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Brian Binkert’s heavily-modified F-150 near the start of the Trail of Missions

Brian “Bink” Binkert has traveled around the Baja peninsula hundreds of times, shooting photographs and otherwise representing the clients of his company, Bink Designs -- but always during an off-road race. What he wanted was to tour Baja at a more leisurely pace and travel to places that aren’t on the race courses. The perfect opportunity was The Monster Energy Trail of Missions, a tour organized each year by the enterprising Cameron Steele of Desert Assassins. Brian decided to enter his Ford truck along with friend and Fox Shox Marketing Manager Bryan Harrold co-driving.

Besides being a top-notch trophy truck driver and X-Games TV Commentator, Steele had been organizing motorcycle trips down the peninsula for years. He’d been considering a tour for trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps that wasn’t about setting a fast pace, but rather slowing it down. He said he had an idea for a moderately-paced, family friendly tour in Baja “rolling around in my head” for some time. He then recalled that there are 27 Spanish Missions in Baja (more than in California) in various states of repair, but all fascinating, and decided that touring a select numbers of Missions would be the theme of the trip.

The Bink Designs off-roader provides a significant contrast to the centuries-old Mission

The missions were set-up by various sects of Spanish missionaries as a base to convert the native peoples to Christianity. They also served as rest stops for travelers, being spaced one day’s ride apart. While the 21 missions in the State of California are well known, and with few exceptions been restored or rebuilt, the condition of the 27 missions that dot the Baja peninsula range from pristine to rubble. And some of those still standing were built in the 1600s. One participant examined an older mission and commented that the walls must be three feet thick and wondered just how much work must have gone into its construction. At every site, every member of the tour treated the missions with a great deal of historic respect.

This year, 18 vehicles joined the tour. One of them was Brian Binkert’s 2015 Ford F-150 SuperCrew FX4 Sport, which features a whole list of off-road mods, including beefy Fox triple-bypass shocks, massive 37” General tires, and of course a K&N 63-2592 air intake kit. Brian pulled in his client Fox Shox to underwrite his adventure, as the Trail of Missions was being film for the ABC television program “World of X Games”. Unfortunately, the episode aired over Labor Day weekend. We have been told the episode will be available online shortly.

To get from Point A to Point B in Baja, sometimes you need to take a challenging road

The group began their journey on June 23rd starting at the Tecate border crossing. Beyond the vehicles that had been prep’d for heavy-duty off road use, there were also a few that were completely stock, which help provide a sense of how leisurely the pace was. And some of the vehicles carried entire families.

Mission stops included San Borja, the El Rosario Ruins, San Ignacio, Mulege, Loreto, and San Javier which is known as “The Jewel of the Mission Trail”. But the trip wasn’t strictly about visiting the missions. There were stops at one of Baja’s pristine beaches, as well other landmarks and historical sites on the peninsula, including the 100-year-old Rancho Meling, still a working ranch.

Stops were also scheduled in small towns along the route where the teams handed out stickers and other goodies to the kids who ran up to greet the tour. This has been influenced by Steele, his wife Heidi, and his friends and tour guests, as they work to raise many for several charitable causes in Baja, including an orphanage and construction of a fire station in El Rosario, where the nearest one is currently hours away.

"This is FOX's third Trail of Missions and we keep coming back because it's the adventure of a lifetime, every time,” said Bryan Harrold, “Not only do you get to experience the remarkable history and rich Mexican culture of the Baja peninsula, this trip delivers unrivaled landscapes and vistas seen mostly via off-road trails.”

A well-deserved day of rest and relaxation at one of Baja’s pristine beaches

Asked what he enjoyed the most about the event Brian’s response was immediate “it’s a more relaxed atmosphere than coming down here for a race, there’s a lot of camaraderie between participants, that families are involved, and that you get to rub shoulders with some real racers and off-road industry heavyweights.”

The tour crossed back into the United States on July 2.

So although Cameron Steele limited entries to 18 vehicles this year, demand has been high for more participants to join the event. For 2017 he’s considering added a second “Trail of Missions” tour to his jam-packed schedule. As soon as we get wind of 2017 events, we’ll be sure to post them here for your information.

And whether you’re planning on driving on the sandy roads of Baja or the crumbly interstates of the US, remember that K&N has a filter for no matter what you drive: motor scooter to dirt bike and 4X4 to sports car that will add power and protect your engine.

Cory Texter on his way to a podium finish at the Springfield Mile

As Cory Texter lifted his dusty racing boot up to the podium of the Springfield Mile in early September, most casual race fans didn’t know the Herculean effort it took to get there. The Springfield Mile is one of the most storied races in motorcycling. Texter calls it, “sort of like the Daytona 500 of Flat Track.” At the Illinois State Fairgrounds oval, Texter battled both the elite competition and front tire wear to earn a spectacular third place finish. Texter said, “I have been coming to this race since I was a baby watching my dad compete here, so it was really special to stand on that podium in front of all those spectators. I can't thank my family, friends and sponsors enough for sticking behind me all season long. I have the greatest support system in the sport and you all make it possible to chase my dreams.”

So what about the back story? Texter revealed, “After the previous national in New York, I mutually parted ways with the Richie Morris Race Team. It just didn't work out the way I had hoped it would. I took on the task of again running my own team and racing my own motorcycles in one of the most competitive series in the world.” Being a privateer is challenging in any form of racing, but in flat track, where conditions take a massive toll on both bikes and racers, that challenge is exponentially increased.

Great fan support of Pro Flat Track in Springfield, IL

Texter was also dealing with the disappointment of being excluded from competing in the final in the prior leg of the series. “We were handed an unfortunate circumstance at the New York national where a grey area in the rulebook kept us out of the main event. I left that race emotionally torn, but extremely motivated.” Clearly, motivation is one of Texter’s dominant character traits and a big part of his success.

Texter is quick to share credit for his racing success. On keeping his small stable of race bikes running strong, Texter said, “I had a lot of help from my mechanic Justin Bender. If it wasn't for his help this year, I wouldn't have been able run my own team and be as competitive as we were.” That teamwork has reaped rewards unusual for a privateer. “Finishing on the podium twice so far this season against some heavily funded teams was rewarding, but the best reward is the self-satisfaction in knowing I can compete and beat these guys on a weekly basis,” Texter said.

Cory Texter proudly displays his trophy and the K&N logo on his leathers

Racing success is impossible without solid corporate partnerships and Texter is quick to credit his relationship with K&N. “I have been using K&N products since I started racing full-time as an amateur in 2004. There aren't many brands within the industry that have such a good reputation,” said Texter. Clearly, it is of utmost importance for a small, independent racing team to pick the highest quality parts and components. Texter said, “I may be a privateer, but I take no short cuts when putting the best parts and products in my motorcycles, and K&N is one of the most essential pieces of that puzzle.”

For now, Texter is busy preparing for the Ramspur Winery Santa Rosa Mile in Santa Rosa, CA. The September 24th race will mark the end of the 2016 season. After that, Texter will take a deep breath. “It's been a long season, so I am going to take a couple weeks off and relax a little bit. I am going to spend some time with my wife and family, ride my bicycle, and ride some motocross. I guess that doesn't really qualify as ‘taking time off,’ but I love to train so I suppose there isn't really an offseason for myself when it comes to that.”

Cory Texter flashes a winning smile and a helping hand on the podium

After that time “off,” Cory Texter will turn to vigorously preparing for the 2017 flat track season. In addition to the mental and physical preparation, there are always team and affiliation considerations. “There are some new rules being put in place for our series next season, so I have a lot to think about as I head into next year. I would like to land a ride on a competitive team and go after a championship, but if that doesn't happen, I will show up at the track next year ready to win, riding for my own team, and racing my own motorcycles.”

Cory Texter rode his Kawasaki Ninja 650 to the podium at the Springfield Mile. The K&N high-performance air filter for your Ninja 650 is the KA-6512, and for your oil filtration, use the KN-303. Or if you need a filter for another bike or vehicle, use the K&N search by vehicle tool to find the right products for your needs.

The Tower at COTA is even more impressive up close. Nicknamed the “slide” by some, this tower and this venue, embodies everything exactly what Texas is known for, everything is bigger in Texas!

Optima’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car (OSUSC), found its way to Austin, Texas, where almost 90 participants would compete to test their worth at the world class racing venue, Circuit of the Americas (COTA). COTA is the only FIA-Certified Formula 1 course in the US and everyone in racing takes that very seriously. Circuit of the Americas plays host to the Formula One United States Grand Prix and to say having an opportunity to race here is “bucket list worthy” would be an understatement. The Circuit is also host to other such events as the Road Racing World Championship (also known as Moto GP), the FIA World Endurance Championship, the American Le Mans Series, and several more.

First proposed in 2010, the Circuit, located in Elroy, on the southeast periphery of downtown Austin city limits, in Central Texas, opened to F1 in November 2012. The course is just over 5.5 km or 3.4 miles in length with 20 turns. COTA is also home to the Austin360 Amphitheater where featured artists include performers such as Kenny Chesney, Collective Soul, Sublime with Rome, and the Dixie Chicks have played.

A picture perfect day in Austin, Texas, with Karl Dunn showing us a picture perfect finish.

Set in rural Texan topography, the countryside is lush, green, and inviting. The facility is awe inspiring to all who followed the construction of these hallowed grounds from conception to completion. The best of the best have competed here, from drivers like Sebastian Vettel and race teams such as Red Bull. Icon’s in the automotive industry have raced this course, swapped motors in these garages and walked the paddock from end to end, just like our competitors did this past weekend. The view included a classic big, blue, Texas sky dotted with oversized, white clouds and a hot, bright-orange sun. Certainly what one would expect when coming to Circuit of the Americas. The Texas heat and humidity, while somewhat oppressive, didn’t put a damper on the spirits of the competitors, crew, family, or friends. The first drivers’ meeting took place Saturday morning and you could feel the excitement among the drivers. A great sense of humility and honor resonated throughout, just to be taking part in this spectacular event.

K&N’s Mike Maier in Old Blues, his 1966 Ford Mustang sporting wider stance to support more grip!

Throughout the season, five talented and lucky participants from each of the ten qualifier events receive an invite to Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational, OUSCI, the Super Bowl of the Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car challenge. The Top Dawgs from each class, plus an individual who positively represents and embodies the goal of the Ultimate Street Car Association, the Spectre Performance Spirit of the Event award, are recognized with the coveted invite.

Additionally, OSUSC will crown the competitor who has earned the highest total points over their three best events as the series points champion. Naturally the champion will receive an OUSCI invite along with the 14 runner up points leaders.

OUSCI limits the number of invites to no more than 75 competitors. So 10 invites remain and Optima reserves those ten spots for recipients of the golden ticket to be selected at SEMA in November.

Optima’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car, presented by Advance Auto Parts, follows the same schedule for each qualifying event. The participants compete in the following five segments with the opportunity to earn 100 points in each segment;

• Detroit Speed & Engineering Autocross
• Powerstop Brakes Speed Stop Challenge
• Lingenfelter Design & Engineering
• Lucas Oil Road Rally
• Falken Tire Hot Lap Challenge

The Ultimate Goal? Earn 100 points in each category for a perfect score of 500 points.

GTV Class Winner, Mike Maier, taking home some very cool hardware. And of course the OUSCI invite.

Saturday’s event would have the field equally divided with participants competing at Speed Stop or Autocross first. After a noon time break, a little switch and back to competition. The participants would need to allow for time during the day to get their rides judged at the Lingenfelter Design & Engineering portion. Finally, they would finish the day with the Lucas Oil Road Rally. Each segment would allow the participants to earn up to 100 points.

The Detroit Speed and Engineering Autocross was ripe with competition. Separated into four classes, GTV, GTS, GTL, AND GT, the track saw a lot of action. The autocross course was well marked and laid out to take advantage of the rise and drop of the surface. Complete with technical and off camber turns and slaloms, with a hammer-down straight away to the finish.

3-time OUSCI Winner, Danny Popp, laying down a scorching time of 2.22.045, the fastest of the weekend, on the world famous Circuit of the Americas road course.

The GTS Class boasted a some very impressive vehicles like Andy Hollis driving his 2012 McLaren 12C, Curt Trawick in his 2016 Porsche GT3 RS, Austin Barnes skillfully maneuvering his 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, and of course long time competitor, Brian Hobaugh, in his 2003 C5 Corvette. Each of these guys ran super quick lap times. But in the end the McLaren would lay down the best time with the Porsche GT3 RS coming in a close second. The Evo X and C5 would follow mere 10ths of a second behind. Very tight racing indeed.

K&N Race Team Driver, Jake Rozelle has dominated the GTV Class from the beginning of the season, receiving an OUSCI Invite at Thunderhill. Coming to COTA, the seventh installment of the OSUSC Series, presented by Advance Auto Parts, another K&N sponsored driver, Mike Maier, comes looking for redemption and the ultimate prize - the coveted OUSCI invite. At COTA, Jake crept ahead of Mike in the Detroit Speed & Engineering Autocross with Mike answering back at the Powerstop Brakes Speed Stop Challenge, narrowing the points margin. Going into Sunday’s Hot Lap Challenge, sponsored by Falken Tire, Rozelle was narrowly ahead of Maier. The question on everyone’s mind was could Maier regain that spread to come away the victor, and the answer was yes. Less than 2 seconds between these competitors’ fastest lap time afforded Mike Maier the win.

GTS Class competitor, Curt Trawick in his 2016 Porsche GT3 RS received the invite to OUSCI.

Danny Popp is no stranger to competition and is a 3-time winner at OUSCI. In the GTL Class a target was placed squarely on Popp’s back as the one to beat. Ken Thwaits in his 2007 Evo, Karl Dunn in 2002 Corvette Z06, and James Forbis in his 2007 Corvette would throw down some blistering times at the autocross to compete with Popp. But in the end it was Mike DuSold in his 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, who set his sights on Danny early on and came in .85 seconds behind Popp, earning DuSold valuable points. In fact, he would gain substantial ground over Popp after the Speed Stop Challenge giving him an advantage going into the Falken Tire Hot Lap Challenge on Sunday.

Jordan Priestley, who has been on fire this season, was looking forward to another win in the GT Class in his 6th Gen Camaro, “Evilynn”. Priestley struggled a bit, though, at Speed Stop opening up an opportunity for competitor, Aaron Sockwell in his 2015 Mustang, to take a significant lead in this segment. As the weekend progressed, Priestley would gain ground but not enough to claim victory, ultimately earning Sockwell the GT Class win and an OUSCI Invite with Priestley coming in second.

The Powerstop Brakes Speed Stop Challenge saw its fair share of action with lap times in the high 12s, from cars like the McLaren and into the 13s to low 14s with the remaining field of foreign and domestic muscle. Unfortunately, early on saw Kevin Tully’s "Violent Valiant” suffering irreparable front brake damage his first run, knocking him out of the competition for the weekend. In classic Tulley fashion, he made himself available for any competitor that needed an extra hand to keep them rolling in the event. It’s character like that which embodies the spirit of USCA. So it seemed only fitting that Kevin Tully and his 1964 Plymouth Valiant would be the recipient of the Spectre Performance Spirit of the Event award.

As far as the championship points race, COTA saw Mike DuSold move up to second place behind GTL Class points leader Rich Wilhoff. In GT Class, Ken Thwaits and his 5th Gen Camaro remain in first place. Priestley will try again later this month at Road America to close the gap between he and Thwaits, if not surpass and advance to lead position. Jake Rozelle and his 1969 Camaro continue to be out front in GTV class with Brian Hobaugh and his 2003 Corvette in the lead for points in the GTS class.

COTA EVENT WINNERS

GTV Class (1989 and older 3200 lbs. minimum)
1. MIKE MAIER - 1966 FORD MUSTANG - INVITE
2. JAKE ROZELLE - 1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO
3. LARRY WOO - 1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO

GTS CLASS (1990 and newer, 3200 lbs. and up, 2-seat & awd vehicles)
1. CURT TRAWICK - 2016 PORSCHE GT3 RS - INVITE
2. BRIAN HOBAUGH - 2003 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06
3. ANDY HOLLIS - 2012 MCLAREN 12C

GTL CLASS (anything under 3200 lbs.)
1. DANNY POPP 2003 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06
2. MIKE DUSOLD - 1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO
3. KEN THWAITS - 2007 MITSUBISHI EVO
4. JOHN LAZORACK III - 1988 Chrysler Conquest TSI - INVITE

GT CLASS (1990 and newer, 3200 lbs. and up, 2wd sedans, 4-seat coupes, trucks, etc.)
1. AARON SOCKWELL - 2015 FORD MUSTANG -INVITE
2. JORDAN PRIESTLEY - 2016 CHEVROLET CAMARO
3. JASON CHIN - 2015 CHEVROLET CAMARO

For more information on this series, log onto www.driveusca.com. And to improve your car's performance, check out K&N’s wide array of products. The same performance products our K&N race team drivers use to improve the performance on their cars.

Sockwell in his 2015 Ford Mustang on turn three of the road course, in hot pursuit of Jordan Priestly.

Aaron Sockwell, GT Class Winner and recipient of the OUSCI invite.

John Lazorack III, coming in 4th in the GTL Class, takes home the invite for OUSCI. First, second, and third place finishers had previously received invites.

Greg Thurmond’s 1965 Candy Tangerine Corvette, SCAR, received the “Participants Choice” award given to the owner of the car voted “Most Wanted” by fellow competitors.

The Spectre Performance "Spirit of the Event Award” recognized Kevin Tulley, an individual that exhibits care and concern for his fellow competitors and represents the best of this series.

OPTIMA Search for the Ultimate Street Car drivers meeting at COTA.

Kevin Tully’s 1964 Plymouth “Violent” Valiant - winner of the Spirit of the Event award.

Jordan Priestley in “Evilynn” slaying some tires at the autocross.

Jake Rozelle, squeezing out every bit of performance to take the lead ahead of Mike Maier.

Super Chevy magazine handpicked some of the industry’s top drivers to compete in this showdown at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California

The stage was set, the participant’s handpicked and the forecast called for heat. A lot of heat. In the form of some of the most amazing Chevy’s ever built.

On August 30th, at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, 20 of the biggest names in amateur and professional racing were invited to take part in the Falken Tire Super Chevy Muscle Car Challenge. As you may have suspected, Falken Tire was the event title sponsor. Given the popularity of their RT-615K tire, it seemed the perfect fit for staff and drivers to “grip the moment” and enjoy a different type of day at the office. First rule of the event? Every car would run Falken Tires. A great way to test and prove a great product.

Speaking of rules, the only changes that the drivers/teams were allowed to make were shock settings and tire pressure changes. Of course, any repairs that became necessary throughout the day, but each driver was encouraged to simply “run what you brung.” Each car would be required to pass tech inspection and would need to be registered to drive on the street. To make the event even more exciting was the driver behind the wheel. In fact, the car did not need to be driven by the owner. The car’s owner could have anyone he liked or could afford put his vehicle to task. There was Al Unser Jr. behind the wheel of the Speedway Camaro, K&N-sponsored driver Danny Popp behind the wheel of the Hiedts and Hawks Motorsports built Camaro, Kelly Collins (ex-Chevrolet team driver) drove for CPP, and K&N-sponsored driver Jane Thurmond, drove her ’64 Corvette, Scarlett, for Wildwood Disc Brakes. Even more impressive, Jane, was the only female invite.

Driver’s gather in the paddock area as Steven Rupp gives a quick overview on the competition itinerary

This year the challenge would see a different venue from years past, moving from Willow Springs to the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. Along with the new venue came an entirely new event set-up consisting of three driving segments; slalom, 100-yard dash, and road course. The slalom, a mere 420-foot, zig-zag of cones spaced 70 feet apart. The 100-yard dash, very straight forward, a launch on unprepared asphalt from a standstill, like a mini drag race through timing lights. And finally the road course, which took place on the Autoclub Speedway infield course. In each segment, the participants would get 5 timed runs to secure their best time, ultimately culminating in a winner. Between these three segments the cars and the Falken tires would be pushed to their limits in terms of forward and lateral performance.

The Super Chevy Muscle Car Challenge featured a wide array of hot cars from the daily drivers, like the 1969 Camaro of Efrain Diaz to the all-out track beasts, like “Rampage” the 1970 Camaro built by the Roadster Shop. In fact, there were quite a few Camaros. Of course there were Chevelles, a C2 Corvette, and even a couple trucks. Over half of the field was brought or sponsored by aftermarket automotive companies. The rest were just local guys that wanted to come out and play. Minimal casualties included one flying hood on track, narrowly averted by Scarlett, the red 1964 Corvette, and Rampage, the 1970 Camaro. We saw failed power steering equipment, loss of oil and oil pressure, and of course some heat related issues that rounded out the day’s gremlins. Fontana saw temperatures of over 100 degrees that day with the on track temp’s even higher. But moreover, talking to the K&N drivers, along with the other drivers sporting K&N cold air intake systems, watching them push their Chevys harder and harder, and seeing them continue to succeed even in the heat, that’s what it’s all about.

Just another day at the office with Super Chevy magazine and TEN, The Enthusiast Network

By the day’s end, the drivers had survived a very full track day. The Falken Tires proved that they could take the heat and punishment of some very brutal track conditions. It was safe to say that each of the drivers pushed their rides to the ragged edge and then some. The new and improved, updated and relocated Super Chevy Muscle Car Challenge was in the books. The fast cars, camaraderie, and paparazzi made everyone feel like a million bucks. But in the end there could be only one who would be crowned the winner.

The way it worked was that points were awarded to each car based on how it finished with first place getting a bonus for winning. So first place received 20 points, second place received 18 points, third place received 17 points and so on down the list. The points earned in each of the three driving segments were then added up and in the end the winner with 55 points, was the 1970 Camaro, Rampage, fielded by the Roadster Shop. Second place, with 53 points, was the Heidts and Hawks Motorsports 1988 Camaro driven by K&N-sponsored Danny Popp. Third place was the Speedway Motors 1970 Camaro piloted by Al Unser, Jr. (45 points) and fourth place went to Efrain Diaz, a local guy, in his 1969 Camaro, proving that the privateer can be a worthy adversary.

Oh and what about the lone female driver, K&N’s Jane Thurmond? Well, she came in a very respectable 10th place with 31 points. But even more important? She held her own among some of the baddest, most influential drivers in racing. It was a very good day!

Indy 500 Champion, Al Unser Jr., behind the wheel of the 1970 Speedway Camaro, laying down some blistering fast laps

K&N driver Danny Popp, multi-time SCCA, NASA, OUSCI, USCA, and Good Guys Champion shredding the course in the 1988 Camaro built by Heidts and Hawks Motorsports

Former Chevrolet Team Driver and Petit Le Mans victor, Kelly Collins manhandling the 1970 Camaro built CPP

At the launch of what would be an amazing drag strip time that edged ahead of Little Al by 2/10ths of a second, with K&N team driver Jane Thurmond

Professional race car driver, Mike Skeen, laid down some scorching lap times on the road course in the Roadster Shop’s 1970 Camaro “Rampage”

Certainly nothing better than a little on course excitement. The hood of the Heidts and Hawks Motor Sports built 1988 Camaro, driven by Danny Popp, delaminated during parade laps causing the field to adjust their line as to miss the “identified” flying object

The Muscle Car Challenge featured a diverse group of amazing builds, including this beautiful and powerful C10

A local guy, Efrain Diaz, proved he could compete with the “big dogs” securing a 4th place finish behind the likes of Al Unser Jr., Mike Skeen, and Danny Popp

Nationally acclaimed car builders like The Roadster Shop, GTS Customs, and Heidts and Hawks Motorsports build with brands they know and trust. Check out this bad boy intake system featuring a K&N filter on the 1970 Camaro “Rampage”

Toni Elias gives the thumbs up to his rookie Superbike season

A major headline of the 2016 MotoAmerica Superbike season is the competitive resurgence of the Yoshimura Suzuki race team. Based on the results of last weekend’s performance by teammates Roger Haden and Toni Elias, the momentum is only growing. All signs point to the fact that Yoshimura’s ascent back to the top of America’s premier motorcycle road racing series will continue in 2017.

In race one of the final stop of the Superbike series in New Jersey, Hayden claimed the top podium spot in an exciting and ultra-close race. After the win, Hayden said, “I’m just happy for the team, happy for myself. We all work hard.” That hard work was evident in his teammate’s performance as well. In the second race, Elias earned the top perch of the podium for the 6th time in this, his rookie season in the Superbike class. Elias has given every indication that he’ll be back with Yoshimura in 2017. His bond with his new team was evident when he said in his Spanish accent, “Thank you, everybody, to my team to give me this opportunity…everybody treat me very well.” He continued, “I feel like home.”

Roger Hayden will pilot an all new GSX R1000 in 2017

Even with the powerful finish, Team Yoshimura came up short of the top podium spot in the overall season standings. Yamaha’s Cameron Beaubier had amassed just enough of a point cushion that even with an engine failure in the final race, he edged out his teammate Josh Hayes and Elias on the season rostrum, but the point spread was miniscule. Elias’ third place season finish was only 7 points out of the top spot. Hayden finished in the 4th position for the season.

Don Sakakura, the Senior Vice President for Yoshimura Research and Development of America has reason for optimism. When asked to reflect on the 2016 season, Sakakura said, “Well, a major highlight for Yoshimura Racing this season has been that our Suzuki GSX R1000 is winning races again! Our new team racer Toni Elias has adapted very quickly to our Superbike and our team of technicians. Roger Hayden has been instrumental with continued development of our superbike over the past three seasons. It’s clear this season we have advanced technically.”

Elias lifts a wheel at New Jersey Motorsports Park

A major part of the rejuvenation of the venerable Yoshimura Suzuki Racing tradition can be attributed to the team’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial corporate partnerships. “Yoshimura’s foundation is based around technical innovations. We have been very fortunate with our 40-plus-year relationship with Suzuki Motor of America. Together, we use professional level road racing to gather valuable data. Racing successfully at the highest level is the best proving ground, and is extremely beneficial with our commercial product development,” said Sakakura.

Yoshimura’s partnership with K&N Engineering is also vital to the team’s racing success. Sakakura said, “I’m convinced K&N’s high quality products also are developed under extreme conditions. Together we have common goals to win and market the very best products to our consumers.” Clearly, championship results come from championship-level partnerships and that’s the powerful link between Yoshimura and K&N.

Elias and Hayden look forward to sharing the podium again in 2017

So what will 2017 hold for Team Yoshimura? Sakakura’s enthusiasm is palpable. “We are very excited about 2017!” Sakakura revealed that race fans will see some new and exciting hardware rolling out the Yoshimura development facility. “Suzuki will introduce a completely redesigned GSX R1000. Yoshimura will race this motorcycle in the MotoAmerica Superbike class in 2017. We anticipate we will be very competitive. Naturally our goal is to win the 2017 Superbike Championship.”

2016 MotoAmerica Superbike Final Standings:

Cameron Beaubier – Yamaha 311
Josh Hayes – Yamaha 305
Toni Elias – Suzuki 304
Roger Hayden – Suzuki 284
Josh Herrin – Yamaha 163