AMA Supercross Dallas Results & Steele Creek GNCC Bike Results

Two off-road racing results today...finally! First up is the Dallas, Texas, round of the 2010 AMA Supercross, which went off this past Saturday (20 March 2010). This was the first time that the Supercross circus stopped in Cowboys stadium and Suzuki's Ryan Dungey made it one to remember. Dungey led every lap from the start and is now 24 points ahead of Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto who finished just off the podium in fourth. The next event is this Saturday in Florida.

http://tinyurl.com/ydalry2

In the 2010 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series, the recent stop was in North Carolina at Steele Creek. The weather started off nice early, but then a steady rain started to drench every square exposed inch. In that event, Suzuki-mounted Josh Strang again took the win. This is his third win in a row! In the XC2 class, Kailub Russell took victory and the series lead in the mountains of North Carolina...for all the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y9xlhha

Alex Gobert's Racing Insider & CMRA's Dustin Dominguez

From 'Racing Insider' we get news about Australian Motocross - something we rarely get news of on this continent - American Supercross, Australian Superbike, and MotoGP. In this St. Patrick's Day edition - though it is obviously not as popular in Oz - we get some very good news on the off-road racing world in Australia. The other bits are mostly information you already know, but old Gobert is pretty good at summarizing it all. So, go and take a look...

http://tinyurl.com/ya27dvb

Dustin Dominguez is now an expert road racer using his talents to contest the Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association' s 2010 championship series. He may not be there for long, though, especially after this past weekend. He took his own Kawasaki ZX-6R and a borrowed Suzuki SV650 to seven - yes, 7 - victories at Eagle's Canyon Raceway in Texas. Dominguez was not the only racer having a good weekend, though, so take the link and read about all the other CMRA race results...

http://tinyurl.com/yaqaajv

Monday Afternoon Moto News - IronHorse Auction Date Set & Honda VFR1200F Sales

We probably all heard that American IronHorse has closed and its assets will be offered at auction by a liquidation specialist. Well, they have finally set a date for the auction itself - bids may be entered on items in the auction up until 17:00 (local time) 19 March 2010 and the auction will be taking place in New York City on 23 March 2010. All trademarks will be up for sale as well as the entire builder's shop (tools, patents, motorcycles, motorcycle parts, etc.). For all of the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yl3lowt

In the UK, the Honda VFR1200F became the top-selling motorcycle in the nation during the month of February. This comes at the expense of critics there which pretty much panned the new sport-tourer from the team at Honda - MCN(UK) called it a serious let-down and not worth the asking price. Given the competition, it was not exactly un-called for - the VFR needs a little more high-tech equipment to really unseat such tourers as the BMW models, Ducati's Multistrada and even the Guzzi Stelvio ABS. But, the buyers seem happy enough...and Honda is the one laughing its way to the bank...

http://tinyurl.com/y8ak7c9

Thursday Afernoon Moto News - MCN London M/C Show & Motorcycles vs. Scooters

The MCN London Motorcycle Show will not only feature some of the great motorcycles which the attendees will certainly want to see - it will also feature some of the United Kingdom's best motorcycle road racers. John McGuinness, Guy Martin, Conor Cummins, and Ian Hutchinson. They will be there to promote their racing series and to hang out with the fans...get your tickets soon!

http://tinyurl.com/yh9za99

In Dallas, Texas (USA), there are shades of post-war England taking to the streets. This is the annual Rockers versus Mods event in the city and it attracts all sorts of riders on all sorts of bikes and scooters. In fact, if you attend the 28 - 30 March 2010 event, you are likely to feel like you have fallen back in time...The event has been getting larger every year and this is the third year, so expect some huge crowds, some lovely cafe racers from times past and the present, and some very well-decorated scooters. Try it out, you might just like it!

http://tinyurl.com/yem5bwk

More Afternoon Moto News - Triumph Colors, Dallas Chopper Show and the Oak Tree Tavern at VIR

Triumph is introducing some new paint schemes on their 2010 models. The newest color is the very cool Scorched Yellow, which will be available on the Street Triple. It's not the biggest news, but it is nice to know.

http://tinyurl.com/y8w3swm

Viper Motorcycles is now a major sponsor for the Rick Fairless Strokers Dallas Bike Show and Parts Expo in Texas and running in April of this year (no dates provided in the press release). It will be another repli-chopper type show with miles of chrome and very stretched out forms and bars, but you may find it interesting if yo are, in fact, into those sorts of motorcycles. Check out the release after the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yhsx9jk

The Oak Tree Tavern, at Virginia's Virginia International Raceway, will be holding its re-Grand Opening on 29 January 2010. The restaurant and bar has new management and a completely new menu. It will be open as a regular establishment and is family-friendly. If you get near VIR, you now have a historic place to eat your meals and drink your pleasure.

http://tinyurl.com/yhsqgmg

Friday Evening News from the Moto World - AMA and Safety

The American Motorcyclist Association has announced the class distinctions and dates for the brand-new 2010 AMA Racing Vintage National Dirt Track Championship Series. This will hopefully be a very successful series throughout the US. The only limitation may be that all of the dates are in the East with the exception of two rounds in Texas. There is good reason for it to head to California or at least team up with the West Coast Flat Track Series to host events. It is very tempting to get out there and join in the fun!

http://tinyurl.com/yjp8qbs

Some people still do not get it - helmets save lives. I have seen racers high-side and land on their head and then walk away - on their own power - because the helmet did its job. I need no more evidence. Riding a motorcycle without a helmet is not accepting your risk. Even if you are the best rider in the entire planet Earth, you cannot control the actions of the cagers sharing the road around you. So, this new study has shown that fatalities have gone up in the seven years since Texas repealed its mandatory helmet laws. D'oh! Of course...the good news is that overall fatalities were likely down in 2009 - but that is simply due to fewer people riding due to the economy and the fact that Americans still consider motorcycles to be 'recreational vehicles.' No helmet = Organ donor

http://tinyurl.com/y9joplj

Tuesday Morning Moto Racing News - Dakar and, uh, James Ellison

Yep, we are getting near the final and important stages in the Rally Dakar. Stage Nine ended yesterday and our former champion (who has little chance of winning this year, unfortunately) KTM's Marc Coma won the stage by only four seconds to take his third stage victory in 2010. Right behind him was current points leader - and likely winner of the 2010 event - Cyril Despres on his KTM. Aprilia's Francisco Lopez ran in third for this stage and remains in third place overall. For more, take one or all of the following links.

http://tinyurl.com/y96uz24

http://tinyurl.com/ycebsnd

http://tinyurl.com/y9bxhq6

http://tinyurl.com/ybze7tm

And, in other racing news, we hear that British Superbike star James Ellison has been in Texas training with Ben Spies for the 2010 season. Given his appearances in the final events of the 2009 season of BSB - with Leon Camier, who took first as Ellison took second - one would think he would also have a ride in 2010. But, that is not the case. However, if someone should pick him up, he will be in great shape to challenge for the championship in any series!

http://tinyurl.com/ye86ewr

Thursday Morning Classic Bike News

The first part of this post is another eBay find - a 1941 Indian Sport Scout. It looks to be un-restored and the owner claims only 19,000 miles. It is also said that the engine turns over and has good compression, but no other details are mentioned. At last look, the auction was at US$10,100 and the reserve price had not yet been met. Take a look at history and imagine being able to buy this one...

http://tinyurl.com/ybvu22d

Next, we have a story about a tour through Texas on British singles, believe it or not. Given the extensive road network and huge distances between places in the state, it is hard to imagine driving so far on such small motorcycles, but the author and some friends did just that. They spend a great deal of time enjoying the Texas Hill Country...and so should you!

http://tinyurl.com/y96w8u4

Wednesday Morning Moto News from Around the Industry

A steampunk MV Agusta comes to us from MCN (UK), but it is not yet complete. So, I can only send you to the MCN article with just one photo. However, they link directly to the blog where the builder is posting his build photos as he completes his work. A rather interesting idea which would be cool to see finished.

http://tinyurl.com/yatgbng

Remembering the Aprilia Falco from 2000 to 2003; the bike was actually a great bargain for a well-made Italian road-burner. It made an excellent sport-tourer and is still available on the second-hand market for a good price.

http://tinyurl.com/ycwb4ug

A trip through Texas Hill Country on an Aprilia Caponord is well worth your time. The countryside is lovely, the weather tolerable, and the roads are fantastic. Of course, the bike is a real winner as well!

http://tinyurl.com/y9n83ty

Nicky Hayden accidentally unveiled an image of the Ducati Desmosedici GP10 machine on his website. It's not as big of a deal as some are making out of it, but it is cool to have technology which provides us with rare inside looks like this.

http://tinyurl.com/ybtfcjj

The top two riders in the 2009 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup have now signed with their respective 125 World Championship teams for 2010 - where they will renew their rivalry. Jakub Kornfeil and Sturla Fagerhaug have joined the Racing Team Germany and the I.S.P.A. Ongetta, Worldwide Race Team, respectively. Again, 2010 is shaping up to be one incredible race season!

http://tinyurl.com/ydcuhmb

Bradley Smith is looking to win the 125c.c. World Championship in 2010 - and we hope he does have a good year - and he is hoping to help two up and coming racers in the Relentless British 125GP Championship. Riders Wayne Ryan and Fraser Rogers will be helped through the Racing Steps Foundation - the first time it has ever done this. They can thank John Surtees as well! The real mission is to get another Brit into the championship lists - not since Barry Sheene in the 1970's has someone from the U.K. been there.

http://tinyurl.com/ycaf75o

Ducati Motologic have signed Australian Jamie Stauffer to ride for them in the 2010 Australian Superbike Championship. He will be riding a 1198 in the same series where his brother, Dan, is riding an Aprilia.

http://tinyurl.com/yfru82n

And, finally, the end of this morning's news comes in the form of Pit Pass Radio's show tonight. They will feature Chris Blose - Supercross Racer, Donnie Emler Jr. - FMF Marketing, Jesse Harris - National Film Festival for Talented Youth, Jason Disalvo, and Tyler O'Hara - Pro Flat Track,Road Race,and Supermoto Racer-Team Livin' The Life Racing. It's an incredible line-up, so do not miss it!

http://tinyurl.com/yg9e8z8

XDL Championship Announces 2010 Schedule

The XDL Championship is the only nationwide stunt-riding championship series in the US. For 2010, they have a schedule which includes five events and a final in Indianapolis. The first event will be held during the first weekend of Daytona Bike Week. For the rest, take the link...

http://tinyurl.com/y9awlgh

Interview with Leslie Porterfield - World's Fastest Woman

Porterfield can be classified as the world's fastest woman due to her numerous world speed records, and simply because she is very good at going fast. She also picked up the AMA's Female Rider of the Year award - and she is the only (believe it or not) woman to be a member of the Bonneville 200 mph club. The link will take you to an interview from a Limey traveling through Dallas, Texas.

http://tinyurl.com/ydvpwok

Jorge Lorenzo Very Confident in Yamaha's MotoGP Future

Lorenzo is one of the top-flight riders in the MotoGP Championship - always a threat to win a race, no matter where it is. Given his experience in the series, he really feels that Yamaha is the one to beat in 2010 and likely beyond. It makes sense when you see who is riding Yamahas in 2010 - Lorenzo, Rossi, Edwards and Spies.

http://tinyurl.com/yhms3ah

Also, here are some photos of his time in Bali where he took a vacation while he was touring Yamaha establishments in Asia last month.

http://tinyurl.com/yjnyryq

And, he is ready to challenge Rossi in the MotoGP Championship next year:

http://tinyurl.com/yz53xat

Victory Will Auction Two Motorcycles to Benefit Ft. Hood Victims and Families

Victory Motorcycles announced this at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show at Long Beach. The two bike are a specially prepared Victory Kingpin 8-Ball and a custom Victory Hammer S. Both bikes are painted and outfitted for US Army and were done in reaction to the terrible Ft. Hood shooting tragedy.

http://tinyurl.com/yhamort

Thunderhill Raceway Could Shut Down Completely

Up until now, the track has been leased to MAN Racing Promotions LLC - principle owner Mary Ann Naumann - has only a few weeks to get some leases signed on the track. If she cannot find someone to use the track in 2010, she will have no choice but to drop the lease on the property. There is some room for hope, but deals need to get done soon! If not, well, the track may not even be open in 2010.

http://tinyurl.com/y85kfz9

Viper Motorcycle Company Releases 2010 Diamondback

A joint venture with Ilmor Engineering, the 2010 Viper Diamondback 152 has been officially released. It is powered by a proprietary 152 cubic inch engine, but not much was available about the machine itself. Availability of the Diamondback will be very limited at first as both Viper and Ilmor will continue their JV and prepare for a full-scale launch. To see where you may see the new machine, take the link and there is a list of dealers around the US who will possess one very soon...

http://tinyurl.com/ydd9fyw

Another Manufacturer Sells Its Assets - American IronHorse Motorcycles of Texas

An asset selling firm, Streambank, will be selling the IP and various other aspects of the American IronHorse Motorcycles company. There is at least one patent and at least 7 trademarks for sale; not to mention the designs, URL, and even their contacts database and demographic information. So, it seems that IronHorse is yet another victim of this nasty economy. Let's all hope it gets better soon or we may loose even more...

http://tinyurl.com/ydkqu9h

Auction details: http://tinyurl.com/ygfuqcg

Texas Dealership Group Launches Very First Facebook Online Sales Outlet

For the first time, Family PowerSports of Texas has added the ability to buy parts and accessories for your motorcycle right from Facebook. No other retailer has done this yet, so this is a big step up for social networking and for motorcycle lovers in Texas - or anywhere you are as long as you have Facebook. Check it out and become a fan - who knows, you might have to order a part from them...

http://tinyurl.com/yclhjc2

Texas Bike Builder Desperado Motorcycles Up For Sale

The CEO, Jeff Nicklus, has said that he has too much to do with his time and cannot invest the time he needs to in order to run Desperado Motorcycles. So, after considering it for many years, he has decided to sell the company - everything the company owns. According to his statement, the company has no debt, so it is a good buy. However, the repli-cruiser market has shrunk a great deal in the midst of this economic recession, so buying it would also mean that you would have to invest in plenty of R&D for the future...

http://tinyurl.com/ybq4mfl

PBTF Ride for Kids Had Fantastic Weekend Across the USA

The PBTF Ride for Kids is a well-known event/cause in the motorcycling world. It doesn't matter what your tank badge says, we all care about children who by no fault of their own are fighting a powerful enemy - brain tumors. This past weekend (2 - 4 October 2009) saw four different cities hold Ride for Kids events and over half a million dollars was raised in total! Again, thank all of you who do this - volunteer, donate, ride, host bake sales, everything!

http://tinyurl.com/ycm6ozt

P.S. There is a previous post about the Maryland/Washington ride - full disclosure.

Ducati Demo Ride Tour Dates - Texas, Arizona and California

Those who happen to have local Ducati shops in your US or Canadian city or town know about the Ducati demo trucks which travels throughout North America giving people the chance to test ride a new Ducati. Well, if you don't, you do now! If you live in Texas, Arizona or California, you may want to click the link...

http://tinyurl.com/ybqdlnh