MotoAmerica road racing series returns to VIR
Perhaps you have heard of the Virginia tourism slogan, Virginia is for Lovers®? Our weekend at VIR (Virginia International Raceway) had us fall in love with Virginia! Race weekend at VIR excited riders, fans, and photographers with its natural beauty. The last two days of July in the mid-Atlantic brought stifling heat and high humidity to this beautiful location. However, it didn’t slow down the work that had to be done setting up the course and the paddock. The anticipation of great racing action was in the air! Fans also began to arrive at VIR to spend a fun weekend camping and RVing. Everyone was excited for MotoAmerica’s return after a three-year absence.
Blake Davis #22 feeling the love at VIR. Nickless Photos.
Virginia International Raceway’s full course is 3.27 miles in length but can be configured in 5 different ways. MotoAmerica ran the North Course, a clockwise, 2.25-mile-long scenic run with 14 turns, and 3,000 feet of straight that provided Superbikes with top speeds close to 180 mph. Bobby Fong #50 and Cameron Beaubier #6 both hit speeds of 179.0 miles per hour. In Stock 1000, Andrew Lee #14 clocked 172.6 mph, while Kayla Yaakov #19 had the fastest time in Supersport of 162.7 mph. Twins rider Levi Badie #71 from Belgium, topped out with 142.9 mph and Talent Cup’s Alessandro Di Mario #27 registered 118.7 mph.
Bobby Fong #50, Sean Dylan Kelly #40, diving into VIR’s Turn 3. Nickless Photos.
Carter Machinery, the official Caterpillar® dealer for Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington D.C., collaborated with Warhorse HSBK Racing to let the fans decide the livery color for Josh Herrin’s weekend. After tallying the votes, it was to be yellow graphics on the bike and yellow leathers replacing the traditional Ducati red.
Josh Herrin #1 running his yellow Caterpillar livery. Nickless Photos.
Talent Cup had a field of 14 young riders who road hard all weekend. Two of the riders we have had the pleasure of photographing in Northern California, where we call home. Sam Drane #59 and Kody Kopp #12 both have experience on the dirt groove. Sam’s older brother, Tom Drane #59 and Kody Kopp #1 were top riders in AFT (American Flat Track). Kody is debuting in MotoAmerica, riding for “King” Kenny Roberts on Team Roberts. These two riders will no doubt mature into excellent competitors in the coming years as they apply their dirt tracking skills to road racing.
Sam Drane #59, Kody Kopp #12, on the starting grid, and competing on track. Nickless Photos.
Spectating at a MotoAmerica race is always a good time for the fans. The open paddock, “Hot Pit Walk”, and autograph sessions with friendly riders, are special and unique to these events. It’s also a privilege for us to get to work on the inside of the track. Along with the corner workers, Geoff and I always cheer and wave to the riders on their “cool down” lap. I’m usually the Prop, while Geoff gets the shot! Recently, at Laguna Seca, I gave Max Flinders #88 the “love wave” coming into the pits after his race and he gave it right back. This past Saturday, at VIR in Turn 13 just before entering the pits, Eziah Davis #669 saw my love wave and gave it back. On Sunday while Stock 1000 was on the grid for Race #2, I noticed Max and Eziah talking together. After getting their attention, they quickly posed for the intro shot to this article. The next time you’re at a MotoAmerica event cheering along the fence, don’t be shy! Show these hardworking and brave athletes a little love for their efforts. Chances are they’ll love you right back.
Eziah Davis #669 and Cameron Petersen #45, acknowledging us on their cool-down lap. Nickless Photos.
Stock 1000 Race #2 saw JD Beach #95 defeat Jason Uribe #36 by a whisker, 0.055! It’s always great to see the camaraderie between the riders even after a particularly close race. Family fun, great racing, and good sportsmanship characterize MotoAmerica events.
We hope to see you at the track sometime.
Barb Nickless
Photos by Geoff & Barb Nickless
For more on the MotoAmerica road racing series, click here:
Jason Uribe #36 & JD Beach #95 after Race #2. Nickless Photos.
0 Comments