Travis Wyman scores top-five, top-10 finishes in Stock 1000, maintains Superbike Cup points lead at MotoAmerica Superbikes at Virginia
Shair-sponsored BMW rider also scores top 10 in Saturday Superbike race, remains in the hunt for two MotoAmerica titles
ALTON, Va. — It wasn’t the weekend Travis Wyman had hoped for at MotoAmerica’s Superbikes at Virginia, but the Shair-sponsored BMW rider left VIRginia International Raceway with fifth-place and seventh-place finishes in the Stock 1000 Class, a top 10 in Superbike and had retained the lead in the Superbike Cup standings.
Though Wyman was fast out of the gate at the May 21-23 event, the lack of experience racing the team’s 2020 BMW S 1000 RR on VIR’s 2.25-mile North Course and mechanical issues curtailed the Las Vegas rider’s pace on Saturday and Sunday.
Wyman had a good start to the weekend, topping the time sheets in Friday’s Stock 1000 practice session. He ended up second in Friday qualifying and finished qualifying on Saturday morning in fifth place.
In Saturday’s Stock 1000 contest, Wyman got a decent start and slotted into fifth place at Turn 1. He finished the race in fifth after battling overheating issues and working his way past a lot of lapped traffic. However, Wyman was unfortunately docked two positions after the race due to a pass he made on a lapped rider under a waving yellow flag. In Saturday’s Superbike race, Wyman started 15th on the grid and gradually worked his way up the running order to 10th place, the second-best finish among the Superbike Cup riders.
Wyman got a good start in Sunday’s Stock 1000 race. After emerging from Turn 1 in fourth place, Wyman found his bike was down on top-end power and had to settle for a lonely fifth-place finish. Despite the mechanical setback, Wyman finished the weekend third in the Stock 1000 standings, just 10 points adrift of the class leader.
Later Sunday, Wyman got another good start in the final Superbike race of the weekend and was in the hunt for the top finish among the Superbike Cup riders. Wyman maintained a consistent pace throughout the 20-lap race and finished 11th overall, as well as third among the Superbike Cup competitors.
Travis Wyman Racing is back in action June 11-13 for the next round of the 2021 MotoAmerica season, which takes place at the historic Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wis.
Travis Wyman / No. 10
“We came out really strong on Friday, and I was happy being first in Friday practice and second in Friday qualifying. A few other riders caught up to our pace in Saturday qualifying, but that’s also when I first noticed our BMW’s overheating issues. Then we had another setback when we got docked two positions in Saturday’s Stock 1000 race after another rider protested us. The bike felt really good in the Saturday Superbike race, but the horsepower loss came back in a big way in Sunday’s races. Overall, it was a good weekend in that we salvaged some points, but we also missed out on a lot of points here. I’m stoked that the team was able to get the word out to MotoAmerica fans about Shair’s car-sharing service, and it was great to see the droves of fans who came out for this event. We expect to have our engine issues sorted out for Road America, which is a track I love and have won at before.”
More, from a press release issued by Jeremy Cook Racing:
Jeremy Cook scores more championship points despite arm troubles, illness at MotoAmerica Superbikes at Virginia
Maryland rider leaves VIRginia International Raceway round 16th in Stock 1000 standings
ALTON, Va. — It was a trying weekend of racing for Jeremy Cook at MotoAmerica’s Superbikes at Virginia, as the BMW rider persevered through an arm injury to score more championship points in MotoAmerica’s Stock 1000 Class.
Cook left the May 21-23 event at VIRginia International Raceway with his second points-paying finish of the 2021 season, a total of four championship points and 16th place in the Stock 1000 standings.
Unlike the first round of the 2021 MotoAmerica season at Road Atlanta, VIR is a track Cook has ample experience racing on. He finished the Stock 1000 Class’ first practice session in 17th place and, later on Friday, finished the class’ first qualifying session in 18th. Qualifying wrapped up Saturday morning with Cook having secured 19th place on the starting grid.
Saturday’s Stock 1000 race was Cook’s bright spot of the weekend. He got a good start and gradually worked his way up the running order. Cook finished Lap 4 of the 14-lap race in 13th and had advanced to 12th by the end of Lap 7. Cook maintained 12th place until the last lap of the race, when he was passed by another rider and had to settle for a 13th place finish.
Though it was Cook’s best finish of the 2021 season to date, he and his BMW motorcycle experienced setbacks on Friday that hampered the team’s efforts to claim its first top-10 of 2021. During Friday practice, oil began misting out of Cook’s motorcycle, ruining two rear tires and curtailing the team’s effort to find an ideal chassis and suspension setup. Cook’s first full on-track session of the weekend was Friday qualifying, during which the hot conditions and the physical nature of the VIR North Course caused an old left forearm injury of Cook’s to reemerge.
On Sunday, Cook came down with a dehydration-like symptoms, the effects of which slowed his pace toward the end of day’s Stock 1000 race. Cook finished that contest in 25th place.
Next up on Jeremy Cook Racing’s schedule is the MotoAmerica Superbikes at Road America round, which takes place June 11-13 at the Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wis.
Jeremy Cook / No. 81
“Race 1 went pretty good. I had a great start, but the heat got to me for sure during the last six laps. The track was really greasy — especially in Turn 2 — and I’m not really a flat tracker. I like to have the bike in line as much as possible. I had a big wreck here in 2009 and have some not-so-fond memories of this track from it. I was feeling under the weather before Sunday’s race, but toughed it out and made it to the starting grid. I stayed with a pack of riders around me as long as I could early in the race, but they gradually started to pull away from me. I outbroke myself heading into Turn 7 on one lap, got back on track and tried to make up as many positions as I could. I later had a near front-end tuck in Turn 1 as I was trying to make up track position, and after that I started to tire physically. Our goal this weekend was to be in the top 15 and even crack the top 10. There were just a bunch of mistakes all at once, but we’ll take what we learned here to the next round at Road America.”
More, from a press release issued by Jackson Blackmon Racing:
Traditions Continue for Jackson Blackmon: Two Podium Finishes at VIR
Jackson Blackmon took two second-place podium finishes this past weekend, placing him sixh overall in the point standings for the MotoAmerica Twins Cup Series.
“Action Jackson” is no stranger to the podium at Virginia International Raceway (VIR). Blackmon states, “VIR is one of my favorite tracks and is the first place I stood on the podium in my professional racing career with the help of Quarterley Racing’s On Track Development Team.”
In 2017, Blackmon’s professional debut in the KTM Junior Cup Race earned him second and first place finishes at VIR.
Unable to attend the opening round of the MotoAmerica series at Road Atlanta due to a broken wrist, Blackmon was on a mission to show what he and his Yamaha Motors USA / Finishline Machine Yamaha race bike could do. Qualifying fifth, Blackmon capitalized on the starts and remained in the lead for the majority of both races. The elevated competition in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup Series this season gave the fans an exciting show. Always an example of sportsmanship, Jackson congratulated his competitors in the winner’s circle for a clean, competitive race. Blackmon is quick to stop to snap a photo with fans and the chant “Action Jackson” could be heard across the paddock. Blackmon, knows none of this can happen without the support of the fans, his family, and his sponsors.
Blackmon had this to say about the weekend, “Man I’m glad to be back in action! Just six weeks ago I broke my arm and I’m so happy I was able to come back with two second-place finishes my first race back. Dale Quarterley and the whole Bartcon crew were on it all weekend. It was the first weekend on the Yamaha MT-07 and we made perfect setup changes all weekend that resulted in great finishes. I ran my fastest lap of the weekend on the last lap of Race Two, which goes to show we still have improvements to make, but we are making great strides. Big thanks to Yamaha and all of my sponsors for all the support, especially to everyone sticking behind me throughout my injury!”
Jackson Blackmon Racing is still open to sponsorship opportunities for the 2021 season. If interested please contact [email protected] serious business inquires only. Also stay up to date with Jackson throughout this season by following his Instagram: @Jblackmon_18, FaceBook: @JacksonBlackmon18, and Twitter: @Jblackmon_18.
Current 2021 Sponsors: Yamaha Motor USA, FinishLine Machine, Bartcon, bLU cRU, Track Day Winner, Roaring Toyz, GP Tech, HJC Helmets, OneX USA, Yamalube, Wiseco Pistons, SBS Brakes, North East Cycle Outlet, Millennium Technologies, 64 Degrees, 190 Hook Up, Vortex, Ghetto Customs, Davis Shooter Tips.
More, from a press release issued by HONOS HVMC Racing:
HONOS HVMC Racing Bounces Back During VIR Race Weekend
Alton, Virginia ( May 26th, 2021 ) – Following a trying first round, the HONOS HVMC Racing team bounces back to capture their first Stock 1000cc and Supersport wins of 2021 at Virginia International Raceway (VIR). After Road Atlanta the team and it’s technical partner Graves Motorsports made strategic changes and found improvements which were capitalized on over the hot weekend at VIR.
Corey Alexander had never ridden a 1000cc machine at VIR prior to Friday’s practice sessions, and had not visited the track since 2015. Despite limited seat time on the HONOS HVMC Graves-Spec Kawasaki ZX-10RR, Corey and the team were able to make adjustments to the ergonomics and electronics that helped him find needed comfort and speed. After qualifying on the front row with a second place starting position, Saturday’s Stock 1000cc race saw Corey break away early but would ultimately struggle with grip and hot track temperatures. This along with lapped traffic and some small mistakes resulted in a strong second place finish.
Corey did his homework for race two on Sunday making it clear he wanted to control the pace and manage lapped traffic to his advantage. After a last lap clash with Jake Lewis Corey came out victorious and stood on top of the podium for the first time this season. Corey stated “After such a rough start to the season I am stoked to walk away from this weekend with solid points and a win. I’m glad we were able to put on a show for all the fans that came out. Four races in the heat wasn’t easy but I’m pleased with what we were able to learn about this 2021 ZX-10RR and I’m really happy with the direction the team is moving. I am looking forward to Road America in two weeks time. Thank you to everyone for all their support and birthday wishes”. Corey’s personal sponsors include Arai Helmets, Alpinestars, Sals Pizza & Pasta, Ikoniqa, Four3 Performance Lab, Gemini, and Prestige Services Group.
Richie Escalante had an exceptional weekend on his HONOS HVMC Graves-Spec Kawasaki ZX-6R in Supersport considering he was racing with a recently broken and plated collarbone, sustained in training just under two weeks prior to the weekend. Hot and greasy conditions made controlling the bike difficult but Richie showed his determination and drive with a strong fourth place finish on Saturday.
Gaining confidence with the strength of his injury, Richie led the field to a dominating win during Sunday’s race two. Richie made an early move to the front and then opened up a gap that he would maintain to finish 7.5 seconds ahead of his competitors. Richie commented “I am very happy in general even though it was a complicated weekend due to the injury I suffered. A win always gives me extra confidence and so now I can’t wait to race my favorite track at Road America. Of course thanks to my team and all of our sponsors”. Richies personal sponsors include Fresh & Lean, HJC Helmets, Vircos Leathers, Alpinestars, and Hidalgo.
The HONOS HVMC Racing team heads to Road America in Eklhart Lake, Wisconsin for round 3 of the MotoAmerica Championship June 11-13th. You can purchase tickets to the event via MotoAmerica.com or in person at the race track.
About WE ARE HONOS®
Founded in 2018, HONOS is a Los Angeles based performance gear and fashion apparel brand that promotes talent within the adrenaline sports realm. With worldwide partnerships ranging from the American Racing team in Moto2 to title sponsorship of the HONOS Superbike class in MotoAmerica, HONOS has heavily invested it’s brand into motorsports. Follow @wearehonos or visit wearehonos.com to shop for team gear now.
About Hudson Valley Motorcycles
Hudson Valley Motorcycles is a family owned and operated motorcycle dealership that has been serving New York’s Hudson Valley and Westchester County as well as Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New England region. HVMC has offered Kawasaki, Ducati, Scrambler Ducati, Suzuki, Energica and ATV, motorcycle or UTV Sales, Parts, and Service for over 50 years. For more info visit hudsonvalleymotorcycles.com, call (914)-762-2722 or follow @hvmotorcycles on social media.
More, from a press release issued by Landers Racing:
Gloddy takes lead in the STG Junior Cup Championship points following his first and second place finishes at VIR with Landers Racing
The MotoAmerica Sportbike Track Gear Junior Cup races at VIR this past weekend did a great job of keeping fans on the edge of their seats as they rooted for their favorite racers.
In race one Landers Racing’s, Ben Gloddy, came out on top after a killer start from the third row and a close 12 lap race with 7 other racers all less than a second apart as they crossed the finish line.
Gloddy had this to say: “Once the group caught up to me in race one, I knew it was going to be a close race. As we all exchanged positions a handful of times, I knew I had to come up with a plan and try to execute it at the right time. Fortunately, I was able to position myself perfectly for the race winning draft as we came onto to the straightaway. It was a great race by everyone and a lot of fun.”
In race two, Gloddy’s start got him swallowed up a bit into the pack, but he was able to work himself up to the lead group, again exchanging multiple positions throughout the race. On the final lap, Gloddy was attempting to again set himself up for a solid move but as they came across the finish line, he was second by a mere .049 seconds behind the leader.
Gloddy stated: “Race two was another fun and very close race. Of course, I wanted to be back on that top step, but Cody ran a smart race and I am happy for him. I am really looking forward to getting back to Road America in few weeks. I faced some challenges there last year and I am anxious to conquer those challenges and stay ahead in the points. My Landers Racing Team and sponsors are working hard to give me their best; Stoney, Tarl, Will, Lees Cycle Service, Ohlins USA, KFG Motorsports, CJR Performance, Evol Technology, have put together an amazing motorcycle for me and I will continue to work and train hard and give them my best as well. Thank you to my team, The Big S, Freedom Cycle, American Supercamp, Penguin Racing, REB Graphics/Innovative Motorsports, Atlantic Cruising Yachts, Arai Helmets, Dunlop, Scott Stump, Roche Realty Group, Sportbike Track Gear, Fast by Ferracci, Barnett Clutches and Cables, Tyrant Designs CNC and all of my team and personal sponsors for all of the support, as well as my parents, family, friends, and fans!”
Team owner, Stoney Landers, had this to say: “This weekend was a new challenge for Ben in that he had to learn the track as he had not been there before. Ben struggled a little bit in qualifying and ended up 8th. He shocked everyone and got the start of a lifetime by starting 8th, shooting up and ending up in first going into turn one, I personally had never witnessed that good of a start before. You could tell right away that race was going to be a dog fight. Ben played the race perfectly and was able to get a solid draft to the finish to take the win. In race two, one again it was a crazy back and forth exchange of leaders and again Ben was able to set the draft up really well, but came up a little short and took second by .04. We learned so much in that race and will be able to take that data with us to Road America. Ben now holds a pretty decent lead in the championship, but we will not stop pushing for more.”
Individual and Team Sponsorship Opportunities are still available for the 2021 MotoAmerica Season, please contact:
Christina Day: [email protected]
Stoney Landers: [email protected]
Rider Connection:
Ben Gloddy: [email protected]
Facebook: @bengloddyracing
Instagram: @bengloddy_72
Website: bengloddyracing.com
