FROM 2023 MORE SPACE FOR TEAMS AND RIDERS WHO WILL BE ABLE TO GROW IN THE SADDLE OF A FORMATIVE, PERFOMANT BIKE WITH LOW RUNNING COSTS

After two years of growth and satisfaction, the Trofeo Aprilia 660 evolves to give even more space to the teams and riders who choose this formative formula to begin their path in the world of sport motorcycling.

The Aprilia RS 660, born as an easy and intuitive road bike, immediately showed incredible dynamic qualities and a propensity for track riding rooted in the very DNA of the Italian manufacturer's products. The torque-rich and usable twin-cylinder engine, a sincere and communicative chassis and a front end with the feeling of a real racing bike have made it, thanks to targeted modifications, a perfect formula in the transition from the minor categories to the higher displacement bikes. The constant on-track development conducted by BK Corse, the young test rider Tommaso Marcon and the expert Matteo Baiocco has brought the 660 Trofeo project to full maturity, an evolution that now allows the focus of preparation and management to be shifted directly to the teams and private riders who intend to engage in the Trofeo.

This is a necessary step in the growth process of the Trofeo 660 which, in parallel with the commitment in the Twins Cup category of MotoAmerica, confirms the value of both the Aprilia RS 660 and the management formula: performance worthy of much more expensive bikes and the ability to train young riders in the "modern" riding of top-level motorbike competition.

MASSIMO RIVOLA - APRILIA RACING CEO
"What we are announcing today is an important step in the evolution of the Trofeo Aprilia 660, which for us is not just a single-brand championship but a true concept. In which we believe and which we want to see grow, together with the riders and teams that participate in it. Entrusting the management of the bike and the race weekend directly to them means increasing, even more, the training value of this formula that we want to turn into a real 'School of Champions'.
We are doing this now, after two years of constant evolution, because we believe that from a technical point of view the Aprilia RS 660 has reached full maturity. This is thanks to the incredible work of our partner BK Corse, a structure whose competence and professionalism will remain an integral part of the Trofeo in its confirmed capacity as organiser. A road-derived bike that, in the hands of test rider Tommaso Marcon, manages to lap in 1'58 at Mugello is proof of which road to take for the future of the training categories. We are also thinking about this at international level, a continuation of the excellent work done with the Italian Federation in our two championships Aprilia 250 Sport Production and Trofeo 660".

Indian Motorcycle has announced two summer destination ride-ins to Baffle Haus and the Super Sausage for members of the brand’s Indian Motorcycle Riders (IMR). The ride-ins offer the opportunity to ride more, explore new roads, meet other Indian Motorcycle owners as well as gain an edge in the Indian Motorcycle Rally national ranking.  

Indian Motorcycle Riders members interested in participating in these ride-ins should register for free on EventBrite HERE.

Registration not only ensures entry on the day to the destination venues of Baffle Haus and the Super Sausage, but also entitles attendees to a commemorative gift and a free refreshment voucher on arrival. Once registered, riders can contact their local Indian Motorcycle dealership to find out how to join their local rider’s group as they make their way to the destinations. With fixed capacity at each destination, riders should act fast to ensure they can gain entry to these well-known motorcycle venues on the dates below.

Riders participating in the Indian Motorcycle Riders Rally should bring the IMR Rally passports to be stamped as these rides can be logged on the rally website for extra miles that count in the national ranking. The IMR Rally challenges owners to visit all 20 UK and Eire dealerships before Nov 30, gaining stamps on their unique Indian Motorcycle Rally Passport, recording their journey mileage with a national ranking to reward the highest number of stages and miles completed.

Indian Motorcycle Riders Summer Destination Ride-Ins

Baffle Haus – Saturday 20th August 

Capacity: 120

Baffle Haus is a café, event space that opened in March 2021 to be a hub of motorcycle culture realising in reality the Baffle Culture that has drawn so many followers on Instagram since 2016. With SHARE THE RIDE printed on the wall, a mantra they live by, Baffle Haus always strives to provide a warm, inclusive and welcoming place to visit. Stocking today’s best riding gear alongside their selected lifestyle range, grab a brew and try out the most sought after brands in one of the spacious changing rooms.

Other attractions in the area include – Tintern Abbey, Penderyn distillery, Llandegfedd Reservoir and the famous Black Mountain Pass (A4069) that cuts across the western corner of the Brecon Beacons and passes through Lower and Upper Brynamman.

www.baffleculture.com/bafflehaus

Google Maps

The Cedars, Goytre, Pontypool, United Kingdom, NP4 0AD

Super Sausage Café – Saturday 10th September

Capacity: 150

Situated on the A5 (Watling Street) in Potterspury, Northamptonshire, the Super Sausage is ideally located between Milton Keynes and Towcester and only 10 minutes from the world famous Silverstone race circuit. Now owned and managed by the Murray family who bought the cafe in July 2009, there has been a café on the site for well over 70 years, formally known as the Nelson cafe, which was renamed to the Super Sausage café in the 1970s. 

Other attractions nearby include the Stoke Bruene canal museum, Towcester racecourse, Bletchley Park, Cosgrove Park , not to mention the fantastic historic towns of Stony Stratford and Towcester.

Google Maps

Watling St, A5, Northampton, NN12 7QD

To find out more about Indian Motorcycle Riders membership, please visit: imrgmember.eu.

For more information on Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.co.uk and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

• Shoubridge puts the disappointment of the last round firmly behind him with a Race 1 win
• Baker wins Race 2 after an epic battle with Shoubridge
• Championship leader Tom Tunstall scores a double podium

Race 1
David Shoubridge (Rich Energy Ducati) put his last-round disappointment firmly behind him on Saturday after taking the honours at Brands Hatch with a convincing start to finish victory. He was never challenged from the off and showed he was determined to put his hands back on the Championship trophy.

Second place finisher was Blaze Baker (Trackdemons Racing Powered by HMY), continuing to show what a valuable addition he is to the series. He was 3.4 seconds adrift of Shoubridge over the line.

Championship leader, Tom Tunstall (Motorcycle Race Parts) came home in third after a great battle with Baker, narrowly missing out by 0.3s.

Adon Davie (JDF Racing) was fourth with Bob Collins (Team Aramex/ULS) coming home in fifth. Connor Rossi Thomson (Thompson Haulage/CRT Racing) fought a brave sixth place finish from a starting position of ninth, still nursing a badly damaged finger.

Race 1 results
1. David Shoubridge (Rich Energy Ducati)
2. Blaze Baker (Trackdemons Racing Powered by HMY) +3.464
3. Tom Tunstall (Motorcycle Race Parts) +3.803
4. Adon Davie (JDF Racing) +11.632
5. Bob Collins (Team Aramex/ULS)
6. Connor Rossi Thomson (Thompson Haulage/CRT Race Team) + 23.273

David Shoubridge (Rich Energy Ducati #86) - 1st
"Well, what a race! I had to get that monkey off my back. Crashing out of both races last week at World Superbikes put me a bit on the back foot. Obviously I didn't stop believing, I've been fastest here so far this weekend, the other guys are really pushing on, Blaze was incredibly fast for his first time here at Brands Hatch GP, it's my home circuit, somewhere I know relatively well, thankfully the next round at Cadwell is probably my favourite circuit on the planet, we've got a couple of good strong rounds for me but I really needed to go out and get that win, I pushed on but didn't really know where I was as my lap timer wasn't working, it came up memory full just as I got up to the grid which was useful! So, I was a little bit lost out there so I didn't know if I was on a fast lap or not. I tried to manage it as best as I could from the lap board but it's quite a long lap to find out whether you're doing alright or not. I just tried to manage the gap, got up to around three and a half seconds lead at one point which meant I could relax a little bit for the last few laps. It's my Brother's Birthday weekend so it was nice to get the big win. I'd just like to say thanks, a lot of controversy over Rich Energy at the moment but they've supported me nonetheless so big thanks to Rich Energy, thanks to everybody else that helps and one more thing I'd like to say to Matt Venn, unfortunately in warm up I accidentally collided with him at Hawthorns which meant he didn't get out so hopefully he gets out in race two and I'm really sorry and thank you to everyone for their support."

Blaze Baker (Trackdemons Racing Powered by HMY #51) - 2nd
"Really difficult race today, starting P3, we got a good start off the line and stayed in P3, so I said to myself to settle down a bit like Donington and we can follow the guys from there. It took a few laps then I hooked on the back of the front two and managed to pass Tom and I thought keep my head down and carry on pushing to try and catch David but unfortunately by that time the gap was too big. P2, first time here at the track so we're looking forward to tomorrow, we're going to do a few changes on the bike to make it more comfortable and hopefully to close that gap up to David. Huge thank you to my sponsors Trackdemons Racing, ATB Centre, without you guys it wouldn't be possible, looking forward to tomorrow now."

Tom Tunstall (MotorcycleRaceParts #21) - 3rd
"Perfect conditions. Shouey got a flyer, he's been quick all weekend from the off. What became apparent pretty quickly was that I'd got the wrong gearing, I was using the wrong gears at bottom bend, turn one and on to the back straight and when Blaze came past it was clear, a bit closer but a similar deal, I let him go, I think it was less than a second by the end. If was a new PB for me on the bike, some lessons learnt to try on the bike tomorrow, not a bad day, can't complain with that."

Race 2
Shoubridge started from pole and grabbed the lead from the off but unlike the previous race Baker didn't let him get away. Lap after lap they exchanged the lead, both setting their fastest laps on the final lap such was the pace at the front.

An early scrap for third place fizzled out once Tunstall overhauled the pack. By this time, it was evident the victory would be between two riders. Tunstall circulated alone for the remainder of the race to take the third step on the podium.

JDF Racing had some good fortune today with both their riders, Adon Davie and Max Lofthouse finishing fourth and fifth respectively. Rounding out the top six was Collins.

So that's four podiums and three wins for Baker, next round will be another new track for the South African to learn, a track Shoubridge labels as his favourite, so expect another close battle, will Tom Tunstall get that elusive first series win? Plenty of questions awaiting an answer in a few weeks.

Race 2 results
1. Blaze Baker (Trackdemons Racing Powered by HMY)
2. David Shoubridge (Rich Energy Ducati) +0.408
3. Tom Tunstall (Motorcycle Race Parts) +8.397
4. Adon Davie (JDF Racing) +12.687
5. Max Lofthouse (JDF Racing) +18.501
6. Bob Collins (Team Aramex/ULS) +19.197

Blaze Baker (Trackdemons Racing Powered by HMY #51) – 1st
"What a weekend! A second and a first today in race two. It's been absolutely magnificent. Coming here to Brands and not knowing the circuit and to come away with a double podium and a win it really has been something special. Looking forward to Cadwell and putting it back on the step!"

David Shoubridge (Rich Energy Ducati #86) – 2nd
"I'm relieved to get through the weekend with a first and second, thanks to qualifying we've managed to come away with the team trophy aswell so that's really good. I've been blown away by Blaze's pace this weekend, I thought I'd
have little extra in the bag in that race. I tried to ride a sensible race, sitting behind Balze to see what he had, see if he was faster anywhere, as it turned out he was doing the same game, he got out front, had a bit of a plan, whether he went all out on the last lap or had something se left in the tank, to do a 1.30.3 around Brands is quite fast, we both did our fastest laps on the last lap. Looking forward to going to Cadwell another place I'm really strong and see if we can regain the lead in the championship. Big thank you to Sublime for putting together the nice wrapped helmet for this weekend and also Rich Energy and Expel UK for backing me all the way."

Tom Tunstall (MotorcycleRaceParts #21) - 3rd
"Today's race was pretty tough, I got stuffed by two riders at the start and that took me a couple of laps to get clear, I lost a few seconds at that point but the pace of Shouy and Blaze, they were off, I seen a good race happening upfront! I pushed on for a bit but it was pretty clear unless they did something daft I wasn't going to have a choice today, fair play to them both, running a very strong pace."

So, at the halfway point in the series, Tom Tunstall heads the table with 152 points, still without a win, proving consistency is the key, not finishing lower than third all season.
Shoubridge's 1st and 2nd has dramatically reduced the gap only 7 points. Baker's amazing form has already placed him firmly in 3rd, 57 points behind Shoubridge.

Championship standings
1. Tom Tunstall - 152 points
2. David Shoubridge - 145 points
3. Blaze Baker - 95 points
4. Max Lofthouse - 79 points
5. Michael Tustin - 74 points
6. Adon Davie - 67 points

Win Marks Briar Bauman’s Third of the Season and Closes Championship Chase to 8-points

Jarod Vanderkooi Continues to Impress with Back-to-Back Second-Place Finishes

Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, had another outstanding night of racing at the Port Royal Half-Mile in Port Royal, Pennsylvania, with Briar Bauman riding unchallenged throughout the 26-lap Mission SuperTwins Main Event to claim his second consecutive victory. In another FTR750 podium sweep, Bauman was joined by privateer Jarod Vanderkooi in second and current points leader, Jared Mees, taking third.

In the main event, Bauman was swift off the starting line, getting the hole shot and an immediate lead over Mees, running close behind in second. Despite early attempts by Mees to overtake him, Bauman remained unphased, opening up a gap on Mees and the rest of the field. Bauman led wire-to-wire, ultimately taking the checkered flag for his third win of the season. Meanwhile, Mees was entangled in a heated battle with Vanderkooi for second. With less than a minute and two-laps remaining, Vanderkooi made a bold move, taking the higher outside line to pass Mees and secure his second-place spot on the podium.

“Tonight was another incredible night of racing and a testament to the talent and grit of our riders. Considering the restrictions that have recently been imposed on the FTR750, it’s all the more gratifying to sweep the podium for the second consecutive weekend,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology for Indian Motorcycle. “Briar’s [Bauman] incredible will has been on display at these past two events, and as a result, he’s back in the hunt as the battle for the championship tightens. It’s looking to be an absolute dogfight over the remainder of the season.”

Mees continues to lead the championship with 173 points, while Bauman now sits solidly in second place trailing by a mere eight points.

In addition to the incredible racing action, the night was filled with emotion for Bauman and the entire paddock, following the tragic loss of a fellow racer, Ryan Varnes, at the recent New York Short Track. Bauman paid tribute to Varnes throughout his winning night, memorializing Varnes’ by donning his number 68 and including Varnes’ girlfriend, Jennifer Hoshauer, with him on his victory lap.

The 2022 AFT season will continue on Saturday, July 30 at the Peoria TT in Peoria, IL.

Sponsors for Indian Motorcycle Racing’s American Flat Track efforts include Progressive Insurance, S&S^®, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Mission Foods, Bell Helmets, Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited.

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ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE^®
Indian Motorcycle is America’s first motorcycle company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivalled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion are reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.eu

INDIAN and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC. Always wear a helmet, protective clothing and eyewear and insist your passenger does the same. Ride within the limits of the law and your own abilities. Read, understand, and follow your owner’s manual. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Riding a motorbike is a thrilling experience, but it is also vital that you know how to ride safely as you are a vulnerable road user and motorcycle accidents can be incredibly dangerous. This post will look at a few of the best ways to stay safe while on the roads.

Wear a Helmet & Protective Clothing   

Obviously, wearing a helmet is one of the most important steps to take. Not only is wearing a helmet a legal requirement in this country, but you will also find that it provides essential protection for your head if you were to come off the bike. In addition to a helmet, you should also wear other protective clothing such as leathers, goggles and motorcycle boots.

Keep Your Bike in Good Condition