BMW NA 50th Anniversary | 50 Stories for 50 Years Chapter 9: “A New Chapter for BMW Motorrad: BMW NA takes over from Butler & Smith”

Shortly after taking over U.S. sales of BMW automobiles from independent distributor Max Hoffman in 1975, BMW of North America initiated the process to do the same for the motorcycle side of the business.

BMW had been exporting motorcycles to the U.S. since 1950, less than two years after production had resumed in Munich following the destruction of World War II. At first, bikes were ordered directly by dealers whose relationship with BMW predated the war, like Oscar Liebmann, whose New Jersey-based AMOL Precision became the first official BMW motorcycle dealer in the U.S. in 1950. By the end of that year, however, the right to distribute BMW’s motorcycles in this market was assigned to the V. (for Victor) Harasty organization.

Four years later, that privilege was transferred to the Butler & Smith Trading Company. (Contrary to assumptions, the name of the firm referred not to its founders but to the intersection in Brooklyn where the company was located. Butler & Smith first imported NSU motorcycles from Germany, then Lambretta scooters from Italy.)

On February 19, 1954, Butler & Smith president Alfred Bondy wrote a letter to inform NSU and BMW motorcycle dealers that Butler & Smith was BMW’s official U.S. importer. Bondy expressed his desire that BMW dealers should continue with the new distributor, which would “combine Germany’s two most prominent brands which are world renowned for their workmanship and performance.” Bondy also stated that “The first BMW motorcycles will arrive in a few days. A large quantity of BMW parts is on order from the factory, and we hope that our reputation for fast and complete NSU parts service will soon apply to our BMW parts service.”

Initially, Butler & Smith would handle operations on the East Coast, with West Coast distribution delegated to the Flanders Company of Pasadena, California. In 1969, Butler & Smith took over distribution for the entire U.S., and in May 1970 established a new headquarters and import center in Norwood, New Jersey.

Even prior to that move, Butler & Smith had ensured that BMW built motorcycles suited to the needs and tastes of U.S. riders, most of whom used bikes like the R 50 and R 69 for long-distance touring. Their suitability for that purpose had been firmly established in 1958, when Ohio dealer John Penton rode his 600cc R 69 from New York to Los Angeles in 52 hours, 11 minutes, setting a new record and gaining great publicity for the reliability of BMW motorcycles. (Penton was an accomplished off-road rider, and he’d ride a factory-backed R 27 single in the 1962 International Six Days Trial, winning a silver medal despite a few bad crashes.) Thanks to Butler & Smith, BMW motorcycles could be ordered in the U.S. with options like dual seats, higher handlebars, and accessories like saddlebags, fairings, and the side stands preferred by Americans over the standard center stand. Later, Butler & Smith would offer aftermarket equipment including Krauser luggage, Luftmeister fairings, and Continental or Metzeler tires.

BMW built sporty models as well as touring bikes, of course, and Butler & Smith went racing to promote them. The firm became especially active on the racetrack following the move to New Jersey, which likely coincided with the ascension of Dr. Peter Adams to the leadership of the Butler & Smith firm. Adams was the son of Butler & Smith owner Irwin Adams, who may have founded or purchased it with Bondy in 1949 but who had in any case become its sole owner by 1970.

Adams formed a technologically sophisticated race team led by Udo Gietl and Todd Schuster, both of whom were innovative fabricators and technicians. The team got off to a fine start in 1971, campaigning a thoroughly exotic 750cc machine in the American Motorcycle Association’s Formula 750 class with riders Reg Pridmore and Gary Fisher. Five years later, the Butler & Smith team switched to the R 90 S, and its extensively modified bikes finished 1-2 in the very first AMA Superbike championship, with Reg Pridmore taking the crown over teammate Steve McLaughlin.

The elation of that championship would be short-lived, at least where Butler & Smith was concerned. Having taken over U.S. automobile sales and distribution from Max Hoffman in March 1975, BMW of North America was looking to do the same for its motorcycles. Dr. Adams resisted the takeover, and in 1978 filed suit to retain his distributorship. BMW of North America prevailed in September 1980, and that October saw the company take possession of the Butler & Smith operation at Walnut and Hudson streets in Norwood, New Jersey.

The new division was led by vice-president Jean-Pierre Bailby, who’d come to North America from BMW France. Joseph Salluzzo served as national sales manager, with Rolf Kettler as marketing manager. Below them, many of the motorcycle division’s employees were retained from Butler & Smith, at least temporarily.

“At that point, all of the employees in sales, parts, and service were Butler & Smith employees, wondering what happens next,” said Rob Mitchell. “Eventually, people from BMW NA started filling some positions. I came about six months later to head up advertising and promotion, taking over from Rolf Kettler, who’d been sent over temporarily from Germany. I’d been in sales training, and I got hired because I was the only person at NA who rode motorcycles. It was a real trial-by-fire.”

Mitchell worked out of an office in Norwood for the next two years, until the motorcycle division moved to BMW of North America’s headquarters in Montvale. In the interim, BMW NA began modernizing operations for sales and distribution, financing, and technical training. Imposing new standards allowed BMW to cut the number of U.S. dealers by half, from around 300 to 150. “Like Hoffman, Butler & Smith would sign you up as a dealer if you purchased $500 worth of parts and a [BMW] sign,” Mitchell said. “I visited one dealer in upstate New York that was in an extension of his house, and which had a dirt floor in the workshop. Once BMW NA put certain operating requirements for corporate signage, inventory, facilities, and technical training—all the normal dealership stuff—dealers like that, who weren’t willing to step up and make the investment, fell away.”

Replacing Butler & Smith with a modern, efficient sales subsidiary yielded tangible benefits, Mitchell said. “Back in the old days, you’d pick up the telephone and order a bike from Butler & Smith. Now you had a modern business culture for ordering bikes and parts, signing up for technical training, all of that. Some dealers were upset that they could no longer continue the way they had before, but those who stayed on found they could offer a lot more to customers. And the customers got way better support, too. It’s much better to go into a dealer and see dozens of new bikes rather than just one, plus accessories and people anxious to help you.”

As it had with the cars, BMW of North America was hoping to increase sales of BMW motorcycles in the U.S., and to take advantage of motorcycles’ burgeoning popularity in this country. (That phenomenon was due largely to the Japanese manufacturers, who marketed their lightweight motorcycles to young people as an alternative to cars, and as a “fun” alternative to heavyweight American machines.) Although hard data isn’t available for the years immediately before and after the transition, documents within the BMW Archive record declining export volumes to the U.S. in the mid 1970s: 10,553 units in 1974; 9,256 units in 1975; and 7,539 units in 1976. Presumably, imports declined further as the decade wore on. Mitchell doesn’t know the exact figures, but believes that Butler & Smith was selling perhaps 2,500 motorcycles per year by the time BMW of North America took over sales and distribution in 1980.

In 1985, the earliest year for which BMW NA data is available, the company sold 5,597 motorcycles in the U.S., followed by 6,078 in 1986. That number represented barely one percent of new motorcycles sold in the U.S. per annum, but it was a significant improvement nonetheless.

A new ad campaign helped. After an agency review, BMW’s motorcycle account was moved to Ammirati & Puris, which had created “The Ultimate Driving Machine” tagline that resonated so strongly with car buyers. For the motorcycles, Ammirati & Puris came up with another memorable slogan, “The Legendary Motorcycles of Germany,” which emphasized the company’s heritage at a time when BMW’s performance was somewhat tepid compared to that of the Japanese and Italian marques. Ammirati & Puris placed ads in the Wall Street Journal and Esquire magazine, hoping to reach upscale customers. This didn’t always work, Mitchell said. “Motorcyclists are grass-roots people, and prestige isn’t the biggest thing. It’s a very different group than the car people.”

More important, Mitchell said, was ensuring that BMW NA maintained a press fleet of new motorcycles, and staged press launches to ensure that new models were reviewed in motorcycle magazines. Those new models would themselves help BMW NA succeed, especially after the R 80 G/S caught on with adventure-touring riders following its 1980 introduction. “What started as an oddity—an 800cc, 400-pound dirt bike—became the most important segment, but it took probably ten years to really take off.”

In late 1983, BMW would enter another crucial segment, supplementing its longstanding boxer twin lineup with all-new K bikes powered by water-cooled three- and four-cylinder engines. “Even longtime boxer owners seemed genuinely excited by the K bikes,” Mitchell said. “There was clearly room for both within BMW.”

Today, BMW Motorrad USA offers a full range of motorcycles, from the entry-level G 310 R and GS to the Superbike-spec M 1000 RR, with all manner of touring, heritage, urban, and adventure bikes in between. A wide variety of engines is available, from singles to inline sixes, plus inline fours, Boxer and parallel twins, and even battery-powered scooters.

BMW Motorrad’s factories in Berlin and elsewhere around the world are busier than ever, turning out 209,257 bikes in 2023. Of those, 24,176 went to customers in Germany and 21,668 to France, while 17,017 were delivered to customers in the U.S., BMW Motorrad’s third-largest motorcycle market worldwide. That number constitutes only a small fraction of the half-million-plus motorcycles sold in the U.S. last year, but volume isn’t everything. BMW riders have long been among the industry’s most enthusiastic riders, especially when it comes to putting serious mileage on their machines. Just like John Penton’s R 69 in 1959, BMW motorcycles continue to carry their riders quickly and reliably from coast to coast…and beyond.

The post BMW North America Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary In The USA appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Hopkins started riding at just four years old and quickly made a name for himself, winning the 2000 AMA 750cc Supersport Championship at 17 years old and becoming the AMA Formula Xtreme Champion the following year. His raw talent propelled him onto the MotoGP stage in 2002 with Red Bull Yamaha, where he rode 500cc machinery before switching to Suzuki’s four-stroke GSV-R in 2003.

Hopkins later raced for Kawasaki, battling through injuries before the manufacturer’s MotoGP exit in 2009. However, it wasn’t until 2011 that he truly showcased his talent again—this time in the British Superbike Championship, where he fought for the title all season, only to lose in a dramatic last-lap clash, finishing runner-up for the year.

Beyond the track, Hopkins opens up about the physical and mental toll of professional racing, his battles with injuries, and how they ultimately led to struggles with addiction. He shares his path to recovery, the lessons he’s learned, and the motivation behind writing his book, “Leathered,” where he tells his story in full.

Now focused on mentoring the next generation of racers, most notably American Moto2 rider Joe Roberts, Hopkins discusses his passion for guiding young riders through the sport with the support and mentorship he wished he had. Most recently, he has taken on a new challenge as co-owner of Apex Racing Center in Perris, California, working to revitalize the popular supermoto and karting track.

Available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the twenty-sixth full episode with Hopper is out now. Video of the episode can also be viewed on Spotify or YouTube (link below).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaTwkmFG-3c

Keep up with John on Instagram via @21jhopper.

The post Pipe Dreams Podcast: John Hopkins Tells All In 4-Hour (!) Epic appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Chambers started racing in the late 1960s, served in the Army Reserve during the Vietnam War, went to law school, and started his law practice in 1972. He won several class-action lawsuits early on but in later years specialized in employment law, also working on cases involving intellectual property and the commercial use of image and name without permission. He recently retired from practicing law and lived in Novato with his wife Diane, who survives him.

He was a licensed pilot and over the years often flew his twin-engine plane to events and business meetings.

Chambers’ long-time friend Steve McLaughlin, (a racer and promoter), said, “Art helped a lot of people when they needed help. He was very generous with his time, especially with motorcycle racers, and he loved our sport.” Chambers was a member of the Southern California-based Trailblazers Motorcycle Club, a 501(c)(3) non-profit fraternal group of racers, enthusiasts and business people in the motorcycle industry.

May he rest in peace.

The post R.I.P. Racer, Lawyer, Veteran, Pilot Art Chambers (Corrected) appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

To be considered for the Young Guns feature, a racer must be no younger than 11 and no older than 18 on January 1st, 2025; have finished in the top three in a sanctioned Expert-level motorcycle road race or Championship and reside within the United States, Canada, or Mexico or be a citizen of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.

Riders can nominate themselves. Race sanctioning bodies, sponsors and race teams are encouraged to nominate young riders, but riders or their parents must request and then submit completed applications and provide photos suitable for publication by our deadline to be considered. (This works like a race: If you don’t enter, you won’t get on the grid. Or more specifically, if nobody nominates you or your favorite young racer, you or they won’t be included.)

Riders who have previously been recognized as a Young Gun should email youngguns@roadracingworld.com to update their profile information and arrange submission of up-to-date photos.

PDFs of the 2024 Young Guns feature in the print magazine appear below. Each rider was also featured individually on roadracingworld.com .

An example of an individual rider feature on roadracingworld.com can be seen by clicking on the image below:

Roadracing World Young Guns 2024: Mikey Lou Sanchez

New candidates who wish to be considered for the 2025 Young Guns feature should obtain, fill out and return a 2025 Young Guns questionnaire to Roadracing World by January 30th, 2025. Requests for questionnaires should be sent via e-mail to youngguns@roadracingworld.com.

Questionnaires must be filled out completely in English and be returned as a Word document. Completed questionnaires should be returned to the same youngguns@roadracingworld.com e-mail address.

An example of a properly filled-out 2024 questionnaire follows:

Rossi Moor

2024 Age: 16.

Current (2024) home: Portland, Oregon.

Current (2024) height/weight: 5′ 11″/153 pounds.

Current (2024) school grade level: 10^th grade.

Began riding at age: 2.5 years.

First road race: 2014, McMinnville, Oregon, Oregon Superbikers, 125cc four-stroke, 1st place.

2024 primary racebike: Suzuki GSX-8R.

2024 team/tuners/mechanics: Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki/Brian Robertson/Robin Hawley.

2024 Primary race series: MotoAmerica Twins Cup.

2024 Sponsors: Vision Wheel, M4 Performance Exhausts, ECSTAR, Suzuki, Mission Foods, Arai, RST, R&G, Hotbodies Racing, Vortex, EK Chains, TechSpec, Cordona, SportbikeTrackGear.com, HEL, 1-833-CJ-KNOWS, Roadracingworld.com, Team Hammer,  Polyglass, 2Fast Track Days.

Recent racing accomplishments: 2023 season, finished 2^nd in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (2 wins, 5 total podiums), crashed out of the lead on last lap of CIV Aprilia RS 660 Cup race at Imola, won 12 CVMA race wins; 2022 season, won Northern Talent Cup Championship (5 wins, 10 total podiums in 12 race starts); 2021 season, finished 3^rd in Northern Talent Cup Championship (3 wins and 6 total podiums in 14 races), finished 22^nd while racing as a wild card in the FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship event at Valencia; 2020 season, won MotoAmerica Mini Cup 190 Championship, won FIM Ohvale 190 Mini Road Racing Championship; 2019 season, placed 2^nd in CIV (Italian) Ohvale GP-0 190 National Championship, won MotoAmerica Ohvale Talent Cup at Pittsburgh International Race Complex, won Ohvale GP-0 190 races in Hungarian National Championship, earned pole position and led a race at Ohvale World Championship, finished 25^th in European Talent Cup race at Jerez (was youngest participant).

2024 racing goal: Win MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship.

Racing career goals: Win MotoGP World Championship.

Racing heroes: Valentino Rossi, Kevin Schwantz, Wayne Rainey.

Favorite tracks: Assen, Sachsenring.

Favorite hobbies: Gaming, cycling, doing wheelies.

If I wasn’t racing I would be…: A fighter.

…

In addition to completed questionnaires, candidates must also submit an action photo and a head shot (a photo clearly showing the rider’s face without sunglasses) suitable for magazine reproduction (head shots taken with smart phones are usually acceptable). Each submitted photo must include written permission (an e-mail is acceptable) from the photographer (even if the photographer is a parent) specifically giving Roadracing World Publishing the right to publish the photo(s) free of charge in the Young Guns feature and on www.roadracingworld.com.

Digital action photos must be high-resolution, or 3000 pixels wide or tall at 4 inches. All photos must be accompanied by the name of the photographer along with when and where the photo was taken, including the name of the racetrack. Photos should not have any watermarks or graphics added, and photo editing should be kept to a minimum. Digital photos are preferred.

Late and incomplete submissions may not be considered.

Young Guns features to date have appeared in the November 1997, March 1999, February 2000, March 2001, February 2002, April 2003, April 2004, May 2005, June 2006, April 2007, April 2008, April 2009, April 2010, April 2011, April 2012, March 2013, April 2014, April 2015, April 2016, April 2017, April 2018, April 2019, April 2020, April 2021, April 2022, April 2023, and April 2024 issues of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology. The Young Guns Classes of 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 were also featured individually on www.roadracingworld.com.

Please familiarize yourself with our previously published Young Guns features before contacting us to ask questions.

If you still have questions, e-mail youngguns@roadracingworld.com.

The Roadracing World Young Guns series started as an answer to critics who said North America lacked up-and-coming young riders. Current or former Roadracing World Young Guns have: Raced in all classes of the MotoGP World Championship (including the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup series) and FIM Superbike and Supersport World Championships, winning races and capturing World Championships; competed in European Championships and well as British, Canadian, Chinese, Czech Republic, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Mexican, and Spanish National series; raced in the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Championships (winning many races and Championships in all classes, including multiple Superbike titles); finished on the podium at the Suzuki GSX-R World Cup and the KTM RC Cup World Finals; won Superbike Shootout races in the Superbike and Pro Sportbike classes and won the 2014 Dynojet Pro Sportbike Championship; won Suzuki Cup Championships in the U.S.; earned WERA National Challenge, National Endurance and Sportsman National Championships; won ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships; collected USGPRU titles; and won many local and regional Championships.

Riders who have been featured in Young Guns include:

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);

2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and MotoAmerica Superbike podium finisher Corey Alexander;

AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);

2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner J.D. Beach;

five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier;

MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;

former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;

MotoAmerica 2024 Junior Cup Champion Matthew Chapin;

three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and Canadian Superbike race winner Torin Collins;

former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;

2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;

2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;

four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);

Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;

two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;

2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and 2020 and 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;

2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;

two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2023 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion, 2024 Loudon Classic winner, and 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Hayden Gillim;

2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);

2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;

eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;

2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Josh Herrin;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Teagg Hobbs;

AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;

2000 AMA Pro 750 Supersport Champion, 2001 AMA Pro Formula Xtreme Champion, 2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up, MotoGP podium finisher, and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;

2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and 2023 MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;

2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, Moto2 World Championship competitor, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Sean Dylan Kelly;

Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;

two-time MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, MotoAmerica Baggers race winner Rocco Landers;

two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;

2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;

MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;

MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;

AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;

Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;

AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and 3-time Baggers Racing League (BRL) Champion Shane Narbonne;

2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;

2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, MotoAmerica Superbike racer and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;

2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;

2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Bryce Prince;

AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;

two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and 2024 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers podium finisher James Rispoli;

2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and 2023 and 2024 Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;

2023 and 2024 MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, 2023 Loudon Classic winner and 2024 Daytona 200 podium finisher Tyler Scott;

former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;

three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;

multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;

MotoAmerica Supersport and Stock 1000 podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;

2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;

Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;

former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher  and 2024 MotoAmerica Super Hooligan Champion Cory West;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner, and 2024 Superbike Cup Champion Ashton Yates;

and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.

The post Roadracing World Now Accepting Applications For Young Gun Awards 2025 appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

MotoGP riders Pedro Acosta, Luca Marini and Miguel Oliveira are also among the riders slated to take part in the annual off-season event, which features riders from Moto2, Moto3, World Superbike, British Superbike and open road racing. Americans Sammy Halbert and J.D. Beach also are listed among the entries.

The event is slated to take place Jan. 10-11 at the VR46 Ranch in Tavullia.

The complete entry list includes:

Valentino Rossi

Pedro Acosta

Dominique Aegerter

Xavier Artigas

Francesco Bagnaia

Lorenzo Baldassarri

Elia Bartolini

Enea Bastianini

James Douglas Beach

Marco Belli

Matteo Bertelle

Marco Bezzecchi

Nicolo Bulega

Federico Caricasulo

Mattia Casadei

Thomas Chareyre

Davey Todd

Michael Dunlop

Filippo Fuligini

Federico Fuligni

Matteo Gabarrini

Manu Gonzalez

Sammy Halbert

Kurvinen Lasse

Andrea Locatelli

Luca Lunetta

Andrea Mantovani

Luca Marini

Andrea Migno

Franco Morbidelli

Diogo Moreira

Stefano Nepa

Miguel Oliveira

Luca Ottaviani

Mattia Pasini

Matteo Patacca

Gautier Paulin

Tito Rabat

Jose Antonio Rueda

Alberto Surra

Tatsuki Suzuki

Tim Neave

Ryan Vickers

The post MotoGP Stars Headline Valentino Rossi’s 100KM Of Champions appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

American Flat Track executive Richie Morris was arrested on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer in Florida, according to published reports.

Daytonamugshot.com, a website that publishes mug shots and arrest reports, says that Morris, 64, of Port Orange, was booked on Jan. 4 and charged with refusal to submit to testing, driving with a canceled/suspended/revoked license, battery on a law enforcement officer and driving under the influence with damage to persons or property.

Morris, a former team owner in AMA Pro Road Racing and in American Flat Track, is currently Director of Industry Relations for AFT. Morris also raced professionally in the AMA Pro Road Racing series but retired after suffering serious injuries, circa 2004.

The post AFT Executive Richie Morris Arrested For DUI, Battery On Officer appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

By Michael Gougis

“I can only say that we have had very interesting conversations with his management. It is no secret that Lewis Hamilton is interested in MotoGP and is thinking about his own team. Here, too, there are concrete discussions.” Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director, in an interview published by Speedweek.com on December 24th, 2024.

Rumors have been floated for months that seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton wants to purchase a MotoGP team. Until now, there were never credible sources attached to the rumors. Beirer’s comments are the most solid–and perhaps the first credible–indications that Hamilton may actually be actively seeking an ownership role in the MotoGP paddock.

KTM’s financial difficulties are well-known at this point, and while the company says it is going Grand Prix racing in 2025, an agency representing the company’s creditors says the plan is to pull out of “MotoGP Moto2/Moto3.” There is no timeline and no other details surrounding that assertion by the creditor agency.

Racing requires money, and KTM is actively seeking investors to help the company’s racing efforts. Beirer specifically chose the words “partner” and “investor” in the Speedweek article, because he views them differently than he does a sponsor. “An investor is something different than a sponsor,” he said. “When you have partners at the table to give you money for such a great project, then they get involved. Thus, it is clear that such people will have a certain say.”

So, what would Hamilton bring to the KTM racing project? And is Hamilton the suitor who will rescue KTM’s road racing efforts? Hamilton loves performance bikes. He’s ridden Valentino Rossi’s factory Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP machine and Yamaha factory-spec World Superbike YZF-R1s on the track. He owns a collection of fast Italian two-wheelers. 

Start with the basics. Hamilton has the money. According to a list of wealthy Brits published earlier in December by The Mirror, Hamilton’s net worth is approximately $375 million. That’s enough to fund KTM’s Grand Prix road racing efforts for the foreseeable future. The annual interest on that amount–if it was in a certificate at my credit union– would generate significantly more than the reported $11 million or so Red Bull kicks in to the KTM MotoGP effort.

But at the levels of finance Hamilton operates in, the game doesn’t work like that. Hamilton will have personal sponsors who throw money at any project he gets involved with. When basketball legend Michael Jordan ran an AMA Pro Superbike team, much of the funding came not from him but from his personal sponsors and others who wanted the attention that he would attract–the U.S. National Guard being one of them. And when I researched an article on the Target/Ganassi IndyCar program for a business newspaper, I found that Target provided virtually nothing in the way of sponsorship. All of the companies with logos on the Target racing cars paid the bills as part of their overall business interaction with the retail giant.

The point is, Hamilton wouldn’t serve as just some rich businessman throwing personal money at a pet project on an impulse. If he got involved, it would be a complex project involving several large multinational corporations. KTM could end up with all of the money it reasonably needed to compete in MotoGP.

But it would come at the cost of having bosses to report to–bosses who are powerful financial figures who want results.

And one of those bosses would be one of history’s most famous and successful racers. Hamilton is a lot like Marc Marquez, in that the record books are littered with their names. Watching Hamilton drive at his best is just like watching Marquez ride–you know you are watching something otherworldly, something genius. (If you need proof, go watch the 2008 British Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone. In changing, mixed, treacherous conditions, Hamilton won by 68 seconds.)

Hamilton knows how to win under pressure that is difficult to imagine for motorcycle road racers. The money involved in F1 dwarfs that in MotoGP. The pressure and publicity that goes along with winning multiple titles in F1 makes the public life of Valentino Rossi look like the life of a supporting actor on a moderately successful TV sitcom of the 1990s.

When Team Rahal announced that it was going Supersport racing in MotoAmerica, I wrote that the squad would bring a level of professionalism and publicity to the series because it was a racing organization with a history of success in a very popular and high-profile international racing series. If you think of a potential Hamilton/KTM collaboration, it would be most accurate to see Hamilton’s organization upping the already insanely impressive KTM/Red Bull level. This could be good, because Hamilton and company know what it takes to win. Trackhouse Racing Team Principal Davide Brivio has said that having Justin Marks, a NASCAR race winner, as head of Trackhouse is good because Marks understands what it takes to win. So does Hamilton.

Someone like Hamilton is not going to get involved just for fun. Again, when Jordan got involved in AMA Pro Superbike racing, the team was reasonably successful but wasn’t able to consistently challenge the riders on the factory Yoshimura Suzukis. Jordan said that one of his biggest frustrations was not being able to get factory-spec parts from Suzuki for his team’s bikes. Jordan didn’t want to just be good, he wanted to win. If Hamilton gets involved with KTM, it will be at the factory level. Hamilton will want results, and the factory team will have to develop a bike and attract and retain riders who can beat competitors on the all-conquering Ducatis.

That, ultimately, is the downside of having Hamilton’s organization involved with a racing program. KTM’s progress in recent years has stalled, the team going longer without a race win in MotoGP than even struggling Honda. The RC16 may be as good as anything other than the latest-spec Ducati Desmosedici on any given Sunday. But Hamilton’s interest in the sport isn’t just to be “pretty good,” and it’s definitely not for the ROI. He needs no additional publicity. And there are far better ways to invest money than in MotoGP racing, unless one anticipates a dramatic increase in the value of a MotoGP team under the ownership of Liberty Media. And even that takeover has now been delayed.

No, Hamilton will come to the game to win. And the challenge of working with Aliens is that they want Alien-like results. Again, we can draw a comparison with Marc Marquez, who walked away from an incredibly lucrative contract with Honda because there was no longer any chance of winning on the RC213V. Marquez took a solid financial hit and went to the satellite Gresini team because he missed the taste of victory champagne. Standing on the top of the podium–or at least showing up at the track with a realistic chance of winning–is what motivates Aliens like Marquez and Hamilton. And if KTM can’t deliver that, there could be uncomfortable discussions between the team and its angel investor(s).

The post MotoGP: Will Lewis Hamilton Rescue KTM, And At What Cost? appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

According to former AMA Pro racer and CCS South Florida race promoter Henry DeGouw, Martinez was in his late 50s.

This just in: The viewing for Marco Martinez will be at TM Ralph, Sunrise, Florida on Friday evening at 5-8 p.m. Mass will be held on Saturday morning at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church 9:30 a.m.

Family friend Vanessa Prieto posted this on Facebook and set up a GoFundMe page to benefit his family:

“Saturday evening, the Martinez Family tragically lost Marco Martinez, an amazing husband, #1 Dad, and super human to all of his family and friends. We met @2002 when our children attended St. Paul Preschool and later St. Bonaventure Catholic School/Church together. We became fast friends–he was so easy to love. There has been an outpouring of support to assist (his wife) Lisa Martinez, (and daughters) Alexandra Martinez and Angelina Rose Martinez in any way. Your support is so appreciated as Lisa and the girls navigate this immeasurable loss. Rest in peace my dear friend.”

Ryan Rawls posted on Facebook,

“Very sad news I just received on this Monday afternoon about many-time CCS Florida Region Champion and former AMA Superbike racer Marco Martinez passing away on Saturday evening, December 14th. I remember first watching Marco down at Moroso Motorsports Park in 1999 aboard an E Powersports Yamaha R6 just giving the competition a very hard time and putting in a dominant ride to win every race he entered that day. Also remember watching him at Daytona that year at CCS the Race of Champions weekend and he was super fast and ran away with tons of championships that season. Marco will be truly missed and his battles in the shootout events at Moroso and Homestead Miami Speedway will always be remembered as legendary. R.I.P Marco Martinez, you not be forgotten!”

Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

Godspeed, Marco Martinez.

The post R.I.P.: Former Racer Marco Martinez (Corrected & Updated) appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Three featured classes will recognize significant motorcycle brands and anniversaries: Italian Innovation by Bimota, Tribute to Yoshimura, and Celebrating 45 Years of the BMW GS.

Engineering excellence will take the spotlight at next year’s event with the Italian Innovation by Bimota class. Globally recognized for its advanced engineering, lightweight frames and trailblazing spirit, Bimota has customized top models for some of the biggest motorcycle manufacturers, including Suzuki, Honda and Kawasaki. Bimota has also produced several popular models of its own, including the Tesi H2, BB3, DB1 and YB4 EI.

The Tribute to Yoshimura class will highlight Yoshimura’s long-standing dedication to high-performance motorcycles and racing. Founded by Hideo “Pops” Yoshimura in 1954, the company has set the gold standard for engine tuning and parts for the motorcycle industry, including industry-leading aftermarket exhausts, such as the famous 4-into-1 pipe for the Kawasaki Z1. Yoshimura has also had a significant presence in motorsport. The Yoshimura Suzuki Road Race Team and Team Yoshimura Suzuki motocross and supercross teams have won more than 30 AMA, WORCS and GNCC titles.

Celebrating 45 years since its creation, the BMW GS is known for its versatility, comfort and off-road capabilities and has set the benchmark for adventure motorcycles worldwide. The GS name comes from the German phrase “Gelände/StraBe,” meaning “terrain/street,” and the iconic bike can be distinguished from other BMW models by its upright riding position, longer travel suspension and larger front wheel. BMW continues to define the adventure touring segment, with millions of GS models delivered across the globe.

“Over the last 15 years, The Quail MotoFest has become an annual staple for motorcycle fans on the West Coast,” said Courtney Ferrante, director of The Peninsula Signature Events, The Quail. “The reimagined event combines exceptional and rare motorcycles coupled with something for the entire family to enjoy.”

In addition to the featured classes, The Quail MotoFest will also include 10 traditional classes, including American, British, Italian, Other European, Japanese, Competition On Road, Competition Off Road, Antique, Custom/Modified and Choppers.

The festivities get underway with The Quail Ride on Friday, May 16. Participants will depart from The Quail Golf Club on a 100-mile journey through the back roads of the stunning Monterey Peninsula, including parade laps around WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, a midday lunch and an evening dinner. Vintage and modern motorcycles are welcome, but limited spots are available.

The Quail is currently accepting entrant applications for the event. Tickets to The Quail MotoFest will be available in January 2025. For more information or to inquire about entering a bike in the show, visit www.peninsula.com/en/signature-events and follow the action on Facebook and Instagram @TheQuailEvents.

The post Quail Motofest Announces Featured Classes For 2025 Event appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Former Superbike racer Jake Holden married Marada O’Conner December 3rd, in Hawaii.

During his career, Holden rode for Michael Jordan’s AMA Pro team.

The post Wedding: Racer Jake Holden and Marada O’Conner (Updated) appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.