With championships still up for grabs, MotoAmerica charges into Pittsburgh
MotoAmerica returns to Pittsburgh this weekend, and the local track seems poised to play a part in the motorcycle series’ season championship.
Just 40 points separate the top three contenders in the premier classification — the EBC Brakes Superbike class.
The highly lauded Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Big Beaver will host the eighth round of the 10- round MotoAmerica championship — the nation’s top road racing series — from Friday through Sunday.
“In just the two years it’s been on the MotoAmerica schedule, Pittsburgh has shot to the top of the list among the favorite venues for our teams, riders and fans,” said Paul Carruthers, spokesman for MotoAmerica. “The facility has a cool vibe about it, and it’s a perfect location to watch a motorcycle race.”
The Superbike class, which features top riders aboard production- based — but highly modified — motorcycles capable of reaching nearly 200 mph, will be hotly contested at PittRace.
Leading the championship are Suzuki factory rider Toni Elias ( 266 points), and Yamaha factory riders Cameron Beaubier ( 232) and Garrett Gerloff ( 226).
Each round features two races, with winners receiving 25 points. Twenty points go to the second- place finisher, and 16 points are awarded for third place.
At the previous round in Sonoma, Calif., Mr. Gerloff, a Houston native, finished first and second aboard his YZF- R1. Mr. Beaubier, who grew up near Sonoma, finished atop the podium in Race 2.
Those riders will be looking to upset Mr. Elias, a Spaniard and former world champion, who finished on the podium only once in California, a second- place finish in Race 1. Alongside Mr. Elias is teammate Josh Herrin, who won Race 1 last year at PittRace.
“Pittsburgh will definitely play a role in the outcome,” Mr. Carruthers said. “Both Toni and Cameron have shown to have pace on the rest of the class in the past, but neither can afford a mistake. Obviously, Toni is in a more comfortable position and can afford to finish second or third, but that’s not in his DNA. Cameron is certainly very close to being in a must- win situation.”
After Pittsburgh, MotoAmerica has just two more weekends on its calendar: at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, N. J.,
and then to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. With championships still undecided, Pittsburgh is a primed to see some of the season’s best racing.
“... So far both ( MotoAmerica and PittRace) have been spot on as the time of year seems to be perfect there, weather- wise,” Mr. Carruthers said, “and it’s good for the fans in that area to be able to watch the championships at the time of the year when things have really heated up and every class features tight battles.”
On Friday, riders will practice and qualify. The races are held on Saturday and Sunday. Five classes — Superbike, Supersport, Liqui Moly Junior Cup, Stock 1000, and the Twins Cup — mean there is almost always something happening on the track.
Off the track, there are plenty of family- friendly activities, including go- karting, a Kids Zone that features carnival games, stunt shows and a Learn To Ride program with machines built specifically for children. Attendees also are able to walk around the paddock and get an up- close look at the bikes and maybe meet the riders.
Tickets can be purchased daily or as part of a package and range from $ 10 to $ 500.
While restrooms and concessions are available at the track, fans also are allowed to bring coolers. Since seating and shade are both limited, collapsible chairs and sun coverage or sunscreen are recommended. Parents with small children are advised to bring noise- reducing headgear or earplugs.
Many fans choose to watch the races from Spectator Hill, which offers a view of several turns within of the 2.87- mile, 19- turn circuit. That view includes the blind Turn 2 in which many of the bikes wheelie coming over the crest of a hill.
“The spot that draws the most attention is the hillside by wheelie hill and rightfully so ... it’s an awesome place to watch,” Mr. Carruthers said. “It also has provided plenty of drama. It’s not an easy track, but it’s a track the riders really like because it offers up a real challenge.”
PittRace is located about 45 miles from Downtown Pittsburgh and sits about two miles north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Beaver Valley exit ( Exit 13) on Route 18.