Billy Janniro, Champion, AMA Speedway National Championship Series
  • Charles Mullins, Champion, AMA National Enduro Championship Series
  • Pat Smage, Champion, AMA/NATC MotoTrials National Championship Series
  • Gary Sutherlin, Champion, AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship Series
AMA Athlete of the Year: Amateur Grand Championships
  • Matt Bisceglia, AMA Motocross Horizon Award Winner, AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship
  • Logan Cipala, AMA Hillclimber of the Year, AMA Hillclimb Grand Championship
  • Jeffery Lowery, AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award Winner, AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship
  • Parker Norris, AMA Ice Racer of the Year, AMA Ice Race Grand Championship
  • Ian Tetrick, AMA Road Race Horizon Award Winner, AMA Road Race Grand Championship
  • Quinn Wentzel, AMA Vintage Grand Champion, AMA Vintage Grand Championship
AMA ATV Athlete of the Year
  • Harold Goodman, Champion, AMA ATV Extreme Dirt Track National Championship Series
  • George Loring, Multi-class Champion, AMA ATV Hillclimber of the Year, AMA Hillclimb Grand Championship
  • Brett Musick, Pro-Am Champion, AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series
  • Paula Shank, Women's Class Champion, AMA ATV Extreme Dirt Track National Championship Series
AMA Female Racer of the Year
  • Chantelle Bykerk, Women's Class Champion, AMA EnduroCross National Championship Series
  • Shawn Davidson, Women's Class Champion, AMA National Enduro Championship Series
  • Hannah Hodges, Girls Sr. (12-16) Class Champion, AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship
  • Kate Mette, Women's Class Champion, AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series
  • Maggie Pearson, Women's A/B Class Champion, AMA Hare & Hound National Championship Series
AMA Vet/Senior Racer of the Year
  • Steve Ellis, Super Senior A, 201-250cc A Class Champion, AMA Vintage Motocross National Championship Series
  • Jeff Fredette, AMA Vet/Senior Vintage Grand Champion, AMA Vintage Grand Championship
  • Arnold Hastings, AMA Vet/Senior Rider of the Year, AMA Road Race Grand Championship
  • Dallas Mayer, AMA Vet/Senior Rider of the Year, AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship
  • Bill Woods, Four AMA-certified land speed records, AMA Land Speed Grand Championship
AMA Youth Racer of the Year
  • Tommy Edwards, AMA Youth Dirt Tracker of the Year, AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship
  • Anthony Mazziotto III, AMA Youth Road Racer of the Year, AMA Road Race Grand Championship
  • Nathan Gross, AMA Youth Ice Racer of the Year, AMA Ice Race Grand Championship
  • Andrew Putt, Youth A 15 Champion, AMA East Youth Moto Trials National Championship; 4th, Expert Class, AMA/NATC Moto Trials National Championship Series
  • Cale McCutcheon, AMA Youth Hillclimber of the Year, AMA Hillclimb Grand Championship
  • Cole Sepesi, Schoolboy Sr. (14-17) Champion, Schoolboy Jr. (13-15) Open Champion, AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series
  • Aiden Tjiero, 65cc (10-11) Limited Class Champion, AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship; 65cc World Champion, FIM Jr. Motocross World Championships
  • Benjamin Wright, 85cc (7-11) Class Champion, AMA East Hare Scrambles Championship Series
AMA Sportsman of the Year
  • TBA
AMA Racing Organizer Award Nominees

AMA Motocross Organizer of the Year
  • 2x Promotions
  • Feld Motorsports
  • MX Sports
AMA Off-Road Organizer of the Year
  • East Coast Enduro Association
  • Arizona Cycle Park
  • WFO Promotions
AMA Track Racing Organizer of the Year
  • American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA)
  • North American Action Sports (NAAS)
  • Quaboag Riders
AMA ATV Organizer of the Year
  • ATVPG
  • Iowa ATV Hare Scrambles Series
  • Michael Coburn Racing
AMA Recreational Road Riding Organizer of the Year
  • Americade
  • Iron Butt
  • Laconia
AMA Recreational Off-Road Organizer of the Year
  • Arizona Trail Riders
  • Dust Devils
  • Tri-County MC
AMA Club of the Year
  • Emerald Trail Riders
  • Polka Dots Michigan
  • Square Deal Riders
AMA Media Award
  • Cycle USA
  • Steve Berkner
  • Mark Kariya
About the American Motorcyclist Association
 
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling.
 
For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
 
Media contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail:
jholter@ama-cycle.org
 

 

Thursday, November 21, 2013

AMA Pro Racing Rolls Out New Online Licensing & Member Network for Riders, Crew & Entrants


















AMA Pro Racing announced today that they have rolled out a new online licensing and event entrant payment system that will better help members to renew their membership information and credentials as well as making secure online payments for those credentials. The new system will also give riders, crew members and entrants a way to follow the process of their applications in order to better keep up with the overall process thus being able to better track the lead times for delivery of those applications.

More on this new system can be found below in the press release from AMA Pro Racing, along with the necessary links in order to get your account set up or log-in to your existing account to get the process going for your 2014 licenses and credentials.

In the shot above, riders get rider to roll out for the first round of practice at the Springfield Mile II during round 11 of the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles Grand National Championship season on September 1.

(From back to front:) Bryan Smith on the #42 Crosley Radio/Howerton Motorsports Kawasaki and the Howerton team discuss race strategy, while doubleheader Springfield Mile winner Brandon Robinson concentrates on what will be his record day and weekend on the #44 TJ Burnett Farms/USC Racing Kawasaki. Henry Wiles on the #17 Lloyd Brothers Motorsports/Ramspur Winery Harley-Davidson XR750 gets a grip on the XR after having raced one of the LBM team's Ducati 1098/1000's the day before, while former 3-Time AMA Grand National Twins Series Champion Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. takes in the moment on the #2 Harley-Davidson Motor Co/Screamin' Eagle factory XR in it's 110th Anniversary livery.

In the background JD Beach looks ready to get it going on the #95 TJ Burnett Farms/Red Bull Kawasaki, with LBM co-owner Dave Lloyd seen talking with Jake Johnson on the #5 LBM/Ramspur Winery Ducati 1098/1100. 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track Saddlemen Rookie of the Year Jake Shoemaker works his way into the line up on his #55A Montgomeryville Cycle Center/Motion Pro Kawasaki, and just out of the picture is Rob Pearson on the #27 Weirbach Racing/Werner-Springsteen Kawasaki. AMA Pro Flat Track officials and all-around good guys Kevin Snyder (front row, between Robinson and Wiles) and Steve Nace (back row, holding clipboard) are shown helping get the riders lined up for practice.

A big thanks to AMA Pro Racing for stepping up and getting the licensing and application system more streamlined in order to better help the riders!









AMA Pro Racing Announces Online Licensing, Launch of AMA Pro Racing Member Network

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 21, 2013) - Online licensing is now available for AMA Pro Road Racing and AMA Pro Flat Track riders, crew and entrants interested in participating in the 2014 season by accessing the AMA Pro Racing Member Network at http://members.amaproracing.com
 
The AMA Pro Racing Member Network has been developed in-house to allow members to manage their own membership information, as well as process payments securely online. Members that apply for their 2014 licenses using the quick and convenient system will also be able to monitor the status of their applications and download any additional forms that may be required. 
 
"The AMA Pro Racing Member Network was initially designed with the goal of improving the efficiency of the licensing and entry processes and we're happy to provide this innovative and easy-to-use website to the paddock for the 2014 season," said Michael Gentry, Chief Operating Officer of AMA Pro Racing. "As more and more features are added over the coming months, we believe that the AMA Pro Racing Member Network will become the central hub for AMA Pro members." 
 
 
  
To create a new user account on the AMA Pro Racing Member Network, please follow these steps:
  1. Go to the AMA Pro Racing Member Network at http://members.amaproracing.com
  2. Please register to create a new user account and then click Continue
  3. Follow the prompts to link your current AMA Pro Member ID to your new user account
  4. Once you have linked your account, you will receive a confirmation email at the address we have on file for you. Locate the confirmation email and click Activate Account
  5. After you are redirected to the My Account page, please click the Licenses tab to continue.
Support for the AMA Pro Racing Member Network is available by emailing HelpDesk@amaproracing.com or calling (386) 492-1014. 
 
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines.  Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.  

For additional information contact:
 
AMA Pro Racing Communications, (386) 492-1014, communications@amaproracing.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

AMA Pro Flat Track Announces 2014 Season-Opening Dates for Daytona Short Track I & II Rounds




AMA Pro Flat Track today announced the season-opening rounds for the 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship season, which again will see The Rolling Thunder Show kick off the new year with a doubleheader round held at the Daytona International Speedway short track on Thursday, March 13 and Friday, March 14.

With the track having hosted the annual stop at Daytona Beach since the series moved from the last location down the street, DIS has played host to the season-openers for the last several years at the oval located just outside of turn two of the speedway's massive oval.

With the balance of the schedule expected to be announced fairly soon, the first two events for the new season being announced today will help to usher in the holiday season as it approached quickly, and help to whet the appetites of fervent two-wheeled race fans the world over.

In the shot above, riders get ready to roll out for the first round of practice at round 7 of the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles Grand National Championship at the Peoria TT on August 11.

(L-R) Brad Baker on his #12 Specialty Fabrication Incorporated/Fun Mart KTM 450 SX-F adjusts his goggles, while reigning AMA Grand National Champion Jared Mees on his #1 Montgomeryville Cycle/National Cycle Honda CRF450R appears to be relaxing before the action heats up on the track.

Brandon Robinson on the #44 TJ Burnett Farms/USC Racing Kawasaki KX450F looks to be in concentration mode, while Jeffrey Carver, Jr. on the #23 Mack Daddy Racing/Kiesow Racing Honda takes a look out on the track prior to rolling out, with Mikey Rush on his #54 Machete Energy/Southland Pro Honda checking out who will be following them out in the background.

Also seen in the background are Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. on the #2 Chaplin Kawasaki/Trantolo & Trantolo KX450F, Bryan Smith on the #42 Crosley Radio/Howerton Motorsports Honda and Jake Johnson on the #5 Parkinson Brothers Racing/Arai Honda. Barely noticeable in the front row is eventual Peoria winner Henry Wiles on the #17 Don's Kawasaki/Ramspur Winery Kawasaki/Honda, hidden just over Robinson's right shoulder.

These men, and many more, will be heading to Daytona for the 2014 season-openers, with all of them looking to repeat their 2013 results, or even looking to better them.  2013 round one winner Rush, round two winner Robinson and Baker, who left Daytona with his double 2nd-place finishes intact, but lost his points due to a rules infraction due to use of unapproved forks, won't have to sweat that one in '14 as that rule has been cast aside after the controversy it caused at the beginning of this season.

Check out the full press release below thanks to AMA Pro Racing and get your calendars marked for the 2014 season-openers for the greatest racing show on two wheels in the world, just 113 days away!









DAYTONA Flat Track to Host Season-Opening AMA Pro Flat Track Doubleheader Weekend on March 13-14, 2014

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 19, 2013) - DAYTONA Flat Track will once again play host to the AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles opener as the series kicks off the 2014 season with a doubleheader on the quarter-mile limerock track located outside Daytona International Speedway's west banking.
 
At the 2013 season opener, all four riders who crossed the finish line for the win recorded their first career victories at the professional level. Kyle Johnson and Jake Constantine, representing the J&P Cycles Pro Singles class, electrified a Daytona crowd with one victory each on their 450cc machines while Brandon Robinson and Mikey Rush also claimed one win a piece while putting on a show like no other in Grand National Expert Singles competition.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brad Baker #12 leads Mikey Rush #54 during one of the season-opening rounds at the Daytona Short Track doubleheader in March 2013. AMA Pro Flat Track and Daytona announced today that the 2014 season-opening doubleheader rounds will be held on March 13-14. AMA Pro Flat Track photo by Dave Hoenig.
 
 
 
 
The buck didn't stop in Daytona for Robinson and Johnson, as the two would go on to have outstanding seasons in their respective classes. In his debut season in J&P Cycles Pro Singles competition, Johnson proved more than capable of hanging with the talented field of young riders, as he went on to podium three more times in 2013 on his way to a fifth-place finish in the point standings.
 
Robinson's Race 2 win at Daytona in 2013 ignited his breakout season that included six total podiums and three premier class victories. Robinson would go on to finish third in the overall Grand National Championship and the Oxford, Penn. native surely proved that he will be a top candidate to contend for the title in 2014.
 
In addition to the DAYTONA Flat Track Doubleheader, the DAYTONA 200 event weekend will feature the full complement of GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing classes on March 13-15, 2014. Kicking off the week's racing activities at the Speedway on March 8, 2014 will be the Daytona Supercross by Honda - the only AMA Supercross event in Florida in 2014. The tough and challenging course will once again be designed by Supercross legend Ricky Carmichael.
 
Tickets for all motorcycle racing events scheduled at Daytona International Speedway are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for the latest news all season long. Fans can follow the latest on DAYTONA Rising, the $400 million frontstretch renovation at the "World Center of Racing" by using #DAYTONARising on Twitter or visiting 
www.daytonarising.com. 
 
About AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles 

AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles is a national motorcycle racing series in North America and is considered one of the oldest forms of motorcycle racing. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, the Series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track racing in the world. The 2013 schedule consists of rounds on the country's finest flat track courses. For more information on AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles, please visit www.amaproracing.com/ft.
 
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines.  Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.  

For additional information contact:
 
AMA Pro Racing Communications, (386) 492-1014, communications@amaproracing.com


 


2014 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio Scheduled for July 18-20







Save The Dates: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will be July 18-20, 2014

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- November 19, 2013 --The American Motorcyclist Association is pleased to announce the 2014 dates for the country's premier annual celebration of vintage motorcycling. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will take place on July 18-20 at the world-class Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

"There's nothing quite like AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, and we know that it's a must-do highlight on the summer motorcycling calendar for riders from throughout the region and beyond," said AMA Vice President of Operations Jeff Massey. "When the gates open at Mid-Ohio on July 18-20, riders, fans and racers know they'll find racing in all vintage disciplines, North America's largest motorcycle swap meet, seminars, demo rides, special exhibits and much more -- with all riders and types of motorcycles welcome. We'll be announcing more details soon, so make your plans now."

 A fundraiser for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features classic motorcycles of all makes and styles, and honors the riders who made them famous. Activities include the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championship, which features road racing, motocross, hare scrambles, trials and dirt-track; North America's largest motorcycle swap meet; bike shows and awards; stunt shows; demo rides of current production bikes; and seminars on a number of topics by noted motorcycling experts.

All proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days benefit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. The goal of the Hall of Fame, located on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling's legends and heroes. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Hall of Fame's website at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
 
About the American Motorcyclist Association
 
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling.
 
For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
 
Media contact: Grant Parsons
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1199
E-mail:
gparsons@ama-cycle.org
 

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Repsol Honda's 2013 MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez Talks About Celebrating the Championship









Repsol Honda Team   News
 
 
   14/11/2013


Newly-crowned MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez keeping his feet on the ground
  
 If anything has characterised the career of Marc Marquez, it is his talent and his ability to work and learn. However, far from getting carried away by the headlines and television coverage, the 20-year old remains humble. The Repsol Honda Team rider has dazzled in his first season in MotoGP, but knows that staying on top of the World Championship means there is no room for relaxation.

What was your first thought on Monday after celebrating the title win?
"We had a bit of a party, but always in moderation, because the next day we had the testing plan to follow. I was laying in bed thinking about spending my first night as World Champion, but in the end I'm still the same. Not much has changed”

How does it feel to see yourself on the covers of national and international newspapers?
"Obviously seeing all the media coverage is impressive. I’ve also received many messages of congratulations via Twitter from other athletes and celebrities which really gives you goosebumps! Maybe I didn’t realise how important it is to be MotoGP World Champion"

Which messages particularly stood out?
"Those from family members or friends who have always been by my side, supporting me, and who send messages which are more natural and personal. But I appreciate every compliment that I receive”

Did you talk to Nakamoto before going out on track?
"Before the race he spoke to me seriously - and rarely do we speak too seriously - and told me ‘Please use your head today.’ And I thought that if the boss was telling me that, it was for a reason (laughs)”

Who has been most amazed? You, your parents, your brother, your grandparents, your friends...?
"It's hard to say but I think I'm the least affected by it all, because I've always been pretty good at managing this and kept my feet on the ground. If I don’t, then those around me have my permission to make sure I do!”

Your mother said that you had to clean your room at home. Are you still doing this?
"Yes, I have to clean, make the bed... but only in my room! I also lay the table for lunch and my brother Alex clears up when we are finished. It’s always been that way"

What have you said to your parents, who have made so much effort so you could compete, now that you've won the MotoGP world title?
"I have thanked them a lot. A rider can be good but, if you don’t have a team and a family who create a good atmosphere around you, it is very difficult -almost impossible - to win a title or become a good professional rider”

With so many accomplishments in your first year in MotoGP, do you think you've learned all that you have to learn?
"There are always so many things to learn, but you learn as you go along. Logically, when you are starting out is when you absorb the most, but every year you gain experience. Dani and Jorge acquire new knowledge each season which means that they will be even more difficult to beat each time”

If you look back over the whole season, do you think you've shaken up the category?
"If a year ago you were to tell me that I would be in this situation, I - and I think everyone - would have said that you were crazy. But we work as we always have done and how I will always try to do so whilst I have the motivation to give one hundred percent and push to the limit. We have always fought for what we wanted with clear intentions”

Do you think your arrival in MotoGP marks the beginning of a new phase or a changing of the guard?
"We won the title, but the start of a new era depends on more than just one rider. This year I've come up and now Pol [Espargaró] and Scott [Redding] are making the jump. There is always young talent moving up and when we arrive, we want to prove our worth and make a name for ourselves. The age thing is relative. At the time Jorge [Lorenzo] and Dani [Pedrosa] came up, they rode some very good opening seasons in MotoGP and it's hard to say it's a new era now, because they are still very young"

How did the recent test for the 2014 season go?
"I think the overall assessment is very positive, especially for Honda, because we've been able to work very well and study different options. On Tuesday we had two prototypes to work with that were slightly different, so then for Wednesday we foc used on the bike we felt more comfortable with. We tested different configurations with the electronics and setup and I think we’ve done a good job, because we found things that we can improve. It will be the base which we will use at the Sepang test, but if HRC have a clear direction, then I’m sure they will bring us some improved updates”

Yesterday you had a nice gift when your new mechanics appeared with the Repsol Honda team uniform.
"Yes, I am very happy and excited to have the same team with me that I had up until this season. Some of them have worked with me back when I was 11 and to be back with them is a dream come true and I have to thank Honda. Now we will have to show that we are a good team together"

How did they seem on their first days of work?
"You could see that they were much more tense than usual. I was very careful, because they too have had a lot of work to do, a lot to learn, and have had to serve their apprenticeship. But we have already seen that between the first day and the last day they have improved and increasingly are getting to know the bike. The important thing is that this winter they will have to go to Japan to take an intensive course, and it will be then that they will know their way around the bike with their eyes closed, like any good mechanic"

How long has it been since you last went to an amusement park?
"A long time and now I cannot really go. Before, every summer I escaped at least twice to waterparks and enjoyed that a lot!”

Is it true that you do not like the sea?
"I go in the sea as little as I can. If there's a girl and I have to accompany her, then obviously I go (laughs)!”

But you went jet skiing...
"Yes I went, but I tried to avoid falling off. If I do fall off, I’m back on the jet ski swimming before anyone else! Even if I was swimming against Michael Phelps!"

Have you decided what you will do in your holidays?
"I have not thought about anything, but I will have to find some time to unwind a bit for sure”

The first job will be this coming Saturday afternoon...
"Yes, I know my fan club is preparing a big party, with a parade through the streets of Cervera. We can celebrate the title without having to think that tomorrow I have to test, unlike last Sunday!”

Copyright free images - For more images please log on to www.repsolhondateam.com



Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Repsol Honda's 2013 MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez Wraps Season with Fastest Test Times at Valencia, Pedrosa 4th Fastest

















MotoGP   Valencia - Testing
 
 
   13/11/2013

Marquez finishes season on top
  
 MotoGP in 2013 has come to an end with World Champion Marc Marquez the fastest on the final day in Valencia. Marc’s lap time of 1'30.287, taken on lap 54 of 56, is just 0.05s off his record breaking pole position lap from last weekend (1'30.237). Teammate Dani Pedrosa was 4th on this final day’s testing with a time of 1'30.992 on lap 32 of 70.

It was a productive final day for the Repsol Honda riders and the HRC technicians will now collate all the data to take back to Japan. There is now an enforced Winter test period ban, and the bikes will next be back on track in Sepang on 4th February 2014.


Marc Marquez   1st   1'30.287
“I am very happy with how the day went and thanks to all my team for their hard work! We continued our testing and today we focused on just the one bike: the prototype with which we felt best yesterday. We tried out different electronic configurations and various setups, and we are pretty satisfied with the results. The most important thing is that we have gathered a lot of data during these two days, so that Honda will be able to work over the winter and give us some updates at the next test in Malaysia”



Dani Pedrosa   4th   1'30.992
“Today we were lucky with the weather, because it seemed as if it was going to rain but eventually it stayed dry. That allowed us to put in more laps and continue analysing the new bike, making a few changes. Yesterday we got a big head start with our workload for this test, so today we didn't try so many new things. We simply carried on adapting as well as possible to the bike. In any case, we are happy with what we have done and now it’s time for us and the whole team - who I thank for all their work in 2013 - to rest!”

 

Testing Results
 
1Marc Marquez1'30.287SPAHONDARepsol Honda Team
2Bradley Smith1'30.598GBRYAMAHAMonster Yamaha Tech 3
3Stefan Bradl1'30.868GERHONDALCR Honda MotoGP
4Dani Pedrosa1'30.992SPAHONDARepsol Honda Team
5Alvaro Bautista1'31.229SPAHONDAGo & Fun Honda Gresini
6Pol Espargaro1'31.533SPAYAMAHAMonster Yamaha Tech 3
7Andrea Iannone1'31.594ITADUCATIEnergy T.I. Pramac Racing Team
8Aleix Espargaro1'31.644SPAFTR-YAMAHANGM Mobile Forward Racing
9Andrea Dovizioso1'31.716ITADUCATIDucati Team
10Cal Crutchlow1'31.875GBRDUCATIDucati Team
11Michele Pirro1'31.883ITADUCATIDucati Test Team
12Nicky Hayden1'32.123USAHONDAPower Electronics Aspar
13Hiroshi Aoyama1'32.530JAPHONDAPower Electronics Aspar
14Michael Laverty1'33.055GBRPBMPaul Bird Motorsport
 Circuit information
  
 
First race1999
GPs held15
Laps30
Race distance120.150km / 74.670 miles
Track length4.005km / 2.489 miles
Track width12m
Longest straight0.876km / 0.544 miles
Corners14 (5 right, 9 left)
Pole positionRight
Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana
Autovía A3 Valencia-Madrid
Salida 334. 46380 - Cheste
(Valencia) SPAIN
T: +34 96 252 52 20
 
www.circuitvalencia.com

  
  
  
 Circuit records
  
 
Pole position1m 30.237s (159.7km/h) Marc Marquez (Honda, 2013)
Race lap1m 31.628s (157.3km/h) Dani Pedrosa (Honda, 2013)
Race time46m 10.302s (156.1km/h) Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha, 2013)
2013 WinnerJorge Lorenzo (Yamaha)