HAYDEN AND ELIAS EARN ROSTRUM FINISHES AT ROAD AMERICA
Elias earns front-row start in MotoAmerica Superbike action at Elkhart Lake
Chino, CA (June 7, 2016) – Wisconsin’s scenic rolling hills hosted rounds nine and ten of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship Sunday and Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing’s Roger Hayden and Toni Elias came away from Elkhart Lake, each having earned podium finishes aboard their Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbikes.
Hayden finished second in Sunday’s race one at the four-mile Road America course and it was Elias’ turn to score the second spot in race two. It marked the sixth podium result of the year for both Hayden and Elias.
After the strong weekend Hayden and Elias continue to be in the championship hunt, ranked third and fourth in the series standings respectively, with Hayden just 27 points out of the series lead and Elias five points behind his teammate.
Although Elias was visiting Road America for the first time, he proved a quick study and powered his Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 around the track in a time of 2:32.514 to qualify second, putting him on the front row. Hayden headed up the second row, qualifying fourth with a time of 2:33.183.
In Sunday’s race one it became a three-rider battle for victory with Hayden in the mix. Hayden was right there at the finish in second, missing the win by just 4-10ths of a second. Elias finished a distant fourth, having experienced a traction issue.
Race two was also a riveting finish with four riders going at it to the end, including Elias and Hayden. Elias tried to make a move for the lead on the final lap, but couldn’t quite make it stick and instead finished second by a scant 6-10ths of a second. Hayden and his GSX-R were also right there with the lead group in a close fourth.
“Both races went really good,” Hayden said. “I struggled a little bit early in the weekend, but the team gave me a great bike for the races. I was up there battling for the win in both and I’m happy with that, but a little disappointed to get second and fourth. It was a fun race. I can’t remember the last time we had four riders battling for a Superbike win. I’m looking forward to Barber.”
For Elias it was another solid weekend and one which saw him come so close to another MotoAmerica victory.
“I had a traction problem in the first race, but in the second everything was normal and I could push,” Elias explained. “At first they were faster than me, but after some laps I improved and caught the leaders and fought for the last five laps. I knew my best opportunity to take the lead was in turn five. I decided to try at the corner, but I entered too fast and was passed again. I fought in the final meters and took second. It was good for the points. We are alive in the championship and I think we are working really well.”
Next up for the Yoshimura Suzuki team is Barber Motorsports Park this coming weekend, June 10-12 in Birmingham, AL. The races will be televised on beIN SPORTS.
You can keep up with the team’s progress by visiting www.yoshimura-racing.com and via YouTube at www.yoshimura-racing.com
Team Yoshimura Suzuki is grateful for the support of their sponsors: Yoshimura R&D, Suzuki Motor of America, Motorex, Dunlop, Parts Unlimited, Shorai, Sunstar, K&N Performance Filters, NGK Spark Plugs, RK Racing Chain, Kushitani, Zeta and Chicken Hawk Racing.
About Yoshimura R&D of America: Yoshimura is “The Leader in Performance” and has been for more than 55 years. With unmatched skills, knowledge, and passion for racing, Yoshimura is on the forefront of the aftermarket exhaust industry. Yoshimura pipes are race bred and feature the same legendary performance, fit and quality that has been their trademark for more than five decades. To learn more about Yoshimura and view their wide variety of performance products, visit www.yoshimura-rd.com.
About Suzuki: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Outboard Motors and Automotive Parts and Accessories via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. SMAI’s supplier, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles and Outboard Motors. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has 147 distributors in 201 countries. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
More, from a press release issued by Riders Discount/Tuned Racing:
ELKHART LAKE, Wis. (June 7, 2016) — Riders Discount/Tuned Racing took three more podiums this weekend at Road America. Rider Bryce Prince finished second in Superstock 600 race one. Race two saw Prince finish at the top of the podium while teammate Jason Aguilar took the third spot on the podium. Prince now carries a 65 point lead to round five of the Superstock 600 Championship.
“I couldn’t be happier with how our weekend at Road America went,” said Prince. “It was very nice to meet all of the Quicksilver staff and have their support. We were excited to have Brian and TJ from Riders Discount as well. We were able to get a phenomenal bike setup and out in a great lap to qualify first! On Saturday we had a half dry, half wet race. I rode well in the mixed conditions and was up front the whole time. I led almost every lap but was beaten to the line, and ended up taking second place. On Sunday I got a great start and rode a very good pace. I led most of the race and on the last lap pushed the bike as much as I could to take the victory. We now have a 65 point lead going into Barber which is one of my favorite tracks!”
Rider Jason Aguilar had a strong race two, securing the last spot on the podium next to his teammate. Aguilar is looking forward to continuing this success at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama this weekend.
“This past weekend at Road America was a great weekend for myself and the team,” said Aguilar. “I was able to qualify third and ended up with a third place finish in race two. I was also very happy to see my teammate, Bryce, podium in both races with a win on Sunday and a huge championship points lead. I was a little disappointed I didn’t have the pace I did in qualifying for the second race. If I was able to run my qualifying times I could have battled for the win. I’m still happy with the third place and we’ll make improvements to go one step further at Barber Motorsports Park this weekend. I can’t thank my team enough, especially my mechanics Blair and Paul for all their hard work making sure I have a great bike underneath me. Without my team none of this would be possible and I’m excited to start seeing more improvements. Big thanks to all our sponsors and everyone that came out to support us from Riders Discount and Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants.”
2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship Point Standings as of 6/5/16:
1. Bryce Prince, 167 points
2. Dakota Mamola, 102 points
3. Travis Wyman, 94 points
4. JC Camacho, 89 points
5. Conner Blevins, 79 points
About Riders Discount:
Riders Discount (www.ridersdiscount.com) is an online retailer of quality powersports gear, apparel and accessories. A company founded by racers, Riders Discount offers equipment for every riding style to customers worldwide, backed by a knowledgeable sales team and excellent customer service.
About Quicksilver:
Since 1950, discriminating customers have depended on the Quicksilver brand for premium quality marine parts, accessories, and engine care products. Quicksilver is one of the most trusted brands in the markets we serve. It has earned a loyal following by providing the highest quality products for more than 60 years. Quicksilver is a brand of Mercury Marine and Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC).
More, from a press release issued by Aprilia/HSBK Racing:
Road America Paves Way Closer Toward Championship as Claudio Corti and Aprilia HSBK Racing Increase Point Lead
Houston, TX (June 7, 2016) Round Five of MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 took place in Elkhart Lake, WI over the weekend. Marking the official half way point of the MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 championship Aprilia HSBK Racing lead with a positive performance over the last three rounds, mounting 4 race wins and several podiums.
Previous rounds served as a mix of development and refinement, between the team, new rider Claudio Corti, and the still evergreen RSV4 RF, but as Aprilia HSBK Racing landed at Road America, there was no confusion the team came to race and has its sights set on the championship.
News of Moto2 rider Luis Salom’s passing at Catalunya the same weekend showed a change of mood with the team and Claudio Corti, who was friends with the rider. Despite the news, the team was able to remain in the top 10 during practice and qualifying, establishing a time that moved the team to Superpole 2. Here, in the wet, Corti was able to push the bike through the conditions to secure the Superstock 1000 pole position.
Race 1 began like many this year for the Superstock series, a battle among leading class riders that lasted the duration of the race. With Corti in the hunt the entire race, and leading Superstock 1000 on a couple occasions, he ultimately took the 2nd place position in Superstock 1000 Race 1, with sixth overall among Superbikes included in the field.
Race 2 was much like the first, with a brave battle among the field, each fighting for critical position and points. In Race 2 the ending was the same, with Corti in 2nd for Superstock, and sixth overall.
The team is pleased with the outcome at Road America, and looks toward Barber this weekend, where the team will enter next round with an increased points lead on the Superstock 1000 championship.
HSBK Racing would like to thank Piaggio North America, Aprilia Racing, Houston Superbikes, Bel-Ray, K-Tech Suspension, Pilot Motorsports, Motion Pro, Portable Shade, EVOL Technology, Galfer USA, Ferodo Brake Pads, Capit, GB Racing, Full Spectrum, Sunstar, Zero Gravity, DNA Air Filters, RaceSeats, Samco Sport, DB Holders, BikesPlast, Austin Racing, Fast Frank Racing, Cox Racing, Sidi, Nolan Helmets, Andrew Swenson Design, and Drippin Wet.
Aprilia HSBK Racing
Aprilia USA has officially partnered with HSBK Racing to lead the MotoAmerica program and to provide racing development services for privateers competing on Aprilia RSV4 machines. For more information on the team, updates after testing sessions, sponsor spotlights and race recaps, follow HSBK Racing on Facebook.
Houston Superbikes
Established in 2005, Houston Superbikes caters to motorcycle enthusiasts with its diverse line of high performance bikes, parts and apparel. Houston Superbikes is proud to offer their own line of carbon fiber and billet accessories for racing and street applications. Offering dyno tuning, engine building services and suspension setup, they are an industry leader in building race machines. For more information regarding Houston Superbikes, or to find out what they can do for you, please visit www.houstonsuperbikes.com
More, from a press release issued by Jimmy Winters Motorsports:
EXCITING WEEKEND FOR MAZZIOTTO IN WISCONSIN
Anthony Mazziotto III scooped up another pole position and podium result in a drama-filled weekend of KTM RC 390 Cup racing at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
Mazziotto registered a near-flawless performance in qualifying to storm to the top spot on the grid. He hustled his Jimmy Winters Motorsports KTM racebike around the scenic four-mile circuit in 2:48.617, strong enough for pole with a remarkable 1.181 seconds to spare.
The up-and-coming 16-year-old then made the most of his qualifying position in Saturday’s six-lap contest, which was held under tricky wet conditions. Mazziotto jumped into first early and dueled at the front for the entire distance. After holding off his competitors in the run up the hill to the start/finish-line stripe repeatedly throughout the race, Anthony was confident he could lead into the last corner on the final lap and maintain first place to the checkered flag. Unfortunately, his gamble didn’t pay off as he was drafted back to third at the stripe.
In Sunday’s seven-lap rematch, the 2014 AMA Horizon Award winner again factored up front throughout. Learning from Saturday’s outcome, Mazziotto positioned himself in the perfect placement to make a draft pass for the win. However, his attempt was spoiled when another competitor came back over on him and made contact, allowing two other riders in the lead pack to pounce. After the dust had settled, Anthony was relegated back to fourth at the flag, missing out on another podium finish by a meager 0.033-second margin.
Afterward, Mazziotto summed up another strong weekend. He said, “On Friday, I didn’t quite get the lap I wanted, but I was still in second place and I was happy with that. I actually was hoping it would rain in the second session so I didn’t get bumped down any further. But it didn’t so I had to put my head down. I put in a really, really fast lap with a couple good drafts and got up on pole by over a second. It was amazing.
“On Saturday, I had a really good race in the wet. I led most of the race and was able to lead out of the last corner and hold it to the line almost every single lap. So I really wanted to make sure to be in the lead going up the hill to the checkered flag, but that turned out to be a little bit of a mistake, and they were able to draft me before the line. Still, I felt I did a good job and we’re happy to take third.
“On Sunday, I felt I rode a really smart race. I made sure to not to lead onto the straightaway having learned my lesson. I got a really good drive out of the corner and a really good draft coming up the hill. We were drifting back inside toward the wall, so I pulled out to pass on the left. But as I was going by, he came banging back into me and was pushed me toward the edge of the track. It ruined both of our drives and we both dropped a couple positions as a result.”
Anthony now sits second in the RC 390 Cup title fight, trailing the championship leader by just seven points. He said, “Jimmy Winters and the entire Jimmy Winters Motorsports crew were excellent as usual again this weekend. Also, big thanks to Jonathan Cornwell at Ohlins, Arai helmets, Markbilt Racebikes, RS Taichi, Yamaha Champions Riding School, my mom and dad, and everyone else who supports our effort. I also want to wish Josh Day a speedy recovery.”
Mazziotto is anxious to get right back to work this upcoming weekend for Round 5 of the 2016 KTM RC 390 Cup at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, on June 10-12.
“Barber is one of my favorite tracks on the schedule this year,” he said. “I’m feeling really confident going in there. I’m glad to be leaving the heavily draft-reliant Road America with the points that I have, and I’m looking forward to moving on to a real rider’s track like Barber. I’d love to pick up another double and get some revenge this weekend.”
More, from a press release issued by KTM:
BRANDON PAASCH AND ASHTON YATES CAPTURE VICTORIES AT ROAD AMERICA KTM RC CUP
Round 4 – KTM RC Cup
MILLVILLE, N.J. – Round 4 of the KTM RC Cup Series took place in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin over the weekend for Round 5 of the AMA Moto America Championship Series. Five different riders graced the podium over the course of two races, with points leader Brandon Paasch capturing the race one victory and first-time race winner Ashton Yates taking the win in race two.
It was Illinois native Jody Barry who proved to be the fastest during the combined qualifying sessions, assuming pole position for the weekend. However, following a slight rainfall before Saturday’s race, Barry’s pit crew was unable to put rain tires on in time so the pole sitter was forced to race a slick track on DOT tires.
The Championship points leader Brandon Paasch got off to a great start, alongside his biggest competitor Anthony Mazziotto III, who joined Paasch in a big pack of leaders at the beginning of the race. With Paasch at the helm, the lead group consisted of Alejandro Gutierrez, Mazziotto, Josh Serne, Renzo Ferreira, Mason DeKeyrel and Ezra Beaubier.
Most of the action took place in the final two laps as the lead pack finally separated from one another. DeKeyrel and Beaubier each dropped off the pack due to crashes, while the leaders went to battle for the top position. With Mazziotto out front, Paasch and Gutierrez close behind, the trip drag-raced to the end. Paasch passed Mazziotto at the end of Canada Corner, but Mazziotto got him back soon after. Paasch made the final pass on Mazziotto to take over the lead at the end of race, and then Gutierrez jumped into 2nd, with Mazziotto finishing 3rd.
In race two, the lead pack was similar to the first as Ashton Yates led a fast group of riders close behind: Barry, Paasch, Mazziotto, Ferreira and Benjamin Smith. Yates, Paasch and Mazziotto swapped the lead back and forth several times throughout the race, and toward the end Jody Barry inserted himself into the battle.
Heading into the last corner, it was Yates out front with Paasch and Mazziotto close behind. Yates made the decision to allow Paasch and Mazziotto by with only moments left to go and the strategy seemed to pay off as the two leaders went at it for the lead position, while Yates jumped back to the front. Barry followed suit and passed his way into 2nd, with Paasch edging out Mazziotto for the 3rd and final podium position. Mazziotto finished 4th in race two, despite a hard-fought battle for the lead.
Yates went on to capture his first-ever MotoAmerica race victory, a big feat for the young rider from Georgia.
“I didn’t want to be the first one coming out of the final corner because I knew I was going to get used,” Yates said. “I had to think a little bit and that’s what I did. I checked up in Canada Corner a little bit and in the final corner I checked up a lot and let them both by. Then I made my pass.”
Next Event: Barber Motorsports Park / June 10-12, 2016
Race 1 Results –
Brandon Paasch
Alejandro Gutierrez
Anthony Mazziotto III
Josh Serne
Renzo Ferreira
Benjamin Smith
Ashton Yates
Draik Beauchamp
Brandon Altmeyer
Christopher Kosan
Race 2 Results –
Ashton Yates
Jody Barry
Brandon Paasch
Anthony Mazziotto III
Renzo Ferreira
Draik Beauchamp
Alejandro Gutierrez
Brandon Altmeyer
Jackson Blackmon
Josh Serne
Championship Point Standings –
Brandon Paasch – 164
Anthony Mazziotto – 157
Ashton Yates – 104
Jody Barry – 104
Alejandro Gutierrez – 86