Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/410960
www.PowersportsBusiness.com MOTORCYCLE Powersports Business • October 6, 2014 • 41 show will provide the fans with a great inside look at the life of a privateer team." Dean Taylor, creator of the "American Motocross, Last Chance of a Lifetime" televi- sion series, added "FRC Concepts is the perfect partner for AMX. We are going to tell the true story of life as a privateer, and give a deserving rider the chance of a lifetime. With auditions for the rider rapidly approaching, it is impera- tive we align with the right organization. Chris has been there, and knows exactly what is needed to be successful. It was an easy choice for us." U.K.'S MCIA LOBBIES FOR ELECTRIC BIKES The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) in the U.K. is calling for the govern- ment to recognize the potential of electric motorcycles and ensure they are clearly listed as eligible for the latest round of government sub- sidy to stimulate the uptake of electric vehicles. The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) published a document at the end of April setting out the subsidy available for cars, but was not clear about whether motorcycles would be included. The original proposals pledged to commit at least £200 million in the period 2015-20, aimed primarily at cars stating that: 'The current £5000 car grant incentive will remain in place … until 50,000 cars have been sold, or until 2017, whichever is the sooner." £30 million has been put aside for "other" vehicles, of which electric motorcycles and scooters could potentially be included. Steve Kenward, CEO of the MCIA says this would help stimulate the electric motorcycle market and work towards reducing traffic congestion. "Up to now, subsidy has excluded powered two wheelers and centered on four- wheel vehicles. We are asking for a level play- ing field, in order to help develop this sector and to make sure the charging infrastructure is in place to support it. Motorcycles, scooters and mopeds also offer an additional opportu- nity to tackle congestion. Electric cars won't help cut traffic jams, but research shows that motorcycles will. "You can buy an electric scooter from around £2,000, which can be charged up easily at home and is therefore perfect for commuting. "Motorcycles have many fleet applications too. Police, paramedics, breakdown services and blood runners all use motorcycles when they need to cut through traffic, and their rid- ers are testament to the fact that motorcycles can and do play a valuable part in our society." A decision regarding motorcycles will be made within a few weeks. Research from Europe shows that when just 10 percent of car drivers swap to a motorcycle, scooter or moped congestion is reduced by 40 percent for all road users. When 25 percent swap — congestion is eliminated altogether. There are also more than 50 small motor- cycles and scooters that meet the criteria set out for Transport for London's proposed Ultra Low Emission Zone. ARAI PRESENTS SPECIAL HAYES REPLICA HELMET In celebration of Monster Graves Yamaha's Josh Hayes winning his fourth AMA Super- bike title, Arai Helmet Inc. has presented Hayes with a one-off, special edition of its ultra-high-end Corsair-V RC (Racing Carbon) helmet. Hayes clinched the 2014 title in domi- nating fashion, winning both Superbike races at New Jersey Motorsports Park. The special-order-only Corsair-V RC uti- lizes a carbon fiber shell based on Arai's For- mula One helmets, and retails for $3,995.95 in clear coat only or $4,295.95 for race replicas. The version presented to Hayes is even more exclusive, featuring the original rendition of Hayes' popular "Jolly Roger" graphic scheme. A native of Gulfport, Mississippi, Hayes has won all of his major championships wear- ing Arai helmets, including three consecutive AMA Superbike titles from 2010 to 2012, the 2006 and 2007 AMA Formula Xtreme cham- pionships and the 2003 AMA Superstock title. "Josh is truly one of the greats in U.S. motor- cycle road racing," said Jeff Weil, Arai North America race support manager. "On top of being a world-class racing talent, he has also been an outstanding steward of the Arai brand. We wanted to present Josh with a fitting gift to cel- ebrate his latest title, and we think the Jolly Roger Corsair-V RC certainly fits the bill!" PSB DIGEST Arai's Brian Weston presented a one-off "Jolly Roger" carbon Corsair-V RC to four-time AMA Superbike champion Josh Hayes.