For 2018, MotoAmerica has replaced its spec-class KTM RC Cup with the Junior Cup Series. The 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Series is now open to all manufacturers, including Yamaha.Graves Motorsports will field nine riders aboard YZF-R3 sportbikes during the 2018 Junior Cup. The first of nine, Jackson Blackmon, was showcased this week in the below video.
At just 16-years old, Blackmon, of South Carolina, already has numerous accomplishments in motorcycle racing. The highlights of his career include:
2015 Youth Road Racer of the Year
2017 Yamaha R3 Cup Champion
4th Overall in 2018 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup; claimed seven podiums, including three wins.
Blackmon has sponsorship from RiderzLaw Racing, AGV/Dainese, SBS, FinishLine Machine, FF Racing, XT Racing, Fast Bike Industries, Drippin Wet and GWR.For more, visit Jackson Blackmon Racing and Graves Motorsports.
Our first segment introduces you to the new Arch 1s. This latest, slightly more sporting American V-twin, adds to the original KRGT1 coming from the boutique manufacturer based in Hawthorne, Southern California. Senior Editor Nic de Sena rode through Malibu with Gard Hollinger, who co-founded Arch Motorcycle with his friend, Keanu Reeves. The 1s is a unique ride for sure, and Nic explains what makes the bike really stand out.
For the entertaining story behind Arch Motorcycle from Gard Hollinger himself, you must listen to his podcast episode on Motos & Friends HERE
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The guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—visit your local dealer or suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In our second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with multiple Emmy award-winning writer, Producer, Director, and actor, Thom Beers. the former Chairman & CEO of Fremantle Media North America, responsible for American Idol and America’s Got Talent.
Thom’s fertile imagination led to most of the really big reality TV shows such as ‘Deadliest Catch’ (now in its 17th season!), and many others. Of course for us in the motorcycle world, you’ll be interested to hear the genesis and story of how he started the first real fabrication reality show ‘Monster Garage’, that showcased Jesse James, and then how that led to ‘Biker Build Off’ and the ‘Zombie Choppers’ movie.
You’d imagine that most of Thom’s time is spent sitting behind a desk and on his phone. Not so. His intense stories of capturing much of the content for these shows make for some hair-raising listening.
