Returning 2021 Kawasaki KLX and KX Off-Road Models Announced

Kawasaki announced its lineup of KLX and KX off-road motorcycle returning for 2021. The 2021 KLX line will consist of the KLX230R and KLX140R (including the L variant with larger wheels), but not the KLX110 that was offered in 2020. The 2021 mini KX motocross line will include the KX100, KX85 and KX65. All returning models are unchanged from last year, save for updated graphics.

Begin Press Release:


2021 KAWASAKI KLX® MODEL RANGE

GET OUT AND PLAY

The Kawasaki KLX® family of off-road motorcycles are widely popular for their low maintenance, easy-to-ride character, and incredible capabilities while on trails. The three models consist of two engine configurations and are built to suit a variety of riders.

The KLX®230R off-road motorcycle has been purpose-built for serious fun in the dirt; with priority placed on both its engine and frame design. It was designed and built to be a lightweight and easily maneuverable motorcycle for a broad range of riders. A powerful 233cc fuel-injected, air-cooled four-stroke engine utilizes an electric starter and keyless ignition, and has been paired with a reliable, easy-to-use smooth-shifting six-speed transmission and manual clutch. The KLX230R comes equipped with full-size off-road wheels and tires, using a 21” front and 18” rear, and long travel suspension for optimal ground clearance.

The KLX®140R motorcycle is available in two model variations and is designed to provide a natural terrain experience with memories to last a lifetime. The powerful 144cc, four-stroke, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine features an electric starter and keyless ignition. Its broad and smooth high-revving 144cc engine utilizes a manual clutch and five-speed transmission to offer an efficient and user-friendly feel. The KLX140R uses a 17” front and 14” rear wheel, while the mid-sized KLX®140R L motorcycle is equipped with a 19” front and 16” rear wheels to accommodate taller riders, providing extra ground clearance.

Model Variations

KAWASAKI KLX®230R

Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $4,399
Availability: July 2020













KAWASAKI KLX®140R

Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $3,149
Availability: Now








KAWASAKI KLX®140R L

Color: Lime Green
MSRP:
Availability: Now



2021 KAWASAKI KX™ MINI MOTOCROSS LINEUP

WHERE FUTURE MOTOCROSS STARS GET THEIR START

The Kawasaki KX™ mini motocross lineup is ingrained with a long list of successes that has stemmed from building champions since the start. The entire lineup returns for 2021 with models to build future champions.

The Kawasaki Team Green™ racing team has been the dominant force in amateur racing for nearly 40 years, providing contingency and trackside support to racers. As a result, Kawasaki has relied on the aspiring young stars to provide input and to help develop winning products across its lineup.

Utilizing the Team Green Racing program, a trackside support system consisting of local, regional, and amateur motocross and off-road events across the country has been put in place. There, Kawasaki technicians and race transporters can be found with critical parts and technical assistance to all riders.

KAWASAKI KX™100

Despite its smaller stature, the powerful 99cc two-stroke engine in the 2021 KX™100 motorcycle resembles the jaw dropping “big bike” look of its larger KX counterparts, while maintaining its ability to outperform the competition. Designed using the same championship winning technology as Kawasaki’s full-size motocross models, an adjustable ERGO-FIT® handlebar mounting system allows for riders to place themselves in the best ride position. Backed by winning performance from Kawasaki Team Green, the KX100 has been a natural step for the riders who are looking to make the transition from the 85cc class to a full-size motocross bike.

Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $4,649
Availability: Now








KAWASAKI KX™85

The 2021 KX™85 motorcycle defines a “big bike in a small package” and has been strategically developed to meet the standards of youth racers searching for the upper hand over the competition. Embedded with the performance and winning technology of the KX lineup, the KX85 relies on its instantaneous power, nimble handling, and factory-race inspired styling to reach the checkered flag first.

The two-stroke, single cylinder 85cc engine is equipped with the highly advanced KIPS® powervalve system that generates an easy-to-use wide-spread powerband. Championship performance requires power and reliability, which is exactly why the KX85 stands above the competition.

Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $4,399
Availability: Now








KAWASAKI KX™65

The 2021 KX™65 is the most compact bike in the Kawasaki KX lineup, built to serve as the machine of choice for aspiring motocross racers driven to follow in Kawasaki’s championship footsteps. The durability and reliability the KX models are known for creating a dependable platform for starting off in racing. Featuring a six-speed transmission, race-ready engine, strong stopping power, and superb handling, the KX65 grooms champions.

Its liquid-cooled, two-stroke 65cc engine and light weight chassis delivers strong controllable power and exceptional handling that results in the ultimate recipe for winning races. The 33mm front forks and four-way adjustable rebound damping are capable of performing at the highest level in aggressive terrain, while the rear is fitted with Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak® single-shock system with adjustable rebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload.

Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $3,749
Availability: Now








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Japanese Grand Prix also cancelled

No Motegi MotoGP in 2020

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has obliged the cancellation of the Japanese MotoGP event which was set to take place from the 16th to the 18th of October at the Twin Ring Motegi.

The home of MotoGP manufacturers Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki, Japan is vital to the global presence and success of MotoGP.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports

“It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of the Motul Grand Prix of Japan at the very unique Motegi circuit, meaning we will not have a Japanese Grand Prix on the calendar for the first time since 1986. The MotoGP family is working very hard to be able to re-start the racing season and hold as many events as possible, and in the safest way possible. For this reason, the FIM and Dorna, in consultation with IRTA and MSMA, have decided that, until mid-November, MotoGP will remain in Europe to do as many European MotoGP events as we are able to. Therefore, overseas events, if at all possible, should be scheduled after mid-November – which would be too late in the year for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan to be held. For this reason it has been decided, in consultation with Mobilityland, that the Motul Grand Prix of Japan cannot be held in 2020. I very much thank Mobilityland for the support given to MotoGP. On behalf of Dorna, I would also like to thank all the fans for their understanding and patience as we wait for the situation to improve. We very much look forward to returning to Motegi next year.”

The iconic Twin Ring Motegi has been on the calendar since 1999 and the FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports very much look forward to returning to race at the venue in 2021, in front of some of the most dedicated and loyal fans in the world. The cancellation of this year’s event also means that the Asia Talent Cup event scheduled to run in conjunction with the Grand Prix of Japan is cancelled.

Kaoru Tanaka, President, Mobilityland Corporation

“Mobilityland has been preparing for this year’s MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix, however the situations in Japan and Europe are unpredictable and the extension of the international travel ban is expected. As a result of our discussions with Dorna, the managerial body of the series, we agreed that we have no choice but to cancel the Japanese GP in order to complete the season. We understand that this is a great disappointment for fans and all related parties. We thank you for your understanding.”

MotoGP Motegi StartMotegi MotoGP 2019
Source: MCNews.com.au

Motul Grand Prix of Japan cancelled

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of the Motul Grand Prix of Japan at the very unique Motegi circuit, meaning we will not have a Japanese Grand Prix on the calendar for the first time since 1986. The MotoGP™ family is working very hard to be able to re-start the racing season and hold as many events as possible, and in the safest way possible. For this reason, the FIM and Dorna, in consultation with IRTA and MSMA, have decided that, until mid-November, MotoGP™ will remain in Europe to do as many European MotoGP™ events as we are able to. Therefore, overseas events, if at all possible, should be scheduled after mid-November – which would be too late in the year for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan to be held. For this reason it has been decided, in consultation with Mobilityland, that the Motul Grand Prix of Japan cannot be held in 2020. I very much thank Mobilityland for the support given to MotoGP™.  On behalf of Dorna, I would also like to thank all the fans for their understanding and patience as we wait for the situation to improve. We very much look forward to returning to Motegi next year.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Another broken hand in practice sidelines luckless Tickle

News 1 Jun 2020

Another broken hand in practice sidelines luckless Tickle

Opening practice crash causes JGRMX Suzuki rider to sit out SLC 1.

Image: Supplied.

JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki’s Broc Tickle was re-injured in the first practice session at Utah, ending his day prematurely with another broken hand.

The luckless Tickle broke his left hand in Arlington and was able to recover during the mid-season pause, but ended up breaking his right hand at Salt Lake.

“In first practice I had a little crash, the bike came down and I punched it,” Tickle explained. “I ended up breaking my other hand on the outside – hoping to be back next Sunday.”

It’s been a frustrating time for Tickle since making his comeback in Tampa, where he finished 12th aboard the factory RM-Z450, only to injure his hand a week later in Texas.

A recovery target of next Sunday means he will sit out Wednesday’s 12th round of the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross season, with two rounds taking place per week at Rice-Eccles Stadium for the series-remainder.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Cianciarulo cleared of injuries after main event incident

News 1 Jun 2020

Cianciarulo cleared of injuries after main event incident

Monster Energy Kawasaki newcomer set to go again on Wednesday.

Image: Octopi Media.

An early fall forced the returning Adam Cianciarulo out on lap two of the 450SX main event in Salt Lake City one, now being cleared of injuries since.

The Monster Energy Kawasaki rookie was making his first appearance since breaking his collarbone in Arlington and picked up where he left off in terms of speed.

As Monster Energy Supercross held its first of seven rounds at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Cianciarulo qualified third and then finished second in his heat race, only to go down in the early stages while in podium contention during the final.

“Cooper ran into me pretty good there, he didn’t have anywhere to go – not his fault obviously – but got me in the back pretty substantially,” the 23-year-old said after Cooper Webb went over the top of him. “I wasn’t able to finish, just didn’t have it in me.

“It’s pretty painful at the moment, but I got checked out and all is well internally – no broken bones, so that’s good. I’m tired of hitting the ground, I guess I was a little too eager being in a good position so early and not having raced in a while.

“But yeah, it’s the same for everybody, I have to take accountability for that, I have to be better and that’s something I always kind of have to reign in a little bit. I get excited and I really want it, so we’ll fix that. First one out of the way and only up from here!”

Cianciarulo is expected to continue and line-up again when the 2020 season moves forward in Utah this Wednesday, which will mark round 12 of the championship.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Yamaha slams Indian pandemic closure

Yamaha has slammed the Indian Government over the complete closure of industry for the pandemic while also releasing a tribute scooter (above) to the resilience of Italians through the crisis.

The Japanese motorcycle manufacturer, which has three factories in India, says the complete closure should have been reviewed carefully.

Yamaha India boss Motofumi Shitara says India is one of the world’s largest economies and is the world’s largest two-wheeler market.

Complete closure

“Complete closure of economic activities in this market as well as other markets in the world has led to a massive depression, the worst since Great Depression in 1920s. The recovery period from such depression will take a long time,” he says.

Shitara says that with possible second and third wave infections, the world “needs to learn to live with coronavirus” with effective safety precautions.

Roma Edition

Yamaha Roma Edition Xax scooter pandemic shutdownYamaha Roma Edition scooter

This comes as Yamaha Europe has launched the Roma Edition MMXX maxi scooter for the Italian market in recognition of its resilience during the pandemic.

Italy was among the worst-hit countries with more than 233,000 infections and 33,415 deaths.

To pay homage to the resilience of the Italian people, Yamaha’s Europe Design Division in Gerno di Lesmo has spiced up the XMax Roma Edition with graphics of Roman streets on the fairing and silhouettes of the Colosseum on the rear.

It also comes with a sporty windscreen and aluminium.

The XMax is one of the top-selling scooters in Italy.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Blow by blow recap from Salt Lake City SX

Eli Tomac left them for dead in Salt Lake City

Report by Trevor Hedge – Images Hoppenworld


The 17 round 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Championship should have been finishing at Salt Lake City early in May, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the globe the series has been suffering through an extended shutdown period. Round Ten was held at Daytona early in March but the gates finally dropped again on May 31 for Round 11, but without the fans present due to social distancing guidelines. The backdrop of an empty Rice-Eccles Stadium certainly took much of the sheen and glitz from the event and almost made it look like a club level arenacross! I can only imagine it felt somewhat the same for the riders.

Ken Roczen topped qualifying

Ken Roczen proved quickest in qualifying ahead of Eli Tomac while the only other rider in the 41-second bracket was Adam Cianiarulo.

Eli Tomac won the opening heat race from Cooper Webb while Ken Roczen topped the second heat ahead of Adam Cianciarulo and Justin Brayton.

Salt Lake City Supercross

As SX fired off the line for the first time in 85 days it was Blake Baggett who scored the hole-shot ahead of Adam Cianciarulo and Justin Brayton. Baggett was looking very strong early on and quickly built a 1.3-second buffer over Cianciarulo, while Eli Tomac was starting to challenge Brayton for third by the end of the opening lap.

Adam Cianciarulo

Vince Friese was fifth ahead of Cooper Webb, Martin Davalos, Ken Roczen and Justin Hill while Zach Osborne rounded out the top ten.

Blake Baggett

Adam Cianciarulo then went down pretty hard in the rhythm section which promoted Brayton up to second place. Both Cooper Webb and Eli Tomac got caught up with the fallen Cianciarulo which worked to Brayton and Baggett’s favour.

Cooper Webb

Once Webb and Tomac extracted themselves from the stricken Cianciarulo they had Ken Roczen for company and had given race leader Blake Baggett and second placed Justin Brayton more breathing space. With 18-minutes remaining Baggett led Brayton by three-seconds.

Eli Tomac

Tomac mis-timed a series of jumps which allowed Cooper Webb to steal that third place, a few turns later Roczen added further insult by pushing Tomac back to fifth place with 16-minutes remaining. That trio were now pushing each other along though and quickly caught, and then passed Brayton who presented no challenge, the Australian Supercross Champion seemingly succumbing to the inevitable and offering no resistance.

Eli Tomac made one mistake, then recovered, chased down the leaders and then left them for dead

Roczen then made a small mistake in the rhythm section which allowed Tomac to sweep back past and up to fourth. Moments later Tomac then also dispensed with Webb and quickly streaked away from the defending champion.

Tomac then really turned up the wick, leaving Webb and Roczen in his dust before closing down Baggett and passing him like he was standing still.

From there it was Tomac by himself as the Kawasaki man just stepped up another gear and ran away from the field to his sixth win of the season. As the track got more challenging Tomac just looked even more untouchable.

Eli Tomac dominated the second half of the race

Cooper Webb resisted the advances of Roczen before eventually pulling away from the #94 Honda to take a clear second place. Roczen had a huge moment where after a table-top he landed, got cross-rutted and speared into the track bordering tough-blocks in what could have been very ugly. From there the German simply rolled home, managing his buffer over fourth placed Jason Anderson.

A socially distanced 450 podium….
1. Eli Tomac – Kawasaki
2. Cooper Webb – KTM +3.771s
3. Ken Roczen – Honda +13.542s

Jason Anderson claimed that fourth position ahead of Zach Osborne and Martin Davalos. The rider that led more laps than anyone else than Tomac, Blake Baggett, eventually crossed the line in seventh place ahead of Justin Barcia and Justin Brayton. Dean Wilson rounded out the top ten ahead of Malcolm Stewart, who was the final rider to finish on the same lap as race winner Tomac.

Chad Reed qualified 18th but eventually retired from the Main with seven minutes left in the bout. The Aussie veteran currently holds down 17th place in the series with 53-points.

Chad Reed has 53-points.


450 Video Highlights


Eli Tomac’s victory extended his three-point lead over Ken Roczen out to eight-points. Cooper Webb’s second place took a couple of points off the German to be 24-points behind Roczen going into round 12 back in the same Salt Lake City arena on Thursday.

If he holds his game together, Tomac looks likely to lift his first AMA 450 Supercross Championship, Kawasaki’s first since Ryan Villopoto in 2014. It would also mark the first 450 Championship for a Japanese manufacturer since that last Villopoto victory.

This fast conclusion to the season will see another six quick-fire rounds ran over the space of only three weeks running two events per week, one on each Wednesday and another each Sunday leading up to the final on June 21.


450 SX Results

  1. Eli Tomac – Kawasaki
  2. Cooper Webb – KTM +3.771s
  3. Ken Roczen – Honda +13.542s
  4. Jason Anderson – Husqvarna +20.519s
  5. Zach Osborne – Husqvarna +22.619s
  6. Martin Davalos – KTM +24.870s
  7. Blake Baggett – KTM +27.174s
  8. Justin Barcia – Yamaha +30.318s
  9. Justin Brayton – Honda +32.215s
  10. Dean Wilson – Husqvarna +33.664s
  11. Malcolm Stewart – Honda +35.315s
  12. Aaron Plessinger – Yamaha +1 lap
  13. Benny Bloss – KTM +1 lap
  14. Kyle Cunningham – Suzuki +2 laps
  15. Kyle Chisholm – Yamaha +2 laps

450 SX Championship Points

  1. Eli Tomac -252
  2. Ken Roczen – 244
  3. Cooper Webb – 220
  4. Justin Barcia – 210
  5. Jason Anderson – 189
  6. Malcolm Stewart – 164
  7. Justin Hill – 148
  8. Justin Brayton – 143
  9. Dean Wilson – 142
  10. Aaron Plessinger – 136
  11. Adam Cianciarulo – 129
  12. Blake Baggett – 125
  13. Zach Osborne – 123
  14. Vince Friese – 113
  15. Martin Davalos – 109
  16. Tyler Bowers – 63
  17. Chad Reed – 53
  18. Kyle Chisholm – 52
  19. Benny Bloss – 44
  20. Kyle Cunningham – 32

250 SX

Round 11 of Monster Energy AMA Supercross hosted Round 5 of the 250 SX East Championship.

Shane McElrath topped qualifying, won his heat race and then scored the holeshot in the Main ahead of Jeremy Martin and East Championship leader Chase Sexton.

Shane McElrath

Sexton quickly sneaked past his team-mate to move up to second place but McElrath had the speed to keep him at bay and then steadily eke away from the Honda man as the race progressed and went on to take an unchallenged three-second victory over Sexton.

Chase Sexton

With that victory Shane McElrath moved a few points closer to 250 East Championship leader Chase Sexton, the gap narrowing to seven-points.

Shane McElrath

When Supercross reconvenes mid-week it will be the turn of the 250 West competitors to swing back into action which of course means the return of popular young Aussie Jett Lawrence after that sickening crash early in the season at Anaheim 2.


250 SX East Results

  1. Shane McElrath – Yamaha
  2. Chase Sexton – Honda +2.949s
  3. Garrett Marchbanks – Kawasaki +28.628s
  4. Jeremy Martin – Honda +42.086s
  5. Pierce Brown – KTM +1 lap
  6. Kyle Peters – Honda +1 lap
  7. Jalek Swoll – Husqvarna +1 lap
  8. Enzo Lopes – Yamaha +1 lap
  9. Jace Owen – Honda +1 lap
  10. John Short – Honda +1 lap
  11. Jordan Bailey – Honda +1 lap
  12. Chris Blose – Honda +1 lap
  13. Josh Osby – Yamaha +1 lap
  14. Grant Harlan – Honda +2 laps
  15. Colt Nichols – Yamaha +2 laps

250 SX East Championship Points

  1. Chase Sexton – 121
  2. Shane McElrath – 114
  3. Garrett Marchbanks – 100
  4. Jeremy Martin – 84
  5. RJ Hampshire – 80
  6. Enzo Lopes – 66
  7. Jo Shimoda – 62
  8. Jalek Swoll – 58
  9. Jordan Bailey – 53
  10. Jordon Smith – 48

250 SX West Championship Points

  1. Dylan Ferrandis – 135
  2. Justin Cooper – 128
  3. Austin Forkner – 122
  4. Brandon Hartranft – 110
  5. Alex Martin – 98
  6. Jacob Hayes – 89
  7. Luke Clout – 83
  8. Michael Mosiman – 82
  9. Derek Drake – 78
  10. Mitchell Oldenburg – 72

2020 SX Calendar

  • Rnd 12 June 3
  • Rnd 13 June 7
  • Rnd 14 June 10
  • Rnd 15 June 13
  • Rnd 16 June 17
  • Rnd 17 June 21

Source: MCNews.com.au

Criminal trial for head-on bike crash

A daughter of renowned neurosurgeon Charlie Teo will face a criminal trial later this month over a head-on crash with former Comanchero boss William “Jock” Ross in September 2019.

NSW Police will allege Nicola Annabel Teo, 24, was driving her LandCruiser on the wrong side of the road for 200m before crashing head-on into a Harley-Davidson near Wiseman’s Ferry, NSW, on 26 September 2019.

Nicola Teo Jock RossNicola with her LandCruiser

The bike was being ridden by former Comanchero William “Jock” Ross, 76, who suffered extensive, head leg and internal injuries and still walks with the aid of a crutch.

Teo was charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving, not driving on the left hand side of the road and not giving particulars to the police.

Criminal trial

The matter has proceeded through the Windsor Local Court before being moved to the Penrith Local Court where in February Teo was committed to stand a criminal trial.

The arraignment for the trial  was set last week and will be heard in Penrith on 26 June 2020. An arraignment is the first stage of a criminal trial where the indictment is read out.

If found guilty, Teo could face a substantial custodial sentence.

Police are expected to provide the court with CCTV footage, witness statements and physical evidence.

Teo is currently on conditional bail.

Jock Ross

William Jock Ross TeoRoss with his Harley

Ross, a Glasgow-born former soldier and Rural Fire Service volunteer, says “god was looking down” on him on the day of the crash.

He was one of five founders of the Comancheros on the New South Wales Central Coast in 1966 and was ‘supreme commander’ when they were involved in the 1984 Milperra Massacre.

Four Comancheros, two Bandidos and a 14-year-old girl died in the infamous shootout.

Ross received gunshot to the head and suffers permanent vision loss and a brain injury.

He was jailed for murder in 1987 over his role in instigating the massacre and was released in 1992 after serving five years.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoAmerica finally gets underway with Yamaha on top

2020 MotoAmerica
Round One – Road America


Four-time defending MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier was unstoppable in the season-opener at Road America, the Monster Energy Attack Performance Yamaha rider led every session, continually broke the lap record, took pole position and then led every lap to wn both Superbikes races by massive margins. That ninth win at Road America for Beaubier ties him with Mat Mladin for wins at the Road America circuit.

Cameron Beaubier

Cameron Beaubier

I can’t ask for a better start to the year,” Beaubier. “Being able to get pole and both race wins. If you look at my track record, that’s not really how my seasons start. I’m normally trying to crawl back points throughout the year. Plain and simple, I just got to give it up to Richard (Stanboli) and Keith (McCarty) for putting this amazing program together – Monster Attack Yamaha. My bike, I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been this comfortable on a motorcycle. Just the track back home at Buttonwillow, just my feeling with the bike, with the 2020 R1. I’m able to get under the bubble a little bit better, pick up some mile an hour on the straightaway and with the electronics that they’ve been working on, I’ve been able to get off the corner. The bike’s just easier to ride. I’m just having pure fun on the thing. It’s really nice to have one and two up (Yamahas) here. I just want to not get too excited yet. Just keep the ball rolling and keep going. Obviously, some of our competitors went down today, and it’s going to be a long season. I’m just so happy we’re back racing and want some more.”

Cameron Beaubier

Second place on Sunday went to Beaubier’s team-mate Jake Gagne, the laid-back Californian bettering his third place from Saturday by a spot. Gagne was in a battle for second early on with Saturday’s runner-up Mathew Scholtz and Bobby Fong when the two came together in turn five and crashed. That left Gagne free and clear to ride to a lonely second, 13.4-seconds behind Beaubier and some six seconds clear of an intense battle for the final podium spot.

Jake Gagne

“We’re leaving our first round with this Yamaha Attack team with a couple podiums, so I’m happy,” Gagne said. “We made some changes overnight. This morning in warmup, I was actually feeling pretty good about the bike. A couple things changed in the race. We had a little more heat on the track. I felt like we had a good bike for a couple laps, but I really, really was struggling there after a couple more laps once I got a little tire wear going. Cam was on rails today. He was flying. It just shows these Yamahas really are running good. Obviously, Mat (Scholtz) was right up in there. Right when Bobby (Fong) got by me, and then I was going into three behind Mat, and then down the straightaway to five. Bobby drafted me, he drafted Mat, so he got a big, old double draft from us and got in there hot. Mat’s getting in there deep. Bobby’s in there deep. I saw it from a while back. I let up and I saw Bobby getting sucked in. I think he just fixated and just rammed right into the back of him (Scholtz). I feel for Mat because those Westby guys work really hard and it would be nice to get another Yamaha up here, but that’s racing. You got to look ahead.”

Jake Gagne

Third place on Sunday ultimately went to Scheibe Racing BMW’s Josh Herrin, the Georgian earning a podium spot in this first weekend on the BMW S 1000 RR by just .011 of a second over Inde Motorsports Ranch/KWR Ducati’s Kyle Wyman. Herrin’s effort earned the Scheibe BMW team its first HONOS Superbike podium.

Cameron Beaubier leads the field at Road America – Image Brian J Nelson

Josh Herrin

“We definitely had a little luck fall in our hands but being on the podium is being on the podium,” Herrin said. “So there was some very hard fighting with Kyle. Me and him haven’t really got along super well in the past, so it was almost like a Danny Eslick feeling for me. I just saw red. I was so mad. I just wanted to get behind him so bad. I had arm pump for the first time in a long time this weekend, so I just wanted to get in front of him and if I had to slow up the pace I could. That way it could help my arm out a little bit. That actually ended up working out. But seeing those guys fall, seeing Toni (Elias) fall was a bummer. I was like, ‘okay. I at least got a sixth again.’ I saw Scholtz and Bobby fall and I was like, ‘oh, s^%$. This is a podium spot right here.’ Then immediately I starting thinking, ‘man, if Scheibe got a podium…’ And that made me want to push that little bit extra. I’m just happy we could be up here and get some of that BMW contingency, which I really need this year. It’s nice. I don’t know if this is BMW’s first Superbike podium in the States or not, but it just feels good to get it up there. I can definitely say, no disrespect to the team, that I don’t think that bike has the potential right now to be getting on the podium without everybody made mistakes like they did today. Like I said earlier, we got lucky, but we’ve also been doing our work this weekend. I did four practice starts on my bike this morning just to try and get a little bit better launch off the line today. Just stoked to be up here. Congrats to these guys. Definitely didn’t expect this today, so thank you to the Scheibe Racing BMW team and all my sponsors.”

Just a few seconds behind Wyman came Celtic HSBK Racing’s PJ Jacobsen, the New Yorker racing his Ducati Panigale V4R to fifth and well clear of sixth-placed David Anthony on the FLY Racing ADR Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Jacobsen also won the Superstock 1000 bout

For the second day in a row, M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Toni Elias failed to finish. This time it was a crash on the third lap that knocked the Spaniard out of the race and he leaves round one with zero points after his mechanical non-finish in race one.

Beaubier is free and clear at the top of the championship standings with 50-points, 14-points clear of Gagne with Herrin 24 points behind Gagne in third. Wyman is fourth in the title chase with 24-points, four-points clear of Scholtz.

MotoAmerica will return to Road America for its second round, June 26-28, and it will do so with fans in attendance after this successful weekend of racing without fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Superbike Race One

  1. Cameron Beaubier (Yamaha)
  2. Mathew Scholtz (Yamaha) +7.800s
  3. Jake Gagne (Yamaha) +8.505s
  4. Bobby Fong (Suzuki) +9.029s
  5. Kyle Wyman (Ducati) +20.401s
  6. Josh Herrin (BMW) +27.090s
  7. PJ Jacobsen (Ducati) +29.331s
  8. David Anthony (Suzuki) +36.793s
  9. Jake Lewis (BMW) +48.533s
  10. Travis Wyman (BMW) +75.117s

Cameron Beaubier (center) celebrates his HONOS Superbike win with Mathew Scholtz (left) and Jake Gagne (right) on the podium at Road America. Photo by Brian J. Nelson

Superbike Race Two

  1. Cameron Beaubier (Yamaha)
  2. Jake Gagne (Yamaha) +13.340s
  3. Josh Herrin (BMW)
  4. Kyle Wyman (Ducati)
  5. PJ Jacobsen (Ducati)
  6. David Anthony (Suzuki)
  7. Cameron Petersen (Suzuki)
  8. Corey Alexander (Kawasaki)
  9. Max Flinders (Yamaha)
  10. Bradley Ward (Kawasaki)

Beaubier left them for dead – Image Brian J Nelson

MotoAmerica Superbike Championship Standings

  1. Beaubier 50
  2. Gagne 36
  3. Herrin 26
  4. Wyman 24
  5. Scholz 20
  6. Jacobsen 20
  7. Anthony 18
  8. Fong 13
  9. Alexander 12
  10. Flinders 12

Source: MCNews.com.au