Just when it looked like there would not be a 2020 AMA Supermoto National Championship, a weekend series has been created. On November 7 and 8, supermoto riders from across the United States will converge on Musselman Honda Circuit in Tucson to determine who will boast #1 plates next year. The design of the 13-turn Musselman Honda Circuit mimics Japan’s Suzuka South Circuit.There will be two points-paying races per day, making for a four-race series. Five classes national championship classes will be run by promotor DRT Racing: Open Pro, Lites, National Amateur, Sportsman MX, and Kids.
The original six-round series was canceled due to government regulations in response to COVID-19. There is no word yet on whether or not spectators will be allowed to attend the races at Musselman Honda Circuit. Currently, state and local regulations prevent spectators at the facility, with a face mask required for entry.KTM-mounted Gage McAllister is the defending AMA Supermoto National Champion. McAllister won all 11 points-paying races in 2019. McAllister will be challenged by podium regular Jake LaForge, who campaigned on a Husqvarna last year. With five podiums on a KTM last year, Tommy Lemieux is also in the mix for the 2020 title.“The AMA, the organizer, and the racers are ready to get this competition underway,” AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant said. “DRT Racing and the venue will be adhering to all state and local guidelines and directives related to the coronavirus to help ensure a safe weekend for all.”Photo by Bradley M. Petruchik“We are honored to have this opportunity in bringing supermoto to the people,” said DRT Racing President Alex Mock. “Thank you to those who support the sport and the passion for two wheels racing.”The announcement of the 2020 AMA Supermoto National Championship Series comes on the heels of the debut of the 2021 KTM 450 SMR supermoto racebike.
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—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In our second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with Thom Beers, the former Chairman & CEO of Fremantle Media North America, responsible for American Idol and America’s Got Talent. Thom’s astonishing resume as a Producer, Director, and actor, includes narrating many, many of the shows he’s created.
His fertile imagination led to most of the really big reality TV shows, and of course for us in the motorcycle world, you’ll be interested to hear the genesis and story behind his Jesse James show, ‘Monster Garage’, as well as the ‘Biker Build Off’ and ‘Zombie Choppers’ TV shows. Teejay’s chat with Thom gives us some amazing insight into other areas of Thom’s career, including ‘Deadliest Catch’ and others.
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. I for one, was fascinated; I hope you are too.
