Speed - Made in America

Josh Herrin, one of the most charismatic and accomplished riders in American motorcycle racing, made history in 2024 by winning his second MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike Championship, a remarkable 11 years after claiming his first title. Riding the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R Superbike, Herrin delivered Ducati its first American Superbike Championship since 1994, marking a triumphant return for the iconic Italian brand to the top of American Superbike racing.

The 2024 season was a testament to Herrin’s resilience and determination. After a slow start, he hit his stride mid-season, securing 13 podium finishes and six race wins.

Herrin’s 2024 also included a dominant performance at the Daytona 200, where he claimed his third victory in the historic event. This victory further solidified his legacy as one of the most versatile and successful riders in the sport.

As Josh Herrin looks ahead to the 2025 season, his legacy as a two-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and one of the sport’s most exciting riders is secure. Fans can expect more thrilling performances and unforgettable moments as he continues to push the limits on the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati.

Little Known Fact: Josh is popular on social media with nearly 230,000 followers on Instagram @josh_herrin. Josh’s brother Zach is a stock car racer. Josh’s family owns a first-class Supermoto track in Georgia where many top pro racers train. In 2021 Josh set a Guinness World Record for fastest elbow drag at 100.9 mph. Déjà vu? In 2014, Herrin was replaced on Yamaha’s AMA factory team by Cameron Beaubier with Herrin heading to the Moto2 World Championship. In 2021, Herrin replaced Beaubier who left MotoAmerica to race in the Moto2 World Championship.

MotoAmerica Stats

Wins: 53 (16 in Superbike, 15 in Supersport, 14 in Daytona SportBike, 8 in Superstock 1000)

Podiums: 152 (73 in Superbike, 36 in Supersport, 30 in Daytona SportBike, 13 in Superstock 1000)

Career Highlights:

2024 – Won his second MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike Championship 11 years after winning his first. Raced the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati and gave Ducati its first American Superbike Championship since 1994. After a slow start to the season, score 13 podium finishes in total and won six Superbike races. Won the Daytona 200, his third victory in the historic race. Tied with Wayne Rainey for 10^th on the all-time MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike wins list with 16 wins. 2023 – Herrin finished second in MotoAmerica Superbike riding for Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati. He scored two wins and a total of 12 podiums along the way.  2022 – Herrin dominated the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship riding a Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Ducati Panigale V2. He scored a class-leading nine wins and a total of 16 podiums in the 18 race series. 2021 – Herrin was sixth in the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship with seven podiums on a Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha. 2020 – Finished sixth in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship on a Scheibe Racing BMW. 2019 – Rode alongside Toni Elias on the Yoshimura Suzuki team, ending the season fifth in the Superbike Championship with two wins. 2018 – Finished third in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship on an Attack Performance Yamaha, winning two races.  2017 – Rode a Meen Motorsports Yamaha to eighth in the Superbike Championship and finished second in the final round at Barber Motorsports Park as a fill-in rider on the factory Yamaha team for Cameron Beaubier. 2016 – With eight wins on the year, Herrin won the Superstock 1000 Championship on a Meen Motorsports Yamaha. 2015 – Ended the season ranked second in the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship with four victories and 11 podiums. 2014 – Raced in the Moto2 World Championship. 2013 – With four wins on the season, Herrin earned the 2013 AMA Superbike Championship on the Monster Energy Graves Yamaha. 2012 – Made his Superbike debut and finished fourth in the AMA Superbike Championship. 2011 – Finished second in the AMA Daytona SportBike Championship with five wins. 2010 – Ended the season third in the Daytona SportBike Series with five victories. 2009 – Finished second in the Daytona SportBike Series with four wins. 2008 – Riding a Graves Yamaha, finished fifth in the AMA Supersport Championship with one win. 2007 – Finished seventh in AMA Supersport Series, earning his first win in the class along the way. 2006 – Racing on a limited Supersport schedule after turning professional, finished 11^th in the Supersport Championship but earned his first career podium in the class in Utah.

Cameron Beaubier, one of the most dominant and accomplished riders in the history of MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike racing, continued to add to his legendary career in 2024. Racing for Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW, Beaubier appeared poised to claim his sixth Superbike Championship after winning three of the first five races of the season. However, his campaign was interrupted by a crash in race one at Road America during a rainstorm, which resulted in a broken heel and forced him to miss several races. Despite this setback, Beaubier made a remarkable comeback, finishing as the series runner-up with 11 podium finishes, including six victories. His strong performance also saw him surpass Josh Hayes to move into second place on the all-time MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike wins list, ending the year with an impressive 65 career victories.

Beaubier’s legacy in the sport is nearly unparalleled. A five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion, he began his career as a Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup race winner before claiming the 2013 Daytona 200 and the 2013 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Championship. His transition to Superbike racing was nothing short of spectacular, as he became one of the most dominant riders in the history of the series. After a successful stint in the FIM Moto2 Grand Prix World Championship with the American Racing Team from 2021 to 2022, Beaubier returned to MotoAmerica in 2023, aiming to further cement his status as one of the sport’s greats.

Born and raised in California, Beaubier’s combination of raw speed, consistency, and determination has made him a fan favorite and a respected competitor. His ability to overcome adversity, as demonstrated by his strong comeback in 2024, underscores his resilience and commitment to excellence.

As Cameron Beaubier looks ahead to the 2025 season, his legacy as one of the all-time elites in MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike racing is secure. Fans can expect more thrilling performances as he continues to chase victories and championships, further solidifying his place in the annals of motorcycle racing history.

Little Known Fact: Trains with his brother and fellow MotoAmerica racer Ezra on a TT track called “Area 97” riding a 150cc motorcycle. Served as a guest instructor at the Yamaha Champions Riding School in 2016. Has as much international racing experience as just about any other rider in the MotoAmerica paddock. In addition to his recent Moto2 stint, he also ran the GP circuit in 2007 with the Red Bull Rookies, the Spanish CEV 125cc Series in 2008, the FIM 125cc World Championships in 2009 and did the British round of the Superbike World Championship in 2016. Married his wife Shelby in 2021. Cameron comes from a family of racers. His dad and uncles all raced dirt bikes. Cameron grew up playing soccer. Hobbies include hanging out with friends, mountain biking, cycling and golf.

MotoAmerica Stats

Wins: 86 (65 Superbike, 19 in Daytona SportBike, 2 in SuperSport East)
Podiums:  159 (120 in Superbike, 32 in Daytona SportBike, 7 in SuperSport East)

Career Highlights:

2024 – Appeared to be on a path to win the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship after winning three of the first five races but then went out of action after breaking his heel in his race-one crash at Road America in a rainstorm. Despite missing races in the middle of the season, Beaubier came back strong and finished runner-up in the series compiling 11 podiums, including six victories. Moved past Josh Hayes into second on the all-time MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike wins list ending the year with 65-career wins. Raced for Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW. 2023 – Returned to MotoAmerica Superbike competition with Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW and was in title contention until a crash and resulting injury ended his season prematurely. Scored eight Superbike podiums, including five victories. Finished sixth in the championship riding a Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR.  2022 – Raced the Moto2 World Championships with the American Racing Team. Scored five top-10 finishes with a best of fourth in France. Won the Moto2 pole at the American round at the Circuit of the Americas. Ranked 17^th.  2021 – Raced the Moto2 World Championships with the American Racing Team. Scored five top-10 finishes with a best of fifth (twice). Ranked 15^th. 2020 – Won his fifth MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, which placed him second on the all-time MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike Championship list behind Mat Mladin who has seven titles. Won a series leading 16 races and earned a total of 18 podium finishes. Raced for Monster Energy Attack Performance Yamaha. 2019 – Won his fourth MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, with six race wins, 17 podiums and four poles. Raced with the factory Yamaha team. 2018 – Won his fourth MotoAmerica Superbike Championship scoring eight wins, 17 podiums and six poles. Raced with the Yamaha factory team. 2017 – Took third in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship with Team Yamaha. Tallied five race wins, 12 podiums and two poles. 2016 – Won his second MotoAmerica Superbike Championship with eight race wins, 13 podiums and four poles. Raced with factory Yamaha. Scored a top-10 finish in the Superbike World Championship round in Great Britain. 2015 – Earned his first MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. Took eight race wins, 17 podiums and three poles. Raced with Yamaha. 2014 – AMA Pro SuperBike rookie season with factory Yamaha. Earned three race wins, seven podiums and two poles on his way to finishing third in the championship. 2013 – Dominated the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Championship taking 12 race wins (out of 13 races). Won pole and was on the podium for every race. Won the Daytona 200 and earned the pole for the race. Raced for satellite factory Graves Yamaha squad on a Yamaha R6. 2012 – Finished third in AMA Pro Daytona SportBike with seven race wins, 14 podiums and two poles. Raced for Graves Yamaha. 2011 – Finished sixth in AMA Pro Daytona SportBike debut. Took five podium finishes in 13 starts. Best race of the season was a second place at Laguna Seca. Raced a Jake Holden Racing Yamaha R6. 2010 – Won two races in AMA Pro SuperSport East, one being his very first race on a 600 at Daytona, and the other at Infineon. He was in championship contention but unfortunately had an injury toward the end of the season and finished fourth. Earned two poles and seven podiums. Raced for Rockwall Performance Yamaha. 2009 – Rode for Red Bull KTM in the GP125 World Championship. Scored world championship points in two races. Best result was 14^th. Ranked 29^th. 2008 – Raced in the Spanish CEV GP125 Championship. Best result was sixth. 2007 – Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, one race win, three podiums, sixth in the series.

Jake Gagne, a perennial contender in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, continued to demonstrate his skill and determination in 2024. Racing with Attack Performance/Progressive Yamaha Racing aboard the Yamaha YZF-R1, Gagne secured five podium finishes during the first half of the season, including a standout victory at Road Atlanta. However, his campaign was marred by a persistent battle with arm pump, a condition that numbed his hands during races and significantly impacted his performance. This issue forced him to withdraw from the championship after Mid-Ohio to undergo treatment and recovery. Despite missing the final rounds, Gagne finished the 2024 season ranked 7th in the Superbike standings.

Gagne’s legacy in the MotoAmerica series remains firmly intact. In 2023, he claimed his third consecutive MotoAmerica Superbike Championship with an extraordinary 11-win season aboard the Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha YZF-R1. This historic achievement made him the seventh rider in the 48-year history of the series to win three consecutive Superbike titles, joining legends such as Reg Pridmore, Fred Merkel, Mat Mladin, Ben Spies, Josh Hayes, and Cameron Beaubier. With 41 career Superbike wins, Gagne ranks fourth on the all-time list behind Mladin (82), Beaubier (65) and Hayes (61).

The 2023 championship marked Gagne’s fifth AMA title, adding to his trio of Superbike crowns, the 2015 AMA Daytona SportBike Championship, and the inaugural MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Championship in 2015. Gagne’s career also includes a stint in the World Superbike Championship in 2018 with Ten Kate Honda, before returning to MotoAmerica in 2019, where he rode a Scheibe Racing BMW to eighth in the title chase.

Born and raised in San Diego, California, Gagne now resides in Durango, Colorado. As he continues to compete at the highest level, Gagne remains a fan favorite and a formidable force in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. His ability to overcome adversity and deliver exceptional performances ensures his place as one of the sport’s most respected and accomplished riders.

Little Known Fact: His 29 MotoAmerica Superbike wins in 2021 and 2022 marked the most wins in any two-year span in the history of the series dating back to the birth of the series in 1976. Jake Gagne qualified for and raced in the 2015 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship round at the Utah Motorsports Campus and very nearly finished in the top 20. Has raced both the Superbike World Championship and as a wildcard in the Moto2 World Championship.

MotoAmerica Stats
Wins: 57 (41 in Superbike, 5 in Daytona Sportbike, 11 in Superstock 1000)
Podiums: 97 (67 in Superbike, 17 in Daytona Sportbike, 11 in Superstock 1000, 2 in Supersport West)

Career Highlights

2024 – Scored five podium finishes during the first half of the season, including a win at Road Atlanta. Battled arm pump, which numbed his hands during races and pulled out of the championship after Mid-Ohio last year to address the issue. Finished ranked 7^th in Superbike. Raced with Attack Performance/Progressive Yamaha Racing on a Yamaha R1. 2023 – Won 11 MotoAmerica Superbike races and finished on the podium 17 times out of 20 races, dominating the season with his Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing team en route to his third consecutive championship.  2022 – Won 12 races on his way to his second straight MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. Scored a total of 15 podiums in the 20-race series. Won a series-leading eight Superbike poles. Raced for Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing. 2021 – Won the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship with a record-setting 17 wins out of 20 races on his Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha. 2020 – Finished second in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship with 11 podiums as a teammate to champion Cameron Beaubier on the Monster Energy Attack Performance Yamaha team. 2019 – Rode a Scheibe Racing BMW to eighth in the Superbike title chase with a best finish of fourth. 2018 – Raced a Ten Kate Honda in the World Superbike Championship and ended up 17^th in the championship. 2017 – Finished 11^th in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship on a RoadRace Factory Honda. 2016 – Finished 10^th in the 2016 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship with a best result of third at Road Atlanta. 2015 – Won the MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Championship on a RoadRace Factory Yamaha YZF-R1 with 11 victories. 2014 – Won the AMA Daytona SportBike Championship. 2013 – Raced a RoadRace Factory/Red Bull Yamaha to second to Cameron Beaubier in the AMA Daytona SportBike class and was the only rider to beat Beaubier when he scored victory at Road America. 2012 – Won his first-career AMA Daytona SportBike race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on his RoadRace Factory/Red Bull Yamaha. 2011 – Raced as a wild card in the Moto2 World Championship round at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 2010 – Won four rounds of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and won the championship. 2009 – Competed in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and two rounds of the AMA Supersport East Series with a best finish of sixth. 2008 – Competed in the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup, winning two rounds at Road Atlanta and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, respectively. 2005 – 65cc Ponca City Amateur National Motocross Champion.

Sean Dylan Kelly, a rising star in American motorcycle racing, is set to return to Team Hammer for the 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike season, reuniting with the team where he previously enjoyed significant success. Kelly’s 2024 rookie season in the MotoAmerica Superbike class was nothing short of impressive, as he finished fourth overall in the championship standings aboard the EasyHealthPlans.com/TopPro Racing Team BMW M 1000 RR. His debut year was highlighted by seven podium finishes, including a breakthrough victory at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), marking his first career Superbike win. This strong performance solidified his status as one of the most promising talents in the premier class.

Kelly’s journey to Superbike stardom began with his dominant 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship victory, which earned him a move to the Moto2 World Championship for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Competing on the international stage provided Kelly with invaluable experience, further honing his skills and racecraft. Before his MotoAmerica career, Kelly had already built an impressive resume, including multiple seasons in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and other international competitions, which he began as a teenager.

Born and raised in Florida, Kelly’s passion for racing was evident from a young age. His return to Team Hammer for 2025 marks a full-circle moment, as he looks to build on the momentum from his standout rookie Superbike season. With his combination of speed, determination, and experience, Kelly is poised to challenge for the championship and continue his ascent in the MotoAmerica Superbike class.

Little Known Fact: As a kid Sean wanted to become a go-kart racer, but the day they went to try it out, the track would not let him drive because he was too young. There was a motorcycle shop next door, so his dad got him on a bike instead and his career path was set. He began mini-bike racing when he was six.

MotoAmerica Stats
Wins: 20 (1 in Superbike, 19 in Supersport)
Podiums: 47 (7 in Superbike, 40 in Supersport)

Career Highlights:

2024 – Debut in MotoAmerica Superbike, finishing his rookie season fourth overall in the championship standings. His debut year was highlighted by seven podium finishes, including his first career Superbike victory at Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Raced for EasyHealthPlans.com/TopPro Racing Team and raced a BMW M 1000 RR. 2023 – Second season with American Racing in Moto2. Switched to Forward Racing mid-season. Best result was a 15th at the Indian round. Finished ranked 29th.  2022 – Raced his first full season of the Moto2 World Championships riding for the American Racing team on a Kalex. Scored points in two rounds and best result was 11th. Finished ranked 29th.  2021 – Won the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship on the strength of 12 wins in the 18-race series. In total scored podiums (17) in all but one round completely dominating the series. Raced for M4 ECSTAR Suzuki on a Suzuki GSX-R600.  2020 – Kelly finished runner up in MotoAmerica Supersport, where he scored five race victories and a total of 16 podium finishes in the 18-race series. Raced for M4 ECSTAR Suzuki on a Suzuki GSX-R600. 2019 – Kelly made an impressive MotoAmerica debut with the M4 ECSTAR Suzuki squad earning a Supersport podium in his first race at Road Atlanta. Finished the year ranked fourth in Supersport, highlighted by a clean sweep of both rounds at PittRace, marking his first and second MotoAmerica wins. In all he earned seven podium finishes. Ended the year with a bonus being invited to make his Moto2 World Championship debut with the American Racing Team at Valencia, filling in for Spaniard Iker Lecuona, who raced in the MotoGP that weekend. After qualifying 27^th, Kelly crashed early in the race, but it was a great experience for him. Early in the season Kelly, then 16, became the youngest rider to earn pole position for the Daytona 200 and then finished a close second in the red-flag-interrupted race. 2018 – Won the ASRA Team Challenge race during Race of Champions at Daytona, placed 10th in Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Championship (best race finish was 6th at Assen). 2017 – Finished 17th in Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Championship (best race finish was 7th – twice). 2016 – Placed 22nd in Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup (best race finish was 13th). 2015 – Finished runner up in KTM RC Cup World Final (1 win, 2 podiums), won the Mexican KTM RC Cup Championship.

Bobby Fong, a seasoned and versatile racer, continues to make his mark in the MotoAmerica series as he joins the Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing team for the 2025 season. Fong’s 2024 campaign was a testament to his skill and adaptability, as he competed in both the MotoAmerica Superbike and King Of The Baggers series with impressive results.

In the MotoAmerica Superbike class, Fong finished third overall aboard the Aussie Dave Racing/Wrench Motorcycles Yamaha YZF-R1, securing two wins and a total of eight podium finishes. His consistency and speed were on full display, further solidifying his reputation as one of the premier riders in the series. Simultaneously, Fong raced in the King Of The Baggers series with SDI/Roland Sands Racing/Indian Motorcycle, earning eight top-10 finishes, including two fourth-place results. He ended the season ranked 11th in the Baggers championship, showcasing his ability to compete across different disciplines.

Fong’s career has been defined by his versatility and success across multiple classes. He claimed the 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship while riding for M4 ECSTAR Suzuki, a victory that earned him a promotion to the team’s Superbike squad in 2020. That year, he finished third in the championship, winning three races and securing eight podiums. In 2021, Fong added three more Superbike podiums to his resume. His foray into the King Of The Baggers series in 2022 was equally successful, as he scored a victory in his debut season and added two more wins in 2023.

Born and raised in California, Fong’s passion for racing and his ability to adapt to different machines and series have made him a fan favorite and a respected competitor. His move to the Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing team for 2025 signals a new chapter in his career, as he aims to challenge for the Superbike title aboard the Yamaha YZF-R1.

Little Known Fact:  Bobby Fong began racing as a kid at the famous Lodi Cycle Bowl, which produced other racing greats like Randy Mamola, Kenny Roberts, Jr., Fred Merkel, Chris Carr, Doug Chandler and Jimmy Filice just to name a few. He is a third generation motorcyclist. His grandfather worked at a Harley-Davidson shop. Bobby’s dad gave him his first riding lessons on a golf course. When not racing Bobby works as a personal trainer.

MotoAmerica Stats
Wins: 24 (3 in King of Baggers, 10 in Superstock 1000, 6 in Supersport, 5 in Superbike)
Podiums: 72 (15 in King of Baggers, 6 in Daytona SportBike, 21 in Superstock 1000, 18 in Supersport, 12 in Superbike)

Career Highlights:

2024 – Finished the MotoAmerica Superbike season third overall with two wins and a total of eight podiums aboard the Aussie Dave Racing/Wrench Motorcycles YZF-R1. Raced King Of The Baggers with SDI/Roland Sands Racing/Indian Motorcycle and earned eight top-10 finishes with a best of fourth place (twice). Finished ranked 11^th in King of Baggers. 2023 – Raced a Wrench Motorcycles Yamaha YZF-R1 in MotoAmerica Superbike during the second half of the year and scored a podium at Circuit of the Americas. In spite of only racing half the season he finished 12th, just three points out of the top-10 in the final standings. His main focus was racing King of the Baggers for Sac Mile/SDI Racing/Roland Sands/Indian on an Indian Challenger. He finished fourth in the Baggers Series with five podiums, including wins at Road America and Brainerd.  2022 – Raced a Roland Sands Design Indian Challenger in King of Baggers. Won the Brainerd round of the series and scored a third in Daytona Race Two. Finished fifth in Bagger Series. 2021 – Bobby Fong finished fifth in the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship on his M4 ECSTAR Suzuki with three podiums. 2020 – Finished third in the 2020 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship with three wins and eight podium finishes. 2019 – Won the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship with six wins and 14 podiums in 17 races. 2018 – Ended the season ranked 11^th in the Superbike Championship riding a Genuine Broaster Chicken-backed Honda. 2017 – Finished third in the Superstock 1000 Championship with six victories. 2016 – Finished second in the Superstock 1000 Championship with four wins and nine podium finishes. 2015 – Ended the season ranked sixth in the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship on a Latus Triumph with four podium finishes. 2014 – Ended up 12^th in the AMA Daytona SportBike Championship. 2013 – Competed on a Triumph and finished ninth in the Ama Daytona SportBike Series. 2012 – Ended up eighth in the Daytona Sportbike Series on a Meen Motorsports Yamaha. Also competed in select rounds of the Harley-Davidson Series. 2010 – Won his first-career AMA Daytona SportBike race at VIR and ended the season eighth in the championship. 2009 – Finished 14^th in the AMA Daytona SportBike Championship after racing select rounds. 2008 – Raced in both AMA Supersport and Formula Xtreme on Safety First Suzukis. 2007 – Contested both AMA Supersport and Formula Xtreme. 2006 – Made his AMA Pro debut at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and won two AFM Championships. 2005 – Won the AFM 250 Supermoto USA Championship.

Richie Escalante, a trailblazing Mexican racer and fan favorite, is set to return to Team Hammer for the 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike season after an injury-plagued 2024 campaign. Despite facing significant setbacks last year, Escalante demonstrated his resilience and determination by finishing the season strong. His title hopes were dashed early when he suffered an injury in the season opener, which sidelined him for the majority of the year. However, he made a remarkable comeback, securing four top-five finishes in the final five races of the season, including a podium return in Texas. This late-season surge highlighted his unwavering talent and competitive spirit.

Escalante’s move to the MotoAmerica Superbike class in 2022 marked a new chapter in his career after an illustrious four seasons in Supersport competition. In 2023, he finished fourth in the Superbike standings and scored his first career Superbike podium, solidifying his place among the premier class contenders. His success in Supersport remains historic, as he became the first Mexican rider to win an AMA National Road Racing Championship when he claimed the 2020 MotoAmerica Supersport title with HONOS Kawasaki. That season, Escalante dominated with 13 wins in 18 rounds, clinching the championship with two races to spare.

Born in Mexico and now a prominent figure in American road racing, Escalante’s journey has been marked by his passion, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievements. His return to Team Hammer for 2025 signals a renewed focus on competing at the highest level and challenging for the Superbike championship.

Little Known Fact: “Richie” is a nickname. Escalante’s actual first name is Ricardo. Richie’s dad Pablo was a multi-time Latin American Road Racing Champion. Richie’s brother Pablo, Jr. was also a road racer.

MotoAmerica Stats
Wins: 20 (16 Supersport, 4 Superstock 600)
Podiums: 43 (2 in Superbike, 24 Supersport, 17 Superstock 600)

Career Highlights:

2024 – Missed most of the season after suffering injuries in the opening round at Road Atlanta. Returned to MotoAmerica Superbike action in the final few rounds and turned in some strong results, including a podium (3^rd) at COTA. Finished ranked 15^th in MotoAmerica Superbike after his abbreviated season with Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki. 2023 – Finished fourth in MotoAmerica Superbike and earned his first ever Superbike podium when he finished second at Circuit of the Americas. Raced with Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki on a Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike.  2022 – Raced for Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki in MotoAmerica Superbike. Finished ninth in the Superbike Championship with five top-five finishes. Best result was fourth which he accomplished in both legs at Laguna Seca. 2021 – Finished second in the 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship riding for HONOS Kawasaki. Won three races along the way to bring his career total to 16 in the class as he graduates to the Superbike ranks for 2022. 2020 – Won the 2020 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship riding for HONOS Kawasaki. Earned his first career MotoAmerica Supersport victory in the opening round at Road America and continued to win a series-leading 13 rounds in the 18-race series. Scored a total of 16 podium finishes. Clinched the title with two races remaining. 2019 – Finished fifth in the Supersport standings with six podium finishes, including a season high best of second at VIR and in the season finale at Barber Motorsports Park. Rode for 2 Wheel Legal – Hudson Motorcycles on a Yamaha R6. 2018 – Ranked 6^th in Supersport, including a pair of podium finishes (thirds) at VIR and New Jersey. Raced for Quicksilver/Hudson Motorcycles on a Yamaha R6. 2017 – Sat out of racing due to lack of funding. 2016 – Finished runner-up in the MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship, winning three rounds of the series. Earned nine podium finishes in Superstock 600. Also finished 10^th in the MotoAmerica Supersport standings by way of his Superstock 600 results. The two classes race simultaneously. His best Supersport result was fourth in race 1 at Road America. Raced for HB Racing/Meen Yamaha. 2015 – Finished second in the MotoAmerica Superstock 600 class. Won race two at VIR. Had eight Superstock 600 class podiums. Raced for Escalante Racing on a Yamaha R6. 2014 – Finished 11^th in the AMA Pro Supersport class. His best finish was 6^th (twice, Barber and New Jersey). Rode for Escalante Racing on a Yamaha R6. Also won the Mexican 600cc National Championship. 2013 – Raced in Mexico. 2012 – Raced in the FIM CEV Repsol Moto2 Championship in Spain and finished 16^th, with a best result of eighth.

Benjamin Smith made a steady progression up the ranks in MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup, winning that championship in just his second full season of racing. It was a big jump to MotoAmerica Supersport in 2018. In 2020 he broke through to earn his first top-10 ranking in the class. That progress continued in 2021 when Benjamin moved up to finish fifth in Supersport and earned his first podiums in the class. Then in 2022 his upward trend finishing fourth in Supersport with a pair of podium finishes along the way. Last year Smith moved up to Stock 1000 and Superbike. He showed he had the talent for big bikes too after scoring a podium (3rd) in Stock 1000 at Brainerd. This year Smith is racing for FLO4LAW Racing.

Little Known Fact:  Benjamin’s racing heroes are Casey Stoner and Ben Spies. Played for his high school soccer team. Benjamin’s dad was a club road racer, and he got Benjamin started by racing minibikes on a go-kart track at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

MotoAmerica Stats
Wins: 5 (KTM RC Cup)
Podiums: 18 (1 in Stock 1000, 13 in KTM RC Cup, 4 in Supersport)

Career Highlights:

2023 – Moved up to the open-class bikes for the first time last year by racing MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike. He earned a podium (3rd) in Stock 1000 at Brainerd and ranked 10th in the series. In Superbike he scored points in nine rounds and was ranked 19th. His top result was 7th at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Raced his own Benjamin Smith Racing Yamaha.  2022 – Finished fourth in MotoAmerica Supersport and scored two podiums finishes (thirds). Raced a North East Cycle Outlet Racing Yamaha YZF-R6. 2021 – Broke through to the upper echelon of MotoAmerica Supersport racers when he scored two podium finishes (VIR and Road America) in the class. Ranked fifth. Raced a Yamaha R6 sponsored by North East Cycle Outlet Racing. 2020 – Finished ninth in MotoAmerica Supersport with three top-five results. Best finish was fourth in the season finale at Laguna Seca. Raced for North East Cycle Outlet Racing on a Yamaha R6. 2019 – Raced MotoAmerica Supersport with Team Norris Racing on a Yamaha R6. Finished 16^th in the series. Earned two top-10 finishes. Best result was seventh at round 12 at PittRace. 2018 – First season in MotoAmerica Supersport. Raced with Team Norris Racing on a Suzuki GSX-R600. Ranked 18^th in the series with a season best of 10^th at round eight in Utah. 2017 – Won the MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship. Won five rounds of the series. Finished on the podium (13 times) in all but one race he finished. Raced in the KTM RC Cup World Final at Jerez, Spain and finished 14^th in both legs. 2016 – Raced KTM RC Cup and finished eighth. Earned his first-career podium (third) in round 14 at his home track in New Jersey. 2015 – Debut in MotoAmerica in the KTM RC Cup season finale in New Jersey. Finished fourth in his debut and that earned him 20^th in the final standings. Raced for his own Smith Racing team.

This year will mark the fifth season of MotoAmerica racing for Brazilian Danilo Lewis. Last year he scored a pair of top-10 MotoAmerica Superbike finishes and was ranked 17th in the series. Lewis was the 2022 MotoAmerica Superbike Cup Champion for riders who race their Stock 1000 in the Superbike class. His career best result in MotoAmerica was a podium (3rd) in the Stock 1000 race at Laguna Seca Raceway in 2020.

Little Known Fact: Was a two-time national champion in Brazilian Superbike.

MotoAmerica Stats
Wins:
Podiums: 1 (Stock 1000)

Career Highlights:

2023 – Raced a Team Brazil BMW in MotoAmerica Superbike. Finished the series ranked 17th. Scored two top-10 finishes with a best result of 7th at New Jersey Motorsports Park.  2022 – Finished 10^th in MotoAmerica Stock 1000 on the strength of seven top-10 finishes. Best result was fourth at Brainerd. Raced a Tecfil Racing BMW S 1000 RR. Also raced Superbike and won the Superbike Cup Championship for rider who race their Stock 1000 in the Superbike class. Scored points in 12 Superbike races. Best Superbike finish was ninth at Road America. 2021 – Earned five top-five Stock 1000 results en route to finishing eighth in the championship. Best finishes were fourth at Ridge and New Jersey. Ranked 16th in MotoAmerica Superbike. Scored a pair of top-10 Superbike finishes, including a season best of eighth at Road Atlanta. Was the fifth-ranked rider in Superbike Cup, recognizing riders who race Stock 1000 machines in Superbike. Raced a Team Procomps BMW S 1000 RR. 2020 – Raced the Procomps Racing Team BMW S 1000 RR in MotoAmerica Stock 1000. Ranked eighth on the strength of nine top-10 finishes. He also finished fourth in the MotoAmerica Superbike Cup standings. Earned a Stock 1000 podium finish (third) in the series finale at Laguna Seca. Finished ranked 14^th in MotoAmerica Superbike. Scored three top-10 finishes. Best result was ninth in round 15 of the series in Indianapolis.