This Week in Powersports Racing – The week of June 23, 2024

This week in US powersports racing.

Yamaha Racing Snowshoe: Motorcycle Race Report

SNOWSHOE, W.Va. (June 24, 2024) – Round nine of the 2024 Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC Racing) Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, Yamaha Racing Snowshoe GNCC, concluded on Sunday, June 23, 2024 with warm and sunny conditions throughout the day. The Snowshoe GNCC event continues to pay tribute to the Blackwater heritage as the race starts “in town” with riders lined up in groups of five on the main road. They start live-engine ever 10 seconds, and are time adjusted based off of what row they begin on.

As the green flag waved for row one, the top five in points took off from the main road towards the course. Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Steward Baylor would have a good start to the day as he came through leading the way on the opening lap, however, both Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing’s Jordan Ashburn and FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Johnny Girroir were right on his back tire. Girroir would battle past Ashburn and S. Baylor during the second lap of the race, but he would soon have a different Baylor brother behind him as Babbitts Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Grant Baylor made his way up to the front of the pack. G. Baylor would power past Girroir while out on the fourth lap of the race, and he would hold the lead position heading into the final lap of the race. As the last lap was underway, Girroir would battle it out with G. Baylor and make the pass for the lead. Girroir would put his head down and push as he had to gain over 10 seconds on G. Baylor at the finish or G. Baylor would win the overall with his time adjustment from starting on the second row. Girroir would cross the line and come across with just over 11 seconds ahead of G. Baylor, earning his fifth win of the season. G. Baylor would finish second overall and S. Baylor would round out the podium by finishing third overall on the day.

After batting back-and-forth for the duration of the race Ashburn would cross the line fourth overall on the day. Ashburn continues to sit fourth overall in the points standings as the GNCC Series heads into its summer break. Active Air/Max Motorsports/FXR/Husqvarna’s Evan Smith made his way up into the top five in the XC1 Open Pro as the white flag flew, indicating one more lap. Smith would continue to push and hold onto that top five position within the class and sixth overall on the day. FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Dante Oliveira would come through sixth in XC1 and eighth overall on the day after continuing to adapt to technical conditions presented to racers at Snowshoe. JS Sherco Racing’s Josh Strang would work his way up to seventh in the class after coming through 11th on the opening lap. Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Craig Delong started on the front row and would battle up in fourth for the first half of the race before finishing eighth in XC1. Coming through ninth in XC1 was Babbitts Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Lyndon Snodgrass, while AmPro Yamaha’s Ricky Russell rounded out the top 10 finishers in XC1.

As XC2 250 Pro competitor, FMF KTM Factory Racing Landers Grant Davis started on the first row, it would be hard to catch him for the remainder of the race as he continued to set a fast pace. Davis would steadily hold over a two minute lead on the rest of his competition for the duration of the race, and he would come through to earn his fifth XC2 class win of the season. Team Enduro Engineering’s Josh Toth and Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Thad Duvall would both have consistent days on the mountain as they held the second and third place positions in XC2 for the length of the race. In the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class it would be Kibuk Cycle/Steel City Medical Center/Josh Lojak’s House of Speed’s Sawyer Carratura battling throughout the course to earn his first class win of the season atop Snowshoe Mountain. After coming through third on the opening lap, Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing’s Jhak Walker would put his head down and push as he tried to catch the front of the pack. Walker was able to make his way into second with two laps remaining, and he would hold that position until the checkered flag waved. Devore/KTM/FXR/SRS Suspension’s Dakoda Devore rounded out the top three FMF XC3 class finishers on the day.

Earning the Top Amateur Honors at the Yamaha Racing Snowshoe GNCC was 250 A winner, Nicholas DeFeo as he came through in the 13th overall finishing position. Jason Tino was second on the Top Amateur podium as he finished second in 250 A, and he came through with a 17th overall finish. Will Sievenpiper was third on the Top Amateur podium as he came through to finish third in 250 A, along with his 19th overall finishing position.

As the morning race got underway, and the WXC class made their way through the course it would be Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Rachael Archer emerged first as they came into the timing and scoring zone on lap one. Archer would continue to hold the lead and place a gap over the rest of the field. As the checkered flag flew Archer would cross the line with over a minute lead. Finishing runner-up at Snowshoe was Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Korie Steede as she tried to battle back after some mistakes and crashes ultimately kept her away from catching Archer. Enduro Engineering/GASGAS/FXR Moto’s Shelby Turner would sit in third for the duration of the race and round out the top three WXC finishers at Snowshoe.

In the morning youth bike race it was Brody Amos coming through to earn the overall and YXC1 Super Mini Sr. (14-15) class win atop Snowshoe Mountain. Caleb Wood battled throughout and would end up second overall on the day, while Doc Smith rounded out the top three overall and in the YXC1 class.Travis Lentz continued his domination in the YXC2 Super Mini Jr. (12-13) class as he earned his ninth-straight win of the season. Hunter Carey took home the 85 Big Wheel (11-15) class win, while Ace Tokar earned the 85 (12-13) class win. In the 85 (11) class it was Wyatt Johnson coming through to take the win with Maverick Boyer would earn the 85 (7-10) class win. Hunter Jones would take home the 65 (10-11) class win, Tripp Lewis earned the 65 (9) class win and Daxton Mullins earned himself the 65 (7-8) class win at round nine. In the Girls Super Mini (12-16) class it was Jayden Shea earning the win, while Sahara Robinson earned her eighth win in the Girls 85 (7-13) class and Paisley Harris would take the Girls 65 (7-11) class win. In the Trail Rider class, it was Camden Phillips earning the class win.

The AMSOIL Moto Hero was given to George Murphy who joined the Marine Corps in 1977 as a Teletype Operator. In the early 80’s George was instrumental in developing the strategy of deploying and supporting computers in battlefield situations. He wrote many operating manuals, which have just recently been replaced. Like the words of the Marines Hymn, George served in every clime and place from Norway to the far east of Europe and everywhere in between. Among his accomplishments, he coordinated and established communications and intelligence infrastructure for Operation Deny Flight over Bosnia, established a mobile command post for the 1^st Marine Division during Desert Storm and connected Marines around the globe to the Internet and classified Military network. George retired a Gunnery Sergeant from Quantico, VA where he managed the Marine Corps Network Operations Center. George is the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal, Naval Commendation Medal, Naval Achievement Medal with Silver Star, Artic Service, Sea Service Deployment with three bronze stars, National Defense Service Medal, US Coast Guard Unit Commendation, Saudi Arabia Medal for Liberation of Kuwait, Kuwait Liberation Medal from Kuwait, Navy Unit Commendation, Southeast Asia Service with two Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medal with multiple stars.Catch GNCC Pro ATV and Motorcycle Racing free via RacerTV.com all season long. Pro ATV Racing starts Saturday’s at 2pm ET, with the exception of Big Buck, Snowshoe and Ironman events where they will start at 1pm ET. GNCC Pro Motorcycle Racing will begin at 1pm ET on Sunday’s.For more information on the GNCC series, visit the official website at www.gnccracing.com or call (304) 284-0084. Join the conversation on the series Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #GNCC.Facebook: @gnccracingInstagram: @gncc_racingTwitter: @gnccracingYouTube: @racertv

Yamaha Racing Snowshoe GNCC Results and Points Standings
Snowshoe, West Virginia
Round 9 of 13
Sunday, June 23, 2024XC1 Pro Event Results:Jonathan Girroir (KTM)Grant Baylor (KAW)Steward Baylor (KAW)Jordan Ashburn (GAS)Evan Smith (HQV)Dante Oliveira (KTM)Josh Strang (SHR)Craig Delong (HQV)Lyndon Snodgrass (KAW)Ricky Russell (YAM)*Overall National Championship Standings:Jonathan Girroir (237)Steward Baylor (194)Grant Davis (146)Jordan Ashburn (144)Craig Delong (128)Grant Baylor (125)Angus Riordan (105)Michael Witkowski (92)Evan Smith (81)Dante Oliveira (77)*Indicates that the Overall National Championship Standings will determine the 2024 National Champion.XC2 250 Pro Event Results:Grant Davis (KTM)Josh Toth (HON)Thad Duvall (KAW)Cody Barnes (HON)Angus Riordan (KTM)Brody Johnson (BET)Toby Cleveland (HQV)Jason Lipscomb (BET)Collier Martinez (HON)Henry Symanski (YAM)XC2 250 Pro Series Standings:Grant Davis (246)Angus Riordan (209)Liam Draper (151)Cody Barnes (139)Thad Duvall (131)Josh Toth (118)Brody Johnson (114)Jason Lipscomb (109)Toby Cleveland (105)Ruy Barbosa (94)

Consistency Counts for Josh Roper and Maddie Hoover in Sequatchie MotoTrials

Another consistent weekend out for GASGAS USA Factory Trials Team resulted in a collection of podium finishes across Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2024 AMA/NATC MotoTrials USA National Championship Series in Sequatchie, Tennessee.

GASGAS USA Factory Trials Team continues podium surge
Josh Roper places P3 on both days to continue Pro Class podium run
1-2 results a repeat for defending Women’s champion Maddie Hoover

Staged at the Trials Training Center, Saturday saw Josh Roper power his GASGAS TXT GP 300 to third position on the Pro Class podium, which he repeated on Sunday with another P3 result. Roper gradually gained strength throughout the weekend, minimising his mistakes on Sunday and once again in challenging, warm conditions.

Josh Roper: “Saturday went pretty good. Overall, I wouldn’t say it was my best day, but it wasn’t my worst day. There were definitely some solid rides, and then there were some rides that had me asking myself ‘Why did I put my foot down?’ [laughs]. It’s hard to be perfect in trials. Overall, I’m really happy with how the sections turned out. And then Sunday was pretty good. I think the sections were a bit easier today, but they were still very easy to make mistakes in. That happened to me on my first lap – I just had a couple of points here and there, all silly ones and twos. Then I had a five on section 11 that was unnecessary that I didn’t need… the second and third loop went much much better. I was pretty exhausted, still pretty tired, but managed to push through it. I feel like my riding got better throughout the weekend and I felt much better on the bike today.”

Defending Women Pro Champion Maddie Hoover replicated her results from the first rounds of the season in going 1-2 across Saturday and Sunday. She rode her GASGAS TXT GP 300 to the victory in Round 3, before title rival and fellow GASGAS trials standout Kylee Sweeten won Round 4 and bumped Maddie back to P2.

Maddie Hoover: “It started out a little shaky on the first lap on Saturday, where I had an unfortunate five, but ended up on a two-point lap for the last loop, which I’m pretty happy with. It was pretty technical and the sections were pretty short, but plenty of room for mistakes. It just felt good to be back to where I felt like I was riding my best in Round 3 – I felt very well-conditioned and the riding really suited my style. Sunday went okay. I had some good rides, but unfortunately, I had too many mistakes, so it cost me in the end. The sections changed quite a bit throughout the day, and I don’t think they were the same each time each rider was going through, which was unfortunate. Only being two points off isn’t too bad, but still not what we were going for – obviously we wanted the win. Congratulations to Kylee though, she rode phenomenally, and a two-point loop is incredible. I guess we’re going to have a battle this year!”

Pro Class Results – Round 3

1. Pat Smage, Sherco
2. Toby Martyn, Montesa
3. Josh Roper, GASGAS USA Factory Trials Team

Women Pro Class Results – Round 3

1. Maddie Hoover, GASGAS USA Factory Trials Team
2. Kylee Sweeten, GASGAS

Pro Class Results – Round 4

1. Pat Smage, Sherco
2. Toby Martyn, Montesa
3. Josh Roper, GASGAS USA Factory Trials Team

Women Pro Class Results – Round 4

1. Kylee Sweeten, GASGAS
2. Maddie Hoover, GASGAS USA Factory Trials Team

Source: GASGAS

Robinson Defeats Daniels in Bridgeport Thriller

Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) served up a timely reminder that remains a genuine contender for this season’s Grand National Championship with an inspired performance in the Arai Bridgeport Half-Mile presented by Drag Specialties, Round 8 of the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.

And his victory at Bridgeport Speedway in Swedesboro, New Jersey, couldn’t have come under much more demanding circumstances, with Mission AFT SuperTwins title leader Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) breathing down his neck and desperate to fight through after charging his way forward the bottom of the top ten.

Earlier, Daniels had made quick work of a big swath of riders to slot ahead of Briar Bauman (No. 3 Rick Ware Racing/KTM/Parts Plus KTM 790 Duke) and into fourth. Meanwhile, Robinson was busy clearing off in front as Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Ohio Indian FTR750) and Jared Mees (No. 1 Rogers Racing/SDI Racing/Indian Motorcycle FTR750) scraped it out for second.

Once Daniels worked past Vanderkooi, he and Mees prodded each other forward, closing the gap back to first position in the process. Mees would eventually fall off that chase, but Daniels would not. He successfully reeled in Robinson and then slung his Estenson Racing Yamaha into first with approximately half of the Main Event still to go.

However, in his bid to break free in first, Daniels ran wide, providing Robinson with a golden opportunity to reclaim the position. Daniels proceeded to stalk the Mission Roof Systems rider from that point forward, but his intended quarry had an answer for every late-race attempt to snatch away the win.

Robinson’s triumph saw him become the first premier-class rider to claim a third win this season just as it reached its halfway point. It also catapulted him ahead of Mees and into second in the points, some 14 back of title leader Daniels (170-156).

Robinson, who originally hails from nearby Oxford, Pennsylvania, said, “This is awesome. That’s the stuff dreams are made of right there. It’s just awesome to have my parents, my grandparents, my mother-in-law, my wife’s family, and all our friends here. That means the world to me. This win is my favorite right now. A super huge thank you to Jerry Stinchfield with Roof Systems and Juan Gonzalez at Mission Foods. Without those guys, this program wouldn’t be possible… Third win of the season? Let’s keep this ball rolling.”

Mees managed to hold off Bauman to earn the final spot on the podium despite still riding at less than 100% after getting beaten up in a mountain bike crash suffered a little over a week earlier.

Vanderkooi was a late-race DNF, allowing Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) to break into the top five.

He was followed by Brandon Price (No. 92 Memphis Shades/Corbin/OTBR Yamaha MT-07), rookies Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Mission Foods/Zanotti Racing Indian FTR750) and Declan Bender (No. 70 GOMR/BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750), and Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing Mission Foods KTM 790 Duke).

Tenth place went to Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), who added a second top-ten result to his stint with Royal Enfield after earning the squad its first premier-class podium last weekend.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

There was hardly a moment to catch a breath while witnessing the latest masterpiece of double defending Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champion Kody Kopp (No. 1 Rick Ware Racing/Parts Plus KTM 450 SX-F) take shape under the lights of Bridgeport Speedway.

Returning to a venue where he finished outside the top five a year ago, Kopp once again looked more like an interested observer than a potential winner for a significant portion of the contest. While the Rick Ware Racing ace spent much of his race swapping position with Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) over third, last year’s winner, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), traded haymakers and handlebars with Chase Saathoff (No. 88 JPG Motorsports Honda CRF450R) as they waged war for first.

But with two minutes remaining, Kopp turned up the heat and closed in on that fight. He then made his move to steal away the lead with less than a minute remaining and carried that momentum forward to a 0.703-second margin of victory over runner-up Drane.

The win was not only Kopp’s third in succession, it was the 20th of his Progressive AFT career, handing him sole possession of the all-time victory mark in the category.

He said, “That’s why we train through the week because that’s the hardest I’ve ever pushed on a flat track bike. I had a big moment when I was back in third watching Tom and Chase duke it out, and they were going at it. I thought I had no chance. I had a big moment and almost highsided. But this one is huge to come from that far back. Wow. Big thanks to my dad for always being there. This is an awesome one to get 20 career wins. And thanks to everyone behind me. This one means a lot to them and to me.”

Saathoff finished third less than a second off the win, while Ott and Lowe settled into fourth and fifth respectively after factoring into the podium mix until the waning stages of the race.

Logan Eisenhard (No. 66 Hannum’s Harley-Davidson KTM 450 SX-F) registered his third finish of sixth or better, while Tyler Raggio (No. 55 Raggio Racing/Sluggo Racing KTM 450 SX-F), Hunter Bauer (No. 24 Vinson Construction/American Harley-Davidson Yamaha YZ450F), Aiden RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust/ATV’s and More Yamaha YZ450F), and Tarren Santero (No. 75 Vinson Construction/P&M Motorcycles Honda CRF450R) completed the top ten.

The rolling Kopp now boasts a commanding 33-point advantage over Saathoff (183-150) in his quest for an unprecedented third Parts Unlimited AFT Singles crown. Drane is another three points back in third with 147.

FIFTH VICTORY OF SEASON 2024 SEES JOHNNY GIRROIR STAND TALL AT SNOWSHOE GNCC

Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series leader Johnny Girroir delivered his fifth victory of the 2024 season with FMF KTM Factory Racing at today’s Snowshoe GNCC, further establishing himself at the top of the points table entering the summer break. FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers rider Grant Davis did likewise in the XC2 250 Pro Class.

Girroir made a steady start from the front row of the traditional GP-style start on the pavement and completed the opening lap in third position, navigating the dry, dusty conditions. He led laps two and three, before ultimately taking control on the final lap when a late sprint enabled him to seal the win by a small margin of 6.941 seconds on his KTM 350 XC-F.

With podium results at all nine rounds to date this year, inclusive of five victories, Girroir has built a commanding 43-point lead in the overall and XC1 Open Pro Class point standings with four rounds remaining.

FMF KTM Factory Racing also welcomed Dante Oliveira – filling in for last year’s race winner Ben Kelley – to the Snowshoe GNCC this weekend, adapting to the technical conditions at elevation and gaining comfort throughout the race’s duration on his way to sixth in the XC1 Open Pro Class at the West Virginia resort.

Johnny Girroir: “It came down to within seconds and that was a good race! With two and a half laps to go, Grant [Baylor] came by me and I knew I had to get going, then he made a couple of mistakes and I was able to sneak back by – that was gnarly! It was fast and technical today, took a lot of physical energy with the higher speeds in the dry conditions. I hit the ground once, but other than that, it was a solid race for me.”

XC2 250 Pro Class points leader Davis also started strongly from the front row of the GP grid, leading all five laps and bringing his KTM 250 XC-F home almost three minutes ahead of the chasing pack. He now has a 37-point advantage in the standings over FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers teammate Gus Riordan, who was P5 at Snowshoe.

Grant Davis: “I started pretty well and then had to shake off some arm-pump, but we were able to finish strong and I am stoked to get my third win in a row, which is my fifth of the season. That was a big result for us at Snowshoe going into the break, so I look forward to keeping things going when we start up again.”

FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers WXC contender Brandy Richards finished fourth in the Snowshoe Mountains on her KTM 250 XC-F, maintaining third position in the standings. The GNCC Series will continue with the Buckwheat 100 in Newburg, West Virginia, on September 1.

XC1 Open Pro Class Results
1. Johnny Girroir, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Grant Baylor, Kawasaki
3. Steward Baylor Jr, Kawasaki
6. Dante Oliveira, FMF KTM Factory Racing
8. Craig DeLong, Husqvarna

XC2 250 Pro Class Results
1. Grant Davis, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers
2. Joshua Toth, Honda
3. Thaddeus Duvall, Kawasaki
5. Angus Riordan, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers

WXC Class Results
1. Rachael Archer, Kawasaki
2. Korie Steede, Husqvarna
3. Shelby Turner, GASGAS
4. Brandy Richards, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers

UPCOMING OFFROAD RACES – JUNE 2024
6/29: Silver Kings Hard Enduro

KORIE STEEDE ON THE WXC PODIUM AGAIN WITH SECOND AT SNOWSHOE GNCC

A runner-up result continued Korie Steede’s fine form in Round 9 of the 2024 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series, as defending XC1 Open Pro Champion Craig DeLong claimed eighth position in class on Sunday.

Conditions were technical with dry, rocky terrain greeting riders, which made for a faster layout than usual this weekend. For Steede, finishing P2 on her Husqvarna Motorcycles FX 250 marked a third-straight podium and she’s also second in the standings, 18 points outside of the lead entering the summer break.

“I was doing good until we got to the other side of the mountain and I made it hard on myself, made some big mistakes and had some crashes,” Steede reflected.“Today isn’t exactly how I wanted it to go, but I’m pumped to finish second and I think this is the best I’ve ever done at Snowshoe. I really wanted that win – we’re getting closer! I’m proud of the team and where we’re at.”

After starting from the front row off the pavement in the unique GP-style start located at the center of the resort village, DeLong featured inside the top-five during the opening laps, equipped with the Husqvarna Motorcycles FX 450.

DeLong eventually took the checkered flag in eighth position following near three hours of action in demanding conditions, and sits fourth in the XC1 Open Pro standings. The GNCC Series will continue with the Buckwheat 100 in Newburg, West Virginia, on September 1.

XC1 Open Pro Class Results
1. Johnny Girroir, KTM
2. Grant Baylor, Kawasaki
3. Steward Baylor Jr, Kawasaki
6. Dante Oliveira, KTM
8. Craig DeLong, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

WXC Class Results
1. Rachael Archer, Kawasaki
2. Korie Steede, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
3. Shelby Turner, GASGAS
4. Brandy Richards, KTM

Namura Technologies Embarks on First Year of Support of Pro Motocross Championship

MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc., has welcomed the newest sponsorship partner of the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, in Namura Technologies, Inc. The Minnesota-based company is an aftermarket engine component manufacturer of pistons, rings, gaskets, connecting rods, and bearings for powersports vehicles.

“From day one, our goal has been to revolutionize the aftermarket sector for motocross, ATV, and PWC segments by offering engine components that excel in quality, performance, and value,” said Ewa Johnson, Sales & Marketing Manager, Namura Technologies. “Over the years our product range has grown extensively, from our initial focus on pistons and gaskets to becoming a comprehensive brand offering everything needed for a top-end rebuild. Over the past two decades we have carefully paid attention to market trends, customer input and focused on innovation to reach our current position.

“With the overall brand success and infinite growth, we’re thrilled to contribute to the sport by reaching this significant milestone of officially joining the motocross community as one of the sponsors of the Pro Motocross Championship for the first time.”

Established in 2001, Namura has pushed the envelope of conventional standards to provide advancements in manufacturing, which ultimately has allowed the company to provide superior engine component products and pistons to consumers. Thanks to its cost-effective pricing, Namura has seen a continued expansion into the powersports aftermarket thanks to its vast distributor network that has made its products available in dealerships across the country. With established partnerships with various competitors in the Pro Motocross paddock, Namura’s step into series support is a logical progression of the company’s continued growth within the industry.

“We’re excited to welcome Namura Technologies as an esteemed partner of the Pro Motocross Championship,” said Davey Coombs, President, MX Sports Pro Racing. “The state of Minnesota has played an integral role in the legacy of this championship as the Spring Creek National is one of the crown jewels on the racing calendar, not to mention legendary competitors from the state like Ryan Dungey, Donny Schmit, and, of course, the Martin brothers, Alex and Jeremy. Namura is the latest addition to the state’s rich history in the sport and we’re grateful for their support.”

The 2024 Pro Motocross Championship is nearing its halfway point, with Round 5 of the summer set to bring the world’s fastest racers to the legendary sands of The Wick 338 in Southwick, Massachusetts, for the Crestview Construction Southwick National on June 29. Tickets for Southwick and the remaining rounds can be purchased by visiting www.ProMotocross.com.

Suzuki Motor USA Continues Extended Manufacturer Support of Pro Motocross Championship

MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc., has announced the continuation of the extended manufacturer partnership with Suzuki Motor USA, LLC, with the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. The celebrated Japanese manufacturer has been a mainstay in American motocross, having competed in the championship since its inception in 1972 and now building upon an impressive legacy surrounding its RM-Z line of motorcycles.

“As the Motorsports Manager at Suzuki Motor USA, I take pride in our unwavering commitment to the Pro Motocross Championship,” said Chris Wheeler, Motorsports Manager, Suzuki Motor USA. “Our continued support and OEM partnership are a testament to our dedication to the sport and its athletes and we are looking forward to even more great racing this summer.”

With more than a half-century of competition under its belt, Suzuki’s decades of success on the racetrack have made it one of the most decorated manufacturers in Pro Motocross history. Its maiden championship in 1975 with Tony DiStefano kicked off the three-year reign of dominance that saw the Pennsylvania native secure a three-peat of 250cc titles with the brand. Just a couple years later in 1980, Suzuki was once again on top, sweeping the 250cc and 125cc championships with Kent Howerton and Mark Barnett, respectively. Through the first decade of Pro Motocross, no manufacturer had captured more titles than Suzuki, with a combined nine championships across the 125cc, 250cc, and 500cc divisions, which cemented the brand’s legacy for the years that followed.

240626 Shane McElrath (12) and Kyle Chisholm (11) spearhead Suzuki's 450 Class

Shane McElrath (12) and Kyle Chisholm (11) spearhead Suzuki’s 450 Class efforts
at Twisted Tea Suzuki Presented by Progressive Insurance
Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

All told, Suzuki has amassed 18 total championships over 52 seasons of the Pro Motocross Championship and more than 180 combined victories. The list of riders that have competed for the brand is littered with AMA Hall of Famers, including the likes of DiStefano, Howerton, and Barnett, as well as the “G.O.A.T.” Ricky Carmichael, Ryan Dungey, Danny LaPorte, Mike LaRocco, Travis Pastrana, James Stewart, and Marty Smith, with Kevin Windham soon to join them as a member of the Class of 2024. Other Suzuki legends over the years include Greg Albertyn, Guy Cooper, George Holland, Erik Kehoe, Broc Hepler, Branden Jesseman, and Chad Reed, who is also one day destined for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

“And we can’t forget about New Jersey legend Barry Carsten, who owns the record for Pro Motocross starts on Suzuki motorcycles, with a remarkable 164 starts between 1989 through 2008,” stated Davey Coombs, President, MX Sports Pro Racing. “In fact, Carsten made more starts on a Suzuki than any rider has on any other brand.

“Suzuki has long been one of the pillars of competing OEMs in the Pro Motocross Championship, with a celebrated legacy packed with championships and race wins from some of the sport’s most iconic figures,” Coombs continued. “The RM line of motorcycles has amassed an incredible following amongst enthusiasts, and the RM-Z remains one of the most formidable motorcycles on the starting gate. We are grateful for the many years of support the brand has provided the series and congratulate them on their decades of success on Pro Motocross racetracks.”

240626 Toyota Redlands BarX Suzuki contests both the 450 Class and 250 Class

Toyota Redlands BarX Suzuki contests both the 450 Class and 250 Class
with a lineup of establish and up-and-coming talent.
Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

The 2024 season is highlighted by factory-supported efforts from two teams, with H.E.P. Motorsports spearheading the manufacturer’s 450 Class effort with Twisted Tea Suzuki Presented by Progressive Insurance with riders Kyle Chisholm and Shane McElrath, along with Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki and the highly anticipated return of two-time Pro Motocross Champion Ken Roczen, who captured the 2016 crown with the brand. Additionally, Toyota Redlands BarX Suzuki features a pair of 450 Class entries with Derek Drake, who is on the mend from injury, and Max Miller, along with an up-and-coming lineup of 250 Class talent featuring Preston Boespflug, Dilan Schwartz, and Leo Tucker.

SOUNDS GREAT: Rockford Fosgate Now A Sponsorship Partner For MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing championship, is pleased to announce that audio innovators Rockford Fosgate is now a sponsorship partner of the 2024 MotoAmerica Championship.

Rockford Fosgate is a premier global leader in audio innovation, design, and engineering with a goal of transcending boundaries and offering unparalleled audio experiences across car, marine, motorsports, and motorcycle applications.

“Our activation with MotoAmerica is an extension of our commitment to motorcycle enthusiasts who, more than most, understand the diversity of the journey,” said Zach Luke, Managing Director of Rockford Fosgate. “This partnership solidifies our position as the premier motorcycle audio brand and gives us another authentic platform to share, expose, and reinforce our brand and products with. This is the community we live in and that’s something we don’t take for granted.”

Rockford Fosgate sells complete motorcycle audio solutions that include speakers, source units, amplifiers and more. Rockford Fosgate is also featured as the factory-installed systems on several 2024 Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

“We’re pumped to have Rockford Fosgate onboard for this season,” said Lance Bryson, MotoAmerica’s Director of Sponsorship. “Rockford Fosgate is the premier name in audio brands, and its motorcycle sound systems are next level over any other sound system previously offered through Harley-Davidson. The clarity of the Rockford Fosgate system over 65 mph is fantastic. We’re looking forward to having them involved in the current MotoAmerica season and many more to come.”

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