ambassadors
The MotoAmerica series was launched in 2014 by treble World 500cc champion Wayne Rainey. It is officially recognised by the American Motorcycle Association and FIM North America and this year Motul is the title sponsor of Superbike, top category of the meets. Austin, on 22 and 23 April, then Road Atlanta the following week are the two circuits already visited. Team Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing, partnered technically by Motul, has been leading so far with former MotoGP rider, Toni Elias, who has already won three of the four first races. The Spaniard is intent on transforming into gold the bronze medal clinched in 2016.
Elias is one of the few riders to have won at world level in 125, 250, MotoGP and Moto2. He was even World champion in Moto2 in 2010. His exile in the USA at Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing is going rather well since he is leading the provisional standings of MotoAmerica Superbike, already with a solid lead over defending double champion, Cameron Beaubier… Even if the relations between the two riders were somewhat strained at Road Atlanta!
Elias has also had the opportunity to cross swords with his team-mate, Roger Hayden. For instance, they twice changed position as leader in the last lap of the season's first race on the Circuit of The Americas. The rider from Kentucky has already chalked up a pole and three podiums.
MotoAmerica Motul Superbike standings:
01 Toni Elias (Suzuki), 95 pts
02 Cameron Beaubier (Yamaha), 69 pts
03 Roger Hayden (Suzuki), 69 pts
