Yamaha FZ-07 DT Concept

I got really excited when I saw this, thinking it was a real 2016 race bike, but it has been launched today at AIMExpo, a US bike show, as a concept. Is calling it a concept a way of backing out if it doesn't work or budgets get cut?

Babe DeMay has been running a GNC Yamaha out of his own pocket this season. First year pro Dominic Colindres came home a fantastic fourth on their bike at the most recent GNC round, the Roar on the Shore, Delaware Half-mile (watch the race on Fanschoice.tv).

Are Yamaha actually going to make an official team effort or hedge their bets like so many of the US importers do with flat track? I hope the former, if I had to bet, I'd say the latter. I hope my cynicism is unfounded.

Cycleworld.com says Yamaha are threatening track testing. Informed racewatchers already say Yamaha US golden boy JD Beach will be on it at the 2016 X Games.

I've heard talk of Indian joining the GNC but I haven't seen an official announcement. Can anyone point us to one? G

Top Photo: Greg White
Thanks to Roger for the CW link.

Springfield Mile 2 Catch-Up

Second verse, same as a the first! Springfield Mile two, the Sunday race, had a familiar ring to it. #44 Brandon Robinson won the GNX Expert twins race, from Bryan Smith and JD Beach...
Hey Axo, get your star man some leathers without kneeslider velcro on the knees!

While Shayna Texter also did the double in the Basic Twins class. I wonder what odds you'd get on those to results.

White numbers on black plates denote the Basic Twins. 

Brad Baker - came 5th. A good haul of points going into the final two rounds.

Is this a shot of the 2013 #1 chasing the 2012 #1?

Mikey (I think it's now Michael) Martin #91, made the main, got the fastest lap on his Bonneville Performance Triumph, but then pulled up midway through the race.

Bryan Smith making the lowline work. Read more about his bike in the next Sideburn.

Jared Mees was in a battle. Watch the amazing onboard of his Main race below. 

1. Robinson. 2. Smith. 3. Beach.
1, 2, 3 Kawasaki.

Next race: Santa Rosa Mile - September 29.
All photos courtesy of AMA Pro Racing.

WATCH THIS! Click the icon in the corner of the screen for full screen. Awesome action.

Springfield Mile 1 Round-Up

Because of the rain-off earlier in the year, there were two Springfield Miles back-to-back over the Labor Day weekend. Brandon Robinson, #44, picked up his second national of the year with a runaway win, a clear 5.2 second winning margin from #42 Bryan Smith.

Willie McCoy was top Harley, in fourth. This means it's the first ever (I'm pretty sure) Kawasaki 1-2-3 in a GNC race. When was the last time an XR750 wasn't on the podium in a GNC twins race? Has it ever happened in the life of that bike? 

History was also made with the inaugural running on the new Basic twins class. Shayna Texter dominated the day.

49 riders tried to make the 18-man main for the GNC Expert race. 85P, Ben knight looked sharp in these leather, but didn't make it.

Jared Mees #1 got married in the paddock on Sunday afternoon, to fellow racer, Nichole Cheza (below). The groom came 7th in the main, the bride missed out.

Henry Wiles looking stylish. Came 9th in the main losing points to all his nearest rivals.

Jake Shoemaker #55A and Briar Bauman #14, both young guns on Kawasakis. Briar's Werner-Springsteen Kawasaki was on the cover of (and inside) Sideburn 7, back when Bryan Smith was on it. 

Series leader Brad Baker, #12, had a solid 5th, but lost points to Bryan Smith and Brandon Robinson (who moved into second place in the title race). 

JD Beach #95 got another podium, his second of the year.

The Burnett Farms Kawasaki 650: ugly but fast.

Brandon won the Dash for Cash too.

1. Robinson 2. Smith 3. Beach

Springfield 2 photos soon.
All photos courtesy of AMA Pro Racing.