Tag Archives: Grand

2024 GNCC SERIES ROUND 3–HISTORY MADE!

Round 3 of the 2024 Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series  noticed  historical past within the making. Josh Toth grew to become the primary rider  to win from the second row. In so doing, Toth captured the XC2 win, whereas Johnny Girroir captured his third consecutive XC1 victory.

As the afternoon Pro race acquired underway, it was Ricky Russell charging to the primary flip to earn himself the $250 Steel City Medical Center holeshot award in Georgia. The battle was on from there because the XC1 Open Pro opponents would make their approach by means of the now cheesy, slick Georgia clay. The XC1 Open Pro battle was on because the bodily race leaders appeared to alter every lap with Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Steward Baylor main on lap one, after which FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Johnny Girroir would maintain the lead on lap two solely to search out Russell main the best way on lap three. Girroir would make the move again round Russell on lap 4 and proceed to carry the bodily lead for the remaining two laps of the race, incomes his third-straight win within the XC1 Open Pro class. However, because the XC2 250 Pro class begins a row behind the XC1 Open Pro class, there are time changes and with that point adjustment the race noticed Team Enduro Engineering’s Josh Toth main the best way for almost all of the race. Toth was additionally bodily as much as second general at one level within the race however would ultimately come by means of third general bodily and stay within the primary spot with the adjusted time. Toth would make GNCC historical past in Georgia as he grew to become the primary general winner from the XC2 250 Pro class. Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing’s Jordan Ashburn would battle again after ending simply off the rostrum on the first two races of the season. Ashburn continued to push all through the day as he discovered himself again in fourth once more at one level. Ashburn remained in second for the final couple of laps and would maintain onto that ending place within the XC1 class, whereas incomes third general on the day. Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Steward Baylor would battle again after holding the early lead after which falling again to fifth on the third lap of the race. Baylor battled again to spherical out the highest three XC1 finishers, whereas incomes fourth general on the day. Baylor continues to carry the quantity two spot within the factors standings after three races.

Johnny Girroir (FMF KTM Factory Racing) earned his third-straight XC1 win. Photo: Ken Hill

AmPro Yamaha’s Ricky Russell would come by means of to earn fourth in XC1 and fifth general on the day after grabbing the holeshot and battling on the entrance of the pack for the primary half of the race. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Craig DeLong is slowly constructing his momentum again up as he had a constant day of working inside the highest 5. DeLong would come by means of to earn fifth in XC1, and sixth general on the day. FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Dante Oliveira made his approach again to the East Coast this weekend for one more spherical of GNCC Racing the place he got here again from an eleventh place begin to end sixth within the XC1 class, twelfth general on the day. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Trevor Bollinger would additionally begin close to the again of the pack as he got here by means of in tenth on the opening lap. Bollinger would make his approach again as much as seventh in school and thirteenth general at spherical three.

Making his approach as much as eighth within the XC1 class after a foul begin was Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Grant Baylor. He would end 14th general on the day. JS Sherco Racing’s Josh Strang would end sixteenth general within the Georgia clay, and ninth within the XC1 class. Phoenix Racing Honda’s Mike Witkowski rounded out the highest 10 within the XC1 class as he got here by means of seventeenth general on the day.

XC2 250 Pro podium: Josh Toth (middle), Grant Davis (left) and Liam Draper (proper). Photo: Ken Hill

As Toth made historical past incomes the general win from the XC2 line it will be FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander’s Grant Davis coming by means of to earn second within the XC2 class, whereas additionally working his approach as much as eighth general on the day. AmPro Yamaha’s Liam Draper, defending XC2 Champion, would come again to complete ninth general on the day and spherical out the XC2 250 Pro class podium at The Specialized General GNCC.

Jhak Walker (Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing) earned the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am win. Photo: Ken Hill

In the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class it will be Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing’s Jhak Walker coming round to earn his second-straight class win of the season. Walker would seize the early lead and never look again and he got here by means of to complete 9 minutes forward of his competitors. Destructo Racing/Dixie Fuel/Total Control Suspension’s Dustin Simpson would have an excellent begin to the day as he grabbed the $100 Lojak Cycle Sales FMF XC3 holeshot award. Simpson would proceed to push, making his approach into second on lap two, and holding that place till the checkered flag flew. Husqvarna/Sidi/Fly Racing/Scott Goggle’s Zachary Davidson would battle again and discover himself rounding out the rostrum within the FMF XC3 class in Georgia.

Nick DeFeo completed seventh general, incomes the Top Amateur honors in Georgia. Photo: Ken Hill

The Specialized General Top Amateur honors would go to Team Green Kawasaki’s Nicholas DeFeo as he got here by means of to complete a formidable seventh general on the day, whereas incomes his second-straight 250 A category win. Team Green Kawasaki’s Joseph Cunningham can be second on the Top Amateur podium as he got here by means of twenty third general and earned second within the 250 A category. AmPro Yamaha’s Nathanial “Bubz” Tasha rounded out the Top Amateur podium with a 3rd in 250 A and a twenty sixth general ending place.

Shelby Turner (middle) earned her first-ever WXC class win. Rachael Archer (left) and Korie Steede (proper) completed second and third within the class. Photo: Ken Hill

When the WXC racers took off it was Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Rachael Archer getting the soar off the road to earn herself the $100 Kanati Performance Tires WXC holeshot award. However, Enduro Engineering/GASGAS/FXR Moto’s Shelby Turner was on a mission and shortly made her approach into the lead place. Turner would proceed to push every lap, attempting to separate herself from the remainder of her opponents. As the laps clicked off, Turner discovered herself headed to the checkered flag to earn her first-ever WXC class win. Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Rachael Archer and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Korie Steede would battle for the primary lap of the race, however Archer would have the ability to make the move stick on lap two and would come by means of to earn second in WXC, as Steede got here by means of to spherical out the rostrum with a 3rd within the class.

Mark Fortner would come by means of first general within the Sportsman A category, whereas Super Senior A rider, Delmi Molina, would earn fourth general on the day. Davin Shike from Alexis, Illinois would additionally earn fifth general from the 150 B Schoolboy (12-17) class.

Caleb Wood got here by means of to take his third-straight Youth Overall and YXC1 class win. Photo: Ken Hill

As the 8 am youth bike race acquired underway it will be Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Caleb Wood and Husqvarna/Moose Racing/Parts Unlimited-backed racer, Brayden Baisley battling it out as soon as once more for the youth general and YXC1 Super Mini Sr. class win in Georgia.

The pair would swap the lead place a number of instances all through the race, however Wood continued to place his head down and push for the final two laps. Wood got here by means of to earn his third-straight youth general and YXC1 class win of the season as Baisley held on to complete second general and within the class. KTM/FXR/MVR Suspension’s Ethan Harwell would battle again from a sixth place begin on the day to ending third general and within the YXC1 class.

In the YXC2 Super Mini Jr. class it was Travis Lentz making his approach into the lead after coming round in fifth on the opening lap. Lentz would proceed to carry the lead for the remainder of the race, coming by means of with over a 3 minute lead, and incomes his third-straight YXC2 class win. Phillip Arnold and Nash Peerson would transfer as much as second and third solely to battle one another for the final two podium positions all through the race. Arnold would maintain on to earn second in YXC2, whereas Peerson got here by means of in third.

Colton McQuarrie would come by means of to earn the 85 Big Wheel (11-15) class win, whereas Ace Tokar took residence the 85 (12-15) class win from Georgia. Wyatt Johnson battled again to earn the 85 (11) class win and within the 85 (7-10) class it was Brody Haugh incomes the category win at spherical three. Shawn Remington Jr. would come by means of to clinch the 65 (10-11) class win, with Todd Toland taking the 65 (9) class win and Krue Russell incomes the 65 (7-8) class win. Jayden Shea would earn her first win within the Girls Super Mini (12-16) class this season, as Sahara Robinson earned her third-straight win within the Girls 85 (7-13) class. Paisley Harris would additionally earn her first win within the Girls 65 (7-11) class, whereas Brysun Scott tried his hand at GNCC Racing and earned the Trail Rider (7-15) class win at The Specialized General GNCC.

Casey Campbell was honored because the AMSOIL Moto Hero at The Specialized General GNCC. Photo: Ken Hill

The AMSOIL Moto Hero at The Specialized General GNCC was awarded to Casey Campbell from Andersonville, Tennessee. Casey is Staff Sergeant within the Air Force. He is a part of the Tactical Response Force and SeeSAR for the twentieth Air Force Global Strike Command. Casey acquired a $250 AMSOIL Shopping Spree, a $500 Kanati Performance Tires reward certificates a commemorative American flag courtesy of Columbia Flag and Sign Co. in addition to a $200 reward certificates from them. He additionally acquired a Fasst American Flag Flex bar pad, and t-shirt courtesy of Fasst Company.

The fourth spherical of the 2024 Progressive GNCC Racing Series will happen on March 23 and 24 in Society Hill, South Carolina with the FMF Camp Coker Bullet GNCC at Moree’s Sportsman’s Preserve. ATVs and Micros race on Saturday and Motorcycles take to the course on Sunday. For extra data on the Camp Coker Bullet GNCC, click on HERE. To buy on-line admission tickets for the occasion, go to https://www.tixr.com/groups/gnccracing.

The Specialized General Overall Podium: Josh Toth (middle), Johnny Girroir (left) and Jordan Ashburn (proper). Photo: Ken Hill
Catch GNCC Pro ATV and Motorcycle Racing free by way of RacerTV.com all season lengthy. Pro ATV Racing begins Saturday’s at 2pm ET, except for Big Buck, Snowshoe and Ironman occasions the place they may begin at 1pm ET. GNCC Pro Motorcycle Racing will start at 1pm ET on Sunday’s. Later within the yr GNCC Racing will premiere on MAVTV with occasion spotlight episodes.

For extra data on the GNCC collection, go to the official web site at www.gnccracing.com or name (304) 284-0084. Join the dialog on the collection Facebook web page, comply with us on Twitter and Instagram, and make sure to all the time hashtag #GNCC.

Facebook: @gnccracing
Instagram: @gncc_racing
Twitter: @gnccracing
YouTube: @racertv

The Specialized General XC1 Open Pro Podium: Johnny Girroir (middle), Jordan Ashburn (proper) and Steward Baylor (left). Photo: Ken Hill

XC1 Pro Event Results:

Jonathan Girroir (KTM)
Jordan Ashburn (GAS)
Steward Baylor (KAW)
Ricky Russell (YAM)
Craig DeLong (HQV)
Dante Oliveira (KTM)
Trevor Bollinger (HQV)
Grant Baylor (KAW)
Josh Strang (SHR)
Michael Witkowski (HON)

*Overall National Championship Standings:

Jonathan Girroir (85)
Steward Baylor (64)
Jordan Ashburn (54)
Grant Davis (50)
Angus Riordan (42)
Joshua Toth (36)
Evan Smith (30)
Ricky Russell (29)
Trevor Bollinger (29)
Grant Baylor (28)
*Indicates that the Overall National Championship Standings will decide the 2024 National Champion.

XC2 250 Pro Event Results:

Josh Toth (HON)
Grant Davis (KTM)
Liam Draper (YAM)
Angus Riordan (KTM)
Brody Johnson (HON)
Cody Barnes (HON)
Jason Lipscomb (BET)
Toby Cleveland (HQV)
Jesse Ansley (KAW)
Ruy Barbosa (HON)

XC2 250 Pro Series Standings:

Angus Riordan (76)
Grant Davis (73)
Joshua Toth (59)
Liam Draper (52)
Jesse Ansley (43)
Ruy Barbosa (37)
Brody Johnson (36)
Cody Barnes (34)
Toby Cleveland (34)
Tyler Palmer (34)

History And Mystery Of The Harley-Davidson XR750

Summary

  • The XR750 was Harley-Davidson’s most profitable bike constructed for the race observe.
  • It has gained 28 of the 37 AMA Grand National Championships from 1972 to 2008.
  • This was the bike of alternative of legendary American stuntman Evel Knievel for his many death-defying jumps and stunts.

If you possibly can rely the variety of iconic bikes Harley-Davidson has produced within the final 120+ years, you would want extra fingers and toes. One specific mannequin that thrived on pure adrenaline on racetracks is the legendary XR750. With a wealthy historical past within the dust and dust, it was born in 1970 as an engineering marvel to exchange the outgoing KR750 because the new-and-improved race-ready observe bike.

For over 50 years, the naturally athletic XR750 would show itself time and time once more as a pressure to be reckoned with. Powered by a Sportster-based engine, this bike utilized cast-iron heads and cylinders, a magneto as a substitute of a generator, and improved oiling. By 1972, a extra highly effective all-aluminum alloy engine was launched to the XR750. With a extra highly effective drivetrain and nimble nature, this bike would dominate racetracks up till 2008, successful 28 out of 37 AMA Grand National Championships. This earned it the title of “the winningest motorcycle in AMA Pro Racing motorcycle history.” Today, we glance again at its glory days.

The following article was primarily based on the XR750’s historical past as a part of the Harley-Davidson lineup, and general driving expertise sourced from OldBikeBarn.com , ClassicMotorcycleBuild.com , National Mecum Museum , and Harley-Davidson .

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Brits Inspired AMA To Build Bikes Up To 750cc

Leading as much as the event of the XR750, British producers and racers influenced the AMA to function bikes with engines as much as 750cc during which each facet and overhead valves might participate within the races. In response, the racing and engineering minds at Harley-Davidson felt compelled to give you a brand new bike that may very well be a critical contender on the observe towards the English. Harley-Davidson Race Team Manager Dick O’Brian and his staff helped design the XR750 that may not solely go on to exchange the KR750, however would additionally proceed to be one of many highest-performing motorcycles in the world of competitive racing.

The 45 Degree V-Twin Aluminum OHV Engine Was The Beating Heart of the XR750

1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 right side detail
Harley-Davidson

At the time of its inception, Harley-Davidson’s line of XLRs came equipped with 900cc V-twin engines. In order to satisfy race spec calls for to have the XR750 qualify, Harley’s racing staff wanted to discover a approach to tone down the Sportster engine’s energy output, and nonetheless be the highest-performing bike on the observe. After some tinkering with the bore and stroke, engineers have been efficiently capable of dial it again to 750cc.

For a motorbike meant to be highly effective, gentle, and nimble on the observe, Harley-Davidson made the clever resolution of growing the XR750’s 45 Degree Aluminum V-Twin engine primarily based on its pre-existing Sportster engine. In 1972, Harley improved upon the XR750 by changing the forged iron heads with aluminum alloy to be lighter and extra heat-resistant, in addition to some tinkering with the bores and stroke to pack in a number of extra horses.

1972 Harley-Davidson XR750 Engine Specs

Engine

45 Degree Aluminum V-Twin OHV

Horsepower

80 HP

Torque

26.1 lb-ft

Bore and Stroke

3.1 in × 3.0 in

Displacement

750cc

Compression Ratio

10.5:1

Transmission

4-speed

Fuel Capacity

2.5 gal

The XR750 Needed Work Done Before It Could Race

Harley-Davidson XR750 engine close-up
Harley-Davidson

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10 Most Luxurious Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever Made

Harley is a premium model, and it has had some tremendous extravagant bikes in its over a century-long life

Make no mistake. Just as a result of the XR750 has gone down in historical past as a profitable bike in AMA Pro Racing does not imply it occurred in a single day. Like any professional athlete, the Harley-Davidson racing staff wanted to do quite a lot of analysis, trial, and error earlier than they have been capable of engineer the XR750 into racing perfection. The authentic mannequin utilized cast-iron heads, which proved to be problematic as a result of their tendency to overheat except ridden in cooler climate. In addition, ought to the metallic calm down too rapidly, the heads might probably crack. While the unique XR750 faired effectively briefly races and funky climates, something hotter or longer would danger malfunctioning.

By 1972, Harley-Davidson improved upon the XR750’s overheating drawback by changing the cast-iron heads with aluminum. This metallic proved itself to be each lighter and extra heat-resistant, permitting riders to push the bike more durable throughout longer races with out inflicting additional injury. The engine was additionally positioned as distant from the carburetor as attainable to assist with the bike’s cool-down. By stopping the bike from heating up as rapidly because it used to, the XR750 was capable of keep at a extra secure temperature for longer intervals.

XR7502

Engineers additionally wanted the bike to slim down, too. In addition to the aluminum heads, Harley engineers launched aluminum spoked wheel rims, a 2.5-gallon fiberglass gasoline tank, and a light-weight fiberglass seat. With these modifications, the XR750 utterly annihilated the competitors. Today, Harley-Davidson continues to be an energetic contender on the racetrack. But somewhat than the XR750, the race staff swimming pools their vitality, time, and sources into their model of a high-performance Road Glide for the popular King of the Baggers race series.

The XR750 Was Popularized by Evel Knievel

Having a popularity for being one of the unbeatable bikes on the racetrack was already an enormous enhance for the XR750. But when it grew to become the bike of alternative for legendary stuntman Evel Knievel, that’s when its recognition actually and figuratively took off. He properly went with the newer model of the XR750 as a result of it being lighter than the unique (a extra aerodynamic choice when performing his death-defying stunts).

Evel Kinevel on Harley-Davidson XR750 Mecum Flyer
Mecum

As quickly as avid followers noticed the bike that Knievel was utilizing to leap every little thing from a number of automobiles, Greyhound buses, and Mac vehicles, everybody needed to be like him. So what higher manner than to get their palms on the identical bike that he was driving? Whether they have been capable of stick the landings in addition to him relied on who was making an attempt the jumps, although.

1972 Harley-Davidson XR750 Specs

Frame

Steel twin loop full cradle

Suspension

Front: Ceriani telescopic fork, Rear: 2x Girling shocks

Brakes

Front: none, Rear: elective

Tires

Spoked wheels, aluminum spoked rims, 4 in x 19 in

Rake, path

26 levels, 3.44 in

Wheelbase

56.76 in

Seat Height

31 in

Weight

295 lbs

50 Years of Excellence

1975 Harley-Davidson XR750
Harley-Davidson

With over 5 a long time of victories below its belt, the Harley-Davidson XR750 secured itself a spot in bike historical past as one of the legendary bikes to ever hit the observe and the streets. After all, a light-weight weight, with a robust race engine constructed to spec, and a refined cooling system, the XR750 had perfected a recipe for fulfillment that proved itself time and again as a critical contender.

While it was an enormous cultural sensation within the U.S., its legend prolonged to different avid followers internationally as effectively. Though its manufacturing was finally discontinued in 2013, the XR750 achieved such an iconic standing within the motorcycling world that it stays a success within the used market.

Today’s Successors

Harley-Davidson’s XR750 by itself might be argued to be in a category completely of its personal. One half Sportster, one half race bike, and one half off-roader. It was the right end result of a number of parts that made it one of many producer’s most profitable fashions in its 120+ yr historical past. Even after 50 years of manufacturing, this bike nonetheless carries a wealthy historical past of excellence. Though now not in manufacturing, components of the XR750’s DNA might be seen in a few of immediately’s newer fashions.

2022 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Off-Road
Harley-Davidson

Following in its dirt-ridden tire tracks is Harley’s first ADV mannequin, the Pan America. Able to dominate the streets in addition to robust terrain, this bike dons the mighty Revolution Max 1250 engine that has sufficient horsepower and torque to achieve 60mph in 3.4 seconds. The identical might be mentioned for Harley’s revamped line of Sportsters. The Sportster S follows the XR750’s flat observe components, all whereas being as gentle as attainable. This makes them the lightest variations of the Sportster class in Harley-Davidson historical past.

Harley-Davidson XR750 Key Features

  • 750cc air-cooled V-Twin engine
  • 4-speed transmission
  • Won 28 of 37 AMA Grand National Championships
  • Lightweight, heat-resistant aluminum heads
  • Chain drive

Maruti Grand Vitara Surpassed Hyundai Creta & Kia Seltos As The Best-selling Compact SUV In January 2024

Only two SUVs, the Maruti Grand Vitara and the Hyundai Creta, have surpassed the gross sales mark of 10,000 items

In January, over 46,000 compact SUVs had been offered in India, with the phase experiencing a month-on-month (MoM) progress of over 12 %. The Maruti Grand Vitara emerged because the top-selling compact SUV in its phase, intently adopted by the Hyundai Creta. Now, let’s delve into the gross sales efficiency of every compact SUV final month.

Compact SUVs & crossovers

 

January 2024

December 2023

MoM Growth

Market share present(%)

Market share (% final 12 months)

YoY mkt share (%)

Average gross sales (6 months)

Maruti Grand Vitara

13438

6988

92.3

28.76

23.94

4.82

9732

Hyundai Creta

13212

9243

42.94

28.27

41.55

-13.28

12458

Kia Seltos

6391

9957

-35.81

13.67

28.93

-15.26

10833

Toyota Hyryder

5543

4976

11.39

11.86

11.59

0.27

3880

Honda Elevate

4586

4376

4.79

9.81

0

9.81

3766

Volkswagen Taigun

1275

2456

-48.08

2.72

4.02

-1.3

1981

Skoda Kushaq

1082

2485

-56.45

2.31

5.56

-3.25

2317

MG Astor

966

821

17.66

2.06

2.64

-0.58

868

Citroen C3 Aircross

231

339

-31.85

0.49

0

0.49

98

Total

46724

41641

12.2

99.95

     

Key Takeaways

  • The Maruti Grand Vitara emerged as the very best promoting compact SUV in January 2024, with over 13,400 items offered. The Grand Vitara has additionally registered the best MoM progress of 92 %, and likewise holds the best market share within the phase. 

2024 Hyundai Creta

  • After the Grand Vitara, the Hyundai Creta is the one SUV to have crossed the gross sales mark of 10,000 items, with a complete of 13,212 items retailed in January. Despite registering a optimistic progress of almost 43 % in month-to-month gross sales, the Creta noticed its year-on-year market share lower by greater than 13 %.

  • The Kia Seltos‘ gross sales slowed down, attracting solely round 6,400 patrons in January 2024, which is over 3,500 items lower than December 2023. In reality, its January 2024 gross sales had been roughly 4,500 items lower than the common gross sales of the final six months.

  • Maruti Grand Vitara’s stablemate, the Toyota Hyryder took the fourth spot within the gross sales desk with over 5,543 items offered. The Toyota SUV registered a optimistic MoM progress of greater than 11 %. 

Also Check Out: Maruti Ertiga Vs Toyota Rumion Vs Maruti XL6: Waiting Period Comparison February 2024

Honda Elevate

  • With greater than 4,500 items retailed, the Honda Elevate registered a MoM progress of greater than 4.5 % in January 2024 gross sales. The Elevate was launched in September 2023 because the all new providing from Honda, and its present market share stands at 9.8 %.

  • Both Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun skilled MoM losses of round 48 % and round 56 % in January 2024 gross sales, respectively. Combined, greater than 2,300 items of the Taigun and Kushaq had been offered final month.

  • Despite experiencing a slight progress of almost 18 % in month-to-month gross sales, the MG Astor nonetheless falls wanting reaching the 1,000 items gross sales mark.

  • The Citroen C3 Aircross stays the bottom promoting mannequin within the phase in January 2024, with its gross sales totalling at 231 items.

Read More on : Maruti Grand Vitara on road price

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Is Up To $4,595 Cheaper Than Before

New autos are costlier than ever. There’s one exception, although: The Jeep Grand Cherokee. In a stunning transfer, Jeep has taken a huge pink pen to the underside line of most Grand Cherokee trim ranges for 2024. You can anticipate a $2,000 year-over-year worth drop on low and midrange trims, a $3,500 low cost for Limited, and at $4,000 minimize for the Summit trim. Step as much as the range-topping Summit Reserve and the value drop is even bigger: $4,595.

That means the costliest Grand Cherokee trim now has a beginning worth beneath $70,000, even after the $1,795 vacation spot cost. It’s value mentioning the identical worth minimize applies to the three-row Summit Reserve, although it clocks in a couple of dollars over $70,000. The worth cuts apply to three-row fashions all through the lineup, in addition to these with a selection of two-wheel or four-wheel drive. The solely Grand Cherokee trims not packing a worth drop are the entry-level Laredo A, and the hybrid 4xe variations.

Super-GT mega take a look at: Aston Martin vs Ferrari vs Maserati

There’s some debate about precisely who invented the grand touring coupé however little or no about the place, in nationwide phrases, it occurred.

The well-liked response to the query of what the primary and defining instance was is the 1951 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT (additional credit score if you happen to reel off the whole thing in a mockney twang, like Paul Whitehouse in his grocer’s apron).

It may have been the 1948 Ferrari 166 Inter, although, or the 1947 Maserati A6 – or one thing pre-war, even. Wherever the credit score finally involves relaxation, nevertheless, the gran turismo was positively given life after which popularised in Italy.

And reasonably regrettably, it may need simply been slaughtered in Warwickshire. That’s as a result of, so far as Aston Martin is anxious, the grand tourer idea, though wonderful for the likes of its personal DB5, Mercedes-Benz’s 300 SL, Jaguar’s E-Type and Ferrari’s Daytona, simply isn’t ‘grand’ sufficient to successfully describe its new DB12.

We’re to name this a brilliant tourer, apparently.

Introducing the Aston Martin DB12, Maserati Granturismo, and Ferrari Roma 

Quick hyperlinks: IntroductionExterior designPowertrainsInteriorsDriving dynamicsVerdictFull specs

Luckily, we will now depart Aston’s advertising spiel far behind, as a result of this broadly up to date coupé is about to check its value by turning into the British beef in an Italian panino sandwich.

On one flank is the brand-new Maserati Granturismo Trofeo, on take a look at right here in left-hand-drive kind however as a consequence of arrive within the UK very quickly in right-hand drive.

On the opposite is the automobile that its DB11 predecessor may by no means fairly topple: the painfully fairly, splendidly agile and demonstrative Ferrari Roma.

Whatever you need from a GT, be it magnificence, magnificence, pedigree, tempo, luxurious, touring practicality, pleasure, noise or simply essentially the most worshipful standing within the golf membership automobile park, you can find it right here.

Future of F1 British Grand Prix safe till 2034

The British Grand Prix will stay on the Formula 1 calendar till at the least 2034 after Silverstone secured a 10-year extension to its present deal.

The new deal secures the long-term way forward for the occasion on the 3.6-mile Northamptonshire circuit, which hosted the first-ever spherical of the Formula 1 World Championship in 1950.

A document 480,000 followers attended the occasion throughout the weekend final yr.

Silverstone’s present deal was because of expire on the finish of the 2024 F1 season, making it the final remaining race on the schedule but to safe a long-term deal.

While the British GP is a cornerstone of the calendar, F1 bosses had launched a collection of recent races on road circuits in recent times, together with Miami and Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the Spanish GP will swap from Barcelona to a brand new road circuit round a conference centre on the outskirts of Madrid.

Peter Digby, chairman of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, which owns Silverstone, mentioned the extension “will provide a solid base for the further development of the venue as we continue to improve and transform the circuit into a year-round international motorsport and leisure destination”.

F1 boss Stefano Domenicali added that he was “delighted” with the deal, calling Silverstone “an iconic venue at the heart of F1 history”.

F1 chiefs have labored lately to safe long-term offers with many established occasions.

The Japanese GP lately secured an extension to run at Suzuka till 2029 and the Austrian, Canadian, Hungarian and Australian GPs have all secured offers operating to 2030 or past.

The races in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain all have offers of comparable lengths.

The F1 calendar has been expanded in recent times to accommodate the brand new races, and this yr will function a document 24 occasions.

This yr’s British GP is about to happen on 7 July.

2024 HONDA TRANSALP 700 RIDING IMPRESSION

Grand adventures come simply to the rich. These are the individuals who can afford the Himalayan journey of a lifetime with chase vans and caravans each single summer time. They don’t blink at $30,000 bikes and satellite tv for pc telephones. We do, although. Luckily, there are adventures that aren’t restricted to the elite and their checkbooks, and so they come aboard bikes like the brand new Honda XL750 Transalp.

The Transalp is a motorcycle designed with the solitary purpose of opening up modest journey rides to individuals who work for a residing. It’s all concerning the value; the Transalp has a producer’s steered retail value of $9,999. That’s really lower than the CRF450RL dual-sport bike. It’s nonetheless a 749cc parallel twin that places out round 80 horsepower and presents plenty of digital driving aides. It’s the kind of bike that you simply experience to your journey after which experience dwelling afterwards.

ADVENTURE THEN AND NOW
The Transalp identify is recycled from a really comparable bike that was provided in 1987. That was a 600cc V-twin with an idea that baffled most Americans. We noticed it as a tribute to an obscure stage race that began in Paris, France, and completed in Dakar, Senegal. No one knew it was an journey bike—that time period hadn’t been coined but. That bike quietly disappeared within the U.S. however remained in Europe, morphing by a number of configurations. Now, it’s a special world. Honda estimates that the marketplace for journey bikes grew 400 p.c within the final 5 years. It isn’t essentially as a result of avenue riders discovered a brand new love for driving within the filth. Most of the ADV bikes in the true world current riders with a snug means for touring and commuting. They purchase into the picture and the maybe-one-day chance of journey rides.

Today’s Transalp is designed to attraction to that rider, after which if and when maybe-one-day arrives, it will probably ship on the promise. It has an inline two-cylinder motor with a single overhead cam utilizing Honda’s Unicam configuration. The crank pins are offset at 270 levels for the aim of offering an uneven pulse, just like that of a V-twin. The suspension is Showa with adjustable preload and slightly below 8 inches of journey. What actually units the Transalp aside from different journey bikes on this value vary is its digital portfolio. The bike has 4 predetermined “ride modes.” A handlebar change lets you cycle by Standard, Sport, Rain and Gravel settings. Each has its personal ranges of energy output, traction management, engine braking and antilock braking. In addition to these user-defined place the place you set your individual values. The energy setting doesn’t really regulate peak energy as a lot as throttle sensitivity. Traction management has 5 ranges to select from, engine braking has 4, and there are 3 ways to set ABS: street, off-road and off. Even when turned off, entrance wheel anti-lock stays energetic.

Honda gave the Transalp a reasonably refined electronics portfolio. The motor has a candy nature, even with none digital intervention.
PA WILDS
Honda’s press division launched the Transalp in a very blue-collar method. They deliberate out a Backroads Discovery Route in rural Pennsylvania referred to as the “PA Wilds BDR-X.” In case you don’t already find out about Backroads Discovery Routes, that is the right means to make epic rides accessible to nearly anybody. BDR is a non-profit group that posts monitor logs and sources for filth rides throughout America. There are over a dozen point-to-point rides posted with gasoline stops and mileages all found out. There are additionally just a few loops that start and finish in the identical location. These are referred to as “BDR-X” routes, and PA Wilds is a type of. It wasn’t fairly the alps, however we did it in October and bought the easiest that autumn in Pennsylvania has to supply.

If something defines an journey bike, it’s the rider place. The Transalp positions you kind of upright, together with your knees simply previous 90 levels and your heels effectively in entrance of your hips. You sit in a pocket to maintain the seat peak down, however that limits mobility for off-road driving. Very typical of the breed, and all of the extra motive to face up whenever you get into the filth. Once you get your butt off the seat, the format feels about excellent. The bars are moderately excessive, and the foot controls are all positioned effectively (when you take away the usual footpeg rubbers).

As you may count on, Honda will likely be completely satisfied to equip the Transalp with plenty of equipment. This one has the journey circumstances. Our check bike had engine guards and a skid plate. We additionally put in full knobby tires earlier than we rode.

The filth roads on PA Wilds vary from completely easy and degree to sections of two-track with rocks and hills that will be difficult for a full-fledged filth bike. Even with none of the digital aides in play, the Transalp has a easy energy supply that begins simply above idle. At superlow velocity, the bike doesn’t chug or stall. It has glorious torque and is completely completely satisfied operating at low rpm for lengthy stretches. Then, when the street straightens out, it has loads of energy all the way in which as much as over 10,000 rpm. To filth bike guys, the Transalp may as effectively be a top-fuel dragster. It has all the facility that you’d ever want off-road. By avenue bike requirements, although, it’s really fairly modest. A 750 sport bike has a peak output round 40 horsepower larger and revs a great 3,000 rpm greater. No one needs that within the filth.

With such a fair, easy energy supply, the necessity for any digital means to regulate it, frankly, isn’t that large of a deal for even an intermediate rider. If you have got a good quantity of expertise, then the very best setting for many conditions is to enter the user-defined settings and switch energy up, traction management down and antilock braking off. Toning down the throttle sensitivity is just helpful in rolling, free rocks, however the Honda has such a nice nature that you simply won’t even discover. Traction management is a extra sophisticated topic. It’s primarily designed to maintain inexperienced riders out of bother. In its most aggressive state, it makes the motor stumble any time it senses wheelspin. That’s helpful on moist pavement, however can really trigger you to lose invaluable momentum off-road. If you flip it all the way down to one-third energy, it’s more practical. In that setting it can really allow you to drift the rear finish barely. Still, it’s not efficient at low speeds the place you’re merely attempting to keep up ahead motion. For that, the very best setting is to show all of it the way in which off. You can solely do that within the user-defined settings, and even then, it resets when you flip off the important thing. It must be arrange once more each time you begin. Same goes for turning off the rear-wheel anti-lock.

The Transalp takes its identify from a 600cc V-twin within the ’80s. No one was prepared for it then.

Of the 4 predetermined maps, the very best for off-road driving is Sport. That turns down traction management and engine braking, turns up throttle response, and leaves anti-lock in full avenue mode. Gravel mode has an excessive amount of traction management and never sufficient throttle response. Rain mode is just for the very worst climate. Our recommendation in that state of affairs is to discover a McDonald’s and wait it out.

One digital function that Honda couldn’t provide on this value vary was suspension adjustability. The Showa suspension is what it’s with solely preload adjustment. It’s really superb for low-speed rock sections. It’s comfortable and doesn’t do something bizarre. When you get on quick roads round 40 mph, you must preserve your eyes open. If there’s an enormous ditch or a rut, the Honda will take it, however it’s not fairly.

ADVENTURE
Most of the darkish journey that comes on journey rides is pointless and the results of poor planning and arrange. If you’ll go on actual off-road journeys, you’ll have to get plenty of equipment. Our bike was outfitted with non-stock tires—Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross entrance and rear. It additionally had Honda’s accent skid plate and engine guards. To are available at this value, the Transalp is principally stripped, and you must make it just a little extra dirt-worthy by yourself. That’s acceptable, however Honda will promote a ton of those to these weekenders who’re ready for that maybe-some-day experience. Whether or not that day comes, the Transalp is completely prepared and succesful.

Hyundai Made Its Own Version Of The GTA VI Trailer And It’s Actually Not Cringe

Can’t anticipate the Grand Theft Auto VI? You’re not alone, as a result of Hyundai simply dropped its personal model of the crime-focused online game franchise with a brief video that’s – dare we are saying – criminally humorous.

It’s clear Hyundai’s 2024 WRC groups aren’t hurting for a humorousness. WRC champion Ott Tanak and teammate Thierry Neuville are the “partners” on this quick spoof, which mirrors the trailer for GTA VI proper all the way down to the music, voices, and to some extent, the scenes. No, you will not see a girl twerking atop a automobile on the freeway, however you will see Tanak’s co-driver Martin Jarveoja placing a picturesque pose, albeit with out flowing blonde hair or bikini.

Hyundai GTA 6 Spoof
Hyundai GTA 6 Spoof

The GTA VI trailer at present has virtually 170 million views on YouTube, so should you’re on the lookout for a video catchy sufficient to spoof, it is definitely a good selection. And as we see above (for higher or worse) it isn’t only a collection of present soar cuts displaying Hyundai rally automobiles in motion. Okay, it is largely that, however then we get that tender scene between Tanak and Neuville on the finish, pledging belief to one another earlier than busting by doorways with energy instruments on the prepared. Curiously, Tanak’s voice is significantly deeper than it was initially, however that is not the purpose. We’re speaking comedy, in spite of everything. And this video makes us smile.

We give Hyundai credit score for pondering outdoors the field. With the 2024 WRC season kicking off on the finish of January, it is a intelligent method to get some pre-race consideration. The groups of Tanak and Jarveoja together with Neuville and co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe will drive the i20 N Rally1 Hybrid for the total season. But Hyundai is not essentially making ready for a dominating run within the WRC. While a championship would definitely be good, Hyundai Motorsport mentioned in a press release that the crew “views the upcoming season as another important step towards its goal for 2025 and 2026 – to be the manufacturer to beat in WRC.”

And if that does not work out, there are at all times alternatives in Vice City.

2024 NGPC ROUND 1 PRO RACE RESULTS: DELANO DOESN’T DISAPPOINT

FMF KTM Factory Racing rider Dante Oliveira has opened the 2024 AMA National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) with a Pro Class victory at Round 1 in Delano California . Oliveira was locked in a race lengthy battle with Beta mounted Dare Demartile for the highest spot. Justin Hoeft, Cole Martinez, Mateo Oliveira, Ryan Surratt and others weren’t far behind all the 90 minute predominant occasion. You can see all the race action here!

Defending champ Dante Oliveira got here out swinging profitable a tough fought spherical one.

Beta mounted Dare Demartile in on fireplace proper now! He lead most the race and seemed very snug on the bike. He completed within the runner up spot however undoubtedly has the velocity to win.

Justin Hoeft put his Purvines Yamaha on the rostrum in third.

SLR Honda’s Cole Martinez was within the combine for the win and finally completed simply off the rostrum in 4th.

Mateo Oliveira rounded out the highest 5 aboard his manufacturing facility Red Bull KTM.

Ryan Surratt with out an official journey this yr borrowed an engine SLR simply to race the occasion and completed sixth.

Tyler Lynn is new to the SLR Honda workforce and completed a robust seventh on the opener.

Trevor Stewart has a brand new search for 2024 and completed eighth at spherical 1.

Vet racing famous person Giacomo Redondi combined it up within the premier class ending a strong ninth aboard his Gas Gas .

New to the open professional class Purvines Yamaha Jack Simpson rounded out the highest 10.

THE WEEKLY FEED: NEW YEAR CHEERS • MAXIMUM MOTO • TORSTEN HALLMAN BITD

Torsten Hallman was a serious catalyst to the expansion of motocross. In his profession he had 37 Grand Prix victories, 5 Trophée des Nations victories (1963, 1964, 1966, 1967 and 1968), 4 250cc Motocross World titles and 4 250cc Swedish National Motocross championships (1961, 1962, 1963 and 1965)

Torsten had a novel fashion which was easy, and used his whole physique to be very environment friendly whereas utilizing his legs to assist suck up the jumps. This saved him decrease, quicker and again to the bottom faster than his competitors. Five-time World Champion, Roger DeCoster believed that Hallman’s using fashion as having influenced his personal using habits.

His profession at Husqvarna began in 1960 with a full sponsorship to race the European Motocross Championships. Greeves mounted Dave Bickers received, whereas Torsten completed seventh after lacking occasions from a damaged collarbone. He improved to fourth within the 1961 250cc European Motocross Championship, with Bickers repeating as champion. Hallman was the highest factors scorer at 1961 Trophée des Nations, serving to the Swedish workforce place second behind the British workforce.  Husqvarna nearly stopped bike manufacturing when enterprise waned. They knowledgeable Torsten that their bike growth would cease and that he ought to search employment elsewhere. He almost signed with Greeves however on the final minute Husqvarna administration discovered the funding to put money into an all-new 4-speed 250 2-stroke.

Torsten Hallman remained at Husqvarna and helped growth of the brand new bike whereas competing within the World Championships. Husqvarna grew to become one of many first bike producers to undertake two-stroke engine expertise.

Here’s DeCoster utilizing the leaping fashion of Torsten Hallman. Roger believed that absorbing jumps along with your legs saved the bike decrease and allowed for faster energy to the bottom.

some weeks later…

STEW ON THIS!

I’ve ridden loads of path with this maniac- Mark “Mental” Mangold. I took this shot of him again in 2015, enjoying within the frosting on his twin sport bike. He and I’m going again to 1974 once I met him once I working for O’Neal as a highway rep and he labored on the Kawasaki Dealership in Lancaster, CA.

Back in 2012 I spent loads of time on the Husaberg 300. Naturally the machine was a redressed KTM, and this specific unit I had labored with Bones at Pro Circuit and match it with a Showa fork and shock. My buddy Mr. Kramer snapped the pic.