Industry Press Releases

Indy 500 move necessitates change The following is an industry press release … IRVINE, Calif. — Indianapolis Motor Speedway has announced that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic it has rescheduled the Indy 500 to Aug. 23. To accommodate the change, MotoAmerica has rescheduled its Superbikes at the Brickyard event to Oct. 9-11. “We knew that with the current situation of the Coronavirus outbreak, more changes could be coming,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “We understand Indy’s position on this and we’re happy to make the move to the Oct. 9-11. As our fans, racers, teams and sponsors understand, things are changing on a daily basis and we are working diligently to have a 10-round 2020 MotoAmerica Series.” As it stands now, the Superbikes at the Brickyard event will be round nine of the 10-round series.  

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta To Host Round Five The following is an industry press release … MotoAmerica has announced that it has rescheduled the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta round of the 2020 MotoAmerica Series from April 17-19 to July 31-Aug. 2 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With the opening round of the series originally scheduled for Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, already postponed until November because of the Coronavirus, Road Atlanta was slated to be the opening round of the 2020 MotoAmerica Series. As it stands now, the series will begin at VIRginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia, May 1-3, though MotoAmerica is continuing to monitor that situation as well. “We are all in this together as everyone in the world is affected in some way by COVID-19,” MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey said. “There are a lot of people who are struggling right now on so many levels. Even though racing motorcycles doesn’t rank highly in the list of problems going on in our world, our teams and our racetracks rely on racing because it’s their livelihood. With that being said, racing right now just isn’t possible. However, we’ve been working with the good people at Michelin

No Pause for MIC Staff as We Ride It Out The following is an industry press release … IRVINE, Calif. — As the coronavirus pandemic continues, Motorcycle Industry Council staff members are operating remotely and haven’t slowed down one bit. In the interest of physical distancing, MIC offices are empty but the work for association members goes on without interruption. “Things change, we adapt,” MIC President and CEO Erik Pritchard said. “Our industry is facing a new world, along with everyone else. The association approach stays the same: collective efforts to benefit the powersports business and riders at large. We’re well aware that the coronavirus pandemic will affect our members, big and small. We are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to help us all ride it out, together.” MIC leaders and department heads have canceled or postponed events in March and April, taking all precautions, while still performing critical functions and making plans for projects that can be done without assembling groups of people. This month, MIC staff members have: • Written to the White House, congressional leadership, and all governors, seeking to keep powersport manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and dealerships in operation during emergency declarations. This way, service by

The following is an industry press release … No decision made yet on Road Atlanta round IRVINE, Calif. — MotoAmerica is continuing to assess the situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the opening round of the series, scheduled for April 17-19 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, and will make decisions in a timely manner based on the safety and well-being of its fans, racers, teams and all support personnel. MotoAmerica is and will be following directives from several entities, including national, state and local governments, as we move closer to our events. Although we all want to race motorcycles, there are more important things happening in the world and MotoAmerica is taking the Coronavirus very seriously. While we are hopeful of going to Road Atlanta and having our first race of the year as scheduled, we will only do so if the safety of our fans, riders and teams is not compromised. Things are changing so quickly that it’s not possible to make any decisions on Road Atlanta or any other rounds at this point. We will, however, make a decision as quickly as possible when the time is right. Safety is paramount to everyone at MotoAmerica,

The following is an industry press release … DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Due to the ongoing unprecedented situation regarding COVID-19 and expanding restrictions on domestic and international travel, and in accordance with national, state and local governments prohibiting large group gatherings, American Flat Track has decided to postpone its March 28 Atlanta Short Track and April 4 Charlotte Half-Mile events until further notice. The health and safety of everyone involved in our sport continues to remain our top priority, and it is for this reason that we will continue to assess the situation ahead of the remaining events within the CDC’s recommended eight-week window of caution. Because of this, ticket sales for the May 2 Texas Half-Mile and May 9 So-Cal Half-Mile have been postponed until further notice. As more information is available within the coming weeks, specific announcements regarding those two events will follow. Advance ticket holders are offered equivalent admission for any other AFT Events race occurring within the next 18 calendar months. Contact tickets@americanflattrack.com for inquiries and requests. We value all of our fans and appreciate your understanding while we continue to monitor the situation. For additional information contact: AMA Pro Racing Communications, (386) 492-1014, communications@amaproracing.com

The following is an industry press release … Beta is proud to launch the 2020 RR-S 125 model, adding new colors for the new year. The 2020 125 RR-S was designed for many different riders and is determined to put a smile on all that experience it. The bike is very reliable with its 125cc electric start four-stroke engine that provides a soft power delivery yet enough torque to inspire riders of all abilities. All this while being street legal in all 50 states. Beta owns the phrase rideability, and the 2020 125 RR-S continues this experience with a slim, lightweight bike that is safe, reliable, and easy to ride while creating a riding experience like no other manufacturer can provide. Also new for 2020 is the ability for customers to order a 125 RR-S model straight from the factory with a 1.5-inch lower seat height over the stock models. These “lowboy” models have parts installed inside the front fork and rear shock to lower the seat height. Prices: $4999.00* (No price increase for 2020) *plus sales tax, license, and other dealer fees. Availability: April

The following is an industry press release … DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — On Saturday, March 7, the Daytona Supercross will celebrate a significant milestone in its event history with the 50th running of the prestigious Supercross event. And to celebrate the longest continuous Supercross event in America, several of those champion riders will travel to Daytona International Speedway to be a part of the event, with a couple competing in the grueling and challenging race. Here’s a look at the Daytona Supercross champions that race fans will be able to see either on track, during opening ceremonies or at other appearances throughout the day: · 2000-03, 2006 champion Ricky Carmichael, who also serves as the course designer · 1989-92 champion Jeff Stanton · 2016-17, 2019 champion Eli Tomac (competing) · 2004-05, 2009 champion Chad Reed (competing) · 1986 and 1988 champion Ricky Johnson · 2018 champion Justin Brayton (competing) · 1997 champion Jeff Emig · 1975 champion Jimmy Ellis · 1971 champion Gunnar Lindstrom · 1980 champion Rex Staten The Daytona Supercross will feature the best Supercross riders in the world battling for a coveted win in this special Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship event. The course

Board of Directors Appoints Board Member Jochen Zeitz as Acting President and CEO The following is an industry press release … MILWAUKEE — Harley-Davidson, Inc. (“Harley-Davidson”) (NYSE:HOG) has announced that Matthew Levatich has stepped down as President and CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has appointed current Board member Jochen Zeitz as Acting President and CEO. A committee of the Board will be formed, and the Company will utilize an external search firm to undertake a search for a new CEO, and a further announcement will be made at a later date. Levatich will assist with the transition through the end of March. As part of this leadership change, Jochen Zeitz has also been named Chairman of the Board and will remain Chairman once a new CEO is appointed. Current Chairman of the Board, Michael Cave, is now Presiding Director. Zeitz said, “The Board and Matt mutually agreed that now is the time for new leadership at Harley-Davidson. Matt was instrumental in defining the More Roads to Harley-Davidson accelerated plan for growth, and we will look to new leadership to recharge our business. On behalf of the Board, I would like to

The following is an industry press release … DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Construction has begun in the tri-oval area between pit road and the start/finish line to create the course for the historic 50th running of the Daytona Supercross, scheduled for Saturday, March 7. For the 13th straight year, Supercross legend Ricky Carmichael returns as the course designer and Bomber Built–owned by three-time AMA 125cc National Motocross Champion Mark Barnett–is building the course. Carmichael is a five-time Daytona Supercross champion who retired from competition in 2007 as the most decorated rider in history with 15 AMA championships and 150 wins. This year’s Ricky Carmichael Signature Design features a nod to the history of the Daytona Supercross and includes elements from past Daytona courses such as the over-the-wall jump, the Daytona tunnel jump and grass as a fourth racing surface; the Daytona logo will also be displayed in the center of the extended course. Daytona International Speedway has been hosting the Daytona Supercross since 1971, making it the longest continuous Supercross event in America. Here’s a look at some of the numbers behind the construction of this year’s Daytona Supercross course: 400 – Truckloads of dirt 8,600 – Tons of dirt

The following is an industry press release … COVINGTON, La. — SPOT LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc., and a leader in satellite messaging and emergency notification technologies, today announced its newest upgrade. SPOT Mapping is now available for all SPOT devices, offering an easy dashboard to track and share outdoor adventures, while providing an added peace of mind when the unexpected happens. SPOT Mapping includes mobile responsive and sharable maps, multi-year data storage, and various map displays, including satellite, road and terrain options. Users can view maps in live mode for real-time tracking, or history mode to review previous trips and set places to reference on the next journey. “We have consistently listened to our customers feedback and worked diligently to offer a new enhanced mapping experience,” said Dave Kagan, CEO of Globalstar. “SPOT is proud to have initiated nearly 7,000 rescues worldwide and our hope is that our mapping platform brings a new level of visuals and functionality to keep outdoor adventures safer and more informative than ever.” SPOT Mapping is now available to existing customers using the SPOT X, the SPOT Gen 3, the SPOT Trace, and SPOT legacy products, all included in Basic level

The following is an industry press release … Single-cylinder street explorers receive new technical features and striking graphics for 2020 Husqvarna Motorcycles are pleased to announce the availability of the MY20 Vitpilen and Svartpilen range – four exciting street models that feature ground-breaking design as well as receiving new technical features and colours for 2020. The Vitpilen 701 delivers exceptional performance and an unmistakably dynamic riding experience, which encourages riders to clear their minds and focus on the road ahead. Combining a 692cc single cylinder engine with a lightweight chassis and sport-oriented WP suspension it’s a motorcycle that guarantees a thrilling ride on technical and twisty roads, fully complemented by strong Brembo brakes. Offering a riding experience that is defined by its pureness, the Svartpilen 701 is a modern and progressive motorcycle inspired by the timeless authenticity of the flat track scene. A raw, dependable and thrilling ride is guaranteed by a lightweight chassis –161 kg without fuel – and a 75 hp single cylinder engine. For 2020, the Vitpilen 701 and Svartpilen 701 come fitted with CNC-machined footpegs as standard, for superior quality and attention to detail. In addition, they also feature a new quality painted finish and graphics,

New Honda Kokoro Video Highlights the Program’s Success The following is an industry press release … TORRANCE, Calif. — To commemorate the National Youth Project Using Minibikes’ (NYPUM) 50th anniversary, Honda released a new Honda Kokoro video with heartfelt testimonials from NYPUM youth, parents, administrators, Honda executives and leaders from the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps, a child welfare and juvenile justice nonprofit organization that supports NYPUM operations. The Honda Kokoro video series celebrates the heritage, culture, people, products and community involvement that make Honda unique. “Kokoro” means heart in Japanese. NYPUM is a national mentoring program for youth ages 10-17 that uses minibikes as a motivational tool to positively affect behavior and academic performance. The program teaches teamwork and responsible riding skills, while providing an opportunity to build self-esteem and develop self-discipline and leadership abilities. Those who excel are rewarded with trips to outdoor public spaces to ride off-road motorcycles and learn about the importance of environmental stewardship. The program is provided at no cost to participants. “We see daily and immediate positive growth in nearly every kid, every day,” said NYPUM National Director Mark Speller, who has been part of the organization for more than a decade.

The following is an industry press release … FUQUAY VARINA, N.C. — Local woman veteran-owned small business SportBike Chic announced today the launch of a sassy new motorcycle apparel line designed specifically for female riders. SportBike Chic’s magnetic Tank Purses combine function, safety, and personalized design solutions for motorcycle clubs and women riders on the go. Female motorcycle ridership is on the rise. A 2018 national survey by the Motorcycle Industry Council found 19% of motorcycle owners are women, compared with less than 10% less than a decade ago. It found even greater female ownership among millennials (26%) and Gen X (22%). The US Census Bureau estimated the number of U.S. households owning motorcycles at 126,224,000 in 2018. The newest motorcycle apparel line designed specifically for the needs of women, SportBike Chic was launched in 2016 by U.S. Marine veteran and motorcycle enthusiast, LaShundra Rucker, to fill the gap in motorcycle apparel for female riders. “SportBike Chic’s unique motorcycle accessories are designed with women riders in mind and offer style and functionality to enhance each rider’s journey – from a cross country trip to a ride around the block,” said LaShundra Rucker, founder of SportBike Chic. “Sportbike Chic is about

The premier motorcycle lifestyle event will honor the motorcycle racer and customizer as the 2020 Legend of the Sport, as well as present a showcase of more than 300 vintage and modern motorcycles The following is an industry press release … Carmel, Calif.  — The Quail Motorcycle Gathering presented by GEICO Motorcycle has announced it will honor prolific American motorcycle racer and designer Roland Sands as the 2020 Legend of the Sport during the 12th annual event on Saturday, May 16, 2020. Hailing from Long Beach, California, Sands has set several track records around the world and was most notably the 1998 American Motorcyclist Association 250GP Champion. After 10 years of professional racing, Sands founded Roland Sands Design (RSD), a motorcycle, product and apparel company which has played a pivotal role in popularizing high-performance custom bikes to the masses. Over the last five years, the team at RSD has expanded into the event space with the Moto Beach Classic in Southern California and the the Super Hooligan National Championship, a series that unites the custom-motorcycle scene with flat track racing. His motorcycle and product designs have earned several accolades including three V-Twin Wheel Design of the Year awards, a V-Twin

Morbidelli’s marvels at Bonhams The following is an industry press release … A world-class selection of 200 post-war road and racing motorcycles from the celebrated Morbidelli Motorcycle Museum in Pesaro, Italy will be the centrepiece of Bonhams’ Spring Stafford Sale, 25-26 April 2020 – the most significant private collection of motorcycles to be offered by the auction house to date.  This important collection was built up and curated by the late Giancarlo Morbidelli, the museum’s founder, motorcycle manufacturer and Grand Prix boss, over a period of 40 years, and represents the best of Italy, with an emphasis on Italian marques, including Benelli and Ducati. They represent the passion of the farmer’s son and former woodworking machinist who, while building up a successful engineering firm as his day job, spent his spare time tuning, racing and later building his own motorcycles. In pole position as the top lot is a 1964 Ducati 125cc 4-cylinder Grand Prix racing motorcycle, (estimate £400,000 – 600,000), a ‘mythical’ racing machine created by the firm’s chief engineer, Fabio Taglioni. This motorcycle disappeared for some years before its engine was found in Russia while its chassis reappeared in Yugoslavia, now Croatia. With the two essential components reunited, Giancarlo rebuilt the fabled motorcycle. As Gianni Morbidelli, Giancarlo’s

10th edition of Supercross’ million-dollar all-star race to take place Oct. 10 at Dignity Health Sports Park The following is an industry press release … The Monster Energy Cup–Supercross’ ultimate million dollar all-star race–moves to Southern California’s Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., for the 10th edition of the event. Previously held in Las Vegas since 2011, this year’ MEC takes place on Oct. 10, 2020. After two action-packed racing weekends at Angel Stadium of Anaheim launching the 2020 AMA Supercross Championship in January, SoCal Supercross fan will get an extra adrenaline racing experience to become part of the most anticipated invitation-only races of the year! After competing in the 17-round AMA Supercross racing season, the world’s top two-wheeled athletes return to action for a shot at the off-season prize of the largest purse in motorcycle racing. The Monster Energy Cup is an annual showcase of the world’s top Supercross athletes in a one-night-only head-to-head battle for the coveted Monster Energy Cup trophy and the shot at winning $1 million. The Monster Energy Cup challenges racers in their fight for victory with three, 10-lap main events on a custom-designed track, inspired by five-time Monster Energy Supercross Champion Ricky Carmichael.

The following is an industry press release … COLUMBUS, Ohio — Sherco USA has been named the title sponsor of the newly-formed AMA Extreme Off-Road East Series and AMA Extreme Off-Road West Series. Once a grassroots competition, extreme off-road has become one of the fastest-growing off-road disciplines in the United States. The series consist of five western rounds and five eastern rounds where riders can earn qualification spots for the AMA Extreme Off-Road Grand Championship, which will again be part of the Kenda Tennessee Knockout on August 14-16 in Sequatchie, Tenn. The RevLimiter Extreme Enduro in Bridgeport, Texas,  serves as an east–west shootout “When the AMA approached us about the opportunity, we jumped!” Bryan Kraham, Chief Marketing Officer for Sherco USA said. “Sherco’s roots stem from hillclimbing in the mountains of Spain and France. Graham Jarvis was first to put Sherco on the extreme off-road map when he won Romaniacs on board a 450 four-stroke of all things in 2004. Wade Young and Mario Roman have continued the extreme off-road success for the brand. They have proven that the Sherco SE 300 Factory is an ultimate extreme off-road weapon. Now with Cody Webb on board, it only amplifies that. We

The only street-legal motorcycle in the world with a carbon fiber chassis, swingarm and wheels The following is an industry press release … Borgo Panigale, Bologna — With the Superleggera V4, Ducati fulfils the dream of pushing back the limits of engineering, attention to detail and motorcycle design, with a project that represents the Bolognese company’s greatest masterpiece in terms of engineering, performance and design. After an exclusive preview for its most passionate and loyal clients, Ducati now officially unveils its new Superleggera V4, the most powerful and technologically advanced motorcycle ever made by the Borgo Panigale manufacturer, produced in a limited edition of just 500 individually numbered bikes. The Superleggera V4 is the world’s only street-legal motorcycle with the entire load-bearing structure of the chassis (frame, subframe, swingarm and wheels) made from composite material, achieving a 6.7 kg reduction in weight thanks to these components. To ensure the highest quality and safety standards, these components are 100% tested using the most sophisticated techniques borrowed from the aerospace industry, such as thermography, ultrasound inspections and tomography. The chassis dimensions have been modified for optimised track use by increasing the length of the swingarm. The overall result is unparalleled deceleration power,

The following is an industry press release … PHILADELPHIA — Comoto Holdings, parent company of leading moto enthusiast brands RevZilla and Cycle Gear, today announced it has acquired J&P Cycles, the industry’s largest omni-channel retailer of aftermarket products for the American V-Twin rider. With this acquisition, Comoto Holdings becomes the definitive market leader in yet another robust segment of the powersports aftermarket-products industry. J&P Cycles will continue to operate as a distinct and differentiated retail brand, under the daily operational leadership of industry icon and long-time J&P Cycles veteran, Zach Parham, who joins the Comoto executive leadership team as president of J&P Cycles. “We are thrilled to welcome Zach and the talented team from J&P Cycles into the Comoto Family of Brands,” said Ken Murphy, CEO of Comoto Holdings. “J&P’s decades-long legacy of exceptional service and selection are hallmark tenets of each and every Comoto retail brand and will remain a driving force behind our continued high-growth in the years to come.” “J&P Cycles was built on obsession with customer service and offering the best product selection for riders,” said Zach Parham, president of J&P Cycles. “Comoto shares these same values. Each retail brand in the Comoto Family has complementary

Tickets To Be Donated Via Veteran Tickets Foundation The following is an industry press release … MORGANTOWN, W.Va. —The ATV Motocross National Championship (ATVMX), an AMA National Championship, recognizes the sacrifices made by our service men and women and is pleased to announce the continuation of their partnership with the Veterans Tickets Foundation. This generous effort will provide military veterans with the opportunity to obtain free admission at eight of the scheduled rounds (excluding Daytona and Ironman Pro only events) of the world’s premier professional and amateur ATV motocross series. ATV Motocross will donate 40 tickets to Vet Tix for each stop on the 2020 schedule, totaling in 320 across eight rounds of the series. These tickets will be made available to both active duty and retired service men and women, and their families, at no cost. Each set of tickets will be made available two weeks prior to each respective round of the season, and can be claimed on a first come, first serve basis through VetTix.org. “The partnership with ATV Motocross has been incredibly rewarding for all the veterans and their families we serve, and we’re grateful to have the chance to continue this initiative for the 2020