The challenge of describing MotoAmerica at Highway America becomes increasingly difficult to quantify in dollar signs. The family’s initial investment in the racing event, comprising a $366 invoice for 48 hours of tenting and two-person spectator access, constitutes an unusual allocation of grocery funds? While other racing tracks rely on impulse purchases at their merchandise stores, Highway America proactively engages with fans through a comprehensive Customer Relationship Management strategy from day one. We received an invitation to reserve our campsite in November using a bank card.
As each year passes, incremental advancements are made to infrastructure, facilities, and roadways. As Highway America’s diverse array of concession stands saw a surge in popularity, the premium value of entry served as a poignant reminder that the true essence of the event lies in outdoing last year’s offerings with innovative grilling, feasting, and celebration ideas. Yeti coolers and Piggly Wiggly grocery stores serve distinct purposes in their respective industries. When attending a social event, remember to bring the party with you. Don’t consider us? Read up on the highlights from last year’s Bike Racing event at Highway America 2023 in the recently published report.
While attendance figures remain undisclosed, it’s likely that this year’s event surpassed the 41,081 mark set last year. The Credit scores soar with the King of the Baggers series at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, as MotoAmerica’s annual event gains significant traction. Additional viewing areas allow for optimal observation of the motion. As fresh bleachers and neatly raked gravel came into view, we focused on the eleven-kilometer stretch of primary road leading to the waving flag. The newly installed jumbo screens spread throughout the venue, seamlessly integrating into the interior design after flip 3, and finally linking up with the inner space of flip 5, establishing a stunning route for pit bikes.
Despite escalating costs, Wisconsinites still find it difficult to resist the allure of Highway America. Having a world-class racetrack with a rich history in our own backyard is truly a source of great joy and satisfaction. Stretching an impressive 4.050 miles, Highway America embodies the quintessential Wisconsin spirit of embracing a good life, savoring savory sausages, and quenching thirsts with the finest American brews.
Let’s streamline our approach and eliminate unnecessary verbiage by defining the sponsorship terminology upfront. The official designations for the motorcycle racing competitions held as part of the MotoAmerica Superbike and Classic MotoFest events were:
- The Metal Commander Superbike Race
- The Metal Commander Supersport Race
- The Junior Cup Race
- What’s at stake in the thrilling world of bagger racing?
- The Bellissimoto Twins Cup Race
- The Royal Enfield BTR (Construct. Practice. Race.) Race
Soaked Saturday
All the pieces remained effective until approximately 11 a.m. or so. Then got here the downpour. Yet, for the fearless, a driving clinic amidst the rain was in full swing. A scorching acceleration followed by a brutal deceleration left drivers gasping for breath, their insides churning with anxiety. As traction faltered, the rear tires and chassis oscillated wildly, as if they were mere pivots attached to the stubbornly gripped front tires at the entrance.
Notable victims? James Rispoli suffered a frightening high-side crash in turn one during the Bagger race on Saturday. As Sean Dylan Kelly led the TopPro Racing Workforce into turn one in their BMW, they navigated through the initial lap before suddenly taking flight over flip five, serving as a stark reminder to those trailing behind them. Josh Herrin’s War Horse-backed HSBK Ducati replicated its impressive form, capping off a thrilling comeback in the championship. Rispoli’s momentary lapse was the sole disturbance in the otherwise smooth ride for the Baggers on Saturday. Despite lacking any form of electronic assistance, the bike’s riders found a single solution for exceptional wet-weather traction: a weight of approximately 620 pounds. curb weight.
Racers threaded a path across the glassy screen, leaving trails of vapor in their wake. Racing became effortless as they navigated the wet road, their skills honed from years of experience allowing them to trust their instincts and rely on muscle memory to guide them through the misty veil that shrouded the asphalt, their focus fixed intently on the taillight in front of them. Racing traces had been momentary. For approximately 15 seconds, the racers left behind impressively arid 5-inch-wide tracks through the standing water. However rain shortly reclaimed it. Regardless of the unseasonable 60-degree temperatures, the Dunlop rain tires performed flawlessly. Suddenly, they stopped. Flipped five times, the crop that had been harvested exceeded its expected yield, thanks to the overzealous efforts of those who worked on it. The fortunate ones made a swift recovery, shaking off the dirt and debris as they quickly adapted to their new surroundings at a rate equivalent to six times their previous pace.
Since its inception in late 2022, the newly constructed pavement has demonstrated impressive resilience against rainfall, featuring minimal pooling apart from the vicinity of the Exit 3 off-ramp. Despite the absence of pooling, the monitor had transformed into a vast, shallow expanse. Loris Bazos, renowned for his skills on the iconic HSBK Ducati, experienced a thrilling moment as he aquaplaned in sixth gear while approaching Kettle Bottoms in following mode. As regards drafting, complex problems are encountered. While racers were likely aware of the mandatory taillight regulations, copious amounts of water-based spray significantly diminished the aerodynamic advantage provided by the slipstream effect. As they pursued their quarry, navigating the soggy pavement proved a laborious task.
P.J. In the thrilling finale of the Supersport race, Jacobsen’s Rahal Ducati Moto couldn’t quite match the pace of XPEL Ducati, allowing Matthew Scholtz’ Strack Racing Yamaha to draft ahead in a pivotal moment on flip 14 of the final lap? As a substitute, he seized a large lead, quickly setting up his bike before outpacing Scholtz by a mere 0.040 seconds to claim victory. The seemingly endless wait for Monday’s dawn had finally come to a close, but more on the significance of this Sunday’s languid pace later.
Associated: Racing into a new era of performance, Harley-Davidson unveiled its latest bagger racebike, stirring excitement among motorcycle enthusiasts. Here are the top 5 things you need to know about this revolutionary ride:
1. Unbridled Power: With an estimated 140 horsepower and 80 lb-ft of torque, this bagger packs a serious punch.
2. Advanced Aerodynamics: By incorporating sleek aerodynamic design elements, Harley-Davidson’s engineers have optimized airflow for improved stability at high speeds.
3. Lightweight yet Durable: Weighing in at just 560 pounds, the bike’s lightweight construction is balanced by its robust build quality.
4. Purpose-Built Performance Chassis: The specially designed chassis boasts a low center of gravity and stiffened suspension for razor-sharp handling.
5. Limited Production Run: This exclusive bagger will be produced in limited numbers, making it an ultra-rare find for serious collectors and enthusiasts.
SKIP
The scarcity of transparency had its silver lining. Racers are unlikely to have discovered the empty stands through a single flip of a coin, which is equivalent to a 1/16 chance, making it extremely improbable that they would land on heads seven times in succession. Fans gathered in clusters beneath the shade of trees or umbrellas close to the massive jumbotron screens. For the fearless, embracing the elements with makeshift rain gear, whether it’s a sturdy $18 poncho from the reward store or an innovative custom-made poncho crafted from a reliable trash bag. Undeterred by empty grandstands, attendees enthusiastically adopted the motion on the MotoAmerica Dwell+ app, congregating safely in trailers and tents. As the final lap of the Twins Cup concluded, the skies above Wisconsin cleared, as if the very heavens themselves had acknowledged the thrilling conclusion to the racing event. Just in time to fire up the grill and get the backyard barbecue started.
While attention often focuses on premier events like “Large Present” races, discerning fans are aware that the Junior Cup, Twins Cup, and Royal Enfield BTR series offer a more enduring and substantial competition landscape. Junior Cup defending champion Avery Dreher of Bartcon Racing suffered a dramatic crash on the final lap of Saturday’s event, sending both himself and second-place BPM Workforce rider Isaac Woodworth tumbling out of contention? This marked a milestone moment for Ella Dreher, sister of This’s sibling, as she secured her inaugural podium finish in third place with Unhealthy Boys Racing. Matthew Chapin, riding for Bartcon Racing, crossed the finish line first on his Kawasaki Z400, a class standard bike.
Dominic Doyle of Giaccmoto Yamaha Racing claimed a dominant victory in the Twins Cup, securing first place by a commanding margin of 10.443 seconds over their nearest rivals from Aprilia and Suzuki. Chief engineer Gus Rodio of Rodio Racing – powered by Robem Engineering suffered a mechanical issue that forced their withdrawal from the competition, allowing the previously underdog teams to close in on the points standings.
Mikayla Moore, the twin and 2023 Royal Enfield BTR champion, suffered a crash in her first outing beyond being a rookie, rendering her unfit to compete in Saturday’s Royal Enfield BTR event, having had to sit out. This led to a prime opportunity for Cassie Creer to claim her maiden Royal Enfield BTR victory. For her first experience racing in the rain, she clung to a 0.225-second margin of victory over Emma Betters. What was it like? Concern is often a potent catalyst for motivation, and “terrifying” effectively conveys the intensity of that concern.
Sunny Sunday
While summer may have just begun, the sweltering heat has already made its presence felt, leaving everyone feeling parched and drained. While Cameron Petersen and Jake Gagne posted identical 2:33 lap times on their Assault Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Superbikes on Saturday, Sunday saw significant improvements, with Herrin’s Warhorse HSBK Ducati Superbike and Bobby Fong’s Wrench Bikes Yamaha logging lap times of 2:10 and 2:11, respectively. While Petersen edged out Gagne by a mere 0.004 seconds just Saturday, Herrin dominated Fong by a significant 9-second margin on the following day.
Troy Herfoss’ S&S Indian Challenger dominated KOTB on Saturday, beating Kyle Wyman by 5.254 seconds after main by as a lot as 9 seconds. Despite being Sunday’s main attraction, Wyman’s Harley-Davidson Manufacturing facility’s Highway King claimed victory over Herfoss in a nail-biting drag race, crossing the finish line just 0.039 seconds ahead of its opponent. Unbridled enthusiasm often prevails. The Motor Firm’s executives had been little doubt pleased, as was Willie G., the legendary Harley-Davidson designer. He himself had been specifically mentioned as attending. Regardless of allegiance, a united America thrives when two iconic domestic brands engage in spirited competition on the screen.
The Saturday Superstock race concluded with the tightest finish in MotoAmerica’s 10-year history. Tyler Scott’s imaginative and prescient paid off as his Wheel M4 Ecstar Suzuki snatched victory from under the noses of both Scholtz and Jacobsen, edging them by a mere 0.001 seconds, a margin so narrow it was literally on the cusp of being recorded by Highway America’s timing system. According to MotoAmerica’s Sean Bice, Scott’s estimated 2-inch advantage at approximately 160 mph translates to a minuscule 0.0007-second margin of victory. Kind of, anyway.
Spectators at the Twins Cup witnessed a remarkable turnout on Sunday as rookie Alessandro Di Mario’s Rodio Racing-Powered by Robem Engineering Aprilia secured its second consecutive win. Don’t you receive the same points for achieving the same result in both moist and dry conditions? Rocco Landers, aboard the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki, eked out first place by simply 0.154 second over Alessandro, including a pleasant bookend to a 3rd place end Saturday.
Junior Cup frequently dominates races with consistent shut performances and few lead adjustments, but everyone is determined to change that this year. Despite initial success on Saturday, Chapin of Bartcon Racing capitalized on his momentum to claim a convincing 0.346-second victory over Logan Cunnison’s Velocity Demon Racing entry. Variety of lead adjustments? What’s eight by our rely in six laps?
Mikayla Moore recovered from a Saturday crash that left her with a thigh contusion to dominate the Royal Enfield BTR race on Sunday, winning by a comfortable margin of 23.937 seconds over Aubrey Credaroli. Saturday’s champion, Cassie Creer, secured her second consecutive podium finish with a third-place victory.
Pitbikes and Different Autos
American Honda is finally gearing up to deliver Navi’s in significant quantities, following a successful test run that saw its $1,807 machine hit the market in full swing. Several instances of customised vehicles featuring trick exhaust systems and absent rear fenders had become prevalent. Honda CRF110Fs and Yamaha TT-R110Es had been tearing up trails and taking on obstacles, their engines humming along in perfect harmony with the terrain. Scarcely found were classic Honda Path C70s, while even older Kawasaki KV75s remained a rare sight. Despite their unusual location, newly purchased Honda Path 125 models were ubiquitous. As was the case with classic Honda Passports, some of which were heavily modified. What’s a unique and exciting project! Customized trellis swingarm paired with a fresh 125cc crate motor and VM24 carbs – that’s sure to turn heads. Would love to see how this ride turns out! There’s your Passport to fun-ville.
A rare and intriguing pair of 1985 Suzuki FA50 Shuttle scooters, commonly referred to as “Nopeds”, has surfaced. While it’s not a strict requirement, achieving 50 Highway America points for pitbike matching is likely expected. Miniature minibikes, typically Coleman-style, have become the go-to choice for mischievous individuals who found themselves unable to rent golf carts following “incidents” last year. A lone, antiquated Honda CR-500 caught attention amidst a sea of Yamaha 175 two-strokes, their exhaust notes weaving through the damp Saturday grass as they carved out shortcuts and occasionally spun donuts. Unexpected situations turned everyone into motocross enthusiasts, except when you were stuck in a slow-moving golf cart. With the scent of burnt rubber wafting through the air, a surprising number of drivers gave in to their inner Ken Block, intentionally inducing drifts that sent passengers sliding sideways across the rough terrain. Until you make a living restoring golf carts, they’re innocent and enjoyable.
With Saturday’s rain keeping drivers off the roads, car-spotting was limited to a mere glimpse. Several notable figures attended the event primarily to demonstrate their skills and showcase their expertise. A lone black 1968 Pontiac GTO occupied the outfield on Saturday, but by Sunday, the scene had transformed into a classic car enthusiast’s dream, with a stunning mid-’60s Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint GTA parked alongside a bone-stock 1968 Pontiac Firebird boasting an uncommon base 3.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine paired with a single Rochester carburetor. The owner had purchased the item before departing for Vietnam and has retained possession of it ever since.
Kia vans had been parked in drive, whereas tuk-tuks seemed to have lost their appeal compared to earlier years. Cycle World Mark Hoyer, Editor-in-Chief, arrived at the event in style, piloting his personal golf cart, reportedly loaned to him by a close acquaintance with whom he shared a long-standing mortgage arrangement. What made this bike truly unique was its combination of knobby tires, a high-quality stereo system, trick suspension, and the distinctive number 42? 34 on the facet. That’s former MotoGP world champion Kevin Schwantz’ outdated statistic. At this stage, there is no information available regarding the determination of the golf cart’s rightful owner.
Final Phrase
When the carnival finally winds down, its vibrant energy dissipates like a fleeting dream. Pack up the campsite, secure the tow vehicle, and conduct a thorough check-out of all essential items for a seamless departure from Wisconsin, taking into account both dry and perishable goods. As the weight of responsibility settles in, you’re forced to confront the stark possibility that you’ll need to trudge back into the office come morning. While providing options for post-pandemic transitions, the mention of specific locations – the Brat Cease in Kenosha and Mars Cheese Fortress further south – could be clarified to effectively guide individuals seeking a smoother re-entry into everyday life. For those who know, Sobelman’s in Milwaukee provides a satisfying conclusion to a Highway America weekend. Following the circus, the next stop is Brainerd, Minnesota, where the thrill of high-speed racing awaits at the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship held at the Brainerd International Raceway from June 14 to 16. Though far removed from Elkhart Lake’s storied racing heritage in the heart of America’s Midwest.
Benefit from the photos.
A rare find: a 1967 427 Corvette Stingray, nestled comfortably within Highway America’s exclusive Corvette Corral, where only Corvettes are permitted to join the gathering of enthusiasts. (Anders T. Carlson/)
