Foothill Ranch, CA – Bobby Fong and the Latus Motors Racing Kawasaki team arrived at New Jersey Motorsports Park this weekend for the final round of the 2016 AMA/FIM MotoAmerica series looking to earn second place in the series championship aboard his Ninja® ZX™-10R.
The No. 50 Ninja ZX-10R qualified second on the grid, a position that allowed Fong to execute his game plan to get out front early and stay there until the finish. The first race got underway in brutally hot conditions, but Fong was able to save himself until the fight at the finish. As he took the white flag Fong sat third. He immediately made the pass for second and then grabbed the lead just before the checkered flag, giving Fong the Superstock win and fifth overall.
At the beginning of the second race Fong knew exactly what it was going to take to win, launching off the line and quickly cementing himself among the Superbikes, well ahead of the rest of the Superstock field. Fong held that position for the length of the race, comfortably taking the Superstock win and fourth overall. His double victory moved Fong into second place in the Superstock Championship.
“Bookending the season with another double win gives me a gigantic confidence boost,” said Fong. “I didn’t start the weekend where I wanted but I pushed through it and qualified second. The first race was a battle to the bitter end in sweltering heat, I can’t tell you how good it felt to make two passes on the last lap and take the win. In the second race I was done messing around, got up front with the Superbikes and stayed there for the whole race. Taking my second double win of the season is great and it put me second in the championship which is even better. I had a great year and can’t wait for 2017. Now I’m off to compete in this weekend’s race at EuroSpeedway Lausitz in Germany, where I will be filling in for a Kawasaki Superstock 1000 team. My goal for the weekend is to be the top Kawasaki Superstock rider on the track and continue to show the world what an awesome bike the Ninja is.”
More, from a press release issued by Yamalube/Westby Racing:
Yamalube/Westby Racing “Gives It The Dickens” And Wraps Up Its 2016 MotoAmerica Season In New Jersey
Tulsa, OK – Yamalube/Westby Racing’s encore visit to New Jersey Motorsports Park for the 2016 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Roadracing Championship’s final round generated a range of emotions somewhat befitting of the kind of season that the team has had.
And, while it would be far too dramatic to describe the weekend in purely Dickensian terms, stating that “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” is a fairly apt assessment of the race meeting.
After a two-month hiatus since the previous MotoAmerica round at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, South African rider Mathew Scholtz was excited to get back to business aboard his #720 Yamalube/Westby Racing YZF-R1 Superstock 1000 machine.
And, even though it was Mathew’s first visit to the southern New Jersey racing venue, he and the team applied their tried-and-true, methodical approach in getting Mathew acclimated to the facility’s fan-favorite, 12-turn, 2.25-mile Thunderbolt Raceway.
Friday’s two “orientation” practice sessions yielded solid results, and the adjustments that the team made to both machine and man overnight yielded a laptime in Saturday morning’s Free Practice 3 that advanced Mathew directly to the afternoon’s Superpole 2 session where he would qualify for Sunday’s two races against the factory Superbikes and MotoAmerica’s fastest and best riders.
Mathew acquitted himself well at the pointy end of MotoAmerica’s pencil and qualified as the fastest Superstock 1000 rider in the field, which meant that he would line up fifth on the combined Superbike/Superstock 1000 starting grid. It was a very satisfying result for Mathew and the Yamalube/Westby Racing team.
In Sunday’s Superstock Race 1, Mathew took advantage of his excellent grid position, got off to a great start, and kept himself up front and ahead of the speed-sapping battles that usually ensue further back among the Superstock 1000 riders. He raced his Superstock 1000 R1 against the Superbikes, which netted him a second-place finish in class and a trip to the podium to collect a trophy, sip (and spray) some champagne, and receive raucous praise from New Jersey’s always-enthusiastic fans.
Mathew’s Superstock 1000 pole on Saturday and second-place finish in Race 1 on Sunday turned out to be “the best of times” for the weekend. In Race 2, the final race of the 2016 MotoAmerica season, hopes were high among Mathew and the team that they would put an exclamation on the season, improve on the podium result in Race 1, and win Superstock 1000 Race 2.
The rider, the team, and the bike were poised for greatness, but soon after the race went green and Mathew was headed for glory, a technical issue arose with one of his tires, which forced the South African to retire from the race and call it a day…and a season. It was an inauspicious ending to an adventure-filled year for Yamalube/Westby Racing, but they took solace and felt satisfaction in knowing that they have everything in place to make the 2017 MotoAmerica season their best ever in professional road racing.
While the team loaded the bike, equipment, and their 2016 dreams into the trailer, Mathew reflected on his weekend, saying, “Friday started out a little bit slower than we are used to, but we kept getting faster and faster every single time we went out on the track. On Saturday, we qualified fairly well. We were fifth overall, which was brilliant, and we were first in Superstock. In the first race on Sunday, I had a pretty decent start, and I was following (Superbike riders) Jake (Gagne) and Toni (Elias), and they helped pull me forward. And then, I managed to open up about a three-second gap over the other Superstock bikes. But, in the final seven or eight laps, Bobby Fong was just on rails. He was really, really quick, and he reeled me in. Unfortunately, we had to settle for second place because I was sliding around and getting kicked out the seat everywhere. But, you know, second place, we couldn’t be happier.
“In the second race, we were quietly confident that we could get the win, but, unfortunately, things just never worked out for us, and we had a problem with the rear tire. I had to pull in, which is a huge disappointment for us. We didn’t end the season the way we would have liked to, but the other five races that I’ve competed in with the Yamalube/Westby team have been brilliant. These guys are absolutely awesome, and I’m really looking forward to what’s to come for the 2017 MotoAmerica season. One more big thanks to the entire Yamalube/Westby Racing crew and organization. Thank you so much!”
For more updates on Yamalube/Westby Racing, including news, photos, and videos, visit http://www.WestbyRacing.com
Also, visit “Westby Racing” on your favorite social media site.
About Yamalube
Located in Kennesaw, GA, under Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.’s (YMUS) Customer Support Group (CSG), Yamalube formulates the only oil “built around” the unique demands, operating characteristics, and applications of the various motorsports engines produced. In 1967, after more than a decade of racing and countless wins, Yamaha set off to conquer a new arena–racing oil. Collaborating with Yamaha engine designers, Yamalube’s global oil engineers formulate each oil from scratch, to be engine- and application-specific. Yamalube also makes lubricants, quality care products, maintenance products, fork oils, fuel additives, and adhesives. To find out more, visit http://www.shopyamaha.com
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More, from a press release issued by Jimmy Winters Motorsports:
IMPRESSIVE DOUBLE-DUTY FOR MAZZIOTTO IN NEW JERSEY
The 2016 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Series season finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park served as both a final chapter and a preview of what is to come for Jimmy Winters Motorsports’ Anthony Mazziotto III.
The 16-year-old returned to his home venue with an outside shot at securing the 2016 KTM RC 390 Cup championship. Perhaps even more exciting, however, was the fact that the season finale was also the scene of Mazziotto’s maiden ride in the Superstock 600 class aboard the Jimmy Winters Motorsports Yamaha YZF-R6.
Despite scoring his sixth pole in eight attempts this season, the weekend on the KTM proved to be more of a struggle than usual. The 2014 AMA Horizon Award winner narrowly saved a huge crash while running at the front in Race 1, and was only able to recover back to seventh by its conclusion.
With the championship officially out of reach and a 600 race yet to come, Anthony registered a safe sixth-place ride in Sunday’s Race 2.
Mazziotto wrapped the MotoAmerica KTM RC 390 Cup season ranked second in the championship on the strengths of four wins, ten podiums, and six pole positions.
He’ll throw a leg back over the KTM at the end of the month when he travels to the KTM RC 390 Cup World Finals at Assen, Netherlands, from September 30-October 2.
“I have to admit, the weekend on the KTM didn’t go as planned,” Mazzitto said. “In the first race, I was running with the lead pack but I made a big mistake and pitched myself up over the handlebars. I managed to ride it out but I lost a lot of time. I came back out on Sunday and just had fun. I wasn’t going to do anything stupid.
“I’m excited to get the opportunity to go back over and do the World Finals again. I feel like I’ve got some unfinished business over there.”
Meanwhile, Mazziotto impressed mightily in his MotoAmerica Superstock 600 debut. During qualifying he ripped off the fourth fastest time in class (1:24.291), which ranked in the top ten overall, even including the factory-backed Supersport entries.
Unfortunately, his blistering time was disallowed after a technical infraction was discovered with his R6. Due to an oversight, Mazziotto’s R6 sported CCS-spec airbox/velocity stack modifications.
As a result, he was forced to start both Supersport/Superstock 600 races from the back of a massive 30+ rider field.
Undaunted and eager to confirm his speed on a rules-compliant bike, Anthony ripped his way up through the field in both races.
On Saturday, he dazzled by dicing his way all the up to 7th in class (12th overall) while clocking lap times in the mid-24s (fourth best in class).
On Sunday, he went one better, slashing up to 6th in class (11th overall).
Afterward, Anthony said, “The weekend on the 600 actually went right to plan… well, other than the mistake with the bike in qualifying. In fact, I went a lot faster than I thought I was going to. I’m really excited about that. The airbox thing was just a mishap, and we forgot to swap it back to stock. But that motivated to go out and run the same lap times in the race to prove I didn’t need it to do the times I did.
“I got a good start in Race 1 and battled my way up toward the top guys. And in Race 2, I one-upped myself and went a position better.”
Mazziotto already has his sights set on 2017, in which he plans to contest the full season in the Superstock 600 class.
He said, “2016 went really well. I had a lot of fun and I learned a lot. I’m going to take everything I learned to make sure everything goes exactly to plan in 2017. I really want to thank Jimmy and the entire Jimmy Winters Motorsports team for all they’ve done for me. I also want to say thanks to my mom and dad, Arai helmets, Markbilt Racebikes, RS Taichi, Yamaha Champions Riding School, Jonathan Cornwell at Ohlins, and everyone else who backs our program. Honestly, I would not be here if not for each and every one of my supporters.”
More, from a press release issued by Thrashed Bike Racing:
Thrashed Bike Racing was delighted to finish the MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 season with eighth place in the championship. Even with some strong challenges in the final round Max managed to maintain this exception position for the small Louisiana-based team.
The team has had a faultless season with a 100% points scoring record in all of this year’s rounds from their 19-year-old Louisiana-based rider Max Flinders as well as no mechanical issues all season from the Yamaha R1 they have campaigned now for two seasons
Rider Max Flinders stated: “This year has been awesome. We have found consistency and have a great foundation to build on for the 2017 season. With the level of talent both in riders and teams in the championship it makes it even more satisfying to finish so highly! I want to personally thank the fans for their support, the MotoAmerica staff and volunteers for all of their hard work, and all the people that have stood behind me and my racing efforts.”
Team Principal Tim Ivanoff commented: “We are very proud of the team’s achievements this season especially against the depth of teams and riders in this year’s series. The efforts of MotoAmerica has been phenomenal and we are grateful for their efforts. We are hoping to attract further assistance and sponsors for next season and are confident that we can drive to be a contender for podium places in 2017. The outstanding Yamaha R1 has been completely reliable this year and we are looking to continue in 2017 with this machine. The help received from our sponsors and fans has been critical to the team and we are very grateful for all of their help and assistance”
Thrashed Bike Racing is based in Louisiana and competing in the MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 championship on a Yamaha YZF R1.
Many thanks to the team’s sponsors, Arrow Aviation, CPL Systems, Barbra Conner Jewelry, Friendly Power Sports, Arai Helmets and Oxford Products.
More, from a press release issued by #RideHVMC Freeman Racing Ducati:
#RideHVMC Freeman Racing Ducati Ends 2016 MotoAmerica Season With Great Event At NJMP
First, and most importantly, #RideHVMC Freeman Racing Ducati would like to thank all of the fans who turned out for the season finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park, especially those who helped drive our fundraiser by purchasing t-shirts for the 9/11 Memorial Foundation. Everyone at #RideHVMC Freeman Racing Ducati was thrilled with the response from the fans and the paddock, and the tremendous support shown over the weekend. The expanded presence of Ducati North America who brought along some of their historic racing machines and put them on display under the canopy excited many fans in attendance. The special #RideHVMC Freeman Racing Ducati 9/11 tribute livery on the #23 Panigale R was very well received, alongside the custom leathers Corey Alexander wore over the weekend made by Spidi Sport for the race weekend.
The #RideHVMC Freeman Racing Ducati team would like to thank Jon Freeman and MJRS Freeman Racing for the incredible opportunities and continued partnership over the course of the 2016 MotoAmerica season. The passion and unwavering confidence in the program has helped the entire team make tremendous progress. That #RideHVMC Freeman Racing Ducati has been able to achieve what it has to this point is due in large part to a great relationship, and we look forward to what the future will bring!
Arriving at New Jersey Motorsports Park, the #RideHVMC Freeman Racing Ducati team knew it had a lot of work to do. Having only been to the track six times – four race events and two test sessions – set up data for the engine and the chassis were lacking. Friday’s practice sessions saw Corey Alexander make steady progress with some changes to previous setups. Unfortunately in Saturday morning’s qualifying session Corey had a big crash with the #23 Panigale R that not only damaged the motorcycle quite heavily, but also beat up Corey’s body. After attempts to repair the “A” bike, Corey mounted his “B” bike for the first race. Despite being in quite a bit of pain and discomfort, Corey began to move forward through the field and bring his lap times down. Corey managed to finish eleventh in the first Bazzaz Superstock 1000 race. The second race saw more difficulty for Corey, who chose to pull out of the race in fourteenth position.
Reached for comment, Corey Alexander stated that “coming into this weekend the whole team had put in a tremendous amount of work so I had really high expectations for a good result. Right off the bat I struggled with set up and regardless of the changes we made, ultimately we could not find a set up to run the very competitive pace the front runners were racing at. Though the results don’t show our progress, every time we ride we learn more about the bike. Hopefully we will continue to make steps towards knowing what exactly it takes to make the #23 Panigale R competitive with the top five competitors – which is where we ought to be. I was very proud of our entire Ducati set up and more specifically our special 9/11 tribute livery that so many enjoyed. It was amazing to see all of the support at the track and elsewhere. Special thanks to my whole crew, all of my sponsors, specifically Spidi, Arai, and Boxed water, uncle Richie, and the entire Freeman family for yet another exciting year full of memories. Till next time!” Corey’s personal sponsors include: American Kargo, Arai Helmets, Boxed Water Is Better, Defy All Odds Apparel, JP43 Training & STAR School, Lapizta Watches, Outdoor Tech, Spidi Leathers, and XPD Boots. Follow Corey on social media via instagram.com/corey23alexander, twitter.com/corey5alexander, and facebook.com/corey23alexander!
Team Principal Richie Alexander Jr stated “we did not have the end of season race that we had hoped for, which is unfortunate. The entire #RideHVMC Freeman Racing team worked extremely hard to give Corey the bike he was looking for, and we just came up a little short. Corey had a big get-off in qualifying, which damaged the A bike badly, as well as his body, which put us behind where we needed to be on race day. On the positive side, the 9/11 tribute bike was a great success, paying respect to the fallen and the FDNY. We would like to thank Ducati North America for allowing us to work under their canopy, and for bringing back their presence in the MotoAmerica paddock for New Jersey round. We would like also to thank all the friends, family, customers and fans that came to support the #RideHVMC crew. Most of all we would like to thank Jon Freeman from MJRS Freeman Racing for all his support – without him #RideHVMC would not exist!” #RideHVMC Freeman Racing Ducati team sponsors include: Hudson Valley Motorcycles, MJRS Freeman Racing, Akrapovic, Armour Bodies, Beta Tools, Chicken Hawk Tire Warmers, CNC Racing, Design Star, K-Tech Suspension, LJ Painting, MOB Racing, New Rage Cycles, Orient Express, Signs Ink, Sprint Filter, Superlite Sprockets, TrakTape, Vesrah, Videri, and Zero Gravity Windscreens. #RideHVMC Freeman Racing Ducati is actively seeking additional partners for the 2017 season and beyond. If you have any interest in learning more about our program and its future plans, please contact us via email – [email protected]!
#RideHVMC is the home of all things rad by Hudson Valley Motorcycles, a family owned Ducati dealership in Ossining New York, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2016. As lovers of two wheeled machines, we often find ourselves engulfed in a huge variety of activities which range from our own race team, custom bike builds, and assorted events and track schools. #RideHVMC was founded so we could share our passion for the sport and ongoing projects with all of our friends and fans in one place! #RideHVMC will give you insight into what is going on at Hudson Valley Motorcycles on a day-to-day basis. #RideHVMC is not a company, nor is it a traditional brand. It is our family, and you’re invited to join us at the dealership, the racetrack, or on the streets and backroads! Please visit www.hudsonvalleymotorcycles.com and www.hudsonvalleymotorcycles.com to learn more!
More, from a press release issued by AXcess Racing:
Team AXcess Racing’s Jackson Blackmon and Brandon Paasch had an amazing final round of the season at NJMP. Jackson started off the weekend right and qualified a season best 5th. He then followed that up with two 5th place finishes for the weekend. Finishing just tenths away from a podium finish on both days. Jackson’s highlight of the weekend was when he was able to lead a few laps before being overtaken by his teammate and Jody Barry. “This weekend went very good for me, I knew going in everybody was gonna be on their game as it’s the last round of the season so I trained very hard before the weekend to come into the weekend prepared. It was great training with Brandon and Paul Allison before the race, Paul really helped me out a lot. The weekend was very good, so close to podium but I matched my best result twice with a pair of 5th place finishes. It was also very cool to lead my first race. Overall a great weekend and definitely learned a lot, can’t wait for next year!”
Brandon’s weekend was one for the record books. Qualifying second, Brandon was poised and focused on wrapping up the championship. Race 1 didn’t disappoint. After a dramatic and hard fought battle, Brandon was able to clinch the championship in style with a race win. With that win, Brandon was able to take the record for most race wins in a season in the KTM cup series with 6 wins total. His cool down lap was a major hit. Having it approved by MotoAmerica, he stopped for a custom made flag saying “SMILE you’re on facebook live” and became the first person in motorsports history to send a live feed on their cool down lap. Bein Sports announcers were making comments comparing Brandon’s showmanship to the likes of Valentino Rossi and Mark Marquez. Race 2 was a battle to the finish. Jody Barry and Brandon were able to break away and at the finish line it was Jody Barry taking the win. “I can’t believe I went from not having a ride this season until about a week before the first KTM round to winning the championship! I had an amazing season with AXcess Racing. I learned so much about the importance of nutrition and racing. I am so thankful for having this opportunity! I’m looking forward to seeing what my future holds!”
We would like to thank Dr. Ellis, owner of AXcess Racing for a great season. If there is any interest in supporting these two in the upcoming season feel free to contact Paul Allison at [email protected] for Brandon Paasch and Chuck Blackmon for Jackson Blackmon at [email protected].
More, from a press release issued by Kyle Wyman Racing:
Wyman brothers cap off at New Jersey with season-best finish for Millennium Technologies/KWR
MACEDON, N.Y. (Sept. 14) — The Millennium Technologies/KWR team capped off the 2016 MotoAmerica championship on a high note this past weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park for the final round of the series. Eldest brother Kyle scored 6th and 4th in his Superbike races while Travis recorded 8th and 3rd place finishes in the Superstock 600 category.
The weekend got off to a smooth start for Kyle and his Millennium Technologies M-Spec Yamaha, posting the 6th overall fastest lap time of the day and making the most of two hours of track time.
“Everything went really well on Friday,” Wyman said. “When we have smooth sailing in the first practice sessions, it really sets the tone for the weekend. I was able to match my best time at New Jersey on day one, so that was a confidence booster going into qualifying.”
Wyman’s best practice time of a 1:21.906 secured him a spot directly in the Superpole 2 session, with another shot at the one-lap Dunlop Q-tire. Kyle ended up qualifying 6th overall with a 1:21.403, only .303 seconds off of pole position. It would be his best qualifying result to date.
“After Superpole I was really satisfied,” Kyle said. “We have struggled so much in qualifying this year that a second row start felt like a win to us. I knew my R1 could get off the line good, so with a solid qualifying position for both races my job would certainly be easier.”
In race one Wyman found himself in the third position into turn one. After lap three of the race, rear tire grip issues plagued the team’s shot at a season-best finish. Kyle dropped to finish 11th overall and 6th in class, far off from his qualifying grid position.
“It really came down to tire compound choice,” Kyle said. “We opted for the extra-soft rear tire that we had success with in qualifying. It was a little bit of a gamble, because I knew it wouldn’t last to the end, but I really didn’t expect it to drop off so quickly. The last 20 laps of the race were pretty tough.”
For race two, the team went with the standard soft rear tire compound, and didn’t make any chassis adjustments to the Lucas Oil-sponsored Superbike. The tire alone made all the difference, and Wyman was able to rise to 4th in class, and 7th overall, notching his best finish of the 2016 season.
“I got the same great start in race two and just tried with everything I had to stay with the factory bikes,” Wyman added. “Without making any chassis adjustments the bike was massively better than in race one. The tire made all the difference and I was able to run with the lead pack for the first half of the race.
“Overall I’m really happy with the way we ended up, but I’m equally as hungry for better results. I feel like the last couple rounds have been a big improvement for myself and the team and our confidence is at an all-time high.”
For 2017, Wyman hopes to continue building his program and contest for podiums in the Superbike category.
“This year was a learning year for us,” Wyman said. “Our foray into premier-class Superbike racing was certainly a success, but this is really just the beginning. I have another year of experience, and fortunately I will go into another offseason without injury, and that’s the most I can ask for. I’m going to put my team-owner hat back on and try to put together an even stronger program for 2017, one that will show what we are truly capable of.”
Travis Wyman earns a podium result to finish Superstock 600 run
Travis Wyman earned another podium result at New Jersey Motorsports Park in the final round of the MotoAmerica series. The 24-year-old New Yorker, who will now be forced to move up into the Supersport category, finished 3rd overall in series points standings after the 9-round championship.
Wyman qualified 5th in class for two 23-lap races around the 2.25 mile NJMP circuit, and setup issues interfered with race one pace. A gamble in setup change proved the wrong direction for the #24 Yamaha.
“We made a change for the first race, and unfortunately went the wrong direction,” Travis said. “We really missed the setup, and the bike was harder to ride than it had been all weekend long. I knew we had to try something different for race two.”
Wyman’s second race found him in a race-long battle for the final spot on the podium, in which he ultimately prevailed. Travis capped off his 2016 championship run with another finish in 3rd place, his sixth podium result of the season.
“It definitely feels good to cap off the season on the box,” Travis added. “I need to thank the entire Millennium Technologies/KWR and Next Level Cycles team for their continued support this season. I’m glad to have finished 3rd overall in the series, even though my goal was to win the championship. I’m looking forward to 2017 and anything that might be in store for me!”
For more information on the products and services offered by the Millennium Technologies family of companies, visit www.mt-llc.com
For mor information about Kyle Wyman Racing (KWR), visit www.kylewymanracing.com
About Millennium Technologies:
Millennium Technologies is the world leader in Advanced Engine Solutions. Starting in 1997 as a Nickel Silicon Carbide (NSC) cylinder plating and service company, Millennium Technologies has expanded into complete service solutions for cylinders, cylinder heads, crankshafts, big-bore kits, and supplies parts such as pistons, gaskets, camshafts, and more. Millennium Technologies provides services for all levels of the powersports industry including OEMs, dealers, pro race teams and weekend mechanics. Millennium Technologies is the parent company of Revolution Performance, who provides a complete line of high performance American V-Twin engine parts and services, as well as Ballistic Performance Components, the leader in lightweight lithium-ion starter batteries for powersports vehicles.
About Kyle Wyman Racing:
Kyle Wyman Racing (KWR) was formed in 2011 as a motorcycle road racing team focusing on healthy sponsorship opportunities for companies within and outside the motorcycle industry. KWR is the 2012 AMA Pro Harley-Davidson series championship winning team and current partner with Millennium Technologies. For more information visit www.kylewymanracing.com