MotoAmerica riders could face wet conditions this weekend in Wisconsin
MotoAmerica riders get "four miles of fun" this weekend as the series takes on Road America in Wisconsin which features long straightaways, 14 turns and more than four mile laps.
All classes in the 2015 MotoAmerica series, which is the new home to the AMA Superbike series, get the green flag with qualifying on Friday and Saturday and racing on Saturday and Sunday. Road America is the fourth round in the season but the third for the Superstock 600 which started late because of a conflict with MotoGP. Check out the track map:
MotoSport rider Andy DiBrino, who competes in the Superstock 600 class, crashed two weeks ago in Virginia during qualifying but took his lumps and bruises with him to an 11th place in Race 1 and sixth-place in Race 2. He didn't get any road racing practice this time between rounds but managed to work in some Motocross and gym days to improve his fitness which he hopes helps to maintain some consistency during the race.
It could be wet for riders as the forecast for Elkhart Lake, WI calls for thunderstorms on Friday and showers on Saturday morning. DiBrino said weather definitely adds an outside element to the racing but also bike set-up and getting it ready for whatever conditions greet riders. In Atlanta last month, Race 2 was shortened and riders used rain tires. Regardless of weather, DiBrino said the first five laps are important and something he needs to improve on.
"Qualifying is also a big factor," he said. "Finding some riders to draft will be crucial for a fast qualifying lap. There's a lot of long straightaways where time can be lost if you're running solo."
In Race 1 at Virginia, DiBrino was closing in on the ninth position but got drafted by the rider behind him which finished him in 11th. In addition to the straightaways, Road America has a number of hard breaking zones, which factors in DiBrino's favor. He said there are lots of opportunities to make passes but also resting zones. Despite the long track, DiBrino thinks it could be physically less demanding than Virginia's setup that didn't offer any chances to rest.
"All out speed and strategy could be more important than fitness at this race," he said.
Qualifying and practice takes place on Friday and Saturday features the second qualifying race and the Superstock 600 class gets underway at 3:10 p.m. (CST) for Race 1 and at 1:50 p.m. (CST )on Sunday for Race 2.
MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Standings
- Richie Escalante (78)
- Joe Roberts (75) - MotoSport rider
- Travis Wyman (72)
- Wyatt Farris (56)
- Bryce Prince (34)
- Andy DiBrino (34) - MotoSport rider
- Nick McFadden (34)
- Christian Crosslin (22)
- JC Camacho (20)
- Jason Aguilar (19)
