Editor’s Note: The Vance & Hines XR1200 series continues this weekend, and Joe Kopp and Michael Beck will be carrying the J&P banner for the entire series. Joe put together a blow-by-blow account of his last race and we thought it would be nice to post it here so you can see how a racer of his caliber processes the race experience. Joe had a nasty high-side during practice and we pick up the story the day following his get-off. Here is Joe’s account of the first event.

Road racing is a way different sport than dirt track as far as the appearance from the outside goes. The… Continue Reading

The Vance and Hines/Harley Davidson XR1200 series kicked off its second season with a bang in Daytona with lots of new faces on the grid. Five time Daytona 200 winner Scott Russel, 2007 Daytona 200 winner Steve Rapp were among those to join the exiting class in 2011 along with J&P riders former dirt track superstar Joe Kopp and young gun Michael Beck. We had a chance to catch up with some of the riders during qualifying, here’s how the race unfolded.

You probably already know that J&P Cycles is sponsoring Joe Kopp and Michael Beck in the Vance and Hines XR1200 Series for the 2011 race season — and we’re proud to be doing so. When an opportunity arose to chat with Joe about his upcoming race in Daytona, we took full advantage of it, and here’s what Smokin Joe had to say:

J&P: So Joe, your first race is right around the corner. What are you doing to prepare for the upcoming season?

Joe: Well, I’ve been getting in shape and riding as much as I can. Unfortunately, I live in Spokane, Washington, so… Continue Reading