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2012 AMA Pro Hillclimb
Scott Wentz, Jr. took his first ever pro hillclimb win when the Ogemaw Hills Bike Week in West Branch, Mich., hosted an AMA Pro Hillclimb for the kickoff of their week-long rally. Wentz's victory was paired with a one-two win by Vinny Nuzzolilli and a first ever win in Pro Sport by rookie, Alex Erickson.
The Tilt-A-Rack Xtreme Class riders took to the the hill first with most riders setting their faster times in the first half, before an intermission cloud burst soaked the hill. Wentz rode fourth in the order, setting the bar for following riders at a 4.009 E.T.
Nuzzolilli stopped the clock at 4.017, just off the pace. Late in the first half, Phil Libhart laid down a 4.091-second ride, edging out Shane Green. The order stood: Wentz, Nuzzolilli and Libhart at the half and it did not change after intermission. Jay Sallstrom moved up to fourth on his second-half ride, knocking Green back one spot.
The Pro Sport field had only six riders but plenty of action. In the first half, lead-off rider, Molly Carbon set the pace at 7.428 seconds. Points leader, Chris Chartier, Jr. topped the hill at 8.067 for second and Devin Sweitzer landed in third at 195 feet after a bike-flipping crash. The second half was all about beating Carbon, and three riders did it. Erickson was the first and the only Pro Sporter under six seconds. Chartier bettered his own time by nearly two seconds followed by Sweitzer with a 7.133 second E.T. On the podium it was Erickson, Chartier and Sweitzer, one, two and three, respectively. Chartier widened his series points lead while Ian Lau, second after round four, is out with an injury.
The Wiseco Unlimited Class riders set most of their fast time in the first half. Nuzzolilli led the charge with a scorching 3.388-second ride. Points leader, Sallstrom crested in 3.662 seconds, just behind Nuzzolilli. Matt Luna put in a 4.145-second ride for third at the half. After intermission Sallstrom battled back with a 3.627-second E.T., faster than his first ride but not enough to take the win. On the podium stood Nuzzolilli, Sallstrom and Luna, first, second and third, in order. In series points, Nuzzolilli shaved Sallstrom's lead to just two.
Wentz said that after his first win, he is "super-stoked." Nuzzolilli let on that he thought Sallstrom's ride looked faster than his own. But when he looked at the clock, he thought, "Dang, I must have been really fast!" Fast, indeed.
AMA Pro Hillclimbers return to Michigan for round six and the All-Star Challenge on August 5 at Muskegon.
Ogemaw Hills AMA Pro Hillclimb Results:
U/L: 1. Vinny Nuzzolilli (Hon); 2. Jay Sallstrom (Yam); 3. Matt Luna (Kaw); 4. Tiger Strank (Hon); 5. Colby McCutcheon (Yam).
Xtreme: 1. Scott Wentz, Jr. (Hon); 2. Vinny Nuzzolilli (Hon); 3. Phil Libhart (Tri); 4. Jay Sallstrom (Suz); 5. Shane Green (Hon).
Pro Sport: 1. Alex Erickson (Hon); 2. Chris Chartier, Jr. (Hon); 3. Devin Sweitzer (Hon); 4. Molly Carbon (Hon); 5. Matt Gillespie (Hon).  |
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2012 Re-Cycle for the Troops at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Jay Allen of Jay Allen's Road Show has donated a 1967 BSA Lightning motorcycle to be restored and customized by Dar Holdsworth of Darwin Motorcycles. The bike will be given away live at the Thunder Dome in Sturgis on the evening of Aug. 8 at part of "Re-Cycle for The Troops."
Dar Holdsworth says: "We are giving this amazing bike away to a military serviceman or woman, active duty, reserve or veteran. This is part of our 'Re-Cycle For The Troops' program in conjunction with Pros for Vets."
While the bike was already in great condition, Dar and crew are completely restoring it and replacing out worn parts. Avon Tyres donated the new tires. The winner must be present to win and prove military status.
Dar Holdsworth is an Air Force veteran passionate about military causes. He started the Insiders Club online to help make a difference in the lives of military personnel. The Insiders Club helps Holdsworth realize the goal to restore or build five bikes a year to give-away and to raise money for Pros for Vets.
The Club is an all access membership pass to the world of Darwin Motorcycles which features online instruction for fabricating parts, building motorcycles, special discounts and giveaways. The membership fee funds the military charity projects.
Darwin Motorcycles is also one of four chosen builders for the Rolling Thunder XXV Custom Bike Tribute. Holdsworth and his team built the Navy tribute bike. The other builders are Mike "Kiwi" Tomas, Brigitte Bourget, Billy Lane, and Jay Allen has provided his own custom Army themed motorcycle as a tribute bike. All five bikes honoring each service branch will be on display exclusively at Jay Allen's Road Show at the Thunder Dome.
Jay Allen says: "It makes me proud to be a part of a program and to be a friend of such a person who puts so many man hours and money into a project and then gives it away.
"Dar does this because it's the right thing to do and I'm honored to give him the venue to give the bike away and I'm honored that he chose the Thunder Dome to do this fine gesture."
Jay Allen's Road Show is at the Thunder Dome Sturgis 2012 from August 3 - 12th. The Thunder Dome is located three miles from Sturgis on Highway 34 across from Full Throttle Saloon. The full event scheduled can be seen at thunderdomesturgis2012.com. |
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2012 Ultimate MotorCycling QuickShift Review
The history of the BMW 650 GS series is a constant tidal shift between the ebb of off-road and the flow of the pavement. In recent years, the 650 GSes, both the single-cylinder G models and the twin-cylinder F series, have trended toward the pavement.
Named after an untamed region in northeast Brazil, BMW's new G 650 GS Sertao pushes the envelope in a more dirt-worthy direction. The suspension travel (8.3 inches at each end) and ground clearance have been increased, and the front fender extended, so the changes are limited. Metzeler Tourance EXP tires signal a continued allegience to the street, so our initial testing of the Sertaro has been focused on pavement and high-quality dirt roads.
Sitting high with a standard 33.9-inch seat height, the Sertao gives you a commanding view of the road. Ergonomics when sitting are excellent and the windscreen provides more protection than you would expect. I was able to take the German-designed/Chinese-manufactured 652cc DOHC engine up over 100 mph, with the tires sticking nicely in 90 mph sweepers. It's a capable street bike at any logical and legal speed.
Handling is agile, and lean angles are limited by your bravery. On the tightest paved roads, you can even surprise a cocksure sport bike rider. Brakes are predictable, and the standard ABS allows you to push them to their maximum.
Claiming 50 horses at 6500 rpm and maximum torque of 44 ft/lbs at 5000 rpm, there is plenty of power for the intended use of the 425-pound bike (claimed wet). Hampering its performance, however, is a notchy gearbox that occasionally refused to downshift, as well as a dragging clutch that made in-gear starts a battery-draining proposition.
Careful adjustment helps, but does not solve the problem. BMW needs to resolve these shortcomings, as we experienced the same issues with more than one example.
Dirt roads are best tackled sitting down, as a lump in each side cover creates a bowlegged riding position. This makes it difficult to firmly establish your boots on the undersized footpegs (we removed the rubber inserts immediately).
On dry, smooth dirt roads, the Metzelers are satisfactory, and you can switch off the ABS if you choose so you can slide the wheel at will.
We are planning an off-road adventure sequel to this review, and have already shod the Sertao with Pirelli Rallycross street-legal knobbies, which greatly increase the bike's dirt capability.
Stay clicked to UltimateMotorCycling.com for updates. |
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2012 AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series
Bartels' Harley-Davidson/Scrubblade rider Tyler O'Hara topped a three-way battle between Michael Barnes (M.O.B. Racing) and KLR Group/Spyke's Harley-Davidson's Kyle Wyman to win his third AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 series race of the season Sunday at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Wyman jumped out to the early lead in the first turn on the first of the race's 11 laps ahead of polesitter Barnes, who slipped to third behind O'Hara later in the lap, and led the field for the first three trips around the 2.4-mile circuit.
By lap four, O'Hara was in the lead, but Barnes wasn't ready to give up the fight, briefly taking the race lead for the first time on lap seven. Although the official lap chart showed O'Hara leading the remaining four laps, the trio swapped positions multiple times in the closing stages, with most of the passes coming at the end of the track's long back straight before entering a set of technical turns that make up the second half of the course.
On the final lap, Wyman made a pass on Barnes to take over second place and tried to move into the lead at the entrance to that series of turns but ferocious late-braking by O'Hara kept Wyman at bay and sewed up the victory.
Tyler O'Hara (Harley-Davidson XR1200) says: "I went in there a couple of times way sideways. I knew if I could just get through there and get through the next left [turn] I could control the rest of the lap.
"What a great weekend and race. We struggled at the beginning and we had to put some stuff together, but I had my whole team behind me. It means so much to win today."
Harv's Harley-Davidson's Travis Wyman came home fourth in a lonely race ahead of Michael Corbino (XP Motorsports/Rossiter's H-D) who held off David Estok (Ruthless Racing/Deeley H-D Racing) for fifth. Benjamin Carlson, Shane Narbonne, Darren James and Josh Chisum rounded out the top ten.
Sunday's race marked the last opportunity for riders to earn a spot in top ten of the championship standings before the points reset for the XR Showdown. Beginning with August's double-header round at the Red Bull Indianapolis GP, the top ten runners will have their points reset level at 1000 each and battle for a $60,000 prize fund over the course of the final five races of the season.
2012 AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Mid-Ohio Final Results:
1. Tyler O'Hara (Bartels' H-D/Scrubblade), 11 laps
2. Kyle Wyman (KLR Group/Spyke's H-D), +0.136 second
3. Michael Barnes (M.O.B. Racing), +0.353 second
4. Travis Wyman (Harv's H-D), +11.762 seconds
5. Michael Corbino (XP Motorsports/Rossiter's H-D), +15.726 seconds
6. David Estok (Ruthless Racing/Deeley H-D Racing), +15.874 seconds
7. Benjamin Carlson (Suburban Motors H-D), +19.301 seconds
8. Shane Narbonne (Suburban Motors H-D), +29.664 seconds
9. Darren James (Ruthless Racing/Deeley H-D Racing), +29.882 seconds
10. Josh Chisum (Bartels' H-D/Scrubblade), +41.496 seconds
11. Nicholas Hansen (Suburban Motors H-D), +42.520 seconds
12. Brice Cooper (Hoban Brothers/Woodstock H-D), 55.125 seconds
13. Sam Rozynski (Triple Crown Industries), +56.421 seconds
14. Joseph Rozynski (Triple Crown Industries), +1:01.671 seconds
15. Paul James (Hoban Brothers/Woodstock H-D), +1:01.841
16. Ray Delaney (None listed), +1:38.758
17. Peter Cline (RIDER Insurance), +1:40.881
18. Calvin Martinez (National Precious Metals), 7 laps
19. Aaron Borello (Air Ground Xpress), 2 laps, crash
XR1200 Championship Points [XR Showdown Top 10]
1. O'Hara, 196
2. K. Wyman, 184
3. Barnes, 166
4. Corbino, 105
5. Estok, 103
6. T. Wyman, 97
7. Signorelli, 78
8. D. James, 75
9. Chisum, 73
10. Carlson, 68
The next round of the Vance & Hines XR1200 series is August 17-19 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. |
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2012 AMA Motocross Video
Red Bull KTM's Ryan Dungey has been unstoppable in the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.
For the past five rounds, Dungey has won ever moto, his latest feat arriving in Spring Creek MX Park in Millville, Minn., Saturday evening. Dungey dominated the first moto, and was nearly untouchable in the second moto, the Minnesota native arriving nearly 49 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor.
Dungey was joined on the overall podium by MotoConcepts Suzuki's Mike Alessi (3-2 finish) and Monster Energy Kawasaki's Jame Weimer (2-3), respectively.
Ryan Dungey (Red Bull KTM SX-F 450) says: "I enjoy coming back (to Spring Creek), I spent a lot of time riding here as kid.
"To get a win was great, not just for me but the team as well, especially since everyone was here to watch. I approach every race the same as the one before, regardless of points. I've said it a lot; there's a lot of racing left and you have to be ready for each race itself. We just come in and hope to accomplish what we want to accomplish, always looking to improve."
With his win, Dungey has extended his lead in the 450 Class standings to 80 points over Alessi.
Attached above are video highlights of Spring Creek Motocross; for a race report, click here. |
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2012 MotoGP Testing
The third official testing period of the 1000cc MotoGP era wrapped up Monday at the Mugello circuit in Italy following round nine at that same venue over the weekend.
And Sunday's MotoGP winner, Yamaha Factory Racing's Jorge Lorenzo, took the top time ahead of the Repsol Honda duo of Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner, respectively.
The Spaniard, who currently leads the championship by 19 points over Pedrosa, worked on suspension settings during 40 laps at Mugello Monday. The 2010 MotoGP Champion also experimented with new engine parts and a software package on the YZR-M1. His best time was a 1:47.435, just below his Saturday qualifying time.
Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha Factory Racing YZR-M1 MotoGP) says: "Yesterday we did 40 laps. We worked on improving the settings of the bike compared to the race and also tried some different engine specification to help us choose the direction to work in for the future. The track was very bad this morning after all the fans were on it sunday afternoon but it became a lot better."
Lorenzo's teammate, the Ben Spies, did not participate due to a stomach virus that hampered the American's progress during Sunday's GP.
The Repsol Honda team experimented with the 2013 prototype motorcycles, one for each rider. These bikes were designed to get rid of the chattering issues both Sonter and Pedrosa have been experiencing this season.
Although Pedrosa suffered a crash during the Mugello test, he performed 51 laps with a best of 1:47.549, which was just 0.270 of a second slower than Lorenzo, and two tenths under the circuit record set by Pedrosa during Sunday's race (1:47.549). Pedrosa says the new prototype was positive.
Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda RC213V MotoGP) says: "We tested many things today and I'm happy because we found some positives with the new engine and also with the new chassis that can help us in the second part of the season.
"I was really hoping for some improvements after the issues we have had with the extra weight, chattering and the front tires and in this test we made a step forward. Honda is working very hard and I'm sure they will do their best to be able to supply us the new parts for Laguna and the following races, but we'll see if it's possible with the engine allocations; anyway, it would be very good for us.
"The engine is better into the corner, the engine brake is smoother and the bike is not so sharp when you close the throttle, so this helps you to get into the corner. I made my best lap time on my current bike; it's normal as I'm used to it. With the new bike I made a mistake shifting gears and I had a small crash on my third lap, so I couldn't do a longer run, but the feeling was also positive".
Stoner completed 47 laps with a fastest time of 1:47.551, just two thousandths off his team mate. The Australian wasn't as happy with the bike as Pedrosa, but says he would like the new chassis/engine combo at Laguna Seca, which will host Round 10 in two weeks time.
As for Ducati, Monday was one of a four-day test scheduled at the track, the team attempting to get the GP12 more compeitive to compete with the Yamaha and Honda prototypes.
Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden spent the day with test-rider Franco Battaini, the three evaluating new parts.
One item that was tested today was a new ECU for the Desmosedici engine, which Rossi claimed was not a big step forward, yet should bring improvements. He only managed a run in the morning however, as he crashed after one lap in the afternoon, and was unable to continue due to a problem with the ECU. Hayden and Battaini did however continue lapping, and Hayden set the fourth quickest time of the day. Rossi's morning time left him in 10th, MotoGP says.
Valentino Rossi (Ducati Team GP12 MotoGP) says: "They had some things to try today, but it was mainly with an eye toward the future, as the substantial changes they're working on at Ducati for the engine's power delivery weren't ready yet.
"So this was an intermediate step, an interim engine management system through a new ECU. We started testing it this morning, and the first feelings were good, as I immediately did a good time with a used tyre. However, when I started again after the break, the bike stalled at the Correntaio and I fell.
"Fortunately, I was leaned over quite far at that point so I just tipped over, and nothing bad happened. In the interest of safety, we decided to stop because the engineers have to analyze the data to understand what happened. We also had some different parts for the chassis, but we weren't able to work with them much since we finished early. In the end, it wasn't a particularly productive day, although the first impression with this change was pretty good."
Monster Yamaha Tech3 duo of Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow focussed their efforts on race set-up, in particular on improving corner speed. Both looked on the pace throughout the day as the Brit finished in fifth place, with his teammate narrowly behind in sixth. LCR Honda MotoGP's Stefan Bradl was evaluating new brake pads and a new master cylinder for enhanced braking performance, as well as testing new Ohlins front forks and rear suspension. In addition, the team tried out new geometry settings on the bike.
Like Rossi and Pedrosa, the German rookie also suffered a crash in the afternoon. He did not break the 1.48 barrier, yet finished the day a credible seventh. San Carlo Honda Gresini's Álvaro Bautista, who had a disappointing race weekend at the Tuscan track, was working on the front suspension of his bike throughout the day, and ultimately came in ninth. Pramac Racing Team's Héctor Barberá, who did well to qualify on the front row for the Italian race, was working on new electronics and set-up with his team. He ended the day in 11th.
MotoGP says among the CRT field, the most notable test was that of NGM Mobile Forward Racing's Colin Edwards, who in the morning turned seven laps on San Carlo Honda Gresini's FTR-Honda, and six laps on the Avintia Blusens BQR-FTR machine of Yonny Hernandez in the afternoon. He also tested upgrades on his Suter-BMW machine, which he will be racing in Laguna Seca whilst continuing to try and improve it.
San Carlo's Michele Pirro was also out on track with FTR-Honda, trying to resolve the mechanical issues that have plagued him in the last two races. The Power Electronics Aspar team had tasked Aleix Espargaró to test a new frame, whilst Randy de Puniet was evaluating a new fairing. Avintia's Iván Silva was undertaking tests on the part-carbon Inmotec chassis to aid with its development, although the team has stated it will continue with the FTR chassis this season. Silva also went out on his teammate's machine to evaluate its Öhlins suspension. It was however Espargaró who lapped the quickest of the CRT bunch, having set the 12th fastest time of the day.
Speed Master's Mattia Pasini, Paul Bird Motorsport's James Ellison, Came IodaRacing Project's Danilo Petrucci, as well as Cardion AB Racing's Karel Abraham were absent from the test. |
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.jpg "Allen Donates BSA for Sturgis Giveaway")
.jpg "O'Hara Wins Mid-Ohio AMA XR1200")
.jpg "Spring Creek Motocross | Video Highlights")
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