Rider Files

Ducati Team begins test at Mugello
The first day of a two-day test for the Ducati Team at the Mugello circuit started off rainy, keeping Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden in the garage for the morning. Read more.

Simón: “People like seeing an athlete who fights until the end.”
Blusens Avintia rider Julián Simón spoke with motogp.com ahead of the Catalunya Grand Prix, where last year he suffered a serious leg injury that put paid to his season, to get his thoughts on the imminent home race, and of course the dramatic ending at Le Mans. Read more.

(NEWS RELEASE)

James Stewart and Blake Baggett Capture Oakley Bomb Awards

Weimer passed 30 riders in the opening 450 Class moto. (Courtesy Simon Cudby)

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (May 23, 2012) – At last weekend’s season-opening round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, at Hangtown, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer embodied the never-give-up mentality that defines the Ricky Carmichael Hard Charger Award.

In the opening moto of the 450 Class, Weimer was struck with misfortune on the first lap of competition. As a result, he crossed the line in 40th place, dead last, making for a long start to the day. Rather than succumb to bad luck, Weimer fought back and passed six riders the very next lap. From there, the sophomore 450 Class rider put in a spirited ride, passing a total of 30 competitors en route to a 10th-place finish in the moto. A short time later, Weimer posted a sixth-place finish in the second moto to land a solid eighth-place overall finish.

By virtue of his relentless pursuit of a strong finish, Weimer is this week’s recipient of the RC Hard Charger Award, which will be given to him at the riders meeting prior to Saturday’s Miller Electric Freestone National, presented by Yamaha, in Wortham, Texas.

The Oakley Bomb Fastest Lap Program also kicked off at Hangtown, recognizing the 450 and 250 Class riders who lay down the quickest lap time of the day in timed practice. In the 450 Class, Team Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart began an impressive return to Lucas Oil Motocross competition by posting a time of 1:58.579 to give him a near two-second advantage over the field. In the 250 Class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett set the tone for a strong day by topping the charts with a 2:00.696, which garnered a half-second advantage over his competitors.

Stewart (7) and Baggett (12) posted the quickest practice laps in their respective classes. (Courtesy Simon Cudby)

Both Stewart and Baggett carried over the momentum they gained in practice into the respective motos for each class, posting duplicate 1-1 moto scores en route to their respective overall victories. Each rider was awarded the one-of-a-kind Oakley Bomb trophy and now have one point towards the season tally that will determined an overall winner in the Fastest Lap Program at season’s end.

This weekend’s Miller Electric Freestone National, presented by Yamaha, will take place on Saturday, May 26 from Freestone Raceway in Wortham, Texas. Action kicks off at 2 p.m. Eastern.

Tickets for all rounds of the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship can be found at www.allisports.com.

For additional information please visit AlliSports.com/motocross also, “like” the American Motocross Facebook page, “follow” @AmericanMX on Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content and information on the latest Lucas Oil Motocross news and developments.

For media information about the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, please contact MX Sports Pro Racing via email at media@mxsportsproracing.com.

MX Sports Pro Racing
MX Sports Pro Racing manages and produces the world’s most prestigious motocross series – the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. 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 Sports
Alli Sports, is an action sports lifestyle brand whose mission is to connect fans with athletes and brands through best in class events, media, and authentic branded products. Alli Sports includes: the Dew Tour, Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship and the Red Bull Signature Series; Alli Media, which creates, produces, and distributes original content; Alli RideShop, an online retailer carrying top skate and BMX consumer products; and Alli MotoShop an online retailer carrying top moto consumer products. Alli Sports is owned by NBC Sports. More information can be found at www.allisports.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.

NBC Sports Group
When the Comcast-NBCUniversal transaction was completed in January of 2011, the broad reach and storied history of NBC Sports united with Comcast’s 24/7 ability to super-serve fans to create the NBC Sports Group. The new sports media company consists of an array of broadcast television, cable television and digital sports assets, including NBC Sports & Olympics, Golf Channel, Versus, 11 SportNets (regional sports networks) and their respective websites. Together, the new combined assets of the NBC Sports Group possess an unparalleled collection of television rights agreements, partnering with some of the most prestigious sports properties in the world: the Olympics, NFL, NHL, PGA TOUR, PGA of America, USGA, IndyCar, Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, Wimbledon, French Open, Tour de France and Kentucky Derby.

FUEL TV
FUEL TV is the only cable and satellite television network that features the exciting world of adrenaline and thrill-seeking sports including UFC, surfing, motocross, snowboarding and more. This new generation of sports provides a rich landscape of some of the most vibrant and action-packed television entertainment in the world. With more hours of UFC coverage than any other network, FUEL TV is the place to be for live fights, weigh-ins, prelims, pre- and post-fight coverage, specials and events you won’t see anywhere else. See why adrenaline sports fans call FUEL TV the channel they never turn off. FUEL TV, part of FOX Sports Media Group, was launched July 1, 2003 and is seen in more than 36 million U.S. homes and can be accessed by broadband, mobile devices and other digital platforms such as iTunes®. FUEL TV programming is available in more than 50 countries around the world with 24/7 channels operating in Australia and Europe. To subscribe to FUEL TV, call 877-4 FUEL-TV. For program times and other information, visit www.fuel.tv.

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 Pro Motocross Championship.” Visit www.LucasOil.com.

(NEWS RELEASE)

AURORA, Ill. (May 23, 2012) – Feld Motor Sports® announced today that 22 of the world’s top 12-15 year-old Super-Mini Class racers will compete at the 2012 Monster Energy Cup at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium on October 20. As the defending Super-Mini Class Champion, Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo, of Port Orange, Fla., will automatically receive one of the 22 starting positions.

The 22 promoter’s-choice riders will represent the next generation of racers as they compete on the world’s biggest stage with 3.5 hours of live television coverage. Consisting of two, five-lap Main Events, the Super-Mini Class is a proving ground for aspiring amateurs to showcase their talent on a world-class stage.

“The Monster Energy Cup provides some of the top amateur riders a great opportunity to race on a big league stage,” said Ryan Holiday, motocross supervisor, Team Green Kawasaki. “The experience is great and it’s now an event that our team looks forward to each year. Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green was very fortunate to win both classes last year with Justin Hill and Adam Cianciarulo, so we will be looking to do the same this year.”

During last year’s Super-Mini Class Main Event, Cianciarulo swept both races en route to becoming the inaugural Monster Energy Cup’s Super-Mini Champion. Cianciarulo opened the first Super-Mini race with the holeshot and extended his lead with every lap. KTM’s Cooper Webb, of Newport, N.C., moved into second place on lap three after passing Kawasaki’s Blake Green, of Corona, Calif. Webb held on for second and Green finished third.

Cianciarulo started the second Super-Mini Main Event the same way he did the first one, leading wire-to-wire to earn the overall win. Webb worked his way through the field and into second place, where he would finish. Green finished third.

“It was an awesome race,” said Cianciarulo from the stage last year. “I got a good start, and tried to hold it. I had to make sure not to leave the inside open and not make any mistakes out there. I never thought I would win, especially on a track designed by the two guys that got me here.”

The remaining 21 promoter’s-choice riders will be announced shortly.

2011 Super-Mini Class Results

1. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (1-1)

2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (2-2)

3. Blake Green, Corona, Calif., Kawasaki (3-3)

4. Bradford Young, Delray Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (5- 4)

5. Mark Worth, Queen Creek, Ariz., Kawasaki (6-6)

6. Ashton Hayes, Rockford, Mich., Suzuki (7-8)

7. Justin Hoeft, Castaic, Calif., Suzuki (12-7)

8. Shelby Peterson, Fort Worth, Texas, Kawasaki (10-10)

9. Chase Marquier, Newcastle, Okla., Suzuki (9-12)

10. Andrew Pierce, Huffman, Texas, Kawasaki (4-18)

The 2012 Monster Energy Cup features an all-new track design inspired by five-time Supercross Class Champion Ricky Carmichael. The Carmichael-inspired track design will consist of supercross and motocross obstacles unlike any other racetrack design in the world. More than 200’ of the track will be built into the grandstands, and the riders exit the stadium and race through the Monster Energy Fan Zone outside of the stadium and through the pit area before they catapult back into the stadium. The Monster Energy Cup posts a $250,000 purse with the winner walking away with a $100,000 check, and any rider that wins all three Main Events will take home $1 million.

For more information on the Monster Energy Cup, log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com. For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305. To follow the Monster Energy Cup on Facebook and Twitter, log on to www.Facebook.com/VegasMECup and www.Twitter.com/VegasMECup.

Tickets for the 2012 Monster Energy Cup can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office, UNLVtickets outlets, online at www.UNLVtickets.com, www.MonsterEnergyCup.com, or by phone at (702) 739-FANS. Tickets will be available at the Sam Boyd Stadium Box Office on the day of the event only.

About Feld Motor Sports®
Feld Motor Sports®, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz®, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.

(NEWS RELEASE)

DeLong Looks to Secure Second XC2 Win of the Season

Morgantown, W. Va. (May 23, 2012) – Factory FMF/KTM’sKailub Russell recently secured his fourth win of the 2012 Can-Am GNCC Series, tying up the championship points lead with AmPro Yamaha’s Paul Whibley as the series heads into Round 7 this weekend. The Mountaineer Run GNCC adds yet another new venue to the schedule and it’s tough to say how the race day will unfold. One thing is for certain, Russell is on a roll this season and there isn’t much that can stand in his way at this point.

For the first time this year, Russell will wear the coveted reverse number plate combo—with red numbers and white backgrounds—aboard his KTM 350, but the honor will be shared with co-leader Whibley this weekend as the duo sits tied with 147 points. New Zealand’s Whibley has only won one race this season but the 2009 champ knows how important consistency is in the championship run, which is perhaps why he’s kept himself on the podium thus far.

Defending champion Charlie Mullins now trails the leaders in the overall standings but the Factory FMF/KTM rider hasn’t been far off pace all season. Mullins ran into a mechanical issue last round that caused him to finish eleventh place in the class, but he was able to gain points to stay within striking distance of Whibley and Russell. This season has been all about getting comfortable for Mullins and after switching bike models back and fourth, he’s beginning to get into his groove. New Zealand’s Rory Mead sits just behind Mullins for fifth place in the standings but Mead hasn’t been able to get a consistent string of finishes. Mead has one race win this season and the rest of his finishes trickle down to eleventh place.

Shenandoah Honda/Offroadchampion’s Thad DuVall and AmPro Yamaha’s Jordan Ashburn have made a mark on the XC1 division this season as they continue to finish up front. Ashburn secured his first podium finish in Round 6 and DuVall has been within an arm’s length away on several occasions, making for a cutthroat battle for the top positions in the overall standings.

KTM/Fly Racing/WPUSA/PG-backed Privateer Steward Baylor Jr. still holds a commanding lead over the rest of the XC2 Pro Lites field, but the young gun is no longer undefeated in his class. F.A.R Husky’s Andrew DeLong took the victory in Round 6, beating out Baylor and the rest of the XC2 field and taking his first win of the season. It’s still KR4 Performance’s Jason Thomas with second place in the overall standings, while Husaberg/RidePG.com-backed Jesse Robinson sits in third. Obermeyer Yamaha/Raines Riding University/Offroadviking.com’s Jedediah Haines and Brad Bakken round out the top five.

Spectator passes run $15 for the full weekend, with pro pit access and pro autographs at no additional charge. On Sunday, youth riders race at 8 a.m., amateurs and Women riders race at 10 a.m., and the top amateurs and the pros race at 1 p.m.

To get to the track, take I-68 Morgantown WV, Sabraton exit, take RT.7 east approx. 11 miles to Masontown, WV – make left at main pharmacy – follow signs 3 miles to Marvin’s Mountain Top. For more information, check out the official series website at www.GNCCRacing.com or call 304-284-0084.

About GNCC Racing:
The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series is America’s premier off-road racing series. Founded in 1975, the 13-round championship is produced exclusively by Racer Productions. Cross-country racing is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. The grueling three-hour GNCC races lead as many as 1,500 riders through tracks ranging in length from ten to 12 miles. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed and draw talent from all over the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised and airs every week on NBC Sports Network. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.

(NEWS RELEASE)

Gabe Phillps Guns for Fourth XC2 Win in His Home State

Morgantown, W. Va. (May 23, 2012) – The 2012 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series has been full of excitement with the addition of three new venues to the schedule, all of which add an all-new dynamic to the racing. The 13-round series makes its way to Masontown, W. Va. this Memorial Day weekend, May 26 and 27, for Round 7 of racing. The championship points chase is closer than ever before and the rocky hills of West Virginia could perhaps produce another first-time winner in the XC1 ATV division.

Precision/Moto X Perts/ITP/Lonestar/RG Motorsports’ Adam McGill is arguably the hometown favorite heading into this weekend’s Can-Am Mountaineer Run GNCC. The West Virginia native grew up in close proximity to the rocky terrain of Marvin’s Mountain Top. McGill has been the most consistent runner-up to Chris Borich’s panel of wins this season, but there’s no telling what a home court advantage could do in a two-hour battle through the wild and wonderful woods of West Virginia.

It’s still Maxxis/Yoshimura’s Chris Borich who leads the overall standings with five wins in the first six rounds. As a three-time champ already, Borich has a vast knowledge of race strategy and that almost always comes into play near the end of a two-hour cross-country race. Borich’s competitors are beginning to figure out his final lap race strategy and the racing has become more closely knit.

Ballance Racing Yamaha’s Taylor Kiser is the only other rider besides Borich to score a win this season and despite a couple rough finishes; Kiser only trails McGill’s second place by five points in the overall standings. Kiser doesn’t have to look far to find his rookie teammate Walker Fowler, who sits less than ten points back in the fourth place position. Fowler has encountered a few mechanical issues in his XC1 class debut, but consistent top five finishes have kept the young rider in the running. Pennsylvania’s Chris Bithell is also landing near his homeland this weekend as the Motoworks/Can-Am racer looks to snag his first win of the season this weekend. Like most of his competitors, Bithell has one bad finish on his record from Round 5 when he spent a majority of the race putting his chain back on the rails. The top five XC1 racers will be sure to put on a great show as they battle through a brand new course and venue this weekend.

JG Offroad/FRE/American Honda’s Brian Wolf currently sits in the sixth place position in the standings, heading a pack of five riders separated by less than five points. GBC/Cernics/HMF/Yamaha’s Johnny Gallagher, perhaps one of the most consistent racers on the front row right now, trails Wolf by only one point in the standings. Gallagher has another Yamaha rider hot on his heels and that is the Waynesburg Yamaha ride of Jeff Pickens, who has been involved in a heated battle with BNR’s Kevin Yoho all season long. The duo has traded finishes back and fourth quite often, but Yoho has especially stepped it up in the last few rounds of racing.

Bowers Motorcycle/Coastal National Guard/Yokley Racing’s Jarrod McClure has shown that he has the speed to run with the lead pack but the Pennsylvania boy continuously runs into mechanical issues on race day. McClure has put in two season-best fourth place finishes, in addition to a handful of not-so-desirable scores, putting him all the way back in tenth overall.

The XC2 Pro Am division has begun to take shape for Waynesburg Yamaha’s Gabe Phillips, who now holds three wins for the season heading into his home race in West Virginia. DeRising Racing’s Braden Henthorn still holds a three-point lead over Phillips with one win under his belt. Tireballs-backed Patrick McGuire still edges out DeRisi Racing’s Eric Hoyland for third place after Hoyland experienced mechanical issues at the last round. Greg’s ATV & Cycle’s Matt Hanna isn’t far behind as he secured his second podium finish last round.

Spectator passes run $15 for the full weekend, with pro pit access and pro autographs at no additional charge. On Saturday, youth riders race at 8 a.m., amateur racers and the top utility and Women riders race at 10 a.m., and the top amateurs and the pros race at 1 p.m. Special events at this weekend’s Mountaineer Run event include Round 3 of Side-by-Side racing, which kicks off at 4:30 p.m., and a special course will be designed for Pee Wee classes to race at 3:30 p.m. For more information on special events, please visit the event page HERE.

To get to the track, take I-68 Morgantown WV, Sabraton exit, take RT.7 east approx. 11 miles to Masontown, WV – make left at main pharmacy – follow signs 3 miles to Marvin’s Mountain Top. For more information, check out the official series website at www.GNCCRacing.com or call 304-284-0084.

About GNCC Racing:
The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series is America’s premier off-road racing series. Founded in 1975, the 13-round championship is produced exclusively by Racer Productions. Cross-country racing is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. The grueling three-hour GNCC races lead as many as 1,500 riders through tracks ranging in length from ten to 12 miles. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed and draw talent from all over the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised and airs every week on NBC Sports Network. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.

(NEWS RELEASE)

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association is pleased to announce that noted motorcycle racer Mary McGee will be the special guest at the 2012 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference in Carson City, Nev., July 26-29.

McGee, who lives near Carson City, will address the conference participants during the Saturday Night Celebration at Mills Park.

“Meeting Mary was an unforgettable experience,” said AMA Marketing Manager Tigra Tsujikawa. “Among other things, she is a pioneering woman who started roadracing a Honda CB92 in the United States in 1960. And in 1975, she rode her 250 Husqvarna solo in the Baja 500, zipping by 17 two-man teams. Mary McGee is an inspiration for any woman who rides, and we are honored to have her join us for the conference.”

Prior to entering the world of motorcycling, McGee enjoyed auto racing, driving cars that included Mercedes, Ferrari, Porsche and Jaguar. She bought her first motorcycle, a 1956 Triumph Tiger Cub, in 1957. Her next bike was a Honda C110 that she used to commute to her job as a parts manager for a foreign auto shop. In 1960, she started motorcycle roadracing, often switching back and forth between the auto and roadracing circuits. It wasn’t until legendary actor and racer Steve McQueen told McGee she needed to “get off that road bike and get out to the desert,” that she discovered her love of desert racing.

Now 75, McGee has not hung up her riding boots. She still races — and wins — in vintage competition. And, although she learned how to ride on her own, she has a different recommendation for today’s riders.

“Take a motorcycle safety training course and wear all the right gear,” she said.

For women who want to race, she has this advice: “If a woman is thinking about racing in any form, [she should] just do it! Get out and do it, you’ll find out it’s a lot of fun. The people are wonderful, it doesn’t matter how fast you go, and it will add to your life.”

The 2012 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference is the “must-do” summer event for women who ride. The four-day conference will feature a number of motorcycling seminars, the marketplace and Moto Action Center, the Friday Night Cookout and Saturday Night Celebration Party, and a Women’s Health Fair where women can get a variety of health screenings such as mammograms and cholesterol and blood pressure checks. Registrants also receive a conference t-shirt and gift bag.

The fee for AMA members to attend is $175 (through July 10), and registration for non-AMA members is $235. Attendees can register at: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=vw9ldxbab&oeidk=a07e5b2rc65a3dc83f3

Not an AMA member? At just $49 a year, the $60 savings off non-member conference registration pays for itself. AMA members receive 12 issues of American Motorcyclist magazine, get numerous money-saving member benefits on products and services, are eligible to participate in AMA-sanctioned events, and protect motorcycling by supporting the organization that fights for the right to ride and race. Plus, AMA Roadside Assistance is available at no additional charge to members who choose to autorenew.

Full conference details, as well as information about how to become an AMA member, are available at WomenandMotorcycling.com. Watch for updates on the conference Facebook page at Facebook.com/AMAWomenAndMotorcycling.

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 the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

OK, at this point I must admit I don’t know Hashtag from hashbrowns, but I signed up Rider Files on Twitter. Once I figure it all out I’m sure it will be cool to Tweet, Follow, Instagram and all that good stuff. So check us out.

@RiderFiles

(NEWS RELEASE)

Salt Lake City (Utah, USA), 23 May 2012 – In the wake of two fantastic races at Donington that saw five different riders and four different manufacturers vying for the win right down to the wire, the eni FIM Superbike World Championship is now heading towards the Utah high plains for the sixth of the 14 rounds in this year’s calendar. As is tradition, the two races will be held on Monday 28^th May, Memorial Day, in honour of the US Armed Forces, so first qualifying will take place on Saturday.

The production-based racing series arrives at Miller Motorsports Park, the safest and most modern circuit in north America. The facility was inaugurated in 2008 and is located around 40 kms from the centre of Salt Lake City, the capital of the state of Utah, not far away from the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats, the scene for the world land-speed record attempts made every year.

World Superbike has been the main event of the year in this area of the USA since its very first edition in 2008. The track measures 4.907 kms and on the long 1.1 km pit straight Superbike machines come close to 320 km/h (200 mph). In fact, the Miller circuit is expecting the 200 mph mark to be exceeded this time around as it has set up a ‘Quest for 200’ ticket prize draw competition for the general public. Judging by the astonishing top speed of 339.5 km/h reached on the long Monza straights by Tom Sykes on a Kawasaki, this particular record could quite easily be broken.

The US Round is always one of the most fascinating because Superbike was born and developed in the United States half-way through the 1970s, before gaining world championship recognition in 1988. The race actually appears to bring good luck all round as for the past three seasons the winners at Miller Motorsports Park have all gone on to become world champions that year.

The previous round in the UK did not change things at the top that much as Max Biaggi (Aprilia Racing), who has led the table since the opening race, the first and only one won by the former world champion this year, continues to lead. Biaggi won here two years ago on his way towards taking his 2010 world title.

Biaggi is the man in the cross-hairs of Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team), who as well as claiming four Tissot-Superpole wins out of five, dominated at Monza and the 26 year-old Brit is now just five points behind the leader. Each race of the 18 remaining (9 rounds) assigns 25 points to the winner so there is still much to play for.

A win at Donington for Jonathan Rea also put the Honda World Superbike Team rider back on track and the young man from Northern Ireland now has two wins to his name this year and is in third place, 20.5 points off the top slot. Miller could be a crossroads for Althea Racing’s title hopes as the 39 year-old from Spain, Carlos Checa, has always made the difference here, dominating both on a four-cylinder Honda (2008) and a twin-cylinder Ducati (2011). Checa, who has been on pole three times in 2008, 2010 and 2011, will again be going for the big win to make up the 23 points separating him from Biaggi.

Morale in the BMW Motorrad team is at an all-time high following Marco Melandri’s first historic win for the German manufacturer on the British circuit. The Italian is 31 points down on Biaggi, and is followed in turn by his team-mate Leon Haslam, their points haul and positions in the table seriously affected by the double elimination at the final hairpin at Donington.

Miller is also a happy hunting-ground for Sylvain Guintoli (Team Effenbert Liberty Racing Ducati) who scored his first Superbike podium here twelve months ago. The Frenchman then broke the winners’ ice two rounds back at Assen.

The FIXI Crescent Suzuki team has managed to recover the services of top draw rider John Hopkins in record time, the ever-popular American missing Donington due to the effects of his high-side at Monza. The team is also hoping a lot from Leon Camier, whose best results at Miller are two second places.

The uncertainty surrounding the eventual outcome of this year’s World Superbike races is sure to continue in the USA. It is worth mentioning that in the nine races held so far this season, there have been six different winners (Biaggi, Checa, Rea, Guintoli, Sykes and Melandri) on five different makes of bike: Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Honda and Kawasaki. Only Suzuki is yet to make the grade but the Crescent-Yoshimura combination are working hard to close the gap.

Points (after 5 of 14 rounds): 1. Biaggi 128.5; 2. Sykes 123.5; 3. Rea 108; 4. Checa 105.5; 5. Melandri 97.5; 6. Haslam 89; 7. Guintoli 85; 8. Laverty 65; 9. Giugliano 50; 10. Smrz 44.5; etc. Manufacturers: 1. Ducati 161.5; 2. Aprilia 139; 3. BMW 131; 4. Kawasaki 129.5; 5. Honda 112; 6. Suzuki 40.5.

John Ashmead stands atop the podium after the WERA Pro Formula USA race at Road Atlanta in May of 1993. Ashmead rode an N2 Racing Kawasaki ZX-7R Superbike to the overall victory with a 3-1 in the two F-USA legs. Ashmead beat out the 250GP bikes of runner up Chris D’Aluisio (right) who raced a Southwest Motorsports Yamaha TZ250 to 2-2 finishes, and Rich Oliver, who took third on his Performance South Yamaha TZ250 with a 1-4. Ashmead held the series lead after this race. Chuck Graves, who had a terrible weekend in this event with a mechanical DNF in race one and a jump-start penalty in leg two, came back to win that year’s F-USA Championship.

John Ashmead stands atop the podium after the WERA Pro Formula USA race at Road Atlanta in May of 1993. Ashmead rode an N2 Racing Kawasaki ZX-7R Superbike to the overall victory with a 3-1 in the two F-USA legs. Ashmead beat out the 250 Grand Prix bikes of runner up Chris D’Aluisio (right) who raced a Southwest Motorsports Yamaha TZ250, and Rich Oliver, who took third on his Performance South Yamaha TZ250. (Larry Lawrence photo)