Motorcycles and news

Brian Parriott on a BMW R1200RS was the fastest qualifier for the event, turning a lap of 2:28.147 on the four-mile, 14-turn Road America course. Parriott got a jump on the field at the start of the six-lap Thunderbike National. Nate Kern on another BMW R1200RS gave chase in second, with Estok in third and Hal’s H-D/Buell Hal’s Speed Shop rider Dan Bilansky in fourth, after starting from the back row. The top three spread out and finished in that order, with Parriott crossing the finish line 4.412 seconds ahead of Kern. However, Kern’s motorcycle failed a post-race inspection, and he was penalized three positions to fifth place, elevating Estok to second and his Deeley H-D/Buell Canada/Ruthless Racing teammate Darren James to third. Bilansky, the reigning Thunderbike national champion, faded to a seventh-place finish.

“I did not get a great start today, which pretty much ruined any chance I had to run at the front,” said Estok. “Once again the Deeley crew put a reliable Buell race bike under me, and we were able to extend our season-points lead. Now we just need to finish every Thunderbike round and bring home the championship.”

After five of eight ASRA Pro Thunderbike rounds, Estok leads the series with 147 points. James moves up to second with 120 points, while Bilansky drops from second to third with 119 points.

In Championship Cup Series (CCS) sprint racing on Saturday, Richie Morris Racing/Daytona Harley-Davidson/Buell rider Shawn Higbee rode a Buell XBRR to win the Expert SuperTwins event, while Joel Spaulding won Amateur GT Lights on a Buell XB12R.