Okay, every business across the globe is pushing Black Friday Deals. We give in. If you buy anything from the 5-Ball Garage.com I will throw in a signed book. If you buy a book I will toss in another and sign both of them.
There you have it, the 5-Ball Garage Black Friday sale.
–Bandit
We have about six weeks before we roll into the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials in Utah. We will haul our hand-built Salt Torpedo one of the first streamlined trikes powdered by a 135-inch JIMS Twin Cam.
I’m going to try to deliver a brief report every couple of days. Let me know if you have any questions. And of course we’re looking for sponsors to support this effort.
Just recently, Terry components helped with one of the items on our list, battery shut-off cables and jumper cables. I’m working on the trailer today.
–Bandit
Ricky Russell, Zach Osborne, Liam Draper, and reigning GNCC WXC Champion Rachael Archer looking to campaign for top honors aboard their YZs
MARIETTA, Ga. – December 1, 2022 – AmPro Yamaha is excited to announce a powerhouse lineup for 2023 with the signing of Ricky Russell to lead the charge in the premier class, and the addition of Zach Osborne and Liam Draper in the 250 class. Returning with the team to defend her crown in the Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) is 2022 WXC National Champion Rachael Archer.
Russell returns to the AmPro family looking to fight for the title aboard the all-new 2023 Yamaha YZ450F and will be racing the GNCC XC1 class, the National Enduro Series Pro 1 class, and select US Sprint Enduro rounds. The Washington State rider ended the year on a high note with a victory at the season finale to give him a pair of wins for third in the points standings and looks to keep his momentum rolling into next season.
Coming out of retirement to go off-road racing full-time is former supercross/motocross racer Osborne. A championship-proven rider with a versatile background, he will be joining the program to race the GNCC XC2 class and select US Sprint Enduro races aboard the 2023 Yamaha YZ250FX. Osborne was crowned the Pro Motocross 450MX Champion in 2020 and earned a pair of 250 titles in 2017 – the 250SX East Championship and 250MX Championship. He was also part of the U.S. World Trophy Team at the International Six Days Enduro in 2013 and 2014, and now looks to evolve his talents into the longer more demanding off-road formats.
Draper will be joining the team to compete in both the GNCC XC2 class and the National Enduro Series Pro 2 class. Making his GNCC debut in 2018, the New Zealander looks to keep building on his forward momentum and looks to fight up front aboard the 2023 Yamaha YZ250FX.
Returning to the AmPro Yamaha program is reigning GNCC WXC National Champion Archer who will also be piloting the 2023 Yamaha YZ250FX. In addition to defending her title in the GNCC series, the New Zealander will race select US Sprint Enduro rounds.
The team is also happy to announce their AmPro bLU cRU amateur support riders with Cooper Jones and Ryder Sigety returning with the squad and the addition of Mike Delosa and Simon Johnson.
In 2023, AmPro Yamaha’s primary focus will remain on the Grand National Cross Country Series and the National Enduro Series (NEPG), as well as GNCC University and select bLU cRU special events to support Yamaha riders honing their off-road skills. Russell, Osborne, Draper, and Archer, will also have a renewed focus on the US Sprint Enduro Series as their schedule permits. Additionally, they will be assisting in the development of our AmPro bLU cRU Amateur Team riders at GNCC, US Sprint, and JDay offroad events.
Donnie Luce – Amateur MX/ ATV / Off-Road Coordinator for YMUS
“Yamaha is pleased to continue our long association with Randy Hawkins and the entire AmPro Team. We are very excited about the team that we have assembled for our 25th season together. This association has produced numerous champions over the years while allowing us to further showcase our complete line of Yamaha Off-Road models, GYTR, and Yamalube products.”
Randy Hawkins – AmPro Yamaha Racing Team Owner
“This is going to be an exciting year for us. It’s time to get back to our roots and really show the world that Yamaha’s race machines are a step above the competition’s. We have the riders and team personnel, and we have the right equipment to win multiple championships in 2023.”
Ricky Russell – AmPro Yamaha Racing
“I couldn’t be more excited to be reunited with AMPRO Yamaha. Randy and all the guys here helped me start my GNCC racing career, so in a way, it feels like coming home and it’s good to be back. I finished off 2022 with a few Overall wins in GNCC and had career-best finishes in NEPG, so I’m very stoked to take that momentum into 2023 on the all-new YZ450F batting for championships!”
Zach Osborne – AmPro Yamaha Racing
“I’m super excited and grateful for this opportunity. My first conversation with Randy about joining his team and the off-road community dates all the way back to the end of 2007, so for this to come to fruition at a time when I was looking for a new opportunity is just super cool! I’m excited to get the season started in a few short months and I hope to make the team and our sponsors proud. I’ve been back to full-time training for about six weeks now and things are responding well heading into the holidays and my January training camp!”
Liam Draper – AmPro Yamaha Racing
“I’m super excited to be a part of AmPro Yamaha. It’s always been my dream to be on a factory team since I first came to the USA in 2018, and now it’s a reality! I’m super happy with the bike and I’m excited to be teammates with Ricky, Zach, and Rachael. Randy also brings such a vast knowledge of the sport and I’m excited to be under his leadership!”
Rachael Archer – AmPro Yamaha Racing
“2022 was epic! I was able to push through and get consistent podiums and six GNCC wins throughout the year and win the WXC championship! I’ve been working on this championship since I was 12, so to finally take the number-one plate at 20 years old is a pretty big achievement! I couldn’t have done it without the help of my awesome team at AmPro Yamaha, and I’m super excited to be chasing another championship or two again in 2023 with them!”
by Dustin Wheelen from https://www.rideapart.com
The Isle of Man TT (IOMTT) returned to the Snaefell Mountain Course in 2022 after a two-year hiatus. As expected, drama unfolded over the two-week period, but officials are always searching for ways to make the Tourist Trophy even better. With the aim of enhancing the event’s long-term sustainability by increasing overall visitor numbers, the new 10-race schedule addresses issues identified by IOMTT organizers.
“This research revealed that the existing TT schedule, the Island’s travel capacity, the Island’s accommodation infrastructure, costs factored against the current economic climate, and customers’ changing habits are no longer compatible and do not meet the needs of the event’s customers,” stated MHK Minister for Enterprise Lawrie Hooper.
To optimize the TT’s crowd-welcoming ability, organizers scheduled the opening-day qualifying on May 29, 2023, the U.K.’s Spring Bank Holiday. Authorities also deemed Friday, June 9, 2022, the “TT Bank Holiday”, bookending the racing event with two three-day weekends.
The 2023 Isle of Man TT schedule follows:
Qualifying Week
Race Week
Of course, many IOMTT attendees predicate travel plans based on their work schedules. By recognizing two Bank Holidays over the course of the 2023 IOMTT, organizers hope to increase the economic benefits to local businesses. From hotels to restaurants to pubs, the extended schedule should help Isle of Man commerce to better accommodate visiting sportbike fans.
‘The Island’s current TT capacity is limited to around 28,000 visitors at any one time, with the current visitor curve highlighting infrastructure pressures in the middle weekend,” added Hooper. “In its simplest form, the new schedule aims to sustain current visitor numbers while promoting growth. We expect this new schedule to encourage new visitor patterns and capitalize on capacity, driving an additional 50,000 bed nights over time, representing an additional spend on the Island of £6 million (~$7M USD).”
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Gear up to ride to your favorite Motorcycling Events – Click to view the all-new 5-Ball Racing Shop
Books That Make You Get Out & Explore
“After having read about Tom Cotter in the Bikernet.com Thursday News, shared by National Motorcycle Museum (click here) (past few weeks ago), I started watching Tom’s video series on YouTube.
I could resist no more and bought Tom Cotter’s Best Barn-Find Collector Car Tales (Sep 2018) and his latest mentioned by National Motorcycle Museum, Secrets of the Barn Find Hunter (May 2022). Both Hardcovers, sitting pretty, reminding me to get outdoors & cruise.”
Read more Book, Movie and Music Reviews at Bikernet — click here.
Foothill Ranch, Calif. (September 5, 2022) – Monster Energy® Kawasaki Team Green’s Enzo Temmerman earned second overall (2-2) at the final round of the invitation-only MX Sports Scouting Moto Combine at Fox Raceway. Teammate Preston Boespflug participated in both morning qualifying sessions but pulled out of competition due to a lingering injury.
The MX Sports Scouting Moto Combine hosted the top A and B Class amateur riders from across the country at Fox Raceway the Friday before the final round of the Pro Motocross Championship. Granting competitors the opportunity to receive mentorship from world-class athletes in media relations, fitness, and nutrition before taking to the track for two 15-minute plus two lap motos. The Scouting Moto Combine is the perfect opportunity for motocross’ next generation of top riders to obtain the tools necessary for their transition to the professional level.
With hot temperatures shortening motos, Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Enzo Temmerman brought high intensity to both qualifying sessions to earn an early gate pick as the start was sure to be a deciding factor. When the qualifying sessions concluded, Temmerman sat in fifth with a 2:33.287 lap time.
As the gate dropped for the first 15-minute plus two-lap race, Temmerman launched off the gate with his rear wheel spinning off the line resulting in a subpar start. Emerging from the first turn in 13th, Temmerman was forced to make quick work of the riders ahead to salvage a podium result. With precision execution and excellent flow around the track, Temmerman made his way into fifth by the halfway mark. The No.30 showcased his fitness and speed by clocking lap times consistent with the leader throughout the entire race and moved into third with only four laps remaining. Temmerman secured second place the following lap and attempted a run at the lead but ultimately ran out of time and finished second.
In the second moto, Temmerman launched his KX™250 race machine to a second-place start and raced close behind the leader during the opening lap. A patient Temmerman studied his opponent’s line choice in the early laps before attempting to make a pass as the race reached the halfway point. The No.30 nearly secured the pass for the lead once again in the latter stages, but the energy expelled in Moto 1 charging through the pack began to set in and Temmerman crossed the line in second place to take second overall (2-2).
“In the first moto, my tire spun on the gate which hurt my start and forced me to push forward from way back in the pack. The second moto started much better, I think I was second coming out of the first turn and stayed there the entire race. I tried to make a push for the lead a few times but couldn’t get close enough and finished second overall. As a racer, I’m always wanting that win but I am proud of my performance today and am happy with the knowledge I gained from this experience.” – Enzo Temmerman
Atlanta, GA – June 9, 2022 – METZELER USA is proud to announce their continued support of the BMW MOA at the 2022 National Rally, to be held June 16-18 in Springfield, MO. Celebrating 50 years of the MOA, this landmark rally will be highlighted by the U.S. launch of two brand new Metzeler tire models: the Tourance Next 2 and Karoo 4.
“It is a huge honor to return as the Title Sponsor of the BMW MOA National Rally and support this amazing community of enthusiasts,” said Brian Davenport, Senior Sales Manager for Metzeler. “This event is always an excellent opportunity for us to not only interface with serious riders who log enough miles to really put our tires to the test, but also to educate riders on proper tire maintenance and care.”
The centerpiece of METZELER USA’s exhibit will be two new tires: the Tourance Next 2 and the Karoo 4. The Tourance Next 2 tire is the perfect tire choice for sport touring riders, with the stability and grip to perform well in any conditions, even with bikes loaded with luggage or a passenger. For those adventure riders seeking some fun off the pavement, the Karoo 4 provides exceptional traction and clearout in even the messiest of conditions while maintaining a smooth ride on the road as well.
Attendees can visit the METZELER USA booth during the rally to see the Tourance Next 2 and Karoo 4 up close, along with the rest of the lineup of sport, touring and adventure tires from METZELER. In addition, the tire manufacturer will be hosting a seminar designed to help riders get the most longevity and performance out of their tires.
“We’re proud to have Metzeler as our title sponsor for the 2022 Wander Farther National Rally,” said MOA Executive Director Ted Moyer. “BMW MOA members ride thousands of miles to come to our annual ‘homecoming,’ and many accomplish an epic trip with the help of Metzeler tires. With such a rich history between Metzeler and the MOA, it only makes sense to have Metzeler as the title partner for our signature annual event.”
For more information about Metzeler’s complete lineup of motorcycle tires, visit www.metzeler.com, or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
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BUILD. TRAIN. RACE Road Race round two sees complicated results after last-lap drama unfolds at Road America
Milwaukee, WI (Monday, June 7, 2022) – Changing conditions, a shuffled program and last-lap drama made for a complicated weekend at Road America for Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. (BTR) Road Racing program. At the second round of the 2022 season, the overall results appeared similar to the opening round at VIR, with Kayleigh Buyck leading the way, but after the action was settled, it was Jenny Chancellor who was awarded the winner’s points and the championship lead.
The Road America round of MotoAmerica started on a challenging note for BTR racers due to changing weather at the Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin facility. Inclement weather on Sunday morning, following the schedule changes due to Saturday’s delayed program, left the BTR women gridding up on Sunday afternoon. The shifting weather made it difficult to predict conditions for the main race, and the BTR Continental GT 650 motorcycles headed out on a drying track on rain tires.
After qualifying on the pole, Kayleigh Buyck jumped out to an early lead in the four-lap race with Chloe Peterson and Crystal Martinez giving chance. The lead trio broke away, where the battle heated up when Martinez got around Peterson for second, closing on Buyck. The three-rider contest for the lead turned into a two-way battle when Peterson dropped away in a low-side crash, and moments later Martinez overtook Buyck for the lead.
The sprint to the finish was on between Buyck and Martinez, until a crash involving Kayla Theisler and Jessica Martin (running fourth and fifth at the time), prompted a red flag, ending the race midway through the final lap. Despite the red flags, Buyck and Martinez continued to hammer away for the lead in a side-by-side battle in the final stretches, seemingly unaware that the race had been halted.
With results reverted to the previous lap, per MotoAmerica rules, Buyck and Martinez recorded first and second place, respectively. But due to their failure to observe the red flags, both riders were sanctioned by MotoAmerica and denied any championship points.
Third-place finisher Jenny Chancellor was awarded the championship points for the win, with Theisler and Martin collecting second- and third-place points, respectively. Both riders were okay after their final-lap incident.
“This was a complicated weekend for us,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing and Communications Lead – Royal Enfield Americas. “We pride ourselves on being able to showcase the Build. Train. Race. program in a premiere championship, and we do understand that this is a process for riders who are new to the competition aspect of road racing. We like to avoid errors but unfortunately, they do happen in racing. This further highlights the importance of Build and Train along with the Race aspect of the program, and BTR accepts the responsibility of ensuring all racers understand the rules of racing that every MotoAmerica athlete is expected to follow.
“While we’re leaving Road America with mixed emotions, we also will not let this discourage our program or its goals. I am proud of our BTR racers who rode phenomenally in what were very tricky conditions. Our goal is to grow the sport through providing opportunity and encouragement to those who have the confidence to get out there. It’s not always an easy road, but growth comes through embracing the entire experience, the mistakes and the successes—that’s what racing is about.”
Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Road Racing is looking forward to the full grid of 15 racers returning to action for round three at Brainerd International Raceway on July 29-30.
THE RIDERS
Find bios on all 15 BTR Road Race women at the Build. Train. Race. website.
2022 BTR Road Racing Roster
#52 – Kayla Theisler, 26, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
#27 – Michaela Trumbull, 29, Sheridan, Wyoming
#30 – Alyssa Bridges, 31, Orange County, California
#44 – Trisha Dahl, 31, Minneapolis, Minnesota
#21 – Bridgette LeBer, 29, Port Angeles, Washington
#31 – Ash Truxal, 31, Oakland, California
#55 – Chloe Peterson, 31, Steger, Illinois
#95 – Cora Tennyson, 36, Brandenburg, Kentucky
#25 – Crystal Martinez, 34, Thousand Oaks, California
#62 – Hannah Stockton, 23, Kansas City, Missouri
#19 – Jenny Chancellor, 46, Tumwater, Washington
#23 – Jessica Martin, 38, Savannah, Georgia
#16 – Kayleigh Buyck, 30, Sodus, New York
#11 – Nicole Pareso, 34, Carrolton, Ohio
#79 – Patty Paul, 57, Berrien Springs, Michigan
THE SCHEDULE
2022 Royal Enfield BTR Road Racing Schedule
Jul 29-31 (Rnd 3) Brainerd Int’l Raceway, Brainerd, MN
Aug 19-21 (Rnd 4) Pittsburgh Int’l Race Complex, Wampum, PA
Sep 9-11 (Rnd 5) New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ
Sep 23-25 (Rnd 6) Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL
More information 2022 MotoAmerica, click here.
BTR SPONSORS
The 2022 Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. programs (Road Race and Flat Track) are made possible by the participation of these generous sponsors. Our continued thanks to all our supporting companies behind BTR.
2022 Build. Train. Race. Sponsors
· Parts Unlimited
· Harris Performance
· S&S Cycle
· Dunlop
· Maxima Racing Oils
· BOXO USA
· Öhlins USA Suspension
· Arai Helmets
About Royal Enfield: The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 150 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the all-new Classic 350, Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.
Visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/
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5-Ball ballistic nylon vest
Auction Market Growth
This is for those committed to keep driving alive
Never Stop Driving ! Two things are on my mind: A recent sale of a used Volkswagen and a podcast in which Elon Musk said Tesla cars will have Level IV autonomous capability in 2023. I think the two are related. Let me explain.
While I would not mind an autonomous pilot myself from time to time, I am first and foremost a driver. The one thing I’ve had in common at all my gigs is that I have no off-hours from cars. I spend nearly every waking minute either working on cars; driving cars, whether around town or, my favorite, long road trips; racing; or passing on my enthusiasm.
Your humble narrator fathoms deep in the car thing.
–by Larry Webster from Hagerty.com
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If you haven’t already, Check Out the Brand New 5-Ball Racing Garage Online Shop !!!
CLICK HERE: You will find unique Motorcycling Gear designed by Lifelong Bikers & Custom Builders.
Riding Free for 25 Years, celebrate Bikernet.com
Delightful tribute Rally Car showcases masterful rally mods
This Cosmopolitan is a modern-day recreation, made to race in the late 1990s and now boasting a significant number of accolades.
Editor’s Note:
Plus this stinkin’ Lincoln is directly connected to Bikernet.com and 5-Ball Racing.
This car brings back memories. I was a crew member/co-captain with its new owner Dr. Christian Reichardt or Doctor Hamster to you in 2005. It was originally raced in the ‘70s and the body was modified in the ‘90s. We worked on the classic mechanically and prepared the car for the 2005 La Carrera Pan Americana road race in the vintage class. We brought a 2nd Place trophy home.
— Bandit
CLICK HERE to get Bandit’s insight into this unique Carrera Panamericana.
While you are at it read the Original Photo Feature Article from Hagerty.com at that link as well.
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