The MotoAmerica Superbike championship kicked off this weekend with its season opening round at Barber Motorsports Park. The races on Saturday offered perfect conditions. However, on Sunday a major storm raged through the paddock with thunderstorms delaying the day in the morning. Here’s how the event unfolded.
Superbike
The Superbike class had a mixed bag of race winners. Cameron Beaubier and Bobby Fong had a back and forth battle out front in Race 1 with Beaubier getting the best of Fong as the pair crossed the finish line after 20 laps. “Jake and I were just talking about it. He was so fast out of (turn) two. I don’t know what he was doing. I don’t know what line he was taking or what he was doing out of there. It was kind of like we were yo-yo-ing pretty good. I had some good spots. He had some good spots. There at the end, I kept lining him up going into turn one, but didn’t quite get there.
Finally, I did it with a couple of laps to go. Just put my head down those last couple of laps. I think he got hung up a little bit with a lapper going into turn one. But I’m super happy with how those last couple of laps went, my times, and how I felt. It’s going to be tough. This guy, he’s been ripping up at the Podium Club, hitting the gym. I’m stoked Jake is back and healthy again. Same with me. It was a pretty crappy middle of the year last year. I’m sure for both of us for different reasons. Awesome racing with these guys. It’s going to be a long year.”
After losing out on the battle at the fornt Jake Gagne Bounce back using the rian to his advantage in race two. After securing the win he said, “The bike just was working really good. I’m happy to leave with two podiums. I’m psyched with that, honestly.” The battle at the front for Superbike will be an intense one with all rider sin contention looking to further their legacies in the AMA MotoAmerica history books.
Supersport
Josh Hayes secured his 89th AMA victory in race 2 of Motivation Supersport. The now 50 year old continues to show that he has what it takes to hang with the younger generation in the countries premier superport class. I won the last National I rode in the rain in 2023 at New Jersey,” Hayes said. “My expectations were not this today. Somebody asked me and I’m like, ‘Supersport in the rain right now is so stacked…What an incredible weekend. I watched these two guys battle last year, and with any stroke of luck they’re going to have to deal with me more than in the rain this year, and that’s our goal and our hope. I’m looking forward to some more racing.”
Of note, Mathew Scholtz finished P1 in race 1 and P3 in race two after highsiding fromt he lead in the rain. Scholtz was able to recover and make his way all the back to the podium places after his teammate Blake Davis was forced off track after a late crash by Tyler Scott. Davis ended race 2 in P4; just missing on on a second podium on the weekend.
Twins Cup
Alessandro DiMario put on a master class at Barber in Twins Cup. After finishing on the podium twice and dominating the wet race DiMario ahs made it clear that he is taking the battle to Mathew CHapin who dominated the first round for Twins cup as Dayton securing both wins. DiMario said, “I just got flashbacks from last year,” Di Mario said. “In race one last year, it was in the rain, and I crashed, and then I won on Sunday in the dry. So, this year was split. I kinda lost in the dry and then won in the wet. I wasn’t really expecting it. Earlier I was just like, ‘I’m gonna go out there and win.’ I was so pissed about yesterday. I had a big moment in the big esses. I’m really happy, but I can’t really enjoy it right now. I have to go put my other helmet on and go race Talent Cup.”
Talent Cup
DiMario pulled dual duty in Twins and Talent cup this weekend. After a dominate win in Race 1. The rain threw a curve ball for DiMario in race 2. Dimario ahd built up an early lead but a late mistake saw him drop down the pecking order. He left the weekend as the points leader but was visibily displeased with the outcome of the race after giving up points. Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Hank Vossberg won race 2 after staying poised and focus on holding his position into the final laps of the race.
Next up is Road Atlanta where will will see the debut of the 2025 Stock 1000 class in one month’s time.
Warhorse HSBK Ducati/Celtic Racing secured the win at the 2025 running of the Daytona 200 at Daytona International Speedway. Herrin who had some hurdles to overcome in practice shined in the race after starting P2. In the time attack it was Tyler Scott who got the best of Herrin heading into the race. However Herrin and his Ducati V2 made quick work of Scott ahead and built up a margin to the bikes behind before the race was stopped due to rain.
The race was restarted but after one corner another rider crashed bringing out the red flag for a second time. After the second restart Herrin went to work and never really felt pressured after pulling away from the front pack. He finished the race 5.33 seconds ahead of Tyler Scott in second. “Man, what a crazy weekend, said Herrin. “With the way that the chicane is this year, I think it slows us down a couple tenths also. So, the guys have redefined that V2 for this year. I think Cam (Petersen) is going to have a good year on that thing. I’m honestly speechless. I don’t really know what to say. I know I said it earlier, but being mentioned in the same sentence as (Scott) Russell and (Miguel) Duhamel is special.
This will probably be one of the last races that poor Rachel gets to go to, because she’s got twins in her belly and she’s already ready to pop. So, this has just been an amazing experience. Like I said, I’m just lucky to be able to be in this position to even have a chance at this. I would have never imagined to get three in a row. So, thank you, everybody.”
Herrin’s win marks his third consecutive win at the Daytona 200. Up next the MotoAmerica Season kicks off with round 1 at Barber Motorsports Park April 4-6.
The following article was not authored by Speed Trap Magazine Staff
The following is from OrangeCat Racing…
OrangeCat Racing’s lineup for the 2025 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 season features two riders who are no strangers to success in the class. The team is pleased to have last year’s Stock 1000 runner-up, Jayson Uribe, back for 2025, as well as welcome two-time Stock 1000 champion Andrew Lee to its ranks. The duo of Californians will be at the helm of BMW M 1000 RR motorcycles for the team’s third season competing in the Stock 1000 Class.
After a stellar return to professional motorcycle road racing in 2024, Uribe is aiming to finish one position higher in the Stock 1000 standings this year. Uribe’s racing career started in 2013, but there had been a several year gap from his time racing in European national championships to his return to full-time racing with OrangeCat Racing last year. Though he was new to the team and MotoAmerica Stock 1000 competition, Uribe finished the 2024 season with two wins, five additional podium finishes and two more top five results in 10 races. Uribe also worked as a test rider for Pirelli USA in 2020 and took part in several FIM Superbike World Championship races in 2021.
“I’m honored to be invited back to the OrangeCat Racing crew for 2025,” Uribe said. “We proved how competitive our partnership can be in 2024, and my goal for this season is to build on that momentum and really refine my riding and technical skills. The whole crew came together during the off season to brainstorm ways to ensure that we have the most competitive package possible, and I think we’ve succeeded in doing so. The bike has incredible potential, and the team structure is strong. I’ve ridden with my new teammate, Andrew, for many years. I believe our program is better than ever.”
Andrew Lee will join Jayson Uribe on the two-rider OrangeCat Racing team for 2025.Lee made his MotoAmerica debut in the Superstock 600 class in 2015, and two years later netted his first career podium finish in that class. The next season, Lee found immediate success in the new-for-2018 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Class. He clinched the class’ first-ever title and then successfully defended his crown in 2019. Overall, Lee has amassed 10 victories and 10 additional podium finishes in MotoAmerica competition. Like Uribe, Lee also has overseas racing experience. He was invited to join a team for the 8 Hours of Suzuka endurance round in 2018, and that team achieved a second-place finish in its class.
“2025 is gearing up to be an amazing year,” Lee said. “I am beyond grateful to be joining the OrangeCat team. I’ve watched OrangeCat grow through recent years, and now to be a part of it makes me extremely excited. I know from the way that they approach racing that this season will be one to watch! Jayson proved to be very successful last season aboard the BMW M 1000 RR that the OrangeCat Racing team had prepared. To have Jayson under the same tent will be an absolute pleasure. Jayson and I grew up racing with each other. Now I get to call him my teammate, which in and of itself is exciting. I know that being teamed up together will force us both to be better.”
The OrangeCat Racing team also will continue its collaboration with the Lightfighter electric motorcycle project in 2025. The two organizations kicked off the joint effort at the AHRMA Roadrace Series Barber Vintage Festival, with Uribe piloting one of Lightfighter’s V3 models to two class victories and OrangeCat personnel lending technical support to Lightfighter’s racing efforts. Though Lightfighter’s current models have yet to be homologated for one of MotoAmerica competition classes, expect to see Uribe and Lee in the saddle of Lightfighter machines at select AFM road racing rounds in 2025.
“It was an incredible experience to work with OrangeCat Racing last year,” Lightfighter owner Brian Wismann said. “Everyone at OrangeCat was committed to pushing the limits of performance through working together towards a common goal. Just working alongside the team has brought a new level of focus and performance to our electric race bike program. I’m stoked to see what we can accomplish together in 2025!”
The following article was not written by Speed Trap Magazine Staff
The following is from a Vance & Hines Motorsports Press Release…
Vance & Hines Motorsports is excited to announce that former MotoAmerica King of the Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim and teammate Rocco Landers will return to lead the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team for the 2025 season.
Gillim, who clinched the 2023 championship with a dominant performance, will once again pilot the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Road Glide in his pursuit of a second King Of The Baggers title. His consistency and determination saw him finish the 2024 season with three victories and 10 podiums, and he remains a cornerstone of the team’s success.
“Racing with the Vance & Hines Motorsports team is like being with family,” Gillim said. “The hard work everyone puts in shows in our results. The competition in the King Of The Baggers class is getting stronger every year, but I know we have what it takes to stay on top. Daytona can’t come soon enough!”
Rocco Landers, who impressed in his 2024 debut season in the King Of The Baggers series with two wins and seven podiums, will return to the team alongside Gillim. Landers brings youth and energy to the grid and is looking to build on his success from last year. Riding the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Road Glide, he aims to solidify himself as one of the top riders in the class while balancing his transition to the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 class.
“Getting back on the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson for another year is a dream come true,” Landers said. “I learned so much in my first season, and with Hayden as a teammate and mentor, I’ve been able to develop my skills on the Bagger. I can’t wait to push even harder this season and aim for more wins. Let’s get to work!”
Terry Vance, owner of Vance & Hines Motorsports, expressed excitement for the 2025 season. “Having both Hayden and Rocco back on the team is a huge win for us,” Vance said. “Hayden is a proven champion and the anchor of our King Of The Baggers program, while Rocco brings incredible talent and a fresh perspective. With RevZilla, Motul, and Harley-Davidson behind us, we’re looking forward to another fantastic year.”
The 2025 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 6-8.
Matthew Chapin Joins for Twins Cup
Vance & Hines Motorsports is excited to announce that Matthew Chapin will race for the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki team aboard the Suzuki GSX-8R in the 2025 MotoAmerica Twins Cup season – a machine that has proven to be a strong contender in this highly competitive class.
Chapin, an honor roll student and the reigning MotoAmerica Junior Cup National Champion, brings an impressive racing pedigree to the team. In 2024, Chapin dominated Junior Cup with seven wins and nine podiums, showcasing his consistency, discipline, and raw talent. His progression through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable, and the Vance & Hines Motorsports team is excited to support his continued growth as he steps up to Twins Cup.
“I’m beyond excited to join Vance & Hines Motorsports and take on this new challenge in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup,” said Chapin. “I’ve been watching this series closely, and I know the competition is fierce, but I’m ready to learn, adapt, and give it everything I’ve got. I can’t wait to start testing and prepare for Daytona.”
Terry Vance, owner of Vance & Hines Motorsports, commented, “We’re excited to bring Matthew into the fold. We love young talent and, after watching his performance in the Junior Cup series, we’re looking forward to seeing what he can achieve in Twins Cup. This season is shaping up to be a memorable one for Vance & Hines Motorsports.”
The 2025 MotoAmerica Twins Cup season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 6-8.
The Honda Racing Corporation has released their contingency program for the 2025 racing season which spans across multiple disciplines of racing. Via it’s Ride Red program, Honda will provide racers across the globe with the opportunity for big cash prizes across the 190 race series it has riders participating in worldwide. The program will include 11 disciplines, including AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross, AMA Arenacross, amateur motocross, various forms of off-road racing, flat track, road racing, and side-by-side racing.
The Following is From Honda and was not Written by Speed Trap Magazine Staff
Covered Honda models include the CRF Performance line, the CBR family of sport bikes, Talon sport side-by-sides and more.
For 2025, Honda has transitioned the Red Rider Rewards program to the industry-proven Brandecation race-contingency platform. The new platform delivers a smooth user experience to help with checking and using race earnings, whether using a computer, smartphone or tablet. All participants must register with the new platform by logging on to HondaRideRed.com and clicking “enroll.”
“We’re excited to continue to grow the Red Rider Rewards program each year, as we want to reward our customers for their efforts,” said Jeff Weiner, Assistant Manager of Racing at American Honda. “Honda has a tradition of success in all facets of racing, and we want to encourage racers to Ride Red. We look forward to seeing how our Red Riders perform this season, and to rewarding them for their efforts.”
In addition to the Red Rider Rewards contingency program, Honda offers trackside support at many races, through partnerships with JCR Honda, SLR Honda, Phoenix Racing Honda, Honda Talon Factory Racing and DR Powersports.
For more information, visit the updated Red Rider Rewards page.
About American Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the United States. American Honda’s Power Sports & Products Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.
MotoAmerica has announced a new partnership with SC Project exhausts. The company will be the title sponsor for the 2025 MotoAmerica Twins Cup class. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, SC-Project manufactures exhaust systems for 18 different motorcycle manufacturers that span the majority of homologated motorcycles that compete in the series. Their legacy is rich in the United States and SC Project looks to expand that reach with this new deal. “With multiple MotoAmerica Championships secured by teams using SC-Project exhausts, we wanted to show increased support for the MotoAmerica organization,” said Nate Seyer, of SC-Project’s North American division. “We are grateful for the amazing job that MotoAmerica has done to nurture American motorcycle racing. Racing is a universal language that knows no boundaries, and we feel this partnership can do great things to benefit the motorcycle racing community.”
We welcome SC-Project as the title sponsor for MotoAmerica’s Twins Cup class,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “SC-Project’s exhaust systems are a popular choice among many of the race teams in our paddock. They have a proven record of success around the globe with a high-quality product made 100 percent in Italy. The SC-Project Twins Cup promises to once again deliver some of our closest competition, and we look forward to the first round at Daytona, March 6-8.”
The SC Project Twins Cup will run at the follow race weekends:
March 6-8 Daytona Int’l Speedway | Daytona Beach, FL
April 4-6 Barber Motorsports Park | Birmingham, AL
June 27-29 Ridge Motorsports Park | Shelton, WA
July 11-13 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca | Monterey, CA
Aug. 1-3 VIRginia International Raceway | Alton, VA
Sept. 26-28 New Jersey Motorsports Park | Millville, NJ
After falling short of the Supersport championship in 2024 Rahal Ducati has made the decision to forgo the Daytona 200 this year and allocating all efforts into ensuring a championship in 2025. The team released an official statement that reads:
The decision means all three riders PJ Jacobsen, Kayla Yaakov and Corey Alexander will not be aboard this Ducati V2s. Whether the trio will pick up another ride for the Daytona 200 is yet to be determined. However, it’s clear Rahal Ducati is focused on getting the necessary testing in to prepare for the 2025 season. PJ Jacobsen had moments of dominance in 2024 but ultimately was plagued by mid season misfortune which coincided with Mat Scholtz finding a
The following article was not written by Speed Trap Magazine Staff.
From Warhorse HSBK Racing...
Celtic Racing and Warhorse HSBK Racing are proud to announce their return to the MotoAmerica Supersport grid in 2025 under the banner Celtic/Economy Lube & Tire by Warhorse HSBK Ducati.
Headed by Team Manager Barry Gilsenan, the squad fields a strong two-rider lineup featuring #45 Cameron Peterson and #272 Wristin Grigg, marking Celtic Racing’s comeback to MotoAmerica after a five-year hiatus.
Petersen showcased his prowess in the premier Superbike class in 2024 with multiple victories, including a nail-biting triumph at Road America where he edged out his competition by just 0.004 seconds in challenging wet conditions. Although injuries hindered his ability to contend for the championship, Petersen demonstrated resilience, concluding the season in sixth place overall with 110 points. Now fully recovered, he is shifting his focus to the 2025 Supersport season and aims to build a competitive pace and achieve consistency to secure another championship for Ducati in MotoAmerica.
“I’m excited to get the chance to race for the 2025 MotoAmerica Supersport title with the Celtic/Economy Lube & Tire Powered by Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati,” Petersen said. “The Panigale V2 has won two of the last three Supersport titles and it looks like a ton of fun to ride. I can’t wait to get started and the season can’t come quick enough.”
Grigg, meanwhile, made an impressive 2024 debut in the MotoAmerica Supersport Series, earning several strong finishes, including an 11th place at Mid-Ohio and a personal best ninth at New Jersey. Grigg’s rookie year also featured two expert National Titles at Daytona, highlighted by his AMA 600 Title, which underscored his adaptability and potential on road courses. With his 2024 performances fueling his motivation, Grigg is determined to refine his racecraft and rise through the ranks in the coming season. Leveraging Warhorse HSBK Racing’s Ducati expertise – as recent winners of the Supersport Championship (2022 & 2023) and the Daytona 200 (2023 & 2024) – as well as the proven support of Grigg Electric and Economy Lube & Tire, the team aims to contend for podiums with a push for the 2025 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship.
The MotoAmerica Supersport class has secured a new title sponsor, Motovation to bring in the 2025 season. Motovation is an industry leader in custom motorcycle builds and accessories for the last two decades. Their rich history in the motorsports world serves as the perfect profile to highlight one of the premier racing classes in the MotoAmerica Championship series.
Words from the Press Release
“Our involvement with MotoAmerica racing began many years ago with a grassroots approach to the sport,” said Nate Seyer, owner and CEO of Motovation. “We started out supporting riders who needed help getting their bikes ready for such a high level of competition. Over the years, we have been fortunate enough to involve ourselves with a wide spectrum of teams and riders competing across the different MotoAmerica classes. We are proud to have the opportunity to make an even bigger difference to a sport we all love.”
“We’re thrilled to announce Motovation as the title sponsor for the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Motovation has been a valuable supporter of teams and riders over the years, and we’re excited to see them step into this prominent role. The Supersport class is one of the most competitive and prestigious in our series, with up to six manufacturers battling for victories. Last season’s title chase came down to the wire, and we’re expecting another thrilling year of competition.”
The following article was not written by Speed Trap Magazine Staff
The following is from Harley-Davidson…
Harley-Davidson renews its support of motorcycle racing competitors during the 2025 season with cash contingency programs totaling more than $582,000. These funds will be available for qualified H-D racers competing in select classes in the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship and the Progressive American Flat Track and AdventureTrackers™ series.
The Harley-Davidson® Factory Racing team competes in the MotoAmerica Mission Foods King Of The Baggers road racing series in 2025 aboard race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® motorcycles powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight 131 Performance Crate Engines. In addition, privateer teams racing Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the King Of The Baggers series can benefit from racing contingency and available racing parts for purchase.
Mission Foods King Of The Baggers
The Mission Foods King Of The Baggers series offers exciting competition between American V-twin touring motorcycles prepared for competition and equipped with stock frames and a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags. The 2025 King Of The Baggers series features 14 races over seven doubleheader weekends held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series. The series opens on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 6-8. Harley-Davidson will offer a $234,500 cash contingency program for qualified Harley-Davidson racers competing in the Mission Foods King Of The Baggers series, with a contingency payout from first to 10th place and a $35,000 championship bonus. Terms and conditions apply; please email “contingencyracing@harley-davidson.com” for full details, eligibility requirements, and deadlines.
Mission Foods Super Hooligan National Championship
Harley-Davidson will offer contingency opportunities for racers competing in the Mission Foods Super Hooligan National Championship Brought To You By Roland Sands Design. The road racing series features 750cc-and-up, high-bar, race-prepared street bikes. Held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series, the 2025 Super Hooligan National Championship includes 10 races over five doubleheader weekends, beginning with two races at Daytona International Speedway on March 6-8. Harley-Davidson will offer a $123,000 cash contingency program for qualified Harley-Davidson racers competing in the Mission Foods Super Hooligan National Championship, with a contingency payout from first to 10th place and a $20,000 championship bonus. Terms and conditions apply; please email “contingencyracing@harley-davidson.com” for full details, eligibility requirements, and deadlines.
Progressive American Flat Track
Harley-Davidson will offer contingency opportunities for racers competing on Harley-Davidson XG750R motorcycles in the premier Mission Foods SuperTwins class on the 16-event 2025 Progressive American Flat Track series, the most prestigious and competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing in the world. Harley-Davidson has committed $185,600 in contingency funds for qualified SuperTwins riders. Harley-Davidson contingency will pay first to 10th place and a $20,000 championship bonus. The season opens March 6-7 with the Daytona Short Track doubleheader at Daytona International Speedway. Terms and conditions apply; please email “contingencyracing@harley-davidson.com” for full details, eligibility requirements, and deadlines.
AFT AdventureTrackers™
Harley-Davidson will offer contingency opportunities for racers competing on eligible Harley-Davidson Pan America models in the new AFT AdventureTrackers™ series, a professional class for adventure touring motorcycles with engine displacements over 1000cc. Basic rules center on production-based race bikes that remain as close to street stock as is feasible. The class will feature multiple brands that have a similar power-to-weight ratio competing in one of the fastest-growing segments of the motorcycle market. Harley-Davidson has committed $38,750 in contingency funds for qualified AdventureTrackers™ class riders. Payouts will be awarded for 1st through 5th place in each race, with a championship bonus of $10,000. After a successful single-race debut in 2024, the AdventureTracker series will expand in 2025 to include four events held in conjunction with the Progressive American Flat Track series, three at Sturgis, South Dakota, August 4-10 and at Peoria, Illinois, on August 10. Terms and conditions apply; please email “contingencyracing@harley-davidson.com” for full details, eligibility requirements, and deadlines.