Rider Files

Yesterday I wrote about the precarious position American Superbike seems to be in at the moment. Following on the heels of one of the poorest attended Mid-Ohio Superbike weekends, VIR announced it was canceling its August 12-14 American Superbike date. The VIR development was especially shocking considering how successful that event has been in years past. The series had already lost Fontana and Road Atlanta, so we’re frustratingly looking at what appears to be rapidly diminishing prospects for what has been one of the world’s premier motorcycle racing championships.

In today’s File POV I’ll look at what steps American Superbike might take to bring the series back to full health. Road racing fans need to look no further than our motocross brethren to find a couple of racing series that are more than holding their own in this down economy. The ability of AMA Supercross and Motocross to thrive in this environment holds clues to what road racing might do to not only weather the storm, but even grow in spite of the downturn.

The first thing road racing can learn from SX/MX is focus. These expansive three-day doubleheader road races came about in the booming economy of the 1990s and simply don’t make sense in today’s environment. One of the first things DMG should do is scale back the weekends to strengthen them and bring more focus to a single day. Road races should be made two-day events and the main events should run on Sunday. Use Saturday as a qualifying day and perhaps run one of the support classes, but make it so fans can come on Sunday and not feel like they are missing half the event. Personally for Superbike I would go to a Saturday Heat race qualifying format and one race on Sunday.

Another thing I would try to do would be to partner with club racing organizations like WERA and AFM and run a club event on Friday before the national. You would not only give club racers a chance to run on a pro weekend, but they might stick around and race or at least be spectators on the pro weekend. I think this could be a win-win situation for the DMG and the club racing organizations. I envision a club racing national championship awarding points from these Friday events and holding the finale at the WERA GNF bringing riders from across the country together for the race as happened in the heyday of the old Suzuki Cup days.

With less expensive two-day pro events the teams might be able to afford a series with a greater number of races. I would love to see a 12-event schedule, perhaps even more so that there aren’t huge gaps in the schedule during the racing season.

The next step is the DMG needs to make the events more affordable for the promoters in order to have more venues. In turn promoters should lower ticket prices to make the races accessible to more fans. That’s one thing that SX/MX promoters have figured out. People want entertainment , and even in this economy they will go, but they are going to find less expensive options. MX/SX has very inexpensive tickets and road racing should do the same. Why not have a $15 or even $10 ticket? Fans will bring their families and spend money once they’re at the race and they will come in droves with this kind of pricing.

Tighten the schedule. On Sunday have one final before lunch, say 11:00, start the main events at 1:00 pm and be done by 4:00pm. Also consider making the Superbike race longer and include a pit stop. That will add excitement and a new element to the races.

Finally the racers need to be made stars. In the past the old AMA did a great deal to help the promoters raise the visibility of the racers. It coordinated pre-event media tours and worked with national news services to give the events national coverage. With the DMG that job has been left primarily to the tracks and quiet frankly, many of them don’t have the expertise to promote the riders like the sanctioning body could. Who knows the riders better? Who is better able to direct continuity in a promotional plan? To me that responsibility falls more naturally to the sanctioning body, the experts of the series if you will.

Josh Hayes has a great story – a rider who was overlooked in the premier class for years who proved his worth when he got the chance. The same for Blake Young and Tommy Hayden. Young, working his way up the ladder only to have injury halt his climb and then his comeback. Hayden the eldest of the today’s first family of road racing. And it just goes on and on. Every rider has a story that could and should be told to the general media. Also feature local riders in media tours to generate a local hero to area fans.

In terms of direction, find people within the industry who live, eat and breath motorcycles to be the leaders of the DMG. No one can sell something unless they themselves are completely passionate about the product.

I think if road racing takes these ideas, which have been implemented well in Supercross and motocross, then the series can get back to a growth mode. The DMG has already done many things to improve the product. The racing has never been better thanks to the new rules, and things like fan walks are perfect to help grow the fan base. Manufacturers like BMW, KTM, Triumph and EBR are bringing great variety to the championship. The product on the track is awesome.

The show is there in Superbike racing. The time is ripe for the DMG to make it more affordable, more frequent, more focused and more visible to the general public.

(NEWS RELEASE)

Wilson and Fiolek Sit Atop 250 Class and WMX Class, Respectively

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (July 12, 2011) – Following a break in action this past weekend, the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship will kick off the second half of the season this Saturday, July 16, with the Spring Creek Motocross National in Millville, Minn. Coming off his fourth win of the year at the previous stop in RedBud, TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Racing’s Chad Reed occupies the top spot in the premier 450 Class standings. In the 250 Class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Dean Wilson, has moved into the championship lead for the second time this summer, while American Honda’s Ashley Fiolek, fresh off her second win of the season at RedBud, maintains her position atop the WMX Class.

Heading into RedBud two weeks ago, the battle for the 450 Class title had been marked by a highly-competitive, three-rider battle between Reed, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, and Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey. With each rider achieving at least one overall win this season, the opportunity to capture the victory has been wide open from week-to-week, and it continued in Michigan. At RedBud, Reed began the day with an impressive moto win, fending off a hard-charging Dungey. As the duo battled up front, Villopoto was forced to come from the back of the field after an early crash, ultimately fighting his way into ninth. In Moto 2, the trio paced the field, with Villopoto and Dungey leading the way. As the two rivals chased one another throughout the moto, Reed asserted himself in third and let things play out. As Villopoto rebounded to take the moto win, Reed’s 1-3 moto scores surpassed Dungey’s 2-2 effort, helping him to extend his points lead. Now, Reed carries a 16-point advantage over Villopoto, while Dungey sits an additional six points back.

This weekend’s race from Spring Creek MX Park, presents another opportunity for the 450 Class championship to continue to unfold. Reed has never won at the Minnesota facility, but has run well in the past. Villopoto does hold one victory, but it came back in 2007 as a competitor in the 250 Class. Over the past three years, Dungey, a native of the state of Minnesota, has been perfect at what he considers to be his hometown track. With back-to-back victories in the 250 Class from 2008-2009, Dungey made it three-in-a-row last season by taking the win in his 450 Class debut at Millville. Each rider’s past history at the track makes for an intriguing storyline heading into Saturday.

Through six rounds of 250 Class competition, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki has yet to relinquish a moto or overall win to any other team in the division. Wilson, Blake Baggett, and Tyla Rattray have stood atop the podium every time this summer, and as a result, they have set the stage for a three-way battle for the championship.

At RedBud, Baggett dominated en route to his fourth overall win of the season. Despite a couple tough of rounds this summer, Baggett has shown impressive resolve and is proving to be arguably the fastest rider in the class. His RedBud outing vaulted him into second in the championship, where he sits 14 points behind his teammate coming into Spring Creek. While Wilson is surely happy to be back in possession of the red number plate this weekend, he would likely, much rather have an overall win to his credit. Despite impressive consistency and three moto wins, Wilson has yet to break through and stand atop the overall podium. After a strong effort in his Millville debut last season, he’ll be eager to solidify his position in the standings with a victory.

Spring Creek has been a staple of American Motocross since hosting its first national during the 1983 season. Since then, it has become one of the most popular stops on the schedule thanks to its challenging layout that features a healthy assortment of obstacles, as well as multiple dramatic elevation changes. Millville is home to three of the sport’s most iconic features, including the longest start on the championship schedule, the “Holy Schmit” jump – named for late local legend Donny Schmit, and the infamous sand whoops, that can make or break a rider’s moto.

Last year at Spring Creek, Dungey displayed the familiar dominance that has become associated with his performances at his home track in recent years. A convincing 1-1 effort resulted in his sixth win of the season, and marked his third victory at the track in as many years. In the 250 Class, eventual champion Trey Canard was able to capture his second career win, just one round following his inaugural motocross victory.

The Motorcycle-Superstore.com Women’s Motocross Championship will also begin its second half of the 2011 season on Saturday, hosting its fifth round of the summer with just its second appearance at Spring Creek. After her most impressive outing of the season at RedBud, Fiolek carries momentum, and an eight-point lead in the standings, into Millville over DNA Shred Stix/Star Racing Yamaha’s Jessica Patterson. Last year in Minnesota, Patterson outran her rival to post her fourth win of the season en route to the WMX Class title, and she’ll be looking to replicate her efforts on Saturday in order to close in on Fiolek in the championship.

The on-track action for the Spring Creek Motocross National begins this Saturday at 9:30 a.m. EST with practice and qualifying. Opening ceremonies begin at 1:30 p.m. EST with motos kicking off at 2 p.m. EST.

Previous Round Results and Current Standings

Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship
Rockstar Energy RedBud National
RedBud – Buchanan, Mich.
July 2, 2011
Round 6 of 12

450 Class (Moto Finish) – To view complete event Box Score, click HERE

450 Class Championship Standings

250 Class (Moto Finish) – To view complete event Box Score, click HERE

250 Class Championship Standings

WMX Class (Moto Finish) – To view complete event Box Score, click HERE

WMX Class Standings

Tickets for the upcoming Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship are on sale now at www.allisports.com. Special discounts and incentives are available for advance ticket purchasers.

For more information on the 2011 tour, please log on to www.allisports.com/motocross.

For media information about the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, please contact Media Manager Brandon Short via email at media@mxsportsproracing.com or by phone at 949-365-5750.

MX Sports Pro Racing
MX Sports Pro Racing manages and produces the world’s most prestigious motocross series – the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. The industry leader in off road powersport event production and management, its mission is to showcase the sport of professional motocross competition at events throughout the United States. Through its various racing properties, partnerships and affiliates, MX Sports Pro Racing organizes events for thousands of action sports athletes each year and attracts millions of motorsports spectators. Visit www.mxsportsproracing.com.

Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports
Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, is a global business that encompasses national and international action sports tours and events, multimedia production, and a consumer facing lifestyle brand. The Alliance includes: the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, the Dew Tour, Winter Dew Tour, China Invitational, , King of Wake series, and the Gatorade Free Flow Tour. Alli TV Productions creates original content, produces and presents content with partners, and distributes Alli content through a variety of channels. Alli is owned by NBC Sports and MTV Networks and represents a network of athletes, fans, brands and properties. Its mission is to facilitate the momentous growth of action sports, through competition and lifestyle, for a new generation of fans and athletes. The Alli properties are home to more than 550,000 spectators each year and broadcasts more than 150 hours of original content in 100 countries and 280 million homes worldwide. Visit www.allisports.com.

Lucas Oil Products
Lucas Oil is a worldwide leader in the production of oils, lubricants and additives. Based in Corona, Calif., Lucas Oil Products is one of the fastest-growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry, featuring a premium line of oils, lubricants and problem-solving performance additives. Through innovative product research and development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top-selling additive line in the American truck-stop industry. Lucas Oil is involved in an array of motorsports sponsorships, including the “Official Motor Oil of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship.” Visit www.LucasOil.com.

AMA Pro Racing
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing sanctioning body in the United States, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. From its Daytona Beach headquarters, the organization sanctions professional motorcycle racing competition, which includes, AMA Pro Motocross, AMA Pro Road Racing, and AMA Pro Flat Track. Visit www.amaproracing.com.

(NEWS RELEASE)

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — On July 22-24, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) will welcome a variety of classic motorcycles from numerous eras, styles and points of origin to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days featuring Kawasaki, Marque of the Year, at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. These motorcycles will be on full display as part of the bike show program at the country’s leading celebration of motorcycling’s heritage.

“Two wheels, a frame, an engine — the fundamental parts of a motorcycle are refreshingly simple and elegant, yet the ends to which designers and engineers have taken those core pieces test the bounds of human creativity,” said AMA Director of Operations Jack Penton. “Many motorcycles representing these unique designs will be featured at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days on July 22-24. We invite all fans of two-wheeled motive art to join us as we celebrate both the original designs of these motorcycles and the tireless efforts of master restorers.”

There will be two bike shows at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, both held on Saturday, July 23, in the infield of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Static Show will feature motorcycles from the early 1900s through 1989. Bike featured will include American, British, European and Japanese models that span various decades. The machines will be set on the show grid and be on public display throughout the day.

The Ride ‘Em Don’t Hide ‘Em Motorcycle Ride and Show will begin with a 50-mile ride in the picturesque Ohio countryside that surrounds the Mid-Ohio facility. After a lunch break, the bikes will return to Mid-Ohio where they will be parked on the show grid for judging. Motorcycles in this show must be 1989 or older and be mechanically sound enough to complete the 50-mile ride. (A tow vehicle is provided.) This show will also include categories for country of origin and decade.

Awards for both shows will be presented at 3 p.m.

“AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is about the people, the motorcycles and the competition that has shaped our motorcycling culture from the beginning,” Penton said. “The bike shows are a key ingredient to that mix, and we’re looking forward to seeing some stunning examples of motorcycle technology this year.”

In addition to the bike shows, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features various activities in celebration of Kawasaki as the 2011 Marque of the Year. These include displays, demo rides, seminars and autograph signings. Grand Marshal Jeff Fredette, a multi-time national and international off-road champion, will be on hand to reminisce and sign autographs, as well as compete in several vintage racing classes. Attendees will also have an opportunity to win a new Kawasaki Z1000 and a classic Z1, given away in a single raffle that benefits the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Held at the world-class Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days includes vintage and post-vintage competition in motocross, trials, hare scrambles, roadracing and dirt track. In addition to the bike shows, enthusiasts will enjoy North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, demo rides of current production bikes, motorcycling seminars, the new product Manufacturers’ Midway, and club corrals featuring marque and regional clubs. The Classic Club this year is the Aermacchi/Harley-Davidson Club.

Proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days benefit the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which is located on the campus of the AMA in Pickerington, Ohio. The mission of the Hall of Fame is to celebrate, elucidate and preserve the rich tradition of motorcycling in America. Its exhibits honor the distinguished men and women whose competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship have played a vital role in shaping the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Hall of Fame’s website at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

Tickets to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days can be purchased online at MidOhio.com. For more information about the event, visit AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

(NEWS RELEASE)

Athlete becomes the first Kawasaki rider to ever make the
podium at an AMA Pro Flat Track Half-Mile race

At Hagerstown Johnny Lewis became the first Kawasaki rider to ever make the podium at an AMA Pro Flat Track Half-Mile race. (Photo by Yve Assad of TheFastandDirty.com)

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (July 12, 2011) – It takes significant effort to put a professional racing program together, let alone build a brand-new custom race bike. Last season, Johnny Lewis and Mike Scott of Scott Powersports set out to develop a competitive AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Flat Track Championship GNC Twins race program using a Kawasaki Ninja 650 as a base. The ingenuity and work paid off this past Saturday night, July 9, when Lewis battled in the Hagerstown Half-Mile main, earning second place on his Scott Powersports/Triple J Racing/DR.D Kawasaki.

The Hagerstown Half-Mile finish recorded two firsts in the series’ history. While this marked the third podium for Lewis this season, it was his first GNC Twins podium. His previous best GNC Twins finish was fifth last month in Michigan. The podium finish was a victory of sorts after the extensive development work on the Scott Powersports’ Kawasaki 650. Second, this is the first podium for any Kawasaki rider – factory supported or privateer – in an AMA Pro Flat Track Half-Mile race.

Fans packed the stands at the Hagerstown Half-Mile on Saturday to watch America’s elite racers on the dirt oval. This was the largest and loudest crowd since the opening round in Daytona. Lewis reflected, “I have never heard that many fans cheer for me as I walked my number 10 Kawasaki to the starting grid for the main. It pumped me up for the race!”

Scott Powersports/Triple J Racing/DR.D’s Lewis went into the first practice at the Hagerstown Half-Mile with his back-up bike in order to look at various set-up options. He notched a top ten lap time. In the second practice he went to his primary bike and ran a similar time. After changing a few items, Lewis stayed with his primary Pit Posse-sponsored race bike for the final timed qualifying practice. He qualified in second and was fourth-tenths of a second faster than the previous outing.

In front of the enthusiastic Hagerstown Half-Mile crowd, Lewis was in the second heat race during the night program. He led for a few laps on his Penske Racing-suspended Scott Powersports’ Kawasaki before Bryan Smith passed him off turn two. Due to the different power band, Lewis’ bike was spinning harder than the traditional H-D flat trackers; however that would be an advantage later. At the checkers, he crossed in second earning a direct transfer to the main and a spot in the six-rider Dash for Cash.

More adjustments were made to his Scott Powersports’ 650 flat tracker when Lewis got to the line in his black custom AXO leathers for the Dash for Cash. He noticed a solid difference. At the finish, Lewis came across the line in third place.

Prior to the 25-lap main event, one more change was made to the bike. Off the line, Lewis got a great start on his TRX-sponsored Kawasaki and was running second behind the leader Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. He remained in second fending off any challengers during the first 18 laps. Then a crash by another rider red-flagged the main event. On the restart, Lewis spun the tire due to an overheating issue with his bike, moving back to fourth place. He was determined more than ever to take advantage of his riding style and the DR.D-sponsored Kawasaki 650 twin motor by battling for a podium spot. In the final seven laps, Lewis moved past the two riders and at the finish earned a hard-fought and well-deserved second place.

“On the warm-up lap before the main I tested a spot on the track I never rode,” said Lewis. “I realized it could be something to try during the main. Possibly a faster line. With only eight laps after the red flag restart in the main, I had to get by Jake Johnson and Jared Mees quickly to have anything for Coolbeth. So I tried my new line and it worked! It took me four laps to completely get in the clear of Jake and Jared to go back to my normal line. Once I did, Coolbeth had ten bike lengths on me. I had nothing for him. But man, I was super-pumped for the second place finish!”

Lewis continued, “This second place is like a win for us. The fans were so pumped up too. Many of them hung out at our pit area after the main checking out the bike and talking about the race. I invited fans to take photos with my second place trophy. This podium meant a lot to me, my wife Alysha, Mike and everyone involved in our program – to see the fans be into our result that much made it even sweeter!”

The Hagerstown Half-Mile finish moved Lewis up to sixth in the 2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Championship standings with 116, only three points from the top five.

Race fans head to the I-96 Half-Mile on Saturday, July 23 at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan, round 11 of the AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Flat Track Championship. Stop by the Scott Powersports pit to meet Lewis, watch flat track racing videos from this season courtesy of TheFastandDirty.com, and enter his JL10 Sponsor Giveaway drawing and get an autographed poster. Then, watch him at the Michigan track on his Scott Powersports/Triple J Racing/DR.D #10 Kawasaki 650 flat tracker in his custom AXO leathers. Keep up with Lewis on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lewis10 and his new website at www.lewis10.com.

About Johnny Lewis
Professional athlete Johnny Lewis of Coatesville, Pennsylvania has been competing in the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship (GNC) for the past two seasons, earning tenth during the 2010 season. The 2010 season was his first full year racing in both the Singles (short track and TT) and Twins (half-mile and mile) events. Prior to flat track, Lewis raced in the AMA Pro Supermoto Championship for three full seasons where he was the youngest to ever win in the Unlimited Class. He won many championships and races as an amateur dirt track competitor. In 2011, the 21 year-old Lewis will race the number 10 Scott Powersports/DR.D/Pit Posse/Monster Energy Honda CRF450F in AMA Pro Flat Track Singles events and the number 10 custom Kawasaki Ninja 650 flat tracker in AMA Pro Flat Track Twins races. Lewis would like to thank his sponsors that make the 2011 season possible: Scott Powersports, Dubach Racing Development (DR.D), Saddleman, Triple J Racing, Pit Posse, Monster Energy. AXO, Arai, Kicker Audio, K&N Filters, Matrix Concepts, Axis Designs, Silkolene, Penske Racing Shocks, Pro Moto Billet, Factory Box, Engine Ice, ALL Balls, Boyesen, TRX Fitness Anywhere, Myers Trucking, Metro Racing, FLUIDYNE, Violation Goggles, Victory Circle Graphics, Spider Grips, ActionSportsTV.com, and MotoPR. Visit www.lewis10.com to follow Johnny Lewis’ season.

About MotoPR
Detroit, Michigan-based Moto Public Relations, LLC (MotoPR) brings best practice public relations and marketing to action sports to increase public interest and corporate support. Our integrated services include public relations programming, media relations, media training, promotion development, social media, sponsorship acquisition and management, and event production. Visit us online at www.motopr.com.

Does the name Jim McMurren ring a bell with you? Probably not, but flat track fans and racers who were around the racing scene in Northern Illinois and Wisconsin during the 1960s know of Jim. He was a Grand National racer, yes, but also so much more. A rider, who along with his traveling buddy Sid Carlson, came from California every summer and set up camp around Chicago or Milwaukee and race the summer flat track circuit. Along the way Jim helped a lot of fellow racers and gained a large following of fans. Read his story here.

(NEWS RELEASE)

Thousand Oaks, California: Where brand is by choice, it was a great weekend for Pirelli and supplier CT RACING at the Infineon Raceway Round 5 of the AFM series, taking 14 wins and three podium sweeps in classes from liter bikes to little bikes.

In the Formula Pacific fast premier class, BMW rider Chris Siglin won with a last-lap pass, showing the consistency of Pirelli’s racing rubber. Siglin took the win with Pirelli Diablo Superbike Slicks: 120/70/17 SC2 front, and the new 200/60/17 SC1 rear. Siglin said, “The tire grip was incredible all weekend long. This win means a lot to me and my team and CT RACING. We’ve been working so hard all year long.”

Joey Pascarella won in 600 Superbike and 600 Production, while walking away from the field. Pascarella ran Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa DOT’s 120/70/17 SC2 and 180/55/17 SC1 for the first race, and the all-new Diablo Supercorsa 180/60/17 SC1 for his second win of the day, on his Jonblockphd.com Yamaha R6. Pascarella said, “My bike was hooked up and it showed. I felt really strong on the brakes and on the exits I could just pin it.”

Owner of Pirelli distributor CT RACING, Corey Neuer, said, “From last-lap passes to race-long domination, we had a great weekend. I’m so proud of everyone. The weekend started off great with a top-four sweep in Formula AFemme, with Christie Cooley getting the win. She’s really getting fast and I admire her performance this weekend, considering how she was seriously injured four weeks ago in a bicycle race and needed sixty stitches in her hip. She put all that behind her and raced great. Joey was incredible and simply dominated the 600 classes. And I can’t say enough about Chris Siglin; the kid works so hard. He trains and races hard. He has so much heart for this sport. Pirelli is constantly updating our tires and the results prove it with fast lap times and wins from 250cc to 1000cc motorcycles. Along with our loyal customers, I have to thank the AFM for running such a good series. I truly feel it’s the best run organization in the USA and one of the most competitive.”

Winning CT RACING\ Pirelli Riders:

Chris Siglin: 1st FP

Joey Pascarella: 1st 600 Superbike

Joey Pascarella: 1st 600 Production

Jason Lauritzen: 1st 750 Production

Dan Sewell: 1st 650 Production Twins

Kirk Korenko: 1st 250 Production, plus a Pirelli Podium sweep

Neil O’Reilly: 1st Formula 4

Neil O’Reilly: 1st 650 Twins

Max Caps: 1st Formula Singles

Christie Cooley: 1st Formula AFemme. Top four in class on Pirelli

Patrick Corcoran: 1st Formula 40 Heavyweight

Dan Sewell: 1st Formula 40 Lightweight. Top three on Pirelli

Greg Olson: 1st Clubman Middleweight

Charles Almy: 1st Clubman Lightweight

About CT RACING: CT RACING is the west coast distributor for Pirelli competition tires. For more information go to www.ctracetires.com

FMF Makita Suzuki’s Josh Strang captured his sixth podium finish of the season – out of a possible seven — at the 2011 Grand National Cross Country Series at the John Penton GNCC in Millfield, OH, on Sunday. With this third-place finish, Strang is now 14 points ahead of second place in the title chase of the XC1 bike class.  Read more here.