MOTORCYCLE TIMES JANUARY 2021 by Motorcycle Times

JANUARY 2021

12 Pages on Laia Sanz in 2021 Paris to Dakar Race ● New Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition ●Honda’s New Rebel 1100 ● Joel Robert Passes

DECEMBER 2020 READERS RIDES SONNY BROWN 2013 ROAD KING CLASSIC

REPUBLIC KANSAS GAVIN McCARRELL

JOHN MUNSCH 2018 MTS650 SANTA BARBARA CA

Submit your bike mtreadersrides@gmail.com Send us a picture or two and some words about the bike. Year, Make, Model, Milage, Modifications etc.

DALE RANSOM

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DECEMBER 2020 CONTENTS MOTORCYCLE TIMES is published every month by:

READERS’S RIDES ................................................... 2

MJM Publishing, LLC

EDITORIAL .............................................................. 4

719 Tomahawk Lane

NEWS...................................................................... 5

Felton, De 19943

Suzuki/Joan Mir Blog .............................. 5

Publisher/Editor: Mark McGhee

Honda’s New Supercross Squad ............ 7

Director to the Publisher/Editor: Evelyn McGhee Phone: 302.943.3590 Email: mjmpublishing2017@gmail.com

Website: www.motorcycletimes.com ● Facebook: motorcycletimesusa ● Twitter: @MotorcycleTime1 New issues come out on or about the first of each month. If you’d like to receive a free email subscription, simply use the SUBSCRIBE link found in the magazine and on the website. Back issues can be viewed on the website. Any and all suggestions, photographs, illustrations, criticism, articles and advertising support are welcome. We pay for most contributions; email or see website for rates and writing guidelines. Contributions may also be published on our website and/or social media pages. We are not responsible for returning unsolicited materials, however you may request return if so desired. All advertising copy and any manuscripts should be in by the 10th of the month preceding publication. For a current advertising media kit or further information, call, or email us at the above address. Except for the Owners, all of the editors, illustrators, photographers and writers are free-lance contributors. Any and all opinions expressed are those of the authors, and don’t necessarily reflect those of the publisher. We are not responsible for any typographical errors. All rights are reserved. Unauthorized use or reproduction is forbidden without prior written consent from MJM Publishing. We are not responsible for guaranteeing the quality of goods or services advertised herein. Motorcycling is sometimes a dangerous activity. We very strongly encourage all riders to contact the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (1- 800-446-9227) for the location of their nearest rider safety training course. Ride safe!

Motoamerica Mini Cup .......................... 27 ‘21 King Of The Baggers ...................... 28

MOTORCYCLE TIMES FEATURE 2021 Paris to Dakar.………………………..12

MOTORCYCLE TIMES FEATURES Honda’s New Rebel 1100 .........................................8 Husqvarna’s ‘21 FC450 ..........................................10 Superstar Joel Robert Passes……………………………30 VJM Show……………………………………………………………32

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Things are already looking up in 2021. Though the future is as unknown as any new year there is much more optimism out there. I’m a firm believer that the cosmic universe reflects the input you provide. I’ve been around the block a time or two and I do realize some things are just beyond our control and they just happen to us. That is to say as individuals we can have a not so good experience while it seems the entire nation is having a good time—and it can work the other way too. It’s just to early to know how this year might turn out, but people in general seem to be expressing high hopes. And I’m with them. I’ll even go a step further and state that I expect this year to make up for the last one as well as providing a good start on the next one. I expect everyone in the motorcycle business who wants to make money will have the opportunity and if they just grab it they will make a lot of money. We’ve still got pent up demand going for us. Every category of goods people use to escape whatever is dragging them down from sports items like golf clubs to basketballs, little league equipment, campers, motorcycles, ATV’s and UTV’s are selling well. There is actually a motorcycle shortage in many dealerships. Even the private sector has responded with increasing prices on used powersports vehicles. “Ran when parked” vehicle’s prices are increasing by hundreds of dollars too. The hard facts are that despite the Covid unemployment effect people seem to be finding the monies to buy things that help them forget, get away and unwind. It’s human nature really. “You mean I can stay home and watch this drivel on TV or I can go out and do something exciting?” WWW.MOTORCYCLETIMES.COM

As the meme says:

As I said, I’ve been around the block before. I know it’s not really that easy. Your friendly neighborhood salesperson puts in a lot of hours, has to know an amazing amount of information including all the various model features to doing the sales paperwork correctly. And in my experience, they will probably have to work at least a portion of every holiday and yes, the customers have ESP for their days off and that is frequently “the only time they can make it”. Add on top of that the very fact that they are likely working when you and everyone else are riding. Yes, I know it’s not that easy. However, it is set to be easier than ever before, at least since the 60’s and 70’s. We’ve got a similar situation with the age and affluence of the population. Manufacturers are sincerely trying to create and deliver what the customer wants and less what the focus groups and bean counters want. You can buy anything from a nearly track ready “streetbike” to a highway sofa to a full on motocrosser to a 2 or 4wd ATV , a desert ready racing sled or a hard working side by side. Pretty much all you have to do is walk in and say “SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!” Mark 4

JOAN MIR WORLD CHAMPION BLOG Team Suzuki Press Office – November 30. For more stories about Joan Mir, Click Here. For photos, Click Here. “I made history with Suzuki and it’s an honour. When I see the words ‘World Champion’ I feel so thankful for what all the people in Suzuki and in the racing team have done for me. There’s no way to truly express the thanks and gratitude I want to give to all the people who have supported me and helped me to get where I am now, on the top of the world!” JOAN MIR. “I’ve had some days to try and realize everything that’s happened since winning the title, but in reality the action has been non-stop; so many kind messages to read from fans, so many interviews and events to attend, and it’s a great feeling to catch up with all the media and to try and express the emotions of the last few weeks. I wanted to take this chance to also try to put down in words some of my experiences and to share with you the moments that led up to the title, and the different feelings I went through.” “The day before the Valencia 2 race, I was particularly calm and quiet. The people closest to me noticed how I was very silent when I got up on race day morning, I didn’t really speak to anyone simply because I was so concentrated on the goal. I remember that I had fried eggs for breakfast to give myself plenty of energy. After that, I don’t remember much about the race; only that I felt nervous on the grid but calm during the actual race. But I recall with a lot of clarity the moment when I crossed the line - it was pure ecstasy. I just started to scream and shout, screaming at the top of my lungs! Then I got very emotional when I saw everybody around me starting to applaud, particularly my competitors! That cool-down lap was something incredible with all the other riders congratulating me and stopping to shake my hand.” “Then I arrived at Parc Ferme and I was so amazed to see all of my family there! They had stayed away all season because of the delicate situation with the (COVID-19) virus, so to see them there waiting to embrace me in Parc Ferme was overwhelmingly wonderful - the most beautiful and unforgettable thing in the world. The celebrations with my team in the moments after the race were also fantastic, but in the evening we didn’t have a big party like a lot of people expected; I just had a very small dinner together with my family - I wanted something intimate and relaxed, something safe in these difficult times. Over the next hours I started to realize that I had achieved my ultimate dream. It hit me in waves as I remembered what had happened! This whole season will be unforgettable, but those moments celebrating with my fellow riders, my team, and my family will stay fresh in my mind forever.” “This World Championship title has special significance for me and the team because I realise that we really made history with this victory. It came in the same year that Suzuki celebrates its 100th Anniversary and the 60th anniversary in racing. It’s also 20 years since the last title - all these stats are impressive, and to me it almost seems like ‘destiny’ that it all happened at once. “ “To be honest, this is exactly what I was hoping for when I decided to sign with Suzuki in MotoGP. At that time I had some other options, and I thought about it a lot, evaluating and weighing-up the pros and cons. I was already very interested in Suzuki, then all in a sudden I thought: if I do go to Suzuki and manage to win the World Championship it will something amazing, memorable… historic! And here we are, celebrating a piece of history!”

MONSTER ENERGY TEAMS WITH SUZUKI FOR 2021 MONSTER ENERGY GIVES TEAM SUZUKI ECSTAR A BOOST IN 2021 Team Suzuki Press Office – December 1. Monster Energy Company and Team Suzuki Ecstar MotoGP are very proud and happy to announce that the two companies will join forces from 2021 after signing a multi-year agreement which will see the manufacturer from Hamamatsu enjoy extra power in its thrilling MotoGP World Championship adventure. A product of a long-term mutual interest in working together, both companies are excited to share the news in what could be considered the icing on the cake for Team Suzuki Ecstar after clinching the World title with the Spanish rider Joan Mir in the same year in which the brand celebrates its 100th Anniversary and 60 years in racing. Monster Energy Company, which is currently sponsoring Team Suzuki Ecstar riders, Joan Mir and Alex Rins, will be fueling the entire team with an impactful presence on the 2021 GSX-RR bike, and they will boost the team as they aim to repeat the great success achieved this season.

TEAM CLASSIC SUZUKI WORKSHOP TOUR VIDEO ONLINE Team Suzuki Press Office – December 8, 2020 Team Classic Suzuki has released a video of its workshop facilities in an effort to bring fans their classic bike fix, in lieu of the regular shows and events that have fallen victim to the Covid-19 pandemic. Join chief mechanic and resident expert Nathan Colombi for a guided tour around rare RGV250s, Kevin Schwantz and Kenny Roberts Jr’s RGV500s, World Superbike GSX-Rs, and Guy Martin’s 2012 GSX-R1000 superbike, plus get a look at the GSX-R750 SRAD being built for competition in 2021 onwards, and a new Katana project build. Browse the shelves to see the collection of parts amassed over the years, from full -factory carbs and triple clamps to remanufactured footrests and a number of genuine Suzuki components still available on the Vintage Parts Programme, before seeing where the magic happens in the ‘engine room’. To watch on Team Suzuki Racing: CLICK HERE WWW.MOTORCYCLETIMES.COM

ROAD AMERICA AMA SUPERBIKES EPISODE 1 VIDEO Team Suzuki Press Office – December 13 2020 Join M4 ECSTAR Suzuki at the first round of MotoAmerica at Road America in the first of a series of behind-the-scenes videos from Team Hammer. The video features on track action and interviews with all of Team Hammer Suzuki riders. To watch on Team Suzuki Racing: CLICK HERE ROAD AMERICA AMA SUPERBIKES EPISODE 2 VIDEO Team Suzuki Press Office December 17 2020 Episode 2 of Team Hammer’s video series sees M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Bobby Fong score his first-ever MotoAmerica Superbike win aboard the GSX-R1000. ROAD ATLANTA MOTOAMERICA M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI VIDEOS ONLINE Team Suzuki Press Office – December 20 2020 A two-part video series from the Road Atlanta, Pittsburgh races during the 2020 MotoAmerica AMA Superbike series with M4 ECSTAR Suzuki and associated Team Hammer Suzuki teams and riders is online to view. Episode 3, Part 1, features on track action and rider interviews from Road Atlanta, while Part 2 takes-up the action four days later due to the reorganised series due to the ongoing Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic at that time. To watch both videos on Team Suzuki Racing: CLICK HERE

2021 MONSTER ENERGY SUPERCROSS DATES UPDATED Team Suzuki Press Office – December 19 2020 A new updated schedule has been announced this week for the 2021 Monster Energy FIM/ AMA Supercross Championship that will see a total of 17 rounds from January 16th to May 1st. Due to the uncertainty of the ongoing Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the original calendar now features several back-to-back rounds and Saturday and Tuesday races included. The updates, announced by promoters Feld Entertainment, include three consecutive rounds in Georgia at Atlanta Motor Speedway and an added round at Salt Lake City in Utah. The original rounds in Arizona have been cancelled and replaced with Orlando in Florida. Other revisions include the East/ West 250cc class series: The opening seven rounds will include East class, the following eight, the West class; and then the penultimate 16th round at Salt Lake City on April 24th will be East class again. The series finale on May 1st for Salt Lake City 2 sees both classes come together. 2021 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Schedule (@ December 19th): Round 1: Houston, Texas (East) NRG Stadium Saturday, January 16 Round 2: Houston, Texas (East) NRG Stadium Tuesday, January 19 Round 3: Houston, Texas (East) NRG Stadium Saturday, 6

January 23 Round 4: Indianapolis, Indiana (East) Lucas Oil Stadium Saturday, January 30 Round 5: Indianapolis, Indiana (East) Lucas Oil Stadium Tuesday, February 2 Round 6: Indianapolis, Indiana (East) Lucas Oil Stadium Saturday, February 6 Round 7: Orlando, Florida (East) Camping World Stadium Saturday, February 13 Round 8: Orlando, Florida (West) Camping World Stadium Saturday, February 20 Round 9: Daytona Beach, Florida (West) Daytona Int. Speedway Saturday, March 6 Round 10: Arlington, Texas (West) AT&T Stadium Saturday, March 13 Round 11: Arlington, Texas (West) AT&T Stadium Tuesday, March 16 Round 12: Arlington, Texas (West) AT&T Stadium Saturday, March 20 Round 13: Atlanta, Georgia (West) Atlanta Motor Speedway Saturday, April 10 Round 14: Atlanta, Georgia (West) Atlanta Motor Speedway Tuesday, April 13 Round 15: Atlanta, Georgia (West) Atlanta Motor Speedway Saturday, April 17 Round 16: Salt Lake City, Utah (East) Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, April 24 Round 17: Salt Lake City, Utah (W/E) Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday, May 1

Peek at the new Trident 660 & Tiger 850 Sport

Currently touring the United States are the first Trident 660 and Tiger 850 Sport Motorcycles in North America. Schedule your visit and ride over to a participating dealership to get your exclusive sneak peek of these stunning first additions to the 2021 lineup. The bikes are moving quickly so find a tour stop now!

Team Honda HRC Announces Four-Rider Roster for 2021 Factory squad to incorporate both 450 and 250 efforts

Editor's note: we first received this press release on December 1, 2020. There was a follow up to it this month. We placed the two releases together for simplicity and accuracy. And there were more cool pictures too. December1, 2020 — TORRANCE, Calif. American Honda confirmed today that its official squad— Team Honda HRC—will comprise four riders campaigning two classes for the 2021 AMA Supercross/AMA Pro Motocross season. As previously announced, Ken Roczen and Chase Sexton will compete aboard the all-new 2021 CRF450R in the 450 class. In addition, Hunter and Jett Lawrence join the team to race the CRF250R in the quarterliter division. A three-time AMA champion and one-time FIM champion, Roczen won four AMA Supercross rounds last season and finished third in the final points standings before sitting out AMA Pro Motocross to focus on recovering from the effects of the Epstein-Barr virus. Meanwhile, Sexton successfully defended his AMA Supercross 250 East Region crown with the Factory Connection squad before advancing to the premier class with Team Honda HRC for AMA Pro Motocross, in which he won the final round. The Australian Lawrence brothers both rode for Factory Connection in 2020, with Jett winning the final AMA Pro Motocross round and earning the Marty Smith Rookie of the Year Award. In recent seasons, Team Honda HRC has focused on the 450 class, but with the recent dissolution of the Factory Connection Race Team following a long and successful collaboration with Honda, the 250 effort is being absorbed into the in-house project for 2021. Factory Connection will continue to work with Team Honda HRC in various capacities. “The 2021 season will be upon us soon, and our team is working hard to prepare,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Advertising and Motorcycle Sports at American Honda. “While we were sorry to see Factory Connection’s race team shut down, we’re pleased to continue a relationship with their company, and we’re excited to have such a talented rider lineup for both classes. When you also factor in our solid team structure, there’s every reason to expect a positive performance from Team Honda HRC next year.”

SNEAK A PEEK AT THE NEWEST 2021 MODELS

DUCATI RAIDED BY FBI FROM THE ASPHALT AND RUBBER PAGE: On December 17th, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) raided with armed tactical agents the offices of Ducati North America in Mountain View, California. Though only a handful of employees were in the Mountain View office because of COVID restrictions during the time of the raid, it is being reported that roughly 30 agents stormed the building with a search warrant in hand. An account of this happening was posted by a Ducati North America employee to the Bay Area Riders Forum, with RoadRacing World subsequently publishing the news.

(Continued on page 33)

Honda Unveils the All-New Rebel 1100 for 2021 Midsize model introduces DCT and varied riding experiences to the cruiser market

November 24, 2020 — TORRANCE, Calif. Honda announced today an all-new midsize cruiser model—the Rebel 1100—to be powered by a water-cooled, parallel-twin engine and offered for the 2021 model year. Introducing new technology to the cruiser category, including Honda’s advanced automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)—the model was conceptualized and developed following a “Relax and Excite” design theme, and is notable for its ability to suit a variety of rider types and deliver wide-ranging riding experiences. A forward-looking motorcycle, the adaptable Rebel 1100 features carefully developed geometry, sport-worthy components and a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio, all of which combine to make it capable not just of straight-line cruising, but also more dynamic riding, including brisk acceleration and exhilarating cornering. The model has Honda’s renowned reliability and finish, along with a very competitive retail price. The engine is a retuned version of the power plant from Honda’s popular Africa Twin adventure platform, with a 270-degree crankshaft design that gives a pulsing, rhythmic sound and feel at low engine speeds but runs smooth at higher rpm. The DCT enables automatic shifting, or riders can select manual mode and change gears via handlebar-mounted buttons. They can also switch between three different riding modes—Standard, Sport and Rain—each of which delivers a distinct riding experience, thanks to carefully balanced settings for power, Honda Selectable Torque Control (which incorporates Wheelie Control), engine braking and DCT. The chassis features geometry that achieves both straight-line stability and neutral handling, and although seat height is low at 27.5 inches, the engine is compact enough to enable a 35-degree bank angle—much more than most cruisers and suitable for spirited cornering. High-performance suspension components comprise a 43 mm conventional fork with a cartridge-type damper, and twin Showa shocks with piggyback reservoirs, while the front brake has a monobloc, four-piston, radial-mount caliper with a floating rotor. Curb weight is just 509 pounds for the DCT version. Facilitating the customization penchant for which the cruiser segment is known—and enhancing the model’s already-impressive versatility—Honda is offering a full line of accessories for the Rebel 1100, from minimalist to touring-focused.

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“With the evolution of cruiser culture, today’s rider demands a motorcycle that expands on the capabilities that have traditionally been possible in the segment,” said Lee Edmunds, Senior Manager of Powersports Marketing for American Honda. “The all-new Rebel 1100 fits the bill, providing cruiser customers with technologies—including DCT—and riding experiences that were previously unavailable in the category. It’s truly a motorcycle for the modern cruiser rider.” The 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 is scheduled for release in January and will be available in Metallic Black and Bordeaux Red Metallic. The MSRP is $9,999 ($9,299 for the manual-transmission version). ABS is standard. Honda’s website has additional information on the Rebel 1100. About American Honda American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the United States. American Honda’s Powersports Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com./

HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES UNVEILS 2021 FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION

GASGAS SIGN ALBERT CABESTANY AS TRIALGP TEAM MANAGER

ALL-NEW AESTHETICS AND FACTORY RACE TEAM COMPONENTRY FURTHER ENHANCE THE CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING MACHINE

SUPER-EXPERIENCED FORMER SPANISH AND INDOOR WORLD CHAMPION SWITCHES FROM COMPETITION TO TEAM MANAGEMENT TO LEAD GASGAS’ 2021 FACTORY TRIAL TEAM Pushing forwards with a renewed energy, we’re strengthening our factory trial team for 2021 as we welcome Albert Cabestany as our new team manager! Stepping away from full-time competition, our defending Trial-E World Champion will now take charge of our factory trial team and guide them through both the X-Trial and TrialGP World Championships. Albert Cabestany appointed as Trial Team Manager Experienced Spaniard will lead GASGAS’ TrialGP squad GASGAS strengthen their commitment to trial competition A rider with more than 20 years of international trial experience, Cabestany is not only hugely capable on a bike, he’s also incredibly knowledgeable off one. A consistent challenger for world championship honors, with no fewer than 85 outdoor and 90 indoor podium results to his credit, including 27 victories, it’s fair to say he’s been there, done it, and got a whole bunch of t-shirts! Turning a page in his highly-successful career, Albert, who started his professional career riding for GASGAS before returning to win two Trial-E World Championship titles in 2019 and 2020, will now start an exciting new chapter, leading from the front as he manages the GASGAS Factory Racing Trial Team. Focused on developing the team’s testing, training and competition program, the likeable Spaniard will provide invaluable knowledge, experience and guidance, ensuring the team is perfectly prepared to take on the 2021 FIM X-Trial and TrialGP series. Albert Cabestany, GASGAS Factory Racing Trial Team Manager: “After so many years competing in trial, this is the perfect next step for me. To be the GASGAS Factory Racing Trial Team Manager is such a unique and exciting opportunity, I’m really looking forward to working with our riders and doing all I can to continue the team’s success. For sure I’m going to give it my all and enjoy the experience. It’s an important team within the trial paddock, with high expectations, so I’m really excited about the future.” Robert Jonas, VP Motorsports Offroad: “Trial remains hugely important to GASGAS, both from a production bike point of view and also from a motorsport perspective. This is why we are pleased to have appointed Albert Cabestany as our new trial team manager. Albert is hugely experienced when it comes to all things trial, and while he is best known as a successful competitor, he also has considerable testing and development experience. We believe he will inject the right mix of energy and focus into the team and push it forward in 2021, allowing our riders to perform at their very best.”

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Featuring a striking, brand-new look and class-leading performance, Husqvarna Motorcycles North America, Inc. is excited to reveal the 2021 FC 450 Rockstar Edition. Most recently acclaimed as the starting point for Zach Osborne’s 2020 AMA 450MX championship-winning Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing machine and the proven basis for Jason Anderson’s 2018 450SX title, the competition-ready motorcycle features numerous upgrades and improvements over the standard FC 450. Building off an incredible conclusion to the 2020 AMA Supercross Championship with a Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing podium sweep via Osborne, Anderson and teammate Dean Wilson, the 2021 FC 450 Rockstar Edition is designed to further increase its winning potential inside the arena. Beneath the updated Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team graphics, the FC 450 Rockstar Edition uses Husqvarna Motorcycles’ lightweight FC 450 chassis, together with the latest WP XACT suspension. Delivering precise handling, the optimized suspension improves rider confidence allowing all racers to master the toughest terrain with conviction.

With a focus on the latest technology and offering fully customizable riding experiences, the 2021 FC 450 Rockstar Edition comes with Husqvarna Motorcycles’ all-new Connectivity Unit, which together with the myHusqvarna app was launched in October 2020. Fitted to the handlebar pad and controlled with the application, personalized engine maps and fine-tuned suspension settings can be created and stored to provide the ideal set-up for any track or

conditions. Ensuring an uncompromised power delivery from the SOHC 450 cc engine, an upgraded, high-performance Brembo hydraulic clutch system provides perfect action in all conditions, while also delivering exceptional

Technical Highlights:

•

New Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing graphics • New Connectivity Unit fitted as standard to connect with the myHusqvarna app • Allows the rider to customize engine behavior to personal preferences and track conditions • New high-performance Brembo hydraulic clutch system • Compact SOHC engine providing class-leading performance • Hydro-formed chromium molybdenum frame with premium black powder coating • Factory CNC-machined triple clamps with adjustable offset [20 – 22 mm] • Composite carbon fiber two-piece subframe design • Carbon fiber reinforced skid plate • WP XACT 48 mm front forks with AER technology • Mechanical Factory holeshot device • FMF Racing Factory 4.1 silencer • Softer, grey ODI lock-on grips • GUTS Factory high grip seat cover • Rekluse clutch cover • High-quality ProTaper handlebars and bar pad • Factory wheel set with D.I.D DirtStar rims and blue anodized CNC machined hubs • Multifunctional map switch, which also activates launch and traction control • Electric starter powered by a lightweight Li-Ion 2.0 Ah battery Providing comfort, protection and style, the Functional Offroad Apparel Collection ensures riders of all abilities are fully prepared for their next ride. Additionally, a comprehensive lineup of Technical Accessories allows riders to customize, protect and further improve the performance and durability of their motorcycle. The new 2021 FC 450 Rockstar Edition is available at authorized Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers now. For more information, please visit www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com.

American Motorcyclist Association Ice Race Grand Championships Schedule Announced AMA National No. 1 plates up for grabs in Wisconsin, with charitable support PICKERINGTON, Ohio — America’s finest motorcycle ice racers will have two opportunities to compete for AMA No. 1 plates in 2021, with AMA Ice Race Grand Championship events scheduled three weeks apart in January and February in Wisconsin. The first event is a Grand Prix-style competition on Jan. 17 that will run in conjunction with the Steel Shoe Fund’s annual three-hour endurance race on Kettle Moraine Lake at the Tiki Beach Bar and Resort in Campbellsport, Wis. The course once again will be designed by AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Fredette. “The Steel Shoe Fund is thrilled to host the 2021 AMA Ice Race Grand Championship GP,” said Chris DaRonco, the event promoter. “We look forward to providing a challenging 6 -plus-mile course on Kettle Moraine Lake. We’re working on some exciting changes to our program to make the event better than last year and to comply with any state and local orders regarding COVID-19. We look forward to hosting riders from all over and awarding those highly coveted AMA National No. 1 plates.” The Steel Shoe Fund was established in 1997 as a nonprofit organization to assist flat-track motorcycle racers who have been seriously injured during competition within the continental United States. The second event, the High Voltage Ice Races, takes place Feb. 6 on a half-mile oval at Miller’s Bay in Oshkosh, Wis. This is the second year that the High Voltage Ice Races will be sanctioned as an AMA Grand Championship. The event is organized by Ron Brefka of iRon Enterprises, and proceeds go to support pancreatic cancer research. There is no admission fee for spectators, but donations to the We Care Fund are encouraged. “The High Voltage Ice Races are proud and excited to host the AMA Ice Race Grand Championship Oval for the second straight year,” Brefka said. “We again will have spectacular ice racing at a great venue. And while our Grand Championship will be an absolutely great event for racers and spectators, we also will be supporting cancer research with donations to the We Care Fund for Medical Innovation and Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin.” The events will be scored separately, and class winners at each event will be awarded AMA National No. 1 plates. “The AMA is pleased to be working with the Steel Shoe Fund for the third consecutive year and High Voltage for the second,” AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant said. “Both organizations work hard to support good causes. We are looking forward to great ice racing in January and February.” About the American Motorcyclist Association Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides moneysaving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.

12/17/2020 LAIA SANZ SET TO TAKE ON DAKAR 2021

GASGAS FACTORY RACING RIDER PUTS ILLNESS BEHIND HER TO COMPLETE FINAL PREPARATIONS AHEAD OF 43RD DAKAR RALLY Laia Sanz and GASGAS Factory Racing have completed their pre-Dakar testing and are now counting down the days to the start of their epic New Year adventure. Soon to be rolling up her sleeves and getting stuck into the 2021 Dakar Rally, Laia will take to the start of her 11th Dakar in a little over two weeks’ time as she looks to further cement her position as one of the event’s true greats. 12-stage event to cover 7,646 km, including 4,767 km of timed specials.

In what has been a difficult year for all, for Laia recent months have been especially challenging due to contracting Lyme Disease during the summer, making her final Dakar preparations more complicated than normal. However, with support from her team, friends, and sponsors, Laia believes she is now ready to take on the world’s toughest cross-country rally. The RC 450F rider is fully focused on completing her 11th consecutive Dakar and delivering another strong result. The 43rd edition of the race will see an increased emphasis placed on rider navigation and competitor’s abilities to tackle slowerspeed, technical terrain, which is great news for Laia. Reducing the event’s average speeds, with her ability to both navigate well while under pressure and complete long stages with the minimum of mistakes, Laia is upbeat about this year’s route. With the 2021 Dakar Rally once again being held in the Middle East, the event will start and finish at the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah. Like all competitors, Laia will face a short qualifying prologue on Saturday, January 2, before starting the rally proper and 12 long and demanding stages covering a total of 7,646 km. With a rest day in Ha’il midway through the race, Laia will then work her way back to Jeddah on January 15, having raced 4,767 km of timed special stages against the clock.

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With bikes and vehicles already on their way to Jeddah for the start of the race, GASGAS Factory Racing are pleased to announce a couple of changes in the team’s sponsor structure. Laia will wear KENNY race clothing for her assault on the 2021 Dakar and receive added support from long-time sponsor KH7. Laia Sanz: “It’s been a really tough year for me, so to be able to look forward to racing the 2021 Dakar means so much. I injured my hand on the second stage of this year’s Dakar, back in January, and although I carried on and completed the event the injury turned out to be worse than we thought. It took a while at the beginning of the year to recover from that. I was really looking forward to start training on my GASGAS trial and enduro bikes, and maybe fitting in some events. Unfortunately, when I was finally able to get out on my bikes again, I started to feel ill. Eventually I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, which made me feel very unwell. Thankfully, with the right treatment I have been able to start riding again. I know I’m not 100% and we’ll have to see just how I feel when the rally starts in January. It helps that we have some experience now of the terrain we will face, and the way things work with the move to the Middle East. The event in January should also be a little more technical and with tougher navigation, so I’m looking forward to that. I don’t want to put any pressure on myself, and another finish would be incredible, but my main goal is to go there and just enjoy the race.” Jordi Viladoms – GASGAS Rally Team Manager: “Laia is a true champion, a real fighter, and even though this year has been difficult for her we know she will do all she can to be competitive at Dakar. She knows very well how to manage the race and her finishing record is incredible, it really shows how determined she is as a racer, and how she understands the real challenge of Dakar. With this year’s route looking like it will be more technical, I’m sure it will suit her really well. What she lacks in terms of time riding her bike in recent months I am sure she can make up for with her experience and determination. Dakar is always difficult, but Laia always rises to the challenge.”

EDITORS NOTE: here is the link to Liai’s Wikepedia page along with an excerpt. Learn more about Liai by clicking HERE.

Laia Sanz Pla-Giribert (born 11 December 1985), also known as Laia Sanz, is a Spanish sportswoman. She is a thirteen-time Women's Trial World Champion and ten-time Women's Trial European Champion in outdoor motorcycle trials.[1] She was also a member of the Spanish Female Team in the Trial des Nations, helping the team win the event five times (2000, 2002, 2008, 2010, 2011). In 2010, she competed in the Women's Enduro World Championship for the first time. In 2011, she participated for the first time in the Dakar Rally, winning the Female motorcycle category and finishing 39th overall, a position that she managed to repeat a year later.

Jan 3, 2021 LAIA SANZ SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES OPENING STAGE OF 2021 DAKAR Getting her 11th Dakar Rally participation underway, Laia Sanz has successfully completed the opening day’s competition, safely finishing the rocky 623-kilometer stage in 34th position. Offering riders no easy start to the 43rd running of the iconic event, stage one had ‘a little bit of everything’ with rocky tracks and challenging navigation ensuring a demanding first day in the saddle. ●Laia safely completes stage one of 2021 Dakar Rally ●Demanding, stony terrain ensures challenging 623-kilometer stage ●First sand dunes of 2021 event lie ahead in stage two

LAIA SANZ TAKES ON DAKAR 2021—CONTINUED— OPENING STAGE CONTINUED

Just as in 2020 the opening stage of the 2021 Dakar rally was anything but an easy one, much to Laia’s liking. Allowing the Spaniard to finally flex her muscle on her GASGAS RC 450F, in taking a cautious approach to the stage she ensured a safe arrival at the finish with her bike undamaged, despite picking up a three-minute penalty for speeding. With the event’s opening stage now complete, next up for Laia will be the 685-kilometer stage two. Delivering the first sand dunes of the event, it will also feature a special stage of 457-kilometers that will undoubtedly test the navigational skills of all motorcycle-class competitors.

Results (provisional): Dakar Rally 2021, stage 1 1. Toby Price (KTM) 3:18.26 2. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 3:18.57 3. Matthias Walkner (KTM) 3:18.58 34. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 3:58.18

Jan 4, 2021 LAIA SANZ FINISHES 23RD ON DAKAR STAGE TWO Hitting the sand dunes for the first time in the 2021 Dakar Rally, Laia Sanz has battled her way through a demanding stage two to post the 23rd fastest special stage time, passing 11 riders during the 457kilometer timed special and completing the day without troubles. Despite being only the second stage of the event, the 685-kilometer stage saw riders face hugely demanding riding and navigational conditions but ultimately proved to be a positive day for Laia who improved three positions in the overall classification.

●Laia finishes 23rd fastest on Dakar stage two ●Long and demanding stage proved tough for all ●More sand dunes lie ahead on stage three Laia Sanz: “I’m a lot happier than I was yesterday. Not because of my result today, but because I felt good on the bike. Yesterday it was hard for me to find that good rhythm and the balance between riding and reading the navigation. I was able to use the dunes we had early on the stage to pass some WWW.MOTORCYCLETIMES.COM

of the riders ahead of me, and then I was able to keep focused on my riding. It was a tricky stage again, but I’m pleased I didn’t make any big errors. The stage was quite fast overall, with only 30-40 kilometers of dunes and more like one of last year’s stages. I’m happy it was a good stage for me.” Starting as the 34th rider to enter stage two, Laia quickly improved to pass through kilometer 46 in 28th position. Faced with a seemingly neverending sea of sand dunes during the early part of the special stage, she used her years of Dakar experience to successfully navigate her way through, picking up a handful of additional positions as she went. Riding her GASGAS RC 450F to an eventual 23rd place finish, Laia will enjoy an improved start position for stage three. Day three of the 2021 Dakar Rally will see Laia face more sand dunes as she takes on a 403kilometer timed special stage as part of the day’s 629-kilometer stage, which loops around the bivouac in Wadi Ad-Dawasir. Just like the event’s two opening stages, more challenging navigation is expected. Results (provisional): Dakar Rally 2021, stage 2 1. Joan Barreda Bort (Honda) 4:17.56 2. Ricky Brabec (Honda) 4:21.51 3. Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarna) 4:23.58 23. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 4:46.28 Jan 5, 2021 LAIA SANZ SUCCESSFULLY FINISHES DAKAR RALLY STAGE THREE Marching forwards and completing another stage of the 2021 Dakar Rally, Laia Sanz has successfully finished the 629-kilometer stage three, a looped stage that took all competitors through the desert south of the bivouac at Wadi Al-Dawasir. Another fast day in the saddle, as well as higher speed sections towards the end of the stage it also

featured slow-speed rocky tracks as well as sand dunes. Overall, the stage served up yet more demanding navigation and intense racing, testing all riders to the limit. Feeling increasingly settled aboard her GASGAS RC 450F following her prolonged pre-event lay-off with illness, Laia continues to build her confidence. Laia Sanz: “It was another good day for me – like yesterday I was able to find a rhythm that I was happy with and I avoided any errors. Trying to not make any big mistakes and to ride consistently is my goal. We are only a few days into the race at the moment, and there will be a lot of difficult days ahead, so it is important to take things step-bystep. It was a fast stage today, but everything went ok. It will be another long day on the bike tomorrow, so my plan will again be to ride at a good pace and focus on avoiding problems.” Starting as the 23rd rider to enter today’s stage three, for the most part Laia enjoyed a trouble-free ride. Moving up a few positions during the opening 40 kilometers, she then spent much of the day in and around 25th position, eventually coming home as the day’s 26th fastest rider and just 22 minutes down on stage winner Toby Price. Up next for Laia is the 813-kilometer stage four, the longest of the event but featuring one of the shortest special stages of the race at 337 kilometers, that will take her to the Saudi Arabian capital city of Riyadh. Results (provisional): Dakar Rally 2021, stage 3 1. Toby Price (KTM) 3:33.23 2. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 3:36.39 3. Matthias Walkner (KTM) 3:37.59 26. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 3:56.00 Jan 6, 2021 LAIA COMPLETES STAGE FOUR OF THE 2021 DAKAR RALLY Laia Sanz has delivered another super-consistent ride through a fast and physically tough 337kilometer special to complete stage four of the 2021 Dakar Rally. Gaining confidence as the rally continues, with four positive days of racing onboard her GASGAS RC 450F Rally now under her belt, Laia now looks ahead to a technically

demanding stage five and what may well be the toughest challenge of the rally so far.

Laia Sanz: “It was a really fast stage today, which I don’t normally like too much. But I felt ok, pretty good really. Staying safe was my priority today. I just rode my own stage and tried to do the best I could while also being safe and looking after my bike. I did make one small mistake close to the end of the stage but nothing major, so I’m happy. My bike was great, I’m really happy with the set-up we have, I just need some more stages to continue improving my feeling and confidence. Tomorrow will be a tough one again, but I’m looking forward and feeling better and better each day.” The fast and rocky terrain of stage four required patience and skill despite the higher speeds. Laia’s cautious approach ensured that she remained out of trouble and completed the stage successfully with her GASGAS performing brilliantly. A single navigational error that caught out many riders in the final kilometers of the stage was her only error of the day, with Sanz going on to place 27th. Completing the special just under 20 minutes down on stage winner Joan Barreda is a positive step forwards and extends her gap over the next placed rider to over 30 minutes. Another tough day lies ahead for Laia as the special for day five of the 2021 Dakar Rally is expected to be as technically demanding as it is long. The 662-kilometer stage will feature a 456 -kilometer timed section that will be made up of a wide variety of terrain including stony tracks and an area of soft dunes. Accurate navigation will be essential. Results (provisional): Dakar Rally 2021, stage 4 1. Joan Barreda (Honda) 2:46:50 2. Daniel Sanders (KTM) 2:52:59 3. Luciano Benavides (Husqvarna) 2:53:12 27. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 3:06:38 Overall Provisional Classification (after stage 4) 1. Xavier de Soultrait (Husqvarna) 15:00:25 2. Joan Barreda (Honda) 15:00:40 3. Ross Branch (Yamaha) 15:05:49 30. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 16:19:57 - Continued next page -

Jan 7, 2021 LAIA SAFELY THROUGH BRUTAL STAGE FIVE

Stage five provided a physical and technical challenge in equal measure. The early going favored Laia, with the slower speeds and rocky terrain allowing her to put her navigational skills to the test and, quickly overcoming an early mistake, make an impression on the riders ahead. Passing the first waypoint in 18th after taking to the stage in 27th, Laia then once again opted for a ‘no risk’ strategy, completing the remainder of the stage without problems she moves one step closer to the mid-way point of the race. With the mid-event rest day now in sight, stage six of the 2021 Dakar Rally will see Laia compete over a 618-kilometer stage, featuring a 448-kilometer timed special. With terrain expected to mostly feature sandy tracks and dunes, another tough day in the saddle will thankfully be followed by a day off, allowing some much-needed time to regroup ahead of the second half of the event.

It’s known the world over as being the toughest offroad motorcycle race there is, and today the Dakar Rally showed exactly why the iconic event is feared and revered in equal measure. Turning up the intensity, stage five pushed Laia, and all motorcycle class competitors, harder than on any other day to date. Rising to the challenge, completing the arduous 456-kilometer special stage and once again successfully ticking off another stage finish, Laia brought her GASGAS RC 450F home in 26th position and holds 27th overall, with just one day to go ahead of the mid-event rest day. Laia Sanz: “Wow, that was a tough day today! I made a mistake with my navigation early on but then it seems like everyone else made the same mistake. Because of this I guess my day wasn’t too bad. After that it was a fun stage with tricky navigation, so I was able to make up some time before the halfway point. I then kept my focus on maintaining a good rhythm but towards the end it was very tiring. My preparation for this year wasn’t the best, but I’m pleased that I’m still pushing at a good pace. Overall, I’m happy and looking forward to tomorrow and then the rest day.” WWW.MOTORCYCLETIMES.COM

Results (provisional): Dakar Rally 2021, stage 5 1. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 5:09:50 2. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Honda) 5:10:50 3. Toby Price (KTM) 5:11:10 26. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 5:49:29 Overall Provisional Classification (after stage 5) 1. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 20:15:39 2. Xavier de Soultrait (Husqvarna) 20:18:10 3. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Honda) 20:19:21 27. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 22:09:26

Jan 8, 2021 DAKAR RALLY LAIA COMPLETES FIRST HALF

It’s a long way from over, but finally, after six grueling days of racing, Laia Sanz can enjoy some wellearned rest having successfully completed yet another difficult day of racing at Dakar Rally 2021. Completing special stage six in 25th position, Laia has so far notched-up more than 26 hours of racing aboard her GASGAS RC 450F. Tired, but in positive spirits, the 'Queen of the Desert' will now rest and make preparations for what will undoubtedly be six more days of arduous racing. Laia Sanz: “I’m happy today, I feel like I rode well. But the second half of the day was pretty tough for me. I’m pushing, I’m pushing, but after these six hard days of racing I’m really feeling it. But it’s like this, Dakar is always tough, especially when you start the event with less than perfect preparation. Of course, I want to be faster, I want to be further up the results, but all things considered I’m happy. Importantly, even if some of the stages have been faster than I like, I’m enjoying being here at Dakar. I certainly welcome the fact that tomorrow I don’t have to wake up super early and race many hundreds of kilometers, it’s going to be good to relax a little with the team and prepare as best as I can for next week. There’s a lot of racing ahead of us, many more long and difficult stages, but so far things have been good – my bike’s great, no major falls, I’m looking forward to more racing… but after some rest!” Continuing to dig deep and carry her consistent riding into stage six, Laia enjoyed another strong day in the saddle, moving up five places early on in the stage before easing her pace a little as tiredness set in towards the end of the shortened 347-kilometer special. - Continued next page -

LAIA COMPLETES FIRST HALF continued Knowing the importance of maintaining her focus and arriving at the mid-way point of the race without injury or damage to her bike, Laia brought her GASGAS RC 450F home in 25th position, and pleased to have completed the first week of Dakar Rally 2021. With six grueling days of racing now complete, Laia will tomorrow take a well-earned break from competition and focus her attentions on preparations for week two of Dakar Rally 2021. A long way from over, with another six days of racing still separating her from the event’s finish in Jeddah one thing’s certain, from here on in things are only going to get tougher and tougher! Results (provisional): Dakar Rally 2021, stage 6 1. Joan Barreda (Honda) 3:45:27 2. Ross Branch (Yamaha) 3:45:40 3. Daniel Sanders (KTM) 3:46:20 25. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 4:16:23 Overall Provisional Classification (after stage 6) 1. Toby Price (KTM) 24:08:43 2. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 24:10:59 3. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Honda) 24:11:40 25. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 26:25:49 Jan 10, 2021 LAIA SAFELY THROUGH FIRST LEG OF 2021 DAKAR RALLY MARATHON STAGE From a day off, having reached the mid-way point of the 2021 Dakar Rally, to yet another physically and mentally draining day back on her bike! Successfully completing the anything but easy opening leg of the event’s two-part marathon stage, Laia has notched up another stage finish to reach the temporary camp where she will stay the night, away from her team. Securing a 34th place result today, Laia sits 25th in the overall provisional motorcycle class standings and ready to finish the two-day marathon challenge tomorrow. Laia Sanz: “It was a long, difficult day for me today. Honestly, I struggled quite a lot and had some pain in my wrist. I also felt really tired, but I completed WWW.MOTORCYCLETIMES.COM

the stage and it’s great to be here at the overnight marathon bivouac. Things are getting harder and harder each day – my focus now is just to take things one day at a time and keep pushing towards the finish.” Making no attempt to hide the fact that she found stage seven seriously tough, Laia once again battled on and completed yet another stage of this year’s rally. Now 100% focused on getting herself and her GASGAS RC 450F to the finish of the event, Laia avoided all risks today and rode with complete commitment to reach the overnight camp tired but one-step closer to the end of the event. Despite the fact that the first leg of the 2021 Dakar Rally marathon stage was super-tough, the second leg looks to be equally as demanding for Laia and all motorcycle class competitors. With a total distance of 709-kilometers, stage eight will feature a 375-kilometer special stage and serve up yet more tricky navigation! Results (provisional): Dakar Rally 2021, stage 7 1. Ricky Brabec (Honda) 4:37:44 2. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Honda) 4:39:51 3. Skyler Howes (KTM) 4:40:03 34. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 5:31:17 Overall Provisional Classification (after stage 7) 1. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Honda) 28:51:31 2. Toby Price (KTM) 28:51:32 3. Sam Sunderland (KTM) 28:53:42 25. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 31:57:06

Jan 11, 2021 LAIA COMPLETES SECOND LEG OF DAKAR RALLY MARATHON STAGE

450F safely to her team, who will now ready her bike for the upcoming second longest special stage of the event tomorrow. With the event’s two-part marathon stage now complete, next up for Laia is the second longest timed special stage of the competition! With 465kilometers of racing against the clock, the entire 579-kilometer stage will start close to the sea near Neom before taking riders inland. Sandy trails will feature predominantly for much of the day before rocky canyons look set to deliver a sting in the tail with challenging navigation almost guaranteed during the closing kilometers of the stage.

Ride safe, don’t make any big mistakes and complete the second leg of the two-day marathon stage ready to do battle on stage nine! That was Laia’s goal as she set off this morning and one that she executed perfectly, reaching the end of the 709 -kilometer day without troubles and as the 27th fastest rider. Making one important step closer to the finish of the event, Laia is now ready to take on the final four days. Laia Sanz: “I’m pleased this stage is finished! I knew already yesterday that today was going to be very difficult for me, and it was. I have some pain in my wrist, so I am being very cautious with my riding, just trying to make sure I don’t make any big mistakes. Thankfully, today things weren’t quite as bad as I expected them to be. They were tough, but I rode safely and, well, I’m one stage closer to the end of the event. My bike is in great shape, and apart from my wrist I am also doing well. Now I will rest and prepare as best I can for the long special stage we have ahead of us tomorrow.” Fearful the pain in her wrist, which made stage seven difficult, would again hamper her progress through stage eight, Laia focused on simply completing today’s stage. Thankfully, finding things to be ‘not too bad’, Laia was again able to complete a mistake-free day and return her GASGAS RC

Results (provisional): Dakar Rally 2021, stage 8 1. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Honda) 3:08:40 2. Toby Price (KTM) 3:09:45 3. Ricky Brabec (Honda) 3:11:30 27. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 3:43:01 Overall Provisional Classification (after stage 8) 1. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Honda) 32:00:11 2. Toby Price (KTM) 32:01:17 3. Sam Sunderland (KTM) 32:06:08 24. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 35:40:07 Jan 12, 2021 POSITIVE STAGE RESULT FOR LAIA SANZ AT 2021 DAKAR RALLY STRONG 23RD PLACE FINISH ELEVATES LAIA INTO THE OVERALL TOP 20 Checking off yet another physically demanding stage of the 2021 Dakar Rally, Laia Sanz has broken into the top 20 in the overall provisional classification following another solid ride in the desert. Getting things going on stage nine with a strong early pace, she reached the first waypoint in 18th before riding into dust left by the competitors ahead. Reducing her speed a little due to the dust and a small crash, her change in pace paid off as she went on to successfully complete the stage in 23rd, equaling her best result of this year’s rally to date. ●Mid-stage fall prompts a ‘safe’ ride to the stage finish Continued next page

MID STAGE FALL continued Laia Sanz: “Today was tough! I had to ride in dust early on and for many kilometers, so I had to be cautious. The stage went through many riverbeds and rocks where I tested out my airbag during a small crash! I was ok and got going again but then I passed a couple of guys who were being attended to after crashing, so I chose to just maintain a steady pace with no risks and thankfully reached the finish line in one piece.” As with previous stages seen so far in the Dakar, the ninth stage served up a mixture of technical terrain, which sadly caught out many riders, Laia included. A small crash was enough for her airbag to fire into action, but thankfully the Spanish rally star escaped unscathed. After that, and passing a couple of fallen riders that were receiving medical assistance, Sanz opted for a steady ride to the stage’s finish in Neom. Stage 10 of the 2021 Dakar Rally begins with some epic views of the Red Sea coast. The scenery soon changes though, with the stage heading inland and winding its way through rocky valley after rocky valley. Completing the 342-kilometer special stage unscathed will be super-important ahead of the longest special of the entire event, which follows the very next day. Results (provisional): Dakar Rally 2021, stage 9 1. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 4:49:15 2. Ricky Brabec (Honda) 4:50:33 3. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Honda) 4:50:49 23. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 5:46:40 Overall Provisional Classification (after stage 9) 1. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Honda) 36:51:00 2. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 37:02:24 3. Sam Sunderland (KTM) 37:05:34 20. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 41:26:47 WWW.MOTORCYCLETIMES.COM

Jan 13, 2021 LAIA SANZ MAINTAINS TOP 20 RANKING FOLLOWING DIFFICULT DAKAR RALLY STAGE 10 A FRUSTRATING DAY IN THE SADDLE BUT LAIA KEEPS ON PUSHING TOWARDS THE FINISH LINE Completing another stage of the 2021 Dakar Rally successfully, Laia Sanz keeps on pushing towards the end of this year’s event and secured a 29th place finish on stage 10. A small navigational error early on in today’s special wasn’t exactly part of the Spaniard’s strategy, but as is sometimes the case in rally racing, working a little overtime is all part of the job! Riding in dust for much of the stage, Laia was able to make up some of the ground she’d lost, going on to bring her GASGAS RC 450F home safely and just inside the top 30. A solid result considering the minor mishap, but more importantly, Sanz maintains 20th in the provisional standings as she edges closer to the event’s finish line in Jeddah.

Laia Sanz: “A frustrating day today. I felt good early on, but then made a mistake with my navigation. A lot of riders then passed me and there was so much dust it was difficult to make up time – it was so hard to pass people as the canyons were just full of dust. But, overall, I reached the finish and that’s important and I hope for a better day tomorrow.” Not the most enjoyable day for Laia, but successfully completing stage 10 of the 2021 Dakar Rally is another important step that takes her closer to the event’s finish line. Reaching the first waypoint of the 342-kilometer special in 18th,

Laia’s navigational error then derailed what could have easily been her best stage result of the rally so far. Enduring a long and frustrating day in the saddle, most importantly however, Laia reached the finish in one piece and will now prepare herself for tomorrow’s longest special stage of the rally. The 11th stage of the 2021 Dakar Rally is set to provide perhaps the toughest test of the event so far with riders jumping straight into the event’s longest special following a short liaison. At 511 kilometers, stamina will play a huge part in the outcome of the stage, especially with it including a physically demanding stretch of sand dunes that extends to almost 100 kilometers, where time can easily be won or lost. Upon completion of the stage, riders will arrive back on the Red Sea coast in Yanbu, with just one stage left to run. Results (provisional): Dakar Rally 2021, stage 10 1. Ricky Brabec (Honda) 3:12:33 2. Joan Barreda (Honda) 3:15:48 3. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 3:17:44 29. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 4:16:12

Overall Provisional Classification (after stage 10) 1. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 40:20:08 2. Ricky Brabec (Honda) 40:20:59 3. Sam Sunderland (KTM) 40:30:44 20. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 45:42:59 Jan 14, 2021 LAIA SANZ CLAIMS HER BEST STAGE RESULT OF 2021 DAKAR RALLY ANOTHER STEP CLOSER TO THE FINISH LINE AS LAIA PLACES 19TH ON PENULTIMATE STAGE

On the penultimate day of the 2021 Dakar Rally, arguably one of the toughest seen this year, GASGAS Factory Racing’s Laia Sanz has placed 19th on stage 11 to record her best stage result of the event so far. Enjoying a much more positive day, Laia broke free from her competitors’ dust early on and was able to ride her own race while battling all the way to the finish. In doing so she delivered her best ride of the rally with just one day of racing remaining. Laia Sanz: “I was in dust again today but fortunately, just for the beginning, maybe 100

kilometers or so. Once we were into the dunes I could escape the dust and ride my own lines. I passed some riders and I felt really good today, despite the stage being really long. Overall, I’m happy. Happy with how the stage was for me today and happy that I’m one step closer to the finish.” With a couple of difficult stages thankfully now in Laia’s rear-view mirror, stage 11 proved to be a good one for the GASGAS RC 450F Rally racer as she was able to enjoy all 464 kilometers of today’s special. Despite a little traffic early on, once she broke free and into clean air it was plain sailing to the finish line in Yanbu on the Red Sea coast. Overall, just 200 kilometers against the clock now remain for Laia as she goes after her 11th Dakar Rally finish. The final stage of the 2021 Dakar Rally takes place tomorrow. Following less than ideal pre-event preparation, Laia's goal of reaching the finish line of this year’s race is still firmly in place and very much in sight. All being well, a steady ride through the final stage will complete another Dakar Rally for both Sanz, and GASGAS Factory Racing. Results (provisional): Dakar Rally 2021, stage 11 1. Sam Sunderland (KTM) 4:35:12 2. Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarna) 4:37:52 3. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 4:41:36

19. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 5:24:49 Overall Provisional Classification (after stage 11) 1. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 45:01:44 2. Sam Sunderland (KTM) 45:05:56 3. Ricky Brabec (Honda) 45:08:57 18. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 51:07:48

Jan 15, 2021 LAIA SANZ ENJOYS 11TH CONSECUTIVE DAKAR RALLY FINISH

Adding another astonishing chapter to her remarkable career, GASGAS Factory Racing’s Laia Sanz has today successfully completed her 11th consecutive Dakar Rally. Saving her best until last by claiming 17th on the final stage, Laia not only brought the super-challenging event to an emotional and positive close but again underlined her position as a true Dakar legend. Laia Sanz: “I’m just super happy to finish. It wasn’t that long ago that we didn’t know if we would even be here, so to ride up onto the podium at the finish, yeah, it’s just incredible. With what has been happening in the world this year it makes this one a little more special. My approach to the rally worked for me, riding a safe and manageable pace and I just wanted to reach the finish. I felt really good after the rest day so I could push a little more and ended the rally strong. My team has been amazing. Supporting me the whole time and my bike was perfect all race. So, thanks to them I’m so happy to complete another Dakar!” The 2021 Dakar Rally came to a close today with a relatively short 200-kilometer special. Setting off from Yanbu and leading to the finish line in Jeddah, it was far from an easy stage. Loaded with technical obstacles from the start, it provided one last demanding test for all competitors. Finishing this year’s Dakar proved to be challenging for all riders, very much including Laia. With the goal of simply completing this year’s rally, having had very little time to properly prepare for the event after contracting Lyme Disease last summer, the Spanish ace did exactly what she set out to achieve. Opting for a steady pace through the opening week, Laia reached the mid-race rest day without any major mistakes. WWW.MOTORCYCLETIMES.COM

After a much-needed day of recovery and relative relaxation, Laia felt much more confident in her physical ability to complete the event. Picking up her pace as the end of the rally drew nearer, the ‘Queen of the Desert’ went on to deliver her very best stage result on the final day of racing, earning a 17th place finish. Following a highly positive end to her Dakar, Sanz moved up to 17th in the final standings. Jordi Viladoms – GASGAS Rally Team Manager: “It’s just amazing for Laia to complete another Dakar Rally. Coming back from her illness last year, we really didn’t know what to expect and the plan was to take it day by day. Completing the rally, her finishing record is now 11 in a row, a truly remarkable achievement. This year was an especially tough Dakar, one of the toughest for quite some time but every day she fought hard. I’m really proud of her for what she has achieved.”

More Lia Sanz Links From The Olive Press Newspaper https://www.theolivepress.es/spainnews/2021/01/18/laia-sanz-rewrites-history-withher-11th-dakar-win-for-spain-in-the-toughest-raceof-her-life/ A profile of Liai Sanz https://www.dakar.com/en/competitor/44 A couple YouTube Videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLjLTmiwI3A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Zz2NbK1ubg Liai’s fight with Lyme Disease on Ride Apart https://www.rideapart.com/news/460924/laia-sanzlyme-disease-dakar-2021/

Results (provisional): Dakar Rally 2021, stage 12 1. Ricky Brabec (Honda) 2:17:02 2. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 2:19:19 3. Matthias Walkner (KTM) 2:21:15 17. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 2:40:27 Overall Provisional Classification (after stage 12) 1. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 47:18:14 2. Ricky Brabec (Honda) 47:23:10 3. Sam Sunderland (KTM) 47:34:11 17. Laia Sanz (GASGAS) 51:07:48

MOTORCYCLE BUSINESS FOR SALE

Independent shop on the Eastern Shore. 29 plus years in business servicing Harley Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki motorcycles, ATV’s and UTV’s. Established clientele. Good parts supply and solid supplier connections. Selection of shop tools included. This deal includes showroom and shop, storage space is available.

Owner is making plans to retire. Contact: CML @ PO Box 905, Seaford, Delaware 19973 OR m1030b2@gmail.com WWW.MOTORCYCLETIMES.COM

INIT ESPORTS will organize, promote AMA-sanctioned two-wheel eSports competition American Motorcyclist Association awards sanction to INIT ESPORTS for AMA eSports National Championship PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association and INIT ESPORTS announce the formation of the AMA eSports National Championship, an AMA-sanctioned national championship that INIT ESPORTS will organize and promote under a multi-year agreement as an AMA-chartered promoter. The AMA-sanctioned esports calendar will include two-wheel video game competitions of varying size and scope, culminating in an annual national championship that will award AMA National No. 1 plates to class champions as early as 2021. The AMA and INIT ESPORTS will announce schedule and registration information as it becomes available.

“Esports events require a technical infrastructure, rules packages and competitor engagement that make them as distinctive as any traditional racing discipline, and as such, area expertise is necessary,” said AMA Chief Operating Officer James Holter. “INIT ESPORTS is the right partner to bring that expertise and provide our participating members with the fair, structured and inclusive events that they expect. With this agreement, the AMA is proud to acknowledge esports as its own classification of competition and sanction it accordingly.” The AMA recognizes more than a dozen types of motorcycle competition disciplines, including motocross, trials, road racing, flat track, hillclimb, enduro, desert racing, ice racing, land-speed racing and more. With this agreement, motorcycle esports competition joins that list. “Esports has become another way to connect with fans, and INIT ESPORT is happy to provide this tool for the AMA and its disciplines,” said INIT ESPORTS President Stefy Bau. “Riding and racing can be expensive, especially for a newbie, but esports can provide that first taste with a lower barrier to entry. The younger demographic is already playing video games, and now with motorcycle esports championships, anyone from across the globe can become an AMA eSports National Champion.” Bau added that esports expands exposure to two-wheel competition, for both new and existing riders. “The intention is to create a path to turn gamers into consumers of the sport and allow riders to have fun when they are not on their motorcycles by participating in or watching esports events,” Bau said. “This agreement with the AMA is a first of its kind and will be a model for other sports to follow. In a digital world, sports can really expand on diversity and inclusion.”

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2021 U.S. ISDE Club Team Qualifiers announced

East, West series scheduled March - May PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Two American Motorcyclist Association-sanctioned International Six Days Enduro Qualifier Series will be used to determine which amateur off-road racers will represent the United States at the 2021 FIM International Six Days Enduro in Italy. The 2021 AMA East Region ISDE Qualifier Series and the 2021 AMA West Region ISDE Qualifier Series each consist of three rounds, beginning in March and ending in May. The 95th edition of the ISDE is scheduled for Aug. 30-Sept. 4 in LombardyPiedmont, Italy.

score for each day of competition and will be ranked by their four highest scores at the end of each series. Selected riders will be organized into seven threemember U.S. Club teams, which include the overall top seven riders from each of the two qualifier series, as well as the top 40-plus rider from each qualifier series. Five riders are selected by the AMA ISDE Advisory Committee, which also selects the U.S. ISDE Trophy teams. The seven American Club teams compete alongside the three U.S. ISDE World Trophy teams at the event.

For more information, call (614) 856-1900, ext. 1245, or visit americanmotorcyclist.com/isde. Signature of the constitutive act of the International Foundation for Motorcycling

The U.S. ISDE team won the World Trophy and Women's World Trophy championships at the 2019 ISDE, as well as the Club Cup title. The American Junior World Trophy team placed second in its class. The 2020 ISDE was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. “With the World, Women’s and Club Trophies still held by the U.S. ISDE Team, and after missing a year of racing, our riders are very excited to return to represent the country in international competition,” AMA Off-Road Racing Manager Erek Kudla said. “The qualifying process has been very successful in getting our fastest riders from either coast onto our Club teams, and we are looking forward to another great year at the world championship event.” In the 2021 qualifiers, riders receive an overall WWW.MOTORCYCLETIMES.COM

The FIM recently approved the creation of the International Foundation for Motorcycling (IFM) whose aims are to promote and support internationally the development of motorcycling and the interests of the international motorcycling community. The IFM will mainly be engaged in and committed to caring for road safety and mobility programmes, education trainings, environment protection, promotion of women in sporting structures, social and historical legacy of the FIM and motorcycling. The constitutive act of the foundation was signed on 30 November by FIM President Jorge VIEGAS and FIM Deputy Chief Executive Officer Françoise EMERY, before the Swiss notary Françoise DEMIERRE MORAND, from the Gampert Demierre Moreno notary public office based in Geneva, Switzerland. The Foundation Board members are: Jorge VIEGAS, FIM and IFM President Martin DE GRAAFF, FIM Europe President Tony SKILLINGTON, FIM CEO Guy MAITRE, FIM Family Legend and former FIM CEO Giacomo AGOSTINI, multiple time FIM Grand Prix World Champion The first ever Board meeting of the IFM will take place on 30 January 2021.

MOTO AMERICA NEWS Mini Cup By Motul Series Grows For 2021

Youth Motorcycle Racing Series Set For Four Rounds

atmosphere and a lot of fans. The track has changed a lot since I raced there, but it still looks like a lot of fun. A few of our riders may have club raced at BIR, but I imagine that the majority have never been there so it will be a new experience for them, the teams and ultimately the fans. The track is located in a beautiful part of the country and we are really looking forward to getting up there at the end of July.”

IRVINE, CA (December 17, 2020) - Based on the success of the MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul in its debut season, MotoAmerica, North America’s premier road racing series, has announced an additional round for the 2021 championship that will see its youngest racers, aged six to 14, vying for class championships in four rounds. For more information on MotoAmerica: www.MotoAmerica.com.

MOTOAMERICA ANNOUNCES 2021 SBK CALENDAR Team Suzuki Press Office – December 23. The provisional calendar for the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship has been announced today and will take place over 10 rounds starting on April 16-18th and running through until September 17-19th. The Honos SBK series will also take in a race at Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota on July 30-August 1st which will be the first time in 17 years that north America’s premier road racing series has been there. The last time Brainerd International Raceway played host to AMA Superbike racing was in June of 2004 after a 13-year run. The facility also hosted the World Superbike Championship for three years in 1989, 1990 and 1991. Said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey: “Going back to Brainerd brings back good memories. That event was always one of the best. It was an awesome track to race on with great

2021 MotoAmerica Series Schedule: Round 1: April 16-18 Circuit of The Americas, Austin, TX. Round 2: April 30-May 1 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA. Round 3: May 21-23 Virginia International Raceway, Danville, VA. Round 4: June 11-13 Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI. Round 5: June 25-27 Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA. Round 6: July 9-11 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA. Round 7: July 30-August 1 Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd, MN. Round 8: August 13-15 Pittsburgh Int’l Race Complex, Wampum, PA. Round 9: September 10-12 New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ. Round 10: September 17-19 Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL.

King Of The Baggers: Five Rounds In 2021! From One Round To Five… More Baggers Here We Come! IRVINE, CA (January 12, 2021) – Naysayers be damned. The King of the Baggers debut at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in November was a rousing success and it will return in 2021 with a five-round series held in conjunction with the 2021 MotoAmerica HONOS Superbike Series. The series, which adds fuel to the fire of one of the oldest rivalries in motorsport, Harley-Davidson vs. Indian, will begin at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, April 30-May 2, in Braselton, Georgia, and will conclude September 17-19 with the MotoAmerica season finale at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. In between there will be rounds at Road America, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Pittsburgh International Race Complex. While the debut of the King of the Baggers was an invitational, the 2021 series will be wide open to all qualified AMA license holders with championship points being tallied at every round and a National Champion to be crowned at season’s end. “Honestly, the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers debut race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca went better than we even dreamed of,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “The popularity of the event was crazy so how could we not do more? We know there are plenty of Bagger fans out there as our videos of the debut Laguna event were watched by millions. Having five races gives us the opportunity to bring King of the Baggers to fans in several different areas of the country. We’ve also opted to make the series open to any qualified racer, which should bring new teams and new bike builds to the series from the aftermarket and motorcycle dealers who specialize in baggers.” The debut of the King of the Baggers at WeatherTech Raceway in November was won by S&S Indian’s Tyler O’Hara over Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson’s Hayden Gillim with Roland Sands Designs-backed Frankie Garcia finishing third on his Indian. Check out this King of the Baggers video: https://youtu.be/PMDAOiPudC0 For information on King of the Baggers technical regulations, visit http://www.motoamericaregistration.com/ PDF/2021/2021%20MotoAmerica%20KOB%20Regulations%20v12.8.20.pdf For registration information, visit http://www.motoamericaregistration.com/rider-and-crew-entry/ WWW.MOTORCYCLETIMES.COM

2021 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers Series Schedule: 1) April 30-May 2 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta GA 2) June 11-13 Road America Elkhart Lake, WI 3) July 9-11 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca CA 4) August 13-15 Pittsburgh Int’l Race Complex PA 5) September 17-19 Barber Motorsports Park AL For the complete 2021 MotoAmerica Series schedule, click HERE To purchase tickets to any of the 2021 series rounds, click HERE For information on how to watch the MotoAmerica Series, click HERE

FOX Sports To Televise New MotoAmerica King Of The Bagger Series FS1 And FS2 To Air All Five V-Twin Battles IRVINE, CA (January 13, 2021) – Hot on the heels of the recent announcement that the King of the Baggers will be a five-race championship as part of the 2021 MotoAmerica Series comes word that the new class will be televised on FOX Sports beginning with the series opener at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on May 2. While the schedule is subject to change, the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta opener will air on FOX Sports 1 either live at 12:30 p.m. (Eastern) or slightly delayed at 1 p.m. (Eastern) as a lead into NASCAR’s RaceDay. The June 13 round at Road America will feature same-day delayed coverage at 5 p.m. (Eastern) on FS2. The WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca round, scheduled for July 11, will be televised live at 2 p.m. (Eastern) with same-day delay coverage of the fourth round at Pittsburgh International Race Complex scheduled for 2:30 (Eastern) on FS1. The Pitt Race coverage of the King of the Baggers will lead viewers directly into live coverage of the MotoAmerica Superbike race.

About MotoAmerica MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, twotime AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner. For more information on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The King of the Baggers Series will conclude on September 19 at Barber Motorsports Park with live coverage on FS1 at 11 a.m. (Eastern). “It’s great news that our television partner FOX Sports is going to air our new King of the Baggers series,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “FOX Sports was fully aware of the excitement that the debut of the class brought to our Laguna Seca round last year and they, like us, are looking forward to bringing the series to our fans at five different events in 2021.” FOX Sports King Of The Baggers Schedule (All Times Eastern/Subject To Change) May 2 Road Atlanta FS1 12:30 pm. (live) or 1 p.m. (delayed) June 13 Road America FS2 5 p.m. (delayed) July 11 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca FS2 2 p.m. (live) August 15 Pitt’ Int FS1 2:30 p.m. (delayed) Sept. 19 Barber Motorsports FS1 11 a.m. (live) 29

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Joël Robert Passed January 14, 2021 Belgian world champion won seven Trans-AMA Nationals PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Joël Robert, the legendary Belgian motocross racer who won the 250cc Motocross World Championship six times, including five consecutive titles from 1968 through 1972, has died. He was 77. Born Nov. 26, 1943 in Châtelet, Belgium, Mr. Robert grew up in a family of motorcycle racers. His father, Fernan, raced speedway events. His uncle and cousin also competed. “At my birth, my father said, ‘We will make a rider out of him,’” Mr. Robert once recalled during an interview. “At the age of 2, I was able to take a chain off a bike, link by link.” At 7, Mr. Robert was given his first motorcycle, a Gillet 125. “I didn’t even reach the foot pegs,” he said. “To start or stop, I needed a wall or a tree to lean against.” Mr. Robert earned his first 250cc world championship in 1964, riding a privateer CZ. He was just 20 years old, at the time the youngest rider to win a world motocross title. In 1968, he reclaimed the title by 2 points over Sweden’s Torsten Hallman. Mr. Robert won the title again in 1969 over fellow Belgium and CZ rider Sylvain Geboers. Mr. Robert won the 1970 250cc Motocross World Championship on a factory Suzuki RH70. It was Suzuki’s first world motocross title, and also the first for a Japanese manufacturer. He would go on to win the world championship again in 1971 and ’72 with Suzuki. Remembered as one of the most naturally talented motocross riders in history, Mr. Robert won 50 motocross Grands Prix, a record that stood for more than 30 years until it was broken by fellow Belgian Stefan Everts in 2004. Mr. Robert began traveling to America in 1967, along with other world championship riders, for a series of races against America’s top riders. He won seven Trans-AMA Nationals during the 1970 and ’71 seasons. After being inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame in 2000, Mr. Robert continued his involvement in motocross acting as manager for Belgium's Motocross des Nations team. Mr. Robert’s biography is available at motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?RacerID=92. About the American Motorcyclist Association Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides moneysaving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com. Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com. WWW.MOTORCYCLETIMES.COM

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As part of the agreement, every AMA member will be eligible to receive an AMA eSports Competition License to compete in two-wheel esports events organized by INIT ESPORTS, in addition to other deals and discounts specific to esports. Non-AMA members will be licensed by the AMA, through its relationship with INIT ESPORTS, to participate in the events. INIT ESPORTS (initesports.com) is a promoter and tournament organizer for motorsports esports events, with a focus on two-wheel esports, and works with companies and competitive gamers in the United States, Europe and Asia. Established in 1924, the AMA (americanmotorcyclist.com) sanctions motorcycle competition in the United States and is the sole U.S. affiliate of the FĂŠdĂŠration international de Motocyclisme, the world governing body for motorcycle sport. In addition to amateur racing, the AMA provides sanctioning services for professional series, including MotoAmerica, home of the AMA Superbike Championship, and the AMA Supercross Championship. The AMA also promotes recreational motorcycle riding, including dual sport, adventure bike and road rally events. The AMA government relations department, based in Washington, D.C., combats anti-motorcycling laws and regulations and advocates for a pro-motorcycling agenda. About the American Motorcyclist Association Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. For more information: americanmotorcyclist.com. Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com. WWW.MOTORCYCLETIMES.COM

“I still remember my first experience with the GSXRR: the speed was impressive, but the braking was something else! The stopping power really surprised me. And the bike itself is very long, much longer than a standard bike, to give better stability in fast corners, so you really have to make it turn, but this year we managed to find good traction, which helped a lot. The GSX-RR is a really complete and balanced bike, and it won the title with me thanks to this and its adaptability to all tracks and conditions. In such a strange year, consistency was going to be the key for success, and that’s what we managed to do. “Another reason that this season’s success feels so incredible is not just the struggles of the year in general with the terrible Covid-19 crisis, but also the troubles I had last year. When I think back to the crash I had in Brno I still re-live that same feeling of my breath being taken away, it was so scary. The crash itself and the injury was a tough moment, but the recovery was also very long and hard. It feels strange to think that after the first races of this 2020 season I was well behind the top riders in the classification, and now we’re celebrating the title. The season was so relentless with so many rounds close together, so it really hasn’t sunk in yet. “Austria this year was a real turning point: I was really putting pressure on myself to get a podium and when it finally happened it was a huge relief - I had been bottling-up the tension inside myself and all of that was finally released when I stood on that podium. Once I had proven what I was capable of, it gave me a more relaxed and balanced feeling on the bike. If you asked me to pinpoint the secret to my success, I would say this: I always set a target and then once I hit it my hunger just gets bigger and bigger and I just can’t get enough of chasing my objective. “When I see the words ‘World Champion’ I feel so thankful for what all the people in Suzuki and in the racing team have done for me. There’s no way to truly express the thanks and gratitude I want to give to all the people who have supported me and helped me to get where I am now, on the top of the world! “Seeing my face amongst all the historic Champions of Suzuki is something magical and it makes me feel very honoured and proud. All of us at Team Suzuki Ecstar are a part of history now, the history of an underdog company who came to MotoGP to challenge the biggest teams and finally…. WON!” For more stories about Joan Mir, Click Here. For photos, Click Here.

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American Honda Presents Factory Supercross Squad Team Honda HRC to begin season on January 16 in Houston Today in a virtual event, American Honda presented Team Honda HRC's riders and staff for the 2021 AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross season. German Ken Roczen begins his fifth year with Honda's factory team after winning four rounds in last year's series. "I'm in a good position right now and excited to build on what we learned last year," Roczen said in the presentation. "I feel extremely comfortable on the all-new CRF450R and will work hard to put it on the top step in 2021." Making his AMA Supercross debut aboard the factory 2021 CRF450R is 2019 and 2020 250SX East Region Champion Chase Sexton, who joined the squad for last year's AMA Pro Motocross series, performing well and winning the final round. "I learned a lot racing the 450 outdoors last year," Sexton said. "I'm excited to take that momentum into Supercross, and I feel like I can contend for race wins and podiums." As previously announced, the factory squad has taken on the 250 effort for 2021, with CRF250R-mounted Australian brothers Jett and Hunter Lawrence prepared to campaign the 250SX East and West regions, respectively. "All of the hard work is paying off," said Jett, who is beginning his second full season as an AMA pro. "Now, going into the season, I just want to be consistent and ride smart—to ride like a champion and be there for every race." Jett's older brother Hunter missed much of last season due to injuries, but he is approaching the 2021 season in good health and looking forward to a new challenge. "Having this opportunity alongside Jett is great, because we push each other every day," Hunter said. "Team Honda HRC has welcomed us with open arms and I just can't wait to get the season underway." The first round of the 2021 AMA Supercross series takes place in Houston on January 16. The presentation can be viewed on demand here.