Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association Round 5

Lexi M

February 16, 2026

CVMA Round 5- Weekend RECAP

The desert sun rose over the painted curbs and sweeping bends of Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, signaling the start of an exhilarating Round 5 of the CVMA Winter Series. Set against the stark, majestic beauty of the Chuckwalla Valley, the track offered its usual blend of technical challenges and high-speed thrills, drawing riders and fans alike to this premier racing destination. As the winter season nears its climax, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation, setting the stage for a weekend of fierce competition and unforgettable moments on two wheels CVMA Racing Pre-Show for Round 5.

Saturday Preshow with Justin Murphy

Kicking off the festivities with his signature energy, Justin Murphy of 951.live hosted the Saturday pre-show, serving as the ultimate bridge between the paddock and the fans. The broadcast transformed the pit lane into a lively forum, where Justin delved into the personal stories and technical strategies of the weekend’s key players. By highlighting the grassroots passion and the supportive village behind every rider, Murphy’s interviews ensured that before the first green flag even dropped, the community was fully Revved up for the Round 5 action.

Interview: Eziah Davis and Taylor Bowman [00:10]

The show opens with pro racer Eziah Davis and racer Taylor Bowman. Eziah, an East Coast native, discusses his transition from amateur racing to Moto America and explains how he uses the CVMA series as a vital winter training ground to stay sharp.

A major highlight of this segment is the couple’s discussion on balancing a racing career with new parenthood. They recently welcomed a baby boy and shared how a strong support system—including family flying in from out of state—allows them both to continue competing. Isaiah also talks about his work with the Yamaha Champions Riding School and coaching young talent in Mini GP programs, emphasizing the goal of developing the next American Grand Prix star.

Interview: Bill Coolahan (Hooligan Class) [08:48]

Bill Coolahan joins the show to discuss the increasingly popular Hooligan class. He describes these as “upright naked bikes” without bodywork, offering a different riding experience compared to traditional supersports. Bill explains that the class is appealing because it feels like an “everyman” category, featuring bikes like Harleys, Indians, and KTMs that look like they could be ridden to work.

Bill also shares:

East vs. West Coast Racing: The differences in track elevation and scenery since moving to California.
The “Milkman” Story: A humorous anecdote about his teammate, nicknamed “Lactose Lacis,” who famously drinks half-gallons of milk for hydration after races [13:42].
RSP Racing: The history of his team, named in memory of friend Reed St. Pierre, which has been racing for 20 years.

Interview: Juan David from Law Tigers [18:56]

The final segment features Juan David representing Law Tigers, a specialized motorcycle injury law firm. Juan highlights that Law Tigers is celebrating 25 years of specialization and differentiates the firm by noting that their representatives are actual riders who understand the community’s unique needs.

Key takeaways for riders include:

Accident Preparedness: The importance of taking photos and gathering information at the scene before vehicles are moved [23:02].
Community Involvement: How Law Tigers supports grassroots racing by helping with track fees and introducing new riders to the sport through events at shops like RevZilla and Cycle Gear.
Demystifying the Track: Encouraging street riders to try track racing by showing it is accessible and supported by a helpful community.

The pre-show concludes with a “grip it and rip it” send-off as the focus shifts to the start of the weekend’s racing action

The weekend’s broadcast was anchored by the seasoned duo of Shaughn Reid and Lyle Geoffery Brown (LGB), who provided a seamless blend of expert analysis and paddock insider knowledge. Reid, an competitor and the owner of RaceLight.net , brought a high-energy “rider’s perspective” to the booth, drawing on his technical expertise in race-start systems to provide unique insights into the physics of the grid. Alongside him, LGB served as the veteran voice of the “ecosystem,” leveraging his deep roots in the California Roadrace Association (CRA) to highlight the technical evolution of the bikes and the critical role of the sponsors who sustain grassroots racing. Together, their natural chemistry and deep passion for the sport turned the Round 5 coverage into an immersive celebration of the SoCal racing community.

Guest announcer Jake Tran brought a unique “martial arts” discipline to the Saturday booth, sharing his rapid journey from starting as a rider in May to becoming a competitive racer by February. He credited his progress to his systematic background in Taekwondo and Muay Thai, explaining that he breaks down racing techniques into isolated drills—like practicing knee dragging on minimotos—before attempting them at high speeds.

Tran advocated strongly for the “lightweight philosophy,” noting that a 400cc bike is the ultimate teacher because it lacks the horsepower to mask mistakes. Mentored by Steven Ludwig, he emphasized that his growth came from entering every session with intentional focus rather than just “riding for fun,” an approach that has fueled his viral YouTube series and his aspirations for MotoAmerica.

The Saturday races of CVMA Round 5 delivered intense competition across all classes, characterized by record-breaking pace and tactical battles. Here is an overview of the key action from the day.

Formula Middleweight & Amateur Action

The day kicked off with Brenden Ketelsen demonstrating absolute dominance in the Formula Middleweight Cup, consistently hitting lap times in the [01:45:423] range [03:55]. Despite a minor technical hiccup that briefly dropped him to second, he fought back to reclaim the lead, proving to be in a class of his own.

In the amateur ranks, Tyler Crozier put on a “master class” on his Triumph, leading his pack and solidifying his position as a top contender for the expert class next season [19:43].

Formula 2 & Hooligan Highlights

The Formula 2 race saw a fierce battle between Kensei Matsudaira, Gio Alvarez, and Justin Bordinaro. Kensei, a rising 16-year-old star, set a blistering pace on his R7, flirting with the track record at [01:51:307] [38:48]. Meanwhile, in the Hooligan class, Bill Coolahan proved his interview hype was well-founded, leading his class and successfully navigating through wave-start traffic to secure a commanding victory [42:07].

Lightweight & Ultra-Lightweight Battles

Sawyer Lafayette continued his record-breaking streak in the 500 Super Sport, maintaining a calculated lead and finishing with a dominant gap [01:03:42].

A standout story of the day was Jake Tran, who, after less than a year of riding, secured his first-ever first-place trophy in the Amateur 500 class . Jake shared that his background in martial arts helped him break down the fundamentals of racing to accelerate his learning curve.

The Big Bikes: Formula Open & Superbike

The heavyweight races featured David Anthony and Michael Gilbert engaged in a nose-to-tail duel in Formula Superbike. Anthony eventually made a clean inside pass and gapped the field with a staggering [01:44:703] lap [03:00:04].

In the amateur open class, Eugene McMahel and Evan Esposito battled on their Ducatis, with Eugene showcasing a “chaotic” but effective wheelie-heavy style to take the win after a full race restart due to a red flag [01:39:28].

Femmewalla: Women’s Racing

The Saturday broadcast concluded with the Femmewalla races, where Emily Grana led the Open class with a science-like precision on her GSXR 600 [03:41:03].

The Saturday races for CVMA Racing Round 5 are timestamped below for each class:

Race 1: Formula Middleweight Cup – [00:40]
Race 2: Amateur Formula Middleweight – [16:34]
Race 3: Formula 2 (Pro Expert) – [35:14]
Race 4: Super Sport (300/400/500 classes) – [52:02]
Race 5: Formula Open (Expert / Cup) – [01:09:52]
Race 6: Amateur Formula Open – [01:26:00] (Restart at [01:38:55])
Race 7: Formula Twins / Formula 40 Ultra Lightweight – [01:55:52]
Race 8: Super Sport Middleweight (Pro/Expert) – [02:13:33]
Race 9: Amateur Super Sport Middleweight – [02:28:15]
Race 10: Formula Superbike / Super Sport Open – [02:48:39]
Race 11: Amateur Formula Open – [03:05:45]
Race 12: Formula Ultra Lightweight / CVMA Hooligans – [03:22:12]
Race 13: Femmewalla (Women’s Race) – [03:40:02]

Sunday CVMA Preshow

Mark Degross: The Importance of Fundamentals and Coaching [00:16]

Mark Degross, owner of a track day company and performance school with over 24 years of experience, emphasizes that fundamentals are the bedrock of racing. Drawing from his background as a multi-sport athlete, he notes that while many riders come from the street thinking they have it figured out, track riding requires a completely different set of nuances.

Key points include:

The “Mortal” Experience: Mark likens motorcycle racing to flying a fighter jet but for “mortals,” noting the high stakes and the importance of risk mitigation through education.
Coaching Efficiency: He shares a personal story about how pro racer Josh Hayes coached him to raise his footpegs to lean the bike more [11:03]. This simple technical adjustment, which Mark hadn’t considered, immediately dropped his lap times by nearly two seconds.
Common Mistakes: Mark points out that amateur racers often fail to get up to pace on the very first lap, giving up crucial seconds that are nearly impossible to recover in a short six-lap sprint [09:15].

Jeff Whitmer: BMW of Long Beach and Formula 40 Racing [13:38]

Jeff Whitmer, the service manager at BMW of Long Beach, discusses his dual role as an industry professional and a competitive racer in the Formula 40 class.

The “Gentleman’s Race”: Jeff explains that Formula 40 is for riders 40 and older who have “bills to pay and work on Monday,” but it remains highly competitive with bikes like the S1000RR and Ducati V4 [14:45].
Winning the Championship: Jeff shares his success story of winning the Formula 40 championship in his first year back after a long hiatus from racing [19:25].
Resource for Riders: At the track, Jeff serves as a resource for BMW riders, providing technical support and representing the dealership’s passion for the sport.

Rich Findley: Apex Assassins and the Future of the Sport [23:56]

Rich Findley, founder of Apex Assassins, talks about building a business out of an “expensive addiction” to track days.

Fostering Talent: Rich discusses the team’s mission to develop young talent, such as sponsoring Owen Williams and preparing Aiden for Moto 4 racing in Brazil [27:30].
Accessibility: He argues that racing is more attainable than ever with more affordable classes like the Twins (RS 660, R7) and Hooligan (MT-09) classes, which don’t require $50,000 factory bikes [30:44].
Major Announcement: Rich teases the Battle of Champions (BOC) taking place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in late October, where the top three points-finishers from various West Coast organizations will be invited to compete [32:36].
Personal Resilience: He recalls a harrowing crash that left him hospitalized, only to return a month later to win a race at Laguna Seca [31:09].

The pre-show concludes as the focus shifts to the Sunday “shootout” races, which feature some more laps and CASH prizes

Sunday Guest Announcers

Dale Kieffer

Sunday’s broadcast was elevated by the presence of a true CVMA legend, Dale Kieffer. As the face of Dunlop and Racers Edge Performance, Kieffer brought an unparalleled depth of experience to the booth, drawing on his history as a three-time CVMA #1 plate holder and a former top-tier AMA professional who finished third overall in the 750 Super Sport championship in 1997. His segment provided viewers with more than just play-by-play commentary; he offered a masterclass in the technicalities of the sport, from the nuances of tire performance to the specific “mechanical empathy” required to eke out speed at the highest levels.

Kieffer’s analysis during the Formula Open action was particularly insightful as he broke down the “chess match” between David Anthony and Michael Gilbert. He shared his own “front-runner” philosophy, explaining that he preferred leading to set the tempo and focus on consistent details rather than worrying about defensive blocking. Beyond race strategy, he spoke about his passion for coaching through his Wednesday and Thursday programs at Chuckwalla, emphasizing that most riders don’t need a generic curriculum but rather specific, personalized feedback on line choices and fundamentals to “fast-pace” their learning curve safely. His blend of high-level technical knowledge and lighthearted paddock stories provided a professional yet intimate look at the specialized world of motorcycle racing.

Alex Francis 🍌

Adding a fresh and relatable perspective to the Sunday broadcast, amateur racer Alex Francis joined the announcing booth to share his insights into the transition from street riding to competitive racing. Hailing from the San Diego canyon scene and a member of Highway94 race team, Francis provided a “rider’s eye view” of the technical challenges at Chuckwalla, particularly for those on high-horsepower machines. His commentary was grounded in a humbling self-awareness, notably when he recounted his first track day experience of being “chewed up” in the corners by a kid on an R3. By sharing these personal milestones, Francis highlighted the steep learning curve and the discipline required to move from canyon enthusiast to a licensed racer.

Throughout the afternoon, Francis became a strong advocate for the “start small” philosophy, advising new riders that relying on raw horsepower can actually hinder the development of core fundamentals. He emphasized that while the big bikes offer a rush on the straights, the real craft is learned in the corners where horsepower can’t save you. Beyond the technicalities, he spoke passionately about the unique camaraderie in the CVMA paddock, describing it as a community where competitors “speak the same language” and build trust that allows them to go elbow-to-elbow at triple-digit speeds. His presence in the booth served as a bridge for viewers, demystifying the path to the grid and celebrating the grassroots spirit of the sport.

The Sunday broadcast of CVMA Round 5 at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway provided high-stakes “shootout” races and intense tactical battles. Here is a summary of the key action.

The “Shootout” Races

Sunday’s premier events were the shootout races, which featured cash payouts for the top five finishers.

Formula Open Shootout [03:08:02]: This race was a showcase of professional-level talent. David Anthony and Michael Gilbert engaged in a strategic, high-speed duel. Anthony eventually secured the win and a $3,000 payout, followed by Gilbert in second and Nicholas Ciiling in third. Anthony’s dominance was punctuated by a record-level pace, consistently lapping in the 1:44.895.
Formula Lightweight Twins Shootout [03:31:32]: Gio Alvarez made a triumphant return after a crash earlier in the day. Backed by his Reparto Veloce crew, he secured first place, narrowly beating out Justin Bordinaro. The race also featured a strong performance by Andrew Krall, finishing on the podium [03:49:34].
Formula Ultra-Lightweight Shootout [04:16:34]: Sawyer “The Hornet” Lafayette lived up to his nickname, demonstrating precision and consistency. He gapped the field and finishing with a $1,000 victory. Nathan Gravelle and Anthony Estrada battled fiercely for the remaining podium spots [04:32:32].

Major Incidents and Restarts

Race 1: Formula 2 Crash [20:06]: A dramatic moment occurred when Gio Alvarez low-sided during an aggressive pass attempt. While Gio was unhurt, it set a high-tension tone for the day.
Race 4: Big Red Flag Wreck [01:14:38]: A serious incident occurred during the Formula Middleweight combined race. Owen Williams high-sided, and his bike stayed on the track, causing a multi-bike collision. The race was red-flagged for an extensive cleanup by the track crew and medical evaluations by TMR (Trackside Medical Response) .

Standout Stories

Kensei Matsudaira’s Versatility [18:38]: The 16-year-old phenom competed on multiple bikes throughout the weekend, consistently challenging veterans and MotoAmerica-level pros.
Amateur Excellence [52:03]: In the Amateur Formula Open, Eugene McMahel and Dmytro Izvonikov engaged in what the announcers called a “shootout before the shootout,” with wheelie-heavy passes and elbow-to-elbow racing that mirrored the expert classes [01:04:02].

A huge debt of gratitude goes out to TMR (Trackside Medical Response) for their unwavering commitment to rider safety throughout the weekend. Led by Josh Fogle, the TMR crew provided more than just medical oversight; they offered “expert care from experts who ride,” ensuring that even the most alarming incidents, like the major multi-bike collision in the Middleweight race, were handled with rapid, professional precision. Beyond their high-stakes work on the track, their hospitality and willingness to lend a hand in the paddock were invaluable, reinforcing the sense of security and family that defines the CVMA community.

The Sunday races for CVMA Racing Round 5 are timestamped below:

Race 1: Formula 2 (Wave 1) / CVMA Hooligans (Wave 2) – [18:38]
Race 2: Formula Open (Expert / Cup) – [36:45]
Race 3: Amateur Formula Open – [53:00]
Race 4: Formula Middleweight (Wave 1) / Middleweight Cup (Wave 2) – [01:14:11] (Restart at [01:45:18])
Race 5: Amateur Formula Middleweight – [02:41:31]
Race 6: Super Sport Combined (500cc Wave 1 / 350cc Wave 2) – [02:56:07]
Race 7: Formula Superbike Shootout (Open Class) – [03:12:05]
Race 8: Formula Middleweight Shootout (Twins / Lightweight Open) – [03:34:26]
Race 9: Super Sport Middleweight Shootout – [03:56:04]
Race 10: Formula Ultra Lightweight Shootout – [04:19:08]

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