Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/298857
IN THE WIND P28 BACH RALLIES AT INDIANA MAXC T he AMA Mid-America Cross Country Racing Series hosted its season opener at the Circle W Ranch in Canaan, In- diana, on April 20 with the rac- ers treated to near-perfect rac- ing conditions. And defending AMA MAXC Champion Chris Bach took full advantage of it, earning the Pro-class win, fol- lowed by Austin Lee and Mike Witkowski. Bach started the 2014 sea- son where he left off in 2013 – out in front. The Lucas Oil/ Rockstar/JCR Honda Team rider rode a smart race, con- serving his energy until the final laps to take over the lead from Lee. Lee got off to a great start, rounding the first corner in the top three on his Husqvarna. Lee soon took over the number-one spot and charged ahead until he felt pressure by Bach. The two would ride together until Lee dropped back to second after pitting. KTM-mounted Witkowski was able to match his best ever finish in the MAXC Pro class. Working his way up through the pro field, Witkowski climbed from fifth place at the end of lap one to third place on lap four, where he would remain until the checkered flag came out after lap seven. Chris Bach claimed the overall win at the Mid-America Cross-Country season opener in Indiana. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF M. VANASDAL BIMOTA IN A RUSH F rancis Batta, the boss of the Alstare Bimota team and the technical development facility for Bimota, explained the hurry in trying to get the Bi- mota BB3 on to the racetrack in the World Super- bike Championship - to the point of racing before reaching the homologation numbers at the Aragon round two weeks ago. "It is not possible from Bimota to start racing only after 200 bikes have been constructed," Batta said. "It is very difficult in the market. The Evo bike, it is only possible to change some cycle parts." He also explained that it was the FIM who gave the go-ahead. "The decision was only from the FIM, not Dorna. From Europe it is very important because a company like Bimota is a little artisan company. It is a small constructor. At this moment there is a lot of unemployment so the economic situation is very difficult. So we have combined to make the project. The streetbike has been ap- proved in terms of the streetbike [sales]. The first bike – number 001 BB3 – will be handed over to its owner at Assen. He will get the key for the street- bike there. In Imola they will hand over 10 bikes." Gordon Ritchie PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOLD & GOOSE The Bimota World Superbike entries are being ridden by Ayrton Badovini (pictured) and Christian Iddon.