VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI FOCUSES ON POSITIVES FROM MIXED WEEKEND
Supersport Pole Position and Race Victory followed by Disappointing Finale
BREA, Calif. — After a stellar start to the weekend, Suzuki Motor USA and Team Hammer experienced mixed conditions and mixed results as the Road America round of the 2022 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing season concluded on Sunday in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
One day after securing a maiden MotoAmerica Supersport victory in remarkable fashion, Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott was once again a force at the front of the class despite dealing with inclement weather.
The 16-year-old earned the holeshot from pole and then settled into a battle for the podium in the treacherous wet conditions aboard his GSX-R750. That fight went deep into the contest with Scott mounting a charge with three laps remaining, diving up into third position in Turn 5 with less than three laps remaining.
However, he was nearly pushed off track by another rider in an errant encounter a few corners later. Off line in the slick conditions, the youngster suffered a fall in the very next corner.
“The race started pretty well,” Scott said. “Then I got shuffled back a few spots and I was trying to concentrate on the riders I am battling with in the championship. The guys at the front had an outstanding pace going for the conditions and the race was going very well for me as I was trying to keep up with the group.”
“Another rider put an aggressive move on me, and I got off my line. The rear came around on me in the next corner and that was it. I had a great weekend, got a win, and once again I learned a lot.”
Scott’s Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki teammate, Sam Lochoff, had a difficult day as well; his race ended before it ever started due to an ECU problem that appeared on the warm-up lap.
However, Suzuki still made its presence felt on the Supersport podium as 3D Motorsports LLC Suzuki’s Luke Power expertly guided his all-new next-generation GSX-R750 to second position. The young Australian’s Suzuki benefiting from an electronic throttle assembly and other components developed by Team Hammer and Suzuki for the new class structure.
The MotoAmerica Superbike race was then contested in arguably even more tricky conditions as the track proved too wet for slicks initially but steadily dried throughout the contest.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Jake Lewis positioned himself as high as fourth early before ultimately keeping his GSX-R1000R upright and bringing it home in seventh position. “It was a tough race because the conditions were mixed,” said Lewis. “I usually like that but the track dried so fast, three laps in I thought my tire was gone. The result isn’t what I or the team wanted but we played it safe and got some points. I’m looking forward to us working hard these next few weeks, so we improve going into the Ridge.”
Superbike class rookie teammate Richie Escalante, meanwhile, was sixth in the first corner before claiming 15th at the checkered flag.
Escalante said, “Overall the weekend was difficult for me. After our test in Pittsburgh, I came into the weekend looking to take the next step. I was happy to finish these races, but I had never ridden a Superbike in wet conditions before and that was difficult today.”
“The team is working very hard to help me, especially with the changes to the bike,” the Superbike rookie continued. “Even a small change makes a big difference. I am very happy with the team and the bike but feel I need more experience to keep improving. I will keep training and pushing to go faster. I am really looking forward to the next race.”
Team Hammer will be back in action later this month as the MotoAmerica season resumes at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington, on June 24-26.
ABOUT TEAM HAMMER
The 2022 season marks Team Hammer’s 42nd consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 128 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 332 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport.) The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
ABOUT SUZUKI
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
More, from a press release issued by Rodio Warhorse HSBK Racing:
Double Deuce and a Nickel at Road America
Rodio Warhorse HSBK Racing Twins Cup rider Anthony Mazziotto and Junior Cup rider Gus Rodio missed race wins by 0.423 and 0.006 seconds respectively in Saturday’s thrilling races, both ultimately finishing in 2nd place. In Sunday’s wet Junior Cup race, shortened to four laps due to delays, Gus managed to bring it home safely in 5th.
Never underestimating his opponents Mazziotto advanced through the field from a 7th place grid position to 2nd place on lap one, and then swapped position with the lead group throughout the race until finally taking an extremely close 2nd at the checkered flag.
Anthony Mazziotto: “Had to dig super deep for this one, fell pretty far back from a podium position in the last few laps but we never give up. Can’t thank the team enough for believing in me. Next up is one of my favorite tracks, let’s see what we can do!”
Expecting the unexpected Rodio started Saturday’s race from 3rd on the grid, fighting with the leaders for six of the eight laps. Dropping to 6th place on lap seven as the pack shuffled for podium spots Rodio made his move on the final lap to take the lead only to be nipped at the finish line.
In Sunday’s wet and shortened race the mission was to finish the race and collect championship points. After a red flag and restart a 5th place finish was the result.
Gus Rodio: “Coming to Road America I had a lot of confidence with my results from last year. I wanted to bring home another victory two years in a row, but we just came up an inch too short. I’m really looking forward to getting to the West Coast and pushing my Rodio Warhorse HSBK Racing Ninja 400 to the front.”
Mazziotto’s performance advanced him to 2rd place in the Twins Cup championship standings and likewise Rodio’s results advanced him to 2nd place in the Junior Cup championship. Both riders look forward to more action at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington in three weeks.
More, from a press release issued by Geoff May Racing:
Team Vision Wheel/Discount Tire/Amsoil/KWS/Honda
Road America , Round 4
Road America has always been a favorite track for riders and fan’s alike. This is no
exception for Team Vision Wheel/ Discount Tire/KWS/Amsoil/Honda. The weekend
started off with tricky conditions for the riders with high winds. Geoff was able to get
up to pace quickly, as expected with his experience at Road America. Q1 Geoff
struggled to find the pace from the previous year, with posting a lap time only good
enough for 5th place. Something seemed off with the bike. Mike Godin and Geoff
compared all the notes from 2021 to the current settings of the CBR1000RRR. There
was a discrepancy that was found. Saturday proved to be a completely different day.
Geoff was able to knock over 2 seconds off his time from Friday to earn a front row
start. With renewed pace and confidence he was able to get the hole shot into turn
one. Cory Alexander was able to make the pass in turn 3. Geoff then set out after
chasing Cory, but he didn’t have enough speed to keep his pace. Travis Wyman was
able to draft by, relegating Geoff to 3rd where he stayed for the remainder of the
race. The retirement of Hayden Gilliam earlier in the race, gave the team the
opportunity to make up some valuable points that were lost after Road Atlanta.
Hayden is the current points leader, followed by Travis Wyman six points back and
Geoff seven points back. The championship is tight now and there is some exciting races to come! The next race will be at The Ridge in Washington state. It will be a double header round.
“I am really happy with our performance and a 3rd place finish. I rode my best with
zero mistakes and that’s all you can do. I had obviously hoped for a win at one of my
favorite tracks, but it wasn’t in the cards this weekend. The CBR is progressing every
weekend and I can’t wait for the next Round. It was also amazing to see so many
spectators back in the stands. I cannot thank everyone involved in this program
enough for this opportunity.” Geoff commented.
Geoff May Racing would also like to thank all our supporting and technical sponsors for their contributions and long-standing relationships as well. The Team is currently sponsored by SBS Brakes, Arata Exhaust, Evol Technologies, Ktech Suspension, Orient Express, Thermosman, Arai Helmets, Dainese, BikeSports Oldsmar, Flex Racing, T13, and Rob Pippins Design.
We are always looking for supporting and technical sponsors to partner with. Please send sponsorship inquiries to [email protected]
More, from a press release issued by N2 Racing:
N2 Racing Scores Top Five at Road America.
Media, PA – June 2022 – N2 Racing scores a top five finish with Blake Davis and two top ten finishes with Kevin Olmedo. Blake Davis scored a hard fought fourth place in the only Twins Cup Race at Road America. Kevin Olmedo scored a sixth-place finish in Supersport race one and an eighth-place finish in a very wet Supersport race two after almost not making the event at all.
This was almost a race that didn’t happen for Kevin Olmedo. Kevin flew into Miami from his home in El Salvador on and due to lost passport, didn’t make it to Wisconsin until after 1am on Thursday night. After a very short night sleep, Kevin had a fantastic qualifying day starting on the outside of row two. In Supersport race one Kevin got a great start and was fighting in the lead group, ultimately finishing sixth. Supersport race two was only Kevin’s third time racing in the rain and it was a challenge with only a couple of laps of preparation due to shortened warm up session. Again, Kevin got a great start, but took time to get comfortable with the track and the Dunlop rain tires. Kevin turned his fastest laps at the end of the race to finish eighth and get some valuable points. Kevin is currently sixth in the Championship.
Twins Cup only had one race on Saturday at Road America and it was a good one. Blake was struggling with a lack of track time in qualifying and ended up starting ninth. The race was held in perfect conditions and Blake was able to latch on to the lead group straight away. After race long battle for the podium, Blake brough the N2 Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 home in fourth place. Blake is fourth in the Championship standings.
Blake Davis – “It was kind of a slow start to the weekend, but I was able to find some competitive pace by the race. The Yamaha YZF-R7 is a new platform for me and I was very happy with how the team set the bike up for Road America. I am very much looking forward to The Ridge as it is one of my favorite tracks. My main goal is to get up to speed quickly to fight with the lead guys.”
Kevin Olmedo – “It was a good weekend with solid results. The team is working great and the bike is getting better for me every event. We are getting closer and closer to the podium and with a few small tweaks we will be there. I love The Ridge, so hopefully that will be good event for us.”
Shiloh Salopek (Crew Chief) – “I am happy with our results from Road America given the tricky weather conditions. I know both Kevin and Blake are looking forward to the Ridge as they both like that track. We will take the points we collected at this round and keep pushing forward onto The Ridge Motorsports Park.”
About N2: N2 – Ride, Race, Learn.
Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing. N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.
N2 Racing is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, BobbleHeadMoto, Karnes Performance, Trading Paint, GB Racing, Westby Racing, Attack Performance, Robem Engineering, Puig, Eazi Grip, ProBolt, and Yamaha Champions Riding School.