Rick Ware Racing will field two entries in the Progressive American Flat Track Championship for the 2023 season. The series kicks off with a double-header event at Daytona International Speedway on March 9 & 10.

Former Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Champion Briar Bauman and Shayna Texter-Bauman, the winningest rider in Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER history, have signed on with the team. Bauman will compete with a KTM 890 Duke R in the Mission SuperTwins class, while Shayna will campaign a KTM 450 SX-F in the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Class.

This adds another element to the expansion efforts of RWR as it continues to grow its motorsport platform. Currently, it fields entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, IndyCar, NHRA (Top Fuel), IMSA (LMP2), AMA Supercross and FIM World Supercross Championships. These respective schedules will see RWR compete in seven different countries all over the world.

“This is another step for RWR in growing our marketing value and expanding with new sponsors.” said Rick Ware. “We’re looking forward to joining the AFT series and chasing wins with Championship-caliber riders. Shayna and Briar are welcome additions to the existing RWR driver/rider roster and we can’t wait to see what they can do.”

“We won a FIM World Supercross Championship last year in our first foray back into two-wheel racing in over a decade. My expectation is for this program to be just as successful.”

Progressive AFT is sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, whose primary investor is Jim France, CEO of NASCAR, and headed up by newly-named CEO, Gene Crouch.

“We’d like to extend a warm welcome to Rick Ware Racing as they join the Progressive AFT family,” said Gene Crouch, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “RWR is an extremely successful and professional operation, and there’s destined to be a great deal of excitement as they enter the sport backing two of our most popular and talented riders in Briar and Shayna.”

 Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, and Jack Daniel’s®, America’s first registered distillery, have once again partnered for a celebration of American craftsmanship with the creation of the 2023 Jack Daniel’s®Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse. The seventh limited-edition offering from the two iconic American brands, and developed in partnership with Klock Werks^sm Kustom Cycles, the latest model draws its inspiration from Jack Daniel’s® legendary Old No. 7®Tennessee Whiskey. 

Hand painted and highly exclusive, Indian Motorcycle will produce only 177 units for global distribution. Building upon the Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse’s mechanical style, where its steel-tube frame and powerful Thunderstroke 116 motor take center stage, the Jack Daniel’s® Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse includes several fine-touch details that make the bike truly one of a kind. The bike features Jack Daniel’s® branding throughout, and, for the first time ever, real Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7® whiskey mixed directly within the bike’s Super Graphite Metallic paint.  

“The Jack Daniel’s® Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse is yet another powerful and dynamic representation of the quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail that is core to both of our brands,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President for Indian Motorcycle. “This time, we decided to pay homage to Jack Daniel’s® iconic Old No. 7® – the most iconic of Jack Daniel’s®whiskeys – pairing it with the Chief Bobber Dark Horse. Both products are timeless American originals that share a combination of no-nonsense simplicity and premium quality.” 

With a mean attitude and old-school muscle, the 2023 Jack Daniel’s® Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse features several design elements that make this bike truly exclusive. Jack Daniel’s® branding will be found throughout the bike including the front and rear fenders, stamped on its solo seat, and on a Montana Silversmiths® Badge with each bike’s unique serial number. For ultimate exclusivity, Jack Daniel’s® signature can be found on the rear fender and etched into the exhaust. The 2023 Jack Daniel’s® Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse touts a tank with a single Indian Motorcycle Script “I” along both sides. The Thunderstroke 116 engine features non-machined highlighted cylinders and heads, Cloud Silver painted rockers and pushrod tubes – giving it a throwback style that delivers a raw metal look. 

The limited-edition motorcycle also features white center rims, a solo-saddle seat, a tinted Klock Werks^sm Flared Deflector, a Pathfinder 5 ¼ Adaptive LED Headlight, which monitors the bike’s lean angle to maximize nighttime illumination, three ride modes, and a four-inch touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND with Bluetooth®, weather and traffic overlays, turn-by-turn navigation, and more. 

“At Jack Daniel’s® we live by the motto, ‘Every day we make it, we’ll make it the best we can.’ Indian Motorcycle shares that philosophy, which is why this partnership has been such a success,” said Greg Luehrs, Director of Sponsorships and Partnerships for Jack Daniel’s®. “To think that a handshake agreement has given way to seven years of incredible limited-edition motorcycles is truly amazing, and it’s only appropriate to honor Jack’s tried and true Old No. 7, with this seventh collaborative offering.”

For Jack Daniel’s® and Indian Motorcycle, craftsmanship is about the fundamentals. And no two products better represent the fundamentals than Old No. 7® and the Indian Chief. For the Indian Chief, the fundamental element is the frame. When designing this bike, it was important to get the stance right and maintain a simple, mechanical design. The Chief’s no-nonsense design is a modern homage to the glory days of American motorcycling with iconic V-twin style, combined with modern performance and ride-enhancing technology. For Old No. 7, the fundamental element is cave spring water from Lynchburg, TN– clean, pure, crisp, and a constant 56-degrees – the very lifeblood of Jack Daniel’s® Tennessee whiskey. 

Starting at $24,499, the Jack Daniel’s® Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse is exclusively available through Indian Motorcycle dealerships. The order window opens March 14, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. EST, and will close once all bikes are sold. The Jack Daniel’s® Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse will begin shipping to Indian Motorcycle dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada in March 2023. Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com, or by following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

 Locally based teenager Nikita Johnson put on a master class in this morning’s Discount Tire Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The youngest driver in the field of 21 cars at just 14, Johnson, from nearby Gulfport, Fla., displayed maturity far beyond his years as he took the lead shortly after the start in his VRD Racing Tatuus USF-22 and held off race-long pressure from series veteran Simon Sikes (Pabst Racing), from August, Ga., to claim a deserved maiden USF2000 Presented by Cooper Tires victory. It will surely be the first of many.

Sikes had to be content with second, despite starting from the pole position and recording the fastest race lap, while yesterday’s winner, Lochie Hughes, from Gold Coast, Australia, finished third for Jay Howard Driver Development.

Results

The grid for today’s race was set according to either each driver’s second fastest lap set during the lone qualifying session on Friday or their fastest race lap from the opening race yesterday afternoon. After damaging his car severely following a mistake in qualifying, Sikes redeemed himself by climbing from 15^th on the grid to fourth at the finish. He also posted a lap faster than anyone else had managed during qualifying to ensure his first ever Cooper Tires Pole Award.

After an initial attempt at a start this morning was waved off because the field was improperly aligned, Sikes accelerated away in the lead ahead of fellow front row starter Evagoras Papasavvas (Jay Howard Driver Development), from Loveland, Ohio. But it was Johnson, who turned out to be the early mover after starting third.

Johnson slipped past Papasavvas at Turn One on the opening lap. One lap later, he took advantage of Sikes leaving his braking a little too late at the end of the long start/finish straightaway and sliding wide into the marbles. Johnson quickly ducked to his inside and was through into the lead.

As the two JHDD teammates, Papasavvas and Hughes, squabbled over third, Sikes kept the pressure on Johnson, but the youngster was wise to every move. Sikes clearly had a slightly faster car, but Johnson made not the hint of a mistake, and increased his pace with each successive lap.

With two laps to go, Sikes took advantage of the draft to haul alongside the leader on the main straightaway, only to once again leave his braking a fraction too late and slide wide at Turn One, which allowed Johnson to regain the position. With that, his victory was assured.

Hughes found a way past Papasavvas on Lap 12 at Turn 13 but could make no impression on the two leaders. He nevertheless maintains a slender one-point edge over Johnson after the opening weekend of the season.

A variety of minor incidents served to break up the field, but the race remained under green for the entire duration, with DEForce Racing’s Jorge Garciarce, from Guadalajara, Mexico, rising from 10^th on the grid to secure a career-best fifth, just ahead of Future Star Racing’s Trey Burke, from Alvin, Texas.

Danny Dyszelski, from Belmont, N.C., drove a tidy race for VRD Racing, rising from 20^th on the grid to a career-best seventh to claim the Tilton Hard Charger Award. Dyszelski was shadowed across the finish line by teammate Gordon Scully, from Chicago, Ill., who had started 19^th.

A fine day for VRD Racing also saw Dan Mitchell scoop the PFC Award as the winning car owner.

The USF2000 Presented by Cooper Tires competitors will remain in Florida for the third and fourth rounds of the championship at Sebring International Raceway on March 25/26.

Provisional championship points after 2 of 18 races:

1. Lochie Hughes, 54

2. Nikita Johnson, 53

3. Simon Sikes, 47

4. Evagoras Papasavvas, 44

5. Trey Burke, 29

6. Sam Corry, 27

7. Jorge Garciarce, 25

8. Nicholas d’Orlando, 23

9. Danny Dyszelski, 19

10. Jacob Douglas, 19

Nikita Johnson (#17 Allen Exploration, LLC/Walker’s Cay-VRD Racing Tatuus USF-22): “Yesterday we were pretty fast. We made some improvements in my driving of the car. Coming into the race, I was third. I went to the outside and got into second and stayed behind Simon. The next lap, I went and did an over/under. After that, I was in the lead and just controlled the race the whole time, backing him up in some of the corners. I knew I needed to be in front to control the race and that’s what won it. The car was very fast and super consistent. I want to thank my friends and family for coming out, and all of my sponsors.”

Simon Sikes (#22 Group6Gear.com-Pabst Racing Tatuus USF-22): “Well, this was the most up-and-down weekend I have ever had in my racing career. I started a half second up on the field in practice, went into qualifying and had the worse crash of my career by far. Pabst Racing did an excellent job to get the car back together for Saturday. We had to start deep in the field and drive it from 15th to fourth, but today was a much, much better day. I started from pole, had a great race with Nikita and ultimately came up short to finish P2 but had the fastest lap. I am thrilled with the weekend, even though it had its ups and downs, and am looking forward to getting back at it at Sebring.”

Lochie Hughes (#8 JHDD/CSU One Cure/Lucas Oil Products/LHP-Jay Howard Driver Development Tatuus USF-22): “The race was alright. I struggled a little bit to be honest. We were on an older tire and everyone ahead had newer tires. I made some mistakes on the first lap which made me drop some positions, so then I was trying to catch back up and make some passes. In the end, I finished third. It was tough with Evagoras behind me. It was a decent result. To take a pole, a win and a third from the first round of the year, I’m pretty happy.”

(Courtesy of Anerson Promotions)

For over 50 years, enthusiasts from all over the world have flocked to the Barrett-Jackson collector car auctions, named America’s No. 1 Attraction for Car Lovers in the 2019 USA Today Readers’ Choice Contest. Widely regarded as a barometer of the collector car industry, the auctions have evolved over the years into world-class automotive lifestyle events where thousands of the world’s most sought-after, unique and valuable automobiles cross the block in front of a global audience ‒ in person and on live national and international television. Barrett-Jackson produces The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Beach, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada and Houston, Texas. In addition to the millions watching the events via live television coverage on FYI and HISTORY, over 500,000 people are in attendance at all four auctions, looking to witness auction action at its best, capture the car of their dreams, mingle with celebrities, experience adrenaline-pumping thrill rides in the latest vehicles from America’s top automakers or shop in the vast Exhibitor Marketplace.

In 2022, Barrett-Jackson set records for their most successful event in Palm Beach to date, and 2023 should be no exception. Some of the highlights from last year included:

• 2020 Ford GT Carbon Series (Lot #725) – $1.54 million
• 2018 Ford GT ’67 Heritage Edition (Lot #732) from the Cars of Dreams Collection – $1.43 million
• 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition (Lot #726.1) – $704,000
• 1960 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible (Lot #720) – $550,000
• 1968 Chevrolet Yenko Super Camaro 427/450 (Lot #705.1) from the American Muscle Car Museum Collection – $533,500
• 1961 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible (Lot #711) – $467,500
• 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Topless Roadster “Elegance” (Lot #722) – $385,000
• 2006 Ford GT (Lot #726) – $385,000
• 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Convertible (Lot #712) – $324,500
• 1967 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS Custom Coupe (Lot #687) – $297,000

The charity vehicles that sold in Palm Beach include:

• 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 First Retail Production Convertible (Lot# 3005) benefiting the Thurgood Marshall College Fund – $1,000,000
• 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor SUV VIN 001 (Lot #3004) benefiting the National Forest Foundation and Outward Bound – $350,000
• 1986 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Indy Pace Car (Lot # 3003.1) and 2009 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake (Lot #3003) benefiting Samaritan’s Purse – $1,000,000 together as a pair, plus an additional $760,000 pledged by donors, totaling $1.76 million
• 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Custom 6×6 Pickup (Lot# 3002) benefiting Can’d Aid – $250,000
• 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Collector Series First Production VIN (Lot #3001) benefiting SAE Foundation – $250,000
• 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 (Lot #3000) benefiting John Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center – $185,000

To date, Barrett-Jackson has helped raise over $147.9 million for charitable organizations around the world.

412 automobilia pieces sold for more than $1.07 million during the Palm Beach Auction. Among some of the top sales was the large custom-designed O Gauge Train set (Lot 8299.9) that sold for $97,900. The top five automobilia pieces that sold during the Palm Beach Auction include:

1. Large Custom Designed O Gauge Train Set (Lot #8299.8) – $97,900
2. Porsche Automobiles Neon Sign (Lot #7297) – $51,750
3. Sunoco Oil Gilbarco Model #96 Gas Pump (Lot #6291.1) – $37,950
4. 1950s Corvette Coin-Operated Kiddie Ride (Lot #7264) – $34,500
5. 1928 Ford Wayne Model 515 Gas Pump (Lot #8282.4) – $34,500

Barrett-Jackson returns to Palm Beach for its second collector car auction of 2023, April 13-15. Advance ticket pricing and VIP packages for the 2023 Palm Beach Auction are available here. Consignments for the 2023 Palm Beach Auction are being accepted here and those interested in registering to bid may do so here.

Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

"You're worthy of what you dream of."

This is the message daredevil Robbie 'Maddo' Maddison wants to share with the world. Achieving the impossible is what this Hollywood stunt performer and record-breaking freestyle motocross rider does best.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IadaooMGBv0 

In our latest Think Bold series, the legend of freestyle motocross and long-time Insta360 collaborator sat down with us to discuss fatal obstacles, keeping Evel Knievel's legacy alive, and his ultimate dream.

Watching his heroes

Growing up around dirt bikes, Maddison was hooked on the sport from the age of four. But watching his hero, Evel Knievel, attempting (and often failing) monumental jumps fueled his desire for daredevilry further.

In 1989, Maddison's namesake, Robbie Knievel, jumped Caesars Palace. This jump was no small feat, as his father, Evel Knievel, attempted and failed the same record-breaking jump 22 years prior. For 8-year-old Maddison, watching this stunt was a life-changing moment.

"I wanted to be Robbie Knievel... that was really when the dream hit."

On the brink

Before his freestyle motocross career even began, however, Maddison faced a life-threatening jet ski accident aged 16. Ingesting a mouthful of dirty water caused him to contract viral meningitis and encephalitis, resulting in stroke-like symptoms, vision loss and, ultimately, Second Impact Syndrome. This condition means that every stunt he attempts is potentially fatal.

"When I have a traumatic injury, I go into seizure, and if I don't have medical people there to take me out of seizure, ultimately I die... I've been paddled back to life four times, so I definitely know I'm here for a purpose."

Face your fears, live your dreams

It was a long road to recovery. The traumatic experience meant he lost memories and needed to relearn a lot. But with tenacious perseverance and determination, Maddison came out with a new mindset and different ambitions. Even death wouldn't stop him from living his ultimate dream.

Looking at his framed photo of Evel Knievel and his Guinness World Record, Maddison knows that's what drives him to keep going.

"I have an ultimate goal... I'll be happy to hang up my boots 

when I can achieve what Evel Knievel couldn't."

Multiple world records, epic freefalls, and jumping the Las Vegas Arc de Triomphe would be enough for most people. But Maddison's thirst for adventure hasn't shown any sign of slowing. His wildest endeavor to date combines his love of dirt bikes and surfing: his water bike.

"I had this crazy idea and decided to follow it... it's led me to be able to ride on water."

It took countless tries and fails before this achievement was possible, and it's a nerve-racking experience each time he takes it out for a spin. But instead of giving in to these negative thoughts, Maddison embraces them and uses them as motivation.

"I train to have a relationship with my soul and ask my soul to guide me... it's crazy the way the universe has guided me."

Capture it all

Insta360 cameras have allowed Maddison to showcase how extreme his stunts really are. Maddison can reframe his 360 footage with action cameras like X3 to show viewers exactly what he is up against, while accessories such as the Invisible Selfie Stick help capture mind blowing third-person views and epic shots of his bravery and daring.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CiVOGpLDvmu/?hl=en 

Something special in store

Without giving too much away, Maddison hints towards a stunt bigger than anything he's previously attempted. One that will put his bravery to the test and be the greatest tribute to Evel Knievel's legacy.

Armed with an abundance of Insta360 action cameras to capture every second, Robbie Maddison is ready to inspire, dream and think bold.

"If you believe in something enough, then go and do it."

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci8FA_3paM2/?hl=en

(Courtesy of Insta360 - written by Laura Nellis)

Driving an F1 car is hard enough; doing so blindfolded is next level! Hyland ambassador Valtteri Bottas did just that, as part of the Hyland X Vision Challenge. Earlier this week, 7x PGA TOUR winner and Hyland ambassador released the Hyland X Vision Challenge. 

The concept was simple: Hyland asked Xander to play a Par 3 blindfolded. The first time that Xander played the hole, it was completely unassisted. The second time, he could rely on guidance from his caddie Austin and his dad Stefan, who is also his swing coach.  

Following the release of the content, Xander challenged Valtteri to join in. As you’ll see in the content linked above, when Valtteri attempted to drive an F1 simulator blindfolded, his performance improving drastically in the attempt when he could rely on his team.  

The Hyland X Vision Challenge shows the importance of teamwork and trust – in golf, racing and in business. Grounded in teamwork to help clients take on what sometimes can’t be seen, Hyland’s global team supports and has earned the trust of nearly 15,000 customers, including half of the Fortune 100.

For more on Hyland visit Hyland.com. 

Michelob ULTRA, the fastest growing beer brand in the U.S., is joining the world of Formula 1 as it partners Williams Racing for the 2023 season. Michelob ULTRA will provide 21+ racing fans with premier experiences across all North American Grand Prix – Miami, Montreal, Austin and Las Vegas – and will feature Williams Racing and their drivers Alex Albon and Florida-native Logan Sargeant in digital content, in-person appearances, and more. In addition, Michelob ULTRA will be featured on the Williams Racing FW45 race cars and, at the North American Grands Prix, on the drivers’ race suits.

“Michelob ULTRA has a long-standing history as a sponsor across all major sports and we could not be more excited about entering Formula 1 with Williams Racing,” said Ricardo Marques, Vice President of Marketing for Michelob ULTRA. “Williams Racing has a proven track record of achieving excellence while cultivating some of the best drivers in the sport, which now includes the first full-time American F1 driver since 2015; it feels like the perfect time and partner for us to enter the sport.”

As a part of the Anheuser-Busch portfolio, Michelob ULTRA reunites the world’s biggest brewer with Williams Racing for the first time since 2006. Anheuser-Busch, one of the largest and most influential sports sponsors in the world, will unlock new opportunities for growth and continue to build meaningful connections with fans and the sport they love.  

“Formula 1 has an incredibly passionate fan base and continues to attract an influx of new fans, especially in the United States,” said Matt Davis, Head of U.S. Sports Marketing and Sponsorships for Anheuser-Busch. “We’re constantly evaluating ways to reach new fans and deliver world-class experiences in authentic, innovative and creative ways; this partnership with Williams Racing demonstrates the shared commitment of Anheuser-Busch and Williams Racing to grow the love of Formula 1 for fans around the country.”

“Michelob ULTRA can deliver unparalleled experiences to our 21+ fans, and we are thrilled to have them as a partner,” said James Bower, Williams Racing Commercial Director. “The anticipation for this season is at an all-time high and we could not be more eager to enhance the off-track offering for 21+ fans with premium experiences.”

Williams Racing, Michelob ULTRA and Anheuser-Busch share a profound dedication to educating and encouraging fans to drink responsibly. Anheuser-Busch and our wholesaler partners have invested more than $1 billion in responsible drinking initiatives and community-based programs to prevent underage drinking, impaired driving, and other harmful use of alcohol.