NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 24, 2024) – Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) today announced that the company has been named the “Official Tire of Yamaha Champions Riding School.” The Yamaha Champions Riding School teaches all skill levels and aims to grow the sport of motorcycling through world-class rider education, with state-of-the-art tire technology a critical component of this goal.

Yamaha Champions Riding School offers ChampSchool two-day, on-bike training sessions, which are immersive, in-person training events that take place on tracks across the country. In addition to ChampSchool, Yamaha Champions Riding School also offers ChampGrad for ChampSchool graduates; ChampStreet for a single-day, scaled-down version of ChampSchool; and Champ U, which is an online, video-based curriculum accessible to any rider anywhere in the world.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Yamaha Champions Riding School,” said Jared Williams, General Manager Bridgestone Motorcycle Tire business in the United States and Canada. “This partnership reflects Bridgestone’s dedication to supporting riders with top-tier technology that is perfect for teaching students how to manage grip and ensuring a superior experience on the track.”

Yamaha Champions Riding School in-person schools will now feature tires from Bridgestone’s premium motorcycle tire line, BATTLAX, including the new Bridgestone BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23, to help riders gain sufficient confidence and comfort while learning and completing each course. The ChampStreet school will feature the flagship tire of the BATTLAX street application line, BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11, to help riders experience a stable and comfortable ride.

“Besides the rider, tires are the single most important component on the motorcycle,” said Nick Ienatsch, Founder and Chief Instructor, Yamaha Champions Riding School. “Our curriculum revolves around managing tire grip in all circumstances and for the longest period time. To properly educate riders, we need a tire partner that can supply world-class products and the latest tire technology data. After extensive research and testing, we approached Bridgestone, and we are ecstatic that they share our vision.”

Announced in October 2023, the Bridgestone BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 is a sports radial motorcycle tire for street use that is engineered to meet the requirements of sport riders, featuring increased levels of dry grip performance¹ whether riding on circuits or cornering on mountain roads. The BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 turns faster lap times in both wet and dry track conditions^2,3 compared to its predecessor, delivering confident traction in rain or shine. The BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 is available in popular sizes as of January 2024.  The BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11 is a sports radial motorcycle tire for street and racing use that is engineered to improve the contact area with the road surface, enhancing cornering grip and stability⁴. The BATTLAX RS11 is the first road-oriented tire to adopt the new V-MS-Belt construction in the rear, which is currently used in Bridgestone’s highest performing race tires⁴.

Since 2014, Yamaha Champions Riding School has taught competition-proven techniques of motorcycle control to any pavement-bound rider with the ultimate goal of promoting safer riding in any condition. Riders can choose to use the school’s motorcycles and riding gear or bring their own. The 2024 ChampSchool class registration is live. To learn more, visit www.champschool.com.

Bridgestone’s partnership with Yamaha Champions Riding School aligns with the “Emotion” and “Ease” values of the Bridgestone E8 Commitment. The Bridgestone E8 Commitment, encompassing eight values all beginning with the letter “E,” solidifies Bridgestone’s dedication to fostering a more sustainable world.

For more company news, visit BridgestoneAmericas.com.

¹ Comparison based on BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) vs. previous generation BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) in internal testing. Results may vary depending on proper tire and vehicle maintenance, surface conditions and riding habits.  

² Comparison based on BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) vs. previous generation BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) in internal testing using a Yamaha YZF-R1 at Autopolis Speedway (2 min 03.4 sec lap time).   

³ Comparison based on BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) vs. previous generation BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 (120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17) in internal testing using a BMW S1000RR at Bridgestone Proving Ground (1 min 19.8 sec lap time). 

⁴ Comparison based on BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11 tire vs. previous generation BATTLAX RACING STREET RS10 in internal testing. Results may vary.

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.: 

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Bridgestone Americas employs more than 45,000 people across its worldwide operations. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.

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Hamilton, ON – The Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship (CSBK) is thrilled to confirm a ground-breaking partnership with Gulf Race Fuels, solidifying a three-year agreement that will see Gulf become the official spec fuel provider for all Bridgestone CSBK competitors at each national event.

This strategic alliance represents a significant step forward for both CSBK and Gulf Race Fuels, reinforcing their commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation within the Canadian motorsports landscape.

CSBK owner Ross Millson expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are very pleased to welcome Gulf Race Fuels as our official spec fuel provider for the next three years. This partnership signifies our shared dedication to advancing the sport of Superbike racing in Canada. Gulf Race Fuels’ commitment to excellence aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide top-tier racing experiences for both competitors and fans.”

Gulf Race Fuels spokesperson Jeff LaRose added, “Partnering with CSBK is a thrilling opportunity for Gulf Race Fuels to showcase our high-performance racing fuels on one of Canada’s premier racing platforms. We are excited to contribute to the success of CSBK competitors and look forward to a fruitful collaboration over the next three years.”

As part of the agreement, Gulf Race Fuels will exclusively supply the spec fuel for all Bridgestone CSBK competitors throughout the national tour, ensuring a level playing field and fostering an environment where skill and strategy take center stage.

The partnership between CSBK and Gulf Race Fuels is set to commence at the season opening event, scheduled for May 17-19 at Shannonville Motorsport Park.  

More information on Bridgestone CSBK can be found on the series’ official website at www.csbk.ca.  

For more information about Gulf Race Fuels, please visit www.GulfRaceFuels.com. To contact a Gulf Race Fuels distributor in Canada, please visit www.GulfProFuels.ca.

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The 2024 WorldSBK season has officially kicked off for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team who unveiled the new liveries of the Panigale V4R together with those of the Desmosedici GP machines of the Ducati Lenovo Team of MotoGP.

For the second year in a row, the Palacampiglio in Madonna di Campiglio (location linked to Audi by a strong and active partnership that has lasted for 11 years) set the stage for a presentation that will undoubtedly go down in history. In fact, three reigning World Champions were the protagonists of the traditional unveiling: Francesco Bagnaia, of the Ducati Lenovo MotoGP team, and the two Aruba.it Racing – Ducati riders Alvaro Bautista and Nicolò Bulega , who triumphed in the 2023 season in World Superbike and World Supersport respectively. Together with them, of course, also Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) to form an exceptional quartet.

The ceremony was followed with high enthusiasm by authorities, sponsors, and guests in attendance, as well as by many Ducati fans and enthusiasts – via live coverage on Sky Sport MotoGP and streaming available on www.arubaracing.it and on the team’s social networks – then, riders and team representatives will be in Piazza Sissi in the afternoon to receive the warm embrace of the many fans who have come to Madonna di Campiglio to meet their favorites.

But the celebration time for Alvaro Bautista and Nicolò Bulega is already over. The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team will in fact move as early as tomorrow afternoon to Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) where the first private tests of 2024 will be staged on 24 and 25 January, to be followed by two more days of on-track action at Portimao (Portugal) on 29 and 30 January.
 
The first round of the 2024 WorldSBK season is set for the weekend of 23-25 February at Philip Island (Australia) and will be preceded by two days of official testing at the iconic Australian track on 19 and 20 February.

 
Stefano Cecconi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team Principal)

“The 2024 season will certainly be interesting.  We will face important challenges due to the new regulations and the new scenario of our competitors, and this will be an additional stimulus for us. I have no doubt, though, that the team will keep working with the same determination to try and achieve great results again. We will rely on the best line-up a team can field: two reigning world champions. On the one hand, Alvaro, who certainly needs no introduction, and on the other Nicolò, who has repaid immediately the trust we gave him. We’ll also have the extraordinary support of Ducati on our side and that’s why we start this season with all the credentials to be protagonists again”.

Claudio Domenicali (CEO Ducati Motor Holding)

“It is a great pleasure to inaugurate another Ducati racing season in Madonna di Campiglio, a location that perfectly expresses the values of “Made in Italy” of which we are proud ambassadors and which last year represented the starting point of an unforgettable season. The path that has led us to be the best in the world in racing is undoubtedly made up of the hard daily work of these years, but also of our ability to work as a team and have fun while putting our maximum effort into what we do. One of the strong elements of our brand is the ability to create a system and today we demonstrate this by jointly presenting the official teams for the 2024 racing season: the Ducati Lenovo Team, the Aruba.it – Racing Ducati Team and the novelty represented by the Ducati Corse R&D – Factory MX Team. Seeing the three bikes next to each other was a great emotion for me because, although different from each other, they are part of a single project. This belonging is underlined by the basic color of the liveries, Ducati Red, the same for all, and also by a completely new graphic sign that recalls the curve present in the Ducati logo, inspired by the most exciting part of riding a motorbike: the bend. At the same time, these bikes are also an expression of the path that Ducati has taken in recent years, investing in its future. The entry into motocross is in fact a clear example that our will to improve and our desire to win have no limits. In these two days we will have the opportunity to give ourselves the right energy for a season that promises to be full of challenges, in which we will try to confirm our leadership in the main track racing world championships and demonstrate our capabilities in a new terrain such as specialist off-road. Challenges have always encouraged us to bring out the best and we feel absolutely ready”
 

Luigi Dall’Igna (General Manager Ducati Corse) 

“Last year, we celebrated Alvaro Bautista and the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, who successfully brought back the World Superbike Riders’ World Title to Borgo Panigale, completing an extraordinary Triple Crown by also securing the Manufacturers’ and Teams’ World Titles. It would have been difficult to imagine a better performance, but the 2023 WorldSBK season surpassed our expectations, writing a new chapter in Ducati’s history. Alvaro Bautista retained his Superbike World Champion title, and Nicolò Bulega, aboard the Panigale V2, became Supersport World Champion, marking a historic first Riders’ World Title for Ducati in this category. Adding to the significance of these victories are the Manufacturers’ Titles in both categories, accomplishments that fill us with pride. As we approach the new Superbike season, we do so with the best possible lineup, featuring two World Champions riding the Ducati Panigale V4 R machines. For sure, the 2024 season is full of challenges; the competition is increasingly fierce, and there are new hurdles to overcome. However, these challenges motivate and push us to do better. We are eager to see Alvaro and Nicolò hit the track in their new colours this year, starting with the upcoming tests at Jerez and Portimão in the next few days”.
 

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #1)

“It is a big satisfaction to be back in a beautiful place like Madonna di Campiglio to present the bikes with which we will face a 2024 championship that will be extremely challenging, with so many changes both in terms of technical regulations and in terms of competitors. We will immediately have to work hard to adapt to the new rules, but I believe that in any case, it will be a very enjoyable season. The goal is to reach our maximum potential as soon as possible so that we can then have fun in every round. There will also be changes in the garage with a new team-mate: Nicolò is young, strong, and has already proven to be fast. I would also like to welcome the new sponsors who will accompany me aboard a really beautiful bike. The hope is that we can all do a great job together and for that, I want to wish the guys in my team the best of luck”.
 

Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #11)

“I am very happy to have had the privilege of taking part in this ceremony. I remember very well when as a child I used to follow the Ducati team presentation in Madonna di Campiglio: being now among the protagonists of this event fills me with pride.  I thank the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team for believing in me and giving me the chance to ride this Panigale V4R that I find beautiful. Let me make a joke: usually, when a bike is beautiful it must also go fast. That’s why we have high expectations for this season. I’m sure we can do well. The package we have is excellent, I’m very excited and I’ll try to give my best right from the start”.

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Founded in 2007 as an online retailer of motorcycle gear, parts and accessories, RevZilla is now owned by parent company Comoto Holdings. In addition to its industry leading online presence, RevZilla also has retail stores in Newport Beach, Denver, and Philadelphia.

“In all of our years of racing, we’ve never had one company serve as a title sponsor for all of our racing activities,” said Vance & Hines Motorsports owner Terry Vance. “RevZilla has stepped up to be the major sponsor of our programs in both NHRA and MotoAmerica and we know they will be the perfect title-sponsorship partner. We’re excited about the new relationship, and we can’t wait to go racing with RevZilla onboard for the next two years.”

“We wanted to expose the RevZilla brand to a whole new audience and Vance & Hines Motorsports has presented the perfect platform to do that,” said Comoto’s Chief Marketing Officer and RevZilla President Steve Bontempo. “As title sponsor of Vance & Hines Motorsports, RevZilla will be introduced to fans of NHRA and MotoAmerica in the best possible light. We’re looking forward to an exciting 2024 and 2025 at drag strips and racetracks across the country.”

Vance & Hines Motorsports, who will continue to partner with Mission Foods, Harley-Davidson and Suzuki, will be announcing its teams for the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and the 2024 MotoAmerica Championship in the coming days.

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More than $570,000 Available for Harley-Davidson Racers in American Flat Track and MotoAmerica Mission Foods King of the Baggers and Super Hooligan Series

MILWAUKEE (Dec. 20, 2023) – Harley-Davidson is boosting its support of racing competitors for the 2024 season with cash contingency programs totaling more than $570,000. This will be available for qualified H-D racers competing in select classes in the American Flat Track series, and the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship.

The Harley-Davidson® Factory Racing Team will compete in the MotoAmerica Mission Foods King Of The Baggers road racing series in 2024 with riders Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli aboard race modified Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® motorcycles powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight 131 Performance Crate Engines. In addition, privateer teams racing Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the series can benefit from racing contingency and available racing parts for purchase.

Mission Foods King Of The Baggers Contingency

The Mission Foods King of The Baggers series offers exciting competition between American V-Twin touring motorcycles prepared for competition and equipped with stock frames and a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags. The 2024 King of The Baggers series is expanded to 16 races over eight doubleheader weekends held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series. The series opens on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 7-9. Harley-Davidson will offer a $263,000 cash contingency program for qualified Harley-Davidson racers competing in the Mission Foods King Of The Baggers series, with a contingency payout from first to 10th place and a $35,000 championship bonus. Terms and conditions apply; please email contingencyracing@harley-davidson.com for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Mission Foods Super Hooligan Contingency

New for 2024, Harley-Davidson will offer contingency opportunities for racers competing in the Mission Foods Super Hooligan National Championship Brought To You By Roland Sands Design. The road racing series features 750cc-and-up high-bar race-prepared street bikes. Held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series, the Super Hooligan Championship includes 10 races over five double-header weekends, beginning with two races at Daytona International Speedway March 7-9. Harley-Davidson will offer a $123,000 cash contingency program for qualified Harley-Davidson racers competing in the Mission Foods Super Hooligan series, with a contingency payout from first to 10th place and a $20,000 championship bonus. Terms and conditions apply; please email contingencyracing@harley-davidson.com for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Progressive American Flat Track Contingency

Harley-Davidson will offer contingency opportunities for racers competing in the premier SuperTwins class on the 16-event 2024 Progressive American Flat Track series, the most prestigious and competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing in the world. Harley-Davidson has committed $185,000 in contingency funds for qualified SuperTwins class riders. Harley-Davidson contingency will pay first to 10th place and a $20,000 championship bonus. The season opens March 7-8 with the Daytona Short Track double-header at Daytona International Speedway. Terms and conditions apply; please email contingencyracing@harley-davidson.com for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (December 15, 2023) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is pleased to announce a partnership renewal with Mission Foods® to continue its wide-ranging support of the series for a fourth-consecutive season in 2024. 

Included as key features of the multifaceted partnership agreement, Mission Foods will again serve as the title sponsor for the premier Mission SuperTwins class and the associated Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, while remaining the Official Tortilla, Chip, and Salsa of Progressive AFT.

The nation’s top manufacturer of tortillas, tortilla chips, flatbreads, and other baked products, Mission Foods has been one of the most active and influential sponsors of Progressive American Flat Track since making its high-profile debut with the series in 2021. Its support has only expanded since, and it will again serve as the title sponsor for its home round, the Mission Texas Half-Mile at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday, April 27.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with American Flat Track as the title sponsor of the SuperTwins class and Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge for 2024,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to keep connecting with fans on race weekends, and it further exemplifies our commitment to motorsports racing.”

Mission Foods has done much to raise the profile and awareness of Progressive AFT over the years of its partnership via in-store grocery displays across the nation featuring Mission-branded athletes. That practice will not only continue but increase with the addition of displays in stores on military bases in 2024. Mission will also maintain a large presence at the track with numerous fan-facing activations.

“Mission Foods is an exceptional partner, continually elevating the American Flat Track experience both on and off the track,” said Gene Crouch, Chief Executive Officer of AMA Pro Racing. “We’re truly grateful for their energy and enthusiasm in supporting our athletes and engaging with fans. We’re excited about this renewed collaboration and appreciate their continued efforts to bring the excitement of American Flat Track to a broader audience.”

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

Progressive AFT series merchandise is available via the official merchandise store at https://aftmerch.com/.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. Visit https://www.missionfoods.com/ for more information.

About Progressive American Flat Track

Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on X, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.

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Coleraine and District Motor Club is delighted to welcome Briggs Equipment on board as our new title sponsor for the 2024 North West 200.

Briggs Equipment has enjoyed previous involvement with the event as a team and race sponsor. The announcement of this new three-year title agreement provides a major boost for the iconic north coast festival of racing.

“It feels great to confirm that the Briggs North West 200 will bring the best road racing in the world to the Triangle circuit in May next year,” Briggs Equipment Ireland Managing Director, Gary Clements, said.

“Together with our Group company, Balloo Hire, we have a long-standing relationship with the North West 200 and this is the ideal opportunity to strengthen that connection for many years to come.1

“We know the fantastic work Mervyn Whyte and his team put into the event and we will help in whatever way we can.

“Briggs has always been committed to supporting the local economy and this event is vitally important for businesses in the region. For many, it is the biggest week of the year, and we are proud to play our part in making sure it continues.”

Alongside the major financial investment in the NW200, Briggs Equipment and Balloo Hire will also provide machinery and infrastructure within the paddock area.

In recent years, Briggs Equipment has established itself as Ireland’s number one provider of tailored engineering solutions, delivering first-class sales, hire, service and training support to their customers.

With the country’s largest fleet of materials handling equipment, powered access, commercial cleaners, specialist machinery and more, Briggs has enjoyed huge growth and secured long-term working relationships with many companies across the island.

Balloo Hire is the award-winning full-service equipment rental company, with seven depots across Northern Ireland for plant and access machinery, welfare, DIY, power generation, small tools and more.

A passionate road racing fan, Clements is excited by the opportunity to have a ‘hands on’ involvement in the famous north coast races.

“No other road racing event gets the pulse racing like the North West 200,” he said.

“The riders push it to the limit, giving their adoring fans an incredible spectacle they won’t find anywhere else. It is professional racing in a beautiful location – who could ask for more?

“I have been attending the North West 200 for the last 30 years, seeing legendary riders come and go, plus some who are still competing after all that time!

“This special place has so many amazing memories and I have no doubt we will see more extraordinary battles and records broken during the 2024 Briggs North West 200.”

Race boss Mervyn Whyte was equally excited to confirm the new sponsorship agreement.

“To have the support of an industry leading company like Briggs Equipment as our new title sponsor is a major vote of confidence for the North West 200,” he said.

“The NW200 grid hosts the world’s finest line-up of road racing talent each May as tens of thousands of race fans visit the north coast area and over 1.3 million people around the world engage with the event via our BBC NI platforms.

“That global exposure is a major attraction for market leaders like Briggs and we are delighted to have the company’s backing for 2024 and beyond, during a time when Irish motorcycle sport is under pressure like never before.

“With Briggs’ support, the immediate future of Ireland’s largest sporting event and the major financial benefit it provides for the Northern Ireland economy is secure.”

The 2024 Briggs North West 200 will run from May 6–11.

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MALCOLM STEWART, CHRISTIAN CRAIG, RJ HAMPSHIRE, GUILLEM FARRES AND CASEY COCHRAN FORM ROSTER

An expanded five-rider Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team will take centerstage when the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) season commences with the AMA Supercross Championship season-opener at Anaheim on Saturday, January 6, led by 450SX duo Malcolm Stewart and Christian Craig, alongside 250SX contenders RJ Hampshire, Guillem Farres and Casey Cochran.

The Nathan Ramsey-managed official Husqvarna Motorcycles U.S. team will be equipped with the Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition and the Husqvarna FC 250 Rockstar Edition, forming a strong foundation for all five riders to build upon as the gates drop on what is a highly anticipated new season.
 

In addition to the on-track action, Rockstar Energy Drink has renewed its commitment as title sponsor of the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team in a multi-year commitment, which will span the entire 31-race SMX series. The team will contest 17 rounds of AMA Supercross, 11 rounds in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, and a three-round, post-season SMX Finals series.
 

“We’re incredibly excited to extend our partnership with Husqvarna Motorcycles. Over the past 10 years, the relationship with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team has been more than just a sponsorship and we’re looking forward to continuing to grow together, said Jennifer Kalban, Senior Motorsports Marketing Manager, PepsiCo North America. “The team is as strong as it’s ever been and the 2024 season should be an exciting one.”
 

Each step of that journey will be documented in Season 3 of the Grit and Grind docuseries, which will continue to be broadcast on the Husqvarna Motorcycles YouTube channel in 2024. A collaboration between Rockstar Energy and Husqvarna Motorcycles, it will once again provide an all-access insight into the season of Stewart, Craig, Hampshire, Farres, and Cochran.
 

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager, Nathan Ramsey, is confident that all five riders will be competitive across next year’s SMX series, determined to iron out any kinks that have proven costly in the past and to ensure that all riders can consistently deliver strong results in 2024.
 

“2024 is looking good for us, the guys are having a really good off-season, and we are working hard to be ready for the season,” explained Ramsey. “I think that ultimately, we’re going to come out swinging and avoid the major ups and downs and ride it out as steady as possible and put our Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team riders up front. We have looked a lot at things that have cost us or possibly pushed us out of championship hopes in the past, and I think we have highlighted a few of those areas and we are all – the team, the crew, the riders, everyone – committed to correcting those areas and hopefully it works and pays off, because if they are corrected, I think we’re in the hunt, for sure.”
 

Making a welcome return to Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing will be Stewart, the 31-year-old who was unfortunately sidelined in the early stages of last season and is in line to pick up where he left off almost 12 months ago. The fan favorite finished a career-high third in the 450SX standings in 2022, now excited to get back behind the gates in a bid to rebuild his form in a competitive environment.
 

“The focus for 2024 is honestly just to get back out there and get my feet wet again,” said Stewart. “2023 was a pretty short-lived year for me, it was kind of more for me to get back going and to finish what I started last year. I was looking really good, A1 was going very well, we had one little incident and we won a heat race, so we had some big flashes, but it just ended too quickly. This is part of racing and things happen, but I have had a really good recovery so far, and training has been going well this off-season with a good group of guys that I’m surrounded with. Everyone has been positive through the whole recovery and I’m glad I locked myself in for another two more years! I really want to win next year and I’m looking forward to getting back into the bunch with the team for the upcoming season.”
 

Entering his second year with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, Craig was also affected by injury in 2023 but was able to return and represent Team USA at the FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in September. At 32, Craig has the desire to establish himself toward the front of the premier class and has been enjoying the pre-season to date.
 

“I’m feeling pretty good entering another year with the team, so I’m more comfortable, learning everyone around me, and obviously learning the bike more with more seat time,” commented Craig. “I’m coming off a pretty serious injury, so just trying to build back up from that and we’re kind of in the middle of boot camp right now. I am excited for the new year, I need to put in some results, so am very focused and driven for this one. This past season was a big learning year for me, so this time I know what to expect with the training program, riding program, and what the team brings – I need to step up and try to be upfront as much as possible.”
 

As one of the most experienced riders in the 250 Class, RJ Hampshire has his sights firmly set on achieving title success in the new year. He was runner-up in 250SX West last year and raced to third position in the inaugural 250SMX standings, now motivated to capture a first-career championship with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing.
 

“My goal is to definitely try and get a championship,” Hampshire stated. “We’ve been close the last two years in a row, so I’ll just come into the season, take it race-by-race, and build from where were last year. The team has worked really hard to make the bike as good as possible, and there are a lot of improvements already. We were in a good spot last season, so if we can be a bit better this year, I definitely think we can get it done. Supercross was massive for me because I had seven podiums in seven years and then last year I had eight in total, so that was a really big step in my career. The next step is to get the red plate, so that is the goal going into the season. The team has been awesome, there is nowhere else I would rather be, and I just renewed my deal for two more years – it just goes to show how much I believe in this team and how much I believe in myself, because we’ve grown a lot together. They believe in me a lot to go out there and perform also, and I definitely think that this year will be another big step in our relationship.”
 

For Farres, the chance to join Rockstar Energy Husqvarna sees him preparing for his maiden 250SX campaign, in which the 20-year-old Spanish revelation is looking to develop important Supercross experience during the upcoming season, before turning his attention outdoors.
 

“The transition to the Husqvarna FC 250 and the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team has been really good,” Farres said. “This is my first time ever here in Clermont, Florida, training and first time in California. So far, so good. Everyone has been really welcoming on the team, I’ve been having a good time, and I’m excited for the 2024 season. It’s going to be my rookie season in Supercross, so I am going to focus on staying healthy, being at every round, and improving every day with every lap. I’ve never raced in a stadium before, so I’m sure it’s going to be something new and I’m going to be a little nervous, but hopefully it gets better after the first round.”
 

Exciting teenage prospect Cochran has graduated to the professional ranks with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna full-time for 2024, the 17-year-old looking to build upon the Supercross Futures AMA National Championship that he won in 2023, while learning his craft as a professional in the sport.
 

“It’s my first official pro season, so I’m looking forward to getting out there with the big guys and mixing it up, getting good results,” Cochran commented. “Nothing too extravagant so far, but my goal is to get used to the whole program. It’s a super-cool opportunity because we have worked our whole lives for this deal, this contract, to be on a factory team, so I am super-excited to be here and have a great team around me and ready to get to work. I have always personally liked Supercross better than outdoors, so I am excited to race indoors. I raced Futures last year and that was a good experience, so the more indoors, the better!”

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Maker Of V-Twin Aftermarket Products, Lyndall Brakes Is Onboard For 2024
 

IRVINE, CA (December 7, 2023) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that Lyndall Brakes will make its debut as an official partner of the MotoAmerica Championship in 2024.

“Being an official partner of the 2024 MotoAmerica/King Of The Baggers season is an honor,” said Paul Kittrell, CEO of Lyndall Brakes. “The track has always been our theater of validation, and this partnership reflects our dedication to research and development in high-performance braking.”
 
Family owned and operated since 1998, Lyndall Brakes has been innovating high energy braking systems for V-twin motorcycles, recently branching into the UTV/ATV market as well. Lyndall doesn’t just specialize in brakes as it offers a range of aftermarket performance products for Harley-Davidsons, Indians, and Polaris, including wheels, rotors, chain kits, conversion kits, titanium fasteners, and more – all proudly made in the USA, reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer service. They are the only brake company in the motorcycle industry that offers a lifetime guarantee on its rotors when used in conjunction with Lyndall brake pads.
 
“We’re pumped to have Lyndall Brakes onboard as an official partner for the coming season,” said Lance Bryson, MotoAmerica’s Director of Sponsorship. “Lyndall Brakes has been making quality products for over 25 years and they really like what they’ve seen with our Mission King Of The Baggers and also our Mission Super Hooligan National Championship class. There are two important elements to racing, horsepower and brakes and Lyndall takes care of the braking part.”

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.

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Returns as Title Sponsor of Yamaha Senoia Short Track

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (December 7, 2023) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is pleased to announce that Yamaha Motor Corp., USA will again stand as an Official OEM Partner of Progressive AFT for the upcoming 2024 season.

Additionally, Yamaha will once again serve as the title sponsor for the Yamaha Senoia Short Track at Senoia Raceway in Senoia, Georgia, on March 23. This marks the fifth occasion Yamaha has stepped into that role for the series’ visits to the Atlanta area since the manufacturer first opened its corporate offices in Marietta, Georgia, in late 2018.

Yamaha enjoyed another banner season of Progressive AFT competition in 2023, proving itself a title-contending powerhouse in both Mission SuperTwins and Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER.

Spearheaded by Estenson Racing’s rising superstar, Dallas Daniels, Yamaha-mounted riders racked up seven victories, 15 top twos, 23 podiums, and 35 top fives in the premier class. That included a pair of 1-2 finishes and an ultimate championship ranking of second and third. Along the way, Daniels demonstrated the all-around excellence of the Yamaha MT-07 by completing the career Grand Slam – earning at least one win on a Mile, Half-Mile, Short Track, and TT – in just his second season competing at the pinnacle of the sport.

It was a similar story in the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles class, where another emerging force, young Tom Drane, led the way aboard his Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F. There, Yamaha-mounted riders secured six wins, 12 top twos, 15 podiums, 25 top fives, and two 1-2 finishes en route to second- and third-place title standings.

Yamaha is well positioned to continue its modern-day dirt track ascent with Daniels and Drane recently confirmed to be back to hunt their respective #1 plates aboard Estenson Racing-tuned Yamahas in 2024.

“We appreciate Yamaha’s continued support of the sport for the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season,” said Gene Crouch, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “We’re looking forward to again hosting Yamaha’s Atlanta-based employees in March for another incredible night of racing at Senoia Raceway.”

For more information about Yamaha visit https://www.yamahamotorsports.com.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

Progressive AFT series merchandise is available via the official merchandise store at https://aftmerch.com/.

About Yamaha Motor Corp., USA

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the Powersports industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Outboard Motors, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, and much more.

YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States. YMUS has a corporate office in Cypress, California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Further U.S.-based Yamaha companies include Skeeter Boats (Texas), G3 Boats (Missouri), Bennet Marine (Florida), Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana), and Kracor, Inc. (Wisconsin).

About Progressive American Flat Track

Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.

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