PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Jake Lewis, a 15-year-old roadracer from Princeton, Ky., earned the prestigious American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Roadrace Horizon Award at the AMA Racing Roadrace Grand Championships, Oct. 8-9, at central Indiana's Putnam Park. Lewis was one of 22 champions crowned at the national championship event.

"The AMA thanks all the racers who came out and supported this event," said Joe Bromley, AMA Racing and organizer services director. "In addition, we extend our appreciation to our event partner, the U.S. Grand Prix Riders Union, for doing a stellar job organizing and managing this national championship program. We had great weather, a great track and professional organization."

Lewis said he was thrilled to bring home the event's premier honor. The AMA Roadrace Horizon Award is given each year to a young roadracer poised to enter the professional ranks and who demonstrates great promise for a successful pro career

"This has been my goal all year -- to get the AMA Roadrace Horizon Award," said Lewis, who also won the AMA Racing No. 1 plate in the Open SS Expert class. "I'm really excited. I couldn't have done it without Earl Hayden's help. He's sponsored me all these years."

Lewis is a longtime AMA Racing amateur roadracer and dirt-track racer, and has numerous career championships and honors in both disciplines, including the 2009 AMA Youth Roadracer of the Year award. Now, as the AMA Roadrace Horizon Award winner, Lewis joins a class that includes Ben Spies, a three-time AMA Superbike champion, the 2009 FIM World Superbike champion and a current world MotoGP competitor; and current top AMA Pro Racing competitors such as Jason DiSalvo and Blake Young.

"Now I'm going to get ready for Daytona," Lewis said, referring to the famed Daytona 200 roadrace in Daytona Beach, Fla., which traditionally kicks off the AMA Pro Racing roadracing season.

The AMA Youth Roadracer of the Year Award was won by two riders this year: Nick McFadden, 14, of Owensboro, Ky., and Andre Ochs, 15, of Fallbrook, Calif.

"Both of these young men are great kids, and both did outstanding at the AMA Roadrace Grand Championships," Bromley said when announcing the decision.

McFadden thanked the AMA for the award, and said: "It really means a lot. It's pretty special. The competition was tough. Andre had a really fast bike."

Said Ochs: "This was my first AMA event, so it was awesome to win this award here. The competition was great, especially Nick."

Other awards went to Alex Walker, 24, of Streator, Ill., who earned the AMA Top Novice Award, and Richardo Valdez, 31, of Chicago, who took home the AMA Racing Vet/Senior Roadracer of the Year Award.

"You guys put on a great event and I had a lot of fun," Walker said. "I'm looking forward to coming back again next year as an expert."

Valdez said that he enjoyed the competition at the event.

"Two weeks ago I found out about the Roadrace Grand Championships," Valdez said. "I ran real good, and I was following a fast guy [Jake Lewis]. All the stars lined up for me."

The AMA Racing Roadrace Grand Championships award AMA Racing national titles in a number of roadracing classes for both expert- and novice-ranked riders. It is one several amateur national championship events sanctioned by the AMA. Others include the AMA Racing Ice Race Grand Championships, the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships, the AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships, the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships, the AMA Racing Land Speed Grand Championships and the AMA Racing Hillclimb Grand Championships.

About the American Motorcyclist Association Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

The USGPRU visited INDE Motorsports Ranch for some fun in the sun.

The Pilot Moto3 race started off the weekend with Andre Ochs lined up on pole position and then clinching a race win while Andrian Jasso and John Milliron battled for runner up postions. Milliron showed his upper hand early and prevailed to finish in second place with Jasso snagging the last step on the podium.

Ochs, once again, had a good result in the Rev'it! Moriwaki MD250H Powered by Honda race. Ben Truslow shot off the start line and led into turn one. Ochs gathered himself and was soon challenging for the lead. At halfway, Ochs made a pass for the lead and the pair would show just how competitive the MD250H machines really are with multiple lead changes till the checkered flag. Ochs crossed the finish line first, ahead of Truslow, by barely a bike length.

The major action of the weekend was in the Moto Liberty/RS Taichi 250GP event. Ochs again started from pole with Kevin Winter, Adrian Jasso and John Milliron to his right. Winter acheived an amazingly good start and led the field into turn one. Jasso lagged off the line with motor issues but quickly rejoined the pack. Winter, who had been on hiatus all season, was able to hold off Ochs for more than a quarter of the race distance. Ochs opened up a gap and snagged his third win of the weekend. Winter came home in second, followed by Jasso, Milliron and Andrew Trace.

The USGPRU would like to send a huge thank you to the CCS Roadrace Southwest crew for managing another professional event.

The USGPRU extends special thanks to REV’IT! Leathers for stepping up to help support the AMA Road Race Grand Championship weekend.

Aron Ahlstrom of REV’IT! writes, “We at REV'IT! support the AMA's efforts to recognize the top amateur racers in the country. Additionally, as long time supporters and racers with the USGPRU, we've experienced the top-quality programs that they can produce. As such, we're pleased to offer up a brand new set of one-piece Tarmac racing leathers (valued at $1249.99) to one lucky participant. Additionally, one lucky spectator will win a new set of REV'IT! Tarmac Gloves.”

AMA Racing and USGPRU have teamed up this year to provide this Amateur Road Race Grand Championship event as an opportunity to recognize the country’s fastest amateur road racers. Racers will compete for AMA Racing National Championships in a number of skill-, age- and displacement-based classes. This years event will be held on 7-9 October at Putnam Park Raceway in Indiana. Online registration and event details are available now at www.usgpru.net/ama . We’re proud to have the support of companies like REV’IT! for this event.

The USGPRU traveled to Portland International Raceway this weekend for round eight. OMRRA and the weather brought a warm welcome.

In the Pilot Moto3 race, Andre Ochs led from the start and never looked back. Keeping him honest, local favorite Mackenzie Ancien was glued to his rear wheel lap after lap. With one lap to go before the race was prematurely stopped, Ancien's Moriwaki lost rear grip and nearly highsided, opening a gap to an RS125 mounted Ochs, who held on for the win. Pole-sitter Michael Caravatta didn't get the start he was dreaming of on his Aprilia and finished third. Mario Alvarez, II, finished in fourth in front of Nobi Iso.

The Rev'it! MD250H race saw Ben Truslow rocket off the starting line with Ochs not being able to give chase. Truslow won by a convincing margin while Ochs fought hard for second place.

In Moto Liberty/RS Taichi 250GP action, pole-sitter Caravatta got his dream start and was determined to give Ochs a race. And a race it was, with the two leaders swapping passes every lap. Just when it seemed Ochs had this one by opening a nearly one-second gap, veteran racer Caravatta reeled him in on the back side of the track and took the lead. Caravatta won by only three tenths of a second. Alvarez, II and Dave Heinricks finished 3rd and 4th.

The USGPRU would like to thank Mike McDonough and the entire OMRRA crew and staff for their continued generous hospitality.

The USGPRU thanks all of its sponsors that help to make it possible for us to keep coming out and doing what we all love to do. Without your help, many more racers wouldn’t be able to afford to come out and live the GP dream. Thank you RS Cycles, Motion Pro, Moto Liberty, Pilot, REV’IT!, HONDA, Impact Armor, and RS-Taichi. We also have great contingency support from EBC, Silkolene, Dunlop, Bridgestone, and Michelin. Thank you all!

Millville, NJ – The story of the weekend was clearly that of 15-year-old Max Flinders as he swept the USGPRU podiums aboard a pair of HONDA Powered Moriwaki MD250H race bikes. The rain was a major factor though as Mother Nature unleashed her fury on the New Jersey Motorsports Park, Thunderbolt race track. The torrential rains came down, and caused flooding and road closures all around the area, but the track stayed clear enough to keep on racing.

As the rains started to drizzle down, the REV’IT! Moriwaki MD250H Powered by HONDA class took to the track. The pole position was won by Casey Tobolewski over a field of fast kids looking to win their part of the $10k purse. Point’s leader, Xavier Zayat had a transponder fall off during qualifying, and consequently had to start from the back row of the grid. Right from the start, Max Flinders jumped out to the lead, and proceeded to walk away from the pack on a damp track. He went on to win the race in convincing fashion. The battle for second was closely contested as Casey Tobolewski and west-coaster, Ben Truslow, duked it out. On the last lap, Truslow crashed out of second place. Casey went on to claim second place, followed by Xavier Zayat in third.

By the time the Pilot Moto3 race was ready to start, the skies had really opened up, and the track was completely soaked. Every racer was on full rain tires, and those without, didn’t dare take on the downpour of rain. Max Flinders again got a solid hole-shot, but this time aboard his heavily modified, hot-rod Moriwaki. His Honda CRF250R powered machine had the extra horsepower and torque needed to outrun the 2-stroke GP bikes off of the soaked corners. Flinders put on another outstanding display of wet-weather riding as he again walked away from the pack of experienced GP pilots to claim his second win of the weekend. The battle for second raged on behind Flinders as Casey Tobolewski held off the attack mounted by Reet Das and Alex Wisdom. Young Alex threw his Moriwaki down the track on lap 4 though and limped it back in to the pits. Zayat retired early with mechanical issues. On lap 5, Reet Das went down in turn 9, but remounted to finish in 5th. This handed the third place finish to the very surprised, Adrian Jasso, on his immaculately prepared Yamaha TZ125.

The final USGPRU race of the very wet weekend was the Moto Liberty, RS-Taichi sponsored 250GP race. While the rain chased away some of the gentleman racers, the hardcore points-chasers stuck around to chase valuable championship points. Brian Surtees started the race on pole position. But at the drop of the green flag, it was Mike Aboyoun that led the drag race down into turn 1. Unfortunately for Mike, Max Flinders was right behind him. Mike was riding his venerable Honda RS250 GP bike, and Flinders was on the hot-rod Moriwaki again. The rain was truly the great equalizer as despite the large power deficit, Flinders made up the time through superior cornering speed and apparent lack of braking! Aboyoun held off Flinders for most of the first lap. Flinders squeezed by and put about 2 seconds gap on Aboyoun, which held for the rest of the race. Aboyoun made a late race charge as he got more accustomed to the traction in the rain, but it was too late as Flinders went on for his third victory of the weekend. Aboyoun took second, followed by Adrian Jasso on his Yamaha TZ250.

Thanks to all of the USGPRU sponsors for your continued support. Motion Pro provided us with some great tools and handle bar grips to give away to our racers. And Rising Sun Cycles provided a cool 2-stroke piston clip installer tool that was won by Reet Das. REV’IT! provided some warm, dry racing socks for some of the younger competitors. And Pilot Leathers had certificates that were won by 3 of our Moto3 racers. HONDA provided an amazing $10,000 purse for the MD250H class. Finally, Moto Liberty and RS-Taichi provided the purse for the 250GP class. Thank you all for your contributions to the sport and the USGPRU racers!

Many thanks to the NJMP and CCS race officials for working so hard to put on a quality event. And a special thanks to the corner workers and crews that stuck it out despite the miserable conditions. There were many crashes, but not one serious injury, thanks in no small part to your efforts!

A rain split Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup race at Brno was won by American 14 year old American Joe Roberts. The Cardion ab Czech Grand Prix event started in the dry but rain forced it to be stopped after 6 laps. It was then restarted for a 5 lap dash that Roberts won from 16 year old Australian Arthur Sissis with 18 year old Czech Tomas Vavrous 3rd.

The drama of Roberts' victory could not be bettered, he took the lead on the soaking wet track on lap 3 and charged away. It was only Sissis that could go with him and at the final left right section before the finish Sissis passed for the lead only to go wide allowing Roberts to tuck inside and win.

With 2nd, Sissis takes the Cup lead from Baldassarri by 4 points as the Italian 15 year old struggled at the back of the lead group and could only claim 6th at the flag. It might have been worse but Lukas Trautmann, the 15 year old Austrian and 15 year old Briton James Flitcroft who had both led the race early on crashed together with just a few corners to go.

It was not only Roberts' first podium in Rookies Cup but it turned the weekend around for him completely. “I was enjoying the track but qualifying didn't go that well and I was only 17th on the grid. The first race, I don't even want to think about it, I got passed and couldn't get into a rhythm, I was last. That put me at the back of the grid for the restart. I wasn't happy that it rained but then on the sighting lap I realised that there was quite a lot of grip. I just had to go for it, I didn't want to be last any more.”

“I was at the back of the grid but I just went past everyone at the first corner, I think I was about 6th coming out. Then I just kept passing guys until I was 2nd and behind James. Then he ran wide and that was it I just kept going. Arthur passed me at the last corner but as I saw him go wide I had the chance to cut it tight and go for the line.”

“We've got another race tomorrow, we've had so many wet races this year and all the time I've been wanting it to be dry all year, now I guess I am hoping for another wet race,” Roberts concluded with his classic broad grin.

Sissis was not thrilled to be 2nd but much happier when he heard that he had the Cup lead back. “I couldn't believe the way that Joe went, he was so fast. I didn't think that I could go with him but I tried. I managed just to catch him at the last corner but then went wide, good on him, it was a great ride.”

Vavrous had been feeling the pressure of racing at home and was thrilled to get on the podium. “It was a big battle both in the dry race and in the rain. Right up to the last lap in the rain we were fighting for 3rd and I just managed to get it, we had a lot of fun, just like always in Rookies Cup.”

Baldassarri was naturally disappointed with the day. “In the first race the bike seemed OK, the suspension was working well but I just couldn't pass anyone out of the slipstream, they seemed to be able to get by me. In the wet race it was the same, I just struggled to overtake. Then on the last lap James and Lukas crashed in front of me, I had to brake and that was it.”

It is now only Sissis and Baldassarri that can win the Cup, there are two races remaining, the first being on Sunday at 15.30 CET. It can be seen on TV in many countries and is webcast live on www.redbull.tv with the show beginning 10 minutes before race start.

Race Classification

1.Joe Roberts (USA) 12 minutes 41.800 seconds 2.Arthur Sissis (AUS) +0.030 3.Tomas Vavrous (CZE) +1.508 4.Stefano Valtulini (ITA) +1.560 5.Xavier Pinsach (ESP) +3.292 6.Lorenzo Baldassarri (ITA) +4.662 7.Hafiq Azmi (MAS) +7.265 8.Javier Orellana (GBR) +9.453 9.Philipp Oettl (GER) +13.197 10. Kevin Argino (ITA) +13.327

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that the class structure, supplemental rules and program format have been finalized for the AMA Racing Roadrace Grand Championships taking place Oct. 8-9 at the Putnam Park Road Course in Greencastle, Ind.

The event will see the country's fastest amateur roadracers compete for AMA Racing National Championships in a number of skill-, age- and displacement-based classes. Online registration and event details are available now at http://www.usgpru.net/ama.

The AMA has partnered with the U.S. Grand Prix Racers Union (USGPRU) to run the event. USGPRU President Stewart Aitken-Cade said a lot of time and effort went into writing a fair supplemental rules package for the event.

"Working with many top club racers for their input, the USGPRU and the AMA have worked hard to define a class structure that will allow for a level playing field conducive to fast, fun and close racing," Aitken-Cade said. "The combination of a new rule set and a track that not a lot of racers have run recently will hopefully create a weekend that doesn't favor any one type of machine or local track specialist.

"Additionally, we'll bring a little bit of the GP feel that the USGPRU is known for to the weekend with qualifying sessions for every class on Saturday, and a full day of premium-length races on Sunday," he continued. "To make sure everyone has enough time to get up to speed, we also have arranged for a full practice day on Friday."

Not only do riders get ample track time and an opportunity to race against the country's fastest amateur racers, but the best compete for the AMA Roadracing Horizon Award, which is awarded to the rider showing the most promise for success in the professional ranks. Past winners of the AMA Roadracing Horizon Award have included Hayden Gillim, Miles Thornton, Jason DiSalvo, Ben Spies and Blake Young.

Other awards at the event include the AMA Racing Top Novice Award, the AMA Racing Youth Award -- presented to an outstanding racer under the age of 16 -- and the AMA Racing Vet/Senior Award, presented to a standout rider who's 30 years old or older.

"We're excited to bring AMA Racing national championship competition to the Putnam Park Road Course," said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. "This will be an exciting opportunity for our top racers to test their skills on a new course for this event."

The Putnam Park Road Course is a 1.78-mile road course with 10 turns. It is located 35 miles west of Indianapolis, about 1.5 miles south of U.S. 40. More information about the track can be found at PutnamPark.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Lorenzo Baldassarri, the Italian who turned 15 last week, heads north from his home in Montecosaro Stazione on the Adriatic coast with a 6 point advantage over Arthur Sissis. The 16 year old Australian had been leading the title chase from the second event in Estoril on only to suffer disaster in the last round in Germany where he scored zero points thanks to a technical failure and a crash in the two races at the Sachsenring.

Baldassarri has scored in every round, has 2 wins to the Australian's 4 but has been more consistent in the rain. The weather has plagued so much of this season though Sissis improved his wet weather showing following his mediocre performances in the dismal Silverstone races.

So the pair come into the last 3 races of the season with no clear advantage separating them. Sissis knows Brno well as it is his 3rd year in the cup and Baldassarri has a another track to learn but that has seemed to cause him few problems this season. Sissis did not have much luck at Brno last year with a technical problem in Race 1 and an 11th in Race 2. He was running with the front group early on in that 2nd race until he made a mistake and has also improved immeasurably this season.

Of this year's Rookies who competed in Brno last season by far the most successful was 16 year old South African Brad Binder. He was 7th in Race 1 and 4th in Race 2. It was those kinds of results that made him the favourite at the start of this year. But for a few mistakes and his dislike of racing in the rain he would now be fighting with Baldassarri and Sissis for the Cup. As it is he is 5th and cannot win the Cup overall but has every chance of winning some of the remaining races.

Alan Techer and Philipp Oettl are 3rd and 4th respectively and both have a mathematical chance of taking the title. French 16 year old Techer is 45 points behind Baldassarri and not only did he win the last race at the Sachsenring but that weekend reminded us that it is all too possible for the Cup leader to score zero any weekend. Techer is on form and talented, he made his comeback at Brno last year from the broken arm he sustained in the 1st weekend of the season. Although he only started in the 1st race because his arm was less that 100% he does know the track.

Oettl is 65 points behind Baldassarri so with 75 on offer from the last races has a slim chance of the title but he, like Techer, scored a win in Germany so is very much on form. He was only 16th and 12th last year in Brno but 12 months on is a different rider. He should be up the front this year as should fellow 15 year old German Florian Alt. He also hit his stride at his home GP, qualifying on the front row and a 2nd place in Race 2. Alt was 9th and 8th in Brno last year, the best of the remaining Rookies other than Binder.

The Sachsenring races were the closest of the year and that was no surprise, every season they seem to get closer as the year goes on, more and more of the young riders learn to get the best out of the identical machines, closing everything up.

It is all set then for another 2 great races and the intense battle within that is the fight for the Cup. Race 1 starts at 16.30 CET on Saturday August 13th with Race 2 on Sunday at 15.30. The races can be seen on TV around the World and by live webcast at www.redbull.tv with the shows beginning 10 minutes before the races.

Torrance, CA: American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is proud to announce the upcoming arrival in the USA of the 2012 HRC NSF250R. Newly developed for FIM GP road racing competition in the Moto3 class, the NSF250R is powered by an all-new liquid-cooled single-cylinder 249cc four-stroke engine specifically designed for racing. In 2012, this globally distributed model will also be legal in the USGPRU Moto 3 and WERA Motorcycle Road Racing classes in the USA, as well as in other local racing events.

Technical highlights include a front-intake/rear-exhaust configuration with high charging efficiency, plus an engine layout with the cylinder tilted back 15 degrees to concentrate mass. To generate strong power throughout the high-rpm range, the NSF250R incorporates titanium valves for both intake and exhaust to reduce friction and lighten the valve train. Furthermore, the design reduces friction between piston and cylinder and improves durability by offsetting the cylinder centerline and applying nickel silicon carbide (Ni-SiC) for the cylinder surface treatment. The cassette gearbox design was selected for quick and easy gearset changes for the close-ratio, six-speed transmission, thereby allowing gear selection to be optimized over a large variety of racing circuits. This lightweight, well-balanced machine offers impressive power output and superb handling to achieve a great blend of high performance plus rider-friendly traits well suited to up-and-coming racers.

“This is a great opportunity for people who want to start road racing with a full-on track bike,” said Keith Dowdle, Assistant Manager Honda Riders Club of America® (HRCA®). “Now riders have the option of buying a purpose-built race-ready motorcycle right out of the box, as an alternative to modifying a street bike—all at a reasonable price. Just as off-road riders can purchase and race one of our full-on CRF450R or CRF250R motocross bikes, now road racers have the means to buy a race-ready track bike.”

In the United States, the NSF250R will be included in American Honda’s 2012 racing contingency program with levels of awards similar to those granted to racers competing on CBR models. Complete contingency payout details will follow with the 2012 contingency program announcement. The NSF250R will be made available to all Honda motorcycle dealers who wish to become an authorized NSF250R dealer, and delivery is estimated for February 2012. However, dealers will only be able to place orders up to the cutoff date of September 2, 2011, so riders planning to purchase an NSF250R will need to visit their dealer before that date to place an order. MSRP for the NSF250R has been established at $28,599.

For more information and images, go to http://powersports.honda.com/racing/road/headlines.aspx.

The Pilot Moto3 races were dominated by the trio of Xavier Zayat, Max Flinders, and Andre Ochs. In race 1, Zayat and Flinders checked out at the start with Zayat taking the lead with Flinders in tow. On lap 7 of 10, Flinders passed for the lead and looked to have the race in the bag when on the second to last turn, he ran slightly wide and Zayat was able to pull alongside in the last turn. It was a dragrace to the finish line with Zayat taking the win by .047 second. Ochs rode to a lonely 3rd place finish. Race 2 was a different story as Andre Ochs took off like a shot at the start, and never looked back. He stretched his lead to almost 5 seconds and easily took the win. Flinders had 2nd place seemingly covered, with Mario Alvarez and Zayat a little ways behind him. Once Zayat was able to get by Alvarez, he reeled in Flinders and made a pass on lap 8 to nab 2nd place.

The REV’IT! sponsored Moriwaki MD250H Powered by HONDA races were basically the Xavier Zayat show as he trounced the competition in both races. Ben Truslow had his hands full with Max Flinders dogging him the entire first race. But Ben was able to keep Flindes at bay long enough to take 2nd place. In race 2, Flinders kept on Zayat’s rear wheel for about 5 laps. Zayat was able to turn up a little more speed though and slowly put a gap between himself and Flinders. Truslow and Ochs had a battle for the final podium spot, which Truslow was ultimately able to capture for himself.

Finally, the Moto Liberty / RS-Taichi 250GP class was up. Andre Ochs was really comfortable on his immaculately prepared Honda, and was able to clean-sweep both races. In race 1, Max Flinders and Mario Alvarez had a tight battle for second place. Alvarez was able to get the power down a little bit better than Flinders though and narrowly clinched second place from Max. Race 2 was a carbon copy of race 1. Bruce Lind rode through the challenging wind conditions to capture 4th place in both races.

The USGPRU thanks all of its sponsors that help to make it possible for us to keep doing what we love to do. Without your help, many more racers wouldn’t be able to afford to come out and live the GP dream. Thank you RS Cycles, Motion Pro, Moto Liberty, Pilot, REV’IT!, HONDA, Impact Armor, and RS-Taichi. We also have great contingency support from EBC, Silkolene, Dunlop, and Bridgestone. Thank you for your continued support!

We would also like to extend a special thank you to the folks at Utah Sportbike Association for not only hosting us this weekend, but also for making room for a double-header set of races in an already tight schedule. Don, Dana, Lance, Jill, and all the other folks that worked so hard and made us feel welcome, thank you all!

The qualifying sessions on Saturday started out with the Pilot Moto3 class. Rain began misting the heat-drenched track two races before qualifying was set to start. The damp track made many racers scramble to put on rain tires, while some decided to risk a few laps on slicks. Just as qualifying started, the sun came out, and the track began to dry quickly. Qualifying got started, but was red-flagged with only 3 minutes remaining due to an accidental three-way tango between Alex Wisdom, Chris Kosan, and new racer, Sam DeJong. During the abbreviated session, ‘Mad’ Max Flinders was able to set the fastest time on his hot-rod Moriwaki MD250H, narrowly besting Xavier Zayat and Chris Kosan.

In the Moto Liberty / RS-Taichi qualifying session that followed, Brian Surtees dominated the field on his Yamaha TZ250 with a blistering time of 1:15.829. Local favorite, Steve Wenner, came in second followed by Mike Aboyoun, both aboard their Honda RS250s.

The REV’IT! sponsored Moriwaki MD250H Powered by HONDA qualifying was a chance for the young racers to show their metal. Xavier Zayat stepped up with a lap of 1:20.995 to set the fastest time for the class. Only .8 second separated the top 4 qualifiers as Max Flinders, Alex Wisdom, and Chris Kosan filled out the rest of the front row on the grid.

For the main events on Sunday, the sun and humidity didn’t show any signs of letting up, and the racers braced for what would be a grueling 10-lap race in the sweltering conditions.

The races started off with the Moto 3 class. Dave Celento got a surprisingly good start from the back of the grid, and passed half of the riders by turn one. Just ahead of him the leaders were bunched up in a tight knot. Max Flinders was leading on a modified Moriwaki, closely followed by Scott Coccoli, Xavier Zayat, Steve Wenner, and Fernando Ferreyra.

On the third lap, Max Flinders, who was riding brilliantly out front and had pulled about a 2-second gap, almost high-sided in the last of the two left turns. He saved it, plopping back onto the bike, but ran off the track, losing valuable seconds to the pack he had just been leading. The swarm smelled opportunity in Max’s mishap and went into a frenzy. Celento ran wide onto the front straight, kicking up a wall of dust and sand that Alex Wisdom and Chris Kosan blasted through in a scene reminiscent of a Hollywood stunt.

The race order was nearly impossible to track at any point in the ensuing laps as almost every rider in the now 7-rider pack took a turn at the front. Ciccolli, Zayat, and Ferreyra led most of the laps, but positions changed often during each corner when the leader would be shuffled back two to three places. On the last lap, no one could predict the finish order going into the final turn as seven racers round the last two turns with fairings rubbing. They hit the front straight and Ciccolli edged out Xavier for the win by a hair. Fernando drafted by Wenner at the line for the final podium spot followed closely by Celento, Kosan and Wisdom. Max Flinders was able to set the fastest lap time of the race, but was not able to reel in the lead pack.

The Moto Liberty / RS-Taichi 250GP was up next and saw some of the same racers take to the track again, but this time on the bigger, faster machines. Local fast guy, Steve Wenner, led the pack early on his beautifully prepared Honda RS250. Mike Aboyoun and Brian Surtees had a battle going for second place, but once Surtees got past Aboyoun, he set his sights on Wenner and by lap 3, he was within striking range. Surtees put the power of his fire-breathing Yamaha TZ250 to good use and was able to slice past Wenner on lap 4. From there on, Surtees put on a show of both speed and consistency, and walked away from the pack to claim his first win with the USGPRU. Wenner claimed second place, and Aboyoun took third.

The final race of the weekend was the spec class for the young racers. The REV’IT! sponsored Moriwaki MD250H Powered by HONDA class is always an exciting race to watch. And this race was no exception as Xavier Zayat led the pack from the start. Max Flinders was right on his rear wheel though, followed by Alex Wisdom and Chris Kosan. On lap 3, Flinders and Zayat pulled away from Wisdom and Kosan, leaving a pair of battles up front. While Flinders seemed to have Zayat covered in the corners, he was down on horsepower and up on weight, so Zayat was able to hold him off on the straights. On lap 6, Flinders finessed his way to the front, only to have it muscled away 2 laps later by Zayat who went on to win the race by the narrowest of margins. The battle for third place was equally tight as Kosan led Wisdom for 9 of the 10 laps. On the final lap, Wisdom made a last-turn pass on Kosan and clinched his first podium finish with the USGPRU.

The USGPRU thanks all of its sponsors that help to make it possible for us to keep coming out and doing what we love to do. Without your help, many more racers wouldn’t be able to afford to come out and live the GP dream. Thank you RS Cycles, Motion Pro, Moto Liberty, Pilot, REV’IT!, HONDA, Impact Armor, and RS-Taichi. We also have great contingency support from EBC, Silkolene, Dunlop, Bridgestone, and Michelin. Thank you all!

Round 3 of the USGPRU National Championship headed for the historic Summit Point raceway to join the CCS/ASRA series for what would turn out to be a blistering hot Memorial Day weekend of racing!

The first USGPRU race of the weekend was the Moto Liberty / RS-Taichi 250GP race, and it was completely dominated by young Cassidy Heiser. Cassidy is a Summit Point regular and showed off his local knowledge by pulling out an amazing 3-second lead on lap one. Once pole-setter Brian Surtees overcame a bad start, he caught and passed Mike Aboyoun for second place. He set his sights on Cassidy, and was even able set the fastest lap of the race, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap to Cassidy who rode a flawless race to the finish line and his first USGPRU National victory. Mike Aboyoun held on to Surtees draft for a few laps, but eventually drifted back to finish comfortably in third place.

The Pilot Moto3 race was the next race up and to no one’s surprise, the 4-stroke Moriwaki’s MD250H’s rocketed off the line at the start ahead of their 2-stoke counterparts. The USGPRU newcomer, Casey Tobolewski, led the field into turn one followed closely by ‘Mad’ Max Flinders and Alex Wisdom. Reet Das and John Hjelm, both riding Honda RS125s, caught the front runners and passed them on the back section of the track. Casey and Max held on to the new leaders for a few laps, but the long front straight was too much of an advantage for the more powerful Hondas, and they watched the leader pull away. Hjelm stalked the race leader Reet Das for the rest of the race. He would fade back for a lap, then pull Das back in. He tried to set Das up for a last-lap pass at the line, but fell a few horsepower short when he popped out of the draft in the dash for the finish line. Das held on to win his first ever USGPRU National race. The battle for third place was far from decided as the Honda RS125 mounted Dave Celento caught up with the young racers on their Moriwakis. The three had a great battle for the final podium spot, but Celento eventually powered past the Moriwakis to capture 3rd place over Max Flinders.

The final race of this blistering hot weekend was the REV’IT! Sponsored, Moriwaki MD250H Powered by HONDA race. The spec-bike class is made up entirely of young hopeful superstars trying to make their name in roadracing and claim some of the $10,000/weekend purse posted by American HONDA. The race got off to a great start with young Xavier Zayat quickly taking the lead into turn one. He put on a great show of skill as he proceeded to walk away from the rest of the pack, gapping the field by 2 to 3 bike-lengths just through the turn 1 and 2 section. The battle for second place was far from over as ‘Mad’ Max Flinders duked it out with newcomer Casey Tobolewski. Max led for the first half of the race, with Casey taking over on lap 5 of 9. Casey stretched out a 1.5 second lead over Max only to see that lead cut to shreds on the last lap as the local wildlife (groundhogs) ventured onto Casey’s racing line causing him to brake early into turn 5. Max passed Casey entering the carousel section of the track and held on for a nearly side-by-side finish at the line. After the race, Casey was overheard mumbling in his best Carl Spackler voice, “I smell varmint. And the only good varmint, is dead varmint.” Another similar battle raged on for 4th place between Alex Wisdom and Chris Kosan with Wisdom likewise narrowly holding on to the 4th place position.

In the post-race awards, Eric Moore, Sharad Shanbhag, and Nick Kosan each won a Motion Pro Pivot Head Hex Key tool set. Max Flinder, Sam DeJong, and Casey Tobolewski each won Motion Pro’s Deluxe Piston Pin Puller tool kits as well. Reet Das, Casey Tobolweski, and Nick Kosal also won gift certificates for discounts on Pilot Leathers. And the big prize of the weekend went to Reet Das as he won a QStarz GPS lap timer, recorder, and analyzing tool from RS Cycles.

The USGPRU thanks all of its sponsors that help to make it possible for us to keep coming out and doing what we love to do. Without your help, many more racers wouldn’t be able to afford to come out and live the GP dream. Thank you RS Cycles, Motion Pro, Moto Liberty, Pilot, REV’IT!, HONDA, Impact Armor, and RS-Taichi. We also have great contingency support from EBC, Silkolene, Dunlop, Bridgestone, and Michelin. Thank you all!

On Thursday 2nd June 2011 at the Catalunya Circuit, Barcelona, Honda Racing Corporation will present the NSF250R 4-stroke machine to be used for the future Moto3 class in 2012 that will replace the current 2-stroke, 125cc model used in the GP125 class.

This high-performance, lightweight and compact racing machine inherits important elements from the RS125R and will allow users to ride with the same sense of comfort whilst learning the basics to move up from entry level to the premier class, serving as a springboard in creating future MotoGP Championship riders.

From 1976's MT125R to the RS125R, which finished production with the 2009 model, Honda has produced an accumulative total of 15,000 market racing machines and over this long period of 34 years, Honda has broadened the base of 2-wheel motorsports both in Japan and Worldwide whilst also supporting a number of riders.

During this time, Honda has nurtured all 29 Japan Championship 125 cc class champions, a grand total of 130 Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix (WGP) victories, 11 manufacturer championships and 9 champions with the RS125R. Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso, currently riding the RC212V in MotoGP, both won World Championships aboard the RS125R and built up a great deal of experience. Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has also supported customers by selling kit parts to make the engine and other components more powerful while continuing with sales of base vehicles, thereby expanding constructor business opportunities.

Later, environmental challenges for mass production models were pushed to a global level, accompanied by a similar shift to 4-strokes for motorcycle racing machines. The shift came from the the pinnacle of World Championship Grand Prix racing, moving from the GP500 (2-stroke, 500 cc) to the MotoGP (4-stroke, 990 cc or less at the time; currently 800 cc and next year returning to 1000cc) in 2002 and starting the Moto2 (one-make 4-stroke, 600 cc Honda engine) in place of the GP250 (2-stroke, 250 cc) in 2010.

The new NSF250R will be presented at the Catalunya Circuit at 15h30 on Thursday, 2nd June in the Relax Area of the MotoGP Paddock. This will be followed by a demonstration lap ridden by Alex Crivillé at approximately 17h00 on Friday 3rd June and a further demonstration lap after the MotoGP Warm-Up session on Sunday 5th June.

The USGPRU headed to Chuckwalla Valley Raceway for the second round of the 2011 National Championship season. The CVMA graciously hosted this weekend in what was their second-ever race event. The twisty and flowing Chuckwalla raceway was particularly well suited for the GP bikes as it clearly rewarded rider finesse over brute horsepower.

The USGPRU races started out on Saturday with the REV’IT! Moriwaki MD250H class, powered by HONDA. Ben Truslow led from the start of the race, with Tyler Linders, Andre Ochs, and Gavin Herrin in tow. Ben and Tyler started to pull away from the other two boys. Then, Tyler decided that it was time to take the lead, and passed Ben on the inside of turn 12. Ben sat in Tyler’s draft for the rest of the race, stalking and setting Tyler up for the last-lap attack. But Tyler proved too fast and held off Ben to the checkered flag. Andre Ochs finished in a solid third place.

Sunday got started early with the Pilot Moto3 race. Tyler Linders again put his Moriwaki out in front of the crowd and seemed to have a solid grip on the race. But halfway through the race, Andre Ochs found some extra speed and reeled in Linders. A last-lap pass into turn 1 put Andre into the lead, much to Linders’ surprise. The timing was perfect as Linders was unable to mount a counter attack in time. The battle for third place was a heated one, as well, as teammates Jon Schendel and Yannick Begher diced with each other the entire race. The two Yamaha TZ125 riders would swap positions numerous times per lap, but ultimately Yannick was able to stay in front across the line to grab his first podium finish with the USGPRU.

The final USGPRU race of the day was the Moto Liberty / RS-Taichi 250GP class. This race was gridded up behind the CVMA ‘lightweight twins’ class, and featured bikes ranging from the fire-breathing 250GP 2-stroke racers down to the hot-rod 4-stroke Moriwakis and 125GP machines. Vince Rolleri looked to have the solid advantage at the start on his Yamaha TZ250 and it looked like he was going to have a lonely race out front. But young-gun, Tyler Linders had other ideas as he took advantage of the superior cornering of his Moriwaki to catch Vince in the twisty sections. Just as the pair was about to catch some of the lightweight twins back-markers, Tyler dove past Vince to take the lead. Then he used the lapper to put a little distance between himself and Vince. Tyler put his head down and pulled out an amazing 1:56.408 second lap, setting the new track record for the class. Back in third place, Jon Schendel and his Yamaha TZ125 was closing in on Vince, but his charge was cut short when the lightweight twins leader crashed out, bringing out the red flag and the end of the race. Tyler Linders was awarded his second win of the weekend, followed by Vince Rolleri, then Jon Schendel.

In the post-race awards, Daytona Anderson, Gavin Herrin, and Scott McNew each won a Motion Pro Motion Pro T-handle spinner and beanie cap. Yannick Begher, Ben Truslow, and Mario Alvarez won a set of Motion Pro Mini Pro T-Handle tool set. Tyler Linders and Mario Alvarez each won gift certificates for discounts on Pilot Leathers. The big money winner of the weekend was Tyler Linders who scored an amazing $1500 from HONDA for his results on his Moriwaki MD250H.

The USGPRU thanks all of its sponsors that help to make it possible for us to keep coming out and doing what we all love to do. Without your help, many more racers wouldn’t be able to afford to come out and live the GP dream. Thank you RS Cycles, Motion Pro, Moto Liberty, Pilot, REV’IT!, HONDA, Impact Armor, Roadracingworld.com, and RS-Taichi. We also have great contingency support from EBC, Silkolene, Dunlop, Bridgestone, and Michelin. Thank you all!

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The country's fastest amateur roadracers will converge on the Putnam Park Road Course near Greencastle, Ind., for the AMA Racing Road Race Grand Championships on Oct. 8-9. The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that it is partnering with the U.S. Grand Prix Racers Union (USGPRU) to promote and sanction the event.

"We're excited to give AMA competition members a premier event on such an exciting track where they can showcase their talent against the country's best amateur roadracers," said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. "In addition, we're looking forward to working with the USGPRU to assemble a solid program, a quality class structure and a well-run and timely weekend of racing."

"The USGPRU's vision for the AMA Racing Road Race Grand Championships is one of a capstone race weekend that brings together the top club-level teams from across the country to compete for the prestigious AMA Amateur National Championships in roadracing," said USGPRU President Stewart Aitken-Cade. "We are already working on an updated class structure and format, and will announce more details about the weekend's program shortly."

The AMA Racing Road Race Grand Championships will determine amateur national champions in numerous expert and novice classes that are broken down by combinations of bike displacement, weight, and intent (GP vs. Street). The event will run as a full doubleheader weekend combined with extended length races. The national championship for each class will be determined by the rider's best overall performance in two separate races.

Not only do riders get ample track time and an opportunity to race against the country's fastest amateur racers, but the best compete for the AMA Roadracing Horizon Award, which is awarded to the rider showing the most promise for success in the professional ranks. The Horizon Award will be awarded based on a rider's best two finishes in separate classes, allowing racers with only one bike and a limited budget to compete for the title.

Past winners of the AMA Roadracing Horizon Award have included Hayden Gillim, Miles Thornton, Jason DiSalvo, Ben Spies and Blake Young.

Other awards at the event include the AMA Racing Top Novice Award, the AMA Racing Youth Award -- presented to an outstanding racer under the age of 16 -- and the AMA Racing Vet/Senior Award, presented to a standout rider who's 30 years old or older.

The Putnam Park Road Course is a 1.78-mile road course with 10 turns. It is located 35 miles west of Indianapolis, about 1.5 miles south of U.S. 40. More information about the track can be found at PutnamPark.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

(Vancouver, WA) - Peter Lenz, a 9x national motorcycle racing champion, passed away at Indianapolis Motor Speedway after a tragic motorcycle road racing crash on August 29, 2010, just one day before he was to begin his 8th grade year at St. Joseph Catholic School. Since that first day of school without Peter, his fellow classmates and all of his school community have searched for a way to remember him and his zest for life. Their search is now becoming a reality.

The Peter Lenz Memorial Athletic Field will be built on a large tract of land owned by St. Joseph Catholic Church, adjacent to the playground of St. Joseph Catholic School, in Vancouver, WA. This memorial to Peter will encompass a multi-lane running track and grass athletic infield.

The 6-lane, 300 meter track will be utilized for Physical Education class, recess activities and annual Jog-a-thon, as well as the Track and Cross Country Program. The inner field will host recess games, Physical Education activities, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, lacrosse, other games and, most importantly, a combination of fun and exercise for children.

It is our hope that you will help us memorialize Peter in this very special way by making a donation to the Peter Lenz Memorial Athletic Field.

Please visit http://www.stjoevanschool.org/peterlenzmemorial.htm to make a secure contribution by credit card or mail your gift to St. Joseph Catholic School, Peter Lenz Memorial, 6500 Highland Drive, Vancouver, WA 98661.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Among numberous changes, the biggest is the merging of the 125GP and Moto3 classes into a single Moto3 class. The traditional 125GP bikes will be joined by the new 4-stroke bikes like the Moriwaki MD250H. Bikes will be permitted to modify and upgrade the bikes to the owner's content with very few restrictions.

The Moto3 Bikes will also be permitted to race up a class and compete in the 250GP class. While the smaller machines will be significantly down on horsepower, they will make up ground in the corners and on the brakes against their larger GP brothers. On the tighter, twistier tracks, watch out for a few of the little bikes to give the big machines a run for the money!

Finally, the Moriwaki MD250H spec racing, youth class returns unchanged in 2011 for it's fourth season with the USGPRU.

Despite many predictions for snow in October in Utah, Mother Nature must love GP racing as she laid out the blue skies and balmy temperatures for the National Championship round of the USGPRU racing series. Racers from across the country converged on Miller Motorsports Park and joined the Utah Sportbike Association for the final race of the 2010 season. As an added bonus, the full 4.4-mile, 23-turn full course configuration was utilized for this weekend’s races.

The racing kicked off on Saturday with the REV’IT! Moriwaki MD250H Powered by HONDA race. It was a real barnburner event with Jake Lewis, Ryan Matter, Nick McFadden and Lex Hartl running nose to tail for the most of the race. The front trio of Lewis, Matter, and Hartl swapped positions countless times with Hartl leading most laps. On the final lap, Lewis and Matter both dove past Hartl on the brakes in the Clubhouse Corner. Lewis claimed the narrow victory over Matter, despite Matter setting the fastest lap of the race. Hartl finished six tenths of a second behind Matter to take third. Nick McFadden finished fourth after fading from the pack mid race, but it was enough for him to claim the MD250H National Championship.

In the Pilot 125GP race, Jake Lewis finished his season just as he started, with a dominating victory aboard his Veloce Racing Aprilia. The win provided more than enough points for him to win the National Championship. Joe Roberts and Lex Hartl wanted to show they had something for the Aprilias as they both passed Nobi Iso on the start. Roberts and Hartl battled for the second spot with Iso in tow until Hartl lost some ground with a lap and a half to go while leading the trio. Iso was then also able to get around Roberts for second. Hartl crossed the line in fourth. Ryan Matter, who did not make the qualifying session due to electrical gremlins, started from the back of the 20 bike grid and worked his way into fifth.

The Moto Liberty/RS Taichi 250GP race saw a shake up in qualifying as veteran racer and local favorite, Don Roberts, snagged pole position. At the drop of the green flag, it was all Vince Rolleri as he opened up a small lead over Roberts and Adrian Jasso. The Miller novice, Jasso, caught up to Rolleri at about half distance and the race was on for the lead. Jasso pressured Rollering relentlessly, showing his front wheel numerous times but never fully making the pass stick. Finally, Jasso made his move setting up Rolleri on the last lap coming through inside of the ‘Release’ turn as the pair went side-by-side down the front straight in a drag race to the checkered flag. Jasso crossed the line first to claim his first USGPRU 250GP victory. David Matthews came home third with Roberts and Jeff Pratt fourth and fifth. The National Championship points leader, Barrett Long, clinched the championship in New Jersey.

The final USGPRU race of the season was the Rising Sun Cycles/GPTech Moto3 race. Jake Lewis again stormed off to victory with another dominating performance aboard the Veloce Racing Aprilia. Hartl again battled with Iso for second, and despite turning in a faster lap, was unable to best the crafty veteran. Ryan Matter once again worked his way up from the back of the grid to finish fourth. Nick McFadden finished fifth. Lewis set the fastest lap with a blistering 3:06.646 lap, a new lap record on a 125GP machine.

The USGPRU would like to extend a special thanks to the staff and racers of the Utah Sportbike Association for allowing us to join them for an amazing weekend of racing. Additionally, we would like to thank all of the series sponsors for all of your support this season.

The guys at On the Throttle, just finished editing the footage from the last round of USGPRU racing. The event was held at the fantastic Thunderhill raceway in Willows, CA.

Check out the latest racing action on the videos page: http://www.usgpru.net/videos.php

Impact Armor has agreed to provide free custom chest protectors for kids that race with the USGPRU. Adult racers can also get a great deal on a new chest protector if they are a current USGPRU member. Contact Impact Armor at (916-725-2936) or visit their website at: http://impactarmor.homestead.com/

Special thanks to the Ethan Gillim 'Chasing a Dream' fund for making this happen again. It was an enormously successful program last year as we gave away over 30 units. If you're interested in helping to keep this program going for years to come, please contact the USGPRU and we'll let you know how you can help keep everyone a little bit safer.