Skip to main content
search
Tag

Missouri

Apr 26

Women on Enfields And Johnny Lewis Takes On I-70 Half-Mile

By General Posts

(L-R) Zaria Martens, Jaycee Jones and Jillian Deschenes share the first “full-grid” BTR Flat Track podium of 2022.

FIRST OFFICIAL BTR FLAT TRACK FULL-GRID, JOHNNY LEWIS DEBUTS NEW CHASSIS AT I-70 HALF-MILE

Jaycee Jones fires first shot of 2022 BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. Flat Track, Moto Anatomy X takes next step in Royal Enfield Twins FT evolution

Milwaukee, WI (Monday, April 25, 2022) – The Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Flat Track program held its first full-grid race of the 2022 season at I-70 Motorsports Park in Odessa, Missouri, where seven returning riders and eight new faces took to the track. The larger field of racers combined with a new American Flat Track venue and some wild weather conditions created a whole new race dynamic, but in the end, there was a familiar face atop the podium—Jaycee Jones topped the first 2022 BTR Flat Track race featuring the full roster, storming to victory ahead of newcomer Zaria Martens and BTR veteran Jillian Deschenes.

The women of BTR Flat Track were looking forward to a test day I-70 Motorsports Park as a final test-and-tune session ahead of the season. But due to strong winds and track equipment issues, the program was abbreviated, only leaving the women with two test sessions. From there it was trial by fire as the BTR Flat Track field took to the grid for the first official round of the season (following the “BTR Select” exhibition at the Volusia Half Mile).

Jaycee Jones led the way from start to finish, never relinquishing control of the eight-lap race. Behind her, the battle to watch was between Zaria Martens and Jillian Deschenes. The two dueled throughout the race, much to the Missouri crowd’s delight, with 18-year-old Martens besting veteran BTR racer Deschenes at the checkered flag.

“It was flawless racing by all 15 BTR Flat Track women, and a great start to the season,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing and Communications Lead – Royal Enfield Americas. “Despite limited track time and the ladies not being able to get ample time on their bikes, they supported each other, offered each other advice and feedback, and went out there and put on a great race. Having 15 women from various backgrounds and personalities all under one canopy, working together with a shared competitive spirit is what we’ve always strived for.”

Through the combination of seasoned veterans and newcomers, and an overall faster field of riders, the night proved to be particularly challenging for Gabrielle Hughes, who was faced with the challenge of improving her lap times in order to line up for the main event. Through teamwork and perseverance, Hughes summoned the fortitude to slash several seconds off her lap times to card her best-ever performance.

“It was a rollercoaster of emotions for me,” Hughes said. “Our seven-session practice the day before the race but cut short after only two. The racetrack was a completely different beast the next day and the rough track terrified me. But Jillian and Zaria helped me get my head straight, and Bree lit a fire under my butt. My awesome team wouldn’t leave me behind and I went out and beat two girls. I am hungry to keep pushing forward, and each race I am going to come back stronger this season.”

Johnny Lewis debuted an all-new Harris Performance-built chassis at the I-70 Half Mile–a major step in the Royal Enfield Twins FT evolution.

JOHNNY LEWIS DEBUTS ALL-NEW CHASSIS

The I-70 Half-Mile also marked a first for Johnny Lewis and the Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield Team, as they debuted an all-new Harris Performance-designed chassis in the Twins FT motorcycle. Lewis is taking on the full 2022 season in the Production Twins class of American Flat Track, where he and the team continue to make progress on the Twins FT.

“This all-new chassis is a clean-slate design, and is the culmination of two years of race testing and feedback from Johnny Lewis,” said Breeann Poland. “Together with the world championship-winning expertise of Harris Performance, this new chassis is much improved, and ready to take on a full season in American Flat Track racing.”

The I-70 Half-Mile turned into the proving grounds for the new chassis, and although the test sessions that were originally slated to take place at the Odessa, Missouri venue were abbreviated due to weather and complications with track equipment, Lewis and the Moto Anatomy X Team were able to put the new chassis to the test.

“We were able to extensively test the new chassis for the first time at I-70,” Lewis said. “Although we had very limited track time due to weather, we did what we could in that time. We were able to find some areas to improve on between now and our next race, the Red Mile, which happens to be the first Mile for Royal Enfield in AFT. We’re feeling pretty excited and confident heading into uncharted territory in Lexington, Kentucky.”

Lewis put in solid laps during the Production Twins main event, where he finished sixth in order to maintain a solid top-five position in the championship. Johnny and the team look forward to taking an important step at the following round—the first Mile race of the season—the Red Mile Doubleheader in Lexington, Kentucky taking place May 28-29.

Royal Enfield BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. Flat Track
I-70 Half-Mile Results

1. Jaycee Jones
2. Zaria Martens
3. Jillian Deschenes
4. Lanakila MacNaughton
5. Stephanie Pietz
6. Makenna Hiatt
7. Malary Lee
8. Alex Bumpus McDonald
9. Erin Ferris
10. Anna Serena
11. Kaiela Hobart
12. Nean Kiskela
13. Gabrielle Hughes
14. Moriah Hummer
15. Mia Reese

Visit https://www.americanflattrack.com/results/default for detailed results.

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 (INT 650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.
For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.

To Stay updated on all Motorcycle News and Events …
– simply Click & Subscribe to Bikernet’s FREE Weekly Newsletter

Nov 23

Mid-South M.I.L.E. 2021

By General Posts

Bikers gathered in Dallas, Texas for the 29th annual Mid-South M.I.L.E. event

from Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF)

Like the Midwest’s Heartland STEAM event, the Mid-South M.I.L.E. brings together bikers from neighboring states to discuss legislative priorities, share ideas and build relationships.

CLICK HERE To Read this Event Coverage on Bikernet.com

Join the Cantina for more – Subscribe Today!

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx

May 20

Missouri motorcycle helmet law repeal has governor’s support, but it’s a small part of a larger bill

By General Posts

by Ashley Byrd from https://www.missourinet.com

One of the proposed laws tucked into a massive state transportation bill would allow motorcyclists to drive without helmets, but they must be at least 26 years old and have medical insurance and proof of financial responsibility.

Representative Jared Taylor of Republic in southwest Missouri says the governor promised he’d sign it, but Parson’s spokeswoman says while he has “indicated he is supportive of this issue, but like always, there will be a thorough bill review to see what else is in the bill.’

Democrat from St. Louis, Rep. Gina Mitten opposed this part of the bill on the House floor.

None of my constituents probably care a bit about the myriad of other things in this bill, except for the helmet law,” she told colleagues. “I don’t know about the other folks in this room, but I got a ton of emails over the past few days saying, ‘Do not do this.’”

Mitten says there is a financial cost to citizens for this proposed law.

“You get a traffic ticket, you’re going to pay money to the Brain Injury Fund. That’s basically money for motorcyclists who get brain injuries because they are not wearing helmets or they do stupid things.”

Supporters of helmet repeal want the freedom to ride without a helmet.

Mar 01

‘It’s about freedom’: Local lawmaker trying again on motorcycle helmet law repeal

By General Posts

by Austin Huguelet / Gannett from https://www.therolladailynews.com

A local lawmaker still wants to let some Missouri motorcyclists ditch their helmets.

Sen. Eric Burlison, R-Battlefield, almost had it last year. After pitching the idea as a win for individual freedom, he got it attached to a larger transportation bill that passed both houses. But Gov. Mike Parson couldn’t stomach another part of the bill and vetoed it.

This year, Burlison thinks he’s got a decent shot to pass the idea as its own bill. Parson, a Republican, supported similar stand-alone bills as a legislator, so Burlison’s main focus is on getting it through the legislature again.

“We’ll see how much time (Senate leaders) give it on the floor,” he said Friday, “but over time, we’ve made so many compromises on this, so I hope people will take that into consideration.”

Those compromises, Burlison said, include a requirement for those going without helmets to have qualifying health insurance. The exemption from the state’s helmet rule would also only apply to riders ages 18 and up.

Those provisions will likely never be enough for opposing lawmakers who say the plan will lead to more deadly accidents. They have a point.

National Highway Transportation Safety Agency research indicates helmets saved more than 1,800 lives in 2016, and that if all motorcyclists would have worn helmets that year, 802 more people could have been saved.

On its website, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention make its position clear: “The single most effective way for states to save lives and save money is a universal helmet law.”

They also point out that riders wouldn’t have to prove insurance coverage unless they were pulled over by law enforcement and worry the cost of accidents will ultimately take a toll on Medicaid.

But Burlison sees the entire issue differently.

“At the end of the day, it’s about individual responsibility and individual freedom,” he said. “I want my neighbor to stay safe and healthy, but it’s not my business to force those decisions upon my neighbor.”

He added that many supporters of his change are retired veterans who deserve to make their own choices.

“These are big boys and big girls that have fought and risked their lives for the country,” he said. “The least we can do is let them be free while they’re here.”

In previous interviews, Burlison has also pushed back on the troubling statistics his opponents cite. He pointed out that after Michigan repealed its law in 2012, researchers found no difference between death rates in the 12 months before and after the move.

They noted a 14 percent increase in head injuries, however.

After leaders of motorcyclist groups spoke in favor of Burlison’s bill in a Senate committee hearing in January, a long list of representatives from health care organizations testified against it.

Burlison’s bill nevertheless passed out of committee Jan. 30. It now awaits debate before the full chamber.

The legislation is Senate Bill 590.

Apr 03

Red Light Camera Victim Wins Jury Verdict

By General Posts

Woman arrested in St. Peters, Missouri over a red light camera ticket wins $100,000 judgment, plus legal fees.

The city of St. Peters, Missouri, will have to write a check for $100,000 for arresting Bonnie A. Roeder over a red light camera ticket. After a jury in St. Charles County delivered its verdict, Circuit Court Judge Jon A. Cunningham on Friday ordered the city to also pay the considerable legal bills Roeder racked up since her ordeal began seven years ago with the photo ticket she received in the mail.

On June 7, 2012, a Redflex red light camera photographed Roeder’s car allegedly entering a St. Peters intersection shortly after the light turned red. Redflex mailed Roeder a $110 ticket, but she ignored it. Roeder believed the citation was unlawful, ultimately having one of her main arguments validated by the Missouri Supreme Court, which ruled in her favor in 2015 (view St. Peters v. Roeder, 180k PDF).

Prior to that high court victory, St. Peters municipal court administrator Greg M. White on September 11, 2012, issued a warrant for Roeder’s arrest for failing to appear in court — even though the city had no ordinance making failure to appear an arrestable offense. Roeder beat the failure to appear charge at trial, and she also beat the red light running charge (which the city appealed, and lost, at the high court).

Roeder fought back by suing St. Peters for false arrest and malicious prosecution. Roeder’s attorney, W. Bevis Schock, pointed out that the city used a trick by charging her not with failing to appear for the red light camera allegation, but for failing to appear on a charge of failing to appear.

“The city wished to aggressively pursue revenue from its red light camera ticket program by causing citizens to fear arrest all the while skirting any concerns about the legality of the red light camera ticket program itself,” Schock explained. “Failure to appear was no crime in the city of St. Peters at that time and therefore her arrest pursuant to the warrant violated her Fourth Amendment right to be free of unlawful arrest.”

The jury declined to hold the court administrator personally liable for signing the bogus arrest warrant, and her false arrest claim was rejected. Roeder will receive $100,000 in compensation on the malicious prosecution charge.

News at thenewspaper.com/news/66/6684.asp