COTA | Road Dirt

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Beautiful Bikes: Aprilia X 250th

Posted by Rob Brooks | Apr 2, 2026 | Bikes & Gear | 0 |

Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Kickoff: Observat...

Posted by Road Dirt Crew | Mar 31, 2026 | Industry & Racing | 2 |

Beautiful Bikes: Aprilia X 250th

by Rob Brooks | Apr 2, 2026 | Bikes & Gear | 0 |

Aprilia is actually producing a limited run of commemorative motorbikes, mostly for the American market, but a few to be offered worldwide. The Aprilia X 250th is a drop-dead gorgeous facsimile of the GP machines the Trackhouse Racing team are rolling, and for a cool $150K you can own one yourself. Of course, it’s not street legal, running a V4 65°, 1099cc mill with SBK racing specifications. It’s clearly meant to make the same technology developed in racing available to those who intend to compete at top levels in factory derivative series, or for those who want to own an RSV4 or Tuono V4 with top tier performance.
And who want to shout “‘Merica!” every time and everywhere they ride or display it.

Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Kickoff: Observations

by Road Dirt Crew | Mar 31, 2026 | Industry & Racing | 2 |

Time will tell whether or not the new racing class of Harley competition baggers will take off like it has here in the States, but already the series produced a decent grid of teams for the opening round at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas over the weekend. The paddock and grid saw teams from Australia, Spain, Italy, Brazil and Indonesia as well as USA line up to race. The races both days delivered KotB level action, with races coming down to the final laps and final sprints to the checkered flag.

Through The Lens: The Fong Factor

by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Sep 23, 2025 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life | 5 |

September 26th-28th in New Jersey, one of these three talented riders will wear the number 1 plate next season. As the points currently stand, after 27 races, Bobby is in the lead with 314, Cameron second with 306, and Josh third with 292. It’s anyone’s guess who will claim the 2025 championship, with only three 20-lap races to go and 75 points up for grabs. Currently, Bobby has five 1st place finishes, Cameron has five, and Josh six. If somehow there is a tie in points, these stats become very important in determining who will clinch the Superbike title. Will the “Fong Factor” come into play in New Jersey?

Through The Lens: Texas Heat At COTA

by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Sep 25, 2024 | Industry & Racing | 0 |

Traveling to Texas to photograph a MotoAmerica event at COTA (Circuit of the Americas) is always fun but brings with it intense heat and humidity. This year was business as usual, with 99 degrees and 63% humidity! Everyone in the paddock and the loyal fans hunkered down to enjoy the races while trying to stay hydrated and cool.

Interview with MotoAmerica Champ Jake Gagne

by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Apr 18, 2022 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life | 0 |

Race days are exciting for everyone, but a MotoGP race is palpable! The sound waves from the paddock are the first thing to hit you. Mechanics revving the engines to listen for the crispness of their tuning and the buzz of riders, teams, and fans gathering before the race is electric. Circuit of the Americas (COTA) did not fail to disappoint all who gathered for this event April 8-10th, 2022. Upon arrival to the MotoAmerica paddock early Friday morning, everything was ready to go, and the teams were already into their race routines. Jake Gagne was relaxed and obliging when asked if he could spare some time to chat with Road Dirt. “Of course, anytime!” was his reply. The following is our conversation that morning in the Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing tent.